WWF 2000

[FireDoughnut]

Monday 29th May 2000

Since it’s inception, Monday Night RAW has been the home to some memorable matches over the years however you will be hard pushed to uncover a match that will top the main event as Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho faced off for a place in the King of the Ring final eight. The match was the first taste of King of the Ring action for both men however in the classic match that followed Angle and Jericho pulled out all the stops to try and guarantee themselves a place in the final eight but it was outside interference that ultimately decided the match.

“The Crippler” Chris Benoit jumped from the crowd as Chris Jericho was about to pin Kurt Angle after a Lionsault and dragged referee Mike Chioda from the ring. Jericho was not happy, and neither was Chioda and he immediately banished Benoit from ringside, however the damage was done as it allowed Kurt time to recover. Angle allowed Jericho to vent his frustrations at Chris Benoit who was backing up the ramp before catching him off guard with Angle’s Olympic Slam. The pinfall was elementary as RAW is WAR ended with Kurt Angle knowing he had pulled off his biggest win so far in the WWF and booking himself a place in the King of the Ring tournament.

His actions in the main event where he cost Chris Jericho the King of the Ring place topped off a good night for Chris Benoit after he recorded a victory against the Big Red Machine. “The Crippler” was struggling in the early action against the seven foot monster but in the introduction of Triple H swung the match back in the favour of The Radicals member as he finished Kane off with a devastating German Suplex for the victory. After the match however, Triple H proved that he was very much up for his match with Kane in four weeks by taunting him with a number of insults before finishing with crotch chops.

In the big announcement on RAW is WAR, Ted DiBiase took great pleasure in naming the opponents of the Hardy Boys for King of the Ring. “The Million Dollar Commissioner” reminded everyone that he had secured to legends of the ring to return to the World Wrestling Federation and they would challenge the WWF Tag Team Champions at the ext Pay-Per-View before welcoming back Animal and Hawk… THE LEGION OF DOOM!!!

Wearing the usual spikes and ring attire the legendary tag team strode confidently towards the ring after about 15 months of being in the wilderness and received a huge cheer from the crowd, however the cheers quickly changed to boos as Matt and Jeff Hardy hopped over the guardrails and began to attack their Pay-Per-View opponents. The Hardy Boys used the Tag Team Championship belts to thump Animal and Hawk repeatedly as Ted DiBiase watched on from the stage, shocked at what he was seeing. The Hardy Boys soon left, happy that they had dealt out a message to their challengers.

In other worrying behaviour on RAW is WAR, The Rock had some advice for Mankind. The Co-WWF Champion told Mankind that what he saw at the end of the Smackdown did not please him one bit. The Rock then played footage of the end of the tag team main event that saw Mankind celebrating with the D-Generation X trio of Triple H, Road Dogg and X-Pac. The Rock reminded Mankind that D-Generation X were the group that were responsible for firing him at the start of the year and also retiring him at No Way Out. The Rock warned Mankind that even though they were rivals right now, The Rock would ultimately have his back once the WWF Championship was rightfully in The Rock’s possession.

However, Mankind simply shrugged off The Rock’s thoughts. Mankind reminded The Rock that he was the one that strode out of Wrestlemania 2000 as the WWF Champion and he would sure as hell do it at King of the Ring as well. Mankind told The Rock that he didn’t have a ruthless streak; and The Rock would never be able to finish the job and become the sole holder of the WWF Championship as he still regarded Mankind as a friend, whereas all of that was lost of him. Mankind told The Rock that when they meet at King of the Ring it would simply see The People’s Champion as an obstacle; something to be overcome. Mankind warned The Rock, King of the Ring will get ugly, really quick but until then Mankind added with a smile he should “have a nice day!”

RAW is WAR was opened by D-Generation X heading to the ring however it was X-Pac and Tori that took the microphones with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon taking a backseat. Tori informed those that don’t watch Sunday Night HeAT that she had just been named the number one contender to the WWF Women’s Championship, a belt currently held by the “finest female wrestler of our time” Stephanie McMahon. Tori then announced she would be passing on her opportunity to challenge for the belt as she felt she could never reach the level of Stephanie McMahon.

However, that decision did not sit well with Trish Stratus. Stratus who was the woman not pinned in the triple threat on HeAT told Tori that she was a disgrace for turning down an opportunity and would see her in the ring later in the show to make her feel like a disgrace. Sadly for Trish the match didn’t end as she had planned. After asking Test to stay away from the match it was Tori’s support, X-Pac that swung the match in D-X’s favour as he continually preoccupied Stratus allowing T0ri to hit her Tori-Plex for the victory. However, the celebrating pair were quickly chased away by Test who practically flew down the ramp but missed on his attempt at a clothesline on X-Pac as D-Generation X’s second couple fled through the crowd.

One contender who won’t be passing on their Championship shot is Val Venis who reminded Eddie Guerrero he was coming for him on Smackdown. Venis, who was helped by Chyna to pin The Godfather in a match that also featured D’Lo Brown, spoke of how he had waited for weeks for that “one chance” to go one-on-one with the European Champion and on Smackdown! that would happen. Venis warned Guerrero that the “WWF’s sexist man” would add a nice shiny Championship belt to his outfit and that it was Guerrero’s belt he wanted.

And the omens are good for Val as he heads to Smackdown after the first victor from HeAT cashed in their shot and won the Championship belt. Grand Master Sexay who has been on a bit of a streak as of late upset Dean Malenko in the opening match of the show. The Too Cool member and the Radicals member struggled to assert themselves in a total clash of styles only for Grand Master Sexay to shock Malenko after kicking him in the head when he tried to lock in the Texas Cloverleaf. GMS knocked his opponent into the ropes and then delivered a falling neckbreaker before finishing him off with the Hip Hop Drop for the memorable win. As GMS was handed his newly-won Light-Heavyweight Championship, Perry Saturn ran to the ring. Saturn was quickly followed by Scotty 2 Hotty as Too Cool emptied the ring of The Radicals members and celebrated their win by dancing together, without Rikishi who we were informed was still feeling the affects of Tazz’s attack.

And Tazz was at it again during the other match on RAW. The Dudley Boys racked up a dubious victory against the strange duo of The Headbangers. Mosh and Thrasher were accompanied by Goldust again and it seemed as though they would record the victory to increase their recent run only for Tazz to appear. The WWF Hardcore Champion proved that he alliance with The Dudley Boys was not a brief thing as he dodged Goldust and interfered with belt shots to both men as The Dudley Boys recorded a double pin. However after the match, Goldust chased the trio off and then took a microphone warning the trio that they would pay for their actions. Goldust warned Tazz that “The Terzetto” would hunt him down and make him pay.

RAW is WAR Results

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

Grand Master Sexay def. Dean Malenko ©

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von) def. The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher)

Tori def. Trish Stratus

Chris Benoit def. Kane

King of the Ring Qualifying

Kurt Angle def. Chris Jericho

Show Rating: 81%

Edited March 27, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Thursday 1st June 2000

On Monday night RAW, Mankind warned The Rock that he didn’t possess a ruthless streak. Mankind implicitly told The Rock that he would not be able to beat him as he was still sentimental about their time fighting on the same page; and on Smackdown Mankind followed that up by being the only man left standing at the end of the show.

The show’s main event saw The Rock battling Chris Benoit, and while the match started brightly and remained even between both men it wasn’t long before unwanted guests appeared. The first man out to the ring was the Big Red Machine, clearly unhappy about his defeat on Monday night and he seemed to target Chris Benoit but he was followed by Triple H and then Chris Jericho. The three men tried to cause distractions but once Kane climbed into the ring, the match was over. Referee Teddy Long had no choice but to throw the match out as HHH, Jericho and Kane battled with The Rock and Benoit as the five men showed their were no alliances between them.

However once “Have a Nice Day” hit the speakers, things totally changed. Armed with a chair Mankind went threw Jericho, Benoit, Kane and The Rock with vicious chair shots that knocked everyone to the mat. But when Mankind got to Triple H it seemed as though he would take pity on the D-Generation X leader, “seemed” is the key word as Mankind raised up and gave Hunter the most severe of the weapon shots leaving the Co-WWF Champion as the only man standing, and obviously putting a nice big target on his back for the coming weeks.

Although, Mankind is not the only man that has to look over his shoulder for more than one taker as Kurt Angle stated his intentions for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. After advancing in the King of the Ring tournament on Monday night, Kurt deciphered that he was therefore the number one contender to Chris Jericho’s belt, a belt that Kurt had held going into Wrestlemania and a belt that Kurt wanted to reclaim. The Olympic Hero stated in no uncertain terms that he was after HIS Intercontinental Championship and he expected to see it returned, sooner rather than later.

Elsewhere on Smackdown, HHH did not enjoy the best of evenings. As well as having his “alliance” with Mankind totally ripped apart by the Co-WWF Champion, Hunter was interrupted in the ring by Kane and then embarrassed by receiving his own Pedigree move. Kane surprised HHH as he spoke about being the number one contender to the WWF Championship and then when the pair shared a nose-to-nose glare Kane attacked, catching The Game totally off guard as he pulverised the former WWF Champion before leaving him down in the centre of the ring after delivering his own version of the Pedigree. Surely, Triple H will want revenge on the Big Red Machine.

In the opening match of the evening Tazz became the third man to be entered into the final eight of the King of the Ring competition. The WWF Hardcore Champion battled with “The Golden One” Goldust and came up good with the help of his “Reign of Extreme” buddies, Bubba Ray and D-Von. Those damn Dudleys were up to no good as they used their numbers to get a Stop sign to Tazz who used it to full advantage for the victory. The Headbangers, who were at ringside, tried to chase the pair off at numerous occasions but only caused to increase the distraction of referee Mike Chioda to allow Tazz to advance.

But Goldust did enjoy the last laugh of the evening as he pulled an ace out of his sleeve. Goldust reminded Tazz that a certain someone won a Contendership match at HeAT and they are going to cash it in this Sunday. Goldust re-introduced the crowd to Rikishi who he said would have the full backing of the Terzetto for his Hardcore Championship with Tazz. Rikishi grunted a thank-you before staring darkly into the camera.

Smackdown also saw the return of one of the most devastating finishing moves ever in the history of wrestling as Animal and Hawk combined to deliver the Doomsday Device to Edge in the tag team match that saw The Legion of Doom return to the WWF rings with a win. Animal and Hawk showed some ring rust against the much younger pairing but battled hard and once they had isolated Edge, the match was in the bag. However, straight after Matt and Jeff were out to the ring carrying the WWF Tag Team Championships, and they attacked the four men in the ring. The Hardy Boys showed their recent angry streak by brutalising the four men before walking off, proud with their work.

However, in his post-match interview Ted DiBiase was not prepared to hand out a punishment to the WWF Tag Team Champions. When Ted announced the Legion of Doom on Monday night and he saw the Hardy Boys were headed for the ring he never expected what followed. “The Million Dollar Commissioner” said he was impressed with Matt and Jeff. He said they could have been respectful of the team that he had brought in; but no. They were like the wrestlers of old. “No matter who you were, you had to earn respect off every singe person in the WWF” and in the Hardy Boys he saw that mentality. Ted finished the interview by hoping that the rest of the World Wrestling Federation superstars caught onto this mentality, so that “his WWF” would be a truly amazing place.

In the European Championship match on Smackdown, Eddie Guerrero managed to sneak away with the belt thanks to help from Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn. Guerrero struggled against the really fired up Val Venis who looked set for his Championship win except he hadn’t bargained for the interference of Eddie’s Radicals friends. Lita tried to help out as best she could but Val fell victim to the numbers before being finished off by Eddie’s Frog Splash.

And later in the show, Eddie cornered Lita on the corridor and told her she deserved to be with a real man, with a Champion. While Lita seemed slightly interested, the fiery red head quickly turned Eddie down and told him that Val Venis had more man in his trousers than Eddie could ever imagine.

And in the other match on Smackdown, X-Pac and Tori cheated their way to victory for the second straight show in a tag match with Test and Trish Stratus. The Canadian duo were on top for long parts of the match but couldn’t finish the match that allowed Tori to nail Test with a low-blow before X-Pac finished Test off with the X-Factor.

Elsewhere, Road Dogg sent a message to Billy Gunn, the technical #1 contender to the WWF Intercontinental Championship after his victory on Sunday Night HeAT, by warning him that whenever he gets his shot, D-Generation X will be there to make sure it doesn’t happen. The warning came after Road Dogg surprised Billy in the corridor with a steel chair and proceeded to brutalise his former tag team partner and best friend.

Smackdown Results

King of the Ring Qualifying

Tazz def. Goldust

The Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk) def. Edge & Christian

European Championship

Eddie Guerrero © def. Val Venis

X-Pac & Tori def. Test & Trish Stratus

The Rock fought with Chris Benoit to a no-contest

Show Rating: 79%

Edited March 28, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Sunday 4th June 2000

Sunday Night HeAT opened it’s first broadcast to show the unlikely foursome of Goldust, Mosh, Thrasher and Rikishi. The Terzetto leader stood with the mammoth 400 pound superstar and informed him that he would have the backing of the trio for the WWF Hardcore Championship match against Tazz.

However than plan went to pot as the four men were set upon by Tazz and the Dudley Boys. The Reign of Extreme went equipped with chairs and they quickly took out Mosh, Thrasher and Goldust before coming up against Rikishi. The big Samoan just stared blankly at the trio, almost daring them to hit him and they duly obliged, thumping him in unison. Rikishi staggered for a few seconds but couldn’t fight the force of the blow any longer and fell flat on his face.

And in the main event of the evening for the WWF Hardcore Championship it was clear that Rikishi was struggling and after Tazz targeted his forehead with a baseball bat shot and then another chair shot, Rikishi was easy pickings for the dominant Champion despite the best efforts of the Terzetto. HeAT ended with the victorious Reign of Extreme standing together in the ring, with Tazz clutching his WWF Hardcore Championship.

In the King of the Ring Qualifying match, Albert caused somewhat of an upset as he pinned Christian, thanks to the help of Matt and Jeff Hardy. The recent behaviour of The Hardy Boys has been far from pleasing for the fans and on HeAT they first of all managed to jump Edge at ringside before distracting the referee and then Christian. This allowed Albert time to set himself before taking the victory with the Baldo Bomb. After the match though, The Hardy Boys were chased off by the Legion of Doom who steamed from the locker room.

And in a post-match interview, Edge and Christian said that they pitied The Hardy Boys. Edge noted that he felt the actions of the WWF Tag Team Champions reeked of desperation. Matt and Jeff were lucky to get through Judgment Day and he said he would be very surprised if they survived King of the Ring.

Test, who has already qualified for the King of the Ring made light work of D’Lo Brown. With Trish Stratus at ringside, Test was a man on a mission as he took out his recent frustrations on D’Lo, finishing him off with a sickening top rope elbow drop, and after the match Test had a message for X-Pac and Tori. Test told X-Pac that he would get his revenge and when that happened no number of degenerates would be able to help him out.

Elsewhere on Sunday Night HeAT, Val Venis and Lita introduced their new interview segment “Gettin’ It On With Val and Lita” at the newly opened WWF New York. With fans whooping and hollering for the pairing, the “WWF’s Hottest Couple” opened the show with a number of sexual innuendos before welcoming their first guest, WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero. Val was not happy with the guest and immediately started to imply that The Radicals were more than just friends. Eddie started out by ignoring the abuse and focusing his attentions on Lita but it soon became too much as he lunged for Val and tackled him from the stage. A brawl ensued with Eddie being dragged off Val Venis by security and Lita hastily wrapping up the segment, as the WWF fans inside WWF New York whooped and hollered some more.

And in the opening match of Sunday Night HeAT, The Godfather exacted his revenge on Chyna after the Eighth Wonder of the World cost him a shot at European gold last week on the Contender Edition of Sunday Night HeAT. Chyna was not happy about the victory or the celebrating Ho train and threw a huge temper tantrum in the centre of the ring before storming off, through the crowd.

