LIVE from Phoenix, one night after No Way Out, the WWF presents the first RAW is WAR on the descent into WrestleMania! We open with video from No Way Out of Rock ending Kurt Angle's Title Reign. Pyros flare, welcomes are issued, and JR announces the Vince/Trish vs. Regal/Steph match. We start with the new WWF Champion, the People's Champion, the Rock. Rock marches down to the ring, belt in tow, and he spends a fair amount of time posing with his fancy gold belt.
The Rock Interview
-Finally, the Rock has come back to Phoenix, and finally, the time has come for the Rock to stand in the middle of the People's Ring as WWF Champion. Last night, Kurt Angle showed two sides of himself. During the match, he showed a vicious side: a man who kicked out of the People's Elbow; a man who almost broke the Rock's ankle. The Rock respects that side. After the match, we saw the other side: walking up the ramp, crying, bitching, complaining. Last night, The Rock beat Kurt Angle and is moving on to WrestleMania. If Kurt Angle wants to bitch, then why doesn't he come out and bitch at the Rock?
The glass breaks, and we get Stone Cold Steve Austin instead! Austin marches to the ring, head bandaged. Austin gets in his poses before settling down. Austin says that he is out here because he has some things to get off his chest. First of all, he congratulates Rock on winning the title. Kurt can cry all he wants, but the better man won. A little advice, though. As long as the Rock is going to WrestleMania as WWF Champion, just make sure you stay healthy. Austin gets halfway out, but Rock calls him back in.
Rock appreciates Austin's advice, but he has some advice of his own. It's really just two words: "Get Ready." They stare nose to nose. If ya smell, what the Rock, is cooking.
Austin jaws with Rock before finally leaving the ring.
In the garage, William Regal is waiting for someone to arrive. Steph comes up and asks what he's doing outside. Regal says that he can just talk to Vince and settle this. Steph can't believe this. She says Vince wants a match, and he won't back down. She tells him to get dressed. Commercial.
William Regal is still waiting in the back.
The Radicalz are in their room, but they don't know where Eddie is. Just then, Eddie bursts in. Benoit asks where he was, but Eddie explodes on him. Saturn tries to break them up. Eddie says that he can't believe Benoit is the best technical wrestler. He takes his shirt off and says that maybe they should find out if that's true right here. Malenko tells them to let the past be the past. Eddie and Benoit agree and bang fists.
Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit vs. X-Pac & Justin Credible
-In the arena, X-Pac and Justin Credible come down, to Credible's music. Benoit and Eddie come out, to Benoit's music.
Justin and Eddie start this one out, with Eddie getting the better. Credible fights back and powerbombs Eddie from the ropes 1-2-shoulder up. Swinging DDT by Credible, but Eddie hits a side suplex. Tag to Benoit.
Credible hits a German Suplex on Benoit 1-2-kickout. Tag to X-Pac. Shoulder block by Benoit and he goes for the Crippler, but Credible breaks the hold. Tag to Eddie.
Front face lock suplex by Eddie 1-2-kickout. Tag to Benoit. Double back elbow on Pac. Snap suplex by Benoit 1-2-kickout. Scoop slam by Benoit. Tag to Eddie who flips in and onto Pac 1-2-kickout.
Pac slaps his way up and hits a spinning heel kick on Eddie. He sets Pac up for the Bronco Buster, but Eddie moves. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Eddie. Pac knocks Benoit off the apron. The ref tends to Benoit, and Pac and Credible hit a double Superkick on Eddie 1-2-broken by Benoit.
Benoit knocks Credible off the apron. Shoulder block to Pac. Benoit snap suplexes Credible onto Pac's fallen body. Three waistlock suplexes by Benoit on Credible, and he climbs the ropes. Benoit goes for the Flying Headbutt, but Pac pulls Credible out of the way. Pac pulls a half-nelson roll-up on Benoit 1-2-3!
Eddie leaves, while Benoit stares at him. They walk up the ramp, with Eddie trying to shake it off and Benoit looking pissed.
Video from No Way Out of Trish vs. Steph.
In the garage, a limo pulls up. Vince and Trish get out of the limo. Vince says he hopes she enjoyed the ride as much as he did. Regal comes up and says he'd like to talk about their problems and their match. Vince asks if he wants the match, and Regal says no. Vince says that Regal had said he knew what to do last night, and Vince knows what to do tonight, kick Regal's ass. Commercial.
Former Champ Kurt Angle paces the halls, when The Coach comes up and asks how it feels to not be champ anymore, but Kurt walks right on by.
