My Wrestling History - PPV by PPV. Updated - WrestleMania X8.

ROYAL RUMBLE 2000

Social distancing is a bitch, and its playing havoc with the current wrestling landscape including potentially ruining WrestleMania, I thought I would take a trip back throughout my own wrestling history and I invite you to join me.  I'll be rewatching, reliving and reviewing EVERY WWF/E PPV that I have seen since I started watching wrestling. Im hoping to do atleast a PPV a week, maybe more but definitely not less (unless Im on holiday or something).  We'll look at matches, builds, backgrounds, etc etc etc.  With WrestleMania 36 just around the corner, what better place to start than the Royal Rumble 2000!

The first match on the card sees the undefeated Kurt Angle face an unannounced opponent - making his WWF debut, ECW's "Suplex King" Tazz.

Kurt Angle vs Tazz

Not much of a build as Tazz was unannounced.  Angle, having debuted at the prior Survivor Series has been on a winning streak since.  He cuts a pretty decent promo for a guy who's only been a pro-wrestler for a couple of months.  I cant think of anyone who took to wrestling like Angle did.  Such a rare breed.  Tazz has just left the sinking ship of ECW, making his WWF debut infront of a rabid Madison Square Garden crowd.  Its seriously one of the more underrated pops, the crowd go nuts.

I remember this being a squash, but Angle gets a surprising amount of offense in, including giving Tazz a vertical suplex on the concrete ramp.  The only offense Tazz gets in is a flurry of suplexes (which look awesome by the way) and chokes out Angle with the Tazmission.  Angle sells afterwards and has to get stretchered to the back.  

Winner via Submisson - Tazz

Rating: 2 Stars.  It was a fine, short match putting Tazz over. Angle still looked good and he had an out that the Tazmission is an illegal choke.  Nothing groundbreaking but it did its job and was fine for what it was. Fun fact: Tazz was the wrestler who brought visual tap outs to US wrestling, prior to him it was all verbal, and it was popularised by Ken Shamrock in WWF.

Next up we have the Dudley Boys vs the Hardy Boys in the first ever Tag Team Table match.  The Dudleys (especially Bubba) had a thing for putting women through tables.  They went after the Hardys manager Terri (Who's services they had won by winning the Terri Invitational Tournament (TIT - thanks Russo)) and put her through a table on the RAW before the Rumble.  The Hardys returned the favour by putting both Dudleys through tables on SmackDown, and so we have this match.

The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz - Tag Team Tables match

And what a match it is.  This is just carnage from the get go.  Its really difficult to do play by play here because this match starts at a ten and doesnt slow down.  A scary looking moment when Jeff dives a fraction too early to put Bubba through a table, which causes Matt to leg drop right on Bubbas head on the outside. The Hardys take the lead 1-0. Theres  a mad flurry which see's both Hardys put themselves through tables within a few seconds of each other.  The Dudleys take control and powerbomb Matt Hardy through a table in the ring to even the score 1-1.  Theres a skirmish around the ramp area, which ends with Bubba taking a couple of sick head chair shots before falling off a balcony and through about 4 stacked tables.  The match ends when Jeff does a super Senton (not yet the Swanton) bomb from the same balcony and putting DVon through a table.

Winners - The Hardy Boyz

Rating: 4 Stars.  Its one of the craziest 10 minutes of wrestling you'll see anywhere.  Theres that old cliche of "being in a car wreck" but this match is the closest thing you'll get.  Loved every minute of it and this is a hidden gem to look out on the Network.

JR reminds me how old I am by mentioning that Shawn Michaels winning the Rumble from No.1 but skinning the cat in 1995 was "only a few years ago".  Jesus.

I think the less said about the Miss Rumble 2000 swimsuit contest the better, we've thankfully moved on from this.  The jist of it is several female talent show off bikinis but the judges rule Mae Young as the winner because she gets her puppies out.  Thankfully theres a big censored bar on screen and Mark Henry (God love him) tries his best but you still see way more than you need to.  One thing about this segment is now that Im older I can appreciate seeing the legends the roped into being involved in this.  They had comedian Andy Richter, Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea, Johnny Valiant, 'Classie' Freddie Blassie and the Fabulous Moolah.  For the sake of completion, the women who competed were Ivory, Terri, Jacqueline, Barbara Bush (not that one), Luna Vachon (who refused to derobe, good for her) and The Kat.  So yeah, this was a thing that happened...  Moving on.

Chyna (co-c) vs Chris Jericho (co-c) vs Hardcore Holly - Triple Threat for the Intercontinental Championship

We have a Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental championship, which at this point was held by both Chris Jericho and Chyna.  Jericho won the title from Chyna at Armageddon the month prior, but during a rematch two officials declared both of them winners.  They became Co-Champions, however they would defend the title seperately and if one of them lost, they both lost the IC title.  Hardcore Holly was added after he lost a title match vs Chyna when Jericho interfered, and demanded be added to the match to find out who is the rightful Intercontinental Champion.  Chyna puts Holly in the Walls of Jericho and Y2J breaks it up with a facebuster before hitting Chyna with the Lionsault for the three count.  Thats about all there is to say on this one.  Chyna also hit a pedigree on Holly at one point.

Winner via Pinfall and Undisputed IC Champion - Chris Jericho

Rating: 1.5 Stars.  To be fair, it wasnt a badly executed match, and all three talent were fine in their own right, it was just pretty boring and entirely forgettable.  The crowd have never cared for Holly, and Jericho has just recently turned face so the crowd arent that into him, but what face heat he is getting it face heat that Chyna isnt, so all three get fairly subdued reactions from the crowd. Shame, Jericho tried his best to get the crowd excited pre-match but theres only so much one man can do.

The New Age Outlaws (c) vs The Acolytes - WWF Tag Team championship

The recently reunited Outlaws are in their 5th reign as WWF tag champs, and they've been feuding with the Acolytes over the past month.  Road Dogg does his classic intro speech and despite technically being heels they are over as all hell.  Its amazing how hot the crowd are for this.  The Acolytes come out to a decent reaction.  We get a taste of all the signature moves before Xpac interferes to help his DX stable mates and Billy Gunn pins Bradshaw after a Fameasser in about 2 minutes.

Winners via Pinfall - The New Age Outlaws

Rating: 0 stars.  History has been made.  In the first of this series we have a zero star match.  Was over before it begun and never went anywhere.  Hopefully the next match is better...

Whooooo baby.  Lets do this.  The McMahon Helmsley Era have been running things since HHH took out Vince McMahon.  HHH is recently in his third run with the WWF title after defeating the Big Show a couple of weeks ago on RAW thanks to DX.  Mick Foley was the one superstar to stand up to them, and paid for it with his job.  After the firing of Foley, The Rock staged a mass protest with the entire locker room, demanding he be reinstated or they would all walk out in solidarity.  HHH relented and Foley was brought back and granted a title match at the Royal Rumble.  HHH destroyed Mankind a week later after an 8 man tag match.  On the following SmackDown, Foley cut one of his most memorable promos ever.  He declared Mankind was not prepared to face HHH in a street fight, but he had a substitute lined up.  He took off his mask and shirt to reveal a Cactus Jack shirt, and stormed the ring while Triple H looked like he'd seen a ghost.  Cactus Jack was back, and HHH was scared for his life.

Triple H (c) vs Cactus Jack - Street Fight for the WWF Championship

Jack gains the early advantage after repeated punches, and they fought outside the ring, where Triple H hit Jack with the ring bell. Triple H then hit Jack with a chair, but Jack got up, and performed a leg drop with the chair. The fight continued into the audience, with Jack performing a suplex onto pallets (infamously sticking a sizeable chunk of wood into HHH's calf), and using a trash can. Triple H hits a belly to back suplex, but Jack comes back with a running knee lift into the steel steps. Jack attempts to use a barbed wire two-by-four, but Triple H performed a low blow, and used the weapon on Jack. Jack came back, hit Triple H's groin with the weapon, and performed a double arm DDT. Jack attacked Triple H's head repeatedly with the weapon. Jack attempted a back to belly piledriver through the announce table, but Triple H countered with a back body drop. Jack countered a Pedigree attempt and performed a bulldog onto the two-by-four. Triple H performed a hip toss into the steps, and targeted Jack's knees, using the two-by-four. Triple H then handcuffed Jack but as he tried to use the steel steps, Jack performed a drop toe hold, sending Triple H's head into the steps. Triple H came back by using the chair - mirroring the spot Foley and Rock did the year prior. However, The Rock came out, and blasted a bloody Triple H across the face with a chair, as a police officer removed Jack's handcuffs. Jack performed a pulling Texas piledriver on the announce table, and spilled a bag of thumbtacks in the ring. Triple H came back with a back body drop onto the thumbtacks, and a Pedigree, but Jack kicks out at two!  The crowd cant believe it, JR and King cant believe it, HHH cant believe it and by god I cant believe it.  An infuriated Triple H finally performed a Pedigree onto the thumbtacks to win, and retain his title.

Winner via Pinfall and Still WWF Champion - Triple H

After the match HHH gets loaded onto a stretcher as Jack recovers in the ring.  He charges the EMT's and throws HHH back into the ring and still with tacks in his head and back, drops hims with the two-by-four one last time, signalling that this feud is far from over.

Rating: 5 stars.  History is made once again as we go from a 0 star to a 5 star classic.  20 years on and this is STILL the best street fight WWE have ever put on.  Mick Foley gave HHH everything, and solidified HHH as a top star in the same way he would later do for Randy Orton and Edge.  Fun fact:  Jack wasnt meant to kick out of the first pedigree, but called an audible and took a second onto the thumbtacks to help get HHH over as a badass heel willing to do whatever it takes.  I absolutely love everything about this match and Jack was instantly my favourite.  If you someone still havent seen this match I implore you to seek it out.

Phew, main event time.

Royal Rumble Match

Im not going to go through the whole thing otherwise we'll be here forever.  Rikishi gets a solid run including a dance spot with his buddys Too Cool.  He gets the most eliminations in the match with 7 before getting ganged up on by about 6 guys to be eliminated.  Test is the marathon man at 26:17 - the shortest time recorded for the longest time in one match if that makes sense.  Bob Backlund makes a surprise appearance and gets a good reception from the New York crowd.  Road Dogg spends most of the match hugging the bottom rope.  There are several invasions by Kai-En-Tai and the Mean Street Posse, and Taka Michinoku takes a bad landing the second time he is "eliminated" landing right on his face.  We see about 4 replays of it with King laughing hysterically each time.  Xpac gets the Stone Cold '97 spot by being eliminated but sneaking back in because the referees were distracted.  Thankfully he doesnt win like Austin did.  The final two are Big Show and The Rock, with The Rock eventually getting the better of Show and managing to eliminate him while keeping both feet of the floor....

Winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble - The Rock

Rating: 2 stars.  Incredibly predictable but not in a good way. Aside from Rock and Big Show there was no one else who could believably win. No Austin and no Undertaker.  Jericho and Angle are still undercard talents.  Benoit and Guerrero were on the cusp of signing. Kane and Bob Backlund were the only other former WWF champions in the match but Kane was back in the mid card and Bob was a 50 year old special guest entrant for a pop.  Its a shame, but they did their best with what the had.  There have certainly been worse Rumble matches, but this one is nothing special.  Middle of the road.

Pros.
Kurt Angle is already showing his massive potential
Tables match was chaotic
Street Fight was an instant classic
The Crowd were into everything for the most part

Cons.

IC title match was forgettable
Miss Royal Rumble
Waste of a tag title match
Predictable Royal Rumble match

Overall verdict

An overall fairly average PPV, saved by two awesome matches.  Does it hold up today?  Tough call, but I dont think it quite does.  The tables match and street fight are definitely worth looking out, and the Rumble match had some decent spots in it despite slowing down in the second half.  However, its bogged down in the middle and suffers for it.  Theres plenty to look forward to though.  The Radicalz are about to sign and give the midcard a massive talent injection, and HHH vs Cactus Jack still has more to give.  We'll see how this transpires at next months No Way Out.  If I had to give it a score I'd think 6/10 is fair.  

Thanks for taking the time to read, and with the pandemic not looking like its going away any time soon, I'll hopefully have another review up before the week is up.  Hope to see you there.

Really interested to read that. Cultaholic are doing a Smackdown retrospective podcast by episode of this time period, so listening to that has got me back into watching shows from around this era 'with' them. I watched maybe a month's worth of shows at this point.

The last episode I watched was the famous one where Mick Foley revealed Cactus Jack as Trip's surprise opponent at the Rumble, which in hindsight had all the potential to fall incredibly flat, so I think I have a week to go before getting round to this show.

Re-watching has made me notice things I just wouldn't have picked up on as kid (I was 9 when this PPV aired) you've mentioned Jeff's senton to Swanton bomb, which was one, Scotty 2 Hotty using the worm almost as a mid match move rather than what it would become, and people like Too Cool getting more and more over as ever week passes.

I know it might be early days if this is the first one you've re-watched, but is there anybody who's changing your opinion of them or bits you didn't remember? For me I always thought of Al Snow as being pretty decent, and a good character guy, but his heel run at this time is fairly average, great theme for a heel though.

I'm quite looking forward to re-watching this one, as it's a show I always had fond memories of (although I think it's got nothing on the 2001 show). I remember the Dudleys / Hardys match as being a car-wreck as you say, but I used to love matches like that, and was a huge Hardy's fan at the time, so it'll be interesting to see whether everything holds up or my opinion differs to yours or my memory!

I’ve been really slowly watching Raw from 98 and I’m up to No Way Out 2000, so I’m very much with you on this period too!

What I noticed most of all is how short and basically sh*t most tv wrestling is. The importance of actual wrestling back when wrestling was at arguably its TV peak is so minimal.

But everyone has a story. There’s so much interlinking in them too. You generally have an idea of why a match is happening or what is going on with the characters around each match, but it doesn’t feel so forced by commentary like it does now.

The match quality often extends to PPV. It does start to get a bit better around this time, but it felt a lot like PPVs were filler events until the big match.

What this time period has is some absolutely star-making performances. Foley absolutely makes HHH in this period. Trips is obviously doing some great work, and the sell for the Cactus reveal makes a weird moment into a really good one (as well as fans that understand and give a sh*t), but Mick did put in the kind of performances he hadn’t been able to or motivated to in a long time (by his own admission).

What’s fascinating about this spell is the stars coming through and being made. This year probably makes legends of HHH, Rock, Edge & Christian, Hardys, Dudleys whilst Angle, Benoit and Jericho have moments.

There’s also reminders in there of how some could have failed, especially with some of the weird stuff for Jericho.

I implore you to watch the Ruthless Aggression documentary series, if you haven’t already. I know it’s not this period, but the Lesnar episode alone highlights another freak who took to wrestling at a ridiculous speed. And was gone in a flash too

Marsh wrote:
I know it might be early days if this is the first one you've re-watched, but is there anybody who's changing your opinion of them or bits you didn't remember? For me I always thought of Al Snow as being pretty decent, and a good character guy, but his heel run at this time is fairly average, great theme for a heel though.

I never really rated Al Snow, but I’ve spent some time watching his recent shoot interviews and seminars and I’ve got a newfound appreciation for him. He’s got a great mind for the business and really gets how important psychology is in a wrestling match. Also, going back with the knowledge about wrestling I have now makes me appreciate how special a surprise appearance from guys like Backlund and Blassie were.

Im looking forward to seeing guys like Malenko and Saturn again, I dont think those two got a fair crack at the whip compared to Benoit and Guerrero. Its also amazing what a hot crowd can do, they help turn a C+ show into an A.

Dolph: the match quality across the board over the next few months alone is staggering, and it only gets better going into 2001 when Austin is back proper. Cant wait to get there. The Ruthless Aggression series is on the watchlist for sure.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Appreciate it.

Here's an arguement for you - DOne many times, but hey, we're bored!

Best era of WWF/WWE?

Is Hulk Hogan/Ultimate Warrior/Legion of doom/Natual disasters better than Rock/Austin/Hardy boys/Dudley Boyz?

Al I know, and its an age thing, is that both eras above are better than Orten/Cena/The OC/etc

I think its just going to boil down to personal preference because each era did something better than the rest.

Ruthless Aggression was always my favourite, and I think the match and story quality overall was much higher than anything before or since. It had its fair share of bum notes, sure, nothings perfect.

NO WAY OUT 2000

Its time for No Way Out. I know I said I would be back within the week but what are you going to do?  Turns out I underestimated how long it takes to write these up, plus it was Mania week and Final Fantasy 7 just got released so I've been busy.  Sue me. Anyway, on with the show. Will HHH survive Hell in a Cell and escape with not just his WWF title, but Mick Foleys career?  Or can Cactus win it all?  We'll finally figure out who the rightful No. 1 contender is to the WWF title, and both the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles are on the line.  Without further ado, lets do this.

Chris Jericho (c) vs Kurt Angle - Intercontinental Championship

Both men trade offense and advantage early on, neither managed a sustained period of control until Angle starts working Jerichos left arm.  Jericho manages to switch the momentum after a flurry of big moves including an excellent spinning heel kick, a running facebuster and a huge flying forearm.  Angle counters a pinfall attempt into an armbar, continuing targeting the arm before Jericho makes the ropes.  Angle back in control and hits the Olympic Slam but taunts the crowd before going for the pin, giving Jericho time to rally and kick out.  A frustrated Angle gets the Intercontinental title and when he goes to use it Jericho drops him and locks him in the Walls of Jericho.  Angle manages to make it to the ropes and rolls out the ring.  After a small skirmish Angle gets HIS European title, however Chyna attempts to intervene, she dodges a title shot but Jericho attacks Angle from behind, causing him to smash Chyna into the steel steps.  Jericho suplexes Angle from the apron to the middle of the ring.  He hits the Lionsault but Angle as the IC title and smashes Jericho in the face with it, he rolls over and pins Jericho to win the match.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Kurt Angle.

Angle is loaded with gold now, adding the prestigious Intercontinental title to his olympic gold medal and his European title.

Rating: 3 stars.  A fine first outing for these two, given more time they could have had a real barn burner.

Road Dogg starts his entrance speech as we see a Pseudo-Cell built around the ramp - it looks awesome.  Outlaws are still crazy over.  The ECW icons dont get much of a response in Hartford.

New Age Outlaws vs Dudleys - Tag team titles.

Bubba and Road Dogg start off, Bubba counters the Shake Rattle and Roll with a full nelson powerbomb.  The Dudleys hit the WASSAP low blow while the ref is distracted by Gunn.  The Dudleys keep working of Road Dogg. Billy Gunn eventually gets the hot tag and runs riot before dropping DVon with a fameasser.  Bubba pulls him out the ring to break up the count.  Road Dogg hits a knee drop and makes a cover - despite not being the legal man - and Dvon kicks out at two - despite Road Dogg not being the legal man.  Bubba pulls Gunn off his apron and lamps him in the shoulder with a lead pipe.  The Dudleys hit the 3D on Road Dogg and get the 3 counts.

Winners and NEW Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Right, we need some backstory here.  The legend goes that Bubba injured Gunn with the pipe shot, but watching this match its clear Gunn was injured from the very beginning.  He was very obviously protecting his left arm, even during the hot tag phase he wasnt using that arm, and its why Road Dogg did most of the work.  Obviously a match put together to protect Gunn as much as possible, but it was still quite sloppy at bits.  Not a classic but its of note because its the Dudleys first tag title reign in the WWF.

We see Angle (a heel) celebrating wildy with fans in the concourse area.  We see a repeat of how he won the title. We see a clip from last RAW last monday night where Viscera hit a big splash on a - sigh - pregnant May Young.  Mark Henry is here to get revenge.  Jesus christ it looks like Henry hasnt aged a day in 20 years apart from putting on a bit of weight and growing his hair.  Neither man get much of a response from the crowd for this impromptu match that was only set up on Sunday Night Heat.  Viscera's music is terrible, Mark Henry has sexual chocolate so 10/10 for that.

Mark Henry vs Viscera

Fun fact; Viscera means guts and internal organs.  Theres a couple of cool spots with the stairs, and Henry ends up under the larger part.  Viscera calls for the ref to count him out before inexplicably lifting the stairs off and throwing Henry back in the ring.  Audible boring chant.  May Young charges the ring, Viscera drops her.  He goes for a splash but Henry shoulder blocks him, then hits a big powerslam for the 3 count.

Winner via Pinfall - Mark Henry

Rating: 0 stars. Not a good match. At all. Such a bad match infact that this would be Mark Henrys last PPV match until Survivor Series 2003 where he was in Team Bischoff vs Team Austin.

We get an interview with Jericho who isnt happy with Angle and we see Billy Gunn being treated.  Big pop as the Hardy Boyz music hits, they're accompanied to the ring by Terri much to Kings excitement.  They're facing Edge and Christian.  Good stuff.  The Canadian duo are Shield 0.1 as they make their entrance through the crowd.  Suddenly the Acolytes make their way ringside.  They've been hired by Terri to protect her from the Dudley Boys - the dawn of the APA.

The Hardy Boys vs Edge & Christian - Number 1 contenders match.

After surviving the Dudleys at the Royal Rumble, the Hardy Boys almost found common ground with Edge and Christian (the two teams have shared respect for each other after their amazing ladder match at No Mercy 99), which lead to the Dudleys putting E&C through tables.  It all culminated in D-Von winning a triple threat between himself, Edge and Jeff Hardy so the Dudleys got the title shot tonight and these two going at it tonight.

Jeff missed a corkscrew moonsault early on - vintage Jeff.  Hardys in control early on against Christian, almost wrestling a heel style.  Poetry in Motion (awesome) followed by a huge clothesline gets a two count.  Jeff hits an out-n-in springboard moonsault for a two, and a bit double flapjack, face buster thing for another 2 count.  Matt goes for what looks like a Razors Edge but Christian counters.  He still doesnt have it in him to get to Edge for the tag, but he gets the knees up to counter a splash from Jeff and gets the tag to Edge.  Edge clears house.  Christain hits a springboard crossbody to Matt on the outside while Edge works on Jeff.  E&C in control now.  Edge and Jeff trade counters before Edge hits a piledriver.  Its weird seeing that as a throwaway transition move.  The match slows down so JR and King start predicting the Hell in a Cell match later.  Edge hits a huge sitout powerbomb which would normally end a match but doesnt make a cover.  Christian tags in, hits a powerslam then tags out so Edge can have another rest hold.  The match starts to pick up when Matt gets a hot tag.  Jeff goes for poetry in motion but Edge plucks him out the air with a spear.  Jeff goes for the Senton Bomb but Terri pushes him off the top rope, she slaps Matt who takes the Unprettier from Christian, and its good for a 3 count.  

Winners and New Number 1 contenders to the Tag Titles - Edge and Christian.

Terri celebrates ring side and Matt grabs her by the hair.  The APA dont like that very much so get in the ring and dominate the Hardys.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  The opposite of the opener, I think this one went about 4 minutes too long. Would have been a much better match without alot of the fluff and the weird finish.

Tazz vs Big Bossman w/ Prince Albert

How is Albert ringside?  You cant hold a manager license and a wrestler license at the same time.  Gorilla Monsoon would be turning in his grave.  JR trying his best to put Tazz over but he's already on the decline.  The match starts on the outside when Bossman goes after Tazz on the ramp.  Tazz calling on his history of fighting big men by throwing the considerably larger Ray Traylor around.  Tazz locks in the Tazzmission but Albert attacks him to cause the DQ.

The beatdown continues after the bell with some audible cowpat chants from the crowd.  Tazz refuses to give up and everytime it looks like he's fighting back he gets beat down again.  The beatdown seemingly ends when Bossman breaks his nightstick over Tazz's head, but Tazz keeps on fighting back.  A low blow ends it before the referees and Sgt Slaughter run down to break it up.

Winner via Disqualification - Tazz

Rating: 1 star.  It wasnt so much a match, but an angle.  It put Tazz over really strong as someone who is almost impossible to keep down.  Will this be the start of a push for Tazz? (Spoiler: no.)

We see Angle still celebrating with the crowd, this time he has a megaphone.  Then we go straight into the video package for our next match.

Kane vs Xpac - No Holds Barred.

Former tag team champions turned bitter rivals for seemingly no reason, Xpac just turned on Kane, with Kanes girlfriend Tori also betraying him.  Kane wanted revenge and was granted this match by HHH once he defeated HHH and Big Show in a handicap match.

The fight quickly makes it way up the ramp, where Xpac uses the steel cage set up to attack Kane, nothing seems to work as Kane keeps stalking him. Kane hits Xpac with clubbing blows and starts throwing Xpac around the crowd area.  Kane misses a steel steps shot so throws the stairs into the ring in anger, before taking a shot to the head from the ring bell.  Paul Bearer attacks Xpac, Tori attacks Bearer, Bearer chases Tori etc etc.  Xpac drops Kane with a spinning back kick, then hits the 4th worst move in wrestling history, the Bronco Buster.  Kane no sells it and drops Xpac, but Xpac quickly regains control and starts working on Kanes left leg.  Kane catches Xpac coming off the top rope and looks like he's going for a tombstone, but Xpac escapes and hits a low blow followed by an X Factor.  Kane sells for about 4 seconds before he gets up and hits a chokeslam.  Tori leaps on Kanes back to try and distract him, but Kane pulls her over his shoulder and drills her with a tombstone.  He picks up the steel steps, but Xpac dropkicks them into his face, he lands with the stairs over his face and Xpac makes the quick cover.  Kane is back on his feet after about 3 seconds, and Tori has (almost) recovered enough to make her way to the back with Xpac, the Road Warriors would be proud of the amount of no selling on show her.

Winner via Pinfall - Xpac

Rating: 2 stars.  Decent enough but hardly any psychology.  Thats pretty much all there is to say.

We see the Radicalz backstage, making their WWF PPV debut.  Guerrero is injured with a legit dislocated elbow, but he's concealing a huge pipe in his sling for 'moral support'. His accent also doesnt sound as strong as it would become.  Hmm.

Too Cool & Rikishi vs The Radicalz (Benoit, Malenko and Saturn)

Three of the greatest technical wrestlers ever on one side, vs a very decent technical wrestler in his own right, the 'big man' to provide the muscle and Grand Master Sexay.  A big schmoz involving all six men ends when Rikishi splashes Malenko, and he thwarts Guerreros attempt to use the pipe, taking it from him and smashing him in the elbow, taking Eddie out of the equation.  The faces in control for the opening exchanges before Benoit takes the momentum.  Scotty 2 Hotty loses his hat and JR speculates whether that will be his team on the downward slope.  He gets his answer as Rikishi tags in to a good pop and clears house, hitting the 2nd worse move in wrestling history, the Stinkface on Benoit.  Radicalz finally regain control by targeting Rikishi's heavily tapped left ankle.  S2H looks for the 5th worst move in wrestling history, The Worm but he's dropped by Malenko, heels have control again, with quick tags isolating S2H.  Already massivley impressed with Malenko, and now I'm imagining the quality of matches he could have had with the likes of Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles. Chris Benoit (who has WCW World Heavyweight Champion no less than 6 weeks prior) is already looking like one of the best wrestlers in the company.  Rikishi tags in to a huge pop and he clears house again, before Scotty comes in and hits the Worm on Saturn (Ahem, DQ ref?) and in the confusion they lose track of who the legal men are (Rikishi and Malenko in case your wondering), GMS hits a huge legdrop on Saturn and as he makes the cover Benoit his him with a diving headbutt.  The four illegal men all spill to the outside as Malenko works on the Big Kish's leg.  Rikishi takes over, hits the Rikishi driver then a Banzai drop on Malenko for the three count.

The faces celebrate with a dance party in the ring while the heels make their way up the ramp.

Winners via Pinfall - Rikishi & Too Cool

Rating: 3.5 stars.  A very fun 6 man tag, bolstered by the sheer talent on display.  Apparently the Radicalz where booked to lose as a pressure test to see how the would react, and they were already on thin ice because of Guerrero getting injured so early on, with some of the brass wondering if they were worth signing in the first place.  Worth going back and watching.

Big Show vs The Rock No. 1 Contenders match for the WWF title.

This one came about as a result on the Royal Rumble match. Big Show is adamant he's been screwed, and demands a match against The Rock for the WrestleMania spot.  HHH says he'll give Big Show the match if he can prove that Rockys feet hit the mat first.  Everytime Big Show produces something HHH throws a curveball at him until Show comes back with video proof, and he gets his wish.  Now, the rumour goes that this was planned all along because Vince didnt want to have Rock vs HHH one on one, instead chosing to hold that off until the Backlash PPV.  Backlash ended up drawing 675,000 buys, which was the 2nd best buyrate of 2000 so, job well done I suppose.

The Rock and Big Show have spent weeks knocking seven bells out of each other, including Show throwing Rocky through a window, so this should be a barn burner, right?
The 28 year old(!) Big Show is out first, and the 27 year old (!!) Rock is out second to a huge pop.  The Rock ends a quick flurry of offense with a beautiful floatover DDT for a two count, but Show quickly gets control.  A brawl in the ringside area and the crowd, and the Rock hits back body drop over the guardrail and it doesnt get the reaction it deserves, from the crowd or the commentators.  Show hits a Gorilla Press onto the guard rail (up to atleast a 70 count by now) before finally getting back in the ring.  It must be easy being a giant wrestler because even the simple things look devastiting, like a clothesline on an elbow drop.  The Rock manages to get a couple of nearfalls with a Russian Legsweep and a DDT, but Big Show gets control back with a big sidewalk slam.  Big Show gets a chair and JR quite rightly says that it doesnt make sense, because if he gets DQ'd he doesnt go to Mania.  Senoir referee Earl Hebner is taken out and Big Show hits a chokeslam on Rock.  Tim Whyte makes his way to the ring to make the cover but Hebner pulls him out the ring.  Shane O'Mac makes his return to sort this mess out, meanwhile Rock hits show with a chair and a Rock Bottom, but as he goes for the 8th worst move in wreslting history, The Peoples Elbow, Shane charges the ring and clatters him over the head with the chair.  Big Show makes the cover and gets the pinfall.

Shane and Big Show celebrate while The Rock recovers in the ring.

Winner via Pinfall - Big Show

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Didnt live up to the expectation from the build. Probably could have made this a No Holds Barred and let them go at it.  I think most people would have had the Rock on their betting slip all day long, so a bit of an unexpected result.

Hold on to your asses, its time for the main event.  The night after the Royal Rumble, a cocky HHH challenged Cactus Jack to another match, and he lets Jack pick the stipulation.  Cactus Jack shocks the world and picks Hell in a Cell.  HHH will accept the match, but only if Mick Foley puts his career on the line.  JR and King put over the Cell huge, saying its the most dangerous match in WWF history, and you believe them.  We suddenly cut to Angle in the parking lot heading towards his car, but he's jumped by Jericho and Chyna and they dump him in the boot of his car.   HHH is first out.

Triple H (c) vs Cactus Jack - Hell in a Cell, WWF title vs Career.

HHH will not take his eyes off the Cell, showing respect but no fear.  Cactus Jacks theme is one of my favourites.  Foley keeps looking between HHH and the Cell, whilst he walks around the ring, the ominous Cell structure starts to lower, I hadnt seen anything like it.

Jack goes straight for the Cell door but its massively padlocked shut with about 8 different chains and locks, there really is No Way Out (wink wink). The Cell veteran Jack in control early on, trying repeatedly to grate the Cell virgin HHH's face against the Cell wall.  HHH gets control and takes in back in the ring for a wrestling match.  HHH bounces Jack from the apron to the Cell wall, then throws him off the steel steps.  Jack charges HHH but Hunter throws the steps at him and wipes him out.  Awesome.  HHH gets into Jacks world, covering him in the steps then beating them with a chair.  HHH bends a chair over Cactus' back, but Foley no sells so HHH drills him in the head with it.  HHH in control now, making repeated pinfall attempts.  Jack goads HHH to hit with him the chair but he low blows him, then hits the double arm DDT on the chair.  It takes him too long to make the cover though and HHH is able to kick out at 2.  Russian leg sweep on the chair but again HHH kicks out at 2.  Jack sets the chair up in the corner and sits HHH in it and pummels him with the Cactus rights, he charges but HHH counters and drop toe holds Jack face first into the chair.  Big clothesline over the top to Jack, and HHH starts bouncing him off the Cell wall.  HHH sets up for a Pedigree on the steel steps, but Jack takes his legs out from under him (HHH takes a gnarly looking spill on his back) before Jack catapults him into the Cell wall, busting HHH wide open.  Jack is now repeatedly throwing HHH into the Cell, HHH already has the "crimson mask".  Jack jumps from the second rope to the floor with a chair, splashing HHH.  Huge Foley chants from the crowd.  Cactus Jack throws the steps at HHH but he ducks, and the steps go through the Cell wall.  The crowd pop huge when they realise Jack can get outside now, throwing HHH clean throw the busted side of the Cell.  Jack with a Piledriver on the announce table, HHH is bleeding everywhere.  Jack starts to climb the Cell but Stephanie grabs his leg and pulls him back down.  Jack has a nasty cut somewhere on his arm, lots of blood.  He uncovers the timekeepers area and finds the two-by-four wrapped in barbed wire.  HHH see's this and tries to escape throw the crowd, but Jack catches him and drills him in the face with the barbed wire.  HHH starts to climb the Cell to escape, and Jack makes quick pursit with the 2x4.  HHH meets him at the top and stabs him in the head with the barbed wire, Jack loses his grip and falls from the side of the Cell through an announce table.  JR calls to the back for help while HHH celebrates on top the Cell.  Somehow Foley finds his way to his feet, his face now a bloody mess aswell.  Foley tries throwing chairs to the top of the Cell but cant quick do it, so he gives up and starts climbing the Cell again, HHH taunting him. Jack makes it to the top but HHH clobbers him with the 2x4, the barbed wire getting caught in Foleys shirt and starts to unravel.  Jack gets a low blow in, and reclaims his 2x4.  Every bump ont he cage gets a gasp from the crowd, and HHH nearly goes throw it in the corner, large audible gasp from the crowd - invoking memories of KotR 98.  Jack hits his double arm DDT on the top of the Cell, then gets the 2x4 and he SETS IT ON FIRE!  HHH takes a shot to the face with it!  Jack puts it down on the Cell and signals a Piledriver onto the 2x4, but HHH back body drops Cactus and the roof of the Cell breaks and Jack falls into the ring and the ring breaks under Jacks weight!  Cactus Jack lies motionless in the crater in the ring caused by his fall.  HHH climbs down through the hole in the roof and surveys the scene.  Huge Foley chants as he starts to move.  He crawls out of the hole and takes a hard right from HHH.  Another hard right but Cactus will not stay down.   HHH hits a Pedigree and mercifully ends it with a three count.

HHH lies against the bottom rope clutching his title while Foley lies motionless.  The Cell starts to lift as the EMT's get ringside to help Foley.

Winner via Pinfall and Still WWF Champion - Triple H.

Post match, Foley refuses help from the EMT's instead choosing to leave the arean under his own power to a standing ovation. One final look back to the crowd with tears in his eye, and Foleys in ring career is over as we go off the air, with JR thanking Mick Foley for everything.

Rating: 5 stars.  Still holds up as one of the best Hell in a Cell matches ever, and Mick Foley once again giving everything he has to help HHH get over.  Brilliant, and absolutely worth seeking out.  Went nearly 24 minutes but never felt like it dragged at all.  An outstanding effort from both men.

Before I go into my final grade and my pros and cons, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mick Foley.  His sacrifices in and out of the ring over the years have taken a massive toll on his body and health, but he was so god damn good at his job he made me a lifelong fan in just two matches.  A rightful Hall of Famer and truly one of the greatest of all time.  Thank you Mick, for everything.

Pros.

Angle/Jericho was very good.
The 6 man tag was very enjoyable and watchable despite Grand Master Sexay being there.
Radicalz debut.
The Hell in a Cell match, and Foley saying goodbye.

Cons.

Some very bad filler matches on a card that didnt need them.
Its going to take a long time to find a match worse than Henry vs Viscera.
Rock vs Big Show failed to deliver.

Overall verdict
I'd put this show on a level par with the Royal Rumble.  Its already becoming a trend of a bulked out undercard being carried by 2-3 very good matches.  Angle is quickly being groomed to be a top star because his story went on all night.  Foley is Good.  HHH is now a bonafide top superstar, and the tag division is shaping up nicely.  Next stop, WrestleMania 2000!

WRESTLEMANIA 2000

We've arrived.  The road ends here.  Its the biggest show of the year, in arguably WWF/E's greatest ever year, its WrestleMania 2000.  The WrestleMania infamous for only having 1 singles match (hoo boy we'll get to that) and a couple of first time ever matches.  This should be an absolute barn burner.  Lets get to it.  Traditionally WrestleMania opens with a hot match to get the crowd excited and try and keep that level of energy going, so our first match is...

D-Lo Brown & The Godfather vs Big Boss Man & Bull Buchanan

Ice-T accompanies Godfather and D-lo who have matching attire which is nice.  Crowd are stupid hot for Godfathers schtick. The faces in control for the opening exchanges but big Bull isnt having any of that. Bull is a big hoss of a man, I wonder why he didnt last long?  He leaps to the top rope like it was nothing before launching himself off with a big clothesline, taking control for the heels.  Quick tags isolated D-Lo.  Nothings happening.  There are some very beautiful women ringside with Ice-T.   D-Lo gets the hot tag and the future Right To Censor stablemates start throwing fists.  It must be WrestleMania because Godfather actually hits the Ho Train.  Bull Buchanan hits an incredible leg drop from the top rope, jesus the height.  Anyway thats enough for a three count.

Winners via Pinfall - Bossman and Bull

Rating: 0.5 stars.  That was chronic.  Lasted way too long, nothing exciting happened and nothing was on the line.  Seems like it was just an excuse to get Ice-T out there.

We see a conference of sorts between the referees and the hardcore division.  Its billed as a battle royal but it technically works as the first ever Championship Scramble Match.  15 minute time limit, whoever is the champ by the end of 15 minutes leaves with the belt.  We have Tazz (strong reaction) Viscera (no reaction) Mean Street Posse (little reaction) Hardcore Holly (strong reaction) Kai En Tai (reasonable reaction) The Headbangers (little reaction) The Acolytes (strong reaction) Crash Holly (reasonable reaction).  I love little Crash bringing out his scales to kid on he's 400+ pounds.  Love that gimmick.

15 minute Hardcore Battle Royal

Tazz immediately hits a fishermans suplex on Crash to win a pinfall.  You have to pin the champion to win apparently.  Tazz jumps on Viscera who catches him and very gently taps him against the ring post, before slamming him on the ground for a three count.  Viscera is the new champion.  You need to pin the champion but everyone is just fighting with everyone else.  Crash has juiced.  Viscera hits his signature move of spitting when he gets hit in the stomach.  He tickles Farooq with a trashcan before stumbling away, I'm three PPV's in and he might already be my least favourite wrestler.    Pete Gas of the Posse has juiced.  This makes me pine for some of the genuinely good matches theres been for the Hardcore title.  This is Poopie.  Viscera climbs to the top rope for some reason before the Acolytes throw him off.  He sells one 2x4 shot from Farooq (but not the second which is the one where the wood broke) before Bradshaw sends him down with a flying shoulder block.  They put Kai En Tai on top of Viscera and the ref counts the three.  Funaki is annouced as the new champion and he makes a run for it.  We're backstage now.  Funaki is getting beat down by the Posse while Taka is just wandering around with the Japanese flag.  Rodney gets the pin on Funaki before Joey Abs pins him.  Headbanger Thrasher pins Abs.  These reigns are canon btw, not like the recent scramble matches.  Pete Gas pins Thrasher.  Viscera is what Yokozuna would have been if Yokozuna didnt get over.  Tazz covers Gas, Holly kicks him in the head but Tazz no sells and gets a three count.  The crowd have given up all hope and theres still 5 minutes left.  Tazz makes a cover on Crash and the ref counts it for some reason. 90 seconds to go and only the Holly cousins are trying to pin Tazz, everyone else is still fighting ring side.  50 seconds to go and Tazz eats a shot from Crash and Crash gets the pin.  All he has to do is survive but Tazz locks in the Tazzmission.  10 seconds left.  Holly canes them both with a glass jug or something and makes the cover with 5 seconds left.  Whyte counts two then waves it off, Hardcore is hesitantly announced as the winner as Crash tries to take his belt away.  Holly celebrates as this shambles it put to bed with a botched finish.

Winner - Hardcore Holly

Rating: 0 stars.  This was painful. Apparently the finish was supposed to be Hardcore pins Crash a second too late, and Tim Whyte was being counted down in his earpiece, but they blew the timing and Holly was early.  Apparently Whyte got chewed out for it backstage but he was just doing his job.  Farcical from start to finish.   Thank god thats over and I dont need to see Viscera again for a few years.

Access video.  Looks like a good bit of craic to be honest.  The show the finish to the hardcore match again and they still havent figured out an explanation for it.  We see Steve Blackman and Al Snow in the toilets discussing their match.  TITS AHOY ITS TRISH STRATUS.  That was gratuitous.

Al Snow & Steve Blackman vs Test & Albert

Al Snow has been trying to find a gimmick for Blackman and they seem to have settled for head cheese.  Theres a little dude dressed as a block of swiss cheese comes out.  What the Frak is this.  T&A come out with Trish.  T&A?  Head Cheese?  Just goes to show you that you never can quite wash off the stink of Vince Russo.  Albert proves he's an interchangable baldy big hoss henchman by teaming with Test this month after helping Bossman at No Way Out.  JR's headset breaks and King tries to cover on commentary, its as bad as it sounds.  Steve Blackman is in wicked good shape but he just isnt a pro-wrestler.  For the second tag match of the night JR makes the same comment about neither team finding an advantage - which is a polite way of saying nothings happening.  The camera cuts to Stratus again which is always welcome before T&A hit a huge double powerbomb on Snow but unfortunately Blackman breaks up the pin attempt. The little cheese dude makes an advance to Trish and King calls him Chester the Molester which I must admit gave me a chuckle, suddenly Albert hits a gorilla press slam on Blackman followed by a big elbow drop from Test.  Its good for the 3 count.

Winners via Pinfall - T&A

Rating: 0 stars.  Is this really WrestleMania?  This has been woeful.  Headcheese beat down the little cheese guy after the match.  Backstage The Kat is naked, putting on make up and Mae Young is chatting with her, they're coming up with some 'clever' ways to hide The Kats private parts (think the opening to Austin Powers 2.  Vince Frak Russo.  We need something to lift this PPV because its been shocking.

The Dudley Boys vs The Hardy Boys vs Edge & Christian - Triangle Ladder Match for the Tag Team Championship

Aw hell yeah this is what Im talking about.  Big schmoz on the ramp to start us off.  Jeff is selling like a dream for Bubba, flying all over the joint.  Christian is the first to get a ladder but its no where near big enough.  The Hardys trap Bubba in the corner with a ladder before hitting Poetry in Motion.  Shield 0.1 try it in the opposite corner but Dvon takes out Christian with the ladder.  Hardys in control now, Jeff goes for a 450 on Bubba but hits the ladder instead.  Bubba puts the ladder on a prone Jeff before hitting a second rope senton, squashing him.  E&C put a ladder on the prone Matt Hardy, the Edge rides another ladder down on top of Matt.  This is already like a car wreck, and Bubba does the Terry Funk airplane ladder spot, before E&C double drop kick it into his face.  E&C double flapjack Dvon into a ladder in the corner.  Christian with a crossbody from the top of a ladder inside the ring to the outside on Bubba and Matt.  Jeff starts to climb but Edge spears him right off the ladder (unknown foreshadowing for a year later).  Matt takes Edge off the ladder and hits a sort of Razors Edge power bomb thing.   Bubba and Christian both climb side by side ladders before Bubba hits a cutter from the ladder on Christian.  As Bubba lies motionless the Hardys hit a tandem leg drop/splash combo.  E&C deposit the Hardys to the outside, before hitting a superplex on Dvon from the ladders, and Dvon does his classic convulsion sell.  Edge and Matt on one ladder beside Christian and Jeff on the other, E&M take each other out with neckbreakers while C&J take each other out with facebusters.  Three ladders in the ring now with all 6 men trying to climb, Jeff and Christian are the first to eat Poopie as they get pushed over the top, then Matt and Edge both get toppled and straddle the top rope.  Advantage Dudleys as they both pick up ladders before sandwiching Christian between them.  Big 3D to Edge.  Bubbas got that look in his eye as they both go for tables.  They could have had this match won by now tbh.  They set up two ladders the form a bridge with a table across them.  The other two tables get set up in the ring as Bubba sets up a fourth outside.  Dvon sets Jeff on a table in the ring as Bubba climbs on the Spanish Announce table with Matt.  Dvon dives as Jeff rolls out the way, crashing through a table, while Bubba powerbombs Matt from the announce table through the other table.  Jeff runs the guardrail and leaps at Bubba but Bubba plucks him out the air by throwing a ladder at him.   Bubba gets a ladder on the ramp that must be atleast 12 ft tall, and he sets up a table at its base.  He drags Jeff over and lays him on it, but Christian decks him with the ring bell, now Bubba is on the table as Jeff starts to climb the ladder.  Perched from the top Jeff hits a senton bomb on Bubba through the table.   Back in the ring Dvon starts climbing on this elaborate set up, but Matt manages to pull him down and hit a Twist of Fate.  Matts climbing one side, Christian the other.  Edge follows Matt and he tosses him off the side through another table.  Egde and Christian both grab a belt and this match is over!

Winners and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Edge and Christian

Rating: 4 stars.  This was awesome.  Edge and Christian win their first Tag Team championship in a match very much worthy of WrestleMania.  Tag wrestling hasnt been as hot since the heyday of the Road Warriors and the Midnight Express.  Loved it, loved it, loved it.  We dont get to see them celebrate for long as we cut backstage for a promo.

Mick Foley is backstage with Linda McMahon.  He puts over the ladder match and talks about his fairytale ending here at WrestleMania, getting one last shot after being retired last month.  Hopefully this is a turning point in this PPV.

The Kat w/ Mae Young vs Terri w/ Moolah - Cat Fight with Val Venus as the special referee.

Oh for Frak sake.  The winner is the first one to throw their opponent out of the ring.  This is the only 1-1 match on this whole card.  This.  This Vince Russo stink Love sacks.    This is the Frak pits.

Terri wins Frak this.

Rating: -1 star. History is made.  I thought it would be a long time before I saw a match worse than Mark Henry vs Viscera but this is the worst Frak thing I have ever seen. This is the absolute worst of the Attitude Era and you should get down on your knees and thank God by name if you havent seen it.

We see the Radicalz backstage.  Light Heavyweight Champion Dean Malenko is trying to rally Eddie Guerrero to get his head in the game because he seems infatuated with Chyna.  She's teaming with Too Cool to take them on next.

Radicalz vs Too Cool & Chyna - 6 person tag

Eddie laying on the charm to Chyna, and he starts things off with S2H.  He's so quick, but S2H has the control.  He tags in Chyna but Eddie scarpers to his corner and tags in Malenko much to the chagrin of the crowd.  GMS tags in and he and Chyna hit a double vertical suplex before a celebratory dance move.  Eddie back in but the faces keep control.  GMS goes to the top but Malenko distracts the referee so Saturn can push him off the turnbuckle.  Saturn tags in and the heels take over.  It doesnt seem to last long as GMS is able to counter Eddie and tag in S2H, but Eddie drops Scotty over the ropes and regains control quickly.  Eddie is just a bucket of charisma.  He takes a suplex from GMS from inside the ring right to the floor, that looked sore. Saturn and Malenko try to double team S2H, but he counters, GMS runs in a takes down Malenko before S2H hits a facebuster on Saturn, then he hits a double worm on the Radicalz.  As bad a move as it is the crowd are eating it up, somehow still invested in this PPV despite what we've seen so far.  Heat from the crowd as again Chyna and Eddie are kept apart - its such simple booking but it works.  Heels in control again.  Big top rope elbow from Saturn misses a mile.  Chyna gets the hot tag while Eddie is the legal man and the build is paid off.  She clears house and hits back to back handspring elbows.  Huge pop.  She counters a powerbomb attempt from Eddie and hits one of her own.  She grabs Eddie by the junk before hitting him with a gorilla press.  She locks in a sleeper before dropping Eddie almost like a reverse cutter and its good for the 3 count.

Winners via Pinfall - Chyna & Too Cool

Rating: 3 stars.  This was actually pretty good.  They told a simple story really well and when you get the basics right wrestling just works.  Two PPV losses in a row for the Radicalz.  That cant be good.

We see a video package of some white trash who won front row tickets to this show, she wont stop squealing.  Thankfully we cut backstage to Shane giving Big Show a pep talk.  Show looks in great shape.  A far cry away from his days as The Giant but its probably the best he ever looked in WWE.  We see a replay from heat, turns out it was Bob Backlund who convinced the higher ups to force Angle to defend both his belts tonight, so Angle puts him in the crossface chickenwing to punish him.  We see Angle talking down to a security guard, god damn he's so good at this.

Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle (cc) - 2 fall Triple Threat match for the Euro-Continental championships.

Two back to back triple threats here with 3 of the best to ever lace them up.  The first fall is for the Intercontinental championship, and the second fall is for the European championship.  

Benoit attacks Angle outside the ring as he's making his entrance.  All three men trade counters before Benoit is sent to the outside via a shoulder in the ring post.  Jericho goes for a Lionsault but Benoit pulls his feet out from under him.  The action ends up ringside and Angle flapjacks Jericho on the steps.  Beautiful belly-to-belly from Angle.  Benoit with a huge lariat but Jericho breaks up the pin.  Tigerbomb backbreaker on Angle from Jericho and he goes to the top rope but Benoit sends him flying and he bounces off the announce table.  Benoit is in control now before Jericho somehow comes back with a big dropkick to Benoit, followed by a bigger dropkick to Angle from the second rope.  No man is able to hold momentum for long, highlighting the dangers of a triple threat match, with all three trading big moves and pin attempts.  Angle locks Jericho in the Crossface Chickenwing, and the ref checks Jericho with the arm drop thing.  When did the change it from 3 drops to just one?  Benoit breaks it up and tosses Angle out the ring, he hits a diving headbutt on Jericho and gets a three count.

Winner and new Intercontinental Champion - Chris Benoit

This match restarts immediately with Benoit trying to pin Jericho again but Angle breaks it up.  Commentary come up with a 4th 'I' for Angle - Irate.  Jericho looks like he's going to hit a hurricanrana from the top on Angle, but Benoit gets him in a belly to back suplex from the second rope instead.  Angle then goes for a moonsault but Benoit rolls out the way.  Jericho gets the Wall of Jericho on Angle but Benoit wipes him out with a clothesline.  Beautiful spinning heel kick from Jericho on Benoit, then hits a double powerbomb on Angle before Benoit hits a trio of germans for a close two count.  Big bridging German on Angle and Tim Whyte counts even though Angles shoulders are clearly not down.  King calls him out on it and brings up the Hardcore match earlier.  He gets taken out and misses Jericho tapping to the crossface.  When Benoit goes to revive the ref Jericho gets the Walls on but Angle hits him with a title belt. Another big German on Angle but Benoit misses the follow up diving headbutt when Angle rolls out the ring. Quick as a cat Jericho hits a Lionsault and its good for a three count.

Winner and new European Champion - Chris Jericho

Angle is fuming in the ring after losing both belts, Benoit celebrates with his new IC title and Jericho celebrates with his new title.  Angle still shouting at the crowd and the ref.

Rating: 4 stars.  Really enjoyed this.  Avoided the cliche of triple threat booking for the most part and they got both belts off Angle but he didnt take a pinfall so he still looks strong.  Really good booking.  Worth looking this one up, and its good knowing that the matches to come with these three guys only get better.

We see Vince talking about the main event, then HHH, before Run DMC's awesome version of the DX theme hits.   Out come Road Dogg and Xpac for the penultimate match.  Xpac gets some farty pyro before Road Dogg goes into his shpeel.  Still over as hell.  Rikishi is out first for the face team.  Why Rikishi?  Well Kane needed a partner to end this feud with Xpac and the Big Kish wasnt doing anything so here we are.   Big pop for Kane as he comes out.  The announcers wont stop talking about Pete Rose.

D-X w/ Tori vs Kane & Rikishi.

Tori slaps Bearer before the match, so while Kane is distracted DX jump Rikishi, but their dominance doesnt last long before Road Dogg eats a stink face.  Xpac saves Tori from suffering the same fate.  D-X try to leave but the faces make chase and they start fighting in the ramp way.  King calls Kane a 'big red special' which is nice.  Xpac hits a bronco buster on Rikishi, then tags in Road Dogg.  Dogg hits some of his signature moves then tags back out. Kish soaks up Xpacs offense before hitting a pop up cutter.  Hot tag to Kane who takes out Road Dogg then hits a huge back body drop on Xpac.  He drops Pac in the corner but Tori saves Xpac from a stinkface this time.  Bearer throws her in the ring and Kane goes for a chokeslam, Xpacs rescue attempt is thwarted though and she takes a stink face.  Kane tombstones Xpac for the 3 count in about 4 minutes.

Post match the faces celebrate and Too Cool run down.  Before we get a dance number, Pete Rose runs into the ring dressed as the San Diego chicken.  Rikishi has had enough and goes to leave but he's convinced to stay by Too Cool.  They put the sunglasses on and its time for a dance break.  Kane doesnt know whats going on.  Kane grabs the chicken by the neck but its not Pete Rose!  Pete Rose comes from behind and clobbers Kane with a baseball bat, but Kane no sells and drops him with a chokeslam.  To compound his misery he gets a stinkface.

Rating: 1 star.  This was Poopie.  Atleast we get a typically great promo from The Rock afterwards.

Right its time for the main event.  After beating The Rock and No Way Out to win his spot in the championship match, Big Show has sided with Shane McMahon.  Vince McMahon returned soon after and helped The Rock to win his way back into this match.  For some inexplicable reason we got the Triple Threat WWF title match on free TV - which HHH won, however after the match Linda McMahon returned and added Mick Foley to the match even though HHH retired him the month prior.  So on almost a weeks notice we have this.

HHH (c) w/ Stephanie McMahon vs The Rock w/ Vince McMahon vs The Big Show w/ Shane McMahon vs Mick Foley w/ Linda McMahon - Fatal Fourway Elimination match for the WWF Championship

The ultimate ego trip, a McMahon in every corner.  The Rock and Big Show pair off while Foley and HHH take shots at each other.  Foley and Big Show in control until Show drops both Foley and HHH with a double clothesline.   Gorilla press slams for everyone.   Mick Foley tries for a sleeper but Show drops backwards, crushing Foley.  The Rock tee's off on Show but Show stops Rockys momentum with a sidewalk slam.  Chokeslam attempt from Show but Foley hits a low blow.  All three men working over Show now, it takes a clothesline from each man to drop Show, now all three men stomping a mudhole.  The alliance doesnt last long however when Foley hits a Cactus Clothesline taking himself and HHH over the top rope.  Foley hits Show with a chair, then a Rock Bottom and its a three count.

Big Show has been eliminated

Well that was quick and pointless.  Less than five minutes.  Vince taunts Shane as he leaves with Big Show.  HHH unsuccessfully convinces Foley to work with him to take out the Rock, so he tries his luck with The Rock.  Rocky appears to agree but he sucker punches him.  The Rock n Sock connection start working together on HHH.  They appear to be on the same page as they take out HHH in the ringside area.  Mick tosses Rock the ring bell and holds up HHH.  Rock goes for a bell shot but HHH ducks and Foley takes a walloping.  HHH then drives The Rock into the ring steps.  HHH starts working over The Rock but Mick Foley gets a 2x4 with Barbed wire.  HHH saves himself with a low blow before driving the 2x4 into the stomach of Foley.  Double Arm DDT on HHH and he goes for Mr Socko.  Mandible Claw applied and he pushes HHH into a belt shot from The Rock.  Rocky set ups for the Peoples Elbow but Foley slaps the Mandible Claw on The Rock.  HHH takes them both out with a double low blow.  Hey theres Michael Clarke Duncan at ringside.   Rock takes down HHH and Foley takes down Rock for a 2 count.  Big chants for Foley as he hits the Rock with a double arm DDT but Rock kicks out.  Rock hits a big DDT on Foley but HHH breaks it up for some reason.  Foley and HHH start working together to take out The Rock now.  Rock starts choking HHH with a cable but Foley drops him with a steel step to the head.  Rocky ends up on the Spanish table and Foley drops the elbow from the second rope, but he falls short and crashes hard.  HHH tries to drop Rock through the table but it refusesd to break.  It takes a third drop before it sort of collapses.  Foley and HHH in the ring now, HHH hits the pedigree but Foley kicks out.  HHH shoves Hebner to the floor and kills Foley with a chair shot to the side of the head.  He then hits a second pedigree on the chair and the three count is academic.

Mick Foley has been eliminated

Atleast Foley went out fighting.  Its pretty unceremonious though compared to No Way Out.  He still gets a standing ovation on his way out though, and he cant hide his emotions.  Huge Foley chants.  He stops halfway up the ramp before he charges back down.  He gets the 2x4 and smashes HHH in the head with it.  A final Bang Bang and Foley is out of here.  The Rock makes the cover but HHH kicks out.  They end up outside the ring and head up the ramp as Michael Clarke Duncan barks orders.  Big suplex from The Rock to HHH on the concrete.  He bounces HHH off the stage structure and they wrestle into the crowd.  HHH gets his head bounced off the time keepers table.  The Rock lifts the steps to hit HHH with them but HHH hits the steps with a chair.  Rocky lies under the steps while HHH wails on him with the chair.   HHH hits a piledriver on the steps, this is probably one of the last piledrivers you'd see on WWF tv because it was banned not long after.  HHH gets Rocky in the ring for a pinfall but The Rock kicks out.  The Rock fights back and they trade finisher counters until The Rock back body drops HHH over the top rope.  The brawl continues and The Rock hits a spinebuster on the outside mat.  Rocky suplexes HHH through the remaining announce table.  Vince and Stephanie both look concerned.  Vince bounces HHH off the ring post as Shane McMahon sneaks down and drops Vince.  Shane batters Vince with a monitor, Vince takes it right on the forehead with no protection.  Ouch.  Stephanie cant believe it.  Vince is up and he drops Shane as blood starts to trickle down his forehead.  Its ended soon enough with a low blow from Shane, then he clobbers him with a chair shot, again unprotected to the head.  Referees swarm to break it up, and Shane squares up to Michael Clarke Duncan.  Patterson and Briscoe help Vince to the back.  Back to the actual match and Rock and HHH are beating the hell out of eachother.  A couple of nearfalls for the Rock and Shane is still stalking ringside with the chair.  HHH drops Rocky with the 2x4.  Shane gets in the ring but Rock catapults HHH into him, the hits a Rock Bottom on HHH, but he cant make the cover.  Vince charges the ring again and drops Shane, sending him out the ring.  He grabs a chair and drops The Rock with it!  HHH makes the cover but The Rock kicks out to a huge pop.  Vince with another chair shot on The Rock, this time its good for a three count.

Winner and Still WWF Champion - HHH

Post match.  Vince kicks the Rock out of the ring before celebrating with Stephanie as unhappy fans launch trash and drinks into the ring.  Shane gets in the ring, and The Rock charges and takes out Shane and Vince with Rock Bottoms.  Stephanie slaps The Rock and she gets a Rock Bottom.  Rock dials it up and hits Steph with a Peoples Elbow to send the crowd home happy.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  This main event is much maligned but I really enjoyed it.  It has its flaws, sure, but the action makes up for it.  Doesnt deserve most of the hate it gets, but the negatives arent without foundation.  I suppose its all down to personal preference.

So that was WrestleMania 2000.  How is it as a show?  Lets get to the pros and cons.

Pros.

Trish Stratus
The Ladder match was an instant classic.
The Triple Threat was very good, and showcased all three men really well.
Despite the McMahon family Love sacks the main event was still pretty good.

Cons.

Literally everything else was Poopie.  Barely redeemable Poopie.

Overall Verdict

This has gone down in history as one of the worst WrestleManias of all time and its hard to argue against that.  I had to take a break from watching this after the cat fight because I just couldnt take anymore.  Not even the great matches can save this from being a complete dumpster fire, even though most of the guys making their Mania debuts gave it socks. Its incredible that WWF dropped the ball so bad here, but it goes to show that they really were being carried by their main event scene, which was the opposite of WCW at the time which was only just managing to stay afloat because of their mid card scene.  Hopefully they buck up their ideas and Backlash can deliver.  See you then!

BACKLASH 2000

Alright we have arrived at Backlash 2000 and we've got a stacked card.  Traditionally the PPV's after Mania are pretty good - continuing the feuds and angles that began at Mania and this is no exception.  The Rock challenges HHH for the WWF championship but they odds are stacked against him as the modern day corporation have taken over nearly every ringside role and Shane is the special guest referee.  The Rock will have someone in his corner though...  Also on the card, Edge and Christian defend their tag team titles, Chris Jericho challenges Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental title and Kurt Angle takes on Hulk Hogan?  Kind of.. Anyway lets go to ringside to get this show on the road and hopefully wash the taste of WrestleMania out of my mouth.

Debra is introduced as the special guest ring announcer for this opening match - much to Kings delight - for some reason. It the first of 6 title matchs tonight.

Edge & Christian (c) vs D-X - WWF Tag Team Titles

The awesome Run-DMC DX theme plays and out come Road Dogg, Xpac and Tori.  You can barely hear Debra.   While the DX corporation are a heel faction these two are towing the line between heel and face here.  Crowd still love the opening promo.  E&C come out next, and Debra practically gives up half way through announcing them.  They've fully embraced the comedy heel role, this is when the 5 second pose started.  None of that hear tonight though, and its weird to see a heel vs heel match, so I reckon DX will be wrestling as the faces.  JR almost enforces that idea by saying DX should be the favourites.  Big Xpac sucks chant so maybe not.

Xpac channeling his 1-2-3 Kid days here with some impressive cruiserweight moves.  This is the third PPV in a row with a tag match opener so this must be where HHH got the idea from for NXT.    DX tag control when Road Dogg hangs Christian up on the top rope and then drives him into the stairs.  Tag to Edge but the referee didnt see it and while he's distracted with Edge DX double team Christian, and Tori gets a choke in before a bronco buster. Simple booking here, and Edge and Christian are definitely the faces.  Xpac attacks christian to prevent him making the tag, but when the referee is dealing with him Edge hits a diving headbutt on Road Dogg.  Christian counters out of a double back drop attempt and his a double reverse DDT, then he gets the hot tag to Edge to a big pop.  He catches Xpac mid air with a sit out powerbomb.  A flurry of offensive and signature moves, the ref ends up outside with Tori, Xpac hits Edge with a spinning wheel kick but because theres no ref Christian drills him with the ring bell.  He covers Xpac for the three count.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF tag team champions - Edge and Christian.

Rating: 3 stars.  A very enjoyable opener, and even though Im 100% certain the Christian wasnt the legal man (and neither was Xpac) it didnt take away from the match because it was such a frantic ending.  Really good match, E&C retain and is that some dissension among the DX ranks?  Hmm.

We see The Rock arrive in a limo and we go straight into our next match, the 2nd of 6.

Dean Malenko (c) vs Scotty 2 Hotty - WWF Lightheavyweight Championship

Malenko dropped the title to S2H a couple of weeks ago, but won it back on an episode of SmackDown with the help of the ropes, so this blow off was set up.  S2H is out dancing around, Malenko comes out and he's the polar opposite.  Reminds me of Mr No Gimmicks Needed Chris Candido.  S2H straight on the offense.  Big blood stain on the mat from Xpac, eww.  A contrast of personalities but a match of styles.  Frenetic and fast paced trading of offense before Malenko gets control after a huge lariat.  Malenko takes out S2H with a dropkick to the knee so we enter the story part of this match with Dean working over the leg.  Malenko setting up submissions that are also pinning predicaments *finger kiss*.  S2H hits an enzuigiri and gets a hope spot but its quickly cut off.  Malenko goes for a spinning toe hold but S2H kicks him into the turnbuckle and rolls him up for a 2 count, but Malenko quickly regains control again.  S2H counters out of a powerbomb and hits a facebuster, the crowd pop huge as he signals for the Worm.  He hits it up its only a two count.  Malenko rolls up Scotty and puts his feet on the ropes but the referee is wise to it.  He goes up top but S2H cuts him off and sets up a superplex but Malenko counters and hits a DDT from the top rope!  Its academic at this point and he gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Light Heavyweight Champion - Dean Malenko

Rating: 4 stars.  I absolutely loved this match.  This is one of those hidden gem matches on the WWE Network.  Simple booking done well.  Loses a point for Scotty 2 Hotty hopping around the ring on the leg thats been getting worked on the whole match, but it was a very good match and a brilliant finish which I havent seen since.  Loved it.  More of that please.

We're backstage in the corporations office and McMahon is trying to find out if Patterson and Briscoe are still on their side, then Shane comes in with his referee's shirt.  Fun fact:  Shane is a trained referee and worked the inaugural Royal Rumble match in 1988.  

Big Bossman & Bull Buchanan vs The APA.

The Acolytes have fully embraced the role of the APA, and after protecting Kai En Tai during a match they were attacked by The B team (I cant be arsed writing their names again so they'll be the B Team from now on.)  Big pop for the Acolytes and the action starts outside the ring.  4 big hosses beating the hell out of each other.  Bradshaw working over BB in the opening exchanges.    Bull does his leaping springboard clothesline on Faarooq but doesnt get all of it.  Bossman in but Faarooq takes control again.  Bradshow slams Bossman on the steps outside.  Quick tags between the APA, before Bossman is able to tag BB.  The B team isolate Faarooq now, cutting of his side of the ring.  Tag to Bradshaw but Teddy Long didnt see it.  Bradshaw finally get the tag and it all breaks down.  BB hits Bradshaw with a superplex for a two count.  Clothesline from Hell from Bradshaw but Bossman breaks up the cover, he takes Faarooq down with the nightstick, then hits Bradshaw with it. BB hits a huge legdrop from the top and its good for the three count.

Winners via Pinfall - The B Team

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Wasnt bad but was too long and never really got that exciting.  Bull Buchanan is still pretty impressive even if he is a bit limited, but he only debuted a couple of months ago so give him time.  Another big PPV lose for the APA.  

Quick cut to backstage where we see the Hardy Boys discuss the upcoming Hardcore title match, and they mutally agree that if it comes to it they'll fight if they have to.  Hardcore Holly tries to affirm the same to Crash but Crash tries to talk him out of it.

Crash Holly (c) vs Hardcore Holly vs Jeff Hardy vs Matt Hardy vs Perry Saturn vs Tazz - 6 pack challenge for the WWF Hardcore Title

3rd title match of the night.  Decent reactions for all 6 guys.  Perry Saturn is the last of the Radicalz to win a WWF title, but the Radicalz have all but disbanded by this point.  Crash quickly tries to escape, but the rest of the guys wont let him.  He tries climbing the structure at ringside (which looks awesome)  Matt jumps from it onto the 5 other guys, must've been about 12 feet in the air.   Jeff swings off one of the hooks in the structure to hit Saturn with a hurricarana.  Hardys double team Crash but Tazz takes them both out with a trash can lid. Big ECW chants.  Although theres less than half the field of the WrestleMania match this is still pretty difficult to keep track of.  Its about half way through when I realised that they need to pin Crash to win the title.  I like the dynamic of Bob Holly being a badass who loves to fight and will happily fight his little cousin Crash, and Crash who is reluctant to do so. Hardcore looks to have the title won when he hits Crash with a Falcon Arrow on a chair but Matt breaks it up.  Wouldnt be a Hardys match without a ladder and Jeff duly obliges.   Matt with a Twist of Fate to Crash before Jeff hits the now-christened Swanton Bomb from the ladder.  Matt makes the cover but Jeff breaks it up and they start fighting.  Tazzmission to Crash but Saturn drops Tazz with a stop sign across the head.  Matt and Jeff take out Hardcore and Saturn outside as Crash crawls over Tazz and gets a pin.  Huge pop.

Winner and STILL WWF Hardcore Champion - Crash Holly

Rating: 2 stars.  This was much more enjoyable than WrestleMania even if it was still a bit too chaotic for its own good at times.  It was still fine for what it was.  Backstage Coach is interviewing Shane and asks him if he can be impartial.  Shane says of course he will be, even if he is less than convincing.

Hulk Hogan (?) vs Kurt Angle

Big Show has decided he's had enough of being a big bad heel, so he's turned face and started impersonating other superstars, including Rikishi and Val Venis and having a bit of fun.  He and Kurt Angle get a tag team title show but Big Show isnt taking it seriously.  So Angle slaps him and Big Show takes him out.  Angle says he can see potential in Big Show so wants to try and make him serious again.  Angle is out first and cuts a good promo, comparing himself to past presidents and putting down Big Show.  He's so damn good.  Real American hits and out comes the Showster.  Crowd are loving this.  Show cuts a promo as Hulk Hogan and he's pretty good at it.  Angle jumps him and Show immediately Hulks up, couple of big right hands before he hits the big leg drop but Angle kicks out.  Angle uses his speed to take Showster down and starts working the knee.  Big Show gets pissed off and turns on the offense, starts wailing on Kurt and throwing him around the ring.  Big dropdown chokeslam from Big Show and its academic.

Winner via Pinfall - The Showster

Rating: 1 star.  It was a bit of fun but ultimately a waste of these two guys, especially Angle.

The Dudley Boyz vs T&A

Ever since Trish Stratus debuted, Bubba Ray has had his sighted on her, wanting to put her throw a table.  Everytime he gets the chance she ends up seducing her way out of it. Dvon is trying his best to snap Bubba out of it.  We see Billy Corgan at ringside.  Its amazing to think that Trish - who at this point is nothing but eye-candy valet - would go on to be one of the most respected womens wrestlers of all time. Dvon and Albert start us off, Dvon being the quicker man for probably the first time in his career.  Some pretty fast paced action, both teams trading control and momentum, but the heels eventually managed to control the match. T&A working well together as a unit against the more experienced team.  Bubba distracts Albert while he's on the second rope allowing Dvon to get a superplex.  Dvon makes the hot tag and cleans house.  The Dudleys isolate Test and hit a modified 3D but it only gets a two.  Test goes for a big elbow but misses and that gets a two count.  The Dudleys signal for a 3D proper but Trish jumps on the apron and distracts Bubba enough for Test to take out Dvon then hit Bubba with a big boot for a three count.

Winners via Pinfall - T&A

Post match the Dudleys clear house and Bubba grabs Trish.  Dvon sets up a table and Trish tries to get her way out of it by kissing Bubba again, it doesnt work and Bubba drags her to the corner and powerbombs her throw a table to a huge pop from the crowd.  We see a few replays and the Dudleys celebrate.  Trish is put on a stretcher and taken out of the arena.

Rating: 2 stars.  A pretty decent tag match but overshadowed by the uncomfortable story of Bubba and Trish.

We see Trish being loaded in an ambulance when lowrider appears, its got Eddie and Chyna in it.  Eddie is told if he doesnt get out there right now he forfeits his title, so he drives the car into the ringside area.

How did this come about?  Eddie won the European title from Chris Jericho when Chyna turned on Y2J and sided with Eddie after a month of spurning his advances.  Eddie has a tuxedo on a Chyna has a red dress, apparently they've just came back from prom.  Eddie is defending his title against Esse Rios.  They had a tag team match vs the Hardys but Lita screwed up and cost them the match.  They had a rematch and the same thing happened, Chyna ends up throwing Lita to the Dudleys who put her throw a table.  Rios blames Eddie and Chyna for what happened and challenges Eddie for the title.

Eddie Guerrero (c) w/ Chyna vs Esse Rios w/ Lita - WWF European Championship

4/6 title matches.  Eddie is still in his slacks and bow tie, he takes advantage early with a blindside drop kick.  Some highflying back and forth before Guerroro takes control.  Guerrero working a more methodical technical style while Rios gets the high flying hope spots.  A traditional lucha libre exchange ends with Rios monkey flipping Eddie but Eddie goes too far and crashes into the ropes.  That looked scarier than it was because Guerrero quickly regains control.  He sets up Rios for a powerbomb on the announce table but Lita goes to the top to jump on Eddie.  Chyna shoves Lita off and she crashes into the table. Rios uses the distraction to back body drop Eddie, then hits a big springboard asai moonsault onto Eddie on the outside.  Rios hits a huge senton flip from inside the ring to Eddie on the outside.  He goes to the top rope but Chyna drops him on the turnbuckle, Eddie capitalizes with a superplex. Guerrero hits a brainbuster then goes to the top, Rios meets him there and hits an armdrag off the top.  He goes for a top from moonsault but Eddie gets his knees up.  Airplane spin into a neck breaker by Eddie and its enough for a three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - Eddie Guerrero

Eddie and Chyna celebrate but its short lived and Rios takes them both out with a dropkick, then Lita storms the ring and rips Chynas dress off as King starts screaming "BRA AND PANTIES BRA AND PANTIES" eugh.  Eddie offers the belt to Chyna to help cover up but she pushes him off.  Eddie starts admiring Chyna in her lingerie before Chyna poses for the crowd.

Rating: 3 stars.  A pretty good match with two guys who gel well.  Not quite at the hidden gem level of Malenko and Hotty but worth a watch.  Esse Rios was only 22 here and it still wrestling sporadically in AAA.  This was probably his most high profile match in WWF, and this would be his last WWF PPV appearance and would spend the rest of his time in WWF wrestling on Heat and Jakked.

Benoit cuts a simple promo backstage before Y2J makes his entrance.

Chris Benoit (c) vs Chris Jericho - WWF Intercontinental Championship

Jericho the charismatic loudmouth vs Benoit straight from the school of Chris Candido no gimmicks needed.  These two guys have been wrestling together since as far back as 95 as Wild Pegasus and Lionheart in Japan so this should be some top drawer stuff.  The first few minutes both men are trading moves and counters, great chemistry.  Jericho looks to have taken control before Benoit goes for his patented 3 Germans, he hits two before Jericho gets to the ropes to break it.  Benoit gives him a receipt with a backdrop over the top.  He goes for a suicide dive but Jericho avoids it.  JR calls it a career shortening move - ouch.  Thats nearly as bad a call as Joey Styles with Mike Awesome.  Benoit irish whips Jericho into the steel steps but Jericho leaps over, so Benoit dropkicks them into his legs.  Quick plug from JR for Innsurextion in London (not covering it).   Benoit fully in control as he catapults Y2J into the top turnbuckle.  Benoit has that very rare ability that not many wrestlers have ever had in that he can make this fake fight look like a real one.  His offense, his selling, his work rate.  Spot on. At this point in time he's probably the best wrestling in the world.  In American at the very least.  Jericho gets a bit back with a reverse elbow, he goes for the Lionsault but Benoit gets the knees up.   Jericho with the advantage and gets a few nearfalls.  Jericho misses a springboard dropkick but drops Benoit on the turnbuckle as he climbs.  Y2J attempts a back drop but Benoit counters and lands on top of Jericho and gets a two count.  Jericho hits a double powerbomb but cant Benoit kicks out and applies the Crossface, but Jericho manages to get his feet to the ropes, Benoit drags him into the centre of the ring and tries to apply it again but Jericho fights out and gets up getting Benoit in the Walls of Jericho but Beniot manages to get to the ropes this time.  Jericho misses a flying forearm and smashes into the ref.  Benoit gets the title belt and clobbers Jericho with it. Tim Whyte is revived enough to make a two count.  Jericho takes a snap suplex on the title, then Benoit goes for a diving headbutt.  Jericho moves and Benoit hits the title belt and the referee calls for the bell.  Jericho has been disqualified!

Winner via Disqualifiaction and STILL WWF Intercontinental Champion - Chris Beniot

Post match an irate Chris Jericho puts Tim Whyte in the Walls of Jericho and the other refs swarm down to try and break it up.  Replays show that Jericho raised the title belt up and hit Benoit with it, so it was the right call.

Rating: 4 stars.  Loved this match aswell, as expected with the two parties involved.  Fair ending gets both men out of doing a job and keeps the belt on Benoit.  This is another match you should go out of your way to see.  

