DaveKOTW
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Sunday Night HeatBroadcast on Sunday, 13th January 2002 from the Philips Arena, GA
We kick off our build up to the first major PPV of the year, the Royal Rumble, Live from the Philips Arena, Atlanta Georgia with the fan favorites Al Snow and Kevin Kelly for a very special edition for Heat. Al Snow informs us that tonight, we are also joined by former WWF Women's Champion, Ivory who introduces herself explaining that as we approach one of the major PPVs of year on the road to Wrestlemania, the World Wrestling Federation takes their time to reach out to the fans and ask their opinions about the show. Ivory asks a bunch of people who the fancy their chances of winning the Royal Rumble, a large majority of them calling for Stone Cold, Kane, The Undertaker and Chris Jericho. "The people at the arena have spoken, what about you lot watching back there!" asks Ivory. I guess err only you guys know the answer to that one.
We rejoin Al Snow and Kevin Kelly who kindly welcome us back, expressing their sheer delight to be at this great arena, with all these great fans for one of the biggest PPVs of the year and it kicks off very soon. In case all those watching at home had forgotten, later on tonight, we are going to have a WWF Hardcore Championship Open Challenge. Kevin Kelly adds that for all those who didn't know, one of the conditions of this open challenge is that the challenger must not be in the Royal Rumble match, Al Snow questionning the quality of opposition that remains. Kevin Kelly asks Al Snow if he's going into the match up, Al gasping before quickly refuting the possibility of Wrestling tonight. Al is after all a pacifist. Apparently he doesn't have a taste for dog either.
After much build up with the fans, the front men of Heat pass us over to inside the arena where WWF RAW commentator Jim Ross stands by with WWF Smackdown commentator Tazz. JR and Tazz are both very grateful to be here tonight in a line up that looks nothing but top class and it's starting off right now!
WWF Hardcore Championship MatchA Hardcore Open Challenge
Referee: Teddy Long
Key © (w/Charles Wright) vs. A Mystery Opponent
Tony Chimmel informs us that the following Hardcore Championship Match is open to any wrestler who is not involved in the Royal Rumble Match or any other matches on the Royal Rumble schedule. With that, Key, accompanied by Charles Wright, makes his way to ring as the reigning WWF Hardcore Champion. Key and Wright both enter the ring to await tonight's opponent, MAVEN, the Tough Enough Winner.
The start:
Key and Maven tied up, Key quickly backing Maven to the corner, Key quickly going to work with some hard chops to the pectoral region of the Tough Enough Winner. Key cockily beats Maven down into the corner before casually lifting him back up and chucking to the outside of the ring, the referee beginning the count as Key stands tall in the ring. Key followed Maven out, tossing Maven into the barricade back first before bringing him back into the ring for a back into the ring before hitting Maven with the Face Eraser for a two count.
The Finish:
Key began to unbuckle one of the turnbuckles as Maven was left motionless in the middle of the ring. Maven however was playing possum and he nearly caught Key out with a roll up when Key returned, a furious Key following up with huge forearm shots to the challenger. Maven tried to fight back into the match with shots to the gut of Key and a hard elbow, but Key quickly came back off the ropes with a kick to the gut taking the fight out of Maven with a tilt o'whirl slam. Key then went on to hit the Victimizer on Maven for the win.
Winner and still Hardcore Champion, Key.The Aftermath:
Key and Charles Wright were not satisfied with the victory and quickly continued with the assault after the match up, Wright chucking in all kinds of junk into the ring. Key doesn't take long to do what he wanted to do, Wright laying a trash can right in front of Key allowing Key to drop Maven onto it, via a Crucifix Powerbomb. After the devistation, Wright handed Key the Championship belt who raised the title to the disapproving fans. JR and Tazz thank us for joining into Heat and hope that they will join them in a moment for Royal Rumble 2001. It's gonna be a Slobberknocker!
WWF Royal Rumble 2002Broadcast on Sunday, 13th January 2002 from the Philips Arena, GA
WWE Royal Rumble Opener:
The Royal Rumble started up with a video package featuring the WWF Championship Match between Vince McMahon and The Rock, the Best of Seven Series Finale Match between Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle, and the thirty man over the top rope Royal Rumble Match. The fireworks then went off in the arena for the start of the show as JR and Tazz welcomed us to the show that promises to be off the hook! We then went We then went over to Carlos and Hugo, the Spanish Announce Team welcoming them to the show before returning for our first match up of the Night!
Best of Seven Series Finale (Winner Enters the Rumble)Referee: Jack Doan
Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle's music hit the arena as Angle made his way to the ring for his big match with Chris Jericho. Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho have certainly had a heated rivalry over the past few months so this should be good, Angle getting quite a lot of heat from the crowd. Jericho's music then filled the arena, and Jericho recieved a good pop from the crowd, Jericho soaking it up as he made his way to the ring.
The start:
Kurt Angle attacked Jericho as he entered the ring to try and take an early advantage but Jericho quickly fought back, hitting Angle with a back body drop, before clotheslining Angle out of the ring, Jericho forcing Angle to stay on the outside. Jericho, the fans firmly behind him, took his jacket off in the ring, as Angle watched on looking the least bit happy, circling the ring. Angle eventually got back in, and the two locked up, Angle backing Jericho into the corner of the ring. Angle wanted to pin Jericho into a corner and beat the living hell out of him, but Jericho ducked the cheap shot reversing the offensive on Angle with some hard chops to the midsection. Jericho then sent Angle into the opposite turnbuckle before continuing with exactly the same attack in that corner, Angle's chest already starting to turn bright red.
Mid-match notes:
A careless Chris Jericho quickly got stung by Kurt Angle's technical ability, Jericho quickly feeling exactly what it's like to get hit with a stiff release german suplex. Angle mounted the native of Alberta Canada with stiff punches before sending Jericho to the outside of the ring. Angle followed Jericho out keeping on top of him, bouncing Jericho's head against the barricade as they circled the ring, Jericho having no alternative but to get a break by raking the eyes of the Olympic Gold Medallist. Jericho quickly capitalised on this advantage sending Angle to the steel steps, Angle crashing hard with his knees twisting to the side and looking in absolute agony. Jericho continued on this strong offense by hitting the breakdown on the outside Angle going face first into the mat. Jericho got back into the ring again for a second to break up the count before baseball sliding to the outside knocking Angle back down to the mat. Jericho continued this wreckless assault tossing Angle into the apron before rolling him back into the ring, kicking away at him in the corner of the ring. Jericho oozed confidence as he took Angle down with some forearm shots before whipping him into the in the corner, Jericho stomping away on him some more.
Jericho attempted to continue the posession with an elbow to the back of the head but Angle fought back with some right hands, before attempting to hit a belly to belly suplex, only to be countered by Jericho who quickly placed Angle into the mat with a DDT before going for a cover, Angle kicking out on the two. Jericho locked in a rear naked choke on the former NCAA champion in the middle of the ring as the fans started a "Y2J" chant, but only for a brief time as Angle tried to get back to a vertical base, using his elbows to break out of the hold. Both men started to trade right hands, Jericho kicking Angle to the gut before tossing him into the ropes, Angle coming back with a shot of his own, before dragging Jericho down to the ground by his air, the crowd not impressed with Angle's actions. Angle gets back to his feet and locks in the first of three german suplexes, each one looking more devastating than the last, squeezing the air of Jericho as Angle clutches hold of him. Angle tries a bridge on the third suplex but Jericho kicks out on the two. Jericho tried to get back to his feet but Angle took him down with another forearm smash.
Angle taunted the audience steeling one of Jericho's poses before pulling Jericho up by his long blond hair, making a suplex attempt, only for Jericho to counter it. Angle, however, wasn't going to let that stop him, quickly getting back to his feet knocking Jericho down with a clothesline. Now it was Angle's turn to lock in a sleeper hold on the Jericho in the middle of the ring, the fans once again getting in some "Y2J" chants. Jericho tried to get to a vertical base as did Angle, using his elbows to break the hold before starting a fight back, using strong forearm shots on Angle before hitting him with a flying clothesline, taking Angle off of his feet. Jericho turned up the pace, hitting Angle with a reverse atomic drop before hitting Angle hard again with some more back hand chops, before taking him down to the mat with a huge clothesline. Jericho climbs up the turnbuckle in attempt to drop Angle down again with a missile drop kick but Angle quickly makes his way to the corner, and Jericho and Angle exchange punches in an elevated position, Jericho nearly captilising with a sunset flip only just missing out on the 3.
Angle had to take control quickly and he did so with another suplex to Jericho, taking out a lot of steam from the former WCW Champion. Angle quickly dropped down the straps on his ring attire and locked in the Angle Lock the crowd immediately booing Angle as he locked it in. The look on his face was everything as Jericho desperately tried to crawl his way to the ropes, Angle holding on strong. The crowd got hugely behind Jericho as he made his way to the corner before Angle broke their hearts pulling him back, the sadistic Angle enjoying the pain writhe through Jericho's body. Jericho however, proved how much leg strength he had when he countered the move going for a roll up but wait no, he's not, he's going for the Walls of Jericho, Angle quickly crawling fast to the ropes to make sure the hold was broken.
The Finish:
Jericho noticeably hobbled away as the referee forced him to break up the hold, Jericho waiting for Angle to get back up before hitting him with more hard chops, Jericho tossing Angle into the ropes before taking him down again with another forearm smash. Jericho made his way slowly over to the corner of the ring lifting himself up onto the turnbuckle but once again, Angle halted his high flying move, Angle this time pulling Jericho back down to the ground with an arm drag, just like he did to Rikishi at the King of the Ring in 2000 going for the cover but Jericho kicked out. Angle got back to his feet, he wanted to end this match now, signalling for the Angle Slam, but Jericho managed to counter the move, before taking Angle down with forward Russian leg sweep before hitting Angle with the Lionsault to win the match and enter the Royal Rumble.
Winner - Chris JerichoBackstage:
Backstage, Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler were standing by the tombola where the WWF superstars will draw their Royal Rumble numbers. Vince McMahon said it's stupid that he has to be here for the opening of this damn draw as he a match to prepare for but Jerry Lawler reminds him that the rules are the rules. With that being said, Rob Van Dam and Steve Blackman arrive to collect their numbers for the night. Lawler asks the two men how they are doing, Van Dam exclaiming that he is really pumped up for his first Royal Rumble while Steve Blackman barely breaks a yawn. The machine is quickly shuffled before Van Dam puts his hand through the door and collects one ball for him and one ball for Blackman, before both men open them up. Van Dam looks pleased with his number but Blackman still remains expressionless, Van Dam commenting that his number is totally awesome before walking off leaving Blackman alone in the office looking at his number. Vince looks at Lawler who shrugs it off, Blackman standing there in the middle of the room staring at this piece of paper. Vince cheekily tries to look over Blackman's shoulder but Blackman turns quickly giving Vince the evil eye, Vince quickly pulling back. Blackman snarls at the two Co-Owners before hastily departing both Owners looking absolutely bemused.
Backstage:
We join the Dudley Boyz, who are now moments away from their WWF Tag Team Title Defense, Bubba Ray's eyes glazed over as if he was in a trance. Spike tries to motivate his two brothers moments before the match, telling them both that defense is not just a match, it's a fight about honor and family! Spike tells both of his brothers that it's time to finally shut the mouthes of two of the most egocentric, ignorant superstars the WWF has ever seen and show the world that the Dudley Boyz are the greatest tag team in the history of professional wrestling. D-Von tells Spike to testify before Bubba adds that tonight, no matter what, it will be the last time these two teams face off! Man I can't wait!
WWF Tag Team Championship MatchReferee: Nick Patrick
The Dudley Boyz © vs. the APA
We head back to ring to the sound of the APA's entrance theme as Faarooq and Bradshaw make their way to the ring to a small pop from the crowd. This feud had recommenced after the Survivor Series when the APA defended the pride of Spike Dudley, only to have him turn his back on them at Vengeance in a handicap Tables match. This match looks to be the final match in this feud but one can never be sure. After the APA get to the ring, the music changes to that of the Dudley Boyz, Bubba and D-Von both recieving a mixed response from the crowd. The Dudley Boyz are the only team in the WWF to have won the WWF, WCW and ECW Tag Team Championship belts. Will they retain them tonight?
The Start:
Bubba and Faarooq started off the match, Faarooq quickly locking Bubba into a side head lock. Bubba tried to get out of the move driving Faarooq into the ropes before Faarooq knocked Bubba right off his feet with a shoulder block. Faarooq then took Bubba down with a lariat before tagging Bradshaw into the ring who immediately went to work on Bubba hitting him hard with big right hands before taking Bubba's head off with a short armed clothesline taking Bubba to the ground.
Mid-match notes:
Bradshaw continued the offense with a huge mat slam on Bubba, Bubba having to eye rake Bradshaw to try and take some control in this match up before tagging in D-Von Dudley. D-Von flew into the ring with right hands of his own before finally taking Bradshaw off of his feet with a corkscrew elbow smash. D-Von tagged Bubba back into the ring and the two of them irish whipped Bradshaw into the ropes Bradshaw retaliating with a double clothesline taking both members of the Dudley Boyz off of their feet, Bradshaw taking Bubba back down with a forearm smash before chucking D-Von outside, Faarooq following after him. Bradshaw went right back for Bubba, throwing some more right hands, Bubba ducking a clothesline attempt before raking the eyes of Bradshaw one more time, introducing him to an atomic drop. Bubba hit Bradshaw with the Bubba Cutter, Bubba getting a near fall on the Texan Native.
Outside of the ring, D-Von won the battle of him and Faarooq, Faarooq ending up spread eagled over the steel steps allowing Bubba and D-Von to take a 2 on 1 advantage on Bradshaw. D-Von got tagged back into the match and went back to work on the redneck marking spots on his face where to hit, Bradshaw taking a tough beating by the hands of the Dudley Boyz. Bubba locked Bradshaw into a sleeper hold trying to slow down the pace of the action, Bradshaw having to power out to get some advantage but still with no one to tag out to, resulting on D-Von coming into halt any come back that Bradshaw might have in this match. Bubba put Bradshaw back in the sleeper hold and the life began to drain out of him, the referee resulting to doing the arm test to see was still with us, and he was. Bradshaw got some of a second wind in this match, possibly due to the sight of Faarooq as he climbed back onto the apron, causing Bradshaw to "hulk up" taking on both members of the Dudley Boyz with elbows and all. Bradshaw eventually gets some breathing space, hitting Bubba with one shot, then D-Von with the other, before dropping them both to the ground with a double clothesline.
The Finish:
Bradshaw made the hot tag out to Faarooq who quickly caused mayhem in the ring, taking down both Bubba and D-Von with shoulder blocks. D-Von then got hit with a huge clothesline to the outside of the ring. Faarooq kicked Bubba into the gut and tried to whip him into the ropes, Bubba noticing Bradshaw's arrival onto the apron better than Faarooq countering the move so that the two members of the APA collide with each other. Faarooq stunned by the collision could have not been ready for the Bubba Bomb by Bubba Ray Dudley, Bubba picking up a vital win to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles!
Winners and still WWF Tag Team Champions, The Dudley Boyz.Aftermath:
After the pin, Bubba quickly escapes the ring to grab hold of D-Von and his title belts, while Bradshaw gets back into the ring, holding his hands on his head. Bradshaw looks absolutely shocked and stunned that they lost this match, especially after putting so much into the match. This could be their last opportunity for the WWF Tag Team Titles! At least while Bubba and D-Von have the belts....
Backstage:
We go backstage, once more, to the tombola room, where Vince McMahon is now standing on his own. Vince does not look happy about being left to do this job by himself, especially as Vince was told that it was both the co-owners duties to be there. "Coffee Break My Ass" Vince mutters. Vince is then joined by none other than the Hollywood Actor, former WCW Champion, David Arquette. Arquette quickly shakes Vince's hand, Arquette professing about how exciting it is to be in the World Wrestling Federation. Arquette quickly reminds Vince that in case he didn't know, Arquette was in fact a former WCW Champion, a fact that Vince McMahon was already too aware of, quickly moving away from the subject. Arquette tells Vince that he understands that Wrestling is a Buisness and that he knows that to a lot of these fans, he is nothing than a joke but quite frankly, Arquette would appreciate being involved in any way possible. Arquette mentions that he still searches for that feeling he got when he was on WCW Nitro, it was immense, Vince looking on with a very disapprovingly. Vince tells him that if that's what he wants, then that's what he'll get. Vince adds that after all, he is pretty sure there a lot of the boys in the back that would "love" to reminisce of old times. Vince says it just so happens that earlier in the night, WWF Superstar, Charles Wright had to pull out of the Royal Rumble so, we in fact have one space spare. So, why don't you participate in the Rumble? leaving Arquette lost for words. But, just like the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words, Arquette answered Vince's challenge by slowly walking past and digging his hand into the tumbola to pick out his number. It looks like David Arquette is going to be in the Rumble!
WWF Cruiserweight Championship MatchReferee: Jimmy Korderas
Tajiri © (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Marc Mero
Tajiri makes his way to the ring as the Cruiserweight Champion with his girlfriend Torrie Wilson and he is set to defend against Marc Mero. The announcers point out that Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit is in the audience, as we prepare for a match that has pushed Tajiri to his mental limits. Marc Mero followed Tajiri to the ring with huge heel heat, Tazz remarking that finally Mero is being disliked for other reasons than his lack of wrestling talent.
The start:
The two men locked up in the middle of the ring and Tajiri quickly got a roll up for two. Tajiri didn't like he was in the mood to mess around as Tajiri went for a jacknife cover for another two and then a backslide for a third near fall. Tajiri then hit a drop toe hold on Mero and then another roll up for two. Mero tried to take control of the match, holding, sending him to the ropes, but his clothesline attempt was dodged before Tajiri knocked him down again with a springboard elbow smash. Mero went to the outside to avoid any more offense but Tajiri was not going to let go hitting a suicide plancha onto the outside. Tajiri rolled Mero back into the ring and went for another cover but he only got the 2. Tajiri took Mero into the corner hitting him with some mounted punches before Mero countering with a sitdown powerbomb for the 2.
Mid-match notes:
Mero started to gain possession in the match getting a near fall after hitting Tajiri with a neckbreaker. Mero then locked in a head and arm lock but Tajiri fought out before walking into an elbow. Mero took a page out of the book of Hardcore Holly, hanging Tajiri up against the ropes before hitting him with a huge kick to the midsection, Tajiri having to kick out on another near fall attempt. Mero continued on the offense, climbing through the aprons before crashing on the neck of Tajiri with a springboard leg drop for another two. Mero locked in a rear chin lock trying to take some of the energy out of Tajiri, attempting to follow up with a suplex but Tajiri countered hitting a suplex of his own. Tajiri was however unable to capitalise Mero quickly getting back on Tajiri, this time with a front face lock, Mero using his knees to good measure taking Tajiri down for another close fall. Mero went back to another rear chin lock taunting away at the fans, Tajiri trying desperately to fight out. Tajiri eventually broke free of the hold, before walking into a sleeper by Mero, Tajiri quickly countering with a roll up nearly stealing the match from Mero.
Mero hit Tajiri back down to the ground with a stiff clothesline before making it to the middle rope, Mero going for an flying axehandle which was countered by Tajiri's quick feet. Tajiri continued the offense on the grounded Mero with some kicks and some right hands before walking into a huge uppercut. Tajiri countered the second shot from Mero getting behind and hitting him with a German Suplex, Mero instinctively getting back up only to walk into a dropkick before being hit with a standing moonsault for another pin fall attempt. Mero got back to his feet and sent Tajiri into the corner, Mero's splash attempt failing, Tajiri countering with the Tarantula the fans going crazy. Tajiri eventually let go on request of the referee before taking Mero down with a lariat for two. Tajiri went up to the top rope for a moonsault by Mero sensed the danger and quickly got out of the way, Mero getting back on his feet for a clothesline attempt, Tajiri managing to get out of the way, hitting Mero with a side kick for two.
