WWF/E's Raw, Smackdown & PPV's 2002

[Crippler]

WWE Smackdown 06/27/2002
Chicago, Illinois

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Tag Team Champions: Billy & Chuck
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

Vince is in the ring and introduces the only man to ever make Hulk Hogan tap out. Kurt Angle. The crowd attempts the "YOU SUCK/YOU'RE BALD" chants. Angle began speaking to the fans. He said was the poster boy for "RUTHLESS AGGRESSION" because he made Hogan tap out. Angle said no matter what he accomplishes, he still has to deal with the fans being unappreciative. He said the fans suck for mocking him. He pulls off the wig and asks what is funny now? He said the fans couldn't ruin his good mood. He said he wanted to teach someone what his aggression is all about so he issues a challenge to anyone in the locker room that hasn't faced him before. Angle said that this was a great opportunity for a future superstar to wrestle a real superstar like himself. Angle kept asking for someone to come out when all of the sudden someone's music hit and some guy JOBBER! Made his way to the ring. Angle asked who he was, and the guy said his name was John Cena (man this guy looks awful he's clearly gonna be gone this time next year ) Angle asked Cena what made him think he could come out to the ring and face him. Cena responded by saying, "RUTHLESS AGGRESSION" the slaps Kurt then spears him, Cena then clotheslines him over the top rope and that's how the match starts.

Kurt Angle vs. John Cena
This was really fun for a green Cena, but Angle bumped like crazy for him which put Cena over huge, but not in a ridiculous way E.G. the 2 matches with Hardcore Holly. Cena even hit a couple of sweet moves like DDT, and he even had a nice counter out of Angle's front facelock. They do a number of sweet/hot near-falls before Angle grabs a double chickenwing pin. Post-Match: Cena extended his hand for a handshake, but Angle laughed at Cena before leaving the ring. Cena has that Cena look on his face as he wonders "why Angle wouldn't shake his hand" Angle comes back down the ramp but decides to leave again. **3/4

Backstage Rikishi, Faarooq and Billy Kidman congratulate the new guy John Cena on a good match. Taker comes up to Cena. Taker stares at him and asks his name, he replies that he is John Cena. Taker takes off his sunglasses and continues starring. Taker then shakes Cana’s hand and tells him he did a nice job. (THAT IS NOT HEEL LIKE, NOOOOOO! I think Taker's heel run is coming to an end)

WWE Tag Team Championship: Billy & Chuck (w/ Rico) vs. Val Venis & Hardcore Holly
I take it Holly is now a face, I didn't watch this for obvious reasons but I can guess it was a DUD!

Jamie Noble sees Tajiri looking at Nidia, so Noble offers Tajiri "a taste" Tajiri says no but Nidia kisses him anyway. Tajiri is surprised to find Nidia's gum in his mouth! Noble says there will be more of that if they win their match.

Torrie Wilson is looking damn fine that is all

Lance Storm vs. Mark Henry
Lance has the Un-American stable theme here but the stable has yet to debut. In a segment tapped earlier, Storm says on behalf of the citizens of Canada he vows that he as a Canadian will beat an American in a match tonight. Mark Henry comes down to the ring they cut to a clip of Henry picking up a 170 lb. barbell. Henry was AWESOME in this as he just threw Lance around like trash, but Lance snuck in a Superkick to win. SWERVE! Christian comes out to congratulate Storm.**

The Undertaker rides down to the ring gets on the mic. He says he is not here because he needs to get a few things straight. He says right here he is holding the WWE Undisputed Title. He says if you look close you can see his name on it, and that must mean he is the WWE Undisputed Champion. Taker says that means that no other man can lay claim to that title. He says Rock almost cost him his title he also has some good news and some bad news. The Good News is that on July 11 Smackdown, the Rock will return! The Bad News is that the he's going to beat him down and make him pay. Taker says he is sure the Rock is working out at a gym getting ready for the return, but Taker says he hopes he can take time to watch Raw to see what Taker does to Jeff Hardy with a ladder because it will be a sample of what is going to happen to the Rock. Suddenly Kurt Angle's music hits and he comes to the ring, Kurt says that all Taker does is "talk, talk, talk, talk" Angle says he is a man of action. Taker says Angle is a punk. Kurt asks Taker for a title shot next week, but Taker suggests he does it right now. Kurt says that he just had a tune-up match and he's not ready, Taker says that Kurt almost got beat by a rookie but Kurt says that he's asking for a match next week on Smackdown. Taker says "anytime, anywhere, anyhow.. It’s on man!" Kurt asks to put all hostilities aside and he wants to touch the title belt to know what he's fighting for. Taker let's Kurt hold the belt. And says that that is as close as Angle will ever come to holding the title. Kurt attacks Taker and puts the anklelock on him for 2 second before releasing it. Angle lets go and jumps out of the ring. Angle smiles while walking down the ramp.

Test vs. Rikishi
More DUD! Action

Torrie Wilson comes out again wearing a black bikini, GOD DAMN!

Vince's office and finds him sitting on a couch. Hogan asks why Vince wanted to see him. Vince tells Hogan to calm down. Vince says on behalf of Hulkamaniacs all over the world he wanted to let Hogan know how upset he was to see the loss to Angle at King of the Ring. Vince says that he's never seen Hulk Hogan "submit" and that he thought Hulk was gonna cry! Vince says as the man responsible for making Hulkamania he would hate to see Hogan tap out to Jericho in the Walls of a Jericho. Hulk aggressively pokes Vince's shoulder saying "one day!"

Test tells Lance Storm & Christian that America can stick it up their ass just like the rest of the world -- just like Rikishi. Test says that they were right, America sucks.

Jamie Noble & Tajiri vs. Billy Kidman & The Hurricane
More great spotfeat action, there wasn't any structure to the match but just 4 guys doing dome cool shit for 4 minutes. Kidman hits the shooting star press on Tajiri for the win.

Backstage Torrie Wilson is walking around in a robe. She sees Stacy in a robe getting ready to go out to the ring. Torrie says she thinks they should both go down to the ring to see who is better. YES! YES! YES!

Torrie Wilson comes out. Then Stacy comes out wearing some Catholic school girl uniform. All of the sudden Dawn Marie comes out and tells the girls that she is sexier and more desirable and that she is going to prove to everyone that she is better than them on Saturdays Divas Undressed program. Dawn Marie pushes Torrie into Stacy, who slaps Torrie & Stacy get into a scuffle and Stacy ties to throw Torrie off the stage but thankfully she saves herself.

Reverend D-Von and Deacon Batista vs. Faarooq and Randy Orton
Batista is in real wrestling attire here and looks like a beast. This had its moments but it wasn't anything special, I did enjoy it though. Orton/D-Von interactions really held this together. Batista hits his great Spinebuster and pins Orton. **1/4

Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho is wearing the KOTR attire here, This was piss poor, I know and get Hogan is pretty much done at this point but Jericho had no excuse he was sloppy and was just unmotivated here he wasn't even bumping to make Hogan at least look somewhat decent. Kurt did. Jericho hits Hogan in the face with the chair. Jericho gets disqualified. Jericho rolls out of the ring and takes apart the steel ring steps. Jericho grabs Hogan and throws him out of the ring. Jericho grabs a chair and hits Hogan in the back with it. Hogan is laid out over the steel steps. Jericho stands on top of him. Jericho's music sounds and Edge comes out mocking Jericho's pose. Edge runs down and clotheslines Jericho in the ring. Edge beats on Jericho and the tosses Jericho over the top rope. Jericho gets back in the ring. Edge kicks him in the face. Jericho tries to leave but Hogan is back up. Hogan grabs him and put Jericho in the ring. Edge spears Jericho. Hogan gets in the ring and raises Edge's hand. *1/2

 

[Crippler]

Half way point.

RAW 05/27/2002 - Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero ****1/4
Smackdown 05/30/2002 - Steel Cage Match: Kurt Angle vs. Edge ****
Backlash 2002 - Edge vs. Kurt Angle ****
Judgment Day 2002 - Hair vs. Hair Match: Edge vs. Kurt Angle ***3/4
Royal Rumble 2002 - WWF Undisputed Championship: The Rock vs. Chris Jericho ***3/4
WrestleMania 18 - The Rock vs. “Hollywoodâ€￾ Hulk Hogan ***1/2
RAW 01/28/2002 – Kurt Angle vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin ***1/2
WrestleMania 18 - WWF Undisputed Championship: Chris Jericho (w/ Stephanie McMahon) vs. Triple H ***1/4 - ***1/2
Backlash 2002 - WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero ***1/4
Judgment Day 2002 - Intercontinental Championship: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam ***1/4
Smackdown 01/03/2002 - Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle ***1/4
Backlash 2002 - Cruiserweight Championship: Billy Kidman vs. Tajiri (w/Torrie Wilson) ***1/4
Velocity 05/25/02 - Billy Kidman vs. Tajiri ***1/4
WrestleMania 18 - NoDQ: Ric Flair vs. The Undertaker ***1/4
Raw 06/03/2002 - Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair ***1/4
Smackdown 01/03/2002 - The Rock & Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho & Test ***1/4
Raw 06/24/2002 - WWE Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) *** - ***1/4
RAW 02/25/2002 WWF Undisputed Championship: Chris Jericho (w/ Stephanie McMahon) vs. Kurt Angle ***
Smackdown05/11/2002 - Chris Jericho vs. Edge ***
WrestleMania 18 - Kurt Angle vs. Kane ***
RAW 03/04/2002 - Rob Van Dam vs. Lance Storm ***
RAW 04/08/2002 - The Undertaker vs. Rob Van Dam ***
No Way Out 2002 - WWF Undisputed World Championship: Chris Jericho vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin ***
Raw 04/29/2002 - WWF Intercontinental Championship: Jeff Hardy vs. Eddie Guerrero ***
RAW 02/18/2002 - #1 Contender's Match - Triple H vs. Kurt Angle ***
Raw 04/15/2002 - William Regal & Eddie Guerrero vs. Spike Dudley & Rob Van Dam ***
Raw 06/03/2002 - Eddie Guerrero & Brock Lesnar vs. Rob Van Dam & Bubba Ray Dudley ***
RAW 01/21/2002 - WWF Intercontinental Championship: William Regal vs. Edge ***
Royal Rumble 2002 - WWF Intercontinental Championship: William Regal vs. Edge ***
King of the Ring 2002 - King of the Ring Semi-Finals: Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho ***
Smackdown 04/25/2002 - #1 Contender's Match: Triple H vs. Chris Jericho ***
RAW 03/04/2002 - Steel Cage Match: Kurt Angle vs. Triple H **3/4 - ***
Judgment Day 2002 - Hell in a Cell: Triple H vs. Chris Jericho **3/4 - ***
Smackdown 06/20/2002 - The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle **3/4
Smackdown 04/04/2002 - The Rock vs. Chris Jericho **3/4
Smackdown 01/24/2002 - The Rock vs. Kurt Angle **3/4
King of the Ring 2002 - Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair **3/4
Smackdown 01/03/2002 - Rob Van Dam & Edge vs. Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle **3/4
Smackdown 05/16/2002 - Triple H & Edge vs. Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle **3/4
Smackdown 06/27/2002 - Kurt Angle vs. John Cena **3/4
Smackdown 05/09/2002 - Reverend D-Von vs. Triple H **3/4
Raw 06/10/2002 - KOTR Qualifying Match: Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero **3/4
Smackdown 05/02/2002 - Kurt Angle & Lance Storm vs. Edge & Val Venis **3/4
King of the Ring 2002 - Cruiserweight Championship: The Hurricane vs. Jamie Noble (w/Nidia) **1/2 - **3/4
Smackdown 05/30/2002 - The Hurricane & Billy Kidman vs. Tajiri & Chavo Guerrero **1/2 - **3/4
Smackdown 04/18/2002 - Billy Kidman & The Hurricane vs. Chavo Guerrero & Tajiri (w/ Torrie Wilson) **1/2 - **3/4

 

[Crippler]

WWE Raw 07/01/2002
Manchester, New Hampshire

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE European Champion: William Regal
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman come out and Heyman gets on the MIC. He says this is The Summer of Brock, not the summer of RVD. He says while Brock does have RUTHLESS AGGRESSION! He’s also points out that Lesnar is intelligent, the intelligence to be inspired by other men. Men like Kurt Angle who last week challenged any rookie to wrestle him. Today, Brock Lesnar has a better challenge - his challenge is to any veteran in the back who has the guts to step into the ring against Brock. Ric Flair answers the challenge and comes to the ring; Flair takes a mic and says that he has not forgotten about Lesnar's interference that cost his ownership of RAW. He's a veteran but better than that, he's a legend and tonight, Brock will find out that he's the dirtiest player in the game. Lesnar goes face-to-face with Ric Flair and says "you're in the wrong place, in the wrong year, with the wrong guy".

Ric Flair vs. Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman)
This was great, Flair was in GOAT mode here as he was moving around like it was the early 90's doing cheap shots and even busting out new moves, BROCK! Was also great in this too as his movement after getting chopped was hilarious and his power moves ruled. I also loved that when Brock was in full control and Flair had no answers for it, he resorted to "dirtiest player in the game" offense with low-blows then the figure four. The match ends when Ric puts the figure four in the middle of the ring and Heyman jumps on the apron just as Lesnar reaches the ropes. Flair lets go and decks Heyman but turns around only to run into the F-5 for the win. ***

Jackie Gayda is in the makeup chair and Coach tells Jackie that he thought she should have won the thong-a-thon at Divas Undressed. Jackie says that in all honesty, she didn't lose the competition, she just didn't win. They talk about the match last week and Jackie says that in reality, she did't lose the match, it was her tag team partner, Molly Holly. Molly comes out of nowhere and says that if she didn't worry so much about how she looked, she would be a better competitor. Jackie responds by saying that at least she looks good in her underwear, to which Molly slaps her across the face. The ladies begin to brawl out to the arena floor and into the ring! Molly ties to use a pipe which Jackie misses with. Molly uses the same pipe to choke Jackie out. They make their way to the ring, where Molly suplexes her to the mat. In the ring, Molly hits a backbreaker and then another slap. She leaves with her championship belt but Trish sneaks up from behind and sends Molly back in the ring where Trish strips Molly, revealing her white granny undies. Trish walks away laughing and pointing at Molly’s fat ass.

