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Post by DTP. on Nov 21, 2021 9:30:21 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Nov 29, 2021 10:46:46 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - May 21, 2001 Compaq Center in San Jose, California Live on TNN
The opening video package aired, cutting to the capacity crowd on hand in the Compaq Center! Pyrotechnics shot into the stage from the rafters, as a raucous crowd stood in anticipation in San Jose, California. On the heels of Judgment Day twenty-four hours ago, Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed us to RAW is WAR. They discussed Stone Cold Steve Austin retaining the WWF Championship against Kurt Angle, before paying attention to the betrayal of Shane McMahon by Stephanie McMahon. Conspiring against her brother, 'Daddy's Little Girl' was back at her father Vince McMahon's side, and Shane O'Mac was banished from the company! Heyman believed there was something in the air, and that something would go down tonight that would change the fibre of sports entertainment!
- Stone Cold Steve Austin is not finished with Kurt AngleThe glass shattered and the crowd rushed to their feet, for the arrival of the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. Stomping down the rampway, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' saluted the crowd before taking to the microphone. With regard to Judgment Day, he admitted how Kurt Angle tried with every ounce of his being to beat him and hit him where it hurt. 'The Megastar' was without question a tough competitor, but for all of his Olympic prowess, it didn't get him far enough. Austin said his name was Stone Cold Steve Austin, he was the WWF Champion, and he didn't believe for a second that Kurt Angle was done just yet. If he wanted to get Edge and Christian involved to do his dirty work for him, 'the Rattlesnake' invited them too. Calling out Team ECK, Austin believed Angle didn't have the balls to come fight in a second round! 'The Bionic Redneck' waited patiently pacing the ring. Announcing that he had all night, he did not anticipate who would answer his call.
Motörhead came over the Compaq Center, and out stepped Triple H! In his first appearance since Backlash last month, 'the Game' looked at the top of his game as he walked down the rampway to confront Stone Cold Steve Austin in the ring. After their battle at Backlash, 'the Game' looked Steve in the eyes before taking a microphone himself. He spoke about how he knew Austin wanted Kurt Angle out for another fight, but that wasn't about to happen. Telling Austin that the two of them needed to talk about Backlash, and how Triple H had come inches away from taking his WWF Championship away. Unfortunately that never happened, because of the very man Austin was out to fight: Kurt Angle! Warning the WWF Champion that they had unfinished business, and the time would come for them to his own rematch with Austin, Triple H told Steve Austin to back off - because if anybody wanted Angle's ass out here tonight for a fight, it was 'the Game!'
The two stared one another down and talked trash with Stone Cold pushing Triple H, but before hell could break loose Kurt Angle finally responded. Flanked by Edge and Christian, Team ECK received a largely negative response, as the bandaided Olympic Gold Medalist spoke about how pathetic the two of them were. They were grown men, and they were acting like children. Angle addressed Triple H, and how he had lost his place in line when he disappeared for the past month to cry like a little baby. As for Austin, he might refuse to admit just how close he came to recapturing the WWF Championship last night. Yet Kurt wasn't out here answering the challenges out of masculinity or bravado - in his mind, this went beyond that. The only thing he cared about tonight was getting back his Olympic gold medals from Stone Cold. Demanding to know where they were, Austin casually unbuckled his belt and raised them from the front of his jean shorts!
The crowd was in uproar, and he wasn't the only one. Kurt Angle was furious that his medals had been desecrated by Stone Cold's junk, but 'the Texas Rattlesnake' laughed at the Olympian's reaction. Austin claimed they were in a safe place, but if Kurt really wanted to get testy, he could bring himself and his b*tchboys to the ring to take them from him! Austin asked Triple H for his opinion, to which he was fine getting a fair share of the Olympic Jackass! Team ECK complied and marched to the ring, where a melee unfolded between Austin and Triple H, and Angle, Edge and Christian! A fistfight broke out, as Triple H was able to fight the Canadians off with a spinebuster to Edge, as 'the Rattlesnake' stomped a mudhole on Kurt Angle. Due to the numbers advantage, Team ECK made a comeback, but caught in the crosshairs saw Austin inadvertently strike Triple H, as he swung for Angle! Team ECK fled the ring, as Stone Cold dared them to come back and fight!
- The APA were seen marching the halls backstage, with Bradshaw speaking out about Eddie Guerrero sticking his nose where it didn't belong last night in Tag Team Turmoil. If 'Latino Heat' wanted to cost them the WWF Tag Team Championships, the Texan vowed to do him one better: and take back the WWF European Championship! Faarooq was in full support, with Bradshaw taking on Eddie - up next!
Backstage saw chaos, as the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin found himself again face-to-face with Triple H. Irate after being struck in the crossfire with Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian, 'the Game' questioned what 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was thinking moments ago. Calling him paranoid, Triple H told Austin that Team ECK was one thing - but they weren't done talking about one more match for the WWF Championship. Austin told 'the Game' to fight him like a man, and the two engaged in a shouting match that saw Austin raise the WWF Championship to his foe's face! Referees were on hand frantically trying to prevent another fight, as Austin and Triple H's problems escalated, rooting from Backlash!
- 1) Eddie Guerrero (w/The Radicalz) (c) def. Bradshaw (w/Faarooq) to retain the WWF European Championship (3:45)He stuck his nose in the APA's business last night in Tag Team Turmoil allowing Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko to advance, and now Eddie Guerrero had to pay the price. With the title on the line against the former WWF European Champion, 'Latino Heat' jumped the gun striking Bradshaw as he and Faarooq exchanged words with the Radicalz at ringside. Bradshaw gained the upper hand and the match spread to ringside, where Terri served as the distraction to allow Guerrero to strike with a baseball slide. The slingshot somersault senton scored a near fall when Eddie applied a single-legged Boston crab. Kicking his way out, the Texan executed a powerslam and a big boot for a near fall. Eddie was caught with the fallaway slam, and as he swung for the Clothesline From Hell, Terri climbed on the apron. Saturn darted in to be big booted, allowing Eddie to score the win with a rolling clutch cradle!
'Latino Heat' high-tailed it from the ring as Bradshaw came to his feet in dismay. Eddie Guerrero hugged the WWF European Championship on the rampway, while inside Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko would ambush the Texan from behind! Terri watched Bradshaw put up a fight but succumb, when Faarooq slid into the ring to even the odds. The APA fought the Radicalz, when a distraction from 'the She-Devil' allowed Saturn to drop Faarooq with a fisherman suplex! A high-low calf kick and legsweep dropped Bradshaw, as the Radicalz gained the upper hand on the hard-nosed beer drinkers. Eddie watched proudly from the top of the rampway, pleased with the results.
- The WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz were in the locker room, bruised and sore after outlasting three teams last night in Tag Team Turmoil. A gleeful Spike Dudley talked about how awesome Judgment Day was, how his brothers went through hell to walk out the champs. D-Von told Spike he played his part and together, they proved what made them the most dominant tag team in the WWF. The Fighting Holly Cousins overheard, as Hardcore Holly applauded them on a job well done. They may have outlasted the other teams, but the Dudleys had proved nothing to them. They were lucky to not have the chance to go up against the Hollys, because they would have kicked their asses. Bubba Ray joked why that happened - because they'd already been eliminated! Crash piped up aggressively, challenging the Dudleys to prove they're dominant again tonight against them - with the titles on the line! Spike accepted on his brothers' behalf, and as the Hollys left determined, Bubba and D-Von questioned why Spike just did that.
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz (c) vs The Fighting Holly Cousins for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
Commissioner William Regal welcomed his new apprentice to the WWF in his office, telling Tajiri he was his mentor and would be showing him how things work in the United States. Warning him about some of the WWF Superstars, Tajiri excitedly nodded, when Regal informed him his role required him to do whatever was asked of him. Tajiri grinned, when Kurt Angle stormed into the room. Beserk over Stone Cold Steve Austin holding possession of his Olympic gold medals, 'the Megastar' wanted something done. Edge and Christian questioned who the new guy was, laughing at the idea Tajiri didn't speak English. Regal informed Kurt that while Vince McMahon had not arrived in San Jose yet, he knew what could help: a handicap match tonight, pitting Team ECK against Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H! Angle vowed to punish Austin for his desecration. Edge and Christian were left behind, mimicking Tajiri further. Naively, he laughed along with them.
- 2) Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Victoria) def. The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan (w/The Right to Censor) (2:51)The Right to Censor looked to recoup their losses after Ivory's defeat to Chyna in the Good Housekeeping at Judgment Day. She, Steven Richards and Mark Henry watched from ringside as a brawl saw Scotty land a crossbody on Bull Buchanan. Scotty tried breaking down the Goodfather when a blind tag saw the RTC attain dominance, catching Scotty off the second rope and delivering a double body slam. Steven barked orders as Goodfather delivered a corner splash and a legdrop for a near fall, but as Bull lifted Scotty for a powerbomb, he landed on his feet, and the tag to Rikishi was made! 'Big Kish' cleaned house with a superkick making way for the Stinkface on Goodfather. At ringside Ivory confronted Victoria, swinging a right hand, but Victoria would block it and shove the former WWF Women's Champion down! Steven sent Mark after her, while inside Scotty landed the bulldog and executed the Worm for the win over Goodfather!
As Steven Richards tugged on his hair at ringside, it appeared that reprogramming the Right to Censor had failed to have lasting effects, sustaining a loss at the hands of Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty! 'Big Kish' fended off Bull Buchanan, and the two members of Too Cool would be joined by a happy Victoria in the ring. As the three celebration with a dance in the ring, Steven angrily lectured the Goodfather on the loss at ringside, when Goodfather shook his head and walked away from the leader of the RTC. Mark Henry, Ivory and Buchanan called after him, with the RTC back to their losing ways.
- Raven sat in a slump on the floor of a room backstage, staring up at the lights above him and questioning what he had done to deserve this. Chris Jericho robbed him of everything, his chance to be the big star he always wanted to be; his chance at hearing the adulation of the crowd for him for the first time in his career; and most importantly of all, his WWF Intercontinental Championship. Tori entered the room, angry that Raven had the gall to use her as bait in the Ladder match last night at Judgment Day. Raven told Tori to stop making this all about her. Tori argued knowing something had changed, when Raven told her to shut up. She used to be loyal. As far as they went, nothing had changed - at least in his eyes. He questioned where Tori's loyalty went, asking if it was all a charade while he was the champ. Tori was gobsmacked, as he ordered she admit it: she was a wh*re for gold, and little else. Walking out on his girl, Tori emotionally shouted after him!
The Undertaker arrived at the Compaq Center, hobbling down the hall with wife Sara beside him. Sore from the punishing Last Man Standing match with Chris Benoit last night at Judgment Day, the two came across Tajiri carrying a teatray balancing a pot, a cup and scones for Commissioner William Regal. Excited by the glitz and glamor on his first day, the apprentice screeched excitedly, telling him how starstruck he was to meet 'the American Badass!' Undertaker chuckled as Tajiri complimented 'the Deadman in Japanese, when the newcomer let slip that he was the man whose ass Mr. Regal beat last week! 'The Deadman' snapped, slapping the tray out of Tajiri's hands and thrusting him against the wall by the throat. Asking if that's how Regal remembered it, he told Tajiri ask Regal about a rematch tonight. If Tajiri understood, then they'd see who's ass would get beat. Letting him go, Undertaker slapped Tajiri on the cheek, with the challenge issued to the Commissioner!
- San Jose were unempaphetic to the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, as Raven sauntered down the rampway. With Tori attempting to keep up with her man, Raven slumped into the corner of the ring with a microphone in hand. Amidst the boos, he spoke not knowing what more could be done. He'd tried everything to get the people to behind him - he believed himself to be misunderstood. He had led an unfulfilled life of mediocrity, one of hard knocks and tragedy, and in response: the people hated him for that. The fans chanted as Raven discussed the Ladder match at Judgment Day, which saw their so-called hero Chris Jericho beat him limb from limb. Perhaps he deserved that, and maybe the right man won. But what about him? What about Raven? He proposed going back to a place where people acknowledged what he'd been through, and respected what he had accomplished.
Before being allowed time to elaborate, Raven was interrupted by his opponent K-Kwik! The riled up rapper sang and danced to the ring, performing "Get Rowdy" to a positive reception. Upon entering the ring, K-Dawg hyped up the California crowd before telling Raven he was a real bummer. There he was, a former champ. Last night he got his ass handed to him, but it was one hell of a car wreck - and the fans agreed! K-Kwik riffed on Raven being a buzzkill, before advising what he needed to get the fans behind him - some life and some energy, and that was the truth! The fans loved K-Kwik, and as he raised the microphone to hear the crowd's response, Raven abruptly ambushed him with a clothesline!3) Raven (w/Tori) def. K-Kwik (3:20)After losing the WWF Intercontinental Championship to Y2J in a hard-fought Ladder match at Judgment Day, Raven was inconsolable. Unreceptive to K-Kwik's advice about playing to the crowd, the former champ was aggressive in stomping at the rapper early, when a corkscrew kick caught him off the ropes! A suicide dive followed, and a missile dropkick scored a near fall. Raven repeatedly slumped to the floor, and as K-Dawg followed, Raven would deliver a Russian legsweep into the steel steps! A corner clothesline into a bulldog gave Raven a near fall, and the sadist applied a camel clutch. K-Kwik fought out into a backslide for a near fall, and a clothesline would send Raven from the ring. K-Dawg went to the top rope for a dive, but Raven would use Tori as a human shield - K-Kwik taking out his girl! Sacrificing his girl, Raven sent K-Kwik into the steps, when an Evenflow DDT would give him the three count.
The expression on Raven's told the story as he rose from the fallen body of K-Kwik. No victory could lift his spirits, the former WWF Intercontinental Champion slipping out of the ring and surveying Tori's prone body on the floor. Taking a kendo stick from beneath the ring, Raven returned and shoved down the referee to unwield relentless shots across the spine of K-Dawg! Tugging at his own hair, Raven was having a breakdown in the aftermath of Judgment Day. Tori came into the ring to confront her man, but he wanted no part of it. As Raven thought to leave, Tori found herself dropped with an Evenflow DDT from her own man! He held no regard for his girl's wellbeing, leaving solo: this relationship appeared to be done.
- A limousine rolled up in the parking lot outside of the Compaq Center. Seconds passed, with anticipation building until the door swung open, and out stepped Vince McMahon! Receiving a loud chorus of boos from inside the Compaq Center, the Chairman aided a female hand in stepping out - but it wasn't Trish Stratus's, it was Stephanie McMahon! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' was back on the side of her father, after conspiring to banish Shane McMahon from the WWF at Judgment Day! The two headed for the arena, where a huge explanation looked to be in order - up next!
In his office, a besmirched Commissioner William Regal picked up the soiled scones ruined by the Undertaker. Tea had been spilled everywhere, and Tajiri handed him the tray to 'the Goodwill Ambassador's disbelief. Scolding his new apprentice for getting him into this predicament against the Undertaker tonight, Regal voiced how he had to go through Big Show last night at Judgment Day, and now he had no choice but to fight 'the Deadman' tonight! Tajiri bowed his head in shame, panicking on the spot as Regal sighed. It was too late now, but Tajiri was lucky he didn't fire him on his very first day. Tajiri begged with him, and the Englishman warned that he wasn't afraid to get him deported back to Japan.
- Stephanie McMahon explains her actions at Judgment DayVince McMahon marched out to the stage in triumph, to the capacity crowd's appallment following the intergender tag team match at Judgment Day. The Chairman bowed to San Jose's despisal, before he welcomed out his daughter Stephanie McMahon. With a callous smile on her face, the united father-daughter combination would be joined by a sheepish Trish Stratus. The mistress of the boss walked behind them as the trio emerged in the ring, drowned out by the negative reaction. Vince knew everybody was looking to get an explanation for what went down last night, but before any of that he wanted to give his favourite woman in the world some props for last night - pointing to Trish Stratus! Although happy she remained hesitant, as Vince swiftly moved on to note today was a great day to be the WWF Owner. There was no Shane McMahon to spite him, because the WCW Owner was forced out on his ass where he belonged!
Admitting that his son Shane had given him a good fight, Vince surmised that it didn't matter what he did from now on because Shane O'Mac was dead to him! Furthermore, Vince added that it didn't matter what might happen on June 3, when WCW airs live on TNN. Pigs could fly and the sun could explode, but he wouldn't care because he'd know that Vincent Kennedy McMahon had won the war. Vince believed the Big Bang would be an implosion that nobody wanted to see and nobody wanted to hear about! Regarding the promotion of WCW over forever in Shane's absence, he handed the microphone to the woman responsible for his banishing - his daughter Stephanie McMahon. She hugged her father as he handed her the microphone, Stephanie beaming in response of the hostile reaction of a crowd's derogatory statements.
Stephanie told the people how nobody ever saw it coming, and how could they? After what Vince did, racking up in the sheets with her own best friend Trish Stratus, Stephanie felt victimized, heartbroken and betrayed. The strain that put on the McMahon Family was too much, that she was driven to hate what her father stood for. But then she started thinking, and as her Dad and Trish humiliated her mother, Steph remembered how she hadn't see eye-to-eye with Linda McMahon in years! With congratulations in order for Mom's health improvement, when it came to staying with the WWF or going down with whatever sinking ship Shane had planned, Stephanie regarded how she could never be stupid: that she would always be 'Daddy's Little Girl!' 'The Billion Dollar Princess' received a nuclear reaction of boos as she divulged that she had been in it with Dad for weeks, and to exemplify matters - she even signed a new WWF contract on the morning of Judgment Day!
Wishing Shane McMahon the best of luck in his future endeavors, 'Daddy's Little Girl' announced that coming off of months of figuring out what was best for Stephanie McMahon, the b*tch was back, and together with her Daddy, the two of them would bring the McMahon Empire into a new era! Trish stood idly by as Vince hugged his daughter, when Linda McMahon appeared on the TitanTron. The fans cheered respectfully, as Linda appeared via satellite from WWF Headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut. The WWF CEO announced she was back, in spite of illness that was prolonged by a certain Vincent K. McMahon upping her medication to lethal proportions. She could have been killed, but he didn't care - he was too busy exploring the world with his plaything of a mistress.
To Vince, Steph and Trish's shock, Linda said that after all the three of them had put her family through, as she wished Shane the best promoting WCW's Big Bang, she was back to her duties as CEO - and that was bad news for her husband! Linda told Vince that after looking through the documents with the family lawyer: she planned to not only divorce him, but to take every penny from him that belonged to her! She told Vince that she would see him in court! The trio stood agasp in the ring, as Linda smiled back at them.
An advertisement aired, promoting the rise from the ashes of WCW. Under Shane McMahon's devising, the company would see a return in the form of invasion - as for the very first time, WCW would broadcast live on TNN! With Booker T defending the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and United States Championship against Diamond Dallas Page announced, a huge return was added: in the form of the return of 'the Nature Boy' Ric Flair! The former sixteen-time World Champion would be in action, taking on Buff Bagwell. WCW Big Bang takes place from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, June 3.
- WCW THE BIG BANG, JUNE 3: Ric Flair vs Buff Bagwell
- 4) The Undertaker (w/Sara) def. Commissioner William Regal (4:08)Despite overcoming Big Show by the skin of his teeth at Judgment Day, the Commissioner's new apprentice Tajiri had landed him in hot water. The Undertaker was out to avenge the count-out loss from last week, and immediately cornered William Regal with lefts and rights in the corner. He bailed from the ring to be sent into the barricades, when Regal was able to thumb the eye and send the veteran into the steel steps! Back inside, the Englishman drove his knees into the hamstring, when 'the American Badass' kicked off a kneebar to be struck with a chop block! Regal was relentless with the kneebar applied, but Undertaker choked his way free before delivering a flying clothesline off the ropes! Lowering the straps, 'the Deadman' delivered Old School, and a decisive Last Ride would see Undertaker dominant, picking up the win!
The Undertaker was dominant in avenging his count-out loss to Commissioner William Regal tonight, and he was joined by his wife Sara inside the ring. Visibly hobbling after his physically enduring Last Man Standing showdown with Chris Benoit at Judgment Day, 'the American Badass' raised his fists to the crowd while Regal was checked over by a frantic Tajiri, who came to ringside to check on his newly-assigned mentor. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' was not best pleased with his new apprentice.
- Vince McMahon stomped up and down the office in rage, after being threatened with legal action by his soon-to-be ex-wife Linda McMahon. Trish Stratus stood awkwardly, as the Chairman vented about the WWF CEO using their family lawyer in their divorce case. The WWF Diva soon spoke up, voicing her concerns about how she wasn't sure where she stood, with Stephanie McMahon added to the equation. Vince glared at her, but changed his tone as he acknowledged how dearly Trish meant to him. She was still his everything, but he was simply happy that he had his daughter back in his life. Trish voiced her displeasure in not being informed of 'the Billion Dollar Princess's plans last night at Judgment Day, when Vince nodded in agreement. He had a surprise for her, and that came in the form of an opportunity to become WWF Women's Champion - on SmackDown, she would challenge Chyna! Trish smiled as Vince wrapped his arms around her, to ask if she was up for the task.
Into the room burst Test, who saw Vince and Trish displaying affection. Vince asked if they had an appointment, bringing the Canadian to speak on behalf of the locker room. Ever since the two of them hooked up, morale with the boys was at an all-time low. Bringing up Mick Foley quitting, the treatment of a medicated and wheelchair-bound Linda McMahon, as well as the exile of Shane McMahon from the WWF, Test told Vince that he had always been a working man. He'd always done right by the company - but everything about this truly sucked! Test was in Vince's face, but he calmly told Test he'd better leave now or else the boss would have security escort him from the premises. The WWF Owner was sending Test home without pay, but warned him that he show his ass on Thursday night to discuss the lucrative contract Test signed a few months ago! As two members of security showed up, he confidently remarked they step off - Test declared he would leave on his own terms.
- SMACKDOWN, THIS THURSDAY: Chyna (c) vs Trish Stratus for the WWF Women's Championship.
Following the tense confrontation with Vince McMahon, during the break Test was seen waltzing out of the Compaq Center with two members of security escorting him from the premises. Test smirked walking within their custody, telling them that he knew where the exit was. Vince McMahon came strutting after the Canadian. Not finished with Test, the WWF Owner confronted Test and told him his son Shane McMahon got exactly what was coming to him, and if he wanted to join him in WCW, then so be it. But he wasn't about to let him out of his contract easily. The deal Test had signed was concrete, and if he dared breach that deal - his ass would be taken to the cleaners in court. Test chuckled, telling the boss he was the worst man he had ever known. For all he ever did for the McMahon Family - what a charade. Test told Vince from now on, he would do what was right only for himself and the boys - and he'd do whatever it took to accomplish it.
- 5) The Dudley Boyz (w/Spike Dudley) (c) def. The Fighting Holly Cousins (w/Molly Holly) to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (4:28) Last night saw the WWF Tag Team Champions run the gaunlet in Tag Team Turmoil at Judgment Day, yet after a face-off with the Fighting Holly Cousins the Dudley Boyz were put in position to defend their titles one more time. The Dudley Boyz tried finishing quickly with a double flapjack to Crash, when Hardcore Holly blind-tagged and struck with a dropkick to D-Von Dudley. The Hollys hammered on D-Von and choked him in the ropes, as a double suplex scored a near fall. A double clothesline would allow D-Von to tag Bubba Ray Dudley, who came in cleaning house. The Dudleyville Device connected on Crash when X-Factor came out to ringside - but with the Hardy Boyz hot on their heels! As X-Factor and the Hardys brawled, Hardcore landed the Alabama Slam to Bubba, and Molly Holly climbed to the top rope. Spike got on the apron to pull her down, but Crash took him out. It bought the Dudleys time to counteract - with the 3D allowing them to retain their titles!
Remaining the most dominant tag team in the World Wrestling Federation, the Dudley Boyz had defended their reign as WWF Tag Team Champions for technically the fourth time in twenty-four hours! Overcoming Tag Team Turmoil as well as the Fighting Holly Cousins was one thing, but the appearance of X-Factor and the Hardy Boyz in this encounter meant further complications arising. X-Pac, Lance Storm and Justin Credible backed up from ringside as D-Von, Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley celebrated in the ring - but Team Xtreme would approach the champs in the ring. Jeff and Matt Hardy alongside Lita congratulated the Dudleys, but offered their own challenge to the Dudleys. As words were exchanged, hands were shaken. Despite the respect each team had, the grind looked to continue for the champs.
- Kurt Angle was amped up ahead of the three-on-two handicap main event, in the zone speaking with Edge and Christian about how he couldn't wait to get his Olympic gold medals back. Stephanie McMahon entered, bringing Team ECK to grow awkward. Angle asked the Canadians for a moment of privacy, which they complied. 'The Megastar' chuckled, apologizing for another no-show last night. Things didn't go his way in becoming WWF Champion, but they would tonight. Stephanie was confident for him, then spoke about everything that had happened lately. After betraying brother Shane and remending bridges with Vince McMahon, she was back where she wanted to be - and she meant it.
Stephanie said she was sorry for everything, but hoped maybe tonight they could get that dinner together. Angle expressed how he too had done some soulsearching, and this was a difficult time. He wanted the WWF Championship back, and his Olympic gold medals - but if there was one thing he wanted back more than anything, it was her. Angle asked Stephanie to think about it, but as he left Stephanie grabbed him by the wrist. Pulling him in, Stephanie laid a kiss on the Olympic Gold Medalist! Angle was stunned, as Stephanie told him she would see him after the show. Angle was caught off-guard, exclaiming that he couldn't wait!
At the interview area Michael Cole was joined by tonight's partner of the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H. 'The Game' was asked about where he had been since Backlash, to which he told Michael candidly that he was on the cusp of going full-circle. He had achieved redemption, and he was inches away from becoming WWF Champion one more time. He had 'the Texas Rattlesnake' beat, he had Austin's number, and Austin damn well knew it. If it wasn't for Kurt Angle, he would be the WWF Champion - something that he'd been depriven of for long, long enough. 'The Game' planned to end that tonight, because once Angle was out of the picture, he vowed to come back for Stone Cold's gold and take it. If Austin got in his way against Angle, Edge and Christian, he'd know he was scared - because as little as he wanted to admit it - he was 'the Game', and he was that damn good.
- The Compaq Center booed loudly, as Steven Richards had returned to the ring with Mark Henry. 'The Secret Weapon' looked to right where the Right to Censor went wrong earlier on, and Steven would lecture Mark before being interrupted by the lights going out. Pyrotechnics erupted - bringing out the new WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho! Beloved in San Jose, Y2J welcomed the fans to RAW is Jericho. Addressing the Ladder match last night at Judgment Day, no matter how badly Raven tried to maim him and destroy him, it would all be for not. 'The Sexy Beast' was here to stay, and after Raven's body was splattered on the mat having taken a tumble, with blood down his body, 'the Sexy Beast' would reach high and reclaim the title around his waist for a fifth time in his career! Coming into tonight, Y2J was battered, bruised, sore, and could barely feel his legs - but he was primed and ready to come down to the ring and make the 'World's Strongest Kissass' cry like a big, fat baby!6) WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho def. Mark Henry (w/Steven Richards) (1:55)The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan had failed to defeat Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty earlier tonight, leaving it up to Mark Henry to win one for the Right to Censor, against the bruised and sore new-WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho. Y2J ducked 'the World's Strongest Man' in hitting the ring, a back elbow and a springboard dropkick rocking Henry. A crossbody off the second rope would be caught, the power of Mark allowing him to deliver a powerslam! Steven barked orders at the 400-pounder as he executed a corner splash, but a big splash to follow saw Y2J roll out of harm's way. Chopping Mark down to his knees, a step-up enzuigiri stunned him further! The Walls of Jericho was attempted, but Mark powered him off. Rushing back to be gorilla press slammed, Y2J landed on his feet and delivered a bulldog - with the Lionsault following, to give Y2J the three count!
