Backlash 2000

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

Backlash

April 30, 2000

MCI Center

Washington, D.C.

News & Notes: The McMahons reunited and hugged the night after WrestleMania. Vince said he didn’t owe the fans an explanation. He also vowed to run the Rock out of the WWF for what he did to Stephanie. Then Shane fought the Rock, and the McMahons interfered. Earl Hebner had enough of this. He argued with Triple H and shoved him. This allowed Rock to give Hunter a Rock Bottom. Afterward, Rock told Hebner to count while he covered Triple H, and Hebner counted a three. He even tried to hand the Rock the WWF Title! So the McMahons confronted Earl. They asked why he would do such a thing. Earl said it was because the Rock told him to do it. When the McMahons heard this, they put Hebner on probation for his behavior. (There was more Hebner drama, but I’ll discuss it before Jericho’s match.)

Meanwhile, the McMahons enlisted Boss Man and Bull to make the Rock’s life hell after Rock hit Vince with a chair. Rock had to beat them in a handicap cage fight if he wanted another WWF Title shot. The Rock won, so Triple H busted Rocky open with some brass knuckles. Then the McMahons gloated, so Rock teamed with the APA against Hunter, Boss Man, and Buchanan. This ended with Rocky giving Shane a Rock Bottom on the announce table. As a result, Vince vowed to be in Triple H’s corner at Backlash. When Linda found out, she evened the odds for the Rock. Linda revealed Stone Cold Steve Austin would be in Rock’s corner! This caused a chaotic scene. Steph tried to slap Linda, but Linda slapped her. Hunter attempted to Pedigree Linda in response, but Shane punched Hunter! Then Steph slapped Hunter and Shane to stop it!

I’ll explain the rest before the main event. But first, here’s a rundown of some extra storylines. We might have seen the last of Head Cheese. Snow took Blackman to a retirement home and made him do some awful stand-up comedy. An old lady heckled Steve, so he attacked her. Later, Snow tried to make up for it by changing their team’s name to Snow Bunnies. Blackman hated it. But the last straw came when Snow cost them a win. Blackman turned on Al and beat him up. So Snow tried to win Blackman back by dressing like him and using weapons. Elsewhere, Terri and the Kat continued their feud. Terri tricked Kat into getting a makeover and paid a hairdresser to ruin her hair. Finally, we have Stephanie’s short-lived personal trainer. Her name was Muffy, but she lasted one week.

Dramatic music plays while they show footage of the McMahon-Helmsley Regime’s reign of terror. Triple H says he already proved the Rock isn’t in his league. Shane and Vince are proud Hunter is the WWF champ, and the Rock isn’t. But at Backlash, Stone Cold will be in the Rock’s corner, and Vince will accompany Triple H. However, can the Rock trust Stone Cold? And what will happen when Shane is the special referee? Either way, Austin promised to be on the same side he was always on, and that’s his! But he is good at tearing shit up. Austin demonstrated this by blowing up the DX Express!

Then JR welcomes everyone to a sold out MCI Center. He says six titles are on the line, and we have the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin. While JR says this, we hear Debra’s theme, which excites Jerry Lawler. He says the puppies are back. Debra is here to do the guest ring announcing, so JR tells King to control himself.

Tag Team Title Match: Edge & Christian (c) vs. Road Dogg & X-Pac (w/ Tori)

Storyline: Road Dogg & X-Pac received a chance at the tag titles, and it appeared they captured the belts. However, Earl Hebner came to the ring and told the referee DX cheated. The official restarted the match, and Edge & Christian won with a spear. Next, Edge & Christian fought Boss Man & Bull. It ended in a DQ when Boss Man shoved the ref. Afterward, DX mocked Edge & Christian for getting lucky against Boss Man & Bull, so Edge insulted DX. It caused a brawl between the teams. This led to singles bouts between the four men, which DX cheated to win. So Edge and Christian promised to ruin Road Dogg’s Intercontinental Title shot, and they kept their promise. Christian even gave Tori a reverse DDT. Later, Road Dogg defeated Christian, but they reversed the decision after DX brutally attacked Edge & Christian.

