Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 15, 2000

RAW

The Rock is seen entering the arena.

WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up to start tonight's show. After reintroducing himself, he says that there have been some things going on that people should have been punished for but were not, and that is his fault. He says that he has plenty of priorities such as the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy, the Texas Wrestling Alliance and his beautiful wife Rebecca and his 4-month-old son Cameron. As a result of that, he has not been good at his job, and he takes the time to retire and resign as WWF Commissioner, saying that the first person who should be punished is himself, for everything is his fault. He states that he got the wheel in motion last August at the first episode of SmackDown when he cost The Rock the WWF Championship. WWF Chairman Vince McMahon shows up with kind words for Shawn, who states that he was invited to show up tonight as per the CEO and President of the World Wrestling Federation, Linda McMahon, and that he is here to make two announcements: to resign as WWF Commissioner to become its official spokesperson, and for an announcement regarding the 60-minute Iron Man Match for the WWF Championship between Triple H and The Rock at Judgment Day. He says that he is the man who made the Iron Man Match famous, then says he is not afraid of the match due to having been in it before and gone the whole 60 minutes. As a result, he is officially the special guest referee for that match. Vince admits Shawn has caught him off guard, and while Shawn is one of the greatest and most resilient of all time, he wants to know how resilient Shawn is now. Shawn shoves Vince to the mat in response.

In footage from during the break, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is seen leaving the arena in a limousine while D-Generation X (Triple H, X-ac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James), WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon Helmsley and Tori enter the arena in another. After noticing that Shawn is inside the other limo, Triple H comes face-to-face with Big Show, who is looking to give WWF co-owner Shane McMahon- who is not here yet - a beating.

Before the next match, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman tells Al Snow - who is now dressed like Blackman - to stay serious in their match against The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley). Much to the annoyance of Blackman, Al Snow has given up the idea of getting "Head Cheese" over and is also meditating.

The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) beat Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman. Shortly after the beginning of the match, D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, Tori) show up and watch the match from the stage, and after the match, they attack The Dudley Boyz. Road Dogg pulls out a table from underneath the ring, but before putting Buh Buyh Ray through it, Tori stops Road Dogg and does it herself with a dive off the top turnbuckle.

Backstage, D-Von Dudley has to snap Buh Buh Ray out of a trance, and tells him that Tori will konw their name and that they will testify at Judgment Day.

WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley shows up. She says that she is incredibly proud of Tori for standing up to herself and putting Buh Buh Ray through a table, then says that Tori is not the only woman in the World Wrestling Federation who has suffered humiliation and degradation, for one week ago, she almost suffered the most humiliating and violating thing of her life. We then see footage from last Thursday on SmackDown where Rikishi Phatu almost applies the Stinkface to her face before Triple H makes the save and hits him with the Pedigree. She calls the Stinkface the most revolting and disgusting move in the World Wrestling Federation, and says that Rikishi will be sorry when he faces a man who feels the same way she does: Kurt Angle. Angle shows up and says he is also sickened with the Stinkface, and while he does not know much about the move, he does know that the Stinkface is not a sanctioned wrestling move and does not belong in the ring.

Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi ends in a no-contest. During the match, Edge, Christian and Pat Patterson show up to watch the match from the stage as well as to mock Rikishi, and when Rikishi gets ready to put the Stinkface on Angle, Edge and Christian run into the ring in an attempt to make the save. Rikishi manages to get all three men in the corner and fight them off. Too Cool (Grandmasta Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) show up and knock Patterson off the apron as they get into the ring to get a piece of Edge and Christian.

Backstage, Big Show waits for WWF co-owner Shane McMahon in the parking lot.

Crash Holly retains the WWF Hardcore Championship against The Godfather. During the match, D'Lo Brown shows up to fight both men for the title, and as The Godfather and D'Lo are fighting on the outside, one of The Godfather's hos pins Crash Holly to win the title and become the first woman to win the title. Crash quickly pins her with a schoolkid pin to take the title back, then runs away.

While WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Triple H are heading towards the ring, Big Show is still waiting for WWF co-owner Shane McMahon to arrive in the parking lot.

WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Triple H show up. Vince announces that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels has left the building and says that it is "a damn good thing" that he has, then announces that The Rock will be in the ring against Chris Benoit tonight, and to keep The Rock on his toes, the match will be a submission match. After stating that The Rock knows no submission moves, Triple H says that The Rock will show up to answer his challenge, and says that he wants there to be no question as to who the better man is in a match that is not about catchphrase, cliches or gimmicks that nobody wants to touch simply because they do not have the ability to do it. He asks The Rock if he has that ability, and says there is no question about it that he has that ability and then some. He says taht when Judgment Day is over, one man will walk out of the ring as the very best, the greatest and the undisputed WWF Champion, and it will be him. As for Shawn Michaels, he admits that they have quite the past together, but after what happened earlier tonight, he wonders if they even have a present. He then tells Shawn that if he does not call the match the way that it should be called, he will guarantee that Shawn will have no future. The Rock suddenly shows up and says that he will "officially kick [Triple H's] candy ass" and says that the fact that he is better than him eats Triple H up inside. He plans to prove that on Sunday, then states that he does not trust Shawn after what happened the last time he was a referee. He tells Shawn to call the match straight down the middle or else he will take his boot and shove it straight up his candy ass. The Rock then tells Vince that he will get the job done tonight one way or another, and says that when it comes to what he will do to Triple H at Judgment Day, one hour will not be long enough.

WAR ZONE

Hardcore Holly beats Chris Jericho in a Hardcore Rules match. During the match, Chris Benoit runs in and puts Jericho in a Dragon Sleeper, allowing Hardcore Holly to hit Jericho with a steel chair to win the match.

Backstage in the parking lot, Big Show spots a limousine and goes for the occupant in the back only to find out that WWF co-owner Shane McMahon is not inside.

WWF co-owner Shane McMahon shows up. He tells Big Show that he is right here in the ring, then says he has been coming out for weeks to chants stating that he is a "pussy." He says that he has consulted Webster's Dictionary and confied that a pussy is a cat, and says the people call him a pussy because he is quick as a cat and has the moves and ferocity of a jungle cat. He then says that he is so frisky that he is challenging Big Show to a match at Judgment Day contest under no-disqualification rules. Shane then says that after Big Show is lying down on his back on the canvas looking up at the lights as he leaves, the only question Big Show will be asking himself is where Shane went. Big Show shows up and tells Shane he has just made his day, as he no longer has to hunt him down and he has him in the ring where he wants him. He then says that if Shane is a cat, then he is a big nasty bastard, then proposes beating him up right now. Shane says he was expecting this, and puts Big Show in a match right now against T&A (Test and Albert), who show up with Gerald Brisco linking arms with Trish Stratus.

Big Show beats T&A (Test and Albert) by disqualification in a two-on-one handicap match. During the match, Trish Stratus hands Test a steel chair, but Big Show punches it into Test's face and knocks Test out. As he is about to powerbomb Albert, Trish Stratus gets in the ring and confronts Big Show only to be grabbed for a choke slam. As Big Show is about to do it, Gerald Brisco gets in the ring and confronts Big Show, who lets go of Trish and choke slams Brisco. Shane then gets in the ring and hits Big Show in the back with a steel chair, but it has absolutely no effect and Big Show chases Shane to the back before grabbing him and throwing him into the WWF.om sign below the TitanTron. T&A then fights Big Show on the stage, but he makes quick work of them.

The Radicalz (Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko) beat Eddie Guerrero and Chyna after Chyna inadvertently kicks Eddie in the groin, thinking that Saturn is behind her.

Backstage, Edge and Christian talk about the extra money they have made today when Michael Cole interviews them. When asked why they are putting the WWF Tag Team Championships on the line against The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw), Christian says they are "the fightingest champions of all times," and Edge says that it is about the fans. As for the fans who can afford five seconds of flash photography, they have a special surprise in store for them.

Before the next match, it is announced that WWF co-owner Shane McMahon has been taken to a local medical facility. Christian announces that he and Edge have a treat for them: a special new five-second pose called "A Cleveland Indian's Relief Pitcher." Edge pretends to pitch a ball, and Christian pretends to look off into the distance.

Edge and Christian retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) and The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) after Matt Hardy notices The Acolytes attacking Jeff.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews Chris Benoit, who considers himself the right WWF Intercontinental Championship and the possessor of the most devastating submission hold in the WWF, the Crippler Crossface. He says that what he will do to The Rock is a preview of what he will do to Chris Jericho, and that The Rock has zero submission holds.

Triple H and "WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up before the next match to get a closer look, and WWF Chairman Vince McMahon shows up to get a closer look some time later.