Terri asks why Chris why he challenged Bradshaw in a regular non-Hardcore match. Christopher says that the reason he did not want to wrestle for the Hardcore title is that he prefers to wrestle in a civilized manner where the best weapon is not a table or a chair, but intelligence.

Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski
Bradshaw thought it was a Hardcore match so he throws a ton of weapons in. The ref puts them back out, and as he does so, Nowinski takes the cow bell of B-Shaw's and hits him with it to get the pin. DUD!

Regal is watching Nowinski on the TV and is impressed; Rob Van Dam walks in asking where Heyman and Lesnar are. Regal says that Heyman and Lesnar are celebrating their earlier win and he would know that if he arrived on time. Regal blasts RVD for barging into other people's dressing rooms looking for a fight, RVD says that Regal is right; he is looking for a fight. Since Lesnar isn't available, he challenges Regal to a match. Regal accepts.

Terri interviews Jeff Hardy she asks how Jeff feels going into his match as the heavy underdog. Jeff’s responds to Terri calling him the underdog by saying it's a Ladder Match. He doesn't have to pin Taker or make him tap, but all he has to do is climb a ladder, and climbs a ladder to prove it. He says he's been in tons of these and Taker's been in none, so he's the new champion. He says that someone said "Live free or die", and says he's living for the moment and he's not dying tonight.

[video=dailymotion;x10j51o]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10j51o_booker-t-goldust-star-wars_fun#.UazFrkDVDoI[/video]​

In the back, Eddie Guerrero is with Vince McMahon. Vince says that he wants to keep the Smackdown! And RAW brands separate but he will make an exception for him. Vince talks of ruthless aggression and Eddie says the translation of ruthless aggression is Eddie Guerrero. Benoit comes out and Vince says that he is now the property of RAW and Benoit says that tonight he will pay Vince back ten-fold.

Rob Van Dam vs. William Regal
This was fun; Regal was violent with strikes and holds just bending RVD in 3 different places at once. Both guys were bumping for the others shit too, i just really wished they would get more time. The match ends when RVD counters the underhook powerbomb, and hits the five star frog splash for the win. Post-Match: RVD takes the mic and calls out Brock Lesnar saying he wants to settle their differences right here tonight. Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar emerge from the back and stand on the ramp. Heyman says that he's always liked that about Robbie - he has guts, more guts than brains, but guts nonetheless. That's the only reason he will do RVD this one favour. Heyman says he has advised Brock Lesnar not to come down to the ring to take you out tonight. However, he proposes a match on a grander schedule; RVD vs. Brock Lesnar at Vengeance in three weeks "if RVD has the guts". RVD says it's cool with him, etc. etc. because he's Rob Van Dam. **1/2 - **3/4

Bubba Ray Dudley & Spike Dudley vs. Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit
BENOIT! However this was mostly Eddie, I don't think they wanted to rush Benoit too quickly so they gave him a small portion of the match to see how he feels. But YEAH! Eddie was Awesome in this with offense and bumping when needed, everything was just so smooth. Benoit beating the shit out of Spike was great too; man I missed his violent attack. The match ends when Eddie lays out Bubba and goes for the frog splash but Bubba moves out of the way before hitting the Bubba Bomb on Guerrero for the won. Post-match: Benoit attacks Bubba. Spike tries the Dudley Dog, but Benoit shoves him off the top through the table on the floor. He puts Bubba in the Crossface, and refs come down to pull him off, but Benoit won't let go. Eddie hits Bubba with the Frog Splash as Benoit keeps the hold on, and Bubba goes unconscious. Benoit finally let’s go and they leave. AWESOME! ***

REY MYSTERIO IS COMING! FUCK YEAH!​

Terri interviews Undertaker's. He said he'd rather talk about Kurt Angle, and says he's not Hulk Hogan and he doesn't tap, so that won't work on him on Smackdown. He says when he's done with Angle, he'll be waiting for The Rock, but Terri asks about tonight. She says he's never even been in a ladder match and Jeff is the master of them. Taker says this is over and walks off.

[video=dailymotion;x10j61c]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10j61c_darth-goldust-the-nwo_fun[/video]​

In the back, Big Show finds X-Pac lay out over a broken table, and is pissed.

Booker T vs. The Big Show
Average action here, they went on the floor and Show had the steps, but Booker kicked them into his face. He was KO'd on the floor, and Booker couldn't lift him so the referee counts to ten giving Booker T the COUNT OUT WIN! Post-Match: Booker T gives the crowd a spinerooni after the match, Booker T leaves through the crowd to avoid the rest of the NWO. Show was getting up in the ring and Nash and HBK were in. Nash and Show both punch each other once, but Shawn calms it down. He says it's like a family and one of their own is ill right now, and promises when Triple H comes back, he will come back to the NWO. He gets Show and Nash to shake hands, and then Superkicks Big Show.

Taker is warming up, and Vince says he has all the confidence in Taker so he's booked Taker vs. Rock at Vengeance. He says whether Taker is champion or not, he's got Rock at the PPV. Taker asks what that's supposed to mean and Vince backtracks and says he didn't mean anything, and Taker says not only will he beat Jeff Hardy, but when he leaves the ring with his title, Jeff won't even be able to stand up.

In Jeff Hardy's locker-room, Matt comes in and wishes him good luck. Matt says that he also has someone outside who wants to wish him good luck. He opens the door and Lita steps in and says that it will be nice tonight when she rides back with the new WWE champion. Jeff says there is only one way to find out and leaves for his match.

Ladder Match for the WWE Undisputed Championship: The Undertaker vs. Jeff Hardy
I remember when this main evented Raw and no one thought Jeff could win the match but as the match went on the story it told sort of made you believe the impossible, that along with JR’s brilliant commentary. This seems to be a love it or hate it match. I love the story of the whole thing, while others hate the fact that it isn't a spotfest like most other ladder matches. And I think that's why I enjoyed it more because it's not a Spot after Spot match and hell this even had selling. Don't get me wrong the action wasn't Phenomenal or anything but I just enjoyed the storytelling aspect of it. Post-match, Taker goes to leave, but Jeff is getting up. Taker comes back in, and hits him with the Last Ride. He drives up to the stage, but Jeff gets on the mic. In a cracking voice, he yells that Taker hasn't broken him yet and he's still standing. JR pleading for his mic to be cut off is so great. Taker comes back down and pulls Jeff up on the ropes to punch him...and he can't do it. He pats Jeff on the head and holds his hand up. Undertaker mouths the words "You're one tough son of a bitch" towards Jeff Hardy. ***1/2

 

[Crippler]

WWE Smackdown 07/04/2002
Boston, MA

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Tag Team Champions: Billy & Chuck
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

Lilian Garcia sings "America The Beautiful" because it's the 4th of July, but Lance Storm, Christian, and Test interrupt HEAT! Lance says that they have had enough of this American crap! And Christian asks if they even know why they're celebrating? Christian said today July the forth America celebrates Independence Day, but he has a question, do the people know why they are celebrating? Christian states that the American youth are ignorant, and says thy probably think it's the day Will Smith saves the world from aliens. Storm says that this is what really happened; America was founded as British colonies, and on July 4, 1776 America declared its independence and turned its back on Britain. He goes on to say ultimately America released its war like hostilities to the rest of the world, WWI, WWII, Korean War, he asks what right the us had to be in Korea and Vietnam. He says Vietnam is a touchy subject because the US was defeated. Storm says that the US doesn't like the truth and doesn't want to hear what the rest of the world has to say. Test says other countries think that America is the most hypocritical nation in the world, and the rest of the world hates America and that they hate America. Test reiterates, "WE HATE AMERICA" then yells out to the crowd. "AMERICA SUCKS!" AWESOME!

Rikishi vs. Lance Storm (w/ Christian & Test)
Lance was bumping for Rikishi's shit for a while, Both Test & Christian try to interfere but Rikishi knocks them off the apron. Rikishi drags storm to the corner. Rikishi is about the jump down for the bonsai drop on Storm, but Test hits the Big Boot and Lance covers for the win. *1/4

Backstage the Undertaker walks around with a big black bag, Elsewhere Stacy knocks on a locker room and finds Mark Henry; Stacy asks for John Cena then tells Cena that Mr McMahon would like to see him in his office. She checks him out as he walks by.

Reverend D-Von and Deacon Bautista vs. Randy Orton and Big Valbowski
Batista clotheslines and power offense was pretty violent and great at times, but he did look lost when shit broke down. D-Von was solid he didn't do anything memorable. Val is garbage and Orton was bumping AWESOMELY! For Batista. The match ends when Batista hits with a huge/vicious spinbuster. ** - **1/4

Backstage Jericho is complaining to Vince about Edge coming back with his ring music and poses. Vince gives Jericho a one-on-one match at Vengeance. John Cena comes in and looks nervous. Vince tells Cena not to be nervous and that he was impressed with Cena last week. Vince asks where he is from, Cena says the Boston area. Vince introduces Cena to Jericho. He holds his hand out and introduces himself to Jericho, who asks who the hell he thinks he is with his haircut and tights and "ruthless aggression" Jericho blasts Cena for coming into this office and interrupting him! So Cena slaps Jericho in the face and leaves the office.

During the break, Jericho says he does want Edge at Vengeance but he wants Cena tonight.

In the back, Kurt Angle cuts a promo saying that he had the flu last week. And that's why it took him so long to defeat John Cena. But tonight he is going to beat the Undertaker and win the Undisputed Championship. Angle shows a highlight film of him pinning Undertaker in a tag match. him making Hulk Hogan tap out. Then he put Taker in the Angle lock last week. Angle asks what better night for the American Hero to win the Undisputed Championship than the Fourth of July. He says that America doesn't need a tattooed bad ass representing them.

Billy & Chuck are preparing for their match; Billy says they are going to have a picnic. They eat some hot dogs. Rico comes in and asks what they are doing. Rico says they have a big match and don't need to be filling up with hot dogs.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Edge and Hogan vs. Billy & Chuck (w/ Rico)
Hogan comes out with the music, Real American and with red, white, and blue feather boas and a big American flag. The was a ton of fun, due to Edge and the hot crowd. Edge was coming into his own around this period of time in the ring and he just looked like he was having time of his life out there, with his childhood here and Hogan seemed like he was having a blast as well cause all the pressure was off him. Billy & Chick still sucked though! The match ends when Hogan hits the big boot on Billy. Edge leg drops on Billy, and then Hogan does one as well. Edge pins Billy for the win. **3/4

Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
This was okay but not great. They had a couple of noticeable botches but it wasn't too big of a problem, but they did have some sweet near-falls towards the end and Cena's comeback was really good too. The match ends when Jericho goes for the Lionsault but Cena moves, and Cena goes for a cover but Jericho kicks out. Jericho hits Cena with the new finisher "Flashback" (it's just a Sleeper Slam) Jericho also had his feet on the ropes! Post-Match: Jericho offers to shake Cena's hand, but instead sucker punches Cena and attacks him. Cena however fights back and tosses Jericho out of the ring. **1/4

REY MYSTERIO IS COMING! YES!​

Jamie Noble pulled up in his truck to a trailer park. He opened the door for Nidia and told her to open her eyes on the count of three. She was amazed by the trailer that Noble had bought for them. Noble says his aunt died and so he got the place for a steal. They go inside so the he could show her around. He shows her the running water and she is amazed. He says the best part, was the bedroom that has full-sized bed! Nidia pulls him onto the bed and asks if they can break it now. She then closes the door behind them.

Bra & Panties Match: Torrie Wilson vs. Stacy Keibler

Mark Loyd interviews Takers, asks why Taker is upset with Vince. Taker says he is mad because Vince said Taker could have the match with Rock regardless if he is the Undisputed Champion or not, implying that Vince doubted if Taker could win both matches him had this week. Taker says he was not looking past Jeff Hardy or Kurt Angle. Taker says Angle thinks he can represent as the Undisputed Champion better than he can. Taker asks Lloyd who he would rather have next to him in a fox hole in a war time scenario, a bad ass or a hero like Angle claims to be.

WWE Undisputed Championship: Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker
Taker was coming off his ladder-match victory over Jeff Hardy on Raw, and this is part of the transition back to babyface, I love that Angle tries to overpower him early. To show Taker that he can do whatever Taker can, but obviously that doesn't work. So he switches to wrestling and gets the advantage so he celebrates and gets booted to the floor. Then Kurt would get mad because Taker was controlling the match with headlocks early, but Kurt would get the advantage again and tries Taker's game with punches but again that doesn't work. After this AWESOMENESS! everything just falls apart and they just do a bunch of sports and completely forgot about the story, the ending however was pretty fun with the false finishes and reversals E.G. Kurt countering the Last Ride into a Triangle Choke, and Taker about to hit the Tombstone but Angle counters with the Angle lock. The match ends when Angle has Taker in the Triangle Choke, but his shoulders are on the mat. Taker taps at the same time that the ref counts Angle's shoulders down. The referee is confused as to what call to make, Angle tells the referee that he made Taker tap out! As we go to a Commercial break. WHAT? Three referees are conferencing on the decision. One referee awards the match to Kurt Angle, the other referee awards the match to Undertaker. So the original referee calls the match a DRAW. Kurt gets pissed off and attacks the Undertaker; he locks in the anklelock then releases it and leaves, yelling to Taker "I Made You Tap!" **3/4

 

[Crippler]

WWE Raw 07/08/2002
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE European Champion: William Regal
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw

Vince McMahon is shown backstage, he cuts a promo saying he's given the Undertaker a much deserved night off. Because he defended the WWE title twice last week. Also, Taker is preparing to "welcome" Rock back to Smackdown, and Vince says that in the interest of fairness, it's now Taker vs. Rock vs. Angle at Vengeance.

