Week of September 25, 2000
No cold open tonight, live from Penn State, the night after Unforgiven, and the first episode on TNN.
Out to start the show is Austin following the welcoming from JR and the King. He says a lot's changed in the 10 months he was away. He reminds us Vince left the company to make babies, since Shane and Steph turned out to be complete jackasses he hopes Vince is shooting blanks. He says if he'd returned sooner he'd have clubbed Vince over the head and take him for a vasectomy. He talks about Steph and Hunter's marriage about ready to fall apart and calls it the worst marriage in wrestling history. He brings up Naked Mideon and says he should be decent enough to get the pimples off his ass with some Clearosil.
The one thing that hasn't changed is he's going to come out, drink beer, raise both middle fingers and do what he wants and when he wants. Bringing things back to Unforgiven he says he drank beers, kicked asses, but didn't find the yellow bastard that ran him over. He tells the locker room that he's going to weed his way through everyone because coming back isn't good enough, having a match isn't good enough, nothing's good enough until he gets payback. He vows to take it out on their ass once he finds out who did it and says it'll be the worst day of their life.
Austin gets ready to leave but he's interrupted by Commissioner Foley. He talks about going up and down the road and the matches he's had with Austin, and he figured they'd never see the two of them in the ring together again, but says it's a privilege to see him back. He also mentions that Austin forgot to mention him in the things that have changed since he was run over. While he supports Austin's quest to find out who did it he takes exception to his methods, saying no one's ass needs to be violated. Foley says the boys respect him and the fans like him (cheap pop) and asks Austin to sit back and let him find out who did it instead. He even guarantees that he'll figure it out. Austin reminds him he doesn't care about authority, and says he respects what Foley's done, but doesn't think his investigation is making any progress. He even implies Foley could have been the one who ran him down, pointing out Foley's one of the worst drivers in the business.
They're interrupted by Benoit all of a sudden, one of the few people who has an alibi seeing as he was still in WCW when all this happened. He calls himself the best technical wrestler in the world, and while they're talking about injustice from 10 months ago, he wants to talk about a bigger injustice that happened at Unforgiven. He points out that he was announced as the new WWF Champion for the second time, only to have it taken and robbed from him. He says he deserves payback and wants Rock tonight for the title.
Foley gets the camera on a sign in the crowd that seems to agree with Benoit, and after having time to think about it Foley's realized he screwed Benoit last night worse than a White House intern, giving Benoit his title match. Now they're interrupted by Angle and agrees that Benoit got screwed, but that pales in comparison to his own night, saying it would make Penn State's football season look good by comparison. He says he almost lost a friend when Steph kicked him in the balls and cost him the match, and he emphasizes "almost" because learning to forgive is a part of friendship. He saw the tape from Unforgiven, how terrified she was of her husband and forced himself on her afterwards. He understands why she did that and forgives her, but not Hunter. He says that Hunter the wrestler didn't beat him, Hunter the crazy-eyed abusive husband beat him. He says he deserves a rematch and justice.
Foley thinks that along with Angle's three Is he should add a B for bravery, saying he showed it last night when beating up on Hunter's injured ribs. After thinking it over though he denies Angle his request for a rematch. Angle says if Hunter wants to lick his many wounds he can wait, but now turns his attention to when Austin. He's insulted that Austin could possibly think he or Benoit ran him down, making the point I made about how Benoit wasn't around, and using his own integrity to make his point. He also takes offense to Austin kicking his ass last night, offering him a replica medal when Austin's not a winner. He demands an apology for himself and America, and says he won't see their careers go down the drain just because Austin was too slow to avoid a car. Austin appreciates that Angle offered friendship and gave him the replica medal, and admits he owes an apology, but gives him a stunner instead, plus one for Benoit before finally leaving.
Lawler hypes Chyna's Playboy issue, we're apparently going to get a look inside, while we get two replays of those stunners. Plus we're apparently getting a Ladder Match for the Tag Titles.
Commercial
Kane vs Rikishi
They meet in the aisle and trade punches, then fight to ringside with Kane getting thrown into the steps. Kish tries to use the ring bell but he's cut off. Then Kane uses the ring bell on Kish before they both get in the ring. Kane with rights in the corner, somehow not a DQ, Kish nails a side kick. Kane immediately comes back and tries a chokeslam, Kish fights out and hits a Samoan drop. Hip attack connects in the corner, then a second and Kane retreats to the floor. Kane back in control with rights, then Kish with some, then more from Kane. The ref tries to get them back in the ring but Kane shoves him away and Kish takes control again. Kane face first off the steps just before the referee calls for the bell. (1:55)
Kish grabs a chair and nails Kane across the back, then swings for the face but Kane avoids it. Kane takes the chair and jabs it into his ribs before cracking him in the back. Both return to the ring and trade blows until referees run out to try and separate them, Kish eventually clotheslines Kane out of the ring to end it.
Still to come, the aforementioned Ladder Match, plus X-Pac and Jericho in a First Blood Match, and the WWF Title match.
Commercial
Austin is walking backstage and finds Undertaker's locker room. Immediately Taker says he wasn't there that night, he was taking time off, and isn't the cat Austin's looking for. He says he'd give Austin information if he had it because whoever did it would run him over too. He says it's a shame because at some point the two of them will have to go at it, but maybe not.
Edge and Christian enter Foley's office, which this week is the men's room. They have a problem with the fact they're in a ladder match after a grueling cage match the night before. Foley says it's a historic night being their first on TNN and he needs a historic match, so what better way than to put his top stars against their arch-rivals in a match they made famous. He also tacks on that this will be their last title shot against the Hardys if they lose. Christian says it'll be their shortest reign ever, Foley makes a dumb joke and E&C leave. Then some random woman named Inga leaves a stall and says he was funny before leaving him a tip I think?
Commercial
Something we didn't see last night was on Heat, Dudleyz and APA and what I assume is the guy from the Bud Light wassup commercial making reference to said commercial because... reasons.
Bubba Ray Dudley vs Tazz
Pre-Match: Tazz gets a mic and implies Bubba can't fight his own battles, and suggests that maybe he needs Lawler to help him out, or even JR or the fans. He says Bubba doesn't have a set big enough to fight along.
Bubba has control early with rights and a scoop slam, followed by some elbows for two. Tazz shoved into the corner for rights, chops and shoulder blocks, then Tazz sent across the ring for a splash. Bubba with a back suplex. Bubba misses a clothesline, nearly hits the ref, Tazz nails a low blow that the ref somehow misses. Tazz with rights and boots, followed by a snapmare. Clothesline by Tazz and more boots. Bubba tries to fight back until Tazz thumbs the eye and delivers more blows in the corner. Bubba sent off the ropes into an elbow and a right for two.
Tazz rakes at the face, then Bubba fights back with rights. Tazz sent to the corner for more chops until Tazz escapes, then sent off the ropes into a sidewalk slam for two. Bubba with a sitouit powerbomb gets a near fall. Bubba sent into the ref in the corner and Tazz delivers a back suplex, before talking smack to King at ringside. Tazz splashes water in his face, Raven comes out of the crowd and hits the DDT on King on the floor. Back in the ring, Bubba hits the Bubba Bomb, but Raven comes in to hit the DDT, Tazz covers for the win. (4:01) An alright match until they decided to keep this King bullshit going.
D-Von runs out but Tazz slips away in time.
Hunter and Steph are in their room and Steph is clearly upset and not talking to him. He finally probes and apparently she's upset because Kurt sang happy birthday and acknowledged it, while Hunter didn't even give her a present. He insists he didn't forget and her gift is at home and wrapped on the bed waiting, she'll get it once they're off the road. Then she brings up the kiss he gave her, says it wasn't romantic. To his defense he says he wasn't feeling romantic after having his ribs kicked in, says the kiss was to prove a point to Angle that she was his, it was an exclamation point on an ass-kicking he gave Angle, something he did for her.
Lawler seems to be alright and back at commentary.
Commercial
Ladder Match for the WWF Tag Team Championships: Edge & Christian vs Hardy Boyz
E&C bring a ladder out with them and actually try to climb and take the belts down before the Hardyz even get to the ring, but they're too slow. Matt has his ribs taped and sets the ladder in the corner. Edge gets whipped into the ladder and Christian into him, setting Jeff to hit Poetry in Motion on them. Then they open the ladder on its side to slide it into the balls of the challengers. Then Matt hits a baseball slide into the ladder to nail them again.
Jeff sets the ladder back up and starts to climb only for Matt to be whipped into the ladder knocking him over. Edge sets the ladder across the top rope in the corner to drop Matt ribs and face first off it. Edge grabs another ladder to wedge Jeff inside and throw him into the corner, setting him up for Poetry in Motion. E&C set both ladders up side by side, Hardys return with an even bigger ladder and throw it at their backs, knocking them off the ladders.
Matt sets up the massive ladder near the corner while Jeff starts to climb only to leap off with a dropkick on Christian. Matt with a scoop slam on Christian before he climbs the massive ladder, but he's cut off by Edge and shoved off into the ropes. Jeff grabs onto the belts and Edge spears him midair off the massive ladder. Edge sets one of the smaller ladders back up and starts to climb, but Lita nails him in the back with a chair. She tries to hi Christian but he hits an inverted DDT on her.
Christian pulls the massive ladder to the middle of the ring. Christian starts to climb very slowly and gets stopped by Matt, who's wound from the PPV has been reopened. Matt and Jeff are fighting on the floor. Edge leaps off a ladder on the floor with a clothesline on Jeff. Christian tries to climb again and gets his hands on the titles but Matt cuts him off again, hitting a back suplex off the ladder and nearly hitting the ropes neck first.
