Backlash '02

Legacy Review

Backlash '02

April 21, 2002 from the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, MO

 

Commentary: Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler

 

We're one month out from Wrestlemania 18 (or X8 if you prefer) and that show stealing Rock/Hogan match, and since then one of the biggest changes in WWF/E history has taken place- the very first roster split/brand extension, whichever term you prefer. The first ever draft was held on Raw the week after WM with the roster divided up between Raw and Smackdown. On screen the "owners" of each brand were Vince for SD and Ric Flair for Raw, playing off them still being 50/50 owners of the whole WWF. This initial split is different from all those that have come sense because it was completely solid. Raw guys stayed on Raw, SD guys stayed on SD, never shall the twain meet except under very special circumstances, usually one interpromotional match on Big 4 PPVs. Another caveat of this initial split was the WWF Champion, the tag champs and the women's champ could appear on either show, for now. There'll be a lot of changes where the titles are concerned the next few months as they iron out how exactly to set things up for this new era. And if that wasn't enough change, little did anyone know at the time, this would also be the last regular PPV to take place under the WWF name.

 

WWF Cruiserweight Championship: Tajiri (w/Torrie Wilson) def Billy Kidman (c) in 9:04- First PPV Cruiserweight title defense since early in the Invasion, and the first since the WCW Cruiserweight and WWF Light Heavyweight titles were unified. Amazingly they're still using the WCW belt for now. Since we last saw him on PPV Tajiri has turned heel and has gone full Japanese Randy Savage on Torrie, forcing her to wear a kimono and generally act like a meek Japanese woman. Also notable, Kidman is wearing proper wrestling gear for once. Lockup! Stalemates and both guys shove. Kidman hits a clothesline. Speed run, fancy escapes and dodges, both guys get armdrags, then Tajiri suckers Kidman into the corner for a shot. Both guys exchange chops in the corner. Kidman hops on Tajiri's shoulders and tries for a hurricanrana but Tajiri blocks it into a slingshot. But Kidman counters that by hopping up to the second rope! Missile dropkick off the second rope for 2. Corner floatover and flying headscissors from Kidman. Tajiri rolls out to the floor off that then blames Torrie for everything going wrong. Kidman tries to take advantage but Tajiri pulls him off the apron and wheelbarrows him into the barricade. Man, those floor mats are SUPER shiny tonight. Guess they just got a fresh batch in. Basic slam back in from Tajiri followed by a kneedrop. He slides to the floor to give Kidman a nice kick right on the forehead. Kidman fights out of a chinlock and hits the pop up hurricanrana. Tajiri grabs him into a tiltawhirl backbreaker. He hooks Kidman up in the tree of woe. Baseball slide into Kidman's face! He cranks Kidman's back across the ring post. Stomps to Kidman's back followed by a backbreaker as Tajiri clearly has a target. Knee to the face from Kidman to counter out. Tajiri gets right back on the, er, back. Run into the corner and Tajiri goes for the tarantula, which still gets a pop from the crowd even though he's a heel now. Kidman manages to get free before it's fully on. Another kick from Tajiri, he slinghots off the ropes onto Kidman's back, and gets the tarantula on! Very nicely done. He sets up for the final decapitation kick. Kidman ducks it and they slug it out. Tajiri goes for the handspring back elbow but Kidman dropkicks him in the back! Cover for 2. Tajiri flips out of a suplex and hits a reverse enzuguri. Standing switches and Tajiri hits a German suplex with a bridge, then transfers into a Euro clutch for 2. Tajiri superkick! Kidman kicks out! Tajiri makes the tactical error of trying to powerbomb Kidman and Kidman does the faceplant counter for 2. People should have learned by now. Does no one watch tape? Kidman drags Tajiri into the drop zone and goes up top. Tajiri dodges the SSP! Head kick! Kidman kicks out again! The crowd's really behind Kidman now. Tajiri sets him up top. Kidman fights back and avalanche spinebusters Tajiri! That gets a 2 count. Now Kidman goes for a powerbomb. After Kidman gets him up Tajiri blows the red mist into his face! Tajiri falls on top and gets the pin to win the title back! Fantastic finish. Fantastic opener, not unlike peak WCW Cruiserweight division PPV openers. The Cruiserweight division will soon become a key part of the famous Paul Heyman booked Smackdown Six era. ***1/2

 

The APA reunite backstage as Faarooq wishes Bradshaw luck in his match tonight. Nearly all the longstanding tag teams (including the Dudleyz and Hardyz) were broken up in the draft as the tag division was completely reshuffled. 

 

Scott Hall (w/X-Pac) def Bradshaw (w/Faarooq) in 6:42- After Hogan's face turn and return to the red and yellow X-Pac was reunited with his old buddies as the new third NWO guy. Commentary says Nash isn't here because he's suspended. I can't remember if there's some real life story behind that but we all know Nash and Hall don't last long anyway so who cares. Pac is also wearing Kane's mask on their entrance. The NWO had recently attacked him to write him out due to injury and he wouldn't be back until August. Pac stays in the ring while Hall and Bradshaw circle. More APA music and here comes Faarooq to even the odds, brand split or no brand split. The NWO guys are furious they don't have their usual numbers advantage. The bell rings. Cautious start and Hall does the toothpick flip, greatly amusing himself. Bradshaw indicates his amusement by decking him. Which honestly seems like a very Bradshaw thing to do. It's all Bradshaw early on. He hits a DDT for 2. Hall rolls out for a think, but unfortunately for him right in front of Faarooq. Time for Faarooq to get some shots in. Lawler rightly points out that JR would be furious if Pac had done that to Bradshaw. Shoulderblock from Bradshaw back in. More clubbing blows and chops from Bradshaw. Suplex and floatover for 2. Hall does his wobblelegged selling off punches. Eye poke from Hall and he gets some shots in. Pac gets his shot in. Corner clothesline from Hall and he stomps Bradshaw down in the corner. Bradshaw pops out of the corner with another shoulder tackle. More punches put Hall back down. Back elbow and big boot from Bradshaw. Return corner clothesline from Bradshaw. Clothesline from Hell! They're near the ropes and Pac puts Hall's foot on the rope before 3. Faarooq chases Pac around the ring and runs him into the post. Hall uses the distraction to low blow Bradshaw, roll him up and get the pin. What you'd expect. Hall, once again, was just in no shape to be wrestling anymore, and Bradshaw was not a comfortable singles wrestler yet. 1/2*

 

WWF Women's Championship: Jazz (c) def Trish Stratus in 4:35- After Trish's entrance Molly Holly (no longer Mighty Molly) comes out. Trish beat Molly in a #1 contender's match on Raw to get here. Molly takes a mic, says Trish is nothing but a cheater, and lays her out! As they're fighting on the floor Jazz makes her way out. Molly whips Trish into the stairs. Jazz happily takes full advantage of the situation. Side suplex in the ring for 2. Trish manages to counter and hit Jazz with a hot shot. Jazz shrugs it off and hits a rolling slam. Trish rolls under and hits a clothesline. Again Jazz shrugs it off and hits some jabs. Trish slugs back with forearms. Jazz ducks a high kick, but can't avoid the second one and Trish covers for 2. Chops from Trish. She handstand hurricanranas Jazz off the top rope and hits more clotheslines. Neckbreaker for 2. Jazz counters a backdrop and plants Trish with a sit out powerbomb. Trish barely gets a weak shoulder up before 3. Jazz goes into heel punchy chokey stuff against the ropes. Trish dodges in the corner. Jazz crashes and Trish rolls her up for 2. She goes for the springboard bulldog but Jazz counters into a slam for 2. Dragon screw out of the corner from Jazz! Into a Boston crab on Trish! Trish tries for the ropes but Jazz drags her back and switches to an STF! Trish can't get to the ropes and taps! Death, taxes, Rollins beats Reigns and Jazz beats Trish almost every single time. Very nice stuff, by normal women's standards at the time. Like I've said before, Trish and Lita get the headlines, but Trish and Jazz was the feud that really made this era in the ring. **1/2

 

Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) def Jeff Hardy (w/Lita) in 5:32- The Next Big Thing has arrived. Lesnar, already with solid credentials as a former NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion, is the first of the famed OVW Class of 2002 to make his debut on the main show. In fact this isn't just his PPV debut, it's his first official televised WWF match ever, though he had been working main roster house shows since late '01. Heyman was brought back for the first time since the end of the Invasion to be Lesnar's manager, kicking off a lifelong on screen business partnership and real life friendship between the two. Lesnar's already taken Matt Hardy out during the buildup to this match, and Heyman's also taken some time to do some creepy stalking of Lita just because. Brock's got some weird triangle/pyramid design on the back of his trunks that won't last. Jeff, knowing he's in trouble, attacks Lesnar as soon as he gets in the ring. He lasts about 5 seconds before Lesnar pounds him down and slides him out to the floor. After Lesnar does his soon to be signature leap onto the apron Jeff kicks him off it, then tries a plancha. Nope. Lesnar easily plucks him out of the air. Jeff manages to counter and run Lesnar into the post. Back in Jeff hits a crossbody off the top for barely 1. Lesnar scoops Jeff up and RUNS him into the corner! Belly to belly suplex from Lesnar. He knows what he's doing. He stands over Jeff almost wanting him to put up more of a fight. Another belly to belly. TWO! Oh, we aren't there yet. He pulls Jeff up by his belt and gives him a series of huge backbreakers. Jeff tries to fight back out of the corner again. Lesnar reverses a whip and sends Jeff into the corner again. Jeff springs up top and hits Whisper in the Wind! Jawbreaker on Lesnar! The crotch legdrop hits and Jeff goes up top. Swanton Bomb! Lesnar kicks out! Desperate, Jeff goes out and gets a chair. Lesnar scoops him up again! F5! Which actually hadn't been named or become Lesnar's official finisher yet. Heyman shouts to not pin him yet, keep hurting him. Big delayed double powerbomb from Lesnar. After enjoying his work Lesnar picks Jeff up again, spins him around, and plants him with another powerbomb. Ref Teddy Long has enough and calls for the bell playa. Lita and a whole gaggle of refs come in to check on Jeff's carcass as Brock leaves happy. Amazing debut. Guys that looked generally like Brock were a dime a dozen in the '80s and into the '90s, and at the time Goldberg comparisons were inevitable, but actually watching him you knew this guy was a special, freak athlete. Jeff was also the perfect bouncy ball to make him look good out of the gate while keeping the crowd in it with good hope spots. In terms of an impactful monster debut, the best equivalent I can think of, that took place before this, is probably Vader's debut in WCW. Absolute, impressive destruction, and it was all up from here. The greatest rookie year in WWF history was underway. **

 

Kurt Angle def Edge in 13:24- This is the feud that was the unofficial kickoff of the Smackdown Six era, though the era wouldn't get going in full until the summer when Heyman became SD's head booker/writer. In the buildup to this show we got the legendary backstage segment where Edge "found" a bunch of pictures of him and Angle in his attic and when Angle holds them up to look at them they have "You suck" or some other insult written on the back of them. They'd already started, but that cemented the crowd chanting "you suck" to Angle's music forever. Circle and lockup. Angle grabs a headlock into a basic start while the crowd chants "Angle sucks". Angle tries to fake Edge out but runs into a couple of forearms. Back elbow from Angle in the corner but he runs into a dropkick. More dodges and Edge hits a flapjack, then clotheslines Angle 360 to the floor. Angle catches Edge with stomps coming back in. Spinning heel kick from Edge. Angle duck under and German suplex! He pounds Edge down in the corner and hits some chops. Edge turns around and hits his own chops. Angle belly to belly outta nowhere! Lesnar's here now, but this is Suplex City v1.0. Well, 1.5, the Steiners in their prime were 1.0. After a slugfest Angle hits a regular suplex for 2. He grounds Edge with a chinlock. After arm drops Edge fights back up. Another Angle duck under into ROLLING GERMANS. Or not, Edge fights out after the first one. Edge belly to belly! Edge hits a flying forearm and starts building momentum. Backdrop. Kick wham DDT for 2. Edge flips out of a back suplex attempt and faceplants Angle for a long 2. Edge goes up top, allowing Angle to do his classic run up the corner and snap superplex for 2. Ankle lock! Edge quickly fights out. After Edge tries to fight it off again it's ROLLING GERMANS for real time. The third gets a 2 count. Angle wants Edge to get back up. Angle Sl...no Edge slips free, goes around, and hits his own German with Angle flipping back on his head! Edge backdrops Angle over the top rope to the floor! Edge crossbody off the top to the floor! Back in Edge hits a missile dropkick for another long 2. Both guys trade counters and Angle hits the Angle Slam! Edge kicks out! THE STRAPS ARE DOWN! Ankle lock! Edge tries to get to the ropes but Angle drags him back. Edge rolls around into a roll up for 2! Clothesline from a very frustrated Angle. He goes out and gets a chair. Edge ducks the swing and the chair bounces off the ropes into Angle's face! Edge covers but Angle kicks out! Eye rake from Angle. He goes for the chair again but Edge knees him in the face and Hebner the Younger takes the chair away. Edge sets up for the spear. Angle cuts it off with a kick! Angle Slam! Angle gets the pin! Clean as a sheet win. Phenomenal match. Edge's best match since he broke out into singles wrestling. After scuffling in the ring for a while this feud did a lot to help get him from middling midcarder with potential to a solid future main event path, while Angle is right on the cuspiest cusp of going from really damn good to otherwordly. ****1/4