Molly Holly vs. Lita
-In the arena, Molly and Crash come out. We get pictures of Molly attacking Raven's Ninja Girl at No Way Out. Back in the arena, Lita comes to the ring, accompanied by Matt Hardy.
They lock up and Molly hits a shoulder block. They lock up again and Molly twists Lita's arm. Lita reverses and hits a headscissor takedown. Lita rolls up Molly 1-2-kickout. Molly blocks a Lita suplex and rolls up Lita 1-2-kickout. Monkey flip by Molly. Lita turns a hurricanrana into a roll up 1-2-kickout.
Molly hits a suplex on Lita and then goes up top. Lita tosses her off the turnbuckle and dropkicks Molly to the outside. Crash attends to Molly and helps her back in. Matt gets in his face. In the ring, Molly back body drops Lita over the ropes onto Matt. Crash helps Lita up and into the ring, which causes Matt to beat on Crash.
While the ref separates the men, Ninja Girl runs in and DDTs Molly. Lita shakes everything off and hits the Moonsault on Molly 1-2-3!
In the back, Vince is showing Trish a nasty bucket of mud or crap or something. He says tonight is about humiliation. Kurt comes in and asks for a match with Rock, saying it doesn't even have to be a Title match, he just wants to hurt Rock. Vince says he'll take it under advisement, but he has his own match to worry about. Kurt leaves and Trish adds some food to the disgusting mixture. Commercial.
Steph comes into Vince's room. She says that she has no problem taking on Trish, but what if Trish tags Vince in? What happens if they face each other? Vince says Regal should have thought of that before he screwed up last night.
Video of the Trish/Steph match.
Regal knocks on Trish's door, asking if they can work things out. Trish says that, after what he did last night, he can go to hell.
At WWF New York, Al Snow is campaigning for the Commissioner's spot. Lawler tells him he has to be appointed by Vince. Snow says he knows that, but he also knows that Vince listens to the fans. JR asks what he would do as Commissioner. Al says the WWF needs more midgets. Second, he would take out a few British people from RAW. He says his goal is to stay Commissioner until Mick Foley can return. Commercial.
Big Show bursts into Vince's room. He says he proved he can hold his own with the WWF Champions. He wants Rock tonight. Vince says he should be suspended for what he did last night. But, instead, he will defend his Hardcore Title against Rock and Kurt Angle tonight.
Dudley Boyz vs. Rikishi & Haku
-In the arena, the D-Bombs drop and out come the Tag Team Champs, the Dudley Boyz. Rikishi and Haku come down to the ring. As they get to the ring, the lights go red and Kane's music hits. Taker and Kane stroll out on stage to watch this match. D-Von and Haku will start this one.
Haku starts with some clubs to the back, but D-Von hits a flying shoulder block. Scoop slam by Haku, who tags Rikishi. D-Von again hits the flying shoulder block, and he tags BuhBuh. Rikishi takes it to BuhBuh. Big boot by BuhBuh, then a flying clothesline from the second rope. Tag to D-Von and they hit a double flapjack on Rikishi 1-2-shoulder up.
Belly-belly suplex by Rikishi, who tags Haku. Haku does his crazy punches, then headbutts D-Von to the mat. Back suplex by Haku, then a backbreaker. Tag to Rikishi. Rikishi stomps D-Von down, then tags Haku. They double headbutt D-Von. Scoop slam by Haku, who then misses an elbow drop. Double tag.
BuhBuh explodes out, taking down Rikishi and then back body dropping Haku. He back body drops Haku over the ropes, when Rikishi gets back up. Scoop slam on Rikishi, then the Wassup Headbutt. Haku misses a punch, which nails Teddy Long. 3-D on Haku, but the ref isn't their to count the pin.
Rikishi hits a leg drop on the pinning D-Von. Bonzai Drop on D-Von, but Taker and Kane run down. They take out BuhBuh, then Rikishi and then Haku. By this time, D-Von has recovered and pins the fallen Haku 1-2-3!
Taker and Kane come back in and each brother chokeslams his own Dudley.
In the back, Michael Cole asks Rock about the Triple Threat Hardcore Title Match. Rock knows Michael Cole knows how to dress like a fourteen year old girl, but does Michael Cole know how to read? Yes. Then read the Rock's shirt. It says, "It Doesn't Matter." You bet your ass it doesn't matter.
In the halls, Steph is complaining to Regal, while Trish and Vince strut down the halls, pushing the bucket of slop. Commercial.
