WWF Week of June 26, 2000 - King of the Ring Aftermath

RAW

Right to the opening video and pyro, live from the Worcester Centrum in Worcester, Massachusetts, as J.R. and the King welcome us to the show. They hype up the new WWF Champion and Angle's coronation, before the former makes his way out with title in hand. He says that the games are finally over because once again he is WWF Champion, but says Vince still has lots to be thankful for, specifically because he's still the owner of a multi-million dollar company, of a beautiful house, of luxurious cars, and of the best penis implant money can buy. He says though that even after last night, as they stood in the middle of the ring and he put his foot on Vince's chest, it became clear that he owns the WWF Title and Vince's candy ass. He realizes that Vince won't take this lying down, because it wouldn't be Raw if Vince didn't come out and run his mouth at Rock, and Rock tells him to bring it, because the Faction is over and his era has just begun.

Vince doesn't waste any time as he makes his way out and asks Rock for the mic, and Rock hands it over. Vince congratulates Rock on become champion once again, and wishes him luck in the new Rock era. Vince asks for us why a man like him would say those kind of things, and he explains that as he lay on his back at the PPV looking at the lights, with the pain and discomfort of the Rock Bottom relinquishing its grip on him, it's then that Vince had an epiphany. He says that in that flash of clarity, he knew all about the questions, ones about his wife Linda, why would she have been so kind to his adversaries, make business decisions she knew he wouldn't like, and why she had the temerity to stand face to face with him and risk the wrath of his retribution. That's when it donned on him, the one reason she'd do and say those things, and it's because she loves him. He says he loves her too, and he knows how she's been clamoring, almost begging for his attention and adoration, and upon reflection, he's going to give her what she wants. He says that no matter how much attention she wants, she's gonna get it, no matter how much or what kind of love, whether it's tenderly touching, rough and ready, it doesn't matter, she's gonna get all she can handle and then some. Something else has donned on him, that not only does she want all that, she wants the fruits of his love and affection and wants another baby, and if she wants one, he's her genetic jackhammer. He finally proclaims that daddy's coming home. 

Before he leaves though, just to show he meant every word he said, he extends his hand to Rock to let bygones be bygones, and if Rock is the man Vince thinks he is, he'll shake his hand. Rock is rather reluctant but he does shake his hand with a smile on his face, but doesn't let Vince pull away, dropping the title and taking the mic back. He says that before Vince goes home to make babies with Linda, he has a couple of things to say. He says that he's still Vince McMahon, the owner of the multi-million dollar company, and he may be a stud in bed, but as far as he's concerned Vince is now, and will forever be,  an asshole. Then delivers a Rock Bottom to cap things off, his music hitting and Rock posing in the corner and heading to the back. That was... a hell of a segment to say the least. Vince is gold when he wants to be.

Cut to the back where a limo arrives, and out steps Shawn Michaels into commercial.

Steph is seen walking with Vince in the parking garage and he proclaims that he's leaving. She whines how HHH isn't there yet, Shane's injured at home, and begs Vince not to leave. He has a message to pass along to HHH, which is simply "I'm sorry" before getting into his limo and leaving. 

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rikishi (c) vs Chris Benoit

Pre-Match: We see the damage Benoit did to Kish's arm on the last week's Smackdown and at the PPV, as well as what Val did that same night. 

Benoit and Kish start trading shots right away and Kish gets the better of the exchange before tossing Benoit to the outside. Benoit back first into the steps before returning to the ring. More rights by Kish, then a standing side kick, but he's caught with a dropkick to the arm and a drop toe hold, then another dropkick to the arm. Benoit with boots to the bad arm drives Kish into the corner for more boots. Chops and rights by Benoit , Kish misses a few, then Benoit off the ropes, goes for a sunset flip, but Kish drops onto Benoit's chest for a pin and a kick out at two. Kish drags Benoit toward the corner and starts to climb the ropes, and suddenly Tazz's music hits and out he comes with a chair, nailing Kish in the back for the DQ. Benoit wins the match, but Rikishi retains in 2:27.

Benoit gets the chair and nails Kish in the back of the head, before he goes up top and hits the driving headbutt to the back of the head. Benoit leaves as his music hits. 

To the back and another limo arrives, and out steps HHH this time. DX, minus Tori who's out with a separated shoulder, and Steph are there to greet him, but he's stone faced and doesn't even return Steph's kiss. She informs him that Vince left and passes along his message. He just stares angrily at her before continuing on his way, and Roadie goes on to check on him. Jericho and X-Pac are apparently next.

Replay of what just happened with HHH and co. before the next match.

Chris Jericho vs X-Pac (w/ WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley)

Pre-Match: We see stills of what happened in Jericho's match with Angle the night before, as he comes out with mic in hand. He says that everyone's been asking him the same question all day, why he kissed Steph the night before. His reason? Have you ever been driving down the highway, and you pull over and see a big, nasty piece of roadkill on the side of the road? At first, you try and ignore it but then you're compelled to look at it, and maybe you nudge it with the toe of your shoe, and maybe even take a big branch and start to poke at it. Well last night, he says he took it a step further and kissed the nasty roadkill, and it's something that he never (EVER!) wanna do again, but says it's apropos that Kirk Angel became King with the help of the Queen of the Filthy, Dirty, Disgusting, Skanky, Brutal, Bottom-Feeding, Trash Bag Hos.

