No Way Out 2000

(All screen captures are the property of World Wrestling Entertainment)

No Way Out

February 27, 2000

Hartford Civic Center

Hartford, Connecticut

News & Notes: A week after Royal Rumble, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn appeared in the crowd on RAW. JR called them radicals because of the way they left WCW. (They later spell it Radicalz.) Cactus Jack said he invited them, but Triple H ordered them to leave. However, Jack brought them to Smackdown. They only wanted an opportunity, so Hunter made a deal. If they won two out of three matches against DX, they would get contracts. Unfortunately, they lost all three, and Guerrero dislocated his elbow during his contest. Afterward, the Radicalz wanted to say goodbye on RAW, but Helmsley confronted them. He said they could either get their asses kicked or show appreciation for the man who gave them contracts. As he said this, the Radicalz turned and attacked Cactus Jack! They sided with Triple H.

In other news, Al Snow went through tag team partners until he discovered the perfect match. Snow found success with Steve Blackman, but Steve needed some personality. So Al tried to find a gimmick and name for the pairing. He settled on Head Cheese, much to Blackman’s chagrin. Meanwhile, there was chaos in the women’s division. First, Harvey Wippleman dressed in drag and captured the Women’s Title, but he lost it to Jackie. Then Jackie ran afoul of Luna and started a rivalry. Elsewhere, Essa Rios (Aguila/Papi Chulo) beat Gillberg for the Light Heavyweight gold with a debuting Lita at his side. Plus, Crash Holly set out to prove himself to his cousin. He tried in vain to team with Viscera. Then Crash challenged Test for the Hardcore championship and defeated him! So it begins! Also, the Acolytes Protection Agency formed, but I’ll explain it later.

Cactus Jack narrates the opening video. He says the end is soon, but not tonight. His nights are sleepless, but he still dreams. Jack did many things during his career, except wrestling in the main event of WrestleMania. This is his last chance, but a man stands in his way. Triple H has his gold. He might be the game, but he is not Cactus Jack. And he never will be. Cactus chased this dream for fifteen years. He suffered dozens of fractures and received hundreds of stitches. Jack bled on countless nights. So you might say this is no dream. It’s a nightmare, but it’s Jack’s nightmare. He decides when he wakes up!

After some fireworks, JR welcomes everyone to Hartford. He says this will be the most emotionally charged PPV in the WWF’s history. There are three titles on the line, but the more important matter is Cactus Jack’s career. Lawler thinks they will say goodbye to Jack tonight. JR says Cactus must win Hell in a Cell or it’s over.

Next, Kurt Angle arrives for his Intercontinental Title shot. He taunts the Hartford fans about the Whalers leaving. But he promises to return someday as their hero. JR calls Kurt obnoxious for these comments. Then Chyna enters the arena ahead of Jericho. She fires a fireworks bazooka toward the ceiling. Lawler says she’s trying to intimidate Angle. This leads to Jericho’s entrance. He welcomes everyone to Hartford is Jericho. Afterward, Jericho calls his opponent Kirk Angel. Chris says he has his own three Is for Angle. His are idiot, imbecile, and ignoramus. Besides, Jericho has the most important I, which is the Intercontinental belt.

Intercontinental Title Match: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho (c) (w/ Chyna)

Storyline: Kurt maintained Tazz used an illegal choke at the Rumble. He sought revenge, but it backfired. Tazz interfered in Angle’s match against The Rock, and Kurt suffered his first undeniable loss. But it was okay. Kurt defeated Val Venis to become the European champion! According to Angle, his win improved the economy of Europe. Now Angle wanted more gold. He challenged Jericho for the Intercontinental belt. Meanwhile, Jericho stood up for Chyna when Hardcore Holly attacked her. This earned her respect, so Jericho and Chyna worked together. They fended off Hardcore Holly and his Elroy Jetson-looking cousin. Then Jericho focused on Angle. Altercations with Chyna led to Kurt hitting her with the European championship. Kurt claimed he only did it because she was trying to steal his title. Later, Chris teamed with Chyna and even The Rock in tag matches against Angle. These ended in chaos and brawling.

