City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Commentators: Raw: Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross
Smackdown: Michael Cole and Tazz
A very cool video package is shown hyping the ppv.
We start off with the co-general manager of Raw, Stone Cold Steve Austin in the ring. Stone Cold hypes the ppv. He hands a beer to Tazz, and then he makes his way up to the sky boc. Classic Stone Cold stuff here.
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Chris Benoit, Rhyno and Spanky(Brian Kendrick) VS FBI(Chuck Palumbo, Stamboli) With Nunzio & John Cena
Spanky starts things off by flipping over the top rope to take out FBI, and Cena. Once things settle down, Spanky becomes isolated in the corner of FBI and Cena. They beat the crap out of him , until he's able to tag in Benoit. Benoit comes in on fire. He dishes out suplexes to Cena, and Palumbo. Benoit goes to the top rope, and hits a diving head but on Palumbo. Nunzio tries to interfere, but Rhyno takes him out with the gore. Benoit has the Crippler Crossface on Cena, but Spanky is hit by the Kiss Of Death(Stamboli holds Kendrick in a back breaker position, while Palumbo comes off of the top rope with a leg drop). This was all possible because Nunzio stopped Spanky from hitting Sliced Bread #2. Palumbo goes for the cover, and gets the three count for the win.
Match Rating C: This was a great way to kick off the show, but this match was so short. I just wish this could've gone a little bit longer. Kendrick got the crap beat out of him for about five minutes, and then the match turned into a huge brawl. That's all this really was.
Sky Box Segment With Stone Cold: Austin is eating a hot dog, and having a beer. Then Eric Bischoff(the other co-general manager of Raw) walks in. Austin prods Bischoff into eating his hot dog, and then he gives Bischoff s hard toast. Spilling beer all over him.
Test & Scott Steiner With Stacy Keibler VS La Resistance(Sylvain Grenier & Rene Dupree)
La Resistance cuts a terrible anti-American promo. Steiner and Test get a pop, but I think a lot of that has to do with Stacy Keibler.
Dupree and Test start things off by slapping each other in the face. Steiner gets the tag. He dominates Dupree, and it seems like he might go for a cover, but Steiner decides to do some push ups instead. Dupree throws Steiner to the outside. While Dupree has the ref distracted, Sylvain gets a couple of cheap shots in on Steiner.
After having to endure a beating from La Resistance, Steiner manages to tag in Test. He comes in on fire, as he takes down La Resistance. Test hits a Full Nelson slam on Sylvain, and he goes for a cover. You would think this match should be over by now, but the ref is busy arguing with Steiner. Stacy gets involved, as she hops on the ring apron. Sylvain hits a dropkick on Test, which sends him into Stacy, and she gets knocked off of the apron, but luckily Steiner is there to catch her. Steiner tags himself in. Steiner is doing a good job of keeping things under control, until Test accidentally hits him with a running kick. Test gets thrown to the outside, and La Resistance hits the Flapjack(a double-team slam) on Steiner for the win.
After the match, Stacy goes in to check on Steiner, but Test doesn't like this at all. He aggressively pulls Stacy away from him, but she doesn't want to leave Steiner. After a struggle, Test finally pulls her away from Big Poppa Pump, and forces her to go backstage with him.
Match Rating C: This was pretty decent. Nothing really special happened here. This was just another stage in the Test/Steiner break up.
Backstage Segment: Mr.America and Gregory Helms(The Hurricane) question each other about their indenties, as Helms does a horrible Clark Kent impersonation. Helms wishes America good luck in his match tonight.
Josh Matthews Interviews Eddie Guerrero: Eddie talks about how he found a partner to replace Chavo. Chavo is out of this match because a torn biceps injury. Eddie reveals his pick is Tajiri.
Ladder Match For The WWE Tag Team Championships: Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin (champions) VS Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri
Benjamin takes out Eddie by throwing him into the ladder. Team Angle double teams Tajiri inside the ring, until Eddie comes in, but he doesn't provide much help at first. Team Angle hits a painful gut buster on Eddie. As Team Angle tries to get another ladder. Tajiri comes flying off of the top turnbuckle with a cross body, and he takes out Haas. Eddie tries the same thing on Benjamin, but he's able to counter the move. Team Angle sets up the ladder in the ring. Tajiri comes in and knocks Benjamin and Haas off of the ladder with a double backwards elbow. Tajiri and Eddie angle a ladder towards Haas' crotch, while he's down in the corner, and they hit a double dropkick, which drives the ladder into Haas' private parts. Ouch!.....that had to hurt.
Eddie continues the assault, as he hits an elbow drop on Haas, while he's sandwiched between two ladders. This wasn't as shocking as the crotch shot, but it looked pretty awesome. Guerrero must have landed wrong, because he's on the mat, writhing in pain. Meanwhile, Tajiri gets a ladder, and he goes for the belts, but he's stopped by Benjamin. Eddie is back up now, and he goes to work on Benjamin. Benjamin is able to turn things around on Guerrero, as he drives him into a ladder that was set up in the corner with a powerslam. Benjamin nails Tajiri with a weird move that looks like a seated senton, while his face down on the ladder that's laying across the top rope.
Haas nears the belts, but he's stopped by Eddie, who pushes the ladder, which causes Haas to fall out of the ring. Tajiri takes control of Team Angle, and he eventually manages to lock in the Tarantula submission hols on Haas. Benjamin breaks the hold by smashing a ladder across the back of his head. Eddie gets back on his feet, and he begins to take out Team Angle. He fights off both Haas and Benjamin, as he climbs the ladder. The tag titles are his to grab. It's easy just grab the belts, and the match is over. If you thought this is what Guerrero would do, then you thought wrong. Eddie hits a frogsplash on Shelton from the top of the ladder.
Charlie and Eddie fight for the belts at the top of the ladder, but Eddie ends the struggle with a powerbomb. Eddie goes for the belts again, but Shelton is pulling his tights. Tajiri sneaks around the other side of the ladder, and spits green mist in Shelton's face. Eddie grabs the belts, and we have new tag team champions.
Match Rating A: Awesome match. This one was filled with brutality, and all four men took one hell of a beating here. Eddie put on an amazing performance in this match, and he worked well with Tajiri.
