Reviews

TJR Retro: WWF Raw Deal 08/28/00 Review (The Rock vs. Kane)

The WWF 2000 reviews continue as we head into the post-SummerSlam edition of Raw on the road to Unforgiven. This was an episode of Raw that had a start time at 11pmET on USA Network due to US Open Tennis coverage. I’m sure Vince McMahon and the WWF hated it, but it was part of the contract. They were only a few weeks away from moving Raw to TNN as well.

If you missed my SummerSlam 2000 review it’s right here for you. The Unforgiven PPV was on September 24, so there were four weeks of shows to get there. The return of Steve Austin was coming soon too.

Here is the synopsis for this episode on WWE Network:

“Their battle for The Rock’s WWE Championship at SummerSlam may be over, but the rivalry between Triple H and Kurt Angle rages on as The Game looks to make the Olympic Gold Medalist pay for his actions. The Rock defend his title against Kane. Plus, Edge & Christian decide to show The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz a little respect and more. // 14+ (D,L,V)”

Check out our WWF TV in 2000 archives in case you missed anything (Raw, Smackdown and PPV reviews) from earlier in the year. Also, make sure to visit TJRWrestling.net daily for my reviews of the current WWE shows, plus historical columns and all the relevant current news in the wrestling business. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport and tweet me to talk about this show or anything else. Let’s get to it.

WWF Raw #379
August 28, 2000
From Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina

The show began with Commissioner Mick Foley being interviewed by Michael Cole backstage in a penalty box. Foley ran down all the matches: Acolytes and Jericho vs. Benoit and T&A, Lita defends the Women’s Title, Val Venis will challenge Chyna for the Intercontinental Title, Tazz will challenge Steve Blackman for the Hardcore Title and since this is one year to the day from when Rock N Sock Connection was formed, Rock has to defend the WWF Title against Kane.

Analysis: Kane lost to Undertaker at SummerSlam and now he was getting a title shot the next night. Strange booking.

Triple H was shown in the parking lot with the announcers noting that he hasn’t seen his wife Stephanie in the last 24 hours. The Raw intro video aired after that.

The pyro went off in the arena, the crowd was very loud, there were signs all over the sold out building and a lot of noise as usual. The announce team was Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, who beat Tazz one night earlier at SummerSlam.

Chris Jericho made his entrance for the opening match. The show starts with a match instead of a promo? That’s rare. The APA joined Jericho for this six-man tag team match. The heel side was up next with Chris Benoit joined by Test & Albert with Trish Stratus. Benoit beat Jericho in a 2/3 Falls match at SummerSlam in controversial fashion with a pin with a hand on the bottom rope.

Chris Jericho, Bradshaw and Faarooq vs. Chris Benoit, Test and Albert (w/Trish Stratus)

Pre-match notes: Jericho and the Acolytes were the faces while Benoit, Test and Albert were the heels.

As soon as Benoit got out there, Jericho attacked him on the ramp and it turned into a brawl right away. Jericho worked over Benoit in the ring with chops, a back elbow and a missile dropkick. Jericho with a double underhook backbreaker, running clothesline, Test wit ha knee to the back and Jericho gave him a drop toe hold when Test was legal. Faarooq tagged in with punches, but Test came back with a clothesline. Faarooq with a powerslam for a two count. Bradshaw tagged in for a double team spinebuster and Bradshaw with a legsweep for two. Test with a neckbreaker on Bradshaw. A back elbow by Bradshaw and he punched Albert off the apron. Albert went in illegally with a splash on Bradshaw, which led to a boot to the face from Test. Albert with a splash on Bradshaw for a two count. Benoit was back in with repeated kicks on Bradshaw to keep him down. Bradshaw bounced off the ropes with a shoulder tackle on Albert. Jericho with a kick on Albert and a running bulldog. Jericho knocked Benoit off the apron. Bradshaw sent Benoit into the steel steps. Albert had Jericho on his shoulders and hit a spinning slam for a two count. Trish was on the apron, the referee was dealing with her, Bradshaw back in and he kicked Albert in the face while Albert had Jericho above his head in a press slam. Jericho capitalized with a Lionsault off the ropes for the pinfall win at 5:24.

