This Day in History - 29th April, 2013

April 29th

On this day in history in ....

1960 - Fomer WWF Young Stallion and member of the Four Horsemen Paul Roma is born in Kensington, NY.

1995 - The largest crowd to attend a professional wrestling event ever assembles in Pyongyang, North Korea for the second New Japan Pro Wrestling event held in Pyongyang Stadium as part of the World Peace Festival. The show drew a crowd of 190,000, shattering the record of 150,000 from the previous day. The show was attended by Muhammad Ali, and pictures of Ali, Antonio Inoki and Ric Flair were published in all the major Korean and Japanese newspapers. Select matches from the two days were later aired in the U.S. as a WCW PPV special. Here are the results from the show:
- Hiro Saito defeated Yuji Nagata.
- Black Cat defeated El Samurai.
- Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) defeated 2 Cold Scorpio.
- Scott Norton & Masahiro Chono defeated Akira Nogami & Takayuki Iizuka.
- Road Warrior Hawk defeated Tadao Yasuda.
- Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Hiroshi Hase & Kensuke Sasaki when Scott pinned Hase after a Steiner Screwdriver.
- Akira Hokuto defeated Bull Nakano.
- In their first and only meeting, Antonio Inoki defeated Ric Flair with an enzugiri

1996 - Shinya Hashimoto defeats Nobuhiko Takada for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan to start his third reign with the title. The match was the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Battle Formation" show, drawing 65,000 fans to the Tokyo Dome. This was the culmination of the New Japan vs. UWF storyline that resulted in some of the biggest gates in the history of New Japan. Here are the results of the show:
- Yuji Nagata & Tokimitsu Ishizawa defeated Shinjiro Ohtani & Koji Kanemoto when Nagata pinned Kanemoto.
- Riki Choshu, Takashi Iizuka, Osamu Nishimura & Satoshi Kojima defeated Shiro Koshinaka, Kuniaki Kobayashi, Tatsutoshi Goto & Akira Nogami when Choshu pinned Nogami.
- Great Sasuke defeated Jushin Liger to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.
- Randy Savage defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
- Masahiro Chono defeated Lex Luger.
- The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) & Power Warrior (Kensuke Sasaki) defeated Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner & Scott Norton when Animal pinned Rick.
- The Great Muta defeated Jinsei Shinzaki (Hakushi).
- Genichiro Tenryu defeated Tatsumi Fujinami.
- Shinya Hashimoto defeated Nobuhiko Takada via submission to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title.

1998 - The first annual Brian Pillman Memorial event, featuring talent from all major pro wrestling companies helping to raise money for Pillman's family following his death in October 1997 was held in Norwood, Ohio at the Norwood Middle School. Promoted by Les Thatcher's HWA, the event was hosted by WWF's Steve Austin and Sunny, featuring the following results, as well as signings and auctions designed to raise money. The show raised $23,500.

1.Nick Dinsmore defeated Trailer Park Trash
2 Reno Riggins & Steve Dunn defeated Brian Taylor & The Bounty Hunter
3 Flash Flanagan defeated Bull Pain
4 Chip Fairway & Shark Boy defeated Sean Casey & Terik The Great
5 In a match sent by ECW, Al Snow defeated Chris Candido
6. In a match sent by WCW, Chris Benoit defeated Chris Jericho

The Memorial would become an annual event, running through 2001.

1999 - ECW ran Palmetto, FL with the following results:

Danny Doring & Roadkill defeated the Cuban Assassin & Ricky Santana
Nova defeated Buck Quartermaine
Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Little Guido
El Mosco defeated Super Crazy
Jerry Lynn defeated Justin Credible
ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley defeated Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney
Tommy Dreamer defeated Lance Storm

1999 - UPN broadcast a special titled WWE Smackdown!, which doubled as a pilot for a second weekly two hour series for WWF. Scoring a 5.8 rating, the show would go to series in August 1999 and Smackdown has run consecutively since, eventually moving to the CW Network, MyNetworkTV and finally onto cable television on SyFy. The show being picked up as a series would eventually become a factor in WWF Creative team members Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara leaving the company as they would effectively see their workload doubled. Instead, they bolted for WCW in October 1999.

Here is the original report from the special, courtesy of Wrestling Lariat Newsletter #183:

Chris Woodward reporting. … Get ready for the “Thursday Night Wars.” Well, not yet, but after watching WWF “Smackdown” (carried on most UPN stations opposite Thunder) it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

The show opened with a recap of the Rock-Shane and Vince-UT-Austin angles from RAW.

Jim Cornette and Michael Cole handled commentary, and called the show in a manor that seemed aim at first time or casual wrestling fans.

Vince and Stephanie McMahon came to ring (with several cops). A slight “a*@hole” chant started up, and Vince agreed with it. He did a very humble promo, and thanked Ken Shamrock, Big Show and Steve Austin (just mentioning the name got a pop) for saving his daughter. Stephanie McMahon then took the mic, describing what she went through (there was a slight pop when she mentioned that she was stripped of her clothes, which is kind of sick), and thanking Steve Austin and hoping the Undertaker rotted in hell. McMahon was about to make a promise to Austin, when Shane McMahon interrupted the proceedings with the Corporation. Shane said that he would have saved her if she was in any real danger. He then started ripping on his dad, but Vince was stopped by the Corporation. Vince and Stephanie left, and Shane cut a promo, saying that Austin and The Rock were on the top of his hit list, and since they hated each other, they would be forced to team. He asked for volunteers for opponents, and picked Triple H. Shane asked for any “other takers?” The lights went out, and the Undertaker appeared on the Titantron, and talked of how he would get revenge for Austin interrupting his ceremony. So it’s Rock & Austin vs. UT & HHH in the main event.

They showed Jeff Jarrett and Debra looking for Owen Hart in the back, then showed Owen (in Blue Blazer attire) walking down another hall, babbling about the WWF needing a superhero. Val Venis came to the ring, followed by Jarrett, who said he didn’t know where Owen was, then the Blazer jumped Venis from behind and the match began. Cornette and Cole both openly talked about the Blazer being Owen Hart. Venis was taking control when Debra distracted him. Blazer tried to take advantage, but Venis rolled him up. The ref was still dealing with Debra, allowing Jarrett to come in for a kick to the groin, and a win for the Blazer. Post match, Nicole Bass came out, and Val headed for the hills. Jarrett, Blazer and Debra were celebrating when the Godfather came out. He hit the ring, cleaned house and was motioning at Debra, but Jarrett and Blazer came back in and left him laid out in the ring.

They showed the Rock in the locker room, talking about making Austin, UT and HHH famous tonight, as they went to commercial.

Kevin Kelly interviewed the Blue Blazer, who said the WWF was deplorable and needed a superhero. He told all the little Blazers to say their prayers, eat their vitamins, and drink their milk.

Big Show came out to fight Test. Test got an erly advantage pounding Big Show against the ropes, as the Big Bossman came out. The Artist formerly known as Paul Wight then reversed an Irish whip and hit a dropkick, which is damn impressive for someone that big. One chokeslam later, it was over. Bossman came in the ring, but Big Show ran him off. Once he left, Bossman crept back in and attacked Test, but the big man came back out and ran off Bossman again. ... The Rock came out, and got a huge ovation. He said he would take all three men out if he had to. Austin came out, crowd exploded, and as Austin started ripping on the Rock, the Corporation music hit, and Shane came out, saying that Austin and Rock couldn’t get along. he said his plan was getting “bigger and better” and then the Undertaker came out, with the Corporation and the Ministry, now known collectively as the “Corporate Ministry.”

There was a WCW commercial during the break.

Kevin Kelly interviewed X-Pac and Kane about what happened on Monday, and X-Pac said if Kane wanted things unpredictable, that’s how it would be.

Droz (with Prince Albert) took on D-Lo Brown (with Ivory). D-Lo looked real good here. He hit Sky High, but as he went to the top, Prince Albert shoved him off. Droz then went to whip him into Albert, but D-Lo reversed it, sending both men to the floor, when they got up, D-Lo scored with a pescado. D-Lo threw Droz in, slammed him, went to the top, but this time, Albert came in the ring and press slammed him, ending the match on a DQ. Prince Albert went for his piercing equipment as Ivory ran to the back. They were about to pierce his tongue, when out from the back came....THE RETURN OF SEXUAL CHOCOLATE!!! That’s right, Mark Henry came in and cleaned house, getting a huge pop.