Quick back and forth to start the match, Jericho gets the better of the exchange as he counters a leapfrog with a powerslam into a cover for two. Pac sent into the corner and Jericho goes shoulder first into the post and Pac starts stomping away in the corner. Jericho fights back but gets sent into the corner, gets a boot up but runs right into a spinning heel kick. Jericho put into position for a Bronco Buster but he moves out of the way just in time. Pac sent off the ropes into a flying forearm then the bulldog into a cover and a near fall.

Jericho sent off the ropes and he's tripped up by Steph, but catches Pac with a back elbow. Jericho leaves the ring and stalks Steph and... Well he's supposed to nail Roadie as he comes from behind, but he swings for the wrong side and nearly drops the cameraman, but then nails Roadie successfully. X-Pac nails Roadie with a baseball slide by accident then gets dropped by Jericho before returning to the ring. Jericho sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a pair of powerbombs, followed by the Lionsault. Steph distracts the ref as Jericho goes for the cover, and Roadie nails Jericho in the back of the head with a double ax handle, allowing X-Pac to make the cover for the win in 2:45.

Roadie continues the attack and X-Pac joins in, with Steph directing and they hold him up for a good slap across the face, then another, then a low blow. Crotch chops all around as DX's music hits, standing tall before leaving the ring. Replays of Steph's attack as they head to the back and Jericho comes to.

Cut to Kurt polishing his crown who can't believe he's King of the Ring, or the fact that he's talking to himself. Then we see Trish and Val walking elsewhere backstage. Then we see Chyna and Eddie arriving and he makes her laugh about something before trying to get serious, then they start laughing again. Val and Eddie up next.

We go to WWF New York where Godfather and his hos arrive in a white limo before our next match.

WWF European Championship: Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) vs Val Venis (w/ Trish Stratus)

Lock up and shoving match against the ropes and corner until Eddie gets some shots in, some back and forth until Val nails a shot to the kidneys and a back suplex. Eddie face first in the corner,  and sends Eddie off the ropes, then Eddie goes to hip toss him to the outside but they both go tumbling over to the floor. Val reverses an Irish whip to press slam Eddie onto the barricade , and Trish gets a cheap shot in behind the ref's back. Chyna stalks her a bit as action returns to the ring, Val with more shots, then Eddie fights back, whipped into the corner for a clothesline, then whipped across the ring for another and a Blue Thunder Bomb for a pin and two.

Eddie with headbutts before a springboard into a hurricanrana and drives Val into the corner. Val reverses a whip off the ropes, Eddie through the legs but they collide midair. Chyna inadvertently distracts the referee, so Trish comes in to put Val's arm over Eddie, and Chyna throws her down to the mat. Referee starts to count the pin, but Chyna breaks it up for the DQ. Val wins the match, Eddie retains the title in 2:57.

Chyna goes to powerbomb Trish but she's cut off by Val, who's then held up by Eddie for Chyna to slap, and again, then Val sent off the ropes for a double DDT. Chyna gets her hands on Trish before she escapes to deliver the powerbomb. Eddie's music hits as they look pleased with themselves, Eddie with one more boot to Val before they leave the ring, referee checking on Trish as we go to a replay. Damn that landing was nasty. 

To the back, Kurt is talking with some old guy about his coronation just minutes away, and he's summoned this old guy because he's a commoner, and he needs a commoner's perspective. He lists off a few possible names for him to give an opinion on, King Kurt, King Angle, Kurt Angle "Royal Gold Medalist." The coronation is next.

Or not, because out comes Michaels instead following the break, who poses a top the throne on the side of the stage before shoving it off and breaking the legs. As much as he's sure everyone was looking forward to the coronation, he says he has a bit of business to take care of first. As the official spokesperson for the WWF, he says it's his duty to inform us that he has a major announcement to make, involving the #1 contender for the WWF Title. 

Of course this brings out the former champion not a second later, alongside Steph and he wastes no time storming down to the ring. They shake hands before HHH says they've been friends a long time outside of the crazy world of wrestling, and it's why he knows it pains Shawn to see him get screwed the night before, royally screwed in fact. He says that he was never beaten, never lost and yet every place, every person he's talked to has stuck their grubby little finger in his chest and said "Loser!" He says it feels like a cancer in stomach, eating him from the inside-out, burning a hole in him. He's convinced that's why Shawn's out here to make his special announcement, that HHH is the #1 contender for the WWF Title that he never lost. HHH has a special announcement of his own, that Rock's days as champion are numbered. Shawn says he's right and can't argue with anything HHH just said, but there's a small problem. He reminds us that he resigned as commissioner a few weeks back, and can't make those kind of decisions, though he would if he could in a heartbeat. He can, however, introduce to HHH and everyone else the man who can, the new commissioner of the WWF.

Well out comes Foley, who hasn't been seen on Raw since before Mania, who takes the mic from Shawn as he leaves the ring and HHH has lost it. Mick thanks Michaels and gets a cheap pop and says he can tell what HHH and Steph are thinking, that not only does Mick look good in his new haircut...

...but he also somehow looks more powerful than he used to. He's just come off a very successful business meeting and Linda has given him the right to make certain decisions, including who the #1 contender is. He's heard HHH's pleas, or whining, bitching, and kvetching, but he just know. He does know that with Vince off to be a genetic jackhammer, which he can't say with a straight face, the power Vince used to have goes to himself. He gets to make the matches, the decisions, and make sure that (with a HHH impression) no one has to listen-ahhhh... to a boring-ahhhh... 20 minute-ahhhh... HHH promo-ahhhh again. 