The size advantage had failed Mark Henry, and Steven Richards was fuming! Chris Jericho celebrated his first victory as WWF Intercontinental Champion in non-title action, when the leader of the Right to Censor hit the ring to walk into the Walls of Jericho! There was no Ivory, no Bull Buchanan and no Goodfather in sight, as Y2J applied pressure on the Walls! Steven tapped out, and Jericho left with a huge grin on his face. The RTC was in shambles, as Mark was left to check on his fallen leader, who writhed in pain.
- Vince McMahon was sat on the couch in his office with an arm around Trish Stratus, when into the room walked the WWF Divas Ambassador Debra. Vince was glad to see her, but Debra was not pleased about Vince's decision for SmackDown, in her mind Trish hadn't done anything to earn a shot at Chyna's WWF Women's Championship. Vince smiled as he told Debra how he didn't care, and while Debra could enjoy being the authority for the WWF Divas - this was still his company. Vince told Debra that he didn't appreciate her being responsible for Linda McMahon's transport last night at Judgment Day, and told her to be glad she had this job! Debra argued back, but as Vince responded into the room burst WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin! The husband of Debra, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' stared Vince in the eyes with no words spoken. Vince left cautiously with Trish, as Austin questioned to Debra what the hell that was all about.
While Stone Cold Steve Austin received an explanation from his wife Debra, Team ECK were seen frequenting the halls of the Compaq Center. Edge and Christian accompanied a focused and energized Kurt Angle, as the main event was moments away. Down a separate corridor walked Triple H - looking for revenge against the man he felt cost him the WWF Championship back at Backlash. But could 'the Game' and 'the Texas Rattlesnake' get along, with the three-on-two handicap match up next!7) WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H vs Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian went to a no-contest (5:53) 'The Texas Rattlesnake' overcame the competitive nature of Kurt Angle, as well Edge and Christian last night at Judgment Day, but the WWF Champion wanted more of 'the Megastar'. Triple H made his return to confront both Austin and Angle, and after a melee earlier tonight that saw Austin inadvertently strike 'the Game', this handicap match was signed. Angle ducked out swiftly allowing Edge to receive a mudhole stomping from Austin, as Triple H landed a spinebuster on Christian. The two-man power trip argued over who would start, allowing Team ECK to strike. Angle delivered a back suplex for a near fall on Austin, who fought out to receive a waistlock takedown. Edge and Christian traded tags with a sidewinder DDT similarly receiving a near fall. Angle locked in a front facelock for Stone Cold to fight out, and a flapjack connected! Austin was insistent on working solo, as a knee lift to Christian saw Edge hit the Edge-o-matic from behind.
Angle delivered three German suplexes to the WWF Champion before riling up 'the Game', buying Austin time to clothesline Kurt! Finally the tag was made, and Triple H ran rabidly with a DDT for Edge and a mudhole stomping for Christian! Kurt Angle blindsighted 'the Game', but Triple H would come back with the high knee off the ropes! Unwielding at 'the Megastar', Stone Cold intervened as Edge and Christian hit the ring, a Lou Thesz press for Christian! Austin went after Edge when Kurt Angle came from behind with the Angle Slam, when Triple H clotheslined the Olympic Gold Medalist from the ring. Triple H helped 'the Texas Rattlesnake' back to his feet, but the WWF Champion would respond by shoving off and striking 'the Game'. A repeat from earlier tonight, both egos exchanged words in a staredown with Team ECK on the floor. Both men then prepared to circle the ring in a fight of their own - when the pounding of a hand against a microphone was heard.
On commentary, Paul Heyman climbed atop the announce table with a microphone in hand. With all eyes on the color commentator, Heyman declared that something was in the air tonight - and it felt extreme! Suddenly, the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno raced to the ring - and struck Triple H with the Gore! At ringside Angle visibly stole his Olympic gold medals back from the timekeeper's table and took off with Edge and Christian. Stone Cold Steve Austin duked it out with 'the Man-Beast' under Heyman's surveil, ridding him from the ring - to witness invaders descending from the staircases in the Compaq Center!
From one staircase saw Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman emerge, where another came Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash! San Jose chanted "ECW" as Austin readied for action, welcoming them to step into the WWF's WarZone! Team ECK watched from the rampway, when from the crowd saw Rhyno joined by Raven and Tazz! It was an unexpected ECW invasion, as Austin frantically tried to fight off the odds of Rhyno, Raven and Tazz as they were joined by the men from the staircases! Triple H re-joined the fight, looking to get even with Rhyno. The crowd roared, but as Austin and Triple H fought they would become overwhelmed by the forces of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Heyman watched with a sinister laugh from the announce table, as Sandman and Dreamer used kendo sticks on both the WWF Champion and 'the Game'. Both men were left down and hurting, as Vince McMahon finally arrived at the top of the stage to watch.
Paul Heyman rushed into the ring to join his ECW roster, with his microphone in hand. Tonight, he claimed, was the night that the World Wrestling Federation would be taken to the extreme. Something was in the air, but it wasn't Shane McMahon, nor was it WCW. Instead, it was ECW's revival! Raven, Rhyno and Tazz stood centrestage with Heyman, accompanied by Sandman, Dreamer, Kash and Lynn - all standing over Austin and Triple H's prone bodies. Vince scowled in detest from the top of the stage, as J.R. screamed in hatred for his broadcast colleague. ECW had arrived to the dance in San Jose!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 1, 2021 11:07:37 GMT -5
The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN "On the Tracks" WCW World Heavyweight Championship & WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page
World Championship Wrestling had been in hiatus since Shane McMahon purchased the company back on March 26, 2001 - but now, WCW was back with a Big Bang, on World Wrestling Federation's home soil, TNN! Booker T captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final edition of Monday Nitro from Scott Steiner, but as both WCW Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion - he now had to defend against his toughest challenger to date, in the former three-time WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. Who would walk out with both of the richest prizes in this great sport, come the Big Bang? Ric Flair vs Buff BagwellWith the buyout by Shane McMahon on March 26, 2001, the sixteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over, as he would engage in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro, in a losing effort. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans, 'the Nature Boy' signed a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and was out to prove that he still had a lot left in the tank. Up against a former WCW World Tag Team Champion in Buff Bagwell, would we see the stylin' and profilin' of the dirtiest player in the game show himself, or would 'Buff Daddy' pull off the biggest win of his career? Matches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 3, 2021 5:47:39 GMT -5
A video package aired, recapping Stone Cold Steve Austin calling out Kurt Angle on RAW is WAR, after a hard-fought WWF Championship encounter at Judgment Day. Triple H returned instead, both stating their case to call out 'the Megastar'. Team ECK responded and a brawl broke out, where 'the Texas Rattlesnake' inadvertently struck 'the Game'. Tensions ran high backstage, as Angle, Edge and Christian had a handicap match made. The three-on-two match saw Austin and Triple H coexist until another miscommunication. The two squared off...only it was not meant to be. Paul Heyman made the signal, and an all-out ECW invasion would take place! Austin and Triple H found themselves on the receiving end of a beating from 'the Man-Beast', Raven and Tazz, with the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash! Austin and HHH were down, as ECW infiltrated the ring!
A security team were seen surveiling the perimeter of the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California, the site of SmackDown tonight. Days after the ECW invasion that sent shockwaves through the World Wrestling Federation, they were armed and dangerous in the event of a similar invasion tonight - of extreme proportions!
The video package aired, cutting to pyrotechnics erupting in the rafters overlooking the ring. SmackDown was on the air, days after Judgment Day and days after the shocking ECW invasion - one which was organized by Paul Heyman! Michael Cole was joined by Jim Ross, as they discussed how grotesque it was for Heyman and Tazz to join cohoots and launch an assault on the very company they worked for! J.R. was glad to be there, even if it was due to Tazz's unprofessionalism.
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz (c) vs The Hardy Boyz for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- TONIGHT: Chyna (c) vs Trish Stratus for the WWF Women's Championship.
- Vince McMahon responds to the ECW invasion It was no surprise that Vince McMahon would be the first to emerge tonight on SmackDown, marching down the rampway with no sign of his girlfriend Trish Stratus, nor his daughter Stephanie McMahon. In a foul mood days after the ECW attack, the Chairman got on the microphone in the ring and talked about how he was just one day into ushering in a new start for the World Wrestling Federation - as well as the McMahon Empire. He thought after ridding the WWF of his son Shane McMahon, that he could start new again. Reunited with his daughter, and alive and free with his new soulmate Trish, it felt as though a new era was in their midst. Despite what his wife Linda McMahon threatened to do in their pending divorce case, Vince spoke of how prepared he was to lead the helms of WWF, without needing to concern himself with what Shane was planning to do with WCW - but that's where he went wrong.
The WWF Owner was a fool to not expect the unexpected, which is why last Monday on RAW is WAR, the WWF was caught with their pants down! Vince spoke of ECW with a frown, discussing how ECW not only struck - but they left a mark on the face of the company, when this renegade promotion obsessed with blood, violence and torture left the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H laying in the middle of the ring. Disgusted by it, this wasn't some bingo hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - they were in Hollywood, and this was SmackDown! Some fans cheered, whereas some chanted "assh*le" in Vince's direction. The chants soon drifted to that of loud "ECW" chants, when Vince exclaimed that to fool him once, it was shame on him. But to fool Vince twice - that would not happen again. He was Vince McMahon, dammit, and he never let anybody get one over on him without a response.
The Chairman spoke as WWF Superstars watched on the monitors backstage, as Vince promised a different outcome tonight. With armed security guarding the building from another outbreak of that extreme army of misfits, Vince declared there was no way they were getting in. And as for SmackDown tonight, Vince was out to punish the ECW turncoats that happened to be under WWF contracts - because Rhyno would defend the WWF Hardcore Championship against Rob Van Dam; Raven would go one-on-one with Kane; and Tazz would face the wrath of the WWF Champion himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin! The fans roared, when Vince decided to do Anaheim one better: because the WWF were going to show how extreme they could get too - making the WWF Tag Team Championship match between the Dudley Boyz and the Hardy Boyz a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match - with Edge and Christian added! McMahon departed having dropped a major bombshell - TLC III would take place tonight!
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz (c) vs The Hardy Boyz vs Edge and Christian in TLC III for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Tazz
- TONIGHT: Rhyno (c) vs Rob Van Dam for the WWF Hardcore Championship.
- TONIGHT: Kane vs Raven
Edge and Christian had a celebration of awesomeness backstage, at the prospect of leaving Hollywood as WWF Tag Team Champions. They talked being cheated at WrestleMania, but the same would not happen because the Dudley Boyz and the Hardy Boyz were going down to China Town tonight. Kurt Angle arrived, merry as ever with the Olympic gold medals back around his neck. 'The Megastar' applauded his buddies, acknowledging Anaheim was the same place they first won the gold, back at WrestleMania 2000. Angle hoped they wouldn't blow it, swiftly turning to chat about the ECW invasion on Monday night. Stone Cold Steve Austin showed nothing to stand up for the WWF, and he got what was coming to him. All the WWF Champion cared about was himself, whereas Kurt was willing to die for this company. Kurt said he may have gotten his medals back, but he was gunning for the WWF Championship. Tonight, Angle vowed to show everybody what kind of leader he could be for the WWF!- The Right to Censor stood to attention in the ring, about to be deployed like troops by their leader Steven Richards. The so-called "visionary" marched before the Goodfather, Mark Henry, Bull Buchanan and Ivory as he ordered the people of Anaheim to divert their attention away from the heinous crimes of ECW depicted on RAW is WAR. They were allowing their minds to be alienated and numbed by their brutality, but despite the cloud hovering over the WWF tonight - the RTC would bring them joy, by defeating the callous alliances of Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Val Venis and Victoria. Steven denied cracks in the reprogrammed RTC, and despite what happened to each of them on RAW is WAR, things would go better for them tonight. He demanded the people continue to fight the good fight with them, and they shall come out on top once again. The five raised their palms in the air, when interrupted by Too Cool!
1) Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Val Venis and Victoria def. The Right to Censor (w/Steven Richards) (3:58) The Right to Censor each lost on RAW is WAR, with the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan absorbing a huge loss to Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty. Revenge was Steven Richards' name tonight, vicariously living through the Goodfather, Bull Buchanan, Mark Henry and Ivory as an eight-person brawl kicked things off. Rikishi led Val Venis and Scotty to cleaning house of the RTC, when Scotty formally started with Bull. Getting the better of him initially, Buchanan struck with a big boot to gain control, and Steven directed traffic as Goodfather executed a sidewalk slam. A corner splash took him down, when Ivory came in to attack - just for Val to tag in, and place her over her knee. Ivory received a spanking, when Victoria came in to tackle the former WWF Women's Champion to the canvas! 'The Big Valbowski' saved Victoria allowing her to tag Rikishi, and after some help from the Worm courtesy of Scotty to Buchanan, Rikishi would deliver a Banzai Drop to Goodfather to pick up the three count!
An eight-person tag team match saw the WWF's frontline at their finest, as Rikishi was joined in victory by his best friend Scotty 2 Hotty. The two were reunited with Victoria, who hugged them each tightly, as well as Val Venis. At ringside Steven Richards was pulling his hair out - the Right to Censor had failed once again! So much for a reprogramming, as Steven met and scolded Bull Buchanan and Mark Henry, who helped Ivory back up to her feet. Steven stormed up the rampway with the RTC following, leaving Rikishi and Scotty to dance with Victoria with the lights turned low, as Val Venis watched. 'The Big Valbowski' didn't dance - but he did thrust his hips for the ladies in Anaheim!
- The WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin had arrived to the Arrowhead Pond, furiously stomping the halls with his wife Debra struggling to keep up. The WWF Divas Ambassador demanded 'the Texas Rattlesnake' calm down, as Austin was approached for an interview by Jonathan Coachman. Not interested in talking he stormed off, leaving the Coach to speak with Debra. She spoke about how Steve had a lot on his mind, and frankly, so did she! Debra voiced her annoyance in Vince McMahon entering her jurisdiction and giving his little mistress Trish Stratus a shot at the WWF Women's Champion Chyna tonight! Debra prided herself on her work with the WWF Divas, but before she could continue, 'the Rattlesnake' returned. Glaring at Debra, he coldly declared it was her time to go. In a furious mood after RAW is WAR, Austin had to be hunting for ECW.
Commissioner William Regal was in his office complaining to his newly-appointed apprentice Tajiri, voicing the immoralities of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Calling them bloody disgraceful, it was then where 'the Goodwill Ambassador' questioned how much English Tajiri actually knew. He struggled teaching Tajiri to say "Mr. Regal", when into the room waltzed X-Factor. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac planted his gold on the desk and talked about how close Lance Storm and Justin Credible came to dethroning the Dudley Boyz at Judgment Day, and yet they weren't considered for TLC III tonight. Storm called it disrespectful, whereas Credible demanded their shot.
X-Pac agreed, when was X-Factor going to get a fair shake at the gold? Regal was disturbed by the trio, telling them if it meant them getting out of his sight, he was willing to have them added to the match tonight. Surprised by how easy it was, X-Pac questioned what Vince McMahon might say - Regal said he wouldn't give a monkey's toss, so long as they stoop down to ECW's level. Storm and Credible were excited to take the gold and dish out some hurt as the group left the room, when Tajiri addressed his mentor as "Regal-san". The Commissioner rolled his eyes, warning Tajiri about being on thin ice. The odds continued to be stacked against the most dominant tag team in the WWF, the Dudleys!
- TONIGHT: The Dudley Boyz (c) vs The Hardy Boyz vs Edge and Christian vs X-Factor in TLC III for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Rob Van Dam sat on the floor of the backstage area stretching. Looking up to be faced with his opponent tonight, the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, RVD came to his feet to have 'the Man-Beast' call him a sellout. Paul Heyman separated the two, but congratulated RVD on all of his success since arriving in the WWF. Cutting to the chase, Paul reminded Rob of how ECW made him, and after going out of business, ECW was rebirthed in their crusade against the WWF. Why did they have to fight each other? Proposing RVD to join ECW, Van Dam nodded but turned down the offer. Paul's "little crusade thing" sounded cool, but he was happy in the WWF. Not only did he get to fly, eat and sleep like a king - but he was under a contract that actually paid him well! Rhyno snapped, pointing the finger and warning him before stomping out of the room. Paul told Rob he understood, but to understand that if RVD wasn't with ECW, the place that put RVD's name on the map - he was against them.
2) Raven def. Kane (4:11) Raven was having a whirlwind of the week, losing the WWF Intercontinental Championship to Chris Jericho and breaking up with his girlfriend Tori, to joining forces with the ECW invasion. As a WWF-contracted Superstar, Vince McMahon planned to punish him in a match with 'the Big Red Machine', as Kane threw right hands Raven's way to get started. In an ECW shirt, Raven received a sidewalk slam and was sent to the floor, into a shopping cart he'd brought to ringside. The monster was sent into the steel steps with a drop toe hold, and after breaking Kane's legs down by use of the ring post, Kane fired with a tilt-a-whirl slam! Raven sent Kane into an exposed turnbuckle, but Kane delivered the Chokeslam regardless! Tazz ran down to ringside to help Raven, when Stone Cold Steve Austin rushed out in hot pursuit! The WWF Champion chased Tazz through the crowd, but with the referee distracted, a steel chair shot led to the Evenflow DDT on top of the chair - to give Raven the win!
The newly defected former WWF Intercontinental Champion came out on top in this punishment, as Raven stammered to his feet atop an unconscious Kane. In an ECW shirt, Raven pointing to the logo as he picked up the dented steel chair that helped him obtain victory. This was the extreme way, but Raven would still cower from the ring as the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to walk him off! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' exchanged words afar from Tazz, who crept in the crowd. The two would meet tonight - and the WWF Champion was out for revenge!
- Trish Stratus walked the hall with a shot at the WWF Women's Championship against Chyna coming up in moments, when she walked into Stephanie McMahon. With a smile, 'the Billion Dollar Princess' was overjoyed for her "friend" Trish. Stratus remained cautious as Steph spoke about how much bad stuff had gone down between them, but that she wanted to put it all to rest. They were best friends once upon a time, and now she wanted them to get back to that. Trish was hesitant, but Steph wouldn't let her talk - insisting that she accompany her tonight, as Trish prepared to get her first taste of gold! Trish accepted, with Stephanie giving her a pet talk as she walked - due to meet Chyna up next!
In the parking lot, the armed security team waved their batons around when an SUV pulled up to the front gate - out stepping the ECW faction! The Sandman dotted his cigarette out and raised his kendo stick, as Tommy Dreamer joined him. Together with the forces of Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash, the five confronted the security team with a toll-bar separating them. A shouting match ensued, as the invasion had arrived: but they were banned from the Arrowhead Pond!
- 3) Chyna (w/Billy Gunn) (c) def. Trish Stratus (w/Stephanie McMahon) to retain the WWF Women's Championship (2:47) Vince McMahon rewarded his girlfriend Trish Stratus with this WWF Women's Championship opportunity, to the behest of WWF Divas Ambassador Debra. To make matters worse for 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', Trish was accompanied by her friend with a rocky past, Stephanie McMahon. Trish appeared determined in locking up with the champ, until Chyna thrust her down and lit her up with forearm strikes in the corner. A hip toss sent her halfway across the ring, when Stratus targeted the arm. Chyna broke out with a shoulder block, when Trish leapfrogged to receive an atomic drop! Stephanie watched and Billy Gunn cheerled, Chyna delivering a military press slam and covering for a near fall. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' exchanged words with Chyna opening her up to a dropkick from Trish, who choked her in the corner. Stratus looked to Steph who watched approvingly, before attempting a hurricanrana - which went handily reversed into a Powerbomb, giving Chyna the win!
The best efforts of Trish Stratus with Stephanie McMahon's assistance was all for not, as the dominant WWF Women's Champion Chyna had her hand raised, still the champion! Days after the Good Housekeeping match with Ivory at Judgment Day, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' celebrated with an ever-excited Billy Gunn in the ring. Meanwhile, Trish flopped out to the floor as Stephanie McMahon watched. She helped her up the rampway, but one had to question whether 'the Billion Dollar Princess' was sincere in her support for Trish after all they had been through!
Vince McMahon was saddened in watching his girlfriend Trish Stratus lose out on the WWF Women's Championship, viewing from his office. A door slam would see him brace for impact, as WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin barged into the face of the Chairman! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' made it clear he thought Vince was a piece of cr*p, but told him he sure as hell didn't appreciate being summoned when there was a parking lot full of ECW trailer park trash waiting to get their asses kicked. The WWF Owner ordered Austin to focus on Tazz tonight, mentioning that this divide-and-conquer method is paying off. 'The Bionic Redneck' told Vince of course it was - because his name was Stone Cold Steve Austin, he was the WWF Champion, and he would not hold anything back when he whips Tazz's ass. Vince tried calming Austin down, putting his hand on his shoulder - but Stone Cold glared back at him. No words were exchanged, and a stunned Vince watched Austin leave.
Raven nursed his shoulder as he stood listening to Paul Heyman in the backstage hall. The ECW Owner told him how despite all he went through from the Ladder match at Judgment Day, to the breakup from Tori on RAW is WAR, and the match with Kane tonight - he was the epitome of extreme. Heyman said this was the Raven he knew, a man so immoral and so reckless that he was without crutches. Raven told Paul that he may not know what happiness was, but he did know the closest thing to feeling such a feat was to be back with the friends he once knew. Up walked a pent-up Tazz, talking about how he had been held back since arrived in the WWF over a year ago. It was all Stone Cold Steve Austin's fault, and tonight - he was going to choke out the WWF Champion. Heyman applauded Tazz as he left - the match was up next!
The APA had formed an alliance in their office, with the likes of Jacqueline, Steve Blackman, Val Venis, Kaientai, the Fighting Holly Cousins and K-Kwik all gathered around the poker table. A seated Bradshaw hollered about how ECW went out of business due to Paul Heyman's gross incompetence, and now they wanted to storm into the WWF and take their spots. Faarooq declared they would not tolerate it, and said that they needed to form a frontline against the invaders - because lord knows, the security team could not handle them. Everybody agreed in unison, when into the office waltzed the Radicalz. Led by WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero, 'Latino Heat' alongside Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri each laughed at the idea of the APA frontlining anything. Given their previous issues, the Radicalz questioned the APA's reliability, bringing both teams to a stand off with the rest of the WWF locker room present to keep them apart!
- 4) WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Tazz ended in a no contest (4:29)'The Texas Rattlesnake' was not about to take the beating received by the ECW invasion on RAW is WAR lightly, immediately pacing to the ring for battle against 'the Human Suplex Machine'. Tazz held his own, receiving a mudhole stomping in the corner before coming back with an exploder suplex! Tazz mounted the WWF Champion with rights and lefts, as Austin jostled for position and was able to send him to the floor! On the rampway Austin dropped Tazz with a suplex, before tossing him back inside to receive a Tazzplex! The ECW alumni was not about to take his grudge lightly either, choking Austin and applying a cross-armbreaker. Austin made it to the ropes, but Tazz charged to receive a stun-gun over the top rope. The Lou Thesz press connected, when Raven ran down to ringside only to receive a right hand knocking him from the apron! Austin rushed at Tazz who dragged the referee in the way, and the Tazzmission went applied!
Tazz refused to relinquish the Tazzmission without a referee present, as Stone Cold Steve Austin began to wane in the deadly choke! The WWF Champion was dazed, when Raven entered the ring with a steel chair and laid out 'the Texas Rattlesnake!' The ECW duo put the boots to Stone Cold, much like they did on RAW is WAR, when to the surprise of many Kurt Angle came running down to the ring! Coming to fight Tazz and Raven, 'the Megastar' delivered a belly-to-belly suplex to Raven and ducked Tazz with the steel chair - clotheslining him from the ring! Angle stood tall inside with the chair in hand - WWF all the way against the ECW crusade! That is until Austin came to, dropping the Olympic Gold Medalist with a Stunner! Austin wanted ECW all to himself, as he left the ring in hot pursuit of Raven and Tazz!
- The Hardy Boyz warmed up in the locker room, as Matt spoke about the importance of tonight. It was TLC III tonight, and he wanted to remind Jeff of what happened in the first instalment of Tables, Ladder and Chairs. In their home state of North Carolina at SummerSlam 2000, they captured the WWF Tag Team Championships - and now was the time to do it again in Anaheim. Jeff nodded, as Lita came into the room to wish the boys luck. Team Xtreme were all hands-in, but Lita cautioned Matt wanting her boyfriend to be careful out there. Matt said that they were Team Xtreme, and they lived for the moment. Against Edge and Christian, the Dudley Boyz and X-Factor - they would do just that, and walk out three-time champs.
During the break, Stone Cold Steve Austin had continued his chase of Tazz and Raven - but instead, the WWF Champion had stumbled across the ECW contingent out in the parking lot. As armed security guards restrained a trash talking 'Texas Rattlesnake', the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash each came charging at the tollbar. They all wanted another piece of Austin, as the guards were there to maintain order in the Arrowhead Pond!
- 5) Rhyno (c) def. Rob Van Dam to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship (5:09)Per Vince McMahon's orders, ECW alumns were to clash, as Rob Van Dam declared his loyalty to the WWF in spite of Paul Heyman's proposal he join up with ECW. The WWF Hardcore Champion blasted RVD from behind, both men brawling down to ringside. RVD fought back, a series of kicks culminating in a spinkick that Rhyno ducked, but a missed roundhouse kick led to a legsweep and a standing moonsault for a one count! RVD delivered shoulder thrusts, when a handspring saw him taken down with a clothesline. 'The Man-Beast' introduced a trash can but RVD hit a baseball slide and performed the Van Terminator into it for a near fall! RVD draped Rhyno over the barricade for a flying spinkick off the apron, and a split-legged moonsault gave RVD another two count. The Gore went sidestepped and a thrust kick allowed 'the Whole Dam Show' to head up top for the Five-Star Frog Splash! Unrest appeared on the OvalTron, as the ECW invaders were seen assaulting the security guards, and the distraction saw Rhyno Gore RVD in mid-air, to retain the title!
The WWF Hardcore Champion dominantly pounded his chest in the ring before snatching the WWF Hardcore Championship from the referee. Rhyno was a one-man wrecking crew, having defeated Rob Van Dam with the colluded assistance of the ECW invasion! Van Dam clutched his ribs in defeat, as 'the Man-Beast' screamed that ECW had made RVD - and now they were going to take him from them. What Rhyno didn't see coming however, was the unexpected arrival of Triple H - coming to get even for the Gore received on RAW is WAR! 'The Game' traded fists with 'the Man-Beast', who headbutted his way out of the Pedigree, before delivering a second Gore to HHH. The taped ribs on 'the Cerebral Assassin' told the story, as Rhyno was unhinged and left the ring. Triple H glanced up at him from the ring, a story left without ending - as 'the Game' vowed to get even with the animal.
- Vince McMahon was despondent in his office, as Trish Stratus tried to cheer him up. In a towel, Trish stroked Vince's leg but the Chairman declared that he was not in the mood. ECW had jumped every hoop he'd set out before him, and now they had once again invaded the arena. The WWF Diva assured Vince that they were safe with security guards outside the door, when into the room barged Kurt Angle. 'The Megastar' argued with the guards before telling Vince how this had gone too far. The revolution was out of hand, and none of the WWF Superstars were on the same page. Angle was furious with the insubordination of Stone Cold Steve Austin, telling him the WWF Champion was no leader - he was selfish and paranoid. The Olympic Gold Medalist argued that they needed a leader, and he was that leader to bring the WWF together, and get rid of these Extremely Crappy Wrestling morons!
