Get The 'F' Back in

[DaveKOTW]

Raw Is War Preview

Scheduled to be broadcast on Monday, December 31st, 2001 LIVE from Thomas and Mack Center, Seattle, Washington

Tick Tock Tick Tock

With 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

Edited November 12, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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 Results

The 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

Edited November 12, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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

Edited November 12, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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!

[DaveKOTW]

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 Results

Edge 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

Edited November 12, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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

Edited November 12, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[Adam]

David Arquette will win the Rumble!

[JKDaRock]

Smackdown! review

-Royal Rumble soon, thats cool.

-First SD of the new year and the Rock is against ???, always a good battle. Lawler's stipulation is fair enough

-Edge does his best to not put Stasiak over which i dislike but i guess it goes with Edge's character. Key vs. Edge eh? well im guessing your Key push will only continue

-Key is fresh off his first loss which i didn't like as i'd have liked to see him in the Rumble but anyway, Edge and Key is a good match up and Edge loses by a second, nice ending.

-Stipulation! next week! raw! bribe! key!... ok, i had to overate the aftermath but im hoping the stipulation is a Cage match... because i like Cage matches

-Stone Cold and Taker could make a good match and i hope to see a feud down the line. this seems to be a bit of a filler segment to use big stars and to get the fans excited.

-Spike over Hurricane due to Dudleyz interference. i Like heel dudley boyz but i don't like Spike so this is rather meh to me.

-you missed the chance to advertise 'FORMER WCW CHAMPION' at the Rumble instead of Arquette but him being there could be good... or VERY bad.

-Heyman has an offer and Vince dosn't like WCW... cool.

-Austin/Taker was dissapointing due to the double interuption

-a Usual Angle interview and the next match has to be awesome.

-Angle outsmarting Jericho is awesome and now it's 3-1... i look foward to seeing two Jericho victories

-The Rock beat HTM... hardore!

-Mabel! OMG!... ok, funny ending to this with McMahon giving the Rock yet another easy(ish) opponent and obviosuly the Rock won so... cool

-Overall it was an average show compared to many of your others but it was still a fairly high standerd. KUTGW

Edited November 12, 2006 by JKDaRock

[HailtotheYo]

Wow, Rock against Mabel ? Is this WCW ............. heh, funny though so it works.

On the other hand, the Rock possibly being done ? I HOPE SO ! ! ! ! Use his ass for all it's worth for a few months and then drop him like ... well, erm ... a rock. Push the new guys !

[DaveKOTW]

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 Results

Hardcore Holly def. TAKA Michinoku

Tajiri def. Billy Kidman

Diamond Dallas Page and Steve Blackman def. Raven and Justin Credible

Edited November 17, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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

[DaveKOTW]

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

Edited November 18, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[Guest slimlayzie]

THE CURRENT LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

Honestyly, I don't have a set winner to this yet. I may use the last week of TV before I decide my clear winner. I just think you've been booking as to lead to anyone winning, though Austin is still my first choice.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

The Rock hands down. Time to end this VKM champion shit and lead to a real main event at WM.

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

Edge should go over without a doubt. Stasiak is not in his league. You've done a good job building him up, but Edge should defiantly go over here.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Love both guys, but gotta go with Angle overall. Only because if you did decide to pull the double duty, double win thing, Angle is a beter choice. Him winning the match then the rumble makes more sense.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Dudleyz all the way.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

Have I mentoined how much I hate Marc Mero!? I hope Tajiri goes over.

[DaveKOTW]

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 Results

Billy 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

Edited November 18, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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!

Edited November 18, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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 Results

Marc 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

Edited November 18, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

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!

Edited November 18, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[Downward Spiral]

Hey, finally have the time to give some decent feedback. I'm going to try and tie it into the Rumble predictions though. General comments though, I'm pleased with the direction things are going in at the moment. A couple of the feuds are running a little long to my mind though (see below) but I'm sure you'll rectify that soon enough. Anyway, onto predictions

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

Austin - I'm not happy about it, because by this point I was sooo sick of seeing Austin win the rumble, so I'm definitely looking to be surprised here. However, I feel the chance to set up an Austin/Rock or Austin/Vince match is just too good to pass up. It's going to be an interesting one and I'm looking forward to see how it all comes together. Be warned though, if Booker T doesn't return and look strong, I'm not going to be happy.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

I have to confess something. I hated the fact that you gave Vince the title in the beginning. That aside, I'm really beginning to warm to this storyline. I can imagine Vince being arrogant as f*ck after putting WCW out of business and lauding it over everyone. Vince is going to pull this one out of the bag. I don't see a Rock hell turn happening, but I certainly see a potential return. Time for the Rock to play the Game at Wrestlemania? Unless I've missed something, I think so!

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

This is one of the feuds that for me has gone on too long. No matter, I see Stasiak going over in a great match, allowing Edge to move on to bigger and better things.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

I've loved this best of seven. I think it's a great way to show off the chemistry these two have had. I perhaps would have reduced the number to 5 just so you could spread things out but that's not a major criticism. Jericho is going over for surviving a vicious attack, and hence turning face in the process.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Again, too long. But I think the APA need to get a win back. For me, both teams had gotten a little stale by this point so sadly the extent you can arouse my interest in this match was always going to be limited.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

Torrie heel turn. Finally. Please. Possibly involving Kidman.

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

This has the potential to be comedy gold. I'd mark for a DDP diamond cutter to get revenge for WCW. Seriously. Do it.

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Key © (w/Charles Wright) makes an Open Challenge

Whoever answers the challenge: Key. He's clearly a pet project for you which is good. I'm enjoying seeing how it plays out.

Please Feel Free To Make your Predictions!

[Novaho]

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

Kuft Angle

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

[andrethegiantstopfan]

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

I'm really not sure about this one, so I'm going to say either Austin or Kane.

Austin - He's a 3 time Rumble Winner in the past you could make it four, although Rock/Austin at WrestleMania for the 3rd time wouldn't be a great way to go in my opinion.

Kane (runner up: ???) - After that incident on SmackDown with Paul Heyman, I can see Kane destroying his competition and winning the Rumble, even if it is a couple of years past its time I'd be glad to see it!

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

Definitely time to take the title from McMahon's grasp - if not at the Rumble some time soon. Not that I dislike the storyline or anything, I think it's all very well written, and I like McMahon's character - but I don't think he should be Champ for much longer, time for a proper Active Worker to take the belt.

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

Never really was a fan of Stasiak, and I can see Edge retaining here. Also it's a gimmick match at a PPV, so it could signal the end of this feud which could open the gates for Edge to get involved in a feud with Jericho or Angle on the aftermath of their Best of Seven which could put him well over.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Got to even this one up to prevent Jericho looking too weak, I can see it being a bit of a messy ending, can't Imagine Jericho winning the Rumble though, which is something I could imagine Angle doing, so it could go either way I suppose, even if Y2J deserves another win, coming back from 3-1

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

The APA are a bit past it in my opinion, Dudleys retain the belts but it's not going to be easy for them I believe.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri© vs. Marc Mero

Not a fan of Mero, same prediction as Vengeance for me.

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Something decent could happen here, it's anyones guess what actually does happen though, I'll be looking forward to see what unfolds

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Key © (w/Charles Wright) makes an Open Challenge

You've built Key up a lot over the time of this diary so I can see him winning one more bout here and retaining his Hardcore Championship.

_____________________________________________________

I can't wait to read the Rumble! Keep up the good work!

Edited November 22, 2006 by andrethegiantstopfan