1/21/02
from the BI-LO Center in Greenville, South Carolina
*PYRO*
*Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcome us to the show*
BREAK THE WALLS DOWN
The night begins with the arrival of “The Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rolla” and our Undisputed Champion, Chris Jericho. Clearly feeling the effects of his match with The Rock last night, he makes his way to the ring dressed flamboyantly in a sequined black and red shirt as well as matching pants. He lugs both of his title belts into the ring with him after posing on the ropes and soaking in boos from the rowdy South Carolina audience before grabbing a microphone and positioning his belts over each of his shoulders as he begins to speak.
Y2J: Welcome to… RAW! IS! JERICHOOOOO!
While this catchphrase may have garnered cheers just a couple months ago, it now sends the already raucous crowd into a chorus of boos while Jericho laughs and brushes off their visceral reaction.
Y2J: And as you can see, I’ve still got both these illustrious belts with me, so I guess that makes all of you WRONG! If you didn’t believe that I was the greatest wrestler of all time when I beat Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night back at Vengeance, what more do I need to do to prove it to all of you now that I’ve beaten The Rock? Maybe you want me to have a steel cage match with Andre The Giant. Maybe I need to bring Bret Hart out of retirement and make him tap out to the Walls of Jericho! Or maybe… nothing I do will ever be good enough for you people.
The boos sustain themselves as Jericho scowls at the crowd.
Y2J: Yeah, that’s exactly it, isn’t it? No matter how many matches I win, how many of your heroes fail to take the Undisputed Title from me, all you’ll ever see me as is the guy from last year that couldn’t win the big one. Well guess what? I’ve won ALL the big ones, baybay! I beat The Rock THREE TIMES! I was on the team that put WCW and ECW in the dirt once and for all! I beat Stone Co-
Jericho’s boasts are interrupted as the GLASS SHATTERS, and the Texas Rattlesnake storms to the ring to thunderous applause! Jericho is clearly shaken by the appearance of Stone Cold himself, looking around as if he’s scouting an escape route should Austin want to do more than just talk it out once he gets to the ring. Austin brushes right past Jericho, colliding shoulders with him en route to acquiring a microphone and offering a response.
Stone Cold: Y’know I was backstage just now trying to get my night started with a beer or two, but I just couldn’t relax because all I could hear was our dumbass of a champion running his mouth!
The crowd eats up everything Austin says, and this line is no different.
Stone Cold: But that’s alright, from time to time I’ve been known to run my mouth a little bit myself. And hell, you earned it I guess since you got both those titles over your shoulders. Yeah, you beat The Rock (crowd: WHAT?), you beat Stone Cold Steve Austin (crowd: WHAT?), you beat The Rock again (crowd: WHAT?)...
Jericho, like a fool, actually begins to nod along with Stone Cold, believing that this rundown of his accomplishments actually comes from a genuine place.
Stone Cold: …but the only reason you did any of that, is because you got all the help in the damn world! Your little Canadian buddies Christian and Lance Storm had to save your ass last night, Vince McMahon had to save your ass at Vengeance, but there ain’t a damn thing that can save your yella’ ass when you get in the ring with me again!
Jericho is infuriated by Austin’s statement, but clearly looks to back down from the challenge the Rattlesnake just issued.
Y2J: Well I don’t know if you noticed, Austin, but you came up short in the Royal Rumble last night! The next time I defend my titles, it’ll be at WrestleMania against Triple H! Because I earned the right to main event WrestleMania fair and square!
Jericho turns red in the face as he throws this tantrum into the microphone, while Austin simply laughs and waits for his turn to respond.
Stone Cold: Well hell, son, I didn’t mean to get ya’ all worked up. Let me see if I can make my point a little clearer this time: all I was saying is that I’m gonna whoop your ass and take those titles and there ain’t a damn thing you can do to stop me. AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE - BECAUSE STONE COLD SAID SO!
