Fully Loaded 2000

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

Fully Loaded

July 23, 2000

Reunion Arena

Dallas, Texas

News & Notes: After King of the Ring, Vince had an epiphany. He knew why Linda was behaving the way she was. She wanted another baby! Therefore, Vince headed home to be Linda’s genetic jackhammer! Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels returned. He ruined Kurt Angle’s coronation by destroying his throne. Then Shawn had a shocking announcement. Linda appointed a new commissioner, and that man was Mick Foley! This upset Triple H for obvious reasons, but Hunter also thought Shawn was going to name him as the #1 Contender. Foley wouldn’t announce Hunter as the Rock’s next opponent, but he gave him an opportunity. Foley booked Triple H vs. Angle vs. The Rock. If Triple H or Angle won, they would be the man. But if the Rock succeeded, he didn’t have to face either of them. Rocky prevailed when Jericho interfered to cost Hunter the victory.

Elsewhere, Stevie Richards returned with a new look and attitude. He calls himself Steven Richards now, and he wants to censor the filth in the WWF. This included putting sacks on the Godfather’s hoes and stealing the Dudleys’ tables. Soon Steven added Bull Buchanan as his heavy. Next, we have a newcomer named Just Joe. He likes to stir trouble by spreading rumors. Then there’s Steve Blackman. He captured the Hardcore title and fended off his competition with his many weapons. Also, Dean Malenko issued open challenges for his Light Heavyweight belt, which started feuds with both Jacqueline and Crash Holly. In other news, D’Lo and Chaz started a team because both men felt underutilized, but they aren’t calling themselves Lo Down yet. And finally, Kurt Angle angered Triple H when Hunter caught Angle hugging Stephanie. Kurt swears it was platonic.

We see images from a casino while the narrator talks about compulsive behavior, addiction, and obsession. Tonight’s competitors will roll the dice to be on top of the world. Adrenaline will rush through their veins and give them a euphoric rush. Everything is on the line because they gamble with nerves of steel and cold hearts. They must let it ride, but they are unsure of the outcome. So they expose themselves to hazards and risks for an unpredictable aftermath. In this game, you only get one opportunity. One dice roll will make or break their fortunes! Tonight, these men will risk it all with Fully Loaded dice.

Fireworks explode while JR welcomes everyone to Dallas. He says nothing could be hotter than the three main events. Plus, JR and Lawler talk about the party at WWF New York. While they speak, Trish Stratus and T&A arrive for the six-person intergender bout against the Hardys and Lita.

Intergender Tag Team Match: The Hardy Boyz & Lita vs. T&A & Trish Stratus

Storyline: The problems between the Hardys and T&A continued when the teams faced each other in a mixed tag elimination bout. It came down to Test and Lita. She put up a good fight, but Test won with a big boot. Then Trish jumped Lita a few times during matches, and T&A caused the Hardys to get eliminated from a three-team elimination contest. This led to a Street Fight between Lita and Trish. The object was to remove your opponent’s street clothes, so Steven Richards censored it. Later, Lita and Trish fought on top of a ladder before Trish shoved Lita onto one of the Dudleys’ tables. Despite her injuries, Lita came after Trish again. This time, T&A held Lita down while Trish whipped her with the referee’s belt.

The Match: Matt fends off Test and Albert before nailing the Drop Shot (diving leg drop). Then Jeff does a slingshot crossbody on Test. Next, Trish slaps Test by accident, and she runs when Lita tags. But Lita doesn’t flee. She joins the Hardys in a triple suplex on Test and Trish! However, Jeff finds himself in trouble after T&A hits a double gorilla press. Test also lands a sit-out bomb and full nelson slam. This lasts until Matt tags and performs a flying clothesline. Plus, Lita does a tornado DDT and a flying hurricanrana on Test, but Albert gives Lita a cheap shot. It knocks her into Test’s gut-wrench bomb. Now Trish wants in. She plants Lita with a bulldog, yet Lita answers with a superplex. Albert breaks up the pin, so the Hardys take him outside. This opens the door for Lita’s moonsault, and she pins Trish.

