Wrestling History Today - 22nd July
On this day in history in ....
1923 - The Fabulous Moolah is born in Columbia, South Carolina.
1937 - Hiro Matsuda is born in Yokohama, Japan.
1943 - Earl McCready wins his third Toronto British Empire Heavyweight Title in Toronto, Ontario, by ending Whipper Billy Watson's fourth reign.
1947 - Herb Welch defeats Tex Riley for the Tennessee World Junior Heavyweight Title in Nashville, Tennessee, to begin his seventh reign.
1958 - David Von Erich is born in Dallas, Texas.
1958 - Corsica Jean defeats Ray Stevens for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Nashville, Tennessee, ending Stevens' second reign.
1960 - Danny Hodge wins the first of eight NWA World Junior Heavyweight Titles, ending Angelo Savoldi's fourth reign in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
1960 - Don Leo Jonathan defeats Torbellino Blanco for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas, ending Blanco's third reign and beginning Jonathan's second.
1960 - Dick Steinborn defeats The Mighty Yankee to win the vacant Georgia NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning his fourth reign.
1961 - Don Greene defeats Len Rossi to win the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1963 - Ron Etchison and Dan Miller defeat Mitsu Arakawa and Kinji Shibuya for either the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia, or the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta. The title change is listed in both histories.
1963 - Gene Kiniski defeats Whipper Billy Watson in Vancouver, British Columbia for the Vancouver British Empire Heavyweight Title, beginning Kiniski's second reign and ending Watson's third.
1964 - The Destroyer defeats Dick the Bruiser to win the WWA World Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California, to begin his second reign.
1965 - Shawn Michaels is born in Chandler, Arizona.
1966 - Shaun Simpson is born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
1967 - The Japan Wrestling Association held an event at Kawasaki Stadium in Kawasaki, Japan. The results:
- Mitsu Hirai defeated Raizo Kojika.
- Michiaki Yoshimuta defeated George Drake.
- Antonio Pugliese defeated Umanosuke Ueda.
- Kintaro Oki fought to a no-contest Tank Morgan in a best-of-three falls match. Each man won a fall before both being counted out in the third.
- JWA All Asia and NWA International Tag Team Champions - NWA International Heavyweight Champion Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki defeated Art Mahilik and Jesse Ortega in a best-of-three falls match, 2-1, to retain the JWA title.
1967 - Johnny Kostas defeats Moondog Mayne to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title.
1968 - Paddy Barrett and Don Leo Jonathan defeat Abdullah the Butcher and Armand Hussein for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1969 - Jack Brisco and Ciclon Negro defeat Hiro Matsuda and The Missouri Mauler for the NWA Florida Tag Team Title in Tampa, Florida.
1972 - Tommy Gilbert and Sputnik Monroe defeat Don and Ron Wright to win the NWA Tennessee Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This began Gilbert and Monroe's second reign and ended the Wrights' fifth.
1972 - Opearl Anston and Masked Lee defeat Miyoko Hoshino and Jumbo Miyamoto to win the WWWA World Tag Team Title in Irima, Japan, ending Hoshino and Miyamoto's third reign.
1974 - Tex McKenzie and Ken Patera defeat The Blackjacks (Lanza and Mulligan) for the NWA American Tag Team Title in Fort Worth, Texas.
1975 - Mr. Wrestlings I and II defeat Don Green and Jerry Lawler to win the NWA Macon Tag Team Title in Macon, Georgia.
1976 - Abdullah Kobayashi is born in Nagano, Japan.
1976 - Larry Lane wins a tournament to win the vacant Amarillo NWA International Heavyweight Title in Amarillo, Texas.
1977 - Keith Franks (Adrian Adonis) and Roddy Piper defeat Mando Guerrero and Tom Jones for the NWA Americas Tag Team Title.
1977 - Mr. Wrestling II ends Dick Slater's third NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title reign in Atlanta, Georgia.
1978 - The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy and Johnny) defeat Dominic DeNucci and Wilbur Snyder for the WWA World Tag Team Title in Indianapolis, Indiana, beginning the Valiants' fourth reign.
1978 - Jean and Pierre Martel defeat Carlos Colón and Chief Thundercloud to win the WWC North American Tag Team Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the same event, Gorilla Monsoon wins his second WWC North American Heavyweight Title by defeating Bruno Sammartino.
1978 - Dutch Mantel defeats Whipper Watson, Jr. for the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to begin his third reign.
1979 - Mark Lewin defeats Bruiser Brody in Dallas, Texas to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title. This began Lewin's third reign and ended Brody's second reign.
1981 - Kenny King is born in Orlando, Florida.
1981 - Bob Roop defeats The Super Destroyer for the Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Title in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the same event, Butch Reed wins the Mid-South Television Title from Dutch Mantel.
