We come back from break and see that The Rock has now arrived at the arena. He's looking around, almost frantically as people point him towards a direction. The Rock then enters the trainers room where Hulk Hogan is still being tended to. The trainer hands Hogan a new ice pack that he places around his neck and shoulders.
Hulk Hogan: "Oh Rocky.."
The Rock: "What in the hell happened?"
Hulk Hogan: "The nWo brother. X-Pac cost me the match, then all three of them beat me down and branded me."
Turning, Hogan shows The Rock the spray painted 'nWo' letters on his back.
Hulk Hogan: "Now I know you got X-Pac tonight, but don't go out there and.."
The Rock: "Ah ah ah, save it Hulkster. X-Pac's ass is already whipped, but what do you think about this?"
The two move in and talk quietly. We then go back to Jericho who has been joined by Test, William Regal, and now Christian. All four are in front of Ric Flair's office protesting loudly, Jericho still with the Megaphone.
Chris Jericho: "..a janky promoter! Ric Flair is a flesh peddling joke of a promoter and I'd rather work for the day time weekend assistant manager of Buger King, than the Nature Boy WOOOO Ric Flair! Look at the talent out here he continues to waste and ignore. Test is one of the biggest brightest stars in the WWF today! William Regal is a rugged veteran in his PRIME! Guys like Christian and myself haven't even HIT our primes yet, but instead of being positioned on top of the ladder to carry the RAW banner, we're being used to help OTHER guys get jobs, and to help OTHER superstars prepare for their Pay-Per-View matches! This must stop. As the first ever Undisputed Champion in the HISTORY of this business, I can no longer stand by and.."
At that moment D-Lo Brown exits Flair's office with a grin on his face, and a contract in his hand. The four men mean mug him, and D-Lo is smart to quickly get away. Fed up, Jericho begins to bang on Flair's door, screaming into the megaphone repeatedly,
"Knock Knock!", until Flair finally swings the door open, intense and visibly agigtated.
Ric Flair: "Damn it Jericho! Just how old are you? You're out here stomping and crying like a spoiled brat who didn't get enough toys at Christmas! You are facing the WWF Champion, tonight. What more could you possibly want? That's the opportunity of a life time."
Chris Jericho: "I want. The WWF Championship. I want, a WWF Championship match. I'm already facing the WWF Champion, why not make it a title match? He said himself tonight he is a 'fighting champion!', so make him live up to it."
Flair would pause, just staring at Jericho before looking around at the rest of the superstars who had joined him, then back to Jericho.
Ric Flair: "Fine, I have a different idea Jericho."
Chris Jericho: "What, you want me to fight Funaki for a RAW contract?"
Ric Flair: "I wouldn't be a wise ass right now, because I'm about to give you what you want. Tonight, if you beat Triple H 1-on-1.. YOU will challenge him for the WWF Championship at Backlash."
Chris Jericho: "Yes! Finally!"
Ric Flair: "In a Triple Threat match, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin."
Chris Jericho: "Triple wha? I should have a 1-on-1 title match, not share it with Stone.."
Ric Flair: "Take it or leave it Jericho! Beat Triple H, and you're added to the championship match at Backlash."
Jericho takes a second. At first he seems a little frustrated before slowly nodding and looking back to Flair.
Chris Jericho: "Fine. I beat Triple H tonight, then I take his championship at Backlash."
With that Jericho would turn and walk away. Flair would look at Test, Regal and Christian before slamming his door. We go back to the ring, and The Hardyz are standing in a corner of the ring. Jeff haunched over holding his abdomen, Matt rests on the ropes.
Jim Ross: "Well that's a huge announcement from Flair, Jericho finally has a shot to earn another title shot."
Jerry Lawler: "He should just have it JR, but he'll beat Triple H tonight, you just watch!"
Jim Ross: "Well up next is the second match of a Tag Team tournament to determine new number one contenders."
Jim Ross: "Last week the APA defeated the Dudley Boyz. Tonight the Hardyz Boyz have the face the nWo, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. The winners face APA next week here on RAW with a Backlash title match against Billy and Chuck on the line."
Jerry Lawler: "Hmm, I wonder who the winners of this match are going to be?"
