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Post by DTP. on Jan 7, 2022 15:33:06 GMT -5
 RAW is WAR - June 4, 2001
Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Live on TNN
 The opening video package aired, cutting to the pyrotechnics inside of the Target Center. The smoke cleared to show a sellout crowd in attendance, with Jim Ross welcoming us to RAW is WAR! Though, the ECW Revolution would immediately make itself present - as Paul Heyman came cockily sauntering down the rampway. Heading directly to ringside, Heyman laughed in J.R.'s face before taking a seat beside him. With a headset on, Paul told Jim that he couldn't replace him or get rid of him - RAW had gotten Extreme, and it was all because ECW did what they wanted!- TONIGHT: Chris Jericho (c) vs Mike Awesome for the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- TONIGHT: The 2001 King of the Ring tournament begins.
- TONIGHT: Raven vs Test in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
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Twenty-four hours after invading WCW's Big Bang event on TNN, Kurt Angle came walking down to the ring with his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon. Proud of his actions, 'the Megastar' climbed into the ring, where 'the Billion Dollar Princess' applauded him. Kurt spoke about how he knew some of the people knew what it felt like to be overlooked and underappreciated. He did too, which is way unlike those in Minneapolis - he took matters into his own hands, and did something about it! Talking about the ECW Revolution and everything they were doing, the Olympic Gold Medalist was sick of the disrespect shown by WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H - both of whom were jealous and felt threatened by the greatness of 'the Olympic Hero'. So he did the next best thing, and invaded WCW!
Stephanie took the microphone and talked about her own dealings with Shane McMahon; how morally bankrupt and sociopathic her brother could be. Thinking he could turn her against her own father with ease was plain idiotic - there was only one 'Daddy's Little Girl' in the WWF! Steph showed appreciation for her boyfriend, for putting Shane in his place. He'd been banished from the WWF at Judgment Day, and after the debacle last night at the Big Bang, she was certain WCW was finished too! Kurt made their WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion Booker T look foolish, which was why Kurt Angle was the leader that the WWF needed! Angle concurred, saying this was all out of selflessness. All he ever wanted was the respect he believed he rightly deserved, for leading the WWF with the Three Is. There was only one thing he wanted - to cement himself as the rightful leader, the WWF Championship!
Stone Cold Steve Austin heard Kurt Angle talking, and the WWF Champion came to the ring to immediately confront 'the Megastar' and Stephanie McMahon. Applauding Kurt with a hearty clap, Austin confessed that he had really shown him. For each and every Stunner he had handed Kurt Angle, he was going places and making himself known - to be the biggest jackass walking the planet! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' lectured Kurt for doing something not for his own doing - but for his little girlfriend Stephanie. Just when he thought Angle had learned his lesson and grown a pair at Judgment Day, every week the Olympic Gold Medalist outdid himself in looking like a sorry son of a b*tch! Stone Cold reminded Minneapolis his name, that he was the WWF Champion, and if Kurt wanted another shot at the gold, he could have it - tonight!
'The Rattlesnake' smiled in Kurt Angle's face, waving the title high in the air. Angle told Steve that sounded well and good - but for the integrity of the WWF during this invasion, he was going to pass on tonight. Angle couldn't tell what the ECW Revolution were planning, or whether Shane McMahon and Booker T were hiding somewhere ready to strike and cost him his shot! Angle instead proposed the King of the Ring in three weeks, bringing Austin to laugh at the sorry excuse. Stone Cold chuckled, bringing up how clearly Kurt's new set of balls are in Steph's purse. Looking over to Steph, he asked what her angle was in this. Was she the one driving Angle to do any of this? Steve told Stephanie he knew how diabolical she could be - he and everybody knew she was nothing but a two-dollar sl*t! The fans broke into chants, as Austin wanted somebody to hit him - and if it wasn't Kurt Angle, he chose Stephanie!
Goading her, Steve Austin wanted to feel this slap everybody had been talking about. One she'd struck Linda with, Vince with, Shane with - even her own ex-husband Triple H with! Kurt Angle broke it up telling Stone Cold to knock it off, when 'the Billion Dollar Princess' took a swing, slapping the taste out of the WWF Champion's mouth! Enjoying it, Austin told Kurt he could learn a lot about being a man from this woman he had. Telling Angle that King of the Ring sounded all well and good, he wanted his challenger to do one thing and come ready to fight ol' Stone Cold like a real name. Suddenly, he dropped Stephanie with a Stunner! 'The Rattlesnake' rolled out of the ring with Angle stunned - immediately rushing to his girlfriend's side. Austin had a huge smirk on his face, trying to get under the Olympian's skin!
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship.
After a replay aired showing what happened before the commercial break, Vince McMahon was seen seething in his office. Trish Stratus watched the television set with a huge smile on her face, as the Chairman talked about Stone Cold Steve Austin once again refusing to be a team player. Vince stomped and sulked on the couch, when Trish hoped to comfort him. Stroking his chest seductively, the boss was in no mood for her affection - instead telling her to go get him a coffee! The WWF Diva was rejected again by her boyfriend, as she left him alone.
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Mike Awesome was joined by the WWF Tag Team Champions the Impact Players, as the three ECW Revolution members proudly displayed the WWF gold. Climbing into the ring, Lance Storm demanded a moment of seriousness from the booing Minnesotans. Proudly reminding them about how ECW now had not only the WWF Hardcore Championship and WWF Tag Team Championships, they would soon be adding the WWF Intercontinental Championship to their faction when 'the Gladiator' mowed through Chris Jericho. Storm was drowned out by boos, as the fans chanted for tables - referring to the Dudley Boyz - but Justin Credible would take the mic and scream that they wouldn't be seeing any tables, because they had removed the Dudleys from the equation! Justin added that the Revolution started two weeks ago, and it would end with all the gold belonging to ECW.
Finally Chris Jericho interrupted, the WWF Intercontinental Champion begging the three to shut the hell up. Y2J said he had a headache that was only worsened by hearing the words out of Justin Credible's mouth, and talked about how it was bad enough he had to go in there and defend his title against a blubbering idiot ape like Mike Awesome. Bringing up what made ECW extreme, involving tables, chairs, crutches and Grandma's purses - nobody wanted to see three losers like them running their mouths and sending Grandma to sleep! Luckily for Minneapolis, Y2J vowed to bring the violence tonight, when he kicked Awesome's dome in! Y2J hit the ring with the challenger ready and waiting!
1) Chris Jericho (c) def. Mike Awesome (w/WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players) to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (4:35)
Mike Awesome left Chris Jericho laying with the Awesome Bomb last week, and now the WWF Intercontinental Champion was coming for payback. Y2J struck fast and heavy, when distractions from Lance Storm and Justin Credible allowed the challenger to rock the Canadian with a big boot! Jericho averted the Awesome Bomb early and chopped the big man down to size, when Credible again distracted the champ allowing Awesome to strike with a powerslam! Y2J used his quickness and hit a springboard dropkick sending Storm off the apron, when the Walls of Jericho would see Awesome power the champ away. A massive clothesline sent Jericho down, and the Awesome Bomb was tried again - but Y2J slipped free and rolled Awesome up to retain the title!
Y2J had outwitted Mike Awesome, but the Impact Players were not about to accept defeat to their ECW Revolution ally! The WWF Tag Team Champions ambushed the WWF Intercontinental Champion, Lance Storm and Justin Credible ganging up on Y2J with no sign of his recent ally, Rob Van Dam! The Impact Players decided to give Minneapolis what they wanted: introducing the wood and promptly setting it up for Mike Awesome to deliver an Awesome Bomb through the table! ECW stood dominant, when the Brothers of Destruction arrived - the Undertaker and Kane walking down the rampway to answer to the Revolution! 'The American Badass' and 'the Big Red Machine' entered, but the trio bailed before they could get their hands on them.
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Stephanie McMahon laid prone on the couch in the dressing room, with boyfriend Kurt Angle standing closeby fuming. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' complained about pain consuming her legs, as Angle told her he would make Stone Cold Steve Austin pay dearly for this. Up behind them walked Vince McMahon, who startled 'the Megastar'. Coffee in hand, Vince said he was impressed by Kurt's vigilance last night at WCW the Big Bang. He knew Kurt was the right man to lead the WWF into battle against ECW - but this could not go on much longer. Vince assured Stephanie that he would leave her in good hands, bringing in Trish Stratus - but the Chairman wanted to take a walk man-to-man, with the Olympic Gold Medalist! Having their own issues since Steph's return to the McMahon Empire, Trish smugly towered over Steph and asked her to repeat what she said two weeks ago. One dominant female? By the looks of things, that female's name was Trish Stratus!
Rob Van Dam was gearing up for action in the locker room, when the door burst open and in stormed the APA with Jacqueline! Bradshaw got in RVD's face as he coolly greeted them, telling him that they knew his angle. The APA saw right through 'Mr. Monday Night', playing cool and acting like he was one of the WWF guys - but they all knew he was ECW to the bone! Van Dam denied it and told Bradshaw to lay off the liquor, but the Texan yelled how RVD shouldn't even be in the King of the Ring tournament. Faarooq assured his buddy he wouldn't get far, once he got in the ring with Bradshaw tonight. Van Dam again refuted any alliance with the ECW Revolution: he was way cooler than any of them! Bradshaw warned RVD not to get cute, because when push came to shove tonight - he'd get his ass kicked. The APA departed, leaving Rob to comment that Bradshaw needed a chill pill!
- TONIGHT: Bradshaw vs Rob Van Dam in a King of the Ring Qualifying match.
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2) Jeff Hardy (w/Matt Hardy and Lita) def. WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero (w/Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri) in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (3:46)
The 2001 King of the Ring tournament began, with the Hardy Boyz still feeling the effects of TLC III, and the Radicalz looking to prove their neutral ground in the ECW invasion. 'Latino Heat' waved at Lita before the bell prompting Jeff to let the WWF European Champion have it early, seguing to Jeff hitting a somersault senton plancha over the top rope onto Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko! Jeff continued to run hot until a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker saw Eddie claim advantage. Working at slowing Jeff down and focusing on his back, a brainbuster got a near fall, when Jeff fired back with a spinout enzuigiri! Whisper in the Wind had Eddie beat when Terri got on the apron, bringing Lita to drag her down. Perry Saturn and Matt Hardy soon collided at ringside, as Eddie missed the Frog Splash! Jeff capitalized with the Twist of Fate - allowing him to advance into the tournament!
Jeff Hardy had his hand raised, when he joined Matt Hardy in fighting off the Radicalz! The Hardy Boyz cleared the ring of Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko, with Lita tackling Terri to the floor and tearing off her shirt! 'The She-Devil' ran for the hills humiliated, as Team Xtreme stood tall. 'Latino Heat' argued with Saturn and Malenko at ringside, Saturn trying to cover up his girlfriend with his top hat.
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Jeff Hardy advanced to the Quarter-Final round.
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Commissioner William Regal was seen in his office, lacing his boots as Tajiri spoke in Japanese. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' stopped preparing to order his apprentice to speak the Queen's English when in his presence, before speaking about what he was going to do to Tazz after their run-in last night on Sunday Night Heat. In walked Edge and Christian, who were irate at the Brothers of Destruction jumping the line to take out the Impact Players. Christian found it insulting they were coming for the gold, when the next WWF Tag Team Championship shot belonged to the two of them! Edge demanded a shot tonight, but Regal brought up how many times they had failed. They lost the title at WrestleMania, had been handed many opportunities to reclaim them - but they'd failed. The brothers squabbled citing excuses, bringing William to bargain with them: a number one contender's match tonight against the Undertaker and Kane. Christian accepted, but in leaving the two argued it!
- TONIGHT: Edge and Christian vs The Brothers of Destruction in a number one contender's match.
Stone Cold Steve Austin sat in his locker room alone, when in walked Vince McMahon. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' came to his feet, but Vince came in peace. Austin knew there was more to it, and he'd never trusted McMahon. The Chairman urged Austin to look at it from his perspective - he was the WWF Champion, yet when was the last thing he did anything for the company? Austin reminded the boss he did what he wanted, and he proved he was the leader on SmackDown, where he and Triple H beat the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. Kurt Angle entered, rage in his eyes. Both men mouthed off, when Vince grew angry and told them King of the Ring could wait until after tonight. Making the two of them and Triple H meet Sandman, Dreamer and 'the Man-Beast' Rhyno tonight, Vince demanded they do the right thing for the WWF before leaving. Angle told Austin he was going to break his freaking ankle. Austin called after Kurt, telling him to be a man, with a smirk on his face!
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.
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3) Tazz def. Commissioner William Regal (3:24)
After the altercation last night on Sunday Night Heat, the prideful WWF Commissioner looked to avenge the company he worked for against the defector Tazz. With apprentice Tajiri following him to ringside, Regal ordered him to return backstage allowing 'the Human Suplex Machine' to blindsight him. At ringside Tazz sent him into the steel steps, when Regal fired back with forearms and European uppercuts! Sending Tazz running, a belly-to-belly suplex would bring him down for a cross-armbreaker to follow. Regal worked up and reversed it, a double underhook suplex connecting. The Regal Cutter struck, though Tazz kicked out! Angry, Regal looked for a knee lift - but Tazz ducked it and the Tazzmission would force 'the Goodwill Ambassador' to tap out!
Tazz refused to relinquish the Tazzmission on the WWF Commissioner, with William Regal past the point of tapping! Unconscious in his clutches, 'the Human Suplex Machine' was met with ECW chants, when Tajiri made his return! Striking with a hard-hitting succession of kicks, Tazz ducked a roundhouse martial arts kick - to receive green mist to the face! Tazz fell down, blinded, as Tajiri grinned with residue spitting from his mouth. Helping his mentor to his feet, Regal would have his hand raised - as Tazz used the referee's shirt to wipe the mist from his eyes!
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Test was backstage, propping himself up with a 2x4, as Jonathan Coachman asked him for his thoughts ahead of the Falls Count Anywhere match with Raven. Test said it had been weeks overdue, and that was thanks to Vince McMahon. But despite what the McMahon Family had put him through, he was here to stand loud and proud for the boys. His career was born in the WWF, and it would die with this company too! Speaking out about Raven, he'd been hunting him and his boys for weeks. 'The Working Man' vowed to make Raven more loopy than before tonight, when speak of the devil - Raven came from behind! Using a stop sign on the back of Test's head, he told Test he'd see him out there - if he could even make it! Raven fled, as Test held his head in agony from the floor.
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Meanwhile, the number one contender's match had been made, and the Brothers of Destruction were seen talking about the beating they'd like to serve up for the Impact Players. Kane saw WWF Tag Team Championship gold in their future, when Chris Benoit approached them. 'The Rabid Wolverine' had 'the American Badass' defensive, but assured him their blood feud was a thing of the past. Talking about the favor they did each other on SmackDown, he appreciated it, and confessed that he had found respect for the Undertaker. Looking to Kane, Undertaker told him that was all well and good, but there was no team here. Their alliance ended there, beating the Right to Censor and letting Chris be the hometown boy. 'The Deadman' told Benoit to remember who ran the yard as he and 'the Big Red Machine' left for the ring - up against Edge and Christian, next!
Triple H arrived at the Target Center looking calm and collected, when approached by Vince McMahon. The Chairman knew that 'the Game' came here looking for Rhyno's ass, one-on-one. Unfortunately, there had been a change of plans. HHH laughed, questioning what had changed. Informing him about tonight's six-man tag team main event, with him teaming with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle, 'the Game' questioned what he had to do to get Rhyno face-to-face! Vince told HHH he'd make it up to him and quickly walked away, leaving him baffled. He'd had enough of Austin and he couldn't stand Angle!
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4) The Brothers of Destruction def. Edge and Christian in a Number One Contender's match (6:37)
The Brothers of Destruction reunited to take out the Right to Censor last week, and after earlier tonight had their sights set on the WWF Tag Team Championships held by the Impact Players. Edge and Christian also wanted that shot, and targeted Undertaker and Kane upon entry. The two monsters cleaned house early causing them to bail, but would find themselves attacked further at ringside! Undertaker struck with a Russian legsweep to Christian, ganging up on him with 'the Big Red Machine' until a blind tag allowed Edge to come in with a chop block! Behind the official's back they crotched Kane against the ring post and grounded the seven-foot monster, when finally Kane gorilla pressed Edge into Christian off the second rope! Undertaker got the tag but the referee didn't see it - and the Canadians behaved like hyenas picking the bones, as we went to the break!
Edge had a kneebar on Kane as we returned from the break, 'the Big Red Machine' muscling him off just for Christian to strike with the inverted DDT. Edge and Christian teamed up to place him on the top rope, a double-decker superplex in store - when Kane delivered a flying clothesline sending both down! Undertaker made the tag and ran wild, the Old School sending Edge down - and a big boot for Christian! Undertaker had the Chokeslam in store, when Christian came in just for Kane to grab him by the throat. Together, the Brothers of Destruction delivered stereo-Chokeslams to Edge and Christian to pick up a decisive victory!
The Undertaker and Kane decisively put down Edge and Christian, to go to SmackDown to meet the Impact Players for the WWF Tag Team Championships! The Brothers of Destruction posed in the ring, their fists raised high - but when Kane prepared to erupt his pyrotechnics, out strutted the Impact Players. Lance Storm and Justin Credible stood on the stage, serving as distraction for the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer to come from behind with Singapore canes! The ECW Revolution were here to claim more bodies, as Edge and Christian were seen fleeing the scene. Kane was double teamed, when Undertaker made a comeback against Dreamer, for Storm and Credible to strike with X Marks the Spot! The Brothers of Destruction were outnumbered against ECW, when Chris Benoit hit the ring! 'The Rabid Wolverine' confronted the four Revolution members, with them strangely leaving on their own terms!
- SMACKDOWN!, THURSDAY NIGHT: The Impact Players (c) vs The Brothers of Destruction for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
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Triple H settled into his dressing room, removing his leather jacket with rigor over the main event being changed tonight. In came Jonathan Coachman to ask for 'the Game's thoughts on having to team up with King of the Ring foes, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle tonight, against Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. He questioned what Coach meant, bringing Coach to be the one to break the news to HHH! Grabbing the interviewer by the collar, Triple H said they'd see about that, declaring that he should be the man to fight Stone Cold for the WWF Championship! 'The Game' stormed out, freeing a frightened Coachman.
Edge and Christian bickered back and forth in the hallway backstage. Once again they'd lost out on the WWF Tag Team Championship, and both brothers were placing the blame on the other! Christian accused Edge of dropping the ball at WrestleMania, and in TLC III - but Edge blamed Christian for getting them beaten by the Brothers of Destruction moments ago. Kurt Angle came between them - they were supposed to be Team ECK! 'The Megastar' told them they couldn't let these shortcomings come between them, after all they were at war right now. Using his own predicament as an example, Kurt brought up how he had to co-exist with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H tonight - his two biggest enemies! E&C continued to argue about how uncool the other brother was being, with Edge bringing up his spot in the King of the Ring tournament. Walking off, Christian said he too was in the tournament, and hoped they'd meet himself. Angle was left baffled - what was going on!
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5) Jerry Lynn def. X-Pac (c) to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (5:10)
For the first time in his career, X-Pac was alone. No D-Generation X or X-Factor to support him, he'd been beaten by Jerry Lynn of the ECW Revolution last week on SmackDown. In fast-paced action, X-Pac was able to gain the upper hand with a spinning wheel kick! X-Pac showboated, met by "X-Pac sucks" chants. Lynn capitalized with a tornado DDT, going after X-Pac at ringside just to be sent into the barricade. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion went back on offense with a Bronco Buster, but Lynn dodged a diving footstomp with a German suplex! Soon teasing a Cradle Piledriver, X-Pac back dropped out and hit the X-Factor, though Lynn got the rope break! X-Pac argued with the referee, when Kid Kash ran out to distract X-Pac. Lynn executed the Air Raid Crash on X-Pac - to win the title!
ECW had added more WWF gold to their cabinet, as Jerry Lynn had his hand raised as the new WWF Light Heavyweight Champion! Kid Kash joined Jerry with glee, leaving X-Pac down and beaten in the middle of the ring. Devastated by the loss, X-Pac was the one abandoned now. He'd burned his bridges with D-Generation X, and X-Factor - and now, he was without the gold!
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Trish Stratus sat with her feet up on the couch, shaking her head at the ECW Revolution taking another championship. Stephanie McMahon scowled at Trish from the couch opposite her, asking the WWF Diva if she was enjoying herself. Smiling, Trish told Steph that matter of fact, she was. She didn't know what she'd been saying to her lover Vince McMahon, but there was no 'Daddy's Little Girl' like Trish - not even his own daughter. Stephanie clutched her ribs and sat up, taking a swing for Trish just for her to cower away. In walked Vince McMahon at that moment, and Stephanie suddenly dropped to the floor - feigning that Trish refused to help her! The Chairman angrily demanded the meaning of this, as Trish offered to help Steph up - but Steph accused her of badmouthing him to her! Vince ordered Trish out, as he helped his daughter back up to the couch.
Triple H stomped the halls, furious at the decision he'd been overlooked for a WWF Championship opportunity at King of the Ring. Storming into a room - it was Stone Cold Steve Austin's dressing room! The WWF Champion immediately stepped up to confront 'the Game', as a furious HHH demanded to know where his title shot was. Austin suggested Hunter ask for it, because while he had little respect for Kurt Angle he didn't know whether to whoop his ass or reset his watch, at least he called him out and got his match! 'The Game' told 'the Texas Rattlesnake' that this partnership had gone on too long. People called them the "two-man power trip", but they each knew that was bullsh*t. After tonight, when they mopped the floor with the ECW Revolution, HHH declared he was coming for him - and he didn't care whether Kurt was in the crosshairs or not. Stone Cold told HHH to be his guest.
- 6) Raven def. Test in a Falls Count Anywhere match (4:27)In his career thus far, Test had played it right by the book looking out for the best interest of the boys ahead of an impending ECW invasion. After being suspended by Vince McMahon, Test found himself hunting Raven in particular, who jumped him earlier tonight with a stop sign backstage. Test clutched his head as he met Raven on the rampway, the two immediately brawling to ringside with 'the Working Man' hammering on Raven atop the announce table! Inside, a sidewalk slam took Raven down, but the fight would devolve into the crowd. Raven aimed to hide from an irate Test, when Raven used a fire extinguisher to blind him. The Evenflow DDT was executed on an unfolded steel chair for a near fall, as the action returned to ringside. Test hit a pumphandle slam on the floor, before grabbing a steel chair from the timekeeping area. Raven struck with the ring bell to take the victory!
Raven crawled to a seated position against the ring apron, laughing at the expense of an unconscious Test, with his bell rung! The former WWF Intercontinental Champion slapped himself and pulled his hair, before coming to his feet and posing over 'the Working Man's fallen body.
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Vince McMahon closed his office door to confront Trish Stratus. The Chairman acted calmly as he demanded to know what his girlfriend was doing to his daughter Stephanie McMahon. Trish accused 'the Billion Dollar Princess' of faking her injuries, and tried telling him about Stephanie's villainous comments. The WWF Owner refused to hear any of it, in disbelief that Trish and Steph were at odds again! After all it took to get Stephanie back on her side, she was ruining it. Trish argued against it, but Vince brought up how Trish never wanted Stephanie in the picture. She wanted him all to herself! Saddened, Trish stated how alone she felt once Steph was back in the picture. Vince told Trish coldly that he didn't want to hear it - he'd see her on Thursday! Dejected, Trish left the scene.
The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer sat in the ECW locker room, Sandman drinking a can of beer and belching. Dreamer warned Sandman about drinking too many of those things before a big match, but 'the Hardcore Icon' told 'the Innovator of Violence' not to sweat it - he was a real veteran. Into the room paced the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, pacing back and forth to Dreamer's discomfort. Rhyno growled that he wasn't afraid and he would never be. All he wanted was Triple H tonight, and now it had turned into a real war of attrition. 'The Man-Beast' was determined to not only Gore 'the Game' one more time tonight, but Gore Kurt Angle, and Gore Stone Cold Steve Austin! Rhyno pounded his chest and screeched that the whole world wouldn't know what hit them.
- 6) Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw (w/Faarooq and Jacqueline) in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (3:38)Jeff Hardy advanced into the Quarter-Final round earlier tonight, but now it would be either Rob Van Dam or Bradshaw. After a choice encounter earlier tonight, RVD outran Bradshaw with lightning-fast kicks only for the tough Texan to mow him down with a shoulder tackle. A fallaway slam saw RVD land on his feet for a step-over wheel kick, when the Rolling Thunder connected. Bradshaw stopped RVD with a big boot and a powerslam, before a flying shoulder tackle from the second was met with Van Dam landed a dropkick! A monkey flip was attempted in the corner, blocked with a powerbomb - but RVD would power out at two! Bradshaw soon set up the Clothesline From Hell, just for Van Dam to get a crucifix pin for a one-count - Van Dam landing an enzuigiri after Bradshaw ducked twice! The Five-Star Frog Splash connected, seeing RVD into the next round!
'The Whole Dam Show' had overtaken Bradshaw to qualify into the King of the Ring tournament, but Faarooq and Jacqueline were quick to slide into the ring and pursue him as he escaped. Rob Van Dam had his hands raised in victory at ringside, pointing his thumbs to himself in victory. Whether the APA liked it or not, RVD was insistent that he was WWF.
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Rob Van Dam advanced to the Quarter-Final round.
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The WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin walked the halls, heading for the ring for the six-man tag team main event. With a date set for a title match with Kurt Angle at King of the Ring, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was prepared - but first he had to team with Kurt Angle. 'The Megastar' appeared confident as he walked the halls himself. Meanwhile, Triple H walked with furious anger. He came into the night looking for Rhyno, one-on-one, and now had to team with the two men that would meet in three weeks! HHH wanted the WWF Championship shot himself - but suddenly before anything, Rhyno blasted 'the Game' through a table with the Gore! The WWF Hardcore Champion had done this time and time again in recent weeks, and after fleeing the scene, 'the Game' was left clutching his ribs in agony: the main event, up next!
8) WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer def. WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H (7:26)
Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle were set to meet at King of the Ring, but Triple H also wanted a shot at the WWF Championship. With such turbulence in the eyes of the WWF's top three Superstars, they were pitted against three of the meanest members of the ECW Revolution. A six-man brawl kicked things off, with Triple H and Rhyno immediately spilling out to the floor for a fight. Meanwhile Kurt Angle found himself cleaning house of Tommy Dreamer - when Stone Cold Steve Austin surprisingly took out the Sandman as he aimed for Angle with a clothesline! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' stomped a mudhole in Sandman when 'the Man-Beast' struck with a spinebuster, the WWF Champion being isolated by the three ECW guys. Paul Heyman barked the accolades of 'the Hardcore Icon' and 'the Innovator of Violence' on commentary, as a Russian legsweep took Austin down for a near fall.
Triple H was adamant about stepping into the ring to fight the WWF Hardcore Champion, only for Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman to deliver a double suplex to Stone Cold Steve Austin. Rhyno continued to antagonize 'the Game' with a chinlock applied on 'the Texas Rattlesnake', when Austin fired back and launched a Lou Thesz press on Rhyno! Dreamer came in to receive a clothesline from Kurt Angle, when HHH made the tag! 'The Game' went right for Rhyno with a DDT, tagging out to Angle and brawling with Rhyno into the crowd. Inside, Angle struck with a belly-to-belly suplex on Dreamer, when Sandman and Austin's brawling led to the referee being taken out. As Angle nailed Dreamer with the Angle Slam, Sandman struck with his Singapore cane - prompting Austin to come in and rattle him with a steel chair! Angle got the cover, to pick up the win for the WWF!
Kurt Angle picked up a major victory for the WWF, but even more shockingly he was able to coexist with his rival - the man he'd meet in three weeks at King of the Ring! Triple H and Rhyno were nowhere to be seen, as Stone Cold Steve Austin stood behind 'the Megastar' with a steel chair in hand, but as he thought of swinging the chair, Angle turned his head. The WWF Champion and his challenger met with a war of words, when even more shockingly 'the Texas Rattlesnake' raised Angle's hand! Paul Heyman cursed the WWF on commentary, as the Sandman sat at ringside gushing with blood. Austin and Angle - rivals, but on the same page tonight!
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Post by DTP. on Jan 11, 2022 8:32:26 GMT -5
 King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt AngleThe war wages on between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle. After a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Now, Angle was back - and this time out to prove who the real man was, himself or 'the Bionic Redneck!'  The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. This year, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will boast a sixteen-man single-elimination field, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? The finals will determine who gets to proclaim themselves the 2001 King of the Ring!   2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: TBA vs TBA
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: TBA vs TBA
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Jan 11, 2022 13:24:24 GMT -5
 SmackDown! - June 7, 2001
Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Broadcast on UPNTaped on June 5, 2001
"Everybody on the Ground"
 A video package aired, recapping RAW is WAR. Stone Cold Steve Austin's challenger was announced for King of the Ring, as Kurt Angle demanded another shot at the WWF Championship. Pitted against each other, Triple H would soon arrive furious at being overlooked. Not just that, his match with Rhyno had been changed to be a six-man tag team main event against the ECW Revolution. As 'the Game' and 'the Man-Beast' battled into the crowd, Angle would triumph - with the shocking aid of 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Austin would raise 'the Megastar's hand in victory, with tensions rising between them - how long would this united front last?