Winners by pinfall: Chris Jericho, Bradshaw and Faarooq

Analysis: **3/4 This was all action with a good finish where the faces actually cheated to win instead of the heels. The kick by Bradshaw was the turning point. Jericho got the win one night after he lost in a cheap way at SummerSlam.

It was back to Triple H in the parking lot with X-Pac there to ask him how he’s doing. Hunter said that Stephanie should be there and he hasn’t seen her in 24 hours. Hunter said that wherever she is, Kurt Angle might have something to do with it. X-Pac joked that last time he saw her she was in good hands. Hunter didn’t think that was funny.

(Commercial)

Hunter was still in the parking lot with Road Dogg there. Dogg said he’s a married man and these things have a way of working themselves out. Dogg said he thought she was safe, she can handle it and Hunter said he had to stay out there to work for her. Kurt Angle’s music hit, so Hunter walked towards the arena.

Let’s Hear from Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle entered the arena with the announcers wondered how he was there since he was hospitalized with a concussion after SummerSlam. JR noted that Angle was released from the hospital early in the morning

Angle said at SummerSlam, Your Olympic Hero suffered a horrible concussion. Angle said that as a result of that concussion, there are things he didn’t remember. Angle claimed that when his face smashed into the concrete floor, his mind drew a complete blank. Angle noted that because of that concussion, his future grandchildren will have to deal with stories about his Olympic gold medals, other WWF accomplishments, but not SummerSlam 2000. Angle said he still valiantly competed for the WWF Title after his concussion. Angle called Hunter a “very scared man” that struck Stephanie in the ring and then got his butt kicked by Rock and that is true. Angle said he was told he came back to help Stephanie to take her away from brutality and seek medical attention. Angle said that Triple H has always been a shady character while claiming what Hunter did was “borderline criminal.” Angle ripped on North Carolina to get some heat and he said it’s not acceptable to him. Angle said that Hunter always made a lousy WWF Champion, but after last night he made a lousier husband…and that is true. I should point out too that Angle was wearing his wedding ring during all of this. He usually didn’t wear it on camera and WWF/E didn’t acknowledge his actual marriage (to Kurt’s first wife, Karen).

Triple H walked out to the ring to get in Angle’s face. Hunter told Kurt he didn’t get a concussion, Hunter “gave your ass a concussion.” Not literally. Anyway, the fans cheered that as if giving a concussion is something to cheer for! Hunter said he beat Angle senseless, but he’s not going to that tonight – not yet. Hunter wanted to know where his wife is and Kurt was smiling about that. Hunter said if you don’t tell him now what he wants to know then what Hunter does to Kurt in this very ring would be criminal.

Angle wondered if Hunter was implying a criminal activity while noting Hunter punched his wife, which is a criminal activity. Angle said he didn’t have a clue what happened last night and he doesn’t know where Hunter’s wife is.

Hunter said that Angle likes to play the ignorant jackass and he does a great job of it. Said he’s not buying it because he knows Kurt better than that. Hunter told Kurt that he is a shady character, so Kurt is not fooling him for a second. Hunter wanted some answers now.

Angle said before you start to beat his “ass” and that led to Kurt mentioning he was an Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle noted that he is telling the truth because that’s how he is. Angle suggested that maybe Stephanie scared of him or maybe Stephanie doesn’t trust him. Angle said that maybe when Hunter punched Stephanie, she sees Hunter as the bastard that he is. Hunter punched Kurt and knocked him out of the ring. Several referees ran out to the ring to break up this fight. There was only one punch from Hunter and the guys were separated.

Analysis: Great promo work from two of the best in WWE. This storyline was so awesome with Hunter, Angle and Stephanie. There were so many layers to it, the promos were top notch consistently and I always got a kick out of how unique Angle was in terms of what he said and how he said it. The fans were clearly rallying behind Hunter in the story because they saw Angle as a homewrecker.