♪ Rockhouse ♫
The screen goes gray as Kevin Nash and Scott Hall saunter out onto the stage. The duo look more cocky than usual as they make their way down the ramp. Entering the ring, they begin to taunt their opponents who are still visibly hurting from the attack by Lesnar just minutes ago. Nash slaps Hall on the back, letting him know he'll start the match as the ref asks the Hardyz again if they're sure they're ready to start the match. They both nod and Jeff exits through the ropes, allowing Matt to start.
Number 1 Contender Tag Tournament - Round One
Hardy Boyz vs nWo
The bell rings and Nash takes a deep breath. He exhales then shakes head. He nods and can be heard saying "I can do this, I can do this", as if convincing himself he can take Matt Hardy. Kevin then meets Matt center of the ring in a tie up, it looks as if they're struggling, and Nash drops to a knee. But Matt Hardy isn't overpowering his opponent. Nash is just being a jackass. Kevin steps back up to both feet before throwing Matt across the ring. Nash looks shocked as he looks back over to Hall who applauds him on his herculean effort. Matt starts pulling himself up in the corner and Nash chargers, eventually crashing into Matt with his full body weight. Stepping back, Nash allows Matt to fall forward into him. Taking him by the hair, Nash drags Matt back to the middle of the ring before dropping him with a big right hand. With Matt down, Nash chuckles and places a foot on his his opponents chest for a pin attempt.
1!
2!
...
But Matt kicks out. Nash looks peeved and yanks Matt right up back to his feet before kneeing him in the stomach. Hardy doubles over and Nash forces him between his legs. Kevin holds his arm in the air, signaling for the Jackknife. He hoists Matt up into the air, but Hardy hops out of Nash's grip and lands behind him. Quickly turning, Matt chops at the back of Kevin Nash's knee, dropping the big man back to the mat. The fans comes alive as the Hardyz have life. Matt quickly scurries over to the corner and tags in his brother Jeff who goes straight to the top rope. Not wasting any time, he leaps forward for the Swanton Bomb!.. but Nash rolls out of the way, allowing Jeff to crash and burn. Getting up to his feet he tags in Hall who charges into the ring and tackles Jeff as he's getting up. Laying into the young superstar with punch after punch, it's not until the ref threatens to disqualify him at the count of 4 that Hall stops. He stands and brings Jeff up to his feet with him by his hair. Scott kicks his opponent in the stomach before placing his head between his legs. Hall lifts Jeff up over his shoulder and now holds his high by his arms. Jeff's legs are kicking about, and just as it looks like he might get down, Hall falls forward and throws Jeff out, connecting with the Razor's Edge as Jeff collides into the mat, neck and shoulders first. At this point Nash has entered the ring and jogs across to the Hardyz corner, bringing up his boot and colliding it into Matt's face which sends him down to the floor. Scott is sure to drag Jeff to the center of the ring before kneeling down and placing a knee in his chest.
1!
2!
3!
The nWo are announced as the winners, and Scott Hall pushes the referee to the mat when he tires to raise their arms. Hall then reaches out to the ring steps and grabs a can a spray paint he brought down the ring. The same can he used earlier to paint Hulk Hogan. By this time, Nash has gotten Matt Hardy from the outside and both are back in the ring. After failing to do so earlier, Nash now successfully drives Matt Hardy down with the Jackknife Powerbomb before rolling him over next to his brother. As both lay motionless on the mat, Scott shakes the spray paint can.
♪ Protection ♫
The fans erupt as the APA's music begins to play. Lita is seen first coming through the curtain, pointing down at the ring and screaming. Right behind her come Bradshaw and Faarooq. Both men are running down to the ring, and both have steel chairs in hand. Nash and Hall exit the ring as the APA both slide in, saving the Hardy'z from the spray paint humiliation. Lita leaves through the curtain as the nWo make their way back up the ramp. Bradshaw grabs a mic and their music cuts out.
Bradshaw: "Hey, nWo! I want you to listen. Lita may have paid us for our protection here tonight.. but make no mistake about it. Next week.. we're kickin your asses, free of charge!"
Bradshaw throws the mic down as the APA's music begins to play again. Hall and Nash both shake their heads in disagreement as Hall shouts that "They're taking over". Bradshaw and Faarooq step aside and allow a group of referee's into the ring to assist the Hardyz.
Jim Ross: "I'm so happy the APA came out and put an end that assault, the Hardyz have been through enough tonight."
Jerry Lawler: "Boohoo for the Hardyz JR, but what about that tag team match next week?"
Jim Ross: "Oh it's gonna be a big one!
Jim Ross: "The APA and nWo both won their respective tournament matches and next week the two teams will meet in what I expect will be a brutal fight."
Jerry Lawler: "Only one team can be the number one contenders JR, and it's gonna be the nWo. They're unstoppable!
We then go backstage and see Chris Jericho exiting the lockeroom. He points back into the room and says something, but the camera doesn't pick it up. He then turns and begins his walk down the hallway.
Jim Ross: "Oh you wanna talk about unstoppable? How about Chris Jericho's demand for another title match?
Jerry Lawler: "How many times do I have to tell you he deserves it JR?"
Jim Ross: "Yeah well he has the chance to prove it here in a few minutes."
Jim Ross: "Coming up next, Chris Jericho battles the WWF Champion, Triple H. If Jericho is victorious here tonight, he will be added to the WWF Championship match at Backlash with Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Don't go anywhere folks."
__________________
♪ Break the Walls Down ♫
The countdown reaches zero and pryo explodes from the up from the stage and down from above the titantron. The camera spots Jericho, slowly walking through the curtain before turning his back and extending his arms out. He then spins and faces forward. The crowd begins to boo as Jericho makes his way towards the ring. Taking a moment and he stops and flexes for a young fan, allowing the kid a moment to admire his bicep before continuing forward. Jericho stomps up the stairs full of confidence and walks the apron before spinning and hanging on to the top rope. He nods his head and talks some smack before entering the ring. His ring jacket matches his tights, and he begins to remove it as the lights go dim.
♪ The Game ♫
The fans roar as Triple H comes into view. With the WWF Championship strapped around his waist, The Game waits for his song to reach a high note before exploding forward and spewing water into the air. Full of intensity the Game being a slow march towards the ring. As he approaches he walks to the far stairs and makes his way up to the apron. Pausing half way down, he faces the fans before lowering his head. Once his theme again hits the high note, he flips his head up and spits water into the air, and hundreds of camera flashes around the arena catch the moment. The Game enters the ring and by this point Jericho as exited. Triple H does his pose on the far turnbuckle before stepping down and removing his championship. Looking at the belt as Jericho re-enters the ring, Triple H hands his title off to the ref before backing into his corner.
Chris Jericho vs Triple H
The WrestleMania X8 rematch is an even back and forth from the opening bell. For the majority of the match Jericho plays fair, wanting to prove he cant beat Triple H. That is until he finds himself in position to take the Pedigree. Quick on his feet, Jericho pulls his head up and pushes Triple H back. The Game collides into the ref, not too hard, but enough to knock him down for a moment. Y2J takes this opportunity to kick Triple H is the groin before hooking his head and rolling him down into a small package pin. It takes the ref a moment, but he soon slides over and counts, but Triple H is able to kick out. Jericho protests the ref's count before rising and springboarding off the ropes, hitting The Game with the Lionsault! Again Jericho goes for the pin, but again Triple H kicks out. Jericho is getting pretty pissed, and figures the only way he can win is with the Walls. He rises and takes both of the champions legs in his arms. Jericho begins turning Triple H over to his stomach, but The Game is resisting. Jericho almost has him before Triple H throws all his weight to the side to lay on his back. He then brings his legs to him and kicks forward, sending Jericho into the corner. The crowd is then surprised as Christian comes from the crowd and takes a ringside chair. He slides into the ring and brings the chair above his head, but the referee almost tackles Christian, pushing into the far corner. He struggles to get the chair from Christian, and Triple H stands up. At that moment, Test slides into the ring. Triple H notices the the reaction from the crowd and turns, catching a Big Boot to the jaw. With The Game down, Test fleas the scene and Christian finally exits the ring. Jericho is all smiles before springboarding off the ropes, landing a second Lionsault. Y2J hooks up both legs as the ref counts the one, two, three.
The fans all groan as the bell rings. Jericho stands with the largest grin on his face as the referee raises his arm. Soon pulling his arm down, Jericho points out towards the crowd and yells at them. He makes the championship motion across his waist with his hands, hinting he'll be the next champion.
Jim Ross: "Well now what the hell was all that?"
Jerry Lawler: "That was Chris Jericho, pinning the WWF Champion JR! Someone should give him the title, he's practically champion."
Jim Ross: "Christian and Test had no right to get involved in that match. Jericho must have really rallied the troops with his protest back there."
Jim Ross: "Well I don't know what the hell is going on between Y2J, Test, and Christian.. but that victory drastically changes things going forward. Our Backlash main event is now a Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship!"