 

The countdown hits and former Undisputed champion Chris Jericho makes his way out to the ring for some PPV promo time. I should point out that Steph isn't with him because as a stipulation to the rematch Jericho lost against Triple H for the title on the same Raw as the Draft she was (temporarily) banned from WWF. Jericho reminds us he was the top guy and bitches that now he doesn't even have a match tonight. Given how he was booked during his reign I'd take issue with "top guy" but whatever. He does some of his usual crowd running down, then complains that Hogan has a title shot tonight and not him. He concludes by saying if no one's going to bother with him he's leaving RIGHT NOW. Insert "Well, bye" GIF. Guess that was a way to get Jericho on the show and do a bit of rehab for him after a truly awful first title reign.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Eddie Guerrero def Rob Van Dam (c) in 11:37- After being on the receiving end of a "You're messed up, go fix yourself" firing in mid '01 (and Guerrero worshipers should not kid themselves, that's exactly what it was), Guerrero made his big return to the WWF right after WM and immediately targeted new IC champ RVD. It takes Lawler all of two seconds to whip out the super annoying "LATINO HEEEEEEEEEET". Great. On paper this could be an incredible match. Guerrero attacks before the bell and we're off. He tries to flip over RVD's back but RVD waits for him to land and hits a side kick. Handspring monkey flip out of the corner from RVD and Guerrero, being Eddie, manages to go all the way to the other side of the ring selling it. RVD follows up with a spinning heel kick for 2. Stand up slugfest. Guerrero grabs a kick attempt and gives RVD a dragon screw. RVD reverses a corner whip and starts hitting the corner shoulderblocks. Guerrero tries to counter after the backflip but RVD was ready again, ducking under and grabbing a waistlock. Guerrero back elbows and backs RVD into the corner. Both guys trade shots in the corner and RVD hits another kick combo. Standing moonsault for 2. Another kick right to Guerrero's head for 2. Nifty suplex with an instant floatover from RVD for 2. He springs up top but Guerrero gets up and crotches him. Guerrero hooks up for a superplex. RVD willingly drops off the top rope down to the floor in order to drop Guerrero on the top rope! Very innovative counter. He goes back up and hits a diving kick off the top rope. Cartwheel moonsault for 2. Guerrero uses a suplex hookup to wrap up a small package for 2. Another suplex attempt from RVD and this time Guerrero counters in midair into a roll up for 2. Guerrero goes to the apron and RVD baseball slides him off. Moonsault off the apron from RVD that I'm not sure hit quite right as they both go down a bit weird. RVD sets Guerrero on the barricade and hits the spinning legdrop off the apron. Back in RVD goes for rolling thunder but Guerrero gets his knees up. Tiltawhirl backbreaker from Guerrero. Straight drop back suplex for 2. Drop toe hold from Guerrero and we're going surfing. He cranks RVD all the way back with a top facelock. RVD's so flexible he can stay in this hold longer than most guys. Eventually he fights free but Guerrero gets right back on his back. Gory Special! After a bit RVD gets free and uses his position to roll Guerrero up for 2. Guerrero comes back up with a clothesline. Leg lariat from Guerrero and he hits the slingshot senton for 2. He knucklelocks RVD and does the lucha corner run up and flying headscissors for 2. Brain buster from Guerrero, then a Saito suplex for 2. He sets RVD up and calls for the finish. RVD pops up and kicks Guerrero on the top rope. Top rope fight and Guerrero PLANTS RVD with a sunset bomb for 2! The crowd, which had been giving the long absent Guerrero nothing all match (his entrance was dead silence), finally gets into an "Eddie sucks" chant. RVD flips out of a powerbomb attempt and hits a misdirection kick. Guerrero rolls out and get the IC title belt. RVD kicks and grabs it away from him, but in the exchange ref Tim White goes down. Guerrero neckbreakers RVD onto the belt! He goes up top. Frog splash! Guerrero gets the pin to win the title! Very nice comeback win for Guerrero. You can argue jobbing RVD out, but this was just the start of a long feud that would end up being good for both guys. Very good match, but you know they've got a better one in them once they iron out some more chemistry. ***1/2

 

Commentary does their contractual promotion work for Rock's first movie, The Scorpion King, out now! Side thought, I'm assuming Rock isn't here tonight because he was out doing promo work for it. Not too much longer now and that will be the norm.

 

Undisputed WWF Championship #1 Contender's Match: The Undertaker def "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in 27:02- By my count this is the seventh one on one PPV match between these two (not counting multi-man matches). I'm not deep diving to crunch the numbers but I feel pretty confident in saying that was a record at the time. This would also be their final encounter. After wrestling each other at WM in an old school blood feud match, Raw owner Flair made Taker his #1 draft pick out of respect and they've continued to butt heads since. Austin also gave Flair a Stunner on Raw because that's what Austin did to authority figures. Because of all that, Flair has appointed himself the special guest ref for this match. Flair's wearing his red boots with his ref outfit. Makes him look like Red Shoes. The crowd is NUTS for this after entrances are done, which sadly won't last the whole match. Bell and it's an unusual cautious start in an Austin match. They go nose to nose in the middle of the rings while flashbubs pop from everywhere. More cautious and they finally lock up. Taker grabs a headlock and Austin tries to power out. Taker then runs Austin over with a shoulderblock and Austin rolls out to rethink things. Reset lockup and this time it's Austin with a headlock. Shoulderblock collision that wobbles Austin and doesn't bother Taker at all. Austin checks his wristape watch and decides to do some push ups. Mind games. Another lockup. Taker gets another shoulderblock, but then runs into an Austin clothesline. Now it's Taker that takes a moment to think. Austin reminds Taker he's #1 while he's doing that. Again both guys cautiously lean in...and Austin flips Taker off again! Taker's angry "FUCK!" reaction to that is pretty funny. More speed and Austin gets a hiptoss. Deep armdrag! Going back to the old Austin playbook. He drop toe holds Taker and starts working on Taker's arm. Eventually Taker backs Austin into the corner and gives him a punch on the nose. Austin switches in the corner and starts laying in the chops. Austin and Jericho both used a ton of chops in their No Way Out match, now with Flair in the ring Austin's shouting out again. Clothesline from Taker for 2. Flair's doing a very old school style count, barely putting his hand above the mat. Not showy at all like refs are normally trained. Taker cranks Austin's arm and hits old school. Austin Thesz press! Elbow drop follow up for 2. Austin clotheslines Taker 360 to the floor. Taker, as usual, lands on his feet and drags Austin out. The go back in and Austin 360 clotheslines Taker right back out! Taker does not land on his feet this time. This has been a very old school style match so far, but I suspect we'll be going Attitude Era brawl for a bit now. Coming back in Taker big boots Austin off the apron back to the floor. Austin does some crazy wobblelegged selling while Taker knocks him around ringside. Austin slugs back and Taker goes over the barricade into the crowd. Crowd brawl time! Well sort of, they never get away from the barricade. Now Austin knocks Taker around ringside and hits some more chops. Taker backdrops out of a piledriver attempt on the floor, then drops an elbow. Austin takes a shot on Taker's bike. I'm surprised Taker would want to risk denting it. Oh great. Hall and Pac are wandering out, Pac still wearing Kane's mask. Austin takes a hard stair shot and goes down. Flair tries to get Taker to back off so he can check on Austin but Taker is disinclined to acquiesce. Means no. Taker stays in control as the match goes into almost slo-mo, like they're waiting for something else to happen while the NWO guys stand at the bottom of the stage not doing anything yet. Taker hits the apron legdrop. Back in the ring Taker starts working on Austin's knee. He wraps up a couple of different leg scissors. Austin slowly gets over and gets a rope break. Austin fights back but Taker slugs him back down for 2. Guess we're forgetting about the knee, now Taker goes to a chinlock instead. The crowd also looks distracted by something. Off a whip Austin hooks on a sleeper. Taker back suplexes out for 2. Lawler says that count was slower than Flair's others and I think he has a point. Austin slugs back and goes for a Stunner. Taker pushes free and hits a clothesline for 2. The NWO guys are STILL standing around not doing anything by the way. Why did they come out so early? Flying clothesline from Taker for 2. Taker goes over and takes a top turnbuckle pad off. Austin reverses a whip and Taker takes the exposed buckle shot. Double clothesline. Both guys stagger back up and slug it out. Austin gets Taker down in the corner and stomps the mudhole. Taker scoops Austin for either a Tombstone or snake eyes onto the exposed buckle. Austin gets free and goes for a clothesline. In the exchange Flair gets knocked down and goes out like a light like a normal ref would. Surprised he didn't blade. Stunner! Cover but no ref. Low blow from Taker. Chokeslam! Flair's back up to count. Austin kicks out! Taker, like almost everyone else tonight, goes out and gets a chair. Flair takes it away and Austin hits a low blow. Big boot from Taker for 2. Austin spinebuster for 2. Double bird kick wham no Taker pushes out of another Stunner, and the push sends Austin right into Flair. Taker gets the chair again and waffles Austin with it. Cover and Flair staggers over. Austin just manages to kick out. Clothesline from Austin for 2. Taker gets the chair again. Austin ducks the swing and stomps another mudhole. Now he takes the chair. Flair tries to take it away and Taker big boots the chair into Austin's face! Flair counts a pin, but Austin's foot was clearly and obviously on the rope before Flair even started counting. That's what you get for getting untrained refs. Flair gets the hell out of town as soon as the match is over. Austin gives Taker a Stunner for the road to vent some frustration. That started extremely promisingly with very old school and good groundwork laying first 10 minutes, I'm a sucker for that stuff, but the wheels came off after that. And what the hell was the point of sending the NWO guys out there for more than half the match to just stand there and not do anything? **1/4

 

Coach catches Flair coming back through Gorilla and asks if he saw Austin's foot on the rope. Flair says no so Coach brings him to a monitor to watch the replay. Flair watches, disgustedly says "Shit." and walks off. Appropriate to the situation swearing, I have zero issue with that on a PPV.

 

WWF Tag Team Championship: Billy & Chuck (c) (w/Rico) def Al Snow & Maven in 5:56- I mentioned earlier almost all the longstanding tag teams getting broken up in the draft. That left the fairly new Billy & Chuck duo as the de facto top team while the rest of the division was rebuilt. Snow and Maven have the Tough Enough coach/student connection so at least their pairing isn't completely random. B&C jump start as the challengers get in the ring. Snow & Maven fight off a double team and clothesline both B&C to the floor. Maven appropriated one of their headbands in that exchange and he gives it to Snow to prance around in a bit. Chuck pulls Maven out to the floor and they work him over a bit down there, then more in the ring. Maven whips Chuck into his own partner Snow on the apron, then DDTs Chuck. Snow runs in angry at B&C and that allows them to get the kid down again. Enzuguri from Maven on Chuck. Tags on both sides and Snow runs wild. Rico gets on the apron to distract ref Nick Patrick, allowing B&C to double team again. Shake, Rattle and Roll style neckbreaker from Billy on Snow for 2. Chuck comes in and butterflys Snow's arms while the crowd chants "Rico's gay" at Rico. Just Rico? Belly to belly suplex from Chuck for 2. Snow tries to do his corner slide but coming back Billy pushes him face first into the other corner. Snow dodges a Stinger splash, then drop toe holds Chuck into Billy. Tag to Maven. Hot tag run #2. Billy uses a backdrop setup to hit the Fameasser. Snow pulls Maven out of the ring before he can be pinned. Superkick from Chuck on Snow. Rico comes in for a cheap shot but takes Chuck out instead. Snow spinebuster on Chuck. Crossbody off the top from Maven! Billy kicks out! Maven wants Billy to get up so he can finish it. Rico comes in again but Snow chases him off. Chuck superkick on Maven. Billy covers and gets the pin to retain. *1/2

 

The reaction Hogan got at WM kicked off a huge wave of Hogan nostalgia among WWF fans. WWF decided to ride the wave and got Hogan right back into the title picture, a move much criticized over the years but personally I've never really had an issue with it. People complain all the time about wrestling companies, especially Vince run ones, rarely giving them what they want and this clearly was something the fans wanted, if only for a short time. Also of note, the modified Winged Eagle and Big Gold Belts were retired after WM (temporarily in Big Gold's case), and the new Undisputed Champion belt has been introduced. To my mind a belt that's been sorely underrated over the years, and was killed off way too soon in favor of making Cena's crappy personal spinner belt the main one for far too long. 