Chyna, the new Intercontinental Champion, was shown talking to Eddie Guerrero. Chyna said she felt sorry for Hunter. Eddie said that Hunter didn’t know how to treat a lady. She’s in action up next.

(Commercial)

A clip was shown from SummerSlam with Chyna pinning Trish Stratus to win the Intercontinental Title in a tag team match.

Chyna made her entrance as the IC Champion once again with Eddie Guerrero supportive of her. Val Venis entered without Trish Stratus because Val was not happy with her.

Intercontinental Championship: Chyna (w/Eddie Guerrero) vs. Val Venis

Pre-match notes: Chyna was the face champion and Venis was the heel that was the former champion.

Venis with punches followed by a lefty clothesline and he dumped Chyna out of the ring. Trish was on the ramp watching the match as Val sent Chyna into the turnbuckle. Venis with a body slam along with some choking on the middle ropes. Venis with a delayed vertical suplex. Chyna with a back elbow, but then Val hit her with a head whip into the mat. Chyna with a handspring elbow and a DDT for a two count. Venis wit ha catapult that sent Chyna into the turnbuckle. The camera kept on showing Trish watching the match, which I certainly don’t mind. Eddie on the apron, Chyna with a low blow kick on Val that the referee didn’t see because he was looking at Eddie and Chyna did a crotch grab. Venis sold it in a big way. Chyna with a clothesline that sent Venis out of the ring. Venis sent Guerrero into the barricade. Chyna sent Venis into the ring with JR thinking that Venis was wearing a cup. Venis with a spinebuster. Trish walked towards the ring, Venis turned to see her, so he yelled at her to get back up there. Eddie punched Val while the referee Jack Doan was looking at Chyna and Eddie sent Val into the ring. Chyna did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win at 5:18.

Winner by pinfall: Chyna

Analysis: ** It’s the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! finding a way to win the match again. Chyna only won because of Eddie’s multiple distractions, Eddie punching Val repeatedly (thanks to the blind referee not paying attention) and because Val was distracted by Trish even though Trish didn’t do anything. It felt a bit too much meaning that it seemed like it was overbooked.

Here was Trish’s reaction after the match.

Post match, Venis left the ring and went up the ramp yelling at Trish, who went to the back. Chyna and Eddie celebrated the win.

Analysis: Venis would be undergoing a character change soon after this as he became a part of the Right to Censor group.

Kurt Angle was in the locker room with Michael Cole questioning Kurt about if he remembered anything from SummerSlam. Angle said he didn’t remember anything and he was told that he carried Stephanie. Angle said he remembered after the hospital, he was in the hotel lobby, Stephanie was there and he remembered the room – 814. He thought it was his room, but then he said that was Stephanie’s room.

(Commercial)

They showed NASCAR drivers Hermie and Elliot Sadler at ringside.

The Right to Censor trio of Steven Richards, The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan made their entrance. Richards did the usual heel promo about how freedom of expression has been taken to perverse ways. Richards said that Rikishi’s butt in a thong is unacceptable, violence is unacceptable and scantily clad women is unacceptable. Richards said that Rikishi bringing back “those women” back makes this persona. Richards was also disappointed that here in the Bible Belt they don’t seem to care. Richards claimed that they were going to fight the good fight and make this world a better place and somebody has to stop Rikishi. Richards claimed that they know what’s good for our children.

Analysis: This dragged on too long. I didn’t mind the RTC gimmick, but some of the promos were repetitive.

Rikishi made his entrance with Mandy, Victoria (the same Victoria that would become a Women’s Champion two years later) and Too Cool. Richards tried a sneak attack, but Rikishi hit him with a superkick and a running hip attack against the turnbuckles. Rikishi hit clotheslines on Bull and Goodfather. Bull pulled Richards out of the ring. The heels retreated. Rikishi, Too Cool and the girls danced.

