RAW IS WAR: May 28, 2001

Live from Calgary….Alberta….Canada

Opening Promo Time with Vince McMahon

• Vince walks down pissed. He gets and grabs a mic. He talks about his rise to power in the WWE and turning it into a global powerhouse outlasting his rival WCW. He then says he got to where he is because he did not let people take advantage of him. He says there are two things he hates more then any thing else in this world. Cowards and Traitors. He will not tolerate cowards and traitors in the WWE.
• The WWE has pleanty of both Cowards and Traitors. Cowards like his daughter Stephanie who walk out the family busniess and gave her twenty percent of the family busniess to his traitor son shane. Who abused his power by putting the companys champion and biggest superstar Stone Cold in harms way by booking him in a match against Taker. But the biggest Cowards and Traitors in the WWE are a couple of degenerates who are completely worthless and ungrateful punks by the names of the Dudley Boys. The Dudleys were nothing before the WWE. He made them famous he was the one who made the fans cheer and this is how they show their respect by running away like a coward to the other side like a traitor. And since the Dudleys like to put there nose into other people’s busniess they will be punished when at the King of Ring they will face the Hardy Boys.
• “Here Comes the Money” Shane comes out with mic in hand. Dad you call the Dudleys cowards but they are the only guys with guts in this busniess. They stook up for themselves against the tyrany of Vince. There is nothing that he can do at the King of the Ring it will be the Hardys vs the Dudleys in a tag match. But since he cant punish Vince he can punish Vince’s golden boy. At King of the Ring it will be Undertaker vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin in a No Disqualification match. But thats not all tonight he has decided that he will give the fans in Canada the chance to see there own Canadian hero get a chance at the world tonight when Stone Cold Steve Austin face CHRIS BENOIT!!!. Vince has a shocked look on his face as we go to commercial. 

COMMERCIAL

Back from commercial, Howard introduces Stu and Helen Hart sitting in the front row.

Light Heavyweight Title Match: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Tajiri

• 5 minute match
• Malenko gets far more offense than he did on Smackdown as he is prepared here.
• Perry Saturn comes to ringside and attempts to help Malenko
• Saturn inadvertently hits Malenko…Swift Kick from Tajiri gets 3.
• Winner and NEW Light Heavyweight Champion: Tajiri

After the match, Malenko is very angry with Saturn. Perry apologizes profusely.

In the back, Vince McMahon finds Chris Benoit. He congratulates him on his opportunity tonight. However, Shane has no control over the rest of Benoit’s night. He should get dressed earlier than expected as he will face Rhyno next.

COMMERCIAL

In the Commissioner’s office, Albert wants a shot at the KOTR tournament. Regal agrees and tells him he’ll face a very familiar opponent tonight. He will have a qualifying match with Test.

Rhyno vs. Chris Benoit

• 4 minute match
• Very competitive match, Heyman putting over that Rhyno hasn’t lost a match since WrestleMania and has never tapped.
• Rhyno Gores the ring post and succumbs to the Crippler Crossface.

COMMERCIAL

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Kurt Angle vs. Steve Blackman

• 6 minute match
• Both men use ground and pound and try submission moves.
• Angle elbows out of a german suplex attempt and gets the Angle Slam for 3.
• “Here Comes the Money” Shane is out to congratulate Angle on his win. He’s been to war with Blackman and knows it wasn’t easy.
• Angle takes the mic and says Shane’s got some balls getting in the ring with him again. This time maybe, he’ll finish the job.
• Angle grabs Shane when out of nowhere through the crowd comes Lance Storm. Storm takes Angle down from behind with a german suplex, then Superkicks him. Shane hugs Lance and raises his hand.

COMMERCIAL

In Shane’s office he and the Dudleys officially welcome Lance Storm to the World Wrestling Federation.

Chris Jericho finds Vince McMahon. He wants to know why Benoit is getting a title shot when he’s already the IC Champ. Vince says, maybe that’s why. Jericho needs to start reminding people why he USED to be the future of this sport. He can start tonight. He’ll go one-on-one with Scotty II Hotty.

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: William Regal vs. ?

• Regal gets a mic and voices his appreciation to Vince McMahon for putting him in charge of the tournament at King of the Ring. He felt it only right that he, William Regal be a part of this tournament. He has challenged himself tonight with suitable competitoin.
• Regal’s opponent is Gillberg.
• 2 minute squash. Regal finishes him with a Regal Cutter.

COMMERCIAL

In the back the Hardys run into Vince and asked him why he thinks they would help him against the Dudley Boys. Vince says he is giving them the chance to get vengeance against the Dudleys. But if that is not sweet enough he will give the Hardys a Tag Team title match. Vince walks away and the Matt and Jeff look at eachother and nod their heads.

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Albert vs. Test

• 4 minute match
• Aggressive match with lots of power moves.
• Test goes behind on a slam attempt and hits a powerslam of his own for 3.

Vince McMahon is with The Big Show. He is disgusted with him. He can’t believe he lost to Spike Dudley last friday. Big Show needs to prove himself and do it soon or he may no longer be employed.

Chris Jericho is with Chris Benoit. He’d love to face Benoit for the WWF Title at KOTR. He knows they haven’t been as close lately as they used to be and that a lot has gotten between them. But sincerely, in front of all his country people and the man who he considers a father figure, he wishes Benoit the best of luck tonight. If it can’t be Jericho, there’s no man he’d rather see wearing the World Title than Benoit.

COMMERCIAL

Vince tells Austin he thinks tonight is going to work out just fine.

Scotty II Hotty vs. Chris Jericho

• 4 minute match
• Jericho dominates early, but Scotty starts getting reverses and near falls
• Jericho finally grabs Scotty and throws him over the top rope.
• Jericho follows and throws him back first into the pole a couple of times. Throws him back in and locks on the Walls of Jericho. Scotty submits but Jericho does not let go for a couple of moments afterwards.
• Jericho gets off and looks regrettful about his actions. He helps Scotty up.

COMMERCIAL

We come back and take another special look at Triple H. The commentator talk about how unfortunate it is that he will no longer grace a WWF ring.

WWF Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs. Chris Benoit

• 12 minute match
• Brilliant match with an obviously hot crowd. Almost wish I had time to transcribe matches for every show.
• Austin has the advantage and Vince McMahon makes his way out.
• Benoit counters a Stunner and gets a Crippler Crossface.
• McMahon in and kicking Benoit.
• Austin joining in the attack
• Jericho is in the ring. He’s helping Benoit. Benoit and Jericho chase off McMahon and Austin.
• Austin left his belt. Jericho and Benoit both go to pick it up at the same time. Each holding the WWF Title, shades of Smackdown. Jericho lets it go and claps for Benoit, who holds it for a moment then takes it outside and hands it to Stu. Stu holds up the WWF Title. Benoit and Jericho clap for him.

Fade to black…

WWF Smackdown: May 24, 2001

Taped in Anaheim, CA

Opening Promo Time with Shane McMahon
Some people may wonder why he did what he did to The Hardys on Monday
They were simply a necessary casualty.
Some may wonder why if Shane McMahon has 50% control over the World Wrestling Federation, why he would even care about WCW. The answer to that should be obvious. The WWF is his dad’s company. It doesn’t matter who has control. It doesn’t matter that he’s able to make a title match. The WWF will always belong to Vince McMahon. But WCW is Shane’s. It is the Phoenix that will rise from the ashes and drive Vince out of this business for good. Then he will merge the two companies and under the banner WCW, this company will thrive once again.
Without further ado, Shane introduces the first official members of the new WCW.
The Dudley Boys Arrive
Bubba: In 1999 when we were brought into this company, we were already multiple time ECW Champions and the most dominant and over team in the sport. So when we decided to sell our souls to the devil, we expected it to come with rewards. Instead we went into our first creative meeting and they said, you know what was funny Bubba? When you used to stutter. You do that on Raw and you’ll get real heat and draw money. So I did it. And for 2 years I have taken every damn insulting idea they’ve had and we’ve run with it. I assaulted women because I was told to. We used tables in matches we could have won in three minutes, we rehashed a stupid beer commercial every time we wrestled for your entertainment. Then Shane McMahon reminded us, we could be just as over and just as entertaining, just by beating people’s asses, like we’ve always done. Matt and Jeff, it wasn’t personal. No, you know what it was. You couldn’t lace our boots, but still you guys and Edge and Christian you’re prettier than us, so you’re the poster boys. We’re just the big ugly dudes who have been carrying you for two years. Well no more. Our time is now.
D-Von: Testify

COMMERCIAL

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: X-Pac vs. Rikishi
5- minute match
X—Pac comes off the top rope right into a superkick by Rikishi. The Samoan Drop finishes it.

Dean Malenko is summoned to William Regal’s office. He knows that for some time Dean has felt unchallenged for his Light Heavyweight Title. Dean says in two months as champion, he’s barely broken a sweat. Regal has a feeling that will change tonight. He will meet a newcomer to the WWF tonight in a non-title match. Dean looks forward to it.

Elsewhere, Shane McMahon now has his own office, adorned with WCW merchandise. He tells the Dudleys that his surprises aren’t over just yet. Tonight the Dudleys will face Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho.

COMMERCIAL

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: The Big Show vs. Spike Dudley
5-minute match
Show laughs the match off and toys with Spike
Spike starts to get some offense and actually knocks Show out of the ring.
Suicide dive hits by Spike
Show gets angry and grabs Spike and chokeslams him through the announce table
That gets the DQ
Show starts to tear apart the ringside area

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Chris Jericho asks William Regal if he will get the shot at Benoit’s title at King of the Ring. Regal says he and Mr. McMahon have given it a lot of thought and decided that yes, Chris Jericho will have his rematch at King of the Ring. If they beat the Dudleys tonight.

Dean Malenko vs. ?
The Opponent is none other than Yoshohiro Tajiri.
4-minute match
Dean is completely unprepared falling to all of Tajiri’s offensive moves
Tajiri ducks a clothesline off the irish whip and a kick to the ribs followed by one to the head finishes it.

COMMERCIAL

Promo Time with Stone Cold Steve Austin
He doesn’t know what the hell’s going on anymore
WCW is in the WWF, Shane McMahon is telling him who to fight.
He doesn’t give a damn what Shane says, he’s not fighting The Undertaker
Shane is out. He doesn’t want there to be any hard feelings between Stone Cold and himself. He’s doing what’s best for this business. Keeping WCW out of Vince’s hands was best. Giving wrestlers the opportunity to get out of Vince’s web is for the best. Having Austin fight Undertaker is for the best. No longer will the WWF be run by a tyrant, Shane McMahon and WCW will give the fans what they want. If Austin doesn’t fight Undertaker at KOTR, he will be stripped of the WWF Title.

