Week of August 21, 2000

Recap of what happened with Rock and the McMahons on Smackdown.

We're live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA for the go-home episode of Summerslam. JR is here by himself unsure where King is for the time being.

Rock is here to get the show started. He gets in his usual cheap pops. He uses the fact that Louisiana is shaped like a boot to transition into wanting to take his own boot, put some jambalaya on it, some gumbo on it, some Louisiana hot sauce on it, and shove it so far up Trips' ass it comes out of his mouth, then put some more hot sauce on it, turn it sideways and stick it up Angle's ass. He says it's the only way they'll ever be united, because they have different agendas, pointless goals, that being to take away his title and win the heart of Stephanie who he calls different variations of a slut. He's not thinking about Summerslam he's thinking of payback tonight.

Cue Commissioner Foley. He knows how it feels to be so consumed with hatred that nothing else matters, but it can also lead to title losses. He gets his own cheap pop, but makes the decision to give Rock the night off. 

Cue Angle and Shane. Angle tries to get Rock to see things from his perspective, pointing out how Foley tried to drive a wedge between him and the McMahons last week, but thinks Foley was just testing his integrity, get him to turn his back on his friends and abandon them, and admit it almost worked. He did come back though and reminds that he bashed Rock in the head with a chair to let Trips get the win. In doing so he proved he was a man of integrity, picked loyalty over selfishness, and even though Rock lost, he himself gained a friend.

Cue said friend Triple H who's joined by Stephanie. He admits Kurt showed integrity and proud of him, Kurt stood by his side and says nothing will endear him further than watching them wrap a chair around Rock's head. He brags about beating Rock on Smackdown and with his family problems behind him, he can get back to beating Rock's ass, and suggests Rock put his title on the line tonight.

Rock goes to respond but Foley butts in and makes fun of Trips' big nose, and reminds how he gave Rock the night off. And since Trips and Kurt are such good friends he's put them in a match with The Acolytes. Plus he reminds us Shane is challenging for the Hardcore Title and Steph is defending her Women's Title. Shane didn't think he was serious. Steph isn't bothered and is sure the ref will raise her arm in victory. Foley thinks it'll be a pier-six brawl, potentially even a slobberknocker, and it could get out of hand, so appoints Rock as the special referee.

Tazz arrives and some guy tries to point him to the locker room but he's shoved into a shutter. King was lurking on some shelves and dumps a bunch of boxes on Tazz before proceeding to beat the crap out of him until ref's pull him away.

Commercial

King now joins commentary, for some reason dressed to wrestle. Foley has apparently ejected Tazz from the building.

Hardy Boyz vs Dudley Boyz

Edge & Christian on commentary.

Pre-Match: On Heat the night before, Kurt and Matt were having a match where Lita got knocked off the apron. Steph ran out to get a cheap shot on Lita and throw her into the steps, then over the announce table. This match is happening after the miscommunication that happened on Smackdown.

D-Von and Matt start the match, Matt taking control with a running clothesline after a quick exchange. D-Von changes things with a shoulder tackle and a spinning elbow. Bubba tags in, takes Matt with an arm wringer until he's poked in the eye and Jeff tags in. Jeff up top with a crossbody for a one count. Bubba sent to the corner, Jeff tries a monkey flip but gets shoved to the mat. Bubba tries a running splash in the opposite corner but Jeff avoids it and tries a dive, but gets caught with a back suplex. Jeff sent to the corner and hits a Whisper in the Wind.

Matt tags in, Bubba sent to the corner, gets a boot up and shoves Jeff off the apron. Jeff inadvertently causes a distraction allowing the Dudleyz to hit the What's Up. Dudleyz call for the tables but Jeff interrupts with a somersault plancha on the floor. Back in the ring, D-Von sent to the corner for Poetry in Motion, Matt covers for two. D-Von sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and take each other out for a double down. Jeff and Bubba tag in, Jeff sent off the ropes into a powerslam for two.

