WWF 2002: The Brand Extension

[cmuk316]

WWF SmackDown! April 11th 2002 - Canadian Pride

A recap of last week plays with the highlights including Brock Lesnar sending The Rock to the hospital, the various issues between Hulk Hogan, Big Show, Lance Storm and Christian as well as Chris Jericho becoming the #1 contender at Backlash. After the pyro airs Cole and Tazz welcome us to the show with the announcement that tonight Bradshaw takes on Billy with a tag title shot on the line as well as Eddie Guerrero making his in ring return against Goldust. With that the music of Vince McMahon hits.

No Remorse

Vince strides down to the ring and proclaims that SmackDown is by far the best brand in the WWF and he will continue to prove it tonight as he's just about to make another block buster announcement. Tonight in tai very ring there will be a beat the clock challenge! Vince continues that Chris Jericho will face Booker T while Triple H will face Lance Storm and the person with the winning time will get to choose the stipulation to the title match at Backlash but if either of the other two competitors win they are added to the title match.

Vince then has a serious look on his face and says that last week Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar were responsible for sending The Rock to the hospital where he still is and that he demands the two of them to come out here right now. The chairman does not have to wait long as soon enough Heyman comes out with Lesnar in tow. Vince says that the board of directors want them to apologise for their actions but Vince says that he admires Brock and knew he made the right call picking him. Heyman laughs and says that Brock wants a match and he wants it right now. McMahon laughs and says unfortunately the board have requested that Lesnar does not compete tonight. This revelation brings out Jeff Hardy.

Hardy calls Lesnar sick and says that no man deserves the beating that The Rock took last week and that he will gladly return the favour tonight. Heyman laughs and says Brock has no remorse and will send Hardy to the hospital with The Rock. Vince intervenes and says that Hardy already has a match against D-Lo Brown tonight but announces that he will face Lesnar at Backlash. With that Heyman nods and gives the F-5 to Hardy as a stunned Vince McMahon looks on. Heyman calls Brock off and says that Hardy will get what he deserves at Backlash but right now he's demanding an opponent for Brock. Lesnar stars down the boss and Vince announces that he'll find Brock an opponent to face right after the break.



(Lesnar delivers a brutal F-5)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

As we come back Lesnar is standing in the ring as Heyman is cutting a promo about how Brock dominated the greatest competitor of all time last week and that Heyman guarantees that Brock will be the WWF Champion before the year is out. Paul says that Vince is taking a long time probably because Jeff Hardy was the only person stupid enough to take on Lesnar and calls him the next big thing. With that Rikishi's music hits and Heyman's laughs as he comes to the ring. Brock grins as the bell rings.

1. Brock Lesnar vs Rikishi

Rikishi stops dancing and charges at Brock but fails to even shift the beast as Brock laughs. Rikishi charges again but Brock catches him with a big boot and follows up with a clothesline that turns Rikishi inside out. Brock hits a number of big suplex manoeuvres before executing a fall away slam that manages a two count. Brock tries a power bomb but Rikishi counters with a back body drop. Rikishi hits some chops and a Samoan drop but barely manages one. Rikishi tries a stink face but Brock hits not one, not two but three consecutive power bombs and an F-5 later it's all over.

Winner: Brock Lesnar at 3:12 via pinfall

Lesnar poses as Scotty to Hotty runs out to check on his fallen partner. Heyman once again nods at Brock and the beast flattens Scotty with a clothesline before hitting an F-5. He gets a table out and goes for a power bomb but Rikishi cuts him off. Rikishi tries to take down Lesnar but he gets a head butt for his troubles. Lesnar hoists both men over his shoulders and hits a double F-5 through the table! Brock poses in the ring as we head to the back.



Don't hate the game, hate the player.....

Booker T is in the locker room getting ready when Goldust comes in. Goldust tries to apologise for interfering in Booker's match last week but Booker fends him off and calls him a freak and says that he's the reason he hasn't got an Intercontinental Title shot as he tainted his victory although he appreciates that Goldust has got his back, tonight he's got one shot to redeem himself and get a WWF title shot so he better not screw it up for him. Goldust asks if he would accompany him to his match with Eddie Guerrero but Booker T just shrugs him off and leaves. We then head back to the ring where Billy is waiting for his opponent. Bradshaw comes out and we are underway!

2. Tag Title Shot: Bradshaw vs Billy

Both men have their respective tag partners in their corner as the two lock up. Bradshaw uses his power advantage early on to get the advantage and highlights his moves with a crisp power slam that only gets a two count. Bradshaw goes for the clothesline from hell early on but Billy dodges it and sends him to the outside with a drop kick. Here Chuck starts pounding on him while Billy distracts the referee. Faarooq quickly puts a stop to this and sends Chuck straight into the steel steps. Bradshaw gets back in the ring and Billy goes on the offensive for a while even hitting a spinning side slam. Billy then tries the fame asser but Bradshaw counters and hits a power bomb for two. Bradshaw tries the big lariat and misses initially but hits it on the second time and covers for the win.

Winner: Bradshaw at 5:21 via pinfall

Bradshaw and Faarooq celebrate as it's announced that the two teams will face in an inter brand match at Backlash by Michael Cole, who also hypes that we will hear from Rob Van Dam, the intercontinental champion, after the break!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

We return backstage with Lillian Garcia who is with the Intercontinental champion Rob Van Dam, and Lillian asks him about who he feels the top contenders to his title are. His reply sounded like this:

' Well Lillian a lot of guys want to face Rob Van Dam, after all I am Mr Thursday Night and the Intercontinental Champion! Last week Booker T seriously impressed me and I reckon if that goof Goldust hadn't interfered then he may have beaten me. But one guy who definitely got on my nerves last week was Eddie Guerrero. I appreciate that he's a great competitor but attacking me after my match ain't cool. He knows that fresh he wouldn't stand a chance against RVD but I would be more than welcome for him to face me and try and prove me wrong. I haven't got a match tonight but I'll be watching yours carefully Eddie, and who knows you may soon have the privilege of facing the whole Dam show Rob Van Dam!'

Rob Van Dam smiles and leaves with his Intercontinental Championship over his shoulder as we head to the ring where Goldust is midway through his entrance. After he finishes looking notably looking dejected due to a lack of Booker T, Eddie Guerrero comes out to decent heat with a grin on his face. He jumps in the ring and the referee signals for the match to begin.

3. Eddie Guerrero vs Goldust

Eddie poses to start and antagonises Goldust even doing the Booker T pose while laughing at him. This stalling comes back to haunt him as it angers Goldust all the more as he charges and hits an upper cut before going crazy in the corner until the referee has to pull him away. This monetary pause gives Eddie a chance to recoup and hits a chop block on Goldust which sends the veteran crumpling to the mat. Eddie then picks his target and goes to town on the legs of Goldust while occasionally hitting a more high octane move such as a monkey flip or head scissors. Eddie then knocks him to the outside and goes for a plancha but misses!

On the outside Goldust recovers first and rams Guerrero into the ring post before going back to the inside. Goldust tries a final cut but Eddie counters into a roll up that nearly gets the three. Eddie hits the three amigos followed by a hurricanrana before heading up top. He does an RVD gesture but this costs him as Goldust gets the knees up on his frog splash! Goldust then tries a shattered dreams but Guerrero moves out of the way and hits a beautiful brain buster on Goldust. He then heads up top and hits the frog splash beautifully and covers for the three.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero at 7:35 via pinfall

(Eddie goes for the frogspalsh)

After the match Eddie gestures for a belt to be around his waist before grabbing a steel chair and goes to hit Goldust. However Booker runs out and stops him as Eddie retreats through the crowd. Goldust goes to hug Booker but he sandbags him and sends Goldust to the back. Cole reminds us that Booker T vs Chris Jericho in a beat the clock challenge is next.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Coming back Booker is warming up in the ring as Chris Jericho comes out and welcomes us to SmackDown is Jericho and brags that he's gonna beat Booker in record time. Booker seems to disagree as he gives Y2J a huge punch as the match begins.

4. Beat the Clock Challenge: Chris Jericho vs Booker T

Booker is straight away on the offensive with the arrogant Jericho sent reeling into the corner. Booker charge straight with a boot which Chris avoids and quickly rolls up Booker for a one count as Cole notes that Jericho will want to win this match as quickly as possible so Triple H has little chance against Lance Storm later on. Jericho hits a vertical suplex and rolls over into a cover but only gets a one count. Jericho quickly changes strategy and locks in a dragon sleeper and screams for Booker to tap and after being in the hold for a little while Booker breaks free and attempts a Harlem side kick but Jericho ducks and hits an enziguri and covers but only garners a two count.

Jericho is very frustrated and looses his cool and just stomps away at Booker and goes for multiple covers but still only gets two counts. Jericho the hits a string of his signature moves and covers after each one but cannot find a way to put away Booker T. Jericho then locks in the walls and screams for Booker to tap but the 5 time WCW champion reaches the ropes! Booker then goes on the offence with some of his traditional side kicks and followed by a missile drop kick but only manages a two count. Booker then tries an axe kick but Jericho counters into a walls attempts which Booker counters into roll up which gets two. Jericho counters the Book end into a DDT and hits the lionsault and gets the win.

Winner: Chris Jericho at 9:00

After the match Y2J celebrates as the fans seem to applaud Booker. Cole tells us that Jeff Hardy has not been medically cleared to face D'Lo later tonight so that match has been cancelled. Up next Hulk Hogan will address Christian and Lance Storm which Tazz seems pumped for.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

More than Just Competition



Hulk Hogan then makes his way out to the ring draped in the red and yellow and received a heroes welcome as he should. Hogan looks less than pleased however as Cole goes over the events of last week as Hogan had the upper hand over Jericho but then Storm and Christian cost him the match and the #1 contenders position at Backlash. Hogan cuts a traditional Hogan promo calling Storm and Christian a bunch of cry baby Canadians that could never compare themselves to the almighty Hulkster and Hogan proclaims that there are young guys on SmackDown like Booker T and Rob Van Dam who are trying to make a name for themselves while Storm and Christian have to try and make their names at others expense and they picked the wrong Icon to take down. As Hogan goes for his signature line new music hits and here comes Storm and Christian.

The two Canadians are in their wrestling gear with an upside down American flag on them. Christian calls Hogan the oldest joke and says that they hate everything that Hulk and America stand for as it's all a sham so they're the UnAmericans. Hogan says they've got balls defacing the American flag like that but Storm chuckles and says that it's about more than just flags it's about destroying the legend of Hulkamania and sending it where it belongs and that's in retirement. Hogan bats this off and says he'll kick birth their asses at once but Christian says he may want to reconsider that because he's now looking at the most dangerous, motivated and focused tag team in the business today. The UnAmericans then start circling Hogan until the music of Big Show hits.

Big Show storms to the ring as the UnAmericans back off from Hogan and don't fancy taking on an angry giant. Big Show says that tapping out to Lance Storm last week was a low pint for him but he's has a week to reconsider and says that he's now the angriest he's ever been! Show reveals that he spoke to Vince McMahon earlier toady and he's got two huge announcement. Number 1: Big Show and Hulk Hogan are teaming up at Backlash to take on the UnAmericans and that Big Show has a match with Christian next. Christian days he'll best Show just like Storm did and says that beating him and Hulk at Backlash will be the first of many great victories for them. Hogan then chases Lance Storm to the back as Christian vs Big Show is next after this commercial break.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

5. Christian vs Big Show

As soon as we come back to SmackDown we are underway with this contest as the announcers play up Big Show's tap out loss last week to Lance Storm. Show starts to dominate from the get go hitting his trademark power moves while looking inconceivably angry with Christian. Show then tosses the Canadian to the outside and goes to attack but Christian scurries back into the ring and knocks the slower Show off the apron and sends him tumbling to the outside. Christian then rams his head into the barricade a number of times before dragging the big man back into the ring.

Christian then goes to work on the Big Show in the ring using a strategy pretty similar to the one that Lance Storm used last week with constants strikes and moves that keep the giant on the ground. Christian eventually has Show propped up on the corner and charges but Big Show grabs him by the throat and attempts a choke slam but Christian kicks him in the face, stunning the giant. Christian goes up top and hits a drop kick that almost topples Big Show but he finally does with an inverted DDT. Christian covers but only gets a two count! Show then goes for the chokeslam but Christian cuts his looses and low blows Show as the referee calls for the bell.

Winner: Big Show at 7:19 via DQ

Christian then just unloads on Big Show in frustration but Hulk Hogan's music hits. Hogan charges to the ring and Christian wisely flees as Hogan checks on a very angry Big Show. With that we head backstage where Lillian Garcia is standing by with the WWF Champion Triple H. She asks about his upcoming match with Lance Storm, his title defence at Backlash vs Chris Jericho and what stipulation he will pick. He replies:

'Jericho beat Booker T in nine minutes and we all know that I'm a far superior competitor to Jericho and Booker's got a lot more talent than Lance Storm so I'm planning on knocking him off pretty quickly just like I did to his buddy Christian last week. As for Backlash and Jericho it really doesn't matter what stipulation we fight in because we all know that I can kick his ass in multiple ways. We could have a match where I'm wearing a blind fold and he's armed with a steel chair and I'd still retain the title. Jericho's proved he isn't worthy of this WWF Championship and now without distraction from Stephanie or anyone else he knows it's only a matter of time before it's game over.'

Best of 5

Triple H leaves as we head back to Vince McMahon's office where he is sitting at his desk with Tajiri, the cruiserweight champion, and Billy Kidman in front of him. The two are being separated by two burly looking security guards. Vince says that he wants the cruiserweight to be a highlight of SmackDown and announces that Tajiri and Kidman will compete against each other in a best of 5 series with the winner being declared cruiserweight champion. Vince announces that the two will have their first match on the Backlash pre show but right now he wants Kidman to showcase his skills against Chavo Guerrero and that match is after the break!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Backstage (Latino) Heat!

Backstage Rob Van Dam is hanging in his locker room and looks to be leaving the arena until Eddie Guerrero attacks him! Guerrero stomps away at him briefly before sending him head first into the lockers security then barges in and takes Guerrero away as he laughs while medics attend the beaten down Rob Van Dam. Kidman then makes his way to the ring followed by the re-debuting Chavo Guerrero. Tazz notes their history in WCW with each other as the match gets underway.

6. Chavo Guerrero vs Billy Kidman

The two start of circling each other as Chavo offers Billy his hand. Kidman has no reason not to shake the hand of Guerrero and he does. Chavo then turns straight away and hits a short arm clothesline that almost gets a three count before he gets straight to work. Chavo Irish whips Billy into the ropes and hits a spinning sit out side slam which once again gets a close 2 count. Chavo then hits various suplex manoeuvres and covers quickly but fails to pin Kidman. Chavo then hits a bridging northern lights suplex which Kidman piers out of and turns it into a back slide for a two count. Chavo then tries to drop kick Billy but it gets dodged and he hurtles to the outside. Kidman motions to the fans and hits a plancha to the outside.

On the outside Kidman recovers first and tries to BK bomb Guerrero but he counters with a hurricanrana right into the steel steps. Chavo then rolls Billy back into the ring and starts to dominate once again hitting more big moves such as a Gory bomb, but still cannot put Kidman away. Chavo goes up top and preforms a splash but Kidman catches him straight into a BK bomb! Kidman doesn't cover and goes for the shooting star but Chavo gets the knees up. Chavo tries a Gory special but Billy counters it into an inside cradle for two. Kidman then hits a second BK bomb and goes up top and successfully hits the shooting star press! Kidman covers...... 1.....2.....3!

Winner: Billy Kidman via pinfall at 7:53

(Kidman briefly celebrates his win)

After the match Kidman celebrates until Tajiri runs in with Torrie chasing behind him. Tajiri sprays mist in the eyes of Kidman and then clocks him in the head with the belt. Torrie tries to pull Tajiri of Kidman but it's no use as Tajiri pounds on him more until he's done. Tajiri then drags her away as we head backstage.
Before we go to commercial we see side by side shots of Triple H and Lance Storm getting ready for their beat the clock challenge which is next.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Lance Storm comes out to the ring first to a sizeable amount of heat while wearing his UnAmerican T-shirt as Tazz mentions his match with Christian vs Hogan and Big Show at Backlash and that he will pulling double duty if he beats Triple H here tonight, but he must do it in under 9 minutes. Triple H comes out as Cole recaps Triple H's victory over Christian last week and how if he beats Storm in under 9 minutes he gets to choose the stipulation at Backlash. The two competitors are now both in the ring as the bell rings.

7. Beat the Clock Challenge: Triple H vs Lance Storm

Hunter goes on offence straight away as he's obviously looking to get this one over with quickly as he hits some stiff punches followed by a single kneed face buster. Triple H tries a spine buster but Lance counters it into an impressive tornado DDT like manoeuvre and covers for two. Lance then works over Triple H for the next portion of the match with various technical holds and suplex variations followed by quick covers but none of them manage to put The Game away. Lance then takes Hunter to the outside and suplexes him into the steps and tries for a count out victory but Triple H makes it back in again at nine! Lance then continues to stomp away at Hunter as we cut to the back.

In the back Hulk Hogan has been taken out and Big Show is checking on him. Jericho and Christian then blindside Show presumably as they did to Hogan and bolt! Back in the ring Lance is up top and goes for a dive but hunter catches him and turns it into a slam followed by a knee drop which only gets a two count. Triple H then hits a spine buster and covers but Lance kicks out as the announcers note that less than two minutes is left on the clock! Triple H tries for the pedigree but Storm counters it and locks on his signature submission the Maple Leaf! The hold is on for at least a minute as Triple H squirms to try and get out of it but fails but he refuse to tap as the clock now has under a minute left on it. Eventually through sheer force alone Hunter gets to the ropes with less than 20 seconds to go. Storm charges at Triple H who catches him with a face buster. Triple H then kicks him in the gut and hits the pedigree as the hell rings.

Result: Time Limit Draw at 9:00

(Highlights from the match)

This finish instantly brings out Christian and Jericho as the three on one beat down commences. Jericho then gets a sledgehammer out as Lance and Christian handcuff Hunter to the ropes. Jericho sends the UnAmericans to the back as he has a mic:

'Triple H, you stupid son of a bitch, what I have right here is what you consider dangerous and what symbolises you and that's a sledgehammer. Hunter at Backlash I'm gonna end your own weapon because at Backlash we are having a no holds barred match. Now I don't have your ass clown of a wife riding my coat tails I'm gonna beat you one on one fair and square and claim the last thing you have left, your title! Ang you know why? Because I am the King of the World!'

Jericho poses mocking Triple H before clattering him with a sledgehammer. SmackDown ends with Jericho holding up a sledgehammer in one hand and the WWF title in the other as we fade to black.



BACKLASH
April 21st, 2002
Kansas City, Missouri
Kemper Memorial Arena

*Confirmed Matches*

World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Six Man Tag
N.W.O vs The Dudley Boys

Inter-brand WWF Tag Team Championship
Billy and Chuck (c) vs The A.P.A

WWF Championship, No Holds Barred
Triple H (c) vs Chris Jericho

Tag Team Grudge Match
The UnAmericans vs Hulk Hogan and The Big Show

The 'Next Big Thing' debuts on Pay Per View
Brock Lesnar vs Jeff Hardy

*More TBA*

[cmuk316]

Update - April 2002

It's certainly been a very intriguing month in the World Wrestling Federation as we are in the midst of the first full month of the new brand extension. TV ratings have remained relatively stagnant on both shows although creative has certainly been interesting and it's obvious that each show has it's own set of story lines and championships and the two brands do feel as though they are competing with each other. Raw's even upped the ante by introducing a brand new set as well as channeling its inner WCW as two belts from that company have made an appearance. Right now lets get get onto the four main bullet points for each show.

Raw

1. Greater star power at the top. Raw's main event for Backlash is Undertaker vs Steve Austin to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion, which while is a match we've seen before it's certainly has the biggest names involved.

2. Cutting the crap. The European title has finally been retired after three years of meaning nothing and with the Hardcore title rumoured to be going soon this can only be considered a good thing.

3. Chaotic atmosphere. The Dudleys and NWO feud has been my personal highlight of Raw for the past couple of weeks due to its wild nature and the whole fiasco has done something rarely done with an authority figure and that's drum up sympathy for Ric Flair as he looses control of his show,

4. Dream match potential. While not confirmed it's almost guaranteed that Angle and Perfect will square off at Backlash and it's dream matches like these that have invested me in the Raw product.

SmackDown

1. Elevating new stars. Lance Storm and Christian are in a feud with Hulk Hogan and the Intercontinental Title is being treated as important along with the rise of Brock Lesnar gives me great hope for SmackDown's future.

2. Fixing Y2J. Jericho was booked awfully as champion but on SmackDown in recent weeks he's actually looked better than Triple H and made the no holds barred match much more interesting,

3. Less is more. This refers to Vince McMahon who for the first time in about five years is not the star of the show every week and it feels much better that he's taking more of a back seat.

4. Cruiserweights. The best of five series between Kidman and Tajiri for the title is a good idea and puts over the division. Hopefully the finals make it onto the Judgement Day card.

[NotoriousMEAT]

WWF RAW
April 15th, 2002
College Station, Texas


We see clips from last week's RAW. Austin and Flair stand across each other in the ring as a Flair soundbite plays, "I'm not too proud to admit that last week, things got a little out of hand.." at that moment we see when The Undertaker attacked Stone Cold from behind with a steel chair. We also see The Undertaker's post match assault on The Hurricane. Finally we see highlights of the nWo's attack on the Dudley Boyz. Jim Ross screaming "RAW truly is WAR" plays over a slow clip of Flair's shocked face and one final soundbite plays of Flair stating "I will be respected on RAW. I have to be."

We come on the air and Ric Flair is already in the ring with microphone in hand. After RAW's intro music fades out the WWF co-owner gets right to business.

Flair: "I just watched the same footage you all did. To say that my first two weeks of control have been anything but embarrasing, would be a lie. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and I have a great vision for RAW that will make sure we are the premiere brand in sports entertainment for decades to come. That starts this Sunday, when we crown a World Heavyweight Champion. But before we can do that, we have a little business to handle tonight. So right now, I'm going to need The Undertaker to come to this ring. Now."

The fans come out of their seats. It's about to get real.

"Rollin" by Limp Bizkit breaks out and here comes The Undertaker. Perched on top of his motorcycle the Phenom makes his presence known. JR and King remind us what's at stake this Sunday. Two of the WWF's greatest icon's battle to decide a World Heavyweight Champion. Who will pioneer RAW into the next generation?

As the graphic goes down, The Undertaker has parked his motorcycle and is entering the ring. The Undertaker steps through the ropes and steps right up to Ric Flair. The boss doesn't stand down. As Undertaker's music comes to an end, Flair raises the mic.

Flair: "I also need Stone Cold out here. Now."

The Undertaker suddenly has a very serious look on his face. The fans pop big but instantly top that reaction when the glass shatters and Stone Cold comes marching through the curtain with chair in hand! Looks like Austin may want some revenge for last week's attack. The Undertaker backs up to the far side of the ring as Stone Cold approaches. Flair stands firm in the middle and begins to shout..

Flair: "Hold on Austin, HOLD ON!"

Stone Cold rolls into the ring with the chair.

Flair: "Austin if you take one more step with that chair I promise you'll be sitting at home this Sunday!"

Austin stops in his tracks, his eyes never leave The Undertaker.

Flair: "Now if you two can act civil for ONE second, I'll explain. Due to the high stakes of this Sunday's main event, and the high tension on RAW. I'm making a ruling as of now, that if either of you two lay one hand on the other tonight.. you will be removed from the World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash, and the pay-per-view all together!"

There's a mixed reaction from the crowd. Some understand the rule, some just wanna see Austin and Taker destroy each other.

Flair: "That includes chair shots.."

Austin for the first time looks away from Undertaker, now staring at Flair. He hesitates for a moment, but eventually drops the chair.

Flair: "Thank you. Now all we gotta do is make.."

The Undertaker takes the microphone away from Flair.

Undertaker: "Excuse me Ric, but there's just been something I've been dying to get off my chest for a week now."

The fans let out an "oooh". You never know what to expect from The Undertaker.

Undertaker: "Last week, you said my actions were not fitting of a champion. And I have to.. respectfully disagree. For example, look at that bike I showed up on here tonight. That is a fine piece of American machinery that cost thousands of dollars. Would you prefer you champion show up to the arena in a pick up truck with empty beer cans sliding around in the back?"

Austin takes offense and steps towards Undertaker. He's mouthing off but the camera doesn't pick it up. Flair extends his arms between the two men in hopes of keeping them apart.

