Match Results
Three Minute Warning and Batista def. the Dudley Boyz
Molly Holly & Victoria def. Trish Stratus and Jacqueline
Lance Storm & William Regal def. Booker T & Goldust
Test def. Christopher Nowinski
RVD & Kane def. Christian and Y2J
With the Royal Rumble just six days away, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon issued a
stern warning to RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff on Monday night. Unless Bischoff takes steps
to revolutionize RAW within 30 days, The Bisch will find himself out of a job! Bischoff begged
Vince to give him more time, but Mr. McMahon refused. As Mr. McMahon was readying to enter his
limo and leave the arena, Shane McMahon exited the vehicle and cast
an intimidating glare at Bischoff.
Vince's return didn't go nearly as smoothly as the Chairman would have liked. Just as he prepared
to make an announcement in the ring, The Dudley Boyz stomped down to have a word with the boss.
The Dudleys informed Vince that Bischoff had suspended them without pay earlier in the evening
and they were ticked off about the whole situation. Vince responded by not just reinstating the half
brothers, but he also granted them a Tag Team Championship Match against William Regal and Lance
Storm at the Royal Rumble! There was just one condition. Vince demanded to hear Bubba scream,
"D-Von! Get the tables!" during the match!
The Dudleys left to allow Vince to make his announcement, but once again, the Chairman was
interrupted. This time, Chris Jericho came to the ring and begged Vince to name him the No.
1 entrant into the Royal Rumble Match. Y2J explained that he wanted to prove to the world
that he is the best in WWE by going the distance to win the match and get a shot at the World
Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania! Vince, clearly annoyed at being interrupted again,
scowled and said that the No. 1 spot in the Rumble Match was already taken ... by Shawn Michaels!
However, Vince explained that the winner of the night's main event would get to pick any other
entry number. After tossing Rob Van Dam over the top rope to win the match later on, Jericho
stated that if Shawn Michaels is No. 1, then he wants to be the second
competitor to enter the ring for the Royal Rumble Match!
In other action, Victoria managed to keep her Women's Championship after pinning Trish Stratus
in a Hardcore Rules Match. Of course, Steven Richards helped the champ by knocking Trish cold
with a trash can lid to the head. Jeff Hardy earned a spot in the Royal Rumble Match by defeating
Raven, and Jerry "The King" Lawler KOed William Regal with a steel chain-enhanced punch.
What was supposed to have been a test of strength turned into a melee when
Triple H met Scott Steiner for a bench press competition. The Big Bad Booty
Daddy, who couldn't wait until the Royal Rumble to get his hands on Triple H,
suplexed the World Heavyweight Champion several times and ripped the clothes
right off the champ's back, leaving The Game in his boxers and socks!
Match Results
Victoria def. Trish Stratus and Jacqueline
Test & Maven def. D'Lo Brown & Christopher Nowinski
William Regal def. Jerry "The King" Lawler by disqualification
Jeff Hardy def. Raven
Lance Storm & Booker T fought to a no-contest
The Hurricane def. Steven Richards
Chris Jericho def. Batista, Rob Van Dam & Kane
Eric Bischoff may have indeed found a way to shake up RAW and save his job. During RAW on Monday night, the general manager made two shocking announcements. Bischoff stated that everyone has been made aware of Vince McMahon's point of view regarding the departure of Stone Cold Steve Austin, but nobody has heard what the Texas Rattlesnake has to say. Therefore, Bischoff said, he has stopped the presses of RAW Magazine and will give Austin an open forum to present the story as he sees it.
But that's not all. Bischoff went so far as to extend an invitation to Stone Cold to return next month at No Way Out! Fans leapt to their feet upon hearing this invitation, making it obvious that Bischoff has gotten off to a good start in his efforts to avoid being replaced by Shane McMahon.
The Dudley Boyz hadn't even had 24 hours to celebrate winning the World Tag Team Championship from William Regal and Lance Storm when Chief Morley thrust the duo into a return match. Unfortunately, Regal and Storm had already ambushed the Dudleys and put Bubba Ray through a table! When the opening bell sounded, all Regal had to do was cover up Bubba Ray and watch referee Nick Patrick slap out a reluctant 1-2-3 to take back the championship gold.
Stacy Keibler found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time during Test's match against Chris Jericho. A chairshot from Y2J missed its target, causing the steel to slam into Stacy and knocking her cold! Test was reduced to tears as EMTs attended to Stacy and carried her off. Even Jericho was aghast at what had happened. Stacy's condition was still unclear when the show ended.
A powerful faction appears to be in the making on RAW. As Scott Steiner battled
Batista in singles action, he suddenly found himself fending off attacks from
his opponent, Triple H, Ric Flair and Randy Orton. After beating Steiner into a
bloody mess, all four men triumphantly showed off Big Poppa Pump's mangled face
as the highlight of their celebration!
Match Results
Rob Van Dam def. Jeff Hardy
William Regal & Lance Storm def. The Dudley Boyz
The Hurricane & Trish Stratus def. Victoria & Steven Richards
Booker T & Goldust def. 3-Minute Warning
Chris Jericho fought Test to a no-contest
D'Lo Brown def. Tommy Dreamer
Scott Steiner def. Batista by disqualification
The world has already heard one side of the Stone Cold Steve Austin story,
and thanks to Eric Bischoff, the second half is now being told in RAW Magazine!
Bischoff revealed the cover of the new magazine Monday night during RAW.
"The Stone Cold Truth" is Austin's account of the circumstances that
led to his abrupt departure from WWE. The 12-page story gives the Texas
Rattlesnakes thoughts on Triple H, The Rock, his wife Debra and much more! It's
clearly a must-read.
The evening's main event featured a tag team match pitting Kane and Rob Van Dam
against Triple H and Batista. When the action spread outside the ring, Batista
attacked Kane and ripped off the Big Red Monster's mask! Horrified that his
scarred face might be revealed, Kane sprinted backstage and left Rob Van Dam to
fend for himself. Mr. Monday Night held his own for a bit, but a Batista
powerbomb was too much for RVD to overcome. After the bell, Ric Flair and Randy
Orton helped exact a harsher beating on RVD, until Scott Steiner raced in with a
steel pipe! Steiner, who will get a shot at the No. 1 Contender's spot next week
against Chris Jericho, was soon overcome by the four men and also Y2J. Big Poppa
Pump was left a bloody mess with Jericho looming overhead hurling taunts.
Just days after being named Tough Enough 3 Champions, Matt Cappotelli and John
Hennigan locked up in a one-on-one match during RAW! But shortly after the
opening bell rang, Christopher Nowinski raced in and stopped the action.
Nowinski said he didn't like how the two champs were flaunting their status on
RAW and rubbing in the fact that the Harvard graduate didn't come away with a
Tough Enough trophy. Suddenly, Tommy Dreamer raced into the ring and chased
Nowinski away! Dreamer proceded to welcome Cappotelli and Hennigan to WWE with a
handshake ... and a smack to the head with a Singapore Cane!
Victoria managed to retain her WWE Women's Championship against Trish Stratus in
a brutal Chicago Street Fight. The post-match action was equal to the intense
physicality that took place during the match. Without warning, former Women's
Champion Jazz raced into the squared circle and assaulted Trish! Jazz, who had
been recovering for a torn ACL, suplexed the defenseless Diva and held her in
the STF hold before making her exit!
The Dudley Boyz seemed to have luck on their side in their quest to regain the
World Tag Team Championship. The Dudleys met William Regal and Lance Storm in
their signature event, a Tables Match! The event, though, was clearly rigged by
Chief Morley to favor the defending champs. Once the Dudleys managed to
incapacitate Storm and Regal, D-Von went in search of tables to finish the deal,
but there was no wood to be found beneath the ring. Chief Morley appeared on the
entranceway with a table, taunting the Dudleys. When the challengers advanced
toward Chief, 3-Minute Warning burst in and savagely attacked them! Spike tried
to help his brothers, but it was too little too late. Rosey and Jamal slammed
D-Von through the wood to get the win for the defending Tag Team
Champions.
Match Results
Booker T def. Jeff Hardy
D'Lo Brown def. The Hurricane
Victoria def. Trish Stratus
Lance Storm & William Regal def. The Dudley Boyz
Matt Cappotelli fought John Hennigan to a No Contest
Triple H and Batista def. Kane and Rob Van Dam
Sensing time is running out on him, Eric Bischoff took matters into his own hands this week on RAW. Leaving Chief Morley in charge of RAW for the night, Bischoff headed to Texas in an attempt to secure Stone Cold Steve Austin's return to RAW. When he arrived it his house, however, Bischoff learned that Austin was at a local bar.
Later in the evening, Bischoff finally arrived at the bar only to find out that Austin had left for another bar down the street. When he got there, though, Austin again was nowhere to be found. At this point, it started to become clear to Bischoff that he was on a wild goose chase and that he would not meet up with Austin on this evening.
Tommy Dreamer was scheduled to compete on RAW. But after his introduction, Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Batista took to the ring, destroying the King of the Singapore Cane. After decimating Dreamer, Triple H explained his theory of Evolution. According to The Game, Ric Flair is one of the business' greatest legends, Triple H is the only diamond this company has currently and Batista and Randy Orton are the next diamonds. Triple H concluded by saying that Evolution has just passed you by.
The highly anticipated Kane vs. Rob Van Dam match ended in disqualification when Jeff Hardy ran to ringside and attacked both men. After the match, Shawn Michaels came to the ring and told Jeff that he had to make a decision and stick with it, much like HBK did when he kicked Marty Jannetty through the Barber Shop window 15 years ago. An angry Hardy said his decision was to kick some ass in WWE. He then claimed that he was going to start with Michaels. Before Hardy could even get out of the gate, however, he was met with a Superkick by Shawn Michaels.
Finally, Scott Steiner defeated Chris Jericho in a match to determine the No.
1 Contender to Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship. Steiner will now face
The Game at No Way Out.
Match Results
3-Minute Warning def. the Dudley Boyz
Victoria w/Steven Richards def. Molly
William Regal & Lance Storm def. Booker T & Goldust
Rob Van Dam def. Kane via disqualification
D'Lo Brown w/Theodore Long def. Maven
Scott Steiner def. Chris Jericho
Within one tense hour Eric Bischoff was fired as the RAW General Manager, rehired, and locked into a match at No Way Out against Stone Cold Steve Austin!
With his job on the line at the start of RAW, Bischoff vented his frustration on J.R. by blaming him for not helping to persuade Stone Cold to return to WWE. Bischoff promptly fired J.R., who immediately began making calls to track down the Rattlesnake. Later on, Bischoff was given a pink slip when not even the promise of some HLA could sway Vince. Upon hearing from J.R. that Stone Cold was guaranteed to appear at No Way Out, Vince had a change of heart. First, he reinstated J.R., then he promised to rehire Bischoff as long as he would join the Vince McMahon Kiss My Ass Club! Bischoff tried, but just couldn't bring himself to seal the deal. Vince came up with another idea. Bischoff could have his job back, but he would find himself at No Way Out as a competitor and not a general manager when he faces the Texas Rattlesnake!
Vince also announced that next week, Triple H will team with Batista against Booker T and Scott Steiner! The WWE Chairman didn't seem to mind that The Game is nursing a badly bruised thigh and is still on crutches.
Like Bischoff, Chief Morley was also given a pink slip by the WWE Chairman. Unlike the general manager, Morley was not rehired. Vince did, however, give Morley the opportunity to keep his job. All Morley had to do was win his match; a 3-on-1 affair that pitted him against all three Dudley brothers! The Dudleys seemed to immensely enjoy the devastating punishment they levied on Morley before picking up the pinfall victory.
Jazz picked up right where she left off in WWE before taking
a leave of absence while her torn ACL healed. Jazz dominated Molly Holly and
earned a submission victory with the STF hold in her first match back on RAW!
