SummerSlam 2003

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

SummerSlam

August 24, 2003

America West Arena

Phoenix, Arizona

News & Notes: I have plenty to discuss before we begin. Much has occurred between Bad Blood, Vengeance, and SummerSlam, so I will split this opening section between RAW and Smackdown. Let’s start with RAW’s extra storylines.

Gail Kim debuted and immediately won the Women’s Title in a Battle Royal, but she soon lost it to Molly Holly. The loss made Gail snap and attack Trish. Elsewhere, Booker T bested Christian for the Intercontinental belt, but he dropped it back to Christian on a house show after getting injured. Meanwhile, Austin taunted Lance Storm for being boring, so Goldust tried to help Storm cut loose. Speaking of Austin, Christian complained about Austin’s Stunners, so Linda said Austin couldn’t beat anyone up without provocation. In other news, Rico became more flamboyant and added Jackie Gayda as his manager. Next, Hurricane saved Rosey from Teddy Long’s crew and turned him into a superhero in training. (Do you get it? He’s S.H.I.T.!) Then Test defeated Steiner to regain Stacy’s services, but he still mistreated her. Finally, one of HBK’s students, Garrison Cade, joined the roster and teamed with Mark Jindrak.

On Smackdown, Noble invited Torrie to his hotel room to fulfill their stipulation. Gunn and Nidia showed up to stop them, but they all ended up in bed together. The affair led to Gunn and Noble becoming a team. Now, we have Zach Gowen. Matt Hardy didn’t enjoy sharing the spotlight with what he called a sideshow freak, so Matt and his followers started trouble with Gowen. While that rivalry happened, Matt and Shannon faced Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Championship. Plus, Rey and Kidman continued their issues with the World’s Greatest Tag Team. And lastly, the Basham Brothers clashed with the APA because Faarooq and Bradshaw insulted Shaniqua’s appearance. Bradshaw swore she was Shelton Benjamin in drag. Shelton didn’t care for this comparison.

Just for fun, I’ll even throw in a storyline from Heat. Stevie Richards declared himself the show’s star and renamed it Stevie Night Heat, but only Victoria took him seriously.

The PPV: The event begins with Lilian Garcia singing the national anthem while the Phoenix color guard holds their flags at the entrance.

Then, we see people enjoying a sunny day on a beach. However, the scene fades into darkness and the sound of bells. An Irish priest speaks about men waging war on the most brutal of battlegrounds. There is pure evil in the squared circle. Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee! Tonight, men’s virtues have taken a backseat to greed. While the priest says these things, they present clips of pallbearers lowering a casket into the ground. They mix those images with footage from the first Elimination Chamber. Plus, we witness the bloody carnage caused by Lesnar and Kane. Lastly, they show Bischoff invading the McMahon mansion and forcing himself on Linda.

Fireworks explode as JR welcomes everybody to the 16^th SummerSlam. Ross calls it a red-hot night in Phoenix, and Lawler says this is a night Triple H will never forget. Hunter will defend the World Title in the Elimination Chamber, which JR calls the devil’s own creation. (Does that make Bischoff the devil?) Next, Ross throws it down to Tazz and Cole. Tazz says he was born-ready. Meanwhile, the Spanish announcers speak a few words before the Dudleys arrive for the opening contest.

World Tag Team Title Match: La Resistance (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

Storyline: La Resistance defended their belts against Kane and RVD, but Kane ambushed them with a chair. Then La Resistance feuded with the Hurricane, who teamed with Sgt. Slaughter and Spike Dudley in losing efforts. Next, La Resistance sang the French national anthem on Bastille Day, but the Dudleys interrupted them and performed the American anthem because they said France sucks. Later, the Dudleys prevented La Resistance from attacking Cade and Jindrak with their flags. However, La Resistance lured the Dudleys into an attack. This led to Bubba vs. Rene, and Bubba won after a miscommunication between Rene and Sylvain. The Dudleys vs. La Resistance in a non-title bout resulted from this, but La Resistance beat them up, broke the American flag, and drank French wine to celebrate. Finally, a fake American soldier (Rob Conway) helped La Resistance beat up the Dudleys and draped the American flag over them.

