Unforgiven ’99

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

Unforgiven

September 26, 1999

Charlotte Coliseum

Charlotte, North Carolina

News & Notes: Bear with me. I must condense the utter insanity of this build. This was Vince Russo’s last PPV with the WWF, and he finished with a bang. I’ll split the main event storyline between this section and the title contest later. We have a Six-Pack Challenge for the WWF Title. The match notes will explain how the other men arrived here. But first, let me tell you about Triple H’s wild month.

After SummerSlam, Triple H goaded Mankind into a championship defense by breaking JR’s arm. He defeated Mick with a chair and Shane’s officiating to become the new WWF champ! Then Triple H began a reign of terror. He pissed off five other men until Austin returned for revenge. Austin leaped out of an ambulance and threw Hunter inside. He then rammed the vehicle with a semi-truck! As a result, Hunter had Austin arrested. This also made Hunter even more ornery. He intimidated ring announcers and officials, so Linda McMahon had enough. When she interfered in Hunter’s business, he threatened her. But this resulted in Vince McMahon’s return. So Triple H challenged Vince to a match with the belt on the line. Austin once again attacked and helped Vince defeat Hunter to win the WWF gold!

Since they barred Vince from WWF competition, he relinquished the title. Austin was the only person who could reinstate Vince, and Austin agreed to do it on one condition. He wanted a title shot. Vince obliged. He set up a Six-Pack Challenge for the vacant belt with the winner facing Austin at No Mercy. Plus, Vince appointed Austin as the special enforcer for Unforgiven. Next, Vince put Hunter through a gauntlet to earn a spot in the challenge. He had to succeed in three of five stipulation bouts against the other five men. This included a Brahma Bull Rope Match, a Casket Match, an Inferno Match, a Chokeslam Challenge, and a Boiler Room Brawl. It came down to the bull rope contest with The Rock, but the British Bulldog helped Hunter win!

Now for a quick rundown of other stories. The WWF hired a new ring announcer/interviewer named Lilian Garcia. So Jericho manipulated Howard Finkel into a futile feud with her and Tony Chimel over the job. Meanwhile, the chaos in the WWF left the referees feeling unsafe, and they went on strike. Elsewhere, Shane set his differences with Test aside after Test proposed to Stephanie! But this placed Shane at odds with the Mean Street Posse. They attacked Shane until Test and Shane teamed against them. Speaking of relationships, Chaz’s girlfriend Mariana accused him of abuse. She had him arrested, and the locker room came after Chaz in anger. Also, in other news, Stevie Richards started imitating other wrestlers to get attention. Finally, we have some drama between X-Pac and Kane. Pac told Kane to go his own way because he said he was hindering Kane’s career.

They mix clips of the recent chaos with post-apocalyptic imagery and a sinister female voice. She says darkness enveloped the land and brought the day of reckoning. The pursuit of the holy grail fuels six warriors. Their desperation drives them while the cold hand of fate rules their lives. The victor must display no mercy or remorse. Their soul will remain unforgiven! Then Freddie Blassie begs for forgiveness and deliverance from evil. He even speaks Latin! Have mercy on our souls because this is Unforgiven!

Fireworks explode while JR welcomes everyone to the PPV. Ross and Lawler discuss the crowning of a new WWF champion. Stone Cold guaranteed it will happen, so you can take it to the bank. Plus, JR talks about the referee strike. They show footage of the picket-line from earlier in the day. Ross says each match will have a scab referee in place of the usual crew.

This leads to the entrances for Val Venis vs. Steve Blackman. Val enters the arena, but he backtracks to grab Blackman’s weapons bag. This makes Lawler gleeful. He can’t wait to mention the naughty toys Venis put in the bag. They buzz, make noise, and vibrate! Next, Val grabs a mic and does his usual innuendo-laden joke. Val says the remnants of Hurricane Floyd remained in North Carolina. He got blown from one end of the state to the other! With that said, Blackman runs to the ring and attacks.

(Steve “Brooklyn Brawler” Lombardi is the scab ref for this contest.)