Undertaker: "Oh you know what, I did say I would disagree "respectfully". Maybe that was out of line. But I would really like to change your mind Flair. So, if you'd give us a momentary break from your no touch ruling, I'd like to give you something you asked for. Two weeks ago, you wanted us to shake hands. And well, I'm in a good mood. So.. what the hell."

The Undertaker extends his hand towards Austin. Is this.. the same Undertaker? Flair looks at Undertaker with ZERO trust in his eyes. But he realizes these two shaking hands, would be a great step in his attempt to establish authority. Flair nods and can be heard saying "You better not mess this up." Undertaker and Flair both look at Austin, who doesn't budge. Austin's arms remain at his sides, and the fans cheer the decision. Flair and Undertaker both seem dejected.

Undertaker: "I'm sorry Flair, I tried. I understand your ruling for the night, and I fully intend on following it. I won't lay one hand on Austin."

Undertaker then turns his extended hand towards Flair. The fans implore Flair not to take the hand, but he does so. The two rivals shake hands. All seems calm... until The Undertaker smirks. At that moment he shoves Flair into Stone Cold, and both men fall to the mat! Undertaker drops and rolls out of the ring, making his way around to the ramp. The fans are surprised and Austin immediately gets up and tries to chase down The Undertaker, but Flair holds him back.

Undertaker: "Why you so mad Austin? I didn't touch you!"

Undertaker lets out a chuckle and drops the microphone as he backs up the ramp. Austin picks up the steel chair he dropped earlier and raises it. He's gonna throw it at The Undertaker! Flair grabs Austin by the arm and restrains him again. Big mistake. Stone Cold hits Ric Flair with a Stunner! The fans are shocked. The Undertaker seems very pleased that he can so easily get into Austin's head.

Referee's come out to check on Flair as Austin leaves the ring. We go to JR and King at ringside. JR expresses concern over Austin being unable to keep his cool which has led to him assaulting his new boss twice in three weeks. After a replay of Undertaker shoving Flair into Austin, and Austin eventually hitting Flair with a Stunner, we see Flair making his way up the ramp flanked by officials. He's holding his neck, and looks very aggravated.

We go backstage and see Edge making his way down a hallway with his newly won United States Championship over his shoulder. Edge is dressed to compete, and JR confirms that the U.S. Champ will be in action next! We take our first commercial break of the night.


Before RAW resumes we're see highlights from last week's triple threat main event for the United States Championship. Edge stands victorious after pinning Kurt Angle. Now back from break we see Kurt Angle backstage. It looks like he's waiting for someone, but who? We find out pretty quick as Flair comes walking in still surrounded by officials and now Arn Anderson. There's heavy discussion among the group until Angle interrupts.

Flair: "..what do you want Kurt?"

Angle: "Look Flair, I know you were depending on me last week to win that match and be a True American champion. But.. well I got distracted! That dinosaur Mr. Perfect.. he got in my head Flair! I want to be champion.. but I really need to kick his ass!"

Flair: "You.. want Mr. Perfect?"

Angle: "Oh yeah. I want Mr. Perfect TONIGHT!"

Flair: "Fine. You get Mr. Perfect. This Sunday."

Angle: "Sunday? Screw Sunday! I want to kick his ass tonight!"

Flair: "Kurt I'm not arguing this with you! As much as you annoy me, you vs Perfect is a pay-per-view quality match, so pay-per-view is where it will happen. But to shut you up, I'll give you Perfect tonight, in a tag team match. Both of you find partners, and go nuts."

Angle: "That works for me. Thank you Flair."

Flair: "Get out of my office Kurt."

The fans pop for both announced matches. JR hypes how much of a fantasy match up Kurt Angle vs Mr. Perfect is and can't believe he'll witness it at Backlash. "You Think You Know Me.." the unmistakable theme of Edge begins to play. The fans let out a roar as the popular young stars comes running out on the stage. With his new United States Championship secured around his waist, Edge makes his way to the ring. His opponent is already in the ring waiting for him, and that opponent is Test. JR quickly mentions that it was Edge vs Test at Survivor Series last fall that unified the United States and Intercontinental Championships.

Match 1
Non-Title
Edge vs Test

Riding a huge wave a momentum, Edge is on a roll in the early going of the match. But Test is no push over and uses his obvious size and strength advantage to take control of the match. The new champion's heart is put to the test as his opponent is trying to beat him up, he's trying to win. Test goes for numerous big strikes and big moves. Big boots, a pumphandle slam and even a Super Plex from the top rope. All moves that have brought him victory in the past. He goes for the pin after each move, yet every time Edge kicks out. The frustration begins to build as Test sets up for another big boot. He waits for Edge stand, motioning for him to hurry and get up. Test charges but is cut off by a sudden Spear! Edge takes Test down but isn't able to immediately go for the pin. With Edge obviously worn out from the onslaught of attacks he suffered from Test, the match is back to an even playing field. Both men work their way up to their feet, the next big move.. could be the one that wins. They exchange blows for a moment, wtih the larger Test getting the better of the exchange thanks to his heavy hands. He grabs hold of Edge again, and again looks to hoist him up for a pumphandle slam.. but Edge falls behind his opponent and when Test turns to find him, all he finds is a foot in his stomach before getting dropped by Edgecution! The U.S. Champion is able to hook the leg and secure the victory.

Winner: Edge

Edge celebrates his victory as his momentum continues to build. We go backstage and see Mr. Perfect. He's conversing with Matt Hardy and Lita. It's a quiet discussion that the camera doesn't pick up, but it looks like Mr. Perfect may have already found his tag team partner as Matt Hardy smiles and shakes Mr. Perfect's hand. JR states we're on the verge of a commercial, but on the other side of the break, the war between the nWo and the Dudleyz wages on.

Up next. X-Pac takes on Spike Dudley.. in a Cage Match!


We come back to RAW as pyro falls from the arena's roof. It collides into the stage which causes an explosion of even more pyro. This brings out the Dudleyz! Spike Dudley is flanked by his brothers Bubba Ray and D-Von but noticeably absent is Stacy Keibler who was most likely left behind for her own safety. The smallest Dudley appears confident as he approaches the cage. He gives a fist bump to each of his brothers before entering the ring enclosed by the steel cage. After a moment the screen goes grey and the nWo strut through the curtain. Kevin Nash and Scott lead the way while X-Pac trails behind. As the nWo make their way down the ramp, two groups of security file down either side of the ramp. The Dudley family stands outside the far side of the ring in front of the commentary area. The nWo stay down at the bottom of the ramp as the security squads take post on the side of the rings. JR confirms that Ric Flair called for the heavy security to prevent another all out brawl. As X-Pac enters the cage, JR and King hype that these two factions are on a collision course for this Sunday.

Spike and X-Pac stand across the ring from each other as the referee locks the cage door. With so many bodies surrounding the cage, their's a big fight feel and even bigger feeling that all hell is about to break loose.

Match 2
Cage Match
Spike Dudley vs X-Pac

The bell rings, and the fight is on. The two superstars charge each other and immediately start throwing punches. X-Pac is a more refined striker, but Spike Dudley may be the scrappiest fighter the WWF has ever seen. That point is proven when Spike eventually tackles Pac down and continues to throw down punches. X-Pac covers up and is able to defend for the most part, but he eventually has to roll Spike off him and create space. As the match continues, it's more of a fight. There's not as many shiny cage high spots as there are stiff shots. The two use the cage as more of a weapon. After having his face rammed into the cage and raked across it over and over, Spike is eventually cut open and wears a crimson mask. As the fight inside the the cage grows more intense, the jaw jacking outside the ring escalates as well. Every time the Dudleyz or the nWo attempt to get around to the other, there's a crew of security guards between them. As the two forces get closer and closer, the wild fans in attendance eventually get their wish as it's Kevin Nash who fire's the first shot, extending his arm past the guards and catching D-Von with a right hand. The fight is on. The nWo and Dudleyz collide into each other with security caught in the middle or getting thrown to the side by these raging superstars. While the fight on the outside takes away from the match for the moment, the fans eventually spot X-Pac climbing the cage. With Spike down, X-Pac is looking for victory. But the little Dudley Dog is never out and eventually springs up to chase X-Pac. Spike climbs up after X-Pac, and both men are now sitting up on top of the cage with the fight outside the cage wages on 15 feet below. The two men exchange blows just as they did at the beginning of the match. Spike catches Pac off guard with a sudden headbutt out of no where that rocks him. With Pac groggy for the moment, Spike attempts to shove him off the cage back into the ring. X-Pac grabs hold of the cage but slides back down the cage, falling between the steel and ropes. Spike has the opening he needs. But instead of climbing down.. Spike gets to his feet! Spike stands on top of the cage as he looks back at X-Pac. He then looks down at the brawl going on outside the ring. A complete blur of Dudley, nWo and security. Spike shakes his head then jumps! He falls down crashing into the pile of bodies fighting on the floor. The fans can't believe how far this has gone. As the bodies clear out, Spike rolls away and is clearly touching the floor.

Winner: Spike Dudley

As the Dudleyz music begins to play, Spike pushes up to his feet and scurries away towards the ramp. He's eventually met by his brothers as they help hold him up. The nWo stand surrounded by fallen security guards and are livid. X-Pac lays in the ring, clearly spent from the fight he just endured. The Dudleyz celebrate up on the stage, now joined by the Dutchess of Dudleyville Stacy. JR wonders if this is the same scene we'll see at Backlash when the war finally comes to a head in a Six-Man tag match.

Backstage we see Kurt Angle leaving the locker room area. He starts down the hallway and JR wonders how Angle's search for a partner is going. We go to commercial.


We're welcomed back to RAW by Johnathan Coachman.

Coachman: "Please welcome my guest, the number one contender for the Women's Championship here tonight.. miss Trish Stratus."

Stratus: "Thanks Coach."

Coachman: "Trish your title match is moments away. Are you confident that tonight is the night you can finally defeat the champion Jazz?"

Stratus: "Ya know Coach, I am. Winning the Women's Championship last year was a dream come true. A dream that at one time I thought never would come true. Then Jazz swooped in and turned my dream into a nightmare. She took everything away from me. Well I've worked too hard and too long to let my dreams slip away. I thought I had her at WrestleMania.. but it wasn't my night. Tonight, tonight is my night. I can feel it.

Coachman: "Thanks Trish, good luck tonight."

Stratus: "Time for some Stratusfaction."


Trish gives Coach a wink and walks away. We see Kurt Angle again, there's a loud commotion, and it appears he's approaching it.

Angle: "Hey guys. Yeah guys over here!"

Kurt Angle walks right up to the Dudleyz who are celebrating Spike's victory moments ago.

Angle: "Hey great match Spike. You're tougher than I ever thought."

Bubba Ray: "Can we help you Kurt?"

Angle: "You actually can! I don't mean to interrupt you're celebration, but I'm sure you've heard about my tag team match against Mr. Perfect tonight.."

Bubbay Ray: "Nope."

Angle: "..and I'm allowed to pick any partner I want. Now Perfect has already suckered Matt Hardy into teaming with him tonight. Now Matt, yeah he's good. The Hardyz were a heck of a tag team. But I was thinkin.. you know who's even better than the Hardy Boyz? The Dudleyz!"

Bubbay Ray: "You really think so?"

Angle: "Absolutely! You guys are best! So I don't really care which of you it is, but I could really use the BEST tag team partner out there tonight. What do'ya say?"

Bubba and D-Von look at each other. Stacy stands behind them snickering.

Bubbay Ray: "I say.. you better keep looking Kurt! C'mon guys."

The Dudleyz walk away as Kurt briefly pleads for them to come back. It's a lost cause. Kurt appears flustered and storms away. We go back out to the arena where Trish Stratus' music begins to play. The popular young diva makes her way down to the ring to a great ovation. Her opponent however, is despised. Jazz marches down to the ring paying the fans no mind. With the Women's Championship firmly around her waist, Jazz enters the ring ready to fight as always.

Match 3
Women's Championship
Jazz (C) vs Trish Stratus


These two know each other very well and it doesn't take very long for this match to really get going. Who needs a feeling out process? There's definitely more of a determination behind Trish's offense tonight as she tries to go for early pinfalls, all of which fail to put the champion away. Jazz however has a more methodical approach and once she takes advantage, she starts directing her attack towards Trish's back. Forearm shots whenever she's behind, knee strikes when she's on the ground, and when she can, Jazz applies an abdominal stretch. Its clear she's trying to weaken Trish in the event she can lock in the Bitch Grip! Jazz's harsh submission not only brought her the Women's Championship, but has allowed her to retain it. The challenger continues to fight back. Trish has a heart the size of Canada and refuses to lose. The pace quickens and Trish tries to stay on offense. Momentum is in her favor, and she looks to seal the deal with Stratusfaction. Trish goes for her bulldog, leaping and kicking off the top rope. But as she turns to drive Jazz down into the mat, the Champion pushes Trish away. Trish crashes down to her knees, and Jazz pounces. Quickly hooking both of Trish's arms from behind, Jazz shows off her true strength by lifting Trish from her knee's straight up into the air above her locking her into the Bitch Grip! Trish immediately begins to scream. Screams that only get louder as Jazz squeezes tighter. But Trish holds on. There's a blonde blur as Trish shakes her head, refusing to tap. Trish starts kicking back, her foot colliding into Jazz's abdomen a number of times before she finally loses her grip. Trish rolls down out of the submission and tucks her head. She grips Jazz by the legs and rolls her forward into a surprise pin attempt.

1!
2!
3!

Wait.. NO! The ref's hand hit the mat, but Jazz has reversed the pin. The ref immediately beings to count again..

1!
2!

A different camera angle shows Jazz gripping Trish's tights..

3!

Winner: Jazz (Still Champion)

The air is sucked out of the arena as Jazz rolls out of the ring as soon as the bell rings. Trish comes up to her knee's with a look of complete dismay on her face. The ref races around the ring to hand Jazz her championship and raise her arm in victory. A replay is shown of the pin reversal and Jazz holding the tights. We see Trish again, shaking her head in disappointment as she holds her arm, likely sore from the submission hold.

We go backstage, again joining Kurt Angle in his search for a partner. He walks down the hall way and passes by a group of superstars. Kurt stops and turns towards them. We see William Regal in a suit. He's talking with Albert and DDP. They talk in a hushed tone and Regal hands the two superstars a clipboard. As they all look at it and discuss, Kurt can't help but interrupt.

Angle: "Hey guys, whatcha talkin bout?"

William looks back at Kurt startled and takes the clipboard back from Albert.

Regal: "We'll continue this conversation later, thank you gentlemen."

He essentially shoo's the other two away and Albert and DDP walk away. Kurt seems confused but now that the number of potential partners have dropped from 3 to 1, he gets right to the point.

Angle: "Look Regal, Flair has stuck me in a tag team match tonight, and I really need a partner. And I'm standing here thinking about how dynamic of a team Kurt Angle and William Regal would be and I know we could beat Mr. Perfect tonight."

Regal: "I know all about what Flair has been up to I assure you, but unfortunately I'm just too busy to help you tonight Kurt. Best of luck."

Regal turns and leaves in the same direction as Albert and DDP without giving Kurt a chance to get another word in. Kurt stands with his jaw hanging for a moment before rolling his eyes and letting out a groan.

Before we go to commercial, JR announces that after the break it will be Stone Cold Steve Austin taking on Kevin Nash. Austin was successful in his WrestleMania rematch last week against Scott Hall. Can the Texas Rattlesnake make it 2-0 against the nWo?

We come back from break and we're shown a replay of what happened at the top of the show. JR explains Flair's "No Touch" rule for Austin and Undertaker tonight. We see Undertaker shoving Flair into Austin, and eventually Stone Cold dropping Flair with a Stunner. We go backstage where Flair is sitting on the coach in his office. All the officials and security who were with him earlier in the night have left, and it's just him and Arn Anderson alone.. until they're not. Arn is talking to Flair when his attention is suddenly caught by something off camera.

Anderson: "What are you doing here?"

Flair's head shoots up. He instantly grabs his neck, obviously still feeling the stunner.

Flair: "You want something?"

The camera pans over, and we see Raven.

Raven: "I want Edge."

Flair: "Well you can't have Edge. He already had a match. You'd know that if you weren't so busy sneaking up on people. What's with everyone thinking they can just demand a match?"

Raven: "Then give me Edge Sunday. He didn't beat me last week, he beat Kurt. I'm not gonna be a footnote in his rise to the top. I can make his U.S. Championship disappear just as quickly as he got it."

Ric is obviously not in the mood.

Flair: "Listen, Raven. I have plans for Edge this Sunday. I have plans for the United States Championship. Neither of which, involve you. So if you'd please.. actually, not please. Get out now."

Raven remains calm, but his eyes are boiling. He stares at Flair and Arn for a moment before turning to leave. He reaches for Flair's door just as Maven opens it up. Maven enters the room with the Hardcore Championship over his shoulder.

Flair: "Well look, someone that I actually ASKED to come to my office. What a nice surprise. Come on in Maven."

Raven brushes past Maven and exits the office as Maven approaches Flair.

Flair: "Have a seat. I need to watch this next match, but we have lots to talk about."

Maven: "Sounds like a plan."

Arn steps off the coach allowing Maven to sit next to Flair. Just as he does, the screen turns grey. The visual of Flair and Maven starts to cut out before the whole screen turns to static. We glitch back out to the arena where Kevin Nash makes his way out to the stage. Usually rolling 3 deep with the rest of the nWo, Big Kev is actually alone as he makes his way down to the ring. Nash enters the ring and looks towards the hard camera. He goes to throw up his arm and do his usual pose before *GLASS SHATTERS!* Here comes Stone Cold! Austin marches down to the ring as always with deadly intention. He steps through the ropes, but instead of going towards any of the corners he walks right towards Nash on the two start brawling! The ref tries to break them apart for a moment, but eventually just steps back and calls for the bell.

Match 4
Kevin Nash vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Nash stepped out of his corner to trade blows with Austin, but Stone Cold is able to force his opponent back into the corner and takes control of the fight. Nash takes the defensive as he covers his head. The ref shouts his 5 count at Austin who finally steps back at 4. Nash takes the opening to step forward and deck Austin in the head which drops the Rattlesnake. Austin hits the mat but rolls and pushes back up to his feet. Nash pursues, but Austin finally removes his vest as he comes to his feet and throws it in Nash's face. This stops Nash in his tracks. Austin charges into Nash and pushes him towards the ropes. Both men fall through the middle ropes, falling down to the floor. They both come up swinging, but Nash changes things up with a knee to Austin's stomach that changes things in his favor. Nash quickly grabs hold of Austin's head and throws it down into the nearby announce table. The brawl continues on the outside for a few moments before finding its way back into the ring. Any time Nash tries to work Austin over, Stone Cold finds a way to find back and take control. Austin takes Nash down with a Thez Press and sends a flurry of right hands down at Nash's face. He stands, adrenaline pumping before the nWo's music begins to play. Austin turns towards the stage and sees Scott Hall and X-Pac. The two approach the ring but stay outside. Austin shouts at the two as we go to commercial.

We come back from break and Nash has Austin pinned in the corner ramming shoulders into his abdomen. Nash steps back and mockingly flips Austin off which gets a pop from the nWo watching outside the ring. Stone Cold's face suddenly turns angry as he grabs Nash by the head and turns, throwing his opponent into the corner he himself was just trapped in. Austin throws kick after kick up into Nash's gut until the big man sinks down to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle. Austin's kicks turn into ferocious stomps! JR proclaims Austin his stomping a mudhole and walking it dry. He flips Nash back the two birds before planting one more stomp for good measure. He turns and flips the nWo the same fingers before reaching down and pulling Nash up off the ground. Austin gives Nash another kick before grabbing him by the head to attempt a Stunner! But Nash pushes him away. Austin is forced towards the ropes where X-Pac now stands on the apron. Before X-Pac can make a move, Austin decks him with a right hand, dropping him back down to the floor near Hall. This stops Austin's momentum, and Nash takes advantage as he charges and catches Austin with a surprise clothesline that sends Stone Cold over the top rope and out of the ring. Right next to the nWo. Hall and X-Pac stay back. Austin slowly pushes up to his feet and he looks ready to fight. Nash stays in the ring as Austin looks back and forth at Hall and Pac. There's a tense stand off and it looks like the nWo is gonna stay out of it.. yeah right. The two pounce on Austin like hyena's! The referee immediately calls for the bell, ending the match in DQ.

Winner: Stone Cold (Disqualification)

Austin's getting beat down outside the ring until Nash yells something at the other two. They both nod and pick Stone Cold up, pushing him back into the ring where Nash gets a few stomps in. Scott Hall walks over to the announce area where he takes Lilian Garcia's chair away. At the same time X-Pac reaches under the ring, eventually pulling out a can of spray paint. The nWo regroup in the ring where Nash is pulling Austin up. Pac drops the spray paint and grabs hold of Austin along with Nash. Stone Cold is on his knees with Nash and X-Pac holding his arms. Hall is all smiles as he taunts Austin with the chair. Hall cocks the chair up preparing to destroy the Texas Rattlesnake when suddenly the Dudley Boyz music begins to play! The fans erupt as Bubba Ray and D-Von sprint to the ring. The slide in and get right into the fight. Bubba goes after Hall, D-Von tackles X-Pac which allows Austin to get back to his feet and resume his fight with Nash. The nWo don't go down easy and the fight is all over the ring. D-Von eventually forces X-Pac out of the ring. Somehow Austin has gotten his hands on the very steel chair that was meant to put him down, and he cracks the chair into Kevin Nash's skull! The big man crumbles and rolls out of the ring. This leaves Scott Hall on the wrong side of a 3 on 1 fight. He finds himself face to face with Austin holding the the chair. Hall quickly turns away, only to be scooped up by D-Von and thrown down with a huge 3D! The fans love it. X-Pac reaches in and pulls Hall out of the ring by his feet. The nWo are retreating! As the 3 backtrack up the ramp, Austin throws the chair out of the ring towards them as his music begins to play. The Dudleyz stand behind Austin ready to fight just in case the nWo find some bravery and come back down. We see a replay of the Dudleyz making the save, Austin's chair shot and eventually the 3D.

We go back to Flair's office where he and Maven are still sitting in the same place. Flair is slowly nodding.

Maven: "Well that got pretty crazy."

Flair: "The craziness never stops... but forget about all that."

Flair stands up off the couch and Maven follows his lead.

Flair: "I know you sat at home for 2 weeks and probably wondered the whole time why I even drafted you. Well you have a lot of potential Maven, but with that Hardcore Championship of yours, you're a walking target. Believe it or not I'm trying to prevent chaos on RAW. A championship that's defended 24/7 with no rules whatsoever.. that breeds chaos."

Maven looks down at his Hardcore Championship.

Flair: "But don't worry, I'm not just gonna take your title away. I've tried to do everything I can to make Backlash historic. And this Sunday.. we're gonna have a unification match! It will be you versus the United States Champion Edge! Both of you walk in as Champion, but only one will leave that way. How's that sound?"

Maven: "Definitely sounds historic, thank you so much for the opportunity Mr. Flair!"

Maven extends his hand and Flair shakes it.

Flair: "Well I look forward to seeing you perform on a big.. HEY!"

Maven is attacked from behind! It's Raven! After dropping Maven with a clubbing blow he stomps the young superstar a few times before picking him up and throwing him over the couch.

Flair: "What the hell are you doing!? Stop damn it!"

Arn Anderson steps in to restrain Raven put gets punched in the face and thrown over Flair's desk. Flair keeps his distance as Raven starts dragging Maven back up to his feet. Maven throws a few punches at Raven's abdomen but they have little effect. Raven holds Maven up and kicks him twice in the stomach before grabbing him by the head and dropping him to the floor with the Ravenflow DDT. Raven comes up to a knee and glares at Flair, a sick smile on his face. Flair his speechless. Raven turns and lays on Maven. He pulls his leg up like he's pinning him and suddenly he is as a ref falls into view to make the count!

Match 5
Hardcore Championship
Maven (C) vs Raven


1!
2!
3!

Winner: Raven (New Hardcore Champion)

Raven gets up to his feet and the referee hands him the Hardcore Championship. Raven takes the title and shoves the referee away. He steps towards Flair and gets face to face. Raven's panting a little bit thanks to the mini-brawl.

Raven: "You were saying Flair.. I got Edge this Sunday?"

Flair looks disgusted as he stares a hole through Raven.

Raven: "Definitely sounds historic, thank you so much for the opporutnity.. Mr. Flair. It's exactly what I wanted."

Raven mocks Maven, almost exactly repeating what he said just seconds ago before getting jumped. Raven turns and leaves the office. Flair shakes his head and shouts asking for some help for both Maven and Arn. This sends us to commercial.

[NotoriousMEAT]

When we come back JR and King briefly recap everything that happened before the break as a replay of shown. JR also confirms the unification match for Backlash is official. The new Hardcore Champion Raven will face the United States Champion Edge. Just like Raven wanted.

Again we go backstage. Kurt Angle is now in his gear and frantically heading down a hallway. His head swings back and forth as he looks at each door. Apparently he finds the one he was looking for as he halts and barges in.

Angle: "Champs!"

The camera enters the room with Kurt and we see the WWF Tag Team Champions Billy & Chuck with their stylist Rico.

Billy: "Hey Kurt."

Angle: "Guys look, I really need your help. I have a tag team match like, now! And I still don't have a partner. You two are the Tag Team Champions! There's no one better for this than you. So.. you in?"

Billy and Chuck give each other an awkward look.

Chuck: "Kurt uh.."

Rico: "We'd love to help!"

Billy: "We would?"

Rico: "Of course!"

Angle: "Alright! Which of you guys is it gonna be?"

Rico: "Well Kurt, you see, my boys here have a big match this Sunday. I need them as rested as possible to defend their Tag Team Championships. So I'll be your partner!"

The fans love it.

Angle: "You!? No no I don't really think.."

Kurt's music starts to play.

Angle: "Crap! Fine, Rico you're up!"

Kurt turns and leaves, Rico smiles big and follows behind him. Billy and Chuck are a little confused, but very amused. We go out to the arena where Kurt's music has been playing for about 30 seconds. Finally Kurt emerges through the curtain and quickly makes his way down to the ring. "You look soooo, good to me" and here comes Kurt's partner. Not Billy. Not Chuck. It's Rico! The stylist makes his way down to the ring, and appears very confident. Up next, the unmistakable theme of the Hardyz. The fans go nuts as Matt Hardy makes his way onto the stage with Lita. Mr. Perfect's first choice was a damn good one as the tag team expert makes his way down to the ring, but doesn't enter it just yet. Finally Mr. Perfect enters the arena. JR reminds everyone that earlier tonight Ric Flair made what many would consider a fantasy match up OFFICIAL for this Sunday when Mr. Perfect and Kurt Angle go one on one at Backlash.

Once the partners are together they enter the ring along with Lita and all pose. Everyone falls back to their corners as the ref calls for the bell.

Match 6
Kurt Angle & Rico vs Mr. Perfect & Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy starts off the match for his team, and Rico insists that Kurt let him start for them. He's hesitant at first but eventually gives in and takes his place on the apron. Matt and Rico go in for a tie up, but Rico quickly slips behind Matt and grabs him around the waist. Rico looks very accomplished before Matt turns and flips Rico over his hip and drops him to the mat. Kurt can't believe it. Pretty rookie mistake. Matt takes control of the early goings of the match and maintains it for the most part. Once Mr. Perfect is tagged in Kurt starts screaming at Rico to let him in, but Rico never gets to him. Mr. Perfect hits the Perfect-Plex and keeps the leg hooked for the pin.

1!
2!
..ALMOST

Perfect had the match won, but Kurt Angle dives in and breaks up the pin. Angle picks Perfect up off Rico and starts laying into him with right hands, completely ignoring the referee's demand for him to leave the ring. Perfect is backed up against the ropes near his corner when Angle takes a few steps back then charges. Angle looks to clothesline Perfect out of the ring, but Perfect drops down to the mat, pulling the top rope down as he falls which causes Kurt to soar over the ropes and out of the ring. Angle hits the floor but quickly pushes back up, but as he does, Matt Hardy dives off the apron and clotheslines Angle back down to the floor. Mr. Perfect turns and see's Rico standing back up. Perfect smiles and pulls down the straps of his singlet. He then hooks Rico's arm around his head then lifts and spins him, dropping him back down to the mat with an Angle Slam! The fans pop pretty big as Perfect again goes for the pin.

1!
2!
3!

Winner: Mr. Perfect & Matt Hardy

Angle loses without ever getting tagged into the match! Matt Hardy stands and rolls into the ring where Lita has already joined Mr. Perfect. Hardy and Perfect shake hands before the referee steps in and grabs both their hands to raise in victory. Kurt Angle is irate on the outside. He can be heard yelling "Wait til Sunday Perfect!" from the ramp as he slowly leaves the ringside area.

JR congratulates Mr. Perfect on his win but insists it will be more challenging to pick up a victory this Sunday against an athlete the caliber of Kurt Angle. He then informs everyone that up next is our main event.

Six nights before The Undertaker attempts to become World Heavyweight Champion, he meets his very disgruntled brother Kane in a Stretcher Match. JR questions if continuously antagonizing his new boss and reeking chaos has finally caught up with The Undertaker. We go backstage where Johnathan Coachman is trying to catch up with Kane who's heading out to the arena.

Coachman: "Kane! Kane, I'm sorry I was just hoping to get a few words before your match up next."

Kane stops in his tracks and slowly turns his head back towards Coach.

Coachman: "Your brother avoided a match with you last week in favor of facing The Hurricane who he easily defeated then assaulted after the match until you came to his aid. Are things getting.. personal between you and Undertaker?"

Kane: "It's impossible for things between me and my brother not to be personal. From the moment I showed up in the WWF, things have been personal. I know my brother knows better than to look past me towards his big title match on Sunday. Which is good, because tonight will be a night my brother never forgets. Tonight I'm gonna teach The Undertaker about respect."

Kane turns and continues down the hallway.

Coachman: "Thank you Kane."

We go back out to the arena. JR and King discuss the upcoming match for a moment before BOOM! Fire erupts from the stage. The fans come to their feet as Kane makes his way through the curtain and heads down the ramp. He adjusts his elbow pad as he approaches the ring. Kane enters the enters the ring and stands in the middle. He slowly raises his arms before thrusting them down which causes fire to shoot up from all four ring posts. JR announces that our match kicks off after the commercial.


We come back from break as Kane's music fades out. The Big Red Machine waits patiently in the ring for his brother's arrival. It's doesn't take too long for "Rollin" to start playing. After a moment The Undertaker rides out on his motorcycle for the second time tonight. Just like before he doesn't pay the crowd or their less than positive reaction to him much attention as he rides down the ramp and circles the ring. The Undertaker parks his bike at the bottom of the ramp. As he does, a referee rolls a stretcher down the ramp. As The Undertaker enters the ring, we get a shot of a yellow line up on the stage at the top of the ramp. JR explains there are no disqualifications in this match and that the first superstar to push their opponent across that line on the stretcher wins the match. The brothers stand across from each other in the ring ready to battle just like they have so many times before.

Main Event
Stretcher Match
Kane vs The Undertaker

The bell rings, and the two titans start throwing hands! Our main event is anything but a "match". This here is a fight. It doesn't take very long for things to spill out of the ring. The first time anyone uses the stretcher is after The Undertaker is able to catch Kane in the face with a big boot which drops him to the floor. The Undertaker quickly picks him back up and lays him across the near by stretcher. It's obvious that Undertaker doesn't want a long contest. The longer and more physical this match gets, the more risk he is at getting hurt nad jeopardizing his title match this Sunday. He starts to push the stretcher, but Kane quickly rolls off to his feet and catches Undertaker with an uppercut. The Undertaker staggers away but Kane stays on him. Kane grabs hold of his brother and launches him towards the ring steps. The Undertaker's shoulder meets steel and the steps flip over to their side. Kane throws punches down at his brother for a moment, only stopping to retrieve the stretcher. Kane rolls the stretcher closer to where he left his brother, but Taker has recovered and walked around to the announce area of ringside. Kane leaves the stretcher to follow his brother. Undertaker lifts the cover off the announce table and throws it towards Kane. Kane lifts his arms and block the flimsy board with his forearms. He continues towards The Undertaker only to get caught by a right hand. The Undertaker can throw hands and does so to try and take control of the match. Undertaker has Kane against the ring apron as he throws punch after punch. Kane seems out of it before he finally ducks a right hand and comes up with another uppercut. Taker is momentarily rocked and Kane grabs his brother around the waist and charges towards the announces table. JR and King flee the scene and Kane shoves his brother over the announcers table where he falls into the empty commentator seats and disappears under the table. JR gets back on the headset to let everyone know we're taking the last commercial break of the evening.

We come back to find Undertaker and Kane brawling in the crowd! Surrounded by fans the two superstars again find themselves in a fist fight as right and lefts fly. They move their way back down near the barricade behind the announce table. Undertaker is the first to move away from fists when he catches his brother in the gut with a surprise kick. This stops Kane's offense and allows Taker to take a moment to regain composure. He then kicks Kane again in the gut before taking him by the arm. Taker turns under neath the arm then cautiously steps up to the barricade. He's going for Old School outside the ring! The fans clear out of the way as Undertaker takes a few careful steps on the barricade before he can leap, Kane pulls the arm that Undertaker holds towards himself then pushes back! Kane shoves Undertaker off the barricade and he falls, crashing into the announce table! The fans didn't see that coming and jump around in excitement around Kane. The big red machine takes a moment. He shakes off his arm and eventually steps over the barricade to re-enter the ringside area. Undertaker his on his hands and knees among the collapsed announce table. Kane walks away from him and gets the stretcher. Kane brings the stretcher over to where his brother is getting to his feet. Once he does, Kane boots his brother in the face, returning the favor from earlier in the match. Undertaker turns and falls, colliding into Lilian Garcia and the time keeper. Lilian falls into the time keepers who helps her up and the two leave the area. Kane stalks over his brother. He reaches down to pick him up when out of nowhere, WHAM! The Undertaker throws up a wild chair shot that connects perfect with the top of Kane's head. Kane crumbles down to the floor as Undertaker grabs hold of the barricade and pulls himself up. With chair in hand The Undertaker is kind of smiling, but eventually he starts to look very pissed off again and starts beating on his brother with the chair. Shot after shot to Kane's back and abdomen area. Soon the chair is too bent and dented to be used and Taker throws it to the side. But the damage has definitely been done.

The Undertaker lifts his brother back up and is able to eventually lay him on the stretcher that he himself brought over to the scene. Clearly exhausted, The Undertaker now begins the process of pushing his brother around the ring and up the ramp. Taker has Kane about half way up the ramp before Kane suddenly throws an uppercut up from his back, connecting with Taker's chin. The fans pop as they thought for sure Kane was out. Undertaker turns and stumbles down to his knees. The stretcher starts to roll down so Kane tries to roll off, but the stretcher just falls and Kane hits the ramp. Both men push get back to their feet and Kane is the first to throw a punch. Undertaker is definitely shaken and Kane hits him two more times. Kane them turns and grabs Taker around the waist. He lifts his brother up and drops him down on the ramp with a Sidewalk Slam! The Undertaker instantly arches up and writhes in pain. Kane sits the stretcher back up and turns it sideways to try and keep it from rolling down the ramp. He notices Taker start to get up and grabs a hold of him. Kane helps pull Taker up to his feet and once he is, Kane quickly grabs him around the neck. Taker's eyes grow wide and he grabs on to Kane's arm. But the monster doesn't go for a Chokeslam. Instead he holds Taker in place as he lunges forward and connects with a nasty headbutt. Taker's knees get a little weak and he almost falls down. Kane turns and places Undertaker on the stretcher. They're almost half way up the ramp, Kane doesn't have very far to go. He starts pushing Taker up the ramp and the fans cheer him on. Kane is down at Taker's feet which Taker is very aware of. He starts kicking up at his brother, catching him in the chest and the shoulder. Kane tries to push through it but an up kick to the face rocks Kane backwards. He lets go of the stretcher and stumbles off to the side. The stretcher begins to roll with Undertaker on it. The stretcher picks up a little bit of speed and Taker heads down the ramp. The stretcher eventually crashes into the ring which knocks it over and allows Undertaker to fall to the floor.

The fans actually enjoyed Undertaker's ride, but Kane is aggravated. Now he has to get his brother back on the stretcher and all the way up the ramp. He approaches his brother who is down on the ground by the ring. He reaches down and starts to lift him up, but he doesn't see that Undertaker has pulled another steel chair out from under the ring. Undertaker gets to his feet and quickly jabs the top of the chair into Kane's gut which doubles him over. Undertaker then lifts the chair up high and slams it into his brother's back. Kane falls to all fours as Undertaker sucks wind. He's worn out and needs to end the match now. Undertaker is fully aware of this, and looks to end things for good. With Kane down, Taker grabs hold of his brother hair and pull his head up. Kane gets to his feet to try and relieve the pain of his hair being pulled up. Undertaker quickly places the top of the chair against Kane's throat just like he did to The Hurricane last week. And just like last week, Undertaker throws Kane's head down, allowing his throat to ramp into the chair. Kane flings back and falls to the floor gripping his neck with both hands. The fans hiss! They can't believe Undertaker would do that to his own brother. Undertaker is in full control now as he stands the stretcher back up. He lifts the dead weight of his brother who is struggling to breathe and lays him horizontally across the stretcher. Taker gets behind the stretcher and starts to push. The fans are begging for Kane to recover and kick his brother's ass.. but the final blow was too harsh. Kane is down for the count and Undertaker is able to push him across the line and win the match.

Winner: The Undertaker

Undertaker leans against the stretcher as the bell rings and he's announced the winner. His music begins to play and King puts over how gutsy a performance it was by the Deadman. Undertaker condemns The Undertaker for taking things to such a low level against his own brother but King insists than a true champion will do whatever it takes to win. Undertaker stands straight up and just looks down at his brother who is still on the stretcher. Taker looks pissed. He grabs hold of the stretcher and turns it. The stretcher now points towards the side of the stage. Undertaker looks down at his brother and shouts, "You respect me now!?". The fans start to yell, they see what's coming. Undertaker starts jogging, pushing the stretcher along the stage. JR starts to scream, he's begging Undertaker to stop. But Undertaker doesn't care. He pushes the stretcher off the stage and Kane flies about 10 feet down to the concrete floor. The fans erupt in boo's. JR again voices his disgust in Undertaker's actions and asks King if that's what a true champion does. A replay is shown of Undertaker pushing Kane off the stage. After the replay we see a lot of medical staff, referee's and eventually Ric Flair checking on Kane. Flair looks up at Undertaker who just chuckles and walks away. He heads down the ramp towards his motorcycle when from out of nowhere, Stone Cold Steve Austin comes through the crowd and hops the barricade. The Undertaker stops in his tracks. Austin his about 10 feet away from Undertaker, and he's right next to Taker's bike. Ric Flair must see this happen from where's he's at because he leaves Kane's side and a few moments later comes out through the curtain with a microphone.

Flair: "Hey! Don't move! Damn it I'm so tired of this. If you guys touch each other, losing your championship match this Sunday will be the least of your problems because I swear to God I will fire you!"

The stakes have risen. There isn't a fan in their seat as Austin and Taker could throw it all away and at moment. Austin reaches back and pulls a thick lead pipe out that was hidden under his shirt. It looks like Austin doesn't care, he just wants to hurt The Undertaker.

Flair: "Austin! Don't push me! I should have fired you twice by now. I mean it Austin!"

Flair is on edge. You can tell by looking at him he's mentally exhausted from the last month of complete anarchy. Austin just smiles, then slowly turns his head towards The Undertaker's motorcycle. The fans get louder and The Undertaker takes a step towards Austin who instantly pulls the pipe up as if daring Undertaker to try. Taker stops and raises his hands up towards Austin. He begs Austin not to touch his bike. Austin takes a moment. He's breathing pretty heavy, but nods his head as if he's calmed down and slowly lowers the pipe. Undertaker lets out a huge sigh of relieve until Austin slowly raises up a middle finger. Undertaker's eyes grow wide again.

Flair: "AUSTIN!"

BANG! Austin slams the pipe into the side of Taker's bike. He tee's off on the bike hitting it over and over. He shatters the headlight. He beats on the handle bar until it's bent down. The fans are going crazy. Undertaker stands in silence as Austin kicks the bike over. He stands over the bike and beats the hell out of it with this pipe. Flair drops his mic and too stands in silence. Austin destroys Undertaker's bike until he is physically too worn out to keep down so. He finally stops and looks back up at Undertaker who is livid pissed. Austin shouts, "I didn't touch you Taker!" then throws the pipe down towards Taker's feet. He flips Undertaker off again, then directs the birds up towards Flair. Austin turns and rolls into the ring. He signals for some beers and his music starts to play. Undertaker kneels down by his bike and surveys the damage. The camera looks over where Kane was pushed off the stage. He's again on a stretcher and pushed backstage out of view. Ric Flair drops his head and leaves the stage. RAW goes off the air with Austin standing in the corner. He smashes some beers above his head and pours whats left in the cans down his face. JR hypes that Austin and Undertaker finally collide this Sunday at Backlash!

RAW Quick Results (April 15th, 2002)
1. Edge def. Test
2. Cage Match: Spike Dudley def. X-Pac
3. Women's Championship: Jazz (C) def. Trish Stratus
4. Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Kevin Nash (via DQ)
5. Hardcore Championship: Raven def. Maven (C)
6. Mr. Perfect & Matt Hardy def. Rico & Kurt Angle
7. Stretcher Match: The Undertaker def. Kane

Upcoming Pay-Per-View

BACKLASH
April 21st, 2002
Kansas City, Missouri
Kemper Memorial Arena

*Confirmed Matches*

World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Six-Man Tag Team Match
nWo vs Dudleyz

Kurt Angle vs Mr. Perfect

Unification Match
Edge (U.S. Champion) vs Raven (Hardcore Champion)

WWF Championship
No Holds Barred
Triple H (C) vs Chris Jericho

Tag Team Match
The UnAmericans vs Hulk Hogan & Big Show

Brock Lesnar vs Jeff Hardy

WWF Tag Team Championships
Billy & Chuck (C) vs APA

*More TBA*

[cmuk316]

WWF SmackDown April 18th 2002 - Chaos

After the usual SmackDown intro package we get a brief summary of the beat the clock challenge last week with Chris Jericho defeating Booker T in 9 minutes and Triple H failing to win in that timeframe against Lance Storm. The post match beat down from Jericho with the sledge hammer is shown as well as the stipulation being determined as No Holds Barred for Backlash. With that we throw to the commentators, Michael Cole and Tazz who inform us that right now we are heading to Vince McMahon's office where he will be announcing the featured bouts on tonight's broadcast. The shot then changes to Vince McMahon sitting on his desk with his usual smug look on his face. He says the following:



'As Ric Flair continues to loose control of Raw with Steve Austin and the NWO running roughshod I am pleased to announce that SmackDown is the brand in sports entertainment that you can trust ladies and gentlemen. Now as we head forward into Backlash, which is a mere 3 days away I feel as though the WWF Champion Triple H has something to prove after being embarrassed by Lance Storm which is why 'The Game' will face Lance next! Also tonight I would like the intercontinental title to be defended at Backlash and so we need to determine a number 1 contender for said title. Which is why tonight in this very ring Booker T will take on Eddie Guerrero. Now of course I'm sure RVD doesn't want to miss out on the action so he will take on Goldust. Following on from last week Tajiri will face a mystery cruiserweight and Jeff Hardy vs D'Lo Brown will take place tonight! Now hit Lance Storm's entrance music!'

Lance's music hits and he comes out alongside Christain clearly pleased by what the boss has said. Storm looks incredibly focused as the WWF Champion Triple H comes out as Cole mentions how Jericho attacked him with his own weapon last week. Hunter gets in the ring and poses on the turn buckle but Storm sneaks up on him from behind as we are ready to go.

1. Triple H vs Lance Storm

Storm gets straight to work with shots to the back before beginning to chop the hell out of Hunter in the corner. Trips catches one of the chops however and turns the tables and begins to chop Lance in the corner. Triple H hits a few basic moves before trying to bounce off the ropes but Christian distracts him which gives Lance enough time to hit a super kick! Lance covers and was worryingly close to three for Triple H who barely kicks out. Lance then hits a few more impressive moves before locking in the Maple Leaf. Triple H is crawling to the ropes but he keeps getting pulled back and a tap out seems inevitable. Triple H digs deep and powers out but this burst of energy sends Lance flying into the referee. Christian then jumps in and starts beating up Triple H! It's not long before Jericho jumps the guard rail and takes his turn pounding Triple H. The Game appears to be at the mercy of the three Canadians until Hulk Hogan and Big Show come out and a huge 6 man brawl begins! The referee regains consciousness and sees what's happening and calls for the bell!

Result: No Contest at 6:01

The brawl continues as various officials try and separate the six men. Eventually Vince McMahon comes out and he says this is not Raw where we brawl aimlessly, this is SmackDown where we fight! Vince announces that Triple H will team with The Big Show and Hulk Hogan to take on Chris Jericho, Christian and Lance Storm in tonight's main event. Everyone looks pretty damn pleased with the decision as we head to commercial.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Newcomer Shannon Moore is in the ring as we come back as he looks pretty hyped as he poses to the crowd with his theme song playing in the background. The familiar oriental sounding theme plays as the cruiserweight champion Tajiri accompanied by Torrie Wilson, who is still dressed in traditional Japanese attire make their way to the ring. Tajiri stares down Moore as the bell rings.

2. Tajiri vs Shannon Moore

Instantly Moore surprises Tajiri as he hits a school boy that gets a close two count. The champ is quick to respond however as he completely decimated Shannon with a huge kick to the gut which can be heard across the arena. Tajiri then unloads with some more of his signature strikes before Irish whipping him and trying a drop kick on the rebound but Moore counters and pushes him away before hitting a drop kick of his own which sends the champion to the outside. He goes for a plancha but he sees Tajiri ready to catch him so instead hits a baseball slide. Shannon then hurtles over the ropes and nails a springboard cross body to the outside.

Both men are now down on the outside as the crowd are surprisingly behind Moore. Tajiri recovers first and while screaming at Torrie rams Shannon into the ring post before he tries a tarantula on the ring apron but the referee forces the break much to Tajiri's behest. The Japanese native tries a buzz saw kick but Moore ducks and nails a beautiful enziguri that sends down Tajiri like a sack of spuds. Shannon goes up top and tries an elbow drop but Tajiri sprays some green mist in his eyes on the way down as Torrie is reluctantly distracting the referee. Tajiri hits a buzz saw kick on Moore for the win.

Winner: Tajiri at 7:55 via pin fall

After the match Tajiri makes Torrie bow as Kidman sprints to the ring. The Cruiserweight champion scrapes as Kidman mouths off to him. Cole reminds us that these two face each other on the Backlash pre show in the first match of their best of 5 series for the cruiserweight title.

Goldlust

Booker T is in his locker room and Goldust approaches and creepily thanks him for helping him last week. Booker explains that he did it because it was right, not because he's Goldust's friend and that he doesn't want Goldust anywhere near his #1 contenders match against Eddie Guerrero later tonight. Goldust promises he won't be, besides he's got bigger things to worry about because he face Rob Van Dam next week and Goldust says he'll do anything to get some gold around his waist. He leaves as Booker keeps warming up.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

When we come back the Intercontinental champion Rob Van Dam is making his way to the ring to a great ovation as usual. The announcers hype Van Dam's recent run ins with Booker and Eddie and their #1 Contenders match later on tonight. Goldust then enters to a fairly decent response with Cole saying that Goldust just wants Booker to be his friend while Tazz implies that he wants to be more than that. The two shake hands as the bell rings.

3. Rob Van Dam vs Goldust

Following the handshake Goldust does his signature breathing spot but Van Dam is having none of it and just starts kicking him in the face. RVD backs him into the corner and strikes him a few more times hitting a monkey flip out of the corner. He hits a few more kicks before trying a kick off the top but Goldust catches him and grounds him as he starts elbowing him on the canvas. Goldust then hits a few more simple moves before trying a suplex which RVD counters into a suplex of his own. RVD then hits a spring board kick which sends Goldust to the outside. RVD chants his name with the crowd before hitting the suicide dive but Goldust catches and rams him into the barricade. Goldust then rolls RVD in the ring and hits a front suplex but this only gets two. Goldust hits a few more of his signature moves including a kneeling upper cut but can't put Rob away. He tries for a final cut but RVD counters with a hurricanrana and hits a rolling thunder for two. RVD goes up top and Goldust tries to throw him off but RVD knocks him out with a kick to the side of the head. Mr Thursday Night then hits a five star frog splash and covers for the win.

Winner: Rob Van Dam at 7:31 via pinfall

(Highlights from the match)

Rob Van Dam celebrates after the match until Eddie Guerrero appears on the big screen and calls Rob a fraud and someone unworthy to call himself an Intercontinental Champion. RVD laughs and says is that's so why doesn't he come to the ring and back his claims up. Eddie laughs and says he'll prove he's the best when he beats Booker T later on tonight. RVD poses with the belts as his music hits and Cole alerts us to a situation backstage.

Next Big Problem

We see that both Rikishi and Scotty are laid out in a pool of blood as the camera pans around to see Brock Lesnar smiling in a sadistic way looking over his presumed victims as medics rush to attend them. Paul Heyman then wonders into shot and begins to speak:

' You see this Jeff Hardy! This is you in just three short days when my client Brock Lesnar destroys you. Mr Hardy it doesn't matter how may flips you do, how many times you fly off the top rope or how many weapons you can jump off my client is going to break you. Brock will crush you, Brock will make you feel pain that is unimaginable. Doing a swanton through 6 flaming tables would not even be close to the pain Brock is going to deliver to you at Backlash. My client has taking out bona fide legends like the Rock in a matter of seconds so how the hell do you think your gonna hold up! Jeff enjoy your match with D'Lo Brown because it's the last match you have a remote chance of winning as after Brock faces you this Sunday you will never compete again! And that my friend is a promise!'

Brock smiles as Heyman signals for them to leave and the two do as we head to break.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

As we come back Cole announces some breaking news that tonight's main event will be an elimination match as per orders of SmackDown owner Vince McMahon. Tazz compliments his boss on the announcement as Eddie Guerrero makes his way to the ring as Cole reminds everyone that the following contest will determine who faces Rob Van Dam at Backlash. Booker T comes out next to an increasingly more positive reaction as Tazz notes that fans have been increasingly more supportive of Booker since the draft. Cole also once again recounts his strange relationship with Goldust. The two men are in the ring and the match is underway.

4. Intercontinental Championship #1 Contenders Match:
Booker T vs Eddie Guerrero

Guerrero offers Booker a handshake to start but Book knows him to well and kicks his hand before unloading on the crafty veteran. Booker hits a few impressive moves before an Irish whip is countered with a head scissors which is transitioned into a small package for one. Eddie hits a hurricanrana which sends Booker straight into the corner where Eddie hits a few chops and tries for a monkey flip but Booker pushes him away. Booker hits a back suplex and tries a Harlem side kick but Eddie ducks and hits an enziguri flowing Booker. Eddie goes to work on the ground locking on various holds and hitting many strikes before covering Booker to only get a two count. Guerrero frustrated charges at Booker who counters and chucks him onto the apron. Booker then goes of a boot but Eddie pushes him away and hits a springboard tornado DDT and covers!

1...........

2...........

NO!

Booker T kicks out much to Eddie's annoyance. Eddie then tries a brain buster but Booker counters and goes for a Harlem side kick but Eddie ducks and slaps on a sleeper hold. Eddie synches in the hold as the crowd urge Booker to get out and after some struggling he does! Booker tries a clothesline but Eddie ducks and tries a monkey flip but Booker counters into a spine buster! He covers....

1...........

2............

NO!

Eddie kicks out as Booker wastes no time mounting Eddie and hits a few more strikes before attempting the axe kick but Eddie back body drops him to the apron. Eddie drop kicks Booker of the apron and poses to the crowd before hitting a suicide dive! Both men are down as we head to commercial.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

As we come basic it appears Booker T has regained control as we see highlights from the break. He hits a few basic moves before bam! Harlem Side Kick and the cover!

One..........

Two...........

Thr-NO!

Eddie kicks out! Booker tries for the Bookend but Eddie counters and hits the brain buster. Eddie now covers:

One...........

Two............

Thr-NO!

Booker kicks out as Eddie gets right up in the referee's face as Booker recovers and goes up top! Eddie turns around and missile drop kick! Cover:

One.............

Two...............

Three?

NO!

Eddie found a way to kick out! Booker again tries for the Bookend but Eddie counters and hits the three amigos. Eddie goes up top but taunts for two long as Booker joins him up on the turnbuckle. They exchange blows until Booker hits a Bookend off the top rope! Both men are completely out but mange drape one of their arms over each other's chest!

One................

Two.................

Three!

Result: Double Pin at 17:21 (including commercial)

Cole and Tazz applaud the match but ponder what it means for the match at Backlash. Rob Van Dam then comes out with Vince McMahon who announces what everyone wants to hear and that's we will be having a triple threat at Backlash! RVD says he's gonna enjoy kicking Eddie's ass at Backlash and Booker's a great competitor but he isn't Rob Van Dam! The champ's music hits as we cut to the announcers as they run through the Backlash card.

As the announcers are running through the card D'Lo Brown has been making his way to the ring to finally have his match with Jeff Hardy. Speaking of which the 'extreme enigma' comes out looking incredibly focused after what Paul Heyman said about him and his match with Brock Lesnar at Backlash. Hardy gets in the ring and here we go!



(Jeff Hardy makes his way to the ring)

5. Jeff Hardy vs D'Lo Brown

Hardy is wasting no time with D'Lo as he whips him into the corner and hits poetry in motion straight away. Hardy hits a bulldog followed by a leg drop and covers for two. Hardy then hits a drop kick and goes up top but Brown catches his cross body attempt and turns it into a back breaker. D'Lo goes on offence for a short while before hitting a running power bomb but only manages a two count. D'Lo tries a sky high but Hardy counters it into a sit out front suplex and followed it up with a whisper in the wind that gets a two count. Hardy tries a twist of fate but D'Lo counters it into a DDT for a two count of his own. Brown once again tries sky high but Hardy counters and hits the twist of fate to a hug pop. Hardy goes up top and nails an awesome swanton bomb and pins D'Lo for the win.

Winner: Jeff Hardy via pin fall at 5:03

Hardy then goes to celebrate with the fans as the announces hype the big six man elimination main event that's coming up later on as well as Chuck vs Faarooq which is next!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Back from the break Faarooq is making his way to the ring as the announces hype the fact that the WWF Tag Team Championship Match at Backlash is Raw vs SmackDown. Tazz hopes that the APA can bring the tag titles over to SmacDown. With that Chuck comes out with Billy and Rico as Faarooq had Bradshaw at ringside. The two competitors circle each other as the bell rings.

6. Faarooq (with Bradshaw) vs Chuck (with Billy and Rico)

Faarooq starts with some stiff shots which send Chuck to the outside almost straight away to console Rico. The APA member is then clocked from behind by Billy as the referee tries to stop Bradshaw from battering Rico and Chuck on the outside. This gives Chuck the advantage he needs as the champ slides back into the ring and just unloads on the veteran with shots and moves desperate to put him away early. Chuck tries for a super kick but Faarooq ducks it and hits a brutal looking shoulder block. Faarooq then hits Chuck with some big moves before he tries a dominator. Chuck (obviously) counters and then gives a super kick out of nowhere and covers for the win!

Winner: Chuck via pin fall at 4:11

Chuck celebrates with Billy and Rico in the ring until Bradshaw armed with a steel chair scares them out of the ring. The two teams face off with each other as a brief promo hyping the Raw matches on Backlash air as well as what's happening on the Backlash pre show.

Talk the Talk

Chris Jericho's music hits and he comes out with the UnAmericans, Lance Storm and Christian in tow. Jericho welcomes us to SmackDown is Jericho and calls tonight a preview of what's gonna happen at Backlash as he swears that not a single member of his team will be pinned while all the other team will be eliminated. Christian calls Hunter, Hogan and Big Show everything that is wrong with the WWE and the USA and tonight marks the first stage in their demise with the last stage being preformed at Backlash. Storm says that their opponents tonight are all like the fans in the arena tonight; American pieces of trash.

These comments bring out Hogan and Big Show who call the fact that these three are even allowed on SmackDown and that not even Raw would accept them. Jericho laughs and calls Hogan a jealous old fool as he's still mad that he got beat by Y2J two weeks ago. Show interrupts and says that Jericho may talk a good game if WrestleMania is anything to go by he can't back it up in the ring. Chris snaps at this and starts ranting about how Stephanie McMahon is the only reason he's not WWF Champion but that wrong will be righted when he kicks Triple H's ass at Backlash in the no holds barred match and reclaims the WWF Title. This brings out Triple H!

The champ is on the ramp with Hogan and Big Show and the three look ready to go. Hunter grabs a mic and angrily calls Jericho pathetic and says that he will avenge the attack with a sledge hammer last week tonight and if Jericho makes it at Backlash. Jericho retorts and says Hunter doesn't stand a chance at Backlash and even less of a chance tonight as Jericho's partners are elite Canadian athletes while he's got an old guy and a fat guy backing him up. Hogan is angry with these comments and says that right now he, Big Show and Triple H are gonna run wild on Jericho and the UnAmericans right now! Cole says that the elimination match starts right after this break!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

7. Main Event Elimination Match:
Triple H, Big Show and Hulk Hogan vs Chris Jericho and The UnAmericans

Hunter and Christian start things off in the ring and they lock up and briefly exchange holds before Triple H gets the advantage using his patented strikes which sends him to the corner. Hunter tags in Big Show and the giant presses Christian over his head and drops him onto the knee of Triple H. Show then goes to work with some of his best power moves tossing Christian everywhere so much so he tags in Jericho and scrambles out if the ring. Jericho squares up to the giant and starts to knife edge chop him but this has little effect on the big man. Show tries a choke slam but it's too early in the match as Jericho counters and floors Big Show with a bull dog. Chris tags in Storm and they hit a double DDT on Show and Lance covers but only gets a two count. Storm goes for an elbow off the top rope but Show roles out of the way and tags in Hogan! The Hulkster unloads and hits Storm with a few shots and a big boot. Jericho strikes him from behind as he bounces off the ropes and Storm rolls him up....

One............

Two............

NO!

Hogan kicks out of the surprise roll up with authority! Hogan then knocks down Lance and tags in Hunter who's still looking to beat Storm after two unsuccessful attempts. Triple H works over Storm briefly and hits a face buster for two. Triple H tags in Big Show and the tide turns as Storm takes control before he and Jericho try a double clothesline but Show catches them and tries for a double choke slam but Christian comes from behind with a chair shot!

Elimination #1: Christian via DQ

Show goes tumbling to the canvas and Storm starts picking a fight with Hunter and Hogan as Christian admires his handiwork. It seems like the Canadians were all in on the plan as Jericho hits a lionsault on the knocked out Big Show and covers...

One...........


Two............

Three!

Elimination #2: Big Show via pinfall by Chris Jericho

Hunter enraged by what just happens charges into the ring and Chris bails straight away tagging in Lance. The two brawl and knock each other to the outside as we head to commercial.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

As we come back Lance Storm has Triple H in a chin lock but 'The Game' is looking to get out of it. Triple H powers out and hits a huge double A spine buster and covers!

One................

Two................

Th-NO!

Storm manages to kick out! Hunter is looking for the pidgin but sees Hogan in the corner who is desperate to tag in so Triple H does. Higan runs wild on Storm and hits loads of his signature moves including a ten punch spot in the corner. Hulk hits a big boot and goes for the leg drop but Storm rolls out of the way and quickly locks on the Maple Leaf! Jericho has Triple H on the outside as the holds applied.

Hogan reaches for the ropes.............

Getting closer............

Almost there..............

NO! Storm pulls him back into the middle of the ring! Hogan then powers out of the hold but has got no one to tag in. Lance then knocks Hulk to the outside and they brawl there for a short while.

1...........

2...........

3............

The referee begins to count as Lance whips Hogan knee first into the steps and repeatedly smashes his knee against the steps.

4............

5............

6............

Lance is conscious of the count and so destroys Hogan's knee one last time before getting back in the ring.

7............

8.............

Hogan tries but it's no use. His knee has been decimated and he can't even crawl back to the ring.

9..............

10!

Elimination #3: Hulk Hogan via count out

Storm poses and admires his handiwork in the ring while laughing at Hogan. This would actually cost him as Triple H turns him round and hits a double A spine buster! Jericho then charges in but Hunter ducks and Jericho is sent flying over the ropes. Lance tries a super kick but Triple H counters and plants Lance with the pedigree!

One..............

Two...............

Three!

Elimination #4: Lance Storm via pin fall by Triple H

Christian then comes down to ringside and he gets into a shouting match with the referee as Triple H looks for Jericho. Y2J then sneaks up behind him and batters him with a sledge hammer shot! He signals to Christian who sends the referee over as Jericho covers:

One.............

Two..............

Three!

Elimination #5: Triple H via pin fall by Chris Jericho

Winners: Chris Jericho and the UnAmericans at 22:16 (including commercial)

(Highlights from the match)

After the match Jericho grabs the belt and stands over Triple H once again with the sledge hammer in one hand and the belt in the other. Tazz brings up that sledge hammers will be legal on Sunday as Cole hypes Backlash as we fade to black.



BACKLASH
April 21st, 2002
Kansas City, Missouri
Kemper Memorial Arena

*Full Card*

World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Six Man Tag
N.W.O vs The Dudley Boys

Grudge Match
Kurt Angle vs Mr Perfect

US vs Hardcore Championship
Edge (c) vs Raven (c)

Inter-brand WWF Tag Team Championship
Billy and Chuck (c) vs The A.P.A

WWF Championship, No Holds Barred
Triple H (c) vs Chris Jericho

Tag Team Grudge Match
The UnAmericans vs Hulk Hogan and The Big Show

Intercontinental Championship
Rob Van Dam (c) vs Eddie Guerrero vs Booker T

The Beast vs The Enigma
Brock Lesnar vs Jeff Hardy

Sunday Night Heat: Backlash Kickoff

Match 1 in a best of 5 series for the Cruiserweight Title
Tajiri (c) vs Billy Kidman

Grudge Match
The Hurricane vs William Regal

[NotoriousMEAT]

NotoriousMEAT & cmuk316 present...


BACKLASH PRE-SHOW

===cmuk316===


Heat hits the MTV airwaves 30 minutes before Backlash. Fans are filling the arena as we go backstage to the parking lot where a car pulls up. Shouting can be heard from inside the car until the back door flies open and out steps Chris Jericho! He pulls his bag out of the car and continues to insult the driver before slamming the door. Before he can go anywhere he's approached by interviewer Josh Matthews.

Josh: "Excuse Chris if I could just have a moment."

Jericho: "What do you want junior?"

Josh: "Tonight you're in the SmackDown main event where you try to recapture the WWF Championship you lost at WrestleMania 18, only this time it's a No Holds Barred Match. What are your thoughts?"

Jericho: "What are my thoughts? What kind of stupid question is that? My thoughts are the same as they always are. I'm going down to the ring tonight as the highlight of the night, and after I beat that ass clown Triple H.. I'll leave that ring once again the WWF Champion! So tell me Joshy, what are YOUR thoughts?"

Josh: "Uh.. good luck tonight."

Jericho: "That's what I thought."

Chris brushes past Josh and continues inside as we go out to the arena where Michael Cole and Tazz are standing by.

Cole: "Welcome everyone to Sunday Night Heat. We are less than a half hour away from Backlash but we have some action coming up to get you warmed up."

Tazz: "Not just any action Cole, Cruiserweight action!"

Cole: "That's right partner. The Best of 5 matches between Billy Kidman and the champ Tajiri begins now!"

Cruiserweight Championship, Best of 5 Series (Match 1):
Tajiri (c) (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs Billy Kidman

End of the match:
Tajri appears to be preparing the green mist! He then goes to spit the dangerous substance but Billy ducks and Torrie who's standing on the apron gets taken out by the mist. Tajiri is then nailed by a drop kick by Kidman. Billy then tries to get up but Tajiri attempts a Buzz saw kick however Billy counters and hits a super kick! Kidman goes up top and hits the shooting star press and covers:

..........One.........

..........Two.........

..........Three?.......

...............

...............

YES!

Winner via pin fall at 8:00 and 1-0 in the series Billy Kidman

Cole: "Billy Kidman takes the crucial first match advantage in this best of 5 series but someone needs to check on Torrie Wilson."

Tazz: "Yeah I've been misted before and that stuff burns so bad you wanna claw your own eyes out."

Referee's show up and pour water all over Torrie's face then help her out of the arena. Tajiri finally recovers after the shooting star press and looks pissed. He looks everywhere for Torrie then storms up the ramp.


===NotoriousMEAT===


We go backstage where Jonathan Coachman is standing by.

Coachman: "Please welcome my guest at this time, Kurt Angle."

Angle steps into view wearing a sleeveless hoodie.

Coachman: "Kurt this week after your match was announced, WWF.com did an extensive piece on Mr. Perfect's career and his comeback this year. At one point he was quoted as saying, "For me to beat an athlete the caliber of Kurt Angle would really complete this comeback. It would prove not only to the world but to myself that I still am the best inside that ring. I have a lot of respect for Kurt Angle, but Sunday I need that win more than him, and I'll do anything to get it." What is your response to that?"

Kurt scoffs.

Angle: "I guess my first reaction is why would WWF.com waste their time interviewing Mr. Perfect instead of an Olympic Hero? They do realize it's 2002, not 1992 right? I can't really react to what you quoted from Mr. Perfect because all I heard was, "blah blah blah, I'm gonna lose to Kurt Angle, blah blah blah, I wish I was as good as him, blah blah blah, he's the best.", and that's all that matters. Mr. Perfect can say what he wants on the internet, but on Pay-Per-View, Kurt Angle is not only gonna prove that he's the best.. but that he's better than perfect."

Kurt walks away and we go back out to ringside.

JR: "Well ladies and gentlemen, just like all of you I cannot wait to see Kurt Angle and Mr. Perfect square off tonight. But the only way you can see it is on pay-per-view so you better hurry and order!"

Inside the ring is William Regal. He's already made his entrance and is dressed to compete, but he has a microphone in one hand, and the other hand behind his back.

Regal: "The first month of the Ric Flair RAW regime has been a disaster. A sad display of a man overwhelmed by power he is not equipped to handle. It all started when he unjustly stripped me of my European Championship and frankly it's all been down hill from there. Violence, chaos and more than one superstar taken away in an ambulance. This madness has to stop! What I have here.."

Regal raises the hand behind his back and reveals a clipboard with papers.

Regal: ".. is an official petition to remove Ric Flair from power not only on RAW but as WWF Co-Owner! Now I have already signed, and the second signature was from none other than the true owner of the World Wrestling Federation, Mr. McMahon. I am gonna have this sheet covered in signature's and by the time it's all said and done, Ric Flair will be just like the European Championship he stole from me. Nonexistent."

William hands off the the microphone and sits his petition under the bottom rope. "Stand back! There's a Hurricane coming through!" Here comes the Hurricane! Regal's opponent tonight and coincidentally one of the superstars who has taken an ambulance ride this month.

Match 2
William Regal vs The Hurricane

End of the match:
Hurricane has Regal in position for a suplex and sticks out a big thumbs up. This moment to pose costs him as Regal rips his head away and shoves Hurricane. Hurricane falls into the referee. He's knocked over, but not knocked out. Regal reaches into his trunks. Everyone knows he's getting the brass knuckles. Hurricane quickly cuts him off and grabs him by the throat! Could it be? A Hurri-Chokeslam!? Nope. Regal throws his right fist up and catches Hurricane square in the head with the brass knuckles. Regal quickly disposes of the weapon and drops down into the pin, shouting for the ref to make the count. The official realizes what is happening and jumps into position.

1!
2!
3!

Click for Spoiler:

Winner: William Regal (4:43)

Regal stands proud in victory before retrieving his petition and exiting the ring. Next we're shown two clips on a divided screen. In the corner it says "Earlier tonight" and shows both Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker arriving to the arena. Austin pulls up in a pick truck and leaves it parked outside the arena. The Undertaker drives down into the arena parking on his motorcycle and drives right past the camera.

JR: "Ya know I've seen Stone Cold and The Undertaker battle many times over the years, but I can't remember a time it was as intense and unpredictable as tonight's match."

King: "Plus what they're fighting for JR. Which one is going to be the FIRST World Heavyweight Champion?"

JR: "That is THE question that will be answered in tonight's main event."

Again we go backstage. We're outside Ric Flair's office when a hand reaches into view and knocks on the door. Flair answers promptly by opening the door with a huge smile on his face. The camera pulls back and shows two men dressed in black, almost like security. One of them hands over a briefcase then the two men walk away. Flair stands in the doorway and opens the briefcase as the camera turns to get an over the shoulder looks. Inside the case, is the World Heavyweight Championship. The camera holds on the title for a moment before we slowly fade back out to the arena which is now packed to the rafters.

JR: "You saw it ladies and gentlemen, the World Heavyweight Championship. That and so much more is on the line tonight at Backlash. We are just moments away from the first Pay-Per-View of the Brand Extension!"

Sunday Night Heat slowly goes off the air with random highlights of action from both RAW and SmackDown over the last month.

BACKLASH
April 21st, 2002
Kansas City, Missouri
Kemper Memorial Arena

*Full Card*

World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

Six-Man Tag Team Match
nWo vs Dudleyz

Kurt Angle vs Mr. Perfect

Unification Match
Edge (U.S. Champion) vs Raven (Hardcore Champion)

WWF Championship
No Holds Barred
Triple H (C) vs Chris Jericho

Tag Team Match
The UnAmericans vs Hulk Hogan & Big Show

Intercontinental Championship
Rob Van Dam (C) vs Booker T vs Eddie Guerrero

Brock Lesnar vs Jeff Hardy

WWF Tag Team Championships
Billy & Chuck (C) vs APA

[NotoriousMEAT]

NotoriousMEAT & cmuk316 present...



BACKLASH
April 21st, 2002
Kansas City, Missouri
Kemper Memorial Arena

===cmuk316===

*** Video Package ***

The PPV starts with a recap of the brand split and how tonight men from both shows will be trying to outshine each other to claim that their brand is superior. Brief recaps of The Undertaker vs Steve Austin feud and the Chris Jericho vs Triple H feud is shown before the narrator boldly proclaims that tonight many will feel the Backlash for their actions!

*** Pyro ***

The pyro explodes as the arena is filled with deafening sound of nearly 12 and a half thousand rabid fans that have filled the Kemper Memorial Arena to see WWF action.

Cole: In front of a crowd of nearly 12 and a half thousand fans we welcome you to Backlash! Hello I'm Michael Cole and I'm joined by Tazz and we will be commentating on the SmackDown matches of tonight's show. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler will be commentating on the Raw matches but they'll introduce themselves in due time. More importantly how pumped are you Tazz?

Tazz: Cole I am so excited for Backlash and especially for the SmackDown matches! Triple H vs Chris Jericho in a no holds barred match for the WWF title it's gonna be incredible!

Cole: Well the WWF title will be up for grabs in that match but right now the Intercontinental Championship is on the line in a triple threat match as Rob Van Dam defends against Booker T and Eddie Guerrero. We heard from all three men on the kick off show but who do you pick in this match Tazz?

Tazz: Honestly Michael I think the champion Rob Van Dam will pull it out of the bag and retain his title.

Cole: A bold prediction Tazz and you won't have to wait long to find out if you are right because that match is right now!

Chimel: The following contest set for one fall is a triple threat match for the Intercontinental Championship!



Booker T is out first and he comes out to a good pop from the crowd.

Tazz: Booker's been on a bit of a roll lately but he would be champion all ready if that goof Goldust wasn't riding his coat tails!

Cole: Goldust is just looking for his approval that's all.

Tazz: Well he's looking in the wrong place.

Booker poses in the ring as Eddie Guerrero's music hits. Eddie comes out cocky as ever to decent heat and patronises Booker in the ring by mocking him on the stage.

Cole: Eddie is certainly the wildcard on the match, this guys so unpredictable.

Tazz: It's that X factor which means he could steal the show and the title here tonight.

Eddie gets in the rings and antagonises Booker on the turnbuckle as the referees have to hold him back from lashing out. RVD's music then hits and he comes out to the biggest reaction of the three as the people chant his name in time with the ring announcer.

Tazz: There's the champ and the favourite right there!

Cole: This is RVD's first defence of the title since being drafted to SmackDown so he's got a lot to prove here tonight.

The three men circle each other as the referee holds the belt up and then rings the bell as we are underway!



Intercontinental Championship
Rob Van Dam (c) vs Eddie Guerrero vs Booker T

Rob Van Dam wastes no time in getting things going as he charges at Guerrero and hits a drop kick. RVD then starts stamping on Eddie as the fans applaud his aggression but Booker cuts him off quickly with a spinning wheel kick that floors Van Dam. Booker then begins to unload on the champion hitting some heavy shots before Irish whipping him off the ropes but before he can hit a move Eddie sneaks up on him behind and hits a German suplex but before he can even contemplate covering Booker, Rob breaks up the pin with a spinning leg drop. RVD then begins to kick away at Guerrero with strike after strike and sends Eddie into the corner. He tries monkey flipping Eddie from the corner but Booker dropkicks RVD and he lands square on top of Guerrero. Booker then tries a side walk slam on RVD but Guerrero cuts him off and floors both men with a head scissors take down. Eddie then throws Rob over the top rope as he poses arrogantly to the fans. As he turns around Booker is back up and hits a spine buster and covers:

......One......

.......Two......

NO!

Eddie easily powers out of the first serious cover of the match as Booker now goes straight to work on Guerrero and begins to strike him with some heavy hitting rights and lefts in the corner. With Eddie clearly stunned Booker goes to charge at him but Rob is back in the ring and monkey flips Booker. Van Dam then runs at Eddie and monkey flips him as well as with both men down RVD does his signature taunt as the crowd chant along with him. Rob then goes to give Eddie a spin kick but he ducks and pushes the ECW alumnus straight into Booker and taunts both men while smirking at the fans. Eddie's smug look soon turns that of concerns as Booker and RVD give him a double super kick which sends him tumbling to the outside. Booker then tries a super kick to Van Dam but he ducks and spring boards off the ropes and hits a spring board spin kick of his own to a great ovation from the fans and covers:

.........One........

.........Two........

NO!

Now it's Booker's turn to show some resiliency and he proves that he's a contender in this match as he powers out. Van Dam goes for another kick but Booker catches him with a flying fore arm as the announcers note that Eddie has recovered but is waiting craftily on the outside while Van Dam and Booker continue to go back and forth. Booker is still in control and Irish whips RVD and on the rebound hits a flapjack but only gets a two off the cover. Booker tries to go up top but RVD throws him off and Booker lands awkwardly on his back. Rob then hits a face buster and follows it up with a German suplex. Rob goes to the apron but Eddie pulls him off and Rob's face bounces off the apron and then again on the floor on his way down. Eddie then hits a slingshot senton to Booker in the ring and covers:

........One.......

........Two.......

.............T-NO!............

Rob Van Dam hits a slingshot guillotine leg drop back into the ring and breaks up the pin. Eddie then recovers quickly and hit an exploder suplex but Booker catches him and turns it into a sidewalk slam but before he can cover Eddie hits a tilt a whirl back breaker on Booker that makes him audibly curse as the referee goes to check on him. Booker rolls out of the ring in pain as Eddie begins to execute some of his trademark offence on Rob. First a number of European upper cuts rock Van Dam and then a belly to back suplex completely floors him. Eddie then locks in the STF!

.....Booker tries to crawl to the ropes.......

.......Slowly getting closer........

.........Almost there.........

.........But Eddie drags him back into the centre of the ring and synchs it in even tighter.........

.......Booker's about to tap........

NO!

Rob Van Dam comes in and breaks up the submission with a rolling thunder and covers:

........One.........

.........Two.........

.........Th-NO!........

Booker recovers and breaks up the pin and hits a double clotheslines which Eddie ducks but RVD takes the brunt of. Both men go up top and hit a double drop kick that almost goes seriously wrong as Van Dam is sent to the outside.
Booker then hits a Harlem side kick and catches Eddie as he falls and hits a DDT! Eddie's down and after a brutal looking knee drop he may be out of it completely as he rolls to the outside. However RVD then springboards back in with a cross body and covers:

........One.......

.........Two.......

.........Thr-NO!........

Booker barley kicks out as Van Dam then immediately chucks him to them outside on top of Eddie which leaves both men floored on the outside. RVD then goes to the outside and drapes both men over the barricade and goes up top and poses before hitting a ridiculous double guillotine leg drop that wipes out all three men. Eventually Guerrero recovers first and whips Rob straight into the steps before tossing Booker into the ring and then grabbing a chair. In the ring Booker knocks the chair right out of Guerrero's hands and goes for the axe kick but Eddie counters it and lifts Booker up for a spine wrenching power bomb. Eddie then nails Booker square on the head with the steel chair and covers:

..........One........

...........Two.........

............Thre-NO!..........

Rob Van Dam comes back in with a split legged moonsault that takes out both men and he covers Eddie:

.........One..........

..........Two...........

NO!

Rob then gives covering Booker a go:

..........One..........

..........Two..........

NO!

Booker kicks out as RVD slumps to the mat in exhaustion. Eddie then recove and gets the steel chair before clocking both Booker and Rob Van Dam with the chair and then clocks Booker again which sends him to the outside. Eddie then again hits 'Mr Thursday Night' with the chair before briefly posing and hitting the three amigos without any problem and then teases a fourth but instead hits a brain buster onto the chair. He covers:

...........One...........

...........Two...........

...........Three?..........

................

NO!

Booker dives back in the ring and saves the Intercontinental Title! Booker then lines up both men and does a spinaroonie before hitting a double axe kick and covers Eddie:

..........One..........

..........Two..........

...........Three?..........

...............

NO!

Guerrero kicks out to the surprise of the crowd as Rob is still out from that brutal brain buster onto the chair (which smashed on impact). Booker then tries for the Book-end but Guerrero counters and goes behind and tries a roll up but Booker isn't having any of it and slams Eddie down with great force. Booker then goes up top and hits a beautiful Harlem Hangover and covers:

..........One.........

..........Two.........

...........Three?...........

..............

..............

NO!

How the hell is RVD back up as he breaks up the pin to save his title yet again! Rob then hits Booker with a chair he's now got and follows with a Van Daminator. Rob goes up top but so does Eddie on the other turnbuckle. Rob signals for them to jump and Eddie does but RVD stays put. That turned out to be a wise decision as Booker then catches Eddie with a Book-End. Before he gets a chance to recover Rob nails him with a huge spin kick. He sets both men in the corner and puts a chair in their face and hits a Shane O Mad style dropkick to both men. Rob then covers Booker:

..........One.........

...........Two.........

............Three?............

...............

...............

...............

NO!

Cole explodes with emotion on commentary as somehow someway Booker manages to kick out. Before RVD can continue the onslaught Guerrero comes in and tosses Rob out of the ring and nails Booker with the brain buster! Eddie then god up top and hits the frog splash and covers:

...........One.........

...........Two.........

...........Three?..........

...............

...............

................

NO!

GOLDUST is in and breaks up the pin and throws Eddie to the outside! Booker gets to his feet and sees what Goldust did and stares him down. Before he can respond further Eddie tries to hit Goldust with a chair but he ducks and HITS BOOKER! RVD is up top and hits a missile drop kick to Goldust before he can realise his mistake and then tries for the frog splash on Booker but Eddie hits him with the chair and this sends him to the outside and he lands head first on the barricade. Booker begins to rise but Eddie whallops him with another chair shot and goes up top. He hits the frog splash and crawls over for the cover:

...........One.........

...........Two.........

...........Three?...........

...............

...............

...............

...............

YES!

Winner at 14:48 via pinfall and new Intercontinental Champion Eddie Guerrero!

Eddie snatches the belt away from the referee as RVD is still none the wiser and laid out on the outside.

Cole: What a match and a new champion!

Tazz: Well one way or another Eddie Guerreo is your new Intercontinental Champion!

Back in the ring Booker T and Goldust are both back in the ring and Goldust tries to apologise to Booker but he shoves him to the mat and storms off.

Cole: You gotta feel for Booker here, Goldust kinda cost him this match.

Tazz: Yep the way he lost this match must really suck for Booker T.

As Goldust follows Booker T up the ring Rob Van Dam gets up and speaks with the referee who informs him of the loss. RVD kicks the barricade and starts waking out.

Tazz: Well speaking of tough losses, Rob Van Dam lost this match and his title without even being pinned!

Cole: I'm sure RVD has a lot more in store for Eddie Guerrero but right now lets hand over to the Raw announce team of Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler


===NotoriousMEAT===


JR: "Good evening everybody I'm Jim Ross alongside my broadcast partner as always, Jerry "The King" Lawler."

King: "I hope too many people didn't turn off their TV's when they saw SmackDown opening up the pay-per- view!"

We go backstage. We see Ric Flair in his office on the phone.

JR: "It was definitely a very interesting kick off for the SmackDown brand.. hold on here."

Flair hangs up his phone as the camera widens out. We see Maven standing near Ric. The former Hardcore Champion looks distraught.

Flair: "Well that was Vince. It's done."

Maven: "I still don't understand."

Flair: "It's nothing personal Maven. You're a great young talent with a bright future, but that future is on SmackDown. I actually like you, but after everything that happened last week.. hell everything thats happened over the last month. RAW isn't the place for you. The trade was made official when I hung up that phone. I hope you understand."

Flair extends his hand and Maven takes it.

Maven: "Of course. Thank you Mr. Flair. I appreciate the opportunity you gave me and I'm excited for a new beginning on SmackDown."

Flair: "I'm excited for you. It should be.."

Maven steps back from Flair and brings his fists up like he's ready to fight.

Flair: "Maven?.. what?"

Ric turns around and there we see Raven. He's standing right behind Flair with the Hardcore Championship he took from Maven on RAW over his shoulder.

Flair: "This isn't the place for a rematch Raven."

Raven: "Heh, your boy doesn't want a rematch. That's why you're sending him to SmackDown where he'll be safe."

Raven looks towards Maven.

Raven: "You were right to thank him."

Flair: "What the hell do you want? Your match is next. Ya know, the match you wanted so damn bad?"

Raven: "Oh I know, but I have a little problem with this match."

Flair: "You do, do you?"

Raven: "This is a unification match for the United States Championship.. as well as the Hardcore Championship. This match should be.. Hardcore. I want no disqualifications. No countouts. No rules."

The fans actually pop for the hardcore proposal. Flair seems agitated. Does Raven have a point?

Flair: "...I guess that's.. fair. Fine. You got your hardcore match. Now get outta here."

Raven smirks and leaves.

JR: "Well folks that's quite the development. Our big unification match is now officially a hardcore match!"

King: "Good! Now that pretty boy Edge is gonna get the extreme butt whipping he deserves!"

JR: "It's up next everybody.."

JR: "Edge has been riding a wave of momentum. In fact, he hasn't lost since the brand extension! In the main event of RAW two weeks ago he defeated Kurt Angle and his opponent tonight Raven to recapture the United States Championship that was vacated last November. Raven wasn't the superstar pinned in that match and wanted another shot. He jumped Maven last week taking advantage of the Hardcore Championship's 24/7 rule to become the new Hardcore Champion. This of course came moments after Ric Flair announced this unification match for Backlash. That brings us to tonight. Two men are walking in as champion but only one will be leaving the same way."

The sounds of birds crowing follow as soon as JR stops talking. Raven's music kicks in and shortly after the Hardcore Champion comes through the curtain pushing a shopping cart full of weapons. A trashcan full of kendo sticks, brooms and what looks like a crutch. There's street signs, a traffic cone and actually a tire under neath the cart. The cart is stuff with other miscellaneous weapons and on top of them all lays the Hardcore Championship. Raven pushes the cart down to ring side before he grabs the title and throws it into the ring. Then he grabs the trash can and tosses it over the top rope spilling it's contents in the ring. He grabs the tire and slides it into the ring before leaving the rest of the cart and rolling into the ring. He picks up the Hardcore Championship and goes to the far corner. Raven drops to a seated position with the title over his legs. Now he waits.

"You think you know me.." the fans let out a roar of cheers as Edge comes running into view through smoke shooting out of the stage. The young champion is hyped and ready to defend his championship. As he starts down the ramp he removes his sunglasses and intently looks towards the ring. He sees Raven, and the weapons. Raven motions for Edge to come on down. Edge removes his coat as he continues down the ramp and even unfastens the United States Championship from around his waist. He slides into the ring and stops in the middle. From the mat Edge stares at Raven who is still seated in the corner staring back. Edge gets to his feet and steps back towards the opposite corner.

Lilian: "The following contest is a hardcore match scheduled for one fall, and is a unification match for the United States and Hardcore Championships! Introducing first, the Hardcore Champion. From the Bowery, Raven!"

Raven puts the Hardcore Championship in his mouth, then reaches up and grabs the top rope. He pulls himself up to his feet then takes the Hardcore Championship and hands it over to the referee.

Lilian: "And his opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The United States Champion.. Edge!"

The fans pop again for Edge as he holds up his U.S. Title. He too hands the championship over to the ref who stands in the middle of the ring and holds up both titles, showing everyone what's on the line. The referee hands the titles off to Lillian as she exits the ring then calls for the bell.

Match 2
Unification Match
Raven (C) vs Edge (C)


Edge makes the first move as he comes in for a tie up, but Raven has other plans. He grabs a nearby kendo stick which stops Edge in his tracks. Raven approaches Edge who initially takes a step back, but then lunges forward and catches Raven off guard with a right hand to the jaw. Raven takes the shot, but sends back with the kendo stick into Edge's ribs. Edge leans over to that side, gripping his ribs before another shot comes in, this one connecting whit his arms. Edge turns and walks towards the ropes. Raven follows and goes to swing again, but Edge quickly kicks up into Raven's stomach. Edge kicks again and again and after third kick Raven drops the kendo stick. Edge tackles Raven and they fall in the middle of the ring. The fans are solidly behind Edge who throws down a few more right hands. He then gets back up, and Raven follows him. Edge charges and takes Raven down with a clothesline. He gets up again, and again gets dropped. Raven stands for a third time and Edge catches him with a drop kick. Edge goes for the quick cover.

One!
Tw..
not quite..

Raven gets the shoulder up and tries to push Edge away. Edge gets to his feet and brings Raven up with him. Raven starts throwing punches up at Edge's head which stalls Edge for a moment but once Raven stands Edge returns the punches. He whips Raven into the ropes and when Raven comes back Edge leaps and attempts a spinning heel kick, but Raven ducks it and Edge hits the ground. Edge is quick to push up to his feet but when he does he's blindsided by a forearm from Raven that knocks Edge down to a knee. Raven steps back then explodes forward with a huge kick to the side of Edge's head that drops the U.S. champion down to his side. Raven starts to stomp away at Edge's mid-section before dropping down for a pin of his own.

1!
2!
..

But Edge kicks out well before the three. Raven gets to his feet and hits the ropes. Edge starts pushing up and is on all fours when Raven returns and punt kicks Edge right in the gut. Edge falls to his side and when he rolls over he falls under the bottom rope and down to the floor. Raven smiles and picks up the trash can he threw in the ring. He hoists it above his head then steps towards the ropes. He throws the trash can out of the ring down onto Edge. The trashcan slightly wraps around Edge and there's a small dent. Raven extends his arms and poses for the crowd who boo the hell out of him. He soaks it up then exits the ring. Raven grabs Edge by the hair and pulls him up. He drags Edge over to the nearby ring steps and attempts to throw his head into the steps, but Edge pushes down on the steps and blocks. Edge starts throwing elbows into Raven's gut then quickly turns and throw's Raven down into the steps face first. Raven bounces off the steps and stumbles over to the barricade with his hands over his face. Edge is slow to follow at first, but catches up and flips Raven over the barricade into the crowd! The rowdy fans near the fight are kept away by arena security for their own good as Edge climbs up and stands on top of the barricade. Raven gets to his feet unaware of Edge's whereabouts until Edge leaps off the barricade and takes Raven down with a diving clothesline. The fans love it and Edge gets to his feet screaming "Come on!" as the fans continue to motivate him. Edge walks away then turns and drops his stance. He patiently waits for Raven to get back up and when he does Edge sprints towards him. Edge lunges out for a Spear!.. but Raven yanks the closest arena security guy into the line of fire and the poor guy is floored. Edge gets up and looks kind of upset that he speared an innocent bystander. Raven takes advantage and again kicks Edge in the head which drops Edge back. Raven lifts Edge up a bit then drags him back to the barricade by his head. Raven steps over the barricade back inside the ringside area and slowly drags Edge's body over the barricade. Raven stops with Edge's feet still on the barricade. He's holding Edge up under his arm by his head. Raven again poses as he extends his free arm. Is he gonna get the Ravenflow DDT on the floor!? Nope! Edge drops down to his feet inside the barricade but stays low. He grips Raven and flips him over. A big back body drop sends Raven's legs into the barricade as he hits the floor with a thud! Edge falls into the ring steps back catches himself. He takes a few seconds to catch his breath before he goes back on the offensive. He turns towards Raven who is trying to crawl away. Edge chases him down to the next corner of the ring where he stops Raven by stomping down on his ankle. Edge helps Raven back up then grabs him by the head. Edge turns and slaps Raven into the ring post. Raven stumbles away and the only thing that stops him from falling back on the ground is the shopping cart outside the ring. The fans are still behind Edge as he closes the gap between him and Raven. Edge reaches in but Raven slaps him! Edge takes a few steps back with a hand on his face. He looks pissed and charges towards Raven again. Raven waits until the last second then side steps. He hooks Edge by the arm and hip tosses him on top of the shopping cart! All together the fans "Ooooooooh!" as Edge and the shopping cart both fall to the ground. Edge appears to be in agonizing pain but it's the opening Raven needed. He moves in and slowly pulls Edge up by his hair. He forces Edge back into the ring and slowly moves into a pin.

One!
Two!
NO!

Edge gets the shoulder up. Raven doesn't accept that and goes for the pin again, this time hooking a leg.

1!
2!
..
Edge kicks out again!

Raven is furious and grabs Edge by the hair with one hand, and starts punching him with the other. For the next couple of minutes Raven works Edge over. Things aren't looking good for the young champion. Raven gets Edge up to his feet and whips him into the ropes. Maybe it's just instinct, but Edge goes along and comes back off the ropes only to be SMACKED with a cookie sheet that Raven picked up off the mat. Raven holds up the the now dented weapon then tosses it from the ring. He grabs Edge by the hair and pulls him up to his feet. Raven fits his head underneath his arm to again attempt the Ravenflow DDT. Just when it looks like Raven's gonna fall back Edge spins out of the hold and yanks Raven into a front face lock of his own. He's going for the Edgecution! But Raven reaches up and digs his fingers into Edge's eyes which forces him to release. Raven quickly yanks Edge back into his grip and finally plants him with the Ravenflow DDT! Edge spikes into the mat and is motionless. Raven drops to his knees and rolls Edge over to his back and drops into the pin.

One!
..
Two!
..
Thr.. KICK OUT!

Edge is all heart! He gets his shoulder up at the very last split second and Raven falls back to the mat. He's actually pulling his own hair and frantically rolls out of the ring. Raven shouts at Lilian and she jumps out of the way. Raven takes her chair and returns to the ring. He opens the chair and sits down in the middle of the ring. One of Raven's signature's is sending his opponent's into an open chair face first with a drop toe hold. It looks like he's hoping to finish Edge off with that blow as he gets Edge up and goes to whip him into he ropes.. but Edge reverses! Raven comes off the ropes and before he knows it, Edge sends him down with a drop toe hold Raven's face smacks into the steel! Raven flails over to his side the scurries up to his feet while is hands over his face. Edge quickly kicks him in the gut then pulls him in. He lifts him up the BAM! Edgecution! Edge connects with the devastating DDT this time and immediately hooks up both of Raven's legs for the pin.

One!
..
Two!
..
Three!

Click for Spoiler:

Winner: Edge (14:48)

"Never Gonna Stop" by Rob Zombie blares through the arena as the fans celebrate the victory with Edge. The referee hands him both the United States and Hardcore Championships and Edge holds them both up high as the ref raises his arm. We're shown a replay with highlights from the match concluding with Edge hitting Edgecution for the win. When the highlights end we see Edge now standing in the corner. He again holds up both titles for all the crowd to see, until he's suddenly low blowed from behind! Edge falls back down to the mat and we see Raven has recovered and is none too pleased about his loss. He starts stomping down at Edge who is defenseless. Raven slowly picks Edge to his feet, the whole time we can hear Raven saying, "You're nothing Edge, you're nothing." until he finally has him up. Raven fits Edge's head under his arm. Looks like he wants to hit another Ravenflow DDT. The fans are starting to cheer though. This should have been a warning sign for Raven, but he pays it no mind. But before he can drop Edge.. Tommy Dreamer slides into the ring behind Raven and stands up right behind him. Without hesitation, Tommy cracks Raven in the back with a kendo stick! Raven drops Edge and stumbles forward. His back is arched as he slowly turns to see Dreamer, and he looks like he's seen a ghost. Tommy lunges forward and cracks Raven right between the eyes with the kendo stick which drops Raven to the mat. The fans roar for Dreamer as he throws his arms out screams while he poses.

King: "Could somebody tell me why the hell Tommy Dreamer is sticking his nose in RAW business!?"

JR: "I think it's pretty obvious King! Ric Flair made the Maven trade right before this match, and if I was a betting man I'd say that trade was for Tommy Dreamer!"

Tommy turns to see Raven slowly pulling himself up back to his feet with the ropes. There's now a trickle of blood moving down his head. He looks Dreamer dead in the eyes and pushes away from the ropes and moves towards Dreamer ready to fight. Before either man can make a move though... SPEAR! Edge levels Raven with a sudden Spear! Right out of the Spear, Edge's attention shoots towards Dreamer, who drops the Kendo Stick. Edge gets to his feet, giving a nod to Dreamer who gives a nod in return. Edge picks up both his championships and exits the ring as his music begins to play again. Dreamer rolls out of the ring and exits through the crowd.

[NotoriousMEAT]

===cmuk316===


Backstage Ric Flair is sitting watching the show on a monitor in his office. He's then interrupted as someone walks in.....

McMahon: Hello Mr Flair!

Flair: Vince.......

McMahon: Ya know Ric I'm really impressed with your performance on Raw. I honestly didn't think someone could run a wresting show tags badly! But kudos to you Ric you've really topped yourself on this one.

Flair: Woah, hold up their Vince. I admit that Raw may be a very chaotic but that makes it must see TV! Anyway my Raw guys would kick the asses of your SmackDown guys any time, any place!

McMahon: Really? Well the tag team titles are about to come to SmackDown after the APA dismantle you pathetic champions Billy and Chuck!

Flair: Well why don't we just watch and see.

Flair and Vince but stare at the monitor as the music of the APA hits.

Cole: Hello again ladies and gentleman, myself and Tazz will be calling this inter-promotional matchup and here comes the SmackDown challengers the APA.

Tazz: Bradshaw and Faarooq better hope they win this match because they're gonna be in store for a huge punishment from Mr McMahon if they don't take home the gold.

As the APA warm up in the ring the music of Billy and Chuck hits and they come out with Rico by their side.

Cole: I'm sure Ric Flair isn't gonna be a happy man tonight when these two loose the tag titles.

Tazz: Ya got that right Michael. It's SmackDown all the way with this one!

Billy and Chuck get in the ring and the referee holds the belts up as Billy and Faarooq get onto the apron.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
Billy and Chuck (c) (with Rico) vs The APA

Bradshaw wastes no time with pleasantries and batters Chuck consecutive stiff shots which send the champ straight back into his own corner where he quickly makes the tag to Billy and bails from the ring. Billy tries his luck and goes for a drop kick but Bradshaw just bats him away straight into the ropes and on the rebound hits a big boot that turns Billy almost inside out to a big pop from the fans. Bradshaw then hits a few more big strikes really rocking the tag team veteran before finishing his offence off with a brutal swinging neck breaker that almost rips Billy's neck off with the sheer impact of the move alone. Bradshaw then drags Billy over to his corner and tags in Faarooq and they hit a double back suplex and Faarooq covers!

..........One.........

..........Two..........

NO!

Billy kicks out just after two! Faarooq continues where Bradshaw left off in giving Billy some stiff offence that sends him reeling. Tazz points out that the APA have been teaming together for three years but Billy was a nine time tag team champion with three different partners. Finally the tide turns in the match as when Faarooq attempts a short arm clothesline Bill ducks and manages to tag in Chuck who takes out Faarooq almost instantly with a huge discus elbow smash that sends Faarooq spinning around and straight to the apron. From here Rico sneak attacks him before Chuck catapults him back in and hits a shoulder block. Next Chuck tags in Billy and they hit a double back breaker and Billy quickly covers...

..........One.........

..........Two..........

NO!

Faarooq won't be beaten that easily as he powers out of the pinning predicament. The Acolyte tries to get some momentum going with a few elbow smashes but this floury is quickly quashes by a side slam that down Faarooq while Billy poses to the fans. This gives Faarooq another opening which he takes full advantage of and charges Billy and sends both men tumbling to the floor outside.

.........One.........

.........Two.........

Both men briefly lie motionless as Bradshaw goes over to help his partner but is cut off by Rico and Chuck.

........Three......

.........Four........

Billy's back up and he smashes the head of Faarooq right into the barricade as Bradshaw head butts Rico only to be blindsided by Chuck.

..........Five.......

..........Six.........

The beating continues as Billy sends Faarooq head first into the steel steps and heads back into the ring. Meanwhile Chuck and Bradshaw appear to be exchanging some heavy shots.

.........Seven.......

.........Eight........

Chuck rams Bradshaw's head right into the ring post which possibly concussed him as Faarooq tries to crawl back into the ring.

.........Nine..........

NO!

Faarooq makes it back into the ring in the nick of time but Billy strikes back straight away and hits a fall away slam and covers!

........One.......

........Two.......

........Th-NO!.......

Again Faarooq shows his veteran instincts by kicking out of one of Billy's signature moves as Bradshaw is out cold still on the outside with the hatch in dire straights for the APA. Billy tags in Chuck and they hit a double vertical suplex before Chuck hits an uppercut and then heads up top to deliver a devastating top rope shoulder block. Instead of going for the cover Chuck lock in the Padlock (an inverted Boston Crab)

.......Chuck's wrenching back........

........Faarooq's stuck in the middle of the ring.........

.........Slowly getting closer to the ropes..........

..........Nearly there.........

...........Almost got it...........

Faarooq reaches the ropes and forces the hold to break as Chuck takes full advantage of the five count. Chuck then tries a Samoan drop but Faarooq counters and hits some offence of his own. First there's a drop kick and this is followed by a short arm clothesline but the pile driver is countered into a back body drop. As Faarooq is recovering Chuck signals for the super kick and as soon as he gets up he's drilled with it! Chuck covers...

...........One..........

...........Two.........

............Thr-NO!..........

Bradshaw is back in the ring and has recovered. He hits a sick spine buster on Chuck before retuning to his own corner. He then starts hitting the turnbuckle and encourages the crowd to get behind Faarooq as he crawls over and gets the hot tag. Bradshaw hits a boot but then the referee sends him out of the ring as he didn't see the tag due to a distraction by Rico. Bradshaw sees this and enraged dashes outside and starts blindly punching down Rico as Chuck tags in Billy. Chuck goes outside to help his manager as Billy hits an impressive military press slam follows by a cutter. Back on the outside Bradshaw gets the advantage and rams both Rico and Chuck into the barricade as Billy hits the fame-asser on Faarooq and covers!

..........One.........

...........Two..........

...........Three?..........

NO!

Again Bradshaw saves his partner and with Chuck and Rico dealt with Faarooq makes the hot tag to Bradshaw! The Texan comes in like a house of fire hitting Billy with a big boot, a fall away slam and then another back shattering spine buster. He then delivers a ridiculous clothesline from hell and covers....

.........One.........

.........Two.........

.........Three?.......

...............

NO!

Chuck comes in and breaks it up but he gets a boot for his troubles. Faarooq then signals that he wants to be tagged in and so he gets his wish as the APA set up to double power bomb Billy. However with the referee distracted by Rico Chuck comes in and gives a double low blow before throwing Bradshaw to the outside and starts to punch him. Billy takes advantage and hits a fame-asser on Faarooq and covers as Rico directs the referee back to the match....

.........One.........

..........Two.........

..........Three?........

.............

.............

.............

YES!

Winners at 9:31 via pinfall and still WWF tag team champions, Billy and Chuck!

Cole: I don't believe it!

Tazz: The APA were robbed!

Billy and Chuck celebrate down the ramp as Bradshaw consoles his partner in the ring following the loss.

Cole: Raw just got one up on SmackDown and it was thanks to the distraction by Rico.

We then get a shot backstage of Ric Flair wooing in the face of McMahon who promptly storms out of the office.

Tazz: The APA put on one hell of an effort but the numbers game was just too much for anyone to handle.

Cole: Hopefully the APA will get another shot at the tag team titles in the near future but regardless we now head to the back where Josh Matthews is standing by with Jeff Hardy!

We cut backstage where Josh is in the interview position.

Josh: Ladies and gentleman my guest at this time, Jeff Hardy.

Hardy comes in jumping up and down and getting warmed up for his upcoming match.

Josh: Tonight Jeff you take on your toughest challenge to date in the form of an undefeated monster who's already put out the Rock. How confident can you feel heading into this match?

Jeff: Josh..... It really doesn't matter how many wins Brock has had or who he's taken out, how many NCAA titles he's won or how he's bigger, stronger, taller, more athletic than me. That stuff ain't important. This match is about risk and the fact that I'm literally willing to do anything to beat this man. I will break my back, my neck every bone in my freaking body to make sure I beat you Brock. I am extreme, I am an enigma and I will not stop until your down an d out Lesnar.

Hardy walks off as we head to ringside and Brock Lesnar's music hits.

Tazz: Here comes the pain!

Cole: Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman by his side has looked so impressive in recent weeks and has yet to be bested in a WWF ring.

Heyman and Brock get in the ring as Heyman grab a mic.

Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen my name is Paul Heyman and I am the appointed advocate for the next big thing, the beast, BROCK LESNAR! Tonight marks a new era in the world of pay per view and that is the Brock Lesnar era. I guarantee you by the time Backlash 2003 rolls around this minster that you see before you will be WWE Champion, having headlined WrestleMania and be known the world over as the greatest athlete of his generation or any other. With that being said Jeff Hardy you are the first stepping stone on the path to greatness so get out here and lets get this over with!

Hardy's music plays and he starts to sprint to the ring!

Cole: Looks like we are wasting no time here!

Tazz: Hardy is pumped and ready to take on the beast!

Hardy jumps in the ring as the bell sounds.

The Beast vs The Enigma:
Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) vs Jeff Hardy

Hardy comes in and knocks Lesnar straight into the corner as soon as the bell rings and hits him with a drop kick there but this does not down the big man. He charges again for a one man poetry in mention but Brock catches him and throws him like weighed as much as a small child all the way across the ring so that he hits the turnbuckle in the opposing corner. Brock then charges him and crushes Jeff's ribs with a running shoulder tackle that send the enigma crumpling down to the canvas. Heyman screams at Brock to do more damage and Brock repeatedly knees Hardy in the ribs almost to the point at which the referee has to disqualify 'The Next Big Thing'. Lesnar regains control and hits a gut buster and follows it up with a belly to back suplex that causes Hardy to land right on his stomach as he clutches his ribs again. Brock covers...

.........One........

..........Two........

NO!

Hardy manages to kick out but that doesn't seem to phase Brock in the slightest as he gets right back to work as he bowls over Jeff with a stiff clothesline. Brock hits a power slam followed by a snap suplex in quick succession and then places Hardy in the corner and once again seems to show his frustration as he knees and shoulder blocks Hardy again and again and again until the referee threatens to call for the bell. Heyman claps as Brock poses much to the fans chagrin. Hardy seems to be stumbling up to his dee t as Brock goes for a punch but Hardy ducks and tries to rebound off the ropes with a move of his own but Brock catches him and delivers an overhead belly to belly suplex and covers.....

..........One........

..........Two........

..........Th-NO!.......

Brock cannot believe that Hardy kickes out of that. Heyman tells Lesnar to finish it and he goes for a power bomb but Hardy counters it into a hurricanrana that sends Brock to the outside! Hardy then looks at the cored and hits a plancha but Brock catches him!

........One.......

Lesnar get Hardy and rams him into the ring post while still maintaining his grip.

..........Two........

Lesnar then rams Hardy into the barricade but still holds onto his grip.

.......Three......

Heyman then nods as Brock just slams Hardy into the steps before he gets back in the ring.

........Four.......

........Five........

........Six.........

.........Seven......

Lesnar's posing in the ring as though he's won the match as Hardy begins to stir.

.........Eight.......

.........Nine.......

Hardy spring boards right back into the ring to a great pop but immediately gets caught by Brock who just plants him almost through the canvas with a tremendous power bomb. He covers:

.........One.........

.........Two.........

..........Three?.........

...............

NO!

Again no joy for Lesnar as Hardy finds away to kick out of the brutal power bomb. Lesnar is pissed now and goes insane on the ribs of Hardy as Cole screams that Jeff could suffer internal damage from such a severe beat down at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Lesnar then gets Hardy up and hits a beautiful dragon suplex but elects not to cover but to work over the ribs a little more. Brock then locks in a bear hug!

..........Hardy's ribs are being crushed...........

...........There's nowhere to go...........

...........Hardy elbows Brock in the face a few times but Brock just applies the hold tighter..........

............Surely he's gonna tap........

NO!

Hardy counters and hits a beautiful tilt a whirl DDT! Hardy then goes up top and hits a whisper in the wind but this doesn't even take Brock off his feet! He goes for another big dive but Brock catches him and hits a fall away slam. Brock covers.....

..........One.........

...........Two..........

............Three?..........

...............

...............

NO!

Hardy again defies the odds and kicks out of the move! Brock is screaming a the referee as Paul is trying to calm him down. He regains his focus and Heyman instructs him to go for the F-5. Brock has Hardy up on his shoulders and goes for the F-5 but Jeff blocks it and hits the Twist of Fate! He covers:

.........One........

WHAT?

Brock kicks out of the twist of fate at one! Hardy cannot believe his eyes and he hits another one which downs Brock long enough for him to go up top and hit the swanton bomb! The cover:

.........One.........

..........Two.........

..........Three?..........

...............

...............

NO!

Brock just gets the shoulder up! Hardy knows he has this match in hand and he goes up top for another swanton bomb. He dives but Brock catches him! He hits the F-5 and covers!

.........One.........

..........Two.........

..........Three?.........

...............

...............

...............

YES!

Winner via pinfall at 7:50, Brock Lesnar

Lesnar simply stands over Hardy as Heyman gets in the ring and congratulates his client.

Cole: Another dominating win for Brock Lesnar. It was a gutsy performance by Jeff Hardy but Brock was just at a different level.

Tazz: Agreed. I think Hardy needs some help out here.

Cole: Well right now we are handing you back to my colleagues from Raw, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

Hardy is being attended to in the ring by medics as we switch to the Raw side of things.


===NotoriousMEAT===


JR: "Coming up next on the RAW side of things, simply put, is a war.

JR: "The Dudley clan and the New World Order have been at each other's throats since the brand extension. The Dudleyz believe the WWF is their house and they are the dominate family. But the nWo is looking to take over and mark their territory. Only one group will come out of this collision on top of the mountain."

King: "Do these guys really think they can beat the nWo?"

JR: "I believe they do King. Before all hell breaks loose, let's take a look at everything that's led up to this battle."

A brief video package airs highlighting the brawls and matches between the two groups over the last month. At the end of the video we hear the sound of pyro falling. We cut back to the arena in time to see the pyro hit the stage which leads to even more pyro errupting from the stage. The fans come to their feet and Stacy Keibler is the firs to appear on the stage. The Duchess of Dudleyville stands surrounded by smoke with a grin on her face. She looks back to the curtain, then down the ramp. She points at the ring. This brings out the Dudleyz. Spike leads the way. Bubba Ray and D-Von follow right behind him. There's no shouting or getting hyped. The Dudleyz are here for a fight. They march down the ramp and enter the ring. Bubba is the only one to climb up in a corner. He looks out at the crowd, but doens't pose or throw up the 3D hand sign. But he nods. The Dudleyz are ready. The screen turns grey. The visuale of Bubba of standing on the corner gets fuzzy then completely cuts out as the nWo's music begins to play. The camera's pan over towards the stage. The treacherous trio has arrived. We're looking at the stage waiting for the nWo to come out.

JR: "Hey! Hold on.. wait they're here! The nWo!"

Camera's catch the nWo approaching the ring from behind the Dudleyz. They must have come through the crowd and Kevin Nash reaches into the ring grabbing Spike Dudley by the ankles. He yanks and Spike falls. Nash drags Spike out of the ring as Bubba and D-Von turn to see Scott Hall and X-Pac and the brawl is on. Hall and Bubba start throwing hands but X-Pac catches D-Von with a spin kick that floors him. Nash has throws Spike into the time keepers area causing Lillian Garcia and crew to scatter. Stacy fleas the scene and finally stops half way up the ramp where she watches from a safe distance. D-Von is seated in a corner where X-Pac is stomping him in the gut. Bubba Ray and Scott Hall brawl near the opposite corner. Outside Kevin Nash goes to where he threw Spike, but the little Dudley gets to his feet and swings something towards Nash. It's the ring bell! But the big man's reflexes may be a little quicker than Spike gave him credit for as he reaches out nad grabs the bell in mid-swing. He yanks it away from Spike and throws it down. Spike leaps up to throw a punch, but it doesn't phase Nash. He grabs Spike by his head. Nash takes one big step back then turns and slings Spike towards the nearby ring steps. Spike flies and his lower back and legs collide into the steel stairs. Spike lands on the side of his head and shoulder and lays almost motionless.

Bubba clotheslines Scott Hall out of the ring and turns towards where X-Pac is beating on D-Von. From behind Bubba grabs Pac by the shoulders and throws him back. Bubba check on D-Von but stands guard, ready to fight. Nash steps up on the apron near the corner where X-Pac was thrown. The referee finally tries to restore order and stands in the middle of the ring between the two groups. Hall gets to his feet and climbs up on the apron in the corner with Nash. Bubba motions for D-Von to get out of the ring. Looks like things are gonna officially get underway.

Match 5
Six Man Tag Team Match
Dudleyz vs nWo

Bubba Ray and X-Pac start the match. X-Pac comes in and tries to catch Bubba with the same spin kick he initially took D-Von down with, but Bubba ducks it. He rises and starts throwing jabs. He catches X-Pac in the jaw a few times before grabbing him by the arm and whipping him into a corner. Bubba takes a step back then charges in the same direction. X-Pac's back hits the turnbuckles with force, but not nearly as much force as Bubba Ray crashing into him. Bubba steps to the side and throws the groggy X-Pac down to the mat. Outside the ring we see medical personal and Stacy Keibler checking on Spike Dudley. He's writhing in pain with his back arched up. The collision with the steel stairs has done some serious damage. Inside the ring X-Pac starts pushing up to his feet but Bubba Ray shoves him in the direction of his corner and he falls again. He rolls towards his partners and Bubba Ray points at Scott Hall, "I want you ya son of a bitch!". The fans pop for the call out but Hall doesn't back down. He asks for the tag and X-Pac gives it to him. Hall enters the ring, and Bubba charges! He tackles Hall into his own corner. Bubba quickly lifts up and punches Nash right in the head which makes the big man hop down off the apron. Hall throws a punch but it doesn't seem to effect Bubba much as he throws two back. He quickly whips Hall across the ring to the Dudley corner as Nash steps back up on the apron. Bubba tags in D-Von but across the ring Nash is trying to get in the ring. The referee jumps in to try and prevent the match from falling apart again but Nash doesn't go easy. Using the brief distraction, Bubba scoop slams Hall the grabs his legs and pulls them up. D-Von climbs the corner and the fans start cheering. Bubba and D-Von yell "Wassup!" to each other and D-Von leaps out, connecting with headbutt to Hall's crotch The fans love it. D-Von takes control of the match and Nash eventually returns to his corner. In any other scenario he probably would have punched the referee right in the mouth, but the nWo want to beat the Dudleyz just as bad as the Dudleyz want to beat them.

The match continues for a little bit without too much trouble from either side. But the Dudleyz are essentially fighting 2 on 3, and that disadvantage catches up with them. Nash is beating on D-Von who desperately needs to make the tag. Anytime he gets close, Nash is able to cut him off. The big man is having his way with D-Von who's been in a bad way since the very beginning. JR mentions that outside the ring Spike Dudley is trying to get to his feet for the first time since being thrown into the steps. The camera switches over and the doctors are trying to get Spike to leave. He declines then starts swinging wildly which makes the doctors and even Stacy jump away. Spike turns and looks in the ring. He reaches in and grabs Nash by the ankles. Spike can't yank Nash outta the ring like he did to him, but its' enough distraction. Nash stops and kicks free. He looks back at Spike who has also caught the attention of Hall who jumps down from the ramp and charges at Spike. The little Dudley falls and uses a drop toe hold to send Hall face first into the steel steps. Next comes X-Pac. He charges Spike as he gets to his feet. Spike stays low and flips X-Pac up over him and Pac takes a hard landing on the ground. The fans come alive with Spike's furious comeback, but it's cut short as Nash reaches down from the ring and grabs Spike by the head. Nash yanks Spike up the apron by his head, but Spike breaks of the grip. He hops and pushes off the bottom rope high enough to headbutt Nash. The big man stumbles back as D-Von makes a hot tag to Bubba Ray! The fans roar as Bubba comes in and quickly drops Nash with a stiff clothesline. Nash is slow to get up on his own, but Bubba has no problem helping him. Bubba gets behind Nash and slowly lifts him, dropping him back down with a back suplex. There's very few pin attempts in this match, and Bubba instead starts punching Nash while they're both on the ground, then eventually gets up and starts stomping him. Spike has made his way over to the Dudley corner and is begging for a tag. Bubba looks to the fans and they approve. The tag is made. Spike runs the apron down to the corner nearest Nash who is still down. He climbs up to the top rope but doesn't waste much time. Spike jumps out and plants a perfect stomp down into Nash's gut. Spike falls but crawls over and goes for a pin.

1!
2!
..no!

Little Spike Dudley almost pinned the enormous Kevin Nash. Things have definitely turned in the Dudleyz favor. Spike scurries up to his feet and goes back to the same corner. He's looking for another giant stomp but as he reaches the top rope, X-Pac hops up to the apron and shoves Spike who falls from the top rope to the apron then down to the floor. Bubba is the first to jump back into the ring. X-Pac doesn't wait and steps through the ropes and takes the fight right to him. D-Von follows and eventually Scott Hall enters. We're back to square one with an all out brawl. Nash is on his knee's near the ropes with a hand on his chest. D-Von throws Hall back out of the ring as Bubba tosses X- Pac over the top rope. The fans can feel the Dudleyz are on the verge of finishing things when Nash comes running in. The Dudleyz both turn and duck his clotheslines. Nash comes back off the ropes and Dudleyz flip him over with a big back body drop! The Dudleyz are on fire! Bubba and D-Von nod at each other and they get in position for the 3D. They're gonna try and 3D Kevin Nash! The ref is demanding Bubba and D-Von get out of the ring as neither of them are the legal man, but we're beyond legal men at this point. Nash starts to stand when suddenly Hall tries to get in the ring with a steel chair. The referee jumps in and cuts him off before he can step through the ropes. On the opposite side of the ring X-Pac has slid in behind Bubba Ray and catches him with an unexpected low blow. Bubba shouts in pain and falls to the mat. D-Von turns and charges towards X-Pac and clotheslines him out of the just as he gets to his feet. D-Von turns back towards Nash and is floored by a big boot. Outside the ring Spike Dudley has recovered and yanks Scott Hall of the apron who falls and smacks his face into the apron. Spike quickly hops up to the apron and again climbs the to the top rope. Nash has just dropped D-Von and turns around as Spike launches out with a Missile Dropkick! But Nash side steps and Spike just hits the mat. Nash pounces and yanks Spike up by his hair and forces his head between his legs. He quickly lifts Spike up before dropping him down on his neck with a nasty Jackknife Powerbomb! The fans boo as Nash slowly drops to his knee's and lays over Spike without hooking a leg. The ref jumps into position to make the count.

1!
2!
3!

Click for Spoiler:

Winners: nWo (13:09)

The bell rings but before Lilian can even announce the nWo as the winners, X-Pac now enters the ring with a steel chair of his own and starts beating down on D-Von. Scott Hall eventually rolls in with his chair and gets in some shots on Bubba who is still down from the low blow. Nash slowly gets to his feet with a giant smile on his face. He reaches down and again pulls Spike up by his hair. He drags him towards the ropes and throws him out of the ring through the top and middle ropes. The ref is pulling on Scott Hall trying to get him to stop, but Nash steps in and grabs the ref by the collar of his shirt and throws him down to the ground. He slaps Hall on the back and says something that makes him stop swining the chair and exit the ring. He reaches under the ring and of course pulls out a can of spray paint. Hall rolls back into the ring as Nash and X-Pac throw D-Von out of the ring. Bubba is still down, and it looks like the nWo is gonna mark him. X-Pac looks over and see's Stacy checking on Spike. He points her out to the other two and they all start chuckling. X-Pac and Hall exit the ring and approach Stacy who doesn't notice until she's already surrounded. She stands up and his shaking her head. Hall and Nash just smile as they step closer, but Stacy suddenly slaps Scott Hall! Then X-Pac! The fans pop as Stacy turns to run up the ramp, but Hall quickly reaches out and grabs her by the hair. Stacy just screams, "No! No! Please no!" as Hall lifts her over his shoulder and takes her to the ring. He pusher her under the bottom rope into the ring and once she's free she starts kicking out at Hall and Pac but they back away. Stacy gets to her feet and turns to run, but his taken down by a big boot from Kevin Nash! The fans are outraged! JR crucifies the nWo for attacking Stacy and Lawler can't even defend their actions. Nash kicks Bubba out of the ring as X-Pac rolls Stacy over to his stomach. Scott Hall shakes the can before he bends over and sprays "nWo" across Stacy's back in black spray paint. The fans go from angry to disgusted as a somber feeling takes over the arena. The nWo raise their arms as their music begins to play. We see a replay of the ending sequence of the match, then Stacy slapping the nWo but eventually being caught a spray painted. The nWo are now up on the stage. Nash is walking towards the curtain while Hall and X-Pac jawjack with fans and pose. The referee checks on Stacy as Spike enters the ring. Other referee's and backstage officials check on Bubba and D-Von.

JR: "That was hard to watch and honestly goes beyond what is supposed to happen inside the ring. I know ownership and daily operations are new waters for Ric Flair, but if he doesn't get things under control there's no telling how much worse things could get on RAW."

King: "I think Stacy needs my help, I'm gonna go check on her JR. She may need mouth to mouth."

JR: "Will you stop!? What happened to that young lady is terrible."

Everyone is out of the ring and on their feet. Spike carries Stacy up the ramp and the Bubba and D-Von follow behind with assitance from referees. The camera goes over to JR and King as the fans cheer the Dudleyz on.

[NotoriousMEAT]

JR: "Well ladies and gentlemen this match was billed as a war and it certainly lived up to the billing. But now we move past the chaos onto a bonafied dream match."

King: "You can call it that, but it's gonna be a nightmare for Mr. Not So Perfect."

JR: "Kurt Angle's first month on the RAW brand hasn't exactly gone as he would have liked. He was excluded from the World Heavyweight Championship picture and then came up in short in his quest for the newly reinstated United States Championship. He blames Mr. Perfect for getting in his head as these two have gone back and forth with each other for weeks."

King: "Perfect is a cranky loser and he's so jealous of Kurt's success that he want's to pull him down to his level of failure!"

JR: "You can be sure that if you ask either of these men who's the best wrestler, they'd each choose themselves. Now it's time to find out who's right."

The iconic tune of Mr. Perfect begins to play on the fans come to their feet. The audience welcomes Perfect with respect and appreciation as he enters the ring. Perfect climbs up into the corner facing the hard camera and pulls the white towel off his shoulder and throws it up around his back and catches it in the air with his other because ya know, he's perfect. He holds both his arms up in the air, before hopping down out of the corner. Mr. Perfect walks over to his corner, giving a nod to the referee as he gives instructions. It's then that Perfect's music fades away and is soon followed by the Kurt Angle's triumphant theme. Angle makes his way out onto the stage, his gold medal's proudly hanging around his neck. He stops fro a moment to throw his arms up in the air which is emphasized with three blasts of red, white and blue pyro. Angle continues down the ramp and eventually enters the ring. Normally Angle would spin around and do a little more showing off, but he's ready to get the match started. He's ready to compete. Angle kisses his gold medals then removes them and hands them off to the referee. He backs into his corner and lower's his stance a bit as he waits for the bell.

Match 6
Mr. Perfect vs Kurt Angle

Both men immediately begin to circle the ring as they move to their right. They've now traded corners and it's Mr. Perfect who makes the first move as he steps forward.. and extends his hand. Kurt looks uneasy and doesn't move. Half the crowd is calling for him to shake his hand, the other half just want to see them go at it. Kurt thinks about it for a moment before he storms in and grabs Perfect's hand. The WWF legend smirks and confidently chews his gum while Kurt stares intently. Angle breaks the shake when he pushes Perfect away. The two are separated for only a moment before they come back in and lock up. Angle takes early control as he pushes Perfect back and forces him into the corner. The referee is quick to separate the two and Kurt slowly releases the lock up and takes a step back. SMACK! Kurt slaps Perfect in the face then begins to back away as all the fans "ooooooooh". Perfect spits out his gum and slowly turns his head back forward. Kurt nods and the two approach each other again. Again they lock up, and after a struggle Kurt takes control again. He starts pushing Perfect back again, but Perfect drops down to the mat and brings Kurt down with him, rolling him over to his back. Perfect comes up on top of Kurt in a mounted position then again, SMACK! as it's Perfect now who slaps Kurt! Perfect rolls off Angle up to a knee as Angle scurries up to his feet with a hand over his face. He looks pissed and charges in at Perfect who pops up to his feet and takes Kurt by the head, taking him back over and down to the mat with a headlock takeover. Perfect is in the dominate position with Kurt on the mat. Kurt tries rolling out of the hold a few times, but Perfect rolls with him each time and always comes back up in control. Kurt starts pushing up to his feet and Perfect never releases the head. Once they're up Kurt charges them both towards the ropes and is able to use the momentum to push Perfect off the ropes which releases the hold. Perfect hits the ropes across the ring and comes back as Kurt throws out a clothesline, but Perfect ducks and against hits the ropes. He comes back and drops Kurt with a shoulder tackle. Kurt quickly rolls back up, but is yanked over with another headlock takeover. Kurt's legs are kicking about, probably out of frustration that Perfect is getting the better of him. But Kurt doesn't lose sight of things and keeps his shoulder up off the mat so it doesn't turn into a pinning situation. He again pushes up to his feet, but this time instead of pushing Perfect into the ropes, he forces him into a corner. The referee is calling for the break and Perfect complies. Kurt uses this opening and starts throwing shoulder thrusts into Perfect's mid-section. The referee starts to count since they're in the corner, but Kurt stops at 3 after already connecting with plenty of shots. Kurt takes Perfect by the head and pulls him out of the corner before taking him down with a headlock takeover, a little of his own medicine. Kurt rolls his body weight to force Perfect's shoulders down to the mat.

1!
2!
kick out!

Kurt tries again.

One!
Tw..
kick out!

Angle and Perfect continue to feel each other out and trade control for a few minutes through take downs and chain wrestling. Kurt is the one to deviate from this trend, catching Perfect off guard with a thumb to the eye while caught in a wrist lock. Perfect releases Kurt and covers his eye. The referee attempts to scold Kurt but its totally ignored as Kurt moves in like a shark that smells blood. He lunges out and chops Perfect's leg out from under him. Kurt quickly gets back up and begins to stop down at Perfect's leg. His knee his ankle, it's all under attack. Perfect tries to kick Angle away with the other leg, but it only gives him a moment of freedom to get back to his feet until Kurt comes back and chops him again. Perfect hits the mat and rolls under the bottom rope. He rests on the apron and the referee gets between him and Angle, pushing Kurt back since Perfect isn't in the ring. Kurt again brushes past the ref, this time taking hold of Perfect's leg. He yanks him back into the ring and holds his leg up so he can kick away at the back of Perfect's knee. After 5 kicks he drags Perfect near the ropes and lays his foot on the bottom rope. Kurt jumps off the bottom rope himself and comes down with all his weight on Perfect's leg. Perfect tries to roll away, but Kurt doesn't let him get too far. Over the next couple of minutes Kurt continues to work the leg and keep complete control of Mr. Perfect. All hope really does seem lost that the long time veteran can turn things around.

Kurt has been able to keep Perfect grounded and at this point Perfect really doesn't get up unless Angle pulls him up. With Perfect down, Kurt shouts down at his opponent, "You wanna see something perfect!?", then out to the fans, "Do you wanna see something perfect!?" The fans who hear Kurt boo him as he starts climbing up in the corner. Kurt goes to the top rope and stands straight up flipping back into a, well, perfect moonsault! Only problem though, is Mr. Perfect rolls out of the way! Angle crashes and burns and the fans love it and just like that... we're back on an even playing field with both men down. The ref begins counting while both men are on the mat, and around 5 they both start to push up to their feet. Kurt is up first and approaches Perfect, only to be caught off guard when Perfect yanks him down into a small package pin attempt!

One!
Two!
Th..no!

Kurt breaks free of the pin and immediately gets to his feet. Again Perfect is slow to get up and Kurt moves in to go back on the attack. It's almost like Perfect is playing possum as he grabs hold of Kurt's and flips him down to the mat with snapmare. Kurt lands in a seated position and Perfect flips out over Kurt, grabbing him by the head and slaps his face into the mat with a rolling neck snap. Kurt flings back to his back and Perfect quickly rolls back over to Kurt and lays on him.

1!
2!
..

But Angle kicks out again. Now Perfect gets up before Angle, and this time he helps his opponent up to his feet. Perfect wraps his arms around Kurt and slowly lifts him up then flips him over into a Northern Lights Suplex. Perfect bridges into a pin.

1!
2!
..

Yet again Angle kicks out. Perfect sits up and looks exhausted. But he realizes quick offense isn't enough to put down Kurt Angle. Perfect gets to his feet and lowers his stance with his hands on his knees. He allows Kurt to get up on his own, and when he does, he turns into a quick kick to the gut and is yanked into Perfect's grip. Perfect hooks one of Kurt's legs.. he's going for a Perfect-Plex! Perfect lifts, but his knee is weak and buckles. Perfect falls to a knee and Kurt falls to his feet. Angle quickly wraps his arms around Perfect and yanks him up to his feet before flipping him over with a belly to belly suplex! Perfect his the mat and Kurt pops back up to his feet. He rips the straps of his singlet down and closes in on Perfect and grabs his foot, pulling it up into the Ankle Lock! Kurt has the submission applied as the fans hold their breath. Kurt is twisting and pulling at the ankle as Perfect screams in agony. He crawls a little bit, pulling himself closer to the ropes. Perfect's right hand goes up..

Is he gonna tap!?

He grabs the bottom rope! Kurt is forced to break the hold and does so before the referee counts to five. Kurt steps back for a moment, but quickly reaches back in for the ankle, but Perfect has rolled over to his back. With his free leg he kicks up and catches Angle a few times in the chest and shoulder, then one final kick in the head forces Angle to let go and step away. Kurt covers his face, but soon moves in again. Perfect is now up, and Angle flies in with a clothesline that Perfect ducks. He comes up behind Angle and grabs a hold of him. He quickly lifts Angle up and drops him with an Angle Slam!? Perfect couldn't put enough pressure on his knee to flip Kurt over him to hit his finisher, so he just used Kurt's instead. Angle is down and Perfect drags himself over into the cover. He grabs Kurt's knee pad to pull up a leg.

One
..
Two
..
Three?


No wait. Kurt grabs the bottom rope before three. The air is sucked out of the audience. They thought Perfect had it. Perfect himself seems just as disappointed as he rolls off of Kurt. Both men take a minute to get to their feet. Kurt is the first to throw a punch, which is returned by Perfect. Kurt sends one back and the two trade for a second before Kurt tries to switch things up with a kick to the gut, but Perfect catches the foot! Kurt looks shocked as Perfect sweeps Kurt's other leg out from under him. Kurt hits the mat, and Perfect locks in the Figure Four! Kurt is in the center of the ring and the fans start jumping around because it looks like Perfect has finally found a way to conquer his opponent! Angle is screaming as he reaches around but cant' find a bottom rope anywhere. The fans start chanting, "Tap! Tap! Tap!", but Kurt keeps shaking his head. He tries to punch his way out, but can't quite reach Perfect. But Kurt finally realizes what he can reach. Perfect's ankle. Kurt grasps the foot of his opponent and starts twisting as much as he can from the position he's in. With Perfect's knee already bent in the Figure Four, the twisting of the Ankle Lock adds too much pressure and he has to release the hold. Kurt lays on the mat for a moment, keeping the submission applied, but eventually gets up to his feet again. Perfect is in a desperate as he flops around the mat trying to find a way out of the submission. Perfect pushes up and is able to get his free leg under him. He lunges out and rolls forward, slinging Kurt towards the corner where his chest collides with the middle turnbuckle. Kurt falls to his side as Perfect lay still on the mat. The fans begin a "This is awesome!" chant as both men take a moment to catch their breath.

They both push up to their knees and again exchange punches. They slow get to their feet and Kurt takes control and connects with three straight right hands before this time successfully connecting with a kick to the gut. He pulls Perfect in by the head and hooks his leg. Kurt is going for a Perfect-Plex! Put Perfect falls behind Kurt and quickly grabs him, again he lifts Kurt for the Angle Slam! But this time, Kurt gets away and now he falls behind Perfect. Kurt quickly kicks Perfect in the back of his bad knee which drops him down. Kurt grabs Perfect and lifts him off one knee up and slams him down with the Angle Slam! Angle immediately grabs Perfect by the foot and for the third time applies the Ankle Lock submission. Perfect isn't crawling or trying to get out. He barely moves with one arm just reach out.

...

Is he gonna tap?

The fans are cheering him on. They're begging for Perfect to find a way out just one more time and truly complete his comeback story.

Mr. Perfect extends his arm out as far as he can..
..
..
and taps out.

Click for Spoiler:

Winner: Kurt Angle (21:10)

Kurt keeps the submission applied for a few moments after the bell, eventually throwing Mr. Perfect's leg down. He walks away and starts shouting, "I'm the best! I'm the best!". He then demands the referee raise his hand in victory. Kurt then stands over Perfect as the referee check on him. He laughs, then steps over him to exit the ring.

JR: "Like him or hate him folks, Kurt Angle did indeed prove that he was the best here tonight."

King: "I've been telling you that for weeks JR! You need to start listening to me. Kurt Angle is not only the best wrestler in the world, he's perfect!"

The referee helps Perfect out of the ring and Perfect leans on him now that he's at the point where he can't put any pressure on the bad leg. The referee helps Perfect out of the arena as the fans give him a standing ovation.

JR: "A great show of respect tonight from our fans for Mr. Perfect who has certainly earned it."

King: "It's easier for these people to love a loser JR, because he's just like them!"

JR: "Oh stop. Good thing we're sending things back over to SmackDown, because I've had just about all I can stand of you right now King."


===cmuk316===

*** Video Package ***

We see highlights of Storm and Christian's scathing promos on America in recent weeks as well as their respective victories over the Big Show. Storm and Christian are then shown costing Hulk Hogan his #1 contenders match against Chris Jericho and the team officially christening themselves the UnAmericans. Then the promo moves from the darker to a more hopeful tone as Hogan puts over America and insults Storm and Christian. We then cut between shots of the two teams before the final shot of the four men with a resounding USA chant.

*** End Video Package ***

Backstage Mean Gene Okerlund is standing by with a huge smile on his face.

Gene: Ladies and gentlemen my guest at this time, Hulk Hogan! Hulk you team with the Big Show to take on the UnAmericans next and do something you've never been afraid to and that's defend this great country. Your thoughts?

Hogan: Well let me tell you something Mean Gene! (This line alone gets a huge pop.) I've heard these two UnAmericans huff and puff about how bad this country is but my question to you brothers is why the hell are you here then? You two have been running your mouths about upsetting the little Hulksters and ending Hulkamania. Well I've got some news for you dudes! Many men tougher, stronger and smarter than you have tired and they've all failed in killing Hulkamania. With the Big Show by my side what are you gonna do UnAmericans when the worlds largest athlete and Hulk Hogan run wild on you!

Hogan nods as Mean Gene as the music of the UnAmericans hits.

Cole: This match is not only about this country but about these two young upstarts in Christian and Lance Storm knock off one of the, if not the biggest superstar of all time.

Tazz: Hey don't forget that his partner happens to be a former world champion and legit seven footer.

Lance Storm and Christian get in the ring and take mics.

Storm: If I could be serious for a second........

The crowd boos overwhelm Storm so Christian goes to speak instead.

Christian: You can boo all you want now but I've got a feeling that you'll be doing a lot more of it later after we've ended the careers of Hulk Hogan and The Big Show. These guys will be the worst American 'heroes' since I don't know the Vietnam war!

Big heat for this line as Hulk Hogan's music hits! He comes out clad in red and yellow tights with Big Show by his side.

Tazz: his match looks to explode before it's already started!

Cole: Storm and Christian are headed down the ramp.The Brawl is on!

Storm goes after Hogan while Christain gets into it with Big Show. The shots are traded back and forth with the faces getting the upper hand. Hogan goes to throw Lance off the stage but brakes it up and throws Hulk into Big Show and this down the giant. Christian hits the unprettier on the stage on Hogan as Storm pounds on Show some more. Hogan's clearly out as the Christian and Storm DOUBLE SUPER KICK HIM OFF THE STAGE!

Cole: OH MY GOD!

Tazz: Hogan's out! His career must be over!

As the medics check on Hogan, the UnAmericans waste no time and drag Big Show to the ring. Storm is on the apron and demands the referee ring the bell despite Hogan's absence. He complies as Christian has the upper hand on Big Show.

Tag Team Grudge Match:
The UnAmericans vs Hulk Hogan and Big Show

The UnAmericans obviously already have the advantage from the get go and Big Show is in a sorry state. He's barely standing as Christian hammers away at him with chops, punches and kicks wobbling the giant but never quite managing to knock him off his feet. Christian overcomes this obstacle relatively quickly however as he hits Show with a drop kick straight into a tornado DDT that just plants the big man head first straight into the canvas. Meanwhile on the ramp Hogan is being attended too by the medics but it's not looking good. Hogan's barely moved and it seems as though a stretcher may be needed imminently. Meanwhile back in the ring Big Show is draped over the second rope and Christian slides to the outside and hits him with a slap that knocks Show right onto the canvas. Christian then tags in Storm and they hit spinning wheel kicks from different sides of Show which again sends him right down to the canvas. Storm cockily covers Show...

.......One........

........Two........

........T-NO!.......

That cocky cover may have cost Lance as the giant powers out. He looks to be getting to his feet but Storm isn't taking any chances this time and sends him right back to the mat with a leg lariat. Back at the bottom of the stage the stretcher is well and truly out as Hogan, neck brace clad is loaded onto the stretcher as the fans chant for their injured hero. The medics then begin to lift Hogan onto the stage as Christian mocks the leader of the Hulkamaniacs while Lance Storm continues to just beat the worn out, tired Big Show to a pulp. Storm then tries some of his more advance suplex style moves with an extremely quick snap suplex with Show's feet not really lifting off the ground. What is more impressive is when he tags in Christian and the two of them hit an aided German suplex. Christian then climbs up the turnbuckles and poses to the crowd in an insulting manner. He looks to be going for a diving head but, however Big Show grabs him by the throat! The Giant is looking for a choke slam but Christian counters it into an inverted DDT. He covers......

........One.........

........Two.........

.........Thr-NO!.......

Again Big Show defies the odds and the giant shows an unexpected amount of resilience. Meanwhile Hogan is on the stretcher and on the stage and is finally carried to the back. Cole informs us that we will be getting an update on Hogan's condition as soon as their is news while Tazz says that we should be focusing on this match. He's right as Christian hits a spinning upper cut from the top rope that floors Show. Christian then tags in Storm and they hit a double DDT followed by a double drop kick that sends Big Show flying to the outside. The two of them follow him their.

........One.......

Christian and Storm are already pounding on Show as Lance has a sick grin on his face.

..........Two.......

..........Three........

Storm starts ripping the padding off the floor as Christian heads up to the top turnbuckle.

..........Four..........

..........Five..........

Storm then hooks Big Show for a pile driver as Cole screams for them not to do this spike pile driver on the concrete.

..........Six.........

Christian Jumps!

..........Seven.........

NO! Show back body drops Lance Storm right onto the concrete and then grabs Christian by his throat on the way down!

...........Eight..........

With Christian by the throat Show throws him into the fans on the other side of the barricade and tosses Lance straight back into the ring.

..........Nine.........

NO!

Show makes it back into the ring before the count of 10 and it seems like for the first time in this match Show has the advantage. He hits Lance with a few stiff punches and bounces him off the ropes and hits him in the rebound with a big boot and follows it up with a sidewalk slam. Big Show then grabs Storm by the throat and tries a Choke slam but Lance wriggles out of it and drops behind Show and hits him with a spring board clothesline. Storm the tries a super kick but Show grabs his leg with one arm and his throat with the other! He lifts him up and plants him with a chokeslam!

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

NO!

Christian is in and he knocks Show off the cover with a huge kick to the face. Storm then slowly recovers from the choke slam and he tags in Christian. He goes right to his signature moves as he hits an impressive flapjack and with a little help from Lance hits a fireman's carry gut buster. Christian then goes up top and hits a diving cross body before he tags in Lance Storm. The two get Big Show up on the top rope and hit an awesome double superplex that shakes the foundations of the Kemper arena. Storm covers...

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

NO!

Storm cannot believe that Big Show kicked out of that move as he grabs the referee by the collar as Christian has to pull off the normally clam and calculated Lance Storm. Tazz says that Big Show has put up a great fight, no thanks to Hogan but Cole points out that what happened isn't his fault. Storm continues to chip away at Big Show and manages to hit a jaw breaker which sends Show into the corner and he then hits him with a handspring clothesline. Storm then signal for the end and nails Show with a ridiculous super kick and covers.....

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

.............

NO!

Storm then just starts kicking the Big Show over and over again screaming 'die' at the top of his lungs as the crowd showers him with boos. He then locks in the Maple Leaf!

.......Lance is wrenching back.........

.........Show's crawling to the ropes.........

..........Slowly getting there..........

..........Ever so close..........

...........Storm's dragging him back though..........

............But Big Show is powering through!...........

.............Almost there............

YES!

The referee calls a rope break as Storm cannot believe that he's not been able to make, the broken down giant tap out. Storm then has a grin on his face as he tags in Christian. Storm then locks in the Maple Leaf but this time Christian locks in a cross face as well.

........Show's trapped in the middle of the ring.........

.........He tries to escape.........

.........But he can't do it...........

.........Show's fading!.........

.........Storm screams for him to tap out.........

.........But Show appears unconscious.........

..........The referee raises his arm once..........

..........It drops.........

..........The referee does the same again..........

..........Show's arm drops for the second time...........

..........The referee raises his arm for a third time...........

.............

.............

.............

.............

NO!

It's broken up by........ HULK HOGAN!

Hogan gives a huge boot to Storm that breaks the Maple Leaf and he gets chucked to the outside! Hulk then rips Christian off Big Show and starts teeing off on him and gets him in the corner. Here he gives him the ten count punches spot as Cole notes that Hogan may indeed be invincible. Tazz points out that this match isn't no disqualification and that the referee has lost complete control of this one. Eventually the referee pulls Hogan off Christian and sends him to the corner where he is eagerly awaiting the tag from Big Show. Show is crawling and he's so close but just as he's about to make the tag Lance Storm pulls Hogan off the apron and right into the mat and proceeds to beat the crap outta him. Show looks just disheartened in the ring as Christian then hits him with a lifting DDT and follow it up with a diving elbow drop but Show catches him with a spear! Big Show covers....

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

.............

.............

.............

NO!

Lance Storm is back in to quash any hope of Show coming back right now. Storm then just starts kicking the piss out of him over and over again until he's sent back to his corner. Christian then hits a few more of signature moves on the defenceless Show including a pendulum kick from the corner and a frog splash. Christian tries the unprettier but Big Show counters and hits the choke slam! This seems to take a lot out of both men as they lie laying in the of the ring. Both men crawl their way to their respective corners and TAG! Hogan's in but is drilled with a super kick straight away by Lance Storm. Surely that's it....

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

.............

.............

.............

.............

NO!

Hogan sits up! Storm tries punching him a few times but it's no good! Ladies and Gentlemen he's HULKING UP! Storm tries another super kick but Hogan grabs his leg and and then elbows him in the face which really rocks the Canadian! Hogan then grabs him by the neck and rams his face into each of the four turnbuckles before hitting an Axe Bomber! Hogan then goes for the big boot but Storm ducks and slides all the way to his own corner to tag in Christian. Hogan tries an atomic drop but Christain counters and hits an unprettier! The cover....

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

.............

.............

.............

.............

NO!

Hogan sits up again! Christian shakes his head in disbelief as Hogan gives him the 'you' point. He hits a few more stiff shots and then hits the bug boot but catches Christian before he falls to the mat and hits him with a body slam. He poses to the crowd as he signals for the leg drop! He bounces off the ropes but doesn't notice that Big Show gently tags himself in! Hogan hits the leg drop and covers but the referee explains to him that he's not the legal man! Show who's getting kind of booed tries to choke slam Christian but Storm comes in and gives him a super kick and Christian follows up with the unprettier! Storm then throws Hogan over the top rope as Christian covers as Cole screams in disbelief....

........One........

.........Two.........

Three?

.............

.............

.............

.............

.............

.............

YES!

Winners via pinfall at 16:58, The UnAmericans

The UnAmericans roll out of the ring and celebrate on the ramp to a lot of heat as Hogan gets back in the ring.

Cole: Why the hell did Big Show tag himself in? Hogan had this match won.

Tazz: I have no idea Cole but that mistake cost him the match.

Hogan then goes nose to nose with Big Show as they begin to argue.

Cole: This is an explosive situation right here!

Show then begins screaming that Hogan abandoned him at the start of the match as Hogan tries to clam him down.

Tazz: Big Show has just lost it.

Hogan then shakes his head and goes to leave but Big Show grabs him and hits a Choke Slam!

Cole: Oh for god's sake! The man has already been thrown off the stage tonight. How much more can he take?

Show then grabs the steel steps and tosses them in the ring,

Tazz: Not like this Big Show!

He then drills Hogan with the steps and picks up his limp body and chokeslams Hulk right into the steps!

Cole: STOP IT BIG SHOW! Hogan's career could be done.

Big Show seems satisfied with this amount of punishments and walks off as the EMTs hurry to the ring.

Tazz: I just hope Hogan's spine hasn't been broken...

The EMTs try and put Hogan on a stretcher but he stands up!

Cole: What a hero!

Hogan then gets out of the ring and starts walking up the ramp but then collapses halfway up it as the EMTs load up the stretcher.

Tazz: Hulk needs to go to a hospital right now.

'Hogan' chants echo through the arena as we cut to a video package...

[NotoriousMEAT]

*** Video Package ***

Straight away the closing moments of WrestleMania are shown as Triple H takes out both Stephanie and Chris Jericho to become the undisputed WWE Champion. We then change to clips of recent SmakDowns with Jericho talking about how Stephanie was always holding him back and now he's on his own he has a lot better chance of successes. These statements are backed up by Jericho shown standing tall over Trips on the last two SmackDowns including pinning him just three days ago following a sledgehammer shot. The narrator gets over that this match is no holds barred as we cut backstage...

*** End Video Package ***

Josh:Well on the pre-show we heard from the challenger, Chris Jericho but ladies and gentlemen my guest at this time, the WWF Champion Triple H.

Triple H walks in looking focused to a big pop.

Josh: Triple H tonight you defend your gold against Chris Jericho in a no holds barred match. Your thoughts?

Triple H: Josh I've beaten Chris Jericho before. Tonight I'm planning to do it again. This title right here means everything to me, it's the pinnacle of this business, and I am not gonna loose it to Chris Jericho. He's proved to the world that he had to cheat in virtually all of his title defences and now there's no room for cheating Chris. This is the environment I thrive in, no holds barred. You can hit me with however many weapons you want Jericho but know this: I'm gonna hit you back harder and it's gonna be twice as hard!

Triple H walks off his interview short and to the point as we head back to the announcers.

Cole: That huge no holds barred match is coming up right now ladies and gentlemen but just before we get there Hulk Hogan was loaded into an ambulance moments ago and will be at the local medical facility. From what we understand the injuries are less severe than we first feared as his spine has not been broken, but his back is in immense pain. If there's any further news before the end of the broadcast we'll be sure to bring it to you.

At that very moment the pyro explodes and here comes Chris Jericho to a lot of heat. Jericho cockily makes his way down to the ring.

Tazz: Oh man I'm pumped for this no holds barred match.

Cole: You and the thousands of people in the Kemper Arena!

Jericho then poses on the turnbuckle as the music of Triple H hits.

Tazz: The champ looks like he's in the zone Cole.

Cole: That title is so important to Triple H, ever since he got into the business all he's ever wanted to be is the best.

Triple H gets in the ring as the referee separates him from Jericho as Tony Chimel has the official introductions.

Chimel: The following contest set for one fall is for the World Wrestling Federation Championship and is to be contested under no holds barred rules! Standing in the corner to my right he is the challenger, weighing in at 227lbs and hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Y2J...... Chris Jericho!

Jericho raises one arm and shouts that he's 'the king of the world'.

Chimel: And his opponent standing in the corner to my left weighing in at 260lbs and hailing from Greenwich, Connecticut he is the current reigning and defending WWF Champion, The Game Triple H!

Hunter poses on the turnbuckle to the crowd but Jericho sneaks up from behind and gives him a low blow as the bell rings!

WWF Championship, No Holds Barred:
Triple H (c) vs Chris Jericho

Hunter obviously starts at a major disadvantage as that low blow just makes him crumple on the top turn buckle as the fans just shower Jericho with boos as they hold up their various signs that slag off the self professed king of the world. Jericho then charges at Triple H with a big knee then continually knees him in the face with one, two, three knees that smash right into the skull of Triple H that could potentially be concussion inducing. Jericho then picks the already weakened Triple H up and props him in the corner and chops him multiple times, over and over so that his chest turns a bright red colour and the fans begin to loose count over how many times they've said 'woo'. Jericho then hits his signature one handed bull dog out of the corner and poses for the fans again to a lot of heat. Hunter recovers surprisingly quickly however but Jericho soon puts the champion down again with a Northern Lights suplex and bridges into the cover...