Jeff blocks a Bubba Bomb, tries a rollup but gets caught with the Bubba Bomb and a cover, Matt saves it. Matt gets elevated to the floor and Bubba follows, but gets distracted by Edge. Then Matt gets distracted and a cameraman gets taken out. Edge tries to spear Bubba but he moves and Matt gets nailed instead. Jeff misses the Swanton and gets hit with the 3D. Christian provides a distraction enough for D-Von to go after him, allowing Edge to nail Bubba in the head with a chair. Jeff rolls on top for the win. (4:22) Some fun chaos.

Edge and Christian run off with the titles.

Val and Trish are walking backstage. Trish isn't happy that apparently in a match, but Val explains that Trish has little experience compared to Chyna and Eddie going into Summerslam, so tonight's about her getting some experience so he doesn't lose his title.

Commercial

Trips is trying a pep talk about unity. Shane insists him being in a Hardcore Title Match is the bigger concern, as does Steph with her defense against Lita. All it does is have them strategizing separately on their respective matches.

The Lugz Boot of the Week is Val being powerbombed off the apron by Chuna, then Trish smashing a glass pitcher over her head on Smackdown.

Val Venis (WWF Intercontinental Champion) & Trish Stratus vs Crash Holly & Ivory

Val and Crash start the match, Val easily taking control, whipping Crash chest first into the corner. Crash avoids a scoop slam then hits one of his own and nails a clothesline. Crash sent off the ropes. Trish tags in with a running bulldog for two. Trish tags Val back in but he's caught with a drop toe hold, then sends Crash off the ropes into a back elbow, followed by a knee drop for two. Crash face first int he corner, Crash sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop but they take each other out with a double clothesline. Ivory tags in, she pulls Trish in the ring while Crash goes after Val. The ref has to eject him as Ivory hits a scoop slam. Val hits Ivory with a Blue Thunder Bomb and Trish covers for the win, even though I don't think she ever tagged in. (2:35)

Chyna and Eddie were watching backstage and Chyna's seen coming to the ring. Chyna clotheslines Val out of the ring and Trish tries to flee. Chyna goes for a powerbomb but Val saves with a clothesline. Eddie runs down for the save sending Val and Trish running.

Commercial

Replay of what just happened.

Chyna and Eddie are pissed backstage and run into Foley. She demands a match with Trish tonight. Foley refuses but instead opts to make their Summerslam Match for the IC Title, meaning if either of them get the pin on Val or Trish they become champion.

Recap of the issues between Kane and Taker.

Rikishi vs Kane

Exchange of punches to start, Kane sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop and turns Rikishi inside out with a clothesline. Kane with rights in the corner, then sent across the ring, gets a boot up and runs into a Samoan drop, sending Kane to the floor. Rikishi follows with rights, only to be sent head first into the steps. Kane tosses Rikishi back in with a chair and nails him in the head for the DQ. (1:13)

Kish gets up immediately and gets hit again, then a third time. Too Cool try to run out for the save but RTC  are here to stop them. It gives Kane enough time to nail them both in the head when they make it into the ring, the chair bent in half. Kane leaves leaving RTC free to land superkicks on both members of Too Cool, and Bull comes off the top with a leg drop on Rikishi.

APA leave their office. Kurt and Hunter are walking backstage.

Commercial

Replays of what just happened.

Kurt Angle & Triple H vs The Acolytes

All four fighting right away, Bradshaw sending Hunter out of the ring with a clothesline, then a double shoulder block on Angle. He starts with Farooq as Angle's sent off the ropes into a spinebuster. Angle makes a quick retreat and tags in Hunter, and Bradshaw tags in. Hunter with a cheap shot only for Bradshaw to send him off the ropes into a fallaway slam. Hunter retreats and makes a quick tag to Angle who runs into a big boot. Bradshaw follows with some elbows for two.

Farooq back in, Angle catches him coming off the top with a belly to belly. Farooq nails a backbreaker before tagging in Bradshaw, who knocks Hunter off the apron. Back suplex/neckbreaker combo by the Acolytes and a cover but Hunter breaks it up. Bradshaw sent off the ropes but he hits a double clothesline. Angle sent off the ropes, tries for a fallaway slam but Hunter saves it and Angle clips the knee. Angle targets the leg now before Hunter comes back in to continue targeting it. Bradshaw kicks out of a spinning toe hold, sends Hunter off the ropes but gets caught with a facebuster for two. Bradshaw gets some shots in until the knee is attacked, sent to the corner and hits a shoulder block for the double down.

