WWE King of the Ring 2000 Review

It’s time for WWE King of the Ring with a unique main event match that was unlike anything we had ever seen before because it was a match where the WWE Title could change hands in a tag team match. That wasn’t necessarily a good thing!

King of the Ring did strong numbers in terms of PPV buyrates with 475,000 buys. It did the most buys of any of the ten King of the Ring events from 1993 to 2002, which is not a surprise because 2000 was a very successful year for WWE. It also did better than Judgment Day one month earlier (420,000 buys), but not as good as Backlash in April, which did a monstrous 675,000 buys due to Steve Austin’s return.

Here’s the synopsis on WWE Network:

“The Rock, Kane & The Undertaker challenge Triple H, Vince & Shane McMahon in the main event to determine the WWE Champion. Kurt Angle, Crash Holly, Rikishi, and Val Venis compete in tournament matches to determine the 2000 King of the Ring. Plus, a Four Corners Elimination Match to determine the WWE Tag Team Champions and more.” 14+ (D,L,V)

Here’s how the DVD looked:

WWE King of the Ring
June 25, 2000
From the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts

There was a video package showing some highlights from King of the Ring events from the past and then they focused on the tension-filled WWF Title situation with the six-man tag team main event.

The pyro went off in the arena, the crowd in Boston was very loud and we were welcomed to the show by the Hall of Fame announce team of Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. JR mentioned that it was sold out in less than five minutes several months ago.

King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit

Pre-match notes: Rikishi was the babyface Intercontinental Champion that won the title from the heel Benoit on the previous Smackdown. After that match, Benoit attacked Rikishi and his Too Cool buddies.

The match started as a slugfest, Rikishi with punches and a Samoan Drop leading to Benoit bailing to the floor. Rikishi whipped Benoit into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Benoit hit a German Suplex on the big man. Benoit slapped on an armbar/crossface combination on Rikishi. They went back to the corner with Benoit unloading with chops and Rikishi missed a turnbuckle attack. Benoit slapped on the Crippler Crossface on the right arm near the ropes, so Rikishi managed to get his left hand on the bottom rope. Benoit thought that was going to win him the match, so he was frustrated by it. Benoit grabbed a steel chair from ringside. Benoit with a chair to the head of Rikishi for the DQ finish at 3:25.

Winner by disqualification: Rikishi

Analysis: *1/2 It was a weak finish to an intense match. I think they booked it that way because it protected Benoit by not having him lose clean to Rikishi for the second straight show.

After the match, Benoit hit Rikishi with three more chairshots. Benoit slapped on the Crippler Crossface on the right arm of Rikishi while other referees went into the ring to try to break it up. Benoit went up top with a headbutt. Benoit slapped on the Crippler Crossface again and then he finally let go. You could see a big bruise on Rikishi’s right arm after the match.

Analysis: Since Benoit got a main event push after King of the Ring, I assume that WWE’s creative team wanted him to look strong coming out of this loss.

There was a clip of an interview from Heat where Linda McMahon said she was going to talk to her husband.

There was a shot of the McMahon office with Vince McMahon talking to Triple H, Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. Vince said he knows Linda is there, but tonight he’s going to keep his cool because tonight he is “Joe Cool.” Vince left.

Chris Benoit was interviewed by Michael Cole backstage. Benoit said that he does what he wants to do, when he wants to do it and no one can stop him.

King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Eddie Guerrero (w/Chyna) vs. Val Venis (w/Trish Stratus)

Pre-match notes: Eddie was a face that was the European Champion. Venis was a heel. Eddie got a haircut before this match. No more mullet style hair. Venis would get a haircut soon after. It was the shorter hair era…or something.

Guerrero with a hard whip into the turnbuckle followed by a running dropkick and a jumping side kick. Venis worked over Guerrero with chops, but Guerrero came back with a headscissors that sent Venis over the top to the floor. Venis sent Guerrero into the barricade. Back in the ring, Venis went up top and Guerrero brought him down with a superplex. Guerrero slapped on a surfboard submission wrenching on the back of Venis. Guerrero with a dropkick to the back of Venis while he was up against the turnbuckle leading to a two count. Venis launched Guerrero into the air for a slam into the mat. Venis with a backbreaker followed by a back stretch across the knee. Guerrero with a hurricanrana and a belly to back suplex. Guerrero went up for a Frog Splash, he jumped, Venis moved, Guerrero rolled through and Venis hit a spinebuster. Venis went up top for the Money Shot splash, he jumped off and Guerrero got the knees up to block it. Guerrero with a cradle for a two count. Venis went for a backslide, Guerrero fought out and Venis hit a Russian legsweep for two. Venis with a pin attempt with his feet on the ropes for two. Guerrero put Venis on the top turnbuckle and he hit a hurricanrana. Stratus went on the apron to distract, so Chyna pulled Trish down. Venis with a forearm to the back of Guerrero. Chyna punched Venis and Guerrero got a rollup for two. Nice nearfall. Venis with a bridging Fisherman’s Suplex (Perfectplex) for the pinfall win at 8:05.

