WWF RAW
April 1st, 2002
Albany, New York
The 8 o'clock hour strikes. The new WWF programming signature plays, signaling the show has begun. The first face we see is that of WWF co-owner Ric Flair. The "Nature Boy" appears in his office, sitting at a desk with his nameplate front and center.
Ric Flair: "Ladies and gentleman my name.. is Ric Flair. Tonight I'm not "co"-owner of the World Wrestling Federation. Tonight, just like so many other nights over the last 30 years, I'm THE man. Monday nights from here on out are McMahon free! A new era in the WWF is upon on us, and it starts tonight. THIS! ... is RAW."
Flair flashes a smile before we suddenly rip into the brand new RAW entrance video..
[youtube]7P5GaCVK5nA[/youtube]
At the video's conclusion we quickly go inside the arena which is packed to the rafters with rowdy and excited WWF fans! We're greeted by the familiar voices of Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler. JR thanks everyone for inviting the WWF into their homes and welcomes them to RAW live from Albany, New York. JR informs the viewing audience that he has no list of announced segments or confirmed matches for tonights show. It appears Ric Flair is keeping things very close to the vest tonight, which the King insists will make for an exciting night. No more time is wasted talking as the contestants for the night's opening match make their way to the ring.
First, the unmistakeable theme music of the Hardy Boyz!
Matt Hardy makes his way out onto the stage flanked by his girlfriend
Lita! Unfortuantely Jeff Hardy was drafted to the SmackDown brand, meaning the end of Team eXtreme and one of the WWF's most popular tag teams. But Matt Hardy's face shows that of a focused man, fully aware of the opportunities in front of him to become a true singles star! Next through the curtain is Matt's opponent for the evening and it happens to be the towering Canadian known as
Test!
Match 1
Matt Hardy (w/ Lita)
vs Test
RAW kicks off with quick action as these two superstars don't spend too much time feeling each other out or chain wrestling. Test is looking for some ground and pound, but the quicker Hardy does his best to avoid the attacks and strike when he can. Classic stick and move. Despite his best efforts though, Test is eventually to put Hardy down with stick Big Boot! Matt stays resilient throughout a brief offensive beatdown from his larger opponent. Lita keeps to her own on the outside of the ring, she's here to support Matt, not fight his fights for him. With great support from the crowd, Matt is able to turn the tables by fending off a top rope superplex attempt from Test by pushing him down to the mat. Hardy follows that up with a huge Leg Drop from that top rope that seals the victory!
The crowd is estactic as Matt celebrates his victory with Lita holding his arm up high. Ross praises Hardy for his fighting spirit while the ornery Lawler implies Matt won't amount to anything without his brother. As the victor and his girl exit the ring we go backstage to the parking lot area as a blacked out SUV pulls into the arena's restricted parking. Just as Ross questions who could possibly be inside,
Scott Hall steps out of the vehicle which brings a hiss out of the crowd. With the car door left open,
X-Pac slides out of the car behind Hall while
Kevin Nash is seen getting out of the passenger seat. The trio all give a nod to each out and X-Pac lets out an annoying chuckle as the group leave the SUV behind them and head inside the arena.
The nWo has arrived! With this we go to our first commercial break.
A WrestleMania X8 recap promoting the upcoming VHS and DVD release of the huge event runs right before we come back from break. When we do, we're inside the locker room where Lita is this hyped from the victory. Matt Hardy however has his eyes glued to a nearby TV set that's obviously playing RAW.
Hardy: "That. I want that."
Lita: "What?"
Hardy: "Hogan. Rock. Undertaker. Flair. Jericho. Triple H. All those faces I just saw. WrestleMania. I want that. I want my face, to be WrestleMania. Not just with Jeff. Not with ladders or chairs or tables. I'm ready for it."
Lita: "You're gonna get there Matt! I know it. This is your chance on RAW."
Lita embraces her boyfriend who is now smiling. Matt nods in agreement as we switch over and see
William Regal walking down a hallway. He's in his gear and proudly wears the European Champions around his waist. The door he approaches is clearly labeled "RIC FLAIR" but before Regal can knock, Flair steps out of his office, almost surprised to see Regal in front of him.
Flair: "Regal what are you doin here? You.."
Regal: "Mr. Flair I know I know, I just had to see you."
Flair: "Okay, but.."
Regal: "Now I know this is your first night captaining the ship, and I know that power and the responsibility of total control can be well, overwhelming."
Flair: "Yeah?"