William Regal & Stephanie vs. Vince McMahon & Trish Stratus
-Steph and Regal come down first, to Trips' old music. No Chances hits, and out comes Vince and Trish, with the "dumpage" bucket in hand. Vince calls for Regal to start, but Trish persuades him to let the women start. At first Vince hesitates, but she convinces him with a kiss.
Steph runs in and Trish takes her down to start the match. Hairmare by Trish, then another. Trish goes for a bulldog, but Steph pushes her into the turnbuckle. Suplex by Steph 1-2-kickout. DDT by Steph 1-2-shoulder up. Kicks to the stomach by Steph, but Trish hits a bulldog. Both women go down, and Vince looks concerned. But about who?
Vince tags in, with Steph still down. Steph gets up, sees Vince, and dives for the corner, but Regal steps off the apron. Steph pleads with Vince, who gets a mic. Regal comes back with the bucket of slop. Vince says that he always gets what he wants. What does Mr. McMahon want? It's the same thing that Mr. Regal wants. It's the same thing that Trish wants. So if Trish wants it, come and get it.
Vince pulls Trish into the ring and Vince orders the ref out. Steph slaps Trish and Regal DDTs her. Vince tells Steph to mop this trash up. Steph wipes the slop all over Trish and then ducks her head in the bucket. Vince says that there is only one Daddy's Little Girl, but he will admit, she was Daddy's Toy. But you get sick of toys after a while, and now, playtime is over. Vince picks up the bucket of slop and dumps it over Trish. Steph and Vince embrace. Commercial.
Michael Cole asks Trish how she's feeling, but she's still going crazy over what has happened.
Dean Malenko vs. Taka Michinoku
-In the ring, Dean Malenko comes down for his Title defense. Kaientai come out, with a women with them. Taka says that he has a girlfriend of his own. She is hot, voluptuous, and most importantly, evil. Indeed, she says, and then pushes Funaki. They come down to the ring.
Shoulder block by Taka, who then drop toe holds Dean outside, where he beats on Funaki. Taka hits a flying crossbody down to the outside on Dean. Back in the ring, Taka hits a dropkick and a backslide 1-2-kickout.
Dean kicks Taka and then knocks him down. He goes for the Cloverleaf, but Taka rolls him up 1-2-kickout. Clothesline in the corner by Dean, who then gets kicked. Dean sets Taka up on top of the turnbuckle, but Taka knocks him off. Dean comes back up and hits a Superplex, but Taka rolls through 1-2-kickout.
Reverse thrust kick by Taka, then the Michinoku Driver, but Taka's back gives out. He eventually pins 1-2-kickout. Taka climbs the turnbuckle and hits a flying crossbody, but Dean rolls through and locks in the Texas Cloverleaf, to which Taka has to tap out. Dean retains.
In the back, Kevin Kelly asks Kurt Angle about the Hardcore Title match. Kurt says he loves it because he wants to hurt the Rock. He couldn't care less that Rock respects him. He guarantees that he may not walk into WrestleMania champion, but he will make sure Rock won't walk at all. Commercial.
In the garage, a white van pulls up, and the RTC get out, including Kat, who is crying.
Raven vs. Chris Jericho
-In the arena, Raven comes to the ring for his IC Title shot. Raven says that, since he has cemented his status as the greatest Hardcore Champion of all time, he has decided to expand the reach of the Raven Effect. He asks what everyone's favorite moment of the Raven Title Reign was, whether it be the breaking of a cinderblock on Al Snow's head or 05 04 03 02 01 00 BOOM!
Out comes the Ayatollah. He says his favorite Raisin moment was not him getting a swirly in a urine filled toilet, but when Y2J told him to Shut the Hell Up. It's go time.
Raven hits a baseball slide on the running Jericho and they start out. Inside cradle by Jericho 1-2-kickout. Chops by Jericho, then a hiptoss. Clothesline in the corner by Raven, then a bulldog 1-2-kickout.
Flying forearm by Jericho, then a bulldog 1-2-kickout. Chops by Jericho, but Raven hits a big boot. Roll up by Jericho 1-2-pulled over by Raven 1-2-kickout. Ninja Girl runs down with a 2x4, but Molly grabs her legs. Jericho grabs Ninja Girl's hair. Ninja Girl kicks Molly and then swings the 2x4, but hits Raven mistakenly. Lionsault by Jericho 1-2-3!
Molly runs in and tries to rip the mask off of Ninja Girl, but only succeeds to reveal some hair before Raven pulls Ninja Girl out. Commercial.