Chris Benoit beats The Rock in a submission match. During the match, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley gets on the apron to distract referee Tim White so that Triple H can drag Benoit to the bottom rope. Triple H then distracts The Rock, and Benoit puts The Rock in the Crippler Crossface. WWF Chairman Vince McMahon commands the timekeeper to ring the bell, even though The Rock has not submitted, and demands Lillian Garcia declare Benoit the winner. After the match, Triple H and Benoit continue to attack The Rock, but The Rock fends them off and Vince backs off when he gets in the ring. As he makes his way up the ramp, Chris Jericho shows up and blocks Vince's exit, and The Rock grabs Vince. Triple H hits The Rock before The Rock can get Vince in the ring, but Jericho gets Triple H in the Walls of Jericho and The Rock hits Benoit with the Rock Bottom. X-Pac and "Road Dogg' Jesse James rush in to attack The Rock and Jericho, but The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up with a table and fight X-Pac and Road Dogg. Triple H and The Rock end up the only two men still in the ring, and The Rock puts Triple H through the table that The Dudley Boyz left in the ring to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for March 20, 2000

RAW

Michael Cole interviews WWF Chairman Vince McMahon, who announces at the behest of Gerald Brisco that there will be a tag team elimination tournament where the winners will meet in a battle royal to decide the #1 contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championships. Pat Patterson tells Vince to talk about "the big one," and Vince says that if that match is made, it will rock the World Wrestling Federation down to its foundations tonight. Michael Cole then mentions that he loved Saturday Night Live over the weekend - which featured The Rock as special guest host and Vince McMahon, Triple H, Mick Foley and Big Show in the cold opening - and that gives Vince the idea to start the show in a style not unlike Saturday Night Live.

Before the next match, D-Generation X (X-Pac and "Road Dogg" Jesse James) come out to The Kings, a re-imagining of the DX theme by Run-DMC. The song is on the upcoming WWF Aggression, a compilation of original songs based on WWE entrance themes by hip-hop artists. The album will be available in stores tomorrow, and the song will continue to be DX's theme throughout the year.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat D-Generation X (X-Pac and "Road Dogg" Jesse James) to continue to the tag team battle royal after Kane and Paul Bearer show up to attack X-Pac. Tori attacks Kane to no avail, and when she gets in the ring after the match, The Hardys toss Tori into Kane, who proceeds to choke slam her.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are seen approaching the ring.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up. Upon Stephanie asking for the fans' undivided attention, the crowd boos, and Triple H goes off on them, demanding respect for himself and Stephanie. Triple H then says at WrestleMania, the fans will have no choice but to bow down on their knees and respect him, as he will beat both The Rock and Big Show in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWF Championship. He then says that WWF Chairman Vince McMahon clams to have a match that will rock the foundation of the World Wresting Federation, and says if the match is that big, it has to have him in it. He calls Vince McMahon to the ring, but Big Show and WWF co-owner Shane McMahon show up instead. Shane says he knows exactly what Vince meant by that announcement, and challenges Triple to defend the WWF Championship against Big Show tonight. Triple H says he would love to, but he declines, saying he does not have to defend the WWF Championship before WrestleMania, even though he could, and says "that big goof" Big Show does not deserve a title shot. Suddenly, WWF Chairman Vince McMahon shows up and says what Shane has proposed is not a big idea, and says that Triple H is willing to defend the WWF Championship as that is exactly what is going to happen. He announces that the match will be Triple H vs. Big Show vs. The Rock. Vince knows that the Triple Threat Match is in two weeks, but eh asks why they should not have the match in Chicago, Illinois tonight. Shane says that Vince is making a smart business decision, and dares Triple H to take the challenge, as does Vince. Triple H accepts the challenge for tonight, on the ground that the match does not take place again and there will be no rematch, especially at WrestleMania. Vince then tells Triple H to take his lips, pucker them up, and instead of kissing his daughter or kissing his ass, he wants Triple H to kiss the WWF Championship goodbye.

The Rock is seen arriving to the arena.

The Big Boss Man and Bull Buchanan attack The Godfather before the next match can begin.

Backstage, "Road Dogg" Jesse James and X-Pac demand that Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley do something about Kane after losing a shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships. Triple H proposes putting Kane in a match with Rikishi so Kane can get his ass kicked.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) beat The Radicalz (Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko) to advance to the tag team battle royal later tonight. During the match, Eddie Guerrero trips Scotty 2 Hotty from outside of the ring, and Grandmaster Sexay hits Eddie with a right hand. Eddie gets back up, but when he gets on the apron, Grandmaster Sexay throws him into Perry Saturn, and both men end up on the outside. Malenko puts Scotty 2 Hotty in the Texas Cloverleaf, but Grandmaster Sexay hits Malenko with a superkick to give Too Cool the win. Backstage, Rikishi Phatu shows satisfaction with Too Cool's victory.

Members of the Chicago Bears football team are seen in the front row.

Kane beats Rikishi Phatu by disqualification after X-Pac and "Road Dogg" Jesse James attack Kane from behind. Rikishi gets back up after the choke slam and fights X-Pac and Road Dogg off, but the numbers game catches up and X-Pac hits Rikishi with the X Factor. X-Pac and Road Dogg run off after Kane gets back up.

Kevin Kelly interviews Chris Benoit backstage. Benoit says he does not have to explain his actions from SmackDown last week, and he says it disgusts him what Kurt Angle does with the gold around his waist. He hopes that Angle bears witness to what he does to Chris Jericho tonight.

Michael Cole is outside of The Rock's dressing room.

Michael Cole interviews The Rock backstage. The Rock tells Michael Cole to go suck on a monkey's nipple before taking the microphone and telling him to find a monkey. The Rock then states that he is okay with WrestleMania being brought to Raw, and that he is ready for Triple H and Big Show, and that tonight, the only two things they should be concerned about is knowing their roles and shutting their mouths.

WAR ZONE

Before the next match, Chris Jericho shows up before Kurt Angle can even speak and welcomes everyone to Raw Is Jericho. He tells Chris Benoit that he may take himself seriously, but he does too as he makes fun of Benoit's voice before telling Benoit that he will give him an "actual #1 Y2J beating" that he will never, ever forget. Jericho is suddenly attacked from behind as Kurt Angle guests on commentary for the next match.

Chris Jericho beats Chris Benoit. During the match, Chris Benoit hits Kurt Angle for telling him to get his hands off his belt, and Angle responds by hitting Benoit in the head with one of his championships and tossing him back in the ring as the referee is dealing with Jericho. After the match, Bob Backlund shows up, but Jericho beats him up when he gets in the ring. Jericho then turns around to get hit in the head with Angle's other championship.

Kurt Angle and Bob Backlund celebrate backstage.

Al Snow ties to get "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman to do something special for the people of Wisconsin tomorrow night, but Blackman wants none of it, even as a man dressed like Benjamin Franklin tries to get him to do it.

Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman beat The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) to advance to the tag team battle royal later tonight. During the match, Tazz shows up with referee Teddy Long and attacks Crash Holly in an attempt to win the WWF Hardcore Championship, and chases him into the crowd. This leaves Hardcore Holly on his own against Snow and Blackman as Crash Holly runs out of the arena with the Hardcore title.

We see part of the music video for The Kings by Run-DMC, on the upcoming album WWF Unforgiven, a collection of hip-hop interpretations of WWF entrance themes that will be available in stores tomorrow.

GTV is back after a lengthy absence, and we see black-and-white backstage footage where The Kat talks with Terri. Terri tells The Kat that she is in pain, but not in as much as The Kat is from not being on TV anymore. The Kat is furious as Terri leaves the room.

Edge and Christian beat The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) to advance to the tag team battle royal later tonight. During the match, Mideon shows up with a mop in his hands, and he tries to use it as a weapon against Edge only to accidentally hit Bradshaw, costing The Acolytes the match. After the match, Mideon tries to explain himself, but The Acolytes beat him up.

Test beats Val Venis. Before the match, it is announced that Trish Stratus and Tori can be seen in bikinis Thursday night on WWF.com. During the match, Trish Stratus gets on the apron and distracts Val Venis. Venis goes for a roll-up, but Test reverses it into a roll-up of his own and grabs the tights to get the win. Val Venis takes exception to this and attacks Test after the match only to be attacked by Prince Albert. Test then continues to attack Venis, then Trish Stratus tells Test and Albert to stop. Test throws Venis out of the ring, then Trish says that they know what everyone wants to see "T&A." She then says we are looking at just that: Test and Albert.

The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) guest on commentary for the next match.

The tag team battle royal ends with no winners and no #1 contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championships after The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) hit Dudley Death Drops on Edge and Jeff Hardy before powerbombing Matt Hardy onto Christian and putting them both through a table.

Triple H retains the WWF Championship against Big Show and The Rock. During the match, WWF co-owner Shane McMahon pulls the top rope down on The Rock during The People's Elbow. He is about to hit The Rock with a steel chair when WWF Chairman Vince McMahon takes a chair away and hits Shane with a hard right. Triple H then punches Vince, and Big Show then pulls Triple H back into the ring, all while WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon is distracting referee Earl Hebner on the apron. Triple H then hits the facebreaker knee smash followed by the Pedigree to retain. After the match, The Rock chases Shane into the crowd, but as Triple H and Stephanie leave, WWF co-owner Linda McMahon shows up. A fan gets up on the ramp, and Triple H tackles him so that security can deal with the guy, who is taken out of the shot. Linda congratulates Triple H on retaining, and while there will be no Triple Threat rematch for the WWF Championship, a special ingredient will be added at WrestleMania: a deserving individual whose dreams should come true, if for one night only. Therefore, she will make the final decision, and the main event at WrestleMania 2000 will be a Fatal Four-Way where Triple H will defend the WWF Championship against Big Show, The Rock...and Mick Foley, who has returned to the WWF. Mick Foley brawls with Triple H in the ring, and he hits both Triple H and Big Show with the WWF Championship to end the show.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for March 13, 2000

