SummerSlam 2000

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

SummerSlam

August 27, 2000

Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena

Raleigh, North Carolina

News & Notes: I have little to discuss because I have included all the major storylines in the match notes. However, there are a couple of additional developments to mention. After Fully Loaded, Lita’s problems with Trish and Stephanie persisted. Trish whipped Lita again following a mixed tag contest, prompting Lita to challenge Trish to a Strap Match. During the fight, Stephanie interfered and caused Lita to lose. Then Foley kept booking Lita in mixed tag matches that pitted her against Trish and Triple H, which made Stephanie’s situation worse. As a result, Lita faced Stephanie for the Women’s title, and Foley appointed the Rock as the special referee! Stephanie attacked the Rock, so he retaliated with a spinebuster, enabling Lita to land a moonsault and win the Women’s championship!

Meanwhile, Malenko kept defending his Light Heavyweight championship and even fought against Christian. However, Mick Foley instructed Christian to lose some weight to qualify. Christian struggled to figure out how to achieve this goal in one night, so Foley gave him an idea. Mick lent Christian a chicken suit to wear during his workout to help him sweat off the weight. Nevertheless, Christian took a shortcut and made himself throw up, but it was all in vain because Malenko retained his gold. Elsewhere, Kaientai angered the APA by bouncing a check. They tried to make it up to them by inviting them out for beers, but it resulted in yet another bar fight.

The show begins with a short art film created by Freddie Fellini (Freddie Blassie) titled Crimes of Passion. Freddie appears sitting in front of an old TV, watching footage of the love triangle involving Stephanie, Triple H, and Kurt Angle. As he watches, masked ballerinas dance, and a strongman lifts weights in the background. They present a clip of Kurt Angle kissing Stephanie, which amuses Freddie. However, the mood changes abruptly as the music swells. Next, we see an old lady with a dog crying and dropping her popcorn as they show scenes of Triple H and Angle attacking the Rock. The musclebound man holding the TV grows tired and slumps to the floor. This is SummerSlam!

JR welcomes everybody to the show with fireworks exploding around him. He boasts about their 1.1 million-dollar gate. Lawler then explains the opening video to JR, informing him it was an opera. Jerry assumes JR doesn’t know this because he is from Oklahoma, but JR ignores the comment and announces that four titles are on the line tonight. In addition, Lawler will face Tazz. Jerry proclaims relief that JR can still see after Tazz’s attack on Smackdown.

Now the Right to Censor enters the arena for the first bout. Richards expresses surprise the bible belt is booing instead of applauding them, and Steven offers them a lesson in morality. He begins to speak about Rikishi, but Too Cool’s music interrupts his promo. The group brings along two of the Godfather’s former hoes, Victoria and Mandy, with them. (Yes, it is that Victoria. She debuted as a ho.) JR says Victoria wants to sue Richards for having the Goodfather put her through a table.

The Right to Censor (Steven Richards, Bull Buchanan, & The Goodfather) vs. Rikishi & Too Cool (w/ Victoria & Mandy)

Storyline: Steven Richards dubbed his new group the Right to Censor. Their first order of business was to rid the WWF of the Godfather’s hoes. Godfather faced Bull Buchanan in a match where he had to swear off his pimp lifestyle if he lost. Richards helped Bull win, but that was just the beginning. The RTC somehow got to the Godfather and changed his ways. He saw the light! Now he calls himself the Goodfather. Then two former hoes (Victoria & Mandy) protested Richards’ behavior, so Steven had Goodfather powerbomb Victoria on a table! Afterward, the RTC targeted Rikishi. Richards promised to censor his obscene backside. The RTC jumped Rikishi and Too Cool after Kane attacked them, so Rikishi allied with the Goodfather’s former hoes. He also vowed to give Richards a Stink Face at SummerSlam. Rikishi almost got him on Smackdown, but the RTC saved their leader.

The Match: Rikishi and Too Cool clear the ring before Scotty uses his quickness against Bull. He lands a flying crossbody, and Sexay joins him for a double suplex. Next, the Goodfather tumbles outside when Too Cool low-bridges him. They also hold him for an attack, but Goodfather breaks free and shoves the hoes. Later, the RTC uses a double big boot and backbreaker before Richards enters the fray. He gives Sexay a powerbomb and climbs the turnbuckles, so Sexay crotches him and hits a superplex. Now Rikishi tags and fights off all members of the RTC. Steven tries to run, but Victoria throws him back into the ring. Once he’s back, Rikishi piles the RTC in the corner and whips Scotty and Sexay into corner splashes. Rikishi follows with a Samoan Drop on Goodfather, and Scotty looks for the Worm. However, Richards nails a Stevie Kick for the victory.