The Finish:
Mero hit Tajiri with another neckbreaker before taunting away at Torrie. Mero tried to capitalise with the shining wizard by moved out of the way before nearly knocking Mero's teeth out with a spinning heel kick. Tajiri then went for a springboard moonsault but Mero quickly got his knees up, before taking Tajiri's head off with a clothesline. Mero lifted Tajiri up and chucked him into the corner but then ate boot with the follow up, Tajiri using the elevated platform of the ropes to hit Mero with a swinging DDT just missing out on the two. Tajiri quickly got back to his feet and went for the buzzsaw kick but Mero quickly countered and pushed Tajiri away, Tajiri colliding with the referee. Mero quickly tried to capitalise on the collision kicking Tajiri in the gut before setting him up for the STO but Tajiri quickly countered out of it and sprayed the green mist into the face of Mero dropping to his knees trying to clean his eyes. Tajiri quickly hit the Buzzsaw kick and went for the cover but the ref was out! Tajiri quickly went over to the referee to wake him up while Torrie Wilson did something unexpected sliding the WWF Cruiserweight title belt next to Marc Mero! Torrie quickly climbed onto the apron calling Tajiri over, Tajiri rushing over asking her what the hell she was doing, everyone else in the audience making their feelings vocal. Torrie quickly dropped down as Mero dove into the screen taking Tajiri down with a shot of the title belt, the crowd in uproar and what just happened. The tired Mero drops down and hooks the leg of Tajiri and waits for a good 5 seconds before the referee starts to count, but Mero only gets the two! Mero can't believe it! Torrie screaming her head off on the outside, instructs Mero what to do and he follows orders, quickly hitting the STO on Tajiri this time finishing the job.
Winner and NEW WWF Cruiserweight Champion, Marc Mero.Aftermath:
As soon as the bell rings, Torrie Wilson hops into the ring and hugs Mero, the man that only a couple of weeks ago kidnapped her. Was this all a set up? While Mero stares at his new piece of gold, Torrie bends down next to Tajiri shouting away at him before returning to the victor, the whole audience and announce team completely disgusted
Backstage:
We go backstage for another visit to the tombola room where Jerry Lawler is talking to WWF Divas Trish, Molly Holly, Jazz and Ivory. Lawler tells them all, that he's glad that they've all joined him here tonight because he wants to discuss with them where they see the WWF Women's Division going? Trish pats her belt telling everyone that she feels that the division is going extremely well but Jazz disagrees arguing that she can't believe she is part of a division where the women's champion is a joke. Trish strongly disagrees and Jazz and her nearly get into a brawl, if it were not from Lawler who quickly separates them. Lawler says the reason he is asking is because he has recently been on the phone with the developmental territories and he has it on good authority that there are some top stars just waiting to get a shot at the Women's title. Trish tells her she's happy that there is competition and she would be happy to defend her title against anyone, Jazz arguing that she's been avoiding her ever since she arrived. Lawler, glad at Trish's response, tries to appease both women by booking a match for RAW between Jazz and Trish for the Womens Title. Jazz and Trish both look satisfied as we leave to go elsewhere.
Backstage:
Edge is backstage with The Coach. The Coach discusses the build up to the match, in particular his match versus Shawn Stasiak at Vengeance. Edge says that Shawn Stasiak is suffering from insanity and that only a guy that has previously be known as "Meat" believes that winning a match by DQ is something to be proud of. Edge said no matter what though, Stasiak has finally bitten off more than he can chew challenging him to a ladder match. Edge said that he doesn't claim to be the greatest ladder match wrestler of all time, after all, many many wrestlers like Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam have all had great ladder matches in their careers, but he certainly is no ladder match amateur. Thats why he hopes that Stasiak hasn't made to many celebratory arrangements because I don't think defeats are much to celebrate. Either way, tonight, the Era of Awesomeness continues! Edge vs. Shawn Stasiak is NEXT!
WWF Intercontinental Championship MatchLadder Match
Referee: Teddy Long
Edge© vs. "Perfect'" Shawn Stasiak
The music of Shawn Stasiak hit the arena as he made his way to the ring, Stasiak looking very focused as the crowd berates him. Stasiak got straight in the ring and posed for the audience before the music of Edge hit the arena to a huge pop from the crowd.
The start:
Edge and Shawn Stasiak faced off in the middle of the ring both men having choice words for each other. Stasiak tells Edge to hold on and he points to the audience before beginning a pose, Stasiak calling himself "Perfect" as he poses for each corner of the arena. Edge on the other hand doesn't share the same feelings, and when Stasiak returns to face Edge, Edge shakes his head before immediately giving him a right hand. The two men began to trade right hands before Stasiak took the advantage with a thumb to the eye before backing Edge into the corner. Edge fought Stasiak off with some more right hands before walking into an early power slam by Stasiak, Edge hitting the ground hard.
Mid-match notes:
Stasiak climbed out of the ring and went for a the first ladder he could find but also found a baseball slide from Edge who kicked the ladder straight into his face. Edge followed Stasiak out of the ring attacking him with right hands before Stasiak reversed a whip attempt sending Edge into the barricade. Stasiak beat Edge into the corner with right hands before kicking him down into the corner keeping him still for a short enough period of time as to collect the ladder and slide it into the ring. Stasiak took his time trying to find the right place to put the ladder, allowing Edge to get back into the ring just as he set it up attacking Stasiak with some right hands before tossing him into the ropes, taking him down with a clothesline before hitting Stasiak with the Edgecution. Edge started to climb the ladder but Stasiak was quickly back on his feet attacking Edge with some right hands from behind before slamming Edge with a One Handed Slam to the ground. Stasiak attacked Edge with a knee drop before coming back with a leg drop, Stasiak then resorting to choking him. The referee tried to get Stasiak to stop but after all, this match is all legal!
Stasiak sends Edge into the corner and throws some more fists Edge's way. Stasiak, who looks in command at this point, folds up the erect ladder before attacking Edge with it, using the steel object like a giant battering ram. Stasiak swings the ladder around nearly decapitating Edge before slamming Edge down right onto the steel structure. Stasiak climbs to the top rope and goes for a flying leg drop but Edge moves off the ladder and Stasiak crashing down hard before getting hit with a spinning heel kick by Edge. Edge climbs up to the top rope and takes Stasiak down again with a missile drop kick before going back for the ladder, setting it up as Stasiak tries to get back to his feet. Edge gets about half way up the ladder when Stasiak starts to climb the ladder on the other side, both of them trading fists as they reach the top. Edge grabs hold of one end of the title belt but Stasiak quickly fights with everything he has before getting the crowd going, Stasiak suplexing Edge off the top, both men landing hard at the bottom! Holy Sh*t!
Both men picked up the pieced on the ground, Stasiak taking advantage with some right handed shots before tossing Edge into the turnbuckle. Stasiak went for a splash into the corner but Edge got out of the way before mounting Stasiak in the corner and delivering some huge right hand shots. Edge took Stasiak down with a clothesline before taking Stasiak down with the Edge-O-Matic. Edge went outside the ring and grabbed hold of a second ladder bringing it into the ring. Stasiak tried to attack Edge as he was on the apron but Edge ducked the shot and hung Stasiak on the ropes, before climbing up the turnbuckle and hitting him with another missile drop kick. Edge used the second ladder to his advantage, taking Stasiak down twice before standing it up against the turnbuckle. Edge attempted to toss Stasiak into the up right ladder but Stasiak countered the move Edge going in head first before Stasiak hit him with a DDT.
Stasiak tried to climb the ladder but Edge came back grabbing hold of Stasiak off the ladder before hitting him with the face eraser. Stasiak rolled out of the ring and Edge quickly followed him to the outside beating him down. Edge bounced Stasiak's head off the barricades before having a whip attempt countered, Edge going hard into the steel steps. Stasiak grabbed a hold of a chair but never got to hold it as Edge shot out of the corner with a desperation spear Stasiak's chair flying into the announce table. Edge got back to his feet and made his way back into the ring but he took too long allowing Stasiak to get back into the match rolling back into the ring as Edge started climbing. Stasiak started tugging hold of the foot of Edge but he couldn't pull him down, Stasiak opting to climb after him managing to get Edge on his shoulders but Edge flipped over and hit him and powerbombed Stasiak off of the ladder both men laid out.
The Finish:
Stasiak and Edge brawled in the middle of the ring, Edge tossing Stasiak into the ropes, Stasiak countering the move with a swinging neckbreaker. Stasiak sets up Edge into a fireman's carry position but Edge manages to counter before bouncing off the ropes and going for a Spear but Stasiak gets out of the way, but he doesn't manage to counter the downward spiral. Edge starts to climb to the ladder as Stasiak barely moves. Edge even had hold of the belt but Stasiak came out of nowhere to toppled the ladder, Edge crashing down against the ropes, the ladder bouncing off the side. Stasiak then hit Edge with a belly to belly side slam before leaving the ring to grab hold of a chair. The next seconds then went very slowly, as Stasiak returned to the ring with the chair. Stasiak hit Edge with five chairs one after the other, the crowd in a rapture of boos as Edge's body wriggled on the ground. Edge was helpless as Edge was tossed out of the ring before Stasiak made his way up the rope to grab the WWF Intercontinental Title.
Winner and NEW WWF Intercontinental Champion, Shawn Stasiak.Backstage:
The Rock is backstage with Kevin Kelly. Kevin Kelly builds up the match explaining to everyone that The Rock has the opportunity to become a six time WWF Champion. The Rock said that tonight isn't about numbers but it's about getting even. The Rock said that just under a year ago, The Rock was WWF Champion, the best in the business, and then Vince McMahon came in and he took it away from him and that everyone must have been aware that while The Rock disliked Vince McMahon, hell why The Rock hated Vince McMahon, The Rock did the best for the business and that was helping the WWF defeat the Alliance. The Rock said that during the Invasion, he began to wonder if, with all that had happened, whether Vince McMahon had changed, whether Vince McMahon finally saw the light. The Rock's questions were answered the night after Survivor Series. Vince McMahon hadn't changed one bit. The Rock added that what was worse was that Vince McMahon hadn't only stayed the same type of person that he'd always been, Vince McMahon did exactly the same thing to him again when he took away his WCW Championship. The Rock said that tonight however, tonight, The Rock gets to right the wrongs, fix the past and take what is rightfully his and that is a guarandamntee! If you smell....what The Rock...is...cooking!
Promo: Are You Ready?
Tony Chimmel was in the arena about to announce the next match up when the lights dimmed in the arena and a green display came up on the entrance way with the words "Are you Ready?" blasting into the arena. Degeneration X - Coming Soon!
WWF Championship MatchNo Holds Barred
Referee: Earl Hebner
Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock
The Rock's music hit the arena as The Rock made his entrance to the ring. Tony Chimmel gets on the mic as he was making it down announcing that the following WWF Championship Match is a No Holds Barred Match! Suprise! The Rock remained unphased as he went got into the ring and saluted the fans. Vince's music then hit the arena as Vince made his way to the ring grinning as he caressed his WWF Championship belt.
The start:
Vince McMahon stalled on the outside talking to the referee requesting the referee make The Rock stand back so he can get in the ring but The Rock gave him no time climbing through the ropes and quickly starting the fight on the outside. The Rock delivered some huge right hands to Vince McMahon as the two circled around the ring, The Rock sending Vince, head first, into the announce table. The Rock lifted Vince up again before throwing him straight over the announce table, Vince's foot just missing Tazz before The Rock also mounted the table and began to choke Vince with a television wire. The Rock got back to his feet before cracking Vince McMahon over the head with one of the WWF microphones before tossing Vince straight into the steel steps.
Mid-match notes:
X-Pac and Ron Waterman hit the ring and jumped all over The Rock. Ron Waterman hit The Rock with a samoan drop before X-Pac dived off the top rope with a flying leg drop. X-Pac and Waterman both tossed The Rock into the corner of the ring before X-Pac tuned up to hit the broncho buster, but The Rock quickly dodged out of the way. Ron Waterman tried to attack The Rock but he countered it, responding with a belly to belly suplex before hitting X-Pac with a spinebuster. Waterman got back to his feet but only to get the Smackdown laid down on him before X-Pac walked straight into the Rockbottom, both X-Pac and Waterman cleared from the ring. Vince McMahon, bleeding from one eye, came from behind and levelled The Rock taking him down to the ground. Vince McMahon took The Rock to the corner of the ring, nailing The Rock with some knees to the midsection before choking away on the People's Champion.
McMahon took off his belt and whipped The Rock over the back with it repeatedly. McMahon then used the belt to choke away on The Rock. The Rock began to fight back with some right hands but McMahon levelled The Rock once more with a stiff clothesline, using the belt. Vince McMahon paced around the ring like an idiot impersonating The Rock's eyebrow before taunting crouched down just as The Rock crouches for the Rockbottom, but The Rock countered his own move with an elbow before tossing McMahon into the ropes, hitting him with some right hands followed by a huge clothesline. The Rock wasn't finished yet however snatching the belt out of the hand of the co-owner of the WWF, doing just as he did, whipping away on the back of the WWF Champion. The Rock hit a suplex on Vince McMahon before rising to his feet hugely fired up.
The Rock crouched down and signalled for the Rockbottom but the British Bulldog hit the ring and attacked The Rock from behind with a steel chair. Davey Boy Smith then dropped the steel chair on the floor and hit The Rock with a huge powerslam onto the steel chair, Smith looking very pissed off. Smith grabbed hold of Vince and dragged I’m over the top of The Rock, The Rock somehow getting the shoulder up at the two. Vince looks up at the British Bulldog both of them looking shocked as The Rock starts to stir. Bulldog gets back onto The Rock beating him down with some right fists before hitting the Rock with a delayed vertical suplex. Smith sets up The Rock for a second powerslam but this time The Rock counters and sends the British Bulldog into the ropes before knocking him down with a huge clothesline. Vince McMahon tries to attack The Rock from behind but he counters the attack and throws him out of the ring before hitting Smith with a spinebuster. The Rock takes the chair brought into the ring by the Bulldog and clears him out of the rign with a huge chair shot the crowd going wild.
Vince McMahon tried to make a quick escape from the arena walking back up the ramp but The Rock caught up to him with a huge clothesline. The Rock brought McMahon back to his feet and punched him straight back down, directing him back to the ring, The Rock interacting with a few of the fans as Vince McMahon tried to get up. The Rock whipped Vince McMahon into the apron The Rock in a continual taunt before bringing him back into the ring. The Rock tossed Vince into the corner before laying him out with some more right hands before hitting Vince with a huge spinebuster into the middle of the ring. The Rock then grabs hold of the steel chair that he used on Davey Boy Smith and he stands in the corner waiting for Vince McMahon to get back to his feet - The Rock has a sadistic look in his eyes. Vince McMahon gets hit with one of the biggest chair shots you'll ever see, Vince almost lagging when he dropped to the ground, his body having to reboot after the huge shot. But The Rock wasn't done yet! Just like Wrestlemania X7, The Rock repeatedly drives the chair into the chest of Vince McMahon, Vince looking in serious pain.
The Finish:
The crowd cheer as The Rock walks around the ring holding up the disfigured chair before throwing it out before kicking Vince to the head, angrily throwing his arm support to the audience. The Rock hits the People's Elbow on Vince in the middle of the ring, The Rock landing the elbow hard into the sternum of McMahon before hooking the leg the crowd counting the three to become the WWF Champion.
Winner and NEW WWF Champion, The Rock.The Aftermath:
The Rock celebrates with the WWF Championship the middle of the ring as EMTs rush to the ring to carry out the battered and bloodied Vince McMahon. As Vince is carried away, The Rock takes a quick glance at the rambling Vince McMahon before climbing another turnbuckle celebrating his big win.
Backstage:
Stone Cold Steve Austin is backstage with The Coach. The Coach hypes up the Royal Rumble Match adding that for many of the Superstars in this company, this is their opportunity to break through the glass ceiling and make a name for themselves and getting a shot at the WWF Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals, Wrestlemania. Stone Cold said that while The Coach made a valid point, Stone Cold Steve Austin does not need to make a name for himself. Stone Cold said that tonight is about getting back to where he rightfully belongs and become WWF Champion. Austin is then interupted by Paul Heyman and Kane, Heyman telling The Coach that he's heard this speech before. Heyman said that he however agrees with Austin and that he should be at the top of the WWF. It's just too bad that tonight, Stone Cold is going to be in the same ring as a 7ft, 330 lb Monster known as Kane. Heyman said that last year, Kane dominated the Royal Rumble eliminating eleven members in the Rumble match, only to be screwed at the very end by Austin. This time, Austin is not going to be so lucky and just like Kane did to the Hardy Boyz, Kane is going to end Austin's career! Austin looked suprised at the comments of Heyman looking at The Coach before looking back at Heyman. Austin grabbed the mic and cleared his throat, both the Coach and Heyman looking at Austin horrified by Austin asks the question everyone was waiting for..."What? What? What? What? What?" The Royal Rumble is NEXT!
Royal Rumble MatchWinner Goes To Main Event of WrestleMania
The Rumble Match opened up with a video highlighting the history of the Royal Rumble. 30 men enter the ring with one hope, one dream. To win the Royal Rumble and go on to the Main Event of Wrestlemania. After the video ends, Howard Finkel makes his way to the centre of the ring to explain to us once more the rules. Remember folks, in order to be eliminated, a superstar must go over the top rope and both feet must touch the floor. Finkel gets out of the ring and the crowd go wild. The Royal Rumble is NEXT!
The music of Steve Blackman hit the arena and he has drawn number one in the ring. Blackman does not look happy as he gets into the ring ready to kick off the Rumble. William Regal's music then hit the arena sending the crowd into a frenzy of boos as Regal approaches the ring. Regal looks glad to be back! Regal and Blackman lock up in the middle of the ring, Regal quickly backing Blackman off into the corner. Blackman however was having none of Regal's arrogance and quickly reversed Regal sending him back before breaking free the two men staring off. Regal and Blackman lock up again the time Regal scoring with an arm drag. Blackman grabbed Regal with a side headlock into a hammerlock, Blackman trying to get some early possession in the match. The fans got behind the Lethal Weapon as he hit Regal with a snapmare into a headlock. Regal whipped Blackman into the ropes, but Blackman came back with a shoulder block as the clock counted down for our third entrant, Chuck Palumbo! Regal stomped away at Blackman as Palumbo got into the ring, Palumbo halting the Regal offense with the attack from behind. Palumbo whipped Regal into the corner before attempting to splash him, Regal however smartly getting the shoulder up before walking into a bicycle kick by Steve Blackman. Blackman and Palumbo teamed up against the native of Blackpool England, taking him down with a double vertical suplex, Regal landing hard on his back before both men tried to empty him out of the Rumble. The clock started to count down as Regal got hit with a double shoulder tackle from Blackman and Palumbo, Regal looking in serious trouble! But here comes the Fourth Entrant, Chavo Guerrero!
Chavo Guerrero quickly got into the ring and delivered some stiff chops to both Chuck Palumbo and to Steve Blackman quickly speeding up the tempo of this match. Chavo carefull avoided a Blackman attack, Blackman getting hit with a back body drop before Chavo used the ropes to take Palumbo down with a drop kick. Chavo quickly got back to his feet, looking really fired up for the Rumble Match! Chavo shouted something to Regal before going back to work on Blackman, Chavo attempting to hit Blackman with a German Suplex only for it to be countered, Blackman hitting him with one of his own suplexes. Seconds later, Regal follows that suplex with a beautiful fisherman's suplex on Palumbo. Blackman and Regal both attempt to eliminate there men but both fight out, Chavo raking the eyes of the Lethal weapon, Chavo quickly acting on the move, trying to eliminate Blackman. Regal on the other hand keeps on the offensive, Palumbo missing the forearm smash, Regal taking advantage, bringing Palumbo to the ground with a huge swinging neckbreaker. The clock however begins to countdown once more as all four men are scraping in the ring, Regal once again trying to end Palumbo's Rumble. Crash Holly's music hits the arena and Crash quickly rushes to the ring chair in hand. I guess he is our Fifth Entrant. Crash quickly goes to work on everyone in the ring, first taking Regal down with the chair, quickly followed by Chavo, the fans really getting behind Crash. Crash however plays the wrong game, his luck quickly running out when Crash's chair throw attempt gets caught by Blackman, Crash quickly eating the Jungle Kick of Palumbo. Blackman quickly finishes Crash's night off, quickly tossing him over the top ropes to the ground, Blackman shaking his head in dissapointment at Crash. The countdown begins once more as Palumbo and Blackman once again try to eliminate Chavo and Regal. But here comes entrant number six, it's Ron Waterman!