HHH is trying hard not to lose it as we get a loud Foley chant, and he makes it simple for Mick to understand, since he knows Mick is an idiot, and either Mick makes him #1 contender or he's going to beat the living hell out of Mick, mocking Mick's cheap pop. Mick points out he's already done that, and admits he's tired of getting his ass kicked by HHH, as are all the fans, but knows HHH is worthy of consideration. He says though that the man he deems #1 contender won't get there through hateful words, or threats, or intimidation, he will truly be the best man for the job.

Out comes our new King to complain about not getting his coronation, when it was designated to happen at this moment. However, since they're talking about #1 contenders, he thinks he's the obvious choice, given he beat three guys the night before while HHH lost. He brings up his gold medals, how he was Eurocontinental Champion, and now he's royalty. He says he knows he deserves it, Mick knows, HHH knows, and even the barely literate commoners in Worchester know it as well. 

Mick admits Kurt made some good points, and that Kurt is King and deserves it, handing Kurt his robe to put on. Mick proceeds to burst into laughter at how Kurt looks. He then announces a triple threat #1 contenders match tonight, where the winner gets a shot at Smackdown, between Angle, HHH and... Rock. He explains that if Rock wins, then neither of them will get the title shot. He proclaims that that is his wish, because he is the commish. HHH clocks Angle and tosses him out of the ring as Mick heads to the back, HHH's music hits as he and Steph are not far behind.

We see Dean playing pool in front of some ladies, as Terri tells him they need to go for a match. They've been hyping this match most of the night on commentary, and I guess Terri's gonna have to take her clothes off, but she doesn't want to. She says though that if Dean can win the match and she keeps her clothes on, she'll give him a private show later. They leave.

Lawler's set to take part in this match with Kat so he leaves commentary into commercial.

Replay of Foley's match announcement for tonight, then cut to Kat in the back going through outfits as she gets a knock on the door. In comes Lawler who complains about her clothes being too skimpy and needs more clothes, and Lawler insists he has everything under control. She says it was humiliating when the world saw her puppies, and Lawler says, from the bottom of his heart, that the last thing he wants to see tonight is her naked. She promises to give him a Bronco Buster if he can win the match tonight. They leave.

Over the Top, Off with the Top Match: Dean Malenko (WWF Light Heavyweight Champion) (w/ Terri) vs Jerry "the King" Lawler (w/ The Kat)

Pre-Match: So the rules of this match are that when someone is thrown over the top rope to the floor, their accompanying lady has to remove a piece of clothing, and this continues until one of them is rendered topless.

Dean tries to toss Lawler out but he blocks and gets shots in, sends Dean off the ropes, tries a hip toss, but gets hip tosses himself over the ropes to the floor. Terri removes her shirt. Then Dean takes advantage of a distracted Lawler and sends him to the floor, so Kat removes her shirt. Lawler trips up Dean before being sent face first in the corner. Lawler whipped across the ring and Dean with a clothesline. Lawler whipped across again, but as Malenko leaps into him, he's tossed over the ropes back to the floor. Terri removes her belt, but there's a ref there to insist she remove her pants. Lawler with more rights on Dean, then a scoop slam and a fist drop to the face. Lawler tosses Dean over but he holds on and lands on the apron, before hip tossing Lawler over to the floor, so now Kat removes her pants. Dean with boots, Lawler sent off the ropes into a dropkick. More boots by Dean, Lawler sent off the ropes and gets a right in, and eventually back drops Dean over the ropes to the floor. Lawler wins in 3:18.

Terri is of course upset but starts removing he bra, but... Oh my god, we're starting this. It's Steven Richards out to censor Terri, who pulls Terri to the back. Kat's music hits and she looks on confused and heads to the back.

E&C can't believe Rock has his own dressing room, and Edge wonders what he's ever done for the company, pointing out he and Christian are the tag team champion. Up walks Mick and says he wants his new tag champions to be happy, and they tell him how upset they are about Rock having his own dressing room, as well as the Facgime, and don't like the fact they had to change with the rest of the "boys" like a bunch of cattle. Mick points out that despite being a former x3 WWF Champion and Hardcore Legend he never had his own locker room, and Edge rightfully points out that Mick never changes his clothes and wrestles in what he's wearing. Christian says this is so not cool, and Mick says he'll put his mind to it, but these things must be done very delicately, apparently quoting Wizard of Oz, then he walks off much tot he champions' confusion. Then Mick is heard saying "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too." Then commercial.

King is complaining about Terri getting censored, then we see that E&C did get their on locker room, with a handwritten sign on the wall saying as such, relaxing in some leather chairs. 

#1 Contenders' Battle Royal for the WWF Tag Team Championship: Too Cool, The Hardy Boyz (w/ Lita), T&A, The Acolytes, The Dudley Boyz, D-Lo Brown & Perry Saturn & Kaientai

Pre-Match: Well a fight breaks out after the Acolytes get to the ring and the referees are trying to restore order. Cut back to E&C in their locker room watching this go down to see who they face on Smackdown and in walks Foley to check in on them. They ask for something to drink and Mick happily obliges, but not before wishing them luck in their match tonight. It's not for the titles though, against Kane and Taker. Then commercial.