Val Venis vs. Steve Blackman

Storyline: Val Venis wrestled Ken Shamrock on Smackdown. During the bout, Blackman attacked Ken, but Jericho lured Shamrock to the parking lot. Since Blackman had no one to fight, he went after Val Venis instead. But this wasn’t Val’s only problem. Venis got on Big Show’s bad side by insulting his manhood in the bathroom. Gtv caught the embarrassing moment on camera. After Big Show taught Venis a lesson, Blackman targeted Val again. So Val cost Blackman a match against D’Lo. This led to Val and D’Lo teaming against Blackman and Mark Henry twice. Both contests ended with drama between the feuding parties. Later, Blackman faced Shawn Stasiak (Meat) and lost because of a distraction. Blackman reached into his bag of weapons and discovered Venis replaced them with sex toys. This allowed Stasiak to pin Blackman.

The Match: They trade strikes until Val blocks a monkey flip. But Val regroups after a dropkick. It leads to fighting at the apron, and Blackman targets poor Val’s little Valbowskis. He crotches him on the ropes and nails a Manhattan Drop. Afterward, we get more brawling outside. Steve reverses Val into the post and the steps. Back in the ring, Blackman whips Val from corner to corner. He follows with a backbreaker, suplex, and chinlock. Once Venis breaks free, he scores knees to the gut and a Russian Leg Sweep. Plus, Val taunts him with a hip swivel and throws mounted punches. So Blackman responds with an eye rake and a crossbody. However, Val rolls through the latter and they exchange pin attempts. Finally, Venis hits a corner clothesline, bulldog, and DDT. It opens the door for the Money Shot and a victory.

Thoughts: This was simple and basic, but it wasn’t bad. The crowd reacted well to it, so this was fine. The only issue is, Blackman could use a win. He lost at every step of the way in the Shamrock feud. Venis is a character who can lose and the fans still like him.

Winner: Val Venis (6:33)

Val goes to the bag of weapons and grabs a Kendo Stick, but Blackman takes it. He knocks Venis out with a hard shot, so Lombardi calls for help. They send EMTs, including a beautiful blonde woman. (We will see more of her soon.) Blackman gets in the blonde’s face, which draws the attention of the WWF’s head of security, Jim Dotson. Blackman threatens Jim, so Dotson tackles him to the mat. The attack makes Blackman retreat, but he grabs his weapons bag first.

Afterward, Cole interviews the Big Show about the main event. Cole’s first question is about the Undertaker’s whereabouts. This annoys Big Show, and he asks Cole if he took stupid pills. The Undertaker isn’t on the roster, but Big Show is there. He went to the learning tree and took the hard knocks. Now, Big Show has a killer instinct no one can match. Show promises he won’t leave without the WWF championship. He even calls Cole a monkey.

Next, they recap the D’Lo Brown/Mark Henry feud with a video about friendship. Once it ends, they go to Lilian Garcia with Mark Henry and his lady friends. Lilian asks Mark about his European Title defense, but Mark would rather discuss something else. He whispers in Lilian’s ear, which earns him a slap across the face! So Henry glares at Lilian and leaves the interview. Meanwhile, they show more scenes of the referees protesting outside the arena.

Henry heads straight to the ring with some bad news for the fans. The European Championship bout won’t happen! Mark says Lilian’s slap gave him a braineurysm! Therefore, he will defend the belt on RAW instead. Mark tells the ladies to warm up the car, but D’Lo confronts Henry in the aisle. They trade punches as head scab referee Tom Prichard starts the contest.

European Title Match: D’Lo Brown vs. Mark Henry (c)

Storyline: After SummerSlam, Jarrett gave Mark Henry the European Title as a thank you for helping him. Then they booked Mark Henry vs. Meat as Henry’s first defense, but D’Lo jumped Meat and took his spot. However, Jarrett intervened and ruined the contest. As a result, Jarrett and Henry teamed against D’Lo and Mr. Ass. But the drama between Gunn and Chyna cost D’Lo the win. Afterward, D’Lo and Henry interfered in each other’s matches and brawled a few times. Also, D’Lo paid the Godfather to wear Henry out with some of his ladies. It hindered Mark during one of his tag encounters against D’Lo. Finally, after Henry ambushed him during an interview, D’Lo found Mark at a strip club. D’Lo attacked Mark, and they scuffled again.

