Thursday 4th January 2001 - San Antonio, TX
Taped: Saturday 30th December 2000[/color]
Shown on UPNWe kick off SmackDown! with Stone Cold Steve Austin entering the arena, the crowd going nuts as Austin spoke with Too Cool, as Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty apologises for what happened on RAW is WAR; Rikishi has lost his mind since he was exposed. Austin looked angry, continuing walking!
A video package aired recapping RAW, in which two matches were to take place, between Chris Jericho and Kane, and The Rock and The Undertaker: the winner of those matches facing off tonight on SmackDown! for a shot at Kurt Angle's WWF Championship next Monday on RAW. Kane would pick up the win, but Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi got in on the moment, another match formed. Austin came close but William Regal's interference would allow Rikishi victory. The Undertaker would then defeat The Rock, and so a triple threat match was formed for tonight!
The opening video package for SmackDown! aired and pyrotechnics started us off, Michael Cole and Jerry "King" Lawler welcoming us to the first SmackDown! in 2001!
1) Edge and Christian def. The Holly Cousins (w/Molly Holly) in a non-title match[/color]
Edge and Christian were on a massive role having just previously defeated the Dudley Boyz on RAW in a tables match for their WWF Tag Team Championships (with help from Kurt Angle), but tonight they took on Hardcore and Crash, the two men who have had business with the WWF Commissioner, William Regal as of late. Edge and Christian worked over Crash whilst Hardcore and Molly reered the crowd on, Christian soon got taken out by a dropkick from Crash and Hardcore got the hot tag. The Dudley Boyz came out to the rampway with a table in hand, Edge slightly taken off by D-Von and Bubb Ray's prescence, and Christian soon nailed the Unprettier on Hardcore for the win.
Christian and Edge were met in the ring with lefts and rights from the Dudley Boyz, the WWF Tag Team Champions not being allowed any breathing time after defeating Crash and Hardcore Holly! Bubba tossed Edge over the top rope and Christian was given a powerbomb over the top rope through a set up table! Edge attended to Christian as the crowd went nuts!
We see William Regal walking quickly towards his Commissioner's office as the crowd boos, Kurt Angle quickly behind yelling for Regal. Regal looked disturbed as the WWF Champion Angle asked Regal for the night off, but Regal says that he needs to take this up with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley once she arrives. Angle doesn't look pleased, having not spoken to her since the Triple H love triangle. Regal hides in his office as Stone Cold Steve Austin comes round the corner, Angle scurrying! Austin bangs on the office door before leaving.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
In the backstage area we see the Right to Censor, Steven Richards talking with Val and WWF Womens Champion, Ivory, about how the board of directors were not too satisfied with the apology of Ivory on RAW, but as far as he's concerned they should not complain because they are trying to make a difference. Bull Buchanan and The Godfather came in as Steven told them that they need to support Val and Ivory in tonight's mixed tag team match.
2) Perry Saturn (w/Eddie Guerrero and Terri) def. Test[/color]
Test was here tonight to try and kick off a storm after being betrayed by Albert and Trish Status this past Monday on RAW but Perry Saturn was not the stepping stone in which everybody had made out to be, Saturn using his armwrenches and working over the shoulder of the much larger and agile Test. Saturn went for the Rings of Saturn but Test surprisingly overpowered him and slammed him! Eddie Guerrero then got up on the apron, Test swinging for him just for Saturn to kick Test's head off with a super kick, covering for the win.
Perry Saturn celebrated his win as Eddie Guerrero got into the ring and helped Saturn stomp away at Test, the crowd booing in disapproval. Terri watched and laughed whilst Albert appeared walking to the ring, Albert handing The Radicalz cash, then standing over Test and telling us that Test was holding him back!
Trish Stratus in the backstage area was shown watching on a monitor as K-Kwik asked her why she wasn't there stopping this. Stratus tells Kwik that while it's none of his business, she has other plans...
Stone Cold Steve Austin was shown storming through the backstage corridor, Kurt Angle nipping out from a vending machine and the WWF Champion went into Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley's office. Steph looked angry as she asked what Kurt wanted, Angle asking Stephanie if he could perhaps take the night off and prepare for Monday's title defense. Steph tells Angle that he can prepare for Monday IN the ring! The crowd cheered as Angle looked gobsmacked, Angle having to face Chris Jericho, and it will be next!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
The Hardy Boyz were shown in their locker room, Team Xtreme getting prepared for tonight as Lita asked Matt if he trusted her in tonight's match. He said why not, then stating for her to keep away from Val. Lita agreed as Jeff appeared, asking them if they wished for his aid at ringside tonight. Matt says only if the Right to Censor are nearby.