Winner by pinfall: Val Venis

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match that was competitive right from the beginning and Guerrero was on his game. It’s fun watching these Eddie matches because everything he did was so smooth, he made it look easy and to Val’s credit, he was able to keep up with him. They had some cool spots, the women got involved and, in the end, Venis beat him clean with a wrestling move. I think they could have ended it with something else like a heel tactic leading to Venis winning, but there’s nothing wrong with a clean win.

Pat Patterson was in the locker room looking at dresses to wear for his Hardcore Evening Gown Match. Pat said that if he’s going to do this, he needs to do it right. He talked to a woman that was a WWE designer. Patterson said that he needed to look better than Brisco. She told him she’s good, but she’s not a miracle worker and Pat wondered what she was trying to tell him.

Rikishi was interviewed in the locker room by Jonathon Coachman. Rikishi said that what he’s been through is nothing compared to what he’ll do to Val Venis. Rikishi said he’s looking forward to it.

Crash Holly vs. Bull Buchanan

Pre-match notes: Crash was a face and Buchanan was a heel. When Crash entered, the name on the screen was just Crash instead of Crash Holly, but he was announced as Crash Holly by ring announcer Howard Finkel. Buchanan had a new theme song that was different than the generic theme song he used with Big Boss Man.

Buchanan dumped Crash out of the ring two times and Crash went right back in the ring leading to a press slam by Buchanan. Running clothesline by Buchanan followed by two backbreakers. Buchanan with a kick to the face that grazed Crash’s face. Buchanan whipped Crash into the turnbuckle followed by a suplex. Bull with a weak double axehandle on Crash on the floor. Buchanan with a kick to the face. Crash got an inside cradle for two and Bull came back with a clothesline and then a flapjack. Buchanan went for the scissors kick, Crash avoided it and Crash did a cradle leading to the pinfall win at 4:07. Bull kicked out right after the three count.

Winner by pinfall: Crash Holly

Analysis: * It was an upset win for Crash as the smaller guy. Boring match with Buchanan on offense for all of it and he did not have good matches. This was the weakest of the four quarterfinal matches in terms of star power.

Vince McMahon walked into a room with his wife Linda. Vince recapped all the things that Linda has done in the last few months to counter Vince and he said, “you brought back Dave Hebner” when he meant to say Earl. Vince asked her what brings her to Boston. Linda asked what he’s doing about the six-man tag and wondered if it would be fair. Vince said nobody should ever question his intestinal fortitude. Vince said that it was Linda’s idea to put this championship provision in the match. Vince said no interference, but in the end, they will be victorious.

Analysis: The fractured relationship between Vince and Linda was a big story that carried through until WrestleMania 17 in 2001. This was the early stages of that angle. Vince also took a break from being a TV character, which was a good idea.

Kurt Angle did a pre-match promo in the ring before his match. Angle said that this is a very special night in his life. He said he’ll do something in this town that nowadays is practically unheard of. Angle ripped on the Boston sports teams and said that “the teams in this town really do suck.” Angle said he’ll bring home the big one and it’s true. Then he did a weak Boston accent to end it.

Analysis: The thing about Boston sports teams is that while the 1990s weren’t great for them, the 2000s were amazing and it’s carried into the 2010s as well.

Chris Jericho did a promo where he ripped on “Kirk Angel” calling him the king of goofy, ugly ring attire. Jericho called Angle the king of all the nerds and the king of the 30-year-old virgins. Jericho called Angle a royal pain in the ass and that is true…jerky.

King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Pre-match notes: Angle was the heel and Jericho was the face.

Angle was in control early with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Jericho came back with a running forearm. Jericho sent to the apron and he went up top with a missile dropkick for two. Jericho with a bulldog followed by a Lionsault near the ropes, so Angle got his foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Angle to the apron for the next spot, which was Jericho’s springboard dropkick to send Angle to the floor. Angle gave Jericho a hip toss over the barricade that sent him into the crowd. When Jericho was back at ringside, Angle whipped him into the steel steps followed by a suplex in the ring for a two count. Jericho fought back with a double underhook into a backbreaker for two. Jericho went for a dropkick, but Angle held onto the ropes to avoid it and Angle gave Jericho a catapult into the turnbuckle. Angle with a belly to back suplex and a clothesline got a two count. Jericho tried a clothesline, Angle avoided it and hit a bridging German Suplex for two. Jericho tripped Angle leading to Kurt bumping into the bottom turnbuckle. Jericho charged, Angle got the boot up and Jericho dropkicked Angle in the stomach followed by a hurricanrana off the top rope. Angle with a spinning heel kick for two with the fans reacting as if that could have been it. Angle was whipped into the corner and came back with a clothesline to counter a bulldog attempt for two. Angle went for an Olympic Slam, Jericho countered it and slapped on the Walls of Jericho. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley ran down to the ring, she stood on the apron, Angle was tapping out and referee Teddy Long was busy getting distracted by Stephanie, so he never saw it. Jericho let go, Angle hit Jericho in the back with a forearm so Jericho bumped into referee Long. Stephanie went into the ring, she tried to hit Jericho with the Women’s Title, Jericho moved and she hit Angle in the head with the title although Kurt clearly got his hands up. Jericho grabbed Stephanie and planted a kiss on her, which drew a big reaction from the crowd. Huge. Lawler complained about it. Angle got back up, Olympic Slam, the referee was back up and Angle covered for the pinfall win at 9:50.