 

Undisputed WWF Championship: Hollywood Hulk Hogan def Triple H (c) in 22:00- It's been nearly 9 years since Hogan was last WWF Champion, but of course he had many WCW World title reigns during that time. This match is the introduction of Hogan wearing long tights in red and yellow mode instead of trunks. Trips hasn't turned back heel just yet so this is a respectful face vs face match though HHH has been the default heel all through the build, which will continue tonight. Fantastic shot during HHH's entrance of Hogan staring him down over his shoulder while HHH does his apron pose. The title match graphic still has the two old belts, they need to update that. Short staredown and lockup. HHH wins the power fight! That surprised Hogan. Another lockup and HHH wins again. The crowd is still crazy behind Hogan, which sets HHH off more. This time Hogan wins the lockup to a big pop and poses. Cautious knucklelock into a test of strength. HHH starts to go down, then powers back up and puts Hogan down. Hogan fights back up, but HHH lets go, back elbows Hogan and puts on a top wristlock that grinds Hogan down again. HHH willingly working a full Hogan style match so far. Not that Hogan was capable of doing a full HHH style match, he wasn't. Hogan powers the wristlock over into a headlock on HHH. Shoulderblock from Hogan and another pose. Kind of amazing his bandana has stayed on this long. Lockup and slow clean corner break. Mostly clean as HHH slaps Hogan, then starts pounding him down in the corner. There goes the bandana. Corner whip reversal and backdrop from Hogan. He hits a couple of clotheslines and pounds HHH down in the corner. Mounted punches. HHH counters a backdrop, but then charges and Hogan backdrops him over the top to the floor! Hogan gives HHH some ringside knockaround. He suplexes HHH on the floor! HHH takes control back with a stair shot and keeps control back in the ring. He starts a Pedigree setup but Hogan counters, slingshots him into the corner, and rolls him up for 2. Corner clothesline from Hogan. Another. Running cutter from Hogan! That's a new one. And it gets a 2 count. HHH slips out of a scoop and chop blocks Hogan's braced knee. I think we're going to school, kids. Another chop block. Apron shot for the knee. And a post shot. Another chop block in the ring as the crowd has completely turned on HHH now. He continues to pick the knee apart. He goes for the figure four but Hogan pushes free. Yet another chop block. Another Hogan push free sends HHH face first into the corner. That sets off HHH, as he goes to ground and pound and chokes. Figure four! HHH cranks like crazy on it, then gets desperate and gets extra rope leverage. Hogan tries to reverse but HHH grabs the ropes again. No way Hebner didn't see that. Another try and this time Hogan gets the reversal and HHH lets go. Sleeper from HHH. Hogan goes down and we get arm drops. Hogan powers back up with some really weak back elbows and manages to get HHH up for a back suplex. He looks gassed. None of his WCW main events went this long. Comeback punches from Hogan. Running double ax handle. Big boot! The legdrop hits. But Chris Jericho is running out with a chair! He didn't leave the arena the lying liar! Hebner tries to cut him off and Jericho punches him out. Chairshot to Hogan! Jericho picks Hebner up and puts him back in the ring. HHH sees Jericho and is not happy. Facebuster on Jericho and he clotheslines Jericho 360 out. HHH punch on Hogan. No affect! Uh oh. Here comes the Hulk Up! Point! Three punches, big boot. HHH dodges the legdrop! Kick wham Pedigree! Hebner struggles up to count. Now Taker runs out and punches Hebner out! Hebner's going to need some ice after this match. Taker chairshot to HHH. The story is Taker wants Hogan for his title shot, not HHH. Hogan Hulks Up again on Taker! Hogan clotheslines Taker to the floor! The legdrop hits on HHH! Hogan gets the pin and is once again WWF Champion! Even today I still have to pinch myself a bit to make sure I'm seeing it right, Hogan being WWF Champ again at this late stage. It's Hogan's 6th title win, tying him back with Rock and Austin for the most ever at that point. HHH, bloody from the chairshot, gets up, acts like he wants to continue the fight, then offers a hand that Hogan takes. As a side note, losing the title means that HHH will now be on Smackdown. While I won't criticize the booking as much as others for the reasons I explained above, I will naturally criticize the match because it's objectively crap, even before all the crazy overbooking. As much Hogan nostalgia there was, it couldn't turn back time to de-age Hogan's body. 2000 HHH could probably have gotten more out of this, but 2002 HHH was still rounding back into form from the quad injury. They did at least mix up the usual Hogan finish formula though. *

 

OVERALL SHOW THOUGHTS-  I don't think it's quite as bad as its reputation, though I wouldn't call it overall good. The top matches disappoint, but there's no outright total disasters and good stuff to be found on the undercard. This was a weird time for WWF overall as they were working out exactly how the brand split was going to work in practice and not just in theory. And the next time on PPV they'll be dealing with yet another major change, though one forced on them this time- an entirely new company name.

OVERALL SHOW GRADE: C+ 

Uncensored 2000

Legacy Review

Uncensored 2000

March 19, 2000 from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL

 

Commentary: Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay and Mark Madden

 

Are you ready for rock bottom, folks? I hope so, because like it or not here it comes. No one knew it at the time, but tonight marks the start of the final 12 months of WCW PPVs, and appropriately it will be a significant one on the run to the end of the company.

 

Everybody's WALKING into the arena! Honestly it's not an unsimilar start to a TKO era WWE show.  There's also a BLACK LIMO arriving that no one knows who it is. I wonder if Vince McMahon has finally arrived to accept Bischoff's challenge from two years ago. After that there's barely any ballyhoo from commentary before intros for the first match as WCW finally starts mixing up what used to be very plodding PPV intros. We know the shit's coming, lets' go ahead and get it over with.

 

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea (c) (w/Paisley) def Psychosis (w/Juventud Guerrera) in 7:20- I'm trying to figure out what belt Iaukea is wearing because it doesn't look like the normal Cruiserweight belt. Did he get a custom belt? I don't remember. I can't see how WCW could afford something like that at this point. It would fit his character though. Psychosis has lost his mask since the last time he was on PPV. That was definitely a WCW trend. Any lucha wrestler that lasted any real time in WCW lost their mask at some point. Both guys stall and play to the crowd after the bell, then some music starts up. No one knows what's going on. Then Chris Candido comes out, apparently making his WCW debut. This is what passes for a big name signing for WCW at this point. He goes over to commentary and joins them. I remind you, AFTER the bell has rung to start the match. Psychosis then eye pokes Iaukea to finally get going and they do some back and forth stuff. Flying headscissors off the top rope from Psychosis and he 360 clotheslines Iaukea to the floor. Crossbody off the top to the floor from Psychosis. Back in Iaukea takes over with the usual dull heel Iaukea stuff. He puts Psychosis in the tree of woe and hits a running knee on him. With Kevin Sullivan still holding the head booker position I bet he demanded someone do that. Simple snap mare for 2 and Iaukea pulls Psychosis' hair. Superkick and Iaukea poses before covering for 2. He tosses Psychosis out to the floor. Paisley gets in his face and slaps him. Corner clothesline from Iaukea back in. Another snap mare into more straight hair pulling. It's like an '80s women's match. Legdrop for 2. Sunset flip from Psychosis for 2. Iaukea comes back up with a clothesline. Psychosis sets Iaukea up top and hits a hurricanrana for 2. Falcon arrow from Psychosis that about drops Iaukea on his head. He goes up top again but Paisley distracts him. Juvy comes over and kisses Paisley to distract her! That sets her off, slapping Juvy and pulling his shirt off. Then she goes for his belt! Um, let me get this straight. He kissed you, so you're tearing his shirt off and going straight to undo his belt. And we're supposed to think the kiss made you MAD? Anyway, Psychosis hits a legdrop off the top rope. Paisley distracts him while he's trying to cover in a very awkward looking sequence. Iaukea hits the DDT off the second rope and gets the pin. Mostly competent, which might be better than anything else we get tonight. Scary, I know. *

 

Norman Smiley & The Demon def XS in 3:42- XS (pronounced excess) are Lenny (formerly Lenny Lane) and Rave (formerly Lodi from the Flock days) looking like some corporate Turner suit's idea of what the cool kids are into nowadays. Before Smiley and Demon make their entrance Miss Hancock (Stacy Keibler) comes out and takes spot #4 in commentary. Madden just looking at her makes me uncomfortable, like he instantly needs a restraining order. Funny bit on the entrance where Smiley comes out of the Demon's casket. He's even wearing full Demon face paint and the robe! It's a shame Smiley's stuck in 2000 WCW during this run because he's turned into a great comedy wrestler. Not on the level of an R-Truth, but not far below that. The Demons do some goofing around and the heels attack them. After a near fall on Rave, XS double team and toss Demon out to the floor. Smiley then comes from behind and knocks Rave to the floor. Rave knocks Demon around ringside while Smiley and Lane do some goofy stuff in the ring. Norman basically stands around and lets Rave attack him, but then goes into dodge mode and gets a tag to Demon. XS manage to get Demon down with some double teams. Keibler does not at all sound comfortable talking yet over on commentary. She'll learn. Suplex from Rave on Demon for 2. They do some awful three way clothesline where Lane looks like he trips over Demon after the other two go down. Tag to Smiley. He easily cleans house. Lane gets Smiley around into a skull crushing finale for 2. Tony is practically begging Keibler to talk. Smiley gets the Norman Conquest on Rave and Rave taps. Way to make XS look like complete goofs, which honestly they don't deserve any more. 1/4*

 

After the bell XS jump right out and try to take Hancock with them, but the Demons save her and bring her back to the ring to show off her assets. Smiley even lets her Wiggle him, which what guy wouldn't.

 

Video recap of the Wall annihilating David Flair and Crowbar, both of whom are in neck braces tonight. I only mention it because it will play into the next match. 

 

Bam Bam Bigelow def The Wall by DQ 3:35- The story here is Bigelow was Wall's mentor, but has gotten disgusted with Wall trying to take people out and injure them rather than just beat them in matches and is trying to knock some sense into him. Probably some shoot comment in there somewhere. Bigelow attacks Wall as soon as he's in the ring, leading to some back and forth slugging. Corner clothesline from Bigelow. Short clothesline from Wall, followed by his own corner clothesline. Bigelow responds with another clothesline. It's clotheslinepalooza. Bigelow breaks the trend with a setup slam and goes up top. The headbutt off the top hits for 2. Wall escapes another slam attempt and hits a big boot. Running high knee for 2. Bigelow counters a backdrop attempt with a leaping DDT for 2. Wall Cactus clotheslines Bigelow (that Bigelow launched early for). They do some weak brawling up the aisle. Wall chokeslams Bigelow through a table with a couple of computers on it that I guess is supposed to be the WCW.com desk. The tiny little sparks that shoot out of the computers after that are *hilarious*. The ref calls for the bell since this is supposed to be just a normal match. 1/2*

 

As soon as that happens David and Crowbar attack Wall. Wall fights them off and takes Crowbar's neckbrace off while the EMTs come in with a stretcher for Bigelow. Wall and Crowbar keep fighting back through the stage, then the camera focuses on Bigelow being loaded up on the stretcher for a long while. We hear Daffney screaming so something must be going on. Crowbar and Wall have climbed up the Generic WCW PPV Stage and are still fighting up there. Wall chokeslams Crowbar down through the "stage"! WCW saw WWF having success with long falls and finally decided to try to keep up. The problem is, unlike WWF, we aren't being given any real reason to care about the guys being thrown down these ridiculous heights. Which that one was only about the equivalent of maybe halfway up the Hell in a Cell cage. Commentary acts like they just saw someone murdered.