Edge is back in and Matt tries to climb only for Edge to stop him with a cutter off the ladder. Edge tries to climb again while Christian slides a second chair into the ring. Matt powerbombs Edge off the ladder. Matt starts to climb again but Christian nails him in the ribs with a chair. Challengers set up two smaller ladders next to the giant ladders and take their chairs up the ladders. Jeff and Lita return to the ring to push the ladders sending both over the ropes to the floor. Matt finishes the climb and takes down the belts to retain. (11:24) Pretty good match here.
Patterson and Briscoe are being interrogated by Austin. Briscoe swears it wasn't him and says he was home in Florida sick. Patterson immediately ruins his alibi saying it was him that was home for an anniversary and claims Briscoe was there that night. Austin knows they're both lying because people told him so, but knows they didn't do it because they don't have the balls. If he finds out that they know who did he vows to track them both down and stomps worms out of their asses.
Chyna is walking backstage.
Commercial
More political bullshit.
Chyna comes out and two blown-up covers of her Playboy issue are in the ring. She's been paying attention to the tabloids since this is the week they review fashion from the Emmys, MTV Awards, and other award shows, and specifically she wanted to see if her outfit from the MTV Awards would be shown (it was), in a red/white/blue corset and red pants that she busted out of. She says she was stood next to a few other female celebrities, those held in the highest beautiful regards as movie stars, rockstars, supermodels, and they looked hungry. She joked about it saying she could them all for breakfast, but it pissed her off because she worked for years on her body, was given a gift she ran with, and people ridiculed her and said cruel things, and she saw them being held at high regard. She says she was working in the training center, and saw a quote that said "Success demands the highest price of discipline, of hard work and of eternal persistence." She says that hit hard because she felt she reached a lot of success, worked her way to the top of a male-dominated business, fought men and held her own, gained the respect of men and women in the back who she'll have as friends for life, and fought the odds. She believes she's a pioneer and it's why she's the 9th Wonder of the World. She thanks the company for giving "the freak" the opportunity, and the guys in the back for supporting her and being with her through the special times in her life. She also thanks the fans for wanting to see her naked.
Chyna's about to leave and of course, she's eventually interrupted by RTC. Steven wishes they agreed with her. The only thing Val heard in her heartfelt address was nothing but feeling and emotion, no fact and logic. Whether she wants to admit it or not, he says what she did was immoral, calls the Playboy issue nothing more than sugar-coated porn, He says they both know it and if the world knew what was good for them, which they don't, they would stand up, boycott the magazine and say no more. Val says he's going to stand there and tell everyone in the arena and at home not to buy the magazine, to promote the disgrace, to see Chyna naked, because she's not worth it.
Eddie finally comes out, down next to the ramp to the ring, first giving a bouquet of roses to Chyna. He takes offense to the idea that she's not worth it, calling her the hottest, sexiest, sweetest looking mamacita in Playboy. He says they insult him by insulting her and wants to defend her honor, and his title against one of them tonight. Steven volunteers Val to do the honors. Chyna tells them to kiss her ass.
Angle's looking at a newspaper saying he could beat... well whoever he's seeing in the paper. Trish walks in and asks if he saw Chyna in Playboy. He doesn't read Playboy. She says what Austin did to him at Unforgiven was disgusting, and that if Angle offered her friendship she'd cherish it forever. Angle could not care less, he's fully enthralled with his newspaper. Angle apparently took the medal back from Austin and pulls it out of his bag and Trish tries it on, the medal sitting in her cleavage. Trish asks if it looks good and he just says "it's true."
X-Pac is walking backstage, so is Jericho.
Commercial
First Blood Match: Chris Jericho vs X-Pac
Jericho doesn't waste time, he waits and ambushes X-Pac right at the top of the ramp as he's making his entrance, taking X-Pac to the ring with chops. Jericho sent off the ropes and hits a spinning heel kick before clotheslining him to the floor. X-Pac grabs a chair immediately and misses a shot before returning to the ring without the chair. X-Pac nails a spin kick before delivering some rights. Jericho sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a forearm. X-Pac retreats to the apron and Jericho goes for his triangle dropkick but doesn't quite get his feet on the top rope to springboard, but X-Pac sells and drops to the floor anyways.
X-Pac sent into the barricade, then Jericho sent into it before he drops behind it off a spin kick. Jericho tosses him back to ringside before coming off the barricade with a forearm. X-Pac counters an Irish whip with a back elbow but Jericho comes back with a bulldog off the ring steps. Jericho grabs the chair from earlier and takes a swing but X-Pac ducks. X-Pac grabs what appears to be a glass bottle form under the timekeeper's table and smashes it over Jericho's head, even shoves the referee out of the way afterwards presumably because he wants to check for blood. Back in the ring X-Pac grinds a piece of broken glass across Jericho's face and continues the assault with rights, referee eventually calls for the bell with Jericho busted open. (2:52)
X-Pac pulls out nunchucks again, the referee tries to stop him, X-Pac takes a swing allowing Jericho to nail a low blow from behind. Then nails X-Pac in the head with the nunchucks. X-Pac is busted open now and gets thrown onto the announce table , Jericho putting him in the Walls. Referees eventually run out to separate them.