Sky Box Segment: Stone Cold and Bischoff continue to argue. Stone Cold opens the window to the sky box, and he mocks how Bischoff drinks a beer. Stone Cold shows him how it's done. He then threatens to kick Bischoff out of the sky box if he doesn't learn how to drink beer like a man. Bischoff complies, and things are cool between the two.....for now.
Backstage Interview With Chris Jericho: Jericho talks about how he's going to win the Intercontinental title. Roddy Piper interupts. Piper bashes Jericho for ripping of Piper's Pit. Piper and Jericho exchange insults, and then Piper goes on to tlak about how he's going to take off Mr.America's mask.
A video package is shown of the Diva's Desert Heat DVD. It's pretty much just a bunch of WWE's past divas (Ivory,Trish,Victoria,Stacy,etc.) running around in bikinis, while in a old western setting. Nothing special about this DVD.
A video package is shown of past IC champions, the legacy of the title, and the controversies that surrounded it.
Battle Royal For The Vacant Intercontinental Championship: Val Venis VS Chris Jericho VS Goldust VS Lance Storm VS Rob Van Dam VS Christian VS Test VS Kane VS Booker T
Now you might be asking yourself, why is the IC title vacant here? Well it started back at No Mercy 2002. When Triple H(the World Heavyweight Champion at the time) defeated Kane who was the intercontinental champion at the time, the IC title was unified with world title. This caused the title to be inactive. Fast foward to May 2003. Stone Cold, one of Raw's co-general managers, re activated the title, and here we are.
We start things off with Howard Finkle introducing Pat Patterson. He is the first ever IC champ, and he will present the belt to the winner of the battle royal.
Val Venis out first, and he cuts one his very creepy promos.
Everyone gangs up on Kane to start things off. Everyone expect RVD tries to eliminate him (at this time, Kane and RVD were world tag team champions) but they fail. Kane fights everyone off, and Lance Storm is the first one to go. Everyone tries to team up and eliminate Kane again. This time, they succeed. Kane is pissed. He comes back into the ring, and attacks everyone, including RVD. Booker T eliminates Test, and Goldust eliminates Val Venis. Christian almost eliminates RVD, but he's able to hang on to the ropes. Although, that doesn't last long, because Jericho smacks him with a hard dropkick, and RVD is eliminated.
We are now down to four men....Jericho, Goldust, Booker T, and Christian. Goldust is able to thwart the double team of Christian and Jericho. He hangs both men up in the corners of the ring with their legs wide open, and he hits a running kick to the crotch on both men. What's with all the manhood abuse on this ppv? Anyway, Goldust gets Booker to do a spinaroni, and the crowd pops like crazy for this. Goldust tries to be sneaky, and throw Booker out of the ring, but Booker turns things around, and eliminates Goldust. Goldust and Booker exchange a fist bump to show that there's no hard feelings. Jericho and Christian double team Booker. Booker fights back. He thinks he's gotten rid of Jericho, but Y2J pulls himself back into the ring. As Jericho goes for a lionsault, Christian pushes him off of the top rope, and Jericho hits the floor. Jericho is shocked by Christian's elimination. Y2J throws a tantrum on his way to the back. Booker gets a burst of energy, and he starts to dominate Christian. Christian hits a ref with a dropkick that was intended for Booker. Booker hits a superkick on Christian to eliminate him from the match.
This should be over. Booker should be the new IC champ. but there's one major problem with this......the ref didn't see anything. Pat Patterson prepares to give the belt to Booker, but Christian snatches it from him. He whacks Patterson with a hard punch. While Booker celebrates in the ring, Christian runs in, and he takes him out with the belt. Christian tosses the belt out of the ring. He takes an unconscious Booker T, and throws him out the ring. Of course the ref is okay now, so he saw all of this, and Christian is the new IC champ.
Match Rating C+: This was a pretty decent battle royal with a few interesting twist and turns throughout. The ending to this match was a surprise, and it was done well.
Backstage Segment: Torrie Wilson and Sable exchange insults as they prepare for the bikini challenge. Sable puts oil on her leg, and she seems to be aroused as she's doing this.
Bikini Challenge: Torrie Wilson Vs Sable
WWE actually does a tale of the tape for this? Seriously WWE, a tale of the tape for a bikini contest?
A video package is shown of the Torrie Wilson/Sable rivalry. This whole thing started when Sable returned to the WWE, and she started this feud with Torrie out of jealousy. This is a unique video package. It shows Sable and Torrie constantly flirting with each other. Torrie dances for sable in the ring, Sable licks a lollipop, and.....well, yeah you get the idea.
Tazz is the judge for this, and he anxiously waits in the middle of the ring to get things started. Torrie is out first, and she's accompanied by Lillian Garcia who is singing what appears to be her entrance music. Sable and Torrie each have 15 seconds to show off what they've got, and the crowd will pick the winner. Sable goes first, and of course she's wearing a very revealing bikini. Torrie is next. She's wearing a bikini with Playboy bunnies on it. But her bikini isn't as revealing as Sable's, and the crowd doesn't seem to happy with this.
Tazz asks the crowd who should win. Sable gets a pretty nice pop, while Torrie gets a mixed reaction. Tazz asks the crowd for their opinion again, but befroe he can get to Torrie, she makes a sudden announcement. Torrie says she wasn't finfished yet. She takes off her Playboy bikini, and then she she shows off her true bikini, which is almost nothing by the way. The crowd pops like crazy for Torrie, and she's is declared the winner. Jerry Lawler looks like he's about to have a heart attack at the Raw announce table. Torrie grabs the mic from Tazz, and she says she wants to make sure there's no hard feelings between her and Sable. She walks over to Sable and kisses her. Sable seems to be very pleased with this.
Match Rating ???????: Ummm, since this really wasn't a wrestling match, I can't give this a grade. All I can say is both Torrie and Sable looked good here. That is all.
Sky Box Segment: Bischoff appears to be drunk. Stone Cold tricks Bischoff into eating hot peppers, and then he pours beer all over him.