Waterman quickly enters the ring and makes himself known quickly decapitating the head of Steve Blackman. Waterman follows up this move with a huge spinebuster on Chuck Palumbo, the fans closing there eyes as Palumbo hits the ground with a huge impact. Regal tries to score an attack on Waterman but he simply pie faces Regal to the ground before getting attacked from behind by Chavo Guerrero. Chavo attempted to toss Waterman into the ropes but he was outsmarted, Waterman holding onto the ropes before taking Chavo down with a huge clothesline. Waterman quickly disposed of Chavo making him the second elimination of the Rumble. Steve Blackman is next to suffer, purely for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Waterman hitting Blackman with the sitout powerbomb before disposing of him just as he disposed of Chavo! Waterman hits Palumbo with another spinebuster as the countdown begins? Who's going to be next? *buzz* It's The Big Show! The crowd go wild as Waterman stares down the barrel of the gun as Big Show makes his way to the ring. The two men immediately square up in the middle of the ring , Big Show's size a huge imposing factor on Vince's bodyguard! Both men brawl with hard shots in the middle of the ring, Waterman taking a slight advantage over the Giant, but is unable to capitalise with a shoulder block, Waterman simply bouncing off of him. Waterman is sent to the corner, Show squashing him for good measure before hitting him with a huge side walk slam. William Regal then gets subjected for the headbutt of death before Chuck Palumbo gets chokeslammed by the Giant, Big Show demonstrating his dominance. Waterman manages to get a foot back into the match, low blowing Big Show, but Big Show then counters a irish whip attempt, clotheslining Ron Waterman over the top rope. Waterman looks pissed off as the count down begins...5....4....3....2.....1....It's David Arquette! Waterman attacks The Big Show from behind with a steel chair, making the crowd Irate. Waterman is out of this match and he's still involved! Waterman hits The Big Show over and over again until Show goes over the top rope, Big Show being wrongfully eliminated. Waterman was livid, even striking Palumbo with a spinebuster after he tried to intervene in the events and Waterman still wasn't done. Arquette meanwhile strolled down to the ring unsure of how he should approach this as Waterman began to choke away on the Show outside.
After the damage was done by Waterman, Arquette finally got into the ring to clear up the pieces, quickly making short work of the unconscious Chuck Palumbo, Arquette looking real pleased with himself. Arquette attempts to take on William Regal as the countdown begins, this next opponent being someone who Arquette surely remembers! "Bang It's Me! It's Me! It's DDP!" blasts through the arena, the fans going wild as Diamond Dallas Page makes his way down to the ring. Arquette lets go of Regal and goes over to the other side of the ring putting out his hand to his "buddy" DDP. Arquette looks well pleased to be seeing the man who he had previous tagged with in the WCW, barking out some orders, Page taking it all in. Arquette should know better than to turn your back to a man in the Royal Rumble, Page quickly showing the rookie how it's done, hitting him with the Diamond Cutter! Page chucked Arquette out of the ring, the WWF fans making their opinions felt as Arquette is eliminated fom the Royal Rumble! (Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na! HEY HEY HEY! GOODBYE!). The immediately start the real wrestling, Regal attempting to blind side Page, Page countering Regal's whip with a beautiful clothesline. DDP locked Regal in a side headlock as the Rumble count down came on again, Regal taking DDP down with a shoulder block before the buzzer goes. Our 10th entrant is RAVEN! Raven gets a heated reception as he makes his way to the arena, the commentators recounting the hatred that Raven and Page have for each other, Raven forming a team with Regal as they take it to Page. Raven and Regal take a page out of the Road Warriors book, Page getting subjected to the Doomsday Device. Regal and Raven then both chucked DDP over the top rope eliminating him from the Rumble match up. After the elimination, Raven offers Regal the hand of friendship before cheap shotting him, Regal and Raven then proceeding to brawl in the middle of the ring. Regal counters a Raven whip, Regal attempting a back body drop, but instead gets a taste of Raven's boot, Raven following up with a huge clothesline. Raven takes Regal to the corner and begins to choke away on him as the counter begins once more, Raven ignoring it complete as Regal gets hit with an atomic drop going to the ground. However the next entrant changed everything because It's was Stone Cold Steve Austin! Austin stormed to the ring, Raven and Regal both halting their petty fight to take it to Austin but with little use as Austin let lose with a barrage of punches, Regal and Raven before Austin gave both Raven and Regal the Stunner. JR is on his feet as Austin cleans the ring firstly tossing Raven, then Regal from the Royal Rumble match up! Austin is on Fire! Austin walks around the ring looking at the audience, the fans in hysterics as Austin checks his watch, waiting for the countdown to begin. Who will be next?
Our 12th Entrant in the Royal Rumble was Test, Test getting huge heat from the audience. Test played the audience well, insulting the fans as he made his way to the ring, provoking Austin to climb through the middle ropes and a brawl to ensue outside of the ring. Austin and Test traded blows before Austin decided to test how strong Test's head was against the steel steps...and the ring post....and the apron. Austin rolled Test back into the ring but Test was quick back to his feet attacking Austin as soon as he re-entered. Test whipped Austin in the ropes, Austin dodging the big boot attempt before Test managed to hit Austin with a pumphandle slam, Test claiming some vital momentum. Austin and Test's brawl was however put on a short break when our 13th entrant (no suprises here) Scotty 2 Hotty made his way to ring side. Scotty may have wished he'd have stayed at home, Scotty ducking an arm smash attempt by Test but not missing the big boot, Scotty quickly being ejected from this match up. Scotty's short stay in the Rumble did however give Austin some valuable rest time, an Austin Test brawl recomencing shortly after. Austin, a brawling expert, dominated the brawl, before his whip attempt was countered by Test, Austin having to respond with the Lou Thez Press, Test eating more fists. Austin got back to his feet and went for the Stunner, Test cleverly counting before locking Austin in an attempt to slow him down, Austin instead low blowing Test with his boot. The countdown then began as Test slowly got back to his feet, the next entrant being none other than Billy Kidman!
Billy Kidman walked into the arena with a microphone immediately asking they cut his music as he something important to say. Kidman said that he thought that there is no better time than the Royal Rumble than to discuss how unfairly he's been treated since he's been in the WWF. Kidman said that while he was in WCW, he was one of the top guys facing superstars like Hulk Hogan, but in the WWF, they have no respect for people of his height and weight. Kidman said that's why, tonight, he's going to prove a point. Kidman then dropped the mic and got into the ring while Austin was stomping away at Test in the corner. Austin turned around and walked straight into Kidman, Kidman squaring right up next to him daring him to throw the first punch. Austin laughed off the threats, but Kidman wasn't, Kidman going too far slapping the Rattlesnake, unleashing a monster load of right hands from the former WWF Champion. Austin quickly took Kidman to the corner before hitting him with huge hard chops, Austin giving him the middle finger before hitting him with another huge shot. Austin quickly chucked Kidman over the top rope before walking straight into a big boot by Test. Test tried to get Austin up to his feet as the clock reappaered, the entire audience awaiting our 15th entrant! "Can you Dig It? Sucka?" hits the arena and there is a mixture of cheers and boos as the 5 time WCW Champion, Booker T enters the arena making his return to a WWF Wrestling ring. Booker T and Test quickly reform there old partnership Test and Booker sending Austin into the turnbuckle, Booker following in with a huge splash, before Test hit's Austin with a huge clothesline. Booker T and Test both lifted Austin off the ground and tried to throw him out of the ring, Austin hanging on with dear life as the seconds count down. Austin holding on for dear life!
The buzzer finally goes as Austin hangs precariously, as our 16th entrant, Rob Van Dam hits the arena, the fans going wild at the arrival of Mr. PPV! Van Dam immediately causes an impact in the arena, attacking Booker T with some huge right hands, before chucking him the ropes, following up with a spinning heel kick. Test tries to stop Van Dam in his tracks, but Van Dam counters sending him into the corner. Van Dam attempts to splash Test in the corner, but Test reads it, getting out of the way, before tossing Van Dam over the ropes, but Van Dam hangs on, Test walking seconds later into a springboard drop kick. Van Dam doesn't stop there and treats Test to the rolling thunder, while Booker T and Austin are sending each other punches. Austin drops Booker T with a high knee and begins to choke Booker T on the floor while Van Dam climbs up top. Van Dam quickly goes for the 5 star Frog Splash but Test rolls out of the way and Van Dam collides with the canvas.
The next entrant is TAKA Mickinoku! TAKA quickly makes his way to the ring immediately going for Rob Van Dam as Booker T got tossed over the top rope, Booker T managing to hold on and get back into the ring. TAKA hit Rob Van Dam with the Michinoku Driver I, impressing a lot of fans in the arena. Test then helps TAKA lift Van Dam and both men try to push Van Dam over the ropes. Austin meanwhile is beating the living hell out of Booker T, delivering 5 back hand chops straight to the chest of Booker T. Austin goes for a stunner on Booker T, but Booker T counters before hitting a hopping super kick into the face of Austin as Funaki enters the Rumble. Funaki quickly runs to the ring, TAKA meeting him at the outside with a baseball slide. TAKA quickly rolls out of the ring and the two former partners deliver each other severe shots before Funaki counters a whip attempt, sending TAKA into the steel steps. Funaki enters the ring and goes straight for Booker T, distracting the former WCW Champions attention from Austin. Funaki tries to hit Booker T with a german suplex, but Booker T counters with elbows before hitting Funaki with a spinning headlock elbow drop. Booker T clears Funaki out of the Rumble, Austin quickly jumping back onto Booker T as this brawl resumes, the clock getting ready to countdown!
The countdown began again and our 19th entrant was none other than Rikishi. Rikishi went straight to work on TAKA sending im back into the ring and immediately splashing him into the corner of the ring. TAKA got hit with the first stink face of the evening before Booker T walked into a belly to belly suplex by the hands of the current European Champion. Van Dam is holding on as Test is working him over while Austin is perched in the other corner. TAKA however is seeing no more of this Rumble as Rikishi sends him to the outside ending his night. Our next entrant is a huge suprise for the fans with none other than Mr. Perfect making his return to the WWF. Mr. Perfect goes nuts when he gets in the ring taking on nearly everyone with back hand chops. Mr. Perfect eventually singles out Booker T in the corner and begins to choke away at him with his boot. Meanwhile, Test finally gets his man chucking Van Dam over the top rope, RVD making a valiant effort in this Rumble. Mr. Perfect hits the Perfect DDT on Booker T while Test nearly breaks his back body slamming the 370lb Rikishi. Austin quickly gets back on to Test sending him into the corner delivering some huge back handed chops, while Mr. Perfect tries to eliminate the Booker Man.
Our Next Entrant is None Other than Chris Jericho who earned his spot by defeating Angle earlier in the night. Jericho quickly makes an elimination, tossing Rikishi over the top rope, before focusing his attention on Mr. Perfect and Booker T. Jericho and Perfect started off double teaming on Booker T but Perfect quickly turned on Jericho and tried to eliminate him on the side, Jericho responding not too kindly, leading to Jericho and Booker T working together to try and eliminate Perfect. Austin was quickly seen take Test down with another Lou Thez Press opening up as the clocked finally clicked down and Perry Saturn made his entrance into the Rumble. Saturn went to work in the Rumble hitting Jericho with a Northern Lights Suplex following up with a vertical Suplex on Booker T. Saturn then clotheslined Mr. Perfect over the top rope before Jericho tipped Saturn over from behind! Jericho didn't get much of a chance to celebrate however as Booker T was ready for him. Hurricane was the next man to come the ring taking Booker T down with a drop toe hold. Hurricane then hit Booker T with the shining wizard before climbing up top and taking Jericho down with a crossbody. Austin on the other hand managed to get out of the brawl with Test taking him down with a spinebuster. The Hurricane walked straight into Austin and put his hand out to him, Austin. Austin however was in no more for playing games and Hurricane quickly found what it was like to play with a Rattlesnake getting hit with the Stunner. All the wrestlers in the ring looked very tired as the count down began once more for entrant number 24.
"Deadman Walking" blasts through the arena as the Undertaker hit the arena on bike, getting a huge pop from the WWF fans. Taker wasted no time getting into the ring and It was surely seconds from the moment that he stepped into till his first elimination, the Hurricane quickly getting chucked out of the ring. Taker then gave right hands to Austin, Booker T, Chris Jericho, and a side walk slam to Test. Taker is up for this. Taker whipped Booker T into one corner and then whipped Test into the other before splashing them, Taker giving Booker T and extra special kick to the head. Taker then powerslammed Test in the centre of the ring, Taker looking like a man on a mission. After the heels were down, Chris Jericho, Stone Cold and Austin all stood in the ring staring at each other, everyone wondering who was going to work with who to eliminate the other, Jericho making very strong cases to both people. Austin agreed with Jericho or so it seemed, Jericho walking over to Austin only to recieve a Stunner the crowd going wild as Taker and Austin went toe to toe. Just as with Smackdown though, the two never came to blows as Booker T and Test broke the two up attacking them from behind as the countdown began for the 25th entrant of the Royal Rumble. Our 25th entrant was none other than Steven Richards but Richards did not looking happy to come down to the ring. Richards stood at the top of the ramp chatting to some fans shaking his head while Booker T and Test choked there opponents in the corners of the ring. Jericho got back to his feet attacking Booker T from behind. Richards slowly made his way to the ring staring in as the countdown once again began..who would be the 26th entrant?
The Hukka Blues hit the Arena and the crowd went wild as the former ECW legend, Sabu made his way to the ring, Sabu pointing up above. Richards would have known better than most what was coming for when Sabu and Richards went head on on the outside, Sabu throwing a chair into the face of Richards. Sabu rolled Richards into the ring before sliding in with his chair and unleashing hell. The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac Sabu attacked everyone in the ring with his chair before hitting Booker T with the Atomic Arabian Facebuster. Sabu threw the chair at Richards again before hitting the triple jump moonsault on Richards hurting himself in the process. Sabu holding on to his ribs, grabbed hold of Richards and chucked him straight over the top rope to eliminate him. Sabu pointed once more to the sky, but it looked like the God's were not with him, Sabu walking straight into the hands of the Deadman, The Undertaker tossing Sabu over the top rope like a spear into the arena barricade. Meanwhile, Jericho took advantage of the Sabu destruction the ring, hitting Booker T with his trademark Lionsault, Jericho proceeding to toss the Booker Man out of the Rumble.
Lance Storm is our 27th entrant in the Rumble quickly coming to the aid of Test who is being choked out by Undertaker in the corner of the ring while Jericho tries to eliminate at the other side of the ring. Storm goes for the Superkick on Undertaker but Taker catches him in mid kick, countering with a chokeslam but Test brokes up the move. Jericho takes Austin down with a huge missile drop kick before attempting to lock in the walls of Jericho but Austin fights out. Test and Storm meanwhile go for a double whip on Undertaker but Taker simply responds with a double clothesline. The Undertaker then goes for the Old School, the crowd getting right behind the Deadman as we once more count down. Spike Dudley is the next man to enter our Rumble, the self proclaimed Runt of the Litter quickly making an impact with a torando DDT on Chris Jericho. Spike Dudley quickly gets up top and goes the double stomp onto the chest of Jericho. Spike then attacks Austin and chucks him into the corner. Spike goes for the Dudley Dog on Austin but Austin counters pushing Spike off the top rope and straight to the outside eliminating him from the Rumble as the countdown began. The next entrant came down and it’s Jeff Hardy who returns to action one Hardy flying solo. Jeff went after Austin but fought back with some huge right hands sending Jeff straight to the corner, Austin deciding to stomp a mudhole out of the multiple time Tag Team Champion. Storm and Test continued to double team Taker, Test hitting Taker with a modified cutter before Storm landed on the neck of Taker with a springboard leg drop. However, the countdown then began one more time and everyone knew who was coming! Kane's pyros exploded in the arena and Kane marched down to the ring, accompanied by Heyman, Kane looking ready for war.
Kane entered the ring and immediately grabbed hold of the neck of Jeff Hardy hitting a huge chokeslam on him. Kane then big booted Chris Jericho in the face and hit a sidewalk slam on Test. Lance Storm charged at Kane but Kane quickly turned the momentum and tossed Lance Storm head first over the top ropes, eliminating Storm from the Royal Rumble. Austin then recieved a huge uppercut from Kane knocking him down. The Undertaker was next intervene, grabbing the neck of his brother but this didn't stop Kane doing the same. The two struggled for power but it was Kane who eventually broke free chokeslamming Taker down hard to the mat. Jeff Hardy was then lifted up back to his feet by the hair and tossed out of the ring before catching Jericho in midflight, military pressing the former WCW Champion out of the ring to end his Rumble.
Heyman screamed with delight as Kane raised his arm back waiting for the Rattlesnake. This would be his next victim. Kane grabbed the throat of the six time WWF Champion, tilting his head but Austin countered with a kick below before Austin clotheslined Kane over the top rope eliminating him. Neither Kane or Heyman could beleive it! Heyman and Austin get into a yelling match on the apron, allowing Test to sneak up on him and through him over the top rope, causing one of the biggest upsets of the night. We're down to two! Test looked around cockily but Taker was back up and the two men squared up in the centre of the ring the crowd on edge. Both men start to brawl in the middle of the ring, Test taking the upper hand taking Taker back to the corner Test choking Taker in the corner. Test then goes for a splash but Taker gets his shoulder up, Taker coming back with a running DDT. Taker got back to his feet and signalled for the chokeslam, but Test countered with a kick to the gut, Test fighting him off with some good right hands. Test kicks Taker to the gut again and lifts Taker up for a powerslam and carries him to the ropes, but Taker counters the move and slides down the back of Test over the top rope. Test is gone! Wait! No he's not, one of his feet haven't touched the floor! Taker then hits Test with a big boot Test goes flying to the ground. The Undertaker is going to the Main Event of Wrestlemania!
Winner - The UndertakerAftermath
After the match, the arena is filled with excitement! The Undertaker has finally won a Royal Rumble and he is going to the Main Event of Wrestlemania! The Undertaker takes a great time to celebrate with the fans, every single fan appreciating everything he’s done. Test watches on from the top of the ramp, distraught as JR and Tazz thank us all for joining in for this huge night in Sports Entertainment! Thank you all! And Good Night!
To Read the Quick Results - Click SpoilersQuick Results
Key def. Maven to Retain the WWF Hardcore Title
Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle to Qualifty for the Royal Rumble
The Dudley Boyz def. the APA to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles
Marco Mero def. Tajiri to become the new WWF Cruiserweight Champion
Shawn Stasiak def. Edge to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion
The Rock def. Vince McMahon to become the new WWF Champion
The Undertaker won the Royal Rumble
IN
1. Steve Blackman
2. William Regal
3. Chuck Palumbo
4. Chavo Guerrero Jr.
5. Crash
6. Ron Waterman
7. Big Show
8. David Arquette
9. Diamond Dallas Page
10. Raven
11. Steve Austin
12. Test
13. Scotty 2 Hotty
14. Billy Kidman
15. Booker T
16. Rob Van Dam
17. TAKA Michinoku
18. Funaki
19. Rikishi
20. Mr Perfect.
21. Chris Jericho
22. Perry Saturn
23. Hurricane
24. Undertaker
25. Steven Richards
26. Sabu
27. Lance Storm
28. Spike Dudley
29. Jeff Hardy
30. Kane
OUT
1. Crash Holly
2. Chavo Guerrero Jr.
3. Steve Blackman
4. Ron Waterman
5. Big Show
6. Chuck Palumbo
7. David Arquette
8. Diamond Dallas Page
9. Raven
10. William Regal
11. Scotty 2 Hotty
12. Billy Kidman
13. Funaki
14. Rob Van Dam
15. TAKA Michinoku
16. Rikishi
17. Mr. Perfect
18. Perry Saturn
19. The Hurricane
20. Steven Richards
21. Sabu
22. Booker T
23. Spike Dudley
24. Lance Storm
25. Jeff Hardy
26. Chris Jericho
27. Kane
28. Steve Austin
29. Test
Winner - The Undertaker
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THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002
30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock
WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH
Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak
BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho
WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA
WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero
DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE
WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Key © (w/Charles Wright) makes an Open Challenge
Please Feel Free To Make your Predictions!
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WWF Smackdown!