They showed a vignette of Sable’s TV and magazine appearances

Interview with the New Age Outlaws, with Road Dogg talking about friendship, and Billy Gunn saying there are no friends when a title is at stake.

They had Kane & X-Pac vs. the Outlaws, but Billy Gunn would not partake in the normal pre-match introduction. Good match. A four way brawl at the end saw Billy Gunn pound X-Pac on the ropes, Road Dogg try to stop him, and Gunn shove him off. Gunn lifted X-Pac for a press slam, but Kane hit Road Dogg into Gunn’s knee, causing X-Pac to land on top for the pin.

They cut to the back and showed Austin putting his knee brace on as they went to break.

They replayed the finish of the last match, then showed the Outlaws arguing in the back, which had to be broken up by officials.

Dok Hendrix interviewed the Brood, who spoke for the first time (except Christian). The interview came off weak, and confusing. Dok then said that it was all just a gimmick, and they wanted attention. Gangrel said Dok was confused and called him “Michael” as the lights went out and the Brood attacked him. Cornette pointed out that Dok was formerly Michael P.S. Hayes of the Fabulous Freebirds as he suffered a bloodbath. When the lights came up, Dok looked pretty mad. If this brings back Michael Hayes, I’m all for it. Anyone that knows me, knows I’m a Badstreet U.S.A. mark.

They showed Billy Gunn storming the hallways looking for X-Pac as they went to break.

Ken Shamrock was interviewed and promised to break both Bradshaw’s legs, both his arms, and then beat the crap out of him.

They went right to the streetfight, and as Bradshaw came down the ramp with a baseball bat, Shamrock, in streetclothes, jumped him from behind. The bat did get involved, and eventually Shamrock choked him out, the referee brigade came out, and Shamrock released the hold and went nuts, beating up Sgt. Slaughter with the bat.

They interviewed Mankind in a boiler room, and Mick gave another classic, explaining to everyone who he was. Billy Gunn could be heard in the background looking for X-Pac, and Mankind called him a whiner.

They came back from break to show the Corporate Ministry meeting together.

Big Bossman came out for his match with Mankind. Bossman was quickly DDT’d and Socko came out, but Bossman left. Test came out and threw him back in. Bossman tried to leave again, but the Big Show came out, and pressed Bossman over the top rope into the ring. Bossman got caught with Socko and submitted. Big Show, Test and Mankind left separately, as Cornette and Cole speculated on a new alliance.

Billy Gunn attacked X-Pac in the locker room, but Kane threw him off.

They showed Rock and Austin walking down separate hallways for the main event as they went to break. ... Another WCW commercial aired.

Main event time. HHH came out with Chyna and the Mean Street Posse, then the Undertaker came out with Shane and Paul Bearer. The Rock came out next and was double-teamed as Austin came out. After the brawl settled down, it settled into a tag match, and Austin and Rock actually made a tag and were working together. After a few minutes it broke down again as Rock tried for Rock Bottom on UT. The Corporate Ministry joined in, but were run off by Test, Shamrock and Big Show. It nded up with Rock and HHH fighting out of the ring and into the crowd as Undertaker chokeslammed Austin in the ring. Shane slid a chair in, and Vince McMahon ran out and punched out his son, to a big ovation. Vince went in the ring and tried to stop Taker from hitting Austin with the chair. Vince ended up getting whacked with it instead. Undertaker stood over Vince, allowing Austin to recover and hit a stunner to a huge pop. Shane jumped on top of his unconscious dad and punched him. He looked up to get the double bird from Austin, and Shane was then stunned. The crowd was ballistic at this point. They replayed Vince getting hit with the chair as Austin celebrated. He poured beer on McMahon, who started to awaken as the show ended with Austin drinking a few cold ones.

1999 - Opposite the WWF Smackdown special, WCW broadcast Thunder. Quigley filed the following TV repot for the Wrestling Lariat:

WCW Thunder on 4/29 was live from State College, Pa. The showed opened with a recap of the Ric Flair mental health saga of the last few weeks.

The first match saw Booker T defend the TV Title against Curt Hennig. It was a back and forth match that saw Hennig dominate the latter portion of the match. However, Booker gained control with power moves and was about to hit the Harlem Hangover to finish off Hennig. Stevie Ray then ran in and hit Hennig with the Slapjack to cause Booker to be Disqualified. Booker saw Stevie do this and wasn’t sure how to react.

Hak with Chastity came out for an interview. Hak said he was the king of extreme. He wanted to call someone out, but didn’t know who. So he let Chastity pick his opponent, Kevin Nash.

Rick Steiner confronted Booker T in the back. He said Booker was in cahoots with Stevie Ray all along and attacked him.

Buff Bagwell came out for an interview dressed up as Scott Steiner. He did a very funny monologue that mocked Steiner.

Jerry Flynn then took on Stevie Ray. The Black & White accompanied Stevie to the ring. It was a poor match that saw Flynn try to fight off the rest of the NWO, but Stevie was able to hit the Slapjack on Flynn for the pin.

Hak then took on Kevin Nash. Hak put a table & a ladder in the ring before the match started. Nash dominated the early portion of the match and I thought it would be a total squash. However, Hak got a ton of offense with Nash taking several cane shots, bumps with the ladder & table. The finish saw Nash get the fire extinguisher away from Chastity & spray Hak with it. Nash then hit the blinded Hak with a powerbomb through a table for the win. It was a real good match, with the crod popping big time for the win.

Mean Gene then interviewed Bam Bam Bigelow. Bigelow said that he grew up with DDP at the Jersey shore. He said they made a pact that they would look out for each other & Bigelow challenged DDP to a hardcore match for later this evening.

The next match saw Meng take on Bill Goldberg. Meng was given a good amount of offense, but as you may have guessed, Goldberg hit the spear & jackhammer for the pin.

DDP was then interviewed by Mean Gene. DDP thanked Jody Hamilton, Jake Roberts & Dusty Rhodes for helping him get where he is today. He agreed to defend the title against Bigelow tonight.

The next match saw Disciple take on Randy Savage, who was accompanied by Gorgeous George, Mona & Madusa. The finish saw Madusa, on the outside, hit Disciple with a kick to the gut & Savage followed it up with the top rope elbow for the win. The match was terrible, but Savage sure does have some beautiful women to look at.

The main event was next with Bam Bam Bigelow taking on DP for the World Title in a hardcore match. Bam Bam brought a trash can full of plunder to the ring. They went to commercial about 2 minutes in to the match. They brawled around the building using a lot of plunder. Bigelow even attempted a splash off of the announcers table, but missed. The finish saw DDP power out of Greetings from Asbury Park & hit the Diamond cutter. However, both were stunned. Randy Savage ran out & hit the top rope elbow on Bigelow to allow Page to get the pin.

2000 - Sabu defeats The Messiah for the vacant XPW Heavyweight Title in California. Chris Candido vacated the title to go work for WCW.

2001 - WWE Backlash was held in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:

Notes from Heat:

- Tazz and Michael Cole hosted live from Backlash.

- From the "just when you thought it was safe" department, they did an XFL season recap with comments from the players and highlights from the games

- Chris Jericho arrived. They aired a history package for the Duchess of Queensbury match, which we still don't know the rules for. Jonathan Coachman interviewed William Regal about it. Regal said the Duchess of Queensbury would be here tonight, and that he was waiting for her. Tazz said he heard a rumor that the Duchess was hot.

- The Dudley Boyz were interviewed by Kevin Kelly. They said that they proved X-Factor were liars. X-Factor said they couldn't be given the "Whazz Up" or 3D, but twice they've been proven wrong. Tonight, the Dudley Boyz promised to prove them wrong again by putting them through a table.

- They aired a history package for the submission match between Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle, which according to our poll is the match the fans are looking most forward to tonight, by far. Lillian Garcia interviewed Chris Benoit, who promised to humble Angle by making him tap out more in thirty minutes than he has in his whole career.