The Match: Edge makes Road Dogg regroup after a shoulder block and wheel kick. Then Edge & Christian hit their vaulting corner splash and a powerslam. However, Road Dogg turns Christian’s corner punches into a hotshot. Now DX uses ref distractions to attack Christian on the floor and double team him in their corner. Plus, Tori chokes him before X-Pac does a Bronco Buster. Road Dogg even lands the shake, rattle, & knee drop. More cheating pisses off Edge, so he nails a flying headbutt on X-Pac behind the official’s back. Afterward, Christian scores a double reverse DDT and tags Edge. He cleans house, and a brawl erupts. Dogg and Christian counter each other’s finishers. Edge gives X-Pac a sit-out bomb. And X-Pac kicks Tori by accident! The chaos allows X-Pac to hit the X-Factor, but Christian decks him with the ring bell, and Edge covers for the win.

Thoughts: This was an exciting opener. It contained fine action and a hot finish. Things became chaotic, but in a good way. You could hear the crowd grow more excited as the ending unfolded, so it did its job well.

Winners: Edge & Christian (8:37)

X-Pac is a bloody mess after the bell shot. JR says Edge & Christian won by hook or by crook. Meanwhile, the Rock arrives at the arena in a limo.

Light Heavyweight Title Match: Dean Malenko (c) vs. Scotty 2 Hotty

Storyline: The Big Show injured Grandmaster Sexay after Brian insulted him, which left Scotty 2 Hotty without his tag team partner. Then Scotty and Rikishi teamed with Tazz to fight the Radicalz. During the match, Malenko attacked Scotty while he moonwalked, so Scotty put Dean in his own Texas Cloverleaf. However, Saturn broke it up, and Dean pinned Scotty. Next, Scotty fought Dean for the Light Heavyweight Title, but Dean defeated Scotty by holding onto Scotty’s pants during the cover. Later, Scotty got a rematch. This time, Scotty hooked Dean’s legs on a superplex and captured the Light Heavyweight belt! So Dean tried to regain the gold in a triple threat against Scotty and Taka. Dean failed, but he put Scotty in a Cloverleaf out of anger. This led to one more bout where Dean regained his championship by using the ropes to pin Scotty.

The Match: Scotty counters a powerbomb with an arm drag, nails a back suplex, kips up, and does a moonwalk. He also attempts a facebuster, but Dean clotheslines him and targets the leg. Malenko works it over with strikes, an ankle lock, a leglock, and a shinbreaker. Plus, Dean rams Scotty’s knee into the mat and the post. Scotty uses desperate roll-ups, but Dean lands a superplex. More back and forth follows until Scotty scores a facebuster and the Worm. However, Dean recovers and tries to pin Scotty with his feet on the ropes. Next, Dean gives Scotty a Tiger Driver and a powerslam. So Scotty dumps Malenko outside for a breather. This leads to fighting on the top rope. Dean blocks a superplex and turns it into a super DDT for the three.

Thoughts: This was a strong technical encounter, and it built to a nice finish. They never lost the crowd. The fans rallied for Scotty when they were supposed to. Also, it was a good showcase for both men. Scotty is getting more over with each outing, so it is nice to see him shine as a singles competitor.

Winner: Dean Malenko (11:47)

Vince holds a meeting backstage with the McMahon-Helmsley Regime. He asks the Stooges if they are with him again. Patterson and Brisco assure Vince they are. So Vince says if they are really with him, it’s all hands on deck tonight. Patterson tells Vince not to worry about it, but JR finds this scene ominous.

JR also says Stone Cold hasn’t arrived at the building yet. This worries him because Stone Cold is almost always one of the first people in the arena.

Big Boss Man & Bull Buchanan vs. The Acolytes

Storyline: Bull Buchanan fought Kane the night after Mania. Kane won, but Boss Man and Bull broke Kane’s hand afterward. Later, Vince hired Boss and Bull. He wanted them to neutralize the APA when Taka Michinoku paid the Acolytes for protection during his match with Triple H. Boss and Bull used their baton and nightstick on the APA, and the McMahons gave the Acolytes a cheap shot as they left. This led to wild brawls between the Acolytes and Boss Man and Bull. Plus, Kane sought revenge a few times. The APA also teamed with the Rock against Hunter, Boss Man, and Buchanan. Meanwhile, Boss and Bull trashed the APA’s office while they were out to lunch. They even drank their beer! Finally, Boss and Bull helped Angle with Big Show, but the APA scuffled with Boss and Bull again.