Thoughts: This was short, but they made it fun. Having a hot crowd also helped. Steven Richards prevented the Worm, which is one of the most heelish things you could do around this time. It worked and got a great reaction. (On a side note, Godfather hated this new role. He almost quit the company when they asked him to become part of the RTC.)

Winners: The Right to Censor (4:57)

Next, JR and Lawler discuss the situation involving Kurt Angle and Stephanie. Coach attempted to ask Angle why he had kissed Stephanie, but Kurt accused him of questioning his integrity. Later, Coach informed Stephanie that Triple H wasn’t there yet, but Angle was. Upon hearing this, she walked in the opposite direction. Afterwards, Kurt entered her locker room. What did they discuss, and why did he do it?

Then Cole interviews Shane McMahon. Michael says Shane must have mixed emotions. He has to defend his Hardcore title against Steve Blackman, but what are his thoughts about Stephanie’s emotional state? Shane says he loves and supports his sister no matter what. Before Shane can say more, he spots Steve Blackman and runs away.

X-Pac vs. Road Dogg

Storyline: This started as a friendly rivalry. Road Dogg claimed he was a better singles competitor, so they attempted to one-up each other. Both men failed to capture the Hardcore title. Then they focused on Too Cool and Rikishi. Rikishi attempted to give X-Pac a Stink Face after DX cheated to win, but Road Dogg saved him. DX also attacked Rikishi and Too Cool a few times. After all, they were still a tag team, despite their peaceful wager. However, X-Pac tried to face Rikishi alone and ate a Rikishi Drop for his trouble. Later, X-Pac laughed when Road Dogg received the longest Stink Face ever, so cracks formed in the friendship. This led to a few arguments, and X-Pac accidentally knocked Road Dogg onto a table during one of them. It appeared things were fine afterward, but Road Dogg abandoned X-Pac during a handicap fight with the Undertaker.

The Match: They exchange chain wrestling, strikes, and taunts before Road Dogg avoids a Bronco Buster. When Road Dogg returns, X-Pac pounces and locks him in a sleeper hold. Road Dogg escapes only to eat a wheel kick and a Bronco Buster. Unfortunately, X-Pac poses for too long, and Road Dogg capitalizes. He does Shake, Rattle, & Roll, a hip attack on the ropes, and a shaky knee drop. They aren’t enough, so he attempts a pumphandle slam, but X-Pac evades it. More counters follow until X-Pac scores a low blow and the X-Factor for the win.

Thoughts: This was okay. The action was good, but it didn’t thrill me, and it appears that the crowd shared the same sentiment. They didn’t seem to be interested in this contest. One fan even heckled X-Pac for using a sleeper hold. So I would call this decent, but not great.

Winner: X-Pac (4:31)

X-Pac grabs a mic and tells Road Dogg they finally figured out who the better man is, but they are still a great team. X-Pac assures him there are no hard feelings, but Dogg disagrees. He kicks X-Pac and delivers a pumphandle slam, along with some suggestive humping. Before leaving, Road Dogg also performs some crotch chops.

In the meantime, backstage, Eddie Guerrero admires Chyna and discusses his excitement about the Intercontinental title being on the line. He also states he is not the jealous type and only wants her happiness. Chyna responds by saying someone is getting lucky tonight. Trish, who is watching this segment, expresses disgust and says that Eddie and Chyna will have to be lucky to take Val’s gold. Additionally, Trish doesn’t believe Chyna is centerfold material and asks Val whom he would rather see in a magazine. Val asks what the hell she’s talking about and tells Trish that tonight is all about the Intercontinental championship, so she better do her part. As he walks away, Trish reminds Val that he wouldn’t have the belt without her.

