TJR Retro: WWF Smackdown 08/17/00 Review (The Rock vs. Triple H)
The WWF was heading towards SummerSlam with a lot of big matches already set up by this point, which was about ten days before the show took place. We knew the main event would see The Rock defending the WWF Title against Kurt Angle and Triple H while there would be a grudge match between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. In addition to that, the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs (oh my) Match was announced on the previous Raw with Edge & Christian defending the Tag Team Titles against the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz. There was a lot of anticipation heading into SummerSlam.
Here’s the synopsis for this episode from WWE Network.
“Commissioner Foley stirs the pot amongst Shane McMahon and his allies by allowing them to choose which one of them will face WWE Champion The Rock in the main event. Plus, Edge & Christian defend the Tag Team Championship against The Dudley Boyz, Eddie Guerrero challenges Val Venis for the Intercontinental Championship, and much more. / PG (D,L,V)”
See how it says PG there? WWE content wasn’t always PG in this era. It was usually 14+, but sometimes Smackdown would get the PG rating. The Right to Censor won! Those jerks.
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 Smackdown #52
August 17, 2000 (Taped August 15)
From Worcester Center in Worcester, Massachusetts
The Smackdown intro aired to begin the show. The pyro went off in the arena in Worcester, which is not a major city, but WWE liked making regular stops there. The announce team was Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler as usual.
Let’s Hear from Shane and Friends
The foursome of Shane McMahon, Kurt Angle, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley made their entrance together looking like they were getting along after they worked together on Raw to destroy The Rock.
Shane asked what word you associate with when you hear “McMahon” and the fans chanted “Asshole” at him. Good job by the fans. Shane talked about power, success, ruthlessness and awesomeness as Edge & Christian would say. Shane said that the one thing they are synonymous with is family. Shane said he many families like his actual family including Stephanie, which drew boos. Shane said that Hunter is his brother in law and a hell of a guy. Shane spoke about how he had a professional family that includes YOUR Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle.
Shane said this past Monday night, they had to tread some rough water, but unlike the fans…and fans chanted “Shane’s a pu**y” chant at him. That is not a PG chant. They showed footage from Raw when Hunter, Kurt and Shane beat up The Rock to end the show. Shane said that the picture of them posing together will make a great Christmas photo. Shane said one of those two gentlemen will wear the WWF Title soon.
Stephanie spoke up, which drew boos, saying it was a great image to see Shane raising the hands of her husband Hunter and “good friend Kurt” made her beam with pride. Stephanie said that there’s only one thing that can make her even happier – she wanted Hunter and Kurt to shake hands right in the center of the ring.
Angle said that he was sorry that Hunter used to wrestle in Hogpen matches and didn’t accomplish that much early in his career. Angle told him he has accomplished a lot and he is his good friend’s husband. Angle said he would be happy to shake his hand, but Hunter asked for the microphone.
Hunter said that he was sorry that he has called Kurt a jerk, an Olympic twerp, all those comments about Kurt looking like a girl crying on the Olympic medal platform crying like a broad and he was sorry, but Kurt was. That was funny. Hunter said he was sorry that even though he’s a four-time WWF Champion, Kurt hasn’t even come close to winning the WWF Championship. Hunter told Angle not everybody can be as good as him. Hunter said if it will make his beautiful wife (boos for that) happy then he will gladly shake Kurt’s hand. The foursome even hugged, but here’s the interruption.
The Commissioner Mick Foley showed up on the stage for a promo to talk to the happy people in the ring. Loud “Foley” chants for the Commish. Foley was sarcastic about being emotional during that. Foley mentioned Shane referencing Christmas, said he loved Christmas and plugged his Christmas book. Foley said this could be on a Foley Christmas card as we saw a clip from Raw with Angle kissing Stephanie on the cheek and Hunter was furious about it. The fans popped for that. Love it. They did such a great job with this storyline.
Foley said that there is a special member of the WWF that doesn’t have a lot of Christmas cheer to go around. Foley noted that Rock wasn’t happy after what happened on Monday night and Foley wrote down what Rock told him. Foley read something The Rock told him that Rock is going to lay the smackdown on all their candy asses. Foley said that it wouldn’t be fair to do a handicap match or have a WWF Title match this close to SummerSlam. Foley wondered who would Rock face tonight in Worcester, Massachusetts (cheap pop).
