TJR Retro: WWF Raw Deal 06/26/00 Review (The Rock vs. Kurt Angle vs. Triple H)
The King of the Ring 2000 PPV saw The Rock become the new WWF Champion and Kurt Angle won the King of the Ring tournament. Edge and Christian also won back the WWF Tag Team Titles. This Raw signified a change in direction for WWE. The heel McMahon-Helmsley group had dominated TV for months, but that was about to change. I’m excited to go through the second half of 2000 again. I remember a lot of good things happening.
The synopsis for this episode on WWE Network is: “Shawn Michaels returns to introduce the new Commissioner of WWE. Plus, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and many more in action!”
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 #370
June 26, 2000
From Worcester Centrum in Worcester, Massachusetts
This edition of Raw is rated TV-14 with the dreaded “S” for Sexual Content.
The Raw intro video aired to begin the show. The pyro went off on the stage, the crowd was very loud and there were signs everywhere. The announce team was Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler as usual.
Let’s Hear from The Rock
The Rock made his entrance as the new WWF Champion and the arena exploded in cheers as Rock posed with the title. Rock won the WWF Title by pinning Vince McMahon in the six-man tag team match main event at King of the Ring. There were loud “Rocky” chants for Rock before he even said a word. Rock did his “finally” line for the cheap pop.
The Rock said that finally, all the games are over because once again, The Rock is the WWF Champion. Rock said that Vince McMahon still has things to be thankful for like owning this company, a nice house, luxurious cars and he’s “still the owner of the best penis implant money can buy.” He said it. The fans loved it. Rock said even after last night, as Rock put his foot on Vince’s chest, it’s crystal clear that Rock owns the WWF Title and he owns Vince’s candy ass. Rock told Vince to bring it because the McMahon-Helmsley Era is over and The Rock’s Era has just begun.
Analysis: Remember, The Rock was screwed over by Vince at WrestleMania, so this was a few months later where Rock could say he finally got his revenge.
Vince McMahon made his entrance to boos from the crowd. Vince was without anybody in his group. The announcers noted that Triple H has not arrived yet. Vince asked for the microphone from The Rock as if there was a microphone shortage.
Vince congratulated Rock for once again being WWF Champion and he wished him good luck in the new Rock Era. The fans chanted “Asshole” at the boss. Vince said that as he was looking at the lights when he was laying in the ring, he had an epiphany and a flash of clarity. Vince said he knew all about the questions about his wife Linda. Vince wondered why would his wife had been so kind to so many of his adversaries? Why did she make business decisions that she knew he wouldn’t like? He claimed it dawned on him in that very moment…she loves him. The fans booed.
Vince said that he loved Linda too. Vince said he knows that Linda has been clamoring and almost figuratively begging for Vince’s attention. Vince said from this moment on, Linda’s life will change for the better and no matter how much love or attention she wants, she will get it from Vince. Vince said that Linda’s going to get all the love you can handle and then some. Lawler wondered what that meant for the WWF. Vince claimed that not only does Linda want his love and admiration, Vince has the hunch that Linda wants another baby. Vince: “Linda, if you want another baby, I’m your genetic jackhammer. Linda, daddy’s coming home.” He said it.
Vince extended his hand for a shake. Vince said if Rock is the man he thinks he is then Rock will shake his hand. The fans booed that idea. Rock shook Vince’s hand, he smiled and Rock raised a finger to tell him to wait.
Rock said that before Vince goes home to make babies with Linda, Rock has a couple of things to say. Rock said that he is still Vince McMahon, the owner of this multi-millionaire of this company, but Rock wants him to know one thing…he is now and forever will be an asshole. It was not bleeped. Rock gave Vince a Rock Bottom and the fans cheered as Rock’s music played.
Analysis: That was a fun opening segment. As I said in the opening, this Raw felt like a new era with Rock as the champion and the McMahon-Helmsley faction ending, so this promo did a great job of setting us up for that new path. The “genetic jackhammer” line is a classic. This was also the end of Mr. McMahon as a TV character at least for a few months. He would return later in the year. As great as Vince was as a performer, it was a smart idea to give the character a break.
A limo was shown pulling up to the arena. It was Shawn Michaels.