Booker T comes and JR mention that Booker is scheduled for a match tonight; Booker says that the NWO has promised to 'take him out' tonight. Well, he’d rather do it now than wait, and calls out the NWO. Instead, Eddie Guerrero comes out to the ring and says Booker T is the real sucker, because everyone knows the NWO won't attack him out here. He says last week the Dudley’s screwed him out of a win, and he promised himself and Benoit that he would come take out the first guy to run his mouth, Booker T punches Eddie and a referee runs down for the match.

Booker T vs. Eddie Guerrero
3 minutes of AWESOMENESS! FUCK! This needs to happen again and needs 10+ minutes. Eddie was cramming so much shit that it was hilarious, he went from working the leg, to strikes to cheap heel moves all in one minute before Booker's comeback. The match ends when Booker T got a surprise roll up to win, which shocked everyone even the timekeeper as he took a 10 second delay before ringing the bell. Post-Match: Eddie goes after Booker, but Booker throws Eddie out of the ring. Booker gets ready to do the spinerooni but is attacked by Chris Benoit! But Goldust runs down to make the save. Eddie & Benoit take control and beat down Booker & Goldust, but Bubba and Spike also run down with chairs. Eddie bails, but Benoit gets hit in the back with a chair before he can get out. **1/2

REY MYSTERIO IS COMING!, FUCH YEAH!​

Booker T and Goldust are shown backstage, and Goldust starts to dance with Booker T saying that Book Dust is victorious once again. Booker throws Goldust off of him, and Goldust says he’s got another plan. Booker reminds Goldust that his plan never worked last week, and Goldust said that if he's going down, he'll be going down with his plan of glory! A vendor is shown, who resembles X-Pac remarkably, and Booker T attacks him. Booker finally realizes that it wasn’t t X-Pac, and he sits the unconscious vendor down on a chair and gives him his food back. But then comebacks and takes a pretzel

In the back, Coach shows Trish and Jackie Gayda the footage from last week. Trish says Molly had it coming, Jackie says that Trish stuck her nose in her business last week. She then accuses Trish of being jealous of her. Trish asks what she would be jealous of, and Jackie says she has a better body and was talked about way more than Trish was before she even fought in the ring, and Trish says Jackie lives in a fantasy world. Chris Nowinski comes over and says Trish is the one living in a fantasy world with her stupid cowboy hat, and as a fellow Tough Enough graduate, and a Harvard graduate, he wonders if it's required for everyone here to have the mental acumen and dress like they've just come from a 7 year Old’s birthday party. Trish challenges them to a mixed tag later. Nowinski accepts and asks if her partner is Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, or Yosemite Sam. She says it'll be Bradshaw, and Nowinski stops smiling.

In the back, Bubba and Spike are on their way to the ring, but Goldust who is dressed at Ben Franklin approaches saying he traveled through time to tell them that they should join with Booker T and Goldust to get the NWO. Bubba says they don't like or care about him and Booker T and were after Benoit and Guerrero, and Franklin asks about Goldust, and Bubba stares at him. Ben Franklin says he didn't like all the founding fathers, and would have liked to punch Jefferson right in the gonads, but he didn't. He says they're in this together fighting the NWO, and Bubba says they're not fighting the NWO and they walk off.

Chris Benoit (w/ Eddie Guerrero) vs. Bubba Ray Dudley (w/ Spike Dudley)
Benoit showing that he's still top 5 GOAT and he was just viciously beating up Bubba, to to Bubba's credit he was bumping and taking the beating like a champ. Same goes for Benoit when Bubba was on offense. The match ends when Benoit sends Bubba into the ropes, which counters with a kick to the face and lands a belly-to-back suplex, and gets a two count. Bubba and Benoit get up at the same time, and Bubba hits some punches on Benoit, then hits the Bubba Bomb! Guerrero threw Spike Dudley into the referee, breaking up the two counts. Benoit locks on the Crippler Crossface and Bubba taps! Post-Match: Benoit and Eddie keep attacking Bubba and Spike, until finally, Booker T and Goldust run down to save. Benoit and Eddie quickly bail. **3/4

A Chris Nowinski segment is shown, where he talks about playing football for Harvard and shows us around the Harvard campus. Why are you showing this now, isn't this the type of video you show leading to a debut not when the guy has been on the roster for 4 weeks now. C'MON!

Highlights from Undertaker/Jeff Hardy from last week air.

Earlier Tonight: Jeff Hardy comes into the arena and is greeted by Ric Flair. Flair congratulates Jeff with his match with the Undertaker, saying his performance last week was amazing. Jeff Hardy thanks Ric for his comments and appreciates it. Flair says he's on his way, and wishes him luck vs. Regal tonight. Jeff walks off, and Steven Richards starts to clap. Richards says its guys like Ric Flair who take the spotlight away from Steven Richards. Ric Flair challenges Steven Richards to a match tonight, and says if his run is going to end, let’s end it right now. Flair challenges him to a match tonight, and Steven accepts. Richards punches Flair, knocking him to the floor.

Bradshaw & Trish Stratus vs. Chris Nowinski & Jackie Gayda
NO! NO! NO! Fuck this match.

Benoit & Guerrero complain about Goldust, Booker, Spike & Bubba interfering tonight, but the NWO come up to them and X-Pac tells Benoit to chill, while Nash says that as good as they are, there's strength in numbers. The NWO walk off but Shawn Michaels stops in front of the two and says that Nash has some important things to say, they should listen closely.

The NWO is now making their way down to the ring. Shawn Michaels gets the mic, and says that you’re either with the New World Order, or against us. He says that Triple H, as you saw at King of the Ring, was definitely with us. The King of the Ring clip is then shown, reminding us of what happens at that event. HBK says that, as all of you should know, that they’ve extended an offer for Triple H to come back. Michaels told us the story of the Kliq, saying they got hammered together, traveled the roads together, etc. Michaels said that they were family, and he hasn’t heard a reply from Triple H as of yet. He says that they are a forgiving family, but they won’t be ignored by anyone. Michaels says that Triple H needs the NWO more than the NWO needs Triple H. He said that HHH used to be one of the biggest bad-asses in the company, now he does everything for the fans. Michaels gives Triple H two weeks to make his decision, and says that long before the NWO, there was the Kliq, and unlike the NWO, the Kliq is 4 Life. HBK says that Triple H either makes the best decision of his life, or the last decision of his life. Nash announces that he s been cleared to wrestle, and he s looking for a little physical contact tonight. He issues the challenge of allowing Benoit and Guerrero to join them tonight, in a ten man tag match against Goldust, Booker T, Spike, Bubba Dudley and a fifth partner of their choice. If they can’t find a fifth man, it’s going to be a 5 on 4. Nash says that he knows Triple H is watching, and knows that he s not going to turn his back on family. He says that if he does turn his back on the family, he’s going to do what he does to Booker T tonight.

Ric Flair vs. Steven Richards
4 minute SQUASH! For Flair, Flair wins with the Figure Four.

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman come down to the ring, and Paul gets on the mic. Heyman says though he walks through the valley of the extreme tonight, he fears not reprisals from his enemies, for he walks with the Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar He then says that it doesn't matter who wins the undisputed title at the next Vengeance, and whoever it is, they will be the sacrificial lamb. Heyman says that Brock will start by winning the Intercontinental Title from RVD, he created RVD hell he exploited RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Tajiri and others. Some people even call him a genius, and that is why he was able to sign BROCK LESNAR! Tommy Dreamer comes out with a kendo stick and laughably claims that Heyman never made anyone. Tommy says everyone in ECW did it because they loved this business, but nobody said otherwise. Heyman asks if he's done as Tommy walks down, and Paul says to go in the back and eat gross stuff or put his head in a toilet or something he's actually good at now. Dreamer walks down the ramp, and says "HE WAS THE INNOVATOR OF VIOLINS" so he attacks Heyman with a kendo stick and throws a steel chair into the ring. The Philly crowd begins chanting ECW! ECW! ECW! He gets Heyman, but Brock Lariats Tommy. RVD runs down from the crowd and cleans house on Brock on the floor. He goes up top, and he hits Heyman with the Van Terminator! HOLY SHIT! Brock Lesnar carries Paul Heyman backstage, with Rob Van Dam standing tall in the ring.

Jonathan Coachman welcomes the former owner of the Philadelphia 76ers Pat Croce. Who has a new sport debuting on Saturday August 3rd at 8PM EST on TNN!

WWE European Championship: Jeff Hardy vs. William Regal
Jeff started a little drugged up and sloppy but when Regal started to take over that settled him down and this became acceptable. The match ends when Regal throws Jeff Hardy out of the ring and takes the turnbuckle off. Jeff climbs to the top rope, and hits a Swanton Bomb on William Regal for the win. I guess this is Jeff's you did well last week kid push, Poor Regal. *1/2 - *3/4

Coach is backstage with Regal, and asks him how Regal feels about losing his European Title. Regal begins to cry like a bitch, falling to his knees. Chris Nowinski comes in and picks Regal up off the floor. poor Regal

Backstage, Bubba and Spike are talking to someone off-camera. Saying that they were thinking of one man who could step toe to toe with the NWO, Benoit and Guerrero, he then tells the person that nobody is as extreme and he is. Bubba tells him to do it because he's... Rob... Van... Dam! The camera goes wide and we see a smiling RVD accepting the offer.

Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, X-Pac, Kevin Nash & Big Show vs. Booker T, Rob Van Dam, Goldust, Bubba Ray Dudley & Spike Dudley
Former Boxing Champion Joe Frazier at Ringside. This was no DX & Radicals vs. Cactus Jack, The Rock & Too Cool. Not even close the fact that Big Show, X-Pac, and Bubba Dudley wrestled most of this match was hilarious. Benoit and Eddie are in for like a minute tops combined, and Booker and Goldust aren't much better. Late in the match, RVD chases Shawn Michaels up the ramp, but Brock Lesnar comes out from behind the curtain and clotheslines RVD! Then he gives RVD the F5 on the metal stage! AWESOME! As all hell breaks loose. Nash then tore his quad running, the guy was out for 3 month and on his first match this happens Michaels superkicks Booker T behind the referees back, then the Big Show chokeslams Booker T for the win. Michaels takes the mic after the match while a trainer tends to Kevin Nash and warns Triple H to make the right decision. **

Classic Nash!​

 

[Crippler]

WWE Smackdown 07/11/2002
Atlantic City, NJ

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Tag Team Champions: Edge & Hulk Hogan
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

WWE Tag Team Championships: Hulk Hogan & Edge vs. Billy & Chuck
More funess due to Edge being the 4th best wrestler in the company at the time, he single-handedly made Billy & Chuck's shitty offense look passable. Hogan's hot tag was made out to look great thanks to the crowd popping for the majority of it. The match ends when Hogan boots Billy in the face. Chuck comes in and gets speared by Edge. Hogan hits the leg-drop on Billy for the win. **1/2

In the parking lot, Undertaker was waiting for the arrival of The Rock. John Cena approached Taker. Taker asked Cena if he'd ever met Rock, and Cena said no, Taker tells Cena that Rock was a punk and he is going to take him down. Cena says he just came from thanking Vince for the match and now he wants to thank Taker for the match. Taker explained that he didn't give a damn about the tag match, and he was gonna kick Rock's ass tonight. He also says that Cena better leave before he kicked his ass too! Cena leaves.

Footage is shown of Tories’ photo shoot. Torrie poses with a beach ball when Molly comes up to her and tells Torrie to put the ball in her mouth. Molly asked why they weren't shooting her instead, since she is the WWE Women's Champion, and says that Torrie may be the winner of the "Golden Thong Award," but if she wanted to win a real award, then to face her for the WWE Women's title. Torrie accepted the challenge, saying she had a special pose for Molly, she starts to remove her bikini top as Molly stormed away!

Brooklyn Brawler, Fit Finlay & Johnny Ace AKA WWE officials try to convince Undertaker to leave the area before The Rock arrive. Finlay told Undertaker that Mr. McMahon was on his way. Taker said he didn't care. Suddenly, a limousine pulled up, and Taker opened the door. Its Jericho and Angle. Angle says that Taker is the man who holds his championship. Angle asks when Taker tapped out last, and says oh yeah it was last week. They argue over who really one. Jericho says they should change Takers name from undertaker to Under-tapper. Taker decks Jericho, and the three get pulled apart. Angle and Jericho leave, and Vince yells at Taker that he can have The Rock, but get him in the arena.

Backstage Taker is PISSED! Finds Cena putting his gear on, and yells at him. He asks where the hell he was and Cena says that Taker told him to leave if he didn't want to get his ass kicked, and Taker says not to tell him what he said Taker wanted to know that Cena had his back for their match tonight. He reminded Cena that Cena had been here two weeks, while he'd been here 12 years. Cena said yes, he would have Undertaker's back.

WWE Women's Championship: Molly Holly vs. Torrie Wilson
Torrie in the ring with anyone not named Stacey is AWFUL, don't get me wrong the Torrie/Stacey matches aren't the prettiest either but they at least have chemistry together and try so hard, and their matches just seem like a fight, If you know what I mean. DUD!

