WWFE Brand Extension: Original Recipe

[alancer]

Solid Nitro. Looking forward to Backlash. When will sting get the upperhand? Enjoying the feud between those two. Waiting to see how Booker T loses the US title. Cant wait for the next show, keep up the good work.

[Draevyn]

Well, I read this show yesterday but never had the chance to leave my comments, so here I be.

The World Title Match isn't going to happen clean. There is no way guys like Kanyon, Stasiak, and Flair aren't getting involved. Then again I can't see you having the World Title match end in a No Contest. Could someone turn during this match?...hmm....let's hope not.

When the two meet in the ring, Sting is so going to destroy Angle. Everything that has happened so far seems to have put Angle in charge during this story which means Sting needs to get some revenge, which will happen when they finally meet in the ring.

I'd be careful of doing the same thing in the Jarrett/RVD feud as you're doing in the Sting/Angle feud. It seems Jarrett has continously got the upperhand and RVD is going to need to do something to get back in this feud.

Now you're just playing with me. Teasing a Impact Players reunion. That would definitely be a nice mark out moment but for some reason I think it is merely a tease and you're going to pull a Russo Swerve....

Kidman/Rey are so going heel which seems good to me because I always liked "heel" Filthy Animals. Just can't see The Hardy's turning heel due to their fan reception, and you can't really have Face vs Face when it's not in the main event scene.

Sanders seems to be that plucky underdog that you just want to see lose, yet always seems to come out with the win. Page finally got to hit him with the Diamondcutter, but hopefully Sanders goes over him in the start of building some future stars.

Torrie's pick...Test....just an opinion even though I know this happened before the Test/Steiner stuff in real life, I think these two might be able to put on some good matches, not to mention I can't see Test winning the title over in "WWF"

[tqwcw]

WWF Backlash

April 29, 2001

Baltimore, MD

Hosted by Jim Ross and Paul Heyman

1 -- In the HeAT main event, WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Crash Holly (w/Molly Holly) def. Dean Malenko via pinfall to retain the title. Ross recounts that it was on the March 13th edition of HeAT that Crash beat Malenko to capture his title. Malenko appeared confident that he could regain the gold here. Malenko tried locking on the Texas Cloverleaf fairly early, but the Superheavyweight managed to hang onto the ropes and avoid the move. Malenko took Crash off his feet with a leg lariat and then set up for a Superplex. Holly countered with a Tornado DDT for the two count. He then came up short on a dropkick. Malenko seized his opportunity and double underhook powerbombed Crash, then immediately locked on the Cloverleaf. Molly was able to rally her cousin, who again reached the ropes. Malenko remained on the offensive, drilling Crash with a Brainbuster. Again, only two. Malenko took issue with the speed of referee Tim White's count; this allowed Crash to set up for a Bulldog, which he executed, leading to the pinfall!

-Jim Ross and Paul Heyman kicked off the pay-per-view. Ross predicted that the key to the main event would be whether or not The Rock and The Undertaker could focus on Stone Cold, or whether the Coalition had succeeded in creating overwhelming problems for Rock and Taker...

2 -- WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian def. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit via pinfall to retain the titles. Before things got underway, Edge and Christian stalled, insisting that referee Tim Kordaris conduct a thorough inspection of Benoit and Jericho for international objects and regulation gear. Edge and Christian took advantage of the opening to attack their opponents, and the match began. Once order was restored, Edge and Jericho started out. Edge dominated until Jericho caught Edge as he attempted a leapfrog and Jericho powerbombed him down. Jericho remained on the offensive until Edge blocked the Lionsault by raising his knees. Edge tagged in Christian, who immediately went off the top to score a two count. After hitting a head scissors, Christian copied Jericho's cocky pin and flex for another two count. Christian continued his heelish offense until Jericho caught him with a back elbow and then the springboard dropkick. Christian got up but was knocked down by a right hand. Edge ran in to prevent the tag but Jericho threw him over the top rope. Edge and Christian were both on the outside when Y2J finally made the tag to Benoit, who immediately executed a tope to the outside, taking out E and C. Back inside, Christian tagged in Edge, but Benoit was still fresh and worked Edge over with such staples as a Snap Suplex, Hooking Clothesline, and chops in the corner. When Benoit went for a German Suplex, Edge clung to the top rope and used a back kick to hit the Rabid Wolverine with a low blow. Edge planted Benoit with a DDT, then went up top and nailed a Missile Dropkick. As Benoit tried to stand, Edge stalked him from behind and hit him with the Edge-O-Matic for a two count. Edge dropped two elbows on Benoit but missed the attempted third. Christian came in but Benoit avoided him and the former inadvertently knocked Edge out of the ring. Jericho came in and he and Benoit set up Christian for a double superplex, which they pulled off. Edge slid back into the ring with a couple of chairs and tried setting up for a Conchairto on Benoit; Jericho came from behind, turned Edge around, and hit him with his Enziguri. Edge crashed to the mat. Kordaris sent Jericho back outside. Benoit caught Edge in the Sharpshooter, but Christian was able to come in and break up the hold. Jericho came in, clotheslined Christian over the top rope, and followed up with a springboard plancha to the outside. Benoit suplexed Edge at mid-ring and went up for the headbutt, but Edge moved and Benoit collided hard with the canvas. Edge dragged himself to the corner and distracted Kordaris by complaining to him about Jericho's brawling with Christian on the outside. Meanwhile, Rhyno hit the ring and Gored an unsuspecting Benoit! Rhyno made his escape, and then Edge turned back to Benoit. He quickly put on the Edgecution and pinned Benoit! Jericho checked on Benoit, who was favoring his ribs, while Rhyno "suddenly" appeared to congratulate E&C.

-Backstage, Kevin Kelly interviewed Eddie Guerrero, who had news which would impact his upcoming match with Test. Guerrero shook his head and revealed that the negligent airline had misdirected his suitcase, which contained his European Championship. He feared he would not be able to put the belt on the line against Test. Guerrero's "helpful" comrades Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko then appeared and told Latino Heat that they had found his European Title in the locker room; it was all a false alarm! His plans foiled by his clueless teammates, Eddie feigned relief.

3 -- WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero def. Test via pinfall to retain the title. Guerrero offered Test a handshake before the match. Test pondered his next move, and went through with the handshake, squeezing Eddie's hand hard. Latino Heat yelled out in pain and retreated to the corner as Test and the crowd laughed. Eddie then moved to initiate a collar and elbow tie up, but kicked Test before the lockup. Eddie worked over Test with European Uppercuts and even a series of Suplexes on the bigger man. Latino Heat did his typical boot scrape, and then the slingshot senton. He covered for a two count. With Test back on his feet, Eddie ran the ropes but Test intercepted him with a Gutwrench Bomb for his first near-fall. Test picked up Eddie for a Snake Eyes but Eddie slipped out and dropkicked Test from behind into the turnbuckle. He draped Test by the neck over the top rope and then leapt to the outside, pulling Test's head down while doing so. Guerrero strutted on the outside while Test sold a throat injury inside. Back in the ring, the competitors tied up again. Eddie used his quickness to get behind Test. He attempted an ambitious German Suplex, but Test ended up reaching around, lifting Eddie up and to the side, and executing a Belly to Back. Test sent Eddie into the ropes and took him down with the Big Boot. Another two count. Test signaled to the crowd, indicating that he was planning on his Pumphandle Slam. He set Eddie up, but the agile Guerrero rolled through with a somersault and caught Test in an unexpected head scissors. Eddie went up top for a crossbody, but Test caught him and slammed him for another two. Test then decided to take to the air himself; he went up for the diving elbow. Guerrero picked himself up, though, and crotched Test on the top turnbuckle. Latino Heat was able to pull off a Superplex. Following a quick taunt, Guerrero pulled off the Frogsplash and scored the pinfall. Guerrero strutted with his European Championship after the victory.

-Michael Cole had a word with Triple H backstage. Hunter reiterated his main talking point from RAW: the match against Kane tonight would constitute a mercy killing.

4 -- Raven def. The Big Show in a Hardcore Match via pinfall to earn a shot at Kane's Hardcore Championship. Big Show entered first, but was attacked from behind on the ramp by Raven, who smashed a large oar on the back of Show's head; Boston is, after all, a harbor town. JR reminded viewers that, before being Chokeslammed through the Spanish announce table on RAW, Raven made a point of stating that he was amoral and would have no problem going to extremes to defeat the Big Show. Raven choked Big Show on the ramp with the handle of the oar. The tide turned when Show's size prevented Raven from being able to legsweep him onto the guardrail. Show elbowed Raven and then delivered a sidewalk slam then and there on the ramp. Now at ringside, Big Show obtained a chain from under the ring and wrapped it around his fist before delivering a hideous right hand to Raven's face. Raven sold it as if he'd suffered broken bones. Show then press slammed his opponent into the ring. He threw a trash can into the ring before entering himself. Big Show telegraphed an elbow drop and was slow to get up. Raven caught his breath and was able to pick up the trash can. Show sat up, and Raven placed the trash can atop Show's head and kicked it. Show collapsed on the mat, allowing Raven to do more damage, this time hitting a baseball slide dropkick with the trash can position on the big man's head. Raven obtained the chain, removed the trash can from Show's head, and wrapped the chain around Big Show's throat. Raven simply tugged on the chain, choking Big Show. JR termed this "sadistic." Raven tried setting the kneeling Big Show up for a modified Raven Effect DDT, but Big Show used his brute strength to take Raven off his feet. Raven got up and went at Show; Show promptly clotheslined Raven out of the ring. Raven retreated up the ramp and Show gave chase. Back on the entrance, Show chopped Raven off his feet. He signalled for the Chokeslam, but a Raven drop toehold brought Show to his knees once again. The lethargic Show slowly stood, but Raven was waiting with a thrust kick. Show tried desperately to maintain his balance, but his positioning was too precarious, and he plummeted from the stage through a conveniently-placed table below! Announcers and crowd alike were stunned. "My God!" cried JR. "The foundation of the Baltimore Arena is shaking!" Raven appeared a bit surprised as well. Both he and Mike Chioda headed down to the wreckage. Chioda was concerned for Show's condition, but Raven simply covered his opponent with a vertical press and ordered Chioda to count to three. Raven returned to the top of the ramp, standing tall while medics and officials tended to the Big Show, whose condition was very much uncertain.

-A video package documenting Goldust's past aired, perhaps giving newer viewers a primer on the character. Highlights included moments from the feuds with Roddy Piper, Brian Pillman, The Meros, and Val Venis; various title victories; and the Artist Formerly Known as Goldust era.

5 -- WWF Intercontinental Champion William Regal def. Goldust via pinfall to retain the title. Regal came out first. Goldust then made his return in full regalia. When Goldust arrived in the ring, he hit one of his trademark, controversial poses; Regal proceeded to complain to referee Jack Doan. A collar and elbow tie up began the match. Goldust backed Regal into the corner. Regal hit an uppercut, but Goldust reciprocated with one of his own, stunning the Commish. Goldust took Regal off his feet with an elbow right to the forehead. Goldust wore Regal down with an inverted atomic drop and a bulldog and scored a near-fall. Regal bailed to the outside to stall. Goldust chased Regal, who rolled back into the ring. When Goldust reentered, Regal was waiting for him with a knee strike. Regal got a one count. He proceeded with a neck breaker and double underhook suplex for another nearfall. Goldust blocked a series of right hands and hit Regal with a side slam. Two count. Goldust sent Regal into the ropes and met him with a Clothesline. Goldust set up for a Curtain Call, but Regal countered with another neck breaker. Regal followed up with a Butterfly Suplex and floatover, but Goldust again kicked out. Regal whipped Goldust into the corner. Regal moved to work Goldust over, but Goldust kicked Regal in the gut. After a couple more Goldust uppercuts, Regal staggered and inadvertently knocked Doan down. Goldust bounced off the ropes and nailed Regal with the old Butt Bump, sending Regal back into the corner. Regal was vulnerable, and so Goldust tied Regal's legs up in the ropes in preparation for Shattered Dreams! Goldust backed into the opposite corner to get a running start. The crowd eagerly anticipated the move, while Regal's facial expression conveyed an appropriate sense of horrific dread. Suddenly, though, Terri crept into the corner behind Goldust and hit him with a low blow of her own from behind! Terri slithered out of the ring. Regal disentangled himself and revived Doan. He then went over to the compromised Goldust, picked him up, and dropped him with the Union Jack Neckbreaker. Doan counted the fall. Post-match, Terri handed Regal the Intercontinental Championship. She then laughed in her unconscious ex-husband's face. Terri left with Regal, who had no objection...

-An ambulance was shown leaving the arena, taking Big Show to the nearest hospital for treatment.

-Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Ivory made their way to the ring. There, Stephanie repeated what she had expressed on RAW: there would be no tag team match because of Chyna's "unfortunate accident." Steph insisted that she was as disappointed as (if not moreso than) the fans. The crowd chanted "slut." Ivory took the mic and scolded the crowd, noting that that sort of behavior is precisely what the RTC is attempting to correct. Stephanie reflected that, as the daughter of one of the most powerful business moguls in the world, she had been "misunderstood" all her life and was used to it. She then suggested to Ivory that they go "grab a cup of coffee," alluding to Chyna's "accident." The heels cackled. Trish Stratus's music then began. Trish came to the ramp looking especially easy on the eyes. She said it seemed Stephanie and Ivory were suffering from a serious misconception. "It's takes a lot more than a pot of coffee to prevent the Ninth Wonder of the World from kicking ass and taking names." Immediately, Chyna's entrance began and she and Trish powerwalked to the ring. Steph and Ivory were terrified. Chyna's neck and back were bandaged where she suffered burns on RAW.

6 -- Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Ivory def. Trish Stratus and WWF Women's Champion Chyna via pinfall. Stephanie quickly sacrificed Ivory, shoving her into Chyna as soon as Chyna hit the ring. Steph retreated to her corner. Chyna took Ivory down with a clothesline and powerslam. She dropped an elbow and went for a quick cover, getting the two count. Chyna dared Stephanie to tag in. Back on her feet, Ivory threw some punches but they were blocked. Chyna sent Ivory into the ropes and caught her with a kick and DDT. Chyna tagged Trish in. Trish went for a kick; Ivory caught Trish's boot. Trish countered back with an Enziguri. Ivory crawled her corner and tagged in Stephanie, who was not eager to enter the ring. Trish encouraged the fans to continue their "slut" chants. Stephanie attacked from behind, yanking on Trish's hair. Tim White ultimately had to pull Stephanie off at Trish. Stephanie and Trish had a staredown. Trish then charged and took down SMH with a Thesz Press, following up with several mounted punches. Stephanie laid weeping in the middle of the ring. Trish pointed at Chyna and the crowd popped as the latter was finally tagged in. When Steph saw Chyna approaching, she desperately tried to make it Ivory for the tag, but Chyna grabbed Stephanie by the legs and dragged her back to mid-ring. Chyna picked up Stephanie and dropped her with a nice backbreaker. Chyna went for the pin but Ivory broke it up. Chyna turned her attention to Ivory, whipping her into the corner and climbing up onto the middle rope for a series of ten punches. Stephanie rolled to the outside and proceeded to locate her husband's trusty sledgehammer under the ring! Chyna, in the meantime, dumped Ivory on the outside. Referee White checked on Ivory. Stephanie then snuck into the ring and blasted Chyna on the back of her head with the weapon! Steph tossed the weapon back to the outside. Trish tried alerting White to what had happened, but when he saw legal competitor Steph making the pin on Chyna, he counted 1, 2, 3. Stephanie celebrated as if she'd won the WWF Championship. She then returned to the prone Chyna and began removing her bandages. Trish came in for the save, but Ivory, getting back in the ring, nailed Trish with a side kick, taking her down. Steph and Ivory kicked at Chyna's wounds until officials pulled the she-devils off.

-JR and Paul Heyman digested the evening's action so far. JR observed that the good guys were having a rough go of it.

7 -- The Dudley Boyz def. Steven Richards & Val Venis via pinfall. The action started when the Dudleys, who entered second, promptly dumped both of their opponents out of the ring. Richards called on the Dudleys to be disqualified, but the match proceeded. D-Von started out against Venis and enjoyed an early advantage, getting a two count after his hangman's neckbreaker. Venis turned the tide with a knee strike to D-Von's face. After a Russian Leg Sweep and knee drop, Val tagged in Richards. Richards stomped away on D-Von and mockingly implored him to "testify." Richards nailed some closed-fist punches and then his sitout facebuster for a nearfall. Richards sent D-Von into the ropes; D-Von ducked a clothesline and slammed Richards. D-Von went to make the tag but Richards got to him just in time to prevent it. Richards tagged Venis back in; Val immediately executed a Fisherman Suplex. D-Von kicked out at two. Val locked D-Von in an abdominal stretch. Bubba rallied the crowd, and D-Von powered out, clotheslining Venis over the top rope and knocking down Richards when he ran into the ring, as well! D-Von made the hot tag, and the Dudleys once more cleaned house. Bubba outpowered Venis as the action continued. Venis regained control with a surprise back elbow. He stomped away on Bubba. Val attempted to force Bubba to submit to a leglock, but Bubba refused. Venis dropped another knee and got a two count. He then tagged in Richards. Richards snapmared Bubba and choked him. When Bubba got back to a vertical base, Richards attempted the Steven Kick! Bubba caught the boot, though, and swept Richards off his feet. Bubba picked Steven up by the hair and powerbombed him. Venis ran in but was backdropped out of the ring. Bubba hit a series of punches and then an elbow right to Richards's forehead in tribute to Dusty Rhodes. Bubba yelled for D-Von to get the tables, which is exactly what D-Von did. Moments later, D-Von hoisted Richards up in the air and Bubba was waiting, completing his end of the 3D as he drove Richard's head through the table; referee Jim Cordaris was feeling charitable and did not dq the Dudleys for the use of said object. Bubba picked up the three count and the crowd popped.