Thoughts: The was exciting and good fun. They structured and paced it almost perfectly. Plus, it was nice to see Lita get the pin. Trish and Lita did great. Lita’s flying hurricanrana to Test was beautiful. The only downside to the bout was it started a little sloppy, but they recovered and put on a fine performance.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz & Lita (13:12)

After the bell, T&A attacks Lita and the Hardys. Once they are down, Trish whips Lita with a leather belt. Matt and Jeff recover and run them off, but Trish did her damage.

While Foley chats with a security guard, Edge approaches him. He says they have a problem. Christian has food poisoning! Mick says that is convenient. Christian is sick on the same night they defend their tag belts against the Acolytes. Foley thinks Edge & Christian have a case of Fraidy-cat-itis. Edge says that isn’t true. He’s ready to go, but Christian needs a doctor. Mick says he will send for one, yet he still seems skeptical.

Meanwhile, the Undertaker arrives on his motorcycle. He asks if anyone has seen Kurt Angle. A guard points out Kurt is around the corner, so Taker drives in his direction. Angle runs for his life and enters a room, but Taker follows him inside on the bike. Before Taker can turn around, Angle scatters again.

Tazz vs. Al Snow

Storyline: Tazz started attacking people without provocation. Kane, Scotty 2 Hotty, Jeff Hardy, and Godfather all felt Tazz’s rage, but his biggest target was Rikishi. Tazz hit him with a TV camera to cause Rikishi to lose the Intercontinental title. When Kevin Kelly confronted him, Tazz said, “Oh, now you want to talk to me? I don’t think so!” But Tazz finally broke his silence. He said everyone he beat up was just another victim of the one-man crime spree. There wouldn’t be an explanation until someone tough enough could yank the reason out of his mouth. When Foley heard this, he vowed to find a suitable opponent, so Al Snow answered the call. Mick didn’t think he had a chance, yet Foley gave him the shot when Tazz choked out Snow with a Tazmission. Later, Tazz cost Al Snow an opportunity to win the Hardcore belt with another Tazmission.

The Match: Snow gets the early advantage with strikes and a Russian Leg Sweep. Tazz regroups and tries an eye rake, but Snow answers with a sit-out bomb. Next, Tazz scores an Alabama Slam, but Snow rebounds with a moonsault. He also goes to fetch Head. This allows Tazz to nail a chop block and rain crossfaces down on Snow’s head. Al fires back one more time with trapped headbutts, and he blocks a Tazmission, but he isn’t lucky the second time. Tazz makes him tap once he locks him in the hold.

Thoughts: This was okay, but it had little heat. The fans didn’t care because there wasn’t much of a build for this bout. They announced it one week before the PPV. Plus, they still don’t know Tazz’s motivations, so it’s hard for the audience to care.

Winner: Tazz (5:20)

Backstage, Edge looks on with concern while we hear Christian vomiting in a toilet. Mick brings the doctor. He shines a light in Christian’s eyes and declares Christian can’t defend the titles tonight in his condition. Foley says he owes Edge and Christian an apology. He hopes Christian feels better. As Mick leaves, Christian runs back to the stall to throw up again.

Meanwhile, Stephanie watches the segment in disgust, but Triple H laughs about it. Then Harvey Wippleman enters the room with more flowers for Stephanie. (Someone sent her these gifts on Heat.) When Hunter sees this, he asks who the flowers are from. Steph says she thought it was him, so Hunter asks if she looked at the card. She says she didn’t bother because she thought Hunter sent them. Triple H gets up and grabs the card. He says the flowers are from Angle because the card says, “Best of luck to you and your man tonight. It’s true. It’s true.” This pisses off Triple H.

European Title Match: Perry Saturn (w/ Terri) vs. Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chyna)

Storyline: Eddie and Chyna ran afoul of Chris Benoit. After a European title defense, Benoit knocked out Guerrero and locked Chyna in the Crossface. Eddie said Benoit crossed the line, so Eddie and Chyna teamed with the Rock against Benoit, Edge, and Christian. Chyna pinned Christian to win, but Benoit placed her in another Crossface afterward. This led to Eddie & Chyna vs. Benoit in a handicap fight. It ended in a DQ when Benoit refused to release the Crossface. Later, Saturn jumped Eddie while Chyna wrestled Malenko. He dropped Eddie on the barricade and then left with Terri Runnels at his side. JR wondered if she put him up to the attack. Next, Eddie defended his belt against Saturn and Malenko in a triple threat. Eddie won, but Perry and Terri attacked. Guerrero took a flying elbow to save Chyna, yet Saturn and Terri still beat her up.