The Match: They trade slaps and takedowns until Jericho sends Angle outside. Jericho follows with a triangle jump dropkick before they scuffle on the floor. There, Jericho does a moonsault off the steps. However, Angle takes control with a super belly-to-belly. This leads to arm work by Angle. Jericho rallies with an underhook backbreaker and a double powerbomb, but it isn’t enough. So Kurt tries more arm submissions. Plus, Kurt lands the Olympic Slam. When Chris kicks out, a desperate Angle grabs the IC championship. The ensuing argument with the ref allows Jericho to put Angle in the Walls. After a rope break, Angle goes for the Euro title next. This time, Chyna stops him. As they tussle, Jericho knocks Angle into Chyna by accident. When they return to the ring, Chris does the Lionsault. So Angle blocks it with the belt and pins Jericho.

Thoughts: This was a solid opener. They had good intensity and back-and-forth action. Plus, I liked the finish. Also, this helps build Angle’s character. Now they’ve moved past the undefeated streak, so Kurt can focus on adding other layers to the act. It’s working.

Winner: Kurt Angle (New Champion) (10:15)

As Angle celebrates with both his titles, Tim White and Hebner argue about what happened, but this makes Earl mad. The argument continues while Kurt walks backstage. (Remember this for later.)

Next, Cole interviews the Dudleys. Bubba Ray appears to be in a trance while Cole speaks. He says the Dudleys got a taste of their own medicine this past Thursday on Smackdown. Mr. Ass put Bubba through a table with a Fameasser. Now they gave the Dudleys a title shot. This offends D-Von. He says no one gave them this opportunity. They took it, like they will take their respect by putting people through tables. And tonight, they will take the tag team titles. Then Bubba says everyone saw one title change hands tonight. They better prepare for another one. As for the Outlaws, Bubba has two words for them. Those words are 3D!

Tag Team Title Match: The Dudley Boyz vs. The New Age Outlaws (c)

Storyline: Losing the Tables Match put the Dudleys in a foul mood. They started a table-breaking rampage. First, Bubba powerbombed Terri Runnels through the plunder. When the Hardys wanted revenge, the Dudleys paid the APA to help them get the Hardys. Later, Bubba went for BB, but she escaped. So the following week, Bubba feigned a leg injury to lure BB and the EMTs to the ring. The Dudleys made her the newest victim. This disgusted JR. He called them the damn Dudleys! Meanwhile, D-Von won a triple threat to earn the Dudleys a tag title shot. The Dudleys even tagged with the Outlaws, but Bubba attacked Gunn with a chair. This led to Bubba vs. Mr. Ass. When the Dudleys tried to drop Gunn on a table, Billy fought back. He hit a Fameasser on Bubba, who stood on the table! It drove Bubba through it.

The Match: Everyone brawls, and Bubba blocks the Shake, Rattle, & Roll. Then Bubba nails a full nelson drop. (It isn’t the Bubba Bomb yet.) Plus, the Dudleys use a ref distraction to do what will become the Wassup Drop. Afterward, the Dudleys control the action with quick tags and choking. So the Outlaws use their own cheap tactics. Gunn distracts Bubba, and Road dog throws a low blow and lands a superplex. This leads to Gunn’s hot tag. He cleans house with punches and backdrops before nailing a Fameasser. However, Bubba pulls Gunn outside to stop the pin. While Road Dogg hits a shaky knee drop, Bubba whacks Gunn with a pipe. He then shoves Dogg into the ref, and the Dudleys hit the 3D for the win.

Thoughts: They had to keep this short because Gunn was working injured. He tore his rotator cuff and injured his elbow on the Fameasser through the table on Smackdown. Kudos to him for working this bout, but we won’t see Gunn for a while. With this in mind, it was as good as possible. This got the job done. They took the belts off the Outlaws so Gunn could get surgery.

Winners: The Dudley Boyz (New Champions) (5:20)

Road Dogg complains about Gunn not saving him, but Billy explains what happened. This doesn’t appease Road Dogg. He still seems angry.

Meanwhile, Kurt Angle celebrates with some fans in the concourse. It makes Lawler happy. He is glad some people acknowledge their new champion. When JR questions this, Lawler accuses him of putting a damper on the party.

Now it’s time for an impromptu match between Mark Henry and Viscera. They show a replay of Viscera splashing a pregnant Mae Young. Plus, we see a clip of Henry attacking Viscera on Heat. Lawler says Mae Young’s baby is hanging on, despite Viscera’s attack.

Mark Henry vs. Viscera

Storyline: After treating Mae to a Valentine’s Day in a honeymoon suite, Henry and Mae announced something shocking. Mae Young is pregnant! Because of this, Henry tried to keep Mae out of harm’s way, but she wouldn’t listen. Mark even paid the APA to protect her, so Mae played poker, smoked cigars, and drank beer. However, she wouldn’t stay in the back. Mae led the APA to help Mark win a match. Mae’s constant interference only put her in more danger. First, Angle gave her an Olympic Slam. Kurt claimed he thought it was Mark Henry. Later, Henry teamed with the APA vs. the Hollys and Viscera. Mae intervened again, so Hardcore clotheslined her and Viscera hit a splash. EMTs took Mae to the hospital, and Henry attacked Viscera on Heat for revenge.

The Match: They exchange wild strikes and shoulder blocks until Viscera nails a rolling kick. Then he sends Mark outside with a pair of clotheslines. After whipping Mark into the steps and post, Viscera rolls Mark inside. Next, Viscera scores a Samoan Drop and belly-to-belly. This draws Mae Young to the ring. She tries to protect Mark, so Viscera shoves her down and places her beside Henry. As Viscera hits the ropes for a splash, Mark gives him a shoulder tackle. Afterward, Mark lands a slam for the victory.

Thoughts: They kept it short, but it still wasn’t good. When fans chant boring during a match that isn’t even four minutes, you know it’s bad. I don’t mind a good hoss battle, but this wasn’t one of those.

Winner: Mark Henry (3:48)

Lilian interviews Chris Jericho. She asks what happened out there. Did this cause friction with Chyna? After calling her Vivian, Jericho asks why it would cause friction. This wasn’t Chyna’s fault. It was Kirk Angel, the real Olympic jackass! He used the belt to win the belt. Jericho says this is fine, but he gives Angle some advice. If Kurt keeps celebrating and making the Jerichoholics sick, he will give Kurt a beating he will never ever forget again!

Meanwhile, EMTs check on Billy Gunn. He says something popped in his shoulder. They tell him to relax, but Gunn is in terrible pain.

Now we get the entrances for the Hardys vs. Edge & Christian. Terri accompanies the Hardys, so Lawler says she doesn’t look traumatized. King also says he’s happy to see Terri’s back—and her front. As he says this, they show a clip of Terri paying the APA to protect her from the Dudleys. This leads to the APA joining them. They stand in the aisle and watch for the Dudley Boyz.

Tag Team #1 Contender Match: Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/ Terri)

Storyline: Edge hasn’t had a good month. First, Edge passed out during a tag match against Head Cheese. Then the Dudleys put Edge and Christian through the same table, and Edge spat up blood. Next, Edge & Christian received a tag title shot, but the Dudleys ruined it. Since they had a common enemy, Edge & Christian and the Hardys united against the Dudleys. However, miscommunications created friction between the teams. In one instance, Christian pulled Jeff Hardy out of the ring and tried to steal a pin. Later, they paired again. This time, the Hardys and Edge & Christian faced Head Cheese and the Radicalz. Snow shoved Matt into Edge to cost them the win. Afterward, Edge & Christian and the Hardys argued until Matt slapped the taste out of Edge’s mouth. It caused a brawl.

The Match: The Hardys take control early with athletic reversals and quick strikes. They also hit Poetry in Motion before Jeff does an Arabian Press. But the flurry ends when Christian counters Matt’s powerbomb and nails a neckbreaker. Edge tags and cleans house while Christian lands a triangle jump plancha onto Matt. Now Edge & Christian use frequent tags and chinlocks to slow the pace. Plus, Christian drop toe holds Edge into Jeff’s crotch. Afterward, they land a powerbomb and powerslam. However, the Hardys fight back and Jeff tags Matt. This leads to chaos. The Hardys nail double team attacks and try another Poetry. This time, Edge spears Jeff in mid-air! As everyone continues brawling, Terri climbs onto the apron, and shoves Jeff off the top rope! When Matt asks what she’s doing, Terri slaps him. It allows Christian to end it with an Unprettier.

Thoughts: This was good. The action was crisp, and they told a nice story, especially with the finish. The problem is, it wasn’t what the fans expected. They were quiet during this bout. The crowd is used to high-flying and crazy spots with these guys. Despite the reaction, I still enjoyed this.

Winners: Edge & Christian (16:55)

Terri celebrates with Edge & Christian, but they look confused. They aren’t the only ones. JR doesn’t get it. Lawler tells him Terri kicked the Hardys to the curb. Meanwhile, Edge & Christian leaves, so the APA thinks they are done. However, Matt grabs Terri by the hair. While he yells at her, the APA rushes to the ring and attacks the Hardys. Faarooq almost kills Jeff with a Dominator! So JR asks what the hell is going on around here.

Backstage, Cole asks Edge and Christian for their thoughts on the tainted victory. Christian says he knew they would win, but he never expected this. So Edge asks what he’s talking about. Edge says the Hardys would have taken the same opportunity. All that matters is they won, and they’re going to WrestleMania to face the champs.

Elsewhere, Lilian speaks with the Big Show. She says Big Show wants redemption when he faces The Rock for his Mania title shot. After stumbling over his words, Big Show presents his footage again. He says it proves he won the Rumble, so why do the fans boo him? He shouldn’t have to face The Rock tonight! But Big Show will close the deal on The Rock and get his championship match.

Tazz vs. Big Boss Man (w/ Prince Albert)

Storyline: After dealing with Angle, Tazz found more trouble. The Mean Street Posse insulted him and earned a beating. Plus, Tazz defeated the Posse in a Handicap Match. So the Posse sought help from the Acolytes. They paid the Acolytes for protection. This gave Bradshaw an idea. He started the Acolytes Protection Agency. Meanwhile, Boss Man and Albert had their issues. It seemed their team imploded, but it was a test. Once Albert showed enough aggression, Boss Man said Albert made him proud. After reuniting, Boss Man wrestled Tazz. Tazz put him in the Tazmission, but Boss Man whacked him with the nightstick. Afterward, Albert attacked Tazz. Later, Boss and Albert fought Godfather and D’Lo. Tazz cost them the bout and tried to gouge out Albert’s eye! So Boss Man and Albert jumped Tazz on Heat.

The Match: They brawl in the aisle until Tazz takes Boss Man down with an armbar. Then he rolls Boss Man inside. Boss Man uses an eye rake, stomps, punches, and a corner splash. But Tazz answers with a clothesline and a t-bone suplex. The Tazmission follows, so Albert attacks to cause a DQ.

Thoughts: This didn’t last long enough to rate. Plus, it had almost no build on TV. It does nothing for either man. Fans will forget about it by the end of the night. The only thing they will remember is the post-match antics.

Winner: Tazz (by DQ) (0:47)

Albert continues his attack and nails a Baldo Bomb. Plus, Boss Man whacks Tazz with the nightstick. No matter what they do, Tazz keeps coming. They tell him to stay down, but Tazz rises again. So Boss Man breaks the nightstick over Tazz’s head. Even this can’t get the job done. Thankfully, the officials stop the madness. (The match sucked, but I liked this part.)

Meanwhile, Angle’s celebration continues. He found a megaphone and addresses the fans. Kurt inspires them to reach for greatness.

After a recap, X-Pac and Tori enter the arena. JR shows his disgust for Tombstone Tori. While he says this, they show a replay of X-Pac shooting Kane with a flamethrower. Lawler says Kane hates and fears fire, but he felt it again. This leads to Kane’s entrance. He sets off his pyro from the aisle, which scares X-Pac and Tori.

