[slash] Wrestling [slash] RAW [slash] 29 October 2001 (original) (raw)

**QUICK QUOTE:**WWF 10.95 (- .06, last year: 15 3/16, two years ago: 25)

TONIGHT: Tom Jackson says "Louisville!" and the WCW tag titles are on the line as Jericho & Rock tackle T&T! Oh, and there's a big WrestleMania rematch or something or other...

THIS WEEK'S TNG CAPSULE REVIEW: "Too Short a Season." SUCKED. Wow this first season sure could be excruciating, couldn't it?

TV-14-DLV - CC - One World Leader Attitude - WWF!

Opening Credits

ARE YOU HAP-PYRO? WE ARE LIVE from the Hall of Freedom, Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY 29.10.1, transmitido en espanol SAP and people are in WWF New York and we're on TNN and BY GOD THIS IS RAW

TONIGHT: It's a Street Fight! Father vs. Son! And so forth!

**TONIGHT:**Jericho & Rock vs. Test & Booker T for the WCW tag team titles!

BILLIONAIRE VINCEleads out THE ENTIRE WWF LOCKER ROOM, who surround the ring. Wow, look at all the people I haven't seen on RAW in forever - Crash, Funaki, Billy Gunn....hmmm... "I am happy to report to you tonight, I'm happy to report that at Survivor Series, the World Wrestling Federation will wipe the Alliance off the face of this earth! And with it, and with it the two-headed monster than runs the Alliance, Shane and Stephanie McMahon! Last Thursday night on SmackDown!, Shane McMahon pinned his very own mother's arms behind her back, and Stephanie slapped her mother down to the floor. THAT ACT WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED. As a matter of fact, Shane, you and Stephanie...I know you can hear me, and I would suggest you not only worry about surviving Survivor Series, but Shane, if I were you, I'd be worrying about surviving the asskicking I'm personally gonna give you tonight in the Street Fight! Now as far as Survivor Series is concerned, allow me to introduce to you Team WWF. The five members of this team will represent the World Wrestling Federation in a ten-man elimination tag team match to determine who will WIN IT ALL! Firstly, allow me to introduce to you the Undertaker! And the Undertaker's brother, Kane! The Olympic Hero Kurt Angle! Y 2 J!" Crowd chants "Rock E!" "And, the fifth person...the Rock! There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, Team WWF, the t--" "My Time" plays at this point, and STEFFO is out. "Hi, Daddy! Hi everybody! I'm sorry to interrupt your little announcement, but I've got a little announcement of my own. You see, Dad, Shane and I, well we might be a two-headed monster, we might be ruthless, but we are definitely successful. And we are downright clever. I mean, take last Thursday on SmackDown! for example. Shane and I set you up good. Shane sent that phony note for you to meet him in the parking lot, leaving poor Mom all alone in your office. And then Shane went and grabbed - well, you know what? Let's let actions speak for themselves!"

**LAST THURSDAY:**Here's the set of clips that usually opens the show. My cable (fortunately?) cuts out at this point - we pick it up after a minute and a half...

"...trembling and scared of what's gonna happen to her poor husband tonight. Well, I'd like to dedicate tonight's match between my brother (Shane McMahon) and YOU (cuts out) to MY MOM. So Mom, I hope you enjoy it when my brother destroys my father on worldwide television. So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the very man who will just DO just that - my brother, the gladiator - SHANE McMAHON." Hey, I thought Mike Awesome was the Gladiator! "You know, Dad, nothing is gonna give me more pleasure than tonight, coming down there and systematically tearing you apart. Actually, there is - I just thought of something. There is one thing that would give me great pleasure, and Dad listen to me because this is big - this is absolutely enormous, because tonight here on RAW, a member of your precious World Wrestling Federation will defect to the Alliance...right here tonight! Who will it be? Matter of fact...I'm looking (cable cuts out - I'm gonna guess Shane says "at (him/them) right now.") So, Dad, while you still have a little teeth left....chew on that." Vince takes a slow look around the ring. No noticable look at anybody not looking away at him...eh, it's probably just X-Pac.

How come my cable doesn't cut out during the ADS, hmmm? I mean, I could miss Kane wasting another four cans of Chef Boyardee when he once again fails to remember that HE CAN'T EAT WITH THAT MASK ON

IceBreakers gum presents the WWF live at the Compaq Center of San Jose! It's the afternoon before Vengeance so look for PPV warmups! (Actually, the main event was announced on Metal: Austin v. Rock.) Meet Chris Benoit at the onsale this Saturday!

Shane and Stephanie are WALKING! "You were just unbelievable out there. I mean, the look on Dad's face - it was priceless!" Having made there way to the door with Austin's name on it - knock - "come in!" And in we go. Hugs and handshakes all around. "Ain't no way that they're gonna figure out who's jumpin' to the Alliance - ain't none of 'em, they're all too stupid to figure it out! What? I said they're too stupid to figure it out!" "Hahahaha - say it again." "What? You guys didn't tell anybody, did you?" "No." "I didn't tell anybody." "I didn't even tell Regal." "I mean, the three of - (points to Debra) I didn't tell her - there's three of - I'll tell you - tonight's gonna be a hell of a night for the Alliance. You know what? You know what my watch is sayin'? It's sayin' it's time for Shane McMahon to open up a can o' whoopass on his old man in a street fight tonight, that's what it's sayin'! You kick the hell outta him. Stand tall for the Alliance. It's our night. Loosen up, kid. If you need any secrets, I'm here." Out they go, leaving Debra alone with Austin to ask who's it gonna be. "What?" "You're gonna tell me, aren't you?" "What?"