The Match: Eddie makes Saturn regroup after strikes and a slingshot senton, but Chyna attacks Perry. She interferes a few more times while Eddie scores a flying hurricanrana. Next, Saturn turns Eddie’s victory roll attempt into a powerbomb. Eddie fires back with a tornado DDT, but Saturn lands a second powerbomb. However, he misses a moonsault. Now Eddie hits a brainbuster and tries for a Frog Splash, yet Saturn avoids it. He also catches Eddie with a powerslam before they fight on the top rope. Eddie sends Saturn to the floor for more attacks by Chyna. This time, Saturn dumps her on the Spanish announce desk and it crumbles. Afterward, Saturn hides behind Terri, who gives Eddie a low blow and rolls Eddie into the ring. It opens the door for Saturn’s flying elbow and the victory.

Thoughts: This was a solid bout, but it didn’t quite have the heat they wanted. (No pun intended.) It was another contest with little build, so I understand the lack of interest. But it’s still a shame because Eddie and Saturn did a fine job.

Winner: Perry Saturn (New Champion) (8:10)

Backstage, Edge and Christian gloat about pulling a fast one on Foley. They say food poisoning rules, and they do a high-five. But then Mick walks in and catches them. Christian claims he feels sick again. He returns to the stall, but Mick climbs up and peers over the wall. We see Christian scooping fake puke out of a bucket. Mick says they are so totally busted, man! Foley gives them an A for effort as he leaves, so Christian stops him. Christian says he doesn’t know who put the bucket in there. He really is sick! Then Mick gives them his medical opinion. They will get their asses kicked by the Acolytes.

Afterward, Cole interviews the Undertaker. He says we heard Foley’s medical opinion about Edge & Christian, but what is Taker’s medical opinion about Kurt Angle? Taker calls this question cute. He also spits tobacco juice before saying Angle will need a surgeon to remove his boot from his ass. As he says this, Taker sees the TV monitor behind Cole. Taker spots Angle trying to steal his motorcycle. He calls Kurt a bitch and runs to confront him. Angle can’t start the bike, so he flees from Taker.

Back in the arena, Edge and Christian arrive for their match. They insult the local sports teams before talking about the JFK assassination. Christian says it doesn’t matter if there was a lone gunman. If JFK spent five more minutes in Dallas, he would have killed himself. With that said, Edge tries to announce their five-second pose, but the Acolytes interrupt them. Bradshaw defends the Dallas sports franchises and promises to make Edge and Christian the Acolytes’ personal bitches.

Tag Team Title Match: The Acolytes vs. Edge & Christian (c)

Storyline: Edge & Christian acted like prima donnas backstage, so Foley decided to let the Undertaker and Kane knock them down a peg. However, Edge & Christian found a way to strike back against Kane. They took two chairs and sandwiched his head between them in a move that will soon be called the Conchairto. Meanwhile, the Acolytes earned a tag title shot, but Edge & Christian did everything to avoid defending the belts. They feigned illness and injury and only fought the APA in singles bouts where the titles weren’t on the line. Plus, they used the ring bell to beat Bradshaw. All the while, they also aided their fellow Canadian, Benoit, in his feud. Later, Edge & Christian used Just Joe to lure Bradshaw and Faarooq into an ambush at a local bar. They jumped out of an alley and broke a 2×4 over the APA’s backs.

The Match: They brawl to start, and Faarooq uses the ring steps. Back inside, Bradshaw catches a vaulting Christian and lands a fallaway slam. He also powerbombs Edge, despite Edge’s attempts to block it. This flurry ends once Christian scores a missile dropkick. Now Edge and Christian use frequent tags and double-teaming to control the action. They take Bradshaw to the top rope for a double superplex, but he shoves them down and nails a flying shoulder tackle. This leads to Faarooq’s hot tag. He cleans house with clotheslines, a powerslam, and a spinebuster. While this happens, Bradshaw gives Christian the Clothesline from Hell and takes Edge outside. A desperate Edge grabs the ring bell while Faarooq hits the Dominator on Christian. When Faarooq covers, Edge decks him with the bell to cause a DQ.