Foley wondered who should face The Rock: Kurt Angle (boos), Triple H (more boos) or Shane McMahon (that drew cheers because fans wanted to see that). Foley suggested that maybe it should be the Women’s Champion Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. Foley told the four of them to have a tribal council and vote one of them off the island to go in that very ring. Nice Survivor TV show reference. I still watch that show. Anyway, the guys in the ring argued about this.
Analysis: It’s the typical segment early in the show to set up something for later in the night. We saw it all the time 20 years ago just like we see it in present-day WWE. It never stops. I liked the dialogue by the heels to start just because they were happy to be on the same page, but then Foley was entertaining as he tried to drive a wedge between them. The crowd was very interested in all of these storylines going on.
Terri was shown getting ready backstage in a very tight outfit when The Kat showed up to call her a “tramp” and Terri called her “trash.” The Kat told Terri that she found somebody to be a partner and said after they win, they will rub her face in it. Terri told her that this match will be over quicker than her career. They did some weak hair pulling and Terri shoved her down.
Analysis: Bad acting, but at least they’re pretty. That’s important.
(Commercial)
Here’s a pretty cool poster that was up at WWF New York to promote SummerSlam. That’s impressive.
The foursome of Shane, Kurt, Hunter and Stephanie argued about who deserves a shot at The Rock with Shane and Stephanie agreeing to discuss it.
Perry Saturn and Terri vs. Rikishi and The Kat
Pre-match notes: Perry and Terri were the heels while Rikishi and Kat were the faces. I’m sure this will be a technical wrestling classic.
Terri tackled Kat along with some weak slaps Terri with a body slam and they did a sloppy monkey flip out of the corner with Terri taking a bump. Kat with the worst clothesline ever for a two count. The guys tagged in with Saturn hitting an impressive overhead suplex. Rikishi with a Samoan Drop. Kat tagged in, Saturn grabbed her by the throat, she kicked Saturn in the groin (the referee was looking at Rikishi) and that led to Terri rolling around with Kat until Saturn gave Kat a clothesline. Rikishi hit Saturn with a back body drop while Terri covered Kat for the pinfall win at 2:03.
Winners by pinfall: Perry Saturn and Terri
Analysis: -* This was terrible. Saturn was the legal person for his team, so they couldn’t even get the finish right for this awful match. On a more positive note, the girls looked gorgeous in their outfits. That keeps it from going minus two stars, I guess.
Post match, Rikishi hit Saturn with a running back splash. Rikishi set up for the Stinkface, so Terri slapped Rikishi on the ass and said she was sorry. Terri jumped on Rikishi’s back, Rikishi sent her to the turnbuckle and she bumped it like she was knocked out. Rikishi hit a Rikishi Driver on Saturn. Rikishi gave Terri the Stinkface. The Kat loved it as Terri rolled out the ring.
Analysis: This would lead to more of this Terri and Kat rivalry at SummerSlam. It was not good.
The dressing room of Hunter, Angle and Shane was shown again as they bickered about who gets to face The Rock later in the show. Shane said he discussed with Stephanie that he will face Rock. Hunter and Angle didn’t like that idea, so we’ll see more of them later.
(Commercial)
Eddie Guerrero entered with Chyna while Val Venis had manager Trish Stratus with him.
Intercontinental Championship: Val Venis (w/Trish Stratus) vs. Eddie Guerrero (w/Chyna)
Pre-match notes: Venis was the heel champion while Eddie was the face challenger.
Guerrero with a hard whip into the corner along with a dropkick that sent Venis out of the ring. Guerrero sent Venis into the steel steps, but then Val came back by sending Eddie into the barricade. Venis decked Chyna with a punch to knock her down. Venis hit a neckbreaker for two. Guerrero came back with a back elbow, a clothesline and a hurricanrana. Venis was sent over the top to the floor, but then he choked Eddie against the top rope. Chyna grabbed Val and gave him a Powerbomb on the floor as payback for what Val did to her earlier. The referee didn’t see that. Back in the ring, Eddie got a two count. Trish grabbed the pitcher of ice tea from the announce table and she smacked Chyna in the back of the head with it! The guys were distracted by that, Val got the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Eddie and won the match at 3:24.
