Bad Blood 2003

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

Bad Blood

June 15, 2003

Compaq Center

Houston, Texas

News & Notes: I only have a few extra storylines to discuss before we begin. Jazz had issues with two women after Judgment Day. First, Jacqueline teamed with Ivory against Jazz and Molly, and Jacqueline scored an upset pin on Jazz. A title shot resulted from the victory, but Teddy Long shoved Jackie off the top rope to help Jazz win. Then Jazz, Victoria, and Molly faced Ivory, Trish, and Jacqueline. This time, Ivory pinned Jazz. She did it again when Jazz and Victoria wrestled Ivory and Trish. Plus, Ivory defeated Molly on Heat. Meanwhile, another female superstar is heading to WWE. Matrix-themed vignettes aired to hype Gail Kim’s arrival. In other news, Val Venis started an adult film studio. He attempted to recruit Victoria and told the fans he was holding auditions in his hotel room.

On a side note, this event begins the brand-exclusive PPV era. Every B-Show going forward will be exclusive to one brand. Bad Blood is a RAW presentation.

The PPV: Blood and bitterness ran hot and deep because this hatred had a history. Jericho taught Goldberg not to underestimate him. Chris maced Goldberg, spilled paint on his car, and tricked him into spearing Charles Robinson. Others achieved their aspirations out of rage and contempt. Triple H said Nash didn’t want to run up against him, and Bischoff threw his weight around as the co-general manager. However, they could not forgive or forget some actions. This was a new beginning, so Goldberg said he was happy to kick Jericho’s ass. Then, some things came back to haunt Triple H. Austin gave Nash a rematch inside Hell in a Cell and named Mick Foley as the referee. Foley said he would watch them tear each other apart. Witness jealousy, rage, contempt, and the bad blood spilling as they unleash hell!

Now, fireworks explode while JR talks about Texas-sized personal animosities. He welcomes everybody to the Compaq Center in Houston as the Dudleys’ theme plays. During the entrances, they show a replay from Heat. Rodney Mack and Christopher Nowinski talked to D-Von. They tried to convince him that Bubba was discriminating against his own family. D-Von choked Nowinski when he said this, but Chris asked him why his white brother always made D-Von get the tables.

Rodney Mack & Christopher Nowinski (w/ Theodore Long) vs. The Dudley Boyz

Storyline: Rodney Mack issued his White Boy Challenge to an established star. Spike Dudley answered the call, but Mack squashed him. When Mack did it again the following week, he got Bubba Ray. This time, Nowinski interfered to help Rodney win. Christopher even used his protective face mask to defeat Spike. Later, Nowinski explained his actions. Christopher wanted to join Long and Mack because he was a minority as a Harvard graduate. Long said he was an equal-opportunist, so he allowed it. However, Mack threatened to beat up Nowinski if he screwed up. Then Mack and Nowinski wrestled Spike and Dreamer, and Christopher saved Mack from a 3D. Plus, Nowinski sacrificed himself and took a 3D to help Mack pin D-Von.

The Match: D-Von fends off Mack’s jawbreaker and takes his opponents down with clotheslines and a drop toe hold. Then Nowinski runs into Bubba, who enters the fight. Bubba eats a cheap shot from Rodney but bounces back with knockdowns. He also stacks Rodney and Chris in the corner and splashes them. After fighting around ringside, Mack and Nowinski seize control. They use an eye rake and a ref distraction to crotch D-Von on the post. Now, Rodney subdues D-Von with a chinlock and spinebuster. Nowinski adds a splash but misses a diving elbow, allowing Bubba to tag.

Bubba cleans house with clotheslines, a backdrop, and a side slam. A Bubba Bomb attempt follows, which Nowinski escapes by headbutting Bubba. Unfazed, Bubba nails a diving forearm before chaos erupts. D-Von sends Mack outside to brawl while Nowinski removes his protective face mask. Chris can’t land a strike, but Bubba targets Nowinski’s injured face with Flip, Flop, & Fly. Afterward, Bubba evades Mack’s Black Out (Cobra Clutch) and slams Rodney. Long complains to the ref, but this allows the Dudleys to give Mack the Wassup Drop. Next, Bubba tells D-Von to get the tables, so Teddy asks D-Von why he is doing Bubba’s bidding. D-Von hesitates but chases Teddy off the apron. The interference lets Rodney take D-Von to the floor as Nowinski clocks Bubba with his mask. His attack is enough for the three.

