poot508
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Apr 19, 2020 19:42:25 GMT -5
Posts: 126
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Post by poot508 on Sept 12, 2020 19:56:52 GMT -5
Tremendous work man, enjoying this very much.
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Post by DTP. on Sept 14, 2020 7:49:09 GMT -5
Jakked - December 2, 2000
Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa
Broadcast on syndication
Taped on November 27, 2000 The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena, where Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to WWF Jakked!
1) The Dudley Boyz def. Kaientai (3:11)Following their six-man tag team tables victory against the Big Show and T&A this past week on SmackDown, the Dudley Boyz were officially granted one more opportunity at the WWF Tag Team Championship, come Armageddon. Unfortunately, it also came at the expense of the Rock receiving news that he would have to face three members of the Coalition in a three-on-one handicap match that night, with his job on the line. Taka Michinoku and Funaki tried to get involved in Essa Rios's WWF Light Heavyweight Championship match with Crash Holly on SmackDown, only to fail tragically. Tonight on Jakked they had their big chance to rise up the tag team ladder, by taking on Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley. Things didn't go their way initially, as a double flapjack and a Dudleyville Device on Funaki gave them a near fall, before Taka came flying in with a moonsault from the top rope to D-Von. This allowed Kaientai to take control in grounding D-Von, until he was able to reverse a DDT into a neckbreaker. Bubba Ray came in with the hot tag, hammering away on Michinoku before dropping him with the Bubba Bomb! D-Von and Bubba stalked Funaki before executing the 3D to allow the Dudley Boyz to pick up another win!
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Post by DTP. on Sept 14, 2020 7:50:41 GMT -5
 Rebellion 2000 - December 2, 2000
Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England
Live on Pay-Per-View (UK)
The opening video package aired, keeping us up to date with recent events ongoing in the World Wrestling Federation. The Survivor Series saw Kurt Angle walk out the WWF Champion, defeating the Rock to garner more self-confidence. In his mind he wasn't just the man to beat, but 'the Megastar' among WWF Superstars. But with Chris Jericho on his tail, and tensions rising with Chris Benoit, it appeared that soon enough, the Olympic Gold Medalist's empire could come crumbling down. Survivor Series also saw the apparent end of D-Generation X, when the Coalition defeated them to put Mick Foley out of a job as Commissioner. Reduced to a janitor and backstage roles including hocking merchandise, Shane and Stephanie McMahon had taken over. The McMahons were out to put an end to the Rock's career in the WWF, but 'the Great One' refused to let them crush his spirits. What would happen once the Rebellion took Sheffield, England by storm?
The opening graphic aired, cutting to the packed house in the Hallam FM Arena - the site of WWF's second United Kingdom exclusive pay-per-view of the year. It was time for WWF Rebellion, as pyrotechnics ensured the excitement of the British fans in attendance, live and only on Sky Box Office! Jim Ross and Michael Cole proudly welcomed us to the show, with Armageddon only eight days away. But after ticket sales for this event tonight in England sold out in less than ninety minutes, we were in for a hot and heavy night in the UK!
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To the surprise of every fan in attendance, Mick Foley came down to the ring to a huge response from the people. The former Commissioner had not been seen since six nights ago on RAW is WAR, where his attempts at selling T-shirts to fans presumably had gotten him into a lot of trouble with Bill the merchandise vendor! Plaid-shirt and all, Mick lit the Hallam FM Arena up by declaring how great it felt to be on this side of the pond! He explained that he hadn't been seen as much as he would have liked to, and it was all because of the Survivor Series. The fact was that Shane and Stephanie McMahon had removed him from his "posish'" as 'the Commish', and the crowd were loud in speaking foul of the McMahons! The loophole was this - they didn't want him on this tour, but he came anyway. He begged and he pleaded, and he reminded Shane and Steph that he had a huge, huge contract - which meant exactly one thing! It meant that they shipped him here to Sheffield, England for Rebellion tonight: because they didn't feel like travelling this far! Mick mocked 'the Billion Dollar Princess's refusal to fly twelve hours to see all of the lovely blokes and lasses that he was certain would have loved to chant obscene things at. But it was alright, because they were going to have a great time here tonight! Foley began to heat the crowd up even hotter, before undoing the buttons on his flannel shirt to reveal that the United Kingdom fans needed some authority: and Mick was the person for the job!Mick Foley revealed that he had his Commissioner shirt on underneath, declaring himself to be the law and order around here for one night, and one night only! 'The Hardcore Legend' received loud chants of his name, as he told the people that he had also taken liberty in creating some matches for them tonight.
He revealed that we would see the WWF Women's Championship on the line, when Ivory defends the gold against Lita! We would see a four-corner elimination match, because T&A would defend the WWF Tag Team Championship against the former champs Too Cool, the Right to Censor and the APA! And on top of it all, we would see the Big Show, Edge and Christian go three-on-three with the Undertaker, Chris Jericho...and the Rock! Hallam FM exploded in chants for 'the Great One', until the arrival of WWF Champion Kurt Angle came stomping out to the ring! 'The Megastar' was despised by the British fans in attendance, as he climbed into the ring and angrily asked what the hell he thought he was doing here! This wasn't his WWF anymore, that belonged to his good friend Shane, and lover Stephanie McMahon! Angle told Mick to stop fooling around and go find a chip shop to work in, because the title around his waist meant he should be the guy in charge around here! Mick accepted this, but then decided that a great way to settle this would be to ask the people who should be in charge tonight! The fans were extremely supportive of Mick Foley, who decreed that the people had spoken. Angle protested, but Mick shunned him by asking if he wanted to know what 'the Commish' had in store for him tonight! Angle didn't care to know, but Mick advised he find out now because the WWF Championship would be on the line! It piqued his interested, when Foley revealed that tonight, Kurt Angle would defend the gold against Chris Benoit...and Stone Cold Steve Austin! Mick wished Kurt a nice day, leaving the Olympian in uproar in the ring! Who knew if Mick could make this possible, but with no McMahons in England - the sky was the limit!
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We cut to a shot from earlier today, where Stone Cold Steve Austin was seen arriving at the Hallam FM Arena ahead of Rebellion. Behind the guardrail stood approximately one hundred fans, all screaming upon witnessing 'the Texas Rattlesnake's arrival! Little did he know that Mick Foley would be making a one night only stand as WWF Commissioner - because Austin would receive his first shot at the WWF Championship in over a year tonight, a Triple Threat match with Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle!
Returning to the arena, X-Pac made his way down the rampway to loud boos from the people of Sheffield. The former D-Generation X member was not admired by the people of England as he climbed into the ring to be heckled by the masses. X-Pac Heat was alive and well across the pond, as he took to the microphone and claimed that England was as big a dump as he remembered it being. He discussed how the people didn't know his story, they didn't know where he'd been or done. Hell, they didn't even know why he kicked Triple H to the curb! Mocking the British accent, X-Pac declared that in his mind, he was glad to riding solo now. He could do whatever he wanted to, and what he planned to do to that "w*nker" Triple H next week at Armageddon would be to bring down that sorry son of a b*tch for holding him down for so long. He wasn't 'the Kid' anymore, instead he was 'the Man'. And if the people didn't like it, he had four words for them: "It's An X-Pac World!"
Billy Gunn interrupted his former faction mate, the people in Sheffield coming to their feet to see Mr. Ass sporting a new look for the people in Sheffield tonight! His long blonde hair was a thing of the past, as Billy begged and pleaded with X-Pac to do him one last favor: and that included shutting his mouth! He talked to the people here in Sheffield like they didn't know why he betrayed D-Generation X, or stabbed the boys in the back when they needed him most. The truth was, these people didn't care, much like they didn't care to see X-Pac here tonight! Gunn claimed he had asked for this match because while he looked forward to seeing Triple H force his stupid bandana down his throat at Armageddon - the two of them had unfinished business! Billy talked about how wherever in the world X-Pac went, the people always chanted "X-Pac Sucks". But really, what they should be chanting is "W*nker, w*nker!" Gunn urged the sellout crowd to chant along with him, before making his way down to the ring for action!1) X-Pac def. Billy Gunn (5:22)
The start of X-Pac's "growing pains" of sorts within D-Generation X appeared to originate back in October, when Billy Gunn made his return from shoulder surgery to reclaim his place within DX. While Gunn and Road Dogg rode the wave and chased the WWF Tag Team Championship, it left him alone, which prompted him to lash out at his allies and eventually even cost the group their match against the Coalition at the Survivor Series. While X-Pac was in preparation for the match against Triple H at Armageddon however, tonight he had to take care of Mr. Ass once and for all. With a sellout crowd chanting "w*nker" his way, X-Pac began to lose his cool, particularly as the much taller Billy Gunn powered him through the air with a big military press slam! X-Pac tried climbing to the top rope and was press slammed again, before a jackhammer scored him a near fall. Sheffield loved to see Mr. Ass, but after showboating for his fans in England, X-Pac capitalized with an armringer that took him down hard! X-Pac pinpointed the surgically repaired shoulder of his former friend, stomping away at it and gloating his success in the face of the people. X-Pac planted him with a Bronco Buster to loud boos, and a roundhouse kick would follow for a near fall! 'The Man' looked for another Bronco Buster just for Billy to get his foot up - a low blow turning the tide! Gunn made a comeback with his strong arm, clothesline after clothesline taking him off guard. A full nelson slam connected, when Billy proposed the Fame-Asser just for X-Pac to bail to the floor! Gunn dragged him back inside and attempted the sleeper slam, when X-Pac turned it around into a backslide! X-Pac got his feet on the ropes, stealing the win!
X-Pac escaped from the ring in a hurry, knowing full well that he had managed to get one over on Billy Gunn here tonight in Sheffield! Billy Gunn, new look and all, had failed to defeat 'the Man' and was irate with the decision made by the referee. Mr. Ass would have to fight another day, as the people chanted "w*nker" in X-Pac's direction. With eight days until Armageddon's showdown with Triple H, was it true that we could be living in an 'X-Pac World?'
We cut to a video package, reviewing the World Wrestling Federation's weekend in the United Kingdom thus far! The WWF were on tour, and the whole city of Sheffield knew about it, as evidenced with clips of fans meeting and greeting the Undertaker, the Dudley Boyz, Lita and the Rock. 'The Great One' also gave several thoughts about how excited he was to layeth the SmackDown on the Coalition's ass, right here in Sheffield, England - if you smell what the Rock is cookin!'
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In his own personal dressing room William Regal was seen stretching, the gentleman in his home country of England tonight, when Joe E. Legend entered the room. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' expressed his delight in being here tonight in England, as sad and pathetic as it was to have to experience this in a dinghy, shabby little city like Sheffield. Regardless, the Englishman was bursting with excitement; the poetic justice that was the WWF European Championship coming around the waist of a Blackpool native such as himself. Joe E. asked if William had heard from Mick Foley yet, to which the Brit explained he had been busy warming up. Joe had bad news for his mentor - tonight's match with D-Lo Brown was now a Triple Threat match, and that he would be the third man! Legend made note of the disputes they had shared this past week, pointing the finger at William and declaring that he wasn't trusting him with a single thing. Joe E. is looking out for himself tonight, and will leave England the WWF European Champion! Legend left, leaving Regal fuming, calling Joe E. an ungrateful little toad!
In the building, the screeches and echoing sirens flooded the Hallam FM Arena. It could mean just one thing, as Mark Henry led the WWF Women's Champion Ivory out to the ring to a deafening chorus of boos. Ivory had British tabloid The Sun in hand, as she climbed into the ring and was quick to talk to the microphone. Sarcastically, she claimed that she greatly appreciated all of the sleazy, sadistic perverts in the crowd tonight hollering at her after the disgusting occurrence that took place on SmackDown. She was stripped of her clothing, naked from the waist up and covered in egg nog! How sick could these people get! Then the Right to Censor have to come to England for Rebellion here tonight, and they are informed by Mick Foley that not only must the RTC compete with three other teams in order to walk out WWF Tag Team Champions tonight; but that she too has to defend her title against that jezebel, Lita! The crowd cheered for the challenger being named, when Ivory soon ordered 'the Secret Weapon' to present to the people Page 3 of the Sun to show these people what the Right to Censor thought of the trollops that are allowed to bare their breasts, in a national newspaper, that children too could buy! Mark revealed the scandalous page of picture, before ripping it in half with one single tear! Ivory went to continue, when finally Lita made her arrival to a big ovation - Matt Hardy not far behind!2) Ivory (w/Mark Henry) (c) def. Lita (w/Matt Hardy) to retain the WWF Women's Championship (4:41)
It was back at No Mercy in October where Lita's reign as WWF Women's Champion was brought to an end by Ivory, who had the help of Steven Richards. Since then, Ivory has propelled herself to the top of the Right to Censor, dismissing the smut of the women's division. Going as far as to kidnap ring announcer Lilian Garcia and force her to join the RTC as their own personal announcer, Ivory had dominated with the assistance of her brethren. Two nights ago on SmackDown however was not her brightest hour, finding herself thrown into a pool of egg nog by Debra and Jacqueline - who proceeded to strip the blouse off of her! What happened in the United States, stayed in the United States for all she cared, as Lita tackled her to the canvas from the getgo. Matt Hardy kept a keen eye on 'the Secret Weapon' Mark Henry, while Lita bested Ivory with a clothesline in the corner, and a bulldog soon followed! Lita connected with a northern lights suplex for a near fall, as Ivory reversed into a backslide, before blasting her with a big boot to the face! The champ in control, she drew the ire of the Sheffield crowd as she stomped on the ankle of the beloved redhead. The tomboy was in trouble, when she was able to catch Ivory coming into the corner, a hurricanrana taking her down! Lita hit the ropes when Mark Henry tripped her, triggering Matt Hardy to jump 'the World's Strongest Man' on the floor! Meanwhile Ivory ducked out from the ring to retrieve the WWF Women's Championship, but Lita dropped her with a DDT! We could have had a new champion crowned in Sheffield tonight, when Lita came with the Moonsault off the top - just for Ivory to get the title belt up! The referee had been distracted by Henry and Hardy's fight at ringside, and it was good to retain the title!
To the negative reception, Ivory had managed to make it out of this match with Lita, still the WWF Women's Champion! Ivory had her hand raised in the ring and clung to the title gold, while Lita remained prone on the canvas. Mark Henry climbed inside to raise his sister's hand, the Right to Censor off to a hot start thus far tonight. That's when Matt Hardy hit the ring, diving on the back of 'the Secret Weapon!' Lita recovered and nailed Ivory with a big right hand, before kicking the 400-pound Mark Henry extremely low! Matt then dropped Henry with the Twist of Fate, before directing Lita to the top rope for the Moonsault! Loss or not, Team Xtreme were in high spirits, leaving Sheffield tonight in a great mood over Ivory and Mark Henry of the Right to Censor!
In the locker room, the obtuse cheeks of the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi were seen, when 'Big Kish' was joined by a former friend in 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna. The Samoan appeared surprised to see her, though Chyna was there to address their past with one another. She wanted to say that for what her ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero put her through, she never meant to dig up old dirt on a friend. She confessed to being in a terrible place at the time, when the cool 400-pounder paused her speech - telling her it had already been accepted. It was in the past, much like his past. What was important was schooling her ex-fiancee 'Latino Heat', and his little friend Tazz too, tonight. Chyna nodded and said she couldn't agree more, heading for the ring!
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Mick Foley was up to his old tricks, making himself at home in a phonebox for tonight's show! 'The Commish' balanced a small cactus above the pay box inside, clearly having made his office for the evening. WWF Champion Kurt Angle once again showed up demanding answers for tonight, claiming that he had no idea how Mick thought he could get away with this - but once Stephanie and Shane McMahon found out, his ass would be gone in a friggin' heartbeat! Foley tried to appease 'the Megastar' just to go interrupted again, as Kurt wanted out of the match! Mick assured him that would not happen, he would still face Stone Cold Steve Austin tonight. Suddenly Chris Benoit showed up, coming by to thank 'the Hardcore Legend' for giving him the opportunity to compete for the WWF Championship tonight alongside 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. 'The Rabid Wolverine' warned Mick not to get comfy in this role - it was for one night only - and reminded him that it was all thanks to him, why he was no longer the Commissioner. Benoit walked away without even acknowledging Angle, who pursued him in hopes of talking strategy against Stone Cold!
3) WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi and Chyna def. Eddie Guerrero and Tazz (5:35)Coming off of RAW is WAR this past Monday night, Eddie Guerrero's hopes of regaining the WWF Intercontinental Championship from an old rival in Rikishi went thwarted by the return of his ex-fiancee, Chyna. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' was attacked later that night by both Eddie and X-Pac, when Triple H came to make the save. Despite her wrongdoings when involved with 'Latino Heat', it now appeared that she was thinking level-headed once more, and wanted nothing more than to move past Eddie by defeating her ex-lover clean in the middle. 'Big Kish' had not made many friends since becoming the champ six weeks ago, as Tazz talked trash to start the mouth. With a bad attitude, the thug quickly learned he was a long way away from Brooklyn, as Rikishi took him down quick with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Tazz ran to Eddie, whose eyes were fixated on the sight of Chyna. Guerrero got off to a rough start as Rikishi struck with several clotheslines and a super kick, when a low dropkick enabled Eddie to take the big man down! Guerrero relentlessly stomped at the leg of the 400-pounder, when Tazz made the tag to continue the beating. 'The One Man Crime Scene' wished to put his losing streak behind him in England, applying a variation of the figure-four leglock. Chyna rooted for Rikishi to make the ropes, but the WWF Intercontinental Champion did one better: turning it around on Tazz! Rikishi dropped Tazz with a cutter, before tagging in Chyna! Eddie tried to steer clear of his ex-fiancee, as she tossed the thug around! Eddie snuck in and struck his 'Mamacita' from behind, just to receive a brunt super kick from 'Big Kish!' Chyna powered Tazz up for a military press slam, before covering for the win!
Eddie Guerrero held his face after the match, 'Latino Heat' wanting no clear part of his ex-fiancee in the ring - that is unless he was to strike from behind! Tazz had been beaten by 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', who glared a hole through her ex-lover, still wanting a piece of him after the loss endured at the Survivor Series. Eddie left with a cocky expression on his face, while Rikishi proudly raised his friend Chyna's hand, who responded with a hug. 'The One Man Crime Scene' stumbled back to his feet, still bad mouthing the WWF Intercontinental Champion after suffering another loss tonight. 'Big Kish' shrugged and rushed with a thump in the corner, before closing in and dishing up a Stinkface for the thug from Brooklyn! Chyna and Rikishi hugged it out, once again on friendly terms, with a big win tonight.
Kevin Kelly was backstage, standing by with the Coalition trio tasked with competing against the powerful allies tonight: the Rock, Chris Jericho and the Undertaker. Edge and Christian were quick to shut Kevin's line of questioning down, claiming that he was beginning to sound like one of these disgusting "Sheffieldians" here in England. There was plenty wrong with the United Kingdom, including driving on the wrong side of the road! When asked about what Shane McMahon revealed about their three-on-one Handicap match signed for Armageddon, the Big Show folded his arms. He told Kevin that as far as 'the Great One' went, he hoped he enjoyed this little English vacation tonight. He hoped he enjoyed the gloom and doom of this terrible British weather, stating that come Armageddon there was a lot more where that came from. The Toronto brothers confidently claimed that Rock may have beaten each of them before, but when it comes to all three of them? They were unstoppable - after next Sunday, Rock's career would be over and done! Kelly tried to ask the Coalition about how Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit could coexist tonight, but Show glared at Kevin and declared this interview was over.
The situation between these two teams all started several weeks ago on SmackDown, where the problematic combination of Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko were able to steal a major victory against the Dudley Boyz, thanks to a distraction from the now-injured Trish Stratus on the OvalTron! Also injured that night was Saturn and Malenko's manager Terri, who was driven through wood by Bubba Ray following the match. Saturn and Malenko had amounted to some shocking wins despite their ongoing contention for 'the She-Devil's affection, it even forcing Terri out of her luxurious hospital stay last Thursday on SmackDown. The Dudleys hoped to avenge their loss to the former Radicalz, gearing up for another shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship next weekend at Armageddon. With Terri once again back at ringside, Saturn and Malenko jumedp the gun, starting this match off hot. D-Von and Bubba disposed of the two, forcing them to take a breather at ringside. Perry and Dean put each other at fault, when Terri got them to focus. The Dudleys' dominance dropped Malenko with a double flapjack, when a thrust kick from Saturn to Bubba allowed them to take control! Malenko grounded Bubba with a front facelock, tagging in Saturn for a brainbuster. The idea was to isolate the larger Dudley brother, but Bubba was able to intercept Malenko off the ropes with a full nelson slam! A distraction from Terri enabled Saturn to score with a legsweep: possession of the match still favoring Terri's boys. It would not last long however, as Saturn came off the top rope to receive a powerslam from Bubba, and the tag was made to D-Von! The fresh Dudley cleaned house with a series of clotheslines and a charging uppercut, when Malenko received a neckbreaker for his worries! Terri climbed in just to be grabbed by Bubba Ray: retribution for earlier, when the Dudleys connected with Wazzup! for Terri! Bubba ordered D-Von to get the tables when Saturn and Malenko struck again, but Bubba was able to send Saturn to the floor! Malenko hit the ropes and walked right into the 3D, giving the Dudleys the win!
Coming off of a shocking loss to Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko last month on SmackDown, it was clear that the Dudley Boyz were primed and ready for the chance to become two-time WWF Tag Team Champions next weekend at Armageddon! Terri held her throbbing groin after the Wazzup! received during the match, when Bubba Ray grabbed 'the She-Devil' by the hair! Bubba demanded D-Von get the tables again, which he slid into the ring and set up. Perhaps Terri could enjoy another two week stay in the hospital from another powerbomb through the wood, when Saturn and Malenko jumped them from behind! Malenko helped Saturn's girlfriend Terri to the corner for safety, just to get cleared from the ring by the Dudleys! Inside, Malenko fought on his own against D-Von, before hitting the ropes and finding himself the recipient of a 3D through the table! Sheffield loved the Dudleys' antics, having gotten wood tonight. Who would D-Von and Bubba be challenging for the titles next Sunday? Would it be T&A, The APA, Too Cool or the Right to Censor?
In the locker room, Chris Benoit was taking his sweet time preparing for the Triple Threat main event tonight, where he finally gets his shot at the WWF Championship. Kurt Angle finally caught up with 'the Rabid Wolverine', wanting him to know that this was a new day in a new country, and that he hoped they could let bygones be bygones tonight. 'The Megastar' reminded Chris of what Stone Cold Steve Austin was capable of, that he was the same man that brained him with a steel chair until he could no longer stand in that Unsanctioned match at No Mercy. Stone Cold was the same person that beat him less than two weeks ago on RAW is WAR - Benoit added that Angle was to blame for that. Angle surmised that they were both members of the Coalition, that they were a special group. They had a strong hold over the World Wrestling Federation, much like they could have a strong hold ovr the WWF Championship! Benoit accepted Kurt may be right, strategising that they could eliminate 'the Texas Rattlesnake' from the equation...but when it's down to just the two of them, Benoit told Angle that all bets were off: and he would leave WWF Champion.
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Returning to the phone booth office of the acting official in charge tonight, Mick Foley, he was busy inserting 50p coins into the phone, making long distance calls to Al Snow. 'The Hardcore Legend' had to hang up without a word of warning though, once the Right to Censor showed up to ridicule the former 'Commish' on his decision making. Steven Richards protested what happened to Ivory and Mark Henry earlier tonight, wanting justice for the RTC, and a punishment for Matt Hardy and Lita. Mick regarded Steven by telling him that he was only in charge for one night: they'd have to ask Stephanie and Shane McMahon on Monday! Hypothetically speaking, Mick asked Richards what he would want to be done in exchange for the WWF Women's Champion and 'Secret Weapon's unfortunate beating earlier tonight. Richards proposed that Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather receive their own shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship, one without the nuisances Too Cool and the APA. Mick found that interesting and mulled it over, before slamming his hand on the small desk before him - declaring the four-corner elimination match was final! Steven told Mick to consider himself warned, as Buchanan and Goodfather glared out the decision maker.
In the arena, the people of England came to their feet at the arrival of the homegrown newcomer, William Regal. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' appeared positively cheery at the sight of his fellow countrymen's delight to see him, as he took to the ring ahead of a Triple Threat match for the WWF European Championship. The Englishman gladly greeted all of his fellow citizens from Sheffield, before declaring that tonight would be the night he brings home the gold to their beloved European Union. He then turned his back on Sheffield, admitting how shameful it would be to have such a landmark event take place in this dreadful little city! Regal disrespected the people of Yorkshire and the way in which they spoke, when suddenly he was interrupted by fellow challenger, Joe E. Legend. The apparent protege Regal had been grooming did not have much good to say to William, confessing how much he had learned from him. It was such a shame that tonight, it would be he who walks out the WWF European Champion. Regal was insulted by Legend's gesture, when the champ D-Lo Brown interrupted the two - heading out to the ring to a respectful reception!
. 5) William Regal def. D-Lo Brown (c) & Joe E. Legend in a Triple Threat match to win the WWF European Championship (5:11)Over the past month, an alliance had been formed between William Regal and Joe E. Legend. Formed out of a disliking for D-Lo Brown and his holding possession of the WWF European Championship, it appeared that 'the Goodwill Ambassador' was taking the loudmouthed rookie under his wing, in hopes of making him a more respectable, better human being. While D-Lo continued to fight off the two gentlemen in successful title defences however, Regal's declarations of becoming the WWF European Champion was similarly shared by his protege. Mick Foley had made it official for tonight at Rebellion, adding Joe E. as a last-minute addition to the match! D-Lo Brown had his work cut out for him early as Regal and Legend looked to double team the champ, just for Brown to score with a spinebuster, and a spinning wheel kick sent Legend to the floor. Brown had the people behind him, when a stiff knee strike from Regal allowed the challengers to take control. Regal and Legend pounded on D-Lo in the corner and dropped him with a double hip toss, when Legend had the gall to go for a cover! Regal took exception and started a shoving contest with his protege, when D-Lo struck with a dropkick sending Joe E. into Regal: a roll-up on Joe E. getting a near fall! Regal inadvertently took Joe E. out with a European uppercut, when Brown powerslammed the Englishman for a near fall. Regal came back with an errant armbar, before looking to apply the Regal Stretch! D-Lo struggled to make the ropes, when Joe E. Legend made the save! Legend and D-Lo now went at it, when the champ struck with Sky High! The WWF European Champion headed to the top rope and soared with Lo Down on Legend, when Regal slid into the ring and tossed D-Lo to the floor: pinning his protege to become the new WWF European Champion!
Despite the hard work put in by D-Lo Brown, the World Wrestling Federation were leaving Sheffield with a new WWF European Champion! The Blackpool-native had pulled off his biggest victory to date, but as 'the Goodwill Ambassador' snatched his newly won prize and held it close to his heart, one had to wonder if Regal harbored any guilt, for sneaking through the back door to come out on top! D-Lo was left on the floor dumbfounded by the decision, while even the Englishman's protege Joe E. Legend scowled towards Regal as he left with his hands raised high. William received a warm reception from his fellow countrymen, but now he was the one with a target on his back!
We cut to a live shot outside of the Hallam FM Arena in Sheffield, England. It was raining outside, the atypical winter evening an apocalyptic scene. Inside, with the World Wrestling Federation Superstars in attendance for Rebellion tonight on Sky Box Office - things were heating up!
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Chris Jericho was taping his wrists ahead of the six-man tag team competition ahead, against the Big Show, Edge and Christian of the Coalition. He soon turned around to nearly bump into the chest of the Undertaker, who glanced down at him. 'The American Badass' remained stern-faced, perhaps after the beating he received from Raven two nights ago on SmackDown. Undertaker asked Y2J if he felt as lucky as he did on Monday night, where he made the WWF Champion tap out. Jericho fired back, telling 'the Deadman' that if there was anything else to be excited about, it would have to be kicking the scrawny cr*p out of those Toronto goofballs Edge and Christian tonight, and once again embarrassing the Big Show in a whole other country! Undertaker told Y2J not to let the side down tonight, which Jericho recited back. Into frame came the Rock, who paused for effect and removed his sunglasses. 'The People's Champ' rallied Jericho and Undertaker, reviewing what happened last Thursday on SmackDown. He whooped the Coalition's candyasses once this week already. But now, with the Rock forced to go up against the three of them in eight days at Armageddon, with 'the Great One's career on the line: there was no way he could afford to lose. Rock then revealed the faith he had for both men, how he confidently knew that both would do their thing and join him in kicking the living cr*p out of the Coalition in Jolly Old England tonight. If you smell what the Rock is cookin!'
K-Kwik had finally won championship gold several months into his World Wrestling Federation career, and the Sheffield crowd were elated to see Lance Storm dethroned of the WWF Hardcore Championship! K-Dawg hopped up to his feet in excitement, quickly grasping the title and holding it high before making a quick getaway from the ring! 'The Pride of Calgary' was left appalled at the decision, in a state of disbelief and heartbreak. All of his work done bringing credibility to the title he cared deeply about, could all be undone with the rap artist leaving England with his title! This made two title changes already, with the WWF Tag Team Championship and WWF Championship still to be defended!
In his phonebox office for the evening, the man in charge of Rebellion Mick Foley was hard at work - fiddling around with two Jakks action figures of Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle! Y2J was getting the better of the WWF Champion, when the phone behind him rang. 'The Hardcore Legend' answered it and held the phone apart from his face. Trying to reason with the angry voices on the other end, the former 'Commish' tried to reason his decision to take charge tonight. It was implied to be Shane or Stephanie McMahon, but as Foley's eyes rolled in response to the verbal tongue-lashing received from across the pond, he shrugged and decided to promptly hang up on the McMahons! Mick propped his feet up on the small desk in front of him, pleased with his choices.
Backstage, Too Cool were gearing up for a chance to recapture the WWF Tag Team Championships, while Grandmaster Sexay exclaimed to Scotty 2 Hotty that he'd been back two days, and already they were about to bolster their way to the top of the tag team division where they rightfully belonged! Scotty was overjoyed at the idea of becoming two-time champs in the year 2000, the two oozing with excitement over the turn of the century marking the occasion that the moonwalk had brought them all of the fame they could ever imagine. They high-fived when WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi appeared. 'Big Kish' coolly fist bumped with his boys, telling them to do him proud and bring back the gold. They complied, heading for the ring.
A replay aired, taking us back to one month ago on SmackDown. In the process of a hard-fought encounter with T&A, Too Cool's reign as WWF Tag Team Champions went short-lived thanks to a spinal injury suffered to Scotty 2 Hotty. This had allowed Test and Albert to walk out with the titles thanks to the distraction from Trish Stratus.
WWF Tag Team Champions T&A were backstage, with moments to go until their big title defense in Sheffield, against Too Cool, the APA and the Right to Censor. Kevin Kelly hoped to get some comments from Test and Albert, who were discussed to have had to come to this dump of a country tonight and defend their gold. 'The Freight Train' was more than displeased at the fact they had to contend with three other teams - that this was a miscarriage of justice! Despite that, Test was motivated to beat up those little freaks Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay; the two so-called "toughest guys in the locker room" Bradshaw and Faarooq; and whatever the hell the deal was with Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather. Albert reminded Kevin that they were doing this for Trish Stratus, who was back home and doing well - but tonight they were here to once again prove just how dominant, just how dangerous, and just how unstoppable they could be!
. 7) T&A (c) def. The APA, the Right to Censor (w/Steven Richards) & Too Cool in a Four-Corners Elimination match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (12:01)It was back on November 9, 2000 where T&A finally reached the apex of the tag team division, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championships from Too Cool, after the spinal injury suffered to Scotty 2 Hotty and help from manager, Trish Stratus. So much had changed in just shy of a month, with Test and Albert set to meet the Dudley Boyz at Armageddon, in what they hoped would be the ultimate retaliation for the injuries suffered to Trish after she was driven through wood at the hands of Bubba Ray Dudley. Meanwhile, the Right to Censor and the APA had become enveloped in a territorial war, Bradshaw and Faarooq opposing everything the RTC stood for, in fighting the good fight. With Steven Richards watching on carefully at ringside, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan immediately proved how unpopular they were as both Too Cool and the APA targeted them from the getgo! It was a pub brawl between the beer drinkers and the censors at ringside, while inside Scotty 2 Hotty sent Test over the top rope to the floor before skinning the cat back inside! Too Cool got a huge ovation, when the APA came to join in on the fun. The two popular teams got ready to square off when the RTC got involved, putting the boots to everyone involved. Bradshaw cleaned house off of a hot tag and had Goodfather pinned with the Clothesline From Hell, when Bull Buchanan scored with a big boot off the top rope: placing Goodfather on top to eliminate the APA in 3:47. With one team down, Too Cool found themslves on the wrong end of the stick as Albert cut Scotty off with a big splash in the corner: a pact seemingly enforced between T&A and the RTC! At ringside the eccentric Steven Richards got in the face of the APA, which proved to be a bad idea once Bradshaw and Faarooq began to chase him up the rampway to the back! This distracted Goodfather, and Grandmaster Sexay reversed a powerbomb into a hurricanrana to eliminate the Right to Censor in 5:20!
We were down to two teams remaining, with the WWF Tag Team Championship on the line. Too Cool, the former champions were looking to win big and make for a third title change in Sheffield, England tonight. Test struck Grandmaster Sexay from behind immediately, making sure the challengers knew exactly what they were up against in the two towering behemoths. Test hammered away at Sexay in the corner, before rushing for a clothesline just for Sexay to spring out of the corner, a missile dropkick off the second rope catching the big man off-guard! Scotty 2 Hotty made the tag and came in with a series of strikes, all unable to knock Test off his feet, when he ran directly into a road block of a big shoulder block from the Canadian! Albert came in and dropped elbow after elbow on the previously injured spine of the straw-haired Scotty 2 Hotty, when a powerful backbreaker followed. Albert splashed Scotty in the corner, and Test struck with a heavy-footed big boot to the face - but Grandmaster Sexay rushed to make the save! The champs' beatdown of Scotty continued with a spinout torture rack slam scoring another near fall for the 350-pound 'Freight Train', when Scotty kicked his way out of the corner and planted him with a tornado DDT! The race was on, but Sexay got the tag! Sexay took care of Test with a series of right hands, stunning him with a flying forearm and finally taking him off his feet using a super kick! Albert came in just to receive a flip-out back suplex, Sexay on a roll as he reached for the goggles. The Hip Hop Drop was due, but Test came in with a big boot taking him off the top rope to the floor! Scotty came in with the bulldog for Albert, and the Worm connected - but Test came from behind with a rapid pumphandle slam! Sexay came back with a crossbody off the second rope just to be gorilla press slammed by 'the Freight Train', when Test followed with a diving elbow drop off the top: to retain the titles!
T&A had made it out of Rebellion with the WWF Tag Team Championships still intact! Too Cool had put up one heck of a fight against the dominant Test and Albert, but ultimately succumbed to defeat at their very hands. With Scotty 2 Hotty left to check on Grandmaster Sexay, T&A celebrated another title defence: now set to officially defend the gold against their arch rivals, the Dudley Boyz, next week at Armageddon! What the two did not notice however, was the return of WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi, who hit the ring and dropped Albert with a big super kick! Rikishi caught an inbound Test with a big Samoan drop, having chased T&A from the ring! This left 'Big Kish' with his boys Scotty and Grandmaster, who he helped back up to their feet. The fans exploded as Too Cool and Rikishi donned the sunglasses and danced to the adulation of the British people in attendance!
Up next, it was time to get serious. Over the past couple of months, the Coalition have been on a tear. Led by WWF Champion Kurt Angle, his army of Superstars - believed by Shane McMahon to be the ones to lead the World Wrestling Federation into the 21st century - have taken out any competition in their way. Last month at the Survivor Series, Chris Jericho would manage to defeat the 500-pound 'Giant' the Big Show; whilst Edge and Christian were an important ingredient to besting D-Generation X in a high stakes elimination match. With Stephanie and Shane now in charge over the WWF, the Coalition appeared to be unstoppable...but where the Rock and Chris Jericho were concerned, they remained resistant to the hostile takeover of the dictatorship. Y2J forced Kurt Angle into submission with the Walls of Jericho on RAW is WAR six nights ago, while this past Thursday night on SmackDown, it was announced by Shane O'Mac that Rock would face Big Show, Edge and Christian in a three-on-one handicap match at Armageddon - where Rock's job was on the line! The Coalition were assembled to put the flame sparked by Rock and Jericho out, as they prepared to team with the Undertaker tonight!
8) The Rock, Chris Jericho and the Undertaker def. Big Show, Edge and Christian (14:22)In eight days time, the Rock had to overcome the insurmountable odds of not just the Big Show, but Edge and Christian as well, if he wanted to keep his World Wrestling Federation career alive! Shane and Stephanie McMahon's personal vendetta towards 'the Great One' had reached great heights since Rock's post-match attack of WWF Champion Kurt Angle back at the Survivor Series, and he had even brought Chris Jericho along for the ride. After forcing Kurt Angle to tap out to the Walls of Jericho last Monday night on RAW is WAR, it was clear that Y2J was coming for 'the Megastar's gold. As for the Undertaker, he was here to stick up for an old rival turned respected friend the Rock, merely two nights after being beaten to a pulp by the man he meets in a Street Fight at Armageddon, Raven. It appeared the Coalition and their opponents were all on the same page to start, as a six man brawl started out what was sure to be a barn burner of epic proportions. It came down to Rock and Edge, who misstepped a clothesline and walked straight into one of the Rock's instead! Undertaker came in to continue the cornering of Edge, taking him to Old School before daring to big boot Christian off the apron! Chris Jericho came in to continue the lead their team was on, when Big Show grabbed Y2J by the hair off the ropes, enabling Edge to tackle him with a spinning wheel kick! The former WWF Tag Team Champions focused on grounding the highly energetic Y2J, who tried to chop his way out of the corner just for Edge to spear him! Big Show toyed with Jericho, a gorilla press slam landing before standing all over the back of the 230-pound Canadian! The 500-pounder talked trash to the Undertaker, when Jericho surprised him with a springboard dropkick and enzuigiri! Jericho reached to make the tag, but Edge and Christian got there just in time to drag Rock and Undertaker from the apron!
The Rock and the Undertaker duked it out with Edge and Christian at ringside, as Big Show choked Chris Jericho in the corner before dropping him with a massive powerbomb! 'The Giant' covered him, but Rock made the save. The heat was still on Y2J, as Show, Edge and Christian continued to trade frequent tags, doing a serious number on Chris Jericho. Finally Y2J got out of the Unprettier attempt from Christian, dropping him with a big sleeper slam! Jericho got the tag to the Rock who came in firing on all cylinders towards Show and Edge! Rock dropped Edge and looked for a Sharpshooter just for Big Show to grab him by the throat. Undertaker attacked 'the Giant', and a spinebuster connected! Rock looked for the People's Elbow, when Edge came in with the Edge-o-Matic! Rock made the tag to 'the American Badass', who raced in with clotheslines for both brothers from Toronto - a Chokeslam served for Edge! Christian walked straight into danger as 'the Deadman' took him up for the Last Ride, but before covering the Big Show jumped him from behind! Show's attempt at a Chokeslam of his own went awry, and Y2J made the tag - dropping Christian with a bulldog! Big Show tried to enter just as Jericho scored with a Lionsault, but Rock matched him with the Rock Bottom - Y2J pinning Christian to win the match for his team!
Chris Jericho was at the top of his game following a week full of surprises, starting by making WWF Champion Kurt Angle tap out on Monday, culminating with a huge pinfall victory tonight against the Coalition in Rebellion! Y2J stumbled back to his feet, having his hand raised by the referee, when the Undertaker slid into the ring. 'The American Badass' was the judge, jury and executioner as he watched Jericho celebrate, before finally shaking hands with the Winnipeg-native and raising his hand in victory! Big Show stumbled back into the ring, where Rock planted 'the Giant' again with the spinebuster: and the People's Elbow followed suit for the 500-pounder! Rock stood tall with his teammates, full of hope for his future - could his legacy exceed Armageddon next weekend?
A video package aired, once again taking a look at the rise of Kurt Angle, and the domination of his faction, the Coalition. Back at SummerSlam, the young Olympic Gold Medalist shocked the world by becoming a two-time WWF Champion. In that time, he has defeated the likes of Triple H on two separate occasions and even swayed 'the Game's wife Stephanie McMahon away from him, while similarly embarking on complete domination with the Coalition likes of Chris Benoit, Edge and Christian. With Chris Benoit winning the team to grant Shane and Stephanie McMahon power over the World Wrestling Federation at the Survivor Series, it appeared that the Coalition's biggest enemy was yet to reveal himself: Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin was looking for answers a year after being ran down and sent to the sidelines, and promptly challenged 'the Megastar' for the WWF Championship. Though it was 'the Rabid Wolverine' who answered the call, and in their ensuing match that night on RAW is WAR, Kurt Angle came to try and help Benoit - who wanted no assistance. While Stone Cold would wind up coming out on top, and have his mystery attacker reveal himself as Shawn Michaels, the problems continued with Angle and Benoit. With Kurt's continued confidence and growing ego, came a sense of paranoia, as 'the Crippler' expressed his demand for a WWF Championship shot of his own. Tonight at Rebellion, something had to give in this Triple Threat main event!9) Kurt Angle (c) def. Chris Benoit & Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWF Championship (15:35)It was glaringly obvious that there were issues brewing in the Coalition's camp. Kurt Angle had had a stellar reign as WWF Champion, though now, entering his fourth month as the flagbearer of the World Wrestling Federation, his confidence was reaching an egomaniacal peak. Chris Benoit had his own plans, and they included the WWF Championship. Always a lone wolf, 'the Rabid Wolverine' did not care for 'the Megastar's constant bragging, and things took a turn for the worst this past week when a collision of egos allowed Chris Jericho to make the champ tap to the Walls of Jericho on RAW is WAR. Angle enabled Benoit to triumph over Y2J in a Submission match on SmackDown, but the wounds remained open between the fiercely competitive faction-mates. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' was sure to be beloved tonight in England, after what had been an unpredictable few weeks for Stone Cold Steve Austin. His attacker had revealed himself as 'the Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels, who had nothing but revenge on his mind for having taken his livelihood away two years ago at WrestleMania XIV. The date was set for Austin's personal revenge on HBK, set to take place next week at Armageddon, in a No Holds Barred match. The catch was that Shawn had Steve commit to a handshake agreement, where Austin could not touch Michaels until December 10 if he still wanted to get his hands on HBK. But it was perfectly fine for Michaels to touch Austin, as evidenced by a Sweet Chin Music that followed moments later, this past week on RAW is WAR. After confronting Shane and Stephanie McMahon less than two weeks ago on RAW, demanding a shot at the WWF Championship himself, tonight at Rebellion would mark Austin's first opportunity at the gold in over a year, and should he win it would change the entire complexion of Armageddon, eight days away. Could Angle and Benoit coexist as a unit in this Triple Threat match, or would the Coalition crumble tonight?
As indicated by his arrival earlier today, Stone Cold Steve Austin was universally beloved here in Sheffield tonight, when Chris Benoit jumped 'the Texas Rattlesnake' on his way to the ring! A fight commenced on the rampway between the two men, with Stone Cold managing to drop Benoit on the steel rampway with a spinebuster! Austin laid in some heavy strikes to 'the Rabid Wolverine', when WWF Champion Kurt Angle made his way out to the two men: blasting Austin with a boot to the face! Angle sent Austin into the ring to kick off this match, but Stone Cold was rolling and caught Angle off the ropes with another spinebuster, before sidestepping Benoit and dropping him with a flapjack! The Coalition members bailed to the floor, with Austin receiving the heroic fanfare he deserved. This match soon returned to the outside, as Austin laid into Benoit against the announce table, when Angle came from behind - a double suplex on the outside floor for 'the Rattlesnake!' Back inside, the egotistical WWF Champion called out orders for Benoit, including a snap suplex and a backbreaker. With Sheffield firmly behind him, Austin looked to fight off 'the Wolverine' only to receive a belly-to-belly suplex from 'the Megastar' - a two count received, when Benoit shoved Kurt off the pin attempt! Benoit complained to Angle, allowing Stone Cold to come fighting back with a double clothesline and elbow drops for both men! Benoit rolled out to the floor and Austin followed, bringing both men into the crowd at the Hallam FM Arena! Austin sent Benoit into a row of chairs in the crowd, even picking a chair up and slamming it down across the spine of 'the Rabid Wolverine!'
Stone Cold's strategy looked to be to divide and conquer, when Benoit grabbed a chair of his own and struck Steve in the abdomen with it! Benoit teased a German suplex on the concrete floor, Austin's surgically repaired neck and all, but Austin countered it. Unfortunately Benoit foresaw it and sent Steve sailing face-first into the wall of the stands in the crowd! With 'the Texas Rattlesnake' down, Benoit returned to the ringside area, eyeing up a recovered Kurt Angle, and challenging him to get it on themselves! The Olympic Gold Medalist welcomed the challenge, as the two began sparring with holds in the ring. Benoit was capable in his mat-based combat of 'the Megastar', who managed to slip free of a sleeper hold and slap on a front facelock. Benoit butterflied out of it and looked for a Crossface, but Angle made the ropes! Benoit was in control now, a second snap suplex connecting before he climbed to the top rope for a Diving Headbutt. Angle was down, and Benoit was ready to fly when Stone Cold returned: sending Benoit off the top and throat-first across the metal guardrail at ringside! Austin caught Angle with a Lou Thesz Press to the roar of the crowd, before reversing out of a German suplex attempt into the Stunner! Austin had the cover, but Benoit was there to break it up! 'The Wolverine' locked in the Crossface on Austin - hoping desperately to win the title - when Angle joined in, with the Ankle Lock applied at the same time! Austin was in a world of hurt, and quickly the two holds from the Coalition members were released! Angle and Benoit got in each other's face again, when Austin struck Angle from behind and dropped Benoit with another Stunner! Angle opportunistically planted Steve with the Olympic Slam: pinning Benoit to retain the title!
By the skin of his teeth, Kurt Angle had managed to retain the WWF Championship! Stone Cold Steve Austin had been inches away from breaking up the count, but after the Olympic Slam from 'the Megastar', he could not make it in time! The Olympic Gold Medalist was emotional in his victory, having chosen to pin his highly-competitive Coalition teammate Chris Benoit over Austin to win this match. The people in Sheffield rained boos upon the Olympian as he clutched the WWF Championship in his grasp, before turning to receive a Stone Cold Stunner from 'the Rattlesnake!' The place came unglued as Austin called for a beer bash in the middle of the ring. Benoit leaned up after the defeat and laughed at the Stunner that Kurt Angle had received, slowly stumbling up to his feet. Austin cracked two beers and drank them each, before turning Benoit around and laying him out with another Stunner for his worries! Austin emerged to the second rope to salute the people in Sheffield with his beer celebration. WWF Championship or not, Austin was highly prepared for the war two years in the making, that awaited him in eight days against Shawn Michaels, at Armageddon!
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Post by DTP. on Sept 15, 2020 15:08:39 GMT -5
 Sunday Night Heat - December 3, 2000
Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broadcast on MTV
Taped on November 28, 2000 - Live from WWF New York
A video package aired, preluding what was sure to be a fascinating edition of Sunday Night Heat on MTV. Following their rise to dominance over the World Wrestling Federation with the Coalition's major victory against D-Generation X at the Survivor Series, Shane and Stephanie McMahon had been the rulers of the ring. As the countdown ticked away at the Rock's time in the spotlight, as far as the handicap match at Armageddon next weekend went, tonight on Heat, the McMahon children would be live and in living color for an all-exclusive interview at WWF New York in Times Square. Sunday Night Heat was on the air, starting right now!
The opening video package aired, bringing us to deep in the heart of Times Square at WWF New York! The rowdy New Yorker crowd on hand were booming for tonight's show, as Michael Cole alongside Al Snow gave us a hearty greeting for Sunday Night Heat, tonight! Snow wore a sling as it was noted he had recently had elbow surgery, which would take him out of action for the foreseeable future. Al was delighted to say that in turn, this allowed him the pleasure of being Michael's exclusive co-host for as long as he was out on the shelf injured! The people chanted for Al's friend Head, while Michael discussed Armageddon coming up in just seven days time before turning to run down what took place across the pond last night, at WWF Rebellion!
A video package aired, reviewing the World Wrestling Federation's trip to Sheffield, England last night, which saw a sellout, capacity crowd on hand in the Hallam FM Arena. The night got off to a crazy start, with Mick Foley - the former Commissioner - declaring himself the authority figure in charge for the night, in Shane and Stephanie McMahon's absence! Not only did he authorize two title matches that would then change hands, but he also pitted the WWF Champion Kurt Angle against Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Angle's Coalition ally, Chris Benoit! The problems were ever clear with Angle not wanting to fight Benoit, but 'the Rabid Wolverine' was determined to return to the United States with the richest prize in the business. Angle was able to backdoor his way to victory, though ultimately, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' would have the last laugh, dropping both Coalition members with Stone Cold Stunners!
On the stage in WWF New York, Michael Cole and Al Snow discussed what was ahead of us tonight on MTV's Heat, including the WWF Champion Kurt Angle offering another open challenge to any Superstar willing to face him! Plus, Matt Hardy would do battle with Kaientai's Funaki, and Edge would go one-on-one with Val Venis!
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We went to the arena, where Edge and Christian made their way down to the ring ahead of singles action for the older brother, with an unusual foe in brother-in-law Val Venis. Upon entering the ring, Christian obnoxiously greeted all of their Edgeheads and Christianites in Minneapolis, to a loud chorus of boos. There was some cheers however, as Edge grinningly expressed his delight that it was great to the Minnesotan women still had good taste. It was just such a shame they had such poor taste in sports teams! After rambling on about the NHL's Minnesota Wild sucking and blowing on a nightly basis, they were rocking the house down. The two also claimed that they were the franchise to beat in the World Wrestling Federation: that it was Coalition all the way! The two high-fived and prepared for a Five Second Pose, only to be interrupted by Edge's opponent tonight, Val Venis!
Towelled and geared to go, 'the Big Valbowski' received a positive reception from the Minnesota crowd. As the ladies in Minneapolis squealed, Val Venis greeted the ladies with a cocky smile on his face. Val understood all too well about what Edge and Christian's role were in the Coalition, comparing them to gazelles. But he also knew a great deal about what Edge's role was in the boudoir! Venis reminded the people that it was no secret that Edge was knocking boots with 'the Valbowski's sister, and that she liked to tell him all about what kind of man he was! After ridiculing Edge's bedroom escapades with his sister, Val got serious as he explained that future brother-in-law or not, they were set to do battle tonight. He knew that Edge was oozing with potential, which is why he wanted as fair a fight that he could offer up. That included putting the handcuffs on his little brother - the ones he used on his sister - and letting the grown ups battle it out mano e mano! Venis headed for the ring, while Edge and Christian argued whether any of what Val was saying was true!
1) Edge (w/Christian) def. Val Venis (4:11)
Despite the vast difference in personalities, what 'the Big Valbowski' had said before the match was in fact true, as Edge had gotten engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Val Venis's sister earlier this year. After it was announced on SmackDown last Thursday that Armageddon would see Edge and Christian team with the Big Show to take on the Rock - with 'the Great One's career on the line - it seemed clear that Edge wanted nothing more than to beat his future brother-in-law as easily as possible. Val Venis requested no outside interference from Christian, who curiously rooted for his older brother from the outside. Venis got the upper hand against Edge initially, a sit-out spinebuster scoring a near fall when a spinning wheel kick caught the adult film star off-guard. Edge did a number on Val with a series of stomps, and a DDT scored a near fall. The former WWF Tag Team Champion restrained Val in a side headlock, but Venis rolled through for a near fall, before breaking out and catching Edge with a full nelson slam! Christian chose to jump up on the apron, when Val swung and got nothing but air: allowing Edge to cradle Val for two. Val sent Edge into spearing Christian off the apron, when Venis planted Edge with a fisherman suplex! The referee was taken distracted as Edge feigned an injury, when Christian slid in with a spear on Val for revenge: Edge covering to claim the win!
Edge had gone against his future brother-in-law's wish for a fair fight here tonight on Sunday Night Heat, though who could have anticipated anything different from the devilish former WWF Tag Team Champions. Val Venis shook his head from the canvas, while Christian triumphantly raised his older brother's hand in victory. What tricks could Edge and Christian pull come Armageddon, with the Rock's career at stake in the three-on-one handicap match?
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A video package aired, revolved around the situation between Triple H and X-Pac. With WWF Armageddon looming in seven days, it was officially declared last week on Sunday Night Heat that we would see the longtime friends finally go at it one-on-one, live on pay-per-view. Since the betrayal heard around the sports entertainment world, 'the Cerebral Assassin' has been out to seek bedlam on the man he claimed personally responsible for causing D-Generation X's end. Turning his back on 'the Game' and the New Age Outlaws was one thing, but this would be alleviated last Monday night on RAW is WAR, where X-Pac put a beating on another "friend" Chyna, alongside her ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero. Triple H made the save for his former confidante, and a temporary reunion was established going into this past Thursday night on SmackDown. Whenever Triple H looked to get a hold of X-Pac, 'Latino Heat' would intercept. Finally it ended with Triple H putting Guerrero down with the Pedigree, though with seven days to go until Armageddon, it was clear that X-Pac still had a lot to prove against his former friend. Years of friendship would come to an ultimate end next week!
We returned to Sunday Night Heat to see Michael Cole and Al Snow on the stage discussing last Thursday night SmackDown's announcement. We could potentially witness the final week of the Rock as a WWF Superstar, as next week at Armageddon he had to overcome the odds of the Big Show, Edge and Christian, in order to keep his job! The two discussed this with Al notably sticking up for his friend Mick Foley after the "stellar" job he did last night conducting Rebellion in the United Kingdom. Michael introduced Stephanie and Shane McMahon to the stage, where both greeted the hostile WWF New York crowd with big smiles on their face! Shane O'Mac nor Steph cared what the fans caught, encouraging them to chant obscene remarks at the powers that be, before taking a seat on the couch. Michael was immediately interrupted by Shane, who remarked that before anything - he had something to address regarding Al's statement. On the topic of Mick Foley, he only had himself to blame. Once the Commissioner, he was lucky and should have thanked them for allowing him to keep his huge salary. If anything, 'the Hardcore Legend's lasting legacy depended on he and Stephanie, because without the World Wrestling Federation machine behind Mick: he had nothing left!
Stephanie wished to reviews the ill-thought decisions of Rebellion last night in Sheffield. With footage depicting the problematic scenes in question, we saw William Regal walk out WWF European Champion, and K-Kwik steal the WWF Hardcore Championship from Lance Storm. Realistically, Mick had no authority to confirm any of those, nor did the real leaders - herself and Shane - authorize them! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' let it be known that tomorrow night on RAW is WAR would see these problems be resolved, and that Mick would have a lot to answer for tomorrow on RAW. Shane promised to make Mick Foley pay, dearly. Michael then changed topics, wishing to go back to discussing the Rock.
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We cut to a video package reviewing the growing issues between the Rock and the McMahon Family, which really all started last year and intensified as the year 2000 came around. 'The Great One' was unstoppable as the WWF Champion, despite the growing odds paved in his way by the McMahon-Helmsley Faction. Now with the Coalition at the helm and Kurt Angle reigning as WWF Champion, Rock suffered a major loss at the Survivor Series to 'the Megastar'. Retaliating with an attack to send the people home happy, the new powers that be did not look kindly to 'the Brahma Bull'. Handicap matches against T&A and the Coalition only resulted in Rock coming out on top, or even being aided by Chris Jericho or the Dudley Boyz. Finally, despite the odds presented by the Coalition in a six-man tag team tables match on SmackDown this past week, Rock and the Dudleys left triumphantly...but it was the breaking point for Shane O'Mac. Come Armageddon, Rock had to take on the 500-pound 'Giant' Big Show, as well as one of the greatest tag teams in World Wrestling Federation, Edge and Christian. All at the same time. With his career on the line!
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We returned to WWF New York where Michael Cole and Al Snow were still seated with Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Shane seemed perplexed that they would have questions, considering that he made himself certainly clear, three nights prior. Michael wanted to know all about their disdain for 'the Brahma Bull'. Citing the success in Hollywood and from the mainstream media, Cole wanted to know why they wanted the Rock out of the World Wrestling Federation so badly! Shane chuckled and explained for all of the simpletons out there - like Michael and Al - that it was great what publicity Rock was giving the WWF. They strived for success and igniting the people to tune in, each and every week! They definitely appreciated the traction that Rock was giving the company - but he could do it on his own dime for all they cared! Steph elaborated, saying that the public saw Rock as a sweetheart. A kind, caring, warm-hearted sweetheart. But the real fans knew what kind of underhanded, woman-beating, sore-losing monster he could be. She reminded people of WrestleMania, where she was given the Rock Bottom and the People's Elbow. She had bruises for weeks! Shane concluded that Rock was a victim of his own success. His ego had gotten out of control and maybe this would be a wake-up call to him that no one man was bigger than the WWF!
