Get The 'F' Back in

[Guest Dimond]

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

I'm gonna go with... KANE. Being built up amazing, and being number 30.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

I think it's time to get the title off of McMAhon and on to a real wrestler.

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

I want edge to win, but I think Stasiak will prevail.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Coming back from 3-1, that's pretty impresive.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Dudleyz are just better

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

I dont like Mero much

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

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

[Bros of Destruction]

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

I reckon it will be Kurt Angle. He'll win his best of 7, then the Rumble. And then he has done everything.....KOTR, WWF Champ, now Royal Rumble and a Wrestlemania main event!

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

Come on......The Rock all the way!

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

I think Edge will retain, and move onto a bigger feud. Stasiak IMO, isnt IC Title class.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

I said Angle will win the Rumble, so Im afraid Jericho will lose this one!

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Kind of a filler IMO. I think Dudleyz will retain as they are more credible.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri© vs. Marc Mero

Tajiri.....make him the centerpiece of your division.

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Hopefully Arquette gets hammered by Kane. lol.

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

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

He's the champ......doesnt make sense for him to lose the belt at a non-ppv match!

[Adam]

THE FINALISED LINE UP FOR THE WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2002

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

erm, whose in the match? Some selection would be nice, ill go with Jericho out of the blue

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

Vince cannot win, and i mean CANNOT win this match, it doesnt make sense!

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

I feel its time for Stasiak's push to take full effect, and he takes the IC Title to go with it

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Dunno why, its a toss up really, i like him better i guess

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

Just dont see the belts changing hands here

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

eek, i want Mero to work out so badly for some reason

DAVID ARQUETTE LIVE AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

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

[HailtotheYo]

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

Kane - The build of him as a character, the incident at Smackdown .... then there's the involvement with everyone with everyone else that doesn't give you a clear cut winner to go to Wrestlemania .... Kane winning gives you plenty of storylines for your other main eventers, those getting a push, and Vince to get someone to WM (to protect Vince) ..... Kane is going to WM and wrestling for the Title.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © - See above for part of this. There are WAAAAAYYYY to many ways to have Vince walk out of this and not hurting Rock's image or momentum. In fact, with this card doing so much to set up Wrestlemania it only fits that the Rumble makes part of the picture clear cut, and this match keeps some mud in the water.

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Shawn Stasiak - Everything you've done sets this up. Stasiak has got to get the belt to see just how far he can go. That, and Edge eats it.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Chris Jericho - Again, with what's been going on, Jericho just makes more sense. Him winning here and then being strong in the Rumble is what has to happen. His character is more fragile than Angle's.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © - No reason for them to lose, and the APA will always be credible when and if you decide to give them a run.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Marc Mero - Mero gets the Title and starts his never ending quest to get people to respect and take him seriously.

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

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

Not Sure - Dunno what exactly you're planning to do here, but Key is going to win. You're doing far to well with him right now and things are working out for Key at the moment. If he loses here, I will refuse to continue with the card.

[Evansfan1]

30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH

- I have to go with Kane as he hasn't being doing to much lately and has been built up well for a nice title reign especially after getting the 30th spot.

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

- Please don't have Vinny Mac retain the belt, I just hope The Rock whoops his ass.

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH

Edge © vs. Shawn Stasiak

- I like Edge as Champion and rather you not give Stasiak gold.

BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALE - WINNER ENTERS THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

- Jericho makes the huge come from behind victory after being down 3-1 to make it into the Rumble.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz © vs. The APA

- I think this can go either way, but at the moment I am just liking The APA a little bit more so they get the victory.

WWF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Tajiri © vs. Marc Mero

- My hatred for Mero continues to increase.

WWF HEAT MAIN EVENT - WWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

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

- I can see either Key winning it straight up or losing it, but then winning it back later on in the night backstage somewhere.

[DaveKOTW]

Sunday Night Heat

Broadcast on Sunday, 13th January 2002 from the Philips Arena, GA

We kick off our build up to the first major PPV of the year, the Royal Rumble, Live from the Philips Arena, Atlanta Georgia with the fan favorites Al Snow and Kevin Kelly for a very special edition for Heat. Al Snow informs us that tonight, we are also joined by former WWF Women's Champion, Ivory who introduces herself explaining that as we approach one of the major PPVs of year on the road to Wrestlemania, the World Wrestling Federation takes their time to reach out to the fans and ask their opinions about the show. Ivory asks a bunch of people who the fancy their chances of winning the Royal Rumble, a large majority of them calling for Stone Cold, Kane, The Undertaker and Chris Jericho. "The people at the arena have spoken, what about you lot watching back there!" asks Ivory. I guess err only you guys know the answer to that one.

We rejoin Al Snow and Kevin Kelly who kindly welcome us back, expressing their sheer delight to be at this great arena, with all these great fans for one of the biggest PPVs of the year and it kicks off very soon. In case all those watching at home had forgotten, later on tonight, we are going to have a WWF Hardcore Championship Open Challenge. Kevin Kelly adds that for all those who didn't know, one of the conditions of this open challenge is that the challenger must not be in the Royal Rumble match, Al Snow questionning the quality of opposition that remains. Kevin Kelly asks Al Snow if he's going into the match up, Al gasping before quickly refuting the possibility of Wrestling tonight. Al is after all a pacifist. Apparently he doesn't have a taste for dog either.

After much build up with the fans, the front men of Heat pass us over to inside the arena where WWF RAW commentator Jim Ross stands by with WWF Smackdown commentator Tazz. JR and Tazz are both very grateful to be here tonight in a line up that looks nothing but top class and it's starting off right now!

WWF Hardcore Championship Match

A Hardcore Open Challenge

Referee: Teddy Long

Key © (w/Charles Wright) vs. A Mystery Opponent

Tony Chimmel informs us that the following Hardcore Championship Match is open to any wrestler who is not involved in the Royal Rumble Match or any other matches on the Royal Rumble schedule. With that, Key, accompanied by Charles Wright, makes his way to ring as the reigning WWF Hardcore Champion. Key and Wright both enter the ring to await tonight's opponent, MAVEN, the Tough Enough Winner.

The start:

Key and Maven tied up, Key quickly backing Maven to the corner, Key quickly going to work with some hard chops to the pectoral region of the Tough Enough Winner. Key cockily beats Maven down into the corner before casually lifting him back up and chucking to the outside of the ring, the referee beginning the count as Key stands tall in the ring. Key followed Maven out, tossing Maven into the barricade back first before bringing him back into the ring for a back into the ring before hitting Maven with the Face Eraser for a two count.

The Finish:

Key began to unbuckle one of the turnbuckles as Maven was left motionless in the middle of the ring. Maven however was playing possum and he nearly caught Key out with a roll up when Key returned, a furious Key following up with huge forearm shots to the challenger. Maven tried to fight back into the match with shots to the gut of Key and a hard elbow, but Key quickly came back off the ropes with a kick to the gut taking the fight out of Maven with a tilt o'whirl slam. Key then went on to hit the Victimizer on Maven for the win.

Winner and still Hardcore Champion, Key.

The Aftermath:

Key and Charles Wright were not satisfied with the victory and quickly continued with the assault after the match up, Wright chucking in all kinds of junk into the ring. Key doesn't take long to do what he wanted to do, Wright laying a trash can right in front of Key allowing Key to drop Maven onto it, via a Crucifix Powerbomb. After the devistation, Wright handed Key the Championship belt who raised the title to the disapproving fans. JR and Tazz thank us for joining into Heat and hope that they will join them in a moment for Royal Rumble 2001. It's gonna be a Slobberknocker!

WWF Royal Rumble 2002

Broadcast on Sunday, 13th January 2002 from the Philips Arena, GA

WWE Royal Rumble Opener:

The Royal Rumble started up with a video package featuring the WWF Championship Match between Vince McMahon and The Rock, the Best of Seven Series Finale Match between Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle, and the thirty man over the top rope Royal Rumble Match. The fireworks then went off in the arena for the start of the show as JR and Tazz welcomed us to the show that promises to be off the hook! We then went We then went over to Carlos and Hugo, the Spanish Announce Team welcoming them to the show before returning for our first match up of the Night!

Best of Seven Series Finale (Winner Enters the Rumble)

Referee: Jack Doan

Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle's music hit the arena as Angle made his way to the ring for his big match with Chris Jericho. Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho have certainly had a heated rivalry over the past few months so this should be good, Angle getting quite a lot of heat from the crowd. Jericho's music then filled the arena, and Jericho recieved a good pop from the crowd, Jericho soaking it up as he made his way to the ring.

The start:

Kurt Angle attacked Jericho as he entered the ring to try and take an early advantage but Jericho quickly fought back, hitting Angle with a back body drop, before clotheslining Angle out of the ring, Jericho forcing Angle to stay on the outside. Jericho, the fans firmly behind him, took his jacket off in the ring, as Angle watched on looking the least bit happy, circling the ring. Angle eventually got back in, and the two locked up, Angle backing Jericho into the corner of the ring. Angle wanted to pin Jericho into a corner and beat the living hell out of him, but Jericho ducked the cheap shot reversing the offensive on Angle with some hard chops to the midsection. Jericho then sent Angle into the opposite turnbuckle before continuing with exactly the same attack in that corner, Angle's chest already starting to turn bright red.

Mid-match notes:

A careless Chris Jericho quickly got stung by Kurt Angle's technical ability, Jericho quickly feeling exactly what it's like to get hit with a stiff release german suplex. Angle mounted the native of Alberta Canada with stiff punches before sending Jericho to the outside of the ring. Angle followed Jericho out keeping on top of him, bouncing Jericho's head against the barricade as they circled the ring, Jericho having no alternative but to get a break by raking the eyes of the Olympic Gold Medallist. Jericho quickly capitalised on this advantage sending Angle to the steel steps, Angle crashing hard with his knees twisting to the side and looking in absolute agony. Jericho continued on this strong offense by hitting the breakdown on the outside Angle going face first into the mat. Jericho got back into the ring again for a second to break up the count before baseball sliding to the outside knocking Angle back down to the mat. Jericho continued this wreckless assault tossing Angle into the apron before rolling him back into the ring, kicking away at him in the corner of the ring. Jericho oozed confidence as he took Angle down with some forearm shots before whipping him into the in the corner, Jericho stomping away on him some more.

Jericho attempted to continue the posession with an elbow to the back of the head but Angle fought back with some right hands, before attempting to hit a belly to belly suplex, only to be countered by Jericho who quickly placed Angle into the mat with a DDT before going for a cover, Angle kicking out on the two. Jericho locked in a rear naked choke on the former NCAA champion in the middle of the ring as the fans started a "Y2J" chant, but only for a brief time as Angle tried to get back to a vertical base, using his elbows to break out of the hold. Both men started to trade right hands, Jericho kicking Angle to the gut before tossing him into the ropes, Angle coming back with a shot of his own, before dragging Jericho down to the ground by his air, the crowd not impressed with Angle's actions. Angle gets back to his feet and locks in the first of three german suplexes, each one looking more devastating than the last, squeezing the air of Jericho as Angle clutches hold of him. Angle tries a bridge on the third suplex but Jericho kicks out on the two. Jericho tried to get back to his feet but Angle took him down with another forearm smash.

Angle taunted the audience steeling one of Jericho's poses before pulling Jericho up by his long blond hair, making a suplex attempt, only for Jericho to counter it. Angle, however, wasn't going to let that stop him, quickly getting back to his feet knocking Jericho down with a clothesline. Now it was Angle's turn to lock in a sleeper hold on the Jericho in the middle of the ring, the fans once again getting in some "Y2J" chants. Jericho tried to get to a vertical base as did Angle, using his elbows to break the hold before starting a fight back, using strong forearm shots on Angle before hitting him with a flying clothesline, taking Angle off of his feet. Jericho turned up the pace, hitting Angle with a reverse atomic drop before hitting Angle hard again with some more back hand chops, before taking him down to the mat with a huge clothesline. Jericho climbs up the turnbuckle in attempt to drop Angle down again with a missile drop kick but Angle quickly makes his way to the corner, and Jericho and Angle exchange punches in an elevated position, Jericho nearly captilising with a sunset flip only just missing out on the 3.

Angle had to take control quickly and he did so with another suplex to Jericho, taking out a lot of steam from the former WCW Champion. Angle quickly dropped down the straps on his ring attire and locked in the Angle Lock the crowd immediately booing Angle as he locked it in. The look on his face was everything as Jericho desperately tried to crawl his way to the ropes, Angle holding on strong. The crowd got hugely behind Jericho as he made his way to the corner before Angle broke their hearts pulling him back, the sadistic Angle enjoying the pain writhe through Jericho's body. Jericho however, proved how much leg strength he had when he countered the move going for a roll up but wait no, he's not, he's going for the Walls of Jericho, Angle quickly crawling fast to the ropes to make sure the hold was broken.

The Finish:

Jericho noticeably hobbled away as the referee forced him to break up the hold, Jericho waiting for Angle to get back up before hitting him with more hard chops, Jericho tossing Angle into the ropes before taking him down again with another forearm smash. Jericho made his way slowly over to the corner of the ring lifting himself up onto the turnbuckle but once again, Angle halted his high flying move, Angle this time pulling Jericho back down to the ground with an arm drag, just like he did to Rikishi at the King of the Ring in 2000 going for the cover but Jericho kicked out. Angle got back to his feet, he wanted to end this match now, signalling for the Angle Slam, but Jericho managed to counter the move, before taking Angle down with forward Russian leg sweep before hitting Angle with the Lionsault to win the match and enter the Royal Rumble.

Winner - Chris Jericho

Backstage:

Backstage, Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler were standing by the tombola where the WWF superstars will draw their Royal Rumble numbers. Vince McMahon said it's stupid that he has to be here for the opening of this damn draw as he a match to prepare for but Jerry Lawler reminds him that the rules are the rules. With that being said, Rob Van Dam and Steve Blackman arrive to collect their numbers for the night. Lawler asks the two men how they are doing, Van Dam exclaiming that he is really pumped up for his first Royal Rumble while Steve Blackman barely breaks a yawn. The machine is quickly shuffled before Van Dam puts his hand through the door and collects one ball for him and one ball for Blackman, before both men open them up. Van Dam looks pleased with his number but Blackman still remains expressionless, Van Dam commenting that his number is totally awesome before walking off leaving Blackman alone in the office looking at his number. Vince looks at Lawler who shrugs it off, Blackman standing there in the middle of the room staring at this piece of paper. Vince cheekily tries to look over Blackman's shoulder but Blackman turns quickly giving Vince the evil eye, Vince quickly pulling back. Blackman snarls at the two Co-Owners before hastily departing both Owners looking absolutely bemused.

Backstage:

We join the Dudley Boyz, who are now moments away from their WWF Tag Team Title Defense, Bubba Ray's eyes glazed over as if he was in a trance. Spike tries to motivate his two brothers moments before the match, telling them both that defense is not just a match, it's a fight about honor and family! Spike tells both of his brothers that it's time to finally shut the mouthes of two of the most egocentric, ignorant superstars the WWF has ever seen and show the world that the Dudley Boyz are the greatest tag team in the history of professional wrestling. D-Von tells Spike to testify before Bubba adds that tonight, no matter what, it will be the last time these two teams face off! Man I can't wait!

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Referee: Nick Patrick

The Dudley Boyz © vs. the APA

We head back to ring to the sound of the APA's entrance theme as Faarooq and Bradshaw make their way to the ring to a small pop from the crowd. This feud had recommenced after the Survivor Series when the APA defended the pride of Spike Dudley, only to have him turn his back on them at Vengeance in a handicap Tables match. This match looks to be the final match in this feud but one can never be sure. After the APA get to the ring, the music changes to that of the Dudley Boyz, Bubba and D-Von both recieving a mixed response from the crowd. The Dudley Boyz are the only team in the WWF to have won the WWF, WCW and ECW Tag Team Championship belts. Will they retain them tonight?

The Start:

Bubba and Faarooq started off the match, Faarooq quickly locking Bubba into a side head lock. Bubba tried to get out of the move driving Faarooq into the ropes before Faarooq knocked Bubba right off his feet with a shoulder block. Faarooq then took Bubba down with a lariat before tagging Bradshaw into the ring who immediately went to work on Bubba hitting him hard with big right hands before taking Bubba's head off with a short armed clothesline taking Bubba to the ground.

Mid-match notes:

Bradshaw continued the offense with a huge mat slam on Bubba, Bubba having to eye rake Bradshaw to try and take some control in this match up before tagging in D-Von Dudley. D-Von flew into the ring with right hands of his own before finally taking Bradshaw off of his feet with a corkscrew elbow smash. D-Von tagged Bubba back into the ring and the two of them irish whipped Bradshaw into the ropes Bradshaw retaliating with a double clothesline taking both members of the Dudley Boyz off of their feet, Bradshaw taking Bubba back down with a forearm smash before chucking D-Von outside, Faarooq following after him. Bradshaw went right back for Bubba, throwing some more right hands, Bubba ducking a clothesline attempt before raking the eyes of Bradshaw one more time, introducing him to an atomic drop. Bubba hit Bradshaw with the Bubba Cutter, Bubba getting a near fall on the Texan Native.