-In the back, Kevin Kelly interviewed The Rock. Kelly asked Rock how unbelievable it was that Mr. McMahon and Stone Cold were on the same page. After mocking Kelly, Rock admitted that it was a jaw-dropper. He said things change. But what would always remain the same was that he was the most electrifying man in Sports-Entertainment. Tonight he would regain his WWF Championship in front of the millions and millions of his fans. He would also take Stone Cold's "sugar daddy" Mr. McMahon, turn him sideways, and stick him straight up Austin's candyass. Kelly then asked about The Undertaker. Rock didn't want to hear excuses for Undertaker's actions on RAW. He simply said that The Great One always repays his debts.

8 -- Triple H def. WWF Hardcore Champion Kane in a non-title match via pinfall. Following entrances, The Game and Kane came face-to-face in the ring. HHH shoved Kane, who pushed back, sending Hunter to the canvas. Triple H got up but was sent into the ropes by Kane, who delivered an early big boot. Triple H, frustrated, rolled to the outside. Kane climbed over the top rope and went after his opponent. Triple H showed no hesitation in grabbing a chair and blasting Kane with it. Kane staggered backward. Triple H went to smash Kane again with a running start, but Kane caught him with a boot, and so the chair crashed right into the Cerebral Assassin's face. Kane threw Triple H over the guardrail and the two men exchanged blows in the crowd. Triple H elbowed Kane in the stomach and clotheslined him back over the guardrail. Triple H then grabbed the ringsteps. Kane took a drop toe hold from Triple H, landing on his face on the steps. HHH tossed Kane back into the ring. Once back inside himself, HHH dropped a knee right on the face of the Big Red Machine. He went for a pin but Kane powered out. HHH was disturbed by the vigor with which Kane did so, and therefore stayed on the offensive. As Kane got to his feet, Triple H performed his Harley Race knee lift. Kane tried maintaining a vertical base; HHH bounced off the ropes and hit Kane with a neckbreaker. HHH executed a series of mounted punches. Triple H then stood on one of the top turnbuckles and talked trash to the crowd, again launching into his ranting about Kane being a freak. Just as HHH turned back to his opponent, Kane sat up! HHH's eyes widened. He whipped Kane into the ropes but Kane didn't budge when the Game tried to clothesline him. Three HHH right hands were rejected, and Kane picked up HHH in a Sidewalk Slam. He scored a two-count. Kane picked Triple H up and knocked him over several times with uppercuts. Kane sent Triple H into the turnbuckle and he collapsed in the middle of the ring. Kane then went up top and flew threw the air with a clothesline that connected with its target! Another nearfall for Kane. Kane decided then that it was time for retribution, and he clotheslined Triple H over the top rope. After joining Trips outside, Kane sent HHH headfirst into the ringsteps. Standing on the steps, Kane catapulted HHH into the steel turnbuckle post! Triple H lay prone on the outside. Kane removed the protective mat from the ringside area, exposing the bare concrete. Kane seemed to indicate that something big was to follow. Mike Chioda tried reasoning with Kane. Kane, in no mood for discussion, shoved the ref away. Kane picked up Triple H and set him up for a hellacious Tombstone on the outside. Triple H was able to roll through and escape. He took Kane off his feet by grabbing the back of Kane's legs. Triple H then brought the ringsteps down on Kane's skull. While Kane was rendered motionless, HHH caught his breath. HHH again sent Kane back into the ring. The Game covered for a two count. HHH sent the limp Kane into the ropes and locked on the Sleeper. Kane escaped the move at the count of 8 by reaching his arm around and lifting up HHH in a Tilt-a-Whirl Slam. Both men were down on the mat but managed to stand up before the count of ten. Triple H was able to hit Kane first with a kick to the midsection. He went for the Pedigree but Kane backdropped him. When Triple H stood, Kane was waiting for him with a chokehold. Triple H pulled off a desperation jawbreaker to put the kibosh on a possible chokeslam. Triple H punched Kane. He took the monster off his feet with a double leg takedown, and put on a Figure Four! Chioda asked Kane if he wanted to submit. The camera then panned to the entrance, where Paul Bearer had appeared! Bearer walked to ringside carrying his urn. JR noted that Triple H's threats of a "mercy killing" of Kane seemed to have brought the latter's father back to the World Wrestling Federation. Bearer stood at ringside. Kane reached the ropes and Triple H was compelled to break the submission. Triple H measured Kane as the latter picked himself up. HHH attempted a Spinebuster, but Kane grabbed him in another chokehold. Triple H fought back desperately, but Kane drilled him with a Chokeslam! Before going for the cover, Kane noticed his father at ringside. Paul Bearer applauded Kane's efforts. He stood on the apron. Kane approached his father, surprised by his presence. Just when Kane got close enough, Bearer lifted the urn and drilled it straight into Kane's face! Kane stumbled backward in shock and collapsed on the mat. Bearer stepped off the apron. Triple H regained his wits. When Kane stood, trying to comprehend what had happened, HHH was waiting for him. A kick to the gut preceded a successful Pedigree. Triple H pinned Kane! Paul Bearer appeared satisfied. He returned to the ring apron and handed Triple H the urn. Triple H brought Kane to a sitting position in the corner and drove the heavy, unforgiving object into his skull a number of times. "This isn't a mercy killing!" JR cried. "This is a massacre, dammit!" Triple H left Kane in a pathetic heap. Bearer remained for a minute or two, looking down at his son with shame and revulsion.

-A brief video recapping the formation of The Coalition and the trouble they've caused The Rock and The Undertaker aired.

9 -- World Wrestling Federation Champion "Stone Cold" Steve Austin def. The Rock and The Undertaker in a Triple Threat match to retain the title when he pinned The Rock. Rock entered first, followed by The Undertaker. They stood at opposite ends of the ring as Stone Cold's music began. Once in the ring, Austin rubbed the WWF Championship in both opponents' faces. Rock and Undertaker responded by hitting Austin with simultaneous punches. Austin then bounced back and forth between Rock and Undertaker as they took turns hitting him with right hands. In the corner, Rock hit Austin with his mudhole stomps. Tired of watching, Undertaker walked over, moved Rock aside, and went after Austin with vicious punches. Rock took exception to Undertaker's interruption and the two exchanged words. Austin, meanwhile, pulled himself up. He clotheslined Rock down and then kicked and punched at Undertaker. Austin charged at Undertaker but ate a big boot. Undertaker picked up Austin and slammed him, following up with a running legdrop. Undertaker went for the cover but Rock factored back in at this time and broke up the pin. Austin rolled to the outside while Undertaker and Rock went nose to nose. They exchanged punches. Undertaker bounced off the ropes; Rock ducked a clothesline and executed his fluid DDT. Rock covered Undertaker but Austin pulled Rock off from the outside. Rock and Austin exchanged blows down below. Undertaker, meanwhile, looked to the crowd and then got extreme, hurling himself over the top rope onto both of his stunned opponents with a body press! All three men were down. Austin pulled himself up and returned to the ring to avoid his opponents. Undertaker then climbed back into the squared circle. Austin met him with a Thesz Press and mounted punches, followed then by some stiff kicks. Austin covered for a two count. Austin flipped off the crowd and spat on The Undertaker. Austin went to the middle rope for his diving elbow. Undertaker moved to avoid the move! Undertaker took Austin off his feet with a punch. It was then time to go Old School, as he walked the ropes and dropped an axe handle blow on Austin! Undertaker covered Stone Cold, but Rock was back. He pulled Taker off of Austin and proceeded to cover Austin himself! Undertaker returned Rock's favor by pulling him off. Face-to-face, Undertaker lunged at Rock; Rock ducked and pulled off an impressive Samoan Drop. Two count. When Undertaker regained a vertical base, Rock was waiting to Lay the Smack Down with four punches. Rock turned around, where Austin was waiting with a Spinebuster. With Rock down, Austin turned his attention to the American Bad Ass, stomping him a few times. He dropped a couple of elbows on Undertaker's knees. He was softening him up before locking on a half crab. Undertaker refused to submit. When he was standing again, Austin kicked away at Undertaker, forcing him on the outside. Rock returned, drilling Austin with a DDT. Rock then worked to put on the Sharpshooter! Austin, well-acquainted with the move, positioned himself so as to foil the attempt. With both men standing, Austin sent Rock into the ropes and back body dropped him. Austin lifted Rock's legs and stomped him in the gut a couple of times. When he tried continuing, through, Rock grabbed Austin's legs and forced him off his feet. Rock stomped away at Austin, and then looked to the crowd. They knew what this meant. Rock peeled off his elbowpad and threw it into the stands. As he ran the ropes, though, Shawn Michaels made his way to ringside. The Coalition member tripped The Rock from ringside before Rock could hit the WWF Champion with the Rock Bottom! Rock was flat on his face. The heelish Michaels grinned and shrugged, but Undertaker was standing right behind him! HBK turned around and Undertaker grabbed him by the throat. There was nothing Michaels could do; he took a Chokeslam! HBK was out cold. Austin went to the outside and Pearl Harbored Undertaker. They brawled around ringside. Rock stood in the ring and again connected with the crowd, hinting that he was ready to wrap this up. This prompted Mr. McMahon to strut to ringside. Michaels remained unconscious and Taker and Stone Cold continued their brawl. McMahon entered the ring before Rock could join the fray on the outside. McMahon, overconfident, moved to hit Rock with a right hand, but Rock immediately caught the Chairman with Rock Bottom! He then ran the ropes once more, and-- People's Elbow! As is his habit, Vince sold the move as if he'd been electrocuted. He rolled to the outside. Undertaker hit Stone Cold with a big boot on the outside. Undertaker returned to the ring. Rock attempted a Rock Bottom on Undertaker, but Taker countered with a reverse Russian Legsweep. Undertaker signalled for a tombstone. The Rattlesnake hit the ring, though, and, using the WWF Championship as a battering ram, sent Undertaker back over the top rope. Austin proceeded to attempt a cover on Rock; Rock slid his foot under the bottom rope. Austin bickered with Earl Hebner. Rock pulled himself in the corner. Austin then turned back to him. He kicked Austin in the stomach. He turned around, grabbing Rock's head for a Stunned, but Rock shoved him away! Austin charged at Rock and took a Spinebuster. Austin got up and walked right into Rock, who was positioned for a Rock Bottom! Austin, not unprepared, dropped Rock with a Stunner as a counter! He went for the cover; Undertaker dropped an elbow on Austin to break it up. Austin was rocked by a high-elevation Undertaker DDT. Undertaker picked Rock up. Rock began fighting back with punches. Undertaker bounced off the ropes for a clothesline on Rock, but Rock floated over-- Rock Bottom! Before going for the pin, Rock played to the crowd, which was going crazy. Austin reappeared, though, and executed one more Stunner. He went for the pin on Rock, and got it!

Michaels and McMahon limped into the ring to celebrate with Stone Cold. Rock and Undertaker were down and out outside. The PPV concluded with JR observing that The Coalition continued to hold all of the cards. Austin, McMahon, The Game, HBK, and Stephanie -- is there any way they can be stopped?!

Match Results and Overall Ratings

Lightheavyweight Championship: Crash © (w/Molly) def. Dean Malenko (74%)

Tag Team Championship: Edge & Christian © def. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit (91%)

European Championship: Eddie Guerrero © def. Test (74%)

Hardcore Match: Raven def. The Big Show (69%)

Intercontinental Championship: William Regal © def. Goldust (83%)

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Ivory def. Chyna & Trish Stratus (66%)

The Dudley Boyz def. Steven Richards & Val Venis (76%)

Triple H def. WWF Hardcore Champion Kane (85%)

WWF Championship Triple Threat: Stone Cold © def. The Rock and The Undertaker (87%)

[show Overall = 79%]

Edited May 18, 2006 by tqwcw

[Draevyn]

Not a bad ppv, but one thing you might want to watch is the change if font. One of the biggest reasons Hewey gets so much grief is through using this type of font. The one you had for the regular shows was better.

There isn't much that I could say about the ppv. Most things went as I expected for the most part, but it was a nice surprise to see Raven pick up the win.

[alancer]

Backlash was worth the wait. It was a messy ppv, and the heels seemed to come off with the advantage, but Backlash has always been a transitioning ppv. I predict, since Rock was pinned, that Taker goes for Austin at this point. Its a bit early (in real life time) for Michaels to come back as an everyday wrestler, and the Rock does have a movie to shoot. But does no one else think Michaels vs. The Rock wouldnt be amazing. Those two could talk circles around eachother.

Looking forward to WCW and their time to shine now. I hope Sting and Angle have more then just one run around on PPV. Angle sure has a lot to offer to WCW. I always thought the crusierweight tag titles were a waist of space and dentrimental to the real tag division, but you've been pulling it off well. I expect to see the WCW PPV matches get announced a lot more frequently that were over the Backlash hill.

I am guestimating that we will be seeing WCW's 6 ppvs with more of these familiar names, like Starrcade and Great American Bash, maybe some Halloween Havoc since if the two companies go bi-monthly ppvs, WCW will be getting October.

Either way keep me guessing, I am really enjoying this diary.

Edited May 19, 2006 by alancer

[Avenged Probably]

Backlash was great.. if a little predictable, but I see it was all in the aid of furthering storylines. I especially liked the Raven/Show match... how the hardcore division should be booked Also the Eddie 'losing' his belt was funny. Keep up the good work.

[tqwcw]

Monday, 4/30/01

Frederick, MD

Hosted by Jim Ross & Paul Heyman

GOING IT ALONE

It was an "electrifying" beginning to RAW this week as we opened up with the entrance of a stern-looking Rock. The Great One entered as the crowd chanted his name. Once the denizens of Frederick, MD regained their wits, Rock confirmed the news: Stone Cold had beaten The Rock and The Undertaker at Backlash to retain the World Wrestling Federation Championship. Rock instructed the jabronie in the production truck to roll the footage, and highlights of the previous evening's main event were shown on the TitanTron. Rock narrated the key developments in the match: Undertaker's incredible body press to the outside of the ring, various near-falls that were broken up by third men during the match, the finishing sequence which saw Rock come thisclose to regaining the WWF Championship, and the attempted interference by HBK and Mr. McMahon. Rock clarified that he was not standing in the People's Ring in order to whine. The Rock didn't come to RAW to whine; The Rock came to RAW to layeth the smacketh down! The Rock added that he wasn't going to assign blame for what happened last night; after all, he should have known that Stone Cold's sugar daddy, Vince McMahon, would involve himself in the match. Rock observed that the Chairman of the WWF seemed to be battling a mid-life crisis. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that Vincent Kennedy McMahon's life now revolved around Just For Men, Rogaine, and little blue pills. Vince had regrets. He'd spent his entire life in a suit and tie when what he truly wanted to be was a WWF Superstar. Rock said Vince had lived vicariously through Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and now, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Rock said he liked to make wishes come true. He loved to make people smile. Tonight, he would give Vince McMahon what he wanted. He would give him that second chance to be what he always wanted to be: he was calling him out for a match on RAW! Rock urged McMahon not to be bashful. As a matter of fact, he wouldn't take no for an answer. Rock said there would be no trip down Jabronie Drive to the Smackdown Hotel tonight; rather, he was taking Mr. McMahon straight to the brand spanking new Candyass Coral on Roodypoo Road! "If ya smellalalalalalalll--- what the Rock--- is cookin'." Rock stood in the middle of the ring, perhaps awaiting a response from the Chairman. He received a response, but it came not from McMahon or from any other Coalition member; rather, it came from The Undertaker! The American Badass appeared on his bike on the entrance, revved it up, and rode to ringside. Rock paced, and demanded to know what in the blue hell The Undertaker could possibly have wanted. Undertaker, gentleman that he is, first complemented Rock on his performance the night before. Rock said he had the feeling The Undertaker hadn't interrupted The Great One for the simple reason of shooting the breeze, and Undertaker admitted that it was true. Undertaker talked about the manipulations and ambushes they'd both been subject to since WrestleMania courtesy of The Coalition. "Know your role, and cut to the chase," Rock said. Undertaker stated that he thought it was unwise -- if brave -- of The Rock to decide to take on McMahon's Coalition all by himself. Last night, after all, proved just that. Undertaker reminded Rock that he had just as much beef with McMahon, Austin, and Michaels as Rock had. The Rock sarcastically wondered when it was that he had appealed to The Undertaker for his assistance. Taker retorted that his was a limited time offer. Rock instructed his interlocutor to turn around, fire up his "cheap-ass iron pony" and ride off into the sunset. Responding to Rock's insults, Undertaker stated that Rock would receive a free pass on this particular occasion. "Next time you choose you try so hard to be cute at my expense, I might just be libel to get offended," Taker said before leaving. Rock watched the American Badass ride off. JR and Paul Heyman were left to wonder if it would really happen: Would Vince McMahon accept The Rock's challenge? Would it be Rock vs. McMahon live on RAW?!

Throughout the evening, Michael Cole attempted to get a comment out of The Coalition but all evening long, the group was behind closed doors in its luxury suite backstage. When the climax of the WarZone arrived, Rock returned to the ring and again dared the Chairman to face him. Half a minute later, "No Chance" brought Mr. McMahon out into the arena! McMahon, donning his traditional wrestling gear, proceeded to let The Rock know that he was completely and totally out of line. Indeed, it would have been well within the realm of possibility for him to have Commissioner Regal send The Rock home for his shenanigans. The only complication, Vince claimed, was that, as was common knowledge, he was endowed with enormous grapefruits and thus would inevitably accept Rock's challenge! McMahon claimed that whatever injustice Rock endured the night before had been prompted by his own actions. "To paraphrase myself," McMahon smuggly continued, "Vince McMahon didn't screw The Rock. The Rock screwed The Rock." The crowd chanted "asshole" at VKM. Rock told Vince that if he was now finished shovelling an enormous, steaming pile of monkey crap, the Millions -- and Millions -- of Rock's fans were ready for this "sumbitch" to go down. McMahon gulped, and then said he'd had just about enough of Rock's egregious vulgarities. He swaggered to the ring. Rock immediately took McMahon down with a series of right hands. McMahon then took a clothesline. Rock whipped McMahon into the corner and stomped away at him. McMahon tried stumbling to the opposite side of the ring, but Rock grabbed him and dropped him with the People's DDT! Rock played to the crowd. McMahon tried desperately to roll to the outside, but Rock picked him up and laid the smack down with four punches. McMahon collapsed on the ropes. Rock grabbed him and Irish Whipped him. Rock Bottom! The elbowpad came off and he began running the ropes for the People's Elbow. Before he could connect, Shawn Michaels had appeared and pulled McMahon from the ring! Stone Cold, chair in hand, snuck into the ring while Rock was distracted by HBK and McMahon. Rock turned around and took a direct hit from the chair. Earl Hebner called for the bell and received a Stunner from the Rattlesnake. Rock wasn't done for just yet and, amazingly, he began to stand. Austin hit him with a second chairshot. HBK and McMahon returned to the ring and joined in the stomping. JR reminded viewers that there was no hope for The Rock -- he'd explicitly rejected The Undertaker's offer of backup! The final insult came when McMahon covered Rock with a vertical press, and HBK counted the three for him! Austin and Michaels raised McMahon's hands in victory. McMahon wore a nefarious grin; Rock had made his dream come true. RAW concluded with JR's apt observation: "The reign of terror continues in the World Wrestling Federation!"

FAMILY MATTERS

When Triple H promised Kane that he would become the subject of a "mercy killing" at Backlash, no one imagined that The Big Red Machine's own father Paul Bearer would assist The Cerebral Assassin in administering the euthenasia. JR brought Paul Bearer to the ring at the start of the WarZone for an explanation. Bearer was unapologetic when JR pointed out to him that he had turned his back on his own son in front of the whole world. Bearer claimed that for three long decades, Kane had been nothing but a cross to bear. He has made sacrifice after sacrifice for his troubled son. He said he tried his best, but there comes a point where enough is enough. Kane is a sociopath, Paul explained. JR challenged Bearer, noting that he was more than willing to try and use Kane to destroy his brother, The Undertaker, a few short years ago. Bearer admitted that Triple H and The Coalition could offer him one thing no one else could: financial security. He said it wasn't his business why Triple H had it in for his son. He said he knows very well that it is a father's job to protect his child, but claimed that there is nothing left of Kane to protect. "Kane is a freak of nature," he said. "The greatest gift I could give my son is a mercy killing, JR. He was an accident; he wasn't supposed to happen." Paul went on to declare that he owed no one any further explanation. But the lights then dimmed and a red haze descended over the arena. The usual explosion brought Kane out to the ramp! Kane stalked to the ring. JR wisely bailed while Paul Bearer froze. Kane stepped into the and ring and fire shot out of the ringposts in sync with Kane's gesture. Bearer clasped his hands and begged his son for forgiveness. Kane briefly considered the prospect, but quickly hauled off a right hand. As he picked up his father for a chokeslam, Triple H slid into the ring, sledgehammer in hand, and blindsided Kane with a brutal shot to the head. Bearer stumbled to the corner to recover while Triple H continued to bludgeon The Big Red Machine. The sounds of an engine reving were then heard for the second time that evening, and The Undertaker drove to the ring! As Undertaker slid into the ring, The Game and Paul Bearer made their escape. The American Badass then tended to his fallen brother. "Blood is thicker than water, at least in some cases!" JR declared.

STRIKING BACK

Edge and Christian retained their Tag Team Championship at Backlash thanks to the intervention of the third member of the Team REC contingent: the Man Beast. His Gore on Chris Benoit cost Benoit and Chris Jericho the match. This week on RAW, E&C showed Rhyno off in singles competition against the [superheavyweight] Lightheavyweight Champion Crash, accompanied to the ring by his lovely cousin, Molly. Crash, as usual, oozed confidence heading into the match, but it took very little time for Rhyno to decimate Crash with an awesome Gore. Edge and Christian -- whose fashion sense continued to deteriorate -- gave Rhyno a round of applause following the contest. But retribution soon followed, as Chris Benoit appeared out of nowhere, charging at Rhyno in the ring! The Rapid Wolverine ducked Rhyno's attempt at a Clothesline and dropped him with three rolling German Suplexes! Benoit, having made his point, slipped out of the ring before Edge or Christian could get at him! Rhyno was enraged as he favored the back of his neck.

Later on, Edge and Christian prepared to face the APA in non-title action, but first demanded from Commissioner William Regal that the unruly Canadian Crippler be ejected from the building. Regal, not one of Benoit's most ardent fans, was quick to oblige. Faarooq and Bradshaw had little interest in bearing witness to E&C's shenanigans and dominated much of their physical tag team contest. That said, Christian did turn some heads when he slipped out of Faarooq's attempt at a Dominator and then went for the Unprettier, which Faarooq in turn countered. Minutes later, Edge ducked a Bradshaw big boot and speared the big Texan! Just as he signaled for the Downward Spiral, though, Team REC received their second unexpected visit of the night, this one from Y2J! Jericho entered the ring by taking Edge off his feet with a springboard dropkick. Referee Jack Doan called for the bell. Christian then entered the ring and lunged at Jericho, but Jericho backdropped him over the top rope! Jericho was Mr. Intensity as he pumped up the fans and stared down the humiliated tag champs on the outside. Jericho's actions as well as Benoit's signalled that the two men were nowhere close to abandoning their quest to wrest the gold from their compatriots!

THE SEQUEL BEGINS

Commissioner Regal not only brought the Intercontinental Championship with him to the ring this week on RAW, but the beautiful -- and lethal -- Terri Runnels as well. Terri joined JR and Paul Heyman for commentary and, while Regal awaited the entrance of his opponent, he and Terri exchanged nauseating starry-eyed glances. As "The One" Billy Gunn made his way to the ring for the non-title bout, Terri credited Regal with having run Goldust out of the World Wrestling Federation before anyone had even had the chance to notice he'd returned. JR questioned why Terri was so eager to nip her ex-husband's return in the bud. Terri noted that JR knew very well that the marriage had been disastrous. Meanwhile, Regal and Gunn locked up. Gunn, a former IC Champion himself, seemed to realize that a win over the reigning titleholder would go a long way in securing a shot at the gold, but Regal seemed to stay one step ahead of The One here. When Gunn tried rallying the fans, he appeared frustrated by their lack of enthusiasm. After taking Regal down with a high elevation flying elbow, Gunn went for the One and Only cobra clutch slam, but Regal wrestled his way out of it and managed to execute the Union Jack neckbreaker for the pin.

Post-match, Terri brought the Intercontinental Title back into the ring and replaced it around her hero's waist. Business picked up when Goldust then appeared on the TitanTron! Goldust sat in his director's chair and applauded the duo for their "surprise ending" the night before. But he called Backlash "the opening act," adding that it was part of a much larger sequel. It was a sequel of which Goldust was the star. The story would continue, he said. "And by the time the credits roll, you will never forget the name-- Goldust!" Goldust's message concluded, and Regal and Terri exchanged looks of extreme dread...

BECAUSE SHE CAN

The WWF Rewind gave viewers a second look at Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Ivory's cheap victory over Trish Stratus and WWF Women's Champion Chyna at Backlash. Steph then came out to the ramp and was immediately greeted by the not-so-affectionate chanting of the crowd. Stephanie stated that no one could rain on her parade; she noted that she'd "beaten the odds" and overcome the Ninth Wonder of the World at Backlash. JR characterized the statements as revisionist history. Stephanie said she enjoyed the rush of the victory, but said she wanted more. She wanted to feel the way she did when she had gold around her waist. She realized that she simply couldn't rest until she'd beaten Chyna for her second WWF Women's Championship. Next week live on RAW, she would fulfill that vow. The daughter of the Chairman added that if Chyna failed to make the match, she would be stripped of the championship. "And another thing!" she screached, addressing the crowd. "I may be a slut, but I'm damn sure the richest slut any of you will ever see. So, go-- to-- Hell." Stephanie swaggered back up the ramp.

A STOLEN VICTORY

Tag team competition continues to heat up in the World Wrestling Federation, and this week, four of the top tandems in the world squared off in a Fatal 4-Way. The match pitted The Dudleyz, Too Cool, Saturn & Malenko of the Radicalz, and Venis & Richards (w/Ivory) of the RTC against each other. Before things got underway, the RTC members threw dirty looks in the general direction of Bubba Ray and D-Von, reflecting their frustration with their loss the night before. As a matter of fact, the outcome of the competitive 4-way on RAW indicated that Steven Richards's group wasn't prepared to give up its crusade just yet. With Bubba Ray and Val Venis as the legal men, Ivory hopped up on the apron and launched into a rant at Bubba Ray over his toxic immorality. Bubba moved to confront the loud-mouthed Censor, allowing Val to creep up behind with a schoolboy that led to the victory. The RTC members seemed quite pleased with their win, which marked the start of Round 2 in the apparently-ongoing Dudleyz-RTC war.

A BIT OF ADVICE

As promised all day long on WWF.com, JR updated viewers on The Big Show's condition live on RAW. Having taken a devastating plunge through a table from the top of the entrance ramp at Backlash, Show was taken to a Baltimore hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion serious enough to put him on the shelf for "a substantial period of time." We then went to Michael Cole in the back with the now-top Hardcore Contendor in the World Wrestling Federation, Raven. Cole asked Raven for his feelings on the horrific accident of the evening before. Raven pointed out that the corporate machine that is the WWF had "coopted" hardcore and made it revolve around chiuauas, sock puppets, and other such cute "gimmicks." Raven said that "his" hardcore was something else entirely, and as a matter of course, he refused to exist within Vince McMahon's consumer-driven constructs. Cole asked if this was Raven's way of admitting that he felt no remorse over causing the Big Show what could turn out to be an extremely serious injury. Raven took issue with Cole's outrage, reminding him that six days prior to Backlash on RAW, he had made it abuntantly clear that he was prepared to employ any means necessary in order to win his match. Raven blasted Cole and others like him for their hypocrisy, and refused to be "condemned" for his "nonconformism." It was then that Eddie Guerrero appeared with his European Championship. He seemed perplexed. "What the hell are you talking about, Ese?" he asked. Raven told Guerrero he was simply attempting to explain his position. Latino Heat pulled Raven aside and clued him in on a little something: "No one cares about you and your childhood and all of your other problems, man. You gotta get over it, already, bro." Raven retorted that what he was attempting to convey was simply beyond Guerrero's limited power of comprehension. Eddie took offense to this, and gave Raven a shove. The unapologetic nonconformist shoved back, and a full-on brawl ensued!

LACK OF LUCK

Test came to RAW looking to rebound from a disappointing loss at Backlash; his opposition came in the form of veteran Hardcore Holly, who appeared alongside cousin Molly. Holly offered no sympathy to his opponent, instead pounding away at him early on with stiff kicks and punches. Holly even clotheslined the bigger man over the top rope. Holly's penchant for brawling emerged on the outside as he sent Test into the ringside barrier and followed up quickly with a dropkick. Back in the ring, Test came back with a sidewalk slam and backbreaker. Minutes later, Test tried hooking Holly into a Northern Lights Suplex but Holly countered with a knee to the midsection. Test fell to all fours, and Holly seized his opportunity, executing an Oklahoma Roll and picking up the pinfall! JR admitted that the loss had to be considered "another disappointment for young Test."

A CORONATION LOOMS

The WWF made it official on RAW: the Federation's next pay-per-view would fall on in June (on the 24th), meaning only one thing: it would be the King of the Ring! JR announced that qualifying matches for the annual tournament would kick off in mid-May.

Edited May 20, 2006 by tqwcw

[Draevyn]

Just had a chance to read the last show, and figured I'd throw out a few random comments.

-Goldust is back, and that's all that really matters. Okay, I lie. You're also giving Regal something more then just a comedic card to play when things get boring. He actually looks like a contender which scores you more points in my book.

Looks like you're going with Kane/Taker once more re-aligning themselves, which used to be a matter of it being overdone, but not many have gone that route recently, so it just might be something different. Then again, I could be reading more into this then there really is.

Raven doing his usual schtick is good as well, and I like they way it seems you're trying to take Hardcore style away from the gimmicks, and make it more about what it should have been....Test losing also seems to point towards my theory over in WCW...

Nice overbooked ending to the show which was the usual during this era, and it worked nicely here, also the Kane/Triple H stuff is going the same way but that works. Not having Triple H, Undertaker or Austin wrestling on this show may have hurt it a bit, but they played their parts and served their purposes well so it can't be held against you that much.

[JairusCain]

i have noticed you reading my diary many times (not sure if you've posted or not, i dont remember) so i thought i would come over and check yours out. i must admit that i love it. it's very well written and insanely realistic. i too had hoped that wcw would be kept around as a seperate entity, but we all know how wwe likes to screw everything up. ill be keeping an eye on this diary. keep it up.

[tqwcw]

Hosted by Joey Styles, Mike Tenay, and Jerry Lawler

Trenton, NJ

Thursday May 03, 2001

KEEPING AN EYE ON THE PRIZE

The self-proclaimed "Innovator," Kanyon, was even more pleased with himself than usual this week on Nitro. He came to the ring early on during the broadcast and boasted about the chairshot that took out World/US Champion Booker T last week during the program. Tonight, WCW matchmakers had arranged for Kanyon to team with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair against scheduled Clash of the Champions opponents Booker T and Goldberg. Kanyon said he would take Booker T out once more. In fact, he would do it over and over again until he received the respect he deserved. "Who's betta than Kanyon?!" he asked. Kanyon was displeased by the crowd's response. Before Kanyon knew it, Ric Flair was on his way to the ring. There, Flair blasted Kanyon for wasting his time with The Question when they had a tag team main event scheduled for later on. Flair reminded Kanyon that you don't become a living legend in the sport by playing games. "And I don't play games, pal." Kanyon clarified that he was completely serious about knocking Booker T and Goldberg off their high horses. Flair was glad. The Nature Boy then took advantage of another opportunity to remind Goldberg and Booker T that this was "his" company and "his" sport and that he would remain the measuring stick in WCW as long as he wanted to. Flair then methodically planted seeds of suspicion in both of his opponents' minds by observing that neither of them could trust the other in the least. Kanyon nodded along in satisfied agreement...

Later, the Wheelin', Dealin' Son of a Gun relaxed backstage in a hot tub along with an assortment of local beauties. He was approached by Shawn Stasiak, who admitted to Flair that he had dropped the ball against Goldberg the week before. Flair was frank about being disappointed in the so-called "Star." Stasiak gushed over his unconditional respect for Flair, hoping he'd be granted a second chance to prove himself as a worthy protege. Flair kept Stasiak hanging.

In the main event, Flair and Kanyon met #1 Contendor Goldberg and World and United States Champion Booker T. Much to the consternation of Flair and Kanyon, Goldberg and Booker seemed to be a cohesive unit; after all, last week, Goldberg had intervened when Flair and Kanyon perpetrated a double team on the champion. Styles praised Booker and Goldberg for their fluid teamwork and ability to place thoughts of their upcoming pay-per-view encounter on the backburner. It was a close call eight minutes into the bout when Flair snuck in and hit a low blow on Goldberg, leading Da Man to fall to Kanyon's Flatliner! Kanyon went for the cover, but Booker broke up the pin attempt. Kanyon and Flair were able to take turns wearing down Goldberg, both of them focusing on the knees while doing so. Finally, Goldberg hot-tagged Booker, who sidekicked Flair out of the ring and took Kanyon out with the BookEnd. The Playa then scored the clean pinfall on Kanyon! Booker stood tall only momentarily as Kanyon re-entered the ring with the World Title belt and took aim at Booker from behind. Goldberg, however, was quick enough to foil the attempt. He grabbed the belt from Kanyon and sent him flying with a terrifying Yakuza kick. Goldberg had the World Title in hand as he turned to Booker T. In a tense moment, Goldberg slowly handed the uncomfortable Booker T the gold. Goldberg had had a brush with the championship he once held. The Clash title match had gained even greater significance as a result!

THE DIE IS CAST

Kurt Angle, as hard as it might be to imagine, had something to say on Nitro. Live and in the ring, the Olympic Hero told the Trenton crowd that he had to address the events surrounding his match with Ultimo Dragon the week before. On commentary, Styles and Tenay wondered if Angle might actually express remorse for having perpetrated that sneak attack on Sting. On the contrary, Angle actually blasted The Franchise for involving himself in Angle's business with the Dragon, accusing Sting of feeling threatened by Angle's arrival in WCW. Sting was trying to overshadow him, he angrily declared. Styles interjected that Sting had actually prevented an irrational Angle from snapping Ultimo Dragon's ankle; that was his only motive last week. Angle laughably claimed that he liked to face his opponents face-to-face, on equal footing. The hypocritical gold medalist demanded Sting's presence. Sting momentarily responded to the call and stood across from Angle in the ring! The crowd was solidly behind the Stinger; Angle was disgusted. Attempting to put the veteran in his place, Angle slapped Sting across the face! Sting may be an honorable man, but this was one instance in which turning the other cheek simply wasn't called for; Sting paintbrushed Angle right back! Angle was absolutely astounded and stumbled into the corner. Sting flexed and moved toward Angle. Angle quickly rolled out of the ring. "What the hell was that?" Angle asked in regards to Sting's reciprocated slap. Sting gestured for Angle to return to the ring. Kurt nodded and said they would be settling this -- but on his terms. He wanted a match with Sting at Clash of the Champions. Angle hinted the prospect was intimidating to Sting. Sting was handed a mic by David Penzer. He seemed to weigh his options for a moment, and finally deadpanned: "Well, Kurt. Kurt, you-- You twisted my arm. Clash of the Champions? You and me? I guess-- I guess it's Showtime!" Angle looked to be both eager and apprehensive. Regardless, the historic encounter had been set!

BIG BAD BOOTY, INDEED

If Big Poppa Pump was suffering any ring rust during his return to the ring this past week on Nitro, he did an excellent job of concealing the fact. Accompanied by Stacy Keibler, Scott Steiner faced Disqo and virtually dominated the match. When Disqo showed off his latest (horribly outdated) dance moves, Steiner responded with a stiff forearm shot. Steiner's subsequent offense included an impressive press slam and an overhead belly to belly suplex. Ultimately, The Genetic Freak hooked on the devastating Steiner Recliner, and Disqo submitted almost immediately.

Stacy posed with Steiner after the match. Steiner, flexing, yelled into the camera for Torrie Wilson's chosen mystery opponent to "bring it on" at Clash of the Champions. Torrie continued to play mindgames with the Power Couple, running into the ring and pantsing the Big Bad Booty Daddy! She quickly slid back out of the ring while Steiner and Stacy huffed and puffed in their anger. Back at the top of the ramp, Torrie spoke into a microphone. "Now that I've got your attention, I thought I'd let you know -- officially -- that I accept your challenge. I've made my choice and, Big Poppa Pump? You won't believe what you've gotten yourself into at the Clash of the Champions." Styles then confirmed that, next week on Nitro, the results of the WCW.com Hottie poll that sparked all of Torrie's problems with the Power Couple will be revealed!

PROVING GROUND

Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed Jeff Jarrett, who was flanked by Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis. Hudson sought insight from Jarrett into his recruitment of Guerrera and Psicosis as a sort of hit squad whose target had been Rob Van Dam the previous week. Jarrett not that RVD was looking for a match with him. He then ran down his -- the Chosen One's -- impressive credentials, contrasting them with the "amateur" achievements of Mr. Thursday Night. Jarrett said Van Dam was now in the big leagues, and furthermore, that he was looking to tangle with one of the "biggest names in WCW." Jarrett asserted that a shot at him was a shot Van Dam had to earn. Jarrett needed to know if Van Dam was more than just an "above average tumbler." To be convinced, RVD would have to go through Psicosis and Juventud.

By the end of the evening, RVD had won half the battle. He took on Psicosis in an exciting singles match. Jarrett watched at ringside as both men used aerial tactics, technical approaches, and martial arts-oriented offensives to wear each other down. Psicosis pleased Jarrett when he took RVD down with a Frankensteiner from the top turnbuckle. Psicosis followed up with an attempt at his Guillotine Legdrop from the top. RVD rolled out of the way at the last second. When a bruised Psicosis stood, RVD was waiting for him with a spinning heel kick. He then finished the luchadore off with a Rolling Thunder splash and Five Star Frogsplash! A frustrated Jarrett contemplated hitting the ring to brawl with Van Dam, and Van Dam seemed open to the notion. However, Jarrett ultimately decided to beg off. "Not so fast, Slapnuts," he said. "Next week, you've got to go two for two. It's you and Juvi one on one, and I have every confidence that the Juice is callin' your bluff." Or so The Chosen One certainly hoped...

DEEP IMPACT

Early in the evening, Lance Storm arrived at the arena and promised Scott Hudson that his recent issues with his tag team partner would be resolved on Nitro. Later, Storm came to the ring and, explaining that he had to be serious for just a moment, asked Mike Awesome to join him. Once Awesome had arrived at mid-ring, Storm recapped their accomplishments together as Team Canada. He noted, though, that since the Season Premiere a few weeks ago, they'd been faced with disappointment after disappointment. Storm said he wanted to turn things around. Awesome nodded; he wanted the same thing. "I'm glad you understand," Storm said. Suddenly, Justin Credible slid into the ring with his old Kendo Stick and blasted Awesome from behind! Awesome turned around and fought back against Credible, but Storm revealed his true agenda by joining Credible in the attack against The Career Killer! Appearing extremely satisfied, Dawn Marie sashayed to the ring. Credible held Awesome back while Storm delivered a Superkick that landed square on Awesome's jaw. Styles couldn't believe his eyes; they'd seen the reformation of one of the most dynamic tag teams in the history of Extreme Championship Wrestling, live on Nitro! After kicking the unconscious Awesome out of the ring Storm, Credible, and Dawn struck a familiar pose, and Dawn Marie's recent machinations all began to make sense. What did this impressive group have planned for WCW?!

REALITY CHECK

This week's WCW FreezFrame took us back to last week, when Diamond Dallas Page finally shut "Undeniable" Mike Sanders up with a Diamond Cutter. As the announcers mentioned in passing that Page was out of the country this week, Sanders headed to ringside, and he wasn't wearing his usual cocky grin. He first took the announcers to task for "airing their little replay" and then stepped into the ring with mic in hand. Sanders blasted all of the fans who laughed and applauded in response to DDP's cowardly actions the week before. Sanders talked about the dues he has paid as a graduate "summa cum laude" of the Powerplant. The Professor, Mike Tenay, commented that he had no clue such a distinction existed at the Powerplant. Sanders proceeded to state that, in contrast, Page had paid no such dues. Tenay again made a passing remark, clarifying that Page, too, had gone through the 'Plant. Sanders said nothing had been more disheartening for him as a starving, aching student of the game than to have to watch Diamond Dallas Page rise to the top of World Championship Wrestling because of politics and connections. Sanders called the rant his "Reality Check" for the misguided audience. DDP has no talent, he spat. He simply knows how to work a room, and that was the only reason he's enjoyed the success he has. On the NitroVision, Sanders showed pictures of Page rubbing elbows with Karl Malone, Jay Leno, Eric Bischoff, Muhammad Ali, and Chevy Chase. "There's your talent!" Sanders yelled. He then told the fans who paid to come and see Page at Nitro that he had better things to do: he had to shill the piece of garbage he called a book on equally-trashy European talk shows. He said the book wasn't Positively Page; it was Positively Pathetic. Sanders concluded by denouncing Page as a fraud -- a fraud for whom the gullible fans had fallen hook, like, and sinker. According to Sanders, Page did nothing truly to earn his spot, and therefore, he (Sanders) was going to take it! Styles and Tenay wondered if Sanders would have made such comments if Page had actually been in the arena. Lawler, of course, sympathized with Sanders and praised him for the Reality Check.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

In a preview of the upcoming Triple Threat tag match at the Clash for the Cruiserweight straps, Kidman, Jeff Hardy (w/Lita), and TAKA Michinoku each represented their respective teams this week in a singles 3-way. Not only are all three men talented lightweight stars, they also have little regard for their own well-being. That meant that this was a match full of jaw-dropping, high-energy action. Hardy threw himself over the top rope onto both of his opponents with a flying body press. Not to be outdone, TAKA did the same to both Hardy and Kidman minutes later with an Asai Moonsault. Finally, Kidman risked life and limb with a Shooting Star to the outside which took its toll on all three men. Later, back inside, TAKA attempted a Michionoku Driver on Jeff, but Hardy has had his fair share of matches with the Kai En Tai member and maneuvered his way out of the potentially match-ending spike. He softened TAKA up with a jawbreaker, and then went up top. Swanton Bomb! Jeff covered. 1---2--- and, no! Kidman pulled Hardy off and sent him outside with a leg lariat! Kidman then hit a quick standing moonsault on TAKA, and took the pinfall himself! Rey Mysterio came out to congratulate his co-champion on the victory. Matt Hardy also made his way down in order to check on his brother. After conversing, the Hardys and Lita confronted Kidman about the opportunistic manner in which he picked up the victory. Kidman and Rey appeared to defend Kidman's actions. Despite the mutual respect both of these teams claim to have for one another, trouble continues to bubble beneath the surface.

NO RESPECT

Former WCW Tag Team and Hardcore Champion The Bull is back in World Championship Wrestling after a brief hiatus and spoke to Scott Hudson on Nitro about his return. The Bull proclaimed that his future is as bright as his grandmother's cannolis are sweet. When Hudson alluded to The Bull's rumored ties to organized crime, The Bull took great offense, citing his membership in the upstanding Order of the Sons of Italy in America. Bull blasted Hudson for his comments, which he said amounted to defamation. Hudson issued a sincere mea culpa and the interview concluded...

Announced Clash of the Champions Card

• World Heavyweight Title: Booker T © vs. Goldberg

• Sting vs. Kurt Angle

• Torrie's Choice: Scott Steiner (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. ??? (w/Torrie Wilson)

• WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman © vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/Lita) vs. Kai En Tai

Match Results and Overall Ratings

Big Poppa Pump (w/Stacy ) d. Disqo (67%)

Triple Threat: Kidman d. Jeff Hardy (w/Lita) and TAKA (79%)

Rob Van Dam d. Psicosis (w/Jeff Jarrett) (76%)

Booker T & Goldberg d. Chris Kanyon & Ric Flair (84%)

[show Overall = 79% (down 3%)]

[Avenged Probably]

Another top Nitro which builds up nicely to the PPV.. which I think will be great.

Torrie continued to play mindgames with the Power Couple, running into the ring and pantsing the Big Bad Booty Daddy!

That made me laugh and would be an amusing sight

All in all you continued your storylines at a good pace.. and I'm looking forward to Sting /Angle which is good because I've never really been a Sting fan.

I've always been a fan of The Bull though and think he is underrated.. I'll be looking to see what you do with him.

Keep it up (Y)

[DigificWriter]

Just finished reading Backlash, RAW, and Nitro, and I have to say that I'm continuing to enjoy this diary. Even though I would have liked to see some of the Backlash matches (Kane vs. HHH; Goldust vs. Regal; E&C vs. Benoit and Jericho) end differently, I can totally see why you booked those matches the way you did.

In terms of RAW, I really like what's going on in the main event scene right now, especially in regards to 'Taker, Kane, HHH, and Austin. You've managed to sort of follow what happened in real life during '01 involving these 4 men, but have also added your own twists and turns, which is something that I like. I also like what's going on with the rest of the card, particularly in the E&C vs. Jericho and Benoit department.

Even though I am enjoying the WWF/RAW side of things, WCW/Nitro is where my interest truly lies, and you're doing a bang-up job with that brand. Every single one of the storylines you've been running has me interested from the top of the card to the bottom of the card, which is actually a rarity since, even back when I was watching WCW actively, there were only a few storylines that I actually cared about, and most of them involved upper mid-card and main event guys. I'm particularly interested in where you're going with the Kanyon/Booker and Flair/Booker/Goldberg mini-feuds.

The only real complaints I've got are that you're not using Shane in an on-screen capacity (see below for more), and that you've yet to have Booker defend the WCW US title in any capacity. Not having a title belt be defended for weeks at a time works when the person holding said title belt is a heel (i.e. JBL currently and The Big Show back in '04), but since Booker is not a heel, he should be defending the belt at least once every couple of weeks (possibly more). Anyway, I digress; getting back to the Shane thing, I can understand why you've chosen not to use him as an on-screen presence, although I personally like him when he gets the chance to flex his authoritative muscle, particularly when he's playing the role of a Face, and really think you're missing out on some golden opportunities by not having him appear on Nitro any longer.

Anyway, I'll quit ranting and close this review with another vote of confidence... You've been doing great with this diary so far, so keep up the good work.

[tqwcw]

Monday, 05/07/01

Richmond, VA

Hosted by Jim Ross & Paul Heyman

THE POLITICS OF DESTRUCTION

Following RAW's opening video and a look back at the previous week's Coalition clashes, a recorded statement from WWF Commissioner William Regal aired. Regal was introduced by Terri Runnels, who labeled herself the Commissioner's "press secretary." Regal, in his efforts to tighten the reins on the World Wrestling Federation, announced that there would be no more 24/7 Hardcore Championship opportunities. "All title matches have to go through me, don't they?" he asked, rhetorically and grumpily. JR admitted that the reform made sense, given that the Big Show and Raven had battled each other in an "unthinkably violent clash" at Backlash for a shot at said title. He wondered, however, how much Coalition rival and Hardcore Champion Kane would benefit from the change in policy given Regal's close affiliation with Mr. McMahon's group.

All of this served as a preface to the opening bout, which saw Kane face Hardcore Holly (with Molly). In a move that clearly demonstrated the renewal of their on-again, off-again bond, The Undertaker stood in Kane's corner during the match. Holly had scored an important victory the week before over Test, and he rarely shies away from a fight. But Kane, having fallen victim to cowardly Coalition attacks the week before and suffering further emotional scars as a result of his own father's participation in the "mercy killing" attempted on him by that Coalition, had some aggression to release this week. None of Holly's usually-formidable offense seemed to make a dent in the Big Red Machine's armor. As Kane took Holly off his feet with a clothesline from the top rope, cameras spied Raven keeping a close eye on the match on a monitor in the back. The self-proclaimed Noxious Nonconformist had yet to claim his shot at the Hardcore Title, but a future crack at the gold was clearly on his mind. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Hardcore Holly slipped out of an attemped slam by Kane. When Kane turned around to face Holly, Holly went for a high-elevation dropkick, but was swatted away by the monster with ease. Holly got back on his feet, but his perseverance was for naught. Kane hit him with a massive chokeslam, and if that weren't enough, finished the job with a Tombstone. It was over.

While Molly and referee Jack Doan assessed Holly's condition, Undertaker entered the ring, apparently pleased by what he'd seen from his brother. Undertaker gestured for a microphone, and Lillian Garcia was quick to oblige. The American Badass observed that something seemed to have gotten under his little brother's skin. But he added that that made two of them. He said that nothing Triple H did surprised him; he'd known for a long time that he, like his father-in-law, was the lowest form of life on the face of the earth. He said he had had his ups and downs with Paul Bearer over the years, but never did he imagine that Paul could actively condone the destruction of his own son. He mused that "the thing about destruction is, it's-- it's first come, first served. Triple H? Paul? The fact of the matter is that you won't be able to destroy Kane -- or myself -- if we end up destroying you first. And, as it happens, that's exactly what we intend to do." An extreme close-up of the Taker reinforced his serious tone. Kane's only comment came in the form of the usual ignition of the ringposts. "The Brothers of Destruction have spoken!" JR exclaimed. Wasting no time in responding to Taker's effective challenge, Triple H hit the ring with his closest ally Shawn Michaels. The Game and HBK were dispatched by the brothers as quickly as they'd appeared. Triple H, embarrassed and uncomfortable, was tempted to give the run-in another go, but he was held back by Michaels, and by newly-arrived wife Stephanie and co-conspirator Paul Bearer. "The Coalition has awoken a couple of giants, folks, and there is no telling how this one is going to end. Who will be able to destroy whom, here?!" JR wondered.

Back from the break, Raven was seen taking a second look at the Kane-Holly match in the back. European Champion Latino Heat happened by at this point, unbeknowsnst to Raven. Standing behind Raven, Eddie grinned as he recognized an opportunity to pick up a moral (if cheap) victory over the man with whom he'd sparred the week before. Raven, focused entirely on the replay of the match, didn't even know what had hit him when Eddie clocked him with the European Championship, knocking him out. "There's something else for you to cry about," Eddie nodded at his fallen foe, hinting once again at his lack of sympathy for the Superstar who has always been so woefully misunderstood...

OPEN MIC

In the compound of the Coalition backstage, Debra enjoyed some quality time with her husband and WWF Champion Stone Cold. They were interrupted by the arrival of Mr. McMahon, who told Austin he couldn't wait for the top of the program, when they would head to the ring for the "big surprise." Austin agreed that it would be a night to remember; he was sure that The Rock was glued to the set wherever he was, licking his wounds. Debra was completely out of the loop and asked what all of this was about. Stone Cold shrugged her off, explaining that it was "business." The Rattlesnake and the Chairman then left to fine tune their agenda, leaving Debra all alone.

At the conclusion of the show, Austin and McMahon came to the ring together. VKM was thoughtful enough to update viewers on the condition of his daughter, Stephanie. He explained that she was traumatized by Chyna's brutality, but was recuperating with a cup of herbal tea. As America breathed a collective sigh of relief, McMahon said it was time to proceed with the big surprise -- a surprise intended first and foremost for The Rock. Austin affectionately compared The Great One to the little engine that could. "That piece of trash tries and tries and tries, all by his little lonesome, and every time, he gets his ass whipped by Stone Cold -- and by Mr. McMahon, of course." Stone Cold said that more than anything else, it brought a smile to his face. Vince noted that Rock had to be smarting following last week's unfortunate series of events. Wouldn't it be nice if they could try to cheer him up? If they could extend the proverbial olive branch? Stone Cold agreed that it would be a heckuva nice thing to do. He reflected on the fact that Rock was such a musical person, always coming up with little ditties and sing-a-longs. Perhaps Stone Cold and Mr. McMahon could send him out a dedication tonight. They could do a little duet. McMahon loved the idea, and asked the crowd what they thought. Austin and McMahon were bombarded by heavy jeering. McMahon cringed. "A modicum of respect would be appreciated," he said. Austin thought McMahon was being too charitable. "Each and every one of you can kiss my ass. Now, shut your mouths so Mr. McMahon and I can sing our damn song." The disgusting duo proceeded to belt out a sarcastic tune deriding The Rock and suggesting that his fleeting time in the sun had now passed. The singing was nearly drowned out by the intense boos of the crowd. "What must The Rock think of all of this?" JR asked. We didn't have to wait as long as we might have to find out. Rock's music hit with minutes to go on RAW. Despite being hindered by a slight limp, the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment hit the ring and sent both crooners into retreat to the corner of the ring! After a brief pause, McMahon charged at Rock but got a Spinebuster. He rolled to the outside. Austin moved to kick Rock as a setup for the stunner but Rock caught Austin's boot and then laid the smack down. Austin bailed out of the ring. Rock symbolized his resurgence by standing on the turnbuckle and posing for the People. Austin and McMahon had been right about one thing: the evening did end in a big suprise, after all!

CANADIAN CONFLICT

The WWF Rewind recapped Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho's triumphs last week over their rivals from Team REC. Benoit and Jericho then made their way to the ring for their match. Jericho took the opportunity to welcome everyone to "RAW is Jericho." He then looked over at his tag team partner, and tacked on the delayed, "... and Benoit. Kinda." Jericho declared that the clock was ticking for "Team Reek." Y2J then had the monkeys in the production truck reair once more the footage of Benoit delivering the trio of German Suplexes to the Man Beast a week before. Benoit finally had a chance to speak and told Rhyno that if he thought that was something, he'd get a real kick out of the Crossface. Y2J then cut off the Rabid Wolverine in order to address their scheduled opponents for the evening: Radicalz Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn, both of whom Benoit and Jericho know all too well. Jericho reminisced about having forced Saturn into a dress years ago. He also claimed to have beaten Dean Malenko more times than Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley had spread her legs. This time, Benoit cut Jericho off, asking if they could simply get on with it and get Saturn and Malenko to tapping. Jericho only reluctantly gave up the mic. Malenko and Saturn charged to the ring and attacked before the bell. JR finally had a chance to get a word in edgewise and noted that WWF.com had promised all day long that Edge & Christian would have an apology for Benoit and Jericho this week based on the eye-opening beatings E&C received seven days prior. JR was suspicious of the planned apology, but Heyman was certain that Edge and Christian's statement would "reek of sincerity... and awesomeness." The finish of the physical match itself came when Jericho caught Stinko Malenko attempting a dropkick and locked him up in the Walls of Jericho, securing the submission.

Following the victory, Y2J and the Crippler were greeted on the TitanTron by Edge and Christian. They ranked Jericho and Benoit's victory an eight on the coolosity scale. Jericho demanded that the Brothers Assclown get to the point. Edge and Christian said that what happened on RAW the week before led them to see the error of their ways. Benoit and Jericho are a threat to their goldage, they acknowledged. They were a legit tag team force. If The Undertaker and Kane were the Brothers of Destruction, Benoit and Jericho were the "Scions of Sucktitude." Jericho corrected E&C, asserting that he and Benoit were, instead, the "Kings of the World" and that it was time for Edge and Christian to put their tag titles on the line once more in a return match. Edge and Christian did agree that they were the fightingest champions in WWF history. But they said the rematch would "never, eeeeeeever" happen, mocking Y2J directly. Benoit said he had a clear picture of the future as well, and involved a lot of tapping being done by the two of them. Edge and Christian hastily informed the gods of the Titantron that the interview was over, and that was that.

Following the break, Benoit prepared to hit the showers backstage but was blindsided on his way to the locker room by Rhyno once more. He had clearly been unleashed by E&C on Benoit yet again. Rhyno dominated Benoit momentarily, but after having had time to react, Benoit took the fight right back to the Man Beast. It took no fewer than a dozen assorted Superstars and officials to break the two men up. During the next segment, Representative of the Board of Directors Mick Foley called in and shared with JR and Heyman that he'd had enough; next week, it would be the Rabid Wolverine vs. the Man Beast for the first time ever, live on RAW!

Elsewhere backstage, Latino Heat approached his fellow Radicalz and, while wiping an offending smudge off of his European Championship, commiserated with them over their loss. He noted that if he'd been in their corner, things might have ended differently. Saturn and Malenko took offense to the suggestion that they need Eddie in order to be successful. They walked off, and Eddie rolled his eyes and looked at the camera man for answers. "What'd I say?" he shrugged.

A TASTE OF HER OWN MEDICINE

Being the daughter of the Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation has its perks, and one of them is the ability to book oneself to challenge for the WWF Women's Championship based purely on whim. That's exactly what Stephanie arranged this week; she'd stated on last week's program that if Chyna did not appear in order to defend her gold, she would suffer appropriate disciplinary actions. The Ninth Wonder of the World did show up, and she had her game face on. Her scarred back and neck beginning to heal, Chyna mounted an aggressive offense early against megalomaniacal Steph, who was in way over her head. Chyna nailed her with hard forearms and a DDT. She whipped Steph into the turnbuckle and squashed her with the handspring elbow smash. Stephanie was in a bad way and rolled to the outside. Chyna waited patiently for Stephanie to return. It soon became apparent that a master plan was at work; the TitanTron video and offensive music of Right to Censor began to play, and the announcers and crowd anticipated an appearance by Stephanie's ally Ivory. Chyna focused her attention on the entrance, assuming that Ivory would be making her way to the ring. This allowed Stephanie to scratch Lillian right across the face and toss her out of her usual chair. SMH then picked up the chair to bring into the ring. Halfway there, however, Trish Stratus hit the ringside area from the crowd and blasted Steph in the face with the chair with her superkick (the Chick Kick)! Steph was knocked completely senseless. Trish rolled Steph back into the ring. With Ivory nowhere to be seen, Chyna turned her attentions to Stephanie and dropped her with a powerbomb and pinning combination. 1-2-3. She retained! Trish celebrated Chyna's victory with her. Stephanie's plan had backfired; the use of the RTC entrance was supposed to have been sufficient enough to allow Steph to use the chair and pick up the win and the title, but things hadn't gone her way. Mr. McMahon and Ivory came to ringside to comfort her, but she was inconsolable. "There's going to be hell to pay!" her father could be heard screaming...

ACT I, SCENE II

Michael Cole looked in on the APA in their office as they played a few hands of 5-card draw prior to Bradshaw's scheduled non-title encounter with Intercontinental Champion William Regal. Bradshaw predicted that the Commissioner wouldn't be getting much business done after he ate the inevitable Clothesline From Hell. Cole asked Faarooq for his thoughts. Faarooq looked Cole over with a scowl. "Makes no damn difference to me," Faarooq said, before anteing up for the next round. Bradshaw smiled, and explained that his partner was in a touchy mood because it hasn't been his luckiest night of poker...

Press secretary Terri joined Regal at ringside for his match later on. JR observed that the duo did not seem eager to discuss their encounter with Goldust the previous week on RAW. Regal found himself rather outpowered by the big Texan, who slammed and suplexed the IC Champion with ease. Terri proved instrumental in turning the tide later on. She tried tripping Bradshaw, grabbing his leg from down below. While Bradshaw worked to shake her off, Regal positioned himself and was ready with a series of uppercuts when Bradshaw turned back around. Just as Regal inflicted further damage with a couple of knee strikes, production assistants appeared on stage, setting up a red carpet and a director's chair. Once those items were in place, Goldust appeared and took his seat in the director's chair, waving to both Regal and ex-wife Terri, whose eyes were now focused on him. Regal remained distracted for the rest of the match. He thus fell victim to a Big Boot from Bradshaw, who then wasted no time in delivering the Clothesline From Hell. It was over; Bradshaw picked up the win! Goldust smiled from his chair while Regal and Terri looked on with disdain. "That's a wrap!" Goldust shouted.

A TIME FOR TABLES

Right to Censor was out en masse this week when Val Venis faced Test. While Goodfather, Buchanan, and Ivory flanked the ring, Steven Richards joined JR and Paul Heyman on commentary. Richards accused JR of downplaying the significance of his and Venis's Fatal Four-way victory the week before. JR retorted that the victory meant little because it was tainted, to say the least. Richards blasted JR for condoning the morally repugnant conduct of the Dudley Boyz. Test had his hands full in the ring, having to keep up with the technically gifted Val Venis while simultaneously keeping an eye on the other Censors at ringside. Ultimately, Test ended up with another loss on his record. Venis actually defeated him legitimately: after grounding Test with a Fisherman Suplex, Venis went up top and connected with the Money Shot.

Richards decided to deliver another speech post-match, reveling in the fact that "the good guys" had picked up another win. The tide was turning, Richards suggested; Americans have had it with the filth, and they're finally coming around to the truth. As if to beg to differ, the Dudleyz hit the ring and tossed Godfather, Buchanan, Venis, and Richards out of the ring in that order while the outraged Ivory looked on. Bubba Ray got his hands on a mic and countered that what the American people want is tables. Specifically, what they want is the RTC's puritanical asses put through tables. "Testify!" D-Von enthusiastically concurred. Bubba Ray said he and his brother were sick of the back and forth and was pretty sure that the fans felt the same way. It was time to settle it once and for all, and as far as they were concerned, the best way to do so would be in a Tables Match -- next week, live on RAW! Richards was too overcome to muster up a protest, and so the match was as good as set!

EIGHT YEARS

RAW was hosted live at WWF New York this week by both "The One" Billy Gunn and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman. JR and Heyman checked in with the guest hosts during the program. In passing, Gunn asked his co-host if he knew of the anniversary that had just been marked. Blackman was completely clueless. Somewhat annoyed, Gunn told Blackman that he'd recently celebrated eight years on the road with the World Wrestling Federation. "That's a helluva long time," Gunn added. Blackman, looking past Gunn's almost confrontational tone, agreed and offered his congratulations. The One then excused himself, noting that he had "hundreds" of autographs to sign.

Match Results and Overall Ratings

Non-Title: Hardcore Champion Kane (w/The Undertaker) d. Hardcore Holly (w/Molly Holly) (66%)

Val Venis (w/Right to Censor) d. Test (76%)

Women's Championship: Chyna © d. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley (66%)

Kings of the World d. Radicalz Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn (81%)

Non-Title: Bradshaw d. Intercontinental Champion William Regal (w/Terri) (74%)

~Overall: 81% (unchanged)

Edited May 25, 2006 by tqwcw

[Draevyn]

Some nice storyline development on these shows. Something I would love to see is the changes in overness during these segments, as well as the rating each segment is getting. Just a little technical thing on my part.

Is it wrong that I'm more into the Goldust/Regal stuff then any other storyline you've got going on RAW?...lol.

[tqwcw]

Hosted by Joey Styles, Mike Tenay, and Jerry Lawler

Atlantic City, NJ

Thursday May 10, 2001

RUNNING LATE

In the days leading up to this week's Nitro, WCW.com had promised an interview with World and US Heavyweight Champion Booker T on the topic of his upcoming World Title defense against Goldberg at Clash of the Champions. When the show finally arrived on Monday night, Joey Styles explained to viewers that Booker T's flight to Atlantic City had been delayed but that the champ was planning to reach the building as soon as possible. Meanwhile, a feature bout pitting Goldberg against Kanyon had been set; the week before, Goldberg hampered Kanyon's attempt to lay out Booker T with the World Title belt. But Kanyon had also proven on that program that catching Da Man in the highly effective Flatliner was not an impossibility. Kanyon, in other words, had the opportunity to take his career to the next level by besting the #1 Contendor. When main event time arrived, Goldberg showed he had no intention of giving Kanyon an inch. Goldberg was a brick wall early on, refusing to budge when Kanyon hit him with right hands and clotheslines, and dropping Kanyon with ease with shoulderblocks and a big hiptoss. After Goldberg dropped Kanyon on his back with a powerful Double Underhook suplex, he planned to follow up with a Spear. Goldberg charged, but Kanyon met him with a Superkick! Kanyon had something to prove as he lifted Goldberg onto his shoulder and dropped him with a modified Dominator. Kanyon went for the cover, and almost scored a two count. Kanyon then went for a suplex, but Goldberg blocked the effort and and executed a brain buster of his own. When Kanyon stood, he was rocked by a Spear. The Jackhammer followed, as well as the pin.

Goldberg then discovered that, just as he was determined to return to the top spot in World Championship Wrestling, Ric Flair's primary objective was to reattain the prestige on which he has always thrived -- at the expense of the Goldbergs and Booker Ts of WCW. Flair ran in and hit the victorious Goldberg from behind with a double ax handle blow. The move had no effect on Goldberg, who turned around and shoved the Nature Boy to the mat. The window of opportunity had presented itself, though, for Kanyon to catch Goldberg again in the Flatliner. Flair and Kanyon then continued the assault, stomping at Goldberg and showing no signs of letting up. Ric Flair's on-again, off-again protege Shawn "The Star" Stasiak joined his mentor and Kanyon in the beatdown. "They've proven their point!" exclaimed a disgusted Mike Tenay, imploring them to stop. Finally, the tardy Booker T arrived and, chair in hand, ran both attackers off. Booker then checked on Goldberg, who had lost consciousness. How would Da Man ultimately react to the attack? Booker T had returned the favor Goldberg had done him last week. But was the relief provided by the Playa too little, too late?

HERO WORSHIP

It was the slap heard around the world, and this week WCW viewers had the opportunity to take a second look at it; the WCW FreezFrame replayed highlights of the confrontation between Kurt Angle and Sting the week before on Nitro that culminated with Angle slapping the Stinger across the face, and the latter slapping back! Subsequently, a huge match between Sting and Angle was set for Clash of the Champions. Sting had a prior commitment on Monday night, but Kurt Angle did appear this week to discuss the pending encounter. Angle immediately launched into another diatribe on Sting, mentioning the slap and blasting him for his lack of respect for him -- an Olympic Gold Medalist and an exemplary role model for millions and millions of fans across the globe. Angle claimed that Sting had made a career of riding on the coattails of others, such as Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan. Angle said there was no room for such parasitic behavior in the New WCW. He compared Sting to excrement that had been tracked into the soles of a shoe. Mentioning the crow imagery often associated with the Franchise, Angle said he is actually more of an albatross -- a burden that is weighing the company and the industry down. "I've done more for this business in a year and half than you've contributed in your whole career!" he alleged. At long last, Angle's tirade was broken in on by Lash Leroux, of all people. He had last been seen prior to the Night of Champions in March. Leroux, dressed in street clothes, walked to the ring from the back wearing a grave expression. Angle shook his head. When the Ragin' Cajun stepped into the ring, Angle asked, "And just who the hell are you?" Leroux introduced himself and offered Angle a handshake. Angle quickly rebuffed the offer and instead demanded to know what made Leroux think he could interrupt Angle in the disrespectful manner he had. Lash said that respect was precisely what he wished to discuss with Angle. Leroux said he had listened to every word Angle had said about Sting in the back and couldn't believe it. Leroux had to be honest: Angle was way out of line. Lash stated that he actually entered the business because of Sting and that he wasn't the only one, either. Sting had inspired an entire, new generation of wrestlers to enter the sport and aspire to achieve the kind of success Sting has enjoyed. Leroux talked about the sacrifices Sting had made for the sake of World Championship Wrestling, and told Angle he could stand to learn a lot from the man. Leroux didn't want to step on any toes, but he said he couldn't remain in the back and listen to Angle's blatant untruths without speaking up. Angle paused. "Well, kid," he finally said. "I've got to admit it. You've given me new perspective. An entirely new perspective. I appreciate it. I really do. And, on second thought, I do want to shake your hand. It would be an honor." Angle extended his hand. Leroux considered his options. Finally, he gave Angle the benefit of the doubt. Angle and Leroux shook hands. As soon as the grip was broken, though, Angle grabbed Leroux in a belly to belly suplex. He Angle Slammed Lash, and then put on the Ankle Lock. Lash immediately tapped and vocalized the pain, but Angle refused to release the hold. Officials arrived on the scene to break things up, but Angle would only let go of Leroux's ankle when he was good and ready. Angle grabbed the microphone one more time and pointed out that what he had done to "little carrottop" he would visit tenfold on Sting at the Clash. Later, the announcers received word from medics that Leroux's ankle had been broken during the scuffle. "Kurt Angle's hatred, jealousy of Sting has now reached dangerous and irrational levels," Styles solemnly opined.

A REUNION, OF SORTS...

Diamond Dallas Page was back live on Nitro this week, and his primary objective seemed to be to respond to the charges leveled against him the week before by "Undeniable" Mike Sanders. Sanders had strongly implied that Page had only his superior networking skills to thank for the success he'd found in WCW. Page said that Sanders was entitled to his opinion but that he couldn't be farther from the truth. Page didn't want to sound like a self-promoter, but ran down the lengthy list of dues he had paid, contradicting Sanders's assertions of the week before. DDP then laid out the bottom line; the naked truth. If the Radicalz hadn't jumped ship at the beginning of Y2K, there never would have been any Natural Born Thrillers. Having completed his strong retort, DDP confirmed that he was, indeed, "jacked" and wanted to settle up with Sanders then and there. He called him out for a match. His music having begun, Mike Sanders appeared a few seconds later -- on crutches. Page asked the obvious question: "What the hell happened to you?" Sanders prefaced his response by claiming that Page's rant had been nothing more than the ramblings of a midcarder who was past his prime and never really very good to begin with. In other words, he wanted nothing more than to accept DDP's challenge and "take his (DDP's) spot" as he had threatned to do last week. However, the problem was that he had been stung by a "massive Portuguese manowar" on one of Atlantic City's beaches that afternoon; WCW management simply wouldn't allow him to wrestle in such a condition. Sanders could offer DDP the next best thing: an opponent to stand in for him. Page told Sanders to bring it on -- whoever and whatever; they'll Feel... the... Bang! Sanders said he didn't have to look far for his stand-in. In fact, his substitute of choice happens to hail straight from Jersey, like DDP, and also happens to know Page very well. Without further ado, Bam Bam Bigelow appeared at Sanders's side! Page's former partner and foe alike looked eager to battle with DDP once more, and DDP looked up to the (considerable) challenge, too. Bigelow powerwalked to the ring. Page slid to the outside and went after Bam Bam with right hands. Bigelow ultimately grabbed Page in a bear hug and drove him into the back of the ringpost hard. He sent Page into the ring and then entered himself, allowing the match finally to begin officially.

Bigelow seemed fresh after his hiatus. He dropped Page in the middle of the ring with a slam, weakened him with an elbow drop, and then inflicted further harm with a diving head butt right to the groin. Bigelow dropped Page with a stuff piledriver. He then went up top, and the announcers were quick to remind viewers of Bigelow's impressive agility. Sanders verbalized his support for the Beast From the East at ringside. Page surprised Bigelow by making it to his feet before Bam Bam could come off the top rope. Bigelow had his back turned, and so Page grabbed him from the top turnbuckle in a Reverse Neckbreaker. Next, Page showed deceptive strength by executing his side belly to belly suplex on the big man. When Bigelow started to stand, Page positioned himself to hit him with a Diamond Cutter. Sanders, however, suddenly seemed impervious to the pain of his alleged jellyfish sting, and popped up on the ring apron! Page went over to him and hiptossed him into the ring. Diamond Cutter! Sanders was taken out. Bigelow was back up, though, and picked up Page for a Bigelow Driver (formerly known as Greetings From Asbury Park). Page slipped off of Bigelow's shoulder and transitioned seamlessly into a Diamond Cutter. 1--2--3! He got him! Page celebrated in the stands with the crowd as he threw up the Diamond Cutter sign. Had he dispelled the myth that he was no more than a backstage politician? Sanders is certainly not shy, so we're sure to find out, either way.

CHASING THE CHOSEN ONE

"The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett kicked off Nitro this week by heading to the ring and writing off Rob Van Dam's victory over Psicosis last week as a stroke of luck. This week, RVD had Juventud Guerrera to contend with, and Jarrett said that "lightning doesn't strike twice, Slapnuts," addressing Van Dam. RVD arrived for the match and, after a staredown with Jarrett, Juvi entered and the match got underway. Jarrett was right about one thing: Juvi is no slouch. The roller-coaster of an opening match spanned twelve minutes and was full of near-falls on both sides. The tide turned for the last time when RVD blocked an attempted 450 Splash with his knees. RVD dragged Juvi to the middle of the ring, flattened him with a standing senton, and then connected with the 5-Star Frogsplash to pick up the convincing win! Jarrett could be seen cursing from his vantage point at ringside. Jarrett came into the ring and took aim at RVD from behind with the guitar. RVD moved just in time, and the guitar smashed to bits on the turnbuckle. When Jarrett turned around, he was met by a stiff sidekick from Van Dam and found himself laid out in the ring! It was safe to say that Mr. Thursday Night had now proven himself worthy of a match with The Chosen One at the Clash.

SECOND THOUGHTS?

"Mean" Gene Okerlund returned to WCW this week in order to reveal the results of the intense voting on WCW.com. Which WCW Hottie would grace the cover of the first "New" WCW Magazine? The favorites were rivals Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson, both of whom Okerlund brought out to the ring. Stacy was accompanied as always by Big Poppa Pump. Okerlund confirmed that it had been a close race, and gave both women and their fellow competitors Dawn Marie and Lita their props. The actual results of the voting? Stacy Keibler had won. Stacy and Steiner immediately began celebrating, rubbing the victory in Torrie's face. Okerlund finally interjected that Stacy and Scott hadn't let him finish. Stacy Keibler had won; she'd won as many votes as Torrie Wilson. It was a tie! Stacy and Torrie would be sharing the cover of WCW Magazine, and we would see highlights from the photo shoot next week on Nitro. Torrie was perfectly happy with the news, but the Power Couple did not appear to feel the same way. Torrie left the ring to interact with fans at ringside on her way to the back, but Big Poppa Pump grabbed a mic and stopped her. He said enough was enough. He was certain that WCW had rigged the online voting. He also demanded to know who Torrie was bringing to the Clash to face him in the previously agreed-upon match. Torrie replied that she hated spoiling surprises; Big Poppa Pump would just have to wait and see. Angered, the Genetic Freak said that if Torrie wanted to play that game, it really didn't matter; he would cripple whoever she brought to the pay-per-view, period! Despite his claims, though, the Big Bad Booty Daddy seemed apprehensive about who Torrie might have enlisted as his opponent.

A NEW THREAT

WCW fans were eager to hear an explanation from Lance Storm, Justin Credible, and Dawn Marie in regards to their having set up Mike Awesome for a beating last week. Just what was their agenda? Scott Hudson grilled them backstage. Dawn Marie pointed out to Hudson that he was looking at the most underrated, effective tag team in the business. For viewers unfamiliar with Extreme Championship Wrestling, Hudson briefly mentioned the history of the Impact Playaz. Dawn admitted that, from the minute she arrived in WCW, it was her intention to put the Playaz back together -- stronger than ever. Lance Storm discussed what it meant to excel in this sport, claiming that for him, there was no other option than to do just that. That is exactly why Mike Awesome had to be cut loose. He admitted that NC-17 had managed to hold onto the tag team titles that should rightfully be Storm's for quite some time. But with the Impact Playaz reunited, that would soon change. Justin Credible then chimed in. "That, my friends, is incredible." Hudson asked Credible about his other tag team partner, X-Pac, who is sidelined with an injury. Dawn interjected that it was obvious to anyone with two eyes and a semi-functional brain that X-Pac's only use for Justin was to use him him as a crutch for winning singles matches. Awesome and X-Pac were both dead weight, and they're also both now ancient history and don't bear discussion. Besides, actions speak louder than words, anyway. She christened this the "dawning of a new era" for the tag team division in WCW. Tenay had to wonder what Mike Awesome and X-Pac made of all of this.

Later, World Tag Team Champions NC-17 were in non-title action. Their new motto is "Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow," and this week the opposition was provided by youngsters Michael Shane and Scoot Andrews, both of whom were looking to impress WCW agents and pick up an upset victory. However, Palumbo and O'Haire continued to be in top form. Palumbo even debuted a new finishing maneuer -- the Upchuck (a reverse powerbomb) leading to Shane eating the pinfall. When Dawn Marie stated earlier than actions spoke louder than words, she meant it; as NC-17 made their way to the back post-match, they were ambushed by Storm and Credible as Dawn looked on. Storm drilled Palumbo with a superkick, knocking him down; at the same time, Credible cracked O'Haire's forehead open with a stiff Kendo Stick shot. Officials arrived on the scene, reprimanding Storm and Credible for their actions. "It looks to me like the Impact Playaz have just issued a challange to the World Tag Team Champions!" Styles observed.

POPULARITY CONTEST

The slow build in tension between The Hardy Boyz and WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions Kidman and Rey Mysterio had, until this week, been confined to in-ring incidents. This week, the developing strain spilled into a new domain entirely. Out in the parking lot, Kidman and Mysterio were seen on-camera being mobbed, as usual, by a large group of female fans eager for autographs and an up close and personal glimpse of the champions. When Matt and Jeff arrived in the lot with Lita, a large chunk of those admiring female fans flocked over to the Hardyz, fawning over them instead. Kidman and Mysterio were clearly irked by the Hardys' venturing into their territory, and the two teams had words once more. The dynamic continues to be one of oil and water, and it's all leading to the Triple Threat match for the gold at the Clash.

THE WRONG ANSWER

The Bull was set to return to action this week on Nitro, but he was seen during the program approaching his scheduled opponent Hugh Morrus backstage and telling Morrus that he had an offer to make. The Bull proceeded to offer Morrus a wad of cash to throw the match and eat a pin. Morrus asked for a minute to think about it, and immediately answered, "no." The Bull counted out the cash, assuring Morrus that it was legit. Morrus could not, however, be bought. He planned to go forward with the match. As he walked away, The Bull attacked from behind with a nearby 2x4, cracking Morrus over the skull with it and knocking him unconscious. The cowardly, dangerous Bull then walked off, having avoided stepping into the ring with Morrus by hook and crook.

IN ONE WEEK

Prior to the main event Styles, Tenay, and Lawler were informed by the production truck that WCW Owner Shane McMahon had conveyed to them that a major announcement would be made on the following week's Nitro. With no indication of what the announcement might pertain to, speculation ran wild!

Announced Clash of the Champions Card .::. 17 Days Away!

• World Heavyweight Title: Booker T © vs. Goldberg

• Sting vs. Kurt Angle

• Torrie's Choice: Big Poppa Pump (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. ??? (w/Torrie Wilson)

•"The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett vs. Rob Van Dam

• WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman © vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/Lita) vs. Kai En Tai

Match Results and Overall Ratings

Rob Van Dam d. Juventud Guerrera

Non-Title: World Tag Team Champions NC-17 d. Michael Shane & Scoot Andrews

Diamond Dallas Page d. Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Mike Sanders)

Goldberg d. Kanyon

[Avenged Probably]

Great Nitro and RAW, everything is coming along nicely. Looking forward to Clash Of Champions.

WCW is getting very enjoyable as we get closer to the PPV

I too like someone else mentioned am finding the Regal/Goldust thing great.

Not sure about having Paul Bearer back though, dunno why It just doesn't seem right to me.

Anyway keep up the good work

[DigificWriter]

Great Nitro. Can't wait for the Clash.

I'm intrigued by this major announcement from Shane. Here's hoping it involves the US title in some manner.

I'd actually like to see you bring LeRoux up from OVW full-time and start a mini-feud between him and Angle. Although I'm not too familiar with LeRoux and his character, something about his segment with Angle strikes me as a golden opportunity for you to create more stars (similar to what has been done on Smackdown! for the past few years).

Really enjoying what you've got going on in regards to the upper midcard/main event scene, particularly in regards to Flair. Even though you've got him saying that he doesn't like 'new' guys coming in and stealing his spotlight, you've still got him giving the 'rub' to guys like Kanyon and Stasiak, which strikes me as the perfect lead-in to the reformation of the Horsemen (you'd just need to find a fourth member). Not saying that you SHOULD reform the Horsemen, only that the current storyline you've got going could be used as a great lead-in to a Horsemen reformation.

Like I said, I can't wait for the Clash, and I also can't wait to see what you've got planned for this major announcement from Shane.

[Draevyn]

You know, when I look at the matches being used on Raw, if you were to give us the ratings, I have a feeling they wouldn't be very high, specially with the fodder matches.

When it comes to Nitro, I'm liking Kanyon and Sanders actually getting a shot at the big time, but in small doses. You're not rushing anything which is good, and The Impact Players being reformed has definitely got me interested. Them against NC-17 is good, but I hope you don't rush them to the title.

[tqwcw]

Monday, 05/14/01

Washington, DC

Hosted by Jim Ross & Paul Heyman

DON'T CROSS THE BOSS

RAW opened with a shot of Mr. McMahon, Stone Cold, Debra, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Stephanie McMahon entering the arena. Stephanie, wearing a neckbrace, was seated in a wheelchair being pushed by her husband. All wore stoic expressions and were approached by Michael Cole, curious to hear from Mr. McMahon. It was common knowledge that the Chairman had been furious ever since the tables had been turned on the Coalition the week before by both The Rock and the duo of Chyna and Trish Stratus, as well. An eerily calm McMahon confirmed to Cole that there would be retribution this week. McMahon reported that Chyna's powerbomb on his daughter the week before had caused her a "significant" neck injury. Vince described Chyna as "unnatural." He said she would put her Women's Championship on the line again this week. It wouldn't be just any Women's Championship match; it would be a degrading, humiliating spectacle. It would be a mud match. And Chyna could count on no one for support this week, because her challenger would be her closest ally: Trish Stratus! JR wondered if the Chyna/Trish alliance could survive a mud match. McMahon then moved on to the male banes of his existence: The Rock and Kane. McMahon said there would be no sing-alongs this week. There would be no more discussion of mercy killings. The Rock and Kane had asked for it, and this week they would get it. McMahon instructed the production truck to switch to a view of the ceiling of the arena, from which a steel cage was seen suspended! Tonight, there would be no escape for Kane or The Rock, because they would be confined within the four walls of the steel cage in a tag team match against none other than the Toughest SOB in the World Wrestling Federation and the Cerebral Assassin: Stone Cold and Triple H of the Coalition! Austin and Helmsley's facial expressions in response seemed to indicate that this was as much news to them as it was to the rest of America. Satisfied, McMahon repeated, "This week, RAW is retribution."

Following the commercial break, HHH and Stone Cold could be seen questioning McMahon about his booking decision. McMahon gave his right hand men a peptalk, assuring them that Rock and Kane would finish the night having been beaten into a substance with the consistency of guacamole. Nearby, Grand Masta Sexay made the unwise decision to crack a joke to partner Scotty 2 Hotty about Stephanie's ridiculous neckbrace. Triple H and Mr. McMahon overheard and angrily approached Too Cool. HHH ordered Sexay to repeat what he'd said. An apologetic GMS confirmed that he had poked a little harmless fun at the Chairman's daughter and the Game's wife. McMahon told the Grand Masta that he had picked the wrong week to cross the boss. "Grand Masta Sexay? You're fired!" McMahon declared, as only he could. Too Cool were in disbelief. Later, an assortment of solemn Superstars joined Scotty in bidding Sexay farewell. The latter left the arena with his bags packed, facing a future filled with uncertainty.

At the beginning of the WarZone later on, Shawn Michaels headed to the ring. The Heartbreak Kid observed that the arena was positively abuzz with chatter about the upcoming Steel Cage main event. Michaels said that, as the Icon, the Showstoppa, and the Main Event, he had extensive experience with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Triple H, The Rock, Kane, and Steel Cages. Ergo, he had a great deal of insight to offer where the upcoming tag team match was concerned. Michaels predicted that it wouldn't come down to the Tombstone. It wouldn't come down to the Rock Bottom. It would come down to the Pedigree, and the Stone Cold Stunner. The house lights then went down briefly; when they returned, "Rollin'" began to play and The Undertaker rode down to ringside! HBK did not greet the American Badass warmly and instead stood in the corner of the ring uncomfortably awaiting an explanation. The Undertaker told Michaels he had some insight of his own. Before Undertaker could proceed, Michaels took The Undertaker back to Bad Blood 1997. "Cages have tons of significance for the Brothers of Destruction, don't they, Taker?" Michaels, beyond smug, asked. Undertaker said he had simply come out to place his money on Kane and The Rock tonight, but said that Shawn Michaels had done him the favor of reminding him that they -- the two of them -- had unfinished business. "There's going to come a day when you and me are going to settle up," Undertaker said. "And who knows? That day may come sooner rather than later." Taker turned his back on HBK and left. Michaels looked as though he would've liked nothing more than for the canvas to swallow him up where he stood.

This week's RAW was set to feature the return of that time-honored tradition, the bikini contest. With Jerry "The King" Lawler now an employee of Shane McMahon's World Championship Wrestling, hosting duties were assumed by another enthusiast of the female form, Howard Finkel. The scheduled competitors were Debra (and her puppies) and Molly Holly. Both women came to the ring and prepared to show off the goods. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, however, put a crimp in the works. He walked to ringside and questioned his wife. This was a private matter, so Austin omitted to use a microphone. However, WWF cameras did pick up Austin asking Debra where she had packed his kneepads. "Where's your head at, woman?" he vented. Austin wasn't necessarily upset by the notion of his wife exposing herself on national TV; he was simply taking issue with what he perceived to be her negligence in regards to "domestic duties." The Rattlesnake dragged Debra backstage. While the Austins tended to their luggage issues, Finkel awarded the contest to an appreciative Molly Holly via forfeit. Molly appeased the crowd by removing her robe and taking a leisurely victory lap around the ring. Minutes later, backstage, Molly quenched her thirst with a glass of water. Haku walked up and winked at Molly, having enjoyed the view earlier. Molly's disapproving cousins Crash and Hardcore Holly then walked up, took notice of Haku's apparent interest, and insisted that Molly promptly cover herself up.

Later, backstage, Mr. McMahon found a perspiring Paul Bearer pacing. McMahon asked Bearer what was wrong, and Paul explained that he just wanted it all to be over -- for Kane to be taken care of. Vince assured Paul that he had nothing to worry about. However, after Vince walked off, Bearer shook his head, picked up his suitcase, and walked out of the arena at a brisk pace. His anxiety was obvious. The question is just what Kane's father's next move might be.

With a giant vat of brown goo in place on stage, the Mud Match for the Women's Championship was set to begin. Women's Champion Chyna and challenger Trish Stratus appeared as ordered. Prior to the match, the friends exchanged a handshake. Things got underway, and what followed was more slipping and sliding than catch-as-catch-can action. Both women quickly ended up covered in mud. Trish came thisclose to winning the championship with a roll-up, but Chyna rolled through on the attempt and scored the pin herself. Trish was disappointed, but not enough to drive a permanent wedge between her and the Ninth Wonder of the World (as Mr. McMahon had, perhaps, hoped). Dirty and wet, Chyna and Trish embraced following the match. Backstage, Stephanie threw a tantrum, leaping out of her wheelchair, pouting and, in effect, exposing her hypochondriasis...

Main event time finally arrived and Stone Cold and Triple H made their entrances. Kane was next. Finally, The Rock came back to Washington, DC. The crowd had been made to wait all night for a glimpse of the Great One, so they nearly blew the roof of the joint when he finally showed himself. Both Rock and Kane seemed eager to get their hands on Austin and Helmsley within the confines of a Steel Cage. The match could end only by pinfall, submission, or escape from the cage by both members of a team. As soon as the cage door was locked, Stone Cold and HHH immediately began climbing the cage looking to escape, but Rock and Kane immediately put the kibosh on that. Austin & Rock and HHH & Kane paired off on opposite sides of the ring and brawled. Earl Hebner had little hope of maintaining any semblance of order; these two teams were simply going at it. After Rock hit Austin with a Samoan Drop, the Brahma Bull began climbing the cage. Austin got up and also began to climb in pursuit of The Rock. Austin pulled on Rock's leg, and Rock came crashing down to the mat. Kane then shook the side of the cage, causing Austin to plummet as well. When Kane turned back around, Triple H was waiting with a kick to the midsection. He tried applying the Pedigree, but Kane took HHH off his feet and dropped a leg for a two count. With Rock still hurting, HHH and Austin were able to concentrate on double-teaming Kane; they sent the Big Red Machine into the side of the cage. HHH connected with an ambitious Spinebuster. Austin dropped Kane on the top rope with a Stun Gun. Kane kicked out at two. Helmsley sent Kane into the ropes but Kane reversed the whip and took HHH down with a Big Boot. Rock moved to avoid an elbow smash from Austin. Rock battled back with a series of punches; he laid the smack down and Austin then walked right into a Rock Bottom! Rock was slow to make the cover and Austin kicked out at two. A minute or two later, Austin sent Rock into the ropes and then kicked him low. Austin hit Rock with a Stunner! Kane, however, broke up the pin attempt. Triple H took Kane out at the knees from behind. Austin hit a series of mounted punches on Rock. Rock was finally able to shove Austin off and when both men were back on their feet, Rock drilled Austin with a DDT. Rock got a two count. Triple H and Kane, meanwhile, both began climbing the cage and exchanged kicks and punches on their way up. Rock ducked an Austin clothesline. Austin responded by giving Rock the finger. Rock had no time for games and hit Austin with a Spinebuster. When Austin stood back up, Rock hit a second Rock Bottom. He then removed his Elbow Pad and tossed it over the top of the cage. Triple H, from up above, saw that his partner was in a bad way but Kane kept him busy, grabbing the back of his head and grating his forehead onto the steel in front of him. Rock connected with the People's Elbow in the ring. Hebner was in position, and sure enough, Rock scored the pin! Rock and Kane had won on "RAW is Retribution!" Furious, HHH shoved Kane off the side of the cage back into the ring. HHH climbed back down into the ring and helped Austin up. With Kane down, Rock faced a potential two-on-one assault. The cage began to rise, and Shawn Michaels walked to ringside. It looked as though a three-on-one challenge was about to face Rock. As Austin and HHH lunged at the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment and HBK slid into the ring, The Undertaker appeared at the entrance. He began walking to the ring. "The American Badass is here, and the Coalition may just have hell to pay!" JR cried as RAW concluded.

REEKING OF SNEAKINESS

In a match ordered by Mick Foley, representative of the Board of Directors, last week, a Rabid Wolverine battled with a Man Beast. The problems between Chris Benoit and Rhyno had been brewing for weeks as an off-shoot of the conflict over the Tag Team Championship between reigning titleholders Edge & Christian and Benoit & Chris Jericho (The Kings of the World). Rhyno is an impressive in-ring specimen, but Benoit's technical acumen compensated for his cost in size. Regardless, although Benoit was able to ware down Rhyno with suplexes and knife-edge chops, Rhyno used his raw strength to manhandle Benoit, even pressslamming him out of the ring onto the outside at one point. Rhyno sent Benoit hard into the ringsteps on the outside. Back in the ring, Rhyno charged for a Gore but fell to a drop toe hold. Benoit quickly tried locking on the Sharpshooter but Rhyno powered out. Benoit stomped away at Rhyno. He dropped him in the middle of the ring with a snap suplex and then went up top for the diving headbutt. Christian hit the ring and went to shove Benoit off the turnbuckle. Christian instead was met with a headbutt and crashed down onto the cement. Benoit took to the air, but Edge had also appeared by now and pulled Rhyno to safety; Benoit was not able to connect with his high-risk maneuver. Benoit slowly got up and Rhyno prepared for a Gore. Again, Benoit moved and Rhyno ended up colliding hard with the steel ringpost. Edge hopped onto the apron but ate a dropkick from Benoit that sent him down onto the ringside barrier, taking him out of commission. Benoit turned back to Rhyno. He tried locking in the Crippler Crossface but Rhyno blocked it and countered with a Sidewalk Slam. Moments later, the third time was the charm; the Gore was executed without incident. Rhyno scored what some would consider the upset victory over the established Canadian Crippler, who had taken quite the beating.

A few minutes later, the mutual admiration society that is Team REC gave each other props backstage. Chris Jericho broke up the discussion by declaring that each of the three men were all bigger assclowns than the others. Jericho said that no one did to a King of the World what Team REC had done to Chris Benoit. He wanted a match with Edge or Christian later on on RAW! E and C, though, had a hard time deciding which of them would face Y2J. Our Paragon of Virtue decided to make it easier for the champions by announcing that he'd wrestle them both, in a handicap match! Jericho walked away leaving his interlocutors speechless, which is a rarity in and of itself.

The handicap match would take place during the WarZone. Jericho held his own in the early going, countering E&C's double-team offensives and splitting his time between them equally: a springboard dropkick for Christian here and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for Edge there. Edge and Christian, however, had the numbers on their side. Edge took Jericho off his feet with a Missile Dropkick, and Christian then followed up with an inverted DDT. E&C signaled to the crowd that it was over as they hit Jericho with the Double Impaler. To their shock and horror, however, Jericho kicked out at 2.9! Edge tried a succession of simple vertical presses to try and secure a pinfall, but Jericho was making a comeback, feeding off of the support of the crowd. Edge was taken for a ride with Jericho's trademark bulldog. Edge rolled to the outside to regain his wits. Christian charged at Jericho but ate a boot to the midsection. Jericho, a house afire, hit the old Triple Powerbomb. Following the last powerbomb, Jericho began turning Christian for the Walls of Jericho! Christian resisted, but Y2J was finally able to lock Christian in with no escape! Just when it appeared as though Jericho would beat the odds and force the submission out of Christian, Edge came in out of nowhere and blasted Jericho in the back of the head with a chairshot. Tim White called for the bell. Edge & Christian proceeded to punk Jericho with stomps and chokes. Christian held Jericho while Edge slapped Jericho across the face. Finally, the shameless champions set Y2J up for the heinous Double Conchairto, but Chris Benoit sprinted -- limping -- from the back, entered the ring, and cleared out Jericho's attackers! JR pointed out that Rhyno and Edge & Christian alike had won the evening's battles, but the war itself was far from finished!

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Last week, he was triumphant in antagonizing William Regal and Terri Runnels; this week, Goldust picked up a win in the ring against Test. JR reported that Test had told him he was certain he could turn things around and overcome his recent losing streak this week on RAW, but it simply wasn't meant to be. Goldust scored the clean pin with the big man from north of the border with the Curtain Call. Immediately afterward, the ominous music of the Commissioner and Intercontinental Champion brought William Regal to the ramp along with his Press Secretary, Terri. Terri informed her ex-husband that following the events of the previous week, Regal had experienced an "epiphysis." "An epiphany," Regal said, correcting Terri. He explained that it finally struck him that he wasn't dealing with a tradition sort of problem in Goldust; rather, he was dealing with "a nutter." Goldust smiled, and observed that madness is in the eye of the beholder. Regal nodded. "And the beholder, in this particular instance, just happens to be me, which doesn't bode well for you, now, does it?" Regal said that as Commissioner, the welfare of the WWF Superstars was his responsibility. As a result, he wouldn't be fulfilling his sworn duty if he didn't do everything in his power to see to it that no one's safety was threatened. Regal said he simply wasn't convinced that Goldust wasn't a danger to himself or others. JR didn't like where this was going. Regal announced that Goldust was to report to RAW next week where, backstage, he would meet with a company-appointed clinician who would evaluate Goldust's mental competence! Regal and Terri clearly believed they had found a surefire way to wash their hands of their mutual adversary. Regal told Goldust that if it made him feel any better, the whole thing would be a mere formality, "because you are, in all honesty, a stark, raving lunatic." Regal's music again played, and as viewers were faced with the sight of the man in a banana suit at mid-ring, they had to wonder: would Goldust inevitably fall victim to Regal's clever planning?

PASSING THE BUCK

Michael Cole spoke with Raven in the back, asking the Noxious Nonconformist just when he was planning on claiming his Hardcore Title shot at the Big Red Machine. Before Raven could respond, Eddie Guerrero appeared, raising his hand and telling Cole he knew the answer. "Isn't it obvious, man?" Latino Heat asked. Eddie said Raven was scared out of his mind; he didn't have the cajones to face Kane, and certainly not in a Hardcore match, of all things. Raven told Eddie he would have requested the match with Kane that evening on RAW, but there was something else he had to take care of first; something more pressing. Raven proceeded to send Eddie down to the floor with a right hand! Eddie was stunned, and checked his lip for blood. "What was that, ese?!" Eddie asked, pulling himself up. Raven said he hoped it would begin to make up for the cheap shot the European Champion had taken on him the week before. Eddie claimed that he wanted nothing more than to wrestle Raven immediately if not sooner, but said he was, above all, a selfless man. He had a good friend who had an old score to settle with Raven, and considering that Raven had made an open offer for a match, Eddie planned to do the gentlemanly thing and defer to his friend: Perry Saturn. Raven and Cole both were confused. Cole thought Raven and Saturn's problems were ancient history. Eddie ordered Cole to stay out of it. It would be Saturn vs. Raven later on.

Saturn and Raven do, indeed, know each other well. Saturn was well-versed in Raven's weaknesses, which allowed for him to mount an effective offense with the usual sidekicks and T-bone suplexes. But when Saturn telegraphed a splash, Raven was able to avoid the move. Raven sent Saturn back down to the mat with a spinning falling clothesline, and finished him up soon after with the Raven Effect DDT! Once Raven had disappeared backstage, Latino Heat came to the ring to question Saturn about his loss. Saturn was not eager to listen to Eddie's haranguing; after all, Latino Heat had set up the match in the first place. Saturn conveyed this sentiment to Eddie with a muted but resounding shove. Saturn left the ring; Eddie did not appreciate his fellow Radical turning his back.

CLOSURE

If there is any surefire way for the Dudley Boyz to settle a score, it's a Tables Match. Bubba Ray and D-Von were looking to shake off the obnoxious Right to Censor for good this week when they faced Steven Richards and Val Venis, managed by Ivory, in just such a match. Richards and Venis knew how much experience the Dudleyz had in sending their opponents crashing through furniture, and so they worked along with Ivory to avoid contact with tables here. Mike Chiota tried his best but was unable to prevent Ivory from interfering continually in the match. Bubba Ray and D-Von, eager to reach a finish, asked Chiota to let her involve herself if she so chose. It was a close call for D-Von when Richards and Venis set him up for a double crucifix bomb through one of the tables, but Bubba was able to make the save in time. Later, D-Von and Bubba clotheslined Venis and Richards respectively to the outside in unison. Ivory again climbed into the ring, screeching at both Dudleys. Bubba paused, turned to D-Von, and yelled, "Get the table!" D-Von fetched a table from the other side of the ring and set it up next to Bubba. Bubba grabbed the stunned Ivory and powerbombed her right through said table. Chiota shrugged; this was good enough for him, and he called for the bell, awarding the Dudleyz the match! Bubba Ray and D-Von weren't finished just yet. Post-match, Richards and Venis were fortunate enough to receive the same treatment as had Ivory. Venis took a powerbomb through a second table, and Richards was 3Ded through a third! JR suspected that the Right to Censor would be bothering those damn Dudleyz again anytime soon!

BROKEN RECORD

When "The One" Billy Gunn and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman wandered into the APA's office for a round or two of poker, they were surprised to find Faarooq alone -- and reduced to playing solitaire. Blackman inquired as to Bradshaw's whereabouts, and Faarooq replied with considerable annoyance that his tag team partner was off meeting with his book publisher in New York. New York City. Gunn then asked Faarooq and Blackman if they realized how long Bradshaw had been a part of the World Wrestling Federation. Seven years, Faarooq nodded. "Almost as long as I have," Gunn noted. Then, reflecting on the upcoming King of the Ring, "The One" asked Faarooq and Blackman if he'd ever told them about the his road to KOTR glory in 1999. Faarooq and Blackman clearly had heard Gunn's telling of the story before and tried to make themselves comfortable for what promised to be a long and very dull evening of Billy Gunn tales.

Match Results

(1) Rhyno d. Chris Benoit (78%)

(2) Tables Match: The Dudley Boyz d. Steven Richards & Val Venis (w/Ivory) (82%)

(3) Bikini Contest: Molly Holly d. Debra via forfeit (64%)

(4) Goldust d. Test (75%)

(5) Handicap Match: Chris Jericho d. WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian via disqualification (77%)

(6) Mud Match - WWF Women's Championship: Chyna © d. Trish Stratus (66%)

(7) Raven d. Perry Saturn (76%)

(8) The Rock & Kane d. WWF Champion Stone Cold & Triple H (80%)

Overall: 79% (-2)

Edited June 8, 2006 by tqwcw

[tqwcw]

Hosted by Joey Styles, Mike Tenay, and Jerry Lawler

Reading, PA

Thursday May 17, 2001

ACTIONS AND WORDS

Nitro opened with an appearance by WCW Owner Shane McMahon on the NitroVision. Shane told viewers they wouldn't have to wait for the big announcement. He talked about what a busy man he was, hinting that the New WCW would only be getting bigger and better as the weeks and months progressed. He said he was so busy that he couldn't oversee things with the kind of diligence necessary, and so he'd called in a little help. The WCW Executive Committee had recently appointed a new Head, and that Head would now be present at all WCW events making matches, maintaining order -- serving as an authority. Shane thought long and hard about who he wanted steering the ship. He could have poached someone from his father's inner circle: Briscoe, Patterson, Hayes, Slaughter. Then again, there were experienced free agents in the field, as well: Roddy Piper, Terry Funk, Kevin Nash. But he wanted some new blood. Someone fresh, but also someone who knew the business inside and out; who knew WCW inside and out. He'd settled upon a man he knew had the best interests of WCW at heart: "The American Dream" himself, Dusty Rhodes! Dusty entered the arena, thanked Shane for the opportunity and then said "it's time to get down to business, if ya will." Dusty said it was his job to promote law and order, and he would do just that. He hyped up the great tradition that was the Clash of the Champions, but said it seemed to him that the card for the 5/27 show hadn't quite been rounded out yet. He saw several no-brainers as potential additions and felt there was no reason to wait to announce them. First, last week Dawn Marie and her boys had left no doubt that they wanted a shot at the World Tag Team Titles. Of course, the Impact Playaz's record spoke for itself. Dusty said he knew Palumbo and O'Haire well, and knew that they wanted to defend the titles anytime, anywhere, anyhow, against anyone. With that in mind, he'd gone ahead and booked Storm & Credible vs. NC-17 with the straps on the line at the Clash! But that wasn't all. There had been "a storm a-brewin'" for weeks between one Diamond Dallas Page and "Undeniable" Mike Sanders. The only way that one could be settled would be through a one on one match-up on pay-per-view! Dusty anticipated a spectacular main event on the show as Booker T defended the World Heavyweight Title against Goldberg. He was confident that Booker T would fulfill his obligation to defend the strap. That said, Booker's obligation was double, because he was also the US Heavyweight Champion. Therefore, he would have to pull double duty on Sunday the 27th and defend the US Championship in a second match! Dusty acknowledged that there were plenty of eligible contenders to the strap in WCW, but there was one man he wanted to see Booker get his hands on more than anyone else. "Chris Kanyon, I'm talkin' about you, boy," Dusty revealed. It would be Booker T vs. Kanyon for Booker's US Title on PPV! Dusty said he was sure that Kanyon and the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair were thrilled by all of the talk, all of the speculation about the problems between Booker T and Goldberg that were apparent at the end of last week's Nitro. Dusty said he saw no truth to any of the rumors. He was so confident of that that he'd decided that the next team to get a crack at the Tag Team Titles -- the Impact Playaz -- would have to earn their bragging rights by facing Booker T & Goldberg in the main event on this week's Nitro! Dusty told Flair, Kanyon, Shawn Stasiak, and everyone else with any doubts to watch closely. "Goldberg and Booker T are gonna get it done. Watch and see," the Dream said. All evening long, Rhodes would establish himself as a no-nonsense, hands-on authority figure.