- With Tables, Ladders and Chairs III moments away, the WWF Tag Team Champions were preparing for war as Spike Dudley sat closeby and asked the Dudley Boyz what they made of this ECW invasion. D-Von assured Spike that although the Dudley name got their teeth in ECW, that they had grown up in the WWF. Not a thing would change that, as Bubba Ray agreed, telling Spike that they were the most dominant tag team in the WWF - and through Tag Team Turmoil, the Fighting Holly Cousins and now TLC III: they would prove that tonight.
Paul Heyman chuckled entering the room, offering his condolences to their reign. Believing it would surely end tonight, the Dudleys cornered him as Heyman brought up the many times he'd tried to talk sense into them. They were weak, they may have lept every hurdle their way and made it through each obstacle: but they were vulneable. Heyman spoke on how sad it was, how many times he'd tried recruiting them - but now, it was them against the Dudleys. D-Von and Bubba threatened Paul, when Spike confronted the ECW Owner and told him he was damn wrong - and tonight, the Dudleys would prove it, by taking out whatever Heyman had! Paul smiled, liking the fire of Spike. Leaving the room, Heyman again wished them luck - up next.
An advertisement aired, approved by WWF CEO Linda McMahon. WCW The Big Bang 2001 would take place live on TNN on June 3 from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada. Another match had been made official, as 'Sugar' Shane Helms would defend the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship in a four corners match against Billy Kidman, Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Elix Skipper!
- WCW THE BIG BANG, JUNE 3: Shane Helms (c) vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Elix Skipper in a four-corners match for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship.
- Backstage, an all-out war had commenced seeing the ECW Revolution of The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash oppose the APA, Jacqueline, K-Kwik, Steve Blackman, the Fighting Holly Cousins and Kaientai. With the extreme army each carrying weapons from kendo sticks to steel chairs, the two sides went at it - as WWF and ECW were getting it on! A flood of officials and referees raced the scene frantically, each trying to break up the fight - all hell breaking loose!6) X-Factor (w/WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac) def. The Dudley Boyz (c), The Hardy Boyz & Edge and Christian to win the WWF Tag Team Championship in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match (18:44)There was so much history between the three teams of the Dudley Boyz, Edge and Christian and the Hardy Boyz. They met in this very building in a Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000, which saw Edge and Christian leave the WWF Tag Team Champions. The first-ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match saw the Hardys leave their home state of North Carolina the champs at SummerSlam 2000. WrestleMania X-Seven saw the current champs, the Dudley Boyz, walk out victorious just under two months ago. Now, with the addition of X-Factor's Lance Storm and Justin Credible, they were to do it again for the first time on network television! Vince McMahon wanted the WWF to out-extreme the ECW invasion - and tonight he'd get his wish, as the Dudleys looked to defend their mantle of the most dominant tag team in the WWF.
As predicted, it was all action with the match beginning. All three teams targeted X-Factor, when on the floor Jeff Hardy struck first with a diving crossbody from the ladder to the floor! Edge and Christian repeatedly pursued the gold, to be interrupted by the Dudley Boyz. A Bubba Bomb sent Christian down, when the Hardy Boyz delivering Poetry in Motion to Edge with the ladder positioned in front of him! An assisted back suplex saw Matt flip out, when Lance Storm entered with a superkick to D-Von Dudley. Matt hit Bubba Ray Dudley with the Side Effect, when Storm received a gutwrench suplex from Matt onto the ladder! The Hardys went for gold for X-Pac to interfere, toppling Jeff and Matt Hardy from the top of the ladder to the floor at ringside. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion showboated, when hit with a double flapjack from the Dudleys! Justin Credible received the Wazzup, and D-Von got the tables.
Only Edge and Christian slipped inside with steel chairs, utilizing them on both Bubba Ray Dudley and Jeff Hardy! Jeff tried to fight the Canadians, the Whisper in the Wind landing on D-Von and Storm, when a double drop toe hold sent Jeff into a ladder propped over the second rope! Edge reached for the title when Bubba interrupted beneath him - a powerbomb sending him crashing to the canvas! Credible snuck in and climbed behind him, when D-Von climbed up as well. Both men jostled for position, when Jeff returned to topple both to the canvas - Credible landing crotch-first on the top rope! The Dudleys and the Hardys brawled at ringsdie, when X-Factor returned with steel chairs in hand. Bubba Ray found himself on a table, when Credible was dumped on top of him by the Team Xtreme members. Edge and Christian again snuck in to climb the ladder, when the Hardys joined them.
Matt, Edge and Christian were sent from the ladder - and Jeff stood in a position to grab the gold, only to deliver a Swanton Bomb from the ring, to the floor: through the table! Bubba was left down and out in the carnage, as back inside Matt found himself double teamed by Edge and Storm. The Canadians had formed a pact, whipping him into a ladder together. Lance and Edge showboated, when Edge struck first with the spear! Setting up the Conchairto, D-Von interfered with a headshot of his own delivered to Christian! At ringside Matt dragged Christian to the floor, when X-Pac again interfered to be taken out with a clothesline. Matt propped X-Pac on the announce table, climbing to the top of a ladder and executing a lethal diving legdrop! The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion was incapacitated, as Credible climbed the ladder in the ring, to be met by Edge.
Both men traded fists, when Edge delivered a hip toss that sent both men crashing to the canvas! Bubba Ray was alive and well, crawling inside to set up the ladder - only he was grabbed by the foot by Jeff - who was also alive, somehow! Both men fought in the ring, when a steel chair shot saw Bubba collapse to the canvas. Jeff saw his chance and took it, climbing the ladder with all he had when sabotaged by Christian - an inverted DDT taking both men from halfway up the ladder! Storm returned and again climbed alone, when D-Von arrived with a second ladder. Setting it up to battle alongside Credible, a haymaker saw Justin fall from it. He had his chance to take home the gold for the Dudleys - when the OvalTron showed Spike Dudley being taken out by Mike Awesome - the backstage war between WWF and ECW continuing. It allowed X-Factor valuable time to topple D-Von from atop the ladder, sending him crashing through a table on the ringside floor! Together, Storm and Credible climbed the ladder - and retrieved the WWF Tag Team Championship!
To the shock of everybody in Anaheim, Lance Storm and Justin Credible had made it out of TLC III with the WWF Tag Team Championships! X-Factor were busted open and bruised, but raised the titles high in celebratory fashion - as their leader X-Pac remained motionless, in the wreckage of the announce table. The Dudley Boyz, who had endured three bouts in Tag Team Turmoil last Sunday at Judgment Day; as well as a defense against the Fighting Holly Cousins on RAW is WAR, had just been dethroned as fighting champs as a result of Tables, Ladders and Chairs.
Getting down from the ladders, Lance Storm and Justin Credible had made an impact - when Paul Heyman was seen walking casually down the rampway. A masterful smile on his face, Heyman climbed inside and raised Storm and Credible's hands, as they held the WWF Tag Team Championships high! ECW had recruited two more men for their vendetta against the World Wrestling Federation - and taken more WWF gold with them!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 6, 2021 10:06:02 GMT -5
The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN Presented by 1800-COLLECT - "On the Tracks" WCW World Heavyweight Championship & WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page
World Championship Wrestling had been in hiatus since Shane McMahon purchased the company back on March 26, 2001 - but now, WCW was back with a Big Bang, on World Wrestling Federation's home soil, TNN! Booker T captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final edition of Monday Nitro from Scott Steiner, but as both WCW Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion - he now had to defend against his toughest challenger to date, in the former three-time WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. Who would walk out with both of the richest prizes in this great sport, come the Big Bang? Ric Flair vs Buff BagwellWith the buyout by Shane McMahon on March 26, 2001, the sixteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over, as he would engage in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro, in a losing effort. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans, 'the Nature Boy' signed a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and was out to prove that he still had a lot left in the tank. Up against a former WCW World Tag Team Champion in Buff Bagwell, would we see the stylin' and profilin' of the dirtiest player in the game show himself, or would 'Buff Daddy' pull off the biggest win of his career? WCW World Cruiserweight Championship Four Corners Match Shane Helms (c) vs Elix Skipper vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.There had been few WCW athletes that had worked as hard as 'Sugar' Shane Helms. At the age of twenty-six, he achieved a goal when he defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to be crowned WCW World Cruiserweight Champion at WCW Greed. At the dawning of a new era for World Championship Wrestling, now was Shane Helms' shot at proving himself against a venge-filled Chavo Guerrero Jr, a seasoned former champion in Billy Kidman, and one-half of the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Elix Skipper. With sudden death rules, one fall to a finish, it was sure to be nonstop action: but who will leave the Big Bang as the champion? Matches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 6, 2021 17:52:43 GMT -5
Jakked - May 26, 2001 Compaq Center in San Jose, California Broadcast in syndicationTaped on May 21, 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) Steve Blackman def. Frankie Kazarian (3:02) With war imminent against the alumnus of ECW, 'the Lethal Weapon' Steve Blackman showed support for the WWF in a rally led by the APA on SmackDown, which led to a full-fledged backstage showdown with ECW invaders. Up against the youthful Frankie Kazarian, Blackman found difficulty in combating the high flyer before being able to take him down with a pump kick to get the three count.
2) Albert (w/D-Lo Brown) def. Tony Jones (2:27) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]'The Freight Train' was victorious last week on Sunday Night Heat before Judgment Day, defeating Val Venis with help from the wealthy D-Lo Brown. In action against another powerhouse, Tony Jones, Albert powered through Jones with an impressive feat of strength - a gorilla press slam. The 6'5, 270-pounder was put to rest with a Baldo Bomb, much to 'the Real Deal's pleasure.3) Kaientai def. Donovan Morgan and Robert Thompson (3:18) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]Although unsuccessful in Tag Team Turmoil for the WWF Tag Team Championship at Judgment Day, Kaientai showed loyalty to the WWF against ECW invaders on SmackDown. Taka Michinoku and Funaki teamed up against a formidable team in Donovan Morgan and Robert Thompson. Following their pre-match address, the Japanese duo proved to be EVIL - a Michinoku Driver picking up the win against Morgan. 3) WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac def. Chris Daniels (4:23) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]While X-Factor left SmackDown as WWF Tag Team Champions following TLC III, Lance Storm and Justin Credible's stance appeared uncertain, as they would abandon their incapacitated leader X-Pac and defect to Paul Heyman and ECW. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion faced tough competition in the motivated free agent Christopher Daniels, who almost scored a huge upset with a top rope moonsault, but an eye rake led to the X-Factor, allowing X-Pac to get the win.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 8, 2021 11:00:50 GMT -5
Sunday Night Heat - May 27, 2001 Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California Broadcast on MTV - Live from WWF New York Matches taped on May 22, 2001 The opening video package aired bringing us to a packed house in the entertainment complex at WWF New York. We were deep in the heart of Times Square for Sunday Night Heat, with Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman stood at the desk to welcome us to the show.
- TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho live from WWF New York.
- TONIGHT: The APA vs The Radicalz
With the ECW invasion that took place this past week starting on RAW is WAR, and following onto SmackDown, Michael Cole lamented how he had spent all night long with Tazz at Judgment Day in San Jose - and his co-host had not once mentioned an alliance formed with Paul Heyman. The Coach talked about Tazz's history with ECW, as well as a lot of current WWF Superstars that had defected. In one week they had witnessed his defection to ECW, along with the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, and the new WWF Tag Team Champions Lance Storm and Justin Credible. The WWF was clearly at war, albeit with a weakened defence - as so few WWF Superstars have been proven to get along cohesively on the frontline!
A video package aired, recapping WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H's two-on-three handicap match with Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian on RAW is WAR. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' both wanted a piece of 'the Megastar', and given their history were unable to get along. But, when the two were in a position to get it on and fight, the first strike would commence under the signal of Paul Heyman. Rhyno struck Triple H with the Gore, whilst Stone Cold found himself fighting off not just Raven and Tazz, but the ECW inforcements of the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. Austin and Triple H, the two top WWF Superstars the company had to offer, were waylaid and left laying by the ECW Revolution!
- Kaientai made their way out to the stage waving the Japanese flags high, scheduled for tag team action. Taka Michinoku spoke out against the ECW invasion, proclaiming them "nincompoops with weapons". Believing they stood no match for the WWF's heroism, Michinoku claimed they were from Japan: and they were not about to take another invasion lying down! Funaki followed with an "INDEED", as Taka proclaimed they will demonstrate this if ECW shows themselves again - because they are EVIL.
The two took to the ring, when the Fighting Holly Cousins soon came walking out. Hardcore Holly had a microphone himself as Crash and Molly Holly stood by, talking about how Taka and Funaki didn't have a damn clue what they were talking about. Questioning Kaientai's loyalty to the WWF, he wasn't even sure if they were competent enough for the battle! One thing was for sure, the Hollys were about to kick their asses and make an example out of them. The Hollys headed to the ring, when Crash pushed Hardcore back - hitting the ring alone!1) The Fighting Holly Cousins (w/Molly Holly) def. Kaientai (3:39)The hard-nosed and stubborn Crash hit the ring solo to combat Taka Michinoku and Funaki, only to be taken out with a double dropkick and a hip toss. Hardcore Holly helped Crash from the ring and struck with a clothesline to Michinoku; the Hollys taking control. Draping Taka over the top rope, Hardcore struck beneath with a kick to the gut, he and Crash took turns grounding Taka. Funaki rallied the crowd as Crash hit a bulldog for a near fall, when Hardcore's attempt at a powerbomb was reversed into a hurricanrana. Funaki made the tag and connected with a spinning headscissors and a diving crossbody, when Crash's distraction of the referee allowed Molly to hit the Molly Go-Round on Funaki! The Alabama Slam left Funaki laying, giving Hardcore the victory.
The Fighting Holly Cousins picked up the win in short fashion against Kaientai, as Crash celebrated as though he picked up the win for the team personally. Hardcore Holly slapped Crash across the back of the head and had his own hand raised by the referee, as Molly Holly climbed into the ring. As Taka Michinoku and Funaki recovered, Hardcore took exception to a fan in the front row. Holding a sign in support of ECW, Hardcore ripped it up in front of him!
A video package aired, recapping Vince McMahon and Trish Stratus's Judgment Day victory against Shane McMahon - coming after Stephanie McMahon's betrayal of her own brother. Together and united, Vince and Stephanie elaborated on their conspiracy to banish the WCW Owner from the WWF for good, when interrupted by Linda McMahon on the TitanTron. From WWF Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, the WWF CEO announced she was back to full health and back to work - and vowed to take every penny away from her soon-to-be ex-husband, the Chairman!
Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman discussed the return to health of WWF CEO Linda McMahon, and her words said to Vince McMahon on RAW is WAR. The Coach advocated for Linda's recovery, and how despicable the actions of the Chairman with Trish Stratus had been - but this was still a WWF show, and not WCW's, nor ECW's. Despite that, Cole brought up Linda's support for her son Shane McMahon's endeavors. Allowing promotion for WCW's Big Bang television special one week from tonight on TNN, Cole laid out what was already announced for the event to be held from Las Vegas's Hard Rock Cafe in seven days.
- WCW THE BIG BANG, JUNE 3: Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.
- WCW THE BIG BANG, JUNE 3: Ric Flair vs Buff Bagwell
- WCW THE BIG BANG, JUNE 3: Shane Helms (c) vs Billy Kidman vs Elix Skipper vs Chavo Guerreo Jr. in a Four Corners match for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship.
- Test phones in to WWF New York Michael Cole spoke of Vince McMahon's fragility, with the divorce from Linda McMahon pending and the ECW invasion imminent. He talked about the harsh words exchanged with Test last Monday night on RAW is WAR, when he welcomed a special caller over the WWF New York airwaves: Test. Phoning in from his home of Toronto, Canada, Test was doing well but outraged by the decisionmakings of the Chairman.
Ranting about Vince ordering him to go home without pay, for sticking up for the boys six nights ago, Test added that he was told to come to SmackDown last Thursday - only to receive a phone call from Commissioner William Regal on Thursday morning, ordering he stay home! For all Test had done for the company, he prided himself of being a working man. Very few lived, breathed and sweated the business like he did - and now without him, the WWF found itself at war with ECW! Whether Vince wanted him there or not, Test vowed to be back at RAW tomorrow night from Calgary, where 'the Working Man' claimed to kick some ECW ass. Jonathan Coachman could not wait to see what Test would do.
- 2) Steve Blackman def. Albert (w/D-Lo Brown) (3:12)'The Freight Train' and 'the Lethal Weapon' were both part of the WWF rally that took place in the APA's office on SmackDown, yet they remained at odds even following the backstage showdown with the ECW Revolution. D-Lo Brown watched as Steve Blackman used quickness to chop Albert down, a pump kick seeing him claim a near fall. Albert muscled off the guillotine choke, and a cheap shot from D-Lo saw Albert land a corner splash. A gorilla press slam sent Blackman across the ring, but a big splash missed. Blackman came back with a striking combination but a pump kick missed, and the bicycle kick landed. Albert sent Blackman into the ropes for it to go reversed - D-Lo pulling the wrong man's foot beneath the ropes! A martial arts kick scored Blackman the upset win!
Steve Blackman raised his fists in victory before leaving quickly, as D-Lo Brown palmed his face in his hands. Albert shot up in fury, unable to comprehend how 'the Lethal Weapon' had knocked off a victory against him. Arguing with the referee, 'the Freight Train' turned his attention to D-Lo who he cornered! Albert threatened D-Lo by the collar, before releasing him and storming from the ring. An intimidated Brown watched, shouting after how he had money to make this right.
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In their quarters backstage, Bull Buchanan, the Goodfather, Ivory and Mark Henry sat in silence as Steven Richards entered the room. Unable to contain his frustrations, Steven was disgusted by each of them. Ivory buried her head in Mark's chest as Steven talked how the Right to Censor were meant to be better than this. They were reprogrammed, and yet there were gaps in what made them the RTC. As an organization they received more than enough black eyes in one week - losing all of their matches. Each of the RTC members sat in silence as Steven got in Goodfather's face, demanding they do better "or else". Threatening Goodfather, he got him to look him in the eye. Goodfather scowled, telling their leader that they would be better - and they would win the good fight.A video package aired, recapping the ECW Revolution's brutality. Narrated by Paul Heyman, he talked about how it all came to this - what was planned for months. Footage showed the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno deliver a Gore to Triple H on RAW is WAR. Raven beat Kane; Tazz went to war with Stone Cold Steve Austin; Lance Storm and Justin Credible won TLC III to win the WWF Tag Team Championships, and return "home" to ECW on SmackDown. Heyman provided profiles on each of his newly-listed assailants - the likes of 'the Innovator of Violence' Tommy Dreamer; 'the Extreme Icon' the Sandman; 'the Gladiator' Mike Awesome; 'the New Damn Show' Jerry Lynn, and 'the Notorious K.I.D.' Kid Kash. Together, Paul claimed they would bring the WWF to its knees.
The APA watched in disgust in their office, lamenting over beers how the WWF could bring themselves to air such cr*p. Faarooq said this was Sunday Night Heat on MTV, and ECW were out of business. Bradshaw ranted about the ECW Revolution, and then brought their attention to the Radicalz. They'd already had their issues with them before, but now they had to question Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko's loyalty to representing the WWF. Faarooq reminded his partner how they each came from ECW, and how they would take care of business tonight and find out what made the Radicalz "radical". Bradshaw said ECW stood for Extremely Cr*ppy Wrestling, and this was the WWF - none of the Revolution were on their level, and they would find that out.
- Chris Jericho appears live from WWF New YorkOn the stage of the entertainment complex, Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman welcomed their special guest - the new, five-time WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho. Y2J came marching out to the stage looking a million bucks, introducing the fans in New York City to NYC is Jericho! Making fun of Mitchell Cole and the Coach, Jericho asked the people how it felt to look at the beautiful piece of gold around 'the Sexy Beast's waist. It went without saying the end of the rivalry with Raven was bittersweet, because while he loved kicking that piece of garbage around for him to get back up for more - as one door closed, another door opened. The Ladder match saw him walk out in victory, and an ECW invasion waltz in, unwanted. Chris Jericho spoke out about how he remembered fondly the days of being an ECW extremist.He spoke about how he was "one of them" once - young, naive and with a mouth full of Paul Heyman's Kool-Aid. He remembered competing in lousy bingo halls without air conditioning for a hotdog and a handshake - and how all of that sucked! Y2J worked hard to get where he is today, and it went without saying that he would never, ever go back to ECW agayn! Where the ECW Revolution was concerned, Y2J said they could chug whatever Kool-Aid they wanted from Paul Heyman and his rat-tail, but the truth remained: he was the WWF Intercontinental Champion and he was here to stay, and if any of those jackasses got in Y2J's face, he'd punch them right in the mouth and take ECW out with the trash. Y2J received a standing ovation, as Cole revealed his first title defence scheduled tomorrow night on RAW is WAR against Billy Gunn.- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Chris Jericho (c) vs Billy Gunn for the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- A video package aired, recapping Stone Cold Steve Austin's pursuit against the ECW Revolution from SmackDown. Reeling from the beatdown at the end of RAW is WAR, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was in no mood and targeted Tazz as he interfered in Raven's match with Tazz. Later that night, the two went head-to-head, with interference once again plaguing the WWF Champion's revenge. The ECW army outnumbered Austin and beat him down again, when Kurt Angle valiantly hit the ring to clean house - when Austin dropped 'the Megastar' with a Stunner! Backstage, Angle called to question whether Austin was the leader of the WWF that Vince McMahon wanted - and declared his own intentions to take over where Austin failed!
A video package aired, showing Vince McMahon's state of address from SmackDown. Wanting to out-extreme the ECW invasion, he changed the Dudley Boyz' WWF Tag Team Championship defence against the Hardy Boyz to be a WrestleMania rematch: TLC III, featuring Edge and Christian! During the night, X-Factor would get involved - Lance Storm and Justin Credible being added as well, by Commissioner William Regal. It was an all-out war, one that saw X-Pac taken out in the crossfire. Yet as the Dudleys looked to wrap up their toughest week of defences yet, X-Factor rose from the ashes and captured the WWF Tag Team Championships. Yet with X-Pac incapacitated, Storm and Credible celebrated - with Paul Heyman, officially defecting "home" to ECW!
- From the whirlwind of a show that was SmackDown, Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman discussed what would go down tomorrow night on RAW is WAR. In the main event, champion would battle champion in non-title action as the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin would face the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno; and Kurt Angle would fight Tazz! Plus, next week on Sunday Night Heat, the WWF Commissioner William Regal will be in the house at WWF New York!
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Kurt Angle vs Tazz
- SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT, NEXT WEEK: Commissioner William Regal appears live from WWF New York.
- 3) The APA def. The Radicalz (w/Terri) (4:11)They had issues brewing from weeks ago, and now with the ECW invasion in effect, the APA had taken issue with the Radicalz' loyalty. WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero denied any affiliation with ECW on commentary, as a four-man brawl would see Bradshaw gain the upper hand on Dean Malenko with a fallaway slam. Perry Saturn came in with an exploder suplex to Faarooq following a powerslam, as Saturn and Malenko would double-team and corner Faarooq with Terri providing distraction. Bradshaw made the hot tag as 'Latino Heat' noted they were Radicalz and did what they wanted; the Texan cleaning house before Malenko interrupted a powerbomb. Faarooq dropped him with a spinebuster, and the Clothesline From Hell saw Bradshaw pin Saturn!
The APA were victorious tonight on Sunday Night Heat, shunning the Radicalz after their protest against the WWF rally on SmackDown. Bradshaw and Faarooq stood in dominance while Eddie Guerrero frowned in their direction from the announce table. The WWF European Champion watched as Terri checked on her boyfriend Perry Saturn, and Dean Malenko. Meanwhile, the APA stood tall - leading the frontline army against the ECW Revolution, and brandishing a WWF banner high in the air from the top rope!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 13, 2021 10:51:11 GMT -5
WWF LIVE - May 26-27, 2001 Salt Lake City, Utah & Vancouver, British Columbia May 26, 2001 - E Center in Salt Lake City, UT:
- The APA def. The Radicalz
- Rikishi def. Bull Buchanan
- X-Pac (c) def. Spike Dudley to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- X-Factor (c) def. The Dudley Boyz & The Hardy Boyz in a three-way tag team match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Chris Jericho (c) def. Raven in a No-Disqualification match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- The Brothers of Destruction def. Edge and Christian
- Triple H def. Commissioner William Regal
- Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) def. Kurt Angle to retain the WWF Championship.
May 27, 2001 - General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC:- The APA def. The Radicalz
- Rikishi def. Bull Buchanan
- X-Pac (c) def. Spike Dudley to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- X-Factor (c) def. The Dudley Boyz & The Hardy Boyz in a three-way tag team match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Chris Jericho (c) def. Raven in a No-Disqualification match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
- The Brothers of Destruction def. Edge and Christian by disqualification
- Triple H def. Commissioner William Regal
- Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) def. Kurt Angle to retain the WWF Championship.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 13, 2021 11:40:31 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - May 28, 2001 Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Live on TNN
A video package aired, recapping the insurgence of the ECW Revolution. Paul Heyman's led army of Extreme Championship Wrestling alumnus invaded RAW is WAR last week, attacking the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H. Together, Rhyno, Raven and Tazz looked unstoppable when joined by the likes of the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash - but it would only grow worse. Kurt Angle jockeyed for leadership of the WWF over 'the Texas Rattlesnake', and Angle would rush to the WWF Champion's aid in shocking fashion on SmackDown - before being given a Stunner from Stone Cold! In a plea to out-extreme ECW, Vince McMahon made a hellacious main event for SmackDown, where X-Factor would come out on top against the Dudley Boyz, the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian in TLC III - walking out with the WWF Tag Team Championships, and joined by Paul Heyman!
The opening video package aired, cutting to the pyrotechnics display in a sold-out Saddledome! A flood of people were on hand, as RAW is WAR was ushered in by Jim Ross alongside Michael Cole. Given the ECW Revolution led by Paul Heyman, J.R. voiced his disgust in talking to Cole - but tonight, RAW is WAR was live in Calgary!
