Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for January 31, 2000

Backstage, Scott Hall is on the phone as he sits with the rest of The New World Order (Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Ron Harris, Don Harris), asking WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash if he will make it into the building tonight in footage from earlier today. He hands the phone to Jarrett, who tells Kevin Nash that he can take care of being Acting Commissioner tonight and make the match official for SuperBrawl. He says that the nWo will take care of business, then hands the phone to Scott Hall. Kevin Nash hangs up at this point. We then see footage from right now where Jeff Jarrett and one of the Harris brothers heads to the ring, with the women and the other brother behind them.

Mark Madden fills in for Bobby "The Brain" Heenan on commentary tonight.

The New World Order (Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Ron Harris, Don Harris) show up with some women to start tonight's show. Jarrett announces that WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash will not be here tonight, and that Nash has appointed him as Acting WCW Commissioner. He says that there is a lot of business tonight. Scott Steiner says he had to break his own "freaks," as when he looks into the crowd, all he sees are "overfed, overweight, cornbread heffers" that the locals call women. Ron and Don Harris are officially made members of The New World Order, then Jarrett takes the microphone again. He congratulates Sid Vicious for his victory last week on Thunder, and announces that Sid will face him at SuperBrawl, and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship will come back to the nWo. From now until SuperBrawl, he will make Sid's life a living hell, and he will start with a six-man tag match with him and The Harris Brothers (Ron and Don Harris), and says he will pick the two partners who will watch Sid's back, as the nWo is like a pack of wolves and they will be like that tonight. He then announces that he will run the show on the up and up just like Kevin Nash, and announces to the guys in the back that he will take bribes.

It is announced that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is returning tonight.

Sid Vicious is seen entering the building, while a limousine parks outside of the arena. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair heads towards the arena.

Backstage, J. Biggs is seen with Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray and Big T). Meanwhile, "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson tells Terry Funk that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is arriving shortly.

Lash LeRoux attacks 3 Count (Evan Karagias, Shannon Moore, Shane Helms) before Evan Karagias can perform a special solo performance.

Lash LeRoux beats Evan Karagias to advance in the WCW Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.

Backstage, The New World Order (Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner) congratulate The Harris Brothers (Ron and Don Harris) for becoming full-fledge nWo members. Someone shows up with food, but one of the Harris brothers decides

Dustin Rhodes reminds us not to do the moves you see at home.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews David Flair, Crowbar and Daffney. Crowdbar promises their rematch for the WCW World Tag Team titles will be a confrontation of epic proportions. Suddenly, David Flair is attacked by The Mamalukes (Johnny The Bull and Big Vito). The Bensonhurst Street Fight between the two teams for the WCW World Tag Team Championships has begun. Disco Inferno guests on commentary for this match.

The Mamalukes (Johnny The Bull and Big Vito) retain the WCW World Tag Team Championships against David Flair and Crowbar in a Bensonhurst street fight after Disco Inferno gets involved and Big Vito puts Crowbar through a table with a top rope elbow drop. During the match, Miss Hancock of Standards and Practices (Lodi, Lenny Lane, Miss Hancock) shows up and watches from the aisle while writing on a clipboard again.

Brian Knobbs knocks on the nWo's door backstage, with money for Acting WWF Commissioner Jeff Jarrett in hand.

Brian Knobbs is seen talking to Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett. He says that he has lost patience with Fit Finley, and asks Jarrett to book him in a match with The Total Package. Jarrett says he'll get it done with the amount of money Knobbs has.

When Booker T shows up for the next match, his theme music as he is halfway down the aisle. Suddenly, J. Biggs shows up and explains that his theme was, is and always will be the property of "Harlem Heat, Inc." which he is no longer a part of; therefore he has seen fit, he si legally enjoined from using that music ever again. As he speaks, Big T and Atevie Ray show up. J. Biggs then says that his clients are very generous and benevolent, and they have collaborated to create something appropriate for him, which sounds nothing like the Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray, Big T, J. Biggs) theme. J. Biggs says it is "meaningless music for a meaningless person [like Booker T]." He also states that the T in the name "Booker T" can no longer be used as he is no longer a member of Harlem Heat and because the T is owned by Harlem Heat. f he continues to use the letter T, he will be found guilty of copyright infringement. Stevie Ray then tells Booker T that Harlem Heat belongs to him and Big T, and demands that Booker T no longer wear flames on his wrestling gear or to his music. He also tells Booker T to find his "G.I. Bro" uniform from 10 years ago and try to make a living off that when Harlem Heat gets through with him. Big T tells Booker T that the name "T" belongs to him, and if he has a problem with that, they can settle it right now. J. Biggs tells Stevie Ray and Big T not to worry about anything, as he has everything under control. Big T and Stevie Ray leave, and J. Biggs says that Booker T has no wrestling license now that he is no longer a member of Harlem Heat. As J. Biggs begins accusing Booker of swindling people, Midnight shows upand grabs J. Biggs from behind, and drags J. Biggs into the ring with Booker. Booker grabs J. Biggs, then punches him out and hits him with an atomic drop. Stevie Ray and Big T return, and they overpower Booker and Midnight. J. Biggs is about to hit Booker, but he grabs at his neck.

"Screamin'" Norman Smiley is attacked by 3 Count (Evan Karagias, Shannon Moore, Shane Helms) backstage.

Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett tells Fit Finley that Brian Knobbs has booked him in a match with The Total Package. However, instead of wrestling in the match, he will be the special guest referee while Brian Knobbs faces The Total Package instead. Jarrett then says he can be bought, but he did not name his price. It is then revealed that Knobbs has seen this all go down on a onitor backstage, and he is livid.

"Screamin'" Norman Smiley finds The Demon's casket. When he gets inside it, however, it closes on him.

Kidman beats The Wall. During the match, Torrie Wilson distracts referee Nick Patrick so that Vampiro can get up to the top rope, hit Kidman in the back and pin Kidman on top of The Wall, giving Kidman the win. Kidman is about to confront Vampiro when the show jumpcuts to "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who is backstage and on his way to the ring.

Backstage, Scott Hall wants to know from Acting WCW Commissioner who Sid Vicious' tag team partners will be, but Juarrett tells Hall not to rush him and that he has it all under control.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Flair says that if you took the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pittsburgh Pirates, The Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Flyers, Eric Lindross, Mario Lemieux and the Penn State Nifty Lions and rolled them all up into one ball, they would still not equal him when it comes to the amount of adulation he is getting tonight. He says that this means that wrestling fans are starved for the sight of the greatest wrestler of all time to come back, walk the aisle, style and profile. 20 years ago, he didn't have a peer in this sport, and ten years ago, there were a couple of guys who could run with him, but here he is, at the ripe age of 50, still the man. As for Space Mountain, it may be the oldest ride in the park, but it still has the longest line. Flair goes on to say that fans around the world, then he focuses on recent events. While he sat home, the powers that be had the audacity to call him up in Charlotte, North Carolina and ask him to come back to WCW and be the Commissioner, and he asked why they would want the greatest wrestler alive to be their commissioner before telling them "no." They then asked him to show up on Nitro, and he said "maybe, if the deal is right." He says the deal is right, and that it is time to get the company rolling again. Before he takes it by storm, however, he has to clarify one thing with one man right up front: Terry Funk. For years, Funk has alluded that he might come back and support him in some way, then tells him he is wrong, as there is a difference between himself and Funk. He tells Funk that if he is backstage, then he had come to the ring so they can straighten things out. Funk shows up, and tells Flair - whom he calls a "banana-nosed, horse-toothed, evil bastard" - that he has been World champion more than anyone else in the sport and made millions of dollars, and that he has become a common name in every household across the world. However, he senses a tinge of jealousy in Flair's voice, and he knows what that jealousy stems from: a statement from Mick Foley's book Have A Nice Day!, which states that Flair would not make a decent-sized pimple on his own ass on any given day. He tells Flair to forget all those petty things and either join him against The New World Order (WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash, Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner) or try to bring WCW back up, but he is too petty and refuses to grow up.He tells Flair to look at his son David Flair, who is acting like a fool and an idiot, and realize that he needs discipline from his father. If he was his father, he would take him out back behind the bar, strap him to a sawhorse and beat on him until he learns some respect, something that he says Flair will not do. Funk tells Flair to run for governor while he and "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson deal with the nWo, as Flair does not have enough sense to be around him. Flair tells Funk two things: if Foley says he wasn't a pimple on Funk's ass, then he has not watched television in 27 years, as he won more World titles than Funk has cows on that "tiny little chicken ranch" Funk has. Also, he tells Funk to talk to him face-to-face in the ring so he can "slap the shit out of him." Funk heads to the ring, then Flair makes fun of the fact that the words "Living Legend" is on Funk's shirt, and says he's the real living legend. This starts a brawl between Flair and Funk, and WCW security has to run into the ring to break up the brawl. Flair runs out of the ring and towards the back, and security keeps Funk form chasing after him. Backstage, Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett tells the rest of The New World Order (Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Ron Harris, Don Harris) that he has just found two tag team partners for Sid Vicious.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sid Vicious backstage. Sid says he would not expect less from The New World Order (Acting WCW Commissioner Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Ron Harris, Don Harris). He says Jarrett is only trying to delay the beating he will give him at SuperBrawl, and it will not be that easy, as he promises that somebody will be powerbombed straight to Hell tonight.

Backstage, Lenny Lane and Lodi tell Miss Hancock that they are not wearing the suits anymore, as Miss Hancock was the real Standards and Practices and that they were just eye candy to put her over in the first place. Miss Hancock tells them they should be lucky they even have a job after the stunt that they pulled, but Lodi says that this is the second gimmick they have been saddled with and they will not do it anymore. Lodi then tells Miss Hancock to give them a call when she gets the bun out of her hair, then he and Lenny Lane leave.