The opening video package aired, cutting to pyrotechnics erupting in the Alerus Center. Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to SmackDown, on a night where Triple H would finally get his non-title one-on-one Street Fight with the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno!
- TONIGHT: Triple H vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno in a Street Fight
- TONIGHT: The Impact Players (c) vs The Brothers of Destruction for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- TONIGHT: The King of the Ring tournament continues with two qualifying round matches.
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1) Team Xtreme def. The Radicalz (w/Dean Malenko) (4:15)
Coming off Jeff Hardy's advancement into the King of the Ring tournament's quarter-final round, the Hardy Boyz ran into trouble against the Radicalz, when Lita ripped the top off of Terri. WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero and Perry Saturn had problems allowing Jeff and Matt to strike, allowing them to hit the Poetry in Motion on Saturn. Distraction from 'the She-Devil' helped Guerrero to ambush Jeff, and the Radicalz double-teamed the younger Hardy. Matt riled the crowd up as Terri got in on the action with a slap to Jeff. Finally Matt made the tag and ran loose with the Side Effect for Saturn, when Terri came in. Matt grabbed her by the hair, and Lita tagged with a huge tackle! The Hardys took out the Radicalz on the floor with a somersault senton plancha from Jeff, while inside Lita hit the Twist of Fate followed by the Moonsault for the win over Terri!
The Hardy Boyz joined Lita in the ring to have their hands raised in victory - a big win during a big week for Team Xtreme! Backstage, the WWF Women's Champion Chyna watched with an impressed expression on her face, with 'the One' Billy Gunn preparing for his match beside her. Eddie Guerrero watched in a near-mesmirised state from the floor, when Perry Saturn confronted the WWF European Champion angrily blaming him for the loss. It led to the Radicalz shoving one another with Dean Malenko forced to get between them. As the conflict between WWF and ECW progressed, infighting had become the craze for some of the WWF's top factions!
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Edge and Christian were seen walking the halls, also arguing with one another. Once again refuting responsibility for their loss to the Brothers of Destruction on RAW is WAR, Edge said that they both fell to Chokeslams from the Undertaker and Kane. Christian told Edge how while they were family, he needed to accept that he dropped the ball for them on Monday. Edge told Christian he might be right or wrong - in his mind they had clearly spent too much time with each other. Christian finally relented, claiming this was all bogus. He told Edge he'd have his back in the King of the Ring tournament, so long as Edge had his. They were in agreement, when Christian warned Edge that if they were to meet however - all bets were off.
- TONIGHT: Edge vs K-Kwik in a King of the Ring Qualifying match.
Stephanie McMahon was on the phone in her office, telling whomever was on the line that she would take care of everything - and tonight would go the McMahons' way. Into the room came Trish Stratus with a scowl on her face, as 'the Billion Dollar Princess's face lit up - she telling Trish that her boyfriend Vince McMahon wouldn't be making it tonight. She questioned what that said about their relationship, for Trish to be standing there in front of her - as opposed to being the piece of furniture the Chairman saw her as, like usual! Trish frowned, as Stephanie brought up how Trish humiliated her on Monday night, when she was flat on the couch from the Stunner she'd received from Stone Cold Steve Austin. Tonight, Steph assigned Trish with a role she would be stupid to screw up - she would be 'the Billion Dollar Princess's assistant! Looking for a protest, Trish instead smiled and told Stephanie she would be happy to oblige!
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Stone Cold Steve Austin pursues the ECW Revolution
In the arena, Paul Heyman came out all smiles to a despised reaction from the Alerus Arena. Leading the way for the ECW Revolution, the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno led the way accompanied by the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, Raven, the WWF Tag Team Champions the Impact Players, the new WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn, Mike Awesome and Kid Kash. The Revolution invaded the ring to loud boos, as Paul clapped for the warming ovation received by North Dakota. Heyman reminisced to when he first stepped foot in the WWF, and he walked up to his employer Vince McMahon and shook his hand. Heyman recalled that he told the Chairman one thing: that he would never ever forget this moment. Flashing forward just three months - he was certain the WWF Owner would never ever, ever forget that moment! In mere weeks, ECW had made a greater impact than they had ever done on television.
ECW had been a promotion touring around the globe, yet by taking the very best of the WWF Superstars and belittling them: they were at a new level of popularity. Heyman talked about ECW not only getting the best of the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Kurt Angle, and the Brothers of Destruction - but now, they were taking all the gold, too! Heyman pointed to the WWF championships worn by Rhyno, Lance Storm, Justin Credible and Jerry Lynn, and spoke about how it would soon be more, because there was no stopping what they had started. The ECW Owner talked about how for years Vince had been craving a moment where the WWF was the only show in town - but news flash for him, ECW was not dead and was nowhere close! Heyman talked about the cowardice shown by Vincent K. McMahon - to no-show SmackDown tonight because he was afraid of what the ECW Revolution could accomplish.
They together were too extreme for the WWF, and too extreme for what the WWF's very best could do. Abruptly, Stone Cold Steve Austin came storming out to the stage! The WWF Champion dropped his title belt, wasting no time stomping down to ringside - but being stalked from the ring, by the ten outlaws inside! Heyman laughed as Austin looked for a way in, grabbing a steel chair from ringside and bashing it against the steel steps. Paul questioned what the matter is, if 'the Texas Rattlesnake' had lost his venom. Heyman concluded that in actuality, Austin lost the sting in his bite the second he won the WWF Championship from The Rock at WrestleMania! Heyman pointed out that Stone Cold used to have fire, he used to care about nothing and nobody - but now he was just standing at ringside, like the paranoid alcoholic he was!
Austin talked trash about Heyman in response, as the ECW Owner brought up the stitches Sandman received from his chair shot on Monday night. Paul remembered when Austin drank his first beer in ECW, and became a star thanks to him. Austin needn't be fighting the Revolution - he could be joining them! Austin stopped and argued without a mic, when Heyman proposed Sandman find his payback tonight. Since Austin was shacking up with King of the Ring opponent Kurt Angle, Heyman questioned what stopped him from putting the WWF Championship at stake tonight - against 'the Hardcore Icon!' Sandman glared, when Austin climbed onto the apron and gripped the mic from Heyman: he was on! Austin jumped down and left, with ECW scoring a major opportunity, thanks to the silver tongue of 'the Twisted Genius!'
- TONIGHT: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs The Sandman for the WWF Championship.
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Edge and Christian were seen walking backstage, heading for the arena. Christian followed his older brother ahead of King of the Ring Qualifying round competition, when Edge stopped him to say sorry for their fight on RAW is WAR. Christian assured Edge it was totally water under the bridge, and that one way or another they would have each other's back. Edge grinned and turned to continue, but Christian stopped to remind him that all bets were off if they were to meet in this tournament.
Chris Benoit was in a locker room backstage, when into the room came the Brothers of Destruction. The Undertaker squared up to 'the Rabid Wolverine' immediately, but was held back by his wife Sara and Kane. 'The American Badass' told Benoit not to mess with them, that they went to hell and back in Last Man Standing just a few weeks ago - but if that beating wasn't enough, he'd be willing to go through it one more time. 'The Big Red Machine' told his half-brother not to do anything, because if Benoit was with ECW like he teased last Monday: Benoit would have both of them to worry about. Benoit refused to admit that there was anything to worry about. ECW left on their accord on RAW is WAR to play head games, and he was loyal to the WWF. Undertaker warned Benoit and told him they'd see: but ordered him to stay out of their business in their shot at the Impact Players tonight.
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K-Kwik rapped his way down the rampway to a positive reaction, a big opportunity ahead in the 2001 King of the Ring tournament. Performing "Get Rowdy", the rapper hit the ring and psyched up Grand Forks. This was his time to shine, and Edge nor Christian would get in the way of him. K-Dawg spoke out about the brothers' catchphrases, calling it wack and refuting it as reeking of cr*p! Edge and Christian soon interrupted, with Christian defended the two of them. Nothing reeked about the two of them, besides from being awesome. Once he and Edge were done winning the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, K-Dawg would be the fool - and Christian proceeded to deliver a short rap of his own, directed at K-Kwik! The crowd booed and K-Kwik laughed, before the rapper struck Christian with a corkscrew kick!
2) Edge (w/Christian) def. K-Kwik in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (3:54)
Edge and Christian had had their fair share of problems in the family, after losing out once again on a WWF Tag Team Championship shot last Monday night on RAW is WAR. Up against K-Kwik, the rapper was looking for his first major opportunity in becoming King of the Ring with a spinning forearm smash to Edge! K-Dawg hit a missile dropkick for a near fall, when Edge hid at ringside. A distraction from Christian allowed Edge to hit Edge-o-matic on the floor, and upon dragging him into the ring, Edge put the boots to him. A snapmare and a dropkick got a near fall, when K-Kwik reversed the electric chair drop into a DDT! K-Kwik struck back with an enzuigiri before looking for the Scissors Kick. Edge ducked it, but K-Dawg sidestepped the spear with a roll-up of his own. Christian tripped K-Kwik's feet by the ropes, and a lifting DDT scored him the three count!
With the aid of his younger brother Christian, Edge had qualified into the Quarter-Final round of the King of the Ring tournament! Christian jumped in joy at ringside, before joining Edge in the ring for a family hug over K-Kwik's body. Edge was celebratory for his first win, but with all of the problems had in their team of late, would the King of the Ring tournament lead to E&C's downfall?
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Jeff Hardy advanced to the Quarter-Final round.
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Tommy Dreamer stood with Paul Heyman, as the ECW Owner motivated the Sandman for his shot at the WWF Championship tonight. For too long, Stone Cold Steve Austin had been a family friendly version of everything that made 'the Hardcore Icon' who he was. Now, he had the greatest opportunity ever handed to him: the richest prize in the WWF! Dreamer told Sandman he could do it, as he puffed on a cigarette and brandished the Singapore cane from the comfort of a steel chair. Sandman handed his smoke to Heyman, telling the ECW Revolution that 'the Texas Rattlesnake' would bleed like a stuffed pig, and he'd take back his livelihood tonight.
Stephanie McMahon was in her office talking to someone about the grave disappointment he had shown every single WWF Superstar as of late. He had done anything in his power to seemingly let everybody down - but losing to Raven in the Falls Count Anywhere on Monday was the tip of the iceberg. Test crossed his arms, telling his ex-fiance that he knew exactly what this was about. Calling her a power-hungry b*tch, 'the Billion Dollar Princess' told him to take a look at himself. If he was man enough, they might be married...but in actuality, Test just wasn't up to the task. Steph made fun of 'the Working Man', when Trish Stratus entered the room with two coffees. Trish and Test met eyes, when Steph demanded Test leave. Snatching a coffee from her assistant for the night, she questioned whether Trish deserved a coffee of her own. Stratus rolled her eyes and was forced to watch - as Stephanie took her coffee and poured it all over the carpet, before demanding Trish mop it all up!
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The WWF Women's Champion Chyna accompanied her boyfriend, 'the One' Billy Gunn out to the ring for his King of the Ring Qualifying match. Billy was hyped up with hopes of becoming a two-time King of the Ring winner, when the countdown began culminating in a blast of pyrotechnics. WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho posed on the stage, before asking North Dakota if they were ready for King Jericho! Y2J spoke about beating Mike Awesome's ass on RAW is WAR to retain his title, and how he was prepared for whatever else the ECW Revolution had in store for him. But first things first, how could anybody forget Billy's prestigious reign as King of the Ring?
Y2J lauded up Mr. Ass's win in 1999, and how it dealt him such a great success that he was riding the coattails of a Playboy covergirl like Chyna. Jericho reflected on his past with 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', antagonizing Billy by reminding him that they too were an item: but Chyna too got around just a bit too much! Billy finally grew angry, as Y2J vowed to show Billy he was not a King tonight - he was a Joker card!
3) WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn (w/WWF Women's Champion Chyna) in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (4:13)
Y2J overcame Mike Awesome to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship on RAW is WAR, but now faced 'the One' Billy Gunn, in his way of entering the King of the Ring tournament. Billy was fired up and dominated with strikes early, a military press slam getting a near fall. Gunn's constant showboating would allow Jericho to land on the second rope for a spinning back elbow, and a flying forearm would garner a two-count. Y2J sent Billy to the floor for a choice interaction with WWF Women's Champion Chyna, when Billy sucker punched him! Inside, a full nelson slam took Y2J down, and Billy posed for the crowd before going for a Fame-Asser Jericho sidestepped it, and the Walls of Jericho would be locked in tight - forcing Billy to tap!
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho advanced to the Quarter-Final round.
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Triple H was fired up ahead of his non-title match with the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, when confronted by a smug Kurt Angle. 'The Megastar' lamented how times change. One year ago, it was he who was on his way to becoming the King of the Ring - but this year, as Triple H scratched and clawed pointlessly: he was on his way to becoming a three-time WWF Champion. Whether it was against Stone Cold Steve Austin or the Sandman, Angle confessed to being excited. HHH remained unimpressed, telling Kurt to enjoy the luck while it lasted, because once his girlfriend chewed him up and spat him out he would seize the day. Angle told HHH that wouldn't happen, and that was the difference between them: he actually respected Stephanie. HHH then added that once he was done beating Rhyno's ass tonight, Kurt could expect some more competition, because his path to redemption was far from over. 'The Game' left - going one-on-one with Rhyno, up next!
The WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin was seen walking the hall, when storming into Stephanie McMahon's office. Trish Stratus was on all fours cleaning the coffee-stained floor, shrieking in terror upon seeing 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Stephanie hid behind Trish, but Stone Cold told Steph she had nothing to be afraid of. As far as he was concerned, he gained a little respect for her on RAW is WAR. She took the Stunner like a champ, which is more than what he could say about her boyfriend Kurt Angle! Steph told Austin she didn't appreciate it, nor did Kurt - and while his days were numbered come King of the Ring, she wanted to know what Austin was thinking putting the WWF Championship at stake against the Sandman tonight! Stone Cold told Steph he did whatever he wanted, reminding her that he answered to no man or woman. Austin walked out, and Trish could be seen laughing at Steph's expense.
4) Triple H def. WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno (w/Paul Heyman) (10:05)
'The Man-Beast' had done quite a number on Triple H's ribs of late, giving him three Gores on three separate occasions. The WWF Hardcore Champion was a force to be reckoned with, but now posed the threat of a taped-ribs HHH. 'The Game' dodged a Gore early and laid into him, the brawl quickly spreading out to ringside when Paul Heyman dared get in his way. 'The Game' was distracted allowing Rhyno to tackle him into the steel steps. Inside, Rhyno throttled Triple H with right hands - a camel clutch applied, but HHH was able to power out. Coming back with a clothesline and a big back body drop, HHH was on the verge of finishing this when Heyman hopped on the apron: allowing Rhyno to deliver a spinebuster! 'The Rabid Animal' choked HHH in the corner and stomped away at him, but a Gore would see HHH sidestep it, Rhyno sent shoulder-first into the ring post.
The DDT connected, but Paul Heyman would once again serve as a distraction! The ECW Owner was grabbed by the tie, when Rhyno jumped HHH from behind. 'The Man-Beast' gave a running powerslam to HHH before setting up for the Gore. On this occasion, Triple H would reverse into a drop toe hold - a figure-four leglock applied. The WWF Hardcore Champion rived in pain, but was able to reach for the bottom rope after a period of reversing the hold! Rhyno had had enough, rolling out and securing a trash can. He climbed back inside and tossed it at 'the Game', but when Rhyno attempted the Gore, HHH placed the can over his head mid-charge! The referee was confused, and when Rhyno came to, the Pedigree struck - giving HHH the victory.
To beat the Rhyno, 'the Game' had to think long and hard about how to do it! Paul Heyman scurried from the ringside area after seeing 'the Man-Beast' lay in defeat at the hands of Triple H, who posed from the ring. The WWF Hardcore Champion had got in HHH's way for long enough, but on this night in North Dakota, it was 'the Cerebral Assassin' who was victorious! The APA and their rally of WWF Superstars celebrated Triple H's win from the APA's office backstage. Amongst them, the likes of Jacqueline, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi, Victoria, Steve Blackman and Kaientai stood nearby as Bradshaw and Faarooq hollered in victory.
Commissioner William Regal was seen chatting with Tajiri in his office, applauding him on the green mist he gave Tazz on RAW is WAR. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' thanked Regal, when into the room came Trish Stratus. The WWF Diva greeted William sweetly, but the Englishman wanted no part of her. Tajiri's eyes popped out of his head at her beauty, as Trish questioned what she had done to deserve this treatment. Sulking with a seat on the desk, William finally cracked and told Trish how it was clear she had fallen out of favor with Vince McMahon after the stunts she'd pulled. Giving her a little bit of advice from knowing and working with the Chairman these past few months, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' suggested she do something that will make Vince never want to lose her. Trish mused this and thanked William before leaving. Tajiri's mouth gaped open, but Regal warned him not to be so keniving.
-The Right to Censor disbands The Right to Censor stood in the ring, with Steven Richards holding a microphone in hand. Steven was here to give the RTC yet another tongue-lashing for their losing ways, but before he had the chance the Goodfather would grab the microphone from Steven. Talking about joining the group in hopes of finding himself as promised - in the last year of being a part of the group, they had accomplished absolutely nothing! Goodfather told Steven he was sick and tired of being looked at the way Steven looked his way. Maybe it was time they went their own separate ways, because he wasn't his lackey - he was no Goodfather: he was the Godfather! Bull Buchanan immediately squared up to Goodfather, as Mark Henry came between them. Steven questioned Goodfather's qualities, and what brought him to the RTC when all he had done of late is moan, lose, and suck! Steven told Goodfather if there ever was a weak link in the RTC, it was he who was the problem.
Steven Richards once again talked about the sanctity of the Right to Censor, how they were together because they looked negatively on the distractions that come with sex, drugs, alcohol and chicanery that so many of the people regard themselves with. Steven insulted the North Dakota crowd in doing so, with Bull and Ivory pridefully watching on. Richards glared Goodfather in the eyes and told him that if he wanted to quit: too bad. There was no quitting the RTC as much as there was the RTC taking him out. Goodfather suddenly glanced around to see Buchanan staring him down. Mark Henry glared toward Goodfather, bringing him to throw off his tie and prepare for war! Goodfather was ready to fight his colleagues, when he suddenly decked Steven. Buchanan and Henry immediately went after the ex-communicated, when Goodfather valiantly fought them off.
Ivory watched as Goodfather sent Mark Henry to the corner before jigging his way to the Ho Train connecting! Buchanan suddenly struck with a brutal big boot to his ex-partner. The Right to Censor proceeded to put the boots to Goodfather, with Steven running his mouth about never wanting to see his face again. Suddenly, Val Venis showed up on the stage! 'The Big Valbowski' chuckled at how he was here for the RTC's inception, and he was here for their end. Val spoke about experimenting with the art of voyeurism in recent weeks - pulling up footage on the OvalTron! A hidden camera segment named "ValCam" showed the RTC locker room from the night of Judgment Day, where Ivory felt defeated by the loss to Chyna. Turning to Mark Henry for comfort, he comforted her with a hug and some verbal reassurance: bringing Ivory to proceed in making out with Henry!
Steven Richards' jaw dropped, and he proceeded to scream at Mark Henry and Ivory for reverting back to their perverted ways. Bull Buchanan was fuming too, but instead of responding or defending: 'the World's Strongest Man' proceeded to leave the ring! Ivory was humiliated and received a tongue-lashing from Steven, who declared that the RTC was disbanded! Suddenly, Goodfather clotheslined Richards, and when Bull Buchanan once again went at it with Goodfather - Val Venis came to his aid, delivering the fisherman suplex to Buchanan! The RTC were down, divided and disbanded: and Val Venis stood tall with the Goodfather as his old pimping music played!
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The Impact Players were psyched up and ready for their first defense of the WWF Tag Team Championship. Lance Storm and Justin Credible walked the hall with Mike Awesome hovering behind them, whilst the Brothers of Destruction were seen walking the hall with Sara behind them. The titles were on the line, WWF vs ECW - up next!
Team Xtreme were in the locker room celebrating their win, with Matt Hardy telling Lita how amazing she was out there: aiding them in defeating the Radicalz. Into the room came the WWF Women's Champion Chyna, who asked the Hardy Boyz for a moment alone with Lita. Jeff Hardy joined his older brother in departing, when 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' echoed Matt's comments about how amazing Lita was doing. She'd come a long way from being the hussy behind Essa Rios. Lita smiled and thanked the Playboy covergirl for her gratitude, but suggested they stop with the kind words. She knew what this was about, and if it was what she thought it was: Lita would gladly accept. Chyna smiled knowingly, telling Lita she'd get her shot at the WWF Women's Championship - at King of the Ring. Lita thanked her, when Chyna hugged her before leaving. Lita smiled back, watching her leave.
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Chyna (c) vs Lita for the WWF Women's Championship.
- 5) The Impact Players (w/Mike Awesome) (c) def. The Brothers of Destruction by disqualification; the Impact Players retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (3:22)The Brothers of Destruction earned this opportunity after beating Edge and Christian on RAW is WAR, but the ECW Revolution would have the last laugh, assaulting the Undertaker and Kane. The Impact Players tried their earnest against the half-brothers as Mike Awesome and Sara watched, Undertaker and Kane cleaning house and sending Lance Storm and Justin Credible from the ring. 'The American Badass' scored Old School early on Credible, when Kane found himself crotched on the top rope with Awesome's helping hand! The WWF Tag Team Champions grounded 'the Big Red Machine', when Kane caught Storm off the top with a throat thrust. Tagging in 'the Deadman', Undertaker mowed down both, the referee going down in the process, before Credible took the Last Ride! Mike Awesome ambushed Undertaker, when Chris Benoit hit to the ring. 'The Rabid Wolverine' struck Awesome with three German suplexes. Undertaker covered Credible - but the official called for the bell!
The Brothers of Destruction thought they had the WWF Tag Team Championships won, but the referee informed them that due to Chris Benoit's interference going spotted - the Impact Players had retained the gold! Lance Storm celebrated and dragged Justin Credible from the carnage, as Undertaker and Kane confronted 'the Rabid Wolverine'. Sara tried coming between them, when Mike Awesome laid out 'the Deadman' with a big boot! Awesome jetted from the clutches of Kane and Benoit, the ECW Revolution continuing to get one over on the Undertaker!
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Stephanie McMahon was seen looking furious with the actions of the ECW Revolution, as Kurt Angle sat on the couch and called the whole thing a joke. As much as he hated the Brothers of Destruction, they had the WWF Tag Team Championships won! 'The Megastar' blamed Chris Benoit. Trish Stratus came into the room as Stephanie told the WWF Diva he had to go and speak to Commissioner William Regal about this. Trish was alone with Kurt, he greeted her warmly. Strutting across the room, she took a seat next to the inconspicuous Olympic Gold Medalist. Impressed by what he did to WCW last Sunday, Kurt was not just a hero in the WWF's eyes: but her heart, too. Trish put Kurt's hand on her chest flirtatiously, when Stephanie came back into the room. Angle was caught red-handed, and Steph near about lost her mind! Screaming at both of them, she stormed from the room with Kurt rushing after her. Trish sat with a smile - what was she thinking?
Rob Van Dam was in the hall backstage, when in sauntered Raven. RVD greeted him optimistically, but the former WWF Intercontinental Champion wasn't here to sit and catch up. He knew there was another side festering inside of him, and he could no longer hide it. He told Rob that he was through to the King of the Ring - kudos - but he wasn't impressed. Raven told Van Dam to stop living the lie, and to admit he's extreme to the bone. 'The Whole Dam Show' simply smiled and told Raven he needed help. RVD said he knew a guy that could help him out, handing him a note. Raven looked at it dumbfounded, before telling Rob if he doesn't have a clue. Suddenly Tommy Dreamer came from behind, striking RVD in the ribcage with his Singapore cane! 'The Innovator of Violence' stood beside Raven, who smirked at Rob and told him he would find himself again - or they would make him. RVD was left coughing in pain.
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6) Tajiri def. Crash (w/Molly Holly) (3:19)
'The Japanese Buzzsaw' had impressed many in the WWF with his victory last week against Dean Malenko, and after saving Commissioner William Regal from Tazz with the green mist last Monday, he was tasked with taking on Crash of the Fighting Holly Cousins tonight. Crash was eager to get underway, a fast-paced trade of holds culminating with a standoff. Tajiri was not done yet however, as Crash lost his temper and ran right into a series of hard kicks: a roundhouse kick knocking Crash to the floor for an Asai moonsault! Back inside a handspring elbow got a near fall, when Crash cut him off with a neckbreaker. Crash worked over the newcomer with a stump puller, but Tajiri fired out and struck with another kick combination! A standing moonsault got a near fall, when Tajiri reversed a sunset flip into the Buzzsaw Kick - giving him the win!
Tajiri was earning his way into the WWF ranks, with the fans getting behind 'the Japanese Buzzsaw!' Molly Holly checked on Crash who was out cold, but as Tajiri took pride in having his hand raised by the referee - from behind came Tazz: locking in the Tazzmission! Choking out Tajiri, 'the Human Suplex Machine' received loud boos, as he climbed to his feet - revenge for the green mist on Monday!
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Commissioner William Regal was backstage receiving a lecture from Stephanie McMahon, questioning what kind of woman Trish Stratus was. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' played his previous advice to Trish innocuously, as Steph declared she wanted Trish fired: removed from the equation completely. Regal told Steph to allow cooler heads to prevail. What would Vince McMahon think? Stephanie told William she had had enough of her so-called friend - her father's so-called girlfriend. Kurt Angle arrived to apologize, but Stephanie told 'the Megastar' she knew he had nothing to do with this: but this ended Monday, when her Daddy would see what kind of sl*t his lover really was!
Backstage, the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin was seen pacing the halls. On his way to the main event, he was putting the WWF Championship at stake against the Sandman of ECW!
7) Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs The Sandman (w/Paul Heyman) ended in a no contest; Stone Cold Steve Austin retains the WWF Championship (4:55)
The WWF Championship was set to be at stake at King of the Ring, with Stone Cold Steve Austin defending the gold against Kurt Angle - but Paul Heyman believed the Sandman was due revenge after a steel chair assault on RAW is WAR. In a battle of the beer drinkers, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Hardcore Icon' duelled it out blow for blow: the fight spilling from the ring! Into the crowd they went, before Sandman gained the upper hand from a distraction from Paul Heyman. The ECW Owner cackled as Sandman dished up a Russian legsweep for a near fall, and a diving legdrop got a similar result. A Lou Thesz press gave Austin power back, when 'the Texas Rattlesnake' proceeded to stomp a mudhole in Sandman! With a can of whoopass, Austin delivered the Stunner when Paul Heyman dragged the referee from the ring!
Stone Cold glared up at Paul Heyman, who saw panic in his eyes. Steve Austin proceeded to chase the ECW Owner around the ringside area, when Tommy Dreamer and Raven abruptly raced to ringside! Jumping the WWF Champion, Sandman clutched his Singapore cane and proceeded to swing it at 'the Texas Rattlesnake' in the ring - under control of Dreamer and Raven! The ECW Revolution had their way with Austin again, when the Brothers of Destruction hit the ring! The Undertaker and Kane gave fight to Dreamer, Raven and Sandman - when out came the Impact Players and Mike Awesome!
It was Austin, Kane and Undertaker against the six members of the ECW Revolution, and 'the American Badass' and 'the Big Red Machine' were gaining the upper hand against the rival organization! Austin landed the Stunner on Lance Storm, when Rhyno hit the ring: the Gore piercing the Undertaker! With WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash's arrival, Heyman watched with joy to see the WWF Superstars laid to waste...but Triple H came stomping down the rampway, a sledgehammer in hand!
'The Game' cleaned house, with sledgehammer shots to Dreamer and Kid Kash. Together, the WWF united against the ECW Revolution as Kurt Angle was left to watch from a backstage monitor in disapproval. Together, Austin stood tall with Undertaker, Kane and HHH supporting him - but suddenly, 'the Game' planted Austin with the Pedigree! He exchanged words with the Brothers of Destruction, but with Angle agasp from the backstage monitor he watched as HHH rolled out of the ring. He'd told everybody he was coming back for the WWF Championship - and he did so at the risk of alienating everybody in the WWF!
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Post by DTP. on Jan 15, 2022 13:57:44 GMT -5
King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt AngleThe war wages on between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle. After a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Now, Angle was back - and this time out to prove who the real man was, himself or 'the Bionic Redneck!' The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. This year, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will boast a sixteen-man single-elimination field, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? The finals will determine who gets to proclaim themselves the 2001 King of the Ring! WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date? Matches to be announced. 2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Edge def. K-Kwik
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: TBA vs TBA
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: TBA vs TBA
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Jan 17, 2022 4:12:53 GMT -5
 Jakked - June 9, 2001
Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast in syndicationTaped on June 4, 2001
"Right Time" - "Metal"
 The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena for WWF Jakked. Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to the show, discussing all of the happenings this past week in the World Wrestling Federation.
- 1) K-Kwik def. Steve Lumpkin (2:56) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]K-Dawg rebounded from his loss in the King of the Ring Qualifying round, rapping out to the ring for action against Steve Lumpkin. Lumpkin brawled with the rapper but he would soon find himself struck with a corkscrew kick off the ropes. The Scissors Kick gave K-Kwik the three count, allowing him to regain some steam.
 2) Albert (w/D-Lo Brown) def. Rory Fox (2:10) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]'The Freight Train' was on a mission to continue dominating the competition with the financial support of 'the Real Deal' D-Lo Brown in his corner. Rory Fox tried his best hand at outrunning the 350-pounder, but Albert would bicycle kick him hard before finishing him with the Baldo Bomb. D-Lo danced around Albert in victory.
3) Taka Michinoku (w/Funaki) def. Michael Shane (4:20) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]Kaientai's support of the APA's WWF rallying continued, with Taka Michinoku and Funaki sporting both Japanese flags, as well as WWF flags. They announced their support in a speech before the bout. Against the Texan upstart Michael Shane, Shane looked impressive in his high flying against the former WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, but Taka picked up the win with the Michinoku Driver.
4) Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty def. The Fighting Holly Cousins (w/Molly Holly) (4:23)The Fighting Holly Cousins continued to have their issues, but had bigger problems in the form of Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty. The Too Cool members initially cleaned house of comedic Crash, when a dropkick from Hardcore Holly would knock the sails out of Scotty. The Hollys worked over him, but a spinning headscissors allowed Rikishi to make the tag. The Stinkface was delivered to Crash, and a superkick following it gave 'Big Kish' the win.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 18, 2022 9:04:00 GMT -5
 Sunday Night Heat - June 10, 2001
Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Broadcast on MTV - Live from WWF New York
Matches taped on June 5, 2001
The opening video package aired bringing us to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. From the comfort of WWF New York, Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to Sunday Night Heat - on a night where they would be joined in Times Square by a surprise guest!
1) Kid Kash (w/WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn) def. X-Pac (3:44)Five days after Jerry Lynn defeated him for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, X-Pac looked for revenge against the man who interfered on the behalf of the ECW Revolution. With no allies on his side, X-Pac was fired up and struck with a wheel kick off the ropes - but was met with chants of "X-Pac sucks". X-Pac's anger got the better of him once Kash struck with a springboard dropkick, and from there 'the Notorious K.I.D.' had fun at X-Pac's expense. Mocking with crotchchops, Kash used a hurricanrana for a near fall before missing a moonsault. The Bronco Buster connected, when Jerry got on the microphone. Making fun of X-Pac's shortcomings and failures - he claimed X-Pac was the problem all along! Kash capitalized, winning with the Money Maker.
The new WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn found pleasure in seeing X-Pac come up short again, as Kid Kash had his hand raised. Yet this was not enough for the two ECW members: putting the boots to X-Pac after the bell for good measure! Lynn lined X-Pac up for a shot from the title belt to cheers - when Rob Van Dam hit the ring to run Lynn off! RVD was set to meet Jerry Lynn tomorrow night on RAW is WAR, and the two longtime rivals from ECW pointed the finger at one another before RVD pointed his thumbs at himself.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Rob Van Dam vs WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn.
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Michael Cole and Tazz talked about what was coming up tonight, with 'the Human Suplex Machine' trying to guess who the surprise guest could be. Cole knew the answer, but refused to tell Tazz who it was.
Backstage at the arena, Chris Benoit sat in the corridor when up approached the Fighting Holly Cousins. Crash was still vexed at suffering defeat at the hands of 'the Rabid Wolverine' two weeks ago, but Molly Holly tried to calm him. Hardcore Holly ordered Crash to knock it off, before accusing Benoit of costing the WWF getting back the WWF Tag Team Championships on SmackDown. Hardcore blamed Benoit and accused him of being an ECW Revolution member, but Benoit stood up and confronted Holly. Refuting the claim, Benoit told Hardcore he'd show him extreme, one-on-one tonight!
- TONIGHT: Chris Benoit vs Hardcore Holly.
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A video package aired, recapping Stone Cold Steve Austin's problems with not only the ECW Revolution, or his King of the Ring opponent Kurt Angle - but Triple H as well.
A video package aired, recapping the rising issues between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus, coming after the romantic neglect shown by a preoccupied Vince McMahon.
- The surprise guest is Mick FoleyMichael Cole and Tazz took to the stage in WWF New York, as Cole proudly announced tonight's surpise special guest: Mick Foley! 'The Hardcore Legend' received a loud ovation in his first appearance since the night after WrestleMania, as Tazz questioned why he was here. Foley told 'the Human Suplex Machine' he had as good a question to ask Tazz, before talking about how he had been personally invited tonight by WWF CEO Linda McMahon. Foley talked about his new book 'Foley is Good' - available on bookshelves everywhere, but Tazz continued to prod Foley about why he continued to show loyalty to a company like WWF that did not respect him.Mick Foley fired back, telling Tazz that while he was not very fond of Vince McMahon, or Stephanie McMahon based on recent events - he maintained a lot of respect for Linda McMahon! Foley told Tazz while he was proud of what ECW had accomplished: he questioned why they were truly here, because there had to be a deeper motive that ran beneath the surface of ECW rising from the ashes to remain relevant! Tazz and Foley squabbled back and forth, with Mick making fun of Tazz getting the green mist from Tajiri on RAW is WAR - when Mick took it upon himself to announce that he would be live in person tomorrow night from Richmond, Virginia! Tazz continued to trash talk Mick, who departed amidst loud chants from the crowd.- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Mick Foley returns to RAW is WAR.
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Victoria was seen in the middle of changing in a locker room at the arena, when up behind her came Albert. 'The Freight Train' liked what he saw, and told Victoria to forget about Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty - as well as D-Lo Brown. He proposed the idea of the two of them hooking up, but the nautical freak of nature was interrupted by D-Lo Brown. 'The Real Deal' told Albert his role was to hold the briefcase and keep his mouth shut, before turning his attention to Victoria! D-Lo made his move, when Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty arrived! 'Big Kish' coolly suggested they back off, when Scotty brought up their match tonight on Sunday Night Heat. Rikishi made fun of D-Lo's "pecker" being down like D-Lo Brown, drawing his ire! D-Lo told them he and Albert would see them in the ring!
- TONIGHT: Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty vs D-Lo Brown and Albert.
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A King of the Ring Memories video package aired, taking us back to 1993 where Bret 'Hitman' Hart would be crowned the first ever King of the Ring winner.
Michael Cole and Tazz discussed the 2001 King of the Ring tournament thus far, with video recaps covering the first four Qualifying matches in the 2001 King of the Ring tournament. Thus far Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Edge and WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho had qualified, with four more Qualifying matches to be seen on RAW is WAR and SmackDown - this week!
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: 2 King of the Ring Qualifying matches.
- SMACKDOWN!, THIS THURSDAY: 2 King of the Ring Qualifying matches.
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2) Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Victoria) def. Albert and D-Lo Brown (4:25)D-Lo Brown and Albert had had their fair share of issues with Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty in recent weeks, with several weeks ago seeing 'the Real Deal' propose Victoria be paid by them to be their "personal assistant". Albert apparently also had the hots for D-Lo, as Scotty got off to a hot start against D-Lo. Albert and D-Lo had their issues barging one another, when Rikishi came in to clean house. Albert tagged in and rocked the big man with a body block, but D-Lo wanted the credit. Brown showboated and made eyes at Victoria, when Rikishi super kicked his way to tagging in Scotty. D-Lo and Albert accidentally bonked heads, when D-Lo faced the bulldog and the Worm from Scotty! Albert stood and watched in amusement, as 'Big Kish' landed the Banzai Drop for the win.
Watching D-Lo Brown fail in defeat at the hands of Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, Albert belly-laughed from ringside. With 'the Real Deal' out of the picture, this geared 'the Freight Train' up to make a move on Victoria: only to be promptly slapped across the face by the WWF Diva! Rikishi pursued Albert up the rampway, with Albert barking back at 'Big Kish'.
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A video package aired, recapping the ECW Revolution's tirade over the past week. Including the speech from Paul Heyman, the Impact Players alongside the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer laid waste to the Brothers of Destruction, with Chris Benoit on the attack - only to be thought of as a threatening defector!
Tommy Dreamer sat backstage when approached by Lilian Garcia. Lilian wanted to understand 'the Innovator of Violence's stance in the ECW Revolution, when Tommy raised his Singapore cane. He spoke about having a wife and a daughter to support, and that somehow that made him a bad person. Speaking of Vince McMahon as a diabolical, juvenile piece of garbage that was profited off the blood, sweat and tears of his WWF Superstars - he thought that made the Chairman a bad person. Tommy said he did what he loved, and that was making people suffer - if that made him a bad person, then so be it! He followed Paul Heyman's orders to provide for his family, and tonight Steve Blackman would know what it was like to meet 'the Innovator of Violence' in the same way Rob Van Dam did on SmackDown.
3) Tommy Dreamer def. Steve Blackman (3:45)It was to be a meeting of the Singapore canes, as 'the Innovator of Violence' came out with one - much like 'the Lethal Weapon' did. As the bell sounded, both men clashes with their sticks, but neither got to use it. Blackman went straight to his martial arts combinations, when Dreamer fought off the ropes with a facebuster. Dreamer worked the spine of the martial artist effectively, a sit-out spinebuster getting a near fall. Dreamer restrained Blackman in a sleeper hold, but Blackman fired out and launched a high kick off the ropes! A missile dropkick got a near fall, when Blackman went in for the kill - to receive the Dreamer Driver out of nowhere, giving Tommy a decisive win!
Nobody quite expected Tommy Dreamer to pick up the win over a skilled former WWF Hardcore Champion like Steve Blackman, but he had done so in decisive fashion. 'The Innovator of Violence' brandished his Singapore cane after the bell, before delivering a further beating for added insult with it! Blackman was struck more than ten times in the ribs and the spine by the stick, left for dead - until the APA came charging down to the ring! Accompanied by Kaientai, Tommy wisely made his escape. Bradshaw and Faarooq refused to stand for anymore brutality in which the ECW Revolution was capable of.
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A video package aired, recapping the futile last few months of the Right to Censor. Reprogrammed or not, Steven Richards failed to see success in the RTC. On SmackDown he planned to give them another tongue-lashing only to see the Goodfather rechristen himself as the Godfather - and Val Venis to expose Mark Henry and Ivory of having an affair. Steven furiously disbanded the group and would be left laying by 'the Big Valbowski' and the Godfather.
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Chris Benoit was backstage walking the hall, when approached by Kevin Kelly. 'The Rabid Wolverine' was again asked by Kevin for where he stood with the Brothers of Destruction and the ECW Revolution. Aggressively Benoit told Kevin he didn't need to explain himself to anybody. The only man he fights for is himself, and he helped who he wanted to help. On SmackDown he saw Mike Awesome come after the Undertaker and Kane, so he took them out. If anybody needed to show loyalty - it was the Brothers of Destruction, who owed him one. Benoit set off for the ring, set to go one-on-one with Hardcore Holly next!
Michael Cole and Tazz talked about King of the Ring on June 24, discussing the matches made. They moved on to talk about RAW is WAR tomorrow night live from Richmond, Virginia.
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship.
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: The 2001 King of the Ring Finals
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Chyna (c) vs Lita for the WWF Women's Championship.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Mick Foley returns to RAW is WAR.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: The Undertaker vs Mike Awesome
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: 2 King of the Ring Qualifying matches.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Rob Van Dam vs WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn
- 4) Chris Benoit def. Hardcore Holly (6:27)'The Rabid Wolverine' had to be annoyed to find himself caught in the middle of the Brothers of Destruction and the ECW Revolution - despite what he did to Mike Awesome on SmackDown. Hardcore Holly sent Crash and Molly Holly to the back, as these two men had a hard-fought contest seeing Benoit unleash five German suplexes on Holly! Hardcore turned the tables with a powerbomb, and he wasted no time giving the fight to Benoit. A shoulderbreaker turned things around, and the Diving Headbutt was trialled - but Hardcore moved out of the way. Holly kicked Benoit as he was stung up on the top rope, and a Falcon Arrow got a near fall. Benoit reversed the Alabama Slam into a sunset flip, but Benoit reversed into the Crossface - forcing Holly to tap out.
Chris Benoit stood tall in victory to a positive ovation, 'the Rabid Wolverine' becoming popular with the people. Benoit celebrated in dominance over Hardcore Holly, when Raven came jogging down to ringside! Raven stepped on the apron and then jumped immediately off. Telling Chris to find himself in the ECW Revolution, Benoit pointed the finger at him and refused. Raven instead smiled and extended his arms wide open. It was a matter of time until Benoit was sure to snap again - but only time would tell!
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Post by DTP. on Jan 19, 2022 7:51:48 GMT -5
 WWF LIVE - June 9-10, 2001
South Carolina - Virginia |
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Post by DTP. on Jan 20, 2022 18:50:52 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - June 11, 2001
Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia
Live on TNN
A video package aired, recapping SmackDown. Triple H finally got his match with Rhyno, overcoming him in a heated affair. Stone Cold Steve Austin meanwhile, found adversity from the ECW Revolution and would fight the Sandman in a hard-fought battle for the WWF Championship. With Kurt Angle watching, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' succumbed to a beating from the Revolution, when 'the Game' came stampeding down to the ring with a sledgehammer. After cleaning house of ECW members, HHH would make his intentions clear with a Pedigree to 'the Rattlesnake!'
A limousine was seen pulling up to the Richmond Coliseum, with Vince McMahon stepping out with the aid of his driver. The Chairman appeared dissatisfied, when Stephanie McMahon arrived to greet her father! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' hugged him, before telling Vince how she had so much to tell him. The WWF Owner claimed she'd better make it good - he was already in a foul mood.
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the pyrotechnics inside of Richmond Coliseum! With a hot crowd on hand, Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed us to RAW is WAR - shy of two weeks away from the King of the Ring!
1) The Undertaker (w/Sara) def. Mike Awesome (4:38)
With Kane scheduled for competition in the King of the Ring tourrnament tonight, the Undertaker was out for revenge against Mike Awesome, after facing the ECW Revolution's wrath last week on SmackDown. Awesome rushed 'the Deadman' once he stepped off his motorcycle, even threatening his wife Sara. Undertaker rallied back with a big boot, but Awesome cut him down with a powerslam! Awesome showed brute force against the 320-pounder, when Awesome's attempt at a top rope splash got nothing but canvas! Undertaker rallied back with a flying clothesline and Old School, when the Impact Players rushed out to ringside. The WWF Tag Team Champions were here to thwart 'the American Badass', when the APA ran down to ringside to fight them off. The Awesome Bomb was reversed, and the Chokeslam put Awesome down for the count!
'The American Badass' had taken care of Mike Awesome, as the APA chased the WWF Tag Team Champions from ringside. Lance Storm and Justin Credible looked furious from the stage, the Impact Players' interference backfiring thanks to Bradshaw and Faarooq. Meanwhile, the Undertaker and Sara appeared in the ring - business unfinished with the ECW Revolution!
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Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon continued their tense discussion backstage, with the Chairman telling his daughter that he thought they were past all of this cr*p between her and Trish Stratus. Steph exclaimed she thought he'd like to know that his sexpet was caught with her hands all over Kurt Angle on SmackDown! The WWF Owner didn't want to hear another word, when Trish Stratus arrived to the office. The WWF Diva immediately smirked at Steph as Vince asked her for her input, prompting a confrontation between the two women. They barked at one another, when Vince finally got between them: he didn't have time for any of this! Vince gave them tonight to settle their dispute - this had to end tonight, one-on-one between the two of them! Steph argued back, but Vince's word was final.
- TONIGHT: Stephanie McMahon vs Trish Stratus
Commissioner William Regal was in his office, impatiently waiting on his tea delivery from Tajiri. Into the office suddenly stormed the APA, who did not look happy. Bradshaw told Regal he knew they had a lot of bad blood - that they both despised each other. Sick and tired of the ECW Revolution, Bradshaw stated he hated seeing the Impact Players prance around with the WWF Tag Team Championships - and Regal of all people had to understand just how disrespectful it was. Faarooq cooled Bradshaw off and told 'the Goodwill Ambassador' if he wanted to get the job done, and bring the gold back to the WWF - to book them in a title match tonight. Regal was hesitant, bringing up his past with the Texan: but surmised that for the good of the WWF, tonight they would get Lance Storm and Justin Credible, the titles at stake!
- TONIGHT: The Impact Players (c) vs The APA for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Triple H crashes Kurt Angle's speechKurt Angle made his way down to the ring to boos from the Richmond Coliseum. 'The Megastar' was unpopular in Virginia, as the Olympic Gold Medalist got on the microphone to talk about how King of the Ring was thirteen days away, and that it would mark the crowning of not only a new WWF Champion - but the crowning of a new King. A new leader of the WWF would be named, when he defeats Stone Cold Steve Austin. Angle questioned what the people saw in a paranoid, incompetent hothead like 'the Texas Rattlesnake', asking if this meant the fans also enjoyed having a WWF Champion, that was selfish. The fans cheered, when Angle asked if they enjoyed having a WWF Champion that was heinous enough to give a Stunner to a woman like his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon. The fans cheered loudly, when Kurt brought up Triple H.
'The Game' had his shot, and he failed at Backlash, and Kurt Angle didn't give a damn if he was that damn good: why? Because there was only one 'Olympic Hero', and that man was the leader that the WWF needed more than anybody! Angle brought up how he stood up to ECW, how he invaded WCW's Big Bang with the WWF's best interests at heart. Finally, Triple H interrupted! 'The Cerebral Assassin' smirked as he walked down to the ring, where Angle remained unmoved. HHH listened to the crowd's reaction to him, before asking Kurt if he'd finally have the fans' best interests at heart, and shut his freaking mouth. Everybody was sick to death of hearing from the so-called 'Megastar', questioning what his best interests were. If they were doing what nobody wanted him to do, or ask him to do: then he accomplished that.
If Kurt Angle's best interests were having the hands of Vince McMahon's little toy all over him as his girlfriend watched last Thursday, he accomplished that! Triple H brought up how Kurt too, had failed back at Judgment Day to beat Stone Cold Steve Austin - and that made them even. Reciting their history, 'the Game' told the Olympic Gold Medalist that he was man enough to admit that Angle had beaten him, for the WWF Championship; in Hell in a Cell; but the times had changed. Angle might be the number one contender - for now - but it sure as hell wouldn't last! Angle groaned, asking if he was going to bring up his road to redemption one more time. Angle pleaded with Hunter to spare him the speech, that it had been a long, agonizing and boring journey - but it would not end with the WWF Championship, because that had Angle's name all over it: it's true!
'The Megastar' told Hunter that they had been rivals for too long, and if there was one thing they agreed on - it was that Stone Cold Steve Austin should not be the WWF Champion. Angle repeated the reasons why, but HHH smirked and told Kurt that he didn't give a damn about being the leader. All he wanted was the WWF Championship, and if it meant running through Kurt Angle before he could get to Stone Cold Steve Austin - so be it. 'The Game' told Kurt to look above the ring, where a steel cage was seen hovering over the two of them! HHH told Angle that they'd fought through Hell in a Cell, but that was last year. This is now. HHH suggested they end this score once and for all tonight - unless Angle lacked the backbone that this company needed to be a man enough leader. Backed into a corner, Angle told 'the Game' he was on, and he would make him tap out in that cage tonight!
- TONIGHT: Triple H vs Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage match.
Following a replay of the match made before the break, Kurt Angle was seen pacing back and forth in his locker room, when Stephanie McMahon came into the room. 'The Megastar' anxiously apologized to Stephanie again about Trish Stratus last Thursday night, but 'the Billion Dollar Princess' accepted it without any question asked. Steph told Kurt that tonight she ends this rivalry with Trish, with the best interests of the WWF in mind. Angle concurred, telling Steph that sounded great - and his rivalry with Triple H would end tonight when he makes his ass tap out in mercy inside of a steel cage. Stephanie told Kurt that this was where they gained their power together, but as they hugged, the couple each appeared unconfident about their chances.
- 2) Matt Hardy (w/Jeff Hardy and Lita) def. Perry Saturn (w/The Radicalz) in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (3:53)
In the first of two King of the Ring Qualifying matches tonight, the Hardy Boyz and Lita's issues with the Radicalz continued with WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero keenly making eyes at Lita from across ringside. Perry Saturn was the aggressor early, but Matt ducked a right hand and landed a gutwrench suplex. Matt continued with a spinning headscissors, when Saturn cut him short with a belly-to-belly suplex! Saturn stomped at Matt and delivered a diving elbow drop for a near fall, when Matt fought an armbar with the Side Effect connecting. The diving legdrop connected, when Dean Malenko got on the apron just for Jeff Hardy to take him out. 'Latino Heat' snuck into the ring with the title belt - aiming for Matt, but striking Saturn with the gold! Lita soared with the diving hurricanrana to Eddie, when Matt scored the Twist of Fate to qualify to the next round!
Team Xtreme once again got the best of the Radicalz, with Jeff and Matt Hardy both now through to the second round of the King of the Ring tournament! Eddie Guerrero was seen at ringside in disbelief, seeing Perry Saturn laid out at the hands of Matt. Terri and Dean Malenko both confronted 'Latino Heat' for costing Perry the match, whilst the Hardys and Lita celebrated inside.
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The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer were backstage, Sandman still seething about the way his WWF Championship match with Stone Cold Steve Austin went down last week on SmackDown. 'The Hardcore Icon' relished how he had 'the Texas Rattlesnake' dead to rights, had it not been for Triple H. 'The Innovator of Violence' suggested they do something about it, with the idea of getting even with 'the Game' tonight. Raven soon entered the scene, a cunning smile on his face. Telling the two to calm down, he had an idea that would go one step further in this invasion. When he got through with Chris Benoit tonight, not only would he see the error of his ways and rejoin the Revolution that brought him to the dance - but altogether they would bring the WWF to their knees. Sandman liked his idea, but told Raven he best be right.
- TONIGHT: Raven vs Chris Benoit
Trish Stratus was seen warming up for her match with Stephanie McMahon tonight, when Vince McMahon entered the WWF Diva's dressing room. Trish was glad to see him, but the Chairman told Trish that while he has come off distant as of late - rest assured that was all due to the stress of the divorce case against Linda McMahon. Trish accepted Vince's apology and hugged her lover. As he squeezed Trish, he urged her to know that he wanted this to be all over tonight. Not only was it in the McMahon Empire's best interest - but it was at the best interest of the WWF. Trish told Vince that she'd do what she could.
- 3) Rob Van Dam def. WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn (w/Kid Kash) (5:17)The ECW Revolution added the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship to their cabinet last week when Jerry Lynn dethroned X-Pac, and they continued to pursue the services of alumnus Rob Van Dam. Old rivals met with RVD ducking punches and striking with a legsweep and a standing moonsault, when Lynn came back with a backbreaker. Lynn and Van Dam traded moves with the champ getting a near fall from a sunset flip out of the corner, but a monkey flip sent him to the floor! RVD flew with a somersault senton plancha onto Lynn and Kid Kash at ringside. A distraction saw Lynn send him into the front row, taking control inside with a powerbomb, but a moonsault was met with the knees! The Rolling Thunder connected, but 'the Notorious K.I.D.' entered the ring - taken out by the flying forearm of Chris Jericho! RVD landed the Five-Star Frog Splash to Jerry, to pick up the victory!
Rob Van Dam came out on top against the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn, with the unexpected help of WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho! Y2J smirked back at RVD inside the ring, as the two came to meet inside the ring. 'The Whole Dam Show' was unsure what to make of Y2J, who pointed the thumbs at himself with a smirk on his face. Suddenly Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash hit the ring again - with Y2J locking the Walls of Jericho on Kash! RVD took Lynn down with a step-over enzuigiri, and the ECW Revolution were forced to hightail it. RVD and Y2J shared the ring, staring down the competition!
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The Radicalz were in disarray in the hall backstage, with Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko both shouting at one another - placing the blame after the loss to Matt Hardy earlier tonight. Terri was trying to get between the two men, with Malenko ordering 'the She-Devil' shut up! Saturn warned Dean not to tell his girl to shut up, when WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero arrived. 'Latino Heat' attempted to diffuse the situation, but Saturn and Malenko both blamed Eddie for the losses as of late! The Radicalz were opposite Eddie on this one, telling Guerrero that he'd better turn it around - otherwise the Radicalz were through! They stormed off, with Eddie left alone in misery.
- Meanwhile, a second limousine was seen arriving at the Richmond Coliseum. The driver would step out and head to open the door: revealing 'the Hardcore Legend' Mick Foley! The former WWF Commissioner thanked the driver for the ride and placed a dollar bill in his hand, before heading for the arena. For the first time since the night after WrestleMania - Foley was here on RAW is WAR!Mick Foley in the houseMick Foley arrived at the Richmond Coliseum, receiving a loud ovation from the Virginia crowd. For the first time since April 2, 'the Hardcore Legend' arrived with a clipboard in hand. Climbing into the ring in sweat pants and a flannel shirt, he was met with chants of his name as he graced the microphone. The former WWF Commissioner asked if anybody missed him to a roaring reaction, as Mick talked about how so much had changed in such little time. As he had been crazy busy with a worldwide press tour for his new book "Foley is Good" - which he had a copy of in hand - the WWF had been turned upside down by an old company he knew very well, with the initials "E-C-W". Foley talked about how he wasn't here at the suggestion of Vince McMahon, nor the input of Shane McMahon. By no means was he a contracted WWF Superstar any longer, nor was he here to step on Commissioner William Regal's toes - instead, he was here as the executer of a contract in his hand! With the ongoing divorce suit between Vince McMahon and his wife Linda McMahon, he had taken it upon himself to arrive at RAW is WAR tonight on behalf of the WWF CEO - because clearly, the Chairman was too stressed out with everything going on to act with a cool head! Mick began to speak on the contract, when Vince McMahon interrupted him! The WWF Owner was furious to find Mick in his ring, reminding him of how he fired his ass the night after WrestleMania. With no authority, Vince told Mick he could do him the honest favor of going back to his couch in Long Island and tuning in like any fan, but Mick bit back by reminding the Chairman that he wasn't fired - he'd quit!'The Hardcore Legend' announced that he was back on behalf of Linda, who had done an excellent job of negotiating with him to bring him back. Vince was unreceptive, telling Mick to tell his soon-to-be ex-wife to come to RAW herself, rather than send a halfwit numbskull like Foley to do her dirty work! The two went head to head with Mick telling the WWF Owner that he had half a mind to lay his ass out, but it seemed he had his lawyers already stir-crazy over the impending divorce court. Suddenly in the melee, Paul Heyman stood up from the announce table. Laughing over the microphone, the ECW Owner found the discourse beautiful! With the ECW Revolution zoning in on the WWF, he was watching the WWF crumble from within.Stepping into the ring, Paul Heyman talked about how astronomical it was to consider the fact that a billionaire was wrapped up in divorce - family affairs and extramarital affairs: and on top of that, here came the renegade ECW to pick the meat from the bones of the WWF! 'The Twisted Genius' told Vince how beautiful it was, watching him suffer from having so many cooks in the kitchen and so many egos in the back - justifying how easy it was for the Revolution to come in and clean house! Heyman soon turned to Mick and told him how it hurt to watch him become a corporate stooge, no different than Pat Patterson or Gerald Brisco. Mick used to stand for something - he too used to be a misfit toy - but now, whether it was a clown called Mankind, a best-selling author, the WWF Commissioner, or a pawn in Linda and Vince's game - he was nobody! Retired and out of the ring, he stood for absolutely nothing.'The Hardcore Legend' hushed Paul Heyman, telling him that while true he was no longer the man he used to be: Mick wagered that he could still willingly kick his ass if he wanted to - and the same went for Vince McMahon! Mick surmised that all of this was beside his duty here tonight, which was to lay down the law Linda had sent him here to do: and make a match for King of the Ring. Funnily enough, it involved the WWF and it involved ECW. In a match to settle things once and for all, 'the Hardcore Legend' revealed there would be a ten-man tag team match in thirteen days: no-disqualifications and no count-outs involved. It would involve five WWF Superstars against five ECW Superstars - and as far as who it involved, that much was up to the boys in the back! Mick took a leave to loud cheers, as Vince and Paul glared at one another from across the ring. Who would be a part of this war, come King of the Ring?- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Team WWF (TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA) vs ECW Revolution (TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA) in a ten-man tag team match.