1985 - Akira Tozawa is born in Kobe, Japan.
1985 - Phil Hickerson defeats Terry Taylor to win the CWA/AWA International Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Taylor's second reign and beginning Hickerson's second.
1986 - The Masked Superstar defeats Lex Luger for the Florida NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida, ending Luger's second reign.
1987 - Rumi Kazama defeats Esther Moreno to become the first JWP Junior Champion in Tokyo, Japan.
1988 - Scott Armstrong defeats Nelson Royal in Knoxville, Tennessee on a USA Wrestling card to win the World Junior Heavyweight Title. This was a branch of the title created in the promotion.
1988 - The Cuban Commandos (Cuban Assassin and Jerry Morrow) defeat Bad Company (Bruce Hart and Brian Pillman) for the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta, ending Bad Company's second reign.
1989 - Jumbo Tsuruta and Yoshiaki Yatsu defeats Stan Hansen and Genichiro Tenryu to win the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title in Ishikawa, Japan, beginning Tsuruta and Yatsu's fifth reign.
1990 - Dr. Wagner, Jr. defeats Astro de Oro in Naucalpan, Mexico to win his second UWA World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1992 - La Tigresa is awarded the vacant WWC World Women's Title in Corozal, Puerto Rico, when her scheduled opponent, Sasha, no-showed.
1994 - After 16 hours of deliberation, a jury finds WWF owner Vince McMahon not guilty of conspiracy to distribute steroids to wrestlers.
1995 - The Love Brothers (Chad and Eric) defeat Frankie DeFalco and State Trooper for the Mid American Wrestling Tag Team Title in West Allis, Wisconsin. DeFalco wouldn't be without gold for long, because in the main event of the show, he won a Battle Royal for the vacant MAW Heavyweight Title. The title was vacated after Jawbreaker Jones was injured in a motorcycle accident.
1996 - In this week of the Monday Night War, "WCW Monday Nitro" won over "WWF Monday Night RAW", 2.6 to 2.2 in the ratings.
"WWF Monday Night RAW" was live from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington. The results:
- Mankind defeated Freddie Joe Floyd.
- Goldust defeated Barry Horowitz.
- Marc Mero (with Sable) defeated The Goon.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Ahmed Johnson and WWF Champion Shawn Michaels defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Smoking Gunns (Bart and Billy (with Sunny)) by disqualification. The Gunns retained the title. The Gunns were disqualified because a newcomer in a blue gladiator suit attacked Ahmed Johnson from behind, causing him a legit ruptured kidney. This newcomer was Faarooq Asaad.
"WCW Monday Nitro" was live from the Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida. The results were:
- Squire David Taylor defeated Scott Norton by disqualification.
- Konnan defeated VK Wallstreet.
- Joe Gomez, Jim Powers and Alex Wright defeated The Barbarian, The Leprechaun (Buddy Lee Parker), Hugh Morrus and Kevin Sullivan.
- Diamond Dallas Page defeated Prince Iaukea.
- Dean Malenko defeated Chavo Guerrero, Jr.
- Meng defeated Ice Train by disqualification.
- Eddie Guerrero defeated Psychosis.
- WCW World Television Champion Lex Luger, Randy Savage and Sting defeated Arn Anderson, Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael.
1997 - Fritz Von Erich suffers a mild stroke. Upon further examination, doctors discover that he has lung cancer which was spreading to his brain and adrenal glands.
1998 - The Haas Brothers (Charlie & Russ) defeat The Nation of Immigration (Homicide & Kane D) and The Skinhead Express (Flash Wheeler & Lord Zieg) in a three-way match to win the vacant JAPW Tag Team Title in North Bergen, New Jersey.
1999 - WCW held a live "Thunder" at The MARK of the Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois, which got a 2.6 rating on TBS. The results:
- Van Hammer defeated Kaz Hayashi.
- Miss Madness (with Gorgeous George) defeated Brandi Alexander.
- Curt Hennig (with Bobby Duncum, Jr. and Barry and Kendall Windham) defeated Chase Tatum (with BA and Swoll).
- Eddie Guerrero and WCW Cruiserweight Champion Rey Misterio, Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis.
- WCW World Television Champion Rick Steiner defeated Sick Boy to retain the title.
- Sid Vicious defeated Lenny Lane and Lodi in a Handicap match.
- Ric Flair (with Asya) defeated Dean Malenko.
1999 - Chris Candido defeats champion Ace Darling and 2 Cold Scorpio in three-way match in Wildwood, New Jersey to win the Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title.
1999 - Dan Denton and Spyder defeats Toxic Insanity (Biohazard and Juggernaut) for the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Chilliwack, British Columbia.