No Holds Barred Match: X-Pac (w/ Tori) vs. Kane (w/ Paul Bearer)

Storyline: Tori riled Kane until he demanded a fight with X-Pac. But DX tied Kane to the ring post and made him listen. X-Pac revealed the truth. Tori seduced him during their Christmas together! Then they kissed in front of a helpless Kane. Afterward, Kane walked off into the snowy night and disappeared. The rumors said they institutionalized him again. However, Paul Bearer returned with a vengeful Kane, and Kane Tombstoned Tori! As a result, Triple H put Kane in handicap fights to get a shot at X-Pac. Later, Hunter even gave Kane a WWF championship shot, but it was an ambush. DX stuffed Kane and Bearer into the luggage compartment of the DX Express tour bus. The driver dumped them in the middle of nowhere. Finally, Kane faced Benoit, and Tori lured Kane up the ramp. It was a trap. X-Pac blasted him with a flamethrower!

The Match: Kane makes X-Pac retreat after a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. This leads to brawling around the arena. They fight with a trash can and even the entrance set. When they return to ringside, X-Pac uses the ring bell. But Paul Bearer stops him when he goes for a chair. Because of this, Tori and Bearer chase each other around the ring. Meanwhile, Kane grabs the ring steps, but Pac thwarts his plans. X-Pac takes control. He attacks Kane’s leg and tries a Figure Four, but Kane boots him through the ropes. Later, X-Pac avoids a Tombstone, throws a low blow, and lands the X-Factor. However, Kane rises while Pac fights with Bearer. After a chokeslam, Tori jumps on Kane’s back. She earns another Tombstone for her trouble. With her down, Kane grabs the steps. So X-Pac kicks the steps into Kane’s face and uses them to pin Kane.

Thoughts: This was good. It wasn’t their best meeting, but I still enjoyed it. The problem is, they should have ended this feud with their Cage Match. The rivalry is going too long, which doesn’t help them. This never-ending storyline and X-Pac’s antics are a big reason the fans get sick of X-Pac.

Winner: X-Pac (7:46)

Next, Cole interviews the Radicalz. He asks them if they’re nervous about their first WWF PPV. So Dean responds with his own question. Does this look like the four faces of nervousness? He says they will wear the dancing shoes after they beat Too Cool and Rikishi. Then Benoit calls Cole’s question insulting. As for Saturn, he says this isn’t prom night. Why should they be nervous? He also says people should only dance on tables for money. After Saturn’s answer, they show a replay of Rikishi hitting a Rikishi Drop on Eddie’s injured arm. So Cole asks if Eddie will provide moral support. Eddie says you could call it that, as he pulls out a large metal rod.

During the entrances, Lawler says he wants to weigh one of Rikishi’s butt cheeks. JR mocks him for this comment.

Too Cool & Rikishi vs. The Radicalz (Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, & Perry Saturn) (w/ Eddie Guerrero)

Storyline: After the Radicalz aligned with DX, Hunter gave them a task. The Radicalz and Outlaws would take out Too Cool and Rikishi for helping Cactus Jack. During a handicap contest with Saturn & Malenko, Rikishi debuted a new move. Rikishi stuck them in the corner and rubbed his ass in their faces. (They haven’t named it the Stink Face yet.) So the Radicalz retaliated by attacking Rikishi’s ankle. Then, on Smackdown, they tried to break the ankle with the ring steps. Afterward, Guerrero made Chimel announce a forfeit win over Rikishi. As a result, an injured Rikishi lured Eddie into a fight. Rikishi and Too Cool ambushed Eddie with crutches. Plus, Rikishi did a Rikishi Drop on Eddie’s hurt arm. This led to Triple H, X-Pac, & Road Dogg vs. Rikishi & Too Cool. During the bout, Hunter attacked Rikishi’s bad leg with a chair.