RAW

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up to start tonight's show. Before Stephanie can speak, Big Show and WWF co-owner Shane McMahon join them. Shane talks about how last Thursday night marked a momentous occasion when the four of them put their differences aside until WrestleMania - when Big Show becomes WWF Champion - as well as when The Rock was systematically destroyed. He says that The People's Champ was turned into "our People's Chump," then the footage of the beatings The Rock received from The Radicalz (Chris Benoit, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero), The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) and the tandem of himself, Triple H and Big Show throughout last Thursday's SmackDown is replayed on the TitanTron. Triple H tells The Rock that all he had to do was go away, as there was a million other things he could have done, such as go after other championships, but he had to keep coming back and getting in their business; as a result, The Rock got his ass kicked three times in one night. Triple H says this is The Rock's fault, as he just could not go away and he "beat himself." Triple H says that what works with The Rock is not just beatings, but humiliation, as the humiliation is what really gets the job done. Triple H says is started last week and it will continue tonight and every night as he will know his role and they will humiliate him into accepting it. Stephanie then says that as far as WrestleMania, they have to give the people what they want, and The Rock will compete at WrestleMania. Instead of the main event, it will be a special handicap match. She then says they have searched high and low for competition, and have found it in the biggest tag team to ever enter the WWF: The Twin Towers. Instead of the real Twin Towers (The Big Boss Man and Akeem), two little men in suits show up to comedic music. Stephanie then says that The Rock will hopefully not come up so short, then one of the little men does The People's Eyebrow at Triple H's request before telling The Rock to smell what he is cooking. Shane then says this is a very tall order, and decides to call the two little men "Boulder and Gibraltar" before saying the match would be better as a Tuxedo Match, where both of the little men's tuxedos have to be ripped off for The Rock to win. Triple H says it will be hard finding tuxedo's for them, and neither can Big Show, and says it would be better if it were an Evening Gown Match. Big Show tries to one-up them by making it a two-out-of-three falls match. Triple H then proposes a "midget on a pole" match, as anything is always good on a pole. Suddenly, The Rock shows up, and says that every single week, the McMahon coalition (Triple H, Big Show, Shane, Stephanie) cracks their jokes, but the jokes are over. He says that they throw every single match they can at it, but he has had it with the humiliation. He mentions Triple H driving Mick Foley out of the WWF, and gives Triple H the opportunity to do the same to him, even though his career has yet to reach its peak. He proposes a match between himself and Big Show, and if he wins, he goes on to the WWF Championship match at WrestleMania; if he loses, he will never be seen in the WWF again. The McMahon coalition mulls over this, then Shane accepts the challenge. The Rock then tells Shane that he is not done yet, and says there will be no interference or anybody in the coalition at ringside; if anyone gets in the way, he will still win the match and go on to WrestleMania. The McMahon coalition mulls over this again, then Triple H says The Rock is dumber than he thought he was and cannot comprehend why he would put his career; nevertheless, it it gives the coalition to kick him out of the WWF, they accept. The Rock then says he is putting it all on the line because he does not have anyone in his corner like Triple H and Big Show do; instead, he has the people.

Before the next match, Al Snow proposes to "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman that they are so popular they should have their own television series known as "The Al Snow-Steve Blackman Mystery Time Travel Adventure Hour." Blackman thinks it is the stupidest thing he has ever heard and that Snow needs a straitjacket. Al Snow knocks on the door, and a man dressed as Abraham Lincoln walks out. Snow tells him he needs a little more time.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat Al Snow and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman with an inside cradle from Matt Hardy to Steve Blackman after Matt misses a top rope moonsault.

Kurt Angle is seen backstage talking to a member of building staff about his match tonight.

"Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry tells Mae Young - now wheelchair-bound - to stay in the locker room, and that while The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) may kick his ass, he will take one of them with him.

The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) vs. "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry in a 2-on-1 handicap match ends in a no-contest. Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah are seen watching the match from backstage. Shortly afterwards, Buh Buh Ray tells D-Von "Take care of him" before heading to the back and grabbing Mae Young by the handles of the wheelchair as The Fabulous Moolah is in the nearby bathroom. Buh Buh Ray tells Mae to enjoy the ride, as it will be the last one she ever takes. Buh Buh Ray then wheels Mae to the stage, much to the chagrin of Mark Henry, before bringing her to the bottom of the ramp to watch Mark Henry get beaten up. After The Dudleys hit Mark Henry with a Dudley Death Drop, they hand the tag team titles to Mae before Buh Buh Ray tells Mae to forget about Mark Henry. The Dudleys then take Mae Young up the ramp before Buh Buh Ray looks for a table off the edge of the stage. D-Von considers running Mae Young, wheelchair and all, off the stage, but Buh Buh Ray stops him so that he can powerbomb her off the stage and into a table. Referees and EMTs have to check on Mae and put her on a stretcher.

"Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry is despondent in the ambulance as The Fabulous Moolah waves off the ambulance, refusing to get in.

Before the next match, Kurt Angle says there are rumors going around that last week on Raw, Chris Jericho had him beaten. He then shows footage from where Bob Backlund put both Chris Jericho and Tazz in the crossface chicken wing. He says that everyone makes mistakes, but he gave it a second thought and says that Backlund is a true American hero and a two-time WWF Champion, which makes him a hero. He then says he is in New Jersey, which is in dire need of a hero, and says Bon Jovi does not count before declaring himself an honorary hometown and home state hero. Jericho then shows up, welcomes everyone to Raw Is Jericho, and says that Angle has a special love connection with Bob Backlund after how they act together as Backlund matches his requirements for the three I's - an idiot, an imbecile and an ignoramus, just like Angle. Tazz then shows up and demands the next match be no disqualification before fighting both Angle and Jericho.

Kurt Angle retains the WWF European Championship against Chris Jericho and Tazz in a no-disqualification match. During the match, Bob Backlund gets in the ring only to fall victim to the Tazzmission, and Angle pushes him away only to fall victim to the WEalls of Jericho from Jericho. Backlund breakss the hold, and Chyna runs into the ring to hit Backlund with a low blow to stop a potential crossface chickenwing from Backlund. After a triangle drop kick off the corner to Tazz, Jericho gets hit with the WWF Intercontinental Championship by Angle, who retains.

Triple H talks with X-Pac, Tori and "Road Dogg" Jesse James, telling them they will kick Too Cool's (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) asses before sending The Rock out of the WWF.

Kevin Kelly interviews Ivory backstage. Ivory says The Rock should win tonight, as he really is The People's Champion and knows how to represent the WWF. She goes on to say that if The Rock loses, so will the fans.

D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James) beats Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) after X-Pac hits Rikishi with a ring bell as WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley distracts referee Earl Hebner from the apron.

Kane stares down The Rock backstage, then simply says to him "Good luck."

WAR ZONE

Kane beats The Big Boss Man with a choke slam after ducking a swing of The Big Boss Man's nightstick.

Kevin Kelly interviews The Godfather. He and his hos predict that The Rock will win as his speed will outmatch Big Show's strength.

Michael Cole interviews The Fabulous Moolah. Moolah says she feels nothing and says Mae Young got what she deserved, saying nobody heard of Mae until she brought her to the WWF and that she is still nothing now, and says she disgraced her and the WWF with her behavior as well as stealing her spotlight. She also does not care if "that bitch" Mae Young ever comes back.

Dean Malenko beats Essa Rios to become the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion after Eddie Guerrero powerbombs Lita from the outside as she goes after him for getting on the apron only to be knocked off by Essa Rios.

Terri Runnels is seen making a deal with The Acolytes Protection Agency (Faarooq and Bradshaw) when Mideon delivers some beer. Much to the chagrin of the APA, the beer is hot.

Jason Williams of the New Jersey Nets is one of a few local sports stars seen in the front row.

Terri Runnels shows up in a lighted jacket before the next match to watch the next match from ringside.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) beat Edge and Christian after Edge is distracted by Mideon and Christian is distracted by Terri Runnels. After the match, Mideon tries to celebrate with The Acolytes only to be tossed towards Edge and Christian, who proceed to beat him up.

We see footage from earlier today in the Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, where The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) attack Crash in the baggage area. Despite Prince Albert also fighting off the Posse, Pete Gas pins Crash to become the WWF Hardcore Champion. Crash then hits Pete Gas from behind with his scale, then pins him to regain the WWF Hardcore Championship and win it for a second time. He then runs across the conveyor belt of the baggage area to get away from everyone.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews Big Show and WWF co-owner Shane McMahon. Shane says they have had fun beating up The Rock and humiliating him, but tonight, The Rock is putting his own career on the line and neither himself of Big Show will be held responsible when The Rock is no longer in the WWF and the only way "Rocky" chants will be heard is on videotape.

Backstage, Michael Cole interviews The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh). They predict that Big Show will win, and says The Rock can get a job carrying their cones or writing a book about how he is unemployed.

The Radicalz (Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn) beat Val Venis and Test. The match is Val Venis' first match back since suffering a sprained neck. During the match, Eddie Guerrero shows up to watch the match from ringside, and Eddie Guerrero gets on the apron only to be knocked foff by Test. Eddie ends hitting Test in the head as the referee is unable to see him so that Benoit can get a German Suplex bridge pin for the win.

WrestleMania is three weeks away!

Before the next match, WWF co-owner Shane McMahon forces referee Earl Hebner to the back so that he can make himself the referee of the match, as he removes his jacket to reveal a referee's shirt underneath afterwards.