2000 - Rockford 2000 defeats Tony Kozina to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Surrey, British Columbia. At the same event, Juggernaut wins his fourth ECCW Heavyweight Title by defeating Leatherface for the vacant title.
2000 - Kenichiro Arai defeats Judo Suwa for the NWA World Welterweight Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2000 - Two titles change hands at CZW's "No Rules, No Limits" in Sewell, New Jersey. Lobo wins the CZW Heavyweight Title from Zandig, ending Zandig's second reign, and Nick Gage defeats The Wifebeater in a Fans Bring the Weapons match for the CZW Iron Man Title, ending Wifebeater's second reign. Wifebeater had won the title earlier in the show from Mad Man Pondo.
2001 - The WWF held its "Invasion" pay-per-view at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The show got a 1.43 buyrate, the company's highest since WrestleMania X-Seven, and highest non-WrestleMania buyrate since SummerSlam got a 1.71 in 1999. "Invasion" was the first pay-per-view to feature the infamous Invasion storyline, featuring wrestlers from the WWF taking on a combined force of wrestlers from WCW and ECW, later known as The Alliance. The results were:
- In a match airing on Sunday Night Heat, Chavo Guerrero, Jr. pinned Scotty 2 Hotty after a brainbuster.
- Edge and Christian defeated Mike Awesome and Lance Storm , when Edge pinned Awesome after a spear from Christian.
- Earl Hebner (with the WWF referees) pinned Nick Patrick (with the WCW referees) after a shoulder block. Mick Foley was the guest referee, and put the mandible claw on Patrick after the match, after he complained to Foley about his officiating.
- WWF Tag Team Champions The A.P.A. (Bradshaw and Faarooq) defeated WCW World Tag Team Champions Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo, when Bradshaw pinned Palumbo after the Clothesline From Hell.
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman pinned WWF Light Heavyweight Champion X-Pac after a shooting star press.
- Raven pinned WWF Commissioner William Regal after a Tazz interfered and gave Regal a T-Bone suplex, and Raven hit the Raven Effect.
- Chris Kanyon, Hugh Morrus and Shawn Stasiak defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Albert, The Big Show and Billy Gunn, when Morrus pinned Gunn after a reverse DDT from Stasiak.
- Tajiri pinned Tazz after the Buzzsaw Kick.
- Rob Van Dam pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Jeff Hardy, after a Five-Star Frog Splash with the title belt on top of Hardy, to win the title.
- Lita and Trish Stratus defeated Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson in a Bra and Panties match. Mick Foley was the guest referee.
- Team WCW/ECW (WCW United States and World Heavyweight Champion Booker T, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von), Diamond Dallas Page and Rhyno) (with Paul Heyman, WCW owner Shane McMahon and ECW owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley)) defeated Team WWF (Kurt Angle, WWF Champion Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, Kane and The Undertaker (with WWF Chairman Vince McMahon)), when Booker pinned Angle after Austin gave Angle the Stone Cold Stunner, turning on the WWF and siding with WCW/ECW.
- The final "score" of the event was WCW/ECW winning with six victories to the WWF's five.
2001 - Hiroyo Muto and Sumie Sakai defeat The Bloody and Fang Suzuki for the JDStar TWF World Women's Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2002 - WWE held a live "RAW" at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which got a 4.3 rating on TNN. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
The 7/22 edition of RAW IS BISCHOFF aired live from Grand Rapids. It was an excellent show to follow up on the strong Vengeance PPV, and was the first show in a long while to give the impression that the company has a positive idea where they are going. They do need to be cautious not to overexpose Eric Bischoff. It's okay for him to be all over the show right now, when his role is being established, but in the future his spots should be more selective so the wrestlers can get over on their own.
There was a picture of Bischoff inserted into the opening promo video, almost as a subliminal. They had a new announcing set-up where Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler were sitting up near the ramp top, rather than at ringside. That'll make it harder to do spots using the broadcast desk if it's permanent. They put it over that this was one of Bischoff's changes in how the show is produced.