The Match: The Dudleys jump La Resistance, and D-Von chokes Rene with his robe. Grenier tries to fight back, but Bubba puts him in a tree of woe and stands on his crotch. Eventually, La Resistance regroups and takes control with a cheap shot on Bubba. They subdue Bubba with a back suplex, choking, a double shoulder block, and a bear hug. Rene even adds a spinebuster, but D-Von breaks up the pin. Now, Bubba scores a Bubba Bomb on Sylvain, so D-Von makes a hot tag.

D-Von cleans house with clotheslines, a backdrop, a neckbreaker, a flapjack, and a powerslam. D-Von also runs Rene into Grenier and rolls him up for two. La Resistance answers with a double spinebuster on D-Von, but this causes chaos. Bubba gives Rene the Flip, Flop, & Fly, and the Dudleys perform the Wassup Drop on Grenier. A 3D to Rene follows, so Grenier yanks the ref outside. While this happens, a photographer enters the ring and decks D-Von with his camera. He pulls Rene on top of him for the victory.

Thoughts: This was an exciting opener. They kept the action flowing and had a good crowd. Plus, they mixed it up for once. Bubba played the face in peril, and D-Von made the hot tag. They usually do it the other way around. That was refreshing.

Winners: La Resistance (7:51)

Afterward, the photographer continues his attack, so Spike appears. Unfortunately, the mystery man clocks Spike with the camera and reveals himself as the fake soldier from last week. He raises La Resistance’s arms, and they exit together.

Meanwhile, Coach stops the Dudleys for a word. Coachman knows the Dudleys don’t agree with La Resistance, but they must admit they are clever. When Bubba hears this, he asks if Coach is an anti-American sympathizer. Bubba thinks people who don’t like America suck, but he has to give it to those French guys. They did whatever it took to keep the belts around their waists. However, the Dudleys are onto them. Bubba says they won’t rest or sleep until they regain their titles, and they will do whatever it takes. D-Von yells, “Testify,” as they walk away.

Backstage, Bischoff warms up with some shadow boxing, but he jumps when someone approaches him. It’s only Christian who introduces himself. Bischoff says he already knows Christian, so Christian asks why Eric didn’t make him a headliner or book him on the card. Bischoff blames Austin for Christian’s lack of booking, and Christian instantly buys this. He says Austin is jealous of his peeps. Then Christian offers to help Bischoff deal with Shane McMahon, but Eric says he has a backup plan. Bischoff keeps trying to make Christian leave so he can get ready, but Christian wants to know what happened in Linda McMahon’s bedroom. Eric doesn’t want to kiss and tell, but promises to reveal everything later.

The Undertaker vs. A-Train (w/ Sable)

Storyline: The Undertaker didn’t like how Vince asked A-Train to ambush Stephanie. Taker told Vince he would have beaten him up already if he were part of his family. Then Taker wrestled Cena, but Vince had A-Train attack Taker and cost him the win. Later, Stephanie said Vince was afraid of her having power, but she wouldn’t quit. Steph called Vince a great businessman but a terrible father. When Vince heard this, he booked A-Train vs. Stephanie. Plus, Vince put Taker in a fight with Big Show. Show and Train took Taker out with a 2×4, but Taker returned. He couldn’t save Stephanie. A-Train pinned Steph after a Vader Bomb, and Vince and Sable celebrated with a kiss. Finally, Taker and Orlando Jordan fought A-Train and Cena, and Cena defeated Taker after using a chair. Sable rewarded A-Train with her hotel room key.

The Match: Train scores headlocks and shoulder blocks, but Taker responds with a Russian leg sweep. Now, Taker fends off A-Train’s attacks and does a jumping DDT and Old School. The onslaught continues until Train low-bridges Taker and targets Taker’s injured ribs. He uses the post and strikes to wear him down. No matter how much Taker rallies, Train grounds him with suplexes and a headbutt. Train even breaks a sleeper hold with a back suplex.