Regal: "And well, I don't know if you remember but I am a former WWF Commissioner and the leadership role is a position I'm very comfortable with. So if you need any advice or help at all, don't be afraid to ask."
Flair: "That's mighty kind of you Mr. Regal, but you do have a match literally right now. So how bout you focus on that, and I tell ya what. When the job is just getting to be too much for me, I'll come find ya. Maybe even let you run the whole show one night."
Regal: "Absolutely sir! Thank you."
William shakes Flair's hand then scurries away for his match. Flair chuckles and shakes his head before walking out of frame. Lawler proclaims that Regal is a leader he could follow and suggests that adding the former commissioner to his cabinet would be the smartest thing Flair ever did. A moment later Regal's music begins to play and the European Champion trots out onto the stage. He starts down the ramp when
"WOOOOO!" rips through the speakers. Ric Flair's music interupts Regal's entrance and the confused Englishman stops dead in his tracks and turns to see his new boss come out with mic in hand. With a huge smile on his face Flair waives Regal over to him.
Flair: "Hold up hold up, come back."
The music comes to a stop as Regal and his forced smile approach Flair.
Flair: "Ya know William, it's really quite funny that you came and found me a minute ago, because I was actually out here on my way to find YOU! Now I know your European Championship isn't on the line, but I'm happy you brought the title out here with you tonight, because I'm gonna need you to hand it to me.. right now."
This gets a rise out of the crowd, they're not too sure whats going on and obviously neither does Regal who demands to know why.
Flair: "Now now, as valiantly as you and other great superstars have fought for that European Championship, I really feel that it's run it's course here in the World Wrestling Federation. I admit I was a little agitated to see the Intercontinental Championship drafted to SmackDown, but then I was struck with a grand idea. RAW is MY show. Not only can I create a new legacy, I can also continue one."
William Regal looks distraught as Flair reaches out for the European Champion. Regal doesn't let it go, and Flair all but yanks it away. Folding the the title's straps, Flair now holds the championship under his arm.
Flair: "As of now the European Championship, is retired. Beginning next week, I bring exclusive to RAW.. the United States Championship! Now nothing personal to Europe or it's amazing fans.. but the United States Heavyweight Championship has been a staple in wrestling almost as long as Ric Flair baby. Tonight I'm taking every available superstar who once held the prestigeous United States Championship, and they're gonna compete. Three 1-on-1 matches, which each winner meeting next week in a Triple Threat match to determine the brand new WWF United States Champion!"
The fans approve of the announcement with roar of cheers. William Regal on the other hand is completely flabbergasted.
Flair: "Now Mr. Regal, I was just informed that my new power can be rather overwhelming, so to make sure everything is fair, even though you have never been United States Champion, I'm going to allow you as incumbent European Champion to compete tonight in one of these matches for a shot at the title next week. Fair?"
Regal is obvioulsy irritated but has no other choice but to accept Flair's proposal.
Flair: "Excellent. Well your match is still next so, as you were."
William Regal's music again plays as Flair turns and exits the stage. Still not totally sure what just happened, Regal makes his way down to the ring for his qualifying match.
"You think you know me.." the signature opening for one of WWF's most popular young stars,
Edge! The canadian superstar emerges from the smoked, covered in his largel leather coat and hidden behind his sunglasses. With a huge smile on his face, Edge heads to the ring for an international battle to challenge for the U.S. title.
Match 2
United States Championship Qualifying Match
William Regal vs Edge
The suprising announcement and being suddenly stripped of his most prized possesion has clearly left Regal off his game. Edge takes the early advantage in the match and no matter how hard the rugged veteran tries, Regal just can't take control. Eventually Regal is able to sneak in a low blow! He immediately rolls Edge down into a pin with a handful of tights.... KICKOUT! Edge gets his shoulder up before the three and Regal just cannot believe it. He briefly argues with the official which gives his opponent too much time to recover. Regal turns and is caught with a spinning heel kick! Both men hit the mat, but make it back up to their feet together. Edge catches Regal with a gut kick, then drops him with the Edgecution DDT! William Regal's bad night just got worse as the ref counts the 3.
As Edge celebrates his victory we go to commercial. When we come back from break JR and The King recap Flair's big announcement and replay Edge's victory over Regal. Lawler cannot believe the injustice Regal just suffered and questions Flair ability to handle the pressure of running RAW. Backstage Flair is back in his office conversing with his friend and confidant Arn Anderson. They appear to be happy with the announcement of the United States Championship's return and like how things have gone so far on RAW.
