WWF Raw - 11/1/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
November 1st 1999

-From Washington D.C. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are calling the action.

-The Rock, sore from a recent abduction at the hands of D-Generation X, starts the show with an in-ring promo. He's looking forward to checking Steve Austin and Triple H back into the Smackdown Hotel at Survivor Series and sings for the crowd. Rock shifts his attention to the "blemish on his buttocks more popularly known as Road Dogg" and calls him out for a match.

The Rock vs. Road Dogg
Rock meets Dogg in the aisle and directs him to the ring. Dogg dry-humps Rock and gets clotheslined to ringside for the insult. Road Dogg flees to the back, where Rock foolishly walks into a DX ambush. The match is called off at about 1:00. A pack of referees and Mr. McMahon run in to restore order, but Rock looks finished.
Winner via DQ: The Rock

Retro Rowe: WWE Cyber Sunday 2008 Review

-It’s time for the WWE.com preshow! Todd Grisham is here to handle the festivities. Jim Ross and Tazz are on commentary. Benjamin will be facing R-Truth, MVP, or Festus. R-Truth wins with 59% of the votes.

United States Championship:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. R-Truth
Benjamin seems to be just as annoyed with Truth’s attempts to get “What’s up” over as a catchphrase as I am. They lock up with Benjamin gaining the upper hand. Truth slugs back and dances around the ring to avoid Benjamin’s offense. Big kick by Truth throws Benjamin off his game. Benjamin fights back with a hard kick to the face, gets a cover for 2. Chinlock by Benjamin. Truth elbows out and trades shots. Benjamin reverses an Irish whip but misses a corner splash. Series of clotheslines by Truth and the corkscrew forearm. Truth goes high risk but Benjamin leaps up. Truth blocks the superplex and connects with a missile drop-kick. Cover by Truth gets 2.5! Truth runs into a leaping DDT and gets pinned at 3:24. Short, but lively, *½.
Winner and still United States Champion: Shelton Benjamin

WWF Smackdown -10/28/99

WWF Smackdown
October 28th 1999

-From Springfield, MA. Our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry lawler.

-D-Generation X, reunited after breaking up the previous spring, come to the ring to a babyface reaction, despite WWF Champion Triple H firmly entrenched as the top heel in the company. The fans do end up chanting "a-hole" at HHH once he starts talking about being better than Rock and Austin. X-Pac takes a turn on the mic and teases that DX will be bigger than ever with a new member joining. Billy Gunn and Road Dogg challenger Austin and Rock to singles matches later on. Triple H calls out Mr. McMahon to come bow before them. Vince responds on the stage, simply telling DX to suck it. Triple H defiantly announces that DX are taking over. Good reintroduction for DX in a segment that didn't overstay it's welcome.

WWF Raw 10/25/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
October 25, 1999

-From Providence, RI. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-The New Age Outlaws lobby Mr. McMahon for title and grudge matches but everyone is busy tonight. Triple H interrupts, upset that he's scheduled to face Mankind. The Outlaws and Triple H bicker, leading to Triple H goading them into facing Steve Austin and The Rock.

-The Godfather can't find his hos! He breaks down a door and finds them all over Mark Henry. Godfather is disgusted that Henry would hog all the hos for himself.

The Godfather (with Mark Henry and the hos) vs. Viscera (with Mideon)
I wish Raw would start with a match more often, as shaking up the format even slightly makes the show feel more alive. Jim Ross was able to say this will be a great matchup with a straight face, so kudos to him. Viscera wants the Godfather's hos if he wins and offers Henry all the hos he could ever want. This is now a "Winner takes hos" match, and Henry's loyalties are put to the test. Bell rings and Mideon is quickly ejected for interfering. Godfather sets up the Ho Train, but Henry knocks him down by the hair, and Viscera splashes for the win at 2:11. Completely nothing match, just serving up a plot twist.
Winner: Viscera

WWF Smackdown 10/21/99

WWF Smackdown 
October 21, 1999

-From Louisville, KY. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are calling the action.