The Rock arrives.

Randy Orton and Mark Henry vs. Reverend D-Von & Deacon Batista
FUCK YEAH! This was tones of fun, the Batista/Orton interactions totally ruled. And Batista was OWNING! at one point in the match Batista hit a Super rolling fireman's carry slam on Mark Henry, also Henry/Orton hit the badass double team as Henry splashes D-Von in the corner then whips him out and Orton jumps off the top rope for a cross body on D-Von. I think that was the moment Orton broke he forearm and just when he was getting a story too. Batista pinned Mark after the Spinebuster. **1/2

Backstage Edge and Hogan plan a gambling trip to a casino. Edge told Hogan that holding the Tag Team Championship with him was a dream come true. Hogan said it was cool when thousands of Hulkamaniacs were cheering his name. The Rock then approached the men and congratulated them on winning the Tag Titles, Edge invited him gambling but Rock said he was up for that, but he had some business to take care of first. Hogan continued talking about WrestleMania, extending the truth as he told the story, but Rock teased him from behind. Edge told Hogan that "Mr. Nanny" was totally better than "The Scorpion King!" AWESOME!

The Rock comes down to the ring, and he gets on the mic the crowd began chanting "Rocky! Rocky!" The Rock says he is finally back on his show...Smackdown! says the Jabroni Beating, Pie Eating, Heart Stopping, Elbow Dropping, Psyched, Amped People's Champ is back. The people continue to chant as The Rock paces around the ring. Rock then says he wants to sing a song for Atlantic City, looks at ringside and it's Busta Rhymes! (Busta gets out of the crowd and gets in the ring) Rock called him the Undisputed Champion of Hip-Hop, and says Busta was in "Halloween: Resurrection," He then asks if he dies in the movie, since, "they always go after the brother first!" Busta says not this time, he puts the Smackdown on their ass. The Rock asks Busta to sing a song with him in Atlantic City. Busta says he'll do a song for Atlantic City tonight, Busta starts a rap and is just about to say the words "TITTIES" but The Rock grabs the mic and says that Busta can't say that on Smackdown! Rock & Busta then sing "Under the boardwalk" for the crowd. He thanked Busta, as he goes back to the crowd. The Rock says it’s time to get down to business, 2 weeks is Vengeance and he has a chance to win the Undisputed title. Rock says that he is right here and if Taker wants to do something, The Rock only has one thing to say "Just Bring It!" Kurt Angle comes out instead and says he's winning the title at Vengeance. Angle said Rock's absence had messed up his sense of reality, and the reality is that Undertaker isn't the one he would have to worry about - it was him!. Angle said he'd been on a roll lately, First making Hulk Hogan tap out at King of the Ring then making Undertaker tap out last week on Smackdown! He said at Vengeance, he would make Rock tap as well. Angle then looked at Busta and said if "Puff Daddy" wanted a piece of him, he would make him tap as well! He asked Rock what he thought about that. Rock asked who in the blue hell is he? Rock said Angle reminded him of someone, saying he looked kinda like Kurt Angle, he asks what the "A" on Kurt's chest stood for and the whole crowd starts chanting "ASSHOLE" Rock then figured out what was different about Angle, and sang, "Somebody got a haircut!" AWESOME! Rock calmed an irate Angle down, saying the haircut looked good. So he calls Angle "Dr. Evil!" Angle then says it was real cute, but he had bad news for Rock - Rock is yesterday's news! and he's the new No. 1 man in WWE and Smackdown! was now Kurt Angle's show. Kurt then says Rock thought he was so great because he won a Teen Choice Award, teens love him, and line up around the block to get his autograph. He asked Rock if he knew how much a Kurt Angle autograph went for. Rock then put his pinkie below his mouth and said, "One million dollars!" Angle then says he thought Rock would have grown up a little bit, but he hadn't So he challenges Rock to a one-on-one next week on Smackdown! Angle said he knew Rock could sing, but next week, he would make him tap. Rock took off his sunglasses so he could look Angle in the eye, and agreed to the match. Rock then said he wanted some action tonight! Angle says the fans would have to wait - but Rock then attacks Kurt with punches then he puts Angle in the ankle lock - and Kurt tapped out to his own move! Suddenly Taker comes down and chokeslammed both Angle and Rock! Taker talked smack to Rock before heading back to the locker room.

Rikishi vs. Test
This sucked, Rikishi attempts the Samoan drop but Test counters by bring his knees up. Rikishi drops Test down and covers him for the pin and the victory. Christian and Storm come in and beat on Rikishi. Post-Match: All three begin stomping Rikishi. Edge and Hogan rush to the ring. They take care of Storm, Christian, and Test.

Backstage Vince and Stacy are holding each other. : Stacy said she was getting a little hot, so she takes Vince's jacket off, and said she was going to take his shirt off. He said if she was going to take his shirt off, he was going to take her dress off!. Jericho bursts in, and asks Vince if he'd seen what Hogan, Edge and Rikishi had just done. Jericho suggested that Hogan & Edge be forced to defend against Storm and Christian, Vince said he too wanted to see Edge & Hogan defend against Christian & Storm. He asked Jericho if he would step aside from his singles match against Edge so the Tag Title Match could take place, and Jericho said he would. Vince said he would make it up to him, Jericho called Vince a booking genius, and Vince said he was currently a horny genius. Vince dismisses Jericho so he can finish his thing with Stacy.

[video=dailymotion;x10kpi5]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10kpi5_wwe-smackdown-07-11-02-noble-tajiri-and-nidia-are-greatness_fun#.Ua5FdkDVDoI[/video]​

The Hurricane & Billy Kidman vs. Jamie Noble & Tajiri (w/ Nidia)
Needs more minutes, they got a ton of spots in but it was too clustered. The match ends when Noble and Tajiri go down on the outside of the ring. Hurricane jumps on them from the top rope. Kidman gets on the top rope and Nidia knocks him down. Kidman delivers a spine-buster to Noble and pins him for the victory. **1/2

REY MYSTERIO IS COMING!, FUCH YEAH!​

Rock was pacing backstage when Marc Lloyd runs up to him. Rock says that "Coach" sure has changed since the last time they talked having shrank and turned white. Lloyd introduced himself and the Rock asked who in the bluest of blue hells Marc Lloyd is. Rock then asked who the guy was behind Lloyd., so Lloyd turned around to look, Rock grabbed the microphone and shoved him away! Rock said that as long as Taker and Angle were in the building, he wasn't going anywhere and the clock was ticking for Undertaker's reign as champion, he'd done some gambling earlier in the day in Atlantic City. He played a slot machine called "Vengeance," and when he pulled the people s handle and it’s wasn't three devils’ that appeared and it wasn't three gold medals, no, it was Brahma bull, Brahma bull, Brahma bull. Meaning at Vengeance he is going to win. Rock told Taker and Angle to have their little tag match on Smackdown! he'd be here and waiting while Marc Lloyd was masturbating off-camera! Rock then looked at Lloyd and told him to stop doing that! Rock then said he wasn't going anywhere - if you smell what The Rock is cookin'!

The Undertaker and John Cena vs. Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho
This was very good times, but Cana’s greenness showed at times. Jericho and Angle were an awesome bumping for everything and made Cena look like a Legit top-tier mid-carder just waiting for that Main Event push. The match ends when Angle and Jericho double-teamed Taker, but Taker hit a double clothesline on the men and tags in Cena, who knocked Angle from the ring, and nearly pinned Jericho. Jericho went for the Lionsault, but Taker caught him with a right hand which allowed Cena to roll-up Jericho up for the surprise pinfall! Post-Match: Taker and Angle kept fighting, and Taker got on the Dragon Sleeper. The Rock ran down and fought with Taker, and he hit the Rock Bottom. He celebrated, but Kurt hit him from behind. They fought for a bit, and Rock also hit the Rock Bottom before he stood over them to end the show. **3/4

 

[Crippler]

WWE Raw 07/15/2002
East Rutherford, New Jersey

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE European Champion: Jeff Hardy
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw

Backstage, Paul Heyman drops the Undertaker a visit saying that tonight’s main event; Brock & Undertaker vs. Flair & RVD was all his idea. Paul then says that Brock says that it is an honor to team with the Phenom. Taker tells Heyman that he better hope that he loses on Sunday because he has a tendency of making people famous, usually by making they disappear. Heyman says that they're getting ahead of themselves and touches Taker's, who then responds by warning Heyman never to touch him again.

Vince McMahon comes out to NWO music. And says that he wanted the fans to hear the NWO music ONE LAST TIME! This was the last time the NWO music will be heard. The NWO is now history, the NWO era is now history no different than many other preceding eras in WWE history, including the Buddy Rogers era, the Bruno Sammartino era, the Pedro Morales era, the Superstar Billy Graham era, the Hulk Hogan era, the Ultimate Warrior era, the Bret "Hitman" Hart era and most recently, the Stone Cold Steve Austin era. During each of these eras, WWE changed with the times and so too today, they must change with the times. Crowd starts chanting asshole and Vince asks for some respect. Vince goes on to say that very soon, WWE will celebrate the 500th episode but right now, it's time to shake up RAW and Smackdown!, time to shake up the entire brand. Vince says he's hired two new general managers - one for RAW and one for Smackdown! both of whom will have full authorization and Vince's support. Within the next hour, Vince says he will name the new GM for RAW. And the new GM will give the fans what they want and deserve. Backstage, we see the entire RAW roster huddled around a TV watching the happenings and talking amongst themselves over the prospective of having a new "BOSS" is.

Terri asks Flair to speculate who the new GM is. Flair says that as a former co-owner of the company he can't think of anybody without the name "McMahon" who could do it.

Elimination Match: Jeff Hardy, Spike Dudley & Bubba Dudley vs. Chris Benoit, Eddy Guerrero & William Regal
DAMN GOOD Raw opener that clicked, the heels team was brutal and violent with offense wand the heat segment on Jeff was brutal, they also had the crowd invested in it too. Mainly with Jeff was in the ring though, man if he wasn't suck a fuck the Ladder match would of worked wonders for him as he was over. The eliminations happen as followed Eddy reverses a sunset flip into a small package for the pin on Spike, which was like a minute in. Regal to grab the title belt, but Bubba steals it back and hits him in the heat with it to gets DQ’d. Regal is still selling on the mat so Jeff sneaks up and swantons Regal for the pin, which leaves Eddie/Benoit vs. Jeff. Jeff pins Eddie after a legdrop, WHAT? Then Jeff and Benoit tear it up for 2 minutes until Regal runs down KO's Jeff with the knucks, and Benoit gets the Crossface and Jeff passes out for the win. Post-Match: Eddie Guerrero runs back to the ring and with Benoit, the two set up a table. They pick up Jeff, but from the back, the Dudley’s come charging down causing Benoit and Guerrero to bail. ***1/2

Backstage, Jonathan Coachman is waiting outside Mr. McMahon's locker-room saying he wants to get a word with Vince about the new RAW owner. Coach says there has been a lot of speculation, including names such as Mick Foley and Vince's brother "Rod McMahon" Suddenly Paul Heyman approaches the dressing room door. Heyman barges into the dressing room and soon thereafter, a woman walks in and says that "he" (the new RAW GM) has arrived. Vince tells Heyman to leave and then takes a deep breath.

Backstage, Vince gets ready to meet the new GM, when Shane "YOUNG FUCKIN' SIMBA" McMahon walks in. Vince asks him what the hell he is doing here, he's not the new general manager! Shane says no, he isn't, but he's here to prevent Vince from making the single biggest mistake in his life. Vince questions Shane's motives because just last year, he was trying to run Vince out of business. Shane responds by saying at least in that case it was family.

Dreamer and RVD talking about RVD’s Van Terminator on Heyman. RVD says that Heyman deserved what he got last year, and he had it coming for years. He just hopes he can do the same thing to Brock Lesnar at Vengeance. RVD then leaves to get ready for his match. Stevie Richards then comes into the locker-room and says that it was nice to see him stand up to Heyman last week, but deep down he knows he did it only for himself. Richards then challenges Dreamer to a Singapore Cane match, no rules - just brutality. Before Dreamer can accept, Goldust comes in and says that it's an offer to good to be true. Dreamer and Richards laugh but then Richards nails Tommy with a cheap shot with one of his canes.