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: ROB VAN DAM v. KING EDGE (with Rob Zombie CD cover) - HOLD THE PHONE! Why is Rob van Dam competing for a WWF title? Isn't Vince trying to get the hardcore title OFF van Dam? But now van Dam gets to go for ANOTHER piece of WWF hardware? That DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. We can only assume Edge will go over somehow, since they didn't pursue the more logical match story of Edge/van Dam for the hardcore championship - if Edge gets a fall in THAT scenario, the hardcore title changes hands and you'd think they probably want to keep the belts where they are. OR, and this could be even more likely, they need a run-in and DQ in here and a hardcore match wouldn't get that accomplished - in which case I stand by my original "plot in hole is symptomatic of weak thinking writer" bitching. Hey, I guess I could STOP bitching and "get to the damn match, already," though, couldn't I? Right, HERE WE GO: Lockup, van Dam side headlock...powered out, shoulderblock by van Dam (1). van Dam off the ropes, backflip over Edge as he drops down - van Dam with a gutshot, Edge into the ropes, van Dam hits the splits - so Edge dropkicks him in the head (ha!). van Dam into the ropes, Edge flapjacks him. Stomp. Elbow, into the opposite corner is reversed, van Dam somersaults into a monkey flip attempt, but Edge lands on his feet...van Dam ducks a clothesline, catches the kick, steps over and hits a standing spinning heel kick right on the button. Edge rolls out to the apron and pulls himself up. van Dam runs the ropes and puts him onto the floor with...not a roaring elbow - more of a whispering elbow. van Dam onto the apron - FROG SPLASH! Referee "Blind" Tim White is out to remind them that he actually counts people out (see Heat). Everybody back in - kick by van Dam - whip into the opposite corner is reversed, but van Dam gets the elbow up. van Dam to the second rope...spinning heel kick, but he kinda hits him with his butt instead - whichever, it takes Edge off his feet for 2. van Dam in control - gutshot, elbow, elbow, Edge switches back, elbow, elbow, elbow - van Dam manages an atomic drop - a clothesline, a backflip press and he gets 2 again. Stomp. Elbow. Kick, right, right, elbow, (they're calling spots!) into the opposite corner, boot up by Edge - everybody staggers - Edge ducks a clothesline and hits a ...I dunno, let's call it a 3/4 nelson bulldog with Edge sitting out - yeah, that's good and confusing - leaving both men down. The count is on - both men up before 5. Into the ropes by Edge, big back body drop - clothesline by Edge - Viscera kick - into the ropes is reversed, van Dam with a standing heel kick. Stomp. Split-legged moonsault - but Edge gets the knees up! Heyman just suggested that if the Alliance won at Survivor Series, maybe they'd "look for Schiavone or something." Looks like the WWF's gonna win! Edge with a rollup for 2, van Dam rolls back for 2, Edge shoves him out - but runs into a superkick. van Dam off the ropes - Rolling Thunder hits but van Dam is slow to cover - 1, 2, Edge scissors the arm and cradles - 1, 2, NO! van Dam misses a clothesline - Edge hits Edge-o-matic - but only for 2! Edge with a stomp. Pulls him up - into the opposite corner, reversed, van Dam starts a tumbling run - so Edge SPEARS him! OH NO VAN DAM PISSED HIS PANTS AGAIN 1, 2, NO!! Edge can't believe it. Edge slowly climbs the corner...van Dam catches him as he hits the second floor and pulls him back with a slam. van Dam up - Fivestar frog splash MISSES! Edge hits the DDT, which you and I knew as the Buzzkiller and Ross knew as the Impaler - but which is NOW known as the Edge-ucution - or to Ross NOW as the Executioner (well, he's getting there) - at any rate, as Tony would say "that's his move!" and guess what - 1, 2, 3 and van Dam actually gets pinned. And THAT'S why it wasn't a HC match. See, put enough theories out there and one of 'em's GOTTA be right! Ain't I smark - I mean smart? (5:28)

Austin likes what he sees. "Lookit RVD! He's pathetic! I tell him to keep his feet on the ground, keep reaching for the stars, and he loses to Edge? (knock on door) WHAT?" It's Tazz. "What do you want?" "Who is it?" "What?" "Who's jumping ship from the WWF to the Alliance? I gotta know, Steve, the suspense is killing me." "Are you that nosy? Are we good buddies? I'm supposed to tell you everything I know?" "No no, wait, wait, whoa...you know, I'm dying to know. I can understand why you wouldn't tell...her...but c'mon! It's Tazz! You gotta let me know." Austin chuckles. "Do you know what this watch is saying right now?" "I actually do." "You do?" "Yeah - it's sayin' it's time for Stone Cold Steve Austin to tell Tazz who's jumpin' from the WWF to the Alliance." They share a laugh - then Austin stops. "That's not what it's saying. Do you own a watch?" Tazz flashes it. "Right there." "Nice. Mind if I have a listen?" "No doubt. What's it sayin'?" "I don't know, I don't speak Spanish. Do you know what this watch is saying - what it's really saying?" "No." "It's saying it'd be nice if one nosy individual would leave my dressing room, because they're getting on my nerves, that's what it's saying." So Tazz shoots Debra a "do you mind?" look. Austin looks at Debra, at Tazz, back and forth, then to Tazz. "I'm talking about you!" "Oh - OH OH OH - okay, I got you know. Okay, you're gonna tell me later, that's cool. I'll see you later." "Don't touch. Can you believe how nosy he is?" "I didn't think he'd ever leave - you can tell me, go ahead." "What?" "Go ahead and just tell me." "What? What? WHAT?