The Total Package vs. Brian Knobbs with Fit Finley as the special guest referee neds in a no-contest. After Miss Elizawbth hits Knobbs in the back with a baseball as he is on the top rope while Finley in his hway. Afterwards, Fit Finley walks out on the match as Miss Elizabeth pulls out a steel chair and puts Knobbs' right hand through it so that The Total Package can stomp on the chair to damage Knobbs' wrist. Afterwards, referees show up to restore order, and Miss Elizabeth and The Total Package leave.

Backstage, "Screamin'" Norman Smiley comes out of The Demon's casket, and this time he is wearing the face paint and wrestling gear of The Demon.

Backstage, The Demon is seen talking to police officers, saying somebody stole his wrestling gear.

"Screamin'" Norman Smiley - dressed like The Demon - beats Shane Helms with the Norman Conquest. During the match, it is announced that WCW has received a phone call from Hulk Hogan, who has taken offense from some of the statements that The Total Package has made regarding him, and that he will be on Thunder Wednesday night to confront The Total Package. After the match, The Demon shows up and sends the police after Smiley, who retreats through the crowd as The Demon chases after him.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly backstage. Kimberly says their relationship is back stronger - and sexier - than ever. Suddenly, Disco Inferno and The Mamalukes (Johnny the Bull and Big Vito) show up, and as The Mamalukes pass by, Kimberly's butt is pinched by Big Vito. Disco is standing nearby, and Kimberly tells DDP that Disco pinched her butt. Disco says he did not, then calls her a stupid bimbo. This leads to Kimberly slapping Disco before DDP beats Disco up.

Disco Inferno is talking to somebody when Diamond Dallas Page finds him and attacks him again. This time, he sends him into the arena.

Diamond Dallas Page beats Disco Inferno. After the match, Johnny the Bull and Big Vito show up and check on Disco.

The New World Order (Jeff Jarrett, Ron Harris, Don Harris) beat Sid Vicious, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Terry Funk. Flair does not show up until late in the match, but he throws Funk into the commentary table and is immediately taken back to the back by WCW security. As referee Charles Robinson checks on Terry Funk, Jeff Jarrett whacks Sid in the head with a guitar to get the win and close out the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 31, 2000

RAW

Before the next match, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman tells Al Snow that he is tired of all the team names and that they have tag team titles to win. Snow proposes "Snow Storm," but Blackman is irritated when Snow provides a Sesame Street child's umbrella. Blackman walks away before Snow can propose "Snow Balls," complete with a black jock strap.

"The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero - all fresh out of World Championship Wrestling - show up and seat themselves in the front row. They also shake hands with Al Snow before the match begins. Jim Ross states on commentary that it was "radical" for the four of them to leave, and that it is "radical" for them to be here. (During the episode, they are all referred to as "radicals.")

Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman vs. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) ends in a no-contest. During the match, Road Dogg is clotheslined over the barricade and into the laps of "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero by Al Snow. The foursome respond by attacking Road Dogg when he strikes at them, then they get into the ring to attack Billy Gunn. Road Dogg is the recipient of a top rope frog splash from Guerrero while Billy Gunn receives a top rope diving headbutt from Benoit. The four of them them walk up the ramp to the backstage area. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) retain the WWF Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero are seen with Cactus Jack, asking them if they heard the crowd and if they accepted his invitation to come to the World Wrestling Federation. Saturn says he has not had fun in a long time, and Cactus Jack then asks them what it is like to actually see people out in the crowd. He then tells then that to get over in the WWF, they have to make a lot of noise. He also tells them that the fun is just beginning, as they are going to have fun all night long.

Kurt Angle shows up. He mocks The Rock, saying "your Olympic hero" has come back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He insists he is still undefeated in the World Wrestling Federation, and tonight, he will face The Rock. He says that if history has taught anything from their previous encounter, The Rock is no match for him, and since Pittsburgh has very little to cheer about, he is officially naming himself Pittsburgh's new hometown hero. He says it is not Mario Lemieux anymore, and if Lemieux had a little more courage, maybe he would still be playing hockey today and he would still be able to save the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he will gladly start where Lemieux left off by beating The Rock tonight.

We see the first of three WWF commercials from the Super Bowl.

Backstage, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) tell Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley about what happened earlier with "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero. Triple H reminds them that Road Dogg hit one of them, and that this is their problem. Suddenly, Big Show - now with a much shorter haircut, which Triple H makes fun of - shows up and says he has proof in the form of WWF head of security. Dotson tells Triple H that The Rock's feet touched the ground first, but Triple H wants even more tangible proof in the form of video footage. He tells Big Show to bring video proof Thursday, and Big Show tells Triple H that if he does not give him what he want afterwards, he will take his anger out on his face.

Christian beats D-Von Dudley. During the match, Buh Buh Ray Dudley distracts the referee, but Edge gets in the ring and kicks D_Von in the match to help Christian get the win. After the match, The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von) attack Edge and Christian, thn pull a table out from underneath the ring before hitting Christian with the double-team headbutt to Christians crotch. Buh Bh Ray then throws a steel chair into the ring. As Buh Buh Ray puts Edge on the table and places the steel chair on top of him, The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) show up and fight off The Dudley, and Matt Hardy hits D-Von with a DDT from the corner into the table. Edge and Christian strike back, and lay Buh Buh Ray on a table at ringside. Jeff puts Buh Buh Ray through the table with a senton bomb from the top rope, then referees and officials show up to try to restore order.

Backstage, The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) show up as Cactus Jack talks with Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy), "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero. They brag that they are not to be messed with. Not surprisingly, the Posse get beaten up by Benoit, Malenko, Saturn and Guerrero as everyone else watches.

Big Show beats Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) in a 2-on-1 handicap match. It is announced that Rikishi is suffering from a severely sprained ankle after his match with The Rock on last week's SmackDown. After the match, The Rock is on the TitanTron. He congratulates Big Show on his victory, then makes fun of his haircut and says he is now a short-haired "seven-foot, 500 lb. of stinking, steaming monkey crap" as opposed to a long-haired one. If Big Show wants to run his mouth about having evidence The Rock did not win the Royal Rumble Match, he is tired of hearing him whine, bitch, cry and moan like a baby, then says he has something for Big Show to hear in the form of the millions of his fans chanting his name (during which Big Show covers his ears). He then tells Big Show to go back to Supercuts and get his five dollars back before calling him a jabroni, then focuses on Kurt Angle. He says Angle has never, ever beaten him, and tonight, he will will win a gold medal for kicking his candy ass all over Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Rock beats Kurt Angle. During the match, Kurt Angle chews out the fans for booing him when he was he was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and The Rock punches him before telling him "It doesn't matter where you were born!" Later on in the match, Kurt Angle tries to walk out of the match, but Tazz shows up, grabs him from behind and tosses him back into the ring. The Rock then gives Kurt Angle his first pinfall loss. After the match, The Rock goes after Angle, but so does Taz, and Tazz inadvertently clotheslines The Rock after Angle ducks. Tazz then chases Angle to the back.

Backstage, The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) are playing a card game when The Mean Street Posse barges in, giving them a bunch of money in exchange for protection after being beaten up earlier by "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero. They take the money and do just that, but if they hear one peep out of them, the deal is off. This gives Bradshaw the idea of turning The Acolytes into a protection agency as a side business.

Backstage, "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero meet with D'Lo Brown, The Godfather, Test and Val Venis. Perry Saturn wants to know where the women are at.

Chyna and Chris Jericho walk side-by-side to the ring backstage.

This week's issue of Newsweek features Chyna and The Rock on the cover and features an article about the success of The World Wrestling Federation and why America is hooked on wrestling.

WAR ZONE

Before the next match, Chris Jericho welcomes everyone to "Raw Is Jericho," then tells X-Pac he is thrilled that he has hooked up with Tori, as he has finally got to kiss a girl for the first time in his life. Also, he says X-Pac has found the one girl who is stupider than he is, and that he can con her into giving him a full massage after he gives him a beating he will never, ever forget.

X-Pac beats Chris Jericho. During the match, referee Jack Doan catches Chyna punching X-Pac in the face from ringside, and as Jack Doan is dealing with Chyna, Tori gets on the apron as Jericho has X-Pac in the Walls of Jericho to hit him with the Intercontinental Championship. X-Pac then hits the X-Factor to get the win. Chyna then punches Tori in the face before checking on Jericho.

We see The Kat backstage, then we see her opponent in the next match: Hervina, who looks a lot like a man dressed as a woman.

We see the second of three WWF commercials from the Super Bowl.

Bradshaw builds on the protection agency idea - which he now calls the "Acolytes Protection Agency" - to Faarooq. Suddenly, The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up, wanting the protection services of as well, as they have just gotten attacked backstage. They don't have any money, but they will cut them a check. Faarooq tells them that if the check bounces, so will they.

Hervina beats The Kat in a Lumberjill Snow Bunny Match - complete with a snow ring near the stage - to become the WWF Women's Champion! After the match, Michael Cole interviews Hervina, who sounds very much like a man. Hervina is actually Harvey Wippleman, and while Michael Cole finds it funny, the rest of the women around the snow ring do not, and they go on the attack.

Cactus Jack, "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero head to Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley's office backstage.

We see some of the fans at WWF New York in Times Square in New York City, New York.

Backstage at Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley's office, Cactus Jack introduces Triple H and Stephanie to "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero. Cactus tells them they want to work here and that he is offering the deal of a lifetime, but Triple H is irritated with Cactus Jack for not telling them he would be bringing guests as well as the "radicals" for their behavior during the show. He also says that the "radicals" should be the ones asking for a job. Stephanie says he has heard the rumors that they have not played nice with management and have participated in back-biting in World Championship Wrestling, and wants to know how she can expect them not to do the same thing here. Benoit says they want an opportunity, but Triple H says he will think about it and let them know, and he will deal with Cactus Jack later.

The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) beat Viscera in a 2-on-1 handicap match after Crash Holly holds on to one of Viscera's fet after a top rope cross body from Hardcore Holly. After the match, Viscera tosses Hardcore Holly out of the ring before body slamming Crash and hitting him with a splash.