Broadcast on the 10th January 2002 from the Georgia Dome, Georgia
The Royal Rumble is upon us! This is the last stop for the WWF Superstars! Who will take the Momentum into the Rumble?The show kicks off with Michael Cole and Tazz welcoming us to WWF Smackdown admist a spectacle of fireworks. This is the last stop before the Royal Rumble and we have a huge line up tonight, including The Rock in a Gauntlet Match organised by the Co-Owner of the WWF, Vince McMahon. But we start the night off with a visit from the Number one Contender for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, Shawn Stasiak who comes down to ring side with a Ladder, setting up in the middle of the ring before climbing and sitting on the top. Shawn Stasiak tells the audience that they better take a good look at what they are seeing in the middle of the ring because this Sunday, at the Royal Rumble, the entire wrestling world are going to watch Shawn Stasiak climb these steps and become the WWF Intercontinental Champion. Stasiak says that no matter what anyone says, this Sunday is going to be the crowning glory in his wrestling career and there is nothing that Edge, the fans or anyone else can do about it. Stasiak said that as he is destined to win at the Rumble, he wants to take this time tonight to thank all of the people that have helped him get to where he is. Stasiak pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket and begins reading it out, thanking people like his Mum, and his Dad, very reminiscent of an Oscar speech. Cole remarks that this speech is making him feel sick, Tazz responding that he doesn't understand how he can say this! It's so emotional! Stasiak however, enthralled in his own ego, fails to notice, even though the fans are cheering, Edge slowly entering the ring from behind. Before Stasiak can even do anything, Edge pushes the ladder over and Stasiak goes flying to the outside of the ring, the fans going crazy as Stasiak lands hard on the outside. Edge quickly grabs hold of the mic off the floor, to a huge cheer from the audience, telling Stasiak that he was sitting back, listening to Stasiak's speech when he noticed that he'd missed someone out. Edge said that he'd forgot to thank the person who this Sunday, is going to beat the living hell out of him, Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for the one, the only EDGE! Michael Cole and Tazz build up the Intercontinental Championship Match this Sunday at Royal Rumble, Michael Cole confident that Edge isg oing to come through as the fans cheer on Edge in the middle of the ring before going to a commercial break
Commercial: Don't Forget Folks, this Sunday, it's the Royal Rumble! Booker T is coming back Suckas!
The first match of the night is Marc Mero versus the WWF's own Superhero, the Hurricane. Michael Cole and Tazz did not waste time in expressing their feelings about Mero, tracking back to the previous weeks where Marc Mero kidnapped Torrie Wilson. Despite Mero making Cole sick, Cole couldn't help but be impressed with the great start Mero made in the match, Mero hitting a springboard leg drop following a great fallaway slam on the Hurricane. Mero went for the cover after the move, Hurrricane just kicking out on the three, the match continuing. Mero was definately cocky in this match spending a lot of time posing for the crowd and he had room to after planting Hurricane with a pumplehandle slam, Hurricane looking in deep trouble. The finish came 4 minutes into the match, Mero countering countering the Hurricane's top spin facebuster before taking Hurricane down with the STO for the 3 count. (*** Rating). Mero got back to his feet raising his arms smatching one back from the referee before making a title gesture, unsuspecting that an old friend would be right behind him. Mero turned around to huge cheers from the crowd, moments before he got a face full of steel as Tajiri came to the ring, chair in hand. Tajiri totally went nuts on Mero beating the living hell out of him with the chair before taking Mero's head off with the Buzzsaw Kick. Tajiri raised the chair to the crowd as Mero lay unconscious, Michael Cole remarking that people always get their just deserts. Tazz added that Marc Mero just had a wake up call from Tajiri, Tajiri stating that he is ready to take him out at the Rumble. Tazz can't wait for the match up!
Backstage, Vince McMahon is in his office giving a pep talk to Ron Waterman and X-Pac when Jerry Lawler walks into the office saying that he wants to know why Vince hasn't been answering his calls. Vince responds angrily arguing that unlike Lawler, he's been organising entertainment for the show, something the co-owner should be doing unlike Lawler who so far has been doing nothing of use except getting his nose in business that doesn't concern him. Lawler argues that if Vince thinks that the WWF Championship doesn't concern him, then he's dead wrong and that he's watching him. Lawler tells Vince that he's got to go back and get ready for the Sixth Round of the Best of Seven Series Match Up and bids everyone a farewell, Vince McMahon scowling as Lawler leaves.
The Sixth Round of the Best of Seven Series was hugely intense, Chris Jericho totally aware that he had to put absolutely everything into this match up against Kurt Angle. Angle took advantage of this situation really dominating the match early on, taking Jericho to the ground mocking him with his amateur wrestling background. It seemed that nothing Jericho did today would connect, Jericho missing everything he threw and Angle took advantage of it all. However, despite all of Angle's offense, one thing reigned true and that was Jericho was not about to give up. No matter how many suplexes, no matter how many slams,and by God there were many of them, Jericho kept getting the shoulder up. Even Angle's Angle Slam couldn't get the job done, Jericho managing to get the shoulder up on the two. The finish came when Angle started to lose his patience and locked in the Angle Lock, Jericho quickly countering the move, turning it around so that it was Jericho holding the Angle Lock on Angle. Angle squirmed around the ring like a fish out of water, desperate to find the ropes, Jericho shouting abuse at Angle. Angle eventually made it the the ropes the referee pulling Jericho away. Jericho argued with the referee pushing him back, before going back over to Angle, Angle immediately hitting Jericho with a huge low blow, the referee calling for the bell immediately. Angle got back to his feet furious as Jericho dropped like a sack of potatos, the referee telling Angle that you can't do that. Angle furious went straight to work on Jericho beating the living hell out of him before slapping on the Ankle Lock. Jericho tapped in the middle of the ring, referees and backstage staff running the ring to try and stop Angle but Angle was livid. Eventually, Angle broke the hold with his own accord, Jericho looking in absolute agony (*** Rating). Michael Cole called Angle names like sick, evil and insane, Tazz saying that Angle did what needed to be done to ensure victory at the Rumble. You can't blame him for that!
It's time to go to a Royal Rumble Promo. The first Royal Rumble took place on January 24, 1988 in Hamilton, Ontario. Jim Duggan won, and the first pay-per-view Rumble occurred a year later. For all those who didn't know, the Royal Rumble is the brain child of known other than Patt Patterson. Stone Cold Steve Austin has won the most Royal Rumble's winning it 3 times, the latest being in 2001. Stone Cold Steve Austin is the only person in the Rumble who has won the Royal Rumble at a previous time, although the Big Show has also claimed to have won the Rumble in 2000. Will Stone Cold become a four time royal rumble winner or will 2002 be the year in which a new winner is crowned?
After our Rumble Recap, Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us back announcing that the match between Test and Storm and Stone Cold and The Undertaker is NEXT!
The Undertaker and Stone Cold vs. Lance Storm and Test was one of those matches that you knew was going to be a brawl before the match even kicked off. From the moment the men were in the ring, the fight began, Undertaker pairing with Test while Austin and Storm brawled in the middle of the ring. Test and Taker quickly went to the outside, both of them playing the game of "I wonder what my opponent's head can bounce of next". It was Taker who was the first to suffer the real punishment Test reversing a whip attempt from Taker sending him knees first into the steel steps. Test quickly got involved with the in ring action, grabbing hold of Austin's leg as he was bouncing off the ropes, allowing Storm to hit a superkick on Austin in the ring. Storm tried to make the cover but Austin kicked all too quickly. "After all, this isn't David Arquette your facing" bellowed out Tazz as Austin got back to his feet. Eventually some decorum developed in the match, Storm slapping Austin silly in the middle of the ring while Taker and Test waited in baited breath for their chance. However Austin wasn't in the mood to share with the glory, quickly turning Storm showing him just how hard he can slap, the echoes making the strongest of us cringe. Test and Storm began to notice exactly how uncomfortable things were when Undertaker blind tagged himself in, to the displeasure of the Rattlesnake who went on to beat down Storm by himself., Storm looking to get all the punishment in this match up. Austin tagged himself back in and then he started the beat down, causing Taker and Austin to face off, each man asking each other what exactly the other is playing at. Storm and Test quickly took advantage attacking them both from behind in attempt to take possession but nothing developed, Austin and Taker fighting back, Austin taking advantage of Storm while Test choked out Taker in the corner. What seemed like a match that could go either way however went no way when "Bodies" by Drowning Pool hit the ring. Cole and Tazz were shocked, as were the audience when Paul Heyman made his entrance to the arena, requiring that his music be immediately stopped. Heyman said that by now, the people of the World Wrestling Federation and the entire World have been wondering exactly who Paul Heyman's new client is. Heyman said that earlier, he had decided that he was going to wait until the PPV to announce who it was, but hell, he is just excited. That's why Paul Heyman would like to take this time to announce that he client, the #30 Draw of the Royal Rumble is none other than........KANE! Heyman tells everyone that there cards have just been numbered because Kane is going to Wrestlemania. Everyone in the arena is stunned while the pompous Ass that is Heyman smiles at the entrance of the arena. The last thing we see before we go to a commercial break is all four men in the ring staring at each other, all of them knowing that there chances of winning the Royal Rumble has been significantly reduced (*** Rating)
Don't be a bonehead, Don't be a Clown! Don't try this at home folks!
With moments to go before the Main Event, Kevin Kelly catches a few words with The Rock. The Rock thanks Kevin Kelly for doing this interview because The Rock says he couldn't stand to look at the smug face of The Coach anymore, even if he does like to do that cha cha! The Rock says that with the Royal Rumble getting nearer and nearer, The Rock has developed some concerns. The Rock is concerned because despite The Rock whooping the ass of whoever Vince McMahon puts in front of him, Vince McMahon doesn't seem to be able to understand that come the Rumble, The Rock is going to take that WWF Championship. But whatever, tonight, a Gauntlet Match. The Rock against possible, 3 men, 4 men, 5 men, it doesn't matter! The Rock is going to layeth the Smacketh Down on Alllll their candyasses! The Rock says its simple. Just Bring It! The Rock doesn't even sign off tonight, ditching the microphone and Kevin Kelly as he walks off ready for match up, Michael Cole commenting that The Rock is without a shadow of a doubt Ready!
The Main Event is the Gauntlet Match with The Rock. The Rock makes his way to the ring saluting the fans and doing his thing before Vince McMahon come down to start off the gauntlet match. Vince McMahon says that's The Rock better have brought his A game because tonight is going to be the toughest night of his life. The Rock's first opponent once again is the Honky Tonk Man who comes down to the ring and once again tries to mix it up with The Rock. The Rock however, as he did the previous time, quickly takes the HTM down with a DDT before finally finishing him off with a huge Rockbottom, the fans saluting the People's Champ as he makes the first fall. Just like on Smackdown a week ago, his next opponent is none other than the Monster Mabel who lugs his 500lb body down to the ring, Mabel gets into the ring, to immediately get slapped the hell out, The Rock bringing it straight to Mabel. The Rock quickly beats down Mabel, just as he beat down the HTM, hitting a huge spinebuster on the monster before hitting The People's Elbow. The Rock gets up but quickly gets taken down by his next opponent, the British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith who goes absolutely mental on The Rock. Smith quickly hits the powerslam on The Rock, The Rock being planted hard in the mat, Smith hooking the leg only to get a 2 count, the crowd cheering. Smith can't believe it, quickly locking in a headlock to try and wear him out. The Rock, however, does not pass out, powering out with the support of the fans, to lay the Smacketh down all over the Bulldog, before hitting Davey Boy Smith with the Rockbottom. The Rock just beat three opponents in less than 10 minutes, and Vince McMahon is looking out of ideas. Vince quickly gets back on the mic and calls X-Pac and Ron Waterman to the ring, Vince announcing that The Rock will now be in a handicap match. Waterman and X-Pac severely beat down The Rock, X-Pac hitting The Rock with his quick feet before Waterman hitting his own version of the Spinebuster on The Rock. Waterman grabs hold of The Rock and sets him up for the Powerbomb, The Rock countering before Waterman has a chance to lift him, before taking the head off of X-Pac and throwing Waterman out of the ring. X-Pac tries to attack The Rock from behind, but The Rock manages to counter a whip attempt before hitting him with an atomic drop, X-Pac finally feeling the punishment of the Rockbottom. The Rock has very little time to celebrate this big win as Waterman is back in the ring with a huge forearm smash. Ron Waterman then hits The Rock with a Sitout Powerbomb The Rock landing stiffly on the mat as Vince McMahon makes his way to the ring. Michael Cole and Tazz watch on in utter disgust as X-Pac and Waterman line up The Rock in the middle of the ring, Vince pulling his jacket off before coming into the ring. Vince looks both ways before kicking The Rock in the head "No No! He can't be?" shouts Michael Cole. "He is!" responds Tazz. It's time for the MILLION DOLLAR ELBOW! Vince McMahon hits the Elbow Drop onto The Rock the crowd booing as Vince gets back to his feet (** Rating).
The last sight we see is Vince McMahon standing over the body of the challenger for the WWF Champion, his WWF Title raised high in the air as Michael Cole and Tazz thank us for joining. Next Stop! THE ROYAL RUMBLE!
Quick ResultsMarc Mero def. The Hurricane
Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle by DQ
Stone Cold and The Undertaker drew with Lance Storm and Test
The Rock won the Gauntlet
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WWF Smackdown! Preview
Broadcast on the 10th January 2002 from the Georgia Dome
WWF Smackdown features the brightest and top talent in the World Wrestling Federation.
We are three days away from the Royal Rumble and by God do we have a huge night of Wrestling Entertainment planned for you tonight;
Earlier this week on RAW, The Undertaker came to Stone Cold aid, saving him from a vicious attack by the Canadians, Test and Storm. Now tonight, Taker and Austin get to leash out revenge on Test and Storm when they face each other in a Tag Team Match. Who will get the final leg up on the final stretch the Royal Rumble? Can Test and Storm create a huge upset? Wait and see!
Last Monday, The Rock defeated none other than the amazing British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith. Vince McMahon, dejected at another loss, decided that this format was not working for him. That is why tonight, The People's Champion will compete in a Gauntlet Match against unnamed opponents. Who will The Rock face and what damage will this do to his title match on Sunday at the Rumble? Vince can only hope it does!
Also, earlier this week on RAW, Chris Jericho picked up his second victory in the Best of Seven Series again Kurt Angle closing the gap to 2-3 in Angle's favour. Can Jericho even the scores on Smackdown or will Angle seal his place in the Royal Rumble? Does Jericho have what it takes? Or will Angle just be another failure on the list of Y2J?
For all the answers, plus appearances of WWF Superstars, Tajiri, Marc Mero, The Hurricane and many more, tune in to Smackdown at 8/7 CT only on UPN!
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WWF RAW
Broadcast on Monday, 7th of January, 2002 LIVE from Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, Georgia
Folks, Welcome to WWF RAW! We are less than a week from the Royal Rumble and tonight is going to be a hellacious night!
RAW kicks off in it's stereotypical fashion, pyros exploding all across the arena as Jim Ross and Mick Foley welcome us to an action packed line up. The show kicks off with a match up between WWF Cruiserweight Champion, Tajiri and former WCW Superstar, Billy Kidman. JR and Foley cut back to last week on Heat where Kidman punked out Tajiri leading to a match up later in the night. Foley adds that Kidman however was far from satisfied with the match up and requested the rematch, and that's why we are hear tonight! The match kicks off in an unexpected fashion when Kidman jumps Tajiri from behind as he makes his way down to the ring, prematurely starting off the match, Kidman taking Tajiri down very quickly with a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker Kidman looking really fired up. Kidman tries to get an early pin following a missile drop kick but Tajiri is not ready to end the match yet. Kidman continues the offense, with a variety of near fall attempts, many fans suprised to see Tajiri kick out from a standing moonsault. Kidman managed to get himself in trouble late on in the match, Tajiri countering a headlock with a side suplex, Tajiri using his quick feet to take advantage, the crowd going wild as Tajiri locks in the Tarantula. JR and Foley both express their admiration to Tajiri who has been on great form as of late, despite womanless, almost as a queue for Marc Mero's entrance music stopping Tajiri in his tracks. No one can believe what they see next, as Mero stands at the entrance, Torrie Wilson, tied up, Mero holding her by the hair. Tajiri distracted, doesn't anticipate Kidman knocking him forward before rolling the Cruiserweight Champion up, Kidman picking up a priceless win against the Cruiserweight Champion. (*** Rating). After the match up, Mero laughing chucks Wilson to the ground leaving the arena, the crowd voicing their anger towards Mero who next Sunday will take on Tajiri for the WWF Cruiserweight Title.
Backstage, Jerry Lawler is waiting in his office as Vince McMahon strolls in, X-Pac and Waterman in tow. Vince demands what Lawler wants as he is a busy man, Lawler demanding to know what he's thinking. Vince looks confused, asking him to elaborate, and Lawler indeed does. He wants to know why the hell the British Bulldog is backstage tonight, and Vince grins. Vince tells Lawler that The Rock maybe able to beat one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions in the history of the WWF. The Rock maybe able to beat a former King of the Ring Winner. But he will NOT defeat the British Bulldog. Lawler reminds Vince that he won't be allowed intereference again tonight, but Vince tells him that it doesn't matter because nothing is going to ruin his night. Vince recomends that Lawler watch the main event. It's going to be a slobberknocker, intentionally mocking JR.
We head back to ring side as Shawn Stasiak hits the ring, grabbing a microphone. Stasiak tells the audience that he hopes they are all ready for his big announcement because Stasiak informs the crowd that he has spent a large amount of time considering his options. Stasiak mentions that in order to make his decision, he had to go deep into the archieves of Edge is history, to see what he was good at, to see what he was poor at, and Stasiak found something quite distressing. Stasiak believed that as far as gimmicks go, Edge was nothing short of awesome. But then again, Edge has never fought a guy like him before in a match like the one he's chosen. That's why, at the Royal Rumble, Edge will face Shawn Stasiak in a LADDER MATCH! The crowd go wild, JR and Foley confused as to why Stasiak would choose a match that Edge has such an impressive track record in. Stasiak finally explains his reasons; he says that throughout his career, people have said "Stasiak is a lightweight", "Stasiak doesn't have what it takes!" But at the Royal Rumble, Stasiak says he is going to go in and face one of the top people in the business in one of his best matches and BEAT HIM proving to the world that Shawn Stasiak IS money! JR says he admires Stasiak's desire but sometimes, desire isn't enough. Foley simply adds that come the Rumble, Stasiak is going to have his ass handed to him.
Backstage, Kurt Angle is standing by with the Coach. Kurt Angle says that he hopes that the Coach doesn't have any questions because he doesn't feel like answering any questions because Kurt Angle wants to deliver a message to Chris Jericho. Angle says that prior to this best of seven series, Jericho was walking around telling people that he was the best in this business. But Angle, like many others, have proved Jericho to be nothing but a fraud. Angle says that you can look back in Chris Jericho's history, failed WWF title attempts, failed this, failed that. Hell, Chris Jericho even failed to screw The Rock out of winning the Winner Takes All Match at Survivor Series. Angle adds that just like all these previous occasions, tonight, he will add to Chris Jericho's long and glorious list of failures when he takes another win and signs himself up for the Royal Rumble. Oh It's True! It's Damn True!
We then go for a commercial break before returning for our second match up of the night, Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle, Round 5. Angle makes his way to the ring first saluting the fans to a huge chorus of boos, before Jericho hits the ring. Both men face off in the centre of the ring, exchanging words before Jericho slaps Angle across the face leading to kick off. Angle and Jericho brawl in the middle of the ring, Angle getting the first whip only to get hit back from a clothesline from Jericho, Jericho quickly getting back to his feet and the fight quickly gets taken to the outside. Jericho tries hard to wear down Angle with a russian leg sweep onto the barricade before chucking Angle into the steel steps. Jericho tries to take advantage of the outside beat down, taking Angle back into the ring for the cover but Angle manages to get the shoulder up. Jericho tries to play the mat game early on, taking Angle to the ground with a mixture of high flying moves, before locking Angle in with an arm bar hyperextending the arm. Angle however is a great counter wrestler, Jericho quickly getting into trouble with a belly to belly suplex, Angle trying to get a foot hold into the match. One Suplex quickly turned to 3 or 4 and Jericho landed on his head more times than he cared to imagine, Jericho just managing to break out of a german suplex bridge for the 3. Angle surely thought the match must have been over after Angle hit Jericho with the Angle Slam but Jericho was too close to the ropes and rested his foot on the bottom one, Angle unable to capitalise from this major move. The finish came shortly after, an impatient Angle pulling down the straps on his ring gear for the Ankle Lock. Jericho, however, was ready, and after being a short period of time in the hold, displayed incredible leg strength, countering the move into a roll up, Angle unable to counter Jericho holding the bottom rope for the extra leverage (**** Rating). Jericho quickly climbed out of the ring post match, arms raised as Jericho keeps his hopes alive. Angle is stunned. JR discusses the possibility of Jericho bringing it even on Smackdown, Mick Foley finding it hard to believe that Chris Jericho could pull two in a row over an Olympic Gold Medallist.