We get a promo package for the main event.  After The Rock was screwed by Vince at WrestleMania he won this match by beating The B Team in a handicap steel cage match. He was dismantled and left a bloody mess by HHH afterward.  However the McMahon Helmsley Faction are stacking the odds against The Rock every chance they get.  Not only will Vince and Stephanie be allowed at ringside, but Shane McMahon is the special guest referee.  Linda McMahon decides that its unfair and puts someone in The Rocks corner - Stone Cold Steve Austin!    We see Austin destroying the DX Express and McMahon tries to warn The Rock that he cant trust Austin.  Austin still hasnt appeared at the arena yet, so The Rock is going into this one alone.

Triple H (c) vs The Rock - WWF Championship

The 6th of 6 title matches tonight, but no other titles have changed hands.  Will this one be any different?  Shane McMahon is out first, followed by HHH with Vince and Stephanie.  Vince has a mic but is drowned out by a series of boos.  He has a program with him and he highlights the words "Card subject to change".  He says Stone Cold will not be here tonight.  The Rocks music hits and he comes out to a huge pop. The Rock has control early doors before HHH takes advantage of a Shane distraction to hit a neck breaker.  Huge Rocky chants from this electric crowd.  The match goes to the outside and HHH is bouncing Rocky off the steps and the announce table.  Vince bounces Rock off the ring post as Shane is "distracted" with HHH.  This starts to be the theme of the match.  Every time The Rock gets a hope spot he gets screwed someway.  JR says that HHH is good enough and doesnt need anyone to cheat for him.  10/10 commentary right there.  HHH has a sleeper on The Rock and puts his feet on the ropes but Shane is "distracted" by Vince again.  Double clothesline takes both men out, Shane starts counting but is trying to rouse HHH aswell.  Vince lays the Rock out with the title belt.  HHH crawls and makes the cover but Rock kicks out.  Rock gets control and sends HHH over the top rope.  Huge DDT by the Rock but Shane doesnt count.  Rock clobbers him and sends him to the outside.  HHH sends the Rock out aswell then cracks him into the steel steps.  HHH starts clearing the Spanish announce table.  HHH goes for a pedigree but Rock low blows him.  He sets up a Rock Bottom but Shane climbs up and tries to break it up, so he double Rock Bottoms Shane and HHH through the table, with Shane crushed under HHH.  Rocky gets HHH in the ring, Vince jumps him from behind and starts taunting him.  Rock doesnt like that and starts beating him down before HHH hits a low blow.  Pedigree! Theres no referee, so Vince waves for a ref.  Here comes Patterson and Briscoe in ref shirts.  Rock kicks out at two before the Stooges beat down on The Rock. Steph gives Vince a chair as the 4-1 beatdown continues.  Crowd chanting cowpat as Vince smashes Rocky with the chair.  HHH sets up for another pedigree when AUSTINS MUSIC HITS! ITS STONE COLD! THE PLACE ERUPTS!  Austin takes out HHH with a chair, then Patterson, then Briscoe, then Shane, then Vince!  Chairshot to HHH again.  As he's leaving Linda McMahon appears with Earl Hebner (who was fired a few weeks ago by HHH).  Linda shoves down Stephanie, and The Rock hits a spinebuster/Peoples Elbow combo on HHH, Hebner storms the ring and makes the three count!

Winner and NEW WWF Champion - The Rock!

The crowd erupts as Rocky lifts the belt above his head.  He celebrates in the ring and JR tells us the game is over. He poses with the title in the corners but Austins music hits again!  Rock doesnt know what to make of it but we see Austins truck driving into the arena towing the wreck of the DX Express.  He gets in the ring and shares a few beers with The Rock.

Rating: 4 stars.  This was the main event that WrestleMania should have had.  Simple story of The Rock overcoming the odds and the corporation trying to screw him everystep of the way.  You get the excitement of Stone Cold and the pop of a big baby face win.  Brilliant way to end this show.

Pros.

Dean Malenko vs Scotty 2 Hotty
The Canadian Chris's
The Main event

Cons.
Big Show vs Angle
APA vs The B Team

Overall Verdict

This was a very good and very watchable show, especially compared to WrestleMania.  It wasnt perfect, but it did a great job of reaffirming the WWF as the top dog, especially considering WCW had just crowned David Arquette as the World Heavyweight Champion.  Worth going back a checking out because theres a few hidden gems here.  The 'B' PPV's often get overlooked which I dont think is very fair.  I'll be back soon with WWF Judgement Day...

JUDGEMENT DAY 2000

Its the inaugural Judgement Day PPV.  A card that should be a cracker (atleast on paper) headlined by only the second 60 Minute Ironman match in WWF history for the WWF title (if you dont count the two that happened on house shows in the early 90's).  We start of the show backstage where the McMahon faction are gathered and seem to be having a good time.  Hardcore champion Gerald Briscoe interupts but he's quickly sent to get coffee for everyone.  Vince hypes DX vs The Dudleys in a table match, and Shane vs Big Show in a falls counts anywhere match.  Quick cut and we see Briscoe being assaulted by the Headbangers, it doesnt come to anything and we see Shawn Michaels in his referee gear for tonight main event.  Kurt Angles music hits and out comes the olympic champ for the opener.  The Tag Team champions join him and they're carrying big bags with them.  E&C are playing the conceited over-confident surfer dudes, and its time for a five second pose.  The three dress up as a Jug band, which Edge calls the greatest cultural achievement to come out of Kentucky.  This was great fun.  The crowd pops huge and Too Cool and Rikishi come out.

Kurt Angle, Edge & Christian vs Too Cool & Rikishi.

The heels try to get the jump early but the faces quickly gain control with a triple decker corner splash spot.  Once Teddy Long gets this under control GMS and Edge start us off.  Lots of energy from the faces and they're in firm control, outsmarting Edge and Christian at every turn.  Huge chant for Rikishi.  Christian tags down GMS and mock dances whilst GMS tags in Rikishi.  Rikishi clears everyone but Angle finally gets the tag and takes control of Rikishi.  They try isolating the big man in their corner but he fights out easy and tags in S2H.  He hits a bulldog and signals for the Worm but Angle drops him with a clothesline.  Heels back in control now, working over Scotty 2 Hotty.  Big Angle sucks chant now, the crowd are electric.   Rikishi makes a hot tag and the crowd explode, chanting OOH every time he hits someone.  He hits the triple decker corner splash again then gets Angle with the Stink Face. He no sells a double DDT but Edge takes him down with a spear.  Edge sets up for a Worm but S2H hits a bulldog, then follows up with a Worm of his own.  Rikishi lifts Edge for a Rikishi Driver but Christian decks him with the ring bell.  While Edge makes the cover however, the ref is too busy trying to break up Christian and S2H so GMS climbs the top a hits Edge with a Hip Hop Drop, Rikishi rolls over and makes the cover.

Winners via Pinfall - Rikishi and Too Cool

After the match the faces dance to celebrate while the heels stew in the aisle.  The crowd are stupid hot into this jesus christ.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  This went 10 minutes but never felt like it.  The crowd were super into everything given to them and everyone did their job well.  A thoroughly enjoyable match and excellent opener to get the crowd going.  Proof positive that a hot crowd can make a match.

Michael Cole is backstage interviewing Shawn Michaels.  He asks whether he can be impartial or not given his history with HHH.  Shawn confirms he was hired to do a job and he will do that job to the best of his ability.  Cole asks is he is jealous of The Rock.  Makes me wonder why we never got an HBK vs The Rock match.  Thats one of the biggest dream matches ever. We see Eddie and Chyna arrive at the arena earlier, but they're stopped by Dean Malenko who tells Chyna to stay out of their business.  

Eddie Guerrero (c) vs Dean Malenko vs Perry Saturn - Triple Threat match for the WWF European Championship

Former Radicalz collide here.  Chyna is accompanying Eddie with a bouquet of roses Eddie gifted to her.  Perry Saturn is out next and he looks swole, and his eye hasnt gone lazy yet.  Dean Malenko, still with the Radicalz music, and his Light Heavyweight title isnt on the line.  Saturn and Malenko working together early to take out Eddie.  The alliance is quickly broken when Saturn takes out Malenko with a lariat.  Guerrero takes control with his speed and lucha style.  Malenko counters a head scissors from Eddie into a side slam.  Nice.  Eddie hits a tornado DDT on Saturn but Malenko breaks up the fall.  Big powerbomb on Eddie gets a two.  He goes for another powerbomb but Guerrero counters with a sunset flip but Malenko counters the counter into a texas cloverleaf, and he locks it in Saturn takes him out.  Guerrero now in control sets up Malenko for a superplex, but Saturn pulls him down a hits a beautiful overhead Belly to Belly, he goes to superplex Malenko but he fights him off.  Guerrero goes up to get Malenko now but Dean hits an avalanche gutbuster.  Saturn up top with a big Frog Splash on Eddie but Malenko breaks it up. Now Saturn tries to lock the Cloverleaf on Malenko but Eddie breaks it up and hits a brainbuster. Malenko hits a back suplex on Guerrero while Saturn hits a German on Malenko at the same time.  Saturn rolls to the outside and Chyna smashes him with the roses.  She tries to hit Dean but he grabs them off her.  She drops from the apron and pulls Malenkos feet out from under him and he lands face first on the flowers.  Eddie rolls him up quickly and gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - Eddie Guerrero

Post match we see Chyna and Eddie celebrate as Eddie reveals the big lead pipe hidden in the flowers.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  A pretty good match that avoided all the Triple Threat cliches, and the right guy goes over in the end, but he cheats to win so that keeps the heat on him.  Very good, probably could have went another few minutes but overall I cant complain.  All three men looked good so job done.

We see how Briscoe won the Hardcore title, by pinning Crash on Smackdown while he was asleep.  Briscoe appears to have recovered from his assault by the Headbangers earlier, stll with the belt he's hiding out in the toilets.  He gets scared by his own reflection in the mirror... sigh.

We see how Shane McMahon and Big Show crossed paths.  Big Show is still having fun, while Shane is decrying him for it.  Shane has been talking about Show behind his back saying how much he owns Big Show and how much of an idiot Big Show is.  Shane challenges Big Show and Show seems to get a bit more serious.  Shane sets up Big Show in a gauntlet match which turns into a 7 on 1 beating, with 6 guys helping Shane chokeslam Big Show.  Shanes out first for this No Disqualification match and he doesnt seem too confident.  Big Show out to a massive pop to his WWF Aggression theme (rapped by K Mac, Mack 10, Boo Kapone and MC Eiht if you're wondering which you probably arent).  Its actually a decent theme.

Shane McMahon vs Big Show - Falls Count Anywhere

Shane immediately leaps over the top rope to get Big Show but Show catches him easy, and drives him into the ring post.  He bounces him off the steel steps, then a big powerslam onto the bottom section of the steps.  Big Show presses Shane back into the ring over the top rope.  Shane tries to rally but Big Show still in firm, easy control.  This is a massacre.  Show signals for a chokeslam but Bossman runs out and attacks him with a nightstick, targeting the knee.  Show is able to get back in control and takes out Bossman with a couple of head butts and a powerbomb.  T&A storm the ring with chairs but Big Show punches the chairs right out their hands.  Trish hits a low blow but Show no sells, and he presses her up and out of the ring into T&A.  He drops Test and Albert with a double clothesline as Shane tries to escape.  Show catches up to him and throws him into the stage setup.    Show pulls a bit part of the steel frame off and lifts it over his head, Shane is able to drop kick him down as T&A start the double team again.  Shane rams show with a road case and makes a cover but Show kicks out.  He's pissed and takes out all three men.  Albert gets bounced into the stage, then Test.  Bull Buchanan is out now attacking Show with a nightstick. Shane pushes a big speaker onto Shows leg, trapping him.  Shane cracks a cinder block over Big Shows head and knocks him out, getting the three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Shane McMahon

Afterwards Shane celebrates while a whole host of refs and emt's attend Big Show.  Sgt Slaughter is there for his PPV pay day.  Big Show wakes and is helped to the back on one leg.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  This went a mile a minute and didnt slow down, but not in a good way.  Makes Big Show look really strong that it took 5 guys to take him out, and makes Shane look like a real piece of Poopie, so I suppose it did what they intended it to, but it wasnt great.

We see replays spliced with live footage of Big Show being loaded into an Ambulance, then we see Briscoe again.  He heads into the referees lockerroom looking for a safe space.  He falls asleep and freaks out when the refs check he is ok.  We then see HBK and HHH having a catch up before moving onto our next contest.  

Chris Benoit (c) vs Chris Jericho - Submission match for the Intercontinental Championship

The Crossface vs The Walls. The opening exchanges are a tight back and forth until Benoit his a shoulder breaker.  He starts working over Jerichos shoulders and neck.  Jericho shifts momentum and attempts the Walls but Benoit twists him out of it.  Jericho dropkicks Benoit to the outside and we see Val Venus backstage (he's challenged the winner to a match on RAW).  Benoit back in control and throws Jericho into the steps.  Jericho counters Benoit with a Knee breaker on the steel steps.  Jericho follows it up with a tigerbomb backbreaker and instinctively goes for a cover.  Trading chops but Jericho misses a shoulder charge in the corner and hits the ring post.  Benoit removes the turnbuckle cover and drives Y2J's shoulder into the metal ring a couple of times.  Another loud chop exchange and Benoit hits a beautiful snap suplex.  Benoit locks in a fujiwara armbar but Jericho makes it to the ropes - highlighting the flaw in a submission match.  Its No DQ but rope breaks still apply.  Jericho regains momentum with attacks on Benoits knee, taking Benoits knee brace off, then starts whipping the knee with it.  Jericho locks in a modified Walls using the ropes for leverage, almost like a tarantula.  Benoit regains control with a trio of Germans, but Jericho breaks out of the third and goes for the Walls, Benoit fights out of it and smashes Jericho in the face with the knee brace.  Benoit locks in the Crippler Crossface but Jericho is crawling to the ropes.  Benoit breaks it and drags him back into the middle of the ring to reapply.  Jericho gets free for a moment but Benoit punches him a couple of times and goes straight back to it.  Benoits hands slip down round Jerichos neck and Y2J eventually passes out.  The ref calls this one off.

Winner via stoppage and STILL Intercontinental Champion - Chris Benoit

Rating: 4 stars.  Loved this.  Loved it loved it loved it.  Benoit looks like a monster and Jericho saves face because he never tapped out.  This is one of those gems.  Go out of your way to watch it.

Michael Cole is with Gerald Briscoe.  He's lamenting how everyone is trying to beat him for the title and he cant stop looking for striped shirts.  Two guys bringing in beverages are behind them talking to ref, so Briscoe attacks them both.  We see The Rock threatening Shawn Michaels to call it right down the middle.

Time for our penultimate match.  A tag team tables match.  DX vs The Dudleys.  The Dudleys have went full face and have been standing up to DX recently - who still blame them for the break up of the New Age Outlaws - and Bubba has his eyes on putting Tori through a table.

The Dudley Boys vs D-X - Tag Team Table Match

Same rules as the Royal Rumble - put both team members through a table to win, although interestingly its not tornado rules. Typical Dudley tag match until DX decide they've had enough and try to leave.  Once the action gets back in the ring DX take control working over Dvon.  Theres a tag to Dvon but the ref doesnt see it.  Dvon with a double clothesline then makes the tag to Bubba.  Bubba hits a few high impact moves and calls for tables.  Two tables are set up in opposite corners, and when Dvon goes out to get another Road Dogg throws him into the steps.  Road Dogg sets up a table and pumphandle slams Dvon through it.  1-0 to DX.  Bubba starts beating down on Road Dogg.  Xpac sets up for a bronco buster on Dvon but Bubba grabs him by the hair and drops him.  Xpac jumps up but Bubba catches him and powerbombs him through a table.  1-1.  Bubba and Road Dogg trading fists and the referee tries to break them up, so they both throw the referee throw a table!  The Dudleys 3D Road Dogg through a table but the referee cant call the match off.  Briscoe comes down and drags Road Dogg out the ring.  Tori gets in and tries to slap Bubba but he grabs her by the hair.  They set up a table and get Tori set up but Briscoe low blows Bubba, saving her.  Xpac climbs up and hits a super Xfactor on Bubba through the table, which the referee sees and calls the match.

Winners - D-X

Post match Briscoe tells Bubba to suck it but he's jumped by Dvon.  They get another table and 3D Briscoe through it.

Rating: 2 stars.  Took a while to get going but was good fun in the end.  Fun Fact:  The Dudleys are now 1-4 in this series or reviews, and despite the tables being their specialty they havent won a tables match on PPV yet.

Theres a creepy vignette of little girls reciting the Lords prayer.  JR and King cant figure it out, but Kings best guess its because tonight is Judgement Day.

Time for the Backlash rematch.  Grab a couple of cans and settle yourself in, this is going the distance.  Very good video package hyping this up.  They get the story and history of HBK in but keep the focus on the two guys in the match.  Finkel runs down the rules.  Whoever score the most falls in the 60 minute time limit will win. Unlike WrestleMania 12 champions advantage applies and The Rock will retain in the event of a tie.

The Rock (c) vs HHH - 60 Minute Iron Man Match for the WWF Title - Shawn Michaels is the Special referee.

HBK is out first to a good pop.  Like Perry Saturn his eye hasnt gone lazy yet.   HHH is out next flanked by the McMahons sans Linda.  HHH tells them all to go in the back, because he has to settle this on his own.  The Rock comes out to huge ovation.  The bell rings and both men stare down and start trashing talking before a lock up.  Theres a sign in the crowd that reads "Kevin Sullivan will book for food" that gave me a chuckle.  Pretty slow pace to begin with, both men being very methodical.  The Rock ups the pace with a few nearfalls, but HHH goes outside to break the momentum.  He gets back in the ring for a few more quick exchanges before Rock drops him with a huge right and he goes outside again.  He takes full advantage of the 10 count, getting back in at 7.    The crowd break into a big Rocky chant.  HHH gets control and starts working over The Rocks shoulder.  A clock appears and we're at the 10 minute mark with neither man coming close to a fall.    Suddenly, out of no where The Rock hits a Rock Bottom and makes a three count!

The Rock scores via Pinfall - 1-0

HHH rolls out the ring but The Rock makes chase.  They fight ringside and it moves into the entrance ramp.  The Rock is in full control until HHH reverses him and drops him on the guard railing.  HHH breaks the 10 count then starts his assault again.  Goes for a high knee but The Rock dodges and he hits the guard rail.  The Rock suplexes HHH from the apron into the ring and gets another two count.  Rocky then wraps HHH's leg round the ring post.  Rock working over the knee now, fully in control of things.  Rock locks in the Figure 4 leg lock, but HHH refuses to tap.  His shoulders go down and HBK counts a two.  JR wonders whether HHH should just tap, lose the fall but save his leg.  HHH is in agony but manages to roll over and flip the pressure.  I love that by the way, such a simple way to tell a story - thank you Buddy Rogers and thank you Ric Flair.  The fight goes to the outside where HHH is able to take control.  The fight spills into the crowd and descends into a brawl.  Somehow we make in back into the ring as we hit the 20 minute mark.   HHH with a series of nearfalls but cant keep Rock down.  The fight goes to the outside again and HHH gets thrown into the steel steps.   Rock working over the knee in the ring again.  Rocky goes for the Figure 4 again but he's kicked into the corner, HHH then hits a Pedigree and gets a three count.

HHH scores via Pinfall - 1-1

HHH with a blatant choke on The Rock, he counters an Irish whip and he gets quick inside cradle for another pin.

HHH scores via Pinfall - 1-2

The Rock is fighting back with hard right hands, but HHH dumps him to the outside.  The fight continues up onto the stage area, HBK not counting, just letting them go.  HHH is bounced off the structure, but HHH counters a suplex attempt into one of his own onto the concrete.  We hit the 30 minute mark and The Rock hits a back suplex on HHH on the ramp.  King points out that both men have just broke their record for the longest match they have ever had.  Rock in control as he whips HHH into the apron then backdrops him onto the concrete ramp.  We hear HBK tell JR he's not going to count both men and let them fight.  Back in the ring Rock pulls HHH up and drops him with a right.   HHH counters with a facebuster then hits a piledriver.  He rolls over and gets a three count.

HHH scores via Pinfall - 1-3

Both men look knackered but The Rock explodes out of the corner with a huge clothesline.  HHH cuts off the hope spot quickly enough though, and the pace slows again.  HHH climbs to the top rope but The Rock with a super arm drag drops him hard.  Both men take a 9 count to get to their feet, and The Rock lays into HHH with huge right hands.  He gets a nearfall but HHH hits a high knee and gets a nearfall of his own.  They exchange shots but HHH gets a sleeper on The Rock.  Rocky tries to break out by pulling the hair but it doesnt work.  They drop down and it looks like Rock is fading, HBK lifts his arm but The Rock powers up before it falls once.  HHH uses the ropes for leverage and HBK calls him out on it. Checks The Rock again and the arm falls once but HHH uses the ropes again, HBK kicks his legs off the ropes as we hit the 40 minute mark.  Rock recovers while they argue and lays the Smackdown on HHH, he counters a sleeper and hits a belly to belly suplex.  Rock makes a cover but only gets a two.  Rock scores a floatover DDT and makes a cover for a three count.

The Rock scores via Pinfall - 2-3

We're at 18 minutes as The Rock drags HHH outside.  He drops HHH on the timekeepers table. He goes for a second shot but HHH counters and hits Rock on the table.  HHH goes to use a chair but HBK unarms him.  Rock whips HHH into the steps.  They fight their way around the ring and Rock hits a big neckbreaker on HHH.  Back in the ring and HHH clobbers The Rock with a chair, HBK calls the fall.

The Rock scores via Disqualification - 3-3

HHH immediately makes the cover and gets a three count.

HHH scores via Pinfall - 3-4

The Rock is busted open and HHH puts the sleeper back on.  They drop to the mat and HBK checks on the Rock.  The arm falls once.  Twice.  Three ti... NO The Rock holds on, he makes it to his feet and fights out of it.  He bounces off the ropes for a big move but HHH locks the sleeper again.  HBK checks again.  Arm falls once.  Twice.  Three times.  HBK calls the fall.

HHH scores via Submission - 3-5

HHH doesnt break the hold but HBK forces him to.  It looks like their going to come to blows but HHH backs down.  The Rock is back up and goes straight for HHH with right hands and sends him flying over the top rope into a camera man.   HHH kills any momentum Rock had with a big DDT but he can only get a two count.  Its the 50 minute mark and HHH goes up top again.  Rock crotches him on the turnbuckle though and lays into him with big hands.  Rock climbs to the second rope but HHH drops him with a headbutt.  Rock recovers and hits a superplex from the second rope.  Both men are down but Rock makes a cover, he only gets a two though.  The fight spills outside once again.  Rocky bounces HHH off the steps again, then catapults him into the ring post.   HHH is able to counter Rock and whips him into the steps.  With less than 6 minutes left HHH starts clearing the announce table.  HHH sets up for a Rock Bottom on the table, but The Rock fights out and hits HHH with a Pedigree on the table.  4:30 left on the clock.  The Rock gets in the ring and HBK starts counting.  Its a pretty quick count but he makes it to 10 as we see a bloody HHH trying to recover.

The Rock scores via Count out - 4-5

HBK goes to check on HHH as the McMahons head down to ringside.  Theres only 3 minutes left as HHH nearly gets counted out again, but makes it back in at 9.  The Rock is straight on him, he lays the Smackdown, then a big lariat, then a big DDT.  Shane tries to get involved but Rock drops him, he then drops Vince and hits HHH with a spinebuster.  He hits the Peoples Elbow as DX arrives and gets the three count.

The Rock scores via Pinfall - 5-5

HBK is pulled out the ring and he drops Vince and Shane.  Road Dogg is fought off by The Rock who hits a Rock Bottom on HHH but Xpac jumps him.  HBK is out and its a 4 on 1 as the vignette from earlier plays.  Suddenly THE UNDERTAKER APPEARS ON HIS MOTORBIKE!  HE storms the ring and takes out DX and the McMahons one by one!  Chokeslam to Road Dogg, Chokeslame to Xpac!  He grabs Stephanie but HHH breaks it up, he hits a tombstone on HHH as HBK waves it off.  The buzzer sounds and the bell rings.  There confusion and chaos.  No one knows whats happening.  HBK comes out and talks to Finkel.  Finkel makes the announcement.  That due to outside interferance, the winner of the fall via disaqualification is.... HHH!

HHH scores via Disqualification - 5-6

Winner and NEW WWF Champion - Triple H!

DX and Vince help HHH to the back as we go off air, confusion and chaos reign supreme here.

Rating: 4.5 stars.  This was an incredible match.  Both men gave it everything and it never once felt like they went a full 60 minutes.  This was everything that HBK vs Bret Hart should have been.  Drama, story, action.  Loved it.  HHH gets his title back but theres an asterix next to it as both men were equal, and there will be an argument about whether HBK screwed The Rock or not, and did the buzzer go before the bell was rung?  Oooh tune in to RAW to find out as we wrap up another classic PPV.

Pros.

The opener was good fun.
Benoit vs Jericho was excellent yet again
One of the best Iron Man matches ever, possibly THE best depending who you ask.

Cons.

The Triple Threat could have used a bit more time.
Shane vs Big Show failed to deliver, but its a stop gap match.

Overall verdict

Whopper of a show.  WWF going from strength to strength right now.  A show where even the worst match delivered in some capacity.  Not as good a show overall as Backlash but easily the 2nd best PPV so far.  HHH and The Rock proving to be two of the best in the business, Undertaker returning with a new gimmick to inject some new life into the main event, and the undercard is as solid as it will ever be. This is another one to dedicate the time to.  Hopefully next months King of the Ring PPV can keep the momentum going.  I'll see you all there.

Im going to do end this show with something a bit different, and include a table ranking the PPV's in order now that we've got a few under our belt.

Backlash
Judgement Day
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

Incredibly, its the flagship show propping up the table.  Still cant believe how WWF dropped the ball with that given how consistently good the two shows following have been.

Enjoyed reading these Samo - a bit before my time wrestling wise, I've recently been re-watching some of the PPVs from when I began watching around mid 2002. No Mercy 2002 in particular was a great re-watch

Cheers Olly, Im enjoying doing it. King of the Ring is next which from memory has some belters and some absolute stinkers, so that should be fun!

No Mercy 2002 was an excellent show and definitely worth a re-watch. Wont be too long till I get there.

KING OF THE RING 2000

We have arrived at the King of the Ring!  And hoo boy has the landscape of the WWF changed since Judgement day.  We have a new Intercontinental Champion, new WWF Tag Team Champions and some old blood back in the main event picture, which could have massive ramifications on the whole company.  This is also the biggest King of the Ring tournament in history, with a whopping 32 people competing.  The first 2 rounds have already taken place on TV, so we're down to the final 8 tonight. So without further ado, lets do this.

The new Intercontinental Champion Rikishi is out first to a huge pop.  Rikishi won his only WWF singles title only a couple of days ago on Smackdown, but Benoit took him out after with a steel chair.  A pissed of Benoit is out next and the two immediately go at it.

Chris Benoit vs Rikishi - KotR Quarter Final #1

Rikishi takes the advantage early and dumps Benoit off the steel steps.  Benoit tries and hits a massive german suplex on Rikishi.  Benoit starts working on the shoulder he injured on SmackDown.  JR reminds us that only winners advance and if theres a draw in anyway both men are eliminated.  Benoit gets the crossface on Rikishi but the big Samoan is able to power his way to the ropes.  Benoit grabs a chair and smashes Rikishi with it and the ref calls for the bell.

Winner via Disqualification - Rikishi

Post match Benoit continues to wail on Rikishi with the chair and locks in the crossface.  The refs storm the ring to break it up and Sgt Slaughter gets his PPV payday.  Benoit breaks it then hits a diving headbutt and goes straight back to the crossface before he finally relents and leaves.

Rating: 1 star.  Its probably unfair to rate this match because it was so short, but as a story it puts the big babyface Rikishi in peril.  We see him recovering in the ring and he has a big welt forming on his arm, looks nasty.

The McMahon-Helmsley faction are shown backstage and tensions seem high because Linda has just arrived and she plans on confronting Vince.  We see replays of Benoits attack on Rikishi, hes with Michael Cole who asks him for an explanation.  He says he's the best in the world and does whatever he wants, and no one can stop him.

Eddie Guerrero w/ Chyna vs Val Venis w/ Trish Stratus - KotR Quarter Final #2

The European Champion is out first with his beau Chyna.  Despite the heel gimmick these two are crazy over, got to put that down to Eddies charisma.  Val Venis has formed a 'business relationship' with Trish, has turned heel and almost entirely dropped the porn star gimmick.  Venis gets the advantage early, using his size and power to his advantage but Guerrero is soon able to counter with his patented Lucha offense.  The match spills to the outside and Venis drops Guerrero on the barrier, fully establishing control.  Back in the ring Eddie counters Val and hits a superplex from the top rope.  Eddie's cut his hair quite short and he's the double of his brother Hector. Surfboard into a guillotine chock by Eddie but Val racks his eyes to break it.  Val hits a big flapjack on Eddie to switch the momentum.  He goes for a second but Eddie hits a hurricarana.   Eddie goes up top for a frog splash, but Val rolls out the way and Eddie has to adjust in mid air, Val then drops Eddie with a huge spinebuster.  He follows it up with a Money Shot but Eddie gets the knees up.    Val tries a pin with his feet on the ropes but Eddie manages to kick out.  Guerrero hits a hurricarana from the top rope, but Trish is distracting the ref.  Chyna runs over and takes Trish out.  Val goes for Chyna but Eddie rolls him up for a very close two count.   Quick flurry of counters before Val his a Fishermans suplex and locks it in for a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Val Venis

Rating: 3 stars.  Very good match here that kept a high tempo throughout.  Venis is getting a semi-push so it makes sense to put him over here, and Eddie doesnt really lose anything in defeat.  These two worked really well together so yeah, job done and no complaints from me about this one.

We see Hardcore Champion Pat Patterson backstage, he's trying to pick out his evening gown for his upcoming match.  Oh dear God, please help me.  We see Coach with Rikishi.  Rikishi says hes able to go, no problem.  JR quotes the late Gorilla Monsoon (who died October previous) and says the fans are hanging by the rafters.  

Crash Holly vs Bull Buchanan - KotR Quarter Final #3

We see Crash's "fairytale" run in the tournament so far, beating Albert and his cousin Hardcore on his way to the PPV.  Big Bull is out next and I forgot all about this theme but its pretty rockin.  Crash tries to use his speed but Bull drops him quick enough.  King says they better hope Crash doesnt win because he doesnt think they make crowns small enough to fit Crash's head.  Nice line.  Bull very much in control of this paint by numbers match.  Theres a sign in the crowd that says "smoke that magic leaf".  I'd love to, might make this go quicker.  BB is fine in a tag match where he just needs to do his spots, but he's massively exposed trying to carry a story through a match himself.  His misses a scissor kick and Crash rolls him up for a three count out of no where!

Winner via Pinfall - Crash Holly

Rating: 0.5 stars.  The fairytale continues as Crash reaches the semi finals.  My only hope is either Angle or Jericho can get a better match out of him.  No Beuno.

Vince is backstage and meets up with Linda.  He asks her how she's going to meddle in his business tonight, and lists off all the ways she's "screwed" him.  She asks him if he's going to be man enough to keep the main event 3 vs 3 and not 12 vs 3 like on SmackDown.  Im going to borrow a line from Jim Cornette here: I dont know what anyone got from putting a live mic infront of Sable Linda McMahon but it should have been 3 to 5 years.  For someone whos life and career is the wrestling business, someone whos husband is one of the best talkers in history she is a charisma vacuum and cant even cut a scripted promo without sounding like a really bad soap opera star.  Jesus wept go away.  

Kurt Angle vs Chris Jericho - KotR Quarter Final #4

Its our final QF match and its surely the best on paper.  Angle is out first and cuts the same promo he's been cutting since his debut, but he's so damn good he gets a reaction everytime.  He's just so Frak good and he's barely 8 months into his main roster career.  Jericho is out next to a huge pop.  Jericho cuts the same promo he's been cutting since he turned face, but he's so damn good he gets a reaction everytime.  He's just so Frak good.

Both men jockey for position in the early moments as theres a huge Y2J chant.  Angle takes the lead with a beautiful overheard belly-to-belly. Jericho quickly responds with a big flying forearm.  Jericho fully in control a hits a Lionsault but Angle gets his foot on the ropes.  It looks like Jericho landed right on Angles face.  Springboard dropkick sends Angle to the outside.  Angle recovers enough to send Jericho into the crowd.  Irish Whip to Jericho into the steel steps.  Angles chest already looks like Daniel Bryans in the GRR after only a few chops from Jericho.  Angle locks in a sleeper but Jericho fits out and hits an underhook backbreaker, but Angle gets his foot on the ropes again.  Angle with a bridging German for a very close two count.  Jericho starts building momentum and hits a huge spinning heel kick.  He goes for a facebuster but Angle counters with a lariat for another very close two count.  Jericho counters out of the Olympic Slam and gets the Walls on Kurt.  Stephanie McMahon runs to the ring and distracts the ref as Angle taps out.  Jericho complains to Teddy Long and Angle socks Y2J into him. Steph goes to hit Jericho with her title belt but he ducks and she clobbers Angle.  Jericho then plants a kiss on Steph but turns into an Olympic Slam for a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle

Rating: 3.5 stars.  A very good match ruined but a dirty finish.  I know its part of this love triangle story their building to but it took away from what was a very good match.  These two are so good and work so well together.  Shame, but still very enjoyable.

We see Shane and Vince discussing their match backstage.  Vince is overly confident that they'll win because The Rock, Undertaker and Kane will be too focused on the WWF title to work together to win.  We go to WWF New York and see Mick Foley with his new haircut sitting at the bar.  We can barely hear what he's saying over the crowd there.  They start talking about his match with Undertaker 2 year prior, and Mick jokes about how he cant remember much of it.  We get ready for our next match

Edge & Christian vs The Hardy Boys w Lita vs T&A w/ Trish vs Too Cool (c) - 4 corners elimination match for the WWF Tag Team titles.

Too Cool have had Edge and Christians number over the past month, proving it by beating them for the WWF Tag titles a few weeks ago for their one and only tag title run.  The Hardys have been feuding with T&A recently and both teams were added to this match.  

Albert and Jeff start things off.  Only two men can be legal at the same time, which makes me wonder why you would tag in if you're in one of the other two teams.  T&A take control and start working over Matt.  Trish gets on the apron as Matt goes for a Twist of Fate but Matt goes to hit her off the apron.  Lita takes out Trish, Matt hits Test with a ToF for a two count.  It breaks down and Lita goes for Albert but before he can chokebomb her Matt dropkicks his legs out from under him and Lita lands on his chest.  Matt takes a pumphandle slam from Test but Jeff hits a senton on Test.  He leaps out the ring and takes out Albert as Matt rolls on top of Test and gets a three count.

Test & Albert have been eliminated

Scotty 2 Hotty gets in on the action for the first time, facing off against Jeff.  The two have a quick exchange before Christian tags himself in for some reason.  JR questions the logic.  Whisper in the Wind on Christian then a double suplex to Edge.  Jeff and Edge take eachother out with a double clothesline.  Christian tries to get a cheapshot in but Matt sends him flying, while the ref is distracted by this Lita hits Edge with a diving hurricarana but Jeff only gets a two count.  Matt hits a ToF on Christian but Edge pulls Matt out the ring.  Jeff climbs to the top but he's taken out by Edge.  Christian hits the Unprettier (still called the Impaler) and pins Matt.

The Hardy Boys have been eliminated

Grand Master is in now taking on Edge.  Too Cool in firm control as the fresh team, but Edge is able to gain advantage with a big forearm.  The two heels cut off Scotty and work over him with double team moves and quick tags.  A double head clash gives S2H a chance to tag out and GMS runs wild.   He's able to keep control ovr both men and hits a big Batista Bomb on Edge but Christian is able to interupt the count.  They drop GMS with a double flapjack then mock Scotty 2 Hotty's worm.  S2H sneaks in behind them and drops them both with facebusters.  He signals for the Worm on Edge and the crowd go nuts.  Christian tries to interfere with a belt but he's dropped easily.  GMS hits a big leg drop on Edge but the ref is too busy getting S2H out of the ring to count, meanwhile Christian is back and lamps GMS with the title on the back on the head.  Edge rolls over for the three count.

Winners via Pinfall and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Edge and Christian

Rating: 3 stars.  This was pretty good.  Was always at a high tempo so kept the excitement up.  Shame to see Too Cool lose the belts so soon after winning them, especially after the celebration with Rikishi when all 3 had some gold, but E&C are probably the best tag team on the roster right now so it makes sense.  It could have been a better match if they didnt bother with the other two teams and just let them tell a better story, but thats hindsight.  Michael Cole is with Crash backstage.  Crash says he's always been an over achiever, and he says Kurt Angle is in big, BIG trouble.  He's got a nasty looking scar on his shoulder which I can only assume is from a surgery.

Rikishi vs Val Venis w/ Trish Stratus - KotR Semi Final #1

Rikishi isnt moving too good and he has a huge bruise on his arm.  Val Venis looks in the zone.   We see a recap of the bloody rivalry between these two.  Rikishi takes control early. keeping up the aggression, not letting Val get a chance, but Val finds an opening and starts to work over the big Kish's arm.  Rikishi throwing big lefts trying to get back into it but Val regains control with a big kick.  He goes for the Money Shot but Rikishi catches him with a big belly-to-belly and gets a three count!

Winner via Pinfall - Rikishi

Post match Trish jumps on Rikishis back but he throws her over his shoulder and sets her up for a Banzai drop.  Val makes the save with a low blow, then throws Rikishi off the second rope.  He throws the steel stairs in the ring and lays into Rikishis shoulder with them.  Trish hands him a steel chair and he crushes Rikishis arm between it and the steel steps.

Rating: 1 star.  Ended before it got going but it did the same job as the earlier match.  Puts the babyface in peril.  Its also the problem with such a stacked card that these matches need to be rushed out.

Coach is with Gerald Briscoe backstage talking about the evening gown match.  Please dont make me watch this.

Crash Holly vs Kurt Angle - KotR Semi Final #2

Crash gets a decent reaction.  Kurt Angle comes out and looks like he could still wrestle for an hour.  Crash getting a rare chance to show off his technical ability vs someone like Angle. He's keeping toe-to-toe with Angle before Angle hits a great looking hooked belly-to-belly.  Crash gets a hope spot and a very good nearfall but its almost academic as Angle puts him away with an Olympic Slam.

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Criminally short this one.  Its a shame Crash is only really remembered for his run with the Hardcore title because this match showed that he was pretty talented and with the right opponent he could have a great match.  Would love to see these two go at it again for a longer period.  Good story of Crash's run in this tournament aswell.

We see footage of the MSG show the night before this one, and Donald Trump is shown ringside with Melania, back when he was actually a reasonably likable personality.  How times change in 20 years.  Michael Cole is with Kane backstage.  Kane says that its always been about him becoming the WWF champion and walks off.  Coach is with the Deadman.  Undertaker says the WWF title is the most coveted title in the business, and he didnt come to Boston to lose.

Aww Frak me.  Time for the humiliation of two absolute wrestling legends.

Pat Patterson (c) vs Gerald Briscoe - Evening Gown match for the WWF Hardcore Championship.

Real American starts playing to almost zero reaction as NWA Tag Team legend Briscoe comes out first in his dress with fake boobs and a wig.  The first ever Intercontinental Champion and NWA legend Pat Patterson is out next.  JR says this is a sad state of affairs for legends like this.  Fair play to the two of them they're being completely professional and giving it 100%.  Patterson says he's a good friend, so he'll lie down for Briscoe and let him pin him 1, 2, 3.  But he low blows him.  Huge boos and cowpat chants from the crowd.  Theres suddenly a huge pop as Crash Holly charges the ring.  He drops Briscoe with a trash can, then Patterson and he exploits the 24/7 rule to pin Patterson and win the Hardcore title.

No Contest.

Rating: -3 stars.  This was the worst Frak thing I have ever seen in wrestling.  I thought The Kat vs Terri at WrestleMania was bad but this is the absolute Poopie.  Its going to be a long, long time before I see anything this bad in a WWE ring.  I need to take a break.

We see The Dudleys hyping themselves up backstage.  They take on DX next.  After almost putting Tori through a table at Judgement Day, the Dudleys and DX have been interfering in each others business, including costing respective members KotR matches.  It escalates to the point that DX put The Dudleys into a dumpster and toss them off the stage.  Mr McMahon says that in the interest of fairness at King of the Ring it will be a Handicap Table Dumpster match.

The Dudleys vs DX (Road Dogg, Xpac and Tori) - Handicap Tables Dumpster match.

For DX to win, both Dudleys have to be locked in the dumpster, and for the Dudleys to win all three members of DX have to be put through a table.  No disqualifications but Tag rules still apply for some reason.  A few ECW chants from the Boston crowd.  Xpac his a big back kick on D-Von then does his silly karate pose.  The Dudleys take control and hit their diving low blow on Road Dogg, then Xpac, then finally Tori to a big pop.  The Dudleys spot DX trying to leave so make chase up the ramp.  DX quickly get control back and manage to get the Dudleys in the dumpster.  DX celebrate but the ref is too busy checking on Tori to call the match.  Meanwhile the Dudleys get out the dumpster, grab some chairs and his stereo chair shots.  Time to get some wood.  Two tables get stacked ringside, and the steel steps are set up adjacent in the ring.  Road Dogg is put on Bubbas shoulders and he powerbombs him from the steps through the two tables.  Great looking spot but Road Dogg barely hit the ground with two tables to cushion his fall.  Safe as house.  Xpac sets up a table and lays DVon on it. Bubba drops Xpac on the turnbuckle and Dvon hits a superplex through the table.  Bubba now has his eyes on Tori, but she has no where to run.  She climbs into the dumpster to escape the Dudleys.  They go to open the dumpster to get her but Road Dogg and Xpac from behind with chair shots drop the Dudleys into the dumpster and the ref calls it.

Winners - D Generation X.

After the match the Dudleys reappear and they've got Tori.  Xpac tries to save her but gets a 3D for his trouble.  Road Dogg tries his luck but gets one aswell.  Bubba has a hold of Tori now as Dvon gets the table with her name on it.  Big Bubba Bomb from the second rope puts Tori through the table.

Rating: 2 stars.  Was a good bit of fun, a few good table spots but the only downside is the Dudleys look like idiots, and despite getting their heat back at the end thats another PPV loss for them.  What are they 1-5 now in this series?  They're still over as all hell though.

Angle is with Michael Cole and he says how important it is for him to win this tournament.  He says once he wins he's going to challenge HHH for the title. We see replays of Val Venis's attack on Rikishi.  He's with Coach and his arm is heavily bandaged.  Rikishi says nothing is going to stop him, and Angle needs to realise this.

Kurt Angle vs Rikishi - King of the Ring Final

Angle comes out first looking fresh as a daisy.  Rikishi comes out and he's selling big time.  Kurt comes to get some early but Rikishi takes control.  Angle hurts his back trying to scoop slam Rikishi, and Rikishi delivers one of his own.  Rikishi goes for a stinkface but Angle sneaks a lowblow.  Angle throws Rikishi into the steps shoulder first.  Rikishi doing his best to fight through the pain but Angle is firmly in control.  Rikishi with a one armed Samoan Drop get a bit of momentum back. He hits a big neck breaker but cant get a proper cover.  Kurt ends up in place for a stinkface again, and this time Rikishi gets it.  Rikishi takes a moment and Angle charges and hits an Olympic Slam but it only gets a two count!  Angle goes for a sunset slip but Rikishi drops and squashes him but that only gets a two count.  Rikishi starts to climb to the top but Angle crotches him.  Angle with big right hands to the shoulder, he climbs up and hits a huge overhead belly-to-belly from the second rope!  He makes the cover and gets the three count.

Winner and King of the Ring - Kurt Angle

Rating: 2 stars.  Another victim of time contraints.  Could have been really could but managed to do what it had to.  Kurt Angle wins the whole shebang and Rikishi looks like a really strong babyface, fighting with a huge heart the whole way.

Time for our main event of the evening.  What started off as a 6 man tag has evolved into a WWF title match which could have huge implications.  It was first announced that if Team Corporation won then HHH would defend his WWF title against the King of the Ring winner at Fully Loaded.  It was then added that if ANYONE on HHH's team took a pinfall then HHH would LOSE his title.  It was THEN added that whoever got the pin on the face team would win the WWF title.  Can the McMahon-Helmsley faction survive the combined might of the face team?  Or will Undertaker, Kane and The Rock implode on eachother in their own crusade to win the WWF title?  Lets find out.

Undertaker, Kane & The Rock vs HHH (c), Shane McMahon & Mr McMahon - 6 man tag for the WWF Championship.

Team Corporation are out first.  Kane is out next. The American Badass is out next to his Network dubbed Big Evil theme.  Just pay Kid Rock it wont cost that much.  He's a redneck he'll probably let you use his song for a pack of smokes and a six pack.  Its a great theme but it sounds like Poopie dubbed in.  The Rock is out last to a huge ovation from the Boston crowd.  Shane attacks Kane from behind and those two men start us off.  Kane gives Shane a free shot but no sells it.  Kane easily disposed of Shane with a raised choke. Shane tries to escape to the outside but Taker throws him right back in.  Kane firmly in control as he press slams Shane right over his head.  Kane with a guzzle on Shane but Vince tries to break it up and he gets one for his trouble.  HHH then breaks it up but Kane quickly regains control.  Rock tags himself in and faces up with HHH.  Rock tells him to Bring It and Shane jumps him from behind.  Undertaker tags himself in and starts beating down on Shane.  He hits a huge one armed Chokeslam on Shane but The Rock breaks up the pinfall.   HHH tags in and starts working over the Undertaker, but the Deadman quickly regains the upper hand overpowering HHH.  Taker hits a huge DDT but Kane pulls him off of the cover.  Undertaker gets in Kanes face and The Rock tags himself back in.  HHH tags Shane but Shane wont get in, so Rocky drags him over the top rope.  He then lays the smackdown on HHH and Vince.  He gets low bridged over the top but Undertaker and Kane are quickly there to break up the triple team.  Its broken down into a skirmish as Rock and HHH fight over the announce table, while Kane beats down on Vince and Undertaker and Shane are brawling up the ramp.  Back in the ring HHH hits a Pedigree on The Rock but Taker is there to break it up just in time.  Rocky is struggling to stand but refused to tag out.  He eats thunderous clothesline for his efforts.  The heels are in control now cutting The Rock off in their side of the ring.  HHH goes to the top but takes a hard right to the guts, Rocks hope spot doesnt last long as HHH takes him out with a neckbreaker.  Vince is tagging in to get a few cheap shots in before tagging out again.  Great heel heat.  Shane breaks up a pinfall by the Rock and it all devolves again.  All of a sudden Kane takes out Undertaker.  Rock hits HHH with a spinebuster but as he goes for the Peoples Elbow Kane takes him out with a Chokeslam.  HHH seems to think Kane is working with him but HHH gets a Tombstone.  He goes for the cover (not the legal man) but Undertaker pulls him out.  The two brothers of destruction start brawling and Undertaker cleans Kanes clock with a chair shot.  Undertaker then grabs Shane from the second rope and chokeslams him through the announce table in a now iconic spot.  In the ring Vince McMahon taunts the Rock with his own Peoples Elbow, but Rock kips up and hits Vince (not the legal man) with a Rock Bottom.  He makes the cover and gets the three!

Winners via Pinfall - The Rock, Undertaker and Kane and NEW WWF Champion - The Rock!

HHH is going ballistic as The Rock celebrates in the ring.  We see Undertaker tell The Rock that he owes him one before he leaves on his bike.  McMahon recovers in the ring and The Rock drills him with the title belt, adding insult to injury.  We see him pose in the corner one more time as the PPV comes to a close.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  As is the main theme of this PPV, this match suffered from time constraints.  It was a good concept but felt really rushed and the ending was way too chaotic.  It was still good fun though.  Interesting enough this PPV only ran for 2h 40m instead of the standard 3h we see today, so there could easily have been some more time given to a few of these matches.  

Pros.

The stories of Crash and Rikishi in the KotR
Jericho vs Angle
Everything served a purpose

Cons.

Time management
That Hardcore match which we shall never speak of again
Bull Buchanan

Overall Verdict.

As King of the Ring tournaments go this was a very strong one.  You had a decent field of midcard talent and the way they were pushing Rikishi you'd be forgiven for believing he could actually win it, but Angle was the right decision all day long.  Aside from one of the worst matches ever just about everything else on this card delivered what it set out to do, so theres not really much more you can say than that.  Not on par with Backlash or Judgement day but an overall better PPV than the three from the start of the year.  So in the ranking system it falls:

Backlash
Judgement Day
King of the Ring <- here.
Royal Rumble
No Way Out

Next time out we have Fully Loaded.  How will the events of this show effect the landscape of WWF?  What happens to Kurt Angle now that he thought he was getting a title match?  Can the McMahon-Helmsley faction survive this turmoil?  Will Undertaker cash in on The Rock?  Where does Rikishi go from here?  We'll find out next time.  Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
WrestleMania 2000

I had no idea a Pat Patterson vs Gerald Briscoe disaster existed, will go watch

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:I had no idea a Pat Patterson vs Gerald Briscoe disaster existed, will go watch

Dont, for the love of God dont. Its not even "so bad its good" like a lot of the Hardcore stuff.

FULLY LOADED 2000

We're here at the halfway point of 2000, the last ever Fully Loaded PPV.  We speculated what the fallout from King of the Ring would be, and it turns out the that power balance has flipped on its head.  The McMahon-Helmsley faction has essentially disbanded.  Vince McMahon has taken his ball and gone home, Shane has left the group and DX are hanging together by a thread.  So who's in charge of this mess?  The night after King of the Ring WWF Commissioner Shawn Michaels came out to announce the new WWF Commissioner - who will actually get to make decisions and call the shots - Mick Foley.  So Foley is in charge, and tonight we have three of the hottest stars in the world right now facing off against the established WWF old guard in whats being billed as a Triple Main Event. This should be a cracker.  Lets get right into it.

Test & Albert & Trish Stratus vs The Hardy Boys and Lita

These two teams have been interfering in each others matches since King of the Ring, so we have a 6-person intergender tag match to settle the score here tonight.  Lita is selling a back injury he picked up on RAW after being pushed off a ladder through a table by Trish.

Matt and Albert go right get right into it, but Albert uses his size and power advantage to take control.    Test tags in a keeps control, until he goes for a superplex, but Matt pushes him off and hits a leg drop from the second rope.  Tag to Jeff to a big pop whos just a flurry of offense but Test cuts him down to size with a huge spinning sidewalk slam.  Jeff gets momentum back with a big dive on Test to the outside.  Big chants for Lita here.  Test takes Matts head off with a big boot and tags in Trish.  Intergender rules means women can fight men, not like a mixed tag where only men fight men.  Test holds Matt up for Trish to slap him, but Matt ducks the second slap and Trish hits Test, allowing Matt to roll up Trish but Test breaks it up and drops Matt with a DDT.  Trish goes to drive an elbow on a prone Matt but he moves out the way and tags in Lita to a huge pop.  Trish freaks and sprints to her corner to tag out to huge boos. Albert tags in and stalks Lita.  She avoids him long enough for the Hardys to attack him.  Whisper in the Wind into a big double suplex.  Test and Trish come in but all three members of Team Extreme hit a triple vertical suplex on both of them.  The action gets back to Albert and Jeff, and Albert kills Jeff with a gorilla press right over the top rope to the outside.  T&A double team Jeff and just through him around.  Jeff gets a two count in a hope spot but its cut off with a big Full Nelson Slam from Test.  He goes for a big elbow from the top but Jeff gets out the way, he tags in Matt who comes in with a big clothesline off the top.  Matt takes out Albert but Test hits a Pumphandle Slam, as he makes the cover Jeff comes off the top with a Swanton Bomb to break it up, Matt makes the cover but the Albert breaks it up.  They double team Albert and tag in Lita.  She hits a big tornado DDT on Test, then hits a crossbody from the top onto Albert on the floor.  She gets back up on top and hits a diving hurricarana on Test.  Albert gets a cheap shot and Test kills her with a dropping powerbomb.  He tags in Trish who goes for the cover but Lita somehow kicks out.  Trish hits a Bulldog for another 2 count.  She goes up top but Lita meets her there and hits a superplex from the top rope.  Lita rolls on top of Trish but Albert breaks the cover.  The Hardys run over and attack T&A, Lita goes up top and nails the Moonsault on Trish for a three count.

Winners via Pinfall - The Hardy Boys and Lita

Immediately after the bell Albert clobbers Lita from behind. T&A beat down the Hardys to big bumhole chants.  Trish takes Alberts belt off him and starts whipping Lita with it.  The Hardys try to fight back but the heels escape up the ramp.

Rating: 3 stars.  Very good opening match.  Prove positive that simple booking is the best booking, building up to Trish vs Lita by having Trish be the cowardly heel and avoiding her at all costs.  The match slowed down a bit when those two were in the ring, but they're both still green as grass at the point so cant fault them too much.  This is also probably the first chapter in their storied rivalry together so a little piece of history.

Foley is backstage talking to someone when Edge comes up to him and tells him he thinks Christian has food poisoning.  Mick says its surely just a coincidence that that happens on the night they are to defend the tag titles.  Edge says its serious and Foley says he'll send a doctor.  We see Undertaker arrive on his bike and he asks where Angle is.  A stagehand tells him hes right over there. We see Angle staring and he looks terrified.  Undertaker gives chase on the bike as Angle scarpers, and hides in a lockerroom but Undertaker drives the bike in anyway, but Angle manages to escape.  I actually quite liked this, Angle is so good.

Tazz vs Al Snow

Tazz has been out with a injury, and ever since he's returned he's been attacking random superstars, including Kane, Rikishi and Scotty Too Hotty.  He choked out Snow on RAW so Foley put them in this match.  Notably this is Tazz's first singles PPV match since Royal Rumble and Al Snow's first PPV singles match since the infamous Kennel from Hell match at Unforgiven 1999.

Tazz looks all business in an intensity not seen in a long time.  Snow comes out and they go straight into it, with Al taking the lead early.  Al Snow typifies the WWF undercard for the time.  Perfectly capable but completely forgettable.  Doesnt bring nearly enough to the table to get up the card.  He hits the Snow Plough for a two count.  Tazz hits somewhat of an Alabama Slam from the corner.  He looks like he's taking over but Al Snow quickly regains control and hits a big leg drop from the top.  He follows it up with a moonsault but only gets a two.  He gets Head but Tazz takes him out with a chopblock.  Tazz starts working over the knee now.  He hits a big fishermans suplex and sets up for the Tazzmission.  Snow counters out of it but Tazz quickly manages to reapply it.  Snow as no choice but to tap out.

Winner via Submission - Tazz

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Not a bad match, but entirely OK.  Thats pretty much all there is to say.  You wont miss much if you skip this one.

We see Edge back in the locker room area and we can hear Christian throwing up.  Foley and the doctor come in as Christian emerges from the toilet.  The doctor says in his medical opinion he doesnt think Christian can go tonight.  He goes to throw up again as Mick apologizes.  We see HHH and Stephanie watching on as Stephanie gets a delivery of flowers to go with the table full they already have.  HHH says this is getting ridiculous and asks who they're from.  Steph asks if they arent from him?  They read a card and it says their from Kurt Angle.   HHH isnt happy.

Eddie Guerrero w/ Chyna (C) vs Perry Saturn w/ Terri - WWF European Championship

After Perry Saturn cost Chyna a match vs Dean Malenko he's been interfering in Eddies business, so Foley made this match.  Terri is hiding being Perry as they make their entrance.  Shes scared on Chyna after attacking her on Smackdown.  Chyna shoves Eddie out the way and drops Saturn on the ramp before chasing Terri.  She catches her but Perry breaks it up before Eddie jumps him from behind.  Terri scarpers to the back as the two men fight their way back to the ring.  Guerrero in control of his former Radicalz team mate early on.  Saturn ducks to the outside and Chyna takes him out with the Braun Strowman charge.  Eddie hits a top rope hurricanrana for a two count.  Saturn is dumped out the ring again and again Chyna takes him out.  Eddie comes out from the top rope with a huge crossbody on Saturn.  He comes off the top again with another hurricanrana on Saturn for a two count.  Saturn is able to get Eddie in an electric chair drop position and spins him round into a powerbomb, killing Eddies momentum.  Eddie goes for a headscissors but Saturn dumps him.  Seems to be a lot of "Eddie builds momentum, Saturns stops it" going on.  Eddie hits a brainbuster and goes for a frog splash.  Saturn rolls out the way but Eddie rolls out of his splash but Saturn drops him. Saturn finally starts to get some momentum until he tries to go up top again, but Guerrero drop kicks him to the outside. Chyna goes to attack Saturn, but Saturn clotheslines her over the announce table which collapses.  Guerrero comes outside to get Perry as Terri comes back down.  Saturn uses her a human shield but she low blows Eddie, then Saturn pushes him into the ring post.  Back in the ring Saturn goes up top again and hits a huge elbow to Eddies back, he makes the cover and gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF European Champion - Perry Saturn

Rating: 2.5 stars.  It was a good match but I think these two are capable of so much more.  Not much in the way of a story with the babyface(?) Eddie in control for the majority of the match before the heels steal a win.   Cant help but think it would be better if Guerrero was in peril more and just as it looked like he had won the heels cheated him out of the belt.  Not bad, but not great.

We see Edge and Christian packing their bags and telling each other how easy it was to dupe Foley.  Mick comes in to apologize again but realises they're at it.  Christian goes back into the toilet and starts pretending to throw up.  Mick climbs over the stall and looks in to see Christian emptying cups of water into the bowl.  Busted.  They're match with the APA is back on.  We see Taker being interviewed by Cole but on the moniter behind them we see Angle messing with Takers bike. He tries to drive off but stalls and Undertaker makes chase again.

Edge and Christian (c) vs The APA - WWF Tag Team Championship

This match has been scheduled to happen for weeks, but E&C have been coming up with different ways to get out of it. E&C are out first cutting a promo ripping apart Texas, including a line about its funny that JFK was assassinated in Dallas because if he had to stay here any longer he would have committed suicide.  Yeesh.   The APA interupt the champs before the can do their 5 second pose.  Texas home boy Bradshaw cuts a promo defending Texas and running down Canada.  He starts running off the great texas wrestlers including the Von Erichs and the Freebirds, and they're going to give the great Dallas fans one more sporting memory.  They attack them outside with the steel steps before the bell sounds.  Christian racks Faarooqs eyes and they try to double team Bradshaw.  They go for a whisper in the wind but Bradshaw catches Christian in the corner, Faarooq takes out Edge and Bradshaw climbs to the second rope and hits a huge Fallaway Slam.  We finally start the match proper with the Acolytes in full control double teaming Edge.  Bradshaw goes for a powerbomb but Christian comes off the top rope with a dropkick, putting an end to that.  The Champs in control now. The match breaks down as Bradshaw and Edge brawl on the outside.  Faarooq hits the Dominator on Christian, but Edge storms the ring with one of the tag belts, he breaks up the pin the drills Faarooq with the belt right infront of the referee.

Winners via Disqualification - The Acolytes.

The champs dont get a chance to celebrate retaining their titles as the APA beat them up all the way to the back area, but we dont get an end because it cuts to WWF New York.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Very formulaic, very by the book.  Heels look in dire straits so cheat to retain their belts.  It was fine.  Much like the Tazz match from earlier.  Not bad, not great.

In WWF New York we see Big Boss Man checking ID's, then we go back to HHH. He says how can he focus on his match tonight when this is going on with Angle and the flowers.  Stephanie says if HHH has a problem with Kurt then why not go talk to him about it.  Speaking of Angle, we see him still trying to run away from Undertaker.  He circles round something in the back area and attacks Undertakers knee from behind with a big wrench.

Rikish vs Val Venis (c) w/ Trish Stratus - Steel Cage match for the Intercontinental Championship

Continuing their rivalry from before King of the Ring, Venis defeated Rikishi for the IC title a few weeks ago.  They two have been at each other since so this is the blowoff.  Rikishi is out first in a very serious mood - those Anoa'i's really know what wrestling is all about.  Val Venis is out next with his new haircut, pretty much dropping the porn star gimmick entirely at this point.

Venis immediately tries to scale the cage but Rikishi is quick to pull him down.  Rikishi bounces Val off the cage wall a couple of times early on.  Big Keesh tries to climb but Val prevents him.  Rikishi kicks him off from the top rope but Val scarpers to the door.  Rikishi has to abandon his climb to stop him.  Rikishi goes for the door now but Val chop blocks him, now starts working over the knee.  Now Val bounces Rikishi off the cage.  Rikishi counters an irish whip into a big splash in the corner and Val falls down.  Rikishi goes for the Stinkface but Venis low blows him, then hits a facebuster, getting back control.  Big running clothesline turns Rikishi inside out.  Love seeing that spot from the big man.  Both men climb and are fighting on the top rope, Venis bashes Rikishis head off the support structure at the top of the cage and Rikishi falls back into the ring.  Val walks the top rope and hits an elbow from the top.  He goes for the cover but only gets a two.  Val climbs and gets one leg over the top before Rikisi gets to him.  Keesh pulls him back into the cage and the two men bounce each others heads off the cage and the both crotch themselves on the top rope.  Val has been busted open over his eye, looks hard way.  Ouch.  Rikishi goes to leave via the door but Val is able to stop him.  He builds up a big head of steam but Rikishi sends him flying into the cage then hits a big Samoan Drop.  Big splash in the corner and Rikishi hits the Banzai Drop but Val Venis gets hit foot on the bottom rope.  Rikishi goes to exit the door but Trish slams it in his face.  Venis hits a neckbreaker and goes up top, he hits the Money Shot but Rikishi kicks out at two.  The crowd pops for Lita running to ringside.  He belts Trish on the back on the head, then rips her top off and whips her repeatedly with a belt.  Back in the ring Val in on the top of the cage as Rikishi is making chase.  Rikishi bounces Vals head off the cage and he falls back into the ring, right on top of Teddy Long.  Rikishi climbs up to the top of the cage.  Rikishi walks cautiously to the middle of the cage and channels the Superfly and splashes Val Venis from the top of the cage!  Venis is lying prone as Rikishi tries to crawl to the door.  Rikishi is climbing out as Tazz appears and cleans his clock with a TV camera.  Rikishi is out cold as Venis is stiring.  He crawls over and puts and arm over Rikishi for a very slow three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Intercontinental Champion - Val Venis

Rating:  3 stars.  I cant remember a better Val Venis match, and the image of Rikishi coming off the top of the cage is one for the ages.  Its a shame it was marred by so much interference especially being a cage match, and didnt have a clean finish to end this feud.  Rikishi's push seems to be stalling... JR's calls out Tazz after the match, calling him a piece of trash.

We see Undertaker recovered from the attack earlier, and he rips the number off a sign saying "This workplace has had X number of days without an accident"  That was quite funny.  Then we see HHH hunting Angle, no one knows where he is.  He finds a guy trying to deliver more flowers who says he'll take HHH to Angle.  He goes into a locker room and a ruckus kicks off.  We see Jericho leave telling HHH he hopes he likes being on his back before walking off.  

Shane McMahon is out next and he's in his wrestling gear for some reason.  The commentators dont know whats going on as its not time for the title match yet.  He cuts a promo saying that he is going to prove how much of a man he is.  So he's calling out The Rock for a match.  He says its not going to be for the title because that wouldnt be fair on Benoit.  The Rocks music hits and here comes the Great One - watching his back.  The Rocks got a mic, he says 20,000 of the Rocks fans cant be wrong, and he really is a Cat.  He says he knows this is a set up and asks where Benoit is.  He says lets not wait til later, lets do it now.  Benoit appears on the Tron, he looks like he's in the locker room.  He's ripping up The Rocks clothes and breaking his sunglasses.  The Rocks had enough and heads to the back as we get a promo for the next match.

Kurt Angle vs The Undertaker

Angle cost Undertaker and Kane the tag titles vs Edge and Christian, and then accidentally trashed Undertakers bike.  He tried to apologize but Undertaker demanded a match for Fully Loaded.  Angle has spent the next few weeks trashing Takers bike, costing him matches and attacking him with a wrench.  Angles out first for the first match in our "Triple Main Event" and he has the wrench with him.  Undertaker doesnt wait and rides his bike to the ring.  The two men start brawling on the outside.  Taker batters Angle all through the crowd.  He bounces Angle face first off the steps.  They get in the ring and the bell finally sounds and Undertaker is still in control, breaking up his own pinfall to inflict more damage.  The big Texan is toying with Angle, who hasnt got out the blocks here.  Big sidewalk slam from Taker gets a two count.  Angle is dumped to the outside, and as the referee is getting out to join them he clocks Undertaker across the knee with the wrench.  Angle starts working on the leg now, but Undertaker is still able to fight him off.  Angle ducks a clothesline and sweeps Takers leg out. He's finally got Taker under control as he works over the knee.  Taker gets the goozle and goes for a Chokeslam but Angle kicks his leg out again. Taker fights out off a submission hold and hits a chokeslam.  He signals for the end, gets Angle up and hits The Last Ride for the academic three count.

Winner via Pinfall - The Undertaker

Rating: 1 star.  This wasnt very good unfortunately.  Nothing technically wrong with it, just could have been so much more.

We catch up with The Rock seeing his trashed locker.  He's livid as we see a promo for part 2 of our Main Event.

Chris Jericho vs Triple H - Last Man Standing

After Chris Jericho kissed Stephanie at King of the Ring, HHH demanded a match with him.  Y2J cost HHH the No.1 contenders spot, and a match vs The Brooklyn Brawler. Jericho has been on a mission to humiliate HHH.  After he beat Road Dogg it seemed to cause friction between DX, which lead to a match later than night between Xpac and HHH.  Jericho tried to interfere again, but it was a set up, and DX dismantled him, leaving him a bloody mess.  Jericho afterwards said he feels more bloodthirsty now and demanded it be made a Last Man Standing, which Foley was happy to grant.

JR says this is only the second Last Man Standing match in WWF history which absolute blew my mind.  Jericho is in a serious mood as he makes his entrance with his taped ribs.  As soon as he gets in the ring they go at it, with Jericho quickly taking control.  HHH ends up on the apron and Y2J hits a spring board dropkick as the match spills to the ringside area. Both men are losing their footing throwing punches which adds to the "real fight" feel.  HHH counters Jericho with a knee to the ribs to take momentum.  He drops Y2J ribs first over the guard rail.  He drops him into the steel steps, showing off why he would become known as the cerebral assassin.  Back in the ring HHH keeps targeting Jerichos ribs, taking the bandage off.  Side Note: Jericho has green and silvery-purple lightning on his tights tonight which looks like the Rick and Morty logo.  HHH drops Y2J with a big knee and starts choking him with a big of bandage.  Jericho tries fighting back but Stephanie slaps the taste out of his mouth.  HHH hits a suplex on the concrete ramp and we get our first count of the match.  Jericho makes it to his feet and starts to fight back in the ring but HHH cuts him off with an abdominal stretch.  Jericho somehow fights out with an armdrag and right hands.  He hits a spinning heel kick and goes for the Lionsault but HHH gets his knees up.  HHH plants Y2J with a DDT as the referee starts counting again.  Jericho makes it to his feet at 7 as HHH puts him in a sleeper.  He locks in a body scissors and drops to the mat.   Y2J starts to fade.  HHH releases to let the referee count.  He gets to feet at 9, and HHH drops him with a huge right.  Then another.  Jericho gets up and tells HHH to suck it,  so HHH plants him with a Pedigree.  HHH lies down over the top ropes in the corner, mocking Y2J.   Jericho just makes it to his feet at 9 while an irate HHH grabs a steel chair and wails on him with it.  He sets up for a Pedigree on the chair but the referee tries to stop him.  HHH shoves Mike Chioda away then Jericho hits a low blow.  Jericho has the chair now and brains HHH right between the eyes with it.  HHH is busted wide open, looks like a gusher, his face and chest are already covered in blood.  Jericho is still fighting with right hands.  Jericho hits the facebuster on HHH onto the steel chair.  Y2J smiles as the referee gets to four but he starts attacking HHH again, breaking the count.  HHH goes over the top and Y2J quickly follows.  Jericho goes to whip HHH into the steps but HHH counters and whips Jericho ribs first.  HHH clears the top section of the steps away and sets Y2J up for a Pedigree on the steps, but Y2J back body drops HHH over.   HHH and Jericho both bean each other on the side of the head with monitors from the announce table. Both men are down.  Both men somehow make it back to their feet at 9.  Back in the ring HHH goes for another Pedigree but Y2J counters into the Walls of Jericho.  HHH is tapping out like a madman but Jericho will not release the hold.  HHH gets to the ropes but Y2J doesnt need to break the hold, then he drags him back into the middle of the ring.  Stephanie gets in the ring and pulls Jerichos hair, so he slaps the Walls on her.  HHH drops him from behind and the fight spills back to ringside.  HHH goes under the ring and gets his sledgehammer.  Swing and miss and he hits the ring post.  Y2J drops him and catapults him into the ring post.  Now Jericho has the sledgehammer, but shot to HHH guts and he lands on the announce table.  Jericho climbs onto the timekeepers table but HHH hits a low blow, he the hits a back suplex and both men fall through the announce table.  HHH starts to stir at 7, and makes it to his feet just before 10.  As the referee calls it HHH collapses again.

Winner - Triple H

Post match we see a replay and we see Jericho essentially missed the table and took the brunt of the fall on the concrete.  The doctors are out to check on both men as Stephanie is crying beside HHH.  The referees help a bloody HHH to the back.

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Loved it, loved it, loved it.  What a great match.  HHH was the cerebral assassin in full flow targeting Jericho injured ribs, Jericho sold beautifully and got great babyface heat, and had HHH beat until Steph got involved.  10/10 for psychology here.  A star making performance for Y2J being able to more than hold his own vs HHH, and he doesnt lose anything in defeat because HHH was such a mess aswell.  Definitely a hidden gem on the Network and would totally recommend looking this one up.  However, with one match left of our "Triple Main Event" the New Blood are 0 for 2 against the old guard.  Will they score a point in out main event?

The Rock (c) vs Chris Benoit w/ Shane McMahon - WWF Championship - If The Rock is DQ'd he will lose the title

Shane McMahon aligned himself with Benoit shortly after King of the Ring.  Benoit attacked The Rock and took him out with a steel chair.  When Foley tried to find out why he simply said he wants WWF gold and his actions will speak louder than words.  Benoit goes on a tear until The Rock offers him a title match.  Over the next few weeks both men take turns laying each other out until it culminates in The Rock giving Benoit a Rock Bottom on the hood of a limo.  Foley says he thinks The Rock will have a problem containing his emotions and will be too focused on hurting Benoit to win the match, so he makes it that the title will change hands in the event of a DQ.

Benoit is out first with Shane and he's wearing one of Rocks ripped up shirts.  The Rock comes out to a huge pop as per.  I much prefer the ring announcements being made during their entrance instead of getting them both in the ring first. Both men get right to it with The Rock sending Benoit outside early.  The Rock gives chase to Shane OMac and in almost a reverse of the WCW spot, he drops Benoit before he can attack him then starts chasing Shane again.  Rock gets in the ring and tries to put the Crossface on Benoit but Benoit is able to scramble out the ring.  Benoit is able to take control and starts working over The Rock.  Shane McMahon gets a cheap shot in when the ref is dealing with Benoit.  The Rock takes back momentum with a back suplex from the second rope.  Shane throws the belt into the ring and then distracts the referee, allowing Benoit to nail Rock with it, but he can only get a two count.  Big snap suplex on The Rock for another two count.  The Rock hits a powerslam as we see a huge, nasty blood stain on the canvas.  Benoit kills Rocks momentum with a big German, then locks in the Sharpshooter.  Not as good as Bret, but better than The Rock.  Rocky gets to the ropes but Benoit keeps attacking the legs.  He goes for the sharpshooter again but Rock fights out of it. He goes to bounce of the ropes but Shane low bridges him to the outside.  Benoit whips Rocky into the steps but Rock counters and Benoit meets the steel.  Benoit tries to kick The Rock but Rock counters with a single leg take down the locks in the Figure Four, but Benoit makes it to the ropes.  Shot to the Rocks breadbasket and he sends him to the outside.  Benoit distracts the ref and Shane hits Rock with a big clothesline.  Its really funny listening to King try to defend Shane and JR basically calling him an idiot.  Shane sends Rock into the crowd and Benoit soon follows, but Rocky hits Benoit with a fans beer.   Benoit counters with a suplex on the outside.  Benoit throws Rocky back first into the guardrail a couple of times.  Back in the ring and The Rock surprises Benoit with a snap DDT for a two count.  Benoit recovers quickly enough to hit a backbreaker. Shane chokes The Rock again.  The Rock goes for a powerbomb but instead he falls backwards and Benoit gets caught up in the ropes.  Rock makes the cover but Benoit gets his foot on the ropes.  Benoit is tenacious though and quickly gets control, he drops The Rock with a powerslam and follows it up with a diving headbutt, but he cant make the cover.  He's finally able to make to cover but Rocky kicks out at 2.  Suddenly The Rock hits a spinebuster from nowhere and follows it up with a Peoples Elbow, but Shane distracts the referee allowing Benoit enough time to kick out at two, even though he was pinned for close to a 10 count.  Benoit is still relentless and he hits a superplex on the Rock from the top rope.  Benoit goes to get a steel chair, but the ref stops him, Rock ends up with the chair but Shane drops the ref with another steel chair.  Rock starts Laying the Smackdown on Benoit and then he picks the chair back up.  Shane bails from the ring and The Rock puts Benoit in the Crossface.  The referee recovers and rings the bell.

Winner via DISQUALIFICATION AND NEW WWF CHAMPION - CHRIS BENOIT!

Hebner called it for Benoit!  He saw The Rock with the chair and thought it was him who hit him! Shane hits The Rock with a chair as he and Benoit celebrate!  Plenty of cups being thrown in the ring as The Rock has been screwed.  The Rock is busted open as Mick Foleys music hits.  The commissioner is out to clear this mess up.  Foley gets a mic and says that while this title would change with a DQ, he damn well didnt see a DQ, the fans didnt see a DQ and there wasnt a DQ.  As commissioner, he demands Hebner restart this match.  A bloody Rock stands in the ring and tells an irate Benoit to Bring It as the bell rings again.  Benoit gets back in the ring and the two trade blows.  Benoit hits a trifecta of Germans and bridges the third for a two count.  He starts working over Rocky again in the corner with right hands and headbutts.  He puts the Crossface on but Rocks too close to the ropes, so Benoit drags him into the middle of the ring and puts the Crossface back on.  Rocky refuses to tap out as he uses everything he's got to get to the ropes and he barely makes it.  Benoit goes straight back onto the assault.  He tries for the Crossface again but The Rock counters into a Rock Bottom and he gets the three count!

Winner (for real this time) via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - The Rock

Shane helps Benoit to the back as a bloody Rock struggles to stand.  Benoit and Shane leave as The Rock poses in the corner with his belt as we go off the air.

Rating: 4 stars.  This was another brilliant match to end the night.  Benoit took The Rock to his absolute limit, and a pretty good example of a Dusty Finish, because there was a good bit of time before Foley came out that you actually could believe this was the real finish.  Really enjoyed this and its well worth going back and watching again.  Shame this rivalry didnt really continue because they could easily have gotten more out of it.

Pros.

Jericho vs HHH was match of the night.
Benoit vs The Rock
The cage match was well above expectations.
Excellent tag opener

Cons.

Undertaker vs Angle promised so much but didnt deliver
Tazz vs Al Snow
Tag Team title match, could have done with less APA and more... TLC?

Overall Verdict.

Not the best show WWF have put on this year, but certainly worth going back to watch.  Blows what WCW were doing well away, as they had just aired Bash at the Beach earlier in the month, which featured Jarrett lying down to Hogan and the subsequent shoot promo from Russo and Hogan leaving the company, and the -2 star classic between Vampiro and the KISS Demon.  WWF really were untouchable at this time.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
Fully Loaded
King of the Ring
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

The third of the big 4 next time with Summerslam 2000. Can WWF keep up the momentum?  Or will they stumble and fall going into the tail end of the year?  Time will tell.  See you next time.