 

Gauntlet Match for the WCW Hardcore Championship: Brian Knobbs def 3 Count (c) in 6:58- In one of the sillier twists of WCW 2000, all three members of 3 Count are somehow collectively the Hardcore champion thanks to a triple pin on former champion Knobbs. During his entrance Knobbs turns around and runs to the back for some reason. Maybe 3 Count scares him that much. No, he's getting an extra large cart of goodies. Knobbs throws a whole bunch of stuff into the ring, but based on past WCW hardcore match experience I know all he'll use is the trash can. Helms (who's wearing one of those face protector masks tonight because of a broken nose, real or story who knows or cares) takes the mop Knobbs threw in and comes off the top rope onto Knobbs with it to get things going. Commentary says that to win the Hardcore title back Knobbs has to beat all three members of 3 Count. So he's not wrestling them one at a time then. In the ring Knobbs comes back with, what else, the trash can. Karagias does get a chairshot for variety. Then right back to the trash cans. All three guys take that Nasty Boys classic the pit stop. Helms then nails Knobbs with the chair. They whip Knobbs into a ladder propped up in the corner. 3 Count then sets the ladder up and Helms hits a splash off it onto Knobbs. Twisting splash off the ladder from Karagias. Then Moore with a swanton bomb attempt that Knobbs dodges. Knobbs gets the fire extinguisher and sprays down all of 3 Count. He breaks the mop over Helms' back, then puts a chair over Helms' face, hits it with a broom, and pins Helms. I guess he's out? Who knows? Knobbs attacks the other two on the floor. He gets a table out from under the ring. Knobbs brings Karagias into the ring, powerbombs him down through the table, and pins him. One left. Helms then attacks Knobbs so I guess so much for those rules. It's HARDCORE baby! Knobbs cuts off a Moore chairshot and hits Moore with it, then gets another table out. He sets the table up, with difficulty, in the ring. He picks Moore up. Helms missile dropkicks Moore in the back, sending Knobbs over the table! Moore covers and gets a pin, but then Nick Patrick says Knobbs' foot was on the rope and waves it off. IT'S A HARDCORE MATCH. How is there a rope break? Knobbs flat throws the ladder from the ring onto Karagias on the floor. Freaking hell that had to have hurt. Moore tries to give Knobbs the belt. Knobbs kicks it in his face. He goes to the second rope with a trash can, comes down on Moore with it, and gets the final pin to get the title back. Pretty much a complete squash. 3/4*

 

BREAKING NEWS: The limo is still outside and no one knows who it is. It's the mysterious locked door from Superbrawl all over again. After that, Vampiro rambles backstage. I mean literally rambles. Completely nonsensically. 

 

Booker & Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) def Harlem Heat 2000 (w/Cash and J Biggs) in 6:57- We get yet another guest commentator, this time J Biggs (Clarence Mason). Brothers Booker minus the T and Stevie Ray start off with Ray quickly putting Booker down. Arm crank and side kick from Booker. Kidman tags in and hits a dropkick. Ray catches Kidman on a crossbody attempt and slams him. Big T (former Ahmed Johnson) tags in and does one of the worst attempts at a "bump" off a dropkick I've ever seen. Booker works around Big (not difficult mobility wise but very difficult distance that needs to be covered wise) and hits him with a side kick, then takes out Ray trying to run in. Somehow even larger than Big T Cash tries to come in and takes a Booker scissors kick. Russian leg sweep on Big T. Kidman comes off the top and taken out by Ray when he was almost already past Ray. Double weak ass bicycle kick by HH 2000. Big T hits his version of a side kick and Ray covers. Torrie gets on the apron and breaks the count up. During the argument about that Cash grabs Kidman and works him over. Big T tries to dive over the guardrail onto Kidman and belly flops right down to the floor! What the freaking hell was that. Godwaful, that's what that was. Commentary tries to say he hit Kidman when he was closer to landing on the first row of the crowd. And that's where he leaped from. Back in Big hits a spinebuster and Booker breaks the pin up. Kidman works Ray into a Dudley Dog style bulldog out of the corner. Tag to Booker. Book End on Big. Ray breaks the pin up. Book End on Ray. Big sucks in some wind and attacks Booker from behind. Double spinebuster on Booker. Big T puts the straps down. Please put them back up. Kidman tries to get back in and Ray tosses him right back out. Kidman runs Cash into Ray on the floor. Sunset flip off the top rope from Kidman on Big T, Booker gives an assist and Kidman gets the pin. It's a Harlem Heat 2000 match. 1/2*

 

Falls Count Anywhere Match: Vampiro def Fit Finlay in 8:46- Before the match we get a medical update on Bigelow and Crowbar. Basically they have everything but anal bleeding. Shoutout to those of you that get that reference. Both Finlay and Vampiro, like half the damn roster, have casts on their arms thanks to Lex Luger attacks. That was completely out of hand. Doug freaking Dellinger had one on earlier, that's how insane that got. It's all Finlay early. Vamprio comes back with a couple of rapid fire kicks. Spinning heel kick off the top rope for 2. I like, in an amused but I know it's awful way, how Finlay keeps trying eye pokes and Vampiro just completely ignores him. Eventually Finlay runs Vampiro into the corner to take control back and hits a rolling slam. Finlay hops out and gets a chair. He puts it on Vampiro but ref Lil' Naitch takes it away. Finlay snatches it back, and Vampiro kicks it into his face! Good thing that chair had a lot of padding. Floor brawl time. Finlay gets the edge back by the announce table. Vampriro whips him into the guardrail, then Finlay backdrops him over into the crowd. And up into the stands they go. All the way up the midsection and back into the arena. Hey, it's bathroom time! A WCW falls count anywhere tradition. Finlay closes a stall door on Vampiro's head. Madden says someone should use a uranage in the bathroom. There's his one decent line for the night. Vampiro CLIMBS UP THE STALL DOOR and tries a dive but Finlay cuts it off with a trash can. A proper one. And we're out of the bathroom back into the waiting crowd. They go out the doors all the way outside. Finlay lifts Vampiro up and teases tossing him all the way down. After that they decide the weather's not good and come right back inside. What's with the red light? Is that the way the arena is normally lit? Makes me think Kane is going to do a run in. They continue to brawl as well as they can with all the people around them. Vampiro manages to take a backdrop, then runs Finlay into a pillar. He slams Finlay on the floor and I assume gets a pin, between the crappy light and all the people we can't see a damn thing. Still, that's sadly the best thing that's been on the show so far. *3/4

 

No DQ: WCW World Tag Team Championship: The Harris Brothers def The Mamalukes (c) (w/Disco Inferno) in 8:45- The Harriseses come out to NWO music so I guess they're part of NWO 2000 with Jarrett. I've long given up trying to keep track. Remember '89-'90 when WCW had the most stacked tag division in the history of wrestling? Now it's the Harris Brothers, the Mamalukes and Harlem Heat 2000. But don't worry, Kronik is coming. OK, Vito kissing Nick Patrick before the bell was pretty funny. Oh great, Disco is getting on commentary again. I think the only way I could groan harder is if AEW era Don Callis somehow went back in time and crashed commentary. Quick Vito start on one of the Harrises and he rolls out to regroup. A Harris literally falls down while trying to hit Bull. Bull responds with a powerslam. A Harris visibly positions himself to take a Mamaluke double team. Vito hits a Japanese armdrag and a slam. More double teams from the Mamalukes on a Harris. The other Harris distracts from the apron and now Bull goes in peril. Bull comes back with a leg lariat, but it goes nowhere as the Harises keep him down. Double clothesline and tag to Vito. "Hot" tag run and DONNYBROOK. Vito hits the elbow off the top but the Harris kicks out. Hart Attack style clothesline. The other Harris breaks the pin up. Double flapjack on Bull for 2. Double slam and Bull breaks the pin up as even commentary gets confused on what move is what. Disco gets in the ring with a belt and takes a Harris out with it. Vito covers but the Harris still kicks out. As if anyone wanted this match to keep going. The Harrisi hit all the Mamalukes with the belt. The H Bomb hits on Vito and the Harrises win the tag titles to the total apathy of what crowd there is. Just what you'd expect from these teams. 3/4*

 

Commentary keeps asking who's in the limo. But my question is, what are they doing in that limo that is keeping them in there for so long? 

 

Bullrope Match: Dustin Rhodes def Terry Funk in 8:59- I think they paired Dustin with Funk last month just to break them up. It's the Rhodes family vs the Funk family, there's only one way to do it. It's the modern Earps vs Clantons. It's hilarious hearing everyone say "You can't retire Terry Funk". Oh how true that was. I don't care if he's passed away now, I'm still not sure he's not still wrestling somewhere. Funk is using a chicken as a puppet, saying it's Dustin's papa. Then he says "I've also got your baby brother here". Are we going to get a Cody sighting? Nope, it's a guy in a chicken suit. He annoys Dustin in the ring and Dustin chases him around, right into a....chicken shot. I'm not kidding. Most vicious use of a chicken since the Monty Python's Flying Circus knight. In the ring Funk hits some jabs, then whips Dustin with the bullrope. So I have some logical questions. I know, 2000 WCW, joke's on me. But, isn't a bullrope match supposed to be like a strap match with both guys attached to the rope? Is it touch all four corners rules or pin rules? Apparently I'm the only one that cares to ask so I guess we'll find out. Funk puts the rope back aside and hits some incredibly weak looking mounted punches, then gives Dustin a swinging neckbreaker for 2. Clothesline from Funk and he finally gets the rope again. He hits Dustin with the cowbell on the rope and covers. The ref says Dustin's arm is under the rope or something. Again, enforcing a rope break in a match with no traditional rules. Dustin uses the opening of Funk arguing with the ref to hit a low blow. Dustin slowly wraps the rope around Funk and tosses him across the ring. Funk gets himself caught in the ropes to do that see saw bit off more cowbell shots. On the floor Dustin does the rope tie up and pull bit again. Back in the ring, finally Dustin puts the rope ends around his and Funk's wrists. "Kind of after the fact now" says Tony. DDT from Dustin for 2. Slam out of an atomic drop position from Dustin for 2. Dustin hits a bulldog onto the cowbell for 2. That guy in the chicken suit comes back in to try to annoy Dustin. I'd say attack but annoy is clearly the best he can do. Dustin takes him out and gives him a shot with the cowbell. On the floor the chicken gets run into the barricade. Even commentary sounds completely fed up with this shit. Funk grabs Dustin coming back in the ring and bounces him crotch first on the top rope, then hits another low blow in the ring. Funk asks for a mic and says he's changing the rules, it's now an I Quit match. When the ref argues Funk hits him with the cowbell. Another cowbell shot for Dustin. He tries to get Dustin to say I quit. More cowbell shots. Dustin says he quits, but it's not legally binding since it's not an I Quit match. The revived ref explains that to Funk. Funk then turns around into another cowbell shot. Yet more cowbell shots from Dustin. This has got me almost wishing for some trash can shots. Dustin piledrives Funk onto the cowbell and gets the pin. Unbelievably sad. I love Terry Funk, but 2000 WCW Terry Funk had nothing left to give. DUD

 

The fight continues after the bell until Dustin, supposedly the face, runs off. 