Not sure when Perry and D-Lo became a tag team but alright. Taka gets press slammed by Bubba to the outside so Kaientai is eliminated. D-Von gets tossed out by Perry, and he's attacked by Kaientai at ringside until Bubba hits a double clothesline, and a 3D on Taka on the floor. Jeff nearly gets tossed out by Scotty but he skins the cat, and Matt tosses out Scotty, then Albert tosses out Matt and Jeff. Acolytes are being ganged up on and are nearly eliminated but Bradshaw just barely hangs on. Nearly eliminates Test but Albert makes the save. Bradshaw sent off the ropes, kick to Test, clothesline to Albert, Test misses a big boot and sent to the ouside by Bradshaw. Farooq is sent off the ropes by Saturn and D-Lo, Farooq with a spinebuster on D'Lo and Bradshaw with a shoulder tackle on Saturn. D'Lo rolls out of the ring, and Farooq press slams Paturn onto him, so Acolytes win the match in 3:54. Your typical battle royal, nothing special, but it was fine.

Posing and celebrating for the Acolytes who get their shot on Smackdown as they go to commercial.

We see a footage shoot of some guy with Rock for US Weekly, I guess he's a baseball player. Then more footage that we already saw the night before of their show in MSG. Then we go to WWF New York where Godfather is dancing with hos and singing Pimpin' Ain't Easy.

Then to E&C as Mick walks in with Pepsi. They tell Mick they won't do the match with Taker tonight, but he threatens to strip them of the titles if they don't do the match. Then he leaves much to their dismay. We see Kane and Taker walking backstage, that match next.

Edge & Christian (WWF Tag Team Champions) vs Kane & The Undertaker

Pre-Match: The tag champions are out first, and Christian gets a mic, greeting their fans, though he has no idea where they even are. He says that this is totally unfair, and that all the fans who sit and cheer for Foley are just as stupid as he is. Edge repeats that this is totally unfair, so for the benefit of those with flash photography, he tells them to put it away, because there won't be a 5 second pose out of protest to the match. 

Taker and Kane waste no time laying into the champions before Edge is tossed to the outside by Taker, Christian sent off the ropes by Kane into a clothesline, followed by a military press, as Taker lays into Edge at ringside. Kane with an elbow in the corner before whipping him across the ring, but Chrstian gets boots up and gets some shots in. Edge is slid in by Taker, who's in position for Christian to launch off his back, but he's caught by the throat. Edge tries to intervene but he's swatted away, and Taker gets him by the throat. Stereo chokeslams on the champions, Christian is tossed to the floor as Taker makes the pin for the win in 1:28.

Kane and Taker stand tall as Edge rolls out, and we get replays of the double chokeslam, as Taker rides out on his bike. 

We see HHH and Steph make their way to the ring, then Angle in his goofy outfit, then Rock, that match next.

,

#1 Contender's Match for the WWF Championship: Kurt Angle (2000 King of the Ring) vs Triple H (w/ WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs The Rock (WWF Champion)

Rock will defend the championship against either opponent on Smackdown if they win the match..No title defense if Rock wins the match.

Pre-Match: Kurt decides to start the match on commentary, which is an interesting yet smart strategy, though I don't know how long it will last.

Rock and HHH trading shots immediately to start the match, and Kurt leaves commentary to stalk around ringside as Rock corners HHH with rights, then walks into a clothesline by Kurt. Kurt now with rights in the corner, then boots along with HHH down in the corner. They waste time getting in Hebner's face which allows Rock to nail them with a double clothesline. Kurt thrown into HHH, then reverses a whip off the ropes, Rock ducks a clothesline and hits a tilt-a-whirl slam, covers but HHH breaks it up. HHH with rights as Kurt rolls out, Rock sent off the ropes and hits a swinging neckbreaker, before getting tossed out to the floor. 

Kurt now with boots and rights, but goes face first off the announce table, then sidesteps an ax handle off the apron by HHH and nails him in the ribs. Steph tries to nail Rock with her title but he catches her, HHH tries to get a cheap shot in but he's knocked on his ass. Back in the ring, Rock with rights in the corner, but his Irish whip is reversed and he's caught with a belly to belly overhead by Kurt. Kurt stomping away, Rock cornered by him and HHH, vicious rights by HHH, then a suplex and a knee drop out of the corner. Angle covers but HHH pulls him off. 

Rock gets some rights in on Angle until he's nailed from behind by HHH, then Rock gets sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and HHH hits a high knee, covers but Angle pulls him off. Rock face first in the corner for more rights and boots from Angle, then boots from HHH/ Rock fights back against Angle until he's poked in the eyes, but reverses a whip to hit an elbow. HHH back on the attack as Rock reverses a whip into the corner and HHH tumbles over the ropes to the floor. Angle reverses a whip into the corner but Rock rebounds with a clothesline, then  a Samoan drop. HHH charges in but he's caught with a belly to belly and a cover for two.

HHH sent off the ropes and catches Rock with a facebuster, then Angle with a back suplex. Angle covers but HHH nails a low blow before tossing Angle to the floor. Rock catches him and goes for the Rock Bottom but HHH elbows his way out, only to be hit with a DDT, Rock covers for a near fall. Rock is tripped up by Angle as he tries to come off the ropes, then sent face first off the ropes. Angle with rights on HHH in the corner, then HHH with some rights, trading back and forth, until HHH ducks one and hits a neckbreaker, covers but he's pulled off by Rock, then catapulted face first into the ring post. 