Farooq gets the hot tag and in comes Angle. Hunter sent to the corner for a shoulder block, then Angle runs into a powerslam and a cover but Hunter saves it. Bradshaw is sent into the steps by Hunter as Farooq gets Angle with a snap suplex for two. Hunter saves Angle from a Dominator and hits the Pedigree for the win. (5:21) Nice little match.

Angle is left in the ring by Hunter, allowing Bradshaw to nail a Clothesline from Hell, then sent off the ropes into a double spinebuster. Hunter tries to make the save but he's scared off and Angle's hit with a double powerbomb.

Commercial

Replay of what just happened.

Trips is trying to talk strategy for Steph's match but Kurt storms in and they argue about unity and selfishness and such.

RTC come back out. Richards says our opinions are irrelevant, as is how they get their results. What is is that they'll fight the good fight against anyone who offends morality. He assures us that Rikishi was one of them, his appearance is inappropriate, offensive, and set a bad example. He asks if  we'd live in a world where children have their asses sticking out and try to rub it in each other's faces. He claims that's the message Rikishi was sending, and a result things like what happened earlier will happen, making a point to show replays. He says if inappropriate behavior doesn't stop, then they will stop it.

Foley is here now. He was in the back trying to enjoy a bowl of shrimp etouffee and after listening to RTC yap on he doesn't feel so hungry now, which is a shame because he knows people had to work hard to make that for him, which is just a way to transition to saying "Shrimpin' ain't easy." Foley says people are entitled to watch what they want, and people can believe what they want, but says anytime RTC go in the ring the WWF becomes less fun. He thinks it'd be fun to watch Bull and Goodfather against Too Cool and Rikishi at Summerslam. Then he realizes that's a bit unfair and adds Steven to the mix, that way he can show how deep his convictions lie, and Rikishi can show how deep his wedgie lies.

Shane is with Rodney and Pete Gas of the Posse. But Shane's giving them a pep talk, pointing out Pete is a former x2 Hardcore Champion, and Rodney held the title once, and thinks one of them should walk out the Hardcore Champion tonight. They sneak into Blackman's locker room but immediately get laid out with nunchucks and Shane goes off running.

Commercial

Kurt is leaving the building but gets stopped by Steph. Kurt says he can't stand for Hunter's BS. He says he knows he's wanted, but she says she needs him tonight and to forget about Hunter. Kurt decides to stay.

WWF European Championship: Chris Jericho vs Perry Saturn (c)

Exchange of blows immediately with Saturn taking Jericho to the corner and stomping him down. Jericho sent to the corner who rebounds with a clothesline. Saturn sent off the ropes ducks a clothesline, catches Jericho on a leapfrog and takes him down with a flapjack. Jericho off the ropes turns him inside out with a forearm, follows with a bulldog for two. Saturn sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then Jericho goes for the Lionsault, but caught mid-springboard with a German for two. Jericho driven chest first into the corner upside down, set on top. Saturn gets shoved to the mat and Jericho follows with a spinning back elbow, then tries for a pin, but Benoit's here for the DQ. (1:58)

Ref is calling for backup as they get into a vicious fist fight.

Trish is getting coffee and up walks Shane, who takes her away to talk in private.

Commercial

Hunter is trying to show Steph how to do a full nelson by putting it on her but Kurt says he's doing it wrong. They argue about who can do it better, Steph takes him aside and insists he let him do his part. Hunter finally relents and leaves.

WWF Hardcore Championship 24/7 Title Defense

Blackman's on his way to the ring for a title defense when he's attacked from behind by Test, they start fighting out into the crowd next to the stage. Blackman sent into an equipment case, then another. Test has control as they fight deeper into the crowd, until Blackman sends him into a guard rail. Test back drops Blackman to ringside. Test pulls out a bunch of trash lids to nail Blackman in the head twice, then takes him into the ring. Test tosses in some lids and a trash can before big booting a lid into Blackman's face.

Test lays a trash can atop Blackman's chest, goes up top but gets the can thrown at him, then hit over the head. Test sent off the ropes into a lid shot to the gut, then back, then a back shot to the back of the head. Blackman covers but now Albert's here to save. Albert takes him to the corner for rights and knees, then sends him across the ring for Albert to splash and Test to nail in the head with a lid. Albert chokes Blackman in the corner while Test grabs a fire extinguisher. Blackman kicks the hose away though and Albert gets it instead. Blackman with a missile dropkick on Test. 

Blackman grabs his escrima sticks and goes to town on Test. Albert tries for a Baldo Bomb but gets driven down. Now Edge and Christian are here, Christian with a spinning heel kick takes him down. Blackman fights back with the sticks. Shane finally runs out and nails him in the back of the head with a kendo stick, makes the cover and wins the title. (4:20)

Commercial

Shane is celebrating with E&C backstage and here's Foley to join in, he even hugs Shane. But he thinks Blackman deserves a rematch after that barnburner so he books it for Summerslam. Shane immediately tries to get one of them to pin him, but they can't decide who. Foley suggests they both pin him and become co-champions, and because he's a WWF official he can make the count. Foley makes it to two but... well he says something but you can't hear what it is, so Shane's still champion. He also puts the tag champs in a title match against DX for tonight since they're so eager for action. He does assure them that no matter what happens, they'll still be in a TLC Match at Summerslam.

Footage from earlier in the day where The Kat arrived at WWF New York, which is a segway to show Rikishi giving Terri a stinkface on Smackdown.

Kurt is showing Steph some holds. He shows her a go-behind which is Hunter's cue to get pissed off and storm in. Steph calms him down again but the two leave together.

Commercial

We get footage from WWF New York that happened during the break. Kat was attacked by Terri and gave her a stinkface.

WWF Tag Team Championships: Edge & Christian (c) vs Road Dogg & X-Pac

Pre-Match: Foley has apparently waved the 24/7 Rule until Summerslam following the earlier shenanigans, and has ejected Shane from the building.

Edge and X-Pac start the match with a quick exchange, X-Pac getting the better of it. Edge tags out as X-Pac celebrates prematurely, allowing Christian to attack from behind. X-Pac sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits one of his own. Road Dogg tags in with a hip drop to the back, then a big boot for two. Road Dogg sent off the ropes and gets tripped up and pulled out by Edge, allowing Christian to hit a baseball slide. Back in the ring, Edge puts the boots to Road Dogg then Christian is back in. 

Front facelock by Christian, Road Dogg fights out, comes off the ropes, ducks a back elbow, then a clothesline and take each other out with double crossbodies. Road Dogg with a little shake, rattle and roll on Christian, until Edge runs in and gets some too. Shimmy knee drop on Christian for a cover but Edge saves it. Spin kick by X-Pac on Edge, He and Road Dogg fight over Christian on who gets to hit their finisher. They argue and Edge spears X-Pac. He and Road Dogg fight in the corner as the Dudleyz run out with a table, setting it up at ringside. Dudleyz run into the ring and chase the champs into the crowd for the DQ. (3:35)

DX are still arguing in the ring. At some point JR mentioned that Foley booked the two of them in a match against each other at Summerslam. Road Dogg goes to the apron to leave but gets headbutted and he falls through the table the Dudleyz set up.

Lita is walking backstage.

Commercial

The WWF Burn of the Week is Stephanie attacking Lita on Heat as we saw earlier.

WWF Women's Championship: Lita vs Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley (c) (w/ Triple H & Kurt Angle)

Special Guest Referee: WWF Champion The Rock

Lita with a double-leg takedown  and some forearm, taking Steph to the corner for a hair biel. Steph retreats tot he corner, gets a boot up but runs into a hip toss. Lita with a hurricanrana gets two. Angle already on the apron provides a distraction for Hunter to trip Lita. The Hardyz are here to even the odds and attack Hunter a bit until Angle steps in. Steph avoids a splash in the corner, allowing her to deliver some boots and forearms. Lita sent across the ring for a monkey flip. Steph sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a DDT for two.

Steph argues with Rock before slapping Lita a couple times, then gives her some boots. Lita sent off the ropes delivers a tilt-a-whirl headscissor. Lita sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a flying one of her own. Lita with a sloppy version of what'd become Stratusfaction gets two. Lita with a snap suplex. Lita goes up top but gets tripped by Angle. Hunter and Angle fight with the Hardyz but Matt is sent intot he steps and Jeff is sent into the barricade.

Angle tries to give Steph the title but gets caught by Rock, who yoinks him into the ring. Rock attacks Angle in the corner but gets nailed from behind by Hunter. Hunter now with rights, and Angle nails him with the belt by accident. Rock Bottom on Angle. Steph tries to nail Rock with the belt but gets caught with a spinebuster. Moonsault off the top gets Lita the win. (5:07) Even aside from the smoke and mirrors and stuff this was surprisingly a fine match, even if a little sloppy.

Hardyz hold Lita atop their shoulders atop the stage to close the show.

Recap of what's happened between Rock and the McMahons since last week's Smackdown.

Still in the Cajundome for this episode of Smackdown.and it starts with Stephanie coming out by herself, looking depressed and despondent. She claims to have been a fighter all her life, and has done everything she accomplished on her own, she's has truly earned all she has. She says it's tragic that she was robbed of her title. She says Foley was hired to be a fair and just commissioner, and he had one job, to choose a fair, just and impartial referee and he couldn't even do that right. She says she'd still be champion if not for Rock. She gives a specific amount of time of how long she held it and claimed she always held it with dignity, honor and pride, and now it's being held by a tattooed, lowlife, low-class bimbo. She doesn't want an apology or sympathy from Foley, she wants a rematch and isn't leaving until she gets it.

She gets Angle instead. Kurt reminds us he's an Olympic gold medalist and that he cherishes the medals around his neck as though they were his own children, if he had children at least. He realizes she felt the same about the Women's Title. He says shame on Foley for what he did to his friend, but he expected as much from Rock. He says Foley knows better than that, saying picking Rock is as ridiculous as a vile, disgusting filthy city like New Orleans calling its football team the Saints. He says Steph is right in blaming Foley and Rock, but says Hunter is just as much to blame. He claims that if the man wasn't so insecure and paranoid, and if he were a better husband...

Well he gets cut off by a storming down Hunter before he can complete that sentence and he shoves Kurt right out of the ring. They're about to go at it but are finally interrupted by Commissioner Foley. He says this isn't about Hunter or Kurt, it's about Steph, who claims Mick knew he was setting her up on Raw. Foley denies as such, but after thinking things over after a few days he realized Steph might be right. Foley is wearing his old referee shirt, the one that he just spray painted black stripes on, he found it and realized the respect a referee's position should be held, and decides to give her both an apology and sympathy. He says he wants Steph's respect and deep down wants her to like him.

When he found the shirt he also found some medals that are around his neck, he decided to wear them knowing she's attracted to men who wear gold medals, one of them is for winning a Pie Eating contest two years ago. He does feel inclined to grant Steph her request for a rematch, gets a cheap pop, and also knows Hunter and Kurt want nothing more than to get a piece of Rock. He makes a mixed tag match between the three of them against Rock and Lita.  But then he realized that would be unsportsmanlike, and because this night is about Steph, he leaves her to choose who her partner will be.

Commercial

Hunter makes the case to Steph to be his partner. Steph wants Kurt to be there to talk strategy and that immediately sets him off. Steph makes the case that it'd be easier to beat Rock at Summerslam if he had help from Angle. Hunter sees it her way eventually and leaves.

The Goodfather (w/ Right to Censor) vs Rikishi

Pre-Match: Rikishi comes out with a mic and moons them after saying they can't cover him up. He says he's going to do what every man wants to do, Save the Hos. So he brings out Victoria and another ho, who I think is the same one that once won the Hardcore Title, and they come out to the Godfather theme. Rikishi and Goodfather trade blows on the ramp, Rikishi takes control sending him into the steps. 

Rikishi with a pair of clotheslines in the ring now, Goodfather sent to the corner but he comes back with a clothesline of his own. Too Cool come out to even things up as Goodfather hits a superkick. Goodfather off the ropes runs into a Samoan drop. Rikishi with a hip attack in the corner, followed by a superkick, setting up for a Banzai Drop for the win. (1:27)

Too Cool gets some shots in while Steven jumps on Kish's back, only to be backed into the corner. He's set up for the Stinkface but Bull makes the save. Then we get some dancing along with the hos.

Chyna and Eddie are getting ready for their match tonight,

Commercial

The Western Union Fastest Slam of the Week is Shane winning the Hardcore Title.

T&A & Val Venis (WWF Intercontinental Champion) (w/ Trish Stratus) vs Steve Blackman, Eddie Guerrero  Chyna

All six fight so start until Blackman and Val start properly. Chyna tags in and clotheslines Val before Eddie tags in to deliver a double suplex. Eddie hammering Val down in the corner. Shane is watching on backstage but gets confronted by Foley, who threatens to make him defend the Hardcore Title tonight against Blackman if he interferes in this match or any match tonight. Eddie off the ropes into a back elbow for two. Eddie avoids a back suplex, sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and take each other out with flying forearms.

Blackman gets the hot tag and in comes Test. Side kick to Test, dropkick to Val and a spin  kick to Albert. Val gets him with a shoulder tackle. Chyna clotheslines Val out, Test with a big boot and a cover on Blackman but Chyna saves it. Trith comes out, Chyna tries to cut her off and Albert gets her from behind. Ref is distracted, Val accidentally nails Test with the nunchuks, Blackman nails Val with a sidekick and covers Test for the win. (3:23)

Kurt is making his case to Steph for teaming with her, pointing out how Hunter was enraged earlier and can figure out a plan better than him. Steph says she'll think about it.

Tazz has apparently lost his mind, because he's yelling at an empty car that has "just another victim" spray painted over it, a phrase that he's repeating.

Commercial

Tazz spray paints "13" onto the car. Tazz suggests King, who's on commentary, get a closer look, turns out its his rental car. Lawler gets in the ring with a mic, and Tazz reveals that JR is in the passenger seat. He's also holding what appears to be a lead pipe. Tazz insists JR open the door but since he refuses, Tazz smashes the door window in JR's face. King runs off to the parking lot. Doctors are already there checking on JR, who's holding his eye. Tazz immediately attacks King until referees pull them apart.

Commercial

Replay of what just happened, and footage of doctors checking on JR's eye.

Jericho comes out. He's developed an intense hatred for Benoit and can't wait for Summerslam in tthe Best 2 of 3 Falls. He figured Benoit would understand that concept, but he hasn't, because ever since it was announced Benoit has interfered in all of Jericho's matches. He says he's not hard to find and fill fight Benoit anywhere, which is why he put together something to help Benoit understand. He says he'll beat Benoit in the ring, the back, on a boat, with a boat, when the score is tied, or Benoit as a blushing bride, while he's taking a quiz, or as the total jackass that he is, all accompanied by photoshopped images.

Cue Benoit. He hands it to Jericho calling him a funny guy and is glad he's getting his jokes in now, because his wit, humor, and funny pitches aren't going to do anything for him at Summerslam. He considers himself a pretty funny guy too and when he heard Jericho put together his montage, he put something together himself, a classic, he laughs whenever ha looks at it. He calls it "Y2J  Loses Consciousness st the Hands of the Crossface. To which he shows a picture from... I want to assume Judgement Day? He says its the only pic that matters, because he is the best technical wrestler in the WWF, and no one can do anything about it.

Jericho says the only thing Benoit's proven is his lack of imagination, calling his picture lame, and Benoit didn't even rhyme. He does agree though that he can't wait for their match at Summerslam or the one tonight, and says the Walls of Jericho will cause Benoit a lot of pain, and he'll never be the same again.

Road Dogg and X-Pac are walking backstage. X-Pac is trying to defend himself after what happened on Raw. Road Dogg's tired of apologies and doesn't want to think about Summerslam, because they still have to deal with Taker tonight. They suddenly clear the way after hearing a bike rev and Taker drives past them.

Commercial

King rejoins commentary with a slught update. JR's eye is cut, unsure if it's inside the eye or not, but calls Tazz a piece of crap, but if it is damaged he vows to knock Tazz's eyes out of his skull at Summerslam. 

Recap of the issues between Kane and Taker.

The Undertaker vs Road Dogg & X-Pac

X-Pac is dumb enough to spit on Taker's bike, prompting him to drop them with rights before taking it to the ring. Double team immediately ensues, then Taker's sent off the ropes who hits a double clothesline. More rights before X-Pac is tossed to the floor. Road Dogg sent off the ropes into a big boot, followed by an elbow for two. Road Dogg sent to the corner for a running clothesline, followed by a sidewalk slam a cover and X-Pac saves it. Kicks in the corner by X-Pac do nothing and he's thrown onto the top rope for some rights. X-Pac whipped into Road Dogg in the opposite corner, then back across. Road Dogg gets a boot up as Taker runs at him and he runs into a spinning heel kick by X-Pac for two.

Taker choked over the bottom rope then driven into the corner with rights and kicks. Taker sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop and drops them both with rights. Road Dogg tossed to the floor. X-Pac sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline but runs into a chokeslam as Road Dogg leaves him hanging and heads to the back. Last Ride gets the win. (3:26) Good for how short it was.

Hunter returns to Steph, who I guess has since talked to Angle. She says Angle made good points, called him hot headed, and he only proves her point by getting set off at the mere idea.  She says it's worth considering Angle as her partner tonight, and it justs him off more and leaves.

Commercial

Political bullshit.

WWF European Championship: Perry Saturn (c) (w/ Terri) vs Al Snow 

Saturn avoids some Head shots before the bell only to eat a side kick to the face. Saturn sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then a pair of arm drags and another right. Al grabs the title and puts it around his waist, sends Saturn off the ropes, who drives him to the mat and gives Terri the title. Saturn counters an Irish whip with a knee to the gut, then sends Al to the corner, avoids a clothesline and hits a pair of siplexes before tossing him to the floor.

Al gets distracted by Terri and the title, allowing Saturn to hit a crossbody off the top. Back in the ring, Saturn hits a Northern Lights suplex but doesn't try to pin. Al sent to the corner, gets a boot up, then drops Saturn face first on the buckles. Al goes up top and hits the moonsault. Al calls for Head, Saturn distracts the ref as Terri slides in with Head, she swings and misses and gets sent to the floor. Al caught with a drop toe hold and the Rings of Saturn to retain. (2:54) Another good one.

Commercial

Edge, Christian (WWF World Tag Team Champions) & Chris Benoit vs Hardy Boyz & Chris Jericho

Pre-Match: Christian has a mic and says the fans are likely putting their fried alligator legs down right now, anticipating a five-second pose, but says there won't be any until after Summerslam. Unlike Ricky Williams though, Edge says they won't drop the ball, because they'll climb the ladder, rung by rung, reclaim their titles, and unveil a 37-second pose. 

Christian and Jeff start the match with fighting in the corner, Jeff sent across the ring, lands on his feet off a back drop and hits a dropkick. Matt tags in with a leg drop off the middle rope for two. Matt off the ropes with a side effect for two. Christian sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop and hits an inverted DDT before delivering vicious rights. Benoit tags in, Matt sent off the ropes into a back elbow for two. Edge in now, Matt sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a tilt-a-whirl DDT.

Jericho tags in with flying forearms, then drops Benoit from the apron. Christian grabs hold of him but gets knocked off the apron by Edge on accident, who gets rolled up for two. Benoit runs in and corners Jericho, then everyone gets involved in the ring. Christian tosses a chair to Edge while the ref is dealing with Jericho and Benoit, and Jeff kicks it back into his face with Poetry in Motion. Jericho nails Benoit with an enziguri. Lionsault on Edge gets the win. (2:39)

Champs and Hardys are still fighting and Benoit goes after Jericho. Matt brings a ladder into the ring and swings at Edge, misses, then Christian nails a chair into the ladder into Matt's face. Christian chokes Matt with the chair, then the Dudleyz run out. Scoop slam and What's Up on Christian, then they pull out a table. Dudleyz set it up in the ring but Edge and Christian toss them out of the ring. Matt sets up a ladder as Jeff dives out onto them from the top, then Matt jumps off the ladder onto the other two. Benoit and Jericho are still fighting, Benoit is sent into the ring post, now fighting on the apron in the corner. Eventually they both jump off and send each other through the table.

Angle is in his locker room and jumps at the sound of Hunter's voice ready to fight as he enters. He makes it clear that he's Steph's partner tonight and for life, Angle insists he just wants to do what's best for the match, he doesn't wants mistakes to happen because of high emotions. This of course sets him off and he says they have to coexist until Summerslam, but that it won't last if Angle keeps pushing it. Angle says it's up to Stephanie but he insists it's not her decision, which brings Steph into the room. She tells them to stop fighting like children, but starts to hesitate on who to finally pick, so she opts to flip a coin. So she leaves leaving them dumbfounded.

Commercial

XFL advertising.

Replay of Jericho and Benoit going through the table.

Kevin Kelly is with Rock backstage. He speaks out to Steph and says that it's fitting they're in the Big Easy, because that's what she is, the Big Easy. After being in Louisiana for three or four days, observing traditions, he's been kicking back boiling crawfish, pinching the tail, and sucking on the head. He's heard of Steph's problem and says it comes down to who she likes the least, not the most, but ultimately he's going to kick their monkey ass either way. He says Angle and Hunter should feel at home, so he suggest they pinch Steph's tail and suck on their own heads, because as sure as he stands there as champ, as sure as Kelly is an ugly hermaphrodite, as sure as he's walking into and out of Summerslam the champ, 

Back to Steph, Kurt and Hunter for the coin flip. Kurt tries to suck up and offers her to flip one of his medals instead and Hunter nearly kills him. Ultimately Kurt wins the toss and Hunter storms off.

Commercial

The Lugz Boot of the Week is Steph losing the Women's Title.

Lita (WWF Women's Champion) & The Rock (WWF Champion) vs Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Kurt Angle

Pre-Match: Everyone starts fighting at ringside, Steph is sent face first into the ramp, Angle off the announce table. Lita throws Steph right intot he apron and Rock goes face first off the table, as Steph and Lita take things to the ring.

Rock and Angle keep fighting as Steph kicks Lita in the gut a few times, then sends her off the ropes, Lita delivering a tilt-a-whirl headscissor. Lita covers and Angle breaks it up. Angle tries to powerbomb her but Rock saves with a clothesline, then pulls him into a back elbow and a Samoan drop for two. Angle with rights takes control, then caught with a dragon screw. Rock traps him in the sharpshooter until Steph comes in to slap him. Angle nails him from behind off the distraction. Rock whipped into the corner, Steph gets knocked off the apron and bounces face first off the steps.

Angle catches Rock with a back suplex, officials come out to check on Steph and out runs Hunter. He pushes them all away to check on Steph calling for paramedics. He decides to just carry her off himself. Angle meanwhile had fcontrol until he catches Rock coming off the ropes with a back elbow. Angle gets two with a suplex. Hutner has laid Steph on a couch backstage and screams for an EMT, and in they rush. Hunter leaves to "help Kurt." Rock mounts a comeback with rights, hitting a DDT for two. Angle rakes the eyes, then sent off the ropes into a belly to belly for two, Angle making a quick retreat to the floor. 

Angle tries to leave but he's cut off, the two fighting up the ramp until Hunter comes out to attack, which somehow isn't a DQ. Rock takes things back toward the ring with rights, Angle close behind. Double team ensues and Hunter lays out the ref as he tries to get him out, finally for the DQ. (5:59)

More double teaming in the corner, Rock sent off the ropes but hits a double clothesline. Rights to Angle and Hunter, tries a Rock Bottom on Kurt but Hunter saves. Hunter sent off the ropes and hits a facebuster, then Rock is clotheslined to the floor. Hunter yanks Lita into the ring who hadn'''t left the apron. Lita tries to beg them off but out run the Hardyz for the save. Hunter and Angle eventually take control in the corners until Rock returns for the save, knocking Angle out of the ring, then a DDT. Matt and Jeff get shots in until Rock nails a clothesline, then all four gang up on him. Angle goes to make the save until he and Rock lock eyes, and Kurt opts to retreat. Rock Bottom followed by a People's Elbow.

Cameras catch up with Angle who sends the EMT's out to check on Steph. Angle apologizes over and over and says he really cares before giving her a big ol' kiss, and although she resists at first she seems to give into it before the shows fades out.