-Mankind comes to the ring and reacts to The Rock seemingly throwing out his book, which conveniently gives him the the chance to make a sales pitch for the viewing audience. Mankind sits his "big fat ass" down on the apron for a sit-out until Mr. McMahon gives him some attention. Vince shows up and listens to Mick rant about how all the fans forgot about his accomplishments while he was trying to have fun in a Rock n' Sock jacket. He's not okay with The Rock ahead of him in line for the WWF title and wants to kick his ass tonight and take his place in future main events. The Rock comes to the ring, doesn't like what he's hearing from Mick, and proceeds to verbally put him in his place as only The Rock can. Rock accepts Mick's challenge for later and Mick calls him an insecure little boy before taking off. Rock stays behind with Vince looking to find out if he's the only #1 contender, and they're interrupted by Val Venis, who is trying to claw his way into the main event scene. Val wants to face Stone Cold, so Austin marches his way to the ring. Austin makes a a face at Rock before knocking Venis out of the ring.

WWF Raw 10/18/99

WWF Monday Night Raw
October 18th 1999

-From Columbus, OH. Our valiant hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-The Rock comes to the ring to talk, and he sure does have a lot to say about what happened at No Mercy. He's sporting taped ribs after getting assaulted with a sledgehammer by Triple H. The Rock is gunning for the WWF title at Survivor Series, in honor of the peoples' ribs. The crowd just adores him. Rock wants everyone to know that when he hit Stone Cold with the sledgehammer, he was aiming for Triple H. Now he'll just have to settle for shining up the hammer and sexually assaulting The Game with it at Survivor Series. That's not really what The Rock said, just how I interpreted it. Austin joins him in the ring and this actually gives me chills. Austin has a bone to pick with Rock for declaring himself #1 contender, as well as being stupid enough to cost him the WWF title. They're about to fight when Mr. McMahon interrupts to ruin the moment. Vince wants to know what Triple H wants to do. HHH shows up and flaunts his success in properly annoying fashion. Of course, this results in Vince making a triple threat main event for Survivor Series. This was actually a rather great opening segment, with all four guys feeling larger than life.

WWF Smackdown 10/14/99

WWF Smackdown
October 14th 1999

-From Birmingham, AL. Our hosts are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.

-Mankind visits Mr. McMahon in search of a favor. Apparently, Vince once told Mick to leave him alone, and he did, therefore he's owed something in return. He wants a shot at the Tag Team Championship for the Rock n' Sock Connection. Vince agrees, but doesn't think Rock will want the match.

-The New Age Outlaws come out to a huge ovation. They're simultaneously feuding with the heel Holly Cousins and babyface Rock n' Sock Connection, but they're always babyfaces for their entrance and mic work. They're interrupted by a somber looking Triple H, sporting a fake bruised face. I think we're supposed to think he got attacked by the rattle snake on Raw. He cuts a sob story promo about how this has been his dream but never imagined the business would turn into having to kill yourself for the fans. He says this is the last time anyone will ever see him, teasing a retirement. Before he goes, he wants Mr. McMahon to come look him in the eyes and know never to put anyone in his situation again. A concerned looking Vince shows up and listens to HHH's speech. The segment drags on forever before just ending with HHH saying he'll forfeit the title later.

WWF Monday Night Raw 10-11-99

WWF Monday Night Raw
October 11th 1999

-Seeing as I'm back on board with WWE Network for Payback, I might as well get a classic Raw review out of it.

-From a monster-sized crowd in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA, WWF's business is continuing to soar. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are calling the action.

-Mr. McMahon comes to the ring and enjoys a moment with the fans before introducing Stone Cold Steve Austin to a big ovation. Austin is fed up with being on the sidelines thanks to Triple H and wasn't scared by HHH stomping a rattlesnake in a symbolic gesture. As per usual, Austin doesn't want to wait for the pay-per-view and calls out The Game. Soon enough, WWF Champion Triple H comes to the stage for a rebuttal, effectively insulting the fans and vowing to retain against Austin. HHH teases a brawl but picks on Jim Ross some more, resulting in Ross attacking him from behind. The distraction sets up Austin pummeling HHH all over the ringside area. Austin holds HHH in place for some J.R. shots, but Chyna runs in for the save. Austin pulls Chyna off Ross and clocks her in the face. HHH escapes and challenges Austin and J.R. to wrestle him and Chyna later on. At age 31, this is no longer my cup of tea, but my inner 14 year old thought this was great.

