April 9, 2001
Boston, Massachusetts
[A video package airs of earlier in the day as the Undertaker and Kane arrive at the Fleet Center]
A horde of security block the brothers path into the arena.
The Undertaker
What’s the meaning of all this?
Vince McMahon walks into frame.
Vince McMahon
After the chaos you caused last week, I couldn’t in good conscience let you into the building tonight. There for until I deem otherwise… you’re suspended.
The Undertaker
Your day of reckoning is coming Vince, it’s only a matter of time.
Vince McMahon
Is that a threat?
The Undertaker
It’s a promise.
Vince McMahon
You’d be wise to leave now before your mouth gets you into any more trouble.
Kane and the Undertaker grab their bags to head out when --
Vince McMahon
(speaking to Kane)
Whoa, where do you think you’re going? You have a match tonight with the Big Show.
The Undertaker gets agitated and Kane holds him back.
Vince McMahon
(continuing)
You better keep him back. Don’t even think of coming back tonight dead man or there will be consequences and I promise you that. Kane, I suggest you get ready for your match.
[We cut to Vince who’s already in the ring with a microphone]
Vince McMahon
Now that I've gotten rid of that riffraff, I can safely say Raw will run without a hitch tonight. Noone more interventions or ungrateful wives, tonight, I'm going one on one with my son Shane in a Wrestlemania rematch. And it will once again be in a street fight! -- Now on to new business...
We all saw it last week. The coming together of the most powerful and influential men in the business today, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and myself. And together we will bring dignity, respect, and honor back to the World Wrestling Federation. Without further a due, let me introduce you to the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin and my son in law, “The Game†Triple H.
Austin and Triple H come out together to Austin’s theme music and get into the ring.
Steve Austin
I think we proved last week why we are the two most powerful men in the business today. First, we get rid off that coward, The Rock. Then on Smackdown we showed the world why no one wants to get in our business again. Lita got in my face and thought she’d make an example of me but I showed her who’s boss. What?
Triple H
(says while chuckling to himself)
You certainly did. You put that bitch in her place, at home.
[Suddenly Matt Hardy shows up on the titantron]
Matt Hardy
Hey… Triple H, speaking of women being in their place, why don’t you keep your wife at home. She’d certainly get in a LOT less trouble at home.
[The camera zooms out to reveal Stephanie tied up in a chair with duck tape on her mouth. Matt has a tire iron in his hand, pressed to her check]
Triple H
You son of a bitch! If you lay one more hand on her, I swear to God…
Matt Hardy
Stop getting so testy. I don’t plan on her hurting her… I’m not a monster. But clearly Austin is or he would have shown some compassion or even an ounce of Mercy when he put my Amy in that chair while you held me there Paul.
Triple H
What do want you son of a?! You want me right here, right now?! Lets go!
Matt Hardy
Hold your britches Hunter. You’ll get what’s coming to you soon enough, I want Austin… in the ring… tonight!
Vince McMahon
You’ve got it! Now, let my daughter go right now or so help me, I’ll rip off your balls and wear them as earrings!
Matt Hardy
As you wish. The billion dollar princess is free to go.
[The Raw them plays as we cut to break]
[We return from break as the RTC make their way out and get in the ring. Steven Richards asks for a mic]
Steven Richards
All week the Right to Censor has been asked the same two questions. Why did we cost the Dudley Boyz their rematch for the tag team titles and why did we accost Rhyno last night on Heat? It all goes back to a little promotion out of Philly. A filthy, disgusting, perverse company filled with deviants and devoid of all moral decency. I escaped that abyss of depravity looking for a safe wholesome place to apply my craft but soon enough, the WWF got corrupted by vile waste that seeped their way into the company. And I’m as guilty of the WWF’s degradation as they are because I stood back and did nothing. Eventually I formed the Right to Censor but we’ve let too many things slip through our fingers. The buck stops here and it stops with Joel Gertner and every other free loading creature trying to suckle at the tit of Vince McMahon’s generosity.