Backstage Segment With Sean O'Haire and Roddy Piper: Piper is pissed about what happened with Jericho earlier. O'Haire tries to calm him down, and then Vince McMahon walks in, Vince praises Piper, and he tells him to take care of Mr.America.
Mr.America VS Roddy Piper With Sean O'Haire
For those of you who don't know the identity of Mr.America....it's Hulk Hogan. It's so painfully obvious, because Hogan has one of the most recognizable faces and bodies in pro wresting history. There's no way you can keep him a secret. That's why I was never really able to get into the Mr.America character. America has the same entrance music as the red and yellow version Hogan, and he has the same mannerisms in the ring.
Mr.America gets on the mic. He holds up a chair, and intorduces Zach Gowen. Gowen only has leg, and he did have a brief tenure in WWE. He was a feel good story. Hogan sets up the chair at ringside, and Gowen takes his seat. Once America gets in the ring, he's immediately attacked by Piper and O'Haire. The ref is able able to get O'Haire out of the ring. America takes control of Piper with a series of punches in the corner. America takes his maks off just enough, so he can bite Piper. He quickly puts the mask back on. Tazz and Cole try to play along with the mystery of Mr.America, but it's just not believable. America goes into the ropes, but he's pulled to the outside by O'Haire. Piper is distracting the referee, but America is able to turn the tables on O'Haire. America takes off his belt, and he begins to choke O'Haire, but Piper comes to his rescue by hitting America with a flying forearm(from the ring apron). Piper gets America back in the ring, and he begins to whip him with his own belt. As the ref tried to talk some sense into Piper, America begins to rise to his feet. America takes back the belt, and he begins to whip Piper. America is in control, until O'Haire interferes by hanging him up on the top rope. Piper locks in the sleeper hold, and he's able to bring America down to his knees. It looks like America will be choked out, but America is able to fight the three count.
Piper knocks America down, and he delivers a series of hard punches, but they have no affect on America. He begins to pump himself up, and then America points at Piper and sais, "You!" America is dominating Piper, and he clocks O'Haire with a punch as he tries to interfere. America hits the big boot, but as he prepares the leg drop, Vince McMahon makes his way to ringside. While America is distracted by Vince, Piper hits a low blow. McMahon distracts the refree. Piper is holding America, as O'Haire prepares to hit him with a led pipe. But America is able to duck out of the way, and O'Haire hits Piper instead. America knocks O'Haire out of the ring, and then he hits the leg drop on Piper. McMahon tries to pull the refree, but Zach Gowen stops him, and America gets the win.
After the match, America poses for the crowd.
Match Rating C+: This was way better than I expected. You knew there was good chance Mr.America would get the win, but this was still a pretty solid match.
Backstage Segment: Triple H is walking around backstage, and he's trying to get into the zone for his match with Nash. He runs into Stephanie. You can tell there's a lot of tension between these two. Stephanie tells HHH to be careful. Triple H doesn't say anything, and then he walks away. Remember, back then HHH and Stephanie just came off of a nasty storyline break up.
Triple H(champion) VS Kevin Nash For The World Heavyweight Championship
A video package is shown of the intense rivalry between Nash and Triple H.
This rivalry started when Nash returned from injury. Triple H and Shawn Michales were still in the middle of a very intense feud. Nash wanted peace between the two, but Triple H wouldn't have it that way. Triple H made up Nash's mind for him with a low blow, and here we are with the world title on the line.
Shawn Michaels is out first, and he will be in Nash's corner. Nash is out next. Flair comes out to a pretty good pop. Remember, we're in North Carolina, so Flair was sure to get a good reaction here. Flair is of course in Triple H's corner, and The Game is out next. Nash doesn't wait for HHH to get in the ring. Nash attacks when HHH is almost half way to the ring. Flair comes over and tries to restrain Nash, but HBK stops him. A bunch of refs rush the entrance, so that they can break up the fight between HBK and Flair. Then the crowd of refs, HBK, and Flair all make their way backstage.
Meanwhile, Nash continues to pummel Triple H. Nash finally gets HHH in the ring, and he continues the assault. Triple H goes to the outside in hopes of escaping Nash, but Nash catches him, and he continues the beat down. Back in the ring, Triple H finally is able to get the upper hand by raking Nash's eyes. HHH shoves Earl Hebner. Earl gets back up. It looks like he might call for the bell, but he changes his mind. Nash hits a hard clothesline, but HHH comes right back with a swinging neck breaker. Nash mounts HHH, and he begins to pound him with punches. Hebner tries to stop him, but he gets shoved to the ground for his troubles. Hmmm, Earl doesn't seem to be getting a lot of respect here............Nash continues pounding HHH, but Earl grabs Nash by the hair to stop him. Nash glares at Earl, and this brief stare down allows HHH to escape to the outside. HHH gets back in the ring. He goes for a running punch, but he hits Hebner instead.
Earl is on the ground ,so of course HHH is going to take advantage of this situation. He kicks Nash"s gentles hard. Again, WHAT"S WITH ALL OF THE MANHOOD ABUSE ON THIS PPV? Anyway, Triple H removes the top turnbuckle pad, and he tries to ram Nash's head into it, but he blocks it. Nash is about to drive HHH's head into the exposed turnbuckle. Hebner pleads with Nash not to do it, but Nash shoves him down AGAIN. Triple H is able to turn things around on Nash, and he drives his head into the exposed turnbuckle. Triple H hits the pedigree ,but he only gets a two count. Triple H goes for another pedigree, but Nash reverses it by throwing him over the top rope. While on the outside, HHH grabs his sledgehammer. Triple H prepares to hit Nash with the hammer. Earl stops him, but HHH whacks him with hammer instead. And after all the abuse Earl had to endure, HHH finally gets disqualified for clocking Earl.
After the match, Nash continues the assault. He hits a hard jackknife powerbomb on HHH, and then he goes for the sledgehammer. Referees and WWE officials try to escort HHH from the ring, but Nash won't go for it. He takes out all the officials and refs. Nash continues to pummel HHH, as they make their way up to the Raw announcer's table near the entrance. Flair is back out. He delivers a sereis of chops to Nash, and Nash no sells all of them. Nash pounds Flair with a right hand, and he's out. HBK comes out next. He tries to talk some sense into Nash, but it doesn't work. Nash shoves HBK and a ref to the ground. Nash is in a rage. He powerbombs HHH through the announce table, and walks away.
