Thursday 1st February 2001 - Cleveland, OH
Taped: Tuesday 30th January 2001[/color]
Shown on UPNWe kick off SmackDown! with a replay from this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, where Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley confronted her father about Vince McMahon's affair on her mother, Linda with Trish Stratus. An argument ensued, with William Regal then getting involved. It seemed like the Commissioner was siding with Vince against Steph, and when Stephanie demanded a match with Trish Stratus, she was put into a match with Lita, which she then lost, but aided assistance thanks to Ivory. Triple H tried to get his hands on Vince and William for hurting his wife's feelings, but after a brawl with Steve Austin McMahon blackmailed Hunter into getting a restraining order against Stone Cold Steve Austin in exchange for staying out of his business.
The opening SmackDown! video package aired and we cut to the Gund Arena for SmackDown! Michael Cole and Jerry "King" Lawler were seated at ringside. They hyped up tonight, scheduled to feature Stone Cold Steve Austin taking on the Big Show!
The theme of the WWF Champion hit as the crowd booed loudly, the Olympic Gold Medallist wandering out to the arena quite cheerful with himself, Kurt Angle happy about having successfully defeated The Rock this past Monday night on RAW in a submission match. Angle came to the ring and began to brag about how he has ousted everybody in that locker room in the past twelve months. Angle talks about how this time last year he was just a greenhorn that was on a role with an undefeated streak. Angle continues, mentioning about how he won the WWF Championship in eleven months: it being simply that easy! Angle talks about how people talk about the 1990s being the greatest era in prfoessional wrestling, but to be totally honest, this decade will be greater, because this decade is the decade of an Olympian named Kurt Angle.
Angle was cut off by the theme of the Hardy Boyz, as Matt Hardy came out to the rampway, the crowd cheering and Angle was quite surprised to see the Hardy Boy out here. Matt talked about how he's out here to see if Kurt Angle truly is a fighting champion as he says. Matt talks about how he's been in the tag team division for the last two or three years, and his dream has come true by simply being a multi-time WWF Tag Team Champion. But Matt wants more! Matt talks about how he wants to climb the ladder like his brother. He reflects on how his brother Jeff won the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship and says he wants to branch out and build up a solo career. He wants to prove everybody wrong. He asks for an opportunity for the WWF Championship tonight. Angle smiles, cockily telling Matt that all he has to do is step down to the ring. At that point, Hardy runs for the ring, WWF Championship to open SmackDown!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
1) Kurt Angle def. Matt Hardy to retain the WWF Championship[/color]
Matt Hardy's ultimate opportunity, Kurt Angle underestimated Matt Hardy as the former WWF Tag Team Champion was branching out from being in the Hardy Boyz, seemingly trying to better his brother Jeff, the new WWF Light Heavyweight Champion. Angle went right after Matt with the mat-based wrestling, but Matt managed to catch Angle off-guard with his fast-paced wrestling ability. Angle found himself on the receiving end of MANY near-falls, Matt almost winning the WWF Championship. Edge and Christian soon hit the ring though, as Christian served as a distraction, but Jeff Hardy made the save with a steel chair! Jeff took Christian out with a chair to the spine whilst Edge distracted the official, Hardy swinging for Angle but nailing his brother! Edge got into the ring and nailed a Spear on Jeff, and Angle covered for the win.
Kurt Angle celebrated his win as he dashed out of the ring, celebrating with Edge and Christian, the WWF Champion having underestimated Matt, and if not for Edge and Christian, could have won the WWF Championship. Matt remained down as Jeff tried to attend to him, Lita coming down to the ring.
In the backstage area we see Mr McMahon walking into the arena as the Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation had a grim look on his face. Vince was confronted by Kevin Kelly, who asked McMahon about his thoughts on the situation with his daughter. He says that he needs to understand that in a situation where his wife is handicapped and muted due to illness that he needs to take some time out. He says that Trish Stratus is a really close friend of his, in fact maybe they are dating. Vince asks Kevin if he is dating, and Kelly says no, Vince tells him to get out of his face, leaving.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
In a segment caught by cameras during the commercial break, Matt Hardy was storming through the curtain followed by Lita and Jeff Hardy. Matt yelled at Jeff, telling him that he's such a big shot because he has a singles title all of a sudden. He says that he finds it absolutely pathetic what Jeff thinks he is, a super hero. Matt tells Jeff to leave him alone, then leaving bitterly. Lita was left between them, telling Jeff that he did the right decision.
We see Kane in the backstage area as he was met with The Undertaker, Undertaker asking Kane if he really believed what Big Show said last Monday night on RAW. The 'Big Red Machine' tells Undertaker that he is sick and tired of hearing the 'Showstopper' just manipulate things, and walk in and out of arenas as though he really is the big bad wolf. Kane says that he's searching his ass out tonight, the 'American Badass' left wondering what he means.