Thoughts: This was okay. I liked the story of the finish, but the rest was forgettable. Little happened before the closing moments. This wasn’t the hot opener that a show needed.

Winners: Rodney Mack & Christopher Nowinski (7:07)

Next, JR and Lawler discuss the Redneck Triathlon. They show a replay of Austin and Bischoff spinning the wheel to choose their two events. They picked pie-eating and burping contests. Lawler talks about the pie eating excitedly, and everybody says the phrase poontang pie. Terri says they will return to the wheel if they need a third round.

The recap brings us to the burping competition. Terri explains the rules. They will get three burps. Whoever burps the longest and loudest wins. Austin does jumping jacks to prepare, but Bischoff goes first. His weak burp makes it sound like he wants to throw up. Then Austin unleashes a loud one. (They are using recorded noises and not trying to hide them.) While Austin downs a beer, Bischoff does a better burp. However, Austin’s second attempt is wet and smelly. Nevertheless, Bischoff claims he can beat it. He even does breathing exercises, yet the result still sounds poor. Finally, Austin produces a long and echoing belch. Terri reacts in disgust, but she declares Austin the victor. Steve calls Bischoff a worthy competitor. Austin feels honored and esteemed, but Bischoff tells him to see a doctor.

Now, it’s time for Test vs. Scott Steiner. The winner gets Stacy Keibler as their manager. Once everyone arrives, Stacy joins them. Test taunts her and asks for a kiss, making Stacy look nauseous. She chooses Steiner instead, so Scott opens the ropes for her. Unfortunately, Test pulls her down. Steiner tries to do an axehandle off the apron but comes up short and face plants on the floor!

Winner Gets Stacy Keibler as a Manager: Scott Steiner vs. Test

Storyline: Steiner and Test faced La Resistance again. They lost because Stacy was checking on Scott when he got hurt. An argument between Steiner and Test resulted from the loss, so Stacy left in a huff. Then Steiner came to Stacy’s aid when she fell down during Test vs. Booker. Stacy had enough. She broke up with Test and accompanied Steiner to his matches. However, Test reminded Stacy she had a contract to be his manager. The contract didn’t stop Stacy from siding with Steiner, so Bischoff booked this encounter for Stacy’s managerial services. Later, Steiner wrestled Storm, and Test did commentary. Test attacked Steiner with a chair and grabbed Stacy. He became violent with her and kissed her. Plus, Test told Stacy she didn’t have to be his girlfriend anymore. At the PPV, he would make her his whore instead.

The Match: They brawl inside and outside the ring while Steiner does push-ups and yells at the ref. Then Test regroups and hides behind Stacy. The distraction and a whip into the steps allow Test to take control. He subdues Steiner with clotheslines and a sleeper hold. Test even mocks Steiner’s posing and push-ups as he blows kisses at Stacy. Unfortunately for Test, Steiner counters his dives with suplexes. Test scores a full nelson slam, but Steiner avoids the pumphandle powerslam and nails a reverse DDT.

Afterward, Test lands the pumphandle powerslam but grows frustrated when it earns two. Test attempts to remove a turnbuckle pad, drawing Stacy to the apron to protest. Stacy slaps Test, but Test evades Steiner and hits a big boot. When it only gains two, Test throws a fit and grabs a chair. Stacy stops him, so Test shoves her down. Now, Test swings the weapon and misses. The chair rebounds into Test’s face, allowing Steiner to finish him with a Flatliner.

Thoughts: This was another fine but forgettable contest. Only the ending amused me. I always love it when wrestlers whack themselves in the face with a rebounded chair strike. But the best thing I can say about the bout was that they kept it short and had a hot crowd.

Winner: Scott Steiner (6:23)

Stacy hugs Steiner while they celebrate, and Steiner grabs her ass. Scott also sneaks a peek up her dress while holding the ropes for her. When Lawler complains about the cameraman missing the shot, they redo the spot for him. Afterward, Steiner carries Stacy away on his shoulder as Test throws a tantrum.