Sunday Night HeAT Results

The Godfather def. Chyna

King of the Ring Qualifying

Albert def. Christian

Test def. D'Lo Brown

WWF Hardcore Championship

Tazz © def. Rikishi

Show Rating: 68%

[FireDoughnut]

WWF News and Rumours

29th May - 4th June 2000

-RAW hit a season high of 6.98 on Monday night with Nitro only scoring 5.62. Smackdown scored a higher rating than Nitro for the first time ever, with a 5.84 rating while Thunder scored a 5.05 rating. Things were very much as you were of the weekend shows as WCW Saturday Night scored 1.21 while HeAT achieved a 1.93.

-The Legion of Doom are on six month contracts with the WWF. The deal is believed to pay both men around $600,000 in total and it is expected to include a WWF Tag Team Championship reign. As of right now, the plan is for the legendary team to pick up the belts at Summerslam.

-Expect promos for the return of The Undertaker to start airing in the coming week. Plans for his return are top secret.

-Steve Austin and The Undertaker are both training in Ohio Valley Wrestling in preparation for their return.

-The Haas brothers’ promotion from OVW is said to only be a matter of time now. Charlie Haas has “all the tools” according to Jim Cornette, while Russ still needs some grooming. The pair will undergo a gimmick overhaul before being promoted but will help to fill out the tag division.

-Russ McCullough and The Damaja have expressed their displeasure at being stuck in OVW. However no WWF officials have any plans for either. No-one can see a viable opening for another “big man.” With Albert receiving a decent push, along with Test, Kane, The Big Show and The Undertaker already established, it is expected that the WWF are happy for Russ to remain in OVW until they are ready. While The Damaja isn’t a strong character alone, and will more than likely be partnered up before it is even considered to promote him.

-Dan Severn, Bob Backlund, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka and Ronnie Garvin have announced their retirement from wrestling. Roddy has signed a deal with the WWF to become an announcer and will take over on Sunday Night HeAT in the coming weeks.

-Albert, D’Lo Brown, Al Snow and Scott Vick are coming to the end of their contracts. Albert is desperate to sit down and talk about a new deal however the WWF are holding off so that they can gauge the reaction he receives in the coming weeks. D’Lo Brown and Scott Vick are not interested in signing again while Al Snow is happy to call things a day if he isn’t more work with the WWF.

-Thrasher has signed a new one year deal with the WWF.

-Jesse Ventura has signed a written contract with World Championship Wrestling.

-The remaining Qualifying matches for King of the Ring were made pubic on WWF.com over the weekend. The KotR will continue with one match on each show for the rest of the qualifiers. The four matches are listed below. Already qualified for King of the Ring are Test (won at Judgment Day), Kurt Angle (def. Chris Jericho), Tazz (def. Goldust), Albert (def. Christian).

The Godfather vs. Billy Gunn

Eddie Guerrero vs. Viscera

The Big Show vs. Road Dogg

Val Venis vs. Edge

-The defeat to The Godfather on Sunday Night HeAT will be the last appearance from Chyna in the World Wrestling Federation. After her run ass Intercontinental Champion she has been caught up in a number of other pushes that have seen her relegated to HeAT fodder. Chyna was not happy and asked for her release following the show.

Edited April 8, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Monday 5th June 2000

Monday night RAW opened to a strange sight as Billy Gunn was the first man to the ring and he was armed with a microphone. The former D-Generation X member introduced himself as a changed man from his time in D-Generation X. Gunn informed the Florida crowd that he now saw things in a different light, and saw himself as a man of honour and pride. Billy added that he expected all great Champions to men of honour and pride; therefore he would soon become a great Champion and forever immortalise the name of “The One and Only” Billy Gunn. And then Gunn announced to a stunned crowd that he was cashing in his Intercontinental Championship shot there and then; demanding Chris Jericho straight away.

And Jericho did. Accompanied by his usual fan-far Chris Jericho appeared on the stage and just laughed at Billy Gunn before heading for the ring; but the match was no laughing matter as Gunn seemed really fired for his Championship shot. The two traded the momentum in the very early stages of the match; however towards the end Road Dogg, Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle collectively made their way to the ring with different ideas in mind. Gunn was totally put-off by the extra bodies however it seemed to spur Jericho as he used the distraction to his benefit, hitting Gunn with his own version of the Olympic Slam before locking the challenger in the Crippler Crossface. The result was elementary as Jericho walked away with the Intercontinental Championship and Road Dogg left the scene knowing he schemed to cost his former partner a piece of gold.

Although not everyone left the scene happy as Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle complained to each other later in the show that ‘Y2J’ had stolen their moves and used them against that piece of trailer trash. The two men agreed to watch each other’s back as they worked on a plan to remove Chris Jericho as Intercontinental Champion.

In the King of the Ring match-up, Gunn got some revenge however as he helped The Big Show to defeat Road Dogg to advance to the final eight. While the big seven foot monster was never in any real trouble it was Gunn’s appearance that helped him deliver a devastating Chokeslam for the victory in a somewhat mismatched match that never gave Road Dogg a prayer. After the match as Gunn stood over the lifeless body of Road Dogg, The Big Show’s attention was grabbed by the entranceway. Albert stood on top the metal and was “applauding” the former WWF Champion.

One half of the current WWF Champions had some strong words once again for his “partner” as Mankind laid down the law to The Rock. While “trapped” in a cage, Mankind reminded The Rock that he was very happy to take out his “friend” Triple H on Thursday at Smackdown before announcing that at King of the Ring, Mankind was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that he remained the WWF Champion. After finishing the line, the Co-WWF Champion started to chew at the cage wires and after a number of seconds he had chewed his way through the cage and had scrambled through. Facing the camera with blood pouring from his mouth, Mankind waved as the interview segment ended but it wasn’t the last we saw of the man the man that headlined Wrestlemania 2000 as he re-appeared at the end of the main event.

His appearance seemed to prove there was no hard feelings between he and D-Generation X as Mankind helped the trio to beat-down Kane in the centre of the ring. Kane had been previously dominating X-Pac but that went to pot when Road Dogg, Triple H and Mankind hit the ring. The foursome dominated the Big Red Machine before the cavalry stormed to the ring.

Test and The Rock sprinted to the ring and knocked the foursome away from the ally as a huge seven man brawl erupted but that was cut short as the lights flickered for a number of seconds before completely cutting out. Three school-girls appeared on screen reading out the words, "As I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul is mine to keep, And never step outside this bed, For all the evil, all the evil back from the dead…”

The lights returned as D-Generation X, Mankind, The Rock, Kane and Test all stood and simply watched the screen. Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler and new announcer Roddy Piper were totally bemused by the piece and could only suggest that it was a sign of the return of The Undertaker.

Elsewhere on RAW, Eddie Guerrero continued to get the better of Val Venis as he pinned the European Championship #1 in a six man tag team match. Eddie was tagging with Chris Benoit and the former Light-Heavyweight Champion Dean Malenko as they faced Venis and the duo of Too Cool, which featured the NEW Light-Heavyweight Champion Grand Master Sexay. The match was a fast affair with the four illegal men practically “itching” to be part of the action at all times. Naturally some underhand tactics saw The Radicals threw to the victory as Dean hit a low-blow on the man that took his belt before Eddie poked Val in the eye and took him down with a drop toe hold. Val was a sitting duck for Benoit’s diving head butt and Eddie rolled him up for the win.

Later in the show, Eddie tried once again to “woo” Lita as he offered flowers. Lita accepted the flowers as they were “pretty” but said she was staying with Val. Lita once again backed up the huge claims that Val Venis makes about his equipment as she let Eddie down gently.

In tag team action, Matt and Jeff Hardy cheated their way to victory with Jeff using a handful of Edge’s trunks to make sure of the win that kept The Hardy Boys as WWF Tag Team Champions; however after the match it was The Legion of Doom that stood tall after attacking both teams. The heat between the three teams has been building and it’s all got too much for the legend team as they laid out their rivals with chairs.

Elsewhere, Goldust and the Headbangers tried to warn Tazz and the Dudley Boys to curb their recent path of destruction. The words however, only seemed to spur the Reign of Extreme on as they attacked Crash Holly backstage and put him through a nearby catering table. Goldust did warn that their would be repercussions for the trio if they did not head his words, but they called his bluff so he is going to have prove it sooner rather than later.

RAW is WAR Results

WWF Intercontinental Championship

Chris Jericho © def. Billy Gunn

WWF Tag Team Championship

The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff) © def. Edge & Christian

The Radicals (Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero & Dean Malenko) def. Val Venis & Too Cool (Scotty 2 Hotty & Grand Master Sexay)

King of the Ring Qualifying

The Big Show def. Road Dogg

Kane def. X-Pac by disqualification

Show Rating: 76%

[petauk]

great diary, keep up the good work

[FireDoughnut]

WWF News and Rumours

5th June 2000

- RAW scored a 6.55 rating for Monday night’s broadcast. Officials backstage are very pleased with the rating considering the lack of real big-names on the show with The Rock and Triple H only appearing for the main event. The WWF Tag Team Championship match pitting The Hardy Boys and Edge & Christian is the undoubted high-point of the evening, although an unprecedented amount of hype has caught up the wrestling world following the video at the end of RAW.

- The video featuring three young girls in a dark and shadowy house delivering a haunting poem will be used in the coming shows to hype the return of The Undertaker at King of the Ring. His direction, upon his return, is still yet undecided but he got a huge fan reaction on RAW so expect ‘Taker to be play the babyface role.

- WCW Nitro scored 5.61 rating for Monday night’s broadcast. That is among the highest figures Nitro has received this season but is still no where near the level of WWF’s RAW and it’s ratings.

- Edge and Christian are still unhappy about their roles in the current WWF Tag Team Championship feud. Both men were told last week that they would be eliminated in round one of the King of the Ring to focus on the Legion of Doom - Hardy Boys storyline. While both realise they are lucky to working in the WWF, they feel like they could be working a stand-alone program with The Dudley Boys, Too Cool or The Headbangers.

- RAW is WAR is believed to signal the end of any Billy Gunn push that was in the pipeline. Many of the officials backstage were not happy sending Billy out to open the show, and their fears were realised by the poor reaction that he got. The commentators covered well by claiming that the crowd were “stunned” and in a “state of shock” from Billy’s words.

- Roddy Piper joined the commentary team on RAW this week as the third man. Officials backstage were very impressed with his work, acting a third foil to Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross. Piper added an extra element to the commentary which the WWF feel they have lacked in the past number of weeks.

- Chris Benoit did not get his usual reaction when in Florida on RAW. The WWF officials are not willing to read into it too much right now, but will be monitoring the situation. Some officials feel that Benoit has been “watered-down” by his punishment from Ted DiBiase, and expect Benoit to be fed “nothing” wrestlers in the next couple of matches so that he can really dominate.

- Grand Master Sexay is very excited about the future storyline between himself and Rikishi. He and Rikishi have been planning the angle for a number of weeks and are set to unleash the angle around Fully Loaded.

Edited April 9, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Thursday 8th June 2000

The man who gave Smackdown it's name, The Rock was not in the best of moods on Thursday night's show as he admitted he was baffled by the actions of Mankind. The Rock, in his own unique way told Michael Cole that Mankind was wrong for thinking a great WWF Champion required a “ruthless” streak. The Rock then asked the Virginia crowd if they considered The Rock a great WWF Champion. Needless to say, that the response was positive and The Rock finished the interview by informing Mankind that the only streak left at the end of King of the Ring would be the streak in his underwear.

In the night’s main event, Test tangled with D-Generation X leader, Triple H and from the outset it seemed as though an upset would be on the cards. Test used his size and strength to take an early advantage on HHH, but the former WWF Champion battled back and then managed to secure the victory after X-Pac appeared to the ring distracting the referee allowing HHH the chance to thump Test with Stephanie’s Women’s Championship. The tainted victory lead to a beating for Test as X-Pac joined Triple H in the ring while Trish Stratus chased Stephanie around the ring.

However just when it seemed D-X would end the night on a high, Kane’s flames erupted around the arena and the scary video from Monday night played. The Big Red Machine stalked to the ring as the three Victorian girls recited the dark poem from Monday. D-Generation X fled through the crowd as Kane entered the ring, staring at Triple H as Smackdown went off air.

Smackdown was opened by the WWF Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho heading to the ring. “Y2J” welcomed fans to Smackdown before addressing the two contenders to his Championship. Jericho said he would welcome both men, and despite the fact that Chris Benoit is injured and wouldn’t be at Smackdown Jericho said he would welcome the challenges of Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, as well as everyone else on the roster. Jericho said that any time, anywhere… Chris Jericho will prove himself to the World Wrestling Federation fans as a true Champion.

And Jericho seemed to set a pattern for the rest of the night.

Eddie Guerrero was out to the ring later in the night, describing himself as the “Finest European Champion of our time.” Guerrero said that the European people should be very proud of him for brining such honour to the Championship belt. Eddie however, was interrupted by one man that totally disagreed; Val Venis.

Joined by Lita on the stage, Val told Eddie that he would never be considered a great Champion as he is simply a dirty cheat. Eddie admitted he preferred the word “resourceful” to “cheat.” Venis then demanded a European Championship shot but Guerrero laughed it off. He once again put out an offer to Lita to join a real man reminding everyone in attendance that he had pinned Val Venis twice in the past weeks.

Lita turned down the offer, and Eddie shrugged it off; saying that he would give Val Venis a chance to embarrass himself in front of Lita, and let her realise who the better man was. Val smiled, however Eddie said that Venis would only get his Championship shot if he could defeat the other three members of The Radicals.

And as soon as Eddie extended the challenge, Perry Saturn strode to the ring. Venis wasn’t happy about the idea but agreed to the challenge as he knew that the European Championship is part of his destiny. And in the subsequent match, Venis advanced through the first stage of his quest. Saturn seemed to lack the intensity that Val brought to the ring, and was no match for him as Val knocked him around the ring before finishing him off with the Money Shot. As Val celebrated, Eddie told Jim Ross and Roddy Piper at the commentary desk that things would get a lot harder before Val Venis would ever touch the European Championship.

And then the WWF Hardcore Champion declared himself as the most extreme man in the World Wrestling Federation. Tazz strode confidently to the ring and began to run down the pussies that worked for the WWF. Tazz explained to the crowd he had been on the receiving end of pain that would make them cry at the mere thought.

But as Tazz looked to continue he was interrupted by the Terzetto who attacked the WWF Hardcore Champion in the centre of the ring. Goldust directed the Headbangers as they tossed Tazz around the ring and into the ring posts. The Golden One explained that he tired to warn Tazz about his behaviour on RAW, and Tazz did not heed that warning so he would pay. Goldust then explained that he lined up a number of gentlemen who are just as extreme, if not more so and they would be challenging him for the WWF Hardcore Championship. The Terzetto exited through the crowd as the WWF Hardcore Champion lay down and out in the centre of the ring, clearly missing The Dudley Boys.

Who had earlier in the night got mixed up Edge and Christian. The former WWF Tag Team Champions said they were sick and tired of being stuck in the middle of the Hardy Boys and Legion of Doom fights. Edge said that they had come to the decision to allow those to teams to compete over who is greater because as soon as King of the Ring, the number one contenders to the Tag Team Championships would be looking for their shot, where they could prove they are in fact the greatest duo in WWF history.

That statement did not sit well with the Dudley Boys who quickly reminded Edge and Christian that they were the WWF Tag Team Champions a mere two months ago, and deserved to be named the number one contenders. The four men quickly got into a bit of a scuffle but a Ted DiBiase lead-security team diffused the situation with the “Million Dollar Commissioner” promising to look into things.