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With the declaration of war made by Mick Foley, the Impact Players walked the halls with the WWF Tag Team Championships around their waists. Meanwhile, the APA left their office door with Jacqueline behind them. Up next, the gold would be on the line!
Commissioner William Regal stood in intimidation as Vince McMahon stomped back and forth in his office, furious at Mick Foley coming to RAW is WAR to do Linda McMahon's bidding! The Chairman told them how this would not stand, and the WWF CEO's ass would see herself losing her job once the divorce was settled. Into the room came Stephanie McMahon, but she froze upon seeing the scowl on her father's face.
Vince told 'the Billion Dollar Princess' that he didn't want to see her until after this bullsh*t with Trish Stratus was settled. Hesitantly, she left the room. William finally spoke up, telling the Chairman that this was exactly why he was stressed out. He was fighting so many battles at the same time! Regal came to the WWF to start fresh, and he did: by becoming Commissioner. Now, he saw Vince backed against the wall and it pained him. Regal urged Vince to cut some expenditure, and to focus on the impending war. Seeing the face on the boss drop, Vince quietly told Regal that he was right - leaving the room. Regal was shocked at himself.
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4) The Impact Players (c) def. The APA (w/Jacqueline) to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (4:09)The Impact Players used the interference of the ECW Revolution to leave SmackDown as WWF Tag Team Champions against the Brothers of Destruction on SmackDown, but tonight were up against the leaders of the WWF rally: the APA. Bradshaw and Faarooq wasted little time combatting Lance Storm and Justin Credible, but a low blow to Faarooq allowed the champs to take control. Credible ran his mouth to tick off the Texan, as he and Storm struck with a double hiptoss to Faarooq. Storm worked the knee of Faarooq when a spinebuster caught him off the ropes, and Bradshaw tagged in! Like a house on fire, he hit a fallaway slam and landed the Powerbomb on Storm when Credible bumped the official! Justin struck with an aluminium baseball bat, driving it across Bradshaw's spine! Placing Lance on top of him, the referee counted to three - the Impact Players retaining the gold!
The Richmond Coliseum booed loudly as the Impact Players made it out of another WWF Tag Team Championship defense, with the ECW Revolution clinging to the WWF's gold! Justin Credible was not finished with the APA, using the aluminium baseball bat to strike Faarooq in the ribs for good measure. Helping Lance Storm to his feet, the champs were suddenly met by Jacqueline, who refused to back down! The Impact Players were surprised but played cool with Jackie: two men against one woman, when a rocket blast of pyrotechnics struck the stage.
It was the Dudley Boyz! Bubba Ray, D-Von and Spike Dudley altogether came storming down to the ring, going at it with the WWF Tag Team Champions! Lance Storm and Justin Credible were cleared from the ring, with the Dudleys following suit. Spike got in on the action with a right hand to Justin, and Wazzup connected on Justin Credible! D-Von was ordered to get the tables, when Storm rolled out of the ring. Spike fought him back inside, where the Dudleys lined him up for a 3D though the wood! The Dudleys were back with the gold that was formerly theirs in their sights, standing tall with the titles that formerly belonged to them in hand.
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Jonathan Coachman was backstage standing by with the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Coach talked to 'the Texas Rattlesnake' about the ECW Revolution and Team WWF's future encounter at King of the Ring, to which Austin proclaimed if he wasn't busy in thirteen days, there was no one man that wanted to take care of business and whoop some ECW ass more than him. He showed the Sandman much like he showed Rhyno, Raven, Tommy Dreamer and the rest of those jackasses exactly what kind of a man Stone Cold was - and that's the hell-raising sorry son of a b*tch he truly was. Austin progressed to talk about Kurt Angle and Triple H, two men that had been thorns in his sides and two men that he hoped would tear one another apart tonight inside a solid steel cage!
Austin talked about how he knew what drove both men, and how he'd fought the both of them enough times to know what kind of a beating they can muster up. But the bottom line was, whomever walked out of the cage tonight, Austin wanted to take it upon himself to cement the kind of a general he was to the WWF. After what 'the Game' did to him on SmackDown last Thursday, Austin wasn't just looking to open a can of whoopass on Kurt Angle - he was looking to stomp a mudhole on HHH's ass as well! Austin declared that he would be watching tonight up close and personally, and one way or another the WWF Champion planned to haul ass tonight in Richmond! Stone Cold slammed the door behind him, frightening Coach. In Austin's mind, everybody was a threat to his title!
The Hardy Boyz were in the locker room celebrating another victory, with Jeff Hardy congratulating his older brother Matt Hardy on qualifying for the King of the Ring tournament. Matt said how it was tough, but thanks to his brother and girlfriend Lita - they were both through to the quarter-finals. Jeff and Matt joked with one another about a potential meeting later in the tournament, when Michael Cole showed up to ask Matt for his thoughts on a match made for SmackDown this week - Matt would be challenging Eddie Guerrero for the WWF European Championship! Matt said 'Latino Heat' missed him with the title belt tonight, and it helped him advance into the tournament. SmackDown would be a different story. Matt said how Jeff had won singles gold; Lita had won singles gold and would again come King of the Ring - but now was his time to live for the moment and win his first singles title.
Cole then turned to Lita to ask for her thoughts on the WWF Women's Champion Chyna. Lita commented on not having a bad word to say about 'the Ninth Wonder of the World'. She'd been a great mentor and a friend in the past, but when it came to the title: that was the pinnacle of this business for Divas everywhere. If there was something she had to say, it was that while Chyna wasn't in the building tonight: if Lita was champ, the fans would be seeing that title defended every single night wherever Team Xtreme went! Lita wished Chyna luck at King of the Ring, some choice words spoken from the top contender.
- SMACKDOWN!, THIS THURSDAY: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs Matt Hardy for the WWF European Championship.
- 5) Christian (w/Edge) def. Kane in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (3:27)Edge and Christian's problems with luck seemed to be on the upturn with Edge qualifying into the King of the Ring Quarter-Final round last week on SmackDown. That is, until Kane was revealed to be Christian's opponent. 'The Big Red Machine' swept the ring of Christian early and chased the former WWF Tag Team Champions around ringside, when a distraction from Edge allowed Christian to chop block the leg and go to work, with several distractions of the referee allowing Edge to spear Kane on the floor! The monster was grounded as Christian sprung off the bottom rope with legdrops, but Kane would raise his foot for a low blow! Making a comeback, Kane sidewalk slammed Christian and went up top when Edge came in - to receive a flying clothesline! Kane had Christian with the Chokeslam, when Rhyno hit the ring with the Gore for 'the Big Red Machine!' Christian crawled over to qualify!
The WWF Hardcore Champion once again proved to be a thorn in 'the Big Red Machine's side, as Edge helped Christian roll out of the ring. Rhyno however was not yet finished with Kane, lining him up and taking him down a second time with another ruthless Gore! Suddenly the Undertaker came marching out to the ring, but as 'the American Badass' climbed in to confront 'the Man-Beast', out came the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer with Singapore canes! Undertaker tried his earnest to fight them off, when Rhyno struck with a third Gore: this time for 'the Deadman!' The ECW Revolution had once again done a number on the Brothers of Destruction, as Paul Heyman applauded his men from commentary.
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Meanwhile Chris Benoit was set for singles competition against Raven, 'the Rabid Wolverine' not knowing anything about what just took place with the Brothers of Destruction. Suddenly he was confronted by Sara, who demanded to know why Benoit didn't try to help her husband the Undertaker or Kane! Benoit asked Sara if she was stupid, that they didn't want his help - they said it himself. Sara accused Benoit of being a part of the problem rather than the solution, but Benoit told Sara that they'd see about that once he was finished making Raven tap out, up next!
Kurt Angle was preparing for war against Triple H, the steel cage match looming close. 'The Megastar' looked determined, as Michael Cole approached Kurt for an interview. Angle told Cole that there isn't a thing he has to say that he didn't already say earlier tonight in that ring. Triple H had his shot, and he'd blown it. Why couldn't 'the Game' take the loss and accept that he was not half the athlete that the Olympic Gold Medalist was? Regardless, Kurt was proving he was fearless. He was a leader unafraid to take on ECW, WCW, or even WWF. Now, with thirteen days until his meeting with Stone Cold Steve Austin - he was going to make HHH realize again what kind of loser he was by unleashing a world of hurt on him inside the fifteen-foot high, solid steel cage!
- 6) Chris Benoit def. Raven by disqualification (3:37)With the Brothers of Destruction taken out by the ECW Revolution, Chris Benoit was busy responding to Raven's choice interaction with him last week on SmackDown. Benoit was out to prove he wasn't associated in any way with ECW, but had to contend with the keen-eyed and sadistic former WWF Intercontinental Champion. Benoit took him for a ride with multiple German suplexes early, but a drop toe hold into an exposed turnbuckle pad allowed Raven to put the beating on the Canadian. A clothesline into the bulldog saw Raven get a faraway look in his eye, as he mounted Benoit with rights and lefts. Raven argued with the official over the brutality, when Benoit came back with the Crossface! Benoit had Raven on the verge of tapping, but out returned the Sandman with a sickening Singapore cane shot to the back of the skull!
For the second time in back-to-back matches, the Sandman had made his presence felt. Tommy Dreamer returned to ringside as well, as the ECW Revolution ganged up on Benoit! Raven grabbed a pair of handcuffs from his shopping cart, cuffing 'the Rabid Wolverine' to the top rope. Sandman and Dreamer proceeded to strike Benoit three times with Singapore cane shots to the abdomen! The Undertaker and Kane had already been taken out moments ago, but who would hit the ring - Test! Wielding a steel chair, Test struck Dreamer in the skull with the chair before running Sandman off to the ringside floor. 'The Working Man' had Benoit's back against the invasion, as he and the referee worked to free Benoit from the handcuffs.
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The Chairman had laid down the law, and now it was time for this rivalry to end between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus. Both women walked the hall en route to the ring, all business. It had been months in the making, but there could only be one dominant female in the McMahon Empire!
Suddenly cameras caught up to the parking lot, where Mick Foley was on his way out of the building. Vince McMahon followed, screaming at 'the Hardcore Legend' as he walked. The Chairman had had enough of his wife Linda McMahon sticking her nose where it didn't belong, and took it out on Foley for being the WWF CEO's errand boy! Mick ignored him as he opened the limousine door and prepared to step inside. Vince told Mick that he was the worst acquisition he had ever made, and the sorriest excuse for a human being he had ever met. Mick halted from getting into the limo, staring back at Vince and telling him that this was karma for everything he'd ever put him through. Mick told Vince to think about his family for once in his life, and consider that he was the problem! Foley got into the limo and left Vince speechless, as Foley left the building in the limo.7) Trish Stratus vs Stephanie McMahon didn't begin (0:00)The tensions had been running between these two former friends for months, for there could be only one dominant female in the McMahon Empire. Would it be Vince McMahon's love Trish Stratus, or his daughter Stephanie McMahon? Both women met in the ring, words exchanged when suddenly Vince McMahon made his way down the rampway! The Chairman had had enough to hear with the intrusions of Mick Foley, of the ECW Revolution, as well as the problems between these two. Vince climbed into the ring to the surprise of both - when Stephanie slapped Trish to the canvas! On her knees, Trish looked up at Vince who snarled back at her. Stephanie mounted Trish and began pummeling her with slaps, while Vince did nothing to stop her! The referee jumped in to try and pull 'the Billion Dollar Princess' off of the WWF Diva, when Vince grabbed the official and punched him out cold!
Vince McMahon had lost his mind, allowing Stephanie McMahon to womanhandle his own mistress, Trish Stratus! Taking a microphone, the Chairman ushered 'the Billion Dollar Princess' off of Trish before standing over her. Trish sat up in the corner in a state of shock, unable to comprehend where she went wrong. Vince talked about how he had allowed himself to get carried away, frolicking around with a woman that did absolutely nothing for him. They had some great times together, but now it was clearer than ever before that this relationship - this affair - had to come to an end!
Stephanie McMahon smiled sadistically as Vince told Trish that something had to give, and he was choosing her. Crawling towards her so-called lover, Trish was on her hands and knees begging the boss not to end their relationship. Vince accused Trish of being the reason he was in this predicament: she had caused this divorce, this family breakdown - and now, he was going to go back to being the ruthless, fearless Chairman that took no sh*t from anybody! Vince kicked Trish away and left with a gleeful Stephanie - Trish abandoned, broken up with in the middle of the ring!
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With the Richmond Coliseum buzzing from the doublecross of Trish Stratus, Triple H walked the hall on his way to the ring. Kurt Angle was set to challenge Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship at King of the Ring, but tonight had unfinished business in this long-time rivalry with 'the Game'. HHH wanted 'the Texas Rattlesnake' just as badly - and up next, Angle and HHH were to go to war inside of a steel-cage!
With the steel-cage lowering over the ring, the fans were shocked to see the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin make his presence known! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' smirked as he saw the solid structure surround the ring, stomping over to the announce table and sending Paul Heyman running! 'The Rattlesnake' was here to join longtime friend Jim Ross on commentary, before encouraging Heyman to rejoin them. Austin wasn't here to put up with any of his ECW Revolution trash - he was here to get a front row seat for brutality - as Kurt Angle and Triple H went to war!8) Triple H def. Kurt Angle in a Steel-Cage match (10:28)They had been arch rivals for almost a year, from Stephanie McMahon betraying Triple H to join Kurt Angle at Unforgiven, to the brutal Hell in a Cell match at No Mercy. With 'the Megastar' scheduled to meet Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship at King of the Ring, Triple H made his own stake known with a Pedigree to 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. With so much bad blood, only a steel cage could determine who the better man was. Triple H got the upper hand early, sending Kurt Angle bouncing off the walls of the steel cage walls. A spinebuster saw 'the Game' cement his offense, when Angle came firing back with a back suplex! A belly-to-belly suplex sent HHH over the top rope against the wall, with Angle proceeding to do a number busting open 'the Game'. Angle tried to escape over the top, but HHH would meet him on the top rope and connect with a back suplex sending both tumbling to the canvas!
The action continued through the commercial break, 'the Game' pummeling Kurt Angle with ten punches on the top rope, when Angle fought free and rushed the top rope with a German suplex sending both men crashing to the canvas! 'The Megastar' tried to escape through the door but Triple H grabbed him by the foot and applied the Ankle Lock on the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle tried to fight it, soon sending HHH face first into the steel fencing! An Angle Slam followed, and Angle climbed to the top of the cage, escape in sight - but instead he thought of a different idea. Kurt was crazed, and proceeded to deliver a moonsault from the cage - missing 'the Game!' Both men were beaten and Austin watched in disbelief, as Triple H got back to his feet and looked for the Pedigree. Angle reversed into the Ankle Lock, with 'the Game' fighting it. Using the bottom rope, Angle was roped into the steel cage door - and the Pedigree would grant HHH the victory!
Triple H had overcome the war that was this Steel-Cage battle, and Stone Cold Steve Austin could not believe his eyes from the announce table. The WWF Champion commended both men for an unforgettable battle, as a bloodied HHH had his hand raised. But soon, 'the Megastar' came from behind with a post-match beating! Angle was furious with the result and shoved down the referee, soon sending 'the Game' bouncing off two of the steel cage walls. Losing his temper, Angle locked in the Ankle Lock on HHH - until Stone Cold entered the cage!
'The Texas Rattlesnake' went toe to toe with 'the Megastar', with Stone Cold stomping a mudhole in Kurt Angle! The Olympic Gold Medalist had nowhere to run, but a Stone Cold Stunner would see Angle run away - climbing the steel cage and making a getaway over the top to the floor. Austin was left alone with 'the Game', but Two-Man Power Trip aside 'the Rattlesnake' would take revenge for SmackDown: dropping HHH with a Stunner! Austin stomped the cage to the adulation of Richmond Coliseum, soon climbing to the top of it and staring down Angle from the ring. In thirteen days, it was do or die for 'the Megastar!'
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wolvenbear
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Aug 24, 2020 21:33:47 GMT -5
Posts: 448
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Post by wolvenbear on Jan 21, 2022 15:24:12 GMT -5
That was a great show. While I am shocked you had Christian defeat Kane, it was a very solid match. HHH and Kurt in the steel cage was awesome as well. Very powerful main event. You bring back the joy from that era without it being stale or merely a recap of something I've seen before show after show.
Very well done.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 23, 2022 14:12:14 GMT -5
King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt AngleThe war wages on between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle. After a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Now, Angle was back - and this time out to prove who the real man was, himself or 'the Bionic Redneck!' The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. This year, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will boast a sixteen-man single-elimination field, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? The finals will determine who gets to proclaim themselves the 2001 King of the Ring! 10-Man Tag Team MatchTeam WWF vs The ECW RevolutionNobody saw the invasion of ECW coming, when on May 21, 2001 the unthinkable happened. Since then, Paul Heyman's island of misfit toys have ran roughshod of the World Wrestling Federation. Taking out the top WWF Superstars, the ECW Revolution have made statements to avenge their own going out of business just a few short months ago. On June 11, Mick Foley made his return to RAW is WAR with a clipboard on hand: on behalf of WWF CEO Linda McMahon, making this match official. The question now remained: who would go to war, and stand up for the WWF, and for ECW? WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date? Matches to be announced. 2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Edge def. K-Kwik
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Matt Hardy def. Perry Saturn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Christian def. Kane
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: TBA vs TBA
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: TBA vs TBA
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Jan 24, 2022 14:04:02 GMT -5
SmackDown! - June 14, 2001
Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland
Broadcast on UPNTaped on June 12, 2001
"Everybody on the Ground"
A video package aired, showing controversy escalate once again between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus, as they pined for the attention of Vince McMahon. Ordered to cease it once and for all, the Chairman ordered a match - but it would be no match, as Vince would betray his once-mistress Trish in favor of 'the Billion Dollar Princess'. Trish was left humiliated on her hands and knees, emotional in the ring. Later that night, Steel-Cage warfare took place between Triple H and Kurt Angle. Ultimately seeing 'the Game' victorious, WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin would have the last laugh with a Stunner delivered to HHH!
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the sold-out Baltimore Arena. Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage and over the ring, with Michael Cole and Tazz introducing SmackDown! Ten days away from the King of the Ring, it was set to be a huge night of action.
- TONIGHT: Two final King of the Ring Qualifying Round matches.
- TONIGHT: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs Matt Hardy for the WWF European Championship.
- TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam vs WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash.
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The Brothers of Destruction join the War of Attrition
The Brothers of Destruction shocked everybody with their arrival, making their presence felt as they walked down the rampway with a scowl on the face of 'the American Badass'. Kane and Sara walked with him as they climbed into the ring; 'the Big Red Machine' erupting his pyrotechnics. Taking to the microphone, 'the Deadman' stated this would be short and sweet - he had had enough of the ECW Revolution. Asking the Baltimore crowd if they agreed, he was met with a largely mixed reaction. Recounting what went down on RAW is WAR, Undertaker saw it as one thing to steal what belonged to the two of them - the WWF Tag Team Championships - and another to ambush and assault each of them with an uneven playing field.
'The Deadman' exclaimed that he had been in the WWF for over ten long years, and in that time he had won WWF Championships by the many, and cut careers short by the plenty. He had seen all of the greats come and go, and the ones who stuck around - they sure as hell had more guts than brains. That went for the ECW Revolution, because nobody messed with the Brothers of Destruction. This was their yard, and ECW were trespassing all over it. That brought them to King of the Ring, and how Mick Foley stood in the ring on RAW is WAR and declared a ten-man tag team match with no disqualifications, pitting WWF against ECW. Undertaker told the people loud and clear that he and his brother Kane would be in that match - and between now and in ten days, if ECW even thought about standing in their way: they were all dead men walking!
The Brothers of Destruction were all in on the ten-man tag team match at King of the Ring, but Paul Heyman would soon step out to the stage with the ECW Revolution behind him. Heyman grinned from ear to ear as he mimicked the Undertaker's same old speech about spending a decade of destruction in the WWF. 'The Twisted Genius' recounted how if memory served correctly, there would be no Undertaker without Paul Heyman. Much like Stone Cold Steve Austin, and much like Mick Foley - he was the genius that first discovered any of them! The ECW Owner grinned as WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno gritted his teeth behind him, Heyman telling Undertaker and Kane that they were so lucky his boys didn't do much worse last Monday night, or the week prior. Bigging up his team, Heyman declared that Team WWF would fall come King of the Ring - much like tonight, when Kane fell to the awesome power of 'the Gladiator' Mike Awesome!
Baltimore chanted "ECW", as Mike Awesome roared in the distance of a determined 'Big Red Machine'. Suddenly from behind came Chris Benoit with a steel chair shot to the spine of Raven! 'The Rabid Wolverine' fought off the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, looking for revenge after a handcuffed Singapore cane beating on Monday night! 'The Rabid Wolverine' was greatly outnumbered, when the Brothers of Destruction rushed to the rampway - aiding Benoit against the odds of the Revolution! Still outnumbered, Test arrived with the Big Boot to Raven - an all-out war saw the WWF send ECW packing to the backstage area, under orders from Paul Heyman! It was bound to be bedlam in ten days!
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, TBA, TBA and TBA) vs The ECW Revolution (TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA)
- TONIGHT: Mike Awesome vs Kane
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The Radicalz were still having problems after another setback on Monday night. Perry Saturn warned WWF European Champion not to drop the ball for them tonight, to which Eddie Guerrero assured he, Dean Malenko and Terri that he had this in the bag. Elsewhere, Team Xtreme headed for the ring with Matt Hardy set to challenge for the gold - up next!
Commissioner William Regal mentored Tajiri ahead of his singles match with Tazz tonight, when into the room walked Vince McMahon amidst loud boos. The Chairman was accompanied by Stephanie McMahon, as he talked about taking the advice given to him by 'the Goodwill Ambassador' on RAW is WAR. William's face remained vacant, as Vince declared that he took out the dead weight from the McMahon Empire; the very reason he got such a big mess in the first place, Trish Stratus on RAW - and he did that for the WWF. Explaining himself, Vince said he didn't do that for the sake of his divorce from Linda McMahon, he did that so that he could protect his share of the WWF. Vince quizzed William, reminding him who ran the WWF - better yet, who was here in a dive like Baltimore tonight. It sure wasn't the so-called WWF CEO!
'The Billion Dollar Princess' spoke on her father's behalf, declaring Vince McMahon did not need to explain himself. Trish Stratus was a homewrecker and a gold-digging ho - and got exactly what she deserved. William sucked up to Vince and Steph, assuring them he was WWF through and through, despite what decisions they make. Vince told William that was all well and good, soon turning to Tajiri. He told him that Tazz was a dangerous man, but he knew he was capable enough. Asking Tajiri if he needed protection, he could rely on the WWF. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' nodded and spoke angrily in Japanese, leaving Vince stumped to a point to respond: wishing him luck.
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1) Matt Hardy (w/Team Xtreme) def. Eddie Guerrero (w/The Radicalz) to win the WWF European Championship (5:20)
The Hardy Boyz were both through to the second round of the King of the Ring tournament, much to the dismay of the Radicalz who were having problems. Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri were all counting on 'Latino Heat' to turn their luck around against Matt Hardy, who came out of the gate hot and heavy with a series of offense. A Side Effect scored an early near fall, when Eddie cut him off with a back suplex! Guerrero was cocky when in control. A brainbuster got a two count, when Matt rolled out to be clotheslined by Saturn! Eddie grounded Matt in a leglock, reversed with an enzuigiri! A spinning headscissors saw Matt take control, and a diving legdrop had the match won when Malenko interfered - taken out by Jeff with Whisper in the Wind! Jeff fought Saturn and Malenko at ringside, when Lita dove off the steel steps with the hurricanrana for Malenko! Inside, Matt hit the Twist of Fate to capture the title!
'Latino Heat' had been defeated, and Matt Hardy was crowned the new WWF European Champion! Matt was immediately joined with a hug from his girlfriend Lita, as she alongside brother Jeff Hardy raised his hand in victory. Accomplishing his first singles championship victory in the WWF, Team Xtreme were on the cusp of gold with Lita challenging for Chyna's WWF Women's Championship at King of the Ring!
The Hardy Boyz and Lita left Eddie Guerrero in disarray in ring, prompting a lecturing from Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko. Eddie tried to ease the tensions, when the Radicalz suddenly put the boots to 'Latino Heat!' Terri watched on, encouraging her man Saturn to strike with a belly-to-belly suplex. The Radicalz had booted Eddie from the group, when the Hardys hit the ring - running off Saturn, Malenko and Terri! Eddie was helped up by Lita and Jeff, in shock himself!
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Kurt Angle walked the hall backstage with Stephanie McMahon. Complaining about the way in which the Steel-Cage match with Triple H went down on RAW is WAR, 'the Megastar' reminded her that he was the man that was challenging Stone Cold Steve Austin at King of the Ring - not 'the Game!' Steph assured her boyfriend he had it won, that he put in all the hard work against 'the Texas Rattlesnake', and he would leave in ten days as a three-time WWF Champion: it's true, it's true! Angle smiled, telling Steph she always knew how to put a smile on his face.
Michael Cole and Tazz spoke about the melee that took place earlier tonight between the Brothers of Destruction, Chris Benoit and the ECW Revolution. Tazz got hot about the Undertaker and Kane's involvement in the continued beating that 'the Rabid Wolverine' had coming to him. Tazz digressed to rant about the annoyance that was Tajiri following Commissioner William Regal around and kissing as much ass as possible. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' was dead, and for misting him last week on SmackDown - he would make him pay tonight, one-on-one!
Backstage, Test checked his jaw when approached by Chris Benoit. Past him walked the APA accompanied by K-Kwik, Jacqueline and Steve Blackman. Bradshaw told 'the Working Man' that he knew how to redeem himself, and he proved that on RAW is WAR and earlier tonight. Faarooq gave him a pat on the back, when Test was faced with 'the Rabid Wolverine'. Benoit thanked Test again for having his back before turning to leave. But before departing, Benoit extended his hand and told him he had his back in the event ECW came after him in his King of the Ring Qualifying match tonight. Test accepted, telling Chris they were in this together.
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2) Rikishi (w/Scotty 2 Hotty and Victoria) def. Albert (w/D-Lo Brown) in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (2:56)
After a tag team match failed to go their way on Sunday Night Heat, Albert came for revenge against Rikishi in this King of the Ring Qualifying match. With D-Lo Brown in his ear, it gave the Samoan the edge early, in a battle of the behemoths. 'Big Kish' scored with a side kick to the 350-pounder, sending Albert outside. At ringside D-Lo got close to Victoria causing Scotty 2 Hotty to get in his way. Rikishi continued to attack Albert on the floor, when a sidewalk slam cut him short! The unmatched strength of Albert showed with a gorilla press slam, and a big splash got a near fall. Albert choked on Rikishi but he fired back, a hip bump in the corner finding Albert in position for the Stinkface but Albert would clothesline out of it! 'The Freight Train' was distracted as D-Lo ordered he finish 'Big Kish', when Rikishi sent Albert on a collision head-first into D-Lo! A Samoan drop connected, allowing the Samoan to advance!
Rikishi picked up the victory needed to join 'the Elite Eight' in the Quarter-Finals of the King of the Ring tournament, and Scotty 2 Hotty along with Victoria would join 'Big Kish' in celebration at ringside. D-Lo Brown slid into the ring, livid with the loss. 'The Real Deal' was furious at the loss effecting Albert, and barked at him angrily for losing out on the tournament. D-Lo continued to run his mouth to a disappointed 'Freight Train', telling him he was the man responsible for the money he enjoyed! D-Lo finally slapped Albert in a fit of anger, ticking off the big man. Albert responded by snatching the briefcase and slamming it across the face of D-Lo! A big corner splash impacted Brown, and a Baldo Bomb would leave Brown laying! It was not a night for alliances tonight, with Albert leaving D-Lo laying, and walking out solo!
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Rikishi advances to the Quarter-Final round.
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Rob Van Dam was in the locker room warming up for tag team action tonight, when confronted by WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho. Telling RVD that he didn't want him to get too cocky - he still did not trust that Rob didn't have ECW in his blood for a second. He came to his aid last Monday night, only because Van Dam came to his aid in the past. Tonight, he wanted to set the record straight that it was them against Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash, but reminded him they were both through to the King of the Ring tournament. If they were to meet, all friendships were off. RVD chuckled, telling Y2J the same thing went for him. He said it was all cool, and that Jericho could definitely trust Rob Van Dam. Thumbs pointed to himself, Jericho said he hoped so - but come King of the Ring should they meet, it would be all about King Y2J! With thumbs pointed himself, the two men laughed at one another.