JR says that Lawler has left to get ready for six man action, where he will team with the Acolytes against the RTC.
Pictures from the match last night.
Steven Richards Interview
-Coach asks Steven about taking a woman against her own free will. Steven says that Stacy knew what she got into and questions whether she hit Lawler on purpose. Kat screams out, but Ivory grabs her by the hair. Steven says that, with truth on their side, no one can beat them.
In the back, we see Angle getting ready by stretching, while Big Show gets ready by punching a cabinet. Commercial.
Tazz comes to the announce table while Jerry Lawler fights.
We get a video of some animosity between XFL announcer Jesse Ventura and NY/NJ Hitmen Coach Rusty Tillmen. It's quite funny, actually.
Jerry Lawler & Acolytes vs. Right to Censor
-In the arena, The Royal Processional music hits, and the King comes to the ring. The Acolytes come out to join Lawler in this match. The sirens blare, and all six members of the RTC come down, although only Val, Bull and Goodfather will be fighting.
The aPa and Bull and Goodfather brawl outside, while King takes on Val. Steven Richards takes a seat at the announce table. All three faces beat on Bull, but Faarooq starts the match.
Clothesline by Bull, tag to Goodfather. Double shoulder block on Faarooq. Scoop slam by GF. Bradshaw kicks GF, but then GF and Val double on Faarooq. Back elbow by Faarooq, then the diving shoulder block. Tag to Bradshaw, tag to Bull.
Back elbow by Bradshaw, then a big boot. Tag to Val. Clubs by Val, but he runs into a bug boot and a back elbow. Fallaway slam on Val as Kat jumps on Ivory. The Acolytes clear the ring and Bradshaw hits the Clothesline From Hell on Val. Double spinebuster and King hits a Fist Drop on Val, as Bull and GF take Kat away. King pins 1-2-3! but he is more concerned with Kat's disappearance. Commercial.
Kurt Angle vs. Rock vs. Big Show
-Kurt comes to the ring as we see his interview from earlier tonight. Big Show comes out with his belt held high. The Rock comes out, with his belt in his hand, but that Title is not on the line. Rock and Angle stare each other down, so Big Show clotheslines them both.
Rock beats on Show, bringing him down to one knee, but Angle hits a back suplex. Chops by Show on Angle, then show goes for some clotheslines, but the Show doesn't flinch. Rock clotheslines Angle, but then Show knocks him out of the ring.
Show slams Rock's head on the announce table, then he goes to ram Rock into the post, but Rock floats out and shoves Show into the steps. Angle attacks Rock and then brings him in the ring. Stomps by Angle. Rock fights back with a leg drag. He hooks in the Sharpshooter, but Show knocks him down. Show calls for the Show Stopper and he picks up Angle and headbutts him down. He chokes Rock, but Rock low blows him. Angle goes for a suplex, but it doesn't work. He tries again, and this time Rock comes over and they get him over for a suplex!
Rock attacks the celebrating Angle, when Steve Blackman comes in and nails Show with a kendo stick 1-2-shoulder up. Hardcore Holly comes out and nails Show with trashcan lids 1-2-shoulder up. Albert comes in hits a karate kick 1-2-broken by Saturn. Saturn fights with Albert, when Billy Gunn runs in with a baseball bat, which he nails Show with. They fight outside, as do Rock and Angle.
Show and Gunn fight near the ramp, but Hardcore fights him to the staging area. Show tosses Holly, then Blackman, then he boots Billy Gunn. Essa Rios dives off the stage down to Show, but Show catches and slams him. Same happens to Crash. Billy Gunn nails Show with a chair and Blackman fights him back, where Hardcore sprays everyone with a fire extinguisher.
We cut back to the ring where Angle, Albert and Saturn are beating on The Rock. Back in the back, the Hardcore chaos has officially broken out, with Show taking on all comers. Billy Gunn flapjacks Hardcore Holly through a table while Show rams Essa Rios into a door. He picks up Essa and pins him against the wall 1-2-3! And with that, Show wins the match.
Back in the ring, the three are still beating on the Rock. Rock explodes out and he DDTs Angle, but Saturn knocks him down. Clothesline by Rock on Saturn, then a flying forearm to Albert. Spinebuster to Saturn, but Rock gets drop toe held by Angle, who locks in an anklelock. Austin comes down and Stunners Angle, then Saturn. Rock Bottom to Albert as Austin leaves the ring. Rock and Austin stare each other down from across the ramp as we Fade Out.