Speaking of the WWF Tag Team Champions, one half of the Championship duo was pinned to the mat after being thumped with a chair shot from his tag team partner. Animal took advantage of a bad situation for The Hardy Boys, pinning Matt to the mat to end their recent run of domination over the Legion of Doom. And after the match, Hawk joined his partner in the ring to warn The Hardys off. Matt and Jeff reluctantly backed up the ramp way, thrash-talking the legendary tag team as they went.

In the King of the Ring action, Billy Gunn defeated The Godfather despite the lurking Road Dogg, while Albert informed The Big Show that he would be the man to end his KotR hopes. Albert informed the seven foot superstar that he would be waiting for The Big Show in the final of the tournament, and he would look forward to humbling a giant.

Smackdown Results

King of the Ring Qualifying

Billy Gunn def. The Godfather

Val Venis def. Perry Saturn

Animal def. Matt Hardy

Triple H def. Test

Show Rating: 78%

[FireDoughnut]

Sunday 11th June 2000

Sunday Night HeAT saw Tazz defeat the first of Goldust’s extreme challengers with relative ease despite that man being Chris Benoit. Tazz’s face was a picture of fear as “The Crippler” made his way to the ring but it was quickly clear that Tazz’s extreme style was too much for Benoit the technician and after a disgusting chair shot to the cranium, Tazz retain his WWF Hardcore Championship. Benoit was left totally out of it in the centre of the ring as Tazz teased Goldust who stood at the bottom of the ramp.

Elsewhere, The Godfather gave his opinion on the state of women’s wrestling. After interrupting Ivory and Trish Stratus as they battled it out, The Godfather tossed both women from the ring and took a microphone. The WWF’s very own Pimp Daddy said that anyone of his fine Ho’s could take the Women’s Championship from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. The Godfather then announced that he had a number of the world’s finest female talents ready and waiting; and in the coming weeks they will be taking over the women’s division of the WWF.

In tag team action, the Acolyte Protection Agency scored a big win over the Legendary team of Animal and Hawk, with much help from The Hardy Boys. Bradshaw and Farooq held their own as they slugged it out with the former Tag Team Champions but it was the interuption of Matt and Jeff that decided the match as Bradshaw capitalised on Hawk’s loss of concentration to practically behead him with a Clothesline from Hell.

Earlier in the show, The Hardy Boys had warned the Legion of Doom that great Champions do everything to secure every advantage; and they proved it by helping their former rivals to defeat their King of the Ring opponents.

In the other tag match on the card, The Dudley Boys sent out a message to Edge and Christian by defeating Kai En Tai in the night’s main event. The match was a real delight as the two teams put on a show for the fans before Bubba Ray combined with D-Von to level Funaki with a 3D, and TAKA Michinoku suffered the same fate as he tried to help partner out.

But it was the former Champions that had the last laugh as Edge and Christian chased them off with steel chairs as HeAT came to a close.

And in the other match on the show, Grand Master Sexay came through a routine defence of his Light-Heavyweight Championship against Essa Rios. The Mexican wrestler threatened early on, but GMS was quickly in control of the match and managed to finish Rios off with the Hip Hop Drop. After the match as Sexay celebrated by himself, Dean Malenko appeared on the stage and made a “cut-throat” motion towards the man that took his belt.

Sunday Night HeAT Results

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

Grand Master Sexay © def. Essa Rios

A.P.A. (Bradshaw & Farooq) def. The Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk)

Ivory fought with Trish Stratus to a no-contest

WWF Hardcore Championship

Tazz © def. Chris Benoit

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) def. Kai En Tai (TAKA Michinoku & Sho Funaki)

Show Rating: 74%

[FireDoughnut]

Wrestling News and Rumours

6th June - 11th June 2000

-Smackdown once again beat Nitro in the ratings as it scored 5.78 in the ratings. Although it wasn’t at the level of the season high, 5.84 from last week officials are still very pleased with the score.

-WCW Thunder scored a 5.04 rating, while WCW Saturday Night scored 1.23. WCW officials are becoming increasingly worried by their figures which are not bad; but are not ideal for their network.

-The reaction the Hardy Boys received at this week’s shows has surprised many backstage. The pair are believed to be second on the most hated-list behind Mankind; with Triple H and D-Generation X receiving some face reactions from the crowd. Well, except for X-Pac. Matt and Jeff are being encouraged to their heads down until Summerslam when the big pay-off is scheduled and after that, the WWF will explore the possibility of the duo as singles stars.

-Sunday Night HeAT scored a 1.95 rating for this week’s broadcast.

-Kai En Tai and The Dudley Boys were praised on the quality of their tag team match on Sunday. The foursome were apparently told to go for it with the match and have fun, and Vince is said to be very pleased with the way TAKA Michinoku booked the match as it is widely accepted he planned the majority of the match.

-Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero are eager to run a program together. The pair want to run an angle where Eddie is thrown out of The Radicals and turned face. WWF officials are not keen right now as both men are needed in heel capacities. The initial plan will see the feud kick-off at Survivor Series with The Radicals disintegrating during a Survivor Series match.

-Test is a little annoyed to be working with X-Pac. “The Impact Player” was promised a push at the start of the year, and expected it to be meteoric. While he is annoying a number of people backstage, he has simply been told that it will be a slow burn so that history can be built up between Test and a number of the other stars set to advance up the card.

-The Godfather is expected to fulfil a managerial role in the coming months as he introduces new female wrestlers as his “Ho’s.” A number of female wrestlers in OVW including Nora Greenwald, Victoria and Bull Nakano are nearing the point of promotion and some are being prepared as The Godfather’s ladies. No word yet on their debuts.

-Dusty Rhodes announced on his personal website this week that he will be returning to the WWF at the end of the year to start a feud with his son, Dustin who currently plays Goldust. “The American Dream” did not go into any other details.

[FireDoughnut]

Monday 12th June 2000

1 - The opening RAW is WAR vignette ended and we are immediately headed to the ring as the delicate sounds of “Money, Money, Money” play over the speakers. Ted DiBiase makes his way cockily to the ring and with a huge grin announces four big matches for the evening. The “Million Dollar Commissioner” starts by rounding out the King of the Ring Qualifying matches by announcing Dean Malenko versus Val Venis, and then later in the show Eddie Guerrero versus Edge. Ted then adds that live on Smackdown he will make the draw for the Quarter-Finals. Following that, Ted also announces that the contender to the Intercontinental Championships will be decided later in the show as Kurt Angle will tangle with Chris Benoit for the right to face Chris Jericho at King of the Ring; but to ensure the right man gets to the Pay-Per-View “Y2J” himself will be the guest referee for the contender match. And finally, in the night’s main event and at the request of one half of the WWF Champions it will be Mankind versus Triple H, one-on-one! Ted leaves the ring as we head for the first commercial of the night.

2 - King of the Ring Qualifying: Val Venis w/Lita vs. Dean Malenko w/Eddie Guerrero

And we return to the opening bout of the evening as Val Venis heads to the ring to meet on quarter of The Radicals, Dean Malenko. Malenko was joined by Eddie as he headed for the ring but as the match started it was clear he was at a disadvantage. Venis used his size to dominate the start of the match against the former WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion. Val tossed Dean around like the cruiserweight that he is, before missing a clothesline and allowing Dean to use an arm drag to take him to the mat. The counter seemed to spur Malenko on as he kept Venis in check and any time that he seemed ready to struggle free, Eddie was on hand to distract the referee and Dean poked Val in the eye. But in the end it’s the man from Las Vegas who will enter King of the Ring as Lita grew quickly fed up of Guerrero and jumped from the ring apron to hit the Mexican with a Lita-canrana. The distraction was enough for Val to plant Malenko with a Fisherman’s Suplex. Val followed it up with the Money Shot from the top rope for the three count, as Eddie Guerrero came round to his rival celebrating in the ring with his fiery redhead.

Winner by pinfall: Val Venis

3 - Heading backstage, the fans were greeted with the first sight of ‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho who welcomed each and everyone of the Jericholics to RAW is Jericho. Once all the pleasantries were done, Jericho turned his attention to the match he was set to referee later in the show. ‘Y2J’ pondered the idea of the match ending in a no-contest as he didn’t really why either ass-clown should be allowed to challenge for his shiny gold belt. However to the end, Jericho did admit that he would do his best to call the match down the middle as much as possible.

4 - Heading back to the ring “Just Another Victim” hit the speakers as the WWF Hardcore Champion headed for the ring. Tazz said that last night on HeAT, Goldust’s first extreme opponent was somewhat of a let-down so the former ECW star said that he wanted the challenges to continue thick and fast, and said he would welcome the next challenge there and then. That brought Goldust to the stage, grinning from ear-to-ear. Goldust said he expected no less from Tazz, but that the first challenger was a warm-up for the main course. Goldust then introduced his second challenger…

"WE-ELL! WELL IT'S THE BIG SHOW!"

WWF Hardcore Championship: Tazz © vs. The Big Show w/Goldust

The seven foot monster that is The Big Show headed for the ring, flanked by The Golden One and Tazz had nowhere near the confidence levels that he had when he headed for the ring. And the match started as a complete one-sided affair. Tazz, never one to back down went straight for The Big Show but his chops and punches had no effect on the 500 pound superstar who slapped Tazz away with the back of his right hand, sending him flying across the ring. And this was the theme of things to come as everything Tazz tried to attack The Big Show swatted him away, much to the delight of Goldust. Well, that was until Albert stormed to the ring, carrying a baseball bat. Taking advantage of the Hardcore rules, Albert went straight for The Big Show clocking him right between the eyes with the baseball bat. This was followed by three more really, really strong shot and The Big Show was grounded and out. Tazz was simply left with the easy job of pinning the former WWF Champion. As Tazz celebrated he held the glare of Goldust as Albert finished the job on The Big Show with some extra baseball bat swings to the skull.

Winner by pinfall and still WWF Hardcore Champion: Tazz

5 - Following the commercial break, the WWF cameras were backstage as Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn strolled down the hallway. Dean was admitting to Perry that while he was annoyed to be out of the King of the Ring, he wanted to focus on regaining the WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship, when the Radicals duo stopped as they met Too Cool on the corridor. In no uncertain terms, Dean outlined the number of ways he was going to bend Grand Master Sexay to make sure he got his belt back. That lead to GMS simply shrugging his challenge off before Dean reminded him that he was the one tapping like a little girl after the match on Sunday Night HeAT. Dean then turned his attention to Scotty 2 Hotty and asked the other half of Too Cool where he was last night. Scotty snapped “Busy!” and stormed off as The Radicals left, grinning. Grand Master Sexay looked entirely confused, flicking his head in both directions as the camera returned to the ring for the third match of the night.

6 - King of the Ring Qualifying: Edge w/Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero

And what a match the final King of the Ring qualifier promised to be as Eddie Guerrero squared up Edge. The match started brightest for Eddie as he forced Edge into the corner after a test of strength before burying a knee into his mid-section and that allowed Eddie to hit a side suplex before starting to work over the right arm of Edge, clearly trying to disable his Downward Spiral finishing move. But Edge battled back, dodging a simple clothesline before side kicking Eddie through the ropes and that allowed Christian to pounce. Without allowing Eddie any time to recover from the fall, Christian tossed back into the ring and Edge hopped off the second rope to plant a swinging leg drop on Eddie’s neck before applying the simplest of sleeper holds and that’s where everything went wrong for the former WWF Tag Team Champion as D-Von Dudley stormed down the ramp. Christian went to meet the intruder and began to brawl with the man from Dudleyville. And the altercation outside the ring caught the attention of referee Teddy Long who went to deal with the situation, thus leaving Edge and Eddie alone on their side of the ring. Cue Bubba Ray Dudley through the crowd; who slide into the ring and beckoned Edge towards him. Edge, of course responded but was immediately hoisted him into the air as Bubba Ray dropped his throat onto the top rope and then as he rebounded off the rope hit the Bubba Bomb. Edge lay down and out as the elder Dudley slide from the ring. Teddy Long turned away from the now diffused brawl to see Eddie Guerrero sliding on top of the prone body of Edge; and Long had to deliver the pinfall and send Guerrero into the final eight of the King of the Ring.

Winner by pinfall: Eddie Guerrero

And as Eddie celebrated in the ring, his attention was caught by a man applauding on the stage. Val Venis stood with Lita as the duo applauded Eddie’s victory before the camera headed to the next commercial of the night.

7 - And returning from the commercial, we were backstage with Todd Grisham and Mankind. Todd began by asking Mankind his feelings on the match that The Rock had requested between Mankind and Triple H; however Mankind set the record straight and said that he was the one to request the match with HHH. Mankind explained that The Rock still didn’t get what he was on about. The Co-WWF Champion explained that having a ruthless streak meant that no-one was safe around him and then… WHAM! Mankind stuffed Mr. Socko down the throat of Todd Grisham, leaving him out cold on the floor. Mankind waved into the camera as the interview piece and the EMTs arrived to tend to the WWF interviewer as the Co-WWF Champion strolled off.

8 - Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle w/Special Guest Referee Chris Jericho

Heading back to the ring, Chris Benoit was headed to the ring to face-off with Kurt Angle for the right to face Chris Jericho at King of the Ring. ‘Y2J’ was the third man to the ring, and received more than his fair share of dicey looks from Benoit and Angle as the match began. Jericho was reminded of the rules by both men before any action really got underway but when it did, it was a schooling of wrestling from both men. The match went everywhere, starting on the mat with some simple holds ad counters before brawling around the ring and then Kurt even went for a moonsault off the top rope, only for Benoit to roll out of the way and take advantage of the match. Jericho was very much a bystander for much of the match as the two men fought cleanly, that was until Benoit locked in the Crippler Crossface. As Kurt’s hand slapped the mat in submission, Jericho turned his back on the action and refused to look; and needless to say Benoit did not take well to the situation and went for Jericho. “The Crippler” lunged at Jericho and pushed the referee from the ring. ‘Y2J’ landed in front of the announcing desk and immediately disqualified Benoit, handing the victory to Kurt Angle.

Winner by disqualification: Kurt Angle

And as Angle’s music over the speakers, Benoit looked far from happy at the decision as Jericho grinned from ear-to-ear and held his WWF Intercontinental Championship high above his head. Kurt remained face down on the mat, unaware that he had been named the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship.

9 - Heading backstage Kane was standing in his locker room when Test strolled in. “The Impact Player” tried questioning the Big Red Machine about D-Generation X, and how he could get X-Pac to leave him alone. All that Test received in reply was Kane’s blank stare. That was until X-Pac appeared in the doorway and challenged both men to come and get him. Pretty sure it was a trap, Test and Kane followed anyway and ran after X-Pac, down a corridor before following him into an empty locker room. X-Pac cowered in the corridor as the tow big men advanced when the door suddenly shut behind them. Turning around, Test and Kane found themselves facing off with Triple H and Road Dogg. The D-Generation X trio were holding steel chairs and in a matter of seconds had battered Test and Kane to the floor with the weapons. Feeling confident about the attack, Triple H called off the D-X duo before informing the bloody Kane that he was sick of him getting involved in his matches recently. D-Generation X then fled the locker room, locking it as they headed down the corridor and towards the ring for the main event.

10 - Elsewhere Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley were heading for a taxi, happy with their days work when they were stopped by a calling voice. Edge and Christian followed the pair into the parking lot; and then informed the veteran tag team they were impressed with what they did in the ring tonight. Edge told The Dudley Boys however, to not mix “being impressed” up with “having respect.” The Dudley Boys laughed, but Christian silenced the duo and lead RAW into a commercial by stating that at King of the Ring Edge and Christian would earn the respect of The Dudley Boys, one way or another.

