WWF 2000

[GrandSword]

Welcome to the beginning of the new millenium, the World Wrestling Federation is once again the ultimate in professional wrestling.

WWF 2000 begins with the last Raw is War and Smackdown! of 1999....

 

[GrandSword]

Raw is War
Greensboro, North Carolina
December 27, 1999​

The last RAW of the Millennium kicked off live from Greensboro with Mr McMahon flanked by his body guard the Big Show addressing the crowd. He then introduces the Federation Champion as the best son-in-law a man could have and the best Champion the Federation could have, HHH. The WWF Champion, “the Game” with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley on his arm joined Vince and Show at ringside. Triple H made it clear that he was in the “family” and was untouchable, in the ring he is unbeatable, and overall his reign is unstoppable.

HHH says he is the "be all and end all", the “measuring stick” and that no one in the world is in his league. This brought The Rock out from the back to give his views on what the Champion has just said. Vince of course takes offence and says that Rock needs to watch his mouth or the 500 pound Big Show is going to shut it permanently. But this just brings out Mick Foley who stands side by side with the Rock up on the stage and says that he wouldn’t let that happen! Foley says that everyone knows he is crazy enough to do absolutely anything and will beat the living hell out of both HHH and the Big Show. This enrages Triple H and he demands Vince make the match. Mr McMahon obliges the Game and says it will be The Big Show and the WWF Champion HHH vs. Foley and The Rock!

Kurt Angle came out and again spruiking his “3Is” and how he is the only Olympic Gold medallist in WWF history. But he is interrupted by his opponent, the high flying DLo Brown, letting Angle know he was a good amateur, but this is the pros and that Angle “better recognise”. Brown used his speed and high flying to take it to Angle. A bobble head leg drop later and Angle was in trouble. But The Olympian was able to avoid the Frog Splash, ground DLo with a mat based attack and eventually hit the Olympic Slam to remain undefeated.

Backstage in his dressing room, Mr McMahon tells the Big Show to shut the Rock’s mouth once and for all. The WWF Champion and his bride walk in. HHH is in his ring gear with his latest t-shirt says they need to talk strategy and if Vince can excuse the Big Show.

The next match on Raw is War was fast and furious tag team action as the Hardy Boyz took on the Dudleys. The vicious Dudleys use their size and power advantage on the high flyers, but with Lita at ringside getting involved, the Hardyz are able to fight back. A Twist of Fate on Bubba from Matt and then a Swanton Bomb from Jeff give them the victory. “Team Extreme” back up the ramp celebrating their victory, but a vile Bubba Ray stares at Lita as they leave.

Cameras backstage show the Rock getting ready in his locker room when Foley walks in. Foley tells the Rock he’s got his back. The Rock says that Foley is a freak, but the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection will go out there tonight and whoop some candy ass.

The Big Red Machine, Kane came to the ring next for his match with Edge. Edge comes from the crowd and slides into the ring quickly and attacks Kane to try and gain an advantage on the giant monster. Edge put up a valiant battle and hit the Downward Spiral to almost get him a win. But Kane was able to catch Edge coming off the top rope and then chokeslam the former Intercontinental Champion into the mat for the win. The remorseless Kane then dragged Edge out of the ring by his hair and then chokeslammed him through the announce table! The silent but deadly monster had taken another victim.

After the commercial break the Millennium clock counts down and out walks the current Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho. He welcomes everybody to Raw is Jericho! He tells all of the Jericholics that he is indeed the saviour of the WWF and that he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. But this brings out the only just returned Davey-Boy Smith. And he doesn’t look to be in a good mood, Jericho though, from his background looks to shake the British Bulldog’s hand, but the sentiment is not returned. Bulldog tells Jericho if he thinks he is even worthy of the IC belt little own be the greatest to ever wear it, he is sadly mistaken. Jericho talks about SummerSlam 1992 being one of the greatest matches of all time, and Smith reminds Jericho it was he who won that night. Jericho says it would be his honour to defend the title against Smith. But Jericho is put down with a sucker punch, and then a Bulldog Power slam. Smith steps on Jericho’s chest and holds up the belt before disrespectfully throwing it to the mat and walking off.

A video is shown showing a huge ying and yang symbol moving to some heavy rock music…

Backstage Lilian Garcia catches up with Davey Boy and asks him about is actions. Davey Boy reminds everyone that he came back to the WWF to do the one thing he has yet to do, and that is win the WWF title. Last week he announced he will be in this year Rumble match and will take out every disrespectful punk in this place until he takes what he deserves, the WWF Championship. Tonight the biggest disrespectful punk in the WWF today is the big mouth Chris Jericho and he sent him a message and everyone in the locker room, that the British Bulldog is back, he won’t be disrespected and he wont be denied. He then rudely dismisses Lillian.

Raw is War continues with the World Tag Team Champions, The New Age Outlaws, who made their way out along with their fellow degenerate, X-Pac, put the tag titles on the line on RAW. They faced Too Cool in an intense match, which saw Rikishi accompany the challengers to the ring. The Outlaws dominated the match, but Grandmaster Sexay Brian Christopher was able to gain momentum with a reverse Russian leg sweep on the Road Dogg. Unfortunately for the Master, X-Pac was able to take advantage of a distracted referee and hit Christopher with the X-factor, allowing the Outlaws to get the win and retain their titles. Rikishi was able to get a measure of revenge for his homies, laying out all three men. Too Cool and Rikishi then celebrated their moral victory with a dance in the centre of the ring.

The next match up sees the World’s Most Dangerous Man, Ken Shamrock taking on the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry. Shamrock comes firing out landing big body shots, but is unable to hit the belly to belly suplex. Henry now becomes the aggressor and runs over Shamrock and looks to finish him. Henry hits a splash with his 450 pound frame. Shamrock grabs his ribs. Henry then looks for a bear hug to submit the Ultimate Fighter. But Ken escapes the clutches of the big man and is able to bring him down and submit him with a brutal ankle lock. Henry grasping at his ankle rolls out of the ring in defeat as Shamrock holding his ribcage, calls out the Undertaker saying he will defeat him for what he did to his sister Ryan.