Intergender Tag Team Match for the Intercontinental Title: Eddie Guerrero & Chyna vs. Val Venis (c) & Trish Stratus

Storyline: Trish still had her issues with Lita, but she also pissed off Chyna. She kept interfering when Chyna faced Val for the Intercontinental title. Saturn cost Chyna the win, but Chyna wanted revenge on Val and Trish. Later, Eddie & Rikishi fought Venis & Tazz, but Venis gave Eddie a piledriver on the floor! However, Chyna took his place and pinned Val with Eddie’s help. Next, Eddie, Chyna, Val, and Trish had an altercation in the makeup room. This led to Trish ruining Eddie’s chance at the IC gold. Trish smashed a glass pitcher over Chyna’s head to distract Guerrero. A furious Chyna wanted Trish, but Foley booked this mixed tag instead. More attacks made Chyna angrier, so Foley sweetened the deal. He put the Intercontinental championship on the line in this contest. Chyna and Eddie both claimed they would be happy to see each other win the belt.

The Match: Val and Eddie trade knockdowns and takedowns until Chyna enters the fight. Eddie and Chyna land a double flapjack before Chyna punts Val in the ribs. Next, Trish distracts Chyna with a cheap shot to give Val the advantage. Val scores suplexes and tries a diving elbow. It misses, but Val still prevents a tag. He also lures Eddie into the ring for a distraction which backfires. Chyna nails a low blow and a DDT before tagging Eddie. Now Eddie cleans house with clotheslines and hurricanranas. However, Val answers with a Blue Thunder Bomb. With Eddie down, Trish asks for a tag. She kicks Eddie, but Chyna tags and throws Trish. Afterward, she attempts the handspring elbow, so Val pulls Chyna down by the hair. It causes a brawl, and Eddie takes Val outside. This allows Chyna to press slam Trish for the three.

Thoughts: This was good fun. The action was nice, and I liked the closing moments. Plus, they told a good story and set up some storylines going forward. The only downside is I wish it was longer, but I enjoyed it.

Winners: Eddie & Chyna (Chyna is the new champion) (7:04)

Next, they show clips of a special Radio WWF broadcast from WWF New York. Cole and Foley hosted the show and discussed the Angle/Stephanie situation. Foley thinks Kurt is in love. Then Trish joined them. A fan asked her how it feels to work for the WWF. She said it feels great. She was a fan like him, but now she works for the company. Later, Tool Cool danced with Foley and got him to do the Worm. When Chyna appeared for an interview, she said she liked seeing Foley’s worm. Finally, Foley stole a fan’s cookie and sang “Smackdown Hotel” with the Rock.

Stephanie talks with the makeup lady, Janet, backstage. Janet informs Stephanie that everyone has been talking about her kissing Angle. Stephanie clarifies it was Kurt who kissed her, not the other way around. Stephanie then inquires who told Janet about this information. Janet reveals that the girls in the locker room are discussing whether Kurt is a hunk or a hottie. Stephanie doesn’t answer the question but admits Kurt is a good kisser.

It is now time for Lawler to face Tazz. Before the fight, Jerry draws attention to JR’s candy jar, creating a Chekhov’s candy jar situation. After discussing this, a recap follows before Tazz’s entrance. Tazz appears wearing sunglasses and uses a walking stick to mock JR, so Lawler decks Tazz.

Jerry the King Lawler vs. Tazz

Storyline: Tazz dealt with an angry Rikishi after Fully Loaded. He faced both members of Too Cool and Rikishi. However, Tazz took exception to some of JR’s commentary. He felt Ross disrespected him, so Tazz confronted JR at the announce table. Tazz said he’d like to slap Ross, but it appeared god beat him to it! Then Tazz goaded JR until Lawler had enough. Jerry punched Tazz, and they brawled. Tazz retaliated by busting Lawler open with a metal pitcher. He also jumped Jerry on Smackdown and put him in the Tazmission. The next week, Lawler ambushed Tazz when he arrived at the building, so Tazz struck back. He trapped JR in Lawler’s rental car and smashed the window with a baseball bat. Some of the glass got in JR’s eye, so Lawler rushed to Ross’s aid. This caused a pull-apart brawl with Tazz, while Tazz laughed about his actions.

