Backlash 2002

WWE Backlash 2002

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

Backlash

April 21, 2002

Kemper Arena

Kansas City, Missouri

News & Notes: Linda and the Board of Directors decided separating McMahon and Flair was the best decision after WrestleMania. To do this, they split the WWF’s roster between RAW and Smackdown. Vince would run Smackdown while Flair controlled RAW. Then they held a draft. Flair chose Undertaker, the nWo, Kane, RVD, Booker T, Big Show, Bubba Ray, Lesnar, Regal, and Lita. Whereas, Vince picked the Rock, Angle, Benoit, Hogan, Billy & Chuck, Edge, Rikishi, D-Von, Mark Henry, and Maven. Plus, they did lottery picks after the show and Linda declared Austin was a free agent. He could choose where he went. The only superstars who would appear on both shows were the Undisputed and Women’s champions.

The brand split divided two teams, as Bubba and D-Von and Bradshaw and Faarooq ended up on opposite programs. Bubba entered the Hardcore division and won the belt, but D-Von took a different path. Vince motivated him to find a new calling, so D-Von took this literally. He became a preacher named Reverend D-Von. Meanwhile, this left Stacy without a role, so she danced for Vince and convinced him to make her his new assistant. Elsewhere, Mark Henry performed feats of strength, but this didn’t impress Test. He screwed with Henry’s attempts. In other news, Stasiak returned, but he seems to think he’s from another planet now. Also, Booker and Goldust formed an unlikely team because Goldust wanted to compensate for costing Booker a match. And finally, DDP lost the Euro title to Regal, who dropped it to Spike. Sadly, Page suffered a career-ending neck injury afterward.

The opening video of WWE Backlash 2002

The PPV: The show opens with Triple H and Hogan talking about what this means to them. Hogan may have lost at Mania, but he regained his fans, and he will face Triple H for the Undisputed title. Hunter calls this an honor, but he also finds this sad because he will have to destroy a part of his childhood. Both men want to be the best in the business. Hogan needs to prove Hulkamania wasn’t a dream. He worked to become the best in the game in the past and the present. However, Triple H says that was then, and this is now because he is the best ever. Can Hogan etch his legacy as the Babe Ruth of wrestling or will Triple H convince everyone his efforts weren’t for nothing?

Next, fireworks explode while JR welcomes everybody to an emotional and history-making night in Kansas City. He discusses the card with Lawler, and they compare Triple H to Barry Bonds. While this happens, Tajiri arrives for the first contest. He orders Torrie Wilson to go to the ring in a geisha outfit, which offends Lawler. He can’t believe Tajiri covered up her body. Lawler calls this revolting.

Tajiri vs. Billy Kidman - WWE Backlash 2002

Cruiserweight Title Match: Tajiri (w/ Torrie Wilson) vs. Billy Kidman (c)

Storyline: A series of non-title losses frustrated Tajiri. He fell to Test and William Regal and lost to the APA in a game of cards. But then something worse happened. Billy Kidman approached Torrie backstage and tried to catch up on old times. Kidman talked about their past together and wished Torrie luck before hugging her. When Tajiri saw this, he screamed at Torrie in Japanese. Later, Torrie cost Tajiri his Cruiserweight belt when she stopped him from using it as a weapon. Kidman pinned Tajiri to become the new champion. The more Torrie messed up, the angrier Tajiri became. He made her dress in a geisha outfit and threatened her, so Kidman came to her rescue. Tajiri even drew the ire of the Hurricane. This led to Tajiri & Chavo vs. Kidman & Hurricane, which Tajiri’s team won.

The Match: They shove each other before trading takedowns and counters. This lasts until Tajiri drapes Kidman on the ropes and nails a hard kick. He also drops Kidman on the barricade and puts him in the tree of woe. It allows Tajiri to baseball slide into Kidman’s face and bend him around the ring post. Now Tajiri focuses on Kidman’s back with backbreakers and holds. Kidman tries to rally with a hurricanrana, but Tajiri responds with buzzsaw kicks. Arguments with the ref ensue because the kicks can’t get the job done. The lapse in concentration gives Kidman an opening. He stops Tajiri’s handspring elbow with a dropkick and goes for the SSP. It misses, but Kidman rebounds with a super BK Bomb. When that doesn’t work, Kidman attempts a powerbomb. However, Tajiri sprays mist into Kidman’s eyes in mid-move and pins him for the three.