(Commercial)
Vince McMahon was in the parking lot with daughter Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and she asked him where he was going. Vince said he was leaving. Stephanie said Shane was at home injured and Triple H wasn’t there yet. Vince told her to give Triple H a message: “I’m sorry.” Vince went into a limo and left.
Analysis: Shane wasn’t really injured. It was just a storyline to sell The Undertaker putting him through a table at King of the Ring with a massive Chokeslam.
Intercontinental Championship: Rikishi vs. Chris Benoit
Pre-match notes: Rikishi was the babyface Intercontinental Champion that won the title on the previous Smackdown. Benoit was a heel that was the former champion.
Rikishi and Benoit got into a slugfest. The action spilled to the floor where Rikishi whipped Benoit into the steel steps. Benoit with a dropkick to the right arm of Rikishi that was bandaged. Benoit with another dropkick. Benoit went for a sunset flip, but Rikishi sat down on him for a two count. Rikishi used his left arm to drag Benoit to the corner. The music of Tazz hit and Tazz went into the ring with a steel chair. Tazz hit Rikishi in the back with the chair for the DQ at 2:27.
Winner by disqualification: Rikishi
Analysis: * It was an angle more than a match to set up the return of Tazz. Benoit didn’t get pinned or submitted just like at King of the Ring. His two matches with Rikishi ended as DQ’s instead.
After the match, Benoit hit Rikishi in the back with the chair. Tazz left right away. The announcers wondered what Tazz was doing. Benoit went up top and hit a headbutt to the right shoulder of Rikishi.
Analysis: This was a way to give Tazz some momentum as a heel after he missed a couple of months of action.
Triple H was shown arriving in a limo where he met up with Stephanie, Road Dogg and X-Pac in the parking lot. Stephanie said that Vince left and she said Vince was so sorry about everything. Hunter stared at Stephanie, didn’t say a word and walked into the arena.
(Commercial)
They replayed Triple H arriving and looking angry about losing the WWF Title.
Chris Jericho made his entrance to a big pop. They showed images of Jericho kissing Stephanie at King of the Ring. Jericho compared kissing Stephanie to seeing a giant piece of roadkill at the side of the road and last night he kissed the nasty roadkill. Jericho said it’s something he never, ever wants to do again. Jericho said that it’s apropos that “Kirk Angel” became King of the Ring after the help of the queen of the trashbag ho’s and you know the rest of the dialogue he used to trash Stephanie.
X-Pac (w/Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) vs. Chris Jericho
Pre-match notes: X-Pac was a heel and Jericho was a face. JR mentioned Tori had a separated shoulder and she will be out for a while. I covered that injury in the King of the Ring review.
Jericho caught X-Pac with a powerslam followed by a running attack, X-Pac moved and Jericho hit the turnbuckle. X-Pac with a spin kick on Jericho as Lawler called Jericho a pervert for forcing a kiss on Stephanie. X-Pac missed his corner attack and hit the turnbuckle. Jericho with a flying forearm followed by a bulldog for two. Jericho was whipped into the ropes, Stephanie grabbed Jericho’s foot, Jericho knocked down X-Pac and went after Stephanie on the floor. Road Dogg saved Stephanie and X-Pac accidentally kicked Dogg to knock him down. Jericho with a double Powerbomb on X-Pac followed by a Lionsault. Stephanie distracted the referee, so Road Dogg hit a double axehandle to the back of Jericho and X-Pac covered for the pinfall win at 2:45.
Winner by pinfall: X-Pac
Analysis: *1/4 A quick match to further the storyline of Jericho’s issues with Stephanie, which led to Stephanie costing Jericho a victory two nights in a row. If these guys got more time they would have a great match, but this was more about the Jericho/Stephanie storyline.
Post match, X-Pac and Road Dogg kicked Jericho repeatedly. The guys held Jericho, so Stephanie slapped Jericho in the face twice and kicked him in the groin. That drew a lot of boos from the crowd. Stephanie celebrated with her DX buddies.
Analysis: The numbers game strikes again. The feud was really working because the crowd was reacting to everything really well.
Kurt Angle was shown backstage with the King of the Ring crown. He was polishing it.
There was a shot of Val Venis and Trish Stratus walking backstage. Eddie Guerrero and Chyna were also backstage in a separate part of the arena.
(Commercial)
A limo was shown pulling up to WWF New York. It was the Godfather with several ho’s joining him.