We see a third commercial for WWF involving old people in a retirement center, which was rejected by ABC for air during the Super Bowl.

As we see fans in WWF New York in Times Square in New York City, New York, m it is announced that Jim Ross' interview with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin from Halftime Heat is coming up next.

At WWF New York at Times Square in New York City, New York, Lilian Garcia announces there will be a big news conference, this Thursday, and it will involve the WWF and pro football.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) show up to watch from ringside for the next match.

Buh Buh Ray Dudley beats Matt Hardy by disqualification. During the match, D-Von Dudley tosses a steel chair to Buh Buh Ray, but Matt catches it instead. After missing with the first swing, Matt nails Buh Buh Ray on the head during the second, ending the match. After the match, The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) attack The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) along with The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley), then Edge and Christian show up just before Matt Hardy falls victim to a Dudley Death Drop. The Acoltyes make quick work of them at ringside, and Christian is thrown into the ring to become the next victim of a Dudley Death Drop. The Acolytes and The Sudleys then pull two tables out from underneath the ring, and as a third table is stacked on top of the first two, Buh Buh Ray repeatedly tells The Acolytes to do as he says, as he is paying them. The Acolytes lay Matt Hardy on top of the third table, then steel steps are placed nearby in the ring. D-Von and Buh Buh Ray then powerbomb Jeff Hardy into Matt, sending the Hardys through three tables from the steel steps. Referees and officials check on The Hardy Boyz.

Backstage, Cactus Jack tells "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero that Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up, overhearing their conversation, and Triple H says the four of them are not quite ready to hang in the WWF and that they should leave. Triple H and Stephanie call for security, but the "radicals" leave peacefully despite security following them. Cactus Jack tells Triple H he just made a big mistake.

It is announced that SmackDown has set an all-time ratings record during United States President Bill Clinton's 2000 State of the Union Address.

Kane fails to show up for the next match. Triple H says he knows Kane is back there, shakig like a leaf and crying, and he cannot blame him and says he would not want to get in the ring with himself. After the week Kane has had, Kane cannot hang with X-Pac and Tori has to "dump [his] burnt little ass and go with a real man." He says Kane has been beaten up, humiliated and now has to come out to the ring before The Game, the man and the World Wrestling Federation so he can have his ass handed to him on national television. He gives Kane a chance to come out to the ring and be a man, and if he does not, he will go backstage and drag him into the ring. He then gives Kane ten seconds to come to the ring. Triple H counts down, but stops at five and decides to go to the back. Suddenly, Cactus Jack shows up, and says he invited four guests at his request to the WWF, and he and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley had the gall to throw them out. He says he has bled and sweated with "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero, and says they can bring down the house anywhere in the free world. He also says that he likes these four men. If Triple H has done some thinking, he has done some thinking of his own, and while he considered letting bygones be bygones, he has decided to take a piece of Triple H's ass. Stephanie is on commentary at this point, and Cactus Jack gets in the ring and brawls with Triple H. Triple H eventually manages to roll out of the ring, and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley is about to join him when "The Canadian Crippler" Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero show up and throw Triple H back into the ring to beat him up for not hiring them. Triple H is then whipped into the WWF Championship, then the "radicals" take the boots to Triple H before whipping him into the WWF Championship again to end the show.

Extreme Nation - ECW on TNN recap for January 28, 2000

Backstage, Francine finds Raven in a darkened room and tries to get him to the ring so he and "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer can face Rhino and Steve Corino tonight. Raven refuses to wrestle tonight, saying he does everything for everybody else and never gets thanked for it. He also says that his father was right about him, and that he is useless without the tag team titles. Tommy Dreamer shows up and demands he get up and go, but Raven refuses, and Francine has to tell Dreamer to leave Raven be.

Joey Styles and "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner welcome everyone to tonight's show. As Gertner makes fun of Cyrus and makes a reference to fellatio, the camera cuts to the production truck, where Cyrus shuts the broadcast off and tells the audience that he has a five wrestlers who want their releases and are going to walk if Gertner is no longer color commentator. He says everyone has better things to do with their time than seeing Gertner put himself over, such as last week's confrontation between Rob Van Dam and Mike Awesome, which is replayed.

Backstage, "Judge" Jeff Jones has a few things to clear up. Mike Awesome tells Jones to forget about Rob Van Dam, as tonight is about Spike Dudley. He is ECW World Heavyweight Champion because he is awesome, and he is focused on beating Spike Dudley and putting him through a table. He admits Spike proved how tough he can be at Guilty As Charged, but he also showed how tough he can be. If Spike wants to challenge him for the World title, all he has to do is get in the ring, as he will kick his ass all over the arena.

Tajiri beats Little Guido. During the match, it is announced that New Orleans Saints starting tight end Josh Wilcox will volunteer to be "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer's partner against Rhino and Steve Corino later tonight. Also, Big Sal E. Graziano gets on the apron with a steel chair, but Tajiri drop kicks him off.

We hear from Rob Van Dam and Bill Alfonso. RVD tells Sabu not to think he doesn't appreciate what he has done for him, and that he hopes he understands that the student has betterd the master and that he is better than Sabu. He says it bothers Sabu that he was destined for great things, and he would have still let Sabu carry his bags and even the ECW World Television Championship, but Sabu didn't want it that way. Since Sabu knows he can't beat him, he attacks him along with Mike Awesome in an attempt to bring him down, but he can't be brought down. RVD tells Sabu he will continue to kick his ass for as long as he comes around. As for Mike Awesome, he's a "big motherfucker" and a hell of a World Champion, and while he is World Champion for now, RVD has held the World Television title for almost two years because he is the best wrestler in the business, meaning Awesome is not as good as he is. RVD says Awesome knows he is the better wrestler, which is why the crowd cheers for RVD and he knows he is the best. He then says there is a reason why he is called "the whole fuckin' show."

Rhino and Steve Corino beat "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Josh Wilcox after Wilcox turns on Dreamer with a steel chair. After the match, Wilcox takes a bunch of money from Jack Victory, then Francine gets on top of Wilcox only to be plucked away and taken to the back by Rhino. Corino commends Wilcox on doing good for himself, then they both hug. Wilcox turns on the fans, saying that they booed the Saints and that the fans suck, not the New Orleans Saints. Wilcox goes on to say he takes pride in his job whiel the "unemployed bastards" in the crowds are drinking beer, then tells the crowd to kiss his ass. Corino tells the New Orleans, Louisiana crowd that Wilcox is the real savior of the Saints, then calls out "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Dusty shows up, then punches both Wilcox and Victory repeatedly. Corino gets behind him only to get kicked in the groin before receiving an elbow to the head, then Wilcox becomes the recipient of a bionic elbow.

Mike Awesome retains the ECW World Heavyweight Championship against Spike Dudley. After the match, referee Mike Kehner eats an Awesome Bomb. Awesome then tells Rob Van Dam that if he is not laid up in a hospital somewhere and if he has the balls, then he can come to the ring and show how awesome he can be. RVD and Bill Alfonso show up, but Sabu attacks RVD from behind and the two of them brawl at ringside. Awesome goes for a leap over the top rope onto RVD, but RVD sidesteps and Awesome hits Sabu instead. The show ends with RVD hitting a somersault senton on both Sabu and Awesome.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 27, 2000

Before the next match, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn tells Al Snow that if he has a shot in Hell at beating him, then everyone still has two words for him: suck it. Backstage, Al Snow asks "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman if he has heard the news, and says that after he beats Billy Gunn, they will get a tag team title shot on Raw. Blackman says he is glad that Snow is taking something seriously after the "Head Cheese" chants from this week's Raw. Snow then puts bunny ears on Blackman's head to propose the team name of "Snow Bunny," but he can tell that Blackman does not like it, and decides to stick with "Head Cheese."

Al Snow beats "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn by disqualification to earn himself and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships on Raw. During the match, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman shows up with a Kendo stick and tries to hit Billy Gunn with it, but Billy Gunn kicks him and uses it against him before smacking Snow with it in full view of referee Jimmy Korderas.

Backstage, Triple H tells WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley that tonight is not going as planned and that tonight will not go down the same way that this week's Raw did. Stephanie says it is okay, as The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) will have no problem defeating Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman. She says the real problem is The Rock and Rikishi, but Triple H says there will be no alliance between them as they will be facing each other tonight. Big Show enters the room and tells Triple H that he has proof that he won the Royal Rumble Match, and produces photographs. They are a bit fuzzy, and Triple H asks for something more tangible, such as an eyewitness. Triple H also asks Big Show that he has a match tonight.

This week's four collectible "Presidential Smackdown!" TV Guide covers - featuring The Rock, Triple H, Mankind and Chyna - are available on newsstands now!

Cactus Jack shows up with a steel pipe in his hands. He may be Cactus Jack, but he is no idiot. There were eight guys in the back waiting for him, so he came with a pipe. In some ways, one of the biggest triumphs and greatest matches in his life as well as probably wrestling history was last night's match with Triple H, but it was also a disappointment because he did not win the WWF Championship. He saw a side of Triple H he did not see that was more rougher and more sadistic, and Triple H proved his was the WWF Champion and "the game." However, it does not matter whether you win or lose; it's how you maim "the game." Cactus Jack goes on to stay that Triple H made some predictions that only halfway came true, as there was blood staining New York City, but it was Triple H's, as he busted his head open and beat him into unconsciousness. He says Triple H looked like he survived a trip through Hell while he looked like he just had a pretty good time, and he thinks Baltimore, Maryland and the SmackDown fans around the world deserve another good time, and he challenges Triple H to another match right now. Triple H's music hits, but WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley shows up instead. Cactus Jack says this isn't what he had in mind, and Stephanie cays Cactus Jack is pathetic for salvaging his reputation after Triple H beat him at his own game. She says Triple H wanted to come out here, but they both thought about it and realized there is no point as Triple H is just as crazy, sadistic and tough as Cactus Jack. Cactus Jack admits Triple H is "a hell of a man" and Stephanie "a hell of a woman," but there is no way the two of them will produce an heir as Triple H has "absolutely no testicles." Stephanie immediately slaps Cactus Jack in the face for that comment, but Cactus Jack likes it. He wants to slap the taste out of Stephanie's mouth, but instead, he will play a game called "Slap me again and find out what happens." He dares Stephanie to lay it in and find out what happens next, and scares Stephanie out of the ring in the process. He then says he wants to follow her back to the hole she crawled out of, find Triple H and beat the living crap out of him, but the sight of her and Triple H makes him sick, so he will go against his better judgment and get out of town just this once. However, he tells her to send a message to Triple H: if he wants to finish what they started, he is ready.