The Match: Jerry flusters Tazz by using strikes and fist drops until Jerry misses one. Then Tazz retaliates with his own punches and clotheslines while taunting JR. Tazz takes Jerry outside and confronts JR, but this enables Lawler to retaliate. Now Tazz pleads for mercy, but he tricks Lawler into a headbutt to the groin. Afterward, Tazz climbs the turnbuckles and attempts a somersault senton, which misses. Lawler responds by dropping the straps and delivering a piledriver. Despite this, Tazz immediately gets up and whips Lawler into the referee. With the referee down, Tazz applies a Tazmission and tells JR to take a closer look. JR agrees, but he brings the candy jar and smashes it over Tazz’s head. This allows Jerry to cover Tazz for the victory.

Thoughts: This bout seemed shorter than it should have been, perhaps because they were saving time for later contests. Although the action relied heavily on punches and kicks, the performances were still good. Even the ending was acceptable, since Tazz did not look bad due to the outside interference. It gives him a storyline reason for him to seek revenge. The only thing that I disliked was how they drew attention to the candy jar before the bout, telegraphing its use.

Winner: Jerry Lawler (4:21)

Lawler returns to the announce table, and JR congratulates him. He says he might get in trouble for his actions, but the son of a bitch deserved it. JR also says his hand is bleeding from the candy jar.

Backstage, Lilian tries to get a word with Shane McMahon about Kurt and Stephanie, but Shane says he doesn’t have time. As he says this, Blackman appears with a trash can and a stick. He says it’s time and chases Angle into the arena.

Hardcore Title Match: Steve Blackman vs. Shane McMahon (c)

Storyline: Shane McMahon added to his circle of friends and associates. He still has Benoit, but Shane also recruited Angle, Edge & Christian, and even the Big Show! (More on that later.) This emboldened Shane. He wanted to help Benoit capture the Hardcore title, so Shane whacked Blackman on the back of the head with a Kendo stick. It didn’t work because Jericho interfered, but it gave Mick Foley an idea. He booked Shane in a Hardcore title bout with Blackman. This wasn’t what Shane wanted, so he sought aid from the Mean Street Posse. When they failed, Shane turned to T&A instead. Test, Albert, Edge, & Christian all attacked Steve Blackman to help Shane win and become the Hardcore champ! However, Foley gave Blackman a rematch at the PPV. Shane tried to have Edge & Christian pin him for the belt, but Foley waived the 24/7 rule.

The Match: Blackman offers Shane a free shot, but Shane doesn’t take it until Steve turns. It fails, and Steve chases Shane into the crowd. There, they fight with trash cans until Blackman brings Shane back to ringside for a bicycle kick off the barricade. Next, Blackman places a can on Shane’s head and whacks it with sticks. He also drags Shane around with a leather strap. This draws T&A out to interfere. They attack Blackman, but Steve fights back. Once T&A gets control again, they bring Blackman to the set. Shane tries to shove speakers onto him, so Blackman moves. Plus, Steve fights off T&A with a Kendo stick and chases Shane up the side of the set! Shane climbs to the top, but Steve whacks him on the legs until Shane falls all the way down! Blackman then ends it with a flying elbow off the set.

Thoughts: This was a good mix of storytelling and an insane finish. You can always count on something crazy happening in a Shane McMahon encounter, and it will only escalate from here. These are enjoyable to watch, but Shane’s matches can make you nervous.

Winner: Steve Blackman (New Champion) (10:17)

Stephanie watches them take Shane out on a stretcher, so she worries about his condition. While she watches, Kurt Angle enters the room. He wants to talk about his feelings, but Stephanie asks if he heard anything about Shane. Kurt says he’s fine. He only got the wind knocked out of him. Then Kurt hugs her, but Foley walks in and catches them. Stephanie asks if Shane is okay, so Mick says Shane fell on his kisser. She should come with him to check on Shane. As they leave, Lawler calls Foley an idiot for saying kisser.

2 out of 3 Falls Match: Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho

Storyline: Benoit felt robbed at Fully Loaded, so he sought a rematch with the Rock. But this wasn’t Benoit’s only problem. Foley made Benoit take Triple H’s place in a mixed tag, and Jericho pinned him during the bout. When Jericho gloated about the win, Benoit slammed a garage door on Jericho’s chest and bashed him with a chair. The attack made Jericho spit up blood. Later, Benoit faced the Rock for the WWF title, but Jericho cost him the victory. It didn’t stop there. They cost each other chances at the Hardcore and European belts. Plus, Benoit attacked Jericho multiple times. Jericho said this would never end between them, so he promised to fight Benoit anywhere. He demonstrated this with an amusing Dr. Seuss-themed promo based on Green Eggs & Ham. Finally, they brawled after a six-man tag and crashed onto one of the Dudleys’ tables.