Tazz lifts another truck of Stacker 2 - I think. Strangely, we only get the "A" audio (or only the "B" audio?) this time around, so while there'e music and effects, there's no vocal track

YAY! New Booker T Chef Boyardee ad! Best one since the Big Show!

The APA wonder aloud about what Shane said. Bradshaw brings up that Faarooq was a former WCW Champion. "Man, that ain't no joke, man." "Just kidding, man!" Faarooq promises whoever it is'll be in line for a good ass whipping. Cards are down - camera pulls back to see Saturn without mustache but with unlit cigar. "Go fish!" The APA proclaim it not quite good enough to win. "You take all the ones, I'll take the twenties, Ron.." "What the hell's wrong with you, man?" "Hey, they're all bills!" Teddy Long interrupts to say that there's a big WWF meeting and they'd like everybody to be there. "Man, who called a meeting?" "Chris Jericho." "Jericho? I gotta see this." "Jericho.... DAMN." "You're welcome." Well, we hit all the high spots - such as they were. Saturn takes four beers with him. Bradshaw, interestingly (or not), has LEFT his European title draped over a drawer of the APA file/beer cabinet...

HURRICANE & MIGHTY MOLLY (with WrestleMania X8 tix on sale SATURDAY! graphic) v. TAJIRI & TORRIE SAMUDA in a mixed tag- Men start - lockup, side headlock by Tajiri - Hurricane counters to a side headlock of his own - Tajiri powers out, but Hurricane hits the shoulderblock (2). Pose - off the ropes - somersaulting underneath Tajiri's leapfrog - Tajiri put into the ropes - hiptoss blocked, knee by Hurricane, leg over the back of the neck, flippy flippy, pose - and Tajiri kicks him. Molly comes in so Tajiri calmly steps under the clothesline, hooks her up and starts a Spinning Rack...then lets her go when she's good and dizzy - back to Hurricane, ducks a clothesline, chop - cable cuts out again, damn - almost two minutes later, we're back and Tajiri is putting Hurricane in the tarantula, but Torrie isn't in that corner anymore - the ladies must be legal, as they're in the ring and referee "Blind" Jack Doan, seeing Molly rolling up Torrie (but NOT seeing Molly pull the pants) moves over and counts 1, 2, 3. (2:43) I kinda wish I'd seen this match...well, I'm over it now, though.

The WWF cameraman has been invited to the big meeting! Jericho is ready to address the assembled superstars - looks like everybody except Taker, Kane and Rock. "Guys, can I have your attention, please? Thank you. Now when I first came to the WWF over two years ago from the WCW, I did it for a reason. And that reason was this: working in the WCW and in ECW were some of worst experiences I ever had in my personal career. And now, I love the WWF. Do you? Do you LOVE the WWF? That's what I thought. Well I'm not about to stand around while the World Wrestling Federation gets SCREWED just because some coward wants to jump to the Alliance. Now every single WWF superstar is not in this room right now, but chances are whoever is thinking aboat jumping to the Alliance IS in this room right now. So let me make it simple, let me throw out an open challenge to the coward that wants to jump if you're in here...show your face. Show some guts and reveal yourself right now - let's see who you are." Rock's walked in behind him at this point...and clears his throat. "Well like the old saying goes, FINALLY the Rock decided to show up to the meeting." Murmurs abound. "Who in the blue hell do you think YOU are? Organising a meeting? Rallying the WWF troops? Since when did you - YOU - you become the leader of the WWF?" "Well I guess I, *I* became the leader of the WWF the moment I beat YOU for the WCW Championship, ROCK." "Oooh!" Rock smiles. "Hold the Rock's belt. Thank you, Spike. You know, Chris?" "What, Rock." "You may have won the big one...once. Once. But remember - never forget that the Rock has been winning big ones for YEARS. The Rock was winning big ones when you were down there in WCW on Monday Nitro getting your monkey ass whipped by Juventud Guerrera." Everybody cracks up. I think Jeff Hardy just asked somebody who Juventud Guerrera is. "Chris. You came from the WCW...(pats belt)...you're the WCW Champion. You *are* WCW, but remember - always remember, that the Rock...is the WWF - and will always be the WWF. Rock can look around this room at every person here - look into their eyes - and realise that no one is stupid enough to jump ship. No one is stupid enough to jump ship....unless, someone is (looks at Jericho) stupid enough to jump ship." Rock and Jericho share a long stare - and Rock turns back. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. But this meeting is now adjourned." One more staredown before Rock takes off - and the meeting breaks up. Jericho has a "why'd he have to bring up Quasi Juice?" look on his face. I might as well point out that X-Pac had the most prominent seat in this shot....which probably makes him a red herring THIS time. ("Man, you waffle more than an IHOP.") It's called SHARING MY THOUGHT PROCESS and PROVIDING ANALYSIS. ("Well, you're half right on the analysis part - the first half of the word at least.")

Earlier Today at the University of Louisville, Kurt Angle and Bradshaw led the last Smackdown Your Vote! rally of 2001.