Analysis: No match. Just an angle to further this storyline. It was not that interesting although the fans did hate RTC and love Rikishi, so it did work in terms of getting reactions. I just felt bored by it.

Triple H was in his dressing room when Chyna showed up to show support for her former ally. Hunter said he felt like his marriage was falling apart. Chyna said that relationships are a tough thing, marriage is even harder and he knows they’ll work out. Chyna told Hunter that without trust, you have nothing. Chyna said she and Eddie love eachother, support eachother and trust eachother. Hunter said he thought she was right. Hunter hugged Chyna. Eddie walked in to complain about that and he shoved Hunter on his ass. Hunter: “Has everybody lost their mind around here?” Pretty much.

Look at what the description says: “Chyna gives Triple H some relationship advice”

Analysis: Yeah, relationship advice for Triple H. The same Triple H that cheated on her (at some point in 2000 into 2001) with Stephanie. I guess things worked out fine for him. I do believe that Hunter did have genuine feelings for Stephanie obviously, but they sure could have handled the situation better and Chyna losing her job in mid-2001 shouldn’t have happened because Hunter was dating another woman. That’s not right. Anyway, Chyna’s line about Eddie was foreshadowing what was coming soon. Poor Chyna.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Edge & Christian

Edge and Christian walked out with the Tag Team Titles while also limping a bit and grabbing their ribs. They were in street clothes They had some tape on their arms as well after the brutal TLC match one night earlier.

Christian said that after the TLC match at SummerSlam, they can’t do their usual schtick. Edge mentioned the Dudleys and Hardys while adding that after last night’s match, they have more respect for them. Edge said that they know the Dudleys aren’t there tonight (they are at WWF New York), but they wanted the Hardy Boyz to come out there in their home state of North Carolina.

That led to two little people dressed in Hardy Boyz attire while Edge and Christian laughed about it. The mini Hardys had mini ladders.

Christian said that the greatness of the match had nothing to do with the Hardys or Dudleyz. Christian said it would have been great if there were in with the Bushwhackers or Techno Team 2000. That led to mini Dudleys making their entrance with a kids table. Lawler was laughing.

Edge said that they decided to mock their inferior opponents. Mini Bubba yelled “WHASSUP” and little D-Von did a “Testify” yell. The Hardy Boyz did hand gestures with Christian noting that the real Hardys don’t get to speak, so why should they? That was funny. Edge said that they were going to re-enact the TLC match and then they pushed all the short guys over.

Christian asked for 37 seconds up on the Titantron (instead of a 5-second pose), so it’s a 37 second Tables, Ladders and Chairs victory pose. There was a clock counting it down. That led to the posing until the Hardy Boyz showed up.

The Hardy Boyz went into the ring with Matt hitting a Twist of Fate on Edge. Jeff jumped off a step ladder and hit the Poetry in Motion on Christian in the corner. When the Hardys took off their shirts, the teenage girl screamers were very loud. The Hardys sandwiched two ladders against Edge. The crowd chanted for tables. The Hardys went up on two ladders, but then Christian saved Edge and the fans booed. The Hardys music played to end it.

Analysis: I thought this was funny, but I’m also a big fan of Edge and Christian doing their comedy routine in segments like that. It was also cheap comedy that was acceptable 20 years ago, but probably wouldn’t happen today. The “bring out the little people” comedy bits happened once in a while in this era, but those went away and that’s probably for the best. The Hardys showing up for the interruption made sense obviously. The rivalry was definitely not over.

Eddie Guerrero was freaking out in the locker room. Kurt Angle went up to him saying that Eddie will show Chyna that he really cares and Angle said that Eddie should challenge Triple H. Eddie looked like he was going to do it.

(Commercial)

Steve Blackman made his entrance as the Hardcore Champion after winning the title back from Shane McMahon at SummerSlam. Tazz was next as the opponent and he was coming off a loss against Jerry Lawler at SummerSlam. JR slammed a candy jar into his head to help Lawler win.