Thoughts: This was an incredible opener. They built the pace perfectly and had some great spots. Plus, the crowd loved this. They got an amazing reaction. One good thing about the brand split was it gave the Cruiserweight division a much-needed revitalization.

Winner: Tajiri (New Champion) (9:08)

Michael Cole interviews Tajiri and Torrie Wilson - WWE Backlash 2002

Cole stops Tajiri for a word in the aisle. He calls Tajiri’s win controversial and asks about Tajiri’s recent change of heart. This angers Tajiri, so he yells in Japanese and points at Torrie. A confused Cole stares in silence as Tajiri drags Torrie up the ramp.

Faarooq and Bradshaw talk backstage - WWE Backlash 2002

Meanwhile, Bradshaw and Faarooq meet backstage and hug. While they catch up on recent events, the nWo music plays. This annoys Bradshaw, so he asks Faarooq if he saw what the nWo did to their old office. Faarooq says he did and tells Bradshaw to never let it happen again. Then Bradshaw leaves for his match, while Faarooq watches him walk through the curtain.

This leads to the entrances for that contest. X-Pac wears the mask he stole from Kane, which disgusts JR. Once Bradshaw arrives, the nWo surrounds him, but Faarooq comes to even the numbers.

Scott Hall vs. Bradshaw - WWE Backlash 2002

Scott Hall (w/ X-Pac) vs. Bradshaw (w/ Faarooq)

Storyline: Vince made the nWo a package deal for the draft, thinking Flair wouldn’t pick them. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what Flair did, yet he soon regretted the decision. They attacked the Rock and Hogan, and X-Pac returned to join the group! Then the nWo took over the APA’s abandoned office and made it into their clubhouse. When Bradshaw came to drive them out, they beat him up. Next, X-Pac renewed his rivalry with Kane. They stole Kane’s mask after ambushing him backstage, so X-Pac wore it to mock Kane. Flair finally had enough. He suspended Nash without pay. Later, Hall fought Austin in the #1 contender tournament. The nWo tried to interfere, but Bradshaw and Flair thwarted them. When Hall had a rematch with Austin, Bradshaw intervened again. This led to Bradshaw & Austin vs. Hall, X-Pac, & Taker. Bradshaw pinned X-Pac, but the nWo jumped him afterward.

The Match: Hall throws his toothpick, but Bradshaw makes him regroup after knockdowns and a DDT. The problem is, Hall backs into Faarooq, who attacks him. When X-Pac tries to stop this, Faarooq takes him out. Now Bradshaw scores a shoulder block and a suplex, so Hall uses an eye poke to take control. He also distracts the ref so X-Pac can attack. The tactic opens the door for clotheslines by Hall. Shoulder blocks and a double down follow before Bradshaw regains the momentum. He nails the Clothesline from Hell, but X-Pac puts Hall’s foot on the ropes during the pin! X-Pac even slaps Bradshaw, so Faarooq chases him. This ends poorly for X-Pac, but Hall capitalizes on the opening. He hits a low blow and rolls Bradshaw up for the victory.

Thoughts: This was fine but forgettable. They told the story they wanted to tell and kept this short, so this didn’t bother me. However, it felt like a pointless time filler. There were no stakes and little reason for this to happen.

Winner: Scott Hall (5:43)

Vince McMahon talks to Ric Flair backstage - WWE Backlash 2002

A smug Vince McMahon barges into Flair’s office. He calls the nWo impressive, but he isn’t there to talk about them. Vince claims he likes Flair’s style. It reminds him of his own. After all, Flair’s ungrateful and distrustful employees are questioning Ric’s integrity. Plus, Flair put himself between a rock and a hard place by making himself the referee for Austin vs. Taker. Vince doesn’t know if Flair is a fool or if this is a stroke of genius. Either way, he can relate to Flair. When Ric hears this, he gets in Vince’s face. Ric says Vince doesn’t know who he is and never has. He will never be like Vince! Vince says that’s fair, so he offers Ric a handshake, which Flair ignores.

Now it’s time for Trish vs. Jazz for the Women’s title, but Molly Holly arrives before Jazz appears. She says the people don’t want a cheater who flaunts her body as their champion. They want someone wholesome, like Molly. Then Molly decks Trish with the microphone and whips her into the steps. When Jazz joins them, she rolls an injured Trish into the ring.