Chris Jericho
Would you please shut the hell up! I’m sick and tired of hearing about the evils of the hardcore style, the perversion of sex appeal, and the bad influence rock and roll is on today’s youth. I’ve got news for you… Y2J is The Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla! With that being said, I came out of that very promotion and it jumped started my career. If it wasn’t for Paul Heyman, I might not have made it to the WWF. Now, I’m going to go down to that ring and possibility lose my IC title but not before I kick all your asses. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll never, EVER… be the same, again.
:: Opening Match ::
Handicap Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
The Right to Censor (
Val Venis, Bull Buchanan, and The Goodfather)
vs. Chris Jericho (c)
Match Finish
All chaos breaks loose as the referee loses control of the match. Venis and Buchanan hold Y2J so Goodfather can hit the good train but he pulls Buchanan into Venis as Goodfather squashes his team mates. A confused Goodfather gets an enzuigiri from Y2J that knocks him out to the floor. Y2J snatches Venis off his feet and locks him in a Walls of Jericho! Buchanan attempts to break up the Walls but Bubba Ray Dudley out of nowhere pulls him out of the ring while Joel has the referee distracted. Venis taps!!! The referee turns around and rings for the bell!
Your
WINNER and
STILL WWF Intercontinental Champion,
Chris Jericho.
The Goodfather jumps Jericho right after the bell rings. He holds him for Venis to attack him but D-Von slides him the ring knocks Venis out of the ring. Buchanan attempts to clothesline Buchanan but D-Von ducks. Bubba slides into the ring and the Dudley Boyz catch Buchanan with the Dudley Death Drop off the rebound! A visibly angry Steven Richards stares at the Dudleyz from the ramp.
[William Regal appears on the titantron]
William Regal
Congratulations Chris Jericho on successfully defending your championship. As a reward, you won't have to put that belt on the line again until Backlash when you take on me, William Regal in a Commissioner's Rules match! Have a bloody nice day sunshine.
Y2J looks on angrily as he picks himself up.
[We’re in the back with Stephanie, Vince, and Triple H]
Vince McMahon
Steph, you alright? Did he hurt you?
Stephanie McMahon
Daddy, I’m alright.
Triple H
I’m gonna kill him.
Vince McMahon
Calm down Hunter.
Triple H
I don’t want to calm down. What I want is to tear off a Hardy’s head. If I can’t have Matt, I demand to have Jeff in the ring, one on one, tonight.
Vince McMahon
You’ve got it! Bloody him up. Make him wish he never messed with the McMahon family.
Stephanie tries to get Vince’s attention.
Stephanie McMahon
Daddy, before I was taken hostage, I was trying to get a hold of you.
Vince McMahon
Sweetheart, can it wait, Hunter and I have some business to attend to.
Vince McMahon starts to walk away…
Stephanie McMahon
Mother called earlier and she said… well, she said she was coming to the arena, tonight.
Suddenly an expression overcomes Vince’s face, a removed look.
[We cut back to the ring]
:: 2nd Match ::
1st Round Match in the WWF Women’s Championship Tournament
Molly Holly vs. Melissa Anderson
This was a pretty short contest with the newcomer getting in a few good spots before Molly picked up the quick victory with a Molly-Go-Round.
Your
WINNER of the match to
ADVANCE in the
Women’s title tournament,
Molly Holly.
Molly Holly shakes Melissa’s hand and raises it to applause from the live crowd.
[We’re in the Hardy Boyz locker room]
Jeff Hardy
Matt, I think you went a little too far.
Matt Hardy
I did what I had to do to get my hands on Austin tonight. Who are you to question my methods? If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have had to do anything.
Jeff Hardy
If it wasn’t for me… you got something you want to say to me Matt?
Matt Hardy
Where were you?
Jeff Hardy
Where was I? Where was I when? You’re not making any sense.
Matt Hardy
Last week, when Triple H was holding me back and that sick bastard Austin… God, I can’t even bring myself to say it. Where were you?
Jeff Hardy
My God Matt… Austin jumped me and laid me out. Do you honestly think I didn’t care what happened to Lita and that I wanted it to happen?