Outside of the ring, D-Von won the battle of him and Faarooq, Faarooq ending up spread eagled over the steel steps allowing Bubba and D-Von to take a 2 on 1 advantage on Bradshaw. D-Von got tagged back into the match and went back to work on the redneck marking spots on his face where to hit, Bradshaw taking a tough beating by the hands of the Dudley Boyz. Bubba locked Bradshaw into a sleeper hold trying to slow down the pace of the action, Bradshaw having to power out to get some advantage but still with no one to tag out to, resulting on D-Von coming into halt any come back that Bradshaw might have in this match. Bubba put Bradshaw back in the sleeper hold and the life began to drain out of him, the referee resulting to doing the arm test to see was still with us, and he was. Bradshaw got some of a second wind in this match, possibly due to the sight of Faarooq as he climbed back onto the apron, causing Bradshaw to "hulk up" taking on both members of the Dudley Boyz with elbows and all. Bradshaw eventually gets some breathing space, hitting Bubba with one shot, then D-Von with the other, before dropping them both to the ground with a double clothesline.

The Finish:

Bradshaw made the hot tag out to Faarooq who quickly caused mayhem in the ring, taking down both Bubba and D-Von with shoulder blocks. D-Von then got hit with a huge clothesline to the outside of the ring. Faarooq kicked Bubba into the gut and tried to whip him into the ropes, Bubba noticing Bradshaw's arrival onto the apron better than Faarooq countering the move so that the two members of the APA collide with each other. Faarooq stunned by the collision could have not been ready for the Bubba Bomb by Bubba Ray Dudley, Bubba picking up a vital win to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles!

Winners and still WWF Tag Team Champions, The Dudley Boyz.

Aftermath:

After the pin, Bubba quickly escapes the ring to grab hold of D-Von and his title belts, while Bradshaw gets back into the ring, holding his hands on his head. Bradshaw looks absolutely shocked and stunned that they lost this match, especially after putting so much into the match. This could be their last opportunity for the WWF Tag Team Titles! At least while Bubba and D-Von have the belts....

Backstage:

We go backstage, once more, to the tombola room, where Vince McMahon is now standing on his own. Vince does not look happy about being left to do this job by himself, especially as Vince was told that it was both the co-owners duties to be there. "Coffee Break My Ass" Vince mutters. Vince is then joined by none other than the Hollywood Actor, former WCW Champion, David Arquette. Arquette quickly shakes Vince's hand, Arquette professing about how exciting it is to be in the World Wrestling Federation. Arquette quickly reminds Vince that in case he didn't know, Arquette was in fact a former WCW Champion, a fact that Vince McMahon was already too aware of, quickly moving away from the subject. Arquette tells Vince that he understands that Wrestling is a Buisness and that he knows that to a lot of these fans, he is nothing than a joke but quite frankly, Arquette would appreciate being involved in any way possible. Arquette mentions that he still searches for that feeling he got when he was on WCW Nitro, it was immense, Vince looking on with a very disapprovingly. Vince tells him that if that's what he wants, then that's what he'll get. Vince adds that after all, he is pretty sure there a lot of the boys in the back that would "love" to reminisce of old times. Vince says it just so happens that earlier in the night, WWF Superstar, Charles Wright had to pull out of the Royal Rumble so, we in fact have one space spare. So, why don't you participate in the Rumble? leaving Arquette lost for words. But, just like the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words, Arquette answered Vince's challenge by slowly walking past and digging his hand into the tumbola to pick out his number. It looks like David Arquette is going to be in the Rumble!

WWF Cruiserweight Championship Match

Referee: Jimmy Korderas

Tajiri © (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Marc Mero

Tajiri makes his way to the ring as the Cruiserweight Champion with his girlfriend Torrie Wilson and he is set to defend against Marc Mero. The announcers point out that Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit is in the audience, as we prepare for a match that has pushed Tajiri to his mental limits. Marc Mero followed Tajiri to the ring with huge heel heat, Tazz remarking that finally Mero is being disliked for other reasons than his lack of wrestling talent.

The start:

The two men locked up in the middle of the ring and Tajiri quickly got a roll up for two. Tajiri didn't like he was in the mood to mess around as Tajiri went for a jacknife cover for another two and then a backslide for a third near fall. Tajiri then hit a drop toe hold on Mero and then another roll up for two. Mero tried to take control of the match, holding, sending him to the ropes, but his clothesline attempt was dodged before Tajiri knocked him down again with a springboard elbow smash. Mero went to the outside to avoid any more offense but Tajiri was not going to let go hitting a suicide plancha onto the outside. Tajiri rolled Mero back into the ring and went for another cover but he only got the 2. Tajiri took Mero into the corner hitting him with some mounted punches before Mero countering with a sitdown powerbomb for the 2.

Mid-match notes:

Mero started to gain possession in the match getting a near fall after hitting Tajiri with a neckbreaker. Mero then locked in a head and arm lock but Tajiri fought out before walking into an elbow. Mero took a page out of the book of Hardcore Holly, hanging Tajiri up against the ropes before hitting him with a huge kick to the midsection, Tajiri having to kick out on another near fall attempt. Mero continued on the offense, climbing through the aprons before crashing on the neck of Tajiri with a springboard leg drop for another two. Mero locked in a rear chin lock trying to take some of the energy out of Tajiri, attempting to follow up with a suplex but Tajiri countered hitting a suplex of his own. Tajiri was however unable to capitalise Mero quickly getting back on Tajiri, this time with a front face lock, Mero using his knees to good measure taking Tajiri down for another close fall. Mero went back to another rear chin lock taunting away at the fans, Tajiri trying desperately to fight out. Tajiri eventually broke free of the hold, before walking into a sleeper by Mero, Tajiri quickly countering with a roll up nearly stealing the match from Mero.

Mero hit Tajiri back down to the ground with a stiff clothesline before making it to the middle rope, Mero going for an flying axehandle which was countered by Tajiri's quick feet. Tajiri continued the offense on the grounded Mero with some kicks and some right hands before walking into a huge uppercut. Tajiri countered the second shot from Mero getting behind and hitting him with a German Suplex, Mero instinctively getting back up only to walk into a dropkick before being hit with a standing moonsault for another pin fall attempt. Mero got back to his feet and sent Tajiri into the corner, Mero's splash attempt failing, Tajiri countering with the Tarantula the fans going crazy. Tajiri eventually let go on request of the referee before taking Mero down with a lariat for two. Tajiri went up to the top rope for a moonsault by Mero sensed the danger and quickly got out of the way, Mero getting back on his feet for a clothesline attempt, Tajiri managing to get out of the way, hitting Mero with a side kick for two.

The Finish:

Mero hit Tajiri with another neckbreaker before taunting away at Torrie. Mero tried to capitalise with the shining wizard by moved out of the way before nearly knocking Mero's teeth out with a spinning heel kick. Tajiri then went for a springboard moonsault but Mero quickly got his knees up, before taking Tajiri's head off with a clothesline. Mero lifted Tajiri up and chucked him into the corner but then ate boot with the follow up, Tajiri using the elevated platform of the ropes to hit Mero with a swinging DDT just missing out on the two. Tajiri quickly got back to his feet and went for the buzzsaw kick but Mero quickly countered and pushed Tajiri away, Tajiri colliding with the referee. Mero quickly tried to capitalise on the collision kicking Tajiri in the gut before setting him up for the STO but Tajiri quickly countered out of it and sprayed the green mist into the face of Mero dropping to his knees trying to clean his eyes. Tajiri quickly hit the Buzzsaw kick and went for the cover but the ref was out! Tajiri quickly went over to the referee to wake him up while Torrie Wilson did something unexpected sliding the WWF Cruiserweight title belt next to Marc Mero! Torrie quickly climbed onto the apron calling Tajiri over, Tajiri rushing over asking her what the hell she was doing, everyone else in the audience making their feelings vocal. Torrie quickly dropped down as Mero dove into the screen taking Tajiri down with a shot of the title belt, the crowd in uproar and what just happened. The tired Mero drops down and hooks the leg of Tajiri and waits for a good 5 seconds before the referee starts to count, but Mero only gets the two! Mero can't believe it! Torrie screaming her head off on the outside, instructs Mero what to do and he follows orders, quickly hitting the STO on Tajiri this time finishing the job.

Winner and NEW WWF Cruiserweight Champion, Marc Mero.

Aftermath:

As soon as the bell rings, Torrie Wilson hops into the ring and hugs Mero, the man that only a couple of weeks ago kidnapped her. Was this all a set up? While Mero stares at his new piece of gold, Torrie bends down next to Tajiri shouting away at him before returning to the victor, the whole audience and announce team completely disgusted

Backstage:

We go backstage for another visit to the tombola room where Jerry Lawler is talking to WWF Divas Trish, Molly Holly, Jazz and Ivory. Lawler tells them all, that he's glad that they've all joined him here tonight because he wants to discuss with them where they see the WWF Women's Division going? Trish pats her belt telling everyone that she feels that the division is going extremely well but Jazz disagrees arguing that she can't believe she is part of a division where the women's champion is a joke. Trish strongly disagrees and Jazz and her nearly get into a brawl, if it were not from Lawler who quickly separates them. Lawler says the reason he is asking is because he has recently been on the phone with the developmental territories and he has it on good authority that there are some top stars just waiting to get a shot at the Women's title. Trish tells her she's happy that there is competition and she would be happy to defend her title against anyone, Jazz arguing that she's been avoiding her ever since she arrived. Lawler, glad at Trish's response, tries to appease both women by booking a match for RAW between Jazz and Trish for the Womens Title. Jazz and Trish both look satisfied as we leave to go elsewhere.

Backstage:

Edge is backstage with The Coach. The Coach discusses the build up to the match, in particular his match versus Shawn Stasiak at Vengeance. Edge says that Shawn Stasiak is suffering from insanity and that only a guy that has previously be known as "Meat" believes that winning a match by DQ is something to be proud of. Edge said no matter what though, Stasiak has finally bitten off more than he can chew challenging him to a ladder match. Edge said that he doesn't claim to be the greatest ladder match wrestler of all time, after all, many many wrestlers like Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam have all had great ladder matches in their careers, but he certainly is no ladder match amateur. Thats why he hopes that Stasiak hasn't made to many celebratory arrangements because I don't think defeats are much to celebrate. Either way, tonight, the Era of Awesomeness continues! Edge vs. Shawn Stasiak is NEXT!

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Ladder Match

Referee: Teddy Long

Edge© vs. "Perfect'" Shawn Stasiak

The music of Shawn Stasiak hit the arena as he made his way to the ring, Stasiak looking very focused as the crowd berates him. Stasiak got straight in the ring and posed for the audience before the music of Edge hit the arena to a huge pop from the crowd.

The start:

Edge and Shawn Stasiak faced off in the middle of the ring both men having choice words for each other. Stasiak tells Edge to hold on and he points to the audience before beginning a pose, Stasiak calling himself "Perfect" as he poses for each corner of the arena. Edge on the other hand doesn't share the same feelings, and when Stasiak returns to face Edge, Edge shakes his head before immediately giving him a right hand. The two men began to trade right hands before Stasiak took the advantage with a thumb to the eye before backing Edge into the corner. Edge fought Stasiak off with some more right hands before walking into an early power slam by Stasiak, Edge hitting the ground hard.

Mid-match notes:

Stasiak climbed out of the ring and went for a the first ladder he could find but also found a baseball slide from Edge who kicked the ladder straight into his face. Edge followed Stasiak out of the ring attacking him with right hands before Stasiak reversed a whip attempt sending Edge into the barricade. Stasiak beat Edge into the corner with right hands before kicking him down into the corner keeping him still for a short enough period of time as to collect the ladder and slide it into the ring. Stasiak took his time trying to find the right place to put the ladder, allowing Edge to get back into the ring just as he set it up attacking Stasiak with some right hands before tossing him into the ropes, taking him down with a clothesline before hitting Stasiak with the Edgecution. Edge started to climb the ladder but Stasiak was quickly back on his feet attacking Edge with some right hands from behind before slamming Edge with a One Handed Slam to the ground. Stasiak attacked Edge with a knee drop before coming back with a leg drop, Stasiak then resorting to choking him. The referee tried to get Stasiak to stop but after all, this match is all legal!

Stasiak sends Edge into the corner and throws some more fists Edge's way. Stasiak, who looks in command at this point, folds up the erect ladder before attacking Edge with it, using the steel object like a giant battering ram. Stasiak swings the ladder around nearly decapitating Edge before slamming Edge down right onto the steel structure. Stasiak climbs to the top rope and goes for a flying leg drop but Edge moves off the ladder and Stasiak crashing down hard before getting hit with a spinning heel kick by Edge. Edge climbs up to the top rope and takes Stasiak down again with a missile drop kick before going back for the ladder, setting it up as Stasiak tries to get back to his feet. Edge gets about half way up the ladder when Stasiak starts to climb the ladder on the other side, both of them trading fists as they reach the top. Edge grabs hold of one end of the title belt but Stasiak quickly fights with everything he has before getting the crowd going, Stasiak suplexing Edge off the top, both men landing hard at the bottom! Holy Sh*t!

Both men picked up the pieced on the ground, Stasiak taking advantage with some right handed shots before tossing Edge into the turnbuckle. Stasiak went for a splash into the corner but Edge got out of the way before mounting Stasiak in the corner and delivering some huge right hand shots. Edge took Stasiak down with a clothesline before taking Stasiak down with the Edge-O-Matic. Edge went outside the ring and grabbed hold of a second ladder bringing it into the ring. Stasiak tried to attack Edge as he was on the apron but Edge ducked the shot and hung Stasiak on the ropes, before climbing up the turnbuckle and hitting him with another missile drop kick. Edge used the second ladder to his advantage, taking Stasiak down twice before standing it up against the turnbuckle. Edge attempted to toss Stasiak into the up right ladder but Stasiak countered the move Edge going in head first before Stasiak hit him with a DDT.

Stasiak tried to climb the ladder but Edge came back grabbing hold of Stasiak off the ladder before hitting him with the face eraser. Stasiak rolled out of the ring and Edge quickly followed him to the outside beating him down. Edge bounced Stasiak's head off the barricades before having a whip attempt countered, Edge going hard into the steel steps. Stasiak grabbed a hold of a chair but never got to hold it as Edge shot out of the corner with a desperation spear Stasiak's chair flying into the announce table. Edge got back to his feet and made his way back into the ring but he took too long allowing Stasiak to get back into the match rolling back into the ring as Edge started climbing. Stasiak started tugging hold of the foot of Edge but he couldn't pull him down, Stasiak opting to climb after him managing to get Edge on his shoulders but Edge flipped over and hit him and powerbombed Stasiak off of the ladder both men laid out.

The Finish:

Stasiak and Edge brawled in the middle of the ring, Edge tossing Stasiak into the ropes, Stasiak countering the move with a swinging neckbreaker. Stasiak sets up Edge into a fireman's carry position but Edge manages to counter before bouncing off the ropes and going for a Spear but Stasiak gets out of the way, but he doesn't manage to counter the downward spiral. Edge starts to climb to the ladder as Stasiak barely moves. Edge even had hold of the belt but Stasiak came out of nowhere to toppled the ladder, Edge crashing down against the ropes, the ladder bouncing off the side. Stasiak then hit Edge with a belly to belly side slam before leaving the ring to grab hold of a chair. The next seconds then went very slowly, as Stasiak returned to the ring with the chair. Stasiak hit Edge with five chairs one after the other, the crowd in a rapture of boos as Edge's body wriggled on the ground. Edge was helpless as Edge was tossed out of the ring before Stasiak made his way up the rope to grab the WWF Intercontinental Title.

Winner and NEW WWF Intercontinental Champion, Shawn Stasiak.

Backstage:

The Rock is backstage with Kevin Kelly. Kevin Kelly builds up the match explaining to everyone that The Rock has the opportunity to become a six time WWF Champion. The Rock said that tonight isn't about numbers but it's about getting even. The Rock said that just under a year ago, The Rock was WWF Champion, the best in the business, and then Vince McMahon came in and he took it away from him and that everyone must have been aware that while The Rock disliked Vince McMahon, hell why The Rock hated Vince McMahon, The Rock did the best for the business and that was helping the WWF defeat the Alliance. The Rock said that during the Invasion, he began to wonder if, with all that had happened, whether Vince McMahon had changed, whether Vince McMahon finally saw the light. The Rock's questions were answered the night after Survivor Series. Vince McMahon hadn't changed one bit. The Rock added that what was worse was that Vince McMahon hadn't only stayed the same type of person that he'd always been, Vince McMahon did exactly the same thing to him again when he took away his WCW Championship. The Rock said that tonight however, tonight, The Rock gets to right the wrongs, fix the past and take what is rightfully his and that is a guarandamntee! If you smell....what The Rock...is...cooking!