COMMERCIAL

Rhyno is in Regals office. He wants to know how many more people he has to Gore before he gets taken seriously. He wants a shot at the WWF Title. William Regal assures him that that is not going to happen. But since he barged in here so rudely he can defend his own belt tonight. Against former champion Steve Blackman.

Grandmaster Sexay vs. Bull Buchanan
5-minute squash
Bull finishes Sexay off with a TKO

Dean Malenko tells Regal he wants Tajiri again on Monday. Regal says that’s fine, but this time it will be for the gold.

COMMERCIAL

Edge and Christian are in the back. Christian doesn’t think it’s fair that Edge got Bob Holly on Monday and he had to wrestle Kane. Edge tells him to relax. Once Edge wins King of the Ring, he’ll totally share the throne. They can be co-kings. Christian doesn’t seem quite as grateful as Edge might like him to be.

WWF Hardcore Title: Steve Blackman vs. Rhyno ©
5-minute match
The kendo stick comes into play early and often
Blackman gets a big kick that sends Rhyno into the ropes.
Another kick misses and Rhyno finishes it with the Gore.
Rhyno on the mic, he wants Austin and if somebody doesn’t give him what he wants, they’re all gonna get Gored!

In the back, Chris Jericho passes on what Regal told him earlier. Benoit says then they’d better win.

COMMERCIAL

The Dudley Boys vs. Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho
14- minute match
Very good match
The ref gets bumped late and the Hardy Boys enter the ring
They take out D-Von and throw him over the top.
Benoit hits the Swan Dive headbutt on Bubba and looks over at Jericho as if he may not cover.
Jericho hits the lionsault and the ref recovers to count 3.
Jericho retrieves the IC belt. Benoit tries to take it but Jericho is reluctant to release it.

Fade to black…

Monday Night Raw: May 21, 2001

We are live from San Jose, CA

Opening Promo Time with Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin puts himself over, gloating about driving HHH out of the WWF
He got rid of the Rock. He got rid of Triple H. Hell, he’ll get rid of anybody who stands in his way.
The Hardy Boys interrupt. They can’t help but notice that no matter how hard Austin tries, he can’t get rid of them.
He points out that since Linda has no more power, getting rid of them just got a hell of a lot easier.
The Dudley Boys are out. They challenge Austin to not play politics, but instead to let his ass cash his checks. Tonight they’ll stand beside the Hardy Boys to take on Austin, Regal, Angle and Show.
Austin accepts the challenge.

COMMERCIAL

Back from the break, Austin finds William Regal and Kurt Angle and tells them to forget about last night, they got to get their heads in the game. Tonight, they’ll get revenge on the Hardys.

WWF Hardcore Title: Albert vs. Rhyno ©
6-minute match
Lots of weapons get used in this one including a street sign and a trash can.
In the end, Albert sets up Rhyno for a trash can lid shot, but Rhyno Gores him for the 3.

In the back, WCW 1 limo pulls up and Shane McMahon has arrived.

Elsewhere Perry Saturn catches up with Dean Malenko in the back. He wants to know why Dean has been avoiding his calls. Dean tells him it’s because he’s become a shell of his former self and a joke amongst the boys in the back. Eddie is gone and Benoit has moved up the ladder. It’s time for them to go their separate ways too. William Regal walks into the scene. He is glad Dean feels this way, because tonight qualifying starts for the King of the Ring Tournament and the first match is Perry Saturn vs. Dean Malenko and it’s next.

COMMERCIAL

Stone Cold gives The Big Show a pep talk. Reminding him that he is a monster.

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Perry Saturn vs. Dean Malenko
7-minute match
Technically sound with each guy trying to outwrestle the other
Saturn goes for a shot off the second turnbuckle, but Dean is able to kick him in the gut
Double underhook Powerbomb followed by the Texas Cloverleaf and Perry has no choice but to tap.

Regal and Austin are in Vince’s locker room discussing their plans for the Hardys when The Undertaker arrives. He wants to know where Vince is. They assure him they don’t know.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Christian and Edge reek of awesomeness and their 8th tag team title. William Regal congratulate the two of them and tells them both they will have a chance to qualify for KOTR. They are very excited. Regal tells Edge he will get his shot tonight. One on One with Hardcore Holly.

WWF European Title: X-Pac vs. Test ©
7- minute match
X-Pac uses martial arts and some aerial moves, but Test is able to counter with his power stuff.
X-Pac misses the Bronco Buster.  Test gets the full-nelson slam and hits the flying elbow for 3.

Turn of the Hour Promo Time with The Undertaker
The Undertaker wants Vince McMahon out here right now.
Vince does come out and looks pissed.
He wants to know what the hell The Undertaker was thinking last night. He should fire him right now. Does the Undertaker forget who he works for?
The Undertaker didn’t forget anything, he just doesn’t give a damn anymore. He wants to be WWF Champion and he suggests Vince makes that happen or he’ll have hell to pay.
Vince says do what he wants. He can’t hurt his loved ones, he doesn’t love anybody. He has majority power in the WWF again, which means he is in charge. And as long as that is the case, The Undertaker will never receive another shot at the WWF Title.

In the back Austin and the other loyalists have a good laugh about this situation, when Kane walks in and stares each of them down. They all cower a little.

COMMERCIAL

Vince joins the Loyalists. He tells Show, Regal and Angle that they will all have chances to qualify for the King of the Ring as a reward for their loyalty. As for Stone Cold, at King of the Ring, he will go one on one with a cold Steveweiser and watch the show from Vince McMahon’s private suite.

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Edge vs. Hardcore Holly
7 -minute match
Very fast paced match with some comedy spots mixed in
Hardcore gets Edge in the corner and begins throwing fists, but Edge scoops the legs and pins him with his feet on the ropes.

In the back, The Undertaker catches up to Kane and tells him he’s got a plan

COMMERCIAL

In the back, The Hardys and Dudleys promise to have each other’s backs tonight despite their past differences.

Elsewhere, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley arrives.

The Career retrospective of Triple H is shown again. This time there is additional footage of Triple H getting a standing ovation when he got up last night.

COMMERCIAL

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Christian vs. Kane
5 minute semi-squash
Christian gets an advantage near the end but goes to the top.
Kane catches him with a goozle coming off the top. Chokeslam finishes it.

Stephanie McMahon Helmsley is walking in the back, she’s coming towards the ring

COMMERCIAL

Stephanie wishes her husband could be here tonight, but obviously that isn’t going to be the case any longer.
She has made a decision of her own and would like her dad to come out to hear it.
Vince complies, with a smile the whole time.
She loves this business, but it has brought her too much pain lately. She wants to go home and spend time with her husband, until he decides what to do next in life.
Vince says that’s the right decision. He thought this might happen. So he happens to have legal paperwork with him signing over Stephanies control of WWF to Vince McMahon.
Stephanie says that would not be legal, since she no longer has 25% control of the WWF.
Vince doesn’t understand
“Here Comes the Money” Shane is happy to announce that the Chairman of WCW now has
50% control of the World Wrestling Federation.
Vince is devastated.
Shane: “Oh and Dad, since you hadn’t signed a WWF Title match for KOTR yet, I went ahead and did so. I told you I was all about making the WWF better. Just to show I have no bias, I’m not giving the shot to a WCW competitor. I’m giving it to the rightful number one contender. At King of the Ring Stone Cold Steve Austin will defend the title against The Undertaker.

COMMERCIAL

Stone Cold, Kurt Angle, The Big Show & William Regal vs. The Dudleys and The Hardy Boyz
Shane McMahon stays out to help call the match.
12- minute match, very fast paced with lots of tags and high spots.
The Undertaker and Kane make their way out and Stone Cold leaves through the crowd.
The Dudleys fight with Show and Angle outside.
Jeff pins Regal on the inside with the Swanton Bomb
After the match The Hardyz and Dudleys celebrate.
Shane cuts the music and gets in the ring.
He is proud to announce the first WWF competitors to sign a WCW contract.
Jeff takes the mic and says they’re flattered, but they already told Shane that they’re not interested.
Shane says it’s them.
Suddenly the Dudley Boys attack the Hardyz.
3D for both men.
JR wonders aloud who the hells side Shane McMahon is on.

Fade to Black…

WWF JUDGMENT DAY 2001

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, We are Live from The Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA. This is Judgment Day. Your hosts are Jim Ross and Paul Heyman.

Opening Match: Albert w/X-Factor vs. Rikishi

Albert comes out accompanied by X-Pac and Justin Credible. Rikishi comes out and before the match begins the music of Too Cool hits and Scotty II Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay come out to reunite with their old friend. The referee gets the four non-competitors to the outside and we are underway with Judgment Day. Stare-down to start and they exchange punches. Rikishi gets the better with a big uppercut. Shoulder block puts Albert down. Rikishi becomes temporarily distracted by X-Pac. Albert tries a sneak attack but Rikishi gets out of the way and Albert tumbles over the top. Albert throws a bit of a tantrum but is able to regroup with X-Factor. Back in, collar and elbow tie up and Albert is able to back Rikishi into the corner. Corner whip by Albert but the charge misses. Albert stumbles out of the buckle and eats a Rikishi superkick and falls into a seated position in the corner. ‘Kish signals for the stink face. As he backs up Albert comes out of the corner and clips him. Ax handles to the back of Rikishi. Albert wrenches the neck. More ax handle shots, these to the shoulder area. Elbow drop gets a 2 count. Albert picks him up and takes him to the corner. Choking in the corner. Ref backs Albert up and X-Pac jumps on the apron and chokes Rikishi. Too Cool chases him away. Albert hits an avalanche, then backs up and hits another. Chinlock. Crowd pumping Rikishi up. Rikishi backs him into a corner, but Albert gets a knee to the back after releasing. A knee to the head gets a 2 count. Albert gets an impressive vertical suplex, but a splash hits knees. Rikishi battling up gets a couple of rights and clothesline knocks Albert down. Back body drop by Rikishi. Takes Albert to the corner. Corner whip, Albert comes out with a big clothesline which forces a somersault from Rikishi. 1…2…not enough. Albert misses a leg drop. Rikishi wins a punch block challenge and gets the advantage. Big Splash from Rikishi gets 2. Justin on the apron, Scotty pulls him off and we’re fighting outside now. Rikishi sets up the Banzai Drop. Albert up though and hits him in the back. Albert climbs up to the top from the outside. Looking for a Super Bomb. Rikishi punches out and hits a Samoan Drop from the second rope. 1…2…3.