Bischoff came down to the ring to start the show. Boy, the fans really love him, don't they? Bischoff acted magnanimous and pretended to be popular. That took a lot of pretending. He boasted that new Undisputed champ Rock would appear on the show later. But first, he wanted to bring out the man he stole from Stephanie McMahon, the personification of Ruthless Aggression, Triple H. HHH came out to a good reaction. Bischoff started to boast some more, but HHH grabbed the mic from him and called out his best friend, the show stopper and icon, Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid came out and hugged HHH. Bischoff took credit for bringing them together and said that he was appointing HBK as HHH's manager. He said if you see HHH in action, you'll see HBK there at ringside. If you see HHH starring in a feature film, you'll see HBK there in a supporting role. HBK took offense at Bischoff's tone. He said he wouldn't mind being HHH's manager, but it wasn't Bischoff's place to be assigning him a role. Bischoff replied that he's the boss and that HBK has no choice but to do whatever he tells him to do.. He told HBK he doesn't have the stroke (one of Bischoff's old WCW terms) that he had back when Vince McMahon was running things and letting HBK push him around. An "a**hole" chant started at Bischoff. HBK responded that if it's a choice between doing things Bischoff's way or leaving, then he'll leave. He promptly walked out. Bischoff yelled after him that if he walks out he'll never be allowed to come back. HHH acted shocked that HBK had walked out so abruptly. Bischoff told him to run after him and talk some sense into his head. HHH headed off after HBK. After both were gone, Bischoff, with that arrogant grin on his face, said he would unify the IC and European Titles in a ladder match between champs Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy.
HHH caught up with HBK backstage. HBK was determined to walk out, saying he's been with the WWE for 15 years and has always done things his own way, and won't be ordered around by Bischoff. HHH reminded HBK that he switched from Smackdown over to RAW to be with him. He said they'd be great together with HBK as his manager. He asked him not to walk out like Steve Austin did. HHH said he had a great idea for the two of them, and promised to reveal it later. HBK calmed down and agreed to stay and give HHH's idea a chance.
RVD beat Jeff Hardy in a ladder match in 6:58 to unify the IC & European Titles. Phasing out minor belts is a good idea. Jeff came down to the ring and deliberately walked under the ladder, testing the old superstition that it's bad luck to do that. RVD arrived and didn't walk under the ladder. I guess the old superstition was right, given the results. Jeff hit a huracanrana and lariated RVD out. Jeff got the ladder but RVD kicked it into his face. RVD hit a moonsault off the apron. RVD started up the ladder but Jeff pulled him down. Jeff then started up and RVD bumped him off hard. Another ladder appeared and they fought with them, doing the dueling ladders routine. RVD did a flip splash on Jeff on a ladder. Jeff swantoned a ladder on top of RVD. RVD did a sunset flip into a powerbomb on Jeff from off the ladder top. The match had great heat, as did most of the show. RVD hit the rolling thunder on Jeff on a ladder. Both started up separate ladders, with Jeff taking a scary bump off. RVD then frog splashed Jeff from off his ladder. RVD climbed up and got the belt for the win. Afterward, RVD helped Jeff up and held up his hand. A real good match!
Christopher Nowinski came out. He thanked Bischoff for allowing him to come out and get something off his chest. He was perplexed that people don't seem to appreciate having a Harvard graduate in the WWE. He tried to be understanding, recognizing that most of the fans can't relate to something as lofty as a Harvard degree. Undertaker rode down on his motorcycle and calmly entered the ring. Nowinski got nervous. He said UT was probably upset over losing his world title at the PPV, and probably had something important to say, so he gave UT the mic and started to leave. UT shook his hand. but didn't let go when Nowinski tried to make an exit. UT beat the hell out of Nowinski and left him laying with the last ride. Good angle, as UT was so calm about everything.
Backstage, Bischoff met with Rhyno. Great seeing Rhyno there! Bischoff said he has scouted him and wants him on RAW when he is able to return (he'll be out a few more months with his injury). Rhyno was pleased and thanked Bischoff for providing him with first class travel. They promised to keep in touch. Shawn Stasiak & D-Lo Brown walked up. They wanted to wrestle on TV, and practically begged Bischoff for the chance. Bischoff finally said he has a three minute block he needs to fill, so he would let them wrestle, but warned them that he wants entertainment and if, God forbid, they bore him, there'll be hell to pay.
Molly Holly & William Regal beat Trish Stratus & Bubba Ray Dudley in 3:55. JR reported that the new rules for these inter-gender matches allow for male vs. female action. He didn't like the change. As an aficionado of pure "joshi puroresu", neither did I. Bubba came out with his arm all bandaged up from the table match at the PPV. He sold it as being hurt throughout the match. Bubba pounded Regal, who tagged Molly in. Bubba couldn't bring himself to hit her, but did do his dance routine and smacked her on the ass after she slapped him. Regal came in against Trish and had no qualms about working her over. Molly went to the top but got crotched. So much for her being a virgin. Trish gave Regal a wazzup. Bubba started to slap Trish on the chest and tell her to get the table, but remembered that she's a girl, so he went to get the table himself. He ended up chasing Molly out on the floor, allowing Regal to force Trish to tap out to an STF. JR was disgusted with Regal.