Singapore Cane Match: Steven Richards vs. Tommy Dreamer
This was really fun, they used the Kendo stick AWESOMELY here which every shot being more brutal than the last, they even mixed in to sweet reveals and wrestling moves, like Richards went for a super kick and Dreamer catches the leg, spins him around and hits DDT. The 2nd spot was Dreamer was on the middle turnbuckle and went to jump off but in mid-air Richards catches him with a huge super kick. I should also mention Dreamer's heart and never "QUIT" attitude was in full display mode here, this was ECW level. The match ends when Dreamer hits Richards over the head with HUGE! Cane shot to end the match. ***

[video=dailymotion;x10lkt3]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10lkt3_wwe-raw-07-15-2002-the-coach-booker-t-eric-bischoff_sport#.Ua83g_nVDoI[/video]
HOLY SHIT! ​

Vince McMahon comes out and says that it takes a real son of a bitch to be successful in this business. And announces the new General Manager of RAW... ERIC BISCHOFF!!!!! The two hug, shake hands and raise each other’s hands. Bischoff struts down to the ring, blowing kisses while Vince departs. Bischoff grabs a mic and lets us know that he used to run the old WCW, not the watered down version that invaded the former WWF. Bischoff says that when Vince talked about "ruthless aggression", who do you think he was talking about? Bischoff claims that he personifies ruthless aggression, he used to sign all the old WWF wrestlers just because he could. He took the little family business ran by the McMahons and gave it a kick in the crotch. When Vince McMahon was on trial with the government, he raided his company. And for those people who say that he was successful only because of Ted Turner's money, he has news for them - he was innovative. He reminds us of the time when RAW was taped and he used to go on NITRO two minutes before airtime and give away the results so people didn't have to watch RAW. He then talks about how he made Alundra Blayze show up on NITRO and throw the WWF women's title into the trash. It was ruthless and aggressive, but it worked. The most important thing was that he forced Vince McMahon to change the way he did business and he did it all single-handedly and Vince did it so he could keep up with him. Bischoff then talks about how he created the NWO and how NITRO beat RAW 84 weeks in a row and how he came so close to putting the WWF out of business forever. Eric then says that when Vince called him up, it surprised him but then after a while, it made sense because he is the only person who can turn a struggling business around. So it all starts this Sunday when he gets the opportunity to sign one wrestler who he never had the chance to sign, the one wrestler who he feels if he had signed would have made the whole WWF/WCW war's outcome turn differently. And that man is Triple H who will sign with him and not the NWO. Bischoff then ends the interview by saying that he's here to stay and put the "E" into WWE. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about how Triple H is contracted to Smackdown! And both wonder who the Smackdown! GM will be.

Bradshaw and Undertaker talking. Bischoff comes in and says that Taker is the one guy he's always wanted to meet and sign. Bischoff says that if there's anything he ever needs, but Bradshaw interrupts and says that it's nice to meet him and what not. Bischoff shrugs Bradshaw off and finishes his statement to Taker saying that if he ever needs anything, he's there. Bischoff leaves and Taker and Bradshaw have a disgusted look on their face.

Women's Championship: Molly Holly vs. Trish Stratus
The tape cuts in half way through the match, UGH!

Backstage, we see Ric Flair walking in the back when he meets Eric Bischoff. Eric says that it's so good to see him again. They have a lot of history but let's leave it in the past. WWE is a whole new start for both of us so think about it. Bischoff says Flair must have been surprised to find out he was the new GM for RAW. Flair responds by saying that surprised isn't the word but if he could be excused, he has a big match coming up. Flair leaves and Eric stares at him evilly as he walks away.

Booker T vs. Big Show
A lot better than I expected, Show was in monster mode so he was throwing Booker around and looked dominating, while Booker was bumping for him and had a lot of energy in his comeback. The match ends when Booker clotheslines Big Show over the top rope, and gets a steel chair and swings at Big Show but that misses and it hits the post, as Show throws him in along with the chair into the ringpost. Big Show gets the chair into the ring and hits Booker with it he throws the referee out of the ring and nails Booker T AGAIN with the chair. So the referee disqualifies the Big Show. Which pissed Show off, Booker attempts a super kick on the outside, but Show catches him and chokeslams Booker T through the announce table! **

Backstage, Brock Lesnar is doing some bicep curls using a piece of the RAW set. AWESOME! Heyman says that he's happy with the new General Manager, and that anything can truly happen in WWE. Heyman talks about the Vengeance match and how their situation is perfect - Brock can become the IC champ and then go onto face the world champion at Summerslam. Heyman says that as long as Brock and Taker are together, there will be nothing left of Rob Van Dam and Lesnar says that's what he pays him for.

Hardcore Championship: Christopher Nowinski vs. Bradshaw
Before the match, Nowinski grabs a mic and says that he doesn't want a Hardcore match and neither do the fans. His proposition is that he will allow Bradshaw to beat him - he will simply lay down for the three counts. Bradshaw will retain the title, he won't get hurt, and everyone wins. With that, Nowinski lays down and as Bradshaw goes to pin him, Chris puts him into a small package but can't get the three. aside from that this was standard average Hardcore match with weapons, this title need to die asap. The match ends when Out of nowhere, Johnny the Bull attacks Bradshaw and pins him to become the new Hardcore champion. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *1/2

Backstage, Big Show meets up with Eric Bischoff and the two hug. Show says that with the NWO gone, he thought he was screwed, but he's excited that Bischoff is here now. Show asks for a favour. He has a huge pain in the ass and it's Booker T. Big Show asks for a match against Booker T at Vengeance that will be a no-DQ, no countout match. Bischoff says there is no guarantee that Booker T will even be able to wrestle, but Show insists. Bischoff says that it's his first night and he just wants to settle in and not piss Vince off. But then he reconsiders saying that they have history and finally, he relents and says that he'll make the match and talk to Vince about it. Show leaves the room and Bischoff turns on a Triple H video.

Johnny the Bull thanks Eric Bischoff for allowing him to compete on RAW tonight. Bischoff says it wasn't his doing, all he did was give him the opportunity; other than that he did it on his own. Bischoff welcomes him to RAW, but Bradshaw busts in and clotheslines Johnny and pins him to regain the Hardcore title. Elsewhere Paul Heyman is giving Brock a pep talk, but Undertaker comes in and the two go face to face. Heyman tries to say something but Lesnar yells at him to stop. They continue to stare at each other until Brock tells Undertaker to go out first, but Taker says no, after you.

Brock Lesnar & Undertaker vs. Rob Van Dam & Ric Flair
The tape cuts off half way through the match during Flair’s comeback. FUCK YOU! Brock & Taker are awesome during this with power moves and Flair was selling the beating like a hero.

 

[Crippler]

WWE Smackdown 07/18/2002
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Tag Team Champions: Hulk Hogan & Edge
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
Jericho is wearing the GOAT pink/black attire on, while Cena is wearing this ridiculous golden, yellow mustard and brown attire. Anyway this was 3 minutes long and was solid but they could of done better but I guess they were saving all the goods for the PPV. I really is nice seeing Cena pull out all these different moves and counters and not look awkward doing so, anyway the match ends when Jericho barely kicked out of the Oklahoma Roll that won for him last week, so he low blows Cena for the intentional DQ. Post-Match: Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho on Cena. He holds on until a bunch of ref's come out to the ring. Jericho gets a chair and takes it into the ring. Jericho smashes the chair on Cena s back several times until official’s finally break it up. **

Marc Lloyd is in the back when he sees a white limo pull up. He says he thinks it is the new GM. The door opens and Bischoff exits. Lloyd asks why Bischoff is here. Bischoff walks away.

Backstage Bischoff introduces himself to Randy Orton. Bischoff asks where Hogan's dressing room is. Orton tells him, and Bischoff goes. Bischoff walks into Hogan's dressing room. Hulk hesitantly said it was nice to see him, and says he heard The Bischoff was attempting to sign Triple H. Hogan says he knows why Bischoff is really here to see rock. Bischoff asks where Edge is, he asks if Edge and Hogan are a package. Hogan asks if Bischoff means negotiating. Bischoff replies affirmatively. Bischoff denied this and said he was always ready to negotiate "Negotiate my ass," lol @ Hogan.

The Hurricane vs. Chavo Guerrero
More than a spotfeat match as Chavo brutally working the knee and show that he kinda deserves to be a part of the Smackdown six. I can't forget about Hurricane's leg selling which was done extremely well with every bit of offense he mustered or even when Chavo was just whipping him about he always grabbed at it. The match ends when Chavo picks up Hurricane and slams him down. Chavo locks in an STF and Hurricane taps out. WHAT? Post-Match: Chavo gets on the mic, and said that he is the premiere Latin-American superstar. Every time he turns around, he hears something else about Rey Mysterio. Chavo screamed that he is sick of it! He says next week, on Smackdown, Rey Mysterio Jr. will make his debut against him, Chavo Guerrero. **3/4

Backstage marc Lloyd sees another limo and he thinks it is the new GM. It’s not, its Vince. He asks why he is here. Vince says that the new GM might already be here. Lloyd says that Bischoff is here. Vince says that this should make for a very interesting night. Elsewhere Rico offers his services to Bischoff, Bischoff just wanted to know where The Rock's dressing room was. Rico tells him. Bischoff runs into Vince. Bischoff says that he had to come and check out Smackdown, the competition. Vince asks if Bischoff knows that he is announcing a new GM for Smackdown tonight. Bischoff says it doesn't matter because at Vengeance he will sign Triple H.

Earlier today Michael Cole had an interview with the Undertaker. Taker says he is the Undisputed Champion not because he kissed ass and was protected, he is the Undisputed Champion because he defended his title. And the Rock attacked him at KotR because he knows that 1-on-1, he can't beat him, the Rock attacked him to get his attention. Taker then says when someone gets his attention, they he feels his wrath. He then accuses Kurt Angle of living in a delusional world for thinking he made him tap out. He says because Angle got a half way victory over Taker he thinks he is the greatest thing. Taker says if he and Angle had 1000 matches in 1000 days, Angle couldn’t make him tap. Taker promised to straighten out a lot of things at Vengeance this Sunday, and that Kurt Angle and The Rock would find out that WWE is Taker's yard..."and it they get caught in it, they’re gonna get hurt"

Billy & Chuck vs. Hardcore Holly and Big Valbowski
Yeah No way in hell that I watched this.

Hulk Hogan, Edge & Rikishi vs. The Anti-Americans (Lance Storm, Christian & Test)
This was shockingly fun; don't get me wrong, Hogan, Rikishi and Test suck. But being in a tag match really covers up their flaws plus it had Edge to cover up how bad they were. The heat segment on Edge was great as they just took turn killing him, and Edge's mini-comebacks really held this together. I was kinda hoping more Edge/Christian one-on-one interactions and hoped that they would use how well they knew each other but they didn't. Edge hits the Edge-a-cution on Storm for the win. **1/2

[video=dailymotion;x10ls69]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10ls69_wwe-smackdown-07-18-2002-eric-bischoff-the-rock_fun[/video]​

Vince McMahon comes out and introduces the new GM. First says that if the wrestlers think it’s better on the other show they can try and trade on to it. Vince says RAW deserved the GM they got, he is not sure if Smackdown deserved the GM they are getting. With that Vince introduced the new GM: Stephanie McMahon! And she has the first version of "ALL GROWN UP!†Stephanie said that her brother, Shane, was right when he said that Bischoff would try to screw him, but she said she would not let that happen. She promised to block Bischoff's attempt to sign her SD roster of guys like Rock, Hogan, Edge, and the man who would have made H a success and is THE best in the world today, Triple H, and with her first official act would take place immediately. So she proceeded to throw Bischoff out of her building! As Stephanie retreated backstage and searched for the RAW General Manager. She finally found him talking to Storm, Christian and Test. She got up in his face and said that he had two choices; he could leave on his own or be thrown out. Bischoff agreed to leave but said he would see her at Vengeance.

Tajiri vs. Billy Kidman
5 minutes of Tajiri AWESOMENESS! As he was kicking and carrying Kidman, left right and centre. This had a bunch of awesome spots and counters, Kidman nailed the Shooting Star Press for the win. Post-Match: Noble and Nidia run out and Tajiri mists Kidman. Noble hits Kidman with a Powerbomb, and makes out with Nidia. **1/2 - **3/4

Backstage Jericho goes into to see Stephanie. She is glad to see him. Stephanie thanks Jericho for his complements. The two shook hands and Stephanie said that Y2J was very unselfish last week for giving up his match against Edge so he and Hogan could defend the Tag Titles. Stephanie said she would reward him by giving Y2J the match that he gave up next week; Jericho's face fell and contorted in anger as he left Stephanie's office.

REY MYSTERIO IS COMING NEXT WEEK! LIFE IS AWESOME!​

Angle said that this Sunday at Vengeance he will become the next Undisputed Champion; he says he already had made the Undertaker tap, and tonight he will make Rock tap too! The Undertaker then rides his motorcycle down to ringside and joined Tazz and Michael Cole. Angle turned his attention to Taker, but The Rock raced down and assaulted Angle from behind! The battle erupted outside the ring as Rock bashed Angle's head into Taker's motorcycle and suplexed him on the metal entrance ramp Angle recovered after Rock turns his attention away from him and he throws The Rock into the ring post.

The Rock vs. Kurt Angle
This seemed off for some reason, I'm guessing it was because majority of the match was punches and kicks for 6 of the 10 minutes. But thankfully both men know how to throw punches and sell punches for each other but I was expecting more. Late in the match, Angle bumped into the Undertaker who is still at ring-side and Rock charged Angle, who moved out of the way to cause Rock to smash into Taker! Back in the ring, Angle slapped Rock in the ankle lock, but Rock counters it and Rock hits him with a spinebuster and Rock set up for the People's Elbow. However Taker jumps in and decked The Rock to end the bout in a disqualification! Taker pounced on The Rock until Angle decked the champ with a chair! Angle then put the Rock in the anklelock; he releases the hold and raised his hands over the ailing bodies of Taker and The Rock. **3/4

Outside Marc Lloyd asks Triple H who he will sign with then Stephanie McMahon comes up and says she needs to talk to Triple H, and it is strictly business. Triple H asks if she sure she wants to be alone with him and is she is sure that she doesn't want her lawyer present. Stephanie says she deserved that comment. Triple H says that on Sunday he will hear what she has to say and will make his decision. He goes into his limo, but stops and says that Stephanie looks like she gained weight, angering Steph. When he got in, the window was up. As the window rolled down, it revealed Eric Bischoff laughing hysterically. He said, "If it makes you feel any better, I think you look great." Then they drive off.

 

[Crippler]

BONUS MATCHES!