The Rock beats Big Show to go on to the WWF Championship match at WrestleMania. (Had The Rock lost, he would have been forced to leave the World Wrestling Federation.) During the match, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are seen watching the match from their own dressing room. Later on in the match, Big Show inadvertently hits referee Shane McMahon with a clothesline meant for The Rock, who hits Big Show with a Rock Bottom followed by The People's Elbow. He goes for the pinfall, but there is no referee. Referee Earl Hebner runs back in and counts the infall, but he is dragged out of the ring and beaten up by Shane, who slides into the ring and dives at The Rock with a steel chair. Suddenly, a limousine is seen parking in the arena, and WWF Chairman Vince McMahon comes out. Shane is alarmed, and Triple H and Stephanie storm out of their dressing room to confront Vince, who knocks down Triple H with one punch before heading to the ring, punching out Shane and hitting him in the head with a steel chair. Vince then pulls the referee's shirt off of Shane and puts it on himself, as The Rock hits Big Show with another Rock Bottom to count the pinfall and give The Rock the win.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 17, 2000

RAW

WWE briefly acknowledges the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

It is announced that there will an exclusive report on "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's three-hour spinal surgery and the implications it will have on his career tonight.

Cactus Jack shows up to start tonight's show. He says congratulations are in honor for Triple H, as he did something he believed could not be done: make Mankind mad. He then asks Triple H why he did it, as Mankind was friendly, funny and downright huggable, but he should have known that there was a sick S.O.B. waiting to be woken up deep inside his soul. He says Triple H woke up the S.O.B. when he cracked him open with the ring bell, and when he felt his blood run down his face, he would be lying if he said he didn't like it just a little bit, as he realized deep down inside that he was Cactus Jack all along. He says Triple H should remember him, and if he doesn't, then he should pull up a seat as he has a reminder from two-and-a-half years ago where he rocked his world. He says Triple H paid the price and will do so again, as he will make him suffer in such a way that September 1997 was just an inkling of what will happen to him. He says all of his faces took a beating for a long time, and there is no way a normal man should be walking around after the punishment that has been dished out, but he is not a normal man. He has spent the last year feeling he was not the man he used to be and asked for forgiveness, and the fans forgave him, for Mankind become "one entertaining son of a gun." He does not look down on Mankind, who he says will return one day to make people laugh, but Sunday will not be that day as there will be no laughter. At Royal Rumble, he will not be pretend to be the man he used to be; instead, he will be just a little bit better. He does not regret a single night in the ten-dollar motels, or a single night in the back of a 1978 Ford Fairmont, his wounds sticking to the seat and his ear getting ripped off, as all those things made him what he is, and what he is is "one bad son of a bitch." This Sunday, he will also be "one mad son of a bitch," and he will take it on Triple H's ass. When he sits backstage, gets goosebumps up and down his arms and laces up his boots, it will not be just a change of costume, it will be a change in mindset that says he will not be denied, and he will make Triple H suffer. He will lace the boots up and kiss "[his] pansy little ass." He cannot wait until Royal Rumble and his shot at the WWF Championship, but what he wants is a piece of Triple H's ass right away. He calls Triple H out, saying if he has the testicular fortitude, all he has to do is come to the ring. There will be no titles on the line, and it will just be the two of them. Triple H shows up, and says that for four days, he has thought of nothing else but Cactus Jack. At Royal Rumble, it will be the two of them in a street fight for the WWF Championship, and while that would not have been his first choice of match against him - as it was under duress - that is what it will be. They will pull out all the stops with the WWF Championship on the line, but as Cactus Jack stands in the ring and tries to convince himself and the people just how bad he really is, as sadistic as Cactus Jack can be at Royal Rumble, he will reach deep down into a place he has never reached in his life and be just that much more sadistic than Cactus Jack can ever be. Also, as sadistic as Cactus Jack is, Mick Foley hates Cactus Jack's guts, and he feels that Mick Foley just might be even a little bit afraid of him, as every time he has maimed and crippled people and become more sadistic, Mick Foley died a little inside as he couldn't stand him. When he reaches that level, he will love every second of it. Triple H tells Mick Foley to bring Cactus Jack and be scared and very afraid, for what he is bringing is more than he could ever dream of and more than he could every handle. Cactus Jack then has one question for Triple H for everyone who wants to see them go at it right now. Triple H tells Mankind that if he is asking him to walk down to the ring and party with him, he would love to, but he invites a few more guests in the form of the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). Jack meets DX in the ring, but the numbers game quickly takes over. The Rock rushes to the ring and makes the save for Mankind, but Big Show is waiting near the stage and he goes after The Rock, taking him out of the ring and over the barricade before fighting DX off single-handedly. The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) also run in to fight Road Dogg and Billy Gunn, and everyone flees over the barricade and into the crowd except for Triple H and Cactus Jack. Cactus Jack gets a few shots in on Triple H, who eventually flees through the crowd.

The orange lights and logo appear as Test makes his way to the ring before the next match only to met head on by The Big Boss Man.

Test beats The Big Boss Man to become the WWF Hardcore Champion following interference from Prince Albert and Test using Boss Man's own nightstick against him as part of a top rope elbow drop.

Backstage, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) plan revenge against everyone who got involved at the top of the show. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn have a tag team match with The Rock and Big Show, assuming they don't take each other out first. Meanwhile, Triple H and X-Pac face The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw). X-Pac wants nothing to do with them, but Stephanie tells him to trust her and Triple H, as they have everything under control.

Terri Runnels is seen admiring herself in a dressing room mirror.

Jonathan Coachman interviews The Big Boss Man, who says Prince Albert stuck his nose in his business. He plans to get revenge on Albert tonight.

The Godfather and D'Lo Brown beat Edge and Christian. During the match, one of The Godfather's hos gets on the apron only for D'Lo Brown to whip Christian into her, knocking her off. Christian goes for the tag, but Edge is checking on the ho. The distraction allows D'Lo Brown to hit the Sky High for the win. After the match, The Godfather gives Edge and Christian the hos for the whole night. Edge and Christian aren't exactly happy with the consolation prize, especially since Edge is engaged.

The Big Boss Man and Prince Albert are seen brawling backstage. Albert is thrown into the women's locker room, and Albert has to run away from an angry Tori.

Before the next match, Tori runs to Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, wanting a match between Prince Albert and Kane. Stephanie makes the match before Tori can even get the words out.

Before the next match, Kurt Angle says he has been told that tonight, he has a mystery opponent tonight. He is not sure who it is, but he is confident, as an Olympic hero, that he will come out on top because he knows each and every backstage like the back of his hand. He knows that with his 3 I's - intensity, integrity and intelligence - he will come out on top. He then finds out that his opponent tonight is "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman. We then find out that the "mystery opponent" idea comes from Triple H, and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley is none too happy.

Kurt Angle beats "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman after The British Bulldog - who hasn't been seen in months - crotches Blackman with his Kendo stick before whacking him in the back with it as Angle distracts referee Jack Doan. Backstage, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley sticks it to Triple H by telling him that dog can still be man's best friend. Triple H tells her to keep going if she wans to see a temper.

Jonathan Coachman interviews Big Show. Big Show says it is no secret that he does not like The Rock, as what he did to The Rock was personal. He hopes he has earned the fans' respect, as he respect them. He also says The Rock is putting the cart before the horse by saying he is going to win the Royal Rumble Match, but The Rock will not win; he will. Tonight, all The Rock has to do is let him take care of The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and stay out of his way.

The Kat is seen admiring herself in a dressing room mirror.

Terri Runnels, Luna Vachon, B.B., The Kat, Ivory, Jacqueline and Jerry "The King" Lawler (the last of whom is holding a copy of Raw Magazine) are in the ring. Lawler announces that at Royal Rumble, there will be the Miss Royal Rumble swimsuit competition. All of the women in the ring are participating. Lawler pulls out a centerfold of Terri in a red bikini and cowboy boots, and asks her how she is going to top that. Terri says that "less is more." The Kat, when asked about a strategy, asks Lawler if he remembers Armageddon. B.B. says the fans are ready to see "a much bigger show." Ivory calls Lawler a pervert, but Lawler doesn't care. Ivory then grabs the microphone and says everyone is a pervert, and that she will have nothing to do with the competition. Jacqueline takes the microphone away from her, and Luna tells Ivory that if they have to be in the contest, then show does see. Luna then rips her dress off, the rest of the women get on top of her. As referees and officials try to break this up, Mae Young shows up. As everyone leaves the ring, Mae Young gets in it, and says it is about time that everybody gets their money's worth, and announcing that she will show her "puppies." Mae takes her jacket off, but "Sexual Chocolate" Mark Henry, Harvey Wippleman and The Fabulous Moolah rush in, cover her up and take her to the back before she can bare her breasts.

WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley guests on commentary for the next match.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) beat D-Generation X (Triple H and X-Pac) by disqualification after The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) get involved and beat up The Acolytes with the help of Triple H and X-Pac.

We see footage from earlier today where Michael Cole interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Cole reports that Austin received spinal surgery today at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas to relieve chronic pain in his arms, neck and legs. The procedure was conducted by Dr. Lloyd Youngblood, who says that everything went as well as expected. We then hear from Youngblood, who states that everything went smoothly. He says the basic problem Austin had was some bone spurs in his neck that were pressing on his spinal cord, which caused pain and early signs of neurological problems. The procedure took longer than usual due to Austin being "more solidly built" than most people that the hospital operates on, causing the procedure to take two-and-a-half to three hours instead of the usual one to one-and-a-half. THankfully, Austin was stable throughout, and was also well-prepared for the surgery. Afterwards, Austin had a positive reception to the surgery and was able to get up under his own power. It will still take many months for Austin to get back in the ring, as the hospital is looking for solid bone healing. Once that happens, Austin will be able to get back in the ring.

