25th March 2002RAW kicked off with the usual opening package, followed by Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler hyping tonight’s massive draft, and going over the rules, as well as some of the big matches for the show.
Vince McMahon and Ric Flair both made their way out onto the stage where two podiums had been set up, one for Flair and one for McMahon. Both men hyped their respective brands, before Vince announced that since he won the coin toss, he would get the first draft pick for SmackDown, and that he had decided to pick the American Bad Ass – The Undertaker. The Undertaker walked out onto the ramp, and shared an uneasy stare down with McMahon, before heading for the ring for the first match of the night.
Before the match started Ric Flair reminded everyone that he gets his first pick before the match, and that he was picking the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, The Rock!
The camera cut backstage to a massive locker room with the entire WWF roster. Rock stood up and picked up a RAW shirt, before leaving for the RAW locker room.
The Undertaker Def. MavenUndertaker still seems to hate Maven, and brutally destroyed him here in what turned out to be a squash match. Taker was dominant here, and could very well be the most dominant wrestler on the RAW roster. Maven didn’t stand a chance, and was put away with the Last Ride.
It was then time for the second pick of the night for both brands. Vince McMahon announced that his second pick was Kurt Angle, while Ric Flair announced the legendary Hulk Hogan is coming to RAW. RAW cut to both men picking up their respective brand shirts, and leaving the WWF locker room.
Kane Def. Jeff HardyA good back and forth match, and not the squash that it looked to be at the start of the match. Kane used a very aggressive ring style here, while Jeff focused on high risk offence, which seemed to keep Kane off guard a number of times. Jeff Hardy made the mistake of going up top, only to get caught by Kane on the way down. Kane connected with the Choke slam for the win.
It was then time for the third and forth picks of the night. Vince McMahon announced that SmackDown’s third pick was the very man standing in that ring – Kane, which Kane did not seem happy about. Ric Flair responded by announcing that RAW’s third pick is the Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam, which means the Intercontinental Championship is now exclusive to RAW!
RAW cut to the Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam backstage. RVD grabbed a RAW shirt, and held the Intercontinental title up to the rest of the WWF locker room as he left.
Vince McMahon then told Ric Flair that he better not think that he has got one over on him, because SmackDown’s fourth pick is the European Champion – William Regal. Ric Flair then announced that although his fourth pick is currently injured, that when he returns, Chris Benoit will do so as a member of the RAW roster!
Brock Lesnar Def. Hardcore HollyA complete and utter squash match. Lesnar is a beast in the ring, and completely destroyed Holly, who barely got any offence in. Lesnar dismantled Holly, and quickly finished him off with the F-5.
It was then time for the fifth and sixth draft picks of the night. Vince McMahon announced that he had just seen the future of the WWF, and that the future is coming to SmackDown, because SmackDown’s fifth pick is Brock Lesnar! Ric Flair then announced that there is more than one future of the WWF, and that Edge is RAW’s fifth pick!
Vince McMahon then announced that he had been looking over a certain contract, and had found a loophole that allows him to draft the NWO as a group, so SmackDown’s sixth pick is Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and X-Pac, the New World Order! The NWO made their way out onto the ramp, all wearing SmackDown shirts with the letters “NWO” spray painted on them. Ric Flair then announced that if Vince McMahon can get more than one person, so can he, because the WWF Tag Team Champions Billy & Chuck are coming to RAW!
Rob Van Dam Def. William RegalThe Intercontinental Champion went one on one with the European champion here, and it was one hell of a match. Both men went all out in this back and forth match, and both nearly got the win a number of times. RVD went up top only for William Regal to follow him up. RVD and Regal fought it off on the top turnbuckle, only for Van Dam to knock Regal to the ring with a high kick. Van Dam followed up with the Five Star Frog Splash for the win.
It’s draft time again, with the Seventh and Eighth draft picks to be chosen. Vince McMahon announced his seventh draft pick is the first ever Undisputed Champion – Chris Jericho. Jericho walked out, grabbed a SmackDown shirt and cut a promo, promising to show everybody that he is the best damn thing on SmackDown, and that he will soon be the Undisputed Champion once again. Ric Flair then talked about how his next draft pick could be the future of RAW, and that his seventh draft pick is Jeff Hardy.
Vince McMahon then told Flair that it’s sad that he wont get the complete set, because SmackDown’s eighth draft pick is another Hardy – Matt Hardy. Ric Flair announced that he is surprised Vince McMahon forgot about his eight pick – one of WCW’s biggest stars, the one and only Booker T!
WWF Tag Team Championship Match
Billy & Chuck Def. The Dudley BoysA good tag team match, although it shouldn’t have been so high on the card. Billy and Bubba Ray shared some great brawling spots, and the match quickly turned into a massive brawl between the two teams. D-Von was taken out of the match when Chuck knocked him through the ropes and to the outside with a well placed dropkick. Bubba Ray connected with the Bubba Bomb on Chuck, only to be rolled up by Billy for the three count.
It was time for each brands final two draft picks, and anybody not drafted would go into the random draft exclusively on WWF.COM. Vince McMahon first plugged the main event, between each brands number one draft pick, with the winner gaining their brand the undisputed championship match at Backlash. Vince then announced that SmackDown’s ninth draft pick is big and bad – The Big Show. Ric Flair then announced that his ninth pick was another former WCW star – Diamond Dallas Page!
Vince McMahon announced that since RAW has more gold right now, that SmackDown’s final draft pick is the Cruiserweight Champion – Tajiri. Ric Flair then announced that his final pick is a wrestler that has been overlooked as a serious threat recently, and that RAW’s final draft pick is none other than Val Venis!
The music of Stone Cold Steve Austin hit as the Texas Rattlesnake walked out onto the stage. He announced that there really is only one brand that he can head to, and that the Texas Rattlesnake is heading to RAW. The crowd popped for this, and Austin made his way to ringside to watch the main event. Ric Flair grinned and clapped Austin, while Vince McMahon walked backstage.
Winning Brand gains the Undisputed Championship match at Backlash
The Rock Def. The UndertakerAn incredible match between two of the biggest stars in WWF right now. The crowd was really into this match, cheering for both men, and there was not clear cut heel in the match. The match itself was very even, going back and forth between both men. The Rock got the first near fall after connecting with a massive DDT, but Taker refused to stay down, and fought back with a barrage of strikes. The Undertaker connected with the Chokeslam, only for the Rock to kick out at the last second. The match continued in the same fashion, with the ending seeing Taker set up for another Chokeslam, only for the Rock to fight out of it, connect with the Rock Bottom and then the Peoples Elbow for a massive win.
Post match Stone Cold Steve Austin stood up and teased getting in the ring with the Rock, who stared at him. Austin grinned, told Rock that he would see him next week, as RAW went off the air.
ing pissed. Glad to see Billy & Chuck win, as i cant stand the Dudleyz/Team 3D/Fat Boys. Glad to see Brock get a win in there as well, hope you push him really far, and really fast. 