The Match: They tussle around on the mat until the referee separates them. Then, after some brawling outside, we get a series of counters before Benoit locks in a Crossface. It’s enough for the first fall. Next, Benoit grabs another Crossface, but Jericho reaches the ropes. Now Benoit targets the shoulder and neck with shots to the post and strikes. He also places Jericho in a tree of woe and cranks on his neck. An attempt at rolling Germans follows, but Jericho blocks it. This allows him to put Benoit in the Walls for the second fall. Afterward, they exchange pin attempts before Jericho does a super Frankensteiner. When it isn’t enough, Jericho uses forearms and a Lionsault. This hurts Jericho, but he rolls Benoit up. However, Benoit reverses it and hooks the ropes to get a three.

Thoughts: This is great. I believe these two have never had a bad match against each other. Additionally, I appreciate how they incorporate new elements each time they meet. This combined intensity and storytelling well, and the crowd was into it. The fans loved Jericho at this point. His entrance got one of the better reactions of the night.

Winner: Chris Benoit (13:01)

Backstage, Triple H finally arrives, so JR says all hell will break loose. This leads to another recap of the Kurt/Stephanie situation.

TLC Match for the Tag Team Titles: Edge & Christian (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz

Storyline: Edge & Christian continued to use intentional disqualifications to preserve their title reign. They pulled this stunt with the Hardys and the Dudleys, but it didn’t end there. First, they gave Jeff Hardy a Conchairto. Then Christian dropped Matt on a chair with an Unprettier. Edge & Christian even tried to give Lita the Conchairto, but the Hardys saved her. However, Edge & Christian got Bubba next when the Dudleys went after Shane. This path of destruction earned them a most heinous beating from both teams. The Hardys and Dudleys used tables and ladders, so Foley had an idea. He combined everyone’s signature weapons into a new type of contest. Edge & Christian said this idea was totally lacking coolness, but they promised a huge 37-second pose if they won. Meanwhile, it seemed the Hardys and Dudleys allied against Edge & Christian, but miscommunications ended that quickly.

The Match: Everyone brawls with the chairs before they perform moves off the ladder. The Hardys powerbomb Bubba off of it, and Edge hits a double Russian Leg Sweep on D-Von and Jeff. Bubba even gives Matt a Bubba Bomb off the ladder. Next, Jeff avoids another Conchairto, and the Dudleys give Edge a Wassup Drop. Afterward, the Dudleys set up tables while the Hardys dive off ladders onto Edge and Christian. They also sandwich Edge inside the ladder and throw Christian on top of him.

Now Jeff places Bubba on a table and climbs the 20-foot ladder. He does a Swanton Bomb, but Bubba moves and Jeff crashes. Back inside, everybody climbs, so Christian nails a reverse DDT off the ladder on Matt. Meanwhile, Edge & Christian tip over Bubba’s ladder and send him onto a stack of tables! Plus, D-Von does the same to Matt. This draws a concerned Lita to the ring. She shoves a ladder over to stop Edge from climbing, so Edge retaliates by giving her a spear. Later, D-Von and Jeff climb and hang off the hooks when Edge and Christian move the ladders. Jeff shoves D-Von down, but Edge uses the ladder to knock Jeff to the mat. This allows Edge and Christian to retrieve the belts.

Thoughts: This was incredible. They did some nice spots with the tables, especially Bubba’s bump. Every time these teams do one of these, the insanity grows. Some might argue they took it too far, but this is still exciting to watch.

Winners: Edge & Christian (18:38)

Hunter is backstage with Stephanie. He demands an explanation for the kiss. How did this happen? Stephanie says she didn’t mean to do anything, and there’s nothing to explain. She was virtually unconscious. Kurt took advantage of her! She doesn’t know what he was thinking or doing. Hunter says that’s the point. He tells her to stay away from Angle. After tonight, they won’t have to worry about him again. Then Stephanie assures Hunter she feels nothing for Kurt. Hunter is the only man for her. As she says this, she hugs Triple H and kisses his cheek.