Backstage, Kanyon and Shawn Stasiak asked Ric Flair how he felt about his arch-nemesis Rhodes being named Head of the Executive Committee. Flair suspected Shane McMahon of trying to get to the Nature Boy through Rhodes. "I've handled Dusty Rhodes in the past, and I'll handle Dusty Rhodes now," Naitch declared.

Scott Hudson had the opportunity to interview WCW World and United States Champion Booker T on the entrance ramp a little later on. Hudson first questioned Booker T about his late arrival to last week's show. Booker admitted he would have liked to've made it to the arena last week in time to prevent the gang-up on Goldberg from ever occurring. But the delays were beyond his control, and as soon as he arrived at the show and got wind of what was going on in the ring, he ran in to do the right thing. On the subject of his scheduled US Title defense, Booker said he knew from the Night of Champions that, as a dual champion, he'd be expected to make dual defenses. Kanyon would have to put on the performance of his career if he hoped to win the US Title from him at the Clash. Hudson then asked if Booker and Goldberg would, indeed, be able to function effectively as a unit against the Impact Playaz in the evening's main event. As the Playa contemplated his answer, the opening cord of Goldberg's music struck at the #1 Contender appeared! Goldberg walked down to the interview position, took the microphone, and said he wanted to make a few things clear. First, his top priority was to become the World Heavyweight Champion again. He didn't care who he had to go through to make that happen. Second, he wasn't looking to be friends with Booker T. He wasn't going to dwell on what had happened the week before. What's done was done. He wasn't thrilled by the idea of tagging with Booker again, but he would live. "You stay out of my way tonight, and I'll stay out of yours." Booker said that sounded like a plan. "Just remember," Goldberg added. "You're next!" Booker, though, didn't back down an inch.

Prior to the main event, Hudson also had a word with Lance Storm, Justin Credible, and their manager Dawn Marie backstage. Hudson questioned their tactics of the previous week, characterizing their brawl with tag team champions NC-17 as a "sneak attack." Dawn clarified for Hudson that if he thought those were ruthless tactics, he hadn't seen anything of the Impact Playaz yet. Storm said he'd always had a problem being taken seriously, but certainly managed to turn heads over the past few weeks by dispensing with Mike Awesome and then sending NC-17 a crystal-clear message last week. Storm said that this week, it would be the World and US Champion and the Millennium Man who would find out the hard way just how dangerous the Impact Playaz are. "We're not just dangerous," Credible added. "We're incredible." Dawn finished up by saying that the Impact Playaz took what they wanted. She wrote NC-17's O'Haire and Palumbo off as golden boys of WCW execs: manufactured goods who have been pampered by management since day one. "Honeymoon's over, boys" the Jersey girl winked.

During the feature tag team bout, Booker and Goldberg did, indeed, work together but, to their credit, Storm and Credible held their own. Dawn offered plenty of encouragement from ringside. Victory seemed within the Playaz' grasp when they drilled Booker in the middle of the ring with a double brainbuster. Storm, who was the legal man, was then able to apply the Canadian Mapleleaf. Booker rallied thanks to the support of the crowd and escaped the hold. Upon being tagged in, Goldberg took out Storm with a Superkick right to the jaw. Credible ran in but was press-slammed out to the floor. Storm later outwrestled Goldberg technically, inflicting considerable damage on Goldberg's knee. Goldberg found himself tied up in an Indian deathlock. He forced a rope break, but then had to limp over to Booker to make the tag. Booker went on the offensive against Credible, and Dawn Marie didn't like what she was seeing. She grabbed a steel chair from the ringside area, but this brought NC-17's O'Haire and Palumbo down to the ring! They backed Dawn into a corner before she could get the chair to her man in the ring. Storm hopped off the ring apron to confront the tag team champions. Booker, meanwhile, took Credible down with a Harlem Sidekick. A few seconds later, he hit the BookEnd! Booker was close enough to his home corner so that Goldberg was able to make a blind tag before Booker could attempt the cover on Credible! Booker couldn't believe it, but referee Nick Patrick declared the tag legal and sent Booker out of the ring before he could question his tag team partner. Credible, in a bad way, stood up but was Speared and then Jackhammered. Goldberg scored the pinfall! Security had arrived in the meantime to escort NC-17 to the back. Credible rolled to the outside and was checked on by Dawn and Storm. Goldberg and Booker T then went face-to-face, with Booker taking issue with Goldberg for making the blind tag in order to steal the glory of the victory. Once Justin confirmed to Storm and Dawn that he would live, Dawn sent her boys up the ramp to go after NC-17. Before the Impact Playaz could make it back through the entrance to catch up to O'Haire and Palumbo in the back, Mike Awesome appeared out of nowhere and took on both Impact Playaz! Meanwhile, Booker and Goldberg's argument intensified, giving Ric Flair, Chris Kanyon, and Shawn Stasiak the opening they needed to hit the ring and blindside both men with an attack. Goldberg and Booker fought back momentarily but were ultimately taken down. While Kanyon and Stasiak kept Booker and Goldberg grounded respectfully, the Nature Boy stood tall in the middle of the ring to conclude Nitro. "The Dirtiest Player in the Game has managed to come out on top yet again!" offered Styles...

CODE OF HONOR

Kurt Angle was in a cheery mood backstage this week. The Olympic Gold Medalist wandered through the locker room area offering such WCW Stars as Team Xtreme and Super Crazy the opportunity to sign the giant 'Get Well' card he had purchased for Lash Leroux. Leroux was, of course, recuperating from a broken angle inflicted by a malicious Angle himself the week before. Angle's co-workers did not seem moved by his gesture. As Angle began taking them to task for their lack of appreciation, Sting walked right up behind an oblivious Angle! Angle backed into Sting and turned around to blast the careless individual who'd gotten in his way. When Angle saw that this person was none other than Sting, our hero's expression changed dramatically. Sting told Angle he had a feeling there's something Lash would appreciate more than the card, and that would be to see Sting give Angle the beating of his life later on on Nitro; to hell with the Clash. Angle stuttered in response. Head of the Executive Committee Dusty Rhodes then arrived on the scene, having heard the commotion. Dream told the Stinger he understood his frustration, but said he would have to wait until the Clash to get his hands on Kurt Angle. Disqo joined the discussion and pointed out that plenty of the boys wanted a shot at Angle after what he did last week. Disqo pointed out that he and Leroux were once tag team partners. Angle asked Disqo if he was calling him out, and Disqo confirmed that he was. Dusty approved the match. Before leaving, Sting told Angle that May 27th would be a date he'd never forget!

Disqo showed fire early on in the match, but Angle recovered from the initial shock. Disqo set up for a brainbuster, but Angle blocked it and executed an overhead belly to belly. Disqo fought back at one point and prepared to drop Angle with his piledriver but Angle regained a vertical base and managed to lift Disqo up with the Angle Slam. Angle put on a body scissors and rear naked choke, punishing Leroux's friend. When Angle charged at Disqo a minute later, Disqo blocked with a back elbow. He tried picking Angle up for a slam, but Angle floated over and caught Disqo in the Anklelock. It was over. Angle's nasty ankle-breaking habit continued as he attempted to give Disqo the same treatment as Leroux had received the week before. But before Disqo's ankle snapped, Sting hit the ring! Angle released Disqo, who rolled to the outside. Angle charged at Sting. Sting used a drop toe hold to take Angle down, and tried tying him up in the Scorpion Deathlock! Alas, Angle contorted his body to counter the move and when the opportunity presented itself, he rolled out of the ring. Angle quickly retreated to the back. This would not, however, be an option on 5/27 at the Clash.

LOSING GRIP

As promised last week, viewers got an exclusive sneak peak of Stacy and Torrie's joint photoshoot for the cover of WCW Magazine. As many expected, the shoot didn't go as smoothly as it might have. Stacy accused the photographer of shooting Torrie in more favorable lighting conditions. When Torrie pointed out the ridiculousness of Stacy's accusation, a catfight broke out!

Later, backstage, Torrie caught up with the returning "Screamin'" Norman Smiley, who is on his way back to WCW. Big Poppa Pump and Stacy happened to catch the two together, and Steiner quickly voiced his suspicion that Smiley was the mystery opponent Torrie had in mind for him at the Clash. Torrie and Smiley immediately denied the charge. Steiner snapped and attacked Norman despite a complete lack of evidence suggesting Steiner's suspicions were accurate.

FAIR-WEATHER FRIENDS

Cameras spied Bam Bam Bigelow cornering Mike Sanders in the locker room at Nitro; Bigelow apparently had yet to be compensated by Sanders for services rendered against Diamond Dallas Page the week before. Sanders, apparently oblivious to the massive size advantage held by Bigelow, laughed in the face of the Beast From the East, pointing out to him that he lost to DDP last week; Sanders didn't owe him a damn thing. DDP overheard the exchange, which brought a smile to his face. He asked former partner and foe Bigelow if he was going to stand by and take Sanders's abuse. "Hell, no," said Bigelow. Bigelow hoped Sanders's jellyfish sting had healed, because he planned to ask Dusty Rhodes for a match with him later on!

Off-screen, Rhodes approved Bigelow's request. The Undeniable opportunist attacked before the bell, putting the boots to Bigelow. Sanders chopped Bigelow in the corner, but Bigelow easily turned the tables. He squashed Sanders in the corner with a splash. Sanders took a good deal of additional punishment, including a double underhook backbreaker and the devastating headbutt to the groin. Bigelow went for an inverted suplex, but Sanders was able to counter with a jawbreaker. Sanders turned around and dropkicked Bigelow right in the head. Bigelow powered out of a pin attempt at one and a half. Sanders dropped an elbow and covered again; this met with little success. Sanders cursed Charles Robinson for his "slow counts." Bigelow picked up Sanders and slammed him to the mat. Sanders had had enough. He rolled to the outside and began pacing around the ring. Robinson began to count him out. "To hell with this!" Sanders yelled. He began walking up the ramp while Robinson continued to count. Bigelow moved to exit the ring to give chase, but Robinson prevented Bam Bam from doing so. Sanders, as was his design, was counted out and Bigelow won the match. At the entrance, Sanders smiled at Bigelow and pointed at his head, alluding to his staggering intelligence. DDP then surfaced; he wasn't able to let Sanders get away unscathed! He hit Sanders with a couple of right hands and dragged him down to the ring. Bigelow appreciated the gesture and hit Sanders with the Bigelow Driver. DDP then picked Sanders up and gave him the Diamond Cutter. Having received his comeuppance, Sanders may want to think twice before choosing to scheme against DDP next time. This was a timely lesson to learn, given the match that had been scheduled for the Clash!

EXTREME ALLEGIANCE

Jeff Jarrett continued to shield himself from Rob Van Dam behind luchadore allies Juventud Guerrero and Psicosis this week. He told Scott Hudson that RVD having gotten the better of him last week was the result of a "cowardly attack." The Chosen one said Juvi and Psicosis weren't done with Van Dam just yet, and told Mr. Thursday Night to be the tag team partner of his choice to the ring later on.

RVD opted to go with former ECW compatriot Super Crazy. Entering with Juventud and Psicosis, Jarrett joined the announce team for commentary and immediately noted how predictable it was that RVD had selected "another one of Paul Heyman's bargain-basement stuntmen" as his partner. With the fast-paced action underway, Jarrett launched into a rant over the fact that there were plenty of former WCW guys out of work because people like Rob Van Dam and Super Crazy had taken their coveted slots on the roster. A highlight in the match came when Super Crazy took both himself and Psicosis over the top rope with a crossbody block. The Juice joined them with a plancha. Finally, RVD added himself to the pileup with a pescado. "What's he trying to do?" Jarrett spat. "Break his neck?" Later, RVD took Psicosis down with a sidekick. Super followed up with a Springboard Moonsault. RVD looked to set up for the Five Star Frogsplash. Jarrett threw off his headset, clearly preparing to intervene in the match. Dusty Rhodes came to ringside, however, and sent Jarrett to the back! Jarrett was furious, and took a swing at Dusty, sending the Dream back into the guardrail. RVD hoped off the top turnbuckle and prepared to confront Jarrett for attacking Rhodes. Juvi, however, grabbed him and planted him with the JuviDriver. Super Crazy was unable to prevent the Juice from nailing RVD with the 450˚ splash, which led to the pinfall! Jarrett was thrilled, applauding Juventud and Psicosis for the job well done.

ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE

One half of the Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions, Rey Mysterio was in action this week against TAKA, a member of one of two team challenging for the titles at the Clash. Kidman and Funaki accompanied their respective partners to the ring for the bout, although both men resisted the urge to interfere during the course of the match. The finish came out of nowhere when TAKA was able to execute a victory roll while positioned atop Rey's shoulders. Post-match, a brawl broke out between Mysterio & Kidman and Kaientai. Refusing to miss out on the action, the Hardyz charged to the ring to join the fray. There was now officially no semblance of friendship remaining between Rey & Kidman and the Hardyz...

HE DID IT HIS WAY

He avoided the match at all costs last week, but tonight The Bull had no choice but to face off with Hugh Morrus. Morrus gained a measure of revenge against The Bull, who had attacked him in an unsportsmanlike fashion seven days prior. Morrus got a two count after a sidewalk slam. Soon, he clotheslined The Bull out of the ring and then introduced Bull's skull to the ringsteps multiple times. Bull even fell victim to a powerbomb at ringside. But while he writhed in pain, he was able to reach under the ring and pull out a well-placed lead pipe. When Morrus moved to continue his attack on Bull, Bull subtly blasted Morrus in the skull with the lead pipe and then concealed the weapon once more. The proud Italian-American rolled the unconscious Morrus back into the ring and finished him off with a Swinging DDT to pick up the 'W.'

GOING SOLO

The word on the street is that WCW Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms will soon be returning to action in WCW, and so the Executive Committee has set about finding a challenger for Helms to face upon his return. A #1 Contendership match was arranged after two cruiserweight combatants were selected by random drawing. It was the veteran Ultimo Dragon against the returning Shannon Moore. Moore was not alone; he was accompanied to the ring by "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart, who explained on commentary that he was Moore's new manager both in the Sports-Entertainment and musical domains. Hart, of course, has a great deal of experience in both fields. His newest custom-made jacket included a giant airbrushed depiction of Moore across its back. Hart made it clear that Shannon was now going solo both in the ring and on-stage; he would no longer be held back by the rest of 3 Count or by anyone else, for that matter. Hart was certain that "Solo" Shannon would go on to challenge former partner Helms for the championship upon the latter's return. The match proved that Shannon is no slouch, but the experience of the Dragon helped the international superstar triumph in the end. Moore flew off the top turnbuckle looking for a flying clothesline but Dragon caught him in the Dragon Sleeper. Like so many others in the past, Moore submitted. Hart then grabbed his megaphone and appealed to referee Billy Silverman to make this a best-of-three-falls contest, but Silverman balked. Hart then told the crowd and viewers to take a good look at Moore's face, because they'd be seeing a lot of it from this point forward. Leaving that aside, we can all look forward to the Ultimo Dragon challenging Gregory Helms upon the champ's return!

Announced Clash of the Champions Card .::. 10 Days Away!

• World Heavyweight Title: Booker T © vs. Goldberg

• Sting vs. Kurt Angle

• Torrie's Choice: Big Poppa Pump (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. ??? (w/Torrie Wilson)

• WCW US Heavyweight Title: Booker T © vs. Kanyon

• WCW World Tag Team Titles: NC-17 © vs. The Impact Playaz (w/Dawn Marie)

• "Undeniable" Mike Sanders vs. Diamond Dallas Page

• "The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett vs. Rob Van Dam

• WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Titles: Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman © vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/Lita) vs. Kai En Tai

Match Results

(1) Ultimo Dragon d. "Solo" Shannon Moore (w/Jimmy Hart)

(2) Kurt Angle d. Disqo

(3) Bam Bam Bigelow d. "Undeniable" Mike Sanders via countout

(4) Juventud Guerrera & Psicosis (w/Jeff Jarrett) d. "Mr. Thursday Night" Rob Van Dam & Super Crazy

(5) The Bull d. Hugh Morrus

(6) TAKA Michinoku (w/Funaki) d. Rey Mysterio (w/Kidman)

(7) Goldberg & Booker T d. The Impact Playaz (w/Dawn Marie)

Overall Rating: 76% (-5%)

Edited June 4, 2006 by tqwcw