Back to Steph and Hunter, and in walks Austin. Steph basically recaps what happened between the two of them and with Shane at Unforgiven. Austin threatens to shut her up if Hunter doesn't. Hunter eventually moves her aside and Austin makes it clear he's one of his prime suspects. Austin points out DX locked him in the parking garage that night and thinks they set him up for Hunter to run him down. He says Hunter made a name for himself while he was gone and wants him to look him in the eyes and give him his story. Hunter repeats what he said on Smackdown to Foley, that if he wanted to take Austin out he'd look him in the eye and do it like a man, and denies running him over. He also denies knowing who did. Austin says he's either a liar, a crazy SOB or maybe he might be telling the truth. Then leaves.
Commercial
Michael Cole is backstage with Rock. Rock talks about Benoit and Foley's claims that the former was screwed, talks about how Benoit claims to be the best technical wrestler, and proceeds to give Benoit advice and knowledge. He points out how Taker's foot was on the rope meaning Benoit won absolutely nothing, says he's not a 2x WWF Champion, or a 1x WWF Champion, but is the all-time punk-ass son of a bitch. He says Benoit will hit Rock Bottom and smell what The Rock is cooking.
Commercial
We get a sneak preview of Chyna's pictures in Playboy, with Lawler being overly pervy to the point he has a towel with him.
WWF Intercontinental Championship: Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) vs Val Venis (w/ Steven Richards)
Eddie immediately puts the boots to Steven and delivers rights in the corner, then whips him across the ring by the tie, then back across by the tie. Eddie with a biel using the tie again before delivering a clothesline. Eddie sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then an elbow and knee drop and mounted rights. Val uses his tie to choke Eddie in the corner, following with a butterfly suplex for two. Eddie sent to the corner for a clothesline, then a Blue Thunder Bomb. Val goes up top only to be cut off, Eddie following up with a superplex. Steven gets on the apron as we have a double down spot, Chyna tries to pull him off but he gets pantsed instead. Eddie shoves Val into him and off the apron, then rolls up Val to retain. (2:31) You know for how short that was I loved it.
Steven's losing it and is in the ring in just his underwear and tie.
Commercial
Crash is trying to get a drink at WWF New York, he even gets ID'd and denied? What kind of business are they running here?
William Regal is here. He's thankful to be at Penn State, even if it has a shoddy reputation, because learning institutes like this one teach the value of literature. He wants to share some Shakespeare with us, and wants to recite Hamlet in its entirety. He gets a few lines in before Austin interrupts, comes down to the ring, hits a stunner and leaves.
Benoit is getting ready.
Commercial
Recap of Austin hitting a stunner on Regal.
WWF Championship: Chris Benoit (w/ Shane McMahon) vs The Rock (c)
Rock is briefly distracted by Shane at ringside allowing Benoit to attack and take the early advantage, taking Rock to the corner for boots and rights. Benoit sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then back off the ropes into a knee from Benoit. Snap suplex by Benoit gets two. Backbreaker by Benoit gets two. More boots by Benoit, then Shane chokes Rock over the ropes while Benoit distracts the ref. Rock starts to comeback and delivers a dragon screw into a sharpshooter. Ref is in just the right position checking on Benoit that Shane can enter the ring and deliver a cheap shot on Rock. Benoit covers for two.
Rock sent to the corner and Benoit lays in some boots and rights. Benoit sent across the ring, ducks a clothesline, and delivers tw Germans. Rock counters the third into a DDT and floats over for two. Rock comes off the ropes but gets caught with a swinging neckbreakre. Benoit goes up top and hits the flying headbutt, but Rock rolls away and Benoit can't capitalize immediately. Rock mounts his comeback, only to be sent off the ropes and tripped by Shane. Benoit sent off the ropes, duck a clothesline but runs into a belly to belly. Rock covers only for Shane to grabs the legs of the referee, sending him running after Shane at ringside. As the ref gets on the apron to re-enter though Rock gets whipped into him knocking him to the floor.
Benoit follows with a clothesline and some chops in the corner. Rock turns it around with some rights in the corner, but it allows Shane to nail a cheap shot from behind. Rock is back up immediately and goes wide-eyed seeing Shane. Shane tries to get a shot in but gets sent off the ropes into a spinebuster, Benoit immediately nailing a clothesline. Benoit grabs a chair, Rock and Shane get up at the same time, Rock ducks and Benoit nails Shane by accident. Rock gets back dropped over the ropes to the floor.