Back in the ring, Rock reverses a whip off the ropes to deliver a spinebuster on Angle, then one by HHH on Rock. HHH goes for the Pedigree on Rock by the ropes, but Angle knocks him to the outside before hitting Rock with the Angle Slam, covers but HHH breaks it up. HHH hits Angle with the Pedigree, covers but Jericho runs out to pull him of. Steph ends up inadvertently distracting the referee as Jericho hangs HHH up throat first on the top rope, Rock hits the Rock Bottom for the win in 8:46. A damn good main event.

Steph starts crying as Rock celebrates and we get replays. Steph helps HHH to the back as they stare each other down and the show fades out.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Well the action on this show was average at most, but capped off with a great main event. Vince cut an interesting promo to say the least, we have Foley as commissioner which should make things more interesting. Not much else to say. With a run time of 1:33:23, there was a total 25:35 of wrestling on this show.

Smackdown

We get a recap of the WWF Title situation, starting with Shane nearly dying at the PPV, capping off with HHH getting screwed by Jericho on Raw. Then we see him and Steph walking backstage and make their way to... well it's supposed to be Foley's office, but it's some dark area backstage. He repeats how he didn't lost anything because Vince took the pin and all that, and wants to know what Foley's going to do about it. Foley reminisces of their past and gets a bit excited but HHH is having none of it and wants his title shot, not happy with what he got on Raw. He curses about Jericho and wants him, saying he'll make the beating he gave Foley look like child's play. Foley gets up from his desk and gets in HHH's face, says he doesn't bow down to threats or give into intimidation, but he will do the right thing. HHH and Steph leave, as Mick breaks out a bit of Dude Love before the opening video and pyro.

Broadcasting from the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut for this episode of Smackdown, as Cole and Lawler welcome us to the show before we get to our first match.

Eddie Guerrero (WWF European Champion) (w/ Chyna) & Rikishi (WWF Intercontinental Champion) vs Val Venis & Chris Benoit

Pre-Match: We see what happened to Trish on Monday when Chyna nearly killed  her with a powerbomb.

Val tries to get a cheap shot in but he's knocked on his ass by Kish, who then goes after Benoit, trading rights. Val sent off the ropes into a powerslam by Kish and Eddie tags in with a slingshot senton from the apron. Val reverses a whip off the ropes and hits a back elbow, then an elbow drop. Benoit tags in but runs with into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Benoit reverses a whip off the ropes, Eddie ducks a clothesline but gets kneed in the back by Val, who's then knocked off the apron. Benoit is launched up and lands throat first on the top rope, then Eddie with a back suplex into a cover for two.

Benoit reverses an Irish whip and Val pulls down the rope sending Eddie to the floor,Val with boots before tossing him back in, and Benoit hits a back suplex into a cover and a kick out. Val with the tag and boots in the corner, then Eddie whipped across the ring for a clothesline, then across for another, and a Blue Thunder Bomb for a pin and two for Val. Benoit back in, Eddie whipped into the corner, but counters a suplex with a roll up for two,.clocked in the face by Val as Benoit pushes him off. Val back in and sends Eddie into the corner, who gets Val with an elbow and pops up with a dropkick, only to be sent throat first on the top rope. Eddie sent off the ropes, ducks a right and delivers some headbutts. He goes for his wrist lock into the springboard hurricanrana as Benoit comes in to try and intervene, and Eddie catches him with the headscissor as he arm drags Val.  

Kish gets the tag with rights and a double clothesline. Samoan drop on Benoit, side kick on Val, then whipped into Benoit who's up in the corner. Ass slammed into Val and Benoit, a right takes down Val but Benoit hits Kish with a clothesline. Eddie goes after Benoit and T&A are out now. Chyna tries to intervene, but she's caught and Test lays into her as Eddie and Kish are being double teamed. Too Cool come out for the save and the referee eventually throws out the match in 4:37.

Eddie goes out to save Chyna who nails Albert with a low blow, Benoit is tossed out and the babyfaces stand tall, Val seething at ringside. Of course we have Too Cool inviting Eddie and Chyna to dance with them.

We go to footage from earlier in the day, where Kurt is talking to Kaientai in the locker room. He realizes they aren't very quick and makes it simple for them to understand, informing them that he's no longer Kurt Angle, and wants to be called King Kurt. He likens himself to their version of an emporer, a warlord or head ninja, or whoever rules them, he's not sure, and this is just as Hardcore Holly walks in, who asks what the same thing I'm wondering, what the hell is Kurt talking about? He says Kaientai aren't stupid, they're Japanese. Kurt is offended because he didn't summon Holly, then asks Kaientai what the Japanese word for commoner is, and I guess they don't know. Holly decides to leave, but not before kicking Kurt's crown against the wall. Kurt takes offense to that of course, so Holly suggests he kick Angle's ass instead later. Then he leaves into commercial.

Kurt Angle (2000 King of the Ring) vs Hardcore Holly

Pre-Match: Kurt has the mic and tells Hardcore that he doesn't make fun of him for dying his hair, or at least what's left of it, or because he couldn't afford an orthodontist when he was growing up and now he has buck teeth, and yet he chooses to mock Kurt by kicking his royal crown and costing him thousands in damages. He says Holly is no different than any of the fans there tonight, and in fact is just like them, calling them jealous, foul smelling peasants. He brings up how hard it is to find a crown repair shop in Hartford before Holly makes his way out.