Al Snow then asked eagerly about the McMahons' grounds for the decisionmaking that they had made. Back when Mick Foley was in charge, he'd grant those deserving the opportunities they desired. Shane scolded Al for the line of questioning, reminding him that his buddy wasn't the Commissioner anymore. He confessed that their process was that they could hand out opportunities to just about anybody. They had an open door policy, much like their dad had, and that if anybody showed them the respect, that would get them on their way to a major opportunity all the lot quicker. He compared Rock to William Regal - a true gentleman, who, despite the circumstances from Rebellion, was most deserving of a title opportunity. When asked who the McMahons were keeping their eyes on, Shane cited that T&A were high on his list of favorites - much to the chagrin of Test's ex-fiancee Stephanie McMahon. He was also looking at Regal, X-Pac was coming along nicely in his vendetta with Triple H. Eddie Guerrero was another, which caused his sister to groan at the thought of Chyna. Steph added that she hoped to see X-Pac show his true, non green-and-black colors next week, because she couldn't wait to see her ex-husband Triple H fail, once again! Michael Cole turned to the WWF Championship situation, wanting to know the McMahons' thoughts on the progressing issues between two Coalition members Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit. Stephanie groaned again at the thought of 'the Rabid Wolverine', while Shane remained more conservative of the two.
Shane acknowledged the fact that Chris Benoit was a complicated person. He wasn't known to mingle with the rest of the Coalition, and only showed up when he had to, or when he wanted something. Shane had no issues whatsoever with Benoit wanting a shot at the gold, hell he'd grant him it in a heartbeat if he could! Steph chimed in, reminding everybody that the problem laid with the fact that they were all in this together. They were the Coalition! Now was not the time to be doing this! Shane vowed to have this resolved once and for all tomorrow night. Michael brought up how Chris Jericho fit into the equation, that he had beaten Kurt Angle clean in the middle with the Walls of Jericho just five nights ago on RAW is WAR. Stephanie went on a tirade about Y2J, calling him the most disrespectful of them all. If there was something she wanted to see more than anything - it was her boyfriend Kurt Angle rip the ankle off of that Canadian jerk! Shane then quizzed Steph why they didn't let that happen. After some discussion among themselves, Shane posed the hypothetical: Armageddon. Angle defending the WWF Championship against Jericho! Steph did not see the humor, asking if he was joking. Shane was as serious as he could be. Stephanie searched for a way out of this conversation, before telling her brother sternly that this was something they had to discuss in private. As far as she was concerned - the interview was over! She got up and left, with Shane standing up and calling after her! He criticized her for her professionalism, before walking off himself!
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In the backstage area at the arena, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle was approached by Jonathan Coachman, who wanted to know why 'the Olympic Hero' had requested this open challenge tonight, with everything going on between himself and Chris Benoit, as well as the emergence of Chris Jericho. 'The Megastar' boasted about how he had shown in each and every defense he had made, that he was not one to back down from anybody. He had beaten Triple H and proven he was that damn good. He had beaten the Rock and proved that he - not Rock - was the real 'Great One'. When it came to Y2J, he had no cause for concern, that he had made Jericho tap out before, and he would again if he confronted him for a shot at the gold! Tonight, he was issuing an open challenge to any talented WWF Superstar that felt they were man enough to come for the WWF Championship. Coach stopped Kurt as he tried to walk away, asking him about 'the Rabid Wolverine', but the Olympic Gold Medalist proceeded to ignore him.
Back live on Sunday Night Heat, Michael Cole and Al Snow were standing in front of the massive crowd on hand in the entertainment complex at WWF New York. They discussed what Shane and Stephanie McMahon had covered in their sit-down interview on the couches moments ago, before surveying some of the fans in attendance what they thought about the McMahons, and who they'd like to see have some major opportunities come their way. The majority of people asked were negative about the prospects of the Coalition dominating the World Wrestling Federation, and one was even vehemently against their views on the Rock. A fan mentioned Chyna, when Michael adjusted his earpiece to receive word that Shane and Stephanie had just made it official for Armageddon next Sunday - it would be Eddie Guerrero once again going up against 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna, in a No-Disqualification match! The two discussed their history, the lengthy relationship and proposal, which culminated in 'Latino Heat' cheating on his fiancee and unravelling into an emotional rivalry.
. 2) Matt Hardy (w/Lita) def. Funaki (w/Taka Michinoku) (3:57)While Jeff Hardy remains out on the shelf suffering from back injuries, Matt has taken it upon himself to embark on a temporary singles run in the World Wrestling Federation. He fared extremely well over one week ago on SmackDown, where he would take the WWF Champion Kurt Angle to the limit, in his first shot at the richest prize in the industry. Despite similarly falling short in a shot at then-champ D-Lo Brown for the WWF European Championship last Monday night, Hardy was coming into this with a challenge on his hands. Opposing one-half of Kaientai, Funaki felt he had something to prove, after he and Taka Michinoku's interference in Thursday's WWF Light Heavyweight Championship encounter between Essa Rios and Crash Holly, went awry. Matt bested Funaki on the mat early, before taking to the sky with a hiptoss to the inbound Funaki. The former WWF Tag Team Champion hammered on Funaki in the corner, when the trash-talking Taka distracted him, allowing Funaki to score with a moonsault to gain control! Funaki choked Matt on the ropes then distracted the referee, allowing Michinoku to get a cheap shot in. Lita would respond by taking off from the steel steps with a flying headscissors for Michinoku, while inside Funaki's tornado DDT would go reversed into the Twist of Fate, giving Hardy the win!
Matt Hardy had picked up a solid victory tonight against one-half of Kaientai, Funaki. Taka Michinoku held his neck on the floor, in response to the flying headscissors received from Lita. With Funaki beaten, the two-thirds of Team Xtreme raised one another's hand to the people of Minneapolis, when Taka hit the ring looking to blindsight Hardy! Lita immediately slapped Michinoku across the face, when Matt dropped him with a Twist of Fate. The people cheered once Matt encouraged Lita to climb to the top rope: coming off with a Moonsault on Taka to a big ovation! Hardy's star was shining, while Jeff remained incapacitated on the sidelines.
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Michael Cole and Al Snow discussed what had been announced for Armageddon, which takes place one week from behind, live on pay-per-view. The Dudley Boyz had been granted a rematch against T&A for the WWF Tag Team Championship this past Thursday night on SmackDown, whilst the Undertaker and Raven were set for another battle - this time in 'the American Badass's back yard: a Street Fight. Following the betrayal at the Survivor Series, X-Pac would have to prove himself once and for all against longtime friend Triple H. Earlier tonight they received word that Eddie Guerrero and Chyna would meet in a No-Disqualification match, following a romance turned nightmare for 'Latino Heat' and 'the Ninth Wonder of the World'. But perhaps most importantly, Shawn Michaels was set to make a one night return to the ring for war against Stone Cold Steve Austin, in a No Holds Barred match.
We went to a video package reviewing Sweet Chin Music heard around the world. Over one week ago on RAW is WAR, the attacker that struck 'the Texas Rattlesnake' with his car at the 1999 Survivor Series revealed himself as Shawn Michaels. Stone Cold Steve Austin became incensed after being left bloodied by 'the Heartbreak Kid', who addressed everything about the situation just three nights ago on SmackDown. Last Monday night on RAW is WAR the match was made, but with it came stipulations that were vital to HBK, if he were to step in the ring, after being forced to retire following WrestleMania XIV two years ago. Michaels declared that Austin could not touch him until Armageddon, and should Austin do otherwise? He could kiss his hopes and dreams of ultimate revenge goodbye! Shockingly, Austin accepted with a swift middle finger, only to wind up receiving another super kick. The no-contact countdown was on, though it only applied to one man: Shawn Michaels! In his address of 'the Rattlesnake', Shawn declared that No Holds Barred would not be Austin's revenge story, but Shawn's redemption. And he plotted to take Austin out of the equation, this time for good!
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Shot from his home in Victoria, Texas, Stone Cold Steve Austin stood pouring a large glass full of beer. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' took a large swig of the alcohol and looked into the camera, saying that they could consider this a response to every single thing that 'Boy Toy' pile of cr*p, Shawn Michaels had to say about him last Thursday night on SmackDown. For over a year, Austin had been hunting for the man that was responsible for running him down and for damn near ending his career. Shawn took his livelihood, he took his pride, and he took his dignity. And it all turned out that it was a ploy for attention, an act of retaliation, and a way for Shawn to get revenge for something that took place two long years ago? Austin called Shawn pathetic with anger, as he spoke of how at Armageddon he would make it perfectly clear that returning to the ring to fight him, would be the single biggest mistake of his life. There was no more running from ol' Stone Cold, and that once he could finally get his hands on that San Antonio son of a b*tch, Austin was going to make Shawn Michaels regret ever knowing him. Austin downed the glass of beer and slammed it down on the counter, as it became clear that HBK had made his bed and now had to sleep in it.
We returned to Sunday Night Heat to see Michael Cole and Al Snow stood on the stage at WWF New York in Times Square, making it known that RAW is WAR tomorrow night was shaping up in a big way. After their discussion in private, and apparent issues following Shane McMahon's belief that Chris Jericho could be Kurt Angle's next contender to the WWF Championship, we would hear from Shane and Stephanie tomorrow night, as they planned to name who would challenge for the gold at Armageddon. Plus, what was in store for Mick Foley after hijacking Rebellion last night from under the McMahons' nose? It was also announced that after the furious loss suffered on SmackDown, that Eddie Guerrero would go head-to-head with Triple H - six days away from 'the Game's match with X-Pac, and six days out from 'Latino Heat's second meeting with ex-fiancee Chyna in a No-Disqualification match.
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In the arena, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle made his way out to the ring to loud boos from the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota. With his challenger come Armageddon to be named tomorrow night on RAW is WAR, 'the Megastar' walked with a cocky smirk on his face, as he waltzed down to the ring. Clearly unpopular before the crowd, he lamented the fact that these people didn't adore him. After all, he wasn't just their Olympic Gold Medalist, but he was the WWF Champion! Angle added that he was just like them, a real man of the people. He was a patriot of the United States of America and fought every match like this country depended on him! Kurt claimed he fought for the little man to overcome all of the odds, and that is why he was doing such a noble act here tonight. Being the WWF Champion meant that he had to be a fighting champion, and even though he was set to defend the title at Armageddon, he was still out here on MTV's Sunday Night freakin' Heat against whoever had the intensity, integrity and intelligence to take him on!
'The Megastar' would be surprised to see Billy Gunn make his way out to the rampway, a big response from the capacity crowd on hand. Mr. Ass had a microphone in hand, as he talked about how Kurt sure had a lot to say over nothing. If the WWF Champion wanted to know why exactly the people did not like him as much as say - himself - it was all because of the fact that all Kurt seemed to do was nag, moan and b*tch! Gunn discussed how the people used to tell him how much he sucked, so he sucked it up - and he got better, and more popular because of it. Kurt Angle was now the man that truly sucked, and that if this was a real open challenge: he didn't mind coming down to the ring and taking that title for himself...on Sunday Night freakin' Heat!3) Kurt Angle (c) def. Billy Gunn to retain the WWF Championship (4:22)It was revealed earlier tonight that 'the Megastar's girlfriend Stephanie, and good friend Shane McMahon had two separate ideas for whether Chris Jericho was deserving of a WWF Championship opportunity at Armageddon. Despite the decision lingering in the air ahead of RAW is WAR tomorrow night, the self-proclaimed fighting WWF Champion had issued another open challenge to anyone with the Three Is that were looking to take his title away. Billy Gunn answered, looking to get himself back on track following the collapse of D-Generation X back at the Survivor Series. Angle immediately tried to take down the challenger, who responded with some heavy strikes for the Olympic Gold Medalist. A military press slam connected, followed by a perfect dropkick that sent Angle reeling to the floor! Gunn leaped with a dive to the floor but landed on his feet, when the champ sent him shoulder-first into the ring post! The Olympian had Mr. Ass right where he wanted him now, grounding him in the ring with an armbar applied. Gunn continued to seek a way out of the armbar, finally resorting to an armdrag, and a jackhammer scored a near fall! Billy was feeling it, and the Fame Asser connected - yet Angle managed to power out at the count of two! Billy was in disbelief, picking Kurt up and now aiming for the sleeper slam we had seen before - only for Angle to elbow his way free! Angle dropped Gunn on his head with a German suplex, before locking in the Ankle Lock - forcing Billy to tap out!
Despite the good effort put in by the answerer to 'the Megastar's open challenge put in, Kurt Angle had successfully forced Billy Gunn to tap out to the dreaded Ankle Lock. The WWF Champion's head was held high one week out from Armageddon, but tomorrow night on RAW is WAR would reveal the question to what Shane McMahon proposed earlier tonight. Would the Olympic Gold Medalist find his next challenger in Chris Jericho, or did his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon have other plans in mind for the WWF Championship? |
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Post by DTP. on Sept 21, 2020 15:29:08 GMT -5
 RAW is WAR - December 4, 2000
Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on TNN
We opened with a video package, reflecting on what we saw this past Thursday night on SmackDown. Sickened by the Rock's persistence in overcoming the odds and boundaries set before him, Shane McMahon plotted a way to truly take 'the Great One' out of the World Wrestling Federation picture. A six-man tag team elimination tables match saw Rock team up with the Dudley Boyz to battle the odds of the Big Show and WWF Tag Team Champions T&A in the main event, and things looked dire for 'the Brahma Bull' once Bubba Ray and D-Von were eliminated after being driven through the wood. Rock's chances also lessened once the previously eliminated Albert returned to beat down on Rock, but the loyal friends of 'the People's Champ' would come to his aid - a Rock Bottom splatting the 500-pound 'Giant' through a table to pick up another victory. As Rock and the Dudleys stood tall, Shane McMahon himself came out to applaud him on yet another triumphant victory...before declaring that Armageddon would be his true test. A three-on-one handicap match was announced, with Big Show, Edge and Christian of the Coalition set to take on the Rock. If Rock couldn't walk out victorious, he would lose his job and be banished from the World Wrestling Federation for good!
The opening video package aired, cutting to the sold-out Continental Airlines Arena for RAW is WAR! Pyrotechnics plummeted from the rafters, exploding across the stage, in order to create a smoky, raw atmosphere for the people in East Rutherford, New Jersey! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the go-home edition of RAW, just six nights away from what looked to be a stacked line-up at Armageddon! J.R. and 'the King' welcomed us to the Meadowlands, on a night where the Rock, in what could be his final appearance on RAW, go one-on-one with one of the three men he meets this Sunday on pay-per-view - the Big Show! We saw a shot of WWF New York in New York City, where another ruckus crowd were on hand, ready for the show to begin.
Shawn Michaels made his way out to the ring to kick off the show, 'the Heartbreak Kid' strutting his way out to the stage to a largely negative response, despite a few screams from the female fans of New Jersey. 'The Heartbreak Kid' did not come alone however, guarded by two security guards that were here to ensure that a hell-bound Stone Cold Steve Austin did not dare to come close to him ahead of Armageddon. After his confessions addressed last Thursday night on SmackDown in a pre-recorded message, Shawn took to the microphone in the ring to elaborate on some things he said. It was no mistake that this Sunday night, Armageddon could potentially be the place he made his return to the ring. For the first time since WrestleMania XIV on March 29, 1998, 'the Showstopper' himself would lace those boots again, against the man he fought on that night as well: Stone Cold! The people chanted for Austin to appear, as Michaels reminded everybody that that may or may not happen - depending on whether 'the Texas Rattlesnake' lay a finger on him at any time between tonight and in six days time. The truth was, he was ecstatic about the idea of getting back in between the ropes, and kicking Steve's teeth right down his throat. He looked forward to experiencing Austin seeking his ultimate redemption, on the man responsible for taking a year of his life away from him. But he warned Austin that in exchange, he looked forward to making sure that this time, in this meeting, in No Holds Barred: Austin stayed down and out, for good! The neurotic 'Heartbreak Kid' recited what he said on SmackDown this past week, that this was not going to be Stone Cold's revenge story, it was going to be Shawn Michaels' path to redemption!
He said that Austin walked around like he was the last outlaw walking the World Wrestling Federation, yet the only reason he held that right until now was because of one thing: because he was the one that kicked him to the curb! Steve had not only retired Shawn at 'the Grandaddy of Them All', nearly three years ago, but he could have risked his stability! He could have wound up confined to a wheelchair, and he was sure that Stone Cold wouldn't give a damn whether he lived or died! HBK made it perfectly clear that Sunday would be his true legacy, because although he was once 'Mr. WrestleMania', he was now known as the man that paved the way for "the Austin Era" to make its way through! Yet who would put a stop to the Austin Era? In the most perfect poetic justice anybody could imagine, it would be none other than ol' HBK himself: and he vowed to have a masterful plan of how to finish Austin, in what would be his own personal Armageddon! Shawn made a move to leave with his two hired goons, when out came HBK's supposed best friend, Triple H! Despite not having crossed paths since the Survivor Series, before any of this went public, 'the Game' walked out to the stage with a serious look on his face, confronting Shawn about his recent actions! The people of East Rutherford came to their feet, waiting for the first words out of 'the Game's mouth. They were that of disbelief, sarcastically surprised at how much time had flown by. He asked Shawn what had happened to them this past year, that he couldn't even let his friend in on the bit he was playing? He came forward believing that Shawn had held onto this master plan, this major secret for an entire year: and yet when push came to shove, he didn't even fancy letting him know? Triple H wanted to know what this friendship was all about, after all of these years.
Shawn tried to calm his longtime friend down, knowing exactly what kind of friendship and trust issues he was having, with his little buddy X-Pac. Shawn factored in that this had nothing to do with 'the Game'. This was Shawn's fight, not his. If that was the case, Hunter exclaimed that for the better part of a year, he and Steve Austin were nemeses - that he despised the path Stone Cold walked on! Shawn nodded in agreement, and told Hunter that there was no easy to break it to him - he was too weak to get the job done on 'the Rattlesnake'. The truth was that his best friend had gone soft on him, and once D-Generation X finally suffered that final nail in the coffin back at the Survivor Series - he knew he had to do it alone! Michaels exposed the truth about their friendship, that the only reason Hunter had established himself to be at the forefront of this industry as a three-time WWF Champion...was because he rode HBK's coattails, long after Shawn had retired! He tried to give him advice, way after his marriage with Stephanie McMahon went south, but now - maybe Steph was right. Maybe all alone, 'the Game' was nothing without his friends! The look on 'the Game's face said it all, mustering the words to respond. He had only luck to wish Shawn, as he prepared for Armageddon. He looked forward to seeing Austin eat him alive, and spit him back out! 'The Game' received a loud ovation and turned to leave, when Eddie Guerrero struck with a steel chair shot to the skull! 'Latino Heat' had a huge smirk on his face, ambushing the man he meets later tonight! Triple H was busted open from the blow, all the while Shawn mockingly shielded his eyes and shrugged at the brutality! Would 'the Game' be fit to compete tonight against Guerrero?
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In their office, Shane and Stephanie McMahon discussed the WWF Championship situation among themselves when in walked the champ, Kurt Angle. 'The Megastar' asked what the deal was, before reading the expression on his girlfriend's face. The Olympic Gold Medalist jumped to the conclusion that he would be facing Chris Jericho this Sunday at Armageddon. Admitting that he was fine with that, Kurt claimed that after the biggest upset of Y2J's career had been pulled over him last week, by making him tap out, Kurt was going to show exactly what kind of WWF Champion he was, when he beat that stupid Canadian idiot in decisive fashion. Chris Benoit entered the room to ask why the McMahons had called for him. Steph looked with concern at Shane, who revealed that the WWF Championship would be defended at Armageddon, with Kurt Angle defending the gold against Chris Jericho...and Chris Benoit! Angle's jaw dropped, while Benoit grinned and thanked them. With Benoit gone, Angle got angry with them for keeping him in the dark. He was the WWF Champion! Did Steph not love him like she said she did? Steph calmed her boyfriend down, assuring him that she did - but this would be the greater good of the Coalition, and get Benoit off of their backs! Shane agreed, assuring the champ that Benoit would do what's right on Sunday, and make sure he walked with the gold! Not convinced, Shane gave him a pet talk, and added that he knew Angle and Benoit were competitive, which is why tonight they would represent the Coalition against Chris Jericho and a partner of his choosing - and they both knew the wouldn't let the Coalition down! Angle left and Steph chased after him.
Back on RAW is WAR, we returned to a replay from what took place before the commercial break. We witnessed Triple H confront his so-called best friend Shawn Michaels on the rampway, regarding 'the Heartbreak Kid's recent decisions, only to be left busted wide open, courtesy of a steel chair shot from Eddie Guerrero! Back live, Eddie Guerrero dried his hands of the steel chair and walked the corridor, when Jonathan Coachman hurried to get word as to why 'Latino Heat' had stooped to such lows moments ago. Eddie laughed at Coach's questions and requested he chill out. He took everything so seriously! He was just reminding 'the Game' of what he was up against tonight. Because six days out from Armageddon, Eddie had big plans for his old flame Chyna's old flame Triple H tonight! He waved at his ex-fiancee who he figured would be watching, before warning her that tonight would be a sneak peek of what she could expect from their No-Disqualification match on Sunday!
. 1) WWF Tag Team Champions T&A def. Too Cool (4:01)It was one month ago where we witnessed the WWF Tag Team Championships change hands, when T&A took advantage of a spinal injury suffered to Scotty 2 Hotty to dethrone Too Cool. Last Thursday night saw Scotty's return to the ring, as Too Cool defeated William Regal and Joe E. Legend in their first match back. It was clear that they wanted another shot at the titles they had only held for a mere three weeks. T&A were rebounding off of the loss to the Rock and the Dudley Boyz, in the six-man tag team tables match, while Shane McMahon had made it official for Armageddon this Sunday - the Dudleys would get another shot at the titles. Scotty and Grandmaster Sexay worked together to rock Albert early with a double dropkick stunning Albert and tying him into the ropes, when Test came in with a powerful double clothesline to take control. T&A hammered away on the fully recovered Scotty 2 Hotty, trading tags and derailing him with a sidewalk slam courtesy of Test. As this happened, a rocket plummeted into the stage - bringing out the Dudley Boyz, with a table in hand! D-Von and Bubba Ray took a front row seat at ringside, setting the table up and taking a seat on it, as Scotty got the tag and Sexay came in with a head full of steam. Sexay took Albert off of his feet with a missile dropkick, while Scotty tagged in and performed the Worm! Though Test struck Scotty down with a loud big boot to the face, and Albert followed up with a Baldo Bomb to pick up the win.
The people of the Meadowlands booed loudly as T&A stumbled back to their feet, a hard-fought win tonight against the former WWF Tag Team Champions Too Cool, despite the distraction that was the Dudley Boyz seated at ringside. D-Von and Bubba Ray clappped for the champs' victory, when Test and Albert immediately slung their titles down and dared the brothers to come in for a showdown! The Dudleys hit the ring and immediately teamed up in dominant fashion, with a double clothesline sending Test out to the floor. Albert rushed Bubba with a shoulder tackle just to get the ropes, and the Dudleys executed the 3D on 'the Freight Train!' The Dudleys held the titles of T&A's up high, perhaps a sign of things to come this Sunday at Armageddon.
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In the backstage area, the Rock was seen arriving at the Continental Airlines Arena. Following the announcement from Shane McMahon on SmackDown that this could be his final week as a WWF Superstar, 'the Brahma Bull' was immediately spotted by Michael Cole, who wished to talk about the impending three-on-one handicap match. Rock immediately ordered Michael to know his role and shut his mouth, because he made it sound like there was no chance in hell of him walking out of Armageddon victorious. Rock reminded Cole that he had beaten those two greased up goofballs Edge and Christian many times before, and that tonight he was going to beat the mother of all goofballs, the world's largest, hairiest, fattest jabroni walking God's green earth, the Big Show! Rock told Michael that Shane and Stephanie McMahon could brainwash whomever they wanted, but Rock at least knew that the millions and millions of 'the Great One's fans believed that he would walk out on top! Rock carried on to the dressing room, set to meet the Big Show one-on-one tonight.
Back live from the commercial break, the new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik was spotted atop of a bench in the locker room. It appeared that the rapper was holding a meeting, attended by the likes of Steve Blackman, Val Venis, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Terri, Crash Holly and Kaientai. After performing a brief rap about leaving the United Kingdom as the champ, K-Dawg told them how true it was. He had successfully put a stop to the man behind the madness, Lance Storm in his reign as WWF Hardcore Champion. 'The Pride of Calgary' had hoped to instil so many things to rebuild the title's credibility - but he felt that it was time for a change. It was time for the title to return to its roots, its true purpose. And that is why, K-Dawg was pleased to announce that the 24/7 rule was back: starting right then! The rapper immediately hopped off the bench and hit the exit, with the crew of attendees chasing in hot pursuit!
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Inside of the arena, Debra made her way out to the ring to a huge response from the people of New Jersey. After her humiliation of Ivory at the hands of herself, the Kat and Jacqueline last Thursday night on SmackDown in the Debra Invitational Egg Nog match, the WWF Diva smiled widely to the respectful audience. She told the people how that they had now all seen Ivory's truest colors on show, and after what happened after the WWF Women's Champion was stripped of her blouse and bra was disgusting! She demanded Ivory keep her clothes on, because her body was not what anybody out there wished to see! Very quickly, the WWF Women's Champion herself came out, with Ivory dragging Lilian Garcia out with her. The people hissed towards the Right to Censor member and her personal ring announcer, as Ivory exclaimed that she had heard and seen more than enough of this blonde bimbo of the past than she ever wanted to see: telling her that this ended here and now! Ivory demanded Lilian to announce her to the ring, even demanding she declare her title was on the line! Lilian uncomfortably obliged - an impromptu title match set to take place here and now!2) Ivory (c) def. Debra to retain the WWF Women's Championship (1:29)Since her return to the World Wrestling Federation several weeks ago, Debra had been a thorn in Ivory's side. Coming back from a lengthy sabbatical, the WWF Diva was poised to get back to what she did best, and that was showing off as much of her beautiful Texas-bred body as possible for her adoring fans. The Right to Censor had taken exception, and Debra quickly found herself hiring the services of the APA to support her from the wrath of Ivory and Steven Richards. Last Thursday on SmackDown was the last straw as far as Ivory was concerned, as she would be absolutely humiliated by Debra and her fellow Divas, the Kat and Jacqueline: stripping Ivory of her blouse, and even her bra after the Debra Invitational Egg Nog match took place! A former WWF Women's Champion, Debra was accepting of the impromptu match set up by Ivory, though once the RTC member hit the ring, Debra was quick enough to tackle her to the canvas. Debra tugged away at the champ's hair and even had the temerity to hold her over her knee for a public spanking, causing the champ to escape to the floor. Debra followed, when the WWF Women's Champion would use Lilian Garcia as a human shield - throwing her into the challenger's path before nailing her with a big right hand! Ivory tossed Debra back inside and tossed her across the ring by her hair, before dropping Debra with Poison Ivory to pick up the win!
The WWF Women's Champion had been dominant in this outing against Debra, an impromptu title defense gone just the way Ivory had hoped. Lilian Garcia was disgusted with how her superior had used her as a human shield, but the champ's focus was more on the beating of Debra. She continued putting the boots to Debra, insulting the bodacious blonde and slapping her around! The APA came stomping down the rampway to a big ovation, Bradshaw and Faarooq here to come to Debra's aid...but the Right to Censor struck from behind! Steven Richards ordered Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather to dish up a beating for the beer drinkers, who rebelliously fought back, only to be blasted at ringside by Mark Henry! The RTC put the boots to the APA on the floor, before allowing them slide into the ring to come to Debra's aid. Ivory left the ring and snatched Lilian by the arm - this rivalry was reaching dangerous levels. Another set up tonight, this time orchestrated by the RTC!
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Backstage, the new WWF European Champion William Regal was in the middle of an argument with Joe E. Legend, who was furious over the fact that 'the Goodwill Ambassador' had gone beneath his nose to become champ over in the United Kingdom this past weekend! The Englishman told Joe E. he had to be joking: it was his home country of England, naturally he was the one that wanted to come out with Europe's title! Joe E. cried wolf about Regal's mentorship, demanding a title shot tonight to the Brit's hesitance. Shane McMahon arrived at the scene to calm the two down, wanting to keep the peace between the two as they were a good time. The only reason Joe E. was added to the title match at Rebellion was because of Mick Foley taking charge in the McMahons' absence. Shane promised that he would be dealt with tonight, but that in order to resolve the mess Foley had created, he was granting D-Lo Brown his rematch with Regal for the WWF European Championship. Meanwhile, Joe E. would get a shot of his own - against Rikishi, for the WWF Intercontinental Championship! Regal and Legend stared each other down, with William wishing his protege luck - the gentlemen shaking hands.
We returned to RAW to see the new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik seeking solace in the parking lot, ducking behind a car as Kaientai lurked past. Taka Michinoku and Funaki argued with one another, when Tazz suddenly came from behind! 'The One Man Crime Scene' duked it out with the rapper before sending him into a car door, then clutched the Tazzmission in on the champ! Tazz was looking to take the title as his own, when Michinoku and Funaki wound up fighting with the thug. Crash Holly snuck into frame and tried to cover a defenseless K-Kwik for a near fall, when Tazz came back and shoved 'the Houdini of Hardcore' for trying to sneak his way to the title! Crash was visibly intimidated and ran away, with 'the Human Suplex Machine' following suit! K-Kwik crawled to his feet, still the champion...but for how long?
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In the arena, D-Lo Brown made his way down to the ring, ahead of an appointed rematch made by Shane McMahon moments ago. The former WWF European Champion hoped to regain his title after losing it at Saturday's Rebellion pay-per-view event in England, against 'the Goodwill Ambassador'. William Regal made his way out to the rampway with a microphone, greetings all of his fellow Europeans in New Jersey tonight! He admitted that yes, it was true, he was now the proud representative of the European Union as far as the World Wrestling Federation was concerned. And at that, he was the most fitting candidate, acknowledging the hooligan standing in the ring. Regal claimed that D-Lo never deserved to wear this prize, that unlike Brown he would treat it with the utmost respect and admiration for his home continent! Regal turned his back to the ring to question why East Rutherford were booing him, allowing the former champ to strike with a baseball slide to the floor!3) William Regal (c) def. D-Lo Brown to retain the WWF European Championship (4:31)The WWF European Championship changed hands similarly to the WWF Hardcore Championship this past weekend at Rebellion in Sheffield, England. With Shane and Stephanie McMahon remaining in the United States, Mick Foley took charge as the key decisionmaker for the night, and a rematch tonight for D-Lo Brown was Shane O'Mac's doing to resolve what the former Commissioner authorized to take place. While Shane had plans for 'the Commish's probable punishment still to come tonight, the proud Englishman had to prove he was a worthy champ as a determined D-Lo took him to work early on. Brown hammered on Regal with ten punches in the corner when the Englishman shot him off with a big uppercut. D-Lo came back with a calf kick and a hurricanrana for a near fall. The challenger wanted to take back his title when Regal surprised him with another sharp European uppercut! Regal immediately grounded D-Lo and scored with a double underhook suplex, before wedging his knee against the side of Brown's face against the turnbuckle pad. Regal risked disqualification, though it didn't seem to matter to the Brit who would have retained the title. The new champ attempted to apply the Regal Stretch when D-Lo reversed into a roll-up, and then caught the Brit with Sky High! D-Lo climbed to the top rope for the Lo Down, but Regal was able to get his knees up! Driven into the ribcage of D-Lo, William followed with the Regal Cutter to retain the title!
William Regal had managed to make his first defense of the WWF European Championship, which he won only two nights ago in his home country of England! Proving to be a formidable representative of Europe in the World Wrestling Federation, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' saluted the people by raising the title high while pained, waving towards the booing Continental Airlines Arena.
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Shane McMahon was suddenly all geared to go, dressed not in a shirt and suit trousers but a baseball jersey and trackpants! He shadowboxed in the McMahons' office, when his sister Stephanie McMahon entered the room. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' spoke about how Kurt Angle was dealing with the news, wanting to know whether they made the right decision by having him face both Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. Shane assured his sister that 'the Rabid Wolverine' might be a hothead, but he knew a wise man when he saw him. Benoit would without a doubt do what's right for business over his own wants - it's what made him a loyal soldier in the Coalition. Steph wasn't convinced, comparing him to a very hungry dog, but Shane switched topics. He told her that they could cross that bridge when they came to it - but right now he was going to hit Mick Foley where it hurt, in the ring! Even Steph didn't know what her brother had planned for the former Commissioner.
In the backstage area, The Undertaker was sat on his motorcycle when Kevin Kelly approached 'the American Badass' for comment. With six days remaining until the Street Fight in 'the Deadman's yard, Kevin asked what Undertaker had to offer Raven, come Armageddon. Coolly, the veteran removed his shades and told Kevin that there was a lot of things that he could expect. Pain. Suffering. A beating of a lifetime. The one thing that Raven needed to learn was that he could not keep 'the Deadman' down for long. After the crowbar beating he suffered to start this whole beef, and the beating he received last week on SmackDown, there was nothing that would stop 'the Deadman'. And for Raven, he hoped he knew that he was in harm's way, and would learn the hardest way whose yard this really was! But that wasn't why he was here. He knew that Raven was running scared, because he knew the big dog that ran the yard would be coming for his punk ass. He was here to have the back of the Rock. He'd seen how the Coalition had treated him, how Shane McMahon wanted him out. To the McMahons he had to say, he was going to make damn sure that they knew that the Rock could count on his full support, and if Edge, Christian or even Shane stuck his head where it didn't belong tonight: maybe he'd have something to say about it!
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Following the chilling warning from the Undertaker, Shane McMahon made his way down the rampway to loud boos from the capacity crowd in the Continental Airlines Arena. Shane O'Mac was dressed to compete, and it was no mistake that following the Rebellion pay-per-view that took place in England this past weekend, that he had a major punishment in store for Mick Foley. In the ring he received loud calls of "assh*le" chanted his way, though Shane appeared to have taken well to the pressure of a hostile crowd. He understood the rage of the Meadowlands, because they wanted something they couldn't have. They all wanted justice for Mick Foley, and they wanted to see the so-called 'Commish' back in charge: running the World Wrestling Federation! Shane said it wasn't hard to see why, but he needed to remind everybody why 'the Hardcore Legend' was no longer the Commissioner. For the greater good of the World Wrestling Federation, himself and sister Stephanie McMahon had taken over following Team Foley's loss back at the Survivor Series. That meant that on a single whim, he or Steph could simply turn around to the soon-to-be father of three, with a big nice condo in the suburbs, and fire him! How would Mick pay the bills, come out of retirement again and fight in some bingo hall for a living? Maybe live out his book sales and take a job at a hardware store - but of course, who knew what Mick would do when put in the position of climbing a ladder! Instead, Shane O'Mac had another idea in mind for Mick Foley. They'd explored different avenues and opportunities for 'the Hardcore Legend'. He'd been a janitor, he'd been a merchandiser, and for some reason he'd also been an acting official again. But that would never happen again, because tonight Mick Foley's role would be to come out to this ring...and lay down for the real boss, Shane O'Mac! McMahon reminded Mick that this was not a request, but a demand as an employer to an employee, and Mick Foley soon came out.
'The Hardcore Legend' was dressed in his usual dresscode of a flannel shirt and sweatpants, and he appeared perplexed at the request posed by his apparent boss. Mick climbed into a ring when Shane called a referee to come out to the ring to make the call. Shane stared at Mick from across the ring, explaining that this is exactly what he had coming to him. When was Mick going to learn, he wasn't in charge - he lost that power with his own ignorance! Shane ordered him to lay down, but Mick instead grabbed the microphone in protest. Foley admitted that he had done some evil deeds over the years. He had fallen from Hell in a Cell, he had landed on concrete floors and thumbtacks, Driven himself from ladders and utilized barbwire for its darkest intents - but when it came to working for Shane O'Mac, none of that compared to what he was asking him to do tonight! Mick told Shane that he was absolutely right - he had two kids at home in his expensive house in the 'burbs, a third child on the way in fact. Without his contract, he couldn't afford to pay for all of those bills, he couldn't afford to provide for his wife, and he couldn't afford to provide for his children. Since being demoted he had mopped floors, scrubbed toilets, handed out shirts and been all fours cleaning more than he ever hoped to admit! But when it came to Shane O'Mac...he didn't know whether he could lay down for him, because he didn't know if he could sacrifice his pride, dignity, and fourteen long years in this industry to lay down for the boss's son! Mick Foley refused to lay down for Shane McMahon, who warned 'the Hardcore Legend' that he was not afraid to fire him on the spot right now. Foley again shook his head, when McMahon again demanded he lay down or have his entire legacy destroyed, and wiped clean from the history books. McMahon wanted the highground over Mick, who finally relented and sat down on the canvas. Mick raised his hands in defense, before laying down in the middle of the ring.
Shane O'Mac ordered the referee call for the bell, before covered 'the Hardcore Legend' for a two count when Mick chose to kick out! Foley got up and screamed at Shane that he could not bring himself to do it, he could not and would not for a silver spoon-fed son of a b*tch like him! Shane was furious and pointed the finger at the chest of the former Commissioner, telling him that if he didn't want to "put him over", it left him no other choice than to fire himself right now! Shane got ready to deliver the infamous two words popularized by his father Vince McMahon, when Chris Jericho made his way out to the rampway! The people of New Jersey came to their feet, as Y2J interrupted the lame shenanigans that 'the Wonderboy' Shane O'Mac had concocted up. Everybody knew how Shane was the product of his father's grapefruits, but this was about as neurotic, self-absorbed and selfish as Vince McMahon could get! Shane tried to respond but Y2J ordered he please shut the hell up - in the same vain as the Rock! In all seriousness, when Jericho heard that he had been elected to challenge for the WWF Championship this Sunday at Armageddon, he was enamored. He was starstruck, he was honored, flattered - all of the words under the sun! Because for the first time ever, on December 10, a ten year long journey would come to a close, with Chris Jericho achieving his boyhood dream of becoming WWF Champion, baby! Shane warned Y2J for meddling in his business, that he had better concentrate on finding a worthy tag team partner for tonight - or risk being tied up in knots by two of the very best, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit ahead of Armageddon! As Shane spoke, Mick rolled him up from behind - the referee counting the three! Foley slipped out of the ring and took a victory lap around the ringside area, leaving Shane on his bottom in the ring, livid at what had just taken place! Jericho smirked at Shane before leaving, but his intrusion of this "match" could unravel with severe repercussions!
We returned to a replay from moments ago, where Shane McMahon planned to humiliate Mick Foley in the middle of the ring by having him lay down for the McMahon in charge. Mick complied, with his hearty salary at risk if he refused, but ultimately 'the Hardcore Legend' could not bring himself to giving Shane the honor. Chris Jericho would interrupt with some heavy claims regarding achieving his boyhood dream and leaving Armageddon with the WWF Championship, when Foley would roll Shane up for a sudden three count! McMahon was livid, Foley took a victory lap, and Y2J smirked with amusement. Back live Shane McMahon was seen yelling at Stephanie McMahon in the hall, declaring that Chris Jericho had no reason to be out there and get in the way of Mick Foley's punishment. Shane threw a bottle of water on the floor in frustration, telling his sister that there would be hell to pay tonight! WWF Champion Kurt Angle arrived, asking Shane if he knew now how crazy Chris Jericho could be. But Shane needn't worry, because once he was in that ring with Y2J later tonight, he would get revenge for Shane. Why? Because he was the WWF Champion. Stephanie was surprised to hear her boyfriend make that promise, Angle smiling and walking away with a plan in mind for Jericho! What had Y2J gotten himself into?
. 4) Triple H def. Eddie Guerrero by disqualification (5:16)With these two men preparing for emotional battles set to take place this Sunday at Armageddon, neither could afford a loss to the other with six days to spare. After succumbing defeat at the hands of a Pedigree last Thursday night on SmackDown in tag team action, 'Latino Heat' had demanded a one-on-one confrontation with Triple H tonight on RAW is WAR. But 'the Game' was notably not walking in at 100%, having been blasted with a steel chair and busted wide open courtesy of the under-handed former WWF Intercontinental Champion, just one hour ago. The friendship between 'the Game' and Shawn Michaels was on the rocks, but despite this 'the Game' came stomping out to the ring to exact revenge - just to once again be attacked from behind by Guerrero! Triple H looked to fight back just for Eddie to dropkick the knee from under him. The braced knee of 'the Game was a sign of weakness in Guerrero's eyes, as he stomped away at it before applying a kneebar variation of the figure-four leglock. Triple H was able to power through and flip it around on his opponent, before catching Guerrero off the middle rope with a spinebuster! 'The Cerebral Assassin' would show his face by spearing 'Latino Heat' to the canvas and offloading with some heavy-handed clenched fists, when all of a sudden X-Pac came rushing down to the ring, again jumping his former friend from behind!
X-Pac had sabotaged Triple H's retribution on Eddie Guerrero, for the sneak attacks made tonight! 'The Man' that caused D-Generation X to crumble to an end at the Survivor Series continued to put the boots to his longtime friend, until 'the Game' fired back to his feet, ducking a roundhouse kick and taking him down with a big clothesline! Triple H mounted X-Pac and hammered on him when Eddie came from behind, but the two-on-one beatdown would go prevented once Chyna came stomping down to the ring! X-Pac fled from the ring as Triple H followed up, leaving the ring for the two ex-fiancees! As Triple H revealed a hidden sledgehammer from under the ring, 'the Game' glared at a fleeting X-Pac who rushed up the side of the stage to safety, with his former friend not far behind him!
Eddie dropped to his knees and begged for mercy against the fierce demeanor of 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', when Eddie suddenly rolled to the floor and dragged Chyna down with him! Eddie followed with some heinous shots to the back of his ex-lover's head, throwing her face first into the steel steps! Eddie was demented, screaming at the woman that broke off their wedding and grabbing a steel chair. Chyna was laid with her back against the steps, as Eddie threatened to swing the chair at his former loved one before resisting. Guerrero appeared to have a soul after all, while Chyna laid prone and defenceless. Instead, Eddie chuckled to himself and prepared to swing again when referees hit the ringside area: to save Chyna from what was sure to be a brain-damaging blow to the head! Guerrero left on his own terms after being restrained, while Chyna gritted her teeth in anger. She was not done with her ex-fiancee, and the No-Disqualification match at Armageddon would surely be the place!
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Backstage, the WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik waltzed with a keen eye on anybody that walked past him. Finally without anybody on his tail, the new champ that had revived the 24/7 rule earlier tonight had found himself an opportunity to relax. K-Dawg walked with ease knowingly, when all of a sudden X-Pac came rushing past him, causing the rapper to jump in shock! X-Pac hurried down the hall with Triple H soon shoving the new champ to the side, the sledgehammer wielding 'Cerebral Assassin' coming for his former longtime friend following another attempted ambush! Triple H pursued X-Pac to the parking lot, daring 'the Kid' to fight like a real man for once. He asked X-Pac why he was such a yellow-bellied assh*le jumping him from behind, and provoked X-Pac to fight, as he jumped into the nearest car he could find, and drove on out of the Continental Airlines Arena! 'The Game' was left screaming after him, counting down the days to Armageddon!
Back live on RAW, we went to a replay from what took place moments ago, between Triple H and X-Pac. After his match with Eddie Guerrero ended in disqualification following the interference of his irritable former friend, a bandaged Triple H was quick to fend him off, quickly grabbing his sledgehammer and chasing him away from the building in the nearest car he could find. During the break Triple H was seen pacing back and forth in the parking lot, when approached by Kevin Kelly who looked for a comment. 'The Game' did not have much to say, exclaiming that he was sick of his friends' bullsh*t. Everybody had gone their separate way and that was fine. But now, he was awake and alive. At Armageddon he planned to make X-Pac realize exactly what it was like to be fighting on his own. He called himself 'the Man', and that was right because he wasn't a Kid anymore. But X-Pac had to prove what made him a man, and that day would come this Sunday, with Triple H proving why he was that damn good! Triple H turned around to receive a shot from a lead pipe - it was X-Pac! The former D-Generation X member had never really left the building, and left his former friend laying on the parking lot floor! X-Pac screamed that they'd see who was that damn good at Armageddon!
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Back live, Mick Foley was walking down the hall with his hands raised high, ordering two backstage assistants to raise their palms for a passing double high-five! 'The Hardcore Legend' chanted his own surname in rhythm, when approached by Jonathan Coachman. The Coach wanted to know how Mick felt after having shown up Shane McMahon, and Mick felt absolutely excellent. He once said at WrestleMania, the grandest stage of them all, that he would be celebrating by going to Disneyland - but tonight, after defeating the dastardly villain Shane O'Mac: he was going to treat himself by ordering pizza for the family, and heading home early! Coachman tried asking Mick about any further potential punishments from Shane, but Mick left the building with his fists raised high, chanting his own name some more!
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In the ring, the Japanese contingent of Kaientai were waiting for tag team competition. After Funaki fell in defeat at the hands of Matt Hardy, and Taka Michinoku was shown up by Hardy's good friend Lita, we were in for a unique tag team encounter. Kaientai snickered amongst themselves, speaking obnoxiously loudly in Japanese over the microphone! The two then spoke in broken English, mocking the Hardy Boyz, and implicating Jeff Hardy of crying over bad ache! Taka and Funaki laughed as they insulted Team Xtreme and called Lita a man, when Matt Hardy and Lita made their way out to the ring, having heard enough!
5) Matt Hardy and Lita def. Kaientai (2:52)As Jeff Hardy remained sidelined by a back injury suffered prior to the Survivor Series last month, Matt Hardy had not exactly been waiting for his younger brother's return, to make some noise. On Sunday Night Heat last night on MTV, Matt was victorious against Funaki following some much-needed assistance of Lita, who countered the interference of Taka Michinoku. A Moonsault from the former WWF Women's Champion to Taka only irritated Kaientai, and brought them to request for this unique intergender tag team match tonight. Taka wished for Lita to start, and when the two locked up he was pleasant surprised to get the redhead from behind. Lita arm dragged her way free and sweeped the legs for a near fall, before catching Taka off the ropes with a headscissors! Matt came in and got on all fours, with Lita delivering with some Poetry in Motion of their own. Matt and Lita exchanged turns in attacking Taka, when Funaki grabbed her by the hair off the ropes! Kaientai double-teamed Lita with Funaki holding the tomboy's arms behind her head - a dropkick scoring a near fall. Michinoku plotted to put her away with a Michinoku Driver, when Lita nailed him with a hurricanrana: and Matt made the tag! Hardy caught Funaki with a Side Effect for a near fall, when Taka jumped him from behind. Lita nailed Taka with the flying headscissors off the top, when Matt put Funaki down with the Twist of Fate - when Lita tagged herself in for the Moonsault to defeat Funaki!
With Jeff Hardy surely watching from home, Matt Hardy and Lita had done Team Xtreme's camp proud tonight, with a big victory against the likes of Taka Michinoku and Funaki of Kaientai! Lita hugged Matt after the bell, with Hardy raising his friend's hand in victory. A good showing, while Taka watched with a look of heartbreak on the face of Taka, caused by Lita.
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Shawn Michaels was in his own private dressing room, eating salad after the comments he shared earlier with longtime best friend, Triple H. Two security guards were stationed by the door, when it opened to reveal Michael Cole, being denied access to the room! 'The Heartbreak Kid' permitted Cole into the room, who had some questions for HBK. Michael asked about the security guards, and after what he had to say earlier tonight for Stone Cold Steve Austin, he wanted to know whether HBK feared the idea of Stone Cold Steve Austin coming for him tonight, and forgetting about Armageddon! Shawn theorized that that would be a boneheaded decision by 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Stone Cold had waited thirteen months to get his hands on the man that attacked him, the last thing he wanted to do was jeopardize that! Besides, Austin hadn't even bothered to turn up tonight! Michael asked Shawn about any potential ring rust, or lingering injuries that could prevent him from making his in-ring return. Michaels shrugged and flapped his gums, confessing him to Cole that really - it was none of his business. Shawn signalled the guards to remove Michael, leaving Michaels to chuckle and shake his head.
Back live on RAW is WAR, we went deep into the heart of Times Square, where inside WWF New York stood Trish Stratus on the stage! The beautiful manager of T&A had not been seen since being driven through a table by the Dudley Boyz at the Survivor Series, and Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were quick to ask for an update on her condition. Trish admitted that if there was anything she wanted to do, it would be to accompany her boys, Test and Albert, as they prepared to once again defend the WWF Tag Team Championships against the Dudleys this Sunday. But that wouldn't happen. Trish admitted that she was back to full health, but that after what Bubba Ray and D-Von had done to her there was no way she could be ringside with either of those two brutes! J.R. noted that Trish had been spending a lot more time in Ohio Valley Wrestling in her absence, to which Trish noted how much she had been training. When she came back she wasn't going to be an innocent bystanders, abused and assaulted by the WWF Superstars and Divas. When she came back, she promised complete and utter Stratusfaction!.
In the arena, the WWF European Champion William Regal had once again made his way out to ringside, where this time he was joining Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at the announce table! 'The Goodwill Ambassador' and 'the King' shook hands as Jerry applauded Regal on a hard-fought defense against D-Lo Brown, with the two complimenting one another. The champ declared that if he was in charge of England, it would be Lawler in Buckingham Palace - not the Queen.
6) Rikishi (c) def. Joe E. Legend to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (2:29)Feeling slighted by his mentor, after falling short of capturing the WWF European Championship this past weekend at Rebellion, Joe E. Legend had returned from the United Kingdom with a chip on his shoulder. There was clearcut tension between William Regal and his alleged protege as a result, but Shane McMahon had hoped to appease Joe E. by granting the youngster his first ever shot at the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Rikishi had contributed to Too Cool picking up the win against Regal and Legend last week on SmackDown, ending when 'Big Kish' planted his large derriere in the face of the Englishman. Regal spoke disparagingly of the 400-pound Samoan as Joe E. jumped the gun from the beginning of the bout. The challenger brought fight to Rikishi, but the size advantage of the champ enabled him to trap Joe E. with a series of clobbering headbutts! Joe E. was entrapped within his clutches, and a belly-to-back suplex scored him a near fall. Legend continued to try and fight back, a sunset flip only allowing Rikishi to drop his super-heavyweight body butt-first on the chest of the youngster! Legend recovered in the corner when Rikishi struck with a thump in the corner, before signalling for the Stinkface! Regal immediately left commentary and climbed the apron to attack the champ, only for 'Big Kish' to knock him down! Legend attempted the Hospital Job, but it went reversed into the Rikishi Driver - the Samoan retaining the title.
The WWF Intercontinental Champion had retained his title, despite the heart of Joe E. Legend and the attempted assistance of Legend's mentor William Regal! Rikishi raised his fists in dominance, a true fighting champion when suddenly 'the Goodwill Ambassador' tried to jump him from behind! The WWF European Champion had been upset by Rikishi's Stinkface suffered on SmackDown, but 'Big Kish' welcomed the fight and rocked him with a super kick! Regal and Legend in the same corner, Rikishi thumped both of them, with William taking a spill to the floor. It left Legend open to receive the Stinkface - backed up to perfection in the corner! Regal had an inner-fight with himself over whether to save his protege, but chose against it, instead looking on in disgust of the 400-pound fellow champ!
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In the locker room area Edge and Christian appeared to be checking out their new action figures from Jakks Pacific, with Christian complaining that his head was too big - and he was totally in way better shape than the toymakers gave him credit for! Edge agreed and noted that the headscan may totally rule, but he was so much hotter than they sculpted him to be. The two joked that at least this would make them some serious moolah, when in walked a serious Big Show. 'The Giant' questioned why the brothers were hanging out and having fun. They had a hugely important match on Sunday, and they were playing with their little dolls! The 500-pounder angrily asked whether everybody in the Coalition had lost their mind: they were a team, a family! He didn't think the Canadians knew how important it was to get rid of the Rock come Armageddon. He recited that Rock stole the spotlight from him, he took the credit for winning the Royal Rumble. Rock stole his WWF Championship match at WrestleMania. And after everything Rock had done, it was finally time for him to take back what he deserved! Edge and Christian apologized, while Show demanded them to get focused and study, because he was going to make sure 'the Brahma Bull' didn't make it to Sunday!
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The Rock was spotted leaving his dressing room, all dressed for competition. 'The Great One' was moments away from another battle with the Big Show, one of three men he must meet this Sunday at Armageddon. Rock walked with laser focus, determined for the handicap match at Armageddon. But with his career at stake when live on pay-per-view, could this mark 'the People's Champ's final match on RAW is WAR?
We returned to see a vignette of Raven seated in a scarcely dressed apartment. Laughing to himself hysterically, the masochistic enigma leaned forward with his arms on his extended knees. Raven chattered to himself, reciting the irony of the fact that in six days time, he was prepared to go to war. He was prepared to go to war with the Undertaker in his yard...yet it was a Street Fight! Letting us in on his apparent past, once upon a time he was living on the streets. He used to fight on the streets for sandwiches, so if 'the Deadman' fancied patronizing him anymore, he knew all about what fighting on the streets was like! Raven laughed at the fact that 'the American Badass' just didn't quite know when to say when. Undertaker would have rather gotten his ass kicked than to never gotten his ass kicked at all, and that was just the way he'd been. Raven listed the ten years of destruction courtesy of 'the Deadman', and now he had been added to that list! Undertaker had delivered and made him famous...but he still didn't realize that this wasn't 'the Deadman's yard anymore. It was Raven's funhouse, his asylum, and that come Armageddon, it would be the Undertaker's too! Raven continued to laugh, as the December wind blew through the curtains beside his head, seated on the apartment's wooden floor.
. 7) Big Show def. The Rock (4:29)So it was official that in six nights time at Armageddon, it could potentially mark the last time the Rock step foot in a World Wrestling Federation ring. Last week on SmackDown the resilience of 'the Brahma Bull' had finally struck a nerve with the bitter Shane McMahon. In the McMahons' vision of the company, they had no plans for the Rock, hence why they had to back him into a corner. The match was set for Sunday night, a must-win match for Rock as he prepared to face three Coalition members at the same time. The Big Show was one of them, and he was clearly bitter in his own rights for everything he held Rock responsible for from the past year! Rock raced to the ring and brought the fight to 'the Giant', who immediately batted him away. Show choked 'the People's Champ' in the corner, before laying in a gigantic chop heard across the Meadowlands. Rock was finally able to fight back, reversing a powerslam into a DDT! Rock nipped up and took the big man down with two clotheslines off the ropes, before looking for a Samoan drop, only to surrender under the 500-pounder's weight! Show was back in control, but not for long as he came off the second rope with an ambitious diving elbow drop to the canvas! Rock finally body slammed 'the Giant', and stalked him for the Rock Bottom when Edge and Christian came to ringside to grab on his ankles! Show took advantage and went blow for blow with Rock, when the Undertaker jogged out to ringside, fighting off the Canadian! Rock tried for a Rock Bottom that went blocked, and 'the Giant' planted him with a huge Chokeslam, for a shocking three count!
To the horror of East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Big Show had just pinned the Rock in what might well be his final appearance on RAW is WAR! The Undertaker looked up and was shocked by the sight of the towering 'Giant', who had his fists raised in victory. 'The American Badass' climbed inside and fought it out with Big Show, who was rocked by a big boot! Undertaker grabbed Show by the throat and plotted the biggest Chokeslam one could imagine, when Edge and Christian came from behind with a chop block to the legs of 'the Deadman!' Show big booted Undertaker in return, when Rock tried to make the save - just to receive a leg drop from the 500-pounder!
Edge and Christian were definitely more focused than before, as they confiscated two steel chairs from ringside and executed Rock with a deadly Conchairto! Undertaker rolled over to attend to 'the People's Champ', pained himself, now having to worry not just about Raven and the Street Fight on Sunday! Big Show raised the hands of Edge and Christian who raised the chairs high, the Coalition on a power trip, with six days remaining until the career threatening handicap match against Rock, at Armageddon!
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Backstage, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle reluctantly walked hand-in-hand with girlfriend Stephanie McMahon. There was no smile on 'the Megastar's face anymore, as the two shared the corridor with Chris Benoit who smirked to himself. These two Coalition members were to meet in a Triple Threat match for the Olympic Gold Medalist's title on Sunday, but were tag team partners tonight. Down another corridor walked the third man in Triple Threat - Chris Jericho. Y2J walked self-assured, despite the fact nobody knew what to expect. Did Jericho have a partner in mind? Did Shane McMahon have a trick up his sleeve after being embarrassed by Jericho earlier tonight? The main event was up next!
Back live on RAW is WAR, Chris Benoit was the first member of the Coalition to make his way down to the ring, ahead of a tag team main event. 'The Rabid Wolverine' still had a smirk on his face, perhaps knowing that he was days away from an opportunity to become WWF Champion. His tag team partner and faction-mate came next, with Stephanie McMahon walking out to the stage with her boyfriend, 'the Megastar' Kurt Angle prepped for competition. An intense look on his face, Angle raised his hands in the air to ignite pyrotechnics either side of him, heading to the ring. Once there, Angle and Benoit got nose to nose - that burning competitive spirit to be the best perhaps clouding the group's future. Steph had to get between the two as they bickered at one another, when the lights went out - and the countdown began!
A pyrotechnics blast excited the Meadowlands crowd, as Chris Jericho stepped out to the rampway. After showing up Shane McMahon in his latest ploy to humiliate and diminish Mick Foley's legacy, Y2J also had a target on his back. The third man in Sunday's Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship, Jericho was the underdog and he knew it full well. Jericho had kept it quiet whom his partner would be, when he turned back towards the stage and waved...his partner was Stone Cold Steve Austin! In the comfort of his dressing room, Shawn Michaels could be seen standing to his feet in shock. 'The Heartbreak Kid' could not believe his eyes, that 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was dumb enough to compete, six days out from their explosive No Holds Barred encounter!