SUMMERSLAM 2000

We're starting off the second half of the year with a bang as its the third of the Big 4, Summerslam!  A new faction is on the rise in WWF, a new star has emerged and gets his first shot at the WWF title tonight and a history making match that would not only cement the legacies of the 6 men involved but go on to spawn its very on theme PPV.  Can Summerslam buck the trend this year and deliver as a Big 4?  Or will it fall below expectations as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania did?  Lets find out as we head into our first contest.

Right to Censor vs Too Cool & Rikishi

Remember that new faction I mentioned?  The Right to Censor comprises of Steven Richards, Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather (formerly the Godfather)  This is a hard conservative group who want to instill and maintain family values in wrestling - by force if necessary.  They were set up as a parody of the Parent Television Council (RTC - PTC. get it?) who were at the time protesting against the content of WWF shows and threatening to boycott their sponsors.  The greatest theme song in wrestling hits as the Right to Censor make their PPV debut.  Richards cuts a decent promo about why the people in the Bible Belt are booing them, but he's cut off by the faces music.  Rikishi is accompanied by a couple of Godfathers ho's, including future womens champion Victoria.  The heels interupt the dance party and a fight breaks out.

S2H using his speed and agility to get the better of BB early on.  GMS and Goodfather tag in and spill to the outside.  Grandmaster tries to get Victoria to slap Goodfather, but he's breaks free and throws both ladies to the ground to massive heat as BB bounces GMS off the steps.  Huge 'Save the Ho's' chant.  Heels in contol until GMS crotches Richards on the top rope then hits a superplex.  Hot tag to Rikishi who cleans house.  Richards tries to escape but Victoria throws him back in the ring.  All three members of RTC are stacked up in the corner so we get three corner splashes in a row from the faces.  Rikishi takes out Goodfather with a samoan drop before being dumped outside by BB - who in turn eats a facebuster from S2H who signals for the worm.  Before he can hit the M Steven Richards springs out of nowhere and hits a superkick.  He makes the cover (on a non legal man) and gets the pin (on a non legal man)

Winners via Pinfall - the Right to Censor.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Fine enough opener.  Popped the crowd but you need to get the heels over early.  Yeah nothing really to complain about but it was nothing special.

We see replays of the love triangle between Kurt Angle, Stephanie and Triple H, including Angle laying lips on Steph on SmackDown.  We cut to Shane McMahon whos defending his Hardcore title against Steve Blackman later on, he sees Blackman and gets spooked and runs away.

Road Dogg vs Xpac

The two DX stablemates have been at each others throats for a while over a perceived lack of success.  It came to a head on RAW last week when an altercation lead to Road Dogg falling through a table.

Very back and forth in the opening exchanges.  Both men know each other so well so have a counter for everything.  Xpac finallys control with a big spinning heel kick.  Road Dogg no sells a Bronco Buster and hulks up, hitting all his signature offense. Xpac counters a pumphandle slam with a low blow, hits and Xfactor and picks up a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Xpac

Rating: 1 star.  After the match Xpac gets on the mic and says they found out who the better man was, but they're still a great team and no hard feelings.  Road Dogg follows this up with a Pumphandle Slam.  So this is how DX ends, no with a bang but with a whimper.  Would have been a decent TV match but never had the heat to make it a good PPV match. The crowd do not care for Xpac at all so its hard for him to be a singles guy.

We see Chyna and Eddie backstage getting ready for they're Intercontinental Championship match.  Trish is going on about who Val would rather see as a centrefold, Val chastises her and tells her its about the IC title tonight so she better get her head in the game.

Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs Val Venis (c) & Trish Stratus - Intergender tag team match for the Intercontinental Championship.

Mick Foley added the stipulation that if either Stratus or Venis are pinned, whoever pins them will win the IC title.  This came about after Chyna powerbombed Venis off the apron during a match on SmackDown so Trish retaliated by smashing a glass jar on the back of Chynas head.  Contrast of styles early on as Eddie has his speed advantage and Val has the power advantage.  Chyna with a blind tag and takes out Venis with a lariat.  Double flapjack on Val for a two count from Chyna.  Chyna with the advantage until Trish gets involved, and Val uses the distraction to take out Chyna.  Val hits a vertical suplex on Chyna which splits her ring attire.  She manages to fix it no problem and covered for it well.  Low blow to Val and a DDT to get the tag to Eddie.  Eddie running wild until Venis counters him into the top turnbuckle then hits a spin-out powerbomb.  Both men take each other out and Val has no choice but to tag in Trish.  Eddie quickly puts an end to that and tags in Chyna to a huge pop.  Chyna goes for the cartwheel elbow thing but Val pulls her hair down.  She fights out of a double team move and Eddie takes out Venis, Chyna military press slams Trish and scores the pinfall.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Chyna!

Rating: 1 star.  Not a fan of overbooked stuff like this, not a huge fan of singles titles being defended in tag matches, not a fan of Vals or Chynas.  Eddie tried his best but could only carry this to an above average affair.  Not great.

We see a clip of Radio WWF from WWF New York.  This is basically a proto-podcast with Michael Cole, Mick Foley, Too Cool, Chyna and Trish Stratus.  Cut to Stephanie talking with the make up lady whos filling her in on the gossip in the ladies lockerroom, and Steph admits Kurt is a good kisser.  Moving quickly on to our next match.

Jerry "The King" Lawler vs Tazz

Tazz has been on a tear recently, taking out several stars.  He's taken umbrage to JR calling him a piece of trash.  Tazz with the great line "I'd slap you across your face but it looks like God already beat me too it".  King stands up for his best friend and takes out Tazz.  Tazz retaliates by smashing King across the head with a flask, opening him up.  Things get really personal when Tazz smashes a car window with JR inside it, covering JR in glass.  Tazz is out first with a white cane and a cowboy hat, mocking JR.  King has had enough and jumps Tazz.

King in control early until Tazz avoids a middle rope fist drop and Tazz takes over.  JR puts Tazz over as a wrestler because JR is the best in the world at this.  Tazz throws King to the outside and taunts JR.  That allows King to recover and hit Tazz with some big right hands.  Tazz misses a senton from the top rope and King drops the strap.  Big rights to Tazz and hits a piledriver on Tazz but Tazz gets straight back up.  He throws King into the ref then warns JR that he's going to choke out King then he's coming for JR.  He gets King the in the Tazzmission.  JR gets up from his position and smashes his glass sweetie jar over Tazz's head, allowing The King to get the pinfall.

Winner via Pinfall - Jerry "The King" Lawler

After the match JR takes his position as a bloody Tazz screams that he's got glass in his eye.  King stands on the announce table and celebrates for the crowd.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  This was a very good story match with the good guys getting revenge in the end, but I dont think Tazz will be finished quite yet.  Pretty good even if it was short but the crowd were right into it which is the main thing.

We see Shane warming up backstage but he gets spooked by Blackman again.  His music hits as we move into the next contest.

Shane McMahon (c) vs Steve Blackman - WWF Hardcore Championship

Blackman has been dominating the Hardcore scene for a while now, but Shane stole his belt after interference from T&A.  Foley has suspended the 24/7 rule so that Shane could not lost the title before this match.  Blackman comes out with a kendo stick and a trash can.  Blackman is throwing the kendo stick to Shane as a leveller but Shane wants no part of this.  Shane tries to bail through the crowd but Blackman makes chase.  Back ringside Blackman gets two trashcan lids from under the ring and wipes out Shanes knees with it.  He shouts out "This is my house" (a young Paige takes notes) and smashes Shane on the back of the head.  He gets more plunder from under the ring including a leather strap.  He puts a trashcan over Shane and starts wailing on him with wooden sticks (im sure theres a technical name for them). This has been all Blackman so far.  He puts the strap round Shanes neck then pulls him off the top rope.  He starts to choke him out but T&A charge the ring.  They take out Blackman while Shane recovers.  The three men work over Blackman, including Test hitting a top rope elbow onto a trashcan lid placed on Blackmans chest.  They get Blackman to the stage area and they try to drop a speaker on his leg - shades of how they took out Big Show.  Blackman eventually manages to fight back with a kendo stick and take out T&A.  Shane tries to escape by climbing the side of the Titantron.  Blackman makes chase swinging the kendo stick.  Blackman swings for the fences and hits Shane on the back with the cane a few times before Shane falls backwards off the Tron!  Blackman slides about halfway down before coming off the Tron with an elbow drop. The pinfall is academic at this point.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Hardcore Champion - Steve Blackman

Rating: 2.5 stars.  This was pretty fun and capped off with an incredible stunt from Shane.  The announcers say it must've been 70 feet but its probably about half that.  But its still gnarly as hell watching him fall backwards without looking.  Scary spot but executed perfectly.  And thats the last we'll see of Shane O Mac for a while as he's put on a stretcher and taken out of the arena.  Steve Blackman is an incredible athlete but his strikes are so fast its hard for anyone to sell them properly.  I think this is the best place for him on the card right now.

We see Steph freaking out as Angle comes in to her dressing room and tries to console her as Foley comes in and takes Steph away to check on Shane.

Chris Benoit vs Chris Jericho - 2 out of 3 Falls match

We get another chapter in the storied rivalry between Jericho and Benoit.  Moving on from their loses at Fully Loaded, both men have been attacking each other for weeks, reigniting their rivalry so they settle on a 2/3 falls match to end this once and for all.

Both men straight into a brawl to open things because this is blood feud and it makes no sense to start things off with a collar and elbow tie up.  The ref struggles to contain them and all three spill to the outside.  Benoit gets control early after dumping Jericho up and into the ring post.  Jericho gets the first nearfall after catapulting Benoit into the top turnbuckle then an impressive release german.  Benoit counters a Lionsault and locks in the Crossface.  Jericho has no choice but to tap early.

Benoit wins the first fall

No rest period between falls and Benoit goes right back into the Crossface.  Jericho somehow makes it to the bottom rope to break the hold and Benoit goes right back to the shoulder.  He gets Jericho in a Tree of Woe and stretches out his shoulder.  Jericho gets free and gets to the outside but Benoit throws him into the ring post. Back in the ring Benoit launches Y2Js shoulder into the ring post.  Then he does the same in the opposite corner.  Benoit looking every part the WWF champion he nearly was last month.  Jericho starts to fight back and gets out of a German and counters into the Walls of Jericho.  Benoit fights his way to the ropes but Jericho drags him right back to the middle and Benoit has no choice but to tap out.

Jericho wins the second fall

Y2J immediately starts targeting Benoits back again.  Jericho bridges out of a pinfall and goes for a backslide, but Benoit counters that into a beautiful bridging Full Nelson suplex for a 2 count.  Benoit goes up top but Jericho meets him there and hits a top rope hurricarana.    Jericho hits a Lionsault but he hurts his shoulder and cant get a pin.  This fall is all Jericho until he tries a roll up, but Benoit reverses it into a cradle of his own and grabs the bottom rope to score the 3rd and final fall.

Winner via Pinfall 2-1 - Chris Benoit

Rating: 4 stars.  These 2 men cant have a bad match together, they just cant.  This more than delivered despite having nothing on the line, and the unclean finish leaves us open to another match further down the line.  Excellent stuff.

We see HHH finally arriving at the arena and we get another recap of whats happened between Angle and Stephanie, and then the build up to the next match... Here we go...

Edge & Christian (c) vs The Hardy Boys vs The Dudley Boys - TLC match for the WWF Tag Team Championship.

Edge and Christian have added chairs to their offense recently, beating down The Hardys and The Dudleys with their new move the Con-Chair-To.  Both the Hardys and Dudleys get revenge on E&C, with Edge being dispatched via a stereo splash from on top of ladders by the Hardys and Christian being put through a table by the Dudleys.  Edge and Christian decide they're going on strike, until Mick Foley intervenes and sets up a triangle tag match for the belts in what he calls a TLC match, but it doesnt stand for Tender, Loving Care, it stands for Tables, Ladders and Chairs.  Thus history will be made in the first ever TLC match, where the winners will be the team who gets the belts that are suspended above the ring.

The Champs are out first, sans the belts.  Edge looks in a serious mood.  The Dudleys are out next, followed by a huge pop for the hometown Hardy Boys.  Finkel doesnt even get to announce them as they storm the ring at start brawling with the Dudleys.  Matt throws a chair in Bubbas face early on but as they go for Whisper in the Wing Bubba throws a chair at Jeff, wiping him out mid air.  Edge gets a ladder in the ring but Bubba slingshots it off the ropes into Edges face.  D-Von and Jeff start climbing side by side ladders but Edge takes them both out with a double side Russian leg sweep.  Christian attempts to climb now but Bubba cuts him off and hits a huge Bubba Bomb from about two thirds of the way up the ladder.  Matt sets up a seesaw of ladders as Jeff tries to climb but Edge pushes Jeff off and Matt eats the fat end of the ladder.  Thankfully no Joey Mercury-esque injury here. JR with the iconic call "Where do you learn to fall off a ladder and not hurt yourself?  You dont.".  A missed con-chair-to from Edge and Christian and Bubba takes them out with a ladder, then takes out Jeff.  Bubba scoop slams Edge as D-Von climbs a ladder and hits a WASSUP! from the ladder.  Signal for tables for a massive pop.  Whoever came up with "GET THE TABLES" deserves all the money ever.  Table is set up in the middle of the ring and Christian gets a 3D through it.  Bubba signals for more wood and they stack up four tables outside the ring.  Bubba sets up to powerbomb Jeff through them but Edge takes him and Dvon out with some sick chair shots.  Matt Hardy appears from no where and hits Edge with a Twist of Fate.  He climbs a ladder and hits a huge leg drop, then Jeff leapfrogs over it from the top turnbuckle with a leg drop of his own.  Matt places a prone Edge between the legs of a ladder and slams it shut on him.  Christian climbs to the top turnbuckle but Matt catches him and launches him onto the ladder, squashing Edge.  Meanwhile Bubba in prone on a table outside the ring as Jeff climbs a ladder that must be an honest to god 15 feet tall.  He goes for a Swanton from the very tippy-top but Bubba rolls out the way and he crashed through two tables!  Matt throws the huge ladder into the ring.  Edge creams Bubba with a chair as Matt and Dvon start to climb the ladder.  Christian takes Matt out with a reverse DDT from the ladder and Edge and Dvon both crash onto the top rope.  Bubba recovers and has a glazed over look in his eyes, and he starts to climb the ladder.  Just as he gets to the top Edge and Christian push the ladder over and Bubba crashes through the four tables stacked up outside the ring!  That must have been a 20 ft drop!    Edge and Christian prop the ladder back up to a chorus of boos which suddenly turn to cheers as WWF Womens Champion Lita crashes the party and pushes the ladder over, crotching both E&C on the top rope.  She's screaming for Matt to climb as the crowd cheer him on.  Dvon stirs at the otherside and dumps the ladder backwards with Matt crashing to the outside through two tables!  Jesus christ lads.  Lita checks on Matt and Edge wipes her out with a huge spear and she cracks her head on a ladder, ouch.  Dvon starts to climb and Jeff Hardy has somehow recovered.  Both men have a hand on a belt as Edge pulls the ladder out from under them!  Both men are hanging from the belts!  Jeff kicks Dvon and he crashed to the floor, and Edge and Christian take Jeff out with a ladder like an extreme pinata.  Edge and Christian both climb the ladder and grab a belt each, winning this contest.

Winners and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - Edge and Christian.

Post match, despite the home town boys losing all 6 men get a standing ovation as they leave.  

Rating: 5 stars.  Jesus christ lads.  This was incredible.  It went over 18 minutes but never felt like that as it went a mile a minute.  Everyone in this match gave everything they had to put on one of the most incredible spectacles in wrestling.  Do yourself a favour and go watch this match.  This would set and incredibly high bar for what ladder matches in wrestling could be and they've very rarely emulated this one.  Watch.  This.  Match.

HHH is going mental backstage with Steph, demanding she explain the kiss between her and Kurt on SmackDown.  Steph says Kurt took advantage of her, and HHH tells her to stay away from him.  Suddenly The Kats music hits.  Aw Poopie.  Really?

The Kat w/ Al Snow vs Terri - Thong Stinkface Match.

2 weeks ago Kat convinced Rikishi to give Terri and Stinkface and in retaliation this "match" was set up.  Terri comes out and she strips down to her bikini before Perry Saturn runs out and puts a towel round her.  The two women 'brawl' for a bit with some of the worst offense ever.  You can only claim the attitude era is the best era ever if you have selective memory and forget Poopie like this exists.  Kat eventually wins by rubbing her butt in Terris face after the longest 3 minutes ever.

Winner - The Kat

Rating:  -2 stars.  The only reason this isnt as bad as Briscoe vs Patterson is that was an embarrasment of two legends, this was just Poopie.   I'd rather get root canal without pain killers than go through this again.  Frak this.

We're back in WWF New York and the APA are behind the bar drinking Jack and smoking cigars.  They have a toast to Mr McMahon before we go back to the arena.

Undertaker vs Kane

A few weeks ago Kane appeared to save Undertaker from Benoit, but in a swerve Russo would be proud of he Chokeslammed his brother straight through the ring.  He said he did it because he's a monster.  Undertakers been trying to get answers but to no avail, so he wants to kick Kanes ass instead.

Taker meets Kane in the aisle and a brawl breaks out.  Undertaker tries to take Kanes mask up but Kane drops him over the top rope.  Kane gets a chair and aims for Taker but Taker fights back with strikes to the cut.  Undertaker then wallops Kane with the chair and goes for the mask again.  He rips a part of the mask off as Kane tries to escape.  They start fighting ringside and Kane goes to hit Taker with the steps but Taker sidesteps him and Kane crashes into the ring post.  Taker then cracks Kane right in the face with the steps.  Undertaker shouts to the crowd he's "going to pull his Frak mask off".  He then proceeds to hit him with a few more rights and throws him back in the ring.  Kane hits Taker with a low blow as we see he's been busted open.  Kane with right hands but Taker wont go down, and he fights back with a spear on Kane.  He goes for Kanes mask again but Kane fights him off.  Kane gets Taker in a goozle but Taker hits a low blow, suddenly Taker gets Kanes mask off. Kane hides his face with his hand and hair as he escapes to the back.  Takers music plays and apparently this one is done.

No Contest?

Rating: 0 stars.  No real build, no real heat, no real match.  I dont think the bell even rung.  Just another unnecessary chapter in the story of the Brothers of Destruction.  Pretty pointless.  Lets move on pretty quick.

The Rock (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple H - Triple Threat for the WWF Championship

During a triple threat No1 contenders match, both Angle and HHH pinned Chris Jericho at the same time.  Both men were declared the winner so Foley set up the Triple Threat match.  HHH and Stephanies marriage in going through a rocky patch after HHH was caught in a number of innocent but compromising positions with Trish Stratus.  Angle has been her shoulder to cry on which infuriates HHH.

Angle is out first with his serious face on as he gets ready for his first WWF title match.  He gets a mic and says he is going to apologize, SWERVE he apologizes for not kissing Steph sooner. He says he's a Giver.  He gives his all in the ring, he gave his all for his country at the Olympics and he tells HHH he gave his wife more passion in 30 seconds than HHH could if his life depended on it.  HHH is out next and he foregoes his usual entrance and makes a beeline for Angle and a fight breaks out.

The crowd chant for The Rock as HHH beats Angle around the ring, Hebner tries to break it up but HHH shoves him away.  Angle fights back and clotheslines them both out the ring.  He bounces HHH's head off the steel steps.  HHH gives him a receipt at the otherside of the ring.  HHH clears the Spanish announce table and climbs on it with Kurt.  He sets up for a Pedigree but the table collapses just as he goes to jump, with both men spilling to the floor. Angle takes a sore one right on his forehead and looks to be out of it.   HHH checks on him immediately.   HHH tries to recover this but Angle is out for the count.  HHH kills time getting his sledgehammer when The Rocks music hits.  Rock gets in the ring and he and HHH go at it as the bell finally rings.

Rock with the immediate momentum hitting a big Samoan Drop.  Rocky clears the other announce table but HHH drops him over it as the EMT's check on Kurt.  A stretcher appears as Kurt looks in no condition to compete.  Back in the ring HHH is in control as Hebner gets rid of the Sledgey.  The Rock fights back as we see Angle being stretchered out of the arena.  HHH makes chase though and drags the stretcher back down the ramp.  He hits Angle in the head a couple of times, he sets up something devious but Rock nails him from behind.  Rock and HHH are fighting in the stage area now, HHH goes for a piledriver but Rocky counters and catapults HHH into a steel structure.  Steph has appeared to check on Angle as Rocky and HHH keep beating each other up in the ringside area.  Steph comes back to ringside and HHH tells her shes not supposed to be here.  HHH gets a nearfall then tells Steph to get the belt.  She goes to hit The Rock but hits HHH instead (No DQ because this is still technically a triple threat) and HHH barely kicks out at two.  She bails to the outside but Rock gets her by the hair.  Low blow by HHH breaks that up then he sends Steph to the back again.  The two men trade big moves and position until HHH recovers his sledgehammer.  He socks The Rock in the guts with it, then hits a running punt to the ribs.  Then another.  HHH works over the ribs for a good portion now, but The Rock keeps surviving.   HHH goes to the top but The Rock meets him there and hits a big superplex.  As both men recover we see Steph trying to rally Angle to go help HHH.  Rock hits a belly-to-belly and both men are down.  Boo's ring out as Angle and Steph make their way back to the match.  Angle still doesnt look right.  Angle trips the Rock and HHH hits a Pedigree, but Angle pulls HHH out the ring and bounces him off the steps.  He makes the cover on The Rock but gets a very close 2 count.  Angle somehow manages to hit a picture perfect overhead Belly to Belly on The Rock.  He gets a beautiful one from The Rock in return then a huge DDT but its only good for a two.  HHH gets up on the apron but Angle is whipped into him sending him flying, Rock hits a Rock Bottom on Angle but HHH pulls him out the ring at two.  HHH calls for Steph to give him the hammer. She throws it in the ring but Angle beats HHH to it.  Steph gets in the ring to stop things but HHH clobbers her when he goes to hit Angle, Angle then takes out HHH with the sledgehammer.  Angle makes the pin but Rock breaks it up, then hits a Peoples Elbow on a prone HHH (jumping over both HHH and Steph) and its good enough to get the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - The Rock

Post match The Rock celebrates and leaves the Helmsleys in the ring.  Angle pulls Steph out the ring and carries her to the back as The Rock poses on one of the stage structures.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  This was fun as hell to be honest.  I think it played out exactly as they planned apart from Angle legit being knocked loopy when the table collapsed, and he was able to finish the match with a belter of a concussion.  I love the booking of the two guys who hate each other not waiting till the third guy gets there before they start fighting, but it did make the WWF title feel a bit like an afterthought.  

Pros.

Benoit and Jericho once again putting on a barnstormer
The TLC match was incredible
The main event was very enjoyable
Shane coming off the Tron was a gnarly stunt.

Cons.

DX ends with a wet fart
The stinkface debacle.
Most of the undercard wasnt great.

Overall verdict.

We're getting back to the start of the year with an average PPV being held up by a few great matches.  This was definitely better than the first three shows of the year but the undercard just wasnt strong enough to push it into the upper tier of PPV's this year.  That said it was a pretty easy watch and worth checking out for the 2/3 falls, TLC and Main Event matches.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
Fully Loaded
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

Next time, its always sunny in Philadelphia as we roll into Unforgiven.  This is one to look forward to as Stone Cold Steve Austin will make his long awaited return to the full time roster as he begins his investigation into who ran him over at the Survivor Series the year before.  Looking forward to this one and I hope to see you all there.

UNFORGIVEN 2000

We are live from the First Union Centre in Philadelphia for the third installment of WWF Unforgiven.  Scores will be settled and rivalries will come to a head here tonight as we have a whopper card (on paper anyway) including 4 title matches plus the long awaited return of Stone Cold Steve Austin!  Lets get right into this one.

Right To Censor vs The Dudley Boys & The A.P.A. - 8 Man Tag Match

Since their win over Too Cool at Summerslam, Right to Censor have managed to recruit Val Venis to join their cause.  The Dudleys had a mini-rivalry with the APA which culminated in a Bar Room Brawl match, in which both teams found a mutual respect for one an other and took turns beating up Kai En Tai.  Right to Censor have taken exception to the Acolytes heavy drinking and smoking and the Dudleys boys use of tables, so they challenged them to this match here tonight.

The pattern seems to be the face beats up the heel, the heel hits a big move and tags out, the face gets the momentum back then tags out, rinse and repeat.  The heels eventually take control of Dvon after Richards gets his knee in Dvons back as he bounces off the ropes. It doesnt last long as Dvon gets a hot tag to Bubba who takes out the RTC members one after an other.  It all breaks down and the Dudleys hit Val with a Doomsday Device and Goodfather breaks up the pin right infront of Dvon.  Out of nowhere Steven Richards hits the Stevie Kick on Bubba and its good enough for Val to get a 3 count.

Winners via Pinfall - Right to Censor

Post match the faces clear house and get their heat back by beating up Richards and the Dudleys go to powerbomb him through a table but RTC break it up, then the APA take out RTC, then Richards goes through the table anyway much to the crowds delight.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  It was fine.  RTC get another win but the Dudleys get their revenge post match.  The Dudleys continuing to prove that wins and losses dont matter when you're over taking another PPV loss here.  I need to check but Im pretty sure they've been on every PPV so far this year and have only won once.

We see HHH and Steph in their lockerroom talking about HHH's match with Angle later on, HHH is selling a rib injury.   HHH asks if Steph is going to be OK to watch him destroy Angle, Steph says she's 100% behind him and says she cant believe she ever thought Angle was her friend.

Kings music hits as he gets ready to settle a score.

Jerry The King Lawler vs Tazz - Leather Strap Match

King - being the gracious winner after Summerslam - has cost Tazz two title matches since.  Tazz was ready to walk out of the WWF but Foley convinced him to stay and gave him this match tonight as a sweetner.  Fink explains the rules - pinfall, submission or dragging your opponent and touching all 4 corners.  Tazz comes out with the strap and a raggy towel over his head - he looks like a legit badass here, compared to Summerslam where he was all jokes.  Their wrists are buckled into the strap as opposed to just looped round.

Tazz in control early as he whips King and hits a nice fishermans suplex.  He starts choking King infront of JR, taunting him. He smack talks with JR and King starts to choke him from behind.  King starts whipping Tazz now.  Low Blow by Tazz stops Lawler in his tracks, now Tazz starts whipping him.  A strange mixed reception for Tazz from the Philly faithful.  Tazz no sells a Piledriver, then no sells a second.  AND A THIRD....no he collapses.  King gets to three corners but Tazz stops him from hitting the third.  A scuffle knocks the ref down and Raven storms the ring.  Raven takes out Lawler with a DDT then Tazz locks in the Tazzmission and its game over for the King.

Winner via Submission - Tazz

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Oh what could have been.  Think of the excellent matches Tazz could be having with the likes of Jericho, Benoit and Guerrero, instead he's needing outside help to beat a commentator. It was fine for what it was, but what it was wasnt much.

We go backstage to Kevin Kelly whos been waiting in the garage all night for Austin to appear and he finally does.  Kelly welcomes him to Unforgiven and asks him how he feels.  Austin says he isnt here to answer questions, he's here to ask questions and slam Kelly into a rolling door.  Michael Cole has joined JR on commentary.

Hardcore Title Invitational

Steve Blackman is defending his Hardcore title here in this Invitational.  Same rules as WrestleMania so its basically a Scramble Match, whoever is the Champion after the 10 minute time limit expires is the winner.  European Champion Al Snow is out first as an Italian American (get it?  Because he's the European champion?).  Crash Holly is out next, followed by Test, then Perry Saturn, Funaki and finally the champion Steve Blackman.  

Saturn leaps through the ropes at Blackman but is swotted out of midair with a trashcan lid to the dome.  Fast, frenetic action with plenty of nearfalls.  Al Snow gets Head, but Terri jumps on the apron and grabs it from him.  Trish jumps up on the adjacent apron to stop her.  Terri throws Head at Saturn who goes for Snow, but Snow ducks and he wipes out Trish. An enraged Test grabs Head and goes for Saturn but Saturn ducks and Terri gets wiped out.  Snow finally reclaims Head and takes out both men.  Crash comes off the top rope for a Hurricanrana on Snow but Snows loses his balance and collapses, its almost a powerbomb.  Looked pretty scary but actually a safe landing for Crash.    Saturn comes off the top rope with a moonsault to the outside to zero reaction.  Saturn and Funaki take the fight to the backstage which doesnt make any sense whatsoever because you need to pin the Champion.  Crash proves this point by pinning Blackman and trying to make a runner.  All of a sudden Saturn clobbers him in the aisle with a trashcan and pins him.  Saturn is the new Champ.  Nothing much happens for a few minutes as the 6 men brawl in the stage area and the crowd. Saturn gets in the ring with a Kendo Stick holding his ground.  Blackman gets in the ring with his sticks and quickly out fights Saturn with his martial arts background.  Now Blackman has the kendo stick and he takes everyone out.  Big shot to the head of Saturn and he makes the pinfall. 60 seconds left and Blackman is Champion again.  He's a fighting champ though so doesnt try to run, even as the 4 remaining guys charge him.  Everyone tries to make a cover but its just a mess and no one can, so Blackman survives.

Winner and STILL Hardcore Champion - Steve Blackman

Rating: 2 Stars.  This one was miles better than the one at WrestleMania but it did only have half the field.  Theres still a major problem with these kind of matches in that theres loads of time where nothings happening, just a brawl here and there with everyone calling it on the fly until they get their next cue. Not a great advert of the Hardcore division but Blackman is trying his best to make it a big more legit.

Angle is backstage showing off his medals to a couple of workers when he's stopped by Stone Cold Frak Steve Austin.  He says its an honour to meet Austin and starts talking himself up.  He wants to give Austin an honourary gold medal.  Austin says he'll store it in a real nice place, right up Angles ass and he starts whooping Angle.  This was a pretty good bit, Angle is awesome as the comedy geek heel.

Xpac vs Chris Jericho

Nothing on the line here, but these two guys have been getting in each others business over the past month with Xpac leaving Jericho a bloody mess after an attack with nunchakus on RAW a couple of weeks ago.  Xpac still using his DX video and attire.  Jericho doesnt waste any time and he charges the ring.

Xpac goes for a Bronco Buster early on but Y2J explodes out the corner with a huge clothesline.  He goes for a spring board drop kick but Xpac sends him flying.  Big summersault plancha but Xpac to the outside.  Xpac whips Jericho into the announce table then into the timekeeper.  He's showing a new vicious side.  Baseball slide to the top of Jerichos head as he tries to get back in the ring.  JR speculates than Xpac is fed up of being a sidekick and is trying to blaze his own path. Xpac hits a Bronco Buster and celebrates in the corner, but Jericho gets up and hits a huge powerbomb.  Jericho gets in control now but cant put Xpac away.  Xpac dodges a charge by Jericho who slams shoulder first into the ring post.  Xpac uses this chance to go under the ring and retrieve a pair of nunchakus.  With the referee distracted Xpac hits a low blow and an X Factor but can only get a two count.  Jericho hits a powerbomb and turns it into the Walls of Jericho.  Xpac quickly makes it to the ropes but Jericho drags him back into the centre of the ring.  The referee makes him break the hold?  Since when was that a rule?  Big heel kick from Xpac on the distracted Y2J for a two count.  Jericho hits a facebuster and goes for a lionsault but Xpac gets the knees up.  Jericho catches Xpac coming off the second rope and locks him in the Walls and Pac quickly taps out.

Winner via Submission - Chris Jericho

Post match Jericho refuses to release the hold until the refs storm the ring.  From out of nowhere Xpac whacks Jericho right in the back of the noggin with the nunchakus, and starts wailing on Jericho with them.  He poses with his new weapon of choice before leaving Jericho laying.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  This was a very good match, easily Xpacs best since the 1-2-3 kid days.  Jericho is the perfect opponent for a guy like Xpac and hopefully this can be the beginning of a good run for Xpac because god knows he needs it (spoiler: it isnt).

We see Mick Foley practising his counting for his special guest referee appearance later this evening.  Angle comes up and complains about what Austin did.  Mick quickly puts him back in his place by making his match with HHH later tonight a No DQ match.  We see The Rock in the locker room when in walks the Texas Rattlesnake.  The two face off to a huge pop before they shake hands and The Rock welcomes him back.  Austin asks Rock if he knows anything because it was The Rocks rental car that hit Austin.  A guy called Joe comes in and tells Austin that he just heard something that might interest him.  Austin says he heard something too - that Joe is a sorry sonofabitch and he lays out Joe.  If I assaulted as many people at work as Austin has already done I'd get the sack no problem.  Foley needs to have a word with HR.

Edge & Christian (c) vs The Hardy Boys - Steel Cage for the WWF Tag Team titles.

Finkel fluffs his lines explaining the rules so I'll make it simple. Pinfall, submission, both members of a team escape the cage.  Its as easy as that.

The Hardys in control early, sitting Christian on the top rope and hitting Poetry in Motion sandwiching him against the cage wall.  The Hardys try to escape but E&C catch them quickly.  Jeff ends up all alone on the top of the cage and signals for a Swanton early on Christian, but Edge pushes him off balance and he ends up falling to the outside.  Matt is all alone now as Michael Cole explains Jeff is not allowed to get back in this match.  JR says his understanding is Jeff is actually able to get back in the match as Cole corrects himself, although Jeff is making no attempt to get back in just yet.  Christian ends up in the Tree of Woe and Edge gets caught up in the top and middle rope so Matt starts to climb.  The Champs get free and catch him at the top of the cage and hit a suplex from the top rope!  They double javelin Matt into the cage wall and Jeff finally starts trying to get in the cage.  Everytime he climbs a side Matt is thrown into him.  Jeff makes it to the top but Christian knocks him off and he falls from the top to the floor.    Jeff gets the key to unlock the door, tosses a chair in the ring but is thwarted again but the champions who shut the door on Jeffs face.  Christian gets out the cage now and goes and gets another chair.  Christian locks the door again as we see Matt has been busted open.  Edge puts the key down his jocks as they keep up the double team on Matt.  They set up a con-chair-to but Matt is able to duck, and takes both men out with a double clothesline into the chairs.  Matt starts to climb and he gets over the top before Edge and Christian catch him.  Jeff gets a ladder from somewhere and throws it up and hits Christian who falls to the floor.  Edge hits a super-Bulldog from the top rope on Matt as Jeff climbs the ladder outside.  Edge tries to knock him over but Jeff is just out of reach.  Jeff gets to the top and Edge tries to stop him but Matt hits a suplex on Edge, and Jeff walks to the centre of the cage and hits a corkscrew moonsault from the top of the cage!  He takes out Edge and Matt!  Christian tries to climb the ladder to get back in but Lita appears from the back and low blows him, then hits a hurricarana off the ladder, taking out Christian.  Meanwhile in the ring Edge has recovered and beans Jeff in the face with a chair.  Edge starts to climb now but the Hardys catch up to him and they both have a chair.  All three men straddling the top of the cage now, The Hardys hit Edge with a con-chair-to and he falls back into the ring!  The Hardys scale down the cage and win the tag titles!

Winners via Escape and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - The Hardy Boys!

Rating: 3.5 stars.  Bloody good stuff here with The Hardys capturing the Tag titles for only the second time, and the first time since July 1999.  Lots of great spots and the faces put the heels in their place finally.  Simple booking done really well, that seems to be a theme with these old PPVs...  Worth a watch this one.

Someone knocks on Stephs door and she tells them to come in.  Big mistake, its only bloody Stone Cold.  He's looking for HHH.    Steph gifts Austin the hat he was wearing when he was run over.  Austin says its great that he hasnt found out who did it yet but he got his hat back so he can just go home.  Steph tells him Shane has actual video proof so he should just go see him, so Austin leaves.  We see Foley still working out his counting arm when HHH comes up.  HHH recalls their history and how they've nearly killed each other in the past but they're getting along now.  HHH reminds Foley that tonight it all business and he's going to retire Angle just like he retired Foley, and he wants to make sure that Foley calls it right down the middle.  Foley says HHH has nothing to worry about.  Jerry Lawlers music hits and he makes his way back to the announce table, so Cole takes his leave.

Rikishi vs Eddie Guerrero (c) w/ Chyna - Intercontinental Championship

Wait a second, how is Eddie the champ?  During a Triple Threat match between himself, Chyna and Angle for the title, Chyna was knocked out and as Eddie tried to check on her the ref counted the fall.  Eddie has been showing more and more heel tendencies recently, including attacking Too Cool after a match which drew the ire of Rikishi.  In a bit of an uncomfortable angle, Chyna is fed up of Eddie, saying he used her to get to the top  so Eddie snaps.  He then apologizes for his anger problems.  This is the time Chyna is about to do a cover shoot for Playboy so Eddie loses it again.  Its basically a toxic, controlling relationship.  Chyna tries to leave him but Eddie proposes and Chyna accepts.  Its disgustingly realistic and really uncomfortable. The happy couple come out together followed by the big Keesh whos usually huge pop is slightly muted.  I've noticed he always scratches his nose twice on his way to the ring, is that a signal to someone?  Like how Big Show squeezes his wrists thats a message to his wife?  Anyway.

Rikishi in control in the opening exchanges.  Eddie escapes being squashed by Rikishi and decides he's had enough.  He tries to walk out but Chyna throws him back in the ring.    Rikishi hits a back body drop on Eddie and no one makes them look better than Eddie.  Rikishi goes for a Stinkface but Chyna pulls Eddie out the ring.  Chyna distracts Rikishi enough for Eddie to climb to the top and hit a big splash on the outside.  Eddie bounces Keesh off the steps then gets him back in the ring.  Eddie goes up top for a Frog Splash but Rikishi moves out the way and hits a big splash in the corner.  Rikishi hits a pop-up cutter followed by a Samoan Drop.  He drags Eddie to the corner and hits a Banzai drop, but Chyna stops the ref counting 3.  She apologizes to Rikishi but Keesh throws her in the ring and the two get in each others face.  Rikishi hits a side kick on Chyna and gets disqualified. He hits a Banzai drop on Chyna and leaves in a foul mood.

Winner via Disqualification and STILL Intercontinental Champion - Eddie Guerrero

Post match Eddie gets his title belt before he checks on Chyna.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  These two guys have the potential to put on a great match together but it was overshadowed but the Eddie/Chyna story.  Plus a finish that doesnt make sense.  Since when does someone get DQ'd for attacking someone who isnt in the match?  Surely Chyna would have to attack Rikishi for a DQ?  But then Rikishi would win? I dont know, makes no sense.  Thats two ref calls tonight that are poor.

Undertaker is backstage with Coachman.  Coach asks if the fact that anyone can pin anyone in the Fatal Four Way match later will affect his performance.  Taker says he's set them up to be humble and he's set himself up to become WWF Champ.  We see Angle trying to make sense of all the things that have happened to him tonight, and he's comforted by Trish Stratus.

Triple H vs Kurt Angle - No Disqualification match - Mick Foley is the special guest referee

We get a recap of all the events leading up to this, including Angle taking advantage of Stephanie before Summerslam.  Its only gotten even more personal since, with HHH letting his hatred for Angle getting in between his relationship with Stephanie.  On SmackDown, Angle took out HHH with a sledgehammer shot to the ribs before planting another kiss on Stephanie.

Commissioner Foley is out first in his tatty ref shirt.  Love it.  Angle is out next.  He gets a mic and asks the crowd to join him in singing happy birthday to Stephanie.  HHH comes out with heavily taped ribs and a pretty big reaction from the crowd, so he's the defacto face in this heel vs heel match.  He sells his ribs while spitting out his water during his entrance, 10/10.  HHH goes for a lock up but Angle dodges and HHH sells the ribs.  10/10.  The action spills to the outside and HHH bounces Kurt off the announce table and the steel stairs.  He clears the Spanish announce table but Angle whips him ribs first into the guard rail.  Back in the ring HHH comes off the second rope with a double Axe Handle but Angle catchs him in an overhead Belly to Belly.  HHH hits a DDT and Foley gets to put his counting practise to good use but HHH only get a two.  He gets in Foleys face and Angle hits a 10/10 bridging German but he can only get a two.  Angle gets in Foleys face and shoves him so Foley shoves him right back.  King drops a Jack Tunney reference out of nowhere.  Both men trade offense until HHH takes a big spill into the corner and over the top rope to the outside.  Angle tries to whip HHH into the steps but HHH reverses it, and starts clearing the English announce table.  Suplex on to the floor on Angle and HHH gets a chair, which he drills Angle across the back with.  They climb onto the table mirroring the Summerslam spot, but Angle counters with a low blow, and hits a Belly to Belly from one table through the Spanish announce table!  That looked awesome!   HHH is spitting up blood as Angle gets him back in the ring and goes right back to the ribs.  Steph is begging with Foley to call the match but HHH keeps refusing.  Angle gets HHH on the top turnbuckle and hits a Belly to Belly from the top rope, but HHH is somehow able to kick out.   Abdominal stretch nearly takes HHH out but he's able to power out, but Angle gets right back on him, driving elbows into HHHs back.  Angle goes for a Moonsault but HHH moves out the way.  It was still beautiful.  Hardly anyone does it as good as Angle did.  HHH starts to fight back with a facebuster, and he hits a Pedigree but he can only hook one of Angles arms so he cant get all of it.  He signals to Steph to come in the ring and he tells her you have to choose.  She hits Angle with a low blow and HHH is able to hit the Pedigree proper and gets a 3 count!

Winner via Pinfall - HHH

Rating: 3.5 stars.  Docking half a star from this because of the ending.  Angle didnt need to lose here, especially not as he was so dominant throughout and doubly so given what he's doing next month.  Angle gets an out though that it took Steph helping HHH to win.  Still worth a watch, these two have good chemistry together and HHH puts on another really good match.  I said it earlier in this series and I'll say it again, I cant think of anyone who took to pro-wrestling as quickly and as seamless as Kurt Angle.  The man is solid gold.

Shane McMahons music hits and he makes his first appearance since coming of the Tron at Summerslam.  He's here to provide his video proof of who ran over Stone Cold.  He says his impartial investigation led him to someone who you might not expect, but they have a history of vehicle assualt.  He shows us his unbiased footage of Steve Blackman reversing a car into Ken Shamrock about a year ago.  He claims this is proof that Blackman was the one who ran over Austin.  Blackman comes out looking confused and realises Shane is full of it, so he's here to clear his name.  Before he gets a chance Austins music hits AND ITS THE DISTURBED VERSION AKA THE BEST VERSION OF HIS THEME THANK YOU WWE.   Huge pop for the Rattlesnake as he gets in the ring to confront Blackman.  He poses for the fans in the corners before staring down Blackman and hitting him with a Stunner.  Shane celebrates wildly for finally getting his revenge on Blackman.  He tries to share a beer with Austin, but Stone Cold gives him a couple of Stunners for his troubles aswell.  Not many people take a Stunner as good as Shane does.  This was a fine segment to bring Austin back while keeping the mystery of who ran him over going.  Who DID run him over?  We'l find out next month...

The Rock (c) vs The Undertaker vs Kane vs Chris Benoit - Fatal Four Way for the WWF Championship

The three challengers all made a claim that they should be the No 1 contender, but in trying to sort this mess out they all cost each other the spot.  So the clear things up, commissioner Foley made them ALL number 1 contenders, and makes a one-fall-to-a-finish Fatal Four Way.  The story is how will The Rock survive the odds?

The ring is full of referees to keep these guys apart until the match starts.  As soon as the bell rings they go at it with Kane and The Rock facing off while Benoit and Undertaker go at it.  Forulaic so far of two men fight in the ring while the other two brawl on the outside.  It fully devolved when Rock counters a Tombstone attempt from Kane and pushes him into the ref.  Undertaker brings a chair into the ring and brains The Rock with it.  Benoit gets the chair and drills Undertaker with it and makes the cover... and gets a three count!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF Champion - Chris Benoit!

Benoit has done it! He's won the WWF title!  He celebrates with the title on the ramp as Mick Foley makes his way down.  He tears the belt out of Benoits hands as the other three men start walking up the aisle.  The bell rings and this match is being restarted!  Its cleared up by JR that Undertaker had his foot on the ropes, which is why Foley restarted it.  The three men take turns throwing a despondent Benoit into the stage.  We see a replay and its obvious Undertakers foot was on the rope.  The match descends into a straight up fight as The Rock beans Taker with the steel steps.  Benoit hits the triple germans on The Rock and gets a very close two count.  He hits a diving headbutt that covers well over half the ring, but cant make the cover quick enough and Rock kicks out at 2.  Out of nowhere The Rock puts the Crossface on Benoit, but Undertaker saves the match with a stiff right.  Kane is in a chokeslams Taker but Benoit breaks it up.  Rock takes Kane out with a spinebuster, but Benoit intercepts the Peoples Elbow and takes Rock out with a Lariat.  Undertaker sends Benoit flying and hits The Rock with The Last Ride but Kane breaks up the cover. Kane sends Taker over the ropes but Taker pulls Kane out under them.  Benoit takes them both out with a chair, then slaps the Crossface on The Rock.  The Rock starts to fade but Taker saves it again.  Big one armed Chokeslam to Benoit but Kane breaks up the pinfall.  The Brothers of Destruction brawl on the outside, trading huge right hands.  In the ring The Rock hits the Rock Bottom out of nowhere on Benoit and he gets the three count!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - The Rock

Rating: 3.5 stars. This was very enjoyable, especially when it started to get going, but what do you expect with the talent on display?  Cant help but feel bad for Benoit.  Twice now he's 'won' the title only for Foley to reverse it and he ends up taking the fall at the end.  All things considered it was a fine match and a very exciting way to send the crowd home happy.  Job done.

Pros.

The second half of the show.
Kurt Angle was amazing throughout the show
Disturbed version of Austins theme.

Cons.

Lawler vs Tazz
The Dusty finish in the main event that didnt need to be.
Triple H wins again

Overall verdict.

A well paced show that never outstayed its welcome.  The first half of the show was nothing special but it built and built to a great crescendo.  There was nothing that was seriously bad on this PPV so it was an easy watch.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
Unforgiven
Fully Loaded
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

We're into the tail end of the year proper next time with No Mercy.  The Rock gets a new challenge, old scores will be settled and Austin will finally find out who ran him over and attempt to get his revenge.  See you there.

NO MERCY 2000

There truly will be No Mercy tonight, as Stone Colds attacker has been revealed.  Also tonight, legends return as a notable Englishman makes his WWF PPV return, and a Mexican tag team return after nearly 12 years.  Anyway, Im waffling.  Lets just get right into the show.

The Dudley Boys Invitational Tables Match

Our opening contest is a gauntlet tables match.  Two teams start and a team is eliminated when one of them goes through a table.  Last team standing wins.  Simple enough.

Too Cool are out first with their new music.  I always prefered this music, even though its not as danceable to as the old theme.  Lo Down are out next, consisting of D'lo Brown (making his first appearance since WrestleMania) and Chaz (Formerly known as Mosh, making his first appearance since the Royal Rumble).  The two teams go at it early with Lo Down getting the upper hand.  GMS is placed on one table at one corner and S2H is on the top turnbuckle at the otherside.  D'lo goes for a splash on GMS but GMS rolls outs the way and Brown crashes through the table.  On the otherside S2H counters a superplex and pushes Chaz off and he crashes through a table.

Lo Down have been eliminated.

The team of Tazz and Raven are out next.  They set up a table outside the ring but Too Cool dont let them get in the ring, instead taking them both out with stereo baseball slides.  Raven is set up on the table but before S2H can put him through it Tazz locks in the Tazzmission, but GMS makes the save, but the heels quickly take control.  S2H takes out Raven with a bulldog and goes for the Worm and he does it under a table!  That was pretty impressive.  The feel good moment doesnt last long as Tazz takes out GMS and they double suplex S2H through a table.

Too Cool have been eliminated.

The fireworks go off as The Dudleys make their entrance to a huge pop.  Big ECW chant breaks out as the Dudleys clear up like a house on fire. A brief comeback by the heels isnt enough as Dvon leg drops Tazz through a table.

Tazz and Raven have been eliminated.

Right to Censor are out next, with Bull Buchanan and Goodfather stepping up.  Bubba goes for a Bubba Bomb on Bull Buchanan but Bull powers out.  He misses a clothesline on Bubba but wipes out the referee. Really?  This needs a ref bump?  Bubba counters Bulls 10 punches in the corner and powerbombs him through a table.  Goodfather hits Bubba with a sick unprotected chair shot to the top of the dome and Bubba collapses into the table wreck.  Goodfather pulls Bull out of the way and the ref rings the bell.  Another referee quickly belts it down and tells him what happens, and the match gets restarted.  Goodfather misses a Ho Train because of course he does I dont think he's ever hit one and walks back into a 3D through a table.

Winners - The Dudley Boys

Rating:  Ehhhhh 2 stars.  It was fine for what it was.  Crowd loves the Dudleys.  Crowd loves table spots.  Lets give them both of those things to get them warmed up.  Fine enough opener and did its job well.

We see T&T&A backstage talking about Trishs tits (yes, really) as they get ready for their match with the Acolytes soon.  We see Rikishi backstage with a sledgehammer.  He's waiting for Stone Cole (we'll get to that later on.)  

Test & Albert & Trish vs The APA and Lita

Last week on Heat T&A lost all their money to the APA in a poker game, so they started betting Trishs clothes.  Once she was down to her underwear T&A attacked the Acolytes.  Womens Champion Lita is out first.
The Acolytes music hits but their nowhere to be seen.   We cut backstage and see T&A have laid waste to them.  Lita goes to help but she's stopped in the aisle by T&A.  Trish attacks her from behind.  She hits a big running Bulldog on Lita in the ring, and Albert catapults her into the second rope.  They set her up for a big double team move but the Hardy Boys make the rescue.

Rating: N/A.  Match didnt start, doesnt get a rating.  As a segment it was fine, it gets heat on the heels and further builds to an eventual Trish vs Lita match down the line.

Lilian Garcia is backstage with Edge and Christian.  They explain that they thought they had food poisoning but it must have been a passing virus. They're bummed that they didnt get to compete in the Dudleys Invitational but they'll get over it. This is basically one big joke about their nuts.  Thankfully things get a bit more serious as the Steel Cage is seen lowering around the ring.

Xpac vs Chris Jericho - Steel Cage Match

Continuing their feud from last month, it all comes to a head here.  Xpac mugs to the crowd but Jercho Baseballs slides him through the door and the fight starts outside the cage.  Xpac slams the cage door on Jerichos head and the match begins proper.  Wheres the ref?  JR explains that the only way to win this one is to escape.  Fair enough - makes sense to end a feud with a match to see who can run away the fastest.  Xpac goes to climb up and over but Jericho hits a springboard dropkick and crotches Xpac on the top rope.  Jericho fully in control now, bouncing Xpac off the cage wall and a big facebuster.  He kicks Xpac off the top rope then hits a missile dropkick.  He goes for the Lionsault but Xpac gets his knees up.  Xpac goes to leave through the door but Jericho grabs his leg.  Xpac calls him a son of a bitch and starts wailing on his head.  Xpac now in control, throwing Jericho into the cage wall, Jericho counters a charge with a back drop right into the cage wall, but Xpac is straight back up.  Nice psychology.    He hits a Bronco Buster then climbs the cage in the corner.  Y2J climbs up and hits a powerbomb while standing on the top rope! Jesus what an impact on Xpac who just fell from the top of the cage.  A couple of shots against the cage wall and Xpac calls for a time out.  Xpac crotches Jericho on the top rope and tries to escape out the door.  Jericho drags him back in but Xpac drags a chair in with him and he beans Jericho in the head with it.  Xpac climbs to the top but Jericho quickly makes chase and drops him in the top of the cage. Jericho climbs up and somehow gets the Wall of Jericho on Xpac, but Pac fights out and sends Jericho crashing into the ring.  Xpac slowly starts to climb down, and he stands on the door.  Jericho dropkicks the side of the cage and Xpac falls on the door, allowing Jericho time to escape and win the match.

Winner - Chris Jericho

Rating: 3 stars.  Didnt feel like the end of a feud, and I think they could have sold a little bit more.  This match just felt rushed, but it was still pretty good.  God bless Xpac, he's trying his best but the crowd still dont buy into him.

We go down town to Times Square and WWF New York.  Steve Blackmans doing a martial arts demonstration as you do.  We see the Commish Mick Foley in his "office".  Rikishi bursts in and demands Foley announce him the winner of their match via forfeit.  Foley says if Austin isnt here soon he'll so just that.  We get a rundown of how the next match came about.  Eddie Guerrero was scheduled to defend his IC title vs a returning Billy Gunn tonight, but he injured his hamstring on RAW so cant compete tonight, so Mick Foley set up Val Venis and Steven Richards vs Billy Gunn and Chyna - who has finally left Eddie.

Billy Gunn & Chyna vs Right to Censor

Back and forth between Mr. Ass and Venis.  The heels seemingly take control when Venis hangs Billy Gunn up on the top rope, but once he tags in Richards Gunn quickly gets control back.  He tags in Chyna and she starts throwing Richards around.  Tag back to Gunn who hurts his bad shoulder on the turnbuckle.  Tag to Venis who hits and arm breaker on Gunn.  The heels working over Billys shoulder now.  Billy fights back with a big DDT on Richards. Venis and Chyna both tag in and she gets the upper hand, hitting a handspring elbow on Venis. She dodges Richards and hits him with a low blow into a FameAsser from Billy Gunn.  Goodfather and Bull storm the ring but Billy Gunn is able to fight them off.  Chyna looks like she's going for a Pedigree on Vanis but Guerrero runs down and hits her on the back of the head with a bouquet of roses.  She's out cold as Venis makes the cover.

Winners via Pinfall - Right to Censor

Post match Billy Gunn checks on Chyna and unravels the bouquet to reveal the hidden pipe.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  It was fine, but there was no heat and no build so it just came across as a filler match.  Right to Censor continuing their PPV streak of winning atleast one match on every PPV.

We see HHH in his room, Steph comes in and asks if Hunter will reconsider letting her accompany him to the ring tonight.  He says Benoit is too dangerous so the answer is still no.  She gives him a tape of Benoit applying to Crossface for him to study.  She says she's got to go help Angle get ready for his match.  Rikishi is heading to the ring so I suppose its time to get into this.

Austin has been interfering in matches and stunning everyone walking.  Mick Foley had no choice but to suspend Austin until they figured out who did it.  Mick Foley is about to lay the blame on The Rock but Rikishi comes out and he admits that HE was the one who ran over Stone Cold.  He said he didnt do it for him, but he did it for The Rock.  He said he has been around this business for years and they always keep the Samoans held back, so he took out the last obstacle to allow The Rock to ascend to greatness.  Foley sets up a No Holds Barred match for tonight so that Austin can do whatever the hell he wants.  Was it the best reveal?  No, and it'll get retconned pretty quick but atleast they tried to make it make sense with the bit about helping The Rock.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Rikishi - No Holds Barred.

Rikishi is out first with his Bad Man music.  Austin still hasnt arrived so Rikishi demands to be declared the winner.  Foley's music hits and here comes the Commissioner.  A despondent looking Foley gets a mic and stalls for time when suddenly the glass shatters!  We see Austin driving a truck, and he drives it all the way down to the ring and they go right into it.  The crowd explode for Austin laying in Big Daddy Uso, bouncing him off the steps and the side of his truck.  Austin doesnt even have his ring gear on, he's here for a fight not a match.  He sends Rikishi flying over the Spanish announce table then starts stomping him.  He starts choking him with a headset cable.  The brawl breaks out into the crowd.  Rikishi throws a drink in Austins face and starts to get the upper hand.  Austin takes a back body drop on the concrete but he no sells and takes his belt off and starts whipping Rikishi "Like a government mule".  He pulls a big, thick rope out from under the ring.  He gets in the ring and starts hanging Rikishi with the rope.  Rikishi recovers and sends Austin over the announce table, then hits him with a savant kick.  He misses a chair shot, but Austin gets the chair and doesnt miss his and gets beaned right across the face with two chair shots.  Rikishi is bust wide open as Austin hits a third.  Austin is wailing on Rikishi with the chair.  He misses two swinging sledgehammer shots as the fight at the side of the truck.  Austin slams the tail gate across Rikishis back, then a big chair shot sends Rikishi onto the flat bed.  Austin shuts the tail gate and gets behind the wheel.  Austin gets a beer, adjusts his mirrors and reverses out of the ringside area.  He drives to outside the parking lot and puts Rikishi up against a rocky embankment.    Austin gets back in the truck and he gears up to drive into Rikishi!  Suddenly a police car comes out of nowhere and gets between them, Austin rams the car again as more police swarm round him.  Austin is pulled out of the car and arrested.

No Contest

Rating: 2.5 stars.  This was basically a snuff film.  Gets the angle over that Austin wanted revenge at any cost and we dont get a winner so it keeps this feud going.  It was fine for what it was, and it popped the crowd something fierce, although I think the ending took the air out of alot of people.

William Regal (c) vs Naked Mideon (eugh) - WWF European Championship.

William Regal making his return to WWF PPV action after being released in 1999 and a second cup of coffee in WCW.  He quickly won the European championship from Al Snow upon his return (becoming only the 2nd of 2 actual Europeans to hold the title) and somehow found himself in a feud with Mideon.  Mideon has taken to wrestling almost completely naked for some reason, other that a bumbag and a thong.  Regal told Foley that he would not wrestle a naked man so Foley ordered Mideon to wear attire.  Jesus christ.

After an exchange Mideon threatens to take his top off, but doesnt.  Some more back and forth ends when Mideon is dumped over the top to the outside.  He takes his top off much to Regals disgust.  Regal hits a nice double arm suplex for a two count.  While Regal is distracted with the ref, Mideon puts on his bumbag and tears his trousers off.  He drops Regal then goes to the top rope, but Regal drops him, then goes to put the Regal Stretch on but he's too disgusted, so hits the Regal Cutter instead and gets a pinfall.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - William Regal

Rating: 0.5 stars.  This was bad, and not a good way to reintroduce William Regal.  Still, onwards and upwards from here.  Didnt help that they had to follow Austin and Rikishi but I dont think the crowd would have been into it on a good night.

We see a mocked up interview from Heat where Kurt Angle asks The Rock a bunch of questions and uses old interview footage of The Rock as answers, its pretty good.  Then Kevin Kelly is interviewing Los Conquistadors about their upcoming Tag Title match with the Hardys.  After Edge and Christian lost a ladder match to the Hardys the night after Unforgiven they were banned from competing for the tag titles again, so a Tag Team Battle Royal was set up to determine the new Number 1 contenders and shockingly Los Conquistadors (who had last been seen in the WWF in the late 80's) returned to win.

The Hardy Boys (c) vs Los Conquistadors - WWF Tag Team Championship

Hardys are out first, followed by Uno and Dos.  They do a few rolls in the ring then start talking with the Spanish announce team.  Matt starts things off with Dos who shows off a "lucha" style.  Matt tries to take off his mask but he bails to the outside and Uno tries to help fix it.  The Hardys in control for the most part, they hit Dos with a Whisper in the Wind then dropkick Uno into his nether region.  Jeff starts trying to take the mask off of Uno but Dos attacks him from behind and throws him into the ring post.  Los Conquistadors start working over Jeff and cutting off his hope spots.  Uno misses a big splash which allows Jeff to tag in Matt, who clears house.  Jeff Hardy runs on the guardrail and hits a flying clothesline on Uno outside.  Matt hits a Twist of Fate on Uno and takes his mask off to reveal... another mask!  Conquistador Dos uses this distraction to hit an Unprettier on Matt and he makes the cover and gets the pin!

Winners via Pinfall and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Los Conquistadors!

Rating: 3 stars.  Obviously the story is that Los Conquistadors are Edge and Christian.  Its a fun angle, it was a good match, it sold itself well.  No complaints from me.  

We see Austins truck and the cop car being towed away, then we see HHH studying up on Benoit.  I love this because by this point HHH is a bonafide star but he is studying so hard on how to beat Benoit - it puts Benoit over huge, he see's something he likes in the tape and smiles as he walks off.  These two men have been going at it all month, and it all started when Benoit headbutted Stephanie and then cost HHH and Number One contender match against Angle.

Chris Benoit vs HHH

HHH gets the better of the Crippler in the early exchanges, going after Benoits knee.  Despite having recently turned face HHH is still wrestling like a heel, and he's in full control for the majority of the opening 5 or so minutes.  JR name drops Nature Boy Buddy Rogers as HHH executes a leg grapevine submission on Benoit, he the transitions into a neck vice - showing a technical side of his arsenal we havent seen in a while.  Benoit finally gets some momentum after both me spill to the outside and he throws HHH into the ring post.  A big shot into the steel steps confirm the momentum shift as Benoit takes over despite selling his knee.  Benoit hits an armbar takedown and drives HHH's shoulder into the middle turnbuckle and follows up with a hammerlock suplex.  Northern Lights suplex from Benoit gets the first nearfall of the match - nearly 10 minutes into the match.  HHH is dumped to the outside but he counters Benoit and throws him into the steel steps.  Benoit quickly recovers though and drops HHH over the announce table - further injuring HHH's arm.   Benoit with a couple of submission holds and he drops a diving headbutt onto HHH's shoulder.  HHH sneaks an inside cradle for a close two count but Benoit is quickly back on him. HHH counters out of a vertical suplex and hits Benoit with an inverted suplex of his own.  HHH fights back with hard right hands - its weird seeing HHH in this much peril as a babyface - and hits a neckbreaker for a two count.  Big superplex from the top rope but still only gets a two.   Benoit counters out of a Pedigree attempt with a back body drop and hits two German suplexes, HHH fights out the third but Benoit counters and hits a bridging Full Nelson suplex for a two count.  Then hits another bridging German for another two count.  HHH gets a counter with a facebuster but as he goes for a follow up clothesline Benoit locks him into the Crippler Crossface.  HHH manages to get up to his feet but Benoit pounds on his back and neck and shoulder and locks him back in it.  He's able to power out again and hits Benoit with a samoan drop.  Stephanie runs down to ringside and while the ref is with HHH she slaps Benoit and taunts him to come get some, but he turns round and walks into a Pedigree attempt but Benoit fights against it and the two struggle to get their move on the other.  Stephanie distracts the referee enough for HHH to hit a low blow and follows it up with a Pedigree and makes the cover.

Winner via Pinfall - HHH

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Bloody loved this.  The psychology on show from both men each working over a different body part for different reasons.  They have great chemistry together and sold really well for each other.  Another big win for HHH but another high profile loss for Benoit.  The only thing holding this back from a 5 star rating is the unclean finish, but this is still well worth checking out.

We see Los Conquistadores in the locker room celebrating with their titles, when Edge and Christian come in to congratulation them, they say they ran to the store to buy Champagne and coronas.  They announce that tomorrow night on RAW they'll face off for the tag team titles.

Its time for our main event as The Rock defends his WWF title against Kurt Angle.  Angle won his shot after Benoit cost HHH.  HHH says that Steph is a liability to have at ringside so to prove him wrong she's been helping her old buddy Kurt Angle win matches - including getting a pinfall win over The Rock.  Angle asks Steph if she'll manage him full time and Steph agrees.  The Rock has been Champion since King of the Ring but he's had alot on his plate recently with the revelation about Rikishi.  Angle gets in Rocks head by continuing to try and implicate him in what happened to Austin.  Will the mind games work?  Will Stephanie prove to be the difference maker? She's guaranteed that Kurt will win tonight, so lets find out.

The Rock (c) vs Kurt Angle w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley - WWF Championship

Fink announces during the introduction that this match is now a no DQ match.  Angle gives Stephanie his medal for safe-keeping - a nice little touch to put over their relationship.  Straight away Steph climbs on the apron allowing Angle to bumrush him.  King says he likes the No DQ stip because you dont often see that in a WWF title match.  Apart from the fact that just this year alone we've had atleast 5 matchs this year with No DQ stips.  (Rumble, No Way Out, Mania, Summerslam and Unforgiven).  Angle gets a steel chair earlier and cracks The Rock across the back with it.  Rock gets himself back in it with a huge clothesline followed by a big samoan drop.  They fight their way out of the ring and up to the technical area at the stage.  Angle gets thrown through a panel of the stage and then they fight over by the crowd.  Angle whips Rocky into an equipment box and a big spotlight falls on him, looks painful.  Rock takes a life size cut out of himself from a fan and holds it up against Angle before hitting him with a big right.  Once they finally make it back in the ring Angle is back in control as Steph plays cheerleader.  Rock crushes Angles knee between the steel steps and a steel chair.  Rock locks in the Sharpshooter and Angle taps out but Stephanie is distracting the ref.  Rock chases her around the ring but as he gets back in Angle catches him with a big overhead Belly to Belly.  Its all Angle until Rock fights out of a sleeper hold and sends Angle flying over the top rope.  The fight spills over to the announce tables as both men take turns bouncing each other off it.  Stephanie throws the title belt in the ring and distracts the ref and Angle nails him between the eyes with it, but Rock somehow kicks out at two!  Rocky crotches Angle on the top rope and hits a superplex.  We see that both men are bleeding, Angle just above his eye, Rock on his forehead.  Angle goes for a moonsault but Rock rolls out the way - still looks beautiful.  Rock gets in control and hits a floatover DDT then a Spinebuster.  Steph gets in the ring and gets in Rocks face, but as she goes to slap him he catches her and hits a Rock Bottom!   He goes for a Peoples Elbow but Angle clubs him from behind at the last second.  HHH storms the ring and starts battering Angle!  The Rock tries to square up to him but he gets a Pedigree for his troubles, and HHH leaves carrying Stephanie to the back.  Angle sneaks back in the ring and makes the cover but The Rock kicks out at two.  They fight to the outside again as we see a heavily bandaged Rikishi make his way to the ring.  Angle doesnt take a chance and hits Rikishi, but Rikishi cracks him back and throws him into the ring to The Rock.  Rock hits a Rock Bottom but cant make the cover.  He finally makes the cover but Angle is able to kick out.  Rikishi gets in the ring and goes to charge Angle but Angle pulls Rock infront of him.  He goes to Savant kick Angle but Angle ducks and again he hits The Rock.  Angle takes the big Keesh down with an Olympic Slam, then he hits The Rock with one and makes the cover and gets the three!

Winner and NEW WWF CHAMPION - Kurt Angle!

We see the now iconic celebration of Angle crying with his championship in the aisle as The Rock realises whats happened. We see a replay as we go off the air.

Rating: 4 stars. This was an overbooked mess but it was damned entertaining.  Kurt Angle joins an elite club of people who have won the WWF/E title within one year of their debut and its fully deserved.  Prove positive that if you're good enough you can even ride "Comedy geek hell" all the way to the top of the mountain.  Great match.


Pros.

Angle vs Rock
Benoit vs HHH
Most of the undercard delivered.

Cons.

Naked Mideon
Billy Gunn and Chyna vs RTC.
Teasing a 6 man tag that doesnt happen.


Overall Verdict.

Overall this was a pretty good show.  Despite a couple of lows everything else delivered and this PPV is well worth going back and rewatching.  Again, Benoit and HHH is worth going back and watching alone but it didnt need to carry the rest of the card like some other shows we've seen so far.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
No Mercy
Unforgiven
Fully Loaded
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

Next up we have the penultimate show of the year, and the last of the Big Four with Survivor Series.  A show with a history of controversy, will this years offering continue that trend?  Time will tell. Hope to see you all there.

SURVIVOR SERIES 2000

Its the second last PPV of the year, its the last of the Big 4, its a PPV with an infamous history, its the Survivor Series!  Two big angles leading into this show, and alot has changed since No Mercy, but we'll get to that in the Main Event. Right now we head straight down to ringside in the Ice Palace, Tampa Florida for our opening contest.  Jr reminds us that for the last 6 years in a row the WWF title has changed hands, and reminds us about what happened in '97.  King says he's sick of hearing it and at the end of the day Bret screwed Bret.

Steve Blackman, Crash Holly and Molly Holly vs T&A and Trish Stratus

Molly Holly made her WWF debut a couple of weeks ago, and this is her PPV debut.  Blackman and Albert start things off, with Blackman using his speed advantage to gain control.  Crash tags in and goes for a cross body, but Albert catches him.  Blackman comes in with a dropkick and sends them both down.  Trish tags in and Molly tags in quickly after, chasing her around the ring before Trish tags Test in, so Molly backs off and tags in Crash.  It doesnt take long for Test to take control of the smaller man.  Crash sends Test into Albert knocking him off the apron then a double noggin knocker takes both Crash and Test out.  Trish blind tags in but misses an elbow allowing Molly to take in and the two finally square off.  Molly in control until Trish whips her into the ropes and Test grabs her by the hair and drops her.  Molly tags Blackman but Teddy Long didnt see it and the heels triple team Molly.  Albert lifts her in a gorilla press position as Test climbs to the top rope but Crash charges in and crotches him, while Blackman trips Albert and Molly lands on top of him.  The men fight on the outside while Molly and Trish go at it, Trish hits a bulldog from the second rope for a 2 count.  Molly counters Trish with a sunset flip for the second rope and gets a 3 count.

Winners via Pinall - Molly Holly, Crash Holly and Steve Blackman

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Crowd were kinda into it.  Trish is improving every show but she's still a long way away from where she would be.  Molly looks good in her debut but we can put that down to the year she spent in WCW previously.  The 4 men felt like an afterthought around the Trish/Holly rivalry but I doubt they could have worked a good singles match year so they booked this 6 man to cover for it, which is fine.  Not terrible but not great, bit short.

We see Edge and Christian getting ready in their lockerroom when Angle comes in.  He asks if its not too warm for them in Florida.  Edge and Christian say they'd love to help Angle in his match with Undertaker later but their match is right after and claim Christian has developed mono from some bad chili.  Angle says its fine and he was just asking if they wanted to come out and celebrate with him after.  We see Lo Down with their new aquaintance Tiger Ali Singh from earlier being refused into the building because they're not on the security list.

K-Kwik, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and Chyna vs The Radicalz - Survivor Series elimination match

R-Truth making his WWF PPV debut!  He looks exactly the same now, the guy is a genetic freak.  I also just found out researching this that he was the first ever African American NWA Heavyweight Champion. He debuted a couple of weeks ago and started tagging with Road Dogg.  The Radicalz reformed recently during Benoits feud with HHH, so HHH briefly reunited DX to take them on before he turned heel, but this pseudo-DX team are still together for tonight.  I wonder if Xpac would have taken Kwiks place if he werent injured... dunno.  Billy Gunn has dropped the "Mr Ass" moniker and is now going by "The One" Billy Gunn.  The Radicalz come out as a unified force,  Eddie still the IC champ and Malenko still the LH champ.

Gunn and Saturn start us off.  Chyna tags in and they hit a double suplex.  Big scoop slam on Saturn for a two count.  She goes for a handspring elbow but Saturn catches her, he goes for a German but she low blows him and hits a DDT but Malenko breaks the count.  The faces charge and a brawl breaks out.  Chyna goes for a Pedigree on Saturn but Guerrero nails her from behind with the IC title belt.  Saturn makes the cover.

Chyna has been eliminated.

Road Dogg in now, but he's quickly overwhelmed and finds himself in the Radicalz corner.  Guerrero cuts off a Shake, Rattle and Roll hope spot with a dropkick to the knee.  King says Malenko doesnt get the credit he deserves and I have to agree.  Guerrero goes up top but Road Dogg meets him there and hits a superplex.  He's able to tag in Billy Gunn who fights his way out of the Radicalz corner and starts working on Eddie.  Gorilla Press slam into a reverse cutter of some sort and he makes the cover.

Eddie Guerrero has been eliminated.

Its down to 3-3 now as Billy Gunn lifts Malenko into a Gorilla Press but Saturn chop blocks him.  Gunn tags in K-Kwik a him and Malenko have an awesome exchange. Tag to Benoit and we get another Kwik showcase.  Kwik missed a side kick and Benoit bridges him with a beautiful German that looked like Kwik landed right on his head, he's folded up enough for the pin.

K-Kwik has been eliminated.

Road Dogg is straight in but Benoit forces him into the heel corner.  Tag to Saturn who charges and takes out Gunn, so the heels can work over Road Dogg.  Dogg fights back against Saturn with some big forearm shots, but eventually Saturn counters into a fishermans suplex and locks it tight for the pin.

Road Dogg has been eliminated.

3 on 1 now and the odds are not in Billy Gunns favour.  He immediately gets into it with Saturn but a cheap shot from Malenko is enough to distract him to allow the heels to get control. The numbers seem too much for Billy because theres always another Radical.  He finds an opening though and hits the Fameasser on Malenko and makes the cover.

Dean Malenko has been eliminated.

Saturn charges and gets right on Billy Gunn, Gunn counters and hits a Jackhammer-esque slam but Benoit breaks the fall.  Scoop slam into a flying headbutt from Benoit but Billy Gunn kicks out.  Gunn hits a reverse elbow on Benoit then whips him into Saturn.  Suplex attempt on Benoit from the apron to the inside but Saturn trips him, Benoit lands on him and Saturn holds his foot down allowing Benoit to pick up the win.

Billy Gunn has been eliminated, Winners - The Radicalz

Rating: 2 stars.  A fine example of a Survivor Series match with eliminations coming thick and fast so the action was non stop.  Would have liked to have seen more of K-Kwik but thats the nature of these kind of matches.  There have been much better but there has also been much worse.  Decent enough.

Lillian Garcia is backstage waiting for superstars to enter the arena.  The Rock comes in and she asks him how he is going to cope against Rikishi later, but he blows her off and walks right by.  We then see Jericho being interviewed about his upcoming match.

Chris Jericho vs Kane.

This match happened over a cup of coffee.  No, really.  A few weeks ago Jericho accidentally spilled a coffee on Kane, so Kane snapped and put him through a table.  The next week Kane cost Jericho a title match against Angle, and he's been attacking Jericho ever since, including throwing him throw a window on RAW and putting him through the announce table on SmackDown.  Jericho asked for this match to get revenge.

Jericho controls the earlier part of the match by using his quickness against Kane's power but Kane eventually controlled his high-flying with his high-impact power moves. The action went back and forth as both men use their opposing styles to get control.  Jericho tries to dive over the top rope but catches his foot.  Kane is able to catch him so it could have been a lot worse. Scary.  Back in the ring he goes for a cross body but Kane catches him and hits a huge powerslam but it only gets a two.  Kane in control and he uncovers the top turnbuckle.  He goes to slam Jericho into it but Jericho counters.  Jericho tries it but Kane counters and takes control again.  Kane with big right hands but Jericho keeps fighting back until Kane drops him with a slam.  Kane climbs to the top rope but Jericho crotches him.  He goes for a superplex but Kane shoves him off.  Kane goes for a diving lariat but Jericho takes him out midair with a dropkick.  Jericho starts building momentum and hits a missle dropkick from the top for a two count.  Kane looks like he's going for a Tombstone but Jericho counters and sends him into the exposed turnbuckle.  He then locks in the Walls of Jericho but Kane is able to power his way to the ropes, but Jericho refuses to release the hold and drags Kane back into the ring, but Kane is able to power out of it.  Both men make it to their feet and Jericho hits a big bulldog.  He goes for the Lionsault but Kane catches him with a goozle, then hits a big Chokeslam and makes the cover.

Winner via Pinfall - Kane

Rating: 3 stars.  Really enjoyed this one.  A contrast of styles match works the best when you've got two really good workers in the ring together.  I think the story should have been Jericho wins but this leaves it open for another match, and its good to see Kane get a big PPV win.  No complaints.  Worth a watch.

We see the Radicalz relaxing in their suite backstage when Terri comes in a spooks them.  She tells them HHH is here and he has a couple of things to take care of but he'll meet up with them later.  Benoit gives off an evil laugh as we go back to the ring for the next match.

William Regal (c) vs Hardcore Holly - European Championship

I have always and will always love watching Regal wipe his boots before he gets in the ring.  A lovely sign of respect and I think more people should do it.  He remarks how its incredible that a nation as great as America would have such trouble electing a new President.  [Editors note:  There was a whole thing about counting in Florida and how the announcement of the winner of the election (W Bush) was put off for about a month until it was sorted.  Fun fact, George W Bush became the first President to win an election with less popular votes since 1888, a feat repeated by Trump some 16 years later.] He then starts ripping on America for lacking decent manners before he's interupted by Holly who is making his PPV return after 5 months out with a broken arm courtesy of the WWF Champion Kurt Angle.