Winner by pinfall: Kurt Angle

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a great match at a fast pace. Angle looked impressive while Jericho put up a good fight. It was an even match where neither guy was in control for a long period of time, which is the right way to book a match like this with two guys that were on the rise. The finish was cheap with Stephanie getting involved, but it continued her flirtation storyline with Kurt and her issues with Jericho, so I don’t mind a cheap ending because it fits with what they were doing. It was the best match in the King of the Ring tournament and in my opinion, it should have been later in the tournament.

Vince and Shane McMahon were in their office. Shane complained about how Vince didn’t keep his cool. Vince said that Rock, Undertaker and Kane can’t order lunch together, much less compete together and they will be adversarial to eachother. Vince told Shane to have confidence and told him to remember his last name. Shane said he was worried about Hunter’s confidence.

There was a shot of WWF New York with a restaurant full of fans watching King of the Ring. Mick Foley was there along with Ivory behind the bar as the bartender. Foley had a short haircut. Foley said he had a business meeting in Connecticut tomorrow, so he decided to go to WWF New York. Foley said that his personal favorite to win King of the Ring was Kurt Angle. Mick ended it with “Have a Nice Day” as usual.

Analysis: The business meeting for Foley led to him as the Commissioner of the WWF on Raw the last next night and he lasted in that role for most of the rest of the year.

The final four in the King of the Ring tournament were Kurt Angle vs. Crash Holly and Rikishi vs. Val Venis.

Edge and Christian made their entrance leading to a pre-match promo. Christian mentioned sports memories like Larry Bird, Bobby Orr or even Nomar Garciaparra and then Edge revealed a New York Mets jersey while Christian was Boston as their parody of Boston losing the 1986 World Series in part due to Bill Buckner. The fans booed.

WWF Tag Team Championships Elimination Match: Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) vs. Test and Albert w/Trish Stratus vs. Edge and Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff Hardy) w/Lita

Pre-match notes: Too Cool were the babyface Tag Team Champions and the Hardys were also faces. The heel teams were Edge/Christian and Test/Albert.

Two men were in the ring at once while the others were on the apron. Albert started with Jeff as JR mentioned Albert’s head size right away (JR loved to mention it) with Albert hitting a back body drop. Jeff landed on his feet to avoid a press slam. Matt tagged in, the Hardys with a double elbow and Albert kicked out. Trish grabbed Matt’s foot while he was running the ropes and Albert decked Matt with a clothesline. Double team slam by legal man Test and Albert on Matt followed by a boot to the face by Test. Trish went on the apron to distract Matt, so Lita knocked down Trish with a sloppy-looking clothesline. Test grabbed Lita, she slapped Test and Matt hit a Twist of Fate on Test for two as Albert broke up the pin. Matt saved Lita from an attack from Albert. Test with a Powerslam on Matt, Jeff hit a Swanton Bomb on Test and Jeff took out Albert with a cross body block as Matt covered Test to eliminate T&A at 3:42.

Test & Albert eliminated

Scotty with a flapjack on Jeff leading to Christian tagging himself in after Scotty did a moonwalk. Matt hit a leg drop off the middle ropes on Christian for two. Jeff hit the Poetry in Motion attack on Christian followed by the Hardys hitting a double suplex on Edge. Christian with a cheap attack on Jeff where he sent him into the barricade, so Edge took over with a chinlock on Jeff. Running clothesline by Jeff to Edge and Matt knocked Christian out of the ring. The referee was distracted by that, so Lita hit a hurricanrana off the top on Edge for a two count. Nice spot that drew a pop from the crowd. Matt with a sleeper neckbreaker on Christian for two. Matt hit a Twist of Fate on Christian and Edge pulled Matt out of the ring to prevent a pin. Jeff went up top, but Edge sent him into the top rope. Matt went for a Twist of Fate on Edge, Christian saved Edge and Christian hit the Unprettier on Matt for the pinfall at 7:55.

The Hardy Boyz eliminated

It’s down to a regular tag team match between the champions Too Cool and former champions Edge and Christian. Too Cool wasn’t in the ring that much earlier in the match as Sexay hit a neckbreaker on Edge. Sexay with a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Too Cool did a double clothesline on Christian. Cheap shot knees to the back by Christian on Scotty and Edge punched Scotty to give E&C control. Christian did a goofy dance to taunt Sexay. Christian with a side Russian legsweep on Scotty for two. Edge and Christian with a double team headbutt on Scotty. Clothesline out of the corner by Scotty knocked Christian down and the crowd was fired up looking for a tag. Sexay got the hot tag against Edge, who was tied up in the ropes and Sexay got in some punches. Sexay with a catapult on Edge to knock Christian off the apron. They did a spot where Edge accidentally headbutted Christian in the groin, which always draws a laugh. Sexay with a Powerbomb on Edge for two as Christian made the save. Double team flapjack by Edge and Christian. Edge and Christian mocked the Worm by Scotty, so Scotty went in with a bulldog on both guys. Scotty did the W-O-R-M into a chop on Edge. Huge pop for this. Christian tried an attack with a Tag Team Title, but Sexay kicked him down. Scotty held Edge in position while Sexay jumped off the top with a top rope leg drop. Sexay covered, but the referee made Scotty leave the ring, which allowed Christian to hit Sexay in the back of the head with a Tag Team Title belt. Edge rolled over with a cover, Christian grabbed Scotty’s leg to prevent the save, the referee counted and Edge and Christian were the champions again! The match went 14:11.

Too Cool eliminated

Winners by pinfall and New WWF Tag Team Champions: Edge and Christian

Analysis: *** It was a good tag team match with a hot crowd. I thought all of the eliminations were well done and it was smart to involve Lita/Trish early on as well. The final elimination was fitting for Edge and Christian as cheap heels. I think they were the best team of this era, so it felt right to see them with the titles again. Plus, with Edge and Christian as champions, it was easier to set up rivalries since there were more face teams (Hardys, Dudleys, Too Cool, APA) to challenge them. Too Cool only had the titles for 27 days, which was fine because they were popular enough, but I enjoyed the show more when E&C were the champs. Scotty and Rikishi would win the titles as a team in the future, but this was the only title reign for Scotty and Sexay.

There was a commercial for WWF Fully Loaded on July 23. That was a better show than this one.

Crash Holly was interviewed by Michael Cole and he said he was an overachiever. There wasn’t much to it.

Rikishi made his entrance for his second King of the Ring match of the night. They showed highlights of Chris Benoit beating up Rikishi earlier in the evening. Val Venis entered with Trish Stratus, who was out there for the third time in the night, which was not a bad thing at all.

King of the Ring Semifinals: Rikishi vs. Val Venis (w/Trish Stratus)

Pre-match notes: Rikishi was a face that was also the Intercontinental Champion and Venis was a heel. They had a feud for a few weeks going into this match.

Rikishi with a standing side kick that sent Venis out of the ring and Rikishi whipped Venis into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Rikishi with a leg drop. Rikishi with a running butt splash against the turnbuckle and Venis came back with an armbar takedown. Venis drove the right arm of Rikishi into the ring post. After Rikishi connected with some punches, Venis dropped him with a DDT. Venis went up top, he jumped off with nothing, Rikishi was back on his feet and Rikishi hit a belly to belly side suplex for the pinfall win at 3:15.

Winner by pinfall: Rikishi

Analysis: * A boring match that put over Rikishi clean. The side belly to belly suplex wasn’t really a finisher for him, but I guess they felt the need to go home at that point. Since Rikishi wrestled three times in a night, it was smart to keep this short.

The win by Rikishi meant that he was in the finals.

Post match, Stratus jumped on Rikishi’s back and he slammed her down. Rikishi pulled Stratus near the ropes to set up for a splash, but Venis made the save with a low blow punch to Rikishi. Post match, Venis brought the steel steps into the ring and hit Rikishi in the right shoulder with it. Venis used a steel chair to hit the arm of Rikishi against the steps.

Analysis: Cheap attack by the heels. Venis and Rikishi continued their feud after this PPV. It also weakened Rikishi going into the finals.

Gerald Brisco was interviewed by Jonathon Coachman. He said that Pat Patterson stole his Hardcore Title, but Patterson will find out he was all man. A guy walked into the room telling Brisco his evening gown had arrived and asked if he wanted regular panties or the crotchless kind. I almost threw up.

King of the Ring Semifinals: Kurt Angle vs. Crash Holly

Pre-match notes: Angle was a heel. Crash was a face. They introduced Crash Holly as just “Crash” for this match.