Tazz said that JR and Lawler almost blinded him and were one inch away from ending his career. Tazz said tonight the mood is definitely going to change. Tazz said that Blackman, Lawler and Ross were all “just another victim” with Tazz calling JR a “leather face bastard.” Tazz ran through his promos.

Hardcore Championship: Steve Blackman vs. Tazz

Pre-match notes: Blackman was the face Hardcore Champion and Tazz was the heel.

Tazz with a suplex on Blackman and then Tazz yelled at JR. Blackman threw a garbage can at Tazz. They went brawling into the crowd a bit, but then it was back ringside for them. Blackman used a trash can lid to the knees and the back. Blackman with a spinning trash can lid shot to the back of the head. Blackman worked over Tazz with punches and kicks to the back. Tazz tripped up Blackman and did some body stomping. Tazz worked over Blackman with two leather strap shots to the back. Tazz with a trash can on Blackman and Tazz hit Lawler with the trash can lid. Lawler went after Tazz at ringside, so JR hit Tazz in the back of the head with a trash can lid. Blackman jumped off the apron with a kick on Tazz and covered him on the floor to win at 2:38.

Winner by pinfall: Steve Blackman

I don’t know who Matt or Chuck are, but I’m guessing they appreciate that informative sign.

Analysis: * This felt rushed with Tazz making the mistake of going after the announcers, then JR got in the blow with trash can lid and Blackman capitalized for the win. The fans liked the result. None of this really did much in terms of helping Tazz get over more as a heel.

Post match, Tazz got back up, Lawler threw a chair at him and then referees took Tazz away.

Triple H was back in the dressing room with Just Joe there to tell him something, but Hunter yelled at him and kicked him out of the room. Eddie Guerrero walked into the room with a referee, he told Hunter that everything Kurt said is true about Hunter. Eddie said he talked to Commissioner Foley and tonight they will have a match.

(Commercial)

The Lugz Boot of the Week showed when Lita shoved the ladder during the TLC Match that led to Edge and Christian crashing into the ropes.

Women’s Championship: Lita vs. Jacqueline

Pre-match notes: Lita was the babyface Women’s Champion. Jacqueline was barely used at this point, so I would say she was a little-used heel.

Lita with a headscissors takeover, a drop toe hold and then a hurricanrana for two. Lita with a dropkick to the back while Jackie was seated on the mat. Lita charged right into a Kick by Jackie. When Jackie went up top, Lita tripped her up, but then Jackie suplexed her down. Jackie with chops along with a hard kick to the ribs. Jackie did a nice job of hitting a jumping DDT for a two count. Jackie with a flapjack, then she went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Lita countered a slam with a reverse DDT, two clotheslines and Lita hit the Twist of Fate. Lita went up top and hit a moonsault for the pinfall win at 3:33.

Winner by pinfall: Lita

Analysis:** A quick match to put Lita over a veteran wrestler like Jacqueline, who had credibility as a former champion that was known for her toughness. Sometimes Lita’s offense was sloppy, but she was good at selling and the comeback by Lita worked very well. The crowd was dead for some of it and then they popped for the finish.

Post match, Edge and Christian walked out to the ring, Jacqueline brought Lita back in the ring and the Hardy Boyz went after E&C with punches. Edge and Christian took down the Hardys. Edge went into the ring, Lita ran the ropes and Edge hit her with a Spear. The champions left with Jacqueline when the Hardys went back in the ring while the Hardys checked on Lita.

Analysis: It furthered the Edge & Christian story with the Hardy Boyz.

Kane was interviewed by Michael Cole in a darkened room. Kane yelled about how Undertaker tried to take his mask off and Kane reminded us that he was a monster. Kane talked about how he would be the WWF Champion. It was hard to hear this.

Eddie Guerrero was shown walking backstage, Chyna said this was unnecessary and Eddie said he had to do this. Eddie told Chyna to stay there.

(Commercial)

Triple H made his entrance while the announcers kept talking about Stephanie. They kept mentioning room 814 that Angle brought up in the night. Eddie Guerrero entered on his own because he told Chyna to stay in the back.