Match Rating D+: This match was pretty boring. What happened after the match was far more entertaining than what happened during it, and that's not a good sign. I get where they were trying to go with this. Nash was so pissed at HHH, and he wanted to teach him a lesson. There was an intense animosity between the two, and they wanted to take their frustrations out on each other, so I understand the sledgehammer, and the constant abuse of Earl Hebner. But the match it self just wasn't that good.
A video package promoting the Freddie Blassie book is shown.
Sky Box Segment: Stone Cold praises Nash's post match actions. Bischoff complains about eating too much, as a waitress walks in with a platter of chicken wings. Bischoff opens the window, and he seemingly pukes on the fans, and then Stone Cold pours a can of beer on him.
Fatal Four-Way For The WWE Women's Championship: Trish Stratus VS Jacqueline VS Jazz(champion) VS Victoria With Steven Richards
Richards pulls Trish's leg, and then a brawl starts. Victoria throws Trish into the ring post on the outside. Jackie goes for a cover on Jazz, but it's broken up by Victoria. Jazz executes a double chicken wing slam on Victoria, and then she does the same to Jackie. Trish is back in. She hits a clothesline on Jazz, and goes for the cover, but she only gets a two count. Jazz locks in the STF on Trish. Meanwhile, Jackie locks in a Half Boston Crab on Victoria. So we have two submission holds at once now. Who will tap first? Trish gets to the ropes, and then Jazz breaks Jackie's hold on Victoria by kicking her in the head. Jazz puts the STF on Victoria, but Trish breaks it up with a drop kick on Jazz.
Jazz and Trish exchange punches. Jazz goes for a hard shot, but Trish ducks it with her Matrix move. Trish hits the Chick Kick. She goes for a cover, but only gets a two count. Jackie aggressively throws Victoria back in the ring. Trish goes for Stratusfaction on Victoria, but Victoria reverses it by throwing her over the top rope. Jackie hits a bridging suplex on Victoria, but before the ref can get to three, Jazz breaks up the count with a splash on Jackie. Jazz hits a hard DDT on Jackie, and she gets the three count for the win. Also. Trish must have hit the ground really hard. because she's got a bloody mouth after this one is over.
Match Rating B: This was pretty good. Jazz looked dominant here. Trish, Jackie, and Victoria also put on solid performances. You see, WWE Women's wrestling wasn't always like it is now.
Stretcher Match For The WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar (champion) VS The Big Show
A video package of the Lesnar VS Show feud is shown.
We're here because Lesnar was tired of Show bullying Mysterio and other members of the Smackdown roster.
Show is out first, and he's carrying a stretcher with names written on it. The names are Benoit, Mysterio(Mysterio's name is crossed off because of what happened at Backlash) and of course, Lesnar.
Show swings the stretcher at Lesnar, but he ducks it. Lesnar picks up Show's stretcher, and he clobbers him with it until he knocks him out of the ring. Show turns things around on Lesnar with a kick to the gut. Show sets up the stretcher against a ring post. He attempts to drive Lesnar into it, but Lesnar reverses, and he drives Show into the ring post instead. Then Lesnar grabs the gurney, and he slams it right into Show's mouth. Show press slams Lesnar on to the gurney, and then he takes the stretcher and whacks Lesnar in the back with it hard. Lesnar hits Show with a series of shoulder strikes in the ring, Then Show turns the tables with a chokeslam. Show hits a leg drop on Lesnar while he's placed on the strecther, and the big man has all of the momentum.
Show tries to roll Lesnar across the line, but Lesnar kicks Show in the chet. Show comes right back with hard clothesline, which knocks Lesnar off of the gurney, Show whacks Lesnar in the back with the stretcher again.Lesnar comes back, and he repeatedly hits Show in the back with the stretcher. Lesnar grabs a handful of cables, and he begins to choke Show with them. Show eventually becomes motionless. Lesnar manages to get Show on the gurney. He tries wheeling him across the line, but Show gets caught up in the cables that are still around his throat. He falls off of the gurney before it can cross the line. Brock then uses the structure near the entrance to execute a nice kick on Show. This looks like something out of a martial arts movie. Lesnar charges Show, and he takes him down with a spear. Lesnar powerslams Show on the gurney. Brock continues the abuse by ramming the gurney into Show's gut.
Show turns things around on Brock. He takes the gurney, and repeatedly rams it into Brock, while he's pinned against the ring apron. Brock rolls into the ring. He knocks Show off of the ring apron, and he crashes into the gurney. Lesnar walks to the back, and points at his head.......While Lesnar is gone, Rey Mysterio comes out. He hits the 619 on Show. He tries another attack, but Show knocks him down. Show pulls his straps down, and signals for the chokeslam. But as he does this, Lesnar returns.....with a forklift! That's right. He's back with a forklift. Lesnar drives the forklift(which has a pallet on it by the way) to ringside. Show's distracted by the forklift, so this allows Mysterio to jump on Show's back, and he restrains him for the moment. Although, Show is eventually able to throw Mysterio off with ease. Lesnar climbs to the top of the forklift. He hits a flying clothesline on Big Show. Lesnar is on fire. He hits a vertical suplex on Show, and then Lesnar breaks out the F5. Very, very impressive stuff from Brock here. Lesnar places the stretcher on the pallet, and he drags Show on to the pallet. Lesnar raises the pallet in the air, and he drives across the line for the win.
Match Rating B+: Awesome match. This was very physical, and both men issued out their fair share of punishment. Brock had a dominant reign as WWE champion, and I can't remember a bad match he had while he was the champion.
Overall PPV Rating B: This was a good show. The World Heavyweight Championship match was a let down, but the WWE championship match was very impressive. The IC battle royal was solid. Jazz looked strong in a very good fatal four way match, and that match always reminds me of the good old days of women's wrestling in WWE. Mr.America VS Piper took me by surprise. I thought that match would be awful, but it wasn't. This match also had an old school feel to it.