Austin’s music hits and he stomps out of the ring, leaving Jericho fuming despite the fact that his challenge was denied. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler send the show to break while opining about Austin’s challenge, with JR openly hoping Austin is able to get his title match and dethrone the Undisputed Champion.
When RAW returns from break, Rob Van Dam makes his way to the ring to a wild ovation. He’s followed by his opponent, X-Pac, who is not met with the same warmth to say the least.
Rob Van Dam vs X-Pac
Right from the jump, it becomes obvious that X-Pac is outclassed by the former Hardcore Champion. RVD has a counter for all of X-Pac’s moves, and when X-Pac manages a counter of his own, he’s quickly re-countered by The Whole F’n Show. X-Pac finally resorts to cheating to mount a little bit of offense, taking advantage of a mispositioned referee to hit a low blow and work over Van Dam for a couple minutes. Eventually, though, RVD proves to be too much, countering an attempt at the X-Factor with a stepover spinning heel kick and landing the Five Star Frog Splash for a relatively easy victory.
Winner: Rob Van Dam (6:39)
Van Dam heads back up the ramp celebrating with the audience while X-Pac slaps the mat in frustration and refuses help from the official while slowly making his way out of the ring.
Backstage, we see Chris Jericho standing across from Vince McMahon, angrily pleading his case.
Y2J: I mean, did you see that?! That was a disgrace! You can’t tell me that Stone Cold is getting the next shot at the Undisputed Title, right?
Vince: Of course not, Chris, you’ve got nothing to worry about! Let’s be honest - I run this place. Do you think I’d ever give that disrespectful redneck another shot at the title for as long as I’m in charge.
Jericho gathers himself and nods, patting Vince on the shoulder and thanking him for the decision.
When we return to the arena, Jim Ross is beside himself at Vince’s ruling that Austin won’t receive a shot at Jericho, while Lawler touts Vince as a cunning businessman and says that Austin hasn’t earned a shot. The disagreement on commentary is interrupted as Mr. Perfect’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring for his first singles match under the WWF banner since 1993.
Out next is his opponent, Crash Holly, who stomps to the ring and is seemingly eager to go toe-to-toe with one of the most famous wrestlers from his childhood.
Mr. Perfect vs Crash Holly
Crash, despite being notoriously agile and evasive, is unable to find an answer for Mr. Perfect basically from the second the bell rings. Perfect controls the match from start to finish, keeping Crash contained in the corner and not allowing him to begin his usual antics. The match comes to an impressive and merciful end when Mr. Perfect lands the Perfectplex, hooking the leg with immaculate technique for an easy three count.
Winner: Mr. Perfect (4:04)
Perfect leaves the ring taunting the crowd and hyping his own ability up to the camera, then commentary tosses to the backstage area where Terri Runnels is standing by with Trish Stratus.
Terri: Thanks JR, I’m standing here right now with the Womens Champion Trish Stratus, who had a lot to overcome last night in order to keep her title by defeating Jazz with Jacqueline acting as guest referee. Later on tonight, Jazz will go one-on-one with Jacqueline in a match that I know Trish will be keeping a close eye on. Trish, where do you think you can go from here?
Trish: Actually Terri that’s a good question. See I’ve found myself in Jazz’s crosshairs more than once since I won this title at Survivor Series, and it doesn’t seem like she’s got any plans to stop. And I have no problem with that, you know, I won’t turn away from a challenger as strong as Jazz is - but I think it’s time that somebody else in this division shows me something. Or else… you never know - I might be keeping this belt Stratusfied for a long, long time.
Trish smiles at Terri before stepping away while the show fades to a break.
When the show returns, we’re shown the RAW Slam of the Week, focusing on Maven eliminating The Undertaker from the Royal Rumble just last night after Undertaker was distracted by Team Xtreme. This recap fades out and reveals The Undertaker standing backstage in his bandana and sunglasses, both hands gripping the belt supporting his pants while the Hardcore Title rests sloppily over his shoulder. Next to him stands Jonathan Coachman, visibly nervous to be so close to the volatile Phenom.