8) Stone Cold Steve Austin and Chris Jericho def. WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit (w/Stephanie McMahon) (6:11)And so 'the Texas Rattlesnake' had elected to show his face here tonight in the Meadowlands. Six days away from the No Holds Barred war to be expected with the man that tried to end his career for good one year ago, Austin was ready for Shawn Michaels: and ready to take out some frustration on the Coalition! After submitting the WWF Champion one week ago on RAW is WAR to the Walls of Jericho, Y2J was prepared for whatever Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit had in store for him. The Triple Threat match had potential to be similarly as explosive, with none of the Coalition knowing what to expect with 'the Rabid Wolverine' desperately wanting the Olympic Gold Medalist's title to be his own. A four-man free-for-all started the match out, and very quickly did Austin and Jericho rid the ring of Angle and Benoit. Austin followed suit by battling with his nemesis, 'the Crippler' on the floor, when Jericho flew with a dive onto Angle! Y2J got the better of Angle early on, chopping away at him in the corner before tagging in Austin, for a Lou Thesz Press! Austin hammered on Angle, before tossing him Benoit's way! Austin wanted Benoit, and 'the Wolverine' met with 'the Rattlesnake' for a war! Backstage, Shawn Michaels ordered the two guards to accompany him: he had to go and meet Steve Austin!
Chris Jericho and Stone Cold teamed up with a double flapjack for Chris Benoit, but a distraction from Stephanie McMahon soon allowed him to strike with a big backbreaker! 'The Rabid Wolverine' reluctantly tagged in Kurt Angle, who did not know what to make of this team effort. Together they worked away at Y2J, surely aiming to improve their chances of winning on Sunday, but also to please Shane McMahon after what Jericho allowed to happen earlier tonight. Angle restrained Jericho in a crossface chickenwing, while Austin desperately seeked the tag. Finally Y2J was able to bounce off the middle rope with a pin combination for a near fall, when an enzuigiri rocked the Olympian! Jericho got the tag to Austin, who ran wild on both Benoit and Angle! Stone Cold drove a sharp elbow into the scalp of Benoit before pummelling him with right hands. Angle looked to jump Austin but caught Benoit instead, and a Stunner dropped Angle! Jericho got the tag and looked for the Walls of Jericho on Benoit, who reversed into a cross-armbreaker - Austin able to break it up! On the rampway walked Shawn Michaels with his two security guards, and Austin immediately clocked him! Austin left the ring and tried to confront HBK, barred by the two officials. Angle snuck up on Y2J for the Olympic Slam who countered into the Walls, when Benoit caught him with the Crossface! Jericho was on the verge of submission - when Jericho reversed into a roll-up to pick up the win!
As Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels barked at one another on the rampway, with the two security guards restraining 'the Texas Rattlesnake', inside Chris Jericho had his hand raised in victory! Chris Benoit rolled out to the floor in anger. 'The Rabid Wolverine's Crossface had been compromised by Y2J, who had come out on top against both men he meets at Armageddon! Chris Jericho's hopes and dreams of acquiring his destiny of becoming WWF Champion remained alive, while at ringside Kurt Angle got right in Benoit's face! Benoit pushed back, whilst Stephanie McMahon was forced to get between them once more! The Coalition's relationship with the WWF Championship depended on the Triple Threat match this Sunday night, all the while 'the Heartbreak Kid' and 'the Rattlesnake' continued to trash talk one another. The end was near, Armageddon would see all hell break loose! |
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Post by DTP. on Sept 22, 2020 9:47:38 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Sept 25, 2020 3:35:25 GMT -5
 SmackDown! - December 7, 2000
Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
Broadcast on UPN
Taped December 5, 2000
A video package aired, showing the craziness that surrounded RAW is WAR this past Monday night. After Shane McMahon had declared that Armageddon this Sunday night on pay-per-view would see Kurt Angle defend the WWF Championship against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, tensions began to rise even more between 'the Rabid Wolverine' and 'the Megastar'. It was no secret that Benoit wanted the title, but to the insistence of Stephanie and Shane McMahon, they were ordered to team up in the main event. With Shawn Michaels in attendance, there had been no sign of Stone Cold Steve Austin until the main event, as he was revealed to be Y2J's mystery partner to battle the dysfunctional Coalition duo. In the midst of a wild four-man brawl, 'the Heartbreak Kid' arrived on the stage to embark on a war of words with Stone Cold - who was disallowed close contact to the man he was to meet at Armageddon. Michaels' guards restrained Stone Cold as a shouting match ensued, whilst in the ring Y2J was able to best Benoit to come out victorious! Angle and Benoit got into a war of words of their own at ringside despite the efforts of Stephanie, with all hell sure to break loose at Armageddon!
The opening video package aired, taking us to the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden! The pyrotechnics exploded across the stage and in the rafters above, with three days remaining until Armageddon, live on pay-per-view! Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler gleefully welcomed us to New York City, New York for SmackDown! only three days away from what was sure to be a chaotic night. But before that, MSG was prepared to see The Rock team with the Undertaker to take on Edge and Christian tonight! Plus, the APA seeked revenge for Monday's attack against the Right to Censor, in a tag team Falls Count Anywhere match! The people at WWF New York down the road were equally as stoked, the jammed entertainment complex ready for SmackDown to begin!
A car's tires screeching was heard, meaning only one thing: the arrival of Mick Foley! The ex-Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation was universally beloved by the people of New York City, as he wandered down to ringside to sit beside Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler at ringside! 'The Hardcore Legend' explained that following his triumphant victory over Shane McMahon on RAW is WAR, Stephanie McMahon had decided to try and sweep him on the rug. That meant tonight, he was out here to join Cole and 'the King' for an entire night of action! Mick exclaimed that commentary duty totally ruled!
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Madison Square Garden quickly broke out into boos, once the WWF Champion made his way out to the stage! Walking to the ring without his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon, Kurt Angle did not look happy to be in New York City tonight. With the Triple Threat match on his mind this Sunday at Armageddon, the tracksuit-clad Olympic Gold Medalist heard the hostile cries of MSG, once he picked up a microphone. Angle told the people that he wasn't happy to see any of them either. This was absolutely madness, and what happened on RAW is WAR was crazy! Angle shunned the negative reaction from the people by asking them if that was really the reception that the WWF Champion deserved. They agreed, causing him to denounce NYC as one of the most polluted, disgusting cities in the United States of America - and he loved USA, but this place was disgusting! Angle expressed his dismay at the decision for Armageddon, citing that Chris Jericho was one thing - but Chris Benoit was a loose freakin' cannon! 'The Megastar' didn't know what to make of 'the Rabid Wolverine', noting how he was on the Coalition's side one night, and down their throat the next! But he perfectly understood the situation, and begrudgingly accepted Shane and his lovely girlfriend's decision to hold this match - if anything because he knew full well that Benoit was a no good snake! It appeared there were more problems with the Coalition than it seemed. Chris Benoit made his way out to the ring next, causing Kurt Angle to mouth off at the snickering 'Rabid Wolverine', who took to the microphone to respond. Benoit questioned if Angle was the "fighting champion" he was, and the "man to take on all comers" that he was, why was he so afraid of a 'Crippler' like him? Benoit acknowledged how he knew how it looked. Kurt's still strung up on WrestleMania!
Benoit reminded Angle of the shame he felt when both Benoit and Jericho dethroned Angle of both the WWF Intercontinental Championship and WWF European Championship. Angle screamed that he was a better wrestler now - he was a 'Megastar'. Benoit told Kurt that maybe he was right, he did want the WWF Championship. But Angle's ego had gotten way out of control! Benoit asked Angle if he had ever considered switching to decaf, and acknowledged how his face had gone red with rage. Benoit smiled as he suggested Kurt relax, because much like Shane McMahon told him on Monday - Chris Benoit would make the right decision for business come Armageddon. That meant Angle could trust him, no doubt about it. They had a common enemy in Chris Jericho, the man Benoit had been trying to take out for months. Benoit promised no funny business, that they could finally team up and remove Y2J from the equation - destroy him, and become a nonfactor! But at that moment, he wanted himself to wrestle with the very best the World Wrestling Federation had to offer by himself: the WWF Champion, Kurt Angle. Benoit said that he trusted Kurt, but could Angle trust him? It was unsure where Shane and Stephanie McMahon were, but before Kurt Angle could respond to Chris Benoit's question of trust, the countdown began - and the pyrotechnics erupted!
Chris Jericho made his way out to the stage, declaring that MSG was Jericho! The people in New York City were affectionate towards Y2J, who made fun of the little predicament going on in the ring. Jericho made it known that he liked neither one of them. In fact, he detested Kirk Angel and Mr. Roboto so much, if he had to win the WWF Championship from either one of them, he'd rather fight himself! Funnily enough, that's what the outcome of Sunday could shape up to being, when Y2J, after a ten year journey finally wins the big one and brings it home! Jericho referenced his father Ted Irvine, famous Stanley Cup earner for the New York Rangers, declaring that he had gold in his blood - and when it came to Benoit and Angle's lovers quarrel over what went in or out of Stephanie McMahon's mouth, Y2J frankly didn't give a damn. Y2J was going to do what he did last Monday night, and overcome both knuckleheads, and bring the WWF Championship around the waist of 'the Sexy Beast', baby! Angle ordered both of his challengers to shut their mouths, finally having heard enough. Between the two of them, neither of them deserved the WWF Championship. Not only did they lack the Three Is, but they lacked the courageousness, the heart, the spirit and the abilities of a 'Megastar' like him! Jericho took this as an invitation, uttering why they should wait for Sunday! Y2J hit the ring into the waiting hands of the Coalition, who both beat down on Jericho. Jericho managed to tackle Angle to the canvas, before dropping Benoit with a flying forearm! Jericho freed himself from the Olympic Slam and caught Angle in the Walls of Jericho, when Benoit grabbed a steel chair from ringside and slammed it across the spine of Jericho, before drilling him with a DDT on top of the chair! Perplexed, Angle was helped to his feet by Benoit in awe. The two shook hands and Benoit left - what was up with this loose cannon Canadian? Could Angle trust him after this?
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In their office, the APA were slapping the gloves on ahead of what was sure to be a wild Falls Count Anywhere tag team match with the Right to Censor when Debra appeared at their side. Dressed like the southern belle that she was, the three were approached by Kevin Kelly who asked Bradshaw and Faarooq what their strategy was against Steven Richards and his goons. Bradshaw passionately reminded the people that as Americans, it was the peoples' duties to do whatever the hell they wanted. That meant they didn't need to take any of the RTC's garbage. For months Steven and his brainwashed drones had dictated what the audience wanted. But this was New York City - the city that never sleeped. Tonight, the APA were going to put their freedom of speech to good use: by kicking all of their asses! Faarooq quietly told Bradshaw it was time to go - the match up next!
Back on SmackDown, a replay reviewed the scene that took place in the ring. An insecure Kurt Angle found himself confronted by Coalition ally and opponent come Armageddon, Chris Benoit - when Chris Jericho interrupted their quarrel over trust, and hit the ring to fight. Besting Benoit and forcing the Olympic Gold Medalist into the Walls of Jericho, Benoit would save the day for Angle: equalizing Jericho with a steel chair, and helping Kurt to his feet! During the break, Kurt Angle was approached by Shane and Stephanie McMahon, who both wanted to know if what Angle said out there was true. Steph stroked her boyfriend's arm while Shane explained they came to announce the match to ensure that Chris Jericho didn't walk out of Sunday the champ - it was a plan for the Coalition to come out on top! Angle appeared to back up on what he said in the ring, saying he thought the Triple Threat match was a great idea. The only problem he had was with Chris Benoit: one moment a friend, the next an enemy. What was his problem! Stephanie wasn't sure, but thought tonight would be the perfect place to punish Chris Jericho for ever making him tap out - plotting Angle against Jericho in non-title action! Angle confessed his love for both Steph, as well as Shane - hugging both McMahons.
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Lilian Garcia was escorted out to the ring at the behest of the WWF Women's Champion Ivory, as Steven Richards would follow to lead the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan out to the ring. The Right to Censor were despised in New York City, and the Madison Square Garden grew louder with their hatred for the group once Lilian was forced to introduce the RTC as the winners of the match - prematurely. Steven opened, declaring that this was a new day for the World Wrestling Federation. At the epicenter of all the sleaze, scandals and nightlife shenanigans that the United States was responsible for, they had a powerful voice to use. Tonight, they would rid the world of influencers and users everywhere, by disposing of public enemy number one: the APA! The APA interrupted to a big ovation, led to the ring by the sexy-clad Debra!1) The APA (w/Debra) def. The Right to Censor (w/Steven Richards and WWF Women's Champion Ivory) in a Falls Count Anywhere match (5:14)
Over the past month, the Right to Censor had found a pair of adversaries in the APA. With the growth and dominance of their group, the RTC were the antithesis of everything the APA stood for. Once Debra opposed Ivory for the WWF Women's Championship, it was elementary to see the beer drinking ass-kickers come to the WWF Diva's aid. That took place on RAW this past Monday night, but the RTC's strength in numbers allowed them to dish up a beating on the APA. The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan met Bradshaw and Faarooq at ringside, where the fight quickly spread across the ringside area. Bull sent Faarooq into the steps, when Bradshaw nearly beheaded him with a Clothesline From Hell for a two count, saved by Goodfather! Steven Richards' presence allowed Goodfather to jump Faarooq, as this match progressed into the crowd. The four men fought into the famous tunnel entrance of Madison Square Garden, where Bradshaw used a 2x4 to get another near fall on Buchanan. The battle continued backstage, where Faarooq delivered a spinebuster to Goodfather onto a stack of wooden pallets, when Mark Henry showed up! Henry splashed Faarooq against a wall when Bradshaw bounced a trash can off the head of 'the Secret Weapon', and the APA double teamed him, a double clothesline sending the 400-pounder crashing through the door of the APA's office! Steven Richards served as distraction for Goodfather to strike, only to be sent tumbling into their filing cabinet! Buchanan nailed Bradshaw with a pipe, but Faarooq struck with a spinebuster through the poker table - picking up the victory!
Despite the strength in numbers strategy adapted by the Right to Censor, the APA were the men that had managed to come out on top against the group in a hotly contested Falls Count Anywhere match. It was at the expense of the APA's own office, but Bradshaw and Faarooq didn't seem to care, instead closing in on a cowardly Steven Richards! Steven backed up in concern, before running away from the boys who instead looked to celebrate their victory! Meanwhile in the arena, WWF Women's Champion Ivory stood with her mouth agasp, before threatening Lilian Garcia beside her. She placed the blame on her own personal ring announcer, when Debra marched up behind the champ: slapping her across the face! Lilian loved to see it, as the southern belle Debra sassily marched up the rampway. Ivory screamed at Lilian in response, with even Debra getting comeuppance for last Monday night!
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Returning backstage, Shawn Michaels was seen arriving at Madison Square Garden. As 'the Heartbreak Kid' walked down the hallowed halls of the World's Most Famous Arena, it was evident that unlike Monday night, HBK had no security hired for tonight! What could we expect from 'the Texas Rattlesnake's attacker, three days away from the hell-bound No Holds Barred match with Stone Cold Steve Austin?
We returned to SmackDown, where Chris Benoit was leaning with his back against the wall when approached by Shane McMahon. Shane greeted 'the Rabid Wolverine' warmly, asking if he was ready for Sunday night. Benoit knew where Shane was going with this line of conversation from the getgo and smiled. He sensed Kurt Angle was paranoid, and why wouldn't he be? He wanted the WWF Championship match all to himself. Asking him to see the bigger picture, McMahon told Benoit how the Coalition depended on he and Angle. Trying to convince Benoit to do the right thing and understand that 'the Megastar' was the guy on top that the Coalition needed, Chris simply chuckled. 'The Crippler' claimed he would not betray Kurt Angle, nor stab the rest of the Coalition in the back. Would he put a hurting on Chris Jericho for humiliating Shane on Monday night, and being in this title match at Armageddon? Yes he would. Benoit told the "fraidy cat" WWF Champion he did not need to worry. He trusted Kurt, why didn't Kurt trust him?
. In the building, Eddie Guerrero sauntered out to the ring to loud boos from the New York City crowd. 'Latino Heat' had attempted to do some serious damage to his ex-fiancee Chyna this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, but who knew what we could expect with the two ex-lovers now competing in a No-Disqualification match this Sunday at Armageddon. Entering the ring Eddie laughed to himself, acknowledging what terrible thing he almost put 'Mamacita' through on RAW. Little did she know what he had in store for Chyna in three days time. Guerrero cockily claimed he had a lot in store for her, and that he wasn't even thinking about 'the Ninth Wonder of the World'. Instead, he was thinking about what he would do after he was done with her, and that was getting back to normality, and climbing the ladder of success!'Latino Heat' went surprised as Billy Gunn walked out to the stage, Madison Square Garden excited to see the former Mr. Ass! Sporting a new haircut, the short-haired ex-D-Generation X member came out to the stage and claimed how he hated to damper Eddie's spirits. But after what he almost did to Chyna, sandwiching her head between the steel steps and a steel chair on Monday - Chyna was going to kick his ass, big time! Eddie insulted Billy and claimed that he was always full of himself, and it was obvious that rubbed off on her, which is why he kicked her to the curb in the first place! Gunn told Eddie that he was no man, and rather than waiting for a beating of a lifetime at Armageddon, Billy was going to give Eddie a tune up by kicking his ass tonight! Gunn stomped down to the ring, with Eddie demanding the new and improved Billy Gunn to bring it on!2) Billy Gunn def. Eddie Guerrero (3:45)
While Eddie Guerrero had to prepare for the No-Disqualification encounter with ex-fiancee Chyna, this Sunday at Armageddon, Billy Gunn was out looking for a fight with 'Latino Heat'. Since D-Generation X fell apart following the Survivor Series, Billy had gone his own separate ways. Coming up short in a WWF Championship opportunity to Kurt Angle this past weekend on Sunday Night Heat, Billy was driven to make the challenge, after Eddie threatened to smash a steel chair against Chyna's skull, this past Monday night. With a new look, Billy fired away at the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, before dropping him with a huge military press slam! Eddie feigned defeat by the ropes, just to cheap shot him - only to wind up receiving a picture-perfect dropkick. Gunn continued to level Guerrero with right hand after right hand, when Eddie snuck in a low blow to gain control. Grounding the taller veteran, Guerrero dropped elbows across the leg and almost took the win with a neckbreaker. Eddie climbed to the top rope just for Gunn to catch him mid-air with a powerslam! Gunn was ready for the end with a Fame-Asser, when Eddie narrowly avoided it and caught Billy with a backslide, only for Billy to roll out and drill him with the Fame-Asser - but Eddie rolled out to the floor! Guerrero refused to get back in and tried to leave, when Chyna came down the rampway behind him to force him back into the ring! Eddie was confused and screamed back at her, when Gunn drilled him with a sleeper slam to pick up the win!'The Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna applauded her longtime friend Billy Gunn on a big win tonight on SmackDown, surely loving the fact that her ex-fiancee had suffered a crippling loss, three days out from their No-Disqualification match! Gunn and Chyna hugged it out in the ring as the Playboy covergirl would raise his hand, though Chyna was not finished yet. All smiles, Chyna stood tall over a beaten Eddie and bent over his body. A microphone in hand, she declared that after all of this time, the end was near for her and Eddie. After Sunday, when she was finished kicking the hell out of him, there would be no 'Mamacita'. After Sunday, the two of them - all past, present and future - were done!. Backstage, Too Cool were warming up ahead of six-man tag team competition, when the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi showed up to greet them. Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay were not allowing Monday night's loss to T&A bother them, whilst 'Big Kish' was determined to go out there and give New York City a show. Too Cool and Rikishi were set to face the WWF European Champion William Regal, Joe E. Legend and Tazz - up next!
Back on SmackDown, the new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik was seen walking the halls backstage, suddenly jumped by the duo of Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko! The ex-Radicalz were flunked by their common interest Terri, who screamed at her men to bring home the title. Saturn struck K-Kwik with a lighting fixture whilst Malenko went for a cover, but the two men turned to argue with one another over who would make the pin! Both each claimed they should, allowing K-Dawg time to stumble back to his feet, clocking both men with the fixture himself! K-Kwik warned Terri to stay back, and that he planned to resolve this in the ring!
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In the arena, the WWF European Champion William Regal made his way out to the ring, with no sign of his protege in sight. After coming out on top in a Triple Threat to capture the title in his home country last weekend at Rebellion, the Englishman seemed pleasantly delighted to be here in New York City. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' noted how he had never wrestled in such a polluted, repulsive city before - but that's when he remembered why! Regal was appalled by the uncivilised, barbaric qualities of the fans and the people, who ride to and from work galavanting like hoodlums on the Subways, and abusing the bright lights of Times Square! William continued, only to go interrupted by Joe E. Legend, who had a bone to pick with his apparent mentor. Angry about William leaving him high and dry on Monday night to suffer a Stinkface, Legend claimed that Regal was a backstabbing fraud. Regal had used him, riding his coattails to the title he wanted. William responded claiming that Legend didn't have any tails to ride, the two gentlemen arguing it out.
Tazz then entered to a big response from his hometown crowd, 'the One Man Crime Scene' stomping out to the ring with a microphone of his own in hand! The thud had not taken kindly to the insults made by his tag team partners. This was New York City, the place where he debuted, the place he lived, and the place he loved! Tazz climbed into the ring and threatened both of those goofballs, to shut their mouths if they spoke bad about NYC again. Tonight, Tazz planned to give a good showing by beating the goons, Too Cool and Rikishi so bad they forgot what day it was!
3) Too Cool and WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi def. WWF European Champion William Regal, Joe E. Legend and Tazz (3:56)While William Regal was riding on cloud nine coming off of the WWF European Championship win at Rebellion last Saturday night, it appeared to come at the behest of the man he'd taken under his wing. Joe E. Legend failed in a shot at the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi on Monday night, when Regal tried to avenge a prior Stinkface he'd received himself, just to leave his protege high and dry to face the wrath of the 400-pounder's rear end. Tazz tried his luck against the beloved Scotty 2 Hotty early, only to be caught in a wave of momentum culminating in a Mexican wave double-clothesline from Too Cool. Rikishi came in with a rapid series of trapping headbutts, when Tazz stumbled to tag in William Regal. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' was not thrilled to have to face 'Big Kish' after what happened last time, and Rikishi managed to plant him with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Finally a distraction from Joe E. enabled Regal to strike him from behind, with the gentlemen hoping to get back on the same page. Joe E. and Tazz double-teamed the big man with Tazz holding the Samoan's arms behind his back, just for Legend to accidentally nail the thug - and a super kick allowed Rikishi to make the tag! Scotty came in hot, a planting DDT off the top rope catching Legend for a near fall, when Regal came in. Sexay and Rikishi came cleaned house of his partners, and the Worm gave Scotty the win over Joe E!
William Regal was left at ringside once again, angered by another successful victory in Madison Square Garden for Too Cool, and the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' shook his head in frustration as Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay stood tall with 'Big Kish', who stood over a beaten Joe E. Legend. Tazz's hopes of returning to Madison Square Garden where he'd once debuted, and leaving in victory had gone thwarted by the determination of the three men in the ring. Frustrated, 'the One Man Crime Scene' tried to jump the three men from behind, putting the boots to Scotty only to find himself blasted into the corner by Sexay! Rikishi thumped him, knocking him down - and setting the Brooklyn native up for the Stinkface! Regal backed up the rampway in annoyance, all by himself.
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Stone Cold Steve Austin walked the halls of the backstage area. Ahead of a surefire war this Sunday at Armageddon with his attacker Shawn Michaels, Kevin Kelly showed up to catch a word with 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Asked about his chance encounter with 'the Heartbreak Kid' as RAW is WAR went off the air, Kevin wanted to know what was on Austin's agenda, with HBK lacking any security here tonight in Madison Square Garden. Austin told him that he knew damn well all about how much bravado Shawn had. He was one of the toughest sons of bitches he'd ever met in between those ropes, but that didn't change a thing. Sunday would be HBK's Armageddon once 'the Rattlensake' was through with him. But tonight, in the hallowed halls of MSG, Austin wanted to see just how brave Michaels was because before all hell broke loose, he challenged Shawn to come out to that ring, and drink a beer with Stone Cold! Austin was heading to the ring right away, but how could these two stand in the same ring without tearing each other apart, let alone share a beer?
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The glass shattered as we returned from the break, Stone Cold Steve Austin apparently making his way to the ring for a beer-drinking showdown with the man he meets in No Holds Barred this Sunday! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' received an extremely loud ovation on his way down to the ring at Madison Square Garden, where he immediately took to a microphone to discuss the situation with 'the Heartbreak Kid'. After all of the harsh words, all of the ambushes and career-threatening injuries they had given one another, Armageddon was coming up in three days, and he sure as hell could guarantee that winner or not, one of them would not be leaving on their own terms once No Holds Barred takes place! To Stone Cold this beef went back a whole lot longer than WrestleMania XIV, noting how when he made his way to the World Wrestling Federation four long years ago, Shawn Michaels was riding the wave of glory. Before WrestleMania under three years ago, where he was alleged to have ended HBK's career, the two of them had always had an icy stare between them. They were former WWF Tag Team Champions, but even before that, from the moment they first locked up, Stone Cold could see it all coming. Shawn Michaels was jealous of Austin's potential! As much as Shawn liked to claim he crippled him to take the WWF Championship, that he was the one to take his livelihood away, Austin thought it was a load of cr*p, and that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Despite Shawn Michaels trying and failing to end his career, let alone his life in that parking lot one year ago, Stone Cold had to take his hat off to Michaels for exposing to the world what kind of sick, twisted, calculated jackass he truly was with the no-contact clause. For having the balls to confront him last Monday night on RAW is WAR, with security guards there to prevent Steve to get to him. Lucky for Shawn, he too was sick, twisted and calculated, and hell would be sure to break loose come Armageddon and that was the bottom line! Getting to his point, Austin surveyed the people for a loud "Hell Yeah" in return, wanting Shawn Michaels to come out here for a one time only offer, to crack a beer in the same ring as Steve before hell on earth unfolded this Sunday. Shawn Michaels soon accepted the offer, walking down the rampway to no theatrics. There was no hop in 'the Heartbreak Kid's step, as he snarled at the sight of Austin in the ring. Climbing into the ring, he kept a safe distance from his adversary, taking to a microphone to tell Steve that if anybody had balls here, it was Stone Cold for daring to get in the same ring as him. With three days remaining, the last thing Stone Cold wanted was to wave his hopes and dreams of fighting Michaels in No Holds Barred to vanish before his very eyes! Michaels used the no-contact stipulation as a crutch, before in turn reminding Austin that that did not apply for whatever HBK could do to him. That was the deal Steve flipped the bird to him on. Though since Stone Cold was man enough to admit the fact that this Sunday could be one of their's demise, 'the Heartbreak Kid' wanted to tell Steve Austin just how much he hated his freaking guts!
For the past three years, all that had been on his mind was redemption, to take revenge for having his career heinously ended by 'the Rattlesnake' at WrestleMania XIV. For ending his own legacy by taking the WWF Championship away from him, as well as his career! And Sunday night come Armageddon, it would not just be the end of this. There would be no turning back, no more mind games or clauses. Just two men with a burning desire to watch the other fail, both physically and mentally. And since running Stone Cold down over one year ago, Shawn had been battling remorse for his actions - but for Steve to be rest assured, at Armageddon he could not wait to finish the job he started and complete his journey and take him out for good. Face to face, Austin proposed they have a toast to that, before catching two high-flying beers from the timekeeper. Handing one to Shawn, their eyes remained locked on one another as the cans were cracked open. Raising his frothing beer in the air, Steve toasted to Armageddon, and with their eyes still locked: Shawn smashed cans with Austin. Austin guzzled it down, whilst Shawn sipped and turned his back to Austin. Steve gestured that a Stunner was right around the corner, before turning his back to Michaels once he turned around. Shawn then motioned for Sweet Chin Music on Austin - which he legally could do - instead meeting eyes with 'the Rattlesnake' instead, with a coy grin on his face! Michaels dropped the beer and made an exit, with Austin smirking back at his rival. It was all going to come to an end at Armageddon.
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Chris Jericho turned a corner in the halls backstage, with moments to go before his non-title meeting with one of two men he faces at Armageddon, Kurt Angle. Y2J favored his head after the attack from Chris Benoit earlier tonight. With the Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship coming on Sunday night, Y2J soon came face to face with the very man opposing him in that match - Chris Benoit. 'The Rabid Wolverine' chuckled a sinister grin, wanting to wish Jericho luck against 'the Megastar'. Benoit's position with the Coalition was questionable at best, but now he was outwardly wishing an outsider luck? Jericho actually ignored him and kept on walking, the non-title match with the Olympian awaiting!
4) WWF Champion Kurt Angle (w/Stephanie McMahon) def. Chris Jericho (7:11)After a tense exchange earlier tonight between the three men destined to meet for the WWF Championship in three days time, it was time to see whether the underdog contender to the richest prize in the business could make 'the Megastar' tap out a second time to the Walls of Jericho. Kurt Angle had every right to be paranoid of Chris Benoit, Coalition ally or not, but with his grown confidence came an inflated ego. Something had to give, as only one man could walk out of Armageddon with the title around their waist. Y2J favored his head after the DDT received by 'the Rabid Wolverine' earlier tonight, who had also just wished him good luck. Jericho was able to go hold-for-hold with the Olympic Gold Medalist early, before managing to reverse an armbar into an arm drag - a springboard dropkick sending Angle to the floor below! Y2J would not even allow Kurt's girlfriend Stephanie McMahon to check on him, chopping him against the barricade. Jericho soon turned his attention to her momentarily, which allowed the champ to come from behind, with a suplex connecting on the outside floor! Back inside, the WWF Champion had successfully manipulated the pace of the match with a crossface chickenwing applied on the grounded hopeful contender. New York City willed Y2J on, and finally he came to with an enzuigiri! Jericho was hurting but scored with a missile dropkick and a double powerbomb for a near fall, immediately transitioning into a Walls of Jericho attempt!
Stephanie climbed onto the apron and Jericho saw her coming - kissing 'the Billion Dollar Princess' on the lips! Startled, she fell to the canvas, when Angle came from behind with a back suplex that went reversed, as the bulldog connected! Jericho scored with the Lionsault, trying for the cover only for Chris Benoit to pull the referee out! Now was Y2J's time to get revenge after what Benoit did earlier, a dive taking both Canadians down to the floor. Benoit and Jericho duked it out at ringside, when Benoit catapulted Jericho head-first into the ring post! Rolling him back inside, a dazed 'Megastar' planted him with the Olympic Slam, to beat Y2J!
Trustworthy or not, Chris Benoit had made good on his promise to support the WWF Champion for the betterment of the Coalition. That said, Chris Jericho had put up one hell of a fight, and arguably would have come out on top, had it not been for the persistent odds of Stephanie McMahon and 'the Rabid Wolverine!' Kurt Angle stumbled up to his feet after the match, dropping to his knees to celebrate what he thought to be a hard-fought victory, and girlfriend Stephanie McMahon was quick to join him. The two hugged it out over the fallen body of Y2J, when Benoit joined the two in the ring. Chris smiled for a perturbed 'Megastar', who looked back at him with concern. Benoit extended his hand to the Olympic Gold Medalist, and after some hesitance a handshake agreement was made! All seemed well for the Coalition when Jericho dropkicked Angle into Benoit, who fell right into Stephanie! Jericho offloaded with right hands on Benoit until he was able to escape. With the Coalition outside and Kurt attending to the reddening face of Steph, Y2J stood tall with the WWF Championship, pointing at it and motioning that it would be his come Armageddon!
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In the Coalition's dressing room, the Big Show was seen watching Chris Jericho raise the WWF Championship as if it were his own, when Edge and Christian walked in. The Canadians spoke among themselves about how Madison Square Garden blew, that it was a dusty old building built on mediocre Superstars of the past! Christian ran through names such as Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund and Billy Graham, claiming that New York City were living in the past. Edge claimed they'd prove it tonight when they gave the Rock and Undertaker a glimpse of what the future looked like - very bright. The Canadians high-fived but 'the Giant' remained stone-faced. When asked why with the long face, Show told the two that everything had to go according to their plan tonight, that they could not afford to fail this Sunday. Edge and Christian tried to cool the big man off, assuring him it was a flawless plan. Show remained serious, coldly telling them that it could not fail. Rock could not leave this city 100%. The brothers understood, heading out to prepare. What was the plan?
Back on SmackDown, we went right down the road to Times Square, where X-Pac stood on the stage inside WWF New York! The people in attendance at the entertainment complex chanted "X-Pac Sucks" as ferociously as they could, whilst the self-proclaimed 'Man' mockingly thrusted his hips with a slow-motion crotch chop! Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Mick Foley wanted to ask what X-Pac's game plan was for this Sunday against Triple H at Armageddon, but X-Pac simply used this time to make himself perfectly clear. He knew how much the people despised him, but the truth was they should all taking their hatred out on his so-called friend. For years, Triple H had been nothing but an egotistical, crybaby assh*le that needed putting in his place! But now because he had no friends, no wife, and no titles to inflate that giant ego so much, the people felt sympathy for him and not X-Pac? He reminded the people of how hard a worker he was, a good hand and nothing more. That was all going to change on Sunday, with him schooling 'the Game' and making sure everybody knew that Hunter had nothing left to give!
The people continued to shower 'the Man' in chants of "X-Pac Sucks", when Triple H came walking through the crowd! 'The Game' had a murderous look on his face, vaulting onto the stage into the waiting arms of X-Pac! There was a brawl breaking out at WWF New York, but after tackling X-Pac to the stage floor, the cowardly betrayer poked the eyes of his longtime friend, then ran away from 'the Game' again! Triple H got up livid, uttering that Sunday night couldn't come quicker. There would be no more running when the match takes place at Armageddon!
. 5) WWF Tag Team Champion Test (w/Albert) def. D-Von Dudley (w/Bubba Ray Dudley) (3:03)Sunday at Armageddon would see the third outing on pay-per-view between the Dudley Boyz and the WWF Tag Team Champions T&A. After falling in defeat at No Mercy, the Dudleys found themselves without the gold following the Survivor Series, once T&A had gotten themselves disqualified. The difference this time around would be the notable absence of Test and Albert's manager Trish Stratus, who outwardly expressed her refusal to be present in the close proximity of the Dudleys again after being driven through wood. T&A looked for retribution after the Dudley Boyz scored with the 3D on Albert last Monday night, and Test immediately hoped to stomp the fire out of D-Von upon his entry to the ring. The Toronto native clobbered D-Von as he choked him in the ropes, Bubba Ray keeping a keen eye on 'the Freight Train' from across the ringside area. Albert quickly got in a cheap shot as D-Von had fallen to the floor, but Bubba was there for a stand-off. Inside, Test scored with a sidewalk slam for a near fall. The WWF Tag Team Champions seemed to have everything going for them, when a pumphandle slam went reversed into a flying tackle from D-Von! Dudley made a comeback and flew with a diving headbutt for a near fall, when Albert tried climbing into the ring just to find himself cut off by Bubba! As the two took their fight out to the floor, D-Von hoped to pull off the Saving Grace just for Test to nearly behead Dudley with a big boot to the face, to pick up the three count!
Divide and conquer appeared to be the general theme of the night, as three days ahead of Armageddon's WWF Tag Team Championship match, T&A had pulled off a victory in singles action against the Dudley Boyz! Bubba Ray rushed into the ring to attend to D-Von, whilst Albert and Test had their hands raised on the rampway. The champs were tough to beat, but after falling short two times in the past, could the Dudleys afford another loss to the champs?
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Backstage, the Rock was seen in his dressing room. Pumped up and ready to go in tonight's main event, 'the Brahma Bull' was stood with Kevin Kelly, who noted how much had to be running through his mind. Rock raised his palm to Kevin and told him that without a shadow of a doubt, Armageddon had been on his mind all week long. While Sunday could mark the last time the Rock steps foot in a World Wrestling Federation, so long as the Coalition could help it, we hadn't arrived at that avenue just yet. 'The Great One' called SmackDown the Rock's show, that he had accomplished so much in this industry. A former five-time WWF Champion, a former WWF Intercontinental Champion, Royal Rumble winner, King of the Ring winner, WrestleMania main eventer - he'd done it all! But he wasn't done yet. SmackDown tonight, the Rock's show, live in the Big Apple: Rock would team up with 'the American Badass'. Together, Rock and Undertaker shared a new found respect. They'd had some battles, but finally they were on the same page, on the same side, and out to kick Edge and Christian's candyasses! He knew Big Show would be lurking too, calling him 'the World's Largest Jabroni'. But between Rock and his "good friend" Kevin Kelly, Sunday would not be 'the Great One's swansong. It would only be the beginning, because no act of god could stop the Rock from coming out on top this Sunday, if you smell what the Rock is cookin!'
Back on SmackDown, the new WWF Hardcore Champion came rapping out to the ring, gyrating to the reaction of Madison Square Garden. K-Kwik had a lot to prove as the new champ, after defeating Lance Storm last weekend at Rebellion and reviving the 24/7 rule, and he did so by taking to the ring to address the huge target on his back. The rapper spoke out about how everybody wanted a piece of him, now that held the key to success. K-Dawg was high in demand, and that meant only one thing: all of the boys and girls in the back would be wanting to step to him. The WWF Hardcore Champion welcomed it, daring any of the haters in the back to come on out and get knocked back down again, courtesy of 'Big !' His challenge would be resolved by none other than Hardcore Holly, making his return after a two-month absence! 'The Big Shot' came stomping to the ring, looking to win big in his surprise return in New York City.
6) K-Kwik (c) def. Hardcore Holly to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship (3:27)K-Kwik had quickly climbed up the ladder, having debuted back in July and this past weekend in Sheffield, England, being crowned the new WWF Hardcore Champion. In the aftermath of Lance Storm's reign as a conservative champion, hopeful of bringing honor and prestige to the brawler's title, K-Kwik was going the opposite direction in how he wanted to be viewed as champ. Reviving the 24/7 rule last Monday on RAW is WAR, K-Dawg had already found himself attacked by the likes of Kaientai, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko. The one person he may not have been expecting to answer his open challenge however, was Hardcore Holly. Returning after two months on the shelf with a broken wrist, 'the Big Shot' brought the fight to K-Dawg at ringside to start off this match. Back and forth the two went, with Holly introducing a cookie sheet and a potted plant, which he quickly smashed over the head of the champ! Holly scored several near falls over the new champ, when K-Dawg fired back with a corkscrew elbow off the ropes. K-Kwik attempted a hurricanrana off the top rope, when Crash Holly hit the ring to shove his older cousin off! The dysfunctional Holly Cousins were renowned for their problems, but suddenly out came Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko! Everybody wanted a shot at the title, when K-Kwik bumped Hardcore into Crash and connected with a scissors kick on Hardcore to retain the title!
K-Kwik quickly rolled out of the ring to celebrate his victory, watching cautiously as Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko chased him to the apron! Terri behind him, Saturn and Malenko yelled at K-Dawg that they wanted the WWF Hardcore Championship as well, when the Holly Cousins returned the favor, attacking Saturn and Malenko! The Hollys cleared the ring of them, while K-Kwik jogged up the rampway to safety.
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In the backstage area the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi was approached by Jonathan Coachman, who hoped to get a few words from the 400-pound Samoan about racking up another victory. Coach was about to ask the big man who he had in mind for his next challenger, when the WWF European Champion William Regal suddenly came from behind, using a trash can across the back of 'Big Kish's head! Regal continued to hammer on the Samoan, furious after the loss earlier tonight. Rikishi tried to fight back, bouncing the Englishman's head off of a table, just for Regal to fire back with a low kick! Regal sent Rikishi crashing into lighting equipment before continuing to put the boots to him, until referees emerged at the scene. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' shouted at Rikishi enraged, saying how he refused to be besmirched by a big pile of rubbish like him!
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In his office, Shane McMahon leaned on the television stand, smiling and nodding in reaction to William Regal's decision to attack Rikishi from behind. In walked Stephanie McMahon who he called over, before proposing that at Armageddon we see a champion against champion match, pitting the WWF European Champion William Regal opposite the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi. Steph asked how it would work, if it would be title for title. Shane shook his head and corrected her: only Rikishi's title on the line! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' asked why, when Shane revealed another lavish gift he had received from 'the Goodwill Ambassador' earlier tonight. Stephanie seemed to go for it, when Shane turned his attention back to their issues with Sunday's Triple Threat match. Shane claimed he didn't actually mind so much whether Kurt Angle or Chris Benoit walked out of Armageddon the WWF Champion. Stephanie's jaw dropped as she frustratingly asked Shane what changed his mind. Shane reasoned that so long as Chris Jericho wasn't the champ, and that title remained in the Coalition's camp - it really didn't matter to him. Stephanie debated the idea with Shane, before blaming him for putting her boyfriend 'the Megastar' in this predicament in the first place! She stormed out, with Shane laughing to himself, ribbing her all along.
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The Undertaker threw some swift shadow-boxing punches in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, before stretching his arms wide and making a move for the ring! 'The American Badass' was here to stand loyally beside the Rock, as they planned to take on Edge and Christian, ahead of the three-on-one handicap match this Sunday at Armageddon! The main event was up next!7) Edge and Christian def. The Rock and The Undertaker (5:20)
Armageddon was shaping up to have a huge line-up, with the Rock set to fight for his future existence in the World Wrestling Federation against the incomparable odds of Edge, Christian and the Big Show. Not only that, but the Undertaker was scheduled to settle the score with Raven in "his" yard, a Street Fight! Raven had been peculiarly quiet this week, not bothering to show up this past Monday on RAW is WAR, and no sign of him here tonight. After the battle they had at No Mercy, there was a newfound mutual respect between the Rock and the Undertaker, evidenced Monday on RAW when 'the American Badass' tried to come to 'the Brahma Bull's aid. Rock had bruised ribs as a result of the Coalition's handiwork, but Rock tried to avenge the Conchairto received by bringing the fight to Edge and Christian before Undertaker had even arrived! Finally he did, and 'the American Badass' swiftly got rid of the Canadians to the roar of the New York City crowd. Undertaker found himself in hot water after a hot start once Christian distracted the official, allowing Edge to strike with a low blow and an Edge-o-matic. The former WWF Tag Team Champions grounded 'the Deadman', while Rock continued to hold out hope for the tag. The confidence of the Canadians saw Christian mock Undertaker with an Old School attempt, just for 'the Deadman' to powerbomb him to the canvas! The tag was made, and the Rock came in like a house on fire against the odds of Edge and Christian!
A Samoan drop took down Edge, before a spinebuster allowed 'the Brahma Bull' to slap the Sharpshooter on Christian! Edge attempted to return with a spear, just to wind up being driven to the mat with a DDT, the Rock nipping up to his feet and stalking Christian! Edge grabbed Rock's foot before the Rock Bottom could connect, while the Big Show was seen stomping down the rampway. The people did not react pleasantly towards 'the Giant', while inside Rock continued to fight off Edge when Christian dragged the referee in the way of a clothesline from 'the Great One!' Undertaker returned to the match and drilled Christian with a Chokeslam, before looking for the Last Ride on Edge...when Raven hopped over the barricade and dragged Undertaker to the floor! The enigma was here in MSG after all, as he pounded on 'the American Badass' before drilling him with the Evenflow DDT on the floor! Inside, Rock drilled Edge with the Rock Bottom, but Big Show grabbed Rock by the throat and planted him with another massive Chokeslam! Show dragged Edge over and revived the referee - another huge upset scored for the Coalition!
Raven slithered over the fallen body of the unconscious Undertaker, who he meets this Sunday in a Street Fight. Meanwhile, the Coalition had scored another landmark victory against the man they face this Sunday at Armageddon, the Rock here tonight. Mick Foley cried foul as Big Show climbed out of the ring, the former Commissioner immediately leaving commentary and getting in the face of 'the Giant'. The 500-pounder wound up in an argument with 'the Hardcore Legend' at ringside, whilst Edge and Christian celebrated their victory with a beatdown on the Rock! The plan was going ahead as planned, when Edge left the ring to grab two steel chairs. Apparently one Conchairto on Monday was not enough, as the Coalition did not want Rock in 100% for the handicap match!
Mick snatched one chair away from Edge, demanding justice for 'the Great One'. There was still unity in the former Rock 'n' Sock Connection, but as Edge and Big Show tired of arguing, Edge turned around and slammed the steel chair across the skull of Mick Foley! Inside Rock turned the tide on Christian and delivered the Rock Bottom, before leaving the ring and finding himself head-shotted by Edge's chair! Undertaker was left laying, Foley was left laying, and Edge would undress the announce table for the Big Show to drive the Rock through the announce table with a second Chokeslam! The Coalition's plan had worked successfully, demolishing the Rock three days out from the most vital match of 'the People's Champ's career! How would Rock come back from this, with his WWF career at stake this Sunday? |
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Post by DTP. on Sept 29, 2020 9:41:08 GMT -5
Jakked - December 9, 2000
Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Broadcast on syndication
Taped on December 4, 2000The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena, where Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to WWF Jakked!
1) Billy Gunn def. Mike Bell (3:38)Adjusting to life after D-Generation X appeared to disband several weeks ago, Billy Gunn had gone off to the races with some hard-fought efforts. Coming close to the WWF Championship against Kurt Angle last weekend on Sunday Night Heat, Billy used that momentum to knock off a big victory against Eddie Guerrero on SmackDown this past week. Sporting a new look with short hair, Billy went toe-to-toe with Mike Bell. Bell was arrogant from the get-go, but was quickly shut up after a perfect dropkick connected. Outwrestling him on the mat early, Bell would resort to a cheap shot to gain momentum. Pounding on Billy he went, but the showboating ways of the up-and-comer from Poughkeepsie, New York allowed the WWF Superstar to make a comeback. Scoring a near fall off of a military press and a jackhammer, Billy would drive his point home with the newly-dubbed sleeper slam: the One and Only.
2) Hardcore Holly def. Tazz (4:37)SmackDown this past Thursday night saw the return of 'the Big Shot' Hardcore Holly. After being sidelined with a broken wrist back in October, Holly had set his sights clear on the WWF Hardcore Championship held by K-Kwik. There were some issues that got in the way however, as his younger cousin Crash also wanted the title back, and the Holly Cousins' squabbling allowed K-Dawg to narrow out still the champ. Tazz was not as beloved in his hometown of New York City at all this past week, suffering not just a loss in six-man tag team action against Too Cool and Rikishi, but also a Stinkface from the WWF Intercontinental Champion. 'The One Man Crime Scene' wanted to put a stop to his losing streak, but Holly was fresh off the return and scored a near fall with a suplex and a knee drop. The thug was in trouble, but his mat-based experience allowed Tazz to transition a headlock into one of his own. He planted Holly with a capture suplex for a near fall, before Hardcore fired back with a huge slap! Tazz got hot and connected with the Tazzplex, only getting a two count! Tazz looked for the Tazzmission but Hardcore surprised him, a waterwheel slam putting him Tazz down for the count!
Sunday Night Heat - December 10, 2000
Madison Square Garden in New York City
Broadcast on Various Networks
Taped on December 5, 2000 - International Exclusive
1) X-Pac def. Steve Blackman (5:15)
With Armageddon coming up later tonight, X-Pac had to be taking his rapidly approaching match with longtime friend Triple H seriously. The betrayer of D-Generation X was walking into the pay-per-view with a lot to prove, but after running from 'the Game' on both RAW is WAR and SmackDown this past week, there would be no more running for the former Kid turned Man. The people in Madison Square Garden took tremendous joy in chanting "X-Pac Sucks" at him, which allowed Steve Blackman to take charge in the opening moments, lighting X-Pac up in the corner with kicks! X-Pac was able to turn it around on 'the Lethal Weapon' with a kick combo of his own, but Blackman responded with a big dropkick! Blackman maintained control with a nerve grip, when X-Pac broke out and surprised him with a roundhouse kick. X-Pac Heat was rampant in New York City, as he mocked the martial-arts background of the former WWF Hardcore Champion. X-Pac lit Blackman up with more kicks and was vocal in his trash talking, insulting his intelligence further with an arrogant Bronco Buster! X-Pac was loving the attention, when Blackman got back up and drilled him with a striking combination! X-Pac applied a crossface chickenwing, but Blackman was well versed and turned to the cross-armbreaker, but X-Pac was in the ropes. Steve missed with a pump kick, and X-Pac struck with the X-Factor out of nowhere, to pick up the win!
Kaientai had taken some serious issues with Team Xtreme over the last week, all starting when Matt Hardy picked up the win against Funaki last week on Sunday Night Heat. An interesting intergender tag team match saw Matt and Lita walk out on top against the Japanese duo, with Taka Michinoku receiving a Moonsault for his troubles on RAW is WAR. Michinoku was furious after losing, and hoped to take it out on Lita before the bell, when Matt struck with a right hand to kick off the match. Jeff Hardy was out on the shelf, but Matt looked to make short work of Taka early with a side-bulldog scoring a near fall. Matt scored with the diving legdrop, when Funaki got on the apron and distracted the former WWF Tag Team Champion, enabling Michinoku to catch him with a back suplex! Taka took control in an aggressive fashion, pounding on Matt whilst Funaki gloated his partner's success in the face of Lita at ringside. Taka missed a big diving moonsault, and it allowed Matt to capitalize with a Side Effect for a close call. Funaki tried to interfere on the apron again, only for Lita to pull him down once more, even tackling him to the floor! Back inside, Michinoku surprised Matt with the Michinoku Driver, but motioned instead for Hardy's own-patented Twist of Fate to end it, which went reversed and instead allowed Hardy to pick up the win, with his own Twist of Fate!
Losing the WWF European Championship one week ago at the Rebellion pay-per-view event in Sheffield, England, D-Lo Brown was here tonight hoping to gain some momentum against an old friend. These two men used to be inseparable, apart of the Nation of Domination faction, and once heavily engrained in the tag team division. Now it appeared that 'the Secret Weapon' Mark Henry opposed what D-Lo stood for, his dominance witnessed in recent weeks as part of the Right to Censor. D-Lo was in awe of the friend he once saw in the 400-pounder, who tried to reason with Henry just to be met with a big clothesline from the latest addition to the RTC. Steven Richards instructed Mark Henry as he pounded D-Lo against the ropes, choking him with his tree-trunk leg and scoring a near fall with a big powerslam. The former champ managed to fight his way free of a bear hug, punching away and stunning the once 'Sexual Chocolate' with a missile dropkick off the middle rope. Finally D-Lo managed to body slam the 400-pounder, before climbing to the top rope for Lo Down! D-Lo was ready to fly but Steven gripped his foot tight, and Henry was able to body slam him from the top rope, and followed with the big splash to take the victory. |
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Post by DTP. on Sept 29, 2020 9:42:32 GMT -5
Sunday Night Heat - December 10, 2000
Birmingham–Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama
Live on MTV
A video package aired, showing shots of End Times. Apocalyptic scenes flashed from one to the next, forecasting the countless options the fate of the world could go next - natural disasters, cataclysmic events, and the culmination of war. With mangled bodies left across the dirt roads and debris of buildings, 'Classy' Freddie Blassie narrated how it had all come to this. With the World Wrestling Federation rapidly approaching a new millennium, the faces had changed: but the action remained the same. Since coming face-to-face with his own mortality in the backlash of WrestleMania XIV three years ago, Shawn Michaels had never been the same. A driven manhunt for revenge, and a burning desire to sacrifice his entirely gifted legacy as 'the Showstopper' to put an end to Stone Cold Steve Austin, was all that ran through the mind of Shawn Michaels. His efforts at ultimate redemption would go awry one year ago, when he incapacitated 'the Texas Rattlesnake' in a hit-and-run assault, and took him out for a year. But tonight, Stone Cold looked for similar revenge. Two career rivals were heading to one destination. The end was near. No Holds Barred. Who would remain, once Armageddon takes place!
The opening video package aired, taking us to a live shot of outside the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The crowd were loud, and Sunday Night Heat was live on the air on MTV! With under an hour remaining until Armageddon went live on pay-per-view, Michael Cole and Al Snow referenced "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, to welcome us to the show! Located backstage at the arena, Michael noted how the building was full of electricity, as it was highly possible tonight could potentially mark the end of the World Wrestling Federation career of 'the People's Champ' the Rock in a three-on-one handicap match with the Coalition - as well as the health and wellbeing of either Stone Cold Steve Austin or Shawn Michaels, as they prepared to go to war in No Holds Barred! A live shot of WWF New York was shown, with a rowdy house on hand at the entertainment complex as well - ready for tonight!
After running down the larger-than-ever line-up of matches set to take place tonight, Al Snow noted how all of the boys in the back had been readying themselves for the battle to end all battles. Tonight, the WWF Superstars looked to one match in particular to finally put a stop to all of the bitterness, all of the hatred, and possibly even put both men hell-bent on revenge at ease. Of course, he was talking about the No Holds Barred match between Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin!
A video package aired, reviewing the careers of 'the Heartbreak Kid' and 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Once riding sky high, it appeared that nothing could slow HBK down. The first Grand Slam winner, and three-time WWF Champion, Shawn's world came crashing down when Stone Cold Steve Austin put him down at WrestleMania XIV in 1998, to win his first WWF Championship. Michaels was forced to retire after breaking his back, while the Austin Era officially reigned in over the World Wrestling Federation. As 'the Texas Rattlesnake' rode the wave, becoming a four-time WWF Champion himself - when tragedy struck thirteen months ago. Austin was put under the knife, the result of a devastating hit-and-run assault, and it caused him to miss one year of action. The issue was nobody knew who the attacker was, until HBK shockingly came forward just three weeks ago. Masterminding a plan for return, Shawn had everything riding on tonight. He was sacrificing his health and his legacy, plotting to put 'the Rattlesnake' down for good after failing one year ago. But in his first match back in over two years, something had to give. Would this be the satisfying revenge that Stone Cold had been chasing for thirteen months, or would this be Shawn Michaels' ultimate redemption story. The end was near, for either or both of these bitter rivals!
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Earlier today, Stone Cold Steve Austin was seen arriving at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. It was noted that 'the Texas Rattlesnake' had been present at the building all day, after arriving extraordinarily early to prepare for the big No Holds Barred match ahead tonight. Austin wore a blank expression on his face and walked with his hands down, armed with a duffle bag. After the agreed upon stipulation declared by 'the Heartbreak Kid' two weeks ago, Austin had been waiting thirteen long days to get his hands on the man that outed himself as his attacker, Shawn Michaels!
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The Right to Censor were in their locker room, with Kevin Kelly standing by to ask Steven Richards what the group's next steps were, coming off of the big Falls Count Anywhere loss to the APA last Thursday night on SmackDown. Steven decreed that Kevin's words were blasphemous, that they refused to let such an infantile setback ruin their mission. As Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather stood closeby, Steven argued that the RTC were stronger than ever, and that they would continue to fight the good fight at Armageddon, one way or another! Kevin turned his attention to the uniformed Lilian Garcia, asking her if she knew of the importance of tonight. She would handle ring announcing duties not only for the RTC, but for every match on the line-up tonight, a huge opportunity! The WWF Women's Champion Ivory answered for her, asserting that Lilian would be an amazing job as ring announcer. Uniformed with pride, Lilian would represent the RTC better than ever before. This was her biggest chance to shine, and if she did not fight the good fight to the RTC's standards - not only would she find herself exiled from the group, but television as well, for the greater good of the company. Lilian silently frowned with concern.
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Michael Cole and Al Snow remained in the backstage area, turning their attention from the Right to Censor to the Undertaker and Raven. The two continued to discuss the violent rivalry the two had shared, dating back to Raven's debut in the World Wrestling Federation less than two months ago. However as they spoke about it, Raven showed up and leaned on the shoulder of Michael! He tutted at their nonbeliever antics, notifying both of how he knew full well what was going to happen tonight. Himself and the Undertaker had been through this all before, back at the Survivor Series. Tonight the difference would be that in 'the Deadman's yard, there would be a different result. The enigmatic newcomer reminded them of how a Street Fight is child's play as far as he was concerned. He'd fought many before, and would fight in many left to come. Sticking a finger in the face of the injured Al Snow, he warned him with the claim that he was not afraid of 'the American Badass', and that Thursday night, leaving him laying with an unexpected Evenflow DDT told that tale perfectly. Raven grinned evilly as he declared that Armageddon would mark a decade of self-destruction. Tonight, Raven would be made famous by putting down 'the Deadman'. Quothe the Raven, Nevermore!
Back on Sunday Night Heat, a look at the rivalry between the Undertaker and Raven was shown, ahead of the Street Fight ahead at Armageddon. 'The American Badass' would be celebrating his decade of destruction come the Survivor Series one month ago. Despite beliefs that his career might be coming to an end, 'the Deadman' refused to stop just yet - when shockingly, an enigmatic newcomer arrived, with a lethal crowbar assault in store for the veteran. Denouncing the Undertaker's "yard", Raven claimed the World Wrestling Federation as his own personal funhouse. Outsmarting and playing mind games with 'the Deadman', Raven preached of how he did not fear the Undertaker. Even beaten at the Survivor Series last month, in Raven's Rules, the Undertaker had appeared to push Raven to the brink of insanity. With multiple cheap assaults in recent weeks, 'the Deadman' and 'the Preacher' would find themselves on a one-way course to tonight's Street Fight!