11 - Mankind vs. Triple H w/Stephanie McMahon, X-Pac, Tori & Road Dogg

Coming back from the commercial, the Co-WWF Champion Mankind was on his way to the ring to take on Triple H in the night’s main event. HHH was joined by the whole of D-Generation X as he headed to the ring but despite the number advantage it was Mankind who started strongest, tackling Triple H when he had just entered the ring and getting the match off to an abrupt start. Mankind and HHH brawled around the ring the WWF Champion coming off the strongest, as he kept Triple H the opposite side of the ring to D-Generation X and even when Stephanie got onto the ring apron, Mankind remained focused on Triple H and Stephanie’s actions actually lead to HHH’s downfall. After reversing a suplex, Hunter held control of the match but as Stephanie climbed to the ring apron Mankind swung his arm between Hunter’s legs. The blow was lethal as the Co-WWF Champion locked in the Mandible Claw and the match was done.

Winner by submission: Mankind

But Mankind’s celebration was cut short as…

"If ya smell… what the Rock… is cookin'!"

…blasted onto the speakers. The Rock stormed down the ramp and proceeded to mow through the members of D-Generation X to get to Mankind. X-Pac, Road Dogg, Tori and Triple H were bundled from the ring before The Rock stood one-on-one with his fellow WWF Champion. BAM!!! The People’s Champion used his WWF Championship to flatten Mankind, and as RAW is WAR went off air, The Rock stood on the second rope with the WWF Championship above his head much to the delight of the crowd.

Show Rating: 76%

Edited April 10, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Thursday 15th June 2000

1 - The opening of Smackdown ended as we were welcomed to the Harbour Yard Arena in Bridgeport and the entrance music of the Commissioner hit the speakers for the second WWF broadcast in a row. The “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase strolled onto the stage, wheeling a Tombola with his smug grin very apparent and then introduced the crowd to the King of the Ring Final 8. Test, Billy Gunn, Val Venis and The Big Show were welcomed to the ring first much to the delight of the crowd before Ted introduced Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, Albert and Tazz to the stage. That kept the eight men apart with the fan favourites in the ring. Ted then started the drawing names out of the hat before reminding the eight men that the first match-up would directly follow the drawing of names. Test was the first man out, to face off with Albert. Followed by Billy Gunn facing Eddie Guerrero. Kurt Angle was the fifth man out of the drum and his opponent was revealed as The Big Show before Val Venis versus Tazz was confirmed as the final King of the Ring match. Ted DiBiase then asked everyone to clear the ring so that Test versus Albert could begin right away.

2 - King of the Ring: Test w/Trish Stratus vs. Albert

And everyone left the ring area, except The Big Show who joined Jim Ross and Roddy Piper at the announcing table and gave his thoughts on the clash of the two young, big men. Albert started the brighter, immediately putting Test on the back foot with a stiff forearm before powering him into a corner. Albert tossed Test from the corner and then as his opponent recovered Albert mocked The Big Show by screaming out loud and throwing his right arm in the air, ala the big man and it did not go down well with the Show on commentary. Test however, took advantage of Albert’s taunting to take control of the match and take his former tag team partner with a vicious DDT before setting up the Test Drive neckbreaker. Test looked to finish the match when a steel chair crashed onto his skull. X-Pac climbed into the ring and continued his beating on Test that had ultimately won Test the match.

Winner by disqualification: Test

Albert was far from happy with the outcome and turned his attention to X-Pac, chasing him around the ring until Albert’s torso went thud into an immovable object - The Big Show who chased off his recent rival. Albert fled through the crowd as The Big Show stared a hole in him with Trish Stratus attending to the victorious Test in the ring.

3 - Following the commercial break, Smackdown returned to the ring as “Just Another Victim” played around the arena and Tazz headed to the ring, with the WWF Hardcore Championship around his waist. He began by running down Val Venis ahead of their King of the Ring meeting on Sunday Night HeAT and then reminded everyone he was a fighting Champion. Tazz said that after he dominated The Big Show on Monday night he wanted a real challenge and welcomed anyone that Goldust could throw at him. That brought Goldust to the stage, however The Golden One refused to reveal the identity of the third challenger. Goldust said on RAW, Tazz would face his third challenger and Goldust predicted that Tazz would not be the WWF Hardcore Champion on Tuesday morning.

4 - Scotty 2 Hotty w/Grand Master Sexay vs. TAKA Michinoku w/Funaki vs. Dean Malenko w/Perry Saturn

Following a brief King of the Ring video we were back to the ring for the number one Contendership match for the Light-Heavyweight Championship as Dean Malenko faced off with TAKA Michinoku and Scotty 2 Hotty for the right to face off with Grand Master Sexay in ten days time at King of the Ring, and as the match started it appeared as though Dean Malenko would be heading into that match as he schooled Scotty and TAKA much like he had done to Scotty and X-Pac at Judgment Day. Dean was a wrestling machine as he stood in the centre of the ring and managed to counter everything that TAKA and Scotty threw at him into some kind of complicated hold. But of course, the bodies around the ring got involved and things begin to level themselves out. Dean struggled to dominate as Funaki dragged his partner from the ring to help him recover while Grand Master Sexay waved the belt at Malenko which caught his attention. Eventually it returned to just the three legal men involved as Scotty 2 Hotty tried to utilise his willingness to fly as he hit Dean with a missile dropkick, knocking him from the ring and as Dean was gone, Scotty was rolled up by Michinoku except that Scotty rolled through and then grabbed his partners hand, keeping TAKA pinned to the mat and stealing the victory.

Winner by pinfall: Scotty 2 Hotty

Too Cool celebrated in the centre of the ring until they realised that they would be facing off at King of the Ring and the celebration began to end. That was until Rikishi trundled to the ring. The huge superstar tried to get the two superstars to reconcile but there was only one thing for it… DANCING! Rikishi put the shades and the three members got down as usual but as Scotty and GMS looked to change sides of Rikishi, Grand Master Sexay snapped and clotheslined his tag team partner. The WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion stormed up the ramp by himself as a shocked Rikishi tended to Scotty 2 Hotty.

5 - Heading backstage, Todd Grisham was with the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, Kurt Angle. Todd asked Kurt about facing The Big Show and while Kurt admitted it wasn’t ideal to face someone of the size of The Big Show, to be crowned King of the Ring things were never going to be easy. But then again, when he won the Gold Medal at the Olympics things were far from easy, so it would just be another obstacle for Kurt to get over. Then Kurt turned his attention to the Intercontinental Championship shot he earned on RAW is WAR. Angle said he was disappointed by Chris Jericho and would be relinquishing his title opportunity as he didn’t feel he deserved the shot; plus he expected to be in the final four of the King of the Ring at the Pay-Per-View and wouldn’t want any other distractions. Angle ended the interview by telling The Big Show he would see him on Monday night on RAW.

6 - Returning from another commercial Jim Ross and Roddy Piper inform us that ed DiBiase has booked the main event of Smackdown as Chris Jericho versus Chris Benoit versus Kurt Angle. The announce team add the winner will become the number one contender to the WWF Intercontinental Champion but if Jericho wins, he won’t have to defend his belt for 30 days. The camera then turns to the ring as the Mean Street Posse await their opponents.

WWF Tag Team Championships: The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) © vs. Mean Street Posse (Joey Abs & Rodney) w/Pete Gas

And their opponents walk to the ring with the kind of swagger that only the utmost amount of confidence could deliver as Matt and Jeff Hardy make their way to the ring for their title defence. But it isn’t much of a defence as the well oiled Hardy machine is always in control against the Mean Street pairing. Joey Abs and Rodney tried their best but the WWF Tag Team Champions were on their game as Jeff flew off the top rope to hit the Swanton Bomb on Rodney and keep the belts as the property of the Hardy brothers.

Winners by pinfall and still WWF Tag Team Champions: The Hardy Boys

But as the Hardy Boys celebrated Animal strolled to the stage. The Champions kept their attention on the sole member of the LoD as Hawk entered the ring from the crowd and planted Jeff Hardy a Full Nelson Drop. Obviously panicked, Matt Hardy quickly slide from the ring and dragged his brother with him. Matt fled through the crowd as the Legion of Doom celebrated their ambush together.

7 - The camera left the celebrating Legion of Doom to head backstage to Todd Grisham who stood with Trish Stratus and Test. The Canadian duo took their time running numerous names on the WWF roster including The Godfather for his actions on Sunday Night HeAT, followed by D-Generation X and especially X-Pac. Test actually thanked X-Pac for helping him reach the final four of the King of the Ring while Trish then extended an open challenge to The Godfather’s first Ho. Trish said that come RAW, she would be ready and waiting to show off the standard of the Women’s Division.

8 - "It's time to play the Game… TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!"

The music caused the crowd to erupt boos as we returned to the ring and welcomed the entrance of Triple H with Stephanie McMahon. The D-Generation X leader congratulated himself for a well thought out plan on Monday night. Triple H said that thinking like that was one in a million and that was the reason why he would once again return to the top of the World Wrestling Federation, but as Triple H tried to continue the lights went out and the haunting video from a couple of weeks ago played again as three Victorian girls recited a poem on the Titan-tron.

“As I lay me down to sleep,

I pray my soul is mine to keep,

And never step outside this bed,

For all the evil,

All the evil back from the dead…”

But as the lights returned to the Harbour Yard Arena, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon had been joined in the ring by the Big Red Machine and he was holding Stephanie up by the throat. Kane sent Stephanie crushing to the mat right in front of Triple H and as HHH tired to attack, Kane flipped him over the turnbuckles. Standing alone in the centre of the ring, Kane raised his arms up and erupted the fires of hell on the four corner posts as Smackdown headed to a commercial.

9 - We return from the commercial to see Eddie Guerrero, European Title on his shoulder, strolling down the hallway when he is stopped by Lita. The fiery redhead is leaning out of her locker room wearing only a dressing gown and invites Guerrero in. Eddie realises Lita has finally “seen sense” and the Champion heads into the locker room only to be thrown into a chair and strapped down. The lights flick on and Val Venis is standing over Guerrero with Lita strapping Eddie to the chair. Venis laughs at Guerrero for still thinking a fine woman like Lita would be interested in him. Val then congratulates Eddie on his King of the Ring result and simply adds that he wishes him the best of luck for the King of the Ring as it will be all the sweeter when Val is crowned King after destroying Eddie Guerrero.

10 - Moving backstage, Todd Grisham was standing with The Rock against the stereotypical Smackdown backdrop. The People’s Champion said that on Monday night everyone saw his ruthless streak. You see The Rock has a problem with every silly, stupid jabroni in the WWF but he isn’t going to go around the backstage area attacking everyone because while The Rock may be The Great One he doesn’t have time to listen to every little wiener in this federation complain when something bad happens. The Rock then ended the interview by making a prediction for King of the Ring. The Rock announced that there will be one WWF Champion come Sunday 25th June 2000 and that man will be laying the Smackdown on Mankind. One can only assume he means himself.

11 - Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit

The image of The Rock left the screens as we were directed back to the ring in time for the main event of the evening. Jericho was the last man to the ring as the match got underway in a stop start fashion with all three men showing no bias towards their opponents. Angle and Benoit showed their wrestling skills but not one to be outdone, Jericho used his pure spontaneity to knock Benoit and Angle off their games. But what was shocking about the match was that Kurt Angle walked out of the contest after about five minutes. The Olympic Hero received a dropkick from Chris Jericho and rolled to the outside; before heading up the ramp. Jericho took a second to make sure what he was seeing was correct before turning back to Benoit and attacking. With Angle gone, it allowed the two men the chance to focus on each other once again and it seemed as though Jericho was set for victory as he hit Benoit with a bulldog and then ran to the ropes for the Lionsault but as he flew over Benoit, “The Crippler” got his knees up to leave both men down and out. Both eventually struggled to their feet and then came out swinging as both men threw right hands at the other. Their first attempts missed but as Jericho swung again, Benoit got a hold of his arm and dragged him to the mat. After some struggling Benoit managed to lock Jericho in the Crippler Crossface and after some brief struggling Benoit was able to book himself a title opportunity at King of the Ring by making the reigning Champion tap-out.

Winner by submission: Chris Benoit

And Smackdown went off air as Chris Benoit posed with the WWF Intercontinental Championship in the ring, much to the disgust of the booing Smackdown fans.

Show Rating: 80%

Edited April 12, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Wrestling News and Rumours

11th June - 17th June 2000

-WWF.com has unveiled a style of writing results (I've changed.) Opinions welcome.

-RAW scored 6.98 in the rating, defeating Nitro’s score of 5.89 by some way.

-Smackdown only scored a rating 5.09 which defeated Thunder’s score of 5.00 but is still some way down on previous weeks.

-Officials backstage are blaming the low figures of Smackdown and the willingness to play up underarm feuds on the show rather than giving the fans more of The Rock, Mankind, Triple H and Kane. While The Hardys, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle are set to be the next in-line for main event positions, many backstage are unsure of putting them up there before the end of the year.

-Steve Austin’s attacker has been confirmed by everyone backstage. A number of people are believed to know the idea which reportedly will see Test take credit for the attack, masterminded by Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley.

-The King of the Ring winner will not now be Test. Early reports were for Test to take the crown but if he is start a major program with “Stone Cold” at Summerslam, many feel they don’t want to spend time hyping him as the King; only for the fans to turn on him.

-Another website is stating that Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit will take credit for Austin’s attack. The Radicals were employed by the WCW at the time and apparently that will be used in the reasoning of the attack.

-WCW Saturday Night scored a 1.16 rating for this week’s broadcast.

-The Headbangers have been removed from the feud between Goldust and Tazz as Thrasher has broken his leg. The accident happened as Glen Ruth flew down the stairs and landed on a suitcase that he had packed for the week away with the WWF. Mosh may be returned to the feud in the coming weeks as Goldust’s partner.

-Reportedly Hardcore Holly and Steve Blackman are responding well in rehab. Both are not expected back on WWF television anytime soon.

-The King of the Ring poster seems to give away two more of the Qualifiers to the King of the Ring Final Four; but the poster was released to the PPV carriers before the mistake was realised.

-WWF.com have officially opened The King of the Ring mini-site. The card currently looks like this:

World Wrestling Federation presents...

Sunday 25th June 2000

Fleet Center, Boston, Massachusetts

Current Card

WWF Championship

Mankind © vs. The Rock ©

Number #1 Contender

Triple H vs. Kane

King of the Ring Finals

Test or Eddie/Billy vs. Kurt/Show or Val/Tazz

WWF Intercontinental Championship

Chris Jericho © vs. Chris Benoit

WWF Tag Team Championships

The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) © vs. Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk)

Number #1 Contendership

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. Edge & Christian

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

Grand Master Sexay © vs. Scotty 2 Hotty

Card is subject to change

Edited April 11, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[JYoung]

I typically lurk and just read diaries, but since I hadn't seen much feedback I wanted to post as this is one of the stories I regularly read.

Just a couple highlights:

I like how you've been able to keep the dual championship storyline going and make it seem reasonable, and I personally can't wait to see the result of it all. I have a suspicion that the returning Undertaker is more likely to play a role in that feud then the Triple H/Kane feud, so that interests me as well.

At first it struck me as odd how Chris Benoit was seemingly getting de-pushed, but I think its a good move to put the belt back on him as Jericho and Angle are above that point and are ready for a chance to tangle with the big stars.

For the Stone Cold scenario I think whichever way you go would be entertaining if booked well but the notion of Test being a prominent super heel intrigues me the most.

All in all I love this diary...keep up the good work!

Edited April 11, 2007 by JYoung

[FireDoughnut]

Sunday 18th June 2000

Sunday night HeAT was preceeded by a brief video recapping the goings-on around the WWF in the past week starting with Chris Benoit being named the number one contender for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, The Hardy Boys thumping The Legion of Doom with yet-more chair shots and then ending with The Rock demolishing D-Generation X and Mankind at the end of RAW before cutting into the usual opening to Sunday night HeAT and heading straight for the ring.

1 - Albert vs. Bull Buchanan

Michael Cole and Roddy Piper welcomed viewers to HeAT as Bull Buchanan marked his return to the WWF ring against Albert, but in truth it was very one-sided as Albert dominated from the beginning of the match over-powering his big opponent before finishing him off a chokeslam reminiscent of The Big Show’s own chokeslam.