- The next history package showed the story behind Shane McMahon vs. Big Show. Lillian interviewed The Big Show, who promised to toss Shane all over the ring tonight. They put over how Show tossed around Test last week, who is so much bigger than Shane.

- Triple H and Stephanie will host Heat next week.

- They went to Jim Ross and Paul Heyman, who put over how Kane's injured arm will be a factor in the main event tonight.

- Jerry Lynn came to the ring, and he got a "Jerry" chant from some of the fans. Jerry Lynn said he challenged Crash Holly earlier today for a Light Heavyweight Title match. He said he was going to bring respect to the division like only a "natural born champion" could.

Crash came out, and Lynn hit some forearms. Crash came back with a rana, but Jerry got a two count with a backbreaker. Heyman put over Lynn's past, and mentioned his great series with Rob Van Dam. An "ECW" chant broke out. Crash hit a dropkick and came back with some punches and kicks, got caught with a boot to the face, but hit a powerslam for a two count. Crash hit a forearm to the back and stomped Lynn. Crash applied a bow and arrow, but Lynn broke free. Lynn came back with a rollup for two, then the two exchanged pinfall attempts, going back and forth, until Lynn grabbed the tights on a cradle and got the pin.

Jerry Lynn, in his TV debut, wins the WWF Light Heavyweight Title!

- They aired the Undertaker-Kane "Fight Song" Marilyn Manson music video.

- Lita vs. Molly Holly was next. They exchanged holds, then Molly hit an arm wringer and a rollup for two. Lita came back with a flying headscissors, and a monkey flip, but Molly landed on her feet, ducked an enzugiri, and hit a pair of elbow drops. Molly with two on a vertical suplex, then Lita hit a neckbreaker. Lita floated over a slam into a reverse DDT for a two count. Lita went for the Twist of Fate, but Molly turned it into a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Molly hit a vertical suplex, then a top rope bodypress for a two count. Lita then turned a backslide into a Twist of Fate, then slipped on the moonsault, catching Molly on the legs, but got the pin anyway. They put over that Lita will probably be the next challenger for Chyna's title.

- The final history package, for the main event, aired. That closed the show.

The Dudley Boyz vs. X-Factor started the show, with the teams brawling. The Duds cleaned house, with Bubba and D-Von suplexing Albert, then Spike hitting a top rope double stomp. The Duds then tossed Spike onto X-Factor on the floor. It settled into a tag match, with Spike going at it with Justin. Albert tagged in, and Spike bit him and went for the Dudley Dog, but Albert tossed him off. Justin tagged back in and hit a pull out powerbomb from the corner for a two. Justin missed a baseball slide, posting himself. D-Von tagged in, as did X-Pac, and D-Von held the advantage until Albert hit him from behind. Albert tagged back in, and tossed D-Von to the floor for some double teaming, including posting D-Von. Albert slingshotted D-Von against the middle rope. X-Pac slammed D-Von, then hit a powerdrive legdrop. Bubba broke up the pin. X-Pac applied a chinlock. D-Von fought up, but X-Pac hit a spin kick to knock him down, then choked him. X-Pac shoulderblocked him in his corner, then tagged Justin. Credible hit punches, but D-Von slugged right back. Credible hit a sidewalk slam, then tagged in Albert. Albert hit a delayed double underhook suplex, but Spike broke up the count. X-Pac and Justin missed a double clothesline, and D-Von took them both down with a flying clothesline and made the hot tag to Bubba. He slammed X-Pac and Justin, then hit the full nelson slam on Justin, and a sideslam on X-Pac. Albert tried to break it up with a splash, but hit Justin. A brawl broke out, and the Dudleys hit Whazz Up on Justin. D-Von went for the table, but Albert booted him on the outside. In the ring, Albert hit an avalanche on Bubba, and X-Pac and Justin hit the double superkick, "X marks the spot" to get the win on Bubba.

X-Factor then went for a table, but D-Von dragged Albert from the ring, and Spike hit the Dudley Dog on Credible. X-Pac was then given 3D through the table.

The Duchess of Queensbury arrived. I've never seen this person before. She had the old English style wig and gown. Regal greeted her, and told her bodyguards to be careful.

Lillian Garcia interviewed Kurt Angle, who said he is the reason Chris Benoit doesn't refer to himself as the best technical wrestler in the WWF anymore.

They recapped the Light Heavyweight Title change from Heat.

Rhyno defending the Hardcore Title against Raven is next. Raven had the usual cart of goodies. Paul Heyman put over that these two were hardcore experts, since they were ECW Champions. Raven gave Rhyno a drop toe hold into a stop sign for a two count at the start. Raven charged into him with a trash can for another two count. Rhyno then shoulderblocked Raven in the corner, and bashed him with a trashcan. Rhyno kicked the can right into Raven, sending him to the floor, where Rhyno covered him for a two count. Rhyno moved the ring steps, then rammed Raven into them. Rhyno sat Raven in a chair, and leaped at him from the ring steps. Raven moved, and Rhyno hit the chair. Raven then jumped off the steps with a clothesline for a two count. They got back in the ring, but only briefly, as Raven punched Rhyno back to the floor. Raven hurled Rhyno into the guard wall. Rhyno pulled Raven into the ringpost. Rhyno hit Raven with a trashcan lid. Rhyno hit Raven with a sign, and covered him in the aisle for a two count. Rhyno hit him again with the trashcan lid for another two count. Rhyno hit Raven with the shopping cart, and tossed it into the ring. Rhyno rammed Raven into the cart, but Raven hit a drop toe hold, sending Raven face first into the cart. Raven started hitting Rhyno repeatedly with a street sign, then hit a bulldog for a two count. Rhyno came back, and lifted the shopping cart over his head, but Raven hit him in the gut with a trashcan, and Rhyno fell down with the cart on top of him. Raven got a two count, then rammed him with the cart for another two. Rhyno got a street sign shot as Raven came off the ropes, then hit him with the trashcan. Rhyno went for a gore, but Raven moved and Rhyno went through the back of the cart! Raven hit him with a metal sign repeatedly, then got a two count. Rhyno got to his feet, then hit the gore as Raven was going for the kitchen sink. Rhyno retains the Hardcore Title.

They replayed Shane McMahon's fairy tale "Shane and the Beanstalk" from Smackdown.

Shane McMahon was being interviewed by Michael Cole, when Stephanie came over and begged him to apologize to Vince. He wouldn't, and she told him he was living in a fantasy world.

Steve Austin, dragging Debra along, arrived. Austin told Kevin Kelly he wasn't worried about losing the WWF title. He also told Debra to shut up.

The Duchess of Queensbury was about to tell Jonathan Coachman the rules for the match, but William Regal came along and told him to "bugger off." He told the Duchess not to talk to anyone.

The Duchess of Queensbury match is next. William Regal took the mic, and introduced the Duchess. They had a throne at ringside for her to sit in. Chris Jericho came out next, mic in hand. He put up the picture of Regal as the Duchess on the screen, and hurled some insults.

They locked up, and shot a few forearms. Jericho hit a shoulderblock, then applied armwringer, Regal reversed, then Jericho reversed, then hit some chops. Jericho went to the top rope and hit an elbow to the head, then dropkicked him to the floor. Jericho whipped Regal into the guard rail, and dropped him chest first across it. Back in the ring, Jericho missed a missile dropkick, and Regal hit a vertical suplex for a two count. Regal hit the double knees to the face, then stomped Jericho. Regal waved to the crowd, then laid in a pair of European uppercuts, before putting Jericho in a chinlock. Jericho came back, but was booted in the face. Regal wasted time waving at the crowd while sitting on the top rope, and Jericho hit a rana, pulling Regal down. Jericho hit some chops and a flying forearm. Regal went for his neckbreaker, but Jericho hit a bulldog and the Lionsault. Jericho went for the cover, and the bell rang. The Duchess told Howard Finkel that the time limit for round one was over.

Regal cradled Jericho from behind to start the second round, but Jericho came right back. Regal caught a dropkick and slingshotted Jericho, then suplexed him. Regal locked on a Regal stretch, but Jericho made the ropes. Regal hit an uppercut, then went for a German suplex, but Jericho rolled forward, and went for the Walls of Jericho. Regal then tapped out, and the bell rang. Guess what? The Duchess told Finkel that you can't win by submission.