Coach: So… Undertaker… last night, you-
Undertaker: Lemme stop you right there, Coach. And you don’t gotta be so nervous, man. Straighten up! You ain’t got nothin’ to worry about. See, I came to grips with it already. Yeah, I got caught off guard by that young punk Maven and eliminated - but that’s MY fault. I shoulda’ known better. And besides, I think he got the message when I busted him in the head with that steel chair and tossed his ass through a popcorn machine.
Taker reflects on his actions for a moment before pointing into the camera.
Undertaker: So that’s to say, I don’t regret it one bit! Maven’s a talented young kid, and if he’s cut out for the WWF like the people that voted him to win Tough Enough thought he was, he’ll nut up and fight me once that wound on his forehead closes up. As for the Hardy Boyz, well, we already know they can’t come at me one on o-
Undertaker is interrupted as he’s jumped from behind by Matt Hardy, who uses the surprise advantage to batter Big Evil towards the curtain, eventually emerging from backstage into the arena full of roaring fans! Matt chases Undertaker all the way to the ring, pounding him with punches and eventually landing the Twist of Fate! It’s at this point that Jeff Hardy and Lita sprint out from the curtain with referee Mike Chioda in tow, and with the 24/7 rule in effect, Matt Hardy nearly gets a three count to capture the Hardcore Championship, but Undertaker kicks out! Matt and Jeff turn this into a two-on-one now, with Lita cheering them on from the outside of the ring.
Jeff perches himself on top for the Swanton Bomb while Matt looks to take Undertaker down with another Twist of Fate, but Taker shoves Matt towards the ropes and he inadvertently crotches his own brother. Taker drills Matt with a chokeslam, then pulls Jeff off the turnbuckles and plants him into the canvas with the Last Ride. As The Deadman is shaking off the cobwebs, he notices Lita checking on her team and he begins to step towards her. At this moment, Maven sprints out with a steel chair and beelines for the man that busted him open the night prior.
Taker sees the fiery Maven coming and decides to get out of dodge, calmly exiting the ring just as Maven slides in. Taker gives Maven a nod of approval from the floor as the Tough Enough winner yells out at him and points at his bandaged forehead to warn Undertaker of what he’ll do to him with his steel chair.
The shot fades backstage again, where Vince McMahon is sitting in his office talking to someone on the phone, making extremely vague nods before saying “I have to go, I’ll call you back” and then hanging up as his office door opens and in walks Ric Flair to a loud ovation from this biased South Carolina crowd. Flair approaches McMahon’s desk and Vince stands up, snarling at the Nature Boy as they stand across from one another.
Flair: Don’t worry Vince, I’m not here to make you tap out again.
Naitch’s teeth might as well sparkle when he flashes a smile at Vince, who gives him a look of pure anger and disgust in return.
Flair: I’m just here because I was told that you told Chris Jericho he doesn’t have to defend the Undisputed Title against Stone Cold Steve Austin…
Vince’s expression changes to one of pure anguish, sensing that not only will Ric Flair have something to say about his previous ruling, but he’ll now have to hear Jericho whine about it yet again.
Flair: Now, last I checked, we’re both CO-owners of this company, and that means you don’t just get the final say on matches. ESPECIALLY not Undisputed Title matches. So I say - Stone Cold Steve Austin WILL get a shot at the Undisputed Title… and it’ll happen at NO WAY OUT!
Vince’s shoulders drop and his palms rest on his desk, his head staring straight down as Flair unleashes a thunderous “WOO!” that is met with an echo from the crowd while he struts his way out of the room.
Back in the arena, Steven Richards makes his entrance to a lukewarm reaction. He’s followed by Booker T, who is mostly booed but not as viscerally as he would’ve been if this match were taking place just a month ago.