2) The APA def. Rikishi and Haku by disqualification[/color]
This was an intense match as Rikishi and Haku had something to prove to the APA again, after laying them out this past Monday night on RAW. Bradshaw and Faarooq hammered on Rikishi and Haku but the stiffness on Rikishi managed to ground Faarooq, then working on the head of Faarooq. Rikishi connected with the Stinkface, but Bradshaw nailed him with the Clothesline From Hell right in the corner. Haku came in and then got Bradshaw out of the ring, going back to work on Faarooq. Bradshaw got the hot tag, and nailed a massive Clothesline From Hell on Rikishi, flipping Rikishi completely. Haku then got back into the ring, nailing Bradshaw right in the spine with a singapore cane!
Haku slammed Bradshaw in the head with the singapore cane, as the official tried restoring order. Rikishi took out the referee as Haku slammed the cane one more time over the spine of Faarooq. Haku looked at the cane, noticing how bent and broken in half it was! The Dudley Boyz soon ran to the ring, the WWF Tag Team Champions running off the team that beat them down on RAW!
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler promoted the release of Chyna's new book, 'If Only They Knew', which was released this past Tuesday, in available at all bookstores.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
We see William Regal in his office as Vince McMahon entered the room, McMahon asking the Commissioner about what his bright idea is and why he's called him here. Regal tells Vince that maybe they should allow Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley to have a match with Trish Stratus. It could be quite an interesting scenario. Vince agrees, saying there could be a stipulation. He tells Regal to sign it up for Monday on RAW, Regal then enquiring about a rematch for the WWF European Championship. McMahon tells him he'll get to it, Monday night.
3) Test and Billy Gunn def. X-Pac and Albert[/color]
The WWF European Champion has seemingly been a target of X-Pac and Albert's newly formed alliance recently, which prompted Test to grab a partner and oppose the team. X-Pac and Billy Gunn both being ex members of D-Generation X whilst Test and Albert apart of T&A. Albert went right after Test, but the two began to work over 'the One', Gunn firing back and nailing a big dropkick on Albert. Test made the save and he came in, impressively nailing a pumphandle slam on big Albert. X-Pac nailed the Bronco Buster on Gunn as all four were in the ring and Test nailed him with a massive Big Boot for the win!
Test celebrated his win with Billy Gunn as Albert helped X-Pac out of the ring. The WWF European Champion has to face William Regal this Monday night on RAW is WAR for the title, he seems focused.
Chris Jericho was shown in the backstage area as the WWF Intercontinental Champion was interviewed by Lillian Garcia, Garcia asking Y2J if he was motivated about this match tonight with Raven. Jericho talks about how Raven is a tramp, and he's a professional. There is in fact a difference between the two. Y2J says that while he may be obnoxious, at least he doesn't walk around with a shopping cart wearing three-quarter ripped jeans, and boasting about how he's going to be the longest reigning WWF Hardcore Champion. He compares the Hardcore title to the IC title, saying that this is where the big boys play.
The Rock was shown to a loud ovation, heading for the arena, he faces Chris Benoit up next!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
4) The Rock def. Chris Benoit[/color]
The 'Brahma Bull' was here to regain momentum after last Monday night's loss to Kurt Angle, as well as avenge the 'Rabid Wolverine' for defeating him a few weeks ago on SmackDown!. Rock fired at Benoit, but Benoit showed how much of a potential future WWF Champion he is by slyly outwrestling Rock, the 'Rabid Wolverine' showing how dedicated he is, and he seemed to be trying to send a message to Chris Jericho, who he meets in a ladder match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship in three weeks at No Way Out. Rock's shoulder was worked on, and the psychology was well, as this disabled Rock's attempt to try the Rock Bottom. Benoit soon went for the Crossface but Rock managed to roll out, Rock then nailing a floatover DDT. Rock set up for a Rock Bottom but Benoit tried a flapjack, but Rock flipped on and nailed the Rock Bottom with his good arm for the win!
The Rock celebrated his win as the crowd cheered, the 'Brahma Bull' then grabbing a microphone and announcing that he is not done with his quest for the WWF Championship, and he will be getting another opportunity at the Olympic Gold Medallist very, very soon. He finishes with his catchphrase.
Vince McMahon was shown walking with William Regal through the corridors as McMahon talked to the Commissioner about the decisions that they face. Regal asked McMahon about what to do with so many growing challengers for the WWF Championship. McMahon tells Regal that it's simple, this Monday night he is issuing a battle royal match with all of the WWF superstars to determine who will go to No Way Out to face Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship. Regal says that is a good idea, as they suddenly meet up with the Right to Censor, Vince asking Steven Richards if he is ready for his WWF Hardcore Championship defense. He says yes, against will. Regal looks at Ivory, and then talks to all of the RTC saying that they know they are here to restrict the laws and the WWF management respects that. But they are willing to give them what they want if they keep out of their business with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Trish Stratus. Richards tells McMahon that they want a WWF Tag Team Championship opportunity. Vince gives them it.
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
Al Snow is shown walking up to Big Bossman in the backstage area, as Al mentions how Bossman hasn't been on television for a few months, and he's wondering if he wanted to team up with him. Snow mentions how he knows he grinded his dog up and served it to him, but he thinks if they work together, they can bring the Kennel from Hell members to the Tag gold. Bossman looked at him and simply clubbed him with his knightstick!