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno
- TONIGHT: Kurt Angle vs Tazz
- Vince McMahon needs a leaderVince McMahon came strutting down to the ring to loud boos, joined by his mistress Trish Stratus. After a rough week for the World Wrestling Federation last week, the Chairman ordered the chants of "assh*le" to stop, which only brought the crowd to chant "sl*t" in Trish's direction. Vince spoke about how it was no secret that ECW had invaded, and there was little more that he could do. The ECW Revolution or so they call themselves, have plagued the WWF and targeted the best of the WWF Superstars. Now more than ever, this company needed to band together and claim order, and take out this threat because he had had it up to hear from Paul Heyman and his band of misfits any longer! The WWF Owner declared that he was opening the floodgates, because if he couldn't keep ECW out - he was going to let them all come in and get their asses kicked by the very best that the WWF had to offer.The glass shattered, bringing out the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin! He looked to be in a foul mood, wanting more of the ECW Revolution after their attacks last week. Staring his arch nemesis Vince McMahon in the face, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' talked about how Vince McMahon wanted to do something unprecedented and let those extreme pieces of cr*p into the WWF. The bottom line was that by doing that, ECW was bound to be on its deathbed again, because his name was Stone Cold Steve Austin, he was the WWF Champion - and he was going to be the man to single-handedly whoop everybody's ass and take them out of his ring! Vince was glad to hear it, but argued that maybe there were better ways to do this. Maybe it would be best for Austin to trust his fellow men, the WWF Superstars, and band together - because after witnessing Austin getting his ass handed to him twice last week, he wasn't sure if Austin had what it took!'The Texas Rattlesnake' chuckled back at Vince McMahon as a frightened Trish Stratus watched on, telling Vince how he knew what he was trying to do. After sticking his neck out and sticking up for Vince in his pathetic little McMahon Family War, it was all for not once it was revealed that Vince had been banging the blonde bimbo in the corner the whole time! Stone Cold told Vince not to get it twisted - they will never be friends, and after fooling him once he's lucky he hasn't Stunned his ass for old time's sake. Vince told Austin that what he did in his time was his business, but to forget about Trish. None of this was about him, or Trish - this was about sticking up against the ECW invasion! Austin told Vince that he could take his little invasion and stick it up his ass, because Stone Cold was the top of the foodchain, and he was going to do what he wanted: which so happened to be opening a can of whoopass on ECW!Kurt Angle soon interrupted the back-and-forth, joined with Stephanie McMahon on his arm. Reunited with smiles on their faces, 'the Megastar' had the Olympic gold medals back around his neck as he climbed into the ring. Angle told Stone Cold and Vince McMahon to look at themselves - this was dumb, all of this was dumb. He questioned Vince's motive to not only allow ECW to come into their house willy-nilly, but to allow a paranoid madman like Steve Austin lead the WWF Superstars to battle! Angle argued that this was cowardly and underhanded WWF Champion was not worthy of the mantle, reminding him of how he stole his gold medals. He'd faced ass-kicking after ass-kicking, and didn't look the least bit like a leader! Angle told Vince that if ECW came into this building and invaded, they'd be in ruins in seconds - thanks to the leadership of that sociopath, Stone Cold! Austin told Angle to repeat that so he could hear it, staring down Kurt when Stephanie McMahon stepped between them.'The Billion Dollar Princess' told the two rivals that this was no time for hell to break loose. She knew how passionate Kurt Angle was about once again becoming WWF Champion, but this wasn't the time or the place! Presenting a compromise she was sure her father Vince McMahon would appreciate, Stephanie suggested the two learn to get along. Angle told his girlfriend that he could do that without any problem - but he knew Steve couldn't. Austin stubbornly admitted he could handle it. He didn't like Angle or respect him, but if it shut her mouth, he'd shake his hand right now. The two stood face to face, with Vince and Steph watching - when Austin offered the handshake. Angle accepted it, but the WWF Champion would once again drop the Olympic Gold Medalist with a Stunner! Austin left on his own to the McMahon's uproar - living on his own accord!- From tonight onwards, the invading ECW Revolution talent will be able to compete on WWF programming.
In the parking lot, Paul Heyman huddled the ECW Revolution group together. With arms over the shoulders of the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Tazz and Raven, he talked about how Vince McMahon was making a crucial mistake letting ECW into their house. On a night where 'the Man-Beast' was prepared to take out the unhinged lone wolf WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Tazz was going to mutilate and choke out Kurt Angle with the Tazzmission. And with the floodgates opened, Paul turned to speak with the army of the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. Each of them had their roles, and tonight ECW would once again dominate the World Wrestling Federation! The group came to chant "ECW" rabidly.
- Special guests were live in attendance in the Saddledome, the world-renowned Hart Family. The eighty-six year old patriarch of the family, Stu Hart took a somber stand to his feet to take in the loud show of respect from the hometown Calgary crowd. Waving a hand in the air, his sons Bruce and Keith Hart clapping and cheering in a show of appreciation.
The WWF Women's Champion Chyna made her way out to the stage, following boyfriend 'the One' Billy Gunn down to the ring, where he took the microphone. Introducing the glamorously dressed Playboy covergirl, Billy spoke about her as the apple of his eye. As amazing as she has been, Billy talked about how they were one piece of gold away from becoming a power couple. Once he defeated Chris Jericho to become WWF Intercontinental Champion, they were going to be on the front cover of magazines worldwide! The countdown led to pyrotechnics: bringing out Chris Jericho. Y2J wished Billy to shut the hell up, ragging on him for clinging onto relevancy with his old flame, Chyna. Jericho brought up their own history, and how Chyna had been more than around the block with many a WWF Superstar! Billy was not about to take that on Chyna's behalf, telling Y2J to quit the talking and bring his ass to the ring! Y2J told "Mr. Ass" he was finally speaking his language, and set off for the ring.1) Chris Jericho (c) def. Billy Gunn (w/WWF Women's Champion Chyna) to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (3:41)With her boyfriend pining for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, Chyna joined commentary to discuss her dominance as WWF Women's Champion. Y2J got off to a hot start with clotheslines and a hurricanrana, when stopped with a military press slam from the challenger. 'The One' Billy Gunn powerslammed Chris Jericho from one end of the ring to another for a near fall, before resorting to choking him in the ropes. Jericho fought a sleeper hold to walk into a picture-perfect dropkick, but Billy's jackhammer went reversed into a bulldog. The Lionsault was blocked with Billy's knees up, when the challenger's strong legs saw him propel Y2J across the ring! The One and Only was fought off with a springboard dropkick, when the Lionsault connected - Y2J retaining the title!
Chris Jericho had his hand raised, the WWF Intercontinental Championship handed to him in victory. The WWF Women's Champion Chyna left commentary to check on her man Billy Gunn, who slammed his fist against the apron in despondance over the loss. But as Billy and Chyna left, Kid Kash hit the ring - quickly being fought off by Jericho. What Y2J didn't expect, was Mike Awesome then hitting the ring: a big boot knocking out the champion! The fans erupted in ECW chants, as Awesome powered Jericho up like a light-heavyweight, and delivered an Awesome Bomb! Billy opted not to save Y2J and left with Chyna, when Rob Van Dam rushed down to the ring with a steel chair in hand. RVD chased Awesome and Kash from the ring, but Y2J was wary of 'the Whole Dam Show's history with the ECW Revolution!
- The APA rallied the troops in their office with the likes of Val Venis, K-Kwik, Kaientai and Steve Blackman among others gathered. Faarooq spoke about how they could not let what went down on SmackDown slide. It could not happen again, and they needed to know all hands were on deck. Bradshaw delivered a speech about what it meant to be WWF Superstars, and how they weren't going to allow the ECW invasion to stand. The Fighting Holly Cousins entered, unimpressed about the lack of invitation. Crash was furious, but shut up by a slap across the head from Hardcore Holly. He said he'd been here longer than any of them, since 1994 he'd been a WWF Superstar. Nobody had ever been as loyal as he was, and this was the hill he was going to die on. Hardcore questioned the APA's authority, asking what gave them the right to lead this rally! The APA and the Hollys soon came to argue, with Molly Holly and the WWF Superstars coming between them to restore order!
Kurt Angle clutched his ribs as Tajiri frantically tried to apply ice. Commissioner William Regal scolded his apprentice for doing it wrong, before cursing Stone Cold Steve Austin for doing this to his fellow man. Vince McMahon soon arrived to 'the Goodwill Ambassador's office with Stephanie McMahon and Trish Stratus, as 'the Megastar' jested that this was getting out of hand. Vince understood Kurt's frustrations, declaring that the WWF weren't about to be pushed and shoved around by some little group from Philadelphia. ECW didn't scare him and never had, but Angle needed to concentrate on his match with Tazz and leave Austin to him. Even Steph contested this, but Vince ordered her to stay with her man. Trish suggested she come with, but the Chairman again declared she stay here - he was going to go and speak with Stone Cold man-to-man. Trish appeared dejected, as Angle yelled at Tajiri with an icepack in hand.
- The Fighting Holly Cousins came down to the ring to a negative response, Molly Holly watching as Hardcore Holly climbed into the ring. Disgusted by the actions of the ECW Revolution already, he declared that this was the World Wrestling Federation and ECW weren't big enough or tough enough to hang with big boys like them. The Hollys represented what this business was all about - kicking ass and taking no names, but what ECW was doing was p*ssing all over that. Hardcore spoke about Stone Cold Steve Austin taking beatings, and the APA selfishly thinking they're leadership material, the Hollys each begged to differ. Abruptly, Crash snatched the microphone and angrily declared that they were the Fighting Hollys, and they weren't afraid to fight any of them tonight, right now! Throwing out the challenge, a home country hero would respond: Chris Benoit! Receiving a loud ovation, Hardcore left Crash high and dry to fight 'the Rabid Wolverine!'2) Chris Benoit def. Crash (w/Hardcore and Molly Holly) (1:58)The Fighting Holly Cousins felt slighted despite Hardcore's seniority to the WWF, but Crash's hotheaded nature had brought the return of Chris Benoit! In his home country of Canada, 'the Rabid Wolverine' was beloved in his first appearance since the Last Man Standing loss to the Undertaker at Judgment Day. Benoit lit Crash up in the corner with chops, when a cross-armbreaker went applied temporarily, until Crash made for the ropes. Crash got in more right hands when a bulldog was reversed into a back suplex, and a missed clothesline led to three consecutive German suplexes! Benoit went to the top rope for the Diving Headbutt when Hardcore got involved, a dropkick knocking the Canadian down to the canvas for a DDT. Benoit kicked out, when Crash charged directly into the Crossface - Crash tapping out instantly!
Chris Benoit had his hand raised to cheers from the Saddledome crowd. 'The Rabid Wolverine' was back after the Last Man Standing loss at the hands of the Undertaker, and looked more impressive than ever. Hardcore Holly slapped Crash across the back of the head in upset at ringside, scolding him for taking too much initiative. Molly Holly tried to stop the bickering of the Fighting Holly Cousins, as Benoit was left to celebrate his win as a WWF Superstar.
- Lance Storm and Justin Credible celebrated with the WWF Tag Team Championships in hand in the locker room area, both adorned in ECW shirts. Speaking about their victory in TLC III last Thursday on SmackDown, Lance said they proved that they were the most dominant tag team in the WWF - and now, here they were, a part of the ECW Revolution. Credible exclaimed that this was how they made an impact. WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac entered the room sheepishly, understanding why they showed allegiance to ECW - but now the locker room hated their guts: ever worse than before! X-Pac brought up how they were supposed to be a team, X-Factor, together! Credible claimed they still were, as Storm noted despite the fact X-Pac was WWF and they were ECW - that didn't mean they couldn't get along. X-Pac was glad to hear it as X-Factor hugged it out - he was so proud of Storm and Credible!
- Meanwhile, Triple H arrived at the building. Not dressed for competition, 'the Game' had a lot on his mind given the recent ECW invasion: and after ignoring officials and passers by it looked as though the Saddledome would hear from Triple H - up next!
The WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin sat beside his wife Debra, as Vince McMahon had pulled up a chair and sat on it backwards, reminiscing on their well-documented history. They had been at odds, on the same side - but despite all of it, he knew there was no fixing this. They would always absolutely detest one another, and he didn't appreciate having 'the Texas Rattlesnake' lead as the WWF Champion either. Austin ordered the Chairman to cut straight to the chase, and Vince told Austin to consider the WWF for once. He was the WWF Champion for God's sake. This ECW Revolution thing might have Stone Cold p*ssed, but it was no reason to take it out on Kurt Angle.
The WWF Owner reasoned that 'the Megastar' was doing his part too, when Austin cut him off. Speaking about how Kurt couldn't fight to save his life compared to him, Austin believed he showed his true colors last week when he ran away while Austin was getting his ass kicked. Austin came to his feet, reciting that he was the WWF Champion, and that made him the leader of the WWF. ECW, WWF - it didn't mean a damn thing to him. He wasn't afraid to bust anybody's ass, much like tonight when he stomps a mudhole in the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno. Austin got up and left, leaving Vince to be shot daggers by the WWF Divas Ambassador Debra. She soon shot to her feet, telling Vince how she hoped Linda McMahon took everything she could from his disgraceful butt.
- Triple H responds to the ECW RevolutionTriple H came stomping down the rampway to a loud ovation from the Calgary, Alberta crowd. In a leather jacket, 'the Cerebral Assassin' had much to discuss with the people as he climbed into the ring to take the microphone. He said the ECW Revolution was all the noise this last week. He expected to make his return and have the whole world talking about how he and Stone Cold Steve Austin were about to go to war again for the richest prize in the business, the WWF Championship. But it was all for not, and to blame for that, people could look no further than the group of crusaders who stuck their noses where they didn't belong. Triple H singled out Rhyno, the man who Gored him not just once on RAW is WAR, but once on SmackDown as well. For all he cared, if 'the Man-Beast' really wanted to make a name for himself, he could've just called him out to fight like a man. He didn't give a damn about Stone Cold right now. He didn't give a damn about Kurt Angle either. The WWF Championship could wait, because he was out here to call out Rhyno!Whipping off his leather jacket and shirt, Triple H waited prepared. Instead, Paul Heyman's voice was heard. Complaining about another twenty-minute speech from 'the Game', Paul made his face known as he sauntered down the rampway! With a grandiose smile on his face, Heyman talked about how great it was to see him tonight - in one piece, no less! Paul talked about how after last week's beatdowns, he fully expected 'the Game's tail to be between his legs again. Nobody expected him to show up to work tonight, because before last week, nobody had heard from him in a month! Paul reminded HHH about his absence following Backlash, the place he lost the WWF Championship match to Stone Cold Steve Austin. Heyman rubbed the failure in his face, bringing up his past. He rose through the ranks, married Vincent Kennedy McMahon's daughter Stephanie - just to have her betray him! Triple H had lost the support of his family, he'd also lost his friends in D-Generation X, and if it's shown Paul Heyman anything: it's that Triple H is an insecure son of a b*tch. Paul suggested 'the Game' drop the facade and cry over the spoilt milk that was his big "redemption". Paul suggested that maybe it was time to accept the fact that 'the Game' may not actually be that damn good at all! Having enough, Triple H grabbed Paul by the ponytail and set him up for the Pedigree - when down to the ring came the ECW Revolution! Jerry Lynn rushed the ring to be fought off by 'the Game', when the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer slid in with Singapore cane shots to the spine and skull of 'the Game!' HHH tried to fight back, a spinebuste for Lynn - when Sandman struck with cane shots again! Heyman screamed over the mic at HHH telling him to admit defeat. Dreamer and Sandman relented with further cane shots to the spine, but Triple H kept getting back up - when finally the APA led army of Jacqueline, Val Venis, K-Kwik, Kaientai and Steve Blackman hit the ring, chasing them away. Bradshaw and Faarooq helped 'the Game' to his feet, but he wanted to get some more of the ECW Revolution - only to be restrained!- Commissioner William Regal and Tajiri were joined in the office by the Radicalz. Pumped up, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko stood with Terri demanding to know where their shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships were. Malenko brought up how Lance Storm and Justin Credible came in and leapfrogged their way into TLC III on SmackDown - but what about them? WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero demanded his boys a shot - but William said there would be no messing about with him. How could anybody trust the Radicalz? There was a bloody war going on, extremely immoral people were roaming the halls freely, and the Radicalz were here to ask for title shots. 'Latino Heat' suggested Regal lighten up, but William said the Radicalz could just as well be ECW defectors too. He planned a title shot tonight - for himself, against Eddie for the WWF European Championship! Tajiri took a karate stance, as Regal told Eddie he was sticking up for the WWF on home soil!
- TONIGHT: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs WWF Commissioner William Regal for the WWF European Championship.
During the break, footage aired of Triple H arguing with the APA backstage. 'The Game' argued with Bradshaw and Faarooq, Bradshaw arguing they were protecting him. While appreciative, Hunter argued he didn't need it. Up walked Kurt Angle with Edge and Christian, further iring HHH. Seeing what happened, 'the Megastar' claimed what the ECW Revolution did was a shame. He would have had his back, too, if Triple H wasn't out to kick his ass. Edge and Christian said they didn't get why he was so mad all of the time. He lost the big one, much like Kurt did. The Olympic Gold Medalist stated the difference, that he was going to get the WWF Championship again, when HHH argued that he would take it from him or Austin, one way or another. Angle laughed, explaining that's why he got his ass kicked. There was nothing more 'the Game' loved than burning bridges and being the big hero. Whereas he was a true man of the people, and that's what made him a great leader of the WWF. The APA held HHH back as Team ECK left.
- 3) Kurt Angle (w/Edge and Christian) def. Tazz (5:20)Kurt Angle fended off Tazz in the midst of the ECW Revolution's attack on Stone Cold Steve Austin on SmackDown. Angle wanted to stand up for the WWF as their leader against 'the Human Suplex Machine' as Edge and Christian watched at ringside. Angle clotheslined Tazz repeatedly only to walk into a belly-to-belly suplex. Stephanie McMahon anxiously watched backstage with Trish Stratus beside her, as Tazz hammered on 'the Megastar' and dropped him with a Tazzplex for a near fall. Tazz choked Angle in the ropes before arguing with Edge and Christian at ringside. Angle sent him into the steel steps before delivering a German suplex inside for a near fall! The Angle Slam was blocked into the Tazzmission, and Angle began fading when Edge and Christian got on the apron - to each be struck from behind by Raven with a stop sign! Test suddenly came from the crowd to fight off Raven, as Angle was finally able to roll from the Tazzmission - Tazz's shoulders grounded for the three count!
With Raven down as a result of the suspended Test, the Canadian watched proudly as he backed up the rampway. Kurt Angle meanwhile had avenged the Royal Rumble 2000 loss with a victory against Tazz tonight, through all of the ruckus at ringside. Tazz argued with the referee while Edge and Christian came to their feet sorely. Joining 'the Megastar' as he celebrated, Angle had to think this was a major victory over the ECW Revolution!
- Stephanie McMahon was thrilled by her boyfriend Kurt Angle's win in her room backstage, as Trish Stratus watched in silence on the couch beside her. Stephanie asked what was bothering Trish, to which she confessed how ever since Steph had reunited with her father, she'd been getting the cold shoulder from the Chairman. Trish told Stephanie not to be mistaken, she was happy they were back together reunited and rekindled, but she was feeling left out. The WWF Diva told 'the Billion Dollar Princess' that she loved Vince, as Stephanie claimed to understand her. But if she needed a reminder of anything: she could count herself lucky that Stephanie was allowing her to be a part of their McMahon Empire. Baffled, Trish questioned it, but Stephanie told her that she was the reason her family had fallen apart. Stephanie suggested Trish keep her mouth shut, and accept that there was room for only one dominant female in the McMahon Empire!
Team Xtreme were backstage warming up for six-person tag team action against the united WWF and ECW conglomerate of ECW, as Matt Hardy reminded Jeff Hardy and Lita how many times they had had their WWF Tag Team Championship opportunities stolen from them. It got in their way at WrestleMania, it got in their way at Judgment Day, and it got in their way in TLC III last Thursday on SmackDown. Matt said that would stop tonight, because whether ECW or not, Lance Storm and Justin Credible had the titles, and they along with X-Pac had gotten away for long enough. Jeff agreed and the three put their hands in, but as the Hardy Boyz left the scene, Lita came across the WWF Women's Champion Chyna. The two Divas exchanged pleasantries, as Lita observed how pretty the title on Chyna's shoulder was. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' smiled, as Chyna complimented Lita's "little" outfit. Lita thanked her, and the two parted ways.
- TONIGHT: X-Factor vs Team Xtreme in a six-person intergender tag team match.
- With the Right to Censor making their way to the ring, footage aired from earlier today of Steven Richards standing before Mark Henry, the Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and Ivory as they lined up against a wall. Speaking about how time and time again they had failed him, that would change tonight. The luck of the RTC was about to change, and it started with Kane. Steven glared Goodfather in the eyes, asking if he was going to finally be a team player, to which Goodfather refused to make eye contact. Ordering he look him in the eyes, Steven brought up the disappointments he'd been responsible for in the past. Richards threatened to have Goodfather thrown out and disposed of if he failed, then asked if he had made himself clear. Slapping him across the face, a fired up Goodfather told him he would fight the good fight - and win. Steven left the scene, leaving Ivory, Mark and Bull stunned!4) Kane def. The Goodfather (w/The Right to Censor) (2:54)The Right to Censor's losing ways was quickly bringing Steven Richards' hot and fiery temper to surface, as he threatened the Goodfather's position in the RTC with this match tonight against Kane. 'The Big Red Machine' was unbothered by the challenge, as the Goodfather, Ivory and Bull Buchanan stood to attention alongside Richards at ringside. The two big men battled back and forth, with a big boot sending Goodfather to the floor. Steven slapped Goodfather again to motivate him back inside, and a distraction from Ivory allowed Goodfather to deliver a sidewalk slam for a near fall. A corner splash and a big boot got Goodfather another one. Kane fired back with a throat thrust and went to the top rope when Mark Henry got on the apron, but Goodfather crotched him! Lining up the Ho Train, Steven hopped to the apron warning him. Finally deciding to dismiss the theatrics, Goodfather would rush into the Chokeslam, giving the seven-foot monster the victory!
Kane was dominant despite the numbers game of the Right to Censor, when Bull Buchanan struck him from behind after the bell! Steven Richards directed traffic as Mark Henry was the differencemaker in laying out 'the Big Red Machine' with a powerful powerslam! The RTC put the boots to Kane, when the gong was heard - and out came the Undertaker with his wife Sara behind him! 'The American Badass' hit the ring and joined Kane in fighting off Buchanan and Goodfather, with Steven and Ivory bailing from the ring. Mark Henry was left alone to receive a double Chokeslam, courtesy of the Brothers of Destruction! The RTC was in disarray, as Kane erupted the pyrotechnics, and he alongside half-brother Undertaker, stood dominantly!
- Paul Heyman stood with the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, motivating him ahead of the main event. Heyman talked about how much Stone Cold Steve Austin had accomplished throughout his career, how it was all thanks to him. Paul took credit for allowing Stone Cold to prosper, how 'the Texas Rattlesnake' drank his first beer in ECW. While he may be WWF Champion, Austin was never a 'Man-Beast' like Rhyno was. Heyman called Rhyno the last ECW World Champion, and that made the stakes higher in this ECW Revolution. Rhyno finally stopped Heyman, telling him he didn't need the pet talk. Rhyno said he was going to dissect Stone Cold Steve Austin, much like he did Triple H last week. Tonight would be Austin's last night, because he planned to take out the trailer park trash. Heyman proclaimed this was the Revolution - and it consisted of ECW kicking WWF's asses out of Canada!
An advertisement aired, promoting WCW The Big Bang. Live on TNN this Sunday from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the matches already signed under the new regime of WCW Owner Shane McMahon - the WCW World Tag Team Championships would be on the line, with Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire taking on their former teammates from the Natural Born Killers, Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak.
- WCW THE BIG BANG, THIS SUNDAY: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak for the WCW World Tag Team Championship.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho nursed his shoulder in the trainer's office, reeling from the attack from Mike Awesome earlier tonight when in waltzed Rob Van Dam. Y2J came to his feet defensively, but RVD told him he came in peace. 'The Whole Dam Show' emphasized that he wasn't here to take him out, that he knew he had that ECW smell on him. He came here to assure Jericho he had nothing to worry about. RVD told him not to sweat it, because when he signed with the WWF in March, RVD vowed he would be WWF through and through. Y2J told Van Dam he smelled a lot whenever Rob was around, but none of it was ECW. But that didn't mean to say he trusted Rob - but he was thankful for him having his back. RVD told Y2J that it was cool, and suggested maybe they could team up and let rip to this ECW Revolution. Jericho grinned and hugged RVD, but as Van Dam left coolly, Y2J watched him in caution.
- 5) X-Factor def. Team Xtreme (4:48)Lance Storm and Justin Credible were the new WWF Tag Team Champions, and were seen leaving SmackDown with the ECW Revolution. Despite this, they assured WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac that they were still a part of X-Factor. Against the Hardy Boyz and Lita, Jeff and Matt Hardy were bandaged from TLC III, delivering Poetry in Motion to Credible - when Lita joined with a corner clothesline! The spinning headscissors connected and Jeff landed Whisper in the Wind. Matt's tornado DDT from the second rope was reversed into a back suplex from Storm, and Lance struck with a backbreaker! The teamwork of the new champs showed, as X-Pac landed the Bronco Buster on Matt. Credible's chinlock went fought off, and the tag was made to Jeff! With a clothesline off the barricade, Jeff ran wild, as Credible dragged Lita in by the hair - to receive the Twist of Fate from her! Lita went for the Moonsault when X-Pac crotched her, Jeff took him out with a missile dropkick, when Storm used the WWF Tag Team Championship belt on Jeff, to steal X-Factor the win!
United, the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac joined his ECW defector friends, the new WWF Tag Team Champions Lance Storm and Justin Credible in the ring. X-Factor had all the gold, as the three presented their belts high in the air - until Storm and Credible suddenly struck X-Pac with X Marks the Spot! The crowd booed as Storm and Credible put the boots to Jeff and Matt Hardy, Team Xtreme as well as X-Pac left laying. Disbanding X-Factor, the ECW defectors left the scene with the WWF Tag Team Championships. With the Dudley Boyz at home in Dudleyville nursing their injuries, revenge had to be on the former champs' minds!
- Vince McMahon sat on the phone to his divorce lawyer, with Trish Stratus sat beside him on the couch. Her arms folded, she frowned as Vince voiced his disgust at the costs for the suit against Linda McMahon! Angrily hanging up, the Chairman lost his temper at what this divorce process from the WWF CEO was doing to him. Trish tried to calm him, but Vince wouldn't listen. She said they needed to talk, though before the WWF Diva could get it off her chest, into the room came Commissioner William Regal. With Tajiri by his side, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' declared his intentions to the WWF Owner - to sweep the floor with Eddie Guerrero's filthy mullet. Regal was going to bring the WWF European Championship home to a safe place, unable to trust the Radicalz any longer. Vince proudly smiled before coming to his feet. Ordering Regal to go out there and do it, Vince hugged the Englishman to Trish's astonishment! Regal and Tajiri headed for the ring, the title match up next!
Footage aired from during the break, showing the fight being on between Test and Raven! The ECW-defected former WWF Intercontinental Champion had jumped the Canadian from behind, and the two would brawl into the men's room! Test sent Raven's head bouncing off the toilet stall's wall, but before he could give Raven a swirlie down a fouled toilet, into the room shot Jerry Lynn, delivering a succession of stomps to Test! Raven and Lynn put the boots to Test, leaving him down and out on the men's room tiles!
- 6) Eddie Guerrero (w/The Radicalz) (c) def. Commissioner William Regal (w/Tajiri) to retain the WWF European Championship (4:33)The neutral antics of the Radicalz saw them oppose the APA's rally of WWF Superstars on SmackDown, and now tonight in demanding a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships, Commissioner William Regal declined. Unable to trust 'Latino Heat', nor Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' stood up for the WWF with a series of uppercuts! Eddie received a double underhook suplex and a knee trembler for a near fall, as Guerrero bailed to the floor. Regal followed to engage in an argument with the Radicalz, when Guerrero would send him into the ring post. Back inside the WWF European Champion delivered a slingshot somersault senton, when a surfboard stretch was applied. Regal fought back and would sidestep a missile dropkick, soon delivering a bridging German suplex - to witness the Radicalz attack Tajiri at ringside! Eddie shoved off the Regal Cutter, sending William into the corner. A roll-up with the tights would steal the win for Eddie!
With the Radicalz continuing to show how radical they could be, 'Latino Heat' had his hand raised as the WWF European Champion, still. William Regal contested the decision with the referee as Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko would join Eddie Guerrero in victory in the ring. But as 'the She-Devil' Terri applauded, suddenly Tajiri returned to the ring - with a fiery combination of kicks rocking Saturn to his knees! A roundhouse kick struck Malenko, forcing the three to retreat from the ring. The apprentice was more gifted than originally let on, as Tajiri helped a stunned Regal to his feet and raised his hand!