This Sunday on Halftime Heat: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin makes his first television appearance since being injured!

We see footage from during the commercial break where Cactus Jack leaves the arena.

Hardcore Holly is talking to cousin Crash Holly backstage, saying that the family is worried about them and that they need to get back together. Crash says he is happy with his partnership with Viscera at the moment, but Hardcore Holly proposes taking Viscera out.

Before the next match, Edge and Christian wish Terri Runnels a speedy recovery and stating that they have The Hardy Boyz' (Jeff and Matt Hardy) back. They hope The Hardys are watching tonight, because they are going to defeat The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley).

Edge and Christian beat The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley). After the match, The Dudley Boyz continue to attack Edge and Christian, and Edge falls victim to a Dudley Death Drop, as does Christian. Buh Buh Ray Dudley then pulls a table from underneath the ring, and Edge is laid on top of it before Christian is powerbombed into Edge and through the table from the apron by Buh Buh Ray.

Backstage, Triple H tells WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley to calm down, as Cactus Jack is no longer in the building. As he continues to talk to Stephanie, Kane busts into the room demanding X-Pac and wanting him now. Triple H tells him X-Pac is not here, and that he will get him on Raw. Stephanie then tells Kane that this will happen if he can beat Big Show tonight. Kane leaves the room.

Viscera beats Hardcore Holly. During the match, Crash Holly shows up and watches from ringside with a look of concern on his face. Afger After the match, Crash gets on top of Viscera, and Hardcore kicks Viscera in the leg before Hardcore and Crash double-team him and clothesline him out of the ring. The Hollys are back together.

Backstage, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley meet with Big Show again. As Big Show takes his photographs back, he tells them he is doing them a fgavor, and tells them not to abuse the privilege.

Kane vs. Big Show ends in a no-contest. During the match, X-Pac shows up and chases Tori around the ring. He grabs her Tori, but Kane gets out of the ring and almost choke slams Tori when Big Show hits Kane with a double axe-handle. Billy Gunn and Triple H show up and join X-Pac and Big Show in ambushing Kane beofre throwing Kane into the steel steps. During the brouhaha, the referee is also taken out. Triple H grabs a steel chair and smashes it into Kane's head. Kane is forced to watch as Big Show choke slams Kane before Kane is tied to the ring post. X-Pac then tells Kane "The X-Pac-Tori Christmas story." He skips straight to the part in the hotel room where Tori seduced him, took off her clothes until she was standing there totally nude before bragging about how hot Tori was. He then talks about how Tori ripped his clothes off before kissing him all over and proceed to "take him for a ride until the break of dawn." He tells Kane he hopes he enjoyed the store, then he tells Tori she can do whatever she wants. Tori almost leaves the ring, but then she stands in the corner, walks towards X-Pac and kisses him on the lips. Kane is forced to watch as he is tied to the ring post. Kane is betrayed again, this time by Tori.

We see footage during the commercial break of Kane leaving the arena.

The Godfather and D'Lo Brown vs. Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) ends when Scotty 2 Hotty does the Worm and The Godfather decides that if they want a party, they will get one. As everyone - including The Godfather's hos - get in the ring to party, "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry and Mae Young show up, and use the opportunity to announce that Mae Young is pregnant. The crowd cheers, as do the hos, but D'Lo, The Godfather and Too Cool are absolutely disgusted.

Backstage, The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) are making fun of the news of Mae Young's pregnancy when Tazz passed by. They then proceed to make fun of how short Tazz is when Tazz turns around and challenges all three of them to a match.

Test retains the WWF Hardcore Championship against Gangrel after Luna Vachon inadvertently hits Gangrel with a snow shovel - before being powerbombed into a nearby piano by Test - before Test elbow drops Gangrel in a pile of cardboard boxes in the loading dock of the arena.

Backstage, The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) argue over who faces Tazz, whose name they constantly butcher.

No Way Out is live on pay-per-view on February 27th!

Tazz beats The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) in a 3-on-1 handicap match after Pete Gas taps out to the Tazzmission. After the match, Tazz is blindsided from behind by Kurt ANgle, who tosses Tazz into the ring and slams into the mat before putting him into a Tazzmission of his own.

The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) talk backstage. Crash hopes that Hardcore won't be jealous of him, because he plans to do something tonight that Hardcore could not: win the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Chyna shows up to watch from ringside for the next match. (This is the first appearance of her pyrotechnics bazooka, which she fires into the air from the stage.

Before the next match, Chris Jericho welcomes everyone to "Baltimore Is Jericho," then says he does not blame Hardcore Holly for being jealous of his cousin Crash Holly, because he would be jealous if his cousin was Saturday morning cartoon star Elroy Jetson. Tonight, he is going to give Crash a horrible and savage beating that he will never, ever forget.

Chris Jericho retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Crash Holly. During the match, Hardcore Holly hits Chris Jericho in the head with the Intercontinental Championship, then kicks Chyna in the face when she approaches him. Chris Jericho kicks out and manages to lock in the Walls of Jericho, and when Hardcore Holly gets on the apron, Chyna stops Hardcore from climbing into the ring to help Jericho retain. After the match, Chyna hands the Intercontinental title to Jericho and raises his hand in victory.

Before the next match, it is announced that The Rock will guest star on Star Trek: Voyager on UPN on February 9th. The Rock then says he appreciates what Rikishi did for him on Raw, but tonight is a different night and a different show. He says Rikishi will stand in the center of the ring, surrounded by the millions of The Rock's fans chanting The Rock's name. He then mocks Big Show's complaining that he won the Royal Rumble Match, and tells Big Show that if he wants to investigate something, he should take all the evidence he has and stick it all up his candy ass.

Rikishi beats The Rock by disqualification. During the match, Rikishi inadvertently runs The Rock into referee Earl Hebner, sandwiching Earl Hebner into the corner. Rikishi hits the Banzai Drop, but Big Show gets into the ring and clotheslines Rikishi, ending the match. Big Show then attacks The Rock and choke slams him in the middle of the ring. Triple H then shows up and hits Rikishi with a Pedigree. WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmlsley shows up to get a closer look then, Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) run in and fight off Triple H and Big Show only to be immediately decimated and put in a double choke slam by Big Show. Triple H, Stephanie and Big Show celebrate in the middle of the ring, then Triple H punches out referee Earl Hebner.

Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for January 24, 2000

In memory of Bobby Duncum, Jr., (Bobby Duncum, Jr., who passed away on this very day, had not been seen since the June of 1999, as he had suffered a torn rotator cuff. It later becomes known that he had accidentally overdosed on a painkiller prescribed by his doctor.)

Four black limousines pull up into the arena. Each one contains a different member of The New World Order (Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner) but all of them contain women. However, one of them contains Scott Hall, who has not been seen in a little while.

Before the next match, Juventud Guerrera imitates The Rock, saying "Finally, The Juice has come back to Las Vegas!" even though tonight's show is in Los Angeles, California. He then says "It doesn't matter where we are, because The Juice is in the house, and the house is with The Juice! And tonight, the millions and millions of The Juice's fans will be chanting The Juice's name! Ju-vi! Ju-vi! Ju-vi! If you smell what The Juice is cooking!"

Psychosis beats Kaz Hayashi to advance in the WCW Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.

Terry Funk and "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson are seen backstage. The New World Order (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner) see this, then WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash tells Jeff Jarrett that he has flunked his physical and will be unable to work tonight, but he has a plan.

After the break, The New World Order see someone backstage walking around in their gear on the screen. WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash decides to book this person in hardcore match with Bam Bam Bigelow.

The Wall beats Kid Romeo, the latter of whom is debuting on Nitro.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Sid Vicious backstage. Sid asks how the nWo expects to stop him with a roadblock when he is like an out-of-control monster truck. He is in WCW for one purpose: to become WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Kevin Nash may be WCW Commissioner, but he is the man who can veto his power and possibly his career.

"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson talks with Bam Bam Bigelow backstage in an attempt to rally some support against WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash, but Bam Bam Bigelow shows how easily he can be bought by telling Arn Anderson that he would wrestle his mother for $15,000. Anderson tells him "It's your funeral, big man."

Backstage, Scott Steiner tells Scott Hall he has an idea, and asks the women around him what they want to see, as he says that Kevin Nash cannot be the only one screwing around with WCW programming. They want to see "blood and guts," then Scott Hall says there are three guys in the back waiting for an opportunity. Scott asks one of him women to to get them. (This is the first instance of Midaja being mentioned by name.) Three men walk in, and Scott Hall tells them that WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash has authorized him and Scott Steiner to give one of them a chance to wrestle live on WCW Monday Nitro tonight, and asks who wants to do it. One of them - Al Green - gets the chance.

3 Count (Evan Karagias, Shane Helms, Shannon Moore) are in the ring. Evan thanks the ladies for all the fan mail, and thanks everyone who made them #1. They are about to perform when "Screamin'" Norman Smiley shows up. When Smiley gets in the ring, he is triple-teamed by 3 Count.

"Screamin'" Norman Smiley beats Shannon Moore with the Norman Conquest.

As Scott Hall, Scott Steiner and their women accompany Al Green to the ring, WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash asks The Harris Brothers (Ron and Don Harris) which one of them will face Sid Vicious tonight. Ron steps up to the plate.

Scott Steiner, Scott Hall and their female companions watch the next match from backstage. Al Green's opponent is none other than Tank Abbott.