Winner by pinfall: Val Venis
Analysis: ** A cheap win for the heel champion thanks to the distraction on the outside of the ring. Val and Eddie worked well together, but that ROLLUP OF DEATH~! is so deadly.
Post match, Chyna was down selling the attack while Val left with Trish. This would lead to a SummerSlam tag team match between the four individuals involved here.
Shane was backstage in the office with Stephanie, who said none of the three guys should face Rock. Stephanie said that it should be her and Shane told her that she was completely out of her mind.
(Commercial)
Chyna went up to Commissioner Mick Foley to say that Trish won’t get away with this. Chyna wanted a match with Trish tonight. Foley said that at SummerSlam they can do Trish Stratus and Val Venis vs. Chyna and Eddie Guerrero. Chyna liked that.
Acolytes (Bradshaw and Faarooq) and Crash vs. Kaientai (Taka Michinoku and Funaki) and Big Boss Man
Pre-match notes: Acolytes and Crash were the faces while Boss Man and Kaientai were the heels. What a random tag team match this was, but at least it was set up by APA beating up Kaientai in a bar.
There was a pre-match promo where Boss Man called his partners “Chinese” (they’re Japanese) and then called them “Ornamentals.” Funaki with a dropkick on Faarooq, who clotheslined Taka and hit a powerslam on Funaki. Crash stomped away on Funaki, who came back with belly to back suplex. Boss Man with a boot to the face on Crash. APA with a double shoulder tackle on Boss Man and a double team neckbreaker. Taka tagged in with a punch while Boss Man left his team. Taka hit a running dropkick while Funaki held Crash. Taka with the Michinoku Driver with APA breaking up the pin attempt. Faarooq with a spinebuster Taka, Bradshaw with a Powerbomb on Funaki and Faarooq with a Dominator on Funaki. Bradshaw slammed Crash onto Funaki for the pinfall win at 2:35.
Winners by pinfall: Acolytes (Bradshaw and Faarooq) and Crash
Analysis: * A boring match to put the APA guys over Kaientai after what happened on Raw. The crowd was quiet for most of it.
It was back to the office with Shane telling Stephanie that her plan is not going to happen. Shane said that they decided on who will take on The Rock – it’s going to be Triple H. Angle didn’t love that, Shane said that Kurt had the lost shot at the last time and Kurt was angry about it.
(Commercial)
Chris Jericho joined the commentary team and called Cole “Mitchell” which is always good. Jericho was there because his SummerSlam opponent Chris Benoit was in the next match.
Hardcore Championship: Steve Blackman vs. Chris Benoit (w/Shane McMahon)
Pre-match notes: Blackman was the babyface Hardcore Champion while Benoit was a heel.
Benoit with a clothesline, Blackman sent Benoit into the turnbuckle for a sternum bump and a dropkick to the back. Blackman with a trash can shot to the knees and head. Blackman launched Benoit into the air followed by a trash can to the head. Benoit sent Blackman shoulder first into the turnbuckle/ring post area. Benoit found a leather strap, he whipped Blackman into the turnbuckle and he set up Benoit upside down against the turnbuckle. Benoit worked over Blackman with the strap and then Blackman hit a superkick. Blackman worked over Benoit with multiple sticks to the ribs and back. Benoit came back with three German Suplexes in a row. Blackman with a spin kick and then Shane hit Blackman in the back with a kendo stick shot. I found this image of that spot.
Benoit slapped in the STF submission on Blackman, so Jericho went into the ring and hit Benoit in the back of the head with a chair. That was brutal. Jericho chased Shane while Blackman covered Benoit for the pinfall win at 4:53.
Winner by pinfall: Steve Blackman
Analysis: **1/2 It was a hard-hitting match between two guys that were known for being that kind of wrestler. That chair shot to the head looked rough, but I guess Jericho hit him in a way that was more like grazing his head. Anyway, Shane hitting Blackman would start off that rivalry as well.
After the match, Benoit was fine from a chair to the head because he slapped on the Crippler Crossface on Blackman. That’s when the referees showed up to break it up, so Benoit let go.
Analysis: It was all about keeping Benoit strong even after a loss due to Jericho attacking him.