- The WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin walked the hall en route for the ring. With the big main event set against the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was stopped by none other than Triple H. 'The Game' glared Austin in the face before wishing him luck. Austin told him he didn't need it. Warning HHH not to get in his business, 'the Rattlesnake' shared a moment of intensity with his rival, before Austin continued his path to the arena. Elsewhere, Tazz and Paul Heyman were seen walking beside 'the Man-Beast' Rhyno. It would be champion against champion; WWF vs ECW, in the main event up next!
An advertisement aired, with the crackling of thunder heard. In a gothic old castle, a throne was seen bearing the initials of "KOR". In an abandoned old room, a witch-like woman's voice was heard echoing the statements "my mind is spent, my body is broken". As WWF Superstars such as WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Kurt Angle and The Undertaker were heard, finally the woman demanded to be taken to her throne. WWF King of the Ring is live on pay-per-view on Sunday, June 24, 2001!
- RAW IS WAR, NEXT WEEK: The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament begins.
- 7) WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno ended in a no contest (6:49) The time was now to see whether Stone Cold Steve Austin could head the storm against the ECW Revolution as leader of the WWF. Against the WWF Hardcore Champion and last ECW World Champion Rhyno, the stakes were high as Paul Heyman accompanied Rhyno to join commentary. Stone Cold and Rhyno immediately went blow for blow, a Lou Thesz press sidestepped - much like the Gore moments later. Austin struck with a clothesline and a big back body drop before a successful Lou Thesz press connected. Austin stomped a mudhole on Rhyno before draping the leg over the back of 'the Man-Beast's head, across the second rope! Outside, Rhyno sent Steve Austin into the crowd as the two continued their fight into the stands. Austin came out on top and sent him over the announce table before getting in Heyman's face! Rhyno would jump him from behind, a spinebuster on the floor impactin gthe WWF Champion!
Biting and stomping at Austin, the WWF Hardcore Champion cut Austin open wide with mounted punches, when Austin caught Rhyno with a Gore attempt - into a flapjack! The WWF Champion drove the elbow across the face of Rhyno, when 'the Man-Beast' raked the eyes of Stone Cold. The Gore was charged, but Rhyno got the referee inadvertently. The Stunner connected, when Tazz, Raven, Mike Awesome, the Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash hit the ring! Stone Cold fought with all he had against every member of the ECW Revolution - when Mike Awesome delivered a big boot to the chest of the WWF Champion! Rhyno sized Austin up and Gored him, when Triple H came stomping down to the ring with a sledgehammer in hand!
The match had devolved into chaos in Calgary, as 'the Cerebral Assassin' struck with a sledgehammer shot for Sandman and Tommy Dreamer! Tackling Rhyno and mounting with right hands, 'the Game' was getting revenge from earlier tonight - until Tazz clamped on the Tazzmission! It was a rerun of last week on RAW is WAR, as the ECW invasion dominated Austin and HHH - until Kurt Angle came out to the ring, with Edge and Christian taking care of Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash at ringside! Angle delivered an Angle Slam to Tazz, before locking in the Ankle Lock on Tommy Dreamer - who screamed and tapped out! Together, Team ECK stood tall in the ring, as a bloody Stone Cold watched on in shock at ringside. Triple H was seen similarly agitated. 'The Megastar' was actually playing the leader of the WWF against the ECW Revolution!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 15, 2021 7:59:53 GMT -5
The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN Presented by 1800-COLLECT - "On the Tracks" WCW World Heavyweight Championship & WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page
World Championship Wrestling had been in hiatus since Shane McMahon purchased the company back on March 26, 2001 - but now, WCW was back with a Big Bang, on World Wrestling Federation's home soil, TNN! Booker T captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final edition of Monday Nitro from Scott Steiner, but as both WCW Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion - he now had to defend against his toughest challenger to date, in the former three-time WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. Who would walk out with both of the richest prizes in this great sport, come the Big Bang? Ric Flair vs Buff BagwellWith the buyout by Shane McMahon on March 26, 2001, the sixteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over, as he would engage in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro, in a losing effort. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans, 'the Nature Boy' signed a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and was out to prove that he still had a lot left in the tank. Up against a former WCW World Tag Team Champion in Buff Bagwell, would we see the stylin' and profilin' of the dirtiest player in the game show himself, or would 'Buff Daddy' pull off the biggest win of his career? WCW World Cruiserweight Championship Four Corners Match Shane Helms (c) vs Elix Skipper vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.There had been few WCW athletes that had worked as hard as 'Sugar' Shane Helms. At the age of twenty-six, he achieved a goal when he defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to be crowned WCW World Cruiserweight Champion at WCW Greed. At the dawning of a new era for World Championship Wrestling, now was Shane Helms' shot at proving himself against a venge-filled Chavo Guerrero Jr, a seasoned former champion in Billy Kidman, and one-half of the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Elix Skipper. With sudden death rules, one fall to a finish, it was sure to be nonstop action: but who will leave the Big Bang as the champion? WCW World Tag Team Championship Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark JindrakThey were once a group of rookies that possessed a lot of promise as part of the Natural Born Thrillers faction, but those days were long gone. Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak grew jealous as Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire captured the WCW World Tag Team Championships back in January, but came up short in a title opportunity at WCW SuperBrawl Revenge in February. Now under a new owner in Shane McMahon, two teams of great upside strived to impress as they would meet one more time. The Natural Born Thrillers would explode once more, with the titles on the line, but who would make an impression at the Big Bang? Matches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 21, 2021 6:15:36 GMT -5
SmackDown! - May 31, 2001 Skyreach Center in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Broadcast on UPNTaped on May 29, 2001 "Everybody on the Ground"
The opening video package aired, looking back to RAW is WAR. Stone Cold Steve Austin's position as the leader of the World Wrestling Federation as WWF Champion was called into question by Kurt Angle, who confronted both Austin and Vince McMahon about whether 'the Texas Rattlesnake' could handle the job tasked with. Austin responded with a Stunner to 'the Megastar' despite Stephanie McMahon's insistence on them shaking hands. With 'the Rattlesnake' set to meet the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Triple H came to the ring to throw out the challenge, to be confronted by Paul Heyman. 'The Game' would lay his hands on Heyman when attacked by the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, but the WWF came to his aid. The main event saw Austin and 'the Man-Beast' go all-out, when the ECW Revolution invaded - but in the crosshairs, it was Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian who came to the aid. With the ECW Revolution fended off, Angle was claiming authority of the WWF himself!
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the pyrotechnics in the Skyreach Centre! For the second time this week the WWF was on the air in Canada. Emanating from Edmonton, Alberta, Michael Cole and Jim Ross welcomed us to SmackDown!
- The Right to Censor kicked things off to loud boos from the Edmonton crowd, marching out to the ring accompanying Steven Richards. There were no smiles to be had on the faces of Mark Henry, Ivory, the Goodfather or Bull Buchanan, as Steven got on the microphone and demanded the RTC and the people observe what happened on RAW is WAR. Kane was joined in his ambush from the group by his half-brother the Undertaker, as Steven narrated calling the whole ordeal scandalous! Steven was furious not only by the Undertaker involving himself, but the pathetic attempts by the RTC to take initiative!
Tonight, he was ordering them to act against the Brothers of Destruction, after all he saved them and made them new. Before Steven saved them, Bull Buchanan was a corrupt prison guard. Before Steven saved them, Mark Henry was a sex addict with a habit of impregnating the elderly. Ivory was a little hellraising jezebel before he saved her; and the Goodfather was the worst of them all - soliciting naive young women to sell their souls and dignity for profit! Steven said he was not about to give up on them, when finally the Brothers of Destruction made their arrival - with Kane's pyrotechnics blasting from the stage!
1) The Brothers of Destruction (w/Sara) def. The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan (w/Steven Richards, Mark Henry and Ivory) by disqualification (3:20) The Undertaker came to Kane's aid from a Right to Censor attack on RAW is WAR, and it was now or never where Steven Richards and the RTC were concerned. A four-man brawl lead to the Brothers of Destruction cleaning house of Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather, when 'the American Badass' followed with an incredible dive over the top rope onto all of them! Ivory watched in horror as Sara smiled at ringside. Inside, Kane got the better of Buchanan with a sidewalk slam. Goodfather came in illegally with a Samoan drop, and the two RTC members took liberties with 'the Big Red Machine'. Goodfather teased the Ho Train much to Steven's protest, but as Goodfather charged, Kane launched a flying clothesline and made the tag to his half-brother! Running hot, a big boot and a flying lariat took them down. The Old School connected on Buchanan, with the Last Ride awaiting him - when Mark Henry jumped 'the Deadman' from behind!
The Edmonton crowd booed loudly as the Undertaker tried to fight off Mark Henry, when the Goodfather came from behind to take down 'the American Badass!' Ivory gritted her teeth in fury as Bull Buchanan delivered a big boot to Kane for good measure. Steven Richards appeared pleased with the Right to Censor - when Chris Benoit came running down to the ring! 'The Rabid Wolverine' looked to join in on the beating against his rival 'the Deadman', when Benoit suddenly took out Goodfather with a clothesline. Benoit dropped Buchanan with a German suplex, before pulling down the ropes to send Mark Henry crashing to the floor! Steven and Ivory fled, as Benoit shared the ring with the Undertaker and Kane. They both glared at him, but like it or not - 'the Rabid Wolverine' was beloved in his hometown!
- Vince McMahon looked to be in a bad mood as he arrived at the building with Trish Stratus beside him. The WWF Diva knew something was up, Vince explained that she knew he had a lot on his mind. Trish suggested they stop and talk about something on her mind, when Stephanie McMahon appeared, pleased to see the WWF Owner. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' garnered a smile from her father as she expressed how happy she was to see her Daddy. She knew how much the divorce from Linda was getting him down, but tonight was a new night, and Kurt Angle had the WWF under control against the ECW Revolution. Stephanie said 'the Megastar' would capture the WWF Hardcore Championship from Rhyno, and the McMahon Empire would come out on top. Steph coldly greeted Trish and decided to take a walk with her Dad, leaving her alone, rolling her eyes.
- TONIGHT: Rhyno (c) vs Kurt Angle for the WWF Hardcore Championship.
Tazz made his way out to ringside, the crowd booing 'the Human Suplex Machine' as he proudly brandished the ECW logo on his shirt. Unscheduled for competition, Tazz confronted Michael Cole and Jim Ross at the announce table! Tazz wanted his spot back on commentary, and as J.R. argued with him, Tazz went as far as to knock the black cowboy hat off the announce desk! Ross finally got up and took a leave, with the ECW defector replacing him. Cole squabbled about Tazz's defection, to which he commented how nobody could replace him in the booth of SmackDown.
- Paul Heyman applauds the ECW Revolution The crowd booed as the ECW Revolution arrived in Edmonton, Paul Heyman leading the way for the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, the WWF Tag Team Champions Lance Storm and Justin Credible, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, Mike Awesome, Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash. With an obnoxious smile on his face, Paul cheerily welcomed Canada to the Land of Extreme! This was the dance that they had been talking about for years, and each of the ECW fighters had made it here. Heyman talked about how they busted through the door over one week ago, and changed sports entertainment forever - but it was about the individuals themselves that made it all so possible. He applauded Rhyno for Goring a hole through the top guns - Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and sure to be Kurt Angle tonight. Giving props to Tazz for choking out the competition, and taking charge reclaiming his place on commentary alongside the insufferable Michael Cole!
As Tazz laughed it up at Michael Cole's expense at the announce table, Paul Heyman spoke about Raven leaving Test for dead on the bathroom tiles last Monday night on RAW is WAR; and Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman using their sadistic genius to hand a brutal beating to Triple H - as well as any man in their way. Heyman said that every single one of them was doing their part, whether it was Kid Kash putting his body on the line for his fellow men or Mike Awesome and Jerry Lynn for making statements. He then pointed to the two new defectors from the WWF, Lance Storm and Justin Credible - the new WWF Tag Team Champions! Heyman spoke about how their legacy was sure to be cursed by being associated with X-Pac, but now they stand as the most dominant team in the entire industry - because they have been reborn in the ECW Revolution, as the Impact Players!
The Impact Players obnoxiously posed to the booing Canadian crowd, as Paul Heyman smiled in awe of his army. The ECW Revolution came together as the doors of his baby closed, because Paul claimed he was a visionary. He could see the way that the McMahon Empire was monopolizing this great sport, and somebody had to stop them - and who would have thought that somebody would be ECW! Triple H finally came out to the stage to respond, after being given the beaten under Heyman's watch, from the Sandman and Dreamer last Monday night. 'The Game' knew this song and dance too well, how the group had invaded and the WWF was knocking on death's door. He told Paul how he was full of himself, and he had a good mind to walk down to that ring and take care of them all - but he was a smart guy, there were nine of them and one of him.
'The Game' talked about his problem with ECW not being the fact that they swung weapons or wore sweatpants, because he too liked those things. It was about the fact that they stood in the way of what he wanted, and that was the WWF Championship. HHH asserted that this was his house, that he was a student of the game and he had it etched in his blood. Where the WWF stood, ECW did not belong here. Paul Heyman laughed at HHH's comments, bringing up the number his men did to him on RAW is WAR with Singapore canes. Heyman told Triple H that his threats were veiled and empty - and the WWF was doomed as they knew it, because none of the morons that worked there could get along! HHH told Paul that's where he was wrong. Opening up his leather jacket, 'the Game' revealed a sledgehammer and soon came charging towards the ring!
With a deathwish, 'the Game' entered the ECW Revolution's ring and came fighting through them one by one! Nailing Kid Kash with a shot to the sturnum with the sledgehammer, Triple H caught Lance Storm with a spinebuster - before quickly being overwhelmed by the crusaders! Heyman laughed it up as Sandman used his Singapore cane to full effect, but Triple H continued to fight back - decking Justin Credible and going for the Pedigree of Raven! Rhyno interjected with the Gore; his third to HHH since this invasion started! Heyman prepared to stand tall over a hate-driven Triple H and speak to him, when the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin rushed the ring, with a Stunner for Jerry Lynn and a Lou Thesz press for Mike Awesome! Heyman ordered the ECW faction to retreat, leaving 'the Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' to stand tall - head-to-head! Despite their differences, Austin and HHH looked to be on the same side, opposite the Revolution!
Vince McMahon was in his office arguing with Linda McMahon over the phone, with Trish Stratus seated nearby. Arguing the legitimacy of WCW, the Chairman argued he already had to contend with the ECW Revolution running amock, and the WWF Superstars unable to get along against this invasion. The WWF CEO joked to her future ex-husband - he'd put his foot in his mouth by inviting Paul Heyman's talents to compete on WWF programming. She questioned whatever happened to the Vince that would invite competition. Linda cut him off telling the Chairman this was karma for everything he'd done over the past few months - but as it stood, promotional marketing for their son Shane McMahon's WCW Big Bang extravaganza this Sunday would continue. She stressed that she was in full support of the WCW Owner, and the WWF would promote it to its fullest extent! Vince began to scream back, but Linda hung up! Trish was left to solemnly stroke her stressed lover's shoulder.
- WCW THE BIG BANG, THIS SUNDAY: Live, on TNN.
- 2) Tajiri def. Dean Malenko (w/The Radicalz) (4:04) With his mentor Commissioner William Regal unable to dethrone Eddie Guerrero of the WWF European Championship on RAW is WAR, Tajiri showed he was no slouch ridding the ring of the Radicalz after the match. Accompanied by 'Latino Heat', Perry Saturn and Terri, Dean Malenko looked to put the apprentice in his place. Instead, Tajiri quickly outwrestled Malenko on the mat, when a roundhouse kick would whiff the skilled veteran's head. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' lit up Malenko with leg kicks, when a ducked clothesline saw him strike with a thrust kick to the jaw! A standing moonsault got a near fall, when Tajiri was sent to the apron. Fighting off Saturn, he struck with a springboard moonsault to the floor! Malenko cut him off with a backbreaker, grounding the newcomer. A Tiger bomb would get a near fall, when Malenko looked for a powerbomb that Tajiri escaped. A handspring elbow took Malenko down! On his knees, Malenko was lined up for a roundhouse kick for the upset!
In his in-ring debut, the apprentice of the WWF Commissioner was victorious against a former two-time WWF Light Heavyweight Champion! Tajiri grinned with his arm raised, as Eddie Guerrero protested 'the Japanese Buzzsaw's win. Perry Saturn left his girlfriend Terri's side to go after him after the bell, but Tajiri would sidestep him and lock in the Tarantula on the ropes! Tied up with nowhere to go, Tajiri relinquished the hold as 'Latino Heat' backed up the rampway on his own. Commissioner William Regal could be seen watching joyously from his office.
- The Sandman smoked a cigarette backstage, as Tommy Dreamer spoke about the gall of the WWF Superstars. They could not accept that they weren't built like bodybuilders, but they were two of the toughest guys that Stone Cold Steve Austin or Triple H could meet. Sandman croakily told Dreamer he was right. They'd been through the wars, their bodies scarred for life. Pain was pleasure to them, because what 'the Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' failed to realize was that he was 'the Hardcore Icon', and Dreamer was 'the Innovator of Violence'. Dreamer concurred that they were called those names for a reason, and proposed they show Austin and HHH how tonight. Suddenly Rhyno burst through the scene, demanding Sandman and Dreamer rip Triple H's head off. The WWF Hardcore Champion was poised for violence, for blood and for doom - declaring that was Kurt Angle's fate, and his hill to die on tonight! Storming off, Sandman took another drag of his cigarette.
- TONIGHT: WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H vs The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer
The Undertaker and Chris Benoit were in the midst of another high-scale argument with explosive proportions in the locker room. Demanding to know what 'the Rabid Wolverine' was doing, Undertaker didn't trust Benoit's intentions in saving the Brothers of Destruction from the Right to Censor - they could handle it themselves! Benoit told Undertaker they'd been through a hell of a lot. He shattered his kneecap, he nearly cost him sight in his eye. Last Man Standing ended their war, but now a new one was beginning - one with them on the same side. But if Undertaker had a problem, he could try him right there and now. Kane stood between them, telling them that Commissioner William Regal had signed the match with the RTC to restart: and it was a six-man tag team match. 'The Big Red Machine' urged no fighting, but pointed the finger at 'the Wolverine' not to screw this up or face his wrath. Benoit was left alone, with the Brothers of Destruction questioning his motive.
- TONIGHT: The Brothers of Destruction and Chris Benoit vs The Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and Mark Henry
- Team Xtreme were in the locker room talking about the ECW Revolution when in came the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac. Alone after Lance Storm and Justin Credible turned on him, the sole remaining member of X-Factor pleaded with the Hardy Boyz and Lita for their help in tonight's match with his ex-teammates and Jerry Lynn. Matt was dumbfounded, bringing up how many times they'd been screwed by him. Jeff brought up how X-Pac cheated to beat him for the title on his shoulder. Matt reminded X-Pac of how they'd been screwed out of the WWF Tag Team Championship thanks to his meddling. The brothers declined, when Lita suggested they do it! Lita surmised the worst case scenario would be X-Pac screwing up, and getting his butt whooped. Excitedly, the champ thanked the Hardys, and even hugged them! Promising not to let them down, the Hardys were left baffled - on a night full of strange bedfellows!
- TONIGHT: WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players and Jerry Lynn vs The Hardy Boyz and WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac.
- 3) Rob Van Dam def. Kid Kash (3:51) 'The Whole Dam Show' had claimed his allegiance to the World Wrestling Federation, to the dismay of the ECW Revolution. Up against 'the Notorious K-I-D', Rob Van Dam span over Kid Kash and struck with a step-over wheel kick in a hot start. A cartwheel moonsault saw a near fall, when Kash performed a sunset flip out of the corner, into a dropkick to the jaw! Kash impressed with a top rope hurricanrana, followed by a second-rope moonsault - but Van Dam got his knees up! RVD connected with a rolling fireman's carry into the split-legged moonsault for a two-count, when soonafter the Rolling Thunder connected. Mike Awesome came barging down to the ring, but WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho came down after him - dragging him off the apron! Kash delivered a double underhook powerbomb known as the Money Maker for a close call, when a brainbuster saw Van Dam escape into a roundhouse kick! The Five-Star Frog Splash connected, giving RVD the win!
Rob Van Dam was victorious against a former fellow alumni in Kid Kash, when Mike Awesome jumped 'the Whole Dam Show' from behind! Met with loud boos, Van Dam tried to fight only to be waylaid by a big boot to the face! 'The Awesome One' powered RVD up and delivered an Awesome Bomb, sending his foe sailing across the ring. Suddenly Chris Jericho returned with right hands and chops to the chest of the big man, when a missed clothesline saw the WWF Intercontinental Champion land a step-up enzuigiri, stunning Awesome out to the floor through the ropes! Together, Y2J and RVD shared the ring - in opposition with the ECW Revolution.
- Test arrived at the building, with the likes of Steve Blackman, Kaientai and the APA each applauding him on giving Raven what for on RAW is WAR. Bradshaw told Test he was valiant, and that he was known as 'the Working Man' with the boys for a reason. Test cooly thanked he and Faarooq, when Commissioner William Regal approached with two security guards. Reminding Test of his suspension ordered by Vince McMahon, Regal informed him he was not cleared to return, and wouldn't be getting in the ring tonight! Test questioned Regal's angle, when Regal demanded Test not question him - he made a fool of himself, being left on the bathroom floor last Monday! Demanding Raven tonight, Regal made himself clear: that wouldn't be happening, and Test was ordered to go home right away! He stared the Commissioner down, as Regal suggested if Test was a good little boy and left now - he'd let him come back to work on Monday. Reluctantly, Test stormed off with the guards in tow.
- With Test being sent home, Kurt Angle was heading for the ring with Edge and Christian not far behind him! 'The Megastar' appeared determined in leading the way, much like he hoped to lead the WWF. Tonight had potential to be his biggest chance, with the opportunity to return the WWF Hardcore Championship to the WWF against Rhyno - up next!
Kurt Angle made his way down the rampway to loud boos from the Edmonton crowd. With Edge and Christian behind him, 'the Megastar' erupted his red, white and blue pyrotechnics with Team ECK united against the ECW Revolution. Climbing into the ring, Angle prepared for Rhyno, as Christian took to the microphone to demand respect for their 'American Hero!' The crowd booed further, as Christian spoke on how Kurt was a 'Megastar'; a two-time former WWF Champion, and the defacto leader of the World Wrestling Federation! Edge added that Kurt was a better leader than Jason Smith of the Edmonton Oilers, as he talked about how time was up for the hard-to-beat 'Man-Beast' Rhyno. Edge mocked Rhyno's snarling, permanently moody personality, asking his brother how snorting and breathing heavily was entertaining! Assuredly, Edge promised the WWF Hardcore Championship would be coming back to the WWF, when their leader Kurt Angle would beat Rhyno tonight!
'The Megastar' received loud chants of "you suck" from the Canadian crowd, but Kurt Angle remained focused. Speaking on how unsurprised he was to be shown a lack of respect from Canada, Angle told them he would be their hero like it or not. Since Stone Cold Steve Austin was too paranoid, and too selfish - and Triple H was too self-absorbed and untrusting, that made him the rightful leader that the WWF deserved. Angle dismissed the ECW Revolution, claiming ECW stood for Extremely Cr*ppy Wrestling - hardcore violence and bloodshed was not all sports entertainment was cracked up as being. Using his Three Is, as 'the Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' killed themselves fighting two barbarians like the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer tonight, Angle promised to do Vince McMahon proud - bringing home the gold for the WWF. It's true, it's true!
4) Rhyno (c) def. Kurt Angle (w/Edge and Christian) to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship (6:16) Hearing 'the Megastar' gloat about his promises to the WWF, the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno hit the ring and ducked a clothesline immediately bringing the fight to Kurt Angle. With a shoulder tackle, Angle dropped down before a back elbow would send 'the Man-Beast' to the floor! The Olympic Gold Medalist followed with right hands, when Rhyno would block a belly-to-belly suplex sending him into the steel steps. Running off Edge and Christian with a trash can, Rhyno used it effectively against the challenger's spine, before wedging it between the turnbuckle pads. The champ rushed with the Gore, but Kurt sidestepped it and Rhyno headbutted the steel! A German suplex was executed, firing the Olympian up. Angle fired away in the corner, when Rhyno blasted through with a spinebuster! Rhyno used the trash can lid, swinging for Edge and missing. Angle attempted the Angle Slam, when Rhyno landed out and delivered a running powerslam through the trash can!
'The Man-Beast' introduced a stop sign to chase Christian away, before wrapping a steel chain around his fist! Angle used the sign to his advantage, before a belly-to-belly suplex scored a near fall for the challenger. Riling the crowd up, some Edmonton fans got behind the Olympic Gold Medalist as he prepared the Angle Slam again - but Rhyno used the chain around his fist to lay Angle out! Stalking for the Gore, 'the Man-Beast' charged - but Christian sacrificed himself for Angle! Edge hit the ring with the spear for Rhyno, when Raven ran down to ringside with a steel chair. Raven struck Edge and the two tumbled to the ringside floor, as Angle got the Ankle Lock in - when Tazz left commentary, dropping him with a Tazzplex! The ECW Revolution had aided Rhyno again, and one more Gore allowed him to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship!
'The Man-Beast' had made it out by the skin of his teeth with the WWF Hardcore Championship for the ECW Revolution - all made possible with the interference of Tazz and Raven! Rhyno rolled out of the ring with Edge and Christian seen laying as victims of this chaos. Kurt Angle clutched his ribs, watching Rhyno leave with Raven beside him - while Tazz watched with a smirk at ringside. 'The Megastar' was furious, feeling like this title match was stolen from him!
- Triple H shook his head chuckling at the expense of Kurt Angle, when Jonathan Coachman entered the room to interview 'the Game'. Triple H laughed how Kurt could take all of the shortcuts in the world to hide his own shortcomings - but when somebody else did, he was mad. HHH couldn't stand either of them, but he was glad Rhyno came out on top: because he knew what it felt like to receive the Gore, and he wouldn't ever be taking it again - Rhyno would have his day. Coach questioned his teamwork with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and their match tonight with the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. 'The Game' told Coach not to get it twisted, he was teaming with 'the Texas Rattlesnake' not because they were friends, but because of what the two jackyls did to him last Monday night on RAW is WAR. Stressing he and Austin would never be friends, HHH stated he was in it for one thing - to get even with the ECW jackass running around. Once all was said and done, he and Austin would have their time in the sun, and the WWF Championship would once again be around his waist!
Clutching his ribs, Kurt Angle returned backstage with Edge and Christian complaining about how it totally reeked that none of the other WWF Superstars came to their aid tonight. Angered by the hypocrisy of the locker room, Christian asked 'the Megastar' how he was doing. The Olympic Gold Medalist said he got no respect from anybody in the back, and that was sad. Everybody wanted to help Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H - but him, nobody! Kurt called himself the flagbearer of the WWF, somebody who should be WWF Champion. Kurt declared something had to change, and he wasn't afraid to do something about it. Soon, Stephanie McMahon approached and told him what happened out there was bull. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' said he got screwed, and this ECW Revolution is going too far. Angle nodded, when Steph told him that she believed in him as the true leader of the company.