Jazz vs. Trish Stratus - WWE Backlash 2002

Women’s Title Match: Jazz (c) vs. Trish Stratus

Storyline: Jazz attacked Trish and Lita, and Ivory came to help Jazz. This led to Trish & Lita vs. Jazz & Ivory and Trish vs. Ivory. Trish scored the victory in both contests. Then Molly Holly got drafted to a different brand than the Hurricane, so she ditched the superhero shtick and dyed her hair brown. Now Molly called herself the division’s only wholesome diva. She showed this by interrupting Trish vs. Terri in a Paddle on a Pole Bikini Match. Molly broke the paddle over Trish’s head. As a result, Trish fought Molly in a #1 contender contest and won. Meanwhile, Jazz did commentary during these encounters, and she scuffled with Trish.

The Match: Trish tries to rally with a hotshot and a clothesline, but Jazz scores a side slam and a rolling Samoan Drop. Later, Trish answers with a Chick Kick after two attempts. Fighting on the top rope is next. It leads to Trish’s handstand headscissors and a neckbreaker, but Jazz responds with a sit-out bomb. These aren’t enough, and Trish looks to rally, but Jazz keeps using eye rakes. Jazz even fends off pins and turns the Stratusfaction into a back suplex. This allows Jazz to score a dragon screw before placing Trish in a Boston Crab. When Trish shows life, Jazz pulls her to the middle of the ring and transitions into an STF for the submission.

Thoughts: This was good. They finally took the women out of the cooldown spot and gave them a little more time. It still wasn’t long, but they had something to work with. I enjoyed this.

Winner: Jazz (4:29)

Jazz does an interview after her match - WWE Backlash 2002

A new interviewer whose name I forgot tries to speak with Jazz. He congratulates her on the victory, but he asks if she would have been as successful without Molly’s assistance. Jazz glares at him instead of answering and walks away, so Lawler sarcastically calls this a nice interview.

Paul Heyman hypes up Brock Lesnar backstage - WWE Backlash 2002

Next, they recap Heyman’s recent disgusting actions before they cut to Heyman and Lesnar backstage. Paul hypes Brock up for his first match. He tells him to make what he was going to do to Matt Hardy pale compared to Jeff Hardy’s fate. After all, this is Lita’s fault. She wants to play rough, so they’ll show her how rough Lesnar can be. Heyman tells Brock to prove he’s the next big thing.

This leads to the entrances. Lesnar doesn’t have his iconic theme yet. They gave him some generic rock. While Brock walks to the ring, JR calls Heyman a pancake-sized fever blister on the lips of life.

Brock Lesnar vs. Jeff Hardy - WWE Backlash 2002

Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. Jeff Hardy (w/ Lita)

Storyline: Brock Lesnar surprised everyone the night after WrestleMania. He interrupted a Hardcore contest between Maven, Al Snow, and Spike Dudley and destroyed all of them. Paul Heyman was at his side directing traffic, much to the chagrin of JR and Lawler. We later learned Lesnar hired Heyman as his agent because Heyman called Lesnar the Next Big Thing. Meanwhile, Brock ambushed Hurricane, Molly, and DDP. He even did the F5 to Rikishi! But the Hardys were the first ones to stagger him. Brock demolished them, so the Hardys sought revenge with a chair. They blasted Lesnar in the face and made him regroup. As a result, Heyman and Brock invaded Lita’s locker room and intimidated her. Finally, they announced Lesnar vs. Matt Hardy, but Heyman lured him into a trap. Lesnar gave Matt an F5 on the stage!

The Match: Jeff attacks Lesnar when he arrives, so Brock throws him to the floor. However, Jeff shoves Lesnar into the post and lands crossbodies outside and inside the ring. Unfazed, Lesnar drives Jeff into the corner and tosses him around. Now Brock hits two overhead belly-to-belly suplexes and three backbreakers! As this happens, Heyman tells Lita it’s on her conscience. The foreboding warning doesn’t discourage Jeff from fighting back. He scores a Whisper in the Wind, a jawbreaker, a leg drop to the crotch, and the Swanton! When they only earn two, Jeff grabs a chair, but he misses his shot. It allows Lesnar to nail the F5, but Heyman tells him to hurt Jeff instead of covering him. A double powerbomb follows, yet Heyman calls for more. One last powerbomb knocks out Jeff Hardy, so the ref ends the bout.

Thoughts: This was a great showcase for Lesnar. It did everything it needed to do. Jeff provided the perfect foil for Lesnar because he could take the sick bumps to make him look like a monster.