Eventually, Taker lands Snake Eyes, but he misses a big boot, and they both go down to a double clothesline. Next, they exchange punches before Taker nails leg drops, including one on the apron. The problem is that they both wipe out the referee accidentally. A-Train hits the Derailer and a bicycle kick, but the ref is down. So, Train grabs a chair, which Taker kicks into his face. Taker can’t do the Tombstone but finishes A-Train with a chokeslam.

Thoughts: This started dull, but it picked up toward the end. The closing minutes weren’t bad. Coupling with the hot crowd made this into something halfway decent. So, I didn’t hate it.

Winner: The Undertaker (9:10)

Afterward, Taker looks to give A-Train the Last Ride, so Sable distracts him. She flirts with Taker, but Taker grabs her by the throat. He holds her in place until Stephanie’s music plays. Steph runs and tackles Sable. She slaps Sable, so A-Train pulls Sable out of the ring. The crowd boos the end of the catfight, and Tazz agrees with them. Once they leave, Stephanie applauds the Undertaker and leaves.

Backstage, Jericho warms up. Then, Coach interviews a couple in the arena. They offer predictions for the Elimination Chamber. Both pick Goldberg as the winner.

Now, it’s time for Eric Bischoff vs. Shane McMahon. Bischoff takes the mic when he arrives. He says the fans are wondering what happened with Linda McMahon. But first, Eric wants to address Vince. He asks Vince why he is running all over the country eating hamburger while he has a hot, juicy Filet Mignon at home. Bischoff says it isn’t a question of what happened, but how many times it happened. Eric claims it happened repeatedly, so he knows where Shane gets his energy. They bred it into his DNA! When Bischoff says this, Shane McMahon’s theme interrupts him. Shane appears and attacks him.

Shane McMahon vs. Eric Bischoff

Storyline: Bischoff tried to make Kane address the people after his unmasking, but Kane chokeslammed Eric off the stage. Afterward, Kane set JR on fire during an interview, so Bischoff wanted Linda to fire Austin for causing it. Linda said only Kane held responsibility for his actions. Then Kane Tombstoned Linda on the stage, so Shane McMahon returned for revenge. Bischoff told him Vince wanted Kane vs. RVD for the PPV. Shane would have to wait. An argument ensued, so Austin booked Bischoff vs. Shane in a No Holds Barred contest. Eric released Kane from his van, and Kane Tombstoned Shane to give Eric the win. Next, JR threatened to sue Bischoff and tricked him into signing a contract to wrestle Kane. Kane walked away, but the victory earned Eric a rematch with Shane. Finally, Shane showed up to fight, but Bischoff invaded the McMahon home and forcibly kissed Linda.

The Match: Shane makes Eric regroup with wild strikes, but he follows him and sends Bischoff into the barricade and announcer’s table. The beating continues until Coach surprises everyone by hitting Shane with a chair. When the ref tries to call for the bell, Bischoff changes the match to a Falls Count Anywhere encounter. Coach whips Shane into the steps, but Eric’s cover only earns two. Now, they roll Shane inside, and Bischoff tells the truck to cut off JR and King’s mics so Coach can call the action. Coachman mocks JR’s commentary while Eric blasts Shane with kicks. Shane responds with a DDT, but Coach throws a low blow.

Thankfully, Austin arrives to stop them. Coach confronts Austin and says he works for Bischoff, not Steve. Jonathan says it’s a case of mind over matter. He doesn’t mind, and Austin doesn’t matter. Then Coach dares Austin to attack him without provocation. While he says this, Shane shoves Coach into Austin, which allows Austin to retaliate. Austin stomps a mudhole in Coach and tells the directors to turn JR and Lawler’s mics back on. Meanwhile, Shane grabs Bischoff and uses Eric’s hand to slap Austin. The strike counts as provoking, so Austin gives Eric the Stunner. However, Shane pulls Eric up from the pin. Shane takes Eric outside and drives him through the Spanish table with a flying elbow from the ring. It’s enough for the three.