These guys are working well together, Holly surprising keeping up with Regal on a technical level anyway, but its all Regal so far working over the arm.  You dont see this enough in modern wrestling, its as if rest holds has become a dirty word when if used properly they can really add to a story.  Holly fights out a submission move and hits a crossbody for a two count, but Regal goes right back to working the arm.  He ties Holly up in the ropes and starts punching his arm and shoulder.  Holly fights him off and the ref frees him.  Holly send Regal to the outside and bounces him off the steps.  Holly walks over and grabs the title before cracking Regal in the skull with it so the ref has no choice but the ring the bell.

Winner via Disqualification and STILL WWF European Champion - William Regal

Rating: 1 star.  I was enjoying this until it ended suddenly.  Regal is a master of ring psychology and I want to see more of him.  The covered Holly getting himself DQ'd well enough by saying he had enough and just snapped.  It was OK but could have went a bit longer and had a proper finish.

We see Angle backstage warming up and Trish comes up to see how he is. He tells her that tonight is the beginning of Year 2 of Angle in WWF.  She notices that Steph isnt here tonight and asks if he needs any "special" assistance tonight.  He tells her to tell Test and Albert that he says thanks but no thanks and walks off, Trish looks confused.  Love it.

The Rock vs Rikishi

JR comments about how this one is personal because they grew up together and they're like family members.  Rikishi has went full blown heel since No Mercy.  After Rock called him out for costing him the WWF title, Rikishi has tried his best to implicate Rocky in taking out Stone Cold Steve Austin, until Rikishi hits The Rock with a sledgehammer from a moving car, revealing that he's been working with HHH all along.  Rikishi beat down The Rock on Smackdown and hit multiple Banzai Drops, injuring Rocks chest and ribs.  Rikishi is out first, and he's got "Aga 4 Life" on his kimono as a tribute to his cousin Yokozuna (Rodney Agatupu Anoa'i) who sadly died a few weeks before. Rocks music hits and he comes screaming down the aisle and goes right to it.

He hits a huge clothesline and turns Rikishi in and out.  He gets a chair but the ref takes it off him, and Rikishi capitalizes and hits a savant kick.  Huge Rocky chants but Rikishi is working over his chest. Part of me thinks Rikishis heel turn would have been helped if he changed his attire, wear full tights instead of the thong, cant take him seriously with his arse hanging out.  The crowd are crazy hot for the Rocks hope spots but Rikishi keeps cutting him off.  Rock low bridges Rikishi over the top and bounces his head on the steel steps.  Rikishi counters and hits The Rock off the timekeepers table.  Rikishi lifts him up and drops him across the guard rail.  He irish whips The Rock, but it looks like Rocky has countered but Rikishi sends him the other way and The Rock crashes into the ref, crushing him into the guardrail.  Kish sends Rocky back into the ring, then gets a sledgehammer out from under the ring.  He measures The Rock but Rocky explodes with a huge right, dazing the big man and giving the Rock enough time to hit a Rock Bottom!  He struggles to make the cover as the referee recovers but Rikishi is able to kick out. Rock lays the SmackDown but Rikishi hits him with a huge headbutt to the chest. Another big headbutt a downed Rock.  Huge Samoan Drop and a Banzai Drop in the middle of the ring but The Rock is somehow able to kick out.  He sets Rock up in the corner and hits a big splash, and Rock collapses.  Rikishi signals for and hits the Stink Face (another reason why he struggled to get over as a heel).  Rock gets to his feet and explodes with another huge clothesline turning Rikishi inside out - I love seeing Rikishi take that spot.  Rock ducks a superkick and hits a Spinebuster.  Somehow Rock is able to measure up and hits the Peoples Elbow, he manages to crawl over and hook the leg for the 3 count.

Winner via Pinfall - The Rock

Post match Rikishi recovers and drops him with a superkick.  He then drags him to the corner and hits a Banzai Drop.  Then another.  Then another.  He starts fighting off referees then hits a fourth.  He poses to the crowd, reveling in what hes done, before leaving.

Rating: 3 stars.  This was a good match, but could have been so much more.  Theres no reason why the post match couldnt have been the finish, I've no doubt in my mind Rock would have put Rikishi over and he needed a big, dominant win to cement the heel turn.  This is quickly turning into a failed experiment, probably why the dropped his angle with Stone Cold so quick.  Shame because the potential was there.

We see inside WWF New York and we see Raven just hanging out - completely against his gimmick. We then cut back to arena to see Stone Cold arrive.  The Radicalz are hanging with HHH when Foley walks in. He bars the Radicalz from ringside and then makes the match No Disqualification.  HHH says he doesnt have a problem with that but Austin might.

Ivory (c) vs Lita - WWF Womens Championship

Right to Censors music hits as their newest member - WWF Womens Champion - Ivory makes her entrance.  Big pop for Lita as she immediately goes for Ivory.  Lita is busted open at the side of her eye early on.  Steven Richards makes his way to ringside as Lita sends Ivory to the outside.  Lita climbs to the top and splashes both of them.  Litas face is covered in blood as she climbs to the top. She goes for a moonsault but Richards pulls Ivory out the way.  Steven Richards is arguing with the ref as Ivory gets the title belt.  Lita dodges an attack and goes for another moonsault but Ivory gets the title up and Lita lands right on it, Ivory makes the cover.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Ivory

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Not good.  Slow and clunky and that was before Lita was hurt - which couldnt have helped any.  We see a replay of the stiff right Lita took that busted her open and it wouldnt surprise me if she was concussed aswell.  A far cry away from where womens wrestling would get to.

Coach is backstage outside The Rocks dressing room and he tells us the doctors are with him, he says he is having trouble breathing and is coughing up a lot of blood and they'll give us an update when they can.  We then see Kane walking in the backstage area when he's suddenly attacked by Y2J with a chair.  Jericho lays into Kane with poles and a 2x4 before the referees break it up and pull him away.

Kurt Angle (c) vs The Undertaker - WWF Championship

Undertaker has been MIA since Unforgiven, however returned soon after No Mercy, and has been kicking ass and taking names.  He won a Fatal 4 Way against Kane, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit to get this shot.  It also marks the 10th year of Undertaker, having debuted at Survivor Series 1990.  Kurt Angle is out first and looks very confident heading into his first PPV title defence.  He's got a mic and asks for everyone to take a moment of silence and reflect on their favourite Kurt Angle moment of the last year.  He said he would normally ask them to vote, but since they're in Florida he cant trust them.  He starts listing off his achievements before the gong sounds and Undertaker cuts him off, making his entrance on his motorbike.

Taker paces in the ring as Angle is stalling outside.  Taker goes out and gets a chair and offers it up to Angle.  The ref tries to stop Angle but he gets the jump on him and hits Undertaker with the chair while Taker takes off his coat, the ref then rings the bell.  Undertaker quickly shakes it off and regains control, he drops Angle, but lifts his shoudlers at a 2.  He twists the arm and calls for Old School.  He climbs to the top and walks the ropes like its nothing.  He whips Angle into the ropes and signals for a chokeslam but Angle grabs the ropes and bails to the outside.  Angle counters a big right with a German suplex for a two count.  He goes for a double axe handle off the apron but Taker catches his and bashes him into the ring post as Angle begs him not to.  Taker misses a big boot and gets his leg stuck over the top rope as Angle goes for the other leg.  Taker counters into an armbar takedown as Edge and Christian storm the ring.  The referee is distracted as Angle taps out.  Angle takes him down again and goes back to working on the leg.  Taker fights out and bails to the outside and starts beating up Edge and Christian.  Back in the ring he catches Angle and hits a chokeslam, but the ref is too busy getting rid of E&C which gives Angle time to kick out.  Taker gets in the refs face and Angle gets a school boy for a two count.  Angle gets a figure four locked in to a big WOOOOOO from the crowd.  Taker is fighting to turn it over, he finally does and reverses the pressure (another spot we dont see enough of today) and Angle screams as he crawls to the bottom rope.  Angle counters and takes down Undertaker, he drags his legs under the bottom rope between the post and wraps them round into a figure four.  He has to break it quickly though.  Angle goes for a scoop slam but Taker rolls back and it looks like he's going to hit a Tombstone but Angle manages to rolls back and spills over the top rope.    Taker gets out and stalks Angle so Angle climbs under the ring to escape.  Taker pulls him out and throws him back into the ring.  He hits Angle with a Last Ride but Hebner stops his count at 2 for some reason.  Taker gets in his face threatening him, and Kurt Angle climbs into the ring and schoolboys Taker with a handful of tights for a three count!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Kurt Angle!

Post match a pissed off Undertaker is trying to figure out whats happened as we see the guy in the ring is not actually Kurt Angle.  Angle with a bit of Twin Magic using his real life brother Eric Angle - who looks a hell of a lot like him.  Although this isnt explained.

Rating: 3 stars.  Good, solid match.  Told a good story of Taker outclassing Angle but Angle holding his own by going for Undertakers leg, and gets Taker out of jobbing clean.  Didnt have any real heat though, but could be the start of something great.  Its also the first time we've seen Twin Magic in years.

We cut to the backstage and we see Angle making a beeline to his car and he is out of there.  Theres an advert for the XFL HAHAHAHA brilliant.

Edge & Christian, Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather vs The Hardy Boys and The Dudley Boys - Survivor Series elimination match.

The two big heel teams vs the two big face teams.  Right to Censor have the tag titles now, after beating the Hardys, who beat Edge and Christian the night after No Mercy as Los Conquistadors.  It was a whole thing. Jeff is hurting after his match with Val Venis earlier tonight on Heat, but Val isnt wrestling in this match.

Bubba starts off with Bull, who takes advantage of a distraction by Venis to get the upper hand.  The match quickly breaks down and all four faces hit a quadruple DDT on the four heels.  The Hardys then take their tops off to reveal their urban camo underneath, showing solidarity with the Dudleys.  Thats a nice touch.  Poetry in Motion to Edge, and Matt goes up for a leg drop but Val Venis distracts him, allowing Edge to hit his Edge-o-matic (first time ever) and pins Matt.

Matt Hardy has been eliminated.

Dvon is in and takes out Edge and Christian, however a cheap shot and distraction from Bull Buchanan allows Christian to recover and hit Dvon with an Unprettier, which nets him a 3 count.

Dvon Dudley has been eliminated.

Just like that we're down to a 4 on 2.  Bubba charges and takes out Christian with a huge back body drop.  Tag to Jeff who hits a springboard moonsault, but the ref is distracted and doesnt make the cover.  Christian sends Jeff into the ring post and tags in Bull.  Jeff dodges a charge from Bull and tags in Bubba.  The heels all charge but get taken out one by one.  Edge misses a spear on Bubba and hits Bull, Bubba dumps him out and pins Bull.

Bull Buchanan has been eliminated.

Bubba follows up with a Bubba Bomb on Edge, and dodges a splash from Christian who lands on Edge, Bubba then pins Edge.

Edge has been eliminated.

As quick as a flash we're evened up at 2 on 2.  The four men start going at it.  Goodfather saves Christian from a Bubba Bomb then hits a big suplex into a neckbreaker kind of thing, but its good enough for the fall.

Bubba Ray Dudley has been eliminated.

Much like earlier in the night the faces are down to 2 on 1, Jeff quickly goes on the offensive, but he eats a whip into a big boot from Goodfather.  He fights back and takes Goodfather out, then hits a slam and a Swanton Bomb on Christian for a pin.

Christian has been eliminated.

Goodfather goes for a Ho Train and misses because of course he does (if someone can send me footage on him hitting that move I will give you a fiver.  First come first served.) Goodfather and Val Venis take eachother out with clotheslines and Jeff pins Goodfather to win the match.

Goodfather has been eliminated, Winners - The Hardys and The Dudleys.

Post match the Right to Censor start a beat down on Jeff before his team mates charge down to make the save.  Twist of Fate on Bull and Steven, 3D on Goodfather.  WASSAP on Venis.  Matt shoves Dvon and Bubba shoves Jeff and they all call for tables.  We get two tables in the ring.  The Dudleys Powerbomb Richards through one and Matt leg drops Venis through the other.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  This was as good as the first match, but gets an extra half point for the post match.  The crowd loves tables.  The crowd loves seeing the Right to Censor get theres.  The crowd love a combination of both.  Fine.

We see Stone Cold Steve Austin walking through the back, then we see HHH telling the Radicalz that they know what to do and we get a recap of whats happened so far.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Triple H - No Holds Barred.

One year ago Stone Cold was run down.  It turns out Rikishi was driving, but HHH was the mastermind behind it all. Austin has been on a tear trying to figure out who it was.  It looked like HHH was saving Austin from a two on one beatdown from Angle and Rikishi, but then HHH turned and laid him out with a sledgehammer and a leather glove.  HHH says he did what he did because it allowed him to accomplish things he never dreamed of, like holding the WWF title for a third time, marrying the bosses daughter and running the WWF, and Austin is out for revenge, to try and take back the year of his life HHH cost him.  HHH is out first with a new version of My Time without any lyrics.  Sounds more menacing.  Stone Cold is out next with the Frak Disturbed theme and it may be my favourite theme ever.  He flips HHH off and they go straight at it.

The crowd are electric for Austin as he takes control early on, HHH gets a finger in Austins eye but it doesnt take long for Austin to regain control and start working over HHH's injured back.  Austin no sells a facebuster and hits a Lou Thesz press.  HHH bails to the outside but Austin is quick on his tail.  Austin gets a big bit of scaffolding from the stage but HHH blocks it and they start fighting in a tech area,  and then into the backstage area but Austin quickly diverts the action back to the stage area.  HHH counters a suplex onto the concrete with one of his own.  Down at the ringside area HHH clears the announce table but Austin sends him flying into the steel steps, and the fight breaks into the timekeepers area.  Austin clears the English announce table and drills HHH with a monitor, busting him wide open.  Austin gets a beer then smashes HHH with the cooler.  He toasts the crowd then enjoys a can of Bud, then cracks the can on HHH.  He throws HHH into the ring then grabs the bell.  HHH tries to jump him as he gets in the ring and fight back but Austin is too much for him.  HHH takes him down with a low blow and gives himself a breather.    Austin goes for a Stunner but HHH turns and counters it into a neckbreaker.  HHH starts working over the head and neck of Austin now.  He cuts off an Austin hope spot with another neck breaker but only gets a two count.  The fight spills to the outside again as HHH looks to Pedigree Austin on the steel steps, but Austin counters with a back body drop and sends HHH through the announce table.  Back in the ring Austin nails the Stunner but he doesnt go for a cover, instead he gets a chair and puts HHH's ankle in it looking to Pillmanize it.  He relents to the referees demands and removes the chair from his ankle, but then puts it round HHH's neck!  Even JR is telling him not to do it as HHH manages to get free and roll out the ring.  They fight back up the ramp and into the backstage as Hebner begs him to take it back to the ring.  Suddenly the Radicalz jump Austin as HHH seemingly tries to escape.  The referees try to break it up as we see HHH get into a car.  Austin gets free and follows HHH, we see him outside fighting Benoit (yes please, more of this please).  They've lost Austin as it appears HHH's trap has failed.  Suddenly a forklift appears from nowhere and crashes into the side of the car, trapping HHH!  We see Austin driving it and he lifts HHH up in the air.  HHH begs for his life as Austin drops the car from about 20 feet! He's just killed HHH!

No Contest

Rating: 3 stars.  Obviously HHH isnt dead, but what else would have happened to him in that drop?  This was pretty much what it set out to be which was Austin beating the hell out of the man who had him run over.  It was a fun brawl and a good precursor to the war these two would have in a few months time.  Its a dour way to end a PPV though, as no one was quite sure what to make of what they had just seen.

Pros

The three big angle matchs all delivered.
Kane vs Jericho was very good.
The elimination matches were OK.

Cons.

Ended on a sour note.
The womens title match.
While nothing was truly bad, nothing really shined either.

Overall Verdict.

A fairly run of the mill show.  It was an easy watch but it was pretty average.  It doesnt hold up too well today and I dont think I'll be rushing out to watch it again but its a difficult PPV to dislike.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
No Mercy
Unforgiven
Fully Loaded
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Survivor Series
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

Well Survivor Series is done and dusted, and that means we only have one PPV stop left of the year 2000.  Join me next time as we face up to the end of the world.  We go to Armageddon!

ARMAGEDDON 2000

The landscape of pro wrestling has changed once again.  We arrive at Armageddon, December 10 2000.  ECW is dying.  WCW is dying.  But the WWF is thriving and about to cap of one of its best years ever.  Vince McMahon is back baby.  And he's been doing everything in his power to make sure that tonights main event doesnt go ahead as planned.  Why?  We'll find out as we go, speaking of Vince, we see him arriving in the arena and he's greeted by the Stooges Patterson and Briscoe.  And I just got a horrid flashback to their match at KotR.  They tell him Foley has the Cell built above the ring, and McMahon says not for long.

The Hardy Boys & Lita vs The Radicalz (Saturn, Guerrero & Malenko) w/ Terri- Intergender 6 person elimination match.

This one all came about because Dean Malenko has developed an infatuation with Lita, and offered her a match for his Lightheavyweight Title, but if she lost she would have to go on a date with him. Needless to say she lost the match, but needless to say the date didnt get exactly as planned as Lita takes him back to a hotel room where he's ambused by the Hardys.
Straight into the action as the Hardys go for Dean, then take out Saturn, then Guerrero.  Despite this match being built around Malenko there is huge heat on former IC champion Eddie.  Guerrero goes for a top rope hurricarana on Jeff but Jeff blocks it, allowing him to hit a Swanton and gets the pin.

Eddie Guerrero has been eliminated

Much like Survivor Series Guerrero is the first man in his team eliminated as the Hardys start double teaming Saturn, but the big man uses his strength to catch Jeff mid air from a Poetry in Motion and hits a Death Valley Driver for a pin.

Jeff Hardy has been eliminated

No repeat of Survivor Series here as Jeff is gone.  Terri distracts Matt and allows Saturn to get the advantage.  He counters out of a Twist of Fate to hit a bridging German for a two count.  Another Twist of Fate attempt is successful and since Malenko has been dumped to the outside theres no one to break up the pin.

Perry Saturn has been eliminated

Terri doesnt like that and she slaps Matt, big pop for Lita charging in and taking Terri down with a spear.  In the confusion Malenko charges in and takes Matt out with a roll up.

Matt Hardy has been eliminated

Big Lita chants as she realises the reality of the situation.  Malenko stalks her round the ring but Lita takes him down with a headscissors.  She taking the fight to him trying to outspeed him and she gets a couple of nearfalls.  She goes for a moonsault but Malenko cuts her off then hits a superplex from the top.  He makes the cover put pulls her shoulders up at 2.  A couple of big lariats and a backbreaker for another two count but again he pulls her shoulders up for big heat.  He locks in the Texas Cloverleaf and Lita taps immediately.

Lita has been eliminated - Winners - The Radicalz

Post match he tosses Lita out of the ring, but is able to escape before the Hardys run in to help. Michael Cole tries to get an interview with her but she can barely speak.

Rating: 1.5 stars. Nothing wrong with it, but felt like it should either A.  Have been at Survivor Series or B.  Been on TV.  Way to short to get any investment into it. Barely went 8 minutes and with 5 falls in that space of time no one comes out looking good.

Kurt is training backstage when Lillian asks him how he feels about tonights main event.  He's in the zone so just ignores her.  He finishes his set then scolds her for interupting him.  He lists of the nationalities of people he's been, then asks if she thinks hes afraid of an eyebrow, and nose, a badass, a fatass or a redneck?  He gets serious before going back to his workout.  Good promo going from funny to serious.  

William Regal (c) vs Hardcore Holly - WWF European Championship

Regal starts ripping into the crowd before Holly interupts him to a big pop.  Holly powers out of a underhook suplex with a big reverse drop.  He then hits a Falcon Arrow and a big leg drop but only gets a two count.  Regal applies the STF but Holly is right on the ropes.  Regal applies it anyway and uses the 5 count to his advantage.  The ref breaks it up and Sparky Plugg steals Lex Lugers gimmick and hits Regal with the plate in his arm.  While the ref checks on Regal, Raven runs in and drops Holly with a DDT allowing Regal to make the cover.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - William Regal#

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Never got going, never went into second gear.  Was I wrong about William Regal?  Thats three matchs in a row that have been stinkers.  Moving swiftly on.

Rikishi promo.  He says he's sacrificed everything to get where he is right now, and will happily sacrifice another 5 men to get the WWF title.

Chyna vs Val Venis w/ Ivory

Right to Censor have been going after Chyna ever since her Playboy cover shoot. Chyna charges Venis during his entrance and she slams him into the steel steps.  Venis is finally playing by the team rules by wearing black trousers instead of white.  Its all Chyna until Ivory distracts her allowing Venis to take control for a while.  The action goes back and forth until Ivory trips Chyna.  She chases Ivory around the ring but once she gets back in she walks right into a fishermans suplex and gets the pinfall.

Winner via Pinfall - Val Venis

Post match Chyna goes to take out Ivory but Val takes her out with a powerbomb, and the two RTC members make their escape.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Another match that didnt build, didnt go anywhere and didnt have any heat, could easily have been a filler match on RAW.

We see Vince and Stephanie talking backstage. Shes worried about HHH in tonights main event (surprise, Austin didnt kill him) and Vince says he's going to put a stop to it.  We then get a promo from Undertaker earlier in the night.  He talks about how he still gets visions about what he did to other people in the Cell.  Interspliced with footage of previous Cell matches he's been in.

Vince comes out with the stooges for the dreaded PPV in ring promo.  He talks about how he has tried everything in his power to get this main event cancelled for the wellbeing of the men involved.  He makes one more desperate plea to Foley. It doesnt work so he turns on the crowd.  This went on way to long. Jesus we're not even an hour into this.

Chris Jericho vs Kane - Last Man Standing.

This feud comes to an end tonight.  Jericho's LMS match with HHH earlier in the year is a match of the year contender, so hopefully this one can live up to it.  The match immediately goes to the backstage area as Kane charges Jericho as he makes his entrance.  We finally get a camera on them to see Kane throwing a road case at Jericho which he thankfully dodges.  They make their way back out into the aisle then down to ringside.  Kane takes control and starts to dominate.  Kane gets a 3 count from a hangman submission, so he drops Jericho and Teddy Long starts counting.  Jericho gets to his knees at 7 but Kane gets right back on him.  Respite for Jericho as Kane misses a big elbow, but when he goes for the Lionsault Kane gets the knees up.  Its all Kane again until Jericho gets fired up but Kane plants him with a huge one armed Chokeslam.  Jericho somehow makes it to his feet at the count of 9 so Kane goes and grabs a chair and starts beating on Jericho with it.  He signals he's going to Tombstone Jericho on the chair but Y2J fights out and hits a low blow then a DDT.  Jericho gets the chair and nearly takes Kanes head off with it.  He puts the chair on Kane and hits a Lionsault.  He makes it up at 8 before Kane sits up at 9.  Military press on Jericho over the top to the floor.  The fight spills up to a tech area on the stage.  Jericho counters a chokeslam into a bulldog of sorts putting Kane through a table.  Jericho seeing that Kane is stirring, goes round and pushes over a big stack of oils drums that make up part of the stage decoration.  Kane cant physically get up, so the ref counts to 10 and awards the match to Jericho!

Winner - Chris Jericho

Rating: 2 stars.  Wasnt as good as his match with HHH, and not as good as their match last month.  Good finish though, shows Jericho is resourceful and it took a monumental effort to put Kane down.  Fine, but pretty forgetable.

Coachman catches up with Foley.  He asks Foley if he has any second thoughts about the main event tonight.  Foley says the people want to see this match, so it will happen, and he reiterates the promise he made on Heat that if anyone is injured then he will resign as commissioner.  We see HBK in WWF New York giving his thoughts on Hell in a Cell.  Right I need to address the PPV theme, because this is finally starting to annoy me.  Its a really Poopie cover of Sweet Home Alabama, but all it is is a soundalike of the famous guitar riff over and over and over and over again.  Jesus its painful to hear after a while.  Thankfully it wouldnt be too long before WWF/E started licensing songs to be used as PPV themes.

Right to Censor (c) vs Edge & Christian vs The Dudley Boys vs K-Kwik & Road Dogg - 4 corners match for the WWF Tag Team titles.  

Two men in the ring at a time, first time to score a pin or submission wins the tag titles.  Right to Censor are out second like the jobbers they are.  Truth and Dogg are out next rapping along to their awesome song.  Dudleys are out last to a huge pop.  Road Dogg blind tags in on the Dudleys, then Edge blind tags in on Goodfather and I cant help but wonder why. Stay out of the match as long as possible and break up falls if you need to.  Bubba Dudley and Road Dogg do side by side Shake Rattle and Rolls to E&C before dropping each other with a right hand.  Huge chants for tables. K-Kwik tags in and we get a little showcase - very fluid and very impressive.  Surprised they didnt do more with him in this first run. Edge and Christian work over Truth until he gets a hot tag to Bubba Dudley. He clears house and it devolves into a schmoz.    Right to Censor and the New New Age Outlaws take eachother out on the outside and the Dudleys hit a WAZZAP on Edge then call for the tables.  They use the table as a battering ram to take out RTC and hit a Doomsday Device on Edge but Christian pulls Bubba off.  3D's to Bull Buchanan and Goodfather then set up a WAZZAP on Christian.  Dvon goes for the table but he's taken out by Steven Richards.  Back in the ring Edge hits a spear for a two count, then Christian hits the Unprettier allowing Edge to get a pinfall.

Winners via Pinfall and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Edge and Christian

Rating: 2 stars.  This was fast a frenetic and a bit of a mess at points.  Move the titles from one heel team to another without one having to do a job.  Fine I suppose.  Would have prefered to have two less teams but it is what it is.  Oh, and say goodbye to Road Dogg.  This is his last WWF PPV appearance and we wont see him again until 2012.  Sadly the former Marines problems with drugs would catch up to him and WWF would release him because of this.

We see Steph begging with HHH not to take part in the main event. She says how he barely survived what Austin did to him but he tells her that the WWF title is the most important thing in his life and that none of that matters as long as he becomes Champion again.

Billy Gunn (c) vs Chris Benoit - WWF Intercontinental Championship

Billy Gunn won the IC title from Eddie Guerrero on the Thanksgiving episode of SmackDown, and Chris Benoit is desperate to get his hands on the title again.  As far as I know this was a make or break match for Billy Gunn.  Time to prove himself as a top guy against one of the very best in the world.  Benoit takes control early on.  The match spills to the outside and Benoit sends Gunn flying into the steel steps.  Back in the ring Benoit works over Gunns knee and keeps cutting off hope spots.  Gunn gets a breather when Benoit misses a top rope Headbutt.  Benoit is unrelenting though and fights to lock on the Crossface but Gunn has his foot on the rope.  Gunn confirms his push is over when he botches a tilt-a-whirl slam and just drops Benoit.  You had one spot Billy.  One.  Benoit eventually locks in the Crossface and Gunn taps out immediately.

Winner via Submission and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Chris Benoit

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Match of the night so far, but it was basically a 10 minute squash match.  Gunn barely got any offense in and when he did finally get the chance to do a move he blew it.  Benoit still made him look decent because he is the best.

Quick interview with Austin and JR.  Austin says he isnt afraid and will do everything he can to win, and doesnt care who he takes out on the way.

Ivory (c) vs Trish Stratus vs Molly Holly - Womens Championship

Molly goes right for Trish early as Ivory leaves them to it.  Molly lands on her feet from a monkey flip but goes straight into a clothsline from Ivory.  Good spot that.  The heels start double teaming Holly, but then start fighting because thats what you do in a triple threat.  Molly takes them both out with a cross body, then hits Trish with a beautiful sit down powerbomb on Trish.  Ivory runs in a dumps Molly to the outside and steals the pin on Trish.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Ivory

Post match T&A come down to the ring and start stalking Molly Holly before Crash charges down and goads them into the ring before the APA make their return and they take out T&A.  Editors note: Crash looks Frak swole here.  Someones been hitting the gas.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Gets half a star because Molly looks the part already.  Trish is still greener than a salad and Ivory was never anything special.  Went way to short aswell.

Kurt Angle (c) vs Rikishi vs Triple H vs Undertaker vs The Rock vs Stone Cole Steve Austin - Hell in a Cell match for the WWF Championship.

This is it.  The match the whole PPV was built around and has been building to.  The 6 men with the most high profile matches and feuds of the year all culminates here tonight.  All these men have history, all these men have beef.  The past 12 months have all been building to this moment.  The lights flash and the ominous music plays as the Cell starts to lower.  HHH is out first and he's all business.  Rikishi is out next, still rocking his tribute to Yokozuna.  Angle is out third for some reason (did Angle ever come out last as Champion?  Isnt that the point of being a champion?  You're the most important person in the match so you come out last?  Dunno).   Rikishi is calling for Angle to get in the ring already but Angle looks uneasy.  The gong sounds, theres footsteps, then Dead Man Walking... Then Limp Bizkit starts playing! Frak yes man, better than the dub themes.  Here comes the Undertaker.  Rock is out next to a huge pop.  The glass shatter and Austin is out to a huge pop and he goes straight for Angle who still hasnt went in the Cell.  The 3 sets of Survivor Series opponents square up as the door is locked and we are underway.

The three sets of foes take turns doing spots in the ring, but Austin and HHH get the best reaction by far.  Rock and Angle start going at it and Rock hits a huge Samoan Drop for a close two count.  HHH suplexes Austin on the floor as Rikishi sends The Rock crashing into the Cell wall. Austin is still going after HHH while the other 4 guys fight amongst themselves.  Austin grates HHH's face off the Cell wall and HHH is busted open.  Austin drags HHH with his face across the wall all the way around the ring, stepping over the other guys to pop the crowd.  Austin goes to go in the ring but Rikishi drops across the back on his neck with a leg drop.  Rikishi helps up his buddy HHH but HHH quickly turns a hits a Pedigree on big Keesh but Rocky breaks up the pin.  Rock plants HHH with a huge DDT but Angle breaks up the pin.  Olympic Slam to Rock but Austin breaks it up. Stunner to Angle but Taker breaks it up. Chokeslam to Austin but HHH breaks it up!  Taker doesnt like that so he takes HHH outside a bounces him off just about every wall of the Cell.  Austin and Rikishi go at it as we see McMahon and the Stooges reversing a flatbed truck to ringside.  They tie a chain to the door as Vince barks at them to tear the Cell down.  The door comes flying off as the truck backs down again.  Foleys music hits and he makes a beeline for Vince.  Foley drops the Stooges then gets security to take Vince away.

HHH makes his way out the Cell but Austin in hot on his heels who nails him from behind in the aisle.  They start fighting on the junk cars that make up the stage decorations.  Austin swings a boom camera and smashes HHH right off the roof of a car.  Rikishi, Angle and Rock have made their way up to the stage followed by Taker.  HHH fights back against Austin and sends him face first through the backseat window of the truck.  Rock bounces Rikishi and Angles head together, knocking Angle down but Rikishi no sells it (brilliant).  Rock gets him some of HHH as we see Austin is busted open.  Taker and Angle are fighting as Rock and HHH climb on top of a car and goes for a Rock Bottom, but HHH hits him with a low blow, then hits a Pedigree!  The Rock is busted open now as Austin goes to work on Rikishi.  Taker powerslams Angle on the hood of a car and Austin catapults HHH up and over the hood of a car.  Angle is bleeding from his back somewhere.  Back in the timekeeper area Taker clobbers Angle with a microphone then chokes him with the cable.  Rikishi sends The Rock into the Cell wall as Austin and HHH fight in the aisle.  Angle beans Taker across the head with a chair busting Taker open.  We see HHH is trying to climb to the top to escape Austin.  Austin goes round to the other side of the Cell to climb up.  Austin and HHH start trading blows on top of the Cell.  It looks like HHH is going to topple over the side but he fights back as we see Angle climb to the top to escape Taker, but Taker is right behind him.  Stunner to HHH.  Taker bounces Angles head off the support beam in the centre and Angle is bleeding from his head now.  HHH climbs down as Austin tries to stop him.  Meanwhile Rocky and Rikishi are climbing the structure.  Taker tries to get the timekeeper to throw him a chair and he brains Angle with it.  Rikishi grabs it a cracks Taker with it.  He stalks Angle with the chair but Kurt is able to climb down and escape.  Taker recovers and starts hitting Keesh with big rights.  They fight over to the edge of the Cell, Taker with a goozle and a CHOKESLAM FROM THE TOP OF THE CELL INTO THE BED OF THE TRUCK!  

Back in the ring The Rock and Austin lock eyes, then start going at it to a huge pop from the crowd.  Rock dodges a Stunner and hits a spinebuster on Austin.  He finally goes for the Peoples Elbow but HHH takes him out.  Rock fights off HHH and hits a charging Angle with a Rock Bottom but Austin breaks up the pin!  Stunner on The Rock!  HHH breaks it up and hits a neckbreaker, but Angle sneaks over and lays him arm over the Rock and gets the pinfall!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Kurt Angle!

Rating: 3.5 stars.  Just carnage from bell to bell.  Sometimes it was hard to keep track of what was happening but I was never bored during this match.  Was it the best ever Cell match?  No.  Was it one of the worst?  Far from it. Top 10? Maybe.  It certainly wasnt as good as HHH vs Cactus Jack but it was the main event this PPV deserved, rightly so since the whole show was based around this one match.

Pros.

The main event delivered.
Chris Benoit is IC Champ again.

Cons.

The rest of the undercard were TV matches at best.

Overall Verdict.

Main event aside this was an entirely forgettable show.  WWF ending the year the same way they started it, with a PPV held up by two good matches.  Im not going to rush out to watch this one again and I cant recommend you do the same.  I'd watch the Hell in a Cell match again, but there are much better examples of that that I dont think I'll be doing that again any time soon either.

PPV League Table

Backlash
Judgement Day
No Mercy
Unforgiven
Fully Loaded
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Survivor Series
Royal Rumble
Armageddon
No Way Out
WrestleMania 2000

The year in short.

So thats it.  The year 2000 comes to a close.  Triple H was by far and away the wrestler of the year, and his feud with Foley was the best of the year aswell despite only spanning two PPV's.  He was only around for 3 shows but Viscera is and probably always will be the worst wrestling of the year.  We got three new stars in Angle, Benoit and Jericho and the tag scene was made not just relevant but cant miss thanks to the Dudleys, The Hardys and Edge and Christian.  We had stinkers (mostly involving The Kat) but nothing quite as bad as Briscoe vs Patterson - easily the worst match of the year.  Best match of the year is a bit harder.  I've got two clear favourites in HHH vs Cactus Jack from the Royal Rumble and the Ironman match from Judgement day and I dont think I can pick between them.  My picks for "hidden gems" of the year are Malenko vs Scotty 2 Hotty from Backlash (what a surprise that was) and Chris Jericho vs HHH from Fully Loaded.  Both great matches that dont get talked about nearly enough these days.

There was a lot to like about this year, but I am so excited to get started in 2001.  Off the top of my head I can think of atleast one 5 star match in pretty much every PPV until atleast Unforgiven.  The biggest year in the history of pro wrestling is about to start, so join me next time for the Royal Rumble! (editors note: this is one of my favourite PPV's ever from top to bottom and I cant Frak wait to watch it again).

Thanks for reading my silly little reviews, and even though its been a slog at times I've thoroughly enjoyed digging up the past and going through it again.  See you soon.

This Chris Benoit fella gets a lot of mentions. Can't say I've heard of him. Might have to do some research.

Beer wrote:This Chris Benoit fella gets a lot of mentions. Can't say I've heard of him. Might have to do some research.

Im trying my best to watch these as they were presented and not using todays standards. Its such a shame that things ended the way they did with Benoit because going back over even just this small section of his body of work he could easily have been regarded in the top 10 of all time, maybe even top 5. Alas he'll never be held up like that, rightly or wrongly.

ROYAL RUMBLE 2001

Aww here we go again.  We're in a new year and we're kicking it off in style with the 14th annual Royal Rumble!  A sell out of 17,137 in the New Orleans Arena, New Orleans are on fire through out this show.  4 title matches on the undercard and the main event is of course the Royal Rumble itself.  Without further adieu lets do it to it.

The Dudley Boys vs Edge & Christian (c) - WWF Tag Team Championship

The Build.

After capturing the tag titles at Armageddon, Edge and Christian have had a thorn in their side in the form of the Dudley Boys.  It all culminated on the RAW before the PPV, where Edge and Christian attacked the Dudleys with chairs, leaving both of them with concussions.  This was aggravated further on SmackDown where Edge and Christian put both Dudleys through tables.  So the story of this match is the Dudleys are wrestling with concussions and have to overcome the odds to win their second tag title.

The Match.

The Dudleys are out first the a massive reaction for the crowd.  The Champs are out next, and while they are still comedy heels they seem concerned coming in.  Maybe because the Dudleys are still standing?  A fight breaks out before the bell sounds and the champs bail early.  The Dudleys chase them up the aisle before getting them back in the ring.  Crowd are already chanting for tables.  The Dudleys are in control early on until a cheap shot to the back of D-Vons head, allowing the heels to take full control, with offense targeting the neck and back of D-Vons head.  This is pretty gross actually, doesnt help that Bubba is selling his head while on the apron.  D-Von gets a break when he counters a WAZZAP attempt from Edge and Christian by catapulting Edge into Christian who gets crotched on the top rope.  Tag to Bubba but the referee is distracted and misses it.  While Bubba argues, Edge and Christian attempt a con-chair-to but D-Von ducks out the way.  This time he makes the hot tag to Bubba who runs riot on the heels.  He sends Christian to the rafters with a huge back body drop then they hit a WAZZAP of their own on Edge.  Bubba calls for tables and you can barely hear him over the crowd.  3D attempt on Christian but Edge spears Bubba and Christian counters D-Von with a big DDT.  Edge makes the cover but Bubba kicks out at two.  They try another WAZZAP but Bubba rolls Christian over and D-Von pushes Edge off the top rope into Christian.  3D on Edge and D-Von makes the pin and gets a 3 count!

Winners via Pinfall and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys!

Rating: 3 stars.  Really good way to open a PPV and the crowd were white hot for the title change.  Knowing what we know now about concussions makes the story a bit gross, and its not like it wasnt a serious issue at the time either - Bret Hart had only retired a few months ago because of complications from post-concussion syndrome.  Doesnt take away from the match though.  Off to a good start.

We see Drew Carey arriving at the arena earlier in the night, he's here to promote his upcoming PPV.  Vince McMahon is backstage to clear up confusion surrounding HHH and Austin.  They've had a no-touching stipulation put on them but after HHH cost Austin a title match vs Kurt Angle, he was pushed into Austin by Angle and they two came to blows.  Mr. McMahon rules that because of the circumstances "In the interest of fairness" HHH still gets his title match tonight and Austin is still in the Rumble.

We see HHH with Steph in their suite.  HHH asks Steph if her and Trish at ringside are going to become a distraction later.  Steph promises that she wont let Trish get involved and that HHH will be champion.  Drew Carey comes in and he and HHH have some back and forth.  Drew says he hasnt been watching the show and name drops Kamala.  WWF Hall of Famer Drew Carey just admitted he doesnt watch the WWF.  Brilliant.

We see the APA in their "office" and they make it sound like their about to show each other their dicks, but they're really comparing Rumble entry numbers. Crash comes in and tells them if they get in his way he'll throw them both out.  Strange segment.

Chris Benoit (c) vs Chris Jericho - Intercontinental Championship Ladder match.

The Build.

Benoit squashed Billy Gunn at Armageddon to recapture the Intercontinental title.  Chris Jericho wants his title back, and a cocky Chris Benoit lets Y2J pick the stipulation so Jericho picks a ladder match.  These two had an awesome rivalry over the course of 2000 so high hopes coming into this one.

The Match.

No messing around as the both trade rights straight away, with Jericho getting the upper hand early.  They both fight out of each others submission attempts before Benoit sends Jericho shoulder first into the ring post, and he starts working it over.  Jericho sends Benoit onto the apron, but when he goes for a spring board dropkick Benoit ducks out the way and Jericho crashes and burns.  Benoit sends Jericho into the ring post again as he gets the ladder.  Jericho attempts to baseball slide the ladder into Benoit but misses and Benoit sends him shoulder first into the steel steps.  Benoit starts to climb the ladder but Jericho gets him on his shoulder and hits an electric chair drop.  Jericho gets the ladder and javelins it into Benoits face.  Sends Benoit into the corner and uses the ladder like a battering ram into Benoit stomach.  He drapes the ladder across the top ropes in the opposite corner then Irish Whips Benoit but Benoit counters and sends Jericho face first into the ladder.  Time for the infamous spot as Benoit goes for a tope suicida but Jericho swats him out of middair by beaning him across the head with a steel chair!  He drapes Benoit over the barrier then tries to ride the ladder down onto him, but Benoit moves and Jericho crashes and burns.  Benoit back in control with ladder and chair shots.   Benoit sets the ladder up in the corner and javelins Jericho into it.  Je tries again but Jericho escapes and pushes Benoit into it.  He sets Benoit up in the ladder and hits a Russian leg sweep from the top rope, crushing Benoit under the ladder.  Benoit cuts Jericho off by dropkicking the ladder into him.  High back suplex from Benoit.  He sets the ladder on on the top turnbuckle and I swear to god I just heard a windows notification noise.  I thought I was going crazy but then I heard it again.  I rewound it to hear it again and its definitely on the recording.  Strange.  Anyway.  Benoit whips Jericho but Jericho counters and sends Benoit face first into the ladder.  From the apron Jericho see-saws the ladder into Benoits face - thankfully not Joey Mercury spot.  Jericho sets up the ladder but Benoit clobbers him in the back then hits a back suplex sending Jericho over the top to the outside.  They start to fight on top of the ladder and Jericho somehow locks in the Walls of Jericho on top of the ladder! (Kayfabe breaker:  All Benoit had to do was unhook his arms...)  Jericho drops Benoit and reaches for the belt but Benoit is able to kick the ladder over, sending Jericho to the canvas.  Jericho picks up the ladder and rams Benoit with it.  Jericho comes of the ladder to get to Benoit but Benoit catches him in the Crossface and Jericho taps immediately.    No submissions in a ladder match though so Benoit picks him up and sends him into the ring post.  Jericho counters and flapjacks Benoit into the ladder.  Jericho sandwiches Benoit between the ladder and the corner.  He sets the ladder up in the corner and both men climb, Benoit fights out of a superplex attempts and sends Jericho crashing, he stands on the top of the ladder and goes for a diving headbutt but Jericho moves out the way!  Jericho traps Benoit under the ladder and starts to climb.  Just as he gets to the top Benoit somehow finds the strength to topple Jericho to the outside.  Benoit starts to climb now but Jericho appears with a chair and smashes him in the back, then topples the ladder sending Benoit crashing onto the top rope the to the outside.  Jericho starts to climb as Benoit struggles to get in the ring, but he just isnt quick enough as Jericho unhooks the belt and wins the Intercontinental Championship!

Winner and NEW WWF Intercontinental Champion - Chris Jericho!

Rating:  5 stars.  Incredible.  Simply incredible. They started at 100 mph and never slowed down.  This match went nearly 20 minutes but never felt like it.  An incredible showing from both men putting it all on the line and some really good uses of the ladder.  No mega crazy high spots like we would see further down the line so perfect use of the ladder.  For me personally this is the best 1 on 1 ladder match ever, beating even Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon.  This is a seriously good match and its imperative you watch it.  Prove positive that you only need two guys and one ladder to craft an incredible story.  Have I said incredible enough yet?  WATCH THIS MATCH!

We see Drew Carey again with Trish Stratus.  He's flirting heavy with Trish who rebukes him, telling him she's involved with someone.  He pimps his PPV show again and asks Vince for tips promoting it.  Vince has a great idea and says he should enter the Royal Rumble.  Not only would that impress the fans it would also impress Trish.  He takes a bit of convincing but eventually decides it would be a good idea.

We see Chyna getting ready for her match when Billy Gunn comes in.  He tells her he's worried about her because the doctors havent cleared her and she should listen to them.  She tells him shes fine and tells him to worry about himself in the Rumble.

Jericho is with Michael Cole with his new title.  He says Benoit is one tough I am a twonk of the highest order but he not only won his 4th Intercontinental title but he proved Benoit wrong.

Chyna vs Ivory w/ Steven Richards (c) - WWF Womens Championship

The Build.

The RTC have been at Chyna all month, culminated in Val Venis delivering a devastating spike piledriver to Chyna, injuring her neck.  They say she's ruptured 3 disks in her neck.  She has an interview with JR where she goes through her options - including fusion surgery or retiring.  We see her again in a few weeks saying she's been doing extensive therapy and though she still isnt 100% she feels fine.  A cocky Ivory challenges her to a match at the Royal Rumble for the title, thinking that an injured Chyna wouldnt accept, but she does against doctors orders.

The Match.

Chyna completely dominates Ivory from the get go and even takes down Steven Richards with ease.  She sets her up in the corner and goes for a handspring elbow.  She doesnt quite get her distance right but she bounces back into Ivory and then suddenly drops to the canvas.  She lays prone as Ivory gets an arm over her for a 3 count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Ivory

Post match Chyna still hasnt moved but she is conscious.  In a complete scumbag move King leaves the announce position to check on her - something he hasnt done since Owen Hart died.  Billy Gunn runs out to check on her aswell as they try to reassure her.  The doctors come out and she's put on a stretcher and taken out of the arena as JR does the Frak Owen Hart voice to get the angle over.  The crowd dont buy it as a small Sargent Slaughter chant breaks out.

Rating: 1 star.  It was fine as a squash match, but this angle is horrible.  Not just the allusions to Owen Hart but fake injury angles like this diminish actual injuries, especially considering its a neck injury angle.  An injury that cost Austin, Angle and Edge years of their careers and Chyna will be fine in 8 weeks time for Mania.  Not a fan at all.

Steph is backstage looking to get her hair sorted when she bumps into Trish in make-up.  The two exchange threats before Trish leaves, but not before telling Steph she has her own 'affairs' to deal with.

Drew Carey is in the locker room when a stage hand brings him some gear.  He makes fun of Kane under his breath before introducing himself.  Kane blows him off and walks away.

Lo-Down are arguing about which one of them get the Rumble spot they won on Heat earlier in the night.  Mr. McMahon appears and tells them they've been replaced by Drew Carey.  Tiger Ali Singh isnt happy.  Dont worry Mr. Singh, this is you and Chaz's last PPV appearance so.... bye bye.

Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon vs Kurt Angle (c) w/ Trish Stratus - WWF Championship.

The Build.

Kurt Angle is coming off one of the greatest debut years in WWF history, and managed to survive the 6 man Hell in a Cell.  HHH - also coming off an incredible 2000 - states that Angle is only the WWF Champion because he allows it, and Vince McMahon names HHH as the Number 1 Contender.  Angle says it isnt fair that he wont have a McMahon in his corner, so he recruited the next best thing in Trish Stratus.  This annoys Steph and she vows to deal with her fathers mistress.  Despite this being a rare heel vs heel match, HHH seems to be the defacto face going in.

The Match.

HHH is out first and its the first time we get to hear his now iconic Motorhead theme.  Angle is out second (finally getting the champions entrance.)  HHH in control early until Angle hits a nice hip toss then sends HHH to the outside, but HHH is able to get control back fairly easy.  HHH working over the leg and knee of Angle with a grapevine.  JR name drops the original Nature Boy, Buddy Rogers.  Angle hits an enzuguiri to get some breathing space.  Angle sends HHH into the corner and he takes a big Flair bump to the outside.  HHH takes a trip into the ringpost face first, then the steel steps as Angle sells the knee like the master he is.  Angle goes for a splash in the corner but HHH moves and he crashes and burns, HHH then ducks to the outside and wraps Angles knee around the ring post.  Steph distracts Hebner enough to allow HHH to grab a chair and he bends it round Angles knee.  HHH living up to his cerebral assassin moniker but locking Angle in an Indian Deathlock. Angle tries to fightback but HHH hits a big facebuster for a close 2 count.  HHH shows us just how much of a Flair mark he is by locking in a Figure 4 Leg Lock.  He manages to position himself to be able to use the ropes for leverage.  Trish tries to interfere but Steph stops her and the two break out into a brawl, fighting on top of the announce table.  Mr McMahon marches to ringside to break them up.  He ends up putting Trish over his shoulder and carrying her out.  In the ring HHH has released the hold to try and figure out whats going on.  HHH goes for the Figure 4 again but Angle was playing possum and tries an inside cradle but only gets a two count.  HHH goes for the knee again but it shot over the turnbuckle and lands head first on the post.  Angle hits a big DDT but only gets a two count.  Inverted atomic drop into a bridging German suplex for a two count.  Side russian leg sweep on HHH and Angle climbs to the top.  HHH cuts him off with a low blow just out of view of the ref then hits a Razors Edge on Angle and JR calls it as such - such is the threat of WCW in early 2001.  Double leg take down to HHH, but he powers Angle off and into the corner and Angle collapses and lands head first on HHH nether regions.  Angle goes back up top again and hits a moonsault - picture perfect.  He hurts his knee on the landing so cant cover quickly enough so HHH is able to kick out at two.  HHH sends Angle to the outside and goes for a double axe handle off the apron but ends up taking out Hebner instead of Angle.  HHH sends Angle back in the ring the climbs to the top, but quicker than a whippet with a bum full of dynamite Angle leaps up and arm drags him off the top.  Angle tries to revive Hebner but a brawl breaks out and HHH sends Angle into the steps, crushing Hebner in the process.  HHH goes for a belt shot but Angle counters with a belly-to-belly.  They both recover and HHH hits a Pedigree out of nowhere but Hebner is still down.  HHH goes to revive him when Stone Cold charges down and lays into HHH.  He beats the hell out of Triple H and cracks him right between the eyes with the title.  He picks up Hebner and throws him back in the ring as we see HHH has been busted open.  Hebner still hasnt come to so Austin gets back in the ring and gives HHH a Stunner for good measure.  Angle crawls over and drapes and arm over, Hebner very slowly makes the 3 count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Kurt Angle

Rating: 4 stars.  This was brilliant. Aside from the run ins and maybe being a bit over booked with the women and Vince that bit actually helped break up the match a bit, and these two worked really well together, really well.  Great psychology, great storytelling, great action.  Both men had a stellar 2000 and are carrying that theme into 2001 with ease.  Best heel vs heel match ever?  Yeah, probably.

We see Rikishi warming up and Undertaker shadow boxing, then we get a promo from the Rock.  He wonders if Kane and Undertaker are on the same page and runs down them both.  He says it could come down to him and anyone, including Perry Saturn, Bull Buchanan or even Stone Cold Steve Austin.  He says it doesnt matter because at the end of the night he will win and go on to WrestleMania.  No mention of his victory last year.  Quick promo package and Fink runs down the rules.

The Royal Rumble Match.

Jeff Hardy is the Number 1 pick.  Bull Buchanan in the "I dont give a Poopie" phase of his Right to Censor run, looks awful with his no tie, no sleeves shirt and black jeans.  I know it must be hard to wrestle in that gear but come on mate, you're not going to be the ironman tonight.  The two trade offense until Number 3 comes out...

Matt Hardy arrives to save his brother. The two Hardys team up to eliminate Bull Buchanan, and then prove they are the two stupidest people in the planet by fighting each other.  King calls it right by saying if it were him he would just wait and double team the next guy.  Speaking of...

Faarooq is number 4. They stop fighting between themselves to try and double team Faarooq, but he takes them both down with a double clothesline.  Botched poetry in motion but Jeff saves Matt from a Dominator.  One Twist of Fate/Swanton combo is enough and Faarooq is eliminated.  They take their tops off and start fighting again as the clock ticks down.

Number 5 is WWE Hall of Famer Drew Carey.  He mugs to the crowd as he makes his way down the aisle as the Hardys continue to fight each other.  Jeff misses a dropkick and Matt delays his sell.  They fight to the top rope as Drew gets in the ring.  He's keeping his distance when suddenly the Hardys lose their balance and spill to the floor - with Jeff landing flat on his back, ouch. Matt and Jeff Hardy have been eliminated as Drew Carey mugs more for the crowd before the buzzer goes off.

By god its Kane!  The foreshadowing from earlier in the evening.  Drew tries to talk Kane out of fighting, then offers him some money from his pocket.  Kane isnt interested and gets Drew up for a chokeslam as the buzzer goes off..

Raven storms the ring and saves Drew Carey from certain doom with a kendo stick shot.  Drew realises the gravity of the situation and Drew eliminates himself by jumping over the top rope.  Raven and Kane square off until Kane hits a sidewalk slam and Raven rolls out the ring.  He blasts Kane in the face with a fire extinguisher and the hardcore champion starts getting the weapons out.  Al Snow suddenly attacks Raven.  The referees hold him back until the buzzer goes so apparently he was number 8.  The hardcore plunder starts as Al Snow takes out both guys with a trashcan lid.  He gets a bowling ball back from under the ring and hits Kane in the stomach with it, before bowling the ball right into Ravens junk as he's sat in the corner.  Raven and Snow double team Kane with trashcan shots to the head and a drop toe hold sends Kane face first into a can.

Perry Saturn is Number 9.

The Lethal Weapon joins the fray as Steve Blackman comes out at number 10.  He uses his martial arts stick to take down Raven and Al Snow.  More attempts to try and take Kane out prove fruitless as he holds on for Number 11 to come out..

King marks out as its Grand Master Sexay.  He goes to town on everyone with trash can lid shots, until Kane decides this has gone on long enough and starts chucking fools out right, left and centre.  Trash can shot eliminates Grand Master Sexay, then Black tries to skin the cat but Kane drills him in the head with a trash can lid to eliminate Steve Blackman, then Al Snow and Raven are tossed. Perry Saturn is eliminated as the buzzer goes off.

King marks out again as The Honky Tonk Man is number 12.  Any more of Lawlers family coming out?  He gets a mic and tells Kane to came down because he's going to sing a song.  He starts singing along to his entrance before Kane grabs his guitar and Jeff Jarretts him to a huge pop.  A quick toss over the top rope and Honky Tonk Man is eliminated.  Now we've had our fun so lets get someone serious at Number 13 can we?

ITS THE ROCK!  The great one makes a beeline for the ring and he and Kane go right into it.  BIIIG flying clothesline tags Kane down, but Rock isnt quite able to send him over the top.  Doesnt take long for Kane to start dominating again as the counter goes down for Number 14.

The Goodfather immediately squares off with his former Nation stable mate, but Rocky makes short work of him by Laying the Smackdown and eliminating Goodfather almost as quickly as he entered, and he and Kane go back to battering each other. Big sidewalk slam on Rocky as Number 15 makes their entrance.

ITS TAZZ!  Tazz enters the ring, gets a double choke from Kane, placed on the top turnbuckle and dropped with a right.  Tazz is eliminated even quicker than Goodfather.  What a difference 12 months of Poopie booking makes.  We cut to a replay of what happened to Tazz and it seems to knock out the live commentary for a moment.  Rock takes Kane down with a Samoan Drop as Number 16 comes in..

Bradshaw comes in and goes straight for the Big Red Machine.  He teams up with Rock to double team Kane.  Rock hits a clothesline on the monster and Bradshaw follows it up by damn near decapitating The Rock with a Clothesline From Hell (one of my favourite finishers).  The three men trade offense as the crowd counts down.

Number 17 is Albert and he socks Kane before turning his attention to The Rock.  We get a couple of close eliminations that the crowd are into.  Bradshaw with an impressive Big Boot on Albert.

Number 18 is Hardcore Holly.  Albert Bomb on Bradshaw.  I always like Albert.  He'll get a decent singles run in a few years as A-Train but never got a real chance to run with it.  Shame.  He takes Kane down with a big Bicycle Kick.

Number 19 is K-Kwik, all on his own since Road Dogg is off doing blow somewhere. He doesnt make much on an impact as he is quickly overpowered by Albert. The ring is starting to fill up as the crowd counts down for Number 20.

Its Val Venis.  Right to Censor get 3 spots but you couldnt give Lo Down their one?  Meh. Venis goes right for Kane as the Big Red Machine passes the 30 minute mark.  Bradshaw hits a spear on Kwik out of nowhere.

The buzzer goes off and our European Champion William Regal is out at Number 21.  Every time either Rock or Kane look in peril the crowd pop.  Clothesline from Hell nearly takes Venis' head as the klaxon sounds for Number 22.

Test comes in and makes an immediate impact by eliminating William Regal.  He then squares off against his former tag partner Albert (you see Albert and turned on Test and put him on the injured list).  He stomps a mudhole in him and walks it dry.  We see a replay of Regal being eliminated and JR says he was besmirched and molested.  As good as he was he came out with some Poopie.

Number 23 comes out and its The Big Show!  He's making his return after about 6 months in developmental.  Immediate impact by eliminating Test and K-Kwik in very quick succession.  Chokeslam to Albert.  Chokeslam to Bradshaw.  Chokeslam to Venis.  Chokeslam to Holly. Chokeslam to Kane.  Chokeslam for Rock?  NO!  Rock hits a low blow, lays the Smackdown then eliminates Big Show with a clothesline.  Big Show starts clearing the announce table as the buzzer goes off.

Crash Holly is in at Number 24 but the attention is on the outside of the ring, where Big Show has pulled Rock out under the rope, then he finally gets his Chokeslam but this one is through the announce table for good measure.  A pissed off (and slimmed down) Big Show leaves.  Everyone in the ring is working over Kane now.  King cant get his head set on because Rock is selling lying on the cable  

The buzzer goes and its followed by a gong as The Undertaker is out at Number 25!  The deadman makes his entrance on his bike and starts to clean house, but is he helping his brother?  Bradshaw and Hardcore Holly are eliminated by Undertaker, and Albert and Crash Holly are eliminated by Kane.  Taker eliminates Val Venis by grabbing his tie and throwing him clean over the top.  The two brothers face each off with each other, but they appear to be on the same page as the countdown ends..

Number 26 is Scotty Too Hotty...  He is very worried getting to the ring as he's staring down a double barrel in the shape of the Brother of Destruction.  He gets in the ring and they toy with him for a bit, before a double Chokeslam and then they both eliminate Scotty Too Hotty.  They stand facing the aisle waiting on the next victim.  Is there anyone in the WWF who can handle the combined might of Undertaker and Kane?  We'll find out as the countdown expires and...

THE GLASS SHATTERS! STONE COLD! STONE COLD!  The crowd absolutely erupt for Austin as he is walking and talking his way down the aisle (editors note:  They've dubbed over his Disturbed theme for some reason.  Its on the Network at Armageddon and No Way Out, but not here.  Strange)  Before we can find out what would happened however he is jumped from behind by HHH!  HHH starts beating Austin from pillar to post all the way back up to the technical area, however The Rock has recovered and is taking the fight to the BoD.  

The buzzer sounds and Number 28 Billy Gunn storms to the ring.  Your push is over Billy give it up.  The referees get HHH off of Austin and we see he's a bloody mess.  Gunns head of steam doesnt last long vs the BoD and they quickly take control.  Rock fights back vs Undertaker but takes a huge DDT.  2 men left and we know who one of them is, so who is Number 29?

Jungle sounds confuse the crowd as Haku makes him WWF return.  The WCW Hardcore Champion (yes, really) goes straight for Undertaker.  We see Austin recovering as our final buzzer of the night sounds.

Rikishi is out at Number 30.   He stops to try and attack Austin in the aisle but the rattlesnake explodes with rights of his own.  Austin is like a house on fire, hitting anything that moves.  He eliminates Haku with a right hand, and goes to work on Kane.  Rikishi takes a Chokeslam from Undertaker, then Taker sends Rock over the top but he hangs on.  Undertaker makes the classic Hulkamania Era error of trying to headbutt a savage islander, so he sells Rikishis hard head.  Rikishi hits Taker with a headbutt of his own, the a Savant Kick to the chin eliminates Undertaker!  Rikishi goes for a Banzai Drop on The Rock, but Rocky springs up and hits him with a low blow, before dumping him over the top, eliminating Rikishi!  We hilariously hear Undertakers bike rev up as he rides out the ring.  Billy Gunn has the cheek to counter a Stunner attempt and his a Fameasser on Austin, but Austin counters an elimination attempt and eliminates Billy Gunn.  Rock takes Kane down and crawls to a corner to recover.  Austin crawls to the opposite corner and both men lock eyes.  They both climb to their feet and the crowd pop huge as they square off.  Austin seems to get the advantage until The Rock lays the SmackDown.  Austin counters out of a Rock Bottom and hits a Stunner.  He then stomps a mudhole in Rock before Kane comes back.  Lou Thesz press to Kane and a stomp to the guts.  Rock fires back with rights and hits Austin with a Rock Bottom.  Rock sends Kane out the ring between the top and middle rope.  Rock and Austin tee off on one another again. Rock gets Austin up to eliminate him but Kane charges and tips them both over, eliminating The Rock but Austin hangs on!  Austin fires some rights into Kane and charges but Kane catches him with a Chokeslam.  Kane signals the end is near but Austin hits him with a desperate low blow.  Kane rolls out the ring and gets a chair, but before he can use it Austin kicks him in the guts.  He fights out of Tombstone attempt and hits Kane with a Stunner.  He grabs the chair and drills Kane in the head with it. Then again, then a third sick shot.  Kane is reeling on the ropes, Austin charges and clotheslines him over!

Winner - Stone Cold Steve Austin!

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Its hard to give a Royal Rumble a 5 star rating but this is as close as you'll get.  This was paced brilliantly with the big names coming out at different spots to break it up a bit.  The hardcore section at the start was good fun.  Slows down in parts but then you get the big pop of Big Show coming back and then again when Undertaker comes in.  The final three is built awesome - especially with the foreshadowing of Mania with Rock and Austin.  Kane puts in an all time great career performance with a record setting 11 eliminations and the right man wins on the night.  I complained about the 2000 Royal Rumble being predictable so its only fair to say this one was pretty predictable aswell.  However this proves that predictable doesnt always mean bad.  As good a Royal Rumble match as you'll see, and its better than 1992.  And I will die on that hill.


Pros.

Frak everything except...

Cons.

The Chyna angle is disgusting.

Overall verdict.

Absolutely one of my favourite PPV's of all time.  Started of really well with a great tag opener, the greatest ever ladder match, the greatest ever heel vs heel match and the greatest ever Royal Rumble.  The only sour note is the Chyna story.  I wouldnt have as big a problem with it if they didnt mirror Owen Harts death so much.  It was working fine as a squash match up to that point, and if you want to exploit an injury story then dont have a sit down interview about how she's going to need fusion surgery because its obviously Love sacks.  Also real missed opportunity to put heat on Ivory by having her be the one to injure Chyna more and not an accident.  Meh.  I've said all I need to about that match.

Obviously this is miles better than 2000's offering and this PPV more than holds up today - even if some of the injury angles havent aged well.  Looking at you Dudley Boys.    Bring on No Way Out.  I cant wait.

Armageddon 2000 and the Rumble from 2001 were the first two PPV's I ever owned. I remember my mum having a go at my dad for buying a 10 year old an 18 rated video with the 6 man hell in a cell! I agree it is very much a one match card though

The 2001 Royal Rumble still holds up for me as one of my favourite PPV's of all time, the ladder match is incredible and I agree that its the best Rumble match they've ever done. It made me a huge Kane fan, and I remember being gutted when Austin eliminated him. Haven't rewatched either in some time and might have to go back to them now!

Royal Rumble absolutely holds up to todays standards. Simple things done well, and the Chyna angle is a study in how NOT to do an injury angle.

Going to get started on No Way Out soon. A few brilliant matches on that card so cant wait.

NO WAY OUT 2001

We arrive in Las Vegas Nevada for 2001's installment of No Way Out.  15,223 fans have packed into the Thomas and Mack Centre and a whopping 590,000 buys (up over 100k from last year) we have a stacked card with two main events featured.  No time to talk however as we go straight into the first match.

Raven (c) vs Big Show - Hardcore Championship

The Build.

Raven won his first Hardcore title in December and has been trading it back and forth with various lower card wrestlers - as was the style at the time.  Big Show having made his return from a stint in OVW at the Rumble needs something to do, so they stuck him in the Hardcore division to give it a bit of a boost while he gets back into the swing of things.

The Match.

Raven is out first with a shopping trolley full of toys including - but not limited to - a fire extinguisher, a stop sign and a trash can.  Big Show makes his entrance to a decent pop, but is jumped immediately by a female ninja (Ravens accomplice who would later be revealed to be Tori in an angle that went no where).  He obviously sends her packing as Raven charges but Big Show overpowers him aswell, and sends him back to the ring area with shots from the stop sign.  Big Show charges Raven at the ring post but Raven moves and Big Show eats Poopie.  Raven jumps on Shows back but Show throws him up and over and Raven takes a hard splat.  Fire extinguisher to Show takes him out temporarily as a Popcorn Vendor jumps Raven in the ring.  Big bulldog on Raven from the vendor only gets two before Big Show breaks up the pin.  Show hits the Final Cut on Raven but Steve Blackman and Hardcore Holly charge the ring and double team Show.  Suddenly Billy Gunn runs in and hits the Fameasser on Raven and gets a 3 count!  As Billy is announced the new champion he's jumped by Blackman and Holly, they hit a double team leg drop but when Blackman makes the cover Holly breaks it up.  They come to blows as Big Show tosses them but Raven makes the cover to win back his hardcore title.  The vendor is back and we see its Crash Holly, he takes a huge chokeslam as the Ninja runs back down but she's quickly pursued by Molly Holly, who leathers her on the back of the head with a trash can lid.  Raven tries to take out Big Show with a trash can but Show catches him in a goozle and plants Raven with a Chokeslam through a trash can.  Easy 3 count for Big Show but Billy Gunn jumps him.  Show sends him packing and once its obvious no one is in a state to continue Big Shows music plays and this match is over.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Hardcore Champion - The Big Show

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Very fast paced, high energy, some decent spots.  Not the worst Hardcore match we've seen but certainly not the best.  We'll see better soon enough though.  It was pretty forgettable but opened the show well and the crowd seemed to enjoy it which is the important bit.

We see a Limo pull up from earlier in the day and its WWF Champion Kurt Angle.  Kevin Kelly asks him how he feels about his match.  He says he's feeling super, that Las Vegas has the highest percentage of losers in the country and he'll and one more loser to that list tonight.

Lilian Garcia interviews Benoit and Guerrero about this upcoming match.  They say the strategy is simple, take the other two men out then one of them will walk out with the IC title.

Chris Jericho (c) vs Chris Benoit vs Eddie Guerrero vs Xpac - Intercontinental Championship

Oh hell yeah.

The Build.

Jericho won the IC title in an all time classic against Benoit at the Rumble, so Benoit wants his title back.  Its a bit more personal for the other two men however, as Jericho took Xpac out at No Mercy and Guerrero out shortly after Armageddon.

The Match.

Jericho is out first, then X-pac.  Guerrero waits in the aisle for Benoit and the two charge the ring as a united front.  Guerrero and Jericho square off in the ring as Benoit takes out X-Pac outside.  Benoit comes in to save Eddie and the two work over Jericho.  Jericho takes out Benoit with a lariat, then Eddie with a big spinning heel kick but X-pac sneaks in a takes out Jericho with a heel kick of his own.  He then does a stupid karate pose and an audible "WAAAH" sound.  Benoit has none of that and smashes him.  Benoit sends Eddie to the top for a Frogsplash but when he's up there he locks X-pac in the Crossface.  Jericho crotches Eddie on the top and takes out Benoit.  X-pac recovers and goes to superplex Eddie but Guerrero shoves him off and hits a Frogsplash, but Jericho is able to just break up the fall at a 2.    Benoit takes out Jericho with a short arm clothesline but Eddie puts Jerichos foot on the rope.  Beautiful snap suplex on X=pac by Benoit, but X-pac follows it up with a beautiful heel kick.  He sets up for the Bronco Buster but Jericho intercepts him with a missile dropkick, saving us from having to watch that Poopie.  Benoit with a bridging German on Jericho into a pin but Guerrero kicks his feet out.  Thats enough of that for Benoit and the two former Radicalz finally come to blows.  Outside the ring X-pac sends Jericho crashing into the steps, as Guerrero sets up for a Frogsplash.  Benoit stops him and hits a superplex from the top.  X-pac and Jericho climb in and both attempt to make a cover on different guys, but both Benoit and Eddie kick out at two.  Beautiful double underhook back breaker from Jericho on Benoit. The two Canadians trade chops with Benoits incredibly more vicious.  Y2J counters a German suplex attempt from Benoit and rolls through into the Walls of Jericho, Guerrero comes in to break it up but Jericho counters and locks HIM in the Walls, then X-Pac comes in and Jericho counters HIM into the Walls - Great spot.  Jericho releases Pac when his new buddy Justin Credible storms the ring, but Jericho drops him off the apron.  Benoit with a Full Nelson suplex into a pin attempt on Y2J but Eddie breaks it up.  Xpac and Credible drag Benoit out the ring and channel their inner "Rockers" and his a double super kick to Benoit.  In the ring Jericho hits a facebuster on Guerrero followed but a Lionsault but X-Pac breaks it up.  X-pac hits a low blow and an X-Factor to Jericho but Benoit recovers in time to break it up.  He sends Credible packing and locks the Crossface on X-Pac, but Eddie bounces off the ropes and hits a rolling neckbreaker to break up the submission.  Awesome.  Benoit takes out Eddie with a huge back suplex and follows up with a diving headbutt.  Spinning heel kick to Benoit by X-Pac, but when he poses Jericho rolls him up and scores a 3 count out of nowhere!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion - Chris Jericho!

Rating: 4 stars.  I absolutely loved this match.  All 4 men came in at 100 mph and never slowed.  A lot of people have said that this would have been better without X-Pac but I need to give credit where its due.  He was outmatched against 3 of the all time greats but he did fine and they needed someone to take the fall.  This is a proper hidden gem and well worth looking up.  Went about 12 minutes but I could easily have watched these 4 guys go way longer than that.  Brilliant stuff.

We see HHH in the locker room getting his hands taped with a serious look on his face.  In complete contrast to William Regal - who we see looking concerned.  He's with Vince who reminds him this upcoming match was his idea.  He reminds Regal that Stephanie is his precious little daughter, and that Trish is his "very good friend".  He basically implores Regal to interfere and do the right thing.  Once Vince leaves Regal admits he hasnt got a bloody clue what to do.

Stephanie McMahon vs Trish Stratus

The Build.

Vince has been on a powertrip since returning, and he told Linda he wanted a divorce.  That caused Linda to suffer an emotional breakdown meaning she could no longer run the company and giving Vince complete control.  Vince has also started an affair with Trish Stratus much to Stephanies chagrin.  Steph says that she helped put her Mother in her place so she could be the dominant female and doesnt like Trish trying to take her place.  So Regal set up this match so they can get this out of their system.

The Match.

Trish is out first and she looks Frak gorgeous (I'm sorry, I've tried to avoid being superficial but I cant help it here).  Steph is out next with HHH's old My Time theme.  Once the bell rings they go straight into a brawl - like a blood feud should start (Take note 2018's Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose).  The closest thing we get to a wrestling move is a couple of short arm clotheslines and some hairmares from Steph.  Steph looks like she's having the time of her life dominating Trish like this.  Steph dumps Trish to the outside, but when she charges Trish sends her flying over the barricade.  Trish goes to get her some of Steph but Steph fights back with a big right hand, then she jumps off the barricade with a clothesline!  Trish gets some control back when he hangs Steph up on the top rope and she gets a big bit of hungry bum.  She gets Steph in the corner and slaps the Poopie out of her and stomps a mudhole.  Big running Bulldog but only gets a two count.  She argues with the ref and fixes her gear to big heat from the crowd, quality.  She plants Steph with a DDT but again Stephanie kicks out.  Trish gets on the top turnbuckle and tries to choke out Steph, but Stephanie pulls her up and over by her hair, sending Trish crashing into the mat.    The fight spills outside and Steph bounces Trish off the announce table.  Steph throws a jug of water over Trish (10/10) which sends Trish into a rage and she bounces Steph off the table.  Steph counters Trish out of nowhere with a big powerbomb for a two.  When then get something for the Dads and Steph pulls down Trishs gear and spanks her then starts to choke her.  Matrix style double hair pull spot drops both women. Regal makes his way to the ring and drops the ref then puts Trish on top of Steph.  As the ref counts two he changes his mind and puts Stephs foot on the rope.  Trish isnt happy so she slaps William.  He apologizes and goes to kiss her hand but turns it into a neckbreaker and leaves - adjusting his tie like a true gentleman.  Steph crawls over and the ref makes the count!

Winner via Pinfall - Stephanie McMahon

Rating: 3 stars.  This was bloody brilliant.  This is how you book a match to cover two peoples shortcomings.  No fancy spots, just a fight.  Maybe its because no one had any expectations for this match but it was way, way better than it had any right to be.  The best womens match WWF had put on in years and would be a while before anything was better.  Definitely worth a watch - a perfect example of how to produce a match to get the best out of whos in it.

We see an ad for WrestleMania, then Vince confronts Regal backstage and rips him apart.  He books himself vs Regal but then changes it to Regal and Stephanie vs Himself and Trish for tomorrow nights RAW.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Triple H - 3 Stages of Hell

The Build

In one of the most heated rivalries of all time, HHH orchestrated Austin being run down, so Austin got revenge by dropping HHH from a forklift.  HHH returned and cost Austin the title vs Angle.  So at the Royal Rumble Austin returned the favour.  In order to ensure that this match will happen both men were forced to sign a 'no-contact' contract.  If Austin hits HHH he is out of WrestleMania and if HHH hits Austin he gets suspended for 6 months.  In a now iconic moment, HHH attacks Austin and busts him open just after signing, but its revealed he never signed it so Austin cant get even.  Austin does get even though, but giving Stephanie a Stunner on RAW.  HHH gets back by giving JR a Pedigree - not quite the same thing but its the closest they had.

The Match.

Fall One. - Singles match.

HHH is out first, and the story of this match is that HHH is the better technical wrestler, so he should be able to win the first fall.  Austin is out next and the crowd explode.  They lock eyes before Austin charges the ring and they go straight at it.  Austin gets control early, but when he tries a Lou Thesz press HHH catches him and drops him on the top rope. HHH goes for a Pedigree early but Austin breaks out an armbar.  Austin sends HHH to the outside and starts working over the left arm.  HHH fights back and goes for a Pedigree again but sells the arm and cant lock it in (mwah).  Austin wrenches the arm trying to rip it out the socket.  HHH again gets a hope spot but Austin hits the Lou Thesz proper this time and follows it up with the FU Elbow.  Big spinebuster from Austin followed up by a big elbow from the second rope but HHH gets his foot up and plants it on Austins chin.  HHH follows it up with a swinging neckbreaker, targeting Austins bad neck.  Austin fights back but HHH gets a eye poke off then takes Austin down with a chop block.   HHH starts working on Austins knee now, wrapping it around the ring post.  HHH breaks out a Figure Four and like a proper heel uses the ropes for leverage.  In a spot you never see nowadays Austin is able to roll over and reverse the pressure. Austin starts beating HHH from pillar to post.  He goes for a Stunner but HHH counters and sends him into the turnbuckle then hits a neckbreaker for a two count. Austin punches HHH into the corner but with the ref out of position HHH cuts him off with a low blow.  HHH climbs to the second rope and goes for an axhandle but Austin catches him with a boot then hits the Stunner and wins the first fall!