They did some mat wrestling with Crash hitting a powerslam with Lawler saying it would be a huge upset if Crash won. Angle hit an overhead suplex to send Crash across the ring. Angle with a clothesline against the turnbuckle followed by a suplex. After they exchanged punches against the turnbuckle, Crash with a back elbow and a back body drop. Crash whipped Angle into the turnbuckle leading to a clothesline. Crash went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Crash charged, Angle gave Crash a stun gun into the top rope and an Olympic Slam followed for the pinfall win for Angle at 3:58.

Winner by pinfall: Kurt Angle

Analysis: *1/2 It was an easy win for Angle. It should have been even shorter than it was just based on where they were on the card. They probably booked it this way to show that Crash had a shot at winning even though the audience never bought into it.

The win by Angle meant that he would face Rikishi in the King of the Ring Finals.

They showed a few highlights from the WWF live event at Madison Square Garden one night earlier and Donald Trump was shown at ringside. That’s his future wife Melania with him. Lawler interviewed Trump, who said he was friends with Vince McMahon and they were doing an amazing job. Trump said that his favorite superstar was The Rock. Ross said that Trump had a nice lady with him (Melania) and Lawler said Trump shouldn’t run for President, he should run for king of New York.

Analysis: That just shows there were Presidential rumors for Trump 16 years before he actually ran and won.

There were quick interviews with Kane and The Undertaker in separate parts in the area where they talked about how they were going to win.

There was a video package for the Patterson vs. Brisco match. Patterson beat Brisco for the Hardcore Title even though they were best friends.

Patterson had a red dress and Brisco had a black dress. Patterson told Brisco he looked like an old drag queen. Patterson had white sneakers on while Brisco had black heels. Patterson’s dress still had the tag on it, which was mildly funny. Patterson told him he will lay down and Brisco can pin him to win the title. Lawler: “She likes it.” They hugged until Patterson hit Brisco with a low blow and it began.

WWF Hardcore Championship Evening Gown Match: Pat Patterson vs. Gerald Brisco

Pre-match notes: Oh shit. I don’t want to watch this again. It was bad enough 19 years ago. Serenity now! They were both heels although this was really just a comedy match.

Patterson had a banana and shoved it in his mouth. There were “boring” chants from the crowd. Ross: “I think Ray Stevens had a walk out in heaven and took a smoke.” That was JR referencing Patterson’s legendary rivalry with Stevens. Patterson took out a pad from his undies and rubbed it in Brisco’s face. Brisco with a low blow punch to the groin. Lawler was laughing. Ross: “Somebody is sitting at home saying this ain’t wrasslin’!” True. Brisco whipped Patterson into the turnbuckle and hit the worst Bronco Buster ever. Brisco ripped off the dress of Patterson and Patterson had a stuffed bra. Crash Holly went into the ring with a referee. Crash ripped the dress off Brisco. Crash with a trash can to the head of Patterson for the pinfall win and Crash won the Hardcore Title again. JR: “Thank goodness.” It went 3:07.

Winner and New Hardcore Champion: Crash Holly

Analysis: –** This was so bad. I’m sure it entertained Vince McMahon, though, so that’s what matters to him. Vince was probably laughing his ass off. It wasn’t even funny either. If you want to do a comedy gimmick, that’s fine, but this was tough to watch and I felt bad for these two legendary wrestlers having to go through with it.

Post match, Brisco and Patterson got into a fight in the aisle. That was not fun to watch.

The Dudleys were shown backstage with D-Von saying that they will know why thou shall not mess with the Dudleys. Bubba wrote “TORI” on a table and they brought it to the ring.

There was a video package showing highlights from their rivalry. The feud lasted for about two months going into this match. The Dudleys wanted to put Tori through a table, but they were unable to do it.

The Degeneration X group of Road Dogg, X-Pac and Tori made their entrance. There was a dumpster in the aisle that DX rolled towards the ringside area.

Handicap Tables Dumpster Match: Road Dogg, X-Pac and Tori vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley)

Pre-match notes: The DX trio were the heels while the Dudleys were faces. The stipulation was that DX had to put both Dudleys in a dumpster to win while the Dudleys had to put the three DX members through tables to win.