Matt Hardy
To tell you the truth, I don’t know.
Matt walks out of the locker room.
[We cut to the ring for next match and Matt Hardy makes his way out alone]
:: 3rd Match ::
Non-title
Matt Hardy vs. WWF Champion Steve Austin
Match Finish
Austin goes for the stunner, Matt counters with a Twist of Fate but Austin pushes Matt off. Triple H gets up on the ring apron and distracts the referee while Vince slides the title in the ring. Jeff runs out with a steel chair and chases Triple H to the back but it’s too late as Austin cracks Matt with the championship belt while the referee is distracted with the outside chaos. Austin covers Matt, 1… 2… 3!
Your
WINNER of the match,
Steve Austin.
[We’re in the back with Michael Cole who’s waiting for Matt Hardy]
Matt Hardy comes out from the behind the curtain.
Michael Cole
Matt, can I get word with you about what’s going in your head? Why are accusing your brother of not having your back?
Matt Hardy shoves Cole face first.
[We cut to Edge and Christian’s locker room]
Christian
Can you believe those tools? They’re brothers and they’re fighting like school girls. That’ll never happen to us, will it?
Edge
You got that right. The Hardy Boyz just don’t reek of awesomeness like we do.
Billy Gunn barges into their locker room.
Christian
Hey, BaBaBa Billy… do you mind?
Edge
You don’t just barge into the champs locker room.
Billy Gunn
Well, excuse me! I just thought I’d make you two a proposition. You see, it’s only a matter of time until I find a new tag team partner and we just take those straps from you losers so I figured I’d come in here and ask if you wanted to take the easy road and just hand them over now.
Edge
Two things buck-o; first, what makes you think you’ve earned these? [He holds up his championship belt]
And two, last time I checked you didn’t have tag team partner, that’s kind of a prerequisite.
Christian
Listen chump-stain, you haven’t made any noise in the WWF for a long time, if you want a shot at us and the tag team titles… make an impact. Show everyone you mean serious business.
Billy Gunn
If you want an impact, you’re gonna get one.
Billy leaves with a big smirk on his face.
Christian
I can’t believe that gear box just walked in here. He’s such a loser.
Edge
You’ve got that right Christian, he totally does not reek of awesomeness.
[Kurt Angle comes out to the ring and asks for a mic]
Kurt Angle
Eddie, I can respect sticking up for your friend but where you went wrong was costing me the chance to be Intercontinental champion and stealing my gold medals. I fought with a broken fricken’ neck to win those, what did you ever do? Now, I’m going to give you to the count of three to give me gold medals or I’m going to the back and hunt you down.
[Eddie appears on the titantron wearing Kurt’s gold medals]
Eddie Guerrero
Look at me Holmes, I’m an Olympic gold medalist. [Eddie takes the medals off his neck and holds them in his hands]
If you want these back, you’re going to have to come get ‘em.
Angle drops the mic and runs to the back.
[We’re in the backstage area with Angle]
Angle’s frantically looking for Eddie. He asks a backstage worker if he’s seen Eddie, he points to his dressing room. Angle enters Eddie’s locker room, Eddie’s nowhere to be found. Angle turns around to leave when he’s ambushed by the Radicalz! Saturn and Malenko beat him down as Eddie taunts Angle.
Eddie Guerrero
If you want your precious gold medals back, you’ll have to put up or shut up Kurt. I want you in the ring at Backlash in an “I Quit†match.
[We're back in the ring for the next contest]
:: 4th Match ::
Kane vs. The Big Show
Match Finish
Kane clotheslines Big Show over the top rope and to the floor. They battle on the floor while the referee makes the count. The Show attempts to ram Kane’s skull into the steel post but Kane counters him and sends Show into the post instead. Kane slides into the ring and Show stumbles to his feet but he’s late getting in the ring, the referee calls for the bell!
Your
WINNER of the match as result of a count out,
Kane.