Promo: Are You Ready?

Tony Chimmel was in the arena about to announce the next match up when the lights dimmed in the arena and a green display came up on the entrance way with the words "Are you Ready?" blasting into the arena. Degeneration X - Coming Soon!

WWF Championship Match

No Holds Barred

Referee: Earl Hebner

Vince McMahon © vs. The Rock

The Rock's music hit the arena as The Rock made his entrance to the ring. Tony Chimmel gets on the mic as he was making it down announcing that the following WWF Championship Match is a No Holds Barred Match! Suprise! The Rock remained unphased as he went got into the ring and saluted the fans. Vince's music then hit the arena as Vince made his way to the ring grinning as he caressed his WWF Championship belt.

The start:

Vince McMahon stalled on the outside talking to the referee requesting the referee make The Rock stand back so he can get in the ring but The Rock gave him no time climbing through the ropes and quickly starting the fight on the outside. The Rock delivered some huge right hands to Vince McMahon as the two circled around the ring, The Rock sending Vince, head first, into the announce table. The Rock lifted Vince up again before throwing him straight over the announce table, Vince's foot just missing Tazz before The Rock also mounted the table and began to choke Vince with a television wire. The Rock got back to his feet before cracking Vince McMahon over the head with one of the WWF microphones before tossing Vince straight into the steel steps.

Mid-match notes:

X-Pac and Ron Waterman hit the ring and jumped all over The Rock. Ron Waterman hit The Rock with a samoan drop before X-Pac dived off the top rope with a flying leg drop. X-Pac and Waterman both tossed The Rock into the corner of the ring before X-Pac tuned up to hit the broncho buster, but The Rock quickly dodged out of the way. Ron Waterman tried to attack The Rock but he countered it, responding with a belly to belly suplex before hitting X-Pac with a spinebuster. Waterman got back to his feet but only to get the Smackdown laid down on him before X-Pac walked straight into the Rockbottom, both X-Pac and Waterman cleared from the ring. Vince McMahon, bleeding from one eye, came from behind and levelled The Rock taking him down to the ground. Vince McMahon took The Rock to the corner of the ring, nailing The Rock with some knees to the midsection before choking away on the People's Champion.

McMahon took off his belt and whipped The Rock over the back with it repeatedly. McMahon then used the belt to choke away on The Rock. The Rock began to fight back with some right hands but McMahon levelled The Rock once more with a stiff clothesline, using the belt. Vince McMahon paced around the ring like an idiot impersonating The Rock's eyebrow before taunting crouched down just as The Rock crouches for the Rockbottom, but The Rock countered his own move with an elbow before tossing McMahon into the ropes, hitting him with some right hands followed by a huge clothesline. The Rock wasn't finished yet however snatching the belt out of the hand of the co-owner of the WWF, doing just as he did, whipping away on the back of the WWF Champion. The Rock hit a suplex on Vince McMahon before rising to his feet hugely fired up.

The Rock crouched down and signalled for the Rockbottom but the British Bulldog hit the ring and attacked The Rock from behind with a steel chair. Davey Boy Smith then dropped the steel chair on the floor and hit The Rock with a huge powerslam onto the steel chair, Smith looking very pissed off. Smith grabbed hold of Vince and dragged I’m over the top of The Rock, The Rock somehow getting the shoulder up at the two. Vince looks up at the British Bulldog both of them looking shocked as The Rock starts to stir. Bulldog gets back onto The Rock beating him down with some right fists before hitting the Rock with a delayed vertical suplex. Smith sets up The Rock for a second powerslam but this time The Rock counters and sends the British Bulldog into the ropes before knocking him down with a huge clothesline. Vince McMahon tries to attack The Rock from behind but he counters the attack and throws him out of the ring before hitting Smith with a spinebuster. The Rock takes the chair brought into the ring by the Bulldog and clears him out of the rign with a huge chair shot the crowd going wild.

Vince McMahon tried to make a quick escape from the arena walking back up the ramp but The Rock caught up to him with a huge clothesline. The Rock brought McMahon back to his feet and punched him straight back down, directing him back to the ring, The Rock interacting with a few of the fans as Vince McMahon tried to get up. The Rock whipped Vince McMahon into the apron The Rock in a continual taunt before bringing him back into the ring. The Rock tossed Vince into the corner before laying him out with some more right hands before hitting Vince with a huge spinebuster into the middle of the ring. The Rock then grabs hold of the steel chair that he used on Davey Boy Smith and he stands in the corner waiting for Vince McMahon to get back to his feet - The Rock has a sadistic look in his eyes. Vince McMahon gets hit with one of the biggest chair shots you'll ever see, Vince almost lagging when he dropped to the ground, his body having to reboot after the huge shot. But The Rock wasn't done yet! Just like Wrestlemania X7, The Rock repeatedly drives the chair into the chest of Vince McMahon, Vince looking in serious pain.

The Finish:

The crowd cheer as The Rock walks around the ring holding up the disfigured chair before throwing it out before kicking Vince to the head, angrily throwing his arm support to the audience. The Rock hits the People's Elbow on Vince in the middle of the ring, The Rock landing the elbow hard into the sternum of McMahon before hooking the leg the crowd counting the three to become the WWF Champion.

Winner and NEW WWF Champion, The Rock.

The Aftermath:

The Rock celebrates with the WWF Championship the middle of the ring as EMTs rush to the ring to carry out the battered and bloodied Vince McMahon. As Vince is carried away, The Rock takes a quick glance at the rambling Vince McMahon before climbing another turnbuckle celebrating his big win.

Backstage:

Stone Cold Steve Austin is backstage with The Coach. The Coach hypes up the Royal Rumble Match adding that for many of the Superstars in this company, this is their opportunity to break through the glass ceiling and make a name for themselves and getting a shot at the WWF Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals, Wrestlemania. Stone Cold said that while The Coach made a valid point, Stone Cold Steve Austin does not need to make a name for himself. Stone Cold said that tonight is about getting back to where he rightfully belongs and become WWF Champion. Austin is then interupted by Paul Heyman and Kane, Heyman telling The Coach that he's heard this speech before. Heyman said that he however agrees with Austin and that he should be at the top of the WWF. It's just too bad that tonight, Stone Cold is going to be in the same ring as a 7ft, 330 lb Monster known as Kane. Heyman said that last year, Kane dominated the Royal Rumble eliminating eleven members in the Rumble match, only to be screwed at the very end by Austin. This time, Austin is not going to be so lucky and just like Kane did to the Hardy Boyz, Kane is going to end Austin's career! Austin looked suprised at the comments of Heyman looking at The Coach before looking back at Heyman. Austin grabbed the mic and cleared his throat, both the Coach and Heyman looking at Austin horrified by Austin asks the question everyone was waiting for..."What? What? What? What? What?" The Royal Rumble is NEXT!

Royal Rumble Match

Winner Goes To Main Event of WrestleMania

The Rumble Match opened up with a video highlighting the history of the Royal Rumble. 30 men enter the ring with one hope, one dream. To win the Royal Rumble and go on to the Main Event of Wrestlemania. After the video ends, Howard Finkel makes his way to the centre of the ring to explain to us once more the rules. Remember folks, in order to be eliminated, a superstar must go over the top rope and both feet must touch the floor. Finkel gets out of the ring and the crowd go wild. The Royal Rumble is NEXT!

The music of Steve Blackman hit the arena and he has drawn number one in the ring. Blackman does not look happy as he gets into the ring ready to kick off the Rumble. William Regal's music then hit the arena sending the crowd into a frenzy of boos as Regal approaches the ring. Regal looks glad to be back! Regal and Blackman lock up in the middle of the ring, Regal quickly backing Blackman off into the corner. Blackman however was having none of Regal's arrogance and quickly reversed Regal sending him back before breaking free the two men staring off. Regal and Blackman lock up again the time Regal scoring with an arm drag. Blackman grabbed Regal with a side headlock into a hammerlock, Blackman trying to get some early possession in the match. The fans got behind the Lethal Weapon as he hit Regal with a snapmare into a headlock. Regal whipped Blackman into the ropes, but Blackman came back with a shoulder block as the clock counted down for our third entrant, Chuck Palumbo! Regal stomped away at Blackman as Palumbo got into the ring, Palumbo halting the Regal offense with the attack from behind. Palumbo whipped Regal into the corner before attempting to splash him, Regal however smartly getting the shoulder up before walking into a bicycle kick by Steve Blackman. Blackman and Palumbo teamed up against the native of Blackpool England, taking him down with a double vertical suplex, Regal landing hard on his back before both men tried to empty him out of the Rumble. The clock started to count down as Regal got hit with a double shoulder tackle from Blackman and Palumbo, Regal looking in serious trouble! But here comes the Fourth Entrant, Chavo Guerrero!

Chavo Guerrero quickly got into the ring and delivered some stiff chops to both Chuck Palumbo and to Steve Blackman quickly speeding up the tempo of this match. Chavo carefull avoided a Blackman attack, Blackman getting hit with a back body drop before Chavo used the ropes to take Palumbo down with a drop kick. Chavo quickly got back to his feet, looking really fired up for the Rumble Match! Chavo shouted something to Regal before going back to work on Blackman, Chavo attempting to hit Blackman with a German Suplex only for it to be countered, Blackman hitting him with one of his own suplexes. Seconds later, Regal follows that suplex with a beautiful fisherman's suplex on Palumbo. Blackman and Regal both attempt to eliminate there men but both fight out, Chavo raking the eyes of the Lethal weapon, Chavo quickly acting on the move, trying to eliminate Blackman. Regal on the other hand keeps on the offensive, Palumbo missing the forearm smash, Regal taking advantage, bringing Palumbo to the ground with a huge swinging neckbreaker. The clock however begins to countdown once more as all four men are scraping in the ring, Regal once again trying to end Palumbo's Rumble. Crash Holly's music hits the arena and Crash quickly rushes to the ring chair in hand. I guess he is our Fifth Entrant. Crash quickly goes to work on everyone in the ring, first taking Regal down with the chair, quickly followed by Chavo, the fans really getting behind Crash. Crash however plays the wrong game, his luck quickly running out when Crash's chair throw attempt gets caught by Blackman, Crash quickly eating the Jungle Kick of Palumbo. Blackman quickly finishes Crash's night off, quickly tossing him over the top ropes to the ground, Blackman shaking his head in dissapointment at Crash. The countdown begins once more as Palumbo and Blackman once again try to eliminate Chavo and Regal. But here comes entrant number six, it's Ron Waterman!

Waterman quickly enters the ring and makes himself known quickly decapitating the head of Steve Blackman. Waterman follows up this move with a huge spinebuster on Chuck Palumbo, the fans closing there eyes as Palumbo hits the ground with a huge impact. Regal tries to score an attack on Waterman but he simply pie faces Regal to the ground before getting attacked from behind by Chavo Guerrero. Chavo attempted to toss Waterman into the ropes but he was outsmarted, Waterman holding onto the ropes before taking Chavo down with a huge clothesline. Waterman quickly disposed of Chavo making him the second elimination of the Rumble. Steve Blackman is next to suffer, purely for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Waterman hitting Blackman with the sitout powerbomb before disposing of him just as he disposed of Chavo! Waterman hits Palumbo with another spinebuster as the countdown begins? Who's going to be next? *buzz* It's The Big Show! The crowd go wild as Waterman stares down the barrel of the gun as Big Show makes his way to the ring. The two men immediately square up in the middle of the ring , Big Show's size a huge imposing factor on Vince's bodyguard! Both men brawl with hard shots in the middle of the ring, Waterman taking a slight advantage over the Giant, but is unable to capitalise with a shoulder block, Waterman simply bouncing off of him. Waterman is sent to the corner, Show squashing him for good measure before hitting him with a huge side walk slam. William Regal then gets subjected for the headbutt of death before Chuck Palumbo gets chokeslammed by the Giant, Big Show demonstrating his dominance. Waterman manages to get a foot back into the match, low blowing Big Show, but Big Show then counters a irish whip attempt, clotheslining Ron Waterman over the top rope. Waterman looks pissed off as the count down begins...5....4....3....2.....1....It's David Arquette! Waterman attacks The Big Show from behind with a steel chair, making the crowd Irate. Waterman is out of this match and he's still involved! Waterman hits The Big Show over and over again until Show goes over the top rope, Big Show being wrongfully eliminated. Waterman was livid, even striking Palumbo with a spinebuster after he tried to intervene in the events and Waterman still wasn't done. Arquette meanwhile strolled down to the ring unsure of how he should approach this as Waterman began to choke away on the Show outside.

After the damage was done by Waterman, Arquette finally got into the ring to clear up the pieces, quickly making short work of the unconscious Chuck Palumbo, Arquette looking real pleased with himself. Arquette attempts to take on William Regal as the countdown begins, this next opponent being someone who Arquette surely remembers! "Bang It's Me! It's Me! It's DDP!" blasts through the arena, the fans going wild as Diamond Dallas Page makes his way down to the ring. Arquette lets go of Regal and goes over to the other side of the ring putting out his hand to his "buddy" DDP. Arquette looks well pleased to be seeing the man who he had previous tagged with in the WCW, barking out some orders, Page taking it all in. Arquette should know better than to turn your back to a man in the Royal Rumble, Page quickly showing the rookie how it's done, hitting him with the Diamond Cutter! Page chucked Arquette out of the ring, the WWF fans making their opinions felt as Arquette is eliminated fom the Royal Rumble! (Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na! HEY HEY HEY! GOODBYE!). The immediately start the real wrestling, Regal attempting to blind side Page, Page countering Regal's whip with a beautiful clothesline. DDP locked Regal in a side headlock as the Rumble count down came on again, Regal taking DDP down with a shoulder block before the buzzer goes. Our 10th entrant is RAVEN! Raven gets a heated reception as he makes his way to the arena, the commentators recounting the hatred that Raven and Page have for each other, Raven forming a team with Regal as they take it to Page. Raven and Regal take a page out of the Road Warriors book, Page getting subjected to the Doomsday Device. Regal and Raven then both chucked DDP over the top rope eliminating him from the Rumble match up. After the elimination, Raven offers Regal the hand of friendship before cheap shotting him, Regal and Raven then proceeding to brawl in the middle of the ring. Regal counters a Raven whip, Regal attempting a back body drop, but instead gets a taste of Raven's boot, Raven following up with a huge clothesline. Raven takes Regal to the corner and begins to choke away on him as the counter begins once more, Raven ignoring it complete as Regal gets hit with an atomic drop going to the ground. However the next entrant changed everything because It's was Stone Cold Steve Austin! Austin stormed to the ring, Raven and Regal both halting their petty fight to take it to Austin but with little use as Austin let lose with a barrage of punches, Regal and Raven before Austin gave both Raven and Regal the Stunner. JR is on his feet as Austin cleans the ring firstly tossing Raven, then Regal from the Royal Rumble match up! Austin is on Fire! Austin walks around the ring looking at the audience, the fans in hysterics as Austin checks his watch, waiting for the countdown to begin. Who will be next?

Our 12th Entrant in the Royal Rumble was Test, Test getting huge heat from the audience. Test played the audience well, insulting the fans as he made his way to the ring, provoking Austin to climb through the middle ropes and a brawl to ensue outside of the ring. Austin and Test traded blows before Austin decided to test how strong Test's head was against the steel steps...and the ring post....and the apron. Austin rolled Test back into the ring but Test was quick back to his feet attacking Austin as soon as he re-entered. Test whipped Austin in the ropes, Austin dodging the big boot attempt before Test managed to hit Austin with a pumphandle slam, Test claiming some vital momentum. Austin and Test's brawl was however put on a short break when our 13th entrant (no suprises here) Scotty 2 Hotty made his way to ring side. Scotty may have wished he'd have stayed at home, Scotty ducking an arm smash attempt by Test but not missing the big boot, Scotty quickly being ejected from this match up. Scotty's short stay in the Rumble did however give Austin some valuable rest time, an Austin Test brawl recomencing shortly after. Austin, a brawling expert, dominated the brawl, before his whip attempt was countered by Test, Austin having to respond with the Lou Thez Press, Test eating more fists. Austin got back to his feet and went for the Stunner, Test cleverly counting before locking Austin in an attempt to slow him down, Austin instead low blowing Test with his boot. The countdown then began as Test slowly got back to his feet, the next entrant being none other than Billy Kidman!

