WWF Week of July 17, 2000 - Fully Loaded Go-Home

Raw

We get a recap package of what's gone on between Rock and Benoit over the last few weeks to open the show, then go live to the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York, as J.R. welcomes us to the show. 

Show starts off with the Commissioner Foley, who's back from his tour in southeast Asia. He puts over southeast Asia as big WWF fans, but says it's good to be back in the good ol' USA. He gets a USA chant going while acknowledging the cheap pop, then gets his cheap pop by mentioning Albany, and while he appreciates that, he did not appreciate some things after reviewing what happened the week before, like Trips bending his authority, or beating the crap out of Jericho, and though Jericho isn't scheduled to be there tonight, Foley did get a chance to talk to him and can't wait to get his hands on Trips at the PPV. He also said that he wants a special kind of match, specifically Last Man Standing, where the only way to win if inflict a state of unconsciousness on your opponent. He says that after sitting back for two seconds and visualizing Trips in a state of unconsciousness, he grants Jericho's request.

He goes to talk about other things he didn't appreciate but he's interrupted by Taker, who makes his way out on his bike. He brings up he and Foley's history and their wars over the years and Foley should know him pretty well, which means he should know better than anyone that he doesn't appreciate the disrespect Angle has shown him lately, or when he cost him and Kane the Tag Titles, or when he messed up his bike, or when he tried to offer a lame apology and a scooter, and Taker calls him yellow. The thing he appreciates the least is when he nailed him with the sledgehammer on Smackdown. Foley suggests he can make everything right, and Taker wants him to make a match for tonight, pitting him against Angle, and if he doesn't, he's gonna go to the back, find Angle, and hurt him bad. Foley admits that Taker's intimidation worked, but Kane's pyro goes off before he can say much else and out he comes, and while Foley thinks he's seen anarchy and chaos, Kane says he hasn't seen anything until he sees what he does tonight, unless he gives Taker what he wants. 

Foley says he got an idea while they were scaring the crap out of him, and is about to announce some kind of match involving Angle, but Angle's voice is heard interrupting, appearing up on the TitanTron. He tries to apologize to Taker for hitting him with the sledgehammer, and apparently sent him a singing telegram in the last few days to make that clear, and continues to try and get out of his PPV match with Taker. Foley pipes back up and says that no one appreciates Kurt's Olympic accomplishments more than himself, and no one can understand wanting to hit Trips with a sledgehammer more than himself, but he's inclined to make a tag team match, announcing Taker & Kane vs Angle & Trips for tonight. Taker and Kane seem to have been apeased.

HHH appears on the TitanTron now in a splitscreen with Angle, and knows that he and Mick don't always see eye to eye, and Foley hates him more than anybody and should, reminding him that he retired him. He's fine with being booked in a Last Man Standing Match at the PPV, or even book him in a handicap or a cage match tonight or a handicap cage match, but he's begging and pleading not to make him team with "this Olympic twerp." Angle doesn't think he's a twerp, and doesn't think the fans, who don't have enough sense to move out of that decrepit town think he's a twerp, and doesn't think Steph thinks he's a twerp either.  Trips says that if Angle doesn't hold up his end in the match tonight, he'll get the same thing as Jericho, a beaten, bloody mess in the ring, and just like on Sunday, when it's all said and done, he says he will be the last man standing, because he's that damn good. 

Now out comes Rock as Taker and Kane have left, with mic in hand. Since Foley's in the mood to give the people what they want, the People's Champ has a one-word demand: Benoit. He knows that he's got Benoit for the title at the PPV, but considering how he feels tonight, he doesn't want to wait for the PPV to have the title match. He seems about to deny his demand, but he's interrupted by Benoit, alongside Shane and the tag champions, before he can say much more. Benoit says it doesn't matter to him, and is up for having the match tonight, and brings up what he's done to Rock the last few weeks, and has loved hearing Rock squeal everytime he's put on the Crossface. He says whether he wins the title tonight or Sunday, Rock will submit because he's the greatest technical wrestler in the company today, and will be the next WWF Champion, daring Rock to prove him wrong. Shane mocks Rock's "it doesn't matter" to parrot Benoit.

Foley butts back in and tells him he can't rip off Rock's catchphrases, only he himself does, saying it doesn't sound cool when Shane does it, and reminds him that he makes the matches, likening himself to Tony Soprano and Shane as the guy who cleans the toilets at the Bada Bing. Foley waves to the tag champions and asks how they're doing and they're feeling totally better as Edge gets on the mic, not ready to defend their titles as Christian pipes up, but better nonetheless. Foley admits that there were times where he may have had the sniffles or a bad back and didn't feel like wrestling, but he did, because he had, and still does, something that they apparently don't, that being a set of testicles. Foley wants to give the fans a preview of their match with the Acolytes at the PPV though, so he books a 6-man tag, pitting Rock and the Acolytes against Benoit and the tag champions. Benoit's just fine with that, because tonight will just be a sampling of what's to come at the PPV. Rock suggest he go and give Benoit a sample ass kicking all over Albany.

Rock leaves the ring and makes his way up the ramp and he and Benoit go at it, the tag champions and Shane join in, and officials and Foley manage to break them all up. Rock tells Benoit to bring it as his music hits and the other 4 head to the back into commercial. Damn what an opening segment.

Replay of what just happened before the break before we get to the first match.

The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz (w/ Lita)

Pre-Match: We learn that Too Cool will face DX as well tonight as the Dudleyz make their way out.