Kurt Angle was shown in the parking lot with his bags as if he was leaving. Stephanie showed up to try to stop him while holding the Women’s Title on her shoulder like a dumbass. Angle said he didn’t feel like he belonged while saying that his feelings were hurt. Stephanie said that Kurt has been nothing but a perfect gentleman to her. Stephanie wanted Kurt to stay, but he said he didn’t feel wanted and he left.
Analysis: Kurt was a very good actor already early in his career. Stephanie? Not so much. She did get better as she got older.
(Commercial)
Edge and Christian entered as the Tag Team Champions and they did a pre-match promo. Christian insulted the crowd by adding the word “heinosity” because that’s what Mick Foley has done to them. Edge said that they refer to the TLC match as “Totally Lacking Coolness” while refusing to call it Tables, Ladders and Chairs…so the fans said “oh my” there. No five second pose. The Dudleys entered for this singles match. Bubba had a black eye on his left eye after taking a double chair to the head like a Conchairto, but it looked like a legit scar on Bubba’s head. The Hardys entered with Lita.
D-Von Dudley (w/Bubba Ray Dudley) and Jeff Hardy (w/Matt Hardy and Lita) vs. Edge and Christian
Pre-match notes: Edge and Christian were the heel Tag Team Champions in this non-title match. The Dudleys and Hardys were faces.
Edge missed a cross body block on Jeff when Jeff moved, Jeff hit a Poetry in Motion attack on Christian and D-Von hit a Whassup Headbutt on Edge while the referee was looking at Christian. Bubba told D-Von to get a table already while Christian hit a low blow to Jeff (the referee missed that too) and the heels took over. D-Von didn’t get the table. Jeff blocked an Edge attack, D-Von got the tag and was on fire with a running forearm and a reverse suplex for two as Christian broke up the pin. Edge with a Spear on D-Von, Jeff went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb on D-Von because Edge moved. Christian tossed Jeff out of the ring and Edge pinned D-Von to win at 2:01.
Winners by pinfall: Edge and Christian
Analysis: *1/2 A quick match that felt rushed. Clever finish with the heel champs outsmarting the opponents by having Edge move, Jeff hit D-Von by accident and Edge capitalized to win. It also set up problems between the Hardys and Dudleys.
Post match, Edge and Christian ran away with their Tag Team Titles. Jeff and D-Von talked about it in the ring with the two guys getting into a shoving match. Bubba and Matt got into a slugfest as it turned into a brawl. Edge & Christian were happy to see it.
Analysis: The intensity was picking up in the tag team division.
(Commercial)
Kane was shown backstage standing in the parking garage area because he was waiting for The Undertaker.
Let’s Hear from Right to Censor
The Right to Censor trio of Steven Richards, The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan went into the ring for a promo. Bull did a rare promo talking about how his two daughters ask him why they can’t watch him on TV and he said it’s for their own good. Bull complained about how he would be ashamed of what his daughters would see if they watched WWE. The announcers told him to leave. Bull said he hopes that his daughters can think that he helped make this world a better place.
The Goodfather spoke about how each week the Right to Censor has nothing but your best interests in mind. The fans booed. Goodfather said if you looked at their views, listened to their message – all they want is what’s right and they want you (the fan) to live the right way.
Richards said they have been criticized for their recent actions against women of late. Richards said what they did to Lita and Victoria may be frowned upon by some, but don’t judge them by the severity of their actions, but do judge them by the strength of their convictions. I think there was a “boring” chant. Richards said that they had hope in their hearts and fire in their spirits. Richards said that they have begged for us, they have fought for us and now they are warning us – No More. That led to an “Asshole” chant. Richards said that they do not want filth, gratuitous violence and no scantily clad women. That drew big boos as Lawler called him an idiot. Richards said that Right to Censor won’t stop until they have a safer world full of good, wholesome entertainment and not this world where you people live in. Richards complained about how WWE forces people to view things like this – it was Rikishi’s ass.
Richards said that women are not the only one that need to change their ways in the WWF. Richards claimed if Rikishi doesn’t cover up his rear end then not only will they censor him, but they will show the fans just what it means to fight the good fight…and it’s for your own good.