The Match: Everyone brawls and Eddie’s weapon attack fails. So Too Cool controls things with knockdowns, strikes, and dancing! Plus, Rikishi gives Benoit a Stink Face. However, the Radicalz prevent a Rikishi Driver and The Worm. This allows the Radicalz to rally. They use frequent tags and double team moves. Saturn even throws in suplexes, a hurricanrana, and an Eddie-like slingshot senton. The onslaught continues until Rikishi gets a hot tag. He cleans house before Scotty convinces Rikishi to let him do The Worm. The Radicalz try to stop their flurry with chop blocks on Rikishi’s bad leg. It doesn’t work, and the match becomes a brawl. Sexay misses a Hip Hop Drop, but Benoit lands the flying headbutt. Later, everybody spills outside, except Dean and Rikishi. Dean targets the leg, but Rikishi low blows him. Rikishi then ends it with a Driver and Rikishi Drop.

Thoughts: This was a lot of fun, and they had a hot crowd. The build for this PPV made Rikishi and Too Cool into absolute stars. They shined, and it shows in the fans’ reactions. I won’t take anything away from the Radicalz either. They did well in this. Everyone put on a good performance.

Winners: Rikishi & Too Cool (12:38)

Rikishi hobbles on his bad leg, but Too Cool want him to dance. After some convincing, Rikishi and Too Cool bust a move.

Elsewhere, the Kurt Angle celebration continues. This time, Kurt pours a drink on some poor kid, so JR calls this ridiculous.

For a WWF Title shot at Mania: The Big Show vs. The Rock

Storyline: Big Show claimed Rock’s feet touched the floor at the Rumble. Therefore, Big Show was the rightful winner. However, Triple H wanted proof. So Show provided Polaroids, Jim Dotson’s eyewitness account, and video footage. This earned Big Show a shot at Rock for his Mania spot. So Rock mocked Big Show’s haircut, mannerisms, and constant bitching. The crowd loved it, but Show didn’t understand. Big Show spoke the truth, yet fans booed him! This led to multiple altercations with The Rock. Triple H even made them team, knowing they would fight. Afterward, Big Show helped DX stuff Rock into the DX Express. But Rock sneaked out the other side and whacked Show with a 2×4. Later, Rock & Jericho faced Big Show & Angle. A wild brawl erupted and spilled backstage. There, Big Show tossed Rock through a window, which got a thumbs up from Triple H.

The Match: They trade strikes and block each other’s moves until they spill outside. This leads to fighting around ringside and in the stands. Big Show even press slams Rock onto the barricade. Back inside, Show hits a powerslam and stands on The Rock. So Rock regroups. When Show follows, Rocky spits water in his face. After more back and forth, Rock scores a DDT. But Big Show answers with a side slam. It doesn’t work, so Show complains to the ref and grabs a chair. In the ensuing chaos, they knock Hebner through the ropes. Next, Show lands a chokeslam, and Tim White takes over. However, Hebner pulls him to the floor and they argue. It turns into a fight.

And then “No Chance in Hell” plays, which brings us Shane McMahon! Shane admonishes the referees, while Rock hits Big Show with the chair. It leads to a Rock Bottom and a People’s Elbow attempt. So Shane enters the ring—and whacks Rock with the chair! Show covers for the win.

Thoughts: This wasn’t a technical marvel, but it had good storytelling. Plus, they filled it with enough shenanigans to be exciting and entertaining. The crowd reacted well to it. So this was enjoyable.

Winner: The Big Show (8:55)

JR doesn’t understand. Why did Shane help Big Show, and why are they embracing? He says Shane screwed The Rock. JR wants someone to tell him why! As Shane and Big Show leave, Rock glares at them. So Shane smirks.

Meanwhile, in the parking garage, Angle loads his bags into his car. He also sings “We Are the Champions” to himself. But then Jericho and Chyna jump Kurt. Jericho locks Angle in the trunk and calls him a stupid ass. They walk away and leave Kurt. He cannot get out.

Now it’s time for Hell in a Cell. JR says Cactus Jack’s career and his lifelong dream of a Mania main event are on the line. When Triple H and Cactus Jack arrive, they lower the cell. However, Cactus sees they chained the door shut. He can’t fulfill his promise to leap off the cage onto Helmsley.