Thoughts: I can’t say it didn’t get a good reaction, but it wasn’t great. Who asked for a Coach heel turn? This felt like something you would put on RAW, not a PPV. Besides, Shane vs. Kane is the real feud. I agree with Christian. He should have defended the Intercontinental Title on this show instead of this.

Winner: Shane McMahon (10:36)

Austin and Shane celebrate with beers while they show a bloody Bischoff lying on the table’s wreckage. JR and Lawler call Coach an idiot and a coward.

Meanwhile, Ric Flair explains the game plan to Randy Orton. He says Hunter will walk down the aisle as the champion and return to the locker room as the champ. Orton says he gets that. He’s fine with his job but says, “What if?” Flair says there is no what-if. While they talk, Triple H arrives. Orton offers his hand, but Hunter ignores it. He repeats Flair’s words. Hunter says he will walk in and out with the belt, so Orton assures him he understands.

Fatal 4-Way for the U.S. Title: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Chris Benoit vs. Rhyno vs. Tajiri

Storyline: Benoit wanted revenge on Rhyno after Vengeance, but Rhyno made Benoit face Doink instead. Meanwhile, Tajiri got a US Title shot. Tajiri hid in the back of Eddie’s car. He messed with the hydraulics and surprised Eddie with the mist as Eddie opened the trunk. However, Eddie won when Tajiri accidentally sprayed the ref with the mist. Later, Rhyno and Tajiri interfered in Eddie vs. Benoit, so Slaughter created a tag encounter. Benoit submitted Eddie for the victory. Next, Benoit and Eddie joined the commentary booth for Tajiri vs. Rhyno. Afterward, Benoit tried to ride in Eddie’s low rider. Eddie stormed off when Benoit kept trying to make the vehicle bounce. Lastly, Eddie and Rhyno wrestled Benoit and Tajiri. Rhyno pinned Benoit after Tajiri mistakenly hit Benoit. After the bout, Benoit locked Rhyno in the Crossface, but Eddie took everyone out with the belt.

The Match: Eddie stays at ringside and lets the others fight. He only enters the ring to interrupt covers and holds, so Benoit, Rhyno, and Tajiri have enough. They attack Eddie. Rhyno powerslams Guerrero, but Benoit suplexes Rhyno and Tajiri. When Eddie recovers, he clears the ring and fights Tajiri. The decision backfires because Tajiri scores a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a monkey flip. Nevertheless, Eddie almost pins Benoit because Chris scuffles with Rhyno. Rhyno ceases Eddie’s rally with a superplex. Now, Tajiri hits Benoit with a handspring elbow, but Eddie returns to stop the count. This time, Eddie floors Rhyno with a headscissors and does a step-up hurricanrana to Benoit.

After more back and forth, Eddie catches Tajiri in the Lasso from El Paso while Benoit hooks Rhyno in a Crossface. They have dueling submissions, but Tajiri secures a rope break, and Eddie ends the Crossface. Unfortunately for Eddie, Benoit surprises him with the Crossface. Rhyno and Tajiri intervene, and Rhyno plants Tajiri with a spinebuster, but Benoit and Tajiri knock Rhyno outside. Benoit and Tajiri exchange German suplexes, and Tajiri locks Benoit in the Tarantula. So, Eddie grabs the championship and blocks Rhyno’s Gore with it. A Frog Splash attempt follows, but Tajiri shoves Eddie to the floor. Before Tajiri can do more, Benoit puts Tajiri in the tree of woe and uses him as a platform. Benoit performs the flying headbutt off Tajiri, but Tajiri prevents the three. Finally, Tajiri takes Benoit over the ropes, so Eddie lands a Frog Splash on Rhyno for the win.