Winner: Rikishi

After the match, X-Factor attacks Rikishi, but the big man and Too Cool chase them off. And now the lights go down and we dance.

Backstage, Shane McMahon is seen talking to Raven. Raven actually expresses interest in joining WCW as their spiritual leader. Shane thinks that spot may just be open.

A Video Package on the career of Triple H. From his Terra Ryzing days through blue blood, DX, The Corporation, McMahon-Helmsley right up until now. To the tune of “Frenzy”.

William Regal & Kurt Angle vs. The Hardy Boys

Regal and Matt start. Regal bitch slaps Matt. Hardy responds with a big right hand and a knee lift. Angle charges in but runs right into a Side Effect. Regal up but Matt knocks him into the corner, out of nowhere Jeff runs in and hits the Leap of Faith. The Loyalists bail. The Hardys play to the crowd. Back in and now it’s Angle and Matt. Angle connects with a stiff forearm shot and rakes the back. Angle carries him into the corner. Two hard shots by Angle and then another slap. Matt pushes Angle back and hits a flapjack onto the top buckle. Tag to Jeff. Jeff gets a monkey flip. Right hands into the corner. Scoop slam by Jeff. He goes up top but the superfly splash hits knees. Angle gets a knee lift and tags Regal. Stiff kick by Regal. Uppercuts in the corner. Regal tosses Jeff between the ropes to the outside and distracts the ref. Angle on the outside, snake eyes Jeff onto the barricade. Jeff crawls back onto the apron and Regal chokes him on the top rope. Pulls him in and tags Angle. Angle gets a vertical suplex. Kicks to a prone Jeff. Angle showboating. Corner whip and Jeff hits the Whisper in the Wind. Both men up. Jeff with rights. Angle blocks and tries for an Angle Slam. Jeff goes behind and hits a back suplex. Tags Aplenty. Regal and Matt in. Matt knocks down Regal and gets a shot in on Angle. Snap mare by Matt and he sets up the second rope leg drop. Angle gets a shot in from the outside. Regal charges but Matt kicks him in the face and gets a second rope bulldog for 2. Corner whip by Matt but he hits boot on a charge. European uppercut and a tag to Angle. Angle in and he rides Matt to the ground and rubs his face in the mat. Elbow shots to the back of the head. Angle lifts him up and hits a release overhead suplex. Irish whip, Angle goes for a tilt-a-whirl but Matt counters with the headscissors takedown. Angle gets the tag and they double whip Matt, Matt ducks the double clothesline and hits one of his own. Tag to Jeff. Jeff in and he tosses Angle. Jeff ducks a shot from Regal and hits a sleeper hold neckbreaker. 1…2…no. Backslide gets another 2. Jeff goes for a frankensteiner but Regal counters with a powerbomb for 2. Matt in to break it up, with the second rope legdrop. Pier-six brawl. Regal goes for a double underhook but Matt spins out and gets a Side Effect. Angle with a clothesline and he and Matt both go over the top. Regal gets a stiff kick to knock Jeff down. Goes for the Regal Stretch. Jeff counters and rolls him up for 1…2…3.

Winners: The Hardy Boys

After the match, Angle sneaks up behind and gets an Angle Slam. Ankle Lock. Matt in and clears house.

Jericho and Benoit are in the back. Neither one is sure they can trust the other. Each acknowledges, though, that they’ll need the other in order to remain World Tag Team Champions.

Dean Malenko is at WWF New York. He lays out an open challenge to anybody under contract with either WWF or WCW and he’ll put the Light Heavyweight Title on the line.

Video Package covering the history between Mick Foley and The Undertaker, including recent activities involving Mr. McMahon.

The Undertaker representing Vince McMahon vs. Mick Foley representing Linda McMahon for 25% creative control of World Wrestling Federation.

Crowd is hot for this one. Taker works Foley into the corner to start and hits a few big right hands. Foley punches his way out. Taker pushes him back into the corner. Cross Whip and a follow clothesline. Knees to the midsection of Foley and a hard right hand puts him down in the corner. Taker lifts him up and connects with some short jabs and another hard knee. Another whip and Undertaker catches Foley with a side suplex coming out of the corner. Taker picks him up and Foley starts throwing rights again. Undertaker catches a fist and flips him over into a cross-arm breaker. Foley makes the ropes. Scoop slam by Undertaker. Dead Man goes to pick him up again and Foley gets the Mandible Claw. Taker rolls out to break the hold. Taker goes to get back in and Foley hits him with a knee to the head. Foley follows out and throws Taker to the barricade. Foley charges but Undertaker kicks him in the face. Rolls Foley back in. A leg drop gets 2. Irish whip and a clothesline by Undertaker. Foley trying to get up but Taker keeps knocking him down. Back breaker by Undertaker. Another. Undertaker sets up Old School. Foley manages to pull him off and Undertaker lands back first. Both men up and Foley gets a clothesline. Elbow Drop for 2. Foley sets up a piledriver but Undertaker backdrops out of it. Taker misses another leg drop though. Back suplex by Foley. Irish whip, but Foley puts his head down and Taker gets a leaping DDT. Taker drapes his head on the outside and hits the leg drop on the apron. And another. Foley is hurt. Undertaker back in and drops a couple of elbows. Old School connects this time. Undertaker puts Foley on the top buckle and hits a superplex. 1…2…Foley kicks out. Taker takes him to the corner and hits a headbutt. Puts him up top again. Foley goes to the eyes this time and pushes him off. Foley leaps right into a powerslam though. Elbow drop gets another 2. Undertaker lifts Foley up and gets him up for a Tombstone. Foley slips behind and pushes Taker chest first into the corner. Spins Taker around and gets the double underarm DDT. Both men down now. Both men up now. Taker charges but Foley manages to side step and Taker hits the corner again. Cactus clothesline and both men go over. Foley slams Undertaker on the floor. Cactus on the apron, but Undertaker getting up. Foley leaps but Undertaker catches him and takes him back first into the post. Taker sends him headfirst into the stairs. Head first to the announce table now. Undertaker sets up a Last Ride on the outside. But Foley backdrops him onto the spanish announce table. Referee letting it go because there must be a winner. Foley gets the Cactus Elbow and both men go through the table. Both men down. Mr. McMahon making his way down the aisle now. Vince yelling at Taker to get his ass up. Both men slowly getting up and Foley puts the Mandible Claw on McMahon. Undertaker with a shot to the back of the head. Rolls Foley back in. 1…2…no! Taker signals for the choke slam. Foley goes low. Mr. Socko. Undertaker cuts him off with the goozle. Choke Slam. 1…2…Foley kicks out! Another Goozle, but Foley punches his way out. Vince in with a chair. Wild swing at Foley, but he misses and KO’s The Dead Man. Foley punches Vince into the corner and gets the running knee. The runs to the opposite corner and hits Undertaker with the same. Foley’s got Socko back. Mandible Claw is locked on The Undertaker. Taker goes low. He’s got the chair. Stiff shot to Foley. McMahon up now and shouting at Taker to finish him. Stiff chair shot for Vince. Foley stumbling back up. Tombstone. 1…2…3.

Winner: The Undertaker

After the match, Vince is bleeding, but gets an evil grin on his face.

In William Regal’s office he is livid after his defeat earlier. He sends a bystander to go find Raven.

Career Retrospective on Stone Cold Steve Austin. From Dangerous Alliance through Hollywood Blonds through Ringmaster through 3:16 to now. Set to the tune of “Tenderloin”

WWF European Title Match: The Big Show vs. Test (c)

Collar and elbow tie up. Test tries a go-behind but Show simply shrugs him off. Right hands by Test and he goes for a slam. That doesn’t work. Knee to the abdomen by Show. Show grabs him by the hair and throws him over the top rope. Big Show gloats to the crowd as Test works his way up. Test gets back to the apron and Show forearms him in the chest and pulls him back in. To the corner, hard chest slap by Show. Turnbuckle ram to Test. Test is groggy. Show simply leans his weight onto Test in the corner. Another knee to the stomach. Show dominating with close proximity. Headbutt by Show and another hard slap to Test’s chest. Show gloating again and Test comes out of the corner with a knee to the mid-section. Double leg takedown by Test. Test drives a knee into the stomach. Corner whip by Test and a follow clothesline. Right hands in the corner. Show comes back with a forearm and a clothesline to take Test down. Kick to the head by Show. Test up, but takes another clothesline. Show steps on Test now. Irish whip and a back body drop. Show picks him up and whips him to the corner. Headbutt misses and Show hits the buckle. Sleeper hold by Test. Show walks out to the center of the ring and simply falls backwards on top of Test. 1…2…no. Elbow drop by Show gets another 2. Show straddling him on the middle rope. Cobra clutch slam by Show. 1…2…no. Show drives Test into the corner. A couple of elbows in the corner. Cross corner whip but Test comes out with a clothesline. Another clothesline by Test. Ten punch count in the corner. Show shoves him off. Show grabs the neck and goes for the chokeslam, Test gets out of it and gets another double leg takedown and this time throws punches in bunches from a mounted position. Show shoves him off. Test up top now. Flying clothesline. 1…2…no. Test signals for the Big Boot. Show uses his reach advantage and reaches out and grabs the neck. Test elbows out and goes for The Boot. Show sidesteps and gets a knee to the midsection. Now, Show coming off the ropes but he runs into a Boot from Test. Show staggered. Test hits a second rope bulldog. 1…2…no. Test to the top rope but leaps into the waiting arms of Show. Powerslam. 1…2…no. Show choking now. Legdrop gets another 2. Show misses a second rope splash. Test gets the bodyslam. Test signals and hits the Running Boot. Test up top, Fllying Elbow. 1…2…3!

Winner and STILL WWF European Champion: Test

Regal has Raven in his office. He saw Raven speaking to Shane earlier tonight. His reward is a match on PPV tonight and a WWF PPV Paycheck. Don’t say the WWF never gave you anything.

Video recap of Rhyno’s dominance of the Hardcore Division.

WWF Hardcore Title: Perry Saturn vs. Rhyno (c)

They meet on the ramp and begin exchanging punches. Saturn gets a takedown and mounted punches. Elbows to the head now. Kicks from Saturn. Saturn throws Rhyno into the crowd, climbs on the barricade and comes off with an ax-handle. 1…2…no. Saturn with a vertical suplex. Rhyno goes low. Big clothesline from Rhyno. Rhyno drags Saturn to a back wall and throws him into it. Big kick from Rhyno. Rhyno misses a Gore and hits the wall. Rights to the head by Saturn. Saturn climbs the stairs and delivers a flying elbow to the prone Rhyno. Saturn too hurt to capitalize. Both men up slowly. Clothesline by Saturn. Boot to the head. Saturn throws him through a door into the hallway. Saturn sets up for a piledriver. Rhyno backdrops out of it. Slams Saturn back first into the wall. Slams him on the floor now. 1…2…no. Rhyno drags him by the head back into the crowd area. Saturn stops him short and hits a DDT. 1…2…no. Saturn sends him back into the ringside barrier. Saturn charges but Rhyno backdrops him over the barrier. Rhyno hits a suicide dive over the barrier onto Saturn. Rhyno tosses into the ring for the first time. Rhyno up top and hits a superfly splash. 1…2…no. Rhyno gets a table. Sets Saturn on the table and starts to head up top again. Saturn off the table and gets a shot on Rhyno, crotching him on the top buckle. Saturn up and gets a superplex through the table. Long time to cover. 1…2…no! Saturn up top, flying clothesline. 1…2…no. Saturn fetches a chair. Rhyno cuts him off with punches. Now Rhyno with the chair. Saturn kicks to the gut. Sets up a Spicolli Driver. Rhyno slips behind and drives Saturn chest first into the corner. Stiff chair shot by Rhyno. Gore set up. He hits it. 1…2…3

Winner and STILL WWF Hardcore Champion: Rhyno

Mick Foley slowly departs the building,pulling his bags behind him.

Interview with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Triple H assures us that Steph will not throw the towel tonight, no matter what they do to him and he will win back HIS belt tonight. Steph says she doesn’t want to see Triple H hurt, but she knows costing him his career would hurt him far more than anything Austin or her dad can do.

WWF Tag Team Titles: Edge & Christian vs. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit (c)

Edge and Benoit to start. Benoit goes for the Crossface immediately. Edge fights out of it and goes for a spear. Benoit leap frogs that attempt. Kick to the gut and a snap suplex by Benoit. Benoit takes him to the corner and chops away. Side backbreaker from Benoit. Front facelock and a tag to Jericho. Jericho comes in and gets a kick. Arm drag into an armbar by Jericho. Edge up and punches out of it. Goes for a clothesline, misses and Jericho gets a flapjack. Jericho lifts him up, but Edge counters with a jawbreaker and follows with the reverse X-Factor for 2. Tag to Christian. Christian in and kicking at Jericho. Climbs to the second rope and gets an elbow for 2. Climbs to the top now, but hits the boot on the way down. Jericho up now. Clothesline. Elbow drop gets 1. Another clothesline and a front facelock with the tag to Benoit. Benoit in and clubbing away on Christian’s back. Corner whip and Christian nearly Flair Flips out but ends up back in the ring. Rolling Germans by Benoit. Benoit signals for the Swan Dive. Climbs up top but Edge pushes him off. Christian gets the tag. Edge comes in with a kick to the stomach. Irish whip and a leg lariat from Edge gets 2. Edge sets up an Implaler DDT. Benoit with shots to the thigh and counters with a northern lights suplex for 2. Benoit goes for the tag but Edge cuts him off with a clip. Edge going for Rolling Germans now. After the second, Benoit begins to elbow out, so Edge hits another reverse X-Factor for 2. Vertical suplex and a tag to Christian. They get a double team Boss Man Straddle and Christian covers for 2. Christian gets a gut breaker for another 2. Chinlock by Christian and it slows down for the first time. Benoit up and whips his way out. Series of reversals ends in them hitting heads. Both men down. Up slowly. Benoit gets the Crippler Crossface. Edge in to break it up. Christian gets the tag. Edge misses a clothesline, but Benoit does not. Hot Tag to Jericho. Backdrops for both. Jericho taking out both men now with right hands. He’s got Edge in the Walls of Jericho. Christian breaks it up with a shot. Jericho tosses Christian and turns around and throws fists at Edge. Tilt a whirl backbreaker attempt by Jericho but Edge counters with the headscissors takedown.  Christian pulls a still staggered Benoit off the apron and gets the deathdrop on the knee. Edge beating on Jericho in the corner. Goes for a corner whip but Jericho reverses and gets the tilt a whirl backbreaker. Jericho crawling over for the tag. Nobody there. Jericho spots Benoit slowly getting up on the outside. Hollering at him that he needs the tag. Jericho turns around and walks right into the Impaler DDT. Edge slow to cover. 1…2…no! Tag to Christian. Christian up top and goes for the missile dropkick. Jericho catches him and re-hooks the Walls of Jericho. Edge with a dropkick to back of the head to break it up and a shot on Benoit to keep him from getting in. Ref forces Edge back out. Christian picking Jericho up. Jericho fighting back. Irish whip by Jericho. Blind tag to Edge. Criss cross and Jericho runs head first into a recovering Benoit. Jericho staggers around and is speared by Edge. 1…2…3.

Winners and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions: Edge and Christian

After the match, Jericho and Benoit both slowly get to their feet and start asking the other what happened. While they’re arguing. Lillian Garcia announces our next match

WWF Intercontinental Title: Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho (c)

Jericho takes him down and goes for the Walls, Benoit uses his legs to push off and gets an inside cradle for 2. Both men up and both try for a dropkick. Both up again. Jericho misses a clothesline, Benoit hits his. Seated dropkick for Benoit. 1…2…no. Scoop and a slam by Benoit. Three elbow drops get a 2 count. Now Benoit going for a Walls of Jericho, Y2J fights out of it. Jericho going for the Crippler Crossface now. Benoit chops out of it. Clothesline by Benoit. Benoit gets the Crossface but Jericho gets the ropes right away. Both men clearly want to finish this match as quickly as possible as it is their second straight. Benoit goes for a northern lights suplex, but Jericho elbows the head and gets the double-powerbomb for 2. Double underhook backbreaker now by Jericho. Snap mare by Jericho and a stiff kick to the back. Cover gets 2, so Jericho tries the cover a couple of more times, but it’s still not enough. Body slam by Jericho and a Lionsault for 1…2…no. Front facelock with knees by Jericho and a standing enziguri for another near fall. Jericho goes for another Lionsault but this time hits knees. Both men up and Jericho charges into a Benoit powerslam for 2. Benoit gets the Walls of Jericho on Y2J but he is again able to make the ropes almost immediately. Tilt a whirl slam by Benoit. He goes up top. Swan Dive headbutt. Slow to cover. 1…2…no! Benoit goes for a german suplex, but Jericho is able to victory roll him for 2. Jericho with a gut shot and sets up with the double underhook again. Benoit fights out and goes for a crossface, Jericho with a go behind and a sleeper hold neckbreaker. Both men slow to get up. Jericho gets the springboard dropkick for 2. He thought he had him. Jericho gets the Crippler Crossface on Benoit in the center of the ring. Benoit able to roll over and gets a near fall off of it. Jericho rolls again and now they are in the ropes. Ref breaks it up and Benoit gets a DDT. 1…2…no! Bodyslam attempt by Benoit but Jericho with the Steamboat rollup for 1…2…no! Corner whip attempt by Benoit is reversed and Jericho throws Benoit into the ref. Jericho gets the Stroke but there is no ref to count the fall. Jericho goes for the running enziguri, but Benoit covers. Crippler Crossface. Again no referee. Benoit showing mercy by letting the move go and goes to check on the referee. Jericho with a dropkick that sends Benoit headfirst into the buckle. Ref getting up now. Jericho going for the backslide, Benoit backflips over and gets a small package, 1…2…3!

Winner and NEW WWF Intercontinental Champion: Chris Benoit

After the match, Jericho gets his belt and gets back in the ring. After a few tense moments he hands the belt to Benoit and leaves him to celebrate.

In the back, The Big Show is tearing apart a locker room.

Elsewhere, The Undertaker sits watching a monitor. Michael Cole informs him that Mick Foley has left the building. Why’s he sticking around? Undertaker says his business may not be done tonight.

Interview with Austin and Vince. They retouch all of their talking points from the week.

Raven is in the ring awaiting his opponent. Through Hellfire and Brimstone

Raven vs. Kane

Raven charges but Kane tosses him into the corner. Quick punches from Kane. Cross corner whip and Kane gets a clothesline on the rebound. Slam by Kane and an elbow drop. Kane signals for the chokeslam but Raven backtracks and bails. Raven back up on the apron. Goes to Kane’s eyes and hot shots him on the top rope. Raven back in and a knee to the back. Headbutt to the midsection. Raven up top but he misses the splash. Big right hand by Kane. Corner clothesline. Kane up top and hits the flying clothesline. Choke Slam set up and hit. Another Choke Slam. 1…2….3

Winner: Kane

In the back, Jericho approaches Benoit. He wants the first shot at the belt. Benoit assures him he deserves a re-match. Willliam Regal enters. He tells them not to make any plans yet. Vince McMahon now has majority control. That means Regal has control.

Video Recap of Main Event Feud

World Wrestling Federation Championship, Throw in the Towel Match:

Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) w/Vince McMahon vs. Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley

Stare down to start. They begin exchanging punches. Triple H with a clothesline. Another one as soon as Austin gets up. Triple H takes him to the corner. Goes for a Pedigree, Austin backdrops out of it. Right hands by Austin. Trips fires back. Kick to the gut by Austin. Stunner attempt, but Hunter pushes off. Big clothesline by Hunter. Side backbreaker by Hunter. Face buster, and a neckbreaker by Helmsley. Hunter takes him to the corner and beats him down. Austin comes out with a knee. Grabs HHH by the hair and throws him to the ground. Austin with mounted punches now. Off the ropes and drops a forearm. Austin mounts the back and drives forearms into the face of Triple H. Knees into the back of the head now. Irish whip by Austin, misses the clothesline and Hunter gets a knee to Austin’s face. Hunter rolls out of the ring and cotheslines Vince. JR correctly notes that could be a mistake as Vince can’t throw the towel if he is unconscious. Back in and knees to the midsection of Austin. Scoop slam by Hunter. Knee drop. Hunter whips him to the corner. Drags him back to the center of the ring and slaps on an Indian Death Lock. Vince getting up and realizing that Austin is in trouble. Refusing to even pick the towel up. Hunter picks Austin up and hits several right hands. Corner whip but the splash misses. Hunter hits the post. Kicks to the head of HHH. Triple H is busted up on the forehead. Austin driving knees into Hunters head. Austin with a big punt on Triple H’s head. Jawing with Stephanie now, telling her to throw the towel. She ignores him. Mounted punches by Austin, right to the bleeding forehead of Triple H. Austin picks him up and places him on the top turnbuckle. Climbing up for the superplex. Hunter punches out of it and knocks Austin off. Second rope clothesline is avoided by Austin. Another head punt by Austin. Austin picks Triple H up, flips him off and sets up for the Stunner, Triple H kicks him low instead. Hunter repeatedly driving his knee into the groin of Austin. Vince gets on the apron now. Hunter pulls him in. Austin with a shot from behind. Vince back out. Austin with a knee to the head. Bleeding badly. To the corner and Austin stomps a mud hole in him. Austin jaw jacking with the crowd. Triple H pulls himself up and tosses Austin into the corner. Big right hands. Pulls Austin to center ring and hits a Rude Awakening. Legdrop across the neck. JR reminds us of Austin’s neck issues. Short-arm clothesline by HHH. Now Hunter sets Austin up for the superplex. Austin is able to push him off also. Austin hops down. Hunter up. Stone Cold Stunner. Austin covers. There is no pinfall. Austin telling Steph to throw the towel or he’ll do it again. He picks Triple H up. Hunter pushes him back and hits a spear as he rebounds off the ropes. Hunter stepping on the neck of Austin now. Hunter steps back. Austin up, Hunter charges, but Austin gets the Stun Gun. Boss Man Straddle right in front of Steph. He holds Triple H’s bleeding face right in front of his wife and tells her only she can save him now. Body slam by Austin. And another. Austin puts on the Million Dollar Dream. The whole time yelling at Steph to end this. She picks up the towel, but puts it back down. Hunter fighting up and falls forward sending Austin hurtling into the buckle. Stephanie takes the belt off her pants and gives it to Hunter. He uses it to hang Austin in the corner. Vince yells at the ref to stop him. Ref says only he can stop it. Hunter drives his knee into Austin’s head and takes him to the ground. Swinging neckbreaker by Hunter. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, Austin gets out of it and hits another Stunner. Stephanie holding the towel but not throwing it. Austin goes out and gets a chair. He comes back in and slams it across the skull of Triple H. Dragging Hunter over and showing him to Stephanie once again. Goes for another Boss Man straddle but this time Hunter is able to avoid it. Hunter with a chair to Austin’s back. And again. Irish whip and a spinebuster by Triple H. Kicks to Austin’s head and Hunter throws him out of the ring. In front of Vince he drapes Austins neck across barrier and drives a forearm shot into the back of his head. Triple H puts him in the hangman’s noose right in front of Vince. Austin saying he quits. Vince appears to be pondering but throws the towel back on the ground. Hunter drops him and McMahon takes the opportunity to get a cheap shot in on Hunter. McMahon rolls Austin into the ring and then throws in Hunter. McMahon climbing into the ring now. Lights go out. Undertaker Bong! Lights come on and Taker is in the ring. Undertaker with a chokeslam for Austin. Grabs McMahon and drives him into the corner. Triple H up now and rolling outside, he goes under the ring and has a sledgehammer. Back in he hits Austin with a baseball swing to the ribs. Undertaker picks McMahon up with a double choke. Hunter takes a swing at him, but Taker throws him just before contact and the hammer ends up hitting Taker in the face and knocking him out of the ring. McMahon outside as well and waving for somebody. HHH gets the Pedigree on Austin. Hunter puts a front choke on Austin, as McMahon enters the ring and hits Hunter in the thigh with the sledgehammer. Austin getting up as The Big Show makes his way out. Austin puts Hunter in the Sharpshooter. Stephanie in now. Vince goes over and dares her to try anything with Austin. She kicks him between the legs. Vince rolls out. Triple H reverses the Sharpshooter and gets one of his own. Debra Austin coming out now. She is helping Vince up and telling him to throw the towel before her husband can’t walk anymore. Big Show in, he grabs Helmsley by the neck and hits a chokeslam. He then grabs Stephanie by the hair and holds her there. He’s got the towel in his other hand. Austin folding the chair around Triple H’s leg. He takes another chair and slams it down onto the leg. Vince back in, telling Steph to just throw the towel. Save him. He’s your husband, the future father of your children. Austin drives the chair down again. Undertaker starting to get up. Another chair shot to the leg. Undertaker rolling into the ring. Steph drops the towel. It’s over. Austin takes one more chair shot to the leg. Then swings one at the Undertaker. Hunter and Undertaker are left laying for the second straight Pay Per View.

JR: My God, the career of Triple H is over. Austin has gotten rid of another of his biggest threats. The McMahon-Austin Alliance continues to roll over the World Wrestling Federation.

Fade to black…

Smackdown: May 17, 2001

Taped in Louisville, KY

Opening Promo Time with The Undertaker

• Taker says at Judgment Day he intends to take care of Mick Foley because the ring is his yard and it’s his job to protect it. But he doesn’t need any help from the Big Show or any other McMahon ass-kissers.
• Vince makes his way out. He doesn’t care for Taker’s tone. Quite frankly, he doesn’t care for the Undertaker. He’s also not sure that he can trust him. Sure, Undertaker says he won’t lay down, but how can McMahon be sure. How does he know that Undertaker won’t just not show up.
• Undertaker says Vince shouldn’t trust him. But he knows damn well that The Undertaker’s not gonna pass up a fight and damn sure ain’t gonna lay down to avoid one. Besides he could really care less who’s in control, Vince or Linda. In the end, The Undertaker is still making the rules. This is his first rule, he destroys Mick Foley at Judgment Day, he wants to be the number one contender.
• Vince says he had a feeling that he may come out here and be given an ultimatum by Taker. He’s not ready to make that decision tonight. Steve Austin has enough to worry about, his career is on the line tonight. Tonight, Undertaker can help his cause though, by proving that Vince can trust him. Tonight The Undertaker will team with Stone Cold Steve Austin. They will face Triple H and …Kane.

In the back, The Hardys are discussing things when Shane McMahon approaches. He’s got a big surprise for The Hardys on Monday. He thinks they’re really gonna like it.

COMMERCIAL

WWF Light-Heavyweight Title: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Jeff Hardy

• 8 minute match
• Very good match with lots of near falls for both guys.
• Jeff has the advantage late when Regal and Angle make their way out.
• Jeff hits both with a plancha.
• Jeff back in, he goes for a slam, but Malenko gets him with a Steamboat roll-up to retain.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Stone Cold is pissed off at Vince McMahon for agreeing to this match on Sunday. All of a sudden his career is in Vince McMahons hands and he doesn’t like that very much. How the hell does he know this isn’t all a big set-up. McMahon asks him if he even remembers WrestleMania and Backlash, why the hell would he screw him now? If he wanted to fire him he could have done that years ago. No, Austin has nothing to worry about on Sunday, because there is no chance in hell that Vince McMahon will throw in the towel. He doesn’t have enough compassion.

The Big Show vs. Bradshaw

• 5 minute match
• Power match, with Bradshaw getting a surprising amount of offense.
• In the end, Bradshaw hits a big boot and sets up the Clothesline From Hell but runs into the ChokeSlam for 3.

Backstage, William Regal is hosting Kurt Angle in his office when the Hardy’s storm in. They want to do the match tonight. Regal informs Jeff that for insurance purposes he’s not going to sign him to a second match tonight. If Matt can find another partner though, they’re on.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Kane approaches his brother. Taker asks him how his ribs are? Kane stares. Taker tells him it’s good to have him back and he’s sorry about what he’s gotta do tonight. Kane stares. Taker tells him to say something damnit. Kane says “gotta do? and walks away.

Undertaker walks around a corner right into Stone Cold Steve Austin. Taker tells him that when he’s done with this fight on Sunday, he’s got at least one good one left for Austin. Austin says “yeah, we’ll see.”

William Regal & Kurt Angle vs. Matt Hardy &

• Once again, it’s Rikishi, who seems to want to save everybody from handicap matches.
• 7 minute match
• Good back and forth action, with everybody getting their spots in.
• Albert makes his way out and pulls Rikishi off the apron and throws him into the barricade.
• The double-team is on in the ring. Jeff makes his way out and Regal cuts him off on the ramp.
• Angle slam finishes it in the ring.
• Angle locks in the anklelock until Jeff can finally get the upperhand on Regal and make the save

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Shane McMahon is talking to Rhyno. Shane’s telling him it could really benefit him to sign with WCW. He can guarantee title shots and main events. Rhyno says he’s heard all of that before and so far it’s gotten him nowhere. Shane says Rhyno should meet with him and his business partners. He’s sure Raven will change his mind.

Meanwhile, Triple H is sitting with Stephanie. He tells her to forget they’re married on Sunday. He doesn’t care what happens, don’t throw in that towel. The worst thing they can do is hurt him physically. If she throws in that towel everything they’ve worked for is gone. Stephanie promises she won’t throw it.

COMMERCIAL

Christian vs. Chris Benoit

• 8 minute match
• Another good match tonight
• This one ends though, in a disqualification as Benoit gets the crossface and Edge intervenes. Chris Jericho makes the save. Two-on-two brawl follows.
• Jericho gets tossed. Edge spears Benoit and they set up the conchairto.
• Jericho sees this, seems to hesitate a second then does make the save.

In the back, Stephanie sits alone deep in though. Vince enters the room. He’s here to talk some sense into Steph. He reminds Steph that Hunter is her husband. One day he’ll be the father of her children. Is a belt worth jeopardizing that? Of course not. She should just throw in that towel. Then her and Hunter can ride off into the sunset and raise little McMahons. She can give him her 25% and not have to worry about this business any more. Stephanie assures Vince that none of those things are going to happen. Some day I will have kids and I will have to step away from wrestling to raise them, but I can assure you I will not be giving you any control over this company. Vince is upset.

COMMERCIAL

In the back Jericho is getting dressed. Raven is behind him smiling. Jericho wants to know what the hell is so funny. Raven says “you almost let him get hurt didn’t you? It would have been the right thing to do. Nobody in this business cares about anybody else. Look out for yourself. Wolverines don’t make good house pets.”

Meanwhile, The Undertaker has tracked down Vince. He wants to know why the hell he should go through this tonight. He’s beginning to wonder what’s in it for him on Sunday too. Is he gonna be the number one contender or not. Vince answers “hell no”.. What’s in it for you? Your livelihood. Your job. Your family’s lone source of income. You have a contract and you will do what I tell you to do, or your career is over.

COMMERCIAL

Hardcore Hollys vs. The Dudley Boys

• 5 minute semi-squash for the Dudleys
• They finish Crash off with the 3D.
• Bubba wants a mic. He says they’ve been forgotten over the past couple of weeks. Vince and Regal and Stephanie and everybody else have been too hung up with their own business. Starting now, they’re gonna start reminding everybody who the best tag team in the world is.

In the back, Triple H confronts Vince. “Sunday Night, I will be the World Heavyweight Champion. God willing, Mick pins the Dead Man and you have no control. After that, you can leave me and my wife the hell alone.” Hunter leaves to find the Dead Man standing outside the office as well. “You don’t have to worry about me losing, son. But hell, I’m kind of rooting for ya. If you win and Austin’s gone…who do you think he’s gonna send to track you down?”

COMMERCIAL

Main Event: Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker vs. Triple H and Kane

• 11 minute match
• Hunter and Austin go at it every chance they get. Undertaker takes pleasure in beating on Hunter.
• Taker and Kane somewhat reluctantly go at it…but do beat on each other.
• Austin and Taker are clearly not eager to team together, Hunter and Kane fare a little better.
• Terrific Main Event
• Austin and Hunter fight into the crowd and out a door.
• In the ring, The Undertaker goes for a tombstone, Kane reverses and hits one of his own. 1…2…3
• Kane pins the Undertaker…Michael Cole reminds us that if that happens on Sunday, Vince will no longer have any creative control in the WWF.
• Vince looks horrified at the ring.
• In the concession area, security and police officers are keeping Hunter and Austin apart.

Fade to black…

Raw is War: May 14, 2001

Live from Cincinnati, OH

Opening Promo Time with Stone Cold Steve Austin

• Austin is bandaged up and pissed off about Hunter putting him through the window.
• Triple H isn’t going to make it to Judgment Day. Albert damn near finished the job last week and he is sure that somebody will finish the job tonight.
• ” Time to Play the Game” Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley makes her way out. She hasn’t exercised her power in a while, but she’s going to do so right now. First of all anybody who attacks Hunter outside of the ring, will be suspended. Secondly, the Heavyweight Title Match at Judgment Day will be an I Quit Match.
• “No Chance in Hell” Vince McMahon makes his way out. That’s very cute Stephanie. Another example of the problem right now in the WWF. WWF has been a mess since his children and wife got involved. At Judgment Day he will take the first step towards righting that. Afterwards, he may have to take care of his daughter as well.
• As for the stipulation at Judgment Day. He and Austin have no problem with a submission match. But how about we make this more interesting. Steph in Hunter’s corner, Vince in Austin’s. Each with a towel. Let’s see who pulls the trigger first. Steph accepts.
• Austin wants to know what the hell just happened. Vince assures him it will be fine.

Kurt Angle is in William Regal’s office and wants to know why he was booked to wrestle Rikishi. Regal tells him it was Vince’s decision. Rikishi saved Triple Haitch last week and it is Kurt’s responsibility to make him regret it.

COMMERCIAL

Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi

• 4 minute match
• Angle looks to have the upper hand until the ref gets bumped.
• Hardys enter the ring. Matt gets a twist of fate on Angle. Jeff revives the ref.
• Rikishi hits Angle with a leg drop and gets the pin.
• Regal makes his way out and a fight is on. Hardys and Kish get the better of Regal and Angle.

In the back, Crash is with Molly Holly. He tells her that tonight he is going for the Hardcore Title for the last time.

In the back, Dean Malenko wants to know why Perry Saturn was teaming with the Hardys last week. Saturn tells him it was about getting a shot at Rhyno. Rhyno was right the WWF has made hardcore a joke. At Judgment Day he and Rhyno will take the WWF Hardcore division to the extreme.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, The Undertaker has arrived.

WWF Light Heavyweight Title: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Matt Hardy

• 5 minute match
• Physical match, dominated by Dean
• Matt makes the comeback and hits his spots
• Matt goes for the twist of fate. Dean pushes off and catches him with a knee to the face coming off the ropes.
• Texas Cloverleaf finishes it.

Backstage, Austin is talking to Vince when Triple H comes crashing into the room. The fight is on. Vince gets in some cheap shots. They fight into the hall until security breaks it up.

COMMERCIAL

WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno (c) vs. Crash Holly

• It is reiterated that this is Crash’s last shot at the Hardcore Title.
• 4 minute match
• Rhyno dominates early, but Crash comes back with weapon shots to get several near falls.
• Perry Saturn makes his way out. He hits Crash with a T-Bone suplex.
• Rhyno and Saturn stare down. Crash gets up and Rhyno hits him with a Gore for the pin.
• Saturn backs up the ramp still staring.

In the back, Mick Foley is in the building.

COMMERCIAL

Edge vs. Chris Jericho

• 8 minute match
• Very good back and forth match featuring the wrestlers normal spots
• Christian attempts to interfere and Benoit takes him out.
• Edge misses a missile dropkick and Jericho gets a lionsault for 2.
• Jericho misses a charge and Edge hits an enziguri for a near fall.
• Edge goes for a frankensteiner and Jericho counters with the Walls of Jericho for the submission.
• Benoit holding his belt and seemingly contemplating hitting Jericho with it. Jericho turns around and sees him. Benoit just chuckles. Jericho does not look pleased.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Jericho wants to know what the hell Benoit was doing. Benoit says he just wanted Jericho to know how he feels. Unsure. Raven enters the scene. “Isn’t it more a matter of when and who, rather than if?” Jericho and Benoit eye each other.

Promo Time with The Undertaker

• He knows a lot of people want to know why he chokeslammed Mick Foley on Thursday.
• It’s not because of any loyalty to Vince McMahon. It’s because he needs to win at Judgment Day. Maybe things would be easier for him if he lost. After all, then Linda would be in control instead of Vince. But that’s not something he can do. He needs to win every fight he’s in. He can’t do that without his killer instinct. Besides, he’s not going to lie to you. He hates Mick Foley.
• Cue Foley. Foley says he understands that. He’s no great fan of The Dead Man either. After all, he’s repeatedly tried to kill Mick in the past. But he was willing to leave that in the past. Until Taker showed his true color on Thursday. Yellow.
• Taker does not respond well to this and starts to make his way up the ramp.
• The Big Show attacks Foley from behind and choke slams him on the top of the ramp.
• Show mouths “You’re Welcome” to Taker, who does not look particularly grateful.

In the back, Austin is being attended to when Hunter again attacks him. Security is forced to intervene once again and Vince says something needs to be done about this.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Vince is on the phone. He is talking to Linda. Apparently, they are in agreement concerning some change that will be made to the stipulations of the Main Event at Judgment Day.

WWF European Title: Bull Buchanan vs. Test (c)

• 5 minute match
• Power match, with each man mixing in some surprising agility.
• Test tries a corner whip, but Bull counters by leaping to the top turnbuckle and springing off with a clothesline.
• Bull goes to the top again and Test catches him and slams him off.
• Big Boot finishes it.

Judgment Day Update

• WWF Title: Throw in the Towel Match- Stone Cold Steve Austin w/Vince vs. Triple H w/ Steph
• For 25% control of Company- The Undertaker represents Vince vs. Mick Foley representing Linda
• WWF Tag Titles: Edge & Christian vs. Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho
• Intercontinental Title: Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit
• WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno vs. Perry Saturn
• WWF European Title: The Big Show vs. Test
• William Regal & Kurt Angle vs. The Hardy Boys

COMMERCIAL

Albert vs. Triple H

• 5 minute match
• Albert dominates with power moves.
• Triple H makes the comeback but runs into a boot from Albert.
• Albert misses a corner charge and eats a Pedigree. Simple 3 count.
• “No Chance in Hell” Vince McMahon and Stone Cold make their way out.
• Austin has the mic and he wants to know what the hell was so important that Vince drug him out here.
• Vince says that Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H are the two biggest stars in the WWE. Two of the biggest stars ever. But things can’t keep going like they are. As long as these two are involved, so will Steph be and the WWE will never be able to move past it. Before he makes his announcement he wants to assure Stone Cold that there is no way he will throw in the towel at Judgment Day. After all, he doesn’t even really like Austin. He just likes the money they make together and if Austin is so hurt he can’t continue then he’s no good to Vince anyway. He’s like a horse that Vince will ride till it dies. Can Steph say the same. Will she be able to watch her loving husband suffer and not save him? She better be able to. Because the match at Judgment Day won’t just be a throw-in-the-towel match. It will be a career ending match.

Fade to black…

WWF SmackDown May 10, 2001

Taped in Hartford, CT

Opening Match: Christian vs. Chris Jericho Non-Title

• 7 minute match
• Brawl with some comedy spots mixed in
• Jericho misses a corner charge and posts his shoulder
• Christian gets a shoulder breaker and a clean 3 count
• Christian puts Jericho in the Crippler Crossface until Benoit can save

Backstage, The Undertaker arrives. He’s looking for Vince.

COMMERCIAL

Backstage, The Undertaker is still looking for Vince.

Raven vs. Spike Dudley

• 5 minute match
• Fast paced match with several near falls for each side
• Spike tries a victory roll but Raven counters with an electric chair drop
• Evenflow DDT finishes it.

The Undertaker arrives at Vince McMahon’s office. Stone Cold is the only one inside. We get a staredown. Austin knows Taker would love to take a shot at him. He should feel free to do so. Just remember if he pisses McMahon off enough and McMahon fires him. He’s got nowhere else he’s allowed to go.

COMMERCIAL

Backstage, a limo arrives. It contains WWF Chairman Vince McMahon.

Elsewhere, Crash Holly catches up with Dean Malenko and challenges him to another WWF Light Heavyweight Title shot. Dean gives him a little chuckle and accepts.

Even Elsewherer, William Regal informs Triple H that he must find a partner to face him and Kurt Angle later in the show. It won’t be Test though. He’s already booked.

COMMERCIAL

Bull Buchanan & Albert vs. The Hardy Boyz

• Cole informs us that Regal set up this match earlier today. The Hardys will face Regal and Angle at Judgment Day.
• 6 minute match
• Bull and Albert get themselves disqualified by throwing the referee.
• Albert tosses Jeff over the top rope. Bull hits a flying legdrop on Matt. The Hardys are left lying.

Vince McMahon gives The Big Show a message for Undertaker. Meet him in the ring at the bottom of the hour. Try anything stupid and he will be fired.

COMMERCIAL

Big Show delivers the message to Taker. Taker asks what stupid means. Show says putting his hands on Vince McMahon would be stupid. Taker hits Show with a right hand. “How about that?” Taker walks off as Big Show fumes.

Kurt Angle & William Regal vs. Triple H &

• Trips starts the match alone and takes on both men. They eventually get the better of him until the music of Rikishi hits.
• We have a straight tag match now.
• 5 minute match from bell to bell.
• Double Disqualification as the ref loses control.
• Big Show and Austin hit the ring to make it 4 on 2. Test and The Hardys hit the ring and now the “good guys” have the advantage. The loyalists bail.

COMMERCIAL

Backstage Austin is getting ready to get in his limo when Triple H attacks. Hunter puts Austin through a side window and continues the assault until officials pull him off.

WWF Light Heavyweight Title: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Crash Holly

• 3 minute semi-squash
• Crash misses a top rope splash. Dean gets the double underhook powerbomb.
• Texas Cloverleaf finishes it.

In the back, Vince McMahon informs the WWF Locker room that anybody who can take out Triple H before Judgment Day will receive his title shot.

COMMERCIAL

Triple H is being escorted to his car by security. Kaientai attacks ninja style. Triple H gets the better of them. He starts back towards the arena. Steph tries to stop him, but Hunter says if any of those sons of bitches are gonna take him out it’s gonna be here and not in the streets somewhere.

Edge vs. Chris Benoit

• 7 minute match
• Very competitive with each guy hitting signature spots.
• Benoit goes for a northern lights suplex but Edge elbows out.
• Edge goes for the Impaler DDT. Benoit counters with the Crippler Crossface and gets the submission win.
• Christian attacks after the bell and they do a double team of Benoit.
• Jericho runs in with his title belt and swings at Christian. Christian moves and Jericho hits Benoit.

Triple H walks through the halls, staring guys down as he goes. Albert attacks from behind and lays Hunter out. He goes to get a cinder block. Rikishi makes the save and chases Albert off.

COMMERCIAL

Chris Benoit is getting stitches in the trainers office. Raven comes in and questions how accidental that belt shot was. After all if he were Jericho he may be willing to sacrifice his tag title to keep the Intercontinental Title. Benoit sneers.

Rhyno is in the ring. He came to Connecticut to fight and he will put up the Hardcore Title right now. APA music hits and Bradshaw is coming to the ring.

WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno (c) vs. Bradshaw

• 5 minute match
• Saturn gets involved but his interference backfires and he ends up taking out Bradshaw with a chairshot.
• Rhyno tosses Saturn and finishes Bradshaw `with a rear-naked choke.

COMMERCIAL

Closing Promo Time with Vince McMahon

• McMahon is surrounded by the loyalists.
• He wants The Undertaker to come out right now.
• BONG! Don’t have to tell The Undertaker twice as he makes his way to the ring.
• Vince starts to talk but Taker cuts him off.
• Taker wants to know what the hell makes McMahon think he would fight for him at Judgment Day.
• Vince says quite simply it is because Undertaker has no choice. McMahon owns his contract, which means if Taker wants to continue to provide for his family he will do what he’s told.
• Besides says McMahon I know I can trust you to do the right thing at Judgment Day. With anybody else Vince would have to worry about a swerve. Maybe his representative would lie down for Foley to help Linda. He knows he doesn’t have to worry about Taker laying down for anybody, least of all Mick Foley.
• Foley’s Music Hits! and he makes his way to the ring.
• Foley wants the Undertaker to consider what is being asked of him. Vince wants to be Undertaker’s Higher Power all over again. If Undertaker gives in now he’ll never be able to stop and Vince will control him. Foley says he’ll fight Undertaker at Judgment Day and may the best man win. Just don’t do it Vince’s way.
• Undertaker looks back and forth between the two men and chokeslams….
• Mick Foley.
• Undertaker stares down at Foley as the loyalists celebrate.

Fade to black…

Monday Night Raw May 7,2001

Live from Uniondale, NY

There is a cage hanging above the ring.

Opening Promo Time with Mick Foley

• He’s out here to announce the man who will represent Linda McMahon at Judgment Day. But before he does that he would like Vince McMahon to come on down.
• “No Chance in Hell” Vince is very interested to hear who it is that would betray him in this way. Who it is that would be so ungrateful that they would form a bond with his wife of all people . Who is it?!?!
• Mick tells Vince it’s….him. Mick Foley will represent Linda McMahon at Judgment Day. Yeah, he might be a little fat, a little rusty and a lot retired, but he also has nothing to lose and that means that Vince McMahon should consider him a very dangerous man. So who is it Vince? Who’s he got?
• Vince says he knows better than to underestimate Foley and he’s got just the guy. And he’ll let him know who it is later in the show.

COMMERCIAL

Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

• This, of course, would be a rematch from Smackdown.
• 5 minute match
• William Regal and Matt Hardy both get involved and the match breaks down into a double-dq. They fight into the crowd.

Eddie Guerrero walks out in his jeans amidst the chaos. Eddie wants a mic. “At Backlash, I pinned a former WWF Champion in Kane. What did I get for that effort. A week off. Everywhere I’ve gone, the story never changes. I go into a meeting with creative and they tell me act as Mexican as you can. I do it. Despite, the stereotype I”m forced to put out there, I get over with the crowd everywhere. But does Eddie get main-events? Does Eddie get title shots? No, I get pushed to the side in favor of guys who I made look good in the first place. Ain’t that right Jericho? Benoit? So you know what? I didn’t take it from you Heyman when I was in ECW. I didn’t take it from Bischoff in WCW. And I’m sure as hell not gonna take it here. So…I quit”

COMMERCIAL

Perry Saturn catches up with Eddie on his way out the door. He tries to talk him out of it, to no avail. Eddie tells Perry he’s got a match to worry about so go handle your business.

Rhyno, Edge and Christian vs. Saturn, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit

• 4 minute match
• Breaks down early and is crazy.
• Saturn goes up top but Edge crotches him from the outside. Rhyno gets the Gore and the pin.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Austin is curious who Vince’s guy is. Vince says he doesn’t wanna ruin the surprise…for anybody.

WWF Light-Heavyweight Title: Crash Holly vs. Dean Malenko (c)

• 5 minute match
• Malenko goes for a vertical suplex, Crash floats behind and attempts a victory roll, Dean blocks it by bridging backwards for the 3 count.

In the back, William Regal addresses the camera. Tonight Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Big Show will team up to face Triple H and Test. The Dudley Boyz will fight X-Factor in a Steel Cage.  Also tonight he will personally take out a man who showed no loyalty to the World Wrestling Federation until it was too late. He will fight Matt Hardy. Next.

COMMERCIAL

Judgment Day Update:

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Triple H for the World Wrestling Federation Championship

For 25% creative control: Mick Foley represents Linda McMahon vs. Vince’s Rep

Tag Team Titles: Edge & Christian vs. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit

Hardcore Title: Rhyno vs. Saturn

European Title: Big Show vs. Test

William Regal vs. Matt Hardy

• 9 minute match
• Regal dominates with wrestling, Hardy makes momentary comebacks
• Regal stops to jaw-jack with Jeff and Matt schoolboys him for the win.

COMMERCIAL

In Vince’s office, Mick Foley barges in and demands to know who his opponent is at Judgment Day. Vince says that he will meet a man whom he is very familiar with. At Judgment Day Mick Foley will go one on one with The Undertaker. Foley looks disbelieving.

Steel Cage Match: X-Pac & Justin Credible vs. Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley

• 7 minute match
• Cage brawl…pinfalls or submission to win.
• Dudleys throw both men into the cage and finish X-Pac with the 3-D

Mick Foley is in the back and bumps into Rikishi. Kish says that he knows he screwed up in the past, but he’s gonna start making things right. He hopes he has Mick’s support. Mick says he just doesn’t have time for this right now.

COMMERCIAL

Promo Time with Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho

• They’re out to formally accept the challenge of Edge and Christian at Judgment Day. Chris Benoit has something else on his mind though. He needs to know he can still run with the best. He wants a shot at Jericho’s IC Title also. Just to make it fair they’ll fight right after the tag match, so both men are equally worn down. Jericho isn’t sure that Benoit is serious but eventually realizes he is and seems to somewhat reluctantly agree.

COMMERCIAL

Backstage, Jericho is standing by himself when Raven approaches. He says that Jericho should have seen this coming. Raven did. Two giant egos will never move over to make room for the other. Jericho should be careful. Sometimes when you run with wild dogs you get bit.

Steve Austin & The Big Show vs. Triple H & Test

• 9 minute match
• Referee never gets control of the match and all 4 men brawl all over ringside and use chairs and the announcers table.
• Test hits Show with several big boots but can’t knock him off his feet. Austin hits Test in the back of the head with the WWF Title Belt and Show gets the chokeslam for the win. Triple H gets Austin though and manages to Pedigree him on the outside.

Fade to black…

Smackdown! May 3, 2001

In the Taped in Indianapolis, IN

Opening Promo Time w/ The Undertaker

• Undertaker wants to cut to the chase. He told Vince a few weeks ago that his contract did not include a no-compete clause. Either he gets a shot at the World Wrestling Federation Title tonight in Indianapolis or he walks. Maybe he’ll sign with somebody in Japan, maybe he’ll help an upstart promotion get some pub or maybe he’ll just sign a contract with Shane McMahon and be the face of the WCW faction here in the  WWF.
• Vince is out. He’s tired of being told what to do. You want a shot tonight, fine, you got it. But if Taker does not beat Steve Austin tonight, he will sign a new WWE contract. That contract will include a no-escape clause. Which means no matter how awful Vince makes his life…he can’t leave.
• Taker accepts and we have a WWF Title match tonight.

COMMERCIAL

Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

• 5 minute match
• Hardy ducks a clothesline and gets a couple of quick rights and the leap of faith.
• Hardy sets up for the swanton but it hits knees.
• Angle Slam finishes it.
• After the match, Angle locks in the AnkleLock until Matt makes the save.