Match Results
Test def. Christian
Booker T def. D'Lo Brown
Jazz def. Molly Holly
Kane & Rob Van Dam def. 3 Minute Warning
The Dudley Boyz def. Chief Morley
Batista def. Tommy Dreamer
Chris Jericho def. Jeff Hardy
Eric Bischoff won't let the overwhelming odds keep him out of the ring this Sunday at No Way Out. In fact, judging from the display that the RAW general manager put on this week, he looks to have a fighting chance against the Texas Rattlesnake.
Bischoff, an eight degree black belt in karate, showed the
power of his punches and kicks by slicing through wooden blocks with ease.
Bischoff even smashed his way through a whole watermelon, saying the shattered
fruit resembled the head of Stone Cold. Bischoff went so far as to goad Jim Ross
into a match -- a No Holds Barred Match, that is. Thanks to some help from Chief
Morley, Bischoff disposed of J.R. with ease after kicking through a cinder block
set up on J.R.'s head! Bischoff was riding high as RAW closed. He mocked Stone
Cold by cracking open a few beers and sharing a toast with the newly-reinstated
Chief Morley.
Match Results
Kane & RVD def. William Regal & Lance Storm
Jazz & Victoria def. Molly Holly & Jacqueline
Rodney Mack def. Al Snow
Shawn Michaels & Jeff Hardy def. Christian & Chris Jericho
The Hurricane def. Christopher Nowinski
3 Minute Warning def. Spike Dudley
Booker T & Scott Steiner def. Triple H & Batista
Eric Bischoff def. Jim Ross
Booker T outlasted 19 men, including The Rock, to win an over the top rope Battle Royal and earn a trip to WrestleMania to face Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Booker tossed The Rock over the top rope for the final elimination of the night. The Rock showed up at RAW and explained that he couldn't wait to come back to Toronto where the fans first turned against him at WrestleManiaX-8. The Great One berated the fans for choosing Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Superstar of the Decade. Rock promised to win the Battle Royal and go on to defeat Triple H at 'Mania, but Booker derailed his plans. Judging by the grin on Rock's face as RAW left the air, however, we haven't seen the last of the People's Champion on RAW!
Fans will have to wait until next week's RAW to see Stone Cold Steve Austin as a badly beaten Eric Bischoff banned him from the building.
Two weeks ago on RAW, Stacy
Keibler informed Test that he would be working with an organization that she
only knew as GGW. Turns out that GGW is none other than Girls Gone Wild! GGW
host Joe Francis gave Test a sample of what to expect when he takes part in next
month's hot Girls Gone Wild pay-per-view! Stacy and Test found themselves in
some action on RAW together as Eric Bischoff sent Chief Morley to inform them
they would have a match against Christian and Chris Jericho! Jericho and
Christian lost the match by disqualification, but clearly sent a message to the
two by beating them mercilessly after the bell.
Morley bore a smug grin upon delivering the news to Stacy and Test, but his face
was contorted in pain following his match against Jerry "The King"
Lawler. The Dudley Boyz burst into this no-disqualification match and nailed
Morley with a 3-D, allowing Lawler to finish him off with a fist delivered from
the second rope.
Goldust appeared for the first time since nearly being
electrocuted to death three weeks ago. In his interview with Jim Ross, Goldust
revealed that doctors weren't quite sure what was wrong with him. But judging
from his uncontrollable flinching and spasms, Goldust definitely has some issues
to deal with.
Match Results
Jazz def. Jacqueline
Kane def. Lance Storm
Scott Steiner & Booker T def. Batista & Randy Orton
Test & Stacy Keibler def. Christian & Chris Jericho by disqualification
Christopher Nowinski def. Jeff Hardy
Jerry "The King" Lawler def. Chief Morley
Booker T won a 20-man Battle Royal
Stone Cold Steve Austin could have used his return to RAW as an opportunity to call out The Rock, but instead, the Texas Rattlesnake made a point to thank WWE fans for their support. Stone Cold also promised to raise more hell than he ever has in his life!
The Rock, however, wasn't nearly as charitable to the fans in Long Island and watching on TNN. The Great One warned Stone Cold that once he got "really successful" that the people would turn on him. The Rock went on to say that he has done everything possible in sports-entertainment with the exception of one thing. The People's Champion said he has yet to beat Stone Cold at WrestleMania. With that, a challenge was extended, but RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff stepped in with his own stipulations. Bischoff said that next week, The Rock would face Booker T in singles action. Should the People's Champion win, then he would have the option to face either Stone Cold or Triple H at WrestleMania!
Bischoff turned to Stone Cold and stated that the show was running "three minutes" too long! 3 Minute Warning leapt into action, but Stone Cold thwarted their attack and even traded punches with The Rock before the show ended!
Another WrestleMania challenge was laid down on
RAW as Chris Jericho promised to end Shawn Michaels' career in Seattle. But HBK,
who was too devastated by a Y2J steel chair attack, couldn't respond!
Match Results
Christian def. Jeff Hardy
Chief Morley def. Spike Dudley
Trish Stratus & Jacqueline def. Victoria & Jazz
Chris Jericho def. Test
Booker T def. Scott Steiner
Kane & Rob Van Dam def. Al Snow & Tommy Dreamer
The Rock had it all planned out as RAW opened live on Monday night. The People's
Champion declared that he would not face Booker T as planned, but he would choose
his own opponent for the evening. The Great One thought he would skate to an easy
victory over The Hurricane, but his match against the self-proclaimed superhero
turned into a disaster once Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived at ringside.
The Texas Rattlesnake's mere presence was enough to unnerve and distract The Rock.
The Hurricane took advantage and rolled The Rock up for the pinfall!
While exiting, Stone Cold mocked The Rock, who was clearly ticked off like never
before. All The Great One could do, though, was stew while Stone Cold delivered
a middle-finger salute!
Stone Cold was in a bad mood from the start. Upon arriving at the arena, he discovered that Eric Bischoff wanted to bury the hatchet with him. But the Rattlesnake would have none of that. Before Stone Cold could start beating the RAW general manager, The Rock stopped him and promised to conquer the Rattlesnake at WrestleMania. Stone Cold tried to goad Rock into a fight, but he had to settle for beating the hell out of Bischoff instead!
Shawn Michaels responded to Chris Jericho's challenge for a match at WrestleMania loudly and clearly. Shortly after getting a win over Kane and Rob Van Dam in a tag team match, Jericho was met with Sweet Chin Music that crumpled him to the floor! HBK then stood over Y2J and said that the two would face off in Seattle!
Booker T was confronted by Ric Flair in the ring, and was told by the Nature Boy that he should meet Triple H next week as his plane lands in St. Louis for RAW. That way, Flair said, Booker could carry their bags and chauffer them around because that was something he was qualified to do. Booker showed that he's also qualified to kick ass as he leveled Flair on the spot! He then ventured to the locker room where Triple H flicked a dollar his way and told the Bookerman to get him a towel. Instead, The Game was treated to a beating!
Match Results
Christian & Chris Jericho def. Kane & Rob Van Dam
Jeff Hardy def. Rico
Jazz & Trish Stratus fought to a No Contest
Triple H def. Maven
Chief Morley & Lance Storm def. D-Von Dudley
The Hurricane def. The Rock
In an attempt to tip the scales in his favor, Eric Bischoff arranged to have Chief Morley accompany him to the ring for a no-disqualification match against Stone Cold Steve Austin on RAW. But unfortunately for Bischoff, Morley couldn't keep the Texas Rattlesnake at bay and neither could The Rock.
The People's Champion came out of nowhere to nail Stone Cold with a Stunner that looked to have secured a win for the RAW GM. But somehow, Stone Cold kicked out and delivered a round of Stunners to Morley and Bischoff before getting the pinfall! The Rock, clearly agitated but more smug than ever, attacked Stone Cold with a Rock Bottom before delivering a final insult by toasting a few beers to his WrestleMania opponent.
Booker T didn't have to wait until WrestleMania to get his hands on Triple H, but the ever-cautious World Heavyweight Champion was ready with an ace in the hole. With Booker T on the prowl at ringside, The Game was in jeopardy of falling victim to an upset by Goldust. Suddenly, a hooded figure nailed Booker with a crutch! The hooded figure, it turns out, was none other than Triple H's Evolution ally, Randy Orton! Triple H pulled out a convincing win over Goldust, giving Booker T even more incentive to take down The Game at WrestleMania XIX.
Speaking of WrestleMania, which comes to Seattle's SAFECO Field and will be live on pay-per-view on March 30, another match for the biggest sports-entertainment spectacle of the year was announced on RAW. The Women's Championship will be on the line with Victoria defending the title against Jazz and Trish Stratus in a Triple Threat Match!
Match Results
Kane & Rob Van Dam def. Chief Morley & Lance Storm
Maven def. Rico
The Hurricane def. Rodney Mack by disqualification
Victoria & Steven Richards def. Jazz & Trish Stratus
Christian & Chris Jericho def. Test & Scott Steiner
Triple H def. Goldust
Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Eric Bischoff
Not even the long arm of the law could keep Stone Cold from getting his hands on The Rock during RAW. A restraining order was put in place to keep Stone Cold out of the Arco Arena in Sacramento, but the Rattlesnake used a clever ploy to slither back into the ring with less than a week before WrestleMania XIX explodes from SAFECO Field!
Austin plotted from the cab of his pickup truck, parked right outside the arena, all night. The Rock theorized that Stone Cold simply wanted to hear his concert that evening and implored Eric Bischoff to set up speakers outside so Stone Cold wouldn't be deprived. But Austin clearly wanted a better seat for The Rock's performance. In the middle of the set, Stone Cold's truck accelerated into the arena and straight to the ring! The nervous People's Champion urged Sacramento police to arrest Stone Cold, but it was actually The Hurricane that merged from the driver's seat! Once the police carted Hurricane away, a figure emerged from the bed of the truck. Stone Cold jumped from truck's bed and ambushed The Rock without warning. The Great One escape, but Stone Cold smashed his guitar to splinters and sent a clear message that there will be nowhere for The Rock to run to this Sunday at WrestleMania!
Kane and Rob Van Dam defeated the Dudley Boyz to earn a shot at the World Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania XIX. Chief Morley had earlier declared that Lance Storm and William Regal were being stripped of their titles due to Regal's illness. Morley then declared himself and Storm the new champions!
Judging by his effort on RAW, Booker T may very well be declared a champion at WrestleMania this Sunday. Booker T, teaming with Goldust, pinned Triple H (who teamed with Ric Flair) after a scissors kick. Afterward, a blood Triple H expressed some worry that his World Heavyweight Championship just might be in jeopardy this Sunday.
Chris Jericho told Shawn Michaels that HBK was the reason he got into sports entertainment in the first place. Jericho showed footage from his days as a young wrestler when he imitated HBK's moves and persona. Now, Jericho said, he wants to beat HBK at WrestleMania to prove that he has surpassed his one-time idol's abilities. Both men exchanged searing slaps to the face before deciding to settle their hatred at WrestleMania!
Match Results
Trish Stratus & Jeff Hardy def. Victoria & Steven Richards
Scott Steiner def. Christian
Goldust & Booker T def. Triple H & Ric Flair
Kane & Rob Van Dam def. The Dudley Boyz
When WWE purchased WCW, millions of fans anxiously waited to find out what would become of Goldberg. It took two years, but the former WCW Champion appeared on RAW!
Goldberg made a resounding impact in his brief appearance. While The Rock was
in the ring basking in the glow of "Rock Appreciation Night," Goldberg
interrupted the party and told the People's Champion, "You're next!" A
split second later, The Rock was rolling on the ground after absorbing a
crushing spear!
The past two days have been a disaster for Stone Cold Steve Austin. Just one day
after losing to The Rock at WrestleMania XIX, Stone Cold was delivered a pink
slip as RAW opened. RAW General Eric Bischoff, after reviewing some medical
reports that showed Stone Cold's neck was in bad shape. Bischoff declared Stone
Cold to be too large of a liability and promptly fired him!