The bell tolls and out walks the Phenom. He slowly marches to the ring, but Shamrock sprints out of the ring to attack him. The two men exchange blows in the ramp way. Taker absorbs the shots and then delivers a big knee lift to the mid section and then throws Shamrock ribs first into the guard rails. The Undertaker does it over and over and then lifts up Ken’s arm and delivers big boots to them. Taker continually goes after the ribs with rabbit punches, and kicks. Shamrock falls in a heap at ringside, and Taker rolls him into the ring with his head on the apron. Taker brutally hits the big boot to the temple and then Tombstones Shamrock. Referees run into the ring to stop anymore damage as the Undertaker laughs to himself before leaving.

The Main Event sees the Rock and Sock Connection taking on the Big Show and the WWF Champion HHH. But before the match can start Vince McMahon walks down the ramp and announces himself as the special guest enforcer. In the battle of the big name players the referee is knocked out and Vince replaces him as the Rock hits the Rock Bottom on the Game. But Vince only counts two, and runs off, Rock goes after him but is choke slammed by Show! Vince rolls in for the count only for the glass to break, the roof blows off from the fans reaction and out runs the Rattlesnake!

Austin runs straight for Mr McMahon. Austin catches Vince near the broken broadcast table gives him right hands, flips him off and then one more big shoy sending him into the commentary team! In all the confusion Foley levels both Show and HHH with a steel chair and the Rock rolls the referee in as Mick pins the WWF Champion! Austin sneers, the Rock celebrates and Foley holds up the chair in victory as Raw goes off the air.

 

[GrandSword]

Smackdown
Richmond Colisseum, Richmond, Virginia
December 30, 1999​

The final SmackDown! and show of the millennium kicked off from Richmond, Virginia, with glass shattering and out stomps the returning Texas Rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin!

Austin fires up the crowd saying he is back, was going to drink beer and do what he wanted when he wanted. First thing he is going to do is to find the sumbitch that ran him over and tried to take him out. Austin said when he was going to go to every single superstar and get his payback until he finds out who ran him down! Then to once again become the World Wrestling Federation Champion. But Austin is interrupted by the Chairman of the WWF Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Vince tells Austin he won’t ever get near the title again, and that the Federation now has the complete Champion, his son-in-law the Game Triple H!

With Stephanie on his arm the WWF Champion HHH joins Mr McMahon atop the stage. He tells Austin that he is superior to everyone in the WWF. No one is a match for him especially a beer swilling redneck. HHH says he is the present and the future and there is no place for Austin because he is indeed that damn good. Austin taunts the Game by simply saying, “what?” Austin says he is back and no one is going to stop him, “especially not the three of you jackasses.” McMahon says that Austin is right, he is indeed back, which means he has to compete. So tonight Stone Cold returns to the ring on the last Smackdown of the millennium against, the Big Show!

The gigantic man lumbers out rubbing his huge hands together as the fans boo him. But Austin has the last word and says that right now Vince seems to be the number one suspect for running him over! He will go through anything Vince sends his way and then get his payback on Vince, and that’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so!

The first match of the night sees The Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho taking on the British Bulldog. Bulldog’s controls the early goings of the match using his experience and his power. But as the match unfolds, Jericho uses his speed to topple the powerhouse. Jericho hits the Lionsault for a two and a half count. Bulldog rolls outside very frustrated, and when Jericho flies out after him, he is smashed with a chair shot! Smith is disqualified, but he doesn’t care. He snatches the IC title off Lillian and when Jericho finally gets to his feet, he gets clocked right between the eyes!

Michael Cole runs up to Mr McMahon asking him to comment on Stone Cold’s accusation of him being the man that ran the Rattlesnake down last year. Vince says that he hates Austin’s guts, but he draws the line at vehicular manslaughter. He is the Chairman of the WWF and he deals with his issues inside the ring, not in a car park. Besides running down Austin is bad for business, the dumb fans love him too much. However putting him in matches and beating him up in the ring puts asses in seats and money in his pocket. Just like tonight when the world’s largest athlete beats the hell out of him!

Elsewhere backstage, Steve Austin asked where X-Pac and Road Dogg were. X-Pac and Road Dogg helped lock Austin in the parking garage at Survivor Series '99. The scared technician told him their locker room was down the hall. Austin told the guy if he was lying he’d come looking for him.

The crowd comes alive as the next match of the evening is the Hardy Boyz taking on Too Cool for the Tag team #1 contenders spot. Both teams brought their corner “men” with the white hot Lita and Rikishi both getting huge cheers from the fans. These two high flying baby face teams explode in a fast paced match. Each team gains the advantage as the crowd is behind both of them. Matt and Scotty hit each other with a big double cross body. Both men go down and as the ref counts out walk the reigning Champions the NAO and X-Pac.

They stand at the bottom of the ramp watching on, and no doubt looking to get involved. They move towards the ring like a pack of wolves, when the Glass Breaks for the second time tonight and down the ramp storms the Rattlesnake. He attacks all three men putting them down with big right hands, clotheslines and keeps them down with stomps. The distraction sees Sexay climb to the top rope and don his goggles but is caught by a Lita-rana sending him down to the mat and Jeff hitting a Swanton for the victory!

Austin smashes Billy Gunn with a steel chair! Rikishi gets in Austin’s face saying he cost them the match, but he is smashed with the chair as well! Austin grabs a microphone, grabs XPac by the hair and screams and demands to know who ran him down! X-Pac says he doesn’t know. Road Dogg came in to help but gets Stunned! He asks X-Pac again but he swears he doesn’t know and gets stunned! Austin gets thrown a beer and pours it on Road Dogg to wake him up. Austin then screams into the microphone again asking who hit him. James says he doesn’t know and he gets stunned again! Billy Gunn comes in and he gets stunned! The glass breaks again and Austin storms off…

After the break Ken Shamrock walks out and calls out the Undertaker. Ken still seems to be holding his ribs but he wants his revenge on the Undertaker. But the Lord of Darkness’ minion Viscera appears instead and says the Undertaker has sent him to deal with Shamrock. The enormous nightmarish monster steps over the top rope, but Shamrock explodes and hits him with everything he has. Viscera though, is able to take control of the match putting him down with his enormous power. But once again Shamrock is able to fight back and apply the ankle lock for the submission victory.