Thoughts: This was good until the disappointing finish, but I get it. The ending fits the ongoing storyline. I don’t think I would have minded it as much if the bout went longer. The short length plus the result makes it a letdown.

Winners: The Acolytes (by DQ) (5:29)

Now they show the party at WWF New York. The Big Boss Man is there. He confronts a young-looking guy and asks if he’s old enough to drink. The guy shows his driver’s license to prove he is, so Boss Man tells him to behave himself and then drinks the man’s beer.

Back in the arena, Hunter is still complaining about Angle. He can’t believe Kurt sent Stephanie flowers. What is going on? While he complains, Steph reads the card. She says it doesn’t say Kurt’s name, but Hunter reminds her only Angle says the words, “It’s true. It’s true.” Stephanie has enough. She tells Hunter to go find Angle and find out the truth.

Speaking of Angle, he is still running from the Undertaker. Kurt apologizes profusely, but Taker says he will be sorry when he gets him. As Taker rounds the corner, Kurt circles back and decks Taker’s knee with a large wrench. He runs away while Taker yells, “It’s gonna be your ass, boy!”

Cage Match for the Intercontinental Title: Val Venis (c) (w/ Trish Stratus) vs. Rikishi

Storyline: Tazz attacked Rikishi twice. The first time was during Rikishi vs. Benoit. Then Rikishi defended the Intercontinental championship against Val Venis. This was when Tazz hit him with the TV camera, so Venis won the gold. He joined T&A backstage, and they celebrated with champagne. Next, Val competed in a triple threat with Rikishi and Kane. Rikishi gave him a Stink Face, so Val decked Rikishi with the title to get the bout thrown out. Later, Rikishi & Too Cool wrestled Venis & T&A. A scuffle between Trish and Lita occupied T&A, so they couldn’t save Val from a Rikishi Drop. Furthermore, a brawl erupted after Rikishi vs. Test. Scotty 2 Hotty gave Albert the Worm on the stage, but Venis grabbed Scotty and launched him to the floor! As a result, Rikishi and Venis scuffled again on Smackdown.

The Match: Both men stop escape attempts and ram each other into the wall. Then Val prevents a Stink Face with a low blow. He follows with a diving bulldog that only glances Rikishi’s head. Later, they meet on the top rope, but Val knocks Rikishi down. This allows Venis to land a springboard elbow. After more fighting at the top of the cage, Venis is bleeding, so Rikishi scores a Samoan Drop and a corner squash. He also nails the Rikishi Drop, but Venis gets a foot on the ropes. Afterward, Trish stops Rikishi by slamming the door on his head, which allows Venis to do the Money Shot. It isn’t enough. Plus, Lita runs to the ring and drives Trish to the back by whipping her with a belt.

Now Rikishi and Val climb and fight again. This time, Rikishi knocks Val down, and Venis lands on the ref! Since Rikishi is near the top, he climbs onto the cage and walks to the middle of the structure. When JR realizes what is happening, he begs Rikishi not to do it. Rikishi leaps off the cage and squashes Venis with a flying splash! After recovering from the dive, Rikishi crawls toward the door, but Tazz is waiting. He clocks Rikishi with another TV camera, and Val drapes an arm over him for the three.

Thoughts: This was good. It took a while to pick up some steam, but the closing few minutes were great. Seeing Rikishi do a flying splash off the cage will never cease to amaze me. Also, the finish didn’t bother me. It puts good heat on Tazz. The fans booed loudly when he cost Rikishi the win.

Winner: Val Venis (14:10)

Meanwhile, the Undertaker limps backstage. He spots one of those signs that says how many days the arena went without an incident. Taker erases the number before walking away.

Elsewhere, Triple H is looking for Angle. He finds Wippleman with more flowers, so Hunter tells Harvey to show him who sent these gifts. Wippleman leads Hunter to a locker room, and Triple H says Angle will get his ass kicked. The comment confuses Harvey, but he can’t warn Hunter in time. When Triple H enters the room, we hear a commotion. Then the door opens to reveal Jericho! You can see Triple H on the floor behind him. Chris says he hopes Hunter likes lying on his back.