 

Lumberjack Match: Sting def The Total Package (w/Elizabeth) in 6:57- Sting vs Luger round ad infinitum. They are billing this as one last time, and other than one random indy legends show this would in fact be their last singles match, so a bit of history here. Every single guy working as a lumberjack in this match is wearing a cast courtesy of Luger. Even non-wrestler Doug Dellinger is out there because Luger broke his arm. Seems biased to me. After his entrance Luger takes a mic and says he's got his own lumberjacks too. Well that's all right then. Every one of them are also wearing casts, but clearly just put on as they've all wrestled earlier tonight. Says a lot about the state of the WCW roster that nearly all the lumberjacks are pulling double duty, and there's not very many of them. Luger jumps Sting as soon as he gets in the ring. Sting slugs back and Luger rolls out. His lumberjacks let him chill, then the other ones force him back in. Usual lumberjack stuff, but at least this time the lines are clearly defined. Inverted atomic drop from Sting and he does some exciting punchy/stompy stuff. Slam/elbow drop combo for 2. Sting rings Luger's bell and tosses him out to his lumberjacks. They attack and the others run over to save Luger. If nothing else Dellinger being in the middle of the scrum trying to attack is hilarious. Luger begs off and tights pulls Sting out into the heel lumberjack group. Oh joy. Tank Abbott is coming out. Castless, for those keeping track. I hope he's not going to pull a knife out and threaten to murder someone, because that'd be a bit much even for PPV. Abbott punches Dellinger out! Then he turns, smiles, and leaves. Um, OK then. Anyway, Luger clotheslines Sting in the ring while the big lumberjack brawl has started in the entrance aisle. They all run back through the curtain and are gone. Oh, Vampiro's still here. Yay. Ric Flair and Elizabeth then make their way out, Flair carrying a chair. Vamprio tries to cut Flair off. In the ring Sting faceplants Luger. Flair comes in and chops Sting. Classic Sting no sell. Stinger Splash on Flair. Hiptoss and dropkick. Luger ambushes Sting after that. Stinger Splash on Luger. Liz hits Sting with the baseball bat. Vampiro takes the bat away and Jimmy Hart runs Liz off by threatening her with Hogan's weightlifting belt. Too many potential lines to choose from for that. It's total chaos out here. Luger covers Sting for 2, then calls for the Torture Rack. He gets Sting up. Vampiro comes in and hits Luger with the bat. Scorpion Death Drop and Sting gets the pin. What a mess. DUD

 

After the bell Sting and Vampiro get pally with each other. A new team is formed based on mutual love of facepaint. So, what, 3 weeks until Vampiro turns on Sting? Max.

 

The limo door is being opened! And we cut away before we see who's in it. Milking every moment for all it's worth. Then commentary says the "format has been changed" and Sid has to be hustled to Gorilla because he didn't expect to be up yet. Guess we're trying to make things look spontaneous or something. It's pointless, and as soon as the next match starts it's never referenced again. 

 

WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Sid Vicious (c) def WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Jeff Jarrett (w/women) in 7:35- Second straight PPV Jarrett is challenging for the World title instead of defending the US one. Jarrett tries to jump before the bell but Sid was ready for him. He dodges Jarrett trying to get clever in the corner and hits some mounted punches. Goozle. Jarrett eye pokes free, but Sid quickly recovers and 360 clotheslines him to the floor. Jarrett gets gently slammed onto the announce table. WCW can't afford to break them anymore. He tosses Jarrett over the barricade and it's crowd brawl time. They slowly work over to the stage area. Completely predictably the Harris Brothers come in and attack Sid, then bring him back into the ring. Nick Patrick takes a chair away from Jarrett while the Harrisi wail away on Sid in the ring. Jarrett then gets back in and tries to pick the bones. He leaps on Sid's back and hooks on the sleeper. Sid very slowly fades down. Arm drops and Sid fights back up. Jarrett gets a boot up in the corner. He tries coming off the second rope but Sid low blows him on the way down. Big boot from Sid. The Harrises distract again. One of them has the belt. Sid runs Jarrett into the belt and covers. Patrick was distracted and Jarrett's able to kick out. Sid goozle. Jarrett low blows out of a chokeslam. He "inadvertently" elbows Patrick during a corner scrum, then runs Patrick into a turnbuckle for good measure. Here comes the guitar. Guitar shot for Sid. Jarrett celebrates, then calls someone out. Here comes Jarrett's paid off ref. He gets in the ring in a position that makes it so obvious someone's going to pull him out, his feet are dangling off the apron and he's miles away from the wrestlers. Yup, here's Hogan to pull him out. And punch him out. Hogan gets in and punches Jarrett out. Big boot on Jarrett. The Harrises get taken out. Legdrop on Jarrett. Hogan drags Sid on top of Jarrett and Sid gets the pin. I can't believe they've found a way to make Sid of all people look like a weak as hell champion, but here we are. DUD, again

 

"Broke ten thousand guitars, never drew a dime". That line from the WWE produced "Rise and Fall of WCW" documentary has always resonated with me. 

 

As soon as the bell rings someone runs in and hits Hogan with the backup guitar. It's Scott Steiner! Back from injury. Pretty decent return, I'll give him that. I guess we'll assume he was the guy in the limo. Sid takes out the Harrises to save Hogan and everyone leaves with Hogan laying in the ring. Flair comes in with a strap, tears Hogan's shirt off, and we immediately go into the next match with no intros. 

 

YAPPAPI Indian Strap Match: Hulk Hogan (w/Jimmy Hart) def "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in 13:22- This is the second straight year Flair and Hogan have main evented Uncensored with a train wreck gimmick match. Despite the incredibly silly name, one of the famous early Botchamania gags ("APPLE PIE!"), this is just a normal strap match. Flair puts the strap on while Hogan's still down and commentary confirms this is touch all four corners rules. Flair whips Hogan with the strap and stomps away on him. Jimmy Hart is now out to corner Hogan. On the floor Hogan takes control, choking Flair with the strap. Flair chops back and Hogan no sells. Flair begs off. Guardrail shot and chops for Flair. Back in Hogan continues the strap chokes. There's still guitar pieces all over the ring. Corner clothesline from Hogan. Flair untangles himself from the strap and FLAIR FLOP. Another beg off and Flair eye pokes Hogan. More strap whips and choking. Hogan gets a back kick low blow in the corner that Flair actually sells like a low blow. There's so many now most everyone just shrugs them off. Now Hogan changes things up by whipping with his weightlifting belt instead of the strap. Flair hits some rapid fire chops in the corner that again have no effect. Clothesline from Hogan. Flair rolls back out and Hogan follows. He uses the strap to pull Flair down. Coming back in Flair begs off again. He's having a tough time navigating the strap. Not a match he's used to. Mounted punches and bite from Hogan. Flair collapses out of the corner and goes outside again. Hogan pulls him back in with the strap. Punch from Hogan as commentary says Flair is bleeding. I wouldn't be surprised but I don't see it yet. OK, yes he is. Finally got a good angle. Flair does some super sized begging in the corner, then gets another eye rake. He goes up top just so Hogan can slam him off. Back on the floor Hogan hits a running clothesline. He calls Hart over and lets him get some strap whips in. Yet again Flair shots on the floor are no sold. This has been completely one sided the entire match. Hogan punches Flair down on the entrance ramp. Luger comes in and hits Hogan with a chair! Flair finally goes on the attack after that. Chops have effect this time. Flair slowly pounds Hogan around the ringside area. More rapid fire punches on Hogan in the ring. Hart has enough, getting in and pulling Flair off. Flair decks him and gives him a chop. Now Flair finally goes for Hogan's taped up knee. One shot, but still. Flair starts going for corners. He gets up to 3 but Hogan wraps up on the ropes. Flair tries to drag him away but can't. While the ref checks on Hogan, Flair gets his classic knucks out of his kneepad, waffles Hogan with him, and puts them back away. Now Flair covers Hogan. And the ref counts. I thought this was touch all four corners rules? Hogan kicks out and Hulks Up. They did that just so Hogan could Hulk Up. Point, three punches, big boot, and Hogan decides to go for corners. Like the rules say. 3 corners easy. As he's going for 4 Luger runs in again. Big boot for Luger. Hogan legdrops Flair, then instead of hitting the last corner covers and pins him and the bell rings. THEN HOGAN TOUCHES THE FOURTH CORNER! HAHAHAHAHA what the fuck man. This match did drugs or something. Still, somehow it's better than their main event last Uncensored. And better than Hogan's other Uncensored strap match with Vader. Not that either says much. 1/2*

 

This show was so bad (shout from the crowd "How bad was it?") that the entire creative team was immediately fired. No joke. Kevin Sullivan's three month return as head booker, done. Vince Russo was allowed to come back from the kiddie table to the head seat, but this time to try to get some kind of restraint on him WCW also hired back Eric Bischoff to be his creative wingman. The first real thing they did- reboot the entire company. Things had gotten to that point. But more on that next time.

 

OVERALL SHOW THOUGHTS- Uncensored always had a checkered history. The first one in '95 was one of the absolute worst major company shows ever. '96 featured what might be the worst match I have ever seen, the Hogan & Savage vs Alliance to End Hulkamania Tower of Doom disaster. Last year's edition gave us that horrendous Flair/Hogan steel cage match. It's appropriate that the final Uncensored keeps the tradition alive by being so atrocious it got the creative team behind it sacked and caused the company to completely reset from scratch.

OVERALL SHOW GRADE: F 

WrestleMania X8

Legacy Review

WrestleMania X8

March 17, 2002 from the Skydome in Toronto, ON

 

Commentary: Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler

 

It's been roughly one year since WWF purchased WCW and the grand finale of the Attitude Era at the superb Wrestlemania 17 (or X-Seven if you prefer). The time since has most definitely been one of transition, as both WWF and the wrestling world in general have tried to figure out how to navigate the new reality of a WWF dominated landscape. The second half of 2001 WWF ran the very underwhelming Invasion angle, throwing the last few piles of dirt on the WCW name once and for all. The year ended with the formal merging of the WWF and WCW World titles into a single unified "Undisputed" champion. As the calendar turned to 2002, the first year of what will much later be known as the Ruthless Aggression era, we saw Triple H return from his quad injury and immediately win the Royal Rumble as part of a massive babyface "welcome back" push. Then in February came the WWF debut of the NWO as the "lethal dose of poison" Vince McMahon wanted to inject into the company as part of his battle with post-Invasion WWF co-owner Ric Flair. By far the main headline there was the return after nearly a decade away of Hulk Hogan, albeit in his Hollywood persona, to the company he led to national prominence in the '80s wrestling explosion. Overall the road to this year's WM was more a limp than a run as many of the storylines didn't seem to be hitting at all. However, a poor build doesn't automatically lead to a poor WM. It's still possible to save it on the night.

 

This is the second WM to take place in Toronto's famed Skydome, home of the Blue Jays and the first ever retractable roof stadium. The other was WM 6 in 1990, headlined by Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior's title vs title battle. The show opens with a live performance of this year's WM theme song by Saliva. After that we get into the regular intro video, another good one showcasing how WM has become THE event of the year in wrestling, made slightly more special by having Hogan back to be in it. I'm honestly not a fan of the stage for this year, it's basically just the Attitude Era style metal girder structure taken to a large stadium extreme. Nothing special about it.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam def William Regal (c) in 6:20- This is the second year in a row the IC title is opening the show, and the second straight year Regal is in it, though last year he was the challenger. RVD's got the updated WWF version of his music now. Not as good as his original ECW music. I like JR's line about RVD going from places the size of the ECW Arena to the Skydome. This is the period where Regal has been using the "POWER OF THE PUNCH" brass knuckles, which he used to win the title from Edge. There's a bit of gamesmanship as Regal makes his way in with RVD trying to jump but Regal avoiding him. RVD does manage to get the jump in the ring. Quick back kick on Regal. Standing moonsault into some ground and pound. Regal hits a back elbow and goes right into his tights to get the knucks out. RVD kicks them out of Regal's hand, then kicks Regal in the face to put him down. Regal begs off but RVD kicks him again. Flying back kick off the second rope from RVD. Regal's down in the zone and RVD springs up top. Regal dodges the Five Star Frog Splash! Running knee to the head from Regal for 2. European uppercut. RVD gets a crossbody for 2. Duck under and backslide from RVD for 2. Regal gets a drop toe hold and pounds RVD in the back of the head, then hits a suplex for 2. RVD reverses a corner whip and hits a backdrop. Regal cranks RVD's arm into a slam for 2. He straitjackets RVD's arms to ground him and we see Regal is bleeding a bit from the mouth. RVD escapes and hits a superkick. He goes for rolling thunder but Regal gets his knees up. Double underhook powerbomb from Regal for 2. He goes for the Regal Stretch but RVD counters into a small package for 2. Regal puts RVD back down with a forearm and gives us a wave. He goes for another double underhook but RVD backs him into the corner. They have a small miscommunication and RVD hits a dropkick in the corner. Monkey flip out of the corner from RVD. After a short counter sequence Regal PLANTS RVD with a half nelson suplex! RVD rolls out to the floor to recover. Possibly legitimately after watching the way he lands on the replay. Regal goes out, rolls RVD back in, then recovers the knucks on the floor. Ref Brian Hebner, AKA Hebner the Younger, sees the knucks and takes them away! Another back kick to the face from RVD! He springs up again. FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover and RVD wins the IC title! His first non-Hardcore title in WWF as his rise continues. Very nice high energy opener, using the short time they got well. ***1/4