Billy Kidman walked into the arena with a microphone immediately asking they cut his music as he something important to say. Kidman said that he thought that there is no better time than the Royal Rumble than to discuss how unfairly he's been treated since he's been in the WWF. Kidman said that while he was in WCW, he was one of the top guys facing superstars like Hulk Hogan, but in the WWF, they have no respect for people of his height and weight. Kidman said that's why, tonight, he's going to prove a point. Kidman then dropped the mic and got into the ring while Austin was stomping away at Test in the corner. Austin turned around and walked straight into Kidman, Kidman squaring right up next to him daring him to throw the first punch. Austin laughed off the threats, but Kidman wasn't, Kidman going too far slapping the Rattlesnake, unleashing a monster load of right hands from the former WWF Champion. Austin quickly took Kidman to the corner before hitting him with huge hard chops, Austin giving him the middle finger before hitting him with another huge shot. Austin quickly chucked Kidman over the top rope before walking straight into a big boot by Test. Test tried to get Austin up to his feet as the clock reappaered, the entire audience awaiting our 15th entrant! "Can you Dig It? Sucka?" hits the arena and there is a mixture of cheers and boos as the 5 time WCW Champion, Booker T enters the arena making his return to a WWF Wrestling ring. Booker T and Test quickly reform there old partnership Test and Booker sending Austin into the turnbuckle, Booker following in with a huge splash, before Test hit's Austin with a huge clothesline. Booker T and Test both lifted Austin off the ground and tried to throw him out of the ring, Austin hanging on with dear life as the seconds count down. Austin holding on for dear life!

The buzzer finally goes as Austin hangs precariously, as our 16th entrant, Rob Van Dam hits the arena, the fans going wild at the arrival of Mr. PPV! Van Dam immediately causes an impact in the arena, attacking Booker T with some huge right hands, before chucking him the ropes, following up with a spinning heel kick. Test tries to stop Van Dam in his tracks, but Van Dam counters sending him into the corner. Van Dam attempts to splash Test in the corner, but Test reads it, getting out of the way, before tossing Van Dam over the ropes, but Van Dam hangs on, Test walking seconds later into a springboard drop kick. Van Dam doesn't stop there and treats Test to the rolling thunder, while Booker T and Austin are sending each other punches. Austin drops Booker T with a high knee and begins to choke Booker T on the floor while Van Dam climbs up top. Van Dam quickly goes for the 5 star Frog Splash but Test rolls out of the way and Van Dam collides with the canvas.

The next entrant is TAKA Mickinoku! TAKA quickly makes his way to the ring immediately going for Rob Van Dam as Booker T got tossed over the top rope, Booker T managing to hold on and get back into the ring. TAKA hit Rob Van Dam with the Michinoku Driver I, impressing a lot of fans in the arena. Test then helps TAKA lift Van Dam and both men try to push Van Dam over the ropes. Austin meanwhile is beating the living hell out of Booker T, delivering 5 back hand chops straight to the chest of Booker T. Austin goes for a stunner on Booker T, but Booker T counters before hitting a hopping super kick into the face of Austin as Funaki enters the Rumble. Funaki quickly runs to the ring, TAKA meeting him at the outside with a baseball slide. TAKA quickly rolls out of the ring and the two former partners deliver each other severe shots before Funaki counters a whip attempt, sending TAKA into the steel steps. Funaki enters the ring and goes straight for Booker T, distracting the former WCW Champions attention from Austin. Funaki tries to hit Booker T with a german suplex, but Booker T counters with elbows before hitting Funaki with a spinning headlock elbow drop. Booker T clears Funaki out of the Rumble, Austin quickly jumping back onto Booker T as this brawl resumes, the clock getting ready to countdown!

The countdown began again and our 19th entrant was none other than Rikishi. Rikishi went straight to work on TAKA sending im back into the ring and immediately splashing him into the corner of the ring. TAKA got hit with the first stink face of the evening before Booker T walked into a belly to belly suplex by the hands of the current European Champion. Van Dam is holding on as Test is working him over while Austin is perched in the other corner. TAKA however is seeing no more of this Rumble as Rikishi sends him to the outside ending his night. Our next entrant is a huge suprise for the fans with none other than Mr. Perfect making his return to the WWF. Mr. Perfect goes nuts when he gets in the ring taking on nearly everyone with back hand chops. Mr. Perfect eventually singles out Booker T in the corner and begins to choke away at him with his boot. Meanwhile, Test finally gets his man chucking Van Dam over the top rope, RVD making a valiant effort in this Rumble. Mr. Perfect hits the Perfect DDT on Booker T while Test nearly breaks his back body slamming the 370lb Rikishi. Austin quickly gets back on to Test sending him into the corner delivering some huge back handed chops, while Mr. Perfect tries to eliminate the Booker Man.

Our Next Entrant is None Other than Chris Jericho who earned his spot by defeating Angle earlier in the night. Jericho quickly makes an elimination, tossing Rikishi over the top rope, before focusing his attention on Mr. Perfect and Booker T. Jericho and Perfect started off double teaming on Booker T but Perfect quickly turned on Jericho and tried to eliminate him on the side, Jericho responding not too kindly, leading to Jericho and Booker T working together to try and eliminate Perfect. Austin was quickly seen take Test down with another Lou Thez Press opening up as the clocked finally clicked down and Perry Saturn made his entrance into the Rumble. Saturn went to work in the Rumble hitting Jericho with a Northern Lights Suplex following up with a vertical Suplex on Booker T. Saturn then clotheslined Mr. Perfect over the top rope before Jericho tipped Saturn over from behind! Jericho didn't get much of a chance to celebrate however as Booker T was ready for him. Hurricane was the next man to come the ring taking Booker T down with a drop toe hold. Hurricane then hit Booker T with the shining wizard before climbing up top and taking Jericho down with a crossbody. Austin on the other hand managed to get out of the brawl with Test taking him down with a spinebuster. The Hurricane walked straight into Austin and put his hand out to him, Austin. Austin however was in no more for playing games and Hurricane quickly found what it was like to play with a Rattlesnake getting hit with the Stunner. All the wrestlers in the ring looked very tired as the count down began once more for entrant number 24.

"Deadman Walking" blasts through the arena as the Undertaker hit the arena on bike, getting a huge pop from the WWF fans. Taker wasted no time getting into the ring and It was surely seconds from the moment that he stepped into till his first elimination, the Hurricane quickly getting chucked out of the ring. Taker then gave right hands to Austin, Booker T, Chris Jericho, and a side walk slam to Test. Taker is up for this. Taker whipped Booker T into one corner and then whipped Test into the other before splashing them, Taker giving Booker T and extra special kick to the head. Taker then powerslammed Test in the centre of the ring, Taker looking like a man on a mission. After the heels were down, Chris Jericho, Stone Cold and Austin all stood in the ring staring at each other, everyone wondering who was going to work with who to eliminate the other, Jericho making very strong cases to both people. Austin agreed with Jericho or so it seemed, Jericho walking over to Austin only to recieve a Stunner the crowd going wild as Taker and Austin went toe to toe. Just as with Smackdown though, the two never came to blows as Booker T and Test broke the two up attacking them from behind as the countdown began for the 25th entrant of the Royal Rumble. Our 25th entrant was none other than Steven Richards but Richards did not looking happy to come down to the ring. Richards stood at the top of the ramp chatting to some fans shaking his head while Booker T and Test choked there opponents in the corners of the ring. Jericho got back to his feet attacking Booker T from behind. Richards slowly made his way to the ring staring in as the countdown once again began..who would be the 26th entrant?

The Hukka Blues hit the Arena and the crowd went wild as the former ECW legend, Sabu made his way to the ring, Sabu pointing up above. Richards would have known better than most what was coming for when Sabu and Richards went head on on the outside, Sabu throwing a chair into the face of Richards. Sabu rolled Richards into the ring before sliding in with his chair and unleashing hell. The Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac Sabu attacked everyone in the ring with his chair before hitting Booker T with the Atomic Arabian Facebuster. Sabu threw the chair at Richards again before hitting the triple jump moonsault on Richards hurting himself in the process. Sabu holding on to his ribs, grabbed hold of Richards and chucked him straight over the top rope to eliminate him. Sabu pointed once more to the sky, but it looked like the God's were not with him, Sabu walking straight into the hands of the Deadman, The Undertaker tossing Sabu over the top rope like a spear into the arena barricade. Meanwhile, Jericho took advantage of the Sabu destruction the ring, hitting Booker T with his trademark Lionsault, Jericho proceeding to toss the Booker Man out of the Rumble.

Lance Storm is our 27th entrant in the Rumble quickly coming to the aid of Test who is being choked out by Undertaker in the corner of the ring while Jericho tries to eliminate at the other side of the ring. Storm goes for the Superkick on Undertaker but Taker catches him in mid kick, countering with a chokeslam but Test brokes up the move. Jericho takes Austin down with a huge missile drop kick before attempting to lock in the walls of Jericho but Austin fights out. Test and Storm meanwhile go for a double whip on Undertaker but Taker simply responds with a double clothesline. The Undertaker then goes for the Old School, the crowd getting right behind the Deadman as we once more count down. Spike Dudley is the next man to enter our Rumble, the self proclaimed Runt of the Litter quickly making an impact with a torando DDT on Chris Jericho. Spike Dudley quickly gets up top and goes the double stomp onto the chest of Jericho. Spike then attacks Austin and chucks him into the corner. Spike goes for the Dudley Dog on Austin but Austin counters pushing Spike off the top rope and straight to the outside eliminating him from the Rumble as the countdown began. The next entrant came down and it’s Jeff Hardy who returns to action one Hardy flying solo. Jeff went after Austin but fought back with some huge right hands sending Jeff straight to the corner, Austin deciding to stomp a mudhole out of the multiple time Tag Team Champion. Storm and Test continued to double team Taker, Test hitting Taker with a modified cutter before Storm landed on the neck of Taker with a springboard leg drop. However, the countdown then began one more time and everyone knew who was coming! Kane's pyros exploded in the arena and Kane marched down to the ring, accompanied by Heyman, Kane looking ready for war.

Kane entered the ring and immediately grabbed hold of the neck of Jeff Hardy hitting a huge chokeslam on him. Kane then big booted Chris Jericho in the face and hit a sidewalk slam on Test. Lance Storm charged at Kane but Kane quickly turned the momentum and tossed Lance Storm head first over the top ropes, eliminating Storm from the Royal Rumble. Austin then recieved a huge uppercut from Kane knocking him down. The Undertaker was next intervene, grabbing the neck of his brother but this didn't stop Kane doing the same. The two struggled for power but it was Kane who eventually broke free chokeslamming Taker down hard to the mat. Jeff Hardy was then lifted up back to his feet by the hair and tossed out of the ring before catching Jericho in midflight, military pressing the former WCW Champion out of the ring to end his Rumble.

Heyman screamed with delight as Kane raised his arm back waiting for the Rattlesnake. This would be his next victim. Kane grabbed the throat of the six time WWF Champion, tilting his head but Austin countered with a kick below before Austin clotheslined Kane over the top rope eliminating him. Neither Kane or Heyman could beleive it! Heyman and Austin get into a yelling match on the apron, allowing Test to sneak up on him and through him over the top rope, causing one of the biggest upsets of the night. We're down to two! Test looked around cockily but Taker was back up and the two men squared up in the centre of the ring the crowd on edge. Both men start to brawl in the middle of the ring, Test taking the upper hand taking Taker back to the corner Test choking Taker in the corner. Test then goes for a splash but Taker gets his shoulder up, Taker coming back with a running DDT. Taker got back to his feet and signalled for the chokeslam, but Test countered with a kick to the gut, Test fighting him off with some good right hands. Test kicks Taker to the gut again and lifts Taker up for a powerslam and carries him to the ropes, but Taker counters the move and slides down the back of Test over the top rope. Test is gone! Wait! No he's not, one of his feet haven't touched the floor! Taker then hits Test with a big boot Test goes flying to the ground. The Undertaker is going to the Main Event of Wrestlemania!

Winner - The Undertaker

Aftermath

After the match, the arena is filled with excitement! The Undertaker has finally won a Royal Rumble and he is going to the Main Event of Wrestlemania! The Undertaker takes a great time to celebrate with the fans, every single fan appreciating everything he’s done. Test watches on from the top of the ramp, distraught as JR and Tazz thank us all for joining in for this huge night in Sports Entertainment! Thank you all! And Good Night!

To Read the Quick Results - Click Spoilers

Quick Results

Key def. Maven to Retain the WWF Hardcore Title

Chris Jericho def. Kurt Angle to Qualifty for the Royal Rumble

The Dudley Boyz def. the APA to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles

Marco Mero def. Tajiri to become the new WWF Cruiserweight Champion

Shawn Stasiak def. Edge to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion

The Rock def. Vince McMahon to become the new WWF Champion

The Undertaker won the Royal Rumble

IN

1. Steve Blackman

2. William Regal

3. Chuck Palumbo

4. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

5. Crash

6. Ron Waterman

7. Big Show

8. David Arquette

9. Diamond Dallas Page

10. Raven

11. Steve Austin

12. Test

13. Scotty 2 Hotty

14. Billy Kidman

15. Booker T

16. Rob Van Dam

17. TAKA Michinoku

18. Funaki

19. Rikishi

20. Mr Perfect.

21. Chris Jericho

22. Perry Saturn

23. Hurricane

24. Undertaker

25. Steven Richards

26. Sabu

27. Lance Storm

28. Spike Dudley

29. Jeff Hardy

30. Kane

OUT

1. Crash Holly

2. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

3. Steve Blackman

4. Ron Waterman

5. Big Show

6. Chuck Palumbo

7. David Arquette

8. Diamond Dallas Page

9. Raven

10. William Regal

11. Scotty 2 Hotty

12. Billy Kidman

13. Funaki

14. Rob Van Dam

15. TAKA Michinoku

16. Rikishi

17. Mr. Perfect

18. Perry Saturn

19. The Hurricane

20. Steven Richards

21. Sabu

22. Booker T

23. Spike Dudley

24. Lance Storm

25. Jeff Hardy

26. Chris Jericho

27. Kane

28. Steve Austin

29. Test

Winner - The Undertaker

Edited November 24, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[Adam]

FINALLY! You slaved and worked hard at it, and finally i get to read the Royal Rumble! Im gonna read it as i go along and feedback, so here goes...

Key vs Maven: Nothing special, fair enough squash match for Heat, Key retains, for now!

Angle vs Jericho: Great match, i liked it, its a bit of a shame that Kurt won't be in the Royal Rumble, but it was a good match, and Jericho managed to get through his pain and get a counter on Angle's signature move, then finishing it quickly with the Lionsault as he knew that he wouldnt be able to make him tap out at this point. I feel like Jericho is going to win the Royal Rumble as well!

What the hell is up with Steve Blackman? Im guessing he didn't get a high number? And why was RVD talking like Edge & Christian?

Dudleyz vs APA: Not too bad for a tag match (im not a big fan of writing them tbh) and although the finish was slightly confusing, i did manage to deduce that the APA were knocked into each other and Bubba capitalised to retain the titles, solid match

David Arquette is going to be in the Royal Rumble!?!?! God i hope somebody breaks his neck, preferably somebody big! Absurd man!

Tajiri vs Marc Mero: HAHAHAHA! YES! I knew that Torrie would turn on Tajiri, they never ever made a good pairing! Plus, i have faith that Marc Mero can stay in contention and stay as a serious threat in the World Wrestling Federation! Good, very fast-paced match (especially towards the end) Loved it!

Just to ask, had RVD ever been in a Ladder Match as of January 2002?

Edge vs Shawn Stasiak: Bloody hell man, what you got against Edge? I dont know if im happy Stasiak won the title or not, but in the manner he did it with the chair, god, it makes me think there is still one more match left between these two, at the very least! Good ending up until the chair thing, didnt sit too well with me, repeated shots to win the match, a slight anti-climax, i always go for the big spots to end Ladder Matches!

Great promo with Rock, and WHAT THE HELL!?! D-X back in 2002? I hope it isn't just for one night, and there better not be any Chyna!

Rock vs Vince: hmm, Vince needs Waterman and X-Pac to try and wear Rock down in a No Holds Barred match? I like it, it makes sense, i then got worried at 'McMahon then took off his belt' but were ok! Good to see Rock continually fighting back out of the interference from Vince's henchmen, especially after the beating from Bulldog. Awesome finish wht the chair beating and the Peoples Elbow, Rock takes back his title as we all knew he would in a surprisingly good match! Well done!

The Royal Rumble Match: As we couldve guessed, Blackman drew #1! Unlucky! I dont really like the way youve written this up, id like some distinction for when guys get eliminated! Nevermind, i LOVE the Arquette-DDP stuff! Push DDP! He betetr be on the card at WMX8! JR standing up!? *Marks out at return of Perfect*

Erm, who did Jericho eliminate when he first came in? It just said he 'makes an elimination, tossing over the top rope'

Its Sabu! What the hell? Thats an awesome signing right there, and i love him taking on Richards there! However, his elimination at the hands of 'Taker and Booker's elimination both sucked! But only because i didn't want to see them get eliminated At this point im still sure Jericho will hold out and win, maybe eliminating Austin last.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Jericho's out! Stop burying him dammit!