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As the people outside of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center continued to file into the arena ahead of Armageddon, inside Michael Cole and Al Snow turned their attention to focus on the match made by Shane and Stephanie McMahon just three nights ago on SmackDown. A replay aired, showing that after scoring a big six-man tag team win against the odds of WWF European Champion William Regal, his protege Joe E. Legend and Tazz, Too Cool and Rikishi appeared to be back in business. But 'the Goodwill Ambassador' was incensed by the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi, after receiving a Stinkface ten days ago on SmackDown, and brutally did a number on 'Big Kish' in the backstage area of Madison Square Garden. Having gifted Shane O'Mac with another luxury from his home country of jolly old England, tonight would see champions collide in a match where only the 400-pound Samoan's title would be at stake!
The two co-hosts of Sunday Night Heat further discussed the antics of Shane and Stephanie McMahon, who had been trying to "repair" the damages done to the World Wrestling Federation in the aftermath of Commissioner Mick Foley's demotion, over the last few weeks. The WWF European Champion William Regal had been standing closeby, and intruded on the discussion. Citing Michael and Al Snow for slanderous words, Regal believed that the barbaric, tonedeaf antics of 'Big Kish' were more slanderous to any poor bugger that had to endure the Stinkface. William reminded them of his heritage, coming from a rich upbringing in Blackpool, England. Scowling with anger, the champ noted that where he came from, such reprehensible behavior would be met with a firm kick up the backside which is what Rikishi could expect tonight! And then, he would be the new WWF Eurocontinental Champion, and bringing home the gold to his home country would be the most delightful thing he would have done in such short time. Much like Kurt Angle, he was destined to rule the WWF in his own light, with no protege under his wings. In due time, the company would be free of Rikishi's neanderthal-like rumpshaking, and the beginning of Regal's uprising. The WWF European Champion seemed certainly full of himself, ahead of the champion vs champion match tonight.
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The WWF Tag Team Champions T&A were in the locker room, when Test hung up on his cell phone. Looking at his 350-pound tag team partner, Test grinned as he told Albert the good news. Trish Stratus was cleared to make a return at any given time, and from one Canadian to another, he had sure missed her. 'The Freight Train' however reminded her of how far they had come in the last month, let alone year. T&A weren't just Trish's lackeys anymore - they were the champs! Not to mention, this was no time to be confident after what the Dudley Boyz did to Trish one month ago. Test smirked as he saw Albert's point, but declared that they would get payback tonight, by handing off another agonizing defeat to D-Von and Bubba Ray, at the hands of the champs. Test raised his title in the air to clink gold with Albert, the two dedicating the match at Armageddon to their recovered, absent manager Trish!
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A video package aired, reviewing the torrid love affair of Eddie Guerrero and the Kat, that marked the end of 'Latino Heat's love story with Chyna. Since starring in Playboy this past fall, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World's confidence had been rocked regardless following the affair going public. Hell bent on revenge, the two would meet one month ago at the Survivor Series, where underhandedly her ex-fiancee stole the win. But Chyna would not conclude her business with Eddie, coming back to avenge the loss suffered. No longer his 'Mamacita', Chyna wanted to hurt Eddie badly for everything over the past year, but he would feign forgiveness before unleashing a dastardly assault on the woman he once loved! Stopped before he could execute Chair with a skull-crushing chair shot against the steel steps, Guerrero told Chyna he would instead bide his time. And tonight, the past ten months will come full circle with one last meeting between the modern Bonnie and Clyde - in a No-Disqualification match!
Chyna was backstage gearing up with elbow pads ahead of the No-Disqualification match yet to come. In behind her walked Billy Gunn, who would catch his longtime friend by pleasant surprise. Laser focused, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' giggled regardless as Billy asked her if she was well and truly ready for tonight. Seriously, Chyna considered Eddie Guerrero getting the beating of his career tonight, for each and every part of the past year. She promised no more holding back, no underhanded cheap tricks or tactics from 'Latino Heat'. To Chyna, her ex-fiancee would be dead to the world after tonight. Billy was surprised at how serious she was taking this, chuckling to himself playfully. Excited to see Eddie get his ass handed to him just as deserved, Billy proposed that once Chyna had showered all of her ex-fiancee's blood, sweat and tears off of her tonight, they could go get a drink after. Chyna smiled, seeing through Gunn's facade, telling Billy that she might just have to think about that. Chyna was serious about moving on from Guerrero for good after Armageddon.
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Outside of the building, Chris Benoit stepped foot out of his rental car in the parking lot. Ahead of the Triple Threat match to come at Armageddon tonight, 'the Rabid Wolverine' notably was arriving all by himself! With no Coalition members surrounding him, Benoit unloaded his trunk and headed for the building. Whether Kurt Angle could trust him or not remained to be seen, but tonight Benoit had his own agenda of becoming WWF Champion, by himself!
Back live on Sunday Night Heat, Michael Cole and Al Snow reviewed the years upon years of friendship between Triple H and X-Pac. Long before D-Generation X was even a conception, 'the Game' and X-Pac travelled everywhere together. Miles on the road with the Kliq and all, they relied on each other. But that all changed with X-Pac's betrayal back at the Survivor Series. They discussed X-Pac's change in personality in recent weeks, how he was no longer 'the Kid', but instead was 'the Man'.
A video package aired, driving home the friendship lost between Triple H and X-Pac, following the Survivor Series. Despite seven years of friendship in both the Kliq and D-Generation X, they were now rivals. X-Pac was cocky and knew better than to deal with him face to face. Running from any given opportunity of the two of them standing in the same ring, X-Pac had jumped 'the Game' from behind both in the ring and backstage. The series of cheap attacks from behind was the last straw for 'the Game', who was driven to avenge the demise of DX. With his marriage to Stephanie McMahon considered over, and his friends all disappearing in numbers, 'the Cerebral Assassin' only had his reputation to keep him afloat. Yet after an unfortunate couple of months for X-Pac, he believed that tonight was his time to really shine. Chants of "X-Pac Sucks" chants be damned, X-Pac had a lot to prove yet, but would his star shine at long last tonight against his former friend? Or would Triple H make quick turnaround on his downfall this past few months?
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Michael Cole and Al Snow began to discuss Armageddon once again, coming live on pay-per-view in just shy of twenty minutes. It would be the final instalment of the World Wrestling Federation on pay-per-view in the year 2000, and it had all of the potential of being one of the most top heavy line-ups in history with each match looking like a main event! The co-hosts would go interrupted soon however, once Tazz showed up with exceptions made towards the injured Al Snow. Al jived back by asking how he still managed to smell like Rikishi's ass after SmackDown this past week, but 'the One Man Crime Scene' ordered Al to shut his mouth or risk losing his bad arm altogether! The thud complained that Al was a lost cause, a man with about two hundred gimmicks - and none of them had gotten him anywhere! If anybody were to host Sunday Night Heat on MTV, it should be 'the Human Suplex Machine' himself!
Abruptly, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were seen seated at the announce table inside of the arena, where Armageddon was only moments away! J.R. and 'the King' feigned apologies for interrupting Tazz, but Jerry claimed that nobody had time to listen to what the thug had to say. Everybody was busy looking forward to Armageddon! Ross and Lawler ran down the stacked line-up for tonight, headlined by the No Holds Barred encounter - but who would come out on top? What craziness would happen when Shawn Michaels comes out of retirement to face Stone Cold Steve Austin?
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The sirens of the Right to Censor was heard blasting throughout the building, as Steven Richards led his group of bandits out to the ring. Bull Buchanan, the Goodfather, WWF Women's Champion Ivory and even Lilian Garcia came out to accompany their fearless leader, who stood in the ring with the super heavyweight bouncer-like Mark Henry. The RTC immediately placed their sights on Lilian, pressuring her into providing them with a formal introduction, though the Birmingham crowd had nothing nice to say in response. As Ivory, Goodfather and Buchanan intimidated Lilian to make the announcement, Steven thanked her and applauded her going ahead tonight as the lone ring announcer for Armageddon! Repeating his sentiment from earlier that the RTC would be represented well not just by her constant uniformed presence, but also hoped to persuade each and every hillbilly living in Alabama tonight, that they could turn it all around. Steven told the people to consider it a "combine" for enlightening the masses. The RTC needed some very valuable soldiers to join them in fighting the good fight, and wished for any takers hoping to change their lives to come forward and join the Right to Censor!
Instead, the Holly Cousins made their way out to the ring with Crash accompanying the returning Hardcore Holly! Hardcore had returned after suffering a broken wrist two months ago, but had made a reappearance this past Thursday night on SmackDown. As the Hollys, in their homestate of Alabama, came to the ring to a rousing reaction, Steven stepped forward to ask the cousins if they wished to be saved. Steven suggested that they could take them in as their own, and turn their entire lives around. Hardcore spoke with Crash confidentially on one side of the ring, but in response 'the Houdini of Hardcore' informed Steven that wouldn't be necessary. 'The Big Shot' slapped Steven so hard he fell down, before engaging in a two-on-two brawl with Goodfather and Buchanan!1) The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan (w/Steven Richards, WWF Women's Champion Ivory and Mark Henry) def. The Holly Cousins (3:22)Lilian Garcia would be the lone representative of the Right to Censor tonight at Armageddon, covering ring announcing duties for the entirety of tonight's pay-per-view extravaganza. Coming off of the loss sustained at the hands of the APA this past Thursday night on SmackDown in Falls Count Anywhere action, leader Steven Richards was determined to prove a point - that this was only a minor setback in the RTC's persistent fighting of the good fight. The Holly Cousins were teaming up tonight for the first time since October, with Hardcore Holly hopeful of winning big in his first match back from a broken wrist. Hardcore was undeterred by the RTC's outnumbered presence at ringside early, scoring with a snap suplex on Buchanan, and several haymakers landed. A tag was made to Crash Holly who came in with a monkey flip out of the corner, before cradling Bull for a near fall! A distraction from Steven allowed Goodfather to tag in and blindsight Crash from behind, allowing the former multi-time WWF Hardcore Champion to become grounded in the wrong corner of the ring. Mark Henry got physical as well whilst Ivory distracted the referee, but Crash would surprise Goodfather with a hurricanrana and a tornado DDT, before making the tag to Hardcore! The older cousin sounded off with a succession of dropkicks, before drilling Goodfather with a Falcon Arrow! Holly sidestepped Goodfather and even knocked Mark Henry off the apron, before tagging in Crash. a rocket launcher took Bull down and Hardcore focused on fending off Goodfather at ringside. Crash looked for the springboard bulldog on Bull but Steven pulled the ropes! Crash crotched himself, and a bicycle kick from Buchanan gave RTC the win!
The Right to Censor had beaten the Holly Cousins in their home-state of Alabama, made possible by the assistance from Steven Richards! Richards raised his fists in celebration at ringside, before being tapped out on the shoulder and getting nailed with a swift right hand from Hardcore Holly! Bull Buchanan, who had been celebrating in the ring, left the ring with Goodfather both advancing on 'the Big Shot'. Hardcore would go down swinging, stealing the steel chair that Lilian had been sitting on at ringside! Hardcore vowed to use it on the RTC, who all attacked Holly and put the boots to him out on the floor! Crash was recovered and back to his feet in the ring however, climbing to the top rope and cannonballing down onto the four male representatives of the Right to Censor! Crash helped Hardcore to his feet and celebrated beside him, whilst Ivory screamed at the Hollys from safe distance!
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We returned to the parking lot, where a limousine driver left his vehicle and opened the door to reveal that the WWF Champion Kurt Angle had been travelling with girlfriend Stephanie McMahon, as well as good friend Shane McMahon! The hierarchy of the Coalition was in clear vision, with 'the Megastar' disgusted by the distant aroma of manure - not that he could be surprised, being in a cow-town like Birmingham. Shane and Stephanie joined the Olympic Gold Medalist in heading towards the arena, when Jonathan Coachman approached the trio to ask how they liked their group's chances tonight at Armageddon. Steph remained conservative in answering, assured that we would see a clean sweep take place tonight. When it was all done, the World Wrestling Federation would be rid of the Rock once he loses to the Big Show, Edge and Christian. And on top of that, the Coalition would remain in possession of the WWF Championship. Shane iterated that there was no way Chris Jericho would leave this country hick state with the title tonight, causing Kurt to ask about Chris Benoit. The Olympian claimed that Benoit stood no chance either, right? Stephanie hugged her paranoid boyfriend's arm, whilst Shane nodded in apparent reluctance. Angle asked for clarity, the one man leaving tonight as champ would be 'the Megastar' himself - right!?
Back live on Sunday Night Heat, in the skybox watching over the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center in Albama, Michael Cole alongside Al Snow revealed that we were just under ten minutes away from Armageddon going live on the air. They were joined by an inconvenient guest however, as Tazz had joined them to argue his importance when it came to the luxurious co-host of Heat spot. Al and Tazz were at each others' throats with insults, which Michael was forced to break from to discuss the three-on-one handicap match, pitting the Rock against the Coalition. Tazz argued that 'the Brahma Bull' may have gotten lucky in recent weeks against the glorious McMahon siblings' rule over the World Wrestling Federation, but his time would run out tonight. They discussed the heightened stakes of Rock's career being on the line tonight, that it was a must-win situation for 'the People's Champ!'
A video package aired, recapping the past few weeks for the Rock. With Shane and Stephanie McMahon now in charge of the World Wrestling Federation, 'the Brahma Bull' found himself in a tricky situation. Coming off of the disappointing defeat to Kurt Angle at the Survivor Series, and consequential beating handed to 'the Megastar' following, Shane decreed that Rock's future of receiving WWF Championship opportunities were over for the foreseeable future. Instead pitted in handicap matches against the likes of T&A and members of the Coalition, Shane quickly grew sick and tired of 'the People Champ's ability to constantly overcome the odds. The three-on-one handicap match was signed, with Big Show, Edge and Christian chomping at the bit to put a stop to the Rock's wave of momentum - as well as his future with the company. Receiving two broken ribs from a Conchairto received from the Canadians six nights ago, as well as a thunderous Chokeslam through the announce table on SmackDown in Madison Square Garden, the Rock was coming in at less-than-100%. Could Rock jump this hurdle as well, or would the Coalition finally force the removal of 'the Great One' from the WWF?
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Michael Cole, Al Snow and Tazz ran down the stacked line-up ahead of Armageddon, with each match looking like a potential main event. It was the final pay-per-view event of 2000 for the World Wrestling Federation, and 'the One Man Crime Scene' fully believed that this would be the Coalition's night! Al argued with that, causing the two to break out in another argument. The thug made a snarky remark about Snow's mockery of a WWF European Championship reign, but Snow was fast to bring up 'the Human Suplex Machine's atrocious win-loss record in recent weeks! Tazz finally had had enough and began pushing Snow around, arm in a sling from surgery and all, when suddenly...
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The sound of a car wreck was heard, meaning that Mick Foley was making his presence known to the Birmingham crowd, before Armageddon had even come on the air! 'The Hardcore Legend' appeared to hold his head in pain, perhaps from the chair shot felt by Edge this past Thursday night on SmackDown. The people in Alabama chanted Foley's name, as he made note of how he knew the people had heard enough out of him. After all, he had the pleasure of joining Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler on commentary last Thursday night! But he also fell in harm's way of an ambush in the Coalition's assault on the Rock. What Edge, Christian and the Big Show did to the famed Rock 'n' Sock Connection last Thursday night was malicious, it as savage. And yet, the former Commissioner knew perfectly well why they did that. Discussing the three-on-one handicap match tonight, it was made perfectly clear by Shane and Stephanie McMahon to him that he would be nowhere near the ring when 'the People's Champ' had to fight for his career tonight, but instead he wanted to just let the good people know that if anybody can beat the allied forces of 'the Giant' and those cheap, dastardly Canadians - rest assured, the Rock would triumph once more in Birmingham, Alabama!
The ex-'Commish' let the people in Birmingham know to have a nice day and went to depart, when Edge and Christian came out to the aisleway! The Toronto natives smirked and laughed at the expense of Mick Foley, while Christian asked Mick if it wasn't enough for him to just do his job and keep his dandruff head out of the Coalition's business! Edge agreed, that Mick had constantly been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but of course the old-timer had to get his stuff in for these ill-deserving people! Edge and Christian insulted the Alabama crowd, even resorting to doing a hillbilly's impression! The people chanted "assh*le" at the blondes, while Mick cut to the chase and asked them what they wanted. Edge came out with the intentions of apologizing for the concussion sandwich he served up to him three nights ago on SmackDown. It must have been so humiliating to receive that in the Big Apple in Madison Square Garden - but to be honest, he was surely used to getting that kind of beating in New York by now! Christian said they weren't going to apologize after all, because of the fact that Mick had had it out for Edge and Christian since the day he was made Commissioner! When they were WWF Tag Team Champions, Mick was constantly throwing the book at them, and denounce the fact they were the greatest tag team of the new millennium!
Mick responded by denying the allegations laid out by Edge and Christian, saying he knew perfectly well just how good each of them could be. The question was, could they do exactly that tonight, or would the Rock walk all over them because they had let power get to their heads! Foley knew full well of the whole appeal to working closely with Shane and Stephanie McMahon, but if they continued to live out their dreams in the pockets of those bratty, heinous McMahon siblings - they would not be working to their true potential! Mick made no qualms that he was 100%, all the way behind the Rock tonight - yet maybe, just maybe, Edge and Christian show their true colors tonight and prove exactly what made them WWF Tag Team Champions in the first place! The brothers did not take kindly to Mick's sentiments, asking 'the Hardcore Legend' why he was even still here. Mick's career had long been over, and he was past it. He was old, beaten, and broken down. A true shell of himself with no purpose, he wasn't even the Commissioner anymore! Christian gloated in the fact that Foley should consider calling it a night and just going home, exactly like what the Rock would be forced to do when he gets his ass kicked tonight by the Coalition! Edge and Christian left with full confidence, leaving Mick to shake his head in the middle of the ring.
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Chris Jericho was seen walking into the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. It was a huge night for the youngster from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - the WWF Championship at stake in a Triple Threat match against both Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit of the Coalition. Jonathan Coachman approached Y2J about his chances tonight. Jericho reiterated that this was his destiny and that it was his for the taking. He brought up WrestleMania, where the three of them last met in another Triple Threat match, with the WWF Intercontinental and European Championships at stake. Angle came out with nothing, while himself and 'the Rabid Wolverine' left with the gold. Tonight, with just one prize on the line, he was going for the gold, and for those two assclowns standing in his way - bragging about being Coalition and trust - he may just need to bring down the machine tonight at Armageddon!
A video package aired, previewing the Triple Threat match tonight, where the WWF Championship would be on the line. Something had to give when Chris Jericho got the title shot of his dreams after forcing 'the Megastar' Kurt Angle to tap out to the Walls of Jericho on two separate occasions in the past few weeks. Having defeated Triple H and the Rock in recent months, the Olympic Gold Medalist was more confident than ever, though there was another member of the Coalition that wanted what Kurt had. Chris Benoit: the man responsible for forcing Mick Foley out as Commissioner, and opening the gates for Shane and Stephanie McMahon to hold power over the World Wrestling Federation. With Angle's ego came paranoia, and with 'the Rabid Wolverine' being a loner, who knew what to expect between the two Coalition members tonight, with the richest prize on the line! Would Angle finally be able to trust Benoit, or would the Coalition struggle with the high stakes of becoming WWF Champion on the line? Or would Y2J realize his lifelong goal, of becoming the man on top of the World Wrestling Federation's mountain? |
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Post by DTP. on Sept 29, 2020 9:44:45 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Sept 29, 2020 17:00:28 GMT -5
 Armageddon 2000 - December 10, 2000
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama
Live on Pay-Per-View
The opening video package aired. A desecrated city was shown in ruin. Buildings collapsed, bodies and skeletons laying everywhere. Atomic blasts and depictions of war presenting to us what had gotten us to this point. WWF Hall of Famer 'Classy' Freddie Blassie set the stage for us, describing how the end of humanity would come with a fight to the death between good and evil. What started back at WrestleMania XIV would finally come to an end tonight, as 'the Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels commits to all of his evil deeds to battle Stone Cold Steve Austin. HBK had repented his sins to the world, that he was the man that tried to take 'the Texas Rattlesnake' out for good by striking him with his car, thirteen months ago. Maliciously, Shawn declared himself the last outlaw out to ride once again - in a legacy-defining plot to seek revenge, after Stone Cold forced him to retire back at WrestleMania XIV. As explosions were shown of End Times taking place, the words of 'the Rattlesnake' tied it all together. Tonight, it would not be Shawn Michaels' grand redemption story; but Stone Cold Steve Austin's ultimate revenge! Austin planned to unleash all hell on HBK, and tonight in No Holds Barred, he would get that chance. The end is near, Armageddon is here!
The opening graphic aired, taking us to the buzzing Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama! Pyrotechnics served as a prelude for the end tonight, the World Wrestling Federation's final pay-per-view instalment of the year: and with Armageddon, they were going out with a blast! With a stacked line-up ensued, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to one of the most unique nights in pay-per-view history, in the sold-out BJCC! As J.R. and 'the King' took us to the entertainment complex in WWF New York to show a rowdy bunch of people on hand, they made note of tonight marking the first in-ring appearance of Shawn Michaels in thirty-three months! Meanwhile, Stone Cold Steve Austin had been at the building since bright and early this morning, focused on the battle ahead. It would surely be an all-out war once the No Holds Barred match came around. 1) WWF Tag Team Championship
T&A (c) vs The Dudley Boyz What started with an obsession for Trish Stratus on the part of Bubba Ray Dudley, had soon transcended into a fierce rivalry between the WWF Tag Team Champions T&A, and the men that wanted the gold, the Dudley Boyz. Using their manager's bodacious assets to their advantage, the two teams first met back at No Mercy, in a three-on-two handicap match. Naturally, the under-handed tactics of T&A came to play, allowing Trish to score a humiliating victory over Bubba. After scoring a huge, unexpected victory against Too Cool to capture the WWF Tag Team Championships last month, the two teams would embark on a rematch at last month's Survivor Series, where again T&A would escape with a disqualification loss - the titles remaining intact. Though Bubba would find his payback, the Dudleys having the last laugh and driving Trish Stratus through the wood - incapacitating the brains behind Test and Albert's operation! All year long the Dudleys had been hunting for the WWF Tag Team Championships, having been deprived of them ever since WrestleMania, and tonight at Armageddon looked to be perhaps their last shot at becoming two-time champs! Without Trish in their corner, Test and Albert had to prove that they could get the job done on their own, and a win against the Dudleys would truly illustrate their dominance over the tag team division!
Despite the absence of their manager, T&A walked with confidence as they made their arrival with the WWF Tag Team Championships on full display around their waists. Trish Stratus with them or not, Test and Albert did not appear to care about the challenge that awaited them, when a boastful staredown led to the Dudley Boyz coming at them with fists flying! D-Von and Bubba Ray had chased the titles for months, and immediately had the champions cleared from the ring with a double back body drop for Albert, and a double clothesline for Test! The champs were forced to regroup, while Dudleyville appeared to have taken residence in Birmingham tonight! The Dudleys knew better than to allow T&A time to recover, leaving the ring and continuing their attack. D-Von sent Test into the barricade, when the tall blonde Canadian came stampeding back with a mighty big boot that rocked him to the floor! The referee interjected to force Bubba back to his corner, whilst T&A immediately put the boots to the prone D-Von. Back inside, Albert made the tag and rushed at him with a big splash in the corner, when Test came from behind with a chokehold on D-Von - Albert clubbing away at the body of the younger brother! Bubba had the fans rooting for D-Von, whilst Test repeatedly rocked him with a series of repeat back elbows in the corner, a sidewalk slam giving them a near fall. D-Von tried to fire back against 'the Freight Train' as he re-entered, when a gorilla press slam connected. It was clear that the WWF Tag Team Champions' strategy was to dissect the smaller Dudley. With a sleeper hold applied, Test talked trash to Bubba from in the ring, allowing the Canadian to rake the eyes of D-Von as Bubba tried to advance and get to Test. With the crowd's support, D-Von was able to fight back to his feet, Test able to drag him back down to the mat. Test sent D-Von into the ropes where Bubba made the tag, and D-Von nailed Test with a charging tackle - but the referee disallowed the tag made!
Behind the referee's back as Bubba Ray disputed his decision, Albert snuck in and dragged D-Von back to the other side of the ring, where Test dropped two elbows over the back of the legal Dudley Boy! In came 'the Freight Train' for a big legdrop, before choking away at D-Von and releasing at the count of four. The 350-pounder was vocal towards Bubba now, clearly trying to provoke Bubba who came in again. Meanwhile behind the referee's back, Test began choking D-Von across the bottom rope! T&A were bending the rules as freely as possible, knowing full well that they retained the titles in case of disqualification! The six-foot-six heavyweight came in and slapped D-Von around, perhaps getting too cocky as Test went for a pumphandle slam, just for D-Von to break free and shove Test into Albert! With 'the Freight Train' knocked from the apron, D-Von caught Test with the Saving Grace and made the crawl! Bubba Ray was freshly legal, and he made it clear he was not messing around! Knocking down both members of T&A, Bubba scored big with the Bubba Bomb for Test for a near fal, and even sidestepped a rushing Albert who dropped a big splash on his own tag partner! With Albert cleared from the ring, Bubba managed to power Test up on his shoulders, as D-Von vaulted from the top rope with a Dudleyville Device! Again Albert made the save for Test, when Bubba body-slammed Albert and spread his legs: D-Von returning to the top and executing the Wazzup! It was the prompt that Alabama had been waiting for, once Bubba ordered D-Von to get the tables! He exited the ring and set it up at ringside, whilst T&A bodied Bubba in a two-on-one situation inside. Bubba was able to come off the ropes with a clothesline for both men, when D-Von sent Albert to the apron. After a flurry of punches, Albert went crashing through the table on the floor, but Test came from behind looking for a sneak attack. The challengers side-stepped it and the 3D connected - the Dudleys winning the gold!Winners, and new WWF Tag Team Champions: The Dudley Boyz (12:43) Albert laid in the carnage of the shattered table at ringside, whilst the people of Alabama shot to life for the crowning of new WWF Tag Team Champions! D-Von and Bubba Ray hugged it out in disbelief, wrapping up the year 2000 by becoming the champs for a second time. The Dudleys were handed their titles as Test rolled out to the floor in defeat. Without Trish Stratus, T&A had tried their earnest, but it was not enough to put down the Dudleys, who wished to celebrate at ringside, with the fans in the front row! The first of three titles on the line tonight had changed hands, in an exciting way to kick off Armageddon!
Outside of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, we saw the city of Birmingham, Alabama from afar. It was a cloudy, dry night in the city that Armageddon was emanating from tonight, whilst Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discussed the hijinks of the new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik.
A video package aired, reviewing the last eight days for the rapper from Charlotte, North Carolina. Over one week ago at Rebellion, K-Kwik was able to capture the title from prevalent former champ Lance Storm. While 'the Pride of Calgary' had changed the shape of the Hardcore division with the suspension of the 24/7 rule however, K-Dawg immediately revived it. What followed was a manhunt for K-Kwik this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, where he was able to escape the odds of Kaientai, Crash Holly and Tazz! Then, this past Thursday night on SmackDown, K-Kwik's open invitational was met by the returning Hardcore Holly, but also cousin Crash, and the unlikely pairing of Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko. K-Kwik again escaped with the title intact, whilst Saturn and Malenko found themselves in a showdown with the Holly Cousins.
The WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik was seen walking the halls of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center with caution, knowing full well that there would come adversity with the 24/7 rule in place, tonight. As the rapper crept lightly on his toes, Kevin Kelly would startle the champ with questions for the champ. K-Dawg reprimanded him for scaring him, and also chose not to trust Kevin Kelly despite being a broadcast journalist. K-Kwik had watched enough before he'd arrived in the World Wrestling Federation that just about anybody could win the WWF Hardcore Championship, but he wasn't going to let it go out of his sight! The interview served as a distraction, as Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko immediately jumped the rapper from behind. Terri encouraged her boys to go for the gold, as Saturn drilled K-Kwik with a body slam on a wooden pallet for a near fall. Malenko followed with a Texas Cloverleaf attempt on the concrete floor of the hallway, when Saturn shoved him off! He got in Dean's face about taking his opportunity, but 'the She-Devil' stuck right in the middle of her men. Meanwhile, K-Kwik had managed to escape up the hall, and upon realizing this, from behind came the Holly Cousins! Hardcore Holly smashed a vase over the head of Saturn, while Crash brought the fight to Malenko - the former Radicalz making a getaway!
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In their locker room, Edge, Christian and Big Show stood in anticipation for their three-on-one handicap match ahead against the Rock. The brothers from Toronto gossiped amongst themselves whilst 'the Giant' stood patiently, when in came Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Silence fell over the room, as 'the Billion Dollar Princess' discussed how they knew just how high the stakes were for tonight. It was a no-brainer that the Coalition could not afford to lose here tonight. She applauded their antics from this past Thursday on SmackDown, leaving the Rock mangled in the ruins of the announce table following another ambush from the dangerous trio. But that wasn't going to be enough tonight. Shane could not stress the importance of the World Wrestling Federation needing to leave 'the Brahma Bull' in the past, come 2001. Their vision did not include the Rock, nor did it want to remember the Rock. In Shane and Steph's idealized portrayal of a WWF under their rule, the Rock had to be beaten tonight!
In walked the WWF Champion Kurt Angle to agree wholeheartedly. 'The Megastar' said that it was high time for them, and that once the three of them walked out victorious - as did the Olympic Gold Medalist as WWF Champion - the Coalition would be right where they needed to be! Angle began to speak out about Chris Jericho appearing weak, how he saw what he said on Sunday Night Heat about Angle's title being Y2J's destiny. He thought it was all horse manure! As far as Benoit went - wherever he was - he knew 'the Rabid Wolverine' wanted the WWF title too, but Kurt Angle was the man that this company deserved and needed to be WWF Champion! Angle was self-assured, but upon reopening his eyes whilst discussing the Triple Threat match, he soon realized that the Coalition were gone! Angle asked the group where they had gone, seemingly seeking reassurance from the group!
In the arena, the people of Birmingham, Alabama immediately responded negatively, once the WWF European Champion made his way down to the ring. A replay aired, reviewing the Stinkface he had received ten days ago on SmackDown, followed by 'the Goodwill Ambassador's attack on Rikishi this past Thursday night in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. The Englishman was not well liked in Birmingham tonight, as he waved and looked for his fans in the sold out building, from the ring. William stated that he was absolutely besmirched by the fact that he had to compete in a shoddy country town like this tonight, in the middle of Alabama no less! William discussed the changes that he would make to make this entire area cleaner, safer and better: ruling eating with mouths closed, washing "countryside overalls" more than once per week, and wiping before flushing as just three ways to improve the people's personal hygiene! On the topic of derrieres, they would be enlightened to know that tonight would see an incredible feat take place, once "their" 'Goodwill Ambassador' triumphed as not only the WWF European Champion, but WWF Intercontinental Champion as well! Regal claimed that there would be no rumpshaking by the 400-pound, thong-wearing Rikishi tonight, and that much like 'the Megastar' Kurt Angle, he could not wait to serve them as the Eurocontinental Champion! Rikishi made his arrival, the fans rushing to their feet as the unimpressed WWF Intercontinental Champion came stomping down the aisleway, out for revenge after the ambush on SmackDown! 2) WWF Intercontinental Championship
Rikishi (c) vs WWF European Champion William Regal Eight days ago at Rebellion, before his home country did William Regal capture the WWF European Champion. With certainty, the Englishman threw his protege from recent weeks, Joe E. Legend under the bus, but that could not have been made clearer just six nights ago on RAW is WAR. Following the Stinkface he'd received on SmackDown the week prior, 'the Goodwill Ambassador' looked to take out an attack on the WWF Intercontinental Champion, who had managed to overcome Joe E, just to abandon him for Legend's own personal Stinkface. Upset by the continued antics of 'Big Kish', the fun-loving champ found himself the victim of a sudden ambush from the Brit just three nights ago on SmackDown. Backstage at Madison Square Garden, Regal showed a whole different side to himself, slamming a trash can over the head of the champ and sending him reeling into some lighting equipment! In Shane and Stephanie McMahon's rise in power of late, Regal had quickly earned himself a chance at taking down Rikishi here tonight. Despite being WWF European Champion in his own right, William had convinced the McMahons to make this match official for Armageddon tonight - with only the Samoan's title on the line!
Rikishi was not pleased with the shenanigans played by William Regal, immediately shedding his entrance robe and meeting the Englishman in the ring for a fist fight to commence! The WWF European Champion tried to rebel against the heavy-handed punches laid in by the WWF Intercontinental Champion, who instead struck with a big body slam, and a superkick that rocked 'the Goodwill Ambassador' into the corner! Regal was in position for a Stinkface and knew all about it, escaping from the ring to catch his breath. The 400-pound Samoan was beloved in Birmingham here tonight, daring Regal to climb back inside. He even took a seat on the ropes to allow him safe entry to the ring, which William appeared to accept. That's when Regal cheap shotted Rikishi and clubbed him with an uppercut, before taking to the ropes and immediately catching him with a Samoan drop for an early near fall! Regal again rolled out to the floor, resting up against the announce table. He complained to the announcers about "the humongous oath", when Rikishi slammed him face-first into the desk! Rikishi rolled Regal again back inside, but upon climbing through the ropes, Regal villainously kicked the middle rope right into the groin of the champ whose title was on the line! Down and favoring his groin, William began to cut down on the tree-trunk legs of 'Big Kish', dropping several knees across it before hyperextending the leg, with pressure applied on the kneecap! A knee drop connected across the temple for a near fall, when Regal showboated to the people. Rikishi on his front, William lucked for the Regal Stretch but could not get it applied! Rikishi was too big, and managed to headbutt his way out. Regal was dazed but clubbed Rikishi in return with a European uppercut. Taking off to the ropes he aimed for a sunset flip, only for the gigantic weight of Rikishi's ass to land on top of his chest for a two count! Regal crawled to the corner and received a thump: but no Stinkface, as Regal bounced out through the ropes! Rikishi reached out to grab him and wound up tripped to the canvas, as William crotched the champ groin-first against the ring post! Regal crawled back in on the defensive, seeking the Regal Cutter - but the strength of Rikishi allowed him to hoist the WWF European Champion up for the Rikishi Driver, giving 'Big Kish' the win!Winner, and still WWF Intercontinental Champion: Rikishi (6:15) The tactics of the self-proclaimed 'Goodwill Ambassador' was not at all gentle-like, but regardless of the dastardly Englishman, Rikishi had still prevailed with the WWF Intercontinental Championship. William Regal was dazed whilst 'Big Kish' was handed his gold, displaying it high in the air for all to see. In this champion against champion affair, the 400-pound Samoan had come out on top, but froze on the spot. He saw Regal pained, down in the corner, when Rikishi dropped the title belt and closed in: the Stinkface connecting! It was an ill-wanted encounter with the big cheeks of Rikishi, causing Regal to squander out in a panicked rush! The WWF European Champion had been besmirched again, after the bell had sounded!
In the backstage hallway stood Michael Cole, who made note of the fact that with No Holds Barred looming closer, he was going to attempt to get some words from 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Michael made a short walk across the hall before - hesitantly - knocking on the locker room of the man that will meet Shawn Michaels for an inevitable war later tonight. Stone Cold Steve Austin himself opened it, but before Michael could get two words out of his mouth, Austin had slammed the door right in his face! Austin was in the zone, and had no ambitions to speak with anybody until after the match with 'the Heartbreak Kid'.
3) No-Disqualification Match
Eddie Guerrero vs Chyna The night after WrestleMania, Chyna shocked the world when she was unable to resist 'Latino Heat'. Previously rivals, the two were intertwined together romantically, and this relationship soon blossomed, allowing both to thrive as one of the hottest couples in sports entertainment history. That all came crashing to a halt, and it appeared to go back as far as Eddie Guerrero becoming WWF Intercontinental Champion for the very first time. While Chyna was revealed to be the star of Playboy Magazine back in September, Eddie appeared to show more passion for the gold, and less about 'the Ninth Wonder of the World'. Transforming Chyna with his manipulation, Guerrero would finally be outed as having an affair with the Kat. It finally woke the fighter up from deep inside of Chyna, who came back for Eddie, looking to get the revenge she so desperately wanted, and be able to once and for all move on with her life! Unfortunately, 'Latino Heat' had different ideas, stealing her win at the Survivor Series where the two met face to face. In recent weeks we have seen the devious, sadistic side of Eddie as he threatened to give his former 'Mamacita' brain damage just six days ago on RAW is WAR. But now, with no disqualifications and no count-outs, with a fired up Chyna? Eddie Guerrero only had himself to blame for whatever could happen!
'Latino Heat' basked in the negative response elicited by the crowd on hand in Birmingham tonight, as Eddie Guerrero did not appear to show a single sign of remorse for his actions over the past few months. Yet once his ex-fiancee showed her face, his face dropped to that of abeyance. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' was armed with a bazooka designed to set off pyrotechnics, and upon entry to the ring, Eddie was wise enough to step out to the floor. The bell sounded and Eddie still refused to enter, instead chuckling to himself. Refusing to go head-to-head with the woman he once cherished deeply, Eddie teased entering just to slip back out again immediately. It was all a game to Eddie, though Chyna would immediately rush to the floor and began a chase, taking the two around ringside! Eddie slipped into the ring and hit the ropes, merely to walk into a hip toss from 'Mamacita!' Chyna began off-loading on Eddie with clubbing forearms across the sides of his head. Ripping the shirt from Eddie's torso, Chyna began chopping away at him until he was able to poke the eyes - just like how he won at the Survivor Series! Freeing himself, he hit the ropes, this time encountering a giant military press slam! Eddie scarpered from the ring to catch his breath, to which Chyna followed suit again. Eddie was on his knees pleading for forgiveness from 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', before pulling a concealed kendo stick from under the ring and cracking his ex-fiancee over the head with it! Eddie had corroborated this plan to trick her, as he bent her over the ring apron and lashed her with some further, relentless shots from the cane! Back inside, Eddie began choking Chyna with it, in a camel clutch-like position. All the while he trash talked Chyna, screaming about what could have been - had only she kept her mouth shut! Eddie stood over her, raising her chin up with the cane to look him in the eyes. One last swing...but Chyna caught it in motion! Chyna low blowed out of Eddie's hostage situation, then began to unleash the kendo stick back on Eddie!
Chyna lit her ex-fiancee up with shots from the cane, before Eddie finally throated her across the top rope. Eddie grabbed a steel chair from ringside, but Chyna suddenly came vaulting through the ropes with a suicide dive! Chyna was damaged from the chair protecting Eddie however, and he immediately tapped his head knowingly. Guerrero drove her into the steel steps, before swinging the steel chair just like last Monday night - but Chyna was able to slip out of the way at the last second! Eddie screamed in frustration, following her around ringside where 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' responded with a shot from a trash can! Chyna used it out of desperation, as she body slammed Guerrero on the ringside floor before dragging his body back into the ring. Chyna hoped to go in for the kill on 'Latino Heat', standing over him as he feigned a back injury. For a split-second, 'Mamacita' showed remorse for her ex-lover. She looked down at him in hesitance, but it proved to be another setup once Eddie delivered a drop toe hold! Chyna landed directly on the trash can, while Eddie returned to the floor to grab his steel chair. He teased swinging it with vengeance on Chyna, but instead set it up and took a seat! Eddie was enjoying making Chyna pay while she squirmed on the canvas. She reached for the trash can for defensive purpose, when Eddie put the boots to her in time! Guerrero positioned the trash can on top of Chyna before heading to the top rope. He had hopes of ending this himself, soaring with the Frog Splash - but Chyna moved and Eddie landed chest-first through the can! Alabama willed Chyna on as she scowled back on the pained Eddy, who begged for mercy. Decisively, she hoisted her ex-fiancee up and dropped him with the Powerbomb directly through the set up steel chair, to finally put this behind her!Winner: Chyna (9:36) It had been an emotional No-Disqualification fight between the two formerly engaged lovers, but it was all over, and 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had finally come out on top! Eddie Guerrero remained down and hurting following the Powerbomb through a set up steel chair, laying in agony. His back may have been injured legitimately this time, and it was all thanks to his 'Mamacita!' Chyna had her hand raised, and like a weight had been lifted up off of her shoulders, she smiled genuinely for the first time in weeks! Leaving Eddie behind, she shook hands with some of her fans in the front row. Chyna was leaving with her head held high, leaving her toxic ex-fiancee in the dust!
We went to New York City, where deep in the heart of Times Square, WWF New York was a buzz despite the cold air outside. Inside of the entertainment complex we saw the fans on hand cheering Chyna on in her victory, when the camera panned to the restaurant area to reveal Matt Hardy and Lita sat down enjoying the cuisine! Matt and Lita continued to eat and chat, when the two were joined for the first time in weeks, by Jeff Hardy! Team Xtreme had been reunited, as the Hardy Boyz and Lita continued to socialize with one another. Jeff had been sidelined with a back problems that required time off, but the three of them had still found the time to hang out and let loose, in the Big Apple.
Backstage in the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, Triple H was all ready to go. Seated with his trusty bottle of water in hand, 'the Game' took a gulp of the water when approached by Michael Cole. Michael wanted to know what was running through his mind, with only moments to spare until his chance at giving X-Pac the punishment he deserved, for stabbing D-Generation X in the heart at the Survivor Series. Triple H looked at Cole with a fierce glare on his face. He told Michael boldly that he would not be held responsible for what happened to X-Pac tonight. One thing was for certain was the fact he was awake now. Not just that, he was alive, because for the first time in so long 'the Game' was on his own. Triple H was motivated on one thing, and one thing only: turning the Kid into a Man tonight, and climbing his way back to the top. One dominant win at a time! Suddenly Shawn Michaels burst into the room, immediately bringing his best friend to his feet. 'The Heartbreak Kid' acted in self-defense, simply asking if he could speak with him for a moment. Triple H told HBK to save it: they weren't friends any longer.
A video package aired, looking over the long history between Triple H and X-Pac. For years, they rode the highways and byways of the sports entertainment industry together. They ate, drank and slept this business alongside their friends in the Kliq. The group was inseparable, but powerful as well, and soon spawned to a larger-than-life faction known as D-Generation X. Though somewhere along the way, DX lost its spirit. It lost its specialty. Quickly, Triple H's desperate grasp of the WWF Championship would take over, only to be revived once Stephanie McMahon had dumped 'the Game' for greener pastures, in the WWF Champion Kurt Angle. Meanwhile for months, X-Pac questioned whether he was the weak link of the group, and felt unappreciated by the rest of the gang. At the Survivor Series last month, X-Pac shocked the world when he struck Triple H with a swift roundhouse kick, finally looking out for himself. Now riding solo, X-Pac had ran time and time again from 'the Game', but tonight: we would find out if '1-2-3 Kid' had become 'the Man' he believed himself to be! 4) Triple H vs X-Pac Five years of friendship went destroyed last month at the Survivor Series. From the years in the Kliq, the brotherhood had finally collapsed, and was set to culminate tonight at Armageddon. For months X-Pac had found himself struggling to find a place for himself, with the return of Billy Gunn to D-Generation X. Finding himself outnumbered opposite the Coalition, to X-Pac the only way to break out was to literally break free of the apparent "shackles" his teammates laid upon him. Now, DX was nonexistent. Road Dogg hadn't been seen since that fateful November night, Billy Gunn had gone his separate path. Shawn Michaels was about to embark on what was sure to be the most unpredictable collision with Stone Cold Steve Austin later tonight, and Triple H was all alone for the first time in years, as well. 'The Game' was highly determined to turn the page on some destructive losses at the hands of Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in recent months, and with X-Pac's act of betrayal last month, he had said he was now awake. For a man calling himself 'the Man', X-Pac had ran with his tail between his legs from Triple H at every turn, even going as far as to orchestrate a set-up with Stephanie McMahon just three weeks ago on SmackDown. Six nights ago on RAW is WAR, everybody thought X-Pac had been chased from the building by Triple H...only for it to be another set up, as X-Pac left his former friend laying: the result of a lead pipe assault. At last on his own, could X-Pac increase the incline of 'the Game's downward spiral? Or would Triple H finally make a man out of the cowardly X-Pac?
X-Pac strutted down to the ring to his new theme song full of poise for the meeting ahead. For the first time since he came back to the World Wrestling Federation three years ago, did X-Pac not christen the D-Generation X colors, instead opting for a black and blue approach. Self-proclaimed 'the Man', X-Pac had a determined look on his face once 'the Game' made his way out to the ring. Triple H climbed into the ring and wanted to stare X-Pac from the getgo, much to the deliberation of the referee. Finally he dragged the referee out of the way, allowing himself to get his hands on his ex-best friend! X-Pac tried to hang in there with right hands, but 'the Game' knocked him down and sent him into the ropes for a jumping high knee to the face! It was shades of Harley Race although it did not look to be anything remotely resembling a classic, as Triple H followed X-Pac out to the floor and sent him sailing into the steel steps. This was not the leader of D-Generation X we had come to expect from Triple H in these situations, it was the former three-time WWF Champion - 'the Cerebral Assassin' - punishing a deceitful turncoat! Triple H continued to beat on X-Pac against the barricades, laying him out on the floor. The count was on and 'the Game' rolled him back inside before hesitating to bask in the loud applause from the people, allowing X-Pac to blindsight him with a baseball slide! The count broken, 'the Man' began to put the boots to Triple H against the ring post, even swinging his arm rapidly into the steel post! Returning into the ring, X-Pac went for covers relentlessly on Triple H. His strategy was not just to ground 'the Game', but to wear him up. A hammerlock hold was applied, with X-Pac applying all of the weight on Triple H's back. He talked trash to Hunter about being weak and getting soft, but Triple H immediately powered X-Pac on his back and forced him backwards into the corner! Triple H tried to free himself from X-Pac's grip of his weakened arm, but X-Pac instead climbed to the second rope and dragged on the long hair of 'the Cerebral Assassin'.
He screamed at Triple H to take it like a man, when 'the Game' freed himself and nailed X-Pac to send him out to the floor! Triple H followed him once more, choking him on top of the steel steps before breaking it. The referee had followed them this time and reprimanded 'the Game', who clobbered X-Pac with some more fists before tossing him back into the ring. Triple H shouted back at X-Pac before driving him to the canvas with a firm spinebuster for a near fall. 'The Game' decided to change things up with an elbow drop across the leg of X-Pac, before dropping his knee across the temple of 'the Man'. The former WWF Champion favored his arm after the swing into the ring post earlier on, as he picked X-Pac up for a planting DDT, just for X-Pac to reverse it into an arm ringer out of desperation! X-Pac smirked and showboated to the people, before performing some handstand knee drops across the inner-elbow of 'the Game', even going as far as to choke Triple H in revenge for earlier! The referee warned him, before delivering a swift kick combo using his educated feet in the corner, a roundhouse kick topping it off for another near fall! X-Pac was visibly getting frustrated as he hammed in the punches on 'the Game'. X-Pac lined Triple H up for a successful Bronco Buster in the corner, but tried to follow it up with an attack from the second rope - but on landing Triple H would catch him with a kick to the groin! X-Pac chopped his crotch with caution, when 'the Game' planted him with a big DDT! Triple H had plans to finish this once and for all, choosing against going for a cover and looking for the Pedigree. Hooking the arms, X-Pac looked to be in danger when he backdropped out into a northern lights suplex: a close near fall scored! X-Pac followed with a sudden X-Factor, to hook the leg for a mere two count! X-Pac was screaming at the referee at this point, beside himself at the resilience of 'the Game!' X-Pac looked for a crossface chickenwing instead, when Triple H elbowed his way free. Tactically X-Pac flew off the second rope into a gut to the mid-section, and the Pedigree would put X-Pac down for the count!Winner: Triple H (11:08) 'The Cerebral Assassin' had scored a vital victory tonight at Armageddon, having finally gotten his revenge on X-Pac for what he did back at the Survivor Series. Triple H favored his arm as he returned to a vertical basis, his good arm raised in victory over the fallen X-Pac. Without D-Generation X on his side, and any visible allies in sight, 'the Game' was still a far cry from the warrior that reigned over the World Wrestling Federation as a three-time WWF Champion, but he was on the path to redemption after a spiralling few months! X-Pac rolled around in pain on the mat, pounding his fist against the canvas in frustration, 'the Man' unable to put down his former friend tonight no matter how hard he tried!
Backstage, the WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik could be seen ducking for cover in an empty room frantically, as Kaientai were heard walking squabbling with one another walking by. It had not taken long for K-Dawg to find himself backed into a corner, but would soon find himself in more danger, as the sign on the door revealed the APA logo! Having stumbled into Bradshaw and Faarooq's office, the boys were sat at the poker table in Debra seated between them. Faarooq startled the rapper by warning him about breaking the door - after it had been broken by the weight of Mark Henry this past Thursday on SmackDown. K-Kwik did not seem to get the memo once Bradshaw demanded he knock before entering, but the WWF Hardcore Champion instead approached the table and asked them for help. K-Dawg didn't have any money on him when quizzed by the boys, to which the APA were ready to take the title as consolation! Debra talked them down, welcoming him to take a seat and crack a beer with them. K-Kwik sat down and began to speak with Debra and Bradshaw, whilst Faarooq grabbed a beer tray from the filing cabinet. Faarooq swung for K-Kwik from behind and instead nailed Bradshaw across the face! The chase was on, but K-Dawg brought the blows to Faarooq before kicking him across the poker table! As the Texan flipped the table over and rushed to his feet, K-Kwik had escaped!
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In the locker room, Chris Benoit was taping his wrists ahead of the biggest opportunity of his career to date. With the Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship still to come tonight at Armageddon, everybody was wondering how 'the Rabid Wolverine' would fare with Chris Jericho and Coalition teammate Kurt Angle. There was a knock on the door, and Shane McMahon walked into the room. Shane asked Benoit if he was interrupting, and Chris confirmed the belief. Instead, McMahon wanted to make it short and sweet for him so Benoit could understand. He wanted Chris to know that no matter what went down tonight, he hoped he'd make the right decision. The Coalition was less about being a dominant faction, and more about being a family dedicated to bringing out the best in one another. After all, they were the ones that were going to lead the World Wrestling Federation walking into the year 2001! Benoit chuckled, telling Shane that he could believe whatever his naive little head wanted. Benoit agreed that tonight the right decision would be made. But so long as Y2J didn't leave the WWF Champion, all was well with the Coalition...right? Benoit patted Shane's shoulder and told him not to worry about it, leaving McMahon conflicted.
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In the lobby of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center were the Dudley Boyz, celebrating their WWF Tag Team Championship victory earlier tonight with just some of the fans in attendance in Alabama! Jonathan Coachman was standing by with the newly crowned two-time champs, asking what it meant for them to end 2000 on pay-per-view on a high note. Bubba Ray explained that they had worked so hard to make it back to the tip-top of the tag team division, but finally, despite all the blood, sweat and tears: they had finished the job they started tonight! D-Von added that for all they cared, Birmingham tonight was Dudleyville - and they were going to celebrate hard tonight before getting back to business tomorrow night! Bubba threw a long-winded shoutout to the entire Dudley Family one by one. From Spike to Big Dick, this win was for them!
Things looked to get gritty coming up next. A video package aired, taking us back to two months ago on SmackDown. The Undertaker was pondering where he would go next, in order to celebrate a decade of destruction in the World Wrestling Federation. He would be met with an unlikely, dangerous opponent in the mysterious Raven. For weeks, the enigmatic lurker would assault 'the Deadman' from behind, toying with him through the ironic use of mind games. Raven was playing psychological warfare with 'the American Badass', though when the two finally met at the Survivor Series last month, it was the Undertaker who picked up the win in decisive fashion. Raven was a preacher of society, a nihilistic pessimist. Taking the loss at Raven's Rules hard, it appeared that he only became more demented as evidenced by his uncontrollable laughter. But that in itself proved only to be another way to mess with the Undertaker, leaving him bloodied and unconscious once again ten days ago on SmackDown. Raven had been in hiding since that night, only creeping out to deliver a swift Evenflow DDT on the ringside floor three nights ago. Tonight, it wasn't Raven's Rules, it was a Street Fight, and the Undertaker planned to settle the score with the man he had made famous, Raven tonight! 5) Street Fight
The Undertaker vs Raven It had been an unusual two months for 'the American Badass'. Entering his eleventh year in the World Wrestling Federation, following a career that began at the 1990 Survivor Series, the Undertaker had seen WWF Superstars come and go. He had battled with the best of them, the likes of Hulk Hogan, Bret 'Hitman' Hart, the Ultimate Warrior, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock. He had also been in the ring with the most intimidating opponents, men such as Giant Gonzalez, Sycho Sid, Kamala and countless others. Yet out of all of his opponents, no one man compared to the enigma known only as Raven. Once an aspiring young talent, Raven believed that the industry had moved on without him. Left homeless and brought to compete in underground fight clubs and bingo halls with food for pay, he was an outspoken preacher that was looking for his time to shine. Up against the Undertaker, he got his fair share of that exchange. Coming after bloody beating after violent ambush, 'the Deadman' came out on top in dominant fashion at the Survivor Series, although it was still not enough to rid him of the ever-vocal Raven. Raven appeared maniacal after Raven's Rules took place, but it only allowed him to strike when 'the Deadman' was least expecting it, challenging 'the Deadman' into his world. The Undertaker called the World Wrestling Federation his yard, yet Raven believed his yard existed outside of his own asylum. Tonight in a Street Fight, we would find out who owned the property.
The Undertaker rode no motorcycle to the ring here in Birmingham, Alabama tonight. Instead, 'the Deadman' was prepared for a stand-up fight against Raven. He was watchful for another ambush to be made by Raven, but instead he made his way out to the arena with his hands joined in prayer. The unorthodox newcomer had become religious over the last few days, and after drilling his enemy with the Evenflow DDT on the ringside floor just three nights ago on SmackDown, he may well have had every reason to speak to his God. Unfortunately for him, the Undertaker was in no mood to wait, as he immediately left the ring and hammered away at Raven on the aisleway! 'The American Badass' did not care for Raven's antics, who tried to fire back just to wind up whipped spine-first into the guardrails, with a big boot following up! Alabama had paid good money to see the veteran dispose of the masochistic newcomer, and this was proven once 'the Deadman' framed him up against the guardrail on the aisle to light him up with a series of heavy-handed body blows! Undertaker had quickly become renowned for being a pure striker since returning this past May, and he soon took Raven on a crash course down to ringside! Continuing to beat on Raven against the barricade, the dangerous individual fired back with a rake to the eyes. Raven rained down with heavy shots on the back of 'the Deadman's head, but immediately found himself sent right into the steel steps! Raven was busted open as a result, as Undertaker brought him into the ring to officially start this match. Raven immediately responded with a low blow to 'the Deadman' before dropping him with a discus clothesline! He now knew what he had to do, as he mounted Undertaker with more right hands, soon to unleash more with a fast flurry of rights and lefts! The sadist screamed down at 'the Deadman' to ask whatever happened to the goth make-up, and what ever happened to Paul Bearer. Undertaker responded by grabbing him by the throat, only for Raven to slap on an armbar reversal! 'The American Badass' groaned in pain as Raven switched it around with a Fujiwara armbar, but there was no way he would beat him by submission here. Raven slid out to the floor and dragged 'the Deadman' with him, immediately lifting the Undertaker's leg and slamming it across the blunt edge of the ring apron!
Raven began to laugh through the crimson mask quickly apparent on his face, slamming Undertaker's leg down across the ring apron once before, before wedging his foot between the apron and the steel steps. Raven wiped his face and licked his blood sadistically, before kicking the steps right on 'the Deadman's ankle! As the veteran crumpled to the floor, out wide came Raven's arms. It was new-found confidence on the part of the newcomer, who further hoped to break down 'the Deadman' with a tackle into the barricade! Raven got inventive and followed with a Russian legsweep into the front of the announce table after it, laying in more strikes. Finally Undertaker found himself some breathing room by pushing Raven away, and a fast Evenflow DDT attempt went blocked by Undertaker, who grabbed Raven by the throat! Raven was in danger, but another errant low blow caused 'the Deadman' to fall down again. Raven rolled Undertaker back inside and unveiled a steel chair from beneath the ring, taking his time to follow. Methodically, Raven stood on the ankle of the Undertaker and choked him with the deadly edge of the steel chair before jabbing at the abdomen of 'the American Badass' on the canvas. Raven continued to preach his words to the veteran, that this would be a changing of the guard. Unfortunately his motormouth got the best of him, as a wild overhead swing of the steel chair was met with a big Chokeslam from the Undertaker! 'The American Badass' was slow to cover, but only received a near fall. Back up to his feet and limping, 'the Deadman' aspired to finish this battle with the old throat thrust. Powering Raven up over his shoulder, a Tombstone Piledriver looked to be near: but Raven slipped free of it and struck Undertaker with a loud chair shot to the skull! Undertaker went down but only for a near fall as 'the Deadman' miraculously managed to power out. Raven now motioned for the Evenflow DDT right on top of the steel chair, much like he did several weeks ago, when the Undertaker fired his way out of it. On a bad wheel, 'the American Badass' lit Raven up with another striking combination in the corner, where Undertaker planted him with a sidewalk slam! Undertaker covered for another near fall before declaring that the end was nigh. In trouble, Raven was hoisted up on the shoulders of 'the Deadman' for the Last Ride: but with a steel chair in hand, slammed it down on the cranium of the Undertaker!