Back to the Austins. "How stupid is that? Having a meeting - trying to find out who's gonna be the big defector tonight. They'll never know. Come in! William Regal." "Stone Cold - Debra, how are you." "How ya doin'." "I know why you sent for me - you want to tell me who's going to join the Alliance, right?" "No, that's not why I sent for you - I'm not gonna tell you who's joinin' the Alliance." "Why not?" "Because you're the commissioner!" "I know I'm the commissioner - that's why you need to tell me who's joining the Alliance." "No! I wanna tell you how important you are to the Alliance!" "Thank you." "You got a big match tonight." "Yes." "You're gonna stand tall." "Oh yes." "You got a match against Kurt Angle." "Yes." "You're gonna bring the United States championship BACK home to the Alliance - that's why you're here, that's what I wanted to tell you. And you know what? Speaking of Kurt Angle, I want you to put the word out on the street that I need to see that man in my dressing room - private - before your match. I need to talk to him." Regal makes the confused face. "Thank you very much. Good luck." "No...thank you for thinking of me--" "I'm always thinking of you - thank you." "Kurt Angle?" "Yeah, I wanna see him before your match. In private. Thank you." "No, thank you." "Thank you." Debra: "Thanks." Regal takes off. "Thank you." "Thank you." "What?"

Meanwhile, the Fun Brothers discuss strategy vis a vis their upcoming match with the Dudley Boyz. Jericho barges in. "So there you are, I've been looking all over for you guys! A WWF superstar is defecting to the Alliance tonight! And I can't find you guys - we just had a meeting with the ENTIRE WWF roster, and there's no Taker, there's no Kane, where the hell were you? Huh? HUH?" Taker turns to his brother. "Can you believe this guy?" Stands up. "Who in THE hell do you think you are barging into our dressing room, running off at the mouth? And who the hell is Chris Jericho to call a WWF meeting? Let me remind you, you little sawed off pissant - while you were running around sucking your thumb in diapers, I was kicking people's asses here, so I don't need to hear - what?" Kane attempts to pull him back. "He's just a little bit excited, man, come on..." "Why don't you BACK OFF little brother?" "Hey hey hey hey hey - first of all, that's exactly why we need you at a time like this, Taker - you've been here for ten years, everybody respects you, everybody knows who you are, we need you right now, and second of all, before you get too excited, you're not the one that I'm insinuating is gonna jump to the Alliance..." Jericho looks back - Taker turns back - and Kane cocks his head.

"Halloween Hijinx" ad

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGEis out to kill off another segment. "It's ME! D - D - P! And do I have a surprise for all of you. You see, I know who's leaving the WWF and coming to the Alliance. You see, Shane McMahon said he's BIG - I mean, he's HYOOOGE. A superstar of gigantic proportions! Ladies and gentlemen, the superstar surprise IS...the Big Show! And let me tell you way - because now the Big...wait a minute, first of all, the WWF superstars - let me tell you what they think of the Big Show - they think he's a freak - who makes funny noises - and, he's overweight and out of shape. But - that's not a bad thing - THAT'S a GOOD thing. Why? Because now the Big Show knows that his friends are really in the Alliance." WELL IT'S THE BIG SHOW dutifully makes his entrance. "All right - all right!" We all know where this is going - but we all want to see it. Show has a big smile during his big walk to the ring. "It's THE BIG SHOW! And Big Show, I like you. And I know YOU like me. And together with the Alliance, I'm going to help YOU like YOU. You got it, baby - hey, welcome aboard - welcome to the Alliance - put 'er there, Big Man - put her ARRRRRRRRRRGH" ahhhhhTHECHOKESLAAAAAM play his music again thank you good night

Kurt Angle meets with Vince McMahon. Vince thinks he's there because he's worried about his US title defense against Regal, but he has nothing to worry about - Vince has supreme confidence in him. "Mr. McMahon...I'm gonna beat Regal tonight, I don't have a problem with that, I'm gonna take him out - but that's not what this is all about. This is something even more important. Stone Cold Steve Austin wants to have a meeting with ME, tonight - with me! I mean, I don't know what it's all about, I wanted to come to you because...I don't know what he wants. I mean, I just kicked his butt all over the place the last few months, he wants to have a meeting with me." "I don't trust that son of a bitch." "Neither do I! I mean, I'll kick his butt again, Mr. McMahon, you give me the word, I'll do it. Whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute - why are you lookin' at me like that? Why are you looking at me? Mr. McMahon, I worked too damn hard to get this company where it is. I've been with you. I became the WWF Champion, now you're giving me that look?" "All right, all right, all right, all right okay, look. Have your meeting with Stone Cold, all right? Find out - find out what he has on his mind. And um...I was gonna use this (produces 2x4) in my match, but maybe you wanna take this into your meeting with Stone Cold as a token of my appreciation." "All right. I will. I'll tell you what, if he gives me any problems, I'll knock his head off." "Good." "And I'll tell you what - good luck in your street fight with Shane McMahon. You kick his butt. You show him who's the boss. All right?" "I'll do just that." They shake hands. "All right, you do it. I'll see you later, after I...have my meeting."

UP NEXT: Y2J & the Rock take on Booker T & Test!