Tank Abbott beats Al Green after knocking him out with a right cross. After the match, Tank Abbott looks at a man who is saying things to him, then Abbott leaves. Mike Tenay reveals that this man was involved with Tank Abbott during his UFC days as a bodyguard.

Backstage, Scott Steiner, Scott Hall and their female companions cheer.

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan interviews the man that Abbott looked at easlier. He says he and Tank have a long history, as they rode and fought a lot of hard miles together, but says Tank Abbott makes him sick for being a sell-out. He also refuses to identify himself.

"The Cat" Ernest Miller shows up for the first time in months, now with bleached blonde hair and a clean-shaven look. He says he was sitting at him when he hard about how his fans were awaiting his return. He cannot wait to return, but he is here and he is going to whup everybody in here, starting with the locker room and ending with a large man in the crowd. He has also practiced a few dance moves, which he shows off. He then says he shook up the world and that he has to be the greatest, and that the crowd makes him sick.

Scott Steiner and Scott Hall see Al Green off to the ambulance, then laugh about all the money in their hands.

Terry Funk is attacked from behind with a steel chair by Bam Bam Bigelow backstage, starting their hardcore match early.

Terry Funk beats Bam Bam Bigelow in a hardcore match after Fit Finley and Brian Knobbs attack Bam Bam and help Terry Funk get the win. After the match, Terry Funk tells WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash he will have to kill him to get rid of him, and that he will be a thorn in his side for the rest of his life. He has plans for Nash, and at Thunder, he wil have some reinforcement for Nash and The New World Order (Nash, Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett.)

Sid Vicious beats Ron Harris. During the match, The Harris Brothers (Ron and Don Harris) switch places behind the referee's back, but Sid still hits the powerbomb on Don and pins him to get the win.

Kidman beats Vampiro. David Arquette from Ready To Rumble and Courtney Cox from Friends are seen in the front row during the match.

Backstage, "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson is on the phone with someone, asking them to be in Las Vegas, Nevada for Thunder. The person on the other end says they will be there, and Anderson tells them he and Funk will see him in Las Vegas.

Backstage, WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash is getting a massage when Jeff Jarrett mentions that Nash has a match. Nash says he is taking his match seriously and that "they have it in the bag."

"Mean" Gene Okerlund tries to interview Vampiro, but the interview is plagued by technical difficulties.

Before the next match, Miss Elizabeth introduces The Total Package as "the finest specimen in sports entertainment." The Total Package sys it is funny when the crowd chants that they want Sting, for as of late, he has asked where Sting is. For every day that Sting doesn't show up, he grows stronger from his weakness. He came back from surgery bigger, faster and stronger than anyone on Earth, and now Sting is licking his wounds wondering if he will ever wrestle again against him. His record has been unblemished for 14 years, standing at 6'4", 275 lbs. and 4% body fat - unheard of in modern physiology. He then says thee is no one out there who can deter the path of The Total Package to claim his greatness in this sport, including Hulk Hogan.

The Total Package beats Booker T with the Torture Rack. During the match, Miss Elizabeth gets on the apron, but Midnight meets her there and causes her to retreat. As this happens, Stevie Ray gets on the apron so that Big T can attack Booker from behind. The Total Package then gets an unconscious Booker T up for the Torture Rack for the win. After the match, the lights go out, and Sting shows up on the stage and points a baseball bat at The Total Package. When the lights go out, Sting has disappeared.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Vampiro. Vampiro says he is humbled by the experience of being in WCW. He has respect for Kidman, whom he says has opened pages that have not been opened in a long time, and he hopes to have a rematch against him on Thunder.

David Flair, Daffney and Crowbar take over the commentary table for the next match, kicking Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan off commentary for the next match. David Arquette and Courtney Cox are seen in the front row again.

Johnny the Bull and Big Vito - now known as The Mamalukes - retain the WCW World Tag Team Championships against Fit Finley and Brian Knobbs. Standards and Practices (Lodi, Lenny Lane, Miss Hancock) are briefly seen at the ramp, and while Lodi and Lenny Lane leave, Miss Hancock approaches the ring while still writing on a clipboard. Before Miss Hancock leaves, Disco Inferno tries to impress her and David Flair dances on the commentary table. When Miss Hancock leaves, David Flair and Daffney tease attacking her with the golden crowbar before kissing in the aisle. The match ends with Disco Inferno distracting the referee while Brian Knobbs nails Fit Finley in the back of the knee to give Big Vito the pinfall and the win.

Jeff Jarrett and WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash are seen approaching the ring backstage.

Before the next match, WCW Commissioner Kevin Nash says that as Commissioner, he has certain powers bestowed upon him. Those powers are stipulations in matches and actual matches themselves. When the crowd chants for Goldberg, Nash responds by saying they can chawnt for him all they want, as he does not work here any longer. In tonight's match, Sid Vicious will face him, and in an effort to mae things as fair as possible, he outlaws the powerbomb, even though both men in the match are known for using it. If Sid Vicious uses the powerbomb tonight, he will automatically forfeit the match and he will win. Nash then mentions that the rest of The New World Order (Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner) have headed to Las Vegas, Nevada in advance of a huge party for after he wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Sid Vicious beats Kevin Nash to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion! During the match, Sid Vicious accidentally sandwiches referee Charles Robinson between the corner and Kevin Nash - who has Sid in a sleeper hold - and knocks him out. While the referee is out, Sid goes for a powerbomb, but Jeff Jarrett shows up. Jeff gets beaten up, then Sid nails Nash in the head with the guitar before playing possum to make it look like he was the one to get hit wth the guitar. When Charles Robinson comes to, Sid pins Kevin Nash to win the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Confetti rains down as the show ends.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 24, 2000

RAW

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up to start tonight's show. Stephanie talks about how last night, Triple H once again proved to the world that he is The Game when he defeated Cactus Jack at his own game: a brutal, bloody, barbaric Street Fight. As the fans continue to call Stephanie a slut, she says that the WWF Championship should never have been defended in a demeaning manner, but with Triple H being the true fighting champion that he is, sunk to Cactus Jack's lowest low and rose to the occasion and remain the WWF Champion. Triple H takes the microphone and tells Cactus Jack he is not here to put him over, but admits he is the most sadistic freak he has ever stepped into the ring with in his life. He brought it all to Madison Square Garden, and every trick he had, he brought it to Royal Rumble, and while he may have left it all in Madison Square Garden, he left a piece of his leg and pints of his blood in New York City, but not the WWF Championship. As sadistic as Cactus Jack was, he was that much more sadistic. Last night, he went to a level he had never been to in his life, and he liked it. He stayed the man, The Game and the WWF Champion. However, he could not help but notice that as he rolled out of the hospital that Cactus Jack was rolling in and that he was going to be there a lot longer than he was, and says Cactus Jack will not be here tonight. At WrestleMania 2000 on April 2nd, he will face The Rock with the WWF Championship on the line. He tells The Rock he has ten weeks, and tells him to get in the best possible shape he can be as he will be at the top of his game, and they will battle in Anaheim, California and he will walk out the man. Suddenly, Big Show shows up and stares Triple H down in the ring before reminding him that he never gave him a rematch for the WWF Championship, as he knows that if he were Triple H, he wouldn't give him a rematch, either. He then tells Triple H he does not like him, then says everybody knows what happens to people he does not like. He then says he is here because a crime has been committed, and that he was robbed of a Royal Rumble victory. He says he is a nice guy and he does not lie, but last night at Royal Rumble, he went over the top with The Rock on his shoulders, and The Rock's feet touched the floor first. He then asks Triple H a favor: if he can prove to him, Stephanie and the fans beyond a shadow of a doubt pure proof on film that The Rock's feet hit the floor first, that he gets a one-on-one match with The Rock, with the winner going on to WrestleMania to face Triple H, where he plans to get his rematch. Triple H tells Big Show to show him the proof, and it is all his. The Rock then shows up, and stops at the stage. He tells Triple H that his days as WWF Champion are numbered, and at WrestleMania, he is just going to kick his monkey ass. As for Big Show, whom he immediately proceeds to mock, it does not matter if his feet touched the floor first or where they touched, as there is no instant replay and the only thing that matters is that he has won the Royal Rumble Match, he is going on to WrestleMania, and he stands before everyone as The People's Champion. Triple H tells Big Show that they have a common problem in The Rock, and proposes that they team up against The Rock and a partner of his choosing, assuming The Rock can "find one of those jabronis" and get them to tag with him. If he cannot find a partner, they will have a 2-on-1 handicap match. The Rock says if there is someone who wants to tag with him, that is fine, but he does not need a tag team partner, and they will both smell what The Rock is cookin'.

The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) stand in front of the women's locker room. Crash tells Hardcore he doesn't have the guts to go into the women's locker room, but he does it anyway. When he goes in, Chyna gets out as everyone else is screaming, and Chyna tells Hardcore Holly that if he is that desperate, then he will learn respect for her and the rest of the women in the locker room. Hardcore Holly says that he is the big shot, and if it wasn't for him, she would be the Intercontinental Champion by now. Hardcore Holly then punches Chyna in the face, but he is attacked from behind by Chris Jericho. Referees and officials have to restore order. Crash laughs at Hardcore Holly, and he too gets decked by Hardcore.

Backstage, Al Snow tells "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman that they are a perfect pair and that they need to take it to the next level with a team name. He puts Blackman in a cape and a black wig in an attempt to dress him like Dracula, saying he has "the personality of a dead guy." Blackman does not like the idea, and Snow proposes the idea of Blackman carrying a small wheel of cheese to the ring, as they will go by the name of "Head Cheese." Blackman thinks the idea is ridiculous, and Snow pulls out a Hungry Hungro Hippos box, proposing the name "Head Games." Blackman walks away frustrated.

Edge and Christian vs. Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman ends when Edge is injured followed byu a a combination backbreaker-leg drop from Snow and Blackman during the match. Val Venis shows up to check on his future brother-in-law, as does B.B. B.B. gives him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before Edge is helped to the back. During the match, the crowd chants "Head Cheese," much to the displeasure of Blackman.