Freeing himself, Raven suplexed Undertaker and laughed an evil laugh. Raven saw his chance and picked up the 300+ pound dead weight of 'the American Badass' up, the Evenflow DDT about to be executed, when Raven inexplicably let his foe drop to the canvas! Raven got a sick grin on his face, knowing better than that. Declaring himself to be the new Undertaker, he powered him to his feet while slapping away at him, taking his arm and elevating to the top rope! Raven was going for Old School, but before he could drop an axe handle, Undertaker was able to turn it into a masterful Chokeslam! 'The Deadman' motioned the slit-throat once more, before powering Raven up for one final Last Ride to pick up the three count!Winner: The Undertaker (13:20) It had been a brutal back-and-forth Street Fight to close the book on this fierce rivalry, tonight at Armageddon. In the end, one man limped back up to his feet, and it was none other than 'the American Badass'. The Undertaker had a small cut on his forehead from the violence brought on by his enemy, who rolled around on the canvas clutching the steel chair tight. Like he was hugging it, Raven was bloodied and beaten by 'the Deadman', who watched over him before leaving the ring. Undertaker was leaving with his head held high, Raven made famous by the ensuing decade of destruction.
Backstage, The Rock was jumping up and down on the spot, standing beside Michael Cole. Up next was the three-on-one handicap match against the Coalition, where 'the Brahma Bull's very existence in the World Wrestling Federation was on the line. As Michael hoped to get some pre-match thoughts from the five-time WWF Champion, Rock instead rose his palm to Michael's face before uttering that finally he had come back to Sweet Home, Alabama! Rock quizzed Michael on who he thought would come out on top tonight. Would it be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment? The same man of the people that had overcome each and every single obstacle thrown in his way by Shane and Stephanie McMahon? The same Shane and Stephanie that were trying and failing to remove 'the Great One' from the history books, having put him in more handicap matches than he can count already?
Rock told Michael Cole that the fact of the matter was, he was up against some very large odds. Not only was he heading into that ring to fight arguably one of the greatest tag teams, Edge and Christian, but he was going to have to overcome the seven-foot-two, 500-pound 'Giant' the Big Show. Rock recited how he had faced each and every single one of them in different conditions, but tonight it was different. It was all three of them in that ring, going three-on-one with 'the Great One'. But he vowed to layeth the SmackDown on all three of their candyasses! And when it was done, he was going to grab Shane McMahon by that Supercuts hair of his, and stick his authoritative head up 'the World's Largest Athlete's large candyass. The chants of the Alabaman crowd echoed throughout the building, when Rock turned to Michael. If this was his last night, it had been one hell of a ride. But the Rock could promise one thing, and one thing only: Armageddon would not be the Rock's farewell. After delivering his electrifying catchphrase, Rock headed off to fight for his career.
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While scheduled to get ready for the three-on-one handicap match moments away, instead the Right to Censor were interrupting Armageddon! Led by Steven Richards, the WWF Women's Champion Ivory appeared overjoyed as the duo were accompanied by the forces of Bull Buchanan, Mark Henry and the Goodfather. After a successful tag team victory on Sunday Night Heat against the Holly Cousins, the RTC each had praise for their fellow, reluctant member Lilian Garcia. Covering ring announcer duties for the entire night, Lilian looked on in confusion as the group climbed into the ring with Steven immediately wrapping his hands around her. Taking to the microphone, Steven told the people to give Lilian a loud round of applause for a job well done! Acknowledging her fully uniformed to perfection, he surveyed the people of Huntsville to see just how much of a perfect fit Lilian had made with the Right to Censor. No more would she wear the scandalous, grotesque low-cut shirts and revealing skirts, nor would the World Wrestling Federation fans have to watch her degrade herself on a weekly basis! Goodfather, Buchanan and 'the Secret Weapon' smiled at Lilian for being the role model they all knew she could be. Ivory however, was not as impressed as her colleagues. The WWF Women's Champion knew just how impressed the rest of the RTC were, but she knew Lilian could still do better. For weeks, Ivory claimed, Lilian had showed flashes of potential in the group, but she was still ignorant of the good fight in which the Right to Censor fought.
Ivory accused Lilian of being disloyal, and disobedient towards what the Right to Censor stood for. For starters, the boots she had been wearing tonight was provocative! They were not RTC approved, and she had the bottom button on her blouse revealing. The WWF Women's Champion could not stress how important these minor mistakes were, when suddenly Lilian grabbed the microphone herself and told the Right to Censor that with all due respect: they forced her to join the RTC! And she wasn't happy with them, and never would be. She wasn't just their ring announcer, she was the World Wrestling Federation's ring announcer, and Lilian wanted to quit the Right to Censor! Shocked, Steven stage an apology towards her, commenting on how they should have never forced her to join anything. Then of course, Ivory slapped Lilian hard across the face! Disgusted, Ivory had Mark Henry hold Lilian up for another slap - when suddenly the Holly Cousins hit the ring for a showdown! Mad about the tag team match on Sunday Night Heat earlier tonight, Hardcore and Crash were out to avenge the loss in their home state of Alabama! Hardcore took down Goodfather and Buchanan while Crash came off the top with a missile dropkick for Mark Henry! 'The Secret Weapon' was quickly able to take both Hollys down with a double clothesline, when Lilian shockingly threw down the scarf from her uniform, and slapped Ivory down to the mat! Lilian struck with a low blow to Mark Henry which allowed both Hollys to score with a double dropkick! Henry bailed from the ring along with Steven Richards and Ivory, Goodfather and Buchanan fought down from the apron. The Hollys stood alongside Lilian Garcia, who shouted at the livid RTC! Finally, Lilian had broken free of the shackles of the Right to Censor, and Ivory and Steven could not believe it!
A video package aired, looking back at the meteoric rise of 'the Great One'. If there was one single man that had prospered in the past year, it was the Rock. A five-time WWF Champion, the third-generation Superstar had even made waves in Hollywood. Yet his fame was the source of resentment on behalf of Shane McMahon. Having met in Street Fights and Steel Cage matches in the past, Shane O'Mac's desire to rid the World Wrestling Federation of the Rock amped up to a tenfold when the McMahon siblings rose to power several weeks ago. As the Rock was cheated out of the WWF Championship by Kurt Angle, 'the Brahma Bull' responded by taking the Olympian down and driving the People's Elbow into his heart. This prompted Shane and Steph to take action, pitting him in multiple unfair matches with Rock somehow able to overcome the odds. Finally, after a six-man tag team tables match did not go his way, Shane reached a last resort: a three-on-one handicap match with the Coalition - and Rock now had to win or find himself without a job! Big Show, Edge and Christian had all long held grudges with 'the People's Champ. But tonight, Rock could not afford to lose. Could Rock overcome the gigantic odds ahead at him, or would the Coalition achieve their goal of wiping the most electrifying man in sports entertainment - out of sports entertainment?
 6) Handicap Match
If the Coalition win, The Rock is banished from the World Wrestling Federation.
Big Show, Edge and Christian vs The Rock
The five-time WWF Champion was undoubtedly the most popular World Wrestling Federation Superstar in the company today. Not only in the WWF, but in Hollywood as well. Wherever magazines were sold, chances were that you could see 'the People's Champ' gracing the cover of at least one. From headlining two straight WrestleManias and hosting Saturday Night Live on NBC, to fighting for his career tonight at Armageddon - how time flies and changes, in just few short months. The new regime of power held by Shane and Stephanie McMahon envisioned sports entertainment in the 21st century, without the Rock as a part of it. Instead, their self-appointed group the Coalition were the stars in the making, at least coming from the McMahons' perspective. It appeared that months of dominance and greatness were now catching up with 'the Great One', and who could have opposed the Rock in this match with more poetic irony than the seven-foot-two, 500-pounder, the Big Show? The man depraved of the Royal Rumble victory last January, to being beaten time and time again by 'the Brahma Bull' in months to follow. Edge and Christian claimed themselves to being the greatest tag team of this infantile millennium, but by ending Rock's career tonight would potentially solidify that as fact over fiction! Rock was coming in on top of his game, despite being less than 100%. The Conchairto to his rib cage received six nights ago was one thing, but the vicious Chokeslam through the table from 'the Giant' in Madison Square Garden on SmackDown was another major setback. Rock had to go into this and fight for his life, it was do-or-die against the Coalition!
Bandaged ribs and all, the Rock came marching down the aisleway with a purpose in mind - to divide and conquer the insurmountable odds ahead of him. Big Show, Edge and Christian watched confidently from the ring as 'the People's Champ' immediately rushed to the ring, engaging in a fist fight with both former WWF Tag Team Champions! Christian poked the eye of the Rock and it allowed them to club on his back, until Rock caught Edge off the ropes with a big back body drop! He sent Christian sailing to the floor, leaving only Big Show and Rock standing face to face. 'The World's Largest Athlete' had maintained a year-long rivalry with 'the People's Champ', who ordered he just bring it. Unfortunately, Edge and Christian struck from behind once again from behind. They continued to put the boots to the Rock, but Rock was able to reverse a suplex on Christian and promptly following with a clothesline to Edge! Rock was immediately rushed by Big Show with a big right hand, 'the Giant' planning on showing no remorse for his sink-or-swim predicament. Show choked Rock under his giant boot against the ropes - risking a disqualification - before cornering him and laying in a mammoth chop to the heart! Show tagged in Edge, who continued to lay in punches on the floor. Show soon raised Rock up for Edge to strike with an eye rake. The cocky older brother of the Toronto-originated tag team ran his mouth whilst wailing on Rock with more punches. That is, until Rock came fighting back with right hands - just to be cut off by Edge with a low kick! A spinning wheel kick took him down, before the tag was made to younger brother Christian. The former WWF Tag Team Champions showed exactly how effective they were as a team, powering Rock off the top rope with a double-decker superplex for a near fall! An armbar applied, Christian ran his mouth now in confidence. Rock kept moving, just to receive a backbreaker from Christian before tagging in Edge again. Another stomping was underway, with a double flapjack following - again for a near fall!
Big Show requested the tag, and he received it. The towering 'Giant' scowled towards the people, as he lit the Rock up with some heavy-handed punches. The gigantic fists of the big man hit Rock like boulders, but 'the Great One' was able to come off the ropes to duck a big boot - when Edge raised his knee, striking Rock in the bandaged ribs! Show showed just how serious he was, unwrapping the dressing around his ribs. His abdomen exposed, Show locked in a bear hug dead-centre of the ring. Nowhere to run, nowhere to go, Rock was riving in pain as the 500-pound grizzly bear squeezed on his broken ribs! Birmingham grew rowdy for Rocky to keep on fighting, as all energy was drained from 'the People's Champ' - much like his career. The referee raised Rock's hand once to no reply. A second hand-raise was met with no response. Finally, Rock fired up on the third, somehow able to break his way out of the bear hug with right hands and a Samoan headbutt! 'The People's Champ' felt the pain when Christian tagged back in, able to drop him with a belly-to-belly suplex! Edge came in and was sent over the ring post for his troubles, when Rock ducked a big boot and was able to clothesline 'the Giant' over the top rope to the floor! 'The Great One' had gained a second breath, as he bounced his giant head off of the announce desk, before a clothesline forced Show on top of the table! For good measure, Rock sent Edge sailing over the barricade into the front row, before slipping inside and attempting the Rock Bottom - just for Christian to connect with the implant DDT! Christian got a near fall, when the brash youngster mocked Rock by stalking him. It appeared Christian might attempt the Rock Bottom but hooked the arms for the Unprettier, when Rock sent him into the ropes for a spinebuster! Rock drove the People's Elbow down on Christian for the cover, but Big Show was able to make the save with a giant legdrop across the back of his head! Edge held Rock up for a drilling few series rights from 'the Giant', when Show motioned for a Chokeslam just for Rock to reverse into a big DDT! The cover was made, but Edge came in off the top rope to find himself wrapped in a Sharpshooter! Legal man or not, Rock was looking to separate the Coalition from one another!
It proved to be a bad idea when legal with the 500-pound monster. Big Show struck Rock from behind and pounded on him in the corner. Rock fired back up, just for Edge to strike with a huge spear to the broken ribs! It had to be a huge struggle to breathe for Rock right now, as Show slowly got down and made the cover - only for Rock to once again power out at two! Clutching his ribs, Rock refused to give it all up tonight in Alabama, bringing Big Show to let out a loud roar. 'The Giant' motioned for the Chokeslam, and this time it connected! In three seconds, Show hoped to finish the Rock's legacy, but again Rock was able to power out at two! Show covered again in frustration for another near fall, and once more for good measure! Show was beside himself, arguing with the official. The distraction allowed Rock to miraculously get Show up for the Rock Bottom! Rock made the cover, but Edge dragged the referee out to the floor by his foot, and then decked him for good measure! The true, evil colors of the Coalition was on full display, as Edge grabbed two steel chairs from ringside. Christian had jumped Rock from behind in the ring. There were no rules without an official, and after a further beating the Canadians motioned for another Conchairto! The same double chairshot that cracked Rock's ribs on Monday was about to be delivered, when Mick Foley came stomping down the aisleway! The former 'Commish' did not look happy, having vocalized his support for the Rock earlier tonight on Sunday Night Heat! After the verbal exchange with Edge and Christian on Heat, Foley saved Rock time to recover, and the Conchairto slammed the chairs against each other! Rock had ducked out, and followed by taking Edge's dropped chair and slamming it over Christian's head! Through the ropes to the floor he went, allowing Mick to give Christian a punishment as well! Back inside, Big Show grabbed Rock by the throat and attempted the Chokeslam, only for Rock to low blow his way free. Hitting the ropes, he struck Edge and Show with a double clothesline, while on the aisleway, Shane McMahon snuck up behind Foley and clobbered him! Shane O'Mac received loud boos as he marched to ringside, though Rock challenged him to step into the ring! McMahon rolled his sleeves up and welcomed the challenge, as the two squared off ready to fight...when Big Show came from behind with a Chokeslam on a steel chair! Show covered and Shane waved down an official, who made the count...but again Rock kicked out at two! It took too long to put Rock away, with newly four-on-two odds. But that's when Mick Foley slid into the ring and clotheslined he and Shane over the top to the floor! Show looked for a powerbomb on Rock that he slipped free of, allowing a spinebuster to connect. The People's Elbow was on the way, but Edge rushed in for another spear! Rock sidestepped it and dropped him with the Rock Bottom - Rock making the three count, despite Christian being inches from making the save!Winner: The Rock (17:31) The Rock's career in the World Wrestling Federation was alive and well, despite everything the Coalition had tried to do to put a stop to 'the Great One!' He had some help from good friend Mick Foley, who had his fingers down Shane McMahon's throat with a Mandible Claw on the outside, 'the Hardcore Legend' rushing in to raise Rock's hand victorious! As Shane McMahon dropped down to the floor, he realized what had happened - yet again, the Rock had overcome the odds. Big Show slipped away to the ringside area in discontent, while Edge and Christian remained down in the ring. 'The Brahma Bull's career would live to see another day, whilst Shane McMahon came to with Big Show at ringside, both men scowling at the reunited Rock 'n' Sock Connection. Rock and Mick would live to regret this night!
The WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik was seen snooping in the backstage area. It appeared that the champ had hopes of sneaking out of the building, when the Kat caught him by surprise! K-Dawg was not interested in conversing with the woman he once desired, as Kat spoke a mile per minute. As Kat was finishing up catching up with the bored and distracted K-Kwik, she wanted to apologize about going behind his back and sleeping with Eddie Guerrero. In an instance, K-Kwik accepted her apology and tried to walk away in a hurry but Kat wanted to carry on talking to him! Kat wanted to make sure, before sidetracking into a conversation about how great her new nails looked. K-Dawg immediately spotted someone looking for him, and opted to make out with Kat against the wall! Past them walked Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko, bickering at each other with Terri not far behind them. After the trio had gone, K-Dawg released the smitten Kat, who asked him if he'd like to hook up for old time's sake. K-Dawg instead said he had to dash, leaving Kat alone! She shook her head and bragged about how every man wanted her.
Kevin Kelly stood beside the WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon, wanting to know their thoughts ahead of the Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship just moments away. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' expressed her thoughts first, acknowledging how the Rock had managed to sleazily steal the win in his handicap match moments ago. But unlike the Coalition, Kurt Angle would come out on top tonight, because there was nobody in the World Wrestling Federation that was better than her boyfriend: he was a 'Megastar!' Angle wrapped his arm around Steph, as he agreed with every word out of Steph's mouth. Not Chris Jericho nor Chris Benoit could ever be the WWF Champion he was, because nobody worked harder than he did. He'd issued open challenges to WWF Superstars that didn't even deserve the shot: because he liked competition. And tonight, much like any other night, he would walk into Triple Threat - a day separated from his birthday, no less - and prove exactly why he was 'the Megastar'. Stephanie clenched Angle's hand as they headed for the ring.
A video package aired, meaning that it was time for the WWF Championship match we had been eagerly anticipating. Three men would arrive, but only one could leave with the richest prize in the business. Kurt Angle had proven in recent weeks just how "hard-working" he was, granting title opportunities to anybody that stepped foot his way, but Chris Jericho was above them all: managing to force Angle into submission with the Walls of Jericho. While Angle proved to be a competent leader of the Coalition, one man had taken exception to his title reign: Chris Benoit. A fellow Coalition member, he was a lone wolf that wanted the WWF Championship for himself. The animosity between Angle and Benoit had reached major heights over the past couple of weeks, with Angle denying Benoit of a title opportunity. Finally however, Shane McMahon made the Triple Threat match official, a rematch of WrestleMania just eight months ago. But after Benoit had expressed his trust to Kurt Angle, it remained questionable just how much Angle trusted Benoit. Unlike WrestleMania where the WWF Intercontinental and European Championships were contested, the stakes were much higher. Angle's ego was through the roof, and the prominence of the Coalition was at stake, with the dysfunctional 'Megastar' and 'the Rabid Wolverine' having butted heads enough already. Could Y2J beat both men and achieve his lifelong destiny of becoming WWF Champion?
 7) WWF Championship - Triple Threat Match
Kurt Angle (w/Stephanie Mahon) (c) vs Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit On April 2, 2000, WrestleMania saw three of the World Wrestling Federation's hottest, premier athletes go at it for both the WWF Intercontinental and European Championship. Kurt Angle walked in with both titles, and left with neither, against Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho. A lot had changed since then, with the Olympic Gold Medalist soon going on to win the King of the Ring, and became a two-time WWF Champion back at SummerSlam. In this time however, 'the Megastar's confidence had reached great heights. Overcoming the obstacles put in his way such as Triple H, Hell in a Cell, and the Rock last month at the Survivor Series, Angle's confidence was at an all-time high. With girlfriend Stephanie McMahon behind the wheel of the World Wrestling Federation's ship, his ego had gotten out of hand. Yet he was also paranoid, once fellow-Coalition member Chris Benoit confronted him for a title shot of his own. Angle's ego would also be humbled once Chris Jericho made him tap out on RAW is WAR two weeks ago, in the midst of the highly competitive rivalry brewing between Angle and Benoit. As much as Shane and Stephanie McMahon tried to put a stop to it, Shane declared that this was the only way to please both Jericho and Benoit. While Y2J wanted nothing more than to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming WWF Champion, a lot of attention was on what Benoit might do in this match. This past Thursday night on SmackDown he claimed that he trusted Kurt and would do the right thing in the Triple Threat match, but the question remained if Angle would similarly take a bullet for 'the Rabid Wolverine'. Would Benoit fall in line for Angle, or would their tension cause the Coalition to implode?
Chris Jericho found himself eagle-eyed on Chris Benoit as 'the Rabid Wolverine' waited for Y2J to walk down to the ring. Both were on the cusp of going at it among themselves, when Kurt Angle's presence was felt. Birmingham, Alabama were clearly not fans of the WWF Champion, as 'the Megastar' escorted his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon down to ringside. However, Angle stalled for time long enough, talking to 'the Billion Dollar Princess' at ringside, that with Chris Jericho's eye taken off the ball, Benoit jumped him from behind! The fight was on between the two men that had warred over the WWF Intercontinental Championship throughout the year, but now as 2000 drew to a close, this was about the WWF Championship! Benoit was able to light Jericho up with some harsh chops until Y2J returned the favor. Benoit shot Jericho into the ropes, who managed to slip between his legs and aim for the Walls of Jericho early! It was sudden death rules, and enough for the Olympic Gold Medalist to dash into the ring full of speed, to break the Walls from granting him the title victory! Angle pounded on Jericho speedily, before sending him into the ropes to receive a flying forearm, when Benoit's attempt at a German suplex went reversed with Y2J landing on his feet! Jericho caught Benoit with a dropkick, when Angle came from behind with a back suplex. Putting the boots to Y2J, Angle was joined by Chris Benoit to the surprise of the Olympian. Angle gestured that they double-team Jericho, and a double suplex was prepared just for Jericho to land out on his feet: a crossbody knocking both Coalition members down! Angle bailed out to the apron while Jericho focused his attention on Benoit, a powerbomb going reversed into a back body drop. Benoit cut Y2J off with a shoulder breaker, and now it appeared that 'the Rabid Wolverine' had found the weak spot of the fan favorite! Benoit went to work on Jericho in the corner, powering him up to the top rope. Jericho tried to fight free of it and was finally able to, when Y2J connected with a missile dropkick to send Angle bouncing off the apron into the barricade! Y2J was able to dump Benoit out to the floor, before hitting the ropes and soaring with a dive to the floor on both men! Jericho sent Benoit into the timekeeper's table, before sending Angle back inside.
Chris Jericho was adapting a similar sink-or-swim strategy, that was utilized by the Rock in the match prior. Y2J brought the WWF Champion back inside and connected with a suplex for a near fall. Y2J was able to tie Kurt up with the surfboard stretch, when 'the Megastar' was soon able to kick and punch his way free. Jericho looked for a powerbomb on Angle, when Benoit came from behind with a German suplex! Benoit immediately slapped on the Crossface, but Angle angrily ordered he release the hold, for fear of Benoit becoming WWF Champion! A tense face-off followed, with Angle advising Benoit on what was good for the Coalition's sake. Both returned to Jericho who brought some fight to Angle and Benoit, until stumbling into a double back body drop from Angle and Benoit! Kurt looked for the cover, but Benoit shoved him off. 'The Crippler' was not about to let Angle take the win that easily, and both were quick to wind up right back where they started with a shouting match! Angle finally shoved Benoit, who shoved Angle back - when Jericho rolled Benoit up for a near fall! Angle broke it up and dumped Jericho to the floor, following to ringside. 'The Megastar' was removing Y2J from the situation, when Benoit suddenly came soaring through the ropes with a suicide dive - but Jericho had shoved Angle in the way! Angle was down, and Jericho capitalized by removing the desk and monitors from the announce table! Y2J planted Benoit on the table before attempting a piledriver, when Benoit tripped Jericho. The two Chrises duelled on the precarious announce table structure, but an attempt made by 'the Wolverine' for a snap suplex went reversed into the Walls of Jericho! Y2J had Benoit tapping on the table, but it could only count on the inside of the ring! Finally Angle returned to action and clubbed the back of Y2J's leg, Jericho landing in an awkward heap on the floor! Under encouragement from Stephanie, Angle began stomping at the ankle of Jericho, dumping him back inside. Angle was leaving Benoit behind for the WWF Championship, as he returned to the ring and did further damage on the foot of Y2J with a shinbreaker connecting. With a leglock applied, Jericho refused to tap out, screaming in pain. The ankle was knotted in a similar method to the Ankle Lock, but finally Y2J was able to kick his way out. Angle delivered a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall, when the WWF Champion declared that it was time to finish it one way or another!
Kurt Angle stalked Chris Jericho ahead of the Olympic Slam, where Jericho was able to roll through with a victory roll for a near fall! Angle returned to his feet just to be dragged back down with the Walls of Jericho now applied! The WWF Champion had tapped to this hold before, as Jericho maintained balance! Angle began biting on his fingers before reaching the hands of girlfriend Stephanie under the ropes. Angle knew he had safety despite the pain, when Y2J dragged Angle back into the centre - with 'the Billion Dollar Princess' dragged inside as well! Y2J knew full well of 'the Megastar's girlfriend presence as Stephanie got back up and slapped Jericho right across the face! Y2J simply laughed in response, staring down perhaps his most powerful rival over the past year. But before Jericho could act on a superior woman, Chris Benoit came from behind with the Crossface applied on Jericho! Y2J's shoulder had been damaged, but so was his ankle - and quickly Angle grabbed the Ankle Lock at the same time! The Crossface and Ankle Lock were both applied simultaneously, but as Jericho tapped out, the referee informed Benoit and Angle that there could only be one winner! Jericho's body had been ripped apart, whilst Angle again got in Benoit's face! This led to Benoit finally attacking Kurt, but the WWF Champion fired back as well. The Coalition was imploding before Stephanie's very eyes, as Angle's attempt at a belly-to-belly suplex went reversed into trio German suplexes from 'the Rabid Wolverine!' Angle was left down and out, and Benoit motioned for the Diving Headbutt! He climbed to the top rope and soared, but Angle was able to roll out of the way! 'The Megastar' clumsily stumbled to his feet and planted Benoit with the Olympic Slam, but before covering came Chris Jericho with a bulldog! Y2J got all of Angle with the Lionsault and made the cover on Benoit for a mere near fall! Y2J was in disbelief but had the option of pinning Angle, who was also able to get a shoulder up before the three count! A panicked Stephanie McMahon knew full well that her boyfriend was in jeopardy of losing his title and picked up the WWF Championship belt before looking to climb into the ring! Stephanie was subdued by the official, while inside Jericho scored with a step-up enzuigiri on Angle before sending a charging Benoit to knock Stephanie from the ring apron!
'The Billion Dollar Princess' fell with a thud on the floor, eerily reminiscent to how she broke her ankle just under four months ago! Chris Benoit showed remorse momentarily, before turning to encounter a spinning wheel kick from Jericho! Y2J again seeked the Walls of Jericho on 'the Rabid Wolverine', who tried to fight with all of his muster. Somehow Benoit punched the head of Jericho, and was able to switch it around! Benoit stumbled back up to his feet and made the turn into a Sharpshooter: Jericho on the verge of tapping out! Jericho was in a dangerous situation of having his destiny taken from him, when Kurt Angle grabbed the WWF Championship from the ringside area and clobbered Benoit in the bad of the head with it! Angle covered Jericho, but he was able to power out one more time before the count of three! Angle then covered Benoit, who managed to reverse it into the Crossface! The Olympic Gold Medalist was trapped in 'the Rabid Wolverine's vice-like grip of the Crossface, when Jericho came to with another Lionsault to break up the submission! Y2J's body was falling apart but he was still in this fight, sacrificing his ankle and shoulder damages for the one thing he had desired since being a small kid growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! Y2J eyed up the WWF Championship felt and knew full well what he had to do, swinging it at Benoit who was able to reverse into another German suplex! Benoit again turned to to the top rope, looking for the Diving Headbutt - it connecting! Benoit slowly stumbled back up to his feet, where Angle was able to roll him up with a handful of tights - stealing the win!Winner, and still WWF Champion: Kurt Angle (20:11) The WWF Champion fled to the floor for dear life, Kurt Angle having just stolen the victory in a Triple Threat match that any one of these men could have won! Stephanie McMahon wandered to greet her boyfriend 'the Megastar' on the aisleway, handing him the WWF Championship belt. Chris Benoit gritted his teeth and pounded the canvas in rage, knowing that the Olympic Gold Medalist had gotten one over on him to retain the one thing he cared about more than anything! Chris Jericho's hopes and dreams of leaving Armageddon tonight as WWF Champion had been dashed by the Olympic Gold Medalist, whilst Benoit's eyes remained laser-focused on Angle and McMahon as they headed up the aisleway in celebration. Where was this Coalition going to go from tonight?
An advertisement aired, showing a farmer out in his field working on something. Fuelled by desire to build it for those to come, the farmer chizeled and constructed his project until it was complete. There, in the middle of a field of wheat stood a World Wrestling Federation ring. The farmer and his wife looked pleased with what they had worked long hours to build, when suddenly the ground began to shake. A herd of Amish farmers rushed over the hills on one side, while in the crops ran an army of rebels. Upon entering the ring, all hell broke loose as a midget battle royal broke out to the astonishment of the farmer and his life! We cut to shots of WWF Superstars battling it out, where next month thirty would enter, though only one could come out the victor. The WWF Royal Rumble comes live on pay-per-view, on Sunday, January 21, 2001!
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The APA were backstage whispering among themselves, as Bradshaw and Faarooq both acknowledged the anonymous tip they had received earlier tonight. The Texan advised Faarooq that it was important to enter the dressing room carefully, because the last thing they wanted was a stand-up brawl. Bradshaw made himself clear: this was going to be a beatdown. Faarooq whispered back to ask who would leave with the title, and Bradshaw told him they'd cross that bridge when they came to it. They had Debra do the honors of opening the door, before switching out the lights and engaging in a closed-door encounter with their victim! Grunts, groans, thuds and crashes were heard from the room, when moments later Debra was petrified as WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik scattered out! The APA followed suit as fast as they could, yelling that K-Dawg couldn't run and hide forever!
With the main event only moments away, the locker room door of 'the Texas Rattlesnake' swung open. Stone Cold Steve Austin, hell bent on capping off his revenge story against 'the Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels in No Holds Barred, walked the halls en route to the arena. He had a cold, stern look on his face as he navigated the corridors, before encountering Michael Cole. Cole tried to get another word with Austin before the war was set to commence, but Stone Cold simply ordered him to get that microphone out of his face! Stone Cold continued to walk the halls, with No Holds Barred just moments away!
Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels left his own dressing room. His hired security stood in wait, as 'the Heartbreak Kid' looked exactly the same as he did in his last match in the World Wrestling Federation, thirty-three months ago at WrestleMania XIV! Coming out of retirement for what he believed to be his redemption, HBK was full of confidence passing through the halls. All eyes from miscellaneous backstage personnel were on the former three-time WWF Champion, as Michaels coolly walked with a swagger to his step. With Stone Cold Steve Austin ahead of him in a No Holds Barred match, Michaels had to know that this would not be the instant classic, showstopping performance one would expect. To 'the Heartbreak Kid' it was about finishing the job he started thirteen months ago - and that was taking 'the Texas Rattlesnake' out for good!
A video package aired, reliving WrestleMania XIV. It was the beginning of the Austin Era in the World Wrestling Federation, as Stone Cold Steve Austin delivered the most memorable Stunner in sports entertainment history to capture the WWF Championship from Shawn Michaels. But while Austin's star shined, it was 'the Heartbreak Kid' who was forced to lurk in the shadows. A back injury forced Shawn Michaels into retirement, having to watch while Austin headlined WrestleMania and dropped Vince McMahon on a weekly basis. Finally, it grew too much, when at the 1999 Survivor Series, a car rushed Austin off of his feet in a savage hit-and-run assault! Much like Michaels, Austin was sidelined for eleven long months. A broken neck inflicted from the motorist's collision, 'the Texas Rattlesnake's career was jeopardized. Upon return, Austin was more aggressive than we had ever seen him, out to find his man. When three weeks ago, Shawn Michaels shocked the world with a Sweet Chin Music. He was the man lurking all along, the puppeteer pulling his arch rival's career. Branding himself as the last real outlaw in town, Shawn announced to the world his master plan of redemption: how he planned to end Stone Cold's career forever come Armageddon! For the first time in three years, Michaels was stepping back into the ring, but as the two shared a drink in Madison Square Garden three nights ago, you just knew that one of these men were leaving in an ambulance after No Holds Barred! 8) No Holds Barred Match
Shawn Michaels vs Stone Cold Steve Austin Who would have thought thirty-three months ago that this was what the rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels would come to. Who would have thought three weeks ago that this No Holds Barred match would even transpire. Following WrestleMania XIV, everybody believed that there was no chance in Hell of 'the Heartbreak Kid' ever returning to the ring. After revealing that it was he who ran Stone Cold down at the 1999 Survivor Series with his black rental Lincoln towncar, 'the Heartbreak Kid' had become the most polarizing figure in the World Wrestling Federation. The former Commissioner-turned-Board of Director had resigned from his post to return to the ring one more time here tonight. But at what price would HBK pay for his sins? The last real outlaw in the WWF may have signed his death warrant by agreeing to have this No Holds Barred made official to headline Armageddon. Stone Cold had waited a lot longer than the three weeks we all had initially thought. Michaels had a stipulation added in anticipation for this inevitable war, that Austin could not lay a finger on 'the Heartbreak Kid'. For three long weeks, even after a swift Sweet Chin Music was executed two weeks ago on RAW is WAR, Austin had abstained from touching Michaels. The two even shared a beer in the middle of Madison Square Garden just three nights ago. Yet both men knew that this would be either one of their own last stands! Both believed the other had tried to take away their livelihoods - Michaels returning after nearly four years from a career-ending back injury; Stone Cold missing eleven months from the broken neck suffered in the hit-and-run assault. It was going to be physical, it was going to be violent, it was going to be an all-out war of attrition!
'The Heartbreak Kid' strutted his stuff down the aisle, fully acknowledging the largely-split reaction from the people in Birmingham, Alabama. Shawn Michaels was despised for what he did to Stone Cold Steve Austin over one year ago, and yet HBK composed himself exactly like that of when he was a full-time active WWF Superstar. He hadn't missed a beat, showing every single ounce of flamboyance in his body, and posing for the signature pyrotechnics blasts go to off behind him. As Shawn removed his unique entrance gear however, the building fell mild in volume...when the glass shattered. Stone Cold Steve Austin came stomping down the aisleway, fully acknowledging of what was ahead of him. Climbing into the ring, Michaels immediately clubbed the back of 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Gaining a head start, this war was on with the bell sounding, as Austin began to duke it out with the San Antonio-native, HBK! Michaels refused to back down, going blow for blow with Austin, until a Lou Thesz press landed! Austin mounted Shawn with a never ending load of right hands, though Shawn was able to shove him away. Michaels continued to hammer into Stone Cold, who duked a blow and sent Michaels into the ropes for a flying clothesline to connect! Michaels blew with grace, as he dropped two sharp forearms into the temple of Austin. He even began to choke Stone Cold on the canvas - all legal in No Holds Barred. Stone Cold rolled out to ringside, where Michaels looked for an axe handle off the apron, just for Stone Cold to deck him with a big right! Austin laid into Michaels who raked the eyes of 'the Rattlesnake'...but Austin was able to trip Michaels, sending him face-first into the ring post! Austin stomped a mudhole in Michaels by the steel steps, before dragging him up the aisleway! On the thin carpeting on the aisle, Austin teased ending Michaels' career for good with a piledriver, but Shawn was able to break free of it. Shawn decked Austin with another haymaker, the two approaching the stage area. The carnage of used cars were a part of the set-up for Armageddon here tonight, but they were soon to be props as both exchanged in a struggle to ram the other's head into the hood of a used car. Austin finally came out on top, pounding away at Shawn against the side of the car!
Stone Cold tried to ram Shawn's head into the window just for Shawn to elbow his free loose: tripping Austin and catapulting him face-first into the windscreen window of the car! Shawn crotch-chopped Steve with arrogance, as he carted his back back into the center of the aisleway. Just as Austin tried moments earlier, 'the Heartbreak Kid' looked to piledriver 'the Texas Rattlesnake' right on the concrete, surgically repaired neck and all! Thankfully Austin was able to back drop Michaels spine-first onto the concrete - surgically repaired back and all! Austin was fatigued but had waited thirteen long months for this moment. Now face to face with Michaels, he rocked him with right hand, after right hand, before tossing him back into the ring. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' stomped a mudhole in the corner on Michaels, who was forced to take his beating like a man! Alabama idolized Stone Cold with each boot, when Michaels rolled out to safety on the floor once more. Shawn now hoped to regain his composure, but Steve was right behind him, choking Michaels with the noose-like television cables! Released from the wires, Michaels gasped for air when Austin nailed Michaels with a clothesline sending him out to the crowd. Austin followed, looking to continue the beating HBK had coming to him, until Michaels was able to use a plastic garbage can as a weapon! Michaels stunned Austin, then ran him down with a big clothesline of his own. Whatever 'the Rattlesnake' brought Shawn Michaels, 'the Heartbreak Kid' returned to Stone Cold! Michaels sent Austin face-first into a brick wall of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, a crowd of people surrounding them. Michaels stole a cup of beer from a fan and took a big gulp, perhaps planning to spit it in his rival's face - but Austin sucker punched him! The beer was spat out of Michaels' mouth, Austin running Michaels back through the crowd over the barricade! HBK crawled from Austin back into the ring, where Stone Cold was able to catch up with him. Suddenly, Shawn levelled Stone Cold with a desperate low blow, before climbing on up to the top rope for a diving crossbody! Michaels was still in this match, and it was clear just from watching that the retired HBK still had fight left in him. HBK drilled Austin with two more strikes before applying a figure-four leglock on 'the Rattlesnake'. Austin screamed in agony as Michaels grinned knowingly. Applying more pressure, Michaels suddenly decided to release the hold.
'The Heartbreak Kid' had more punishment in mind before this No Holds Barred was over, as evidenced as he reached for a steel chair from beneath the ring! Shawn also pulled out a toolbox and tossed it over the top inside. Upon reentry Michaels cockily followed Steve with the chair in hand, when Austin surprised him with a massive shot from the toolbox to the face! Michaels was cut open from the blow, and as 'the Rattlesnake' waited for him to stumble back up to his feet, he walked right into a Stone Cold Stunner! Michaels soared down to the canvas, a scene reminiscent of WrestleMania XIV, but as Austin covered him, he pulled Michaels' defenseless head up from the mat at the count of two! Austin got a sadistic grin on his face, having more in store for the man that took a year off of his career. Austin opened the steel chair around the ankle of Michaels before sitting up on the top rope. Like a beartrap Michaels crawled, Steve prepared to jump with a stomp onto the chair - to break the ankle of Michaels - but as he lifted off, Michaels was able to catch his rival in the groin with the chair! A crimson-masked Shawn Michaels rolled out of the ring in a struggle for energy, dragging Austin back up the aisle with him. Austin tried to fight Shawn off just to get some more right hands for his troubles, when Austin caught Michaels with a spinebuster onto the hood of a car! A Lou Thesz press connected on the hood, with Austin relentlessly beating on the once-handsome face of the retired Shawn Michaels! It didn't stop either, as Austin mounted the roof of the car. With Michaels dragged by his hair, Austin now looked for a Stunner just for Michaels to reveal a screwdriver he had concealed from the toolbox earlier! Michaels wrestled Austin on top of the car, trying to blind Steve by driving the tool's spike into the eye of 'the Rattlesnake!' Austin was finally able to throw Michaels from the roof of the car, before Shawn opened the car door directly into his face! Shawn knew exactly what he was doing, climbing to the roof of the car once more and nailing a diving elbow drop on the concrete! Michaels' spine had never been better, dragging Austin back to ringside once again. Shawn Michaels slumped Stone Cold back inside the ring, methodically climbing into the ring to loud boos from the bloodthirsty Alabaman people.
Slowly and almost mockingly of himself, Shawn tuned up the band. We were about to see a decisive result to this No Holds Barred war, when the Sweet Chin Music followed: but Austin span his enemy around and floored him with another Stunner! Michaels flew an exaggerated distance, through the ropes to the floor again, and a now-bloodied Austin followed once again! Stone Cold had brought the steel chair with him for safe keeping, finally standing on the foot of Shawn Michaels. A panicked, bloody HBK looked up to see the chair-wielding 'Rattlesnake' looking down at him, before Austin grabbed Shawn by the hair and marched him back up against the cars on the stage! It was batting practice as far as Stone Cold was concerned, holding Michaels' skull against the window of a car and getting ready to swing the steel chair...but Michaels dodged it, and Austin's chair went smashing through the glass window of the car! Michaels followed with an ever-desperate Sweet Chin Music, kneeling beside the unconscious 'Texas Rattlesnake!' Michaels trash-talked Steve even in a beaten state, yet refused to let Austin rest. Atop the car both men went again, with Michaels wanting to ruin Austin's career with a brutal Piledriver on the top of a car, but Austin was able to get out of it. Middle fingers raised, a Stone Cold Stunner connected on top of the car, with Michaels falling off of the side of it, into thin-air! Austin reached to find him, both men's blood all over the white Sedan they had destroyed here tonight. After moments of vital recovery, a search commenced, when Austin spotted Shawn crawling for dear life towards the backstage area! Austin followed Michaels through the curtain beside the stage, finally catching back up. Dragging him by the foot, Shawn kicked free. Using a table to get back up, Steve was wise enough to ram his head into the wooden surface before choking him with more television cables. Michaels was able to use a lead pipe to the gut, before making another escape. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' took some deep breaths before getting back up, on the hunt for HBK. That's when all of a sudden, X-Pac came from behind with a blind-sighted attack on the exhausted Stone Cold Steve Austin! X-Pac fired away at him with kicks, until Austin was able to send him careening over a table full of production equipment!
We cut to outside of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, where into the humid night, the parking lot outside awaited. Shawn Michaels had been located behind the wheel of a black Lincoln towncar. Covered in blood and adorning his gear, 'the Heartbreak Kid' was going ahead with his last resort. In his last stand, Shawn wiped the crimson mask off of his face whilst uttering to himself about where 'the Texas Rattlesnake' might be. Seconds passed as HBK appeared to wish to run Austin down again, thirteen months later. X-Pac finally came limping out to see his former D-Generation X friend who, when asked of Austin's whereabouts, was unable to confirm nor deny Stone Cold's very existence. 'The Rattlesnake' had gone missing, yet Shawn refused to accept this as an answer. Shawn told X-Pac to go and search for him in the building once over. HBK muttered to himself in frustration, unable to believe Austin could cower from him like that. As he spoke unflatteringly of 'the Rattlesnake' however, a set of headlights turned on: directly in the face of Shawn Michaels! Before he knew it, a car came driving full-speed into the front of 'the Heartbreak Kid's vehicle from across the car park! Rammed in a head-on collision, alarms went off as Stone Cold revealed his face! Moments passed with uncertainty on Michaels' condition, when finally out of the driver's seat HBK crawled. Crawling away with all he had left, Austin caught up to him. Both men bloody. Austin grabbed Shawn by the hair and pounded on him with two big right hands! Now half-leant over Michaels' bloody and motionless body, Austin looked to end it with one more fatal blow - when two squad cars showed off, sirens blazing! Winner: No Contest (24:11) The police cars had Stone Cold Steve Austin surrounded, and the voices over the intercoms of the cars called for 'the Texas Rattlesnake' to remove himself from Shawn Michaels' left-for-dead carcass! Austin slowly got back up and placed his hands behind his head while two police officers came to put the hancuffs on him. Medical personnel raced to attend to the bloodied, battered and beaten 'Heartbreak Kid', who had been on the losing end of a war in this insane No Holds Barred match tonight! Austin was leaving a thirteen month-long quest behind, as cops marched him to their squad car. Finally having gotten his ultimate revenge on the retired HBK, Austin would be spending tonight in a jail cell for handing out such a beating. Yet Austin grinned with satisfaction! No Holds Barred went with a literal bang, and without an official decision it appeared that everybody knew who had come out on top. It was Shawn Michaels' Armageddon!
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dgmc
Jobber
Joined on: Apr 13, 2020 20:20:47 GMT -5
Posts: 9 
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Post by dgmc on Sept 29, 2020 17:50:37 GMT -5
Aw, so good.
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Post by DTP. on Sept 30, 2020 12:26:09 GMT -5
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Deleted
Joined on: Nov 15, 2024 19:03:13 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2020 14:00:53 GMT -5
I enjoyed Armaggedon. It's wild seeing Raven put into a somewhat prominent program instead of him just kinda being a dude.
I know we've discussed this in multiple Discord calls but I am really interested to see how you handle the Rumble winner and everything leading into Mania. Sometimes in terms of matchmaking, history gets it mostly right like with Rock/Austin IRL, and I think even if you do go with Rock/Austin there's aspects of the build to that match that we've discussed that didn't quote work. Can't wait to see how 2001 plays out!
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Post by DTP. on Oct 4, 2020 15:22:31 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - December 11, 2000
The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee
Live on TNN
A video package aired, taking us back to the gritty, violent actions on the parts of both Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the man that once ran him down thirteen months prior, Shawn Michaels. It was a dogfight between two bitter rivals, headlining Armageddon twenty-four hours ago. Both men attempted to debilitate the other both inside the ring, at ringside, in the crowd, and up by the stage. Both men were bloodied messes and were out to fight until they could not stand any longer. Following a Stone Cold Stunner on top of a car parked by the entranceway, Michaels fled for the backstage area. Austin would try to pursue, only to find himself caught up in a dramatic exchange with 'the Heartbreak Kid's former D-Generation X teammate X-Pac. While 'the Texas Rattlesnake' dispensed of X-Pac, HBK was out in the parking lot waiting for Austin to show himself. Waiting in a car, Shawn resorted to his last stand - luring him into the trap of running him down once again! Instead, Austin appeared from the darkness across the parking lot: smashing another car into Shawn Michaels! Bloodied, HBK tried to crawl away just to find himself beaten to a pulp by a mounted Steve Austin...when thankfully for Michaels, the cops arrived to arrest 'the Rattlesnake!' With Michaels taken to an unnamed hospital, and Austin spending the night in jail, who knew how either could move past Armageddon!
The opening video package aired, bringing us live to the packed house in Memphis, Tennessee for RAW is WAR - hot off the heels of a gigantic Armageddon pay-per-view event! The pyrotechnics exploded inside the Pyramid, allowing Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler to welcome us to the show, twenty-four hours removed from the brutality that was No Holds Barred, between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels! They provided updates with Stone Cold spending the night in county jail, whilst Shawn Michaels was out indefinitely, still in the hospital after the vicious revenge of 'the Texas Rattlesnake!' J.R. and 'the King' moved on to what to expect tonight, as Shane McMahon planned to call out the Rock and Mick Foley, no doubt peeved about the outcome of the three-on-one handicap match last night with the Coalition.
The countdown began, leading to explosions seen and heard, across the stage. Chris Jericho marched on out to the rampway where he welcomed everybody to RAW is Jericho. Exclaiming how excited he was to be here in Memphis, Tennessee - the home of Rock 'n' Roll, he said how he hoped to be gracing the Pyramid with not just his handsome, charming boyish looks, but the WWF Championship as well. Last night at Armageddon, he came oh-so-close to achieving his destiny in the Triple Threat match against those assclowns Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit: but it was not to be. Climbing into the ring, Chris Jericho proclaimed that he understood full well what was going on with the Coalition. You had the egomaniacal 'Megastar' Kurt Angle, paranoid about his place in the World Wrestling Federation, going nose-to-nose with the biggest hardass robot walking the company Chris Benoit. Believing that you could cut the tension with a knife, he advised the solution that they kick Stephanie McMahon to the curb, and just get a room to solve all their problems! As for Y2J, he knew that with the WWF Championship he could very well be the modern-day Elvis Presley. He quoted the King of Rock 'n' Roll, "Live each day, as if it we're your last. It's written in the stars, your destiny is cast" - this 'Sexy Beast' wanted another shot at the WWF Championship! Quickly, Stephanie McMahon answered. Leading the way for her boyfriend the WWF Champion Kurt Angle, the couple were immediately showered with derogatory chants from the people of Memphis. Stephanie tried to beckon them, but the response would only grow louder.
Finally the Olympic Gold Medalist declared that that was no way to address a true 'Megastar' like himself. He was an Olympian that wore the star-spangled flag with pride, and on top of that was the WWF Championship. He was the soaring eagle of the World Wrestling Federation! Stephanie addressed Chris Jericho's request, that he believed to be owed another shot at her lover's title. Commenting on Shane McMahon's absence, that meant that as of this moment right now, it was 'the Billion Dollar Princess' calling the shots. What happened at Armageddon was an unfortunate loss, but there was something Y2J was missing: he lost the Triple Threat match fair and square! Angle continued, agreeing with Steph. Not only did Y2J lose like Chris Benoit lost, but it was all thanks to the hard work of Kurt Angle and nobody else! Stephanie's expression changed at Kurt's selfishness, forcing him to correct himself and kiss her on the cheek as credit. Y2J didn't agree with that and commented on all of the distractions that took place last night. For starters, Stephanie's obnoxiously flat chest was distracting everybody! And when it came down to it, Kurt Angle won by robbing the victory from his own pal Chris Benoit. Jericho on the other hand was not pinned nor submitted! Finally, Angle agreed to Y2J's requests. But it wasn't because Jericho was being such a crybaby about it. It was because he was 'the Megastar', he was the WWF Champion. And as an honorable WWF Champion would do, he obeyed the Three Is and was granting Jericho an opportunity to face him tonight...if he could beat the Big Show right now! Angle's loyalist 500-pounder came marching out with unfinished business for Chris Jericho. Y2J welcomed Big Show to come down and fight, promising that the Coalition would never, ever be the same again after tonight!
The Big Show had intentionally gotten himself disqualified, though one had to wonder whether that was the Coalition's plan the whole time! As Chris Jericho shielded his head in agony on the canvas, the size of Y2J's headache could only be assumed, as the intimidating 500-pounder grabbed Jericho by the hair and tossed him back inside the ring. Gritted teeth, 'the Giant' powered Y2J up with the greatest ease: planting him with a one-handed Chokeslam! Show left peacefully after warnings from three officials, leaving Jericho mangled. Y2J had earned his shot at Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship later tonight, but how could he recover from this?
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In their dressing room, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle was seated on the couch with a big smile on his face, an arm around Stephanie McMahon. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' expressed her joy that Chris Jericho got what he deserved, and how great it had to be to be the Big Show. Kurt Angle made it about himself, knowing full well that 'the Giant' had derailed Chris Jericho's ambitions to face him for the WWF Championship later tonight. The two shared a kiss after Stephanie congratulated her boyfriend, when Kurt asked her if she'd heard from her brother Shane McMahon. After the Rock came out on top with the help of Mick Foley last night to keep his job, Stephanie mentioned he had been radio silent. McMahon then added that she had a bad feeling about whatever his announcement would be. She sensed something bad would happen tonight, and Angle assured her he would remain WWF Champion no doubt, so she didn't have to worry about that. In stormed Chris Benoit on cue, demanding to know where his credit was for last night. Brought to his feet, Angle told Benoit that it was every man for himself out there! And as far as credit went, he didn't deserve any after bumping his girlfriend from the apron at Armageddon! Benoit again demanded a shot at the title, noticing Angle's willingness to grant Jericho another shot at the gold tonight. Where was his shot? Stephanie got sick of 'the Rabid Wolverine's demands and told him he wasn't getting it tonight. Instead, he would team up with Edge and Christian to represent the Coalition, against the Dudley Boyz and her ex-husband Triple H! Benoit chuckled to himself, telling Steph that she may regret that.
Mick Foley was live and in living color at the Pyramid, arriving at the building ahead of some sort of addressing from the absentee, Shane McMahon. Michael Cole scurried to grab a word with 'the Hardcore Legend', asking why he chose to include himself in the Coalition's business with the Rock in last night's handicap match. Mick reminded Michael of how he and the Rock used to be bitter enemies that tried to kill each other over and over again. But that was so 1999! He and Rock were the best of friends, and after Edge tried caving his head in with a steel chair on SmackDown last week, Foley believed comeuppance was in order for those Canadians brats. Michael asked him about what he believed tonight's address with the Rock and Shane would result in, and Mick told him grave consequences. Shane O'Mac was a silver spoon-fed McMahon at the end of the day. What could be the worst that could happen? His wife was heavily pregnant, was he going to have to go home for the Holiday Season and spend some quality time with his family after being fired? Shane could have it whatever way he wanted - one thing for sure was that he was just glad to be here in Memphis, Tennessee!
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In the arena, the WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik made his way out to the ring with a microphone in hand as ever. Rapping and gyrating to the applause of the Pyramid crowd, the rapper climbed into the ring and declared that it was about time Memphis, Tennessee got a little bit rowdy! K-Dawg delivered a short freestyle rap to address all potential challengers with the revived 24/7 rule, daring some clowns to come on out and take him on for the belt right now! The APA would answer the call, immediately coming out the rampway with Bradshaw holding a microphone. The rugged Texan assured K-Dawg that they thought he was one hell of a guy. He was funny, he could rap, and they dug his music. That said, he wasn't leaving with the title, because the APA were about to kick his ass after the stunt he pulled last night!2) K-Kwik (c) vs Bradshaw vs Faarooq in a Triple Threat match for the WWF Hardcore Championship ended in a no contest (4:07)The new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik was quick to return the title to its true form, reviving the 24/7 rule that had been suspended by Lance Storm during his reign. K-Dawg found himself chased by all comers, and last night was able to escape an orchestrated attack in a locker room, plotted by the APA. Bradshaw and Faarooq wound up fighting themselves in the dark, and proceeded to pursue the WWF Hardcore Championship, bringing us this match tonight. Every man for himself or not, the APA banded together from the get-go, but the rapper was able to outmanoeuvre the veteran tag team with a double-team attack turned into a dropkick sending both Bradshaw and Faarooq down! K-Kwik hurried to retrieve weapons from under the ring, dumbfounded at the sight of a toilet seat and plunger as items hidden under there. Despite the absurdity, he swung the plunger at Faarooq before wrapping the toilet seat around Bradshaw's head and sending him into the barricade! K-Kwik targeted Faarooq in the ring just for Bradshaw to level him with a snow-shovel for a near fall - Faarooq shoving his partner away! The APA were about to go at it similar to Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit last night at Armageddon, when K-Kwik struck with an axe kick that sent Bradshaw into Faarooq! The champ hoped to retain with the scissors kick to the Texan, when Lance Storm darted down to the ring and struck the champ with the Super Kick: Lance Storm winning the WWF Hardcore Championship!
In a frenzy, the returning 'Pride of Calgary' fled the ring in shock. Unable to comprehend the ensuing chase from Bradshaw and Faarooq, Lance Storm basked in the fulfilling moment of recapturing the WWF Hardcore Championship and ran as fast as he could from the APA! K-Kwik had been beaten, and Storm now had a giant target on his back. This was the first time we had seen the Canadian since he lost the title two weeks ago!
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In the backstage hallway, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko continued to bicker towards one another, Perry making fun of 'the Ladies Man's monicker, when it was he who got the girl. Malenko shot back by insulting Saturn for being bald, but he responded by mocking Dean's "little" haircut. Terri came out of the women's locker room, telling her boys that if they wanted to get anywhere in the tag team division, they had to stop the fighting right now. Folded arms, they reluctantly listened as 'the She-Devil' reminded them of what they used to be. They weren't just rebels without a cause, they were Radicalz! Terri tried to guide them by announcing she had scored them a match against Too Cool tonight, causing Saturn and Malenko to groan. Terri hushed the Radicalz, telling them tonight would be great.
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Elsewhere, the WWF European Champion William Regal was seen polishing his title gold with a towel when Joe E. Legend confronted him from behind. The benevolent protege of 'the Goodwill Ambassador' was furious about having to suffer that humiliation all over again on SmackDown last Thursday. He wasn't just a rookie, he was someone with potential, and Regal should have saved him out there! Frustrated, William told Joe E. that he bloody knew full well what it felt like to have that 400-pound, acne-covered rear end in his face! Regal reminded Legend of the WWF Intercontinental Championship opportunity he lost last night at Armageddon. As a result of 'Big Kishi' winning, he now had to put his title on the line against the Samoan! At least with the European title around his waist, he could wear it with pride and dignity. With Britain watching, he would continue to do his country proud. Leaving the room, he bumped into Billy Gunn and in a very ungentle manner demanded the "ponce" get out of his way! Gunn looked back with a frown on his face.
We returned to a replay of what went occurred during the commercial break, with the newly crowned WWF Hardcore Champion Lance Storm being approached for an interview with Jonathan Coachman. Out of breath and unable to get his words out, he was the happiest man in Memphis tonight. A trash can flew down the hall, a sign that the APA were on their way, stampeding after 'the Pride of Calgary!'
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In the building, the WWF European Champion William Regal made his way down the rampway to loud boos from the Memphis crowd. Tennessee was not a fan of 'the Goodwill Ambassador' from Blackpool, England, as he climbed into the ring and took to the microphone. Speaking out to all of his fans in Memphis, the champ received no such reaction. He addressed the humiliating loss last night at Armageddon, where regrettably so he lost out on a chance to become WWF Intercontinental Champion as well: because of the back backside of an incompetent Samoan, Rikishi! Regal dismayed the Stinkface as a truly grotesque move, one that should be banished from the record books and film and photo history forever. Despite being besmirched however, Regal was gentlemanly enough to admit his weakness from last night. Which is why tonight he would defend the WWF European Championship with his beloved home country watching, and teach that disgusting massive oaf a lesson he deserved! The WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi came stomping out to the ring to a big reaction, all business and ready for a rematch, twenty-four hours after Armageddon.
3) WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi def. William Regal (c) by count-out (2:35)The WWF Intercontinental Championship was on the line last night at Armageddon, with Rikishi scoring a decisive victory against William Regal. What started all of this however, was relived last night when 'Big Kishi' delivered another Stinkface for 'the Goodwill Ambassador', besmirching the WWF European Champion greatly. The Englishman appeared high-strung as ever tonight, following a tense confrontation with protege Joe E. Legend. Regal's title was now the one at stake, and as Rikishi entered the ring the champ was able to get the first blow. Driving his knees into the hard Samoan head of the challenger, Rikishi responded by trapping William with a series of headbutts before planting him with a belly-to-back suplex! Rikishi continued to pursue Regal until he was able to surprise him with a chop block to the knee. Targeting the 400-pounder's leg was a strategy he had tried last night, only now to more luck after a dragon screw took the big man down. He looked for the Regal Stretch just to get kicked away, and an attempt at the sunset flip led to Rikishi attempted a sit-down splash: just to get nothing but canvas! A dropkick connected and the Regal Stretch was attempted, blocked by the headbutts from Rikishi. Limping back to his feet, Rikishi superkicked Regal into the corner with a potential Stinkface to follow, but Regal was able to slide out! Grabbing his title and leaving, the WWF European Champion was retaining his title via getting counted out!