- 5) WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players and Jerry Lynn def. The Hardy Boyz and WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac (w/Lita) (5:13) Since the betrayal by Lance Storm and Justin Credible, X-Pac was desperate enough to team with the Hardy Boyz against the reborn Impact Players and Jerry Lynn. Team Xtreme were reluctant with the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, but X-Pac showboated after outwrestling Storm initially. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker saw X-Pac crawl to Matt Hardy, who came in to battle Justin Credible. A gutwrench suplex took him down, and Jeff Hardy fought Jerry Lynn. Jeff fought Lynn up and gained the upperhand with a running dropkick, when Lynn cut him off with a Gory bomb! The ECW Revolution took turns working over Jeff, when Jeff struck with a spinout enzuigiri! X-Pac was hot, delivering the Bronco Buster to Storm, when cut off by a tornado DDT from Lynn. The Hardys brawled with the WWF Tag Team Champions at ringside, while inside X-Pac reversed the Air Raid Crash into a roundhouse kick. He tried the X-Factor, but Jerry rolled him up with the tights to steal the victory!
The ECW Revolution stole a victory against the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, as the Hardy Boyz and Lita hit the ring to chase Jerry Lynn up the rampway. Lynn celebrated with the Impact Players on the rampway, who posed with the WWF Tag Team Championships. Jerry motioned for gold of his own, while in the ring X-Pac began to take out his anger verbally with Team Xtreme. Looking to one another and shrugging, the unpopular X-Pac received the Twist of Fate from Matt! Jeff climbed to the top rope and hit their partner with the Swanton Bomb, when Lita decided to join in too! In revenge for all X-Factor had done, Lita removed her shirt and landed the Moonsault - the Hardys and Lita leaving X-Pac laying in the ring!
- Raven walked the hall backstage when he was approached by Jonathan Coachman for an interview. In his ECW shirt, he wasn't sure what to make of the Coach's dumb semantics that gave him the right to interview him, but spoke on the old friends he'd made in ECW. The former WWF Intercontinental Champion admitted he'd found comfort with Paul Heyman and the rest of the Revolution, and that now he knew what it felt like to be accepted by a group. Suddenly Test jumped him from behind! Sending Raven into a brick wall and using lighting rig pipes as a weapon, Test sent Raven over a table when Commissioner William Regal approached with security in tow! 'The Goodwill Ambassador' yelled at Test to be ejected from the building, as security restrained Test from proceeding! Test questioned whose side Regal was on.
- Strange bedfellows looked to be the theme of the night, as the Brothers of Destruction walked en route to the ring. With Sara behind her husband the Undertaker, Kane glanced over to see a determined hometown boy Chris Benoit walk alongside them. Despite the previous rivalry between 'the American Badass' and 'the Rabid Wolverine', they looked to team up against the Right to Censor - up next!
6) The Brothers of Destruction and Chris Benoit (w/Sara) def. The Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and Mark Henry (w/Steven Richards and Ivory) (2:28) For a second time, the Brothers of Destruction looked to meet the Right to Censor. Following the disqualification in the initial match from Mark Henry, the Undertaker and Kane were shocked to be joined by Chris Benoit. Steven Richards barked orders at the RTC, as 'the Rabid Wolverine' started with Mark Henry. Hoping to chop Mark down to size, Henry gorilla press slammed him across the ring. Kane came in to match Mark, but in being unable to do so, Undertaker joined with a double Chokeslam! The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan double-teamed 'the American Badass', a corner splash from Goodfather leading to Bull's big boot. Buchanan sprung to the top rope but dove into 'the Big Red Machine's clothesline! Benoit tagged and delivered three German suplexes to Bull, when Henry interrupted with a running powerslam! Henry missed the big splash and Benoit got an Oklahoma roll. Henry powered up with him on his shoulders, but Benoit span out into the Crossface - forcing Mark to tap out!
In his hometown of Edmonton, Chris Benoit picked up the win for he and the Brothers of Destruction against the Right to Censor! Steven Richards was seething at ringside, bickering with Ivory as Benoit had his hand raised. The Undertaker, Kane and Sara joined him in the ring, when 'the Big Red Machine' similarly raised Benoit's hand victorious! Undertaker appeared ready to leave, but Benoit would stop 'the American Badass' before he had a chance. Unsure whether he could trust the Canadian, Benoit shockingly extended his hand. After all they'd put each other through, Undertaker contemplated it - before agreeing to shake hands with his former rival! The Brothers of Destruction and Sara left the ring, leaving Benoit to take in the applause from his hometown crowd.
- WWF Women's Champion Chyna was seen walking the hall backstage, when she would be met with Lita and the Hardy Boyz. Jeff and Matt Hardy spoke out about how good it felt to get even with X-Pac, concluding that after all he'd put them through - screw the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion! The Hardys left to shower, leaving Lita to talk with the impressed Playboy covergirl. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' complimented her Moonsault, speaking about how admirable it was to watch her. Lita accepted this, saying she could do things Chyna could never dream of. Chyna smiled, calling Lita cute - almost as cute as the fact they'd never met in the ring before. Lita suggested maybe that could change, and Chyna concurred. The two smiled, as Lita walked away.
- Vince McMahon and Trish Stratus sat in silence on the sofa in the Chairman's office. Vince had a frown on his face and his arms folded, whereas the WWF Diva looked unimpressed. Questioning if he had anything to say, Vince was about to speak when Kurt Angle stormed in with Stephanie McMahon. 'The Megastar' exclaimed how poorly he had been treated. He couldn't stand the fact he'd been overlooked by the rest of the locker room - when he lived, bled and breathed the WWF - much like he did America. Vince told the Olympic Gold Medalist he was doing his part, as was everybody else. Angle questioned if Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H did, plotting to do something about it. He was tired of selfish men like them taking the glory from him. Angle considered himself the guy this company needed, and he was going to show it - whether any of the WWF Superstars appreciated it or not.
The WWF Owner appreciated Kurt Angle's moxy and told him to go do it, as Stephanie McMahon left smiling at Trish Stratus coyly. Vince asked Trish what it was she wanted to say, bringing her to suggest they call it a night and head back to the hotel for a hot night of passion. Noting how tired Vince looked, she stroked his chest - but the billionaire was appalled! There was an ECW invasion going on, he had the divorce from Linda McMahon breathing down his neck - and yet all Trish could think about was banging the boss? Vince empathized that he was sorry - but not tonight. Vince left the room, leaving Trish saddened by the cold shoulder treatment again.
- Meanwhile, go-time looked to be near as the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer dragged their Singapore canes alongside them. Walking down the corridor heading toward the arena, up next the main event would see the two ECW Revolution extremists go two-on-two with the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H! How could the two-man power trip possibly co-exist?
An advertisement aired, promoting WCW the Big Bang 2001 - live on TNN this Sunday from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada. In accompaniment with the matches already announced in previous weeks, a new one was added: as in a Miss WCW Bikini Contest, the beautiful Torrie Wilson was set to go head-to-head with the intoxicating Stacy Keibler! The two-hour special promoted by Shane McMahon was going to be unforgettable, invading the WWF's airwaves!
- WCW THE BIG BANG, THIS SUNDAY: Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler in a Miss WCW Bikini Contest.
- Paul Heyman was met with loud boos, as the ECW Owner came strutting down the rampway unannounced. 'The Twisted Genius' had a smug grin on his face beneath the baseball cap, as he stomped down to ringside to join Michael Cole and an overjoyous Tazz at the announce table. 'The Human Suplex Machine' greeted his boss merrily, as Heyman announced that we were about to witness the downfall of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H.
7) WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H def. The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer in a No-Disqualification match (5:37) Under the in-ring introductions, Vince McMahon had had it delivered that this match would be a No-Disqualification match. While the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer appeared ready for the task, Triple H refused to wait for Stone Cold Steve Austin's arrival - looking to take on both early on! 'The Game' hammered on Tommy when 'the Texas Rattlesnake' hit the ring and stomped a mudhole in the Sandman! Suddenly, he and HHH came to face-to-face, allowing the ECW Revolution to jump them from behind. Austin and Sandman brawled into the crowd, as Dreamer laid into 'the Game'. HHH responded with a big back body drop on top of the announce table! 'The Innovator of Violence' raised the ringside mats to expose the concrete floor, when HHH fought back with a spinebuster on the concrete floor. Austin and Sandman returned from the crowd, with 'the Hardcore Icon' using a Singapore cane over the spine of the WWF Champion.
A diving legdrop scored a near fall, when Sandman introduced a table. Setting it up in the corner, Austin would sidestep a charge and Sandman went through it. The Stunner put down Sandman, when Rhyno hit the ring and Gored through 'the Rattlesnake!' Pounding his chest, Triple H came from behind with a Pedigree attempt - but Dreamer struck with a steel chair shot to the skull! The ECW Revolution had the two-man power trip outnumbered, when Kurt Angle came stomping down to the ring with Stephanie McMahon not far behind him. Pent up full of rage, 'the Megastar' cleaned house of Dreamer and Sandman, before going after the WWF Hardcore Champion at ringside! Inside, Austin dropped Dreamer with the Stunner, to pick up the victory!
Kurt Angle decked the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno sending him over the barricade into the crowd, as Stone Cold Steve Austin raised his fists in a salute to the Edmonton crowd! The WWF Champion was victorious, as Triple H would soon join 'the Texas Rattlesnake' in the ring. The two tensely stared at one another, exchanging words as to who did more of the heavy lifting in this main event confrontation with the ECW Revolution. Suddenly, Kurt Angle decided to join them. Wanting his own voice to be heard, 'the Megastar' decided to abruptly raise 'the Rattlesnake's hand in victory! Baffled, Austin and HHH looked to one another, when Triple H decided to drop Angle with the Pedigree! Stephanie McMahon rushed to her man's aid at the hands of her ex-husband, as Triple H continued to butt heads with Austin. Finally HHH left, leaving Austin to stand tall on the second turnbuckle, with the WWF Championship held high - to the detest of Paul Heyman!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 22, 2021 5:19:15 GMT -5
2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results Bracket First Round: RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: TBA vs TBA
Finals: King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN Presented by 1800-COLLECT - "On the Tracks" WCW World Heavyweight Championship & WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page
World Championship Wrestling had been in hiatus since Shane McMahon purchased the company back on March 26, 2001 - but now, WCW was back with a Big Bang, on World Wrestling Federation's home soil, TNN! Booker T captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final edition of Monday Nitro from Scott Steiner, but as both WCW Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion - he now had to defend against his toughest challenger to date, in the former three-time WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. Who would walk out with both of the richest prizes in this great sport, come the Big Bang? Ric Flair vs Buff BagwellWith the buyout by Shane McMahon on March 26, 2001, the sixteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over, as he would engage in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro, in a losing effort. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans, 'the Nature Boy' signed a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and was out to prove that he still had a lot left in the tank. Up against a former WCW World Tag Team Champion in Buff Bagwell, would we see the stylin' and profilin' of the dirtiest player in the game show himself, or would 'Buff Daddy' pull off the biggest win of his career? WCW World Cruiserweight Championship Four Corners Match Shane Helms (c) vs Elix Skipper vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.There had been few WCW athletes that had worked as hard as 'Sugar' Shane Helms. At the age of twenty-six, he achieved a goal when he defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to be crowned WCW World Cruiserweight Champion at WCW Greed. At the dawning of a new era for World Championship Wrestling, now was Shane Helms' shot at proving himself against a venge-filled Chavo Guerrero Jr, a seasoned former champion in Billy Kidman, and one-half of the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Elix Skipper. With sudden death rules, one fall to a finish, it was sure to be nonstop action: but who will leave the Big Bang as the champion? WCW World Tag Team Championship Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark JindrakThey were once a group of rookies that possessed a lot of promise as part of the Natural Born Thrillers faction, but those days were long gone. Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak grew jealous as Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire captured the WCW World Tag Team Championships back in January, but came up short in a title opportunity at WCW SuperBrawl Revenge in February. Now under a new owner in Shane McMahon, two teams of great upside strived to impress as they would meet one more time. The Natural Born Thrillers would explode once more, with the titles on the line, but who would make an impression at the Big Bang?
Miss WCW Bikini Contest Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler Hosted by The Cat Many glamorous women had walked through WCW throughout its history, from the times of Missy Hyatt, Sherri Martel and Madusa, to the Nitro Girls and the emergence of modern starlets such as Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler. They were undoubtedly the two most beautiful and sensational females to grace WCW television in the 21st century, but there could only be one Miss WCW. With the ever-graceful and energetic, stylish entertainer the Cat to contest the proceedings, tonight was not only the fans' night to decide who the hotter woman was - but to find out who the inaugural Miss WCW would be! Matches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 22, 2021 15:16:22 GMT -5
Jakked - June 2, 2001 Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Broadcast in syndicationTaped on May 28, 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) Kid Kash def. Rick Vain (3:44) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]Coming off the loss in a back-and-forth meeting with Rob Van Dam, 'the Notorious K-I-D' appeared primed for glory in the ECW Revolution against Rick Vain. Using his speed to counter the strength of Vain, Kid Kash would impress with a double jump moonsault off the top rope before putting Vain away with the double-underhook facebuster known as the Money Maker.
2) K-Kwik def. Billy Yates (2:27) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]K-Kwik had joined the frontline against the ECW Revolution led by the APA, and impressed with a short outing tonight on Jakked against Billy Yates. Following a pre-match rap geared towards the Canadian crowd, K-Dawg struck hard and heavy with a corkscrew kick off the ropes, and overcame the adulation of Yates' proficient matwork with a scissors kick to take the three count. 3) The APA def. Rob McManus and Greg Pawluk (2:29) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]Bradshaw and Faarooq were kicking ass and taking names in their role of leading the WWF locker room troops to battle against the ECW Revolution, in spite of naysayers such as the Radicalz, and the Fighting Holly Cousins. Impressively dominant against Rob McManus and Greg Pawluk, a spinebuster from Faarooq led to a double powerbomb on Pawluk giving the APA the decisive win. 4) Val Venis def. Wildman Austin (4:01)'The Big Valbowski' had a lot of keen admirers in the audience tonight in Canada, as he headed to the ring for a competitive match with an up-and-comer in Wildman Austin. Val Venis went back and forth with Austin, with the Wildman surprising with a spinout spinebuster for a near fall. Venis fired back with a half Nelson slam, and had the ladies in the palm of his hands as a Money Shot would grant him the victory.
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The Scarred One
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Feb 5, 2012 17:33:35 GMT -5
Posts: 64
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Post by The Scarred One on Dec 23, 2021 5:47:57 GMT -5
Looking forward to WCW's The Big Bang. It certainly looks like it's gonna be a whopper show. I'm intrigued to see who you have as part of Shane McMahon's WCW roster-wise.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 24, 2021 14:59:16 GMT -5
WWF LIVE - June 3, 2001 Winnipeg, Manitoba June 3, 2001 - Winnipeg Arena in Winnipeg, MB:
- Rikishi def. Bull Buchanan
- X-Pac (c) def. Jerry Lynn & Kid Kash to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- Molly Holly def. Lita
- The Hardy Boyz def. The Fighting Holly Cousins
- Eddie Guerrero (c) def. Bradshaw to retain the WWF European Championship.
- WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H def. Edge and Christian
- Rhyno (c) def. Test to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship.
- Kane def. Commissioner William Regal
- The Dudley Boyz def. The Impact Players (c) by disqualification; the Impact Players retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
- Chris Jericho (c) def. Raven in a Street Fight to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 25, 2021 20:24:54 GMT -5
Sunday Night Heat - June 3, 2001 Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Broadcast on MTV - Live from WWF New York Matches taped on May 29, 2001 The opening video package aired bringing us to a packed house in the entertainment complex at WWF New York. Deep in the heart of Times Square, WWF New York was packed, with Michael Cole and the head trainer of WWF Tough Enough Al Snow welcoming us to Sunday Night Heat!
- TONIGHT: WWF Commissioner William Regal appears live from WWF New York.
- TONIGHT: Edge and Christian vs The APA
An Uninvited Co-HostMichael Cole talked about how WCW's invasion of TNN was just shy of an hour away, live for a two-hour television special. The Big Bang was sure to be a jam-packed show in its own right, but Al was not pleased to be having to promote WCW programming - as good an owner as Shane McMahon might be! Cole contested that they were ordered to promote WCW by WWF CEO Linda McMahon. Al in turned decided to promote the season premiere of WWF Tough Enough, on Thursday, June 21 immediately following SmackDown! on MTV!
Cole asked Snow how the process was going dwindling down the contestants, to which the head trainer admitted how hard it was - not just for the contestants, but the trainers themselves, too! Al promised to show no love to the WWF Superstar hopefuls, that they were going to receive the toughest training of their lives - and in the outcome we would see a full-fledged WWF Superstar prevail! Suddenly, Tazz arrived to loud boos from the WWF New York crowd. The ECW defected former co-host of Sunday Night Heat immediately confronted Snow and shoved him, prompting an argument between the two around how swiftly Michael Cole had managed to replace him!
Tazz began to verbally degrade Michael Cole for taking him off the air, but Al Snow defended him reminding Tazz he had to be the worst friend in the world. Cole stuck up for himself, telling Tazz how they had been together all night long the night prior to the ECW Revolution's first invasion, and Tazz never spoke a word. 'The Human Suplex Machine' called Cole a journalist snitch, while he was the real personality that brought Sunday Night Heat life - unlike Cole, and unlike Snow! Snow pointed the finger at Tazz with Cole speaking up to calm the tension, but as Al turned his head for a brief second Tazz locked in the Tazzmission! Wrestling Snow to the floor, Tazz choked Snow out as security rushed to get Tazz off of him. Cole checked on Snow, as Tazz smirked standing over both of them.
- Two of the best in the world were about to butt heads for two of the most prestigious belts in the business. With both the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship up for grabs, Booker T planned to make his first title defense against a former three-time champion in Diamond Dallas Page. Both veterans of their craft, who will leave the rebirth of World Championship Wrestling with all the gold? It would be winner takes all at WCW The Big Bang 2001 - live, tonight on TNN!
There was no sign of Al Snow, as Michael Cole begrudgingly stood beside a smug and arrogant Tazz behind the desk inside WWF New York. In disbelief at what his co-host and supposed friend did before the break, Tazz explained that he took matters into his own hands by taking out the dead weight of Sunday Night Heat - which would have been Al Snow! Tazz took joy watching officials take the head trainer of WWF Tough Enough away to seek medical attention, before reasoning that maybe now with him behind the desk once more - the ECW Revolution can receive the fair, unpropogated shake that they deserve! Cole bickered back about the ECW invasion having no place in the WWF.
This past week on RAW is WAR, 'The Texas Rattlesnake' met 'the Man-Beast' for the first time ever. In a meeting between the WWF Champion and WWF Hardcore Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin had already had problems accepting Kurt Angle as a formidable fellow frontrunner on the WWF frontline - giving him another Stunner! As Vince McMahon reasoned with 'the Rattlesnake', and Rhyno was fed encouragement by Paul Heyman, the two men collided in an clash which saw the ECW Revolution's troops hit the ring. Triple H hit the ring to help Austin, a sledgehammer in hand. With his own issues with Rhyno as well as the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, stemming from a beating earlier that night, both would go overwhelmed again - until Kurt Angle, Edge and Christian hit the ring and cleaned house of ECW! Austin and HHH could not believe their eyes, as 'the Megastar' stood tall - showing leadership of the WWF!
- In the arena, Val Venis made his way down the rampway to loud cheers from the crowd. The ladies in Canada loved 'the Big Valbowski' as he swaggered to the ring and shook his hips before removing his towel. Val graced the microphone - when prematurely, 'the One' Billy Gunn would interrupt his opponent! Excited for competition, the boyfriend of the WWF Women's Champion Chyna appeared confident, coming to meet Val one-on-one.1) Val Venis def. Billy Gunn (3:24)'The One' Billy Gunn came up short against the WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho last Monday night on RAW is WAR, and tonight interrupted the ravishing introduction of Val Venis. 'The Big Valbowski' outwrestled Billy early to the ladies delight, when Billy struck back with a series of hiptosses and a dropkick that allowed him to thrust his own hips. The two locked up again with Venis surprising with a dropkick of his own, when Billy caught him with a military press slam for a near fall. The aggressor, Gunn throttled Val and delivered a jackhammer, but Val would again kick out. With a sleeper applied, Val would be willed to fight back, scoring a spinout powerbomb! The Money Shot was in sight when Billy crotched him, but the Fame Asser would get a two-count. Agitated, the One and Only was attempted - but Val rolled Billy up for the win!
'The Big Valbowski' rolled out of the ring quickly, and showboated with some of the ladies in attendance in Canada. Meanwhile, 'the One' Billy Gunn was left furious at the decision the referee had made. Contesting that Val Venis had pulled the tights, Val denied this and gloated to Billy's chagrin.
- In the history of the sport, there was no man like 'the Man'. To be 'the Man' you had to beat 'the Man' - and that man was none other than the fourteen-time World Champion, 'the Nature Boy' Ric Flair. His career was thought to be over when WCW Monday Nitro left the airwaves on March 26, 2001 - but WCW would be reborn under the new ownership of Shane McMahon. Signing 'the Stylin' and Profilin' Legend to a lucrative contract, now was Ric Flair's time to prove he still had a lot left in the tank against the bombastic and bodacious Buff 'the Stuff' Bagwell! Would 'the Dirtiest Player in the Game' reveal himself one more time, or would Buff score the biggest victory of his ten-year career at WCW Big Bang 2001, tonight?
Raven sauntered down the rampway to loud boos, wheeling a shopping cart of weapons and toys with a crazed look on his face. Without an accomplice in Tori and the WWF Intercontinental Championship round his waist, Raven had traded them for the colors of ECW. Taking to the microphone, he spoke about the selfishness and greed of the WWF. They had tried to monopolize this business, but they couldn't kill what was dead. The old ECW might well be, but this new ECW Revolution could not be killed either. Better than ever, Raven reminisced about coming to the WWF last year to start fresh. He'd tried to show WWF Superstars the errors of their ways, but he quickly learned how there was no saving the damned like them.
Raven said he had friends in high places, and together he and his old friends would continue their invasion. Sending a message to Test, he vowed to not just leave him laying - but he might well leave him for dead if he stepped up to the plate again. K-Kwik soon came bounding out to the stage, rapping his way down to the ring. Confronting the sadist inside, K-Dawg riled up Canada before reminding Raven of their little conversation two weeks ago on RAW is WAR. He questioned what made Raven so glum, and said when he needed personality - it didn't mean to ride the coattails of other personalities, much more interesting than his! K-Dawg also remembered the number Raven did to him, which is when he learned to never trust a guy in jean shorts! Punching Raven out, this match was underway!2) Raven def. K-Kwik (3:47)K-Kwik was out for revenge for the beating he received at Raven's hands under two weeks ago on RAW is WAR, a spinning kick catching the ECW Revolution member. On a second attempt Raven clinged to the ropes, bailing to the floor. The rapper struck with a corkscrew crossbody plancha, when back inside a missile dropkick connected. Raven run him face-first into the second turnbuckle, and a Russian legsweep whiplashed K-Kwik's head off the buckle! Applying a seated chickenwing, K-Kwik fought Raven until he sent him to the corner for a clothesline into the bulldog! On the second rope, Raven glared to the Canadian crowd, before diving into K-Kwik's boot! Making a comeback with a kip-up and an axe kick, the Mic Check was reversed. K-Kwik kicked out of a roll-up, but the scissors kick was missed: and the Evenflow DDT gave Raven victory!
No matter the win or loss, the former WWF Intercontinental Champion appears unsatisfied with another victory against the game K-Kwik, sitting in the corner watching the rapper recover. Rolling out to the floor, the ECW Revolution member contemplated leaving but instead chose to pick up a stop sign! Sliding inside, K-Kwik grew to his knees - to be smashed over the skull with the weapon. Repeatedly slamming it across K-Dawg's torso, Raven was foaming at the mouth with glee and pleasure. Surely a message for Test being sent, the ECW defected sadist was unhinged and unruly!
- He hadn't been seen since Last Man Standing at Judgment Day, until this past week. Chris Benoit made short work of Crash in no time at all on RAW is WAR, when SmackDown rolled into his hometown of Edmonton. The Undertaker and Kane battled the Right to Censor, when the Brothers of Destruction grew overwhelmed by the RTC's forces. That is until 'the Rabid Wolverine' oddly served as the cavalry for 'the American Badass', much to Undertaker, Kane and even Sara's bafflement. After some harsh words exchanged in the locker room, the match was restarted later that night against Mark Henry, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan - with Benoit and 'the Deadman' co-existing. Benoit was the hero in his home country, when shockingly Undertaker shook hands with Benoit! Was it to be water under the bridge between the two rivals?
- Earlier today, Commissioner William Regal arrived to the entertainment complex in New York City, with his apprentice Tajiri left to carry an absurd amount of 'the Goodwill Ambassador's luggage! Regal instructed the Japanese newcomer to finish delivering his bags to his private dressing room, and to then deliver him some English tea. Tajiri pondered if Regal meant coffee, but William barked stating that New York had some of the foulest odours as it was - he wanted tea, not coffee! Regal walked away disgusted, as Tajiri struggled to bare four trunks on a luggage cart.
Ever since Stephanie McMahon betrayed Shane McMahon and reunited with her father, Trish Stratus had been left feeling behind in the dark. Following the callous comments made by 'the Billion Dollar Princess' referring to herself as the only dominant female in the McMahon Empire on RAW is WAR, Trish would repeatedly try to find time to address her issues with her boyfriend, Vince McMahon. The Chairman had another stressful week, balancing the weights of a divorce from WWF CEO Linda McMahon as well as the uprising ECW Revolution. Not to mention, Shane O'Mac's plot to resurrect WCW with the Big Bang! Trish finally found her chance on SmackDown after being interrupted repeatedly - to which Vince turned down her attempts at rekindling passion! Yet again, Trish was left alone by the WWF Owner.
- Edge and Christian laughed at their own private in-jokes in the backstage area of the arena, when up walked Jonathan Coachman to question why they challenged the APA to a match tonight. Edge said it was nonsensical that after all Team ECK's hard work saving the WWF from ECW on RAW is WAR - that not one of the WWF's "frontline" were there to help them or Kurt Angle on SmackDown. Everybody knew the ECW Revolution was bogus and full of doofuses, but where were the APA when they needed them? Christian questioned the solidarity of the locker room - they are always there when Stone Cold Steve Austin or Triple H were in trouble! Christian said they hadn't seen or heard from 'the Megastar' since Thursday night, but he's livid - and tonight they'd prove they wouldn't tolerate it either. Edge promised to show the APA to be hasbeen reekazoids, and to prove he and Christian should be the leaders the WWF Superstars deserve.
- Commissioner William Regal stands up to TazzMichael Cole spoke about the timultuous times the WWF had been faced with in recent weeks, but Tazz argued that even if the WWF Superstars could get along and work together, that there was no stopping he or the ECW Revolution: especially not those hacks, Edge and Christian! Cole welcomed out tonight's guest WWF Commissioner William Regal to a mixed reaction from the WWF New York crowd. With Tajiri bowing politely behind him, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' sat on the couch on the stage with his apprentice stood behind him. Cole wanted to ask the Englishman for his thoughts regarding ECW, when William candidly expressed how troublesome it was, but it was nothing the WWF could not take. On the subject, William added how ludricrous it was that they were here on WWF Sunday Night Heat - yet they had to cater to that loof Shane McMahon and his little WCW Big Bang show!
'The Goodwill Ambassador' reasoned that it partly why he came here, when Tazz found the Commissioner's comments. Liking a man of his intellect, the ECW Revolution member quizzed him for his thoughts on ECW. Instead, Regal told Tazz how he used to like him - he used to find him amusing. But what he and his gang of juvenile delinquents had been doing was besmirching the good and honorable World Wrestling Federation name! Tazz questioned how, speaking out about how the WWF stole so much of ECW that it became a Hollywood version of ECW - and they couldn't stand for that. They had come to remind the WWF Superstars that they were the true innovators - that the ECW Originals' blood, sweat and tears were the ones the WWF guys were banking from!