Kane and RVD fell shot of winning the World Tag Team Championship on WrestleMania Sunday, but the duo made good on their rematch opportunity. Chief Morley and Lance Storm relinquished the titles to Kane and RVD after Mr. Monday Night's Five Star Frog Splash got the pinfall on Morley in an Elimination Match that also included the Dudley Boyz.
Match Results
Triple H def. The Hurricane
Scott Steiner def. Christopher Nowinski
Maven def. Rosey
Booker T def. Chris Jericho by disqualification
Jeff Hardy def. Steven Richards
Kane & Rob Van Dam def. the Dudley Boyz and Chief Morley & Lance Storm
Match Results:
Trish def. Jazz
Chief Morley def. Rob Van Dam
The Rock def. Jeff Hardy
Dudley Boyz def. Kane
Goldust def. Steven Richards
Booker T & Shawn Michaels def. Triple H & Chris Jerico
Why did Chris Jericho orchestrate the attempted vehicular assault on Goldberg? Jericho explained this week: he wanted to send a message to Goldberg that "nobody wants Goldberg in WWE -- especially me." Jericho challenged Goldberg to a match at Bad Blood, and Goldberg stormed to the ring and accepted. When Goldberg got his hands on Y2J, Jericho sprayed him in the eyes, temporarily blinding him. Y2J then hit Goldberg with his own move, the spear, before sprinting out of the arena.
Even though Austin was sporting a black eye because he was "singing in the shower and slipped on a bar of soap," he was feeling the spirit of Memorial Day. Austin had RAW ring announcer Lilian Garcia sing "America the Beautiful" live on the show. Shockingly, she was interrupted by La Resistance. But Austin came out, Stunned the two Frenchmen, and had Lilian sing the song again -- and this time, he sang it along with her! Austin then thanked the troops that made it possible for him to be Stone Cold Steve Austin. He drank a few beers with Lilian -- who downed them just the way Austin does -- and slapped hands with members of the military and other fans at ringside. Since Scott Steiner and Test just cannot get along together, Stacy Keibler said this week that she'd manage them separately. This news apparently didn't sit well with Test. During Test's match with Booker T, the Bookerman went for a baseball slide, and Test pulled Stacy in front of him! Stacy took the brunt of the punishment and was knocked cold! Fortunately for Stacy, Steiner came to ringside and carried her backstage, out of harm's way. Match Results:With less than two weeks to go until he battles Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood on pay-per-view, Ric Flair took to the ring and explained how he became the most respected man in sports entertainment. According to he Nature Boy, you cannot claim you are the greatest unless you have slept with 3,000 women, spent $30 million, wrestled 350 nights a year and bled each and every night. Ric Flair has done this, and according to him, this makes him the greatest.
Flair did manage to show a touch of bitterness, however. Several years ago when Shawn Michaels was on top of the WWE mountain, Flair said that everywhere he traveled, people told him that HBK was the man and that HBK was the new legend and that HBK was the greatest of all time. This clearly still haunts Flair. According to the Nature Boy, though, he is going to make Michaels his bitch when the two go one-on-one on June 15 at Bad Blood.
Elsewhere on RAW, Christian took over for a hiding-Chris Jericho as host of the Highlight Reel. As host, Christian's first plan of action was to change the name of the show to the Peep Show, in recognition of all his peeps out there. As scheduled, The Rock was Christian's guest on the show. Over the past several weeks, the new Intercontinental Champion has flaunted his new relationship with The Rock, claiming that it was Rock that anointed him the "New People's Champ." When The Rock hit the Peep Show stage, however, fans learned that this was far from true. In fact, The Rock went on to say that he was the one and only People's Champion. The capacity crowd then blew the roof off of the arena to show their support for The Rock.
Not long after The Rock showed up Christian, Chris Jericho headed to the ring to take his show back over. It only took a couple of minutes before both Jericho and Christian were double teaming Rock. It looked as though there was no end in sight for the beating Rock was receiving at the hands of Christian and Jericho. Then Booker T came down to make the save. After Booker and The Rock cleaned house, The Book coerced The Rock into giving the fans a Rock-a-roony.
Stacy Keibler told test that their relationship was over on RAW, only Test did not agree. Test informed Stacy that she was contractually obligated to work for Test, even though she wanted to manage Scott Steiner. It appeared as though Stacy was in a pickle. Then Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff came out to the ring with a resolution -- Test will battle Steiner at Bad Blood with the winner receiving Stacy's services.
Match Results:
Ivory, Trish & Jackie defeated Jazz, Victoria & Molly when Ivory
pinned WWE Women's Champion Jazz.
Scott Steiner defeated Steven Richards via pinfall.
Rene Dupree defeated Kane via pinfall.
Booker T & Goldust defeated Christian & Chris Jericho when Booker pinned Intercontinental Champion Christian.
Randy Orton, Triple H & Ric Flair defeated Shawn
Michaels, Kevin Nash & The Hurricane
For the past seven days, WWE fans wondered who Stone Cold Steve Austin would name as special guest referee for the Hell in a Cell match between Triple H and Kevin Nash at Bad Blood. This Monday on RAW, the wait was over. Stone Cold announced that Mick Foley would be returning to WWE to officiate the match.
The announcement did not sit well with World Heavyweight Champion Triple H. Once he heard the news, he headed to ringside and told Foley that he should reconsider. The Game told Foley that this match did not concern him. He also said that Foley was just a regular guy now and that he should go back to his regular life.
Over the next hour, Foley actually did take the time to reconsider his decision. But when it came time to make a decision, Foley said that he would go back to his regular life on Monday, June 16... the day after Bad Blood. He decided to stay on as special guest referee at Bad Blood.
Christian challenged Booker T to a Spin-a-roony contest. Prior to the contest, however, Booker urged Jerry "the King" Lawler to do his own version of the Spin-a-roony, which he did. Then Christian did his own Spin-a-roony. Before Booker could show everybody how it was done, however, Christian attacked his Bad Blood opponent.
Test joined Jim Ross and "the King" at the announcers' booth for Scott Steiner's match with Canadian Lance Storm. After Steiner pinned Storm, Test hit the ring. Using a steel chair, Test left Steiner helpless in the middle of the squared circle. With Big Poppa Pump out of the picture, Test assaulted Stacy. He told her that it's OK that she doesn't want to be his girlfriend anymore because at Bad Blood, Test claimed, "I'm gonna make you my whore!"
Also, it was announced that the Dudley Boyz will battle Christopher Nowinski and Rodney Mack at Bad Blood.
Match Results:
Goldberg defeated Rosey via pinfall, despite interference by Chris Jericho.
Rob Van Dam defeated Rene Dupree via pinfall.
Ivory & Trish Stratus defeated WWE Women's Champion Jazz & Victoria when Ivory pinned Jazz.
Scott Steiner defeated Lance Storm via pinfall.
Randy Orton with Ric Flair defeated The Hurricane with Shawn Michaels.
Rodney Mack defeated D-Von Dudley via submission.
Mick Foley showed up on RAW even though he said that he would go back to his "normal life" after Bad Blood. The Hardcore Legend had a lot on his mind, but he was unable to unload it all before Evolution came to the ring and interrupted him. Randy Orton told Foley he was washed up and should stay out of WWE. Orton then went on to reveal that Evolution was going to extend an invitation to a WWE Superstar to join their group. Before long, all three members attacked Foley. Just when it looked like Evolution had Foley's number, however, Maven and Al Snow came to the ring and saved their buddy.
Later in the evening, fans learned that the Superstar Evolution had their eye on was Kane. After Kane got his team disqualified in the night's main event, the big red monster went on a killer rampage. Triple H came to the ring to tell Kane that it was good to see the old Kane back. He told him that he was impressed with his renewed mean streak. He then asked Kane to join Evolution. Before Kane could answer the World Heavyweight Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin hit the ring and told Kane that he would give him a shot at Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship next week if he turned down Triple H's offer. Eric Bischoff's music then hit the arena. The Co-general Manager told Kane that if he were to accept Stone Cold's offer and lose, he would have to remove his mask. After a short deliberation, Kane chokeslammed Triple H, signifying the fact that he had chosen to take the shot at the World Heavyweight Championship even though his mask was on the line.
Rico returned to WWE on RAW. This time, he had Jackie Gayda by his side. In his return match, Rico handily defeated Spike Dudley.
WWE rookie Garrison Cade battled Lance Storm in a one-on-one battle. Before the match started, Stone Cold came to the top of the ramp with a pillow and a blanket. Throughout the match, Stone Cold reminded Storm how boring he was and that his personality and wrestling style puts him to sleep.
Match Results:
Ivory & the Dudley Boyz defeated Jazz, Rodney Mack & Christopher
Nowinski when Ivory pinned Women's Champion Jazz.
Garrison Cade pinned Lance Storm in a boring match.
Goldberg & Booker T defeated Christian & Chris Jericho when Booker T pinned Intercontinental Champion Christian.
Test and Mae Young wrestled to a no contest.
Rico defeated Spike Dudley via pinfall.
Randy Orton (with Ric Flair) defeated Maven (with Mick Foley) via pinfall.
World Tag Team Champions La Resistance defeated
Rob Van Dam & Kane via disqualification.
Maven defeated Christopher Nowinski via pinfall.
The Dudley Boyz defeated Lance Storm & Chris Jericho when D-Von pinned Storm after a 3-D.
World Tag Team Champions La Resistance defeated Sgt. Slaughter & The Hurricane when Rene Dupree pinned Sgt. Slaughter.
Shawn Michaels & Kevin Nash defeated Ric Flair & Randy Orton when Michaels pinned Flair after hitting Sweet Chin Music.
Goldberg defeated Rodney Mack in 26 seconds.
World Heavyweight Champion Triple H defeated Kane via
pinfall.
Bischoff's an out-of-control maniac!
Remember when Linda McMahon ordered the hiring of a co-General Manager to keep Eric Bischoff in check? Tonight's RAW -- live from Buffalo, N.Y. -- was the paradigm example of why. Bischoff's co-GM, Stone Cold Steve Austin, was not there, out sick with food poisoning. So Bischoff was in charge. While he did order several matches that the fans wanted to see -- for example, all of RAW's championships were defended tonight -- he also proved without a shadow of a doubt that he's downright evil.
He ordered Kane to face the fans without his mask on. If Kane didn't, Bischoff promised he's fire Kane! Furthermore, he ordered Terri to go interview Kane -- and if she refused, she too would be fired! Terri couldn't find Kane in his makeshift dressing room. But Kane would turn up -- at the end of the World Heavyweight Championship match. Just when it looked like Kane was going to chokeslam Rob Van Dam, he turned and chokeslammed Bischoff off the stage, through a table below! Most fans would say that Bischoff had it coming.
He also ordered Stacy Keibler into a match against two men. Granted, she had Scott Steiner as her partner, and Steiner did his best to keep Stacy out of action. But Bischoff took things a step further, and changed the unusual tag-team contest into a no-disqualification match after Jericho had gotten his team disqualified. It seemed Bischoff wouldn't be satisfied until Stacy was hurt -- which she was, the victim of a pumphandle slam by Test.
Assuming Stone Cold has recovered, what's he going to have to say about Bischoff's nefarious actions next week when RAW is live in Montreal?
Match results:
The Goldberg-Lance Storm match never officially got underway, as Goldberg
was attacked by Rodney Mack. Mack ended up getting speared and jackhammered by
Goldberg as Storm escaped.
Gail Kim, making her RAW debut, won the Women's Championship, as she was the last woman standing in a seven-Diva battle royal for the title. She countered a powerbomb attempt by Victoria into a head-scissors takedown, catapulting Victoria over the top rope.
