World Wrestling Federation
Thursday Night Smackdown| April 12, 2001
Philadelphia, PA
~ Opening Video
~ Pyro
Michael Cole: Welcome everyone to another edition of Thursday Night Smackdown. We are here in Philadelphia tonight for what promises to be an amazing show. Tonight Kurt Angle will face off against The Rock. After competing in a tag team match against each other last week Kurt Angle has requested a one on one match with The Great One. Can Angle continue to build steam as we move toward Backlash and his match with Chris Benoit? As always Im joined by my broadcast partner, the human suplex machine, Taz.
Taz: How exciting is this Cole? Its Smackdown and tonight we are going to see Kurt Angle vs The Rock in our main event. Plus tonight a champion vs champion match will take place between Chris Jericho and Steve Austin. Its one of the only times you will ever see the Intercontinental Champion vs WWF Champion and we have it tonight.
Taz: Lets get this thing rolling.
Youre Gonna Pay!
Rollin, what a way to kick of things this week on Smackdown. With the crowd standing on their feet, while cheering, The Undertaker and his brother Kane walk out. With Taker sporting a new leather jacket and Kane in his trademark mask they enter the ring. After walking around the ring for a moment while the crowd cheers them on, Taker grabs a microphone from the top of the steel step. He steps back, standing next to his brother, and begins his address.
The Undertaker: Im not someone who likes to sugar coat anything, so Im gonna cut right to the chase. You see, Ive been watching two little punks run around claiming to be the best damn tag team this company has ever seen. Ive been hearing that these two little kids want to prove that they are the best and that they will defend their tag team titles at any time. It doesnt matter if it is raining, sunny, or even snowing they will defend their titles. Well I say we put their word to the test. I say we make them man up or shut up right here tonight.
The crowd cheer as soon as Taker pauses.
The Undertaker: Ive been in the business long enough to know that unless you beat the biggest dog in the yard you havent done anything. Now Edge and Christian you guys are the puppies and you are in my yard. The WWF is the yard of The Undertaker; this is considered hell on earth for everyone else in the company because I run the show. Im the biggest bad ass that this company has ever seen and you two punks need to realise that you dont want to make me mad.
More support for Taker.
The Undertaker: You two have only three
(puts his fingers up) options at this stage. Number 1, you come out to this ring and put those titles on the line right here tonight!
Big pop.
The Undertaker: Number 2, you dont come out, Kane and I go back there and kick your ass just for fun.
Another pop.
The Undertaker: Or number 3,you come out here and get your ass kicked like men. So Edge and Christian they are your three options. Now I dont have a problem with either of the three but number one does sound the most appealing to me.
Kane: I like number two.
The Undertaker: Number two is a fine choice Kane. So Edge and Christian what will it be? Are you going to come out here like men and fight us or will you continue to ran away like children?
Pause from Taker as he waits for an answer.
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The Undertaker: That doesnt surprise me, in fact I was expecting that. After what you punks did on Raw to Kane, I know this big guy is pissed off. So whenever we find you, and we will find you guys, Im going to let this big red monster break every single bone in your body. Then after Kane rips you apart, Im going reattach your bones and then break them again.
Doctor Taker everyone, the crowd cheers this attempt of body modification.
The Undertaker: Edge and Christian you want to be the best tag team in the WWF, well to be that you need to go through us. You dont become the best without beating the two demons of Death Valley. You dont rise to the top of the mountain without going through the big red machine and the American bad ass. You claim to be the champions, I say if you two want to prove yourselves then defend those titles against us. Now Im gonna give you one last chance to man up and face us. Come on!
The crowd looks to the entrance ramp for Edge and Christian to make their way out to the ring to face Kane and The Undertaker. Unfortunately the tag champions are nowhere to be found and dont look like they will be making their way out to the ring anytime soon. This pisses off Taker more then he already was.
The Undertaker: You want to play that way, thats fine, I was kind of hoping it would end up like this. Ever since Ive been here Ive had to teach a lot of young guys like you two lessons. From people who never made it to legends like Shawn Michaels. They have all been taught a thing or two by me. So I dont want you to think that this is a special treat or anything, this is common business for me. I dont want disrespect in this to me or anyone back there that works hard. And all I see from you two punks is disrespect. Ill give you a warning, we are coming for you. We are going look all over this building to find you and when we do, you will experience the biggest ass kicking that this world has ever seen.
Rollin, the brothers exit the ring and head up the ramp on the hunt for Edge and Christian. With The Undertaker leading the charge, and Kane following behind, the WWF fans go crazy.