The Rock is seen watching the show on a monitor backstage.

D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley celebrate their attack on The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw). Triple H says that he is glad that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's surgery is successful, as he will suffer the same fate as The Acolytes when he gets back in the ring. Road Dogg then mentions that Big Show and The Rock have proven that they cannot co-exist together, and that they will beat them tonight.

Kevin Kelly interviews The Rock. He says he and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin have been thoguh a lot together, and if he was with him right now, he would give him a "hell yeah" and a beer toast to a successful surgery, as he can go fishing and hunting again as well as come back to the WWF. He then retracts his statement about Big Show, saying he is not a jabroni; instead, he is a seven-foot, 500-lb. steaming, stinking piece of monkey crap. He says he called him and 29 other people a jabroni, then spells out "jabroni" before saying it doesn't matter how you spell jabroni. He then says he will win the Royal Rumble Match, go on to WrestleMania and become the best damn WWF Champion there ever was. As for tonight, he makes Big Show famous when they team up, and syas he does not need or want him as a tag team partner. He says that if Big Show wants to say it is personal between them, then he can do something personal for him by staying on the apron, raising his hand and yelling. He then calls Big Show a jabroni.

Chris Jericho is seen backstage.

WAR ZONE

Jeff Hardy beats Buh Buh Ray Dudley after Matt Hardy fights D-Von Dudley at ringside. After the match, D-Von Dudley takes the boots to Jeff Hardy before he and Buh Buh Ray hit him with the Dudley Death Drop. Matt Hardy gets in the ring, but he also eats a 3D. The Dudley Boys then pull a wooden table out from underneath the ring. They place Jeff Hardy on top of it before Buh Buh Ray powerbombs Matt Hardy off the rop rope into Jeff and through the table. Referees have to check on

Backstage, The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) want to know what Chris Jericho is thinking defending the Intercontinental Championship against Rikishi Phatu tonight before defending it against Hardcore Holly at Royal Rumble, and Hardcore Holly feels like a fool asking Crash about it. Meanwhile, Chyna and The Kat are thinking about the same thing, and Chyna thinks that Jericho is not only going to lose the title, but that Jericho's ego "is about as big as Rikishi's butt."

Halftime Heat is Sunday, January 30th on USA Network!

Before the next match, Chris Jericho says he is defending the WWF Intercontinenatl Championship tonight because that is what honorable and legendary champions do, and in his eyes and those of the Jerichoholics, he is the undisputed Intercontinental Champion. As for Rikishi, waht he does not know is that he is a dancing machiine and that he will be happy to teach him a couple of movies such as "The Great Caesar's Ghost" and "The Electric Banana," but for now, he will have to destroy him Ayatollah-style.

Rikishi Phatu beats Chris Jericho by disqualification. During the match, Chris Jericho inadvertently hits the referee with a running cross body, and The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) rush in to attack Rikishi only to be overpowered. Rikishi is about to hit Jericho with the spike piledriver when Chyna runs in and hits Rikishi with a low blow before chewing Jericho out for defending the title. Rikishi then nails Chyna and Jericho with a double clothesline before hitting Chyna with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rikishi is about to hit Chyna with a Banzai Drop when Hardcore Holly attacks Rikishi with a steel chair, ending the match. Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) run in to fight The Hollys, sending them both out of the ring, with Crash falls victim to a spike piledriver from Rikishi. Too Cool and Rikishi then dance. Chris Jericho retains the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Cactus Jack is seen talking to Big Show backstage. He tells him that he had his problems with The Rock once upon a time, and says Show needs to work it out and get beyond it. Show says he will not have someone like THe Rock calling him a jabroni, but Cactus Jack suggest they work it out given that they are both talented athletes.

Kane beats Prince Albert as The Big Boss Man watches the match on a television set backstage. After the match, Albert tells Kane that he likes to be dominated by a woman, and so does he.

Cactus Rock asks The Rock to work together with Big Show, as D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) attacks in packs. The Rock says he does not care about Big Show or DX, but Cactus Jack insists that they work together. The Rock says he will work with Big Show, and tells Cactus Jack to watch the match.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) beat The Rock and Big Show. The Rock attacks Big Show at the beginning of the match, and Triple H, X-Pac and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are seen watching the match from a recliner on the stage. Big Show is then seen standing at ringside near the barricade instead of the apron, sarcastically cheering The Rock on while berating the fans. Big Show eventually gets in the match, but as Road Dogg brings in a steel chair and distracts referee Earl Hebner, The Rock gets a steel chair of his own and hits Big Show in the head with it, giving The New Age Outlaws the win. After the match, The Rock hits Big Show with The People's Elbow.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 13, 2000

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up to start tonight's show. Stephanie attempts to clear up a misunderstanding, and says no WWF Superstars are leaving this company. She and Triple H have righted the wrongs and have dealt with things in a very fair manner. They are still a little bit confused, as they cannot figure out why anyone would want to leave the WWF and their doors are always open. There is only one thing to remember: only one McMahon is running the company right now, and that McMahon is her and she just happens to be married to the WWF Champion. Triple H says that after last Monday on Raw, he cannot help but feel the need to come out and apologize, and humbly stand before people and say he is sorry, not to the fans or to the "fifty ingrates surrounding the ring threatening to walk," as those 50 people do not understand the sacrifice that he and Stephanie put out each and every week for them. He says he and Stephanie are their leaders, and he is their - and the fans' - champion. He makes no apologies for the fans or the locker room, though he does make apologies to the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), saying he was wrong and they all mistakes, and he tried to fix those mistakes with tough love, which DX showed back. When DX walked out, they showed him tough love and he realized the error of his ways. He is now here to apologize as well as to right the wrong to show how sorry he is. He will start with Road Dogg and Billy Gunn, whom he puts in a no-disqualification 2-on-1 Handicap Match against Bradshaw, and if Faarooq interferes, The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) lose their shot at the tag team titles at Royal Rumble. After that match, they will have to face Faarooq in a handicap match, and if Bradshaw interferes, they will lose their tag team title shot. As for X-Pac, he and Triple H will stand side by side and take on Big Show and The Rock in a tag team match. As for Mankind, if he thought he had him backed against a wall on Monday, he was wrong, as he beat him in the center of the ring and left him laying in a puddle of his own blood. At Royal Rumble, what he experienced Monday will be just a taste of what he will experience at Royal Rumble, and he promises his blood will stain New York City and he will beat him worse than he has ever been beaten in his entire life. Since he knows Mankind is in the back, Triple H has nowhere to go or anywhere special to be, and they do not have to wait until Royal Rumble to finish what they started Monday night. Mankind shows up, but it is the fake Mankind, not the real one. The fake Mankind tells Triple H that he is sorry he had to kick his butt last Monday night on Raw, and that he is the greatest wrestler he has seen, watched or thought about in his entire life. He also apologizes, saying that every time he sees him, it just makes him feel more pathetic. Triple H tells the fake Mankind the most pathetic person he has ever seen in his life, and the fake Mankind says he always has been pathetic, especially the past few weeks, but he is beginning to like it. The real Mankind shows up, and says that is enough. If Triple H gets off on making fun of him, then he wants to know how much he wants from him after taking his job and his dignity away before bloodying him last Monday. When he saw the blood go down the drain in the shower afterwards, he started thinking about what Mankind was. He says he is an entertaining son-of-a-gun and a damn good author, as well as one tough S.O.B. and one hell of a fighter. It saddens him to say that after the beating he fave him on Raw, one thing he is not is ready to face him in a Street Fight at Royal Rumble, because Triple H is without a doubt the best in the business right now and Mankind is not much more than a beaten-up, pathetic fool. However, the fans deserve a substitute in that match, and names him right now. He takes his mask and shirt off, and reveals a Cactus Jack shirt to reveal that he is fighting Triple H at Royal Rumble at Cactus Jack. His first official act in his return to the WWF as Cactus Jack is to kick his teeth all over Chicago, Illinois. Mick Foley - as Cactus Jack - gets in the ring and fights Triple H, but the fake Mankind hits him with a steel chair. It has no effect, and as Triple H and Stephanie retreat, Cactus Jack beats up the fake Mankind. Cactus Jack tells Triple H that at Royal Rumble, if he will make him bleed, it will not be the first time not will it be the last, for he has a lot of blood to give. He tells Triple H that he means every word he says when he promises to tear him apart in New York City and take what he holds dear - the WWF Championship - away from him.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) beat Bradshaw in a no-disqualification 2-on-1 Handicap Match.

Jonathan Coachman interviews The Rock. The Rock asks Coachman who he is, then Coachman replies. He welcomes Coachman to the WWF as well as his show, then Coachman says they call him "Coach" for short. The Rock if "Coach" means "Coach of the little girl's softball team," then allows him to ask his question. Coach asks how he feels about teaming up with Big Show tonight. Whether it is Big Show or Big Bird, the tag team partner does not matter as long as he gets to Triple H. Since Big Show is his partner, he could not think of a better tag team partner, but he has one more question for Coach: how did he come up with the name "Coach?: Coach answers, but The Rock tells him it doesn't matter.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) beat The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) and Al Snow. Al Snow then attacks The Hollys with Head for letting him down, then Too Cool dances.