European Championship: Eddie Guerrero (w/Chyna) vs. Val Venis (w/Trish Stratus)
Pre-match notes: Eddie was the face while Venis was the heel.
Guerrero sent Venis into the turnbuckle, Venis with a forearm to the back and a belly to back suplex. Venis sent Guerrero into the top rope. Guerrero with a hip toss that sent Venis over the top to the floor and Venis slammed Guerrero into the barricade. Stratus kicked Guerrero in the ribs, Chyna went after Trish, but Trish went to the other side of the ring. Venis with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Guerrero walked across the top ropes leading to a hurricanrana. Venis and Guerrero had a mid-air collision. Stratus put Venis on top of Guerrero, the referee was distracted by Chyna and the referee counted the pin, but Chyna broke it up for the DQ finish at 2:56.
Winner by disqualification: Val Venis (Eddie Guerrero was still champion)
Analysis: * The match was good for most of it, but then it fell apart at the end there with the lame finish. I get why they did it because they wanted Eddie to keep the title. They could have executed it a bit better.
Post match, Venis tried to attack Chyna, but Eddie and Chyna hit Val with a double DDT. Chyna grabbed Stratus and gave her a Powerbomb in the middle of the ring. The fans loved it. I did not. Poor Trish. Chyna and Eddie enjoyed it.
Analysis: Chyna delivered the Powerbomb well and Trish sold it as a big move where she was folded up after landing. This was when Trish was starting to get more physical in matches because she was training at a school in Toronto while she was also on the road. Hard work pays off.
Kurt Angle was wearing his King of the Ring attire while talking to a random guy backstage who he called a commoner. Kurt wondered if he should be King Kurt, King Angle or “Kurt Angle, Royal Gold Medallist.” The guy never said a word. Kurt left.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Shawn Michaels with a Special Announcement
Shawn Michaels made his entrance for the first time on Raw in about a month. Michaels stood on the king’s throne and shoved it off the stage. Michaels was introduced as the “Official WWF Spokesperson” as the crowd cheered loudly for the former WWF Champion.
Michaels said he had some business to take care of. Michaels said that as the Official WWF Spokesperson, he has a major announcement to make tonight and it involves the number one contender for the WWF Championship. Triple H made his entrance along with his wife Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley.
Triple H was angry as he grabbed a microphone and he shook hands with Shawn. Hunter said that they have been friends for a long time. Hunter was greeted with “asshole” chants. Hunter said he knows it pains Shawn to know Hunter got screwed while Triple H stands there no longer as the WWF Champion. Hunter said he was never beaten, which was true. Hunter said he never lost, but yet every single place he went today, every person has called him a loser. Hunter said it’s like a cancer inside his stomach eating him from the inside out. Hunter told Shawn that his special announcement will be that Hunter is the number one contender for the WWE Championship, which he never lost. Hunter said that Rock’s days as WWF Champion are numbered.
Michaels said he can’t argue with anything that Triple H said because he is right. Michaels said there is only one small problem. Michaels said that a number of weeks ago, he resigned as Commissioner of the WWF, but Hunter knows if he could, Shawn would make that match happen in a heartbeat. Shawn said that Hunter was his best friend, but he can’t make that match. Shawn said he was there to introduce the man who can make those decisions.
Michaels introduced the new WWF Commissioner…Mick Foley! Huge pop for that.
Mick Foley made his entrance to a big ovation and he had short hair like we saw at WWF New York one day earlier. Foley shook hands with Michaels and Michaels left the ring. Triple H was pissed off about the announcement.
Foley thanked Michaels and the fans for that very warm welcome. Foley mentioned his new haircut. Foley said that Linda McMahon has bestowed upon him certain decisions including who is the number one contender for the WWF Championship. Foley said he heard Triple H’s whining and as far as being number one contender, he doesn’t know. Foley said that with Vince McMahon gone to be a “genetic jackhammer” that means Foley gets to make the decisions. That means Foley doesn’t have to listen to-uh another boring-uh Triple H-uh 20-minute promo-uh again.
Analysis: When I mentioned earlier that Vince leaving meant a change in the direction of the show, this is what I meant. Foley as Commissioner meant he was in charge because Vince was gone.