Winner: Brock Lesnar (5:32)

Kurt Angle vs. Edge - WWE Backlash 2002

Kurt Angle vs. Edge

Storyline: Edge pinned Angle during a tag encounter, so Kurt cost Edge a victory over Booker T. Then Kurt failed to bring the Intercontinental title to Smackdown, so he unleashed his fury on Edge once more. Meanwhile, Angle and Jericho bonded over their mutual anger. Both men felt the WWF screwed them out of #1 contender opportunities, so they took it out on the Rock, Hogan, and Triple H. However, Edge appeared to make a peace offering with Kurt. He presented him with pictures from their past, but each one had an insulting message written on the back for the fans’ amusement. This led to Edge vs. Kurt, which ended in DQ when Angle blocked a spear with a chair. Later, Angle helped Jericho pin Edge and jumped Edge backstage. He gave him an Angle Slam on the concrete! When Edge retaliated, Vince tried to send Edge home.

The Match: They trade holds and takedowns until Angle uses suplexes. Then Edge escapes a chinlock and blocks rolling Germans before scoring his own belly-to-belly. Now Edge hits a backdrop, a sit-out Edgecution, and a facebuster. But when Edge climbs the turnbuckles, Angle runs up and throws him. Next, Angle lands rolling Germans, but Edge answers with a scary-looking suplex. He also nails a crossbody to the floor and a missile dropkick. Afterward, an Angle Slam and the anklelock can’t get the job done, so Kurt grabs a chair out of frustration. His missed shot rebounds into his face and Edge does the Edge-O-Matic, but this only earns two! Kurt’s desperation continues, so he rakes the eyes and goes for the chair again. The ref stops him and Edge looks for a spear, but Kurt kicks Edge in the head and ends it with an Angle Slam.

Thoughts: This was excellent. They came to impress and went all out. It seemed like Edge and Angle released their frustrations over being stuck in filler feuds for two months. This was two men trying to prove they deserved better, and they did it. The only surprise was Angle got a clean win. I know this isn’t the end of the feud.

Winner: Kurt Angle (15:25)

Chris Jericho has something to say - WWE Backlash 2002

Jericho comes to the ring before the next match because he has something to say. He can’t believe he went from the main event of WrestleMania to not getting booked on this PPV! Kidman, Trish, and Maven competed on this card, but they made Jericho a common spectator like the jackasses in the crowd. He’s not a has-been, despite what people say. In fact, he’s better than everyone here, especially Hulk Hogan! Does anyone truly think Hogan deserves the title shot more than him? Jericho tells the Hulkamaniacs Hogan will never bring it home one more time. He isn’t worthy of being a champion like Jericho. And since Jericho isn’t wrestling, he doesn’t feel welcome in Kansas City. He says screw you to the fans and leaves.

The Undertaker tries to intimidate Ric Flair - WWE Backlash 2002

Meanwhile, Flair gets ready backstage. He already donned his referee outfit, so he hands his watch to Arn Anderson for safekeeping. Ric says he will ensure there will be a #1 contender tonight. As he says this, the Undertaker enters the room. Taker says nothing. He glares at Flair and wags a finger in his face before leaving. Lawler says he is trying to intimidate Flair. Once Taker is gone, Arn tells Ric to keep an eye on that guy.

Eddie Guerrero vs. RVD - WWE Backlash 2002

Intercontinental Title Match: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam (c)

Storyline: RVD didn’t sweat the draft because he would still be R-V-D no matter where he landed. Once Flair picked him for RAW, RVD fended off Angle’s attempt to take the gold. He followed this with successful title defenses against Christian, Mr. Perfect, Test, and Booker T. It was during the latter that everyone received a surprise. Eddie Guerrero returned and attacked RVD! Guerrero even cost RVD his #1 contender tournament contest against the Undertaker. When asked why, Eddie said RVD stole his Frog Splash and his Intercontinental belt during his absence. He left to get his life back on track, but now he is here to regain what is his! Eddie swears he won’t have to steal it like RVD did. Later, RVD and Spike fought Eddie and Regal, and Eddie pinned Spike. RVD tried to retaliate, but Regal pulled Eddie to safety.

The Match: They trade takedowns until RVD hits a standing moonsault and a suplex. Then RVD drops Eddie on the ropes to prevent a superplex and nails a flying kick and a cartwheel moonsault. This leads to brawling outside, where RVD does a moonsault off the apron and the barricade wheel kick. Back inside, Eddie raises his knees on a Rolling Thunder and targets RVD’s back. He uses a backbreaker, a modified surfboard, and a Gory Special. After fending off pin attempts, Eddie also scores a slingshot senton, a springboard hurricanrana, and suplexes. Next, Eddie feels froggy. He can’t land the splash, but he performs a sunset bomb. When RVD rebounds with a heel kick, Eddie bails to grab the belt. The ref gets wiped out in the ensuing chaos, so Eddie lands a neckbreaker on the title and finishes RVD with a Frog Splash.