Commentators: Raw: Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross
Smackdown: Michael Cole and Tazz
A very cool video package is shown hyping the ppv.
We start off with the co-general manager of Raw, Stone Cold Steve Austin in the ring. Stone Cold hypes the ppv. He hands a beer to Tazz, and then he makes his way up to the sky boc. Classic Stone Cold stuff here.
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Chris Benoit, Rhyno and Spanky(Brian Kendrick) VS FBI(Chuck Palumbo, Stamboli) With Nunzio & John Cena
Spanky starts things off by flipping over the top rope to take out FBI, and Cena. Once things settle down, Spanky becomes isolated in the corner of FBI and Cena. They beat the crap out of him , until he's able to tag in Benoit. Benoit comes in on fire. He dishes out suplexes to Cena, and Palumbo. Benoit goes to the top rope, and hits a diving head but on Palumbo. Nunzio tries to interfere, but Rhyno takes him out with the gore. Benoit has the Crippler Crossface on Cena, but Spanky is hit by the Kiss Of Death(Stamboli holds Kendrick in a back breaker position, while Palumbo comes off of the top rope with a leg drop). This was all possible because Nunzio stopped Spanky from hitting Sliced Bread #2. Palumbo goes for the cover, and gets the three count for the win.
Match Rating C: This was a great way to kick off the show, but this match was so short. I just wish this could've gone a little bit longer. Kendrick got the crap beat out of him for about five minutes, and then the match turned into a huge brawl. That's all this really was.
Sky Box Segment With Stone Cold: Austin is eating a hot dog, and having a beer. Then Eric Bischoff(the other co-general manager of Raw) walks in. Austin prods Bischoff into eating his hot dog, and then he gives Bischoff s hard toast. Spilling beer all over him.
Test & Scott Steiner With Stacy Keibler VS La Resistance(Sylvain Grenier & Rene Dupree)
La Resistance cuts a terrible anti-American promo. Steiner and Test get a pop, but I think a lot of that has to do with Stacy Keibler.
Dupree and Test start things off by slapping each other in the face. Steiner gets the tag. He dominates Dupree, and it seems like he might go for a cover, but Steiner decides to do some push ups instead. Dupree throws Steiner to the outside. While Dupree has the ref distracted, Sylvain gets a couple of cheap shots in on Steiner.
After having to endure a beating from La Resistance, Steiner manages to tag in Test. He comes in on fire, as he takes down La Resistance. Test hits a Full Nelson slam on Sylvain, and he goes for a cover. You would think this match should be over by now, but the ref is busy arguing with Steiner. Stacy gets involved, as she hops on the ring apron. Sylvain hits a dropkick on Test, which sends him into Stacy, and she gets knocked off of the apron, but luckily Steiner is there to catch her. Steiner tags himself in. Steiner is doing a good job of keeping things under control, until Test accidentally hits him with a running kick. Test gets thrown to the outside, and La Resistance hits the Flapjack(a double-team slam) on Steiner for the win.
After the match, Stacy goes in to check on Steiner, but Test doesn't like this at all. He aggressively pulls Stacy away from him, but she doesn't want to leave Steiner. After a struggle, Test finally pulls her away from Big Poppa Pump, and forces her to go backstage with him.
Match Rating C: This was pretty decent. Nothing really special happened here. This was just another stage in the Test/Steiner break up.
Backstage Segment: Mr.America and Gregory Helms(The Hurricane) question each other about their indenties, as Helms does a horrible Clark Kent impersonation. Helms wishes America good luck in his match tonight.
Josh Matthews Interviews Eddie Guerrero: Eddie talks about how he found a partner to replace Chavo. Chavo is out of this match because a torn biceps injury. Eddie reveals his pick is Tajiri.
Ladder Match For The WWE Tag Team Championships: Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin (champions) VS Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri
Benjamin takes out Eddie by throwing him into the ladder. Team Angle double teams Tajiri inside the ring, until Eddie comes in, but he doesn't provide much help at first. Team Angle hits a painful gut buster on Eddie. As Team Angle tries to get another ladder. Tajiri comes flying off of the top turnbuckle with a cross body, and he takes out Haas. Eddie tries the same thing on Benjamin, but he's able to counter the move. Team Angle sets up the ladder in the ring. Tajiri comes in and knocks Benjamin and Haas off of the ladder with a double backwards elbow. Tajiri and Eddie angle a ladder towards Haas' crotch, while he's down in the corner, and they hit a double dropkick, which drives the ladder into Haas' private parts. Ouch!.....that had to hurt.
Eddie continues the assault, as he hits an elbow drop on Haas, while he's sandwiched between two ladders. This wasn't as shocking as the crotch shot, but it looked pretty awesome. Guerrero must have landed wrong, because he's on the mat, writhing in pain. Meanwhile, Tajiri gets a ladder, and he goes for the belts, but he's stopped by Benjamin. Eddie is back up now, and he goes to work on Benjamin. Benjamin is able to turn things around on Guerrero, as he drives him into a ladder that was set up in the corner with a powerslam. Benjamin nails Tajiri with a weird move that looks like a seated senton, while his face down on the ladder that's laying across the top rope.
Haas nears the belts, but he's stopped by Eddie, who pushes the ladder, which causes Haas to fall out of the ring. Tajiri takes control of Team Angle, and he eventually manages to lock in the Tarantula submission hols on Haas. Benjamin breaks the hold by smashing a ladder across the back of his head. Eddie gets back on his feet, and he begins to take out Team Angle. He fights off both Haas and Benjamin, as he climbs the ladder. The tag titles are his to grab. It's easy just grab the belts, and the match is over. If you thought this is what Guerrero would do, then you thought wrong. Eddie hits a frogsplash on Shelton from the top of the ladder.
Charlie and Eddie fight for the belts at the top of the ladder, but Eddie ends the struggle with a powerbomb. Eddie goes for the belts again, but Shelton is pulling his tights. Tajiri sneaks around the other side of the ladder, and spits green mist in Shelton's face. Eddie grabs the belts, and we have new tag team champions.
Match Rating A: Awesome match. This one was filled with brutality, and all four men took one hell of a beating here. Eddie put on an amazing performance in this match, and he worked well with Tajiri.