Wasting no time going at it as the Hardyz slide into the ring, Jeff tossed out by Bubba and Matt sent into the corner by D-Von, getting the boots up, then a leg drop from the middle rope. Jeff tags in, D-Von sent into the corner for Poetry in Motion from Jeff, who covers for two. Jeff sent off the ropes into a spinning back elbow and Bubba tags in with somr giths, driving Jeff into the corner. Bubba rips his shirt off for some chops, then Jeff sent off the ropes into a back body drop, then Matt is knocked off the apron, goading him into trying to intervene. Jeff hops onto Bubba shoulders as D-Von comes off the top with a clothesline. Scoop slam by Bubba on Matt and D-Von goes up top with the diving headbutt between the legs.

Bubba calls for the tables and they leave the ring to retrieve a pair of tables, Bubba setting his up in front of the ramp, D-Von bringing his into the ring. Of course they're interrupted by Richards who runs away with the table on the ramp and D-Von gives chase. Hardyz meanwhile slide a ladder into the ring and Bubba yells at D-Von to come back. Matt goes up top and dives onto Bubba as Jeff sets the ladder up, and D-Von makes his way back. Jeff dives onto all three from the top of the ladder. Now out come T&A and Trish to attack and the match gets thrown out in 3:17.

Trish tosses Lita in the ring and T&A join them, Test setting the table up, and Albert sets the ladder in the corner. Test tries to powerbomb Lita, but then puts her on the table as Trish goes to the top of the ladder, but Lita climbs up before she can dive. Lita gets a handful of hair  and tries to superplex but Lita's shoved off and crashes through the table. Trish leaves as the Hardyz check on Lita with the ref. Doctors arrive to check on her into commercial.

Replay of what just happened, and Lita was loaded onto a stretcher during the break.We see paramedics getting ready to load her into the ambulance but she's having none of it, saying she's going to get that bitch as she leaves with Matt and Jeff.

Godfather makes his way out with his hos, most notably Victoria is out with him for a match, set to face Blackman apparently. Godfather does his usual pre-match shtick but he's soon interrupted by Richards. Richards doesn't get it with these people, and how they can't tell right from wrong, sitting there cheering for violence, indecency, and worst of all the Godfather and his hos, and wants someone to tell him where our morals have gone. He says the Godfather and the producers of the show are corrupting the moral fiber of America's youth, and it's wrong. He tells Godfather that he can't have scantily-clad women accompany him to ringside, because it's indecent and totally unacceptable, and he will continue to censor him and his lady friends, because he doesn't know any better. 

Godfather gets a mic and says he does know that Stevie's censoring ass is costing him the Hardcore Title right now, and suggest he bring his conscience, all his hard morals, bring his ass in the ring and show him what they think of his censorship. Richards walks down the ramp, but stops halfway, and says violence has never solved anything, plus he refuses to soil his hands with the likes of him, unless it was self-defense. Godfather suggest he starts defending himself as he leaves the ring and goes after Richards to the back.

Godfather starts to go back to the ring but he's attacked from behind by Bull Buchanan, now in the RTC attire. Godfather fights but gets whipped into the apron ribs first. Rights and lefts in the corner, but Bull is sent across the ring, leaps up to hit a clothesline a scissor kick. Richards gets the ladies to the back as Bull leaves Godfather laying, and followed them not far behind. Godfather stumbles his way to the back.

Cole is backstage with Angle for his thoughts on teaming with Trips tonight. Angle reminds us he's been to the Olympics, been all over the world and has seen many people in his lifetime, and there are certain bad apples, Trips being one of them. Cole thinks Trips is justified after he caught Angle hugging Steph, but Angle asks what's wrong with a pre-match hug, says he and Steph are friends, that's all. He gives Cole a hug even though they aren't friends, then he leaves. DX and Too Cool up next.

We get a replay of what happened with Godfather and Bull before the break, and Cole is now with Godfather backstage. Godfather says he's going to show Bull and Richards just how pimpin' really is then leaves.

Road Dogg & X-Pac vs Too Cool

Pre-Match: J.R. casually mentions that Val will defend the IC Title against Kish in a Steel Cage Match at the PPV, and Kish faces Test tonight, as Too Cool make their way out.

Roadie attacks Sexay from behind and takes him into the corner, Sexay whipped across the ring, gets a boot up, to the middle rope with a missile dropkick. Suplex by Sexy and Scotty with the tag. Too Cool do the wave with Roadie and hits a double clothesline, then double elbows, then a drop toe hold to X-Pac sends him head first into the crotch of Roadie. Scotty sent off the ropes and kneed in the back by Pac, then a clothesline by Roadie. Scotty fights out of a front face lock, then sends Roadie off the ropes, he ducks a clothesline and delivers some Shake, Rattle and Roll, followed by a shimmy and a knee drop into a cover, and Sexay breaks it up.

X-Pac in with a front facelock, Scotty fights out, off the ropes right into a heel kick. Sexay knocked off the apron and DX double team Scotty, he's sent off the ropes and hits a double clothesline. Sexay gets the hot tag and delivers some rights, Pac sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a powerslam into a cover. Roadie goes to break it up with an elbow but Sexay gets up and he hits Pac instead. Mounted rights on Pac by Sexay until he's tossed out to the floor and Scotty with the bulldog on Pac. He gets ready for the Worm but he's caught by Roadie with the pumphandle slam. Roadie goes for the cover but the ref is busy getting Pac out of the ring, so Sexay goes up top and hits the Hip Hop Drop, rolls Scotty on top, the ref counts even though Roadie's shoulder is blatantly up, but Pac pulls Scotty out of the ring anyway to break it up. Scotty sent into the steps, Sexay sent off the ropes and gets a roll up, only to be caught with an X-Factor for the win in 3:52. It was alright match.

DX leave celebrating as Scotty joins Sexay back in the ring

Cut to the locker room where Benoit, E&C and Shane are talking. E&C are freaking out and says this isn't cool, but Shane says it's fine, Acolytes are running a million miles an hour, fired up and revved, that all E&C have to do is capitalize on their mistakes. He tells Benoit that he has Rock's number, reminding him of the many Crossfaces over the last few weeks, then they leave.