Hunter got in Foley’s face saying that Foley should make him the number one contender right now or Hunter will beat him up. Foley said that Hunter’s already done that before and he said that the fans are sick of seeing him get his ass kicked by Triple H. Foley said the man that earns the spot will be the best man for the job.
Kurt Angle made his entrance with the King of the Ring attire.
Angle asked what the heck was going on there. Angle said this was supposed to be the designated time of his coronation. Angle said that the choice was pretty obvious that he was the number one contender since he beat three guys to become King of the Ring while Triple H lost and Angle is royalty. Angle said he deserves a shot at the WWF Title. Foley gave Angle his jacket to put on as King of the Ring. Foley laughed at Kurt in his attire.
Foley said tonight in this very ring, he’s going to make them part of a number one contender triple threat match. If either of them wins then they get the WWF Title match on Smackdown. Foley said that The Rock will also be in the match. If Rock wins, then he doesn’t have to give either one of them a title shot. Triple H punched Angle and tossed him out of the ring. Hunter left while Angle was down at ringside.
Analysis: That was an eventful talking segment midway through the show with Foley as the new Commissioner and the guy in charge. They also set up a pretty big triple threat match for the main event. I liked Foley in this role. It was fun to watch.
Dean Malenko was playing pool with some ho’s nearby. Terri walked up to him saying he had a match. Terri told Malenko that if he wins the match and she gets to keep her clothes on, she’ll give him a private showing later.
Jerry Lawler left to go meet up with The Kat.
(Commercial)
A replay aired showing Mick Foley’s announcement of the main event.
The Kat was shown in the locker room looking for an outfit when Jerry Lawler showed up. She said she needed to find more clothes. The Kat said that the world has seen her “puppies” and asked do you know how humiliating that was? Lawler said the last thing on Earth that he wants to see tonight is her naked. Kat told Lawler if he wins he’ll get that Bronco Buster tonight.
Analysis: The Kat, who willingly took off her top at Armageddon 1999, just said that it was humiliating for the world to see her topless. Think about that for a second…and let’s move on. Also, Lawler and Kat were married although that wasn’t acknowledged on TV.
Dean Malenko entered for this “Over The Top, Off With The Top” match. JR said it was the first of these matches even though they did it in December 1999 with Terri and Barbara Bush (aka “BB”) in the match. I don’t know why JR would say it was the first time ever. Lawler entered with The Kat. The women stood on platforms on the stage.
Over The Top, Off With The Top Match: Dean Malenko (Representing Terri) vs. Jerry Lawler (Representing The Kat)
Pre-match notes: Malenko was the heel and Lawler was the face. The stipulation was that any time a man was tossed over the top to the floor, the woman of the opponent must remove an article of clothing.
Lawler with a hip toss that sent Malenko over the top to the floor. Terri took off her top to reveal a white bra, which drew cheers. Malenko dropkicked Lawler and sent him over the top, so Kat removed her top to reveal a black bra, which led to more cheers. Malenko with a clothesline. Malenko went for a monkey flip, but Lawler tossed Malenko over the top to the floor. Terri took off her belt, but the referee said she had to take off clothes, so she took off her pants to reveal white undies. Lawler with a body slam. Lawler tried to toss Malenko out, but Malenko went to the apron and Malenko hit a hip toss to send Lawler over the top. The Kat took off her pants, so both women were in bra and panties. JR on The Kat’s outfit: “Those bottoms don’t leave much to the imagination.” True. Malenko with a jumping side kick. The fans started a “We Want Puppies” chant. Malenko charged and Lawler gave him a back body drop over the top to the floor. The bell rang because Lawler won the match at 3:19.
Winner: Jerry Lawler
Terri began to take off her bra, which JR called the “double barrel slingshot” and as she began to unhook it, Stevie (soon to be Steven) Richards showed up with a giant sign that said “CENSORED” on it. The fans booed. It got massive heat from the crowd. Lawler was upset while Ross wondered what this was all about.
Analysis: * It was a way to tease the fans into thinking about seeing the puppies, but it was really all about debuting Richards with the new gimmick. This would eventually lead to the Right to Censor group, which was based on the Parents Television Council having issues with WWE programming. The RTC angle was very successful in terms of getting a lot of heat.
Edge and Christian, the WWF Tag Team Champions, were outside The Rock’s locker room. Edge and Christian complained about not having their own locker room. Foley said these things must be done very delicately and said it was from Wizard of Oz. Foley left.