Triple H congratulates The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) backstage, then he and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley ask where X-Pac is.

We see a video package about Cactus Jack.

Test beats Gangrel by disqualification after Luna Vachon knocks out referee Teddy Long. After the match, Test hits both Gangrel and Luna with pump handle powerslams before Gangrel gets the top rope elbow.

Backstage, Chyna tells Chris Jericho that she is not upset about Monday night, and is willing to let that go and is willing to make their co-championship reign work out. Chris Jericho accepts Chyna's apology.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The Big Boss Man and Prince Albert after Boss Man and Albert argue again. After the match, Albert and Boss Man brawl at ringside, and referees get clocked when they try to restore order.

We see footage from earlier tonight where Lilian Garcia interviews Big Show. Big Show says he is excited about tonight, as he finally gets his hands on Triple H and X-Pac, since he has not gotten his WWF Championship rematch and because X-Pac is bragging about how he beat him. As for The Rock, he took The Rock calling everyone else a jabroni personally, and there is no way The Rock will throw him over the top in the Royal Rumble Match rope due to his size. Tonight, he will be a professional and be The Rock's partner, but he does not like him.

Chyna meets up with Tori backstage, saying she has bad news.

Edge and Christian beat Kurt Angle and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman. During the match, Val Venis shows up on the TitanTron, asking if he was considering using weapos like a Kendo stick on his future brother-in-law Edge. This distracts Blackman and allows Edge and Christian to double team him to get the win.

Chyna tells Tori privately that Chris Jericho has fantasies about her in a flight attendant's uniform with no underwear. He also says Jericho is disgusting and constantly talks about how he can add positions to the Kama Sutra. When Tori leaves the room, Chyna is seen smiling.

We see footage of Cactus Jack diving into a dumpster only to be locked into it by The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn, who then push the dumpster over the side of the stage.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) quickly beat Faarooq. After the match, Bradshaw runs in with a lead pipe and swings it at the Outlaws, forcing them to retreat.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley congratulate The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) again, then ask where X-Pac is.

The Godfather and D'Lo Brown beat The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh). Before the match, the orange icon and lights show up again, and a voice is heard saying "The mood is about to change...survive...no one can withstand the pain." The Godfather then wants to know what is up with The Headbangers, but Mosh tells The Godfather the problem is with him, as they look better than the hos, who he calls "trolls."

Jonathan Coachman interviews The Rock and Big Show. Big Show says he doesn't care about what The Rock has to say, and tells him he doesn't like him. He tells The Rock to stay out of his way. After Big Show leaves, The Rock says that Big Show will be a worthy opponent at Royal Rumble, but he will never be The People's Champion. Tonight, he is an equal opportunist, and X-Pac will get the back end of his end while Triple H gets the front.

We see footage of Cactus Jack's handicap match against Mideon and Viscera.

Before the next match, Chris Jericho tells Kane he has no problem wrestling him, and tells Kane that Tori is lying to him. He says that Chyna is spreading lies to cause trouble between them, and says there is nothing even remotely attractive about Tori, and says she is not her type. However, it comes out wrong, and Kane threatens to choke slam him while Tori is even more disgusted with Jericho. Meanwhile, Chyna and The Kat are watching the match on a television set backstage.

Kane beats Chris Jericho after Chyna and The Kat show up as Jericho attempts the Walls of Jericho and fails, and the distraction leads to a choke slam followed by a Tombstone Piledriver. Chyna and The Kat take the WWF Intercontinental Championship after the match.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley apologize to X-Pac, but X-Pac is unwilling to take the apology. Triple H asks X-Pac to trust him with their match tonight.

Before the next match, Triple H tries to stir the pot between The Rock and Big Show by mentioning the fact that The Rock wants to come out last and the fact that The Rock called Big Show a jabroni on Raw.

D-Generation X (Triple H and X-Pac) beats The Rock and Big Show after Big Show leaves The Rock high and dry and Triple H kicks The Rock in the groin prior to the Pedigree. After the match, Big Show choke slams The Rock.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 10, 2000

RAW

The WWF locker room surrounds the ringside area - much to the confusion of Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler - then The Rock shows up. WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) are seen watching the broadcast from backstage, apparently having no idea what is going on, either. He explains that everyone surrounding him has asked him to be their spokesperson, and as unaccustomed to public speaking as he is, he has agreed. He calls out Triple H and Stephanie, and after a few minutes, they show up. Stephanie says she does not know what everyone is up to, but she is confident they can work something out. The Rock tells Stephanie to know her role and shut her mouth, then brings up the firing of Mick Foley aka Mankind. He says that Mick Foley is in the parking lot outside, and also mentions that the entire locker room is ready to walk out and join the "World Rock Federation" if they do not meet their demands. He demands that Mick Foley be reinstated immediately. Triple H tells The Rock that if he wants Mick Foley back, he's got it, but it was already in the works and that he and Stephanie were going to reinstate him, anyway. The Rock then mentions the matches he has been in lately, and says there is no way any matches like the Pink Slip On A Pole Match and the Handicap You're Fired Match will ever happen again. Stephanie says that seems fair, then The Rock acknowledges the "slut" chants directed towards Stephanie. Triple H says, "I thought they were talking to you, Rock." The Rock then demands that if anyone is fired, it will be for just cause only. Triple H says that this is fair, too, and as he says that he and Stephanie are all about fairness, Mankind's entrance plays, but Triple H lies in wait for him. Instead of coming out through the stage, however, Mankind shows up through the crowd. He acknowledges "the dozens of Mankind fans" who sent out their cards and letters, and thanks The Rock for not only the kind words about him in his new work, but sticking his neck out on the line in support of him. As far as the McMahon-Helmsley Era, he condemns them for ridiculing and mocking him and his family before proposing some suggestions of his own for Royal Rumble. He wants a match against Triple H at the event for the WWF Championship, with stipulations to be named at a later date. He tells Triple H to make up his mind and quickly, as over 50 men are about to walk out. Triple H tells Mankind he has his match with him at Royal Rumble, but before Mankind say more, The Rock takes the microphone. He says he will take it up himself to include himself in another match at Royal Rumble. As The People's Champion, he will throw his name into the hat for the 30-man Royal Rumble Match, and says he will take 29 other jabronis over the top rope to face Triple H or Mankind, whoever is champion. Mankind tells The Rock not to waste all his time on Royal Rumble, as they have 20,000 fans right now and they might as well come up with "a damn good show." Mankind proposes a match between "Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn to see who the tougher New Age Outlaw is, and if it is not booked, everyone will walk. Backstage, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn are not happy. He also has another idea: since Triple H told X-Pac he is just as good as Triple H last week on SmackDown, he also proposes a match between Triple H and X-Pac. X-Pac doesn't seem to be very happy, either. Triple H and Stephanie are about to leave, but The Rock tells them they are not done. He proposes one more match, should D-Generation X survive: DX vs. The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw). Triple H accepts the match, but The Rock says he is still not done. He also says that The Acoltyes will not be alone, as they will be teaming up him and Mankind.

During the break, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are confronted by the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) for caving to The Rock and Mankind's demands.

"Road Dogg" Jesse James beats "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn after reversing the Fameasser into a pump handle slam. During the match, it is reported that there is a sign-up sheet backstage where the WWF locker room have signed on to to book their own matches. After the match, Billy Gunn refuses to shake Road Dogg's hand.

Mankind finds the fake Mankind and ties him up with another rope while daring him to be funny again.

Terri Runnels signs The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) up for a match.

Before the next match, Kurt Angle says he and the St. Louis Rams have a lot in common. They are both full of intensity, integirty and intelligence, but unlike the Rams, he beats people with winning records. He then questions why people would boo an Olympic champion,a nd cheer Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, "a former arena football player who happens to be on a lucky streak."

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat Kurt Angle and "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman in their first match together since Matt's injry when Jeff hits Blackman from behind with a drop kick from the top rope as Blackman has a weapon in his hand, sending Blackman into a Twist f Fate by Matt.

Mankind tortures the fake Mankind into laughing with him.

Edge tells Christian that they have gotten the match that they wanted tonight.

Chris Jericho tells Chyna that she taught him a lesson last week, and that if they team up together, there is nobody they can beat. He asks Chyna to sign them up for a match. He also tries to take the Intercontinental title, but Chyna does not let him.

Before the next match, it is announced that Edge is engaged to Val Venis' sister, Alannah. Val Venis announces this, and tells Edge that he may have what it takes to win her hand in marriage, but he does not have half of what it takes to beat him for the WWF European Championship. When Edge and Christian show up, the orange lights and graphic show up around the arena again.

Val Venis retains the WWF European Championship against Edge. After the match, both men shake hands, then Edge tells Val Venis that he may have been the best man tonight, but he will not be the best man at his sister's wedding, because Christian will be. Both men continue to show respect.

X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn are seen arguing with one another in the locker room.

WAR ZONE

Before the next match, Chris Jericho tells Chyna that together, they will absolutely destroy The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly), and syas it is weird that she came out with the Intercotinental Championship, but he got the better audience response.

The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) beat Chris Jericho and Chyna after Jericho denies Chyna the possibility of tagging him into the match After the match, Jericho leaves with the Intercontinental Championship and laughs .

Mankind totures the fake Mankind by pouring hot coffee on him.

X-Pac asks Triple H if he is ready for his match tonight, and asks Triple H if he meant it when he said that he is every bit as good as him. Triple H says he did...and that is the problem.

Triple H beats X-Pac after WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley pulls X-Pac off the top rope by his left foot.

The Rock's new book The Rock Says..., along with an exclusive new T-shirt, is available on WWF Shop Zone.

X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn are now angry with Triple H backstage.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) beats Al Snow and The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh). After the match, Al Snow turns on The Headbangers by hitting both of them with Head.

Mankind is considering untying the fake Mankind, and says that if he has not learned his lesson, he will turn him around and make him watch an hour of Al Snow matches.

WWF New York is now open for a sneak preview of the grand opening later this month in Times Square in New York City.

Mankind unties the fake mankind, but tells him not to mistake his kindness for weakness or it will be the last mistake he ever makes. He also tells him to stay in the room until he comes back.

The Godfather and D'Lo Brown vs. The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) ends in a double count-out after The Dudley Boyz try to steal The Godfather's hos.

Mankind finds Tori backstage, admits that he likes her breasts and says he has a list of about seventeen things he would like to do them. After inviting her to his dressing room, he slaps her on the buttocks before telling her to bring a friend as there is "plenty of Mankind to go around."

Test and Big Show quickly The Big Boss Man and Prince Albert after Big Boss Man inadvertently nails Albert in the back of the head with his nightstick after being roundhouse kicked by Big Show. After the match, Albert pushes Big Boss Man to the mat, then Big Show choke slams both men.

D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) slowly makes their way to the ring, one member at a time, as they cannot seem to trust Triple H. We also see footage from last week of The Rock signing copies of his new book The Rock Says... at Tower Records in New York City.

D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) beat The Acolytes (Faarooq and Brashaw), The Rock and Mankind. During the match, the rest of DX turns on Triple H and head to the back, and The Rock and The Acolytes follow them there, brawling with them on their way tot he back and leaving Mankind and Triple H alone in the ring. WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley gets on the apron and almost falls victim to the Mandible Claw, but Triple H gets Mankind off of her before he can do it. Triple H clocks Mankind with the ring bell before hitting him with a Pedigree into the commentary table. Triple H then hits Mankind with another Pedigree in the middle of the ring to win the match. After the match, Triple H knocks out referee Tim White before hammering a now-bleeding Mankind with a couple of right hands. Mankind fights back and rips his mask off, hitting Triple H with a few rights of his own. He then throws the steel steps at Triple H's head when Triple H tumbles out of the ring, and after a ringside brawl, Mankind clotheslines Triple H out of the ring.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 6, 2000

WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley is backstage with D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). She talks about how last night was a proud moment in the World Wrestling Federation when Triple H became the WWF Champion. However, the rest of D-Generation X could not defeat The Rock. She says DX is all about perfection and they can all strive to do better. She announces that she is taking care of Mick Foley, as she and Triple H have a warrant out for his arrest should he show up again. "Road Dogg" Jesse James does not have a match yet, but X-Pac has a chance to redeem himself against Big Show, and when X-Pac complains, Triple H tells him that if he has a problem with that, then he can beat Big Show's ass, as X-Pac is just as every bit as good as he is. "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn is then placed in a 2-on-1 handicap match against The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw), and Triple H tells him that he is not the only one sacrificing for the betterment of D-Generation X. Meanwhile, Triple H has entered himself into a random lottery, where anybody can get a shot at him and the WWF Championship tonight. Stephanie says she is proud of Triple H, who says he is proud to be part of DX and the McMahon-Helmsley Era.

X-Pac beats Big Show by disqualification after Big Show shoves referee Mike Chioda. After the match, Big Show choke slams Chioda, then X-Pac hits Big Show in the back with a steel chair to no effect. Big Show punches the chair into X-Pac's face, and referees and officials run into the ring to restore order. That ends quickly when Big Show scares them all out of the ring and nearly tosses Mike Chioda out of the ring from under the bottom rope.

Backstage, Chris Jericho tells Chyna he does not want to be partners with Chyna and The Kat. Chyna says she doesn't want to be in this situation, either.

A police officer is seen in front of the arena, waiting for Mankind aka Mick Foley should he show up.

Backstage, Jericho tells Chyna to stay on the apron and look good while he does all the work.

The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) beat Chyna and Chris Jericho following a lack of teamwork between Chyna and Jericho, which leads to Chyna clotheslining Jericho at ringside. After the match, Chyna and The Kat walk off with the Intercontinental Championship.

X-Pac - as Mankind - is seen in Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, talking to some parkgoers. Meanwhile, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Triple H are seen watching this unfold, hoping the real Mick Foley gets arrested when a knock on the door is heard. Tori comes in, and asks to use the bathroom as all the bathrooms are occupied. Stephanie lets Tori use the nearby bathroom.

"Road Dogg" Jesse James talks to WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. He wants to know what his match says, but Stephanie says that is Triple H's decision. When he asks where Triple H is, Stephanie says he is in the bathroom. Road Dogg opens the bathroom door only to find Tori in there. He shuts the bathroom door as he gets angry at Stephanie as he leaves, as Stephanie says she forgot Tori was in there.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) beat "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn by disqualification in a 2-on-1 handicap match when "Road Dogg" Jesse James gets involved. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn then brawl with The Acolytes in the crowd.

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are watching the brawl in the crowd from backstage. As Triple H makes The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) vs. The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) for Royal Rumble official, Kane barges in, demanding a match with "that pervert" "Road Dogg" Jesse James. Stephanie tells Kane he's got it. Triple H asks what is up with Kane, and Stephanie says she doesn't know, but it will be one hell of a match.

Police officers are seen looking for Mick Foley outside of the arena.

"Road Dogg" Jesse James is seen backstage with Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. If "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn gets involved in his match, Billy Gunn will be fired. Road Dogg is then put in a match against Kane, and when Road Dogg confronts Stephanie and asks her if she told Kane what happened with him and Tori, Triple H tells him to back off. When Triple H asks Stephanie what Road Dogg is talking about after Road Dogg leaves, Stephanie says she has no idea.

Kane beats "Road Dogg" Jesse James despite X-Pac running towards the ring and distracting Kane, allowing Road Dogg to hit Kane with a low blow behind the referee's back.

The Rock is seen in his wrestling gear backstage. Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley see him on the screen, and Stephanie asks who The Rock is facing tonight. Triple H tells her that The Rock's opponent is the up-until-now-undefeated Kurt Angle. Stephanie is not happy about that.

X-Pac as Mankind is on the Jaws ride at Universal Studios in Florida, talking about his accomplishments and how he is not scared of anything when he is scared by the mechanical shark that comes out of the water.

Before the next match, it is announced that The Rock's new book, The Rock Says..., is on sale now. The Rock talks about last week's Handicap You're Fired Match and how he came out on top against D-Generation (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), thus declaring this the millennium of The Rock and declaring The Rock "The People's Champion." He then asks if the people see, taste or smell what The Rock is cookin'. When Kurt Angle shows up, he says he stands before everyone tonight as an Olympic champion, an American hero, and a representative of America. He says he is a man who has gone and one battle in the Olympic games and came out a winner, and he is still undefeated in the World Wrestling Federation. He is a man of intensity, integrity and intelligence, and he feels that he should be "The People's Champion." He then calls The Rock "a CQ, smooth-talking smart-aleck." The Rock gets back on the microphone and tells Angle he should never have annoyed him, and while Angle is no doubt a true American hero, he could not help but realize he is wearing Olympic gold medals. Tonight, he asks Angle to take the medals, shine them up real nice with an all-American cloth and some all-American wax, put them down, do about thirteen jumping jacks, 37 sit-ups and some squats, then take the medals, turn them sideways and shove them straight up his Olympic ass.

Kurt Angle beats The Rock by disqualification. During the match, "The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman gets involved. The Rock attacks Blackman with his own Kendo stick, but also hits Kurt Angle with it, ending the match. After the match, The Rock hits Blackman with a Rock Bottom. When Kurt Angle celebrates, however, The Rock gets back in the ring and hits Angle with a spinebuster followed by The People's Elbow. Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley talk about Kurt still being undefeated backstage.

We see a tumbler full of names for Triple H's match being spun, as well as cops stationed at certain points around the arena waiting for Mick Foley aka Mankind to show up.

Before the next match, The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley) talk about the Christmas bonus that D-Generation X (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) will give them if they win tonight.

Edge, Christian and Jeff Hardy beat Al Snow and The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray and D-Von Dudley). Al Snow attacks The Dudleys with Head after the match.

At Universal Studios, X-Pac, as Mankind, is in front of Woody Woopecker's Nuthouse Coaster. When he cannot get on the ride due to the rid being closed, he tries to bribe the security guard, but fails. He runs away when the security guard calls for security.

Test beats The Big Boss Man when Prince Albert inadvertently hits Boss Man with a Bicycle Kick after Test ducks it. After the match, Albert and Boss Man argue. Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley talk about the finish of the match backstage, with Triple H calling Test's win an upset. Stephanie hopes nobody upsets Triple H in his match tonight, but Triple H says he is "the game" and that nobody will beat him tonight for he is that damn good.

The tumbler is still spinning backstage.

X-Pac as Mankind is in front of the Back to the Future ride, thinking it will actually take him back in time. Meanwhile, cops are seen near the backstage entrance to the arena.

Before the next match, Triple H tells WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley that The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) are being rewarded for their efforts against The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) last week with their first tag team win when Stephanie asks why the Posse are in the ring.