Steph runs out to check on Shane as Rock sends Benoit face first off the announce table. Hunter runs out shortly after her to try and get her to the back. They both roll Shane out of the ring eventually. Rock and Benoit return to the ring abd Benoit gets whipped into Hunter, knocking him to the floor. Hunter gets on the apron, ducks a shot from Benoit, hangs him on the top rope, setting him up for the Rock Bottom. Referee slowly comes to and returns to the ring to make the count for Rock to retain. (7:34) Too many shenanigans for my liking but this was still a good match.
Rock and Hunter have a stare down, then Angle runs in to clothesline Rock before going after Hunter. Rock goes after Angle but Benoit joins in to double team Rock. Hunter tries to even the odds but he still has injured ribs. Steph comes in and slaps Kurt. Benoit gives a blatant headbutt to Stephanie while Kurt is arguing with her to a huge pop and walks off. Even Kurt is appalled.
Opening package recapping Austin's investigation at Unforgiven and this past week's Raw, plus what happened during and after Raw's main event.
Taped from the Melton Arena in Pittsburgh for this edition of Smackdown and we start the show with Commissioner Foley. Foley reminisces a bit about his own career and says he was never phisically gifted, but did his best to be the best wrestler he could be. He brings up his Hell in a Cell Match with Taker that happened in this arena just two years ago. He's trying to be the greatest ex-wrestler in the world as Commissioner, and while it's been smooth sailing so far, he brings up the storm cloud on the horizon of Stone Cold. He says it's great Austin's back, and while Austin's not there yet, Foley says he has to realize he himself has been put in a position of power and Austin needs to accept that, or Foley may as well go home. He respects Austin's investigation but says the way to do it isn't giving a stunner to everyone in sight. He says if Austin wants to go around committing random acts of violence he can find employment elsewhere. He asks Austin to understand that there's his way and there's Foley's way and that he has to play by Foley's rules or else.
Benoit interrupts. He wants to clarify that Foley's done an awful job and his decisions are unfair, that his rulings make no sense and he's lost control. Benoit calls him a joke. Foley says there's a lot to his job besides coming out, getting interrupted and making main events. Benoit points out he hasn't made a main event yet, and that he had Rock beat on Monday, simply because he's better than Rock. He says it's not about who's better though because Foley would have retired ages ago if that was the case. Benoit suggests a rematch against Rock for the main event tonight. He emphasizes that he wants it to be one-on-one, seeing as Monday he had Shane, Steph and Hunter getting involved, along with Angle. He says Foley and everyone knows that Rock can't beat him alone.
Now they're interrupted by Pittsburgh's own Kurt Angle. Angle says Foley's doing a good job, calls eloquent, fair-minded, and a great dresser. That in mind he suggests a match with Hunter for the main event. While Hunter might complain about his ribs or that he doesn't feel well, the match needs to happen, not just for himself but his hometown fans. He says Pittsburgh has nothing going for it right now, calling the Steelers a disgrace, the Pirates an embarrassment, and the Penguins? Well he says they're not bad but no one cares about hockey. He got a pop for everything except for the comment about hockey. He says he's the only thing left in the lives of the people of Pittsburgh, many of whom are out on bail just to see him.
Foley takes issue with the fact Angle interrupted his conversation with Benoit. Angle pokes the bear and says he blew another chance at the title, but did something even worse in headbutting Steph, taking offense to his friend being attacked. He calls for Benoit to be fined and suspended for what he did. Benoit calls him a clown. Angle takes issue with Benoit calling himself the best wrestler in the business and holds up his medals in Benoit's face. Foley has come to a solution so both Angle and Benoit can get what they want, teaming them together against Rock and Hunter in the main event,. Foley leaves. Benoit goes to leave and Angle attacks from behind and they start beating the shit out of each other until referees run out to separate them.
Austin arrives. He runs into a couple crew members who direct him to X-Pac and Road Dogg. He continues along to Earl and Teddy Long who also direct him to X-Pac and Road Dogg.
Commercial
Austin finds X-Pac and Road Dogg. Road Dogg echoes Foley's words from earlier and Austin doesn't care. He knows the two didn't run him down but figures they must have info. Road Dogg denies knowing anything, X-Pac has a grin until Austin tells him to knock it off. Road Dogg says they were following orders from Hunter. Austin threatens to harvest Road Dogg's cornrows if he finds out he does know something. Austin leaves.
WWF Women's Championship: Lita (c) (w/ WWF Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz) vs Jacquline (w/ Edge & Christian)
Lita with a pair of arm drags and a clothesline for two. Jackie sent to the corner but hits a clothesline on the rebound. Jackie with a scoop slam and a dropkick, Lita retreating to the floor. Jackie gets on the bottom rope to talk some smack allowing Lita to trip her to the mat. Clothesline from Lita back in the ring and a snapmare, followed by a dropkick to the back for two. Twist of Fate is countered and Jackie hits a DDT for two.