Afterward, Shane McMahon comes to the ring. He’s wearing Rock’s t-shirt, and he’s dressed to fight. Shane says he will prove to the fans he’s not a pussy by calling out the Rock. But it isn’t for the WWF title. That wouldn’t be fair to Benoit. Rock answers the call, but he’s not a fool. He asks where Benoit is lurking. As Rock says this, Benoit appears on the big screen. He is in Rock’s locker room. Later, Benoit will strip Rock of his dignity, but for now, he will strip him of his wardrobe. Benoit grabs Rock’s fancy shirts and rips them apart. He also smashes a watch against the wall. When the Rock sees this, he heads backstage.

Now it’s time for Angle vs. Undertaker. Kurt looks scared as he approaches the ring. He should be because Taker drives into the arena before his music even plays. Kurt tries to attack with the wrench, so Taker blocks it.

The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle

Storyline: Kurt decked Undertaker with his scepter to help Edge & Christian retain their tag titles. He said he was only aiding his friends, but Taker wouldn’t accept his apology. To make things worse, Angle threw milk all over Taker’s motorcycle during a celebration. He tried to make it up to Taker by giving him a white scooter as a gift, but Taker threw it off the stage. Taker told Foley he was sick of Kurt’s disrespect, so Mick booked Taker & Kane vs. Angle & Triple H. During the bout, Angle kept running from Taker. Also, Angle accidentally hit Taker with a sledgehammer, but Taker still wouldn’t listen to his apology. So Kurt tried a new tactic. He challenged Kane and attacked Kane’s knee with a chair. Later, Kurt poured acetone on Taker’s bike to lure him into a trap. He smashed Taker’s knee with a large wrench.

The Match: They brawl through the crowd and in and outside the ring. Taker nails a big boot, but he pulls Kurt up from a pin. After a suplex, he does it again because he’s not done with him. Taker even says fuck you to Tim White. Next, Kurt attempts a sleeper, but it doesn’t work. After a side slam, Kurt regroups, but he whacks Taker with the wrench when he follows. Now Kurt targets Taker’s knee with strikes and holds. He also blocks a chokeslam before continuing to work on the knee. However, Taker breaks free, throws rapid punches, and nails a chokeslam and Last Ride for the win.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this. They told a good story. Yeah, Kurt lost, but I don’t think it hurt him. He’s a cowardly heel. This was about him getting his comeuppance. Besides, he has big things coming.

Winner: The Undertaker (7:34)

Backstage, the Rock surveys the damage to his belongings before they show a recap video for Triple H vs. Jericho.

Last Man Standing Match: Triple H (w/ Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs. Chris Jericho

Storyline: Stephanie slapped Jericho and gave him a low blow, so Jericho got revenge. He caused Triple H to lose a #1 Contender contest. This led to Jericho & The Dudleys vs. DX, and Jericho drove Triple H through a table. Triple H tried to bully Foley into giving him his PPV bout with Jericho early, yet Mick kept outsmarting him. Mick offered him a chance to get his fight, but he had to beat Kaientai and The Brooklyn Brawler. During the contest, Jericho interfered, and Brawler pinned Triple H! This made Triple H lose his cool. He argued with DX, but the dissension was a ruse. They lured Jericho into a trap where Hunter attacked him with the sledgehammer. As a result, Jericho demanded a Last Man Standing encounter. Later, Jericho and Rock fought Hunter and Angle. Jericho put Triple H in the Walls and refused to let go.

The Match: They brawl around the ring, and Jericho gets the early advantage. This ends when Triple H targets Jericho’s hurt ribs and puts him in an ab stretch. The ref reminds Hunter it can’t end on a submission, but he wants to do damage. When Jericho tries to rally, Hunter raises his knees on a Lionsault. A defiant Jericho gives Hunter a crotch chop, so Hunter nails a Pedigree, but it only gets a nine. Next, they fight over a chair until Jericho leaves Hunter bloody. He also gives Triple H a facebuster on the chair before they head outside again. Now Jericho blocks a Pedigree on the steps, but Hunter heads toward the announce table. Both men grab monitors and we get a double down. Afterward, Jericho places both Hunter and Stephanie in the Walls, so Hunter saves Stephanie by hitting Jericho from behind.