The bell tolls and the Deadman appears, but Mideon attacks Shamrock from behind. Taker makes his way down to the ring, but before he can make it to ringside Shamrock has belly to belly suplexed Mideon and then applied the ankle lock on him! An emotionless Taker watches on as his men are dissected by the ultimate fighter. Undertaker turns his back on his men as if a message for failure and allows them to get beat up some more. Shamrock calls out for Taker to come back out and face him, but it falls on deaf ears…

Backstage the Big Show is interviewed and he says that he doesn’t care that Steve Austin is back. Show says that he is over 7 feet tall and 500 pounds and more powerful than any car. He says that Austin is going to be run over again tonight, but this time by something more powerful than a motor vehicle., him! The pain he Austin felt being struck by a moving car is nothing to what he will feel tonight when he gets hit by the Chokeslam!

The next match up sees Kurt Angle taking on Test. Kurt again talks about his three Is and winning the Olympic Gold Medal for wrestling. The young Test is explosive and shows his power at his takes it Kurt, but the crafty Angle again is able to sneak a victory with a suplex and then holding his opponents long pants. Test complains to the ref, but the very happy Angle is announced the winner and continues his unbeaten streak.

Mick “Mankind” Foley walks out to ringside to a huge ovation. He challenges Triple H to a title match saying that he pinned the Champion on Raw and deserves a shot. But he is interrupted by the Rock. Rocky tells Foley that although they are team mates no one gets in the way of him beating the hell out of Triple H and becoming WWF Champion again. Vince walks out and stirs the pot by saying that on Raw there will be a #1 contender’s match Mankind vs. The Rock! Both men stare each other down.

Backstage Austin walks towards Triple H’s locker room. It was HHH who lured Austin into the car park where he was run down. He kicks the door down, but no one is in there. He grabs one of the ring crew and asks where the Game is. The guy doesn’t know and he gets a punch to the jaw for his trouble. But he is confronted by the 400 pound Rikishi, who tells Austin he is crazy and he has a big problem with Austin hitting him the face with a chair.

Austin says he doesn’t care and that if anyone gets in the way of him finding out who ran him down he’ll whoop their ass. He then asks Rikishi where he was at Survivor Series. Rikishi says he wasn’t even at the event. Austin then asks him if he knows where HHH is. Rikishi says how the hell should he know? Austin tells Rikishi that if sees HHH, tell him Stone Cold is looking for him…

Kane walks out to ringside and said that it is the last episode of Smackdown for the millennium and he says that he will win the Royal Rumble match and go on to Wrestlemania to become WWF Champion once again. He says no one will stop him from throwing out everyone in his path.

But he is interrupted by Mark Henry, the World’s Strongest Man. Henry says he isn’t scared of a freak and there is no way Kane or anyone else is throwing him over the top and stopping him from going all the way. Kane hits a big boot to the face knocking down Henry. He then attempts to throw Mark over the top rope, but it is blocked. It is now Mark’s turn to try, but Kane blocks it, and slips in a big uppercut! Kane then clotheslines Henry over the top but he goes with him and they both spill out on the floor!

The APA, Bradshaw and Farroq make their way out and start brawling with Henry and Kane. There’s fight on now, and the Dudleys want in, so they come out. Big Boss Man runs out next and starts trying to exert his will on everyone. Then Edge flies out and spears anyone that moves! Then the Bulldog runs out and tries to hit everyone with chair shots. Then out runs Jericho to the delight of the fans. He goes straight after Bulldog and the two brawl, as we go to commercial.

During the break, we see security, officials and referees try to stop the out of control brawl that wet everyone’s appetite for the upcoming 2000 Royal Rumble.

It’s Main Event time and the first time we see Austin in action since the mysterious attack. Big Show is out first accompanied to the ring by Vince McMahon. Show is extremely dominant, putting down the Rattlesnake at every turn. Austin though fires back, but is caught by the throat. Austin though is able to escape the devastating choke slam, and hit the Stunner for the win. Austin celebrates his victory and looks for his beers only to be hit from out of no where by Sweet Chin Music! The Heartbreak Kid has returned on the very last show of the millennium!!! He stands over Austin and confesses… “It was me!”. The world is in shock as the last show for the millenium goes off the air...

 

[GrandSword]

Raw is War
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
January 3, 2000​

The show starts with a video package of Austin getting run down at Survivor Series, his return and then the big reveal of Shawn Michaels being the man who did it. Jim Ross says that HBK is scheduled for tonight to reveal all about why he did it…

Then in the car park, an extremely intense and pissed off Stone Cold is sitting in the dark, behind the wheel of his pick up truck seemingly awaiting the arrival of Michaels is shown, as we go to the opening titles and pyro!

The very first RAW of the new millennium started off with a bang from the American Airlines Arena in Miami. Finally, The Rock had come back “home“, and with a new $500 shirt! The Rock introduced us to his family - the millions and millions of his fans. He then addressed Mick Foley and said that the Rock and Sock Connection is tight, but they are talking about the WWF title and in his home town he is going to kick Mankind’s fat candy ass all over Miami.

Mankind next came out to also a big pop, he too even used the cheap pop talking about Miami. He says that the Rock is young, he is fit he is the Great One. But it is now the year 2000. This could very well be his last shot. Foley says he has beaten his body so badly over the years and there aren’t too many miles left in it. So tonight he has to win, he has to beat the Rock because before it’s time to hang up the boots, he wants to be WWF Champion one last time. Both men shake hands but out walks the Champion with Stephanie McMahon Helmsley on his arm.