The WWF Rewind is juicy because it's brought to you by Starburst! Isn't life juicy? From SmackDown!, Booker T trips up the Rock and clocks him with a trashcan, leading to van Dam pinning him - later, Test and T beat up Rock and Jericho

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: T (with RAW is brought to you by the JVC Giga-Tube, Twix and Honda!) and T (with RAW credits & transmitido en espanol SAP & TV-14-DLV & CC) v. CHRIS MONDAY JERICHO & THE ROCK - I'm not going to bitch again about how the Alliance is getting another shot at a WWF title, BUT I COULD. Your referee is Mike Chioda. Rock and Jericho share a few words, but Rock turns his back when Jericho tells him Booker's trying to make a move - Rock right, right, right, righ, right, chop, slap, chop, slap, into the opposite corner is reversed...but Rock pops out with a clothesline. Samoan Drop. 1, 2, T kicks out. Tag to Jericho - running kick - chop, chop, chop, into the opposite corner, back elbow. Head to the buckle, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, right, right, chop, chop, into the opposite corner, reversed, but Jericho gets up the elbow - second rope - missile dropkick - 1, 2, T kicks out. Wow, T's done NADA thus far. Knee to the head by Jericho, right, chop, chop - into the ropes is reversed, Test gets a forearm in Jericho's back - Jericho turns back and elbows HIM off the apron...but runs smack dab into a whip spinebuster from Booker. FINALLY he makes the tag - Test comes in and takes it to Jericho - that's nine piston rights in rapid succession. Head to the buckle by Test, right, back elbow, right, back elbow, right, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick. "Rock E" chant. Test takes Jericho to the opposite corner and follows with a clothesline. Test stands on the neck and uses the ropes for a little help. Vertical suplex - gets 2. Test goes to the headlock. Jericho eventually elbows out, elbow, chop, chop, into the ropes, reversal, Jericho manages a rollup for 2. Test quickly comes back with Uncle Slam for 2. Tag to Booker - held open for the kick to the gut. Arm wringer into back kick by T - quickly becoming one of his trademark spots. Nice bodyslam - cover - T gets 2. Jericho comes back with a forearm, chop, right, T with a knee in the abdomen. Into the ropes is reversed, Jericho with a flapjack - Jericho should have broken into a breakdance, but alas. Jericho DOES try to crawl to his corner...only to have T stop him by grabbing the leg. Jericho with an enzuigiri to break it up - but he's down hard as well. Now reaching - ROCK reaching - crowd going nuts - tag to Test - HOT TAG TO ROCK! "Iblockyourpunchyoudon'tblockmine," right, right, right, right, right, Test is wobbly, right, Test flails, right, off the ropes, flying clothesline FINALLY takes him off his feet! T in - block, right, right, into the ropes, belly-to-belly throw. Ducks a punch from Test, gutshot, DDT - T tossed over the ropes to the floor - right for Test, right, right, right, NOW KISS THAT OHHHHHHH HE GOT JERICHO when Test ducked! Test with a right - Rock into the ropes - Rock ducks the Wotsitolla and hits the spinebuster! Rock tosses his armband to the crowd, but behind him we see Jericho entering the ring - JERICHO WITH A BULLDOG ON THE ROCK! JERICHO WITH THE STROKE!! Rock almost botches his landing - I guess he never had to take that before. Jericho rolls out of the ring...but runs back in as Test tries to make the cover, breaking it up JUST before 3. Jericho with ANOTHER Stroke on Test (and another poor sell - man bring in Jeff Jarrett to school these guys!) and Jericho goes back to his corner to ask for the tag. Rock is slowly back to his feet...looks at Jericho...finally decides to MAKE the tag, but brings in Jericho the hard way! OHHH ROCK BOTTOM ON JERICHO! Jericho and Test are both left laying in the ring...Rock LEAVES THE RING AND WALKS UP THE RAMP... Test AGAIN tries to hook the leg - 1, 2, Rock BARELY makes it back and makes the save! All four men in the ring - T with a right on Rock, right, into the ropes - Rock tries a reversal but T lands a back kick before Rock can whip him. Harlem sidekick - but Rock ducks and IT HITS TEST! Jericho quickly tries to put on the Walls of Jericho while Rock has T - right, right, right, ROCK BOTTOM - TEST IS TAPPING!! Champs retain! (8:07) You know, the BEST stories are told IN THE RING. Champs take back their belts...and give each other the evil eye. Words are exchanged...but for now, words are all the happens.

Kurt Angle is WALKING! He's got his 2x4 but not his American flag. Making sure the cameraman is following him to capture the carnage on tape (I guess), he blows into the room and threatens to swing...but it's only Austin and Debra cowering into the cubby holes. "What are you doin'?" "You wanted to see me?" "Yeah I wanted to see ya. Can't you knock?" "Yeah I can knock!" "Put the 2x4 down. I don't wanna fight you, I've already fought you. Settle down, you can trust me. I promise." "Oh trust YOU, right?" "I promise. I wanted to see ya because I wanted to ask ya straight up, man to man - easy - I wanted to ask you-- straight up, man to man, I'm asking you to join the Alliance right now. You might as well join up with a winning team. Stone Cold Steve Austin is a part of it. Whaddaya say?" "What?" "I'M ASKING--" "I HEARD YOU, AUSTIN." "Then what's it gonna be." "You want me to join the Alliance?" "That's what I'm saying." "I'll tell you what - all right. Let's say I join the Alliance. Okay, that's fine. Well you tell me - who's the big player making the big impact tonight? Who's crossing over to the Alliance tonight? Huh? Who is it, Austin? Is it the Rock? Huh? 'cause that's something you would do. It's the Rock, right?" "I can't tell you that - I can't tell you that. I can't tell you everything I know. You got a big match tonight, I can tell you good luck. That's what I can tell you. And I can tell you another thing. I can tell you--" "YOU don't need to tell me nothin'." "What." "I don't need luck, Austin. And I'll tell you what - I'll tell YOU something." "What." "You can go to hell!" He leaves. "YOU CAN'T TELL ME TO GO TO HELL! If he hadn't had that 2x4...he cain't talk to me like that!" Austin slams down his baseball cap.