The APA were in the ring as Kaientai's theme was heard, and sure enough TAKA Michinoku and Sho Funaki soon came out with Japanese flags and microphones in hand, their American dub voices calling out The APA about their true idea of protection, because they suck at fighting off the Right to Censor, and they hope Steven Richards and the boys will just take them out of the World Wrestling Federation!
3) The APA (w/Jacqueline) def. Kaientai[/color]
TAKA Michinoku and Sho Funaki thought that they could match it up with the Acolyte Protection Agency as Michinoku and Funaki both tried running at their opponents just to get tossed around like ragged dolls! Faarooq soon took care of TAKA with the spinebuster, and a double powerbomb on Funaki gave the APA the easy three count.
The APA celebrated their win as the crowd cheered, Kaientai broken down on the canvas. Bradshaw and Faarooq were joined by Jacqueline as Bradshaw grabbed a microphone, freely challenging the Right to Censor to a duel this Monday night on RAW, because as far as he's concerned, RTC's reign of terror has lasted far too long! Faarooq's invited all five members of the Right to Censor to face the three APA members and two more partners of their choosing this Monday and they'll see what's what.
The Rock was shown arriving at the parking lot here in San Antonio, and Rock did not seem too pleased about not making the triple threat contenders match tonight!
The WWF Champion, Kurt Angle was shown heading for the ring, and he faces Chris Jericho next!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
Chris Jericho's pyrotechnics hit as the crowd cheered, Y2J on his way to the ring and talking about how he's had a previous history of getting in the face of the WWF Champion, he pinned Triple H when he was champ, so why doesn't he do it all again tonight and outsmart that American idiot, Kirk Angel!? Y2J seems motivated.
4) Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle in a non-title match[/color]
This was personal as far as Kurt Angle was concerned, the fact that he had been outsmarted by the egotistical Chris Jericho many times in the last couple of weeks, and Y2J was here to make the statement about being a true WWF Champion in the future, having previously pinned Triple H when he was WWF Champion, but also having defeated so many WWF Champions in the past two years of employment. Angle went for the ankle as Jericho went for the back, both men rolling around in mat-based technical wrestling exchanges, Angle trying the Angle Slam just for Jericho to spin out and bulldog Angle, the Lionsault connecting but Angle got the rope break! Y2J continued, Angle soon wrapping in the Ankle Lock but Jericho got the ropes. Angle was getting vicious, trying the Olympic Slam once again but The Rock ran out and helped Y2J out! Angle turned around and Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho, the WWF Champion tapping!
The Rock smirked as Chris Jericho celebrated, another win for Jericho against a World Wrestling Federation Champion, Kurt Angle on the canvas in pain, perhaps thanks to the 'Great One'! Rock and Y2J exchanged looks as Jericho looked somewhat unsure about winning with aid. Angle looked irate.
Stone Cold Steve Austin was shown, storming into the office of the interim boss of the World Wrestling Federation, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Austin yelling about how unprofessional the WWF Commissioner was! Austin said about how he was denied entry to his office by security, set up by Regal and the cowardly son of a bitch won't even open his door! Steph tells Austin to calm down before she sends him home. McMahon-Helmsley asks Austin what he wants particularly, and Austin requests a match tonight with the Commissioner! Steph sighs, saying that this is fine.
The Rock was shown in the backstage area being questioned by Jonathan Coachman about his interference in Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle's match, Rock talking about how he was unable to make the triple threat match tonight perhaps enabling Rock to a future championship opportunity with Kurt Angle, but Coach needs to remember that this mini tournament only leads to a match with Angle for the WWF Championship on RAW this Monday: it does not mean a damn thing regarding a future title shot at the Royal Rumble! Rock says that he will get to the title, one way or another.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
Kane was shown in the backstage area with Lillian Garcia, and the 'Big Red Machine' was asked about tonight's triple threat contendership bout, Kane saying how Rikishi and The Undertaker are both big men, but he feels like tonight will be his time to shine. Kane has been on a violent streak yet always denied a title opportunity, and why? Because the World Wrestling Federation fears Kane!
5) Chris Benoit def. Billy Gunn to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship[/color]
Billy Gunn was out to dedicate this title opportunity for Chyna, who is still at home after being brutally injured by the Right to Censor last month, and this was 'Mr Ass's rematch clause after losing the title to the 'Rabid Wolverine' back at Armageddon. Gunn's shoulder was obviously the target but Gunn was smart, dodging Benoit's attempts at the shoulder. Benoit would eventually find Gunn's weakpoint as he tried a suicide dive to the floor, missing and Gunn landed on his previously seperated shoulder. Benoit finally applied the Crossface and that was it.
Chris Benoit celebrated his win, having defended the WWF Intercontinental Championship successfully yet again.
Steven Richards was shown rallying the troops in the Right to Censor, telling them that The APA's challenge is a mere toy to them, as the strength of The Goodfather, the agility of Bull Buchanan, the wiseness of Val, and the intellegence of Richards and Ivory will bring them to victory against the simple-minded APA and their crew. Richards wished Ivory and Val luck against Matt Hardy and Lita.