The Game says he doesn’t know if he’s going to cry or throw up. He hopes both of them beat the hell out of each other tonight. But it isn’t going to matter, because whoever he faces he will wipe the floor with, because no one is on his level, because he is that damn good. Stephanie then chimes in and says that Mick Foley is too disgusting to beat her husband and Rock isn’t good enough. Rock interrupts and says bitch be quiet.. and you too Stephanie! He then says whoever wins tonight, that man is going to kick HHH ‘s ass and take the belt from him. If ya Smell what the Rock is cookin’, and Foley told Hunter to have a nice day. Rock didn’t like not having the last word and stared down Mick, but Foley shrugged it off as a laugh…

In the back the Chairman of the WWF Mr McMahon (flanked by the Big Show) is asked to comment on Shawn Michaels being the guy who ran over Austin. Vince says that not even he can control the actions of Shawn Michaels. He says for years he has done what he wants, when he wants. Everyone will find out tonight as to why he did it.

Austin is again shown in his truck waiting….

The very first match of the year, century, millennium sees the clock count down and out walks Y2J, the Millennium Man himself, defending the Intercontinental Championship against Rikishi! Accompanied by Too Cool, Rikishi took it to the Champ as the fans were firmly behind each man. Jeriocho hit the Lionsault, but the Phat-Man kicked out and levelled the Champ with a side kick. He then dragged Y2J to the corner for a Bonsai Drop, but Jericho was able to escape. Jericho then hit the big man with a drop kick and then looked for the Walls of Jericho, only to have the British Bulldog again grab the IC title belt and smash Jericho in the face with it for the DQ!

Bulldog trash talked Jericho as Y2J held his face in pain. But a pissed off 400 pound Samoan was livid that Bulldog got in the way of his title opportunity. Bulldog walks into a side kick from Rikishi, but then quickly rolls out of the ring to safety. Rikishi wants more, but Too Cool, jump in calm him down by giving him his sunglasses and the crowd is again treated to a dance show.

From the all out brawl that happened near the end of Smackdown last week, we have an 8 man tag team match. Kane, The Dudley Boys and the Big Boss Man takes on Edge, Mark Henry and the APA. Henry and Kane get into it again at the start trying to show who is the most powerful and who will win the Rumble match. Edge comes in and uses his speed and explosiveness to turn the tide of the match. The Dudleys and the APA go punch fo punch on the outside as chaos reigns again. When the ref’s back is turned trying to regain order, Henry is about to powerslam the Boss Man, when Bull Buchanon and Albert rush the ring and attack him. All three men beat down the World’s Strongest Man, but Henry fires back and clotheslines Bull over the top, then the Boss man showing how good he is going to be at the Rumble. But he is caught by a huge flying big boot from Albert, sending him also to the floor. Edge spears Albert in half! But Kane gets back in the ring and chokeslams Edge to hell for the victory. Kane sets off his pyro as we go back to the parking lot.

The next match is Ken Shamrock vs. Mideon. The World’s Most Dangerous Man squashes Mideon pinning him quickly after several belly to belly suplexes. He then and calls out Taker, but the Deadman doesn’t show. So Ken goes berserk and tries to break Mideon’s ankle. Refs and trainers have to stop him from going too far.

The camera shows Austin still at the wheel when police cars start pulling up and seem to be escorting a stretched white limousine. Austin revs his engine as police officers get out of their vehicles and ask the Rattlesnake to turn off his engine. The camera zooms in and getting out of the limo is the Heart Break Kid! He straightens out his jacket as he looks over with a sneer at Austin who looks to ram through the cops and the police cars to get at Michaels! Shawn is ushered into the building quickly as Austin pushes towards Michaels. His truck baulks and tries to move forward and in the process the officer is struck.

The police then pull Austin out of the car screaming profanity at Michaels as he is cuffed for assaulting a police officer. The police throw him over the bonnet of his own truck and take him towards their car, when he is met face to face by a smiling Shawn Michaels! Austin goes berserk, but can only be thrown in the back of the police car and taken away. Michaels watches as Austin is driven away, smiles and turns to walk back into the building greeted by a grinning Vince McMahon.

The crowd seems silent and pissed off as the boos continue as out walks Kurt Angle. Angle again talks about how amazing he is winning a gold medal at the Olympics with a broken neck and says that he is going to easily win the Royal Rumble and main event Wrestlemania. Test walks out and says Angle cheated last week on Smackdown and asked for this rematch to kick his ass. The bell rings and Test vs. Angle is a fast and furious match as the bigger man really shows off his athleticism and try and put Angle down. A flying elbow drop, a missile drop kick and a flying forearm has Angle on the ropes as Test looks for the Pump Handle Slam. But Angle escapes the hold, and counters it with several German suplexes. He then hits the Olympic Slam for the victory. Although Angle looks very beaten up and hurt, he continues his unbeaten streak.

But before Angle can leave ringside, the video of the heavy metal music with the rotating ying and yang symbol hits. Most people seem confused most of all Kurt…

In the back X-Pac, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg were on their way to the ring when they meet up with and welcome Michaels with open arms. The Tag Champs and X-Pac are still reeling from Austin’s attack last week. Michaels tells them he can’t wait to be back in a WWF ring and tell why he did what he did.

The next match lights up the crowd as the Hardy Boyz w/ Lita, take on the tag champions the NAO, in a non-title match. The Hardyz are on fire and with the crowd behind them are about to take home the victory, when X-Pac again gets involved and hits an X-Factor on Jeff allowing Gunn to get the victory for his team. Lita gets in X-Pac’s face and he piefaces her sending her on her back. Matt Hardy launches himself over the ropes and starts laying in punches to X-Pac. The New Age Outlaws though help their buddy and put a 3 on 1 beating on Matt. NAO has demolished Team Extreme as we go backstage…

The Rock is interviewed about being forced to take on Mankind for the #1 contender spot in his home town of Miami Florida. . Rocky says he is going to go out there and ignore that it is Mick Foley standing across form him and just layeth the Smacketh down on Mankind’s candy ass. The Rock says he will then roll onto the Royal Rumble and pin Triple H 1.2.3, and once again be the WWF Champion. If ya smell what he’s cookin’.

The WWF Women’s Champion, the dominant diva, the 9th Wonder of the World, Chyna comes out to the ring. Chyna tells all the ladies in the back that she ready for the next one to step up, so she can knock them down. But the crowd goes crazy when it is a returning Sable who answers the call. Dressed in her ring gear, she says first of all hello to all the girls who want to be her and all the men who can again see her. She then tells Chyna that she has come back to take what is hers. The Women’s title. Chyna says she’ll squash Sable like a grape.. and tries to kick her, but Sable (in her ring gear) catches the boot, and then hits a leaping clothesline. She then tries to put Chyna in the Sable Bomb, but Chysa escaped shocked by how strong Sable actually is and retreats up the ramp!

Mick Foley is interviewed and he says he will do what needs to be become the #1 contender because this could very well be his last chance. He apologises to Rock, but he’ll have other opportunities. He knows he can beat HHH, and he wants the chance to once again become Champion.

Main Event time and with big pops from the crowd it is The Rock vs. Mankind. These two men have fought before, but it’s Foley who comes out the aggressor. Rock fights back with all he’s got and looks to put Mankind away with the People’s Elbow, but as he is about to deliver it, he is tripped up by the Game who has come down to ringside! Rock is upset, the ref ejects HHH, but while this is going on, Mankind slips in a chair and nails the Rock in the face. When Earl Hebner turns around he counts the 1.2.3. And Foley is the new #1Contender. The Rock loses in his home town.
Foley tries to help the Rock up, but the Rock isn’t having any of it. He comes to his senses and hits Foley with the Rock bottom! HHH and Stephanie are atop the ramp laughing as we go to our final commercial.

He’s a sexy boy! Down the ramp walks the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. Standing n the ring, he receives constant boos from the fans. He says he is here to explain himself and that’s exactly what he is going to do. He says that the fans booing him right now sickens him and is why he has no regret in what he did to Austin, just like he has no tregrets to what he did to Bret Hart. The boos get louder. Michaels says that his career was cut short because he went out every single night and gave his absolute best for the people. He refused to be stopped and night after night he put on a show like no other. The night he won the title, in a gruelling 60 minute iron man match, he almost had his back broken by the Sharpshooter which he stayed in for several minutes. Just so he could be the man. And when he got to the top, night after night he had to take on the very best the Federation threw at him. The Vader’s, the Mankind’s, the Sid’s the Diesel’s, the Undertaker’s. All bigger and stronger than he was, and it took its toll on his body.

The only chance he had to stay at the top was to enlist in the help of his best friend. The now WWF Champion, the GAME Triple H. Without him, he couldn’t have stayed at the top all those years, and putting money in Vince McMahon’s pockets. But what happens, Stone Cold is what happens. The fans turn on him, and cheer Stone Cold, even though he literally broke his back for them. And what else, Austin takes advantage of all the gruelling encounters, all the title defences and takes his title and takes his career, in one fell swoop.

Michaels says he wasn’t about to let him do it again to his friend HHH. He wasn’t going to allow the man who took everything from him, to do it to his best friend, the man that helped him stay at the top all those years. He was going to make sure HHH stayed at the top, and the only way to do that, was to rid the WWF of Austin once and for all. HBK then says he hopes Austin is listening or sees this on replay, but he’ll give it to him. He’s one tough sonovabitch. He came back from him running him down. But he won’t ever get near Triple H and that’s a promise from the Heart Break Kid.

The Glass Breaks! The fans go batshit crazy and out drives Austin into the arena in the police car that took him away!!! He quickly runs out of the car, slides into the ring just missing Michaels, as he leaps to safety. Michaels backs up the ramp as Austin goes out after him. X-Pac, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg run out and get in between them, but Austin fights them off!
It turns into a 3 on 1 and they throw Austin into the ring and look to use their finishers on him. But Stone Cold fires back as Michaels watches on. Stunner! Stunner! Stunner! Michaels escapes, the glass breaks again, the crowd goes crazy as a rabid Austin is left in the ring as Raw goes off the air.

 

[GrandSword]

Smackdown
The O-rena, Orlando, Florida
January 6, 2000​

The first SmackDown! of the new millennium kicked off from Orlando, Fla., with Stone Cold Steve Austin coming to the ring. Austin says that Michaels ran him down because he wanted to make sure he didn’t do to HHH what he did to HBK. He says if Michaels ever shows himself in the WWF again, he is a deadman. He says that Michaels failed because if Stone Cold can’t lay his hands on Michaels because he is retired then he is going to take it out on HHH. So Stone Cold is going to the Royal Rumble, he is going to beat up 29 other guys and go to Wrestlemania to take the title from HHH.

The noise of the car crash hits and out walks the Hardcore Legend Mankind Mick Foley. Foley joins Austin in the ring, but Austin doesn’t appreciate the interruption. Foley apologises for getting into his business but he welcomes Austin back and it’s great to see the Rattlesnake back in the WWF. He says that Michaels did fail, because he took out the wrong man. Michaels should have hit Foley, because he is the one who is going to end Triple H’s career. Foley says at the Royal Rumble it will be him who takes on HHH and beat him so bad he’ll take his title and end his career. He says he is a madman and everyone has seen what he will put his body through to beat a man.

But then Vince’s No Chance rings out and out walks Mr McMahon. He says he has to interrupt and say that both Foley and Austin have been talking a lot but they are nothing but just broken down men. And because they have talked the talk let’s see them walk the walk in a tag team main event, Mankind and Steve Austin vs. the Big Show and the WWF Champion Triple H!

The first match of the night sees Rikishi taking on The British Bulldog. Last week the Bulldog cost Rikishi the Intercontinental Championship when he attacked Jericho causing a DQ. Rikishi comes out firing looking to put a beatdown on the Bulldog. Bulldog gets frustrated and hits a low blow getting himself intentionally dq’d. He goes for a chair, but Too Cool run out and Bulldog is forced to drop the chair and leave ringside. Jericho though comes from the back and knocks him down from behind. He then rolls Bulldog into the ring and Rikishi hits a sidekick and then a Bonsai drop! Jericho smiles as Too Cool and Rikishi dance it up for the fans.

The New Age Outlaws tonight will defend their belts against the Hardyz. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn say that they are going to keep their belts and beat them just like they did on Raw.

Out next walks the Big Boss Man flanked by his two new giant sidekicks, Albert and Bull Buchanon. Boss Man says that they will be in the Rumble and with these two monsters by his side, he is going to Wrestlemania! Edge rolls out fired up from being attacked last week by the three men, takes it to the Boss Man. Edge is about to get the victory but Buchanon distracts the ref, and Albert hits his big scissors kick. Boss Man then pins Edge. But he kicks out! Albert now distracts the ref, Buchanon slides in Boss Man’s night stick and this time gets the 3 count.

Sable returns to action tonight as she takes on Luna! The crowd is white hot for her as she takes it to Luna and defeats her with the Sable Bomb. Chyna walks out with the title over her shoulder and tells Sable that defeating Luna was impressive, but she was a on a whole different level. Sable tells her she’s coming for Chyna and her Women’s title.

Another video of the spinning ying and yang with heavy metal music shows, but this time we get a glimpse of some feet doing round house kicks and side kicks. A chant breaks out amongst the crowd.

The World Tag Team titles are on the line as the Outlaws take on the Hardy Boyz. The Hardyz are dominating but once again X-Pac gets involved. The ref is knocked down and Pac attacks but the Glass Breaks and down runs Stone Cold he takes out X-Pac stuns Gunn and Road Dogg! He then leaves as quickly as came and Jeff hardy hits the Swanton Bomb! 1.2.3! New Champions are crowned! Lita celebrates with Matt and Jeff as they all leap into the fans with their new title belts!

Finally, The Rock came back to Orlando! He announces that he will be in the Rumble match and he will be the one who goes on to Wrestlemania. But he is interrupted by the undefeated Kurt Angle. Angle once again is matched against a top talent. As Kurt made his way to the ring, he questioned why with all his accolades he wasn't the People's Champ. The Rock answered swiftly, telling the Olympic champ exactly where he could stick his medals. And we have a match. Angle “brings it” and the match goes back and forth. But Angle gets frustrated and grabs the ringbell. The Rock though takes it from him and hits him in the face with it costing himself the match! Angle's winning streak is still alive via disqualification. The Rock is angry he lost and so delivers the People's Elbow!

The next match is the battle of the behemoths as Kane and Mark Henry collide. It’s a ferocious match with both heavy hitters taking control. But the man that seemingly doesn’t feel pain, the big red machine is superhumanly able to hit the chokeslam on the 400 pound Henry for the victory.
HHH is interviewed asked about what Shawn Michaels did to help him keep the title. He says Shawn must have gone insane from not being able to wrestle any more HHH says he didn’t need Shawn’s “help” and that he is that damn good, he would have beaten Austin any way. Just like he and the Big Show will do tonight. He says Foley thinks he is a badass. He says tonight he and Show will make sure neither one of them will make it to the Royal Rumble ppv.

The Undertaker walks out and addresses Ken Shamrock. He tells Shamrock that he is the Phenom and he does what ever he pleases to whoever he pleases. Just like at the Rumble when he throws everyone in his path over the top rope and to the floor. Shamrock runs out to attack Taker, but it’s a trap and Mideon and Viscera were waiting for him below the stage. They hold him while Taker unloads big heavy shots to his face. Taker then lays him out with a Tombstone!

Austin is interviewed in the back. He says he gets Triple H tonight… and when he sees the Game all he’ll be thinking it’s Shawn Michaels.

It’s the first Smackdown main event for the millennium as Austin and Mankind take on HHH and Big Show. Mankind throws himself into the fray and amazingly beats down Big Show. Austin goes after HHH but the Champion turns the tide with a big knee. But Austin fires back to regain control. Show comes in but he is caught with a mandible claw. Show’s strength fights out of it, but is stunned by Austin! Triple H doesn’t want any of Mick Foley and doesn’t make the save allowing Austin to get the win for his team.

Austin celebrates with a beer bash, while HHH and Foley share a stare down as Smackdown goes off the air.

 

[GCB]

GCB's FEEDBACK - FIRST RAW AND SMACKDOWN​

Maybe ... you could have had a recap of sorts to begin with? I enjoyed the Survivor Series and Armageddon PPV's that preceded this but I didn't know how Triple H and Vince got together (from Armageddon when they beat each other senseless) or how Big Show had gone from tearing up Big Boss Man to being Vince's stooge?

Format: I guess you're going completely opposite of the detail then?!! I quite like this, it gets the show across quickly and concisely. The only worries I have for it is that it (a) the reader can't get into the characters enough and (b) it passes too quickly to hook the reader. We've debated this in the BT Lounge but I prefer to see detail. Already, you have four shows and I've only read two - it might be going too quickly even for a short read? Compromise time - maybe have detailed PPV's to allow the reader to get into the show more?

Austin: Obviously, Austin dominates the end of RAW and the following SMACKDOWN. Through the first RAW show, I figured something was coming at the end as you didn't really commit to anything in the show - you just set the main event. Nice to see Austin hasn't changed, he is going after finding out who mowed him down. Little concerned that the WWF Championship seems an afterthought behind Austin's issues. Now we know who ran him down, maybe make sure that Foley or Rock vs. HHH gets a good build.

HBK: Great twist. I worried you were setting it up to be Rikishi as in real life for a moment! Never saw HBK coming.

Angle: I loved Kurt's first WWF gimmick, it was amazing! Keep this unbeaten run going, I love that you've made him struggle a little and cheat a little already. Keep the 3 I's - they were a great heel heat!

Jericho / Bulldog: I know Jericho was just turning face around this point after his matches with Chyna but - though in real life, he'd respect Bulldog - am not sure it wasn't too early for Jericho to be extending hands of friendship and respect so am glad Bulldog sucker punched him. Bulldog and Jericho could be an awesome match so I really hope you use more detail in the PPV's as this could be a real good one. Bulldog getting DQ'd on SMACKDOWN was a good way to put over his meaner streak and to seperate him from the Bulldog that we knew from 92-95. Good call.