Rock and Acolytes are on their way to the ring, that match next.

Chris Benoit, Edge & Christian (WWF Tag Team Champions) (w/ Shane McMahon) vs The Rock (WWF Champion) & The Acolytes

Pre-Match: Christian gets a mic and, being the fightingest tag team champions in WWF history, he says it's great to be back in a city such as Albany, where they know they're so respected. Edge says they usually don't do this, but they will forfeit their 5 seconds tonight to someone who reeks of awesomeness just as much as them. So, for the benefit of those with flash photography, they call this pose The Next WWF Champion.

Rock doesn't waste any time going right after Benoit in front of the announce table, then tosses him in the ring, Acolytes taking advantage, while Rock is double teamed by E&C. Ref gets all but two out of the ring, Rock and Christian start this match properly, Christian sent off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl powerslam and a cover for two. Rock knocks Edge and Benoit off the apron before tagging in Farooq, with a right and a cover on Christian for two. Christian sent off the ropes into a powerslam and a cover for two. Christian face first into Bradshaw's boot, Christian sent off the ropes into a double spinebuster, then Bradshaw covers and Edge breaks it up.

Christian sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and caught midair off a crossbody. Edge tries to make the save but eats a big boot and Bradshaw hits a fallaway slam, then a powerbomb on Edge. He goes for one on Christian but Benoit comes in to cut him off with boots and rights, Christian joining in for double teaming, then Edge for triple teaming on the floor. Benoit tosses Bradshaw back in as Edge delivers boots and tags Benoit in, chops and rights to Bradshaw against the ropes. Christian back in with more boots, then Bradshaw gets one in but he's caught in the Canadian corner, and Edge tags back in. Rights and boots to Bradshaw, who's sent off the ropes and clubs the back of Edge, then sent into the corner and hits a big shoulder tackle on Edge.

Farooq gets the tag, Edge sent off the ropes into a spinebuster, covers and Benoit breaks it up. Rock goes right after Benoit and knocks him to the floor, face first off the announce table, and then Shane nails Rock from behind, allowing Benoit to nail him in the head with a chair, then the back of Farooq as he's coming off the ropes. Edge with a DDT for the win in 5:06. Another pretty good match.

Shane and Benoit leave along with the tag champions, as Rock comes to and we go to the replays. Then commercial.

More replays of the finish to that last match, then cut to Rock walking backstage, in search of Benoit with chair in hand. Rock eventually finds the Benoit locker room and nails him in the back of the head with the chair, but E&C are also there and they pounce on Rock as does Shane for triple teaming. Rock fights back, Edge face first into a wall, then Christian and Shane and Benoit have left the locker room.

Rock leaves and Shane is holding up Benoit, who's been busted open and Rock nails them from behind. Rock with rights as Shane runs off, Benoit into some lockers and a vending machine until officials finally separate them. 

Rock goes back to the locker room and grabs the chair after nailing Edge with a right, and Benoit has disappeared with Shane again, as Rock scares off officials. Benoit and Shane have gotten back to their limo and Rock nails Benoit with another chair shot to the head, before a Rock Bottom onto the hood of t he limo. Rock grabs the chair as Shane helps Benoit off the hood and into the limo, officials finally backing Rock off again as the limo speeds away into commercial. God damn.

Over to commentary who talk about how Rock has lost it and have never seen him like this before, debating if Rock went too far.  Then a full replay of Rock's carnage before the next match.

Malenko makes his way out with his ladies and gets a mic to talk down to women, saying you can't live with them, but lucky for him you can wrestle them. He says the only thing that gets him more excited than watching two women fight for him, it's him fighting two women, then he calls out Ivory and Jacqueline to give what every women in the audience would love to have, a shot at his title.

Much to his surprise though, Eddie's music and out he comes with Chyna, Eddie with mic in hand. Chyna takes it and says that Jackie and Ivory aren't there to accept his challenge, though he knew that, but it just so happens she's free right now, and wants to give the people what they really want, someone to shut him up.

Dean Malenko (WWF Light Heavyweight Champion) vs Chyna (w/ WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero)

Dean jumps her immediately as she slides in the ring with boots and rights, but she reverses an Irish whip into a clothesline. Dean sent off the ropes into a back drop, followed by some forearms. Chyna sent off the ropes and catches him with a kick, then covers for one. Chyna with forearms into the corner followed by some boots, then Dean sent across the ring and she misses a handspring elbow. Chyna sent off the ropes, Dean misses a dropkick and Chyna puts him in the Cloverleag, but Dean scrambles to the ropes quickly. 

Perry Saturn comes out as Dean sends Chyna to the floor, and Saturn attacks Eddie, press slamming him onto the barricade and they go at it. Dean with boots in the corner as Eddie and Saturn fight on the ramp, until Saturn nails a powerslam off a suplex position. Chyna goes out to check on Eddie as Saturn leaves and he has Terri with him. Amidst all this, the bell is rung, so Malenko wins by countout in 2:31.

Eddie writhes on the ramp as Malenko celebrates in the ring, the ref coming to check on Eddie. 

Kevin Kelly is backstage with Trips ahead of his tag match tonight, and asks if he and Angle can work together. Trips makes it clear that he and Angle will never do anything together, calling Angle a jerk, and says he doesn't like Angle, and that Steph can't stand Angle. Thanks to Foley though, he's stuck with Angle tonight as his partner, but says Angle is no idiot, and that he will do the smart thing, which is go to the ring with him, stand in the corner and keep his mouth shut, get in the ring when Trips tells him to, and get out of the ring in the same fashion. He says when the match is over and the ref raises his hand in victory, Angle will come and thank him for allowing him to survive in the ring with Taker and Kane, and most importantly with himself, and if he decides, for any reason, to screw with him or Steph, he will personally take Angle apart. Then he leaves.