Analysis: This was more boring than their usual promos. I didn’t mind the gimmick or the promo style most of the time, but this one just seemed to drag on too much. All it really did was make it clear that they were targeting Rikishi, who was very popular at the time.
There was another shot of Kane waiting for The Undertaker to arrive.
(Commercial)
The duo of X-Pac and Road Dogg were talking backstage. They laughed about Rikishi giving Dogg the Stinkface on Raw and Dogg pointed out that it happened to X-Pac. They were ready for their match.
Kane was once again shown in the parking lot area waiting on The Undertaker to arrive.
The announce team of Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole were at the announce table talking about WWE’s “Smackdown Your Vote” campaign. I think they showed some footage of Rock and Chyna at a convention, but it was edited off this WWE Network version of the show. The announcers talked about the matches at SummerSlam. They showed a clip from Raw when Lawler and Tazz got into a brawl at ringside.
Tazz showed up on Smackdown and choked Lawler from behind. Tazz took Lawler to the ground as he slapped on the Tazzmission submission and Lawler sold it like he was knocked out by it. Tazz yelled that Lawler was “just another victim.” Tazz left.
Analysis: This feud was very intense. A lot of cheap attacks from Tazz in the build to their SummerSlam match, but I thought it worked pretty well.
(Commercial)
Kane was shown walking backstage. There were a lot of Kane segments on this show already. We get it. He’s waiting for Undertaker.
The Degeneration X boys made their entrance. Road Dogg was about to do a promo, but then Too Cool made their entrance.
Degeneration X (Road Dogg and X-Pac) vs. Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty)
Pre-match notes: Road Dogg and X-Pac were the heels while Too Cool were the faces.
Too Cool was in control with a body slam, then a kick that sent Dogg out of the ring and Scotty hit the bulldog on X-Pac. That led to the W-O-R-M and the chop wit the crowd cheering loudly for all of that. Sexay went up top, but Dogg sent Scotty into Sexay, who was on the top, so Sexay went down. Dogg and X-Pac argued about who should do a move to Scotty, but then Kane’s music hit to interrupt this at 1:22.
Match Result: No Contest
Analysis: 1/4* A nothing match that was just used to bring Kane down to the ring to cause some havoc.
Kane went into the ring, boot for X-Pac and a Chokeslam for Dogg. Kane hit a Chokeslam on X-Pac as well.
Kane did a promo asking why did he Chokeslam his brother? Kane said he accepts what he’s been on the inside – a monster. Cole said that didn’t explain why he attacked The Undertaker. The Undertaker was shown arriving to the arena.
Analysis: There’s the heel turn explanation from Kane. It wasn’t much, but at least he let us know what he is.
The Undertaker Confronts Kane
The Undertaker walked out to the ring grabbing his ribs and limping on his way out there because Kane hit him with a Chokeslam through the ring on Raw.
The Undertaker got right in Kane’s face and wanted answers. It didn’t appear as though Kane wanted to say anything, so Undertaker kept on talking. Undertaker shoved Kane in the face, but Kane put his hand up because he refused to fight. Undertaker kept on pushing, so Kane decked him with a punch. Undertaker connected with a punch, but then Kane kicked him out of the ring. Kane worked over Taker with punches by the announce table. Kane grabbed a steel chair from ringside and hit Taker in the head with it. Kane with a hard chair shot to the back of Taker. Kane with a third chair shot that hit Taker in the head although Taker did get his hand up to block it. Taker turned up bleeding, so he did the blade job after the chair to the head.
Analysis: This would set up the SummerSlam match between them. It was a believable beating with a hurt Undertaker not being able to put up a fight and Kane beat him up easily with a chair. It was not a good match at all, but that’s where they were headed.
(Commercial)
Jerry Lawler was back on commentary as they showed highlights from Kane beating up Undertaker.
It was main event time as Triple H entered with wife Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and brother-in-law Shane McMahon to show they were a cohesive unit.
Commissioner Mick Foley said that he had an important announcement while noting that this was a non-title matchup and also a “non-McMahon at ringside matchup.” The fans loved that as Stephanie and Shane were forced to go to the back.