The Christian-Booker T match for the Intercontinental Championship ended in a draw. Referee Nick Patrick awarded the win (and the title) to Booker, but Bischoff came out and said that both men's shoulders were down (which a replay confirmed) and therefore called the match a draw, allowing Christian to retain the title.
Chris Jericho & Test defeated Scott Steiner & Stacy Keibler when Test pinned Stacy after a pumphandle slam.
Due to liberal interference by "Miss Jackie," the flamboyant Rico pinned Maven after a roundhouse kick.
Randy Orton, accompanied by Ric Flair, pinned Tommy Dreamer after the RKO. After the match, Orton and Flair added insult to injury -- Flair put Dreamer in the figure-four leglock while Orton clobbered him with a kendo stick!
World Tag Team Champions La Resistance defeated Hurricane & Spike Dudley when Sylvan Grenier pinned Spike.
In a no disqualification, falls-count-anywhere match,
Triple H pinned Rob Van Dam after a DDT on the steel ramp.
Time to move on
Co-General Manager Stone Cold Steve Austin kicked off RAW live from Montreal, Quebec, by announcing that his cohort, Eric Bischoff, was not in attendance after taking a "chokeslam to hell" from Kane last week. Austin, it would turn out, would suffer the same fate. Throughout the night, Kane brutally attacked Tommy Dreamer and Rico because, he later revealed, he thought they were making fun of him. Austin finally convinced Kane to come out and face the fans -- who cheered wildly for him, proving Austin's point that the fans would support him no matter what he looks like -- but when Austin remarked that Kane's chokeslam last week on Bischoff was "funny as hell," a paranoid Kane also thought Stone Cold was making fun of him. He attacked Austin, but Stone Cold defended himself, clobbered Kane with a steel chair, and delivering a Stone Cold Stunner. A bloody Kane, however, sat right back up and chokeslammed Austin!
Shawn Michaels agreed to join Chris Jericho in the Highlight Reel and discuss the controversial 1997 Survivor Series/Bret Hart situation -- in front of the same fans and in the same arena that the so-called "screwjob" took place. Michaels encouraged the Montreal fans to move on, saying that the Bret situation took place six years ago, and that the rest of the world had forgotten about it. He said that if Jericho wanted to stand up for the Montreal fans, the two Superstars could wrestle "right here, right now." But Jericho -- who was cheered wildly by the Montreal crowd -- refused to fight in Canada due to the "devalued dollar," much to the crowd's chagrin. Instead, he agreed to face Michaels in a WrestleMania rematch in two weeks at RAW in Hollywood -- or, more specifically, the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Test, who now finds himself single, puts the moves on Trish Stratus backstage. But when Stratus refused, Test grabbed her. Kevin Nash, standing nearby, intervened and challenged Test. When Trish came out during the match to tell the referee that Test had removed one of the turnbuckles, Test grabbed Trish, shoved her into Nash, and then followed up by clobbering Nash with a big boot for the huge upset! After the match, Test continued his reign of terror against women when he assaulted Trish! (Trish proved how tough she was later, when she went out to wrestle Molly despite an injured neck; Molly capitalized on the injury, eventually forcing Trish to tap out to a modified camel clutch.)
Match results:
After an ax kick, Booker T pinned Intercontinental Champion Christian to win
the title.
Rosey pinned The Hurricane, but was assaulted after the match by Rodney Mack.
In mixed tag-team action, Val Venis & new Women's Champion Gail Kim defeated Steven Richards & Victoria when Kim pinned Victoria with a hurricanrana into a pinning position.
Test pinned Kevin Nash after a big boot.
Chris Jericho defeated Mark Jindrak, forcing him to tap out to the Walls of Jericho.
Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus by submission in a No. 1 contenders' match, thus earning a shot at Gail Kim's Women's Championship next week on RAW in Indianapolis.
Bubba Ray Dudley & Rob Van Dam defeated Ric Flair & Randy
Orton when RVD pinned Flair after a Five-Star Frog Splash.
Over the past few weeks, Kane has been a man possessed. His random acts of violence have sent shockwaves through RAW locker rooms. Superstars never know when, where or why Kane is going to strike next. With each one of his attacks visibly more damaging than the previous, many Superstars feel threatened to come to work each week.
Kane's most heinous attack came this past Monday while sitting down with Jim Ross for an interview. Everything seemed to be going well until J.R. asked the question on everybody's mind. He asked Kane why he is so afraid to show his face, especially since there does not seem to be any visible scars. This question sent Kane into a frenzy. Every word that came out of his mouth added more and more proof to the fact that Kane needs psychological assistance. Then, just when you thought Kane's words were damaging enough, the Big Red Machine struck J.R. While the RAW announcer was out cold, Kane doused him with gasoline and set him fire. The incident provided for one of the most disgusting visuals ever to appear on WWE television.
While the voice of RAW lay nearly lifeless after being set on fire, Eric Bischoff alerted Stone Cold Steve Austin that he feels Kane's actions are a result of Austin prodding at him to return to acting like a monster. Apparently, Bischoff is not the only person that feels this way; many RAW Superstars agree and signed a petition to get Stone Cold out of RAW. According to Bischoff, their voice has been heard. Bischoff claims that next week, Linda McMahon will be at RAW to remove Stone Cold Steve Austin from his post.
Match results:
Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner & Trish Stratus defeated Test, Steven Richards &
Victoria when Nash pinned Richards after Jackknife Powerbomb.
Maven defeated Lance Storm by pinfall.
Triple H, Randy Orton & Ric Flair defeated D-Von, Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley in a six-man elimination tag team match.
Rodney Mack defeated Rosey.
Intercontinental Champion Booker T defeated Christian by pinfall.
Women's Champion Gail Kim defeated Molly by pinfall.
As a result of Kane's heinous actions last week, the Big Red Machine has been placed on house arrest. However, not even house arrest could stop Kane from yet another vicious attack. This time, his victim was none other than Linda McMahon. During his highly-anticipated match with Rob Van Dam, Kane once again lost his composure. The over-sized monster began to attack anybody that got in his way. When Linda McMahon came out to try and stop Kane, she was met with a jaw-dropping Tombstone Piledriver on the steel ramp.
Earlier in the show, Mrs. McMahon set all the Stone Cold Steve Austin fans' minds at ease when she informed them that she was not in L.A. to fire Stone Cold, as Eric Bischoff had eluded to. Rather, she was there to tell Austin that he can no longer put his hands on WWE Superstars, unless otherwise provoked with physical harm. If he continues to attack WWE Superstars, according to McMahon, Austin will be fired. As expected, Stone Cold did not take too kindly to the words. Rather than simply accepting what was said, Austin informed McMahon that he would have to think about it. Linda said she could only give him one week to think.
Elsewhere on RAW, Goldberg interrupted a Triple H promo to let The Game know that he was "next."
Match results:
Molly & Victoria defeated Trish Stratus and WWE Women's Champion Gail Kim
when Molly pinned Gail.
Randy Orton defeated Val Venis via pinfall.
Chris Jericho defeated Shawn Michaels by submission.
Intercontinental Champion Booker T defeated Test via pinfall.
Kane and Rob Van Dam competed to a no contest.
This week's edition of RAW was a clear indication that Mr. McMahon isn't going to do anything to stick up for his wife, WWE CEO Linda McMahon, who was savagely attacked by Kane last week. But Shane McMahon is a different story. Linda's son -- and a participant in some of the most scintillating matches in WWE history -- appeared on RAW for the first time in months, and set his sights immediately on the Big Red Machine. This came moments after Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared, announced that he was going to stay on as co-General Manager, and literally begged Kane to hit him. Remember, Linda McMahon demanded that Austin agree not to attack anyone on the RAW roster unless he was physically provoked. But Kane refused to do it.
However, Shane, who is not subject to any "physically provoked" limitations, came out, sprinted to the ring and put a beating on Kane. Surprisingly -- although perhaps not surprisingly to some -- Mr. McMahon tried to stop his son. But Shane decked Mr. McMahon and went right after Kane again. This time, the "Boy Wonder" grabbed a steel chair and whacked Kane repeatedly with some of the most vicious "chair shots" ever seen. Kane went falling off the ramp -- much the way Eric Bischoff did several weeks ago -- but after just a few seconds, Kane sat up and actually laughed off the beating! We've certainly not seen the last of this!
In other news, the RAW brand officially announced its main event of SummerSlam: Triple H vs. Goldberg! SummerSlam is Sunday, Aug. 24 at the America West Arena in Phoenix.
And Molly Holly defeated Gail Kim to become a two-time Women's Champion!
Match results:
Intercontinental Champion Booker T & Scott Steiner (with Stacy Keibler)
defeated Christian & Test when Booker pinned Christian.
After a spear and jackhammer, Goldberg pinned Steven Richards.
Despite liberal interference by Miss Jackie, Val Venis was able to defeat the extremely unorthodox Rico with the Money Shot.
Kevin Nash defeated Chris Jericho by disqualification when Y2J blatantly low-blowed Nash in front of the referee.
World Tag Team Champions La Resistance defeated Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade.
Molly Holly pinned Gail Kim after a Molly Go Round to win
the Women's Championship.
Shane McMahon came out right at the beginning of RAW -- live from Vancouver, B.C., Canada -- and announced that what he started with Kane last week, he was going to finish this week! But RAW co-General Manager Eric Bischoff appeared and said that he had just received a phone call from Vince McMahon; Mr. McMahon instructed Bischoff to have Shane escorted from the building. Shane insisted he was going to stay, and just when it seemed he and Bischoff would come to blows, RAW's other GM, Stone Cold Steve Austin, appeared, and set it up so that Shane and Bischoff would face off later on RAW in a No Disqualification Match.
However, during the night, Kane somehow escaped from police custody and made his way out to the ring just as Bischoff-McMahon was getting underway. The Big Red Machine put a hell of a beating on Shane, culminating in a Tombstone piledriver on the steel steps! Kane then rolled Shane back into the ring, where Bischoff covered him for the easy one-two-three, and then celebrated as if it were Christmas morning.
Bischoff and Austin tried to one-up each other throughout the show. As a result, RAW's main event at SummerSlam will now be a World Heavyweight Championship bout held in the infamous Elimination Chamber! The participants are champion Triple H, Goldberg, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash! Also announced for SummerSlam is Kane vs. Rob Van Dam; on RAW, RVD defeated Y2J in an incredible, pay-per-view quality match. After the match, Y2J blamed Nash for the defeat and challenged "Big Daddy Cool" to a Hair vs. Hair match.
Also on RAW, Gail Kim appeared to come to Trish Stratus' rescue when Victoria and Women's Champion Molly Holly assaulted her, but then Gail turned on her fellow Toronto native and delivered a vicious clothesline to Trish! Meanwhile, Lance Storm finally admitted that he's boring, and he turned to the one Superstar who is anything but boring -- Goldust -- for advice. Goldust promised to show Storm a good time. And although Hurricane told Rosey that he wasn't ready to be a full-fledged "Superhero in Training," Rosey nevertheless came to Hurricane's rescue when Christian put a post-match beating on Hurricane, and Rosey was decked out in an obnoxious homemade superhero costume!
Match results:
Bubba Ray Dudley defeated Rene Dupree of La Resistance via pinfall.
Self-proclaimed legend-killer Randy Orton pinned Scott Steiner after an RKO.
Christian pinned Hurricane with a handful of tights.
Goldberg defeated Ric Flair by disqualification.
Trish Stratus defeated Women's Champion Molly Holly by disqualification.
Rob Van Dam pinned Chris Jericho after a split-legged moonsault.
In a No Disqualification Match, Eric Bischoff pinned Shane
McMahon.
Last week on RAW, a cocky Chris Jericho challenged Kevin Nash to a Hair vs. Hair Match. This week, Big Daddy Cool has accepted. Now Chris Jericho is wondering what he has got himself into. Have we seen the last of Y2J's flowing mane? Tune in to RAW next week to find out.