WWE Velocity 07/06/2002

Billy Kidman vs. Tajiri
This was more Tajiri GOATNESS say he was on offense for 3/4 of the match was kicking Kidman face in 20 different ways; he even hit this awesome spot on the outside. As Kidman ran to him Tajiri used Billy's own momentum against him and shot him over his head which lead to Kidman going face first into the ringsteps. Back in the ring they continued to do some smooth counters and I just realized Billy had different attire every week, he debuted with jeans shorts, but Knoble came in so Billy switched, then he went to the pants i forget what they are called but it's the same ones Cena wore when he debuted. And now he's wearing just normal pants. Anyway the match ends when Tajiri shoves the ref out of the way and "Mists" Kidman in the face. And ends it with a SICK KICK. ***

Mark Henry vs. Christian
Mark's power offense was FUCKIN' AMAZING here, at one point he was on the outside with Christian and picked him up over his head and threw him into the ropes then picked him up again carried him around the ring up the steps and threw him over the ringpost and back into the ring. Christian gained control of the match with a low-blow but that didn't last long as Mark overpowered him again. This time he lifted him over his head and I swear to you Christian was at least 13 feet in the air. The match ends when Christian had a chair on the outside but the ref took it away and Mark continued to beat on him but he shoves the ref out of the way and hits Mark in the head with the chair, then rolls him up with the feet on the ropes. **1/2

WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Knoble (w/ Nidia) vs. The Hurricane
This was alright, but i didn't enjoy it like I did some of their previous matches. However I did really enjoy Knobles knee work as he worked on it for the most part with great submission moves, the ankle/heel hook, Indian deathlock and even a sweet different way into the figure-four. Hurrican's selling of it was mostly great for the most part, but he did have a couple moments when he didn't sell it but that was okay. I did notice during Hurricane's comeback that he doesn't really have any signiture moves it was like he was just doing a basic comeback like they would teach you during a training session. The match ends when Hurricane goes for the Hurri-slam but Knoble counters it with a dragon screw leg whip then ends it with the AWESOME! Trailer Hitch which is just a Modified figure four leglock, the opponents is lying on his belly. **1/2 - **3/4

 

[Crippler]

WWE Volocity 07/20/2002

Jamie Knoble (w/ Nidia) vs. Funaki
I’m gonna call this a Knoble showcase, as he was working the knee with the same hold he used against the Hurricane but he did add in a Boston crab with his knee in the back, but for some reason he dropped the hold and slammed Funaki’s knee into the mat instead, which I thought was weird. Anyway this totally wasn't one sided as Funaki seemed to be countering everything Knoble threw at him and that made him look a lot better than he really should have been, but as good as the moves and counters were my favourite part of the match was Funaki reversing and pin cover into a arm bar but Cole didn't know it was an arm bar so he called it “dat submission hold” Oh I should also mention Funaki’s selling was phenomenal he sold it non-stop and even when Nidia was distracting the ref instead of him just no-selling it his limped halfway then just broke down cause he couldn't walk anymore, AWESOME! He did somehow get to the ropes and that allowed Knoble to lock in the Trailer Hitch for the tapout win. **1/2

 

[Crippler]

WWE Vengeance 2002
Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Undertaker
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE Tag Team Champions: Hulk Hogan & Edge
WWE European Champion: Jeff Hardy
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

Michael Cole and Tazz will be on commentary for the first half of the show and Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler doing commentary for the second half.

Tables match: Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero vs. Bubba Ray Dudley and Spike Dudley
This is Chris Benoit first PPV match after being out for thirteen months. This wasn’t like other tables matches and that's why I enjoyed it so much, it's pretty obvious that Eddie and Benoit didn't want the play the Dudleyz game of exchanging meaningless FAKE tables’ spots so, instead they just beat the shit out of the bigger Bubba to ensure no one’s goes after a table. Another reason this worked was nothing was wasted and when they did finally introduce the tables the crowd was pumped for it. My only small problem with this was the eliminations came like 60 seconds apart, Bubba misses a senton and puts himself through a table, but it doesn't count because he wasn't put through a table. Spike puts Eddie through a table with the Dudley Dog. He tries the same on Benoit, but Chris just tosses Spike out of the ring through a table. Benoit sets up a table, but Bubba blocks the German Suplex and puts him through the table with the Bubba Bomb. ***1/4

In the back, Bischoff says he’s here to sign the most ruthless athlete he knows of; Triple H so he goes in search of him and he's walking into Stephanie's office. Bischoff says not to do that, and H says he's going to hear both sides, and like Eric told him, always negotiate.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble (w/Nidia) vs. Billy Kidman
Kidman is back in the short pants again, but this was all Noble he wasn't in full trailer dirt mode but he was straight wrestling here as he worked on Billy's arm to my surprise as for the past 3 weeks he's been working opponents legs which I loved, but him switching it up was pretty great even though Kidman doesn't use the arm much for his finishing moves and Knoble’s finishers are a modified figure-four and a Tiger Driver. Never mind that, that's just me being a dick and being picky. Oh and talking about being a Dick Kidman totally forgot to sell the arm 8/10 of the time during his comeback and during the finishing stretch, the match ends when Kidman goes for the Shooting Star Press, but Noble avoids it and rolls him up for two. He then takes advantage with the The Tiger Driver for the win. **3/4

In the back, Angle says he’ll win tonight. He then makes economy jokes based on Detroit's cars and economy , but Brock and Heyman walk up. Heyman talks up the idea of Brock vs. Angle at SummerSlam and how much Brock respects him, Angle and Brock shook hands. Angle told Brock he'd love to face him at SummerSlam, and if Brock messed with him the way he screwed with Taker last week he'd take him down. Brock got in Kurt's face and wished him luck.

WWE European Championship: Jeff Hardy vs. William Regal
Regal tired his best to carry this with the brutal English style but Jeff seemed drugged up and sloppy, hell he wasn’t even bumping like he would of maybe a month ago. Hardy wins after a fluke rollup. UGH! *

In the back, Ric Flair congratulates Jeff Hardy, and then Hogan shows up and does the same. Hogan says he might use a Swanton later. Flair says what he thinks Ross would say. "HOGAN IS GOING, SLOWLY, SLOWLY, SLOWLY UP THE TURNBUCKLY! HE TRIES TO FLIP BUT FALLS ON HIS ASS†Hogan says he’s worried about Vince appointing Eric and Stephanie as GMs of THEIR company. They then agree that Eric and Stephanie were poor choices for GM's

Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
Really solid stuff here, but IDK if Cana’s greenness was on full effect as Jericho has been carrying him for the last 3 meeting or he was just nervous as he had a few awkward moments but at least he got his regular moves correct. Jericho put him over clean here, I remember watching it live during 2002 and was super pissed like LEGIT ANGRY because Jericho was Jericho and one of my favourites while Cena was a "rookie" and had no personality and did not entertain me at all. But now that I’m older I just call it Jericho being Jericho, lol. **1/4

In the back, Bischoff and coach are leaning side-by-side leaning against the wall waiting outside Stephanie's office, Stephanie's attorney attempted to enter the room. But Bischoff stopped him and told him to take a walk. The lawyer said he was called there to deliver some documents, the lawyer entered and Bischoff looked very upset. As he puts his ear against to door trying to listen In.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler take over on commentary.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman)
This was fucking great, with the story being about "Brock's power vs. RVD's speed", Well Brock was obviously in control which lead to some great bumping by RVD, and at times it looked like he was gonna die. For first 1/3 of the match it was just really fun back and forth action with neither guy fully gaining the advantage until Brock power slammed RVD on the floor then took him back in the ring and bent him 5 different ways then threw him around, however the match slowed down a bit as Brock went to the submission holds, but the crowd stayed in it and it made for a fun RVD comeback. And when he did make that comeback he pulled out some sweet aerial assaults, and to Brock's the selling was fantastic too I don't think people actually realize how phenomenal his selling really is, i mean you look at him and the guy just looks like a monster but when you see him bump and sell it's so realistic and you think he must be LEGIT hurting. MAN! BROCK is just too good. Anyway the match ends when RVD counters the F5 into a DDT and got the Frog Splash, but Heyman pulled the ref out for the DQ. Post-Match: Robinson is angry so he stars punching Heyman, but Brock goes after him and just throws him off which allows RVD to hits Brock with a Flipping Senton to the floor. They keep fighting, and go into the ring. Where RVD sets Brock up for the Van Terminator, but Heyman holds RVD's leg. Brock pulls him out, and hits the F5 on the chair. ***1/2

In the back, Stephanie walks out of her office looking like she has a sad. Bischoff smiles and says he didn't right, right? She thinks about, and says he signed, and walks off. Triple H comes out and Bischoff yells at him about signing, but Triple H says those were his divorce papers. Triple H says as far as business goes, he hasn't made up his mind yet.

No Disqualification, No Count Out: Booker T vs. The Big Show
Okay stuff here, with Booker basically getting thrown around like a rag doll for the majority of the match. There is a great spot near the end though, as Booker runs off the English announce table to put Show through the Mexican one with the Scissors Kick. The match ends when Booker hits another Scissors Kick and goes up top for the Houston Hangover formally known as the Harlem Hangover for the win. JR sells it like the upset of the year was pretty great though. *1/2

Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie are at WWF New York, but now it's called "The World" FUCK THIS COMPANY! "The World" no way I’m calling it that. They each give us their expert analysis of the main event. Torrie picks Rock, while Dawn picks Taker.

Triple H comes out to the ring to announce his decision. Eric Bischoff offers to introduce Hunter to his friends in Hollywood. Stephanie McMahon says that her personal relationship with Hunter means she knows him. She reminds him that Bischoff let him go in WCW. Triple H looks like he's gonna pick Smackdown because he wanted to go with “the devil I know rather than the devil I don’t know.†But Shawn Michaels interrupts and asks Hunter to come back to Raw because he's had more fun with Shawn than anyone else. He then tells Hunter to imagine the two back together again, and imagined making Bischoff's life a living hell. Triple H then turns and hugs HBK, making official his switch to RAW! Triple H and HBK leave, and Bischoff gloated over his victory. He then says the difference between the two of them is that he's got testicles. Stephanie whacked Bischoff on the side of the head and left!

Backstage, Rikishi says he's disappointed in HHH for not signing with Smackdown and it really hurts the young guys on Smackdown (I guess Rikishi wanted to run someone over again) Elsewhere Booker and Goldust also give their thoughts on Hunter signing with Raw, they both say they don't care about Triple H coming to Raw. Booker T says that if Triple H comes after him, he'll be ready to play the Game. Goldust says that he doesn't care about the Game because they have bigger joysticks.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Hulk Hogan and Edge vs. Christian and Lance Storm
This was going okay, although Hogan looked even worse than usual tonight as he botches a ton of spots, doesn’t sell shit and the Anti-Canadian stable's heat offense was kinda lacklustre. No Idea whose Idea it was to make Hogan take the heat segment. The match ends when Test runs down and boots Edge in the face. That gets two. Rikishi makes his way out and chases Test to the back, allowing Chris Jericho to run in from the crowd and nail Edge with the title belt. Christian gets the pin. *1/2 at best.

Kurt Angle is walking in the hall when Eric Bischoff stops him, and Bischoff runs into him he tries to get him to sign with Raw. But Kurt says he has a title to go win.

In the back, Stephanie is watching the happenings on TV when Marc Lloyd appears, he asks her about Bischoff's signings and potential signings. Stephanie says Bischoff has won the first battle, but she will win the war but that's okay with her that Bischoff is talking to Angle. She then says she has direct contact with all the RAW stars and when the time is right she will rip the heart right out of RAW.

WWE Undisputed Championship: The Undertaker vs. The Rock vs. Kurt Angle
The match starts with Kurt not being able to get the attention of the other two, and once he does, he regrets it. As that both attack him lol To this point, it was easily the best triple threat match in WWE history, but the match doesn't hold up like I remembered it the majority of the match was one guy knocking one guy out and hitting finishers one of the others wrestlers finishing move instead of actually building a storyline. That's not to say all those finishers weren't exciting, but it could have been much better. I did really like that Taker kept throwing Kurt aside to focus on Rock to actually tell a story early that for the past month all he's wanted was the Rock. There was a part of the match where they steal each other's finishes. Rock does a Chokeslams on Taker (which just looks wrong), and an awful Ankle Lock on Kurt, Kurt does a Rock Bottom or as i like the call it the "Olympic Bottom on Rock. Taker does an Angle Slam on Kurt. Kurt and Taker even worked in the Triangle Choke spot from the July 4th match, except this time, Kurt doesn't have Taker's arm hooked in the hold, which is what prevents you from just sliding your head out, but that just looked hilariously wrong for obvious reasons. Anyway the match ends when the Rock hits Kurt Angle with the Rock Bottom to win. The Great One vs. the Next Big Thing @ Summerslam HOLY SHIT! ****

 

[Keith]

Judgement Day outside of a couple of matches was a bit of a stinker.

KOTR sounds good (its been years since I have seen that one) may have been a poor match but Hogan/Kurt served its purpose. Eddie/Flair was senseless. Heyman was gold all night, the elvation of Brock was well handled. Both Women's and crusierweight title matches sound great.

Vengeance was hit and miss but had enough very good stuff to paper over the cracks. Enjoyed the Steph/HHH/Bischoff contract segment.

Shame about what happened with Noriswki that guy had promise.

 

[Crippler]

WWE Raw 07/22/2002
Grand Rapids, Michigan

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Rock
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE European Champion: Jeff Hardy
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw

Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler have been moved from ringside to the stage area.