I don't know about you, but I've always thought that looking at the exterior of the Freedom Hall would certainlly be one of the highlights of television

Xbox presents Surv1vor Series!

MICHAEL KING COLEattempts to get some comments from the Rock. "Yeah, the Rock'll tell you his comments. And it's as simple as this: Chris Jericho you wanna try the Rock? When you try the Rock, you must prepare to GET - your monkey ass - WHOOPED!" Cole says he was actually hoping for some comments in reaction to Kurt Angle's comments. Of course, Rock hadn't heard them yet so Cole stooges him off. Rock's expression changes. "Where is Kurt Angle's locker room?" And off he goes...

STACY DUDLEY (with Let Us Take You Back to SmackDown!) v. LITAHeyman: "I'm in love!" Ross: "With a WOMAN? Wow." Stacy gets first stomp as Lita goes through the ropes - Lita responds with a right. Lita goes for a hiptoss but Keibler handstands through - and laughs. Stacy ducks a clothesline. "Twice!" So Lita makes the next clothesline land. Lita with an alleged sidewalk slam and hooks a leg for 2. Into the corner - Stacy with the boot up five minutes too early - head to the buckle, kick, kick, boot on the neck (YEAH SPREAD 'EM THAT'S THE MONEY SHOT) - referee "Blind" Chad "defected to the WCW but nobody noticed but me" Patton breaks it up at the 5 count. Stacy and Patton share a moment so Lita can charge up for her big comeback...switch in the corner, right by Lita, right, right, right, snap suplex, leg is hooked - 1, 2, no. Stacy manages a jawbreaker. Whip into the corner is reversed - Stacy up and over - legs on the shoulders, so Lita just tosses her over the top to the floor. Lita up to the top - SHE dives to the floor, missing everything but the barricade RIGHT in the gut. MATT HARDY is out to check on his woman...then puts her back in the ring (hey, disqualify her, ref!). Stacy is up now - and thinks Matt is out to help HER. Big smiles. Matt makes a big speech for Lita's benefit - Stacy gets unhappy and slaps him one. Matt grabs her, rares back for the punch - ohhhh but he elbowed Lita on the backswing. This is a TRAGEDY. Stacy back in - 1, 2, NO! Stacy grabs Lita - whip attempt is reversed into a quick gutshot and neckbreaker and 1, 2, 3 (2:49) - Matt comes into the ring but Lita ain't interested. Matt tries to apologise, but I think we all know what Lita's thinking: "Eddie Guerrero FINALLY comes back to me next week..."

RAW magazine ad - Rock brings it on the cover

Angle's preparing for his match as Rock finds him. "Angle!" "Hey, Rock." "'Hey, Rock.' 'Hey, Rock.' The Rock was just informed that you were in Stone Cold Steve Austin's locker room. Talkin' about the Rock. Talkin' about Rock in Stone Cold Steve Austin's locker room. Insinuating, implying that the Rock is turning his back against the WWF, and the ONLY thing you have to say is... 'hey, Rock.'" "First of all--" "Whoa. What were you even doing in Stone Cold's locker room to begin with?" "Hold on a second. I got permission from Mr. McMahon. All right? I went in there to knock Austin's head off with a 2x4! I wanted to get information from Austin, that's what I was doing!" "You got permission? You got permission from Vince McMahon? Information from Austin with a 2x4, 6x8, 8x10, it doesn't matter to the Rock! Kurt Angle, don't you ever question the Rock's loyalty to the WWF. The Rock lives, breathes and will DIE WWF. Kurt Angle, don't you ever say that the Rock is...turning...his back against the WWF. You want information? The Rock'll give you alllll the information you need. The Rock isn't turning against the WWF, and the only thing you should worry about is the Rock take his boot, and *turning* it sideways, and shoving it straight up...your punk ass. Kurt...how does the Rock know...that it's not you...who's turning his BACK on the WWF." "Come on, Rock. Get serious. ME. I don't think so." Rock looks him up and down...locks eyes with him - is he gonna kiss him? - no, he just walks away."

Let's look at Times Square!

Inside is COMMISSIONER McFOLEY, complete with copy of Halloween Hijinx, #6 on the New York Times bestseller list. Foley says we need to watch the Today show Wednesday morning. Foley says if they have Matt Lauer or Al Roker interviewing him instead of Katie Couric, people may see a big, ugly man crying on live national television. Ross asks Foley why he made the WWF tag team title match. Foley says after SmackDown!, Rock and Jericho asked HIM to make the match, so he cut a deal with Regal - in exchange for giving T&T a shot at the WWF tag titles, he had to give Taker & Kane a shot at the Dudleyz' WCW tag titles. Well, that explains everything but Rob van Dam's IC shot...baby steps, Chris, baby steps. Oh, Mick's on TOMORROW'S Today show, not Wednesday's, okay.

William Regal warms up!

UP NEXT: Kurt Angle takes on William Regal for the US Championship!