Vince McMahon was in his office with Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon, still laughing about what happened to Trish Stratus last Monday night on RAW is WAR. 'The Megastar' brought up again how Triple H had gotten under his skin and tried to involve himself with the WWF Championship match at King of the Ring. The Chairman told Kurt he knew too well what 'the Game' was planning, and if he had any intention of jumping the line ahead of the Olympic Gold Medalist's shot at 'the Texas Rattlesnake' - it was not going to happen. Stephanie rubbed the chest of Angle and promised him he was primed and ready to beat Austin for the WWF Championship, when Gerald Brisco appeared. Vince questioned what he wanted - Finkel revealing that something had happened to Pat Patterson. One of Vince's loyalist Stooges, Vince came to his feet and immediately followed Brisco from the room.
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3) Tazz def. Tajiri (w/The APA) (3:31)
'The Japanese Buzzsaw' got involved in Tazz's business with Commissioner William Regal, stemming from a tense interview at WWF New York several weeks ago. As Tazz left Michael Cole alone on commentary, Tajiri revealed he had recruited the APA! 'The Human Suplex Machine' was surprised with a handspring elbow and a series of stiff kicks, but as Tazz hoped to leave the ring, he was stopped by Bradshaw and Faarooq! Tajiri struck with more kicks, as back inside a Buzzsaw Kick was averted with a Tazzplex. Tazz brutalized the newcomer with strikes and trash talked the APA, when Tajiri shocked him with a martial arts kick to the jaw! A standing moonsault got a near fall, when Raven came from behind - taking the APA down with a steel chair! Tajiri was distracted and missed the Buzzsaw Kick again, setting up the Tazzmission - forcing Tajiri into submission!
Tazz was joined by Raven in the ring to boos, as 'the Human Suplex Machine' and the former WWF Intercontinental Champion put the boots to Tajiri after the bell. The APA made a comeback, hitting the ring with the very chair Raven used - running off the ECW Revolution members! It was all hands on deck for the WWF, as Bradshaw and Faarooq aided Tajiri back to his feet.
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The ECW Revolution heckled the APA and Tajiri from the backstage dressing room, disgusted at the audacity of the WWF. WWF Hardcore Champion grovelled beside the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, 'the Man-Beast' instructing the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash that they could not lose to Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam by any means tonight. Jerry told them not to worry about RVD, because they called him 'the New Dam Show' for a reason. Rhyno warned him he'd better, when into the room came Paul Heyman. The ECW Owner was thrilled to see Tazz and Raven come through for one another, but stated the night was not over yet. Heyman told Rhyno, Sandman and Dreamer to stop thinking about the Brothers of Destruction, because he had a big job for them tonight.
Meanwhile, the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin had arrived in Baltimore! Walking with his wife Debra behind him, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was in a great mood as he looked to be heading for the arena - up next!
Stone Cold Steve Austin makes a shocking addition to King of the Ring
The glass shattered in Baltimore Arena, bringing out the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' walked with a vengeance, coming three days after leaving Triple H laying inside of the steel cage - payback for a Pedigree received last week on SmackDown. The fans chanted Stone Cold's name, as he talked about setting the record straight and cutting straight to the point. There had been a lot of talk about the ECW Revolution, about King of the Ring and the ten-man tag team match. As badly as he wanted to sign his name on the dotted line and whoop some trailer park ass in ten days against ECW, 'the Rattlesnake' had other plans. Those plans involved Kurt Angle, the man who has been trying long and hard to impress him. He took out ECW, invaded WCW, and he sure as hell nearly broke his damn neck last Monday night.
If 'the Megastar' thought that would impress Stone Cold, that made Kurt Angle one sorry son of a b*tch. But the reason he was out here right now was to address somebody else - and his name was Triple H. Reminiscing to memories of opening a can of whoopass on 'the Game' at Backlash, Austin knew that there was only one way to finish things with HHH and they included putting the WWF Championship on the line. Surveying the fans for a "hell yeah", Austin talked about how to prove himself as being worthy of WWF Champion, he needed to prove that he was absolute best - which is why at King of the Ring, he wanted Kurt Angle - but he also wanted Triple H! 'The Bionic Redneck' proposed making things a Triple Threat match, when Kurt Angle interrupted.
'The Megastar' was booed instantly, as Kurt Angle accompanied by Stephanie McMahon whined about how Stone Cold might be WWF Champion - but he wasn't the man to make the rules on any given day or week! The Olympic Gold Medalist accused Austin of cowardice when it came to facing him like a man, one-on-one. Climbing into the ring, Stephanie told Stone Cold he was clearly afraid of fighting a real man like Kurt Angle, with the Olympic calibre of the man with Three Is: intensity, integrity and intelligence. Austin told 'the Billion Dollar Princess' that she surprised him over a week ago, but tonight he had no time for her mouth. Flipping her off, Stone Cold reminded the fans his name, that he was the WWF Champion, and he did what he wanted when he wanted!
Triple H crashed the party to a loud reaction, 'the Game' walking down to the ring and talking about how all this racket was making his head hurt. Climbing into the ring, HHH looked for clarity in that he was added to the WWF Championship match at King of the Ring. To a look of shock from Kurt and Stephanie, 'the Game' explained he might still be feeling the effects of the Steel-Cage match from RAW is WAR - but he wanted to hear it from the champ himself, because they had unfinished business. Austin confirmed it, and HHH told him his ass was on! The two went face to face with Angle between them - the third party in the middle - when Kurt again asserted himself, shoving in. Angle would not tolerate this happening on his watch, and threatened to speak to Vince McMahon about this.
Angle left the ring and stomped up the rampway with Stephanie behind him, but as the two progressed to the top of the stage, he was met by Paul Heyman standing either side of Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. The ECW Owner smiled at Kurt and Stephanie, as the ECW Revolution marched forward, backing Angle to ringside. Behind him at ringside stood Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H. Between a rock and a hard place, Angle charged at the ECW Superstars - when Austin and HHH got involved too! A six-man brawl emerged, with the apparent three men set for the WWF Championship match at King of the Ring, getting it on with three of ECW's finest! Heyman and Stephanie each fled, as referees and backstage officials hit the scene and separate all six men!
Following a replay of the events that unfolded moments ago, backstage Vince McMahon was seen following Gerald Brisco to a hallway by a spiral staircase. The Chairman was tired of Gerald leading him to Pat Patterson, questioning what was so urgent he had to bring him here. Behind the WWF Owner saw Trish Stratus walk down the steps, solemnly greeting Vince. Brisco disappeared, as Trish sat on the bottom step and asked how he liked humiliating her on RAW is WAR. Vince told Trish he didn't feel good about it, but it had to be done. In the best interest of the WWF and protecting his assets from Linda McMahon, something had to give.
Trish weeped as she exclaimed how Vince had to throw her away, all for what? To make Stephanie McMahon happy? Growing sympathetic, the Chairman took a seat beside her on the steps. The Chairman held Stratus and consoled her, as he explained she was looking at this the wrong way - he was the boss, and she was a WWF Diva. It was scandalous through and through, and any court would wipe the floor with him if she was on his arm. Vince tried making Trish remember the good times, bringing up their trips to Spain and Hawaii. Suddenly Trish told Vince that she would do anything to be his. On her knees, Trish tugged the suit pants of Vince to his dismissal - but he could not refuse a kiss from Stratus! At a loss for words, Vince stammered to his feet and told her that he would be back in five minutes.
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4) WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam def. WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash (4:10)
Jerry Lynn succumbed to defeat to Rob Van Dam on RAW is WAR, when Chris Jericho came to his aid against Kid Kash. RVD and Y2J were uneasy allies with trust not all there, as the WWF Intercontinental Champion took down Jerry Lynn early. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion blocked a bulldog, when in came RVD with Kid Kash. 'The Notorious K.I.D.' was quick, but not quick enough as a cartwheel into a moonsault garnered a two count. Van Dam was in control, when Lynn dragged him throat-first across the top rope! The ECW Revolution went on the offensive, with Lynn taunting Van Dam when a tornado DDT off the second rope went reversed. Y2J made the tag and ran through he and Lynn, when Kash saved Lynn from the Walls of Jericho! Kid Kash was struck with a step-over legsweep from Van Dam, and a Lionsault from Y2J led to the Five-Star Frog Splash, giving RVD and Y2J the win!
Whether there was trust involved with WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam's partnership or not, Y2J and RVD's tag team synergy was there as they came out victorious against the ECW Revolution members. WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn scowled from the rampway, as Kid Kash was left beaten in the ring.
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Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon stood in the Chairman's office furious at what just occurred, when in came Vince McMahon. The Chairman was hot and bothered following his interaction with ex-mistress Trish Stratus, and hurriedly picked up his suit coat as 'the Megastar' quizzed him on what he thought of all this. Vince was not paying attention as the Olympic Gold Medalist remarked at the idea of Triple H being added to the WWF Championship match at King of the Ring - and blindly made it possible, believing it to be Kurt's well wishes!
Angle protested the decision as the WWF Owner tried to slip away from the room, but Vince questioned whatever happened to Kurt being a reliable leader for the WWF. Vince screamed at Kurt that in order to be a leader, he needed to be a team player: and a team player would take action. On the spot, in a fluster, Vince signed off on Angle teaming with his King of the Ring opponents Austin and HHH tonight against the ECW Revolution! Even Stephanie was aghast, as Vince left the room without another word spoken.
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple H in a Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship.
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H vs The ECW Revolution.
The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer were seething after a second melee they were involved in tonight, this time with Kurt Angle - along with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H! 'The Innovator of Violence' doubted the three of them could coexist, while Sandman declared the WWF was crumbling. WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno paced back and forth on the spot, cursing the names of 'the Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game', declaring that this was all theirs - it all belonged to ECW! Paul Heyman arrived to confer with the ECW Revolution members, telling them that this was all going according to plan. Now was their time to deliver a finishing blow: and it involved taking out the main event of King of the Ring. If Austin, HHH and Angle wanted to play ball, ECW were going to throw said ball into the neighbor's yard because once they were through with the three WWF Superstars tonight: there would be no King of the Ring!
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.
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Tazz rejoined Michael Cole on commentary, discussing the beating given to Tajiri and the APA earlier tonight. The WWF Women's Champion Chyna soon wowed the Baltimore crowd, accompanied by 'the One' Billy Gunn as they made their way down to ringside. Together they would join them at the announce table. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' commented on her match at King of the Ring against Lita for the WWF Women's Championship, and wanting to scout her competition up close.
5) Lita def. Molly Holly (w/Crash) (3:47)
With 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' watching, Lita had to be feeling even more pressure following her boyfriend Matt Hardy's capturing of the WWF European Championship earlier tonight. Up against Molly Holly, the two Divas exchanged holds early with the more experienced Molly gaining the upper hand. Lita used her quickness to rally back, scoring with a hurricanrana off the ropes! Ten punches in the corner saw a distraction from Crash, allowing Molly to take control with a suplex, when a missile dropkick only scored a near fall. Molly worked over the arm of Lita with a northern lights suplex, when Lita powered out of a second suplex with a neckbreaker. Lita connected with a diving legdrop off the second rope, when Crash got on the apron. Chyna came from behind and decked him with a right hand, while inside Lita connected with the body slam, and a Moonsault gave her the three count!
Pleased with herself, Lita had her hand raised as victor. From ringside, WWF Women's Champion Chyna watched on with 'the One' Billy Gunn by her side. Lita raised her hands in the air from the second rope before motioning to her waist - she wanted the gold. In response, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' smiled at her - all the while Billy trash talked Lita claiming she was not good enough to beat the champ!
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WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin sat in the dressing room with WWF Divas Ambassador Debra, as she applauded herself on making such a fascinating match for King of the Ring. While she discussed the merits of both Chyna and Lita, she came to question why Steve would jeopardize himself with facing not only Kurt Angle in ten days, but Triple H too! Stone Cold told Debra for the final time that this was the only way he was going to prove that he was on a different level than 'the Megastar' and 'the Game'. If Austin didn't act now, the two of them were going to b*tch and moan like dogs and keep coming after him. Stone Cold reminded his wife his name, and that he was the WWF Champion - that meant it was all against one anyway, and he had a bullseye on his back to prove it. Austin told Debra he could take both men, much like he could take ECW Revolution too - and if Angle and HHH got out of line, he would stomp a mudhole in their asses for good measure!
Deep in the heart of Times Square stood WWF New York, where in attendance was the WWF Tag Team Champions the Impact Players. Still feeling the effects of the return of the Dudley Boyz on RAW is WAR, Michael Cole interviewed the two about the match made for King of the Ring - two-on-two with D-Von and Bubba Ray. Lance Storm found it despicable that two inbred hicks from Dudleyville could even find their way back to RAW. No mistake about it, they were feeling battered from being driven through the wood on Monday night, so they tried to find comfort in WWF New York. Justin remarked how disgusting the place was, that this restaurant complex absolutely sucked, much like the Dudleys! The crowd booed, as he talked about the ECW Revolution claiming more and more power, that the Dudleys were on borrowed time. At King of the Ring, Justin and Lance both declared they would make an impact.
- KING OF THE RING, JUNE 24: The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley Boyz for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
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6) Commissioner William Regal def. Test by disqualification in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (2:41)
It was a few weeks ago where Commissioner William Regal sent Test home much to 'the Working Man's dismay, and now in the final First Round match of the King of the Ring tournament, Regal was standing in the Canadian's way. Test unleashed a series of rights and lefts early, met with the European uppercuts of the Englishman. Test got the better with a powerslam, when a diving elbow drop went missed. Regal picked up the pieces and went to work on the leg of Test, wearing him down with a kneebar applied. Test would kick Regal off of a Regal Stretch attempt and come back with a tilt-a-whirl slam! The Pumphandle Slam connected, when Raven returned - planting Regal with the Evenflow DDT! The crowd booed and Test was livid as Raven slid out to the floor: why had Raven cost Test the tournament?
Test argued with the referee furiously and pointed the finger, daring Raven to step into the ring. Meanwhile, from behind came Chris Benoit with a shoulder tackle taking Raven down! 'The Rabid Wolverine' ripped open the shirt of the ECW Revolution member, and chopped at the chest of Raven's raw! Finally Raven fled the scene into the crowd, but undeniably Benoit had Test's back against ECW.
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Commissioner William Regal advances to the Quarter-Final round.
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Kane walked the hall en route to the ring, with his match coming up next against the ECW Revolution's Mike Awesome. 'The Big Red Machine' looked ready, as the Undertaker and Sara walked with him until Kane advised them to stay back. Kane said this victory would be his, and Awesome would feel his wrath. Kane was up next!
Triple H left his locker room, with the six-man tag team main event set to take place in just a few short moments. He was met by his ex-wife Stephanie McMahon, to which 'the Game' exclaimed it was Stone Cold Steve Austin's call to add him to the match at King of the Ring - as far as he was concerned, he and Kurt Angle were even after the Steel-Cage match on Monday night. All 'the Game' wanted was the WWF Championship. Steph told Hunter she knew, but this wasn't about that. She commented on how strange her father had been all night, like he wasn't even here at all. She asked her ex-husband if he knew where Vince McMahon was, to which HHH was baffled. How did she not know? With a chuckle, Triple H walked away with Stephanie fearing the worst.
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7) Mike Awesome def. Kane (3:29)
'The Big Red Machine' along with his half-brother the Undertaker had signed themselves up for Team WWF against the ECW Revolution at King of the Ring, but the question remained who their opponents would be. After coming up short to 'the American Badass' on RAW is WAR, Mike Awesome interrupted Kane's pyrotechnics with a tirade of attacks. A slingshot shoulder block from the apron took the big man down, as Awesome demonstrated his incredible strength with a powerslam to Kane off the ropes! Kane dodged a big splash and delivered a missile dropkick - shocking for his size - and a sidewalk slam set things in motion for the Chokeslam. Abruptly, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash hit the ring - but Kane met both by the throat. Awesome hit a big boot and delivered the Awesome Bomb to score a huge upset!
Mike Awesome continued putting the boots to Kane along with his ECW cohorts, as the ECW Revolution plotted yet another ambush of the Brothers of Destruction! Awesome hammered on 'the Big Red Machine' as Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash held his arms, when the Undertaker came storming down to the ring. Fighting off both Lynn and Kash, 'the Deadman' responded with a Chokeslam for Kash - simultaneous to the Chokeslam given from Kane to Mike Awesome! Erupting his pyrotechnics, the Brothers of Destruction were only just starting with ECW!
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Returning to WWF New York, the WWF Tag Team Champions the Impact Players were seen at a table overlooking the entertainment complex. Justin Credible was disgusted at the sight of so many marks in one place, while Lance Storm remarked how dense and uncollected you had to be to support a company like the WWF. Storm relished the monopoly Vince McMahon had made himself, when the Dudley Boyz' music hit. Disturbed, the champs ordered they cease the music - when from behind came the Dudley Boyz! Spike Dudley cheered his brothers D-Von and Bubba Ray on, as they sent Credible running over the mezzanine; and cleared Storm from the area after a pounding on the table! The Dudleys were back, and headed for King of the Ring!
Meanwhile, the ECW Revolution were on their way to battle - a six-man tag team match with the three men that will meet for the WWF Championship at King of the Ring. WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer walked with Paul Heyman leading the way. The main event was up next!
8) WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer (w/Paul Heyman) ended in a no contest (2:20)
The WWF Championship match at King of the Ring was now to be a Triple Threat match, with Stone Cold Steve Austin willing to put the title at stake against both Kurt Angle and Triple H - to the chagrin of 'the Megastar'. Vince McMahon signed off on this match in a haze after the ECW Revolution pursued the Olympic Gold Medalist in a melee earlier tonight, and now in a six-man tag team match, the three combatants had to coexist against ECW. The three men argued before the bell, when Rhyno, Sandman and Tommy Dreamer hit the ring for war with Paul Heyman spectating from ringside. A six-man brawl broke down to Stone Cold stomping a mudhole in Tommy Dreamer, only to be blasted with a spinebuster by Rhyno. Triple H made the rescue attempt with a DDT, when a distraction from Heyman allowed a neckbreaker from Sandman. The Revolution dominated, when Kurt Angle re-entered the ring with a steel chair - fending off the troops, only to blast Stone Cold between the eyes with the steel chair!
'The Megastar' did not give a damn about playing for a team, as demonstrated by the chair shot to partner Stone Cold Steve Austin! Kurt Angle continued his attack, stomping a mudhole of his own in on the WWF Champion, when Triple H entered the foray. Sledgehammer in hand, Angle backed off. 'The Game' then turned to see Stone Cold in the corner, but elected not to use it against him. Instead Austin talked trash to 'the Game' to entice him, as Paul Heyman rallied Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.
The ECW Revolution prepared for round two with the top three WWF Superstars, as Tazz left commentary. Down the stairs of the Baltimore Arena walked other ECW Revolution members: Raven, Jerry Lynn, Kid Kash and Mike Awesome. The three men were outranked with nowhere to turn - the King of the Ring main event potentially in jeopardy when out came the Brothers of Destruction. The Undertaker and Kane joined Austin, HHH and Angle in the fight - getting the best of ECW. Heyman shrieked and squawked in terror at ringside, as the Brothers delivered stereo-Chokeslams to Sandman and Dreamer. Together, 'the American Badass' and 'the Big Red Machine' glared through Austin, HHH and Angle before departing on their own terms. There was only ten days until carnage at King of the Ring!
-
Backstage, Stephanie McMahon searched the halls frantically asking everybody in her path if they had seen her father. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' was distressed, when opening a door to find Vince McMahon in a state of undress with Trish Stratus. Against the wall, the Chairman was shirtless had Trish pinned to the wall, with Trish's brastrap slipped from her shoulder. As Stephanie gasped, her Dad turned around in horror. Caught in the act, Vince tried to explain - but Stephanie slammed the door and stormed off down the hall! The WWF Owner had succumbed to his vices!
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Post by DTP. on Jan 25, 2022 15:19:40 GMT -5
King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Triple Threat Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple HAfter a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Yet after a brutal Steel-Cage war, Triple H staked his own demand to recapture the title that eluded him. Austin accepted, much to the fury of Angle. Carnage is sure to unfold at King of the Ring! The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. This year, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will boast a sixteen-man single-elimination field, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? The finals will determine who gets to proclaim themselves the 2001 King of the Ring! 10-Man Tag Team MatchTeam WWF vs The ECW Revolution
(The Undertaker, Kane, TBA, TBA and TBA
vs TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA)Nobody saw the invasion of ECW coming, when on May 21, 2001 the unthinkable happened. Since then, Paul Heyman's island of misfit toys have ran havoc on the World Wrestling Federation. Taking out the top WWF Superstars, the ECW Revolution have taken over. On June 11, Mick Foley made his return to RAW is WAR with a clipboard on hand: on behalf of WWF CEO Linda McMahon, making this match official. The Brothers of Destuction were the first names to step up, declaring war on ECW. But now the question remained: who else would go to war, and stand up for the WWF, and for ECW?  WWF Tag Team Championship
The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley BoyzLance Storm and Justin Credible shocked everybody when they walked out of TLC III as the WWF Tag Team Champions. Even more shocking, they did so by defecting from the WWF and X-Factor, and becoming the Impact Players aligned with the ECW Revolution. The Dudley Boyz were nowhere to be seen for weeks, allowing Storm and Credible to run roughshod on the tag team division, but when the Dudleys returned they came back with a vengeance. After attacking them at WWF New York, D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley were primed and ready to regain the gold. WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date? Matches to be announced. 2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Edge def. K-Kwik
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Matt Hardy def. Perry Saturn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Christian def. Kane
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: Rikishi def. Albert
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: William Regal def. Test
Quarter-Finals:
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Jeff Hardy vs Rob Van Dam
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Rikishi vs William Regal
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Matt Hardy vs Edge
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Chris Jericho vs Christian
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Jan 27, 2022 15:37:46 GMT -5
Jakked - June 16, 2001
Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia
Broadcast in syndicationTaped on June 11, 2001
"Right Time" - "Metal"
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena for WWF Jakked. Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to the show, discussing all of the happenings this past week in the World Wrestling Federation.
- 1) Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Victoria) def. Sean Evans (3:23) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]With Rikishi through to the second round of the King of the Ring tournament, Scotty 2 Hotty danced his way into competition against Sean Evans. Evans tried to slow Scotty down but the support of Victoria at ringside prompted the former WWF Tag Team Champion to spring to life with the bulldog and the Worm for the win.
2) Kid Kash def. Taka Michinoku (w/Funaki) (4:14)Kaientai noted how the ECW Revolution were jealous of the EVIL they possessed in a pre-match speech geared toward Kid Kash, as Taka Michinoku brought the excitement of fast-paced action early only to be stopped short by 'the Notorious K.I.D.' Funaki rallied the crowd and Taka gained a second wind, but a backbreaker made way for the Money Maker allowing Kash to cash in on the three count.
3) Albert def. Brad Hunter (2:25) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]After burning bridges with D-Lo Brown on SmackDown, 'the Freight Train' was his own man. He made short work of Brad Hunter with a new look of intensity on his face, and derailed Hunter with a series of body slams. A corner splash and a bicycle kick set things in motion for a dominant win with the Baldo Bomb.
4) Buchanan def. K-Kwik (3:58) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]The Right to Censor were no more, after the scandalous events unfolded over a week ago on SmackDown. Buchanan had a new look in all black coming into action with K-Kwik. The rapper was full of life early, catching the former RTC member off guard until a rebound flying clothesline stopped him short. A hurricanrana went reversed into a falling powerbomb, giving Buchanan a decisive victory.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 28, 2022 15:35:23 GMT -5
Sunday Night Heat - June 17, 2001
Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland
Broadcast on MTV - Live from WWF New York
Matches taped on June 12, 2001
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the heart of Times Square in WWF New York. Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to Sunday Night Heat, one week away from the 2001 King of the Ring! A ruckus crowd were on hand as the two bantered about how the war was on between the WWF and the ECW Revolution - a ten-man tag team match taking place next Sunday with the Brothers of Destruction heading Team WWF!
'The Human Suplex Machine' got hot at Michael Cole immediately, telling him how this show had already started and his co-host was already getting on his nerves! Tazz brought up his win against Tajiri on SmackDown, and how the Brothers of Destruction had been getting their asses handed to them on a nightly basis. Tazz contended ECW would win the brawl in seven days.
Abruptly, Big Show made his way out to the desk at WWF New York! The fans inside the entertainment complex were surprised to see the dapper 500-pounder tonight in the Big Apple, as he came storming towards the desk prompting Tazz to back away quickly. 'The Giant' exchanged words with Tazz, as Cole brought up what was coming up tonight!
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz appear live in WWF New York.
- TONIGHT: Jeff Hardy vs Dean Malenko
- TONIGHT: K-Kwik raps live in WWF New York.
- TONIGHT: A sneak peek at the series premiere of WWF Tough Enough.
-
Edge and Christian made their way to the ring for tag team competition, with both scheduled for King of the Ring Quarter-Finals competition tomorrow night on RAW is WAR. Christian took to the microphone to bring this to everybody's attention, and that in spite of the fact both of them were through to the next round that there would be no hard feelings to be had. Edge said that he was rooting for Christian, and he knew that Christian was totally rooting for Edge! Edge did however make it known that he would be in it for himself should they meet - but one way or another, they still totally reeked of awesomeness!
The former WWF Tag Team Champions would be interrupted by Kaientai, who came out to the rampway to contest what constituted reeking of awesomeness. Taka Michinoku stated that they were cool, undoubtedly so - but they absolutely failed in reeking of EVIL. Funaki chirped on with a loud and emphatic INDEED, as the flag-waving Japanese tag team came stampeding down to the ring.
1) Edge and Christian def. Kaientai (3:38)These two teams had beef not long ago, spanning from a big upset victory from Kaientai against the former WWF Tag Team Champions. Edge and Christian's luck hoped to turn around in the King of the Ring tournament, but Funaki offered a tough time for the Canadians with a spinning headscissors and armdrag combination. Taka Michinoku soared with a springboard plancha to the floor, when Christian nailed an inverted DDT. The brothers took turns working over Taka, when an electric chair drop was reversed into a victory roll for a two-count, and Funaki came in speedier than ever! A tornado DDT on Edge had the match won, when Christian came in illegally with the spear - Edge getting the win!
Edge and Christian rolled out of the ring, prevailing as the winners against Kaientai. Christian hugged Edge for dear life as Taka Michinoku rolled in to the aid of Funaki. The brothers seemed confident about their chances in the King of the Ring tournament - but how would they fare in Quarter-Final round action tomorrow night on RAW is WAR?
A video package aired, recapping Mick Foley's declaration of war from RAW is WAR. In a contract delivered from WWF CEO Linda McMahon, via 'the Hardcore Legend', a ten-man tag team match was named official for King of the Ring pitting five WWF Superstars against five members of the ECW Revolution. The Brothers of Destruction, following their issues with 'the Extreme Army' declared themselves as the first two men to head Team WWF!
Michael Cole was joined in the entertainment complex by Tazz alongside Big Show, who made fun at the expense of 'the Human Suplex Machine' with Cole sitting between them. Tazz mocked Show for being sidelined with injury, claiming it to be irritable bowel syndrome. Show threatened to shove Tazz's head up his ass to find out, when Cole segued sending us down to the stage of WWF New York.
-
K-Kwik hyped up WWF New York to a rousin ovation. Hyped up and ready to go, the rapper talked about how there was a lot of negative attitude in the air and that it came from the ECW Revolution. K-Dawg said he wasn't about to take it lying down, nor were any WWF Superstar in the company. K-Kwik performed "Get Rowdy" when interrupted by Kid Kash to loud boos. 'The Notorious K.I.D.' was sick and tired of having to hear such an awful song.
Questioning if K-Kwik had any other jams, Kash also rejected the propaganda spewing from K-Dawg's lips about ECW. K-Kwik fired back warning Kid Kash to not step to him, because he wasn't taking any heat from a guy named "Kid Kash". Kash said he was from Music City, USA - and K-Kwik's rap wasn't music. K-Kwik asked the fans for their thoughts, and WWF New York cheered. Much to Kash's disgust, K-Dawg proceeded to carry on performing "Get Rowdy!"
-
Billy Gunn was seen hanging out in the hallway at the arena, when approached by Hardcore Holly. With a mean smirk on his face, Hardcore asked how success was finding Billy - riding the coattails of his successful girlfriend Chyna. Billy questioned what he meant by that, bringing up how Chyna humiliated his cousin Crash on SmackDown. Hardcore warned Billy not to tick him off, telling him to enjoy mediocrity carrying 'the Ninth Wonder of the World's bags. Fired up, 'the One' Billy Gunn did not hesitate, challenging Holly to a match tonight! Hardcore wished Billy luck, because he wasn't in the mood for Billy's hijinks.