Bischoff reminded Stasiak & D-Lo that they would have exactly three minutes to prove themselves. He then encountered Chris Benoit in a hallway. There was a huge Mao Tse Tung-style photo of Bischoff on the wall nearby, by the way. Bischoff began doing his suck-up routine, praising Benoit like crazy. He said Benoit had a classic series of matches with Booker T back in WCW, so he had signed a Benoit vs. Booker match, with the winner getting an IC Title shot next week on RAW. Benoit just stood and listened as Bischoff said, "You're the man! You are THE MAN!"
Rock came out to the ring to a huge pop as the new Undisputed World Champion. He said he may never ride a motorcycle with Undertaker or share a glass of milk with Kurt Angle, but he put both over and thanked them for making the main event at Vengeance one of his greatest matches ever. He said he had promised Eric Jerkoff, or Jackoff, or whatever that jabronie is called, that he would win the title and thus be able to appear on RAW. Eddie Guerrero came out on the ramp top. He called Rock by the name, "La Rocka". He said he has two young daughters at home who worship and idolize their daddy. But when he went to say goodnight to them, he saw a big poster of the Rock right next to his own photo on their bedroom wall. He was disturbed, to say the least, at seeing this poster of Mr. Big Shot Movie Star, so to discipline his girls he ripped the poster down and destroyed it right in front of them. By the way, I can't convey here how great Guerrero was, acting all this out and injecting an occasional Spanish word or phrase. He demonstrated how his daughters got down and their knees and begged and cried over their poster. He said he told them to shut up and yelled something at them in Spanish. Rock called Guerrero a sick, psychopathic freak for treating his daughters like that. He said Guerrero was the true movie star, having appeared in a series of movies, which led to Rock asking Guerrero whether he was Cheech or Chong in those films. Guerrero said Rock's jealous because he's a better wrestler than Rock and better looking than Rock. He claimed to have the hottest mullet in America, and called it the People's Mullet. Rock said with a haircut like that, Guerrero makes it appear that Billy Ray Cyrus had sex with a retarded hyena. Guerrero said he would teach Rock as lesson just as he did with his girls. He challenged Rock to a non-title match, and said if he wins, Rock must grant him a title shot. Rock agreed to the challenge, and cut a promo in a mock Spanish accent about kicking the ass of Latino Heat, followed by "arriba, arriba", or something like that, and laying the smacketh down on Guerrero's candy ass. A great segment!
Brock Lesnar beat Tommy Dreamer in a Singapore Cane Match in 2:34 to start hour two. Lesnar and Paul Heyman came out as Rock was leaving up the ramp after his promo. They walked right past Rock and totally ignored him. Rock didn't appreciate it. JR put over that they were playing mind games with Rock. The match began and Dreamer sent Lesnar out with some quick cane shots. On the floor, Lesnar suplexed Dreamer and threw him into the stairs. Back in the ring, Dreamer got in a couple of more cane shots but Lesnar hit the F5 for the win. The story was that Lesnar won a cane match without ever once using his cane. Afterward, Undertaker came out of nowhere and destroyed Lesnar with a cane. Lesnar bailed out to the floor where Heyman hurried him up the ramp to safety.
HBK encountered Big Show backstage. Show reminded HBK of how he gave him the sweet chin music a couple of weeks ago in that "tough love" segment. He asked HBK if he's tough enough to do that now without Kevin Nash backing him up. HBK said he hasn't wrestled in years, so he really doesn't know how tough he still is. He asked Show if he wants to find out. Show said he might take him up on that offer.
D-Lo Brown vs. Shawn Stasiak went to a no-contest in 1:30. Bischoff was on the ramp top to watch this match. In fact, he jumped the gun and almost started the match during the prior HBK-Big Show segment (a technical glitch). Anyway, he told them they had a three minute time limit to prove they're entertaining wrestlers. So D-Lo and Stasiak went at it, doing just basic wrestling moves. Bischoff acted bored, and at just past the 1:00 mark a couple of huge guys came out of the crowd, presumably on Bischoff's orders. They went in and destroyed both D-Lo and Stasiak. For the record, they were the Island Boyz from WWE's developmental system, the latest Samoan-type tag team.
HHH handed HBK a bag. HBK looked inside and liked what he saw. HHH told him to put it on and wear it when they go out to the ring.
Goldust praised Booker for defeating Big Show at Vengeance, calling him a David over Goliath-style king of the giant killers. He presented Booker with a Don King wig. Booker put it on and cut a King-type promo talking about beating up that snaggle-toothed, gap-toothed wolverine Chris Benoit, only in America, sucka!
Benoit beat Booker in 5:54 to earn an IC Title shot. Booker's ribs were taped to sell a back injury during the PPV match. Booker hit a lot of hard chops and kicks. Benoit hit a backbreaker and suplexes to focus on the bad back. Booker did a missile kick. Benoit did more German suplexes and won with the crossface when Booker's back just couldn't take anymore.
Big Show beat Spike Dudley in 1:02. Bischoff joined JR & Lawler on commentary for this match. JR didn't like it, but Lawler sort of sucked up to Bischoff. Bischoff boasted that he hand-picked Spike as Show's opponent. JR ridiculed it as a mis-match. Show just squashed Spike and finished him off with a chokeslam. Afterward, he was about to put Spike through a table but Bubba ran in for the save. After a skirmish, Show put Bubba through the table on top of Spike.
The DX music and entrance video aired! HHH & HBK came out in DX shirts. The crowd popped for it. HBK said, "Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the old grappling show, look who's back!" A "DX" chant started. HHH yelled "suck it!" But then, out of the blue, he kicked HBK in the gut and gave him a pedigree! JR & Lawler were shocked, as was the crowd. HBK was left laying as HHH arrogantly walked out alone.
After a break, they replayed HHH's pedigree on HBK, with JR doing the "why? why?" routine. HHH got into a limo and left. As his limo drove off, another limo pulled in. It was Stephanie. She asked a security guard to tell Bischoff that his competition has arrived.
Rock beat Guerrero in a non-title match in 8:30. They opened with some hot, fast spots. Guerrero hit a big suplex and put the boots to Rock. JR said he's gonna send Guerrero's daughters a Scorpion King poster. If Kelly Hu is on it, I want one, too. Guerrero hit a dropkick and Lawler noted that Cheech couldn't hit a dropkick like that. Probably not, but he could get pretty high. They slugged it out with Rock making a comeback. Rock went for the Rock Bottom but Guerrero reversed it in an amazing move which is impossible to describe in print. He almost scored a pin on Rock out of it. Guerrero hit a huracanrana but missed a frog splash. Rock then won with a spinebuster and the People's Elbow. I still think Guerrero needs a high profile TV win, but this was a great main event. After the match, Lesnar came in the ring and picked up the title belt as Rock was celebrating. He and Rock had a staredown before Lesnar finally tossed the belt on the mat in front of Rock. Lesnar walked out with Rock staring after him.
Bischoff went out to Steph's limo. He sneeringly asked if she was there to learn how to produce a sports entertainment TV show or to slap him in the face. She got out, saying she was there to kick him in the testicles. Bischoff started doing the exaggerated movie kung fu type motions, daring her to come at him. Lesnar & Heyman arrived and Lesnar stepped in front of Bishoff, as if to protect him. But then, both Lesnar & Heyman got in the limo with Stephanie. Bischoff went nuts, demanding to know what was going on. Steph said she just kicked Bischoff in the testicles, and asked how it feels, saying she wouldn't know since she doesn't have any. The limo drove off, with Steph telling Bischoff that if he wants to see Lesnar again, just watch Smackdown! As the limo vanished into the darkness, Bischoff kept telling that he wanted to fight, screaming, "I'll knock you out!"
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Wouldn't you love to smack that smirk off Bischoff's face?
Aren't you glad they're starting to move some of the talent around to different shows?
Shouldn't Vince Russo be called the true show stopper?
Do those new inter-gender match rules mean that Austin will be returning?
Since when can't Bubba Ray Dudley hit a girl?
Wasn't Guerrero awesome tonight?
2002 - Bill Goldberg held an official chat on his website. Here is the complete transcript:
Question 1: Have you had talks with WWE, NWA, Japan and if the deal is right would you be prepared to sign with WWE?
Bill: First, thanks for staying up so late, good to know I have fans over there. Nothing is out of the question but I can tell you that my values will not be compromised, as far as for what promotion, divulging that info will be left for a later date.
Question 2: Who is your best friend in the business?
Bill: Rick Steiner
Bill: Gotta send a shout out to Dakota!
Question 3: If you had the chance to wrestle anyone past or present, who would it be?
Bill: For nostalgia purposes, I would have loved to wrestle Hogan in his hey day. The obvious answers are Rock and Austin and are just that, obvious. As for a grudge match, it's a much longer list, fill in the blanks yourselves.
Question 4: When you gave the big show a jackhammer, what was going through your head?
Bill: I was thinking "man I hope I don't blow out my back" and not picking him up ever crossed my mind.
Question 5: What up with Brock Lesnar? Is he trying to be a Goldberg replacement?
Bill: To be fair, its hard to pass judgment because I havent seen him wrestle. Also, he's probably just doing as he's told but I don't think for 1 instant that I wouldn't like to pick him up and drive him thru the mat like everyone else.
Question 6: What's the biggest drag in the business?
Bill: Attitudes and lack of professional atmosphere.
Question 7: Favorite match in WCW tenure?
Bill: I had a number of favorite matches, but obviously, to have been given to wrestle in front of my adopted hometown, Atlanta, in front of 40k people and wrestle Hogan for the WCW belt was the pinnacle.
Question 8: Why do you race cars, for charity?
Bill: Not to put charity in the back seat, but the first draw was to go fast, legally.
Question 9: Who did you idolize as a child
Bill: My older brothers, when I got in hs and college, I idolized certain pro nfl players who I wanted to emulate like Randy White, John Matsuzak.
Question 10: What do you like most, football, wrestling, or racing?
Bill: FB because it was a lifelong dream of mine. Wrestling provided me with the opportunities that i'm afforded today. Racing is pure adrenaline rush.
Q 10: Feelings on Kevin Nash? Were you unhappy to lose to him at Starrcade 98?
Bill: I was unhappy for many reasons, not the least of which it was my birthday. I have no problem with Nash. I learned a lot from him, positive and negative. I consider Big Kev a friend of mine and I hope he heals quickly.
Q 11: I was at Starrcade 98 and I saw it was a real stun gun. Was it planned like everything else? Were you surprised and what are your feelings on Hall?
Bill: It was a surprise, and it sure didn't tickle. Onto Hall, I was brought up that you treat others as you'd want to be treated. And in making this short and sweet, I've come to the conclusion that Hall was not brought up that way.
Q 12: I saw you had an auction on Ebay. Why did you decide to donate a portion of the money raised on Ebay to Save-A-Pet?
Bill: When you make it to a certain level, where people listen to what you have to say, you try to use it in a positive way. Also these shelters such as Save A pet have some type of personal connection/tie.
Q 12: I read you and Bischoff were attending Sturgis this year, do you plan to discuss business or relax?
Bill: I'm going to Sturgis for vacation, and I do emphasize, vacation.
Q 13: Did you have a hand in developing your website?
Bill: No hidden computer skills here bro, just a desire to provide the best site possible for my fans, and I did have a lot to do with the design, hope you like it.
Q 14: Are you a fan of the man show?
Bill: I'm a fan of the man show, if I wasn't I wouldn't have participated in it. (if he likes the man show and wants to be part of it, he shouldn't have a problem with WWE since the man show is much worse morally)
Q15: Why would you sell your bike on ebay?
Bill: That was my first custom, and with time we all need a change.
Q 16: Last movie you watched?
Bill: Royal tennenbaums and it was horrible
Q 17: what kind of music do you like?
Bill: I've very eclectic, I listen to different things while I train. For instance, everlast, different music while I drive such as classic rock so you can see I like all types.
Q18: How does it feel knowing that fans still chant Goldberg at WWE events?
Bill: I couldn't be stowed a greater honor than to still have people chanting my name. I cant tell you how much I miss the fans and the ability to interact with them.
Q 19: Are you working out and ready to wrestle?
Bill: Considering I just got cleared by the DR on 7-12-02, I can honestly say I'm far from ring shape. But I can tell you I've been to the gym 2x a day since being cleared.
Q 20: Is your tattoo copyrighted by WCW?
Bill: Only way they could not let me use it is by cutting my arm off.
Q 21: Are you going to chill with jesse james at sturgis and show off the el diablo?
Bill: Gotta send a shout out to Briana and chad, because I know they're out there somewhere.
I'll be hanging with jesse. Yes, i'll have my rigid there, no I wont be showing it off.
Q 22: Any more plans for TV work?
Bill: Yes, I'm planning to participate in upcoming projects in Hollywood. I tend to jinx myself by talking about them, so until its a go, stay tuned to my website.
Q 22: Do you like hockey?
Bill: Love hockey, hard to say what my favorite team is since I have friends in the league.
Q 23: Bret Hart?
Bill: I spoke to Bret recently and not to be rude, the conversation was between Bret and I.
Q 24: Have you benched more than 500?
Bill: There's no question I've lost some strength because well, I did just that, I laid off. Pro wrestling is a full time job and I did need the rest. My shoulder surgery and that unfortunate arm injury have both put a damper on my training, but suffice to say, my sites are set and my motivation is back. Now its time to work!
Q 25: Are you accepting an offer from Japan?
Bill: As I stated before, though tempted, I can't discuss who I've been talking to. It's all about the surprise, isn't it?
Q 26: What do you think led to the demise of WCW?
Bill: The fact that nobody at turner really cared about it anymore, it was delegated to someone who didn't care if it existed or not, and the domino implosion effected occurred shortly thereafter.
Q 27: Thoughts on Russo going to WWE, then NWA?
Bill: If the WWE wanted to eliminate themselves in the running for Goldberg, they almost did by hiring Vince Russo.
Q 28: Ever consider UFC?
Bill: I thought you wanted to see me back in the ring. I considered it, but I need to train for a while to properly train for that type of fighting. It seems like a lot of fun and I'd seriously consider it.