Steven Richards vs Booker T
In the early going this is a relatively back-and-forth affair that is met with a pretty confused reaction from most of the crowd who aren’t really sure who to root for. Booker uses his athleticism to take control with a very impressive Harlem Sidekick, and after withstanding one last attempt at offense from Stevie, he manages to duck the Stevie Kick and finish the match with a Scissors Kick that he gains a truly incredible amount of air on.
Winner: Booker T (4:41)
Booker actually gets an audible cheer or two as he leaves the ring following his victory, still not exactly slapping hands with the crowd as he leaves. The camera shot shows Chris Jericho backstage trying to find Ric Flair as the show fades to a break.
RAW comes back on the air with the entrance of Jazz, last night’s unsuccessful challenger for the WWF Womens Championship. Her opponent, Jacqueline, was the referee for that match, and Jazz is out for revenge over perceived unfairness in the officiating of her title bout.
Jazz vs Jacqueline
Jazz clearly isn’t playing around in this match, jumping Jacqueline from the opening bell and stomping her in the corner until Tim White has to break it up. Jazz tries to stay on the attack, but Jacqueline manages to send her to the outside, regroup, and mount some extended offense of her own. Jacqueline makes a crucial mistake, though, when she attempts a Tornado DDT and has it countered powerfully by Jazz. This would lead to the end, where Jazz locks in the Crossface Chickenwing and holds her opponent high in the air for all the crowd to see. Jacqueline is forced to verbally submit and Jazz is declared the winner.
Winner: Jazz via submission (6:19)
Jazz makes her way to the back sending warnings to Trish Stratus through the camera, telling her that the only reason she won at Royal Rumble was Jacqueline’s officiating and letting her know that a Crossface Chickenwing was awaiting her.
Backstage, we see a petulant Chris Jericho accosting various employees in polo shirts adorning the WWF logo, asking all of them if they know where Ric Flair’s office is. Before he can get an answer, though, Flair appears behind the Undisputed Champion and taps him on the shoulder.
Flair: You were looking for me?
Y2J: You’re damn right I am you senile old man! Myself and Vince had everything already decided! I was already starting my scouting and preparation for WrestleMania against Triple H, and now you’re trying to make me defend my titles against an unworthy assclown like Stone Cold Steve Austin? Are you out of your mind?!
Calmly, Flair puts his hand up towards Jericho and laughs off his comments.
Flair: Listen, Chris, nobody said being Undisputed Champion was gonna be easy. A great man once said that to be the man, you gotta BEAT the man, and Stone Cold Steve Austin is the man around here.
Just before Jericho can retort in a fit of rage, Vince McMahon approaches the two of them and enters the conversation.
Vince: I thought about what you said earlier, Ric, and if I can’t decide that Chris Jericho isn’t defending the titles at No Way Out, then by god you can’t decide that he IS. This is CO-ownership, and we’re going to reach a consensus on what Chris Jericho is going to be doing at No Way Out one way or another. As a matter of fact, I have a proposal.
Flair glares a hole through a wide-grinning Jericho before moving his eyes back to Vince and skeptically hearing out his offer.
Vince: Stone Cold won’t just be given a title shot at No Way Out, but I’ll give him the chance to EARN one. If Steve Austin doesn’t win his match on RAW next week, he’s not getting a title match at No Way Out, as a matter of fact, he’s never getting a title match AGAIN!
Jericho nods and laughs, patting Vince on the shoulder as they await Flair’s response.
Flair: Y’know Vince, even though you cracked my skull open with a metal pipe last night, I know that compromises still have to be made in a business partnership… so I accept.
Jericho not-so-subtly pumps his fist in celebration while Vince smiles as demonically as only he can.
Flair: Just one thing, though. You get to make a call, I get to make a call. Stone Cold will have to win his match next week to get his title shot at No Way Out… but I’m gonna choose his match for next week.
Vince is visibly dejected once again, as is Jericho, while Flair walks off before even giving them a chance to respond. At ringside, JR and King offer theories on what match Flair will give Austin before RAW heads off to break.