Tazz is on his way to the ring, apparently to explain himself up next.

Out comes Tazz and gets a mic immediately, he says everyone's talking about the "new" Tazz, wondering what his motivation is all of a sudden. He brings up how he cracked a chair across Kane's is big head, and the crowd booed, calling Kane just another victim. Then he brings up when he took a $50,000 television camera and smashed it across Rikishi's fat head, costing him the IC Title, and he got booed, calling Kish just another victim. Then he brings up how he choked out Scotty, just another victim, calling himself the "one-man crime spree." He says he told everyone from day one in WWF that the mood was about to change, and when it did, the fans want answers, but he says until the fans, or the company, can find a hero, a role model, a real man tough enough, bad enough, mean enough to yank the reason for his actions out of his mouth, the path of rage will continue to run roughshod through this joint, because he's Tazz, thug-life born and bred, and when the time is right he'll be thug-life dead. 

Tazz is interrupted by the voice of Foley and out he come, and he says there's lots he's proud of in WWF, but watching Tazz interfere in matches is not one of them. Foley announces that Tazz will be having a match at the PPV instead of interfering, as soon as he can find a suitable opponent. Cue Al Snow with Head, the last person I expected to see. He can't believe what he's hearing, Tazz coming out all angry and miserable, and puts things into perspective, saying how he's been eating, driving, training and, on one sad occasion, sharing a room with Blackman for the last 7 months, and says that 50 camera shots to the head cannot compare to one heart-to-heart talk with Blackman, expanding the virtues of quick lime in deposing of human remains. He begs Mick to let him show Tazz what misery is really all about at the PPV, but also makes it clear he doesn't mean teaming with Blackman.

Mick says he likes Al, even though he pretends he doesn't, and enjoyed making fun of him in his book Have a Nice Day, which he plugs, but every time he puts Al in a big match he chokes. Of course that's the secret codeword for Tazz to put Al in the Tazzmission. Mick manages to pull him off and he takes the mic, and Mick gives Al the match with Tazz as he heads to the back. Hell of a promo by Tazz and Al actually made me laugh, so despite how poorly used Tazz becomes in the coming months, that was good.

Cole catches Steph backstage to ask about her relationship with Angle. Angle is clearly flustered at the word "relationship" and says that to her, relationship implies sexuality, and a woman of her principles would never share her favors with Angle or anyone else besides Trips, calling herself loyal and faithful and a committed wife, and she's insulted by his insinuations. As far as the match tonight, her only prediction is that Taker and Kane will lose. Then she leaves.

Close up of Kish's ass, his match up next.

Test (w/ Trish Stratus) vs Rikishi

Test tries to get the jump but he's driven into the corner with rights, then sent off the ropes, Kish caught with a kick and a big boot. Kish now driven down into the corner with rights, then a clothesline. Test tries to pick him up but can't then Kish with a scoop slam and a leg drop coming off the ropes. Kish slams into Test in the corner and Test drops into position for a Stinkface and Test gets a face full. Trish gets on the apron for a distraction, Test charges and accidentally knocks her off as Kish moves out of the way. Samoan drop and a cover for the win in 1:46.

Val and Albert rush the ring to attack immediately and Test soon joins in, rolling Kish to the floor, Val gets the steps to send them into Kish's face. Too Cool eventually rush down to make the save but the numbers eventually until Kish comes back to, Kish and Test fighting up beside the ramp, Test and Scotty up to the stage, using the stage set up to dropkick Val and hit a bulldog.and do the Worm on the stage.Val attacks from behind though and tosses Scotty off the stage to the floor. Kish and Sexay are there to check on him as Val stares down. Then commercial.

Replays of what just happened and Scotty was carted out on a stretcher during the break.

Kevin Kelly is backstage with Val, with T&A and Trish standing behind him, and Kevin wants to know what his obsession is with Rikishi. Val says that Kish represents everything he used to be, doing everything in his power to please the fans, dancing at the drop of a hat for the cheers of the fans, and he used to gyrate just for the cheers of the fans, giving competitors Stinkfaces just for the cheers of the fans, and he used to come up with sexual innuendos just for the cheers of the fans, yet it did nothing for him and it made him sick. He says that times have changed, the days of uttering those words "Hello ladies" have gone by the wayside, and gold has come waistside. He calls Kevin a chump and says that come Sunday, he promises he won't be a hard man to find, in fact he'll be standing dead square in the middle of the ring, surrounded by a steel cage, waiting for the cheers of the fans to turn to sorrow as he beats Rikishi within an inch of his life. He promises he won't be doing it for the fans, but for himself. Then they all leave.

Kaientai are at WWF New York drunk off sake apparently.

Angle walks into HHH's dressing room as he's getting ready and has a few ideas, but as far as Angle thinking goes, Trips says nothing good will come of it. He makes it clear he doesn't like Angle, or trust him, but fact is he's stuck with him. He says if Angle stays out of his way they can put their differences aside and get through this. Angle agrees and offers a handshake or a hug, and Trips just gets in his face and tells him not to screw this up.

Kane and Taker are on their way to the ring, this match up next in the main event.

Kurt Angle (King of the Ring) & Triple H (w/ WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs Kane & The Undertaker

Taker stalks Angle around the ring until he goes in, right into a clothesline from Kane to start this match. Angle sent off the ropes into a back body drop. Angle driven into the corner and goes face first, then sent across the ring for a clothesline, then tries to send Angle into Taker's corner, but he slips free. Taker tags in and Angle immediately tags himself out and leaves the ring before Taker can get his hands on him. Taker with rights, Trips sent into the corner for a clothesline, followed by a sidewalk slam, then a cover and Angle breaks it up. Trips sent into the corner again but gets Taker with an elbow and follows with a clothesline.