Backstage, we join Jerry Lawler who is backstage arguing with Faarooq and Bradshaw. Bradshaw claims that over the past week, the Dudley Boyz have been harrassing them by means of phone calls, emails,and everything. Bradshaw admits to Lawler that he hates emails at the best of the time but this is taking it too far. Bradshaw wants them for the WWF Tag Team Titles tonight. Lawler tells them both that he understands the APAs problem but an early match is out of his hands. Lawler says that he can't overrule Vince's decision to ban either members of the APA if either of them are to attack the Dudley Boyz unprovoked prior to the Royal Rumble and that's just the way it's going to have to be."Damn" remarks Faarooq. We all share that sentiment big guy!
Further backstage, we enter Vince's office, Vince McMahon yapping on the way on the phone to none other than PAUL HEYMAN. Vince looks very positivity thanking Heyman for the offer. He adds that as soon as he heard who the man in question was, all he needed to was to find where the dotted line was. Vince guarantees that this guy is going to enter the Rumble at Number 30 and that he'd be suprised if this guy doesn't go ahead and win the whole damn thing. Vince thanks Heyman one more time before we cut back to the ring.
At Ringside, Jim Ross and Mick Foley are plugging the Rumble some more. In case you guy's didn't know, it's less than a week away and it's going to be HUGE.
Next up is a match many must have been waiting for, Stone Cold vs. Lance Storm. JR comments that Stone Cold has had one hell of a hard ride to this Rumble and that it would be something short of a miracle for Austin to win this one. Foley adds that he's known Stone Cold for a long while and most people know the amount of respect he has for Austin but Foley would be very suprised if Austin won this one. Either way, Austin recieved a huge pop from the crowd on his entrance, Storm on the other hand recieving a less than welcome response. Storm and Austin start off in a typical fashion, Storm getting in the face of Austin, Austin then proceeding to beat the living snot out of Storm, causing Storm to jump to the outside from a pummelling of right hands from the Rattlesnake. Austin does not waste any time though and quickly chases Storm around the ring, Storm using his wrestling sense to get back in the ring and beat down the Rattlesnake as he slides in. Storm goes for an early pinfall attempt following a side suplex on Austin, Austin no where near finished by that move but Storm tries anyway, Storm desperate to try and keep possession in this match up. Storm eventually resorts to some cheap tricks, choking away on the Rattlesnake, the referee warning Storm time and time again but without any follow up. As the match progresses, Storm gets more daring and decides to fly high, Austin taking the advantage to knock him down before hitting a huge superplex to canvas, Storm crashing hard down to the mat. Then, all hell broke loose, Test immediately arriving at ring side, sliding into the ring, the referee having no choice but DQ Storm as Austin tried to fight a two pronged attack. Austin fought off the two men for an extended amount of time before Storm eventually took Austin to his knees with a Storm kick. However the two man advantage literally lasted seconds as "Rollin" by Limp Bizkit filled the arenas and the motorbike roar of the Undertaker filled the arena, Taker quickly hopping to the ring. Storm and Test were not about to see how this one ended, the two Canadians quickly leaving the ring and exiting through the crowd, JR adding a few choice words. "Storm and Test are nothing but DAMN cowards!" he yelped, Foley seconding that as Austin got back to his feet, keeping his eyes on The Undertaker at all times. JR comments that two of the biggest threats in the Royal Rumble stand toe to toe in the ring, and he wonders if either of them are going to make a move. Both men however did, simpyl acknowledging each other before saluting their respective fans, JR adding that whether these two like it or not, come Rumble, they are going to have face each other and by God when that happens, it's going to be huge (***1/2 Rating).
We go backstage again, back to Faarooq and Bradshaw who are discussing the previous match up, discussing how action packed the Rumble was going to actually be. Faarooq asked Bradshaw who he thought was going to win the Rumble, Bradshaw telling him that he didn't care if it were Stone Cold, The Undertaker or hell Perry Saturn. Bradshaw says that what's more important is that at the Rumble, him and Faarooq come out with the Tag Team Gold...*Crack* Out of nowhere comes chair shots on both members of the APA by Bubba and D-Von Dudley who stand over the APA with sick smiles on their face. Bubba tells Bradshaw that the only thing that the APA are going to come out with at the Rumble are bloodied facies because nobody can stop them. Bubba throws his chair down onto of Bradshaw, D-Von throwing his to the side laughing, before the two men walk away, Faarooq and Bradshaw both left laid out on the floor.
Next up, we head further backstage where The Coach is standing by with The Rock, The Rock intruiged to know exactly how The Rock is feeling about facing the British Bulldog tonight. The Rock says that he's said it before and he'll say it again, "Just Bring It!". The Rock says that he doesn't understand how each and every week, The Coach, persistant as he is always asks, "Are you afraid Rock? Are you Huh Huh?" Of course The Rock is not afraid. The Rock says he is 30 years old, Davey Boy Smith is 10 years older than him and in case people were wondering, the term legend is only used for people that are past their best. That's why The Rock would call The Coach a legend, but then again, The Coach never has been good. The Rock reminds Vince McMahon that the clock is ticking away and we are soon heading towards the Royal Rumble, Tick Tock, Tick Tock! And when that time arrives, whether Vince likes it not, despite all the legends and bodyguards he has in the wordl, The Rock is walking out WWF Champion. Do you smell what The Rock is cooking?
Finally, it was time for the RAW Main Event, the fans applauding both the British Bulldog and The Rock on their entrances to the ring, although it was clear that The Rock was indeed the more popular. Bulldog, who was not looking in the best of shape, really took it to The Rock in a strong way at the start of the match, JR being quick to point out that this isn't the first time Smith has fought The Rock, citing Unforgiven 1999. Smith went for a quick pin in the match following a delayed vertical suplex The Rock kicking out with ease. Smith continued to the early domination in the match, getting another near fall when The Rock got planted with a huge slam after being ricoched off the ropes, The Rock looking in quite a bit of pain. Bulldog continued with the domination, kicking The Rock in the head before taunting the crowd, the crowd quickly turning on the Englishman. Bulldog's arrogance quickly got the better of him though, falling for The Rock's old trick, before getting hit with a spinebuster. Next was a blast for the past for Smith, who next got subjected to a move that would be all quite too familar for him, the Sharpshooter, the crowd cheering, Foley adding that it's akin to a dog rolling around in his own feces. Nice one Mick! Bulldog, who looked in significant pain quickly struggled to the ropes, The Rock being forced to let go. The Rock tried to keep on top but Bulldog quickly showed his veteran abilities, countering a whip before hitting The Rock with a facebuster, The Rock crashing against the mat. The finish came when Bulldog had the Rock and set him up for the powerslam, The Rock quickly countering pushing him away before attempting to lock in the Rockbottom, Bulldog fighting out of it for a second before The Rock came back with some huge right hands, taking the living snot out of him before bouncing Smith off the ropes before hitting him with a Samoan Drop. Yes folks, we all know what's next! IT'S THE PEOPLE'S ELBOW! The Rock slams that elbow down hard ot the applause of the crowd, quickly hooking the leg for the 3. (*** Rating). "The Rock has done it again Mick!" shouts JR, fully behind The Rock's claim for the WWF Title. Foley truely believes that come the Rumble, The Rock will once again become the WWF Champion. However The Rock's celebrations were about to be ended at the arrival of none other than Vince McMahon and his two goons, X-Pac and Ron Waterman. Vince told The Rock and the audience that he was very impressed by The Rock's resiliency in the last few weeks. That is why, Vince has decided to forfit the 4th opponent he promised for this week on Smackdown. Vince says that The Rock's inability to lay down and die has given him no choice than to put The Rock in a GAUNTLET MATCH! The crowd go wild as Vince McMahon's music hits once more, JR shocked. JR believes that Vince McMahon will stop at nothing to get the job done and he might well do that come Smackdown!
The Show ends with the camera focusing on Vince's face, Vince and The Rock staring each other down before the show finally fades to black.
Quick ResultsBilly Kidman def. Tajiri in a Non-Title Match
Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle in Round 5 of the Best of Seven Series (Angle leads Jericho 3-2)
Stone Cold def. Lance Storm by DQ
The Rock def. The British Bulldog
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Raw Preview
Scheduled to be broadcast on Monday, 7th of January, 2002 LIVE from Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, Georgia
Less Than A Week from the Rumble!With the Rumble less than a week away, Vince McMahon must be getting very concerned. Over the past few weeks, Vince has done everything in his power to fight off the impending threat that is The Rock, who this Sunday at the Royal Rumble, goes one on one with the Co-Owner of the WWF for the WWF Championship belt. Vince McMahon said that he is vastly running out of options but on the same token, tonight might be the night. Can Vince come up with the goods finally to shut up The Rock or will Vince McMahon have to bring it at the Rumble?
Redneck Revenge
Last week, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker were jumped by WWF Up and Comers Test and Lance Storm on Smackdown. Less than 10 minutes after the match, Austin was straight in the locker room of WWF Co-Owner Jerry Lawler demanding revenge against either Test and Storm. Jerry Lawler now exclusively reveals that tonight on RAW, Stone Cold is set to go one on one with Lance Storm in a match that surely will take Storm to the limit. Who will come out on top and can Test refrain from interefering in this one?
What will Stasiak choose?
After the last week's matches, Shawn Stasiak won the right to decide the stipulation which the WWF Intercontinental Championship is defended in. Rumours have been running rampant recently as to what Stasiak will choose with favorites stemming from a First Blood match to a Cage Match. Will this stipulation be to the advantage that Stasiak is looking for or will Edge prove exactly what he said, proving his dominance in the Intercontinental Championship division by beating Stasiak to retain his title?
Kurt Angle vs. Jericho Part 5
In this Best of Seven Tournament, Kurt Angle has so far shown that he both has the intellegence and intensity to take it to Chris Jericho leading the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla 3-1. With tonight's match really being a last chance saloon for the former WWF Intercontinental and WCW Champion Chris Jericho, can Jericho push Angle to the Rumble for that important spot in the WWF Royal Rumble Match, for a chance to Main Event Wrestlemania, or will Jericho once again demonstrate exactly what everyone else has been saying that he just can't win the title's that matter!
For all the answers, plus appearances of WWF Superstars, Tajiri, Billy Kidman, the APA and many more, tune in to RAW Monday night at 9/8 CT on TNN
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THE CURRENT LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002
30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock
WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak
BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho
WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA
WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero
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Sunday Night Heat
Broadcast on Sunday, 6th January 2002 from the Seattle WA
We are now just a week away from the Royal Rumble, one of the most anticipated PPVs of the World Wrestling Federation Calandar. We start off Heat being welcomed by our Heat Announcers, Kevin Kelly and Al Snow who profess their excitement for a thriller hour of Wrestling TV
The night kicked off with a man that has been a focal point of Heat recently, TAKA Michinoku, who was scheduled to face Hardcore Holly. TAKA once again came to the ring without Funaki, resulting in a lesser pop from the audience. TAKA quickly tried to steal the match from Holly, Holly hunting for that power move, TAKA goes for some quick roll ups and a school boy pin attempt but Holly was having none of it. Holly eventually found TAKA with a huge clothesline the power behind it shaking the crowd, TAKA hitting the mat hard. As soon as Holly got that advantage, he began to dominate the match, throwing TAKA into the corner and beating him with all kinds of crazy, one picture saying it all, TAKA slumped in the corner while Holly stood tall in the middle of the ring. Holly tried to finish the match with his Alabama Slammer but TAKA was quick to counter, trying to get another counter pin in, before taking Holly down with a super kick. TAKA’s resistance however was futile as Holly countered a cross body attempt moments later, before finally hitting the Alabama Slammer for the win. (**1/2 Rating). After the match, Holly got to the outside his arms spread out wide, Al Snow complementing the powerhouse that is Bob Holly as Funaki ran past, going to attend to his buddy TAKA. Funaki quickly came to the aid of TAKA, getting him back to his feet but TAKA didn’t want his help, shouting at Funaki all kinds of crazy. Funaki looked confused as to what the hell was wrong but TAKA pushed him away, leaving a bewildered Funaki in the ring as TAKA left the ring. Kevin Kelly and Al Snow discussed the awkward moment, Funaki seeming to be quite upset. Why is TAKA upset with Funaki?
Backstage, Tajiri is walking around, banging on doors, calling for Torrie. Kevin Kelly comments that there has been talk about Marc Mero being at the show tonight but no one has yet seen sight or sound of him. Tajiri keeps calling for Torrie when he is fronted by none other than Billy Kidman. Kidman tells Tajiri that he may have noticed but no one cares about his situation. Kidman says that quite frankly, it’s beginning to bore him. He adds that it’s probably for the best because he would have only been dumped by Torrie eventually anyway. Torrie likes real men. Tajiri mumbles something in Japanese at Kidman scowling away, Kidman nodding asking “Is that so?” Kidman then takes the conversation a little too far, slapping Tajiri hard across the face, before walking off, Tajiri scowling at the exiting Kidman. Kevin Kelly remarks that Kidman may have picked the wrong fight with the wrong man tonight.
We go to a quick break for a Royal Rumble Advert: That’s right folks, he is a former WCW Champion, a Master of Hollywood, the one, the only, David Arquette and he’s going to be at the Rumble. Get Ready to Rumble Folks!
Back to the ring and Billy Kidman is making his way to the ring ready for an impromptu one on one match against Tajiri. Tajiri doesn’t take a moment’s time when his music hits, Tajiri rushing down to the ring. Kidman swung for Tajiri but Tajiri went straight for the throat, kicking the living hell out of Kidman. Tajiri nearly ended the match very early with a huge snap suplex on Kidman, Kidman just kicking out in the last second. Tajiri continued on the offensive taking Kidman down with a springboard elbow smash, Kidman just kicking out once again. Kidman however manages to get in the match, countering Tajiri offensive Fireman's carry into a neckbreaker on the knee. Kidman showed off to the fans with his typical high flying style, getting a near pinfall attempt off a springboard leg drop, but Tajiri was too savy.Kidman went for a spinebuster on Tajiri before taking it to the top rope rope for the Shooting Star Press but Tajiri wasn’t going to die today, the WWF Cruiserweight Champion getting back to his feet to hit the Buzzsaw Kick on Kidman for the 3 count. (*** Rating). Al Snow and Kevin Kelly stand back admiring the performance of the two WWF superstars, Al Snow saying that Billy Kidman is one tough customer and Tajiri showed him who was boss tonight. If he was Marc Mero, he’d stay at home! Kevin Kelly agrees telling Al that he can not wait for the WWF Cruiserweight Match at the Royal Rumble!
Time to revisit this week's RAW and Smackdown. The talking point of tonight’s show is the rise of Lance Storm and Test. It’s obvious that these two Superstars have been pushing the boat over the last few weeks, Test and Storm taking it to Taker and Austin once again on Smackdown. Can either of these two WWF Superstars actually win the Royal Rumble? Al Snow says that this year, Test is one of his picks. He’s shown over the past few months how tough he really is, and after his recent feud with the Undertaker, one feels that it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the WWF Champion. Remember in One Week’s time, the WWF Royal Rumble is coming to you live from the Philips Arena, Atlanta Georgia.
Next up is the Main Event, which sees Diamond Dallas Page and the ‘Lethal Weapon’ Steve Blackman take on Raven and Justin Credible. Blackman and Raven started off the match, Raven getting around Blackman’s martial arts background with good team work, Raven and Credible keeping Blackman wedged in their corner. Blackman and DDP were very lucky to even be in the match, when clever work by Raven, caused the referee to be distracted by DDP allowing both men to hit a double DDT on Blackman, Credible just missing out on the 3. The turn in the match came while Raven had Blackman in a sleeper hold, the match very much in the heel’s favour. Just moments after the referee began to check to see if Blackman was still conscious, Blackman began to turn on the style powering out of the hold, eventually allowing him to use is martial art skills to fight out, before taking Raven down with a spinning heel kick. Blackman quickly made the hot tag to Page, Raven managing to bring in Credible but Page was on fire. Page took down Credible, then Raven, then Credible again; the crowd amazingly behind Page as Raven gets thrown out of the ring. Credible tried to even up the score, but Page was in no mood for niceties, countering Credible’s whip attempt for the Diamond Cutter. Blackman patrolled the ring as Page made the three, Raven standing on the outside in utter disbelief as Page and Blackman pick up the win.(*** Rating). Kevin Kelly says that Raven should just give up now, he’s never going to beat Page but Al Snow says he knows Raven too well to give up that easily. Will Raven get the finally laugh at the Royal Rumble or will Page’s positivism rule all?
Thank you all for joining into the show! This time next week it’s the Royal Rumble! Make Sure You Stay Tuned and Stay Well! Thank you and Goodnight!Quick ResultsHardcore Holly def. TAKA Michinoku
Tajiri def. Billy Kidman
Diamond Dallas Page and Steve Blackman def. Raven and Justin Credible
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Damn, okay, so i got a lot of bad predictions then, so lets run through the night.
Firstly, in regards to all the segments, great, and I've got to say, with Chris Jericho JBL match set the standard of the night.
An early shocker to get us going, Hoyt losing his big match against Heidenreich. However, he managed to redeem himself later which is fine.
Shelley winning was fine and I loved the fact the Juice went over.
I'm intruiged to see how you're gonna carry off a Carlito/Jericho/JBL/Flair/Hoyt storyline in the future.
Roode winning was fine, happy to see that and Matt Hardy being just before the main event was also great. Looks like Konnan got taken to the woodshed.
The main event was fantastic with all the right spots, intereference and the finish.
Now bring us what we want to see and thats
Jericho and Flair vs. Hoyt and JBL...bring it!
Good stuff man, keep up the good work
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Heat Preview
Scheduled to be Broadcast on Sunday, 6th January 2002 from the Seattle, WA
Sunday Night Heat showcases some of the finest talent of the World Wrestling Federation in your living room every Sunday Night only on MTV.
TONIGHT ON HEAT
TAKA Michinoku (w/Funaki) vs. Hardcore Holly
Few would argue that over the past few weeks, TAKA Michinoku has been one of the MVPs of Heat. However, despite the exciting matchesh e has been putting on, TAKA has not been able to get the job done. Can TAKA finally put away his demons tonight when he goes one on one with Hardcore Holly or will TAKA once again be doomed to fail?
DDP and Steve Blackman in Tag Team Action
Last week on Heat, DDP and Raven went through a gruling contest which truely could have gone either way. The final outcome was double count out meaning that both superstars will in fact be entering the Royal Rumble. However, tonight is not about the Royal Rumble. It's about animosity and that is why DDP is teaming up with Steve Blackman to take on Raven and Justin Credible. Can Raven finally get the job done tonight or will Positivity once again reign supreme?
It is also expected that Tajiri will also be on Heat tonight. Is Tajiri any closer to Torrie Wilson or is he still at a dead loss as to when he'll ever see her again?
All this and more, only on Heat
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WWF Smackdown!
Broadcast on the 4th January 2002 from the Spokane Arena, Washington State
The Royal Rumble is less than a week and a half away now and well over half of the Rumble participants have now been chosen! Who will take that spot at Wrestlemania to face the WWF Champion? Who Damn it Who?
The show kicks off with Michael Cole and Tazz welcoming us to WWF Smackdown admist a spectacle of fireworks. Michael Cole reminded us that this was the first Smackdown of the New Year and who knows what the Co-Owners have planned for us with this huge new year under way. Michael Cole adds that tonight's Main Event is the Rock vs. a Mystery Opponent but one thing that they know about tonight's Main Event is that it will be a No-Interference Match Up as Jerry Lawler has, as he has done in the past, threatened to strip Vince McMahon of his title if anyone intereferes on his behalf. Tazz adds that this was a smart move by Lawler although obviously not one that is going to help him gain any approval from Mr. McMahon.
The night kicked off with Edge heading to the ring and grabbing a microphone. Edge tells the audience that he loves being in Washington because it reminds him that just like the weather in Seattle, Edge is going to rain on Shawn Stasiak's parade. Edge adds that while Stasiak has a lot of mouth for a guy that has never achieved anything memorable in his entire career except being fired from the WWF and being part of a company that went out of business, Edge is a 2 time WWF Intercontinental Champion. Stasiak halts Edge's talk with an appearance at the entrance warning him that he'd better keep his mouth shut because he's going to need to conserve his energy for his opponent. Stasiak agrees with Edge that he hasn't won anything yet but he'd also like to remind Edge that at Vengeance, he lost and that the only reason that belt is still around his waist is due to a technicality. But anywho, his opponent tonight is...KEY!
Key comes down to the ring with Charles Wright, Key looking ready for a fight tonight. Cole reminds everyone that no less than a week ago, Key lost his first match here in the WWF when he lost to Rob Van Dam in a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match and that he wouldn't be suprised if that hurt his confidence BIG! Cole however made an incorrect assumption as Key looked on fire, going at Edge in the early goings of the match, taking him to the corner and beating him down hard as the 6:15 began to countdown on screen. Key made an early pin fall attempt, trying to get the pin after a superb brain buster on Edge, Edge managing to kick out on the 2. Edge however was fully aware on the time and after 3 minutes domination by Key, Edge turned on the class, getting a second burst of energy after a sleeper hold by Key taking Key down with a drop kick both men hitting the mat hard. Edge got back to his feet shortly after and hit Key with an implant DDT going for the cover but Key managing to kick out on the two. We are now down to 2 minutes remaining and Edge needs to do something. Edge attempted to get back in the match but Charles Wright tried everything he could grabbing his foot causing Key to get back into the match with a stiff clothesline. Key decided it was time to go up top and end this nonsense and incorrectly went up to the top rope for a moonsault, Edge getting his knees up before taking Key down with a second DDT. Charles Wright tried to get into the match, but Edge clocked him off the apron, now with 8 seconds left. Edge then hits the spear..........on Key...........5.......4.......3 Edge covers.......1..........2...........THE BUZZER GOES! The crowd can't believe it. Edge gets back to his feet only to get clocked with a chair shot by Charles Wright. Key's music hits the arene as Michael Cole and Tazz, as well as the audience simply watch on before the show hits a commercial break (**3/4 Rating).
When we return to the show, Cole and Tazz recap on what just happened before we go backstage to see Shawn Stasiak shaking hands with both Key and Charles Wright. Stasiak hands over Wright a brown envelope of cash, telling Wright to count it but Wright says he's cool. Wright asks if he's decided on a stipulation for the Royal Rumble Match Up, Stasiak telling him he has but he's gonna have to wait till next week on RAW where he announces to the world, exactly what type of hell Edge has got himself into. "What type of match do you think it's gonna be Cole?" asks Tazz, Cole replying "I I dont know!"
Further backstage, we go to Stone Cold's locker room, the fan cheering as Austin looks to be settling in ready for his match later when The Undertaker walks in. Austin gets to his feet and the two men stand toe to toe looking like they're about to kick off. Austin asks him what the hell he wants and Taker gets right to the point. He says that he admired what Austin did earlier this week on RAW, it show's Austin still has some guts BUT if he thinks that is going to stop him from getting the job done tonight, then Austin's got it all wrong. Austin challenges him.."is that so?". Taker reminds Austin that we are just over a week from the beginning of the Road to Wrestlemania and whether Austin likes it or not, Taker is going to win that Royal Rumble and he is going on to Wrestlemania to becoming the WWF Champion. Austin looks at his feet the entire time, Undertaker asking him if he understands. "What?" says Austin. "What?" "What?" "What?". The crowd start laughing as Austin obviously takes good note of exactly what Taker has to say. Michael Cole wonders if that is going to cost him later on tonight.
Next up is the Hurricane vs. Spike Dudley, the announcers discussing recently exactly what the Dudley Boyz have been up to with regards to the WWF Tag Team Championships. Michael Cole thinks that the Dudleyz have never played by the rules and you can't expect any less from them as Spike Dudley nearly gets a quick fall, Spike rolling up Hurricane with the tights. This match is nothing but high paced with a lot of quick exchanges, Hurricane and Spike getting a lot of pin fall attempts, in particularly a beautiful flying neckbreaker by the Hurricane on Spike and a Tornado DDT by Spike. Spike took control in the match in the latter part of the match dropping Hurricane hard down on the mat with a scoop slam before hitting the double footed stomp off the top rope, Hurricane just managing to get his shoulder up late on in the 2. The finish came when an unhappy Spike left the ring to get a chair distracting the referee allowing his two brothers to get into the ring and hit the 3D on The Hurricane before Spike climbed back into the ring and simply hooked the leg for the 3. (**1/2 Rating). The crowd was in uproar as Spike celebrated his stolen victory, the Dudley Boyz quickly disappearing through the audience. "That was a disgrace" remarks Cole obviously not being a great fan of Bubba of D-Von.
Time for an advert and this is one that Wrestling fans probably wouldn't want to see. Movie Star David Arquette will be present at the Royal Rumble PPV. I wonder what he's going to be doing there?
Backstage, Vince McMahon is in Jerry Lawler's locker room, joined by Ron Waterman and X-Pac, first all saying that he can't believe he's banned his men from ringside but more so about why Arquette is at the Rumble. After all, in case Lawler forgot, David Arquette was a fan of the WCW and a former WCW Champion. Lawler tells Vince he is fully aware of that, making Vince even more angry. There conversation is, however, halted by the arrival by none other than Paul Heyman. Heyman himself isn't happy remarking that over a week ago, he made the two of them an offer, an offer that could change both of their outcomes and the two of them have not even bothered to get back to him. Heyman reminds them that his man is going to be a big part of the future of the WWF but if they aren't willing to listen, then there are always alternatives. Vince and Lawler stumble over each other trying to explain how busy they have been but Heyman is having none of it. Heyman tells them both that they literally have 4 days to make up their mind and if they haven't put an offer in by the end of RAW, then it will be on their own heads. Heyman leaves, Lawler quickly remarking that he can't believe the nerve Heyman has, but Vince is looking rather more concerned.
Back with Michael Cole and Tazz, they are hyping up the next match which is none other than Stone Cold vs. The Undertaker. The announcers discuss both of their recent history and how the two of them have both been having their respective troubles. Taker hits the ring first in the match, the fans saluting the Deadman as he enters the arena. However, the biggest pop of the night probably belonged to Austin who came out looking with one purpose, Austin and Taker brawling as soon as Austin hit the ring. The match starts off at a quick pace, Austin missing a clothesline attempt before Taker hits a flying clothesline of his own. Both men get back to their feet quickly, Taker taking advantage beating Austin in the corner before introducing him to to the turnbuckle. Austin however is one tough cookie and shortly after, Austin flys back into posession going for the Lou Thez press beating the living hell out of Taker. Austin starts the offense taking Taker down once again with a knee lift. Austin tries to capitalise quickly going for a stunner by Taker counters before trying a chokeslam attempt, only for Austin to counter. Sadly we never get to see how this match turns out, as Lance Storm and Test come to the ring breaking up the big brawl, Storm pairing with Austin and Test with Taker. All four men brawl, but despite some short offense by both Austin and Taker, it is Test and Storm who get the upper hand, Test big booting Taker while Storm superkicks Austin. Michael Cole adds as Test's music hits the arena whether this partnership could really make that big of a difference at the Royal Rumble. Tazz believes that with these two together, both men have a real shot at winning the Rumble. (***1/2 Rating).
Backstage, Kurt Angle, sporting a new red, white and blue hoodie, hangs with The Coach discussing the previous 3 falls of the Best of Seven Series. Angle claims to the Coach that earlier this week on RAW, Chris Jericho proved everything he has ever said about Chris Jericho to be correct and that if he had been wrong, Jericho would have not had to stoop to the levels of attacking him with weapons in order to get a win. Kurt Angle claims that what is self evident is that over the past couple of weeks, he has dominated Chris Jericho, whether it be vocally, wrestling wise, or any other means and that as long as Jericho does not stoop oncemore to the tactics thats he was subjected to on RAW, he is going to go 3-1 up. Oh it's true! It's Damn True! Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho is NEXT!
After a short break, we head to the ring where Angle is making his way to the ring once more sporting his hoodie which Tazz remarks must now be available on Shopzone.com. As Tazz makes the comment, Jericho flies out of the entrance once more with a chair beating down on Angle, Jericho taking him down to the ring in exactly the same way as he did the week before. Michael Cole can't believe it as Jericho rolls Angle into the ring and immediately hits him with a one handed bulldog as the bell rings. Jericho quickly hits the Lionsault and the crowd boo intensely as Jericho hooks the leg, Hebner counting..........1..........2.......Hebner stops. Tazz wonders what the hell is going on but Hebner says he can't make the count. Jericho gets back to his feet storming Hebner into the corner asking him why. Hebner points once more and then people notice as the hoodie top drops. IT'S NOT ANGLE! All of a sudden a figure comes from behind Jericho and rolls him up holding the tights IT'S ANGLE........1..........2.............3...Angle steals one back! Angle's music plays, Jericho back to his feet stunned. Kurt Angle just outsmarted Chris Jericho back. He is now leading 3-1. (**3/4 Rating). Cole and Tazz can't believe it as we quickly shoot backstage to Jerry Lawler, Lawler shaking his head in disbelief. Michael Cole quickly commenting that the King does not look happy with what is going on.
We once more go backstage to The Coach who is this time joined with The Rock. Coach says that we are moments away from the Main Event of Smackdown between The Rock and another mystery opponent. The Rock tells the Coach, that last week, Vince McMahon gave him none other than one of the true greats of professional wrestling, the longest ever reigning Intercontinental Champion of the WWF's history, The Honky Tonk Man. The Rocks adds that just like he did to the Honky Tonk Man, tonight The Rock is going to whoop ass. The Rock tells The Coach that he's already heard that this guy is a former King of the Ring Winner so he knows it's going to be "Interesting" but it doesn't matter to the Rock and that the only thing that matters is that he's going to leave the Royal Rumble, the WWF Champion. Do you smell what the Rock is cooking?
It's Time for Our Main Event and The Rock makes his way to the ring, looking pumped and ready for action. Michael Cole and Tazz speculate all the possible people it could be when Vince McMahon come out tell us. The Rock's opponent tonight will be none other than....MABEL. The 6ft 9, 500lb monster Mabel hit the ring, the crowd booing him as The Rock looked on highly unfazed. Michael Cole noted that Mabel won the 1995 King of Ring, being Savio Vega in the Final. He added that Mabel is no stronger to titles, having WWF Championship Matches and being a former WWF Tag Team Champion. The Rock quickly tries to take the advantage on Mabel but Mabel is a monster and quickly takes The Rock down a shoulder block.Mabel really shows how dominant he is in the early goings taking The Rock to the corner before squashing him followed by a greatly excecuted Samoan Drop nearly getting the pinfall. Mabel continues on the offensive hitting a headbutt drop coming so close to another pinfall attempt. Tazz and Cole wonder if The Rock can actually dominate a match against a man who is so big and Mabel looks comfortable in posession with continuous beatdown on The Rock including a rolling wheel kick before locking up the Rock in a headlock, The Rock looking as if he is quickly running out of steam. Chioda checks The Rock's arm, is he out. 1,2, thr.....The Rock gets his shoulder up. The Rock powers out of the holding, sending some right hands to Mabel, Mabel starting to look unbalanced off his feet but the right hands aren't enough.......A FLYING CLOTHESLINE IS THOUGH! The Rock stumbles around Mabel getting back to his feet only to get hit with The Rock's trademark Spinebuster! YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS! IT'S THE PEOPLE'S ELBOW!!!! The Rock covers the giant man and makes the pin, the crowd going wild as The Rock shoves it back in the face of Vince McMahon once again, the cameras going backstage immediately to Vince McMahon who shouts "DAMN IT!" throwing a wad of papers across the room. The Rock celebrates in the ring as the announcers consider who Vince McMahon will throw at The Rock next? Find out on RAW! (**1/2 Rating).
The show ends with the cameras focusing on The Rock celebrate as Michael Cole and Tazz thank us for tuning in. Until Next Week!Quick ResultsEdge and Key fight to a Time Out - Shawn Stasiak gets to choose the Stipulation
Spike Dudley def. The Hurricane
Stone Cold draws with The Undertaker due to interference
Kurt Angle def. Chris Jericho (Angle goes 3-1 up in the Best of Seven Series)
The Rock def. Mabel
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WWF Smackdown! Preview
Broadcast on the 4th January 2002 from the Spokane, Washington
WWF Smackdown features the brightest and top talent in the World Wrestling Federation.
Tonight is a huge night in Sports Entertainment as tonight, the Rattlesnake will go one on one with none other than the Phenom, The Undertaker in a match made by Vince McMahon after Stone Cold Steve Austin. Will Austin be able to beat the Deadman or will he just be another dead man walking?
Last Monday, The Rock took in the first of 4 opponents in a Vince McMahon challenge laid out to The Rock prior to his match at the Royal Rumble? Who will The Rock face on Smackdown and will The Rock be able to overcome him?
Also, earlier this week on RAW, Chris Jericho outsmarted Kurt Angle beating down on him with everything that he had prior to his third round match up allowing to take an easy win against the Olympic Gold Medallist. Will Chris Jericho continue with these tactics or will Kurt Angle get another victory over Jericho tonight?
Also tonight, Edge will go one on one with a partner of Shawn Stasiak's choosing. There has been much speculation going on about who in fact this person might be with a large range people being listed, some not even on the roster. Who will Edge face tonight and can he out Stasiak's time?
Make sure you tune in to 8/7 CT only UPN to find out what happens!
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Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 100 Wrestlers for 2001
As we reach the end of a monumental year in wrestling history, it is time for the highly anticipated PWI 100. Note some of the suprise inclusions in this year's list..
100. Earl the Pearl
99. Chris Stylez
98. Hector Garza
97. Matt Stryker
96. Lodi
95. Danny Doring
94. Nova
93. M-Dogg 20
92. Alex Wright
91. Val Venis
90. Molly Holly
89. Amazing Red
88. CM Punk
87. Mr. Perfect
86. Mitsuharu Misawa
85. Chad Collyer
84. Jody Fleisch
83. Chris Chetti
82. Kaz Hayashi
81. Masato Tanaka
80. Rob Conway
79. Tazz
78. Shark Boy
77. Brian Christopher
76. Nick Dinsmore
75. Ruckus
74. Satoshi Kojima
73. Xavier
72. Doug Basham
71. Jamie Dundee
70. Jimmy Yang
69. Michael Modest
68. Jeff Hardy
67. Perry Saturn
66. Randy Orton
65. Keiji Mutoh
64. Shannon Moore
63. Michael Verde
62. Brock Lesnar
61. Sabu
60. Simon Diamond
59. Mike Sanders
58. Sean O’Haire
57. The Big Show
56. Chris Kanyon
55. Jinsei Shinzaki
54. Lash LeRoux
53. James Maritato
52. Low Ki
51. Johnny Kashmere
50. Mikey Whipwreck
49. Crowbar
48. Taiyo Kea
47. Kid Kash
46.Funaki
45.Ric Flair
44.Scorpio
43. Ken Shamrock
42. Donovan Morgan
41. American Dragon
40. Spanky
39. Scoot Andrews
38. Scotty 2 Hotty
37. K-Kwik
36. Bret Hart
35. AJ Styles
34. Jeff Jarrett
33. Chris Candido
32. Eddie Guerrero
31. X-Pac
30. Test
29. Psichosis
28. Kensuke Sasaki
27. Christopher Daniels
26. The Rock
25. Matt Hardy
24. Kane
23. Steve Corino
22. TAKA Michinoku
21. Jamie Noble
20. Rob Van Dam
19. Rhyno
18. Super Crazy
17. Tajiri
16. Rey Mysterio
15. Ultimo Dragon
14. The Undertaker
13. Chavo Guerrero Jr.
12. Triple H
11.Edge
10. Juvi Guerrera
9. Scott Steiner
8. Booker T
7. The Hurricane
6. Lance Storm
5. Christian
4. Chris Jericho
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin
2. Chris Benoit
1. KURT ANGLE
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Monday Night RAW!
Broadcast on Monday 31st December, 2001 LIVE from Seattle, Washington
In less than 2 weeks, on Sunday 13th January 2002, The Royal Rumble is coming to the Philips Arena, Atlanta Georgia..The show kicks off with the intro video for RAW before head off to the arena, pyros and all as Jim Ross and Mick Foley welcome all the WWF fans to the show.
The night kicks off with Faarooq and Bradshaw coming down to the ring, the APA kicking off tonight's action on RAW. The APA are tonight facing none other than Hardcore Holly and his partner for the night Hugh Morrus. Mick Foley quickly gets us up to speed reminding us that both that Hugh Morrus, last week, lost his chance to go to the Royal Rumble after losing to Steve Blackman and that tonight might be a chance to get some payback. Holly and Morrus getting a good double team going on Faarooq. Morrus took charge in the ring first heavily beating down Faarooq with fists and stomps. Holly gave more of the same trying to isolate Faarooq after they picked up that Faarooq had a dodgy knee and wanted to expose that as best as they could, Holly focusing a lot on the knee with knee drops of his own and a leg lock. However, the APA were not going to lose a match to an inexperienced team and Bradshaw got the tag in, after a slingshot leg drop attempt was botched up by Morrus. Bradshaw flew into the match taking both Holly and Morrus down with shoulder tackles. Bradshaw quickly eliminated from the match up hitting a huge fallaway slam on Hardcore Holly taking him out of the action before a desperate Morrus attempted to halt the momentum, only to find himself the victim of a double spinebuster by the WWF Tag Team Championship Number One Contenders, Bradshaw getting the pin for the 3 (** 1/2 Rating) After the match up, the APA celebrate in the ring, Foley and JR singing the praise of the Number One Contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championship. Will they be able to win at the Royal Rumble? Who knows!
Backstage, Vince McMahon joins Jerry Lawler in the King's office. Vince asks that Lawler reconsider the match up tonight between Ron Waterman and X-Pac but Lawler did clearly state that Vince has nobody to blame for this match than himself and his goons. Vince looks like he is about to blow a fuse but quickly calms down asking Lawler what the stipulations are for the match up. The King says that despite it being common knowledge that he doesn't like the actions of neither X-Pac and Ron Waterman, he is a fair guy and that is why the match is just the standard match up. Vince all of a sudden begins to grin. "A standard one fall match up?"...asks Vince, Lawler quickly confirming. Vince thanks Lawler for all of his help and leaves the office with a big grin on his face, JR and Foley both under the impression that the WWF Co-Owner is Definately up to No Good!
The Next Match up of the Night is a Royal Rumble Qualifer Match between WWF Superstars, Steven Richards and the returning Val Venis. JR says that he's glad to see Val Venis returning to the WWF ring and comments on how much of fan of his he is. Foley is however curious of how big a mark JR actually is and asks him how his marriage is going. JR comments that it's fine and thanks him for asking, both men knowing exactly where this line of questioning is going. Richards and Val get going in the match, Val taking control in the early part locking Richards in with a front face lock before converting that to a fisherman's suplex. Richards tries to fight back from the early domination but Venis is a tough competitor nearly getting a pinfall from a huge DDT. Venis' frustration over some repeated pin fall attempts lead him to slip up, Richards himself coming very close on a sitout face buster. Richards tried to capitalise on the advantage, going up top, but Venis quickly countered knocking him down by hitting the ropes before getting for a close pinfall attempt with a spinning powerbomb, Richards crashing hard against the mat. Venis couldn't believe his luck, arguing with the referee that there must be some mistake but there wasn't. He only had a 2 count. Venis knew what he had to do and began making his way to the turnbuckle after taking Richards down to the mat with a scoop slam. Venis wanted to hit the Money Shot, slipping on the middle buckle as he was climbing the turnbuckle. Venis however took too long and Richards capitalised just as Venis did on the top turnbuckle before hitting an elevated DDT on Venis for the win. Steven Richards is going to the Royal Rumble! (**3/4 Rating). After the match, Foley complements Richards saying that he is on top form at the moment and it's going to definately be interesting seeing him in the Royal Rumble.