Winner by pinfall: Albert

But as Albert went to celebrate his victory, his music didn’t play. In it’s place, The Big Show’s unmistakable anthem hit the airways and it was clear that Albert was spooked as he stood alone in the centre of the ring.

2 - Funaki w/TAKA Michinoku vs. Grand Master Sexay

Following a video highlighting the seven men still in the running to becoming the next King of the Ring we are back to the ring as Funaki heads to the ring with TAKA Michinoku for a non-title match against Grand Master Sexay. As “Turn it Up” hits and GMS heads onto the stage, he isn’t the lively bubbly, dancing Grand Master of previous weeks but instead strolls with a swagger that in the words of Michael Cole “reeks of betrayal.” The WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion soaks up the boos of the crowd as the match got underway and it was pretty clear that Grand Master Sexay is at the top of this division as he showed off skills few thought he possessed. Funaki did have periods of offence and in the spot of the match did counter a Hurricanrana into a falling Powerbomb; but it was Grand Master Sexay who recorded the victory after following his trademark Hip Hop Drop with Scotty 2 Hotty’s Worm. The crowd were in no way behind GMS throughout the match, especially as he performed his tag team partner's own move but the cocky Light-Heavyweight Champion got the three count for the win.

Winner by pinfall: Grand Master Sexay

3 - The camera left Grand Master Sexay celebrating in the ring to head backstage to the WWF’s hottest couple, Val Venis and Lita. The pair stood with Todd Grisham who quizzed Venis ahead of his match with Tazz later in the evening. Venis said that he was under no illusions about the match; and knew that Tazz is a great extreme competitor. However, Val questioned Tazz’s abilities in a normal match with no weapon use and said that the desire and passion he has shown in the past few weeks will do more than enough to help him reach the King of the Ring Pay-Per-View in the Final Four. Lita then added that she hoped to see Eddie Guerrero tonight so that she could laugh at that dweeb. Venis then reminded Eddie Guerrero of the Radicals challenge he was set last week. Val added that when he beats Chris Benoit tomorrow night on RAW, he will be challenging for the European Championship on Smackdown.

4 - Chris Benoit vs. D-Von Dudley w/Bubba Ray Dudley

Todd left Val and Lita in their locker room preparing for the match later and the camera headed back to the ring for the third match of the night as Chris Benoit tangled with one half of the Dudley Boys. The number one contender to the WWF Intercontinental Belt and the former WWF Tag Team Champion met in a very strange clash of styles that saw D-Von struggling when sparing to the mat but getting the better of Benoit went when they went toe-to-toe in the centre of the ring throwing right hands at each other. The match was pretty even throughout as Bubba Ray was always on hand to help out when needed but as soon as Edge and Christian appeared on the scene things changed. Bubba Ray immediately went to cut off both men as they strolled down the ramp and that caught the referees attention. Knowing that the referee’s back was turned, Benoit swung his arm at D-Von’s love place connecting with a disgusting low blow. D-Von was practically paralyzed by the move and Benoit locked in the Crippler Crossface with relative ease for the victory.

Winner by submission: Chris Benoit

And after the match, Edge and Christian carried their interference into the ring as they left Bubba Ray Dudley at the side of the ring before creeping inside. D-Von was just recovering from the Crossface as Christian lurked from beyond before planting into the canvas with the Unprettier, sending a direct message to their opponents just one week from their showdown at King of the Ring.

5 - Heading backstage, Kevin Kelly was with X-Pac ad Tori ahead of their main event showdown with Test and Trish Stratus. X-Pac seemed rather uninterested in the match citing that in the past three weeks the pairing hold three pinfalls over Test and Trish; and even though Test is going to King of the Ring he is not a patch on the master of the X-Factor. Tori then reckoned their was a conspiracy theory keeping her man from the King of the Ring tournament and tonight, he would prove Ted DiBiase wrong for leaving him out by pinning one of the men in the Final Four… one, two, three!

6 - King of the Ring: Tazz vs. Val Venis w/Lita

X-Pac and Tori are replaced by another brief King of the Ring promo before we are sent back to the ring as Michael Cole and Roddy Piper welcome the viewers to the match of the evening for a place in the lucrative King of the Ring Final Four. Roddy Piper adds that the King of the Ring has seen winners such as Triple H, Steve Austin and our very own Commissioner, Ted DiBiase and then speculates as to this year’s winner by adding he feels Kurt Angle is the next man destined for greatness. Tazz is the first man to the ring, with his WWF Hardcore Championship around his waist and looks rather confident as Val and Lita perform their stomach churning entrance of making-out on top of the ramp. The match gets underway with Tazz immediately on the offensive and doing it with a very bullish attitude. Tazz knocked Venis from pillar to post with vicious right hands and some mocking slaps to the head as Venis struggled to his feet but as Tazz tried to hit a Belly-to-Belly Suplex, Venis managed to avoid it by hitting a head-butt on the “King of Extreme” taking the momentary control of the match. Venis kept Tazz on the mat with some basic wrestling holds only for Tazz to roll through an armbar and get a two-count. The match swung in the balance for the next couple of minutes as neither man could impose themselves although Tazz always looked the more likely; being fresher and all. However his attention was caught when the flamboyant Goldust headed to the ring wearing the most outrageous coat. The black and gold garment shone brightly in the arena lights and caused Tazz to lose focus for a second. Val Venis immediately capitalised as he levelled Tazz with a Fisherman’s Suplex before scaling to the top rope and delivering the Money Shot for the pinfall.

Winner by pinfall: Val Venis

Venis was totally pumped after the match and his celebration was very much over the top, climbing onto the ropes and continually punching the air. It was even audible that Venis was calling out Eddie Guerrero to the ring right there and then. However, Venis’ actions were slightly overshadowed as Goldust grabbed a microphone and introduced Tazz to the man that will be taking the WWF Hardcore Championship on RAW… GOLDUST!!! The Golden One looked highly excited about being the third challenger to Tazz on RAW as the camera switched to a video hyping Triple H versus Kane at King of the Ring.

7 - As the King of the Ring video ended, the camera is once again backstage but highlighted on Grand Master Sexay walking down the corridor. The WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion has his belt on his shoulder when he stops suddenly and stares unbelievably at someone off screen. GMS considers making a run for it but is asked not to by the man off-screen and as the camera pans round, it reveals Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi standing together. Both men admit they don’t want any trouble; they just want answers. Scotty asks his buddy how he could do what he did on Smackdown! Scotty said that the Championship match between them would be totally friendly and just be an expression of the knowledge they have over each other but the Grand Master is not buying. GMS just shakes his head and tells Scotty 2 Hotty that he is far too happy just being a side-show in the World Wrestling Federation. The WWF is about great Champions and that is something Grand Master Sexay intends on becoming, even if that means he must go through his best friend to do it. Scotty and Rikishi are speechless at their former friend’s words and have nothing to say as GMS sulks past them and the camera heads to the ring for the main event of the evening.

8 - X-Pac & Tori vs. Test & Trish Stratus

And Test and Trish are the first couple to the ring as they looked totally ready for their showdown with X-Pac and Tori but as the D-Generation X duo walk onto the stage it appears they have brought back-up in the form of Road Dogg. The D-O-Double G looks very happy to be at the side of the ring as the match gets underway with X-Pac and Test in the ring. Michael Cole reminds viewers that the male wrestlers are encouraged not to compete directly against the women but that is not illegal for X-Pac to be in the ring with Trish Stratus; however the opportunity never arises in the opening minutes as every time X-Pac tags out, Test does the right thing and lets Trish into the ring. The impetus seems to be lost in the match as no team can get any real control but heats up towards the end as X-Pac tries a low-blow on Test only to be taken out by Trish who makes herself the legal competitor by slapping Test’s back in frustration. A brawl ensues with Tori being thrown from the ring by Trish as Test recovers and measure X-Pac up for the Test-Drive. X-Pac of course, has his attention on Trish but when she turns around she points X-Pac in the direction of Test who obliges X-Pac with the destructive Test-Drive neckbreaker before allowing Trish to record the pinfall on X-Pac for the victory.

Winners by pinfall: Trish Stratus & Test

However Sunday night HeAT ends on a sour note for Test and Trish as The Godfather’s theme hit’s the speakers. The Godfather strolls to the stage surrounded by his Ho train before introducing the fans to his latest Ho, former WWF Women’s Champion, Jacqueline. Jacqueline looks totally menacing as she stares straight at Trish, ahead of their showdown tomorrow night on RAW. The HeAT logo appears in the corner of the screen as the Ho’s dance around the very serious Jacqueline while Trish tries to put on a brave face in the centre of the ring but is clearly worried.

Show Rating: 66%

Edited April 12, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Monday 19th June 2000

Live from the Centrum Centre, Worcester, Massachusetts

The RAW is WAR opening video was mixed in with images of the four men competing tonight to claim places in the King of the Ring Final Four. Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Billy Gunn and The Big Show were mixed in with shots of former winners Triple H, Steve Austin and Billy Gunn before the video ended on the smug grin of Ted DiBiase, the current WWF Commissioner.

1 - And as the show opened in the Centrum Centre it was Ted DiBiase who was the first man to the ring. The former King of the Ring winner reminded that he was in fact a former winner before proclaiming himself very happy with the potential entrants for this year’s great event. Ted then announced that instead of Tazz facing Goldust tonight for the WWF Hardcore Championship, it would instead happen on Sunday at King of the Ring where the two men can really rip into each other. The Million Dollar Man then turned his attention towards the main event on Sunday when we finally be graced with one WWF Champion in the World Wrestling Federation once again. Ted then turned to the crowd and asked them if they would like a little preview of the King of the Ring main event, to which the crowd absolutely raised the roof. DiBiase smiled and announced a “Pick Your Partner” tag match with Mankind and The Rock able to pick anyone in the federation to be their partner for the main event. But as Ted turned to leave he was stopped by Mankind strolling to the stage. The original WWF Champion said that despite their recent history, he was naming Triple H as his partner for the main event.

2 - Val Venis w/Lita vs. Chris Benoit w/Eddie Guerrero

Mankind’s announcement lead the RAW broadcast into a promotional video for showdown between the Co-WWF Champions before returning to the ring as we prepare for out first match of the evening. Chris Benoit was flanked by the WWF European Champion, Eddie Guerrero as he headed out to the ring in preparation for his match against Val Venis. Val and Lita couldn’t get enough of each other and did their usual routine of kissing on their way to the ring, just to make sure that everyone is attendance was sick. But it must have been a lucky kiss as the match started very much in favour of Val Venis, who sensing Benoit’s strengths lay on the mat and in his ability to lock in the Crippler Crossface aimed his offence on Benoit’s shoulders and arms. And it seemed to be going well for Venis as kept Benoit tied up in a very technical match that saw each man countering the other. However, Val’s lack of technical experience showed as Benoit ducked a clothesline and dragged him to the mat, locking in the Crossface. Stuck in the middle of the ring it appeared as though Val was ready to tap out when Lita flew at Eddie Guerrero with a Lita-canrana. The attack caught the attention of Benoit who released the hold to check on his Radicals team-mate; and the break allowed Val the chance to recover. Benoit continued to warn Lita off Eddie as Val got himself to his feet and as Benoit turned around hit him with the Fisherman’s Suplex to set-up the Money Shot. Val scaled the top rope and then smiled down at Eddie before winking at the European Champ. That was enough for Eddie and sprang up, pushing Val from the top rope and into the guardrail.

Winner by disqualification: Val Venis

And the crowd fell silent as Val’s head thumped off the black barrier, knocking him out cold in a second. But Eddie wasn’t done there and dragged Venis back into the ring before allowing Chris Benoit to lock in the Crippler Crossface. Lita tried to save her man, but it was no use as Eddie held her back. That was until Chris Jericho stormed to the ring with his WWF Intercontinental Championship in hand. Eddie ducked the first swing from Jericho and slide from the ring before being followed by Chris Benoit. The Radicals retreated up the ramp in success as Jericho warned them off and Lita checked on her man.

3 - Following a brief promo hyping the feud between Kane and Triple H, finishing with Kane delivering the Chokeslam to Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley last week, “The Game” made his way to the ring with his wife in a neck brace. The D-Generation X leader described Kane as a thug and a bully for attacking his poor wife. Triple H continued to run Kane as a disgrace to all mankind before questioning if he is even a man. Hunter then demanded that Kane show himself and explain his actions but as HHH waited the arena lights went completely out and a loud, long “DONG!” rang out around the Worcester arena. The lights returned to find Kane standing on the stage. The Big Red Machine didn’t move except that he made a “cut-throat” motion towards Triple H before erupting the fires of hell around the ring.

4 - King of the Ring: Eddie Guerrero vs. Billy Gunn

We returned from the commercial break to find Billy Gunn on his way to the ring before being followed to the ring by European Champion, Eddie Guerrero. Jim Ross reminded fans that Billy Gunn was the King of the Ring last year, and was hoping to become the first back-to-back King in history while Jerry Lawler talked up the match as the biggest moment in Guerrero’s brief time with the World Wrestling Federation. And it was Eddie who appeared to adapt to the pressure the best as he started the match all guns blazing, even knocking Gunn from the ring with a vicious clothesline. Although the 1999 King did rally somewhat after being knocked from the ring, the impact of the fall on his neck was evident as Eddie seemed to focus his attack on Gunn’s shoulder, tying him up in what ever position he could. But once again, Billy rallied after ducking a clothesline and even seemed poised for the Fame-Asser only for Eddie to reverse it into an amazing sit-out Powerbomb. And that was enough, climbing to the top rope, Eddie flew off with a Diving Leg Drop onto Gunn’s throat to full affect his neck before picking up the three count to advance to the Final Four.

Winner by pinfall: Eddie Guerrero

And Eddie was safe to celebrate in the centre of the ring with WWF European Championship before motioning to the cameras that there is soon to be a crown on his head.

5 - Trish Stratus w/Test vs. Jacqueline w/The Godfather and the Ho Train

Following the “WWF - Don’t Try This At Home” video featuring the WWF superstars we are back to the ring for the third match of the evening as Trish Stratus takes on the first of The Godfather’s new Ho train, Jacqueline. Accompanied by the Pimp Daddy himself and a number of local beauties, Jacqueline looked very focused for the match and really went for Trish as soon as she stepped in the ring, tackling her to the crowd before pulling at her hair to really get her fired up. But Trish is not the kind of girl to lie down easy and she fought her little heart against Jacqueline but missed the Trish Kick; and that allowed Jacqueline the perfect chance for a surprise roll-up; grabbing a hold of Trish’s trousers to guarantee the three count.

Winner by pinfall: Jacqueline

Trish was far from happy as she rolled to the outside of the ring as Jacqueline was joined in the ring by The Godfather and the Ho train in the ring. Test and Trish retreated up the ramp, far from happy as the victors celebrated together with some very questionable dancing.

6 - Leaving the dancing very much in the ring, we are headed backstage to the beaming face of Todd Grisham. Todd welcomes everyone backstage before introducing ‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho to the cheering fans. And immediately Todd question Jericho about Sunday and King of the Ring. ‘Y2J’ however, cuts Todd off before he can finish the question. Jericho says that on Sunday night it will be the final chapter in the saga that is Chris Jericho versus Chris Benoit. Win, lose or draw Jericho admits that he never wants to see the constipated face of Chris Benoit for a long, long time. Jericho adds that he expects to leave King of the Ring as the WWF Intercontinental Champion but if the Gods of Wrestling are in a giving mood and feel like giving to the poor skilled among us, he will understand or just find someone to take it out on.

