WWF Raw February 18, 2002/WWF SmackDown! February 21, 2002 Watch Along

[Ricky Smarks]

The parallels between Austin and Hall are pretty strong. So I'm glad at least the build was solid.

Even Cole mentioning Austin's venom and the nWo's poison. Good stuff.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I thoroughly enjoyed Austin's heel turn and honestly Austin was getting bored in 2002 so if Hogan had to leave, imagine Austin leading the nWo?

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Speaking of having Jericho where he wanted him, Austin has this crowd in the palms of his hands.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I mean hey, Austin, if you just accepted their beer. So this is on you pal.

Never disrespect a man's beer. Or refuse a gift. It's poor form.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I like how Austin is basically repeating his stunner promo he cut on Jericho last week.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

The nWo aren't pieces of trash. Wash your tongue. Watch and wash it.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I can't believe the nWo have invaded Raw. What a time to be a live.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

nWo on Raw, what a time

It's so surreal. I can tell you this freshman in high school was geeking out in 2002.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

The nWo entrance is still so cool. The walking troops in the entrance video and everything. The way the screen's focus melts.

Vince can really elevate something when he actually wants to.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I loved the Wolfpac colors so I'd take most of their merch over the black and white but I can't argue that the black and white isn't more iconic

I feel this. This is partially why I think Hogan decided to use the Wolfpac colors for the Elite when they reunited.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Man, Hogan is all about his dick this episode. A little disappointed we didn't get Hall's signature stride, too.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

The flashing strobe lights being Austin really add a cinematic vibe to this 18 years before Vince would do it for matches.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Same thing for the impeding vehicle manslaughter. Vince was dabbling in movie scenes in wrestling for decades.

This pandemic just gave him the excuse to go full hog with it and I can respect it.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

Kevin reminding me of Big Daddy Cool standing there looking tough in his black shades.

I honestly think WWE tried to go back to what they were before the nWo.

 

[Ricky Smarks]

I bet Hall s regretting being the one to tell Hogan he wants Austin come UPN's SmackDown.