 

WWF European Championship: Diamond Dallas Page (c) def Christian in 6:10- This would be the final appearance for the European title at WM, it will be deactivated later in the year. This will also be DDP's only WM match, and his final WWF PPV match. DDP defeated Christian for the title on Smackdown soon after the Rumble, his only singles title in WWF. On top of that they've built up a feud based on motivational speaker DDP helping Christian get over his temper tantrum issues only to have Christian turn on him. In a funny little thread that will go through the show, all the heels that are from Canada are announced as being from US residences so they don't get cheered. WM jump start #2 as Christian does the jumping, then poses with the belt. JR mentions DDP being the driver for Rhythm and Blues in this stadium at WM 6, just before he started up with WCW. DDP slugs back and hits a gutwrench gutbuster, then Cactus clotheslines Christian to the floor. Back in DDP hits some mounted punches. Christian counters that with a low blow followed by a hot shot onto the top turnbuckle. He knocks DDP off the apron into the barricade. Some fairly listless back and forth in the ring follows. DDP tries to post crotch Christian but Christian pulls him into the post. Christian hooks on an abdominal stretch. DDP back elbows out. Christian ducks and hits a neckbreaker for 2. He tries going up top but DDP slams him off Flair style. Discus clothesline from DDP. He makes Christian duck by flashing a punch, then hits a powerbomb for 2. Both guys counter out of finisher attempts. DDP dodges in the corner and tries to hit a running Diamond Cutter. Christian holds onto the top rope to block it and uses his position to counter into a reverse DDT for 2. Small package from DDP for 2. Diamond Cutter! That's it. After the match DDP takes a mic to rub the loss in some more and Christian has his mandatory temper tantrum. DDP would suffer a neck injury on Smackdown about a month after this that would force him to retire. He would come back to work the odd indy match after, and of course through DDP Yoga has done an incalculable amount of good for many, many people physically or mentally hurt by their time in the wrestling industry. The match had some pieces of a good match in there but they didn't come together as well as they could have. **1/2

 

It's improv time with the Rock and Coach, Wrestlemania style. In accordance with Rock's opponent, Rock checks to see if Coach took his vitamins and said his prayers. Coach says no so Rock makes sure he takes care of it right now, then boots Coach off screen after not liking his prayer style ("What up, G" is honestly kinda funny). After that Rock channels every last bit of his considerable promo skills to hype up a match that was already on max excitement to yet another level. 

 

WWF Hardcore Championship: Maven (c) and Goldust no contest in 3:16- Like the European title, this is the WM finale for the Hardcore title. Maven is still riding the wave of his shock elimination of the Undertaker in the Rumble. Goldust gets a couple of gold trash cans out from under the ring during his entrance. WM jump start #3 as Goldust hits Maven as he's trying to get in the ring, knocking him to the floor. He flips Maven upside down into the barricade, then sets him on the barricade and fistdrops him off. Cookie sheet shot from Goldust. In the ring Goldust tries to slingshot Maven into one of the trash cans, but Maven manages to dodge it (looks like a bad botch at first but it was intentional), then tosses the can to Goldust and dropkicks it into him for 2. Goldust tries a suplex but Maven counters with a small package for 2. Neckbreaker from Goldust for 2. Front drop suplex and Goldust goes out to get.....a shovel. A GOLD shovel. I don't think that's Triple H's burying shovel, he wasn't quite at that point yet. He snaps the shovel into Maven's hand. Goldust wedges a trash can in the corner, pummels Maven in the opposite corner, then whips him into the can for 2. Both guys get can lids and connect with lid shots. Here's Spike Dudley! He covers Maven and pins him to win the Hardcore title! 24/7 rule. Crash Holly then runs in to try to get his eternal baby back and chases Spike out through the crowd. Goldust and Maven then follow them. *

 

Next up is our second live band performance of the night, this time Drowning Pool "narrating" a recap video of the Triple H/Chris Jericho main event feud. After that we cut to the back where Crash is all over Spike. Look at that stack of boxes. Such an obvious setup. And here comes crazy Al Snow in a golf cart, with his own ref! The other guys dodge and Snow crashes through the box stack! With pipes too because we get the mandatory falling pipes backstage sound. Crash then gets back on Spike like nothing happened. Spike manages to throw Crash into a rolling door and runs. Right into the Hurricane! Where'd he come from? It's like he flew in! Hurricane covers and wins the Hardcore title! Then flies away. Some final fun Hardcore title shenanigans are underway.

 

Kurt Angle def Kane in 10:46- This is a classic situation where both these guys got left out when the musical chairs music stopped for the top matches, so why not just throw them together. Angle is at this point right on the verge of becoming peak KURT FUCKING ANGLE. All that's left is to lose the hair. This is the lowest he'll be on the WM card for pretty much the rest of his WWF/E career. There's definitely a pop for Angle's music even though he's gone back heel since the Invasion. The "you suck" chant is also now in full force. Angle got the black gear memo. I think this is the only time I've ever seen him in primary black gear. Angle takes the mic and ribs the Canadian crowd for being at the receiving end of the latest Olympic figure skating judging controversy. JR details Angle having the greatest rookie year in WWF history back in 2000, which I mention now just because that's about to be destroyed starting very soon now. One hint: Bork Laser. As soon as Kane's corner pyro shuts off Angle attacks for WM jump start #4. Oh, Angle hit him with the bell! Well, you can't ring the bell without the bell so it's all legal. Angle's been attacking Kane's head during the entire build so he's focused, but it also means Lawler will be shouting "HEAD TRAUMA" the whole match. Kane tries to slug back. Angle ducks under and hits a German suplex! He stomps away on Kane in the corner. Kane responds with an uppercut and back elbow. He lifts Angle up with a double hand choke and drops him down. Goozle! Angle quickly grabs the ropes to block the chokeslam. After some more ducks Angle hits a belly to belly suplex, followed by a clothesline. There's a section of the crowd loudly chanting for Angle. Another clothesline. More stomps on Kane's head and he chokes Kane on the ropes. Angle cuts off another comeback attempt with a Bret bump into a back suplex for 2. He wraps Kane up in a front facelock to ground him. Kane fights back up and tosses Angle across the ring. Angle is back up slugging again. Kane grabs him into a side suplex. Angle slips out of a Kane suplex attempt into ROLLING GERMANS. All three hit. No extra one for WM. Cover for 2. Angle goes up top and hits a clothesline or tackle despite Kane attempting to counter. That didn't come off completely right I don't think. Angle goes up again and this time Kane clotheslines him out of the air. I think that was a spot repeat because it didn't go right the first time. Stand up slugfest exchange. Kane hits a big boot and clothesline. Backdrop from Kane. Corner clothesline. He spins Angle up into a powerslam for 2. Back elbow from Angle in the corner. He runs into a goozle! Chokeslam! Kane covers but Angle JUST gets a hand on the rope before 3! That impeccable Angle kickout timing. Kane calls for the end and scoops for the Tombstone. Angle slips free and tries to pull Kane's mask off from behind! Angle Slam! Kane just kicks out! THE STRAPS ARE DOWN! Ankle lock! Kane spins and pushes free. Angle gets right back on him and gets it on again. This time Kane crawls over and gets a rope break. Angle won't let go of the leg so Kane works over into an enzuguri. Nice delayed flop sell from Angle. Kane decides to go up top. Angle springs up to meet him and suplex him off! That will never not be awesome. He sets up behind Kane and goes for another Angle Slam. Kane counters and goes for a chokeslam. Angle uses that to roll Kane up, has a hard time getting his feet on the ropes for extra leverage, and gets the pin. Bit of a mess on the finish there. Another match where the whole was less than the sum of the parts. **3/4

 

In the back, new Hardcore champ Hurricane cautiously walks backstage. He ends up in the Godfather's hos locker room, hides behind a screen, and we get a cheap visual gag involving a broom. The women see him, scream, and Godfather chases him off, not taking advantage of the opportunity to win the title.

 

To lead into the next match- WWF co-owner Ric Flair and Taker started butting heads at No Way Out. Taker demanded Flair get in the ring with him at WM. Flair refused. So, Taker took it upon himself to change Flair's mind, assaulting his best friend (now WWF road agent) Arn Anderson as well as his oldest son, late era WCW legend David Flair. David should have kept his crowbar. That convinced Flair to say yes and it was on. Almost. One last obstacle: the WWF board. Vince used this opportunity to politic Flair out of power, at least temporarily. Subject to review after WM. Vince then decided to stick it to Flair a bit more by making the match no DQ. In a nice bit of symmetry, it was actually Taker that requested to work with Flair at WM in real life, partially because they never had before and Taker wanted to, but also because he wanted to do his part to help rebuild Flair's confidence post-WCW. 

 

No DQ: The Undertaker def "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in 18:47- During Taker's entrance JR mentions he's 9-0 at WM. Slowly becoming a thing. Flair takes his robe off in the aisle, charges in (swinging around Taker's bike) and it's WM jump start #5. Flair's wearing his all red gear, the exact same he wore for his only other WM match to date, defending the WWF Championship against Randy Savage at WM 8, one of my personal favorite matches of all time. It's advantage Flair early. Taker tumbles out of the ring but Flair won't give him any space. Flair tackles Taker over the English announce table and continues hammering down punches! "WOOOOOOO!". More back and forth slugfest on the floor. Taker tries to get space in the ring but still can't as Flair punches him out to the floor again. Flair tries diving off the apron. Tactical error. Taker catches him and runs his back into the post. We get the first "OH GOD!" from Flair as JR goes into the broken back story. After a light stair shot Taker rolls Flair back in, but then takes his time coming back in and Flair jumps him again. Taker grabs a choke, tosses Flair into the corner and starts laying in the rapid fire punches. Flair Flip! Well, he tried. Flair took off wrong and barely got off the ground. They go back to the original corner. Taker hits a few more shots and they try again. This time Flair successfully gets over onto the apron, but walks into a Taker big boot that sends down to the floor. Taker says "Now we go to school" and knocks Flair around the ringside area. After a series of punches in the timekeeper's area Flair is busted open. That didn't take long. Back in Taker continues the punishment on a bloodied Flair. Flair flops down out of the corner for about a .4 Flair Flop. He tries to come back with chops. Taker reverses a corner whip and murders Flair in the corner with a clothesline. Taker places Flair on the top rope. Superplex! Taker covers, then pulls Flair up at 2. Flair manages to hit another chop but then collapses back down. Apron elbow to the cut from Taker. Apron legdrop to Flair's back. Again Taker covers and pulls Flair up at 2. He's still not done. Taker continues to target the cut. Flair dodges an elbow drop! Signs of life. More chops. Taker jabs back and puts Flair back down. He cranks Flair's arm for old school, but takes way too long setting up and Flair slams him off the top rope! Big Flair chops, but he runs into a Taker side suplex for 2. Taker goes for a running big boot. Flair ducks and Taker crotches himself on the top rope! More chops and a punch put Taker down to the floor. Taker goes for his bike but Flair cuts him off. Flair gets the pipe from Taker's bike and nails Taker with it! More pipe shots. One catches Taker right in the back of the head. Taker runs Flair's back into the apron and the pipe rolls all the way out the other side of the ring. Taker's bleeding a bit from the pipe shots now. Flair gets one of the aisle keep off signs and nails Taker with it! Back in Flair jabs the cut and even struts a little, starting to feel it. Taker goozle! Flair kicks Taker right in the nads to get free. No DQ. Single leg takedown into the figure four! Flair gets a near fall, then Taker does a classic Taker situp. He goozles Flair to force him to break. Chokeslam! Flair kicks out! Taker hits some punches to Flair's cut and tries again. Another 2 count. Taker has some words for ref Lil' Naitch about the count. Taker picks Lil' Naitch up and runs him into the corner! He goes out and gets the pipe. Flair cuts him off. Arn Anderson slides in the ring! World's Greatest Spinebuster on Taker! Flair covers. Taker kicks out! A huge kickout that sends Flair out to the floor. Taker attacks Arn on the floor instead of staying on Flair. And now Arn's bleeding. Classic. Big boot from Taker on Arn. Taker hooks up Arn with a dragon sleeper. Flair comes in with a chair and nails Taker with it! Big boot from Taker on Flair. He hooks Flair up for the Last Ride, has a hard time hitting it, so Taker says the hell with it. He puts Flair down, scoops him, hits the Tombstone, and it's over. I'm not sure what happened at the end there, if that was planned or if Taker had to improv the Tombstone. As Taker's leaving he counts up 10 on his fingers. 10-0. At the time this match was pretty lambasted by everyone for its slower pace, but as time as gone on it's become appreciated for the good match that it is. I've always liked it. They were trying to work a bit more of an NWA no DQ brawl style match with some WWFness thrown in I think, and it mostly works. ***1/2

 

In the back, Michael Cole is with Booker and his brainy specs. See, WWF recently did a special episode of The Weakest Link and Booker was roundly trounced in it. Edge immediately started mocking him over it, so now Booker's trying to prove he's not a dimwit. Einstein's Theory of Relatives indeed. Red Dwarf did that gag better. That's not the only thing they're fighting over coming into this match either. More in a sec. 