7 - Animal & Edge w/Hawk & Christian vs. Matt Hardy & Bubba Ray Dudley w/Jeff Hardy & D-Von Dudley

And Jericho’s decisive words were followed by one of the mist interesting matches to be made in the WWF for quite a while as one half of the four tag teams involving themselves with the WWF Tag Team Championships were partnered up for a tag team match that never really got going. The teams were in no mood to even think about trusting each other and that really showed in the action as no-one wanted to tag their partners and the only way Bubba Ray got into the match was by slapping Matt Hardy across the face. And of course, the four men on the outside of the ring didn’t really help. It’s almost as if Ted DiBiase knew that a brawl would erupt when he booked this match as everyone quickly grew fed up with the match and just started to brawl with each other. All eight men got into the ring at the same time and bodies started to fly.

Result due to Double Disqualification: No-Contest

Animal and Hawk tossed Jeff Hardy out of the ring before turning their attention to Matt while Edge and Christian teamed up on D-Von unaware that Bubba Ray was grabbing two tables from under the ring apron. The elder Dudley set both up in the ring but it was The Legion of Doom who used one first as they hit a spectacular Doomsday Device on Matt Hardy before Edge was dragged away from his brother. Bubba Ray lined Edge for a Bubba Bomb but Christian rescued his brother and E&C combined plant the Dudley through his own table with a double flapjack as the chaos was cleared by the late arriving arena security.

8 - The camera focused in on one of the broken tables with Matt Hardy’s limp body lying in the wreckage before heading backstage to Kevin Kelly who stood with Val Venis and Lita. The ladies man was all smiles as Kevin questioned him about the European Championship match on Thursday and whether it was a good idea to have such an important match mere days before the King of the Ring Final Four; but Val was adamant that it was the perfect decision. Venis and Lita said that in the past week they have proved that they have Eddie Guerrero’s number and know what they need to do to defeat him. So both said that come Thursday it would be a meagre three minutes or so before Venis captured the European Championship and then ploughed on towards the King of the Ring crown on Sunday. Lita added that they were preparing themselves for the most successful week of their sports-entertainment careers.

9 - King of the Ring: The Big Show vs. Kurt Angle

Leaving Val and Lita backstage to do whatever they do, we are returned to the ring for the final King of the Ring Quarter-Final as The Big Show makes his way to the ring to face the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle. And it was the seven foot former WWF Champion who started the stronger as he imposed his size on Angle from the beginning of the match as he remained standing no matter the direction in which Kurt threw himself at the behemoth. The Big show chuckled at all of Angle’s failed attempts to get him grounded and eventually lashed out, clonking Angle on the skull with his huge right hand before dragging him back to his feet only to head butt him to the mat. But things turned for the better for Angle as Albert stormed to the ring and slide in. Albert however, didn’t attack he just stood and stared straight into the eyes of The Big Show, who stared deathly back. Referee Jack Doan tried to usher Albert from the ring but he was a literal immovable force however Angle had tons of time to recover and see an opportunity, rolled The Big Show up. Jack Doan slide in to make the count and didn’t see the Angle had grabbed the second rope to make sure of the call.

Winner by pinfall: Kurt Angle

Angle quickly fled as “Gold Medal” played on the speakers. However, Albert didn’t budge. The Big Show roared to his feet in frustration to see Albert still in the same place, with his chest stuck out and The Big Show went immediately over. The two men stood nose-to-nose for a number of seconds and The Big Show who turned to leave first but as he did, he turned back smacking Albert on the jaw and flooring the young giant. The Big Show laughed as Albert rolled from the ring after the cheap shot, clearly not happy with The Big Show.

10 - And it was The Big Show’s grinning face that lead the camera backstage to receive the biggest cheer of the night as The Rock stood backstage with Todd Grisham. The People’s Champion announced that Mankind was stupider than he ever thought for picking Triple H as his partner before revealing he knew of two men that would be able to help take out the two sorry son-of-bitches that he was set to face in the main event, and one of those men was hit by a car in November so that left The Rock partnering with The Big Red Machine, Kane! The Rock warned Mankind that there were three men in the match that wanted him to be in a lot of pain and he should remember that.

11 - Pick Your Partner: Mankind & Triple H vs. The Rock & Kane

And the main event was next as Mankind and Triple H make their way to the ring and await their opponents. Kane is the first man out as the fires erupt around the ring before being followed by the People’s Champion but as the match gets underway it sclera that there are tensions in both teams. The Rock tries to start the match at the legal man but the imposing glare of Kane quickly nips that idea in the bud and The Big Red Machine starts against Mankind. The Co-WWF Champion tries to start strong but The Big Red Machine is in no mood to be nice and quickly gets myself in control of the smaller man, keeping him in the air with a chokehold for an absolute age before tossing him to the mat. And that allowed The Rock and Kane to dominate until Mankind lashed out with a vicious clothesline on The Rock to turn the tide. But as Mankind tagged in Triple H all hell broke loose as HHH and Mankind double-teamed The Rock before tossing him from the ring. But when they turned to take on Kane, Triple H snapped, kicking Mankind in the gut and laying him out with a Pedigree. Kane watched on as Triple H left the ring, with his eyes locked on Kane. Kane dropped to his knees and claimed the pinfall over Mankind for the victory for his team.

Winners by pinfall: Kane & The Rock

RAW is WAR drew to a close as Kane stood tall staring at Triple H who had backed his way up to the stage. The Rock was just about recovering at the side of the ring as Kane once again made his “cut-throat” motion to HHH before erupting the fires around the arena as the RAW logo appeared in the bottom corner of the screen.

Show Rating: 72%

*credit to Danny George for the banner*

Edited April 12, 2007 by Flat_Doughnut

[FireDoughnut]

Thursday 22nd June 2000

Taped live at the Centrum Centre, Worcester, Massachusetts

With only three days to go before King of the Ring, the Smackdown opening video were replaced with a long KotR promo highlighting all of the up-coming matches including of course, the Final Four of the King of the Ring tournament and the WWF Championship match between The Rock and Mankind. As the pyrotechnics exploded inside the arena, Jim Ross and Roddy Piper welcomed fans to the final Smackdown before King of the Ring, in a night where that final piece of momentum can be gained or lost ahead of the biggest night of the year.

1 – “can you take me HIGH-ER?!?”

The entrance music was different but as the Titan-tron highlighted the long career of Grand Master Sexay, the Worcester fans knew exactly who was on the way to the ring to open the final show before King of the Ring. The WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion swaggered to the ring where he had up until recently bounced and danced his way before stepping into the ring and taking a microphone from a stagehand.

Grand Master Sexay: Let me just explain some things… All week long I’ve been having people come to me and they are all asking, “Grand Master, why did you do it?” “Grand Master Sexay, you’re so sexy but why have you left Too Cool?” and “Scotty, how do you feel with Grand Master gone?” And you see it’s that last question that really bugs me. I’ve been a part of this business for ten years but it wasn’t until this week I realised how little I’ve achieved. When I walked to the ring, I always believed that with the backing of the fans I would be able to achieve anything. With the backing of the audience I believed that anything was possible; but when I won the WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship on the 29th May I soon realised that half of the fans weren’t able to tell Scotty and myself apart. Some fans looked at me confused when they saw me carrying this fine piece of gold with me; as though I wasn’t the holder of the belt. And this week has just continued it on. For too long I’ve been happy to be a side-show in the World Wrestling Federation. The fans enjoyed seeing me and I enjoyed their support but as soon as I was out of their sight, I was out of their mind… But that stops now.

There was a swelling in the crowd of boos.

Grand Master Sexay: It stops today. From now on I am going to make sure that people remember my name. I am going to take things to that higher level if I have too; but no matter I am going to do things for my own personal success.

The crowd booed GMS’s greedy attitude as he paced around the ring.

Grand Master Sexay: In five years no-one is going to remember Too Cool as those dancing freaks that were entertaining by achieved nothing. Everyone is going to remember Too Cool as the wake-up call for the great WWF Champion, “The Grand Master” Brian Christopher!

Brian’s re-introduction of himself got a few boos from the crowd but regardless, The Grand Master continued.

Brian Christopher: Here in starts the new chapter of my career; the successful chapter… The Gold-filled Chapter and it starts with this!

Using his free hand, Brian Christopher lifted the WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship high above his head.

Brian Christopher: I am going to bring honour and glory to this fine Championship after the disastrous reigns of Dean Malenko, Scotty 2 Hotty and…

Brian stopped a second to visibly shudder at the thought of his next sentence.

Brian Christopher: Gillberg…

Sections of the Centrum Centre crowd were heard to pop at the mention of Gillberg as Christopher continued.

Brian Christopher: The WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship will be considered the finest title belt of its kind in the world when I am done with it and tonight I’m going to take my first step upon proving that. Tonight, I am going to gain my first victory as I look to prove the WWF Light-Heavyweight Division is lead by the finest Light-Heavyweight in the world today. Right now in fact, I will face a massive test in the form of…

“TURN IT UP!”

Having listened to “The Grand Master” Brian Christopher for a few minutes, the crowd were ready to cheer for anyone who interrupted him but that was simply amplified as Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty stepped onto the stage. On Chimel introduced Brian Christopher’s opponents to be Rikishi as the two Too Cool members headed for the ring.

2 – “The Grand Master” Brian Christopher vs. Rikishi w/Scotty 2 Hotty

Brian Christopher stood ready and waiting as Rikishi scaled the steel steps and entered through the middle and top ropes. The bell rang out Rikishi stood still and simply stared straight at his former friend; who possessed the smuggest grin known to man. “The Grand Master” bounced on his ready like a boxer as he approached the slow moving Rikishi as the two men began to circle each other around the ring with Rikishi lunging forward, grabbing Brian by the shoulders. Trying to out-muscle Rikishi was totally out of the question of the Light-Heavyweight Champion and he was quickly thrown to the mat with Rikishi following close behind. Christopher sprang to his feet and immediately threw a right hand at Rikishi but the advancing big man laughed it off before hitting “The Grand Master” with a vicious jab to the jaw that saw him bounce back off the ropes into the waiting arms of the big Samoan, who was more than happy to drop Brian with a falling bodyslam that saw Rikishi’s body crushing “The Grand Master” to the mat. 1 – 2 – Kick-out!

Rikishi looked a tad disappointed that Brian had kicked out but quickly shrugged it off and went on the offensive again, dragging the WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion to his feet before dropping him with a short-arm clothesline before taking advantage of Christopher’s immediate inability to stand up Rikishi by “hopping” into the air and sinking his right leg on The Grand Master’s throat. Rikishi then rolled forward onto Christopher, hooking his right leg. 1 – 2 – Kick-out!

Rikishi again looked a little displeased but climbed to his feet with the beating support of Scotty 2 Hotty on the outside of the ring. Rikishi took a few seconds to pace around the ring and join Scotty 2 Hotty in trying to lift the fans attention as Brian Christopher struggled to his feet in the corner. After a number of above head claps, Rikishi decided to return his attention to his opponent and trundled towards The Grand Master who was still in the corner. Managing to move at the last second, Brian Christopher allowed Rikishi to smack straight into an exposed turnbuckle. Rikishi stumbled out of the corner due to the impact and the grinning Light-Heavyweight Champion tossed the turnbuckle cover from the ring before rushing Rikishi with a Bulldog. Rikishi’s face planted the canvas as Brian Christopher scaled to the top rope. The crowd booed as The Grand Master prepared himself for the Hip Hop Drop; only for Rikishi to get onto one knee and then stand straight up. Filled with panic and in complete desperation, Christopher sprang off the top rope with a missile dropkick, catching Rikishi square in the chest before scrambling onto his torso for the cover. 1 – 2 – Rikishi thinks not!

The mammoth Samoan threw the Light-Heavyweight clean off his body and about five feet away as he broke up the pin; and it was Rikishi who stood up first but as he ran at Christopher he played into his hands one again as he dropped to one knee and delivered a stiff kick to Rikishi’s knees that sent him tumbling onto the bottom rope. It appeared as though Rikishi had choked himself as he fell and The Grand Master took full advantage as he jumped to the top rope. With Rikishi’s head dangling on the bottom rope, Brian Christopher sprang to the outside of the ring, landing the Hip Hop Drop on Rikishi and choking him even further.

Rikishi immediately jerked into the ring and began coughing and spluttering as Brian Christopher dared Scotty 2 Hotty to attack him. Scotty resisted as he was more concerned with Rikishi who was clearly struggling in the ring and that was the perfect opportunity for Brian Christopher to pounce. Scaling the ropes again, the WWF Light-Heavyweight Champion lined up Rikishi before landing his second Hip Hop Leg Drop before diving onto the big man’s hue torso. 1 – 2 – 3!

Winner by pinfall: "The Grand Master" Brian Christopher

“Higher” by Creed erupted onto the speakers as footage was replayed of Brian Christopher holding the bottom rope during the pin to make sure of the victory but when the picture returned to the ring it didn’t show Christopher celebrating his victory but Scotty 2 Hotty stomping a hole in his former partner’s torso in the corner. Rikishi recovered on the mat as S2H dragged The Grand Master into the centre of the ring and signalled for The Worm. Standing to his feet, Rikishi stumbled towards Brian Christopher and made things a little easier by dropping his huge 400-pound frame on Christopher’s chest. Pinning The Grand Master to the mat, he was a lying duck for Scotty’s Worm as the crowd enjoyed every moment of it up until he dropped the right arm on the man he will challenge on Sunday. “Turn it up” replaced “Higher” on the speakers as Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi left, feeling almost victorious.

3 – Heading backstage following the commercial break, the camera opened in the locker room of a superstar who hasn’t been seen in a couple of weeks as Ivory was going through some stretches, presumably in a pre-match routine when there was a knock at the door. Looking a little cautious Ivory went to the door but didn’t open.

Ivory: Who is it?

There was silence for a second.

“It’s Trish. Can I come in?”

Ivory thought for a moment, quickly remembering that the last person she wrestled was Trish Stratus before The Godfather attacked both workers, before deciding she may as well let her in.

Ivory: Yeah, hold on.

Ivory fiddled with the two locks on the door but it was quickly open and Ivory opened it fully to allow Trish Stratus into the room, who was quickly followed by Test. Trish was all smiles while Test seemed his usual all-business self.

Trish Stratus: So, how’s your neck?

Ivory: It’s alright. The Godfather’s chair shot was vicious so tonight, I’m going to exact my revenge against him by taking out his prized fighter. I want to teach him that the current WWF Women’s roster is excellent.

Trish Stratus: Yeah, I totally agree. And that’s why we are here. On RAW, I took on Jacqueline and-

Ivory: -lost.

Trish Stratus: Yeah. I lost. But during that match The Godfather and his Ho train showed that they are willing to do anything to win, even if that mean’s cheating.

Test: So, we’re here to let you know that we will back you up if you want.

Ivory turned from the Canadian couple and sat down on the bench.

Ivory: Thanks for the offers guys… but I want to beat her by myself. I need to do it alone to prove myself to The Godfather and to Ted DiBiase so that I can get the Women’s Championship from Stephanie McMahon.

Trish nodded.

Trish Stratus: Okay, I understand. Of course you realise I’m the next Women’s Champion…

Ivory looked up at Trish, ready to rumble however the situation was quickly diffused as Test stepped in between the two WWF divas with Trish adding.

Trish Stratus: Anyway, be warned Jacqueline is big and strong. She knows what she is doing in the ring and is very happy being one sneaky Ho!

Ivory nodded, taking in Trish’s advice for what it was worth; clearly not happy with Trish’s previous comment.

Trish Stratus: Wait… Will she take being called a “Ho” as a compliment?

Ivory shrugged in confusion as Trish and Test turned to leave the room.

Test: Good luck for the match.

Ivory nodded her thanks for the kind wishes before closing the door behind the Canadian duo as the camera headed back to the ring.

4 – Hawk vs. D-Von Dudley vs. Christian vs. Jeff Hardy

And heading back to the ring, Jim Ross and Roddy Piper welcomed us to the follow match after Monday night’s four team brawl. J.R. reminded the fans with the help of a video replay of the eight man brawl that had ended the mix-matched tag team match on RAW is WAR and then confirmed the Fatal Four-Way that the Million Dollar Commissioner had booked as a follow-up with the other members of team competing and their partners banned from ringside.