In the ring Steven Richards is in the ring with the WWF Hardcore Championship, Steven winning the title belt this past Monday night on RAW. He mentions how the WWF Hardcore Championship represents Tom and Jerry cartoon violence, and how this will potentially cause long-term injuries that could potentially kill talented WWF superstars. And so he's won the belt to prove to people how the title can actually become representable, if they try and let Steven Richards be their WWF Hardcore Champion.
5) Steven Richards def. Crash Holly (w/Molly Holly) to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship[/color]
Crash Holly, famous former WWF Hardcore Champion was swinging for another reign tonight, Steven Richards caught off guard by Crash and his unorthodox ring style, using a trash can and a stop sign to keep on top of Richards. The battle spilled to ringside as Lo Down appeared, D-Lo Brown and Chaz appearing and taking out both men. Hardcore Holly and Steve Blackman appeared, fighting Lo Down away as Molly tried covering Stevie! Ivory then came to ringside and fired a fire extinguisher in Molly's eyes, the Steven Kick to Crash getting the win!
Steven Richards ran up the rampway with Ivory, the Right to Censor cowardly getting away from Lo Down as the Holly Cousins and Steve Blackman attended to the blinded Molly.
The crowd booed as they saw Triple H, Jonathan Coachman asking 'the Game' about this restraining order set on Stone Cold Steve Austin. Hunter says that he's not too happy about the blackmailing that Vince McMahon gave him, but Stephanie is a strong woman, and she will probably bring Vince to his knees. Hunter says that McMahon has told him that they will issue the restraining order this Monday night on RAW is WAR, but it involves them both being in the same ring, signing a contract. Triple H says that if Austin lays a finger on him, he's in big trouble.
Raven was shown with his shopping cart, and up next we're expecting Raven to try and capture the WWF Intercontinental Championship from Chris Jericho!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
6) Chris Jericho vs Raven for the WWF Intercontinental Championship; never started[/color]
This match never got undergo as Chris Jericho made his way out to the ring, but the WWF Intercontinental Champion was attacked from behind with a trash can from Raven! Raven stomped on Y2J before tossing him into one of the oval bars on the stage, then delivering a big Raven Effect on Jericho! Raven stood over Jericho and left.
Chris Jericho remained down as the crowd booed in fury, the WWF Intercontinental Champion finding himself being watched as the number one contender to the title, Chris Benoit came out and looked at him, a smile on the face of the 'Rabid Wolverine'. Benoit picked Jericho up and tossed him off the stage, Jericho flipping through three tables! Benoit looked over his rival and stared at the belt determined to regain in the ladder match at No Way Out.
An advertisement aired, promoting the next pay-per-view, No Way Out, live on Sunday 25th February 2001 from Las Vegas, Nevada.
7) Tazz def. Perry Saturn (w/Terri and Eddie Guerrero)[/color]
Tazz has been in a situation with The Radicalz as of late as Eddie Guerrero previously fell in defeat to the 'Human Suplex Machine' this past Monday night on RAW. Tazz was tempted to follow up with two out of three in the Radicalz, as Tazz nailed plenty of suplexes on Saturn, but Saturn got in plenty more shots, working the shoulder. Tazz wouldn't have it though, and he nailed a big Tazzplex as 'Latino Heat' tried to run at him. Tazz ducked a clothesline and the Tazzmission made Saturn tap.
Tazz celebrated his win as Terri attended to Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero angry at ringside! The Radicalz left as Tazz was once again triumphant!
Stone Cold Steve Austin was shown in the backstage area, and he walked right past Kevin Kelly, no time for an interview: and up next the 'Texas Rattlesnake' goes toe to toe with the Big Show!
> > > Commercial Break < < <[/color]
8) Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Big Show by disqualification[/color]
The 'Texas Rattlesnake' had a hard time fighting the 'Big Nasty Bastard' Big Show as Show overpowered Austin with some force, Show, the man who was apparently intended to face Steve Austin at WrestleMania 2000 working over the neck of Austin, the well-documented neck being his target and Show just went right after it, using his weight as a force. Austin fired back and managed to kick Show a few times, the Lou Thesz Press getting Show down, Austin then focusing on keeping Show down, but Show overpowered again and tossed him across the ring by the throat. Show went for the Showstopper but Austin slipped out and nailed a Stunner, but Show didn't fall down! Austin nailed a second and Show fell through the ropes! Austin then turned around to get a sledgehammer to the face by Triple H!
Triple H stood tall over Stone Cold Steve Austin as the crowd booed, 'the Game' having just taken the 'Texas Rattlesnake's head off with a sledgehammer! Triple H seemed content as he tossed Austin outside the ring, the carcuss of Austin lifeless at ringside. Triple H and Big Show stood at ringside, Show preparing for a Showstopper through the announce table, but pyrotechnics hit the ring! The Undertaker rode out on his motorcycle as Show and Triple H ran out of harm's way, Undertaker getting off of his motorcycle, Hunter and Show having ran through the crowd!
But they were met as Big Show and Triple H tried leaving the building, the 'Big Red Machine' Kane finding them and slamming a steel chair into Show's spine, then throwing uppercuts at Triple H! Kane ran Hunter and Show away as SmackDown! went off the air!
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