Jericho went towards the Duchess, and ended up fighting with Regal on the floor. Regal grabbed the scepter from the Duchess and hit Jericho with it. Guess what? No disqualifications sayeth the Duchess.

Regal rolled Jericho into the ring and got a two count. Regal hit a uppercut, missed a clothesline, but hit a back elbow. Regal hit a double underhook suplex for a two count. Jericho floated over a back suplex and hit an enzugiri. Both men were down, they got up and traded punches. Jericho worked Regal over in the corner with boots, then hit a clothesline in the corner. Jericho then stomped Regal in the nads. Regal went to the floor, and Jericho hit a baseball slide, sending Regal face first into the crotch of the Duchess. Jericho then laid out the Duchess' security guards and Regal, then dragged the Duchess into the ring and put her in the Walls of Jericho. Regal got in the ring with a chair, hit Jericho with it three times, then covered him for the pin. Regal wins the Duchess of Queensbury match.

Vince McMahon called the Big Show into his office. Vince told him to not hold back anything. Show said he was going to destroy him. McMahon congratulated Show, and the two laughed.

Time for the 30 minute submission match. I will attempt to update after every submission. Kurt Angle was out first, and took the mic. He ripped on Chicago, and talked about all the fat pigs in Chi town. He said Benoit would be squealing like a pig tonight, and if the fans could sit still without going for nachos, they'd find out it is true. Benoit then came out, and the match is on. There will be a 30 second rest period after falls.

They locked up, and Jim Ross sent out a get will wish to Stu Hart. Neither man got an advantage on the early lockups. Angle got a single leg, and the two grappled, but broke apart. Angle got a double leg and went for the ankle, but Benoit grabbed him under the chin, and they made the ropes. Angle went for the leg again, but Benoit reversed, and rolled into position for the crossface, but Angle made the ropes, then left the ring for a breather. Benoit held the ropes open and told Angle to get back in. Angle with a double leg again, and Benoit went for the arm, and Angle broke and got back up. Single leg by Angle, and Benoit almost had the crossface again on a reversal. Both men went to the floor for a moment, but the ref for them back in. Waistlock by Angle, reversal by Benoit. They rolled to the floor, and continued to reverse the waistlock outside. Benoit got the crossface, and Angle tapped, but the ref refused to count it since they were on the floor.

Five minutes gone.

Benoit argued with the referee. Angle went for a chair, but the referee made him leave it on the floor. Angle was favoring his shoulder. Angle with a right hand, then grabbed a leglace quickly for a tap out. Angle scores one.

Benoit hit a chop at the start of the next fall, but Angle went to work with chopblocks on the knee. He went for too many, and Benoit caught him, and turned him into a jujigatame armbar for a tap out.

It's one to one.

Benoit hit some chops, then hit an armdrag and applied the jujigatame again. Angle made the ropes for a break. Benoit whipped Angle shoulder first into the buckles, chopped him, and whipped him into the corner again.

Ten minutes gone.

Angle was on the ropes, and Benoit was pulling him off. The referee wanted him to break, and Benoit shoved him away. Angle hit him with a chair and applied the Ankle Lock for a tap out.

2-1 Angle.

Angle grabbed Benoit in a Crippler Crossface and got a quick tap out.

3-1 Angle.

Angle choked Benoit on the ropes, and hit a back suplex. Angle went for the Ankle Lock, but Benoit made the ropes. Angle stomped on Benoit, and kicked him to the floor. Angle rammed him into the announcers table twice, then tossed him back into the ring. Angle with a right hand back in the ring, but Benoit backdropped him to the floor. Benoit rammed him into the ringpost, and chopped him on the floor. Angle reversed a whip, and Benoit went into the steps. Angle applied the Ankle Lock on the floor, and Benoit tapped, but it didn't count.

15 minutes gone, 15 left.

Angle went for a jujigatame in the ring, but Benoit wouldn't let Angle straighten the arm for the hold, and made the ropes. Angle stomped Benoit, then applied the abdominal stretch. Benoit reversed, floated through a hip toss into an armdrag, and applied the jujigatame, but Angle made the ropes. Angle kicked Benoit, then Benoit hit a double leg takedown, and applied a sharpshooter. Angle made the ropes. Benoit dropped an elbow. Angle went for a German suplex, but Benoit rolled forward, hooked the leg, and applied a half Boston Crab for the tap out.

3-2 Angle.



Ten minutes left.

Angle stalled on the outside, and Benoit followed and hit some chops. Angle kept going to the outside, and finally got Benoit to chase him outside then into the ring, where Angle stomped him. They traded blows, then Angle sent Benoit to the floor, and kept him from reentering the ring with kicks. Angle laid in the kicks, then set Benoit for a vertical suplex, which he hit. Angle went for the leg, but Benoit made the ropes. Benoit booted a charging Angle, but Angle hit a drop toe hold and went for the ankle, but Benoit made the ropes. Angle dropped an elbow, then sent Benoit to the floor. Angle hit a vertical suplex on the floor. Benoit fired back with chops, then Angle poked him in the eyes and tossed him into the guard wall. Angle hit some punches in the corner. Benoit hit a Dragon Screw and applied the Ankle Lock, but Angle made the ropes. Benoit went for a dropkick, missed, and Angle applied a modified Regal Stretch/STF, before going into a normal chinlock.

Five minutes left.

Benoit fought up in the chinlock and hit a jawbreaker. Angle stomped Benoit, then hit an overhead belly to belly suplex. He hit a second.

Three minutes left.

Benoit reversed an whip into the corner, and hit two German suplexes. Angle reversed out, Angle reversed into a single leg, and Benoit reversed again into an Ankle Lock. Angle tapped out.

3-3 with two minutes left.

Benoit stomped Angle's leg, and hit a chopblock. He hit another one, then Benoit hit a German suplex. Benoit went for another, but Angle grabbed the ropes, and hit a low kick. Angle went for the Ankle Lock, but Benoit made the ropes. With fifteen seconds left, Angle hit a back suplex and applied an Ankle Lock. The clock ran out, and the bell rang.

Benoit tapped after the bell.

Angle started to leave, saying Benoit had tapped. The referee then decided that we would have sudden death overtime. First submission wins.

Angle stomped Benoit, and hit a belly to belly suplex. As he picked Benoit up, he rammed Angle in the corner, but Angle reversed into a cradle, and used the ropes to pull back on Benoit's neck. When he let go of the ropes, Benoit rolled him over and had the Crippler Crossface in center ring. Angle tapped out.

Chris Benoit wins, 4-3 in overtime.

Undertaker and Kane were apparently arguing in the back over Kane's arm. Stephanie and Triple H were watching on the monitor, and Triple H said they were probably trying to make up excuses for losing. Stephanie said they live in a fantasy world, like Shane.

Shane McMahon vs. The Big Show, Last Man Standing, is next.

Big Show was out first, then Shane came out, with new entrance music, holding his "Shane and the Beanstalk" book. Shane ran around the ring early, then went under the ring, and came out the other side with a kendo stick, which he used repeatedly on the Big Show. Show grabbed him by the throat, but Shane used the stick to escape. Show clotheslined Shane, then tossed him over the top rope into the ring. Shane grabbed a chair and hit Show six times with it. The referee began the ten count, but Show was getting up at five. Shane pulled out a medical bag, put on a surgical mask, then took a bottle of ether and poured it on a cloth. He jumped on Show's back and smothered him with it. The fans chanted "Shane-O-Mac." Show appeared out, and Vince McMahon ran out and hit Shane with the chair twice. Vince left.