When RAW returns, we are greeted by the entrance of Christian and Lance Storm. The two Canadians that interfered in the Undisputed Title match last night on behalf of Chris Jericho head to the ring, trashing everyone in the crowd for their entire trek down the aisle.
Next to enter are the unlikely WWF Tag Team Champions, Spike Dudley and Tazz, who exist in direct contrast to Christian and Storm. Spike and Tazz jumpstart the action, sliding into the ring and throwing blows with their opponents in this non-title match before two men isolate themselves in the ring and the bell is called for.
Christian and Lance Storm vs Spike Dudley and Tazz
This tag match goes exactly how you’d expect it would, with Spike isolated and beat down throughout much of the opening segment. All his attempts to tag Tazz in are thwarted by the crafty Christian and Storm, who display surprisingly good chemistry as a team throughout the match. Eventually Tazz is tagged in, and like a house of fire he runs through both opponents. After he locks Storm in the Tazzmission, though, Christian pulls the referee out of the ring, splatting him on the floor and causing him to be down for a minute or so. Christian retrieves a WWF Tag Team Title belt from ringside and looks to use it to his advantage, but Spike sneaks up on him and hits the Dudley Dog!
Spike goes to the outside to try and wake the referee, but he’s jumped by his half-brothers Bubba Ray and D-Von! The awaking official spots this attack and calls for the bell, awarding the match to Spike and Tazz by disqualification.
Winners: Spike Dudley and Tazz (5:57)
The beatdown doesn’t stop with the bell, though, as the Dudleys, Christian and Storm continue their onslaught on the Tag Team Champions. Bubba Ray and D-Von set up a table near the corner, and they get ready to deliver a powerbomb off the top on Spike while Tazz is subdued by Christian and Storm, when…
IF YA SMELL…
The Rock SPRINTS to the ring! Bubba and D-Von need time to drop Spike and move the table out of the way, which gives The Rock more than enough time to lay the smack down on Christian and Lance Storm, exacting just a bit of revenge for last night’s title match. After he dispatches of Bubba and D-Von in a similar fashion, sending them to the floor, Rock grabs Lance Storm and plants him through the table with the Rock Bottom! The Rock stands glaring out at the Dudleys and Christian while Tazz and Spike stand in the background, The People’s Champion clearly sending a message to the men that helped cost him the Undisputed Title at Royal Rumble.
Backstage, we see Jonathan Coachman standing in the interview area with William Regal. Regal is dressed in a suit with the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, and he adjusts his pocket square while preparing for Coachman to begin the interview.
Coach: I’m here with the new Intercontinental Champion William Regal, who won the title in controversial fashion at the Royal Rumble thanks to that pair of brass knuckles you carry around.
Regal: Controversial? Please sunshine, if you want controversial you should see the way these miserable toerags in South Carolina carry themselves. I don’t know what exactly you’re implying, but what you all saw last night was a lesson for young Edge, and nothing more. He learned that when you’re in the ring with Blackpool, England’s finest, you always need to be prepared for the power of the punch.
Regal flashes his knuckles to the camera, seemingly downplaying his blatant cheating that helped him capture the IC Title. Jim Ross says “oh, brother” while Regal walks off and RAW returns to break.
When we come back, the crowd rises to its feet for the entrance of Triple H. The Game is headed to WrestleMania, and it’s easy to see why when you hear the deafening reaction he gets in Greenville. HHH steps between the ropes and poses on the second rope before being handed a microphone and he starts to talk.
HHH: So I’m guessing you guys saw what happened last night.
An extended pause to let the voracious cheers and chants pass.
HHH: But in case you didn’t, I’ve officially battled back from the worst injury of my career, defeated 29 other WWF superstars, and punched my ticket back to the main event of WrestleMania where I belong… but it wasn’t easy. Nothing around here is easy, and that just might be what I missed the most while I was out.
More cheers.
HHH: When I was getting my injured leg targeted by Mr. Perfect, or when I got clocked in the head with a chair by Stone Cold, or when Kurt Angle was suplexing me on my neck, the only thing that kept me pushing through besides all of you people was the reminder that I love being in this ring. I love the pain, I love giving it right back, and I would’ve done ANYTHING it took to make sure I was going to WrestleMania… and now here we are.