BAM! The sound of Flair's door busting open disrupts the conversation and soon after,
The Undertaker steps into view. Flair and Anderson both come to their feet. Three weeks removed from their bloody WrestleMania fight, the boiling hatred between Undertaker and Flair is still very real.
Flair: "What do you want Taker?"
The Deadman removes his sunglasses and places them on his head, tucked behind his bandana. He glares at Arn Anderson before his gaze moves back to Flair.
Undertaker: "You finally have a chance to get me out of your life for good. You just had to let me be drafted to SmackDown. But instead.. you keep me here."
Flair: "What's your point."
Undertaker: "I'll tell you my point. I figure you drafted me for one of two reasons. No matter how many times I punched you in the head, you must still realize the legend I've built over the last 12 years on whether it's RAW or SmackDown.. the WWF is still my yard. Or. You wanted to keep me close so you could try and make me miserable."
Ric and Arn remain quiet. Flair's stare never wavers.
Undertaker: "I'm here to find out. I know the Undisputed Championship has been split. Are you gonna show me the respect I've earned and make me the new WWF Champion or RAW Champion or whatever.. because anything other than that.. well I'd take that as a personal insult."
There's silence. Tensions are high. Arn is now looking at Flair who is still deadlocked with The Undertaker.
Flair: "I guess you'll have to wait and see."
The Undertaker lets out a snort and lifts his head. Moving his neck his eyes soon shoot back down to Flair. It seems he's doing all he can to not strike his new boss.
Flair: "But if you want something to help you pass the time until then, I've got a hell of a main event for ya. Tonight.. you face your brother, Kane!"
It's impossible to tell if The Undertaker is upset with the match or not, his intenet expression remains the same. The fans cheer for the match announcement as Taker glances back at Arn one last time before grunting and leaving the office.
We go back out into the arena, and the historic tune of
Mr. Perfect begins to play. He receives a mixed reaction from the audience. Even though the perfect one has been rather smug since his return to the WWF back at the Royal Rumble, he is still beloved by many fans who enjoy seeing such an iconic star from their youth gracing the ring today. It's announced the following match is another U.S. Championship Qualifying match. After Mr. Perfect comes
Raven! The hardcore standout was at one point United States Champion in WCW. The interesting clash of a wrestling purist and an extreme legend is only overshadowed by the question of who's gonna join Edge in next week's title bout.
Match 3
United States Championship Qualifying Match
Mr. Perfect vs Raven
Mr. Perfect initially tries to wrestle with Raven, but the former ECW champion takes the FIGHT to Perfect. Though long in the tooth, Perfect can still hold his own and the match gets physical quick. After initially receiving a mixed reaction, the crowd grows more in favor of Mr. Perfect due in part to his opponent being Raven, but also out of admiration for his ability to stay in the fight. After loosening a turnbuckle pad previously in the match, Raven now succeeds in ripping the protective cover off and tossing it out of the ring, in clear vision of the official. The referee admonishes Raven is slips out of the ring to retrieve the pad. Raven too exits the ring and makes his way over to the time keepers table. With chair in hand, Raven re-enters the ring just after the ref who is having a bit of trouble re-applying the turnbuckle cover. Raven takes the opportunity to swing for the fences, but Perfect ducks the chair shot and kicks Raven square in the gut! Raven drops the chair and finds himself in danger of a Perfect -Plex. Raven reacts quickly and knee's Perfect in the gut then drops him with the Ravenflow DDT onto the steel chair! Raven pushes the chair out of the ring just as the ref finishes with the turnbuckle pad of course. The official jumps into position to make the count.
JR seems less than impressed with Raven's tactics in the match. He and Lawler recap the finishing moments of the contest as Raven doesnt waste anytime leaving. As Mr. Perfect slowly comes to, the live audience shows some respect for a hard fought battle. Unfortunately though, it's Raven moving on to the United States Championship match. As Mr. Perfect comes to his feet with his hand pressed to his head, the screen fades to black for a moment.
[youtube]R5w2UB-ChKo[/youtube]
A return promo for the Rabid Wolverine! Chris Benoit has been out of action since June of 2001 after suffering a broken neck. When he returns, he'll be exclusive to RAW! This vignette sends up to commercial.
When we return we again recap Edge's victory earlier in the night over William Regal, and look back at Raven's win moments ago against Mr. Perfect. With that we now see
Kurt Angle knocking on Ric Flair's door. Arn Anderson opens, and in the background Ric Flair can be heard saying it's okay for Angle to enter. Kurt and Flair exchange pleasantries before Angle gets right to it.