Holly immediately with the rights, Angle sent of the ropes into a back elbow, then a clothesline. Angle tries to retreat but he's caught and tied up in the ropes for more rights and boots by Holly. Angle frees himself and escapes to ringside. Angle face first off the barricade, but reverses a whip into the ring post. Back in the ring, Angle with rights in the corner, then Holly with slaps to the chest. Holly is sent across te ring but gets his boots up, before walking into a belly to belly suplex, then a cover for two.

Angle with a suplex and float over for a cover and another near fall. Rear chinlock with a grapevine by Angle, Holly fights out, off the ropes with a crossbody and a cover for two. Angle catches Holly with a knee as he comes off the ropes and delivers more rights, then a scoop slam. Angle up too is quickly tossed to the mat by Holly, who follows with a back suplex. Holly back up with rights, then Angle sent off the ropes into a dropkick, then a kick to the midsection. Holly with a jackhammer and a cover for a near fall.

Angle reverses a whip off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and takes down Holly. Holly sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline, goes for a hurricanrana but  Angle counters with a sitout powerbomb and a pin for another near fall. Holly reverses a whip off the ropes, Angle slips behind and goes for a German but Holly elbows his way free, then goes for one of his own but gets low blowed out of the ref's view. Angle with the scoop slam before going back up top with the... oh this is when he breaks Holly's arm wit the moonsault. Ouch. Holly still kicks out at two.

Angle Slam attempted is escaped with knees to the head and midsection, now trading shots as Holly goes face first in te corner for more rights. Holly sent across the ring and gets Angle with a clothesline and covers for two. Referee chastises Holly in the corner and gets shoved away, which allows Angle to hit another low blow and an Angle Slam for the win in 7:25. It was a pretty good match, but things obviously got a little messy after that moonsault, which can't really be helped.

Angle leaves the ring as the ref checks on Holly.

We see HHH unhappy being made to wait and Jericho will pay, and Steph tries to calm him down, and insists Mick will give them what they want, that he's intimidated. It's driving him crazy though and she suggests he go outside and get some air, so he takes her advice.

E&C walk into Mick's "office" and though they realize the Acolytes are the #1 contenders, they're a little sore after Monday. Mick chuckles as he recalls how they got they got the crap beat out of them, but admits he feels guilty and decides he won't make them defend the titles tonight, but instead some "friendly" singles competition. He books Christian vs Kane, and Edge vs Taker for tonight. Then commercial.

Out comes Stepanie as we come back from break and immediate slut chants, and says she came to the city she was born to set the record straight. She repeats how HHH didn't lose the title and blames it on Vince and Linda's unhealthy relationship. She touts her extremely healthy and virile relationship with Trips, and stands by her man, and he stands by her. That's why they went to the new commissioner to demand a match with Jericho for costing Trips the #1 contendership on Monday. She's impatient though and is tired of waiting, and demands Mick come out to give an answer, and a woman of her stature should never be kept waiting. 

Mick doesn't waste much time before making his way out to a loud Foley chant, and he admits he didn't know she was born in Hartford, calls it very touching. He says it's also ironic though, that it means a lot to him as well, recalling how it was in that building and ring where he was forced to "retire" by HHH in Hell in a Cell. He as Steph recall how he looked when he left that ring a beaten down man, blood down his arm, a tear in his eye, streaming down his cheek, and now 4 months later, and he can screw with Trips' career just like that. He doesn't feel one bit responsible because he brought it on himself, because if Trips hadn't beaten him he'd still be an active wrestler and Linda wouldn't have made him commissioner, or put in a position to make HHH lose his contendership or the title. 

He says he's not there to make the WWF his personal playground though, because above all else he wants to make sure everyone in Hartford and around the world sees a hell of a show, and will grant Steph's wish to book HHH vs Jericho... as part of a 6-man tag match. He announces HHH, X-Pac & Road Dogg vs Jericho & The Dudleyz for tonight. He says he loves the commissionary position before his music hits and he leaves.

Jericho is seen arriving into commercial.

DX are talking about their hate for the Dudleyz and think they're gluttons for punishment. HHH says that a dumpster is the least of Jericho's worries though.

The Godfather vs Bull Buchanan

Pre-Match: Well first Godfather's pre-match hype is interrupted by Bull's entrance. Then he tries to do it again and... I guess some kind of warning sounds start playing, I guess this is pre-Right to Censore earbleeding theme music. Out comes Steven Richards, and says he's here to do exactly what he did on Raw, which was save millions and millions of viewers in TV land from seeing the bare, naked breasts of Terri Runnels. He claims he did what the network wouldn't do, what the producers couldn't do, and took the personal responsibility to censor what he feels to be vile, profane and unacceptable marketing material. He says he did what any respectable organization would do if they had morals, which WWF does not. He gives Godfather fair warning to clean up his act, to stop bringing the half-naked women to the ring, to stop promoting sexuality, or he'll be forced to censor his activity. 