Winner via Pinfall - Stone Cold Steven Austin - 1-0

Fall Two - Street Fight

Austin takes a small breather then sends HHH to the outside.  He hits a couple of big suplexes on the steel ramp.  HHH's back is a mess from landing on the cross sectioned steel.  Austin drags him round and sends him flying onto the announce table.  He clears the Spanish table and tattoos HHH with a monitor.  He throws a few chairs into the ring, including the luxery padded version the time keeper sits on.  HHH is making his escape through the crowd but Austin quickly catches up to him, HHH bumps like a boss over the barricade.  HHH gets back in the ring and goes to hit Austin with a chair, but Austin fights him off then beats him like a red-headed step child with a chair.  Something sick like 12 shots punctuated but driving the point of the chair into HHH's chest.  They fight at the timekeepers area and Austin gets a hold of a Barbed Wire 2x4!  Big Foley chants for the 2x4.  HHH is able to dodge it, and manages to drill Austin with it - busting Austin wide open.  HHH sends him flying over the annouce table and starts the clear it.  JR's lost his headset as HHH mounts Austin and lays into him with hard rights.  He sets him up for a Pedigree but Austin counters with a back body drop and sends HHH crashing through the Spanish announce table!  Austin is bleeding everywhere, covering the table and what looks like a script in blood.  We see a replay and if HHH took that bump any flatter he would have broke his neck on the side panel of the table.  That was a close one. Austin drills HHH with a beer can.  Back in the ring HHH rings Austins bell with the ring bell.  He drapes an arm over but Austin is able to kick out.  HHH hits a neckbreaker on a chair but Austin kicks out again, so he hits another one but again Austin is somehow able to kick out.  Triple H is in control now after surviving an armada of abuse from Austin.  Austin goes for a sleeper hold but HHH counters into a back suplex on the chair but again Austin kicks out.  He sets up for a Pedigree on the chair but Austin counters again with another back body drop, this time over the top and to the floor.  Austin gets a chair and brains HHH between the eyes with it.  We see why this PPV got an 18 rating in the UK as HHH is busted open now.  Austin gets the steps and cracks HHH in the head with them.  HHH kicks Austins legs out from under him and Austin lands face first on the steps, allowing HHH to get back in control.  He goes under the announce table and gets a sledgehammer!  Hilariously King and JR argue about it, with King accusing JR of putting it there for Austin.  Austin goes for a Stunner but HHH shoves him into the ropes the hits him in the head with the Sledgehammer.  HHH then hits the Pedigree and gets the three count!

Winner via Pinfall - HHH - 1-1

Third Fall - Steel Cage

Somehow we're going to a third fall.  These two men who have killed each other thus far get a small break as the cage lowers, but the ring is still full of weapons.  The ominous music stops playing and there truly is No Way Out for these two now.  HHH gets Austin up but Austin fights back. Its short lived though as HHH sends him flying into the cage wall a couple of times.  HHH gets the 2x4 and grates it in the face of Austin, dragging him around the ring.  Austin fights him off with a chair shot, then Austin returns the favour by sending HHH into the cage wall then driving the barbed wire into the Games face.  HHH somehow gets a DDT off on the chair but he is unable to make the cover.  Austin fires up and lays into HHH in the corner and HHH does a Flair flop.  HHH tries to escape but Austin catches him and the two men fight on the top rope.  Austin gets his face bounced into the support and he drops crotch first on the rope.  He's able to recover though and tosses HHH from the top turnbuckle to the centre of the ring.  HHH counters a Stunner and hits a Pedigree but AUSTIN KICKS OUT AT TWO!  HHH cant believe that Austin kicked out.  He looks genuinely despondent that that wasnt enough.  He brains Austin with a chair shot and sets up for another Pedigree, but Austin fights out, catapults the Game into the cage wall then hits a Stunner!  He's not able to cover right away which gives HHH a chance to kick out.   HHH crawls and gets the sledgehammer while Austin gets the 2x4.  They both turn and nail eachother with their respective weapon, Austin collapses but HHH is able to stagger before guiding his fall on top of Austin, and the ref counts the three!

Winner via Pinfall with a score of 2-1 - Triple H!

Post match both men lay motionless.  Both men are a bloody mess as they recover and Austin gets his heat back by nailing HHH with a Stunner.

Rating: 5 stars.  Frak brilliant.  These two guys gave eachother absolutely everything they had. One of the best matches of both mens career (possibly the best in Austins case). A bold move putting HHH over especially with Austin about to main event WrestleMania but the way he won doesnt really bury Austin.  The first fall was very good as they focused more on psychology and working various body parts, the second fall on its own would be one of the best street fights ever (still not as good as Cactus Jack vs HHH though) and the cage match brought the psychology back by giving these guys another angle to work and get over just how bollocksed they must have been.  Went about 45 minutes but never felt like it.  Absolutely loved this.  Watch this match.  I need a cigarette.

After the match King excuses himself because he has some business of his own to take care of...

Jerry 'The King' Lawler w/ The Kat vs Steven Richards w/ Ivory

The Build.

After taking out Chyna the RTC need something to do, so on a weeks build The Kat decided she wants to get naked on TV and obviously the RTC dont like that.  Jerry Lawler (The Kats real life husband at this point even though that was never mentioned) has defended her "Right to Nudity" campaign, and got a beatdown on Smackdown for his troubles from RTC.  This match is set, and if Lawler wins Kat can get naked, and if Richards wins Kat must join the RTC.  Guess how this one goes down?

The Match.

Tazz comes down to ringside to join JR on commentary, getting ready to transition to commentary full time.

Theres nothing really to say about this.  King dominates most of the match, including hitting a 26 punch spot on Richards in the corner.  Ivory tries to distract the ref allowing Richards to use the womens title belt, but King keeps thwarting his attempts.  Kat decides to try and help by hitting Richards with the title, but Steven Richards counters it and she nails King, allowing Steven to make an easy cover.

Winner via Pinfall - Steven Richards

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Bad match, bad moves, bad angle.  Steven Richards always gives it 100% but he was never a great wrestler.  Im pretty sure King was never a great wrestler either and was carried by his awesome promo ability. This match was actually in the perfect spot because everyone was knackered after the classic we just had and needed a recharge. So in that regard it did exactly what it had to.  Fortunately this is the last we'd ever see of the Kat in the WWE as she was fired soon after for attitude problems, and King walked out with her in protest.  Where does that leave commentary?  We'll find out next time.

Michael Cole is interviewing Kane and Taker about their upcoming match.  Taker says its not about the gold, its about causing pain.  Kane says they're not just going to put them through tables, they're going to put them through hell.

Edge & Christian vs The Dudley Boyz (c) vs The Brothers of Destruction - Triple Threat Tag Team Title Table match

The Build.

These three teams have been trading singles victories over each other for a couple of weeks.  On RAW Edge and Christian lured the BoD to the garage by telling them the Dudleys were messing with Takers bike, and the told the Dudleys they wanted a fight with them.  Once both teams had weakened each other E&C swooped in the clear up the mess with con-chair-tos.  

The Match.

This must have been the time where WWF changed the rules of tag tables matches, so now the first team to put one of their opponents through a table win, as opposed to having to put both of them through.  What the hell is Undertaker wearing?  Its like he forgot his gear so they just gave him a generic leotard and tights that they put Taker logos on.

Edge and Christian are out second, and they pause on the ramp looking nervous,  They dont get long though as the Dudleys come out and trap them between a rock and a hard place.  E&C bail down the side of the ramp and the BoD and Dudleys go at it.  Dvon is thrown flying off the ramp, followed quickly by Bubba.  Down at ringside the BoD are beating Edge and Christian from pillar to post.  They set up Edge and Christian for a couple of powerbombs through a table but the Dudleys recover and lay them both out with steel chairs.  Edge and Christian survive an onslaught from the Dudleys and take control.  They set Bubba up in the Tree of Woe then both step on his nuts.  If you're going to steal a spot from Tommy Dreamer you might aswell steal the best. Edge and Christian get a couple of chairs but miss a con-chair-to on Bubba, he then catapults Edge who flies into Christian with the chair.  WAZZAP on Edge then Bubba calls for tables as the crowd light up.  Soon as Dvon goes outside though he's assaulted by Taker and Kane.  Christian hits Bubba with an Unprettier in the ring then Kane and Taker bring the fight to them, quickly getting the upper hand.  Another Rockers spot as the BoD hit stereo top rope clotheslines on Edge and Christian.  The Dudleys are back in the ring now but they cant get the upper hand against the Brothers of Destruction.  Edge and Christian join the skirmish and they work together to take out Taker and Kane before going at it.  The Dudleys are all alone with Christian as they set up a table in the middle of the ring.  They signal for a 3D but Taker shoves Dvon and grabs Christian with a goozle but Bubba hits a low blow.  Edge and Christian go to double suplex Taker through a table but Kane moves it out the way.  They then take out Edge and Christian with stereo Chokeslams.  The Dudleys try to get them some but they each eat a Chokeslam. They set up another table in the ring when suddenly Rikishi and Haku storm the ring and attack the Brothers of Destruction.  The four men brawl and it spills up the aisle.  Edge misses a spear on Bubba and bounces off a table in the corner (ouch) then the Dudleys hit a 3D on Christian through a table to retain!

Winners and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boyz

Rating: 2 stars.  Better than I remember it, although definitely could have used more table spots.  The crowd were rabid for tables and they only get one. Even if Taker and Kane came back down at the end and put a couple more guys through tables for the pop.  Taker and Kane obviously setting up for a big tag match vs Rikishi and Haku at Mania (spoiler: Nope.). Cant help but think this match would be better if you maybe had a ladder or two, and maybe replaced The Brothers of Destruction with a team like The Hardys.  Man what a match that could be....

An advert for WrestleMania airs as JR mentions he made his WWF debut at WrestleMania 9.  Then we see Angle getting ready then an interview with The Rock.  All the Rock says is "Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock.  Kurt Angle your time as WWF champion is over."  Nothing flashy, no comedy, not a standard Rock promo but still very good.

Kurt Angle (c) vs The Rock - WWF Championship.

The Build.

After beating HHH and the Royal Rumble, The Rock challenge Angle to a rematch of No Mercy.  The Rock wants to headline WrestleMania for the 3rd straight year and he has to beat Angle to do it, but he has to beat Big Show in a No. 1 Contenders match first.  Angle is hyper confident because he's beat everyone thats been put infront of him.  He is determined to prove to everyone that he is the best in the world.  Rock must be gearing up for going into movies as his promos took a much more serious turn during this build.

The Match.

Angle is out first and he gets his pyro, but he doesnt pose for it. He's in the zone.  Rock comes out to a huge pop.  I think the tables match helped bring the crowd back as they are white hot for this. These two guys had a barnstormer at No Mercy so high hopes for this one.  Tazz puts over Angle huge by talking up his record and cant understand why everyone is writing him off.   Angle goes for a belt shot before the bell but Rock avoids it and Lays the SmackDown.  Both men jockey for position, with Angle hitting a leg drag and Rock hitting a side Russian leg sweep.  Angle counters Rock with a drop toe hold and quickly goes for the Ankle Lock but Rock makes it to the ropes.  Angle hits a beautiful overheard Belly to Belly, and the Rock fights back with his own which is more of a throw than a suplex tbh but it still looked good.  He lays into Angle with right hands then launches himself across the ring with a huge forearm.  He locks in the Sharpshooter on Angle who depserately grabs for the bottom rope.  Big Samoan drop but it only gets a two.  Angle counters Rock with a back suplex and goes up top.  Rock crotches him and hits a superplex from the second rope.  He rolls over but Angle kicks out at two.  The crowd pop for something as both men recover and we see a fan being kicked out on the hardcam.  Angle sends Rock over the top and Rock lands hard, selling his ankle.  Angle doesnt want to win via countout so he rolls Rock back in the ring.  Rock was playing possum though and drills Angle with a DDT.  Suddenly The Big Shows music hits - this if for the WWF title right, not the hardcore title?

He gets in the ring and chokeslams the ref, then Angle, then The Rock.  JR admonishes him, saying he knows he wanted to be in this match so he's ruined it for everyone.  His music plays again as he leaves.  Tim Whyte and Earl Hebner are down to check on Mike Chioda.  Angle tries to pin The Rock but theres no ref.  Hebner realises and just drops Chioda to go make the pin - brilliant.    Rock gets the title belt and smashes Angle in the face with it.  Hebner gets in the ring and makes the count but Angle kicks out!  Angle drops Rock and locks in the Ankle Lock.  Angle turns the intensity to 11 but screaming "Tap out you son of a bitch, do it now or I'll break your f***ing ankle!". Rock makes it to the bottom rope and Angle cant believe it.  He goes right back to stomping on Rocks ankle until the ref pulls him off.  Rock tries to fight back until Angle kicks his ankle out.  He uses two finishers to taunt the Rock with his own taunt, and The Rock fights back by Laying the Smackdown then a huge spinebuster.  He nails a Peoples Elbow but ANGLE KICKS OUT!  The crowd pop huge for the nearfall.  Rock stomps Angle in the corner and pushes the ref away, allowing Angle to hit a low blow.  Angle exposes the top turnbuckle.  Rock goes for a Rock Bottom but Angle fights out, he bounces Rock face first off the turnbuckle, then hits the Olympic Slam but THE ROCK KICKS OUT!  Incredible near fall.  Angle back on the aggression but Rock fights back and Angle again kicks out the ankle.  Angle charges but Rock sends him flying into the turnbuckle.  Rock measures and nails a Rock Bottom!  He makes the cover, and Hebner waves it off at 2?  Angle didnt kick out but Hebner didnt call the three.  He gets Angle up, nails another Rock Bottom, gives Hebner the stinkeye then makes the cover and this time he gets a three count!

Winner and NEW WWF Champion - The Rock!

Rating: 4.5 stars.  This was incredible.  It was so close to nearly being the second 5 star match of the night but unfortunately the Big Show interference and the botched finish took the shine off it.  Rock must love wrestling Angle because Angle gives him everything to make him look like a mega star.  Rock celebrates in the ring as the show goes off the air.

Pros.

The Fatal Four Way
Trish vs Steph being far better than it had any right to be
Austin vs HHH
Rock vs Angle

Cons.

Steven Richards vs King
Tag title match could have been so much more

Overall Verdict.

What a whopper of a show.  There was a bit of a lul between the two main events but by golly the rest of the card delivered.  Theres a reason that these are considered the best trio of PPV's ever and its really hard to argue because they deliver again and again and again.  3 matches that are absolute must see for any wrestling fan.

Rankings

Royal Rumble
No Way Out

Next up we have the Grandaddy of them all.  WrestleMania X7 - widely considered to be the best WrestleMania ever.    There is also a seismic shift in the world of Pro Wrestling.  WWF are about to buy out both ECW and WCW.  The war is officially over and there is only one winner - the WWF.  How will that play into WrestleMania?  And how is it going to affect things in the long run?  The attitude era is about to come to an end, so the next time we meet it will truly be a landmark.  See you all there.

I just watched H's bump on the Spanish announce table. That was crazy. HHH really took some bumps.

Watched it on an analysis video on youtube. The video also showed Austin get a beer can thrown at his head, when they were both flat out at the end.

To quote OSW Review "Some accurate c*nt throws a beer can and nails Austin in the head with it". I have no idea who threw it, or why they threw it but I have to admit it was some shot. Right in the kisser.

Samo wrote:To quote OSW Review "Some accurate c*nt throws a beer can and nails Austin in the head with it".  I have no idea who threw it, or why they threw it but I have to admit it was some shot.  Right in the kisser.

Think that’s what I watched

WRESTLEMANIA X7

Here. We. Go.  Its time for the grandest spectacle in sports entertainment.  Its time for the Granddaddy of them all.  Its time for WrestleMania.  Nearly 68,000 packed into the Astrodome in Houston, Texas and a record breaking 1,040,000 PPV buys - the first wrestling PPV to break the 1 million mark.  Legitimately the biggest show in wrestling history up to this point.  A bit of ska first up.  WCW is dead.  It had been a long time coming but the doors finally closed when a buyer came forward to purchase the company from Ted Turner.  Who was that man?  Vince McMahon of course.  He also bought all the rights and assests of ECW so in the space of a month we've went from 3 major wrestling companies to just the 1.  The WWF have won the Monday Night Wars and stand tall.  I also mentioned last time that Jerry Lawler had quit, so who did WWF get to replace him on commentary?  Michael Cole?  Tazz?  Nope.  Paul Frak Heyman.  Oh yes, what a choice. This is the symbolic end of the Attitude Era, so lets get right into it.

William Regal vs Chris Jericho (c) - Intercontinental Championship

The Build.

Regal is the new WWF commissioner and has been abusing his power.  Jericho has an issue with authority so obviously has been doing his best to aggravate Regal, including pissing in his tea.  He also dressed up as Doink the Clown to ambush Regal during a match with Crash Holly, so Regal set this up to take Jerichos title from him, and got a measure of revenge on SmackDown by attacking and weakening Jerichos shoulder.

The Match.

Y2J is out first to a huge pop.  Regal is out to a reasonable heel reaction.  Jericho scores first with some high octane offense.  Jericho goes for a crossbody over the top but either Regal is too close or he jumps too far because he misses most of it.  A nice counter sequence leads to Regal ramming Jericho shoulder first into the ring post.  Regals chest is already beet read from Jerichos chops.  He's working over Jerichos shoulder with a variety of takedowns and submissions.  Jericho gets a takedown of his own and goes for the Lionsault but Regal gets the knees up.  Big suplex from Regal and Jericho lands right on his face.  Regal removes the turnbuckle pad and drives Jerichos shoulder into it a couple of times.  Jericho fights back with a pair of enzuigiris.  Big missile dropkick from the second rope but only gets a two.  Jericho misses a corner splash and lands on the apron.  Regal takes him up top and hits a double underhook suplex from the top!  Regal cant cover quick enough and gives Jericho time to recover and kick out at two.  Jericho takes Regal down and sets up for the Walls, but cant turn him over and his shoulder gives up.  Because he's the best Regal puts Jericho in a modified Regal Stretch to put more pressure on the shoulder.  Jericho makes it to the ropes.  He hits more chops and Regals chest is almost the same colour as his tights.  He sends Regal into the exposed turnbuckle, then hits a facebuster.  Snap vertical suplex then hits a Lionsault and makes the cover and gets the three!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion - Chris Jericho

Rating: 3 stars.  Really good opener but it was way too short.  They only went about 7 minutes but I could happily have watched them for double that.  Loved the psychology of Regal working the shoulder, and they even worked it into the finish where Jericho cant do the Walls so he resorts to the Lionsault.  Brilliant stuff.

We see a limo pull up with the number plate WCW 1.  Out steps Shane McMahon - more on that later.  The APA are in their "office" with Jaqueline.  He gives us a quick rundown of Texas sports history and psyches himself up for this upcoming match.

The Right to Censor vs The APA and Tazz

The Build.

Not much build to this.  RTC dont like the APA smoking and drinking.  And the APA needed a partner to take them on.  Thats about it.

The Match.

RTC are out first, but before Steven Richards can get two words in he's interupted by Tazz's music.  The native Texans the APA come out to a pretty muted reaction.  The match starts on the outside.  Tazz sends Val Venis over the top but is jumped by Richards - who in turn eats a DDT from Jaqueline.  The referee finally gets control and the bell rings with Bull vs Faarooq.  Bull does his leap to the turnbuckle clothesline spot which is still impressive.  Faarooq has none of it though and quickly takes back control and tags in Tazz who hits an impressive Fishermans Suplex on the big Bull.  Tag to Val Venis who starts to dominate Tazz.  Tazz gets his WrestleMania moment as he is irish whipped to the ropes by Val and Goodfather, falls into the middle rope and kind of comedy prat falls back into them.  JR covers for him saying he was thrown with such velocity.  Good work.  Goodfather gets his WrestleMania moment when he actually hits the Ho Train!  He misses another splash though which allows Bradshaw to get the hot tag and he cleans house. He catchs Val in mid air and hits a Fallaway Slam.  He hits a Super Back Suplex on Val from the top rope but is beaten down by Bull and the Goodfather.  Faarooq and Bull brawl to the outside as Goodfather rights the wrong from earlier and misses a Ho Train on Bradshaw, allowing Bradshaw to come off the ropes a decapitate Papa Shango with a Clothesline from Hell and he gets the academic three count.

Winners via Pinfall - The APA and Tazz

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Fine for what it was.  It was pretty high paced and everyone got their spots in.  Good, convincing win over the Right to Censor who have been cheating to win constantly since their debut.  No problem with this.

We see Trish wheeling Linda McMahon through the backstage area.  Steph is in mega bitch mode making Trish do demeaning things like cracking her ice with a spoon and stuff like that.

Raven (c) vs Big Show vs Kane - Hardcore Championship

The Build.

Big Show won the title at No Way Out, but Raven won it back on RAW.  Big Show wants another shot and Kane has nothing else to do so he wants a shot aswell.

The Match.

Raven is out first and he has his trolley of toys again.  Kane is out second and they dont wait around for Big Show and start fighting between each other.  Big Shows music finally hits as he makes his way to the ring.  Kane presses Raven over the top and into Show, then comes off the top rope with a clothesline on both men.  Raven immediately bails into the crowd trying to escape.  The three men fight in among the crowd.  Back in the concourse area Raven surprises Kane with a few shots with a road sign, Kane responds by throwing him into a wall.  Big Show bounces Kane off some wooden pallets, then locks he and Raven in a caged area.  Kane comes back and just rips the door off as the continue the walk and brawl.  Kane snaps a 2x4 over Show's shoulder.  Raven tries to choke Kane with some hose but Kane shoves him off and through a chain link fence.  Kane chokes Raven with the hose now and throws him through a window!  Big Show comes back and through Kane throw a door!  Double goozle spot and they both crash through the wall!  Raven comes back and gets a few shots in before he tries to escape on a golf cart.  He immediately crashes it though (The story goes he was inches way from pulling out a thick black cable which would have cut power to the whole arena and ruined WrestleMania, I dont know how true that is though and it may just be a legend.)  Kane gets in a golf cart of his own and drives him and the ref to where Big Show and Raven are fighting.  They save the botched spot as Kane runs over Raven!  The walk and brawl continues back up onto the stage.  Big Show goes to Gorilla Press Slam Raven off the stage, but Kane hits him with a big boot and sends them both crashing, then Kane comes crashing down with an elbow drop and pins Big Show.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Hardcore Champion - Kane!

Rating: 2 stars.  It wasnt a match, it was a brawl.  But it was still good fun, with lots of good spots.  I prefer this kind of hardcore match to the usual multiman messes like we had at No Way Out.

We see Angle backstage going over footage of him tapping to Chris Benoit on RAW.  Edge and Christian come in tell him that when they all win tonight they're going out to celebrate.  Angle angrily tries to reason with himself that because it wasnt in a match he didnt officially tap to Benoit.  We got to WWF New York and the murder alarm goes off as we see Jimmy Snuka.  Coach is in the crowd interviewing some Aussie chick.  Then we see The Rock arriving in his Locker room.

Eddie Guerrero w/ Perry Saturn vs Test (c) - European Championship

The Build.

Test won the European Championship from William Regal the night after the Royal Rumble but has been a bit of an afterthought, not even making the No Way Out show.  He started a feud with Eddie which leads to this match.

The Match.

Eddie G is out first with Perry Saturn.  Test comes out and then it hit me that both these guys are dead, and both before they turned 40.  This business sucks sometimes.  Eddie tries to jump Test before the bell but the big man quickly fights him off and hits a huge gutwrench powerbomb but only gets a two and Eddie bails to the outside.  They get back in the ring and Eddie is able to take control until Test gorilla presses Eddie onto the top turnbuckle, neat spot.  Guerrero sets up for a top rope hurricanrana and you get a gander at how swole both these guys are, they look huge - and both would only get bigger.  Test misses a big boot and gets his leg caught in the ropes.  Saturn gets some cheap shots in before its clear that Test isnt getting out of this.  The ref struggles so Eddie has to help but JR covers for it by saying that Eddie knows he cant win the title if Test is stuck in the ropes.  Thats why JR is the best ever.  Eddie starts working over Tests knee now.  Interesting that the Texan native Eddie is getting a good heel reaction.   He jumps on Tests back and locks in a sleeper hold.  Test drops to his knees as the ref checks on him, then Eddie just releases the hold for no reason. He comes off the ropes but Test catches him with a big tilt a whirl slam.  Another tilt a whirl but this time into a sit down powerbomb but only gets a two.  Test locks in a Full Nelson but Eddie hits a low blow behind the ref.  While the ref argues with Eddie, Saturn storms the ring and hits Test with a MOSS COVERED THREE HANDLED FAMILY GREDUNZA Aka Move number 3 on Chris Jerichos list of 1004 holds.  Marked out.  Eddie hits a Brainbuster and goes up top for a Frog Splash.  Test moves and Eddie rolls through, but Test then gets him with a Pumphandle Slam.  He sets up for a Big Boot but Saturn gets in the ring again, so he nails Saturn.  Then he nails Eddie.  As he makes the cover Dean Malenko runs down and pulls Test off.  As Test is occupied with Malenko, Saturn throws Eddie the title which he clocks Test with, allowing him to pick up the win.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF European Champion - Eddie Guerrero.

Rating: 2 stars.  This was fine for what it was.  A clash of style but both men worked well together, and it gets Guerrero over as a heel, needing his two buddies to beat the babyface.  Not bad at all.

Michael Cole is with Mick Foley.  He asks Mick if he can be an impartial referee later on, he says of course he can and gets a cheap pop in.  We see Austin arriving and he looks in the zone.

Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit

The Build.

The RAW before Mania Kurt Angle comes out and complains that after the best 12 months in WWF history its a disgrace he still doesnt have a match for Mania.  Chris Benoit comes out and tells him he doesnt have a match either, so why dont they have a match to see who the best out of the two are?  Angle tries a cheapshot but Benoit locks him in the Crossface and makes Angle tap.  Angle gets some retribution on Smackdown, making Benoit tap in a 6-man tag.

The Match.

Angles out first and he rips into the Texas crowd unmercifully.  The Rabid Wolverine is out next to a reasonable reaction.  He's not quite a full Babyface yet but he's getting there.  Heyman puts this over huge saying "This is as excited as a man can get with his clothes on".  Angle gets the first takedown and the two trade amateur holds trying to get position.  The break free and face off to a good pop.  The repeat the spots and get another good pop.  Neither man are able to get control in the early exchanges.  This is so far from the normal WWF style of the time the crowd dont really know what to make of it.  Another mat exchange and Benoit is able to get Angle in position for the Crossface but Angle rapidly stuggles to get to the ropes.  I dont think theres been a single pro-wrestling move yet but this is enthralling.  For a third time Angle takes Benoit down only for Benoit to win position and attempt the Crossface.  Benoit argues with the ref and is clocked from behind by Angle.  Heyman shouts "He couldnt out wrestle Benoit so he's going to out-fight him".  Love it.  Angle bounces Benoit off of the announce table then throws him into the steel steps. Back in the ring Kurt hits a series of suplexes but cant put Benoit away.  Benoit tries to fight back with knife edge chops but Angle counters with a pair of overhead Belly to Bellys.  They trade chops in the corner and the momentum swings Benoits way with a knee to the gut.  Heyman says both men would now be happy with a pinfall win rather than try for the submission.  Mwah.  Big superplex from the top by Chris but only gets a two count.  Angle takes the Bret Hart sternum in the corner spot into a pair of Germans from Benoit, but Angle counts the third attempt and rolls Benoit up and tries the Ankle Lock, but Benoit counters and puts Angle in the Ankle Lock.  He breaks the hold and locks in the Crossface, but Angle rolls out and locks Benoit in the Crossface!  Benoit gets to the ropes to break it.  Ref bump and Benoit locks Angle in the Crossface and Angle taps out.  Benoit stupidly releases the hold to check on the ref and Angle is able to recover and hit the Olympic Slam but Benoit kicks out at two!  Angle hits a scoop slam but when he goes for the Moonsault Benoit gets the knees up.  Benoit goes up now and nails a diving headbutt, but Angle somehow kicks out at two!  Benoit gets Angle in a waist lock but Angle hits a mulekick low blow, then rolls Benoit up with a handful of tights and the ref counts the three!

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle

Rating: 4 stars.  I loved this match.  They told an incredible story of both men going from trying to prove to be the better wrestler to both me just wanting to win the match.  Tremendous amount of mat based wrestling which you dont see enough of these days, and Heyman put over both guys huge.  These two must have loved working together because they have a great chemistry and I cant think of a bad match where both of these guys where involved.  Not a huge fan of the ending but Benoit got the visual win and it keeps it open for the feud to continue which Im all for.  Great stuff overall.

Michael Cole is backstage and he catches up with Regal.  He asks if he's OK after leaving the trainers room.  He tells Cole that was a stupid question as he goes in his office and find Kamala (RIP) trashing it while KimChi pleads with him.  An afronted Regal screams at them to bugger off.  Nice little push for the upcoming Gimmick Battle Royal.  We see a promo with various wrestlers at an Army show.  Kevin Kelly is with Angle, he asks Angle if he has to respect Benoit after that.  Angle says he doesnt have to respect anyone because the better man won and he proved he is the best in the world.  Suddenly Benoit attacks him from behind and locks him in the Crossface, forcing Angle to tap again.

Ivory (c) vs Chyna - WWF Womens Championship

The Build.

Right to Censor broke Chynas neck, and she further aggravated the injury at Royal Rumble.  In a medical miracle Chyna has recovered from an injury that put guys like Edge and Austin on the shelf for years in just 7 weeks.  Ivory has been the cocky heel ever since, taking digs a Chyna whenever she can, so Chyna is back and shes coming for revenge, and the womens title.  This is the first time Chyna has feuded for the womens title because she outmatches everyone else in the division so never really bothered.  It would be like if Big Show was fighting for the cruiserweight title.  Its also mentioned that Chyna has signed a liability waiver incase the worst should happen ion exchange for the rest of RTC being banned from ringside.

The Match.

Ivory is out first, Chyna is out second to a huge pop.  She's got new WrestleMania purple gear on instead of her usual black and her hair is all curly and poofy like an Amazon.  She's got a huge smile on her face as Ivory clings to her title and begs Chyna off.  Chyna shoves the ref out the way and Ivory nails her with the belt. She immediately starts working on the neck but Chyna quickly regains control and its academic from there.  Chyna tosses Ivory around like a toy and beats her from pillar to post.  She hits a big powerbomb but pulls Ivorys shoulders up at 2, wanting to punish her some more.  She hits a Gorilla Press, gives Ivory a soft pin and wins the match.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF Womens Champion - Chyna

Rating: 1 star.  A simple but effective squash match.  A feel good story of someone who was wronged getting revenge, even if the angle was wholly unrealistic and was disgusting at the Rumble.  It was fine and the crowd were into it, so fair enough.

We see the McMahons and Vince is giving a pep talk.  He says they've doubled Lindas meds and Trish is to bring her to ringside to watch him beat Shane senseless.

Vince McMahon vs Shane McMahon - Street Fight - Mick Foley is the Special Guest Referee.

The Build.

Vince has been ego tripping for months, starting an affair with Trish and causing Linda to have an emotional breakdown and enter a catatonic state.  His ego wasnt helped when he won the Monday Night Wars and purchased WCW.  He held a special simulcast event which aired on both RAW and Nitro proclaiming himself the winner and trying to decide what he's going to do with WCW.  Suddenly Shane McMahon arrives on Nitro and reveals that actually HE bought WCW from under Vinces nose, and at WrestleMania he's going to fight for his families honour, and put his Dad back in his place.  It was revealed that while Foley was still commissioner he signed a deal with Linda McMahon so he could pick any match at Mania to be the referee of, so he picked this one so he can get a front row seat to watch Shane beat up the guy who fired him.

The Match.

No Chance starts playing and I get confused for a second as Shane comes out - then I remembered he didnt have his own theme yet.  He cuts a promo and shouts out to his WCW guys who we see in a skybox.  What kind of talent were WWF able to sign?  Johnny Ace, Bill Demott, Mike Awesome, Lance Storm, Mark Jindrak, Chavo Guerrero, Shawn Stasiak and Stacy Keibler.   Killers row up there.  Foley comes out next with a perm that would put Kevin Keegan to shame.  Mr. McMahon is next accompanied by Stephanie.  Vince gets a cheap shot before the bell and gets control early.  Shane fights back with a spear and hits Vince with some really awful punches - could park a bus in the gap.  Steph gets in the ring and slaps Shane, but Shane doesnt lose focus and hits Vince with a baseball slide.  He lays his Dad out with a sign or someting, then chokes him with a bit of cable.  He's got a nasty welt on his cheek.  Shane gets a kendo stick from under the ring and cracks it over Vinces back and stomach as Foley seemingly does his best to get in shot.  Shane clears the Spanish announce table and beans Vince with a monitor for good measure.  Vince is lying on the table and Shane climbs to the top rope.  Shane comes off with a big elbow but Stephanie gives Sami Zayn an idea by pulling Vince out the way at the last minute - Shane crashes a burns.  We see Trish bringing Linda down to ringside.  Trish checks on Vince before slapping him in the face!  Stephanie gives her one back and the two break out into a brawl, Foley tries to break them up but Stephanie slaps him for his troubles.  Steph bails to the back and Trish is hot on her heels.  Vince realises that Linda is there and calls her a bitch, he gets in her face but Foley steps in.  As he tries to wheel Linda away he gets nailed by a couple of chair shots from Vince.  Vince puts Linda in the ring and sits her in a chair.  He goes to hit Shane with a trashcan as Linda stands up!  Huge pop!  Vince cant believe it and she kicks him square in the nuts!  Foley is back and he starts beating down on Vince, leaving him prone in the corner.  Shane sandwiches Vince between the ropes and a trashcan.  He goes up top and leaps Coast to Coast!  Drop kicking the trashcan in Vinces face!  He makes the cover and Foley counts the three!

Winner via Pinfall - Shane McMahon!

Rating: 3 stars.  This - like the Trish/Steph match from No Way Out was way better than it had any right to be.  For a match between two non-wrestlers it was really enjoyable and the crowd were into it, especially when Linda stood up.  No word of a lie that was one of the biggest pops of the night.  They did a really good job of hiding both mens limitations.

We see HHH getting himself pumped up, then Taker shadow boxes.

Edge and Christian vs The Hardy Boys vs The Dudley Boys (c) - WWF Tag Team titles - Tables Ladders and Chairs II.

The Build.

As if you need a build, its Frak TLC 2.

The Match.

I actually had to watch this match twice because the first time I forgot to take notes.  I was just engrossed.  All three teams take a moment to take in the atmosphere before the two face teams charge the Canadian heels.  Theres a scrap between the Dudleys and the Hardys before E&C return and wipe them all out with a ladder.  They put Matt in the Tommy Dreamer Tree of Woe spot,  Jeff tries to make the save but gets a drop toe hold into an upright chair for his troubles.  Matt tries to climb the ladder but Edge hops off the chair with a clothesline.  Edge tries to climb now but Jeff knocks him off the ladder with a dropkick.  Baseball slide into a ladder takes out both Dudleys.  The Hardys him a tandem leg drop/splash off of a pair of ladders on Christian.  Dudleys clear house then hit Edge with a WASSAP.  D-von testifies and Bubba calls for tables.  Both Dudleys set up a table each in the ring.  Edge is laid on top of one, then he powerbombs Jeff Hardy through both Edge and the table!  They stack up 4 tables outside in the aisle.  Three ladders set up in the ring with all 6 men climbing at once.  Matt and Christian spill down one side with Christian falling straight to the floor.  D-Von and Jeff spill the other way and both men splat hard in the ring, and Bubba and Edge take each other out.  Edge recovers and tries to climb the ladder but Little Spike Dudley makes his PPV debut by hitting him with a Dudley Dog off the ladder.  He then hits one on Christian from the apron through a table on the outside!  Jeff tries to climb but Rhyno is here!  Rhyno takes out D-Von Dudley with a ladder shot, then a Gore on Bubba, then a Gore on Matt through a table in the corner - Matt smacks the back of his head it looked really sore.  While Rhyno is outside helping Christian, Edge starts to climb, but Lita is here!  She takes Edge down and Rhyno doesnt like that.  He goes to grab her but Spike hits him with a low blow, before Lita comes off the top with a headscissors take down.  Spike Dudley then cracks Rhyno with a chair and he spills onto the ladder, knocking down Edge and crotching him on the top rope.  Doomsday Device on Rhyno by those damn Dudleys.  Lita gets in a brains Spike with a steel chair, then gets a 3D from the Dudleys for her trouble.  Edge and Christian are back with chairs and they take out the Dudleys.  Jeff pulls out a ladder than must be 13ft easy.  He climbs to the top and hits a Swanton on both Rhyno and Spike, putting them both through tables!   Christian and D-Von start to climb Jeffs crazy ladder in the ring, both men are hanging on to the titles but Matt pulls the ladder into the corner.  Both men lose their grip as Jeff tries to walk a tightrope across the top of three ladders but he cant quite make it, so he climbs a ladder and grabs the belts.  He loses his footing while he hangs from the belts and tries to reposition the ladder with his legs.  Bubba grabs the ladder and pulls Jeff into a corner, as he swings back into the middle of the ring Edge comes off the crazy ladder and takes Jeff out mid air with a spear!  One of the most iconic moments in WrestleMania history! (Edge said he gave himself a stiff DDT with that move which was lucky to not break his neck)  Matt and Bubba both set up the crazy ladder and scramble up for the belts.  As they fight Rhyno topples the ladder and they both crash through the four stacked tables in the aisle!  D-Von and Christian start to climb the ladder, Edge is able to hold D-Von off long enough to allow Rhyno to climb up and help Christian reach the belts and this one is over!

Winners and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Edge and Christian!

Rating: 5 stars.  I mean, what else can you give it?  One of the best matches in WrestleMania history.  Simply iconic and raised the bar so high it would never be reached again.  Theres not enough hyperbole in the English language to describe this one.  You simply just have to see it to believe it.

We see a video package from Axxess.  Looks like the craic of a lifetime.  The Fink announces the attendance of 67,925.  They easily could have sold 100k if there was a large enough stadium free.  Tutti Frutti plays as Mean Gene Okerland comes out!  Hes here to commentate on out next match, and his colour commentator is Bobby "The Brain" Heenan!  

The Gimmick Battle Royal

This is just a bit of nostalgia for the fans.  We get The Bushwhackers, Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, SHEIKY BABY!, Earthquake (who looked in better shape than when he debuted which is rare for a big man), The Gooooooooon, Doink the Clown (Ray Apollo), Kamala with Whippleman and Kimchi, Demolition Smash Repo Man, Jim Cornette!, Nikolai Volkoff, Michael PS Hayes, One Man Gang, The Gobbledy Gooker (Genes face ), Tugboat (who looks in great shape aswell), Hillbilly Jim (who looks in better shape than half the roster), Brother Love and Sergeant Slaughter.

This isnt really a match, its basically the Hall of Fame bit they do at modern Manias, but they have a "match".  Theres one guy in there who cant take a bump, so guess whos winning?  Sheiky Baby wins by last eliminating Hillbilly Jim.  Slaughter gets back the pride of the USA by putting him in the Cobra Clutch.

Rating: Cant rate this, it doesnt count. Just a bit of craic.

The Undertaker vs Triple H

The Build.

After beating Austin at No Way Out, HHH proclaimed that he has beaten everyone there is to beat.  Undertaker took umbrage to that fact, and pointed out that he's never beaten him.  HHH lures Taker to the garage and beat him down.  In order to avoid retribution, Steph had a restraining order put on Taker.  Taker got around it by sending Kane to get Steph, allowing him to get to HHH.  Kane held Steph hostage and threatened to throw her off a balcony while Taker extorted a Mania match with HHH from Regal, which Regal granted, so its on!

The Match.

HHH is out first with Motorhead playing his theme live.  Houston native Undertaker is out next. Despite both men being in the WWF together since 1995 this is their first singles match on PPV. The fight starts on the outside.  Back in the ring and Taker is in firm control, including no selling a high knee.  Taker goes for Old School but HHH drags him off to take control.  HHH tries to intimidate the ref but Mike Chioda shoves him right back.  Taker gets a few shots in the bread basket to get back into it, but HHH counters an Irish Whip into a facebuster.  HHH hoofs the timekeeper out the way and grabs a Sledgehammer.  The ref disarms him and HHH goes for a Pedigree.  Undertaker counters and catapults HHH into the corner but he crushes the ref.  Taker hits a Last Ride but HHH kicks out thanks to a slow count from the hurt ref.  Taker cant believe it so drops the ref  with an elbow drop and it all breaks down. They fight on the outside and it spills into the crowd, and up to a technical area.  HHH keeps trying to escape by climbing the structure more,  but Taker is hot on his heels.  HHH fights back with a couple of chair shots, and then starts wailing on a downed Deadman.  HHH goes for a killer shot but Taker grabs him with a goozle and Chokeslams him off the structure!  The EMT's are out to check on HHH but Taker comes off the structure with an elbow drop.  Taker drags HHH back to the ringside area and sends him flying over the guard rail.  In the ring Taker gets the sledgehammer and HHH begs him off.  As Taker goes to swing HHH hits a desperate low blow.  HHH comes in for a sledgehammer shot now but eats a big boot from Undertaker.  The two men trade right hands back and forth, just as it looks like Taker has the upper hand HHH goes low again.  Triple H attempts a Tombstone but Taker counters into one of his own!  The referee is still down though so no one to count the pin.  Undertaker gets HHH up for a Last Ride but HHH has the sledgehamer and he cracks Undertaker in the head with it!  He makes the cover but Taker kicks out at 2 and 99/100ths!  What a false finish!  Taker is busted wide open as HHH lays into him with rights in the corner.  HHH is up in the tunrbuckle doing the corner punches when suddenly Takers steps up and hits the Last Ride! He makes the cover and this one is over!

Winner via Pinfall - The Undertaker!

Rating: 4 stars.  This was a great match as the Undertaker goes 9-0.  They would top this match in a few years time but this was easily Takers best Mania match up to this point, and would be for another few years until his matches with Randy Orton and Edge.  HHH looked every bit the cerebral assassin but the might of the Deadman was too much for him.  Worth a watch.

We see The Rock backstage on his way to gorilla position presumably, then we see Austin looking in a mirror before doing the same.

The Rock (c) vs Stone Cold Steve Austin - WWF Championship Match.

The Build.

No words. I'll just let the legendary My Way promo package do the talking for me.



The Match.

Its annouced by the Fink that this match will be No Disqualification, much to the surprise of JR.  The glass shatters and you'd think Jesus had returned to the world as Austin makes his entrance in Texas.   Rock comes out next to a monster reaction aswell. The Rock poses infront of Austin with the title belt and they go right at it, no messing around here.  Austin immediately goes for a belt shot, but Rock counters, the Austin counters an irish whip with a Lou Thesz press, then a big elbow.  Rock recovers to hit a swinging neck breaker.  Rock goes for a Rock Bottom but he's countered, Austin goes for a Stunner but HE's countered.  Jesus lads let me breath.  Austin sends Rock to the outside and the fight spills into the crowd.  Rock gets control and sends Austin over the guard rail, and then bounces him off the announce table.  Austin dodges a clothesline and hits one of his own.  Back in the ring Austin stomps a mudhole in The Rock and chokes him in the ropes.  Austin puts Rock on the top turnbuckle and then hits a superplex from the second rope (learned that from Bret Hart) but only gets a two. Austin gets straight back up and removes the turnbuckle pad.  Rock fights back to a chorus of boos with a huge flying forearm and an overhead throw.  Rock bounces Austin off the announce table then sends him into the timekeepers area.  The Rock jawjacks with Hebner and when he turns round Austin drills him with the ring bell.  Rock is busted open and takes a shot off the steps, then the announce table.  Rock trys to recover on the announce table but it collapses under his weight.  Back in the ring Austin drills Rocky with big right hands and chokes him on the canvas.  Rock blocks a shot to the exposed turnbuckle, but Austin cuts off his hope spot with a swinging neckbreaker.  Austin gets back in a mounted position and lays into Rock with more right hands. Austin with vicious stomps to the head, and drives his knee into the Rocks face.  Austin fights with Hebner for a second and Rock explodes out of the corner with a huge forearm.  He Lays the Smackdown on Austin, flips him off and drives him face first into the turnbuckle.  He gets the ring bell and rings Austins bell with it, busting him wide open, but he can only get a two count.  Its The Rocks turn to deliver solid rights now, Austin is knocked loopy but he wont stay down.  They brawl on the outside and Austin catapults The Rock face first into the ring post. Austin gets a monitor and drills Rock with it.  Austin flips off The Rock but Rock counters a Stunner attempt and locks Austin in a Sharpshooter.  Austin is barely able to make it to the ropes.  Rock goes for another one but Austin gets a finger in the eye, then Austin locks in a sharpshooter of his own. Both men are a bloody mess as The Rock is able to power out of it, but Austin goes right back to working on the knee.  Austin puts another Sharpshooter on the Rock but Rockys too close to the ropes, but Austin flips off the Ref and refuses to release the hold!  He eventually does and measures The Rock before locking him in the Million Dollar Dream!  The Rock walks up the turnbuckles and rolls back over Austin into a pin but Austin kicks out!  Out of no where Rock hits Austin with a Stunner!  He crawls over but Austin kicks out at 2 3/4's!  Suddenly Vince McMahon makes his way to ringside.  Austin hits Rock with a spinebuster but only gets a two.  Austin is starting to get desperate now.  Rock counters an Irish whip into a Spinebuster of his own and sets up and then hits the Peoples Elbow but Vince pulls The Rock off of Austin!  Rock cant believe it and goes after Vince, he chases him round and back into the ring and walks into a Rock Bottom by Austin!  But he kicks out!    He goes for a Stunner but Rock pushes him off and into Hebner, sending him to the floor. Austin hits a low blow on The Rock then calls for Vince to get him a chair.  Austin lifts up Rock and Vince drills him with the chair, but by the time Hebner gets in the ring Rock kicks out!  Austin flips out!  He flips off Rock and goes for another chair shot but Rock hits a Rock Bottom!  Vince is distracting Hebner but Rock brings him in the ring hardway and lays the smackdown on Vince! He turns and walks right into a Stunner BUT THE ROCK KICKS OUT!  Vince hands the chair to Austin and Stone Cold brains the Rock with it, but THE ROCK KICKS OUT AGAIN!  Austin throws a tantrum, grabs the chair and beats Rock mercilessly with it,  one, two, three.... SIXTEEN chair shots.  He makes the cover and we have a new champion!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF CHAMPION - STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!

Post match Austin shakes Vince's hand and they share a beer.  Stone Cold has sold his soul for the WWF title.  Austin and Vince pose over The Rock, then hit another Stunner for good measure.

Rating: 4.75 stars.  This was so close to 5 stars, and I badly wanted to give it 5 stars but I just cant.  The ending - as exciting as it was - leaves a bad taste in the mouth.  The heel turn was never going to work infront of a Texas crowd, so they should have saved it for the following RAW where Austin would join up with HHH.  I dont mind Austin snapping and using the chair as a desperate man, but didnt need Vince.  Its such a shame because up to that point its one of the best Mania main events ever.  It was still bloody excellent though.  They started at 100mph and never slowed down.  

Pros.

TLC2
Taker/HHH
Austin/Rock
Angle/Benoit
Paul Heyman on commentary is just a joy.  Its a shame he didnt do more of it.

Cons.

The 6 man tag wasnt necessary
Eddie vs Test was just OK.
The end of the main event.
Im stretching to find anything else.

Overall Verdict.

One of the best PPV's of all time, not just WrestleMania.  Its amazing that we're only 12 months removed from one of the worst.  This show massively holds up today and is well worth going back and watching. So much good stuff and so little bad.

League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out

So this is it.  The end of an era, literally.  The Attitude Era ends with a bang.  The Monday Night Wars are finished, and a new dawn is on the horizon, lead by Austin teaming up with his arch nemesis.  What does the future hold for wrestling?  Well, we're about to enter a weird phase for a few months while WWF decided how to work with the WCW talent, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.  For now we look forward to next months Backlash.  Can it compete with last years?  Cant it maintain the streak of great shows WWF is on right now?  Find out next time.  Thanks again.

Another brilliant review, Samo.

Cheers mate. Really enjoying revisiting this old content. The only problem is its pretty much all down hill from here

BACKLASH 2001

Its time for the now traditional PPV after Mania, Backlash.  From the Allstate Arena in Richmond, Illinois - over 15 thousand fans are packed in to see a main event for all the gold.  As is tradition around this time theres been a pretty seismic shift in the landscape of the WWF but we'll cross those bridges when we get to them.  Backlash last year was a sleeper hit and the best PPV the WWF did that year, will this years be able to match those lofty heights?  Lets find out as we go ringside for our inaugural contest.

The Dudley Boys vs X-Factor

The Build.

Xpacs new faction are gaining traction and look to move up the ladder, a win over the Dudleys will help that, but the Dudleys have other ideas - they want to get back into contention for the tag titles they lost at Mania.

The Match.

Those damned Dudleys are out first, Spike making his official PPV debut.  X-Factor are out next.  Albert, Justin Credible and Xpac come out to some dubbed them.  Aww I was wanting the Uncle Kracker song.  Anyway the brawl starts almost immediately with the Dudleys taking early control.  Immediate We Want Tables chants.  Spike does for a Dudley Dog on Albert but big Tensai just launches him across the ring, giving the heels control.  Credible misses a baseball slide in the corner and crotches himself on the ring post as Spike is able to tag in Dvon.  Dvon runs riot until Albert hits a cheap shot followed by a spinning heel kick from Xpac.  Albert with a big catapult into the middle rope (love that spot, always looks brutal) but only gets a two.  Albert hits a delayed double underhook suplex on Dvon in an incredible show of strength.  Dvon hits a double clothesline on Credible and Pac and makes the hot tag to Bubba.  Bubba runs wild but when they call for tables Albert wipes out Dvon.  This leaves Bubba primed for a big splash from Albert followed by a double superkick and X-Factor pick up the win.

Winners via Pinfall - X-Factor

Post match they try to put Bubba through a table, but their plan gets thwarted and Xpac ends up taking a 3D through the table.  So The Dudleys get their heat back and no one goes over.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Fairly by the numbers affair. High enough octane and some high spots to get the crowd going, but even with Spike being added to the equation its starting to feel like if you've seen one Dudley match you've seen them all.

We see a limo pull up and its the "Duchess of Queensbury".  She's greeted by Regal and they run down the city.  Shes here for Regals match with Jericho shortly.  This is ridiculous.  We then see Angle polishing his medal.  Lillian Garcia asks him about his match and notices he's awfully calm. He says he has every right to be because he doesnt fear Chris Benoit after beating him at WrestleMania.  We see highlights of Jerry Lynn beating Crash Holly for the Light Heavyweight title on Heat earlier in the night.  I dont think Lynn was used anywhere near his full potential in WWF/E, he was so good.

Rhyno (c) vs Raven - Hardcore title.

The Build.

After losing and regaining the hardcore title from Kane, Raven then lost it to Rhyno, so he wanted a match tonight to try and win it back.  Rhyno was only too happy to oblige.

The Match.

Rhyno is out first, followed by Raven with his signature trolley of tricks which contains everything including a kitchen sink.  Rhyno charges immediately but gets dropped toe holded (is that right?) onto a stop sign.  Raven keeps up the offense with a trash can shot but Rhyno uses his power to get control back.  Rhyno charges with a knee strike and Raven gets a trash can up to block it but Rhyno just runs right through it.  He repositions the steps and bounces Raven off them.  He sits Raven in a chair, then runs up the stairs coming off with a splash but Raven moves and Rhyno crashes onto the chair.  Raven repeats the spot and hits Rhyno with a huge clothesline but only gets a two.  Raven gets thrown into the ring post, then gets brained with a trash can lid and a sign.  Rhyno hits Raven in the face with the trolley then throws it in the ring.  Raven counters an irish whip with another drop toe hold but this time into the trolley.  He then busts a road sign over Rhynos head.  Corner splash into Bulldog combo but only gets a two.  Rhyno lifts the trolley over his head but Raven hits him in the face with a trash can, Rhyno falls back and the trolley lands on him.  Raven charges Rhyno with the trolley and a big shot to the midsection.  Rhyno counters a lariat attempt with a big shot from a sign.  Rhyno bends a trash can across Ravens head and measures up for the Gore.  He charges him but Raven dives out the way and Rhyno goes straight into the trolley.  Raven gets the sink and lays into Rhyno with it while he's trapped in the trolley, but only gets a two.  Raven measures for another shot but Rhyno explodes and hits a Gore out of nowhere and this one is over.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Hardcore Champion - Rhyno!

Rating: 3 stars.  This was fun as hell.  Rhyno is probably in the best shape of his career here and its only upwards for him.  Raven put up a valiant effort as a newly crowned babyface but just couldnt get it done.  Lots of fun with a few memorable spots thrown in.  Well done.

We see a promo from Shane McMahon on SmackDown reading a nursery rhyme called Shane and the Beanstalk, putting down Vince McMahon and his opponent later - Big Show.  He's about to be interviewed by Cole when Steph comes in and tells him to apologize to Vince and he might call of the match.  Shane says that isnt going to happen.  We see Austin arrive with Debora, Kevin Kelly asks him about the possibility of losing his title tonight and Austin tells him to shut up.  Back with the "Duchess".  Coachman asks her what the rules are for the match later but Regal interupts before she can tell him.  Regal tells him to bugger off.  Regal is so bloody brilliant.  He asks her if she'll sit at ringside for his match later.

Chris Jericho vs William Regal - Duchess of Queensbury rules match.

The Build.

Following on from his defeat at WrestleMania, Regal has made it his mission to destroy Jericho.  After costing Jericho his IC title vs Triple H - Regal announced it would be a Duchess of Queensbury rules match, leading to weeks of speculation about what the hell the rules actually are.

The Match.

Regal is out first.  He says hello to all his friends in Chicago (cheap heat, love it) then he introduces the "Duchess".  Now obviously there isnt a Duchess of Queensbury, so they got an English women and made her look like she's been lifted right out of Tudor times.  Its actually pretty cringeworthy tbh.  Jericho comes out to a huge pop.  He takes the piss out of Regal and the Duchess.  This one starts as you would expect from these two, various lock ups and counters jockeying for position - a far cry from the last two matches.  Jericho takes control but misses a top rope missile dropkick, allowing Regal to take over.  Jericho hits a facebuster followed by a Lionsault but the bell rings.  The Duchess talks to Fink and he announces that the time limit for round 1 has expired.  Regal tries a roll up but Jericho kicks out.  Regal hits a belly to back which Jericho lands on his stomach.  Regal Stretch applied but Jericho is able to crawl to the ropes.  Jericho counters a German suplex and rolls through into the Walls of Jericho.  Regal taps outs!  Jericho celebrates but Fink announces that due to Duchess of Queensbury rules you can not win by submission.  An Irate Jericho goes over to the Duchess, but her security step in. Regal nails Jericho with the Duchess scepter and the ref rings the bell.  Fink then announces that due to Duchess of Queensbury rules there are no Disqualifications.  Regal rolls Jericho back in the ring but can only get a two count.  The two men trade blows as Jericho starts to regain a bit of momentum.  He goes for the Walls then remembers he cant win by submission so just low blows Regal instead.  Regal bails to the outside but Jericho hits a baseball slide that sends Regal face first into the Duchesses crotch.  Regal sells it brilliantly then Jericho takes out Regal, then the security.  He throws the Duchess in the ring and locks her in the Walls. Regal comes in a beats him with a steel chair, and gets a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - William Regal

Rating: 2 stars.  The wrestling was fine, the story was simple but I've seen it done before and since, and better.  Easy way to get cheap heat on a heel but the presentation of this was awful.  Playing up to stereotypes doesnt get you anywhere.  Shame because I really enjoyed their Mania match but this had too much going on.

Vince is in his dressing room when Big Show comes in.  They talk about what Big Show is going to do to Shane later on tonight, and Vince tells him not to hold back.

Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit - 30 Minute Ultimate Submission match.

The Build.

Fairly simple build.  After Angle cheated at Mania they still dont know for sure who the better man is and who has the most devastating submission move.  So they have this mini Ironman match tonight to settle it once and for all.  Only submissions can score a fall so as far as I can gather there are no disqualifications or countouts.

The Match.

Angle is out first and he's all business.  Benoit is out next and he is in the zone as always.  Both men spend the opening exchanges feeling each other out, neither able to get an advantage.  Angle goes for the Ankle Lock but Benoit counters and goes for a Crossface but Angle counters, some real crisp mat based stuff on show here.  Benoit is able to get the Crossface on but Angle is already in the ropes.  Angle bails and gets a breather outside.  Every time Angle takes down Benoit Benoit able to fight it into his advantage.  Benoit goes for the Crossface again but Angle is able to fight his way to the ropes.  Angle is starting to look rattled as we hit the five minute mark.  Benoit gets a Crossface on Angle on the outside and Angle taps but it doesnt count. A frustrated Angle gets a chair but the referee talks him out of using it.  Angle suckers Benoit in, hits a cheapshot, rolls him up and locks in a knee bar and Benoit immediately taps.

Angle wins the first fall - 1-0

We get a 30 second rest period between falls.  Heyman puts over Benoit tapping early because he knew he was beat and the quicker he can get out the hold the better.  Love it.  Angle goes for the knee again but Benoit fights back with chops.  Angle fights back and starts working over Benoits knee.  Angle charges for a chop block but Benoit catches him. He goes for a Crossface but Angle rolls through, but Benoit keeps a hold of Angles arm and locks in an armbar and Angle quickly taps!

Benoit wins the second fall - 1-1

Benoit drives Angle into the turnbuckle and starts working over the shoulder.  He gets an armbar on Angle again but Angle is able to roll into the ropes.  Benoit is firmly in control now as we hit the 10 minute mark.  Angle gets a hold of the ropes and Benoit tries to pull him off.  The ref is counting Benoit so Benoit pushes him away.  Angle grabs the chair he left earlier and nails Benoit with it, allowing him to lock in the Ankle Lock and Benoit has no choice but to tap.

Angle wins the third fall - 2-1

Angle doesnt want to wait for the 30 second rest period to end and starts getting cheap shots in.  Angle goes straight over and locks in the Crossface and makes Benoit tap to his own hold.

Angle wins the fourth fall - 3-1

Angle just has to work on defence now with a two fall lead, but Angle goes right back at Benoit.  He takes Benoit outside and bounces his head off the announce table.  Back in the ring Benoit counters a charging Angle with a back body drop over the top rope.  Benoit goes right for Angle and bounces him off the guard rail.  Angle counters an irish whip and sends Benoit into the steps as we pass the 15 minute mark.  Angle locks in the Ankle Lock on the outside to inflict more damage.  Back in the ring Angle goes for an Armbar but Benoit tries to block it, and he's able to roll over and get his feet in the ropes.  Abdominal stretch now by Angle.  Out of nowhere Benoit counters Angle and locks in a Sharpshooter but Angle is able to get to the ropes.  Benoit counters out of a German suplex and rolls into a single leg Boston crab and Angle taps out.

Benoit wins the fifth fall - 3-2

As soon as the rest period ends Angle rolls to the outside.  Angle is just trying to stay away from Benoit now but to no avail and Benoit catches him on the outside and sends him flying into the steel steps.    He rolls him back in the ring but Angle immediately scrambles to the other side and bails out again.  20 minute mark and Angle changes tact by sending Benoit to the outside and not letting him get back in.  Angle spends the next few minutes cutting off Benoits hope spots trying to keep his lead.  We hit the 25 minute mark Angle has a sleeper locked in but Benoit is able to struggle out.  He breaks the hold with a jawbreaker but Angle is right back on him.  A pair of overhead Belly to Belly throws to Benoit, but Benoit comes back with a pair of Germans.  Angle blocks the third and goes for an Ankle Lock but Benoit rolls out and locks in an Ankle Lock of his own and Angle taps with 2 minutes left on the clock.

Benoit wins the sixth fall - 3-3

Benoit keeps the hold on for a few seconds and goes right for Angles leg once the bell rings again.  German suplex but Angle blocks a second and hits a low blow.  He the locks in the Ankle Lock.  Benoit makes it to the ropes but Angle pulls him back into the ring, but Benoit fights out again.  Angle his a suplex then locks in the Ankle Lock again as the timer expires!  Benoit taps after the bell rings and Angle tries to claim he's won.  The ref confers with Fink and tells them that this match is going into Sudden Death!  

Angle cant believe it as he gets back in the ring and Benoit tells the ref he's good to go.  Angle goes straight for Benoit with big rights and kicks and stomps to the leg.  Belly to Belly sends Benoit flying.  A quick exchange leads Angle into locking in a guillotine on the mat, but Benoit is able to kick off the ropes and roll through into the Crossface!  Angle taps!

Winner with a score of 4-3 - Chris Benoit.

Rating: 3 stars.  This is a sore rating to give, but this match dragged on a bit in the middle.  When you take out all the falls in an Ironman match you're left with an endless series of rest holds.  Its a fine enough story of two men jockeying for position and trying to out wrestle each other but it sucked the life out the crowd pretty quick.  Not as good as I remember it being and its actually quite disappointing on a rewatch.  Shame because their match at Mania was excellent.  I suppose this match could be like Marmite, you're either going to love it or hate it.

The Big Show vs Shane McMahon - Last Man Standing

The Build.

A continuation from their Mania feud.  Shane McMahon is trying to poach WWF talent for WCW.  He tries courting Big Show, but Vince tells Show that he could be the biggest and most dominant WWF Champion ever, so Show sides with Vince.  Vince then makes this match as a measure of revenge for Shane humiliating him at WrestleMania.  Big Show sent Shane a message by destroying Test on RAW.

The Match.

Big Show is out first and he runs the ropes to warm up.  Its pretty impressive to see a guy his size cover the ring in 3-4 steps.  Shane O Mac is out next to this new and current theme.  Show comes out to get him early and stalks him around the ring as Shane throws a chair in the ring.  He ducks under the ring and as Show looks for him he appears again with a Kendo stick and starts laying into Show with it.  Big Show has enough of that and drops him with a short arm clothesline.  Gorilla press to Shane into the ring, but Shane gets the chair and starts wailing on Show with it.  A few hard shots to the head put Big Show down as the ref starts counting.  Shane bails to the outside and grabs a bag or some sort.  He puts on a dust mask (Covid 4 lyf), pours liquid on a rag and leaps on Big Shows back holding it in his face.  JR exclaims that he can smell it from where he is sitting and it smells like ether.  Big Show drops and the ref starts to count again.  Suddenly Vince charges the ring and nails Shane with the chair.  Shane gets to his feet and gets domed by Vince with the chair.  Both men are down, and Show makes it to his feet first at the count of 7.  He picks up Shane before the ref can count him out though, and starts throwing Shane around.  Big sidewalk slam plants Shane again, but he's able to make it up at 9.  Big slap to the chest from Show.  Final Cut puts Shane down.  Ref gets to 8 and Show picks him up again, and drops him with a Chokeslam.  Once again Show breaks up the count at 8.  He gets Shane up for a back breaker but Test runs down with a Big Boot.  Test starts laying into Show but Show fights him off.  He tosses him to the outside then into the crowd, then into the steps.  Shane has definitely been down for more than 10 at this point but the ref is more interested in Test vs Big Show.  Shane finally recovers and nails Big Show with sign across his back.  He forces Show into a technical area but Show appears from behind the curtain with a big metal pipe.  Shane starts to climb the Titantron to escape.  Big Show starts to follow but Test cuts him off and takes him out with a sheet of metal.  He then lays Show down on a bit of staging as Shane crosses himself and JUMPS OFF THE TITANTRON! He hits Show with an elbow A mirror of his SummerSlam 2000 spot he must have been close to 30 feet in the air.  Shane is nuts.  Both men are down so Test grabs a boom camera and lays Shane across it.  He holds it up so Shane is technically on his feet and the ref counts Show out.

Winner - Shane McMahon

Rating: 2 stars.  It was fun, but it wasnt much of a match. Gets an extra half mark for Shanes incredible stunt. It wasnt quite the 50ft JR claims, but I would reckon it was easily 25-30 feet which is still nuts.

Backstage Vince cant believe what he just saw and is irate about it.  He tells us that from this day on he only has one son - HHH.  How prophetic.  We go to WWF New York and Steve Blackman is being asked about what Shane just did, Blackman puts him over despite their history.  He's joined by Grand Master Sexay.  Sadly and gladly this is the last we'll see of both these men.  Blackman would cut about for a while and work for WWF's developmental territory before leaving in 2002, meanwhile GMS would be released in a month or two for trying to smuggle drugs over the Canadian border.

Matt Hardy (c) vs Eddie Guerrero vs Christian - WWF European Championship.

The Build.

Not much of one.  Matt beat Eddie for the title so Eddie wanted a rematch.  Christian was then added for reasons.

The Match.

All three men out without their respective partners.  Both men go for Matt early and send him flying out the ring.  Christian then ends that short lived alliance by jumping Eddie from behind.  Eddie counters and hits a beautiful hurricarana on Christian.  Matt ends up on Eddies shoulder and as Christian comes off the top for a Doomsday Device Matt rolls Eddie up but only gets a two count.  He goes for a Twist of Fate but Christian clotheslines him.  Eddie Guerrero goes for a surfboard on Christian but Matt tries a sunset flip - they're too close to the ropes and Eddie hits his head on the bottom one, that could have been really nasty.  Eddie pulls Matt to the outside and Christian takes them both out with a baseball slide.  Matt hits Christian with a solid DDT on the floor as Eddie hits a Brainbuster to Matt from the apron inside the ring.  Then follows it up with another but Matt somehow kicks out.  Eddie goes for a top rope hurricarana but Christian holds onto Matt so Guerrero spills.  He dumps Christian onto Eddie then takes them both out with a crossbody. Christian misses Matt with a charge and takes out Eddie, then Matt dumps him.  Matt hits a slam then a second rope leg drop but Eddie kicks out.  Out of no where Edge runs down and spears Matt on the outside.  Eddie sends Christian flying and tries to steal the pin but Matt kicks out.  Jeff charges and takes out Edge.  Christian hits the Unprettier on Eddie but the ref is distracted by Edge, allowing Jeff to hit a Swanton on both Christian and Eddie.  Matt follows up with a Twist of Fate and thats good enough to score the win.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - Matt Hardy.

Rating: 3 stars.  A sleeper hit this one.  Didnt have any expectations going in but this was a high octane affair and the action was solid.  Cant complain with something like that.

The Undertaker & Kane (c) vs Triple H (c) & Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) - Tag team match for all the gold.

The Build.

The night after WrestleMania The Rock and Austin had a rematch for the WWF title, but HHH interfered and helped Austin win.  The two men teamed up to form the Two Man Power Trip while Vince suspended The Rock (he was actually taking time off to shoot The Scorpion King).  HHH then won the Intercontinental title from Jericho (and lost it and regained it vs Jeff but they dont mention that in the pre-match promo package).  After a beat down on the Hardys the Power Trip started stalking Lita but The Brothers of Destruction made the save.  They said they were tired of Austin and HHH being bullies and were going to put an end to them.  They then won the WWF Tag title from Edge and Christian and so the Power Trip said they would only accept this match if the tag titles were on the line.  Vince made the match but he was overruled by his wife Linda who is still CEO of WWF.  She said the match would happen and the tag titles would be on the line, but the WWF and Intercontinental titles would also be on the line.  So if HHH and Austin win then they win the tag titles, and if Undertaker and Kane win - who ever gets the fall will win the title of the person they pinned or submitted and the other would get the other title.  So if Undertaker pins Austin then Undertaker would be WWF Champion and Kane would be IC champion.  Confused?  Good.  Lets get to it.  Oh, and Kane is nursing a bust elbow.

The Match.

HHH is out first with Steph, Austin comes out and despite having a month as a full blown heel STILL gets a monster reaction.  Kane gets a good reaction - still riding that Royal Rumble heat, but the roof comes off when Taker makes his way out.  I always loved how Kanes pyro transitioned into Takers theme.  The BOD charge the ring but the Power Trip bail.  HHH tries to sneak in but eats a huge right from Taker.  Austin and HHH kill time by Austin checking on HHH's eye.  It looks like the Power Trip are about to walk out but HHH gets in the ring and takes another big right from Taker.  The Power Trip have had enough and go to leave but BOD make chase and a brawl breaks out in the aisle.  The bell also rang about 2 minutes ago so why hasnt Hebner counted them out yet?  Kane is beating down HHH at the announce table as Taker takes down Austin in ring.  The couples swap places as Kane hits a two armed choke bomb on HHH, then does the same to Austin.  HHH tries to armdrag Kane but Kane cuts him off with a big right.  HHH takes over momentum with a big knee to the elbow.  Everytime Kane gets a hope spot he gets cut off by a shot to the arm.  Tag to Austin but Kane tags Taker and Austin immediately backs down and tries to beg Taker off.  Taker has none of in though and stomps a mudhole in Austin.  Distraction by HHH allows Austin to take control, but Taker blocks a shot to the top turnbuckle and starts manhandling Austin again. Repeated irish whips into opposite corners.  Austin offers Taker a handshake but Taker kicks his head off instead.  Kane wants the tag and Taker reluctantly gives it to him.  Kane managing to keep Austin at bay.  Taker goes Old School on HHH then slams Austin, then takes him to Old School.  Its been all Taker and Kane up to this point as the Power Trip try to bail out again.  Kane takes them both down and sends Austin back to the ring.  Taker goes for a Last Ride but HHH takes him out.  The TMPT work over Taker in their corner now.  Taker eventually tries to fight back but is cut off by a facebuster from HHH.  He manages to counter an irish whip into a huge DDT on HHH but cant make the cover.  He is able to make it to his corner but he refuses to tag in Kane, and eats a lariat from Austin for his trouble.  Lou Thesz followed by the big Frak You by Austin.  He hits another big elbow but when he goes for a third Taker catches him in a goozle, but HHH tries to get involved and he gets a goozle too, but both men kick Taker in the guts to break it up.  Kane leans in and tag himself in and goes to work on Austin.  Kane comes off the top rope with a clothesline to Austin and then he catches HHH off the top rope with a slam.   HHH is able to slow Kane down with a shot to his arm.  Kane counters a Stunner and takes out both men with big boots, but Austin breaks out an arm bar takedown.  The TMPT start working over Kanes arm now, while HHH distracts Taker and the ref Austin crushes Kane arms between the announce table a chair.  Submission hold on Kane now but the Big Red Machine is able to fight out of it.  His hope spots keep getting cut off though as Taker grows more and more concerned.  We see Taker is busted open from something.  Kane finally gets over to make a tag but HHH takes out Taker before he gets there, allowing Austin to keep the pressure on.  HHH goes for a top rope nothing and eats a big boot from Kane.  HHH hits a Pedigree out of nowhere but he tags in Austin instead of making the cover and Taker breaks it up.  Austin hits a chokeslam on Austin but Steph is distracting the ref until Hebner shoves her off the apron.  Kane makes the cover but Austin kicks out. Kane takes out HHH and makes a hot tag to Taker!  Taker runs wild taking out both men like a house on fire.  He sends Austin flying outside then hits HHH with a Last Ride!  He makes the cover but Hebner wont count!  He tells Taker he didnt see the tag and Taker isnt the legal man.  Taker threatens him but Austin hits him from behind and follows it up with a low blow.  Stunner on Kane as Taker recovers and takes Austin outside and they brawl into the crowd.  Steph slips HHH a title belt, he goes to hit Kane with it but Kane counters with a big boot.  Taker and Austin are up in the stands as Kane gets HHH in a goozle, Steph runs in but eats a big boot, then Vince runs in with a sledgehammer but he gets caught by Kane.  He tosses HHH the sledgehammer and HHH smashes Kane in the arm with it, then drills him in the head.  He makes the cover and Vince throws the ref back in the ring and he gets the three count!

Winners via Pinfall, STILL WWF and IC Champions and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions - Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H!

Rating: 3.5 stars.  Really good match that the crowd were super into. A simple story of the faces trying to overcome to odds but just as it seems they've done it the heels cheat to win.  Yeah, job done to be honest, simple yet effective.  Pretty decent way to cap off the show.


Pros.

Solid main event.
Shane McMahons bump.
The triple threat was a pleasant surprise.
Hardcore match was alot of fun.

Cons.

Pretty lackluster affair.
Opening 6 man was a bit meh.
Benoit vs Angle could have been so much more.

Overall verdict.

Didnt live up to the standard of last years show, but it was still a pretty easy watch.  I dont know if I can fully recommend this PPV as much as I did the previous three.  Its a weird time for WWF right now trying to figure out how to move forward with no competition.  
PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Backlash

Its Judgement Day next and that also has lofty expectations to live up to.  This is a PPV I dont remember too much about so looking forward to seeing whats what.  Hopefully all the titles will be split up again so we can get some better undercard feuds going.  Time will tell, see you there.

JUDGEMENT DAY 2001

Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee...  It must be time for Judgement Day!  13 thousand fans are packed into the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. Scores will be settled and new alliances will be formed as we've got 4 title matches on tonight, including a Tag Team Turmoil match.  Lets get right into it.

William Regal vs Rikishi

The Build.

Rikishi recently returned from injury, back in full babyface mode.  To cement the turn he gave Stephanie McMahon a Stinkface.  Regal booked this match to put Rikishi in his place and carry favour with the McMahons.

The Match.

Regal is out first to a monster heel reaction.  The Commissioner gets a mic and runs down the crowd in his usual fashion - he does it better than most.  The Big Keesh comes back to a whopper pop, putting the much maligned heel turn behind him.  Rikishi quickly takes control with big rights and a couple of headbutts.  Regal lands himself in position for a stinkface, but Regal hits a desperation low blow out of the view of the ref.  Regal seems in control, Rikishi counters a sunset flip attempt and goes for a splash but Regal moves out the way.  Rikishi counters an Irish whip with a lariat/leg drop combo.  Big splash in the corner and Keesh gets the Stinkface. Regals selling is 10/10 as he looks like he's about to throw up on the ringside crowd.  Rikishi bumps him off the ring steps and hits a savant kick in the ring.  He misses a corner charge and hits his shoulder on the ring post, Regal Cutter and Regal gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall - William Regal.

Rating:  1 star.  We've seen better openers, and just as this felt like it was building it ended.  Regal is busted open from the stair shot but I dont think they'd've called the match early for that, Regal has worked through worse.  Rikishi seemed to be favouring one of his shoulders so maybe he was hurt and they called an audible, I dont know.  Over before it really got going which is a shame.

We see Edge and Christian backstage talking about Tag Team Turmoil before Kurt interupts.  He asks them for advice on Ladder matches.  They give him some nonsense advice before he goes on his way and they roll their eyes.  We see HHH and Steph arriving and they meet up with Vince.  Vince asks HHH why they would include Undertakers wife Sara when it would just rile them up more?  HHH asks why Vince is bothered about the sanctity of marriage when Vince put his own with in a sanitarium.  Vince says thats different because he was messing with his own wife, not someone elses..

Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit - 2/3 falls match for Angles Gold Medals.

The Build.

Kurt Angle couldnt get over losing at Backlash, so to put him back in his place Benoit stole his medals, and keeping them safe - resting next to his junk.  Benoit says he can get the chance to win his medals back at Judgement Day.  To settle it once and for all they agree to a 2 out of 3 falls match.  

The Match.

First Fall - Pinfalls Only.

Angle jumps Benoit before the bell, hitting a trio of German suplexes.  He goes for a diving headbutt, but Benoit rolls out the way and follows it up an Angle Slam, and he gets the three!

Winner of the first fall - Chris Benoit!

Second Fall - Submissions Only.

Benoit doesnt waste any time and goes straight for the Crossface but Angle rolls out the ring.  They brawl on the outside and Benoit bounces Angle off the ring steps shoulder first, then face first off the ring post.  Angle counters a chop and lifts Benoit up and crotches him on the ring post.  Kurt bounces Benoit off the announce table three times as Heyman shouts "The Spanish guys are over there!"  Brilliant.  Back in the ring Angle goes for the Ankle Lock but Benoit scrambles to the ropes.  A beautiful exchange of counters leads to Benoit getting the Crossface but Angle is already in the ropes. Some more crisp exchanges lead to Angle being back in control until Benoit hits a nice snap suplex.  The story so far is Angle is in control for a bit, then Benoit hits a big counter to get control, then Angle hits a counter after a bit.  All the while working towards getting their submissions in.  Benoit gets a double leg takedown and gets Angle in a Liontamer but Angle is able to power out.  Another takedown and Benoit gets a Figure Four to big WOOOOOs from the crowd, but Angle is able to roll over to the ropes.  Benoit hits a shinbreaker and starts working on Angles knee.  They fight on the outside and some obnoxious Kumquat keeps screaming.  Benoit plants Angle with a DDT but Angle pops right up and hits a desperation Angle Slam.  He's able to get the Ankle Lock on and Benoit quickly taps.

Winner of the second fall - Kurt Angle!

Third Fall - Ladder Match.