Triple H vs. Eddie Guerrero

Pre-match notes: Triple H was a heel while Eddie was a face.

Guerrero went right after Hunter with a headscissors and a clothesline. Chyna was shown watching on a TV backstage. Guerrero worked over Hunter with a forearm to the chest. Hunter came back with a running high knee to the shoulder. Hunter worked over Eddie with stomps as well as a running back elbow and a suplex. Hunter with the running knee drop that didn’t touch Guerrero at all. Guerrero came back with a hurricanrana, back elbow and a Tornado DDT out of the corner. Guerrero went up top, Hunter moved and Eddie rolled through instead of going for a Frog Splash. Eddie hit the turnbuckle, Hunter was going for the Pedigree and Angle ran in with a steel chair to Hunter’s head for the DQ at 3:30.

Winner by disqualification: Triple H

Analysis: ** It was a going to be a clean win for Hunter until Angle showed up. The way this was done made it look like Angle was clearly the heel in that rivalry while Hunter was the face, but as we know the WWF didn’t have Hunter fully become a face. I was surprised how quiet the crowd was during this Hunter/Eddie match because it was good action. They just didn’t react to it much.

After the bell rang, Angle turned to Eddie and hit him with the chair too!

Chyna ran out for the save and Angle left triumphantly while Angle’s music played. Chyna checked on both guys in the ring with the announcers wondering about Chyna checking on former boyfriend Triple H just like she was checking on current boyfriend Eddie.

Analysis: They continued to do a great job of building the Kurt/Hunter story while having Chyna check on Hunter just like she did with Eddie, which would lead to something down the road for her and Eddie as well.

(Commercial)

Al Snow and The Kat made their entrance. It was one night after The Kat beat Terri in a Stinkface match. Saturn and Terri entered for the tag team match.

Perry Saturn and Terri vs. Al Snow and The Kat

Pre-match notes: Saturn and Terri were the heels while Snow and Kat were the faces. Saturn was the European Champion at the time.

Terri and Kat did some catfighting on the mat. They were both wearing high heel boots, very short shorts and showing off the goods. Terri hit a bad looking suplex and then missed a butt splash when Kat moved. Saturn shoved Kat to the mat. Saturn was in control of Snow with a Tiger Suplex followed by a running clothesline. Saturn with a takedown into an armbar, but Snow got to the bottom rope to break. Snow hit an overhead suplex along with some kicks to the chest. Saturn knocked down Snow, then went up top and Snow kicked him to knock Saturn down. Snow hit a superplex off the top, then the fans were distracted by something and it was the debut of Naked Mideon wearing only a fanny pack around the waist. Oh god. This was brutal. The announcers laughed about there being a streaker and then Mideon ran out through the crowd. Saturn charged, Snow hit a sitout spinebuster and went up top. Snow hit a moonsault off the top on Saturn, but Terri jumped on Snow. Saturn shoved Snow into Kat, so I guess that made Kat legal and Saturn slapped on the Rings of Saturn on Kat leading to the submission win at 4:22.

Winner by pinfall: Perry Saturn and Terri

Analysis: * Boring match that continued this story that was weak. It was good when the guys got in the ring and bad when the girls were in there, but the girls looked great, so that’s a positive. At least we got to see the debut of Naked Mideon. That’s a huge ratings draw, of course.

Kevin Kelly was shown outside of The Rock’s dressing room for an interview up next.

(Commercial)

There was a shot of WWF New York of The Dudley Boyz there. They were selling the TLC match from one night earlier. They threatened to put Edge and Christian through tables.

The Rock was interviewed backstage by Kevin Kelly with Rock holding the WWF Title on his shoulder. Rock did the “finally” bit to begin the promo. Rock mentioned monkey anus and Kevin being an ugly hermaphrodite. Rock said that after SummerSlam, he is still the WWF Champion. Rock ripped on Kane for saying that he was going to take the WWF Title from Rock and Kane thought he would represent the people. Rock said he’s the guy that represents the people and he’ll whoop Kane’s ass all over Greensboro, if ya smell what The Rock is cooking.