Did Test just eliminate Austin!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

And Undertaker wins it! Not a bad choice in the end, will we be seeing Rock-Taker again at Wrestlemania? Theyve had some good matches in the past! Good finish, and Test looked strong, lasting quite a while and well, being the runner-up is always a good thing in the Royal Rumble! Excellent match, though im still pulling for Jericho to do something! Great Rumble, cannot wait for the fallout on RAW!

I got to thinking, are we going to see DX vs nWo in 2002 here? Its obviously not gonna be Rock-Hogan, a match i prolly wouldve done anyway if i was doing this scenario, of course trying to make the nWo successful. Youve got DX returning, surely the nWo are lurking about somewhere? Hell, ill just have to wait and see! Great work man!

[Downward Spiral]

Well that was certainly worth the wait! My overall impression was that was a solid show, possibly even surpassing Vengeance. I also like the fact that I think I got most of my predictions wrong. It shows you were able to surprise me and you've given yourself a number of great avenues to explore in the future.

- Key's open challenge was... well, it was. I like that you're having him squash guys. I can see Key retainnig to Wrestlemania where he's going to have a real challenge on his hands! More on that later.

- The Angle/Jericho match was comparatively well written I thought, and I think you made the right choice with Jericho going over. My only slight criticism is the believability of Jericho being able to hit the Lionsault when he was noticeable hobbling after the ankle lock. All in all though, it was a good match and a great storyline which has elevated both men well.

- I thought the backstage segment was good. My only qualm is that you could be building up Lawler and McMahon to be a real blood feud like Flair and Vince IRL. Lawler came out at Vengeance with a fair bit of vitriol against McMahon and he seems to have tailed that off a bit. Lawler's reminding me a bit of Teddy Long in this so far, not a bad thing but I'd like to see things escalate a bit.

- APA/Dudleyz, as I said, I felt apathetic about. Having said tha,t a good match, and possibly teasing some dissension between Faarooq and Bradshaw? Yes please.

- Gold. Absolutely Gold. Arquette in the Rumble. My statement still stands. If DDP doesn't get his hands on him I'm not going to be happy.

- Mero/Tajiri - solid stuff and Torrie finally turns heel. I hope you can elevate Tajiri away from this storyline as I think he deserves to go onto bigger and better things.

- Women's match for Raw, that's fine by me, I hope you can continue to elevate that division after Lance Storm overshadowed the match at Vengeance.

- I'm pleased that Stasiak's gone over to end this feud. But it's a bit bittersweet for me. Edge is the master of the ladder match to my mind (not Jeff Hardy, who I should point out, before this week's Raw, has won 1 ladder match in his entire career) so to see him lose was a bit unfortunate. It served its purpose though, and I like that it took 5 chair shots for Stasiak to keep him down. Edge can now move on, and a programme with Angle or Jericho would be perfect I reckon.

- Oh God no, not another D-X reunion? I don't really see the need for this, although I am aware that Trips is due to return so maybe this is the reason. I'll be interested to see what you do with it, but I'm not convinced thus far.

- The Rock wins the title. I'm OK with that. The Rock going through about 5 other guys to do it? Questionable. I can definitely see what you were trying to do, and you got Vince across as the egomaniacal and yet cowardly owner with the power here. I just feel that Bulldog in particularly could have deserved better. Overall though, I'm interested in what you'll do from here. You've got two months to build up a Rock/Undertaker feud. Something tells me there's a big swerve coming up because I just don't see that match clicking personally.

- Ah, now onto the Rumble. Rumbles are always great fun to book but a nightmare to read but I persevered. Nice continuity with Blackman coming out first. Waterman didn't last long did he? Although I think a programme with The Big Show could be a nice idea. And YES Arquette finally feels the bang. I still think it could have been a nice touch to have DDP absolutely beat the crap out of Arquette but the moment's passed, and I'm still pleased lol. A Kai-en-tai programme needs to happen. I'd love to see those guys on PPV at some point. A big break-up storyline could really elevate their profiles. I agree with 1PWCorino about Sabu's elimination, you could have had him just fly over the top rope himself because he's that crazy but nonetheless I'm pleased you've signed him. Him and Key or possibly RVD have a feud with their names on it I feel!

- Onto the final stages, Kane going out should be a shock to no-one. Number 30 is the unluckiest number to draw in the rumble and I'd like to see a programme between him and Austin go places. Test looks really strong in this rumble match and he doesn't lose anything by being eliminated by 'Taker. I' not sure about Taker winning the Rumble personally but I'm interested to see where you're going to go with it. As I've said. Trips is due to return. I see him taking someone's spot for the main event.

Good show overall, as I said. This diary's really coming along well and you've really settled into the flow of writing, anf your writing and booking have improved noticeably since the first few shows. Congratulations on a great show and can't wait to read the Road to Wrestlemania!

[DaveKOTW]

Raw Preview

Scheduled to be broadcast on Monday, 14th of January, 2002 LIVE from the All State Arena, Illinois

The Road to Wrestlemania begins tonight!

24 hours ago, the World Wrestling Federation blew the roof off of the Philips Arena as the Royal Rumble kicked off the beginning of the road to WrestleMania. For many of the Superstars, the Royal Rumble signified the very beginning of another mediocre year but for others, the Royal Rumble opened the gates of opportunity. One such man was The Undertaker who last night sealed his destiny by outlasting the 29 other competitors to win a spot in the Main Event of the Grand Daddy of the All for the biggest prize of them all, the WWF Championship. However, while the celebrations surely lasted into the night for the Dead Man, Superstars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Test and Kane must have been sitting back wondering just what if? How will they react on RAW tonight and who will they take their anger out on?

Speaking of the WWF Championship, last night at the Rumble, The Rock finally overcame the egomaniacal Vince McMahon winning his 6th World Title, despite Vince having a lot of odds in his favour. Will Vince McMahon now cower away and allow The Rock to comfortably make his way to Wrestlemania or will there be, one more MATCH!?

One of the biggest talking points of last night's Royal Rumble however was an ad that preceeded the Royal Rumble Match. Many fans were left last night sitting amazed as the immortal words, "Are you Ready?" were heard one more time. It seems that DX are returning but how and when?! This is a moment that many WWF fans have been waiting for for quite some time!

Last night, Jerry Lawler announced that it was time that the WWF Womens Division was finally resuscitated and what a starter match do we have planned tonight with the WWF Womens Champion Trish Stratus going one on one with ECW's Finest, Jazz. Can Trish overcome the might of Jazz or will Trish be subjected once more to the Jazz Stinger!

For all the answers, plus appearances of WWF Superstars Steve Blackman, Sabu, Steven Richards and many more, tune in to RAW Monday night at 9/8 CT on TNN

Edited November 24, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

Raw

Broadcast on Monday, 14th of January, 2002 LIVE from the All State Arena, Illinois

WWF RAW Opener:

The show kicks off with the music of Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler hitting the ring as he made his way to the ring, looking in good spirits. Lawler takes the mic and says that he has some important news to share with the WWF fans. Lawler said the first port of call involves the co-owner of the World Wrestling Federation, Vince McMahon. Lawler said that Vince had decided to take the night off to rest up after he suffered a brutal beating by the hands of our new WWF Champion, The Rock. Lawler added that while Vince McMahon would not be here, his two lackeys, Ron Waterman and X-Pac would and that tonight, the two of them would face off against the 500lb, 7ft foot tall Big Show and The WWF Champion, The Rock. The crowd went wild and Lawler was taking it all in. What a Huge Main Event! But Lawler said that there was more and it involved…the music of Test then hit the ring! Lawler stood surprised as Test made his way to ring side. Test gets on the mic complaining about what happened at the Royal Rumble. Test said that in case everyone hadn’t noticed, he entered in at Number 12 and was the most dominant man at the Rumble. Test said that The Undertaker simply got lucky and that if there was such a thing as fairness then he would be in the Main Event of Wrestlemania and The Undertaker would be facing another talentless individual so that The Undertaker can maintain that undefeated Wrestlemania streak. Test added that Wrestlemania had been officially ruined and that quite frankly, he doesn’t give a damn now what the hell happens! However, Test said that No Way Out was a different story! All of a sudden, the music of the Undertaker hit the arena and The Undertaker hit the ring. Lawler extended is hand to The Undertaker but Taker was in no mood for niceties getting right down to the point. Taker said that when he stepped into the arena tonight, The Undertaker said that despite his and Test’s differences, Taker still had respect for him but then, Test came down to the ring, stepped into his yard and opened his big mouth. Taker said that he doesn’t know exactly how much wrestling Test watched in the past, but one thing is for sure and that is that the people that The Undertaker met at Wrestlemania, people like King Kong Bundy and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka...people like Diesel and Jake Roberts are not mediocre. Test quickly cut off Taker telling him that if he came down to the ring to offer him a history lesson, then he’d appreciate it if Taker would just start walking up the ramp because Test isn’t interested as all he wants is a match at No Way Out! Taker gets right into Test’s face asking him why they have to wait for No Way Out. Test and Taker look like they’re about to go when Test raises his arms and begins to back off and back out of the ring, The Undertaker begging him to get back in the ring. Test wants a match but I guess just not tonight!

Hardcore Match

Referee: Michael Chioda

Sabu vs. Steven Richards

The Hukka Blues hits the arena as Sabu made his way to the ring, chair in hand, for his first official match on RAW and he will be facing Steven Richards!

The start:

Sabu started off the match in typical fashion throwing his steel chair into the face of Richards before beating him into the corner with some huge right hands. Sabu goes back for the chair and sets it up in the corner before hitting Richards with the Air Sabu bringing out a loud “ECW” chant from the audience as Sabu points to the sky.

Mid-match notes:

Sabu sends Richards to the outside, Sabu alluring Richards into a false sense of security before diving out of the ring taking Richards down with a suicide plancha. Sabu gets back to his feet, looking slightly disorientated but nevertheless sticks some boots into Richards before going under the ring for a table. Sabu sets the table up before going back to Richards, getting met with a few right handed shots before sending Sabu hard into the steel steps. Richards goes over to the time keeper and grabs hold of the ring bell, using it as a weapon to bust open the death defying Sabu. Richards however stalled with the pin fall attempt opting to sending him in the ring before pinning him, Sabu getting the shoulder up on the two.

Richards went back to the outside and pulled a trash can from under the ring and tried to get it inside, only to have Sabu baseball slide the can straight into the face of Richards. Sabu made use of the steel chair once more taking Richards out on the outside with a triple jump Arabian press both men, Sabu pointing the sky for the second time in this match. Sabu continued the assault hitting Richards with a Russian Legsweep into the barricade before going for a cover, Richards managing to kick out on the two.

The Finish:

Sabu walked Richards around the ring taking him down with right hand after right hand, before finally clocking his head off with an uppercut. Sabu then borrowed a chair of Lillian, throwing the chair straight into the face of Stevie. Sabu rolled Richards onto the table beating him down with some fists before climbing back into the ring, Sabu climbing to the top rope before hitting Richards with the leg drop off the top rope through the table before covering Richards for the win.

Winner – Sabu

Aftermath:

After the match, Sabu celebrated in the middle pointing upwards once more as he continuous the Sheik legacy!

Backstage:

We go backstage to the locker room of Charles Wright and Key where both men are carefully watching the highlights of the Sabu match over again. Key almost looks concerned watching on, Wright quickly assuring him that Sabu is nothing more than a glorified Stuntman and that he is nothing compared to Key. Just when Key started to bring himself to smile, Rob Van Dam walks in and breaks up the party. RVD said that both him and Key had unfinished business to take care of and reminded both of them that in case they forgot, last time the two of them met, Van Dam pinned Key’s ass and went on to participate in the Royal Rumble Match while Key was fighting Tough Enough Winners. Van Dam’s comments quickly infuriated Wright who told RVD that if he wanted a match for the hardcore championship, then Van Dam will get a hardcore championship match and it will be tonight! Key tried to intervene but it was too late. Rob Van Dam vs. Key is on for tonight and it’s for the WWF Hardcore Championship!”

WWF Tag Team Championship Match

Referee: Teddy Long

Dudley Boyz © vs. Jeff Hardy and Scotty 2 Hotty

The music of the Dudley Boyz hit and the Dudley Boyz made their way to the arena to defend their WWF Tag Team Championship Belts against Jeff Hardy and Scotty 2 Hotty.

The start:

Jeff Hardy and D-Von Dudley started off the match, both men locking up in the middle of the ring. Jeff Hardy took D-Von down with some arm drags before locking in a side head lock, D-Von driving into the ropes to break up the hold before walking into a big drop kick from Jeff. Jeff kept on top of D-Von sending him into the corner with an irish whip but D-Von managed to dodge the follow up splash in the corner, before throwing Jeff to the ground his head making huge impact with the ground.

Mid-match notes:

D-Von made the tag out to Bubba who immediately began to stomp away on the Hardy Boy before telling the crowd to suck it. Bubba then levelled Jeff to the ground with a huge elbow before attempting the pin but only getting the 2. Bubba sent Jeff Hardy hard into the ropes Jeff’s head bouncing off the turnbuckle and falling backwards before hitting Jeff with the Bubba Bomb, followed by another pin fall attempt, this time Scotty breaking up the count.

However, Scotty’s interference gave the ref a distraction and allowed the Dudley Boyz to double team on Jeff, taking him down with a double suplex but D-Von is unable to take the pin as Jeff got the shoulder up. D-Von lifted Jeff off the ground and struck him with a right hand before going for a vertical suplex, Jeff managing to counter the move with a roll up but D-Von managed to kick out, rising to his feet before Hardy to take him down with a stiff clothesline. D-Von tagged back out to Bubba and Bubba continued the offence hitting Jeff with a stiff body slam sending a b-line to Scotty before using the ropes as momentum to kick Jeff to the head, quickly going for the cover but Jeff once again managing to kick out.

Bubba locked Jeff in a side head lock shouting telling Jeff to tap out but Jeff did no such thing. Jeff started to fight out and Bubba and Jeff got swapped shots, Bubba eventually taking control with an eye rake. Bubba whipped Jeff into the ropes before going for a back body drop, but instead got kicked in the face before Jeff somehow managed to hit the twist of fate out of nothing. Jeff looked up and saw Scotty 2 Hotty holding his arm out and began crawling towards him while D-Von held out his arm to Bubba. Both men make the tag and Scotty and D-Von both fly into the ring. Scotty takes down D-Von with one forearm smash, then another, then another, Scotty following it up with a DDT. Bubba Dudley attacks Scotty from behind knocking him forward but Jeff quickly comes to the rescue attacking Bubba with right hands both men taking it to the outside.

The Finish:

Scotty gets back to his feet and hits D-Von with one handed bulldog and we all know what’s coming next! W-O-R-M OOH OOH OOH! Scotty connects with D-Von as a crash is heard on the outside. Scotty makes the cover but only gets the 2, Bubba somehow managing to get back into the ring in time and break it up. Bubba then hits Scotty with the Bubba Cutter before pulling D-Von over Scotty for the win.

Winners and Still WWF Tag Team Champions, the Dudley Boyz

Aftermath:

After the match, Bubba drags D-Von back to his feet and the two brothers celebrate in the middle of the ring to a bunch of boos from the crowd when the lights in the arena all of a sudden dim and the words “Are YOU READY??” hit the arena before another Degeneration X teaser is shown on the titantron. Bubba and D-Von do not look happy!

WWF Womens Championship Match

Referee: Jim Molineux

Trish © vs. Jazz

Jazz’s music hits the arena as she makes her way to the ring. Jazz looks serious and ready for tonight’s match up as she gets into the ring before saluting the crowd to a very poor response. Trish’s music then hits the arena and the crowd go nuts as the Women’s Champion makes her way to the ring for her title defence.

The Start:

Trish and Jazz lock up in the middle of the ring Jazz over powering Trish into the corner before she flexes her muscles pointing out just how masculine she really is but that doesn’t stop Trish. Both women lock up in the centre of the ring again with this time Trish taking the advantage and backing her off into her corner both women breaking it off for a second time as Trish gets cheered on from the crowd. Jazz takes a big exception to this, slapping Trish hard across the face before kicking her to the gut and then taking her down to the ground with a high knee to the face. Jazz then gets to the ground and begins to choke away at her, the referee having to forcefully drag Jazz off of the Womens Champion but Jazz quickly goes back to work with stiff kicks.