The Match: Bull and Bradshaw start. Bradshaw scores a DDT, flying shoulder tackle, spear, and swinging neckbreaker. Buchanan answers with a springboard clothesline, but he falls to Faarooq’s back suplex and shoulder block. Then the Acolytes attack Boss Man on the floor, and Bull tries to help, but Teddy Long makes him go back to his corner. This lasts until Faarooq misses a corner charge. Now Boss and Bull take over. They use frequent tags, double-teaming, and a chinlock. Plus, Long misses Bradshaw’s tag. However, Faarooq enters the ring and nails a spinebuster. Once Bradshaw tags, it becomes a wild brawl. Faarooq and Boss Man fight outside. Meanwhile, Bull lands a superplex, but Bradshaw recovers and hits the Clothesline from Hell. Unfortunately, the brawling outside distracts the ref. This allows Boss to deck Bradshaw with the nightstick. And Bull ends it with a guillotine leg drop.

Thoughts: This was okay. The action wasn’t bad, and I liked the ending, but the rest was dull. They could have leaned more toward a hoss battle, but they went with a more traditional-style tag team encounter. It didn’t suit them, so it fell flat.

Winners: Boss Man & Buchanan (8:37)

The Hardy Boyz are backstage. Matt says even though they are brothers, it will be a wild night. They might have to fight each other. Matt promises to work together as long as they can, but he won’t hold anything back if it comes down to them. Jeff believes him. He says Matt almost broke his jaw last week. Matt reminds Jeff it isn’t the first time they have fought. Then the Hardys fist bump after coming to an understanding about the bout. Elsewhere, Crash shines his Hardcore Title, but Hardcore Holly interrupts him. Bob says he will enjoy beating Crash around the arena, despite being cousins. Crash asks why it has to be this way. He suggests they work together, and may the best man win. Crash even offers a handshake. So Hardcore smacks him and says he’s lucky there isn’t a referee there.

6-Man Hardcore Title Match: Crash Holly (c) vs. Hardcore Holly vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Perry Saturn vs. Tazz

Storyline: Crash took back his Hardcore championship with the APA’s help, but this put him in the line of fire again. Meanwhile, Tazz and Saturn had issues because Saturn cost Tazz a chance at the IC Title. These issues boiled over when Saturn fought Crash. Tazz helped Crash take the HC belt back from Saturn. Next, Hardcore Holly attempted to defeat Crash, but Crash escaped. Crash also fended off the Posse, who dressed as clowns to jump him. To make matters worse, Matt Hardy took Crash’s gold when the Hollys faced the Hardys. However, Crash reclaimed it while Matt and Jeff wrestled each other. While these things happened, Tazz won and lost the ECW Title. (More on this in my next ECW review.) This led to Tazz challenging Triple H to a champion vs. champion meeting. Hunter won with a low blow and botched interference by Tommy Dreamer.

The Match: Saturn, Hardcore, and Tazz suplex and powerbomb Crash, but everyone breaks up the pins. Then Crash runs away. He climbs onto the hooks hanging from the entrance set, but the Hardys knock him down and dive off the hooks. Saturn also slams Crash on another hook and it breaks! Afterward, they return to the ring and introduce weapons. They use a chair, 2×4, and road sign. Plus, the Hardys nail Poetry in Motion. Later, the Hardys get metal trays and perform moves with them. This isn’t enough, so the Hardys introduce a ladder. Matt scores a Twist of Fate, and Jeff does the Swanton from the ladder, but they argue over the pin. This allows Tazz to put Crash in a Tazmission, so Saturn clocks Tazz with a stop sign. During the ensuing chaos, Crash pins the unconscious Tazz for the victory.

Thoughts: This contained a few cool spots. I like what they did with the hooks. Plus, the Hardys did some nice stuff with the ladder. However, most of this was dull and repetitive. It wasn’t bad, but it was average for a hardcore spectacle.

Winner: Crash Holly (12:18)

Next, Coach interviews Shane McMahon. They have sound issues for the first few seconds, but it clears up. Coach says Shane is the referee for the main event. Isn’t this a conflict of interest? Shane’s father is in Triple H’s corner. Shane says he appreciates his father for giving him this opportunity. He plans to be an impartial official. After all, there are two thoroughbreds competing tonight. So Shane will call it down the middle! Now Shane excuses himself to get ready. They are up soon.