(Commercial)
The announcers talked about what happened before the break with Lawler complaining about it.
Edge and Christian were in their new locker room on lounge chairs. They wanted Mick Foley to get them a soda. Sodas rule!
There was going to be a battle royal between tag teams, but it didn’t start because it turned into a brawl. Mick Foley showed up to Edge and Christian’s locker room to inform them they will face The Undertaker and Kane in a tag team match.
(Commercial)
The Dudley Boyz made their entrance to join the tag team battle royal. The winners get a WWF Tag Team Titles match.
Battle Royal: The Acolytes vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/Lita) vs. Too Cool vs. Test & Albert vs. Taka and Funaki vs. Perry Saturn and D-Lo Brown vs. The Dudley Boyz
Pre-matches: The Hardys, Dudleys, Too Cool and Acolytes were faces while T&A, Saturn/Brown and I guess Kaientai were heels. No Trish with T&A due to Chyna beating Trish up earlier.
Bubba with a press slam on Taka and D-Von tossed out Funaki to eliminate Kaientai. Saturn eliminated D-Von, so Bubba was out too. The Dudleys hit 3D on Taka on the floor. Scotty tried to eliminate Jeff, but Jeff did the skin the cat to hang on. Matt dumped Scotty out of the ring and Albert dumped Matt out. That meant it was down to the Acolytes, T&A and this random team of Saturn/Brown. Albert whipped Bradshaw into a big boot from Test. Bradshaw fought back against the T&A guys, who were double teaming him. Bradshaw with a clothesline on Albert and a forearm to Test’s back eliminated him. Faarooq with a spinebuster on Brown and Bradshaw with a shoulder tackle on Saturn. Faarooq with a press slam on Saturn onto Brown on the floor (Brown rolled out under the ropes) to eliminate him. That meant the Acolytes won the match at 3:54.
Winners: The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw)
Analysis: *1/4 Decent battle royal to put over the babyface Acolytes duo. They weren’t doing much in the weeks leading up to this, so giving them a big win was a smart move to help them get back into the title hunt. I’m surprised Saturn/Brown lasted until the end, but it was probably just because of the final spot with the press slam.
(Commercial)
There was a video package of The Rock and Mike Piazza (then of the New York Mets) doing a photoshoot for USA Today.
A video was shown of the WWF’s 14th consecutive sellout at Madison Square Garden that included an interview with Donald Trump at ringside. The video was shown at King of the Ring too.
They showed a clip of WWF New York with The Godfather on stage dancing with some ho’s.
Mick Foley brought sodas to Edge and Christian. They told Mick they aren’t going to do it. Foley told them that if they don’t do the match then Mick will strip them of the titles.
The Undertaker and Kane were shown walking together backstage.
(Commercial)
Edge and Christian made their entrance. The announcers talked about Shane McMahon getting put through a table at King of the Ring saying Shane will be “on the shelf for a while.” Shane was back the next week. Plans change, pal.
Edge and Christian were not happy about the upcoming match. Christian complained about how this is totally unfair and all of you people the cheer for Mick Foley are just as stupid as he is. Edge said he didn’t know if his “brother” mentioned it, but this is unfair. Edge said there’s no five-second pose out of protest.
Kane made his entrance first followed by The Undertaker. Each man got nice ovations from the crowd.
Edge and Christian vs. The Undertaker and Kane
Pre-match notes: Edge and Christian were heel Tag Team Champions. Undertaker and Kane were faces. Both teams were fake brothers although that ended for Edge and Christian a few years later.
Taker tossed Edge over the top to the floor. Kane with a clothesline on Christian followed by a military press slam. Christian got his boots up on Kane and some punches while Taker continued attacking Edge on the floor. Christian went for a leaping attack on Kane against the turnbuckle, but Kane elbowed him and Undertaker got a hold of Edge leading to a Double Chokeslam from Taker and Kane. Undertaker pinned Edge at 1:30 to win this tag team match that had no tags.
Winners by pinfall: The Undertaker and Kane
Analysis: * That was a dominant ass kicking to put over Undertaker and Kane. It was not common for champions to lose non-title the way that it is today. It did not make the champs look good at all although I think the point was to put over Undertaker and Kane as being on the same page again…for now.