Commissioner William Regal reeled off a list, regarding how Rhyno was a Troll doll come to life that could barely string together a sentence; Raven was a troubled bloke that was as delusional as they come and couldn't tie his shoelaces; and the likes of Sandman and Tommy Dreamer were glorified homeless barbarians that may well have walked in off the street! Tazz told William to watch himself, because he was no saint either. He advised the Commissioner try getting his head out of Vince McMahon's ass and admit that ECW is what the WWF needed - because with a stick in the mud like Regal in charge, all Tazz could do was wonder who the hell was watching this garbage! Regal grew annoyed and came to his feet, when Tajiri spoke up in fiery Japanese. Face to face, Tazz piefaced Tajiri and told him he wouldn't even be here had it not been for ECW - much like Rob Van Dam, Tajiri was a sellout!
William Regal had finally had enough, pushing Tazz in the chest and ordering him to man up and face him. The WWF New York crowd were surprisingly fully behind the unpopular WWF Commissioner, who removed his blazer and rolled up his sleeves for a fight! Tazz smugly smiled back at the Englishman, surveying both he and Tajiri before deciding to walk away from the stage! The crowd booed as the ECW Revolution member left Sunday Night Heat. Regal looked ready for a fight and made a match for he and Tazz for tomorrow night on RAW is WAR, while Cole was baffled at the unprofessionalism of his so-called friend and co-host!
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Commissioner William Regal vs Tazz
- Meanwhile backstage at the arena, the APA walked the halls with Jacqueline supporting them, en route to the main event. With a match against Edge and Christian moments away, Bradshaw and Faarooq were applauded and encouraged by the likes of Steve Blackman and Kaientai - members of the APA-led WWF frontline against ECW!
We returned - live to the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada! WCW The Big Bang 2001 was moments away from going live on TNN, with a loud crowd on hand for the big event. WCW announcers Scott Hudson and Arn Anderson welcomed us to the Big Bang and ran down the card - with a newly announced match added, pitting Chris Kanyon against Hugh Morrus!
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page in a Winner Takes All match.
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: Ric Flair vs Buff Bagwell
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak for the WCW Tag Team Championship.
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler in a Miss WCW Bikini Contest, officiated by The Cat.
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: Shane Helms (c) vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Elix Skipper in a Four Corners match for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.
- WCW THE BIG BANG 2001, TONIGHT: Chris Kanyon vs Hugh Morrus
- Michael Cole stood alone at the desk inside the entertainment complex at WWF New York, speaking about the situation escalating rapidly between his co-host Tazz and the WWF Commissioner William Regal. Shifting gears to talk about RAW is WAR tomorrow night live, he ran down what was coming up on the WWF's side of affairs.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Triple H vs WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: X-Pac (c) vs Jerry Lynn for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
- RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: The 2001 King of the Ring tournament begins, with two preliminary round matches.
- 'The Megastar's pursuit of the WWF Championship had consumed him to a point where, in the midst of an ECW invasion, Kurt Angle wanted to take leadership of the WWF. Kurt Angle confronted Stone Cold Steve Austin on RAW is WAR in front of Vince McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon urged both to get along and shake hands - when Angle was dropped with a Stunner. Later that night, Angle would get even with the aid of Edge and Christian against Tazz, before Team ECK would be the unlikely force to save the day for Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H against an ECW Revolution attack! On SmackDown the Olympic Gold Medalist was screwed out of the WWF Hardcore Championship against Rhyno, but would once again use brute force to take out the ECW army - to then be struck with the Pedigree from Triple H. Angle received no respect for his efforts from 'the Game', and Angle had to be livid!3) Edge and Christian def. The APA (w/Jacqueline) (3:56) The APA had done a solid job of leading the WWF Superstars to battle against the ECW Revolution, in spite of opposers such as the Radicalz, the Fighting Holly Cousins and now Edge and Christian. Mad with the idea of favoritism shown by the APA, the Canadians battled Bradshaw and Faarooq early with Bradshaw blasting Edge with a shoudler block! Christian was taken down with a powerslam. In came Faarooq to hammer on Christian when a distraction allowed him to rake the eyes! An inverted DDT got a near fall, as he and Edge traded swift tags isolating the veteran APA member. A sidewinder DDT got a near fall for the Canadians, when Edge was caught with a spinebuster! Tag made to Bradshaw, he ran hot with a fallaway slam to Christian! The Clothesline From Hell hit hard, but Edge dragged the referee from the ring! Christian nailed the Unprettier as Edge nailed Faarooq with a spear - E&C stealing the win!
Edge and Christian got out of dodge quickly, as Bradshaw and Faarooq came rushing to their feet after the bell. The APA chased the Canadians from the ringside area, as they and Jacqueline looked on in rage. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Team ECK celebrated on the rampway. E&C had picked up a big win against the beer drinkers, but who knew whether they could hold down the WWF fort against the ECW invasion!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 28, 2021 17:18:27 GMT -5
2001 King of the Ring Tournament Results Bracket First Round: RAW is WAR, June 4, 2001: TBA vs TBA
Finals: King of the Ring 2001, June 24, 2001: TBA vs TBA
The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN Presented by 1800-COLLECT - "On the Tracks" WCW World Heavyweight Championship & WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page
World Championship Wrestling had been in hiatus since Shane McMahon purchased the company back on March 26, 2001 - but now, WCW was back with a Big Bang, on World Wrestling Federation's home soil, TNN! Booker T captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the final edition of Monday Nitro from Scott Steiner, but as both WCW Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion - he now had to defend against his toughest challenger to date, in the former three-time WCW Champion Diamond Dallas Page. Who would walk out with both of the richest prizes in this great sport, come the Big Bang? Ric Flair vs Buff BagwellWith the buyout by Shane McMahon on March 26, 2001, the sixteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over, as he would engage in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of WCW Monday Nitro, in a losing effort. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans, 'the Nature Boy' signed a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and was out to prove that he still had a lot left in the tank. Up against a former WCW World Tag Team Champion in Buff Bagwell, would we see the stylin' and profilin' of the dirtiest player in the game show himself, or would 'Buff Daddy' pull off the biggest win of his career? WCW World Cruiserweight Championship Four Corners Match Shane Helms (c) vs Elix Skipper vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.There had been few WCW athletes that had worked as hard as 'Sugar' Shane Helms. At the age of twenty-six, he achieved a goal when he defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to be crowned WCW World Cruiserweight Champion at WCW Greed. At the dawning of a new era for World Championship Wrestling, now was Shane Helms' shot at proving himself against a venge-filled Chavo Guerrero Jr, a seasoned former champion in Billy Kidman, and one-half of the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Elix Skipper. With sudden death rules, one fall to a finish, it was sure to be nonstop action: but who will leave the Big Bang as the champion? WCW World Tag Team Championship Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark JindrakThey were once a group of rookies that possessed a lot of promise as part of the Natural Born Thrillers faction, but those days were long gone. Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak grew jealous as Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire captured the WCW World Tag Team Championships back in January, but came up short in a title opportunity at WCW SuperBrawl Revenge in February. Now under a new owner in Shane McMahon, two teams of great upside strived to impress as they would meet one more time. The Natural Born Thrillers would explode once more, with the titles on the line, but who would make an impression at the Big Bang?
Miss WCW Bikini Contest Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler Hosted by The Cat Many glamorous women had walked through WCW throughout its history, from the times of Missy Hyatt, Sherri Martel and Madusa, to the Nitro Girls and the emergence of modern starlets such as Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler. They were undoubtedly the two most beautiful and sensational females to grace WCW television in the 21st century, but there could only be one Miss WCW. With the ever-graceful and energetic, stylish entertainer the Cat to contest the proceedings, tonight was not only the fans' night to decide who the hotter woman was - but to find out who the inaugural Miss WCW would be! Hugh Morrus vs Chris KanyonTwo of WCW's toughest men were set to collide in a meeting with a lot to prove. Chris Kanyon and Hugh Morrus had each found success in WCW in the past, with Kanyon being a former two-time WCW Tag Team Champion alongside the Jersey Triad - Diamond Dallas Page and Bam Bam Bigelow. Those days were over thanks to what would become an obsession with Kanyon for DDP, although now he was out wanting to make a name for himself. For Hugh Morrus, the former Hugh G. Rection was a two-time WCW United States Champion and part of Misfits in Action. With the group disbanded, he too wanted to make a name for himself in the new WCW!
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Post by DTP. on Dec 28, 2021 17:52:37 GMT -5
WCW The Big Bang 2001 - June 3, 2001 Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada Live on TNN
A video package aired, flashing back through the decades of entertainment that have surrounded the phenomenon World Championship Wrestling. From the legendary faces of Jack Brisco, Dory Funk Jr. and Harley Race, to all-time greats such as Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes. Through the 1980s and 1990s, some of the greatest to have ever put on a pair of boots have been WCW Champion, and the WCW United States Champion. With the announcement on March 23, 2001 that WCW had been purchased by the WWF, many thoughts that WCW was to die and be buried - when Shane McMahon made the declaration on March 26 that he had bought WCW from under his father Vince McMahon's nose! And now, for the first time since the final edition of Monday Nitro - WCW would be reborn with a Big Bang!
The opening graphic aired, bringing us inside a packed house inside the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada! Pyrotechnics and smoke filled up across the stage, clearing the way to reveal the stage. The Big Bang 2001 was on the air, live on TNN with Scott Hudson and Arn Anderson stood beside the announce table. With over two thousand die-hard fans of WCW in attendance, the two ran down the line-up for tonight's two-hour special.
- TONIGHT: Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page in Winner Takes All for the WCW Championship and WCW United States Championship.
- TONIGHT: Ric Flair vs Buff Bagwell
- TONIGHT: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak for the WCW Tag Team Championship.
- TONIGHT: Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler in a Miss WCW Bikini Contest, officiated by The Cat.
- TONIGHT: Shane Helms (c) vs Billy Kidman vs Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Elix Skipper in a Four Corner match for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.
- TONIGHT: Chris Kanyon vs Hugh Morrus
- The fans came to life in Las Vegas, WCW Owner Shane McMahon coming to the stage. Shane climbed inside with a proud smile on his face, welcoming the fans to the reborn World Championship Wrestling. He went on to thank the fans for believing in what he was capable of, and that was again proving himself to be 'the Comeback Kid'. His father Vince McMahon wanted to be the one to kill WCW, but Shane was to be damned before he could allow that to happen! Tonight, they had a hot crowd on hand and a hot line-up to present with four championship on the line. For the first time in sixty-nine days, the Big Bang was invading TNN - and they were going to kick off this new era of WCW with the Cruiserweight action! Shane O'Mac left the ring with a huge smile on his face, shaking hands personally with the fans in the front row. At the rampway, out walked Billy Kidman for the Four Corners WCW Cruiserweiht Championship match. Fist bumping the boss on his way to the ring - the crowd was ready the Big Bang 2001!1) WCW Cruiserweight Championship - Four Corners Match Shane Helms (c) vs Billy Kidman vs Elix Skipper vs Chavo Guerrero Jr.There had been few athletes to enter WCW with the work ethic of 'Sugar' Shane Helms. At the age of twenty-six, the former member of Three Count achieved a life goal when he defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. to be crowned WCW Cruiserweight Champion on March 18, 2001 at Greed. In the dawning of a new era for WCW, now was Shane's shot at proving himself against a venge-filled Chavo; a seasoned and skilled former champion in Billy Kidman, and one-half of the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Elix Skipper. With sudden death rules, one fall to a finish, it was sure to be nonstop action: but who would leave the Big Bang as the champ?
As all four combatants entered the ring, 'Sugar' Shane Helms jawjacked to 'Primetime' Elix Skipper and Chavo Guerrero Jr, prompting them to go after the WCW Cruiserweight Champion. Shane tried to fight both off when Billy Kidman evened the odds, with he and Helms sending the two challengers to the ringside floor. Helms connected with a somersault senton plancha over the top rope onto both Elix and Chavo, when Kidman decided to take the next level: a Shooting Star Press connecting from the top, onto all three men at ringside! Back from the commercial break, Skipper delivered a spinning headscissors to Kidman before being joined by Chavo Guerrero in stomping away at the former multiple time champ in the corner. 'Primetime' struck with a running hurricanrana to Kidman, when Chavo attempted a powerbomb - just for Kidman to turn the tables with a facebuster! Nobody could powerbomb Kidman, as he climbed to the second rope for a tornado DDT on Chavo.
Elix Skipper struck again by walking the top rope into a hurricanrana, but upon covering Billy Kidman, Chavo Guerrero would drag him off. Despite their early alliance, Chavo and Elix wound up arguing amongst themselves, bringing Kidman and a re-emerged 'Sugar' Shane Helms to deliver stereo-dropkicks! The WCW Cruiserweight Champion met with Kidman in a face off to the Vegas crowd's applause, the two circling the ring for Helms to a land a hurricanrana for a near fall. Kidman attempted the Kid Krusher for Helms to block it - powering him up for the Vertebreaker, just for Kidman to reverse into a roll-up for a count of two! Chavo zipped in and dropped Helms with a Gory Bomb, when Kidman wound up the recipient of a brainbuster - but Kidman cradled him for a near fall! Helms struck with the Shining Wizard to remove Chavo from the equation, when Kidman dropped the champ with the Kid Krusher! The cover was made, but 'Primetime' executed the Play of the Day on Kidman to steal the title!Winner, and new WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Elix Skipper (8:42) It was bound to be bedlam in the Hard Rock Cafe, but in victory saw a new champion emerge! 'Primetime' Elix Skipper dropped to his knees with the WCW Cruiserweight Championship handed to him. Hugging it dearly, Skipper vengefully showed excitement in his victory. 'Sugar' Shane Helms hadn't even been pinned to lose the title, and appeared despondent, whilst Chavo Guerrero Jr. was furious! Skipper left, gloating to the camera about his own win - raising it high to the audience on hand in Las Vegas! - Shawn Stasiak was in the locker room giving pointers to his partner Mark Jindrak, when into the room came Stacy Keibler in an evening gown. The girlfriend of Stasiak asked the boys if they wanted a sneak peek - opening her gown to the back of the camera! Jindrak's eyes lit up causing Shawn to angrily warn him not to look at his girl like that! Stasiak complained about Stacy enticing Jindrak, reminding her that this was supposed to be the Shawn and Stacy Show! Jindrak questioned what Stasiak's problem was, and he told the two that tonight it was all going to go to plan: they would walk out WCW Tag Team Champions against Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire; and Stacy would be crowned Miss WCW!
While the action took place in the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight; up in the north-east, in Time Square the exterior of WWF New York was shown. A hot night in New York City, the flagship venue for the World Wrestling Federation tonight however sported a massive billboard advertising WCW - the Big Bang 2001 not just invading TNN!
Returning backstage to the Hard Rock Cafe, the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion Elix Skipper bowed with his head resting against the gold, when up approached Jeremy Borash to ask 'Primetime' how it felt to be a champion in WCW. Elix warned Jeremy this wasn't the first time he'd won this gold in WCW, reminding him also that before this saw he and Kid Romeo leave the first WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions. All of his life, people had been holding him back, but even the doubters like Shane McMahon could not deny his greatness by declaring those old titles redundant. Skipper spoke about his modest and humbling two-year journey coming full circle. In a reborn WCW, now was his time. As WCW Cruiserweight Champion, now was 'Primetime!'
- 2) Chris Kanyon vs Hugh Morrus In a match added in the last hour before WCW the Big Bang, on WWF's Sunday Night Heat, two of WCW's toughest men were set to collide in a meeting of the minds with a lot to prove. Chris Kanyon and Hugh Morrus had each found success in WCW in the past, with Kanyon being a former two-time WCW Tag Team Champion alongside the Jersey Triad - Diamond Dallas Page and Bam Bam Bigelow. Those days were over thanks to what would become an obsession with Kanyon for DDP, although now he was out wanting to make a name for himself. For Hugh Morrus, the former Hugh G. Rection was a two-time WCW United States Champion and a part of the Misfits in Action. With the group disbanded, both wanted to make a name for themselves in the new WCW - but who would be victorious?
Chris Kanyon was arrogant as he entered the ring, but immediately grew jealous once hearing the positive reaction for Hugh Morrus, who rallied the crowd behind them. The two locked up, with Kanyon targeting the arm just for Morrus to fierily back elbow his way into control. A sidewalk slam scored a near fall, with Kanyon annoyed with the showboating the fan favorite. Eventually raking the eyes of his opponents, Kanyon once again targeted the shoulder with an inverted arm-ringer, but a hammerlock would see Hugh shoot off into the ropes and return with a running DDT for a two-count! Kanyon rolled out to the floor as Morrus played to the crowd before being warded back into the ring by the referee. Suddenly, Kanyon blindsighted him through the ropes with a right hand! At ringside, Kanyon sent Morrus into the guard rail, before charging into the high boot of Hugh! Morrus powered up the Las Vegas fans with a powerslam to Chris Kanyon on the ringside floor, before tossing him inside.
Hugh Morrus went to the top rope for No Laughing Matter, but Kanyon deprived the people of witnessing a moonsault by crotching him - a neckbreaker taking Hugh from the top! Kanyon returned to the shoulder and slammed it into the mat, antagonizing the people. Kanyon powered Morrus up in an electric chair, but Morrus landed on his feet and delivered a body slam! Morrus missed a diving elbow drop, bringing Kanyon to go back to the shoulder. A fireman's carry facebuster saw a near fall. With a cross-armbreaker applied, Hugh rolled up for a one count - Kanyon wrenching the limb further. Morrus used his shocking strength with a one-arm powerbomb, sounding off with clotheslines! A powerbomb was attempted but Hugh favored his arm. Kanyon was able to backdrop out of it, just to be hit with the No Joke rolling cutter! Morrus went up top just to miss No Laughing Matter, when Kanyon connected with an opportunistic Flatliner, to seize the moment and take the three count!Winner: Chris Kanyon (6:30) Egotistical in his victory, Chris Kanyon refused to have his hand raised by the referee, instead rolling out of the ring and raising his fists to the disgust of the Las Vegas crowd in attendance. Proclaiming himself the MVP of the new WCW, Kanyon argued with fans in the front row of the Hard Rock Cafe. All the while, laughing at the expense of Hugh Morrus. For Morrus, it was No Laughing Matter as he left skulking up the aisleway.
- Up next was sure to see more great cruiserweight action with two former top contenders to the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships in action. The Japanese aerial fanatics Jimmy Yang and Kaz Hayashi walked the hall on one-half of the screen. On the other, the promising prospects Air Styles and Air Paris. Up next, Jung Dragons and Air Raid were set to collide!
WCW Owner Shane McMahon sat in his office, on the phone to his mother. The WWF CEO Linda McMahon told her son how proud she was of him, to which he thanked her. Shane said he was proud of what he's been able to do tonight too, but it was all with Linda's help. Everything was going according to plan, and tonight he could feel it: the Big Bang was a big hit. Abruptly, a screeching Daffney stormed into the room and complained about not being considered as "hot" or as "sexy" as Torrie Wilson or Stacy Keibler. Shane questioned what she wanted, and Daffney wanted in on the Miss WCW Bikini Contest! Daffney bragged about how cute and bodacious she was, bringing Shane O'Mac to ask one question: who was she? Daffney screamed and left the room, leaving him taken aback!
- Jeremy Borash was stood beside the flexing Buff Bagwell, asking him about the importance of his match tonight against 'the Nature Boy' Ric Flair. Buff was brash, asking Borash if he knew how long he'd been doing this. Compared to the dinosaur he was up against, Buff knew at least that he had to beat the legendary Ric Flair. While 'Naitch' was a former fourteen-time World Champion, Buff was 'the Stuff' that the people couldn't get enough! 'Buff Daddy' said he had arrived back in WCW, and he was putting all the stars on watch. There was no fooling around this time, because he was here to win and he was here to be the star among the stars! Tonight, Bagwell proclaimed he would style and profile by kicking Flair's ragged, old butt - and get WCW off to the Big Bang it deserves. Bagwell cockily guaranteed victory, and said that 2001 was the year of 'Buff Daddy!'
- Jung Dragons vs Air Raid didn't begin; Scott Steiner attacksUnder the new ownership of Shane McMahon, every young talent was looking to break out from the pack and make a name for themselves. Four youthful cruiserweights by the likes of Jimmy Yang and Kaz Hayashi of the Jung Dragons, and Air Raid's Air Styles and Air Paris were among them. The two teams squared off in the ring, when sirens began blazing throughout the Hard Rock Cafe! He had apparently turned down the contract that the new WCW Owner had approached him with, but regardless, the former WCW Champion Scott Steiner came hobbling down the rampway using a crutch to get to the ring. 'Big Poppa Pump' was unsigned and unfriendly, as he immediately clobbered the Jung Dragons with a double clothesline! Using his crutch as a weapon, he caught Air Styles off the top rope with a shot to the abdomen, breaking the crutch over Air Paris's spine! 'The Big Bad Booty Daddy' clotheslined Kaz Hayashi over the top rope, dropping Jimmy Yang with a military press slam!
Steiner hobbled further, with a belly-to-belly suplex delivered to Air Styles, and the Steiner Recliner applied on Air Paris. This match had been thrown out as the referee tried restraining the former WCW Champion. Instead, Steiner shoved the referee to the mat and snatched the microphone from ring announcer David Penzer. Calling this new WCW thing a load of cr*p, Scott claimed this wasn't World Championship Wrestling because he wasn't involved. He believed himself to be the guy that this company needed and survived on under Ted Turner, but that cheap fluke Booker T stole it away from him. 'Big Poppa Pump' declared himself the rightful WCW Champion, and the only reason that punk Booker T beat him in Panama City, Florida was because he was hurt. Shane McMahon didn't offer him enough money for the job tonight because the new WCW Owner was afraid of 'Freakzilla', before strongly urging the cheapskate Shane O'Mac to be man enough to sign him with more money.
Steiner had just shown against the Jung Dragons and Air Raid that he was in top condition, fully recovered, and deserved another shot at the hold. Suddenly, Steiner attacked a recovering Air Paris and sent him flying over the top rope to boos, before returning to the microphone. Steiner stated he knew Vince McMahon was watching, and he wasn't afraid to fight him either. McMahon, along with the rest of the b*tches in the WWF had better watch out for 'the Big Bad Booty Daddy', because if they didn't come knocking at his door, he was gonna come pounding through theirs! Steiner's mic was suddenly cut, infuriating the free agent, as he left the ring hastily and threatened ringside personnel! Chasing them up the rampway, 'Big Poppa Pump' left making a scary, volatile impression!
During the break, after a terrifying unscheduled appearance from 'Big Poppa Pump' which saw the decimation of the Jung Dragons and Air Raid, backstage security members proceeded to argue with Scott Steiner as WCW Owner Shane McMahon tried calming the former WCW Champion down. Steiner was being escorted from the Hard Rock Cafe but told Shane to suck his you-know-what. Storming out through the doors, 'Freakzilla' told Shane O'Mac to be a man for the first time in his life and pay him more money and a title shot. As Steiner left, Shane questioned if Steiner was always this way. Urging backstage officials that they needed to patrol all perimeters to the Hard Rock Cafe, Shane O'Mac warned they needed to keep the doors locked from nutcases like him. They couldn't afford any break-ins or interruptions during tonight's Winner Takes All main event!
- 3) WCW Tag Team Championship Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (c) vs Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak Once a group of young prospects that possessed great promise as part of the Natural Born Thrillers, those days had since gone long by. Breaking in together as a foursome as graduates of the WCW Power Plant training facilities, they had each traded reigns as WCW Tag Team Champions in the past year with one another - and tonight had potential to see another formation emerge. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire captured the titles at January's WCW Sin pay-per-view, with the jealousy of Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak seeing them come up short in a title match at February's Superbrawl Revenge. Now under new ownership in Shane McMahon, two teams of great upside strived to impress in one more encounter. The Natural Born Thrillers were to explode one more time with the titles on the line, but who would make a bigger impression tonight at the Big Bang?
Former friends in the Natural Born Thrillers, the WCW Tag Team Champions offered to be greater men in extending hands of respect to the challengers. Instead, Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak refused, before jumping Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire from behind to kick this bout off! The champs would fight off the advances of Stasiak and Jindrak, with the match breaking down to Chuck and Shawn. Palumbo caught Stasiak with an inverted atomic drop, when the Jungle Kick was attempted early, only for Stasiak to sidestep it and land a picture-perfect dropkick for a near fall. 'The Mecca of Manhood' drove his boot into the throat of Palumbo before tagging in Jindrak, who delivered a back suplex for a near fall. Together, the challengers worked the ribs with some body blows connecting, and a neckbreaker would receive a near fall in favor of Jindrak.
Shawn Stasiak hoped himself to leave the Big Bang as WCW Tag Team Champion, and his girlfriend Stacy Keibler to win the Miss WCW Bikini Contest later tonight - as a hip toss and elbow drop combination scored him a near fall against Chuck Palumbo. Climbing to the top rope, Stasiak soared with a diving crossbody, but Palumbo rolled through and executed a Chuck Deluxe belly-to-belly suplex! The power was untold, as Sean O'Haire made the tag and shot with a clothesline and a ducking super kick to Jindrak. The facebreaker kneesmash struck Stasiak, before clashing his head with partner Jindrak's! A fireman's carry DDT got a near fall when Mark broke up the fall. Palumbo connected with the Jungle Kick to Jindrak when Stasiak attempted the fisherman suplex. Palumbo landed out to the apron and connected with a springboard dropkick - when O'Haire flew with the Seanton Bomb on Stasiak. Palumbo and O'Haire were able to retain the titles!Winners, and still WCW Tag Team Champions: Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire (5:54) Sean O'Haire met Chuck Palumbo on their knees, celebrating with a hug to the adulation of the fans in Las Vegas. A packed house in the Hard Rock Cafe came to their feet for the WCW Tag Team Champions, who posed with their titles to the disappointment of Shawn Stasiak in the corner. Showing that they were the better half of the Natural Born Thrillers, O'Haire and Palumbo had both proven that they are certainly no flukes, with another successful title defense in the books!
- The WCW Owner Shane McMahon had been kept busy tonight at the Big Bang, confronted by Kid Romeo along with Jamie Knoble and Johnny the Bull. Romeo was talking about how stupid it was to render the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships defunct - and then to put his tag team partner Elix Skipper in the WCW Cruiserweight Championship match tonight over him! Shane O'Mac argued that 'Primetime' came out on top no matter which way they looked at it, when Knoble asked in a Southern accent where his opportunity was. Johnny told Shane in his New York accent that this all seemed kinda bull, but Shane urged them to consider his vision for WCW. It wasn't about everybody getting a shot - that was the WWF way. In the interest of fairness, Shane told the three how WCW was going to be the elite of the elite; and they would each make themselves known.
Shane implored them to do something about it, when up walked the Cat. Joyously, the flamboyant leopard-print clad entertainer pulled Shane aside for a few moments, to thank the WCW Owner for the opportunity bestowed upon him tonight. There was so much at stake, and Shane agreed. The WCW Championship and WCW United States Championships were both on the line in Winner Takes All - yet the Cat wasn't talking about that: he was talking about the Miss WCW Bikini Contest! Cat was feverish just thinking about the foxy women in their best summer wardrobe. Shane told Cat it would go swimmingly, when Cat said he hoped there was a pool - otherwise Torrie and Stacy were going to be leaving him high and dry! Cat danced away thanking him again, with Shane shuffling with him.