The referee hooks the medals up and sends them into the sky as the two men brawl outside.  Benoit is sent crashing into the ring steps.  Angle gets a small, red ladder from under the ring that looks like an actual ladder and not the gimmicked ones.  Like a throwback to HBK vs Razor Ramon.  As he climbs Benoit shoves him off and he spills to the outside.  Benoit sends Angle into the crowd then grabs a larger, gimmicked ladder and starts to climb, but Angle is quickly able to pull him off.  Angle starts working over Benoit some more, and rams the ladder into Benoits ribs.  He goes for the head but Benoit sends him flying over the top rope.  Benoit has the ladder now and returns the favour with rib shots then a swinging shot to the chest.  Angle low blows Benoit off the ladder.  Ladder set up in the corner but Benoit counters and catapults Angle straight into it.  Big German suplex narrowly misses the ladder.  Benoit wedges the ladder between the ropes in the corner, but Angle sends him flying into it sternum first.  Angle sets the ladder up like a seesaw and snap suplexes Benoit onto it. Benoit rolls onto the apron and as Angle goes to get the ladder he fulcrums it right into his face.  Big ladder shot to Angles head and he sets the ladder up, pinning Angle under it, but Angle somehow powers it over and Benoit gets hung up on the ropes.  Benoit sends Angle into the corner hard then locks in the Crossface.  Angle taps out as Edge and Christian storm the ring.  Benoit starts fighting them off on the outside as Angle starts to climb the ladder.  Benoit cant get back in time and Angle is able to claim back his medals!

Winner - Kurt Angle!

Rating: 4 stars.  This is more like it.  A pretty quick first fall followed by and incredible second fall and topped off with a pretty good ladder match.  Almost as good as Mania and much better than Backlash.  Angle gets his medals back as this rivalry comes to a close, for now.  On to bigger things for both men.  Good match.

We see Regal getting stitches in his office and someone barges in.  He shouts at them to bugger off before Taker gets a hold of him.  Taker asks him about the phone calls to his wife, then demands his match later be made No Holds Barred.  Regal protests but finally relents after Taker threatens him.  We got to WWF New York and see Jerry Lynn.  He's not happy that he's not at the PPV defending his title.  WWE really missed the boat with Jerry Lynn, he was great.  He puts over the title more than anyone has in years, shame it never went anywhere as he would drop the title to Jeff Hardy on Smackdown in a couple of weeks and that would be the last we see of him.

We see Kane backstage somewhere whipping a chain around.

Test vs Big Show vs Rhyno (c) - Hardcore Championship

The Build.

Big Show wants revenge on Test for costing his match against Shane at Backlash, and Rhyno was added because he needs something to do.

The Match.

The two big men go at it immediately before Rhyno even makes his entrance (The Rock vs HHH vs Kurt Angle this is not).  Rhyno marches ringside and slides the steel steps in the ring.  They brawl into the crowd and then into the arena.  Big Show sends Test crashing into a pillar so Test grabs a bit of cable or something and tries to choke out Big Show.  Rhyno rams a trolley full of roadie cases right into Shows head.  Test and Rhyno brawl for a bit but Big Show recovers and takes both men out, sending Rhyno crashing into a wall, leaving a big hole in it.  They double team Big Show and he drops off a ramp landing on a pile of pallets to almost zero crowd reaction.  Test and Rhyno fight back to the ring and a bit of a clumsy exchange ends when Test eats the ring post.  Rhyno throws a trashcan in the ring and goes to brain Test with a trashcan lid but Test smashes it into Rhynos face.  Rhyno hits a DDT on a trashcan lid but Test kicks out at two as the crowd start to chant for Big Show.  The Big Nasty I am a twonk of the highest order reappears and takes Rhyno out with a Chokeslam, but then he eats a Big Boot from Test.  Rhyno Gores Big Show but Test beans him with a trashcan lid but Rhyno kicks out at 2.  Test gets a fire extinguisher and blasts Show in the face to escape a chokeslam.  Test gets the steps but Rhyno swings for the fences and wipes Test out with a vicious trash can shot.  He then throws the trash can at Big Show and leaps off the steps with a Gore through the trash can, and he pins Big Show.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Hardcore Champion - Rhyno.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  A lot of walking and brawling but the ending exchanges were pretty good.  Puts Rhyno over by pinning the Big Show but there was no reason to have him in this match anyway.  Weird.

We see Regal trying to talk himself into going into Austins dressing room to deliver him the news about his match later.  We then see Lita warming up with the Hardys when Eddie Guerrero walks in.  Eddie offers Lita some help about Chyna and her weaknesses, but she refutes him.  Back to Austin and Regal comes in.  He tells Austin the news about it being a No Holds Barred match.  Austin nonchalantly says its fine.

Chyna (c) vs Lita - WWF Womens Championship.

The Build.

After winning the WWF Womens Championship at WrestleMania, Chyna claims she doesnt have any real competition in the womens division.  Lita comes out a challenges her to a match at Judgement Day which Chyna accepts.  The whole story is whether or not Lita is ready to do this on her own (Editors note: Lita is a former WWF Womens Champion already by this point.)

The Match.

Chyna comes out with a peacock headdress (Isnt it the male peacocks that have the impressive plumage?  Is Chyna trying to tell us something here?)  Size and strength vs speed and agility here, with Chyna easily overpowering Lita in the opening exchanges.  Chyna goes for a Gorilla Press but Lita rolls out with a sunset flip for a two.  Chyna puts her back in her place with a thudding forearm and clubbing blows to the back.  Short arm clothesline nearly takes Litas head off.  Lita counters Chyna with a big DDT and follows it up with right hands.  Lita comes off the second rope with a clothesline and during the subsequent pinfall attempt Chyna has a bit of a wardrobe malfunction and is half hanging out of her top - to the point they have to blur it until she is able to fix herself.  Chyna back in control with a swinging neckbreaker then a big powerslam but Lita kicks out.  Gorilla Press Slam but Chyna lifts Lita up at 2 to break the fall.  Lita counters and locks in a cross armbreaker out of nowhere but Chyna is able to counter into a headscissors.  We see Eddie appear in the aisle as Lita is able to force her way to the ropes.  Hairmare sends Lita flying across the ring as Eddie looks on.  Chyna goes for a powerbomb but Lita counters into a pinfall but Chyna kicks out.  Chyna counters a Twist of Fate and drills her with a big powerbomb and gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Chyna.

After the match Chyna raises Litas arm and they hug it out.

Rating: 2 stars.  This was alright.  Slightly less of a squash than at Mania but just reaffirms that Chyna has no competition.  Whoever takes the belt from her will surely be put over huge right?  EHEH.  Wrong.  Chyna would vacate the title shortly after and thats the last we ever see of her in a WWF ring.  She would be released in November and basically retire from wrestling.  This is also the last time we'll see Eddie for a while as his drug problems caught up with him and he would be sent to rehab, then released in November after being arrested for drunk driving.  

We see Angle getting interviewed by Michael Cole.  Angle says he's going to host a ceremony tomorrow to celebrate.  They run into Edge and Christian, Kurt thanks them for being ringside to cheer him on as he beat Benoit all by himself.  Once he leaves Edge tells Christian that "Opertaion: Never have to listen to Kurt bitch about his medals again" is complete.  And they turn their focus to Tag Team Turmoil, and wonder who Chris Jericho's mystery partner will be.  

Vince has the Two Man Power trip in his office, he puts over both men and tells them that they'll stick together and do the right thing to keep their titles tonight.

Triple H (c) w/ Stephanie vs Kane - Chain match for the Intercontinental Championship.

The Build.

After winning all the gold at Backlash, HHH tries to pin the blame on Kane to drive a wedge between the Brother of Destruction.  He says all he had to do was sit at home and nurse his broken arm but he couldnt do that.  HHH challenges him to a chain match so that he can finish the job once and for all.  Both men will be attached at the wrist by a chain, but it doesnt follow standard strap match rules, meaning pinfalls and submissions only.

The Match.

Kane is out with a heavily bandaged arm and a chain of his own.  He chases of HHH with a chain of his own, but HHH jumps him and starts working over his arm.  Triple H bends his arm round the ring post, then slams it off the steps.  Then crushes it between the announce desk and a chair.  He rolls Kane in the ring and they finally get the chain attached, but HHH ties it to Kane bad arm.  Kane fights back with big right hands then lashes HHH across the back with the chain.  HHH yanks the chain, injuring Kanes arm then goes back to work on it. HHH gets a chair but Kane pulls him against the ring post and he bounces face first off the chair. busting him wide open.  Kane bounces HHH off the steel steps as HHH already has a crimson mask.  Kane wraps the chain round his hand and smashes HHH with it.  He wraps the chain round HHH's neck and hangs him over the top rope!  Looks brutal.  Another lash across HHHs back which you just know doesnt tickle.  Kane goes up top but HHH pulls the chain, sending Kane crashing down.  HHH with a big chain shot drops Kane again.   HHH goes for a Pedigree but Kane powers out and drops the chain right on the crown jewels.  Kane goes upstairs again and this time he hits a clothesline with the help of the chain.  Chokeslam to HHH but Austin runs down.  Kane fights him off but HHH gets a low blow.  Austin measures Kane with a steel chair but he ends up hitting HHH by mistake!  Kane sends Austin out the ring the pins HHH and gets the win!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Kane!

Rating: 3 stars.  This wasnt a wrestling match, but it still delivered to a certain degree.  Good showing of resilience by Kane, and the ending plants the seeds for a Power Trip break up.  Fine enough for what it was and the crowd were into in.  Unfortunately this is the last we'll see of HHH for the year, as the next night on RAW he infamously blows his quad out during the tag title match and doesnt return until January.  We're losing a lot of people tonight..

Jericho is being interviewed by Coachman backstage.  He doesnt give any clue who his tag partner is but vows to take out Edge and Christian, win lose or draw.  Then we see HHH recovering backstage and he is livid about losing his match.  Vince is losing his mind trying to keep things together.

Tag Team Turmoil - No.1 Contenders Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles.

The Build.

Not really much of a build.  With the Two Man Power Trip holding the titles but being preoccupied with singles matches tonight, and the former tag champs Undertaker and Kane not looking like they're bothered about a rematch they set up a Turmoil match and the winning team will face Austin and HHH tomorrow night on RAW.

The Match.

The APA are out first with the short end of the draw.  They're facing whats left of The Radicalz in Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko.  The Radicalz get the upper hand early, isolating Faarooq.  Faarooq counters a charging Saturn with a big Spinebuster out of nowhere for the quick fall.

Those Damned Dudleys are out next.  The APA jump them as they pose in the corners. Big tables chants already but they're no help as the APA are firmly in control.  Bradshaw misses a clothesline on Dvon but catches Dvon flying in and hits a Fallaway Slam.  Big Clothesline but not quite one from hell but Bubba breaks up the pin.  Bradshaw goes for a superplex but Bubba lifts him on his shoulders and they drop him with a Doomsday Device, then follow up with a WASSAP on Faarooq.  Big call for tables and Dvon sets on up outside, but he's jumped by Hardcore Holly who puts him through the table with an Alabama Slam.  In the ring Bradshaw capitalizes with a Clothesline From Hell and gets the three.

Aww Frak me its Xfactor.  The APA are outsped early but as we all know power always wins.  The APA take turns throwing a freshly shaven Xpac around which is always good.  I dont know why you would have Credible as your partner vs the APA instead of big Albert.  Speaking of Albert, he takes Bradshaws head off with a Bicycle Kick on the outside and throws him back in the ring.  Tepid tag to Faarooq who runs wild for all of 20 seconds before Credible hits a bulldog.  Bradshaw goes for a Fallaway Slam on Xpac but Albert pulls his feet out from under him, allowing Xpac to land on him and get the three count as Albert holds Bradshaws feet.  XFactor progress.  Damn it.

Here come the Hardys Boys.  They Irish whip Credible and Pac into eachother, and start working over Credible, until Xpac low bridges Jeff who crashes and burns.  Double team ring post spot and Albert presses Jeff back into the ring.  Xpac hits the Bronco Buster.  Jeff hits a double drop kick and manages to get the tag to Matt who takes out Pac and Credible.  Big leg drop off the second rope to Xpac.  Double team to Credible sends him flying, followed by Poetry in Motion to Xpac.  Jeff calls for a Swanton and climbs up top, and nails it, but Albert pulls Matt off the cover.  Jeff takes him out with a tope suicida but in the confusion Matt goes to Superkick City and Xfactor score another win.  Double damn it.

Chris Jericho is out next, he signals for his partner and its CHRIS BENOIT!  The two Crazy Canucks go right to business and despite going nearly 30 minutes earlier Benoit looks as fresh as a daisy.  Albert takes out Jericho early as Benoit gets worked over.  Xpac goes for the Bronco Buster but Benoit rolls out the way allowing Jericho to get the hot tag.  He takes out Credible then goes to town on Xpac.  He hits a missile dropkick but dodges a break up attempt from the former Aldo Montoya who hits Xpac by mistake, so Jericho sends him to the outside for his troubles.  Jericho comes off the ropes with a flying forearm but Xpac ducks and Jericho wipes out the ref.  Albert seizes the initiative and lays waste to Benoit on the outside.  Xpac takes Jericho down with a kick and another ref runs down to make the cover but Jericho kicks out.  It all breaks down as Jericho catapults Credible into Xpac who was moments earlier crotched on the top turnbuckle, then the Canadians hit a double suplex on Albert and one for Credible who lads on Albert. Double submission spot as Benoit locks the Crossface on Credible and Jericho gets the Walls on Xpac and both men tap out, progressing to the last round.

Edge and Christian with the luck of the draw here as we get a good old fashioned Canadian showdown. Big brawl to begin with as Christian and Benoit fight on the outside which leads to Benoit taking a drop toe hold into the steps, as Edge gets the upper hand on Jericho.  The heels take turns working over Jericho and Benoit barks encouragement from the corner. Jericho avoids a dropkick from Edge, and tries to follow up with a Lionsault but Edge gets the knees up to kill off that hope spot.  Jericho avoids a double team move and gets the hot tag, Benoit runs wild.  Awesome bridging German only gets a two, but Edge fights back with an Edgecution.  The Chris's thwart another double team and Christian is up on Jerichos shoulders, and he eats a dropkick from Benoit but Edge breaks up the fall at 2.  Big DDT from Edge to Benoit allows the heels to get a breather.  They go and grab a couple of chairs but both eat a baseball slide from the Chris Connection, wiping them both out.  They set up Christian for a con-chair-to of his own, but Edge spears Jericho and Christian rolls up Benoit but only gets a two!  Edge and Christian set up Benoit for a con-chair-to now, but Jericho pulls Edges feet from under him and he lands face first on the chair, just as Benoit counters Christian into the Crossface, and Christian taps out!

Winners via Submission - Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho

Rating: 3.5. Pretty good example of Tag Turmoil, with every team getting a chance to shine - apart from the Radicalz.  Xfactor look like chicken Poopie heels, APA looked strong taking out two teams clean, and we had two really good matches to close things out.  As I mentioned earlier the Chris's would get their match the next night, but it ends in disaster.  I would still highly recommend that match, because it is still easily a 4.5 star match, and would have been 5 stars had HHH not got injured.  And while you're at it, go watch TLCIII from the Smackdown after this aswell for another bonafide 4.5 star match.  Then go watch Benoit vs Austin on RAW, which was easily 4 stars again.  Infact, go watch all of Benoits matches between now and KOTR because I cant think of a better series of matches in such a short period of time before.

Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs The Undertaker - No Hold Barred match for the WWF Championship.

The Build.

Austin truly has been on a power trip since WrestleMania.  Claiming he is the greatest ever and that he cant be stopped, he has been laying waste to everyone in his way.  He even went as far as to put in a fake police report about Undertakers wife being a car wreck, just to screw with the Deadmans head.  Taker got a measure of revenge by throwing Austin through a window, but it wasnt enough for the Deadman.  He doesnt just want to hurt Austin, he wants his title.  Taker with the awesome line "Austin, you better give your soul to the Lord because your ass belongs to me".  Love it.

The Match.

Vince's music hits and out comes the Chairman.  He comes over the announce booth and Heyman tells him to smack JR.  Instead he puts on a headset and we get transported back to 1994 as Vince is doing commentary.  The Undertaker makes his entrance to a good pop, one year on since his return.  No bike this time though as the ramp and ringside area are pretty small in this arena.  Vince looks on from ringside at his greatest creation.  Austin comes out to a huge pop.  Heel or Face no one commands the crowd like Austin does.  He gets cut off in the aisle though as Taker goes straight for him.  No cowpat, no collar and elbow lock ups, just great psychology.  Taker beats Austin from pillar to post in the stage and ringside area.  No respite for Austin as Taker bounces him off the steps and chokes him with a cable. Taker takes his bandana off and throws it at Vince.  Austin tries to fight back but is quickly thrown into the steps again.  Taker goes Old School along the guardrail for a change of pace.  Back up in the ramp area its still all Undertaker as he drills Austin with hard rights and a fire extinguisher for good measure.  He finally gets Austin in the ring and grabs a chair, but as he gets back in the ring Austin jumps him, and hits a swinging neckbreaker.  Austin gets a bit of momentum back as he starts working over Takers knee, but Taker dodges a chair shot and takes out Austin with a flying clothesline.  Taker fights off a Stunner attempt and takes Austin down with a big boot.  Taker sends Austin into the timekeepers area and starts stalking Vince, but that allows Austin to cheap shot him from behind.  Austin goes back to working the leg by wrapping his knee around the ring post.  Austin locks in a knee bar but Taker fights out by raking the eyes and hitting some big elbows.  Austin puts Taker back in his place with a pair of low blows then goes back to the knee bar.  Big "Austin Sucks" chant as Taker fights out and sends Austin to the outside.  Austin takes another trip to Steel Step city and Taker cleans the announce table.  Heyman repeats his call of "The Spanish table is over there, love it."  Taker has enough of this Poopie and Chokeslams Austin through the announce table!  Taker starts to stalk McMahon while Austin lies motionless.  Taker rolls Austin back in the ring and goes for a pin but Austin somehow kicks out at two.  Scoop slam a big elbow combo only gets a two.  Austin bails to the outside to try and get a breather but he was playing possum and brains Taker with a monitor.  Austin takes one of the turnbuckle covers off which gives Taker time to gig himself.  Taker tries to fight back but Austin hits the Lou Thesz press but only gets a two.  Taker fights out of a sleeper attempt with a suplex, but Austin grabs the chair and cracks it over Taker dome.  He choses to goad Taker instead of going for the cover, so Taker flips him off.  Austin flips him off back and hits the Stunner, but TAKER KICKS OUT AT TWO!  Austin grabs the chair again and nails Taker a couple of times, but Taker hits a low blow and follows it up with a Chokeslam.  Now its the Deadmans turn to wail on Austin with the chair.  Suddenly HHH charges the ring with a sledgehammer, but Taker fights him off and takes both men out with a chair. Taker pins Austin but McMahon breaks it up!  Taker beats up McMahon in the corner and avoids a chair shot from Austin, who cracks McMahon right on the top of the head!  Sick.  Undertaker sets Austin up for the Last Ride but HHH hits Taker with the sledgehammer which allows Austin to crawl over, but Kanes music hits!  Kane charges the ring but HHH stops Kane just long enough to allow Austin to get the win!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Stone Cold Steve Austin!

Rating: 3.5 stars.  A bit over booked to be considered a classic, but the crowd were into everything and Austin sold like a mad man for Undertaker - you can tell there is heaps of respect there.  Loved the commentary between Heyman and JR aswell, putting over the story of Austin changing into what he is.  Yeah, solid enough main event.

Pros.
Angle vs Benoit
Tag Turmoil got most of the teams over.
Main event was a real crowd pleaser.

Cons.

The undercard was solid, but underwhelming.
Poor opener.

Overall Verdict.

A decent enough show, but nothing that I would recommend you go out and watch right now.  It was overall a solid show but not as good as last years show and not as good as the first three shows of the year.  A middle of the road PPV in all honesty.

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Judgement Day
Backlash

Next months offering is King of the Ring.  Who will be crowned the new king?  Or will Angle be able to reclaim his throne and become the first ever two time King?  Also, what will happen with Austin now his tag partner is out for the foreseeable?  Get ready, because this will be the last WWF PPV before the Invasion takes over and changes everything.  See you then folks, and thanks again for reading.

KING OF THE RING 2001

Alrighty alrighty.  After a short break we are back with another classic PPV.  This time round we're looking at King of the Ring 2001.  With Triple H being laid out with an injury, where does that leave Steve Austin?  Can Kurt Angle make history and be the first man to win back-to-back King of the Ring crowns?  Or will a new king claim the throne?  Nearly 18 thousand fans are in the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey to find out, so lets get right into it.

The PPV opens with a BANG!  Literally.  Out comes WWF's first signing from WCW - Diamond Dallas Page.  How do you treat one of the few WCW top stars who signed up with your company as opposed to sitting at home on  waiting out their guaranteed contracts?  You turn him into a stalker thats how.  Remember last month Undertaker was trying to figure out who was making threatening calls to his wife?  Yeah it was DDP.  He's out here to call out the Undertaker.  Like a true professional he's giving it his all in this role.  He says he's going to kick the big dogs ass all over his own yard, and he's got a ticket for RAW tomorrow night and become the first WCW star to ever set foot in MSG.  He's begging Taker to make him famous.  He leaves through the crowd as Fink announces our first match.

Christian vs Kurt Angle - King of the Ring Semi Final

The Build.

Unlike previous years, we only get the semi finals and final in the PPV now.  Kurt Angle beat Hardcore Holly and Jeff Hardy on his way here, while Christian impressively outlasted Kane and Big Show.  Both these guys have a history of teaming together, so interesting match up.

The Match.

Christian jumps Angle before the bell, getting the upper hand but Angle fights back almost immediately with a big slam.  Angle misses a splash in the corner and Christian follows up with a neckbreaker for two.  Angle rolls out of a sunset flip and goes for the Ankle Lock but Christian rolls out.  The fight spills to the outside and Christian introduces Angle to the steel steps a couple of times.  Back in the ring Christian climbs up top but Angle sends him flying off the top to the guardrail outside the ring.  Gutwrench Slam by Angle and follows it up with a back suplex but only gets a two.  Christian counters a suplex attempt with an inside cradle but Angle kicks out and immediately takes Christian down again.  Christian gets a bit of breathing room by taking Kurt out with a spinning heel kick, as Shane McMahon makes his way down to ringside.  Angle tells him to bolt as he goes for a moonsault but Christian rolls out the way.  Christian in control now but Angle counters an Unprettier attempt and rolls into an Ankle Lock but Christian gets to the ropes.  Christian counters an Angle Slam and hits the Unprettier, but Shane McMahon pulls him off the cover!  Shane bails to the back as Christian tries to figure out what happened and gets on the apron.  One more look back but Angle takes advantage of the distraction and hits an Angle Slam from the apron into the ring and gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Fast paced opening which fits the story of the KotR where you want to get the match over soon.  Shane McMahon costs Christian the match, because despite feuding with and having a match with Kurt Angle later (hoooboy we'll get to that) this ensures Angle has to have another match tonight which will tire him out even more. Smart - even if commentary dont seem to understand that.  Yeah no complaints here, Christian held his own well but still has a ways to go before being taken seriously as a singles competitor.

JR speculates over whether or not the rumours are true, and if either Benoit or Jericho win the WWF title later will they defect to WCW.  (editors note:  given how much both men hated their time in WCW I wouldnt bet on it).  Coach meets up with Austin to ask him about it, he gives Coach an indignant look and doesnt answer the question.  JR says we are in the "Shadow of the big Apple" because Vince is a petty I am a twonk of the highest order and refuses to acknowledge New Jersey despite running shows there.  We see a promo for Undertaker and DDP.  Heyman is speaking to DDP as he's sitting in the front row, he asks if DDP is being brazen or not.  DDP says he has balls, but he's interupted by a video of him in a restaurant somewhere, and he says he doesnt like his privacy being invaded like that.  

Edge vs Rhyno - King of the Ring Semi Final

The Build.

Edge defeated Test and Perry Saturn while Rhyno defeated Tazz and Tajiri, now the other two members of the Team RECK clique face off.  Very interesting how that ended up being the case.  Winner faces Angle later in the evening.

The Match.

Both man face off to big ECW chants.  Edge send Rhyno to the outside with a dropkick and Rhyno lands with a splat.  Rhyno attempts a piledriver on the outside but Edge dumps him on the guard rail.  The fight spills up into the aisle and Rhyno flapjacks Edge onto the rail, then slams him into it.  Back in the ring Rhyno exposes a middle turnbuckle, and hits a big power Irish whip on Edge sternum first into the turnbuckle.  Heyman puts it over saying Rhyno is weakening Edges ribs so the Gore will be extra devastating.  Rhyno takes him down with a body scissors which is an underrated submission move.  Edge is able to fight back and takes Rhyno down with a neckbreaker.  He goes up top by Rhyno meets him there, Rhyno blocks a superplex but Edge is able to hit a sunset flip powerbomb but it only gets a two.  Big Spinebuster from Rhyno and he sets up for the Gore.  Edge counters with a Spear of his own and both men collide hard.  Thats a dangerous spot but looked awesome.  Rhyno is able to crawl over and make the pin but Edge kicks out.  Rhyno goes for another Gore but Edge dodges and Rhyno crashes into the exposed turnbuckle.  Edge follows it up with a huge Impaler DDT and gets a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Edge.

Rating: 3 stars.  Really good match here, both guys doing their best to put the other over and Edge looking like a resilient Babyface going into the final.  Yeah job done here, easy enough.

We see Spike and Molly Holly being interviewed on Heat about the Dudleys winning the tag titles.  He challenged them for the Tag Titles and left to find a partner.  Back live JR asks him if he's found a partner, he says yeah but you'll have to wait and see.  His big brothers interupt and put down Spike and Molly.  Tazz is interviewing Jericho, he asks him about the WCW rumours.  Jericho says it maybe wont be so bad anymore now that WCW has a decent boss, but dodges answering whether the rumours are true or not.

The Dudley Boys (c) vs Spike Dudley and ???? - WWF Tag Team Championship.

The Build.

The Dudleys have been instilling their own brand of tough love on Little Spike, including giving him a 3D through a table.  Spike had enough when they tried to powerbomb his girlfriend Molly Holly through a table but he was able to lay on top of it to protect her somewhat.  We saw earlier that he challenged them to this match, and his mystery partner is about to be revealed.  We see footage of SmackDown where Austin cost Jericho and and Benoit their tag titles against the Dudleys.

The Match.

The Pyro explodes and its the Intercontinental Champion Kane!  Spike doesnt waste time and jumps in and attacks before the bell.  Spike and Bubba start things off after Teddy Long finally gets control.  Spike is able to hold his own against his brothers to begin with, and he tags in Kane who dominates Dvon.  Spike tags in and Dvon does the leapfrog spot but collapses and holds his knee.  The ref and Bubba argue about it as Dvon uses it as a distraction to take Spike out and reveal he was playing possom.  Its all the Dudley Boys now as Spike gets beaten from pillar to post.  Bubba hits a back body drop and Spike nearly hits the roof.  People must love wrestling Spike because he's easy to throw around and bumps like a boss.  He's finally able to tag in Kane who runs riot on those damned Dudleys.  Dvon blows his timing for breaking up a pin and they have to claim Bubba barely kicked out.  Kane tags in Spike and launches him over the top to the Dudleys in the aisle.  Kane comes off the top taking Bubba out with a big clothesline, but Bubba kicks out.  Dvon sends Kane into the ring post outside and Spike hits Bubba with a Dudley Dog but Dvon breaks it up.  Double suplex on Kane and they hit a WASSAP on Kane, Spike comes off the top with a double drop kick.  Dvon counters a Dudley Dog and then they follow it up with a 3D on Spike for the win.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys.

They set up a table in the ring and go to put Spike through it, but Kane breaks it up and chokeslams Bubba through.  Kane lifts up Spike and helps him to the back.

Rating: 2 stars.  Dudleys are a bit fresher as heels, but its still the same stuff.  It was fine when it was Spike being thrown around but the Dvon timing botch kinda threw everything off.  It was still OK and the crowd were into it.

Christian meets up with Edge in the locker room, he wishes Edge luck coming up. We see another DDP video as he gets more angry and calls out Taker.  Cut to WWF New York and its - aww damnit - its Billy Gunn.  He reminds us he was the 1999 King of the Ring and he's annoyed that he isnt just stuck in WWF New York, but he wasnt even in this years tournament.  Cry some more Billy, maybe if you werent the worst king ever things would be different.

Kurt Angle vs Edge - King of the Ring Final.

The Build.
Wow is this the earliest the finals have went on?   Commentators mention no man has ever won it twice, so they're just ignoring the pre-1993 history, despite the fact it became a major character arc for Randy Savage in the late 80's.  Anyway, there isnt a build as these two just won their semi finals earlier.

The Match.

Angle has a mic, he apologizes to Edge for his conduct last week and doesnt want anything to get in the way of their friendship.  They shake hands and he reminds Edge he has a match later, and that Edge has no chance of beating him its only right Edge lets him be fresh and he should spare himself the embarassment of being beat and he should forfeit.  Edge looks like he's mulling it over but he nails Angle and the bell sounds.

Its pretty back and forth to open up as JR mentions the King of the Ring is either a career maker (Steve Austin) or a curse (Billy Gunn) as Angle catches Edge with an overhead Belly to Belly to the outside!  He sends Edge ribs first into the steel steps.  Angle slows it down with some rest holds working on Edges ribs.  Edge tries to fight back but Angle sends him flying over the top rope.  He dumps him on the guard rail and rolls him back in the ring.  He climbs to the top rope but Edge crotches him with a dropkick, Edge then climbs a hits a hurricarana from the top but only gets a two.  Edge gets fired up and mounts a comeback,  he counters out of an Angle Slam attempt and goes for the Impaler DDT, but Angle counters out of that and goes for the Ankle Lock, but Edge rolls it through into a pinfall attempt but Angle kicks out at 2! Nice sequence.  Christian runs down but he inadvertently distracts the ref while Edge makes a pin.  Angle dodges a clothesline from Edge who takes out the ref.  Angle gets the Ankle Lock in and Edge taps.  Angle goes to revive the ref as Shane McMahon storms the ring and spears Kurt Angle.  Edge gets up and hits the Impaler DDT and gets the three count!

Winner via Pinfall and 2001 King of the Ring - Edge!

Rating: 3 stars. Slowed down a bit in the middle but really picked up at the end with some top offense and high impact stuff.  Shane screwing Angle makes sense but it does put an asterix on Edges name in the record books.  A big win for Edge nonetheless and would be the launching pad for his successful singles career.

We dont get a coronation just yet as we go backstage and Tazz is with Benoit now.  Tazz asks him the same question he asked Jericho, and Benoit dodges answering aswell.  We see DDP ringside again geting more and more impatient for Undertaker to get here.  Coach is with Edge and he congratulates him, then Christian comes out to congratulate him and tells him he was only out there to help him.  Planting the seeds.  We see Angle desperate to get his hands on Shane, he is apoplectic about what just happened.

Jeff Hardy (c) vs Xpac  - WWF Light Heavyweight Championship

The Build.

Jeff defeated Jerry Lynn for the belt on SmackDown, and Xpac needs something to do and wants a shot.  Its a simple as that.

The Match.

Neither Team Xtreme or X Factor are allowed at ringside and JR plugs the next PPV Fully Loaded (we'll see about that).  Big Xpac sucks chants early on as they trade "cruiserweight" offense.  Jeff misses a whisper in the win and crashes hard, allowing Xpac to take control.  They trade momentum until Xpac misses a Bronco Buster allowing Jeff to control things, until a miscommunication leads to Xpac not jumping high enough for a leapfrog and crashing into Hardy.  Xpac fights out of a corner punch spot and hits an Xfactor.  He gets a three count but the ref realises Jeffs foot is on the ropes and the match continues.  Jeff counters another Xfactor and hits a big Jawbreaker.  He goes for a Swanton but Xpac crotches him.  Jeff fights him off then nails the Swanton and gets the three count.

Winner and STILL WWF Light Heavyweight Champion - Jeff Hardy!

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Fine, but completely forgettable.  Isnt going to make any "Best ever" compilations.

We see William Regal in his office with Tajiri banging on about how good the tournament was when Steve Austin busts in a demands to use his phone.  He phones Vince and asks him about the rumours of Jericho and Benoit.  Austin says he needs Vince here and tells him to hurry up and get to the arena.  Back to DDP and he looks about ready to snap as we see another video of him.  He's had enough and gets back in the ring and calls out Taker again.  We see another video and it turns out it was Sara who was videoing DDP.  She tells him its time to become famous as here comes The Undertaker! DDP doesnt run and gets right at Taker who quickly fights him off.  DDP gets a reprieve with a low blow and its his turn to lay into Taker, but its shortlived as Taker fights back and sends him flying.  We see Sara make her way to ringside with a camera.   She starts filming Taker beat DDP all around the ringside area.  Taker sends DDP into the timekeepers area but DDP fights back with a chair.  It doesnt have an affect on the Deadman as he tackles DDP and they both crash over the announce table.  Page has had enough and escapes through the crowd.  JR says that this isnt over - pretty sure it is.  You just squashed DDP and Taker gets his revenge, whats left to do in this angle?  Thats what happens when you try to be a company man.  Should have stayed at home Page.

We see Austin waiting in the parking lot for McMahon.  He asks a security guard how long it takes to get from Grenwich to Jersey.  He isnt happy when he's told its about 90 minutes.

Kurt Angle vs Shane McMahon - Street Fight.

The Build.

While Angle is hosting a victory ceremony after winning back his gold medals, Shane interupts and talks about WCW, which infuriates Angle, and it all devolved from there with each man taking turns attacking the other over the next few weeks.

The Match.

Im going to be watching this whole match through my fingers waiting for that spot.  Angle wastes no time and takes Shane down immediately.  Angle very obviously outwrestles Shane early on with suplexes, throws and amateur holds.  Shane mocks Angle with some amateur wrestling of his own.  Angle gets in an amateur position as we see he's bust above his eye.  Shane takes the bait and is immediately rolled over by Angle who beats him with hard forearms and a big overhead Belly to Belly.  Then another, and a third as Angle gives him a ticket to Suplex City.  Angle gets back in the amateur position and calls Shane out again.  Shane learns from his mistakes and hoofs Kurt in the stomach with a big boot.  He fights out of a German attempt and sends Angle flying to the outside.  They run round the ring and Shane jumps up on the guard rail and dives off onto Kurt.  Shane gets a kendo stick from under the ring and breaks it over Angles back and a sick shot to the back of the head.  Angle sends Shane into the ring apron with a desperation shove.  Arm drag from Shane to Angle into the guard rail. Spear from Shane sending Angle into the steel steps.  Angle shows off by bridging out of three pins in a row as Shane gets some plunder.  A couple of trash cans, lids and a wooden board. Shane bends a sign over Angles back and a flying shot to the face but only gets a two.  Angle goes sternum first in the top turnbuckle and Shane hits a floatover DDT but cant get a pin.  Shane is somehow able to lock in a Sharpshooter which is better than The Rocks, although Angle is able to make it to the ropes.  Shane pulls him back in the ring but Angle cracks him with the Kendo stick.  Shane beats Angle with a trash can, lays it on top of him and climbs to the top rope, he goes for a Shooting Star press but Angle moves and Shane crashes into the bottom of the trash can!  Ouch!  Angle dumps Shane over the top rope and they fight up the aisle and oh Frak the spot is coming up.  Shane blocks a suplex and hits one of his own on the concrete.  Angle bounces Shane off a stage support, and he tries to overhead suplex Shane through a plate of glass in the stage, but Shane just bounces off it and lands right on the top of his head on the concrete.  There is a sickening thud that I will take to the grave with me.  Somehow Shane is still awake as Angle repeats the spot and thankfully (?) he goes through this time.  Angles back is covered in glass as we see Shane is also a bloody mess. He tries it again from the inside out but again Shane bounce off.  Thankfully he lands on Angle this time so doesnt crack his head.  He goes for a FOURTH suplex but again Shane bounces off.  Angles had enough and just straight up throws Shane through the glass partition.  Both men are covered in blood from rolling about in the glass as Angle struggles to get Shane back to the ring.  He grabs a roadie case and lays Shane on top of it to wheel him back to the ring.  Angle finally gets Shane in the ring and makes a cover but SHANE KICKS OUT!  Angle sees red and gets a trashcan lid, but Shane gets a low blow in before Angle can do anything.  Shane bends it over Angles head and its an Angle Slam on Kurt, but Angle somehow kicks out.  Big catapult from Kurt leaves Shane sprawled over the top turnbuckle.  Angle gets the wooden board from earlier and nails Shane with it a few times.  He then bridges it over the top ropes and hits an ANGLE SLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE!  Angle is somehow able to crawl over and make the pin and thankfully this one is over.

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle.

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Jesus wept this just kept going.  Kurt Angle two matches deep helped Shane McMahon to probably his best ever match.  Both men gave everything they had.  The story of Angle being the better wrestler until it got Hardcore allowing Shane to even things up was great, and it had some of the most iconic spots ever.  Im amazed Shane was able to continue after that sick landing he took.  It didnt have the story that Cactus Jack vs HHH did but it was still an incredible spectacle.  Definitely worth watching.

We see Stone Cold still waiting for Vince until the Brooklyn Brawler comes and tells him its time for his match.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit - WWF Championship.

The Build.

After losing the tag titles to Benoit and Jericho, Austin ended his partnership with HHH while HHH was being carried out the arena with a legit knee injury.  Austin claims he's just out for himself now and says he can beat both Chris's in the same ring at the same time, so Linda McMahon makes that match official.  Austin starts to turn on Vince, claiming its a conspiracy against him.  Austin tells Vince its either him or Linda, and Vince responds saying that if Austin doesnt retain the title then their relationship is over.  Benoit and Jericho are still on the same page despite the match format, and that alliance is forged harder after Austin cost them the tag titles.

The Match.

Austin stalls in the aisle waiting for McMahon, until Benoit and Jericho have enough and rush him before the bell.  If you're keeping score at home thats 5/7 matches on this show that started with an attack before the bell.  Austin immediately tries to run away through the crowd but is quickly caught.  The two Canadians dont let up as the relentlessly double team Austin.  Every time Austin seems to find an opening he's cut back down.  Jericho makes a cover but Benoit pulls him off and they have a stare down.  It doesnt take long before the infighting starts, and as Jericho and Benoit take shots at each other Austin removes a turnbuckle pad.  Jericho is able to lock in the Walls but Benoit breaks it up and sends Jericho to the outside.  Heyman refers to Benoit as an undefeated WCW champion which I suppose is true.  Austin gets a breather when he sends Benoit flying as Jericho is still down.  He bounces Benoit off the steel steps and tells Benoit the WWF title will never be his (Should have put money on that). Jericho recovers and climbs on the apron but Austin tosses Benoit into him, sending him flying into the barricade.  Out of nowhere Benoit hits Austin with a Stunner but the referee is down which allows Austin enough time to recover and kick out.  Benoit grabs the title and drills Austin in the head with it.  Jericho is just able to break up the count.  Austin tries to put Jericho in the Walls but Jericho is able to power out.  Austin locks Jericho in a sleeper hold but Jericho powers out into a back suplex.  A flurry of offense sees Jericho hit Benoit off the apron with a springboard dropkick followed by a Facebuster to Austin, but when he goes for a Lionsault Austin gets the knees up.  Benoit comes back with a chair but Austin avoids it and he bends it over Jerichos head, and Austin takes Benoit out with a Stunner.  Austin gets Jericho on the top turnbuckle and hits a Superplex from the top.  He lifts Jericho up on another turnbuckle and hits ANOTHER top rope Superplex. He makes the cover but somehow Jericho kicks out.  Austin sets up for a third Superplex but Benoit cuts him off with FIVE German suplexes in a row, but Austin blocks the sixth with a low blow.  Jericho and Austin are the first two to their feet and Jericho gets Austin in the walls.  Benoit then locks in the Crossface and Austin immediately starts tapping out.  Hebner refuses to call it as both men cant score a fall.  Jericho charges Benoit but is caught in the Crossface, he manages to roll out and tries for the Walls but Benoit fights out.  Austin grabs a chair while the two Chrises fight, but Benoit baseball slides it right into Stone Colds face.  Jericho and Benoit send each other over the top rope as Austin recovers, when suddenly Booker T appears and attacks Austin!  The WCW Champion lays Austin out with a Scissors Kick then puts him through the announce table.  Security charge down and chase him away.  Back in the ring Benoit hits a couple of German suplexes on Jericho, but Jericho rolls out of the third and locks in the Walls of Jericho!  Benoit somehow makes it to the rope. Benoit rams Jericho shoulder first into the ring post, and hits a scoop slam. He signals for the Headbutt but Jericho recovers and slams him off the top rope.  Jericho hits the Lionsault but Benoit kicks out at two.  Both men spill over the top again as Austin is still motionless.  Jericho hits Austin with the top panel of the announce table before struggling to throw him in the ring.  Jericho goes up top and nails a moonsault but Benoit breaks up the fall!  He sends Jericho out then hits Austin with a diving headbutt but Jericho pulls the ref out the ring!  Benoit hits a belly-to-back suplex from the top and all three men are down again.  Austin very slowly crawls over and drapes an arm over Benoit, and the referee counts the three!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Stone Cold Steven Austin!

Rating: 4 stars.  A very good triple threat even if it did fall into some of the tropes. Weird to have Booker T interupt and not work that into the finish, and the ending felt a bit anti-climatic but it puts Austin over as super resilient and resourceful.  Thats the last we'll see of Benoit as he's worked pretty much the whole previous month with a broken neck, and would take nearly a year off to have surgery and recover.

Pros.

Street Fight was awesome.
Triple Threat was great.
The KotR matches were much better than last year.

Cons.

The King of the Ring felt less important.
The Dudley Boys are really getting stale.
Shanes sick landing.

Overall Verdict.

A very easy watch, and a show that flowed well.  Im torn about the actual King of the Ring format.  We got less Poopie matches this year, but I still think the whole tournament should be on one show and it makes it more of an endurance competition.  The pacing was really well though, and there wasnt really a bad match on the card.  Yeah I think I could recommend this show, especially if you havent seen it before.  If you dont want to commit to the full thing the I would highly recommend the Shane/Angle street fight.

PPV League Table

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
King of the Ring
Judgement Day
Backlash

Six down, six to go.  Its Fully Loaded up next, or is it?  NO!  Its Invasion next as the WCW/ECW Invasion kicks off.  One of the most infamous angles in WWF history, hopefully it starts with a bang.  See you there.

INVASION 2001

We are live in the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio for WWF Invasion!  Originally billed as a Fully Loaded event, alot has changed since King of the Ring. We started to see WCW stars dripping into the WWF, but now its exploded into a full blown Invasion.  Its WCW vs WWF.  Its the dream scenario every fan in the 90's speculated about.  However, ECW felt left out, so they've banded together with WCW to form The Alliance to try and take down WWF once and for all.  nearly 18,000 fans are here tonight, with a whopping 770,000 PPV buys - the highest ever non-WrestleMania show in WWF history, so that should give you an idea of how exciting this was to the fans.  This night is all about WWF vs The Alliance, and so whoever wins the most matches on the night will win out over all and get a huge boost for the rest of this feud.  On Sunday Night Heat Chavo Guerrero defeated Scotty 2 Hotty to give The Alliance a 1-0 lead going into our official opening contest.

We get a pretty good promo package with voice overs from Vince, Shane, Stephanie and Heyman.  I like the stage set up for this one, with Alliance guys coming out of one side, then WWF guys out the other and the two ramps meet in the middle.  Pretty cool.  Michael Cole joins JR for commentary tonight as Heyman is doing management duties tonight.

Side Note:  Because these matches all follow the same basic set up I'll be foregoing my usual description of the build up, because its all basically the same.

Edge & Christian vs Mike Awesome and Lance Storm.

Awesome and Storm dont even get an entrance, after the Pyro goes off some crappy song is playing and they're already in the ring.  Storm tries to be serious for a moment but is cut off by Edge and Christian.  These really are two guys who had something to offer but WWF being WWF they were both buried pretty sharp - especially Mike Awesome.

Awesome and Christian start things off with Christian using his speed to out wrestle Awesome - who call reminds us was the first ever WCW star to wrestle in MSG. Tag to Edge but the heels quickly take over.  Edge sends Awesome off the apron then sends Storm over the top rope crashing onto his tag partner.  Then he and Christian attempt a Poetry in Motion type move but Christian doesnt get enough elevation and catches his foot on the top rope before tumbling to the outside, luckily Storm and Awesome were quick enough to catch him.  JR covers for them by saying even the best have pre-match jitters especially given tonights stakes because JR is an expert.  The heels isolate Christian and do some dastardly heel work behind the refs back.  Mike Awesome stood out in ECW when he was wrestling guys like Candido and Storm, but he's not much taller than Edge so he just looks like another guy in WWF.  Awesome comes off the top with a big frog splash on Christian, but Edge breaks up the pin for the second time (thats surely a DQ?  Bloody WWF refs showing their bias already.)  Christian takes Awesome off the top rope to get a breather, and crawls over to Edge for the hot tag!  Edge runs wild taking down both men with some high impact stuff.  Storm takes advantage of the chaos to roll up Edge, but the ref is busy with Awesome and Christian comes in and rolls the pin over, but Lance kicks out.  Edge takes out Awesome with a Spear, then pushes Christian out of the way of a Superkick from Storm, and Christian tackles Storm out the ring.  Mike Awesome sets up for the Awesome Bomb, but Christian charges out of nowhere and hits him with a Spear of his own, allowing Edge to land on him make the cover.

Winners via Pinfall - Edge and Christian!

JR calls that Edge and Christian draw first blood, so Im guessing the Heat match isnt cannon.  Oh well, 1-0 to WWF then.

Rating: 3 stars. Very good opening contest, all four guys got to get their stuff in and its puts over Edge and Christian and their history as a team in how well they work together.  Lance Storm is a very solid technical worker so I think he has a lot to offer.

Vince celebrates backstage when William Regal comes in to tell him Austin has just arrived.  Vince tells him to worry about his match later, and tells him to do what George Washington did to King Georges redcoats, which Regal isnt too happy about.

Nick Patrick vs Earl Hebner - wait what?

Not only does this get a PPV slot but it gets a hype package! Mick Foley comes out as the Special Guest referee.  Cole calls him a WWF legend but it was definitely his work in WCW and ECW that put him on the map, so I think it would be fair to say he's a legend in all three companies.  The WCW refs are out first, including Little Naitch, Charles Robinson and im pretty sure that Earls son Brian there too. Dont know who the third guy is.  Hebner is out next and theres a fair few more WWF guys than WCW guys. He's flanked by Tim White, Jack Doan, Mike Chioda and Teddy Long to name a few.  The crowd are that into this you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a RAW after Mania.  A gang war almost breaks out between both sets of refs but Foley keeps them apart to huge FOLEY chants.    Patrick baseballs slides Hebner to the floor and he's jumped by the WCW guys, all hell breaks loose and the crowd pop huge for the brawl, and boo loudly when Foley breaks it up.  Big pop for sending the WCW guys to the back though.  Patrick gets in Foleys face but he turns round into a shoulder tackle from Hebner and thats enough for a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Earl Hebner.

Rating: No rating.  You know what?  I didnt hate this.  Both guys did their level best and they didnt try to have a proper wrestling match, and there was actually some impressive stuff done.  I feel bad giving a match between two non-wrestlers a zero star rating, so I'll treat this the same as the Gimmick Battle Royal from Mania.  Way above expectations but I still wouldnt have put it on PPV.  WWF go up 2-0.  Patrick gets in Foleys face again affter the match but gets a right hand and a visit from Mr Socko for his troubles.

We get a bit of hype for the 5 on 5 tag in the main event later, including a recap of when DDP kidnapped Debra on Smackdown.  We then see her and Sara talk about how they look forward to watching their husbands tear him apart later, and Sara calls Undertaker "Mark".  Nice one.

The Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire) vs The APA (Faarooq & Bradshaw).

Its tag champs vs tag champs here tonight which makes sense.  I always liked Sean O'Haire and I dont think he got a fair crack at the whip in WWF/E.  They gave him this really interesting Devil/manipulating force/sociopath gimmick but it never went anywhere and he just became Roddy Pipers sidekick.  No time wasted as the heels attack before their introduction is done, but APA quickly take control.    The teams trade offense and momentum, its very formulaic. Faces in control - tag - heels get control - tag - faces regain control - rinse and repeat.  It all breaks down as Faarooq sends O'Haire to the outside, then eats a superkick from Palumbo, but as Chuck recovers Bradshaw bounces off the ropes and kills him with a Clothesline from Hell and gets the academic three count.

Winners via Pinfall - The APA.

Rating: 1 star. Very formulaic like I said, and even though this was champs vs champs with nothing tangible on the line this felt like a TV match.  Really strange booking putting the APA over, because while the heels arent exactly young men they've got a lot more left in the tank that the APA, putting them over wouldnt have hurt anyone here.  Oh, and thats 3-0 for the WWF.

Vince is celebrating again with Jericho this time.  Vince asks Jericho about his allegiance because he worked for all three companies.  He buries WCW because they never had a leader, but puts over Heyman and worries he could be the leader WCW were desperate for, which makes them dangerous.  We then see Steph, Shane and Billy Kidman in the locker room.  They hype up Kidman for his upcoming match, then Heyman appears and puts over the fact that if Kidman loses WCW have no chance.  Kidman says he'll prove why everyone chants Xpac Sucks.

Xpac vs Billy Kidman.

Champion vs Champion again here, with Kidman holding the WCW Cruiserweight title and Xpac with the WWF Lightheavyweight title.  JR buries the way WCW fired Xpac which was pretty scummy to be fair.  Xpac is such a great heel that even though he is face by default here he still gets a negative reaction.  Genius.  Some quick, tight cruiserweight offense from both men with Kidman getting the upper hand, punctuated with a baseball slide-bulldog style takedown to the floor.  Xpac sends him to the outside then hits a springboard plancha.  Xpac slows it right down with rest holds.  Xpac counters a corner punches spot with a powerbomb but only gets a two, Kidman follows up by hitting Xpac with an X-factor but that only gets a two.  Xpac counters a top rope dive from Kidman into an X-Factor of his own but only gets a two.  Xpac goes for a Bronco Buster but Kidman lifts his foot and Pac lands square on his nuts.  Kidman follows up with a Shooting Star Press, manages to not hurt anyone and gets the three.

Winner via Pinfall - Billy Kidman.

Rating: 2 stars.  Again, felt like a TV match, but the opening was pretty good and an exciting end.  WCW finally get a win on the board and we're at 3-1.

DDP goes into the Alliance locker room but he seems to focused on Debra and Sara, Shane tells him to get his head in the game because this match means everything.  Cut to Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler talking about their tits and ass.  Literally.  Jesus wept.  

Raven vs William Regal

A clear contrast of appearance here, with Regal the classic, clean, 70's throwback and Raven the dirty, grungy looking mink.  Regal easily out wrestles Raven, but Raven decides he would rather have a fight.  A double head knock and Raven falls out the ring, the ref goes to check on him.  This allows Tazz to run down and hit Regal with a Tazzplex, allowing Raven to crawl back in, hit the Raven Effect and gets the pin.

Winner via Pinfall - Raven.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Technically sound, but boring as all hell and completely forgettable.  This match wouldnt feel out of place on Heat and the crowd must have felt the same because they werent into it at all.  3-2, WCW are bringing it back.

Taker and Kane are warming up when Vince comes in to talk to them. Vince tries to get them angry, which backfires when Taker pins him to the wall and tells him he'll see their best.

Big Show, Albert & Billy Gunn vs Shawn Stasiak, Chris Kanyon & Hugh Morris.

The faces come out seperately, but the heels come out as a cohesive unit to Stasiaks rip off Mr Perfect theme.  The heels jump them from behind but we get a cool spot where all three WWF guys hit stereo press slams. Billy Gunn controls Kanyon until a cheap shot from Stasiak, then Kanyon hits a side Russian leg sweep and rolls back up into a Skull Crushing Finale.  Shawn Stasiak is of course the son of Stan Stasiak, who was the 5th ever WWE Champion.  It all breaks down and theres a spot where Morris sends Big Show over the barricade into the crowd but the cameras completely miss it.  It breaks down again and Stasiak its Billy Gunn with a reverse DDT, then it looks like he tries to roll Morris ontop of him but also cover Gunn at the same time? He eventually gives up and rolls out the ring, allowing the ref to count the fall.

Winners via Pinfall - Hugh Morris, Shawn Stasiak and Chris Kanyon.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Gets a half star because it was over in less than 5 minutes, but this was not good by any stretch.  Why put these three geeks over and have the WCW tag champs lose when it would make so much more sense to reverse both decisions?  Its not like these three guys are going to set the world alight, and they got a lot more out of Palumbo and O'Haire in the long run anyway - well except for Morris who went on to be a trainer in the Performance Centre.  Oh yeah, its 3-3.  And the faces get their heat back after the bell so no one gets over.

Shane is with WCW US and World Champion Booker T.  He finally brings up Chavo winning earlier so now the score is 4-3.  Half way through the show before that became cannon.  Booker T calls all the WWF guys Suckas and hypes himself up.  We see Tajiri getting ready for his match, Regal comes in in a foul mood, calls Tazz a foul, miserable toerag little gobshite (10/10) and sends him out to rip him apart.

Tazz vs Tajiri

On paper this should deliver.  Tajiri storms the ring and we get right to it.  Tajjers uses his speed to take control of Tazz but Tazz catchs him in an awesome overhead suplex.  Tajiri fights back momentarilly but Tazz takes his head off with a clothesline.  Tazz uses his power advantage to keep Tajiri grounded and at bay. He goes for an armbar but Tajiri is able to scramble to the ropes.  Tazz counters a head scissors with an Alabama Slam for a two count, but Tajiri fights back with a spring board back elbow.  The fight spills to the outside and Tazz sends Tajiri into the steps.  Back in the ring Tajiri avoids a charge and locks in a Tarantula, then a big double dropkick but Tazz kicks out at two.  A couple of big kicks from Tajiri but Tazz catches him and hits a big suplex.  Tazz shoves the ref away which allows Tajiri to spray him with the green mist and hit a Buzzsaw Kick and he gets the pinfall out of nowhere.

Winner via Pinfall - Tajiri.

Rating: 1 star.  It was just starting to build to something then it ended.  Shame, would like to have seen more from these two.  Its tied up at 4-4 now for those of you at home.

We immediately go to the Hardys backstage, Jeff asks if Trish and Lita are ready, but Matt says he's more worried about Jeffs match.  Suddenly Rob Van Dam attacks Matt with a chair, but scarpers before Jeff can get to him.  We go to WWF New York, Hardcore Holly is signing autographs when he clocks a guy in a WCW T-Shirt.  He rips it off him and kicks him out.  What a dick.

Rob Van Dam vs Jeff Hardy (c) - WWF Hardcore Championship.

Its our only title match tonight, its going to be weird watching a match with actual stakes.  Both men get good reactions coming out, Van Dam is a great heel but the WWF crowd never gave him the chance to show it, he was always too popular.  Quick exchange of offense and counters ends in a face off to a good pop.  Van Dam poses for the crowd but Hardy dropkicks him. More quick fire offense ends when Jeff dropkicks Van Dams head into the bottom turnbuckle.  Van Dam counters a leaping sunset flip attempt from Jeff with a standing moonsault but only gets a two.  Van Dam showcase with Rolling Thunder, but when he jumps to the top rope Jeff shoves him off and he crashes hard on the barricade.  Big baseball slide by Jeff sends RVD flying.  Jeff tries to do his Barricade run into a clothesline but RVD meets him up there and sends him crashing into the crowd.  The two men brawl with RVD hitting a very impressive moonsault off a railing.  Its all RVD as he drapes Jeff over the barricade and hits a spinning leg drop from the ring apron.  Big RVD chants and he takes a bow, but Jeff takes him out and hits a sunset flip powerbomb from inside the ring, off the apron and to the floor.  Jeff gets a ladder and climbs it, but RVD outsmarts him and gets back in the ring, then topples the ladder with Jeff spilling hard into the aisle.  JR uses the iconic "Where do you learn to fall off a 20ft ladder?" line. RVD gets a chair but Jeff manages to hit him in the face with the ladder, he then busts Van Dam across the back with the chair.  Jeff goes for a big swing back RVD pops up with a Van Daminator, kicking the chair into Jeffs face and sending him flying off the stage!  Another spinning leg drop by RVD but only gets a two.  Back in the ring RVD dropkicks the chair into Jeff in the corner as we see Jeff is busted open.  He tries to follow it up with a split-legged moonsault but Jeff gets the knees up then hits a big DDT but can only get a two.  Jeff folds RVD in half with a German suplex but again RVD kicks out.  Jeff hits a big jawbreaker then climbs up top and goes for the Swanton but RVD rolls out the way and he lands on the title belt.  RVD places the belt across Jeff then hits a Five Star Frog Splash, makes the cover, and wins the gold.

Winner and NEW WWF Hardcore Champion - Rob Van Dam.

Rating: 4 stars.  Brilliant match. I dont know if its just good compared to what I've had to sit through so far but this was bloody good.  These two work really well together and its refreshing to see a Hardcore title match that doesnt rely on weapons, but rather uses them to enhance spots.  Good stuff.

Vince isnt happy that WWF are now behind 5-4 when Angle comes in in a serious mood.  Vince continues his hype train by telling Angle to channel his inner leader and do it for the red white and blue.  Angle tells him enough of the "Americana cowpat".  He tells Vince he kicked some serious ass in '96, and he's going to do it again tonight, but not just for his country, or his company, but for him.  Great promo from Angle.  Short and sweet.

Trish Stratus & Lita vs Torrie Wilson & Stacy Keibler - Bra and Panties tag match.

Do I have to?  Really? Fine.

3 Hall of Famers in this match. Remember that.  Oh wait, make that 4 as Mick Foley makes his way back out with his referee shirt on.  He's going to referee this match aswell.  With his big perm and missing teeth he looks like the kid from Stranger Things all grown up.  Trying to give this the benefit of the doubt because you've got two women who are still quite green when it comes to working, and two who were never proper wrestlers, but this is bad.  Its hard to argue that wrestling is art when this is on, Im just glad Mrs Samo is at work.  Mortifying and Im glad we've moved on from this.  

Winners - Trish and Lita.

Rating: 0 stars.  The least said about this the better.

Mercifully we go to the Alliance locker room where Steph, Shane and Heyman are delivering the pre-match hype up.  They're going into this as a unit.  We cut to Steve Austin who is in a foul mood.  Vince comes in for his final meeting.  Austin tells him he doesnt need motivating, he aint here to sing songs or play the guitar, he's here to kick ass.

DDP, Booker T, Rhyno & The Dudley Boys w/ Shane, Stephanie and Paul Heyman vs Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Undertaker & Kane.

The pre-match package highlights Vince needing the old Stone Cold back.  He doesnt need one that gives him hugs, but he needs the one who didnt give a Frak and beat up everyone and anyone.  Austin almost walks out and Vince practically begs him to come back.  The Old Stone Cold finally returns to one of the biggest pops ever to lead team WWF in this war.

The owners are out first, with Vince coming out to a particularly huge pop.  Its weird seeing a face Mr. McMahon.    I've only just noticed something, during the opening match they said that the referee were decided by a coin toss, but WCW have reffed one match all night. Thats some bad luck in a 50/50 chance.

Dudleys are out first, then Kane and Undertaker?  Alright, they're alternating entrances for some reason but its pretty cool.  DDP is out last for the heels but Taker wastes no time in going after him.  A massive brawl breaks out in the aisle as Austin makes his entrance and goes straight after anything that moves.  The bell finally sounds when Austin rolls Rhyno in the ring and we start the match proper.  Its obviously all Austin including a Superplex from the top rope. He tags in Jericho but Rhyno is eventually able to fight back and tag in Booker.  Doesnt take long before Jericho fights back and gets in some signature offense before tagging in Angle.  Angle has the intensity turned up to 11 here but it becomes his undoing as he eats a big back kick from Booker.  Dvon and Kane tag in, ensuring everyone gets a spot.  Bubba blind tags in and those damned Dudleys double team Kane.  Kane hits a big flying clothesline but Dvon breaks it up, tag to Undertaker who cheapshots DDP then goes Old School.  Michael Cole calls it "Vintage".  Even back then.  The more things change the more they stay the same.  Rhyno is back in and overpowers Undertaker, before tagging in DDP.  Taker gets a hope spot but DDP cuts him off with a lariat, then plants him with DDT.  Hah, a DDT by DDP.  Tag to Booker who goes to work on the Deadman but Taker hits a bigtime DDT to get a breather.  Tag to Austin and we need a price check on a Jackass but Booker rakes the eyes instead and MICHAEL COLE CALLS IT VINTAGE BOOKER T! Frak off.  The heels isolate Jericho for a while but he is able to fight off the Dudleys and tag in Angle who stacks the Dudleys up in the corner then hits back to back overhead Belly to Belly on them.  DDP tries a cheapshot but gets launched onto the announce table for his trouble, but Bubba capitalises and hits a Bubba Bomb.  It was here I realised the pattern of the match.  Face comes in, dominates for a while, heels cheat, heels dominate for a while, hope spot, hot tag, repeat.  Angle takes the lions share of the offense but is finally able to get a tag to Austin, but the ref didnt see it and sends Austin back to the apron.  DDP hits a Diamond Cutter and Undertaker has seen enough, and a brawl breaks out.  Rhyno misses Jericho with a Gore and takes out Booker.  Undertaker Chokeslams DDP and sets up for the Last Ride but Lil Naitch gets involved, so Taker gives him the Last Ride!  DDP and Taker brawl to the back as Kane sets up to put Bubba through the announce table, but Dvon comes to the rescue and they bounce Kanes head off the steel steps, then get a table out from under the ring.  Kane fights back and Chokeslams Dvon through the announce table!  Rhyno saves Bubba again and they double suplex Kane through the Spanish table! Jericho comes flying in a shoulder blocks Rhyno through the table that was propped up against the barricade and we Austin selling his knee.  Back in the ring Bubba and Booker double team Angle but he is able to fight back and takes Booker to Suplex City then hits the Angle Slam on Bubba!  Ankle Lock to Booker but he powers out and Angle crashes into the ref.  In the confusion Vince throws the WWF title to Angle, but Shane intercepts it and drills Vince with it!  Angle fights off Bubba and Shane, hits the Angle Slam on Booker and locks him in the Ankle Lock!  Booker taps as Austin scrambles to revive the ref.  Austin gets the ref in the ring the kicks Angle in the head!  He hits Angle with a Stunner!  He puts Booker over Angle and forces the ref to count!  The Alliance Win!

Winners via Pinfall - The ECW/WCW Alliance!

Austin celebrates with Shane, Steph and Heyman as JR spits blood.  He gets a few more stomps in on Angle for good measure and flips the double bird as we go off the air.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  It was technically sound, if a bit by the numbers.  Really picked up in the last 7 or so minutes and was pretty entertaining.  Everyone got their spots in, the crowd were into it and you got a real feeling that this was personal, but again because there was no real stakes it felt like it lacked any real drama. Where do we go from here?  Lets find out.

Pros.

Opening match was solid.
Hardcore title match was excellent.
Main event delivered.

Cons.

Most of the undercard was subpar.
No real drama despite the story.
No Paul Heyman on commentary.

Overall Verdict.

This was a tough watch.  You get your hopes up with the opener then it falls off a Frak cliff until the first title match, which is for the bottom tier belt.  Despite being a company vs companies war, and a score being kept there was nothing on the line so it all felt unimportant in the end.  I like to think of this show as a cheap brand Survivor Series, which did everything this show did but slightly better as there was actual stakes and consequences.  I suppose I could recommend going to watch the Rob Van Dam vs Jeff Hardy match but I would really have to dislike you to recommend you go watch the whole thing.  Easily the worst PPV of the year so far.

League Table

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
King of the Ring
Judgement Day
Backlash
Invasion

Well as luck would have it next time round its Summerslam 2001.  Spoiler alert: This show has one of my favourite matches of all time on it.  How will Vince respond to Austin turning on him?  Will this win bolster the Alliance into an unstoppable force?  What happens now that WCW control both world titles?  We'll find out next time, thanks again for sticking through this one.

SUMMERSLAM 2001

Holy balls has it really been nearly three weeks since my last review? Yes it has, and I can only apologize.  Things are a bit mental for me at the moment trying to move house, but we're getting back on track here and we're rolling into SummerSlam 2001.  Over 15 thousand fans in attendance in the Compaq Centre in San Jose, California.  6 title matches tonight, although that doesnt really mean anything because WWF are trying to work in around 12 different titles at once right now so its all a bit of a mess, and titles change almost weekly.  Anyhoo lets get on with this, its been too long already.

The show opens with the iconic "Let the bodies hit the floor" package.  Its not quite My Way from Mania, but if you were watching at this time this will be burned into your brain.  Its a bit of a joke now but its actually a decent song.  RIP singer Dave Williams who died a year later of heart disease at just 30.  JR welcomes us to the show and thank all that is good and holy Paul Heyman is back on commentary.  All is right in the world.

Lance Storm (c) vs Edge - WWF Intercontinental Championship.

The Build.

These two Canadians have been at each other since Storm debuted, and after winning the IC title from Albert on RAW it only makes sense that he puts it on the line tonight against Edge.  Edge is on the up as a singles star, looking to win his first singles title here.

The Match.

Storm is out first to a decent reaction, he takes the mic from Fink and asks to be serious for a minute to great heat.  He says theres no place for shenanigans in this business and wants to explain why.  He's obviously cut off by Edge who comes out to a decent reaction, and we cut back to see the WWF guys in the locker room watching on, led by Christian with Edge's King of the Ring trophy.  Both men jockey for position until Edge plants Storm with a huge flapjack, then sends him to the floor with a dropkick.  Edge gets Storm back in the ring (because he cant win the title on the outside, 10/10). Big missile dropkick gets a two.  Storm counters a vertical suplex attempt by dropping Edge on the ropes, then dumps him to the outside.  Its all Storm now as he gets a few near falls and cuts off Edges hope spots.  The crowd pop huge everytime Edge gets a pinfall attempt. Edge attempts a crucifix pin but Storm counters and hits a rolling senton for a two count, and goes back to working over Edges ribs and back.  Storm goes for a springboard crossbody but Edge catches him and turns it into a powerslam in midair.  Edge starts getting a head of steam and hits a nice flurry of offence, punctuated by a spinning heel kick but only gets a two.  Storm goes for a leapfrog but Edge catches him in a powerbomb.  Storm counters an Irish Whip and rolls Edge into a Single Leg Boston Crab.  Edge crawls to the ropes and is able to pull himself up, tripping over Storm and locking him in a Boston Crab. Storm fights out and the ref takes a bump.  Suddenly Christian runs down and gets in the ring, he goes to Spear Storm, but Storm sends him flying into Edge!   Storm sends Christian packing with a superkick then makes the cover, but Edge kicks out!  Huge pop for the nearest of falls!  Storm goes for a superkick, but Edge counters into a hammerlock and hits the Impaler DDT (The Edgecution) and scores the three count!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF Intercontinental Champion - Edge!

Post match Christian gives Edge the belt and they celebrate together, before Christian leaves and allows Edge to enjoy his moment.

Rating: 3.5 stars. Very good opener.  Crowd were red hot, they work really well together, Storm is excellent, and it didnt outstay its welcome.  Really good match.

We see Test and the Dudley Boys getting ready for their match.  Michael Cole comes up and asks Test why he turned his back on the WWF.  Test tells him he didnt turn his back on the WWF, the WWF turned its back on him.  He puts over the Dudleys and says they turned their backs because they were tired of being overlooked by the fans in favour of Spike and Molly Holly.  He says there was no loyalty in the WWF, but there is in The Alliance and with Shane McMahon.

Lillian Garcia is with Chris Jericho, she asks if he has a game plan for a man who he's never beat - Rhyno.  He says theres a first time for everything, then goes on to run down Stephanie McMahon.

Spike Dudley & The APA vs Test & The Dudley Boys.

The Build.

Bubba and Dvon cant seem to put Little Spike down for good.  In the meantime Test cost The APA the WWF Tag Team titles after the APA accused him of being a mole and beating him down.  So basically these two feuds combine.

The Match.

Faarooq and Bubba start things off.  The Dudleys do some double team work on Faarooq but he plants Dvon with a hard spinebuster. Test is able to tag in but The APA are too much for him until Bubba breaks up a powerbomb attempt by Bradshaw, allowing the heels to take over.  Spike tags in and no one gets thrown around like Spike - Im amazed he can still walk.  The Dudleys have had enough of this Poopie and set up a table on the outside, Test goes to throw Spike through it, but Spike fights back with a rack of the eyes.  Spike is able to get the hot tag to Bradshaw who goes to town on Test, then takes out the Dudleys and it all breaks down. Test missed a Big Boot and eats a big powerbomb from Bradshaw, but Bubba pulls him off the cover.  In the ring Spike goes for a Dudley Dog but Test has other ideas and launches Spike over the top and crashing through the table!  Looked awesome.  Back in the ring Bradshaw kills Test with a Clothesline from Hell, but the ref is busy checking on Spike.  All of a sudden Shane O Mac charges down and decapitates Bradshaw with a chair, allowing Test to pick up the pieces, and get the win.

Winners via Pinfall - Test & The Dudleys Boys.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Pretty good match.  Quite formulaic but it was paced well, good high spots and seeing Spike being launched like a toy through a table is always a good time.  Yeah pleasantly surprised with this one.

The WWF guys in the Locker room look pissed off, but some are celebrating with Edge.  Christian comes in and tells him he's got a match for the European Championship against Matt Hardy tomorrow night.  They get a phonecall from their Grandma Edna.  She wants to talk to Edge, and when Edge passes the phone back to Christian she's hung up.  We see Debra in her office when Shawn Stasiak barges in.  He thinks his tights are the reason he's been screwing up by trying to impress Austin. His main concerns are they have stars on the front, their pink and they have Mecca written on the back (and he doesnt even know what Mecca means).  Debra tells him if he wants to impress Austin he can go kick someones ass.

Tajiri (c) vs Xpac (c) - WWF Lightheavyweight Title & WCW Cruiserweight Title - Title for Title.

The Build.

Remember when I mentioned earlier about how titles were being thrown around at this time? Well buckle up.  Former WWF LHW Xpac defeated Billy Kidman to win the WCW Cruiserweight title.  He then lost the WWF LHC to Tajiri earlier in the month, and now they set up a title for title match - NOT a unification match, thats important.

The Match.

The two guys work some really crisp cruiserweight stuff (you know the stuff im talking about) with Xpac obviously being the heel.  Tajjers sends Pac to the outside with a headscissors and follows it up with a baseball slide into a springboard moonsault.  Nice.  Bit ECW chants and Xpac crotches Tajiri on the ring post.  Xpac in control now with a surfboard submission and counters a leapfrog into a powerbomb.  Xpac goes for a Bronco Buster but Tajiri moves and Xpac ends up in a Tree of Woe position and Tajiri teaches him a lesson and nails a huge baseball slide to Xpacs face.  Big kicks and a reverse elbow from Tajiri get a two count, then he locks in the Tarantula to a big pop, but has to release the hold.  He comes off the top with a crossbody but Xpac rolls through for a two count.  Intricate version of a backslide by Tajiri, rolls into a catapult then hits a crisp German Suplex on Xpac but still only gets a two.  Xpac sends Tajiri to the outside then hits a plancha.  Xpac avoids a handspring back elbow and hits the X Factor, but isnt able to cover and allows Tajiri to reverse into a pinfall attempt of his own.  Xpacs mate Albert makes his way to ringside, Tajiri sets up for a Buzzsaw kick but Albert gets on the apron and gets Red Misted for his troubles. Xpac hits a low blow and an X Factor on Tajiri, makes the cover and steals the win.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF Lightheavyweight Champion and STILL WCW Cruiserweight Champion - Xpac.

Rating: 3 stars.  This was another really good match. Tajiri is so crisp and really brought out the best in Xpac, who easily had his best match since No Mercy 2000.  If you're keeping score at home we're now 3 for 3 with run ins tonight. Starting to see a pattern.

We go to WWF New York where Perry Saturn is searching for his new beau... Moppy.  This was part of a story where Raven gave Perry Saturn brain damage, and he fell in love with a mop... Yes, really.  He holds up a milk carton with Moppys face on it.  Apparently this gimmick was punishment for Saturn dropping a jobber on his head during a match, dont know if theres any truth in that.  Saturn gave it socks though, like a professional.  Still better than anything he did in WCW.

Stephanie is seen psyching up Rhyno before his match with Y2J.  She tells him to Gore the hell out of Jericho, and Rhyno promises to finish him off once and for all.

Chris Jericho vs Rhyno w/ Stephanie McMahon

The Build.

Jericho has been antogonizing Stephanie McMahon for months, and had been able to thwart her attempts to get revenge.  She finally finds Jerichos kryptonite in the form of the Man Beast Rhyno - who Jericho has never beaten.  In an epic moment, Rhyno speared Jericho through the SmackDown stage which helped set this one up.

The Match.

Rhyno uses his power to get the advantage early, but Jericho lands the first big hit with a cross body.  Top rope elbow into a spinning heel kick by Jericho only gets a two.  Rhyno ends up on the apron and Jericho nails a springboard dropkick.  Jericho climbs up top but Stephanie provides the distraction, and as Jericho comes off the top for a double axe handle Rhyno GORES him out of mid air!  Both men are down as Steph cheers on Rhyno and the ref starts his count.  Rhyno is able to get Jericho in the ring and make the cover but Jericho is just able to kick out.  He drapes Y2J over the top rope and lays into him with stomps.  As the ref gets him to back off Steph slaps the taste out of Jerichos mouth.  Rhyno applies the body scissors but Jericho is able to fight back. He's cut off by Rhyno lifting him up into an airplane spin into a slam for a two count.  Rhyno takes a risk and goes up top but misses a big splash. The two exchanges chops and Jericho runs to the ropes and attempts a standing Lionsault but his feet slip.  He's luckily still able to flip enough and Rhyno is able to get into position to catch him, that could have been nasty.  Jericho comes off the middle rope with a missile dropkick but Steph gets on the apron to distract the ref while Jericho makes the cover.  Jericho goes over to her and plants a big smooch on her, then takes down Rhyno with a facebuster, followed by a Lionsault but Rhyno kicks out!  Heyman calls Rhyno "The cure for Jerichoholism" and Rhyno proves that point by drilling Y2J with a big time spinebuster.  Instead of going for a pin Rhyno rolls Jericho into the Walls of Jericho!  Jericho refuses to tap to his own hold and manages to get to the bottom rope.  Big enzuigiri from Jericho but Rhyno hits a high impact Belly to Belly. Rhyno sets up for the GORE but Jericho sides steps and rolls Rhyno up and into the Walls.  Rhyno cant make it to the ropes and Jericho taps out the last ever ECW Champion as Steph throws a tantrum.

Winner via Submission - Chris Jericho!

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Not a bad match by any stretch of the imagination but I would say it was a really good TV match.  I thought the two guys worked well and Rhyno was showing some good psychology early on.

Backstage The Rock makes his PPV return for the first time since WrestleMania.  William Regal meets him and asks if he is 100% after what happened on SmackDown.  The Rock tells him that he's hurting but he's here, and all Booker T managed to do was piss him off.  He asks Regal if he can hear it.  Then asks if he can feel the electricity in the air.  Then he asks if he can smell it. Suddenly theres a scream and Rock nonchalantly sidesteps as Shawn Stasiak crashes into the shutter door behind them.  Big pop for that.

Rob Van Dam vs Jeff Hardy (c) - Ladder match for the Hardcore Championship

The Build.

These two had a barnstormer last month, and after Jeff won back his Hardcore title they decided to have one last hurrah and make it a ladder match.

The Match.