Fans were treated to the long-awaited return of Jim Ross to RAW this week. J.R. was quick to point the finger at who he thought was responsible for the burns he received at the hands of Kane. No, Ross did not lay all the blame on Kane. Rather, the voice of RAW placed most of the blame on Eric Bischoff. He then told Bischoff that he was going to sue him for forcing him to work in an unsafe working environment. Then J.R. talked about his decision to sue Eric a bit with his buddy Stone Cold Steve Austin. After talking to the Texas Rattlesnake, J.R. decided that he would drop his lawsuit against Bischoff if the RAW Co-General Manager signed on for a match. Thinking he was going to have to battle Shane McMahon, the same guy he pinned last week, Bischoff happily signed on for the match. Little did Bischoff know, however, the match was really against Kane!
Believe it or not, Eric Bischoff was able to score a count out victory over Kane. After his match, Bischoff relaxed in his locker room. While relaxing, Stone Cold told Bischoff that he should have read the contract more clearly. The contract clearly stated that the winner of Eric Bischoff vs. Kane would have to battle Shane McMahon at SummerSlam.
The main event of the evening saw Goldberg battling Ric Flair, with Randy Orton serving as guest referee. Clearly, Orton had trouble calling the bout down the middle. As a result, he found himself a victim of a Goldberg Spear. While the ref was out, Goldberg Jack Hammered Ric Flair. Shawn Michaels ran down and motioned Orton's arm three times towards the mat, signifying that Goldberg was indeed the victor.
Match results:
Rico & Miss Jackie defeated Scott Steiner & Stacy
The Dudley Boyz defeated La Resistance via DQ
Intercontinental Champion Christian defeated Spike
Eric Bischoff defeated Kane by count out
Women's Champion Molly pinned Gail Kim to retain the title. The match also featured Trish Stratus.
The Hurricane defeated Rodney Mack
Goldberg defeated Ric Flair
Shane McMahon announced right off the bat on RAW that he wasn't going to wait until SummerSlam to get his hands on Eric Bischoff. But Bischoff was nowhere to be seen in Grand Rapids, Mich. -- the site of the show. Unbeknownst to Shane, or anyone else, the co-General Manager paid a little visit to Linda McMahon in Greenwich, Conn. Bischoff somehow managed to get inside Linda's house and even kissed her against her will! There was little Shane could do besides do everything in his power to get back to Greenwich ASAP!
Meanwhile, Test faked an knee injury, convincing the referee, the trainer and even Scott Steiner and Stacy Keibler that he needed immediate medical attention. But just when Steiner let down his guard, Test delivered a powerful kick to Big Poppa Pump and pinned him to regain the services of Stacy Keibler. Test had threatened to treat Stacy even worse than last time they were together, and he immediately followed through on that promise, forcing Stacy to dance for Test and his buddies backstage.
La Resistance proved that there's nothing they won't do to gain an advantage on their rivals. This week, a man dressed as a U.S. soldier was at ringside. After the World Tag Team Champions antagonized the soldier, the Dudley Boyz came out and brought the man into the ring, where he proudly waved the American flag. But when D-Von and Bubba turned their backs, the man clobbered them with the flag! It turned out that the man is either a Frenchman himself, or possibly an American turncoat. In any case, he's an ally of Sylvan Grenier and Rene Dupree, and the entire scenario was a hoax to screw the Dudleys!
Chris Jericho poked referee Earl Hebner right in the eye, low-blowed Kevin Nash, and then clobbered him with a pair of brass knuckles while Hebner recovered. A three count later, Y2J had won the match, and Nash had lost his head full of hair. Nash was no doubt softened up by an inadvertent spear by Goldberg earlier in the night. After Goldberg defeated Randy Orton, a new, short-haired Nash appeared and returned the favor, dropping Goldberg with a Jackknife powerbomb. RAW concluded just like it began -- with all six men who will be involved in Sunday's Elimination Chamber trying to beat the hell out of one another!
Match results:
Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus by disqualification when Gail Kim
interfered, attacking the Women's Champion.
Test defeated Scott Steiner to reacquire the managerial services of Stacy Keibler.
Chris Jericho pinned Kevin Nash after clobbering him with brass knuckles while the referee was not looking.
Super Hero In Training Rosey, accompanied by The Hurricane, pinned Rodney Mack, accompanied by Theodore Long.
The Rob Van Dam-Christian Intercontinental Title Match ended in a no contest after Kane dragged RVD away.
Goldberg pinned Randy Orton.
The uncontrollable Kane set out to burn another body once again on RAW. His victim -- Shane McMahon. Only this time, Kane's plan went array, and it was the monster on the receiving end of a vicious burning.
After Shane's no-contest match with Chris Jericho, Kane and Shane battled outside of the arena. With Shane down, Kane dumped several gas cans into a nearby dumpster. He then set the dumpster ablaze. Luckily for Shane, he was able to muster up enough strength to kick the Big Red Monster into the flames. As he did so, Shane told Kane to "burn in hell!"
The match between Shane and Chris Jericho was set up by Shane's father, Vince. In a bit of a family reunion, Linda, Vince and Shane all ended up on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel. Clearly, Linda and Shane were none to pleased with Vince's actions of late. In fact, Shane showed so much disrespect towards his father, that Y2J took it upon himself to beat some respect into Shane. Vince demanded that the beating stop, only to proclaim that the two would do battle later that evening.
In the same segment, Linda made it clear that Eric Bischoff is a liar, and that nothing happened between her and Eric last week. It was revealed, however, that Bischoff's arrival at the McMahon house was the handy work of Vince McMahon. Apparently, Vince invited Eric over.
Hot off the heels of their mega-encounter at SummerSlam, Triple H and Goldberg announced that they would face each other one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven. Only this time, if Goldberg cannot defeat Triple H for the title, he must retire from wrestling altogether.
Elsewhere on RAW, Eric Bischoff awarded Jonathan Coachman with the Employee of the Month Award, thanks to his contributions in Bischoff's match at SummerSlam.
Match results:
Trish Stratus def. Gail Kim
Rodney Mack & Mark Henry def. Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak
La Resistance & Rob Conway def. Bubba, D-Von & Spike Dudley
Randy Orton def. Maven
Christian def. Jerry "the King" Lawler
Shane McMahon & Chris Jericho competed to a no-contest
After Shane McMahon kicked Kane into a fiery dumpster last week, Jim Ross thought that he would have to announce Kane's death to RAW viewers this week. That was not the case, however. Instead, when the blaze was finally quenched, Kane was nowhere to be found, leaving many to wonder about the well being of the Big Red Machine.
Kane's well being was no longer the question about halfway into RAW. Rather, the well being of Shane McMahon was the more probing topic. Returning from last week's disgusting attack, Kane decided it was his turn to torture Shane. This time, rather than using fire, Kane attached a set of jumper cables to Shane's testicles. He then attached the other end to a car battery. With Shane's future almost certainly ended, Rob Van Dam ran from ringside to save the young McMahon. Luckily for Shane, RVD's attack led Kane elsewhere.
Also on RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin announced two more matches for September's pay-per-view event Unforgiven. In addition to Triple H vs. Goldberg for the World Heavyweight Championship, fans can also look forward to the "Legend Killer" Randy Orton taking on the "Icon" Shawn Michaels. In other action, Coach, who defeated Jerry "the King" Lawler on RAW, will face the voice of RAW, Jim Ross.
In the mega-main event of RAW, all three members of Evolution -- Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Triple H -- took on the threesome of Shawn Michaels, Maven and Goldberg. The match was clearly a precursor to what fans can expect to see at Unforgiven, as tensions were running high between Michaels and Orton, as well as Triple H and Goldberg. In the end, it was Goldberg pinning Orton, bringing him one step closer to Triple H and the World Heavyweight Championship.
Match results:
Coach def. Jerry "the King" Lawler
Intercontinental Champion Christian def. Chris Jericho
Molly & Gail Kim def. Trish Stratus & Ivory
La Resistance def. Rosey & The Hurricane
Test & Stacy Keibler def. Steven Richards & Victoria
Goldberg, Maven & Shawn Michaels def. Triple H, Ric Flair & Randy Orton
Eric Bischoff announced that his co-General Manager, Stone Cold Steve Austin, wasn't the only one who could make RAW-brand matches. Throughout the night, Bischoff proved it by announcing matches for RAW, as well as for Unforgiven, the pay-per-view extravaganza in Hershey, Pa., on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Bischoff announced that Kane will take on Shane McMahon at Unforgiven in a Last Man Standing Match. In addition, Bischoff changed the Jim Ross vs. Jonathan Coachman match at Unforgiven, making it J.R. & Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Coach & Al Snow. Bischoff said the winning duo will be the broadcast team on RAW. In more Unforgiven action announced by Bischoff, it'll be all three Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von & Spike) taking on La Resistance & Rob Conway in a Tables Match. That's assuming that Spike Dudley makes it to Unforgiven, as the "Tough Little Bastard" was tossed over the top rope and out of the ring toward a table by La Resistance; the back of Spike's head collided with the table just before his body crashed against the floor. Spike may very well have suffered a severe concussion, or worse.
Not to be outdone by Bischoff, Stone Cold announced that at Unforgiven, if Triple H gets himself disqualified or counted out, he'll lose the World Heavyweight Championship to Goldberg.
In other developments this week on RAW, Gail Kim had a private meeting with Bischoff. Afterwards, Gail told Molly Holly that Bischoff had agreed to whatever Gail had asked for. It led Molly to comment, "next week, we end Trish Stratus' career once and for all." What could the Women's Champion be talking about? We'll find out next Monday night when RAW is live from Columbia, S.C. -- the last stop before Unforgiven!
Match results:
Kane pinned Rob Van Dam in a Cage Match. This happened after RVD was thrown
through the cage to the outside; however, Eric Bischoff restarted the match,
declaring that it could only end in pinfall, submission or by a
competitor leaving the cage, not being thrown through it.
Lance Storm pinned Rico after a missile dropkick.
Gail Kim and Women's Champion Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus and Jacqueline when Gail pinned Trish.
La Resistance, Rob Conway, Mark Henry & Rodney Mack defeated all three Dudley Boyz, the Hurricane & Rosey when Mark Henry pinned Bubba Ray Dudley.
Scott Steiner pinned Steven Richards.
Triple H & Ric Flair vs. Randy Orton & Goldberg never
officially got underway, as all three members of Evolution ganged up and
brutally assaulted Goldberg.
The road to Unforgiven was not a smooth one for Goldberg up to this point. But with less than a week to the biggest match of his career, Goldberg made it a point to go into Unforgiven with the psychological advantage.
A cocky Triple H took to the ring at the end of RAW to throw a farewell party for Goldberg. The World Heavyweight Champion obviously thinks that he is going to retire Goldberg at Unforgiven this Sunday. Unfortunately for the Game, Goldberg made himself an uninvited guest to the party. Once there, he destroyed Triple H, giving Goldberg what may be an edge heading into their match.
Lita surprised everybody in attendance at the University of South Carolina when she returned to RAW to help Trish from a beating she was receiving at the hands of Gail Kim and Molly. It has been quite a while since WWE fans have seen Lita in action, but judging from her brief appearance on RAW, it doesn't look like she has missed a beat. Soon after, it was announced that Lita will team up with Trish Stratus this Sunday at Unforgiven to take on Gail Kim and Molly.
Contract signings never seem to go off without a hitch in WWE. The one held on RAW for the Last Man Standing Match at Unforgiven was no different, as Kane and Shane went at it tooth and nail. Their altercation was highlighted by Shane dropping an elbow onto Kane, while he was laid out on the announce table.
Elsewhere on RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin finally put Christian in a pay-per-view match. This one will not be a one-on-one affair, however. It will be a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship. Christian's opponents will Be Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam.