Retro Rowe: WWF Backlash 2002

WWF Backlash

April 21, 2002

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Kansas City, MO. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-It’s worth noting that this is the first WWF pay-per-view of the “Brand Extension” era, so the entire company is in the midst of a big transition. A lot of fresh faces were popping up, while some familiar stars were being put into unusual storylines.

Cruiserweight Championship:
Billy Kidman © vs. Tajiri (with Torrie Wilson)

Tajiri had been treating Torrie badly during this time and she’s forced to wear a kimono. Tajiri is showing a new mean streak and takes control in the early stages. This is a grounded contest, nothing like the high-flying contests that the WCW cruiserweight division was famous for. Kidman absorbs the Tarantula and finally begins mounting a comeback. Tajiri retaliates with a stiff kick to the head for a near fall. Kidman counters with a face buster for a 2 count. Kidman’s Shooting Star Press misses, which Tajiri capitalizes with a head kick for a severely close near fall. That false finish woke the crowd up. Kidman counters with a power bomb off the turnbuckles! Tajiri sprays red mist in Kidman’s eyes to steal the pinfall at 9:07. This needed a few more minutes to really get their story across, but they were able to win over the fans in attendance, **½.
Winner and new Cruiserweight Champion: Tajiri

Retro Rowe: WWF No Way Out 2002

WWF No Way Out

February 17, 2002

by Samoa Rowe

-Follow me on Twitter: @SamoaRowe

-From Milwaukee, WI. Our hosts are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.

-We kick things off with the re-debut of the New World Order consisting of Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall. This was pretty surreal at the time, though it would have meant so very much more had they arrived about eight months earlier to save the WCW Invasion angle. Nash addresses the heat they have in the locker room, claiming that all they want to a clean slate. Hall says the n.W.o. are a bunch of marks who just want to work with the best WWF superstars. Hogan finally gets the mic and the crowd chants his name. He says they’re not here to kill the WWF, only to make it better. Hogan thanks Vince McMahon for this opportunity. This felt like a shoot, which I suppose is what they were aiming for.

Tag Team Turmoil:
Scotty 2 Hotty and The Hip-Hop Hippo Albert vs. Christian and Lance Storm

Storm locks up with Scotty, but finds himself overwhelmed. Albert tags and drops Storm with a press slam and delivers the giant swing to Christian. Albert is briefly isolated, but makes a lukewarm tag to Scotty. The match quickly breaks down and Storm saves Christian from The Worm. The Unprettier finishes Scotty at 2:55.

Jeff and Matt Hardy, accompanied by Lita, make their return after a short hiatus. The Hardy Boyz clean house. Matt’s leg drop is blocked by interference from Storm, shifting the momentum. Storm and Christian try to isolate Matt, but he quickly counters by dropping Christian on the ropes. Jeff gets what is supposed to be a hot tag and delivers some rapid fire offense. Matt saves Jeff from Storm’s Half Crab and a miscue results in Storm knocking out Christian with a kick. The Swanton Bomb finishes Storm at 6:11.

Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley, accompanied by Stacy, are the next team to square off with the Hardy Boyz. The fresh Dudley Boyz quickly gain the upper hand. Bubba counters a superplex but misses a splash off the top. D-Von and Matt get fresh tags, but Matt cleans house. Stacy saves Bubba from Matt’s Twist of Fate, but Lita pounces on her. Bubba attacks Lita and nails Matt with the Bubba Bomb. Lita sneaks in a Lita-carana. The match breaks down until Matt pins D-Von with a roll-up at 10:49. The Dudleyz are sore losers and deliver the 3-D on Jeff on the floor.

Billy and Chuck are the next team. With Jeff down and out, we’re left with Matt in a handicap match situation. Matt does a valiant job fighting off Billy and Chuck initially, but Billy’s Fame-asser ends it at 12:18.

Farooq and Bradshaw are the final team and initiate a brawl. Farooq nails a shoulder block on Chuck and tags in Bradshaw to continue dishing out punishment. Billy and Chuck successfully isolate Farooq for a while. Farooq counters with a Spinebuster on Billy and gets the hot tag to Bradshaw. Billy suffers the Clothesline from Hell and the A.P.A. win at 16:34. This was a typically frustrating Tag Team Turmoil match, as everything felt rushed and no one was in there long enough to gain anything from it, *½.
Winners: Farooq and Bradshaw

Looking Back: 2000 part 2.