- TONIGHT: Billy Gunn vs Hardcore Holly
-
A video package aired, recapping the tensions rising between Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus. Vince McMahon ordered the two women settle their issues in the ring, when words of wisdom from Commissioner William Regal led him to dump Trish in front of the entire world. On SmackDown Vince was lured and succumbed to his vices, when Stephanie found her father and Trish doing in the deed in a dressing room!
A King of the Ring Memories video package aired, taking us back to 1996 where Stone Cold Steve Austin ushered in a new era with his Austin 3:16 declaration!
- Michael Cole, Big Show and Tazz talked about the series premiere of WWF Tough Enough, live this coming Thursday on MTV immediately following SmackDown on UPN. 'The Human Suplex Machine' bigged up his role on the show as a hard-nosed, take-no-prisoner coach that Al Snow could never be. It brought 'the Giant' to start making fun of Tazz again, questioning when the last time he won any gold was. Cole was able to segue toward a sneak peek video package from the series premiere.
A video package aired, showing some of the more obscene WWF Tough Enough audition tapes sent in from candidates. Some were more serious than others, with those soon making the cut. On Thursday's series premiere on MTV, all will be revealed in a special double-length episode, wittling down the contestants to a final thirteen!
- WWF TOUGH ENOUGH, THURSDAY NIGHT: Series premiere on MTV, following SmackDown!
- 2) Hardcore Holly def. Billy Gunn (3:21)
Chyna provided the support for Lita in her victory against Molly Holly on SmackDown, taking out Crash as Billy Gunn watched. Hardcore Holly made fun of 'the One' Billy Gunn's ability to "ride" the WWF Women's Champion's coattails, aggravating him into accepting this match tonight. Gunn started hot with a military press slam and a jackhammer, but Holly bailed from the ring before the One and Only. Gunn pursued as the battle developed on the floor with a clothesline seeing Hardcore take advantage. Gunn reversed a suplex and fired back, but as he trialed the One and Only, Holly rolled him up with his feet on the ropes to steal the win!
Hardcore Holly took pleasure and glee in another tough loss for 'the One' Billy Gunn. Holly showboated from the rampway, as it was noted that he too would be a trainer on WWF Tough Enough. Billy argued with the referee as Hardcore mocked his inability to win matches, calling him a "pansy!" Billy took it offensively and tried pursuing Hardcore, only for the referee to intervene.
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Jeff Hardy was in the locker room amping himself up for singles action against Dean Malenko tonight, when into the room came Lita with the new WWF European Champion Matt Hardy. Matt told Jeff he knew he had this in the bag, that Team Xtreme had shown the Radicalz who the better team was night-in and night-out. Jeff agreed and congratulated him on his title win on SmackDown. The two hugged it out, when Jeff said he was pulling for Lita to beat Chyna for the WWF Women's Championship at King of the Ring; but after tonight, maybe it was his time to win King of the Ring for himself! Matt argued similar, the two fist-bumping with smiles.
A video package aired, recapping the rivalry between Kurt Angle and Triple H. Both men wanted the WWF Championship so badly, that they were willing to duel it out inside the confounds of a solid steel-cage on RAW is WAR. It was an intense battle, where 'the Megastar' soared with a moonsault from the top of the structure. Ultimately, 'the Game' came out the victor - but Stone Cold Steve Austin showed the kind of WWF Champion he was, giving HHH payback for a previous Pedigree with a Stunner to show all was not lost in their own rivalry!
- 3) Jeff Hardy def. Dean Malenko (5:12)With Lita up for a WWF Women's Championship match with Chyna at King of the Ring and Matt Hardy gaining the WWF European Championship from Eddie Guerrero on SmackDown, Jeff Hardy took on Dean Malenko days after the Radicalz had ousted 'Latino Heat' from the group. Perry Saturn and Terri watched from a monitor backstage as Malenko struggled to slow Jeff down when a backbreaker turned the pace of the match around. Malenko stretched Jeff in holds on the mat, when a Whisper in the Wind saw him make a comeback. A somersault senton plancha took him out, when Malenko interrupted the Swanton Bomb attempt. A superplex went awry, and the Swanton gave Jeff the three count!
Team Xtreme were on cloud nine after another win tonight on Sunday Night Heat. Perry Satun and Terri were seen watching backstage in anger as Jeff Hardy had his hand raised. The new WWF European Champion Matt Hardy and the number one contender to the WWF Women's Championship Lita had to be pleased for Jeff, as he now looked to gain singles gold of his own!
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Backstage at the arena, Christian was seen not pleased with the success that Team Xtreme were enjoying. Into the room soon came Edge, who questioned the help given to him. He argued that the spear was his move, when Christian told Edge that he wasn't the man who invented the spear! The two discussed their battles with the Hardy Boyz, and how the Hardys were winning gold. Edge then reminded him that they would totally one-up Jeff and Matt - by becoming King of the Ring. Both men agreed may the best man win - shaking hands and repeatedly wishing the other more luck than the other!
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A video package aired, showing the follow-up of Stone Cold Steve Austin's decisionmaking on SmackDown. Making King of the Ring a Triple Threat match, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' declared he would beat both Triple H and Kurt Angle - when the three were put in a six-man tag team match against the ECW Revolution! Carnage unfolded with the combatants when it boiled down to ECW gaining the upper hand - until the Brothers of Destruction emerged, cleaning house of ECW ahead of King of the RIng!
Michael Cole, Big Show and Tazz talked among themselves in WWF New York, discussing the King of the Ring next week. They examined the brackets for the 2001 King of the Ring tournament, culminating with two Semi-Final round matches at the pay-per-view - with the winners meeting later that night in the Finals! They ran down what was coming up on RAW is WAR tomorrow night.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Rob Van Dam vs Jeff Hardy in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Christian
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF European Champion Matt Hardy vs Christian
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF Commissioner William Regal vs Rikishi
Michael Cole recapped what went down at the entertainment complex this past Thursday night on SmackDown, showing the Impact Players hanging out at WWF New York and insulting the sights and sounds. Later that night, the Dudley Boyz came back for another round of revenge beating down the WWF Tag Team Champions! D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley were back with their little brother Spike Dudley, and they were coming for the titles at King of the Ring!
The Dudley Boyz made their way out to the stage at WWF New York to a loud ovation, with D-Von quizzing the fans who wanted to see the Impact Players go through tables next Sunday at King of the Ring. The fans roared, as D-Von said how Lance Storm and Justin Credible had had this coming for weeks, since they stole the gold from them in TLC III. Bubba Ray talked about how this was less about an invasion, and more about getting even with the boys that did them wrong. They made it known that there was no tag team more dominant than the Dudleys, and that they'd made the WWF their home. But the Dudleys weren't about to wait seven days, and announced that they planned to call out the Impact Players tomorrow night live on RAW! Spike talked trash about how Credible and Storm were going down at King of the Ring, with the fans chanting "we want tables!"
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: The Dudley Boyz call out WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 29, 2022 14:07:08 GMT -5
WWF LIVE - June 13-17, 2001
Missouri - Arkansas - Mississippi
Ontario - Tennessee - Florida
June 13, 2001 - Convention Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri:
MCW Slammin' Summer Showdown - co-promoted with Memphis Championship Wrestling.
- Spanky def. Buchanan
- Jerry Lynn (c) def. American Dragon to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- Steven Richards def. Outrageous Rodragous
- Joey Abs def. Scotty 2 Hotty
- Victoria def. Ivory
- Rikishi def. Lance Cade
- The APA def. The Haas Brothers (c) to win the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship.
June 14, 2001 - Municipal Auditorium in Jonesboro, Arkansas:
MCW Unleashed (television taping) - co-promoted with Memphis Championship Wrestling.
- Raven def. Seven
- MCW Southern Heavyweight Champion Steve Bradley def. Spike Dudley
- Lance Cade def. Scotty 2 Hotty
- Outrageous Rodragous and Victoria def. Steven Richards and Ivory
- Rikishi def. Joey Abs
- The Island Boys def. The APA (c) to win the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship.
June 15, 2001 - City Theatre in Corinth, Mississippi:
MCW Unleashed (television taping) - co-promoted with Memphis Championship Wrestling.
- Spike Dudley def. Seven
- Raven def. Outrageous Rodragous
- Spanky def. Scotty 2 Hotty
The APA def. The Island Boys (c) by disqualification; the Island Boys retain the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship. - Ivory def. Victoria
- The APA def. The Island Boys (c) by disqualification; the Island Boys retain the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship.
- Steve Bradley def. Rikishi to retain the MCW Southern Heavyweight Championship.
- Christian York and Joey Matthews def. WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and American Dragon
June 16, 2001 - Toronto Skydome in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
- Jeff Hardy def. Kid Kash
- Trish Stratus and Jacqueline def. Molly Holly and Lita
- Tajiri def. Taka Michinoku
- Test def. Albert
- Matt Hardy (c) def. Eddie Guerrero to retain the WWF European Championship.
- The Impact Players (c) def. The Dudley Boyz & Edge and Christian in a three-team elimination match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Chris Benoit def. Mike Awesome
- WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer def. Triple H and the Brothers of Destruction def.
- Chris Jericho (c) def. Rob Van Dam & Commissioner William Regal in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) def. Kurt Angle to retain the WWF Championship.
June 16, 2001 - Oman Arena in Jackson, Tennessee:
MCW Unleashed (television taping) - co-promoted with Memphis Championship Wrestling.
- Raven and Outragous Rodragous def. The Haas Brothers
- Victoria def. Ivory
- The Island Boys (c) def. The APA to retain the MCW Southern Tag Team Championship.
- Jerry Lynn (c) def. American Dragon to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- Spanky def. Spike Dudley
- Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty def. Christian York and Joey Matthews
June 17, 2001 - National Car Rental Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
- Jeff Hardy def. Kid Kash
- Tajiri def. Taka Michinoku
- Test def. Albert
- Chris Benoit def. Hardcore Holly
- The Dudley Boyz def. The Impact Players (c) by disqualification; the Impact Players retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Matt Hardy (c) def. Eddie Guerrero to retain the WWF European Championship.
- Lita and Molly Holly def. Trish Stratus and Jacqueline
- Chris Jericho (c) def. Commissioner William Regal & Rob Van Dam in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- Kurt Angle and the Brothers of Destruction def. Raven, Tommy Dreamer and Mike Awesome
- WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H def. WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno and The Sandman
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Post by DTP. on Feb 4, 2022 8:04:23 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - June 18, 2001
Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida
Live on TNN
A video package aired, recapping the events of SmackDown. With tensions rising in the heat between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' would take it upon himself to add Triple H to the equation at King of the Ring. With Vince McMahon distracted after being approached by his ex-mistress Trish Stratus, the Chairman would keep things discreet to the suspicions of Stephanie McMahon. All hell broke loose in the main event, with Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle teaming up against the ECW Revolution, but when the odds were stacked against the WWF - the Brothers of Destruction saved the day. Meanwhile, the freshly single Chairman was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the WWF Owner was caught in the act by Stephanie, in a dressing room with his hands all over Trish!
The opening video package aired, cutting to a red-hot crowd on hand in the Ice Palace for RAW is WAR! Pyrotechnics plummeted into the stage, as Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed everybody to RAW - six days away from the 2001 King of the Ring! They ran down the card, where Heyman declared that tonight he would announce the five ECW Revolution members who would rally against Team WWF this Sunday.
- TONIGHT: Rhyno (c) vs Chris Benoit for the WWF Hardcore Championship.
- TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Christian in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match.
- TONIGHT: WWF Commissioner William Regal vs Rikishi in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match.
- TONIGHT: WWF European Champion Matt Hardy vs Edge in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match.
- TONIGHT: Jeff Hardy vs Rob Van Dam in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match.
-
Vince McMahon kicked things off, walking out to the ring in a Hawaiian shirt. The Chairman was dressed more smart-casually than usual tonight in Tampa, as he was met with a hostile reception. Vince told the fans that he didn't care what happened to him last Thursday on SmackDown, that he was living life to the fullest. Since filing for divorce from WWF CEO Linda McMahon, the WWF Owner was enjoying himself and spending it well. Giving a word of advice to husbands everywhere: after devoting thirty-three years of marriage to a woman - there was nothing like becoming a bachelor again! Vince gloated about the freedom that comes with being single, and that included being able to look, touch and be with any woman he damn right desired! Vince stated that could be said for why he dumped Trish Stratus, but where there was no harm in a committed relationship - there sure wasn't any in a booty call, either!
As the Floridian crowd chanted "assh*le" in the WWF Owner's way, Vince exclaimed that they were merely jealous, when Stephanie McMahon came stomping out to a mixed reaction! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' could not believe her ears, climbing into the ring and telling her Dad that there was no ifs or buts about it: she caught him in the act with that hussy mistress Trish Stratus on SmackDown, and it had scarred her for life! What kind of man was Vince to go against his word, to surrender to his vices - and to worst of all do it with a sl*t like Trish only three days after breaking up with her! Vince responded that it was his right to bear - his own freedom! Vince repeated that Trish was no threat to her, or anybody in the McMahon Empire. She was merely a friend...with benefits! Steph gasped at her father, questioning if he was having a mid-life crisis.
Kurt Angle soon butted in, the crowd coming to life with boos as 'the Megastar' came walking down to the ring. In as much disbelief as his girlfriend Stephanie, Kurt climbed into the ring with an arm around 'the Billion Dollar Princess'. Shocked at Vince for breaking his own vow, he'd thought Vince had the integrity and the intelligence to abstain himself of Trish Stratus - the same woman who put her filthy hands all over his Olympic Gold Medals days prior! Even worse, Vince said he was going to dedicate himself to guarding the WWF against the ECW Revolution - and much like his own opportunity at the WWF Championship, that trust was broken when Vince closeted himself with the likes of the WWF Diva. Angle voiced his disappointment, that he was to have Stone Cold Steve Austin all alone at King of the Ring, and not only did he allow Austin to walk all over him and add Triple H to the match - he okayed it!
Vince McMahon confessed that he was distracted last Thursday night, and that Kurt Angle was right in that he let his guard down for the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. And maybe while the Brothers of Destruction, Austin and Triple H were fending off the ECW Revolution's forces, he was in the back mixing it up one-on-one with Trish Stratus - but the Chairman reasoned that he had a solution to Kurt's problems: to give him what he wanted for King of the Ring tonight! Angle's eyes lit up as the boss green-lit a WWF Championship shot for him tonight, one-on-one with Austin - and on top of that, he was willing to ban Triple H from ringside! Angle comically sucked up to Vince for granting him the opportunity, but Stephanie remained livid. What about her? Stephanie wanted action, that if her father was to be with any woman he wanted - it had to be anybody but Trish.
The Chairman was between a rock and a hardplace, when the glass shattered and Stone Cold Steve Austin emerged! The WWF Champion stomped down to the ring to loud cheers, as 'the Texas Rattlesnake' hit the ring disturbed by the situation unfolding. He didn't care about who was knocking boots with who, and admitted that Vince was the luckiest man walking the face of the planet right now. But he didn't envy him, much like he didn't envy Kurt Angle tonight. Austin looked Angle up and down, telling him whether tonight or whether it be Sunday, there was no way he was taking the WWF Championship away from him, and that was the bottom line! Austin accepted the match, before looking Vince up and down and commenting on his Hawaiian shirt. In disbelief with the Chairman's get-up, he called Vince a jackass before dropping him with the Stunner for old time's sake! Austin left the ring with Angle rushing to his aid!
- TONIGHT: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship.
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Backstage, Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy both walked the halls of the Ice Palace. They were the first two men to advance into the King of the Ring tournament, and up next was the first of four Quarter-Final matches tonight - a first-time encounter between two of the WWF's finest high-flyers!
Following a replay of what went down before the commercial break, Vince McMahon was seen being helped through the backstage area, using Kurt Angle as support. The Chairman thanked 'the Megastar' for the help and wanted him to promise he would beat Stone Cold Steve Austin tonight for the WWF Championship. The Olympic Gold Medalist guaranteed it, without Triple H at ringside. Suddenly Stephanie McMahon caught up to the two of them, but in staring Vince in the eyes she declared that Vince deserved every bit of the Stunner! Vince wanted to talk but slipped with Angle catching him - enough time for Steph to walk away.
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1) Rob Van Dam def. Jeff Hardy in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match (4:53)Jeff Hardy overcame Eddie Guerrero whilst Rob Van Dam defeated Bradshaw to make it to the second round. Two high-flyers met with an exchange of taunts, when RVD's quick flurry of kicks were matched by Jeff's spinout enzuigiri! A dropkick through the ropes stunned him as Jeff soared the barricade with a crossbody on 'Mr. Monday Night'. RVD responded with a martial arts kick before setting him on the barricade for a jumping spinkick off the apron! The two continued to exchange fast-paced moves inside, with Van Dam's rolling fireman's carry making way for the split-legged moonsault. Van Dam beat on Jeff when he fired back with Whisper in the Wind, and Jeff delivered the Twist of Fate - but RVD's foot was on the bottom rope. Jeff disputed the decision when Van Dam shot back with a springboard thrust kick. The Five-Star Frog Splash sealed it, to advance into the Semi-Finals!
'Mr. Monday Night' impressed many with his agility, defeating Jeff Hardy in a duel between two unorthodox, high-flying phenomenons. Rob Van Dam had his hand raised, while Jeff clutched his ribs, visibly conflicted by the defeat. RVD pointed his thumbs to himself, officially going to King of the Ring, while on commentary Jim Ross asked Paul Heyman what he made of RVD's success in the WWF.
Heyman was sarcastic in responding, wishing Van Dam the best - like the traitor that he was! Heyman ranted about how ECW made Rob Van Dam, and now RVD had "graduated" to the WWF - much like a deadbeat father leaves his family for a bottle of milk. Suddenly Van Dam confronted Heyman at the announce table, with RVD once again pointing his thumbs with a smile to a loud reaction. Heyman was vexed!
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Rob Van Dam advances to the Semi-Final round.
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The APA were in their office, a consortium of WWF Superstars gathered around the poker table. Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, K-Kwik, Kaientai, Jacqueline and Steve Blackman among other backstage personnel listened to every word out of Bradshaw and Faarooq's mouths as they declared their intentions of joining the Brothers of Destruction on Team WWF at King of the Ring. With the Undertaker and Kane, the APA vowed to dominate ECW together, united. The office rejoiced as Bradshaw and Faarooq signed on the contract - when the ECW Revolution arrived! The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer headed the pack of Raven, Tazz, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. Sandman joked that the APA weren't man enough for them, and claimed he could kick their asses let alone drink them under the table! Faarooq stood up to Sandman, when Dreamer stepped in. Bradshaw proposed a taste of things to come tonight - a tag team match pitting the APA and Sandman and Dreamer!
- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooq and TBA) vs ECW Revolution (TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA)
- TONIGHT: The APA vs The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer
Kurt Angle listened as Stephanie McMahon vented to him about the mid-life crisis her father was having. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' lamented the past few months, questioning if she even knew who Vince McMahon was anymore. 'The Megastar' reminded her that he was still her Dad - that he was a great, intelligent man who was finding his feet after Linda McMahon. Stephanie turned to Kurt for comfort and he gave it to her, when in came Vince McMahon holding an icepack to his head. Angle backed away as the Chairman asked if they could talk. Vince spoke about being a single father now - and she was all he had left. Vince admitted he was afraid of losing her, but wanted Steph to know she would always be 'Daddy's Little Girl'. Steph cuddled her Dad, but told Vince that he could be with whoever he wanted to be with - so long as it wasn't Trish Stratus! Vince agreed.
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Commissioner William Regal made his way out to the ring for the next King of the Ring Quarter-Final match, accompanied by his apprentice Tajiri. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' did not receive a warm reaction from the Tampa crowd, as he sent best wishes to all in Florida tonight. William talked about how while ECW were causing a hindrance to himself and Tajiri, they were sure to get the good hiding they've got coming to them this Sunday against Team WWF. But at the same time, they were responsible for him making it here - into the sacriligious King of the Ring tournament. William spoke of the barbarians that had won the tournament in previous years, from Stone Cold Steve Austin, to Triple H, to finally an honorable King like Kurt Angle. Regal vowed to become the King of the Ring the people deserved - when interrupted by Rikishi accompanied by Scotty 2 Hotty and Victoria!
2) Commissioner William Regal (w/Tajiri) def. Rikishi (w/Scotty 2 Hotty and Victoria) in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match (3:21)Commissioner William Regal lucked into the second round after Raven screwed Test last week on SmackDown, winning by disqualification. Rikishi meanwhile overcame Albert, and looked to make short work of 'the Goodwill Ambassador' with a big bad body drop! Regal cowered behind Tajiri when met with Scotty 2 Hotty - the two having a staredown. From behind came 'Big Kish'. Regal received a bloody nose from the steel steps, and was sent inside for a hip bump in the corner. The Stinkface was nigh, but Tajiri took a bullet for his mentor: swapping himself with Regal! The Regal Cutter only got a near fall, and the Samoan powered out of a Regal Stretch attempt, but a sunset flip went awry with Rikishi sitting on Regal! Tajiri tried interfering to be tackled by Scotty 2 Hotty, the referee distracted. Unnoticed, Albert hit the ring with a Baldo Bomb to Rikishi. Regal covered to steal the victory!
'The Goodwill Ambassador' claimed to be looking to be the respectful King of the Ring that the people deserved, yet only got past Rikishi thanks to the help of Tajiri, as well as Albert! 'The Freight Train' growled in leaving the scene of the crime, no longer attached to D-Lo Brown. Scotty 2 Hotty and Victoria checked on 'Big Kish' after the bell, as Tajiri bowed excitedly, raising the hand of Commissioner William Regal.
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Commissioner William Regal advances to the Semi-Final round.
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Edge and Christian talked about the King of the Ring Semi-Final round, joking about the very idea of either of them having to go up against the WWF Commissioner William Regal. Edge then reminded Christian that when all was said and done, there was a chance they could meet in the King of the Ring Finals this Sunday - but first they had to contend with the fact they might not get past either Matt Hardy or Chris Jericho. Christian told Edge he had been training all weekend long for tonight, to beat the prettyboy WWF Intercontinental Champion. Edge then admitted that he'd been doing the same for that fluke of a WWF European Champion, Matt Hardy! The two high-fived with grins on their faces, as Edge told Christian he had Y2Jackass's number.
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Chris Benoit was backstage with Michael Cole , being asked for his thoughts on tonight's opportunity to reclaim the WWF Hardcore Championship for the WWF against ECW's Rhyno. 'The Rabid Wolverine' told Cole that if he was honest, he wasn't thinking about the WWF one bit, he was doing this for himself. The Brothers of Destruction approached Benoit, telling him to hell he was. They were at war with the ECW Revolution, and Benoit was looking to win gold for himself? That wasn't the attitude they liked to hear. Benoit told Undertaker with all due respect, he didn't give a damn about the conflict going on. ECW tried getting under his skin and once he denied, they kept picking at his skin. Benoit said Rhyno might be 'the Man-Beast', but he'd never met 'the Wolverine'. Benoit left, Undertaker chuckling.
Trish Stratus had arrived at the Ice Palace, a keen smile on her face as she walked the hall. Approaching Vince McMahon's office, the WWF Diva looked to go for another round with her ex-lover when halted by WWF Divas Ambassador Debra. Urging her not to see the Chairman, Trish quizzed her as to why. Debra explained that it was an order from Vince McMahon, in agreement with Stephanie McMahon. Trish found it laughable that Steph could forbid them from seeing each other and went to open the door, but Debra informed Trish that they had also ordered her to sign her up for action tonight. Trish gawked, as Debra announced she and Ivory would be teaming up to meet Lita, and the WWF Women's Champion Chyna in a tag team match! Stratus stomped her feet in anger as Debra left the scene, chasing after her in protest.
- TONIGHT: WWF Women's Champion Chyna and Lita vs Trish Stratus and Ivory
- 3) Rhyno (c) def. Chris Benoit to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship (5:28)'The Rabid Wolverine's allegiance appeared to be the WWF despite the ECW Revolution's insistence, yet Chris Benoit stated he was out to win the WWF Hardcore Championship tonight for himself. 'The Man-Beast' jumped Benoit on the rampway and brought the fight with force. Benoit fired back with a trash can shot to the head, a shoulder breaker paving the way for a cross-armbreaker, but Rhyno throttled him with the lid. The WWF Hardcore Champion flattened the can with a spinebuster and introduced a stop sign, but a Gore attempt saw Benoit use it against him! Three German suplexes took Rhyno for a ride, when the Diving Headbutt saw Rhyno put a steel chair in his face! Rhyno rushed for another Gore, taken down into the Crossface! On the verge of tapping, Raven hit the ring to wind up receiving a German suplex from the Canadian - but Rhyno struck with the Gore to retain the title!
The WWF Hardcore Champion made it out alive against Chris Benoit, with Raven running interference for Rhyno. 'The Man-Beast' was on the verge of submission when he was saved, and continued doing a number on 'the Rabid Wolverine' after the match. Raven joined in on the beating, when Test rushed to Benoit's aid - the Big Boot causing Raven to flee the ring! 'The Working Man' returned the favor for SmackDown last week, helping Benoit to his feet with the two ECW members chomping at the bit from ringside.
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The three brothers from Dudleyville, USA were back in town - the Dudley Boyz gunning to recapture the WWF Tag Team Championships this Sunday at King of the Ring. Walking down the hall en route to the arena, Bubba Ray and D-Von walked with Spike Dudley. Not wanting to wait until Sunday, together they had planned to call out the Impact Players - live, up next!
WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin was gearing up for his title defense tonight against Kurt Angle, when Triple H burst through the door. 'The Game' met 'the Texas Rattlesnake' with an intense stare, but just when things looked to escalate HHH slapped Austin on the shoulder. Wishing him luck tonight against Kurt Angle, he said that he'd be watching. One way or another, 'the Game' said the WWF Championship would be his at last this Sunday come King of the Ring. Triple H left the room, with Austin left looking disgusted.
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The Dudley Boyz call out The Impact Players
A rocket of pyrotechnics erupted across the stage, bringing out the former WWF Tag Team Champions. The Dudley Boyz made their return last week on RAW, putting Lance Storm through a table, and proceeded to accept the challenge made by the Impact Players by attacking them at WWF New York on SmackDown. To a ruckus ovation, Bubba Ray spoke about how Storm and Justin Credible had ducked them since they stole the titles from them. TLC III was a calamity of bodies flying off ladders, crashing through tables and being bashed in by chairs - but at the end of the day, the Impact Players made their impact last month not by pinning them, but by grabbing the titles and running with their tails between their legs with the slimy sleazeball Paul Heyman!
D-Von looked at Paul from the ring, taking the microphone from Bubba Ray. Telling him that he tried to plant the seed in their head that the Dudleys had lost their way, D-Von disagreed. They were just getting started, because they underwent weeks of adversity as WWF Tag Team Champions before being knocked off their pedestal. If the Impact Players were out to finish the Dudleys off and prove themselves to be the most dominant team in sports entertainment, they'd both failed! D-Von said the Dudleys were back, and come King of the Ring, after they annihilated Lance Storm and Justin Credible they weren't leaving without the gold! Spike echoed his brothers' sentiments, as Bubba said the time for talking was done - if the Impact Players were serious about coming in and taking their spot, to come on out and try them!
The Impact Players made their way out to the rampway to loud boos, supported by WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. Lance Storm demanded seriousness, as he could not believe the audacity of the Dudley Boyz to risk injury six days before their biggest match to date as WWF Superstars. Lance hugged the WWF Tag Team Championship on his shoulder as he told Bubba, D-Von and Spike that they took the titles fair and square in TLC III; not to mention sidelined the two of them for weeks! Justin Credible called the Dudleys a family of cowards, ambushing them from behind when they least expected it. Credible refused to come down to the ring, prompting Spike to take the mic from D-Von: telling the Impact Players that if they weren't going to come down and fight, they'd just have to find somebody else instead!
Spike Dudley pointed toward Paul Heyman, whose eyes widened. D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley then left the ring and stared through the ECW Owner, prompting a panicked ECW Revolution to come walking down to ringside. The Dudleys' tactics worked, as they met Storm and Credible on the rampway with rights and lefts exchanged; Storm sent into the steel steps! Jerry Lynn suddenly rushed in with a shot from the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship to Spike, as he and Kid Kash aided the Impact Players in taking care of the Dudleys! D-Von and Bubba made a comeback only to be cut short; Bubba struck with X Marks the Spot from Storm and Credible. But the WWF Tag Team Champions were not through yet, instructing Kid Kash to set up a table at ringside - and a double big back body drop saw Spike tumble over the top rope through the wood! Heyman laughed on commentary, as the ECW Revolution stood tall!