Match results:
Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam wrestled to a no contest
Rob Conway def. Spike Dudley
Fabulous Moolah def. Victoria
Mark Henry & Rodney Mack def. Lance Storm & Goldust
Molly & Gail Kim def. Trish
Val Venis def. Test
Jerry "The King" Lawler def. Al Snow
The capacity crowd nearly blew the roof off the arena in Washington D.C. when the new World Heavyweight Champion, Goldberg, made his way to the ring. With the gold in hand, Goldberg was there to tell everybody to believe the hype. Before, Goldberg could get very much out, however, Eric Bischoff came down to personally congratulate the new champ. Bischoff then took credit for creating Goldberg. Needless to say, Goldberg didn't take to kindly to Bischoff's comments. The champ let the boss know he was upset by Spearing him to the ground.
The new World Heavyweight Champion didn't have long to celebrate his victory, as he was then slated to defend his title against Chris Jericho. To make matters worse, Eric Bischoff served as the special outside enforcer. With the numbers against him, Goldberg's chances of victory dwindled. But like a true champion, he fought back and defeated Y2J.
RAW cut in live to the red carpet of The Rock's new movie "The Rundown." An emotional Rock thanked his fans for making him the man that he is today.
At Unforgiven, Shane McMahon risked life and limb in an attempt to defeat Kane in their Last Man Standing Match. Unfortunately for Shane, the risks he took landed him in the hospital. RAW cameras caught Shane resting in his hospital bed. From there, he had a message for Kane. But before he could finish it, Kane appeared in Shane's hospital room. The Big Red Monster then tore an already weakened Shane McMahon to pieces.
Also on RAW, an upset Triple H told the fans that they need him more than he needs them in a rather cryptic message.
Match results:
Rob Van Dam def. Christian via DQ
Mark Henry def. Tommy Dreamer
Lita & Trish def. Molly & Gail Kim
Hurricane & Rosey def. Rene Dupree & Rob Conway
Evolution def. Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak & Maven
Goldberg def. Chris Jericho
Former World Heavyweight Champion Triple H has a plan to get "his" title back, and he revealed it on RAW: The Game vowed to give any competitor -- man or woman -- $100,000 of his own money if that competitor could take out the new champion, Goldberg. And it doesn't matter if Goldberg is eliminated in the ring, backstage, in the parking lot or anywhere else! Goldberg vowed to take out anyone who gets in his way, and he did just that to the first two Superstars to take Triple H up on his challenge -- Steven Richards, who attacked Goldberg during a backstage interview, and Rodney Mack, who hit Goldberg with a steel chair during the tag team main event.
Also in the main event, Mack's Thuggin' & Buggin' partner, Mark Henry, brutally assaulted Shawn Michaels, ramming him head first into the steel steps, busting him wide open, and then dropping him knee first into the steps before dragging him backstage. Henry later vowed to do the same thing to Goldberg, and collect Triple H's bounty, next week when RAW is live at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
Meanwhile, much to the delight of fans, Jim Ross defeated the
Coach in a Strap Match, winning back the RAW announce job for J.R. and Jerry
"The King" Lawler. After attacking Eric Bischoff last week, Stone Cold Steve
Austin was officially suspended this week by WWE's Board of Directors. But, as
is his custom, Austin didn't listen to authority. He got into the Allstate
Arena, and even after he was escorted out of the building, he got back in when
he managed to get himself a ticket for the sold-out show, and he celebrated
J.R.'s victory over Coach.
Also, Scott Steiner has snapped. Steiner revealed that he hasn't
and won't forgive Stacy Keibler for costing him the match at Unforgiven, and
then he gave the leggy Diva a belly-to-belly suplex!
Match results:
Dudley Boyz defeated Test & Scott Steiner
Mark Jindrak, Garrison Cade & Maven def. La Resistance & Rob Conway
Jim Ross def. Coach
Kane def. Hurricane
Shawn Michaels & Goldberg def. Ric Flair & Randy Orton by disqualification
Rob Van Dam def. Christian in a Ladder Match to win the Intercontinental Title
Triple H knew he was going to make somebody a rich man when he placed a $100,000 bounty on the head of Goldberg. What he did not know at the time was that the prize would end up going to a member of his own team.
Evolution member Batista stunned the Wachovia Arena crowd when he returned to
RAW and unleashed a brutal assault on the World Heavyweight Champion that may
have lead to a serious injury to Goldberg. Jumping out of the crowd during the
match between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels, Batista first attacked HBK and then
turned his attention to the World Heavyweight Champion, who was already
suffering ill effects from an earlier attack by Mark Henry and a physical match
with Michaels. After wedging Goldberg’s leg in a chair, Batista jumped off the
ropes and onto the chair, crushing Goldberg’s leg underneath. As Goldberg
writhed in pain inside the ring, Batista joined his fellow Evolution members on
the ramp and celebrated what appeared to be a major victory for Triple H.
In other RAW action, it appears as if the spat between RAW Co-General
Managers Stone Cold Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff will finally come to a head
at Survivor Series when an old fashioned Survivor Series Match will determine
the future of RAW. Bischoff challenged Austin to form a team that will take on
his team that already includes Chris Jericho and Scott Steiner. If Austin is
able to form a team that defeats Bischoff’s, Stone Cold will no longer have to
be physically provoked before unleashing an assault on a RAW Superstar. However,
if Bischoff’s team is victorious, Stone Cold Steve Austin must resign his
position as Co-GM. Team Bischoff got off to a solid start on RAW as Jericho and
Steiner defeated Lance Storm and RVD.
Later, Booker T offered his services to Austin after defeating Randy Orton by count-out.
Speaking of Survivor Series, a bruised and battered Kane returned to the ring on RAW for the first time since his horrific limo accident at the hands of Shane McMahon. Kane accepted Shane’s challenge to a match at Survivor Series, but also proclaimed that Shane has no chance to win the match as there is nothing Shane can do to stop Kane.
Survivor Series may be a month away, but it is already causing quite a buzz thanks to the events on RAW. Is Goldberg finished? Who will join Team Stone Cold for the most important match of Austin’s career as Co-GM? Only time will tell.
Match Results:
The Dudley Boyz defeated Rob Conway & Rene Dupree
Booker T defeated Randy Orton by count-out
Chris Jericho and Scott Steiner defeated Lance Storm and RVD
Molly Holly & Victoria defeated Trish Stratus & Lita
Ric Flair defeated Maven
Goldberg and Shawn Michaels wrestled to a no contest
If RAW Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff were merely angry at fellow Co-GM
Stone Cold Steve Austin before, on RAW that anger turned to rage. On a night
when Bischoff thought he had everything figured out, Austin was there time after
time to change the plans and spoil Bischoff’s party. As these two form five-man
teams to compete for the future of RAW at Survivor Series, only one thing is for
sure … the hatred they share is not going to go away.
Austin was there to ruin Bischoff’s plan to have two Championships change
hands on RAW. First, Austin interrupted Bischoff as he attempted to declare that
Goldberg was no longer World Heavyweight Champion after the attack and
subsequent ankle injury he sustained last week on RAW rendered Goldberg unable
to defend his title. Before Bischoff could announce the new Champion, Austin
entered the arena to announce that Goldberg in fact would be able to defend the
Championship within 30 days as required and he would do so at Survivor Series
against Triple H.
If Austin’s antics did not anger Bischoff enough, the night had just begun. Later, during a match between Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam for the Intercontinental Championship, Bischoff’s interference allowed Y2J to capture the Championship. However, Jericho’s reign was very short lived as Austin entered the fray and announced that there would be a second match between the two…this time in a steel cage. RVD did not waste his opportunity and scored the win by escaping the cage and regaining the Intercontinental Championship.
Speaking of Survivor Series, not only is the match between Shane McMahon and Kane set, but it was announced on RAW that it would be an Ambulance Match, meaning that one of the two men would end Survivor Series in the hospital! And Shane proved just how brutal he could be by unleashing a vicious assault on Test and attacking the same foot that Shane broke two weeks ago.
RAW also featured a major upset in the tag team ranks as Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade scored the biggest victory of their careers by beating Ric Flair and Randy Orton … with a little help from Maven! The Jindrak/Cade team had made some bold moves in recent weeks by trying to steal the $100,000 bounty from Orton and attacking Flair and Orton earlier on RAW, but their win on RAW had to be their team’s shining moment thus far.
But the night seemed to center around the Austin-Bischoff saga. The whole RVD-Y2J altercation was set up by RVD’s announcement that he would join Team Austin at Survivor Series moments after Team Bischoff added Christian. After RVD regained the Intercontinental Championship from Y2J, Christian and Scott Steiner attacked RVD along with Jericho. The fray in the ring brought out the Dudley Boyz to defend RVD, Mark Henry to assist the members of Team Bischoff, and finally Booker T to defend RVD and the Dudleys as RAW ended. Does this mean the Dudley Boyz will join Team Austin and Mark Henry will join Team Bischoff? Only one way to find out … join us for RAW next Monday night!
Match Results:
Booker T defeated Rico
Mark Henry defeated Lance Storm by Disqualification
Shane McMahon defeated Test in a No Disqualification Match
Hurricane and John Heidenreich defeated Rob Conway and Rene Dupree
Lita defeated Trish Stratus, Gail Kim, and Victoria to earn the No. 1 Contender
spot for the WWE Women’s Championship at Survivor Series
Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak defeated Ric Flair and Randy Orton
Chris Jericho defeated Rob Van Dam to win the Intercontinental Championship
Rob Van Dam defeated Chris Jericho to win the Intercontinental Championship
Only two weeks after he supposedly knocked Goldberg out for good and a week
removed from learning that in fact Goldberg would be able to defend his World
Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series against Triple H, Batista found out
on RAW that Goldberg is more than one of the most powerful and destructive men
to ever enter the ring … he is also an incredible healer!
Although slowed by a cast protecting his injured ankle, Goldberg proved that
it would take more than a limp to stop him on RAW when he made a shocking return
to the ring and not only felled Batista with a vicious spear, but he did the
same to Ric Flair as well. If an early return for Goldberg was not surprising
enough to Batista and company, they were shocked to learn that Goldberg would
return to action next week to face Batista in singles action … less than a week
before his Survivor Series title defense.
The Goldberg-Batista clash highlighted a stirring night in Cleveland when the final members of both Team Austin and Team Bischoff for Survivor Series were disclosed. First, Stone Cold Steve Austin revealed that he would trust one of his fiercest rivals from the past to help him ensure a successful future as RAW co-GM. After some intense moments, Shawn Michaels accepted Stone Cold’s invitation to join Team Austin, forcing Austin to go against the very “Don’t Trust Anybody” sentiment that has made him Stone Cold. Austin explained that he is doing so because if he can’t be the Stone Cold Steve Austin he wants to be, it’s not worth being Stone Cold. Moments later, Eric Bischoff announced that Randy Orton would be employed to join Team Bischoff, as the Legend Killer could be the man to kill the career of the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin!
In other action, Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade scored their second straight upset win over a top RAW Tag Team when they stunned the Dudley Boyz in a non-title match … thanks in part to a distraction provided by Scott Steiner. With consecutive wins over the Dudleys, Jindrak and Cade could be in a position to gain a shot at the World Tag Team Championships!
Match Results:
Chris Jericho & Christian defeated Booker T & RVD
Batista defeated Maven
Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade defeated the Dudley Boyz in a non-title match
Lance Storm defeated Rico
Trish Stratus & John Heidenreich defeated Victoria & Steven Richards
Shawn Michaels defeated Mark Henry
Only six days before Survivor Series, on the final RAW before the big event,
there was one major question ringing through the FleetCenter … was this the
final RAW with Stone Cold Steve Austin as Co-General Manager? If RAW was a sign
of things to come, perhaps Stone Cold’s days of hell raising are about to
return!