Another controversial result to a match had RAW is WAR upside down tonight, the cowardly WWF European Champion choosing to walk away and risk the count-out loss if it meant retaining the title. The WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi was not impressed by 'the Goodwill Ambassador's actions, but as Regal continued to back up the rampway with a raged expression on his face, Billy Gunn came from behind with a right hand! After being called a "ponce" by the Englishman backstage, Billy sent William tumbling down the rampway, and tossed him back inside the ring! In the corner, Rikishi raised the roof in anticipation of another Stinkface for the Brit, but Billy Gunn intercepted. Talking 'Big Kish' down, Billy pulled down the seat of his ring shorts to reveal a bright pink thong beneath! Mr. Ass wanted to take a page out of Rikishi's book, and proceeded to introduce his backside to Regal himself! The WWF European Champion dropped to the floor, horrified, while Billy Gunn raised Rikishi's hand as the winner.
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Edge and Christian were seen walking and talking, ahead of a major six-man tag team match signed for tonight. The Canadians did not appear to be deterred following last night's three-on-one handicap loss to the Rock, though they were rudely interrupted by the slam of a door. It was Chris Benoit, leading his fellow Canadians down the hall - the Coalition heading for the ring. Elsewhere, the new WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz were still on cloud nine after capturing the titles last night against T&A, when Triple H turned a corner of the hallway to lead D-Von and Bubba Ray to the ring! Six-man tag action was up next.
Back live, we went to New York City on a wet, rainy night. Deep in the heart of Times Square, a crowd was providing Chyna with a standing ovation, as 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' stood centerstage to speak with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. Asked about her feelings coming away from a psychological No-Disqualification altercation with ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero, Chyna regarded it as the end of a chapter. She hoped that her 'Latino Heat' could learn a lot about himself and change his ways after his actions over the past few months, though to her: one thing was for sure, she was nobody's 'Mamacita' anymore. J.R. and 'the King' regarded Chyna as starting fresh after Armageddon's triumph, asking her what was next for the Playboy cover star. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' informed them that she was getting so many offers coming off of her Playboy appearance. With Eddie in her rearview mirror now, she hoped to focus a lot on these appearances in television and in modelling: announcing that she would be fronting the over of TV Guide next week! On top of that, she would be appearing as a special guest this Sunday night on MTV's Heat. J.R. and 'the King' wished her the best of luck in this new chapter of her life.
. 4) Chris Benoit, Edge and Christian def. Triple H and WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (6:50)Armageddon was not a good night for the Coalition. Not only did Edge and Christian alongside the Big Show fail to put a stop to the Rock's World Wrestling Federation career, but Chris Benoit was slighted by leader WWF Champion Kurt Angle to retain his title, in a Triple Threat match also featuring Chris Jericho. 'The Rabid Wolverine' was not in a good mood and believed he was owed a WWF Championship opportunity against the highly competitive 'Megastar', but tonight the trio of Canadians were set to take on some strong opposition. Scoring a pinfall victory against longtime friend-turned enemy X-Pac, Triple H was riding high. As were the Dudley Boyz, having finally recaptured the WWF Tag Team Championships against T&A. Taking the ring by force, 'the Game' and the Dudleys went at it with Benoit, Edge and Christian, with Triple H getting the best of Edge early on with a facebuster off the ropes. A DDT drilled the older brother for a near fall, when Christian came in only to receive a spinebuster. 'The Game' turned his attention to Chris Benoit, the man that forced him to tap in the Crossface back at the Survivor Series. The two went back and forth with Benoit looking to ground 'the Game' just for Triple H to take him down with an arm-wrenched clothesline! D-Von got the tag and looked to continue, a shoulder tackle regrettably going sidestepped into a neckbreaker, allowing the Coalition to take control.
Edge and Christian manipulated D-Von Dudley, the former WWF Tag Team Champions believing themselves to have a future title opportunity should they pick up the win here tonight. Benoit applied a seated abdominal stretch on D-Von with Memphis getting firmly behind the younger Dudley, and finally he was able to break free and tag in Bubba Ray! Clotheslines, a bionic elbows and a back suplex for Christian followed, when the legal man Benoit tried to strike from behind just to receive a Bubba Bomb! Bubba made the tag to Triple H, who locked in a figure-four leglock on Benoit until Edge was there to break it up! Edge looked for a spear on D-Von who sidestepped it, the Dudleys catching him with a big 3D! As the Dudleys and Edge and Christian battled it out on the floor, Benoit attempted a cross-armbreaker that 'the Cerebral Assassin' reversed into a powerbomb, before looking for the Pedigree! Benoit was able to free himself and locked in the Crossface - the same hold that had made 'the Game' tap out once before! 'The Game' struggled for dear life, finally able to make it to the bottom rope! Benoit rolled off, in pain himself, when down the rampway dashed X-Pac - clubbing his bitter enemy with a lead pipe to the shoulder! Benoit reapplied the Crossface while X-Pac backed up the rampway: Triple H forced to submit!
'The Game' had been forced to submit to the Crossface for a second time, and it was all in part thanks to the devious backstabber, X-Pac! Dropping the lead pipe to the rampway, 'the Man' was clearly angered by the loss to Triple H at Armageddon last night. With Triple H clutching the effected shoulder, Chris Benoit battled his way to his feet to join with Edge and Christian, until the Dudley Boyz hit the ring to chase them off. The WWF Tag Team Champions attended to 'the Game', while the Coalition left with their hands raised in victory. 'The Game' looked up and exchanged words with X-Pac, who mockingly gestured a slow-motion crotch chop back at the former leader of D-Generation X!
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In the trainer's office Chris Jericho was being checked on after a brutal attack with the steel chair from the Big Show earlier tonight. Kevin Kelly timidly approached Y2J, asking on his condition ahead of the WWF Championship opportunity he had earned for later tonight, with Kurt Angle. Jericho held an icepack to his head as he told Kevin that the Coalition could do a lot worse to try and keep him down. Against that moronic fatass, 'the Giant' was the loser, and Y2J was the winner. Despite the fact he didn't feel like one, that meant there was still hope yet for him. He may be damaged and hurting, he may even have a concussion, but after ten years of fighting to stay: it was all building to tonight. Because tonight, Y2J will beat 'the Megastar' and become WWF Champion. Jericho groaned as the doctor continued to stitch his scalp, Jericho not letting anything ruin a huge night tonight.
We returned to RAW is WAR to see WWF Hardcore Champion Lance Storm looking both ways when crossing the halls of the Pyramid's backstage area. After getting away with the title, 'the Pride of Calgary' had not found an opportunity to enjoy his recaptured title, but upon looking at it he found himself startled by the Kat congratulating him. Lance didn't seem to care about the WWF Diva's compliment though she began rambling to Lance about how she was once the WWF Women's Champion. With that title she felt like a somebody, she could go to the mall and everything would be discounted - just for her! Kat then began to talk about RAW being in her hometown of Memphis tonight, but Storm had no time for her. Yelling at Kat about not caring which disgusting American barn she was born from, Kat called him rude as the new champ departed. A slow jog down the hall suddenly saw him slam into a set of Dutch doors! Left unconscious, the attacker opened the upper echelon of the door and covered him. Steve Blackman won the WWF Hardcore Championship!
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Inside the arena, Raven came stomping down the rampway with a noticeable limp. Last night at Armageddon saw him come up on the losing end of a gripping Street Fight against the Undertaker, and the enigmatic took to a seat in the corner of the ring with a microphone in hand, to air his grievances. Raven chuckled similar to last month in speaking about 'the American Badass's victory. The veteran really did show him. Raven argued that he could have seen it coming a mile off, because now he was destined to join men like King Kong Bundy, Giant Gonzalez and another group of misfits as 'the Deadman's victims. The problem was that while Undertaker made all of them rest in peace, he was here to stay: Undertaker had made him famous! Raising his fists in celebration, Raven thanked Undertaker for the fame, because now he had arrived in the World Wrestling Federation, his God had a new plan in store for him.
5) Raven def. Matt Hardy (w/Lita) (3:43)Admitting defeat at the hands of the Undertaker in what was a hard-hitting Street Fight last night at Armageddon, it appeared Raven was put at ease with knowing he was "made famous" by 'the American Badass'. It remained to be known how genuine the enigmatic newcomer was in his apparent gratitude, but tonight he had a chance to regain some lost momentum against one-third of Team Xtreme, Matt Hardy. Spending last night at WWF New York with the injured Jeff Hardy and fellow friend Lita, Matt had recently found some success as a singles competitor despite the absence of his rainbow-haired brother. Matt wasn't messing around with Raven, as he struck with a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. The newcomer fired back with a Russian legsweep reversal for the Side Effect, before dumping him to the ringside floor. Raven continued to hammer on Matt, and another Russian legsweep connected, bringing both spine-first into the barricade wall. Lita looked to get in Raven's face, merely to be met with a blank expression. This distraction allowed Matt to strike with a dive from inside the ring to the floor, before coming off the top rope with a diving legdrop for a near fall! Matt hoped for the Side Effect again just for Raven to send him into the corner with a clothesline and a bulldog! Lita stood on the apron to yell at the expressionless enigma, who picked Matt up and drilled him with the Evenflow DDT - picking up the win!
With the pinfall victory against Matt Hardy tonight in such a decisive manner, Raven's face lit up after the bell. A smile reappeared on the enigmatic newcomer's face, once expressionless. With his hand raised, Raven decided to do more damage. Capitalizing on the "fame" handed to him by the Undertaker last night at Armageddon, he put the boots to Matt Hardy when Lita climbed into the ring and shoved Raven! Lita got right in Raven's face, and he simply laughed at the former WWF Women's Champion Lita tried to slap Raven just for him to snatch her by the wrist, before planting Lita with an Evenflow DDT for good measure! He slumped back into the corner to relax, when WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios came running down to the ring. Flipping to his feet upon reentry, Essa stared down Raven who rolled to the floor to make his exit. Essa attended to Lita, to a baffled look on Matt's face. Why was Essa checking on his former girlfriend all of a sudden?
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Backstage, the Rock was seen arriving at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. The fans immediately came to their feet as 'the Brahma Bull' arrived at the building to be approached by Michael Cole. Michael noted how amped he had gotten just waiting for 'the Brahma Bull' to arrive, causing Rock to shun him. Declaring his triumphant return to the home of Rock 'n' Roll, Rock told Michael that he knew what he was going to ask him right from the start. How did it feel to still be employed by the World Wrestling Federation. The fact of the matter was that it was the Rock that employed the WWF, and tonight when Shane McMahon - tail between his legs, piss-pants and all - calls he and Mick Foley out to the Rock's ring, he was ready for whatever he had planned for 'the Great One'. Rock continued in his arrival, ready for whatever Shane O'Mac may have in mind for Rock and Foley's acts of defiance last night at Armageddon.
Back live on RAW is WAR, after clubbing Triple H with a lead pipe and costing him the six-man tag team match against the Coalition, X-Pac was wielding the weapon in his hands in the dressing room. Wearing trackpants and a new shirt, Kevin Kelly tried to get some thoughts from 'the Man' after his crushing loss at the hands of his former friend last night at Armageddon. X-Pac explained himself clearly about how everybody wanted to know why he was doing what he was doing. He pointed to his shirt and asked Kevin Kelly to spell it out for the people. Complying, X-Pac elaborated on what "X-Pac Heat' used to mean, and what he would choose to make it mean. He knew everybody hated his guts, but he knew he could turn it around. The loss last night to Triple H was a fluke, insinuating that Hunter was never as good as his "sidekick" buddy Sean Waltman! Hunter called himself 'the Game' because he was a student of the game, but he was 'the Man' to bring him back to reality tonight. Why? Because he had the X-Factor none of the other losers had, and they all knew it. Kevin asked why he involved himself on behalf of Shawn Michaels last night, despite their history of problems. X-Pac chuckled, telling him that despite everything 'the Heartbreak Kid' had done in the D-Generation X days - playing Stone Cold Steve Austin like a fool for an entire year was the greatest thing he'd accomplished. If Austin wanted to come for him, he welcomed it - but he couldn't, he was in jail!
. 6) The Radicalz (w/Terri) def. Too Cool (3:26)Brought together by a common love in Terri, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko found themselves at distance with one another after months separated since the days of the Radicalz. Both with feelings for Terri, and Perry Saturn outwardly dating 'the She-Devil', she hoped to bring he and Malenko together to be the tag team she believed they could be, having previously scored some surprising victories. Up against Too Cool, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay still had hopes of rising through the ranks and gaining themselves an opportunity to become two-time WWF Tag Team Champions. Saturn and Malenko exchanged words early when Too Cool rushed them, the former champs cleaning the ring of Malenko and scoring with a double hiptoss to Saturn! The two blamed each other at ringside when Terri was able to refocus them to get back in and fight. Saturn was able to hurl Scotty across the ring with a capture suplex, and a brief glimpse of teamwork saw Scotty plowed with a double suplex for a near fall. Malenko maintained a chinlock when Scotty fired out and dropkicked Saturn from the apron! A flying headscissors opened Dean up for the bulldog: and the Worm followed! Sexay came in to attack an intruding Saturn, who dumped him to the floor. As Terri distracted the official, Saturn planted Scotty with a fisherman suplex before slinging Malenko over him. Just like that, the Radicalz had picked up another win!
Perry Saturn had enabled Dean Malenko to claim the win tonight on RAW is WAR, with a monumental victory against the former WWF Tag Team Champions Too Cool! Terri jumped for joy at ringside, before climbing into the ring to hug both members of the refocused Radicalz! As Grandmaster Sexay checked on Scotty 2 Hotty in the corner, Malenko proudly raised Saturn's hand in victory. Maybe this tag team did have legs to last!
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In the backstage area, the Holly Cousins seemed to be having some problems of their own with a six-man tag team match ahead! Crash tried to apologize to Hardcore, who slapped him across the back of the head. They were about to go up against the Right to Censor, who had something like 200 members, and Crash was in charge of finding them a partner! Crash tried to reason that he had something up his sleeve, while Hardcore carried on walking and warned him that he better have! Who was Crash's arranged partner? Did he even have one?
We returned to the locker room area where Lita held an icepack against her neck, the result of the Evenflow DDT gifted to her by Raven earlier tonight. Matt Hardy entered the room with a bottle of water for her, before kneeling to ask how she was feeling. Lita struggled to even speak, when WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios showed up again. Matt asked 'the Daredevil' why he was here, and why he cared what happened out there. In broken English, the Spanish-spoken Essa responded by telling Matt that he cared about her. Matt was defensive and understandably so, ordering him to give them some space. Essa tried to tell Hardy that they could make a great team, but Matt showed him the door. After her ex-boyfriend's departure, Lita asked Matt what his problem was - he was being nice. Matt disagreed, reminding her of how he used to treat her. Lita suggested Matt cool off a little, that's all in the past. He didn't seem so sure.
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In the arena, Memphis immediately erupted in boos for the Right to Censor's arrival. Heralded by Steven Richards, the WWF Women's Champion Ivory followed with Mark Henry, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan behind her. It gave ring announcer Lilian Garcia a fright after she exited the group last night, and she chose to leave the ring and return to her position at ringside. Taking to the microphone, Steven knew what had been troubling Lilian, and that was whether she had made the right decision. How could she live with herself to abandon the good fight, and leave them to fight it themselves? He spoke as though Lilian had defected to the dark side, laundered by promiscuous, scantily-clad women and users and abusers. Addressing last night, Steven spoke about how glad the group were that the Holly Cousins could get their moment in their home state of Alabama. What they didn't understand however, was the Alabaman stereotype. How were Hardcore and Crash related besides being cousins? Regardless, they were not setting a good example for their birthplace. That was beside the point as tonight in the morally-bankrupt city of Memphis, they were going to send those country-bumpkin promoters packing back to Mobile!
The Holly Cousins made their way out to the rampway in response, with Hardcore Holly pointing the finger at the Right to Censor. First of all, he did not appreciate Steven Richards' obnoxious, horse-faced tone. Second of all, this was the United States of America: the Land of the Free! And last but not least, they were the Holly Cousins and they were going to come and kick their ass! Mark Henry, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan readied themselves for the fight, when Jerry Lawler left commentary and removed his jacket before pantsing Steven Richards! 'The King' was the Hollys' tag team partner in Memphis, and Hardcore and Crash hit the ring to even the odds with the RTC!
7) Mark Henry, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan (w/Steven Richards and WWF Women's Champion Ivory) def. Jerry Lawler and the Holly Cousins (2:51)The Right to Censor's brainwashing of Lilian Garcia had backfired tremendously, as evidenced last night at Armageddon. Having represented the RTC as their ring announcer after getting kidnapped over a month ago, Lilian finally left them with an assist for the Holly Cousins. The RTC had stolen a pinfall victory against the Hollys in their home state of Alabama earlier that night on Sunday Night Heat, and the Hollys got even with them. Tonight Crash Holly had been tasked with finding a tag team partner for the two, and it appeared to have worked effectively: it was Memphis's own Jerry 'the King' Lawler who stepped up to the plate! A six-man melee started things off, quickly boiling down to Lawler and the Goodfather. Drilling him with ten punches on the second rope, Jerry soon found himself powered off of him by the 400-pound 'Secret Weapon' Mark Henry. Hardcore made the tag and fired off with a dropkick for Bull Buchanan before swinging for the interfering Steven Richards, enabling Buchanan to take him down with a big boot! The RTC cornered Hardcore until he caught Goodfather with a powerslam, and 'the King' made the tag! Lawler drilled both Buchanan and Goodfather with right hands, before drilling Bull with a body slam. It was time to climb, as Jerry lowered the strap and scored with the diving fist drop off the second rope! Mark Henry was able to drop a leg over him, and Crash Holly made the tag! 'The Houdini of Hardcore' had big plans with a missile dropkick, but 'the Secret Weapon' caught him, and the running powerslam put him down for the three count!
The Right to Censor had struck up another dominant victory with the dismantling of the Holly Cousins here tonight on RAW is WAR. Steven Richards threw his arms up with glee as Mark Henry stood dominantly in the centre of the ring. The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan left with 'the Secret Weapon', when something new transpired at ringside! Fuming after her defection from the group last night at Armageddon, WWF Women's Champion Ivory snatched the microphone from Lilian, just for the ring announcer to stand up and shove her away! Ivory was screaming at Lilian, audibly giving her seven days to get in shape: because next week Ivory was going to mop the floor with her trampy little hiney! Mark Henry picked Ivory up over his broad shoulder in response, the RTC departing. Lilian was ready to go now, let alone next week!
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The WWF Championship was about to be defended, with Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon seen navigating the halls backstage at the Pyramid. The power couple were all smiles, knowing full well that Chris Jericho would not be coming into this match at 100% after the beating received by the Big Show earlier tonight. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' walked behind 'the Megastar' as they headed for the ring, when Chris Benoit was spotted. A brief staredown was had between the two Coalition members, but Stephanie instructed the Olympic Gold Medalist to keep on walking. Kurt Angle put the title on the line against Y2J - next!
Back live on RAW is WAR, a replay aired from during the commercial break where the new WWF Hardcore Champion Steve Blackman hurried through the halls of the backstage area. 'The Lethal Weapon' had recaptured the title after laying out Lance Storm earlier tonight, who had in turn stolen the title from original champion K-Kwik. Speaking of, Blackman found himself in a battle with K-Kwik in the loading bay area, K-Dawg wanting his title back! Blackman was able to swiftly kick the rapper away before nailing the former champ with a loaded cardboard box. Finding breathing space with K-Kwik recovering, from behind came Tazz with the Tazzmission for the new champ! Tazz became the WWF Hardcore Champion, snatching the title away from 'the Lethal Weapon' and making a quick getaway - cackling all the way!
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Finally present, Shane McMahon stepped out of a limousine in the parking lot where Michael Cole quickly approached the man who surely had an announcement to make to the Rock and Mick Foley's faces tonight. Asking Shane where he had been tonight, McMahon simply didn't answer. When Michael asked what he had to say to 'the People's Champ' and 'the Hardcore Legend', Shane similarly told Cole that would be none of his business. It would also give away what he had in store for those two renegades. But one thing was for sure - they will feel his wrath when it was all said and done. He refused to be treated that way again, whether tonight or this week! In state of seriousness, Shane reiterated "never again" before heading for the arena.
. 8) Kurt Angle (w/Stephanie McMahon) (c) def. Chris Jericho to retain the WWF Championship (5:15)Armageddon saw problems between 'the Megastar' and 'the Rabid Wolverine' escalate further, as Kurt Angle walked out of a Triple Threat match against Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho with the WWF Championship. After equalizing Y2J, Benoit found himself hoodwinked by the Olympic Gold Medalist with a roll-up that allowed him to pick up the win further driving the wedge in the Coalition's pecking order. Y2J wanted to fulfil his lifelong goal of becoming WWF Champion so bad, that upon challenging Angle earlier tonight, he first had to endure combat with the 500-pound Big Show. Left with stitches after a violent chair shot by 'the Giant', Y2J was forced to compete again just one hour later, to try and beat the Olympian and make his dream come true. Stephanie McMahon had a dastardly smile on her face as Kurt Angle immediately targeted the potentially concussed head of Y2J. Immediately putting the boots to him in aggressive fashion, a belly-to-belly suplex only gave him a near fall. 'The Megastar's growing ego was on full display in Memphis, and the crowd despised it. Suddenly Jericho tackled Angle after he showboated, drilling him with a series of right hands. Angle raked the eyes of Y2J but Jericho responded with some fierce chops - clotheslining him out to the floor! Y2J angrily sent Kurt into the steel steps, before bringing him back inside for a double-underhook backbreaker. Jericho somehow flew with the missile dropkick for a near fall, when Steph distracted him.
'The Billion Dollar Princess's mere glance set Chris Jericho back in a major way, as Kurt Angle recovered and took the challenger down with a crossface chickenwing applied! Y2J tried to fight with all of his might, but the brain damage suffered by the Big Show's chair shot earlier tonight may have made it all the more easier for 'the Megastar' to sneak away with a submission victory! Losing consciousness, the referee raised Y2J's hand twice just for it to drop dead, but a third and final attempt was met with Jericho using all might left to battle it! Axing his way out of Angle's hold, the Olympic Gold Medalist scored with a back suplex before climbing to the top rope. The WWF Champion delivered a beautiful moonsault, but Jericho rolled out of the way! Y2J was back to life and took the champ down repeatedly, before stunning him with a spinning wheel kick! The Canadian tried to apply the Walls of Jericho on Angle when Stephanie McMahon again involved herself on the apron. Jericho released the hold and planted a liplock on the terrified McMahon! Steph didn't know what to do in return, but it provided Kurt with the distraction he needed: an Olympic Slam drilling Y2J for the three!
The WWF Champion Kurt Angle had been allowed the victory with some credit due for 'the Billion Dollar Princess' Stephanie McMahon! Exhausted, 'the Megastar' hugged his girlfriend, who still appeared traumatized by Chris Jericho's breath-taking liplock moments prior. Angle wiped the taste of Y2J off of his girlfriend's lips before planting a big one on her, all the while Y2J shielded his head in pain. Chris Benoit quietly made his way out to the rampway, staring vacantly at the leader of the Coalition's victory. Not saying anything, not doing anything, 'the Rabid Wolverine's presence was felt, before he returned to the backstage area again. One day soon, Angle would have to appease Benoit with a WWF Championship match.
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Backstage, the time had come for Shane McMahon's big address in store for the Rock and Mick Foley. 'The Hardcore Legend' was reading through some paperwork when The Rock joined him, the two laughing and shaking hands before heading down the hallway. It remained to be seen what the tardy Shane O'Mac had to say about their antics last night at Armageddon, but we would find out up next!
Back live on RAW is WAR, it was a party in the backstage locker room area as Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko paraded around with two bottles of champagne. Clearly celebrating their victory earlier tonight, the rechristened Radicalz were joined by a gleeful and pleased Terri, glad to see the two men finally getting along again like old times. That is until Saturn thought it would be funny to pour a full bottle of champagne all over his tag team partner! Silence fell over the room as 'the She-Devil' could not believe Saturn's courage. Perry smirked to Dean's soaked, confused face, when Malenko decided to get even: by dousing his full bottle of champagne all over Perry's girlfriend Terri! As Terri stood with her clothes soaked, covered in the fizzy froth, Saturn's jaw dropped before laughing with Malenko! The Radicalz hugged it out, leaving Terri appalled and freezing cold!
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In the building, Shane McMahon graced the Pyramid crowd in attendance with his presence. Wearing all black, one-half of the McMahon siblings with power over the World Wrestling Federation did not seem pleased about how last night transpired at Armageddon, as he took to the microphone mid-ring. Memphis booed Shane, who simply rebuffed that he didn't care about what these people had to say anymore. Last time he checked, it was he and Stephanie McMahon who called the shots around here, and that meant you couldn't simply lay your hands on them. He was the employer of the WWF Superstars, and that meant he demanded the respect that was owed to him - not just by being in charge, but by being a part of the McMahon Empire! Shane told the people to understand that this was his and Steph's now, and that he was the heir to the throne. On the topic of last night, Shane examined what was supposed to go down. The Big Show, Edge and Christian were given the honorable duty of making sure the Rock did not see the end of the night with his job. In fact, 'the Great One's career had to have ended last night at Armageddon, not because he didn't like him - which was true - but because in the grand scheme of things...he didn't see a place for The Rock in his vision of the World Wrestling Federation, come the new millennium! What happened last night was not only rebellious, but it was frivolous.
An unwarranted assault was laid upon him, but not by 'the People's Champ', no - by a man he could have fired a long time ago, Mick Foley! Shane compared Mick Foley to Road Runner, of how he had fallen down more times than he could walk. Unfortunately for 'the Hardcore Legend', not only was his active in-ring career over, but so was his tenure as WWF Commissioner. However what Mick did last night was not only immoral and biased, but tasteful as well. Shane ordered Mick to stay backstage and ignore what happened to the Rock - it was that simple. Instead, he laid his hands on Edge, as well as his employer Shane O'Mac! In his eyes, there was only one proper way to go about this and that was to handle it like gentleman - ordering Mick Foley out to the ring first. The ex-'Commish' immediately grabbed Shane's microphone and told him that he had heard him slander him on and on for so long, he had already figured out where this was headed. He told Shane that he knew he had a brilliant condo in the suburbs, that he had two young children in that condo, and a third on the way with a heavily pregnant wife to provide for - but Mick wasn't afraid, nor apologetic. As far Shane was concerned, he could do whatever the hell he wanted! Shoving the microphone back into his chest, Shane was visibly surprised. McMahon understood that Mick was frustrated with his position, but that it wouldn't be that bad. Because now Mick wouldn't have to face the humiliations of mopping floors and cleaning toilets. Gone would be the days of sitting down next to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, or peddling WWF merchandise. He had one better for Mick, and that was...
The Rock interrupted Shane McMahon, stomping down to the ring to a massive reaction from the people in Memphis, Tennessee! Shane O'Mac clearly hadn't anticipated 'the Brahma Bull's presence just yet, as Rock walked by taking the microphone from Shane again. The Rock 'n' Sock Connection were banded together for one more night, as Rock told Shane before he said another word, he had something to tell him himself. It didn't matter what Shane's decision would be, and it didn't matter that Shane's vision was. In fact the only thing that mattered was what the people wanted to see in the 21st century. Raising the microphone for the people to chant his name into, Rock told Shane that this is where he was going wrong. However many times Shane was to try and defame the Rock, or try and stack the odds against him, 'the Great One' would jump each and every hurdle. Powered by the millions and millions watching, the Rock would triumph once and for all. He acknowledged Shane's suspension on him receiving WWF Championship opportunities and accepted it, but the fact of the matter was that Rock's star shined much brighter than Shane cared to admit. And once again would the Rock prosper as the WWF Champion, if you smell what the Rock is cookin!' Rock now shoved the microphone in McMahon's face, Shane sarcastically claiming he thought he'd fallen into another deep sleep. Shane told Rock that it was all well and good that he could come out and say that, but this had gone on far enough.
Running down their history, Shane reminded Rock of his time in the Corporation. The Rock prospered as the WWF Champion, and the two both got along famously. But somewhere along the way, 'the Corporate Champ' suddenly became 'the People's Champ', and he began to push and shove his way at everything the McMahon Family had worked so hard to achieve. Bitter rivals, he and Rock had nowhere else to turn, which is why it pained him to say the following two words. Before saying it he was glad at how well the two had taken to it, and just how overdue it was in saying to the Rock and Mick Foley - the Rock 'n' Sock Connection - Vince Mahon came strutting out to the rampway! Intruding his own son, the Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation received a loud response, making his return after a five-month absence! Shane was gutted to have nearly fired Rock and Foley, but Vince had other plans in mind! As Vince stood on the rampway and stared in awe at his son, Shane found himself abruptly planted with the Rock Bottom! Left laying, Shane did not get the chance to fire his two biggest foes, while Mick looked at the Chairman in shock! Rock stared down Vince as well, raising an eyebrow to a rival of the past. As far as the McMahon children were concerned: Daddy was home for the Holidays! |
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Post by DTP. on Oct 7, 2020 13:59:33 GMT -5
SmackDown! - December 14, 2000
Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas
Broadcast on UPN
Taped December 12, 2000
A video package aired, taking us back to RAW is WAR this past Monday night. Following the beating he had received by Mick Foley at Armageddon, and the Rock's ability to overcome the forces of the Big Show, Edge and Christian to keep his job in a three-on-one handicap match, Shane McMahon had plans to do something drastic to the once Rock 'n' Sock Connection. Shane O'Mac was actually absent most of the night, though in arriving Mick Foley and the Rock already knew what was coming. Once in the ring, Shane acted out about being in full control of the World Wrestling Federation. Declaring that Mick would no longer have to face the humiliation of janitorial duties and public vending, and that Rock did not fit his vision for the World Wrestling Federation in the new millennium, he called both out to the ring. It was well and truly clear what Shane O'Mac was going to do, as he was introduced first by Mick, and second by Rock. Though finally when about to utter the two words everybody had long awaited, Vince McMahon made a shocking return. For the first time in five months the Chairman had showed his face, allowing Rock to plant Shane with a Rock Bottom. Shane's Dad did not utter a word, as Rock and Foley stared him down, stunned. What did this mean for the landscape of the company?
The opening video package aired, taking us to the Alltel Arena for SmackDown! Pyrotechnics blasted across the rafters and stage in the building, Little Rock, Arkansas providing the excitement only seventy-two hours separated from Armageddon! Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the show, discussing how the sports entertainment industry had been buzzing all week long: Vince McMahon was back, and what did that mean for his children, Shane and Stephanie McMahon, who claimed power over the World Wrestling Federation before this? They discussed what was coming up tonight, as Stone Cold Steve Austin would make his first appearance since the most violent No Holds Barred match in WWF's history against Shawn Michaels. Fresh out of jail, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' would be here! Plus, Chris Jericho will team up with an unlikely ally in rival, Triple H. Together they compete against another unlikely combination, of Chris Benoit and WWF Champion Kurt Angle!
Edge and Christian came pacing down to the ring to kick off SmackDown, surely disappointed following their loss to the Rock last Sunday night at Armageddon. Upon entry, the two Canadians took to the microphone to rejoice in the fact that the Holiday Season was finally upon us! Christian spoke out about their family plans each year, how Grandma would roast up a great turkey and how they would sit and drink hot cocoa in front of the fire all night long. Edge made a funny remark about how last year was simply incredible. But there was one thing about this that seemed off: that in order to really get in the Christmas spirit, they first had to tolerate being in such a stinky place like Arkansas! The Toronto natives mocked the people of Little Rock with impersonations, before Edge declared that despite being in this city-sized pig sty, they were excited to fly back home to Ontario for one reason and one reason only. Because with them would come the WWF Tag Team Championships! Too Cool came down to ringside to answer the call, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay dancing to the ring for a fight. They too wanted another shot at the titles, but they would have to get through Edge and Christian first!1) Edge and Christian def. Too Cool (5:25)Despite the humiliating defeat at the hands of the Rock in a three-on-one handicap match last Sunday at Armageddon, Edge and Christian propelled themselves into a surefire future WWF Tag Team Championship opportunity with a big six-man tag team victory this past Monday night on RAW is WAR. Too Cool were also looking for that opportunity, falling short on Monday night with a loss to Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko - the Radicalz. Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay hoped to avert their losing ways, the fan favorites running the brothers from the ring right away. Sexay dove over the top rope onto Christian, while inside Scotty climbed up for a diving DDT, just for Edge to cling onto the ropes! Aggressively, the Toronto-bred brothers cornered Scotty and targeted his previously injured spine, with frequent tags exchanged. Scotty was the recipient of a double-decker superplex from the top rope, but Sexay came in to break the count. As Edge and Christian sent Scotty into the ropes he managed to reverse it into a double DDT, before making the tag to Sexay! Grandmaster was fresh and took both men down with a rapid series of clotheslines, and a hurricanrana scored him a near fall. Sexay sidestepped a spear from Edge into Christian before scoring with a powerslam, Scotty tagging in again. A bulldog to Edge connected, and the Worm was in motion when Christian surprised him with the Unprettier! Draping Edge over, the Canadians picked up another win!
Christian picked up an essential win for the brothers as they continued to pursue their second reign as WWF Tag Team Champions. Edge hugged it out with his younger brother on the floor, the two Coalition members throwing their hands in the air in victory. Little Rock, Arkansas was not impressed, and neither were Too Cool. Grandmaster Sexay checked on Scotty 2 Hotty, who appeared frustrated and disappointed with another loss.
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Backstage, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon were in the dressing room with Big Show, as 'the Megastar' bragged about all of the hard work had been done to humiliate Chris Jericho last Monday night on RAW is WAR. 'The Giant' belly-laughed with the leader of the Coalition, telling Kurt that it was all on him: he was responsible for every bit, and it was about time somebody shut Y2J's big mouth! The door slammed, and in came a moody Shane McMahon. The room fell silent, as he asked how any of them could be happy with Dad returning as RAW went off the air. It was a travesty, and everybody should know better than to trust Vince McMahon returning to ruin his vision of the World Wrestling Federation. Angle asserted that he was sure to be well-liked by the Chairman, noting how much they had in common - sharing the Three Is. Shane didn't agree, but Steph questioned why Shane didn't agree with Dad returning to work. Shane asked her how she didn't see what was coming: their power of the company was at jeopardy because their foolish father liked to stick his nose into their business! Vince had promised Shane to be the heir to the throne, and now he's back to make a mess of it. Boldly, Shane declared he was heading to the ring!
We returned to SmackDown, where Too Cool were seen returning to the dressing room. Frustrated with another loss tonight against Edge and Christian, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay turned to enter the room when the door swung open, revealing WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi. Their good friend tried to speak with the two, but Scotty and Grandmaster bickered in annoyance. Scotty speculated whether they had lost their way, whether this dancing stuff was really all worth it. The 400-pound Samoan simply pulled out his yellow sunglasses and placed them on Scotty's nose. Finally cracking a smile, Rikishi told his friends to never stop dancing. Too Cool thanked him and left, when Billy Gunn arrived in another set of yellow sunglasses. Excited to kick some ass tonight, Gunn was sporting a new look with a cropped new t-shirt and pink trunks. He asked Rikishi if he was ready, the big man chuckled and told him to go get ready. Rikishi and Gunn were set for tag team action tonight!
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In the arena, Shane McMahon came walking out to the ring. With a march not unlike his father Vince McMahon's signature strut, one-half of the McMahon children was given quite a shock this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, with his Dad making a grand return to the World Wrestling Federation. It was clear it had drawn the ire of his power-hungry son, who took to the microphone in the ring. Speaking in hindsight, regardless of the Rock Bottom he received from the Rock, regardless of his lack of opportunity to fire he and Mick Foley, and regardless of the fact that his father shocked the entire industry with his big surprise return: Shane McMahon was here to stay! For five months, Shane claimed, he had not heard from Dad. He had not heard from Vince McMahon since July, the night he made an unorthodox edit from the company he had taken from rags to riches! For five months, he nor Stephanie McMahon heard a single word from their dad, as he "took time out" to focus on his marriage to their mother, and to focus on his new pet project - the XFL. In his absence, Vince's children took matters into their own hands. They saved the World Wrestling Federation from the buffoonery of one Mick Foley, and they took finite action to ensure that sports entertainment had a future! Shane repeated the line about the promise his father made to him: to be the heir to the throne once Vince could no longer act like the businessman everybody knew he could be. Of course, he and Stephanie took leadership of the company he had abandoned.
They did what was right for business, because in Mick Foley's hands, and with the Rock as WWF Champion? This company would be down a hellhole by the time the clock struck midnight on New Year's! Nobody wanted to take initiative, nobody wanted to step up, and so he and Steph took to the stand and they turned business around over the period of three mere weeks! Shane claimed that despite Vince's interference, this was his World Wrestling Federation for the taking - and if he couldn't fire Mick Foley under Dad's orders? Shane was just going to send him home, and make sure none of his idiotic fans see him ever again! Abruptly, Shane's other target last Monday interrupted. The Rock made his way out to the stage to a loud ovation from the people of Arkansas. As the sold-out crowd chanted his name, 'the Brahma Bull' gave an insincere apology regarding last Monday night. He was sorry that Shane couldn't fire him, he was sorry that Shane had daddy issues, and he was most of all sorry he couldn't have stuck his boot where the sun didn't shine before Shane could get the words out of his mouth - to fire the most electrifying man in sports entertainment! 'The Great One' elaborated on Shane's daddy issues, knowing full well how much it hurt him growing up, with his sister in diapers and Shane still wetting the bed - that Daddy couldn't be there to make all of the bad dreams go away. The Rock didn't know what Vince McMahon had in mind, coming back to the World Wrestling Federation.
For all Rock cared, he couldn't wait for the sight of he and the rest of the Coalition all sticking their tail between their legs, and scurrying to stick their heads straight up Daddy's candyass! What the Rock did know was that Shane O'Mac had failed once again to rid the WWF of the Rock, and dared Shane to do everything in his power to make him disappear just like his good friend Mick Foley! Shane McMahon called Rock extremely mature, with jokes about his family, and mocking the good that he and Steph were trying to do. The fact was that Rock didn't belong, and that he and Rock had been through so much over the past year or so that he couldn't even figure out why he despised him so much. All he knew that in the new millennium, the Rock didn't belong here...but he wasn't going to send him home. Unlike Mick Foley's cushy contract, to send Rock home and keep on paying him would be grossly counterintuitive. Instead of paying Rock hundreds of thousands of dollars to sit on his lavish leather couch back home in Miami by the beach, he had one better for him. Thanks to Dad, Shane couldn't fire the Rock: but what he could do was make Rock a match for tonight. In a handicap match, 'the Great One' would once again have to overcome the odds...against his dear friends, the Dudley Boyz in a handicap tables match! An answer for everything, Rock told Shane that if he was anything remotely like his father, he would step into this ring and go one-on-one with 'the Great One' himself. But sure enough, that day would come soon enough - the Rock counted on it. If you smell what the Rock is cookin!'
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With a friendship being pulled apart by Shane McMahon pitting the Rock against the WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz in a handicap tables match tonight, Stone Cold Steve Austin was fresh out of jail! Making his first appearance for the first time since the out of control, insanely brutal No Holds Barred match with Shawn Michaels at Armageddon, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' came stomping down the halls of the Alltel Arena - where Kevin Kelly timidly tried to get an update on how Stone Cold was feeling. Much like on Sunday, Cole quivered as Stone Cold stopped to glare at him, dead in the eyes. Without speaking a word, Austin backed off and stomped away. Austin did not like Cole's approach at interviews!
Back on SmackDown, a replay aired showing the arrival of the recently imprisoned Stone Cold Steve Austin, just days after he was jailed for beating a lifeless Shawn Michaels bloody in the middle of the parking lot at Armageddon. During the break, a camera spotted X-Pac hanging out in the locker room. Taking a seat and brandishing his new shirt, 'the Man' laughed and was joking with the boys like nothing was going on. He noticed that Kaientai were stood around a television monitor across the room from him and curiously wanted to take a look at what Taka Michinoku and Funaki were watching. After shoving them away brutishly, X-Pac's face dropped as he saw 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was live and in living color! Funaki and Taka stared at X-Pac with similar expressions, Michinoku uttering in Broken English that X-Pac was in trouble! After interfering in the No Holds Barred match as part of 'the Heartbreak Kid's plan, X-Pac wisely ran for cover.
. 2) Essa Rios (c) def. Dean Malenko (w/Perry Saturn and Terri) to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (4:52)It appeared that Monday night on RAW is WAR saw the Radicalz return to their true form. With Terri on their side, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko were once again on the same page coming off of another successful night beating Too Cool. Twenty-four hours prior to that, on an international edition of Sunday Night Heat however, Saturn and Malenko had been victorious in a tag team match against Essa Rios and Val Venis - when Malenko forced the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion to tap out to the Cloverleaf. Malenko wanted back his title lost back in October, and Essa was here to overcome the obstacles set in his path. Looking to keep things upbeat, Essa outwrestled Malenko with armdrags and a flying headscissors, when Malenko was able to toss Rios out to the floor with a military press! Rios landed on his feet, but found himself jumped by the aggressive Saturn! Giving Malenko the opening he needed, he planted Essa with a backbreaker, before tying him up in a bow and arrow stretch. Essa was able to reverse a tiger bomb into a hurricanrana for a near fall, before a missile dropkick took Dean down! Essa climbed to the top for the 450 splash, when Terri crotched him on the top rope. Malenko scored with a superplex for a near fall, while at ringside 'the She-Devil' gloated in her assist, when Lita rushed down to tackle Terri to the floor! Saturn rushed to get her off, while Malenko's attempt at the Texas Cloverleaf went reversed into a victory roll for the win!
The WWF Light Heavyweight Championship was to remain firmly around the waist of Essa Rios, though the win over Dean Malenko only infuriated Perry Saturn to climb into the ring and jump 'the Daredevil' from behind! Saturn pounded on Essa and dropped him with a brainbuster, when Lita climbed to the top rope for a flying headscissors to Saturn, but Dean Malenko shoved her down from behind! An upset Malenko locked the Texas Cloverleaf on the WWF Diva to loud boos from the people, but finally help was on the way in the form of fellow Team Xtreme member Matt Hardy! Saturn, Malenko and Terri scarpered to the floor, while Matt checked on Lita.
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The Dudley Boyz were in the locker room, D-Von still in awe at the WWF Tag Team Championship sitting in his hands. Bubba Ray came along and patted him on the back, telling his younger half-brother he wasn't dreaming - it was real. Kevin Kelly approached the new champs, wanting to get their thoughts on the fact that tonight they had been positioned against the man whose back they had had in recent weeks, the Rock. Bubba told Kevin just how much it grated them what Shane McMahon was doing. It went without saying how little they thought of Shane, or the rest of the Coalition. But they had scratched and clawed their ways to becoming two-time WWF Tag Team Champions. D-Von added that they had just got the gold, and they weren't going to have that taken away from them because of the spoiled brats Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Bubba admitted how they were huge fans of 'the People's Champ', and would always have his back. But they wanted to wish him luck tonight, because they had to take care of business.
Earlier today, cameras were on hand to show Jacqueline showing ring announcer Lilian Garcia the ropes in an empty arena. A video package presented Jackie teaching Lilian to lock-up and how to take the bumps and bruises to be expected this coming Monday night on RAW is WAR. With her sudden exit from the Right to Censor group that had held her hostage for weeks, Ivory had challenged Lilian to a match for the WWF Women's Championship, even granting her a week to prepare. As Jackie body slammed Lilian time and time again, Garcia took turns on Jackie, and even soared from the second rope with an elbow drop onto Jackie! At the end of the session, Jacqueline raised Lilian's hand - she was ready.
In the dressing room, WWF Women's Champion Ivory was stomping back and forth in anger. Having watched Lilian Garcia training in preparation for the title match this Monday night, she vented her frustration on Mark Henry, who tried to keep her clear-headed. The fiery champ complained that Lilian had no idea what she was in for. She was a dominant champion, and the Right to Censor was nothing she could just leave and expect no repercussions. 'The Secret Weapon' asked Ivory what she was going to do about it, and the champ responded with a good idea: to find a tune-up opponent and prove to Lilian that she was not one to be trifled with. Lilian would be scared out of her mind once she saw how much danger she'd gotten herself into, come RAW is WAR.
. 3) WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi and Billy Gunn def. WWF European Champion William Regal and Joe E. Legend (4:22)Still reeling over the loss to the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi at Armageddon, WWF European Champion William Regal found himself the recipient of a Stinkface from not just the 400-pound Samoan this past Monday night, but Billy Gunn as well. While Joe E. Legend continued to show resentment for his British mentor, after having endured a Stinkface of his own last week, they had to coexist tonight in tag team action with 'Big Kish' and 'the One' Billy Gunn. With a new look and ring gear, Billy started out with 'the Goodwill Ambassador', easily getting the better of him early on. A military press slam and a jackhammer scored Billy a near fall, who clearly took exception to Regal calling him a "ponce" on RAW is WAR. Regal cowered to his protege, who slapped his mentor's back to come in. Quickly Rikishi brought the fight to Joe E, a big back body drop and a belly-to-belly suplex getting a near fall. Rikishi thumped Legend in the corner, when Regal suddenly clocked Rikishi with a European uppercut to take control! Legend clung onto a sleeper hold for dear life, just to wind up Samoan dropped - and in came 'the One' Billy Gunn at the same time as the Englishman! Gunn tossed Regal around and drilled him with punches in the corner, when Legend blind tagged in. Looking to double team Gunn, Regal instead bailed to the floor! Rikishi came in with a big super kick that allowed Billy to score with the One and Only sleeper slam - for the three count!
With his protege left alone with 'the One' Billy Gunn' and WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi, William Regal hadn't even bothered to try and prevent the pinfall that gave the fan favorites the win! The WWF European Champion instead grabbed his title belt from ringside and took a leave, watching in disgust as 'Big Kish' and the new-and-improved Billy Gunn stood tall over Joe E. Legend! Gunn's eyes remained fixated on Regal's, with something brewing between these two Superstars.
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In the locker room area Matt Hardy was once again upset with his friend Lita deciding to come to the aid of Essa Rios. Matt tried to remind Lita what happened when the two of them were together, how poorly 'the Daredevil' used to treat her. The redhead reasoned that it had been months, and that the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion had changed a lot since the last time they hooked up! Matt was not happy with the idea of it, when Essa Rios showed up. Matt again wanted to know what Essa's deal was, why he again cared about his ex-girlfriend all of a sudden. Confused, Essa spoke in faint English that he was only trying to help, and wanted to help him too. Rios was glad Lita was feeling fine after the Texas Cloverleaf from Dean Malenko, and after his departure Lita again tried to convince Matt. Hardy reasoned that Team Xtreme was about the Hardy Boyz and Lita - not Essa Rios. Lita argued that with Jeff on the sidelines hurt, it couldn't hurt to give Essa a chance.
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With a frown on his face as always, Stone Cold Steve Austin now looked to be heading for the ring! Four days removed from the barbaric No Holds Barred match against Shawn Michaels, and having spent a night in the county jail, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' hoped to express the emotions on his mind from Armageddon in the ring up, up next!
We returned to the glass shattering, bringing out 'the Texas Rattlesnake' Stone Cold Steve Austin! He walked with a purpose, a bandaid on his head after the gruelling encounter with 'the Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels four nights previous at Armageddon. Austin stood on each of the turnbuckles before taking to the microphone to air whatever was on his mind. Explaining how he had been sent to the county jail for a luxurious stay with all of the other inmates, Austin had much to think about. For the majority of that night, between staring holes through any big son of a b*tch looking at him like a piece of meat, and talking trash to the guards that held him there, he found the time to think long and hard about what had landed him in custody, and where he could go from there. At Armageddon he took on another tough son of a b*tch called Shawn Michaels. One of the best in the business in his time, he gave HBK credit where credit was due: he could still go. But that did not mean he was letting that sick bastard the satisfaction of taking him away from what he loved to do best - and that was kick ass and drink beer! Last Sunday night, Shawn took him to hell and back, and he even attempted to repeat the night of the 1999 Survivor Series. Shawn tried to run him over all over again, to jeopardize his career or maybe life, and did his best to force him to feel the pain he'd felt going back three years. In the end, Austin turned the other cheek: he ran a car of his own into HBK's car, and he beat him bloody, he beat him senseless, and it was a crying shame the cops came just in time to save Shawn's life!
Stone Cold addressed the buzz around the arena today, and that was regarding where 'the Rattlesnake' could go from here. Ever since he came back, he had been dead set on finding the son of a b*tch responsible for taking him out for a year - and three months later, he had achieved just that. Austin declared his intentions on following through on promises and making them into commitments, just as demonstrated with Shawn Michaels resting up in a hospital right now. As far as what he did next, that was his business and his business only. In fact Stone Cold was so sure, he shared with the people of Arkansas: he was going to continue being the baddest S.O.B walking the World Wrestling Federation, and that started here tonight on SmackDown! There was one man at the top of his list, and it was that little punk X-Pac. He lured him into that parking lot to begin with, and for that he actually had to thank him. But that wasn't going to do him any favors because ol' Stone Cold had a bone to pick with the Kid that called himself 'the Man!' Austin called out X-Pac for trying to help Shawn Michaels last Sunday night, to no response! Suddenly the OvalTron showed the catering room in the backstage area. X-Pac was spotted waiting in line, shielding his own face with a lunch tray! Immediately, Austin told Little Rock that it seemed like he'd have to bring the ass-whooping to X-Pac, and that was the bottom line! Austin was headed for the back, to get his hands on X-Pac!
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Taking the backstage area by storm, Stone Cold Steve Austin stomped down numerous corridors to find the catering area! Barging past members of staff backstage, as well as shoving Mideon aside, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' stomped into the cafeteria area where he saw the man in front of him. Picking up a lunch tray of his own, Austin snuck up behind X-Pac disguised by the lunch tray, Austin clocked him from behind - when X-Pac jumped 'the Texas Rattlesnake' from behind! X-Pac had set Austin up, but the rugged Texan immediately fired back with some heavy-handed rights! Sending X-Pac across the dinner table, 'the Man's new shirt had been ruined by potato salad. Austin wasn't letting up, stomping a mudhole into Shawn Michaels' accomplice from Armageddon this past Sunday night, before shoving him face-first into the sneeze-guard counter! X-Pac was able to find a way out by throwing a bowl of fruit in Stone Cold's way out of desperation, able to stumble away! Austin came to, biting an apple and following in hot pursuit. The hunt was on.
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Meanwhile, the Rock set off from his own dressing room for the handicap tables match to come. Granted immunity from a public firing by Vince McMahon, his son Shane still had problems with 'the People's Champ's very existence in the World Wrestling Federation. Positioned against two men that had had his back in recent weeks, the Rock was set to take on his friends, the new WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz - next!
A replay aired revealing Stone Cold Steve Austin's intentions of hunting down X-Pac, even pursuing him in the cafeteria area for a fist fight! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' was out for X-Pac after he'd involved himself in the No Holds Barred match against Shawn Michaels last Sunday at Armageddon, but 'the Man' was able to run for cover. During the commercial break, the APA were situated in their office talking, when in came a frantic X-Pac. Waving a wad of cash in their faces, he asked Bradshaw and Faarooq for protection immediately! The APA surlily explained that they'd love to help him, but they were Stone Cold's drinking buddies. Agitated, 'the Man' questioned if they could do anything right, even banging his fist on the table and calling them useless losers! This ignited the APA to get up and come for X-Pac as well, causing him to make a quick exit.
. 4) The Rock vs WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz in a Handicap Tables match ended in a no-contest (4:55)Coming out of Armageddon, the Rock had saved his career in the World Wrestling Federation after overcoming the odds of the Big Show, Edge and Christian. With some assistance from Mick Foley to counter Shane McMahon's advancing levels of interference, this past Monday on RAW is WAR it appeared that Shane was about to fire the once-called Rock 'n' Sock Connection. That was not to be however, as Vince McMahon made a shocking return, and subsequently forbade Shane from firing either of them! Bitter about his father's return, Shane made this match official as a way of punishing Rock further. Against the men who had had his back a lot over the past couple of weeks, the new WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz, they too did not want to risk facing the wrath of the Coalition - especially after only winning the titles at Armageddon against T&A. Reluctantly they met in the ring, with Rock shaking hands with D-Von and Bubba Ray before bringing the fight to them! A floatover DDT planted Bubba and Rock sent D-Von over the top rope, this match coming to the floor. Rock tried to Rock Bottom D-Von through the wood when Bubba made the save - the strength in numbers aiding the Dudleys. Awkwardly, the Dudleys began to put a beating on 'the People's Champ', while the fans chanted for the underdog to make a comeback. A double flapjack connected, as did the Dudleyville Device. Finally, Rock fought back, catching Bubba with a spinebuster before dropping D-Von as well!
The People's Elbow connected on both Dudleys, the WWF Tag Team Champions now in trouble as Rock prepared the wood! He beat D-Von onto the table before climbing to the second rope, but Bubba was there to beat Rock on the top rope, when D-Von climbed up looking for a superplex - but Rock headbutted him to the canvas! Rock was able to body slam Bubba off the top rope through the wood, leaving only he and D-Von left standing. Rock began stalking D-Von for the Rock Bottom, when Shane McMahon came marching out, signalling for Edge and Christian to dart down to the ring! Rock immediately tried his best to fight off the Canadians, when Big Show was seen stomping down the rampway behind them. D-Von tried to aid Rock in their fight, just to wind up the recipient of a spear from Edge!
Shane McMahon watched proudly, as his men began to do a number on the Rock in the ring, the Big Show joining the battlefield. Rock caught Christian with a Samoan drop off of the Unprettier, when 'the Giant' struck from behind! Rock and Big Show tried going blow for blow, when Bubba Ray tried to make the save for 'the People's Champ', just for Edge to put the boots to him once again. Big Show drove Rock into the canvas hard with a mighty Chokeslam, but that wasn't enough! Show proceeded to power Rock back up to his feet for a reverse DDT/elbow drop combination, causing Rock to cough up blood from the 500-pound weight pressured upon him! Edge and Christian did further damage, setting up a table in the ring and sending a beaten D-Von into the ropes: a Coalition 3D courtesy of the former WWF Tag Team Champions! With Rock's blood spilling from his mouth, and the WWF Tag Team Champions left laying courtesy of Big Show, Edge and Christian, Shane O'Mac applauded his men from the rampway. The Coalition had redeemed themselves after Armageddon's untimely defeat!
A replay aired, taking us back to the vicious attack carried out by the Big Show, Edge and Christian. Under orders of Shane McMahon, the Coalition members disrupted the handicap tables match designed by Shane, to punish the Rock and the Dudley Boyz! Big Show caused Rock to spit up blood from a move known as the Final Cut, and for added insult to injury, Edge and Christian left the WWF Tag Team Champions laying following a 3D on D-Von Dudley through the wood! During the break, the Rock attempted to resist medical attention following the Final Cut from Big Show, just to be forced to accept it by two officials. 'The Brahma Bull' could barely stand, as the officials carried him to the trainer's office.
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In the dressing room Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle were all smiles about what happened to the Rock and the Dudley Boyz moments ago. The WWF Champion applauded his men for following the example set by 'the Megastar' - the leader of the Coalition. The Olympic Gold Medalist continued to pat himself on the back, when in walked Chris Benoit. 'The Rabid Wolverine' coldly asked why Kurt asked to see him. Angle stood up to Benoit and told the uneasy ally that he knew they were set to team up tonight, to take on Triple H and Chris Jericho. But after the Triple Threat match at Armageddon, and after Benoit came out to watch him dismantle Y2J by himself last Monday night: he wanted to know if he could trust Benoit tonight. Chris told him he could, but Kurt cut him off in disagree. Bragging about his successful WWF Championship defences this week, he didn't want his record tarnished, though Benoit reasoned that he was the one that made Triple H tap out last Monday night. Angle confessed he didn't know what to do with Chris anymore - he either wanted to be Coalition, or he wanted to be WWF Champion. Regardless, Benoit had to play his cards right. If he wasn't careful, Benoit might wind up where Rock is right now. A reminder of who ran the ship, Benoit accepted the threat before looking to Stephanie and accused Angle of hiding behind his master - his girlfriend!
. 5) Ivory (w/Mark Henry) (c) def. The Kat to retain the WWF Women's Championship (2:20)Lilian Garcia outraged the Right to Censor this past Sunday night at Armageddon, when she finally liberated herself from the shackles of being forced to be the RTC's personal ring announcer. Garcia had found freedom, but had made an imposing enemy in the WWF Women's Champion Ivory. Disappointed in Lilian's actions after weeks of brainwashing gone out the window, Ivory challenged Lilian to a match this coming week on RAW is WAR - even putting her title up for grabs! While Lilian spent the day training with Jacqueline, Ivory argued that she too wanted a tune-up match, going up against a former WWF Women's Champion in the Kat. With the title on the line tonight as well, Kat was hot out of the gate, tackling Ivory to the canvas and tugging on her hair! 'The Secret Weapon' Mark Henry watched from ringside, as Ivory quickly turned the tide with a snapmare and a suplex. Dropping a succession of elbows on the spine of Kat, her challenger was able to move out of the way and once again mount Ivory with a series of slaps in return! Ivory was finally able to kick her way free, the WWF Women's Champion planting Kat with a hard Poison Ivory to retain the title.