After a replay showing what unfolded with Spike Dudley being sent tumbling through a table by the Impact Players before the commercial break, the Impact Players were seen joking about it with Tazz in the backstage area. 'The Human Suplex Machine' said they were off to the races, telling the WWF Tag Team Champions to finish the job and take the Dudley Boyz out at King of the Ring. High-fives and handshakes were exchanged, as Justin Credible declared they were the new dominant tag team in the division - and the Dudleys would never be the same after this Sunday.
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4) Edge def. WWF European Champion Matt Hardy in a King of the Ring Quarter-Final match (3:46) In the third of the King of the Ring Quarter-Final matches tonight, Edge made it here by surpassing K-Kwik on SmackDown under two weeks ago while Matt Hardy defeated Perry Saturn last week on RAW is WAR. The new WWF European Champion looked to strive where Jeff Hardy failed earlier tonight against Rob Van Dam, Hardy taking Edge down with a series of strikes early. The Side Effect scored a near fall, and a body slam led to a diving legdrop attempt - but Edge rolled to the floor. Taking Matt with an electric chair drop sending Matt jaw-first against the apron, Edge restrained the new champ with a chinlock. Matt struck with a side-bulldog, and the diving legdrop connected! Matt looked for the Twist of Fate, when the Radicalz appeared on the rampway. Without Eddie Guerrero, the distraction was enough for Matt to walk into a jumping DDT - Edge qualifying to the next round!
Edge was able to go off the distraction caused by Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri to bypass the WWF European Champion to head to the King of the Ring this Sunday night! To loud boos the Canadian had his hand raised, as the Radicalz sauntered down to ringside. Climbing into the ring, Matt saw both coming and took Malenko down with a Twist of Fate attempt - to be sent into Saturn for a death valley driver! The Radicalz looked to do a number, when Eddie Guerrero hit the ring, taking out Saturn with a dropkick! 'Latino Heat' shockingly came to Matt Hardy's aid, and Matt had no idea what to make of it.
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Edge advances to the Semi-Final round.
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Conspicuous by his absence, Jeff Hardy was kicking himself at losing out on the King of the Ring Semi-Final round. Jonathan Coachman looked to get a word with the younger Hardy Boyz member as he sat on the hallway floor. The Coach mentioned Matt Hardy also being eliminated from the tournament by Edge, when up walked the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn. With Kid Kash to support him, Jerry called Jeff what the cat dragged in. Another phony that didn't belong anywhere close to superstardom. Jerry said he should have taken his spot a long time ago, but never fear: now he was the champ of the Light Heavyweight division. Jeff stood up to ECW, telling Lynn he knew a thing or two about being champ and he was looking for a shot, as it happened. Suddenly Kid Kash jumped Jeff, and after a scuffle, he and Lynn sent Jeff's head bouncing off steel shutters!
Meanwhile, the APA were en route to the ring. Scheduled to be part of Team WWF alongside the Brothers of Destruction this Sunday at King of the Ring, Bradshaw and Faarooq were set to take on the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer of the ECW Revolution - next!
- 5) The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer def. The APA (w/Jacqueline) (1:55)Team WWF was loading up, with Bradshaw and Faarooq joining the Undertaker and Kane in their fight against the ECW Revolution at King of the Ring. Who Paul Heyman had in mind for his team was yet to be stated, as the APA met Sandman and Tommy Dreamer following their altercation earlier tonight with fists flying! The rulebook was thrown out with the referee as the Texan blasted 'the Innovator of Violence' with a big boot! Sandman put the boots to Faarooq in the corner, when a diving clothesline saw him take Bradshaw off his feet. With Dreamer they choked Bradshaw in the corner, but Faarooq returned with the spinebuster on Dreamer. A Russian legsweep from Sandman regained ECW's advantage. Bradshaw returned with the Clothesline From Hell for 'the Hardcore Icon' when Mike Awesome came in with an Awesome Bomb to Bradshaw! Sandman hit a top rope legdrop to take the win.
In the theme of the night, ECW conquered with the help of outside interference. The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer weren't yet finished however, as Mike Awesome returned with another big boot to Faarooq! 'The Hardcore Icon' and 'the Innovator of Violence' brought out the Singapore canes, with Awesome coming off the top rope with a diving splash to the spine of Faarooq. Sandman and Dreamer then took turns using their kendo sticks on the spine of Faarooq, when the Brothers of Destruction came bellowing down to the ring! Undertaker and Kane exchanged fists with Sandman, Dreamer and Awesome; Bradshaw helping them out. The ECW Revolution were on the floor with the four members of Team WWF staring them down.
Paul Heyman finally got on the microphone, and once again stood atop the announce table. The ECW Owner congratulated each of them on another earnest showing, but he doubted they would walk out of King of the Ring victorious. The Undertaker mouthed off to Heyman as he told the WWF's team that they wouldn't know what hit them in six days, when they were to go up against ECW's Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Raven - and the man behind them right now. Confused, the Brothers of Destruction and the APA turned to see Rhyno pierce through Jacqueline with the Gore! The WWF Hardcore Champion got out of dodge quickly, beating his chest with the Revolution trash talking Team WWF!
- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooq and TBA) vs ECW Revolution (WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and Mike Awesome).
Vince McMahon was leaving his office, in time for Jonathan Coachman to approach him for his thoughts on King of the Ring's ten-man tag team match against the ECW Revolution. The Chairman told the Coach it was none of his business, but he more than liked Team WWF's chances. They were in good hands with leaders like the Undertaker and Kane - 'the American Badass' with over a decade of destruction in his history; and 'the Big Red Machine', one of the fiercest men he had met. The APA were men among boys backstage, and whomever the fifth man would be for Team WWF - he just knew they would obliterate ECW, and send them back to the bingo halls! Vince compared the difference between them and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Vince said Kurt Angle was right a few weeks ago - he was a real leader, and would be a model WWF Champion when he beat 'the Texas Rattlesnake' tonight.
- 6) WWF Women's Champion Chyna and Lita def. Trish Stratus and Ivory (2:40)With their match set up for King of the Ring, WWF Women's Champion Chyna teamed with Lita with her boyfriend 'the One' Billy Gunn joining commentary. Trish Stratus was not anticipating to be in action tonight, but was booked by WWF Divas Ambassador Debra to compete under orders from Vince McMahon. Ivory sported her new look post-Right to Censor, and together with Trish they succeeded in taking down Lita with a double suplex. Lita fired back with a spinning headscissors for Ivory and a tornado DDT on Trish, but she refused to tag in a smiling 'Ninth Wonder of the World'. Lita landed the drop toe hold on Ivory before finally tagging in Chyna for a military press slam! Chyna finished Ivory with the Powerbomb, before directing Lita to shed her blouse and hit a Moonsault: taking the win!
Trish Stratus left the ringside area in disgust, as Billy Gunn came to his feet applauding his girlfriend Chyna on a magnificent victory! The WWF Women's Champion breathed in the adulation of the crowd as she had her hand raised, before taking Lita's hand and trying to raise it. Lita laughed in 'the Ninth Wonder of the World's face and gestured that Chyna's title was hers for the taking this Sunday, and in leaving the ring, Chyna was left also with a smile on her face!
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Edge and Christian celebrated the victory by Edge earlier tonight, making it to the Semi-Final round of the King of the Ring tournament. Edge called it totally sweet, that this was everything he had worked for for five long years! Christian was stoked for his older brother, and told him he was about to do the same against Y2Jackass, Chris Jericho. Edge wished him luck and the two performed the secret handshake: one step closer to winning the King of the Ring tournament!
WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho stood beside Michael Cole in the interview area, where he immediately interrupted "Mitchell"s moronic question by asking him what would it take for Y2J to become King of the Ring. Jericho could think of four names in his way, and those included the Queen of England, Commissioner William Regal; the man so high he needed to remind himself his own name, Rob Van Dam; and the ugliest Canadian with the dorkiest name he'd ever hear a family call their son, Edge. But first, he had to take on Christian tonight. Y2J talked about the trials and tribulations he had been through, with one jackass down in Billy Gunn. With the help of all of his Jerichoholics, Y2J vowed to go the distance and forecast this Sunday for nothing but sun because a new King would be crowned - Y2King, that is! Y2J headed for the ring, the final Quarter-Final match up next!
Kurt Angle was ready for the main event, with Stephanie McMahon verbally motivating her boyfriend in the dressing room. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' spoke of how many times he had been so close to the WWF Championship, yet tonight would be the night. Steph urged Kurt to forget about King of the Ring for tonight, because tonight on RAW in the disgusting trash-hole that was Tampa, Florida - Kurt Angle would become a three-time WWF Champion when he defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin.
7) WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho def. Christian in a King of the Ring Qualifying match (4:12)The Semi-Finals of the 2001 King of the Ring tournament would be complete with the outcome of this match, but after defeating Billy Gunn and Kane respectively to make it to this round, who would advance? Y2J struck fast with a flying forearm and a wheel kick early, but Christian would soon show his own formidable attacks with an inverted neckbreaker allowing him to take the driver's seat. Christian grounded the WWF Intercontinental Champion with an armbar but Y2J fired up, a big back body drop sending him to the apron for a springboard dropkick! Y2J kept on Christian until an inverted DDT struck on the floor! Christian got a near-count out win, but would grow frustrated after a second inverted DDT got a near fall. The Unprettier was reversed into a Walls of Jericho attempt - blocked by Christian. A missile dropkick off the second saw Y2J lock in the Walls, forcing Christian to tap!
Chris Jericho had done it, overcoming Christian to make it to the final four of the 2001 King of the Ring tournament! The WWF Intercontinental Champion released Christian from the Walls of Jericho and had his hand raised in victory, as Edge was seen in the locker room watching on in disappointment for his brother. Meanwhile, Rob Van Dam nodded at a monitor in the backstage hall. From the comfort of his office, Commissioner William Regal with Tajiri scouted the competition. Four men were going into Sunday, but only one would be crowned King!
- KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Chris Jericho advances to the Semi-Final round.
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Vince McMahon strutted the hall before coming across a dressing room door. Taking a deep breath, the Chairman took it upon himself to enter to see a despondant Trish Stratus sat on a bench inside. The WWF Diva coldly asked what her ex-lover wanted, but Vince told Trish that he had to book him in that tag team match - it was in the interest of fairness. Trish couldn't understand what Vince wanted and went to leave, but Vince told Trish that he loved to watch her leave! Stopping for a moment, the WWF Owner breathed down Trish's neck. Luring her back inside the room, Vince told Trish that just because she was forbidden fruit didn't mean they couldn't still be bad together. Trish was wooed by Vince, as the door closed on the two - shacking up one more time!
With her father up to no good with her mortal enemy, Stephanie McMahon's attention was elsewhere as she followed a determined Kurt Angle down the hall. Up next, 'the Megastar' would receive the WWF Championship match he anticipated at King of the Ring. WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin left his dressing room with the gold in hand. It would be on the line next - but who would walk into the Triple Threat match this Sunday as WWF Champion?
An advertisement aired, promoting the series premiere of WWF Tough Enough - an hour-long special airing this Thursday night immediately following SmackDown, on MTV!
Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed us back to RAW ahead of the main event. They recapped what had gone down tonight, before talking ahead about King of the Ring live on pay-per-view this Sunday night. They ran down the line-up, with the Semi-Finals of the King of the Ring tournament added to the show!- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Edge in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match.
- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: WWF Commissioner William Regal vs Rob Van Dam in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match.
- 8) Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) def. Kurt Angle (w/Stephanie McMahon) to retain the WWF Championship by disqualification (9:24)
'The Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Megastar' put on a clinic at Judgment Day, but six days away from the Triple Threat match at King of the Ring, Kurt Angle ordered a WWF Championship match one-on-one tonight - with Triple H banned from interfering. Stone Cold and Kurt Angle met with right hands when the action spilled out to the floor with 'the Rattlesnake' sending Kurt into the ring post. Back inside Austin worked over Angle on the mat, when Angle turned things around and grounded Austin. Stone Cold reverted back to stomping a mudhole in Angle, when he turned to talk trash to Stephanie McMahon at ringside. Angle opportunistically struck with a back suplex, and began swinging the WWF Champion's legs against the ring post and apron. Angle took Austin to work with a series of German suplexes, but Austin continued to power out at two.
'The Megastar' desperately wanted to walk out of the Ice Palace as WWF Champion, repeatedly turning to Stephanie for tips on keeping 'the Rattlesnake' down. Austin lashed back with the Lou Thesz press and drove the forearm into the chest of the challenger. Stone Cold heard Tampa and picked Angle up for the Stunner, but Angle caught the ankle and applied the Ankle Lock! Austin groaned in pain as Angle had the champ where he wanted him - but Austin would send Kurt out to the floor. Austin brought the fight at ringside, sending Angle over the barricade. The referee went to check on him, allowing Stephanie to slap Austin across the face! Austin grabbed her by the hair and sent her into the ring. Austin mouthed off at her, when Angle came from behind with a shot from the WWF Championship belt!
Inexplicably, 'the Megastar' had just gotten himself disqualified in the WWF Championship match he himself at demanded! Kurt Angle helped Stephanie McMahon to her feet, before proceeding to stomp a mudhole in Stone Cold Steve Austin! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' was down and beaten, as 'the Billion Dollar Princess' urged her boyfriend to do more damage. Leaving the ring and securing a steel chair, Kurt wrapped it around the ankle of Austin.
Kurt Angle climbed to the second rope looking to shatter the WWF Champion's ankle - when Triple H rushed down to the ring! 'The Game' and 'the Megastar' went blow for blow, with Angle and Stephanie sent running from the ring. HHH stood staring him down from the ring, when Austin limped to his feet and flipped the bird to 'the Game'. In six days, these three egos will meet for the richest prize in the business!
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Post by DTP. on Feb 9, 2022 15:22:02 GMT -5
King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Triple Threat Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple HAfter a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Yet after a brutal Steel-Cage war, Triple H staked his own demand to recapture the title that eluded him. Austin accepted, much to the fury of Angle. Carnage is sure to unfold at King of the Ring!  The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. In the final four, it boiled down to Rob Van Dam, William Regal, Edge and Chris Jericho. Depending on the outcome of those semi-final matches, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will be decided in this final, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? 10-Man Tag Team MatchTeam WWF vs The ECW Revolution
The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooq and TBA
vs
Rhyno, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and Mike Awesome
Nobody saw the invasion coming, when on May 21, 2001 the unthinkable happened. Paul Heyman's ECW stronghold ran havoc on the WWF. Taking out the top WWF Superstars, the ECW Revolution have taken over. On June 11, Mick Foley made his return to RAW is WAR with a clipboard on hand: on behalf of WWF CEO Linda McMahon, making this match official. The Brothers of Destuction headed an army with the APA following them to the frontline. Heyman responded naming the five most fearsome members of the ECW Revolution headed by WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno. Who would be Team WWF's fifth man as they set to wage war on ECW? WWF Tag Team Championship
The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley BoyzLance Storm and Justin Credible shocked everybody when they left TLC III as the WWF Tag Team Champions. Even more shocking, they did so by defecting from the WWF and X-Factor, and becoming the Impact Players aligned with the ECW Revolution. The Dudley Boyz were gone for weeks, with Storm and Credible running their mouths until the Dudleys returned with a vengeance. After an ambush at WWF New York, the Dudleys announced their intentions for the gold and retribution - after the Impact Players eliminated Spike Dudley by sending him crashing through a table. Who would be the most dominant team in sports entertainment?
 The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Semi-FinalEdge vs Chris JerichoThe King of the Ring tournament has boiled down to four participants, with the first of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Edge qualified to make it here by defeating K-Kwik and WWF European Champion Matt Hardy, whereas the WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho beat Billy Gunn and Christian. In recent weeks E&C had been on the outs, determined to cement their legacy by becoming King - even if it meant having to battle it out against each other. Y2J denied that by eliminating Christian, leaving it up to Edge to earn royalty himself. Who would advance to the Finals between the two prosperous Canadians?  The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Semi-Final
Rob Van Dam vs William RegalThe King of the Ring tournament boiled down to four participants, with the second of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Rob Van Dam qualified by overcoming Bradshaw and Jeff Hardy, whereas Commissioner William Regal advanced against Test and Rikishi. While Regal had been extremely defensive of the WWF against the recent ECW Revolution in recent weeks, RVD was adamantly loyal in jest of advances made by his former colleagues such as Raven and Paul Heyman. Would 'the Goodwill Ambassador' follow in the footsteps of His Majesty, the Queen, or would 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' prove exactly why they call him that? WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date? Matches to be announced. 2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Edge def. K-Kwik
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Matt Hardy def. Perry Saturn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Christian def. Kane
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: Rikishi def. Albert
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: William Regal def. Test
Quarter-Finals:
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Jeff Hardy
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: William Regal def. Rikishi
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Edge def. Matt Hardy
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Christian
Semi-Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: William Regal vs Rob Van Dam
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: Chris Jericho vs Edge
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Feb 11, 2022 10:26:57 GMT -5
SmackDown! - June 21, 2001
TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida
Broadcast on UPNTaped on June 19, 2001
"Everybody on the Ground"
A video package aired, recapping the events that unfolded on RAW. Stone Cold Steve Austin was on the war path to King of the Ring, when Kurt Angle sucked up to Vince McMahon to get the WWF Championship one-on-one match that was originally promised to him. The main event saw them collide, with 'the Texas Rattlesnake' clenching victory when Stephanie McMahon involved herself. Stone Cold was about to lay a hand on 'the Billion Dollar Princess', when Angle got himself disqualified! With the use of the WWF Championship gold, as well as a steel chair, Angle worked to weaken Austin for King of the Ring, threatening to break his ankle - but in the nick of time came Triple H to his aid. 'The Game' was flipped the middle fingers by Austin - what would go down in the Triple Threat match this Sunday?
The opening video package aired, bringing us to a lively crowd in Orlando for SmackDown! Pyrotechnics erupted in the rafters overlooking the ring and across the stage, as Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to the show. Three days away from the King of the Ring live on pay-per-view, they ran down what was coming up tonight!
- TONIGHT: Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon declare WWF Championship victory.
- TONIGHT: The Brothers of Destruction vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno and Mike Awesome
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz vs Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman
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Jim Ross interviews the King of the Ring Final Four
Jim Ross made his way to the ring to a positive response from the TD Waterhouse Centre. Three days away from the 2001 King of the Ring, J.R. spoke about the tournament reaching a climax this Sunday night. He talked about the journeys the final four men had gone to make it here, before welcoming out WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho! Y2J posed on his way out to the ring, climbing inside and shaking hands with the voice of the World Wrestling Federation. J.R. welcomed out a formidable opponent in Edge, believing him to be more suited to tag team competition. Coming out with Christian beside him, the two sunglasses-clad brothers climbed into the ring with Y2J mouthing off toward them. J.R. restored order as he introduced Rob Van Dam, who received a massive ovation from the crowd!
As Orlando chanted RVD's initials, he and Chris Jericho stared down Edge and Christian with eager smiles, but Jim Ross made note of the fourth semi-finalist. Commissioner William Regal stepped out to the rampway with Tajiri, a microphone in hand. Speaking candidly about how J.R. was saving the best for last, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' spoke of having royalty in his blood - and that made him a certain victor this Sunday at King of the Ring. The fans chanted derogatory remarks much to Regal's flattered response, as the Englishman spoke of how nobody would respect Your Majesty, the Queen any greater than a man like himself. After all, he was born in England, he had wined and dined with Dukes and saints, and he had actually been to Buckingham Palace! Chris Jericho snatched the microphone from the Commissioner, begging him to please shut the hell up!
The fans roared as he spoke about nobody wanting to see a brown-nosing turd-burglar like William win King of the Ring. The fans all wanted to see Y2J don the crown and be deemed the ruler! Nobody would look hotter than 'the Sexy Beast', dripping in gold with the WWF Intercontinental Championship around his waist, and the crown over his head. Christian spoke up, calling Jericho an ignoramus dorkus-mallorkus. Had he not cheated to win in their quarter-final match, he would be going to Sunday to meet his brother Edge in the Semi-Finals - but Y2Jerk deprived the people from seeing an all-time classic unfolding! Edge told Jericho that there was no buzzkill bigger than a reekazoid like him, but his journey would end when they met this Sunday, and Edge would be going all the way to be crowned King! The brothers high-fived one another when Rob Van Dam took the microphone.
Talking about dark horses, it appeared nobody had taken into consideration that King RVD could be a thing that could happen. They called him 'the Whole Dam Show' for a reason; nobody flew as high as Rob Van Dam! He was the daredevil willing to risk it all and fly to whatever heights he needed. It was all cool to him, and if he had to fight twice in one night to get the job done - they could bet their asses that they were about to get smoked by 'Mr. Pay-Per-View!' William Regal was baffled, unable to comprehend the damages RVD could afford the concept of being King of the Ring. A man like himself as King would be a fire hazard waiting to happen - and he looked forward to making sure he didn't go any further this Sunday! William Regal still did not trust that Rob Van Dam was on the WWF's side opposite his former allies in the ECW Revolution, prompting RVD to question whether he believed Tajiri either.
He talked about 'the Japanese Buzzsaw's history in ECW, offending the newcomer when Y2J told the little scamp to calm down. Jericho told William it was all a moot point because when the day turned to night in the Meadowlands this Sunday, there was only one man going to be crowned King. But that was seventy-two hours away, as for tonight: what was stopping any of them from getting it on in Orlando? The fans cheered as Y2J proposed he and RVD show Regal and Edge what to expect, and Regal signed off on the idea! William and Tajiri left the ring, when Edge and Christian ambushed Y2J from behind. The champ tried to fight them, when RVD jumped in with a step-over wheel kick sending Christian to the floor. Y2J and RVD stared down Regal and Edge - a tag team match between the semi-finalists set for tonight!
- TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam vs WWF Commissioner William Regal and Edge
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Trish Stratus was seen sneaking out of Vince McMahon's office, closing the door behind her. Unfortunately, she came face to face with Stephanie McMahon. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' was repulsed to see she was still shacking up with her father, but told her to remember one thing and one thing only: there was only room for one dominant female in the McMahon Empire. Trish told Steph she remembered it all already, but for a dominant female she and Kurt Angle liked to run with their tails between their legs. Trish called them made for each other, but Steph told her how she couldn't wait for Vince to grow bored of her. Finally Kurt Angle turned up. In a great mood, he asked what the ladies were talking about. Trish played innocent, but 'the Megastar' ignored her - tonight was a great night, because in his declaration he was ready to be crowned three-time WWF Champion come King of the Ring - it's true!
The APA were sat in their office with Jacqueline, Test, K-Kwik, Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Steve Blackman and Victoria around them. Together they talked about the beating that ECW was in for in the ten-man tag team match this Sunday at King of the Ring. Bradshaw gloated that they alongside the Brothers of Destruction were going to annihilate the ECW Revolution - when in walked the Brothers of Destruction with Sara. The Undertaker was warming up ahead of tag team competition, telling the WWF troops that all hands were on deck - yet they were still a guy short. Quizzing the locker room he asked who would step up to the plate and join them on the frontline, because this Sunday was going to be what separated the boys from the men. 'The Big Red Machine' urged they get ready for Rhyno and Raven, as the WWF locker room applauded them.
-
The crowd booed loudly as the Impact Players sauntered out to the ringside area. The WWF Tag Team Champions were anticipating their title defense against the Dudley Boyz this Sunday at King of the Ring, and joined Michael Cole and Tazz on commentary. Lance Storm and Justin Credible laughed about the big back body drop through the table to Spike Dudley on RAW is WAR, and spoke about how D-Von and Bubba Ray were not going to make it past dangerous men like the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.
1) The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer def. The Dudley Boyz (3:49)
D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley had been waiting to face the Impact Players for a month and would get the chance at King of the Ring - if they could overcome two members of the ECW Revolution's team: the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. ECW struck off the distraction by the WWF Tag Team Champions, but Bubba turned the tables with a sidewalk slam to Sandman! The Dudleyville Device was attempted but Dreamer delivered a death valley driver to D-Von! The ECW Revolution watched at a backstage monitor as Sandman strangled D-Von over the second rope, when a clothesline saw D-Von get the tag to Bubba. Bubba struck with a body slam - and Wazzup followed! The Impact Players decided to act with Storm, distracting Bubba and the referee as Credible struck D-Von with a Singapore cane at ringside! Dreamer landed the DDT, when Sandman followed up with a diving legdrop, giving ECW the win!
The Impact Players continued putting the boots to D-Von Dudley on the floor, as the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer had their fists raised in victory. The ECW Revolution were firing on all cylinders headed into Sunday against Team WWF, when 'the Innovator of Violence' was handed a Singapore cane by 'the Hardcore Icon'. Lance Storm and Justin Credible held up Bubba by the arms, as Sandman nearly decapitated him with one fatal swing! The Impact Players set up a table at ringside. From the apon, Storm and Credible powered D-Von off the apron through the wood with a double spinebuster!
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Paul Heyman was in the ECW's quarters with WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. He talked about how that was what ECW was all about: violence, brutality, bloodshed and taking no prisoners. It was what brought them all to 'The Dance', and that dance would be danced this Sunday when they manhandled the World Wrestling Federation at King of the Ring. Heyman spoke of Team WWF not standing a chance, given the number of times they had had their asses handed to them in their own house. Heyman declared Sunday no different, and tonight Rhyno and Mike Awesome - two former ECW World Champions - were going to castrate Team WWF by beating down the Undertaker and Kane! Meanwhile, the ECW Owner declared he was going to take matters one step further: by calling out Vince McMahon!
- TONIGHT: Paul Heyman calls out Vince McMahon.
Edge and Christian were in the locker room laughing about the absurdity of a pinhead like Rob Van Dam winning King of the Ring. Christian could not believe the idea of Chris Jericho being crowned King - especially the chances of him getting past Edge, who totally ruled. Edge apologized to his younger brother for not making the cut past the WWF Intercontinental Champion on RAW is WAR, saying he would be much cooler to team up with than "Lord Stick-Up-His-Arse" William Regal. Suddenly Commissioner William Regal and Tajiri entered the room. He told Edge how he was looking forward to their match with Y2J and RVD tonight, just as much as he was looking forward to the prospect of meeting a talented man like himself in the Finals, when all was said and done. Edge motioned for a high-five, but Regal had no idea what to do about it. In leaving, E&C went back to mocking Regal!
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2) Jeff Hardy def. Kid Kash (w/WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn) (4:21)
Eliminated from the King of the Ring tournament against Rob Van Dam, RAW saw Jeff Hardy find a new threat in the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn. Himself and Kid Kash made fun of Jeff's shortcomings before ambushing him in a two-on-one attack! 'The Notorious K.I.D.' was smug when Jeff lashed out at him with the Whisper in the Wind, the match spilling to the floor where Jeff surprised Jerry with a clothesline off the barricade! A hurricanrana cut Jeff off, and Kash controlled the pace with a backbreaker. A springboard senton saw Jeff get his knees up, and with a series of flying clotheslines and a legdrop to the groin, Jeff went to the top rope. Lynn grabbed his foot just to be kicked away, when Kid Kash intercepted with a brainbuster attempt - reversed into a DDT! Jeff removed his shirt and went to the top for the Swanton Bomb, to pick up the win!
Without his fellow Team Xtreme members, Jeff Hardy managed to overcome Kid Kash with Jerry Lynn in his corner - yet the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion would strike after the bell! Jerry galavanted with the title raised high over Jeff's body, soon preparing the Air Raid Crash just for Jeff to land on his feet. Sending Lynn from the ring with a spinout enzuigiri, Jeff followed with a somersault plancha onto the champ! Jeff motioned that he wanted the title, as Lynn backed up the rampway.
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Chris Benoit poured coffee into a cup in the catering area, when up approached the Brothers of Destruction. With Sara behind them, the Undertaker smirked as he told 'the Rabid Wolverine' he was the guy he was looking for. Referencing their history, he said he was the last guy he wanted to ask given the circumstances: but 'the American Badass' wanted to know if Benoit was going to be man enough to help Team WWF fend off the ECW Revolution at King of the Ring. Benoit chuckled as he eyed up 'the Big Red Machine' Kane, asking whatever happened to keeping out of each other's business. Benoit recounted recent weeks where Undertaker questioned his loyalty against ECW - and told the Brothers of Destruction they could find somebody else to be Team WWF's fifth guy!
-
WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin had arrived at the building, and was flanked by his wife Debra who tried to help 'the Texas Rattlesnake' walk. Austin could barely walk after the attack from Kurt Angle on RAW, but stubbornly told Debra he didn't need her help! She questioned how Steve could fight on Sunday in the Triple Threat match - he might be one tough son of a gun, but he was still only man! Stone Cold told Debra not to question him, that his name is Stone Cold Steve Austin, he was the WWF Champion, and he planned to take care of business against Kurt Angle and Triple H at the same time in three days. Trish Stratus sheepishly approached Austin, wanting to pass a message that Kurt Angle was planning a declaration of sorts tonight in the ring. She stirred the pot, telling him 'the Megastar' planned to tell everybody how he made Austin cry like a baby! Austin told her they'd see about that when he confronted Kurt himself. Debra rolled her eyes in dismay.