Sky Box Segment: Stone Cold and Bischoff continue to argue. Stone Cold opens the window to the sky box, and he mocks how Bischoff drinks a beer. Stone Cold shows him how it's done. He then threatens to kick Bischoff out of the sky box if he doesn't learn how to drink beer like a man. Bischoff complies, and things are cool between the two.....for now.
Backstage Interview With Chris Jericho: Jericho talks about how he's going to win the Intercontinental title. Roddy Piper interupts. Piper bashes Jericho for ripping of Piper's Pit. Piper and Jericho exchange insults, and then Piper goes on to tlak about how he's going to take off Mr.America's mask.
A video package is shown of the Diva's Desert Heat DVD. It's pretty much just a bunch of WWE's past divas (Ivory,Trish,Victoria,Stacy,etc.) running around in bikinis, while in a old western setting. Nothing special about this DVD.
A video package is shown of past IC champions, the legacy of the title, and the controversies that surrounded it.
Battle Royal For The Vacant Intercontinental Championship: Val Venis VS Chris Jericho VS Goldust VS Lance Storm VS Rob Van Dam VS Christian VS Test VS Kane VS Booker T
Now you might be asking yourself, why is the IC title vacant here? Well it started back at No Mercy 2002. When Triple H(the World Heavyweight Champion at the time) defeated Kane who was the intercontinental champion at the time, the IC title was unified with world title. This caused the title to be inactive. Fast foward to May 2003. Stone Cold, one of Raw's co-general managers, re activated the title, and here we are.
We start things off with Howard Finkle introducing Pat Patterson. He is the first ever IC champ, and he will present the belt to the winner of the battle royal.
Val Venis out first, and he cuts one his very creepy promos.
Everyone gangs up on Kane to start things off. Everyone expect RVD tries to eliminate him (at this time, Kane and RVD were world tag team champions) but they fail. Kane fights everyone off, and Lance Storm is the first one to go. Everyone tries to team up and eliminate Kane again. This time, they succeed. Kane is pissed. He comes back into the ring, and attacks everyone, including RVD. Booker T eliminates Test, and Goldust eliminates Val Venis. Christian almost eliminates RVD, but he's able to hang on to the ropes. Although, that doesn't last long, because Jericho smacks him with a hard dropkick, and RVD is eliminated.
We are now down to four men....Jericho, Goldust, Booker T, and Christian. Goldust is able to thwart the double team of Christian and Jericho. He hangs both men up in the corners of the ring with their legs wide open, and he hits a running kick to the crotch on both men. What's with all the manhood abuse on this ppv? Anyway, Goldust gets Booker to do a spinaroni, and the crowd pops like crazy for this. Goldust tries to be sneaky, and throw Booker out of the ring, but Booker turns things around, and eliminates Goldust. Goldust and Booker exchange a fist bump to show that there's no hard feelings. Jericho and Christian double team Booker. Booker fights back. He thinks he's gotten rid of Jericho, but Y2J pulls himself back into the ring. As Jericho goes for a lionsault, Christian pushes him off of the top rope, and Jericho hits the floor. Jericho is shocked by Christian's elimination. Y2J throws a tantrum on his way to the back. Booker gets a burst of energy, and he starts to dominate Christian. Christian hits a ref with a dropkick that was intended for Booker. Booker hits a superkick on Christian to eliminate him from the match.
This should be over. Booker should be the new IC champ. but there's one major problem with this......the ref didn't see anything. Pat Patterson prepares to give the belt to Booker, but Christian snatches it from him. He whacks Patterson with a hard punch. While Booker celebrates in the ring, Christian runs in, and he takes him out with the belt. Christian tosses the belt out of the ring. He takes an unconscious Booker T, and throws him out the ring. Of course the ref is okay now, so he saw all of this, and Christian is the new IC champ.
Match Rating C+: This was a pretty decent battle royal with a few interesting twist and turns throughout. The ending to this match was a surprise, and it was done well.
Backstage Segment: Torrie Wilson and Sable exchange insults as they prepare for the bikini challenge. Sable puts oil on her leg, and she seems to be aroused as she's doing this.
Bikini Challenge: Torrie Wilson Vs Sable
WWE actually does a tale of the tape for this? Seriously WWE, a tale of the tape for a bikini contest?
A video package is shown of the Torrie Wilson/Sable rivalry. This whole thing started when Sable returned to the WWE, and she started this feud with Torrie out of jealousy. This is a unique video package. It shows Sable and Torrie constantly flirting with each other. Torrie dances for sable in the ring, Sable licks a lollipop, and.....well, yeah you get the idea.
Tazz is the judge for this, and he anxiously waits in the middle of the ring to get things started. Torrie is out first, and she's accompanied by Lillian Garcia who is singing what appears to be her entrance music. Sable and Torrie each have 15 seconds to show off what they've got, and the crowd will pick the winner. Sable goes first, and of course she's wearing a very revealing bikini. Torrie is next. She's wearing a bikini with Playboy bunnies on it. But her bikini isn't as revealing as Sable's, and the crowd doesn't seem to happy with this.
Tazz asks the crowd who should win. Sable gets a pretty nice pop, while Torrie gets a mixed reaction. Tazz asks the crowd for their opinion again, but befroe he can get to Torrie, she makes a sudden announcement. Torrie says she wasn't finfished yet. She takes off her Playboy bikini, and then she she shows off her true bikini, which is almost nothing by the way. The crowd pops like crazy for Torrie, and she's is declared the winner. Jerry Lawler looks like he's about to have a heart attack at the Raw announce table. Torrie grabs the mic from Tazz, and she says she wants to make sure there's no hard feelings between her and Sable. She walks over to Sable and kisses her. Sable seems to be very pleased with this.
Match Rating ???????: Ummm, since this really wasn't a wrestling match, I can't give this a grade. All I can say is both Torrie and Sable looked good here. That is all.
Sky Box Segment: Bischoff appears to be drunk. Stone Cold tricks Bischoff into eating hot peppers, and then he pours beer all over him.