Foley announced that Monday night on Raw, Stephanie will defend the Women’s Championship (because she’s got the “ovaria-logical fortitude”) against Lita. Foley told Shane that he will compete for the Hardcore Championship against Steve Blackman. Foley said that he’ll escort the McMahons backstage.
Analysis: It was a good way to stick it to the McMahons by making Stephanie actually defend her title while Shane had to deal with Blackman, who had a lot of success as the Hardcore Champion.
The Rock entered with the WWF Championship and he got a big pop as usual.
The Rock vs. Triple H
Pre-match notes: The Rock was the babyface WWF Champion. Triple was a heel that was getting a WWF Title shot against The Rock (and Kurt Angle) at SummerSlam. This was not for the WWF Championship.
Rock with a rising back elbow followed by a neckbreaker followed by Rock knocking Hunter out of the ring. Rock sent Hunter’s head face first into the announce table a few times. Back in the ring, Hunter with a neckbreaker, Rock with a clothesline and Hunter elbowed his way out of a rock bottom. Hunter with a belly to back suplex. Hunter with punches in the corner followed by a suplex and a running knee drop for two. Rock tried to come back with punches, but Hunter hit a facebuster into the knee for a two count. Rock countered a headlock by Hunter leading to belly to belly suplex from Rock. The fans chanted “Rocky” as both guys were down selling. Rock with a whip into the ropes leading to a belly to belly slam for two. Hunter hit a jumping knee to the face to knock Rock down. Hunter went to the top, which he rarely does and Rock slammed Hunter off, so maybe that’s just a Ric Flair tribute spot. Rock hit a DDT for a two count. They ran the ropes with Hunter sending Rock into referee Mike Chioda, who bumped to the floor. Rock with a spinebuster. Rock set up for the People’s Elbow, the fans were going crazy and Kurt Angle showed up with a steel chair. Rock wanted to give him a Rock Bottom, but Hunter was there with a low blow punch to Rock. Angle hit Rock in the face with a steel chair with Rock getting the hand up to block. Rock almost always used his hand to block those chair shots to the face. The announcers wondered what Angle was doing there because they thought Angle left. Angle sent Chioda back into the ring and Hunter hit a Pedigree for the pinfall win at 7:26.
Winner by pinfall: Triple H
Analysis: ***1/4 Good stuff just like most Rock/Hunter matches especially at this point in their careers. If it was a few years earlier it wouldn’t be as good, but this was when they were at their best. The Rock losing the match non-title was rare because it’s not like today’s WWE where champions lose non-title a lot. They didn’t book that way back in this era. Angle getting involved to help Hunter win was a bit of a surprise, just like Rock being pinned was a surprise, so they gave the fans a memorable ending due to how cheap it was.
Post match, Triple H celebrated the win. The announcers wondered if Kurt Angle buried the hatchet with Triple H and if they were on the same page. If so, does that mean trouble for The Rock at SummerSlam? Kurt and Hunter shook hands on the stage and raised eachother’s hands to end the show.
Analysis: That’s a strong ending where they laid out the question that people were thinking about if Kurt and Hunter were on the same page, was one of them going to become WWF Champion? Find out at SummerSlam.
This episode of Smackdown had a run time of 1:31:17 on WWE Network.
Three Stars of the Show
- Triple H
- The Rock
- Shane McMahon/Mick Foley
The Scoreboard
This episode gets a 6.75 out of 10.
I have given most episodes around this period a score that was similar to that. The stories were good, they advanced them well, but the in-ring action wasn’t strong enough for me to go above that number on a consistent basis. I think they overdid it with all of the segments involving Hunter, Shane, Kurt and Stephanie because they were on all show long. All of those segments weren’t necessary.
The best match was clearly the main event with Rock and Triple H, even with the cheap finish. I didn’t mind the ending because it fit the story going on at the time. I think the WWF did an amazing job of setting up that SummerSlam triple threat main event.
Some of the matches and segments were boring, but I think the main stories surrounding the WWF Title, Tag Team Titles, Jericho/Benoit and the IC Title picture were all advanced well. Everything can’t be great although there was enough good things for me to focus on the positives on this episode of Smackdown.
—-
Check out our WWF in 2000 archives for my reviews of all the other shows (Raw, Smackdown, PPVs) from earlier in the year. Thanks for reading.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter @johnreport