In a stunning series of events, Stone Cold’s team went a perfect 4-0 in matches
against Eric Bischoff’s team, highlighted by Shawn Michaels’ defeat of Randy
Orton. In a rematch from Unforgiven, HBK proved that the self-proclaimed Legend
Killer is not always on target as some Sweet Chin Music gave Michaels the win,
and a measure of revenge, against the young Orton. Stone Cold’s team would also
see RVD pin Christian in a match for the Intercontinental Championship and the
Dudley Boyz and Booker T score wins as well. If the success of Stone Cold’s Team
is repeated in only six days, next week could be a very rough RAW for the five
members of Eric Bischoff’s team!
However, as Bischoff and company pointed out throughout RAW, Sunday night’s match may not be a matter of which team will enjoy success, but instead whether or not Stone Cold can trust the five members of his team. Stone Cold’s team seemed to be on the same page on RAW and very much behind the man they will represent … will they do the same at Survivor Series? Order the pay-per-view on Sunday night to find out!
In other action, the much-anticipated match between Goldberg and Batista featured some surprises as Triple H returned to RAW for the first time in three weeks. After saying he would leave the arena for the night during an altercation with Stone Cold at the beginning of the night, Triple H returned to the ring later and tried to further damage Goldberg’s broken ankle with the help of a sledgehammer and chair. However, the tide was quickly turned and Goldberg unleashed a vicious spear on Triple H and hit Batista with the sledgehammer. Goldberg may not be 100 percent heading into Survivor Series, but he sure is dangerous – as Triple H and Batista learned on RAW.
The next time RAW airs will be a new era one way or the other. Will it be the era of Stone Cold being able to be The Rattlesnake once again, or will RAW next week be Eric Bischoff’s show? Only one way to find out … order Survivor Series on pay-per-view this Sunday and watch RAW next Monday at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!
Match Results:
Rob Van Dam defeated Christian
Rob Conway & Rene Dupree defeated Rosey & Hurricane
Molly Holly & Gail Kim defeated Lita & Terri
Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton
The Dudley Boyz defeated Scott Steiner & Mark Henry by disqualification Booker
T defeated Chris Jericho
Goldberg defeated Batista by disqualification
24 hours after Survivor Series saw the end of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s
career, the first night of the new Eric Bischoff administration on RAW saw one
surprising turn after another. Apparently, the shockwaves from one of the most
intense pay-per-view events of the year were of such magnitude that they
followed the RAW Superstars from Dallas to Beaumont, Texas--the site of one of
the most incredible two hours of RAW this year!
Bischoff began the night by granting every member of his Survivor Series team –
as well as Triple H – one wish for the evening and declaring that those who
fought against him were on their way out the door. Triple H took advantage of
the new era on RAW and, along with Bischoff, scheduled a Handicap Match between himself, Randy Orton,
and Batista against World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg. After scoring the pinfall victory, Triple H
cashed in his favor
and announced that they would meet next week on RAW for the World Heavyweight
Championship. Just as Triple H tried to once again injure Goldberg with a chair,
Kane appeared to scare off Evolution and attack Goldberg!
Speaking of surprises, a WWE Superstar made his surprise return to RAW last night when Matt Hardy stunned the RAW audience – and longtime girlfriend Lita – by appearing on The Highlight Reel and announcing that his contract with SmackDown! was up and he would join the RAW roster. And if that was not surprising enough, during an Intergender Match between Lita & Hardy and Bischoff & Molly Holly, where Lita would lose her job if her team lost, Hardy turned his back on Lita, allowing Bischoff to score the pin. Afterwards, Hardy announced that it was over between him and Lita. When things appeared to be hopeless for Lita, Christian saved the day by using his favor with Bischoff to get Lita’s job back.
The first night of the new Bischoff administration was also one of the hottest nights for RAW this year. And with RAW Roulette returning next Monday night and the match between Triple H and Goldberg already scheduled, next week promises to be even hotter. Will Kane once again spoil Triple H’s plans for Goldberg? What will Eric Bischoff do next to those who speak out against him? Only one way to find out … tune into RAW next Monday Night at 9/8 PM CT on Spike TV!
Match Results:
Booker T defeated Mark Henry
Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade defeated Rob Conway & Rene Dupree
Rob Van Dam defeated Ric Flair via disqualification
Molly Holly & Eric Bischoff defeated Lita & Matt Hardy
The Dudley Boyz defeated Scott Steiner & Test
Val Venis defeated Rico
Triple H, Randy Orton & Batista defeated Goldberg in a Handicap Match
One week ago, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff announced that Salt Lake City
would be the home of RAW Roulette because, in Bischoff’s estimation, the site of
RAW was too boring for a traditional show. On RAW, Salt Lake City was not only
the Capital of Utah, but it was the Capital of action and excitement as well.
The presence of Bischoff’s Wheel of Fortune (or misfortune) meant that anything
could happen at any time … and it just about did.
By evening’s end, Chris Jericho could have been the greatest beneficiary of RAW
Roulette as a Bischoff’s Choice Match allowed Y2J to not only gain a measure of
revenge on his most recent arch-enemy, but perhaps a night he has been dreaming
of as well. After announcing that the rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Batista
would culminate in a match at Armageddon, Bischoff spun the wheel to determine
how the two could meet in the ring on RAW. Upon the wheel landing on the
Bischoff’s Choice Match, the GM chose Batista and Ric Flair against Michaels and
Jericho. While Bischoff and Jericho had visions of a rough night for Michaels,
the plan was thwarted by Jericho’s new love interest, Trish Stratus, who made it
clear that if Jericho would do the right thing and aid Michaels, he would be
properly “rewarded” by Stratus, but the reward would not be present if Jericho
sought revenge. Jericho may just have gained both his revenge and night of
passion when a kick to Michaels’ face led to HBK landing on top of Flair and
scoring the pinfall win. Jericho had a huge smile on his face as he left the
arena but whether his actions warranted a reward from Stratus were not clear.
Was RAW Roulette a “Wheel of Fortune” for Jericho? RAW next week could have the
answer!
What was clear at the end of RAW was that Michaels is in for quite the challenge at Armageddon as Batista seems more angry than ever before. After the match ended, the Evolution member unleashed a vicious assault on Michaels that led to a choking and Michaels coughing up blood. With more than two weeks to go until Armageddon, the road to Orlando could be very dangerous for both men!
In other action on RAW, Randy Orton continued his string of legend killing when he defeated the legendary Sgt. Slaughter in a Legend Killer Match that was set up thanks to RAW Roulette. Orton not only landed the RKO to score the pinfall victory, but he also avenged two generations of Orton defeat at the hands of Slaughter as both Orton’s father and grandfather were unsuccessful in their efforts against Slaughter. Heading into his Intercontinental Championship Match against Rob Van Dam at Armageddon, Orton could be the hottest Superstar on the RAW roster! However, Orton’s win was perhaps the night’s only highlight for Evolution as Triple H was unable to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. His match with Goldberg ended in a No Contest when Kane interfered for the second week in a row. However, at Armageddon, there will be no interference as Goldberg, Triple H, and Kane will meet in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship!
RAW also saw history made as for the first time in RAW history, there was a Women’s Steel Cage Match when Molly Holly’s turn at RAW Roulette led to a Cage Match between Lita and Victoria. The match seemed to be going Lita’s way until ex-boyfriend Matt Hardy slammed the door to their relationship, literally, by slamming the cage door on Lita’s head and allowing Victoria to escape the cage and earn the win.
It was a night that filled with twists and turns that will not be forgotten for a long time to come. If Bischoff’s goal was to spice up the evening in Salt Lake City, he certainly accomplished his goal. And with two more airings of RAW before Armageddon, the surprises may only be starting. What will happen next? Only one way to find out … watch RAW next Monday at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!
Match Results:
Victoria defeated Lita in a Steel Cage Match
Randy Orton defeated Sgt. Slaughter in a Legend Killer Match
Bubba Ray Dudley & Garrison Cade defeated Christian & Matt Hardy in a Strange Bedfellows Match
Goldberg and Triple H ended in a No Decision
Mark Henry defeated Booker T in a Salt Lake City Street Fight
Jim Ross won the Capture the Midget Match
Scott Steiner & Test defeated Rob Van Dam in a Singapore Cane Handicap Match
Trish Stratus defeated Miss Jackie in a Bra and Panties Match
Shawn Michaels & Chris Jericho defeated Ric Flair & Batista in a Bischoff’s
Choice Match
In a little over two hours, the very landscape of RAW was changed forever and
those who thought that Eric Bischoff had everything completely under his control
were brought to their knees. At 9:00 on Monday night, the question “what will
happen next?” brought fear to anybody who dared to cross the RAW General
Manager. Two hours later, that same question was met with excitement and
anticipation that has not been seen since Stone Cold Steve Austin himself was a
RAW Co GM.
In a decision that rocked the very foundation of RAW, WWE CEO Linda McMahon
hired wrestling legend Mick Foley to serve as an Outside Consultant to RAW,
giving him the power to make any changes as he sees fit to RAW. The impact was
as immediate as it was severe as Foley made three instant changes to Bischoff’s
plans: First, the main event Bischoff planned – a Handicap Match putting Shawn
Michaels and Rob Van Dam against Randy Orton, Batista and Kane – was changed to
a Six Man Tag Team Match that added Goldberg to the RVD/HBK team. Secondly,
Foley announced that he would allow the viewing public in the arena and at home
to sign a petition to allow Stone Cold Steve Austin to return to RAW in an
undetermined capacity.
And if the night was not already going south for Bischoff, Foley’s final announcement would hit the GM like a ton of bricks. Foley announced that he would hire a Co General Manager to keep Bischoff in check, a Co GM who looked awfully familiar … that Co GM was Mick Foley himself!
Foley spent the night acting as Eric Bischoff’s alter-ego, firing several Superstars, including Test, Scott Steiner, and both members of La Resistance. He also scheduled a match between Jonathan Coachman and Jerry “The King” Lawler with the stipulation that a Lawler win would bring Coachman a pink slip – a match that Lawler won handily! However, by evening’s end, it was revealed that Foley’s administrative moves would not hold as he was merely acting as a firing squad to prove a point to Bischoff about being a power hungry General Manager.
Foley concluded the evening by announcing that his presence would be about what the fans want first and that since the fans want a Goldberg-Kane match-up, they will get it … next week on RAW! He then gave the fans something else they wanted by knocking Bischoff down with a punch and bringing out Mr. Socko and applying the Mandible Claw.
In other RAW action, both Christian and Chris Jericho finally showed their true colors. After spending several weeks displaying a softer side by warming up to Lita and Trish Stratus, respectively, and on a night when Stratus displayed her true feelings for Jericho, it was revealed that Stratus and Lita were the victims of a cruel bet all along. Christian and Jericho had a wager over who could get their Diva in bed first. What Jericho did not know was that while he revealed his plan, Stratus was standing right outside the dressing room door and seemed to hear everything. How will she react? RAW next Monday could reveal the answer.
The Mick Foley administration as Outside Consultant to, and Co General Manager of, RAW started off with some fireworks, and with less than two weeks to go until Armageddon, the action is only starting to heat up. Next week on RAW, Goldberg and Kane will meet one-on-one and that is only the start of the action. What else will happen? Watch RAW at 9/8 CT on Spike TV and find out!
Match Results:
The Dudley Boyz defeated Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak
Booker T defeated Test
Val Venis & Lance Storm defeated La Resistance
Chris Jericho & Trish Stratus defeated Rico & Miss Jackie
Matt Hardy defeated Christian
Jerry “The King” Lawler defeated Jonathan Coachman
Goldberg, Rob Van Dam & Shawn Michaels defeated Kane, Randy Orton & Batista
Although it has been several years since The Rock and Sock Connection were together, it seems that the duo of Mick Foley and The Rock have not lost a single step, as was evident on RAW!