The referee counted both men, and Show was up at 8. He lifted Shane and tossed him in the corner, then hit him with knees and a side slam. Shane managed to get up, using the ropes, at nine. Show put Shane on the top rope, then tossed him off of it. Show hit the Showstopper, waited for the eight count, and then the chokeslam. He waited for an eight count, lifted Shane again, and put him in a torture rack. Test ran in and hit Show with a boot to the face, then pounded him. Test checked on Shane, and Show got up and tossed Test to the floor. Show went after him, pummeling him on the floor. They went up the aisle, with Show hitting a headbutt. Test got a metal sign from a fan and hit Show twice, but Show came back but ramming Test into part of the set. Shane showed up with the metal sign and hit Show. Show grabbed a metal pipe, and Shane ran. Shane climbed up on the side of the set to get away. Show dropped the pipe, and started to follow, but Test pulled him down. Test took the metal sign and hit Show with it over and over. Meanwhile, Shane was on top of the entranceway. Test laid Show on on a road case, and Shane did the longest drop in wrestling history, hitting an elbow on the show, crashing into the case. We never actually saw the impact until the replays. Both men were out, but Test pulled Shane onto the camera crane, so he looked to be standing, and Show was counted down.

Shane wins the match.

Steve Blackman was in WWF NY, talking about how impressive Shane's dive was. Grandmaster Sexay interrupted him and starting rhyming about the fall. Jim Ross compared it to Mick Foley's falling off Hell in the Cell. I imagine there will be quite a bit of discussion over that.

Time for the European Title Three Way match. I will do my best to keep up with the action in this one. Matt Hardy was out first, then Christian, then Eddie Guerrero. All three men came out alone.

All three men started out slugging, with Eddie and Christian then double teaming on Matt. They hit a double elbow and tossed him to the floor, then Christian turned on Eddie. Christian hit a high slapjack on Eddie, then a powerslam for a two count. Eddie hit a rana, then set for a superplex, but Matt came back in and he went for the superplex. Eddie pulled Matt onto his shoulders, and Matt rolled him up into a two count as Christian missed a clothesline. Matt went for the Twist of Fate on Eddie but Christian clotheslined him. Eddie hit a back suplex on Matt. Some more pinfall attempts and breakups, then Matt hit a clothesline on Christian for a two count after Eddie had been dumped to the floor. Eddie tripped Matt and pulled him outside, then Christian hit both men with a baseball slide. Matt was backdropped into the ropes on the floor by Christian, but Matt bounced off into a DDT on the floor. Guerrero dragged Matt into the ring and hit two brainbusters for a two count. Matt hit a backdrop and went to the top rope, but Eddie stopped him, and went for a rana, but Christian hooked Matt so Eddie would fall off. Matt flipped Christian onto Eddie, then hit both men with a double clothesline off the top. Matt tossed Christian out, then hit a second rope legdrop on Eddie for a two count. Matt and Christian fought outside, then Edge ran out and speared Matt on the floor. Matt was tossed in, but Eddie shoved Christian away and got a two count on Matt. Jeff Hardy ran out to fight with Edge, and Christian hit a Tomikaze on Eddie. The ref was getting Edge out, and Jeff Hardy hit the Swanton on Christian. Matt then hit the Twist of Fate on Christian, and got the pin on him. Matt Hardy retains the European Title.

They replayed Shane McMahon's elbow drop again, and JR said Shane had gone to a hospital for evaluation.

Time for the main event, all titles on the line.

Triple H, with Stephanie, was out first, then Austin, then Kane, then Undertaker.

Ross explained that only one championship would switch here. If Austin is pinned, Triple H keeps his title, and vice versa. If Kane or UT is pinned, the tag titles change hands. Lots of stalling early, with Triple H and Austin teasing leaving. Triple H tried to get in the ring, and was punched out. He tried again, and was punched out. Finally, Undertaker and Kane left the ring and went after Triple H and Austin. Kane and Triple H paired off at ringside, while Austin and Taker went at it in the aisle. Kane rammed HHH into the announcers table, while Undertaker went at it with Austin in the ring. Then the duos traded places, with Kane choking HHH in the ring, and Taker fighting Austin outside. Austin ran in and Kane shocked him. It settled into a tag match, with Kane beating on Triple H in the corner with right hands. Kane hit a left (good) arm clothesline. Triple H hit a flying knee into Kane's bad arm. HHH started to work on the bad arm, but Kane fought back with the good arm. Both men tagged, and Austin backed off when he saw it was Taker in the ring with him. Taker stomped the hell out of Austin in the corner, then slugged Triple H. Austin then worked on Taker with punches, but UT came back with back elbows and tossed Austin into the buckles over and over. Four Irish whips into the corner, and Austin was begging off again. Taker kicked him in the face and Kane slugged Austin. Undertaker reluctantly tagged Kane back in. Austin kicked Kane in the bad arm, but Kane hit a clothesline with the good one. Triple H tagged in, backed off, than ran into a right hand by the Undertaker. Taker hit a boot to the face, and walked the ropes with an armwringer on Triple H and dropped the forearm. Austin ran in, and Taker hit it on Austin as well. Triple H and Austin headed up the aisle, and Kane ran up behind them and hit a double clothesline. Kane tossed Austin back in the ring, and Taker went for the Last Ride, but Triple H broke it up. Austin and Triple H then double teamed Taker with kicks in the corner. Triple H rammed Taker into the table on the outside, then tossed him back in. Austin straddled Undertaker on the ropes, and hit a knee drop. Triple H came back in, and the two continued to work on Undertaker. More tags, and more stomping and keeping UT in their corner. Undertaker started to punch his way out, but Triple H hit the facebuster to the knee. Triple H went for a backdrop, but Taker hit a DDT. Taker refused to tag Kane though, and Austin clipped him from behind. Austin hit the Thesz press on Taker, and Austin hit an elbowdrop. Taker got a hand up and choked Austin. He booted HHH, went for a chokeslam on Austin, then grabbed Triple H as well. Austin and HHH broke free, and they all collided on a clothesline attempt. Kane tagged himself in, cleaned house, then hit the top rope clothesline on Austin. Kane slammed Triple H off the top rope in the other corner, but Austin hit Kane's arm to slow him down. Austin tried to hit a stunner, but Kane shrugged it off. Kane went back and forth between Austin and HHH with the good arm, but Austin hit a cross armbreaker on Kane's bad arm. Austin wrapped Kane's bad arm around the bottom rope and pulled back on it. Triple H pulled the arm across the top rope, then dropped down with it. Kane's arm snapped across the top rope, then fell to the floor. Kane was on the floor, and Austin hit it with a chair. Triple H put on an armbar in the ring, and pulled the bad arm across his knee. Austin tagged in and stomped on the arm. Austin then hit a flurry of punches to the face. Kane came back with some shots, but Triple H kicked him. Austin now applied an armbar on the injured limb. Kane battled back, but Austin floated over a slam and rammed Kane's bad arm into the corner. Undertaker got a shot in on Austin, but HHH and Austin continued to tag in and out and worked over the arm. Triple H applied an overhead wristlock, but Kane powered up and pushed Triple H over the top rope. Kane went for the tag, put Triple H pulled Taker off the apron, and allowed Austin to drag Kane away from the corner. Austin stomped Kane in the nads. Kane tried for a side headlock, and Austin hit a back suplex. Austin tagged Triple H, who went to the top rope, but Kane got the boot up, and Triple H dove right into it. Kane crawled for the tag, but Austin cut him off and applied a sleeper. Kane turned it into a back suplex, but Triple H tagged in. Triple H took Kane down with a single leg, then hit a Pedigree. However, Triple H for some reason tagged Austin, and Austin went for the cover. Undertaker ran in and chokeslammed Austin while the referee argued with Triple H and Stephanie. Ref Earl Hebner got tired of Stephanie, and shoved her off the apron. Kane got a two count on Austin. Triple H tagged in, but Kane hit an enzugiri, sending Triple H into Hebner. Undertaker tagged in and went to work, with Hebner saying he was not legal. Taker went ballistic on Austin and Taker, and sent Austin from the ring. Taker hit the Last Ride on Triple H, but Hebner wouldn't count the pin. Taker grabbed him, and Austin hit Taker from behind, sending him into Hebner, who went flying out of the ring. Austin hit the stunner on Kane. Undertaker and Austin then brawled to the floor, over the railing and into the crowd. In the ring, Stephanie handed Triple H a title belt. He went to hit Kane with it, but Kane booted him in the face. Kane went for the chokeslam on Triple H, but Stephanie ran in. Kane hit the big boot on Stephanie. Vince McMahon ran in with the sledgehammer, but Kane caught him and grabbed Vince for the chokeslam. Triple H picked up the hammer and hit Kane in the arm with it. He hit him again in the arm, then in the head. Vince tossed Hebner back in, and Triple H covered Kane for the pin, as Undertaker didn't make it back to the ring in time.