Jackie to the middle rope misses an elbow, Lita following with a Russian leg sweep. Lita goes up top and hits the moonsault. Hardyz fight with Christian on one side of the ring, ref is distracted by them. Edge enters to hit an elbow on Lita while she makes a pin attempt. Jackie mounts with rights and delivers more in the corner before choking with her boot. Lita counters a scoop slam with the Twist of Fate to retain. (2:36)
Commercial
Pre-Match: Road Dogg comes out carrying a trash can, reminded that he's a former Hardcore Champion.
Roadie mets him at ringside but immediately gets sent face first into his own trash can. Blackman pulls out some lids only to get a trash can to the head, then a lid to the head a couple times. To the ring now, Roadie tosses in a couple cans and lids. Blackman avoids a can shot and nails Roadie in the head with one. Another can to the head of Roadie. Blackman pulls out his escrima sticks while Roadie grabs a kendo stick. Roadie easily loses both stick fights and gets a stick assisted suplex from Blackman, who covers and Roadie escapes with a kendo stick to the head.
Roadie sends Blackman over the barricade with a trash can shot, then two more to the head as they fight into the crowd. Blackman sends him face first off an equipment case before the gight goes up further into the stands. Blackman has control and launches Roadie into a sponsorship sign hanging overhead. Blackman has control as they head into the merch area, Roadie face first off a table. Blackman gets whipped face first into a fenced-off area. Black back with control as they head down some stairs. Roadie in control again as Blackman goes face first off the wall, then off a door and into an equipment case at the bottom of the stairs. Austin suddenly appears out of a nearby phone booth and nails Roadie in the head with a chair, Blackman covers to retain. (5:27) You know that was worth it just for Austin's involvement.
Trish is walking backstage and finds Kane. Foley's made a 6-man tag with T&A and a partner of their choosing. Apparently she chose Kane without consulting him first because no one's bigger or stronger, and there's no one she'd rather have more than him on their team. Kane says her mammary glands don't impress her (that's a quote) nor does he have an interest in hooking up with her boys. That is until she mentions they're facing Rikishi and Too Cool, plus she stirs the pot much like Just Joe, saying the locker room is saying Rikishi manhandled him on Raw. Kane knows what she's trying to do as he backs her against a steel door but vows to finish what he started.
Commercial
Replay of the finish to the Hardcore Title match.
Tazz comes out has two things to talk about. First, his long-time colleague Michael Cole. He says it's a shame the guy is stuck sitting next to "that," that being Lawler. He says Cole is going to be sitting with him on Heat that coming Sunday. He calls Lawler is the B-Team and calls himself, the one-man crime spree, the A-Team. Then he moves on. He says he doesn't have many friends but has one with him tonight, someone who doesn't see eye to eye with him often, but they do have a lot in commo, that being Raven, a "real handsome man."
Raven comes out and explains that Tazz understands his suffering, and that's why they've aligned together. He says Tazz understands his pain, which is something a King would know nothing about. Lawler gets on the mic says the one thing he knows about is Tazz, calling him the illegitimate retarded son of Mr. T. (again, an exact quote). He admits he doesn't know much about Raven but wants to know if the bag lady has his clothes. Raven kinda brushes it off and says we make out own choices in life, while sometimes a choice is made for us, and sometimes there is no choice. He says it's typical of Lawler's ilk, with their fancy clothes and middle-class suburbia, two-car garage, white picket fence, kids, a dog, pretzels and diet coke, to make fun of people like him and Tazz from the lower class, people who live in squalor and poverty. He says Lawler doesn't know what it's like to watch his parents beg for change, to live in a box. He whines about not getting a hot dog and asks "What about Raven?"
Now Jericho interrupts wearing a Rangers jersey. He tells Tazz and "Raisin" to shut the hell up before recapping what he's been through the last few weeks, but says none of it was as painful as listening to their brutally boring speeches. Jericho compares Raven's question to the plight of the African Anteater, or the price of bacon in Saskatoon, and says no one cares about either of them. He says the Jerichoholics care about seeing him, and challenges them to a tag match against him and Lawler tonight. Raven goes to accept and Tazz cuts him off saying they can go right now. They immediately go after Lawler who is oddly dressed to wrestle, and Jericho rushes down to even things up, Raven and Tazz hightail it.
Lilian Garcia is backstage with Hunter. He says that everyone's wondering if he and Rock can get along given their history and says it's a tricky answer. He says he doesn't like Rock, never has and never will, but they've fought around the world, they've pushed each other to the limit, and if he has to stand with anyone he knows Rock can get the job done, assuming he can keep his massive ego in check. He says it's not about grandstanding or hogging the spotlight, and if Rock remembers that no one can stop them.
Commercial
Plug for Heat, debuting on MTV that coming Sunday.
Too Cool & Rikishi vs T&A & Kane (w/ Trish Stratus)
Scotty and Albert start the match. Scotty takes control in the corner with rights only to be whipped across the ring and caught in a double-underhook suplex. Albert misses an elbow and Sexy tags in. Albert sent to the corner, gets the boots up, but Too Cool slide under and out of the ring to trip him up. Scotty off the top tries a crossbody, gets top, but then Sexay comes off the top with a dropkick for two. Sexay sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop, then a clothesline, but gets nailed with one from behind.