Thoughts: This was a solid encounter with some good intensity and some nice spots. I thought they did great, but Angle vs. Edge exhausted the crowd. They didn’t react as well to this as you would expect. The fans weren’t quiet, but they weren’t as loud as they had been all night.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero (New Champion) (11:43)

Now JR and Lawler sing the praises of The Scorpion King. Ross swears it’s a great movie, and it set a record for an April release.

Afterward, Ric Flair arrives to officiate the #1 contender contest. He wears his red wrestling boots under his referee pants, so JR compares him to Johnny “Red Shoes” Dugan. This confuses Lawler. He thought Flair simply committed a fashion faux pas.

The Undertaker vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin - WWE Backlash 2002

#1 Contender Match: The Undertaker vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Storyline: The Undertaker dared Flair to draft him, so Flair called his bluff. Taker freaked out and threatened to torment Flair. Meanwhile, Linda declared Austin was a free agent, so Flair and Vince wanted to sign him. Austin feigned joining Vince, but this was an April Fool’s joke. He stunned Vince and Flair before signing with RAW. However, Flair told Austin they wouldn’t have a rivalry like he had with Vince. He asked for respect, but Austin kept stunning him. Later, Flair erroneously attempted to name Taker as the #1 contender, but Vince said he won that privilege in a coin toss. To make things right, Flair held a #1 Contender tournament. Taker and Austin reached the finals after Flair stopped Taker from costing Austin his win, but Austin didn’t like Flair getting involved. He stunned him again, so Flair made himself the ref for this contest.

The Match: They exchange knockdowns and mat holds while playing mind games with each other. Once that breaks down, they brawl outside for a while until the nWo arrives to observe the action. The brawling culminates with an apron leg drop before Taker focuses on Austin’s knee. He also wears Steve down with chinlocks and neck vices. Austin answers with a sleeper hold, but Taker breaks it and nails a jumping clothesline. While Flair checks on Austin, Taker removes a turnbuckle pad, but this backfires on him.

Now Austin stomps mudholes and evades a Tombstone. He even scores the Stunner, but Flair gets wiped out beforehand. This allows Taker to introduce a chair, so Austin throws a low blow. Next, Flair goes down once more and Taker uses the chair, which only earns two! Finally, Austin gets the chair, but Flair grabs it to stop him. The opening enables Taker to kick the chair into Austin’s face and cover for the three. Austin’s foot is on the ropes, but Flair misses it.

Thoughts: This was slow and plodding. I found the first few minutes amusing, but it fell off a cliff after that. For some reason, these two have never had great chemistry, and this was another example of that.

Winner: The Undertaker (27:03)

JR says Flair didn’t see the foot, so Lawler calls this a big mistake. Meanwhile, Austin reaches his feet before Taker leaves. Taker tells him he’s the #1 contender and flips Austin off, so Austin gives him a Stunner.

Coach shows Ric Flair the end of the match - WWE Backlash 2002

Coach greets Flair as he walks through the curtain. He asks Ric if he saw Austin’s foot on the ropes. Flair asks him what he’s talking about, so Coach brings Flair to a monitor and shows him the end of the match. When Flair sees this, he shakes his head. Coach asks him what he has to say, so Flair says “Aw shit” and walks away.

Billy & Chuck vs. Al Snow & Maven - WWE Backlash 2002

Tag Team Title Match: Billy & Chuck (c) (w/ Rico) vs. Al Snow & Maven

Storyline: Billy and Chuck hired a hairstylist named Rico to be their manager. He interfered and helped them win matches while mocking and insulting their opponents. Meanwhile, Billy and Chuck fended off the Dudleys twice. The second time was the Dudleys’ last opportunity before splitting up as a team. Plus, Billy and Chuck defeated Albert and Scotty, which led to Albert turning on Scotty. While this was happening, Maven lost the Hardcore belt to Raven when Tommy Dreamer intervened. Maven couldn’t bring the Hardcore championship to Smackdown, so Vince sent Hardcore Holly after him. Al Snow had his back. Snow even stood up for Maven when Billy, Chuck, and Rico bullied him backstage. This resulted in singles and team encounters where Maven and Snow both scored pinfalls on Chuck.