Angle tags in and delivers a right, and then immediately tags himself back out and escapes the ring again. HHH is thrown into the corner for rights and lefts, then an elbow to the side of the head. Taker tries to clock Angle but he drops off the apron, then Kane nails Trips with a right before tagging in. Trips sent off the ropes into a two-handed choke from Kane, who drops him like a sack of bricks. Rights and elbows in the corner, then Trips sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a neckbreaker. Angle back in and boots in the corner for Kane, then rights and clips the knee as Trips gets shots in. Trips back in with shoulders to the midsection in the corner.then tries for a suplex, but it's blocked, until Angle comes in and they attempt a double suplex, only for Kane to counter with one of his own.

Angle rolls out and Trips is sent off the ropes into a big boot, then a running powerslam. Kane goes up tip with the flying clothesline, then covers but Angle ,. breaks it up. Taker pounces with a big boot and tosses Angle to the floor, tossing Angle over the announce table. Taker with rights as Angle retreats up beside the ramp to the back. HHH meanwhile goes for the Pedigree but Jericho is seen being held back by several referees at the top of the ramp. Kane escapes the Pedigree and delivers a chokeslam for the win in 5:14. Damn good main event for how short it was.

Jericho breaks through the ref barricade and pounces on HHH as Kane leaves, and the referees rush the ring to try and pull them apart. HHH escapes as the ref is pulled off, but he dives over the ropes onto Trips and the referees and unloads. He's pulled off again, bruised ribs and all as his music hits and HHH retreats again and the show fades out.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I really can't complain about anything here. I mean main event was a bit too short, as were one of two other matches, but this was a solid show pretty much top to bottom. With a run time of 1:34:24, there was a total of only 2145 of wrestling.

Smackdown

Recap package of what happened between Rock and Benoit on Raw before we go to the arena, broadcasting from the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York for this episode of Smackdown, 3 days away from Fully Loaded, as Cole welcomes us to the show. 

Out comes Foley, Long Island's own, to start the show.

He acknowledges how he sucks up to every town in the country, but he really means it when he says it's great to come back to his hometown, right in Long Island. He reminds us how he came out and said he had the greatest job in the world as commissioner, but the problem is on Raw he wasn't paying attention it turned into one of the most violent and brutal shows in WWF history. As much as he likes being backstage and messing around and telling jokes with the boys, he said that's not why he was brought back, and sometimes he needs to understand that, and tonight is one of those nights. 

He has some issues, starting with Rock. He says he's been in brutal wars in his career, but saw something different in Rock, and truth is it scared him a bit, because while Rock did have provocation, his act was justified, he saw unbridled hatred in Rock's eyes. It leaves him concerned for the PPV, he believes Rock will be more concerned about beating the crap out of him than gaining a victory, and the fans deserve better than a DQ win, a two minute main event, so he declares that Rock can lose the title if he gets himself disqualified on Sunday. Rather interesting. He says that more importantly he's here to make sure the brutality popping up under his command comes to an end. 

He starts to talk about the match card for tonight but he's interrupted by Jericho, taped ribs and bandaged head and all, with mic in hand. While he thinks it's tremendous that he wants to abolish all the brutality, he says Foley must understand where he's coming from, after experiencing what he did at the hands of HHH, he doesn't want the brutality to end just yet. He says getting hit with a sledgehammer knocked something loose in his brain, feeling off-kilter, crazy, whacko. He doesn't so much feel like the funny, charismatic showman Y2J right now, he feels bloodthirsty, like a predator, a hunter, and whether Foley realizes it or not, he's the president of a very prestigious club, the I Just Beat the Living Hell Out of HHH and Left Him Lying Within an Inch of His Life Club, and Jericho wants in. He understands it's a very exclusive club, he knows it's easier to get into the My Wife is Still a Filthy, Dirty, Disgusting, Brutal, Nasty, Rancid, Reeking, Putrid, Foul-Smelling, Festering Trash Bag Tramp Club, but he wants in just the same, which is why he asked for Last Man Standing, consider it his inauguration, his initiation. Even though Mick granted the request though, he can't wait until Sunday, and wants into the club tonight.

Foley's interrupted by Benoit as he tries to respond, who's joined by Shane. Benoit wants to get back to what Foley was talking about before Jericho interrupted, specifically how he's been a lousy commissioner, he's been thinking about that this week, and he recounts Rock's vicious attack. He says those are the kinds of gutless acts Rock has to resort to, against the greatest technical wrestler in WWF history, and while Rock needs weapons and chairs, all he needs is the Crossface. He turns to Jericho since he's been on the receiving end of a few Crossfaces, and Mick preemptively gets between them, Benoit reminding us that the last time Jericho was in the Crossface he passed out from the pain, back at Judgement Day. Shane congratulates Mick on his first intelligent and fair decision, and by putting the WWF Title on the line with the special DQ stip, he has taken away Rock's avenue of escape, because Rock knows he can't beat Benoit on his own, Shane knows it, and more importantly the people know it. Since he's on such a roll with great decisions, Shane suggests he make another, pitting Benoit against Rock tonight for the title, but like on Sunday, throw in the DQ stip.

Now Trips makes his way out before Foley can get a word in, with Steph by his side, then Benoit pulls Jericho into the Crossface off the distraction. Foley breaks it up but Trips attacks Jericho laying him out with the Pedigree and rights, then Rock makes his way out, sending Benoit and Trips packing as officials hold them back. Foley announces Rock and Jericho vs Trips and Benoit for tonight. Foley's music hits as they stare down into commercial.

Replays of the chaos that just went down before we get to our first match.