There were tags in this match, which didn’t make sense considering the stipulations, but that’s how they did it. DX were in control after Road Dogg hit D-Von with a knee to the back and X-Pac hit a spin kick. Tori tagged in with kicks to the ribs of D-Von and Dogg worked over D-Von with punches. When Ross mentioned Tori was trained in a dojo, Lawler asked what that was, JR mentioned it was a training facility and Lawler asked why it wasn’t just called a training facility. Sorry Jerry, but other countries have different names for things. Bubba tagged in with a Full Nelson Slam, Samoan Drop and D-Von hit the headbutt to the groin of Dogg and X-Pac. D-Von went up top and hit a headbutt to Tori as well. D-Von stayed there for about ten seconds, which was funny. The fans cheered loudly for that. The battle spilled to the floor with the Dudleys whipping Dogg into X-Pac until the Dudleys were sent into the side of the dumpster. The fans chanted “We Want Tables.” The dumpster was opened and there was even a dumpster camera. Dogg and X-Pac closed the dumpster, but the referee Jimmy Korderas checked on Tori on the floor. The Dudleys left the dumpster out of the side doors. When Korderas went back in the ring, they realized the Dudleys were gone. The Dudleys went back in the ring and hit Dogg and X-Pac with stiff chair shots to the head. Ouch. That looked brutal. The Dudleys stacked two tables on the floor while bringing the steel steps into the ring. Bubba had Road Dogg and gave him a Powerbomb through two tables. That looked brutal.

X-Pac with a suplex on Bubba and a spinning heel kick on D-Von. X-Pac put D-Von on a table in the ring. X-Pac went up top, but Bubba hit the rope to crotch him on the top rope. D-Von gave X-Pac a superplex through the table in the ring with D-Von going through the table as well.

That meant that Tori was the last person left for her team. Tori was favoring her right shoulder. She jumped into the dumpster to hide from the Dudleys. Dogg and X-Pac came back with chairs to the head and the Dudleys fell into the dumpster. DX closed the dumpster to win the match at 9:45.

Winners: Road Dogg, X-Pac and Tori

Analysis: ** It was okay for a gimmick match with weapons and unique stipulations involved. I thought it was weird that the Dudleys didn’t get the win since DX had the advantage going into the match nearly every week. It was more about the Dudleys getting revenge, which is what happened after the match.

After the match, X-Pac and Road Dogg didn’t know where Tori was. She was still in the dumpster. Bubba and D-Von grabbed Tori in the ring. JR noted her shoulder was hurt. X-Pac ran into the ring with the Dudleys hitting 3D on him. Road Dogg went into the ring and the Dudleys hit 3D on him as well. Bubba creepily stuck his tongue in front of Tori’s face. D-Von brought in the table that had Tori’s name on it. Tori was favoring her right arm heavily. D-Von picked up Tori and Bubba jumped off the top rope with the Powerbomb through the table. You could tell Bubba tried to protect her shoulder as much as he could. Bubba smiled after it was over with the camera zooming in on his crazy eyes face. The crowd popped huge for it. They loved the table breaking spots.

Analysis: They lost the match, but they didn’t lose the war. That’s why DX won the match because it was all about the post match angle with Bubba finally putting Tori through the table.

The Dudleys left looking proud of themselves. Bubba said: “I got you, bitch.” Normally they do a stretcher job after a table spot like that, but that was not shown for Tori.

Analysis: This was the end of Tori’s run with DX. She suffered a serious shoulder injury one night earlier at the live event in MSG and then she had shoulder surgery (torn labrum) after this show. While she recovered from the injury, she slapped X-Pac in a skit at WWF New York in October 2000. She was one of the coaches in the first season of Tough Enough. She had a brief storyline with Raven where she was in a mask, but it didn’t go anywhere. After that, creative had nothing for her and she left the company in 2001. She got out of the wrestling business after that. I thought she was very underrated as a women’s wrestler that was there at a time when WWE had no interest in pushing women’s wrestling. Her promos were never that good and she did not have a strong personality, so that probably hurt her too. If she was still there a few years later as they had more of a women’s division, she would have fit in better. Plus, she was effective as a heel valet.

Kurt Angle was interviewed by Michael Cole backstage. Angle said he has to win this tournament. He said Rikishi was great if you like dancing and putting your butt in people’s faces. Angle said he’s going to win the tournament, then beat Triple H to win the WWF Title and that, my friends, is true.

There was a replay of Rikishi getting beat up by Val Venis earlier in the night. Rikishi was interviewed in the locker room by Jonathon Coachman. Rikishi told Angle that all the Wheaties in the world isn’t going to stop this ass from backing up.

Kurt Angle made his entrance first. Rikishi was up last as the opponent. Rikishi’s right arm was bandaged.

King of the Ring Finals: Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi

Pre-match notes: Angle was the heel and Rikishi was the face. This was their third match of the night.

Rikishi was in control with punches. Angle tried a body slam, but that didn’t work and Rikishi with a body slam of his own. Rikishi with two corner clotheslines. Angle was in position for the Stinkface, but Angle hit a low blow to get out of it and apparently referee Tim White didn’t see it. Angle with a clothesline to take control. They left the ring with Angle delivering an elbow to the head and a whip into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Rikishi started the comeback with a hard whip into the turnbuckle and a Samoan Drop. Rikishi hit a Cutter for a two count. Running splash by Rikishi set up Angle against the turnbuckle again and this time Rikishi applied the Stinkface to the face of Angle. Rikishi stumbled out of the corner selling injuries, so Angle came back with an Olympic Slam for a two count. JR noted nobody has ever kicked out of the Olympic Slam before. Rikishi sat on top of Angle to counter a sunset flip for a two count. The crowd reacted to those two nearfalls as if they were the finish. Rikishi went up top for nothing and Angle knocked him down to crotch him on the top rope. Angle went up top and delivered a belly to belly suplex off the top rope. It didn’t look great, but Rikishi sold it well. Angle crawled over to cover Rikishi for the pinfall win at 5:56.