Test tags in, Sexay sent off the ropes, popped up and dropped to the mat. Test pops him up again and lets him drop before following with a clothesline. Albert back in, Sexay sent off the ropes into a shoulder block, then catapulted throat first into the middle rope. Test back in, Albert staring daggers at Kane as he does, Sexay sent to the corner, gets a boot up, comes off the middle rope with a clothesline.
Rikishi gets the hot tag and in comes Albert, running into a Samoan drop, then one for Test. Albert gets a hip attack in the corner and Scotty follows with a bulldog, setting up for The Worm. Albert tags Kane in, Rikishi immediately on the attack and Kane comes back with rights. Kane sent off the ropes and hits a DDT. Kane sent to the corner and caught with a Samoan drop on the rebound. Hip attack misses in the corner, Kane goes for the chokeslam but Test gets the blind tag before he can connect, which gets him a chokeslam instead and Kane leaves. Albert goes after Kane allowing Rikishi to hit the Banzai Drop on Test for the win. (5:21) Pretty good tag match here.
Too Cool dance post match. This is all really weird given the fact that sometime in the next month Rikishi turns heel.
Commercial
Footage from earlier in the day where RTC protested against Playboy, which segues into behind-the-scenes footage of Chyna's Playboy shoot.
Jerry "the King" Lawler & Chris Benoit vs Tazz & Raven
Tazz and Jericho start the match with quick exchange, Jericho takes control with some chops in the corner. Jericho sent across the ring, gets Tazz with an elbow and hits a missile dropkick from the middle rope. Lawler tags in and they double team with boots, Lawler follows with a snapmare and a fist drop from the middle rope Tazz quickly retreats to tag out to Raven. Rsven takes control with a cheap shot and a discus elbow. Lawler sent off the ropes, avoids a back drop and delivers a rights. Lawler goes for the piledriver but Tazz makes the save and hits a clothesline, allowing Raven to bounce Lawler's head off the mat repeatedly.
Tazz tags in and whips Lawler into the corner repeatedly, then Tazz delivers some shots before Raven tags back in. Lawler sent into the corner then thrown to the mat. Lawleer sent off the ropes, avoids a backdrop and counters with a piledriver. Jericho gets te hot tag with clotheslines, then knocks Tazz off the apron. Jericho sent off the ropes and hits a forearm. then the bulldog for two. Raven counters am an Irish whip but gets caught in the Walls. Lawler knocks Tazz off the apron as he tries to make the save.
Referee goes to deal with Tazz and Lawler. X-Pac runs in and tries to hit a spin kick from behind but Jericho ducks and drops him with a right. Jericho hits the Lionsault on X-Pac, Raven hits the Evenflow DDT for the win. (3:28) Too short but a good match.
X-Pac continues the attack, then Raven and Tazz join in until the Dudleyz run out for the save.
Kevin Kelly is backstage with Rock, and asks how he feels about teaming with Hunter given their history. To answer, Rock asks Hermie how he'd feel about getting kicked in his tiny balls right now. Kevin says he wouldn't feel very good and that's exactly how Rock feels. He says he doesn't want to team with Hunter and knows the feeling is mutual, he doesn't like or trust Hunter. He knows the cliche is to say he respects the guy, and while he doesn't respect Hunter as a person, he respects that he's a 4x WWF Champion and gets the job done He says all Hunter has to do is tag him in so he can lay the smackdown on their candy asses.
Commercial
Chyna (w/ WWF Intercontinental Champion Eddie Guerrero) vs Steven Richards (w/ Val Venis)
Richards has words until he's shoved down, then Chyna delivers forearms. Richards sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then gets a couple kicks into the gut. Ricahrds leaves the ring only to be sent face first off the steps, then they return to the ring. Chyna gets tripped by Val trying to come off the ropes and Steven drops her with a clothesline. Eddie argues with Val, ref goes to deal with them allowing Steven to choke her with his tie.
Val with shots and kicks to the ribs, then choking her in the corner before following with a suplex. Steven gets in her face while she's down and gets him with a testicular claw, tossing him across the ring by the balls. Chyna with clotheslines, then Steven sent back and forth across corners to set up for the handspring elbow. Chyna removes her top leaving her in a bra as Steven drops in the corner, Val gets on the apron to argue with the referee and Eddie who's also on the apron. Chyna removes her shorts to reveal a thong. Val runs in, misses a clothesline, Eddie pulls him out of the ring. Steven pops up and also misses a clothesline, Chyna hits a DDT for the win. (3:17)
Chyna makes a quick escape with Eddie.