Backstage we see The Rock pulling his luggage into the arena when he is stopped by Stone Cold. Austin greets the Rock telling him if he's heard the news about his opponent tonight. The Rock seemed dumbfounded, unaware that he was even in a match but Austin reassured him that he was. The Rock asks who his opponent is but Austin says he doesn't know, it's a secret but he tells him not to worry because tonight, Austin is going to be at ringside tonight for his main event. The Rock tells him he's grateful and all but he doesn't think he'll need his help. Austin looks rejected as The Rock tells Austin that if he doesn't mind, he's got to put his luggage away. JR is suprised.
Further backstage, JR and Foley focus on Angle and Jericho who are just getting the final preparations on for there next match up, Round Three of the Jericho Angle saga.
When we return to the arena, we start of focusing on Angle hitting the ring before out of nowhere, Chris Jericho comes from behind attacking Angle with a steel chair Angle rolling down the ramp way. Jericho taking advantage that the match isn't even underway, quickly gets to it, throwing Angle in the steel steps, Angle's knees crashing hard against the metal. Jericho goes back for his chair and cracks Angle once more the cameras noticing Angle has been busted open. Jericho rolls Angle into the ring and tells the referee to ring the bell, Jericho going straight away to choking Angle in the middle of the ring, just backing off before the ref disqualifies him. Jericho goes really stiff on Angle hitting with hard forearm smashes before hitting him with a stiff missile drop kick quickly afterwards, Angle bleeding all over the canvas. Jericho stands talls in the ring taunting the fans waiting for Angle to get up before hitting Angle with a one handed bulldog, immediately going for the Lionsault. To Jericho's suprise however, Angle manages some how to get the shoulder up on the 2, Jericho and the fans completely shocked. Any hope of this match lasting much longer with then quickly destroyed as Jericho connected with a second lionsault this time the lionsault getting the three, the fans booing hysterically as Jericho's arm is raised (*** 1/2 Rating). Jericho has pulled one back in the series, JR disgusted with his actions. Foley reminds JR that sometimes, you have to play these sort of games in Wrestling in order to have an equaliser and Foley says that you have to respect Jericho for that, JR not at all agreeable with that.
We go backstage to Austin's locker room, Austin messing around with his knee pads when Vince McMahon turns up to a huge number of boos. Austin asks Vince want he wants, Vince pulling a seat over telling him that he simply wants a chat. Vince says to Austin that Austin must be feeling mistreated and used after The Rock turned his back on him, Austin asking him "what's it to him?" Vince reminds Austin that last year at Wrestlemania, Vince and Austin made a partnership that resulted in him being one of the most dominant superstars in Sports Entertainment, Vince quoting some of the phrases such as "A Man's Man, a Champion of Champions". Vince tells Austin that if he wants that, all he has to do is to join back with him. Vince says he's willing to forgive and forget and that together, together they can once again dominate the WWF. Austin quickly tells Vince what he thinks of his proposition. "If you think Stone Cold Steve Austin is going to sell his soul to the devil twice in two years, then it looks like you're mistaken. Now get the hell out of my locker room before I beat the living snot out of you". Vince gets up looking dissapointed. He says that since he will not do the right thing and join him, then Vince will have to make an example out of him. That's why, this Thursday, on Smackdown, Stone Cold is going against someone else who is desperate to once again become WWF Champion and who is also going to be in the Royal Rumble match, none other than, The Undertaker! Vince leaves the room, Austin ignoring Vince until the door closes, before throwing something across the room. You can see the anger in Austin's face.
Our next match up is between none other than Ron Waterman and X-Pac in the next Royal Rumble Qualifer Match. Both men come to the ring and look at each other, the bell ringing as the fans eagerly await what happens. However, what happens next is not what anyone expected when the two men smile at each other and shake hands before both climbing out of the ring and raising each others arms as the referee begins to make the count out. The count gets to about 7 when at the entrance, appears Jerry Lawler. Lawler says that he suspected that Vince McMahon would play a game like this and that unlike the case with Diamond Dallas Page and Raven, if these two wrestlers get counted out, NEITHER OF THEM WILL ENTER THE ROYAL RUMBLE. Lawler orders the referee to start the match, both Superstars looking at each other as we go to a quick commercial break.
When we return, X-Pac and Waterman are going at it, X-Pac beating the hell out of Waterman in the corner. X-Pac quickly hits the broncho buster on Waterman, some areas of the crowd even cheering as X-Pac makes a cover attempt after hitting Waterman with a spinning heel kick. Both announcers note that while these two men are in fact friends, the Royal Rumble Match is so big that it can split friends in an instant. The finish to the match comes when X-Pac attempts a cross body on Waterman, Waterman hitting X-Pac countering with a huge Fallaway Slam on X-Pac. Waterman quickly goes for the kill hitting X-Pac with the Sitout Powerbomb for the 3 count the fans heavily booing Ron Waterman. (*** Rating). JR and Foley congratulate Ron Waterman's qualification to the Royal Rumble Match, Waterman celebrating on the outside as X-Pac looks on unhappy that he got the short straw in this match.
JR and Foley remind us that it's not long now before Shawn Stasiak taking part in the first part of the challenge he made to Edge last week on Smackdown. JR and Foley recap on the Edge/Stasiak feud saying that Stasiak got extremely lucky at Vengeance cheating his way to victory, JR saying that he'd be extremely surprised if Stasiak could pull off the title win at the Royal Rumble.
Shawn Stasiak makes his way to the ring grabbing a microphone and greeting the fans here at Washington State. Stasiak remarks that the the fans here in Seattle are incredibly lucky as tonight, they finally get to see a person that actually is going somewhere in life, unlike all of them. Edge eventually stops this miserable attempt at cutting a promo telling Stasiak that he better have his A game tonight because tonight, he is going to have to face none-other than Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo came down to the ring and brought it to Stasiak, JR commenting that these two WWF Superstars used to tag together at one time in the WCW as the Perfect Event and that both men will know each other's game very well. JR was not mistaken, Palumbo countering a lot of Stasiak's early offense with Palumbo in fact, nearly getting a shock early victory after hitting Stasiak with a beautiful powerslam. Stasiak who definately looked in trouble in the early part of the match, took to the outside of the ring capitalising on Palumbo's carelessness with a hangman's neckbreaker allowing Stasiak to get back into the match. Stasiak started a beat down in the corner taking real control in the match. Palumbo came back into the match a minute or so later, fighting out of a chinlock breaking away with fists, before speeding up the tempo, knocking Stasiak down with multiple shoulder tackles before hitting Stasiak with a Samoan Drop. Palumbo got back to his feet, deciding not to capitalise on the move, getting the fans behind him and to be fair, the fans were cheering Palumbo. Palumbo however, wasted valuable time and as a result, got suprised by a quick roll up attempt by Stasiak, the referee not noticing that Stasiak had hold of the tights, Stasiak stealing the win here. (*** Rating)(6 minutes and 15 seconds). JR said that Stasiak has not made life easy for himself and despite getting the win, feels that Edge will have what it takes to get the job done on Smackdown. Foley however is not as confident telling JR that he is missing one important thing and that is neither of them know who Edge will face. JR agrees and Foley is glad. But now, it's time to here from The Rock.
The Rock stands backstage with The Coach, who gets right down to it asking The Rock if he has any idea who The Rock's opponent is. The Rock confirms that he has no idea and that for all he knows, it could be the Iron Sheik, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, Yogi Bear, Sasquatch or the entire staff of Seattle's Hooters Resteraunt. The Rock says it doesn't matter because the fact of the matter is that nobody is going to stand in the way of The Rock and The Rock is going to go to the Royal Rumble and become WWF Champion. The Coach asks The Rock why he turned down the offer from Stone Cold to help him and The Rock says its simple. The Rock doesn't need anyone's help. He is the People's Champion and Tonight! Tonight he is going to let his Wrestling Ability do the talking. All of a sudden, Tajiri walks into the camera shot and starts mumbling something to The Rock. No one can understand what the hell Tajiri is saying until one name comes out "Torrie Wilson!". Tajiri continues to shout and mumble as The Rock looks at The Coach and pats Tajiri on the shoulder before walking out of shot leaving the Coach to deal with him.
The Main Event kicks off with The Rock coming down to the ring and saluting the crowd, JR and Foley discuss The Rock's decision to have no back up as foolish and dangerous. Either way, The Rock looks ready for the match and all we are waiting for now is his opponent. Next to the entrance way is Vince McMahon who tells The Rock that he has been searching high and long for a suitable first opponent for The Rock and he thinks he has found him. "So Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome......THE HONKY TONK MAN!". The audience are stunned as the ageing Honky Tonk Man enters the arena, guitar in hand for this huge match up. Honky Tonk gets into the ring and salutes the audience before turning around and almost walking into a very impatient Rock. HTM shocked, smiles nervously and puts his hand out to shake the hand of The Rock who goes for the bait shaking only to get cheap shotted by HTM the match getting under way. Both men quickly exchange right hands at the start of the match, HTM looking to take advantage with an early whip only to get knocked down with a flying clothesline. HTM gets hit with a bunch of hard forerm smashes before getting hit with a huge DDT, The Rock just missing out on the 3. The Rock takes the fight directly to HTM throwing him to the outside beating the hell out of him, bouncing him off against the barricade before chucking him into the steps. HTM desperately tries to get into the match, raking the eyes of The Rock taking him back to the ring but his offense is very short, The Rock hitting a spinebuster moment later. The Rock sets off for the People's Elbow, but has to stop half way through to knock both X-Pac and Waterman off the apron nearly losing the match when the HTM man out of nowhere hits the Shake Rattle and Roll on The Rock only to get a 2 count. However, just when Vince was looking smug with himself, The Rock hits the Rockbottom out of nowhere getting the 3 count, the crowd roaring in approval (*** Rating). The cheers quickly turn to boos however when Waterman gets back in the ring and takes the head off The Rock and X-Pac and Waterman go to work on him. But then, *the Glass Shatters* and the crowd go wild as Stone Cold Steve Austin heads down to the ring, Vince McMahon getting thrown aside by Austin as he makes his charge. X-Pac tries to fight him off but with no joy as Austin is on fire. Austin hits the Stunner on X-Pac as The Rock Rockbottom's Ron Waterman Austin and The Rock clearing the ring. After that, The Rock and Austin go face to face and everyone, including the announcers are unsure as to whether things are going to kick off but The Rock simply steps aside and lets Austin salute the crowd, Austin's music hitting the arena.
The show ends with Vince McMahon standing at the entrance to the arena dispondant as JR and Foley speculate what will happen in the future. JR and Foley finally thank us for joining wishing us a good night!
Quick ResultsThe APA def. Hardcore Holly and Hugh Morrus
Steven Richards def. Val Venis - Royal Rumble Qualifer Match
Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle - Round Three of the Best of Seven Tournament
Ron Waterman def. X-Pac - Royal Rumble Qualifer Match
Shawn Stasiak def. Chuck Palumbo (in 6:15)
The Rock def. The Honky Tonk Man
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Raw Is War Preview
Scheduled to be broadcast on Monday, December 31st, 2001 LIVE from Thomas and Mack Center, Seattle, Washington
Tick Tock Tick TockWith the Rumble being less than 2 weeks away, The Royal Rumble Qualifying Match ups continue tonight. First off, just like Jerry Lawler promised, X-Pac will go one on one with Ron Waterman to decide which of Vince McMahon's lackeys will make it to the Royal Rumble. There is no doubt since Ron Waterman has been in the WWF, Waterman has been outstanding, but X-Pac is a WWF Veteran who has gained pinfalls against big opponents in his time. In addition to this match up, Vince McMahon announced that Val Venis will go one on one with Steven Richards for another spot in the Royal Rumble. Will Richards continue the winning streak he's got from Heat or will Val Venis prove just how valuable a superstar he actually is?
Angle vs. Jericho - Round 3
Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho go into the the 3rd Round of the Best of Seven Tournament and Kurt Angle is leading Jericho, 2-0. Can Jericho overcome the Olympic Gold Medallist finally tonight or will Angle take one step closer to gaining a Royal Rumble spot?
Stasiak's Opponent
Last week, Shawn Stasiak made a proposition to Edge regarding the stipulations of the Intercontinental Championship Re-Match at the Royal Rumble, where both him and Edge will choose an opponent for each other and whoever beats there opponent in the quickest time will get decide exactly what type of bout it will be. We can now report exclusively that Edge has accepted the challenge and so, tonight, Shawn Stasiak will face an opponent of Edge's choosing. Who will Edge choose and can Stasiak overcome them? Find out only on RAW!
The Rock vs. A Suprise
Vince McMahon has announced that since The Rock insists in getting involved where he is not wanted, he has set up, a little suprise for him. Starting this week, The Rock will face a suprise Wrestler every RAW and Smackdown leading up to the Royal Rumble. Vince McMahon has guaranteed that each of these legendary superstars are so unique that he doubts The Rock will even make it to the Royal Rumble. Find out who his first opponent is TONIGHT!
For all the answers, plus appearances of WWF favorites Stone Cold, Jerry Lawler, and many more, tune in to RAW Monday night at 9/8 CT on TNN
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The Rock is on the Conan O'Brien Show
Last Friday, The Rock was featured as one of the special guests on NBC's Conan O'Brien show. The Rock spoke about his family's wrestling heritage and about his recent movement into movies. The Rock plugs that he's finished filming a movie produced partially by Vince McMahon called the Scorpion King which is a prequel to the Mummy Returns starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and of course The Rock. The Rock clarifies that these are not the only movies he's going to be involved in as the WWF intends to get more involved in the Movie Business over the forthcoming years. The Rock guarandamntees this won't be the last movie you'll see him in. Could this mean that The Rock's wrestling career is coming to an end?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Afa The Wild Samoan on WWF.comRecently, the New Head Booker of Ohio Valley Wrestling, took some time out to have a short interview with WWF.com regarding the WWF Superstars of Tomorrow.
How are you finding your feet down in Ohio?
"Everything is going fine at the moment, I've settled in well and the boys have been terrific! It's great to be booking there"
There has been a lot of talk about the mass of talent you have down there, with some being hyped as future WWF Champions and Tag Team Champions...
"There is no doubt that there is a lot of talent. When you look to book a show like OVW and you look around and you have talent like Sean O'Haire, Jerry Lynn, D'Lo Brown and K-Kwik, not to mention the up and coming youngsters such as Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin and Michael Verde, you really know that the WWF's future is bright."
Do you have any idea who will be the next to be promoted to the WWF?
"I certainly do, but you know that I can't disclose that information" *laughs* "Let me just say that you'll know when some of these boys start arriving".
Who do you think is the most intellegent Wrestler down at the OVW?
"Well prior till a few weeks ago, I would have had to said it was Mike "Nova" Bucci. However since his release, I would have to say it's between three guys but the one you probably know best is K-Kwik. K-Kwik has got the right mind for the business, he's smart in the ring, smart outside the ring, and a great professional. Last time he was in the WWF, he wasn't ready for the big time but the next time you guys seem him, he'll be a totally different person".
What do you think of the current WWF product?
"I think WWF TV is probably at an all time high. After all, if a company can do what WWF did and survive a war with WCW and ECW, then it's got to be good and you can guarantee with the way this company works, it's only going to get better!"
For more information on OVW, visit OVWrestling.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This Week in the RatingsThe World Wrestling Federation has announced the following weeks TV Ratings to the public:
We got a 7.12 rating for 'RAW'!The attendance level was 10002 people.
We made $400080 from ticket sales.
Show Score: 76%
We got a 5.72 rating for 'Smackdown!'!
The attendance level was 10006 people.
We made $400240 from ticket sales.
Show Score: 70%
We got a 1.21 rating for 'Heat'!
The attendance level was 10014 people.
We made $400560 from ticket sales.
Show Score: 68%
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Hey mate your work has been awesome as usual, keenly awaiting the rumble should be worth the wait. If you were to ask me who was going to win I wouldn’t be able to tell you and that’s good booking on your part. I do have one problem I think that you made The Dudley’s look weak by putting Austin over, but atleast he is a badass so you can get away with it. Also I think having a 4 and a half star match on RAW between Jericho and Angle is a little bit over zealous seeing as I don’t think they could throw everything they had on RAW.
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Nu-Wrestling Evolution Presents:
Destiny
Sunday November 26th, 2006
Miami, Florida
NWE World Heavyweight Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield © vs Ric Flair
Basically, he's only just won it, I doubt he'll lose it that quickly! But should be a good match. Expect Hoyt intereference
Street Fight
Konnan vs Matt Hardy
Special Referee: Commissioner Rikishi
Matt Hardy will not die this soon!
NWE National Championship
Vampiro vs Bobby Roode ©
Same applies as with Bradshaw, too soon to lose it
Number 1 Contenders Match
Carlito vs Raven vs Scott Steiner vs Montel Vontavious Porter
It's gonna be a face to face JBL so Raven i think. Carlito isn't ready yet.
NWE Television Championship
Petey Williams vs "The Juice" Juventud Guerrera vs ???
I just would be suprised if he didn't win is all. Too much of a push
Television Division Rankings Match
Jay Lethal vs Ultimo Dragon vs Alex Shelley vs Austin Aries
Austin Aries is a popular guy at the moment and if Petey wins, it would make good TV
Lance Hoyt vs Heidenreich
Someone hates Heidenreich
Plus: Bret "The Hitman" Hart reveals the mystery man who he has signed for Nu-Wrestling Evolution. And multi-platinum artist Fozzy play their song Enemy, as the official song for Destiny.
I wonder....hmmmm...since Fozzy are playing....hmmmmm
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Sunday Night Heat
Broadcast on Sunday, 30th December 2001 from the Cow Arena, San Francisco, CA
We are now 2 weeks away from the Royal Rumble and like always, this years Royal Rumble is going to be off the hook. We start off Heat being welcomed by our Heat Announcers, Kevin Kelly and Al Snow who believe that tonight is going to be, as always, a fantastic night of TV
The night kicked off with a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match between 'The Lethal Weapon' Steve Blackman and Hugh Morrus. Al Snow reminds us that neither of these superstars have won a Singles Match Up here in the WWF since returning to action and tonight is a big one! Hugh Morrus starts off the match as the dominant wrestler to the suprise of many in the arena using is strong physical presence to over power Blackman nearly getting an early pin fall with a running DDT. Blackman however always looked like making the comeback getting the odd chop here than there before Morrus came back with a clothesline or forearm smash. The finish ended shortly after Morrus hit Blackman with a huge running powerslam before deciding to hit the ropes for his finisher, No Laughing Matter. Blackman however must have been chuckling a little when he moved, Morrus crashing into the canvas allowing him to gain the advantage he needed. Blackman went ape on Morrus, hitting with a multitude of karate chops before a fisherman's suplex, Morrus stumbling back to his feet incredibly quickly only to get hit by the Superkick. Blackman was loving his work and he showed the crowd, taking down Morrus one last time with the Guilotine choke, Morrus unable to do anything but pass out. (**1/2 Rating). After the match, both commentators talked up Blackman's entrance into the Rumble, Al Snow standing up clapping Al having nothing but praise for one of the co-founders of the legendary tag team Headcheese.
After the match, The Coach ran down to ring side to get a quick interview with the man who just bought a ticket into the Rumble. Blackman had very little to say looking at Coach oddly for a second before shouting "It's Party Time!" raising his arms up once more the crowd cheering for some unbeknown reason before Blackman's music hit once more. The Coach watched on as Al added that Blackman likes things to be short and sweet. Kelly asked if that applied to everything, Al Snow responding "haven't you see his wife?".
Backstage, TAKA is preparing for his match taping up his wrists ignoring Funaki who is talking to him in Japanese. After he is done, TAKA walks out of the arena, leaving a Funaki, halting in mid flow of what sounded like a pep-talk. TAKA vs. Steven Richards, is NEXT!