The Match: They brawl until Snow and Maven clear the ring. Then Billy and Chuck double-team Maven. Maven almost rallies when he whips Billy into Snow and lands a DDT, but the double-teaming continues. B&C attacks Maven in their corner, so Maven answers with an enziguri and tags Snow. Now Snow nails clotheslines, but Chuck uses a cheap shot from the apron. This enables a neckbreaker, a surfboard stretch, and a belly-to-belly on Snow. However, Snow drops Chuck onto Billy’s crotch with a drop toe hold. The opening allows Maven to tag. He takes a Fameasser, but Snow pulls him outside to prevent a pin. Sensing trouble, Rico interferes and causes chaos. Snow and Maven score a sit-out spinebuster and a flying crossbody on Billy, so Rico leads Snow on a chase. With Al occupied, Chuck gives Maven the Jungle Kick and Billy pins him.

Thoughts: This was fine, but it didn’t set the world on fire. They did what they needed to. I’ll also give Maven credit. He looked good in this. With that said, you know the division is weak when Al Snow and Maven are your #1 contenders.

Winners: Billy & Chuck (5:58)

Now it’s time for the main event. Sadly, they dubbed over “Voodoo Child” with an awful-sounding knock-off. Also, I want to point out Hogan’s new look. He switched to a hybrid of the old and new. Hogan returned to wearing the red and yellow, but he kept the black beard.

Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs. Triple H - WWE Backlash 2002

Undisputed Title Match: Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs. Triple H (c)

Storyline: The issues between Triple H, Jericho, and Stephanie came to a head after WrestleMania. Hunter, Jericho, and Stephanie had a Triple Threat for the Undisputed title. If Triple H pinned Steph, she had to leave the WWF! Hunter won and sent her packing, so Vince vowed to make his life hell as long as he was champion. However, Flair showed Hunter respect. He presented him with a new Undisputed belt and teamed with him against Vince and Angle, but Taker helped Vince pin Flair. Later, Vince named Hogan as the #1 contender at the Rock’s request. With the match set, Vince and Jericho stirred the pot. They manipulated the situation until Hogan and Hunter were at each other’s throats. Hunter warned Hogan to stop interfering in his business. Then Hogan hit Hunter with a chair by accident, so Hunter retaliated and left Hogan lying.

The Match: They start with long lock-ups and a test of strength while Hogan flexes and poses. Then they trade holds until Triple H loses his cool and becomes aggressive. Choking leads to brawling outside, and Hogan reverses a suplex on the floor. Back inside, Hogan counters a Pedigree and nails a Diamond Cutter! When Hunter recovers, he answers with chop blocks and targets Hogan’s knee. He wears him down with leg work and uses a Figure Four with leverage. Hogan escapes, but Hunter switches to a sleeper. Once Hogan breaks this, he rallies with an Axe Bomber and lands the leg drop, so Jericho interferes!

Jericho wipes out Hebner and decks Hogan with a chair. With Hogan down, Chris puts Hebner back into the ring, but Triple H sees this. He attacks Jericho and gives him the face crusher. Now Triple H focuses on Hogan, but Hogan hulks up! He downs Hunter with a big boot, yet the leg drop misses. This allows Hunter to land a Pedigree, so the Undertaker interrupts them! Taker takes out Hunter and tries to pull Hogan on top of him. Hogan refuses to take the win this way. He clotheslines Taker over the ropes and finishes Triple H with the leg drop.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this. They structured and paced it well. Plus, this was some of the best selling I’ve seen from Hogan. You could tell this run motivated him. Yeah, they overbooked the closing minutes, but it wasn’t too much.

Winner: Hulk Hogan (New Champion) (22:04)

As Hogan celebrates, a bleeding Triple H interrupts him. He gets in Hogan’s face, but Hunter offers a handshake after a tense moment. Once Hunter leaves, Hogan poses.

The Good:

  • The main event

  • Angle vs. Edge

  • Eddie vs. RVD

  • Tajiri vs. Kidman

The Bad:

  • Taker vs. Austin

  • The state of the tag division

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to Edge and Angle. They came to prove a point and accomplished that goal.

Final Thoughts:

This was a great PPV. It seems to get overlooked and underappreciated because you don’t hear people talk about this often. The show contained a couple of great matches and some solid ones.

Thank you for reading. My next review is Judgment Day 2002. Look for it next Sunday!


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I write a blog where I chronologically review all pre-network PPVs from the WWF/WWE, WCW, & ECW.

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