Ivory had retained the WWF Women's Championship in what she described as a "tune-up match" for Monday night, where the female spokeswoman of the Right to Censor will take on defected member Lilian Garcia. Mark Henry climbed into the ring to support his colleague, Ivory taking to the microphone. Heavy breathing, Ivory declared that this win went out to that treacherous Lilian Garcia. With her trampy style, and those ample bozums now free to share with the world, she hoped Lilian was watching with that hussy trainer of hers, Jacqueline. Vowing that the match on RAW this Monday would show her the true error of her ways, Ivory vowed dominance as the good fight would be beaten: by the role model in which she was, as WWF Women's Champion!
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Backstage Chris Jericho was still holding an icepack to his head after RAW is WAR this past Monday night, as Jonathan Coachman looked to get an injury update ahead of the tag team main event against Chris Benoit and WWF Champion Kurt Angle. Y2J told Coach to take a look at the stitches in his scalp, and ask him how it looked. Hesitant to answer, Jericho answered for him. Chris explained how on RAW he fought not once, but twice. Hell, he wrestled with a concussion thanks to the chair shot to the skull from the Big Show. But he kept on fighting, he fought 'the Megastar' with all he had. Unfortunately, Y2J did not leave with the WWF Championship. Jericho expressed how it was all a part of the chase - there was a thrill and excitement to it. That's why tonight, he teams up with a major rival in Triple H. Himself and 'the Game' had been through some wars in the past, but now he understood what it was like to have a common enemy. Of course, he was talking about the filthy, dirty, disgusting trashbag ho, Stephanie McMahon! Tonight Jericho hoped he and 'the Game' would be able to get along just fine, by making sure those Coalition ass-clowns got what was coming to them!
We returned to the sights and scenes of Times Square, where inside WWF New York, the Right to Censor were present in attendance. Steven Richards was standing atop a table in the restaurant, preaching his case to the loud boos of the attendees and tourists! A brochure raised in one hand, Steven was trying to sell the general public of New York City on the virtues of supporting the RTC's cause for fighting the good fight! Steven spoke out against the sleazy and corrupt nature of the Big Apple and how they could turn the citizens' lives around, while Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather stood on the floor beneath, imposingly handing out flyers to the people.
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Returning to Little Rock's Alltel Arena, Raven came walking down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the people of Arkansas. Rebounding from Armageddon's Street Fight loss to the Undertaker with a victory against Matt Hardy, the following night on RAW is WAR, Raven slumped into the corner of the ring to deliver another speech to the disapproving crowd. He continued to speak out about how the naive of the masses believed that 'the American Badass' humiliated him last Sunday night. Another loss to the Undertaker, twice in the period of a month. The truth was they didn't see it how he saw it. Raven continued to claim that 'the Deadman' made him famous, and that the beatings he received empowered him if anything - it didn't destroy him. He claimed he was better for it, that he survived and was stronger than ever! Deluded, Raven considered himself more than just a man, but an idea. A concept, a blueprint: and that was what made him the Creator that he was!
Finally, D-Lo Brown made his way out to the rampway with a microphone in hand. Having heard enough of Raven's nonsensical rants, the former WWF European Champion told Raven that he didn't have a damn clue what he was talking about! As far as he understood it, Raven got his ass kicked last Sunday and probably still saw stars now after what the Undertaker did to him. D-Lo called him wacked out of his mind, to which Raven insinuated that if anybody was wacked out of their mind - it was D-Lo believing he was somebody. Brown responded, telling the enigma that they'd have to find out, because he was challenging to a match right now!6) Raven def. D-Lo Brown (3:28)Whether he had been driven closer to insanity back at Armageddon or not, it appeared that Raven was trying to make a point. What that point was, and how it compared to the beating received at the hands of the Undertaker exactly, remained unclear. Regardless, the ever-cryptic and enigmatic newcomer continued to show confidence despite the outcome of the Street Fight with 'the Deadman', much to the frustration of the other WWF Superstars. D-Lo Brown immediately brought the fight to the self-proclaimed 'Creator'. Raven was able to rake the eyes of Brown, allowing him to connect with a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall. Off the ropes, D-Lo was able to turn it around on Raven, scoring with a catching powerbomb for a pinfall of his own. To the floor Raven scurried, with Brown following. Bouncing his head off the steps, the former WWF European Champion continued to lay into the enigma, until Raven was able to turn things around with a drop toe hold face-first into the steel steps! Raven followed with a Russian legsweep propelling both spine-first into the barricade. Back inside and Raven clocked D-Lo with a discus clothesline for a near fall, before climbing to the second rope. Raven looked for an axe handle but Brown caught him with the Sky High in mid-air, for a near fall! Brown climbed to the top himself for the Lo Down, but Raven got his knees up! He smirked as he hooked the head, and drilled D-Lo with the Evenflow DDT for the three count!
Raven was pleased with another win tonight on SmackDown, defeating a former WWF European Champion in D-Lo Brown. Still recovering from the Street Fight last Sunday at Armageddon, 'the Creator' smirked a sickening smile as he slumped back into the corner to contemplate the fight he'd just endured. Enigmatic, mysterious and sadistic were just three words one could use to describe him.
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Backstage X-Pac was spotted navigating the backstage area. Annoyed, he tried to shun the camera away with his palm out of fear that Stone Cold Steve Austin was nearby. 'The Man' did not appear like a man in his escape from 'the Texas Rattlesnake', when he turned a corner and bumped into the broad chest of Triple H! X-Pac put his fists up in defense, but 'the Game' demanded his former friend relax. Smirkingly, Triple H asked X-Pac how his night was going, after cheap shotting him with that lead pipe stunt pulled on Monday night. X-Pac remained unapologetic towards his bitter enemy, but Triple H insisted he was safe from an asskicking tonight, purely because he knew full well he had his hands full with Austin. But once Austin was done stomping the hell out of him? Then would be his turn to get even with him! Harsh words from 'the Cerebral Assassin', who left X-Pac to scowl in response before meekly running away.
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Coming off of the decisive victory scored in the No-Disqualification match against ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero this past Sunday at Armageddon, a video package aired taking us back to earlier today. Chyna was focusing on her image as she modelled for the cover of TV Guide. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' looked beautifully intimidating in her ring attire topped with a Santa hat in preparation for the Holiday Season. In the spirit, the Playboy covergirl was getting on with her life in stunning fashion.
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Backstage in the Alltel Arena, Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon drank coffee and dicussed their father. Shane argued his points about Vince McMahon's return, and what the Chairman's return could do to their own control over the World Wrestling Federation. Steph remained on the fence, just being glad to see Dad back in the WWF. Shane was having none of it and knew the billionaire would be here on Monday - planning to confront his father in the middle of that ring. In walked Big Show with Edge and Christian, who were all smiles after their vicious beatdown of the Rock and the Dudley Boyz. Shane was proud of his boys, how they righted the wrong sustained last Sunday at Armageddon. 'The Giant' thanked Shane for the opportunity, and how badly he had wanted to see 'the Brahma Bull' left shaken like that. Confessing he had visions of brutally torturing Rock, Shane decided to give him exactly what he wanted - another match with 'the Great One' on RAW is WAR this Monday. But this time, inside of a fifteen-foot high Steel Cage! With the 500-pounder pleased, Shane turned to Edge and Christian and claimed their 3D to D-Von Dudley through the wood "totally reeked of awesomness". So much so that they too would have a stellar Christmas present in store for them: a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships, in a Tables match - also on RAW! The brothers thanked Shane and high-fived one another, declaring that it would be another title for the Coalition - and another win for the good guys!
. 7) Tazz (c) def. K-Kwik to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship (3:50)After dethroning Lance Storm of the WWF Hardcore Championship several weeks ago, K-Kwik opened up a fresh can of worms in reviving the 24/7 rule. Suspended during 'the Pride of Calgary's reign, the new champ quickly found himself the target of multiple ambushes from fellow WWF Superstars. Everybody wanted the title, and it actually changed hands three times throughout RAW is WAR this past week! Ultimately it was 'the One Man Crime Scene' who choked out then-champ Steve Blackman to win the title, but K-Dawg wanted the prize back. K-Kwik attacked Tazz from behind on the rampway, with a snap suplex to the thug scoring him a near fall. Tazz was able to fight back and sent K-Kwik into the ring for a series of suplexes! 'The Human Suplex Machine' was looking to turn around his World Wrestling Federation career by clinging to his title, but K-Kwik would surprise him with an axe kick for a near fall. Pulling up a potted plant and a poker tray, K-Dawg clocked Tazz with both for near falls, before returning to the floor where Lance Storm would jump him from behind! Another former champ from Monday, 'the Pride of Calgary' suplexed the rapper on the floor before walking into a baseball slide from Tazz! Tazz locked the Tazzmission on the intruding Canadian when K-Kwik knocked both down, before sending Tazz back inside. He looked for a Mic Check on the tray, but Tazz slipped behind him with the Tazzmission to choke out K-Kwik!
Lance Storm slid into the ring to take on Tazz, who weaseled out of the ring just in the nick of time. 'The One Man Crime Scene' hugged the WWF Hardcore Championship in his arms and made a getaway up the rampway, leaving a livid 'Pride of Calgary' behind in the ring. Storm couldn't believe he had gotten away so quickly, but wasted too much time dwelling over his lost title allowing K-Kwik to crack the plant pot over his head from behind! K-Dawg stared Tazz down from the ring, who celebrated on the stage.
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Backstage, the WWF Champion Kurt Angle was seen walking the hallway, where he belligerently knocked on the locker room door of Chris Benoit. Moments passed, when a casual 'Rabid Wolverine' asked Kurt what he wanted. Angle gestured angrily that their match with Triple H and Chris Jericho was up next, and asked him if he was even ready. A smirk on his face, the coy Canadian claimed to have forgotten about it before laughing at 'the Megastar's face! Of course he was ready - he was always ready. Angle began storming down the hallway, lecturing Benoit on how this was the difference between the two of them. Benoit ironically told Angle to take it easy once in a while. The Coalition had to coexist again in the main event - up next!
Back on SmackDown, X-Pac had managed to sneak from the locker room with his bags and was now on his way out of the building. Cautiously he surveyed the parking lot as he approached his car, where 'the Man' reached into his pockets. Now panicking because he couldn't find what he was looking for, Stone Cold Steve Austin emerged behind him - with car keys in his hand! Austin alerted 'the Man' by pushing the button lighting up the car, X-Pac wound up the recipient of a big series of right hands! X-Pac tried to fight for his life, but Austin took X-Pac down and rammed him spine-first into the car instead! Now stomping a mudhole into 'the Man', Austin opened the trunk of the car and squeezed X-Pac's carcass inside. Flipping X-Pac off as he closed the trunk, Austin decided to lock the car with the car keys, before placing them on top of the car! Austin had gotten even for X-Pac snooping in his business, and now was leaving X-Pac to bang and scream for freedom from his own trunk!
. 8) Triple H and Chris Jericho def. WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit (6:15)
After having to endure the match with Big Show this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, Chris Jericho wound up receiving stitches in his scalp - the victim of a vicious chair shot to the skull from 'the Giant'. Later that night Y2J hoped to capture the WWF Championship against Kurt Angle, though would fall short with some assistance from 'the Megastar's girlfriend Stephanie McMahon. Out for revenge, Y2J was joined tonight by an old rival in Triple H. For the first time since Hell in a Cell back at No Mercy, 'the Game' was out to get even with Kurt Angle, as well as the man that again forced him to tap out last Monday night, Chris Benoit. It was't clear whether 'the Rabid Wolverine' had gotten over being cheated out of the WWF Championship by fellow Coalition member Kurt Angle - who had now heralded himself as the leader of the faction. A discussion early allowed Triple H and Chris Jericho to surprise their opponents with an early attack, immediately cleaning them from the ring! Angle got in Benoit's face in frustration on the floor, but Stephanie was there to try and restore order in the Coalition. 'The Game' and Y2J played rock, paper, scissors to declare who would start, and Jericho celebrated his win with a suicide dive to take both men out! Back inside, Jericho and Benoit exchanged moves in a fast back-and-forth encounter, when Benoit's snap suplex went reversed into one from Jericho! In the corner both laid into one another with harsh knife-edged chops, when Jericho looked for a hurricanrana off the second rope just to have Benoit reverse it into a big powerbomb!
Now was the Coalition's time to shine, frequent tags exchanged between the WWF Champion and 'the Rabid Wolverine' to ground Jericho. Focusing on the concussion suffered on RAW, Benoit maintained a headscissor submission on Y2J, cutting the circulation off. Jericho managed to slip out, when Benoit transitioned into a cross-armbreaker, just to have Jericho get his foot on the rope! A German suplex to Y2J inspired the competitive spirit of Angle to do better. Tagging in he executed a belly-to-belly suplex of his own, when Benoit blind tagged back in and dropped Jericho with a snap suplex! The Coalition were highly competitive, and it proved to be their downfall once Jericho surprised them with a flying clothesline to both men! The tag was made to Triple H to come in and mow down both of his rivals, 'the Game' even taking the time to spite Stephanie McMahon on the floor! No love lost between the formerly married couple, Triple H looked for a Pedigree on Benoit just for him to apply a Sharpshooter instead! Jericho came back with the bulldog to 'the Wolverine', but a Lionsault saw Angle come from behind, shoving Y2J from the ring! Angle found himself the recipient of a spinebuster from 'the Game', when Benoit tried taking him down for the Crossface - blocked, as Hunter back suplexed his way out! Benoit responded and walked straight into a Pedigree: giving 'the Game' the win!
Triple H had picked up the win for himself and former rival Chris Jericho, with 'the Game' getting even for the loss against Chris Benoit, this past Monday night on RAW is WAR! At ringside WWF Champion Kurt Angle kicked the steel steps in frustration, unable to believe that Chris Benoit blew it tonight in such an important tag team match! Y2J got up in a daze and found himself surrpised once 'the Game' raised his hand in victory - a sight nobody thought would happen! Stephanie McMahon scowled at her ex-husband from the floor, when Angle took her by the hand and took a walk up the rampway - leaving Benoit behind! The Coalition's hierarchy continued to raise questions about the stability of the group, while 'the Game' and Chris Jericho continued to celebrate their win! |
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Post by DTP. on Oct 11, 2020 15:28:49 GMT -5
Jakked - December 16, 2000
The Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee
Broadcast on syndication
Taped on December 11, 2000The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena, where Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to WWF Jakked!
1) T&A def. Slash and Seven (2:50)Coming off of a major loss of the WWF Tag Team Championships just shy of a week ago at Armageddon to the Dudley Boyz, Test and Albert appeared to be recomposing themselves following a quiet six days. T&A did not appear in the best mood consequentially, when coming into this match against an up-and-coming tag team in Slash and Seven. The two tried their luck with the two power houses early, only to find themselves shoved away by the almighty masses of 'the Freight Train' and the Canadian. Albert manhandled Seven with a chokebomb for a near fall, before tagging Test in to follow up with some lethal elbows in the corner. A pumphandle slam connected, but the former WWF Tag Team Champions were not yet satisfied. Albert scored with the Baldo Bomb on Slash, but then encouraged him to tag in Seven. He tried, rushing across the ring with rights and lefts, but when a missile dropkick bounced off of the 350-pounder, Albert splashed him in the corner before Test knocked him back down with a big boot to the face, giving T&A a furious win.
3) Joe E. Legend def. Enrica (4:00)Sick and tired of feeling embarrassed and overshadowed by his supposed mentor, Joe E. Legend's relationship with WWF European Champion William Regal finally looked to be over after another humiliating defeat at the hands of WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi and Billy Gunn, this past week on SmackDown. Feeling slighted by 'the Goodwill Ambassador' that used him as a fall guy, Joe E. was once again on his own, headed into action against the Latino, Enrica. He tried to fight fairly at first, a lockup that saw Enrica arm drag him across the ring. Feeling smug about himself, it would not last as the next collar-and-elbow tie-up was met with a series of clubbing blows across the back! Legend was not playing nice tonight, choking him in the corner and scoring with a fallaway slam for a near fall. Legend restrained Enrica on the mat with an anaconda vise, when Enrica began to battle back. Fighting dirty to oppose Legend, he scored with a flying forearm for a near fall before suddenly walking into the Hospital Job, giving Joe E. a swift victory.
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Post by DTP. on Oct 12, 2020 13:51:59 GMT -5
Sunday Night Heat - December 17, 2000
Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas
Broadcast on MTV
Taped on December 12, 2000 - Live from WWF New York
A video package aired, reviewing the scene last Monday night on RAW is WAR. As a downtrodden Shane McMahon tried to right the wrong caused at Armageddon, where the Rock retained his World Wrestling Federation career against the three members of the Coalition, with help from an old friend in Mick Foley. Just when it apppeared that Shane O'Mac was moments away from firing both of them on the spot, the industry was shaken with the return of his father, Vince McMahon! Returning after a five month absence, it was revealed on SmackDown that he had granted immunity to 'the People's Champ' and former Commissioner, and Shane spent the entire night furious. Speaking out in the middle of the ring, Shane orchestrated the Rock taking on fellow friends the Dudley Boyz in a handicap tables match - which quickly turned into a beatdown courtesy of the Big Show, Edge and Christian! Spiteful of his father's attempts to overturn his authority, Shane declared that come RAW is WAR tomorrow night - he had plans to confront Dad in the middle of the ring!
The opening video package aired, bringing us live and in living color to WWF New York - greeted by the ever-present Michael Cole alongside Al Snow! The fans were going crazy in New York City, as Michael welcomed us to Sunday Night Heat - seven days removed from a chaotic and out-of-control Armageddon! Wearing a sling, Al added that besides from that, they were just eight days away from his favorite holiday: Christmas! The people inside the entertainment complex seemed to be in the holiday spirit, as they declared that Matt Hardy would take on Perry Saturn in response to Essa Rios beating Dean Malenko on SmackDown; plus, the Holly Cousins would team up to take on Kaientai!
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The two continued to discuss tonight, with the grand return of 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna as their special guest. One week since the No-Disqualification encounter to end all affairs with ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' was working on her image, and showed a preview of the cover of this upcoming week's TV Guide! The two loved what Chyna had been doing with her aspiring modelling career, when the Right to Censor made their way out to the stage! Rained down in boos, Steven Richards fronted the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan, whom had been in New York City promoting their cause since mid-week! Acknowledging the grand Christmas tree set up on the stage behind them, he told Michael and Al how much they sickened him. What sickened him more was the fact that they were fawning over a woman like Chyna, for exposing herself for all of the perverts across the world that had a mailing subscription for Playboy magazine! Steven surveyed the crowd on hand in the complex, asking who ordered Playboy fronted by 'the Ninth Wonder of the World', just three months ago. There was an excited response from the men in New York, which proved Steven's point exactly right. He commented on how much they had been pushing to fight the good fight over the past few days, but the conclusion the RTC had come to was just how sleazy, how scummy, and how morally corrupt the deviants of the Big Apple truly were!
Goodfather then took to the microphone to push Al Snow, reminding him of his sick habit of carrying around a mannequin Head - joking that it had his action figures pulled from the shelves! Al Snow responded negatively towards the insult, reminding the Right to Censor that "the good fight" consisted of people expressing her right to freedom of speech. Tomorrow night on RAW is WAR the people were looking forward to Lilian Garcia taking her revenge on Ivory for kidnapping her for over a month! Bull Buchanan ordered Snow to shut his mouth, shoving him again. As the two men went nose to nose - size difference and all - Steven Richards told Michael Cole and Al Snow that it would be a cold day in "Heck" before the WWF Women's Champion - role model of women everywhere - Ivory, would be beaten by a ring announcer! Michael quizzed Steven why he thought that, to which Steven responded simply: Lilian was a girl that never grew up, whereas Ivory was a truly perfect woman!
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We went to the arena, where Mark Henry made his way down to the ring to loud boos from the capacity crowd on hand. 'The Secret Weapon' was accompanied as always by WWF Women's Champion Ivory, who was successful in a title defense this past Thursday night on SmackDown against the Kat. Ivory encouraged Mark in the ring, when Val Venis made his way out to the stage ready for action! 'The Big Valbowski' introduced himself to all of the ladies in the crowd, asking them who was ready to see Val Venis blow his load in that ring tonight. Mark and Ivory were raging with his innuendo from the ring, bringing Val to ask if Mark Henry looked a little familiar. Almost too familiar...he was 'Sexual Chocolate!' Val asked the 400-pounder how his sex addiction was going, and asked him about that one dude he tried to lay! Humiliated, Ivory screamed for Val to come down and take the punishment like a man, but Val promised that once 'the Valbowski' was done reminding Mark Henry of his true calling, he was going to make a real woman out of the WWF Women's Champion!
1) Mark Henry (w/WWF Women's Champion Ivory) def. Val Venis (2:46)With Ivory all geared up and ready to go at it with Lilian Garcia tomorrow night on RAW is WAR, with the WWF Women's Championship on the line, in the mean time Mark Henry appeared to have some unfinished business with a former acquaintance in the adult filmmaker, Val Venis. 'The Big Valbowski' had the shirt-and-tie clad 'Secret Weapon' riled up after reminding him of his past, but this rage enabled Val to swing low and fast. Adopting a hit-and-run strategy to some degree of success, Val took to the ropes and tried to take Henry down with two shoulder blocks. No avail there, a third one wound up with Henry clotheslining him to the canvas! In WWF New York, Steven Richards had joined Michael Cole and Al Snow on commentary, touting the great potential he saw in the 400-pounder. Henry locked Val deep in a bear hug, when Val came to life one more time with a series of right hands to free him from the grip! Val flew from the second rope with a diving clothesline to knock Mark Henry down for the very first time, before climbing to the top rope and unfortunately missing the Money Shot! Mark Henry responded with the Exclamation Point powerslam to pick up the win.
Ivory climbed into the ring to stand by her Right to Censor colleague, the WWF Women's Champion incredibly pleased by Mark Henry's victory tonight against Val Venis. 'The Big Valbowski' had tried his best, but 'the Secret Weapon' was able to steamroll another victim - becoming a true menace to watch out for in the World Wrestling Federation.
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Back in WWF New York, an arrogant loudmouth Steven Richards continued to gloat in the strength and power of the unstoppable Right to Censor formation. While Michael Cole and Al Snow rolled their eyes at Steven basking in Mark Henry's dominance, he implored anybody hoping to improve their existence and turn their life around to join the RTC. With their intensive training programme in place, they too could join them in fighting the good fight! Richards rested his case, leaving with Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather who laid their eyes on a disgusted Al Snow.
A Royal Rumble Memories replay aired, taking us back to the 1998 Royal Rumble match. Fans in attendance found themselves moderately disappointed by the sight of Mick Foley gracing the mantle of Cactus Jack to enter the Rumble at number one. They later got what they wanted, once 'the Hardcore Legend' would return: this time at number sixteen, portraying Mankind! Finally, coming in at twenty-eight the people were loud for Dude Love to make his Royal Rumble debut! The Three Faces of Foley made their presence felt, two years ago!
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Backstage, the APA were seen playing poker as always in their office. Bradshaw and Faarooq bantered back and forth about plans for the holiday season, when Big Show came bursting through the door! The seven-foot-two mammoth slammed his fists on the table of the two drinking buddies, a smug grin on his face. Faarooq insulted 'the Giant's foul breath, while Bradshaw asked what the hell he wanted. Show claimed he just found out that the two of them had a match tonight, and that the result would be simple. Asking them if they saw what he did to the Rock on SmackDown this past week, he planned to make Bradshaw taste his own blood too. This provoked him to stand up and get in Show's face! The Texan declared that it remained to be seen, and that one thing was for certain - he'd be the guy with his boot up that 500-pound ass of his! Show chuckled instead, mocking Faarooq for holding Bradshaw back. Leaving with confidence, he vowed to destroy Bradshaw tonight - and it would be his Final Cut.
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A video package aired, taking us back to six nights ago on RAW is WAR. Chris Jericho felt dissatisfied with how the Triple Threat for the WWF Championship match transpired the night prior. Challenging Kurt Angle to face him for the title, 'the Megastar' issued a surprising answer to Y2J. He granted Jericho an honest opportunity to face him for the title...so long as he defeated the Big Show first! 'The Giant' was in a foul mood, and used his size to torture his prey, but Jericho continued to show guts to fight back against the 500-pounder. That's when Big Show resorted to violent tactics, cracking a steel chair over the skull of the Canadian! Believing Jericho to be taken out of the equation, Angle and girlfriend Stephanie McMahon were all smiles, all night long. Yet Y2J had much more to give, received stitches and all. Jericho fought with all of his heart, but the constant interruptions from 'the Billion Dollar Princess' allowed the Olympic Gold Medalist to walk out of RAW with the WWF Championship.
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Michael Cole and Al Snow discussed the Coalition, and how the dissension between the WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit only looked to grow more and more competitive after the loss sustained to Triple H and Chris Jericho this past week on SmackDown. Snow wondered how deluded Angle could be to ignore the intensity of 'the Rabid Wolverine'. He believed that 'the Megastar' could not hide from Benoit's pursuit of the WWF Championship forever. Suddenly, Santa Claus made his way out to the stage to a loud ovation from WWF New York! Surprised by his appearance, Michael and Al greeted Santa who insulted them each in return. Snow saw through the facade and ripped the white beard from his face - revealing Tazz! Laughing and joking about it all, the WWF Hardcore Champion reached into his sack and pulled out wrapped gifts for the co-hosts. For Michael Cole, he unwrapped the gift to find that 'Santa Tazz' had given him a bar of soap for his gutter-talk! He went on a speech about how Michael was always making up stuff and wasn't a real journalist, when Snow unpackaged his to see a prosthetic arm! Tazz cackled with glee, claiming it would be a great addition to Head - or could even compensate for Al only having the use of one arm right now! Snow threatened to use the prosthetic limb on Tazz, who wasn't finished yet...pulling the WWF Hardcore Championship out of his sack for himself! Al demanded Tazz leave, but the thug was here to stay.
. 2) The Holly Cousins def. Kaientai (3:44)Since returning from a broken wrist several weeks ago, Hardcore Holly was back to his old ways. Partnering up with Crash Holly to combat the Right to Censor, they found themselves falling in defeat to the RTC last week on Sunday Night Heat. They would recruit the services of Memphis, Tennessee's own Jerry 'the King' Lawler on RAW is WAR, but once again would fall in defeat despite their best efforts. It was announced that the Hollys would fight the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan one more time in tag team action tomorrow night on RAW, but first had to go through Kaientai tonight. Taka Michinoku and Funaki mocked the Hollys, imitating Hardcore's patented headslap of Crash. The fight was on, with Hardcore clobbering on Taka in the corner, before scoring with a dropkick. Kaientai ducked out to the floor, where Crash soared with a cannonball off the top onto both men! Showboating in the ring, this allowed Funaki to score with a neckbreaker, and the Japanese tag team would take Crash over to their corner. With an abdominal stretch applied, the devious Taka reached to grasp the hand of Funaki's for leverage - until the referee spotted and kicked it away! Crash made the tag to Hardcore, who body slammed Funaki and delivered a diving legdrop for a near fall. Taka came in just to get clotheslined over the top rope, enabling Hardcore to pick up the win with the waterwheel-like slam on Funaki!
The Holly Cousins picked up the victory tonight on Sunday Night Heat, and Hardcore Holly took great pride in having his hand raised here tonight. Crash Holly joined in just to have his head slapped by his older cousin. While Kaientai continued to fight themselves on the short end of the stick in action against fellow WWF Superstars, the Hollys were all go, headed into another tag team battle with the Right to Censor's Goodfather and Bull Buchanan - tomorrow night, live on RAW is WAR!
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Backstage, Chyna was looking absolutely stunning in designer jeans. Greeting some lucky fans outside of her dressing room in WWF New York, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' was taking some time for her most loyal supporters. The Playboy covergirl was set to join Michael Cole and Al Snow for an exclusive sit-down interview, coming up next!
A video package aired, taking us back to the graphic encounter between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels, seven days ago at Armageddon. No Holds Barred would mark the end of a thirteen-month search for the person that ran 'the Texas Rattlesnake' over, in Stone Cold's eyes. For 'the Heartbreak Kid', it would be closure for what started in his eyes, back at WrestleMania XIV. Battling throughout the arena, the two fought in the ring, on the floor, on top of cars by the stage area, and even in the crowd! Bloodied and beaten, Michaels hoped to make an escape after succumbing to a Stunner atop a car's sunroof. Little did Austin know upon pursuing Shawn backstage, that X-Pac was there to lure him to HBK's strategically orchestrated back-up plan. Michaels prepared to repeat what happened to Austin thirteen months ago, sat in a car. Anticipating his arrival to the parking lot, he was instead met by a car ploughing directly into 'the Heartbreak Kid!' It was Stone Cold, and he looked to finish the job he started earlier, brutally hammering Shawn Michaels on the concrete floor - when mercifully, the cops showed up to arrest Austin before a potentially lethal right hand! The score had been settled once and for all, and while Austin spent a night in the county jail, HBK had spent the week in the hospital!
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Back live from WWF New York, WWF Hardcore Champion Tazz had made himself comfortable to the chagrin of Michael Cole and Al Snow. The co-hosts weren't pleased to have 'the One Man Crime Scene' join them on the couches, more or less dressed up as Santa Claus. The thug was appalled by the actions of 'the Texas Rattlesnake', claiming that Shawn Michaels was a national treasure and one of the all-time greats. Stone Cold Steve Austin was way out of control, but assured Cole and Snow that if Austin ever tried his luck with him, he hoped 'the Rattlesnake' enjoyed being put to the sleep because Tazz would turn him into just another victim! Snow warned him by pointing the gifted prosthetic arm at 'Santa Tazz', while Michael Cole reluctantly introduced their real special guest - 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna!
Beautiful as ever, the Playboy covergirl made her way out to the stage waving to the loving crowd on hand inside the entertainment complex. They chanted her name, and in taking a seat beside Tazz she proclaimed how wonderful it was to have such a respectful and loving fanbase in attendance tonight. Tazz questioned how respectable the fans could be, having fornicated to her pictures. Choosing to ignore him, she answered Michael and Al's questions. She felt great, speaking out for the first time in a public interview about how relieved she was to finally put her ex-fiancee Eddie Guerrero behind her. She realized in the past few weeks just how high she could fly, free from the terrible relationship he had with 'Latino Heat'. Tazz mumbled that Eddie put her on the map, to which she ignored once more. When asked what she had coming up, Chyna explained how she was really hoping to follow in the Rock's footsteps, and make it into Hollywood! Everybody had been so supportive of her in her endeavors, and she said it was all made possible with her dazzling performance in Playboy. Not only would she be on the front cover of TV Guide this week, but she was going the whole nine yards in modelling for fashion outlets, as well as making television appearances! Wishing her well, Tazz proclaimed how those were all very unrealistic ambitions to have. Nobody wanted to see Chyna, because she was ugly, she was masculine, and the truth was plain and simple: nobody truly liked her! Finally Chyna confronted the WWF Hardcore Champion on his statements.
'The One Man Crime Scene' reasoned with 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' that she was - honestly put - not like the other girls in film, television and nudie mags. Chyna cut him off. A passionate response was made, Chyna calling Tazz misogynistic, and saying that she wasn't just doing this to feel better about herself. She was doing this to empower women everywhere! Chyna's goal was to inspire young girls and women everywhere that they too were beautiful, and that they too could do anything if they put their mind to it! Standing up, Chyna poked her finger in the chest of the thug - accusing Tazz of being an insecure, despisable little moron! Face to face, Tazz reasoned that he never hit a woman, but that was all fine and dandy when you consider just how manly Chyna looked! Asking him if he wanted to take her on, Tazz fumbled over his words that he could easily do what Eddie Guerrero couldn't, and that he'd take great pleasure in doing it! Chyna dared Tazz to try and take a clean shot at her right there and then - but suddenly K-Kwik snuck on the stage behind him! Politely borrowing Al Snow's prosthetic arm, the former champ clocked Tazz around the head with it before covering him: and just like that, K-Kwik was the new WWF Hardcore Champion! Chyna proudly raised K-Dawg's hand in victory over the fallen now-former champ, having regained his title after five days without it! The 24/7 rule was in full effect, in WWF New York!
. 3) Perry Saturn (w/Dean Malenko and Terri) def. Matt Hardy (w/Lita) (4:21)The Radicalz had been reassembled as a stable unit following much participation on the part of 'the She-Devil' Terri, spanning from their win over Too Cool six nights ago on RAW is WAR. This past Thursday night on SmackDown was not Dean Malenko's brightest moment however, finding himself falling short of victory against the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios. With Jeff Hardy sidelined with a back injury, Essa appeared to be trying to invite himself into Team Xtreme's circle, aiding Lita after being the recipient of an Evenflow DDT courtesy of Raven, last Monday night. Matt was still reserved on the idea, recalling how poorly 'the Daredevil' treated Lita as a girlfriend in the past. Matt was out to get even for the beating Saturn and Malenko gave him on SmackDown, but quickly Malenko tripped Hardy off the ropes, allowing Saturn to begin rough housing the older Hardy brother. A German suplex planted Matt on his head, before Perry locked in a bodyscissors on Matt. Lita got the people behind Matt as he elbowed free, and he caught Perry with the Side Effect! Matt tried to recover when Terri slapped him through the ropes - prompting Lita to confront her on the floor for interfering! A chase ensued, and Lita chased Terri around ringside - walking straight into a clothesline from Malenko! Back inside Matt looked for the Twist of Fate that went reversed: and a fisherman suplex gave Saturn the three count.
Perry Saturn was able to make it out with the victory tonight on Sunday Night Heat, when joined in the ring by Dean Malenko and a dishevelled 'She-Devil', Terri. The Radicalz had their hands proudly raised by their manager, when Saturn engaged in a kiss with his girlfriend. With Matt Hardy and Lita down, who would make the save but WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios, who soared with a springboard missile dropkick to both men! A flying headscissors cleared Saturn of the ring whilst Matt came to and clotheslined Malenko out to the floor - Essa and Matt meeting in the middle of the ring. A dazed Lita got between them in fear of an altercation, though Matt had finally come to his senses and raised his hand in victory.
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Backstage in WWF New York, the Santa Claus-clad Tazz came rushing down the hallway, after the man that left him laying and took his title moments ago, new WWF Hardcore Champion K-Kwik! K-Dawg immediately ran for cover, leaving 'the One Man Crime Scene' out of breath as he stampeded down the hall. Stopping to catch his breath, Tazz threw down his Santa hat in disgust. When realizing the backstage crew staring at him, Tazz sarcastically questioned whether they hadn't seen Santa run before!
A video package aired, showing Stone Cold Steve Austin's return from the county jail three nights ago on SmackDown. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' declared that with the hunt for his attacker well and truly over after thirteen months of searching, with Shawn Michaels debilitated days prior at Armageddon, Austin declared that he would continue to be the toughest S.O.B. walking the World Wrestling Federation! He was starting with 'the Heartbreak Kid's accomplice from the No Holds Barred war: X-Pac. 'The Man' tried to avert crisis all night long, setting up an ambush in the cafeteria area to blindsight Austin, only to get rushed. He encountered the Kat and Triple H - whom he'd cost a six-man tag team match three days earlier on RAW is WAR with a lead pipe shot to the shoulder - and even tried paying for the protective services of the APA. When all else failed, X-Pac hoped to leave the arena, just to discover his keys were in the hands of 'the Rattlesnake!' Austin beat the tar out of X-Pac right there and then in the parking lot, before dumping him in the trunk of his car and locking it! Austin had followed through on giving X-Pac an ass-whooping he would never forget!
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Inside WWF New York, Michael Cole and Al Snow discussed what was ahead of us tomorrow night on RAW is WAR. We were in store for one hot show, just one week away from Christmas. The WWF Women's Championship would be on the line when Ivory met the ring announcer that the Right to Censor held hostage for several weeks, Lilian Garcia. The WWF Tag Team Championships would be on the line, as the Dudley Boyz defend their titles for the very first time against Edge and Christian in a tag team tables match! Also made official by Shane McMahon, we'd see the Rock and the Big Show go at it one more time, inside of a fifteen-foot high Steel-Cage! And of course, with Vince McMahon speculated to show up this Monday night, Shane O'Mac had plans to confront his Dad in the middle of the ring!
. 4) Big Show def. Bradshaw (w/Faarooq) (3:46)While the seven-foot, 500-pounder looked ahead to RAW is WAR tomorrow night to meet the Rock inside of a fifteen-foot high Steel Cage, he first had to combat a riled up tough Texan, in Bradshaw. The APA were incensed after 'the Giant's grand presentation earlier tonight in barging into their office, though both had to be weary of what the big man did to the Rock this past Thursday night on SmackDown. Show had debuted a new deadly finishing move in the Final Cut, which actually caused Rock internal bleeding as a result. Bradshaw knew better than to give Show a chance, and began battering him before he could even enter the ring. Show was sent packing to the floor, but when Faarooq tried to get in his own shot, Show swiftly tossed him into the steel steps! 'The Giant' was dangerous when angry, and he proved it immediately, shoving the near-300 pounder across the ring. Show choked Bradshaw in the corner with his giant hand, before chopping him harshly to loud boos from the people. Show choked Bradshaw with his boot in the corner as well, but the hard-hitter began to swing for freedom. Bradshaw stunned Big Show with a flying shoulder tackle off the ropes, but immdiately ran into a gorilla press slam! Freakish strength from 'the Giant', Show goaded Faarooq into entering the ring, allowing Bradshaw to come in with a Clothesline From Hell attempt only to walk into a big boot from the big man! Show held Bradshaw up and dropped him with the Final Cut, giving Show a decisive victory.
In dominant fashion, the Big Show had disposed of Bradshaw in tonight's main event. Gearing up towards tomorrow night's Steel-Cage encounter with the Rock, 'the Giant' was all business as he had his hand raised in victory. Faarooq took a moment to aid to his fallen APA brethren, when the 500-pounder kicked Faarooq in the head for good measure! Faarooq now tried to fight back against the big man, only to be grabbed by the throat and dropped from high distance with a mighty Chokeslam! Show had dominated Chris Jericho, the Dudley Boyz, the Rock, and now the APA - all in one week - and tomorrow night, 'the Great One' had a major challenge ahead of him, inside the cage!
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Back at WWF New York, Michael Cole and Al Snow recapped the night we had just witnessed, before once again discussing RAW is WAR ahead. Al joked about Tazz losing the WWF Hardcore Championship to K-Kwik, while Michael spoke out about next week's edition of Sunday Night Heat on MTV. There would be the Christmas Party, right there in WWF New York! On Christmas Eve, the stars would align in Times Square, as they would be joined by a star-studded series of guests, ranging from the WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz, the Kat, Mick Foley, Debra, WWF European Champion William Regal - and above all else - Stone Cold Steve Austin! Anything was possible when 'the Texas Rattlesnake' graces the Big Apple! |
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Post by DTP. on Oct 14, 2020 16:42:42 GMT -5
RAW is WAR - December 18, 2000
Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina
Live on TNN
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the live, sold-out Bi-Lo Center for RAW is WAR! Pyrotechnics plummeted from the rafters across the stage, with the smoke clearing to reveal a large crowd assembled tonight, in Greenville, South Carolina! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to what was sure to be a night to remember, with the highly volatile fifteen-foot high Steel Cage hovering in the rafters over the ring for The Rock to do battle with the seven-foot-two, 500-pound 'Giant' the Big Show tonight! Plus, Triple H will meet Chris Benoit one-on-one, and Shane McMahon has made it crystal clear that he will confront father Vince McMahon in the middle of the ring! A lively crowd was also on hand at WWF New York, ready for a hot night despite the winter cold outside.
1) The Dudley Boyz (c) def. Edge and Christian in a Tag Team Tables match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championships (5:23)D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley finally re-ascended to the top of the stacked tag team division eight nights ago at Armageddon, becoming two-time WWF Tag Team Champions after defeating T&A. This past Thursday night on SmackDown however they found themselves in a tricky predicament, forced to fight their friend the Rock in a handicap tables match under instruction from Shane McMahon. The whole fiasco turned out to be a ruse, when members of the Coalition hit the ring to assault all three men involved: Edge and Christian mocking the Dudleys' patented 3D on D-Von, landing him through a table. The fight began at ringside, with the Dudleys hoping to power through the challengers for their beatdown. Christian was sent into the front row of the crowd, allowing the Dudleys to score with the Wazzup on Edge! It was table time for the new champs, though Christian would surprise D-Von with a walloping chair shot! A spear from Edge gave the Canadians control, hammering on Bubba in the ring. D-Von was separated from the equation at each attempt, when a double suplex through the wood went averted by D-Von, who moved the table from under his older brother! The Dudleys made a comeback until Christian shot Bubba down with the inverted DDT. Edge and Christian mocked the champs and grabbed another chair: the Conchairto scrambling Bubba's brain! Falling onto the table, Christian climbed up on the top rope for a splash only for Bubba to move! With Christian through the table, Edge joined him in receiving a 3D from the Dudleys to retain the title!
The Dudley Boyz had managed to overcome the cheating, prosperous ways of Edge and Christian to make their very first defense of the WWF Tag Team Championship! D-Von helped Bubba Ray get back up to his feet, to which the older half-brother stumbled - the overlying effects of the Conchairto suffered moments ago. The Dudleys were riding high as RAW is WAR was only just beginning, celebrating with their titles raised high!
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In the backstage area Shane McMahon sat on the couch in his room, groaning at the sight of the Dudley Boyz standing victorious, as WWF Tag Team Champions. To his left, a concerned Stephanie McMahon sat, asking her brother if he had anything he wanted to talk about. Standing to his feet, he opened up about the gall of their father, Vince McMahon. The very man that abandoned him, and left the World Wrestling Federation in the hands of that moron Mick Foley five months ago, had come back to overturn each and every move his children had tried to make, to better this company. Steph responded by saying that they didn't know his motives as of yet, and that Dad wasn't even at the building yet! Shane didn't care, pacing back and forth. He knew the Chairman would be here tonight, and Shane planned to make his feelings heard in that ring!
Back live on RAW is WAR, The Rock was seen arriving at the Bi-Lo Center ahead of what was sure to be a tough night, locked inside the Steel Cage with the Big Show. After suffering from internal bleeding last week on SmackDown, at the hands of 'the Giant's gruesome new finishing manoeuvre known as the Final Cut, 'the People's Champ' walked with purpose, knowing he would be trapped inside fifteen-feet of solid steel tonight.
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Inside the Bi-Lo Center, Greenville rose to their feet in loud boos once the WWF Champion Kurt Angle came pacing out to the ring. The people of South Carolina did not take kindly to 'the Megastar's presence, once he came jogging into the ring and took to the microphone. Kurt understood full well that this town was not exactly known for perfect vocabulary, nor were they the best at understand basic English. Declaring he would speak slow, Kurt wanted to address something that had been puzzling him for weeks, and that was regarding Chris Benoit and where he stood. More importantly, who did he think he was. He was 'the Rabid Wolverine', 'the Canadian Crippler'. On one hand he is the most valuable commodity the Coalition could have. The reason why Shane and Stephanie McMahon triumphed over the World Wrestling Federation, after making Triple H tap out to his Crossface. On the other, he was arguably the most untrustworthy, unreliable guy he had ever had the displeasure of knowing! Time and time again, Benoit had claimed loyalty to the Coalition, yet time and time again he had disappointed. Last Thursday night on SmackDown, after the loss at the hands of Triple H and Chris Jericho, it suddenly clicked: Benoit was purposely trying to make he - the WWF Champion - look not just bad, but absolutely freaking terrible! Commanding he show himself right away, the Olympic Gold Medalist demanded answers! 'The Megastar' would not have to wait long, as Chris Benoit soon came stomping out to the rampway, with a befuddled expression on his face. 'The Rabid Wolverine' feigned confusion as he climbed into the ring to answer the WWF Champion. Chris claimed he had no idea what this was all about. Believing that you won some and loss some was his explanation. Though if Kurt wanted to go ahead and place the blame on him, because he lost the fall - that wouldn't be surprising to a damn single person in Greenville tonight!
Angle asserted that Benoit was the man to blame, he blew it for the Coalition last week, and he wanted to know where Benoit stood. Chris tried to appease his supposed ally, establishing why Kurt wouldn't think to ever blame himself. There he was, the WWF Champion, self-proclaimed 'Megastar' of the World Wrestling Federation. He thought he could do no wrong, that he was the be-all, end-all poster boy! Benoit declared that the fact was that Kurt was out of his mind, and that he only ever thought about himself. What Benoit did know was one thing: if Angle truly believed he was the greatest all-round competitor to ever step between those ropes, he had another thing coming. Benoit reminded Kurt that he was the best damn technical wrestling in sports entertainment today, and if Angle disagreed - to prove him wrong! Angle complained that Benoit didn't answer his question, but if Benoit truly believed that Kurt Angle was not the best in the business today - then how come he was the WWF Champion right now!? Kurt Angle declared his own worth, that he was not just the WWF Champion, but the same man that had beaten the likes of the Rock, Chris Jericho, Triple H, and even Chris Benoit himself! He was the freaking 'Megastar' because he was unbeatable in this ring, for his belt, and Benoit couldn't prove to anybody how he would fare as WWF Champion! Angle reiterated that he was the leader of the Coalition and told him he was risking subordination, causing Chris to shove Kurt and get in his face!
Benoit didn't care, but before the two could come to blows, Stephanie McMahon interrupted! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' hurried to the ring, demanding both men to stop screaming at each other! Steph reminded Angle and Benoit whose side they were on. She loved Kurt Angle, and he was the best person she had ever met in her life, but this tension had to stop. This little family feud had to stop! McMahon reminded both that they were more than the Coalition - they were family! Listing her boyfriend's positive assets, she then reluctantly praised Benoit's upsides as well. They weren't just the Coalition, and there were bigger things at play than the WWF Championship right now. Asking the two to bury the hatchet and shake hands, Benoit admitted that he may have been at fault all along. Agreeing with Stephanie, he said the words Kurt had been hoping to hear - Kurt was the leader of the Coalition, and being WWF Champion did mean he was the best the company had to offer. Offering a handshake, Angle roped Benoit into a naive hug...when Benoit took Angle down with the Crossface! The WWF Champion was tapping out rapidly, while Stephanie tried to pull 'the Crippler' away! Greenville cheered Benoit as he left with a smile, whilst Steph was left to aid to her fallen boyfriend!
We returned to a replay taken from before the commercial break, where after weeks of tension of a competitive nature brewing, Chris Benoit finally took a stance against Kurt Angle. Forcing 'the Megastar' to tap out in the Crossface under the false pretence of a hug to bury the hatchet, it now seemed that we knew where Benoit was stood: he wanted the WWF Championship the leader of the Coalition held! During the break, Stephanie McMahon struggled to help her boyfriend Kurt Angle through the curtain to the backstage area. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' vowed to get 'the Megastar' the best help he could get, but the Olympic Gold Medalist was way ahead of her. The WWF Champion broke from his girlfriend's helping aid, clutching his shoulder and neck and demanding that he wanted Chris Benoit out! Perplexed, Steph asked what he meant. Angle responded, he wanted 'the Rabid Wolverine' out of his building! Could Angle's connections even make that possible?
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In the arena, Billy Gunn made his way out to the ring to the fanfare of the South Carolinian crowd on hand. With a new theme song, 'the One' Billy Gunn ascended to the second rope ahead of an opportunity to become WWF European Champion. William Regal followed, the WWF European Champion wandering down the ramp to loud boos from the patriotic people. The Englishman was not pleased with the fact that he had to face Billy Gunn tonight. 'The Goodwill Ambassador' questioned whether this match would even be a good idea, on the same night as such bloodshed and horror to follow, when the Steel-Cage match takes place. Thankfully for him, the Brit had some decent connections in the World Wrestling Federation, and upon further thought: he didn't believe Billy Gunn truly deserved a title opportunity! Regal claimed that Billy Gunn didn't deserve it, and that he hadn't prove anything to anyone, besides use that disgraceful bottom of his as a heinous weapon! After consulting with Shane McMahon, this would not be a title match - but a non-title match instead! The people booed loudly, though Billy answered back from the ring. He didn't care if it was for the title or not - he just wanted to show what a "ponce" like him could do to a British nitwit like Regal!
2) Billy Gunn def. WWF European Champion William Regal (3:34)While the WWF European Champion found himself aggravated to have to defend his title against Rikishi last week on RAW is WAR, William Regal had a choice encounter with Billy Gunn. Calling him a "ponce" - a slanderous depiction of an effiminate male - Billy was set out to prove just how masculine he could be. Shoving Mr. Ass in 'the Goodwill Ambassador's face, he similarly acted with a tag team victory against both Regal, and his protege Joe E. Legend last week on SmackDown. With the title not on the line as promised, it surely urged the fire within 'the One' Billy Gunn, who dominated early with a catapult into the corner, and a clubbing series of stern right hands! As the referee forced the aggressor off of the Englishman, Regal responded with a swift knee strike to the face. There was no waving from the Brit tonight, as Regal wrenched the neck of Billy and drilled him with forearm shots to the spine. A handstand kneedrop across the surgically-repaired shoulder followed, when Billy tried fighting back. Regal cut him off with a European uppercut, before looking for a superplex on the top rope - just for Billy to drop him face-first! A Fame-Asser from the top rope connected when Regal got his foot on the bottom rope for a two count, when Regal sneakily poked the eye of Gunn! Looking for a Regal Cutter, Billy reversed into the One and Only: pinning the champion!
'The One' Billy Gunn had picked up the win, and although this contest was not for William Regal's WWF European Championship, he may very well have earned himself a shot at his title after this performance! Billy had his hand raised in dominance, while 'the Goodwill Ambassador' rolled out to the floor, to bury his head in shame. Besmirched, the Englishman pondered where it all went wrong, as Billy - "the ponce" - motioned the title coming around his waist in the near future.
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In the locker room area, the Right to Censor were huddled ahead of what was expected to be a big night for the group. Steven Richards stood before Mark Henry, the Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and the WWF Women's Champion Ivory, declaring that from the work they had done, there could be no hiccups tonight. For weeks, for months, they had stopped at nothing to make sure that everybody knew full well what the RTC was capable of. A visionary, Steven believed they were helping the world and changing it for the better. The good fight they were fighting was against the rebels, like the Holly Cousins and Lilian Garcia. From here on out, it was about recruiting, and letting their voice reach those that wished to be saved! The RTC confidently nodded in agreement.
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Meanwhile, Chris Benoit was surprised to find himself being walked from the lobby of the Bi-Lo Center by an entire security team! The squad explained the reasons to 'the Rabid Wolverine' as being ordered by Stephanie McMahon, which merely caused Benoit to chuckle in return. As the seven or eight members showed him the fire exit to the backstage area, Benoit insisted on walking himself out. Though before he went, he wanted them to pass on a message to 'the Billion Dollar Princess': it was no surprise her boyfriend was so good at tapping out. Benoit left on his own accord, but what did this mean for his scheduled match with Triple H tonight?
Back on RAW is WAR, a replay aired showing Chris Benoit being escorted from the building by a crew of security: the consequence of what 'the Rabid Wolverine' did to WWF Champion Kurt Angle, in making him tap out to the Crossface earlier tonight! Live, Lance Storm was in the dressing room when Stephanie McMahon approached 'the Pride of Calgary', concerned. Lance asked Steph how he could help her, to which she explained the situation. Lance knew how excited he was to represent his beloved home country of Canada, and just how much he craved major title opportunities. Agreeing, Steph asked him to do her a huge favor. With a title shot in return, she asked Lance if he could stand in and take care of her ex-husband tonight. McMahon began to explain at a mile-per-second why 'the Game' was now without an opponent, but Storm saw right through it. He may not be a big fan of the United States of America - in fact he thought it sucked - but he was a big fan of her boyfriend Kurt Angle. He was a fan of everything the McMahons did, and between the two of them, for a fellow Canadian, Benoit was not doing their home country proud. Lance said it'd be an honor to beat Triple H tonight, causing her to thank him profusely!
. 3) Ivory (w/Steven Richards) (c) def. Lilian Garcia (w/Jacqueline) to retain the WWF Women's Championship (0:55)
The past six weeks had been a strange time to be Lilian Garcia. The young and talented ring announcer, who doubled as an aspiring singer, randomly found herself kidnapped and held hostage under the deploy of the Right to Censor. Weeks of attempted brainwash from the group, and being ordered to service them with exclusive ring introductions on any given night, Lilian finally freed herself from the RTC back at Armageddon. Now able to dress and express herself as freely as she desired, it did not sit well with the WWF Women's Champion. Seven days ago, Ivory threw out the challenge to Lilian - one week to prepare for this match tonight. Though while Ivory warmed up with a tune-up victory against the Kat on SmackDown, Lilian had spent the week training with another former champ in Jacqueline. Jackie acted as coach for Lilian to counteract Steven Richards with Ivory, and upon the bell sounding Lilian tackled Ivory to the canvas! Dragging by her hair, Lilian surprised Ivory with a body slam for a near fall, before coming off the bottom rope with an elbow drop! Steven tried to save his colleague by climbing up to the apron, but Jackie quickly dragged him back down and nailed him with a right hand! Lilian scored with a snapmare for a near fall, when suddenly Ivory planted her face-first with Poison Ivory to pick up the three count!
On the spin of a dime, the WWF Women's Champion was able to successfully defend her title against an extremely inexperienced member of staff, Lilian Garcia. The ring announcer laid prone in the ring after her first ever match in the World Wrestling Federation, though Steven Richards implored Ivory continue the attack! Ivory put two boots to the ribs of Garcia, when Jacqueline hit the ring and ran the champ from the ring! Ivory was held back by Steven, who seemed pleased enough that the RTC was one-up on the competition tonight.
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Backstage, Michael Cole was standing by beside Big Show who had a mean look on his face. Headed into the Steel-Cage match with the Rock tonight, he hoped to ask 'the Giant' what his thoughts were going into combat. Show told Michael that he didn't have any thoughts, except what had happened to his career over the past twelve months. He had gone from hero to zero. He was the WWF Champion, he had it all going for him! Then the Rock declared it was all about himself. He stole the Royal Rumble match from him, he stole the main event of WrestleMania from him, and he time and time again belittled him. Except this would be the final chapter. Trapped with Big Show was the worst place Rock could ever imagine, because Show planned to bloody him, make him regret everything, and decimate him tonight. If making him cough up blood on SmackDown was one thing, 'the People's Champ' would not know what hit him because tonight would be Rock's Final Cut!
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Elsewhere, Triple H rinsed himself with the ever-present bottle of water ahead of action. Heading into tonight with the idea in mind that he would go one-on-one with 'the Rabid Wolverine' Chris Benoit, the Canadian had been escorted out of the building under orders from ex-wife Stephanie McMahon! In his place, another Canadian named Lance Storm. 'The Game' had his game face on, the match up next!4) Triple H def. Lance Storm (2:50)From one Canadian to the next. Coming off of being forced to tap out to the Crossface seven nights ago on RAW is WAR, Triple H would avenge his loss sustained at the hands of Chris Benoit this past Thursday night on SmackDown, where he was victorious in tag team action. 'The Game' was set to meet 'the Rabid Wolverine' here tonight, until he was banished from the building after attacking fellow Coalition member, Kurt Angle! Instead, his ex-wife Stephanie McMahon had promised Lance Storm a future title opportunity if he went toe-to-toe with the Game'. Stephanie McMahon came out instead of 'the Pride of Calgary', and the two divorcees stared one another down allowing 'the Pride of Calgary' to come from behind with a chop block, before the bell! Lance quickly stomped away at the leg and dropped several elbows across it - a springboard splash landed across the problematic knee of 'the Game'. Stephanie watched closely from the ramp as Storm attempted a Sharpshooter just for Triple H to kick him off, soon able to drop him with the high knee off the ropes! Pounding on the former WWF Hardcore Champion, Storm was able to dropkick the knee from under him, before hitting the ropes again and sliding beneath for the Maple Leaf Crab! Locked in tight, 'the Game' made it to the ropes causing Storm to contemplate his next move. Climbing to the top rope, he was caught by a kick to the gut, and the Pedigree put him away for three!
'The Billion Dollar Princess' watched on in disapproval as her ex-husband limped back up to a vertical basis. Triple H breathed deeply in sight of his ex-wife, who scowled back at him. Lance Storm wasn't Chris Benoit, his scheduled opponent, yet 'the Pride of Calgary' had tried his best to pull off a huge upset, in what was a favor to McMahon! As Triple H posed on the second rope to spite Stephanie however, X-Pac snuck into the ring behind: armed with a baseball bat! Clubbing his ex-best friend in the back of the leg with the bat, 'the Cerebral Assassin' crumpled to the canvas! X-Pac gestured that this was his time, before cracking the bat across the spine of 'the Game' for good measure! 'The Man' had last been seen locked in the trunk of his car by Stone Cold Steve Austin, yet he clearly wasn't glad to have lost at Armageddon - holding the blunt end of the bat to the throat of 'the Game!' X-Pac wanted the limelight on nobody but him, as the people of Greenville responded with nothing but X-Pac Heat.