Michael Cole: The hunt is on ladies and gentleman, The Undertaker and Kane want a piece of Edge and Christian tonight.
Taz: If I were Edge or Christian I would be running out that door quickly.
Michael Cole: Stay tuned to see what happens next as Smackdown rolls on.
{Commercial Break}
Back from the break "This Is A Test" hits and out comes Test and his partners for this match The Dudley Boyz. The crowd gives a solid response for these three men, nothing mind blowing but it shows that the crowd has something invested in them. "What About Me? changes the mood in the arena. With some good heat from the fans Raven, the NEW WWF Hardcore Champion, steps out with X- Pac, Justin Credible and Albert. Out of those three it will be X- Pac and Justin Credible competing tonight while Albert watches on from the outside of the ring.
Match 1# - The Dudley Boyz and Test vs X- Factor and Raven
Match Summary: Basic tag team opener from these guys tonight. All of them are solid workers with Raven being the best man out there. During this contest the announcers talk about last week and how Test pinned Raven and the possibility that he could be the next in line for a tonight match. Plus Test got the victory clean over Raven so he does have a claim to the gold. The match was more so Raven controlled with the heels beating up the faces in the corner with a numbers advantage. X- Pac was his arrogant self, making fun of the faces when they were in trouble in the corner. The match isnt anything to amazing, in fact the best bits were probably The Dudley Boyz going their Whats Up head butt move. After five minutes of average in ring action the ending sequence begins. A right hand from Raven has D- Von Dudley going backward towards the ropes. Raven slings D- Von across the ring and then runs toward him, connecting with a big forearm in the corner. As Raven steps back D- Von stumbles forward and right into the arms of the Hardcore Champion. With his arms spread out Raven tilts his head back, grabs D- Von and nails the DDT for the pin.
Result: X- Factor and Raven def. The Dudley Boyz and Test at 05:30/ Raven pins D- Von
"What About Me?, victory once again for Raven, thats twice in one week! Being the dark and mysterious force that he is Raven shows no emotion about the victory while X- Factor, mainly Justin Credible, thinks it is the greatest thing in the world. As X- Factor celebrate outside the ring Raven grabs his title, slings it over his shoulder, and jumps the guard rail so he can walk through the crowd of people that are chanting he sucks.
Would Someone Hit Play On The Video Please?
Narrator: It was a time of fierce battles that seemingly had no end.
The Rocking hits the Rock Bottom on Steve Austin and then Austin hits the Stunner
Narrator: Two men who were destined to take each other to the limit
Chris Benoit is shown screaming in pain at the hands of Kurt Angle
Narrator: Three teams took extreme to another level
Several clips for the past TLC matches between The Dudley Boys, The Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian
Narrator: They all thought that the fighting was over
Steve Austin celebrating his title win with Vince McMahon after beating The Rock
Narrator: They were wrong
The attack from Austin to The Rock is shown
Narrator: That was only the beginning of the war
Several clips of WWF superstars fighting each other
Narrator: Now comes ...
Vince McMahon standing in a suit with Steve Austin behind him
Narrator: Backlash!
BACKLASH APRIL 29, 2001 ROSEMONT, IL
Michael Cole: What an event Backlash 2001 will be Taz. The main event on that night will be The Rock facing off against Steve Austin for the WWF Championship. You dont get much bigger then that do you Taz?
Taz: The two biggest stars in this business face off in a rematch from WrestleMania, you couldnt write a better story. This is a huge match and its a must see for every fan of the WWF.
Michael Cole: Well speaking of the pay per view, not everyone has a chance to be there. Last week here on Smackdown Jeff Hardy suffered an injury that will put him on the shelf until November of this year.
Taz: Its a big hit for not only the fans but for the tag team division. Over the last couple of years The Hardy Boyz has been at the top of the tag team world and now Matt is left without a partner.
Michael Cole: Let me take you back to last week, it was The Hardy Boyz vs Edge and Christian in a tag team match. It was going great, the fans were into the match and then this happened.
{Recap: Last Week}
He fires away with a head butt with everything on the line for The Hardy Boyz tonight. He is fighting to stay alive in this match and he is able to send Edge stumbling back to the mat. Down goes Edge and Jeff looks to be getting a second wind at this moment. However this is cut short when Christian rushes over and pushes Jeff off the turnbuckle and to the outside of the ring.