And the match started strongly with those with matching styles, pairing off and battling each other. D-Von Dudley focused his attention on Hawk of the Legion of Doom while Christian and Jeff Hardy excited fans in the centre of the ring with a number of cruiserweight moves before Jeff sat down on a roll-up attempt for a two count!

That seemed to bring everyone back together as a brawling four with no-one ready to let the other’s out of their grasp in case of a quick count for the victory so the momentum switched a number of times as D-Von forced all three to the mat with strong right hands only for attacks from different fronts becoming too much to handle. D-Von was caught in a bulldog from behind by Christian, who climbed to his feet to be met with Hawk and the two men started throwing right fists at each other. Christian was severely losing the brawling match when Jeff Hardy sprang from the top rope, taking out both men with a flying splash before remaining on top of Christian and hooking the leg. 1 – 2 – Broken pin as D-Von drags Hardy away!

D-Von lifted Jeff to his feet after the near-fall and whipped him into the ropes but Hardy rebounded off the ropes, springing into the air with a diving lariat only to be thumped to the mat in a sit-out facebuster by D-Von. Dudley rolled Hardy onto his back and hooked his left leg. 1 – 2 – D-Von was dragged off Hardy by Hawk!

Hawk pulled D-Von to his feet and the two men started to once again throw right hands at each other. The exchange was fair as both men tried to over-power the other and after blocking a punch from D-Von, Hawk was on the ascendancy, forcing D-Von into the ropes before whipping him across the ring. D-Von returned into the Legend’s waiting arms and was dropped to the mat with a ferocious spinebuster. Hawk then climbed to his feet and let a huge roar, but as Hawk got the crowd growing he was whipped to the mat in a school boy while Jimmy Korderas slide to the mat. Jeff Hardy squashed Hawk to the mat, grabbing some tights for extra leverage as Korderas counted the 1 – 2 – 3 to give the victory to the WWF Tag Team Champion.

Winner by pinfall: Jeff Hardy

But as Hardy’s music played it was clear the Tag Team Champion was in no mood to stick around. After stealing the win he was very quick backing up the ramp with his Championship above his head as Hawk, D-Von Dudley and Christian all looked very unhappy in the ring, with themselves and each other.

5 – Heading backstage the camera opened on WWF Hardcore Champion, Tazz walking down the corridor. The “King of Extreme” got a pretty mixed reaction from the audience inside the arena as Tazz walked, but as he walked a mass of black and gold flashed across the hall diving from one room to another.

Sensing something was different Tazz stopped and looked behind him. There was nothing to see so he shrugged and kept walking. As Tazz turned and kept walking, Goldust appeared out of the room that he had previously dived into. The crowd in the arena could be heard cheering for the strange Golden One but Tazz continued to walk; well at least for ten yards or so. But as Tazz turned around he was rushed by Goldust who caught him on the skull with a black cane. Tazz stumbled backwards into the wall before bumping forward into a second cane shot. The Hardcore Champion crumbled to the crowd as Goldust scooped up the Hardcore Championship belt into his arms.

Goldust: When I win you, I’m going to shine you up real nice. You’ll sparkle!

His face was all smiles as he draped the Hardcore Championship over Tazz, and turned to leave.

Goldust: See you Sunday!

Tazz was coming to, as Goldust paced away, his elaborate coat swaying behind him, with the camera switching to a King of the Ring promo video for the King of the Ring Tournament highlight Kurt Angle, Test and the two men set to compete next, Eddie Guerrero and Val Venis.

6 – WWF European Championship: Eddie Guerrero © w/Perry Saturn vs. Val Venis w/Lita

And as Eddie Guerrero made his way to the ring first, Jim Ross and Roddy Piper discussed the possibility that Val Venis may face off with Eddie Guerrero in the final of the King of the Ring/ Both agreed it was a possibility how Roddy did say he fancied Test to win overall while Jim Ross said he wasn’t looking past the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle as the next King of the Ring but as the match got underway for the WWF European Championship it was clear that both men were competing in the moment as Val lunged at Eddie straight from the bell, tackling him to the ground and delivering a number of unreturned right hands. Before dragging him to his feet and sending a knee into the midsection, Eddie was doubled over and a clubbed right hand to the back sent the Champion to the mat and Val followed for the first cover of the night. 1 – Kick-out!

But Eddie wasn’t even going to be polite and let Venis have a two count as he almost immediately kicked-out and rolled away. Standing up, the two men circled each other before Eddie raised his right hand up in the air, challenging Val to a test of strength but as Val looked to interlock his fingers in Eddie’s right hand, the European Champ swung his left as the unprotected jaw of Venis to take the momentum before whipping him across the ring and taking him down with a dropkick. Hitting the mat hard, Eddie scrambled, not wasting a second and applied a sleeper hold before adding a body scissors around the challenger.

Val tried to wriggle free but Eddie was unrelenting with the move that he had locked in, in the centre of the ring and Venis began to fade mere minutes into the match. He was supported by Lita who never seemed to stop thumping the mat but Eddie looked very comfortable with the submission hold locked in as he began to lean back and bridge the move, furthering increasing it’s effect but as Teddy Long tried to drop Val’s left arm he stayed in the air. The whole crowd swelled as Eddie’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as Val Venis swung his right hand over his own head and caught Guerrero between the eyes. The European Champion immediately released the hold and Val scuttled away towards Lita to catch his breath. The whole Worcester crowd were behind Venis as he stood to his feet and awaited the next attack from Guerrero. Val spent the time catching his breath before running at Eddie with a powerful shoulder charge that knocked him into the corner and after a few stiff right hands; Val hoisted Eddie onto the top rope before crashing him back down again with a sickening superplex.

Reacting slightly sheepishly, Val draped an arm over Eddie… but there was no count as referee Teddy Long was distracted by Perry Saturn on the ring apron. Saturn was complaining that Venis was cheating and that simply caused to draw Val into the argument allowing Guerrero time to recover.

But as Eddie recovered his quickly positioned himself behind Venis, waiting for the argument to finish so that he could hit the Three Amigos but Eddie was attacked as Lita jumped off the top rope with a picture perfect Lita-canrana. Guerrero was left out cold as Val Venis to see Lita standing proudly over Eddie. Teddy Long has no grounds to prove Lita’s interference and allowed the match to carry on as Val climbed to the top rope. As Val signalled for the Money Shot, Lita made sure of things by dropkicking Perry Saturn off the apron. Venis crashed on top of Guerrero and hooked the leg as Lita jumped up and down in excitement.

Winner by pinfall and the new WWF European Champion: Val Venis

“Love Machine” played on the speakers as Val Venis clutched the WWF European Championship close to his heart. Venis climbed to his feet and hugged Lita as the WWF’s hottest couple shared a passionate embrace as J.R. said that right there in that very ring we may be looking at the King of the Ring.

7 – But the thought did not have to long to sit with the viewers of Smackdown as Roddy Piper directs us backstage to Jonathan Coachman who is standing in front of the typical Smackdown interview point that has a huge King of the Ring poster in the background.

Jonathan Coachman: Thanks Roddy. My name is Jonathan Coachman and I am here with Kurt Angle.

Coachman turns from looking straight down the camera to facing to his right and the camera pans slightly left to reveal Kurt Angle standing to the side of Jonathan.

Jonathan Coachman: Kurt, you are only two victories from becoming the King of the Ring. Just two victories from being the first man of the new Millennium to wear that crown, how are you feeling?

Kurt Angle: I think I’d be lying to you if I said I was treating it as just another day as a World Wrestling Federation. The best way to sum the King of the Ring up is to simply down through the previous winners of the crown, and those men have gone on to achieve in the World Wrestling Federation and around the world. King of the Ring separates the men from the boys, the strong from the weak, and the smart from the dumb. It is the place where legends begin and when I, Kurt Angle become the 2000 King of the Ring it will force everyone in the World Wrestling Federation to realise that I am the finest wrestler in the world today.

Jonathan Coachman: But Kurt, you’ve just watched Val Venis capture the WWF European Championship just three days before the King of the Ring Pay-Per-View. Surely that is a huge lift for anyone ahead of a night like King of the Ring…

Kurt nods.

Kurt Angle: Absolutely…

But as Kurt continues to nod, he puts his finger up to his eye.

Kurt Angle: Sorry, Jonathan. Hold on… just a sec…

Kurt nods once again as though receiving instructions in his ear.

Kurt Angle: You see, it would be a huge lift for Val Venis, but it is disastrous for Europe. I have just received word from the World News Agency in Paris, France… That’s the Europe. I’ve just received word that civil war has broken out in parts of the European continent because Val Venis is the new Champion. You see, when Kurt Angle was the WWF European Champion the economy rose, tourism rose and the overall happiness around the European Continent was strong but now… mere seconds after Val Venis assumes the belt and the place is falling apart.

Jonathan Coachman: But Kurt… That has nothing to do with the King of the Ring tournament!?!

Kurt Angle: It has everything to do with the King of the Ring tournament. How is Val Venis going to live with himself knowing he is the man responsible for Europe’s implosion? Val Venis will be so distracted with the problems in Europe that I know I will be able to advance to the King of the Ring Finals, because to go along with Val’s immediate distractions. I have on ultimate advantage over him. I’m the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist. I know what it is to compete for the grandest prize of them all. I know what it is to be so close you can almost taste victory but still capable of making sure. My name is Kurt Angle and I will become the King of the Ring… It’s true… It’s damn true!

Angle stared straight into the soul of the camera to end the interview as the picture stayed with his menacing face for a number of seconds before fading into a promotional piece for the next match of the evening.

8 – And Ivory was the first woman to the ring as the promotional video ended as she was walking to the bottom of the ramp before her music was cut-off by the unmistakable…

“Godfather's in the house… Grab yo' bitches”

The Godfather’s “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy” hit the speakers to a very mixed reaction from the crowd. Lead out by some of Worcester’s finest, The Godfather hit the stage before welcoming out his prized superstar, Jacqueline. With the Ho train leading the way, The Godfather and Jacqueline followed with the former Women’s Champion entering the ring to get the match underway.

Ivory vs. Jacqueline w/The Godfather and the Ho train

But it was Ivory who struck first, sprinting across the ring to slap the taste right out of Jacqueline’s mouth before taking her down to the mat with an arm drag after ducking Jacqueline’s retaliation attempts. Rolling away from the arm drag, Ivory quickly straddled Jacqueline and grabbing her chin started to pull back in a ferocious chinlock much to the displeasure of The Godfather who was having a tough time keeping his Hos away from the local riffraff in the front rows of the arena. But Jacqueline was able to power out of Ivory’s hold and actually climbed to her feet with Ivory still straddling her back.

Ivory, knowing that something was wrong, simply clung on for dear life but was tossed over Jacqueline’s shoulder to the mat before being kicked in the back with a baseball slide as Jacqueline turned the early advantage around. Ivory struggled to her feet after the huge toss she had just suffered but turned into the arms of Jacqueline who whipped her across the ring. However, Ivory didn’t return. As she rebounded off the ropes, The Godfather grabbed her ankles and she went face-first into the canvas, much to the delight of the Ho train.

Ivory again struggled to her feet but managed to avoid the advancing Jacqueline and instead of receiving a clothesline was able to drive an elbow into Jacqueline’s ribs before driving her right knee into the Ho’s right shoulder. That sent Jacqueline crashing to the mat, with Ivory dropping to her knees soon after and pushing her shoulders to the mat. 1 – 2 – Kick-out!

Jacqueline threw her right shoulder up to stop the pinfall but it was clear that in doing so she hurt where Ivory had just kneed. Jacqueline struggled up as Ivory waited for her stand before whipping her across the ring and as Jacqueline, Ivory kicked her in the groin, ready to plant her with Poison Ivory but somehow Jacqueline kept her hair out of the way and Ivory simply landed on her backside.

Jacqueline immediately dived at Ivory rolling her onto her head and shoulders with an elevated pin. Referee Mike Chioda slide into position and thumped the mat.

1 – Jacqueline reached out and grabbed a hold of the top rope – 2- As she stood to make sure Ivory stayed down – 3!!!

Winner by pinfall: Jacqueline

“Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy” immediately hit as Jacqueline sprang into the air in celebration. The Godfather was quickly into the ring as Ivory cornered Mike Chioda about the pinfall but Mike could only protest his innocence as the Ho train celebrated back-to-back victories. The Ho train danced with The Godfather as the screen cut into another promotional video for King of the Ring.

9 – And as the hype video for the final showdown between Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho for some time ends, we are greeted with the sight of Chris Benoit heading to the ring. “The Crippler” is decked out in wrestling gear despite J.R. and Roddy Piper noting that Benoit is not scheduled for a match this evening. Chris slides into the ring and takes a microphone from a ring-hand before turning to the crowd.

Chris Benoit: You should all know I’m a nice person. I’m a nice guy.

Benoit’s opening words caused a swelling in the crowd and Benoit stopped to allow the moment of disapproval to end before appealing the crowd’s reaction.

Chris Benoit: It’s true. I really am a nice guy. I’m such a nice guy I’m out here for your benefit. I’m out here to make sure none of the World Wrestling Federation’s fans are hard done by this Sunday.

There was a sense of puzzlement echoing around the arena, and even with Jim Ross and Roddy Piper at the announce table.

Chris Benoit: You see I’m out here to warn all of you about the disappointment that will be the King of the Ring Pay-Per-View.

There was a collective “What?” from every single person that saw Chris Benoit say what he just said.

Chris Benoit: I’m such a nice person that I’m out here to tell the fans of the WWF that are expecting a battle between Chris Jericho and I to save their money. On Sunday night, I am going to rip straight through Chris Jericho so badly that there will only be seven sounds… The three bells to open to the match… The sound of Jericho’s neck snapping… And the three bells to end the match.

Benoit grinned as the crowd’s booing intensified.

Chris Benoit: But then, when I was sitting backstage, thinking about how I would break this news to you I decided that I needed to treat you guys to something special to say sorry… I needed to come up with something that would make up for the let-down that will be the WWF Intercontinental Championship match this Sunday at King of the Ring, so I have special challenge match for all of you. Tonight, I, Chris Benoit will take on Chris Jericho’s twin brother… Chris with a K, Kris Ramallah!

"C'mon, you know I got ya… BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!"

Jericho’s entrance theme hit the speakers as Kris Ramallah’s entrance video planned on the Titantron. The video was basically all the times that Benoit has gotten the better of Jericho or hit a move on him. By the way, for the uneducated Roddy Piper informed us all that Ramallah, like Jericho is a city near the Jordan river in the Middle-East so Roddy quickly speculated that this was a set-up by The Radicals.

But as Kris Ramallah appeared no-one was buying his relationship to Jericho as Perry Saturn strolled to the ring wearing a blonde wig and a foil covered piece of cardboard posing as a Championship belt.

Ramallah slide into the ring as “referee” Dean Malenko hopped over the guardrail wearing a referee’s shirt. Malenko called for the bell but as it rang Benoit went straight at Ramallah and dragged him to the mat. As soon as Benoit had Ramallah on the mat, he started tapping even before the Crossface was locked in and immediately Dean Malenko called for the bell, even making Tony Chimel announce Benoit as the winner. Benoit stood with his arms raised in the centre of the ring before taking the microphone in his arms.

Chris Benoit: Oh well, there ya go! It turns out sucking runs in the family. Look…

Benoit pointed down at the “broken” body of Kris Ramallah.

Chris Benoit: I’ve broken him in half in less than ten seconds.

“The Crippler” shrugged.

Chris Benoit: Oh well. I wouldn’t expect any less on Sunday when I destr-

"C'mon, you know I got ya… BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!"