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Meanwhile, The Rock was seen exiting his dressing room set for the Steel-Cage match. 'The Brahma Bull' was feeling lucky tonight, to have to go one-on-one inside of the menacing, fifteen-foot high structure in mere moments. Yet Kevin Kelly still stopped him to try and gauge 'the People's Champ's feelings going into the battle with 'the Giant'. Rock shunned him and admitted it was true that Big Show made him taste his own blood. It was true that the vicious beating he received on SmackDown would be nothing compared to what was ahead of him tonight. It was also true that the Big Show was a big, odorous animal - that being trapped in the cage was the best natural habitat for a fat, ugly rodent like himself. Rock asked Kevin how he liked 'the Great One's chances out there tonight. Kevin speculated but was shunned again by Rock, declaring it didn't matter what he thought. Much like each and every other time they'd met in that squared-circle, Rock would overcome him. While they had never met inside of a solid steel structure, Rock knew it would be an uphill battle against that giant, stinky bear - but without a shadow of a doubt, Rock would triumph victorious! Rock left for the ring - the Steel-Cage match moments away!
Back from the commercial break, a limousine arrived in the parking lot with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco standing closeby. The Stooges being on-hand only meant one thing, as the chauffeur of the luxurious vehicle got out to open the door for Vince McMahon! The Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation had officially arrived, a smile on his face. While Vince exchanged brief pleasantries with Patterson and Brisco, he led the way for them to the arena. Requesting coffee from Patterson, and the make-up lady from Brisco, Vince knew full well he had son Shane McMahon to address here, tonight!
. 5) The Rock def. Big Show in a Steel-Cage match (5:35)Throughout the year 2000, these two WWF Superstars' careers had been linked with one another. While 'the Giant' started the year as WWF Champion, he had endured a fall from grace in which he solely held the Rock responsible. Big Show believed he won the 2000 Royal Rumble match back in January, though it is sceptical whether he or Rock's feet touched first. Big Show beat Rock to claim his WrestleMania WWF Championship opportunity at No Way Out, though Rock would be added to the match and fare better than the 500-pounder. Now linked with the Coalition as a huge loyalist of Kurt Angle, Big Show was out to end this beef with the Rock. Last Thursday night on SmackDown saw Big Show leave Rock spitting up his own blood, following the dangerous use of a new finishing manoeuvre known as the Final Cut. Shane McMahon then made this match official for tonight - but unlike the many times they'd already met, this would be inside of a fifteen-foot high Steel Cage! The Rock was determined to get even with the big man, who had a headstart in clobbering Rock as he tried to enter through the door. Rock brought the fight to the 500-pounder, just to get clothesline for his worries! Big Show nailed Rock with a knee strike before headbutting him - and sending him face-first into the chainlink fence that surrounded the ring! Show repeated it a second time, leaving Rock hurting in a serious way.
It remained to be seen exactly how much damage was done to the Rock last Thursday night on SmackDown, and just how healthy 'the Brahma Bull' was coming out of such a beating. Show strangled Rock on the canvas, before driving his gigantic head into Rock's neck. Show wanted to make Rock taste his own blood again tonight, and more importantly pay for what he'd done in taking everything away from him in the past twelve months! 'The Great One' was rallied by the Greenville crowd, and soon fired back with some heavy right hands before rocking Show with a clothesline off the ropes! A hammering combination of blows rocked him further, before Rock looked at a clothesline off the second rope: caught by the mammoth hand of the Big Show! The Chokeslam was attempted, but Rock landed on his feet, and sent Show sailing into the steel wall! Rock rammed his face and wiped it against the sharp, unforgiving cage before planting him with the DDT for a near fall. Rock motioned for the Rock Bottom, stalking the Big Show. He looked for it just for Show to drop him with a massive Chokeslam! But instead of attempting a cover, Show merely laughed. Dragging Rock's carcass back up by his throat, he prepared for the Final Cut when Rock was able to send Show plummeting into the cage face-first! Show landed in the apron - tightly squeezed between the wall and the ropes - while Rock made a getaway climbing the cage: descending to the floor to take the win!
While the Big Show was finally able to crawl back into the ring from the apron, he was too late. The Rock had dropped to the floor and fell from a physical encounter with the 500-pounder. 'The Giant' wailed with disappointment, frustration setting in. As 'the People's Champ's hand was raised in victory, it was clear that Rock had once again come out on top against the Big Show, proving that no matter the size, the strength or the violence possible: no wall was too tall for the Rock to climb and overcome!
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Backstage, the WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz were all packed and ready to leave the Bi-Lo Center. Bubba Ray Dudley clutched his ribs after the damage sustained in tonight's Tag Team Tables defense against Edge and Christian, while D-Von checked on his condition. Bubba remarked that he felt like he'd been hit by a bus but was just glad and proud to be the reigning champs. In timely fashion, the two were blind-sighted by an assault revealed to be courtesy of T&A! The former champs had not forgotten about Armageddon, as Test and Albert showed their face once more - Test slamming D-Von's head off of the brick wall! 'The Freight Train' forced Bubba spine-first into the steel shutters, and T&A would not let up. Putting the boots to the Dudleys, the former champs stopped to witness their handiwork. While D-Von and Bubba laid unconscious, some high-heel boots walked into frame, panning up to reveal that Trish Stratus was back! Smiling, she complimented their work and vowed that those titles would be back around their waist in no time.
Back from the break, a replay aired showing what had just happened to the WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz, as they were left laying at the hands of former champions, T&A. It was revealed that Trish Stratus was back after being driven through a table by Bubba Ray Dudley back at the Survivor Series - and they wanted the gold back where it belonged.
Deep in the heart of Times Square, WWF New York was packed with people inside although the vast majority were booing! Eddie Guerrero was seated at the bar taking in the negative response and chants received. Off the radar since losing to his ex-fiancee Chyna back at Armageddon, 'Latino Heat' sat with a scotch on the rocks in hand. Instead of remorse and sorrow, it was clear that Eddie was actually laughing at the response he was receiving from the entertainment complex!
. 6) Matt Hardy and WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios (w/Lita) def. The Radicalz (w/Terri) (4:00)An unlikely alliance had been formed, making up at least a temporary edition of Team Xtreme. Essa Rios had come to the aid of Matt Hardy - and moreso ex-girlfriend Lita - on three separate occasions over the past week. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion claimed innocence, while Matt remained unsure as to what 'the Daredevil's true intentions were. Lita believed he was harmless enough, and the two were set to go up against Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko tonight. Matt wanted revenge for the loss last night on Sunday Night Heat to Perry, starting off with some big right hands. A flying clothesline was followed with a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. Matt ascended to the second rope for a diving legdrop, when Terri climbed on the apron enabling Malenko to come from behind to knock him down! Quickly, the Radicalz cornered Matt in their corner with Malenko securing the Texas Cloverleaf. Matt was pained in the agonizing submission hold, but was able to make the ropes! In came Saturn, but Hardy cut him off with a Side Effect, before reaching to tag in Essa Rios! Lita cheered her ex-boyfriend on as he struck with a springboard dropkick to Malenko, before scoring with a spinning headscissors for Malenko! The champ was rollin until 'the She-Devil' entered the ring and began to stroke the luchador's chest...but Lita tackled her into the corner! Saturn clubbed Essa from behind but Matt dropped him with the Twist of Fate, with Essa executing the 450 splash for the win!
While Jeff Hardy was sure to be watching from home in Cameron, North Carolina, his older brother Matt Hardy had picked up the win alongside an unlikely accomplice: the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Essa Rios! While Matt caught his breath, Lita jumped up and down with excitement and hugged her ex-boyfriend, 'the Daredevil' raising her hand in victory. Matt appeared wary of Essa's actions, but decided to raise his hand in victory, as the Radicalz helped an irate Terri up the rampway. Were we witnessing the birth of a new Team Xtreme?
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In his office Vince McMahon continued to speak with his closest confidantes, Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco. In came Jonathan Coachman who wanted to understand the situation with his role in the World Wrestling Federation closer, yet was met with ridicule from the Chairman of the company. He understood how Coach was new here, and wanted to set the record straight that contrary to his belief - he did not hate his son Shane McMahon at all. Cryptically, the boss explained that power can do one of two things to a man - it can either allow them to excel and thrive in charge of a global conglomerate, or it can crush them like a hefty weight. With that being said, he had a lot to speak with Shane about. Coach thanked Vince, who turned the other cheek and demand he knock next time - to get the hell out of his office for the time being! The Stooges similarly scowled at Coachman.
Back live on RAW is WAR, Edge and Christian were nursing their wounds in the trainer's office. Together, they complained about how the Dudley Boyz had to have cheated to win tonight. It was a Tables match - their specialty! If it was any other match, they would be WWF Tag Team Champions right now! In walked WWF Champion Kurt Angle clutching his shoulder. Taking a seat between them, he confiscated Christian's icepack and placed it on his shoulder for instant relief. Angle angrily still could not believe the audacity of Chris Benoit, to lock him in the Crossface and humiliate him in front of the world. He wasn't just 'the Megastar', he was a national treasure! Nobody wore the stars and stripes of the United States of America better than he did! And he was the leader of the Coalition - a group he was a part of! Angle quizzed the brothers for their thoughts, to which they reluctantly understood why 'the Rabid Wolverine' did what he did. Angle complained for top priority from the background trainer because he was WWF Champion. Edge reasoned that although Kurt was on top of the world right now, he had to look at it from Benoit's perspective. Kurt considered it for a moment, before admitting they always knew what to say. Angle left, leaving Christian to demand another icepack!
. 7) The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan (w/Mark Henry) def. The Holly Cousins (3:45)Ivory was victorious against Lilian Garcia earlier tonight, to retain the WWF Women's Championship, yet the Right to Censor had unfinished business with the Holly Cousins. Arguably, Hardcore and Crash both played a part in the ring announcer's defection from the RTC back at Armageddon, and after the loss in six-man tag team action last week on RAW is WAR, the fighting Hollys were coming back for more tonight. The 'Secret Weapon' made his presence known at ringside with folded arms, while Goodfather started with Hardcore Holly - finding himself bested by the hard-hitting former WWF Hardcore Champion early on. Holly wrenched the arm for Crash to come from the top rope with an axe handle, but the size difference proved to put Crash at a disadvantage, as Goodfather decked him with a big clothesline! Bull Buchanan made the tag and put the boots to him, when Crash was choked across the bottom rope by Henry, behind the referee's back! Buchanan scored with a big boot from the top rope for a near fall, before a chinlock refused to keep Crash down! Holly surprised Bull with a boot from the corner, and a monkey flip sent Bull across the ring - the tag made to Hardcore! Holly dropped Bull with a dropkick before connecting with the waterwheel slam to Goodfather when Mark Henry slipped in the ring just for Crash to take him out! Ivory ran out to the apron for the distraction, and Bull big booted Hardcore into the Goodfather's death valley driver, giving RTC another win!
The WWF Women's Champion was responsible for Bull Buchanan and the Goodfather picking up the victory against the Holly Cousins tonight, another loss for Hardcore and Crash. Mark Henry raised Ivory's hand in victory though she was not in a celebratory mood, despite beating Lilian Garcia earlier tonight! Ivory began putting the boots to Crash, when Hardcore looked to save his younger cousin just to get clobbered by the Right to Censor! The RTC were conducting another beatdown of the Hollys, when another blonde girl came jogging out to the ring: she was dressed like a Holly! Climbing to the top rope, she soared with a somersault splash onto Buchanan, before catching Ivory with a dropkick! Quickly, 'the Secret Weapon' grabbed the young woman by the hair - but Hardcore and Crash would send the 400-pounder packing to the floor! The RTC left in fury, while Hardcore and Crash raised the hand of this new Holly Cousin! Who was she?
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Backstage, Vince McMahon came strutting down the hallway with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco behind him. It appeared that the time for talking from the Chairman was upon us. Vince stopped in his tracks to tell the Stooges to remain in the backstage area, which Patterson and Brisco obliged. The Chairman was back in the World Wrestling Federation, and we were about to find out what his intentions were momentarily!
Meanwhile, Shane McMahon spoke with Stephanie McMahon in their office. Shane was worked up about what his father had said about him in the interview earlier tonight, and that now was the time for talking. Steph tried to remind her brother not to say anything out of line, at the end of the day they were all McMahons, and Christmas was right around the corner! 'The Billion Dollar Princess' was concerned, though Shane told Steph that it had to be done, and it had to be said right here and now! McMahon left the room, to confront Dad in the ring - it looked to be coming up next!
We returned to RAW is WAR to see Vince McMahon coming down to the ring with his signature strut. The Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation had been silent on his return ever since shocking everybody - his children especially - seven days ago on RAW, where he overturned son Shane McMahon's attempted firing of The Rock and Mick Foley. The people gave Vince a welcome home reaction, as he graced the microphone to try and help clear the air, to the Greenville crowd in attendance. He understood that it had been a long time since anybody in the World Wrestling Federation had seen his face, but that over the course of the past five months he had been focusing his business acumen elsewhere. In the watchful eyes of Mick Foley, whom he positioned in charge as WWF Commissioner, he left the company to focus on making his marriage lively again. A natural-born 'Genetic Jackhammer', he and Linda had never been a stronger couple, both emotionally and exually! They were better than ever, and this motivation allowed him to focus on different matters. He discussed how the XFL was shaping up very nicely, declaring that the inaugural season would begin this coming February. Though of late, something had concerned him, and it regarded what was happening here, in the World Wrestling Federation. He had watched Mick Foley be overthrown for power by his own children, he had witnessed his children attempt to take over the WWF with the dominant Coalition faction. He'd watched on as daughter Stephanie McMahon broke off her marriage to Triple H, to start fresh with Kurt Angle. He'd seen Shane McMahon step up in his father's absence - and well, now was the time that Daddy came home!
Shane McMahon made his way out to the stage, shrugging his shoulders in followup to his father's speech. As the son that took charge of the World Wrestling Federation in Vince's absence, he did not seem as pleased to see Dad as one could expect. Climbing into the ring, Shane told his father how he knew he had been stewing - in fact, it was no secret that he was going to come out here tonight, to address his father's address of the situation. He understood why Vince would be so concerned about sports entertainment, because it was what he knew best. Trying to assure his Dad, Shane reasoned that while Vince had turned his back to focus on a new passion in the XFL, business for the WWF had never been greater! It may have been five months, but a lot had changed in that period of time. For one, he and his sister Stephanie had taken it upon themselves to right the wrongs caused by Commissioner Mick Foley - and in just four weeks, they had accomplished that! Shane told Vince how proud he was as a son, but wanted him to understand that he had nothing to worry about. Encouraging him to focus his efforts full-time on the XFL, Vince shut him off. The Chairman criticized his claim of how well business was doing, yet Shane barely knew the first thing about this business! Money going up was one thing, but he wasn't giving the people what they wanted. While this may have come as a learning curve for Shane, he clearly didn't realize just how bad morale was in the locker room areas. Shane agreed to disagree, but argued that while Vince and Linda chortled fine wines of France and Spain, he and Steph had been working their asses off around the clock to run the business that he was neglecting. Shane even reminded Vince of how he was the product of his sperm, and that he once told him that he would be the heir to the World Wrestling Federation throne some day!
To retort, Vince McMahon corrected Shane on how some day when he was gone, he and Stephanie might very well be left in charge of his entire estate - but as far as whether that covered the World Wrestling Federation, the global conglomerate, public enterprise he had spent the past twenty years-plus bettering each and every day? That all depended if Shane could wake up and smell the coffee. Shane began losing his temper, claiming that it was such bullsh*t what his pops had done. When Vince left to go "screw Mom like a jackhammer" last summer, it was he who took the initiative. Suddenly Vince just offs and abandons his baby like that? If anybody knew anything, this was no different to how Vince treated his father - it was the natural McMahon order of events! If Vince didn't show any adulation for this business anymore, Shane dared him to try his best to think of anybody out there that would be better suited to take charge of his business - because God only knows why Vince overlooked his children to grant the power of Commissioner to a blue-collar slob like Mick Foley! Vince finally barked back, demanding his son shut his mouth and show some respect! It was true that he abandoned the World Wrestling Federation, but the reason why he was gone for so long was all because he and Steph weren't kids any longer. They were supposed to be intelligent adults, yet on a weekly basis they paraded around Daddy's company, on live television each and every week - acting like a bunch of prima-donnas! Shane gulped before telling Vince that if that was the case, why didn't he just do the thing he wanted to do: and fire his own son! Shane goaded Vince into firing his own pride and joy, the product of his semen! Shane tried provoking his own father to fire him when...
Stone Cold Steve Austin came stomping down the rampway! The Bi-Lo Center exploded in a loud ovation, as 'the Texas Rattlesnake' came pacing into the ring, and posed on the second rope! Greenville were surprised to see Stone Cold, as he hopped down and came across Vince and Shane McMahon looking on incredulously. Surveying them, Austin suddenly dropped Shane O'Mac with the Stone Cold Stunner! Austin climbed up to the second rope to pose again while the Chairman watched on like a deer in headlights. As Vince watched over his son's fallen body with a slight smirk on his face, the boss now found himself the recipient of the Stunner as well! Both McMahons were down in the ring, and Austin caught some beers and cracked them open on the second rope, to a loud ovation! What was Austin's goal? For all 'the Rattlesnake' cared, the intense rivalry between Austin and the entire McMahon Family would never cease in its existence! |
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Post by DTP. on Oct 19, 2020 9:56:16 GMT -5
SmackDown! - December 21, 2000
Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina
Broadcast on UPN
Taped December 19, 2000
A video package aired, recapping the confrontation between Vince and Shane McMahon from RAW is WAR. Ever since his father made a shocking return one week prior, the son of the Chairman had made waves about his plan to stand face-to-face with his old man. Feeling undermined after being promised the keys to the kingdom, Shane refused to budge no matter how much Stephanie McMahon tried to talk her brother out of it. In an interview Vince was cryptic, believing that power could make a man do one of two things - to feel the gratification and satisfaction of operating a successful business...or ruin him by abusing that power. In the ring, Vince explained his five-month absence, believing it was about time he come back and restore the landscape of the World Wrestling Federation. Shane met him in the ring as anticipated and spoke defensively of he and his sister's work. Shane proclaimed himself the heir to the throne one day, though Vince disagreed completely. Implying his son to be not yet sufficient at taking over his livelihood, Shane implored his Dad to fire him and get it over with. The elder McMahon hesitated, though before he could answer Stone Cold Steve Austin hit the ring and would leave both McMahons laying! It was business as usual, the Austin against McMahon rivalry that would never die!
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the energetic and lively Charlotte, North Carolina for SmackDown! Pyrotechnics exploded in the rafters and across the stage, as the large crowd assembled in the Coliseum were buzzed ahead of what was sure to be a cataclysmic night of action, coming off of Monday night. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the show, on a night where the match between Triple H and Chris Benoit originally scheduled for RAW is WAR this past week, would officially take place! We went to WWF New York, the sight of another packed house in the Big Apple.
Vince McMahon kicked off SmackDown, strutting out to the ring. The Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation maintained an expression of content despite the tension with Shane McMahon had on RAW this past week, as well as the Stunner received by an old rival in Stone Cold Steve Austin. Some fans bowed for the boss, who took the microphone and began to discuss what happened last Monday night. He understood perfectly where his son Shane was coming from, when he spoke about the impatience and the frustrations he was facing. The truth was, power was an ugly thing. Elaborating on what he spoke of on RAW is WAR, he compared the obtaining of power to a mistress. Once you had that mistress, you could feel as though you could do anything. Like something from a cartoon, you could use that power for good - to serve justice, to influence and inspire. Or, much like Shane - one could use it and abuse it by using it selfishly, for his own uses and purposes, with little regard for the poor girl! The Chairman insisted he wasn't holding it over Shane's head, and that was why he was not even considering firing his son Shane: because it was all a big learning curve! Noting that one way or another, Christmas at the McMahons' winter resort would be extremely awkward this year, but this was something he hoped that Shane O'Mac would learn from and grow with! One day, after his old man is gone, Shane McMahon will be the heir to step up to the throne - but right now is not the time! After the four weeks of leadership from Shane and Stephanie McMahon, Vince was making some changes. For one, he would not allow Mick Foley's talents and major-money contract go squandered, by sitting at home. Secondly, the Rock's banishment of WWF Championship opportunities would go lifted as of right now!
Stephanie McMahon came walking out to the ring to loud boos from the people of Charlotte. Concerned, 'the Billion Dollar Princess' caught her father by surprise. Vince admitted it was lovely to see his daughter and offered her a hug, though she simply looked back at him. Admitting she was scared about the McMahon Family, she understood perfectly why Daddy was doing what he was doing. It wasn't to punish her and Shane, it was to help them better themselves. Steph promised that they would change, but she was worried for where herself and Shane stood. She was worried about Shane and Vince's relationship, and could not even bare the thought of the family falling apart over this. But above all else, Steph wanted to know one thing: whether herself and Shane still had the authority to make decisions! Vince responded affirmatively, that he will always love Shane and Stephanie. They were his children, and that would never change! Vince's answer was that the siblings still had rule over the World Wrestling Federation - but on one condition - every decision was ran by him first! Steph was quick to thank and hug her Dad, who stopped her in her tracks! Vince wasn't finished with 'Daddy's Little Girl', and wanted to discuss what she had been up to. Not only did Stephanie blow off her husband - and leave him for the WWF Champion - but now she was out to try and ruin Triple H's life? Vince lectured Steph on the reputation she could get, that this made her what some would call a "jezebel", or a "sl*t!" As the people chanted the slander her way, she apologized to her Dad, and reluctantly Vince roped her in for a big hug. He hoped she would learn better, that this was the same type of press that could throw dirt on the McMahon name!
The glass shattered, bringing out Stone Cold Steve Austin! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' did not care for the family moment going on in the ring, and cautiously the Chairman stepped back while Austin climbed to the second rope. Stone Cold stood face to face with the McMahons, burning a hole through them both. He got the message loud and clear, it was all a big learning curve for them - big deal! Austin mimicked the crocodile tears of Stephanie, before asking Vince how that Stunner felt for a welcome back gift! Frowning at his arch rival, Vince listened while Austin detailed all the ups and downs they had been through. They'd played this song and dance as many times as he remembered: but Austin wanted to remind Vince of one thing. No matter how good a businessman, whether he signed his paycheques or handed him opportunities on a silver platter, Austin would always hate Vince McMahon's stinking guts! With that out of the way, Austin declared that he wanted one thing, and that was Steph's little boyfriend's WWF Championship! The people cheered loudly, but before Vince could answer Kurt Angle made his way out to the ring! The WWF Champion had a baffled look on his face, quick to greet Vince and wrap his arm around Stephanie McMahon. Angle couldn't believe what he was hearing: Austin felt he deserved a shot at his title. Angle tried to position himself to the Chairman, commenting that Stone Cold was nowhere near the title picture. Kurt gave Vince a brief description on how great he was, and what made him the best damn WWF Superstar this business had to offer. Meanwhile, all Austin had done was try to kill Shawn Michaels! Austin mimicked Kurt's shrivel voice and called him a "jackass", then asked Vince if sleeping with his daughter to get ahead was really who he considered a top guy to have as WWF Champion. Steph argued that Austin had no right to imply anything, just to be met with a swift middle finger!
Shocked, Angle claimed that Stone Cold's attitude was a major problem for him. For the past 116 days, he had worn the WWF Championship proudly. He'd handed out opportunities to allcomers, and held the title with intensity, integrity and intelligence! What did Austin really bring to the table to deserve a shot? Angle accidentally touched Vince to a disapproving scowl, causing the champ to rescind it. The boss decreed that while Austin was right - he did not look at Kurt as the darling role model he believed himself to be - he also didn't know whether Stone Cold deserved a shot, having left him laying in a needless act of aggression three days ago! Vince declared that he would mull it over, but in the mean time, tonight would see a tag team main event take place: WWF Champion Kurt Angle and the Big Show, going up against the forces of Stone Cold Steve Austin...and the Rock! Charlotte came alive with a big ovation, to which Austin rolled out and took a leave to let things set in. The Chairman left the ring, leaving Kurt and Steph looked at each other in shock. Vince McMahon had made a massive decision for tonight, as for the first time ever we would see Stone Cold and The Rock team up!
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In response to the blockbuster announcement made regarding tonight's massive main event, The Rock could be seen watching a monitor, at Stone Cold Steve Austin! 'The Great One's reaction was masked by his sunglasses, unsure what to make about the idea that he would have to team up with 'the Texas Rattlesnake' tonight, to meet Big Show and WWF Champion Kurt Angle!
Back on SmackDown, Vince McMahon was walking through the halls of the backstage area backed by Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco. The Stooges applauded the Chairman's decision regarding tonight's major main event tag team encounter, though Vince proceeded to strut down the hall. That is when WWF Champion Kurt Angle walked into him, apologizing for what was said out there. 'The Megastar' believed that the two of them had gotten things off on the wrong foot, and that he wanted to rectify it however possible. Vince simply looked the WWF Champion up and down, and with a look of disgust on his face declared that he didn't like the Olympic Gold Medalist! Vince tried to leave, but Angle paused him and asked if they could at least get to know one another. Angle believed Vince to be such an inspiration, and that he was proud to represent the World Wrestling Federation as its Heavyweight Champion of the World. McMahon gawked at Kurt's neuroticism. If he could ever hear himself talk, maybe then he'd understand just how attention-depraved he sounded. The Chairman requested the champ have some respect for himself before leaving. Patterson and Brisco remained, laughing at Kurt and telling him just how much he sucked at kissing ass!
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In the building, Tazz came stomping down to the ring. Emerging through the orange smoke, 'the One Man Crime Scene' did not appear thrilled about what happened last Sunday night on MTV's Heat. A replay aired, showing his Santa Claus get-up and gifts presented to Michael Cole and Al Snow, before showing clips of what he had to say to special guest Chyna. Chyna would ultimately humiliate the thug, as a face-off allowed K-Kwik to swing a prosthetic arm at Tazz to recapture the WWF Hardcore Championship! Tazz complained about how women could behave. Back in Brooklyn, a dame like Chyna would not get away with the stunt she pulled on Heat. He didn't deserve it, and if it hadn't been for her, he'd still be the WWF Hardcore Champion! Tazz continued to run his mouth, applauding her for dressing like a dame and exposing herself for kicks - but that she should stick to that, because that's all a skank like her was good for! Chyna soon came walking out to the ring, a huge ovation from the ladies in the crowd. Upon entry to the ring, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' questioned if Tazz really felt that way, and the thug nodded with absolute certainty. Chyna then struck him with a kick to the groin to get this match underway!1) Chyna def. Tazz (2:20)The former WWF Hardcore Champion continued to have his fair share of bad luck when it came to trying to find a permanent spot hosting Sunday Night Heat on MTV. Under the guise of Santa Claus, the thug was able to get himself booked for the gig at WWF New York, embarrassing Michael Cole with a bar of a soap for his "guttermouth", and even gifting the injured Al Snow a prosthetic arm! Though he made a bad decision in insulting 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna, which would cost him the WWF Hardcore Championship once K-Kwik struck him with the arm. The sexist 'One Man Crime Scene' rived in pain from the kick to the groin early, setting him up for a body slam and a military press for a near fall early. Tazz shielded his groin on the floor when Chyna pursued him with a baseball slide, only to have her legs driven across the blunt edge of the apron! Back inside, a Tazzplex scored a near fall on the Playboy cover girl, who this week graced the cover of TV Guide. Actually slapping Chyna around, Tazz talked trash to her until the Diva caught him off-guard with a hard clothesline! A powerbomb was attempted when Tazz slipped out and locked in the Tazzmission! Chyna struggled, but kicked behind to low blow Tazz again! The official didn't see it, and a sleeper slam gave Chyna the three count.
In a major loss that 'the One Man Crime Scene' could surely not live to forget, Tazz had fallen at the mighty hand of 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna! Standing up for women everywhere, Chyna had her hand raised high. A large smile on her face, women everywhere appeared further inspired by the beautiful Playboy covergirl in the ring. While Tazz feigned pain in his never-regions, Chyna left the ring and hugged a young girl in the front row - a bright future ahead of the aspiring model!
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Backstage Chris Benoit stood with his arms sternly folded. Kevin Kelly was standing by beside 'the Rabid Wolverine', wanting to know where he stood in the Coalition. Benoit smirked at the question, saying even he didn't know, and nor did he care. The truth was that what he did to the WWF Champion Kurt Angle on Monday night proved exactly how insecure he was. It sent a message that Chris could make him tap in seconds, as proven with the Crossface that got him escorted from the building. Benoit reminded Kevin that he was without a doubt, the best technical wrestler in the game tonight, and that he still wanted the WWF Championship: whether Angle was the leader of the Coalition or not! He added that he'd prove just how much he deserved it, by making Triple H squeal like a piggy in the Crossface one more time tonight.
2) William Regal (c) def. Billy Gunn to retain the WWF European Championship (4:29)
Since calling him a "ponce", William Regal had found a foe in 'the One' Billy Gunn. RAW is WAR was to feature a WWF European Championship encounter between the two, but once again 'the Goodwill Ambassador' would show how friendly he was with Shane and Stephanie McMahon, able to make it a non-title match. Billy still walked out victorious, bringing us to tonight. As the ladies in the crowd cheered Billy on, he struck with a series of jabs causing the champ to bail to the floor. Billy would not allow Regal much space, immediately returning him back inside for a series of stomps! Gunn drilled him with a high-angle dropkick for a two count before locking in a sleeper hold. Regal jaw-jacked his way out of it before connecting with a chop block! A combination of European uppercuts went followed with a jumping knee strike to rock the challenger for a near fall. William climbed to the second rope for an axe handle, but Billy would flip him upside down with a right hand! The challenger scored with a series of clotheslines before connecting with the jackhammer, though Regal was able to get his foot on the rope at the last second! Billy disputed the decision with the referee, when Regal drilled him with a knee strike! The Regal Cutter connected, though this time Billy got his foot on the ropes! Regal argued now, when Billy rolled him up from behind: reversed into a roll-up from the champ, with the tights hooked to retain the title!
The WWF European Champion rolled out to the floor as quickly as he could, having retained the title in perhaps the most unsportsmanlike conduct possible inside of a World Wrestling Federation ring! William Regal had his hand raised and hugged the title upon it being handed to him - this man supposedly proud to represent his country after a performance like this! Billy Gunn argued with the referee and complained about the Englishman's cheating ways, having to fight another day.
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Backstage, the Holly Cousins were waiting impatiently outside of the women's locker room. Crash was enthusiastic about them finally being joined by their cousin, but Hardcore smacked him upside the head. Ever the cynic, Hardcore warned Crash that this had better be a good idea. He didn't like the idea of bringing her in to help them get the job done, and who knew what their aunt would say if she got hurt. Suddenly, the door swung open revealing the blonde woman from Monday night on RAW is WAR: proclaiming that it was about gosh darn time Molly Holly came to the World Wrestling Federation to kick some butt! Hardcore palmed his face while Molly stood strongly with her hands on her hips. Crash was so excited about the idea, the three Holly Cousins set to meet the Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and Ivory tonight!
In his office, Vince McMahon was hard at work behind his desk, when there was a knock on the door. Yet again, it was WWF Champion Kurt Angle! 'The Megastar' apologized to the Chairman for bothering him once again, but he really hoped that they could talk it out and get along - if anything but for his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon! He claimed that Vince's daughter meant the world to him, and that just the other night when they were laid naked in bed together, she was talking about him! A perturbed Vince demanded Kurt get out, who apologized when joined by Edge and Christian. The Canadians were also apologetic for entering, but they were in awe at their shortcoming last Monday night against the Dudley Boyz. Christian noted how much they believed they could be better WWF Tag Team Champions, and be the best tag team they could possibly be, in the new millennium! McMahon noted how much he enjoyed their work, and granted a title shot for them tonight...Christian challenging Essa Rios for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship! Edge asked about his opportunity, to which Vince suggested he lose twenty pounds - maybe he can qualify for it too! Angle laughed at Edge and Christian's expense, when McMahon demanded the Coalition leave immediately!
Stone Cold Steve Austin was in the locker room area as we returned, when Jonathan Coachman entered the room hopeful to speak with 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Austin immediately demanded Coach shut up, he didn't have a damn clue what to do with that microphone. But before Coachman ran away with his tail between his legs, he had something to say about tonight's main event. Tonight, for the first time since Backlash, he and The Rock would share the same ring. The same Stone Cold and Rock that headlined WrestleMania two years ago, would have to team up to take on Big Show and the WWF Champion Kurt Angle tonight, and Austin didn't know how he felt about it. The bottom line was, he could be teaming up with just about anybody in the back and it wouldn't matter to him, because he would open a can of whoopass on 'the Megastar' either way. But the fact that it was the Rock meant that he had go and talk to that son of a b*tch face to face!
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In the arena, T&A were reunited with their manager Trish Stratus for the first time since the Survivor Series as they headed for the ring. A replay aired reviewing the vicious backstage attack delivered to the Dudley Boyz, who had beaten them for the WWF Tag Team Championships back at Armageddon! Test and Albert stood menacingly mid-ring, while Trish took to the microphone. The WWF Diva gloated about how it was a long time coming, but Trish was back to once again give the people the Stratusfaction they had been looking for! In explaining the actions of her boys conducted this past Monday night on RAW is WAR, she hoped that it would remind the people that T&A may very well be the toughest tag team to exist in the World Wrestling Federation today, but that behind the brawn was the brains: Trish herself! Stratus declared that T&A had a rematch clause to cash in on for the Dudleys' WWF Tag Team Championship gold, and they would take back those titles. Abruptly, the APA interrupted, apparently taking exception to Trish's bold claims!
3) T&A (w/Trish Stratus) def. The APA by disqualification (3:17)Trish Stratus had not been seen since being driven through a table by Bubba Ray Dudley back at the Survivor Series, and made a shocking statement by sending her boys Test and Albert after the Dudley Boyz, in a backstage assault this past week on RAW is WAR. The Dudleys had captured the WWF Tag Team Championships against T&A back at Armageddon, but now it was clear that Trish's business was not yet finished with the new champs. The APA took exception to Trish claiming Test and Albert to be the toughest tag team in the World Wrestling Federation today, proving it by immediately breaking out into a free-for-all before the bell. Fists blew everywhere, with Bradshaw somehow powering Test up for a fallaway slam! Faarooq had struggled with 'the Freight Train' when Bradshaw joined in, looking for a double suplex just for Albert to break it off - Test decapitating Bradshaw with a big boot to the face! T&A followed Trish's strategy and double-teamed Faarooq with Albert's splash in the corner, followed by a pumphandle slam from Test - just for Bradshaw to make the save. Albert tried to Baldo Bomb the Texan, but Bradshaw hit the ropes and scored with the Clothesline From Hell! Test flew from the top rope with a diving elbow drop to make the save, though suddenly the Dudley Boyz rushed down to the ring to fight with T&A!
The WWF Tag Team Champions were not thrilled with T&A's backstage assault this past Monday night, and D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley immediately demonstrated this with a double flapjack sending Albert airborne! Trish Stratus pulled her boys from the ring, Test and Albert able to recover at ringside. But they didn't anticipate the APA's presence, as Bradshaw and Faarooq attacked T&A on the floor! The former champs bailed up the rampway with their manager, glaring at the Dudleys from afar. They weren't the only ones however, as the APA climbed into the ring and similarly set her sights on the gold. The Dudleys raised the titles to Bradshaw and Faarooq, daring them to bring it on!
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Triple H was spotted leaving his dressing room, making his way to the arena ahead of his anticipated match with Chris Benoit. 'The Game' walked with a purpose, when suddenly he came face-to-face with Stone Cold Steve Austin! The two rivals fiercely stared each other down, and 'the Game' asked his longtime rival if he had something he could help with. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' asked Hunter if he liked what he did with Shawn Michaels at Armageddon, to which he stated he didn't care to watch - but he did enjoy what he did to that pipsqueak X-Pac last week on SmackDown. Austin told Triple H he wanted to know where the Rock's dressing room was, but he simply told them that he didn't know, and it was none of his business. Austin thanked him sarcastically, before sarcastically wishing him luck against Benoit. Triple H sarcastically wished Austin luck finding Rock, a smirk on both men's faces as they parted ways!4) Chris Benoit def. Triple H (7:11)
While this match was supposed to take place last Monday night on RAW is WAR, that would not go as planned due to 'the Rabid Wolverine's decision to lock the WWF Champion - and fellow leader of the Coalition - Kurt Angle in the Crossface. Making Angle tap out, it humiliated 'the Megastar', and he demanded Chris Benoit be escorted from the building. 'The Game' instead faced Lance Storm, defeating him before being blind-sighted by former friend X-Pac, who wielded a baseball bat! Triple H was walking into this match with a bandaged leg as a result, determined to overcome the same man that had made him tap out to the Crossface on two separate occasions. Benoit forced 'the Game' to tap out at the Survivor Series, as well as ten nights ago on RAW, and Triple H felt it was time for some deserved retribution. The two men started slowly, with Benoit playing the game of human chess. Looking to bring Triple H to the mat with a waistlock takedown, 'the Game' proved he was no slouch and worked his way back up, at one point teasing a Crossface attempt of his own, just for Benoit to roll out. Things got physical from there, once Benoit began targeting the shoulder of Triple H just to receive a high knee to the face! Triple H wailed on Benoit with right hands in the corner, but the Canadian would tactically dropkick the bandaged leg to take control! Triple H tried to fight back just to get dragon screwed down to the canvas hard.
Benoit grounded 'the Game' and looked for a Sharpshooter just to get booted off through the ropes, and Triple H managed to send him from the apron into the barricade! 'The Game' limped in pursuit, just for Benoit to chop away at him before surprising Triple H with a snap suplex on the outside floor! Back inside, Benoit swiftly applied the Sharpshooter on 'the Cerebral Assassin', hoping to once again make him tap out here tonight! As 'the Game's leg was surely being dissected with such an agonizing hold, he would not give in. On the brink of submission he fought the pain, and was able to make it to the bottom rope! One had to wonder if the damage had been done however, as Benoit motioned for the Diving Headbutt. Climbing to the top rope, Triple H began stirring, and instead 'the Game' caught Benoit in mid-air with the facebuster off the bad knee! A desperation DDT put Benoit down, but only for a near fall! On one bad wheel, 'the Game' hopped up and looked for the Pedigree, but Benoit blocked it and sent his opponent flying with three consecutive German suplexes, again for a near fall! Triple H slumped out to the floor in a heap, and while Benoit was with the referee, X-Pac showed up again - planting his ex-best friend with the X-Factor on the floor! The cowardly 'Man' rolled Hunter back inside, and Benoit soared with the Diving Headbutt, to pick up the three count!
For the third time in the past couple of weeks, X-Pac was directly responsible for costing his former friend Triple H a match, and 'the Man' appeared to love the result he had made possible tonight! Chris Benoit had his hand raised in victory - his third victory against 'the Game' - but 'the Rabid Wolverine' immediately talked trash towards X-Pac from the ring. Benoit did not appreciate the hand he received from X-Pac, while Triple H favored his knee in the ring. Gritting his teeth, 'the Game's disdain for X-Pac was only continuing to develop each and every night!
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Stone Cold Steve Austin walked the halls of the backstage area in Charlotte Coliseum, before stumbling across The Rock's dressing room door at long last. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' considered knocking before smirking to himself. Looking up to read 'the Great One's special doorplate, Stone Cold mouthed that the Rock was absolutely full of himself. Rather than knocking, Steve just walked right on into 'the People's Champ's dressing room. What would be said between these two men, set to team up later tonight against Big Show and WWF Champion Kurt Angle?
Back on SmackDown, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin were stood face to face while Charlotte Coliseum could be heard loudly chanting 'the People's Champ's name! Rock started, knowing full well what 'the Texas Rattlesnake' had running through his mind right now. He knew all about tonight, the fact that they would have to even think about trying to coexist. Because tonight, for the very first time they had to engage in battle together - on the same side - against the likes of the world's fattest jabroni the Big Show, and the whiniest virgin b*tch walking God's green Earth, Kurt Angle. Austin told Rock that he didn't like this situation either, because they had so much history together. They had been arch rivals for far longer than he cared to admit, and that they had had some wars together. All Austin came here to know was whether he could believe Rock wouldn't get involved in his business. Rock quizzed him on what that business might be, reminding Austin that the ban was over: he was eligible to challenge Angle for the WWF Championship whenever he damn well pleased. Austin simply warned Rock that he could try, but if he did he wasn't afraid to whoop his ass all over that ring! 'The Rattlesnake's sentiment went shared by Rock, who told Austin that it didn't matter what he did, what Austin did, or what Vince McMahon did. Rock warned Austin, that he better not screw him over out there tonight, because he too wasn't afraid to layeth the SmackDown on Austin's bald headed, double-studded candyass! Austin said he wouldn't have it any other way, leaving to prepare.
. 5) The Goodfather, Bull Buchanan and WWF Women's Champion Ivory (w/Steven Richards and Mark Henry) def. The Holly Cousins (3:54)RAW is WAR saw the Right to Censor come out on top in two separate matches. Ivory brought closure to the RTC's issues with Lilian Garcia to retain her WWF Women's Championship. The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan would come out on top over the Holly Cousins, when a third cousin made her World Wrestling Federation debut in the plucky, skilled and courageous Molly Holly, to prevent a post-match beatdown. Ivory challenged Molly to start the match, and the newcomer immediately showed what she could do with two Japanese armdrags, a dropkick and a snap suplex for a near fall on the champ! Steven Richards did not look happy, while Goodfather from the apron tugged her hair to the canvas hard! Hardcore Holly surprised Buchanan with a series of hard-hitting blows, a sidewalk slam sending Bull to the floor. Hardcore followed him, when going face to face with Mark Henry. Goodfather struck him from behind, and Bull would score a near fall with a springboard clothesline. Bull looked for a missile dropkick that went missed - and Crash came in fresh! A missile dropkick rocked Goodfather on his feet, when a tornado DDT followed for a near fall. He looked for a hurricanrana that went blocked by Bull, when Crash reversed into a victory roll for two. Hardcore decked Goodfather from the ring and Molly planted Ivory with a northern lights suplex, when Steven Richards tripped Crash off the ropes: and a bicycle kick from Bull scored, for another win for the RTC!
The Right to Censor were walking away with another victory, and Steven Richards could not be prouder of the sheer dominance on display, here tonight. With the constant numbers game advantage, the Goodfather and Bull Buchanan had their hands raised whilst the WWF Women's Champion Ivory was celebrated by the 400-pound 'Secret Weapon' Mark Henry on the floor. As the RTC sauntered up the rampway, their message heard by the disapproving masses in Charlotte, Hardcore Holly reprimanded Crash Holly for losing another one! Crash tried to apologize to his older cousin, when the third Holly Cousin, Molly Holly, got in between the two. It appeared that Molly had arrived in the World Wrestling Federation to fix the progressing problems in the Hollys' unit, though it would certainly take time as Hardcore rolled out to the floor.
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Backstage, Too Cool were gathered in the hall talking amongst themselves when WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi showed up to greet Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay. The 400-pound Samoan told them how he knew they felt discouraged of late, like they couldn't get anything going. 'Big Kish' claimed it was all down to ring rust, and that they would surely get back on their winning ways tonight. Grandmaster cackled like a hyena and proclaimed that they wanted the WWF Tag Team Championships back around their waist, while Scotty told Grandmaster they needed to go and show Kaientai what a party really looked like. Scotty moonwalked away down the hall with Grandmaster following, when Raven crept up over Rikishi's shoulder. The eerie newcomer asked 'Big Kish' if it ever got tiring, knowing that he would forever be known as the big, fat misfit that hung out with those nimrods. The champ turned to tell Raven to mind his own business, but Raven simply smirked and told 'Big Kish' to just be happy with the complacency laid out for himself - and to allow the chips to fall where they may. Raven spread his arms and backed away, leaving Rikishi perplexed.
Back on SmackDown, deep in the heart of Times Square Val Venis was seen enjoying himself inside of WWF New York! 'The Big Valbowski' chuckled in a booth at the entertainment complex, joined with his arms around not one, but two gorgeous young women. Val made a joke about how the Big Apple just kept on giving, and that was what he planned to do to each of them tonight! Venis was in his prime element, when Joe E. Legend showed up. Disgusted, the rookie exclaimed that he was truly appalling behavior. For one thing, Val had to have at least five years on either of them! Joe E. shook hands like a gentlemen with each of them, causing Val to remark that with a flirting game like that: Joe E. struck him as a guy that could only take what he could get. Val asked Joe when the last time he got laid was, but Legend told him it was none of his business. Val implied that he could take him under his wing, and soon enough 'the Valbowski' could make Joe E. from a leech, to a studmuffin! Legend angrily shook his head, claiming that he was done with being a protege. He was his own man, a rising WWF Superstar in the making! Legend wiped the table clean of Val and the girls' drinks, causing him to step up to confront Joe E. man to man. Val asked Joe if he wanted to take it outside, but Legend gritted his teeth and left instead.
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In the locker room of Triple H, 'the Game' was seen icing his knee after a hard-fought battle with Chris Benoit earlier tonight. Jonathan Coachman approached him for comment, but Triple H groaned in agony. Refusing to admit that 'the Rabid Wolverine' had beaten him fair and square tonight, he vented about how this situation with X-Pac had to come to an end. He was sick and tired of that little rat jumping him from behind! 'The Cerebral Assassin' in Triple H declared that while 'the Crippler' would not long get away with this, for X-Pac? All he had to say was if he thought the beating he gave him at Armageddon was something...to just wait until the next time he saw his ass in person!
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6) Essa Rios (w/Lita) (c) def. Christian (w/Edge) by disqualification to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (3:21)Edge and Christian's loss to the Dudley Boyz in tag team tables this past Monday night on RAW is WAR did not please the Toronto natives one bit. Believing themselves to be the best tag team that the World Wrestling Federation would have to offer in this infantile millennium, the two requested a rematch for the WWF Tag Team Championship tonight. Instead, Christian was granted a shot at Essa Rios's WWF Light Heavyweight Championship by Vince McMahon! With Essa being welcomed into Team Xtreme, it was like old times as Lita escorted her ex-boyfriend to the ring for tonight's title defense. Christian looked to blind-sight 'the Daredevil' before the bell just for the luchador to rebound with a series of armdrags, and a dropkick sent the challenger tumbling to the floor! Edge and Christian regrouped, when Essa soared with a somersault tope over the top rope onto both Canadians! Essa hoped to continue it, just for Edge to drop him with a spear! This enabled Christian to regain control, and an inverted DDT gave him a near fall. Edge got in some added cheap shots on the Mexican as he laid prone on the apron, when Lita came off the apron with the flying headscissors on Edge! Christian missed a spear on Essa, and the champ dropped him with a hurricanrana. Rios took to the top rope and executed the 450 splash - when Edge slid into the ring to break up the count!
Edge and Christian remained without any championship gold, though it was clear that Edge did not want his younger brother to lose to the likes of the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion! Edge continued to hammer on Essa Rios, who tried to fight back just to encounter another big spear from the former WWF Tag Team Champion! Edge put the boots to Essa when Lita tried to make the save, just for Christian to grab her by the hair. Though while this was going on, Matt Hardy came to the ring and dropped Edge with the Side Effect! Matt followed with the Twist of Fate for Christian, causing the Coalition duo to bail from the ringside area. Edge and Christian were furious, while Lita helped her ex-boyfriend to his feet to raise his hand in victory. Matt's eyes remained focused on his longtime rivals, while behind him Essa had roped Lita in for a big, long hug! Matt turned around and stared at what was going on. The new Team Xtreme froze on the spot, but Matt would similarly raise Essa's hand as well. Was there something going on with Lita and her ex-boyfriend?
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Vince McMahon was still in his office struggling to understand the financial losses over the past month, when Stephanie McMahon came barging in. Clearly panicked, 'the Billion Dollar Princess' wanted to speak to her Dad about his interactions with her boyfriend Kurt Angle. Steph reasoned that she really wanted her father to get along with the WWF Champion. What was stopping him? 'The Megastar' was everything the Chairman had been looking for in a World Champion. Plus, he really took good care of her! Vince groaned and continued reading his paperwork while 'Daddy's Little Girl' tried to persuade Vince to give him a try, to which he finally caved and would try his best to get along with that "freak". Stephanie was giddy and told Vince how excited Kurt was to come to the McMahon Family Christmas dinner next week. Vince's jaw dropped, and Steph tried to confer that it would be okay. Standing up, Vince reasoned that while he didn't understand the concept of her with Kurt of all people, so long as she was happy - he was happy. So happy in fact, he was happy to make Angle show the world what a great WWF Champion looked like! Vince made it official for RAW is WAR on Christmas Night: Kurt Angle defending his title, against Chris Benoit! Vince apologized and left in a hurry, leaving Steph aghast! Benoit would finally get his shot at Angle!
The WWF Champion Kurt Angle was sat on the edge of a table in the Coalition's dressing room, looking down at his title belt. In walked his tag team partner tonight, the Big Show, who asked 'the Megastar' what was bothering him. Proceeding to go on a verbal tirade about Vince McMahon's decision to grant Chris Benoit a shot at his WWF Championship, Kurt Angle demanded to know what the Chairman's problem was! He was an Olympic Gold Medalist, a real legitimate athlete and role model to people everywhere! Above all else, 'the Rabid Wolverine' could never walk a mile in his shoes - plus, he loved his daughter Stephanie McMahon very much, and he knew she felt the same way! 'The Giant' loyally told Kurt that with all due respect, tonight was not the night. Angle demanded to know why, and Show proceeded to slap his leader across the face! Stunned, Angle listened as the 500-pounder gave him a pet talk, claiming that his issues with Benoit had to come to an end, but not tonight. Kurt had to remember that he was the leader of the Coalition - the most dominant faction to ever hit the World Wrestling Federation in such a way! And tonight, they were up against two men they absolutely despised: Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. Show claimed the people were talking more about their opponents than them, but that had to change! Show encouraged Kurt and told him he was 'the Megastar', and to never forget that, to which Angle thanked Show and pulled him in for a hug. Angle's eyes remained concerned however, as Show told Kurt that tonight they would prove why they ran this whole damn business!
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Too Cool danced their way down to the ring for tag team competition, accompanied as always by WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi. After their recurrent string of losses acquired in recent weeks, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay remained focused in their own unique way: gracing Santa Claus hats! The trio delivered their signature handshake mid-ring, when Kaientai made their way out to the rampway with microphones! With new, terribly Americanized, dubbed voices, Taka Michinoku proclaimed that Too Cool were dancing fools, and would surely see their night end in defeat tonight, reminding them all that disco was dead! Funaki followed with a hilariously low-pitched "INDEED", before Taka declared that their plan was to expose Too Cool for the losers that they were, and once Kaientai reigned supreme, they would help make the World Wrestling Federation: "EVIL". Too Cool and Rikishi could not contain their laughter.
7) Too Cool (w/WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi) def. Kaientai (3:45)Since Scotty 2 Hotty returned from a spinal injury, Too Cool had not exactly returned to the same graces that preluded it. The former WWF Tag Team Champions had assembled an unfortunate string of losses in tag team competition, one in which their good buddy the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi hoped to help out with. Kaientai had debuted some interesting new voices for their entrance, making a mockery of what Too Cool stood for. In retaliation Scotty and Grandmaster Sexay immediately responded with a Mexican wave clothesline taking down Funaki with force. Grandmaster outwrestled Funaki to the canvas when Scotty came in with a missile dropkick, but a distraction from Taka Michinoku enabled Kaientai to take control following a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to Scotty! Michinoku and Funaki stomped away at Scotty in their corner, whilst Rikishi hoped to get the fans behind Too Cool, so Grandmaster could make the tag. Funaki looked for a top rope hurricanrana, but Scotty was able to send him flat on his face! Scotty flew with a diving DDT onto him, before the tag was made to Sexay! Coming in hot with a wild combination of striking jabs to Funaki, Sexay was able to slip out of the Michinoku Driver and planted him with a sit-out powerbomb! Funaki struck with a hurricanrana, but Scotty dropped him with a bulldog! Sexay put his goggles on and hit the Hip Hop Drop, to pick up the three count!
In the midst of the holiday season, Too Cool's losing ways had been fixed with a simple victory tonight against the devious tag team Kaientai! Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay seemed pleased with themselves as they had their hands raised by the WWF Intercontinental Champion Rikishi. 'Big Kish' was proud of his boys, but was suddenly jumped by Taka Michinoku! Taka tried to shy from the Samoan after it did no damage to him, but with 'Big Kish's back turned, Raven slithered in from the crowd to plant Grandmaster with the Evenflow DDT! Scotty tried to fend him off just to receive the Evenflow DDT himself, and when Rikishi had sent Taka flying over the top rope he turned to see 'the Creator' looking back at him! The champ confronted Raven who fled from the ring, his arms outreached in departing up the rampway. Who knew what to make of Raven's actions, who had just earlier tonight advised 'Bg Kish' to let the chips fall where they may!
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Out of 'the Great One's locker room saw The Rock make his way down the hall. The time had come for perhaps the biggest main event on SmackDown's history, just moments away from the tag team match against the WWF Champion Kurt Angle, and the 500-pound Big Show. With the battle against the Coalition ahead, Rock was in prime shape for the encounter, when on a splitscreen we saw Stone Cold Steve Austin emerge from his own dressing room! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' was laser-focused, as these two arch rivals set to team up for the very first time - but how could they possibly coexist?
Back on SmackDown, during the commercial break cameras had caught the scenes of the APA's office in ruin. Trashed and destroyed, the APA themselves showed up to discover the place had been destroyed! Bradshaw remarked in disgust at the sight of their poker table having been left in pieces, while Faarooq surveyed the crushed cans of beer all over the floor - spilled alcoholic beverage all over the floor of the office! The Texan remarked that he couldn't find to wait the sons of b*tches responsible, when Faarooq found a baseball cap branded with the Dudley Boyz' name written all over it! Faarooq threw it across the room in rage before exiting in anger - were the WWF Tag Team Champions responsible for this?
. 8) The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin def. WWF Champion Kurt Angle and Big Show (w/Stephanie McMahon) (6:19)Despite the beating that was laid into him this past Monday night inside of a fifteen-foot high steel cage, The Rock was here to compete against the same man he beat on RAW is WAR, the Big Show. There was an added twist however, and that was the fact that for the very first time he had to coexist with Stone Cold Steve Austin as a tag team partner! While Kurt Angle had his own issues, learning that this coming week on the Christmas Night edition of RAW is WAR he would have to put the WWF Championship on the line against fellow-Coalition member Chris Benoit, 'the Megastar' too knew how badly both Rock and Austin wanted to become WWF Champion themselves. Vince McMahon had to be keeping a keen eye on how 'the Brahma Bull' and 'the Texas Rattlesnake' fared, showing visible contempt for his daughter Stephanie McMahon's boyfriend, the Olympian. Guns were ablaze from the get-go, as Rock and Austin aimed to combat Angle and Show in the center of the ring with heavy right hands exchanged. The free-for-all boiled down to Stone Cold stomping a mudhole in 'the Megastar', while Rock took his fight to 'the Giant' out by the announce table! Angle raked the eyes of Steve but encountered a Lou Thesz press in return, when Rock extended his hand for the tag. The two rivals stared each other down, but Austin would tensely hand Rock the tag. 'The Great One' continued control of the WWF Champion with a floatover DDT to Angle, when Big Show dragged him off and dropped the 500-pound elbow on the back of 'the Brahma Bull!'
From there, the greatness of the Coalition showed itself, as Kurt Angle hammered on Rock, who found himself restrained with his arms behind his back by the 500-pound monster. A German suplex scored 'the Megastar' a near fall, and Big Show soon came to brutalize Rock with some brutal thumps in the corner. A loud chop was echoed throughout the Bi-Lo Center, as Show continued to choke 'the People's Champ' and toss him across the ring! Show was having fun toying with Rock, and had even more fun trash-talking 'the Texas Rattlesnake'. Big Show looked for the Final Cut on Rock when 'the People's Champ' reversed out of it to plant him with a big DDT! Austin had his arm reached out as far as possible, and the tag was finally made! Austin immediately met Angle in the center and hammered him with some heavy right hands! A spinebuster for Angle gave Austin a near fall, when Big Show came in to double-team Austin. 'The Rattlesnake' was in trouble after the newly legal Show got him up for a gorilla press, but Rock came in with a clothesline to land Austin safely on his feet! Rock sounded off with several right hands to stun 'the Giant', who turned around to meet the Stone Cold Stunner! Show still would not go down though, and Rock followed with a massive Rock Bottom! Angle was forced to watch on from the floor, as Austin picked up the three count on 'the Giant!'
In what was a wild main event to remember for years to come, when the smoke cleared, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock were victorious over the Coalition! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' raised his fists high in the air to the roar of the North Carolinian crowd, while the Rock similarly celebrated his own victory on the second rope. WWF Champion Kurt Angle was comforted by girlfriend Stephanie McMahon against the announce table, furious at the fact that Austin and Rock had gotten the better of him. It was clear that this was not 'the Megastar's week, now having to go ahead and put his title on the line against Chris Benoit in a mere four days! Back inside, Austin and Rock met eyes. Glaring one another down, there was no hand raising, all celebration stopped. Instead, just a mere look of intensity that went followed with Austin celebrating atop the second rope! Everybody wanted a shot at 'the Megastar's title gold, though 'the Rabid Wolverine' had the first shot, come Christmas Night! |
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