He hits the ground in a dangerous position with his knee looking like it bent the wrong way. The official quickly heads to the outside of the ring and seems to have words with Jeff. At that moment the camera is taken away from Jeff and switches to the face of his worried brother Matt. Nobody knows what has just happened but both Edge and Christian are chopping at the bits to get back on the attack. While all this madness is going on a tag is made between the champions and the official does see it. After a delaying of about one minute the official begins a ten count for Jeff. To the surprise of the announcers Christian goes to the outside and attacks the injured leg/knee of Jeff Hardy. Michael Cole describes it as a sickening attack while Taz brings up the argument that it is competition. With Jeff being the walking wounded Christian doesnt waste time on beating up a dead horse. He gets Jeff back into the ring and he hits the Unprettier. Ever the arrogant wrestler Christian doesnt look the legs as he covers Jeff.
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Edge and Christian defeated The Hardy Boyz @ 09:01
{End Recap}
Michael Cole: After that incident Jeff Hardy is out, he is unable to compete with the WWF until November. Tonight we will here from Matt Hardy and hopefully get an update on the condition of his brother.
Taz: Hopefully we will hear some good news about Jeff and when he will be back in action.
Michael Cole: Our thoughts go out to the Hardy family but the show must go on ladies and gentleman. Stay with us as Smackdown rolls on.
{Commercial Break}
"Man Beast", we are back here on Smackdown and with his music in the background The Man Beast, Rhyno, charges down to the ring. We last saw Rhyno on Raw is War where he helped Edge and Christian take down Kane during his title match against Raven. Next Slow Death hits to a solid pop from the crowd. With a water bottle in hand Crash heads down to the ring. In something a little different from Crash he gets up onto the ring apron and spits water up into the air, remind you of anyone? Some members of the crowd laugh at it while some find it annoying.
Match 2# - Rhyno vs Crash Holly
Match Summary: This wasnt the most interesting contest of the night from a fans perspective at first but toward the end of the match the people did get behind Crash Holly a fair bit. The crowd was by no means off their feet going crazy here but they were reacting to the cheap shots from Rhyno and then the comeback from Crash. It was your standard mid card match from these two and what they put on was really good for the most part. You cant complain when you have Rhyno using his strength advantage to throw Crash around a little and then Crash doing some amazing counters to get himself back into the contest. Anyway around the five minute mark Rhyno was still in control. He struck with right hand shots to the head of Crash before hitting a suplex. The pin attempt got a two count so the match continued. Rhyno was able to keep the pressure on as he hit several high impact moves ranging from shoulder block, scoop slam and a superplex just to name a few. None of these moves were enough to put Holly down for the count and it looked like Crash wasnt going to give up. He showed so much heart in this contest and even made a comeback to boot. Crash was able to counter the Gore and turn that into a huge DDT in the middle of the ring. Just as Crash Holly looked to get some offense going however Triple H came running down to the ring and attacked Crash. The assault caused the match to be thrown out but this was the least of Hollys problems.
Result: Crash Holly def. Rhyno at 06:45/ Triple H attacks Holly causing a DQ
As the crowd boo very loudly at this assault Triple H drives his fist into the skull of Crash. Like a machine gun Triple H fires away while holding Crash with his left hand. The little guy has no defence this attack. Each punch is strong then the last from Triple H who now screams at Crash to man up and fight.
Michael Cole: This is sick damn it, stop this!
Taz: Its a pure fight out there ladies and gentleman. It is on and ready to go.
Michael Cole: Triple H has just jumped Crash Holly when he wasnt looking. This is ridiculous.
Crash tries to fight back to his feet, hitting a few right hands to the face of Triple H sending him stumbling backward. The crowd pop as Crash gets to a vertical base and hits a forearm to the face. He then sends Triple H into the ropes but is countered and hit with a facebuster.
With Crash holding his face Triple H grabs him by the head and throws him over to the top rope and to the outside. Quickly The Game steps to the outside and begins to lay the boots into Crash. With his hands around the head of Crash, and the crowd giving him some great heat, Triple H slams Crash into the guard rail. He doesnt do this once but he slams Crash into the rail a second time, a third, fourth, fifth and a sixth.
As Crash lays on the ground with blood on his face, Triple H looks around the ring for something. Something comes to mind as Triple H looks under the ring and pulls out
a sledgehammer!
Michael Cole: Not this! Come on, stop this.
Taz: This is brutal.
Triple H looks at the sledgehammer like it is a sword of power. His eyes pop out of his head as he stares at the weapon in head. Just as Triple H places the weapon in the attack position Crash begins to get back up. He is totally unaware of what is coming and cant stop the huge shot with the weapon! The Game sends Crash crumbling down to the floor and after the attack a sinister grin comes across his face. The people are all booing this attack as Triple H begins to move up the ramp.