Angle: "The real reason I'm here Ric... Mr. Flair, is I know tonight you're going to announce your new Champion. I just wanted to make sure you knew I.."
Flair: "Kurt look, I appreciate you coming in here. I have a pretty good idea what you're gonna say and let me make something perfectly clear. I'm not here to GIVE anyone, anything."
Kurt's expression shows his disappointment.
Flair: "Now you have a match tonight, and it's a big opprotunity. You're competing for a chance to become United States Champion next week on RAW!"
Angle nods, but still doesn't seem satisfied. He grabs hold of the gold medal around his neck, almost as reassurance.
Angle: "I know. And I intend to win that match, and the match after that. I'll be United States Champion on top of being an American Hero. But Mr. Flair, as great as it is being an American Hero.. nothing beats, being WORLD Champion. You know that. So, when you have the chance if you could.."
Flair starts nodding.
Flair: "Oh I know Kurt, I know. But you may wanna go do some final warm-ups before your match later, don'tcha think?"
Angle finally takes the hint and turns his head, pausing for a moment before exiting the office. Flair and Arn converse quietly for a moment before the sound of bombs falling from the sky tears across the arena. Turns out it's the pyro for the
Dudley Boyz! And after it crashes into the stage, Bubba Ray and D-Von come rolling onto the stage. Flanked by the Dutchess of Dudleyville
Stacy Keibler, the dynamic duo waste no time in getting to the ring. Their opponents for the evening are none other than the WWF Tag Team Champions,
Billy & Chuck. Accompanied by their stylist
Rico, the champs find their way to the ring after an uncomfortable amount of time admiring each other, and the match gets underway.
Match 4
Non-Title Match
Dudley Boyz (w/ Stacy Keibler)
vs Billy & Chuck (w/ Rico)
The majority of the match is fairly back and forth. Though the Dudleyz are the more experienced team, Billy & Chuck didn't just find the tag team titles! But even the champs can lose control. The Dudley Boyz flow as such a well oiled machine and have their opponents on the ropes. With Chuck disposed outside the ring, the Dudleyz stalk Billy, no doubt setting up the 3D! Luckily for the champs, Rico isn't the type of stylist to stand by and watch, and he's quickly up on the apron doing all he can to get the referee's and Dudleys attention. While this works for the moment, Rico also grabs the attention of little
Spike Dudley who comes charging down the ramp and yanks Rico down off the apron. He grabs hold of the stylist's head and runs up the steel steps before turning and dropping him to the floor with the Dudley Dog! Billy can't believe what just happened and turns away only to be lifted into the air, and quickly floored with the 3D! D-Von quickly jumps over to cover the fallen champion.
The Dudleyz celebrate their victory as the Tag Team Champions lick their wounds outside the ring. We go backstage where Johnathan Coachman stands with mic in hand.
Coachman: "Please welcome my guest, former European Champion, William Regal."
The camera pans out to show Regal standing next to Coach, visibly upset.
Coachman: "Mr. Regal if you don't mind, could you tell us how you're feeling after everthing that's transpired here tonight between you being stripped of the European Champion, and losing your opportunity to beocome United States Champion?"
Silence. Frustration is written all over Regal's face. His bottom lip even begins to quiver as his breaths become louder and deeper. It looks like he's gonna explode!
Regal: "...no. I cannot."
With that Regal turns and walks away, leaving Coachman a bit perplexed. The fans though are eating up Regal's misery. JR and King have different feelings on the matter and again hype next week's championship bout. We're also reminded of tonights main event.
The Undertaker and Kane go 1-on-1 later tonight! We go to commercial.
The triumphant entrance theme of the only Olypmic Gold Medalist in WWF history brings us back from break as Kurt Angle makes his way through the curtain. Even with gold medals around his neck, Kurt's made it clear he won't be happy until he adds more gold around his waist. Though the pompous olympioan receives many jeers from the crowd, Angle pays them no mind. He's here tonight to prove himself. He wants to be THE champion.
"Yo! It's me! It's me! It's D-D-P!" Diamond Dallas Page makes his way to the ring with a fair reception from the crowd. Even though he's all smiles, the former WCW United States Champion is fully aware of the opportunity in front of him tonight.
Match 5
Unites States Championship Qualifying Match
Kurt Angle vs Diamond Dallas Page
Kurt Angle is on the attack before the echo of the bell ringing even fades away. DDP is no scrub, but when an athlete the caliber of Kurt Angle wants to win this badly, very few men can prevent him from doing so. The match isn't exactly a squash, but Angle goes for the kill rather quickly. After an Angle Slam, Kurt looking to prove a point, then slaps on the Ankle Lock. DDP struggles towards the ropes for a moment, but inevitably falls short.