 

Edge def Booker T in 6:34- "They are fighting over shampoo". That's a ringside sign saying that, summing up the rest of the feud perfectly. In addition to mocking Booker over his Weakest Link failure, Edge also (in story only) stole away a "lucrative" Japanese shampoo commercial deal away from Booker. Japanese, that way no one could verify if it was true or not, even with the earlyish internet. It's one of the most ridiculous reasons for a wrestling feud I've ever seen. It's so bad it's awesome. Nice hometown pop for Edge, who unlike Christian actually gets announced as from Toronto. JR goes into the true story that Edge was in the crowd as a kid the last time WM was in Skydome in 1990. Lockup! First non-jump start of the night. After a rough lockup they roll through a basic opening. Off a speed run Edge hits a dropkick and faceplant slams Booker for 2. Booker gets Edge up and hits a hot shot. Side kick for 2. He clotheslines Edge 360 out to the floor. Coming back in Booker hits a missile dropkick off the top rope for 2. Chops from Booker in the corner. Edge slugs back in the corner. Big Alabama slam from Booker that he falls down on too, then he covers for 2. Booker goes up top again but Edge hits the ropes to crotch him. Edge hurricanranas Booker of the top, but Booker takes off wrong and lands right on top of Edge. Leg lariat from Edge. Clotheslines as he builds momentum. Booker hits a ripcord knee and goes for the scissors kick. Edge dodges and reverse slams Booker for 2. Spinning heel kick off the top rope from Edge for 2. Booker floats over in the corner and tries a nifty roll up. Edge was ready for it and counters, slingshotting Booker into the opposite corner. He goes for the spear. Booker leaps over and Edge crashes in the corner. Back kick from Booker. He starts feeling it. Spinaroonie! The scissors kick hits for 2. Edge fights out of a Book End attempt. Spear! Booker kicks out! Edge decides to get silly and try his own Spinaroonie. It doesn't work. Both guys dodge kicks. Edge hits the Edgecution! That's it. Decentish, but honestly right in line with what both guys were doing at the time. Booker was still recovering from his Invasion burial, while Edge hadn't fully clicked as a singles wrestler just yet. **1/4

 

In the back, Hurricane is still trying to escape with the Hardcore title. Coach approaches him and tells him he just wants to talk. Molly Holly comes in and says to the Hurricycle....then hits Hurricane with a frying pan! Molly covers and wins the Hardcore title! It's always the one you least expect.

 

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin def Scott Hall (w/Kevin Nash) in 9:53- The first of two WWF vs NWO matches tonight. The second one will be slightly bigger than this one. Over the years there's been a lot of complaints that Austin got stuck with Hall instead of wrestling Hogan as many expected. It turns out just recently (as I write this), Austin has confirmed that in fact he was offered the Hogan match first, but turned it down because he didn't think they could live up to expectations. Hopefully that'll clear that up from now on. Nash isn't wrestling tonight because he's dealing with injuries, but he does come out in his wrestling gear. You know Austin's jump starting. 6 for 7 on that tonight now. Hall didn't even get his vest off. Big chops in the corner from Austin. Hall slugs back. Austin Thesz press! Follow up elbow drop. Austin pounds Hall over and over on the top turnbuckle. Off a whip Hall grabs the top rope and bails. Austin runs around and hits Nash from behind, then gets back on Hall. Back in Hall counters a backdrop and hits a clothesline for 2. Response chops from Hall in the corner before Austin pounds back. While that's happening Nash takes a top turnbuckle pad off in another corner. Austin gets whipped into the exposed buckle. Hall pushes Austin out to the floor and Nash attacks. Corner clotheslines from Hall back in. Fallaway slam for 2. I'll say one thing for Hall, he's clearly putting more effort in than nearly any of his WCW matches. Both guys block hiptosses and Hall hits a clothesline for 2. He chokes Austin on the ropes and Nash gets another shot in. Spinebuster from Austin and both guys are down. Hall is back up first slugging away. The punches seem to be helping Austin though, he's getting his feet stable. Stunner outta nowhere! Nash runs halfway around the ring (instantly more effort than most of his WCW matches) and pulls ref Tim White out, then decks him. Nash gets in the ring and pummels Austin. He tells Hall to get a chair. Before Hall can use it Austin kicks Hall in the gut, back kicks Nash in the ghoolies, and Stunners both guys! Cover on Hall but the ref is still down and out. Jack Doan slides in to count. Nash elbow drops him! Austin clotheslines Nash out of the ring. Hall sets up for the Razor's Edge but Austin backdrops him to the floor. The whole thing grinds to a halt for some reason, like they're all waiting for something. Finally a ref gaggle comes out and orders Nash to the back. Austin attacks Hall on the floor and slides him back in. Hall counters a Stunner. Stunner from Hall! White is slow to get back in and count. When he does Austin just kicks out. Hall goes for another Stunner. Austin pushes him into the exposed buckle. Stunner! Hall stays up. Another Stunner! With the most ridiculous flop sell you can possibly imagine. Austin covers and gets the win. I'd say this was a massive disappointment, which it was, but really no one expected much better anyway. Hall just wasn't in shape for this anymore. It's also very clear the NWO wasn't going to get any traction in WWF, which will become even more clear later in the night. **

 

Annual Axxess highlights package. 

 

Four Corners Elimination Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship: Billy & Chuck (c) def The APA, The Dudley Boyz (w/Stacy Keibler) and The Hardy Boyz in 13:52- The tag division is definitely in transition. Billy and Chuck recently won the titles on Smackdown for their first title win and will be the next dominant team, while the other three much longer standing former champion teams will soon be broken up during the upcoming first ever brand split draft. The Dudleyz get a live playdown from Saliva. Usual two men legal and anyone can tag anyone rules here. The APA jump B&C as soon as they get in the ring. Nick Patrick sighting as he's reffing this match. After B&C cut it off once Bradshaw fallaway slams Billy out of the ring and starts stiffing the crap out of Chuck again, just like at No Way Out. Saito suplex from Bradshaw. Chuck manages to clothesline Faarooq and gets him caught in the B&C corner. Billy calls for the Fameasser but runs into a powerslam. Bradshaw tags in and takes it to both B and C again. DDT on Billy for 2. Full on two team donnybrook as the Hardyz and Dudleyz just stand on the apron and watch. Very smart, let the other guys wear themselves out too. Billy decides to tag in D'Von and the APA quickly take it to both Dudleyz. Faarooq spinebuster on Bubba Ray. It soon devolves into APA vs B&C again. Bubba Ray has to quickly move out of the way as Bradshaw hits the ropes legit not giving a shit who's there to nail Billy with the Clothesline from Hell. But before he can cover, 3D on Bradshaw! D'Von covers and the APA are gone. The Hardyz quickly run in and attack the Dudleyz. One last time for these two forever rival teams. Double backdrop on Bubba Ray. More double teams on D'Von for 2. Hardyz double DDT on Chuck as the Dudleyz decide to set a table up on the floor. Matt baseball slides D'Von and Jeff planchas Bubba Ray. Jeff hits Whisper in the Wind on Bubba Ray back in. The shirt is off. Stacy gets on the apron and flashes the goods to Jeff. Jeff spanks her, kisses her, then shoves her off the apron. A story normally played out much more slowly. Jeff gets up on Bubba Ray's shoulders, but that lets Billy hit him with a clothesline off the top rope. Bubba Bomb on Billy! Chops from Bubba Ray on Jeff, keeping Jeff in peril as things settle back down a bit. Nice bit where D'Von whips Jeff from the apron into a Bubba Ray backdrop. Jeff fights out of a chinlock but D'Von comes in and murders him with a clothesline to stop the momentum. Suplex from D'Von for 2. Jeff flips upside down in the corner and gets stuck in the tree of woe. Bubba Ray climbs up and grinds his foot down on Jeff's crotch. Matt comes in to push Bubba Ray out to the floor. D'Von cuts the tag off and it's back to the status quo. Everyone's forgotten B&C are even there as this thing is dragging pretty badly now. This is far from the best Hardyz/Dudleyz stuff we've seen. D'Von hits the flying back elbow. Jeff twists D'Von around into a reverse DDT. Hot tag to Matt. DDT on Bubba Ray. Backdrop for D'Von and he gets tossed over the top to the floor. Matt takes shots at B&C, allowing Bubba to side suplex him. Matt dodges a senton off the second rope and hits the second rope legdrop for 2. Bubba Ray slams Matt and calls for the Whazzup Drop. Billy pushes D'Von off the top rope into the table! Matt Twist of Fate on Bubba Ray. Jeff hits the Swanton Bomb, and Matt pins Bubba Ray to eliminate the Dudleyz. Chuck runs right in with a clothesline for Jeff and superkick on Matt for 2. Jeff hits the crotch legdrop on Chuck. Billy tosses Jeff out to the floor. Matt counters Billy and ripcord slams him. Poetry in Motion hits on Billy. And Chuck. First time in a while that hit on both guys. Twist of Fate from Matt! Jeff hits the Swanton Bomb! But Patrick is wrapped up with trying to get Matt out. Billy Fameasser on Jeff! Matt Cactus clotheslines Billy out. Chuck crawls over, covers Jeff, and Jeff kicks out! Chuck is beside himself. Billy gets one of the belts and nails Jeff with it. Chuck covers again and gets the pin to retain. Pretty dull and messy match. Not exactly a fitting finale for the last era of the tag division. *1/4

 

In the back, Hall and Nash lick their wounds and want to take out their frustrations on the Rock. Hogan interrupts and asks to do this on his own. After Hogan leaves Nash and Hall agree they're coming in anyway.

 

Meanwhile, Molly is now trying to escape with the Hardcore title. Someone slams a door in her face! It's Christian! Cover and Christian wins the title! He quickly gets the hell out of town.

 

Here we go, one of the greatest cross generational battles of all time. Rock/Cena 10 years later tried so hard to be this and just...wasn't. The Raw where Hogan and Rock stood in the ring together for the first time was instantly electric on a scale rarely seen before. "How about headlining one more Wrestlemania WITH THE ROCK!". An excuse to print money.