Foley is playing checkers with himself in his office, which tonight I can't figure out where it is, but in walks Regal. He has a problem with what Austin did on Raw, calling him a beer-swilling heathen. Foley pulls out a salt shaker to make a dad joke. Foley defends Austin saying he can't relate to the bourgeois themes of Hamlet, saying he would have much preferred Henry VIII, saying he quotes it all the time. Regal is not amused and suggests that maybe Austin doesn't respect Foley or what he does, and that the other people backstage think Foley is a joke. Foley says he's going to get more involved and leaves.
Commercial
More political bullshit.
Foley comes out and sits at the top of the ramp in a metal folding chair.
WWF European Championship: Al Snow (c) vs X-Pac
Pre-Match: Al this week is representing France, he comes out walking a poodle, he's wearing a beret, a rose in his mouth and even tosses some baguettes and fries into the crowd. He also gives commentary a picture of Pepe le Pew.
X-Pac grabs the Pepe picture and smashes it over the commentary table. Al immediately goes after him with rights before taking it to the ring, X-Pac taking control with elbows. X-Pac sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a spin kick. More elbows by X-Pac, then Al sent to the corner and avoids a splash. Al wirh rights now, then X-Pac sent across the ring, gets a boot up and runs into a powerslam for two.
Scoop slam by Al, who goes up top, tries a moonsault but X-Pac gets his knees up. Al retreats to the corner but it sets him up for a Bronco Buster. Just as he's about to hit it Austin's music hits stopping X-Pac in his tracks. Foley gets up from his chair ready to use it, but of course Austin comes out through the crowd , enters the ring and hits Stunners on both X-Pac and Al, and even one for the referee. (2:01)
Foley walks up the ramp for a face to face with Foley, Foley says something but Austin walks off.
Rock is backstage and up walks Hunter. He says this isn't about tagging Rock and that he doesn't like him, but it's also not about who's better, it's about kicking ass together. Rock says they can talk all night but it won't change anything between them, and tells him to get in the ring and prove that he is that damn good. Rock goes to leave but Hunter pulls him back, tells Rock not to worry about him, and to just bring it.
Commercial
Replay of what happened at the end of that last match.
Commentary promote Heat's debut on MTV, where Austin and Disturbed will be there.
Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit vs Triple H & The Rock (WWF Champion) (w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley)
Pre-Match: Hunter doesn't even wait for Rock before he attacks Benoit in the corner until Angle intervenes, only to eat some rights. Hunter holds his own until he gets double teamed in the corner, then Rock finally comes out. Rock and Hunter take control, Benoit and Angle get tossed to the floor.
Angle and Benoit argue on who starts until Benoit tosses him in. Hunter starts with rights before taking Angle to the corner, then sent across the ring, ducks a clothesline and hits a neckbreaker. Rock tags in then sends Angle to the corner, eats an elbow and catches Anglw with a belly to belly for two. Rock sent off the ropes into a back elbow, then Angle tags in Benoit. Benoit lays in with rights, then Rock is sent off the ropes into a knee to the gut for two. Angle back in, then sent off the ropes and caught with a Samoan drop for two.
Hunter back in, then sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline, then Angle sent off the ropes into a high knee. Hunter back off the ropes hits a facebuster, cover and Benoit breaks it up. Hunter sent off the ropes, kneed in the back by Benoit allowing Angle to hit a belly to belly. Benoit back in with stomps to the ribs in the corner. Hunter gets caught in the crossface, then Angle clotheslines Rock out of the ring as he tries to make the save. Rock eventually makes the save anyways..
Benoit tries his back-to-back Germans but gets shoved into Angle after the first, Hunter rolls him up for two. Benoit and Angle shove each other. Angle enters, decks Benoit, Hunter tries to capitalize with a Pedigree but Angle makes the save. Benoit connects with a back suplex before hitting the flying headbutt to the injured ribs, covers and Rock saves, only for Angle to attack from behind. Rock tosses him out to the floor.
Steph gets on the apron while Angle sends Rock face first off the steps. Angle grabs the title, slides in, tries to hit Hunter but Rock pulls Angle out before he can use it before sending him off the announce table. Hunter uses the belt on Benoit, covers but the ref is busy with Rock and Angle on the floor. Angle slips away to hit Hunter in the back of the head with the belt, pulls Benoit on top but Hunter kicks out.
Rock gets the hot tag and in comes Angle. Rights from Rock t oBenoit and Angle, Benoit getting sent to the floor. Spinebuster on Angle sets up for the People's Elbow and a cover but Benoit saves. Hunter knocks him to the floor., then gets sent into the steps. Angle with a back suplex on Rock. Benoit tries to hit Hunter with a chair but Steph intercepts. from behind. Angle gets between then, Hunter sends Benoit face first off the steps. Benoit goes off the announce table and does Angle, multiple times, before Rock tosses Angle back in. Rock has a chair, tries to use it on Angle but Steph intercepts. Angle Slam connects to win the match. (9:28) Pretty good main event here.
Steph is clapping on the apron as the show fades out.
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