Afterward, Kurt Angle arrives for his match with the Big Show, but he has something to say first. Angle says he has a lot in common with the nation’s capital. He is honest, like Washington and Lincoln. So he tells the truth about Big Show. He is a giant waste of talent and a disappointment. If only Big Show followed Kurt’s Three Is. Angle also assures the crowd he is nothing like Marion Barry. Washington should feel ashamed for reelecting him. It seems Kurt is America’s last remaining hero. With this said, we get Big Show’s entrance. However, Hulk Hogan’s music plays! Out comes Big Show dressed in a Hogan costume. He wears a t-shirt that says Showster on it, and Big Show rips it. JR says Big Show does Hogan better than Hogan himself. Show even threatens to run wild on Kurt.

The Big Show vs. Kurt Angle

Storyline: Big Show’s appearance on SNL gave him an idea. He wants to be more entertaining. Show tried to do the Worm, and he danced with Rikishi. Plus, Show wore costumes, such as dressing like the Godfather, Val Venis, and Fat Bastard. However, Show still had an aggressive side if people pushed him. Later, Hunter and Shane offered Angle a shot at the tag titles. His partner was the Big Show. Unfortunately, Show’s antics cost them the win, so Kurt slapped Show and they brawled. Meanwhile, Kurt Angle went on a mission to fight filth and debauchery by promoting abstinence. He campaigned on the campus of Penn State, but Big Show ruined it by handing out condoms. Afterward, Angle attempted to pay the APA to beat up Big Show. They refused, so Kurt sought help from Boss Man and Bull instead. Rikishi came to Big Show’s aid.

The Match: Angle throws strikes, which Big Show no-sells. He punches Kurt and hits the big boot and leg drop, but Kurt kicks out at two. (JR can’t believe Angle kicked out of the leg drop. Lawler says this never happens.) Now Kurt chop blocks Big Show and works on his leg. He drops elbows and jumps on the knee. Kurt even tries a Figure Four, but Show shoves him away. Angle pissed off Big show, so he removes his bald cap and throws chops and elbows. Finally, Big Show nails a short-arm clothesline and chokeslam for the three.

Thoughts: This was good fun. The crowd loved it. They even started a Hogan chant. Angle won’t suffer for the loss. This entertained the fans too much for them to care about that. Plus, it can give Angle more character motivation to be upset.

Winner: The Big Show (2:35)

After a recap, Cole interviews Trish Stratus and T&A. He asks Trish how she really feels about Bubba Ray Dudley. Trish says Bubba is a passionate man. He shows his true emotions, and Trish likes that. Then Trish flirts with Cole. She says some men hold their emotions inside until they explode. Tonight, Bubba will know exactly how she feels. Elsewhere, Bubba watches this promo on a monitor. He has a dazed look on his face. D-Von tells him it’s time to go, but Bubba doesn’t respond. So D-Von has enough. He can’t believe this bleached blonde bimbo got into their business. D-Von tells Bubba to take it back the Dudley way. It’s time to testify!

Meanwhile, JR says they are still waiting for Steve Austin to arrive. While he says this, they show Billy Corgan in the crowd. Lawler asks if JR is aware of the Smashing Pumpkins. He says it isn’t something you do at Halloween. JR says he knows who they are because Kevin Dunn told him.

T&A (w/ Trish Stratus) vs. The Dudley Boyz

Storyline: The Dudleys defeated T&A, and Bubba wanted to put Trish through a table. However, T&A escaped while the Hardys brawled with the Dudleys. This led to the Dudleys and T&A attacking each other in the locker room and after matches. Albert gave Bubba a choke toss onto a table, and the Dudleys got revenge on Albert, but Bubba still needed Trish. He almost succeeded until Trish kissed Bubba to make him stop. This left Bubba conflicted, so Trish messed with his head. She filmed sexy innuendo-laden videos where she wore skimpy outfits on tables. Later, they showed Bubba backstage muttering about how he loved and hated Trish. Bubba’s confusion cost the Dudleys a win, so Bubba had to put Trish through a table. He came close again, only for Trish to rub and kiss his head to prevent it. This allowed T&A to drive Bubba through another table.