Later, they return to the floor. This time, Hunter finds his sledgehammer. He swings and hits the post when Jericho moves. This allows Jericho to get the weapon and nail Hunter in the gut. He also knocks Triple H onto the announce table, but Hunter throws a low blow. Afterward, Hunter lands a back suplex that breaks the table and leaves both men laid out. Hunter rises in time to beat the count, but he collapses once it’s over.

Thoughts: This was great. They mixed good brutality and storytelling. Plus, they had a lot of close calls, but that leads to the one knock on this bout. There was a moment early on where Jericho clearly didn’t beat the count. The ref had to hesitate. It’s a good thing the camera focused on Triple H, so it wasn’t too noticeable. Other than that, I loved this.

Winner: Triple H (23:11)

Now it’s time for the main event. Benoit wears the tattered remains of one of Rock’s shirts, and Shane has the Rock’s sunglasses. When the Rock arrives, he glares at Benoit, so Shane tries to sneak behind him. This fails, but Benoit jumps the Rock from behind.

WWF Title Match: The Rock (c) vs. Chris Benoit (w/ Shane McMahon)

Storyline: Shane McMahon returned and said he wanted to pick the #1 Contender since Foley was dragging his feet to choose one. However, Foley made Shane face the Rock instead. During the bout, Benoit attacked the Rock and placed him in a Crossface. Next, Benoit challenged Rock to a non-title fight for a chance at the WWF title. Shane took over as ref and tried to screw the Rock, but Hebner reversed it. So Benoit locked Rock in another Crossface. A furious Rock agreed to give Benoit his championship shot. Afterward, Benoit and Shane jumped the Rock and put him in more Crossfaces. Plus, Benoit hit Rock with a chair, so Rock went ballistic. He chased Benoit backstage and gave him a Rock Bottom on a car. Foley thought Rock was out of control, so he said Rock would lose his gold if he got disqualified at the PPV.

The Match: Shane leads the Rock on a chase early on, but it doesn’t work, so Shane tries a new tactic. He distracts the ref, and Benoit uses the belt. Benoit also puts Rock in a Sharpshooter, but he escapes. So Shane low-bridges Rock instead. After more back-and-forth action, Rock uses a Figure Four, but Benoit escapes. Now Shane distracts the ref again before Rock and Benoit brawl. Once they return to the ring, Benoit lands his flying headbutt, but it leaves both men down. When they recover, Rock scores the People’s Elbow. This isn’t enough, and they scuffle until Benoit hits a superplex. Afterward, Benoit grabs a chair, but it’s a distraction. Shane clocks Hebner in the back with a chair. While he’s down, Rock puts the Crossface on Benoit, and Hebner calls for the bell. However, he disqualifies the Rock because he thought Rock hit him.

Benoit celebrates with the belt and starts to leave, so Foley appears. He grabs a mic and says he didn’t see a disqualification, and neither did Dallas! Therefore, Mick tells Hebner to restart the contest. Rock tells Benoit to bring it. He gets his wish, and Benoit does his rolling Germans. He even hooks Rock in the Crossface twice, but Rock reaches the ropes. When Benoit tries again, Rock blocks it and hits the Rock Bottom for the three.

Thoughts: This was great. It had nice intensity and pace, and the crowd was hot. Plus, I liked the false finish. It was a good way to give Benoit a small moment where it seemed like he won. This created a nice level of drama on top of the fine action.

Winner: The Rock (22:09)

The Good:

• The main event

• Jericho vs. Triple H

• Venis vs. Rikishi

• The opener

The Bad:

• The tag title bout disappointed me

Observations:

• Rikishi broke the ring with his flying splash off the cage. You could hear it whenever people took a bump on that spot afterward.

• It’s ironic they gave this PPV a gambling theme when you consider gambling isn’t legal in Texas.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving this to Rikishi. That took a lot of guts to do a splash off the cage. Plus, I’ll give Val Venis a shout-out for taking it.

Final Thoughts:

This was another solid PPV from the WWF. Sure, a couple of matches disappointed me, but neither of them were horrible. Plus, this show contained some great moments. On top of what Rikishi did, we also had some fine comedy from Edge and Christian. This was a fun event.

Thank you for reading. My next review is—oh, no. It’s WCW’s New Blood Rising. This should be fun. Look for it next Sunday!