There were backstage walking shots of Triple H with Stephanie, Kurt Angle in his king attire and The Rock, who was the WWF Champion.
(Commercial)
The Olympic Hero “King” Kurt Angle made his entrance and he got pyro on his way to the ring, so that was nice for him. Angle put his king attire on the commentary table and sat down with the announcers to talk during the entrances.
Triple H entered along with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, who was still the Women’s Champion. Angle said that Triple H had no integrity whatsoever.
The Rock was up last and he got a loud ovation as usual.
The Rock vs. Kurt Angle vs. Triple H (w/Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley)
Pre-match notes: Rock was the face WWF Champion while Angle and Triple H were heels. If Angle or Triple H wins then they would get a WWF Title match. If Rock wins neither guy gets a title shot.
Rock and Hunter started with punches. Angle joined in with a clothesline on Rock. Rock whipped Angle into Hunter leading to Hunter bumping to the floor. Rock hit a tilt-a-whirl slam on Angle for two with Hunter breaking up the pin. Rock with a neckbreaker on Hunter, but Hunter came back by sending Rock out of the ring. Rock fought off Angle and Hunter, so Stephanie tried an attack with her belt, but Rock was ready for it.
Rock prevented a Triple H attack with a punch to the face. Angle got back into the ring with a belly to belly suplex on Rock. Hunter with a suplex on Rock as the two heels worked together against Rock until they tried to pin him. Hunter with a jumping knee to the face of Rock. Angle and Hunter took turns attacking Rock, but Rock came back with punches. Rock sent Hunter flying over the top rope to the floor and Rock hit Angle with a clothesline. Rock with a Samoan Drop on Angle, Hunter back in and Rock hit a side belly to belly suplex for two. Hunter with a facebuster on Rock and Angle followed up with a belly to back suplex. Angle covered Rock and Hunter kicked Angle in the groin to break up the pin. Hunter sent Angle out of the ring. Rock with a DDT on Hunter for two. Angle pulled Rock out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps. Angle and Hunter finally got into a slugfest in the ring with Hunter hitting a neckbreaker. Rock pulled Hunter out of the ring leading to a catapult into the ring post. Rock with a spinebuster on Angle, but Triple H was back in with a clothesline. Angle with a forearm to send Hunter out of the ring and Angle with an Olympic Slam on Rock for one…two…but Hunter broke up the pin. Hunter with a Pedigree on Angle by the ropes, but Chris Jericho grabbed Hunter’s leg. Stephanie got on the apron to complain, referee Earl Hebner got in her face, which allowed Jericho to send Hunter throat first into the top rope and Rock capitalized with a Rock Bottom on Hunter for the one…two…three. It went 8:57.
Winner by pinfall: The Rock
Analysis: ***1/4 That was really well done and it was fast-paced in the second half of the match. Rock got the pin on Triple H one night after he took Triple H’s WWF Title by pinning Vince. I think that was the point of this match, which was to show that Rock was better than Hunter and even though he didn’t pin Hunter to win the WWF Title, he did beat him here to prove he was better. It wasn’t clean either, so it allowed them to transition right into the Triple H match with Jericho at Fully Loaded. They did the interference so that Hebner didn’t see it, but in WWF triple threats over the years, they had no DQ rules. Angle also showed he belonged in the title picture with his performance in this match. They would do this match again two months later at SummerSlam with the WWF Title on the line.
The Rock celebrated the win. Jericho left looking proud of his interference. Stephanie was angry at ringside. Replays aired of what happened. Rock and Hunter did some trash talking to end the show.
This episode of Raw had a runtime of 1:33:23 on WWE Network.
Three Stars of the Show
- The Rock
- Kurt Angle
- Triple H
Final Thoughts
This Raw episode gets a 7 out of 10.
It was a pretty good episode of Raw. I mentioned it a few times during the review, but there was definitely a sense of “new” feeling because the McMahon-Helmsley Regime was over, Vince left, Mick Foley returned as the babyface commissioner and it was nice to see Angle getting a push to the main event level. There was also the heel turn of Tazz as they tried to get him going in a new direction and Stevie Richards making his debut set off a long-term angle as well. I didn’t like how Edge and Christian were booked to look like losers, but at least they kept their titles.
They didn’t set anything up for Fully Loaded official, but the seeds were planted for some big matches in the future.
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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