Jerry Lawler: "It doesn't matter if it's 3 men or 30 men JR, Chris Jericho is the King of the World.. and he'll be WWF Champion again, you just watch."
The crowd cheers as we see The Rock making his way through the backstage area. He's dressed to compete and JR announces that his match is after the break.
__________________
We come back from commercial and X-Pac is already in the ring. His music fades out, and the anticipation amoung the crowd builds.
♪ If Ya Smell.. ♫
The crowd roars as The Rock's music rips through the arena speakers. The Rock comes out onto the stage, and has a plastic bag in hand. Not a wasting a moment, The Rock makes his way down the ramp. Rocky drops the bag on the floor before entering the ring.
The Rock vs X-Pac
X-Pac is pretty cocky, and lets The Rock know it. Rocky though is no playing mood and begins laying the punches into his opponent. The Rock remains in control in the early going, but once the match spills to the outside, X-Pac is able to take advantage. He sends Rock chest first into the announcers table with a drop toe hold, and then quickly tosses The Rock into anything he can. The ring, the barricade, the stairs. X-Pac re-enters the ring, hoping to win by countout, but fails as Rocky makes it back in at 8. Pac starts to play with Rock a little. Hitting him with few kicks, bouncing around like he's really enjoying himself. He then floors The Rock center ring with a big spinning heel kick, and now begins to taunt his opponent. X-Pac stands above The Rock's head. He tells the crowd to suck it before waiving his arms back and forth, just as The Rock does before he hits the People's Elbow. X-Pac takes off across the ring, hitting the ropes. He leaps over The Rock and hits the ropes again. The Rock kips up, and when X-Pac comes back, he is quickly hosited into the air and dropped by a big spinebuster. The crowd comes alive as The Rock goes for the People's Elbow himself. Rock connects with the elbow and easily gets the 3.
The Rock celebrates his win, then exits the ring. He picks up the plastic bag he brought with him and reaches in. The Rock pulls out a can of spray paint and the fans pop. Rocky re-enters the ring and X-Pac getting to his feet. Rock drops the can and approaches X-Pac. The Rock spins him around before hooking him and dropping him with the Rock Bottom. Rock rolls X-Pac over to his stomach, then again grabs the spray paint. Before he can do anything, we hear the sound of banging and people yelling. On the titantron we now see that Hulk Hogan has backed a fork lift against the nWo's lockeroom. Nash and Hall are on the other side of the door trying to get out so they can help X-Pac. Hogan is just chilling on the fork lift before looking to the camera,
"He's all yours Rocky". The Rock smiles and begins to shake the can. He pops off the lid, leans down, and starts to spray. Once he's done, The Rock backs away and the camera gets a good shot of the word "bitch" in red letters across X-Pac's back. The Rock smiles ands throws the can down at X -Pac as his music begins to play again. We see Hogan again who's chuckling away as The Rock does his pose once more in the corner before exiting the ring. JR lets us know the main event is up next.
__________________
We come back and a replay is shown of the brawl between The Undertaker and Stone Cold at the top of the show. JR and King then explain the title situation between Stone Cold, Triple H, and now Chris Jericho. We then see Ric Flair in his office talking on the phone. There's a loud bang on his door and he rolls his eyes. Ending the call he approaches the door.
Ric Flair: "Jericho, if you don't leave me the hell alone I swear I'll.."
Just then the door swings open, and it's The Undertaker. Flair is taken back as the Deadman enters the room and slams the door shut behind him.
Ric Flair: "Taker your match is next, you need to.."
The Undertaker: "Shut up! The only thing I want to hear out of your mouth.. is that I'm added to the championship match at Backlash."
Ric Flair: "Look Taker.. you have to understand.."
The Undertaker: "No, you look! I don't have to understand a damn thing! You put that punk Jericho in the match when you know damn well that title shot belongs to me. How ugly am I gonna have to get Ric? Who do I have to put in the hospital? Who's career am I gonna have to end to get what I deserve around here? Huh!?"
Ric seems a little intimidated by The Undertaker's rage, but doesn't back down.
Ric Flair: "Taker.. just hear me out."
Flair looks down and sighs, taking a moment, before looking back up at the Deadman.
Ric Flair: "Fair is fair. If you beat Stone Cold.. if you beat Stone Cold you're in the title match at Backlash too."