Winner by pinfall: Kurt Angle

Analysis: ** They did the best they could with Angle carrying most of the match. Rikishi looked exhausted due to wrestling three times in one night. Angle getting the win was the right call for the finish. The crowd wasn’t interested in the whole match, but they got into it by the end of it. As I noted in the review, they reacted well to a couple of nearfalls in the match, so that’s good.

Angle celebrated the victory. The crowd gave him a big pop even though he was a heel. That’s because they knew that winning King of the Ring was a big deal at the time. Angle celebrated the win around the ringside area. It was announced that they will have Angle’s coronation ceremony on Raw.

Analysis: Angle was the obvious choice to win King of the Ring. The interesting thing about the tournament was they had 31 matches with 32 competitors and none of the matches were over 10 minutes. I think that they should have booked a couple of long matches in the tournament, but they wanted to keep it simple likely due to time constraints on television as well as at KOTR. I think it would have been better if Angle vs. Jericho was the finals and that they got to do a 10-15 minute match because then it would have been a lot more memorable. I also think they should have done the KOTR ceremony at this show instead of Raw.

Vince McMahon was backstage with Triple H, Shane McMahon and Stephanie. Vince said that they are going out there with a victory because the other team can’t get along. Shane said that they had to have a deadly focus. Hunter complained about Vince backing their team in a corner.

Kane was shown walking backstage, The Undertaker was shown on his motorcycle and The Rock was shown walking also as they made their way to the ring for the main event.

The introductions took place for the main event. Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon entered to the “No Chance in Hell” theme song. Triple H was out with the WWF Championship along with his storyline wife at the time, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, who was the Women’s Champion. Triple H dumped a lot of water on himself. Just saying. Triple H intimidated referee Earl Hebner.

Kane was up first for the babyface team. The Undertaker was next on his motorcycle and The Rock was last for his team. The Rock got the biggest ovation as usual. Kurt Angle was shown watching the match on a TV while drinking some milk.

WWF Championship: Triple H, Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon (w/Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs. Kane, The Undertaker and The Rock

Pre-match notes: The team of Triple H, Vince and Shane were the heels while Kane, Undertaker and Rock were the faces. If somebody on the face team got the pinfall win then they would become WWF Champion. If Triple H’s team got the win, then Hunter would defend the WWF Title against the King of the Ring winner, Kurt Angle.

Shane attacked Kane with a forearm to the back, so Kane invited Shane to have a free shot. Shane punched Kane, who no-sold it and Shane squeezed the fist of Shane. Kane with a clothesline on Shane followed by a military press slam. Vince saved Shane, but Kane hit a double clothesline to knock the McMahons down. Rock tagged Kane to make himself legal, Rock punched Shane and Vince and told Hunter to just bring it. Hunter got in a clothesline after a distraction. Rock sent Shane over the top to the floor. Undertaker tagged Rock to become the legal man. Taker worked over Shane with punches, hard whip into the turnbuckle and Taker spiked Shane with a Chokeslam, but Rock broke up the pin of his own partner due to the stipulation of the match. Hunter worked over Taker with punches, but Taker came back with a back body drop. Corner clothesline by Taker on Hunter followed by a boot to the face for two. Taker hit a leaping DDT for two as Kane pulled Taker off from the pin as Vince celebrated it: “How about that?” Rock tagged himself and Shane was tagged in. Rock with punches for all three heels, but then Hunter pulled the ropes down and Rock was sent over the top to the floor. The action spilled to the floor where Taker punched Shane and Kane punched Vince repeatedly. Rock got into a brawl with Hunter out of the ring. Rock cleared off the announce table, but Hunter decked him with a clothesline. Remember that table later. Rock with a neckbreaker. Hunter ducked a clothesline, kick to the gut and a Pedigree near the ropes. Rock kicked out at two even though Undertaker was right there. Undertaker missed that spot with JR trying to cover for him saying “Undertaker made sure that there wasn’t a three count” even though Taker did nothing. Taker whipped Hunter into the steel ring post. Back in the ring, Rock and Hunter took their time getting back up as Hunter hit a clothesline. Shane tagged in with a jumping back elbow on Rock. Hunter with a cheap shot leading to a clothesline from Shane. Vince tagged in with the announcers calling him “Joe Cool” because of what Vince called himself earlier. Vince with a punch to Rock and Hunter tagged back in with a suplex on Rock followed by the knee drop. Hunter went up top, jumped off with nothing and Rock punched him in the ribs. Hunter came back with a neckbreaker for two with Kane making the save. Vince with punches, Rock fought back with punches of his own and Vince hit a low blow when Hebner wasn’t looking. Rock worked over Hunter with several punches followed by a Samoan Drop with Shane interrupting the count. Taker tossed Shane out of the ring and Kane beat up Vince with punches. Hunter with a facebuster on Rock. Kane went after Undertaker with a punch and sent him into the steel steps. Rock with a spinebuster on Hunter. Rock went for a People’s Elbow, but Kane grabbed Rock and spiked him with a Chokeslam. Lawler said this was Vince’s master plan.