Crash Holly is reluctant to follow Hardcore Holly to the ring, saying he will find a new tag team partner. Hardcore Holly tells Crash to do what he has to do while he does what he has to do.

Chris Jericho retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Hardcore Holly. During the match, Chyna shows up, and when she tries to grab Hardcore Holly by the leg, he beats her up before grabbing a steel chair to hit her with it. Jericho takes the steel chair away and attacks him before sending him back into the ring, bringing the steel chair with him. Jericho gets tied up in the ropes, and as the referee is pre-occupied, Chyna hits Hardcore Holly with a Pedigree into the steel chair, allowing Jericho to get the win. After the match, Chyna raises Jericho's hand and gives him the Intercontinental title.

Michael Cole interviews Terri Runnels and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy). Jeff says last night was brutal, but now it is time to forget about the pain and think about the titles. Matt says they are all about defying the odds, as they did it last night and they will do it tonight. Suddenly, The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up, saying The Hardys kept them up all night last night by beating them at their own game and taking them to the extreme before shaking their hands in a show of proper respect. They also make it known that if the Hardys win the tag team titles, they get the first shot. Jeff says they've got it. They also tell The Hardys not to hesitate to call them if they need a hand.

The World Wrestling Federation reminds viewers to keep the action in the ring, not at home or at school.

Crash's tag team partner is revealed to be Viscera.

Crash Holly and Viscera beat Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty).

At WWF New York in Times Square in New York City, Jonathan Coachman is surrounded by fans as he advertises the venue.

Kane beats X-Pac by disqualification. During the match, Tori gets in the ring to avoid a brawl between Kane and X-Pac at ringside, and X-Pac gets in the ring and forces himself on her. Kane checks on a screaming Tori, then X-Pac brings a steel chair into the ring and smacks Kane in the back with it while Tori is still in his arms.

Backstage, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley tells Triple H not to compete tonight when Tori and Kane barge in, demanding to know where X-Pac is. They are told that X-Pac is gone and has already left.

WAR ZONE

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) vs. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) for the WWF Tag Team Championships ends in a no-contest. Not long after the match begins, The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up and set up a table at ringside before watching the match. When The Hardy Boyz have the match won, Buh Buh Ray drags referee Mike Chioda out of the ring before they hit The Hardy Boyz with the Dudley Death Drop. They then bring the table into the ring, and Terri Runnels gets into the ring to plead with the Dudleys. It doesn't work, and D-Von threatens to punch her in the face. Buh Buh Ray asks D-Von why he would want to do that when they can put her through a table. Buh Buh Ray puts Terri through the table with a a sit-out powerbomb from the top rope. Referees and officials rush into the ring to check on Terri.

Terri Runnels is fitted with a neck brace and placed on a stretcher. Kurt Angle shows up and says things like what happened to Terri is really bad and should not happen, but goes on to say that what is worse is that he was choked out by Taz last night. He says that it is not really his fault and that he is some sort of street thug who was not raised correctly and therefore lacks integrity. As he speaks, Terri Runnels is rushed to the ambulance. He is here to clear the air and to say that no apologies are necessary, and his undefeated streak is still intact (despite being beaten last night). Unfortunately for Angle, Taz (whose name is now spelled with two Z's) comes back. Angle insists that the Tazmission is an illegal hold, but Taz rushes up to Angle and puts him in it again. Tazz ends up choking Angle out, and referees and officials have to pull Tazz off Angle.

This week's TV Guide features four collectible covers of The Rock, Triple H, Mankind and Chyna.

Michael Cole interviews The Rock, who says that his tag team partner tonight is himself, and he will beat Big Show and Triple H on his own.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) beat D'Lo Brown and The Godfather.

Back at WWF New York in Times Square in New York City, Jonathan Coachman reports on fan reactions on tonight's show.

Jerry "The King" Lawler introduces the contestants of the Miss Royal Rumble 2000 swimsuit competition: The Kat, Jacqueline, B.B., Ivory, Luna Vachon and Mae Young. Mae Young is crowned the winner of the contest, and is given the crown and a bouquet of flowers. Lawler jokes that the flowers are not wilted like the "puppies" she showed to everyone last night, but Mae Young counters by saying her puppies are real. This leads to everyone else accusing each other of having a boob job, which leads to a brawl that referees and officials have to break up as clothes get ripped off. Mae Young then says the people want to see her "puppies" again. Everyone in the ring tries to stop her from disrobing, and when she shows her breasts, "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry has to run in and cover Mae Young up again.

Triple H and Big Show talk backstage about how nobody wants to tag with The Rock, and propose that they destroy The Rock together and put an end to him once and for all.

We see footage from earlier today of Droz in a wheelchair. This is his first appearance on WWF programming since being injured. (Despite the hopes that Droz will be back, Droz is bound to a wheelchair for life and is forced to retire.)

Test vs. The Big Boss Man ends as soon as it begins when Boss Man is attacked with a nightstick by Stevie Richards, who is mimicking Test. Stevie Richards offer to shake his hand, but Test hits him with a pump handle power slam followed by a top rope elbow drop.

Michael Cole reports that Terri Runnels is in a local medical facility. Her injuries and condition are not yet known, but updates will be forthcoming.

Before the next match, Rikishi Phatu shows up to team with The Rock.

The Rock and Rikishi Phatu beat Triple H and Big Show by disqualification after The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) run in and attack Rikishi. After the match, Tripel H punches out Earl Hebner before Cactus Jack runs to the ring. The Rock fights back against Triple H and Big Show, and Cactus Jack evens the odds with a 2x4.

Royal Rumble 2000 - The Results

Kurt Angle shows up and says he is very proud to be in Madison Square Garden. He says a building this famous deserves a true champion performing in it, then says that if everyone were to wait for Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks to bring home a championship, they would be waiting forever. Tonight, even if it is for just one night, he is honored to be New York City's champion. As for his unnamed opponent, he says this person much be nervous going up against an undefeated hero, and wants that person to take a nice, deep breath, let it out, and remember that this is something they can tell their grandchildren about someday. As the crowd chants "We want Taz," Angle tells the unnamed opponent to remember his three I's - integrity, intensity, and intelligence - and give it their all. The orange logo and lights that have been seen on Raw and SmackDown for week show up, but there is now more footage on the TitanTron. Out of the back comes Taz, who as of a few months ago has left Extreme Championship Wrestling.

Taz beats Kurt Angle by referee stoppage with the Tazmission, bringing Kurt Angle's undefeated streak to an end. After the match, officials and medical staff have to check on Angle.

Michael Cole interviews The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and Terri Runnels. Terri says she and The Hardy Boyz are going to tear the roof off Madison Square Garden, but Jeff tells her she is not going to be at ringside with them due to how violent The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) are. Matt says that The Dudley Boyz are the masters of putting people through tables, and that he and Jeff were never supposed to be in the WWF. Matt says he and Jeff will put The Dudley Boyz through tables or they are going to die trying.

Before the next match, Buh Buh Ray Dudley asks D-Von if he can believe how ass-backwards the people of New York City are, as they cheer for "those pretty boy punks" The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) but have the nerve to boo Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker. D-Von says that if New York City was smart, they would elect John Rocker as their mayor to clean up their miserable concerned. As far as The Hardy Boyz are concerned, they might as well tuck their heads between their legs and kiss their sorry asses goodbye.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) in a Tag Team Tables Match.

We see footage from earlier tonight where Kurt Angle is checked on backstage. Angle is unsteady and still in a daze, and believes that he is still undefeated.

Mae Young beats Ivory, Terri Runnels, Jacqueline, B.B., Luna Vachon and The Kat (who is wearing a two-piece bubble wrap bikini) to win the Miss Rumble 2000 swimsuit competition. Mae Young shows up at the last second to compete, and ends up unzipping her swimsuit to expose her breasts after saying that everyone in the crowd wants to see her puppies. "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry has to run into the ring to cover Mae Young up. Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea, The Fabulous Moolah, Johnny Valiant and "Classy" Freddy Blassie are the judges, Jerry "The King' Lawler is the master of ceremonies, and Andy Richter of The Conan O'Brien Show is special guest judge.

Ten blocks away from Madison Square Garden at WWF New York in Times Square, Jonathan Coachman advertises the place while surrounded by screaming fans.

Dave Hebner takes the WWF Intercontinental Championship away from both Chris Jericho and Chyna as they argue over who will wear it on the way to the ring for the next match.

WWF reminds the viewers at home that the action should stay in the ring and not be performed at home or school.

Before the next match, Chris Jericho welcomes everyone to "Madison Square Jericho," and says that after he becomes the unidsputed WWF Intercontinental Champion tonight, the Jerichoholics will throw a celebration that will make the New Year's celebrations in New York City look like his sister 7th birthday party, and says the celebrations will be so big that they will never be forgotten again.

Chris Jericho beats Chyna and Hardcore Holly in a Triple Threat Match after breaking a Walls of Jericho attempt by Chyna to become the undisputed WWF Intercontinental Champion!

Michael Cole interviews The Rock. The Rock says there are only two Superstars who will give him problems: Crash HOlly and Mosh. If he can get past both of them, he can win the Royal Rumble Match. When asked if he should be concerned about Big Show, The Rock tells Michael Cole he should be concerned about fixing himself a nice, tall glass of "Shut Up juice." He then asks Big Show if he thinks he will win the Royal Rumble Match, toss him over the top rope and win the WWF Championship at WrestleMania, then tells Big Show that he wipes a monkey's ass with what he thinks. The Rock says he will head to the ring, and he hopes that he and Big Show are the last two in the ring so that he can win the Royal Rumble Match tonight.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw). During the match, Bradshaw inadvertently knocks down referee Tim White along with Billy Gunn at ringside, then X-Pac shows up to interfere only to eat a spinebuster. Billy Gunn then hits Bradshaw with the Fameasser to retain.