Shamrock / Taker: Again, this is going well too. Like how Shamrock is desperate to prove himself against Taker but the Phenom appears to be staying clear and sending his troops into battle for him. Again, I didn't remember what happened with his sister and Taker so the recap would have been good here.

I like the time period, it was cool. I can even get on board with the way you're writing it - if there is more detail for the PPV. A good start, sir.

 

[GrandSword]

Raw is War
St. Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2000​

Raw is War kicks off with Mankind coming to ringside and saying that Triple H is afraid of him. He says he is going to put down Triple H once and for all and become the WWF Champion. This brings out the Champ with his wife Stephanie on his arm. From the top of the stage the Game sys he isn’t afraid of anyone especially Foley. He says he is going to destroy him at the Royal Rumble. Foley says that if HHH isn’t afraid why doesn’t he get in the ring with him right now. Stephanie says that she has a better idea. Since Foley wants a match she’ll give him one. Out walks the Big Show, and we indeed kick off Raw with a war!

Foley and Big Show hit each other with everything they’ve got. Big Show looks for the chokeslam to finish off Mick, but Foley applies the Mandible Claw. Foley then drags Show ofver the top rope and they both spill out to the floor. Foley isn’t going to waste anymore time with Show and batters him in the face with a folded steel chair to earn a dq. But Foley isn’t finished. He sends a message to the watching on Champion by smashing Big Show over and over with the chair. He then waits for Show to get to his feet, only to put him down using the steel ring steps!

HHH can only watch on to see what Foley is capable of. Foley grabs a mic and in a very aggressive voice says “Have a nice day…” Foley’s music plays and the frightened Champion and his wife quickly leave.

The new World Tag Team Champions the Hardy Boyz and Lita keep the fans pumped as they fly out. They show off their titles and take on the Dudley Boys in a non-title match. The New Age Outlaws come out during the match and distract the new Champs and Dvon gets the tables. Matt is put through a table with the 3D. While Jeff is superbombed through another table. The upset Lita on the outside is then thrown into the vicious Dudleys by the Outlaws and Bubba Ray puts her through a table and goes into his trance. Road Dogg says that at the Royal Rumble they’ll be getting their rematch “bitches”.

Kurt Angle comes to the ring for his match. He again talks about the 3Is and insults the St Louis fans. He says that he will make history and win the Rumble and be in the Main Event for his very first ever Wrestlemania. His opponent is Rikishi! He comes out with Too Cool and we’ve got ourselves a great match. But the Boss Man, Albert and Bull Buchanon come out and attack Too Cool, Rikishi is distracted and hit by the Olympic Slam. Angle wins and gets the heck out of St Louis as the Boss Man and his henchmen beat the living hell out of Rikishi and Too Cool. They then grab each man’s yellow sunglasses and stomp on them. Boss Man grabs a mic and says this is a message to the rest of the locker room. The Boss Man is winning the Rumble.

The latest Ying Yang video plays as we go backstage to X-Pac who challenges Stone Cold Steve Austin tonight. X-Pac is sick and tired of Austin and that his ass is grass and he’s gonna smoke it!

The Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho welcomed the crowd to RAW IS JERICHO. He says that he has heard the British Bulldog talk tough about being the one to win the Rumble match and get what has always evaded him the WWF title. Jericho says the reason for that is because he absolutely sucks. Jericho then challenges Bulldog to an IC title match at the Rumble. He says it’s not usual for the Champ to be the one who makes the challenge but in this case he’ll make an exception and put his belt on the line, just so the coward Davey Boy Smith will face him. The Bulldog comes out and tells Jericho he doesn’t want any of him. He’s been the IC Champion before. He says he’ll take the match and defeat him, then win the Rumble and at Wrestlemania be a dual Champion.

In the back Steve Austin accepts the mealy mouth bastard X-Pac’s challenge. He says he’ll open up a can of whoop ass on him tonight and then come the Rumble beat everyone’s ass and go on to Wrestlemania and that’s the bottom line.

Edge vs. DLo Brown is next. It’s a high flying entertaining bout, which sees the mysterious Edge hit the Downward Spiral for the victory. Edge celebrated but out came Kane. The Big Red Monster made his way towards the ring. Edge dived off the top rope and crashed down upon the monster. Mark Henry came out and Edge battled with him. Then out came Test to join with his fellow Canadian. But then out came the APA who levelled everyone. Only for Kane to get back to his feet and double chokeslamed both men.

The ring fills up and each man tries to send the other over the top rope. But the fans came to their feet as If Ya Smeeeell what the Rock is Cookin’! Rocky runs out and joins the fray, he starts clotheslining superstars out of the ring left and right. So does Kane until it’s just the two of them. Kane looked to clothesline Rock out, but he walks right into e Rock Bottom! Rock is pumped up and plays to the crowd as he has put everyone on notice come Royal Rumble!

Backstage Foley is seen walking the halls looking very intense. Lillian Garcia interviews him and he says he is ready for the Royal Rumble and he will be the new Federation Champion. But he is knocked down by a furious Triple H! Lillian runs for cover as The Game attacks Foley with big right hands. The Game then throws Foley around the backstage area, but Mick fights back and we’ve go a brawl going on. Both men end up in the parking garage, where Foley goes shoulder first into a car window smashing it. The Game then puts Foley’s head in the car door and viciously slams it shut! Foley slumps to the floor and the Game runs off.

Sable comes out to the ring and says she will defeat Chyna and once again be Champion. She says she’s already Sable Bombed someone exactly like her, and we get footage of when she Sable Bombed Marc Mero! She says that Chyna has more facial hair though. This brings out the 9th Wonder of the World but Sable slips out of the ring and backs away happy she is now in the Champion’s head.

Backstage a very angry Rikishi and Too Cool challenge Boss Man, Albert and Buchanon to a 6 man tag on Smackdown!