Crisp exchange of offense and counters from each man ends in a stand off to the crowds delight and big RVD chants - He's already a star.  Jeff scores the first big hit of the match with a double leg drop to RVDs groin. RVD thinks he's taken out Hardy by elevating him over the top, but Jeff lands on the apron then hip tosses RVD over the top to the outside.  He follows it up with a big spring board corkscrew senton.  Jeff goes for a splash from the top rope but RVD avoids it and Jeff crashes into the barricade. Van Dam drapes Jeff over the guard rail and lands a 420 leg drop.  RVD goes to get a ladder but Jeff runs the railing and takes him out.  Hardy gets the ladder in the ring but Van Dam leaps off the barricade and seesaws it right into Jeffs face.  Van Dam gets in the ring and goes for the ladder now but Jeff leapfrogs him and seesaws the ladder into HIS face. Jeff lays Van Dam onto the ladder and hits a springboard moonsault.  Van Dam sets Jeff up in a Tree of Woe and hits a series of shoulder blocks, with a backflip for added flourish.  The ladder set up across the bottom ropes in the corner, Jeff is laid on it and Van Dam hits Rolling Thunder, sandwiching Jeff between himself and the ladder. Superkick from Van Dam lands Jeff on the ladder, and its followed up with a big Leg Drop.  Its all Van Dam until Jeff baseball slides the ladder into RVD's chest, sending him flying up the aisle.  Jeff is the first to set up the ladder but as he climbs Van Dam comes off the top rope and takes Hardy out with a big kick.  RVD slams Hardy then lays the ladder on top of him, then hits a cartwheel into a standing moonsault, crushing Jeff under the ladder.  RVD sets up the ladder now but Jeff gives him a receipt by coming off the top, dropkicking the ladder out from under RVD.  Big DDT by Jeff (no one sells them better than Van Dam) and Jeff signals for the Swanton, but RVD is able to roll out of the way.  Van Dam goes for the 5 Star Frog Splash but Jeff rolls out the way!  Jeff starts to climb the ladder, then Van Dam climbs up the other side and hits a Superplex from the top of the ladder!  RVD recovers first and starts to climb, but Jeff meets him at the top, flips over and hits a sunset flip powerbomb from the ladder!  Jeff climbs and is able to grab the belt but RVD pulls the ladder out from under him.  Jeff is hanging from the title as Van Dam grabs his ankle and pulls him into a swing.  RVD quickly leaps to the top rope and comes off with a big spinning heel kick but he just misses Jeff!  Jeff cant hold on anymore and crashes to the mat.  Hardy climbs but RVD pushes the ladder over, Jeffs leg catches the top rope and he slams to the mat.  RVD climbs the ladder, and Jeff is somehow able to get to him but he's a second too late as RVD grabs the title and crashes to the mat.

Winner and NEW WWF Hardcore Champion - Rob Van Dam.

Rating: 3.5 stars.  Not as good as the Rumble ladder match from a story telling point of view, but had some incredible spots.  I think this match was a turning point for ladder matches, where instead of trying to work the ladder into spots they started working spots around the ladder.  Still, there was only the one ladder and these two guys used it to damn near kill each other for a D tier belt.

Booker T is in his dressing room when Shane O Mac comes in to celebrate RVD's big win. He's got a present with him which he gives to Booker. Its a set of book ends made out of the announce table that Booker T put The Rock through on SmackDown.  They have a bromance moment as the WCW Champ dedicates his match to Shane.  We see the WCW Tag Champions The Brothers of Destruction making their way to the ring for their upcoming match...

The Brother of Destruction (c) vs DDP & Kanyon (c) - Steel Cage Match for the WCW & WWF Tag Team Championship.

The Build.

After DDP and Kanyon won the WWF Tag titles from APA (as discussed earlier) William Regal said that now they are under WWF jurisdiction they're going to defend those titles at Summerslam against Undertaker and Kane in a cage.  Meanwhile, Undertaker and Kane beat Palumbo and O'Haire to win the WCW tag titles, so both sets are on the line, but again, this is NOT a unification match.

The Match.

WHO BETTER THAN KANYON? Kanyon two belts is out first (he's also the WCW US Champ) followed by DDP.  They dont look happy about this situation. BoD are out next and they've dubbed over Rollin' for some reason. JR puts over Undertakers history in Cage and Cell matches and wonders how DDP and Kanyon can survive.  The heels immediately try to escape but are easily cut off.  Taker bounces DDP off the cage wall as Kane drops Kanyon from the top of the cage to the mat.  Taker is just no selling everything DDP does until he gets out of a goozle with a low blow.  The heels actually start to get a bit of momentum but it doesnt last long.  This descends into a snuff film until Kanyon and DDP catch a break and try to make a run for it.  They both get to the top of the cage as Kane catches Kanyon and Taker catches DDP.  Taker tells Kane to just let him go.  Kanyon bails to the outside and has had enough, he tells Page to shove it then leaves.  DDP is all alone in the cage with the Brother of Destruction as Undertaker drops a chain from a bag hanging above the cage into the ring.  He wraps the chain round DDPs neck then sends him crashing into the cage.  Kane takes a breather and sits on the top turnbuckle and leaves Taker to it.  Taker tells DDP to get out of here and he'll let him live, but if he ever looks at his wife again he'll kill him.  DDP tries to escape but Taker changes his mind and Chokeslams him from the top rope!  Kane throws DDP back to him and Undertaker plants him with a Last Ride and mercifully this one is over.

Winners via Pinfall and NEW WWF and STILL WCW Tag team Champions - Undertaker and Kane!

Rating: 1 star.  This was a total squash.  Now I've looked into it and the story seems to be that DDP likes to meticulously plan out his matches before hand (like Macho Man Randy Savage), and when he got into WWF for the first time he tried to do that with Undertaker, and Ol' Taker dont like being told what to do, so Page was a dead man walking from there (no pun intended).  This is the end of this story thankfully.  And to be honest for all it was a squash it was still mostly entertaining and the crowd were well into it.

We see Rock with a doctor backstage.  The Rocks already told the doctor he's fine when suddenly Stasiak charges him again, and again The Rock side steps and no sells it, sending him flying off screen.  We see both the WWF and Alliance locker rooms are packed with talent to watch this next contest.  Hooo boy, my body is ready.

Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle - WWF Championship.

The Build.

Austin turned his back on the WWF at Invasion.  He was tired of being unappreciated in the WWF and felt McMahon was getting to close to Kurt Angle, so he joined a team where they love Stone Cold.  Angle is pissed that Austin screwed him at Invasion, and wants revenge by taking Austins precious WWF title from him.  The whole story of the build is that Angle has Austins number.  Austin needed an evener, so he did to Angle what he did to Pillman, and crushed his ankle in a steel chair.

The Match.

Kurt Angle is out first to a huge pop. This is the proto-Wrestling Machine Angle, he is in the zone.  Austin comes out to his new heel theme.  He stops in the aisle as Angle gets out the ring.  They stare down before getting right at it, going at each other in the aisleway.  Austin gets the advantage with a knee to the gut and knife edge chops.  He hangs the title in Angle face before throwing him into the ring.  Austin gets in the ring and is immediately taken down by Angle.  Angle working over Austin in the corner before Austin gets a eye poke on Angle and he takes over, but Angle fights back and drops Austin with a clothesline.  Big crossbody by Angle gets the first nearfall of the match.  Austin downs Angle with a stiff shot to the back of the head and starts working on the knee of Angle. Austin his a shinbreaker and Angle yells out in pain.  Austin gets cocky and Angle is able to roll him up and put on the Ankle Lock but Austin is too quick and gets to the ropes.  Angle hits some big right hands but Austin drops him over the top to the floor.   Austin hits a pair of suplexes and taunts Angle by slapping the back of his head.  Another suplex but Austin only gets a two count.  Angle counters a fourth suplex and hits a trio of German Suplexes.  Austin fights out of the fourth but Angle holds on and hits another pair.  Austin gets to the ropes but Angle clubs his back and then hits another pair to take his tally to 7 Germans. (A young Brock Lesnar takes notes).  Austin fights out of an Angle Slam attempt and sends Angle crashing in the corner.  Austin gets Angle up on the top turnbuckle and hits a Superplex from the top!  Angles nose is bloody as Austin uses the ropes to help him up, he nails Angle with a Stunner out of nowhere!  One.. Two.. Kick out!  Austin cant believe Angle kicked out.  He argues with the ref before drilling Angle with a second Stunner!  Angle goes flying out the ring so Austin cant pin him.  Austin drills Angle into the ring post two times and Angle is busted open.  Angle takes a third trip into the ring post as Austin grabs his title, but Hebner grabs it from him, so he drills Angle into the post a fourth time.  And a fifth time!  Austin starts laying into a prone Angle with right hands. He sets Angle on his feet and lays into him with rights and lefts as Angle cant lift his hands to block.  Austin rolls him back in the ring and makes the cover but Angle kicks out!  Austin cant believe it as he tosses Angle to the outside and once again sends Angle into the ring post.  Kurt is a bloody mess as Austin bounces his head off the announce table.  Angle somehow finds something lefts in the tank and its able to send Austin flying over the guard rail into the crowd.  Angle goes over and Austin gives him a suplex on the concrete floor!  Austin climbs over the barricade as Angle locks in the Ankle Lock on the outside!  Angle screams at Austin to tap and he drags Austin up the steps and into the ring and locks in the Ankle Lock!  Austin makes it to the rope as a crimson masked Angle is forced to release the hold.  Austin is selling like a boss for Angle, he cant put weight on his ankle.  Angle gets Austin on the outside and hits him with an overhead Belly to Belly on the floor!  Austin comes back swinging though but Angle is able to counter and hit a back suplex on the floor!  Angle bounces Austins head off the announce table and rolls him back in the ring.  He climbs up top and nails a moonsault but he isnt able to make the cover quick enough and Austin is able to kick out at two!  That moonsault was picture perfect.  A brief counter exchange and Austin locks in the Million Dollar Dream and takes Angle to the mat, but Angle is able to power up to his feet and does the Bret Hart spot but Austin kicks out, but keeps the hold locked in.  Hebner checks Angle and drops the arm.  Once. Twice, Thr..NO Angle is still in this!  Angle powers to his feet and bowls Austin to the outside.  Austin gets back in the ring and measures for a Stunner.  WHAM he plants Angle but ANGLE SOMEHOW KICKS OUT AT TWO!!! Austin throws a fit! He cant believe Angle somehow kicked out.  Angle uses Austin to pull himself up, he blocks a Stunner and hits the Angle Slam!  Both men are down and Angle cant make the pin.  He rolls Austin over but Steve kicks out at two.   Angle goes for the Ankle Lock again but Austin is already in the ropes.  He pulls himself to his feet and clobbers Earl Hebner!  He turns round and walks into a DDT from Angle as Mike Chioda runs down to make the count but Austin kicks out.  Austin his a blatant low blow and as Chioda warns him about it he drops him with a Stunner!  Austin grabs his title belt and goes to nail Angle with it, but Tim Whyte runs down to stop him, so Austin clobbers him with the belt!  Austin turns round and walks into an Angle Slam!  Angle makes the cover and the crowd count the three as WCW ref Nick Patrick runs down, but he doesnt count and he rings the bell!  Theres confusion as Fink annouces that Stone Cold has been disqualified.

Winner via Disqualification - Kurt Angle!

Kurt Angle calls Patrick and son of a bitch and tells him he robbed him as Fink announces that Austin keeps his title.  Kurt refuses to accepts it as Austin scarpers to the back with his belt.  Angle throws Patrick in the ring, drops him with a right hand and locks him in the Ankle Lock!    An apoplectic Angle releases the hold and breaks down in the ring as the reality sets in.

Rating: Frak it Im giving this 5 stars.  I know, You cant give a match with a DQ finish 5 stars but this was so damn perfect.  I absolutely loved this match.  Everything was on point from the story telling, to the selling, to the psychology, to the in ring work, to the commentary.  Loved, loved, loved it.  It puts Angle over because Austin threw everything he had at him and couldnt get the job done, and gets Austin over as a heel who had to take the easy way out.  If anyone had any doubt about Angles ability to perform as a main event babyface then this put that to rest.  Still one of my top 5 favourite matches of all time and I implore you to go out of your way to watch it.  Austin has also gone on record to say that this was the best match he ever wrestled as a heel, because Angle was so damn good to work with.   There isnt enough hyperbole in the world.  I Frak love this match, and I want to have its babies, and I always hated Nick Patrick after this.  Even years later on SmackDown he was always "That prick that screwed Angle".

Booker T (c) w/ Shane McMahon vs The Rock - WCW Championship.

The Build.

After Stone Cold defected to the Alliance, Vince McMahon needed warriors, so he brought The Rock back from suspension.  It looked like The Rock wasnt in a forgiving mood as he dropped Vince with a Rock Bottom.  He then nailed a celebrating Shane with one and announced he was back in the WWF.  Booker T challenged him to a match which Rock was all to happy to accept.  They've been trading barbs and beatdowns, topped off by Booker putting The Rock through the announce table with a Book End.

The Match.

Book tries to suckerpunch Rock early but he fights him off then chases Shane around the ring before being jumped by a waiting Booker.  Shane gets up on the apron and Rocky sends Booker flying into him and hits a Samoan Drop for the first 2 count.  Booker T quickly takes back control and starts working over Rocky.  The fight spills to the outside and Booker sends Rocky into the steel steps and crotches him on the guard rail.  Booker continues the beatdown as Shane gets on the apron and removes a top turnbuckle pad.  Back in the ring Rocky tries to fight back but Book cuts him off with a big side kick.  Rock fights out of a sleeper and takes Booker down before locking in the Sharpshooter.  Shane distracts the ref so Rock goes over and launches him into the ring but Booker T clocks him with a jumping kick for a 2 count.  Rocky catapults Booker into the exposed turnbuckle then drills him with a DDT for a close 2 count.  Shane puts a chair at the other side of the ring then grabs the WCW title. As Booker crawls to the chair and the ref goes to deal with it Shane storms the ring and tattoos Rocky with the big gold belt.  The APA charge the ring and Faarooq chases Shane round the ring but he runs right into a Clothesline from Hell by Bradshaw!  Back in the ring Booker T plants The Rock with a Book End, but Rocky kicks out!  Rock starts the comeback with a flurry of offense but cant put Booker T away.  He drops Book with a Spinebuster and hits the Peoples Elbow but Shane breaks up the count!  The Rock has had enough and gets Shane on the outside and nails him with a Rock Bottom!  Back in the ring he lays the SmackDown on the five time, five time, five time, five time, five time WCW champion who retaliates with a spinebuster of his own.  Booker T hits the Scissors Kick but instead of going for a pin he does a Spinaroonie, but The Rock kips up!  Rock Bottom!  One Two Three!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WCW Champion - The Rock!

Rock celebrates with his new title as we see the WWF locker room celebrating as we go off the air.

Rating: 3 stars.  A pretty good match that did its best to make Booker look on The Rocks level, and it was his showboating that was his undoing.  A bit overbooked with the Shane O Mac stuff, but overall an enjoyable match and a fitting main event to send the crowd home happy after the WWF title match.

Pros.

WWF title match was exceptional
Great opener
Really top quality across the board

Cons.

The squash match.
The Alliance werent booked very strongly.

Overall Verdict.

One of the best Summerslam shows ever, but is often forgot about because its right in the middle of the Invasion angle.  There wasnt a bad match on the show, even the squash match was technically fine.  Not a whole heap of good news for The Alliance though, as out of all the titles on the line in this show they only retained two of them, and Austin still lost his match.  Still overall a very enjoyable show that more than holds up today.  Worth a watch.

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Judgement Day
Backlash
Invasion

We've got Unforgiven next.  Unfortunately there would be a real world tragedy that would have a knock on effect on everything, including the booking of this show, but we'll get to that next time.  I dont plan on having as big a gap between reviews again so hopefully I'll back this time next week.  Thanks again for reading and I'll see you next time.

UNFORGIVEN 2001

23rd of September 2001.  America is still in a state of mourning as less than a fortnight ago, one of the worst terror attacks in recent history took place.  September 11th 2001 is a date ingrained in the minds of millions as the day America stood still.  WWF however, in keeping with the "Show must go on" mantra havent stopped and too their credit it was good to see this not stop America from getting back to normal as soon as possible.  As such, the show opens with an American flag on the Titantron with Jennifer Holliday singing America the beautiful.  Lots of patriotism on show which I usually cant stand because its an international show but I'll give them a pass this time.

The Dudley Boys (c) vs The Hardy Boys vs Big Show & Spike Dudley vs Lance Storm & The Hurricane - Elimination tag match for the WWF Tag Team titles.

The Build.

Those damn Dudleys won the WWF tag titles from Brothers of Destruction.  The Natural Disasters 2K1 defeated Spike and Show (who were then attacked after the match by The Dudleys), then The Hardys defeated The Dudleys in a non-title match after interference from Spike, so all four teams where put into this elimination match and the Dudleys newly won titles are on the line.

The Match.

Big pops for everyone except team with the Canadian in it.  Dvon and Matt start things off but Dvon quickly tags out (smart).  Hurricane comes in and gets his superhero offense in to a surprisingly good reaction.  Spike begs Jeff for a tag so he can get him some of Hurricane, but Helms bails and tags in Storm, but tags back in once Storm takes him down - not very hero like.    Nice double team Samoan Drop/Neckbreaker combo from the Natural Disasters 2K1.  Bubba tags in to get some of Spike because this is the rivalry that just wont die.  Helms tags in and puts his cape on, then comes off the top with a big crossbody.  The cape looked awesome, not gonna lie.  Storm misses a forearm and hits Hurricane by mistake, then eats a Dudley Dog.  Hot tag to Big Show who clears out both heel teams, then the Hardys get them some with stereo planchas.  Big Show gets Spike up on his shoulders and Spike leaps to the outside into a pile of bodies.  Big Show signals that he's going up top, and gets a huge pop as he starts to climb but Bubba takes him out.  Show clears house again then drops Storm with a Chokeslam and The Natural Disasters 2k1 are done.

Lance Storm & The Hurricane have been eliminated.

Spike and Matt Hardy are somehow the legal men. Spike counters a Twist of Fate, then Matt counters an Dudley Dog into another Twist of Fate and just like that we're down to two.

Spike Dudley and Big Show have been eliminated.

Three things in life are certain.  Death, taxes, and The Dudleys vs The Hardys.  Hardys go for a Poetry in Motion on Dvon but Bubba takes Jeff out.  The heels cut off Jeff for a while, cheap shot to Matt allows Matt to inadvertaently distract the ref so the Dudleys can hit a WASSAP.  Rest hold city as Dvon applies a sleeper.  Jeff fights out but Dvon cuts off the hope spot with a scoop slam.  Bubba introduces Jeff to the steel steps.  Jeff takes Bubba Ray out with a corkscrew moonsault which allows him to tag Matt.  Matt sends both Dudleys to the outside then comes off the top with a moonsault to the floor.  Middle rope leg drop but Bubba breaks up the pin.  Dvon counters and Twist of Fate and the hit Matt with a 3D, but Jeff breaks up the pin with a Swanton.  Bubba hits Matt with a Bubba Bomb which allows Dvon to get the pin.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  It was fine.  Everyone got their stuff in but once that happened it was a race to get to Hardys vs Dudleys which usually delivers but there was some sloppy stuff on show, and the ending felt weird.  I dont know why they didnt finish on the 3D which popped the crowd but then finished the match a minute later.  Strange.  Anyway it was pretty standard but inoffensive, cant ask for much more from an opening match.

We see RVD arriving and he runs into Stephanie McMahon.  She wishes him luck in his match against Jericho later, and she offers her services to help him defeat Jericho.  He turns her down saying he doesnt need help.  He says if she wants to help she can get him a bigger dressing room, and she tells him he can take whichever one he wants.  We see Michael Cole in the crowd and he's talking to Kurt Angles family.  His mum is a Poopie promo.  Cole asks his brother if Angle is making the right choice competing tonight after hurting his neck and Cole notes he hasnt been medically cleared.

Raven w/ Terri vs Perry Saturn.

The Build.

As noted at Summerslam, Saturn is working a brain damage angle - yes, really - and dumped Terri in favour of a Mop with a face on it he affectionately refers to as Moppy.  Moppy went missing and Saturn has been looking for her, but it turned out a spurned Terri has been working with Raven and they sent Moppy through a woodchipper.

The Match.

Saturn charges the ring and the two go right at it (See?  Even this cowpat D list feud understands that you dont start a heated match with a collar and elbow tie up).  Raven tries to bail but Saturn batters him in the aisle and throws him back ringside.  Raven counters and hits a Side Russian Legsweep on the barricade - ouch. Saturn takes a trip into the steps.  Running Bulldog by Raven gets a two.  Raven locks in a Cobra Clutch but Saturn powers out and drives Raven into the turnbuckle, but Raven is able to knock him to the outside.  Saturn dodges a clothesline and takes control with a superkick.  Nice overhead throw by Saturn into a Belly to Belly overhead as we see he's busted open above his eye.  Saturn rolls out of a sunset flip and catapults Raven into the turnbuckle, then hits the THREE HANDLED MOSS COVERED FAMILY CREDENZA and no one kicks out of that.

Winner via Pinfall - Perry Saturn.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  No heat, no real build, crowd couldnt care less.  Technically solid but the absolute definition of a piss break match.

We see Christian being interviewed by Lillian Garcia, she asks him if he is in the right headspace to not only challenge for the IC title tonight, but challenge his brother Edge.  He says that tonight is about proving himself to the world that he is the superior brother.

Edge (c) vs Christian - Intercontinental Championship.

The Build.

Edge has been on a tear recently, and Christian has had enough of being in his shadow.  Christian turned heel on his brother, decking him with a chair, and challenging Edge to a title match.

The Match.

Christian has his awesome new music and pyro and it already makes him feel like a big deal.  Edge comes out with his new Rob Zombie music entrance and he feels like a bigger star aswell.  Great job.  Christian was playing up to the crowd while Edge is more serious and wont take his eyes off Christian.  He charges the ring and they go right at it (*chefs kiss*).  Edge takes the upper hand early and they fight their way up the stage.  Christian gets catapulted into the structure and dragged by the hair back to the ring.  Edge is showing a more intense, sinister side (because his brother turned his back on him, isnt wrestling easy to get right?)  Christian begs him off but lures Edge into a trap and send him into the ring post.  Christian bounces Edge off the barricade, then into the steel steps.  Christian has seemed to have snapped and calls Edge a son of a bitch then hits  a big back breaker.  Its all Christian from here on, with Edge getting in a few hope spots.  A nice sequence of counters leads to Edge countering an Unprettier into an Edge-o-Matic but it only gets a two count.  Edge gets thrown to the outside and disappears under the ring. Christian goes to look for him but Edge reappears at the other side of the ring, climbs the top and hits a big crossbody for a two count. Christian is able to fight back and hits a Spear but it only gets a two.  Christian grabs two chairs from ringside and sets up Edge and a Con-Chair-To but Edge is able to take him down.  Edge sets Christian up for a Con-Chair-To but the ref disarms him.  Behind the refs back Christian hits a low blow and rolls Edge up and gets the three!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Christian!

Rating: 3 stars.  Yeah liked this one.  Good story telling and psychology. Obviously these two guys work well together, and the finish protects Edge while keeping Christian over as a chicken Poopie heel.  Nice one.

Kronik w/ Steven Richards vs Brothers of Destruction (c) - WCW Tag Team Championship.

The Build.

Steven Richards blames Undertaker and Kane for the splitting of the Right to Censor, so he jumped to the Alliance and recruited a new team to take them down.  He decides on Adam Bomb and Crush.  They cost Taker and Kane the WWF tag titles to the Dudleys, so the Brothers of Destruction are out for revenge.  

The Match.

I've got the give Crush credit for still rocking the same mullet he had in the New Gen.  This is exactly what you would expect from 4 big hosses beating each other up.  Crush has gassed after about 90 seconds of work and has basically stopped selling altogether.  Its not too long after that for Kane and Taker to decide their not going to sell for these bums either.  Its worth noting that commentary havent once refered to the history of Crush and Adam Bomb.  You'll also notice that I havent mentioned anything about the match, and thats because theres nothing to say.  The closest thing we've seen to a move was a sleeper hold by Crush, its just been strikes and rest holds.  Taker decides you need to have atleast one move in a wrestling match and goes for a Chokeslam but Richards interferes causing the distraction.  He finally Chokeslams Adam Bomb (probably because Crush literally couldnt jump for it) and mercifully this is over.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WCW Tag Team Champions - Undertaker & Kane.

Rating: -2 stars.  This was Poopie lads.  And not in a "so bad its good" way.  None of these four guys were particularly good workers but atleast Taker and Kane had good characters to help them get over and could work a good match when they could be bothered with the right opponents, but this was not that night.  The worst match of the year by a distance, and its one and done for Kronik as they were released shortly after.  If he wasnt a semi-competent worker back in the early 90's I'd put Crush on my list of Worst Ever based on this performance.  Its not as bad as Briscoe vs Patterson from last year but its bloody close.

We see Booker T and Shane McMahon backstage.  Shane is trying to psyche up Booker for their match later when Tazz comes in. He tells them the WCW title belongs back in the Alliance.  He makes a comment about how Book couldnt beat Rock and is kicked out.  We then see Steph and she cant find RVD anywhere.  She bumps into Coachman who tells her where he is.  She tells RVD (through the door) that her birthday is tomorrow and it would be the best birthday present ever if he wins.  The camera pans round and Jericho is behind her.  He cant help run her down before leaving.

Rob Van Dam (c) vs Chris Jericho - WWF Hardcore Championship.

The Build.

Having finally dispatched Rhyno at Summerslam, Jerichos feud with Stephanie is somehow still continuing although it isnt at the forefront of this match.  Both guys have faced each other over the past few weeks in various tag matches with neither man gaining the upper hand, so this title match was set for tonight, and Steph sees it as another chance to take out Chris Jericho.

The Match.

Rob Van Dam is out first to a decent reaction.  It didnt take him too long to get used to performing infront of crowds this size, he looks more and more confident everytime I see him.  Jericho is out second to a good pop.  The crowd seem pretty split.  They trade offense and counters to a face off for a pop, seems to be an RVD trademark.  A miscommunication somewhere leads to RVD getting Jericho in like a seated piledriver position and the ref counts for some reason despite no part of Jericho being on the mat, never mind both his shoulders.  Big RVD chants and when RVD acknowledges is Jericho slaps him.  Still very even, then Jericho scores with a jumping enzugiri for a two count.  RVD comes off the second rope with a big kick.  Jericho goes for a springboard clothesline to RVD on the apron but RVD ducks and Jericho spills hard.  Crossbody to the outside for a two count.  Jericho gets draped on the barricade but Van Dam misses the 420 leg drop.  Jericho gets a ladder out from under the ring and javelins it into RVDs face, then he just drops it on him - the simple things hurt the most.  Backflip shoulder block from RVD but Jericho sends him flying into the ring post.  He then drills him into it again but with more feeling this time.  The ladder is in the ring and Van Dam gets suplexed on it for his trouble.  Y2J goes for another but Van Dam counters gives him a suplex of his own onto the ladder.  420 leg drop into a split legged moonsault but Jericho gets the knees up.  He hits RVD with a Bulldog but RVD rolls out of the way of the Lionsault and decapitates him with a big spinning heel kick.  Jerichos eye is busted as Van Dam goes for a 5 Star Frog Splash but Jericho gets out the way.  Jericho charges with the ladder but gets a Drop Toe Hold from Van Dam and he crashes face first into the ladder - ouch.  RVD gets a chair and slams Jericho on it.  He climbs the ladder but Jericho is able to recover and throws the chair off Van Dams face.  Jericho then does the Walls of Jericho on top of the ladder ALA the Royal Rumble - and once again JR calls it a tarantula.  Even the best get it wrong sometimes.  Jericho comes off the top rope to the outside but RVD moves and Y2J crashes into the barricade, and Tim Whyte starts to count both men out in a hardcore match.  Frak sake.  Van Dam goes for a suicide dive but Jericho does the second Royal Rumble spot of the match and swats him out of midair with a chair - but this one wasnt as brutal as the Benoit shot.  Jericho javelins RVD shoulder first into the ring post.  Step over enzuigiri from Van Dam gets a two count, and he rolls straight into a Fujiwara armbar but Van Dam is able to make it to the ropes and crawl out the ring.  Jericho then sends RVD into the steel steps.  Jericho starts working over RVD with a chair, going after the shoulder.  Suddenly Steph runs to the ring and blocks Jericho from using the chair again.  He takes a swing for her but she is able to drop off the apron in time and RVD is able to hit Jericho with a Van-Daminator out of nowhere.  RVD leaps up to the top rope and nails a Five Star Frog Splash and is able to put Jericho away.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Hardcore Champion - Rob Van Dam!

Rating: 4 stars.  Started off a bit sloppy but they quickly got it together and beat the piss out of each other.  Once it clicked by god it clicked.  Another star making performance from RVD, Im starting to think theres something special about this guy.  Bit pop from the crowd when he won aswell.  Seeds are being planted...

We see Booker T again, talking to his hand like a mad man.  Hes convincing himself he's going to be a 6 time champ.  Shane psyches him up again. And they're ready to go.

The Rock (c) vs Booker T & Shane McMahon - Handicap match for the WCW Championship.

The Build.

After defeating Booker T and Summerslam, The Rock has had a target on his back.  Booker T is sick of being disrespected and has been on a tear since, he wants his title back.  Shane books himself and Booker vs The Rock.  The Rock doesnt seem phased though, and promises that he'll end them both once and for all.  Shane McMahon could potentially win the WCW title here, which given what happened to it through the year 2000 wouldnt actually be the worst thing.

The Match.

Shane O Mac and Book are out first.  Rock comes out to a huge pop.  He looks good with the Big Gold Belt.  Rock and Booker get us started.  Rock takes a big kick but comes back with a huge lariat.  Rock goes for a cover but Shane breaks it up (if he does it again its a DQ but I'll bet money now that doesnt happen).  AS I TYPED THAT OUT Rock hits a back suplex and goes for a cover and Shane breaks it up.  WHAT ABOUT THE RULES!  I'll bet its that Frak prick Nick Patrick.  Dirty cheater.  Shane tags in but Rock quickly recovers.  He sees through Shanes tricks and drops him, but a cheap shot from Booker takes Rock down.  Book and Shane take turns tagging in and out, double teaming The Rock.  Rock is able to fight back and get Shane in the Sharpshooter, but has to break it quickly as Booker charges in.  Book distracts the ref as Shane lays into The Rock on the outside.  The Rock is taking a beating as Booker T clears the announce table, he sets Rock up and instructs Shane to climb to the top rope, but once he's up there Rocky fights back but it just delays the proceedings as he succumbs to the numbers game again.  Shane gets in the ring with the WCW title but he misses the Rock and brains Booker T with it!  He gets up then leaps over and nails Rock with it aswell!  Right infront of the ref but he doesnt call the DQ, confirming my suspicion that he's a dirty cheater.  Booker covers but Rock kicks out.  Book tags in Shane who goes up top, but he misses a big elbow!  Shane is able to crawl to a tag but Rock is able to fight off Booker and Shane for a while, he lays the SmackDown on Shane and drills Book with a DDT but only gets a two.  Shane sets up for his own version of a Peoples Elbow, but Rock kips up and drills him with a Rock Bottom, the hits a Spinebuster on Booker!  The Great One sets up a Peoples Elbow but out of nowhere Test comes in and lays out The Rock.  Suddenly Bradshaw charges down and chases him off with a lead pipe.  Nick Patrick goes outside the ring to try and revive The Rock and get him back in the ring.  Mike Chioda comes out from the back and gets in Patricks face.  Shane covers and Patrick tries a fast count but Chioda pulls Patrick out the ring.  Patrick shoves him down and tries to count a fall but Rocky kicks out, then Chioda comes in and takes out Patrick, then Book takes out him. Booker T goes for a Book End but Rock fights out and hits a Rock Bottom!  Earl Hebner charges the ring and makes the count!  One Two Three!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WCW Champion - The Rock!

Rating: 3 stars.  Waaaaay overbooked but it was still pretty entertaining and the crowd were well into it at the end. Booker T is pretty much done at this point unfortunately, the rebuilding starts now.  On a par with their Summerslam match I reckon.

Regal is with Tajiri in his office.  He asks if Tajiri is fit to compete after what Rhyno did to him on SmackDown. Tajiri says he'll be fine as Kiss of Death Torrie Wilson comes in to check on him.  Regal says he barred everyone from ringside but they are able to convince him to let Torrie at ringside.  We go to WWF New York and Stacy Keibler is with a fan, then we see her in the bath shaving her legs which must have taken all night.

Rhyno vs Tajiri (c) w/ Torrie Wilson - WCW US Championship.

The Build.

After defending his title against Christian, Tajiri was attacked post match, injuring his ribs.  However, as he was being helped to the back Rhyno appeared out of nowhere and Gored him, causing further injury.  Shane McMahon, desperate to get more titles back into the Alliance, set up this match.

The Match.

Lock up to start but Rhyno goes straight for the ribs.  Tajiri out smarts and outspeeds the big man, sending him to the outside then hits a springboard moonsault.  Rhyno counters an Irish Whip and rams Tajiri into the corner, and a big powerslam only gets a two.  Its all Rhyno now as he cuts off Tajiris hope spots, he nails a massive Arn Anderson style Spinebuster but only gets a two.  Rhyno is working over Tajiri and Torrie tries to get involved.  Rhyno chases her around and into the ring where she twists her ankle and collapses.  Rhyno sets up for the Gore, but Tajiri nails a Buzzsaw Kick!  But only gets a two!  He hits another, but Rhyno fights out of a spinning DDT attempt, but Tajiri holds on and locks on the Tarantula.  Missed kick and Rhyno hits a Fishermans suplex, then kills Tajiri with a GORE GORE GORE!  And its academic at that point.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WCW US Champion - Rhyno!

Rating: 2 stars.  Short, sweet and did everything it had to.  Puts Tajjers over as the resilient babyface, and puts Rhyno over as a merciless heel.  Unfortunately thats the last we'll see of Rhyno for well over a year, as in a few weeks he'll undergo neck surgery, and doesnt return until February 2003.  Its a shame because WWF were clearly hot for him, and theres no telling how far they would have pushed him.  Got his legs cut out from under him.

Kurt Angle vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) - WWF Championship.

The Build.

Kurt Angle has been desperate for revenge after Austin got himself intentionally disqualified to retain his title at Summerslam.  The following night Austin held "Austin Appreciation Night" which lead to the legendary Milk Truck segment.  Austin got one up on Angle by stealing his gold medals, and chucking them into a river.  An incensed Angle tied up Austin and threatened to throw him off a bridge, he humiliated Austin by making him cry and beg before pushing him into a kiddy pool, but not before getting a rematch at Unforgiven.  Austin also injured Kurts neck with a piledriver on the exposed floor.  Kurt is in his hometown tonight, surrounded by friends and family and he promises to win the title.

The Match.

Angle is out first and he gets a huge ovation from the hometown crowd.  Austin is out to a mega heel reaction, but Kurt doesnt wait and Kurt meets him on the ramp and they go right at it.  Angle is throwing Austin around like a rag doll, and introduces him to the steps.  They get in the ring and the bell finally rings as Angle stomps a mudhole in Austin and walks it dry. Austin goes to kick Angle but he realises Angle is primed to counter, so tries a right hand but Angle takes him down and hits a Lou Thesz press.  Its all Angle as he puts Austin on the top turnbuckle and delivers a series of chops until Austin falls to the floor.  Angle slams Austin into the Spanish announce table a few times, then back in the ring he hits a superplex and sells the neck.   We're about five minutes into this match and Austin finally gets some offense in when he locks Angle in a sleeper hold, but Angle fights out with a jawbreaker.  Austin grabs his title and decides to try and leave, but Angle chases him up the aisle and they brawl on the stage.  Austin has a huge bruise on his thigh, Angle doesnt give a shiny Poopie though and he tosses Austin off the stage!  Angle lays into Austin with more chops and stomps and Austin has still only had one offensive manouver this whole match.  Angle lifts him and carries him back to the ring, and bounces him off the ring post.  Kurt gets a look in his eyes and starts removing the ringside padding.  Austin recovers and hits a running knee into Angles back, cutting him off.  Austin finally takes control but bouncing Angle off the announce table.  He sets up for another piledriver but Angle counters with a back body drop onto the concrete floor.  For the third match tonight someone is busted open hardway as Austin is bleeding above his eye. Angle goes for a piledriver but whats good for the goose is good for the gander as Austin back body drops him.  Austin counters a suplex attempt and splashes Angle on the announce table.  One more time for good measure, and then a third time, then Austin shoves a camera man over.  Finally they get back in the ring and they trade right hands, and Austin drops a couple of knees into the back of Angles neck.  Austin in firm control now targetting the neck of Angle, then he takes a break to flip off Angles mother.  They trade offense for a bit until Angle starts hitting a trio of Germans, and both men are down.  Angle goes for a Moonsault but Austin cuts him off and hits a big back suplex from the second rope, but Angle counters in midair into a crossbody for a two count.  Austin cuts him off with a modified Alabama Slam, then a blatant low blow, but Hebner doesnt DQ him.  Hebner tries to control Austin but he is sent flying, so Angle hits a low blow of his own, then plants Austin with a DDT but he rolls out the ring before Angle can make a cover.  Austin gets back in the ring but Angle nails him with a Stunner!  Out of nowhere but Austin kicks out!  Angle drops the straps and measures Austin, but Stone Cold gets out of the Angle Slam and hits Angle with one of his own but Angle kicks out!  Austin goes for a piledriver but Angle keeps blocking it, but he finally wears Angle down enough a spikes him into the mat, Angle sells like death but he is somehow able to kick out!  Austin snaps and lays into Angle with rights and lefts then measures for the Stunner. Kick, WHA- NO ANGLE COUNTERS INTO THE ANKLE LOCK!  Austin crawls to the ropes but he cant quite get there and AUSTIN TAPS OUT!  AUSTIN TAPS!  AUSTIN TAPS!

Winner and NEW WWF Champion - Kurt Angle!

Post match his family get in the ring to celebrate, then the face locker room (and Xpac) clears out to celebrate with them.  A real feel good moment not for the fans, but for America as the PPV goes off the air.

Rating: 4 stars.  I didnt enjoy this quite as much as their last match, but it was still bloody good.  Very good story told across the board and Angle gets a huge win in his hometown.  The world wanted to see it and it was a real feel good moment, especially with his family celebrating with him.

Pros.

Angle vs Austin
Jericho vs RVD
Rock vs Booker T

Cons.

The WCW tag title match
The WWF tag title match didnt need half the teams in it

Overall Verdict.

A decent show with peaks and troughs.  When it was good it was great but when it was bad it was truly terrible.  So that balances out to a middle of the road PPV, it wasnt bad by any means, but you could definitely skip most of it. And for the love of god save 10 precious minutes of your life and do not watch Brothers of Destruction vs Kronik.  Not even for historical purposes, its that bad.

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Summerslam
King of the Ring
Unforgiven
Judgement Day
Backlash
Invasion

Next time we roll into No Mercy, the battle between the Alliance and WWF is reaching boiling point, with more internal struggles threatening both teams.  This is coming to a head sooner rather than later, so can No Mercy keep up the heat?  We'll find out, and as always, thank you for reading.

NO MERCY 2001

We arrive in St Louis, Missouri for the fourth ever WWF No Mercy PPV event.  The war between the Alliance and the WWF is reaching boiling point, with internal struggle plaguing both sides.  An old rivalry gets a new chapter on the WWF side, and on team Alliance, a young up and comer is looking to take the alpha males crown.  Will it all boil over tonight?  Lets find out.

The Hardy Boys (c) w/ Lita vs Lance Storm & The Hurricane w/ Miolly Holly & Ivory

The Build.

Booker T and Test defeated Taker and Kane for the WCW tag titles, so BOD screwed them out of the titles vs The Hardys. In the meanwhile, Molly Holly dumped Spike to get with Hurricane, and she started feuding with Lita.  This leads to a match between both teams with the titles on the line.  Ivory is also here.

The Match.

Team Extreme are out first.  Storm and Ivory are an odd pairing.  Jeff and Helms start us off.  Hurricane is awesome because he gives this gimmick 100%.  Nice exchange between the two long time friends as Jeff tags in Matt and they double team Helms.  Blind tag by Storm allows the heels to get in some offense.  Lance goes to tag but Hurricane will only tag if Storm fist bumps him.  Lance reluctantly accepts - liked that.  The delay allows the Hardys to fight back until Ivory grabs Jeffs leg.  Lance holds Jeff hostage on the outside as Hurricane measures for a tope, but Matt runs in and takes his head off with a lariat.  Matt goes to check on Jeff and Hurricane climbs to the top and Mighty Molly gives him his cape, allowing him to fly off the top to the outside on both Hardys with a crossbody.  The ref gets control once again and the heels start working over Jeff, but Jeff hits a beautiful Whisper in the Wind on Storm, allowing him to get the hot tag to Matt.  Matt takes out both heels like a house on fire, Poetry in Motion on Lance, then one for Hurricane but Hurricane rolls up Matt, causing Jeff to crash and burn and he gets a two count.  Big leg drop from Matt gets a two count.  Lance breaks up a Twist of Fate attempt and the heels hit a double super kick on Matt but Jeff breaks up the fall.  Molly tries to get involved but Lita takes her down, then Ivory sends her outside.  Jeff hits his leg drop low blow on Ivory, then Storm rolls him up into a Single Leg Boston Crab, but Lita comes off the top rope and hits him with a hurricarana, allowing Matt to hit a Twist of Fate on Hurricane in the confusion,  then Jeff hits a Swanton Bomb and Matt gets the three count.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WCW Tag Team Champions - The Hardy Boys.

Rating: 3 stars.  This was really good.  It got a bit hectic towards the end but the crowd were mega into it, everyone got their chance to shine, we saw some nice tag team moves and it didnt last any longer than it had to.  Good opener, and Lance Storm continues to impress.

We see Rob Van Dam arriving as the new Alliance commissioner William Regal greets him. He asks if the first thing he's going to do is go and apologize to Austin for Frog Splashing him on SmackDown. He says no, and assures Regal that he isnt on Vinces side, but his own side.  We see a Limo pull up and its the boss! No, not Bruce Springsteen, but Vince McMahon.  Michael Cole comes in but Vince tells him to save it, because all his questions will be answered one way or another tonight.  

Test vs Kane.

The Build.

As mentioned earlier, Test and Booker cost Kane and Taker the WCW tag titles, and vice versa, so Test and Kane are meeting here, while Booker and Taker will meet later on.  The two teams have been beating up and costing each other various matches over the past few weeks.

The Match.

They waste no time and get right into a brawl.  Kane is in control early on, and counters a splash from Test into a powerslam for a two count.  In and impressive feat of strength, Kane military press slams Test over the top rope to the outside.  That cheating I am a twonk of the highest order Nick Patrick gets Kane to back off, but Test comes flying back with the ring bell and drills Kane in the face with it and THAT CHEATING I am a twonk of the highest order DOESNT CALL THE DQ!  I hate Nick Patrick. Test obviously in control now and hits a massive delayed vertical suplex on Kane.  Kane fights back with a huge uppercut, but misses a big elbow.  Test comes off the second rope with a big back elbow for a two count.   Huge sidewalk slam by Test but he doesnt make a cover, he instead goes up top but he missed the big elbow drop.    The fight spills to the outside and Test sends Kane crashing into the ring post, then drills him with a Big Boot.  He rolls Kane back in the ring for a pinfall but Kane somehow kicks out.  Test measures for another but Kane avoids it then hits a big Chokeslam!  Kane rolls over to cover but Test kicks out!  Kane hits a powerslam then goes up top. He comes off with a big clothesline but Test gets out the way, he hits a Pumphandle Slam but Kane kicks out again!  Test goes up top again and hits a big elbow drop but Kane kicks out again!  A frustrated Test gets a steel chair but Kane dropkicks into back into his face!  Kane gets the chair now, but Patrick stops him from using it, he gets Patrick in a goozle, then Test, he shoves off Patrick, then Test hits a low blow and a huge Big Boot and he gets the three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Test.


Post match, Kane recovers and decides to be the Big Red Monster again, and hits the Cheating I am a twonk of the highest order with a pair of Chokeslams and a powerbomb for good measure.

Rating: 3 stars.  As Big Hoss battles go this was very good.  Loads of high impact spots and believable nearfalls.  Kane doesnt lose anything but being beat because of a cheating I am a twonk of the highest order ref.  Enjoyable stuff.

Coach is outside Austins dressing room, but Debra answers the door.  She tells him Austin doesnt want to talk to him.  We hear Austin shouting, he says Angle is a son of a bitch and RVD is a piece of trash, and Vince is a bigger piece of trash, and theres no way he's losing his title, with Debra relaying the info to Coach, minus the cussing.  I liked this.

We see Stacy in a robe, she asks Matt Hardy if he knows were the Dudleys are, then asks him how her lingerie looks.  Lita comes in and Matt tries to play it off.

Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Kiebler - Lingerie match.

The Build.

Stacy cost Tajiri and match vs Tazz and Torrie didnt like that.  So instead of a normal match we need to put these two women in a Lingerie match because they are both smoking hot.  Stacy has joined up with the Dudleys and she helped Bubba put Torrie through a table.

The Match.

Its just a basic exhibition match but they are in their underwear instead of normal ring attire.    At one point Stacy gets a small whip out and whips both Torrie and the ref so Im assuming its also No DQ.  They do the log roll over the ref spot.  They actually do a decent pin/reversal/nearfall exchange.  Torries hits an almost handspring back elbow to score a three count.

Winner via Pinfall - Torrie Wilson.

Rating: No rating.  Sticking to my rule of not rating two non-wrestlers in a match.  To be fair neither were known for their in ring acumen but this was far from the disaster I was expecting.  Compared to Miss Kitty vs Terri this was like watching Jack Briscoe vs Dory Funk.

Kurt Angle is in the locker room with Michael Cole.  He asks Angle how he feels about Vince seemingly supporting Van Dam over Angle.  Angle tells him that Mr McMahon beats to his own drum, but Angle has his sights set on both Van Dam and Austin before Vince comes in a shakes his hand. He wishes him luck tonight, but Angle tells him he wont need luck.  Lillian is with new IC Champion Christian.  He tells her that people always said how good Edge was, but no one noticed him.  He says it doesnt matter how good you are theres always someone better.  Christian runs down the local sports teams, then vows to prove once and for all that he is better than Edge.

Christian (c) vs Edge - Ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship

The Build.

After Christian stole the IC title from Edge and Unforgiven he has become even more cocky and insufferable.  On Smackdown Edge ran up to Christian to tell him the police just phoned and their Mom had been in an accident. On there way out they are accosted by some Alliance goons, and as Edge tries to fight them off its revealed it was all a set up by Christian, who jumps in a beats down his brother - officially joining the Alliance.  All this did was light spark under Edge, and we get a match between two masters of the ladder match.

The Match.

The fight starts on the ramp because these two guys hate each other and dont want to wait.  (Incase you hadnt noticed I love me some psychology in my wrestling.)  Edge gets the upper hand and introduces Christian to the ring steps.  Christian tries to put a ladder in the ring but Edge baseballs slides it into his chest. Edge bounces Christian off the ladder, then catapults him into it.  Edge props a ladder up between the steel steps and the barricade, but Christian racks the eyes then flapjacks Edge onto the ladder.  They climb onto it and Christian sets up for a suplex, but Edge fights back and crotches Christian between the rungs of the ladder.  Edge rolls Christian into the ring and goes for a ladder, but Christian see-saws it into Edges face.  Christian is the first one to make an attempt for the belt, but Edge is able to topple the ladder, Christian lands on his feet and drops Edge.  Christian pins Edge into the corner with a ladder, then gets a chair.  He climbs up the turnbuckle behind Edge but Edge fights him off and pulls up over and Christian crashes hard on the ladder.  Edge electric chair drops Christian onto the ladder.  Christian takes out Edge with a few high impact ladder spots.  Christian sets up a ladder, then Edge sets one up next to him. Both men climb but Edge hits an Edge-O-Matic from the ladders!  Edge starts to climb but Christian meets him and hits a reverse DDT from the ladders!  Christian decides to get two steel chairs, and he looks to finish Edge off with a Con-Chair-To, but Edge shoves the chair into Christians face, buying himself some time.  Edge grabs a third ladder into the ring and sets up a table of sorts by propping the ladder up between the two chairs.  He lays Christian on top of it then climbs up to the top rope and comes off with a big splash.  Edge gets to the top of a ladder but Christian spears him with a ladder, dropping him to the mat.  Christian starts to climb but Edge comes off the top rope and spears Christian off the ladder!  Both men climb a ladder and trade rights at the top, the both unbalance each other and spill to the outside!  Christian is the first to recover and starts to climb the stairway to heaven. Edge suddenly appears and low blows Christian with a chair, he then lays Christian across the top of two ladder, then hits him with a Con-Chair-To!  A lifeless Christian flops to the floor as Edge reclaims his Intercontinental Championship!

Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion - Edge!

Rating:  3.5 stars.  A very good ladder match that only suffered from being a bit slow.  Lots of selling which Im normally fine with but it harmed the pacing a bit.  If they took 5 minutes out of this match and sped it up it could easily be 4 to 4.5 stars.  Wrestling is its best when both guys go out their to make the other look as good as possible and this was no real exception.  Good stuff overall.

We go to WWF New York to see Little Spike Dudley hammering down a tequila shot and chasing it with a beer nearly as big as he is.  JR asks him how he feels after another beating from his brothers, he says he feels fine and looks forward to watching his brothers lose their titles.

The Dudley Boys (c) vs Tajiri & Big Show - WWF Tag Team championship.

The Build.

After taking out Big Shows makeshift partner Spike, the Dudleys defeated Big Show in a handicap match. During a post match beat down Tajiri ran down the make the save.  William Regal then made this match official.  Added heat from the Dudleys putting Tajiris girlfriend Torrie through a table.

The Match.

Those damned Dudleys are out first, followed by the faces.  Big Show chases the Dudleys off before the match starts.  Tajiri and Bubba start us off, with Tajiri losing out to the more powerful Dudleys.  Tajiri gets an opening with a big kick on Dvon then a standing moonsault.  Tag to Big Show who throws Dvon around like a toy.  Heyman asks why Big Show doesnt pick on someone his own size and JR says he doesnt think there is anyone.  Big Show manhandles both Dudleys, forcing them to regroup on the outside but Tajiri hits a leaping senton into both of them.  Big sidewalk slam on Dvon gets a two count.  Tajiri tags in, the Bubba blind tags and hits a Bubba Bomb on Tajiri.  Big flapjack on Tajiri as the Dudleys methodically dismantle the smaller man.  Big Show gets a tag but the ref doesnt see it, allowing the Dudleys to double team Tajiri while Show distracts the ref. Tajiri is able to fight back and gets a hot tag to Big Show.  Big Show runs riot on the Dudleys and goes for a Chokeslam on Bubba but Dvon takes him out with a chop block. Blind tag by Tajiri as Big Show is sent to the outside.  Tajiri locks Dvon in a Tarantula but Bubba breaks it up.  Tajjers hits a springboard back elbow on both Dudleys, but he misses the mist and sprays the ref.  Big Show in back in and Chokeslams Bubba for the visual three count, meanwhile RHYNO runs down and GORES the Big Show!  I thought Rhyno was done!  Tajiri fights off Dvon with a big kick but Dvon is able to kick out.  Suddenly the Dudleys hit a 3D out of nowhere and its academic at that point.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys!

Rating: 3 stars.  Another really good match.  Not much more to say, everyone gets their spots in and the crowd were into it.  What more is there to say?

Regal catches up with Rhyno backstage and Rhyno tells him he's sick of everyone looking at the Alliance like jokes, and he's going to change the way people look at them from now on, even if he has to do it single handedly.  Seeing as Rhyno is gone from TV for over a year now I dont see it happening.  Oh what could have been.

We see Test still celebrating with Booker T and Shane O Mac.  Shane tells Book all he has to do tonight is beat The Undertaker (thats it huh?).  He puts over Booker by listing off the things he has that Taker doesnt to hype up Booker T.

Booker T vs The Undertaker.

The Build.

See: Kane vs Test.

The Match.

Book is out first on his own, Taker comes out second to a big reaction.  Booker jumps him before he gets off his bike and lays a beat down on Undertaker.  Big Evil fights back as they finally get in the ring to start the match official.  Both men trade offense and high impact moves with neither gaining a clear upper hand.  Booker misses a shoulder charge and crashes into the ring post, allowing Taker to take control, working over Bookers arm.  Taker takes Booker down with an armbar, he keeps a hold of the arm and gets up and goes Old School.  Booker T rolls to the outside and whips Taker into the steel steps.  Book grabs the ring bell but the ref takes it off him, allowing Taker to get back in control, sending Booker over the guard rail.  Both men brawl ringside, trading control until Book rolls Taker in the ring and hits a big missle dropkick for a two count.  Big heel kick from Booker keeps him in control of proceedings, and he hits a delayed sidewalk slam for a two count.  Knee drop from Booker and he signals for a Spinaroonie but decides to work over Taker some more.  Undertaker fights back and goes for a powerslam, but Booker fights out, pushes Taker into the turnbuckle and hits a neckbreaker for a two.  Booker goes for a middle rope nothing and Taker gets the foot up (I Frak hate that spot).  Big knockdown by Taker but Book kicks out.  Spinning heel kick by Booker T gets a two count, and Taker hits a big jumping DDT.  Book drops him with a big jumping side kick then does the Spinaroonie!  As Taker is getting back in the ring Booker T hits a Scissors Kick but Taker gets his foot on the rope.  Undertaker avoids a clothesline and goes for a Chokeslam but Booker gets a low blow to break it up.  Booker T goes for the corner 10 punches spot but should know by now you dont do that to Undertaker, who grabs him and walks forward, hits the Last Ride and scores the fall.

Winner via Pinfall - The Undertaker.

Rating: 3 stars.  Again, a really good match.  Both men had their fair share and Booker was booked to go toe-to-toe with the Deadman, but Undertaker had one more trick up his sleeve than Booker did.  Although Booker has jobbed out clean for the third PPV in a row now so he is basically done.

Coach catches up with Chris Jericho to ask him about his upcoming title match.  Jericho simply tells him its time to put up or shut the hell up.

Chris Jericho vs The Rock (c) - WCW Championship.

The Build.

These two men have a history together, and a begrudging respect for one an other.  During a tag match on RAW, Jericho mistakenly hit Rock with a chair allowed Van Dam to pick up the win.  Rock demanded Y2J apologize, but Jericho refuses.  Rock tells him to be a man and own up to his mistakes, and they come to blows in the trainers room.  Jericho defeated RVD in a No. 1 Contenders and the two have been trading verbal barbs since.

The Match.

The two men lock eyes for what feels like an eternity.  Tie up exchange leads to Rock hitting a big snapmare takedown for the first big hit of the match.  Neither man able to get an advantage over the other however, until Jericho hits a pair of armdrag takedowns then starts working over the arm.  Rock fights back with a back elbow and Jericho slaps the taste out of Rocks mouth, then starts hammering away.  Rock goes for a Rock Bottom but Jericho fights out and goes for the Walls, but Rock scrambles to the ropes.  Jericho takes Rock off the apron with a springboard dropkick, then they brawl on the outside.  Big reverse elbow off the top by Jericho gets a two count.  Jericho firmly in control now with a few more nearfalls and cutting off The Rocks hope spots. Jericho with a pair of Backbreakers.  Jericho putting on a clinic here, outwrestling The Rock and keeping him grounded.  Jericho gets overconfident and goes up top, but Rock crotches him then hits a superplex. Momentum starts to swing in The Rocks favour with a big overhead Belly to Belly and a Samoan Drop.  Clothesline by Jericho but Rock kips up and lays the Smackdown.  A tale of two matches now as Rock is in control cutting of Jerichos hope spots.  Jericho gets a head of steam but Rock sends him flying over the top rope.  Back in ring Rock remains in control and locks in a reverse chin lock.  The ref checks Jerichos arms but Jericho ralleys and works his way back up, he fights out but misses a dropkick, allowing The Rock to catapult Jericho into the turnbuckle then hit a huge lariat.  Rock puts Jericho on the top rope and goes for another superplex, but Y2J fights out and sends Rock crashing down, then hits a big missile dropkick, but he cant capitalize.  Jericho flips out of a back body drop then hits a Rock Bottom! He follows it up with a Lionsault but The Rock kicks out!  Jericho hits a bulldog, and teases going for a Peoples Elbow, but Rock rolls out the way, then hits a takedown and rolls into the Sharpshooter.  Jericho is somehow able to crawl to the ropes to break it, and he rolls to the outside.  Rocky clears the Spanish announce table and lifts Jericho onto it, then hits a huge Rock Bottom through the table!  Rock lifts a limp Jericho up and drills him with a hard right.  Back in the ring Rock measures for a Rock Bottom, Jericho walks into it but fights out, but he runs into a Spinebuster!  Rock measures for the Peoples Elbow, but Jericho grabs his leg and rolls Rock into the Walls of Jericho!  Rock gets within an inch of the ropes but Jericho walks him back into the centre.  Suddenly Stephanie McMahon runs down and throws a chair in the ring.  Jericho sends her off then walks into a DDT from Rock.  Steph gets on the apron and starts cheering for the Rock, so Rock tosses her into the ring and hits her with a Rock Bottom!  Jericho hits a Full Nelson Facebuster ( a Skull Crushing Finale for our younger readers) onto the chair!  The ref makes the count and Jericho gets the three!  Jericho wins!

Winner and NEW WCW Champion - Chris Jericho!

Jericho taunts Stephanie with his new title, as Rock gets up with the chair.  He gives Jericho the chair to remind him that it wasnt a clean win, then leaves to let Jericho celebrate.

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Loved this.  If Stephanie hadnt interfered then this would easily have been a 5 star match.  Both guys gave each other everything they had, and both men looked the part.  Jericho was the defacto heel going in but had won the crowd around by the end and won to a big pop.  Loved this, but cant help but wonder what could have been had it had a clean finish.  A hidden gem on the network for sure and worth going to watch.

Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Rob Van Dam - WWF Championship.

The Build.

At Unforgiven, Kurt Angle defeated Austin to win the WWF title, unfortunately for him Austins hand was under the rope when he tapped and the ref missed it.  Austin used this to get a rematch which he won thanks to interference from William Regal.  Meanwhile Van Dam has seemingly been working behind the scenes to replace Austin as leader of the Alliance.  Austin ended up costing RVD and match vs Jericho, and RVD confronted Austin about it.  They seemed to put their differences aside, until Linda McMahon fired Regal as WWF commissioner, and named Mick Foley as his replacement.  Foley offered this match to RVD, which RVD accepted much to Austins chagrin.  The story would then revolved around whether Rob Van Dam would help Austin, or be out for himself.  Vince is also playing games, making it look like he's working with Van Dam.

The Match.

Angle is out first, then RVD, then Austin.  All three men get a good reaction from the crowd.  Austin and RVD face off so Angle jumps the gun and drops Austin with a German, then opens up the highway to suplex city and he throws the Alliance members around.  Both men recover and take out Austin.  Stone Cold and Van Dam square off to a big pop.  Austin flips the bird so RVD flips him back, then Angle breaks it up but taking out Van Dam.  Austin takes advantage of the chaos and takes out both men, working over them with stomps.  Austin goes for a Stunner on Angle but he counters into an Ankle Lock, but RVD breaks it up and takes Angle out.  Van Dam then takes Austin down with a flurry of kicks.  Rolling Thunder on Angle but Austin breaks up the pin.  Austin dumps Angle to the outside as he and Van Dam square off, with Austin putting him down with a spinebuster.  Austin starts working on RVDs leg to ground him, but Angle breaks up a half boston crab attempt, and starts working over Austin, but Austin counters and dumps him over the top again.  Austin locks in an STF but Angle breaks it up, before dumping Austin to the outside.  Austin gets a thumb to the eye then catapults Angle face first into the ring post.  He drops Van Dam in the ring then wraps his leg round the ring post.  Angle comes back and starts working over Austin, but Van Dam comes out of nowhere from the top rope with a senton on both men.  RVD sends Angle back in the ring then hits a 420 leg drop on Austin from the announce table.  Angle has recovered and hits RVD with an overhead Belly to Belly.  Angle hits an incredible moonsault but cant make the cover, so Austin tries his luck but Angle can break it up.   Angle locks a sleeper on Austin, but Austin fights out and send Angle into RVD, they both go for Stunners but both counter, then take each other out with a double clothesline.  As both men are down RVD comes off the top for a 5 Star but both Angle and Austin roll out of the way so he crashes and burns.  Angle up and hits a bridging German before Austin breaks up the fall.  Austing hits a Stunner on Angle out of nowhere but RVD breaks up the fall.  Van Dam hits Austin with a Split Legger Moonsault but Angle breaks it up.  Angle Slam on RVD but Austin breaks it up!  Austin sends Angle to the outside, and the two men trade rights and chops.  Austin gets the upper hand and bounces Angle off the announce table, then starts to clear it.  He sets Angle up for a piledriver but Angle back body drops Austin who bounces off the table.  Suddenly RVD flies into shot and takes out Angle.  The crowd pop as Vince makes his way to ring side, he surveys the scene as Angle and RVD start brawling.  Back in the ring Angle opens up on RVD with stiff rights and chops, but RVD hits back with a reverse heel kick.  Van Dam leaps to the top rope but Angle runs up to meet him and nails a big Belly to Belly from the top!  Austin crawls his way back into the ring and hits Angle with a Stunner, but Angle falls to the outside.  Austin turns his attention to RVD and measures him for a Stunner.  Suddenly Vince is in the ring and he drills Austin across the back with a chair!  McMahon is trying to rally Angle as Van Dam hits a 5 Star Frog Splash!  But he cant make the pin!  He finally does but Angle breaks it up!  Angle hits a quad of Germans then an Angle slam, but Shane runs down and attacks Angle!  He sends him to the outside then crashing into the post, as Vince takes him down over the announce table and starts beating down on Shane.  In the ring Austin hits RVD with a Stunner and gets the fall!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Rating: 4 stars.  Another very good match ruined by needless interference.  Very enjoyable, very fast paced.  Suffered from some old tropes of two men fight while the other is incapacitated, but they hid it well.  RVD seemed destined for greatness but wouldnt win the big one for another 5 years.  Angle was an afterthought which is a shame because he was WWF Champion not 2 weeks ago.  I still really enjoyed it though.

Pros.  

Every match was at the very least enjoyable.
Jericho vs Rock was a MotY contender.

Cons.

The lingerie match.

Overall Verdict.

A sleeper hit this show.  Every match bar one was 3 stars or over, and everything exceeded expectations.  A very easy watch and a stand out show in the maligned Invasion angle.  It seems to me that on the whole the in ring work of this time is still pretty excellent, but the booking leaves a lot to be desired.

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Summerslam
No Mercy
King of the Ring
Unforgiven
Judgement Day
Backlash
Invasion

Fret not, for it all comes to an end next time.  Its winner take all at Survivor Series, were one company will win it all and the other will be banished from existence.  The culmination of a months long angle, so should be a belter.  See you there, and thanks for reading.

SURVIVOR SERIES 2001

DISCLAIMER:  I'd like to apologize for the ghetto and stripped back review up to the main event.  I had it all typed up and took a break for lunch before the main event and when I came back my laptop had decided to update, so I lost everything,. and I am not sitting through that again. Moral of the story is always back up your work regularly.

The end is here.  The invasion comes to a head tonight at Survivor Series.  One company will win and survive, one company will lose and be dissolved.  Can WWF survive their biggest challenge since the year 1995?  Can ECW/WCW rise from the ashes like a glorious phoenix?  Elsewhere on the card, old scores are settled and titles will be unified.  The stakes have never been higher, and they get that over in the opening video package, showing historic moments in WWF history and legends like Blassie, Piper, Hogan, Monsoon and Vince McMahon Snr.  The pyro goes off and we go right into it.

Christian (c) vs Al Snow - WWF European Championship

The Build.

After losing the Intercontinental title to Edge, Christian turned his attention to the European title, which he won from Bradshaw on a house show.  He had an altercation with Al Snow on heat earlier in the evening to set this match up on short notice. Apparently it was supposed to be Xpac vs Tajiri to unify the two cruiserweight titles but Xpac got injured on short notice.

The Match.

Its a fairly formulaic match with Christian cutting off Snows hope spots while they work to a finish.  Al Snow hits the Snowplow (which looks devastating) but Christian is too close to the ropes and he gets his leg up.  He bails to the outside and Snow makes chase, but as they get back in the ring Christian kicks the middle rope to low blow Al, leading to the Unprettier and the win.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF European Champion - Christian

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Perfectly serviceable opener, but the crowd werent too invested because it was booked last minute.  Christian is still working at being a singles guy, but he's starting to show promise.  Al Snow was taking a back seat from wrestling full time to focus on coaching with Tough Enough.

William Regal vs Tajiri

The Build.

Regal brought Tajiri under his wing, but was annoyed that Tajiri didnt join the Alliance with him.  Regal made him pay for it by attacking Torrie Wilson, hitting her with a Regal Bomb and putting her in the Regal Stretch.  As I mentioned earlier, this wasnt the original plan for Tajiri so this was kinda thrown together at the last minute.

The Match.

Tajiri starts off like a house on fire, but he's eventually outwrestled by Regal who gets a bloody nose early on.  Tajiri misses a Buzzsaw kick and Regal hits a Regal Bomb for the win in less than 3 minutes.

Winner via Pinfall - William Regal

Post match Torrie Wilson comes down to check on Tajjers, but Regal doesnt like that and drops her with a Regal Bomb.

Rating: 1 star.  It was fine but it was far too short and ended before it got going.  I wonder if they called it because of Regals nose, but he's worked through worse so Im not sure.

Edge (c) vs Test (c) - Intercontinental and United State championship unification match.

The Build.

Test cost Edge a match against RVD, then cheated to beat Edge for the IC title.  Edge would then win the US title from Kurt Angle and then Mick Foley set up this unification match.  And you thought the titles were a mess today, they really meant dick all for these few months.

The Match.

The cliche of contrast of styles here, with the Big Hoss Test vs the more technical Edge.  They actually work a decent match, and trade some exceptional nearfalls near the end, kicking out of a hitting each others finishers.  Test looks the part here but Edge counters a Full Nelson slam into a roll up to score the fall and win the titles.

Winner via Pinfall and unified IC and US Champion - Edge!

Rating: 3 stars.  I feel bad not giving this a proper write up because they really tried hard here.  Both mean wanted the other to look good and thats when wrestling is the best.  It started off quite slow but they had some really good and believable nearfalls to build to an exciting end.  Edge was on the up and up so its no surprise he won, but Test didnt lose anything here.

The Hardy Boys (c) vs The Dudley Boys (c) - Cage match to unify the WCW and WWF Tag Team Titles.

The Build.

Three certainties in life.  Death, taxes, and the Hardys vs the Dudleys.

The Match.

This starts of slow in the feeling out phase, but once the realise theres no downside to wrestling tornado style it really clicks together.  The cage is used well in some good spots and they even manage to get a table in.  The end comes about when Matt is able to escape, and Jeff climbs to the top.  Instead of escaping and winning the match Jeff goes for it all with a big Swanton on Dvon but Dvon rolls out the way and Jeff crashes through the table allowing Bubba to pick up the win.

Winners via Pinfall and Unified Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys.

Rating: 3 stars.  You cant really go wrong with these two teams.  They clicked really well here and it was a good example of how a tag cage match should work.  Yeah enjoyed this, but I think I've had my fill of the Hardys vs the Dudleys.

Immunity Battle Royal.

The Build.

The battle of the under and midcarders, and the winner will be safe from losing their job for one year, regardless of who wins the main event later.

The Match.

This is actually a bit Poopie.  Theres no real spots to mention, and Test is able to win after he beat down Scotty 2 Hotty pre-match and stole his spot.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  This is actually worse than the Gimmick Battle Royal from X7 because atleast that gave you some nostalgia pops.  This match was a veritable "who's that" of the undercard, including Hugh Morris, Perry Saturn, Chuck Palumbo, Faarooq and Crash Holly.  No fanfare, no stars, no spots.  Poopie.  Gets half a star because it was atleast competent.  

Trish Stratus vs Ivory vs Jazz vs Lita vs Jaqueline vs Might Molly - 6 pack challenge for the WWF Womens Title.

The Build.

After the title was vacated when Chyna was Poopie canned, they needed to get a new champion for the new era.  So they got the 6 most competent workers they had and gave them 5 minutes.

The Match.

Jazz makes her debut to an anti-pop because absolutely no one knows who she is apart from Paul Heyman who does his best to put her over.  Because they only have 5 minutes and theres 6 of them the action is pretty fast paced and everyone gets there stuff in.  Trish wins her first title by taking advantage of a big brawl and dropping Ivory with a Stratisfaction.  

Rating: 1 star.  It was fine, and they very nearly made it the whole five minutes without a botch.  Trish wins her maiden title (out of 7) in a bit of a wet fart.  Completely forgettable, could have been much better.  Lita is over as all hell, and Trish is starting to show her potential.

Team Alliance (Stone Cold, Kurt Angle, Shane McMahon, Booker T & Rob Van Dam) vs Team WWF (Kane, Undertaker, Big Show, Chris Jericho & The Rock) - Traditional Survivor Series match.

The Build.

The culmination of a months long build, Vince and Linda laid down the challenge to Shane and Steph to end this once and for all.  One team will survive, one team will be dissolved completely.  Theres tension on both sides though, as Rock and Jericho are struggling to put there differences aside - especially after Rock beat Jericho to win back the WCW title.  Vince has planted seeds in the Alliance camp by claiming Stone Cold has defected, and now the Alliance dont trust him.

The Match.

Shane McMahon is out first to lead his team, followed by Booker, RVD, Angle and a good reaction for Stone Cold.  Big Show is out first for team WWF, followed by the Brothers of Destruction, Jericho and the roof comes off the place for The Rock.  Rock and Austin go right at it to get us started hot.  Lou Thesz press from Austin and he flips off everyone before hitting a big elbow.  Rock hits a Thesz press of his own, then flips off Austin before Shane jumps in.  Tag to Booker but Rock takes him down with a big flying forearm.  Tag to Y2J who opens up Booker with some knife edge chops to huge WOOOO chants.  Tag to RVD to a big reaction.  Y2J and RVD change the pace with some crisp cruiserweight offense and counters.  Jericho misses a dropkick and hits Rolling Thunder for a two count.  Jericho counters a head scissors into a Walls of Jericho but Shane breaks it up.  Tag to Kurt and a tag to Kane.  Angle outspeeds and outwrestles Kane but the big man eventually over powers him.  Angle drops him with a German suplex but Kane fires back with a sidewalk slam.  Kane comes off the top with a big clothesline but Shane AGAIN breaks up the fall (THats a DQ ref come on).  Tag to the Deadman and Undertaker lays a beating on Angle.  Angle fights away and tags in Booker but Taker aint selling for this bum, and drops him with a big boot and a leg drop but SHANE BREAKS IT UP AGAIN!  Come on Hebner what about the rules?  Taker wrenches Bookers arm and goes Old School.  Shane breaks up another pin!  Tag to Austin who goes to work on Taker.  Undertaker goes Old School again and Im actually Frak angry because Shane breaks up another damn fall and the ref wont do anything.  DQ HIM!  Gorilla Monsoon would be turning in his grave.   A bit of a brawl breaks out allowing Angle to tag in and take advantage.  Taker plants Kurt with a DDT and gets a tag to Big Show who runs wild on Kurt and throws him across the ring.  RVD tries to get him some but Show press slams him down, then knocks the rest of the Alliance off the apron.  Angle hits the Angle Slam from out of nowhere, then Booker T tags in.  Big Scissors Kick on Show followed by a Spinaroonie, then RVD tags in and hits a Five Star Frog Splash. Tag to Shane who hits a big elbow and pins Big Show after 4 finishers.

Big Show has been eliminated.

Shane dances and celebrates as Rock comes in and lays him out.  He tags in Kane who drills Shane with a huge Chokeslam.  Tag to Undertaker who comes in and plants Shane with a Tombstone.  Tag to Jericho who hits a Lionsault and Shane is gone.

Shane McMahon has been eliminated.

Angle comes in and he and Jericho go at it. Austin hits a cheapshot and Angle takes advantage, taking down Jericho and tags in Booker who works over Jericho before tagging in RVD.  Van Dam works over Jericho but Jericho rolls him up for a near fall.  Tag to the Big Red Machine who drops RVD with a big boot and right hands.  Booker T comes in to distract Kane, and RVD capitalises with a big spinning kick.  RVD leaps up top and hits a Five Star Frog Splash but Kane gets him in a goozle as he goes for a pin, but Booker T charges and takes Kane out.  A big brawl breaks out as RVD hits Kane with a big kick from the top and gets the fall as everyone else brawls on the outside.

Kane has been eliminated.

Undertaker gets in the ring and tries to fight off 4 on 1 odds.  He does a good job of fighting them off and sets up Angle for a Last Ride. Booker T tries to hit him with a chair but he gets a big boot, but Austin comes in and hits Taker with a Stunner.  He drags Angle on top of Undertaker and team WWF is down to 2.

Undertaker has been eliminated.

Booker T tosses Rock in the ring as Jericho is still down outside.  Book works over Rocky as the crowd try to rally.  Rock fights back but eats a big jumping side kick.  Rock springs up with a big DDT but Angle breaks up the fall.  Rock hits a big Samoan Drop but Austin breaks up the fall this time.  Rock counters an Irish Whip and sends Booker flying into Angle, then rolls up Booker T for a fall.

Booker T has been eliminated.

RVD comes in to work over The Rock as Jericho has recovered on the apron.  RVD jumps up but Rock counters into a one arm powerbomb like thing and gets a two count.  Tag to Jericho who cuts off Van Dam with a flurry.  Jericho hits a bulldog but misses the Lionsault and walks into a spinning heel kick from RVD.  Split legged moonsault by Van Dam but Jericho gets the knees up, he hits a Skull Crushing Finale and pins Van Dam.

Rob Van Dam has been eliminated.

Angle comes it to work on Jericho as Austin and Rock trade blows on the outside.  Austin drills Rock into the ring post leaving Jericho all alone.  Austin and Angle work over Y2J as Rock recovers.  Big Superplex by Austin on Jericho but Y2J kicks out.  Jericho counters a waist lock and rolls Angle into an Ankle Lock but Angle is able to roll out.  The pace has slowed down as the Alliance double team and isolate Jericho.  Jericho fights back but he and Austin take each other out with a double clothesline.  Jericho crawls over to his corner and makes the tag to The Rock!  Rock hammers away on Angle and puts him in the Sharpshooter and ANGLE TAPS OUT!

Kurt Angle has been eliminated.

Austin takes out Rock and starts fighting with Jericho.  Y2J goes for the Walls but Austin powers out, then tries to get Jericho in a Walls of his own, but Jericho powers out.  Jericho goes for a Lionsault but Austin gets the knees up, but can only get a two count.  Austin puts Jericho on the top rope but Jericho fights him off.  He hits a big missile dropkick but Austin kicks out.  Jericho goes for a roll up but Austin counters into one of his own and pins Jericho.

Chris Jericho has been eliminated.

We're back where we started as Rock and Austin trade blows while Y2J argues with the ref.  Rock plants Austin with a Spinebuster but Jericho hits him with a Skull Crushing Finale!  Austin crawls over to make the cover but ROCK KICKS OUT!  Jericho starts walking back to the ring as if he's going to do it again, but Taker runs down and stops him, forcing him into the back.  Austin starts hammering away on The Rock, but Rock recovers while he jaw-jacking with Hebner, but Austin sends him flying over the top and Rock crashes into the announce table.  Austin bounces him off the announce table and hits him with vicious chops, but Rock fights back and lays into Austin with chops of his own.  Austin introduces Rock to the ring post and the steel steps, but Rock sends him flying over the Spanish announce table and immediately leaps over it himself like a salmon and lays into Austin.  Back in the ring Rock is in control, but Austin hits a big spinebuster, and rolls Rock into a Sharpshooter.  Rock refuses to tap and is able to crawl to the ropes.  A frustrated Austin goes and grabs his title belt.  He misses his shot and Rock drops him into a Sharpshooter.  Austin is only just able to crawl to the bottom rope with his title still in hand.  Rock doesnt release and drags Austin back, but again Austin makes it to the ropes.  Austin hits a mule kick low blow behind the refs back, but Rock blocks the Stunner and hits one of his own!  Both men are down but as Rock makes the cover Nick Patrick appears and pulls Hebner out the ring and drops him.  Rock goes to drop Patrick but Austin hits a Rock Bottom!  Austin makes the cover but Rock kicks out!  Austin cant believe it and he drops Patrick!  He grabs Hebner and gets him back in the ring, but when he goes for a Stunner Rock counters a shove Rock right into Earl.  Austin counters a Rock Bottom and hits a Stunner!  Theres no ref!  He tries to revive Hebner but Angle reappears and grabs the title. Angle measures and HE DRILLS AUSTIN!  ROCK BOTTOM! ONE! TWO! THREE!