WWF European Championship: Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) vs Dean Malenko (WWF Light Heavyweight Champion) vs Perry Saturn (w/ Terri)

Eddie and Perry don't even wait for Malenko to come to the ring and start exchanging blows, then Saturn sent off the ropes into a clothesline. More traded shots and Malenko makes his way out with his ladies. Saturn gets the upper hand as Dean is knocked down with a pair of rights. Saturn sent into the corner and takes Saturn out to the floor. Chyna gets Malenko with some forearms before tossing him into the ring, as Saturn is sent into the ring steps by Eddie. Eddie is hit with a baseball slide by Malenko before getting tossed back in, then a backbreaker by Dean. Eddie sent off the ropes into a wheelbarrow suplex and a cover, but Saturn breaks it up.

Exploder suplex by Saturn, then forearms to the back of Eddie before he's sent off the ropes into a popup powerbomb. Saturn briefly puts on a modified STF but Malenko breaks it up, Saturn reveres an Irish whip, then Malenko catches him with a back suplex. Saturn sent off the ropes into a leg lariat and a cover and Eddie breaks it up. Eddie jumps on Saturn for rights, then he and Malenko trade shots. Eddie sent hard into the corner by Malenko, then Saturn sends Malenko into the cornrer, who tries to go up and over, Saturn tries to catch him on his shoulder. Malenko shoves him chest first into the corner, who then collides with Malenko, into a waiting Eddie who rolls him up to retain in 3:31.

Saturn attacks immediately to hit hits suplex into a powerslam much like on Monday, then holds him up for Terri to slap. Chyna tries to intervene but Saturn nails her with a clothesline, then gives her the powerslam while he's at it, damn near dropping her on her head. Saturn goes up top for an elbow to Chyna, only for Eddie to roll her out of the way and take it to the back. Terri gets some kicks in on Eddie, then Saturn gets a kick in on Chyna before he and Terri leave.

Cut to J.B.'s Pub where E&C are at the bar, and Christian says sodas so do rule, saying there's no better way to celebrate their victory on Raw than honkering down at the local watering hole. Edge says that since they beat the Acolytes on Monday, and since they're totally gonna do it again on Sunday, and since the arena's five minutes away, he thinks they should invite APA to partake in a frosty beverage in an act of good will. Christian agrees, and on top of that, claims they're way bigger drinkers than the Acolytes. Edge orders a drink with one of those little umbrellas in it into commercial.

Cut to APA's office, and some guy named Joe comes up, not through the door, and Bradshaw introduces him to the door. Joe leaves and comes back in through the door, then gets chastised for not knocking, so he leaves and knocks and comes back in, only to be kicked out. He tries to tell them about E&C's invitation but Farooq's having none of it, and Joe leaves.

Kurt Angle (King of the Ring) vs Kane

Pre-Match: Angle for some reason has made this challenge, and he gets the mic as he comes out. He says that over the past few weeks, he's been a nervous wreck, but this morning he had a revelation. He holds up his gold medal, reminding us he'll forever be an Olympic gold medalist, and says he's overcome odds that the fans could only dream about, beaten guys of all sizes and shapes from all over the world, and over the past few weeks he's literally been scared, afraid of a man who rides a bicycle. He has another I for us tonight, "I don't think so," and proclaims he's no longer scared of Taker, and that's why he's requested a rematch with Kane tonight, because he's no longer scared of a man with a mask and big red jammies either. He tells Taker that after he beats his little brother, he's next, before calling the fans big haired, gum chewing, not good enough for New York City to cap it off. Angle doesn't waste any time as he meets Kane on the ramp with some rights, but he's knocked back by one from Kane. Angle sent face first off the steps before getting tossed in the ring to start the match.

Angle gets some rights in as Kane gets on the apron, but he's hung up on the top rope, as Taker watches backstage. Angle tries for a double leg take down but Kane stays up right and clubs the back. Kane goes for a powerbomb but Angle fightshis way out, off the ropes right into a tilt-a-whirl powerslam. Kane goes for the chokeslam but Angle fights out again, off the ropes right into a big boot. Angle with a take down attempt again to no avail, Kane with rights and a boot, then Angle face first into the corner. More rights by Kane before Angle's sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and clips the leg, and successfully takes him down as he goes for the knee. Kane fights out of Angle's hold, but he's taken back down with a dragon screw and Angle goes right back to the knee. Angle shoved off again though and Angle gets some clotheslines in, Angle into the corner and Kane misses a big boot. Angle back to the leg and throws Kane down before Angle grabs a chair. Angle shoves the ref down and jabs the chair into the back of Kane's knee for the DQ in 3:50. Good match for how short it was.

Angle starts cracking the chair across Kane's leg repeatedly and Angle finally leaves, Kane clutching his leg as Angle goes to the back.

Steph and Trips are walking backstage and some guy wants an autograph, but gets chastised for interrupting his conversation with Steph. He apologizes but Trips still gives the autograph. The guy asks if he can get him Rock's autograph too and of course this pisses him off, and he leaves with Steph into commercial.

WWF Hardcore Championship: Steve Blackman (c) vs Al Snow

Al offers to shake his hand but Blackman kicks it away, then delivers a back suplex. Blackman under the ring already and pulls out a trash can lid, but it's baseball slid back into his face. Blackman nails Snow in the head with it though as he goes to leave the ring, then pulls him out for some rights. Snow is slammed ass first onto the steps then nailed in the face with the lid again, Blackman covers for two. Blackman back under the ring to get one of his sticks, but Snow has grabbed an extinguisher to spray and blind him. For some reason there was a bucket of ice under the ring so Snow nails him in the head with that. Blackman face first off the steps, then a front suplex drops Blackman face first off the barricade and into the crowd, though he's quickly tossed back to ringside. Lid to the back of Blackman and Snow pulls out his duffel bag, trash can, another lid and kendo stick.

Blackman dodges a can shot and slams Snow face first into it, then dropkicks his legs only for Snow to land head between Blackman's legs. Blackman with the lid, misses a swing and Snow DDT's him onto it into a cover for two. Blackman sent into the corner, set down in position for Snow to roll the bowling ball, but as he wastes time putting on the bowling shirt, Blackman's back up with a stick and breaks it over Snow's back, then Snow sent off the ropes into a clothesline with the stick.