Triple H retains the WWF Championship against Cactus Jack in a violent Street Fight. After the match, Triple H is taken out of a stretcher, but Cactus Jack gets back up and gets Triple H back into the ring and hits him with a barbed wire 2x4.

We see Johnathan Coachman at WWF New York. He interviews co-owner and CEO Linda McMahon, who refuses to comment on the McMahon-Helmsley Era, but ensures that while Triple H is still WWF Champion, things in the WWF are going to be handled "the McMahon way."

We look back at the finish to the 1995 Royal Rumble Match.

#24 entrant The Rock last eliminates #26 eliminates Big Show to win the 2000 Royal Rumble Match and compete for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania. This happens after The Rock grabs the rope and topples Big Show over the top rope, though the camera angle does not show whether or not The Rock's feet hit the floor. After the match, The Rock announces that he is going to WrestleMania. Before he can finish speaking, Big Show runs into the ring, attacks The Rock and tosses him over the top rope.

During the match:

Kaientai (Taka Michinoku and Funaki) attack Mosh after he shows up at #3 only for Mosh to fight back. Kaientai is then ejected to the back. When Gangrel enters at #12, they get in again only to be tossed out and ejected in record time. When they run in after Val Venis enters at #21, it happens a third time. Funaki tries his luck again a fourth time after The Godfather enters at #29, but once again, he is thrown out and ejected from the match. After every attempt after the second one, footage of Taka Michinoku falling on his face on his second time getting tossed out gets replayed at the behest of Jerry "The King" Lawler.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) all show up early in the match. Sexay shows up at #2, Rikishi at #5 and Scotty 2 Hotty at #6. The three of them dance after Scotty 2 Hotty, then Rikishi takes Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty hout and tosses them over the top rope before dancing solo until "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman shows up at #7.

The Big Boss Man enters at #9, but refuses to get in the ring alone with Rikishi. It takes #10 entrant Test to get him in there.

Bob Backlund makes a surprise appearance at #14. He is part of the seven-man group effort to eliminate Rikishi, but gets drops kicked out of the ring and eliminated from the match by Chris Jericho. Afterwards, instead of leaving through the regular backstage entrance, he leaves through the crowd.

When Faarooq enters the Royal Rumble Match at #18, The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) shows up and attacks Faarooq. They are tossed out of the ring, but so is Faarooq soon after at the hands of The Big Boss Man. The Mean Street Posse strike again when Bradshaw gets in the ring at #27, and after Bradshaw tosses them out, he gets tossed out by The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn. Faarooq shows up, then he and Bradshaw brawl with the Posse as they all head back to the back.

"Road Dogg" Jesse James eliminates "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn late in the match, and Road Dogg is eliminated in turn by Kane. Kane brawls with Road Dogg and Billy Gunn at ringside before getting back into the ring (Kane does not get eliminated as this happens). X-Pac gets thrown over the top rope by Big Show, but the referees are not in position to see this due to the aforementioned ringside brawl.

D'Lo Brown

Grandmaster Sexay

Mosh

Christian

Rikishi Phatu

Scotty 2 Hotty

"The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman

Viscera

The Big Boss Man

Test

The British Bulldog

Gangrel

Edge

Bob Backlund

Chris Jericho

Crash Holly

Chyna

Faarooq

"Road Dogg" Jesse James

Al Snow

Val Venis

Prince Albert

Hardcore Holly

The Rock

"Bad Ass" Billy Gunn

Big Show

Bradshaw

Kane

The Godfather

X-Pac

Extreme Nation - ECW on TNN recap for January 21, 2000

Joey Styles and "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner welcome everyone to tonight's show. Gertner insults Cyrus by calling him a schmuck, then Cyrus shows up. Cyrus tells the crowd they have heat with the office, and that nobody has more heat with the office than Gertner. He says that contrary to popular opinion, he has been in Gertner's corner since day one and wants him to be the best he can be. He has censored him, called him into the office for meetings, warned him publicly and privately both on TNN and in front of the boys, and tells him that the "dirty middle name" thing is not over and that he will have to be a little more creative, because the next time he ignores his authority, he will kick his fat ass. Joey Styles has to hold Gertner back from beating up Cyrus, and the crowd chants "Let him go!"

The Impact Players (Justin Credible and Lance Storm), "The Sexiest Man Alive" Jason and Dawn Marie show up as Cyrus leaves and Joey Styles and "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner are still in the ring. Justin says they are not ones to say "We told you so," but they told them so. They said they would become ECW World Tag Team Champions and make an impact. Tonight, the establishment wants them to defend the tag titles, but they are running the show and they will defend the titles here tonight. Suddenly, "Dastardly" Danny Doring, Electra and Roadkill show up. Doring tells The Impact Players they will not disappoint the people and that they will put the titles on the night against him and Roadkill. Storm asks who they think they are, and calls them "a couple of opening match guys" before saying the only thing main event about them is Electra's breasts. He asks them who they have beaten aside from no-talent, one-dimensional jobbers, and says beating them takes them to mid-card, and if they can beat a mid-card team, only then will they consider having a match with them. Until then, Doring and Roadkill (whom Storm calls a "newly-elevated mid-card team") will face a "newly demoted mid-card team" in "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Raven. Dreamer and Raven run into the ring, with Dreamer carrying a steel chair, and they have a match.

"Dastardly" Danny Doring and Roadkill beat "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Raven. During the match, Francince confronts Electra, but Dawn Marie runs into the ring and hits Francine in the back of the head with a foreign object. Raven then carries Francine to the back and is not seen for the rest of the match. Later on in the match, Rhino, Jack Victory and Steve Corino run into the ring, and Rhino hits Dreamer with a piledriver. Doring hits a top rope leg drop for the win. After the match, Jack Victory and Steve Corino take the boots to Dreamer, and Corino knocks referee John Finegan out of the ring. Corino and Victory are still attacking Dreamer when "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes comes out of the road, gets in the ring, and beats them both up. Rhino then gets back in the ring and takes Dusty down, and he, Corino and Victory take the boots to him until The Sandman arrives. Rhino tries to gore the Sandman and runs into the ring post, and THe Sandman strikes Rhino with his Singapore cane.

Super Crazy beats Tajiri in a violent Mexican Deathmatch.

Mike Awesome and Judge Jeff Jones are in the ring. Awesome says he is sure everyone saw him kick Spike Dudley's ass on pay-per-view last week, and he is sure everyone saw him knock the teeth of Spike's girlfriend right down her throat. After saying "Fuck you, Paul," He says he is the most awesome athlete in sports today and the most awesome wrestler in the business today. The crowd starts chanting for Rob Van Dam. He holds the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, which is the only title that matters in wrestling today and makes him "the whole fuckin' show." Rob Van Dam shows up along with Bill Alfonso, and RVD tells Awesome to listen to what he is thinking as he is confusing his fans with "that nonsense." He says that Awesome is a "big motherfucker" and a great champion, but no matter how good his ass kickings are, Awesome is only part of the show while he is the whole fuckin' show. Awesome sees nothing but "a puny little punk-ass Television title" around RVD's waist, while he is the heavyweight champion of the world. He lays his belt on the mat, and dares RVD to take it from him. RVD says it's about 4:20 right now, and he's got some time to burn, so they might as well do it right now. Before the match can begin, the lights go out. WHen they come back on, Sabu is in the ring with a steel chair. Awesome says something to Sabu, then the crowd chants "three-way dance." Awesome says he'll take both RVD and Sabu right now. Sabu then suddenly throws a steel chair into RVD's face, then lays another one down so that Awesome can hit RVD with an Awesome Bomb on it. Sabu then hits RVD with the triple jump moonsault followed by the Arabian Facebuster, then he knocks Bill Alfonso out on a table with a right hand before putting Alfonso through it. Spike Dudley gets in the ring and fights Awesome, but Sabu nails Spike from behind and Spike falls victim to an Awesome Bomb. Awesome and Sabu then set up a table in the middle of the ring, then Awesome and Sabu both go up top and send RVD through the table to end the show.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 20, 2000

Backstage, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley welcome the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) to Providence, Rhode Island. Triple H then congratulates Road Dogg and Billy Gunn for beating The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) last week and gives them the night off. X-Pac, however, has to face Test, and whoever wins that match will draw #30 in the Royal Rumble Match. It is also announced that Cactus Jack will not be here due to a family illness, and Triple H then says that Cactus Jack is just too scared to face him. Stephanie says this will be a night to remember.

Big Show shows up to start tonight show. He says that he should come out to the ring and apologize for not being what the fans want him to be and something he cannot and can never be, and says he will never be The Rock. He says that the fans sit and boo him, yet he takes the time away from his family when he is eating dinner to interact with the fans. He knows why the fans boo him and do not like him, and why everyone in the locker room does not like him, and that is because they all cannot be 7'2" and 500 lbs and it drives them absolutely nuts that he can stand in the ring and be the most dominating force to ever walk into the WWF, and all they can do is watch and boo with a sour grapes attitude because it is not them. He says that the fans think The Rock is going to win the Royal Rumble Match, but he has to get past him to do it, and there is nobody in the locker room who can stop him in the Royal Rumble Match, as he will be the one to win and take back the WWF Championship. As far as The Rock goes, he does not like him; as a matter of fact, he hates him. He plans to settle all his scores tonight, and if The Rock can come down to the ring, he will shine his pretty little head up, take his finger, push his eyebrow up, grab his neck, turn him sideways, and stick him straight up "The People's Ass." Suddenly, The Rock shows up, and Big Show says that if The Rock sees himself as "The People's Champion," then he can have the people. The Rock knows all about Big Show, but he questions the audacity of Big Show to complain about the fans booing him. He says there is a lesson to be learned, and that lesson is that when Big Show insults The Rock, he insults the people. Since he has insulted the people, that has left The Rock with two people: either heading to the back and waiting until the Royal Rumble Match to eliminate him, or he can walk down the ramp, stop in the middle of it, inhale the electricity from the millions - and millions - of his fans, keep walking, get in the middle of the ring and kick his candy ass all over Providence, Rhode Island. Suddenly, Kane and Tori show up. Tori says huge egos are running amok on SmackDown, and says they are the only ones who think they are capable of winning the Royal Rumble Match, then says there are 28 other people who think they are capable of winning the match, but only one winner, and announces that Kane is entering the Royal Rumble Match. Kane and Tori walk down the ramp, but before they can get to the ring, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up. Triple H says that if there is one thing he hates,it is a bunch of egomaniacs putting themselves over and talking about how they're all going to beat each other, when the fact of the matter is that they are all going into the Royal Rumble Match to earn the chance to face him at WrestleMania for the WWF Championship. He has news for them: the winner of the Royal Rumble Match, April 2nd in Anaheim will be one long night and one big disappoint, because he will both enter and leave WrestleMania as WWF Champion. However, since they all seem so eager to fight tonight and the creative juices seem to be flowing in the air tonight, he and Stephanie can accommodate them. The three of them will compete in the first-ever Triple Threat Over The Top Rope Lumberjack Match, a match name that is whispered into Triple H's one part at a time. 27 other competitors will be around the ringside while Kane, Big Show and The Rock will be in, and the winner will be teh last man standing in the ring. The only difference between this match and the Royal Rumble Match is that the winner does not get a first-class ticket to face him at WrestleMania. As The Rock tells Triple H he can throw every kind of match he can at him, Big Show steps over the ropes and off the ring apron to attack The Rock from behind. Kane also gets involved in the ensuing brawl, and all three men go at it. The Rock takes both Kane and Big Show out with a steel chair to end it.