The Finish:

Jazz lifts Trish up before taking her back down with a vertical suplex getting the 2 on the pin fall attempt. Jazz hits Trish with some more knees to the face before whipping her hard into the turnbuckle. Jazz goes for the corner splash but Trish quickly gets out of the way, Jazz managing to stop herself from colliding but Trish quickly kicked her into the midsection before sending her right back in parting her shoulder. Trish pulls Jazz out and attempts to go for the Stratusfaction but Jazz quickly counters throwing Trish to the ground. Jazz goes back to Trish and picks her up kicking her to the gut before setting her up for a Death Valley Driver but out of nowhere, a Goth looking woman appeared, presumably from the crowd and attacked Jazz across the back with a steel chain wrapped around her fist Jazz and Trish both dropping to the ground. The woman then clocks Jazz for a second time this time across the head knocking Jazz straight out. This insane woman is nowhere near finished though stalking Trish as she tries to get to her feet. The crazy woman lifts Trish up with ease into a fireman’s carry position before hitting her with a spinning facebuster, Trish’s face crashing hard against the mat. The Goth Woman poses signing to the crowd that she wants the belt before quickly exiting through the crowd as EMTs come down to check on both women! Who the hell was that?

Match ended as a No Contest

Aftermath:

The EMTs checked on both women before the show went to a commercial break!

Earlier Tonight:

When we return to the show, JR and Foley take us back to scenes backstage earlier in the night between Jerry Lawler and Paul Heyman. Heyman and Lawler get into a huge argument over last night’s Rumble, Heyman telling Lawler that what happened shouldn’t have happened and that it needed to be sorted out. Heyman said he didn’t care what Lawler had to do, Kane wants Austin and Kane is going to get Austin. Lawler said that he appreciates Heyman and Kane’s displeasure but Austin didn’t do anything to break the rules and says that the best thing he can do is take his request under advisement. Kane then grabs hold of Lawler and raises him off the ground. Kane tells Lawler to get him Austin because if he doesn’t, then Lawler’s co-ownership will be very short lived one. Lawler looked terrified as Heyman took back over wiping Lawler’s jacket down telling him that he’ll expect to hear from him soon before him and Kane leave the office. Will Lawler give Kane, Austin?

Referee: Nick Patrick

Kane vs. Steve Blackman

Kane’s music hits the arena as Kane makes his way down to the ring accompanied by Paul Heyman for his match up with none other than “the Lethal Weapon” Steve Blackman. We are reminded that last night, Steve Blackman drew Number one in the Royal Rumble Match.

The start:

Blackman walks straight into some right handed shots from Kane followed by a huge upper cut taking Blackman to the ground. Kane chucks Blackman into the corner of the ring beating him down some more big shots before whipping him straight into the opposite turnbuckle. Kane then hits Blackman with a sidewalk slam. Kane chokes Blackman on the ground the referee making the count, Kane only letting go at the last second.

The Finish:

Kane continues this one man assault on Blackman imbedding Blackman into the canvas with a huge body slam before Kane begins his assent to the top rope, before nearly taking Blackman’s head clean off with a huge clothesline from the top rope. Heyman is merely a spectator watching on as Kane raises his arm back connecting with the chokeslam planting Blackman one last time before making an easy pin fall to win the match.

Winner – Kane

Aftermath:

After the match, Heyman orders Kane to the outside, Heyman telling Kane to punish Blackman for what happened to him! Kane grabs hold of the steel steps and throws them into the ring, the heavy metal object just missing the referee who darts out as Kane climbs back in. Kane takes Blackman down with the steps and busts him open, Kane tilting his head at the sight of blood. Kane quickly lifts Blackman back to his feet, Heyman barking out more orders to hurt him as Kane climbs the steps to attempt a tombstone pile driver on Blackman onto the steps…but then the Glass Breaks in the arena and the crowd goes wild. Austin’s music is playing…but where is Austin? Heyman spots him but it’s too late, Austin coming from behind Kane attacking him with a steel chair knocking Kane down to his knees. Austin hits Kane with what must be nearly 10 shots, disfiguring the chair. Heyman tries to intervene but gets a Stunner for his troubles before Austin hits Kane with one also the crowd going wild as Austin dominates the ring…BUT KANE SITS UP! Austin can’t believe it and quickly scarpers from the ring, Kane getting right back to his feet, staring down a fleeing Austin. Can anything stop Kane?

Advert for Smackdown:

Just Announced: This Thursday on Smackdown, Edge gets his return match against the WWF Intercontinental Champion Shawn Stasiak in a Cage Match! It’s going to be huge!

WWF Hardcore Championship Match

Referee: Teddy Long

Key © (w/Charles Wright) vs. Rob Van Dam

It’s time for our WWF Hardcore Championship Match. Rob Van Dam’s music hits the arena first as RVD makes his way down to the ring to a huge response from the crowd. Van Dam said he wants to sort this out once and for all! Can he become the WWF Hardcore Champion again? Key’s music eventually hits the arena and Key and Wright make their way to the response to a fair bit of Heat. Wright was a big factor in the last Hardcore Match; will he be a factor in this one?

The start:

Key and Van Dam lock up in the middle of the ring, Van Dam taking first blood bringing Key down with a couple of arm drags, Van Dam proceeding to kick Key in the gut before sending him into the corner. Key dodges the corner splash from Van Dam, Van Dam running up the turnbuckle before hitting Key with a corkscrew attack. Van Dam sends Key to the outside of the ring before taking some time out to salute the fans, before dropping Key once more with a baseball slide to the outside.

Mid-match notes:

Van Dam bounces Key’s head off the announce table twice before Key counters the third attempt and slamming Van Dam hard against the table. Key attempts then attempts to send Van Dam into the steel post but Van Dam counters the move and Key goes straight in busting Key open. Van Dam drags Key out away from the turnbuckle before climbing up onto the barricade and diving off with a flying leg drop, Van Dam only getting a 2 on the cover. Van Dam lifts Key and chucks him straight into the barricade, Key landing hard before Van Dam drops him on top of it with a beautiful vertical suplex. Van Dam goes for another pin fall attempt after he hits a leg drop off the apron onto the hanging Key, Key kicking out milliseconds before the three.

Van Dam goes under the ring and brings out some weaponry, Van Dam cracking Key over the head with a huge stop sign before sliding it into the ring. Van Dam rolls Key back into the ring before also climbing in, Key desperately trying to get to his feet. Van Dam uses the stop sign to hit the Van Daminator on Key before going for the pin but Van Dam’s pin was broken up by Charles Wright.

Wright brought Van Dam back to his feet and hit him with some right handed shots. Wright then whipped Van Dam into the ropes and went for a clothesline but Van Dam ducked, bouncing, Van Dam making Wright eat a beautifully timed spinning heel kick. Van Dam continued to work on Wright taking him down with a body slam before subjecting him to Van Dam’s patented split-legged moonsault. Key got back into the match taking Van Dam with a huge clothesline. Van Dam then got hit with the face eraser, Key going for the cover but only getting the 2. Key continued the assault taking Van Dam down with a huge belly to back mat slam, Van Dam looking in serious trouble!

Key sends beats Van Dam down on the ground before climbing up the turnbuckle. What’s he going for? Key hits Van Dam with a huge moonsault. Key goes to hook the leg but he only gets the 2!!! What will Key need to do to win this match?!!

The Finish:

Key gets back to his feet and looks around before kicking Van Dam straight in the head. Key begins to climb back up to the top rope. What’s Key going to do now? Key goes for the 5 Star Frog Splash but Van Dam rolls out of the way leaving both men down. Wright, now back on his feet, shouts instructions to the WWF Hardcore Champion. Both men start to rise at the same time, and a brawl begins in the centre of the ring, Key taking the strength before sending him into the ropes but missing the clothesline attempt, Van Dam countering with another spinning heel kick. Van Dam then hits the Rolling Thunder on Key! Van Dam gets back to his feet and takes Wright off the apron before climbing up to the top turnbuckle! It’s Five Star Frog Splash Time! But Wait! Kurt Angle quickly runs down the ramp and pushes Van Dam off the turnbuckle, what’s Angle doing here? Key takes advantage and sets Van Dam with a huge forearm smash knocking Van Dam’s lights out. Key finally ends the match hitting the Victimizer on Van Dam to get the 3 and retain the WWF Hardcore title

Winner and Still WWF Hardcore Champion, Key.

Backstage:

The Coach is backstage and he is joined by The Rock. The Coach congratulated The Rock on winning the WWF Championship last night at the Rumble. The Coach wanted to know if The Rock felt that after the Rumble, whether Vince McMahon would attempt to win back the WWF Championship or whether he would let sleeping dogs lie. The Rock said that with Vince McMahon, you can be sure that anything is possible but the Rock felt that it would only be a matter of time before either someone representing Vince, or Vince himself would try and win the Championship back to his side but The Rock says just bring it. The Rock didn’t care if his next opponent was 6ft 8, or 700lbs, or if they liked walks on the beach and romcoms, it didn’t matter to The Rock. The Rock said that the only thing that matters is that The Rock walks out of each and every match the WWF Champion and that just what The Rock will do, whether it is tonight, No Way Out or even Wrestlemania! If you smell what The Rock is cooking!

Referee: Earl Hebner

The Rock and Big Show vs. Ron Waterman and X-Pac

The main event starts off with Vince McMahon’s music hitting the arena as Ron Waterman and X-Pac make there way to the ring. Last night, Ron Waterman entered his first Royal Rumble for it only to be screwed up by the Big Show, Waterman desperate to get revenge on the 7ft Giant tonight. Big Show’s music then hits and Show starts to make his way down the ramp before stopping, deciding to wait for his partner, the WWF Champion, The Rock.

The start:

Big Show and Waterman lock up to start the match, Big Show immediately driving Waterman to the corner of the ring. Waterman quickly dodges a shot from Big Show, swapping places in the corner, Waterman firing with some huge right hands. This however didn't do much to help Waterman’s cause, Show bursting out of the corner with a clothesline Waterman getting knocked to the ground. Big Show body slammed Waterman to the mat before tagging in The Rock, The Rock laying some quick right hands to Waterman before knocking him down with a huge clothesline. The Rock then fought off an attack from X-Pac sending him to the outside before hitting Waterman with a spinebuster before we headed off for a commercial break.

Mid-match notes:

When the show returned from the break, we took a quick recap from what happened during the break, The Rock tagging Big Show back into the match, the Big Show dominating both opponents in the early goings. Waterman and X-Pac however were a crafty team and while Waterman was distracting the referee, X-Pac removed a little can from his pocket spraying something into the eyes of the Giant blinding him allowing both heels to gain an unfair advantage. We then return to current time with X-Pac dancing around in the middle of the ring as Show sat in the corner, X-Pac then going on to hit Show with a broncho buster! X-Pac then tagged out and Ron Waterman got back in on the action hitting Big Show with a snapmare before locking him with a head lock.

Big Show looked like he was in trouble for about 2 minutes of the match with Big Show really having to dig deep to power out of the move. Big Show had to make the tag out to The Rock

Big Show somehow managed to lift Waterman off the ground, Waterman hanging on before Show managed to muster some strength out of nowhere Judo throwing Waterman over his shoulder before making the hot tag to the WWF Champion

The Finish:

The Rock flew into the match knocking down everything that moved. One shot to Waterman, then to X-Pac, then to Waterman again. The Rock followed up with a beautiful belly to belly suplex on X-Pac taking X-Pac down to the ground before hitting Ron Waterman with a Samoan Drop. The Rock continued his domination in the match up clearing X-Pac out of the road before bending down beside Waterman! You know what time it is! ROCKBOTTOM! The Rock hooks the leg and the fans count for the 3 as the People’s Champion sends a message to Vince McMahon!

Winners – The Rock and Big Show

Aftermath:

The show ended with The Rock and Big Show celebrating in the arena with the fans as JR and Mick Foley thanked us for joining them wishing us all a very good night!

Quick Results

Sabu def. Steven Richards

The Dudley Boyz def. Jeff Hardy and Scotty 2 Hotty

Trish drew with Jazz

Kane def. Steve Blackman

Key def. Rob Van Dam

The Rock and Big Show def. Ron Waterman and X-Pac

Edited November 25, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

WWF Smackdown! Preview

Broadcast on the 17th January 2002 from the Metro Center, Rockford Illinois

The Road to Wrestlemania Continues Tonight

While Smackdown comes to Rockford, Illinois only 4 days removed from the Royal Rumble, it must seem like a life time away for many of the Superstars of the World Wrestling Federation.

One such Superstar is Test who earlier this week declared Wrestlemania to be officially off after he was dropped out of the Rumble at the last hurdle by The Undertaker for a chance to feature in the Main Event of Wrestlemania. But while Wrestlemania may be off for Test, No Way Out is not and Test has made his demands perfectly simple. He wants The Undertaker one last time. Raw however was not the right time for Test backing down from the Deadman in favour of next months PPV offering? What is so special about No Way Out for Test? Stay tuned for more information!

Another person that surely isn't settled from the Rumble is the former WWF Champion and co-owner of the WWF, Vince McMahon! While Vince will not be appearing tonight, Vince McMahon had exclusively announced to WWF.com that tonight on Smackdown, The Rock will go one on one with X-Pac for the WWF Championship. Can X-Pac bring the gold back or will The Rock retain the WWF Championship?

The Royal Rumble was not the only place for controversy as on RAW, Kurt Angle turned up in Rob Van Dam's WWF Hardcore Title Match, knocking Van Dam off the top rope, saving Key from his second consecutive loss to the Whole Damn Show. What motive did Kurt Angle have for attacking Van Dam and how will Rob Van Dam respond when he finds Kurt Angle? Expect all hell to break loose tonight when Kurt Angle takes on WWF New Boy Chuck Palumbo on Smackdown!

Also in action in tonight is one of the latest additions to the WWF Roster, the suicidal homicidal genicidal death defying Sabu who is scheduled to take on Chavo Guerrero Jr. Can Sabu win in a clean wrestling match or will the Guerrero Wrestling Legacy provide too much for the ECW Legend?

The major talking point of the night is surely going to be Edge's return match fo the WWF Intercontinental Championship, taking on "Perfect" Shawn Stasiak in a Solid Steel Cage! Edge will know that if he fails tonight, he may not get another shot at the WWF Intercontinental Championship so this match is vital for the young Canadian! Will Edge come out Victorious or will Shawn Stasiak finally end the era of awesomeness?

For all the answers, plus appearances of all your favorite WWF Superstars, tune in to Smackdown at 8/7 CT only on UPN!

Edited November 25, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[Adam]

Good fallout from the Rumble, long may the push of Test continue, however, on RAW you announced Edge-Stasiak in a Cage Match, yet on the Smackdown preview it was nowhere to be found! Huh?

Anyway, some nice build going already as we make our way towards Wrestlemania!

[DaveKOTW]

Good fallout from the Rumble, long may the push of Test continue, however, on RAW you announced Edge-Stasiak in a Cage Match, yet on the Smackdown preview it was nowhere to be found! Huh?

Anyway, some nice build going already as we make our way towards Wrestlemania!

Edited November 25, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

WWF Smackdown!

Broadcast on the 17th January 2002 from the Metro Center, Rockford Illinois

The show kicks off with our announcers, Michael Cole and Tazz welcoming us to another fine edition of Smackdown. Tonight is, without a shadow of a doubt, going to be huge and we have some huge matches to announce. Later tonight, The Rock will make his first WWF title defence against X-Pac. Plus our Main Event is going to be a Royal Rumble Rematch between the WWF Intercontinental Champion, Shawn Stasiak and Edge in a Solid Steel Cage! Michael Cole and Tazz can hardly wait!

The Smackdown Opener:

Test’s music then hit the arena as the Royal Rumble Match Runner up Test made his way down to the ring. Test grabbed a mic and said that he had something to say regarding what went down earlier in the week on RAW. Test said that ever since Monday, fans have been bugging him asking him why, someone who supposedly wanted to take on the Undertaker would refuse to fight him until No Way Out? Test said that doing what he did was logical. Firstly, Test said that in case the WWF fans had forgot, last year at Survivor Series, Test had won a match that meant that Test could not get fired no matter what the hell he did. Test said with that luxury, he is able to pick and choose when he wants to fight and there isn’t a damn thing anyone in this arena can do about it. Test said that while he’d like to make it abundantly clear that he is not afraid of anyone, and Test means anyone and that he’ll never back away from the challenge, Test said that with the Royal Rumble being the night before coupled with the very real fact that Test is too good for Free TV, there was no way he was going to fight Taker on RAW or any other time before No Way Out. The second reason was also very important. Test said that the other reason why he didn’t want to fight Taker on RAW is because quite frankly, with Jerry Lawler in sole charge of the company in Vince McMahon’s absence, the chances of getting screwed are just too great. Test said that as far as he is concerned, there is no way that any stipulation or arrangements about his match with The Undertaker would be discussed until Vince McMahon is in charge of the company and if Lawler is unhappy with that, he can go to hell! Test’s music then hits and Test begins to make his escape. Looks like he’s not a fan of Jerry Lawler!

Referee: Charles Robinson

Sabu vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Chavo Guerrero's music hits the arena as Chavo makes his way down to the ring to a very quiet response from the fans. Chavo gets into the ring and tests the ropes awaiting his opponent. The fans then go wild as "The Hukka Blues" hit the arena as Sabu makes his way to the ring.

The start:

Sabu and Chavo lock up in the ring, Chavo taking control in the early goings, hitting Sabu with a kick to the gut, sending Sabu into the gut before dropping him with a drop kick. Both men get back to their feet, Chavo using the ropes once again before putting Sabju in a headlock. Sabu tries to get out with some elbows before driving Chavo into the corner, Chavo having no choice but to release the hold. Sabu keep Chavo in the corner and beats him down with some right hands, Chavo then countering Sabu's irish whip attempt Sabu, but Sabu still making the take down climbing up the turnbuckle and taking Chavo down with a moonsault.

Mid-match notes:

Sabu climbed over Chavo and beat him down with some huge shots before hitting Chavo with a leg drop, Sabu making the cover but only getting the 2. Sabu sends Chavo to the corner and Sabu mounts the turnbuckle beating him down with more right hands before attempting a DDT, but Chavo counters the move and takes Sabu down with a neckbreaker. Chavo lifts Sabu back to his feet and tosses him into the ring post parting the shoulder of the ECW legend.

Chavo taunts the fans before heading back over to the corner, Sabu fighting out with some hard shots before using the ropes to take Chavo down with a springboard bulldog before climbing outside and taking Chavo down with a springboard clothesline.

The Finish:

Sabu continued to use middle rope as his friend hitting Chavo Guerrero with a springboard dropkick before using it once more to hit Chavo with a moonsault, the fans really getting behind him. Sabu pointed upwards once more before locking Chavo Guerrero in the Camel Clutch, Chavo having no choice but to tap out making Sabu the winner.

Winner – Sabu

Aftermath:

Sabu took time after the match to celebrate in the ring after Chavo departed from the ring. Sabu is really getting over with these WWF Fans!

Backstage with Paul E and the Big Red Machine:

The Coach is backstage with Paul Heyman and Kane. The Coach starts off by asking Paul Heyman why he requested an interview. Heyman said that he’s glad he asked but the answer is quite simple. The reason Paul Heyman asked an interview is because he wanted to send a message to someone; that person is Stone Cold Steve Austin. Heyman said that last Sunday at the Royal Rumble, Stone Cold grabbed a cheap victory over his client Kane, a victory that temporarily halted their plans to become the most dominant power in World Wrestling Federation history. Heyman said that Stone Cold, however, should appreciate that while he did gain this victory over Kane that it should not be considered as anything more than a fluke. Heyman said that Stone Cold was nothing more than a Stumbling Block to Kane and that come No Way Out, whether Jerry Lawler grants it or not, Kane will destroy Stone Cold and that’s the bottom line, because Paul Heyman said so. Heyman and Kane then back off leaving The Coach speechless.

Backstage:

Further backstage, we see The Rock arrive backstage to the delight of many fans in the arena. The Rock suddenly gets stopped by the Big Show and the two men shake hands. Big Show said that he’s glad to see him, The Rock adding that the feeling is mutual. Show asked The Rock if he’d heard about his match tonight against X-Pac for the WWF Championship, The Rock saying he had and that Lawler had called him on the cell to tell him as he was on his way in. Show wasn’t impressed at the fact that he had been given that little time to prepare. Either way, Show said that tonight, he had The Rock’s back and The Rock was very grateful. Both men shook hands again and The Rock was on his way.

Referee: Teddy Long

Kurt Angle vs. Chuck Palumbo

Kurt Angle’s music hit the arena as our very own Olympic Gold Medallist made his way to ring side ready for his one on one match up with Chuck Palumbo. Angle looked really intense mouthing off to many different sections of the audience before Chuck Palumbo’s music finally hit.

The start:

Kurt Angle and Palumbo locked up in the middle of the ring, Angle quickly going for a side head lock. Palumbo pushed Angle against the ropes making Angle break the hold before Angle took Palumbo down to the ground with a shoulder block. Angle continued on Palumbo attacking him with some huge right hands followed by a kick to the gut, Angle sending Palumbo into the ropes before bringing Palumbo down with a huge belly to belly suplex.

Mid-match notes:

Angle sends Palumbo into the corner but Palumbo defends himself with a right elbow. Palumbo climbs up top and goes for a double axehandle but Angle quickly catches him in mid-flight before taking him down with another belly to belly suplex. Angle makes a pin fall attempt and the fans think it’s over but Palumbo manages to get the shoulder up on the two.

Angle continues this devastating assault on the former WCW superstar hitting Palumbo with back to back German Suplexes. Angle goes for a third suplex but Palumbo fights out once again with his elbows, before bouncing off the rope and getting hit instead with another belly to belly suplex.

The Finish:

Angle waited for Palumbo to get back to his feet before hitting him with the Angle Slam. Angle made the cover with ease but rather than make the pin, Angle decided to lift the head up of Palumbo himself breaking the count. Angle got back to his feet and twirled for the crowd before dropping his straps putting the Angle Lock on Palumbo, Palumbo having no choice but to tap out! Kurt Angle wins the match.

Winner – Kurt Angle

Aftermath:

After the bell goes, Angle holds onto the Ankle of Palumbo, Angle looking intent on breaking it. Eventually with a lot of persuasion from the referee, Angle lets go choosing instead to grab a mic. Angle tells the crowd to shut their mouths as he has something important to talk about, the crowd responding in turn. The noise was deafening. Angle said that ever since he attacked Rob Van Dam last Monday Night on RAW, everyone has been asking him, “Why did you attack RVD?” and “What did RVD ever do to you?” Angle said he finally wanted to set the record straight. Angle reminded the fans that if they didn’t know by now, in 1996, Kurt Angle won an Olympic Gold Medal in Amateur Wrestling. Angle said that moment was one of the proudest moments of his entire life. After becoming the best Amateur Wrestler that one could become, Angle said that he had decided that it was time for a new challenge, the challenge of professional wrestling and he said that this challenge excited him; it excited him just like competing in the Olympics excited him. Angle said that when he finally arrived in the WWF, Angle’s eyes were opened to the real truths of professional wrestling; simply put, in Pro Wrestling, winning a Gold Medal means nothing. Angle said that just like every other pro wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation, Kurt had to earn his stripes leading to his final crowning glory at No Mercy, 2000 when Kurt Angle became the WWF Champion. Angle makes damn sure that everyone understands that he had to go through personal hell to get to where he was; he put his body on the line every single day to win that Gold! But then, just over one year after Kurt Angle lived his dream, Kurt Angle finds himself sitting at the sidelines of a Royal Rumble Match when people like TAKA Michinoku, Funaki, Steven Richards and Rob Van Dam are participating in it. Angle said it makes it sick to him stomach that while he had to slave his guts out to get to the very top, someone like Rob Van Dam, a man who couldn’t make it in the big leagues, somehow manages to land himself a job through the influx of WCW and ECW stars into the WWF and all of a sudden finds himself entitled to a World Title chase during the Invasion. Angle said that he’s seen what it was like in ECW and one thing it wasn’t was talented; ECW was merely a place were rejected wrestlers went to bitch and moan about how life wasn’t right to them and make a cheap buck by busting each other open for the pleasure of some sadists that bought a ticket every other week. But yet somehow, Rob Van Dam manages to get in the WWF Title picture. Angle said it was time to find out which WWF superstars are going to lead the WWF into the millennium and which superstars are nothing more than leaches. Angle said it’s clear out time and he’s breaking some freaking ankles!

One Down! One to Go!

We got backstage with the Big Show who is chatting with a make up lady when he is distracted by X-Pac. X-Pac asks the Big Show if his wife knows whether he’s been fooling around with the staff backstage in the WWF, Big Show genuinely looking confused asking what the hell he’s talking about but X-Pac just laughs. X-Pac continues that he’s not surprised because after, Show’s wife is a dog. Big Show has enough and starts to threaten X-Pac, X-Pac begging him to bring it on. Suddenly from behind the big man, Ron Waterman appears knocking him down with that lead pipe he effectively used against Stone Cold a month ago, the make up lady screaming. Waterman viciously attacks Big Show with the pipe busting his head open before choking Big Show on the ground with it while X-Pac also takes a few shots at him. Waterman yells at Big Show that this is what happens when you get involved in business where you don’t belong and when you mess with Ron Waterman! Waterman shakes the hand of X-Pac both men smiling, leaving the sign as some people coming to check on the noise, leaving the make up woman in tears kneeling over the 7ft Giant.

WWF Championship Match

Referee: Earl Hebner

The Rock © vs. X-Pac (w/ Ron Waterman)

“If you smell what the Rock is coming” blasted through the PA system as the WWF Champion the Rock made his way to the ring, the crowd giving him a huge reception. The Rock got into the ring and saluted the fans before his music stopped and X-Pac’s old WWF theme hit. X-Pac and Ron Waterman made their way to the ring, Waterman giving X-Pac a few words of advice for he climbed ready to challenge for the WWF Championship.

The start:

The Rock and X-Pac immediately go at it in the middle of the ring the Rock laying some right hands on Pac before whipping him into the ropes before going for a clothesline but X-Pac ducks the attempt before taking the Rock to the mat with a spinning heel kick. X-Pac gets back to his feet and delivers some quick kicks to The Rock on the ground before raising his arms celebrating. X-Pac’s celebration was way to premature however, Pac walking straight back into some hard fists by The Rock, Rocky taking him to the ropes before laying the Smackdown on him before the disorientated Pac walks into a huge belly to belly suplex from the People’s Champion. The Rock quickly hooks the leg but Pac manages to kick out on the two.

Mid-match Notes:

The Rock takes hold of Pac and sends him into the ropes for a back body drop but Pac kicks him in the midsection before taking the Rock down with a head scissors takedown. X-Pac gets back to his feet before taking the Rock down with a drop kick before going for a cover, The Rock quickly kicking out. X-Pac locks in a sleeper hold on the People’s champion kicking The Rock in the kidneys to keep him down but The Rock fights. X-Pac managed to wear The Rock down in the hold and Hebner checked to see if The Rock was still conscious, The Rock’s arm rising on the third attempt.

The Rock powers out of the hold delivering some hard right hand shots to X-Pac, Pac resorting to a thumb to the eye using the ropes to hit a clothesline but The Rock counters it with a DDT taking Pac head first into the canvas. The Rock gets back to his feet mouthing off the crowd knocking Ron Waterman off of the apron with a huge shot before countering an X-Pac sneak attack with another belly to belly suplex before locking in the Sharpshooter but X-Pac manages to get to the bottom rope Waterman quickly alerting the referee to break up the hold.

The Finish:

Waterman mouths off to the Rock from the outside, and The Rock gets irritated so much so that he doesn’t notice X-Pac getting to his feet and is unable to prevent the low blow, X-Pac lucky not to get caught. Pac quickly delivers some quick stiff kicks and punches to the Great one before whipping him into the ropes before going for another spinning heel kick but The Rock holds onto the ropes Pac crashing and burning before The Rock takes him down with a clothesline. Waterman gets involved in the match once more grabbing hold of The Rock’s foot, The Rock kicking him off, but turns around straight into the X-Factor! Everyone thought it was over, but somehow, The Rock managed to get his shoulder up before the 3. Neither Waterman nor X-Pac can believe it. Waterman tells X-Pac to hit him with it again X-Pac lifts The Rock up but The Rock somehow bursts to life surprising Pac quickly fighting back with right hands before hitting Pac with the spinebuster. The Rock takes off his arm band signalling for people’s elbow but Waterman quickly climbs on the apron, The Rock taking him down with a huge right hand, before hitting X-Pac with the Rockbottom, making the cover for the 3. The Rock retains!!!

Winner and Still WWF Champion, The Rock

Aftermath:

The Rock quickly gets back to his feet and warns off Ron Waterman who quietly pulls X-Pac out of the ring. The Rock takes the WWF Championship belt and celebrates with the crowd, another Vince McMahon plan failed!

Backstage with Edge:

Edge was backstage with The Coach, moments away from the Cage Match in the Main Event. The Coach wanted to know what sort of pressure Edge is under with the knowledge that this could be his last shot at the Intercontinental Championship for a long time. Edge said that he doesn’t feel any pressure. After all, he knows in his heart that he is capable of beating Stasiak if he wants it bad enough and Edge guaranteed us that he wants it. He wants that gold more than ever. Edge tells Stasiak to bring all that he’s got because he is going to bring his A-game. Tonight, Edge is bringing home the Gold to the Edge heads and the era of awesomeness will continue!

Main Event, Cage Match, Edge vs. Shawn Stasiak, Intercontinental Championship is NEXT!

ARE YOU READY?!!!!

Time for a Degeneration X Recap! Today's clip is when the DX parodied the Nation of Domination. Degeneration X are coming!

WWF Intercontinental Championship Match

Cage Match

Referee: Jim Molineux

Shawn Stasiak © vs. Edge

We return to ringside as the announcers inform the audience that we are moments away from the Cage Match, the solid steel cage slowly being lowered over the ring. “Never Gonna Stop” by Rob Zombie then hits the arena as Edge makes his way to the ring. Edge climbs through the Cage door and shakes the hand the referee, Edge knowing that this could be his last opportunity to win the WWF Intercontinental Title. Shawn Stasiak’s music then hits the arena and Stasiak made his way to the ring with his title belt, Stasiak looking anything but composed as he gets to the entrance to cage. Can Stasiak retain his title?

The start:

Stasiak and Edge lock in the ring but Edge takes the advantage kicking Stasiak in the gut before beating him back with some huge right hands before introducing Stasiak to the cage for the very first time, chucking him face first into the steel. Edge beat Stasiak again and threw him straight into the other side of the cage before throwing him right back into the other side again. Edge quickly climbed up the turnbuckle and began to make his way up the side of the cage, Stasiak quickly having to regain composure and pull Edge down by his leg to gain some momentum back into the match. Edge wanted to end this match quickly!

Mid-match notes:

Stasiak beat down Edge in the corner, Edge slumping in the corner so that Stasiak could stick his boot in, before moving away before hitting Edge in the corner with a raised knee to his face the crowd gasping at the shot. Stasiak tried to climb over Edge up the turnbuckle to escape from the cage but Edge quickly grabbed hold of his leg and tried to tug him down, Stasiak sticking the boot into get him to release. Edge however had no intention to let go and Stasiak got planted in the middle of the ring with a side slam, Stasiak experiencing all kinds of whiplash.

Edge got Stasiak back of his feet and took him down with a drop kick before then connecting with a running lariat, Stasiak losing control in the match. Edge picked Stasiak back up to his feet and attempted to send Stasiak into the corner but Stasiak countered the move, Edge landing hard in the corner, but countering the secondary charge with a boot to the face before parting the shoulders of Stasiak against the turnbuckle. Edge grated Stasiak’s face hard against the steel cage busting Stasiak open before taking him down to the ground with a huge right hand. Edge started climbing the cage. Stasiak is not done yet though and Stasiak manages to pull Edge down part of the Edge before delivering him with a huge powerbomb. Stasiak looks to have hurt his ankle though in the process!

Stasiak hobbles over to the corner and shouts at the referee on the outside to open the door but the referee looks hesitant. Stasiak continues to shout abuse until the referee makes his way over to the corner and starts to unlock the door but Edge jumps him from behind and takes him into the corner. Edge delivers some vicious right hands to Stasiak before trying to take the door option himself but Stasiak halts Edge with clubs over the back. The referee has no choice but close the door and the two men and the two men continue their fight.

Stasiak gives Edge a taste of his own medicine raking Edge’s face hard against the hard unforgiving steel, Stasiak taking a whole new form of aggressive. Stasiak piles Edge in the corner and hits him with some huge back handed chops, before sending Edge face first into the adjacent ring post, Edge having to fight out with an elbow. Edge attempts to go for the Downward Spiral but Stasiak counters before hitting Edge with his own move getting lots of heat from the crowd.

The Finish:

Stasiak looked around and almost looked unsure of whether to go for the door or over the top after the referee didn’t seem to come to action quick enough after he requested the door would be unlocked. Stasiak then finally decided to begin climbing as Edge started to come to life. Stasiak made it about half way when Edge had also started climbing, the man from Toronto seeming to have more speed as Stasiak struggled to get to the top, his ankle probably playing a part. Both men reached the very top of the side, Edge capitalising on Stasiak’s slow movement clubbing him over the back with a hard shot. Both men began to trade punches, Stasiak looking like he was going to take the advantage before Edge came back with some hard shots of his own. To the shock of the crowd, Edge then hit Stasiak with a diving cutter off of the cage both men crashing to the centre of the ring, a “holy sh*t” chant quickly appearing. Both men looked in serious trouble with neither men moving much despite the referee on the outside opening the door. Edge slowly began to move, Stasiak still completely out of and the crowd responded, many “Edge” chants coming from them. Edge crawled towards the door, the door was open, and all he had to do was climb out…at least, so he thought! Everyone in the audience thought Edge would become the New Intercontinental Champion when Lance Storm charged down to ring side, slamming the steel door into the head of Edge exacerbating the cuts on his face. Storm quickly climbed into the ring and mounted Edge, beating him down with huge right hands before sending him straight into the steel frame of the Cage. Meanwhile, Stasiak took his chance and dragged himself the door, dropping through and landing unconventionally for the win.