Triple H and Steve Austin are the new WWF World Tag Team Champions.

2002 - WWE broadcast Raw. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:

The 4/29 edition of RAW IS STRANGE aired live from Buffalo. It was sort of an offbeat show, and not necessarily in a good way. There was some good stuff here and there, and it wasn't a totally boring show, but it wasn't all that hot, either. The Steve Austin angle with Ric Flair, which started off strong, has gotten ridiculous. Flair as another heel owner is not the role Flair needs to be playing, but that's where this looks to be headed unless it's all one big swerve.

Eddie Guerrero defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the IC Title in 6:48. Yes, they started with a match, which was a positive. Jim Ross mentioned that Lita will be having neck surgery tomorrow due to an injury sustained filming her spot on Dark Angel. She'll be out for nine months. Jeff sent Guerrero out with a headscissors. Guerrero came back with brawling. He hit what could best be described as a flying hip block. Guerrero went up for a frog splash but Jeff superplexed him. Jeff went to the top but got crotched. Guerrero went up after him but was shoved off. Rather than bumping, Guerrero did an amazing somersault flip back into the ring. Jeff went for a swanton and missed but succeeded in hitting a twisting moonsault, which also nailed the ref. Naturally, there was no ref when Jeff went for the three count. Guerrero recovered and got the title belt. Jeff went over the ropes in an attempted crossbody but was met with a belt shot. Guerrero rolled Jeff back in, hit the frog splash, and got the pin.

JR & Jerry Lawler discussed the problems between Ric Flair and Steve Austin. Footage aired of the whole deal, from Flair's bad call as referee at Backlash and subsequent apology through the tag match against the NWO where Big Show turned on Austin. As always, JR believed Flair was only the victim of circumstance, while Lawler thought Flair double-crossed Austin on purpose.

Austin was shown arriving. He asked a crew guy if that no-good lying son of a bitch had arrived yet. The crew guy looked confused and noted that Vince McMahon obviously wasn't there. A funny line, but didn't last week's show establish that the crew is well aware of Austin's problems with Flair? Austin said he meant the other no-good lying son of a bitch, Ric Flair. He sent the guy to tell Flair to meet him in the ring. Sorry to report that the crowd started with the "whats" during this segment.

Austin arrived at the ring. JR continued to defend Flair but Lawler insisted Flair screwed Austin. Austin said he was in a bad mood, and was a little pissed off. He then upgraded that to a lot pissed off. The crowd was chanting "what" at his every word. The "what" stuff has long passed the point where it ruins every interview segment. Austin reviewed the entire scenario with Flair, including the bad count at Backlash, the apology, the setting up of last week's tag match, Bradshaw being found unconscious, and Big Show joining the NWO and chokeslamming him. Austin demanded a match against that 7 foot sorry piece of trash and called Flair out to the ring. Flair came out, dressed all in black (shirt, pants, and jacket). Flair started to speak from the ramp top, but Austin told him to come to the ring where they could be face to face. Flair refused, claiming that he didn't want anything to happen where he might have to suspend Austin, or worse. He added that he doesn't appreciate Austin implying that he was behind Big Show's turn. Austin flipped Flair off. An "a**hole" chant erupted at Flair. Flair once again apologized. He claimed he picked Show as Austin's partner after Bradshaw went down so that Austin wouldn't have to face those bad NWO dudes alone. Flair continued to ramble, saying that since Austin's "the man", it's to be expected that a lot of the guys will be trying to nail him and take him down, and that's what happened when Show turned on him. Flair pleaded total innocence concerning Show's turn. Austin asked the crowd to shout "hell yeah" if they want to see Austin vs. Show. But Flair said he knew Austin would be a beer drinking, ass kicking lunatic after what Show did, so to stop any trouble from breaking out he sent Show off on a promotional tour of India. I wonder if the fans in Bombay will shout "what" in Hindi when they arrive? Anyway, Flair for the 476th time said he likes and respects Austin, and promised to make things up to him. So he set up an Austin & Bradshaw vs. Scott Hall & X-Pac match. Austin noted that was the same match originally scheduled last week, and he ended up getting screwed. Flair appointed himself special ref to guarantee that wouldn't happen again. I'm sure that made Austin feel more secure. Flair warned Austin that he'd better not lay a hand on him. Austin said he'll lay his hands on Flair whenever he feels like it and, in fact, if Flair screws him, will open a can of whoop ass on him, and that's the bottom line. Flair just glared at Austin. This was one of those long segments that they could have reduced to a two minute encounter in the hallway and it would have been better.

Booker T was doing his warm-ups again when Goldust arrived. Goldust was upset that they were each in singles matches and not teaming together, apparently at Booker's request. Goldust said that he hadn't felt so abandoned since young Macauley (Culkin) was left "Home Alone". He said that Booker would have to represent both of them when he went out for his match, so he put his long blond wig on him. Blond Booker looked in the mirror, and in response to the black Goldilocks he saw looking back at him, said, "Tell me I do not look like that". Goldust said that if Denzel (Washington) and Lil' Kim ever have a kid, he'll look like Booker. Booker said that if Big Bird and Spiderman ever do it, Goldust will be their "illegitimate lesbian" offspring.

Rob Van Dam beat Booker T in 3:15. RVD took a scary looking power bomb. Both threw some kicks. RVD took command and hit the rolling thunder. Goldust came out uninvited and got on the apron. Booker ended up colliding with Goldust, allowing RVD to get the pin after a kick and a frog splash. They made the mistake of replaying the collision, and it came off bad because Booker clearly had to go out of his way to collide with Goldust. Booker was furious at Goldust afterward.

Terri interviewed Bradshaw and asked about last week's incident where he was knocked unconscious. Bradshaw claimed to be extremely unstable and extremely pissed off. He said it was that throwback to the Jurassic era, Big Show, who attacked him last week. He said it was an attack from behind, which is not a fair fight, though he added that the concept of a fair fight is an oxymoron. He said the term "fair fight" is like talking about an honest politician, a celibate priest (ouch!), a sober Bradshaw or Austin, or a brave Big Show. He said when Show gets back from India, he'll nail his tyrannosaurus rex ass, and that later tonight he and Austin would light up the NWO's asses like an early 4th of July display, including Flair if he gets in their way.

Jazz was doing push-ups in preparation for a scheduled Hardcore Title shot against Bubba Ray Dudley. Molly Holly told her she was crazy to challenge Bubba. She told Jazz about the time Bubba put her through a table and said Jazz may be tough, but isn't as tough as Bubba. Jazz just glared at her with that intimidating stare. Molly said, "Then again, maybe you are as tough."

Jonathan Coachman interviewed Shawn Stasiak. Footage aired from last week where William Regal KO'ed Stasiak with his brass knux punch. Coach then wondered why Stasiak had challenged Brock Lesnar. Stasiak in response did one of his badly rhyming Planet Stasiak space cadet promos. I admit, I get a kick out of Stasiak.

Lesnar beat Stasiak by TKO in 1:48. Paul Heyman was there yelling advice to Lesnar, and taunting Stasiak, but he again didn't do an interview. Maybe the ones he did two and three weeks ago were too good. And heaven knows we can't take time away from the "what" segments. Stasiak surprised Lesnar by attacking so quickly and twice took him down. But as expected Lesnar recovered, posted Stasiak twice, suplexed him, gave him a Brockbuster, and a powerbomb. The ref then stopped the match. For the record, it turns out that our Smackdown columnist Eric McHugh beat me to the punch on the term "Brockbuster", so he gets credit for popularizing the term if the WWF is smart enough to pick it up!

Flair was on the phone, telling whomever was on the other end that he'll prove to Austin that he's on the up and up. Debra, whom Flair had sent for, walked in. Flair asked her to help convince Austin that he's beng truthful. But Debra said she had a message from Steve, whereupon she slapped the hell out of Flair. She told Flair never to trust anybody. Flair was upset, as you might expect, and started grumbling that he's the owner and it's not right for him to be treated like this.