Stone Cold Steve Austin has been eliminated. Team WWF WIN!

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Loved this.  Full of drama, everyone got a chance to shine and no one was booked like a jobber by getting pinned after a suplex or a dropkick.  Gets an extra half point for Rock actually making someone tap to the sharpshooter.

Heyman is speechless as we see the locker rooms.  Team Alliance cant believe it as Team WWF celebrate wildly.  Rock celebrates in the ring as Vince appears on stage to celebrate and gets a huge pop as we go off the air.

Pros.

Heyman and JR arguing
The cage match
The main event was more than the angle deserved.

Cons.

Most of the undercard was underwhelming
The battle royal
Trish's first title coming in a wet fart of a match.

Overall Verdict.

Not a great show.  It had its moments but it was certainly a product of the time.  The whole thing felt rushed together - which it was. Ratings were way down so WWF pulled the trigger and killed the angle dead, despite a huge influx of new talent coming in over the next few months - but we'll get to that.  Despite the whole invasion angle being a bit of a damp squib, the main event here more than delivered.  It had everything you could want from a Survivor Series match.  Drama, high spots, star powers, multiple stories.  You'd actually be hard pressed to find a better 5 on 5 match actually. Definitely one of the best ones ever.  Still.

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Summerslam
No Mercy
King of the Ring
Unforgiven
Survivor Series
Judgement Day
Backlash
Invasion

WWF would hit the reset button after tonight, and we're about to enter a really weird phase while they try to figure out how to go forward with no competition.  The next night on RAW Ric Flair would make his return and reveal that he bought Shane and Stephanies shares and becomes McMahons co-owner, which would eventually lead to the first brand split.  We've got Vengeance next in the final show of the year.  An event famous for unifying the top two world titles, and honestly not a whole lot else.  Like I said its a weird time.  See you there and thanks for reading.

VENGEANCE 2001

The landscape of the business has forever changed.  Without any real, tangible competition the WWF seems rudderless.  Thanks to WCW's on screen demise Vince and Co. are entering a strange period where they seem to throw everything at the wall to see what sticks.  Ric Flair has returned to the WWF as it acting as co-owners with Vince and they obviously dont get along.  We're at the final PPV event of 2001 and its a pretty large card, headlined by the World title situation.  4 men, 3 matches, 2 World titles, 1 winner.  The final title unification takes place tonight and only one man will walk away with all the gold.  So without further adieu lets get right into it.

Opening video package shows Freddie Blassie watching old clips of previous champions, hyping up the fact that there has never been one Undisputed champion... until tonight.  WWF using their first shots of WCW b-roll here to show Sting, Nash, Lugar and Savage as WCW champions.  I believe this is the last PPV appearance of Freddie Blassie.  I know he turned up in 2003 for a skit with Bischoff but he died soon after.

We're off to a great start as we get an opening promo from Vince McMahon.  I should mention that JR is joined on commentary by the returning Jerry Lawler - Heyman was fired the night after Survivor Series and Lawler had split with The Kat so he was brought back.  He talks about how he was embarassed on SmackDown by Stone Cold and Ric Flair.  Mark it down, this is the first PPV where no one can get a promo out without being interrupted by WHAT? chants.  Vince theres 9 matches on this card get to Frak already.  Ric Flair comes out and he looks the same as he did in the early 90's.  Man he aged overnight like a pear.  Flair tells him to get out the ring so they can start the PPV.  Thanks Ric.

Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert vs Christian & Test.

The Build.

Test and Christian are in their pre-UnAmericans phase, and they still arent quite ready to push Albert as a singles guy yet, so he's been paired with S2H and billed as the Hip Hoppopotomas.  JR says this is a bonus match so this is about all the build it got.

The Match.

The faces jump the Canadians before they get in the ring, and Scotty dominates Christian in the opening exchanges.  Test tags in and S2H quickly tags in Albert - T&A EXPLODES!  Albert gets the better of Test but Christian breaks up a pin, so he gets piefaced off the apron for his troubles.  Test quickly takes advantage of Scotty, using his power to keep him grounded as he and Christian exploit quick tags and double team moves.  Teddy Long asks the heels if they tagged while he was busy with Albert and he just takes their word for it.  One of my most hated wrestling tropes.  Scotty fights back and hits Test with a side kick and gets the hot tag to Albert.  Albert runs wild and hits a Cesaro swing on Christian.  The Canadians try a double team but Albert runs right through them.  He goes for a Baldo Bomb but Test trips him and pulls him out the ring.  Scotty takes and reverse DDT from Christian - who mocks Scotty and goes for a Worm, but Albert cuts him off then eats a Big Boot from Test, but Scotty breaks up the fall.  Scotty sends Christian to the outside then hits Test with a facebuster as the crowd explode for Scotty doing the Worm.  Christian tries to blindside Scotty but Albert cuts him off and drills him with a Baldo Bomb for the win.

Winner via Pinfall - Albert and Scotty 2 Hotty.

Rating:  1.5 stars.  Inoffensive enough, crowd were into it, didnt outstay its welcome.  Didnt have any real heat which hurt it a bit but its was perfectly serviceable.  

Coach is backstage with William Regal.  He asks him about his upcoming Intercontinental title match and questions his recent methods.  Despite working for the Alliance, Regal was able to keep his job by becoming the inaugural member of the Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass club.  He says he's going to take Edges title, then calls Coach a silly pillock.

Edge (c) vs William Regal - Intercontinental Championship.

The Build.

Regal has been trying to mend his broken image following his humliation to keep his job, and has started incorporating Brass Knuckles into his matches.  Edge - ever the joker - was making fun of Regal for kissing Vince's ass and that led Regal to challenge him here tonight.

The Match.

Edge gets the upper hand early on using his agility and quickness. Regal takes advantage through nefarious means by throwing Edge to the outside and sending him into the barricade.  Regal starts his glorious heel wrestling, working over Edge, cutting off hope spots and fighting out of nearfalls.  He damn near decapitates Edge with a series of European uppercuts.  Edge fights back and hits an Edge-O-Matic out of nowhere for a two count, then a top rope hurricarana for a two.  Edge sends Regal to the floor, then comes off the apron for a Spear but Regal sidesteps him and Edge crashes into the steel steps.  Regal retrieves a set of brass knuckles from under the ring and hides them in his jocks.  Back in the ring Regal hits a Regalbomb but Edge kicks out. Edge counters with a big enzuigiri.  Edge hits a series of pinning predicaments but Regal fights out and drops him with a left.  Regal hits a pair of Regalbombs but Edge kicks out again!  Regal goes straight back onto offense with stomps.  While the ref checks on Edge, Regal puts the brass knuckles on, but as he turns to use them Edge explodes with a Spear and gets the fall!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion - Edge!

Rating: 2.5 stars.  I quite liked this.  Regal is showing how great he is after a few recent stinkers and Edge continues to climb up the ladder.  Both men worked well together and they made their clashing styles mesh well.

Ric Flair is in his office backstage on the phone to someone when Angle barges in.  Angle punks him out and tells him his world titles mean nothing compared to his gold medal.  Ric Flair puts him over while Angle runs him down because Flair is a class act.  How good would a match with both of these guys in their prime be?  Oh god.  The worlds sexiest referee is stretching backstage as Lita gets ready to call the upcoming match.  Matt comes in and subtlely tries to influence his girlfriend to call it in his favour, but she says she's going to call it down the middle.

Matt Hardy vs Jeff Hardy - Lita is the special guest referee.

The Build.

Brother collide.  After Jeff cost them the tag titles at Survivor Series, Matt was pissed off.  Matt thinks Jeff needs to listen to him more because he's the brains of the team.  He's been trying to get Jeff to take less risks and focus on winning.  The strain gets too much and they both want to prove to each other they are the better man.  Lita breaks up a fight and Matt thinks she's taking Jeffs side over his, so he asks her to be the ref to prove whos side shes on.

The Match.

Jeff is the defacto face as Matt wrestles as a heel.  Neither man gets an advantage in the opening as they trade reversals.  This match goes exactly as you think it would, with Jeff working a more high flying style while Matt tries to keep it grounded at his pace.  Matt counters a side head lock with a suplex, but misses the follow up Leg Drop from the second rope.  Jeff takes control and hits a Leg Drop of his own but it only gets a two.  Jeff jumps to the top rope but Matt crotches him and puts him in a Tree of Woe.  Lita takes Matt away for Jeff can recover.  Matt goes for a Sunset Flip powerbomb to the outside but Jeff counters into a headscissors.  Jeff tries to springboard flip into the ring but tweaks his knee, and like a shark smelling blood Matt is all over it.  Jeff is able to fight back and counters out of a Twist of Fate, and hits back suplex.  He climbs to the top but Matt crotches him.  Big slam from Matt from the top and he sets up for the Twist of Fate again.  Jeff fights out and goes for one of his own but Matt counters into a backslide for a two. Matt rolls up Jeff and tries to use the ropes for leverage but Lita stops him.  Matt goes for a Super Twist of Fate but Jeff drops him, the follows up with a Swanton!  Matt gets his foot on the ropes and Jeff unhooks it as Lita counts the three.

Winner via Pinfall - Jeff Hardy.

Rating: 2 stars.  Fine.  Jeff winning - especially under the circumstances he did - helps move the story forward.  This would eventually lead to the break up of Team Extreme and Matt would go off to be a heel singles guy and Jeff would go on to be a bag of smack.

We see Trish Stratus go into The Rocks dressing room.  She tells him what he did to Vince was awesome, so he thanks her and brushes her off, but she gives him a kiss.  He tells her the only thing he is focused on tonight is becoming the Undisputed championship.  But later tonight he wont be so focused and they'll have plenty of time to celebrate.

The Dudley Boys (c) w/Stacy Keibler vs Big Show and Kane - WWF Tag Team Titles.

The Build.

The Dudleys are almost back to being faces, but they arent quite there yet.  Big Show and Kane are in their first run as a tag team and after defeated the Hardys they challenged the Dudleys to a tag title match.

The Match.

The two big men dominate the opening exchanges, and I mean completely dominate.  I dont think the Dudleys have had an offensive move yet.  Both Dudleys get sent to the floor and Kane comes off the top with a clothesline.  Stacy gets in the ring to check on them so Big Show reprimands her by pulling her shorts down and giving her a spanking (5 stars).  The Dudleys finally get a break by hitting Kane with a reverse 3D ( a 2D perhaps?) and start double teaming the Big Red Machine.  The send Big Show to the floor and set up a 3D, but Kane fights them off.  He tags in Big Show who goes to town.  Show goes for a Chokeslam on Dvon but Bubba hits a chop block.  Kane measures for a top rope Clothesline but Dvon ducks and he takes out Big Show.  The Dudleys get dumped to the outside as Kane and Big Show start arguing.  They fight off the Dudleys and Big Show ends up taking out Kane as Bubba removes a Turnbuckle pad.  The Dudleys hit a flapjack on Big Show who lands face first on the turnbuckle, allowing the Dudleys to retain.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - The Dudley Boys!

Rating: 2 stars.  It was actually fun watching Kane and Big Show just dominate for a large period, but it slowed down in the middle when it was obviously Show was gassed.  Dudleys get over as resilient champs so it did what it had to do, and it was better than watching them wrestle the Hardys or Spike again.

We see Lita try to apologise to Matt while he's packing his bags - come on Matt you dont leave before the show ends thats disrespectful and bad locker room etiquette.  Matt blows her off and leaves.

The Undertaker vs Rob Van Dam (c) - Hardcore Championship.

The Build.

After Survivor Series - Undertaker turned heel because he felt disrespected.  JR was being forced to join the VKMKMAC, but it looked like Taker was going to stop it.  He said so many people have come and gone and they've all kissed Vinces ass at one point, but no one more than him.  He asks JR if he was going to kiss Vinces ass, and when JR emphatically says no, he asks if thats because JR is better than him, then he attacked Good Ol' JR, and forced him to kiss Vince's ass.  Taker went on a killing spree, destroying everyone in his path looking for respect.  He gave RVD a Last Ride on a trash can, then said he's going to give RVD a lesson at Vengeance.

The Match.

Big Evil is out first with his new haircut and he looks like Kevin Nash.  RVD comes out to a good pop.  RVD uses his speed advantage to get in some offense but Taker quickly takes control.  RVD leaps to the top and hits a big Senton for a two.  Van Dam is taking the fight to Taker before being crotched on the top rope then sent to the outside with a big boot.  Big Evil bounces RVD off the steps and starts beating him up around the ringside area, until RVD sends him face first into the ring post.  The fight spills into the crowd, and RVD is sent over a guardrail which spills over and lands on his face, so Taker steps on it.  Ouch.  The fight spills up to the staging area, and Taker goes to use a steel chair but gets blasted in the face with a fire extinguisher.    RVD crushes a trash can over Takers head, then comes off the concourse area with a huge crossbody for a two count.  They fight through the curtain and onto the stage.  RVD hits a 420 Leg Drop but Taker kicks out.  Taker lifts RVD and javelins him into the stage wall.  Taker goes for a Last Ride but RVD grabs hold of the stage structure to get out of it, but Taker drops him with a big soupbone right.  Takers got a chair but RVD kicks it in his face.  Rolling Thunder gets a two, and he hits a Van-Daminator but only gets a two again.  Taker gets up but stumbles and lands face first in the stage for a pop.  Van Dam misses another Van-Daminitor and Taker lays into him with a chair.  Undertaker grabs Van Dam and Chokeslams him off the stage and through two tables!  Taker climbs down and crawls into the cover.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWF Hardcore Champion - The Undertaker!

Rating: 3 stars.  This was good fun.  Undertaker gave RVD loads and made him look a serious threat.  This style of match works in the new Undertakers favour because he gets free reign to hurt whoever he wants, and gives him something to do in the meantime.  Best match of the night so far.

Ric Flair is still on the phone when Jericho bust in this time.  Jericho chastises him for not having confidence in him.  He says no one thinks he can do it tonight.  Flair tells him if he can pull it off he will indeed be the man.  Jericho tells him that when he wins tonight, Ric Flair can give him the title tomorrow night on RAW.  Flair says it doesnt matter who wins, but he will present them with the title tomorrow.

Trish Stratus (c) vs Jacqueline - WWF Womens Championship.

The Build.

Its the womens title in 2001, how much build do you think it got?

The Match.

Jacqueline out wrestles Trish early on as a "We want puppies" chant breaks out.  Jacqueline hits a pair of slams and some stomps on Trish, she blocks and kick from Trish and sweeps her to the mat.  Trish tries some crazy intricate pinning combo but they blow it and it looks a mess.  Jacqueline blocks a Stratisfaction and sends Trish flying, followed by a dropkick to the back of the head but only gets a two.  Trish hits a backslide out of nowhere and gets the fall.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Trish Stratus.

Rating: 0.5 stars.  Jacqueline was never a great worker and Trish is still greener than baby Poopie, and they were only given 3 minutes and still couldnt work a botch free match.  Not good, definition of a piss break before the bumper main event.

We see a repeat of Vince being forced to kiss Rikishis ass by The Rock, then we cut to the big Keesh in WWF New York.  He says he's back in business and he's ready to go.

The Undisputed Championship Main Event.

The Build.

Cast your minds back to Survivor Series.  Jericho let his ego get in the way and he nearly cost WWF the match by attacking his teammate, The Rock.  Angle DID cost his team the match by attacking his teammate Austin.  The next night on RAW Angle officially turned heel again by claiming the people arent appreciative enough of him, so Vince said to show his appreciation he was going to award Angle the WWF title that night.  Thats when Flair came out and put an end to that, allowing Austin to keep his title.  In the meantime Rock and Jericho have been going at it back and forth.  To settle this situation once and for all this mini-tournament was signed.  Jericho will face The Rock for the now World title (they stopped calling it the WCW title after Survivor Series), and Austin will defend the WWF title against Angle.  The winners of both these title matches will face each other with both titles on the line, and the winner takes all.

Kurt Angle vs Stone Cold Steve Austin - WWF Championship

Angle is out first and the crowd explodes for face Austin coming out for the first time in months.  The crowd are fired up for this one as they face off.  They lock up and both men jockey for position.  Theres much less heat here than their previous matches but they're getting over the fact they respect each other now.  Austin gets the upper hand with clubbing blows and stomps before Angle bails to the outside for a breather.  Back in Angle takes Austin down so Austin bails outside, same as Angle.  Austin goes for a Stunner but Angle counters into an Ankle Lock attempt, but Austin rolls out of it.  Austin starts working over Angles left arm, then sends Angle flying over the top rope.  He bounces Angle off the ring post shoulder first a couple of times then introduces him to the steps.  Austin goes for a waistlock but Angle rolls him through and locks in the Ankle Lock. Austin somehow makes it to the ropes but Angle is able to take control.  Angle wraps Austins leg around the ring post a few times and lays into him with big chops.  Kurt gives a big WOOO before locking in the Figure Four using the ring post for leverage.  Back in the ring he goes right back into the Ankle Lock, but Austin counters out.  Angle gets control back and lays Austin out, he sets up for a moonsault but Austin rolls out the way.  No one does a better moonsault than Angle and I will die on that hill.  Austin gets back into it with a Lou Thesz press, then a big Spinebuster but Angle kicks out at two.  Pretty sure that the first pinfall attempt in the match and we're about 10 minutes in.  Austin counters Angle and takes him to suplex city with 5 German suplexes.  Angle hits a low blow behind the refs back and follows up with an Angle Slam but Austin kicks out!  Angle throws a tantrum and goes to Stunner Austin, but Austin counters and hits a Stunner of his own, scoring the fall!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Champion - Stone Cold Steve Austin!

Rating:  3.5 stars.  Didnt have a lot of heat, but the action was as solid as always between these two.  Austin still gives Angle everything and makes him look great.  I think because there are two matches left this didnt have as much hype as possible.

We see Trish doing her make up backstage when Test barges in.  He tries to get a kiss but she rebukes him, and kicks him out.  His shoulder tattoo is on full display in the middle of the frame and you can see how Poopie it is. This was a weird segment.

The Rock (c) vs Chris Jericho - World Championship match.

Rock is out first to a great ovation.  Jericho gets some good heel heat as he comes out.  These two had a blinder at No Mercy so looking forward to this.  Quick back and forth and Rock takes Jericho off his feet with a big forearm, so Jericho returns the favour with a big spinning heel kick.  Springboard dropkick sends Rock to the floor.  The bounce each other off the announce table and the steps.  Jericho gets Rock back in the ring and hits a top rope back elbow for a two count.  Back suplex and a cocky pin but Earl doesnt count, dont think this has been established as a pin yet.  Rock comes off the ropes with a big leaping clothesline, but Jericho quickly regains control with a back suplex.  Big lariat from Jericho gets a two.  Rock fights back with a hip toss and a Samoan drop but only gets a two.  Jericho locks in a sleeper hold and takes Rock down to the mat, but he raises his arm at two and fights out with big rights.  He charges but Jericho hits a back elbow. Lionsault attempt but Rock rolls out the way and Jericho lands on his feet.  Modified bulldog followed by a Lionsault from Jericho but Rock kicks out at two!  Jericho throws a strop and gets in Hebners face but Hebner shoves him back.  Jericho drops Rock and goes up top, Rocky crotches him.  Jericho fights him off and hits a big crossbody but Rock rolls through for a two count.  Jericho charges but Rocky side steps him and sends him flying up and over the ring post, bouncing his head off the post as he crashes to the floor.  Jericho takes out Rock on the floor and catapults him into the ring post.  Jericho starts clearing the announce table,  he goes to give Rock a Rock Bottom through the table but Rock fights out and gives Jericho a DDT through the announce table!  Rock finally gets Jericho back in the ring and measures for a Rock Bottom.  Jericho counters and hits the Breakdown (the actual name for his Skull Crushing Finale, I looked it up) but cant make a cover.  He hits a senton splash then measures for a Peoples Elbow but he flips off the crowd instead of tossing his elbow pad.  Rock grabs his leg and rolls him into the Sharpshooter, but Jericho counters into a Sharpshooter of his own!  Rock cant make it to the ropes, it looks like he's passed out but he gets a second wind and crawls to the bottom rope.  Jericho pulls him back in and goes for the Walls but Rock kicks him off, Jericho charges straight into a Rock Bottom but he cant make a cover.  McMahon runs down and distracts the ref while Rock makes a cover.  Rock drops him with a right hand and hits a Spinebuster on Jericho.  He goes for a Peoples Elbow but McMahon distracts him again, so he flips him in the ring, then hits the Peoples Elbow on Jericho. He goes to get some of Vince, but Jericho hits a low blow then a Rock Bottom and he makes the cover!

Winner via Pinfall and NEW World Champion - Chris Jericho!

Rating: 4 stars.  Best match of the night so far.  Rock made Jericho look a million bucks, and its just a damn shame they couldnt have a clean finish.  Had a bit more excitement about it than the previous match, but I think thats down to the fact we're getting closer to crowning a winner.

Jericho barely has time to celebrate/recover as Austin immediately comes out and goes to work on Jericho, but Angle charges the ring and drops Austin with a chair shot right between the eyes.  Rock gets in the ring and drops Jericho with a Rock Bottom, then chases Kurt away to the backstage area, then the bell finally rings.

Chris Jericho (c) vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) - Undisputed Championship Match.

In what is surely a first a match starts with a double ref count.  Jericho rolls over for a cover but Austin kicks out.  Jericho goes to work on Austin with chops and a flying forearm.   The ref pulls Jericho off Austin, allowing Stone Cold to come flying out the blocks with a big spear.  Austin rams Jericho into the top turnbuckle about 13 times, then goes for a Stunner but Jericho is able to escape to the apron, so Austin punts him hard to the floor.  Austin launches Jericho into the ring post a couple of times, then rips up the ringside padding.  Jericho drops Austin with a right and Austin cracks the back of his head on the concrete, oooouuuucccchhhh.  Jericho clears the Spanish announce table, he tries to put Austin in the Walls on the table but Austin flips him off and he lands hard.  Suplex to Jericho on the floor, then he gets him back in the ring.  Austin charges but Jericho sidesteps and sends him shoulder first into the ring post.  He then drags Austin and launches him into another ring post.  Jericho misses a dropkick and Austin catapults him into the turnbuckle for a two count.  Jericho locks in an armbar style submission, and uses the ropes for extra leverage but Hebner catches him and boots him off.  Jericho counters a sunset flip and rolls Austin up into the Walls of Jericho, but Austin just makes it to the ropes.  Austin ducks a flying shoulder tackle from Jericho and Y2J wipes out the referee.  Jericho hits another low blow then drops Austin with a Stunner. Vince McMahon reappears and brings Nick Patrick to the ring, but Flair runs down and drops Patrick, but then he gets dropped by McMahon, before Vince throws him into the ring post.  Austin hits a low blow and then see's McMahon, so he does what he does best and drops him and opens a can of whoopass on McMahon.  He gets back in the ring and takes down Jericho with a Lou Thesz press.  He counters a dropkick and puts Jericho in the Walls, and Jericho is tapping!  But theres no ref!   All of a sudden Booker T appears out of nowhere and nails Austin with the WWF title.  McMahon throws Hebner back in the ring and Jericho crawls over and makes the cover.  One.  Two.  Three!

Winner and NEW UNDISPUTED CHAMPION - CHRIS JERICHO!

Rating: 3 stars.  Was on to something brilliant but became an overbooked mess.  After Rock made Jericho look great, and Austin was doing the same they couldnt give us a clean win again.  Well, might aswell start Jerichos reign as you mean to go on I guess.

Jericho celebrates with McMahon on the stage and fireworks go off and confetti fills the arena as we go off the air.

Pros.

Taker vs RVD
The three Main event matches

Cons.

The Hardys struggle to work against each other
The womens match
The tag title match was bleh

Overall verdict.

Was building to an excellent ending but just left a bad taste in your mouth.  The whole undercard was unexceptionally fine, but the lack of real quality means this show is a hard recommend.  Its worth watching for historical purposes, and either Jericho or Angle would have been the right picks to win in the end, but someone is about to make a huge return, and they need a fresh heel to feud with, but more on that next time.  So were does Vengeance land in our final table of 2001?

PPV League Table.

WrestleMania X7
Royal Rumble
No Way Out
Summerslam
No Mercy
King of the Ring
Unforgiven
Survivor Series
Judgement Day
Backlash
Vengeance
Invasion

The Year in Short.

Another year draws to a close with 2001 now in the rear mirror.  It was a strange year, it started off with three of the best shows they've ever put on and then started to go downhill quickly.  There were some definite high spots along the way but the Invasion angle is rightly maligned and in hindsight was the biggest missed opportunity in wrestling history.  Ric Flair has just returned, and we're about to get loads more returns and debuts over the next few months that would have given fresh life to the angle, it could easily have dominated most of 2002 if they booked it right.  But hindsight is 20-20 so its easy to criticise now.  The highlights were definitely the first three shows, then Angle vs Austin at Summerslam.  We got some bonafide new stars as Edge and Rob Van Dam makes strides towards superstardom.  The worst match of the year has to be Brothers of Destruction vs Kronik - that was bloody chronic btw.  Best match is almost impossible because there were so many good ones.  Wrestler of the year would have went to Benoit who was on a tear, but sadly his year was cut short because of injury so Im going to have to give it to Angle, who didnt have a bad match all year.  Worst wrestler is an easy one - Frak Crush.  Turned up in no shape to compete and was a danger and a liability.  Thankfully nothing bad happened but he was a state and rightly let go for it.

What does 2002 hold?  Well.... not a lot.  To start with anyway.  This year is a real strange one while WWF struggles with its identity, and the company will look very different by the end of the year.  This is the year were we sadly say good bye to old friends, but we welcome new stars who will be with us for a very long time.  Thanks once again for sticking with me on this daft we project of mine, and I look forward to seeing you next time as we take the first step on the road to WrestleMania - The Royal Rumble! See you there.

ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

ITS A NEW YEAR YES IT IS!  Its once again time for the greatest gimmick match of all time. Thank you Pat Patterson - RIP.  We get a brief history package about previous Rumble winners, and sound bites from this years entrants marking it the most stacked Rumble in years.  There sure to be some big returns in a Rumble match and this years is no exception.  We've also got a pretty decent undercard to look forward to, so lets take it to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at ringside to get us underway.

Spike Dudley & Tazz (c) vs The Dudley Boys w/ Stacy Keibler - WWF Tag Team Championship.

The Build.

After the turn of the year, Spike finally got one up on his half brothers when he a new partner Tazz defeated them in a hardcore match to win the WWF tag titles.  The Dudleys didnt like that, and beat Spike from bumhole to appetite, leading Spike being in a neck brace for this match.

The Match.

The Dudleys waste no time in dominating the smaller men, with Bubba hitting Tazz with a back suplex on the floor, then a big double team neckbreaker on Spike.  Bubba rips off the brace and hits another neckbreaker.  Those damned Dudleys are in full control, Spike never got out the gates.  I've just noticed the hard cam is on the opposite side of the ring than normal, so the entrance ramp is to the right instead of left.  Its small details like that that throw you off.  Spike gets a Dudley Dog on Bubba but Devon distracts the ref and he misses the tag to Tazz.  While Tazz is arguing they drop Spike with a huge double flapjack.  Spike avoids a diving headbutt from Devon and ducks a double crossbody from both Dudleys. Tag to Tazz who runs wild, throwing the bigger men around with ease.  Northern Lights Suplex on Devon but Bubba breaks up the fall.  Spike takes Bubba out with a crossbody from the top, then takes another Dudley Dog.  Stacy gets on the apron so Tazz locks her in the Tazzmission.  Spike goes for a Dudley Dog on Devon but gets tossed over the top, Devon then misses a corner splash on Tazz who locks him in the Tazzmission, takes him to the mat and Devon quickly taps out.

Winners via Submission and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - Tazz & Spike Dudley

Rating: 1.5 stars. The crowd were into it but it was too short to really mean anything.  Tazz still looks awesome when he's hitting big guys with suplexes but this is pretty much the ceiling for him.  Everything was smooth and solid enough but they blew through it in about 5 minutes.

We see replays of Regal taking out Edge with the Power of the Punch on RAW, allowing him to pick up a pinfall victory, Edge got some revenge on SmackDown by cracking him with a steel chair.  He snapped and also took out Test and that damned cheating I am a twonk of the highest order Nick Patrick.  Edge is with Lillian Garcia.  He talks about how they could easily have a good fight, but Regal wants to play dirty.  Edge says thats fine because he's got an equaliser in the form of a steel chair.

Edge (c) vs William Regal - Intercontinental Championship

The Build.

Edge defeated Regal at Vengeance, but that wasnt the end of that, and Edge ended up breaking Regals nose with a chair.  Regal returned and things got way more vicious, with both men costing each other matches and beating each other down.

The Match.

Regal is out first as the referee checks the ringside area for planted Brass Knuckles.  Edge comes out and he doesnt have the chair with him rendering his whole promo earlier completely moot.  Frak sake.  Nick Patrick is the referee, how is he going to be impartial after SmackDown?  [Editors note: He wasnt known for his impartiality at the best of times to be fair].  Patrick searches Regal before we start and finds a pair of Knucks in his tights, Regal argues as Edge jumps him and we're off to the races.  Edge starts working on Regals face, targeting the injured nose.  Regal goes for a European Uppercut but Edge counters into a backslide for a two count, so Regal pops back up with a big left.  Regal takes control now, and he's still doing the awesome heel work by grinding the forearm into Edges face when he makes a cover.  Every, Frak, time.  I love it.  The fight spills onto the apron, and Regal sets up for a Regal Bomb but Edge counters out and hits a DDT.  Edge gets a lifeless Regal back in the ring but Edges legs are under the ropes and Regal gets his leg on the ropes.  Double head collision in the corner lays both men out.  Edge us up first and takes over with a big heel kick and a suplex for two.  Edge looks for the Edgecution but Regal rolls him up into the Regal Stretch, but Edge is able to power to the ropes.  Regal pulls him back into the ring but Edge droptoe holds him and locks him in a Regal Stretch of his own, but Regal is able to fight out.  Edge comes off the top rope with a big Spinning Heel kick, but as Regal recovers and Edge sets up for a Spear he gets another set of Brass Knuckles out his tights.  Edge comes charging in and Regal pulls the ref in the way.  Edge goes to get Regal but Regal drops him with the Power of the Punch.  He quickly stashes the Knuckles again and makes the cover, Nick Patrick recovers and makes the three count.

Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion - William Regal!

Rating: 2.5 stars. This was fine.  Both these guys work well together, and it gets Regal over as a dastasrdly heel by cheating to win.  The problem with the Knuckles is its such a hidden weapon it doesnt garner as much heat from the crowd as say a belt shot or a chair.  Still a perfectly fine match and a smart finish.

Trish Stratus (c) vs Jazz - WWF Womens Championship - Jacqueline is the special guest ref.

The Build.

These two have been feuding for a couple of weeks, after Jazz defeated Jacqueline to become the Number 1 contender.  Jacqueline is starting a transistion to be a referee, and was made the ref of this match to try and add a bit of intrigue.  On SmackDown, Jazz slammed Trish's hand in a road case.

The Match.

Jazz comes out to little reaction, but big pop for Trish with her taped up hand.  Jazz jumps her before the bell rings, they trade a nice series of pin attempts but Jazz drops her with a hard right.  Jazz starts working over the arm and hand.  Jackie breaks up Jazz using the ropes on Trishs arm, so Jazz gets in her face.  They trade shoves before Trish rolls up Jazz, but Jazz counters with a pin of her own, Jackie hesitates to count, allowing Trish to kick out.  Trish counters a back drop into a Stratisfaction out of nowhere, but Jazz kicks out and rolls into a pinfall of her own but Trish kinda kicks out but not really.  Jazz plants her with a DDT but Trish kicks out again.  Jazz charges into the corner but Trish gets a foot up kicking her in the face, then a kinda but not really facebuster and Trish gets the three.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Womens Champion - Trish Stratus.

Rating: 1 star.  Same issue as the first match, way too short to get going.  They did fine in the time they were given but it was still pretty standard for a womens match at the time.  Jazz showed a lot more confidence here than she did at Survivor Series, and Babyface Trish is playing the plucky and resilient character well, fighting through an injury.  Perfectly average.

We see Ric Flair arriving earlier in the evening with his daughter Megan and son Reid (RIP).  Coach tries to get an interview, but Ric blows him off and WOOS him away.

Ric Flair vs Mr. McMahon - Street Fight.

The Build.

Ever since Ric Flair was introduced as Co-Owner of the WWF, he and Vince have been butting heads.  Ric found Vinces contract which highlights he is also a wrestler.  Flair says he's going to have a match at the Rumble, against Ric Flair!  Vince was all to happy to accept his challenge.  Things got really physical when McMahon came out in a wig and one of Flairs robes, so Flair got in his face and McMahon dropped him with a lead pipe, busting him open.  Both men have been taking pot shots at the other since, and Flair announced that they'll have a street fight, so they can really settle this.

The Match.

Flair comes out first to a huge reaction from the Atlanta crowd (Dubya See Dubya country).  We see his kids in the crowd and they look like they would rather be anywhere else.  McMahon comes out and theres definitely no wellness policy for the boss.  Holy Poopie Roidy Magoo over here.  They lock up early but Vince powers Flair away.  Im quite good at suspending my disbelief when it comes to wrestling, but even I cant buy the fact the the legitimate Greatest of All Time is being outwrestled by Vince McMahon.  You book a street fight to cover that, so Vince can use dirty tactics to get an upper hand but they havent dont that yet, and Vince is still on top.  Nuh, no buying it.  JR rubs salt in the wounds by making that point for me, but there hasnt been any elements of a street fight yet.  Flair busts out a Flair drop and a Flair bump over the top rope.  The match spills up into the aisle and FINALLY the street fight starts proper as Vince bends a sign over Flairs head.  Now I can believe Vince would be in control.  Vince gets a trash can and brains Flair with it, and Flair blades like the boss he is.  Vince sends Ric into the ring post, then whips him into the steel steps.  Scoop slam on the floor and Vince steals a camera from Megan Flair.  He holds a bloody Flair up and takes a selfie with him before it was cool.  Back in the ring Vince starts working over the legs of Flair.  Vince gets the final humiliation by locking Flair in the Figure Four, but Flair is able to roll over to force Vince to break the hold.  Vince goes over to the time keepers area and grabs a lead pipe. He goes to hit Flair with it but Ric hits him with a big low blow.  Flair fires up and lights McMahons chest up with chops.  Flair clears the announce table and beans Vince over the head with a monitor, busting him open.  Flair takes Vince over to his kids for a photo-op, and he bites McMahon on the forehead.  Back in the ring Flair hits a series of quick punches and a mule kick low blow.  Flair grabs the pipe now and cracks Vince across the head with it.  He WOOOOOOS, Struts, and locks in the Figure Four Leg Lock and McMahon taps out!

Winner via Submission - Ric Flair!

Rating: 2.5 stars.  See if they flipped the opening segments, with Flair dominating Vince until Vince gets a weapon this would have been alot better.  Im a mark for psychology in wrestling and the opening minutes of this match were Poopie, but it got a lot better once they started brawling proper, and Ric winning is always nice, even if Vince lasted longer in the FFLL that he should have.

Michael Cole is interviewing Nick Patrick backstage and asks him if he has reviewed the tape from the IC title earlier.  Before he gets a chance to answer Stephanie McMahon makes her return.  She says that the beating Flair just gave Vince will be nothing compared to what HHH is going to do later.  Stone Cold appears behind her and WHAT?'s her away.  He then cuts a promo about the Rumble later on.  Its actually a really good promo despite the damage it would do for the next 18 years with the god damn WHAT? chants.

Chris Jericho (c) vs The Rock - WWF Undisputed Championship

The Build.

After Jericho shocked the world at Vengeance, Y-2belts-J has seen his arrogance reach new heights.  Meanwhile, Rock defeated Booker T to earn a shot vs Jericho tonight.  They trade verbal barbs over the next few weeks with Rock putting Jericho over huge, highlighting how serious this is for him.  Who else has Rock put over as much as Jericho?  HHH and Austin, but I cant really think of anyone else he put over as much.

The Match.

Thunderous ovation for The Rock.  Jericho gets a fairly muted response in comparison. They face off and Jericho talks smack as Rock remains stoic.  Rock tries to say something but Jericho puts his hand in his face, then tells him to Bring It, so Rock does.  He drops Jericho with rights and big Samoan Drop to get a two count early.  Jericho bails to the outside as Rock makes chase.  Jericho tries to jump him as they get back in the ring and Rock takes him down with a huge takedown.  Jericho fights back but misses a shoulder charge and eats the ring post.  He gets a breather by draping Rock over the top rope.  Jericho takes control now, working over The Rock and cutting off hope spots.  Big vertical suplex into a cocky pin only gets a two, so Jericho removes a turnbuckle pad.  Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho, Rocky powers out but Jericho goes right back on the offense.  Jericho goes up top and hits a big missile dropkick but only gets a two.  Rock fights out a sleeper hold but Jericho drops him again with a back elbow.  Jericho goes up top but Rock crotches him.  Rock goes up and hits a big Superplex.  Rock takes over now with a snap overhead belly to belly but only gets a two count.  Jericho fights back with a facebuster and a follow-up Lionsault.  Instead of going for the cover he hits another but ROCK KICKS OUT!  Jericho cant believe it and throws a strop.  He comes off the second rope for a missile dropkick but Rock counters it and locks in a Sharpshooter.  Suddenly Lance Storm and Christian run down and distract the ref as Jericho taps.  Rock sends both of them flying and Jericho comes back with a Rock Bottom but Rock kicks out again!  Nick Patrick appears and sends those crazy canucks to the back.  Jericho hits a senton splash and measures for a Peoples Elbow, but Rock kips up and sends Jericho flying to the outside.  Rock bounces him off the ring steps and clears the announce table.  Jericho fights back and clears the Spanish table.  Jericho sets up for a Rock Bottom but Rock fights out then Rock Bottoms Jericho through the English table!  Rock rolls Jericho into the ring and makes the cover but Jericho kicks out.  Rock measures Jericho for a Rock Bottom but Jericho fights out and drops Rock, and rolls over into the Walls of Jericho!  Rock very slowly drags himself over to the ropes to break the hold.  Jericho drags him into the middle of the ring but Rock rolls up an inside cradle for a two count. Rock comes off the ropes with a flying forearm but Jericho ducks and he kills Hebner.  Jericho grabs a belt and drills Rock between the eyes with it.  Nick Patrick runs down to make the cover but Rock kicks out!  Rock gets up and plants Jericho with a DDT, but when he makes the cover that damned cheating Nick Patrick refuses to count.  Rock doesnt like that, so he drills him with a Rock Bottom!  Spinebuster to Jericho!  Peoples Elbow!  Theres no referee!  Rock tries to recover Hebner which allows Jericho to hit a low blow.  He then sends Rock face first into the exposed turnbuckle.  Roll up, feet on the ropes, three count!

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF Undisputed Champion - Chris Jericho!

Rating: 4.5 stars.  Bloody excellent as always.  Its just a shame that these two cant have a match without interference because they have to potential to put on a five star classic.  Rock continuing to make Jericho look a million bucks but unfortunately its almost all for naught as we dont get a clean finish.  Jericho winning is absolutely the right call but this doesnt do anything to hamper the feelings of Jericho being a fluke, placeholder champion.  Still an excellent match though.

We go to WWF New York and they've got Shawn Michaels there.  He's repping Texas hard with the cowboy hat and Texan flag shirt.  He predicts his two homestate boys Austin and Undertaker as two guys most likely to win.  Shawn would thankfully sober up in a few months time and he'll be back in a ring come SummerSlam.  

The 2002 Royal Rumble Match.

The Build.

An absolutely stacked Royal Rumble match, highlighted by a returning Triple H - making his PPV return since Judgement Day 2001.  Some of the biggest names in the business, some returning legends, and some Rumble debuts.  This promises to be a slobber knocker.

The Match.

Unlucky number 1 is Rikishi.  A reversal of fortunes as he was number 30 last year.  Number 2 is a returning Goldust - huge pop!  King manages to refrain from calling him a "fag" like he did in 97.  The attitude era is alive and well as they two go at it.  Rikishi sends Goldust over the top but he lands on the apron and hangs on.  They trade some more offense before the next entrant comes out.

Number 3 is the Big Boss Man making his PPV return after what feels like 18 months since we last saw him.  He doesnt look well though, and this would be his last PPV appearance before going to work in OVW, and before his passing in 2004.  Rikishi squashes both men in the corner but cant get an elimination, then Boss man turns him inside out with a clothesline.  Goldust and Boss Man try to eliminate Rikishi but he fights them off, so Goldust decks Boss Man as the timer starts.

Number 4 is Bradshaw.  JBL runs wild and starts hitting everyone before running through Goldust with a shoulder tackle.  Rikishi drops Boss Man in the corner and hits a Stinkface.  Savant kick and clothesline from Rikishi and Boss Man becomes a wrestling trivia question as the first man eliminated from the 2002 Rumble.  Its funny that HBK backed his Texas homeboys Austin and Taker but not Goldust or Bradshaw.  I mean it makes sense because he would have spoiled Goldusts return and Bradshaw is a lowercard jobber at the moment but still.

Number 5 is Lance Storm.  Mr Charisma charges the ring and goes right for Goldust, but Goldust cuts him off with a flapjack onto the top rope.  Bradshaw and Rikishi try to eliminate each other as Goldust and Storm trade attempts.  Rikishi goes to try and help Storm but Goldust fights out.  Bradshaw turns his attention to Storm with a big club to the back as the timer counts down.

Number 6 is Al Snow.  Snow Man gets a good pop as he takes out Storm and goes right for Rikishi. Lance Storm signs his own death certificate by missing a corner splash on Bradshaw, who then decapitates him with a Clothesline from Hell.  We Want Head chant fills the arena as Bradshaw tries to lift the deadweight Storm, who hits a low blow.  

Number 7 is Billy Gunn.  Damn it.  He goes for Bradshaw but is cut off by a Big Boot.  Storm gets sent over the top by Snow but he holds on, then pulls him onto the apron.  Snow blocks a superkick and hits on of his own to eliminate Lance Storm.  Bradshaw throws Goldust over who lands on the apron, and as he goes to try and shove him off Billy Gunn sneaks over and dumps Bradshaw out.  Atleast we got one Clothesline from Hell.

Number 8 is The Undertaker!  Big Evil makes his way to the ring on his motorbike and starts going to town.  Chokeslam to Bill Gunn.  Chokeslam to Goldust out the ring and Goldust is eliminated.  Taker tosses Snow out, thne Big Keesh tries to get him some, but he eats a Big Boot then Big Evil clotheslines him over, then tosses Bily Gunn.  Taker has cleared the ring and sets himself up in his yard as he waits for number 9.

Speak of the devil, Number 9 is Matt Hardy with Lita.  Matt goes to get him some after Taker took all three members of Team Extreme out.  He goozles Matt but Lita comes off the top rope, but he goozles her too.  He tosses Matt down but Lita hits a low blow. Big Neckbreak by Matt and the two of them stomp away at Taker.  Lita bails to the outside as Matt tries to eliminate Taker.  Big Evil has enough of this Poopie and drops Hardy.  Hardy fights back and tries to eliminate Taker again but the big man is too much.

Number 10 is Jeff Hardy - its almost as if this is pre-determined or something.  Matt plants Taker with a DDT as Team Extreme lay a beat down on Undertaker.  They Hardys hug it out as their back on the same page, but Taker takes them both down with a double clothesline.  Matt hits a Twist of Fate and Taker bumps on his back like an amateur, then Jeff follows up with a Swanton.  They try Poetry in Motion but Taker catches Jeff and dumps him.  He drills Matt with a Last Ride then tosses him out as the countdown starts.

Number 11 is Maven.  The winner of the first ever Tough Enough.  The young rookie shows no fear by getting right in the ring but he eats a big boot.  Taker goes to dump him but Lita gets on the apron to distract him.  She gets pie faced off as the Hardys jump Undertaker from behind.  He fights them off but Maven dropkicks him from behind and Undertaker goes over the top!  MAVEN ELIMINATES UNDERTAKER!  One of the most famous Rumble moments in history as Undertaker cant believe it.  Big Evil slowly gets back in the ring and lays a beating on Maven.  He tosses him to the outside (through the ropes) and starts beating him from pillar to post on the outside.  He dents a chair over Mavens with a sick shot that busts him wide open as the counter starts again.

Number 12 is Scotty 2 Hotty to a big pop.  He dances his way down the aisle but eats a big soup bone from Taker. Back in the ring Taker tosses Maven over the top - ending once and for all the argument of whether Maven was eliminated or not.  Taker takes Maven into the crowd, still beating him stupid.  Undertaker drags him into the concession area as the buzzer goes off.

Number 13 is Christian with his awesome song and Randy Orton pyro.  Taker busts Maven through a popcorn machine as Christian mugs for the camera in the ring.  We see Scotty recovering in the aisle as Christian relaxes on the ropes.  S2H finally gets in the ring and the two go at it, with Christian hitting a reverse DDT.

Number 14 is Diamond Dallas Page making his PPV return since Summerslam.   Big reaction from the Atlanta crowd.  He drops Christian and tries to eliminate him but Christian takes him down.  Diamond Cutter Outta No Where on Christain.  S2H with a big side kick sends DDP through the ropes.  He plants Christian with a facebuster, then hits The Worm, but DDP comes in from behind and tosses him out.

Number 15 is Chuck Palumbo.  Billy Gunns new tag partner comes in and takes down DDP.  Page fights back with a reverse elbow and swinging neckbreaker.    They trade offense as Christian chills out for a bit.

Number 16 is The Godfather!  Charles Wright comes out with his ladies, but quickly goes back backstage, then reappears with more ladies.  He then goes back and comes out with even more ladies.  He dances with them for a bit  as DDP gets eliminated during his entrance, off camera.  Godfather puts his serious face on and he's the double of Montez Ford as the counter ticks down.

Number 17 is Albert.  The Hip Hop Hippo goes right for Christian, killing him with a corner splash.  He then tees off on Chuck before going at it with Godfather.  He hits a big Bicycle Kick but when he tries to eliminate him Christian and Chuck come in and eliminate Albert.  Godfather misses a Ho Train because of course he does and Christian and Chuck elimate him to a chorus of Boos as the timer ticks down.

Number 18 is Perry Saturn.

Number 19 is STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!  The crowd explodes as the rattlesnake comes down and takes all three men out.  Still the only three time Rumble winner, he tosses Christian, then hits Stunner on Saturn, then tosses Chuck, then tosses Saturn.  He checks his watch and realises theres still plenty time, so he goes out the ring and grabs Christian. He sends him in the ring, hits a Stunner and eliminates him again.  Then he does the same for Chuck.  Awesome segment that popped the crowd huge.  He sits on the turnbuckle and checks his watch again as the timer ticks down.

Number 20 is Val Venis.  Austin jumps him right away and stomps a mudhole and walks it dry.  Rake to the eyes buys Val an opening.  He gets some offense but Austin hits a Lou Thesz as the timer runs down.

Number 21 is Test.  He drops Austin right away and goes straight for the Rattlesnake.  Val comes in and the two double team him for a while.  Austin decides he's sold enough for these bums and starts his comeback.  He sends Venis over the top, then hits a Stunner on Test before sending him over.  Check the watch as we await the next entrant.

Number 22 is TRIPLE H!  Massive pop!  The Two Man Power Trip explodes as they face off.  Austin strikes first and they trade blows.  HHH in control as the next entrant comes out.

Number 23 is The Hurricane.  Austin and HHH take each other out so Hurricane poses for the fans.  He sets HHH up for a goozle, then goozles Austin.  Neither man sell it so they toss him over the top instead.  Another iconic moment.  They go right back at it with Austin driling HHH with a spinebuster.

Number 24 is Faarooq.  Spinebuster to Austin and Faarooq tries to eliminate him, but HHH stops it.  Austin hits a Stunner and HHH clotheslines Faarooq over.  Im sure Faarooq's total time in Royal Rumble matches is something like 4 minutes.

Number 25 is [Editors note:  I actually went back and checked Faarooqs rumble history.  In 5 Royal Rumble appearances, 4 of them last less than a minute.  His longest stint was in 98 where he lasted 10 minutes.] Mr Perfect!  Massive pop for Hennig as he makes his first WWF appearance since 1996.  Perfect goes right for Austin, then HHH gets him some.  Perfect looks in great shape after taking a few years off in the 90's with a back injury.  

Number 26 is Kurt Angle.  Angle, Perfect, Austin, HHH.  God damn I love 2002 already.  Angle goes right for HHH as the crowd belt out a defeaning YOU SUCK chant.  Austin and Perfect trade chops as HHH fights back against Angle.  Angle blocks a suplex by HHH and hits one of his own.  Angle tries to eliminate HHH but Hunter holds on.  

Lucky Number 27 is The Big Show.  Show comes out looking in good shape.  He drops Angle with a headbutt, then Perfect gets a Chokeslam.  Goozle to HHH and Austin, but they kick him low. He fights against the double team with a double clothesline.  Angle tries a German but Show fights him off.  He goes for a press slam but HHH kicks his knee out, so Show drops him with a Big Boot.  Then Austin gets one.  Big Show is dominating as the counter ticks down.

Number 28 is Kane.  The Big Red Machine squares up with his kinda-almost-not really-tag partner.  They trade big rights and Big Show shrugs off a big clothesline.  They both goozle each other, but Big Show gets the upper hand before Kane hits a low blow.  Kane then picks Big Show up and slams him over the top!  Angle then immediately eliminates Kane after his ungodly feat of strength. The four men trade blows as number 29 comes out.

Number 29 is Rob Van Dam.  He goes straight up top and hits Angle with a Five Star Frog Splash right out the gate.  RVD takes down HHH, then Austin, then Perfect. Rolling Thunder on Austin, then HHH hits a Pedigree, but Angle takes out HHH.  The brawl continues as we await our final entrant.

Number 30 is Booker T.   He eliminates RVD straight away, then does a Spinaroonie.  Austin no sells it and hits him with a Stunner and Booker flies right over the top rope.   HHH goes for a Pedigree on Austin but Austin counters and catapults him into the top turnbuckle, then Angle hits the Angle slam.  Angle hits a series of Germans on Austin until Austin hits a low blow.  Austin tries to eliminate Perfect but Angle breaks them up and the two of them nearly eliminate Austin.  Austin goes to eliminate Perfect but Angle sneaks in and tosses Austin over!  The fight spills to the outside and Angle sends Austin into the ring steps.  Angle and HHH trade blows as Perfect recovers.  They start double teaming HHH as Austin gets back in the ring with a chair and drills Angle and Perfect.  Then he brains HHH for good measure before leaving.  Perfect and Angle try to double team HHH but it backfires and Angle nearly eliminates Perfect.  Perfect holds on and hits Angle with a Perfectplex before HHH charges and clotheslines Perfect out.  Its down to Angle and HHH.  Angle shows us it go time as he drops the straps.  They both charge but HHH gets the upper hand and drills Angle with rights. Angle fights back with an overhead belly to belly.  Angle tries to eliminate HHH but Hunter hangs on.  Choke takedown by HHH, then he charges Angle who sends him over the top, but HHH skins the cat.  He hits Angle with a facebuster then clotheslines him over the top to win!

Winner of the 2002 Royal Rumble - HHH!

Rating: 4 stars.  Brilliant Royal Rumble, only hurt by some pacing issues.  It was a bit slow during the lower card guy sections - 2001 covered for this well by either always having a star in the ring or having the wee hardcore section at the start.  Loads of big returns, the crowd loved it and the right guy wins.  Although feasibly there were atleast 4 guys who could believably win it, and by keeping 3 of them in the final four made it really interesting.  A very good example of how good a Royal Rumble can be.  

HHH celebrates as we go off the air.

Pros.

The Rumble Match
The WWF Title Match
No wasted air time, the card went from match to match with very little inbetween

Cons.

The Tag title match
The Womens title match
The lack of psychology in the street fight.

Overall Verdict.

As a whole, this card doesnt hold a candle to last years Royal Rumble event. However, the title match and the Rumble match itself are still very, very good.  The card as a whole was an easy watch because they cut out filler to an absolute minimum and kept the action going.  Some matches werent as good as other but there were no definite stinkers so I think I could recommend this show as a watch.  At the very least watch the last two matches.

The Aftermath.


NEW SEGMENT APPROACHING.  Just a little addendum to add what happens in the fallout of this match.  A Number One contenders tournament was set up for the Undisputed Championship which Austin would win.  The Rock and Undertaker would start feuding, as would HHH and Angle in a stop gap for HHH before WrestleMania.  Vince McMahon would lose his mind after this show, and he declared that the WWF was sick with a cancer.  Ric Flair is the cancer in the WWF, and he decided that if anyone was going to kill what he created it would be him.  And he was going to inject the WWF with a lethal dose of poison.  A poison called the New.  World.  Order.

Well that was the Royal Rumble, so that means next up is No Way Out.  With a new poison being unleashed, how will this affect things as we take the final pitstop on the road to WrestleMania?  Find out next time.  And once again thanks for joining me.

NO WAY OUT 2002

The WWF has a cancer.  And Vince McMahon has to put it down before the cancer kills it.  Vince McMahon has injected the WWF with a lethal dose of poison in the for of the NWO.  What should have been a massive boost for the Invasion angle comes 3 months too late, but its still very interesting to see these three guys back, and to find out what they have in store for the WWF.  Elsewhere on the card we have 3 title matches and 2 Number 1 contenders matches, and on paper this promises to be a decent show.  So lets go ringside to see whats what.

The show opens with the usual shtick before the feed is interrupted by the familiar nWo theme.  Out come Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.  Right off the bad the red flags are up because JR talks about how the nWo did more to kill WCW than anything else.  They helped kill WCW because of what they did off camera - so most fans would have no idea of that.  Kevin Nash talks first and drops some insider references, like mentioning how they have heat with the boys.  He says they're feelings are hurt because they dont know what they did, and all they want is another chance at a clean slate.  Scott Hall gets the mic and gets a big pop for his "Hey yo".  He says they arent bad guys, they're just a bunch of marks and they just want to work with the great talent in the WWF.  He says if they're lucky they might get to drink some beer with the boys and Nash and Hogan reprimand him, that was quite funny.  Hogan takes the mic and gets a good reaction.  He says they're here to make the WWF better, not kill it.  All they want is a chance.  He thanks Vince for giving them this opportunity.  This was an odd way to announce their arrival, but JR was selling it well by saying how much cowpat they were speaking and he doesnt believe a word of it.

Tag Team Turmoil to determine the Number 1 contenders.

The Build.

Dont really have a lot of build to this one, the champs will need challengers at WrestleMania and this is an easy way to get some without having to book anything properly.

The Match.

Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert are out first, and they're facing off against Christian and Lance Storm.  Scotty and Storm lock up to start us off and they trade some nice technical counters and offense.  Albert tags in and practically deadlifts Storm into a press slam, then hits a Big Swing on Christian.  Big elbow on Storm but Christian breaks it up.  Christian hangs Albert on the ropes and Storm hits a spinning heel kick but Albert powers out at 1.  It all breaks down and Scotty takes advantage of the chaos to hit Christian with a facebuster, but before he can hit The Worm Lance Storm tries to hit him with a Superkick, but Scotty blocks it and walks into an Unprettier from Christian, who promptly pins Scotty 2 Hotty.

Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert have been eliminated.

The Hardy Boys are out next with Lita, and they charge the ring as a united force once again.  It doesnt take long for them to take out the canucks.  Double facebuster to Christian, but when Matt goes for a big leg drop Storm shoves him off the ropes.  Storm tags in and the heels go to work on Matt.  Matt drops Christian on the ropes allowing Jeff to get the hot tag and again it all breaks down into a schmoz.  Christian holds Matt up for a superkick from Storm, but Matt gets out the way and Storm busts Christian.  Matt then drops Storm with a Twist of Fate allowing Jeff to hit a Swanton and its academic from there.

Lance Storm and Christian have been eliminated.

Oh Frak sake, here we go again.  Its the Dudley Boys.  Big brawl to start things off and the Dudleys gets control when Bubba stops Jeff from hitting Poetry in Motion by yanking him down with his hair.   Bubba locks in some kind of weird standing Figure Four/Ankle lock thing but Matt breaks it up.  Bubba goes for a big senton splash on Jeff but Jeff rolls out the way and Bubba crashes and burns.  Matt gets the tag and plants Bubba with a big DDT, then a big leg drop on Dvon. Side Effect/Leg Sweep combo on Bubba, and Matt goes for a Twist of Fate but Stacy Keibler gets in the ring to break it up, so Lita comes in and takes her out.  During the chaos Bubba hits a Bubbabomb on Matt, then Lita comes off the top with a Hurricarana to Bubba.  Jeff takes Bubba out on the outside with a big splash, and back in the ring Matt rolls up Dvon for the pinfall out of nowhere.

The Dudley Boys have been eliminated.

A pissed off Dvon immediately drops Matt.  On the outside the hit Jeff with a 3D on the floor before leaving.  Billy & Chuck are out next.  Jeff is still out so Matt is all on his own.  He doesnt really stand a chance, but he fights back and holds his own before Billy shoves him into a superkick from Chuck, then hits a follow up Fameasser for the easy pin.

The Hardy Boys have been eliminated.

Our final team come out and its The APA. Billy meets Bradshaw on the outside as Faarooq and Chuck trade fists in the ring.  Bradshaw tosses Billy into the ring steps, then the APA go to work on Chuck.  An impressive feat of strength from Bradshaw as he catches Chucks crossbody to hit the Fallaway Slam.  Faarooq tags in and B&C quickly gain control.  Billy with his short peroxide blonde hair and red gear reminds me of Ronnie Garvin.  Faarooq hits a big Spinebuster out of nowhere to get a breather, and allows him to tag in Bradshaw.  Bradshaw cleans house, tosses Chuck over the top rope, dodges a corner splash from Billy and Frak kills him dead with a Clothesline from Hell.  This one is over.

Winners via Pinfall and Number 1 contenders - The APA.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  It takes a lot to make Tag Team Turmoil work, and this wasnt the best example.  It was fine, but you've got all these mini matches that are too short to tell a good story.  And the ending makes no sense because Billy and Chuck are a new team you're investing in, and the APA peaked about 3 years ago.  And they were the fresh team so you dont even get a team over by having them win a few matches.  Strange, but ultimately inconsequential.  

Michael Cole is backstage with Ric Flair. He asks him how he feels about the nWo.  Flair says he knows them better than anyone else and says they're talking a bunch of crap.  Undertaker interrupts him.  He asks Flair is he's the authority on respect now.  He warns Flair about keeping an eye on the nWo when someone should be keeping an eye on him.  He shoves the mic in Flairs chest and walks off.

Goldust vs Rob Van Dam.

The Build.

After making his return at the Royal Rumble Goldust would attack RVD but refuses to give an explanation why, so RVD challenged him to this match.

The Match.

Goldust is in terrific shape, its crazy to think that in about 5 years time he would have put on about 100 pounds and would be scrounging around the floor looking for pills while working for TNA.  RVD gets his usual good reaction as he comes out.  Goldust immediately attacks him before the bell, sending him to the outside.  Back in the ring Van Dam leaps up with a spinning heel kick to take over.  Van Dam uses his "unorthodox offense" to keep Goldust grounded.  Goldust seems to have had enough and goes to leave before having a change of heart.  He pulls RVD to the outside but the wily Van Dam sends him off the barricade, then leaps off the apron with a 420 leg drop.  Goldust blocks a shoulder charge with a big knee and takes over.  He hits Van Dam with Naomis Rear View for a nearfall.  Goldust puts RVD on the top turnbuckle, then pulls him back using the top of the ring post to bend RVD's back, that looks sore.  Catapult on RVD into the ropes then he falls back onto Goldusts knees.  Goldust slows it down working over RVD's back, cutting off his hope spots.  Van Dam finally gets back into it with a flurry of signature offense at 100 miles per hour.  Monkey flip into a kick from the top rope.  Followed by a scoop slam into Roling Thunder.  Van Dam misses the 5 Star and Dust plants him with a DDT but Van Dam kicks out at 2.  Goldust misses a bulldog and RVD hits an enzuigiri.  He goes up top and this time nails the 5 Star Frog Splash for the win.

Winner via Pinfall - Rob Van Dam.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  This was a fine TV match.  Some exciting nearfalls near the end but no real heat.  It was at the end of this match I got a bit suspicious about the crowd noise, didnt sound like it was live.  Hmm..

We see Stone Cold backstage and he bumps into the nWo.  He refutes their peace offering of free beer then walks away.

Booker T & Test vs Spike Dudley & Tazz (c) - WWF Tag Team Championship

The Build.

Former tag champs Booker T and Test fancy being champions again, so challenged the much smaller Champions with the idea that they should be easy to turn over.

The Match.

Muted reaction for the heels, but a good reaction for the champs.  The heels jump them before the bell and Test works over Tazz.  The heels use their obvious power advantage to keep control. I've said it before and I'll say it again, folk must love wrestling Spike Dudley.  No one takes a bump like Spike and because he weighs about 4 stone he can be thrown about with reckless abandon.  Spike hits Test with a headbutt in the stomach, then goes for a Dudley Dog but gets tossed over the top rope.  Theres no table for him to go through so it only gets a 6/10 from me.  Booker T hits a Scissors Kick but instead of going for a pin goes for a Spinaroonie and again gets chastised by JR for it, I love that gimmick.  Spike fights back and hits a big DDT on Booker, allowing him to get the tag to Tazz, who runs wild on the bigger men.  He hits a really nice Northern Lights suplex on Booker, then ducks a Big Boot from Test.  He dumps Booker to the outside and Spike hits Test with a Dudley Dog.  Spike drives Booker into the ring post as Test drops Tazz and tries to use the ropes for leverage in his pin.  The ref spots it and reprimands him, when Tazz jumps him from behind and locks in the Tazzmission, and Test quickly taps out.

Winners via Pinfall and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions - Tazz & Spike Dudley.

Rating: 1.5 stars.  Im noticing a theme here, lots of decent TV matches, but not enough heat to get them over on PPV.  Very formulaic with the little guys withstanding the bigger guys.  This is also Tazz's last proper PPV match as he would retire in April to take up commentary full time, with injuries finally taking their toll.  

Rock is backstage with Coach.  Coach asks him about his condition after Taker tombstoned him on top of a limo.  Rock says Undertaker thinks he was disrespected by The Rock, but The Rock is going to show him what disrespect is when he whoops his ass tonight.  He says tonight Undertaker really is a dead man walking.

Edge vs William Regal (c) - Brass Knuckles on a pole match for the Intercontinental Championship.

The Build.

Edge wants his title back.  So they decided to even the playing field with a Brass Knuckles on a pole match to finally settle this feud tonight.

The Match.

Regal gives the ref his title and gets checked for a hidden pair of brass knuckles, but Edge jumps him before the bell.  Boy I sure hope that doesnt come back to cost him later.  Edge in control early on and hits a snap suplex and makes the first attempt to get the knuckles, but Regal cuts him off.  This descends into a brawl more than a wrestling match as they fight into the crowd.  The pattern of "hit a move - go for the knucks - get cut off - take a move" starts and continues for a while.  Regal locks in an abdominal stretch and uses the ropes for leverage and the ref chastises him for it, but Im pretty sure theres no DQ's.  Unless the only cheating you can do is using the brass knuckles but they never made that clear.  Edge climbs onto the top rope but Regal shoves him off and he crashes into the barricade.  Regal bomb on the floor and theres definitely no count outs.  Back in the ring Regal applies the Regal stretch as we se Edge is bleeding from the mouth.  Edge powers his way to the ropes and the ref enforces a 5 count, so there is DQ's?  [Editors Note:  I googled it, standard rules apply and the only exception is the weapon thats hanging from the pole].  Regal goes for a powerbomb on the apron but they kinda spill to the floor, its like Edge was meant to counter with a head scissors but they just fell.  Edge recovers first and makes an attempt for the Knucks but Regal cuts him off, and is able to climb and grab them himself, but Edge hits Regal with a superplex as the knuckles spill across the ring.  Edge crawls over to them but Regal kicks them away outside the ring.  Edge hits an Edge-o-matic for a two count, then hits a spear but he goes for the Knuckles instead of the cover.  He goes over to Regal who punches him in the gut then drills him in the face as we see him stuff another pair of Brass Knuckles down his jocks.  Regal makes the cover to retain.  Huh, its almost as if that was entirely predictable.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL Intercontinental Champion - William Regal.

Rating: 1 star.  Like a ladder match, but worse.  It just plods along and they do the same spots over and over again.  They wrestled fine, but once you've seen one attempt at getting the weapon cut off you've seen it all.  Hard pass on this one Im afraid as I love both guys in the match.

Kurt Angle is with Lillian Garcia backstage.  She comments on his confidence ahead of his match tonight, especially now that Stephanie McMahon has been named the guest referee.  He says he's sure she'll call it right down the middle, and says he's superior to HHH in every way, so doesnt see why he shouldnt be confident.  

The Rock vs The Undertaker.

The Build.

After Rocks shocking eliminated at the Royal Rumble, Rock had to get his digs in about it.  Undertaker feels like Rock disrespected him, so Undertaker cost The Rock another shot at the Undisputed Championship.  Rock challenged Undertaker to get a measure of revenge and Big Evil is determined to beat respect into the Rock.  Taker beat Rock with a pipe, so Rock cost Taker the Hardcore title against Maven.  Taker got the last laugh by hitting Rock with a Tombstone Piledriver on top of a limo.

The Match.

Big Evil is out first to a decent reaction for a heel, but not compared to the reaction The Rock gets, but he wastes no time and sprints to the ring to get him some.  YES LOVE IT.  Rock is hammering Taker early on but Taker fights back with a big boot.  Taker is in firm control after that and methodically goes after The Rocks head.  Rock fights back with right hands but Big Evil plants him with a big sidewalk slam for a two count.  Rock gets back into it by dodging a big boot and hanging Taker up on the top rope before sending him flying to the floor.  They brawl on the floor and Rock clears the announce table, but Taker introduces him to the steel steps.  Undertaker crotches Rock on the barricade and they fight up into the crowd.  Some walk and brawl and Rock reverses and Irish Whip and sends Taker flying through an emergency door.  They fight back to the ring and Taker hits a big elbow on The Rock whos lying on the apron, followed by a big leg drop.  Rock fights out of a submission hold and gears up for a big shot but Taker hits a jumping DDT.  Taker locks in a bear hug but Rock somehow fights out and drops Taker with a big flying forearm.  He plants Undertaker with a big DDT, then kips up and hits a Spinebuster.  He measures for the Peoples Elbow but Undertaker sits up and locks in a goozle, but Rock gets a fly low blow in to block him.  He lays the SmackDown on Taker but Undertaker recovers and plants him with a Chokeslam.  Undertaker cant get the pin right away and Rock kicks out.  Undertaker starts shouting at the ref, then goes outside and has a sit down on his bike.  The ref comes to sort him out and he shoves him into the steps.  Taker then grabs a concealed pipe from his bike, but Ric Flair comes down and starts laying into Taker, but Big Evil smashes him with a hard right.  Rock avoids a pipe swing and hits a Spinebuster.  He locks in a sharpshooter, but Mr. McMahon charges the ring now and distracts the ref.  And more inevitably than The Dudleys vs The Hardys, Rock goes into MDK mode and flips Vince into the ring and lays the SmackDown on him.  Taker with a cheap shot from behind, but as he gets Rockup for a Tombstone Flair comes in and smashes him with the pipe.  Rock hits the Rock Bottom and gets the win!

Winner via Pinfall - The Rock.

Rating: 2.5 stars.  Started off really hot, but then slowed waaaay down before picking up again at the end.  Over booked Love sacks at the end ruined it, but it gives Taker an out and plants the seeds for his WrestleMania match.  Best match of the show so far but thats not a high mark to beat.

We go to WWF New York and we see Mr Perfect who looks off his tits.  He then runs down the crowd and confirms my suspicions.  Poopie faced.  I wonder if he, Flair and Heenan went out and partied like the old days.

Triple H vs Kurt Angle - Undisputed Championship Number 1 contenders match, Stephanie McMahon is the special referee.

The Build.

HHH returned to and won the Royal Rumble, last eliminating Kurt Angle.  Angle wasnt happy about that, so started attacking HHH during his matches.  Vince McMahon gave Kurt Angle this match, putting HHH's WrestleMania title match on the line.  Meanwhile, Stephanie McMahon has the idea to renew their wedding vows to try and save their marriage.  HHH says no and Steph announces she's pregnant.  HHH is over the moon at this news.  Its revealed by someone that Steph was lying about it, so trashes their renewal ceremony and ends their marriage officially.  Vince wants more revenge on HHH so he makes Stephanie the "impartial" special referee.  Now HHH knows how The Rock felt in 2000 when the deck was stacked against him.

The Match.

Stephanie is out first and makes Fink reintroduce her as Stephanie McMahon, not McMahon-Helmsley.  Angle is out to deafening You Suck chants.  I was sure these didnt start until his feud with Edge.  Oh well.  HHH comes out to a huge pop.  Angle gets a couple of roll ups early doors and Steph shows us her impartiality with a few fast counts.  Angle grounds HHH with stomps but HHH explodes out the corner with a choke, and follows it up with some stomps of his own.  Big clothesline drops Angle.  Angle misses a clothesline and nails Steph, sending her flying over the top rope!  HHH retaliates with a big right as ringside crew check on Steph and call for help.  HHH is still in control with a back body drop and he dumps him out the ring.  HHH goes to see whats happening and starts laughing at her, and Angle capitalises on the confusing by hanging HHH up on the top rope.  Angle drops HHH with a slam as Tim White becomes the defacto official now.  Angle blocks a right hand and hits a trio of Germans on HHH for a two count.  Angle in full control now with a series of throws and submission holds.  The two men start trading offense and momentum back and forth until Angle decks Tim White out of nowhere, for seemingly no reason.  HHH tries to check on him but Angle nails a low blow.  He hits an Angle Slam as Stephanie runs back down to the ring.  She makes the count but HHH kicks out.  JR gives out about her counting technique - not checking HHH's shoulders as she counts.  Angle drops the straps and locks in the Ankle Lock, HHH kicks him off and Angle crushes Stephanie in the corner.  HHH plants Angle with a DDT and tries to revive Tim White but Angle shoves HHH into him and White spills to the floor.  Angle goes and grabs a steel chair, but HHH ducks the shot.  He drops Angle with a Pedigree but as Tim White makes the count Stephanie drops him with an elbow, she then kicks him in the nuts for good measure.  HHH has had enough and sets Steph up for a Pedigree but Angle dents the chair on his back, then brains him between the eyes with it. One Angle Slam later and Kurt Angle is going to WrestleMania!

Winner via Pinfall - Kurt Angle.

Rating: 3 stars.  This started off a mess, but once Steph was out of the picture it turned into a really decent match, but then it all went mental at the end.  This is a pretty damning indictment of the WWF booking at the time because its a mess.  

We see Angle in the parking lot celebrating to himself as he gets in his rental car and leaves.  We see The Rock in the trainers room when the nWo walk in.  They ask for a photo for Hogans son and Rock agrees to one.  Hogan runs his mouth and we get a promo master class from The Rock, who buries the three future hall of famers within 30 seconds.  This is the absolute highlight of the show and I suggest you go look this one up.

Y-2 Belts-J is walking backstage, ready for his defense in our main event.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Chris Jericho (c) - Undisputed Championship.

The Build.

Austin won a mini-tournament to win the right to challenge for the title tonight.  Jericho is still trying to prove himself as the Undisputed champion, with people not taking him seriously.  Austin says it doesnt matter what Jericho does, Austin will do him one better because he's addicted to being the WWF Champion, and he needs to win.  Austin really was the man at putting over how important the title is.  

The Match.

The flip each other off to get us started.  Austin keeps getting the upper hand on Jericho in the opening exchanges.  Jericho gets an opening when he hits a big swinging neckbreaker.  Jericho sends Austin into the ring post, and Austin tries to walk it off.  They end up brawling in the aisle and up into the stage area.  Austin bounces Jericho off the big Trucks used as the stage decoration.  Jericho fights back and gets Austin back in the ring, he sets up for a top rope missile dropkick, but Austin crotches him and hits a superplex.  He sets Jericho up on the opposite corner and hits another superplex.  He sets up for and hits a third, but Jericho kicks out at two.  They have a big of a scuffle and Jericho pulls the ref out of position so he can hit Austin with a low blow.  Jericho takes control now and works over Austin with chops and knees in the corner.  Austin fights back by hotshotting Jericho on the top rope then hits a big elbow.  Jericho dumps Austin to the outside and throws him into the barricade.  Jericho clears the announce table and introduces Austin to it face first.  They get back in the ring and Jericho misses a Lionsault, allowing Austin to get a few shots in before Jericho locks in a sleeper hold.  Austin tries to fight out of it but Jericho drops him to the mat.  Austin is able to get back to his feet and fight back, he drops Jericho and tries to roll him into the Walls of Jericho, but he opts to catapult him into the turnbuckle instead.  Austin starts building momentum and plants Jericho with a spinebuster.  Jericho goes for a Lou Thesz but Austin catches him in midair with a scoop slam.  Jericho counters an Irish Whip and hits a facebuster, then a Lionsault but he doesnt get all of it.  So he hits a second one to almost no reaction, but Austin kicks out at 2.  The crowd are out of this one.  Jericho misses a shoulder charge in the corner and hits the ring post.  Austin goes for a Lou Thesz but Jericho counters and rolls him into the Walls of Jericho.  Austin is able to crawl his way to the ropes to break the hold and Jericho throws a strop.  He goes outside and grabs the WWF title, but when Hebner tries to disarm him he gets taken out in the fracas.  Austin gives Jericho a big spinebuster on the title belt but Jericho kicks out.  Jericho counters a Stunner and hits a Breakdown on the title but Austin kicks out!  That perked the crowd up a bit.  Jericho misses a clothesline and Hebner eats Poopie.  Austin rolls Jericho into the Walls and Jericho starts tapping out.  Austin blocks a title shot and hits a Stunner when suddenly the nWo run out.  Austin fights all three off as best he can, but the numbers catch up to him.  Scott Hall hits a Stunner and they make their leave. Jericho crawls back in the ring with Hebner and makes the cover.  One.  Two.  Three.

Winner via Pinfall and STILL WWF UNDISPUTED CHAMPION - Chris Jericho!

Jericho celebrates as he makes his leave, but the nWo arent finished with Austin yet.  They get back in the ring and deliver another beatdown before spray painting NWO across his back as we go off air.

Rating: 3 stars.  Another match that was just getting going before it was ruined by ref bumps and interference.  Frak sake. If they really wanted to get the nWo over as the badasses they were in WCW then they would have taken out Jericho aswell.


Pros.
The Rocks promo
The last three matches were fine... to a point.

Cons.

Underwhelming undercard
Too much of the same Poopie ruined three perfectly good matches.

Overall verdict.

This was not a very good show.  Last years No Way Out was excellent, and this just wasnt.  Its fair from the worst show we've reviewed so far, but its hard to give this one a recommendation.  When one of the only highlights is a 30 seconds backstage promo segment you know you've got a dud on your hands.  Nothing on this show did anything to help anyone, and is the definition of a stop gap on the way to Mania.

The Aftermath.

So we're getting Kurt Angle vs Chris Jericho at WrestleMania.  Or are we?  No.  HHH would get his revenge the very next night on RAW and win back his title match, making this whole thing pointless, and relegating Angle to the Mania undercard.  Chris Jericho would team up with arch nemesis Stephanie McMahon to try and take down HHH.  Meanwhile Rock and Austin would start feuding with the nWo, leading to a pair of matches at Mania.  Undertaker would place blame on Ric Flair for losing to the Rock, so would target him leading to a match at WrestleMania.  Elsewhere, RVD would start feuding with Regal, and Spike and Tazz would drop the titles to Billy and Chuck - who werent the number 1 contenders but got a title shot anyway.  I told you the booking was a mess at this time.

Anyway, we look forward to the next episode.  WrestleMania X8.  Can WWF top last years show?  Spoiler: No, of course they cant.  Can they come close though?  You'll have to wait and find out.  Thanks again for joining me on this daft wee journey, and I'll see you soon.