Thong Stink Face Match: The Kat (w/ Al Snow) vs. Terri (w/ Perry Saturn)

Storyline: Terri claimed she was Perry Saturn’s advisor. She helped him retain his European Title against Crash Holly, but then Saturn wanted more gold. He fought Blackman for the Hardcore belt, and Al Snow aided Blackman in a win. Meanwhile, Terri’s issues with the Kat continued, so the Kat & Al Snow fought Terri & Saturn. Terri’s team succeeded when Terri hit Snow with Head. This led to another altercation between Terri and Kat. Kat promised to find a partner who would rub it in Terri’s face, so she picked Rikishi. Kat convinced Rikishi to give Terri a Stink Face during the bout, but Terri retaliated. She jumped Kat at WWF New York and gave Kat her own version of the Stink Face. Finally, Snow wrestled Saturn for the Euro gold. Al threw Terri out of the ring when she interfered, but it allowed Saturn to win.

The Match: Kat slams Terri and attempts a Stink Face, but Perry saves her. This leads to brawling between Snow and Saturn. While this happens, Terri and Kat scuffle until Kat scores a Bronco Buster. However, Saturn shoves the Kat, and Terri hits a bulldog. Next, they try pin attempts, so the ref reminds them there are no pins. Afterward, they fight back and forth before Kat shoves Terri head-first into the ref’s crotch. This allows Snow to throw Head to the Kat, and Kat hits Terri with it. Snow also takes out Saturn with Head. Now Kat spreads her cheeks and gives Terri a Stink Face for the victory.

Thoughts: This was dumb, but at least they kept it short. I get it. This was a breather for the fans after the intense TLC encounter, but there are better ways to do that. I’m glad they kept the Women’s title away from this. Trish, Lita, and even Stephanie have been doing actual wrestling on TV, and it got good reactions. They don’t need to do this stuff anymore. Also, the RTC remaining quiet during this doesn’t make much sense as far as kayfabe.

Winner: The Kat (3:07)

Afterward, Snow lifts the Kat onto his shoulders for a celebration, but then he turns her the other way around and throws his arms in the air in victory. This makes Lawler laugh. Meanwhile, the APA tends bar at WWF New York. They toast to Vince McMahon. Also, you can send in your cable bill for a free pair of the Rock’s sunglasses!

Kane vs. The Undertaker

Storyline: The original plan was Undertaker vs. Big Show. Show returned and allied with Shane McMahon again. He said he realized Shane was only trying to help him. Later, Show and Shane’s crew injured the Undertaker’s knee. Show still remembered how Taker walked out on him. Next, they targeted Kane with attacks. This culminated with Big Show chokeslamming Kane through a hole in the Smackdown set. However, Taker came back and tossed Big Show off the stage. (They wrote him off of TV because of an injury.) Afterward, Kane reappeared when Taker fought Benoit. Kane helped his brother to his feet—and then chokeslammed him until he broke through the ring! He said he did it because he remembered who he always was inside. He’s a monster! This answer wasn’t good enough for Taker. He confronted Kane, but Kane sucker punched Taker and busted him open with a chair.

The Match: They brawl and Taker rips at Kane’s mask, so Kane gives him a hotshot. Then Kane grabs a chair, but Taker stops his attack with rapid punches. Now Taker uses the chair and goes after the mask again. He tears it, so Kane rolls outside to regroup. Kane picks up the ring steps but misses and hits the post. This allows Taker to take the steps and chuck them at Kane’s head. It leaves Kane bloody, but Kane answers with a low blow. More strikes follow before Taker attempts to pull the mask off of Kane. He can’t do it, and Kane grabs Taker for a chokeslam, so Taker counters with a low blow. With Kane dazed, Taker yanks him to the mat, and the mask comes off! Kane retreats with his face in his hands, which causes a no contest.

Thoughts: It was more of a storyline than a match, and I’m fine with that. This had nice intensity, and the fans reacted well to it, so it served its purpose. Plus, this was a better contest than Taker vs. Big Show would have been. The ending is a little disappointing. However, it fit the story they told. Kane wouldn’t stick around after having his mask removed. They did a great job of not showing his face, despite the unmasking.