An advertisement aired, promoting the Royal Rumble, live on pay-per-view on Sunday 21st January 2001 from New Orleans, Louisiana.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
6) Matt Hardy and Lita (w/Jeff Hardy) def. Val and Ivory (w/Steven Richards)[/color]
The Hardy Boyz have had problems with the Right to Censor in the past, with Ivory targeting the tomboy appearance of Lita specifically. The Hardy Boyz were the ones who lost the WWF Tag Team Championships to Bull Buchanan and The Godfather two months back. Matt and Val exchanged shots as did Ivory and Lita, Steven Richards trying to get involved but Jeff ran in and dropkicked him off the apron, the Twist of Fate to Val soon giving Matt and Lita victory.
Matt Hardy and Lita celebrated their win with Jeff Hardy before The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan appeared, the five Right to Censor members beginning to attack Team Xtreme! The crowd booed as Steven Richards instructed the pack until The APA and Tazz dashed out, a full on war breaking out until RTC retreated, just like on Monday! Ten man tag team match this Monday night on RAW!
A graphic appeared, hyping up the Royal Rumble qualifying matches beginning on Monday night during RAW is WAR.
In the backstage area we see The Undertaker on his motorcycle and he was asked by Kevin Kelly his confidence level going into tonight's triple threat contenders match, 'Taker mentioning how he's been in the ring with Rikishi and he's been in the ring with Kane and to be honest, they do not make him scared whatsoever. The American Badass has unfinished business with the WWF Champion, Kurt Angle after Survivor Series, and he's not gonna let Rikishi, Kane, The Rock, Stone Cold, William Regal, Eric Angle or anybody stop him from getting to the big belt.
The Comissioner, William Regal was shown worrying, the WWF European Championship in sight, and up next he will take on Stone Cold Steve Austin!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
7) Stone Cold Steve Austin def. William Regal by disqualification in a non-title match[/color]
Definitely not the match everybody anticipated as the WWF European Champion tried to get in the odd shot on the 'Texas Rattlesnake' but Stone Cold Steve Austin aggressively manhandled Regal and delivered many Lou Thesz presses, then with the hard hitting blows. Regal tried to get away from the 'Bionic Redneck', but Austin kept dragging him back and knocking him down. Regal was set up for the Stunner when Regal delivered a low blow!
The crowd booed as Regal nailed the Regal Cutter on Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Comissioner of the World Wrestling Federation stomping a mudhole into the 'Texas Rattlesnake'. Austin soon tackled Regal, but Regal grabbed some brass knuckles from his trunks and began pounding on Austin, cutting him open brutally! Regal left Austin laid unconscious on the canvas.
We go to Rikishi as Jonathan Coachman is stood alongside the 'Bad Man', as Coach asks Rikishi about his chances of winning tonight. Rikishi mentions how he is the fastest rising star in the World Wrestling Federation overall, even faster than Kurt Angle. And all he has to do is win the WWF Championship after winning tonight. Rikishi mentions how his rise has been documented over three months, and it will be complete by next Monday night.
We see Trish Stratus in the parking lot, and she is soon picked up by...a limousine!? The announcers mentioned it looking very familiar, as though it is possession of Mr McMahon.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
8) The Undertaker def. Kane and Rikishi in a number one contender's triple threat match[/color]
The climax to this mini tournament tonight as these three big titans fought it out in a match where the winner would face Kurt Angle this Monday night on RAW is WAR for the WWF Championship. The Olympic Gold Medalist joined Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler at commentary to view this, and Kane and The Undertaker took Rikishi out first before the brotherly feud reached a new height, the 'American Badass' trading fists with the 'Big Red Machine'. The Rock soon made a dash for the ring as he traded blows with The Undertaker and delivered a Rock Bottom to Rikishi: Kane giving Rock a Chokeslam and ALMOST stealing the win! Anything for a title shot! Kurt Angle then got in the ring and slyly gave Kane an Angle Slam, when Chris Jericho ran for the ring! Y2J took Angle out as he was given the Rikishi Driver! Undertaker proceeded to deliver the Chokeslam on Rikishi, covering and getting the win!
The Undertaker celebrated his victory as Kane suddenly met him, both of the Brothers of Destruction with a firm chokehold! Kurt Angle then appeared as both brothers grabbed the throat of the WWF Champion! A two-man Chokeslam to Angle connected as Undertaker then Chokeslammed his brother! Undertaker stood tall over Rock, Jericho, Rikishi, Kane and more importantly Angle, such a massive main event scene, but Undertaker was going to San Jose on RAW to face Kurt Angle! SmackDown goes off the air.
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ing Hennig and put him up against Angle at WrestleMania.