This time it was for real as Chris Jericho sprinted out of the entrance way with the WWF Intercontinental Championship in-hand. ‘Y2J’ slide straight into the ring but was greeted by… no-one as Benoit, Malenko, and Saturn/Ramallah quickly fled, backing up the ramp way as the furious Intercontinental Champion tried to beckon them back to the ring. Benoit ended the moment by motioning that he wanted a piece of Gold around his waist, to which Jim Ross speculated that he was referring to the WWF Intercontinental Championship… genius.

10 – And the camera left the furious Chris Jericho to instead head backstage to the grinning sight of Todd Grisham, who was in front of the set that Jonathan Coachman had previously interviewed Kurt Angle.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please show your appreciation for the Co-World Wrestling Federation Champion… The People’s Champion… The Rock!

You can only guess what the reaction of the Worcester Centrum Centre was they absolutely raised the roof at the sight of The Rock standing next to Todd.

Todd Grisham: Now Rock, this Sunday at King of the-

Todd glanced up from his question and stopped as The Rock stared blankly at Todd; before grabbing the top of the microphone and directing it closer to his mouth.

The Rock: FINALLY… THE ROCK… HAS COME BACK… TO WWWOOOORRRRRR-CHIS-CHAS-CHES-TTEEERRRRR!!! And ladies and gentlemen, The Rock is enjoying his time here… The Rock is really settling into the Massachusetts way of living… So much so that The Rock is thinking of making Massachusetts his second home…

The statement caused a brief pop in the arena with the fans but not enough for The Rock to break his stride.

The Rock: Because on Sunday, at King of the Ring; which is being staged in this fine state… The Rock will finally remove the title of WWF Champion from Mankind… The Rock has had enough of sharing top billing with Mankind and this Sunday, The Rock is going to layeth the smack down on Mankind so hard he’s going to go into retirement for the second time this year!

The Rock took a quick breath before continuing.

The Rock: This Sunday there will only be one man climbing that cage and it won’t be the fat ass soft-core “leg-end”… No no… It will be The Rock… Because when The Rock walks into King of the Ring and strolls to the ring, he knows that that match is already won… Mankind will see the cage come down… He will hear the huge start to my music… And he will see the millions…

Crowd: AND MILLIONS!!!

The Rock: …of The Rock’s fans screaming their lungs off and Mankind is going to be so afraid he'll discover a real use for “Mr. Socko.” Mankind will hear the reaction that The Rock receives and he’ll think, “Oh my God! I’m about to go one-on-one with The Great One and I’m locked in a cage!” And right there and then, he’ll know that no amount of soft-core experience will help him as I unleash the MOST ELECTRYIFYING MOVE IN SPRTS ENTERTAINMENT BEFORE CLIMBING THE CAGE! THIS SUNDAY… THE ROCK IS NOT GOING HOME WITHOUT HIS WWF CHAMPIONSHIP! IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLALALLALALALALLLALALALAALLALA... WHAT THE ROCK... IS COOKIN'

The interview came to a close as The Rock stared down the camera with the People’s Eyebrow perfectly on show; as the camera headed back to the ring for the night’s main event.

11 – Returning to ringside, Mankind is on his way to the ring with the WWF Championship over his shoulder, looking very confident about the main event with Test. The match itself seems rather random however Jim Ross explains that following RAW on Monday night; Mankind said he needed a test before King of the Ring so Ted DiBiase gave him exactly that… Test.

"Test… THIS IS A TEST!"

The booming entrance theme of Test plays as Test and Trish head for the ring in what Roddy Piper believes is a chance for Test to push himself up the card with a victory over one of the WWF Champions.

Test w/Trish Stratus vs. Mankind

And when the bell goes it is Test who takes the advantage from the early trading of punches by sending Mankind across the ring before hoisting him into a stalling sidewalk slam and attempting an early cover. 1 – Kick-out!

Mankind confidently kicks out and is warned by Jim Ross that it will take more than one power move to keep Mankind down as Test stands to his feet, stalking Mankind who quickly stands as well but is sent to the mat after Test tries to behead him with a clothesline before attempting another cover for a one count. Seeming a little frustrated after only a couple of moves, Test drags Mankind to his feet and send him across the ring again. As Mankind rebounds, Test swings wildly again for another clothesline but Mankind ducks underneath before hitting the off-balance Test with a DDT before rolling onto his chest and delivering a number of punches to the King of the Ring competitor. Test tries to block the punches before eventually pushing Mankind away from him and rolling away.

The two met in the centre of the ring and began to trade blows but as they did a rumbling in the crowd started as X-Pac, Road Dogg and Triple H hopped the guardrail. The three members of D-Generation X each took a side of the ring and proceeded to distract Test and Mankind, before eventually demanding the attention of Earl Hebner who went to rid the ringside of Triple H. That allowed X-Pac and Road Dogg the perfect time to attack and both men attacked both men in the ring. Mankind received a spinning heel kick from X-Pac as Road Dogg hit a multitude of punches on Test before allowing X-Pac to take him out with the X-Factor.

Turning around Earl Hebner was faced with down men down and out and three grinning members of D-Generation X but as Mankind draped one arm over Test, the pinfall was counted. 1 – 2 – 3!!!

Winner by pinfall: Mankind

Much to the dismay of Trish Stratus, D-Generation X had “helped” Mankind to victory but the action didn’t end there as the locker room seemed to empty. Kurt Angle attacked Test before being followed by Eddie Guerrero and Val Venis, who was followed by Lita. That meant Lita and Trish got into a scuffle with each other as Road Dogg, X-Pac and Triple H brawled with everyone they could.

But the lights went out; and three girls once again appeared on the Titantron.

As I lay me down to sleep,

I pray my soul is mine to keep,

And never step outside this bed,

For all the evil,

All the evil back from the dead…

HE WILL BE THERE

ARE YOU READY?

The image of The Undertaker appeared on the Titantron as the question rang in the air and the whole Centrum Centre erupted in cheers for the Deadman. And as the lights returned to the arena, the fans exploded in cheers again as Triple H was dangling seven feet in the air, held only by Kane’s right hand. The Big Red Machine had laid waste to everyone in the ring as bodies lay around him and Smackdown went off the air as Kane choke-slammed Triple H in the centre of the ring. Jim Ross and Roddy Piper signed off by reminding us all to tune on Sunday for the return of The Undertaker, Kane versus Triple and The Rock versus Mankind! Plus the NEW King of the Ring!

Show Rating: 76%

Edited April 18, 2007 by TheWorldIsFlat

[FireDoughnut]

King of the Ring

Sunday 25th June 2000

Fleet Centre, Boston, Massachusetts

Prediction Time

WWF Championship – Steel Cage Match

Mankind © vs. The Rock ©

Best friends that turned enemies over the right to be called the World Wrestling Federation Champion will finally face-off and only one man can win the match. Mankind walked out of Wrestlemania as the WWF Champion and into retirement but made a shocking return at Backlash when The Rock was confirmed as his successor after coming through the free-for-all elimination tournament. Now, two months later we are guaranteed a winner. Two Champions will become one, but who will succeed? The People’s Champion or the Hardcore Legend?

Number #1 Contender

“The Game” Triple H w/Stephanie McMahon vs. “The Big Red Machine” Kane

Triple H felt he had done enough at Judgement Day to warrant being named the number one contender to the WWF Championship however Ted DiBiase informed him he did not compete within the rules and has been forced to compete for that right against The Big Red Machine. And it seems the tension between the two has grown from there and with Kane chokeslamming The Game and his wife on the two shows this week, things will get ugly in this match.

King of the Ring Finals

(Test vs. Eddie Guerrero) vs. (Kurt Angle vs. Val Venis)

This is the night that will define the career of one of the four men remaining in the King of the Ring. All four have proven themselves on the way to Boston but only one of the four will end up as the first King of the Ring of the new Millennium; but the question remains; will be it the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist. Kurt Angle, the former WWF European Champion, Eddie Guerrero, the NEW WWF European Champion, Val Venis or The Self-Proclaimed Impact Player, Test?

WWF Intercontinental Championship

“Y2J” Chris Jericho © vs. “The Crippler” Chris Benoit

We finally have a winner between these two men as they face off for the third time in three months with the World Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Championship on the line. Benoit won the belt at Backlash before losing it at Judgement Day and he wants it back. While Jericho proved himself in his eyes as the superior wrestler, it will all come down to the third battle to truly decide the outcome between two men that no will doubt clash in the future of the WWF Championship.

WWF Tag Team Championships

The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) © vs. Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk)

The two self-proclaimed greatest tag teams to ever grace the WWF ring will face off for the epitome of tag team wrestling Gold. The Hardy Boys have turned on the fans as of late, claiming that they are willing to do anything and everything to get to the top of the WWF tag ranks; and with that they have been given the challenge of the returning Legion of Doom; who themselves are on a quest… To prove that the tag team ranks of a few years ago were much stronger than they are now.

Number #1 Contendership

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. Edge & Christian

And then we have the two other teams in the tag division. Defeated Champions at Backlash, Edge and Christian have been waiting to pick the moment for their WWF Tag Team Championship shot, and they believed after King of the Ring was that time, but of course, The Dudley Boys want to return the WWF Tag Gold to their own waists and so we have, what has turned into a grudge match. The two teams don’t like each other; they haven’t since The Dudley Boys debuted in the WWF and things will only get worse as the right to being the #1 contenders to the Tag Team Gold is put on offer as they clash at King of the Ring.

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

“The Grand Master” Brian Christopher © vs. Scotty 2 Hotty w/Rikishi

A number of great wrestlers can go un-noticed in the World Wrestling Federation due to the sheer volumes of talent that come through the doors, but the artist formerly known as Grand Master Sexay has vowed to not let himself become one of those “lost” wrestlers. Reinventing himself as “The Grand Master” of Light-Heavyweight wrestling Brian Christopher is ready to ascend to the top of the WWF ranks, without his best friend and resident “circus side-show” Scotty 2 Hotty. On Sunday night we will see a battle from two men that know everything there is to know about their opponents and that can only mean, potentially, the tightest and most competitive match of the night.

The Big Show vs. Albert

This match was brewed out of a jealous rivalry started by Albert. The rookie sees himself as the future of the World Wrestling Federation, and while The Big Show may have some years left in him, he is getting in the way of Albert’s rise to the top. There is only room for so-many dominant monsters in the WWF so expect things to get ugly as the new breed wrestlers tries to overpower the man that has been around the block a few times.

WWF Hardcore Championship

Tazz © vs. Goldust

Only in the World Wrestling Federation would calling yourself the most “extreme man around” get you into trouble; but when Tazz said it, it did. Goldust did not take kindly to Tazz’s words and after giving Tazz a chance to say sorry for his word, vowed to take the WWF Hardcore Championship from him, one way or another. Chris Benoit and The big Show failed at the command of Goldust, but now the man himself will have a go as he looks to truly establish as the most “extreme man” in the WWF.

Plus, the return of The Undertaker... But which match will he get involved with?

Predictions are welcome, and for a bonus point try to prediact which match 'Taker will get involved in. There is a prize... But I'll only tell the winner.

[Downward Spiral]

Finally got the chance to get caught up with this after some time away. In the main I think things are progressing nicely, leadin up to a nice King of the Ring card. I also like the new layout you've got, although I think bolding the end of every paragraph is perhaps a little distracting. In addition, your news feeds are completely confusing me. I know they're meant to be dirtsheet pages essentially but it seems like every other week they're contradicting themselves. It's getting to be a little confusing, rather than making what does happen unpredictable. Aside from those two gripes, however, I'm finding that everything seems to be going quite well and I'm looking forward to seeing what you produce at KOTR

King of the Ring

Sunday 25th June 2000

Fleet Centre, Boston, Massachusetts

Prediction Time

WWF Championship – Steel Cage Match

Mankind © vs. The Rock ©

I think it's time that The Rock finally took the title and let Mick finally retire. I expect some big bumps in this one and I really look forward to seeing how it pans out.

Number #1 Contender

“The Game” Triple H w/Stephanie McMahon vs. “The Big Red Machine” Kane

The poem has been accompanying Kane's matches as of late it seems, and I think this wil be the match when the deadman makes his return, causing some chaos among D-X.

King of the Ring Finals

(Test vs. Eddie Guerrero) vs. (Kurt Angle vs. Val Venis)

Winners of first matches: Test and Kurt Angle

Overall winner: Kurt Angle

For me, this is a no-brainer. Angle needs to cap off a phenomenal debut year by taking KOTR. Test may be in line for a big push, but no way should he go over Angle for this one.

WWF Intercontinental Championship

“Y2J” Chris Jericho © vs. “The Crippler” Chris Benoit

Whilst I enjoyed the first steps inthis feud, I think it's about time it ended and both men moved on to other things. Honestly it's going to be hard to pick a winner I think but I'd like Jericho to prevail.

WWF Tag Team Championships

The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) © vs. Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk)

Heel run for the Hardys eh? Interesting decision, but not one that makes an awful lot f sense to me after their huge victory at Judgement day. I'd have prefereed it if you'd kept them face and built up an all-face match just for the atmosphere it would create. Since the Hardyz have just turned heel, they deserve to keep the belts.

Number #1 Contendership

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. Edge & Christian

Difficult one to call again, but I'm going with the Dudleyz, Edge and Christian could benefit a lot more from a programme with the LOD I feel.

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

“The Grand Master” Brian Christopher © vs. Scotty 2 Hotty w/Rikishi

"The Grand Master" is going over here, enough said. For him to lose would be to completely undrmine his character and the huge (and quite frankly, highly unlikely victory) he pulled off against Kishi.

The Big Show vs. Albert

Go on, give Albert the rub, I dare you

WWF Hardcore Championship

Tazz © vs. Goldust

Something about Goldust a) beating Tazz and b) being Hardcore champion just seems to utterly wrong. Do it.

Plus, the return of The Undertaker... But which match will he get involved with? Triple H vs Kane

Good luck with writing the show and I look forward to seeing how it turns out. I think it's a shame you've not been getting much feedback as of late but it's good to see you're persevering nonetheless.

[nihilist]

WWF Championship – Steel Cage Match

Mankind © vs. The Rock ©

I think The Rock should take the undisputed title win here and finish off Foley once and for all, maybe with a sick bump or. the like

Number #1 Contender

“The Game” Triple H w/Stephanie McMahon vs. “The Big Red Machine” Kane

I think HHH will get lucky, as Undertaker is bound to show up here. Maybe it'll be a DQ finish.

King of the Ring Finals

(Test vs. Eddie Guerrero) vs. (Kurt Angle vs. Val Venis)

Winners of first matches: Eddie Guerrero and Val Venis

Overall winner: Eddie

It says at the start of your diary that you can push among others Eddie Guerrero and Val Venis to the KOTR, therefore ruling Angle and Test out. I don't think a heel vs. heel final would work well and I think Eddie has more potential than Val at this stage.

WWF Intercontinental Championship

“Y2J” Chris Jericho © vs. “The Crippler” Chris Benoit

Personal preference- Jericho can do a proper feud with Guerrero over the title whilst Benoit could be a future World title contender.

WWF Tag Team Championships

The Hardy Boys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) © vs. Legion of Doom (Animal & Hawk)

Matt and Jeff cheat to win, screwing up the OLD- sorry, LOD

Number #1 Contendership

The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. Edge & Christian

If the heels win the title match, then the Dudleys get the next match up at Fully Loaded- should be a crackin' contest.

WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship

“The Grand Master” Brian Christopher © vs. Scotty 2 Hotty w/Rikishi

BC cheats here to build on his bizarre victory over Rikishi

The Big Show vs. Albert

I'd rather see Albert buried here, no-sold and sent back to OVW with his tail between his legs rather than him win here...it#s just not on.

WWF Hardcore Championship

Tazz © vs. Goldust

If you can't get someone to do the job right, do it yourself and Goldust will prevail here- maybe there will be interference from Billy Gunn after the beating he got from Tazz

Plus, the return of The Undertaker... But which match will he get involved with? Triple H vs Kane- Simple as.