Last time, I mostly rambled on about the first few months of 2000, mainly my impressions of jumping back on board the WWF wagon in January. I'll pick up where I left off and see where my mind wanders off to.

I mentioned that Wrestlemania 16 was something of a let-down of a Wrestlemania. It delivered a great triple ladder match by Edge and Christian, the Hardy Boys, and the Dudley Boys, but they would out-do that match at Summerslam 2000 and then again at Wrestlemania X7, so the first one kind of lost it's luster as time went on. Wrestlemania 16 featured a "pretty good" triple threat match between Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, and Chris Jericho for Angle's Intercontinental and European titles. The match stands out as a classic moment due to Angle losing both belts, but the match itself was below the standard of the talent involved. Lastly, the main event was considered a disappointment at the time, due to Triple H becoming the first heel to retain the WWF title in the main event at a Wrestlemania. Personally, I loved the match, as it was the culmination to a storyline I was heavily invested in, but I'll never forget my shock and immediate outrage that Triple H walked out as champion.

If Wrestlemania was a disappointment, Backlash 2000 was the surprise hit of the year. I've heard people say that Backlash 2000 should have been Wrestlemania, as it was a strong card full of great action and hot feuds. Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit had their fantastic Intercontinental title match I'd mentioned before, Big Show mocked Hulk Hogan as the "Showster" while gleefully squashing the awesomely obnoxious Kurt Angle, and Triple H and The Rock had a tremendous main event. The Rock/HHH rivalry had reached a hard-to-come-by boiling point and the crowd was on the edge of their seat during the bout due to the absence of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who had been advertised as being in Rock's corner. DX and the McMahons interferred on behalf of Triple H throughout the match, so when Austin's music hit, the building exploded. I don't think I've ever witnessed a more passionate crowd reaction on a WWE show. Backlash 2000 also had a strong undercard, as Scotty 2 Hotty had a mini-classic against Dean Malenko for the Light-heavyweight title and Eddie Guerrero defended the European title against Essa Rios.

The tag team scene was crazy awesome in 2000. Aside from the trinity of greatness that was Edge and Christian, the Dudleys, and the Hardy Boys, there was a deep division. X-Pac and Road Dogg represented DX during this time and they had a very strong match with Edge and Christian at Backlash. Test and Albert were getting pushed as T&A, along with newcomer Trish Stratus as their valet. They had an entertaining feud with the Dudley Boys, based on Bubba Ray's desire to put Trish through a table. The storyline ultimately turned the Dudleys face, as Trish was over as a snooty heel. Meanwhile, Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay were catching on as Too Cool. They should join Rikishi in the ring for dance celebrations that were a true guilty pleasure of the era. Al Snow and Steve Blackman were the mismatched odd-ball team, Head Cheese, and while they never got a signficant run, they were solid hands and produced numerous memorable vignettes. My personal favorite was when Al Snow signed Steve Blackman up to deliver stand-up comedy at a nursing home. These segments almost always ended up with Blackman losing his temper and hitting someone (but not usually Snow).

2000 was a unique year in that the Hardcore title division was also interesting. Crash Holly had won the title early in the year and decided that he would defend the belt anytime, anywhere, against anyone. This resulted in the entire lower mid-card recruiting referees to try and ambush Holly. The Mean Street Posse once jumped Crash in his hotel room and anothe time at the airport. The Headbangers attacked Crash at a carnival, which resulted in a hilarious sequence where Crash fought them off in a ball pit. Even divas, such as Ivory, would attack Crash when he was most vulnerable, say during a massage. The result was half the roster got to hold the Hardcore title for at least a few moments.

Lita burst onto the scene in 2000. She was paired up with Essa Rios, who was supposed to set the Light-heavyweight division on fire. Rios fizzled out quickly and took his out his frustration by attacking Lita. The Hardy Boys saved her and she transitioned to their valet. They became Team Extreme and got over in a really big way. I remember being 16 and thinking Lita was the greatest thing ever but finding it a little annoying that she was excused by the commentators for her frequent interference matches. I also recall a strange episode of Heat, when Lita and the Hardy's were in an elimination match against T&A and Trish Stratus. The match came down to Lita alone against Test and she actually managed to fight him off for a stretch before he put her down with a big boot.

WWE Pay-Per-View Posters - 2002

WWF Pay-per-view Posters - 2001