Snow gets in a low blow and takes Blackman back to the floor, clotheslined over the barricade into the crowd, fighting their way through the crowd. Blackman sends Snow into a barricade before nailing Snow with a TV monitor. Crash comes from the back and dives off the stage onto Snow and Blackman, and Blackman into the barricade, fighting their way back to ringside. Crash with boots as Blackman has grabbed nunchucks from under the ring, wailing away at Crash. More shots at ringside and Al's back to return the monitor shot to the head. Tazz appears out of nowhere and puts Snow in the Tazzmission, choking him out and leaving him laying, allowing Blackman to crawl on top and retain in 6:16.

Tazz heads to the back as Blackman poses in victory.

Back to HHH who finds and apologizes to that guy from earlier, who wants Rock's autograph for his son, who's out in the arena. Trips tells him to get his son and bring him back there and he'll see what he can do. He leaves into commercial.

The Hardy Boyz & Rikishi vs T&A & Val Venis (WWF Intercontinental Champion) (w/ Trish Stratus)

Wasting no time as all six start fighting on the outside as Jeff and Val takes it into the ring, Jeff with boots and choking in the corner. Jeff sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a snapmare, then a springboard back elbow, only to be dropped throat first off the top rope, followed by a back elbow. Albert tags in but gets dropkicked toward Jeff's corner into a right from Matt, then into a rollup from Jeff for two. Jeff gets the boots up in the corner and Matt tags in, to the middle rope for double leg drops. Albert sent into the corner for Poetry in Motion, then Test gets the same treatment as he tries to intervene. Albert though reverses an Irish whip and sends Matt into the opposite corner of Test, who follows with a big boot after Albert hits a splash. Val tags in with some rights, then Matt sent off the ropes but stops short to avoid a clothesline. Matt sent into the corner for a clothesline, then across the ring for another, followed by a spinning sitout powerbomb. Albert tags in with boots and rights into the corner, driving Matt down to the mat, followed by kicks to the ribs. Albert goes for a powebomb but Matt counters with the Twist of Fate, covers but Val breaks it up.

Kish comes in to lay into Val and tosses him out to the floor, they fight up the ramp. Whisper in the Wind from Jeff on Test. Jeff and Matt with rights in the corners until Jeff is tossed out of the ring, Matt goes for the Twist on Test but he's shoved off, knocking Albert out of the ring in the process. Test hits the pumphandle powerslam, covers but Jeff hits the Swanton as he covers, Matt rolls over for the win in 4:32.

Albert in to lay the Hardyz out immediately though and Test joins in, Trish joins them in the ring as Test beats down the ref. Matt is sent off the ropes and snapped back with a belt around the neck, then the same to Jeff. Test goes up top to drop an elbow on Matt, then Albert with the Baldo Bomb on Jeff. Lita makes her way out to shove Test off the top rope though she can barely walk, Lita up top with a crossbody and caught by Albert in midair. Trish whips Lita with the belt, pulling the shirt back to whip her bare back, Lita screaming and writhing. They eventually leave. Apparently they have a mixed 6-person tag at the PPV as we go to replays.

Back to the guy with his son, and HHH brings the Fink over, introducing him and points out he probably won't have much luck since Rock doesn't like him much,  so Fink's the man for the job. So they head off to the production office into commercial.

Back to the pub, and E&C are disappointed the Acolytes haven't shown up, calling them cowards. Christian suggest that maybe they did show up, but got stopped at the door and thrown out. Edge asks the guys around if they've seen big, beer swilling, cigar chomping, foul smelling, really mean guys. Apparently not, but one guy says they rule. Edge orders Budweisers for their new friends.

Back to Fink and the dad and son who promises them a Rock autograph and out comes Rock from his locker room and gives them the autograph. Oh I guess it wasn't Rock's locker room because Benoit and Shane come out of the same door, scaring off the dad and son before Rock can give them the autograph. Benoit attacks and puts him in the Crossface and HHH comes over to admire his handiwork, Shane screaming in Rock's face. Eventually officials rush in to break it up into commercial.

Replay of what just happened, then out come Richards and Bull. Stevie has the mic and says he's excited to say he's found one person who regards morality above all else, a man who is willing to fight the good fight, a man who unlike the fans, knows the consequences of certain actions, that you can't go around half-naked in thongs, putting people through tables. He also chastises them for their inappropriate language. He explains that if there were no boundaries or rules we'd live in utter chaos, and that's wrong. He understands that the fans might not like him censoring those grotesque displays, but says it's for their own good, and with the help of Buchanan and a little luck, the country shall be raised from the depths of depravity, and everyone will thank them for it.

Godfather makes his way out along with the hos and says he enjoys his freedom, cherishes all his individuality, and actually loves the country and what it stands for. He wants to look at beautiful women wearing what they want, to say anything he wants to say and when he wants to say it, and best of all he wants to take his fist and cram it down Stevie's throat. Stevie escapes and Bull instead takes it to Godfather into the corner, and a ref runs in for an impromptu match.

The Godfather vs Bull Buchanan (w/ Steven Richards)

Bull sent into the corner chest first and a clothesline to the back by GF. Boots to Bull in the corner, then he's sent across the ring, catches GF with an elbow and a clothesline. Rights in the corner by Bull and stomps into the mat, then more rights and clubs. GF sent off the ropes into a big boot. Bull with more shots in the corner and choking him, then Bull sent across the ring, to the middle rope and misses a clothesline. GF with a big boot and a clothesline, then tripped up by Stevie. Bull misses a clothesline and GF gets a rollup for two.