The Match: After brawling on the floor, they trade strikes and clotheslines in the ring. D’Lo also scores a Sky High and a diving elbow, but he complains about Prichard’s count. This allows Henry to land a hotshot and attempt a hip attack on the ropes. When D’Lo moves, Henry crashes to the floor! So D’Lo dives onto Mark with a tope and does a flying crossbody. But Mark takes control with press slams and the hip attack he sought earlier. Despite a rally by D’Lo, Henry continues with corner offense. Plus, he nails a leg drop, and an inverted slam when D’Lo climbs the ropes. This lasts until D’Lo performs a hurricanrana and heel kicks. Unfortunately, more arguing with the ref gives Henry an opening. However, Mark pauses to mock D’Lo and eats a powerbomb. With Mark on the mat, D’Lo ends it with the Lo Down.

Thoughts: When D’Lo controlled the action, it was explosive and fun. But Henry’s offense wasn’t great, aside from a couple of spots. Despite this, the overall product wasn’t bad. They kept it the right length, and it had the correct outcome. Plus, Henry’s pre-match antics bump this up a notch.

Winner: D’Lo Brown (New Champion) (9:11)

Afterward, Cole interviews the Acolytes about their match with the Dudleys. Michael says people think the Acolytes met their match, but Bradshaw corrects him. He says people hope they met their match. Bradshaw also says they already ran one ECW team out of the company. Tonight, they will destroy these boys. Next, Faarooq says Cole only calls them a match because both teams have one black man and one white man. That’s where the similarities end! The Dudleys’ punk asses are no match for the Acolytes! As Faarooq says this, a commotion interrupts the interview. The camera pans to show wrestlers beating up Chaz in the hallway. The officials break it up, but Dave Hebner tells Chaz no one wants him there.

We go from one domestic abuse angle to another. Lilian Garcia interviews Debra and Miss Kitty. (Lawler loses his mind when he sees Kitty. Gee, I wonder why.) Garcia says Debra had her differences with Jarrett in the past, but now the partnership is over. Debra agrees. The first time Jarrett laid his hands on her was the last! When Jarrett hears this, he interrupts the segment. Jarrett asks if it was a threat. He also tells Debra to stay out of his business. Then Jeff orders Kitty to join him and heads to the ring. As they depart, we see clips of Chyna removing Jarrett’s trunks on Smackdown. She put them on to prove she wears the pants in this feud.

Lawler continues fawning over Kitty during the entrances. While Lawler drools, JR says losing his title to a woman would embarrass Jarrett. So Lawler calls JR a chauvinistic pig for the comment. To make up for this, Ross mentions Chyna was the first woman in the Royal Rumble. Could she be the first female Intercontinental champion? Meanwhile, Moolah and Mae Young sit in the front row. They are there to watch Chyna beat up Jarrett.

(Harvey Wippleman is the scab referee.)

Intercontinental Title Match: Jeff Jarrett (c) (w/ Miss Kitty) vs. Chyna

Storyline: After SummerSlam, Jarrett gave Debra a new assistant named Miss Kitty. Then Jarrett put an open contract for an IC Title shot on his locker room door. While Mr. Ass searched for a pen, Chyna signed it. This caused fights between Gunn and Chyna. Meanwhile, Jarrett took exception to a woman vying for his belt. He went on a misogynistic rampage. Jeff targeted Chyna, Moolah, Mae Young, Lilian Garcia, Ivory, Cindy Margolis, and Stephanie McMahon! Jarrett hit them with guitars and locked them in Figure Fours. But this drew the ire of Test. Plus, Jarrett turned on Debra when she wouldn’t cooperate during a mixed tag. Meanwhile, Jarrett and Chyna attacked each other with a frying pan. Jarrett placed an apron on Chyna and told her to get in the kitchen. In response, Chyna knocked out Jarrett. She removed his wrestling trunks and wore them to send a message.

The Match: They trade strikes and knockdowns. Then Chyna throws a low blow during Jarrett’s diving axehandle. In retaliation, Jarrett crotches Chyna on the post and rams her into the steps. Back in the ring, Chyna fights back with clotheslines. But Jarrett rebounds with a superplex and tornado armbreaker. After a brief Chyna rally, Jarrett uses sleeper holds and tries a hurricanrana. So Chyna counters with a powerbomb and blocks a Figure Four. Next, we get more floor brawling and chair attacks by Chyna. She even goes for a Pedigree, but Jarrett catapults her into Wippleman! With the ref down, Jarrett gets his guitar. So Moolah and Mae jump him. Jarrett eats a double hip toss, but he responds with a double clothesline. This draws Debra to the ring while Jeff grabs a Figure Four. Debra shoves Kitty and blasts Jeff with the guitar. And Chyna covers for the three!

But wait! Tom Prichard intercepts the title presentation. He shows Harvey the replay, so Wippleman disqualifies Chyna!

Thoughts: It wasn’t a great encounter, but the storytelling and antics made it amusing and interesting. I didn’t mind this, and I’m even okay with the Dusty Finish. Holding off on Chyna’s big win draws interest in a rematch. It got the desired reaction from the crowd, so they succeeded.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett (by DQ) (11:52)

Chyna attacks Tom Prichard in frustration. She gives him a low blow and a Pedigree, so Lawler says the WWF will fine her. He also says hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. A spiteful Debra ruined everything!

Next, they show Cole’s interview with Austin from Heat. He asked Austin about his potential impact as the special enforcer. Austin says his impact will guarantee a new WWF champion. And that is all he has to say about it! So Austin leaves, and JR and Lawler discuss who will begin the match. Vince changed his mind after Smackdown. He ordered Rock and Bulldog to start the action.

Our next contest is the Acolytes vs. the Dudley Boyz. JR calls it a slobberknocker, but Lawler doesn’t know how to spell that word. The commentators also question if the Dudleys are half-brothers as they claim. Meanwhile, Lawler spots some officials helping Moolah and Mae to the back. It makes Lawler cackle with glee. As Lawler laughs, Bubba Ray grabs a mic. He powers through his stutter to insult Charlotte and introduce the team. Plus, D-Von recites a cleaner version of the Dudley Commandments. When he finishes, the Acolytes join them for a brawl.

(Jimmy Korderas referees this bout. He crossed the picket-line.)

The Acolytes vs. The Dudley Boyz

Storyline: The Acolytes received their tag title shot the night after SummerSlam. But Kane & X-Pac ruined it. This led to a tag team rumble to determine another #1 contender. It came down to the Acolytes and Edge & Christian. However, the debuting Dudley Boyz took out everyone. D-Von and Bubba Ray declared they wanted the tag gold. Bubba even brought back his old stuttering gimmick. Later, the Dudleys had warm-up bouts against Meanie & Stevie Richards and the Hardy Boyz. But the Acolytes interrupted the latter. As a result, both teams attacked each other with weapons. We also got one-on-one contests between the men. Bubba vs. Bradshaw became a wild brawl. Then D-Von and Faarooq had a Strap Match. D-Von won after Bubba clocked Faarooq with a chair.

The Match: The Dudleys score a corner splash and a diving senton. So the Acolytes answer with a double flapjack and a superplex. This leads to brawling outside. When they return, the Dudleys use a belly-to-belly and a swinging neckbreaker. Afterward, the Acolytes regain the momentum with a fallaway slam and a DDT. Bradshaw also stops D-Von’s tag, but D-Von gets it on the second try. When Bubba enters the ring, the Dudleys do their back suplex/neckbreaker combo. Afterward, they keep Faarooq outside the ring and focus on Bradshaw. Bubba hits a powerbomb and D-Von lands a flying headbutt. However, Bradshaw rallies with a back superplex on D-Von. After more brawling, the Dudleys drop Faarooq with the 3D. But Bradshaw prevents a pin with a Clothesline from Hell. Then Stevie Richards arrives dressed as an Acolyte! He drills D-Von with a Stevie Kick and Faarooq covers for the win.

Thoughts: This wasn’t as good as I hoped. They had some nice power spots, and the finish was amusing. But I expected more of a hoss battle. It’s obvious the Dudleys are still adjusting to the WWF style. But don’t worry. They pick it up quickly. Plus, the Dudleys earned the Acolytes respect with this feud. It went a long way in helping their WWF career.

Winners: The Acolytes (7:28)

Stevie Richards celebrates with the Acolytes. While this happens, the camera gives us a good look at Stevie’s disguise. Instead of the cryptic symbols, Stevie painted the UPN logo on his chest. He offers Faarooq a handshake, but Faarooq gives him the Dominator. Afterward, Bradshaw nails a powerbomb. As Stevie lies unconscious on the mat, Faarooq shakes his hand and Bradshaw does a thumbs-up.

Next, they show Luna walking backstage before her Women’s Title hardcore match with Ivory. Before she reaches the ring, Ivory jumps her with a trash can. So Harvey Wippleman begins the match backstage.