Backstage Segment With Sean O'Haire and Roddy Piper: Piper is pissed about what happened with Jericho earlier. O'Haire tries to calm him down, and then Vince McMahon walks in, Vince praises Piper, and he tells him to take care of Mr.America.
Mr.America VS Roddy Piper With Sean O'Haire
For those of you who don't know the identity of Mr.America....it's Hulk Hogan. It's so painfully obvious, because Hogan has one of the most recognizable faces and bodies in pro wresting history. There's no way you can keep him a secret. That's why I was never really able to get into the Mr.America character. America has the same entrance music as the red and yellow version Hogan, and he has the same mannerisms in the ring.
Mr.America gets on the mic. He holds up a chair, and intorduces Zach Gowen. Gowen only has leg, and he did have a brief tenure in WWE. He was a feel good story. Hogan sets up the chair at ringside, and Gowen takes his seat. Once America gets in the ring, he's immediately attacked by Piper and O'Haire. The ref is able able to get O'Haire out of the ring. America takes control of Piper with a series of punches in the corner. America takes his maks off just enough, so he can bite Piper. He quickly puts the mask back on. Tazz and Cole try to play along with the mystery of Mr.America, but it's just not believable. America goes into the ropes, but he's pulled to the outside by O'Haire. Piper is distracting the referee, but America is able to turn the tables on O'Haire. America takes off his belt, and he begins to choke O'Haire, but Piper comes to his rescue by hitting America with a flying forearm(from the ring apron). Piper gets America back in the ring, and he begins to whip him with his own belt. As the ref tried to talk some sense into Piper, America begins to rise to his feet. America takes back the belt, and he begins to whip Piper. America is in control, until O'Haire interferes by hanging him up on the top rope. Piper locks in the sleeper hold, and he's able to bring America down to his knees. It looks like America will be choked out, but America is able to fight the three count.
Piper knocks America down, and he delivers a series of hard punches, but they have no affect on America. He begins to pump himself up, and then America points at Piper and sais, "You!" America is dominating Piper, and he clocks O'Haire with a punch as he tries to interfere. America hits the big boot, but as he prepares the leg drop, Vince McMahon makes his way to ringside. While America is distracted by Vince, Piper hits a low blow. McMahon distracts the refree. Piper is holding America, as O'Haire prepares to hit him with a led pipe. But America is able to duck out of the way, and O'Haire hits Piper instead. America knocks O'Haire out of the ring, and then he hits the leg drop on Piper. McMahon tries to pull the refree, but Zach Gowen stops him, and America gets the win.
After the match, America poses for the crowd.
Match Rating C+: This was way better than I expected. You knew there was good chance Mr.America would get the win, but this was still a pretty solid match.
Backstage Segment: Triple H is walking around backstage, and he's trying to get into the zone for his match with Nash. He runs into Stephanie. You can tell there's a lot of tension between these two. Stephanie tells HHH to be careful. Triple H doesn't say anything, and then he walks away. Remember, back then HHH and Stephanie just came off of a nasty storyline break up.
Triple H(champion) VS Kevin Nash For The World Heavyweight Championship
A video package is shown of the intense rivalry between Nash and Triple H.
This rivalry started when Nash returned from injury. Triple H and Shawn Michales were still in the middle of a very intense feud. Nash wanted peace between the two, but Triple H wouldn't have it that way. Triple H made up Nash's mind for him with a low blow, and here we are with the world title on the line.
Shawn Michaels is out first, and he will be in Nash's corner. Nash is out next. Flair comes out to a pretty good pop. Remember, we're in North Carolina, so Flair was sure to get a good reaction here. Flair is of course in Triple H's corner, and The Game is out next. Nash doesn't wait for HHH to get in the ring. Nash attacks when HHH is almost half way to the ring. Flair comes over and tries to restrain Nash, but HBK stops him. A bunch of refs rush the entrance, so that they can break up the fight between HBK and Flair. Then the crowd of refs, HBK, and Flair all make their way backstage.
Meanwhile, Nash continues to pummel Triple H. Nash finally gets HHH in the ring, and he continues the assault. Triple H goes to the outside in hopes of escaping Nash, but Nash catches him, and he continues the beat down. Back in the ring, Triple H finally is able to get the upper hand by raking Nash's eyes. HHH shoves Earl Hebner. Earl gets back up. It looks like he might call for the bell, but he changes his mind. Nash hits a hard clothesline, but HHH comes right back with a swinging neck breaker. Nash mounts HHH, and he begins to pound him with punches. Hebner tries to stop him, but he gets shoved to the ground for his troubles. Hmmm, Earl doesn't seem to be getting a lot of respect here............Nash continues pounding HHH, but Earl grabs Nash by the hair to stop him. Nash glares at Earl, and this brief stare down allows HHH to escape to the outside. HHH gets back in the ring. He goes for a running punch, but he hits Hebner instead.
Earl is on the ground ,so of course HHH is going to take advantage of this situation. He kicks Nash"s gentles hard. Again, WHAT"S WITH ALL OF THE MANHOOD ABUSE ON THIS PPV? Anyway, Triple H removes the top turnbuckle pad, and he tries to ram Nash's head into it, but he blocks it. Nash is about to drive HHH's head into the exposed turnbuckle. Hebner pleads with Nash not to do it, but Nash shoves him down AGAIN. Triple H is able to turn things around on Nash, and he drives his head into the exposed turnbuckle. Triple H hits the pedigree ,but he only gets a two count. Triple H goes for another pedigree, but Nash reverses it by throwing him over the top rope. While on the outside, HHH grabs his sledgehammer. Triple H prepares to hit Nash with the hammer. Earl stops him, but HHH whacks him with hammer instead. And after all the abuse Earl had to endure, HHH finally gets disqualified for clocking Earl.
After the match, Nash continues the assault. He hits a hard jackknife powerbomb on HHH, and then he goes for the sledgehammer. Referees and WWE officials try to escort HHH from the ring, but Nash won't go for it. He takes out all the officials and refs. Nash continues to pummel HHH, as they make their way up to the Raw announcer's table near the entrance. Flair is back out. He delivers a sereis of chops to Nash, and Nash no sells all of them. Nash pounds Flair with a right hand, and he's out. HBK comes out next. He tries to talk some sense into Nash, but it doesn't work. Nash shoves HBK and a ref to the ground. Nash is in a rage. He powerbombs HHH through the announce table, and walks away.