Backstage, Bischoff begs Austin to stop burping. Then Austin says he needs to make a pit stop to unload some cargo. He was storing it for a different competition. Eric no-sells the joke and says Austin had an unfair advantage in the burping contest because he’s from Texas. Austin admits it is a skill in Texas. Next, they discuss the pie-eating event. Austin wants to know why Bischoff thinks he is a better pie eater than him, so Bischoff says he has been doing research. Eric shows Austin the results. It’s a room full of gorgeous ladies. Austin calls this damn good research. However, they argue about who gets to go first. Austin calls Eric selfish, but he agrees to let Bischoff start. In return, Austin will pick the flavor Bischoff eats. Bischoff says this can’t go wrong.

Meanwhile, Christian arrives to face Booker T. Christian has a new theme and a fresh haircut. He greets his peeps on the way to the ring.

Intercontinental Title Match: Booker T vs. Christian (c)

Storyline: Jericho invited Christian to the Highlight Reel, which now included the insanely expensive Jeritron 5000! He praised Christian for his betrayal at Judgment Day because it proved that Christian became a man. Afterward, Christian insulted Booker T before RVD interrupted and challenged Christian. Christian & Jericho vs. Kane & RVD for the tag titles resulted from the confrontation, and Booker stopped Christian from using a chair on them. Later, Christian faced Goldust in a non-title bout, which Goldust won. Meanwhile, Christian guest-hosted the Highlight Reel. Christian had the Rock as his guest and told him he was the new People’s Champion. When Rocky mocked Christian, Jericho and Christian jumped the Rock, but Booker saved him. Also, Christian and Jericho wrestled Booker and Goldust. Booker pinned Christian, so Christian hit him with the belt. Finally, they held a Spinaroonie contest, but Christian decked Booker with the championship again.

The Match: They do chain wrestling and takedowns until Booker scores a backdrop and a spinebuster. Then Christian lures Booker to the apron for a hotshot before ramming him into the steps. Back inside, Christian grounds Booker with chinlocks. Once Booker escapes, he catches a diving Christian for a flapjack. A crossbody, a side slam, and a heel kick follow. Plus, Booker counters and hits a reverse DDT after dropping Christian on the ropes. Undaunted, Christian reverses Booker’s corner flip and uses the ropes for leverage but only gets two.

More reversals bring them to the apron, where Booker nails a scissors kick. Despite Christian’s eye poke, Booker continues with a missile dropkick and a sidekick. The Spinaroonie comes next, so Christian bails outside, grabs the belt, and tries to leave. However, the referee says Christian will lose the championship if he doesn’t return. Christian obliges but leads a chase and decks Booker with the gold to cause a DQ.

Thoughts: That was an awful ending to an otherwise solid encounter. They were building to a nice finish and had a hot crowd. Sure, it gave Christian great heat, but it disappointed me.

Winner: Booker T (by DQ) (7:53)

Backstage, Kevin Nash tapes his wrists while JR talks about Nash vs. Triple H.

Lawler hosts the pie-eating competition. The score is one to nothing, so Austin will win if he beats Bischoff in this round. Once Austin and Bischoff arrive, Austin reminds Bischoff about their discussion. He also mentions Bischoff’s love of mature women. Steve even calls him Eric Jerkoff. With the insults out of the way, Austin shows the ladies from earlier. However, Steve changes his plans. He won’t pick one of them. Austin has someone else in mind.

He introduces Mae Young, so Eric freaks out. Bischoff refuses to compete when Mae flicks her tongue at him, but Austin tells Eric a forfeit would make Austin the winner. So Bischoff relents, and Mae kisses him. Eric thinks that’s enough, but Austin disagrees. Then Mae knocks Eric into the corner with a low blow and removes her skirt to reveal a thong! She gives Eric a Bronco Buster, which makes Bischoff sick. He calls Austin a bastard and says it’s Austin’s turn. Mae wants a hug, but Austin says he needs to warm up. After shaking his head, Steve kicks Mae and hits the Stunner. Austin forfeits the contest, tying the score at one apiece. Afterward, Austin asks for a beer. (Here’s a fun fact. Mae stuffed sardines in her underwear for this segment, so Bischoff’s disgusted reaction was legitimate.)

Elsewhere, Kane stares into a mirror. JR wonders which Kane we will get tonight. Will it be the monster or the man who abandoned RVD to take a beating last week?

Now, Coach interviews La Resistance. Jonathan says Rene and Sylvain must feel pretty good going into their first World Tag Team Title shot. The champs aren’t on the same page. Coach asks if they have any final thoughts. Sylvain answers in French, but he switches to English. He calls it a pretty big night for them. Unfortunately, they have to spend it in Texas. La Resistance hates this place because it gave the world that buffoon, George W. Bush. So, Rene dedicates their match to France and the glorious president, Jacques Chirac.