 

The Rock def Hollywood Hulk Hogan in 16:24- Unfortunately Hogan's personal Jimi Hendrix music has been dubbed over with the regular NWO music on every version of this show since the original broadcast. One tremendous touch, someone in the crowd has the same large WM 6 Hogan sign that was in the crowd at that show. I'm pretty sure it's the same person but I can't remember for sure. The crowd is very pro-Hogan right from the start. All the NWO trappings didn't matter, WWF fans were thrilled to have Hogan back home and weren't afraid to show it. This is Hogan's first WM since WM 9 and the less said about that one the better. Both guys take a lot of time after entrances to soak the atmosphere in, standing in the middle of the ring and just enjoying the moment. The crowd is all for it. Both guys back off, the bell rings and we're on. Lockup. Long fight and Hogan powers Rock out to a HUGE pop. That moment alone made it crystal clear who the crowd's behind tonight. Hogan cranks a headlock. Shoulderblock and Hogan poses some more to another thunderous ovation. JR calls it a "mixed reaction". Nothing mixed about this. Another lockup and Hogan hits the first real shots of the match. Clothesline from Hogan. Rock ducks another and hits a flying forearm and tells Hogan to bring it to initially a high pitched pop, then HUGE boos. Booed out of the building boos. Both guys shove and Rock lays in some punches. Hogan tries to go over the top rope off a big punch but can't and settles for rolling out to the floor instead. Back in Rock counters a backdrop and hits a clothesline. Hogan fights out of an early Rock Bottom attempt. Running high elbow from Hogan and he hits a couple of elbow drops and boot rake. Corner clothesline. Off the ropes Rock tackles Hogan and lays in some punches. Hogan ducks a punch swing and hits a back suplex for 2. He hooks Rock in an abdominal stretch with added blows to the midsection. Rock tries to get out so Hogan counters the counter to roll him up for 2. The dreaded heel Hogan back rake! Even that gets a small pop. Hogan pounds Rock some more in the corner and then bites him. Rock turns it around and hits some chops in the corner, with a Hogan mocking cup to the ear in the middle. Hey, work with what the crowd is giving you. If they want you to be the heel, heel it up. Rock runs into a Hogan chokeslam! He chokes Rock on the mat, then takes off some of his wrist tape and chokes Rock with that. Rock punches back, but Hogan sidesteps and momentum tosses Rock out to the floor. Rock takes some of the usual ringside knockaround. Hogan clears off the English announce table. Rock slugs back and pounds Hogan on the table. Rock gets a chair but ref Mike Chioda takes it away. Hogan takes that opening to hit a clothesline. Back in Hogan sidesteps again and Rock wipes out Chioda. Rock spinebuster! Both guys stagger back up. Rock gets a double leg takedown. World's Shittiest Sharpshooter! The crowd's right to boo that one. Hogan crawls over and theoretically gets a rope break, but Chioda is still down. Rock drags Hogan back to the middle and Hogan taps out. Rock lets go and tries to revive Chioda. Low blow from Hogan! Hogan hits a Rock Bottom! Cover. Chioda crawls over. Rock kicks out! Hogan takes the weightlifting belt off and whips Rock with it! Government mule time. Rock ducks a punch and hits a DDT. Now Rock picks up the belt and gives Hogan some whip receipts. Rock Bottom! Hogan kicks out! HULK UP! The crowd goes NUTS. As nuts as I've ever heard a crowd in my entire life. Point! Three punches. Big boot. The legdrop hits! Rock, being Rock, manages to sell it more than most people. Cover. ROCK KICKS OUT! Hogan tries again. Three punches, big boot, Rock dodges the legdrop! Rock Bottom! Incidentally, that's the one that bruised or cracked one of Hogan's ribs, which is pretty obvious after you know it happened. Another Rock Bottom! A much gentler one this time. Rock kips up. Elbow pad off. People's Elbow! Rock gets the pin! What a match. So much better than it had any right to be considering what Hogan had been doing the last nearly 10 years. Rock carried and ring generaled to perfection while Hogan dug deep for all he had left. Add in the absolutely insane crowd and atmosphere, and you've got an all time classic regardless of the fact that it might not be a truly great pure wrestling match. ****

 

After Rock does his usual corner poses he goes face to face with a very contrite looking Hogan in the middle of the ring again. Hogan offers a hand! And Rock takes it! That's the final death knell that the NWO might ever matter in WWF. The real Hulk Hogan is about to return. Rock leaves and Hall and Nash get in the ring to confront Hogan. They attack Hogan! Rock comes back and makes the save! Hogan and Rock, after that epic battle, team up to take Hall and Nash out. Face turn complete. But, Rock's not done. When Hogan tries to leave Rock calls him back in. He's going to make sure Hogan gives the crowd what they want, a full on classic Hogan postmatch posedown. To his credit Rock lets Hogan have the full spotlight while only getting in to egg Hogan on even more. Another handshake and Rock holds the ropes open for Hogan to leave. Back at the stage Hogan raises Rock's hand and lets him have the final shot. Amazing moments on top of an amazing match.

 

Follow that, folks.

 

Couldn't get booked tonight Big Show is at WWF New York. His half hearted "WOOOOO Wrestlemania!" will be something that will come up again much later in his career and not in a good way. After that, Fink announces a new Skydome attendance record of 68,237, a record that still stands to this day. Again, I'm not Meltzer, I'm not arguing every little attendance count. That's what they say, that's what the records show, if you want to argue it feel free. 

 

Triple Threat Match for the WWF Women's Championship: Jazz (c) def Trish Stratus and Lita in 6:17- Cool down match time. It's a bit unfair as we're in the period where the women's division was getting much better in the ring. Not as good as modern times, but the best before then, and all three of these women had a lot to do with it. Trish comes out as the hottest Canadian flag of all time. While she's walking down the aisle Lita and Jazz say screw it and start fighting. When Trish gets in she and Lita double team on Jazz. After punching Lita down Jazz gets a single leg takedown on Trish into a half crab. She lets go fairly quickly to attack Lita again. She lifts Lita up into a double arm chicken wing and drops her back down. Big legdrop from Jazz on Lita for 2. Double underhook suplex on Lita and Jazz kicks Trish out to the floor. Lita roll counters Jazz into some ground and pound. Flying headscissors from Lita. She slams Jazz and stacks her up for 2. Jazz hot shots Lita and puts her up on the top rope. Trish comes back in and lifts Jazz up on her shoulders. Jazz eye rakes Trish to get free. Lita hits a punch and Trish rolls Jazz up for 2. Lita crossbody off the top on Trish! Trish rolls through it to a 2 count. That alliance is over. Trish kicks Lita in the head. Bulldog! Jazz breaks the pin up and hits a big splash on Lita for 2. Fisherman's suplex on Trish from Jazz for 2. Trish counters Jazz into a reverse DDT and now Lita breaks the pin up. Trish didn't like that and gets in Lita's face. They take a second to put Jazz down again then go at it! Lita backdrop on Trish. She tries for a Twist of Fate. Jazz interrupts, so she takes it instead. Lita slams Trish next to Jazz and the top is off. Moonsault! Trish gets her knees up! She rolls Lita up for 2. Chops from Trish on Lita. Trish comes out of the corner and they collide. Trish backslides Jazz for 2. Lita dumps Jazz over the top to the floor. Trish goes for the full Stratusfaction. Lita counters and Trish crashes hard in the corner! That got the tired crowd's attention, big gasp for that. Lita goes up top again. Trish is alive and goes up to fight her. Jazz pushes Trish back down to the floor and goes up with Lita. Fisherman's superplex! Jazz gets the pin to retain! Fine if sometimes sloppy match that did as well as could be expected with the emotionally exhausted crowd. **

 

In the back, Christian celebrates, thinking he's survived the night still Hardcore champ. As he's getting in his taxi he decides to celebrate some more. Maven comes up behind him, rolls him up, and pins him! He even takes Christian's cab and hangs out the window with the belt while leaving. So after all that, we end up right back where we started.

 

And now for one of the worst built up WM main events of all time. As I mentioned earlier, Triple H returned from his quad injury at the start of the year to a hero's welcome back, cementing that he would be a face for the first time in his career. However, during his time away Steph had remained full evil so they were not a compatible on screen couple anymore. The months since the Rumble have been an "epic" saga of a faked pregnancy, a vow renewal gone awry, a knock down drag out divorce fight, and if I remember right something about dog shit. I'm not joking. To put it bluntly, Trips vs Steph is the real feud here. But Steph can't wrestle Trips directly. That meant Jericho, the first ever undisputed champion that for better or worse has held that title since December, became nothing more than a proxy. To say nothing of how little sense it made to have Jericho and Steph on the same side after their verbal lambasting of each other during '01. This was in bad shape even before it got completely overwhelmed by the massive Hogan/Rock match that many people have argued before and sense should have been the main event (personally I'm adamant that your world title always main event your top shows no matter what). They don't even bother with a video package or any prematch promos before the main event, which tells you all you need to know.

 

Undisputed WWF Championship: Triple H def Chris Jericho (c) (w/Stephanie McMahon) in 18:43- HHH gets a live play in for the second straight WM, but this time it's Saliva doing their one off riff on his regular music. Still more accurate to the original lyrics than Lemmy was last year. His previously hurt quad is also taped up. HHH looks like he's spent the last week in Hogan's tanning booth. Lockup! Jericho goes right for HHH's bad leg. HHH fights out of the corner. Backdrop from HHH followed by a couple of short clotheslines. Jericho chops back but runs into the Harley Race high knee. But, that hurt HHH's leg again. Jericho backdrops him over the top to the floor. Jericho goes up top to pose for the crowd. HHH grabs him and throws him into the barricade! Suplex on the floor from HHH. We're already clearing off the Spanish announce table. Jericho kicks the bad leg again. Back in Jericho chop blocks it and starts fully attacking it. Spear from HHH out of the corner! Now he starts working on Jericho's knee. He kicks Jericho's leg out of his leg while shaking off his own bad wheel. Kneebreaker from HHH. Figure four! I don't like how close HHH is to Steph's side of the ring. Yup, she gets up and eye rakes HHH to force him to break. HHH grabs Steph and pulls her on the apron! Jericho tries to attack but HHH dodges and he takes Steph out! HHH then rolls Steph into the ring. See what I said about what the real feud was? HHH sets her up for a Pedigree. Jericho hits a missile dropkick to save her. He posts HHH's leg. Steph comes from behind and kicks HHH in the leg. Hebner goes all Randy Savage on Steph telling her exactly where to stand. Jericho continues the leg work in the ring. He even hooks on what would later be known as a stretch muffler, or El Desperado's Numero Dos. Steph takes another opening to get a slap in. Jericho hooks on the post wraparound figure four! Back in HHH tries slugging back. Jericho drop toe holds and snaps HHH's leg back. Spinning toe hold from Jericho. HHH pushes free and Jericho goes shoulder first into the post. Neckbreaker from HHH. Jericho tries going back to the leg but HHH hits a clothesline for 2. The facebuster hits but again that hurt HHH's leg as much as Jericho. Jericho charges but HHH flips him across his back into the corner. I don't think that came off how they were planning. Spinebuster from HHH for 2. Corner whip reversal do-si-do and HHH does the Trips Flip over the corner to the floor. Now Jericho re-cleans off the English announce table and sets HHH up on top of it. He tries to put HHH in the Walls on the table, which to me seems pointless. How will the table make that worse? HHH kicks free before it's on. Now he tries to set Jericho up for the Pedigree on the table. Jericho backdrops free and HHH crashes through the Spanish announce table! Back in Jericho hits the Lionsault. HHH kicks out! Jericho tries for the Walls again. HHH fights free again. He dodges a charge and Jericho runs into the corner. HHH tries for the Pedigree. Jericho forearms HHH's quad to get free and gets the Walls on! HHH tries to get to the ropes but Jericho pulls him back to the center. HHH looks like he's passed out. Hebner goes to arm drops. On the third HHH gets one last push and makes it to the ropes. Jericho's furious HHH didn't tap out. He goes out, tosses timekeeper Mark Yeaton aside, and gets a chair. HHH kicks the chair into Jericho's face! DDT into the chair! HHH covers for a long 2. Steph gets in the ring again and takes the chair. Hebner quickly takes the chair away and yells at her to get out. She shoves Hebner away, then turns around to HHH right in her face! HHH Pedigree on Steph! But then turns around into a chairshot from Jericho! Cover. HHH just kicks out! Now Jericho tries for his own Pedigree. HHH counters out and tries to slingshot Jericho into the corner. Jericho hops up to the second rope instead! He tries coming off but it's right into a HHH kick. Pedigree! HHH gets the pin and wins the title back! A mercy killing of Jericho's awful first title reign. There will be better, but it will take him a while to recover from this one. It's far from the worst WM main event, but also nowhere near on the level you hope for out of one. Everyone, especially commentary, tried their damndest to make this be epic. The crowd seemed like they wanted to engage but the combination of the bad build and exhaustion from the Rock/Hogan match held them back. So overall, solidly good match if you take it for what it is without thinking about the surrounding story too much, but not a WM main event to remember. ***

 

OVERALL SHOW THOUGHTS- I've been very vocal about how this run from WM 17-20 has my top three favorite WMs ever, with this one being the odd one out. Like the main event, it's not outright bad. In a lot of ways I actually think the show as a whole is a bit underrated. Creatively WWF was in a bit of a funk, but there's nothing here that's truly awful and it has several good matches sprinkled in, topped off with the Rock/Hogan epic that is must watch for everyone. On the whole, it's a middle of the road WM.

OVERALL SHOW GRADE: B-