Eric Bischoff comes to the ring and gets on the mic, He promises Rock will be here later, and introduces the man who is going to be the cornerstone of Raw, Triple H! Triple H's music hits and out he comes down to the ring. Triple H says that he's bringing out his best friend, Shawn Michaels! well Michaels comes down to the ring with the "Sexy Boy" theme and full pyro. Bischoff introduces the combination of Triple H and Shawn Michaels and officially names Shawn Michaels as the manager of Triple H Bishoff then says anytime you see Triple H, Shawn Michaels will not be far behind. Michaels responds by saying that he has no problem with being Triple H's manager, but he does have a huge problem with Bischoff telling him what to do. Bischoff says that HBK will do what he tells him to do, because he's Eric Bischoff and that HBK doesn't have the stroke he once had in the WWF. Michaels then says whenever he has to do it someone else's way or the highway, he always chooses the highway and with that Michaels leaves. Bischoff warns him that he's turning his back on all the fans and he won't bring him back. Shawn ignores him and leaves. Eric Bischoff then turns to Triple H and suggests for him to go talk some sense into Shawn. Triple H yells at Bischoff for ruining the night, so Bischoff tells Triple H to go after HBK and fix it and Triple H runs to the backstage area after HBK. Bischoff turns his attention to other matters - namely the fact that he will unite the European and Intercontinental champions tonight when Jeff Hardy faces Rob Van Dam. But that's not all, it won't be an ordinary match, it will be a ladder match.

Backstage, we see Triple H try to stop Shawn Michaels. Michaels says that he's been here for 15 years and he doesn't listen to anyone. Triple H says that Shawn is the one who brought him here and now he's just going to leave? He'll be turning his back on both him and the fans. Triple H then says that Shawn Michaels can't even wrestle anymore, so is it that bad to become his manager? Michaels says that he hasn't lost his pride so Triple H says he's not asking him to be his lackey. He shouldn't pick up his ball and leave like Stone Cold did. He assures Shawn that he has some ideas and Michaels says that it better be damn good.

Unification Ladder Match: WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam vs. WWE European Champion Jeff Hardy
So this was Jeff's 2nd ladder match in the past 3 weeks, but unlike the Taker one Jeff was high as fuck here. Can't say I’m surprised cause look at the guy he's wrestling. These two really work so much better together than you'd expect from two spotty high flying guys. I liked that they didn't try to out kill each other with silly spots/bumps all the time. At one point in the match both men grabbed a ladder and slam the two ladders against one another twice before RVD loses his. Van Dam reverse kicks Jeff knocking him down. Another awesome moment was RVD stealing the sunset flip into a powerbomb from Eddie cause Eddie did the same move to him. Oh and the fucking finish man, RVD kicked Jeff's ladder out from under him, causing Jeff to fall hard to the mat and RVD instead of just taking the title down delivers a nasty splash to Jeff, he then climbs the ladder and takes down the IC title. Post-Match: RVD helps Jeff to his feet after the match to show his respect. **1/2 - **3/4

Christopher Nowinski takes the mic, he thanks Eric Bischoff for giving him the time to speak his mind because he has something to get off his chest. Ever since he has made his WWE debut, he's been perplexed about why they hate him just because he's a Harvard grad. He says that everyone should be honored to be in his presence. Everyone should be excited at what he's going to bring to future generations of WWE fans. Suddenly, the Undertaker's music hits and Undertaker drives out on his bike. Chris says that Taker is probably very upset after last night and hands the microphone over to Taker. Taker extends his hand to Nowinksi, who is pleasantly surprised at the gesture, Chris turns to leave but Taker doesn't release him and attacks. He ends him with the Last Ride.

In the back, Bischoff says that Undertaker is an icon in the industry and he is "RUTHLESS AGRESSION" Bischoff is talking to none other than RHYNO Rhyno thanks Bischoff for the opportunity, and says that when he's healthy he will be back better than ever! DLo Brown & Shawn Stasiak approach Bischoff about getting some time on RAW. Bischoff tries to blow them off but the two are persistent so he says he'll give them 3 minutes of RAW. And they better entertain him or they will never be on RAW again.

Trish Stratus & Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Molly Holly & William Regal
This is an intergender match, so the guys can wrestle the girls if wanted. This was short and had its moments, like when Bubba was getting the best of Regal so he runs to the corner and hugs her ASS! The match ends when Regal puts the Regal stretch on Trish, who taps. WIN! *1/2

Backstage, Bischoff Congratulates Benoit on a great match last night. He says he will make a match tonight between him and Booker T, just like the old WCW days. The winner will get a shot at Rob Van Dam's IC Championship belt next week. YES!

In the back, The Rock has arrives with the Undisputed Championship.

The Rock comes down to the ring, and he gets on the mic. Rock starts by thanking everyone for making last night's match one of the most electrifying matches he's been a part of. But that was last night, tonight he is here just like he told Eric Jerkoff, Eric Jackoff as the undisputed champion. Suddenly Eddie Guerrero comes out to the stage to interrupt. He says who does he thinks he is, and that he has a problem with the Rock. He has two little girls at home and they worship the ground their father walks on. The other day when he walked into their room to say goodnight, he saw something disturbing. Right next to a picture of him, they had a poster of the Rock. He knew deep down that he had to show his girls discipline so he ripped down the posters and burned them sending his little girls crying. So he told them to shut up, Rock interrupts calling him a sick psychopath. He says that he isn't a movie star, but Guerrero is. Was he Cheech or Chong? Guerrero says that the Rock is just jealous of him. You and everyone else know that he is the better wrestler, he's better looking. He has the hottest haircut going in America right now. Nobody can wear the mullet like he can, the People's Mullet. Rock says with a haircut like that and a face like that, Billy Ray Cyrus went and had sex with a Blue hyena. Guerrero says that he will teach the Rock a lesson on how to respect him and it starts tonight in that ring. Guerrero goes on to say that if and when he beats him, how about the Rock give him a shot at his WWE championship? Rock sings a song "La Bamba" and agrees to the match and stipulations.

As the Rock is leaving up the ramp, Brock and Heyman come out for their match! Brock and Paul walk right by Rock, not making eye contact and Rock. AWESOME! MIND-GAMES.

Singapore Cane Match: Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. Tommy Dreamer
AWESOME! Brock squash. The match ends when Dreamer hits Lesnar with a DDT which gets a two count. He goes for another cane and nails Brock over the back with it. Brock blocks the next shot, and picks Dreamer up and nails him with F-5 for the win. Post-Match: The Undertaker runs out, and hits Lesnar with another Singapore Cane sending Brock to the outside. **1/4

Backstage, Big Show and Shawn Michaels meet up. Big Show talks about a few weeks ago when Michaels superkicked him as an act of "tough love". Right now, he doesn't see either Nash or the rest of the NWO and Shawn doesn't look so tough. Michaels says he doesn't know how tough he is but how bad does Show want to find out? Show laughs and says maybe he will find out and walks away.

Shawn Stasiak vs. D'Lo Brown
So all night Eric has been say these two have 3 MINUTES, and he keeps saying it. WELL UNTIL Rosey and Jamal came out of nowhere and attack, OH SHIT its THE 3 MINUTE WARNING!

Backstage, Triple H hands Shawn Michaels a plastic bag. HBK looks inside and laughs, Triple H tells him to put it on HBK asks if Triple H is serious? Triple H says of course!

Goldust Congratulates Booker on his match with Big Show last night and proclaims Booker the King of the Giant Killers, kind of like David slaying Goliath. Goldust says he's the King so Booker T asks him what he's hiding behind his back. Is it a crown? Does he want him to go out there looking like a fool? Goldust says no, but he has something better. He pulls out a Don King wig and puts it on Booker T. And Booker delivers an amazing Don King hype promo.

Chris Benoit vs. Booker T
6 minutes of goodness! Benoit spent the majority of the match violently killing the back and ribs of Booker, like only he can with suplexs and strikes. Booker's comeback was really good too, he sold the injured ribs. The match ends when Benoit shoots Booker T into the exposed turnbuckle which in turns leads to him putting on the Crippler Crossface, and Booker T taps. **3/4

Bischoff joins JR & The King at the commentary table for the next match.

The Big Show vs. Spike Dudley
SQUASH! Show chokeslams Spike and then pins him easily to take the match. Post-Match: Show starts celebrating but Bischoff signals from the booth that he wants him to put Spike through the table. So he brings a table in, but before he can put him through the table, Bubba Ray Dudley runs down and low blows Big Show. Show takes over though, and knocks Spike onto the table he then Chokeslams Bubba onto Spike and they both go through the table.

[video=dailymotion;x10mxrw]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10mxrw_wwe-raw-07-22-2002-triple-h-s-heel-turn_sport#.UbCTh_nVDoI[/video]
That no good son of a bitch​

In the parking lot, Triple H leaves in a limo and another limo pulls up and the window rolls down. Stephanie McMahon's head pops out, and she tells a crew member to tell Bischoff that "the competition has arrived"

Eddie Guerrero vs. The Rock
We never got that Eddie/Rock feud hell we never got a rematch of this and this was only 6 minutes, Awesome bumping by both men and even the counters/reversals at times was great. Everything was just smooth Eddie's heat segment was great as he used the promo from early on in the show with Rock making fun of him and that his 2 daughters like the Rock more than him so he was making sure everything he hit looked violent, hell he even had his angry face on. The Rock hits the "People's Elbow" for the win. Post-Match: Brock Lesnar runs in and grabs the title belt from the referee. Rock turns around and sees this and the two men stare each other down in the middle of the ring. Lesnar looks down at the title, and then looks back up at the Rock repeatedly. Finally, Brock puts the belt out for Rock to take it but Rock doesn't reach for it, so Brock aggressively throws the belt to the ground and leaves the ring while Rock watches him all the way. MIND-GAMES! **3/4

Out in the parking lot, Eric Bischoff comes out to meet Stephanie McMahon. Bischoff asks Steph if she is here to get a wrestling lesson or maybe to slap his ass. Steph says nah, that's not what she is here; she's here to kick him in the testicles. Bischoff begs her to so Steph steps out but Brock and Heyman come out and stand in between Bischoff and Steph. Steph says okay, I will and she opens the door for Brock and Heyman. Bischoff is upset so Steph asks him how it feels to be kicked in the testicles. She then says that if he wants to see Brock Lesnar, he'll have to watch Smackdown! this week. Bischoff tells Brock to get out of the limo, but they drive off leaving Bischoff to scream after them.

 

[Crippler]

WWE Smackdown 07/25/2002
Indianapolis, Indiana

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Rock
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Tag Team Champions: The Anit-American's
WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

Kurt Angle vs. Mark Henry
They wrestle around for 3 minutes, and it was fun but from behind, Brock Lesnar comes in and attacks Henry, giving him the F-5 before walking away with Paul Heyman. Angle has a disgusted look on his face and follows the two into the back. *1/2

Backstage, Kurt finds Brock and asks what that was for. Brock said Kurt looked like he needed help. Kurt asks who the hell he thinks he is, and Brock says he's the next WWE Champion. Brock says he was hoping to face Kurt at SummerSlam, but he blew it; maybe it's because he can't handle the pressure of being the #1 guy. Brock tells Kurt that his reign as Smackdown's #1 wrestler is over and with that, Angle storms off.

Stacy Keibler walks into Stephanie's dressing room while Steph was on the phone. Stacy says that last week Vince told her that she would not need her services anymore but if Stephanie herself needs anything, just asks. YES! Suddenly there is a knock at the door so Steph asks her to start by answering the door. Stacy comes back with some roses and hands them to Steph but asks her who it's from. Stephanie tells Stacy to read it herself and she does and it ends up being from Eric Bischoff. Stephanie gets upset and throws the flowers against the wall.

Val Venis (w/ Hardcore Holly) vs. Reverend D-Von (w/ Deacan Batista)
I was zoned out most of the time so I didn't pay any attention to it, and I’m not gonna go back and watch it.

Backstage, Stacy Keibler tells four security guards that if anything suspicious happens go and contact Stephanie's office immediately. Stacy notices Edge walking out of the arena, and tells the guards to go stop him and they run off. Stacy calls Steph on a cell phone and says that Eric Bischoff may be in contact with Edge about going to Raw.

Storm & Christian talk about winning the Tag Titles and how they did it the "UN-American" way by hard work and by earning it. Storm says today they have to make a statement against Rock and Hogan. Christian says that Hogan is a real American - lazy, stupid and ignorant and he thinks the entire world revolves around him. Storm says he thinks they will be Tag champs for a long time.

Edge is surrounded by the security guards who say that they can't let him leave. Stephanie approaches and apologizes for the security guards and asks him if he's going to Raw, he hasn't even talked to him yet. Edge assures her that he is Smackdown! 4LIFE! Edge & Stephanie go to the production truck and he tells a crew member to pop in a tape. The tape has a countdown to the end of the show; Edge says that is how much time there is until he gets Chris Jericho in a cage!

Mark Lloyd approaches Angle in the parking lot and asks him about what Lesnar said to him? But he's on the phone and walks off saying, "Hold on, Eric." and tells Lloyd to "beat it!" Lloyd suggests Angle is talking to Eric Bischoff. "ERIC ANGLE" BOOK IT!

Rikishi vs. Albert
Two big men pounding the shit out of each other and using power-moves, with few rest holds. Really enjoyable.

Backstage, Mark Lloyd tells Stephanie about Kurt Angle talking to Eric, Stephanie looks upset so she calls Angle but can only leave a voice mail. And tells him that he's the leader of the Smackdown! Roster and how she's a better GM, She asks him to call her back when he gets he message.