Hardcore Match for the Women’s Title: Ivory (c) vs. Luna Vachon

Storyline: Since Ivory tried to remove Tori’s clothes at SummerSlam, Tori challenged her to an Evening Gown Match. It was non-title, and Ivory lost. So Ivory sought revenge, but Luna stopped her. Afterward, Tori jumped Ivory during an interview and Ivory had enough. She demanded a hardcore fight with Tori. During the battle, Ivory smashed a mirror over Tori, choked her with a cord, and burned her with an iron. Ivory even attacked Luna with Jeff Jarrett’s guitar. It earned her a beating from Jarrett. Later, Ivory did another open invitation to the fans. Luna answered the call in disguise. So Ivory asked for a bout with Luna at the PPV. Luna accepted, but she wanted hardcore rules. Meanwhile, Ivory also crossed paths with Moolah on Heat. She insulted Moolah and got a slap in response.

The Matches: They brawl around a table before Luna hurls a computer monitor. She also stuffs Ivory’s head into an ice bucket, but Ivory throws it at Luna. Next, they fight in an office. Luna presses Ivory’s face against a copier and tries to make copies. (JR makes an SNL joke.) Since it doesn’t work, Luna throws a phone at her instead. Afterward, the action spills to an interview area and they knock the cameraman down. Plus, Ivory shoves Luna into a trash can and tries to pin her. Wippleman says her shoulders aren’t on the floor. Once Luna escapes, she dives off a forklift. This leads to brawling with broken brooms and dustpans, but Tori arrives to stop it. So Ivory shoves Tori into an open equipment case. With Tori down, Ivory whacks Luna with a pole and pins her.

Thoughts: This was a mess. It had potential, and some spots were fun. But this was too short and sloppy to be great. Plus, they never entered the arena, so the fans didn’t know how to react. They never gave them a chance to engage with the bout. It killed the heat for this.

Winner: Ivory (3:37)

We cut to Lilian with Moolah and Mae Young. Lilian sounds thrilled with the action we witnessed. Then she gives Moolah advice about Jeff Jarrett. Lilian tells her to stay out of his business. But Moolah says Jarrett should stay out of her business instead. Moolah tries to say more, but Ivory interrupts them to taunt Moolah. So Moolah has enough. She attacks Ivory and rams her into the wall. Plus, Mae stomps on Ivory until the officials stop them. This surprises Lawler. He thought Moolah and Mae had returned to the nursing home. JR tells Jerry to watch his mouth.

Now we have the reunited New Age Outlaws vs. Edge & Christian. During the Outlaws entrance, Lawler says he got used to not hearing this. JR says he missed it. Also, JR is glad Road Dogg bounced back from the injury Jericho gave him. Plus, he wonders who initiated the Outlaws’ reunion. Lawler doesn’t know, but he wants to get his hands on them. Meanwhile, Road Dogg does his spiel.

(Jimmy Korderas is the ref again.)

Tag Team Title Match: The New Age Outlaws (c) vs. Edge & Christian

Storyline: The Unholy Alliance reigned for a few weeks. During their run, Taker showed Big Show tough love. Taker made Show fight alone while Taker did commentary. On one occasion, Taker even abandoned Big Show because Bearer needed him backstage. However, Taker kept Big Show in line with whispered threats and intimidation. Despite this, the unlikely team of Rock and Mankind defeated them for the titles! The Alliance regained the championship in a brutal Buried Alive bout with Triple H’s help. But the Rock & Sock Connection reclaimed the gold with Kane’s assistance. Finally, on the go-home Smackdown, Road Dogg shocked everyone. He reunited the New Age Outlaws. They upset Rock and Mankind for the straps. And since Edge & Christian won a rematch with the Acolytes, they asked for a shot and got it.

The Match: Edge and Billy trade holds, leapfrogs, and takedowns. It’s a stalemate until Gunn grabs Christian by the hair. This opens the door for the Outlaws’ double back elbow and double sledge. Gunn also rams Christian into Dogg’s boot and press slams him on Dogg’s knee. After a Shake, Rattle, & Roll and shaky knee drop, E&C take a new approach. They use ref distractions and send Dogg outside to work on his injured back. Plus, they do a vaulting corner splash and a side slam/DDT combo. The attack continues until Dogg scores a double DDT and tags Gunn. He cleans house with strikes and a powerslam, so a brawl erupts. Both teams counter moves, but Edge nails a spear. However, the New Brood interferes. While the ref isn’t looking, Jeff Hardy gives Edge a missile dropkick. It allows Gunn to finish it with a Fameasser.

Thoughts: This was a solid tag bout. It wasn’t thrilling, but it was technically sound. Plus, there were subtle touches that impressed me. Edge and Christian knew the crowd would favor the Outlaws. So they played the heel role fine. They showed a great presence of mind for a young team. Also, I’m fine with the finish. It sets up an outstanding contest for next month’s PPV.

Winners: The New Age Outlaws (11:09)

Following a recap of Bulldog turning on The Rock, Lilian interviews Bulldog and Triple H. She questions their relationship and accuses Bulldog of assaulting The Rock. Bulldog says Rocky became too cocky. Someone needed to bring him down a peg. Then Garcia asks Triple H about his partnership with Bulldog. Triple H tells her not to worry about it. He will do his job and Bulldog will do his. After tonight, Triple H will be the champion.

Next, Cole speaks with the Big Boss Man before his Kennel from Hell Match. Cole asks Boss Man if he regrets what he did to Pepper. Boss Man says he regrets nothing! But Cole will regret asking him that question. He threatens to stick the nightstick up Cole’s ass. With that said, Boss Man also claims he spent his entire adult life dealing with people in cages. Tonight won’t be different, despite the dogs. As the promo concludes, Boss Man stumbles over his words. He says Snow will never forget this night.

This leads to Al Snow’s rebuttal. Lilian says it started with Pepper. Now it ends in a Kennel from Hell. Al tells Boss Man he will pay for what he did. Snow will beat Boss Man’s fat doughnut-eating ass in Pepper’s memory! He also calls Boss Man a fat son of a bitch. Meanwhile, Lawler cracks jokes about Pepper playing dead.

Afterward, we get Al Snow’s entrance. He brings a bag full of weapons. They edit something out of the network version before Boss Man’s appearance. It must have been an ad to fill time while they constructed the cages. The Kennel from Hell is a Hell in a Cell with a barred cage inside of it. They will place dogs between the cages as an obstacle for the wrestlers. To win, you must escape both structures. Boss Man and Snow reach the ring before the dogs arrive. So Snow blocks Boss Man from entering the second cage. He forces Boss Man to stand outside while the handlers bring the rottweilers to meet them. However, the dogs do little. They pee on the floor, hump each other, and bark.

Kennel from Hell Match for the Hardcore Title: Al Snow (c) vs. Big Boss Man

Storyline: While Snow wrestled Road Dogg for the Hardcore belt, Boss Man dognapped Pepper! Snow begged for his return. He even made missing posters. (Snow used Val Venis’ cell phone number on the poster as a prank.) So Boss Man appeared to change his heart. He invited Snow to his hotel room for a peace offering. Boss Man offered Snow a nice meal—of Pepper Steak! Boss Man fed Snow his own dog! The vile act broke Snow’s psyche. He started dressing as his old gimmicks. To make matters worse, Boss Man beat Snow in a pole match with Pepper’s remains in a bag. Later, Snow buried Pepper, but Gtv caught footage of Boss Man pissing on the grave. So Snow challenged Boss Man to this unique contest. Snow also sought help from Bulldog and the Holly Cousins. But Boss attacked Al with a can of dog food.

The Match: They fight at the top of the cage before Snow climbs on the cell wall. But the dogs convince Al to fall back. This allows Boss Man to grab Al for a superplex! Next, Boss selects weapons. They bloody each other with sticks, pliers, and a shovel. Plus, Boss Man uses the pliers to break a hole in the cell ceiling. Once Snow stops his escape, he pushes Boss Man’s hand through the cage. But the dogs ignore him, and Boss fights back. He cuffs Snow on the turnbuckle and looks to escape. Boss Man reaches the hole in the ceiling, but Snow breaks the cuffs. Afterward, he crotches Boss on the ropes! Snow then retrieves Head from the bag and clocks Boss. With Boss Man down, Snow moves to the cell wall and climbs to the door. Boss tries to go through the ceiling, but Snow escapes.

Thoughts: This was a literal and figurative mess. The dogs did nothing. Plus, the fans couldn’t see the action because of the double cage setup. It had no heat and wasn’t interesting. Please don’t put Boss Man in any more Hell in a Cell Matches. Those never end well. The only positive is you can laugh at how bad this was.

Winner: Al Snow (11:42)

JR says we witnessed the first and last Kennel from Hell. Also, Lawler calls the rottweilers stupid and lazy. As Boss Man runs out the cell door, the handlers chase him with the dogs. One poor guy trips and falls on his dog, which amuses Lawler.

Next, Cole interviews Mankind. He points out one of Mankind’s opponents is his new best friend, The Rock. Mankind says he will take the opportunity if it happens. Mankind will look at his dozens of fans as they chant Rock and Sock. Then he will lay the smacketh down on Rock’s candy ass. But don’t tell The Rock he said this.

The next scheduled match was Jericho vs. Shamrock, but Ken suffered an injury. (We saw the last of him. He never returns to the WWF.) Therefore, the WWF announced X-Pac as his replacement. Jericho arrives with his new bodyguard, Mr. Hughes. As they enter the arena, Lawler berates the ring crew for taking too long to dismantle the cages. He says Moolah and Mae could do a better job. Also, Jericho grabs a mic. He welcomes everyone to Charlotte is Jericho. Then Chris promises to save everyone from this boring and brutal PPV. And if X-Pac is foolish enough to take Ken Scamrock’s place, he will end his career too!

(Tom Prichard returns to referee this bout.)

X-Pac vs. Chris Jericho (w/ Mr. Hughes)

Storyline: Jericho drew Shamrock’s ire when they ran into each other backstage. So Jericho used the Fink as a shield and taunted Shamrock. Poor Finkel felt Shamrock’s wrath a few times while Jericho fled. Then Jericho hid in a small shark cage while mocking Shamrock from behind the bars. However, Ken almost got to him, while Fink argued with Lilian. As a result, Jericho said he fired Finkel. Next, Jericho faced a mysterious masked fighter named Gotch Gracie and made him tap. When Ken looked to fight, the man jumped him and unmasked to reveal Mr. Hughes! This led to Shamrock vs. Hughes with a strange referee called Dopo. It was Fink in disguise. He declared Hughes the winner, so Ken attacked Finkel. Finally, Jericho had a First Blood bout with Ken. He wore hockey equipment as protection. Jericho won because of Ken’s internal bleeding, so doctors barred Ken from the PPV.

The Match: They trade takedowns, mat wrestling, and kip-ups until Jericho slaps X-Pac. This leads to a chop exchange before Jericho avoids a Bronco Buster and an X-Factor. Then the fight heads outside where Hughes clotheslines Pac. But Prichard only warns him. Jericho capitalizes with a suplex on the floor, missile dropkick, and submission holds. He also scores a backbreaker, slingshot splash, and sleeper. X-Pac keeps escaping, so Jericho nails him with a Lionsault. Once X-Pac rallies again, he avoids kicks, takes out Hughes, and looks for a Bronco Buster. But X-Pac receives a boot to the groin instead. This opens the door for Jericho’s senton, backbreaker, and double powerbomb. However, Jericho gets caught in a tree of woe on a missed corner attack. So X-Pac gives the upside down Jericho a Bronco Buster. With Jericho in trouble, Hughes attacks Prichard to cause a DQ.

Thoughts: This wasn’t bad, but parts of it were awkward and sloppy. Plus, it had a disappointing finish. Jericho admitted in his book he had growing pains during his first few months. He struggled to adapt to the WWF ring and style. Jericho and X-Pac had better matches against each other in WCW, so this fell short of my expectations.

Winner: X-Pac (by DQ) (13:10)

As Jericho and Hughes continue attacking, Road Dogg runs to the ring. He punches Jericho and X-Pac joins him in cleaning house. They pose once Jericho and Hughes retreat. Then Finkel announces X-Pac won by DQ, so Lawler blames the stupid referee.

Next, they recap the insanity which led to the main event. Afterward, everyone enters the arena one-by-one. Lawler still wonders about the Undertaker’s whereabouts, but no one knows the answer. The Rock is the last competitor to arrive, and he uses a new version of his theme. This one sticks around for a while. Once the fighters are in place, Austin joins the party. He heads to the commentary table, so JR asks him about his plan. Austin says he’s there to make sure there’s a winner, but Korderas is the main referee. Stone Cold only wants to guarantee he gets a title shot.