It’s main event time and X-Pac is looking very fired up, but he has also brought the New Age Outlaws with him. The Glass breaks and here comes Stone Cold. X-Pac speed is amazing as he really takes it to the Rattlesnake. Every time Austin gains control, he is tripped or distracted by one of the Outlaws and X-Pac stays on top. Finally Austin goes out to the floor and attacks both men. With them out of the way Austin brings down X-Pac with a Lou Thez Press and then a Stunner for the victory.

Austin celebrates, but Gunn and Road Dogg attack but they get stunned for their troubles and the fans celebrate again as Austin gives the sign of the belt. Boom! From out of nowhere Austin is taken out by Shawn Michaels! Michaels stands over Austin as Raw goes off the air.

 

[GrandSword]

WWF 2000 Background

GCB’s review of this BT has made me think a lot about how the story picks up without an explanation into certain changes that are made. Here is the background for WWF 2000.

At Survivor Series 1999, the WWF Champion Triple H was set to defend his title in a triple threat match against The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, the Game led Austin into the parking garage, as Degeneration X members locked him in to meet his fate. The Texas Rattlesnake was run down by an unknown assailant and left for dead. Austin was taken to hospital, leaving The Rock to face off against Triple H in a one on one match up. Speculation ran wild as to who was the driver of the car throughout the night. Was it the Rock removing his greatest nemesis from the title match so he can face HHH by himself? Was it Vince McMahon, who had long wanted Stone Cold no where near the Federation title?

In an all out war, Triple H defeated the Rock to retain the title due to the Big Show once again joined forces with Vince McMahon and helping the Champion win for an unknown reason at the time. The reason came to light on the next night on Raw when it was announced that Triple H would marry “the Boss’ daughter”, the Billion Dollar Princess Stephanie McMahon! The WWF Champion now with the Federation completely behind him seemed unstoppable in the ring, and untouchable outside of it. With Mr McMahon and the Big Show ensuring his success, the Game would go on to hold the Championship for the rest of the year in an absolute dominant performance. The Game went from strength to strength and solidified himself as the ultimate Champion set to take the Federation into the new millennium.

WWF 2000 begins at the very last Raw is War of the millennium… which is the beginning shows I have produced…


However…

With the enormous amount of work on my plate at work, having time to write my BT’s has become considerably less. I was really excited to put this together because I had a big plan in place, especially moving towards WM2000. So therefore here is what I planed to put together for WWF 2000.

At the Royal Rumble WWF Champion HHH retains against Cactus Jack. The cryptic ying/yang video was non-other than Rob Van dam debuting with the company and he is the one who gives Kurt Angle his first loss. The Rumble match itself was going to be epic and tell an amazing story that would lead into what I believe would have been the most amazing Wrestlemaina’s of all time.

Austin had returned but he couldn’t get the retired Shawn Michaels the man who ran him down in the ring to fight him. So he has turned hjs sights on the WWF title and Triple H, HBK’s best friend. The Rock, Big Show, The Undertaker and others have great showings, but Rumble entrant #27 actually ends up being Shawn Michaels!

Being the Rumble expert he is, he goes after Austin and the two explode in a huge war in and out of the ring. Austin is superkicked but not eliminated, but Michaels goes after Tripke H’s biggest competition, and eliminates the Rock! Vince McMahon who ahs been at commentary all night encourages HBK to get the job done to ensure Rock or Austin get a chance at the title. Austin gets back in but he is groggy and the Undertaker is about to take him out when the final entrant, #30’s music hits… Bret “The Hitman” Hart!!!

The crowd goes batshit crazy, Vince can’t believe it and Bret gets into the ring and goes straight for Michaels. This allows Austin to fight off the Undertaker and send him over the top rope. Hart then knowing how much Vince hates Austin, sarfices himself and takes himself and Michaels out, giving Austin the victory!

(Note: If Hart did return to the WWF at this time, he wouldn’t have been given the career ending injury by Goldberg and would be fit to continue his wrestling career). Hart then goes after Vince who just barely escapes. Hart on the floor is satisfied he has foiled Vince’s master plan of protecting his son-in-law against his greatest enemy, and Austin celebrates with the fans to end the show.


From here the Wrestlemania 2000 build begins. Shawn Michaels returns to action and says that he will face Steve Austin at No Way Out to finish the job he started with his car, while the #1 Contender Austin can’t wait to finally get his hands on the man who tried to end his career. The Rock gets a title shot by defeating the Undertaker on Raw is War after Ken Shamrock costs him the match. Cactus Jack wants the Big Show due to him always interfering in his title matches against HHH.

The Radicals also debut in this time after their defection from WCW. But it is more of a Beniot/Guerrero team with Malenko as their manager of sorts. As the WWF faithful hated WCW at the time, these guys are built up as amazing technicians, but as automatic heels. The Rabid Wolverine and the deceptive cheat to win Guerrero. They get wins against big time talent in the WWF mid card and move towards setting themselves up as major players.

No Way Out sets the scene for Wrestlemania in its epic conclusion. Austin vs. Michaels is a war back and forth both men kicking out of finishers. But as HBK tunes up the band, The Rock grabs his ankle. Rock wants revenge for Michaels taking him out of the Rumble costing him the main event spot of WM 2000 and to keep him out of his title match which is next against Triple H. Austin stuns Michaels and he gets his revenge. But Rock is hit with SCM by Michaels costing him the title match against Triple H! In the undercard Jericho loses the IC belt to Kurt Angle.

So after No Way Out we have our usual longer lead up time from Feb to April to bring out the feuds that will headline WrestleMania 2000.

The final card I was looking at would have been

WrestleMania 2000


WWF Champion Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon

The Rock vs. Shawn Michaels

World tag team title TLC match (E&C vs. Hardyz vs. Dudleys)

The Undertaker vs. Ken Shamrock in a cage match (very MMA type match)

IC Champion Kurt Angle vs. Chris Beniot

Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero

Women’s Champion Chyna vs. Sable

Rikishi and Too Cool vs. Boss Man, Albert and Buchanon, vs. X-Pac and NAO vs. Kane, Henry and Bulldog​