World Tag Team Title Match: La Resistance vs. Kane & Rob Van Dam (c)

Storyline: La Resistance interrupted Lilian Garcia’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” for the troops, so Austin stunned them. Then La Resistance complained to Bischoff about Austin’s attack, so Eric granted them an opportunity. Grenier faced RVD in a Flag Match for a tag title shot and won. Meanwhile, something was wrong with Kane. He grew frustrated with RVD when Rob tagged himself during an encounter. Plus, Kane couldn’t prevent Dupree’s interference during RVD vs. Grenier. Worse yet, Kane lost to Dupree by a roll-up, so Austin confronted him. He wanted to know where Kane’s fire went. Austin slapped Kane to motivate him, but Kane refused to retaliate. When Kane continued to mope, Austin gave him a Stunner. Finally, La Resistance jumped RVD after a bout, but Kane didn’t save him. RVD yelled at Kane afterward, and Kane didn’t respond.

The Match: RVD and Dupree exchange holds and taunts, including Rene’s French Tickler dance. Then RVD scores a springboard crossbody, but Sylvain stops him with a hotshot. Now, Rene uses a DDT before La Resistance double-teams RVD. They beat Rob down, and Dupree grounds him with a chinlock. Once RVD escapes, he fends off hair-pulling and nails an enziguri. The rally leads to Kane’s hot tag. He cleans house with a big boot, a choke toss, and a flying clothesline. La Resistance answers with a double neckbreaker, but Kane sits up and hits a double clothesline. Kane even launches RVD into a flying kick. Sensing trouble, Renee pulls Kane to the floor and rams him into the post. So, RVD sends La Resistance outside for a somersault plancha. Unfortunately, Rob lands on Kane! The mistake allows La Resistance to roll RVD inside and finish him with a double spinebuster.

Thoughts: This was another one where the ending was far more interesting than the rest. They did a great job with the finishes on this PPV, but the action itself has been dull. The other problem this had was its length. This was too short to be good.

Winners: La Resistance (New Champions) (5:47)

Goldberg vs. Chris Jericho

Storyline: Someone attempted to run over Goldberg, so Austin needed to find out who it was. Lance Storm confessed after an interrogation but claimed it was an accident. Then Goldberg forced Storm to admit Jericho had asked him to do it. Jericho said he did it because no one wanted Goldberg there. Chris still remembered Goldberg’s ego in WCW. So, Jericho challenged Goldberg before pepper-spraying and spearing him. Later, Jericho threw paint on Goldberg’s car to lure him into a chase. Christian took over the Highlight Reel in Chris’s absence, but Jericho returned to help attack the Rock. When Christian and Jericho tried to retreat, Austin booked them against Booker and Goldust. Goldberg ran them off. Next, Jericho interfered in Goldberg vs. Rosey to get into Goldberg’s head. He told Christian he had to leave before he hurt Goldberg, but Jericho ambushed Goldberg with a chair.

The Match: Goldberg tackles Jericho out of the ring, so Jericho hides behind Charles Robinson. Then Goldberg tosses Jericho until Jericho spits at him. Now, Goldberg gorilla presses Chris and crotches him on the ropes before sending him outside. There, Goldberg drops Jericho on the barricade and seeks a spear. Goldberg charges, but Jericho sidesteps him, and Goldberg crashes through the security wall. The impact injures Goldberg’s shoulder. Afterward, Jericho bloodies Goldberg with the post and focuses on his arm. He uses armbreakers and armbars, but Goldberg kicks a diving Jericho. Bill also whips Jericho around with one arm and nails a hip toss.

When Goldberg can’t capitalize, Jericho lands bulldogs and a Lionsault. Goldberg almost catches Jericho on a second Lionsault but settles for a fireman’s carry slam. A spear hurts Goldberg’s shoulder, and his Jackhammer attempt clips the ref, so Jericho throws a low blow. The Walls of Jericho follows, and Goldberg can’t secure a rope break. However, he goes for Jericho’s legs and flips him out of the hold. The escape allows Goldberg to hit another spear and the Jackhammer for the three.

Thoughts: This was good. They told a nice story, and Goldberg sold the arm well. Plus, they kept it at the right length for Goldberg. The only issue was that the WWE fans didn’t like Goldberg. They chanted, “Goldberg sucks” a few times. He was fighting an uphill battle in the company because they conditioned their audience to dislike WCW.