The fans begin to boo, and you can tell Kurt is eating it up. He insists the referee raises his arm and declares him the winner again after replays of his victory are shown over the titantron. "I'm the champion" Kurt can be heard shouting as he exits the ring. We go backstage where the collection of Dudleyz are rejoicing in their huge non-title victory over the tag team champions! Coachman steps in to try and get their reactions.
Bubba Ray: "We've been through a lot Coach, but not even as something as unpredictable as a Draft Expansion can slow down the Dudleyz. We're all here. I got my brotha! We got little Spike the biggest back up we've evah had! And even the lovely Dutchess of Dudleyville Stacy."
D-Von: "We're going to accomplish everything we want here on RAW. First those Tag Team Championships, but that's not all we want. And we will get what we want. We're by the far the superior group running through the WWF today. RAW or SmackDown. Because we're a family! Line em up, and we'll knock em down!"
Bubbay Ray: "And we WILL be starting with those Tag Team titles. Billy & Chuckles, consider yourselves on notice! Those shiny accessories of yours, are coming home to Dudleyville!"
D-Von: "Oh my brother! ... Testi..."
D-Von stops mid-sentence, unable to finish his signature sign off as all 4 Dudleyz stop and stare off screen. Before long, the nWo walk into view. X-Pac, Hall and Nash. There's a moment of silent uncertainty. No one knows what to expect from the nWo.
X-Pac: "So uh... superior? Think so huh?"
Stacy steps away as the Dudleyz, Spike inlcuded, step up to the nWo.
Spike: "You bet your ass."
Coachman now steps back as well, leaving the situation all together.
X-Pac: "Huh. Interesting."
Staredown. Who will fire the first shot. The nWo of course. Hall and Nash both lunge forward, striking Bubbay Ray and D-Von respectively. X-Pac and Spike begin going back and forth as the camera steps back a bit to catch the brawl. Bubba and D-Von get in very little offense, they were jumped and are kept on the ground. Spike actually finds himself getting the better of X-Pac, that is until big Kevin Nash grabs Spike by his shoulders and throws him
into the wall! The youngest Dudley of only 150 lbs hits hard and lands on the floor motionless. Stacy screams the entire time, imploring the treacherous trio to stop. Scott Hall chuckles, pulling a toothpick from behind his ear and flicking it at the Dudleyz loyal valet. The nWo walk away glowing with pride as Stacy checks on her boys.
Terri Runnels is now posted in a different spot in the arena. She expresses her suprise at what just happened between the Dudleyz and nWo, but informs the audience that she has a guest of her own. That guest is Mr. Perfect.
Terri: "Mr. Perfect, after a grueling match that you unfortuantely were not able to win tonight, the WWF fans showed you great respect for your effort. Do moments like that help soothe the sting of such an upsetting loss?"
Mr. Perfect looks down after hearing the question, very contemplative before chinning up to answer.
Perfect: "Well.."
???: "Are kidding me!?"
A hidden voice shouts, cutting Mr. Perfect off before he can really respond. Into view walks Kurt Angle.
Angle: "Is this what RAW is going ot be all about? We're gonna ask LOSERS how it felt to LOSE and if people liking them makes LOSING any less of a LOSS?"
Kurt scoffs. The fans in attendance reach a new bass level after Kurt's comments.
Angle: "While an Olypmic gold medalist has to jump through hoops to become champion. Has to earn championship opportunities. And on top of that, these people boo ME! What a joke."
Mr. Perfect doesn't show much emotion to Kurt's verbal attack. He still visibly a bit exhausted from his match, and seems somber all together.
Angle: "This whole thing is a joke. You! "Mr. Perfect", yeah. It's not 1992. You being a champion in 2002, that's the biggest joke of them all!"
The fans can't believe the disrespect Kurt is showing to a WWF legend. Perfect just shakes his head and walks away.
Angle: "That's what I thought. Now how would you like to interview a WINNER?"
Kurt turns to Terri who also simply shakes her head and walks away, which gets a small pop from the crowd.
Angle: "Really? How disrespectful!"
Kurt scoffs again and shakes his head. We leave this scene and now see a divided screen. On one side we see The Undertaker walking down a long hall way. On the other side, his opponent for tonight Kane is making the same walk, though his hallway has a dark red tint coincidentally. JR informs everyone that the two must be making their way to the ring, because our main event is next! And with that we again go to commercial.