Analysis: The usual Rock promo greatness. It’s always a good mix of comedy and being serious at the right time as well.

(Commercial)

Kane made his entrance as we saw images from SummerSlam with Undertaker taking Kane’s off and Kane leaving without us seeing Kane’s face. There was a huge pop for The Rock as the WWF Champion. That was common at this point, of course.

WWF Championship: The Rock vs. Kane

Pre-match notes: The Rock was the babyface WWF Champion while Kane was the heel challenger.

They exchanged punches, Rock bounced off the ropes and Kane hit him with a boot to the face. Rock hit a side Russian legsweep. Rock worked over Kane with punches, but then Kane caught him and hit a running powerslam. Kane hit a suplex for two. Rock tried to comeback, Kane caught him with a sidewalk slam and a clothesline off the top rope for two. Rock hit a Samoan Drop. Rock with punches, then he bounced off the ropes with a jumping clothesline and a DDT got a two count. Kane whipped Rock into the turnbuckle leading to Rock bumping into Earl Hebner. That led to Earl taking a bump. Rock hit a spinebuster followed by the People’s Elbow on Kane for a pin attempt, but there was no referee to count the pin. Kane got right up as if nothing happened and Kane hit a Chokeslam. Hebner recovered a bit to count two, but then Rock got his left shoulder up before the three count. Rock hit a Rock Bottom, Hebner was a bit slow in counting and Kane kicked out with his left shoulder up before the three count. Great nearfall there. The fight spilled out to the floor and they went brawling into the crowd with referee Hebner going after them. The Undertaker made his entrance on his motorcycle. Undertaker went into the ring to brawl with Kane while the referee was check on Rock. Taker bounced off the ropes, ducked a clothesline and hit a huge Chokeslam to Kane. The crowd popped huge for it.

Undertaker left the ring and sat on his motorcycle. Rock crawled back to the ring, covered Kane and Hebner counted the pin for just two with Kane getting the left shoulder up. Rock hit Kane with another Rock Bottom for the pinfall win at 8:09.

Winner by pinfall: The Rock

Analysis: *** That was the longest match of the night and it was pretty good with Rock selling the beating for most of it. I liked the nearfalls towards the end with some timely kickouts of the People’s Elbow, Chokeslam, Rock Bottom and Taker’s Chokeslam too. The announcers reacted to those moments well, the fans popped for the kickouts and Rock sold it on his face. It was a bit ridiculous that the referee was out of the ring while there was action in the ring that would have led to a DQ finish, but that’s WWF booking sometimes.

The Rock celebrated with the WWF Title while JR kept mentioning that they didn’t know the whereabouts of Stephanie McMahon.

The Undertaker drove up the ramp on his motorcycle, he stared back at him, Rock stared at Taker and Taker held up his fist to end the show.

Analysis: It was foreshadowing for the WWF Title match at Unforgiven, which was a Fatal 4-Way match. We’ll get to that soon.

This episode of Raw had a runtime of 1:35:34 on WWE Network.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. The Rock
  2. Kane
  3. Kurt Angle

Final Thoughts

This Raw episode gets a 7 out of 10.

This was the usual Raw style show in this era with short matches, some creative finishes that weren’t clean and a pretty good main event match. The Angle/Hunter story was furthered more with Angle doing the cheap shot attack, Undertaker got more payback against Kane in the main event and I liked how Edge & Christian provided some comedy too. Plus, it was the Raw “debut” of the Naked Mideon gimmicks, so I guess that’s significant? Sure.

It was also refreshing to not have Shane or Stephanie McMahon on the show. They weren’t bad performers by any means, but sometimes there were too many McMahons around, so having a break by not having them on Raw was a welcome sight to me.

There wasn’t anything officially set up for Unforgiven yet, but that’s okay. They had a month to get there.

Check out our WWF TV in 2000 archives for my reviews of every other previous Raw, Smackdown and PPV from 2000 as well.

Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport