WWF SmackDown: May 31, 2001

Taped in Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Opening Promo Time w/ Chris Jericho

• Jericho congratulates his friend Benoit on his outstanding showing on Monday. Now he thinks it’s his turn. It’s time for the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla to add the WWF Title to his full mantle.
• “Here Comes the Money” Shane likes the idea. And since Austin isn’t yet signed to wrestle tonight and since Shane has 50% creative control of the WWF, why not? Tonight, Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Chris Jericho for the WWF Title!
• “No Chance in Hell” McMahon says this is getting old. How does Shane think it’s good for the WWF to keep giving away title matches on free TV? Didn’t Vince teach him better than that?
• Shane says it’s never bad business to give the fans what they want to see every night out.
• Vince says fine. If that’s the way it’s gotta be okay. If Chris Jericho beats Steve Austin tonight then Jericho will wrestle Benoit title vs. title at KOTR. The Undertaker will still wrestle Stone Cold but it will be non-title.

COMMERCIAL

Edge vs. Kane

• Michael Cole informs us that apparently Christian asked William Regal to sign this match to help Edge warm up for the King of the Ring tournament.
• 5 minute match
• Edge keeps it competitive but ultimately falls victim to a Kane chokeslam

The Dudleys are walking, they will meet the Hollys next.

COMMERCIAL

The Dudley Boys vs. The Fightin Holly Cousins

• 5 minute match
• Prolonged squash as the Dudleys finish off Crash with 3D
• The crowd chants “We Want Tables” They take out the Hollys and set up Molly for a SuperBomb through a table. They just put her down and walk away though.

In Vince McMahon’s office he officially welcomes Tajiri to the WWF and congratulates him on his Light-Heavyweight Title victory.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, The Coach interviews Lance Storm. He wants to know what Storms objectives are in the WWF. He says his objectives are quite simple. He says his goals are quite simple. To remind everybody why the best wrestlers in this world have all gone through Calgary…Alberta…Canada.

Elsewhere, William Regal reveals the first round match-ups in the King of the Ring Tournament.

• Edge vs. Kane
• Dean Malenko vs. Rikishi
• William Regal vs. Test
• Kurt Angle vs. Spike Dudley

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit

• 7 minute match
• Typical great wrestling match between these two.
• Ref bump at about the 6 minute match. Both men down as well.
• Lance Storm enters the ring. He picks up Angle and hits the Angle Slam. Benoit up now and Storm superkicks him in the face. Storm out through the crowd.
• Angle up first. Dancing around, preparing to finish off Benoit. Spike Dudley in, low blow for Angle. Benoit up top. Swan Dive Headbutt. 1,2,3.

COMMERCIAL

In the back, Rikishi is found laid out on the concrete. His leg is apparently badly injured.

WWF Hardcore Title: Rhyno (c) vs. Raven

• 5 minute match
• Match spills to the outside near the announce table. Raven attempts to hit Rhyno with a Singapore Cane but misses and clocks Tazz instead.
• Raven gains the advantage and sets up for the EvenFlow on a chair. Tazz from behind with Tazzmission. Ref has no choice but to allow it. Rhyno covers Raven and gets the 3.
• Rhyno then takes a shot at Tazz and the two of them brawl until seperated by security.

Steve Austin is talking with Vince in the back. It made Vince sick to see Stu Hart holding that belt on Monday. He promised himself no Hart would ever hold the WWF Title again and he intends to keep that promise. As far as he’s concerned Jericho is a Hart. So Austin better make damn sure he gets the job tonight. Austin says “My name is Stone Cold Steve Austin and I guaran-damn-tee you I ain’t losing this belt tonight.”

COMMERCIAL

We get another Triple H video package, though this time it is a mockumentary, clearly produced by Vince and Austin.

In William Regal’s office Edge wants to know why he has to face Kane again in the first round. Regal says not to ask him it was Christian’s idea. Christian says “hey, you already fought him tonight, now you know his weaknesses.” Edge retorts with “he doesn’t have any.” Regal says he’s got other things to worry about as it looks like Rikishi is out of the King of the Ring. Therefore, the winner of the next match will take his place.

King of the Ring Qualifying Match: X-Pac vs. Tajiri

• 5 minute match
• Good cruiserweight style match, with X-pac playing a heavy to Tajiri’s speed.
• Lots of hard strikes in this one.
• Tajiri counters a vertical suplex with an inside cradle for 3.

Shane McMahon is in his office. He is proud to announce that in the very near future a major superstar will be making his way to the WWF and has just signed a WCW contract. That means, Shane can give him a title shot any time he wants. Not that he wants Mr. Austin to have anything else to worry about.

COMMERCIAL

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

• Vince McMahon comes out and announces that this will be a last man standing match.
• 21 minute match
• Back and Forth match and goes through a commercial break.
• They fight to the outside.
• The Big Show and William Regal make their ways out.
• Benoit is behind them and helps Jericho take both of them out. Angle out now, he and Benoit fight into the crowd.
• BONG! The Undertaker makes his way out. He grabs Chris Jericho and gives him The Last Ride through the announce table. He then picks Austin up and holds him in a standing position by his throat. As soon as the ref counts Jericho out and calls for the bell, Taker choke slams Austin on the outside. Taker gets the WWF Title and drops it on Austin.
• Benoit is back out and spins Undertaker around and wants to know what the hell he’s doing. Taker grabs him by the throat. Benoit counters with a Crippler Crossface. Security is out to break it up.

Fade to black…