Undertaker interrupted Sgt. Slaughter, who was also on the phone. These guys stay on the phone as much as teenage girls. UT mentioned that Sarge and Hulk Hogan had quite a few matches once upon a time. Sarge agreed they'd had their share of wars. But UT then noted that they're now friends, and have that mutual respect between one another. Sarge agreed with that, too. So UT sent Sarge to tell his friend Hulk that UT has some things he wants to say to him straight to his face. He said he'll be calling Hogan down to the ring. UT sent Sarge away by condescendingly saying, "You're dismissed, Slaughter!"

Hour two began with Austin & Bradshaw beating Hall & X-Pac in 7:28. By this point, Lawler was regularly calling Flair "Slick Ric". Except for a couple of minutes where they got heat on Bradshaw, it was almost a squash. X-Pac got killed. Bradshaw made a point of doing Hall's fall away slam. Flair was calling it right down the middle. Austin hit a Lou Thesz Press, which was called that by JR, but no mention was made of Thesz' passing, which was a shame. No mention was made last week of Wahoo's death, either. They all four started brawling and Hall bumped out. Austin caught X-Pac with a stunner and went for the pin. From outside, Hall placed X-Pac's boot on the rope but Flair counted the pin anyway. It was the exact same pinning scenario as at Backlash.

After a commercial break, they replayed the tag match finish from two separate camera angles. It was the same deal as at Backlash, as the camera from Flair's vantage point made it look as if Flair couldn't see X-Pac's foot on the ropes. Lawler said Flair had been out to screw someone, and did it to X-Pac, which didn't make a lot of sense. Anyway, Hall & X-Pac went to Flair's office and complained. They said Flair's lucky he's an owner or they'd kick his ass. Flair warned them to be careful what they wish for, or it might come true.

UT came out and did a promo with amazingly little heat. I was actually thankful, since the silent crowd at least didn't shout "what". UT said that the more things change, the more they stay the same. He recalled the early days of Hulkamania and how people would stand on their chairs and cheer, and how little kids dressed in red & yellow would sit on their dads' shoulders to get a good look at their hero. But UT then noted that when he came out, those smiles turned to tears and those kids hid behind their dads. UT said he's not like Rock, Triple H, and some of the others who are awe-struck at Hogan. He said he's not impressed at all by the Hulkster since he's beat him before and is better than Hogan is now or was in his prime. He said Hogan left the WWF years ago because he was afraid of him. He added that Hogan wants to give HHH a rematch to evade having to face UT. He just kept talking to no heat. He said at Judgment Day he'll leave Hogan a battered and bloody shell of a man, just as he did to Flair. He said he hopes Hogan beats Chris Jericho on Smackdown because he wants to destroy Hogan in front of all his people. He also took credit for Hogan winning the belt at Backlash. UT never got around to actually calling Hogan out, as he had promised to do, but Hulk came out anyway. Hogan never said a word. He just stared, but at least his arrival brought the crowd to life. UT said Hogan must want a piece of him. As for what he'll do when Hulkamania runs wild, UT said he'll put Hogan down like the bitch he is. Hogan slugged UT, which got a pop. UT simply left as Hogan ripped his shirt off. JR said UT had the limbertail for just walking out like that. At least it ended the segment, which was mostly boring.

Highlights aired of Lita's upcoming Dark Angel appearance.

Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Jazz for the Hardcore Title ended with Steven Richards winning the title at the 4:00 mark via the 24/7 rule. Jazz's women's title wasn't on the line. Can you imagine Bubba as women's champ? Coach did a pre-match interview with Bubba, who said Jazz must not be aware of what he does to females in the ring, and asked Coach what Molly, Trish Stratus, and Mae Young have in common. Coach said all were put through tables by Bubba. Bubba commended Coach for his Einstein brilliance and said all of them have tasted Bubba's wood and if Jazz also wants a taste, she'll get it. The match itself was done for comedy. Bubba just toyed with Jazz at first, no-selling her blows and doing a ton of dancing. Jazz got in a brief offensive flurry after a low blow, including garbage can lid shots. Bubba bit Jazz on the ass and she slapped him. Bubba put a garbage can over Jazz's head and did a Dusty Rhodes bionic elbow on it, complete with Dusty mannerisms. Bubba told himself to get a table, and did so. It was at this point that Richards ran in with a guitar. Bubba avoided the shot and had Richards set up but Jazz hit Bubba with a snow shovel. Richards then busted the guitar over Bubba's head and pinned him. Richards and Jazz left together, as if this had all been a set-up to allow Richards to get the title. They left together in a car, with Richards boasting about being hardcore. At least they protected Bubba here.

They aired a weird segment with William Regal. He was in a room surrounded by Hogan merchandise. A clip aired on a monitor of the old Hulk Hogan cartoon and Regal acted disgusted. He said the fans who are passionate about Hulkamania are the lowest of the low and are pathetic for worshipping a man who prances around in a feathered boa like a 50 pence tart. He said it was bad enough 18 years ago but in the year 2002 it's sad that people still buy this crap. He put on a Hogan cap and mocked a typical Hulk fan. He added that this behavior is not just in America, but is a worldwide phenomenon. He said the fans should worship someone who speaks the Queen's English and can say a sentence without having to end it in "brother". He had his own message for Hulk: "What you gonna see, when the power of the punch runs wild on thee!"

Austin & Bradshaw were celebrating their win by drinking beer (what a surprise!). Flair came in and said that his actions as ref should have proven to them that he's honest. But both Austin & Bradshaw said Flair hadn't proven anything. So Flair set up an Austin & Bradshaw & Flair vs. Hall & X-Pac & Big Show match for next week. Flair let out a "whoooo!". Austin, Bradshaw, and about a million fans let out a groan.

They aired a montage of footage and clips about Scorpion King, including Rock appearances on Conan and other shows. Scorpion King remained the #1 movie for the second week.

Spike Dudley beat Goldust to retain the European Title in 1:41. Goldust threw his wig at Spike, and Spike put it on. Not much else happened until Booker ran in and hit Goldust with a kick behind the ref's back. Spike then won with the Dudley Dog. Goldust looked at Booker afterward and said, "Why,why?" As if he didn't know.

The TV main event was supposed to be a 50 pence boa-wearing tart (Hogan) vs. Regal in a non-title match. But when Hogan arrived, Regal invited him to have a spot of tea. I'm not kidding. He actually had a tea set at ringside. Regal said his mother had sent the tea to him direct from England. Hogan accepted the invitation, but ended up spitting the tea in Regal's face. Hulk turned the tea table over on Regal's head and beat him up as if he were a parliamentary mule. Undertaker then arrived and attacked the Hulkster from behind. He gave Hulk a slow motion beating. UT took Hogan's belt (his pants belt, not the title belt) and busted Hogan up with the buckle. Hogan juiced like crazy but the crowd never really got into the assault since it was so slow. JR, of course, freaked out. UT finished Hogan off with a chokeslam to end the show.

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:

What good is having the #1 contendership on RAW if Vince is setting up title shots on his own on Smackdown for other guys?

And in any event, why didn't Austin even express concern about the contendership this week?

Can someone please find a way to stop the "what" chants?

Does NWO stand for "Never Wins One"?

Do you have difficulty imagining Big Show in India?

Who's funniest, Bubba Ray Dudley or Booker T?

2003 - The Burlington Professional Women's Network protested before a Smackdown brand house show in Burlington, Vermont, citing that WWE promotes violence against women and bullying with it's product, according to an article on Vermont Channel WPTZ 5's website. The story reported that "Protesters said they decided to demonstrate against wrestling after seeing what they called a 'disturbing documentary' on WWE." The documentary in question (which is not named in the article) is "Wrestling With Manhood", a 60 minute film produced by the Media Education Foundation in Massachusetts, a "liberally progressive" political group that has targeted music videos and MTV in the past. The article noted that wrestling fans argued with the protesters, which they noted was just another example of WWE promoting bullying (one of the key points in the documentary).