Thoughts: This was great. The action maintained a good flow and told a decent story. I liked the simultaneous submissions spot. That was a nice touch. Plus, the finish made sense, and they chose the right winner. Eddie was the clear star of this contest. The fans were cheering him despite his recent heel turn.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero (10:50)

Backstage, Shawn Michaels warms up and tapes his wrists.

Then, they show a recap of Brock Lesnar bloodying and destroying Zach Gowen in front of Zach’s mother. They booked Gowen vs. Matt Hardy for Heat, but Gowen couldn’t compete. So, Matt Hardy came to the ring and mocked Gowen. He called Zach a novelty act. Plus, Matt asked the referee to declare him the winner by forfeit. Matt pretended this disappointed him.

WWE Title Match: Kurt Angle (c) vs. Brock Lesnar

Storyline: Angle offered Lesnar a rematch after Vengeance, but Vince claimed Angle asked him not to give Brock one. Then, Vince challenged Brock to a Cage Match for a title shot and made Angle the referee. Beforehand, someone jumped Lesnar backstage, and they found Angle and the FBI standing over Brock. However, it was all a ruse. Vince and Lesnar ambushed Angle inside the cage. Lesnar destroyed his friendship with Kurt and sided with Vince because Kurt’s value as a friend ended when Angle became champion. Later, Lesnar made examples of Spanky and Zach Gowen. Brock broke Gowen’s leg on the post in front of Zach’s mom. Meanwhile, Angle wanted to fight Vince and Brock, but Vince said he would suspend Kurt if he attacked them. Vince gave Kurt Big Show in a Falls Count Anywhere contest instead. Kurt won while Lesnar watched from the stage.

The Match: They exchange takedowns and holds until it devolves into shoving and taunting. When Angle gains the advantage, Brock regroups and throws a fit. A ringside brawl results from the outburst. They whip each other into the barricade and post. Inside, Angle scores a belly-to-belly, but Brock press slams Kurt out of the ring! Now, Brock wears Angle down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, a rear naked choke, and a chinlock. Kurt attempts to rally, but Brock does a backbreaker and a fisherman’s buster before driving him into the corner.

Unfortunately for Brock, he strikes the post on a missed corner charge. Kurt targets the hurt shoulder with shoulder blocks and rolling Germans. Afterward, they avoid and counter each other’s finishers, but Kurt nails a DDT. Kurt even drops his straps twice, landing an Angle Slam and grabbing the anklelock. Brock has to fling Kurt into Chioda to break the hold, but Kurt leaps onto Lesnar. He hooks his legs around Brock’s head, making Brock fall to the mat. There, Kurt transitions into an anklelock, but the ref is out and doesn’t see Lesnar tap. Sensing trouble, Vince arrives and clocks Kurt with a chair. An F5 follows, but it only earns two! Kurt lands on his feet as Brock tries a second one, and he grabs another anklelock. Kurt keeps pulling Lesnar away from the ropes, so Brock has no choice but to tap.

Thoughts: This was outstanding. They mixed great intensity and storytelling and built to a beautiful finish. You could tell from the reaction they hooked the fans in and took them for a ride. This was my favorite Lesnar/Angle encounter so far.

Winner: Kurt Angle (21:18)

Vince tries to attack Angle with the chair while Kurt celebrates, but Angle stops him. Kurt sets up the chair and gives Vince an Angle Slam onto the weapon. Cole says, “Happy birthday,” to Vince.

Elsewhere, Goldberg listens to music while warming up. Plus, they show some wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men outside the arena. Inside, we see the Arizona Diamondbacks sitting in the front row. Then, they present the winner of the first Diva Search. Her name is Jaime Koeppe. She gets a photo shoot for RAW magazine, not a contract. Lawler loses it when he sees her, so JR teases him.

Now, it’s time for RVD vs. Kane. The Fink announces they turned this into a No Holds Barred contest. Lawler says this doesn’t bode well for RVD. Also, JR calls Kane an inbred mongrel dog.