Eventually Bull nails Godfather from behind and knocks him to the floor to get this match started, but gets whipped toward the ring, skins the cat in reverse as Godfather charges ribs first into the apron, and Bull hits a baseball slide. Alright that was kinda cool. Back in the ring, Bull corners Godfather with rights, then Godfather with rights, Bull sent across the ring but leaps to the top rope to hit a clothesline. GF sent off the ropes into a big boot. GF sent into the corner but gets a boot up and hits a clothesline. Bull sent off the ropes for a shoulder block, then again for a back body drop. GF off the ropes with a spinning leg drop. Bull sent into the corner, then leaps off the middle rope into a gut shot from GF. Bull face first in the corner and GF goes for the Ho Train but Bull gets out of the way. Bull knocked off the apron to the floor and ends up knocking one of the hos to the floor and she hurts herself. This distracts GF long enough for Bull to hit a scissor kick for the win in 2:19.

Kane is seen walking backstage, then we see Christian talking with Edge, worried about his match up next. 

We see a replay of Angle's moonsault and learn Holly's been taken to the hospital with a broken left arm before the next match.

Kane vs Christian (w/ Edge) (WWF Tag Team Champions)

Edge causes a brief distraction that allows Christian to attack from behind to start this match, delivering rights that don't faze Kane. Christian sent to the corner for boots and knees to the midsection, and Christian gets some shots in that once again don't faze him, Kane sending him to the mat with a headbutt. Christian face first into the corner, then the adjacent corner, whipped hard across the ring. Christian choked over the middle rope, then some rights by Kane then Christian sent off the ropes, through the legs and more shots. Christian off the ropes into a military press, sending Christian face first into the corner and a tilt-a-whirl slam from Kane. 

He tries to come off the ropes but Edge pulls down the top one and Kane lands on his feet on the outside, sending Edge running but he doesn't go far, though it allows Christian to hit a crossbody taking Kane off his feet. Christian hammers away, then Edge with boots before sending Kane face first off the apron. Christian with a drop toe hold into the steps and more boots before returning to the ring. Christian gets hung up on the top rope before Kane goes up top and hits the flying clothesline. 

Christian in the corner for more rights and boots, then whipped across the ring for a two-handed choke, the ref is making the 5 count right in front of them as Kane tosses Christian into him and the corner. and Christian ducks a clothesline while the ref gets taken out. Big boot by Kane as Edge runes into a clothesline. Christian tries for the Unprettier but it's countered. Christian gets caught by the throat, then Edge tries to come in but he's caught by the throat. Tazz runs down for... reasons, with a chair and nails Kane across the back, then the head. E&C with the Con-Chair-To. Christian covers for the win in 4:45. Well that was... something.

Kane starts to stir as E&C make their way to the back, Kane back on his feet as we go to the replays. Kane heads to the back into commercial.

More replays of what just happened, then to the back, where Lillian is with E&C, congratulating Christian on his win. He says he doesn't know how he did it, but he did, and as they say good things so do happen to good people. He says that if he can get past Kane, he knows Edge can beat Taker. Edge admits he wasn't 100% sure about it before, but feels a lot better about it now. Then they leave.

We see the Dudleyz in the parking lot, Bubba saying that they finish what they started tonight. Up walks Jericho and Bubba nearly clocks him as he spins around. Bubba perks up at the idea of Steph being ringside for their match, as Jericho tries his damnedest not to say anything nasty about her. 

We see Taker arriving, his match next.

The Undertaker vs Edge (w/ Christian) (WWF Tag Team Champions)

Taker immediately with the right hands laying into Edge before tossing him to the outside. More rights to Edge and Christian. Edge is tossed back in, while Christian provides a brief distraction that allows Edge to get the jump. More rights by Taker, then Edge sent off the ropes, ducks a right but gets caught by the throat. Christian slides a chair in the ring and distracts the ref, which allows Edge to nail him across the back with the chair. Edge with rights in the corner, then sets up the chair in front and launches off, but he's caught by the throat again. Edge escapes with a boot and gets the chair again but runs right into a big boot. Taker connects with the chokeslam for the win in 1:48.

Christian in immediately with a chop block and E&C double team in the corner. Kane makes his way out very slowly, laying them both out with rights. Taker with the Last Ride on Edge, and Kane with a chokeslam on Christian as Taker's music hits. he and Kane standing tall as we get the replay. 

We see Al Snow somewhere backstage talking to himself, and Mick opens up a nearby concessions window. He wants to let bygones be bygones, and is giving Al a title shot as a sign of goodwill. Al thinks it's against Rock, which makes Foley spit out his Pepsi laughing, then clarifies he meant the Hardcore Title, and suggest he maybe bring Head with him. Al mutters how Mick is lucky he's commissioner as he leaves, Mick still laughing into commercial.

Replay of what Kane and Taker did to the tag champs before our next match.

WWF Hardcore Championship: Al Snow (w/ Head) vs Crash Holly (c)

Pre-Match: Al decides to slide under the ring as Crash makes his way out, confused to the whereabouts of Al, and starts sliding some weapons into the ring. Eventually Al pulls on Crash's arm to get this started.

Al with a wheelbarrow facebuster onto the ramp before tossing Crash in the ring. Al slides out a table, which has a chair, trash can lid, some kind of bag and a street sign on top of it, plus a trash can. Al gets a chair dropkicked back into his face but nails Crash from behind as Crash walks around ringside. Crash is choked with a camera cable before getting tossed across the floor onto his back. Crash gets him in the head three times with a lid as he rounds the corner, then a hurricanrana as Crash leaps off the steps. Crash stumbles up the ramp and Al nails him in the back of the head with the trash can, then the face before covering for two.

Back in the ring, Al gets the road sign and nails Crash in the back and he rolls out, before Crash retreats over the barricade, but he's quickly tossed back to the floor. Al grabs the tray off the concessions guy to nail Crash over the head. Back to the ring again, Al slides in the various weapons from the table, including a broom that he breaks over Crash's back. Broom sticks jabbed into Crash's ribs, then sent off the ropes, ducks a chair shot, then DDT's Al onto it, then a cover for a near fall.

Crash face first in the corner, then a lid off the head before being whipped into the corner for a clothesline. Al grabs that bag from earlier and pulls out a bowling shirt to put it on, then the bowling ball to roll it into Crash's nuts. Crash rolls out but he's rolled back into the ring as Al grabs the steps, tossing them into the ring, but Crash sends them back into him with the chair. Crash rolls back out and retreats up the ramp, before making his way back to the ring. Now out comes Blackman with a referee as Crash grabs his title, and nails Crash in the ribs and head with nunchucks to win the title in 5:43.

Blackman grabs the title and leaves much to Al's confusion into commercial.

Replays of what just happened, then we see the Posse backstage with a referee lying in wait for Blackman in the parking lot. Blackman though lays them all out with the nunchucks with ease. The referee backs off as Blackman gets in his car and drives out of the arena.

Then we get a recap package of Vince and Linda's issues over the last couple of months. Then Jericho finds the Dudleyz backstage because their match is next, and suggests they put Steph through a table as they leave into commercial.

Triple H, Road Dogg & Triple H (w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs Chris Jericho & The Dudley Boyz

D-Von and Roadie start things off, with Roadie trying to get in a cheap shot but he's knocked down with right, then some more. Roadie reverses a whip off the ropes and gets hip tossed. Roadie whipped into the corner for a spinning back elbow off the rebound, then Bubba tags in. Roadie off the ropes into a double right, Bubba covers for two. Bubba with a suplex, then off the ropes with an elbow and a cover for two. Roadie whipped into Bubba's corner and D-Von with the tag, then Roadie reverses a whip off the ropes, X-Pac catches D-Von with a kick to the back and Roadie with a big boot.

Triple team in DX's corner and HHH makes the tag for more boots in the corner on D-Von until Hebner has to pull him off. X-Pac tags in for more boots until D-Von fights back, until he's sent off the ropes into a spinning heel kick. Roadie back in, D-Von sent off the ropes, ducks a double clothesline and hits one of his own before tagging in Bubba. Clotheslines to Roadie and X-Pac, then a Bubba Bomb on Roadie. X-Pac sent off the ropes into a sidewalk slam, then Bubba with a right to HHH. HHH tries to rush in but he's caught by the ref, which allows the Dudleyz to hit their diving headbutt below the belt on Roadie, then to X-Pac. Jericho runs in to take out HHH with a right hand, knocking him to the floor.

Bubba calls for D-Von to get the table and he sets it up at ringside, but he's knocked down by HHH, who's then taken out by Jericho. X-Pac reverses a whip off the ropes and hits Bubba with a heel kick, then Roadie with a clothesline. Back in DX's corner, HHH with the tag as Bubba is double teamed, then sent off the ropes into a high knee and a cover for two. X-Pac back in  for boots, dropping Bubba down and for a Bronco Buster. Roadie in again with a snapmare and a kick to the back before a rear chinlock. 

Bubba fights his way out, then sends Roadie off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits his Shake, Rattle and Roll and a knee drop, then covers but D-Von breaks it up. Back in the corner, HHH tags in but Bubba fights back, HHH sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a neckbreaker, covers but Jericho breaks it up. HHH with a sleeper as he sends Bubba off the ropes, he starts to pass out but his arm jolts back up at three, HHH sent off the ropes and caught with a sleeper now by Bubba. Bubba is sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and delivers a cutter.

Bubba with the hot tag to Jericho as HHH tags in Roadie, Jericho with rights, Roadie sent off the ropes and a bulldog by Jericho, then X-Pac off the ropes into a flying forearm. X-Pac sent off the ropes, Jericho ducks a right and he nails HHH instead with a right. Jericho gets X-Pac in the Walls but it's broken up by HHH and he tosses Jericho to the floor. HHH hit with a modified 3D, then they go for the proper 3D but Bubba is tripped up by... someone on the outside. HHH ducks a clothesline from D-Von and delivers the Pedigree for the win in 10:05. Well I question the finish but it was another good main event nonetheless.

Bubba nails HHH from behind mid-celebration and Step slaps him in the face. Bubba grabs hold of her and gets her in position for a powerbomb but X-Pac gets him with a low blow from behind, then Jericho tosses him out. HHH is on the apron and Jericho hits him with his springboard dropkick, sending HHH through the table set up earlier. Steph checks on HHH as Jericho looks on and his music hits, HHH out cold and we get the replays. Dudleyz join the celebration as the show ends.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Well as far as action goes, got two good matches, one despite a broken arm, and a fun Hardcore Match. Was odd not having Rock on this show but I suppose it didn't really need it either. Plus more Foley, and his antics with E&C which is always good. So can't really complain. With a run time of 1:28:16, this show had a total 36:42 of wrestling on this show.