Music video: WWF presents "Desire," by Creed

WCW U.S. TITLE: COMMISSIONER REGAL v. KURT ANGLE - Regal has new music that, in my uneducated snap judgement, doesn't work at all - we'll see if I change my mind on that in a few weeks. Hey, Nick Patrick is back! Angle makes the mistake of trying a corner pose, and Regal pounces with a forearm in the back. Left Euro elbow, elbow, elbow - left - into the ropes, reversed, back elbow by Regal. Clothesline. Clothesline. Regal's outside, Angle's following. Chop. Hard into the barricade. Regal manages a boot in the gut - tossed into the ropes, and Angle bounces back to the floor. Regal puts him back in - another European elbow. European forearm. Into the ropes is reversed, backdrop out - Angle gets 2. Right, right, right, into the ropes, reversed, back elbow by Regal - 1, 2, no. 1, 2, no. 1, 2, no. Angle breaks it up - right, right, right, knee by Regal, off the ropes with a big collision. Stomp. Regal with a...half nelson chinlock? Man I'm seeing all SORTS of moves tonight. Ross calls it a "neck vice," that's as good as any. Two more big matches to come tonight! "USA!" Angle manages a gobehind - but eats a back elbow. Angle blocks the left - chop, chop, chop, right, right, into the ropes, reversed - Angle ducks the clothesline - Regal catches the crossbody and crotches him on top - then kicks him off the ropes to the apron. Forearm to the face, forearm, stomp. Angle manages to barrel him into the corner - right, right, right, fireman's carry takeover out of the corner, clothesline, clothesline, right, right, into the ropes - no, pulls him back - belly-to-belly suplex! Forearm in the back - German suplex - two - let's go. Wooow! DOWN COME THE STRAPS! Angle tries to grab Regal for the Olympic Slam, but he knees him in the head to break it up. Regal off the ropes - but Angle catches the leg and applies the Anglelock! Regal has no choice but to tap. (3:27)

"What the hell YOU want?" Looks like Vince is paying Taker a visit. "You need something?" "Chill, okay? I simply walked in here tonight to wish you...(long look)...to wish you good luck in your match." "You come in to wish me good luck. If that ain't the biggest crock I've ever heard! I've been here ten years, almost eleven, and I ain't even got as much as a 'kiss my ass' outta you, and now all of a sudden you gonna come into my dressing room and wish me luck? I don't think so! Vince, why don't you just lighten up a little bit. Why don't you tell me why you're really in here? The fact of the matter is, you're a little bit nervous tonight! You're nervous the old Taker's gonna screw you over. Or maybe if it ain't Taker, it's Kane. That's what you're really all about, isn't it? Hey, big man! Vince came to wish us luck tonight!" Vince looks back...and back to Taker. "Yeah. Good luck." "Hey, Vince...I don't need any luck. But I think you do." Vince gives Kane one more look - back to Taker - and leaves.

WCW TAG TEAM TITLE: DUDLEY BOYZ (with Stacy Dudley) v. AWESOME UNDERTAKER WHO IS AWESOME & ALSO PRETTY GOOD KANE - Stacy is limping from her earlier match - D-Von and Kane start - D-Von with a gutshot, right, side headlok...powered out by Kane, Kane with a shoulderblock (hey THAT'S a new variation!). Gutshot, into the corner, sidewalk slam out. Off the ropes with an elbow. Arm wringer - tag to Taker - open kick, soupbone, soupbone, soupbone, left, soupbone, back elbow, into the opposite corner, avalanche (!), free shot for Bubba Ray - D-Von into the ropes, head down, kick by D-Von, no effect - Bubba Ray lowers the bridge as Taker tries to come off the ropes, though, taking him outside. Crowd is really booing something that has nothing to do with this match. Stomp by Bubba Ray - hard into the STEEL steps. Taker put back in - right by D-Von, tag to Bubba Ray - double team in the corner. Right by Bubba Ray, forearm in the back - back comes Taker - soupbone, soupbone, gutshot, into the corner, follow clothesline, apron clothesline for D-Von, Bubba Ray manages a clothesline to turn it around. Tag to D-Von - into the ropes, double back elbow, double free shot for Kane. WHAT DOES "BUBBA RED" MEAN, ROSS?!? Back to Taker - back into the ropes but THIS time Taker hits the double clothesline! Taker looks to his corner but Kane is still out on the floor - Taker ain't too happy about this. Taker looks back - but falls into a double death suplex by the Dudleyz. That's a whole lotta D's there. D-Von 1, 2, NO! Kane's back up in his corner. Tag to Bubba Ray - open shot. Right by Bubba Ray, ducks a soupbone, another right. Into the ropes, head down - Taker with his DDT. Both men are down - both men on the outside reaching for a tag. Tag to Kane, tag to D-Von - Kane right, right, into the corner, follow clothesline. To the opposite corner, uppercut out. Into the ropes, big boot. Bubba Ray in, HE gets a clothesline. Kane goes up - flying clothesline hits D-Von - 1, 2, NO! Taker in - soupbone, kick, and that takes care of Bubba Ray but it also monopolises the attention of referee "Blind" Brian Hebner, who is trying in vain to get Taker back in his corner - in fact, Taker is ready to pop HIM one. Meanwhile, Kane has the cover but no ref to make a count AND Stacy is feeding one of the championship belts to Bubba Ray. Kane up, trying to have a word with his brother....and now taking the belt shot from Bubba Ray ohhhhhhhhh no. D-Von drapes an arm - 1, 2, Taker breaks it up! Bubba Ray comes in - Taker ducks the swing, arm wringer, yanking the arm, up to the top for Old Skool....but unfortunately, Kane staggers back into the ropes, breaking it up - (actually, Taker falls before it happens...but you *could* argue he saw Kane coming for him and that's why he fell early) - Kane falls into 3D (Dudley Death Drop) and D-Von covers - 1, 2, 3. Champs retain and we got some more people pissed off at each other. (4:57) Taker pulls himself up into the ring...