Winner: Goldberg (10:53)

Meanwhile, they show a hog pen, so Lawler asks if JR brought his relatives to the event. Afterward, Austin and Bischoff are backstage to determine their final contest. Terri spins the wheel, which lands on a sing-off. This pleases Bischoff, so Austin asks him why he’s so happy. Bischoff says he has heard Austin sing. Austin asks Terri if she thinks he’s a bad singer, and she reluctantly admits he is. Austin says he knows he’s terrible at singing, so Bischoff promises to embarrass Austin in front of his home state rednecks.

Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels

Storyline: Austin let Triple H pick an opponent for a World Title defense, so he chose Flair. However, Hunter asked Ric to lie down for him. HBK convinced Ric not to do it, and Flair almost beat Hunter. Afterward, Shawn told Ric he inspired him to wrestle, so he wanted to face Ric to know where he stood. Shawn told Ric he shouldn’t be the guy to put the belt around Hunter’s waist. This statement led to Shawn and Ric vs. Hunter, but Flair betrayed HBK and remained with Evolution. Plus, a masked Randy Orton returned to ambush Shawn. Thankfully, Shawn received help from Nash and the Hurricane. Hurricane joined the fight because Evolution jumped him. Shawn, Nash, and Hurricane fought Evolution, but Orton pinned Hurricane. Then, Orton defeated Hurricane one-on-one despite Shawn’s aid. Shawn fended off Evolution when they tried to injure Hurricane after the bout.

The Match: They start with chain wrestling, takedowns, and slaps. Shawn makes Flair beg off after a slingshot crossbody. It’s a trap, but Shawn shakes off Flair’s attack and beats him down in the corner. When Hebner backs Shawn up, Flair throws a chop block and works on Shawn’s leg. A Figure Four follows, but Shawn gets a rope break. Then Shawn prevents another one with an enziguri. He also scores a backdrop and hurls Flair off the top rope. Shawn can’t hit Sweet Chin Music, but he puts Flair in a Figure Four, which Ric breaks with an eye poke.

Now, they trade pin attempts with leverage before Shawn whips Ric into a Flair Flip. Ric lands on his feet and climbs, but Shawn clotheslines Flair as he dives. Next, Shawn performs a superplex and sets up a table outside. Flair tries to suplex Shawn over the ropes, but Shawn sends him to the floor. He places Ric on the table, fends off Orton with a superkick, and drives Flair through the plunder with a flying splash. Back inside, Flair uses a desperate low blow that hits Shawn and Hebner. Unfazed, Shawn responds with a backdrop, a jumping forearm, a flying elbow, and Sweet Chin Music. But as Shawn looks to cover him, Orton whacks Shawn with a chair and pulls Flair over Shawn. Hebner recovers and counts the three.

Thoughts: This was great. It was easily the match of the night so far. They kept it simple but built a nice crescendo with a hot finish. Also, the way Flair succeeded takes nothing away from Michaels. Shawn looked like he should have won. Furthermore, this helps establish Orton.

Winner: Ric Flair (14:18)

Redneck Triathlon Finals: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Eric Bischoff

Storyline: Bischoff had a hangover after Judgment Day, so Austin told him to drink more, but Eric puked. Then Austin used a megaphone and banged on trash cans to annoy Eric. He even offered him female companionship, but it was Moolah and Mae. Austin’s antics made Eric snap. They bickered about who would present Bad Blood, so Eric wanted to settle it in a competition. Austin suggested a Redneck Triathlon, and they spun a wheel to determine the first two stipulations. The wheel landed on a pie-eating competition, but Bischoff thought Austin meant actual pie. Their following spin fell on a burping contest.

The Segment: Bischoff comes to the ring and says he will treat everybody to the best song ever. He asks the truck to play his theme music, but Bischoff performs a lip sync. Austin interrupts and calls him Milli Vanilli. He makes Eric start again and tells him to sing this time. However, Bischoff does so poorly that Austin stops it and spins the wheel for a different stipulation. Now, the needle lands on Pig Pen Fun.

Bischoff says he can smell the hog pen from there, so Eric wants no part. Austin doesn’t care. He says you win by throwing your opponent into the muck, and he deputizes the entire arena. They can throw Bischoff in if he attempts to run. When Eric hears this, he un-deputizes the fans and tries to escape. Eric bounds over the wall, but Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale tosses Bischoff back to Austin. Steve stomps a mudhole, gives Eric the Stunner, and drags him to the stage. There, Austin hurls Bischoff into the pen for the victory.