Michael Cole: This isnt right Taz, what Triple H just did was disgusting.
Taz: You cant say he doesnt send a message.
Michael Cole: Well moving on from that ladies and gentleman, at the moment we have Matt Hardy on the line waiting to give us an update on his brothers condition. After suffering an injury last week Jeff is going to be out until November so he will miss most of 2001.
Taz: Its a shame to see but things like this happen in our business.
Michael Cole: Lets head to the back where Jonathan Coachman is standing by with Matt Hardy.
He Spells Things With Zs
Backstage, Jonathan Coachman is standing by with Matt Hardy.
Jonathan Coachman: What a night we are having tonight and it only gets better because The Coach is here on Smackdown. If you would all welcome my guest, Matt Hardy.
Hardy steps forward and takes his place next to Coach.
Jonathan Coachman: Matt everyone knows why youre doing this interview, the injury to your brother has left you without a tag team partner, The Hardy Boyz are no more. The injury to Jeff has put him out until November at least. How are you doing and how is Jeff doing since last week?
Notably sad Matt runs his hand through his hair before answering.
Matt Hardy: What can you do? These things happen and Jeff knows that. We both knew what we were getting into when we joined the WWF and it was only a matter of time before a major injury happened to one of us. Im glad it wasnt me but at the same time Im upset that my brother is out of action. I know how much this business means to Jeff and for him to be unable to compete is eating him up inside. I watched him walk out to that ring each week more pumped than ever. He never lost the drive to compete and it really is a shame to see him on the shelf. He saw a doctor a couple of days ago and they basically said the same thing, he will be out until November.
Jonathan Coachman: Where does this put you as in competition? Will you find another tag partner or is it a singles title hunt for you in the future?
Seemingly annoyed at the question Matt points to his shirt which has the Hardy Boyz symbol and a picture of the two brothers on it.
Matt Hardy: How could I replace my own brother? We are blood; we are The Hardy Boyz for life Coach. Nobody can replace my brother and even if someone could, I wouldnt dream of leaving Jeff. We have been through so much together that it would feel wrong to leave him in his time of need. Im going to stick with him and wait until November and wait until I have my brother back. The bond we have is stronger than ever and now with one Hardy down I need to step up. Im going to fight for Jeff and win for Jeff. Ill become better than ever and when he returns we will be the tag team champions again. We will prove to the world that we are the best tag team ever in the WWF.
Jonathan Coachman: While you say all those things I conducted an interview with you last week and it seemed like you two were on edge. How was the relationship between you and Jeff before he was injured?
Matt shakes his head in disapproval.
Matt Hardy: As I said we are brothers, we fight some times. Just like everyone who has a brother, you dont always get along like best friends. But at the end of the day you come together as family and that is what Jeff and I will do. Im here to represent Jeff and the Hardy Boyz from now on. Ill do my best to win and make my family proud. No matter if its two Hardyz or just one, we will always fight. So next Monday on Raw is War I will get some retribution for my brother. You see I spoke with William Regal and he granted me a match with Christian.
The crowd pops for that announcement with a few jeers coming through because the match isnt taking place tonight. Hardy makes his way off the set as the camera switches to another section of the arena.
I Was Never A Fan Of Hide And Seek
For the second time tonight, probably not the last either, Kane and The Undertaker are seen walking around the backstage area. They look around corners, inside the janitors closet and even under a table for Edge and Christian. Funnily enough they have no luck and the champions are nowhere to be seen.
The Undertaker: Come on, lets try over there.
The two brothers head over to the area Taker was talking about as Michael Cole and Taz chime in to lead into the commercial break coming up.
Taz: It doesnt look like the brothers are having any luck in finding Edge and Christian tonight. If anyone knows how to escape capture its E and C man.
Michael Cole: But for how long? How long can the champions keep this up? At one point they are going to have to fight instead of running like this.
Taz: Its mind games Cole. Edge and Christian are trying to get Undertaker and Kane angry so they lose focus and then bam! E and C will strike like they always do.
Michael Cole: A more likely scenario is that The Undertaker and Kane will catch them and beat them to a pulp.
Taz: Edge and Christian arent some random punks Cole. These guys are the tag team champions, who have proven they can hang with the best.
Michael Cole: As The Undertaker said Taz, you havent proven anything until you beat him. The question remains, will Undertaker and Kane find Edge and Christian? Find out when Smackdown returns from the commercial break.
{Commercial Break}