Winner and still WWF Intercontinental Champion, Shawn Stasiak

Aftermath:

The show ended with Lance Storm continually laying it on Edge in the middle of the ring, Storm scraping Edge’s face over and over again across the steel before throwing him hard to the ground. Storm then, to a plethora of boos, finished the job hitting Edge with the superkick. The final shots were of Lance Storm raising his arms to the crowd celebrating a job well done. But Why Lance Why?

Thank you for joining WWF Smackdown! We hope you enjoyed the show! Until Next Time! Good Night!

Quick Results

Sabu def. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Kurt Angle def. Chuck Palumbo

The Rock def. X-Pac to retain the WWF Championship

Shawn Stasiak def. Edge to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship

Edited November 26, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[HailtotheYo]

The Rumble was great Dave.

Pretty much the results I was expecting/hoping for. Everything progressed nicely, and Stasiak going over was great. As with the others, you know I am all for the Test push and was really happy to see him look as strong as he did.

We've talked about it before, and I'm just kind of blah on the Rock. Now it looks like Rock/Taker is set up for Mania and I have to admit, I'm not really thrilled about it. There just seems to be too much else going on with other names that would make a better 'mania' match. Meh, just my opinion but I'm also not ruling out 'your plan' having something to do with this before we get to mania.

I was pleasently surprised by the return of Hennig. Perfect owns and can certainly help give the rub to the *right* people.

Excellent job man, keep truckin !

[Ping von Erich]

Rumble was great, as were all the shows following. Great diary, love the logical use of new talent.. I love when writers don't stick word for word to what really happened. The use of guys like Vic Grimes (Key), Sabu, Shawn Stasiak, Ron Waterman.. all very cool. Keep it up man, can't wait to see how things progress.

[Downward Spiral]

Another good set of shows after the Rumble. I have to say one of my highlights of both Raw and Smackdown is your portrayal of Test. I love how Test is seemingly desperate to get his hands on Undertaker but in reality is too scared. As much s I would love Test to go over at NWO, it just isn't happening, unless your main event plans change drastically.

Other more general thoughts on the shows:

X-Pac getting a WWF title shot? Well... at least he didn't go over.

I can't help feeling you've spoiled the D-X storyline unnecessarily with your news from OVW. However, I think you've done that for a reason and I sense a swerve coming.

A bit disappointed to see yet another Edge and Stasiak match but ultimately it served its purpose to move Edge onto a new feud. I just wish it was with Angle or Jericho, but a feud with Storm could be mutually beneficial.

Speaking of Angle, a feud with RVD? Potential gold IMO. RVD was so hot around this time and it's a fantastic way to capitalise on that. With Austin and Kane bubbling up as a potential big feud also, things are looking really good I think.

Yeah, sorry these thoughts aren't very structured but these are the things that struck me most. I'm looking forward to seeing where everything goes into No Way Out and then onto 'Mania. Good work

[DaveKOTW]

Heat Preview

Scheduled to be Broadcast on Sunday, 20th January 2002 from the All States Arena, Illinois

Welcome to your latest installment of Sunday Night Heat, bright to you every Sunday Night only on MTV!

TONIGHT ON HEAT

William Regal Returns!

Many wondered if they would see William Regal ever again on WWF Television after the Alliance were beaten by the WWF at Survivor Series. However, the former commisioner suprised us all when he returned at the Rumble, entering at number and lasting a hell of a long time. Can William Regal continue his run tonight when he takes on former WWF European and Hardcore Champion, Crash Holly in singles action.

Billy Kidman takes on Funaki and the Hurricane

Tonight these three Cruiserweights go head to head with one goal with one goal and that is to make an impression. With a new Cruiserweight Champion in tow and Tajiri nowhere in sight, a match like tonight is the perfect opportunity for one of these superstars to make a statement saying “I’m the one that deserves that title shot”! Which WWF Superstar will that be and will Mero take the bait?

Lance Storm takes on Perry Saturn

Lance Storm this week shocked the world when he walked in on Edge’s Cage Match on Smackdown this week screwing Edge from winning back his WWF Intercontinental Title. As of right now, no one has heard sight or sound as to what motives Lance Storm had behind attacking Edge? However, with Lance Storm scheduled to make an appearance tonight, one only hopes that we finally be able to understand just why Lance Storm screwed Edge? Lance Storm vs. Perry Saturn is Our Main Event!

All this and more only on Heat

Edited November 29, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

Sunday Night Heat

Broadcast on Sunday, 20th January 2002 from the All States Arena, Illinois

Welcome to your latest installment of Sunday Night Heat, brought to you every Sunday Night only on MTV!

The show kicks off with Kevin Kelly and Al Snow welcoming us all to another edition of Sunday Night Heat! Lilian Garcia gets into the ring as we are ready to kick off with our opening match of the night!

Referee: Charles Robinson

William Regal vs. Crash Holly

The music of William Regal hit in the arena as he made his way down to the ring for the opening match here on Heat against Crash Holly.

The Start:

Regal and Crash lock up in the middle of the ring; Crash tries to work the arm of Regal, but Regal counters putting Crash in a wrist lock. Crash tries to counter going to the ropes but Regal takes Crash down with a shoulder block. Crash gets back to his feet and Regal hits him with a couple of arm drags before sending him into the corner, before knocking his head off with a clothesline. Crash comes out dazed before getting hit with a huge exploder suplex by Regal, Regal going for the pin but he only gets the two.

The Finish:

Regal mounts Crash and delivers some forarms to his head before going for an elbow drop but Crash moved out of the way. Both men got back to their feet and Regal swung first but Crash countered and went for a quick roll up, Regal almost losing his head with the sneak attack. Regal got back to his feet and took Crash down with a stiff clothesline before finishing him off with the Regal Cutter. Regal got back to his feet and quickly decided against the pinfall, lifting Crash back up instead. Regal decisively made his point, kicking Crash into the gut before hitting him with a double underhook powerbomb before putting Crash out of his misery for the three.

Winner - William Regal

Aftermath:

Regal got back to his feet to a large amount of Heat from the audience, Regal blatently irritated by something, even refusing for the referee to raise his arm. Regal simply stood in the middle of the ring, a grimace on his face, until finally decided that he had had enough and began to make an exit. As he dropped to the canvas, Regal finally stared back at the devistation in the ring, his grimace changing to a small grin, Regal truely happy with his assault here tonight!

Backstage:

Shortly after the match, we are informed by Kevin Kelly that during the match there was some commotion between TAKA Michinoku and Funaki. We are taken back to the fight where there are a bunch of people watching as Funaki and TAKA argue in Japanese toe to toe. Al Snow adds that obviously Funaki said something that made TAKA flip because TAKA then attacked Funaki and the two men started to brawl. Funaki took it straight to TAKA throwing some stiff hard punches before chucking TAKA over some plastic tables backstage. We are told the fight goes on before Funaki is attacked from behind by a man of Japanese decent who really takes it to Funaki. As the footage goes on, Snow adds that while Funaki was able to take on the second man, he wasn’t able to take on the third man who attacked Funaki over the back with the steel chair. The third man, having gained the advantage over Funaki, then hit him with the Samoan driver onto the concrete floor. All three men eventually join up and shake hands as Funaki lies rigidly on the floor. It looks like TAKA has made some new friends.

Competiton time in WWF.com!

After Kevin Kelly and Al Snow calmed down about the Funaki incident, Kevin Kelly said that on a lighter note, it's competition time and the competition is called "Why do you love the WWF?". WWF.com are inviting all the fans from across the USA to send in short essays explaining why they love the World Wrestling Federation? Check it out on WWF.com, all terms and conditions apply but get this...the top 12 entrants not only will have their essays uploaded onto WWF.com but the lucky winners will also be invited to see No Way Out, live from the Bradley Center in Milwakee on February the 10th, 2002 and all expenses will be paid! What a competition!

Referee: Jack Doan

Billy Kidman vs. The Hurricane

The Hurricane’s music hits the ring as he makes his way to the ring, Kevin Kelly announcing that he’s just heard from the back that Funaki has been taken away to Hospital for a scan and so this match has now become a singles match. The Hurricane gets in the ring and poses for the fans, the WWF fans surprisingly a sucker for the WWF’s very own superhero. Next up is Billy Kidman who makes his way to the ring to a small bit of heat from the crowd.

The start:

Billy Kidman and The Hurricane start off the match locking up in the ring as Marc Mero and Torrie Wilson appear at the entrance, Mero sporting his WWF Cruiserweight Championship belt. Mero and Torrie make their way to the announce table as Hurricane sends Billy Kidman into the ropes before dropping him with a shoulder tackle before posing to the audience. Kidman and Hurricane then lock up again in the middle of the ring Kidman this time taking Hurricane to the corner beating away on him with some right hands before drop kicking him into the turnbuckle. Kidman then starts to choke the Hurricane with his boot, Kidman in total control. Kidman drags Hurricane back to his feet before hitting him with a vertical suplex before going for the pin, Hurricane lucky to kick out on the two.

Mid-match notes:

Kidman gets to the top rope and nails the Hurricane with dropkick but once again only gets the two. Kidman gets back to his feet and starts to punch away on the Hurricane before sending him into the ropes, but the Hurricane dodges the clothesline attempt instead bouncing off the ropes on the other side and hitting Kidman with a diving cross body. Both men get back to their feet but it the Hurricane who’s fastest and he gets a few lucky shots on Kidman before taking him down with the strangehold legsweep, Mero commenting that so far both superstars were not impressing him as Torrie Wilson made it abundantly clear that she felt that Mero was the best Cruiserweight Champion ever despite having not defended the title yet.

The Hurricane quickly goes up top and monopolises on the possession hitting Kidman with a flying neckbreaker before going for the pin but the ref only counts the two. The Hurricane sends Kidman into the turnbuckle but Kidman uses the turnbuckle to flip behind the Hurricane and locks in a waist lock, the Hurricane having to use his elbows to break the hold before taking Kidman down once more with the X-Plex before going for another cover but Kidman once again managed to kick out on the two, surprising everyone in the arena except Mero of course.

The Finish:

The Hurricane hit the topspin facebuster on Kidman taking him to the ground one more time before climbing up top the crowd really behind him. Torrie Wilson quickly rushed out of her chair and climbed onto the apron distracting the referee while Mero snuck up behind the Hurricane and dropped him off the turnbuckle. Kidman quickly took advantage hitting Hurricane with the BK Bomb. Kidman then climbed up to the top rope finishing the job by hitting the Shooting Star Press for the three. Kidman stole this one!

Winner – Billy Kidman

Aftermath:

After the match, Billy Kidman celebrates in the middle of the ring as Mero and Wilson quickly walk out of sight. The Hurricane well and truely screwed in this match up but why?

Are you Ready?

Time for another DX Promo. Today's promo is a repeat of the Promo aired earlier in the week, DX impersonating the Nation of Domination. DX are returning to the WWF! But when?

Backstage with The Coach

We join the Coach, shortly before the Main Event, The Coach telling everyone watching that he's been hanging outside Lance Storm's locker room for a while trying to catch a word with him but so far there has been no sight of him. Coach says that it's been evident to everyone backstage, even those that consider him a friend that Lance Storm has intentionally been keeping a low profile since what happened on Thursday and...at the moment Lance Storm's locker room door opens, Storm passing through completely blanking The Coach as he tries to get a quick word with him. Lance Storm is up NEXT!

Referee: Teddy Long

Lance Storm vs. Perry Saturn

Lance Storm’s music hits the arena as he makes his way down to the ring for his match against Perry Saturn, who is already at ring side. Both announcers comment on Storm’s unprovoked attack on Edge on Smackdown earlier this week as Storm climbs into the ring and raises his arms to the crowd. This match is next!

The start:

Storm and Saturn lock up; Storm quickly getting behind Saturn and taking him to the ground with a waist lock takedown. Storm keeps on top of Saturn locking in a side head lock but Saturn counters with a suplex. Both men get back with Saturn throwing in some stiff shots, sending Storm into the ropes but Storm counters a back body drop with a kick to the face before taking Saturn down with a swinging neckbreaker. Storm climbs up to the top rope and connects with a dropkick and goes for the cover but only gets the two. Storm stomps away as Saturn tries to get back to his feet, boots turning to right hands before nearly getting caught out with a running clothesline, Saturn countering with a fisherman’s suplex with a bridge, Storm just kicking out in time. Storm then gets taken down with a high knee by Saturn.

Mid-match notes:

Saturn tries to keep Storm grounded with some stiff shots, Storm carelessly walking into the Saturn Bomb, Storm lucky to kick out again. Saturn hit storm with a scoop slam before going up to the top rope and hit a diving elbow drop on Storm, hooking the leg for another two. Kevin Kelly was very impressed with this display from Saturn. Saturn decides to take a breather and locks in a sleeper on the man from Alberta, Canada, Saturn intent on making a huge upset…but Storm isn’t quite done yet.

Storm tries to break through Saturn’s hold, despite Saturn’s use of the knee to keep him down. Storm continues to push out, elbows and all but Saturn is holding on. Storm eventually breaks through with one hard shot too many using the rope to get some momentum, Saturn nearly catching him with a right arm but Storm ducking before hitting Saturn with a lariat. Both men get back to their feet, Storm once again betting behind Saturn and attempting a belly to back Suplex but Saturn counters landing on his feet before hitting Storm with a belly to back of his own.

The Finish:

Saturn gets back and goes back to the turnbuckle, the fans rooting big time for the former Ranger. Saturn, however, takes too long on the tope rope and Storm manages to get out of the way of the moonsault attempt, Storm quickly rising back to his feet to hit Saturn with a huge super kick. Lance Storm quickly follows up the Boston Crab, Saturn quickly tapping out from the move to give Storm the win.

Winner – Lance Storm

Aftermath:

After the match, Storm quickly gets out of the ring and stands looking at some of the fans before going over to the announce table to grab a microphone to the surprise of many of the fans and the announcers. Once the ring is cleared, Storm heads back into the ring and paces himself up and down waiting for the crowd to die down. When it does, Storm raises the microphone to his mouth, everyone hanging on his first word when…he lowers the mic before dropping it on the floor. Storm looks to have had a change of heart as he opts to exit the ring to a huge chorus of boos from the fans. Has Storm got Cold Feet? Why did he attack Edge? I guess we won’t find out tonight!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for tuning into to WWF Heat! We hope you enjoyed the show and that you will join us again! God Bless and Good Night!"

Quick Results

William Regal def. Crash Holly

Billy Kidman def. The Hurricane

Lance Storm def. Perry Saturn

Edited December 1, 2006 by DaveKOTW

[DaveKOTW]

Raw Preview

Scheduled to be broadcast on Monday, 21st of January, 2002 LIVE from the Joe Louis Arena, Michigan

It Rolls On...

One week removed from the Royal Rumble and we are well on our way to Wrestlemania. However, while the WWF Superstars know that Wrestlemania is just around the corner, they know their path is not clear. As between now and then is a place and that is No Way Out! One person who has got to wonder if he'll make No Way Out is The Rock who still looks to be a marked man as he goes one on one with Ron Waterman tonight for the WWF Championship. Jerry Lawler explains exclusively on WWF.com that while Vince is not going to be physically present on RAW, there is no way in hell that Vince is just going to allow The Rock to just sit back and relax. Can Vince McMahon pry the WWF title away from The Rock or will The Rock once again walk out with the gold?

Another man that is making a big build up to No Way Out is the Royal Rumble Runner Up Test. Last week, Test declared that him and The Undertaker had some unfinished business and that he wanted this business to be solved at No Way Out. Can Test get the last laugh over the Deadman? Who knows? Lets see how he fares tonight when he takes on the former WWF Intercontinental Champion Edge in singles action.

In addition, Paul Heyman announced earlier that Kane will be in action today against none other than former Intercontinental Champion Val Venis. Heyman promises that just as he did last week, Kane is going to show Stone Cold Steve Austin just exactly who the hell he is. And if that isn't enough, the Suicidal Homicidal Genocidal Death Defying Sabu will also be in action tonight taking on Justin Credible in a Hardcore Rules Match. With all this in mind, you can guarantee that WWF RAW is going to be a slobberknocker!

Tune in to RAW Monday night at 9/8 CT on TNN

Edited December 1, 2006 by DaveKOTW