No Holds Barred Match: Kane vs. Rob Van Dam

Storyline: Triple H offered Kane a World Title shot, but Bischoff added a stipulation. If Kane lost, he had to unmask. Orton interfered to help Hunter win, so Kane reluctantly removed his mask. Later, he attacked RVD because the unmasking was his idea. Kane shaved his head and wore a towel to hide his surprisingly scarless face. The scars were psychological. When JR pointed this out, Kane called him a liar and set him on fire. Linda allowed Kane to continue making a living because JR didn’t press charges, but they kept Kane shackled in a van when he wasn’t wrestling. He also had to do counseling. RVD tried to talk sense into him, but Kane said he hated the fans and Rob. He chokeslammed RVD off the stage, cost him a chance at the Intercontinental Title, and almost set him on fire.

The Match: They brawl around ringside and RVD does a moonsault off the rail. Unfazed, Kane fetches a ladder only for RVD to see-saw it into his face! A flying kick follows, but Kane counters Rolling Thunder by grabbing RVD by the throat. Before Kane can chokeslam him, Rob fights free and takes them over the ropes with a crossbody. There, Kane rearranges the steps but hasn’t used them yet. Inside, RVD scores a step-over heel kick, a springboard kick, and a leg drop. He leaps to the top, but Kane shoves him down onto the steps. After ramming the ladder into RVD’s head, Kane wears him down with corner clotheslines and choking. Plus, Kane sends RVD out of the ring and attempts a flying clothesline. Kane slips and hits the barricade, so RVD decks him with the ladder.

Kane responds with a DDT on the floor and picks up the steps. So, RVD stops him with a drop toe hold and dropkicks Kane over the security wall. As Rob goes for more, Kane uses an eye poke, but RVD crotches him on the barrier. Now, RVD lands the corkscrew leg drop and selects a chair. He nails a chair-assisted Rolling Thunder. Kane sits up! A running Van Daminator can’t keep him down, so RVD seeks a Van Terminator. It misses when Kane slides outside, but RVD dives at him. Kane catches RVD, gives him a Tombstone on the steps, and pins him.

Thoughts: This was okay. They did some nice spots but lost the crowd in between them. Kane’s slow, methodical pace didn’t mesh well with the rest of the action. Furthermore, the camera work was off during this bout. They didn’t shoot some of the bigger moments well. The missed Van Terminator confused JR and Lawler because of the poor camera angle.

Winner: Kane (12:49)

Terri tries to interview a bloody and busted up Bischoff. She asks him how he feels after his match, so Bischoff says, “How do you think I feel!?” Eric wonders if she’s stupid, a blonde, or both. He tells Terri to get lost, but Linda McMahon arrives after Terri leaves. Bischoff stammers. He says he didn’t expect Linda to be there. Instead of answering, Linda slaps Bischoff and walks away.

Meanwhile, Triple H silently stares at his belt until Flair enters the room. Ric calls Hunter champ and says he is the best wrestler alive today, so he will be fine. Flair tells him it’s time to go, but he isn’t saying goodbye to the title. He will wear it out there and show everybody. They shake hands after Flair finishes his pep talk and exit the room.

A recap package for the main event follows the segment, but they remove Metallica’s “St. Anger” from the network. (Is that a good thing or a bad thing?) During the entrances, JR and Lawler argue about Orton. Will he help Hunter win or try to become champion? Speaking of Triple H, he wears long bicycle shorts for this contest because he has a torn groin.

Orton, Nash, Triple H, and Goldberg enter the pods while Jericho and Michaels start the action.