Big Show furious that he lost, tries to knock Kane out with a strong right hand but Kane blocks and comes back with an uppercut throat thrust. Triple H slides into the ring and clocks Kane with a sledgehammer! Big Show yells to bring him outside. Big Show wraps Kane’s arm around the outside steel post while Triple H grabs a chair. Big Show holds Kane’s arm in place as Triple H whacks Kane’s arm with the chair. Kane falls to the ground clutching his arm but Triple H isn’t done with him. He continues to ram the tip of the chair into his arm while mocking him.
Triple H holds up the chair in celebration as his theme plays.
[We’re back from break with two unknown competitors waiting in the ring. Edge and Christian‘s theme plays]
After a good minute waiting for the champs to come out, a camera man is seen running on the titantron. He eventually stumbles upon Edge and Christian, who’ve been laid out in the backstage area.
[Billy Gunn’s Mr. Ass theme plays as he walks out with a cocky grin]
Billy Gunn grabs a microphone and slides into the ring.
Billy Gunn
I’m sorry but E and C just aren’t able to compete tonight. So Bad Ass Billy Gunn will just have do.
He attacks one of the young men with the mic [Hero].
:: 5th Match ::
Handicap Match
Billy Gunn vs. Chris Hero and C.M. Punk
Gunn dominates these two upstarts from the beginning. Punk receives a big splash in the corner and followed up with jackhammer. Hero is picked up and slammed down with a One & Only. Gunn stalks Punk and when he gets to his feet, Gunn bounces off the rope and catches him with a Fame-Asser. He makes the cover and yells at the ref to make the count, 1... 2... 3!
Your
WINNER of the match,
Billy Gunn.
Billy Gunn picks the mic back up.
Billy Gunn
That right there is how you make an impact!
Edge and Christian way their way to the ramp holding their heads.
Edge
That’s how you want to re-establish yourself? By jumping guys from behind and attacking two jobbers?
Christian
I’m real impressed Mr. Ass. It takes a lot of guts to practically murder two guys trying to get in the WWF, let alone attacking their original opponents when they weren’t looking. If you want a shot at us that bad, you’ve got it.
Edge
You’ve got twenty day… that’s almost three weeks to find a partner because at Backlash, the fun and games are over. We’re going to own your ass!
:: 6th Match ::
Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy w/Matt Hardy
Before the match started Matt Hardy joined the commentary table.
Match Finish
Triple H whips Jeff into in the corner but Jeff runs up ropes and springs off with the whisper in the wind, knocking Triple H down. Jeff looks around the crowd and climbs the turnbuckle. Jeff motions that he’s going for it… SWANTON BOMB! But Triple H moves out of the way! Triple H picks up Jeff and puts him in position for the Pedigree but he takes to long to execute it and Jeff flips HHH off his feet into a jackknife pin! 1… 2… 3!
Your
WINNER of the match,
Jeff Hardy.
After the match Matt throws his headset down and walks to the back. He doesn’t seem pleased with his brother’s upset victory. Jeff looks on, puzzled by his brother’s actions as of late.
[We're in the backstage area with Vince and the Two Man Power Trip]
Vince McMahon
I'm going out alone tonight. I want to prove to my son and the whole world just who is the superior McMahon. Only come out as a last resort.
Steve Austin
Alright Vince... kick his ass!
Triple H
Good luck man.
[We're back to the ringside area for the main event]
:: Main Event ::
Wrestlemania X-Seven Rematch
Street Fight
Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon
Match Finish
Shane has Vince propped in the corner. Shane wedges a trash can in front of his face and proceeds to climb the turnbuckle. But before Shane can jump off Austin runs down and pulls Vince out of the corner. Shane dares Austin to get in the ring. Austin stares down the winded McMahon. Shane stalks Austin with the steel chair in hand when Triple H gets in the ring and clubs Shane from behind. Triple H holds Shane for Austin to crack him the steel chair but Shane ducks and Austin cracks Triple H. Shane puts Austin down. Vince gets back up and low blows Shane. Vince grabs the chair and taunts Shane with it when suddenly --
A MASKED MAN slides into the ring with a steel pipe! He cracks Vince with it. Big Show comes down to the ring and dares the masked man swing the pipe at him. He swings the pipe but Show punches the pipe out of hand! Show throttles the masked man and prepares to chokeslam him but the man kicks Show in the nuts and DDT’s him into the matt. The masked man runs off into the crowd. Shane props himself up on the turnbuckle and dives off with an elbow drop and comes crashing down on the still prone body of Vince. He makes the cover, 1... 2... 3!