Title vs. Career Hell in a Cell Match for the WWF Title: Triple H (c) (w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs. Cactus Jack

Storyline: Cactus asked for one more shot. He needed to fulfill his dream of main-eventing WrestleMania. After Cactus threatened Stephanie and brought in the Radicalz, Hunter had enough. Cactus could have any match he wanted, but his career was on the line. So Cactus demanded Hell in a Cell. Plus, if Hunter loses, he won’t get a rematch. Once Hunter agreed, Cactus vowed to leap off the top of the cell onto Helmsley! So DX also stuffed Cactus into the DX Express and dumped him in the middle of nowhere. It led to wild brawls with weapons, and Jack smashed the window of the Express with a large pipe. Then Jack cut a heartfelt promo about ending his career on his terms. Stephanie interrupted. She had Jack arrested for property damage, but it was a ruse. Fake cops locked Jack in a cage, which Hunter dragged behind the Express.

The Match: While they brawl, Cactus tries to kick the door open, to no avail. Then they use the cage wall, chairs, and the steps on each other. It bloodies Triple H. Plus, Cactus nails a Double-Arm DDT and Russian Leg Sweep onto the chair. So Hunter answers with a drop toe hold onto the weapon. Later, Jack lands a chair-assisted Cactus Elbow and throws the steps. They miss Hunter, but it breaks open the side of the cell! The opening isn’t big enough, so Cactus throws his body through it. He shreds his arm as he crashes through the mesh.

Once they get outside, Cactus hits a piledriver on the announce table. Afterward, he fetches the 2×4 wrapped in barbed wire from under a table. Hunter does the only thing he can think of. He climbs to the roof to get away, but Cactus follows. When they meet, Hunter rubs the barbed wire board in Jack’s face until he falls. Cactus lands on the announce table, yet he rises again! After failing to throw a chair to the roof, Jack joins Hunter. Now Jack lights the 2×4 on fire and decks Triple H. With Hunter down, Jack looks to piledrive him on the board. But Triple H backdrops Cactus, and the roof gives way! When Jack hits the mat, the ring breaks! So Hunter climbs down and nudges Jack with his foot. Jack stirs, to everyone’s surprise. So Hunter gives him the Pedigree to end it.

Thoughts: This was great. They recreated some of the insanity of Foley’s first Hell in a Cell, but in a safer fashion. This gave us some memorable visuals. Also, I love the story they told. I would say it’s a perfect way to end Foley’s career, but we all know this isn’t the end. But it doesn’t take away from the match.

Winner: Triple H (24:00)

JR feels sick. Cactus Jack’s fifteen-year career is over. While he says this, the EMTs arrive to help Jack. However, Cactus pulls himself to his feet. Lawler can’t believe he is moving. Cactus refuses medical help. He wants to leave under his own power. So JR calls him one of the finest men he has ever known. As Cactus walks down the aisle, the fans give him a standing ovation. And JR says goodbye to his friend.

The Good:

• The main event was amazing.

• The opener was good.

• Edge & Christian vs. The Hardys was solid.

• The Radicalz vs. Too Cool & Rikishi was fun.

• Kurt Angle was entertaining.

The Bad:

• Mark Henry vs. Viscera.

• Tazz vs. Boss Man was forgettable.

Observations:

• The episodes of TV between Royal Rumble and No Way Out were some of the best of the Attitude Era. Words can’t describe how loud the fans were at each show. You should especially watch the ten-man tag main event from the February 7, 2000 RAW.

Performer of the Night:

It has to be Cactus Jack. This was his night. Despite the safety measures, the bump through the cell still looked scary. So I give him all the respect for taking it.

Final Thoughts:

This was another strong PPV. Sure, two of the matches missed the mark, but this doesn’t detract from the overall quality. The rest made up for it. Having an amazing midcard helps. Adding the Radicalz is a big reason for this. Plus, many of the acts are getting over with the fans.

Thank you for reading. My next review is ECW’s Living Dangerously 2000. Look for it next Sunday!