Hunter was smiling about Kane attacking his own partner in Rock and he gave Kane the thumbs up. When Hunter turned his back, Kane picked up Hunter and hit a Tombstone on him. Kane tried to cover Hunter, but Taker pulled Kane out of the ring. Rock was still the legal man if that even matters. Taker grabbed a chair and he hit Kane in the head with it. Shane was on the top rope, so Taker grabbed him by the throat and gave Shane a Chokeslam off the top and through the English announce table that was cleared off earlier! Holy shit! Crazy bump! I remember that bump well, but to see it again is a nice reminder of how impressive that was.

The crowd was going crazy at the sight of Shane going through the announce table. Shane took the bump on his right shoulder, which was probably the right place to take it. That must have been a rough landing, though. Back in the ring, Vince realized he was all alone with Rock. Vince tried the Billionaire’s Elbow (his version of the People’s Elbow), but Rock popped up back to his feet and hit the Rock Bottom on Vince. Rock covered Vince for the one…two…and three to become the WWF Champion! The match went 17:54. After the bell rang, Undertaker punched Triple H while they were on the floor.

Winners by pinfall: The Rock, Kane and The Undertaker

New WWF World Heavyweight Champion Champion = The Rock

There was no visible tag to make Vince the legal man. Hunter was the legal man from when Kane hit him with a Tombstone, but the legal man was ignored a lot in this era. The Rock was the legal man for his team.

Analysis: **1/4 This was an average main event and not as good as what the WWF had been doing in 2000 as far as PPV main events go. It was more of a storyline-driven match that was still entertaining due to the wrestlers involved. It’s an example of how just because a match is long doesn’t make it great. I remember hating the finish at the time because Vince was a non-wrestler, so Rock pinning him made Rock look weak. By not having Hunter put Rock over, it hurt their rivalry and made Rock look like a cheap champion due to not beating the actual champion for the title. When I look back on it now, I get WWE’s decision to do it because the whole point of the match was to have a controversial finish due to it being a tag team match with the WWF Title on the line. I liked the interaction by Rock, Kane and Taker where they didn’t trust eachother at all. The highlight of the match was that Taker slam on Shane through the announce table. That was pretty wild.

The Rock was handed the WWF Title while Triple H was furious about it as he walked to the back. JR: “The Game wasn’t pinned!” JR emphasized the point well while mentioning that The Rock is now the WWF Champion.

The Rock celebrated with the WWF Title. Earl Hebner talked to Vince McMahon, so they must have got a time cue to do one more spot. Vince got back up and Rock hit Vince with the WWF Title to knock him down again. Rock stood on the chest of the fallen Vince McMahon and celebrated some more to end the show.

Analysis: This was the last time Triple H was WWF Champion until WrestleMania 18 in March 2002, so it was nearly two years. Part of the reason for that is because Hunter missed about eight months due to a torn quad injury. Even though I didn’t love the way Rock won the title, I thought it was time for him to have a long run as the champion. This reign lasted about four months, so that was pretty good for Rock. I would have preferred that Rock beat Hunter for it in a singles match or even a Fatal 4-Way over what they did here, but I guess what matters is they did the title change and that meant things would be different.

King of the Ring 2000 had a run time of 2:39:55 on WWE Network.

Five Stars of the Show

1. Kurt Angle
2. The Rock
3. Chris Jericho
4. Eddie Guerrero
5. Triple H

Final Thoughts

I rate this show a 5 out of 10.

It was just an average PPV in a year where there several PPVs that were outstanding. The best match was Angle/Jericho, but even that one left me wanting more because I wish it was the King of the Ring Finals instead of what they actually did. The main event was good in terms of the result with The Rock as WWF Champion again, but I would have rather seen a traditional match instead of a tag team match where the title changed hands by pinning somebody other than the champion.

King of the Ring was one of the worst PPVs in WWE 2000, which is one of the best years in company history.

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That’s all for me. Check out the full list of my WWE PPV Review archive right here. Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com