.......One........

........Two........

........T-NO!.......

Jericho is surprised by this kick out as he realises that perhaps his pre match low blow wasn't as effective as he first thought. Jericho then stomps on Hunter a few times before seriously planning his next move and kicks Hunter in the head. He gets Hunter up as he tells that he's king of the world and hits a very smooth double under hook back breaker and then wastes no time by following it up straight away with a swinging neck breaker which looks particularly vicious due to the speed at which Jericho swung Hunter. Y2J then hits a drop kick which stuns Triple H, but doesn't knock him off his feet as Chris heads up top. He dives with a reverse elbow but Trips catches him! The Game tries a back breaker but Jericho elbows him in the face to get out of the potentially dangerous back breaker and hits one of his own that seems to really hurt Triple H as he clutches his back and screams in pain. Jericho covers from this....

.......One........

........Two........

........T-NO!.......

Despite this being a no holds barred match it seems Jericho wants to keep it, for the time being a straight wrestling match as that's the environment that he has the advantage over Triple H in. Jericho then hits a very impressive combination of moves as he rocks Triple with an enziguri but before he even has time to fall to the mat Jericho follows it up with a hurricanrana! Chris chooses not to cover and continues with the solid wrestling moves as a way to out down Triple H and in particular focuses on the back of the champion. He starts with a simple back suplex and then with rolls over Triple H and picks him up to nail a vertical suplex and then again hits one final suplex, that being a Tiger suplex all which seem to cause Triple H a lot of pain. As he gets up Jericho sends him straight back to the canvas with a drop kick right to the back of Triple H. He then looks to apply the walls of Jericho but Hunter counters it and rolls him up....

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

NO!

Jericho shocked that he just saw the match nearly go up in smoke bails from the ring as Triple H stands up and while clenching his back invites Jericho to get back in the ring as Y2J is still regrouping on the outside. Jericho then kicks the steel steps in frustration as Hunter goes to join him on the outside. Jericho sees him coming and tries to dive off the steps with a forearm but Triple catches him with a knee right to the gut. Triple H now has the stunned Y2J at his mercy and rams his head repeatedly into the steel steps, around five times until Jericho collapses. Cole reminds us that while this match is no holds barred it's not falls count anywhere. Triple H then picks up Jericho and tries a vertical suplex but Jericho drops behind him and rams him into the steel steps! Jericho goes on the apron and dives off it but Hunter catches him and back body drops Chris onto the steps before rolling him back into the ring and trying his first proper cover of the match....

.......One........

........Two........

........Thr-NO!.....

Unlike Jericho, Triple H shows no sign of showing frustration quite yet as he hits Y2J with a short arm clothesline and while he's down on the ground an effective knee drop. Hunter also tries Jericho's approach from earlier and just keeps to straight wrestling moves in the early goings of this match as he hits another running clothesline and follows it up with a nice running neck breaker that looks very smooth. Triple H then Irish whips Jericho and tries a face breaker knee smash but Jericho counters and tries a German suplex but Hunter counters and pushes him into the ropes and on the rebound hits a face breaker knee smash and then goes right away into a DDT and covers...

.......One........

........Two........

........Thr-NO!.....

Triple H looks slightly annoyed that Jericho kicked out of that DDT and abandons his simple wrestling plan and leaves the downed Jericho in the ring as he pulls out a kendo stick from under the ring. Hunter then gets back in the ring and goes to hit Jericho with the stick but Jericho ducks and when Hunter turns around Jericho kicks the stick right into his face! Jericho has an evil expression on his face as he picks up the stick and begins to smash it into the back of Triple H who is laying helplessly on the canvas. Jericho then channels his inner Sandman and hits the White Russian leg sweep which breaks the Kendo stick on impact and covers Hunter.....

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

NO!

Jericho has a crazed look in his eyes as though he needs another weapon as he screams at the referee for counting too slowly. Jericho goes to the outside and steals the time keeper's steel chair and throws it into the ring. He then goes to hit Triple H with it but he ducks and then Jericho drops the chair and gets set up for the pedigree but Y2J counters this move and back body drops Hunter right into the steel chair causing more pain for Hunter's already damaged back. Jericho then gets the chair and smashes it into the back of Trips three times with each shot being more devastating that the last. Jericho then smashes the chair on the ground a few times as though he was calling Triple H up and then hits him over the head with the chair BUSTING TRIPLE H WIDE OPEN! Jericho then covers.......

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

NO!

Jericho cannot believe that Hunter kicked out of that move as the chair has broken into two pieces. Triple H appears to be struggling back up but Jericho soon puts a stop to that with a few heavy shots before tossing him right to the outside. On the outside Jericho rams Hunter's head continuously on the announce table exposing the wound that has busted the champion open. Jericho then retrieves another chair and throws it in the ring before moving Hunter back in. Jericho looks to be setting something up with the chair but Hunter counters and hits a back suplex right onto the chair. Hunter then tries a spine buster but Jericho counters it into a perfectly executed hurricanrana. Jericho then sets up the chair as though you were going to sit on it and bulldogs Triple H face first into the chair and covers....

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

NO!

Again despite Jericho's best efforts he still cannot put Hunter away. In sheer rage Jericho just boots Triple H in the face a few times before heading to the outside. Jericho then rips the Spanish announce table apart as Hunter staggers out of the ring. Jericho goes to suplex Triple H though the table but Triple H counters and hits a suplex of his own! Following an evil spine buster to the outside that looks like it would have broken a man's spine Hunter gets on the Spanish announce table and goes to pedigree Jericho. Chris counters and BACK DROPS TRIPLE H THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE that the Americans use. Cole cannot believe what is going on as Triple H is surely out for the count. Jericho the positions Hunter on the Spanish announce table and climbs up on the ring apron. He screams that he's 'The King of the World' before spring boarding and preforming a lionsault however TRIPLE H MOVES SENDING JERICHO THROUGH THE TABLE! Both men are out of it but Hunter recovers first and rolls Jericho back in the ring and collapses on top of him and covers....

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

........................

NO!

Triple H cannot believe that Jericho survived that crash through the table but not to worry as Hunter goes for the pedigree. However Jericho counters it yet again but this time with a desperate low blow. Jericho then springboards off the ropes and hits a regular lionsault but chooses not to cover and instead pose as Cole condemns his decision. Jericho instead locks on the walls of Jericho!

........He's synching the hold in........

.........Getting more painful.........

.........Hunter tries to struggle for the ropes but realises they make no difference in this match.......

..........Jericho drives the knee into the back turning it into a liontamer........

..........Hunter's got nowhere to go.........

...........He's on the verge of tapping..........

...........Hand's coming down............

NO!

At the last second Hunter rolls over sending Jericho into the ropes and on the rebound HITS THE PEDIGREE! Cover!

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

........................

........................

NO!

Jericho gets the shoulder up at 2 and nine tenths as Triple H has not yet managed to retain his title despite sending Jericho through the announce table and giving him the pedigree. Hunter sets Jericho up on the apron for something but it gets countered by Jericho with a kick to the gut. With a sick grin on his face Jericho gives Triple H an almighty DDT on the apron with the top of the champ's head bouncing right off the hardest part of the ring. Hunter is now really gushing blood his face covered in the proverbial crimson mask. Cole notes how Jericho has pretty much used his entire arsenal and has not been able to put Triple H away and reclaim the Undisputed Championship. Jericho rolls Hunter's lifeless body into the ring as Jericho goes under the apron and with a sick grin on his face pulls out a SLEDGEHAMMER! Jericho gets back in the ring and taunts Triple H with the hammer as the champion slowly gets up. Jericho charges with the hammer but Triple H ducks! Jericho turns round and gets nailed with a pile driver! Cover...

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

........................

........................

NO!

Jericho kicks out! Triple H cannot believe it as now he picks up the hammer. Hunter then waits as Jericho gets to his feet with a crazed look in his eye. Triple H charges with the hammer but Jericho gives him a low blow! Y2J grabs the hammer and clocks Triple H right in the face with it and covers...

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

........................

........................

NO!

Again Triple H kicks out and keeps his WWF Title reign alive. This is the last straw for Jericho who goes to nail Hunter in the throat while he's on the ground but Trips blocks it and grabs the hammer. Jericho tries to get it off him but it's no use as Trips rips it right out of his hands and hits Jericho! Before he can flop to the ground however Triple H stops Y2J's fall and hooks him for the pedigree! He hits and just falls on top of Jericho!

.......One........

........Two........

Three?

.......................

.......................

........................

........................

........................

N-.....................

YES!

Winner via pinfall at 20:15 and still WWF Champion, Triple H

The Game's music hits as the arena explodes over the great contest we just witnessed. Jericho appears to be conscious as he rolls to the outside while Triple H poses on the turnbuckle with the title.

Cole: What a match! What a moment for Triple H!

Tazz: An unbelievable contest is what we just witnessed Cole. Out of this world! I'd like to see Raw top that!

Cole: As Triple H celebrates his historic title defense Raw will also be making history tonight as they crown their first World Heavyweight Champion. Over to my colleagues Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler!


===NotoriousMEAT===


JR: "That was a hell of a fight we just saw over the WWF Championship."

King: "Did Tazz just say he wants to see RAW try and top that? Oh we'll top that alright!"

JR: "Can't disagree with you there King. Up next everyone is our main event!"

JR: "Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker have been on a quest for championship gold all year. Both have gone down very different paths, but tonight those paths cross in a tense situation that has only gotten more out of control as the weeks have the past. Despite personal difference with both men, Ric Flair sees both Austin and Undertaker as the top superstars in the industry and couldn't deny them the opportunity to battle tonight for the right to become the first World Heavyweight Champion. After the dust settles, one of these men will be the leader of a new era for Monday Night RAW."

A full video package airs revisiting everything Undertaker and Austin have been through since WrestleMania. Being drafted by Ric Flair. Being announced as top contenders for the World Title and their encounter with the nWo. It all ends with Austin destroying Undertaker's bike from RAW last week. As the hype video ends we see a shot of the World Heavyweight Championship on display in front of the announce table on a little table. There's a pause and the fans anticipation is growing until finally..

*GLASS SHATTERS*

The arena comes unglued as the raucous crowd welcomes their hero. Stone Cold comes marching through the curtain and makes a B-line for the ring. He enters the ring and hits all four corners, each time throwing up his arms and the double bird. Austin hops down from the final corner and paces back and forth, itching for his opponent's arrival.

There's a few seconds until the Limp Bizkit song cuts off Austin's theme. "Keep rollin' rollin' rollin'!.." which sends the crowd into a frenzy of boo's. Undertaker slowly comes rolling out on his bike. He sits on the stage and just stares down at Austin. He rides down the ramp and circles the ring before parking the bike at the bottom of the ramp. After entering the ring Taker doesn't do any posing. He stands just inside the ropes and glares at Austin. The time keeper hands the referee the World Heavyweight Championship as the announcements are made.

Lilian: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the World Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first. From Victoria, Tex.."

Lilian stops mid-sentence when Stone Cold bolts across the ring and pounces on Undertaker! Austin has Taker in the corner and is wearing him out with right hands. Lilian quickly scurries from the ring with the World Title as the referee goes to separate the two. After 10 more seconds of the referee yelling at him, Austin finally stops and storms away. With this separation the referee has a chance to ask Taker if he's ready, who responds be standing up and shouting "yes!". The ref calls for the bell and the match officially starts.

Main Event
World Heavyweight Championship
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Undertaker


Austin throws his vest out of the ring as the bell sounds. Undertaker is already on the move, but Austin closes the gap and meets him center ring. The two start throwing hands, trading rights and lefts for a moment until The Undertaker takes the advantage. He connects with an uppercut that sends Austin stumbling over to the nearest corner. Taker moves in and keeps up the punches, connecting with a few body shots before moving back up to the head. Austin quickly responds though be kicking Taker in the gut. He grabs him by the head and spins, using the momentum to put Taker in the corner. Austin throws a few punches but really starts kicking away. Kick after kick into Taker's gut until he slumps down into a seated position. Austin's kicks turn into stomps as the Rattlesnake refuses to let up. The referee is giving a lot of freedom to the superstars in tonight's main event due to everything that's on the line, but after a moment he steps in and insists Austin get things out of the corner. Stone Cold isn't exactly quick to respond so the ref starts his count. Once the ref hits 4, Austin stops, flips Taker the bird and gets in one final stomp.

JR: "He stomped a mudhole and walked it dry!"

Austin pulls back only long enough for Taker to start pulling himself up in the corner. Austin charges back in, but Taker ducks off to the side and heads for the ropes. He comes back and throws up a big boot.. but Austin ducks under. Taker quickly turns to be kicked in the gut. Austin grabs him by the head.. STUNNER? No. Taker pushes Austin away and drops down, rolling out of the ring. The fans boo and Austin quickly tries to go after Taker. The referee tries to prevent the match from spilling to the outside, but he can't contain Austin who goes around him and slips out of the ring. Taker isn't pay much attention as he holds his jaw. Austin runs up behind his opponent and clubs him in the neck with a forearm shot. Taker stumbles away and catches himself on the barricade. Austin closes and throws a right hand, but Taker cuts him off with a sudden kick to the gut. Taker quickly grabs Austin by the head and turns, throwing him down into the barricade. Undertaker stomps down at Austin a few times before turning away and rolling back into the ring. He gets to his feet and stumbles over to the center of the ring. The ref is counting while Austin still lays out on the floor.

"Four!"
..
"Five!"
..
"Six!"
..

Austin is up by five and rolls back in after six. Undertaker jumps on him as soon as he comes under the bottom rope with more stomps. Three stomps, four, five in total before Taker stops and helps pull Austin up to his feet. Taker whips Austin across the ring. Austin returns off the ropes and Undertaker again throws up a big boot, this time connecting with his opponent's jaw. Stone Cold hits the mat and Taker quickly drops down, putting a forearm across Austin's jaw for the first pin attempt of the match.

1!
2!
..

Austin kicks out well before the 3. Taker pushes up to his knees and throws some right hands down at Austin. He gets back to his feet and brings Austin up with him. Undertaker stays on the offensive for the next few minutes despite a few comeback attempts from Austin that he cuts off before they get going. Undertaker has Austin pinned in a corner and is really working him over. Taker pulls Austin out of the corner by his arm then twists under the arm. Keeping hold of his opponent Taker steps up in the corner and gets to the top rope. He's going for Old School. Impressive as always, Undertaker walks the top rope like a tight rope until he's near the center. He's about to leap.. but Austin throws his body at the ropes! Him colliding into them takes his opponent's balance away and Undertaker falls split legged on the top rope, forcing the rope up into his crotch. The fans pop as Undertaker sits on the rope, the pain written all over his face. Austin starts throwing right hands while Undertaker sits on the rope. Undertaker his holding the top rope so he doesn't fall which prevents him from being able to block any of the punches. Austin takes off across the ring and comes back off the ropes. He leaps up and hits a huge clothesline that topples Taker out of the ring down to the floor.

Austin takes a moment before he follows out of the ring. Taker is back up to his feet, but is hunched over still feeling the effects of falling on the ropes. He slowly moves up the ramp to get away from Austin, but the Texas Rattlesnake isn't too far behind. Taker looks up on the titantron and can see Austin closing in. He stops, allowing Austin to catch up. He spins around and tries to catch Austin off guard, but he's ready. Austin blocks Taker's right hand and throws one of his own. Austin keeps the punches coming and has Taker stumbling away. Austin lets him gets a few feet away before he charges and drops him with another clothesline, causing Taker to fall on steel ramp. Austin stops in his tracks after the clothesline and looks out at the crowd who is on fire. He doesn't waste much time and turns right back to Taker who is trying to crawl back down the ramp. Austin catches up to Taker as he pushes up to his feet which Stone Cold sees as an opening. He grabs Taker from behind and slowly lifts him up. Taker wasn't expecting Austin to catch him so quickly, and is suplexed back down to the ramp. Though slowly, the ref has been counting the entire time.

"Six!"
..
"Seven!"
..
"Eight!"
..

Austin comes up to his feet at the bottom of the ramp and realizes this. He jogs towards the ring and rolls in at 9, then instantly rolls back out. He doesn't want to win this match by count out, and he's not done with Undertaker by a long shot. Austin goes back to Taker who is still down on the ramp. He gets him back up to his feet and starts moving him back to the ring. Just as the near the ring Taker stops allowing Austin to control him and tackles into him. Taker forces Austin to the side and drives him into the steel ring steps. Austin's ribs meet the steel and he falls forward leaning against the ring. Taker takes a step back before lunging forward with a big right hand. He then takes Austin by the head and rolls him into the ring but leaves his head and chest hanging out under the bottom rope. Taker takes a moment then hops up on the apron. He gets to his feet and walks the apron before leaping in the air and connecting with a huge leg drop into Austin's chest. Austin falls out of the ring. Taker sits on the apron and rolls back in under the bottom rope. He gets to his feet and yells at the ref to keep counting. Unlike Austin, Undertaker has no problem taking the championship by count out.

"Three!"
..
"Four!"
..
"Five!"

Austin is still down clutching his chest as the count continues.

"Six!"
..
"Seven!"
..

He's stirring. Austin starts to push up.

"Eight!"
..
"Nine!"
..

Austin is only on one knee! The ref's hands are going up to signal 10, but Austin jumps up and rolls into the ring just in time! Undertaker is visibly upset, but he's had a few moments to regroup and he jumps back on the offensive. Austin is pushing himself up to his feet when Undertaker grabs hold of him and helps him the rest of the way up. He quickly whips Austin towards the nearest corner. Austin hits the turnbuckles with hard impact that causes him to bounce out of the corner. He's quickly met by Undertaker however who collides into him and crushes him back into the corner. Taker grabs hold of Austin and walks him out of the corner. With an arm around his waist, Taker hoists Austin up and holds him horizontally before dropping him down with a big sidewalk slam. Taker stays on top of Austin and hooks up a leg.

1!
2!
..no!

Austin gets his shoulder up! Taker sits up and pushes Austin away. Austin rolls and slowly starts pushing up his feet where Undertaker is already waiting. Austin gets to his feet and stumbles towards Taker who grabs him by the throat! Undertaker holds Austin in hand for a moment, he's looking for a Chokeslam. With a defiant look on his face, Austin quickly flips Taker off the kicks him in the gut. Austin has to kick Taker a second time to get him to release his throat. Taker is bent over and Austin holds his throat for a second before taking off towards the ropes. He comes back and leaps up at Taker, looking to take him down with a Thez Press.. but Taker catches him by the throat! Austin looks stunned as he falls to his feet where Taker instantly lifts him back up and before slamming him down with a Chokeslam! The fans can't believe it. The arena goes somber as Taker moves over on top of Austin and hooks both legs.

One!
..
..
Two!
..
..
ThrNO!

Austin gets his shoulder up just as the ref's hand is hitting the mat! The fans lose their minds as Undertaker storms up to his feet irate, screaming in the referee's face that it was a 3 count! The official stands his ground that it was 2 before Taker threaten's to back hand the ref which causes him to flinch away. Taker turns back to Austin who is down on all fours. Taker lifts one arm in the air, signaling it's time for Austin to take his Last Ride. Taker stands above Austin and grabs him by head. He forces his head up under his legs before grabbing him around the waist and lifting him up into powerbomb position. Taker lifts to throw Austin down.. but Stone Cold falls behind Taker. Both men quickly turn to find each other, and Austin is the first to strike with a kick to the stomach. Again he goes for the Stunner, but again Undertaker pushes him away. Taker actually pushes Austin directly into the ref, causing both men to fall with Austin landing right on top of the referee. Austin quickly pushes up to his feet where Undertaker again his waiting. Austin turns into Taker who throws up a kick, but Austin catches it! He yells something at Taker before throwing his leg down and kicking him in the gut not once but twice. He then grabs him around the head and finally drops him with a Stunner! Stone Cold Stunner! Austin crawls over to where Taker lands and lays over him, hooking up both legs. The fans count along.

One!
..
Two!
..
Three!
..


But there's no referee. The official is still down laying under the bottom rope. Austin throws Undertaker's legs away and push up to his feet. He starts walking over to the referee when all of a sudden, the visual starts to cut out. The titantron and millions of screens across the world are filled with static before suddenly going gray. The fans start screaming louder as the theme music of the nWo starts to play! Austin stops dead in his tracks and looks up at the stage. At that moment all three members of the nWo.. Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and X-Pac all make their way down the ramp. They circle the ring but Austin doesn't retreat. All three step up to the ring as their music comes to a stop and color returns to the arena. Austin's head is on a swivel as he tries to keep his eyes on all three of them. You could cut the tension in the arena with a knife, no one knows what's gonna happen... until X-Pac jumps into the ring. He runs at Austin who leaps up and takes the nWo member down with a Thez Press. Austin starts punching away until Hall dives in and breaks it up. Nash follows close behind and the two start stomping away at Austin. They quickly pick Austin up off the mat and hold him up by his arms. X-Pac gets back to his feet and throws a spin kick that catches Austin right in the jaw. He falls down to all fours, but the assault doesn't stop. Kevin Nash grabs hold of Austin and doesn't waste any time lifting him up and dropping him down with a Jackknife Powerbomb! Hall and X-Pac again start stomping away at Austin when suddenly Ric Flair appears on the stage!

Flair is waving his arms frantically and moments later a large group of referee's, backstage officials and arena security come sprinting down the ramp. The nWo seeing they're only outnumbered 3 to about 20 leave Austin where he lays and retreat from the ring. All three get over the barricade and disappear through the crowd. The ringside area is flooded with with all the officials and security as The Undertaker suddenly comes up to his feet above Stone Cold. He grabs Austin by the head and pulls him up, again forcing his head between his legs. Taker lifts Austin up onto his shoulders before pushing him and throwing him down to the mat with a Last Ride! Undertaker looks over at the ref who is just coming to. He reaches down and grabs him by the collar, quickly dragging him over to where Austin is laying. Undertaker drops down and forces his forearm into Austin's jaw for the pin attempt.

One!
..
..
Two!
..
..
Three!

Click for Spoiler:

Winner: The Undertaker (NEW World Heavyweight Champion) (24:32)

The fans are stunned! The scene of chaos comes to a halt as "Rollin" by Limb Bizkit blares through the arena speakers. Undertaker slowly pushes up to his feet as Lilian Garcia steps over to the bring and lays the World Heavyweight Championship underneath the bottom rope.

Lilian: "Here is your winner, and the NEEEW World Heavyweight Champion.. The Undertaker!"

Undertaker reaches down and grabs the title. He steps over to the center of the ring and just looks at the World Title. He looks up at Flair who is about half way down the ramp and just smirks as he holds up the World Heavyweight Championship. Flair looks on disgusted as all the officials and security begin to leave the scene, walking up the ramp past Flair who doesn't move.

King: "He did it JR! The Undertaker is World Heavyweight Champion!"

JR: "Are you kidding me!? Undertaker is the luckiest man in sports entertainment because that was an absolute screw job! Austin had him beat in the center of that ring and for some reason that damn nWo just had to come out and ruin a classic championship match!"

King: "I dare you to go say all that to the World Heavyweight Champion JR."

JR: "Whether he likes it or not, those are the facts and Undertaker knows it!"

Undertaker leaves the ring and takes a seat on his motorcycle. He lays the World Championship on his lap and starts the bike up. Flair still hasn't moved, but as Taker starts driving up the ramp Flair steps out of the way. Taker stops next to Flair and starts to chuckle before driving away. Inside the ring Stone Cold is laying on his side. The referee is checking on him but he ignores all the officials questions. Flair looks back at Austin, then up at Taker who has stopped on the stage. He holds the World Title up with arm as the fans continue to boo him. The final shot of Backlash is of an absolutely pissed off Stone Cold still down on the mat.

Backlash Quick Results
Pre-Show: Billy Kidman def. Tajiri (C): Match 1 in Best of 5 series
Pre-Show: William Regal def. The Hurricane
1. Eddie Guerrero def. Rob Van Dam (C) & Booker T: Intercontinental Championship
2. Edge (C) def. Raven (C): Unification Match; Hardcore Match
3. Billy & Chuck (C) def. APA: Tag Team Championships
4. Brock Lesnar def. Jeff Hardy
5. nWo def. Dudleyz
6. Kurt Angle def. Mr. Perfect
7. UnAmericans def. Hulk Hogan & Big Show
8. Triple H (C) def. Chris Jericho: WWF Championship; No Holds Barred Match
9. The Undertaker def. Stone Cold Steve Austin: World Heavyweight Championship

Next Pay-Per-View

Judgment Day
May 19th, 2002
Nashville, Tennessee
Gaylord Entertainment Center