2004 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:

Kurt Angle came out to open the show, confined to a wheelchair with his leg in a cast as the result of the attack by the Big Show two weeks ago. Angle also had a bandage on the back of his head. He was wheeled out by a large man who Angle referred to as "Luther" (formerly known as Horshu). Angle, fighting back the tears, announced that doctors had informed him that he could never wrestle again. Angle said he blamed the crowd, as well as Big Show and Torrie Wilson, for what had happened to him. He said he became Smackdown General Manager for the good of the fans, and now he had his career taken away from him. Angle demanded that Torrie come to the ring, and as she did, Angle ordered her music not to be played. A fearful Torrie entered the ring, and Angle ranted at her for being the cause of his condition. He blamed her for laughing at the Big Show, causing the whole situation. Angle revealed that while Torrie goes through life being "perfect", he can no longer have sex with his wife as the result of his injuries. Angle then told Torrie that tonight she would not only face Rene Dupree, but it would be a no DQ match.

Torrie Wilson vs. Rene Dupree - No Disqualification. Rene bullied Torrie around the ring at first, but Torrie actually came back with a sunset flip, only to have Rene sit on her. Torrie cradled Rene into the move anyway, but this just infuriated Dupree, who started tossing her around. John Cena ran in to a big pop and started brawling with Dupree. Cena went to check on Torrie, and Dupree ran back at him, leading to some more brawling, before Dupree tossed Torrie in between them and ran off. Dupree's music played, and it was insinuated that he won by DQ due to Cena's interference, but it was a no DQ match, so I am calling it a no-contest. Winner: No Contest.

Backstage, Rene Dupree complained to Kurt Angle about Cena's interference. Angle blamed rap music for the downfall of society. Angle gave Dupree a U.S. Title match with Cena at Backlash, saying he would be proud to see a Frenchman become the U.S. Champion.

Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr., with Chavo Sr. vs. Nunzio. Nunzio actually earned this match on Velocity by winning a four way bout two weeks ago. The lights went out when Nunzio was in the ring, and Undertaker's gong hit, but nothing came of it, other than Nunzio getting scared. Short match, with Nunzio getting a nearfall with a dropkick, but Chavo getting the win with a Gory Special into a facebuster. Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr. After the match, Chavo cut a promo about how he wants new competition, and challenged any cruiserweight in the world. He said next week he would take on any opponent that stepped up to the challenge, provided it was not someone he has faced before.

Rob Van Dam came to the ring, after a recap had been shown of the Dudleys attacking him last week. RVD insisted the Dudleys come out right now, but instead Paul Heyman (who said he was an "invited guest" at the show) came out. He said the Dudleys simply took advantage of an opportunity last week, and Van Dam was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Heyman told Van Dam if he wanted the Dudleys, he needed to realize this wasn't the "corporate" Dudleys anymore. The Dudleys music hit, and they came in from the crowd, ambushing Van Dam. They were beating him down, when Eddie Guerrero ran in for the save.

Josh Matthews interviewed Booker T about last week, when he ran away as the lights went out and smoke filled the ring. Booker claimed he thought the smoke was from a fire, so he was just running away to protect himself. When Josh brought up the Undertaker, Booker said he wasn't afraid of him, and that Undertaker should stay out of his business.

A vignette for Mordecai was shown, promising that "Judgment" was coming nearer.

Backstage, Paul Heyman came out of Kurt Angle's office and told the Dudleys that one of them would have a match with Eddie Guerrero again this week. When asked about RVD, Heyman told the Dudleys not to worry about him.

Booker T vs. Billy Gunn. Back and forth match early, but Gunn did pull out the One and Only for a near fall. Gunn set up for the Fameasser, but Booker moved out of the way and hit a sidekick. Booker went for the Bookend, but Gunn elbowed out. Finish saw Gunn go for a splash in the corner, but Booker moved and Gunn appeared to have hit his head on the ringpost. Gunn was slow to get up, and Booker hit the ax kick for the win. Winner: Booker T.

Booker T was in the ring when the lights went out and Undertaker's music hit. Taker and Paul Bearer came to the ring, and Undertaker made his entrance to a big pop. Booker got on the mic and said he just had a grueling match, and he won't fight Undertaker tonight. Booker said Undertaker should leave, then said he would leave instead. As Booker walked out, he grabbed the urn from Paul Bearer and decked Undertaker with it. Taker sat up and glared at Booker. Booker ran off through the crowd as Undertaker got to his feet, staring a Booker.

Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Kurt Angle (who now wants to be called "Mr. Angle"). Mr. Angle said that Booker T is the best performer on Smackdown, and he is not afraid of the Undertaker. Angle announced that Booker T will face The Undertaker at Judgment Day.

The Raw Rebound was shown.

Backstage, Charlie Haas was in the shower saying somebody stole his trunks, while Rico and Miss Jackie stood outside the shower, holding them. Rico said that Jackie gave him a pair of his tights to wear. Haas didn't want to wear them, and Rico suggested that Haas could come out naked then. Haas said he would wear the tights, and that he would meet Rico in the ring. Jackie threw Haas' trunks in the garbage as they left.

A video package on WWE stars welcoming home U.S. troops from Iraq was shown.

WWE Tag Team Champions Rico & Charlie Haas, with Miss Jackie, vs. Doug & Danny Basham. Haas came out wearing a pair of Rico's outrageous tights, much to his own dismay. They did a lot of homoerotic spots, with Haas just as uncomfortable as the Bashams with Rico's antics. Back and forth match, then the Bashams began to work over Haas, who eventually made the hot tag to Rico. Rico hit a flurry of clotheslines and kicks before the match broke down with everyone in the ring. Doug was kicked out of the ring, and Rico kissed Danny, sending him stumbling backwards into a Haas German suplex for the win. Winners: Rico & Charlie Haas. Post match, Haas enjoyed hugging Miss Jackie in celebration, but got grossed out when Rico joined in on the hug.

Tazz and Michael Cole plugged Velocity and it's new timeslot on Saturday evenings. Rey Mysterio vs. Jamie Noble was advertised for the show, and it was mentioned that John Cena would also wrestle on the broadcast. The Judgment Day card, as it stands now, was rundown:
- WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. John Bradshaw Layfield.
- U.S. Champion John Cena vs. Rene Dupree.
- The Undertaker vs. Booker T.

A Justin Bradshaw Layfield vignette was shown of him in New York, talking about how legal immigrants came into the country through New York, while illegal immigrants came in the dead of night by running over the border. He also ripped on farmers for needing government help, and said that rich people like himself are unfairly taxed to help lazy people who won't work for their money.

WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. Bubba Ray Dudley. Kurt Angle was at ringside for this match, with Luther. Guerrero went towards Angle before the match, but Luther stood between them. The Dudleys came out with Paul Heyman, and Bubba ended up being "The Dudley" for this match. Bubba punched Eddie early, but Eddie came back with a quick offense of headscissors and a reverse bodypress off the ropes. Bubba hung Eddie in the Tree Of Woe for a while, but Eddie ended up sending Bubba to the floor and hitting Bubba and D-Von with a top rope flying bodypress to the outside as they went to break. When they came back, we saw that Bubba had tossed Eddie into the ringsteps to take control. Lots of back and forth punching, with Bubba maintaining the offense, until he missed a backsplash. Guerrero hit a pair of vertical suplexes, but Bubba blocked the third one and the referee ended up getting bumped. Bubba went for a Bubba Bomb, but Eddie blocked it and went to the ropes. Bubba pulled him off the ropes onto his shoulders, and D-Von went to the top rope while Paul Heyman got on the apron to distract the referee. The Dudleys went for the old Road Warrior Doomsday Device, but Eddie ducked the top rope clothesline, sending D-Von crashing to the mat. Guerrero then rolled up Bubba into a Victory Roll for the pin. Winner: Eddie Guerrero.

Post-match, the Dudleys beat on Guerrero until Rob Van Dam made the save. Van Dam kicked D-Von in the crotch (revenge for last week) and the Dudleys were laid out in the ring. Van Dam and Guerrero hit frog splashes, with each hitting the Dudley that was farther away from the corner they were jumping from. As Guerrero and RVD celebrated, Angle told Tazz that it would be Guerrero & RVD vs. The Dudleys next week, and that he would have the "last laugh".