A video package aired, recapping the first time both Diamond Dallas Page and Booker T captured the WCW United States Championship. For the challenger, it was December 28, 1997 at Starrcade where 'the Master of the Diamond Cutter' captured the US gold for the first time - defeating Curt Hennig to initiate a 112-day reign. For the double-champion, Booker T won his first WCW US Championship on March 18, 2001 at Greed where he defeated Rick Steiner. To this day, the Booker-Man was unbeaten for the gold he held, winning the WCW Championship only one week later from Scott Steiner at the final Monday Nitro on March 26! Tonight would see Winner Takes All.
- Ric Flair addresses Las VegasThe Hard Rock Cafe came ablaze as the former fourteen-time World Champion emerged to the stage. Ric Flair strutted down the aisle to enormous shows of respect from the Las Vegas fans, dressed to the nines in a luxurious wardrobe. 'The Nature Boy' climbed into the ring and graced the microphone, talking about the coveted history he shared with this great organization. He was here through the Mid-Atlantics and the Carolinas, through the Crocketts, through the Turners and now...through the McMahons! Flair found it unbelievable that he would ever hear himself say such a thing, how WCW was now owned by a McMahon. On the best of days, he had towed that line and he couldn't stand the McMahon Family on the very best of days. But one thing he did feel positive about, was the very idea of Shane McMahon being in charge of World Championship Wrestling - Shane could have sank this company, but they were here right now live on national television once again.
Confessing his age, Flair admitted he was 52 years old. It was no mistake that this was the twilight of his career. Six months ago, he considered himself semi-retired with no intention of ever turning back. Ric said he had settled down with the role of being WCW Comissioner, because in his career and life, he had seen it all and done it all. He'd held the Worlds Championship fourteen times, had seen the world five times over. He was the limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheeling-dealing son of a gun - and he knew his days were numbered in this business. Yet just when WCW was thought to be down and out, as they prepared to close their doors shut for an eternity, he stepped out to the ring on March 26 in Panama City. On that last edition of Monday Nitro, Flair mixed it up one last time with his greatest adversary Sting, and it made him feel alive again.
'The Nature Boy' had been to war with Sting dozens upon hundreds of times, but declared that it was during that match with Sting where he felt he had a lot more in the tank. To him there was so much more to prove, and so much more to give to the very business that made him 'the Man'. In the 21st century, against the youth of today - the best this business had to offer, Flair planned to dedicate himself to his craft night-in, and night-out, to show that he still had what it took to be 'the Man' he once was. Tonight, one-on-one with Buff Bagwell, 'Buff Daddy' was going to find out first-hand that this beaten down, broken down, thought-to-be hasbeen old man is still World Championship calibre - and Buff 'the Stuff' was going down tonight at the Big Bang! A passionate 'Nature Boy' left the ring to a massive ovation, motivated mentally and physically ahead of his meeting with Buff Bagwell, later tonight!
Another video package aired, this time recapping the first time both Diamond Dallas Page and Booker T captured the WCW Championship. DDP shocked the world back on April 11, 1999 at Spring Stampede when he overcame Ric Flair, Sting and Hulk Hogan to win his first of three WCW Championships to-date. Meanwhile, Booker T captured the Big Gold Belt for the first time on July 9, 2000 at Bash at the Beach - defeating Jeff Jarrett amidst great controversary, to conclude an eleven-year quest for the champ. Booker would go on to become a four-time WCW Champion, winning his last on March 26, 2001 against Scott Steiner. Tonight, both men driven by greatness would battle for both of the top prizes in WCW - in Winner Takes All!
Diamond Dallas Page warmed up in the backstage area, as Jeremy Borash standing by asked him about the opportunity tonight - not just to make the Big Bang his night - but to walk away from a reborn WCW as a four-time World Champion. Page stressed this was not only about the WCW Championship, but the WCW United States Championship as well. Speaking about how this career was never meant to be, DDP said he wasn't meant to live it. He'd scratched and clawed to fight his way up the ranks in WCW, and it was the people that granted him the power to do this for a living each and every night. DDP spoke of hearing Ric Flair's comments, how despite their differences in the past he knew how 'the Nature Boy felt. He considered Booker T to be a formidable opponent, a strong hand to be dealt with in the ring - but the jury was still out in his mind.
DDP considered Booker still the new WCW Champion, but he also had the WCW US Championship. That made the double-champ an obstacle in his mind. There was a stepping stone to the top that came with each of those belts, and while it took DDP two years to reach that top spot - it only took Booker one week. Page said he wasn't as jealous as he was hungry. He came back to WCW to take that spot at the top of the food chain, and as much as he respected Booker, tonight was Winner Takes All, and Booker would feel the bang at the Big Bang.
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Miss WCW - Bikini Contest Torrie Wilson vs Stacy Keibler Hosted by The Cat Many glamorous women had walked through WCW throughout its history, from the times of Missy Hyatt, Sherri Martel and Madusa, to the Nitro Girls and the emergence of modern starlets such as Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler. They were undoubtedly the two most beautiful and sensational females to grace WCW television in the 21st century, but there could only be one Miss WCW. With the ever-graceful and energetic, stylish entertainer the Cat to contest the proceedings, tonight was not only the fans' night to decide who the hotter woman was - but to find out who the inaugural Miss WCW would be!
The Cat came to the ring with two back-up dancers, strutting into the ring wearing a leopard-print suit. Gracing the microphone, Cat spoke about how WCW was back and better than ever! Thanking Shane McMahon for the grace of God for saving this great company, and reviving WCW - he also had to thank him for allowing he of all people to be the master of ceremonies for this prestigious event. Pointing out a pedestal situated at ringside, atop it sat a diamond-encrusted tiara: symbolic of the prize of Miss WCW. Cat set up the bikini contest tonight, pitting two of the hottest ladies he had ever met against each other. They would each have fifteen seconds to reveal the goods, but there could only be one Miss WCW. The woman wearing that crown would be determined by both himself and the fans in Las Vegas tonight! Enthusiastically, Cat jigged with excitement as he welcomed out the first participant.
Stacy Keibler came walking down the rampway in high-heels and a high-cut black laced evening gown, slowly bending over the second rope upon entry to a loud ovation. The Hard Rock Cafe was already in awe by Stacy, as she waved to the people and showed off her long legs. Cat asked her if she had what it took to be Miss WCW, bringing Stacy to answer that she had been the only girl the people had ever wanted, as long as she'd been in WCW. Torrie might have the body of a goddess herself, but she had nothing compared to the long, luscious assets that Stacy possessed! The Cat welcomed her opponent Torrie Wilson, wearing a white evening gown with a smile of purity. Waving to the fans, she high-fived several in the front row before climbing inside to be met by the MC. The Cat asked Torrie the same question, when Torrie answered about having the body to back up being Miss WCW. Unlike Stacy, she also had the personality. Torrie said she did this for the fans who wanted to see her, while Stacy did it for the fans that wanted to be with her!
Disgusted, Stacy got in the face of Torrie bringing the two to a shoving contest. The Cat got between Keibler and Wilson to separate them, ordering Stacy to start this bikini contest! To her theme song, Stacy disrobed of her gown to reveal a skimpy one-piece black bikini! Dancing to show off her legs' length, Stacy flirted with Cat by amazingly placing her foot over his shoulder! The Cat was flustered, soon allowing Torrie to have her turn. Seductively, Torrie performed a striptease of her gown, wearing a white two-piece bikini underneath. Unrevealing, the crowd cheered receptively - when Torrie removed her top to reveal a skimpier, silver bikini underneath! Off came the bottoms too, as Torrie blew kisses to the fans in attendance! Stacy was furious at Wilson standing practically naked in the ring, and the two began to argue. The Cat was again forced to come between them - when Daffney came storming out to the ring to interrupt!
The gothic, alternative Daffney had already protested her not being apart of this Miss WCW competition. Immediately confronting Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson in the ring, 'the Scream Queen' snatched the microphone from the Cat and told the three that her invite must have been lost in the mail. Believing herself to have better breasts, body and butt than the two bimbo skanks could ever have, Daffney demanded her own time and ordered her music to play! Undressing to reveal her own black lingerie, Daffney screeched at the top of her lungs upon hearing boos. As she was distracted however, Torrie and Stacy would team up to clean the ring of Daffney with a double clothesline! She took a tumble through the ropes, as the Cat gave it up to Torrie and Stacy. The two women hugged as Cat surveyed the fans for their decision - but Daffney had already taken it upon herself to steal the Miss WCW tiara!Winner, and new Miss WCW: Daffney Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson came stomping out of the ring after Daffney, who laughed maniacally in a craze at the top of the rampway. She was emotional as she placed the Miss WCW tiara over her own head, screaming how the audience liked her - Las Vegas really liked her! Meanwhile, the Cat was appalled at how this bikini contest had gone south - instead asking the fans to show their titulation to Torrie and Stacy. The two bikini-clad ladies hugged it up and raised one another's hands regardless. The fans were the real winners tonight!
'The Scream Queen' had stolen the Miss WCW tiara from out of Torrie Wilson or Stacy Keibler's hands and made off down the hallway backstage with it on her head, when Daffney was approached by WCW Owner Shane McMahon. In her lingerie, Daffney told Shane that she didn't care if she won this fairly or not. In her head she had earned it, and nobody could tell her otherwise. Shane O'Mac still had no idea who she was, but Daffney forced him up against the wall and told him he was missing out - much like everybody else. Daffney said she was the girl the people really wanted, and nobody wanted to see plastic skanks like Torrie Wilson or Stacy Keibler around WCW! Shane O'Mac was baffled as Daffney skulked off down the hall, when Jeremy Borash approached to ask him his thoughts on how the Big Bang was going thus far.
Shane McMahon commented on how it had been a spectacle so far, seeing the best young talents that WCW had to offer leave it all out there in the ring. He brought up and congratulated 'Primetime' Elix Skipper and becoming the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion. But despite that, the main course was still to come. With two matches left, Shane spoke about the amount of respect he had for Ric Flair ahead of his comeback match against Buff Bagwell. Not just that, but the big main event Winner Takes All match was coming up. Two world-class veterans in Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page were sure to tear the house down, but there could be only one victor - and they would leave with both the WCW Championship and WCW United States Championship. Shane hoped TNN would witness the Big Bang, and come knocking for more WCW television in the future!
- One of two main events was coming up next, with Buff Bagwell coming flexing out to the stage with pyrotechnics erupting either side of him. In a loud and obnoxious top hat, 'Buff Daddy' was here to make 2001 his year as he climbed into the ring and showed off the big guns for the loud Las Vegas crowd's response. 'The Stuff' took to the microphone to talk about Ric Flair's speech, how poetic it was for him to deliver such a huge speech while forgetting that it was because of 'the Nature Boy' why he had been held down so long. Deep down 'Naitch' knew Buff would be taking the "W" tonight, and that 2001 was the year of 'Buff Daddy'. He was a former WCW United States Champion and a former WCW Tag Team Champion - but nothing in his career would compare to his 2001: starting with defeating the great Ric Flair tonight, and becoming WCW Champion at long last!
Ric Flair responded to a thunderous reaction from the Hard Rock Cafe. Sporting a luxurious blue robe with silver diamonds, 'the Nature Boy' strutting down the rampway for the second time in competition this year. He came up short to Sting on March 26 at the final edition of Monday Nitro from Panama City, Florida - but tonight, Flair was coming back to prove how much he still had left in the tank! Shown respect from the fans and referee Charles Robinson, who helped lower the second rope for him, 'Naitch' shook hands with 'Lil' Naitch' to Buff Bagwell's protest. The two got ready to mix it up - coming up next!
An advertisement aired, with the crackling of thunder heard. In a gothic old castle, a throne was seen bearing the initials of "KOR". In an abandoned old room, a witch-like woman's voice was heard echoing the statements "my mind is spent, my body is broken". As WWF Superstars such as WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Kurt Angle and The Undertaker were heard, finally the woman demanded to be taken to her throne. WWF King of the Ring is live on pay-per-view on Sunday, June 24, 2001!
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4) Ric Flair vs Buff Bagwell With the buyout by Shane McMahon announced to the world on March 26, 2001, the fourteen-time World Champion's days in the ring appeared to be over. Engaging in battle with his oldest rival Sting on the final edition of Monday NItro in a losing effort, it was figured that 'the Nature Boy's illustrious and epic career was finished. Despite rumors circulating that retirement was in his plans however, Flair put pen to paper on a contract with Shane O'Mac's WCW, and voiced in an address to Las Vegas earlier tonight that he had a lot left in the tank. Yet up against Buff Bagwell, 'Buff Daddy' had a chip on his shoulder about being overlooked for so long in WCW. With huge aspirations for 2001 boasting WCW Championship goals, could 'the Stuff' pick up the biggest victory of his career against 'the Dirtiest Player in the Game?' Both men had so much to prove, and at the Big Bang, one was going to leave in glory!
We returned from the commercial break to the action, as Buff Bagwell sent Ric Flair out to the apron. The wily veteran didn't miss a step, climbing to the top rope only to be body slammed from it. During the break footage showed 'the Nature Boy' managing to get the better of Bagwell in chain-wrestling, but now 'Buff Daddy' appeared in control as he drove his knee into the solar plexus of the grounded Flair. He showboated before choking Flair over the second rope. Strutting much like his legendary opponent would, Buff flexed to boos from the crowd, bringing Flair to life with a series of knife-edged chops! A right hand stunned Bagwell when a shoulder block would cut him off at the ropes. With a chinlock applied, Buff wrenched at the neck with his body weight, soon delivering a snapmare that would culminate with a swift kick to the spine. There was nothing subtle about 'the Stuff's offense, as Buff continued to drive his boot into Flair's spine on the mat.
Stretching the arms of 'the Nature Boy' with a straitjacket applied, Ric Flair was kept in check by Buff Bagwell. Las Vegas continued to will him on, as the fourteen-time World Champion fought to his feet only to be halted with a Yellow Jacket suplex from the younger Bagwell! No rookie in his own right, Bagwell showboated further before climbing to the second rope and coming off with a diving shoulder block for a near fall. Buff 'the Stuff' grew cockier as he continued to showboat, strutting from one end of the ring to another. Grabbing the leg, Flair would kick him off a Figure-Four Leglock attempt! Bagwell went into the turnbuckle pad for a roll-up with the tights for a near fall. 'The Dirtiest Player in the Game' came back by ducking a clothesline and delivering a back suplex. Flair would light Bagwell up with chops and right hands, delivering an atomic drop and a clothesline for good measure!
'The Nature Boy' came out of the corner with a jumping knee drop across the temple of Buff Bagwell, Ric Flair soon sending Bagwell into the corner. Bagwell would sidestep an inbound 'Naitch' seeing him flip over the top rope to the apron. For a second time tonight, Flair ascended to the top rope, this time successfully landing a double axe handle! Flair continued to light Buff's chest up with chops, catching a toe kick. Flair hit the ropes, but Bagwell countered with a double underhook DDT! Buff wasn't wasting any valuable time now, as he climbed to the top for the Buff Blockbuster - but Flair dragged him down with a body slam off the top rope! 'Buff Daddy' was in trouble as Flair delivered a shinbreaker, before styling and profiling his way into the Figure-Four Leglock! Bagwell rived in pain, being forced to tap out!Winner: Ric Flair (9:53) The Hard Rock Cafe came to their feet in a show of appreciation for the victor; the fourteen-time World Champion! Ric Flair held back tears as he reached his feet, his hand raised in victory by his once-protege Charles Robinson. Strutting the ring while being honored by the Las Vegas crowd, 'the Nature Boy' had fought a tough test in Buff Bagwell but came out on top. Proving to still be 'the Man' in this outing, Flair left the ring. With a lot left in the tank, 'Naitch' high-fived fans in the front row - the belief there and known, that Ric Flair was back!
- A splitscreen showed the WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion Booker T performing some last-minute preparations ahead of the main event. On the opposite side of the screen, Diamond Dallas Page finished mentally psyching himself up. Up next, with both belts of gold on the line, it was Winner Takes All in the main event of the Big Bang 2001!
A video package aired, hyping up the Winner Takes All main event between Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page. Two of the best in the world were about to butt heads for two of the most prestigious belts in the business. With both the WCW Championship and the WCW United States Championship up for grabs, Booker T planned to make his first title defense against a former three-time champion in Diamond Dallas Page. Both veterans of their craft, who will leave the rebirth of World Championship Wrestling with all the gold? It would be winner takes all at WCW The Big Bang 2001 - live, tonight on TNN!
The WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion Booker T stood in his locker room with Jeremy Borash standing to his right. Both gold belts sat on his shoulders, as Borash spoke about the big fight atmosphere buzzing through Las Vegas tonight. Booker spoke about having a tremendous amount of respect for his opponent Diamond Dallas Page. He'd faced him before, multiple times. DDP was 'the Master of the Diamond Cutter', a former three-time WCW Champion and four-time former WCW US Champion. The issue was - that was all in the past. Now, it was 2001, this was a new WCW and he was the man to beat in World Championship Wrestling. In his mind there was no man other than him that could wear these straps over his shoulders, and bring WCW into a new era under Shane McMahon's influence.
While Diamond Dallas Page had been to the top of both divisions before, Booker T reminded Jeremy Borash that he was no rookie. He'd been around for nearly as long as DDP had been, that he'd been in this business and worked his way up no differently than his challenger. Now, he was a four-time, four-time, four-time, four-time WCW Champion - and tonight, he and Dallas Page would be in for one heck of a fight. No matter what, Booker promised that Page would be going down to 110th Street in Harlem, the place he'd grown up and made his mark. But when that bell sounded, Booker T would be the guy walking out with it all. Booker said DDP better dig that, and not to hate the player - hate the game!
- In the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada, a tale of the tape graphic showed the credentials of the two men that would be vying for both the WCW Championship and WCW United States Championship in mere moments. Booker T weighed in at 254-pounds, to Diamond Dallas Page's 248-pounds. DDP had the height advantage at six-foot-five to the double-champion's six-foot-three. While Booker came from Harlem, New York, DDP came from the Jersey Shore. Both made their professional wrestling debuts in the year 1989 - and both had held the WCW Championship and WCW US Championships previously! Tonight was Winner Takes All, coming up next!
Diamond Dallas Page made his entrance first, erupting pyrotechnics as he delivered the Self-High Five. In an entrance jacket comprised of white lightning strikes, the challenger climbed into the ring and rode the ropes to the positive reaction of a hot Las Vegas crowd. Moments after came the double-champion. With the WCW Championship around his waist and the WCW United States Championship over his shoulder, Booker T jumped like a gazelle to erupt fireball-like pyrotechnics. Soon pacing to the ring, Booker was adored by the Hard Rock Cafe crowd, as both combatants came nose-to-nose. Ring announcer David Penzer provided in-ring introductions for the challenger, and then the champion. Up next, the Winner Takes All match would commence!
5) WCW Championship & WCW United States Championship Winner Takes All Match Booker T (c) vs Diamond Dallas PageWCW was back with the Big Bang 2001, its first event in sixty-nine days following the final edition of Monday Nitro on TNT. But now, WCW was back thanks to new owner Shane McMahon, invading the WWF's flagship television network TNN, with a massive main event. There was nothing but respect between two veterans by the likes of Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page. After a huge March for the double-champion that saw Booker T win the WCW United States Championship and then the WCW Championship, now saw him face tough competition in 'the Master of the Diamond Cutter'. There was so much to be written about the credentials that Booker and DDP both shared and differed, but tonight was the night where both titles would be up for grabs in Winner Takes All. One man would leave with both belts, while the other with nothing. Who would lead WCW into the new era?
The bell sounded as both headliners emerged from their corners. The double-champion Booker T decided to offer the handshake to Diamond Dallas Page to start this match, but the challenger decided to decline it. This was all business for both the WCW Championship and WCW United States Championship, as the two locked up with Booker gaining the upper hand. With a hammerlock applied in the corner, DDP switched it around and the two stalemated with DDP sweeping the legs on a fireman's carry takedown. Using a side headlock, Booker worked his way off his back and onto his feet, sending Page into the ropes for a dropdown and a leapfrog. Booker landed a back elbow to a huge reaction, as a Spinneroonie would visibly annoy the calm and collected challenger. Unimpressed, Dallas locked up again with Booker with the champion taking wrist control - this time met with a blatant elbow to the face, from DDP!
'The Master of the Diamond Cutter' sent Booker T into the ropes for a big back body drop and an elbow drop immediately following for an early one-count, before driving his forearm against the nose of the WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion. Diamond Dallas Page set Booker up in the corner before climbing up and teasing ten punches - but instead drove his knee into the throat of Booker, risking disqualification. Warned off by referee Nick Patrick, Booker surprised with a calf kick in response. Running the ropes, the double-champ landed a sunset flip for a near fall, when DDP popped up using the ropes and kicked Booker square in the face! An inverted atomic drop saw DDP clothesline Booker down for another near fall, when the challenger kicked him from the ring. Following him out, DDP lit Booker up with chops against the guard rail. Military pressing him chest-first against the steel railing, a reverse STO would see the challenger take the double-champion down hard!
Following the final commercial break of the Big Bang 2001, Diamond Dallas Page drove Booker T into the mat hard with a spinning powerbomb for a close near fall! Footage from the commercial break showed Booker attempt a Harlem Hangover, just for Dallas Page to crotch him on the top rope, and big boot him out of the ring for good effect! 'The Master of the Diamond Cutter' had manipulated the pace of this Winner Takes All match, kneeling over the throat of Booker and contesting the decisionmaking of the official. Page attempted a belly-to-belly suplex when Booker elbowed free and attempted the Harlem Side Kick - but Page ducked it and dished out a tilt-a-whirl slam! DDP had the gold in his sights as the Diamond Cutter was trialled, but Booker hooked the arm and landed an axe kick! Slowly ascending to the top rope, Booker executed the Heatseeker - a missile dropkick for a near fall!
Booker T was feeling it now as he climbed to the top rope again, just for Diamond Dallas Page to once again crotch him. Both jockeying for position, Dallas executed a high-risk superplex before sitting up and motioning for the Diamond Cutter again! The challenger wanted to be WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion again, as he picked Booker up on his shoulders, but Booker slipped free and caught Page with a roundhouse kick! Firing up, the double-champion hit two clotheslines but missed a roundhouse kick. Page missed a discus clothesline, when Booker attempted the Book End - blocked by Page! DDP attempted the Diamond Cutter, but was kicked in the gut and hit with a 110th Street Slam for a close two-count! Booker hit the Scissors Kick shortly after, but DDP kicked out again! The double-champ wanted to end this, as he set up the Book End again - this time Page scoring with the Diamond Cutter!
Diamond Dallas Page had this match won but felt the effects, as he mounted Booker T for the cover. With both titles up for grabs, the WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion miraculously got his foot to the bottom rope! Page could not believe his sights or his sounds, as he got up in a huff. Shoving the referee, Booker came from behind and landed a Harlem Side Kick - landing on his feet, and connecting with the Book End to put DDP down for the count!Winner, and still WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion: Booker T (15:23) In Winner Takes All, with all the marbles on the line, Booker T had prevailed with both the WCW Championship and the WCW United States Championship! Shaken after such a gripping main event against Diamond Dallas Page, Booker had his hand raised in victory before being handed both title belts. Raising them both high in the air, DDP was seen rolling out of the ring and watching in disapproval from the floor. As Booker ascended to the second rope to pose with the two belts, he climbed back down - when a member of security would hop into the ring, waffling Booker with a steel chair! Removing their baseball cap and shirt to reveal Kurt Angle, 'the Megastar' from the WWF had invaded WCW! Out to prove himself as a leader, Angle mounted brutal punches on the face of Booker T before dropping him with the Angle Slam!
Booker T was busted wide open from the chair shot, as the Olympic Gold Medalist stood over the WCW Champion. Diamond Dallas Page on the other hand, watched and opted to head to the back - uninterested in sticking up for WCW! 'The Megastar' applied the Ankle Lock, with Kurt Angle driving Booker into tapping out - when finally the locker room came rushing out! No matter their alignment, WCW united as the troops hit the ring - chasing Angle out into the crowd. The WWF Superstar raced a safe distance through the crowd, with the WCW stars all surrounding Booker T in solidarity. The WCW Champion and WCW United States Champion watched in disbelief, with WCW Owner Shane McMahon beside him. While Angle was pleased with his one-man infiltration of WCW, this would not sit well with Shane O'Mac - as the Big Bang 2001 drew to a close from Las Vegas, Nevada!
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The Scarred One
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Joined on: Feb 5, 2012 17:33:35 GMT -5
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Post by The Scarred One on Dec 30, 2021 4:41:34 GMT -5
The Big Bang is finally here! Let’s do it. - Already off to a great start by starting off with the cruiserweights after Shane McMahon welcomes us to the show. An awesome opening contest featuring four of WCW’s best cruiserweights (at least until you bring in Rey Mysterio). Surprised by Elix Skipper winning the title. I figured you would’ve given Shane Helms a nice run and establish him as the face of the division. But it’s a new era, so it still works. - Already dissension between Mark Jindrak and Shawn Stasiak over Stacy Keibler. Not a good sign for them. - Nice promo from Skipper. What time is is? Primetime baby! - Next up, we have a good match featuring Hugh Morrus and Chris Kanyon. Considering these are probably the two best upper midcarders you have thus far, it makes sense to showcase them. It’s too bad you had Lance Storm sign with the WWF instead of WCW and debut Mike Awesome as part of the ECW faction. I could picture Storm and Awesome in this spot on the show as well as anchoring the upper midcard of WCW. But right call going with Kanyon. He has more upside than Morrus going forward. - Aw yeah, we got Daffers as part of the new WCW. I always liked her. Love the interaction with Shane and wondering who she is. - Nice promo from Buff Bagwell. I wonder how long he’ll last in this universe? - Aw, no Jung Dragons and Air Raid tearing the house down. But it does work in establishing Scott Steiner as that uncontrollable renegade going forward. But still plenty of time for you to push Styles to the ing moon. Just kidding. He’s not quite phenomenal at this stage in his career. - Definitely the right call having Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo retain the WCW Tag Team Championships over Jindrak and Stasiak. Although I could see this feud continue until you start bringing in more tag teams. - Love that you’re incorporating all the WCW 24 guys that were sent down to developmental in real life. We also have the Cat making himself known. Somebody call my momma! - Considering it’s Ric Flair, I can totally picture this as an excellent promo from the man. Nice to see him wanting to see how much he has left in the tank instead of just being an on-air character. - It doesn’t matter who won the bikini contest, the fans were the true winners here. Loved seeing Daffers making herself know here by stealing the crown. R.I.P. Daffney. - Not surprised to see Flair win this contest. Still a good match to showcase both guys. - Finally, we reached the main event. A great way to end the night with Booker T retaining both the WCW Championship and United States Championship. He should definitely be the franchise going forward. I was expecting some WWF intruders to rain on the parade, so I’m pleased to see Kurt Angle be the guy. Overall, an excellent show. Maybe if this had aired instead of the Booker/Bagwell match we got in Tacoma, Wash., the WCW relaunch would’ve had a better chance of succeeding. Great job, dude.
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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 3, 2022 22:04:36 GMT -5
I love the way you bring back the nostalgia from that era, but don't feel like you're just trying to copy what's already been done.
I loved the Thrillers, minus Stasiak, so seeing an inter-group rivalry is pretty cool. Loved the introduction of Daffney, probably the most underrated female wrestler of all time, into the old Kiebler/Wilson rivalry. And you can never go wrong with Booker v DDP.
Very solid shows, even considering I am apathetic to most of the WCW undercard.
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