WWE Tag Team Championship: The Anti-American's (Lance Storm & Christian w/ Test) vs. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan & The Rock
Christian and Lance was bumping huge here, but for some reason Rock was a bit off his game here and Hogan was Hogan which means he sucked when he was in the ring longer than 15 seconds and when the crowd's interaction wasn't covering up his "Same Old Shit" stuff. The match ends when Hulk proceeds to "hulk up". Big boot to Christian and a leg drop, but once again Brock Lesnar interferes by attacking Hogan and putting him into the F-5 for the DQ. Post-Match: Rock spots Lesnar and Heyman walking away and becomes furious but Brock motions for the belt across his waist before walking to the back. **1/4 - **1/2

Backstage, Brock Lesnar approaches a white limo and wants to get in. The attendant says that it's Hulk Hogan's car so Brock threatens him and says that if he doesn't open the door, he'll beat him up. The attendant listens and drives away with them. BROCK!

John Cena is asked about his upcoming match against Test. Cena says that Canadian's get free health care, but looking at Test, it's obvious that they don't have dental care. He proceeds to make fun of Test's teeth calling him a Canadian woodchuck before Test comes in and slaps Cena saying that's just another punk. Elsewhere Stephanie McMahon approaches Chris Jericho and says he's one of the biggest superstars on Smackdown! And wants to know if he's happy being on Smackdown!. Jericho says he is happy and tonight, he's very happy because his band (Fozzy) has a new album coming out. And he will beat Edge and leave him in a pool of his own blood.

Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero
Good match, it's basically a Rey exhibition as he pulls off ton of cool high flying and lucha! Stuff. Chavo even got some shit in and looked good doing so, he worked on Rey's midsection for the Gory bomb just a shame Rey didn't sell it much. But he was bumping for Chavo, anyway Rey wins after the 619 then the West Coast Pop. **1/2

In the back, Test was walking for his match, and bumped into Rey. The two stare each other down, before Rey walks way without apologizing so Test attacks him and throws him against the wall telling him to go back to kindergarten.

Test vs. John Cena
The audio and Video was fucked up for the whole match so i didn't watch, but If they booked it as Test trying to be a bully it prob sucked.

Backstage, Stacy and Stephanie continue to try to call Kurt, but he refuses to pick up. Stephanie leaves a message saying Kurt won't return any calls, so she's asking him to at least have the common courtesy to tell her to her face to face his decision.

Steel Cage Match: Chris Jericho vs. Edge
I've seen this match quite a few times and sometimes I really, really enjoy it and other times I just find if good. And this is one of the times I really enjoyed it. The match only goes like 12 minutes but they do some really good stuff here, like Edge tying Jericho up on the ropes then follows it up with a spear and then tries again, but Jericho gets out and Edge goes flying into the cage. Jericho throws Edge into the cage a few times, cutting him open on the forehead. But the blade job wasn't on the level of the Kurt/Edge one. Jericho did hit a bulldog of the top rope which was cool, but the spot of the match was Edge hitting Jericho with the Electric-Chair after Jericho tried to climb over the top. But while I’m watching this I can’t but feel it was lacking that “HATRED†that a feud that ends in a steel cage should have, especially when Jericho tried to put edge out of action for longer than 6 weeks or worse end his career. Post-match: The Un-Americans come down and attack Edge. They send him back into the cage and work him over until John Cena comes down for the save. However, it's too much so Rey Mysterio comes down, climbs to the top of the cage and high cross body on the heel. FUCK YEAH! Then both he and Cena dropkick Test and take out Lance Storm while Jericho takes off over the top. Edge, Mysterio and Cena are left in the ring to celebrate. ***1/2

Stephanie and Kidman watch the match and comment on how incredible it is when Stacy Keibler runs in to tell Stephanie that Eric Bischoff is in the parking lot. Stephanie storms to the parking lot and tells Bischoff to get the hell out of the parking lot. She tries to open the locked door when Bischoff pops up from the sunroof. Bischoff says it's good to see her again and asks her if she got his flowers. Bischoff tells her that he said he would knock her out and his gain would be Smackdown's loss. Bischoff then drives off with someone in the limo but we don't get to see who. From behind, Kurt Angle sneaks in and Steph is relieved to see him. Angle says that he was talking to Eric, his brother not Bischoff because he had to let out some steam over what Brock did. Steph realizes that if Kurt isn't in the limo, then who is!!

 

[Crippler]

WWE Raw 07/29/2002
Greensboro, North Carolina

WWE Undisputed Champion: The Rock
WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam
WWE Tag Team Champions: The Anti-Americans
WWE Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw

Eric Bischoff introduces the newest members of RAW.... The Tag Team Champions! The Un-Americans (Test, Lance Storm & Christian) Test is flying the upside down American flag, and Lance and Christian bring the tag titles to Raw. Lance gets on the mic and talks shit about the so-called American Icons like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Babe Ruth. He then starts talking about the John Wayne’s family selling his image to a beer company after he died. Christian lets us know that the heart of America is as cold as Ted Williams' frozen corpse. The average teen can list every Britney Spears song, but not the Bill of Rights. American children would rather eat Big Macs and look for porn than learn reading and writing. And Americans have to wonder why the world hates them? Storm says that there is one man who doesn't represent America and that's Eric Bischoff. He worked hard for what he got. Suddenly Shawn Michaels comes to the stage and interrupts, saying that he wants Triple H. Shawn doesn't know if he has the night off, or is stuck in traffic, or shot himself after listening to these pinheads, but Michaels wants to exercise his right to beat Triple H all over the ring. Bischoff tells him that Triple H isn't here yet, but when he is, he'll probably want to speak to Shawn face to face. Test calls HBK a 'has-been' and tells him to get lost, so Shawn responds by saying that "the Canadians don't like him because he smacked around Bret Hart" But they should do like Hart and get over it. He tells Bischoff to find Triple H, or else Michaels will bring him what's left. Bischoff apologizes to Lance Storm, and Storm says it's okay because HBK is just a selfish American and they didn't come to RAW to be spectators. They will make a un-American impact TONIGHT!

Bischoff wishes Guerrero luck tonight against Booker T, then a worker tells Bischoff that a woman is in the parking lot to see him. Eric tells him to tell her to sit tight.

Booker T vs. Eddie Guerrero
Eddie was totally in follow Benoit's lead, he worked the mid-section like Benoit did with suplexes and back breakers, he even pulls off the turnbuckle pad, but Booker manages to hit a Flapjack onto the exposed steel then ends it with the Scissors kick. Man I wish this got more time. **3/4

In the back, Bischoff opens the limo door expecting Steph, but he finds Moolah and Mae Young! He yells for them to get the hell away from his building and shuts the door. Elsewhere Michaels is looking for Triple H, and he bumps into Booker T & Goldust. Booker says it aren’t so funny now, being dissed in front of millions of people by someone you thought was on your side. Shawn says that was business, and he has more important things to do right now. He walks away, and Booker glares.

Trish Stratus & Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Molly Holly & The Big Show
It's supposed to be Bubba/Trish vs. Regal/Molly, but Molly came out with a mic. She said Regal was sick, so Eric allowed her to choose a replacement, and she chose The Big Show. This was pretty poor Bubba/Show interactions was terrible borderline unwatchable. *

In the back, Shawn is still searching for Triple H but bumps into Big Show; Big Show asks if Shawn just saw what happened to him. Shawn says he doesn't have the time right now nor does he have time to talk about it. As Michaels walks off, Show says he might make Shawn have time.

Ric is setting is with one of the member of the production crew, but he sees Jeff Hardy and calls him over. Flair then proceeds to "Jeff doesn't have to go out there every night and break his legs just for ratings" Bischoff comes over and Flair asks if Bischoff if he agrees. So Bischoff sets up a Hardcore title match between Bradshaw & Jeff Hardy. Eric asks what Ric's 'big announcement' is? And Ric says that it's always best to wait for the last moment. Mae Young & Moolah enter and Mae tries to make out with Eric while Moolah says that if Eric doesn't let her promote her book, she will let Mae kiss you more. Bischoff gets an idea and says he'll help, then says that Mae's breathe smells like fertilizer.

WWE Hardcore Championship: Bradshaw vs. Jeff Hardy
More standard hardcore action here, Jeff wins after hitting the Swanton Bomb off a ladder. Post-Match: Johnny The Bull comes down and nails Hardy from behind and pins him to win the Hardcore Title. Bradshaw then gives Johnny the clothesline from hell and pins him to recapture the Hardcore Title. Suddenly Tommy Dreamer runs in with a Singapore cane and whacks Bradshaw in the head, and pins him to win the Hardcore Title. Tommy Dreamer leaves with the Hardcore Title through the crowd. **

In the back, Regal and the Un-Americans talk about how much they hate America, Test asks Regal how his 'injury' is (Regal shows no signs of injury) and Regal says it is like a lightning rod down his leg. But he's going to get rubdown, WHAT? Benoit comes out of his dressing room and Christian wishes Benoit luck in his match, but Benoit says he doesn't need any luck.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Benoit
A really hard fought physical match, where RVD used his flexibility and speed to escape all of Benoit's holds, so Benoit started throwing chops and headbutts instead. They did this AWESOME! spot early in the match where Benoit runs the ropes and RVD does the splits on the mat, but instead of Benoit jumping over him he dropkicks him in the face instead. I loved Benoit's arm work in this as he was his usual violent self, he busted out an awesome shoulder-breakers and throwing him 3/4 times into the ring-post. RVD's comeback was pretty great too as he was selling the arm and even at times acted like he couldn't pick him up but on second effort he could. The match eventually ends when Benoit applies the Crossface but RVD breaks the hold and rolls Benoit over, but Benoit continues the roll and puts his legs on the ropes to help get the win. YES! BENOIT! Is back with gold. ***1/2

In the back, Michaels tells a security guard to tell Triple H, when he arrives, that he'll be waiting for him in the parking lot. lol @ Big Show in STALKIN' mode.

Eric Bischoff is on the stage and he brings out Moolah and Mae Young. Eric says to talk about the book, but...they only have 3 minutes. HOLY SHIT! Moolah talks about several stories in her book, Moolah even calls Cyndi Lauper a little bitch. Mae keeps giving Moolah subjects, without giving her any time to talk. So Bischoff interrupts and says that the two ladies just aren't entertaining enough. Bischoff says that it's a shame that the book is complete because they're about to experience the last chapter. Suddenly Rosey and Jamal come in through the crowd and murders them. As we go to a Commercial.

Mae Young is being taken out on a stretcher, and Bischoff is in the ring saying that all he has to do is snap his fingers, and stuff happens. Suddenly the Undertaker's music hits and he comes down to the ring. He tells Eric to snap his fingers right now and make him do something, Chris Nowinksi's music hits and Chris comes to the ring he says that Mr Bischoff doesn't have to take that from the Undertaker. And asks Bischoff to make Undertaker apologize to him, for attacking him last week. But Bischoff goes ahead and makes a match between Nowinski & Undertaker Nowinski says Bischoff can't just make the Undertaker fight with the snap of his fingers. Taker says that he's right. He won't wrestle Nowinski because Bischoff says so, but because he likes to fight.

The Undertaker vs. Chris Nowinski
SQUASH! Wait a second, I thought when the-then WWE champion taker loses his title i thought he has to go on the brand that, that superstar pinned him on. Well Taker lost the title to Rock, Rock is a SD guy so shouldn't Taker be on SD why is he on Raw. And I know Eric didn't sign him. Post-match: The Un-Americans come out and surround the Undertaker. They attack the Undertaker and beat him down in the corner, Christian & Storm give the Undertaker a con-chair-to and Test takes the microphone saying "Here lays your 'American' badass!" Test then waves the up-side-down American flag while standing over Taker. AWESOME! Way to start a feud.

The Un-Americans are happy but they say they have one more piece of business to attend to, and they walk off.

[video=dailymotion;x10nblr]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10nblr_raw-07-29-2002-the-rock-interview_fun#.UbDiEPnVDoI[/video]​

Triple H comes down to the ring, and he gets on the mic. He says he's not fighting Shawn in a parking lot, and says last week, he had to show Shawn who was right. He was the one who wanted HBK to be his manager, but Shawn couldn’t stand not being the one in the spotlight. Triple H says The Game has passed Shawn by, and now he's the icon and main event, while Shawn's career is over. Triple H then says Shawn's back is busted up, and his mind is even more broken up. Did he honestly think he could be Triple H's equal? Last week was a cold hard slap in the face of reality and all HBK has left, is his pride. Deep inside, Shawn knows it's true, but all he has left is his pride. He's not going anywhere, so Shawn can either listen to his pride and come to the ring and try to fight, or he can swallow his pride and walk to the ring and accept his new role as manager. Suddenly a stage manager tells Triple H something and he leaves the ring immediately and runs to the back. Triple H finds Shawn Michaels unconscious in a pool of blood, surrounded by RAW wrestlers. He sees a vehicle with a big hole smashed in the side window. Hunter checks on him and yells to get some help. As we go to a commercial.

In the parking lot, they’re loading HBK into an ambulance. And Bischoff grins at Triple H and says "I heard you played dirty but he had no idea!!" Triple H denies having anything to do with this. THEN ENDS IT WITH “FUCK YOU!†and Hunter walks away. SWERVE!

The Rock vs. Ric Flair
Okay match here, I don't have a real problem with it Rock was obviously placing the heel role here but kept it face at times too, so it got messy as he would act like a dick then show respect. Rock countering the figure four into a sharp shooter was pretty cool and it looked good. The end of the match was pretty hilarious as Flair struts around the ring for a moment, acting cocky which allows the Rock gets back to his feet and nail him with the Rock Bottom. Post-Match: Rock and Flair shake hands, and Flair raises Rock’s hand. Rock walks up the aisle, Flair gets on the mic. He says he has a very important announcement, but Jericho’s Countdown hits and Jericho appears from behind Flair, nailing him with a chair! Jericho takes the microphone and says the only important announcement to be made is...that from now on "RAW.... IS....... JERICHO!!!!!!!" **3/4