Six-Pack Challenge for the Vacant WWF Title: Triple H vs. The Big Show vs. The British Bulldog vs. Kane vs. Mankind vs. The Rock

Storyline: The Rock didn’t want to fight Mr. Ass or Gangrel. He wanted the WWF Title. But HBK was the ref when Rock fought Hunter. He screwed Rocky out of the gold on the first Smackdown. Meanwhile, Mankind sought Rock’s friendship and approval. He convinced Rock to team as the Rock & Sock Connection. Mankind even mimicked Rocky’s catchphrases, to Rocky’s annoyance. With that said, Mick also wants his belt back, and he wasn’t afraid to go through Rocky for it. Then we have Kane, who desired revenge for Helmsley’s sledgehammer attack. But this drew Taker and Big Show into the mix. They tried to take Kane out with gasoline and fire. However, Taker grew tired of Vince telling him what to do and walked out on McMahon. Since Taker left, Bulldog asked for an opportunity. Vince agreed, but Bulldog shocked everyone when he aligned himself with Triple H.

The Match: Everybody takes turns tagging themselves into the bout and fighting. Kane and Big Show have an impressive brawl. Kane scores a dropkick and enziguri. But then chaos ensues. The ref loses track of who is legal. It leads to a massive scuffle. Once they restore order, Mankind tags out so he doesn’t have to fight The Rock. In return, Rock works with Mankind with some double-teaming. Soon, another wild fight erupts. In the melee, Mankind gives Hunter a piledriver on the steps! We get another period of peace, and Rock battles Big Show. Later, Rocky tussles outside with Triple H and steals one of Austin’s beers! Afterward, everyone hits their finishers. Hunter betrays Bulldog and nails a Pedigree. Even Mankind puts a Socko Claw on Rocky! However, the striking refs arrive and attack Korderas for crossing the picket-line.

Austin has enough. He breaks up the referee brawl and takes over as the official. As he does, Rock and Triple H face each other. Rock scores the Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow, but Big Show pulls Austin out of the ring! As Austin deals with him, Bulldog clocks Rocky with a chair. Austin stops this, but he’s too late to prevent Triple H’s Pedigree. A reluctant Austin counts the three.

Thoughts: This was good chaos. It was fun, exciting, and told a good story. Everybody did great and developed their feuds and storylines. Plus, Austin’s commentary was hilarious. It was an all-around good presentation. And the crowd loved it.

Winner: Triple H (New Champion) (20:28)

Austin collects the title and hands it to Triple H without a word, but Hunter jerks it out of his hands. So Austin loses his cool. He nails Hunter with a Stunner and yells at him. Then Austin throws the belt in the air and asks for beers. JR says Austin overshadowed the new champion and gave him a beer bath! He also reminds everyone Austin will face Triple H soon.

The Good:

• The main event was fun chaos.

• Mark Henry’s promo was amusing.

• The Tag Title match was good.

The Bad:

• The Kennel from Hell was awful.

• A couple of matches disappointed me.

Observations:

• They teased a Jim Dotson/Steve Blackman feud. Dotson wanted to wrestle, but it never happened.

• Why were the wrestlers pissed at Chaz but fine with Jarrett’s rampage?

• I know Jericho was joking, but he really did end Shamrock’s WWF career. We never saw him in the WWF again after the feud.

• WCW and WWF ran their PPVs in the same state again. That’s twice in 1999. And like last time, ECW didn’t get the memo.

Performer of the Night:

Since this was Triple H’s big night, I’ll give it to him. Everyone in the main event did great, but it was his time to shine. This begins a huge run for him. Some good things are coming.

Final Thoughts:

Even though the Kennel from Hell failed, the rest of the show entertained me. Most of this delivered. It was a fun show with some great moments. Also, now I’ve reached the end of Russo’s WWF run, I should give my thoughts. I don’t think he did as bad as people say. Yeah, he had some tasteless ideas. But I liked how he gave everyone on the card something to do. Even the undercard feuds felt like they had some substance. Was the substance always good? No, it wasn’t. However, enough of them worked to bring success. As far as his WCW run, we’ll see how he does soon enough.

Thank you for reading. My next review is the WWF’s No Mercy ’99. Look for it next Sunday!