The Match: Bubba chases Trish and eats a clothesline from Test. However, the Dudleys take over with strikes and eye rakes. They also lure Test into the ring and nail the Wassup Drop. So T&A answers with big boots, a gut-wrench bomb, and a double slam. Albert even press slams Test onto D-Von. Next, D-Von rallies, but the ref misses the tag. So T&A drags him to their corner for more double-teaming and a sit-out bomb by Albert. This ends when D-Von catches Albert on the top rope and lands a superplex. Test and Bubba tag. Bubba cleans house, and the Dudleys do their back suplex neckbreaker. It isn’t enough, and Albert gives D-Von a Baldo Bomb. Afterward, another brawl erupts when Test misses a flying elbow. The Dudleys gain control and attempt the 3D, but Trish distracts Bubba. This allows Test to hit a big boot for the win.

Thoughts: This was a solid tag bout. The heat spot on D-Von went a little long, but it didn’t ruin this. Plus, the finish fit the storyline well. So they did everything then need to. I enjoyed this.

Winners: T&A (11:06)

T&A can’t celebrate because Bubba gives Test a Bubba Cutter, and they hit a 3D on Albert. Afterward, Bubba grabs Trish. He tells D-Von to get a table, so Trish kisses him again. It appears to work for a moment, but Bubba shakes it off and grabs her before she can leave. This time, Bubba puts Trish through the table with a superbomb. It garners a monster pop from the crowd. D-Von has to smack Bubba across the face to break his euphoric trance. As the Dudleys leave, EMTs load Trish onto a stretcher.

They wheel her backstage, and we see a ‘57 Chevy pull into the parking garage. Eddie and Chyna are back from their prom, but Eddie is late for his match. A ref informs Eddie he will forfeit his belt if he doesn’t get out there now, so Eddie drives the car into the arena. Then Eddie removes his shirt and dons his elbow pads, but he keeps the bow tie and cummerbund.

European Title Match: Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna) vs. Essa Rios (w/ Lita)

Storyline: Eddie fought Jericho for the Euro belt the night after Mania, and Chyna did the unthinkable. She turned on Jericho and helped Eddie win the gold. Chyna couldn’t resist the Latino Heat. It was clear Chyna had him wrapped around her finger. He gave her roses, wore her t-shirt, and kissed her feet. Chyna even encouraged Eddie to finish his GED. When he passed, Eddie celebrated by inviting his mamacita to a prom. Meanwhile, Eddie teamed with Essa Rios, but Lita cost them victories by hitting Eddie by mistake. When this happened twice, Chyna attacked Lita. She also threw Lita to the Dudleys and let them put her through a table. Later, Eddie & Chyna wrestled Rios & Val Venis. Rios pinned Eddie, and Chyna scuffled with Lita again.

The Match: They exchange athletic reversals, takedowns, and suplexes until Eddie sidesteps a slingshot crossbody. He runs Essa into the steps and performs his slingshot senton. Then Eddie dumps Rios outside for Chyna’s attack. Next, Rios scores a missile dropkick and counters a powerbomb into an arm drag. Plus, Essa lands a monkey flip. Unfortunately, Rios tumbles outside when Eddie ducks. Chyna jumps him again and thwarts Lita’s interference. She shoves Lita off the top rope and onto the announce table! However, Rios rallies. He gives Eddie an Asai Moonsault and a somersault plancha over the ring post! So Chyna crotches Rios on the top rope for Eddie’s superplex. He follows with a brainbuster and climbs to the top. This time, Rios surprises Eddie with a super arm drag! A moonsault follows, but Eddie raises his knees. This opens the door for Eddie’s airplane spin neckbreaker and a victory.

Thoughts: This started shaky, but it developed into a fine contest. It’s a shame the crowd wasn’t into it as much as I hoped. Essa did some impressive spots. I liked his somersault over the post and the super arm drag. Plus, Eddie used a unique finisher. I have never seen him do that. This was enjoyable.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero (8:38)

Eddie and Chyna celebrate with a hug, but Essa kicks Eddie into Chyna. Then Lita strips the evening gown off Chyna while they are down. She runs away with it before Chyna can retaliate. Eddie likes what he sees, but Chyna isn’t happy. But he makes her smile by twirling her around for the fans to see. However, she swats his hands away when he tries to get frisky. This makes her laugh.