Your
WINNER of the match,
Shane McMahon.
Before Shane could celebrate his win, Austin jumps him. Vince begins directing traffic to his goons.
[To the surprise and dismay of Vince McMahon, Linda’s theme plays as she makes her way to the top of the ramp]
Linda McMahon
Vince, as usual you’ve gone too far. Forget everything you’ve done to me for the last few months because that’s despicable enough but what you’re doing now to own son is by far the lowest you‘ve ever sunk. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with you anymore. I can tell you Vince, divorce is definitely not off the table, anything‘s possible. Enough about you and me, I’ve always put up with your self driven ego trips but it’s time I put you on check. Because you’ve never cared who you hurt in the process of getting what you want. Take what happening to our daughter this evening. You put her in serious danger by allowing your superstars to run wild. And then there is the matter of Shane. Because your son has the courage to embark on an adventure of his own, you try to what? End is career or even the unthinkable, his life? You’ve gotten out of control and then I look at what you’ve done to the WWF while I’ve been out of it but guess what Vince? I’m not on the drugs anymore and I’m in complete control of my faculties. With that being said, I’m going back to work as the CEO of the World Wrestling Federation. There needs to be control around here and I’m afraid Commissioner Regal isn’t doing his job effectively. He’s too busy abusing his power for his own benefit. Therefore from this point forward, there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s someone you’re very familiar with Vince. A man who wrestled his very last match right here in this building, the “Heart Break Kid†Shawn Michaels!
Shawn Michaels comes out to a huge ovation for the crowd.
Shawn Michaels
You know, it’s quite refreshing to see things haven’t changed at all since I left. You’re still up to your old tricks but now you’ve just got new dogs performing them. Well, let me tell you, as the new commissioner of the WWF, things are going to get under control around here and your attack dogs are going to the kennel to learn to behave. There won’t be any more accidents on the carpet, I mean it. In all seriousness, you’ve lost control Vince and it’s time that I cleaned up your mess. As of right now, the Undertaker’s suspension is lifted! He’ll be on Smackdown this Thursday. That leads me to your goon squad attacking Kane when you had Undertaker bared from the arena… at Backlash, I’m making a match, not any match but a six man war. It’ll be the Undertaker… his brother Kane, and your own son… Shane McMahon and they’ll be taking on the Big Show, Triple H, and the WWF champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin. And don’t think you’re getting a reprieve Austin because your title will be on the line. First man to score a pinfall wins the championship. Oh, and one last thing, that’s the bottom line cause the heartbreak kid said so.
HBK’s theme plays as Austin flashes his title at Michaels and the show comes to a close.
--------------
Quick Results
Chris Jericho defeated The Right to Censor via submission in a handicap match to
retain WWF Intercontinental title at 9:38
Molly Holly defeated Melissa Anderson via pinfall to
advance in the WWF Women's title tournament at 4:36
Steve Austin defeated Matt Hardy via pinfall at 11:13
Kane defeated The Big Show via countout at 6:21
Billy Gunn defeated Chris Hero and
C.M. Punk via pinfall in a handicap match at 2:47
Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H via pinfall at 12:35
Shane McMahon defeated Vince McMahon via pinfall in a street fight at 15:51
Confirmed Matches for Backlash
The Corporation (
Steve Austin, Triple H, and The Big Show) vs.
Shane McMahon and
The Brothers of Destruction (
The Undertaker and Kane) in a Six Man War
for the WWF Championship
William Regal vs.
Chris Jericho in a Commissioner's Rules Match
for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
The Finals in the
WWF Women's title tournament
Edge and Christian vs.
Billy Gunn and a partner of his choosing
for the WWF Tag Team Championship