Winner: No Contest (7:33)

Backstage, Kurt paces before making a call on his cellphone. Then they cut to Hunter and Stephanie’s locker room. As Triple H gets ready, Stephanie gives him a pep talk, but her phone rings. Stephanie answers and pretends it’s her mom, so Hunter wants to talk to her. When Hunter takes the phone, he says Linda hung up on him.

This leads to the entrances for the main event. Kurt has a mic. He says people want an apology from him for kissing Stephanie, but he won’t do it. Kurt says he should have done it sooner, and he’s proud of it. Kurt gave everything for his country at the Olympics, and he gave Stephanie the passion Triple H couldn’t give her! These comments make Triple H storm to the ring and brawl with Angle before the Rock arrives. They head to the Spanish announce desk where Hunter attempts a Pedigree. However, the desk collapses and Kurt lands on his head, giving him a concussion! While Kurt is down, Triple H grabs the sledgehammer, but the Rock finally appears.

Triple Threat Match for the WWF Title: The Rock (c) vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle

Storyline: Hunter thinks Angle is trying to steal Stephanie. Meanwhile, Stephanie caught Triple H in what appeared to be compromising situations with Trish. To make matters worse, Angle and Triple H both earned a WWF title shot after a double pin on Jericho. This tangled web of drama reached the point where Vince had to step in. He warned Triple H and Angle to never make Stephanie cry again. Hunter and Kurt tried to work together to take out the Rock, but they kept arguing and fighting. Also, Angle felt unwanted because Hunter wouldn’t trust him. Steph did her best to balance her marriage and her friendship with Kurt, but this increased their problems. Finally, Stephanie got hurt in a mixed tag against Rock and Lita. Instead of helping Hunter fight the Rock, Kurt went to find Steph. When Kurt found her, he apologized—and then kissed her!

The Match: While Rock and Hunter brawl, they load Angle on a stretcher and head down the aisle, so Hunter goes to meet them. He attacks Kurt, but the Rock grabs Hunter and they fight around the set. Now Stephanie checks on Angle before coming to the ring. Hunter says she isn’t supposed to be there, but he also asks her to grab the belt. Steph slaps Mark Yeaton and gets in the ring only to hit Triple H by accident! Hunter recovers and scuffles with the Rock before getting his sledgehammer. He nails Rock in the gut and targets the injured ribs. This lasts until Rock scores a neckbreaker and a superplex. Backstage, Stephanie asks Angle to come help Hunter. He agrees to do it for her.

Back in the ring, Hunter lands a Pedigree, but Angle pulls Hunter out of the ring and rams him into the steps. After a two count, Angle and Rock exchange belly-to-belly suplexes and a DDT. Plus, Rock whips Angle into Hunter and does the Rock Bottom. This time, Hunter pulls Rocky outside and rams him into the post. With Rock down, Hunter calls for the hammer. Steph throws it into the ring, but Angle gets it. Unfortunately, Hunter hits Stephanie with an accidental clothesline. This allows Kurt to clock Triple H in the head with the hammer, but Rock breaks up the pin and ends it with a People’s Elbow.

Thoughts: This was an exciting and well-structured match. They had to change a lot of their plans because of Kurt’s injury, so that makes this even more impressive. I wonder how it would have played out if Kurt didn’t get a concussion. You have to give Kurt credit for working through it.

Winner: The Rock (20:11)

JR says the Rock went through hell, high water, sledgehammers, and wives to retain his title. He also calls this the damnedest and most unpredictable main event he has ever seen. While JR says this, Lawler wonders if Triple H hit Stephanie on purpose, but JR doesn’t think so. Meanwhile, Kurt hugs Stephanie and carries her backstage, so Lawler asks where he’s taking her. JR says Angle is staring at Triple H as if to say, “I’ve got your wife!”

The Good:

• The main event

• Benoit/Jericho

• The TLC Match

• Blackman/Shane

• The IC title bout.

The Bad:

• The Thong Stink Face contest

Observations:

• The Rock was kind of a third wheel in the main event feud. Everything centered around Angle, Triple H, and Stephanie.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to everyone in the TLC Match. They did great and put their bodies through hell.

Final Thoughts:

Everything outside of the Thong match ranged from good to great, and even that wasn’t bad enough to bring this event down. This was easily the best SummerSlam in a while. The WWF is on an absolute roll, so I’m not looking forward to going back to WCW next week.

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