We look back to three months ago - the last time WWF was in Providence, Rhode Island - when The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) came to The Friendly Tap and had a barroom brawl with everyone inside.

X-Pac beats Test to become the 30th entrant in the Royal Rumble Match when The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) show up. Billy Gunn trips Test as he goes up top for an elbow drop to allow X-Pac to hit the X-Factor while Road Dogg distracts referee Teddy Long.

Backstage, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon Helmsley and the rest of D-Generation X (Triple H, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) congratulate X-Pac on his victory against Test and becoming entrant #30 in the Royal Rumble Match. Triple H says that since X-Pac is a shoo-in to win the Royal Rumble Match, it'll be the two of them at WrestleMania.

Backstage, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman is talking with Al Snow, telling him he will split his skull if he costs them their match tonight. Al Snow tells Blackman that he is the tag team partner that he has been looking for, but pushes it when he says Blackman has no personality or charisma.

Before the next match, Kurt Angle announces that at Royal Rumble, he will face an unnamed opponent who will supposedly break his undefeated streak. His concern does not lie with the unnamed man, but that America would be devastated if his undefeated streak came into an end. In the Olympic games, he did not know the names of all his opponents, but he won gold medals as he lived the three I's - intensity, integrity and intelligence. Tonight, he finds himself reminded that there are towns in America that make even the most depressed towns in America - or The British Bulldog's home country of England - look really good, and says Providence could be one of those towns, but if the towns follows his three I's, they can pull themselves out of their depression. It is then announced that Triple H will co-host Royal Rumble Radio this Saturday from 8 PM to 10 PM Eastern Time exclusively on Westwood One.

Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman quickly beat Kurt Angle and The British Bulldog.

Matt Hardy beats D-Von Dudley by disqualification after Buh Buh Ray Dudley bdrags Matt out of the ring by his ankles and whips him into the steel steps. Before the match, it is announced that there will be a "Diva signing" at WWF New York tomorrow at noon. It is also announced that there will be a Tag Team Tables Match between The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) at Royal Rumble where the object of the match is to put both members of the opposing team through tables. After the match, Buh Buh Ray fights off both Jeff and Matt before hitting them with a steel chair and punching out referee Jimmy Korderas. D-Von then attacks the Hardys as Buh Buh Ray sets up two tables next to the stage. Buh Buh Ray almost puts Matt Hardy through the tables as Terri Runnels pleads with The Dudley Boyz not to do it, but Jeff Hardy strikes back with a steel chair, attacking D-Von with it before doing the same to Buh Buh Ray, stunning him and sending him through the tables. Matt Hardy then puts D-Von through another table with a leg drop off the stage.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) head to The Friendly Tap.

We see very brief footage of Buh Buh Ray Dudley with his forehead busted open after being put through a table.

Backstage, Hardcore Holly tells Crash to get out of the locker room and find his own competition, as he has to tag with Chris Jericho and Chyna - whom he will be facing in the Royal Rumble Match - tonight, and he does not want to worry about Crash's problems. This deteriorates into a shoving match between between the Holly cousins which leads to Crash being pushed out the door and into Viscera, whom he immediately challenges to a match.

Before the next match, Chris Jericho states that the people currently in the ring reminds him of the cantina scene from Star Wars, as there are "a couple of Vanilla Ice wanna-bes, a freak of nature and her Mini-Me little buddy, a bleach blonde buffoon and a really fat guy in a diaper." After Sunday, when he becomes the undisputed Intercontinental Champion, he will never have to worry about any of them again.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) beat Chyna, Hardcore Holly and Chris Jericho by disqualification when the latter team refuses to listen to referee Mike Chioda. This leads to an all-out brawl between Chyna, Hardcore Holly and Chris Jericho which endw with Rikishi flattening Chyna with a Banzai Drop.

At The Friendly Tap, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) hear about The Acolytes' (Faarooq and Bradshaw) barroom brawl in the establishment three months. When one guy says that The Acoyltes will beat The Outlaws and take the tag team titles, however, he gets a shot glass to the side of the head before being thrown out. As everyone gets ready to play a game of pool, The Acolytes are watching what is going on on a television set backstage, and they decide to go out for a couple of drinks.

Before the next match, Prince Albert says that for years, he has watched The Big Boss Man and he became his mentor, teaching him more about the business than he has ever learned in a few short months. He taught him that when someone is down, you kick them to keep them down. He taught him that there is no such thing as cheating unless you get caught. Tonight, the student is done learning, and the student is going to teach him how to take an ass kicking.

Prince Albert beats The Big Boss Man by disqualification. During the match, Prince Albert shoves the referee into Boss Man, who then shoves him into the ring apron before both men start having a ringside brawl. Referees and officials have to restore order.

Lilian Garcia interviews The Rock. He says it does not matter who his opponents are, because tonight, they do not have what he has, which is the Rock Bottom, the People's Eyebrow and the People's Elbow. They do not and never will have all his fans chanting his name.

The orange logo and lights show up before the next match, and Viscera briefly stops to look around before he gets in the ring.

Viscera beats Crash Holly.

It is announced that Michael Cole will interview "Stone Cold" Steve Austin this Saturday at 8 PM to 10 PM Eastern Time on Radio WWF.

Halftime Heat returns on January 30th!

Gangrel beats Edge by count-out when the women of this Miss Royal Rumble swimsuit competition in an attempt to sway his decision as a judge in the competition and Mae Young sloppily kisses Edge.

At The Friendly Tap, The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) show up to have a drink. All the customers leave the bar except for The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), the two guys who fought The Acolytes three months ago, and the guy in the hat and suit who sits in the corner (who was also there the last The Acolytes were in the bar).

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) spot The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and the two guys playing pool with them. This quickly leads to a barroom brawl where The New Age Outlaws flee. Bradshaw then throws a bar stool at a Boston Red Sox wall light.

Kane beats The Rock and Big Show in a Triple Threat Over The Top Rope Lumberjack Match. During the match, Knae throws The Rock over the top rope with one hand. The Rock runs back into the ring to fight Big Show, but gets tossed out by Kane again. Kane then clotheslines Big Show over the top rope to win. After the match, the lumberjacks get in the ring and attack Kane before fighting each other.

X-Pac shakes Triple H's hand and hugs WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley before leaving the building.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up. Triple H says that when he thinks of the Royal Rumble Match, he thinks back at the Royal Rumble Matches of the past and the devastation unleashed during them. He specifically looks back at last year's Royal Rumble Match, because it was a year ago when two best friends beat the hell out of each other, and we see footage from last year's Royal Rumble where The Rock and Mankind beat the crap out of each other for the WWF Championsip. What they did not show was Mick Foley's family watching in the crowd and crying their eyes out while seeing their father being destroyed, because they realized that their father was a loser and a failure. He gives a warning to Cactus Jack not to bring his children to Madison Square Garden in New York City or even let them see Royal Rumble on TV, as what The Rock did to him last year will be nothing to what he will do to him, as he will take it to a level even Cactus Jack has seen or been to before, and he will beat him worse than he has ever beaten before. If his kids are there in the front row crying, he knows that as he beats Cactus Jack, he will enjoy it, and even more so if the kids are crying in the front row. Suddenly, Cactus Jack shows up and tells Triple H that he is right and that they suffered enough last year and that they don't need to see anymore. They will not be watching the event or in New York City, but he is not worried about them seeing what happens to him, but he is deeply disturbed of them seeing what he will do to Triple H. He doesn't want their little innocent eyes to realize how violent their father can be and see the bloodshed that will take place. Above all else, he does not want them to realize their father will be loving it. He has every reason to believe every word Triple H has said, as he is the best in the business right now, but he will not show up at Royal Rumble without a few surprises in the form of sharp metallic objects that will be brought down upon him with great vengeance. When he sees Triple H's blood run down his face at Royal Rumble in Madison Square Garden, he will turn himn into the world's largest pincushion. His children may not be watching Royal Rumble, but they are watching SmackDown, and he does not want to deprive them of a little piece of action, and he will give Triple H a taste of what is to come at Royal Rumble. Cactus Jack and Triple H brawl at ringside. Triple H narrowly avoids a chair shot to the head and tries to flee through the crowd, but Cactus Jack grabs him. Both men then fight on the commentary table, and Triple H nearly puts Cactus Jack in the Pedigree. Cactus Jack counters it with a low blow, and hits Triple H with a piledriver on the table. Cactus Jack then hits Triple H with a steel chair shot to the head to end the show.