The hos have cornered Richards as Bull is sent off the ropes into a powerslam and a cover for two. One of the hos has hopped onto the apron which of course keeps the ref busy, and Stevie slides in. GFc corners him, then Bull provides a brief distraction, allowing Stevie to deliver a Stevie Kick, followed by the scissor kick from Bull for the win in 2:33.

Bull and Stevie shake hands and they head to the back, as the hos help Godfather out of the ring.

Joe is back at the APA office, and Farooq finally lets the guy in to deliver his message. Bradshaw jokes that E&C aren't old enough to go to a bar and Joe tells them all the things they've been saying. Farooq is hooked once he brings up their claim of being able to take APA in a bar fight. Bradshaw threatens to shove his foot up Joe's ass and Joe runs off. Farooq realizes they're low on beer and, coincidentally, Bradshaw heard there's a bar nearby, and maybe they'll even run into someone they know. So they leave into commercial.

The Undertaker vs Big Boss Man

Taker with a boot and rights driving Boss Man into the corner, then some elbows. Angle comes out on the stage as Taker hits a clothesline in the corner, then one coming off the ropes. Taker goes for the Last Ride until he notices Angle, who runs off. Boss Man capitalizes and Angle comes back out with a gift bag as Boss Man attacks in the corner. Angle has brought out a bucket of paint and dumps it onto Taker's bike as Taker's sent into the corner and dlivers a boot. Taker realizes what Angle's done, and scares Angle to the back. Taker goes off in search and presumably gets counted out, but the bell is never rung. It only goes about 1:44 anyways.

Replays of Taker messing up Taker's bike and get a close up of the bike. Then to the back to catch up with Taker, and he's nailed from behind with a wrench to the back and repeatedly to the knee. Kane appears eventually, I think a bit late, because Angle keeps looking out for him, and he runs off into commercial.

Replay of Angle's attack, then we go back to the pub as the Acolytes walk in. They ask the patrons if they've seen any long-haired sissy boys, probably wearing flowery pants, but they left about five minutes ago apparently, and had them leave APA a message. So of course we get a big bar fight. Then they ask again, and they're led to the back door. E&C are seen trying to sneak out the back gate and APA are convinced they've left. E&C attack from behind with a 2x4 and lay out APA on the sidewalk, before leaving in their car.

Up next, it's the tag main event.

Chris Benoit & Triple H (w/ Shane McMahon & WWF Women's Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs The Rock (WWF Champion) & Chris Jericho

All four start going at it immediately, Benoit tossed out to the floor as Jericho takes HHH to the floor with a clothesline. Benoit and Rock fight up the ramp as Jericho sends HHH face first into the ring post, then the announce table and a second time. Rock with a low blow on the ramp, then Jericho with more rights. Benoit face first off the steps, and Jericho is dropped ribs first on the announce table. Rock has tosses Benoit into the ring and Shane gets some shots in from behind before tossing him in. Benoit with chops in the corner as Jericho is tossed over the announce table into Cole, and Rock goes for rights until Trips intervenes, and Benoit delivers a clothesline. 

Benoit with boots and Rock face first in the corner, then Trips tags in. More rights in the corner and some boots, and another drops him to the mat. Rock sent off the ropes but hits a swinging neckbreaker. Jericho tags in with rights in the corner on Trips driving him to the mat for boots. More rights and Jericho is sent into the corner, gets a boot up and hits a clothesline. Jericho sent off the ropes and knocks Benoit off the apron, and Trips with a shot to the ribs, then a kick and another. Knee drop to the ribs and Benoit tags in with more kicks to the ribs. Jericho sent off the ropes into another kick to the ribs, followed by a front suplex onto the top rope. Trips back in and Jericho face first into the corner, then shoulder driven into the ribs repeatedly and rapidly. Jericho sent off the ropes into a knee to the ribs and a cover for two.

Benoit back in after the ribs again, Jericho sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits an elbow, then goes for the Lionsault but Benoit gets the knees up. More boots to the ribs kicks Jericho to the floor, and Trips drops him ribs first on the steps before tossing him back in, Benoit covers for two. Trips back in as Jericho tries to fight back but he gets more rights by Trip s until Hebner has to pry him off. Benoit choks Jericho as they go at it and Jericho fights back, Trips sent off the ropes but gets him with a rib buster. Rock knocked off the arpon, and Trips goes for the Pedigree until Rock delivers a clothesline. Rights and a DDT to Trips, then a spinebuster to Benoit. Hebner tries to get him out but he's clocked instead. Bell is rung so Benoit and Trips get the DQ win in 7:46. Another damn good main event and the finish makes sense given the main event at the PPV.

Rock with boots to Benoit and Jericho gets Trips with a springboard dropkick. Shane is pulled into the ring for some rights by Rock and sen out to the floor, and Shane tumbles over the announce table. Rock Bottom to Benoit, and Trips tries to use a chair but he's caught in the Walls by Jericho before he can use it, while Rock gets Benoit in the Crossface. Benoit's tapping out and Trips isn't as referees are out to pry Rock off, who's got a crazed look in his eyes. Steph is distraught at ringside and Benoit's passed out as he show fades out.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Now that's what I call a go-home show. Damn good action all around, even though some matches didn't get nearly enough time, but then again I don't think anything could have been cut down for time either. Not much else to say. With a run time of 1:29:39, there was a total 30:12 of wrestling on this show.

MATCH CARD FOR FULLY LOADED (as of Smackdown)

- Lita & The Hardy Boyz vs T&A & Trish Stratus

- Al Snow vs Tazz

- WWF Tag Team Championship: Edge & Christian (c) vs The Acolytes

- Steel Cage Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship: Val Venis (c) vs Rikishi

- Kurt Angle vs The Undertaker

- Last Man Standing Match: Chris Jericho vs Triple H

- WWF Championship: The Rock (c) vs Chris Benoit Title can change hands on a disqualification.