Match Rating D+: This match was pretty boring. What happened after the match was far more entertaining than what happened during it, and that's not a good sign. I get where they were trying to go with this. Nash was so pissed at HHH, and he wanted to teach him a lesson. There was an intense animosity between the two, and they wanted to take their frustrations out on each other, so I understand the sledgehammer, and the constant abuse of Earl Hebner. But the match it self just wasn't that good.
A video package promoting the Freddie Blassie book is shown.
Sky Box Segment: Stone Cold praises Nash's post match actions. Bischoff complains about eating too much, as a waitress walks in with a platter of chicken wings. Bischoff opens the window, and he seemingly pukes on the fans, and then Stone Cold pours a can of beer on him.
Fatal Four-Way For The WWE Women's Championship: Trish Stratus VS Jacqueline VS Jazz(champion) VS Victoria With Steven Richards
Richards pulls Trish's leg, and then a brawl starts. Victoria throws Trish into the ring post on the outside. Jackie goes for a cover on Jazz, but it's broken up by Victoria. Jazz executes a double chicken wing slam on Victoria, and then she does the same to Jackie. Trish is back in. She hits a clothesline on Jazz, and goes for the cover, but she only gets a two count. Jazz locks in the STF on Trish. Meanwhile, Jackie locks in a Half Boston Crab on Victoria. So we have two submission holds at once now. Who will tap first? Trish gets to the ropes, and then Jazz breaks Jackie's hold on Victoria by kicking her in the head. Jazz puts the STF on Victoria, but Trish breaks it up with a drop kick on Jazz.
Jazz and Trish exchange punches. Jazz goes for a hard shot, but Trish ducks it with her Matrix move. Trish hits the Chick Kick. She goes for a cover, but only gets a two count. Jackie aggressively throws Victoria back in the ring. Trish goes for Stratusfaction on Victoria, but Victoria reverses it by throwing her over the top rope. Jackie hits a bridging suplex on Victoria, but before the ref can get to three, Jazz breaks up the count with a splash on Jackie. Jazz hits a hard DDT on Jackie, and she gets the three count for the win. Also. Trish must have hit the ground really hard. because she's got a bloody mouth after this one is over.
Match Rating B: This was pretty good. Jazz looked dominant here. Trish, Jackie, and Victoria also put on solid performances. You see, WWE Women's wrestling wasn't always like it is now.
Stretcher Match For The WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar (champion) VS The Big Show
A video package of the Lesnar VS Show feud is shown.
We're here because Lesnar was tired of Show bullying Mysterio and other members of the Smackdown roster.
Show is out first, and he's carrying a stretcher with names written on it. The names are Benoit, Mysterio(Mysterio's name is crossed off because of what happened at Backlash) and of course, Lesnar.
Show swings the stretcher at Lesnar, but he ducks it. Lesnar picks up Show's stretcher, and he clobbers him with it until he knocks him out of the ring. Show turns things around on Lesnar with a kick to the gut. Show sets up the stretcher against a ring post. He attempts to drive Lesnar into it, but Lesnar reverses, and he drives Show into the ring post instead. Then Lesnar grabs the gurney, and he slams it right into Show's mouth. Show press slams Lesnar on to the gurney, and then he takes the stretcher and whacks Lesnar in the back with it hard. Lesnar hits Show with a series of shoulder strikes in the ring, Then Show turns the tables with a chokeslam. Show hits a leg drop on Lesnar while he's placed on the strecther, and the big man has all of the momentum.
Show tries to roll Lesnar across the line, but Lesnar kicks Show in the chet. Show comes right back with hard clothesline, which knocks Lesnar off of the gurney, Show whacks Lesnar in the back with the stretcher again.Lesnar comes back, and he repeatedly hits Show in the back with the stretcher. Lesnar grabs a handful of cables, and he begins to choke Show with them. Show eventually becomes motionless. Lesnar manages to get Show on the gurney. He tries wheeling him across the line, but Show gets caught up in the cables that are still around his throat. He falls off of the gurney before it can cross the line. Brock then uses the structure near the entrance to execute a nice kick on Show. This looks like something out of a martial arts movie. Lesnar charges Show, and he takes him down with a spear. Lesnar powerslams Show on the gurney. Brock continues the abuse by ramming the gurney into Show's gut.
Show turns things around on Brock. He takes the gurney, and repeatedly rams it into Brock, while he's pinned against the ring apron. Brock rolls into the ring. He knocks Show off of the ring apron, and he crashes into the gurney. Lesnar walks to the back, and points at his head.......While Lesnar is gone, Rey Mysterio comes out. He hits the 619 on Show. He tries another attack, but Show knocks him down. Show pulls his straps down, and signals for the chokeslam. But as he does this, Lesnar returns.....with a forklift! That's right. He's back with a forklift. Lesnar drives the forklift(which has a pallet on it by the way) to ringside. Show's distracted by the forklift, so this allows Mysterio to jump on Show's back, and he restrains him for the moment. Although, Show is eventually able to throw Mysterio off with ease. Lesnar climbs to the top of the forklift. He hits a flying clothesline on Big Show. Lesnar is on fire. He hits a vertical suplex on Show, and then Lesnar breaks out the F5. Very, very impressive stuff from Brock here. Lesnar places the stretcher on the pallet, and he drags Show on to the pallet. Lesnar raises the pallet in the air, and he drives across the line for the win.
Match Rating B+: Awesome match. This was very physical, and both men issued out their fair share of punishment. Brock had a dominant reign as WWE champion, and I can't remember a bad match he had while he was the champion.
Overall PPV Rating B: This was a good show. The World Heavyweight Championship match was a let down, but the WWE championship match was very impressive. The IC battle royal was solid. Jazz looked strong in a very good fatal four way match, and that match always reminds me of the good old days of women's wrestling in WWE. Mr.America VS Piper took me by surprise. I thought that match would be awful, but it wasn't. This match also had an old school feel to it.