Kaientai (Taka Michinoku and Sho Funaki) beat The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) when Rodney inadvertently takes out Pete Gas. After the match, Triple H leaves with WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon Helmsley for his match.

The WWF locker room is in a large room backstage. WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley announces that one of the people in the room will have the opportunity to face Triple H, as there has never been a champion with such honor and dignity to defend the WWF Championship in a random lottery. Everyone is entered, but only one will win, and Triple H will defend against all comers as he is a champion with spirit and pride, and she is honored to be his wife. She says Triple H is not only her champion, but everyone's champion, and introduces Triple H into the room. He hopes everyone is proud to have him as WWF Champion, and is proud to be their WWF Champion. He ses this as an opportunity to be a leader and role model for everyone in the ring, for when he retires, someone can take his place and become the WWF CHampion and leader to everyone in the WWF. He wants that person to take notice to what they are about to do, as never has a champion gone teo the lengths to defend the title in a random drawing where anybody can have a chance to be champion. Stephanie draws a name, and that name is Andre the Giant, who is obviously not here. Stephanie draws another name, and that name is The Fabulous Moolah. He says the match could be one for the ages, but he wants a more serious competitor. He asks Howard Finkel to draw a name, but he knocks the tumbler over. He picks up a random name, and that name is Rikishi. Everyone cheers for Rikishi as Triple H and Stephanie get angry with Howard Finkel.

X-Pac - as Mankind - comes out of the Back to the Future ride only to meet the real Mankind. The real deal beats the faker up for talking about his wife and family, then tells him "Have a nice day...you son of a bitch!"

WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley guests on commentary for the next match.

Rikishi beats Triple H by disqualification. During the match, the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) watch the match from backstage. Later on, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley hands Triple H a steel chair, then distracts referee Tim White as Triple H hits Rikishi with the steel chair. Rikishi gets his shoulder up afterwards, and Stephanie hands Triple H the WWF Championship to use as a weapon. Triple H hits Rikishi with the title, and the match is over. Rikishi still manages to get up, and Triple H grabs a steel chair outside of the ring and hits him in the guit with it before hitting him in the back. Referees and officials get in the ring to restore order and keep Rikishi away from Triple H. Too Cool (Grandmaster Saxay and Scotty 2 Hotty) show up and celebrate with Rikishi afterwards to end the show. Triple H retains the WWF Championship.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 16, 1999

In footage from earlier today, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon announce that WWF Chairman Vince McMahon and WWF co-owner Shane McMahon are not here tonight. Triple H says there was concern over last Monday night, but he and Stephanie had to assert themselves. From now on, things will be handled a little bit differently and more fairly. Some people have felt that they have been held down in the past; those people will be given a chance to shine. There are others who have had everything handed to them on a silver platter; tonight, that platter gets taken away. From top to bottom, everybody will be treated fairly. Tonight, Mankind will face Al Snow one-on-one following their problems. Also, The Rock will face Big Show for the WWF Championship. Triple H announces that tonight marks the dawn of a new era: the McMahon-Helmsley Era.

Before the next match, The Big Boss Man says that if people think what he did to Al Snow was bad and what he did to Big Show was cruel, then they should just wait until he deals with everyone else in the World Wrestling Federation. Suddenly, Chris Jericho shows up and tells Boss Man he must be sure his mother once told him not to say anything at all if he can't say anything nice. He then tells Boss Man that if he cannot say something entertainment, then he should shut the hell up, as while he is boring all the Jerichoholics, he is standing in the back waiting to show off his new and improved "Inter-Chris-tinental" belt. Since Boss Man is in the ring with Prince Albert, he might as well destroy them both Ayatollah-style. Shortly after the match starts, however, Chyna and Miss Kitty show up to watch the match from ringside. We then see Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon wining and dining backstage while watching the show, and we find out that neither of them booked the current match.

Chris Jericho beats Big Boss Man and Prince Albert in a 2-on-1 handicap match. During the match, Big Boss Man tosses his nightstick to Prince Albert, then Chyna gets in the ring and hits Albert with a low blow. Jericho hits Albert with the nightstick, then hits the Lionsault to get the win. After the match, Triple H says that he can never get into what women are into. When WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon asks what that means, Triple H says it's just an expression, Stephanie decides to head to ringside to check somebody out. That somebody ends up being Kurt Angle (whom Triple H calls "an ostrich jerky salesman," a reference to Angle being a spokesperson for Ostrim, a beef jerky product made out of ostrich meat), who is facing Test. When Triple H hears Test's name, Triple H tries to stop her.

Triple H tells WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon that she is not going anywhere, and that is final. He does not trust Test for a second and he does not know what is capable of. Stephanie says she knows Test, but Triple H says she knows Test too well, and they are going to drink champagne and have a good time. Stephanie says she's going anyway, and Triple H can go drink by himself.

WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon guests on commentary for the next match. She now prefers to go by the name Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley at this point.

Kurt Angle beats Test by disqualification. During the match, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley calls for the bell and has Test disqualified for using a closed fist on Kurt Angle. After the match, Test confronts Stephanie McMahon, and Stephanie gets Test to follow her up the ramp. Suddenly, the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) attack Test from behind, then Triple H shows up and punches Test in the face.

We see footage from during the commercial break where medical staff tends to Test. We then see Test on a stretcher, and when WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley confronts Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco for helping tend to Test, not only does Test get angry, but Brisco and Patterson are put in a match against The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). If they do not take part in the match, they will be fired.

Matt Hardy beats Jeff Hardy in a match where the two brothers are forced to wrestle each other after Jeff Hardy lands wrong on his left leg. Both brother show respect after the match.

Backstage, Tori confronts Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley over what happened on Raw, and demands that she and Kane not be humiliated ever again. Stephanie decides Tori will suffer more humiliation by facing her in the ring tonight.

Backstage, The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) show up, apologize, and wish WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley luck in her match tonight. They ask Stephanie to let them know if she needs anything, and Stephanie says there is something they can do.

Before the next match, WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley says she has made the match to humiliate her in front of Kane. We then see Kane being attacked backstage by The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs). Triple H and Stephanie mock what is going on. Tori is about to go to the back when Stephanie introduces Tori's real opponent for tonight: X-Pac.

X-Pac beats Tori after WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley distracts the refere and Triple H holds on to Tori's hair to allow X-Pac to hit the Bronco Buster prior to the X-Factor.

We see footage from during the break where Kane comes down to ringside to help Tori to the back. Backstage, Kane takes Tori out of the building. The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) are chewed out by Triple H for letting Kane leave in one piece, and rewards them for their efforts with a rematch against The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw).

Al Snow is seen talking to the rest of D-Generation X (X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), saying that he will have Mankind near their dressing room door in a few minutes.

Mankind beats Al Snow in a Falls Count Anywhere match. During the match, the match goes backstage to D-Generation X's (Triple H, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), but when both men go into the room, Al Snow is the one who ends up getting beaten up. After the match, it is revealed that The Rock was behind the door and that it was really The Rock's dressing room all along.

Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco talk backstage. Patterson is concerned about getting hurt, but Brisco wants a title belt around his waist.

The orange lights and logo show up before the next match.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) join Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley just before Triple H and Stephanie walk out for some fresh air.

Edge beats Christian with a roll-up. It appears that Christian's shoulders were down the entire time. Christian confronts him at first, but then raises his hand in a sign of respect.

The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) are caught by Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley trying to leave the arena, and are told to face The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) or get fired.

The Acolytes (Faarooq and Bradshaw) quickly beat The Mean Street Posse (Rodney, Pete Gas, Joey Abs) in an Acolyte Rules Match.

Lilian Garcia interviews Jim Ross backstage. Jim Ross says he has seen nothing like the McMahon-Helmsley era, and that Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley's actions are reprehensible, and he is sad and embarrassed for the fans and the McMahon family. When asked for one word to describe Stephanie's actions, he says "it rhymes with witch, ans starts with a B."

Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley confront Jim Ross for his very recent choice of words, and threatens to wreck him again. When Stephanie asks Jim Ross what he called her and he refuses to say it, Stephanie slaps him.

Jerry "The King" Lawler advertises the 12-inch WWF Wired.com "Stone Cold" Steve Austin action figure, which allows the user a to download a Stone Cold promo off the Internet and download it into the action figure, which Austin will then utter at the touch of a button.

Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, Rikishi Phatu) beat The Hollys (Hardcore and Crash Holly) and Viscera after Viscera gives up and heads to the back.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) plan to beat Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson within an inch of their lives. We also find out that their match is no-disqualification, and according to the Outlaws, Brisco and Patterson do not have a clue.

Terri Runnels talsks to Santa about one of the naughty things she did this year.

Before the next match, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) joke about having Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson's families sign a waiver in case they both die of a heart attack. To their surprise, Brisco throws powder into Billy Gunn's eyes, then he and Patterson pull out weapons.

The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) retain the WWF Tag Team Championships against Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson in a no-disqualification match.

Before the next match, Triple H and WWF co-owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley show up. Triple H announces that tonight's main event is a lumberjack match. Triple H and Stephanie then watch the match from an armchair as lumberjacks come out from the back and fill ringside.

The Rock vs. Big Show for the WWF Championship in a Lumberjack Match ends in a no-contest after the lumberjacks attack both men. Mankind shows up with a shopping cart full of weapons, and The Rock, Big Show and Mankind clean house against the lumberjacks. The show ends with The Rock hitting Viscera with the Rock Bottom and The People's Elbow.