Thoughts: Mae Young amused me, but the rest of the triathlon was stupid. I don’t want to think about oral sex during a wrestling show, so the pie-eating stuff was just uncomfortable and weird. The burping segment was a one-note joke that dragged. And the pig pen section was too short to interest me. Also, they telegraphed the final event by showing the hogs earlier. They shouldn’t have revealed it until after the last wheel spin.

Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin (2-1)

Austin celebrates with beer while JR says Bischoff deflowered and defiled the pigs with his presence. (Vince must have fed him that awful line.) Lawler wonders what Bischoff will do on RAW tomorrow.

Now, it’s time for the main event. Mick Foley arrives last in his referee shirt, but Triple H shoves and warns him before attacking Nash.

Hell in a Cell Match for the World Title: Triple H (c) vs. Kevin Nash

Storyline: Austin thought Nash should have been champion after Judgment Day. Then Nash chased Hunter away, following Triple H vs. Flair, so Austin booked a rematch and made it Hell in a Cell. Later, a masked man jumped Nash before Shawn & Ric vs. Triple H. Nash unmasked him to reveal Randy Orton. Kevin also planted Hunter with a Jackknife after Nash, HBK, and Hurricane fought Evolution. Meanwhile, Triple H convinced the referees that Hell in a Cell was too dangerous, so they refused to officiate it. However, Austin chose a special ref who could handle the cell. He picked Mick Foley, but Hunter gave Foley an hour to back out. Mick seemed worried until Austin told him to cut the nonsense. So, Hunter attacked Foley with a chair. No matter how much he beat him down, Foley kept slapping the mat three times to send a message.

The Match: Nash gets the early advantage with knockdowns and strikes. Hunter desperately tries to fight back and shoves Nash into Foley, but Kevin whips him into the cage wall multiple times. He even whacks Hunter with a chair and throws the steps at him. Hunter avoids the toss and blocks a Jackknife on the floor. Then Triple H fetches a toolbox. He decks Nash in the knee and head with a hammer, busting him open. Hunter uses a screwdriver and a barbed wire 2×4 to do more damage. Undeterred, Nash takes the board and bloodies Hunter. Now, Nash wedges the barbed wire board into the corner and drops Hunter on it with Snake Eyes. Nash tosses the steps into the ring, so Hunter blasts Kevin with a wooden box and finds the sledgehammer.

Foley grabs the hammer before Hunter can use it, but Hunter attacks Mick and wields the steps instead. This time, Nash thwarts Hunter with a drop toe hold. As Nash seeks more, Hunter targets Nash’s leg. Hunter collects the chair and bashes Nash and Foley, but Mick responds with a Socko Claw! Unfortunately, Hunter breaks it with a low blow. Worse yet, Hunter pulls Foley into Nash’s attack with the steps and whips Nash into Mick. The collision knocks Foley against the cage wall. A Pedigree attempt follows, but Nash counters with a catapult into the barbed wire board. Nash continues with a Jackknife, which only earns two! Finally, Hunter clocks Nash with the sledgehammer and finishes him with a Pedigree. Foley reluctantly counts the three.

Thoughts: This was good, but not great. The action contained nice brutality. The problem was that this suffered from frequent lulls. They couldn’t gain momentum because everything had long pauses. The fans reacted to the big spots and went quiet for the rest.

Winner: Triple H (21:01)

Everyone lies in a bloody heap until Flair and Orton arrive. Orton hands Hunter the belt before Evolution helps him to his feet. They celebrate as the show ends.

The Good:

• Goldberg vs. Jericho

• Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair

The Bad:

• The finish of Booker vs. Christian

• Most of the triathlon stuff

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to Flair and Michaels. They stole the show, which wasn’t difficult, but that didn’t detract from their performances.

Final Thoughts:

This show was painfully mediocre. Nothing on it was terrible. I found the triathlon stuff dumb, but even parts of that amused me. The problem was that most of the action felt dull until the finish. They could have fleshed out the other contests more if they had omitted the triathlon or trimmed it down to fewer segments. This was another PPV that suffered from too much filler nonsense.

Thank you for reading. My next review is Vengeance 2003. Look for it next Sunday!