The Undertaker just stares at Flair. There's an uncomfortable silence before The Undertaker's music begins to play. The two continue to stare at each other for a moment.
Ric Flair: "You're up."
The Deadman snarls then turns and leaves. We go back out to ringside where JR and King hype up the added implications of tonights main event. The Undertaker's music continues to play as Ross breaks down the Backlash main event possibilities. Finally, Taker rolls out onto the stage. He revs his motorcycle up a bit before heading down the ramp. Taker circles the ring and comes back to the ramp. He parks the bike and sits there for a moment. He stands and removes his trench coat, laying it down on the bike. He then reaches down beside the bike and pulls up a lead pipe. Taker begins walking back up the ramp as his music stops. Undertaker hides over on the side of the stage and the crowd begins to re-act, they know he's planning a sneak attack.
♪ I Won't Do What You Tell Me ♫
The audience pops as Austin's music begin to play, but they don't get too excited. Austin makes his way through the curtain and heads straight down the ramp. Once Austin has passed, Taker jogs down the ramp behind him before clubbing him in the back of the head with the pipe. Austin hits the ground hard and rolls down the remainder of the ramp to the ringside area. Taker follows close behind and swings down, hitting Austin in the ribs with pipe not once, but twice. The ref exits the ring and starts screaming at the Deadman, but the match hasn't started, and there isn't much he can do. Undertaker drops the pipe and lifts Austin up before rolling him into the ring. Taker then walks up the ring steps and enters through the ropes. He demand the ref start the match, who reluctantly does so.
The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
The match has officially started, but Stone Cold is almost motionless. He hasn't even been able to take off his vest. The Undertaker is in full control as the match gets going. Besides landing a punch here and there, Austin is competely defenseless and is beaten in and out of the ring by an angry Undertaker. Stone Cold didn't get the reputation for being the toughest SOB for nothing though, and after about 10 minutes of getting absolutely worked, he starts fighting back. Austin's building momentum and tries to drop Undertaker with a clothesline, but the Deadman ducks, and Austin ends up taking out the referee. Austin quickly turns, but his hit with a big boot. With both the ref and Stone Cold down, The Undertaker see's his opening and exits the ring, retrieving the lead pipe. As The Undertaker re-enters the ring, Chris Jericho comes running down the ramp. The Undertaker is waiting for Stone Cold to rise, and has the pipe cocked above his head. Y2J slides into the ring and stands behind Undertaker, reaching up and yanking the pipe away. Taker turns as Jericho swings low, hitting the Deadman in his stomach with the pipe. Taker falls to his knees, then down to his side. Jericho stalks above Taker though, waiting for him to stand so he can clock him again. It's obvious Jericho doesn't want the Undertaker added to the title match at Backlash. Taker starts pushing up, but before Jericho can do anything Austin steps in and kicks Jericho right in the gut, causing him to drop the pipe. Austin yanks Jericho by the head, and the crowd pops, but Jericho pushes away and rolls out of the ring before Austin can hit the Stunner. Jericho points at The Undertaker and yells at Austin,
"Finish him damn it!". Suddenly Triple H emerges from the curtain, unknown to Y2J. The Game runs down and grabs hold of Jericho, forcing him forward and rolling him back into the ring. Jericho stands only to be kicked again, and dropped with the Stone Cold Stunner. Triple H heads back up the ramp as Austin begins kicking Jericho out of the ring. Jericho finally rolls out, and when Austin turns, he's smacked right in the head with the lead pipe by The Undertaker. The Deadman looks to the ref who is coming to, and tosses the pipe out of the ring. Austin is busted open from the pipe shot, and The Undertaker drops down for a pin attempt. It takes the ref a moment to get there, but he slowly counts the 1... the 2... and the 3.
The Undertaker is announced the winner as his music begins to play. Triple H watches from the stage as The Undertaker's arm is raised in victory.
Jim Ross: "I can't believe folks. Whether is by hook or by crook, both Chris Jericho and The Undertaker found a way to get what they wanted, and that is a shot at the WWF Title."
Jim Ross: "The Backlash main event that Ric Flair announced at the beginning of the night here has drastically changed. It will now be a Fatal Four Way, and now more than ever, Triple H finds his title reign in dangerous jeopardy."
We see Jericho now sitting on the ramp, and he looks visibly upset. Stone Cold is barely moving as the ref check on him. The Undertaker points up to Triple H, and motions that he'll be the next WWF Champion as RAW goes off the air.