HHH’s speech is cut off by the entrance music of Kurt Angle, who commentary informs us is scheduled to wrestle in the show’s main event against Tajiri. Angle brazenly enters the ring and brushes The Game to the side, grabbing his own microphone and waiting for the crowd to calm down with the boos before addressing the man that eliminated him last night.
Angle: Hunter, I can respect all that you’ve gone through in terms of your rehab and what it took for you to get back in the ring and punch your ticket to WrestleMania, I really can.
A skeptical audience boos this statement, expecting Kurt to have a catch.
Angle: It’s true! It’s true! It is! But, if we’re being honest… the only reason you got injured in the first place is because you’re too uncoordinated to walk in a straight line without blowing your quad out.
Theeeere it is. And the boos follow.
Angle: And furthermore, we all know that the only reason you won the Royal Rumble last night is because you had to trick me like your buddy Shawn did in 1995. It’s true!
HHH rolls his eyes, his arms crossed before he raises the microphone and addresses Angle.
HHH: Listen, that’s all great Captain America but is there a reason you’re out here?
Angle: As a matter of fact there is! See, I’m in the main event tonight while you get to sit on your ass - but - I choose to see the positive in this. And that is, that you and all the rest of these people get to watch a true American hero go one-on-one with one of the great champions in this company. So I suggest you go sit at commentary and soak it in.
Annoyed, HHH does retire to the commentary desk where he grabs a headset and joins JR and Lawler for our main event. Out next comes Tajiri and Torrie Wilson, with Tajiri wearing the Cruiserweight Title around his waist. The Japanese Buzzsaw leaves his belt with Torrie as the bell rings and he circles around the ring with Kurt.
Kurt Angle vs Tajiri w/ Torrie Wilson
Kurt tries to employ his superior amateur wrestling ability early, but every takedown attempt is stuffed with a thunderous kick from Tajiri. After the third attempt, Angle catches his kick and looks to sink in the Ankle Lock, but Tajiri scrambles to the ropes. As the action resets, Angle constantly finds himself caught off guard by Tajiri’s blistering speed and devastating strikes, eventually rolling out of the ring while his chest turns red and deflecting ridicule from Triple H at commentary. Angle works his way back into the driver’s seat by grounding Tajiri and wearing the smaller competitor down, ragdolling him with German suplexes.
Tajiri’s attempted comeback is momentarily stopped by Angle, as an attempt at the Tarantula leads to Tajiri being lifted into position for the Angle Slam! Tajiri grabs onto the ropes to try and avoid Angle’s finisher, with Torrie Wilson jumping onto the apron to try and pull Tajiri out of the situation. Angle breaks his opponent loose from the ropes and swings him around, his feet connecting with Torrie and knocking her to the floor. Tajiri gets out of the Angle Slam while the official gets out of the ring to check on Torrie, and Tajiri sprays Kurt Angle with the green mist!
HHH laughs uproariously as Angle flops and scrambles around the ring, while Tajiri leaves the ring to check on Torrie himself. Angle fumbles his way to the timekeeper’s table where he acquires a bottle of water, throwing it into his eyes to clear his vision before quickly running over to the scene at ringside, violently snatching Tajiri and connecting with the Angle Slam on the floor while EMTs tend to Torrie. Angle then throws Tajiri into the ring in a rage, pulls the straps down on his singlet and locks in the Ankle Lock for a tapout.
Winner: Kurt Angle (9:47)
Angle is less fun and games than he was earlier, steaming as his hand is raised in victory. He’s still trying to wipe mist off his face with his hand when Triple H enters the ring and stands across from him, inviting Angle to take a shot at him. Kurt shoves HHH out of the way and leaves the ring by walking past him rather than leaving the other direction, and HHH fires up the crowd while RAW goes off the air.