And we break away because Shane McMahon is WALKING!

Vince McMahon, also, has caught wind of the latest craze - WALKING!

WrestleMania X8 tix on sale SATURDAY! Order at Skydome, online at WrestleMania.com or charge by phone!

And now, the WWF Slam of the Week, presented by Burger King! From SmackDown!, Shane and Stephanie save the drama for their momma

SHANO v. BILLIONAIRE VINCE in a Street Fight - Maybe Earl Hebner will turn.....nah, too easy. Shane doesn't want to let Vince get in the ring, trying to kick through the ropes. Hebner tries to hold Shane back but isn't having much luck. Shane finally tries the baseball slide out but Vince is waiting - right, (bell rings) right, right, and Shane trips on the ramp. Vince mounts and punches. I DARE Jim Ross to call this "bowling show ugly." Vince throttles his son. More rights. Vince grabs a "KEEP OFF" sign off the barricade - and whacks Shane in the back. Field goal kick. WHACK in the head. Vince throws Shane into the STEEL steps. Running kick. Shane has made sure to wear a well-tucked-in shirt underneath his jersey lest we catch sight of his abs - and I'm not sure how we would underneath the layers of ("hey, that's a low blow - you ain't YOUR ideal weight, neither.") Yeah, but I hide behind a computer to look thin. Hey, lookit the BUBBLE GUN in the crowd! Awesome! Camera quick shift shots to avoid seeing it. Shane rammed into the post. Another field goal kick. Shane finally fires back - no luck. Double sledge by Vince - and another one. Vince grabs the cable and chokes away. Vince back to another cable choke. Vince tosses Shane into the ring (THEY'RE GOING IN THE RING?!?) and looks for plundah (oh) underneath - garbage can, lid, can, lid, can, kendo stick, lid, can - back in for another field goal. Vince gets bleeped as he raises a can - but Shane lands an uppernut before he can use it. Shane takes a garbage can lid to Vince's back - WHACK - WHACK WHACK WHACK WHACK WHACK. "You wanna play with me? You wanna play?" Snap elbowdrop, elbowdrop, elbowdrop. Shane rolls him over and rabbit punches him (four). Shane with a can - can in the chest. Shane places the can on Vince's chest...and starts his climb to the top....ohh no SHOOTING STAR PRESS but it MISSES and Shane squashes the garbage can instead! You bet that gets an Xbox Replay (two angles). Vince attempts to capitalize - double sledge. Vince grabs a can...no, puts it down. He's got the Singapore cane - stick in the back! Stick in the belly! STICK! STICK! STICK! Vince waits for Shane to get up...and clotheslines him out of the ring. Shane out of the ring - Vince down the stairs. Vince to the commentary table - top is gone. Crowd chants "table" as Vince rearranges the furniture. Monitors and fans away - Vince turns back to catch a garbage can lid from Shane RIGHT in the face! WHACK again! And one in the back. MONITOR to the head! Vince is dead on the table - and Shane is looking behind him at the turnbuckles one more time. Back in the ring - vault to the top - Savage elbow from the far turnbuckle to the table, allegedly landing somewhere near Vince as well! They're both out. Xbox replay, each angle more charitable than the last. I wonder when somebody jumps to the Alliance...no, wait. Shane pulls Vince up, carries him on his back, rolled into the ring - I guess falls don't count anywhere in this match. Cover - 1, 2, VINCE GETS THE SHOULDER UP!! Crowd goes silent, wondering when the run-in will happen. Kick by Shane, kick, kick. Shane with a right, right. Shane with the can - can to the back of the head. Shane puts the can between the ropes - and Vince's head rests between the corner and the can. "Dad, hold this can up for me, would ya?" The camera no longer looks at Vince as Shane climbs to the top - another van Terminator? Well, he TRIES it - but Vince manages to put the can into Shane's knees in mid-dropkick! So it was OKAY that he was holding it - ohhhh here'sT&T to keep Vince from covering - and now here's the FUN BROTHERS - no turns yet - Test dumped over the top by Kane - he follows - DOUBLE BIG BOOT and they're both out. Back in the ring, Booker T takes the Last Ride (and a heroic effort on T's part to stay in position instead of Testing it up) but COMMISSIONER REGAL lands an uppernut on Taker. UNION JACK!! Regal stomps until ROCK comes out - right, right, right, right, ROCK BOTTOM!! Stomping away - STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN KICK WHAM STUNNER ON THE ROCK! KURT ANGLE is next in our rumble - he's got a chair and Austin begs off - CHRIS MONDAY JERICHO right behind Angle NOOOOO ANGLE JUST CHAIRED JERICHO WAS IT INTENTIONAL OR AN ACCIDENT OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ANGLE JUST CHAIRED ROCK IT WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT NO NO NO ANGLE CHAIRS TAKER ANGLE CHAIRS KANE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Austin picks up Vince - KICK WHAM STUNNER (kinda) and Shane's put on top - OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - 1, 2, 3 WHYYYYYYYYYYY(11:11)YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Shane, Austin and Angle are the last men standing...Houston, we have a problem.