Backstage, The Undertaker is meeting with his brother Kane. He wants him to watch his back tonight.

COMMERCIAL

Steve Austin wants to know what the hell Vince is doing. He didn’t come prepared to wrestle tonight. He doesn’t even have his knee brace. Vince says he had no choice. He can’t allow The Undertaker to sign with Shane and give them a sense of power. Doesn’t Austin understand that the more superstars that go to WCW, the more power Shane has. He’s gotta nip it in the bud. Austin wants to make sure this doesn’t have anything to do with the Stunner he hit Steph with on Monday. Vince says it does not, but he does not approve of Austin’s actions on Monday. He hasn’t always agreed with Steph, but he did not want to see her hospitalized.

Non-Title Match: X-Pac vs. Test

• 6 minute match
• The Big Show makes his way out to ringside.
• Test takes control and hits the pump-handle powerslam on X-Pac near the ropes right in front of Show.
• Justin distracts the ref which allows Big Show to reach through the ropes with a right hand for Test.
• Test is groggy and X-Pac hits the X-Factor for the upset win.
• After the match, Show chokeslams Test.

In the back, Triple H arrives with a sledgehammer and an angry look on his face.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, The Hardys discussing the earlier match with Angle when Shane McMahon walks in. He thanks the Hardys for their help on Sunday…though they were a little later than he would have liked. He is a little confused though. He thought they had a deal. Jeff says they never said they had made up their minds and a guaranteed contract from the WWF seemed the safe way to go. Shane says he’s surprised to hear how concerned the Hardys are about safety. Awkward Silence. Shane shakes it off and says it’s cool…he wishes The Hardys luck in their future endeavors. They shake hands.

Elsewhere, Vince is on the phone with Linda. Linda says that something needs to change. Their are too many people with power in the WWF. All four McMahons, Regal, Foley..it’s too many chiefs. Some time soon decisions will have to be made to make the WWF a more disciplined environment. Vince says for once they agree.

COMMERCIAL

The Holly Cousins vs. Edge & Christian

• 7 minute match
• Match spills out of the ring several times and is generally out of control.
• Benoit and Jericho are shown watching on monitors in the back.
• Holly mis-communication leads to Edge pinning Bob after a reverse X-Factor.

The Coach is standing outside Triple H’s locker room. He’ll attempt to talk to HHH next.

COMMERCIAL

Coach does attempt to speak with Triple H. But Hunter doesn’t have much to say. He does slam Coach’s head into the wall though, so that’s a message of some sort.

Promo Time with Vince McMahon

• At Judgment Day there will be a special match. You see Vince and his wife Linda will never agree on the direction of the World Wrestling Federation so a decision had to be made. At Judgment Day both he and his wife will select a WWF Superstar to represent them and what the superstar represents is 25% of the creative control in the WWF. Yes, whoever loses that match will have no control in his Federation. This will put him one step closer to complete control, with just his two ingrate children standing in his way. This Monday on Raw both participants will be revealed.

COMMERCIAL

WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno (c) vs. Matt Hardy

• 8 minute match
• Good long hardcore match with lots of near-falls.
• They fight into the backstage area and end up right near William Regals office.
• Matt sets up the Twist of Fate and Regal comes out of his office and hits him in the back of the knee with what appears to be a walking stick.
• Rhyno gores him into the wall and gets the pin.

COMMERCIAL

WWF Light-Heavyweight Title: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Scotty II Hotty

• 6 minute match
• Another hotly contested match-up.
• Scotty posts himself on a blind charge. Malenko mounts him on the top rope and hits the super gut-breaker for the win.

In the back, Steve Austin and Vince McMahon are discussing current events when Triple H kicks in the door and attacks Austin. He beats on Austin very good until security is able to make the scene and escort Hunter off the grounds. Cole wonders how Austin can beat the Undertaker now?

COMMERCIAL

World Wrestling Federation Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs. The Undertaker

• 7 minute match
• Ref Bump
• Taker looks for the Last Ride. Vince McMahon in with a chair to the back. Taker no-sells and goozles McMahon. Austin crushes him with the chair. Vince revives the ref who makes the pin. Austin Wins.
• Taker does the zombie sit-up and is bleeding.

Fade to black…

Monday Night Raw April 30, 2001

Live from Milwaukee, WI

Show starts with still from last night’s Backlash. Focus on Angle-McMahon, E & C- Chrises and Title Bout.

Opening Promo with Kurt Angle

• Last night Shane McMahon showed he was a hell of a fighter. But Lost.
• Much the same as for several years WCW put up a good fight. But Lost.
• His gripe tonight is with WWF security. Their inability to keep two unemployed former WWF wrestlers out of the ring cost him some embarasment. Therefore, tonight he is challenging any member of WWF security to a match.
• Mick Foley comes on the TitanTron. He’s sure Kurt Angle vs a security officer would be great television. But it’s not going to happen tonight. See tonight Kurt Angle is going to team with his good buddy Stone Cold Steve Austin. They are going to take on two up and coming superstars in the WWF that himself and Linda McMahon just happened to sign to guaranteed contracts that very morning. Their names are Matt and Jeff Hardy. Have a Nice Day.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Vince and his loyalists are very angry over Linda McMahons abuse of power. Vince makes a decision and Linda overrides it. Vince wins the Monday Night War and Shane ruins it for him. Vince hates Triple H and his daughter is married to him. Something has got to be done about the lack of respect for the Chairman of the World Wrestling Federation.

Edge and Christian are in the ring. They are very upset about the way they lost their belts last night. They weren’t prepared to defend the tag belts against two world class wrestlers like Jericho and Benoit. Tonight they are prepared though. So if Chris Jericho has the guts Edge asks him for a shot at the IC Title. Christian asks why they don’t just go for the tag belts. Edge says in good time.

“Break the Walls Down” Jericho is out to accept.

Intercontinental Title Match: Edge vs. Chris Jericho (c)

• 5 minute match
• Christian interferes several times to give Edge the upperhand.
• Chris Benoit makes his way to ringside.
• Benoit takes out Christian and trips Edge coming off the ropes. Jericho hits the Lionsault and retains the gold.

COMMERCIAL

In William Regals office, he has summoned Chris Benoit. Benoit had no right to interfere in the previous match. Of course, he also had no right to be talking to Shane McMahon last week. Nevertheless, tonight he will be rewarded. With a chance to join his partner as a multiple champion. He will face Rhyno and Christian in a triangle match for the Hardcore Title.

Dean Malenko is in the ring. He won the Light Heavyweight Title a month ago on Raw. Since then he hasn’t had one person step up and challenge him for it. He wants an opponent now. He gets one.

Light Heavyweight Title Match: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Spike Dudley

• 4 minute match
• Not a squash as Dean sells plenty for Spike.
• Dean tries a back suplex, but Spike rolls over and tries a victory roll. Dean counters that and locks in the Texas Cloverleaf for the Submission.

In the back, a limo pulls up. It contains Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Triple H has something to say and he’s gonna say it next.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, The Undertaker arrives. Vince McMahon is there to greet him. Last night, The Undertaker had the gall to put his hands on him. Vince is not going to stand for this disrespect any longer. Undertaker goozles him. “You’re damn right I chokeslammed your ass last night, and if I don’t get a rematch for that belt, I’m gonna do it again.”

“Time to Play the Game” Triple H and Stephanie come to the ring. Triple H is pissed off at not being the World Wrestling Federation Champion. Last night Vince said he was going to start taking things from HHH. Well tonight Triple H is more interested in what Vince is going to give him. Namely a shot at the World Wrestling Federation Title. BONG! The Undertaker arrives. He wants to know what the hell Triple H thinks gives him the right at a rematch. He was the one who had Austin pinned last night if not for McMahon. Triple H says he could have pinned Taker if Vince hadn’t provided enough distraction to give Austin a chance to get up. McMahon is out. Enough! He is tired of everybody else trying to decide what is going to happen. He makes the matches around here. Tonight Triple H vs. Undertaker for the #1 contendership. Hunter and Taker both seem fine with this.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Austin is less than happy at the thought of wrestling either man at Judgment Day. Vince wants to know what the hell his problem is. For four years, no matter what McMahon threw at him Austin would relish the fight. Now all of a sudden he’s scared. Austin grabs him by the lapels. His name is Stone Cold Steve Austin and he ain’t scared of nobody.

WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno (c) vs. Christian vs. Chris Benoit

• 5 minute match
• Christian and Rhyno obviously double team Benoit for much of the match.
• Christian hits a reverse DDT on Rhyno while he is setting up a gore and gets a 2 count.
• Christian gets Benoit up in a DVD position and Rhyno Gores Christian. A gore for Benoit finishes it.

COMMERICIAL

In the back, Show wants to know why he’s not pissed off at Austin. Vince says that’s the Austin he wants out there tonight. Vince wants to know why Show’s not more pissed off about being beaten last night.

Stone Cold Steve Austin & Kurt Angle vs. The Hardy Boys w/ Lita

• 8 minute match
• The Hardys are one step ahead of Angle and Austin at every turn, hitting their usual offense.
• Austin counters a cross body and throws Matt out of the ring, which gives the heels the advantage for several minutes.
• Matt counters The Angle Slam with a Side Effect and hot tags Jeff. Pier Six Brawl.
• Austin brings in the WWF Title, but Jeff gets control of it and clocks Angle while the ref is distracted.
• Hardys Win!

COMMERCIAL

Test is in the back talking to Lillian Garcia. The Big Show enters and asks if Test thinks he is tough enough to beat a Giant? Test says there’s only one way to find out and clocks the Show in the chin. They fight all over the backstage area.

COMMERCIAL

#1 Contenders Match: The Undertaker vs. Triple H

• 6 minute match
• Late in the match, Taker accidentally clotheslines the referee when Triple H ducks the attempt. Triple H gets a spinebuster. Hunter goes for the Pedigree but Undertaker backdropes out of it. Taker goozles him for the chokeslam. Stephanie runs in and low blows Undertaker. Taker recovers and slowly stalks Stephanie. This allows Hunter to retrieve his sledge-hammer and he connects with a shot to the Dead Man’s Head. The ref crawls over and counts the 3.
• Stone Cold hits the ring and begins putting the boots to Hunter. Stephanie tries to stop him and Austin hits her with the Stone Cold Stunner.
• In the back, Vince looks on stunned.

Fade to black…