An advertisement aired promoting WWF Tough Enough. The series premiere would be a special double-length episode, broadcast tonight on MTV, immediately following SmackDown!.
-
Vince McMahon smiled coyly as he spoke to Stephanie McMahon in his office. Kurt Angle snacked on salad on the couch as the Chairman could not believe the gall of Paul Heyman to plan to call him out tonight. If ECW Revolution getting their butts beaten at King of the Ring wasn't enough, he proclaimed proudly that if that's how the ECW Owner wanted to go out, he planned to beat him to the punch. If anybody was to call anybody out, this was SmackDown - not ECW! Stephanie questioned if Vince was sure about this, proposing the idea of a trap. Instead, the WWF Owner was confident it would work out well and left the room. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' continued to voice her worries to 'the Megastar', who coolly asserted that Vince knew what he was doing. Much like with Trish Stratus, Vince was a 'Genetic Jackhammer' and would school Paul Heyman's out-of-shape ass with his eyes closed!
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WWF European Champion Matt Hardy and Lita congratulated Jeff Hardy on his win against Kid Kash in the Team Xtreme locker room. Telling Jeff that the Hardy Boyz were going after all the gold, he reminded them that Lita had the chance to become WWF Women's Champion against Chyna at King of the Ring; and now he had the chance to become a two-time WWF Light Heavyweight Champion against Jerry Lynn. Jeff told Matt how stoked he was for them, when in walked Eddie Guerrero. Friendly, 'Latino Heat' assured Matt he wasn't there to cause a ruckus. He came to thank them for their help with his former friends, the Radicalz. Matt didn't trust him but Eddie said there were no hard feelings: their past was in the past. Eddie proposed if they ever needed help to let him know, which Jeff declined. Guerrero asked for luck against Perry Saturn tonight, leaving Team Xtreme stumped!
- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: Jerry Lynn (c) vs Jeff Hardy for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
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The Dudley Boyz nursed their wounds in the corridor backstage, sat atop storage boxes. Bubba Ray Dudley clutched his head as D-Von rived in pain, when Jonathan Coachman approached them. D-Von said that playtime was over a long time ago, and now was time to get serious. The Impact Players tried to question the Dudleys' names and question what they had done. They too could get serious, and this Sunday they would strike down with furious anger on Lance Storm and Justin Credible to reclaim the WWF Tag Team Championships! Bubba Ray said they would avenge their injured little brother Spike Dudley, but first and foremost, the Dudleys would take back what belonged to them!
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Meanwhile, WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam walked together down the hall. With the King of the Ring Semi-Finals coming up on Sunday, Y2J stopped RVD as they headed for the ring. Tonight they had the opportunity to get an early advantage on Commissioner William Regal and Edge - but this Sunday, it would be all business if it boiled down to the two of them going at it in the King of the Ring Finals. RVD told Jericho it was chill, because in a meeting of the minds with a guy like Chris: anything could happen. RVD and Y2J shook hands and set off for the ring: the tag team match up next!
3) WWF Commissioner William Regal and Edge (w/Christian and Tajiri) def. WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam (8:15)
The King of the Ring Semi-Final round was set for this Sunday, with the final four having to compete twice if they were to win the King of the Ring tournament. After a confrontation earlier tonight this match was made by Commissioner William Regal as he started with opponent Rob Van Dam. RVD handily discarded the Englishman when Chris Jericho came in to show off some tag team chemistry. A step-up enzuigiri saw Regal falter into the tag to Edge. The two opponents come Sunday mixed it up with Y2J nailing a springboard dropkick sending Edge from the apron on top of Christian! RVD hit a springboard moonsault to the floor, when Tajiri's distraction allowed Regal to hit a neckbreaker. Together they worked the spine of Y2J, with Christian hitting an inverted DDT on the floor, behind the referee's back!
Y2J broke free of a facelock and tagged RVD who unwielded with his agility. The monkey flip sent Edge into Tajiri on the apron, and a thrust kick took him down. The Five-Star Frog Splash was on the way when Y2J blind tagged in. Teammates had a war of words when Edge struck with the spear on Jericho! RVD fended him off, when Tajiri snuck in with a Buzzsaw Kick for RVD! The legal man, Regal picked up the pieces with his feet on the ropes - to pin the WWF Intercontinental Champion!
Commissioner William Regal rolled out of the ring after the bell to boos from the Orlando crowd. Waving to them despite their hostility, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' was applauded by his bowing apprentice Tajiri. Edge and Christian seemed thrilled at Chris Jericho's loss too, as Rob Van Dam slowly came to - agitated by 'the Japanese Buzzsaw's involvement! Regal raised Edge's hand on the rampway, but only one man would win King of the Ring. With a cheery smile on his face, even Edge was sceptical that Regal would be a gentlemen if he made it to the finals!
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Vince McMahon left his office, en route for the ring where he planned to meet ECW Owner Paul Heyman in the ring. While 'the Twisted Genius' had planned to call out the WWF Chairman, the billionaire had other plans in mind! What would happen in a meeting of the Owners ahead of King of the Ring?
Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman: Face to FaceThe crowd boomed, with Vince McMahon strutting down to the ring. Despite how fans felt about him, the WWF Owner's imminent confrontation with Paul Heyman was sure to be an unforgettable moment, and Vince prepared by removing his suit jacket upon entering the ring. Throwing it down to the canvas, Vince spoke about how with King of the Ring coming up in three short days, there was all kinds of talk about a "big fight feel" in Orlando tonight! McMahon noted 'the Twisted Genius's desire to meet face to face with him, and Vince had a funny feeling that Paul wasn't about to come along. Calling out for the ECW Owner, Paul Heyman soon came pacing down the rampway. To loud boos blended with ECW chants, the leader of the Revolution climbed into the ring with a smirk of determination on his face. Vince ordered Heyman to explain himself, because they'd made it no secret that this had been years in the making!
Paul took the microphone and smiled, telling Vince how for the first time in a long time, not a single lie had been detected. It had been a long time coming since he had wanted to come face to face with him: the almighty, impervious Chairman of the Board - Vincent Kennedy McMahon! He was 'the Genetic Jackhammer', a billionaire whose guts he absolutely hated! Heyman relished getting him in the ring face to face, telling him how much he hated his guts. Vince watched, as Heyman dug deep: telling him how the empire was doomed to fail. Not only was he a billionaire, he was a billionaire on the hard work of other people. Heyman noted how Vince took Hulk Hogan's blood and built Titan Towers; how Vince stole Bret Hart's dream and bought an airplane with "WWF" all over it; how Vince stole Shawn Michaels' smile and took the company public to make himself a billionaire.
Heyman brought up Vince McMahon Sr, reminiscing how the Chairman's father went all around the country assuring promoters that he would never compete against them - nor would his son. Yet when Vince's father died, that's what the WWF Owner did! He competed with the promoters, and he took them all out of business! Heyman gloated about Vince stealing everybody else's ideas, most upset about how Vince stole his ideas. Paul vented about not caring for Don Owen, Sam Muchnick or Jim Crockett - because Vince stole from his dreams, his family, his money and ECW's legacy! Heyman remembered how Doink the Clown had green hair and a rubber nose, Stone Cold Steve Austin drank his first beer in ECW. While Bobby Heenan and Gene Okerlund danced around singing "Tutti Frutti", ECW was producing the edgy television that Vince called "Attitude".
Vince McMahon stood stone-faced, listening to an agitated Paul Heyman scream in his face about stealing his life, his money, and his legacy! Heyman lashed out by throwing his baseball cap in Vince's face. Screaming and cursing at the Chairman, Heyman said Vince's entire family hated his guts now, because they all saw him for what he truly was. He gloated around flaunting his affairs on national television; he flaunted his affairs for Playboy. Now was ECW's time to take back what was theirs, and that was why they had invaded the WWF. Heyman warned Vince that this Sunday, the WWF would meet their demise once and for all when the Revolution destroyed the Brothers of Destruction and the rest of Team WWF!
Vince McMahon questioned if Paul Heyman was finished, but the ECW Owner said he wasn't. He told Vince he was so glad to finally have this face-to-face discussion, because he wasn't finished yet. He knew the Chairman refused to back down from a challenge - which is why he did bring company. Suddenly, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer stepped out of two separate entry tunnels in the stands of the crowd. The TD Waterhouse Centre was about to be invaded; the two extremists brandishing Singapore canes with Vince's name on them - but before they had a chance to strike, the Brothers of Destruction came out behind both of them. Catching Tommy by surprise, 'the American Badass' met him with right hands; whilst Kane decked Sandman!
Paul Heyman was flabbergasted, as the Undertaker and Kane brawled with Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman respectively in the crowd; brawling with them down to ringside. With the Chairman enjoying the Brothers of Destruction taking out the Revolution's hired guns, the ECW Owner snuck up with a cheap right hand to the back of Vince's head! Heyman bailed from the ring, as the Undertaker and Kane stormed the ring. Vince got up from all fours, standing between Undertaker and Kane who stared down Heyman, Sandman and Dreamer on the rampway! Later tonight, Undertaker and Kane still had to contend with Rhyno and Mike Awesome!
Following a replay of what happened before the break, Triple H set up shop in his dressing room. He gulped a bottle of water, when spotting Trish Stratus stretching in the doorway. Flirtatiously she brought up how good it was to see him. Up close she speculated how excited he had to be, to have the opportunity to become WWF Champion at long last at King of the Ring. 'The Game' concurred, taking a seat. Trish soon closed in on him, approaching his lap on her knees and mentioning how liberating it felt to be single and free to mingle with whomever she wanted. Proposing how Stephanie McMahon's blood was to boil if she accompanied him to King of the Ring, HHH cracked a joke about how he knew all about her "friends-with-benefits" cr*p with Vince. He'd learned it the hard way, not to go near anybody or anything that a McMahon had touched again! The divorcee got up and left, refusing to fall for the rumor pot being stirred up by Trish.
- 4) Perry Saturn (w/Dean Malenko and Terri) def. Eddie Guerrero (4:29)Frustration within the Radicalz reached an apex with Eddie Guerrero losing the WWF European Championship one week ago. Removing 'Latino Heat' from the equation, it willed Eddie to come to the aid of Matt Hardy last Monday night on RAW. Dean Malenko and Terri watched with disgust as Eddie sauntered to the ring, jumped by Saturn with a series of suplexes. Saturn was aggressive, but the high-flying antics of Guerrero was able to outwrestle him. A brainbuster was attempted for Saturn to reverse into a backbreaker, and he distracted the referee allowing Malenko to clothesline him on the floor! Saturn worked the shoulder inside, the Rings of Saturn thwarted with a one-armed powerbomb from Eddie. Guerrero made the comeback, but with Malenko's distraction, Terri snuck in with a low blow as Eddie was on top. Saturn struck with the fisherman suplex to steal the win.
Perry Saturn picked up the win thanks to Terri and Dean Malenko's help, but the Radicalz were not yet finished with their former leader Eddie Guerrero. 'Latino Heat' was down, but Saturn and Malenko continued putting the boots to him as 'the She-Devil' watched on. Suddenly, the WWF European Champion Matt Hardy came bounding to the ring - surprisingly taking out Saturn and Malenko with clotheslines. Matt attempted the Twist of Fate on Malenko, when Saturn was able to drag him out to safety. Matt had come to the aid of Eddie, returning the favor from RAW!
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Commissioner William Regal was impressed with the interference Tajiri provided during the tag team match earlier tonight. In his office, Regal applauded 'the Japanese Buzzsaw' for using his noggin to provide victory - a certain sneak peek for King of the Ring this Sunday, where he planned to win it all. Tajiri responded in Japanese to Regal's bafflement. Suddenly, Kaientai entered the room. The two were met by a defensive Tajiri, who lept onto Regal's desk! It petrified Regal, who was stuck between the three Japanese men arguing at each other in their native language. Finally Taka Michinoku and Funaki left, bringing Regal to demand what was going on. He questioned if Tajiri wanted a match, he responded affirmative - presumably. Regal made the match on the spot - Tajiri against Taka, up next!
- TONIGHT: Tajiri vs Taka Michinoku
Vince McMahon held his head in pain in the backstage hallway, when approached by Stephanie McMahon. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' coldly asked how Vince was after the cheap shot from Paul Heyman, to which Vince asked what kind of man she thought he was. He told Steph that he was a grown man, a billionaire - much like the ECW Owner had said he was! He didn't give a damn about how his actions were received; what mattered was results. Vince barked at Stephanie, telling her to pick a side: was she with him or against him? Vince gave Steph the ultimatum because if she wasn't with him, she could get out of the WWF. She could run along to Shane in WCW; or Heyman in ECW. Vince told Steph he had an affair because he deserved it: for putting up with cr*p like the ECW Revolution. Steph was left apologetic, silenced by her Dad.
- 5) Tajiri def. Taka Michinoku (w/Funaki) (3:46)'The Japanese Buzzsaw' had kept busy tonight, aiding Commissioner William Regal to victory with a Buzzsaw Kick to Rob Van Dam earlier tonight. After an intense argument with Kaientai in the Commissioner's office, Regal made this match - and Funaki was thrilled. He watched anxiously as Taka Michinoku combated Tajiri with chops. Tajiri responded with some of his own, when a swift kick to the jaw knocked Michinoku through a loop! A spinning sit-out powerbomb got a near fall, when Funaki provided the distraction for Taka to send Tajiri to the floor. A springboard crossbody to the floor struck the newcomer, but as Michinoku showboated, Tajiri tied him to the ropes with the Tarantula! Funaki hopped on the apron looking to distract, only to receive the green mist to the face! The Michinoku Driver was blocked, and the Buzzsaw Kick struck to give 'the Buzzsaw' the three count!
'The Japanese Buzzsaw' scored an impressive victory against one-half of Kaientai, as Funaki was seen laying blinded on the ringside floor! His face full of green mist, he sobbed dramatically into the ringside floor. Inside, Tajiri grinned with mist dripping from his mouth. This Sunday, would Tajiri be the deciding factor for Commissioner William Regal to be crowned King of the Ring?
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In her office backstage, WWF Divas Ambassador Debra addressed the WWF Women's Champion Chyna, and her challenger come King of the Ring - Lita. She told them how this had potential to be the biggest match in the history of the women's division, and she was looking forward to it. Billy Gunn stood behind 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', warning Lita she was going down, as Debra asked both to sign the contract. Lita smiled as she took the pen and signed it. She told Chyna she was excited to play around with the Playboy covergirl. Billy again trash talked, when Chyna thrust the title belt onto him. Holding his girlfriend's gold as she signed, Chyna told Lita how she expected great things - if she's ready to even try to take her down. Chyna soon turned her back on Lita, prompting the challenger to confront her. The size difference was noticable, as Lita smiled at Chyna: she might be her biggest hurdle, but she was going to take her down with force this Sunday. Chyna smirked, wishing her luck.
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Meanwhile, tensions rode high as the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno stomped down the hall with a flexing Mike Awesome beside him. After the Brothers of Destruction got the best of the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer earlier tonight, how would the ECW Revolution get even with Team WWF's leaders - three days from the ten-man war at King of the Ring?
A hush Stephanie McMahon sat in the dressing room of Kurt Angle, who talked joyously about the things he had planned for them once he became WWF Champion again on Sunday. Not only would he be doing it on the one year anniversary of him becoming the 2000 King of the Ring - but he'd do it by adding Stone Cold Steve Austin to his list of victims! Angle checked in with 'the Billion Dollar Princess' who appeared vacant. She told Kurt that something bad was going to happen, that she could feel it. Comforting her with a hug, 'the Megastar' vowed that nothing would get in the way - this Sunday, in the Triple Threat match, he was going to leave triumphant. When that happened, nothing would stop them. It was all going to go their way. Steph hoped so, as Angle hugged her. What was Angle's declaration going to be like, with Stone Cold already plotting sabotage?
- 6) WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno and Mike Awesome def. The Brothers of Destruction (5:18) With the ten-man tag team match coming up this Sunday at King of the Ring, who would join the Undertaker, Kane and the APA on Team WWF against the ECW Revolution? They defended Vince McMahon against Paul Heyman's Sandman and Tommy Dreamer earlier tonight, but 'the Man-Beast' and 'the Gladiator' had to be chomping at the bit for revenge. They met Undertaker and Kane with rights and lefts to start, as 'the Deadman's wife Sara watched from ringside. Undertaker took Rhyno to Old School, when in came Kane with a flying clothesline! Mike Awesome snuck in illegally with a sledge to the back, and a spinebuster saw Rhyno and Awesome take control. Kane tried to fight both, but Awesome took him off his feet with the big boot! Kane made the tag but it went unnoticed by the referee, and Rhyno struck with the Gore - but Undertaker broke it up at two!
Kane tried to fight off a bear hug from Mike Awesome, finally able to - when he bypassed an advancing Rhyno with a sidewalk slam! The tag was finally made to the Undertaker, who came in running house against ECW. A series of corner splashes led to a charging DDT to Awesome. The Chokeslam was due for Rhyno when the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer came bounding out to the ring. Looking to go after the Brothers of Destruction, out darted the APA to confront them! Bradshaw and Faarooq combatted them at ringside to distract the referee, when Raven snuck from under the ring - an Evenflow DDT dropping the Undertaker! Rhyno sized him up, impaling 'the American Badass' with the Gore to score a huge victory!
The WWF Hardcore Champion from ECW had just picked up a pinfall victory over the Undertaker - made possible by Raven! The ECW Revolution were met with boos, as Raven aided the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer in beating down the APA at ringside. Bradshaw and Faarooq were dumped into the ring, when Kane tried to make a comeback: grabbing Sandman by the throat, only for Dreamer to strike with another sickening Singapore cane shot off the skull! It broke the cane in two over his head, as Team WWF laid prone.
The ECW Revolution stood tall headed into King of the Ring...when Chris Benoit hit the ring, armed with a steel chair! 'The Rabid Wolverine' ducked Sandman and clocked Dreamer, before surprising Awesome with a German suplex. Rhyno jumped Benoit, but Team WWF were there for support. Together, the five men cleaned the ring of ECW. A fifth man had been identified, and Benoit would soon stand tall with Undertaker and Kane's approval. What a war it would be on Sunday, when WWF met ECW!
- KING OF THE RING, THIS SUNDAY: Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooq and Chris Benoit) vs The ECW Revolution (WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer)
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All the while, Kurt Angle was joined by Stephanie McMahon as the two walked down the hall. Whatever 'the Megastar' was ready to declare, he had better make it good as a certain WWF Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin was seen watching him on the television monitor. Angle was headed to the ring!
In the heart of Times Square, WWF New York had a special guest tonight - the head trainer of WWF Tough Trainer Al Snow! Michael Cole asked Al how he had to be feeling, with the season premiere minutes away from premiering. Snow talked about the arduous process it had been to make it to tonight - where thousands upon thousands of applicants would be seen auditioning in a one-hour special on MTV. Al talked about how trialling it had been, not just for he and the other Tough Enough trainers - but especially for the contestants! Al provided a preview of things to come, with the contestants wittled down to the final thirteen by the end of the hour. Snow was stoked, when Tazz piped up questioning if being a mediocre competitor was enough to qualify for head trainer. 'The Human Suplex Machine' said he should be in that spot, prompting a back and forth - ending when Al poked fun at Tazz for having to watch ECW fail at King of the Ring, no doubt while eating a Big Whopper!
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Kurt Angle's declaration
'The Megastar' made his way out to the stage with girlfriend Stephanie McMahon beside him. In three days, Kurt Angle prepared for the Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship - but first, had some sort of declaration to make to the fans of Orlando. Erupting his pyrotechnics on his way to the ring, Angle took to the microphone to speak down to the Florida crowd. He spoke about everything that had happened tonight, and in recent weeks. The state of the WWF was changing, and he didn't know what was a more pressing factor. Was it the fact that fans were revolting needlessly over some affair committed by Vince McMahon. Steph bowed her head as Angle questioned who hadn't wanted to have an affair, especially when a woman like Linda McMahon - who was no doubt committed to her job as WWF CEO - was too busy to give any love to her husband.
The Olympic Gold Medalist apologized to his girlfriend for his honesty, but wanted her to know that she too was a grown woman: and Stephanie could also choose to do whatever she wanted. Kurt questioned if the changing of the guard was due to the invasion of ECW, how after weeks of being jumped and attacked by the ECW Revolution, they were sure to lose to Team WWF at King of the Ring. Of course, this was the World Wrestling Federation, and that meant the good guys were sure to win - something he would have obviously guaran-damn-teed if Kurt Angle was leading Team WWF himself, it's true! Angle received loud "you suck" chants from the crowd, but the Olympian ultimately passed on ECW being the reason. Kurt had bigger fish to fry, which brought him to his next point.
With all of the talk of love and war going on around the WWF, everybody was forgetting about what mattered most importantly of all. The richest prize in the business, the WWF Championship was up for grabs this Sunday - and as of this moment, he was officially declaring war on Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H! Angle explained why he got himself disqualified in his title match on RAW: because he needed an advantage. The Triple Threat match was bound to be more like a Handicap match against him, because Austin and HHH were jealous of what potential he had. Angle promised to do the fans proud as their leader: a man they could trust. Fuelled by the Three Is: intensity, integrity and intelligence, Angle vowed to bring home the gold and be the leader that the world needed. The fans booed, but Angle told them to boo 'the Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' - because he was the hero they deserved!
The glass shattered, out pacing the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. With a noticable limp, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' felt the effects of Kurt Angle's steel chair assault on RAW, but stomped down to meet Kurt Angle in the ring! Rights and lefts were exchanged, as Stephanie McMahon watched with anticipation. A Lou Thesz press caught Angle off-guard, when Steph shockingly stepped in with a hard slap to Austin! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' got in her face, with Stephanie refusing to back down after the Stunner received two weeks ago. Triple H suddenly came out to the rampway, removing his shirt. He looked Austin in the face and pointed in his direction - and 'the Game' made his way down the rampway. Only, Kurt Angle came from behind with an Angle Slam to Austin! HHH darted to the ring and went at it with Angle - Angle running into a high knee!
Triple H looked to follow up with the Pedigree, when Stephanie McMahon stood before him. 'The Game' relinquished the hooked arms of Kurt Angle, as 'the Billion Dollar Princess' fiercely stared a hole through HHH. The ex-husband and wife exchanged words themselves, when Stone Cold Steve Austin went at it with 'the Game!' Bad foot and all, Austin and HHH battled it out until referees raced to the ring. Struggling to keep the three parties apart, these three men would go to war for the WWF Championship - this Sunday, at King of the Ring!
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Post by DTP. on Feb 12, 2022 15:57:29 GMT -5
King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"
WWF Championship
Triple Threat Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple HAfter a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Yet after a brutal Steel-Cage war, Triple H staked his own demand to recapture the title that eluded him. Austin accepted, much to the fury of Angle. Carnage is sure to unfold at King of the Ring! The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals
TBA vs TBA The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. In the final four, it boiled down to Rob Van Dam, William Regal, Edge and Chris Jericho. Depending on the outcome of those semi-final matches, the ninth annual King of the Ring tournament will be decided in this final, but whose career will be changed forever in this year's instalment? 10-Man Tag Team MatchTeam WWF vs The ECW Revolution
The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooq and Chris Benoit
vs
Rhyno, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and Mike Awesome
Nobody saw the invasion coming, when on May 21, 2001 Paul Heyman's ECW Revolution took on the WWF, taking out their top Superstars, ECW have taken over. Mick Foley made his return to RAW is WAR with a clipboard in hand, declaring on behalf of WWF CEO Linda McMahon to make this match. The Brothers of Destuction headed an army with the APA heading to the frontline. Heyman responded naming five fearsome members of the ECW Revolution headed by WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno. In the eleventh hour, Chris Benoit filled the role of the fifth man for the WWF. At King of the Ring, these ten men would meet in an interpromotional war! WWF Tag Team Championship
The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley BoyzLance Storm and Justin Credible shocked everybody when they left TLC III as the WWF Tag Team Champions. Even more shocking, they did so by defecting from the WWF and X-Factor, and becoming the Impact Players aligned with the ECW Revolution. The Dudley Boyz were gone for weeks, with Storm and Credible running their mouths until the Dudleys returned with a vengeance. After an ambush at WWF New York, the Dudleys announced their intentions for the gold and retribution - after the Impact Players eliminated Spike Dudley by sending him crashing through a table. Who would be the most dominant team in sports entertainment?
The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Semi-FinalEdge vs Chris JerichoThe King of the Ring tournament has boiled down to four participants, with the first of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Edge qualified to make it here by defeating K-Kwik and WWF European Champion Matt Hardy, whereas the WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho beat Billy Gunn and Christian. In recent weeks E&C had been on the outs, determined to cement their legacy by becoming King - even if it meant having to battle it out against each other. Y2J denied that by eliminating Christian, leaving it up to Edge to earn royalty himself. Who would advance to the Finals between the two prosperous Canadians? The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Semi-Final
Rob Van Dam vs William RegalThe King of the Ring tournament boiled down to four participants, with the second of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Rob Van Dam qualified by overcoming Bradshaw and Jeff Hardy, whereas Commissioner William Regal advanced against Test and Rikishi. While Regal had been extremely defensive of the WWF against the recent ECW Revolution in recent weeks, RVD was adamantly loyal in jest of advances made by his former colleagues such as Raven and Paul Heyman. Would 'the Goodwill Ambassador' follow in the footsteps of His Majesty, the Queen, or would 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' prove exactly why they call him that?  WWF Light Heavyweight Championship
Jerry Lynn (c) vs Jeff HardySince their arrival, the ECW Revolution had taken the WWF by storm. Not only did they possess the WWF Hardcore Championship and WWF Tag Team Championships, but the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship too, once Jerry Lynn defeated X-Pac to capture the gold. With Kid Kash behind him, they would cross paths with the Hardy Boyz. Jerry took issue with Jeff for failing to qualify for the King of the Ring Semi-Finals, willing Hardy to defeat 'the Notorious K.I.D' on his own. With Matt Hardy as WWF European Champion and Lita chasing the WWF Women's Championship - could Jeff knock off Jerry and become a two-time champion? WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date? Matches to be announced. 2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results
Bracket
First Round:
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Jeff Hardy def. Eddie Guerrero
RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Bradshaw
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Edge def. K-Kwik
SmackDown!, June 7, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Billy Gunn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Matt Hardy def. Perry Saturn
RAW is WAR, June 11, 2001: Christian def. Kane
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: Rikishi def. Albert
SmackDown!, June 14, 2001: William Regal def. Test
Quarter-Finals:
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Rob Van Dam def. Jeff Hardy
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: William Regal def. Rikishi
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Edge def. Matt Hardy
RAW is WAR, June 18, 2001: Chris Jericho def. Christian
Semi-Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: William Regal vs Rob Van Dam
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: Chris Jericho vs Edge
Finals:
King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Feb 18, 2022 19:03:34 GMT -5
 WWF Tough Enough - June 21, 2001
Broadcast on MTV
"Casting Special"
Episode 1 From over 4,000 audition tapes, the World Wrestling Federation invited 230 hopefuls to audition at WWF New York. Judging on their physique and conditioning, WWF Tough Enough trainers Al Snow, Hardcore Holly, Jacqueline and Tori were joined by a panel of judges consisting of Mick Foley, John Gaburick, Kevin Dunn, and MTV producers. The contestants were each tested on their ability to receive questions and critiques, as well as trialled on promo abilities. The judges would later call back 25 finalists, to determine their final 13 contestants to be on the WWF Tough Enough reality show.- - TRAINERS: Al Snow, Hardcore Holly, Jacqueline & Tori
- SPECIAL GUESTS: Mick Foley, John Gaburick & Kevin Dunn
- CONTESTANTS: Bobbie Jo Anderson, Chris Nifong, Chris Nowinski, Darryl Cross, Greg Whitmoyer, Jason Dayberry, Josh Lomberger, Maven Huffman, Nidia Guenard, Paulina Thomas, Shadrick McGee, Taylor Matheny and Victoria Tabor were selected as the thirteen participants.
- ELIMINATIONS: Fourteenth finalist Tom was cut from the competition after refusing to sign the contract with MTV. He would be replaced by Greg.
| Contestants | | Bobbie Jo Anderson | | Chris Nifong | | Chris Nowinski | | Darryl Cross | | Greg Whitmoyer | | Jason Dayberry | | Josh Lomberger | | Maven Huffman | | Nidia Guenard | | Paulina Thomas | | Shadrick McGee | | Taylor Matheny | | Victoria Tabor |
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