Elimination Chamber Match for the World Title: Triple H (c) (w/ Ric Flair) vs. Goldberg vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Nash vs. Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels

Storyline: They originally planned Triple H vs. Goldberg, but Hunter injured his groin. Bischoff wanted to make the match No DQ as a favor to Hunter, but Austin said that sucked. Steve booked this Elimination Chamber instead. Meanwhile, Orton attacked Mick Foley after WWE honored him in MSG. Randy kicked Mick down the stairs and dubbed himself the Legend Killer. He targeted HBK next. Plus, Randy entered this contest to help Hunter win. While this happened, Flair dealt with Goldberg. However, brass knuckles, a chair, and Orton’s officiating weren’t enough to best Goldberg. Later, Austin made Orton fight Goldberg, with Austin as the enforcer. It resulted in a wild brawl among the chamber participants. These scuffles led to a feud between Nash and Jericho. Jericho challenged Kevin to a Hair vs. Hair encounter, which Jericho won. (Nash needed to cut his hair for his role in The Punisher.)

The Match: Michaels and Jericho exchange takedowns and pin attempts until it devolves into slapping. Jericho scores a bulldog, but Shawn evades the Walls and a Lionsault. Now, Orton enters. He performs a flying crossbody on Shawn and a backbreaker on Jericho. When Orton seeks an RKO on Michaels, Shawn pushes him into Jericho’s backdrop. Orton lands on the grating, and Jericho locks Shawn in the Walls as Nash joins the fray. Nash attacks Orton and Jericho. He rams Chris into the wall twice before hitting Orton with a side slam. The attack leaves Jericho bloody. Nash even targets Shawn, so HBK pays him back. Shawn superkicks Nash when Kevin tries to Jackknife Jericho. Jericho pins Kevin for an elimination.

Triple H’s entry follows, but Shawn knocks him out with a superkick once the pod opens. As this happens, Nash takes out everybody else with a Jackknife before the officials eject him. Shawn bleeds but still crawls over and covers Orton and Jericho for two. Afterward, Orton, Jericho, and Michaels trade punches, and Goldberg completes the field. Everyone comes after Goldberg, but he fends them off. Goldberg gives Orton a press powerslam and a spear to oust him. Bill spears Jericho through a pod door, but he eats a flying elbow from HBK. Nevertheless, Goldberg avoids Sweet Chin Music and gets rid of Shawn with a spear and Jackhammer. Jericho falls to the same move, leaving Triple H alone.

The problem is that Flair shoves the ref aside and holds the pod door closed to protect Hunter. Triple H flips Goldberg off from inside the chamber, so Goldberg kicks the door open and breaks it. He drives Triple H into the wall and grates his face against the chain. Hunter drops behind him when Goldberg goes for more, but Goldberg clotheslines Hunter into the ring. Goldberg looks to finish Hunter, so Flair passes the sledgehammer to Triple H. Hunter decks Goldberg mid-spear and gets the three.

Thoughts: This was good. I wouldn’t call it great, but I enjoyed this. They filled this with cool spots to keep it interesting. As for the ending, I’m fine with it. I know people complain about Goldberg losing, but here’s the deal. Yeah, Goldberg got a good reaction on this show, but many WWE fans booed him at other events. He wasn’t getting the overall reception they wanted. This finish wasn’t a burial. They were trying to garner support and turn the fans’ opinion of him. Besides, Goldberg’s big win should have been in a one-on-one contest.

Winner: Triple H (19:16)

Orton returns, and Evolution helps Triple H to his feet. Hunter clocks Goldberg with the sledgehammer two more times before Evolution triple-teams him. Then they handcuff a bloody Goldberg to the wall, and Hunter gives him one more hammer shot. He taunts Goldberg with the belt and tells him he will never see it.

The Good:

• Angle vs. Lesnar

• The Elimination Chamber

• Eddie vs. Benoit vs. Tajiri vs. Rhyno

• The opener

The Bad:

• Coach’s heel turn

• RVD vs. Kane

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to Kurt Angle. He put on an incredible match against Brock.

Final Thoughts:

This was a solid PPV. It wasn’t as good as SummerSlam’s 2000 to 2002 editions, but I still enjoyed it. Most of the marquee match-ups delivered. The only issue was that some undercard bouts didn’t feel like they belonged on the show. Replacing Shane/Bischoff with an Intercontinental Title contest would have improved the event. Otherwise, this was fine.

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