Richards vs. TAKA could be considered nothing short of first class. TAKA, who came to the ring by himself, went insane in the early goings of the match hitting spot after spot nearly getting an early pinfall within the first minute with a springboard drop kick. Kevin Kelly adds in the match that due to the similar sizes of this opponents, TAKA and Richards can do moves that they probably couldn't down on larger athletes, TAKA proving that theory hitting a sitout powerbomb on Richards, once again, Richards just getting out of the pin fall attempt before the 3. Despite the constant offense, TAKA could not get the job done, everyone thinking it was over when TAKA hit a beautiful tornado DDT on Richards, Richards getting his shoulder up in the very last second. The match however took a turn for the worst, when TAKA's over enthusiam landed him in a spot of bother missing a chance with a superkick allowing Richards to turn the game hitting a desperation Stevie-T on TAKA. Neither men could capitalise both men lying flat on their backs in the ring the referee making the count. Funaki ran down to ring side to try and cheer on TAKA. Richards was the first man to move, crawling over TAKA to try and steal the victory but TAKA wasn't ready to die just yet. Both men slowly get back to their feet trading punches, eventually TAKA taking Richards down with a back body drop before hitting him with a standing drop kick, Funaki getting the fans behind TAKA. TAKA however stalled, undecided as what to do next and this lead to a big mistake, going up top for a double axehandle, Richards coming out of nowhere and the drop with a Stevie Kick. The fans couldn't believe it as Richards cover.............1............2.............3 Richards wins again! (** 3/4 Rating). The crowd go silent as Richards climbs out of the ring, looking smug as the ref raises his hand as Funaki gets into the ring to try and comfort the distraught TAKA. "This is not right" exclaims Al Snow, although he and Kevin Kelly both know that Richards won cleanly!
Next up, it's time for us to Revisit earlier this week on RAW and Smackdown, Kevin Kelly and Snow discussing the wars against McMahon. Al Snow said that he was glad that the faces of this component do stick together as with the situation on Monday. It does however show that this year in the Rumble, there is going to be a lot of stiff competition and nobody exactly knows who is going to come out on top. Al Snow believes however that this year, this year is Austin's year. Kevin Kelly on the other hand says he feels that this could be the year of Booker T. Kelly said he loves the promos and he can't wait for his arrival. We then visit Smackdown and the Main Event. Al Snow said that the Dudley Boyz and Ron Waterman/X-Pac learnt a valuable lesson on Smackdown and that is that Vince McMahon is not the only man with power. How will Jerry Lawler's influence effect the WWF superstars at the Rumble? Can The Rock beat Vince? who knows?
Next up, we go backstage once more with the Coach who is with none other than WWF Superstar Raven. The Coach wants to know what in fact Raven and Justin Credible have got against Diamond Dallas Page as over the last few weeks, the two of them have done nothing but cause trouble for him. Raven says that Diamond Dallas Page is everything he hates in people. "The type of person that tells people everything is going to be alright, things are going to get better....brainwashing the youths of today with postivity" Raven says that he doesn't believe in that crap. He says that when he was younger, people told him that everything would be different, everything would be better when he got older. But they lied. Raven says throughout his entire life, he's been despised and hated for being different and it's no different now. Raven says it's time to welcome Page to the nihilistic pessimistic reality that is life. "Quoth the Raven..Nevermore". Raven then leaves leaving a the Coach looking rather dejected. Al Snow tells the world there are pills that Raven can take for that before getting into an arugment with Kevin Kelly about promoting drugs, Snow claiming he was only referring to anti-depressants.
Prior to our Main Event, it's time to have one final promo, of the Master of the Spineroonie, Booker T, who in case you weren't aware, is still coming back at the Royal Rumble. Can you dig it sucka?
Now it's time for our Main Event and it's between Raven and Diamond Dallas Page. Both announcers remind us that, in fact, this match is a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match. Page came down first to a huge cheer from the audience before Raven arrived, looking more intense than we've seen in a while. The mat starts off very high paced for two of the older men in the WWF, Diamond Dallas Page being the first to take Raven down with a back body drop before attempting an early cover with a discuss clothesline, Raven getting his shoulder up. Page continues the offense with some corner attack, Raven refusing to give up easily despite another pin fall attempt by Page after an inverted mat slam. Raven however was not one to give up and came back with some offensive of his own, hitting Page with a perfectly time bulldog, before nearly getting the 3 fall after hitting Page with a knee lift. Raven started to look worn out about 6 minutes into the match and tried to slow down the pace looking ina sleeping hold on Page. Page, the strong and larger of the two, tried to raise back to his feet, Raven using his legs to try and keep the lock held on but Page used the turnbuckles to release Raven. Page tried to quickly end it with his diamond cutter but Raven was too savy countering before taking Page to the outside. The two men brawled on the outside, Raven taking it strongly to Page using a russian legsweep on Page into the barricade. Raven really wants this Royal Rumble spot. Raven continued the onslaught whipping Page into the steps before rolling in and out of the ring breaking up the 10 count as the brawl made it's way around the ring. The finish came when the two men made their way to the ramp way, Raven deciding that he wanted to finish off the match with the Evenflow DDT there and then. The crowd were on there feet, as Raven set him up, Kevin Kelly begging Raven to stop when out of nowhere, Page counters and hits the Diamond Cutter both men crashing down onto the ramp. Page looked in pain but he knew what he had to do. It was the 5 count and he needed to get back into that ring.....6...Page was slowly getting back to his feet.......7..........8......Wait Raven has hold of Page's foot, Page desperatelyr trying to shake him off...(9)...but Raven won't let go of that tight grip screaming as the count reaches 10. Raven just cost Page the match. The match ends, Page down on his knees, he can't believe it and neither can the fans nor the the commentators. (*** Rating)
Who will be entering the Rumble now? What will become of the Royal Rumble place now? Will it be handed to someone else or will there be a rematch? Who knows? Al Snow and Kevin Kelly thanked us for watching and wished us all a good night!Quick ResultsSteve Blackman def. Hugh Morrus to Qualify for the Royal Rumble Match
Steven Richards def. TAKA Michinoku
Raven drew with Diamond Dallas Page by Double Count Out.
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what a fucking way to ruin my weekend!
losing to spurs! damn
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Heat Preview
Scheduled to be Broadcast on Sunday, 30th December 2001 from the Cow Arena, San Francisco, California
Sunday Night Heat showcases some of the finest talent of the World Wrestling Federation in your living room every Sunday Night only on MTV.
TONIGHT ON HEAT
TAKA Michinoku (w/Funaki) vs. Steven Richards
After the cheap finish to last week's heat match between TAKA and Richards, TAKA has demanded a rematch to set the record straight. TAKA has had close calls in the past couple of weeks but he has been unable to come up with the finished product. Can TAKA finally come out with a win tonight or will Richards once again out smart the Japanese Cruiserweight?
The Lethal Weapon returns to Heat
Just less than 2 weeks ago, the Lethal Weapon Steve Blackman made a suprising return to the WWF to take on the WWF Hardcore Champion, Key. Tonight, Steve Blackman has the opportunity to qualify for the Royal Rumble Match, when he goes one on one with Hugh Morrus who also made his return to the squared circle last week on Heat. Will it be Blackman or Hugh Morrus who enters the Royal Rumble this year?
Will Raven keep true on his promise?
Earlier this week on RAW, Raven informed the world that he was going one on one on Heat against DDP in a Royal Rumble qualifier match while backstage with Justin Credible. Will Raven make true on his promise and overcome the power of the Wrestling Veteran DDP or will Page be bringing his positivity all the way to the Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia?
To find out the answers to these questions, tune in to WWF Heat on MTV!
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now that is an interesting spoiler
can't wait for impact!
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WWF Smackdown!
Broadcast on the 27th December 2001 from the Cow Arena, San Francisco, CA
With less than 3 weeks till the Royal Rumble, the World Wrestling Federation is heating up. Which wrestlers will make it to the Rumble and who will remain on the shelves for another year?
The show intro then begins for the second week of the new edition of WWF Smackdown. After the intro, we hit the arena, pyros and all, Michael Cole and Tazz welcoming us to an exciting night of Wrestling Entertainment!
The Night kicked off in hot fashion as we get straight into our first match between Rob Van Dam and Key for a chance to appear in the Royal Rumble. Charles Wright is, as always, at ringside as the two men step up to the bat. Key and Van Dam battle in an evenly matched contest, Van Dam nearly getting caught by surprise with a sit out chokebomb Van Dam kicking out on the two. Wright watched on in a match he knew he couldn’t interfere in for fear of disqualification as both men battled away, Van Dam nearly giving Wright a heart attack when Van Dam’s combo of a springboard elbow smash, followed by a split legged moonsault just missed out on the 3. The finish came when Key decided to go up top after hitting Van Dam with a huge belly to back suplex. Key, who had the fans hot on his back for a large part of the match, jumped up top and attempted to hit the 5 Star Frog Splash on Van Dam, but Van Dam wisely got out of the way. Both men got to their feet, but Key got a shot to the chin with a spinning heel kick from Van Dam. Van Dam then hit the rolling thunder on Key. Van Dam looked to take advantage of the move, but had to deal with Charles Wright, climbing onto the apron taking him down with a shot. Van Dam turned around and got whipped by Key, Van Dam responding with a dropkick. Van Dam on fire seized the opportunity, and went up top, hitting the Frog Splash for the 3 and guaranteeing himself a place in the WWF Royal Rumble. (*** Rating). Van Dam celebrated in the ring while Key and Wright left up the ramp, Wright visibly unhappy with Key’s performance.
Backstage, Kevin Kelly caught up with the WWF Tag Team Champions, the Dudley Boyz asking them how the feel about the match up tonight. Bubba took the majority of the interview, getting on his high house talking about how the Dudley Boyz were WCW, ECW and WWF Tag Team Champions. Quite frankly, in their mind, and in the mind of many around the world, the Dudley Boyz are the best tag team ever. Bubba as the best Tag Team ever, do you think they would worry about a Wrestling Has been like Stone Cold? Hardly! The Dudley Boyz sound ready! Tazz believes that the comments from the Dudleyz are strong but fair, Michael Cole challenging them to see if they can talk the talk as well as walking the walk!
The cameras visit backstage to the locker rooms of Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho. Kurt Angle currently leads 1-0 in the best of 7 Series and the second match up of this Series is up NEXT!
When the show returns to the arena, Angle comes to the ring first and gets on the mic talking about how enjoyable it is to beat the living hell out of a man that thinks he’s anything near as good as him. Kurt Angle reminds the WWF fans that he is a World Champion, the Winner of a World Championships Gold Medal and an Olympic Gold Medal. Kurt feels that at the end of the day, Kurt Angle is the Greatest Professional Wrestling of All time. However before Kurt can continue his big speech, Chris Jericho comes out ready to start this match. Unlike last week, Jericho really starts off strong, taking Angle down with a series of clothesline followed by a huge dropkick. Jericho quickly goes for the cover, desperate to end this match quickly but Angle would not let this happen. However, Jericho continues on the assault, hitting a second dropkick this time off the top rope, only to get another 2. After a series of high flying moves, Jericho resorts to keeping Angle down to the mat in the form of a head lock but Jericho should know never to try and keep an expert mat wrestler down on the ground. Angle powered out, taking Jericho down with stiff clotheslines before locking behind Jericho and hitting a series of German Suplexes. After Angle hits 3 German suplexes, the cocky native of Pittsburgh attempts a fourth but Jericho this time lands on his feet and rolls Angle up into the Walls of Jericho trying to make Angle submit, but Angle wisely got to the ropes. The finish came when Jericho who only managed to hit a 2 with a full nelson facebuster. Jericho desperate to finish made a mistake that Angle has made on regular occasions deciding to go up top to hit a moonsault. Angle however, scouted the move hitting the ropes before climbing up top and hitting a huge superplex on Jericho. Angle sneakily crawled over towards Jericho laying a hand on him the referee counting the 3. (****1/2 Rating) Angle now leads 2-0. Chris Jericho is in serious trouble. Michael Cole and Tazz comment on the high quality of this match up adding that the final match at the Royal Rumble will be huge!
Backstage, we see Test chatting with Lance Storm. Storm talks about last week on RAW where they all ganged up on the guys who are ruining this business and Test couldn’t agree more. Test says its people like Austin and The Undertaker that have been holding him down for years and that sooner or later, whether they like it or not, he will be the WWF Champion. Lance Storm humorously adds “not if I beat you to it”. Storm walks off from Test but quickly bumps into another familiar figure, Chuck Palumbo, who receives a small pop from the audience. Palumbo tells Storm that he was just looking for him and that he just wanted to wish him luck in tonight’s match up against him, holding out his hand. Storm, surprised goes for the hand shake only to get slapped across the face. Palumbo walks off shouting to Storm to send his regards to his pimp; Test. Michael Cole says that Palumbo has some balls stepping up into Storm’s face like that. Tazz believes that Palumbo should be careful because he won’t like Storm when he’s angry.
Further backstage, Shawn Stasiak is with Kevin Kelly. Kevin Kelly asks Stasiak as to why he wanted an interview, Stasiak quickly getting down to business. Stasiak says that as the WWF fans are probably aware, at the Royal Rumble, he and Edge are going to have a rematch for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. However, no stipulations have been yet been made for this match. Stasiak therefore recommends that they have themselves a little wager. Next week on RAW, Edge will go one on one with a wrestler of his choosing, while later in the week on Smackdown, Stasiak will go one on one with a wrestler of Edge’s choosing. The man who wins the match in the quickest time will get to choose what the stipulation is. Stasiak adds that in the end it doesn’t really matter because either way, he is going to come out, WWF Intercontinental Champion.
Our next match is between Chuck Palumbo and Storm, who both are fighting for their pride here tonight, Michael Cole telling the fans that Palumbo has already been entered by Jerry Lawler into the Royal Rumble. Palumbo and Storm have a very fast paced match, Storm and Palumbo both going for big moves. Storm is the first man with the near fall attempt, nearly pinning Palumbo for a 3 with a bridged German Suplex. Storm, who is full of confidence, nearly got surprised however by Palumbo later on in the match, Palumbo halting an axehandle attack by Storm, hitting the ropes, before taking Storm down to the match with a Powerbomb. The finish came when Test made his way to the ring, trying to break the concentration of Palumbo. Test however paid the price of his mouth when Storm ducked a big boot; the move connecting instead with Test. Storm managed to take advantage of the botched move, hitting Palumbo with the double knee backbreaker for the 3 moments later. (*** Rating). After the match, Storm got of the ring joining Test on the outside, the two of them celebrating as Palumbo looks distraught with the loss.
It’s time for a Smackdown Recap, Michael Cole and Tazz taking us back to cover the story of Marc Mero, Tajiri and Torrie Wilson. The clip covers everything from Mero’s prowling over Torrie, to Torrie’s indecision of what to do, to her kidnapping. We then have an interview with WWF Wrestler, Rhyno who is a close and personal friend of Tajiri. Rhyno tells everyone that he’s known Tajiri for a long time since the days of ECW and during this time, Tajiri has always been a dear friend to him. Rhyno said that Tajiri is the kind of guy that always has your back and that while he’s been on the injured list, he and Torrie have frequently visited him to check up on him, see how he’s doing, you know, true friend stuff. Rhyno adds that while Torrie has been kidnapped by this sick b*stard Marc Mero, Tajiri has been in a dire condition. He’s just an emotional wreck. Rhyno adds that he knows for damn sure that Tajiri will do anything and everything in his power to get her back, even if that means putting his title on the line at the Royal Rumble. Michael Cole and Tazz then go over the interview, Michael Cole describing the mental anguish that Tajiri must be under, especially if he is concerning his friends. Tazz says that Tajiri is one tough customer and that it really shows how much he cares about Torrie if it’s causing him this many problems. Tazz also adds that it’s good to see Rhyno and he hopes to see him back in the WWF in the future.
We go backstage to Vince McMahon’s locker room who is reading through the Royal Rumble list seen on RAW last week. Vince tells Lawler it’s good who gratefully agrees. Vince tells Lawler to leave a couple of spots open because he may have some late additions to make, Lawler then enquiring if he is talking about Paul Heyman’s offer. Vince gets on the defensive, playing dumb as if he doesn’t know what he’s talking about but Lawler tells Vince that Heyman had already mentioned to him that he’d spoken to you. Vince continues on the defensive, commenting that Lawler knows how much of a liar Heyman can be. Lawler tells Vince that Heyman made a proposal to him regarding a WWF superstar that apparently, he is now the Agent of, and wanted a Spot for him in the Royal Rumble. Vince asked if he mentioned who the Superstar was, but Lawler said he remained silent. Vince asks Lawler whether he made a decision on it, but Lawler says that he told him he’d take it under advisement and get back to him next week. Lawler smiles and tells him he’s going to get a coffee, enquiring if would also like one but Vince declines polite the camera remaining on his worried face as Lawler leaves.
Back to the arena and we are reminded that we are moments away from the Main Event, the camera following Stone Cold backstage when he is stopped by The Rock. The Rock tells Austin that he knows what happened in the past, but he wishes him well in the Royal Rumble Qualifier. The Rock says that he hopes that this year, The Rock and Stone Cold can do it right at Wrestlemania. Austin and The Rock shake hands. Austin vs. the Dudley Boyz, NEXT!
Stone Cold Steve Austin fights the fight of his life in this Main Event Match up against one of the best Tag Team’s of all time. Austin starts the match fighting the fight on both fronts before Bubba halts it. Bubba tries hard to keep him in his corner, making frequent tags in and out with D-Von to keep Austin at bay. The turning point came when Stone Cold began to power out of a D-Von headlock. Austin fought back, taking down D-Von with a clothesline, then Bubba, Stone Cold kicking D-Von in the gut before throwing him out of the ring. Bubba tried to attack Stone Cold from behind but Austin came back hitting him with a Lou Thez Press, Bubba taking a huge amount of punches before he left the ring. D-Von got back onto the apron Austin goes straight to him, suplexing him back into the ring D-Von going down hard. Austin caught a sneaky Bubba taking him back off the apron to the outside with a right hand before finishing D-Von with a Stunner for the 3. (*** Rating). After the match, Stone Cold celebrated in the ring calling for beers while we took a quick shot backstage, seeing the APA celebrating with some of the other faces of the WWF including Crash and Spike while outside of the ring, Bubba sat on his knees his hands over his face, devastated. Michael Cole and Tazz sung the Rattlesnake’s praise adding that with him in the Royal Rumble, anything can happen. Tazz added that Vince McMahon must be spitting blood backstage with this outcome.
Who knows what will happen next on the Road to Wrestlemania? Till Next Time! GOOD NIGHT!Quick ResultsRob Van Dam def. Key to Qualify for the Royal Rumble Match
Kurt Angle def. Chris Jericho to go 2-0 up in the Best of Seven Series
Lance Storm def. Chuck Palumbo
Stone Cold def. The Dudley Boyz to Qualify for the Royal Rumble Match
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WWF Smackdown! Preview
Broadcast on the 27th December 2001 from the Cow Arena, San Francisco, CA
WWF Smackdown features the brightest and top talent in the World Wrestling Federation.
Tonight, Stone Cold has it all to do when he faces The Dudley Boyz in a Royal Rumble qualifying match. The stipulations state that if Stone Cold pins the Dudleyz, the Dudley Boyz will have to face the APA at the Royal Rumble. However, if the Dudley Boyz win, the Dudleyz will enter the rumble and there will be no Tag Team Title match. Can Stone Cold break through and make it to the Royal Rumble or will the Dudley Boyz be victorious?
Rob Vam Dam will also be participating in a Royal Rumble qualifier match tonight when he goes one on one against Key in a standard wrestling match. Can Key put another one over Van Dam or will Van Dam be entering this year's Royal Rumble?
The second session of the Kurt Angle/Chris Jericho best of 7 series will also continue tonight, Kurt Angle currently leading Chris Jericho by 1-0. Can Jericho draw even or will Angle double his lead?
Tonight, Shawn Stasiak also has a proposition for Edge. Will Edge here him out? Chuck Palumbo also goes into action tonight against Lance Storm. The challenge was made after Chuck Palumbo announced exclusively to us that he would be indeed entering the Royal Rumble. Can Palumbo gain some momentum tonight?
Make sure you tune in to 8/7 CT only UPN to find out what happens!
Get The 'F' Back in
in The Dome Retro Room
Posted · Edited by DaveKOTW