Backstage, Coach interviews Triple H, Stephanie, and Vince McMahon. Coach says Hunter seems too relaxed for someone who has to face the Rock with Austin in his corner. Hunter says Coach is an intelligent man. He also asks if Coach watched him wrestle. Coach says yes, so Triple H says it isn’t a slogan or catchphrase when he calls himself the Game. He is that damn good, and he will prove it once and for all. Now Coach turns to Vince. He asks what Vince’s surprise is tonight. Vince says Austin’s absence surprised everyone. But McMahon’s sources told him Austin suffered transportation difficulties. Therefore, he might not make it tonight.

Elsewhere, Cole interviews Benoit. He says Chris will face a man who doesn’t mind telling the world he should be the Intercontinental champion. Benoit knows Jericho has no problem telling the world how good he is. But he tells Jericho to remember who is the champion and who is the challenger. Jericho likes to compare Benoit to a robot. Benoit says the difference is, he has emotions, and he will take pleasure in expressing those emotions on Jericho. Finally, Chris warns Jericho he is the happiest man on Earth. He knows what he will do to Jericho, and he will take pleasure in doing it.

This leads to Jericho’s entrance. He welcomes everybody to D.C. is Jericho. Plus, Jericho calls his opponent Chris Ben-oyt. He tells Mr. Roboto D.C. is full of expressionless, emotionless, deprogrammed drones called politicians. So Jericho vows to veto Benoit’s title reign, and he will beat the living hell out of Benoit.

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

Storyline: Benoit had successful title defenses against Tazz, Rikishi, Hardcore Holly, Kurt Angle, and Road Dogg. Meanwhile, Chris Jericho found himself in hot water when he insulted Stephanie McMahon. He mistook Steph and Tori for some of the Godfather’s hoes, so Steph told Triple H to defend her honor. Since he had nothing to lose, Jericho called Steph a bottom-feeding trash bag ho. He used this to goad Triple H into putting the WWF championship on the line. During the bout, Hunter got physical with Hebner, so Earl shoved Hunter. Jericho used the opening to nail a Lionsault, and Hebner fast counted Hunter to give Jericho the belt! However, Hunter bullied Hebner into reversing the decision and then fired Earl. Later, Benoit mocked Jericho about what happened. This caused a brawl between them, and Jericho challenged Benoit for the IC belt. Jericho also pinned Benoit during a tag bout.

The Match: They tussle and tumble out of the ring before exchanging strikes. Then they do mat wrestling until Benoit scores rolling Germans. Jericho blocks the last one and they head outside, but Benoit crashes on a missed dive! Next, they fight with the ring steps, and Benoit kicks them into Jericho. Back inside, Benoit uses an ab stretch and elbows Jericho’s ribs. Jericho breaks free and lands a Lionsault, but it hurts his ribs again. Later, Jericho hits a facebuster and drapes Benoit on the ropes. However, he whiffs on a triangle dropkick. Plus, Benoit counters a back superplex in mid-air. This puts them both down for a while, but they recover.

Now both men try their submission finishers, but they end with rope breaks. Worse yet, Jericho wipes out the ref with a jumping forearm. So Benoit uses the belt on Jericho, but it only gets a two! He even tries a flying headbutt. Jericho decks him with the belt as he comes down, but the ref sees this and disqualifies Jericho.

Thoughts: This was great. There were a couple of shaky moments, but it was otherwise solid. I also have no problem with the finish. I’m happy with the feud continuing, so the end makes me want to see a rematch.

Winner: Chris Benoit (by DQ) (15:03)

Jericho argues with the ref before putting him in the Walls of Jericho. The other officials rush to the ring to save him, but the fans love it. Then Jericho releases him and shoves the refs. JR says the finish sucks at first, but he changes his tune once he sees the replay. Ross didn’t realize Jericho used the belt.

Now Cole interviews the Rock. He says Stone Cold still hasn’t arrived. Does this concern the Rock? Rock says Austin could be there, or in Texas, or even two minutes away. The only thing you can count on is the Rock’s guaran-damn-tee to walk out as the WWF champion. He says it doesn’t matter how many McMahons he has to go through. The Rock will make history tonight. If you smell what the Rock is cooking!