When it seemed like RAW Co General Manager Mick Foley would suffer an assault at the hands of La Resistance for refusing to salute the French flag, The Rock was there to save his one-time adversary and long-time friend. After unleashing a fierce verbal attack on both the French and La Resistance, The Rock unleashed something even worse for Rene Dupree and Rob Conway -- The People's Elbow! After The People's Champ hit his famous elbow on Dupree, Foley did the same on Conway, and an electrified Anaheim crowd rejoiced over a reunion of The Rock and Sock Connection.
But perhaps the loudest statement of all from The Rock was made by
his pen as he concluded his appearance by signing Foley's petition to being
Stone Cold Steve Austin back! With more than half a million signatures on the
growing list of those who wish to see Stone Cold back on RAW, it appears that
Foley's effort is gaining steam.
But Foley's role as RAW Co General Manager has expanded well beyond his
efforts to bring back Stone Cold. In fact, Foley announced on RAW that he will
step in the ring and appear as the special guest referee at Armageddon when Rob
Van Dam defends the Intercontinental Championship against Randy Orton!
On a night of surprises, perhaps the
biggest surprise of all came to Eric Bischoff and Evolution. After announcing that
the main event between Goldberg and Kane would be a Lumberjack Match (with the
Lumberjacks selected by Bischoff himself) and sending Evolution and Mark Henry
to ringside to serve as Lumberjacks in an attempt to injure Goldberg, the most
shocking turn of all was Goldberg himself, who not only survived several attacks
from the Lumberjacks during a grueling match with Kane, but also gave Kane a
spear and seemed completely unscathed from the attempted assaults.
Six days before Armageddon, only one thing is clear regarding the Triple Threat
Match for the World Heavyweight Championship – it will take more than an attack
from Triple H and Kane to keep this man down. Goldberg’s legendary ability to
overcome any obstacle was in full force on RAW and, despite the efforts of
Bischoff and Evolution, he is 100 percent heading into Sunday’s Triple Threat Match.
RAW also featured several developments regarding Armageddon on Sunday. First, both La Resistance and the tag team of Test & Scott Steiner were announced as entries into the Tag Team Turmoil Match. But the most stunning announcement regarding Armageddon was made by Bischoff when he announced that Christian and Chris Jericho would face Trish Stratus & Lita in Eric Bischoff’s Battle of the Sexes Match. This match is as a result of Trish and Lita taking a measure of revenge on Jericho and Christian for their bet from a week ago. It seems that the last measure of revenge could be on Trish and Lita themselves as they are in for quite a battle at Armageddon.
The final RAW before Armageddon was perhaps the most electric RAW of 2003, thanks to the return of The Rock, Goldberg’s heroics, and the continued build up to Armageddon. Who will leave Orlando as the World Heavyweight Champion? Will the Dudley Boyz survive Tag Team Turmoil and remain World Tag Team Champions? Will Trish Stratus & Lita be able to escape the Battle of the Sexes? Only one way to find out … order Armageddon on pay per view on Sunday at 8 PM and watch RAW on Monday at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!
Match Results:
The Dudley Boyz defeated Chris Jericho & Christian
Batista defeated Rob Van Dam in a non-title match
Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak defeated Val Venis & Lance Storm
Mark Henry, Scott Steiner & Test defeated Booker T, Hurricane & Rosey
Molly Holly & Victoria defeated Trish Stratus & Lita
Goldberg defeated Kane via disqualification in a Lumberjack Match
On a night when it seemed like a new beginning for RAW could be on the horizon, the career of one of the all-time greats came to an end – for the second time. Mick Foley is out as RAW Co-General Manager, out as an outside consultant, and just when it seemed like Eric Bischoff’s days as RAW Co-GM were numbered, his position has never been as strong as it is right now.
On the heels of Armageddon, when Bischoff’s power increased after Evolution captured every title a male RAW Superstar could hold, Bischoff entered RAW intent on extending his power even further. His plan was simple: Get Mick Foley out of retirement and in the ring for a winner take all challenge against Randy Orton. A Foley win would end Bischoff’s run as Co-General Manager and give Foley both his first reign as Intercontinental Champion and the opportunity to try to bring back Stone Cold Steve Austin with almost no opposition. However, an Orton victory would end Foley’s career with WWE. In a stunning turn of events, as Foley approached the ring for his first match in four years, apprehension set in, and Foley walked away. Despite attempts by Bischoff himself and Orton to get him back in the ring, Foley left the arena and is no longer the Co-General Manager of RAW.
If that was not bad enough, Bischoff was also able to rid RAW of Goldberg. Earlier in the evening, Goldberg attacked Jonathan Coachman during an interview and then both members of La Resistance, causing Bischoff to deactivate Goldberg from the RAW roster for the next 30 days. Without Goldberg and Foley and with Evolution in control in the ring, it appears that Bischoff has free run of RAW for the immediate future.
While the Tampa crowd was buzzing at the developing Foley-Orton situation, they were also treated to the fallout from Armageddon that led to much excitement on RAW. It appears that the saga between Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus is not over as Bischoff’s attempt to have round two of his Battle of the Sexes was thwarted by Jericho himself, who refused to continue the match after Stratus appeared to suffer an injury. Despite a challenge from Christian and Bischoff forcing Jericho to face Kane, Jericho appeared to be intent on making amends with Stratus and even tried to apologize in person. While Stratus refused Jericho’s efforts, it seems that Jericho will not let this situation rest.
Also on RAW, Evolution’s celebration was cooled a bit, thanks to the efforts of Shawn Michaels and Rob Van Dam. Originally, the two were supposed to team up with Goldberg to face Triple H, Batista and Ric Flair, but upon Goldberg’s deactivation, the match was made a Handicap Match by Bischoff. Thanks to the efforts of HBK and his Sweet Chin Music, Evolution was defeated when Michaels pinned Triple H. The match would take even greater significance when Foley announced in his final act as RAW Co-General Manager that in two weeks, Michaels will face Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship in his own hometown, San Antonio!
Foley also announced that during that night on RAW two weeks from now, he would meet with the WWE Board of Directors to present more than one million signatures on the Bring Back Stone Cold Steve Austin petition and argue for Austin’s future on RAW. He also announced that Stone Cold himself was invited to appear that night as well. Will Austin make an appearance?
Note: RAW next Monday will be a Year in Review of all of the major events and highlights from RAW during 2003. RAW will next air live on Dec. 29 from San Antonio, Texas!
Match Results:
Chris Jericho & Christian battled Trish Stratus & Lita to a No Contest
Booker T & Maven defeated Mark Henry & Matt Hardy
Shawn Michaels & Rob Van Dam defeated Triple H, Batista & Ric Flair in a Handicap Match
Rico defeated Jon Heidenreich
Kane defeated Chris Jericho by disqualification
Randy Orton and Mick Foley ended in a No Contest
While J.R. was in New Orleans to help his beloved Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the upcoming Sugar Bowl, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jonathan Coachman treated WWE fans to a special Year in Review edition of RAW. It was a night of highs and lows, laughter and tears, and some of the most unforgettable moments that happened during 2003 on RAW.
Eight different matches were featured during the special, including the match between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 19 – a match that many people considered the finest match of Jericho’s career and the Ladder Match between Rob Van Dam and Christian that saw RVD claim the Intercontinental Championship for the fifth time.
RAW also aired highlights of some of the most intriguing matches of the year, including the in-ring debut of Goldberg at Backlash where he defeated The Rock, the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin at No Way Out and his match against Eric Bischoff, and the match between Ric Flair and Triple H on RAW on May 19 – a match that saw Ric Flair come within inches of winning his 17th World Championship. Add to the mix the special Survivor Series matches between Kane and Shane McMahon and the match between Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Team and Eric Bischoff’s Team, and RAW featured nearly all of the top matches of 2003 – a tough task for a two-hour show!
RAW also aired many of the highlights that took place throughout 2003 that were not a part of a wrestling match. Everything from the Rock Concert in Sacramento, to the Redneck Triathlon at Bad Blood, to Mr. McMahon’s 30-day challenge to Eric Bischoff were featured. Remember Mae Young in a thong? RAW did not allow you to forget it … airing that “highlight” from 2003.
Overall, it was a night of celebration for the year that was … but also a
reminder that the year is not over yet! RAW returns next week live from San
Antonio and judging by the only announced match, the highlights of 2003 are not
finished yet. Not only will the fallout from last week’s stunning developments
take place, but for the final RAW of 2003, Shawn Michaels will meet Triple H for
the World Heavyweight Championship … in the hometown of HBK!
2003 RAW Matches of the Year:
Shawn Michaels defeated Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 19
Victoria defeated Trish Stratus in a Chicago Street Fight at RAW on Jan. 27 to retain the Women’s Championship
RVD defeated Christian to capture the Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match at RAW on Sept. 29
Goldberg defeated The Rock at Backlash
Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Eric Bischoff at No Way Out
Kane defeated Shane McMahon in an Ambulance Match at Survivor Series
Triple H defeated Ric Flair to retain the World Heavyweight Championship at RAW on May 19
Eric Bischoff’s Team defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Team at Survivor
Series
There are billions of people around the world preparing to celebrate New
Year’s Eve and looking forward to what 2004 will bring. After RAW, Eric Bischoff
is not one of them. While he found a way to aid Evolution and Triple H by
declaring the World Champion the winner of his clash with Shawn Michaels, any
celebration was quickly tempered by the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Austin made it clear that there is a new sheriff in town and he has returned
to RAW on his own terms, meaning that he can raise hell as he sees fit. As a
sign of the new era on RAW, Austin ended the evening – and 2003 – with a Stunner
on Bischoff – something he was unable to do when he had to be “physically
provoked” in order to attack a foe. Austin said he would only return on his
terms and clearly he has done so – reinstating a thorn in Bischoff and
Evolution’s side. His first act was to rehire Shawn Michaels – who was fired
minutes earlier after hitting Bischoff – and declaring that Michaels will get a
rematch with Triple H.
And it will be a well deserved rematch. For nearly 40 minutes, HBK and Triple
H engaged in what can only be described as yet another epic encounter between
these two for the World Heavyweight Championship. Appearing for the first time
on television in his hometown of San Antonio in nearly seven years, Michaels
gave his hometown fans everything he had, and then some, but every time he
seemed to have the match won, Triple H was there to counter. After more than a
dozen attempted pinfalls by both Superstars and a near submission win for
Michaels while he had Triple H in the Figure Four Leg Lock, HBK appeared to gain
the win by pinfall. However, Bischoff – who had taken over as referee when Earl
Hebner was injured – declared that both Superstars’ shoulders were on the mat
for the three count, and by rule, Triple H retained the World Heavyweight
Championship. The decision set off Michaels and led to Austin’s shocking return.
Austin’s return capped what had been another successful night for Evolution as the foursome will end 2003 with all four members holding a Title. Randy Orton – who opened RAW by proclaiming himself the new Hardcore Legend – defeated Booker T in a match for the Intercontinental Championship thanks to a distraction by Kane. Later, the Dudley Boyz’ quest to challenge once again for the World Tag Team Championship was derailed by guest referee Ric Flair, who disqualified the Dudleys in their match against newcomers Eddie Kramer and Russell Simpson for punching with a closed fist.
While it was a good night for Evolution, how many good nights lie ahead is
the question as they enter 2004? Stone Cold Steve Austin is back on RAW … what
does that mean for Evolution? When will the rematch between Triple H and HBK
take place? And, what does 2004 have in store for the rest of the RAW
Superstars? Only one way to find out … watch RAW next week live from Memphis –
the home of Jerry “The King” Lawler – at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!
Match Results:
RVD defeated Scott Steiner
Eddie Kramer & Russell Simpson defeated the Dudley Boyz via disqualification
Randy Orton defeated Booker T
Trish Stratus, Lita, & Stacy Keibler defeated Molly Holly, Miss Jackie, & Victoria in a Happy Holidays Match
Triple H was declared the winner over Shawn Michaels by referee Eric Bischoff
...DIRECTORY .. | ... CONTACT US .... | ....ORDERING ... |