Q 29: Favorite motorcycle?
Bill: I'd pick one dependent on how far I'd have to ride it
Q30. Do you look up rumors on the net?
Bill: No because I'm Goldberg, remember.
Q31: Would your music change in WWE?
Bill" I personally picked it in WCW and would not change it.
Q 32: Is the Ross Report true about your dealings with WWE?
Bill: Yes, have not met.
Q 33: Hobbies
Bill: my brother is in the airplane business, I've flown all my life. My passion is on 4 wheels.
Q 34: Involved with Goldberg monster truck?
Bill: No more involvement, sadly to say.
Q 35: Personal problems with HHH?
Bill: I think those problems are widely documented.
Bill: I've done a lot of things in my life I'm sorry for. Even tho I'm sorry for where I went about it, I'm not sorry for why I went about it and though it was a long time ago, bottom line my life was of no concern to him. Our problems started when he commented on me. I finished em, thanks for raising my blood pressure, a jackhammer from the top rope is waiting for him.
Q 36: Thoughts on WWE characters of DDP, Kidman, Hugh Morrus, etc?
Bill: Hard for me to pass judgment when I haven't watched the show. All Ive heard is they've basically demoralized everyone from WCW. And for that, I'm disheartened.
Q 37: Since you are an animal lover, were you glad the World Wildlife fund defeated WWE over the use of the name?
Bill" I don't think it was a monumental step for animal rights, and I'll be honest, WWE sure doesn't flow like WWF. So my feelings are mixed. I really don't have an opinion?
Q 38: Gillberg?
Bill: Flattered that they thought enough of me to imitate me on their show, and waste their time on their show dedicated to me. There was a part of me that wanted to show up on their show and eat him like a sack of lunch.
Q 39: What do you think of the 2nd invasion angle proposed by Russo where he'd have you, Hart, Foley, and Bischoff?
Bill: What? That's the first I've heard of that. Guess that shows how far out of the loop..., not to sound cocky, I only worry about what I'm going to do, not what others people impressions of what I'm going to do. I'm happy I've been afforded that luxury.
Q 40: Thoughts on the Rock?
Bill" I think the rock is at the top of his game, any wrestler would be proud to be in his shoes, I applaud him for what he's done.
That doesn't mean that the rock couldn't be next.
Q 41 Kurt Angle?
Bill: Would love to wrestle him. I respect him very much for the transition he's been able to make. He's a very formidable opponent and I'd love to test his skills, though he's only 215 lbs.
Q 42: Thoughts on Austin walking out?
Bill: As far as him walking out, you never know if its a work or not Rumor is, he was due for a break anyway. Needless to say, I hope the negative rumors aren't true. I'd be remiss to say I wouldn't want to face Stone Cold in the ring.
Q 43: Tips to follow in your footsteps?
Bill: Don't ever try to be like anyone else, be unique, be creative, and most important do whatever u do with passion.
Q 44: HBK?
Bill: No opinion to be honest.
Q 45: Is your broken arm fully healed?
Bill: Feeling good, not fully healed but I'm on my way back. And fyi, the cast I had will be auctioned, starting Tuesday on ebay. All proceeds going to angeles house, a favorite charity of mine in the Atlanta area. Check it out.
Q 46: Current state of wrestling? Could you flourish in WWE?
I think they'd have to change their way of thinking a bit.
Q47: Is wrestling losing its way permanently or temporarily?
Bill: Hope its temporary, but I don't really know.
Q 48: Charities?
Bill: I've got so many that I support but they're all listed, linked on my website.
Q49: Would you ever pose naked in playgirl?
Bill: If they only had 1 issue and 1 copy, literally.
Q 50: Favorite moment in wrestling?
Bill: Even though winning the belt from Hogan was cool, getting to wrestle sting because I had such a good time with him in the ring.
Q 51: Same pyro when you come back?
Bill: Thanks for saying it was and seeing you think so highly of it, I'd be a fool to change it.
Q 52: Did those sparks hurt?
Bill: Yes.
Q 53: If you had one last match, who would you pick to wrestle?
Bill: Great question, I'm stumped. Should have asked me that one earlier. Email me who you'd like me to wrestle.
Q 54: Favorite town to wrestle in?
Bill: There were so many, I usually remember towns by their restaurants or the fans. As far as fans, Atlanta wa a great place. Restaurants, Gene and Gorgettis in Chicago.
Bill: In closing, thanks again for tuning in. Hopefully some questions were answered. Think of more for our next chat which will be soon. Or feel free to email me questions you may have. I train 2 hours a day, 1 hour per session.
Thanks again, keep the faith. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO COULD BE NEXT, IT COULD BE YOU!