This leads to the main event. Shane enters first, wearing his referee shirt. He shuffles around the ring while JR questions his impartiality. Ross also doesn’t believe Austin had transportation issues. Lawler suggests Austin might have struck a deal with McMahon or he’s hiding. JR doesn’t agree with either of those ideas. Meanwhile, Vince holds up a copy of the program. He points out the disclaimer inside of it. This states the card is subject to change. Vince says Austin won’t be there tonight, so the fans boo. JR wonders how Vince knows this.

WWF Title Match: The Rock vs. Triple H (c) (w/ Mr. McMahon & Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley)

Storyline: The McMahons apologized to each other and focused their anger on Rock and Jericho. They made them fight in a Lumberjack Match with their handpicked lumberjacks, who attacked both men. Hunter decked Rock with the belt and pulled Jericho on top for the win. Later, Vince returned from a business trip. He admonished his family and told Hunter to never touch his wife again. Then they booked Rock & Jericho vs. & Hunter & Benoit with Shane as a ref. Hunter pinned Rock with Vince’s help. To make matters worse, Vince made Shane the referee for Backlash. So the Rock promised Austin would appear on Smackdown. The McMahons didn’t believe him, but someone taunted them throughout the episode. Was it Austin? They found out the truth when Austin appeared in a crane. He used the crane to drop a concrete block on the DX Express, which exploded upon the impact.

The Match: They trade strikes until Hunter tries a Pedigree, but Rock backdrops him. Afterward, they brawl outside and Vince rams Rock into the post. Back inside, Triple H scores a high knee and grabs a sleeper. Rock breaks free only for Vince to clock him with the belt! Shane makes a fast count when Hunter covers, but Rocky kicks out. Next, Rock sends Hunter up and over the ropes, and Helmsley hurts his shoulder. So Rock and Hunter fight back and forth until Rock scores a DDT. However, Shane refuses to count. Now Rock attacks Shane. This leads to more fighting on the announce table. It ends with Rock giving Triple H and Shane a Rock Bottom on the table at the same time! A worried Vince interferes, and Hunter throws a low blow and nails the Pedigree. There is no ref, so Vince calls out the Stooges.

Hunter covers, but Rock kicks out at two! Since it didn’t work, the Stooges attack Rock, and Vince gets a chair. Patterson and Brisco hold him while Vince clocks the Rock. Plus, Hunter attempts a Pedigree, but Austin’s music hits! The crowd goes wild as Austin comes out and hits Hunter, the McMahons, and the Stooges with a chair. Once he’s done his damage, Austin leaves. But Linda McMahon appears with the fired ref, Earl Hebner! Stephanie confronts her mom, so Linda shoves Steph on her ass. Meanwhile, Rock nails the spinebuster and People’s Elbow on Helmsley. Linda tells Earl to get in the ring, and Hebner counts the three.

Thoughts: This was excellent. It was chaotic, but in a good way. Plus, the crowd noise from Austin’s appearance to the end of the bout was insane. They blended good action and storytelling into a perfect mix.

Winner: The Rock (New Champion) (19:22)

JR says the Rock went through hell and high water to win the WWF championship. He doesn’t know where Austin was, but thank god he got there! Ross says Austin kicked corporate ass, and the Rock is once again the champion. As Rock poses with his belt, Austin’s music plays. He drives his pickup into the arena and tows the remains of the DX Express behind him. Once he parks, Austin offers the Rock a beer and they toast the WWF Title belt.

The Good:

• The main event was amazing.

• Benoit/Jericho was great.

• Eddie/Rios was good.

• Scotty/Malenko was solid.

• Big Show’s antics amused me.

• The opener was exciting.

The Bad:

• Boss & Bull vs. The APA was a little dull.

• The Hardcore Six-Man disappointed me.

Observations:

• This one is more about what happened on TV during the build. I watched the Triple H/Tazz match from Smackdown. It’s more competitive than people say. Plus, it took a low blow and Dreamer’s blunder to defeat Tazz. This was not a burial.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to the Rock. This was his big night. I enjoyed his promo, and he had a great match.

Final Thoughts:

This was another fantastic PPV. Even the low points weren’t terrible. Everything else ranged from good to great. This is now tied with Royal Rumble as my favorite event from 2000, so far. Also, the episodes of TV before this show contained some memorable moments. There’s a reason the WWF crowds were so hot. The WWF gave them hit after hit.

Thank you for reading. My next review is WCW’s Slamboree 2000. Look for it next Sunday!

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