WWE Royal Rumble 2001
Back to writing again, this time what seems to be regarded by most as the best Royal Rumble of all time... or maybe just the match? Anywho, I'm going into this one blind, I've never seen this PPV in it's entirety, and have no idea what's in store, aside from the Royal Rumble Match, and the WWF Title match, so let's get into this shall we?
We get a video package highlighting the participants in tonight's Rumble match, all wanting their chance at the WWE Title. Those who've already held it and those who never have. Great way to start.
We're live from the New Orleans Arena in... Well, obviously New Orleans, Louisiana. J.R. and the King are on commentary tonight as always. Let's right to the action.
WWF Tag Team Championship: The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian (c)
Pre-match Notes: J.R. mentions that the Dudleyz are suffering from concussions via concertos on the previous Raw. We get a replay of the attack backstage, along with a follow up on the following Smackdown, Bubba being sent through a table while D-Von ate an Unprettier. Dudleyz waste no time in going after E&C as the match starts.
Dudleyz spend the match trying to end it quick with their concussions while E&C do their heel stuff. Dudleyz dominate a good few minutes before Christian gets a cheap shot to the back of the head on D-Von. E&C focus on the head while keeping D-Von and Bubba apart. Bubba desperate to get a tag as D-Von gets worn down. Fans chant for tables.
E&C attempt a Spike Piledriver but D-Von escapes, catapulting Edge into Christian, in turn crotching him on the top rope. D-Von attempts a roll up but Edge kicks out at 2. Both down with a double clothesline as Chioda starts the count. D-Von tags in but Edge distracted the ref and gets called off. D-Von ducks a Concerto attempt and nails a double clothesline on E&C and finally gets the hot tag. Despite a concussion, D-Von nails the Wassaaaaaap on Edge, not the smartest thing to do there.
Closing Moments: Dudleyz call for a table, Bubba nearly gets a pin on Edge. Christian goes for an Unprettier, but gets cut off. Dudleyz go for the 3D but Edge spears Bubba, while Christian rolls back into a DDT on D-Von. Edge with a pin attempt but Bubba kicks out at 2. E&C call for a Wassaaaaaaaaaaaap of their own, but D-Von cuts off Edge, Bubba with a victory roll(?), Edge launched off the top to nail Christian instead. Dudleyz nail the 3D and D-Von falls on Edge to win the titles in 10:01. Match was given plenty of time, and these teams never fail to disappoint.
We go to replays as Dudleyz... well try to celebrate. D-Von's still selling and barely moving, but Bubba does some poses before heading up the aisle with their newly won titles.
We see footage from earlier of Drew Carey arriving at the arena. J.R. plugs his improv PPV. Then we cut to Vince talking about an altercation between HHH and Austin.
Cut to HHH and Steph in the back, talking about Steph and Trish and a possible altercation between the two during the title match tonight. Drew Carey walks in and talks about running into Kamala at the airport, then plugs his PPV and looks for Vince. Steph takes him to see Trish, I guess as some sort of evil scheme?
Cut to APA in their "office" drinking beers and playing cards like always. They show each other their numbers for the Rumble. Bradshaw laughs at Farooq before Crash Holly walks in and does his usual goofy stuff.
We get a promo package for our IC Ladder Match, showing their various matches and altercations over the last several months. Benoit tells Chris he can pick the match and Jericho picks the ladder match. All there is to it.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit (c)
Pre-Match Notes: J.R. brings up how Jericho was attacked by Benoit and Saturn on Smackdown, which was highlighted briefly in the video package, more specifically his arm having been targeted. They waste no time as the match gets started.
Benoit tries for a crossface already, then Jericho going for the Walls. Benoit spends the first bit of the match working the injured arm. J.R. mentions that the last time the IC Title was defended on PPV in a Ladder Match was when HHH and Rock went at it at Summerslam in 1998.
Benoit vicious on the outside, whipping Jericho into the post and ring steps shoulder first, taking nasty spills before he sets up a ladder in the ring. Jericho cuts him off with an electric chair, before ramming the ladder into Benoit's head, then to the ribs in the corner. Jericho sent face first into a ladder he had laid across the top rope as he rolls out to the ring.
Benoit goes for a suicide dive but Jericho nails him right in the head with a chair as he dives out. That is hard to watch in hindsight, that looked nasty, not to mention he lands right on his head. Jericho works the ribs as he slams Benoit ribs first over the rail, but misses Benoit as he tries to fall on top with a ladder, nailing the barricade instead. Jericho eats a ladder to the face , before Benoit nails him across the back with the chair.
Back in the ring, ladder set up in the corner by Benoit and Jericho into it like a lawn dart, tries again but gets sent into it face first by Jericho. Jericho hangs Benoit up in the ladder and nails what looks like a back suplex of sorts from the top rope.
Benoit dropkicks the ladder into Jericho's chest as he picks it up before hitting a back suplex of his own, but eats a ladder set up in the corner. Jericho sets the ladder across the top rope like a seesaw and smacks Chris right in the face, then again with a missle dropkick into the ladder. Ladder set back up by Jericho and makes the climb but gets cut off, back suplexed (sort of) over the ropes to the floor. Benoit takes a while to start climbing now, Jericho cuts him off and puts him in the Walls across the top of the ladder. Always loved this spot. Jericho almost gets the belt, but Benoit manages to topple the ladder over in time. Jericho with the ladder now as he slams it into Benoit's chest, then back on the climb. Benoit catches him in the crossface as Jericho dives off. Jericho is tapping immediately, but obviously it does him no good. He finally releases before throwing Jericho shoulder first into the ring post. Jericho sends him face first into the ladder, then again into the corner. Jericho sets it up for something in the corner as he and Benoit climb up, going for a superplex but Benoit knocks him off. Benoit tries for a headbutt, but Jericho moves out of the way. God damn.
Closing Moments Jericho sets the ladder up with Benoit pinned underneath, Jericho starts the climb but Benoit tilts the ladder back, bouncing Jericho off the turnbuckle and to the outside. Benoit with the ladder set up but Jericho grabs the chair from ringside, nailing Benoit in the back, and again, pushing the ladder over and Benoit to the outside. Jericho sets the ladder back up and Benoit tries desperately to climb back in the ring but Jericho takes the belt down to win the IC Title in 18:45. A damn good match between these two.
Both showing the toll of the match as Jericho celebrates and we go to replays. Can we please stop showing that suicide dive chair shot?
We cut to Drew and Trish in the back. Drew hits on her and she brings up her relationship with Vince. Vince walks in and they plug his PPV some more. Vince suggests he enter the Royal Rumble match as a bit of improv tonight. Vince manages to coax him into it, even bringing up his own Rumble win. He eventually agrees.
Cut to Billy Gun trying to talk Chyna out of wrestling tonight, telling her to listen to the doctors at lest. We're in the middle of the neck injury angle with her and Ivory. She tells him to worry more about the Rumble Match and less about her.
Cut to Michael Cole interviewing Chris, who puts over Benoit and talks about winning the title for the 3rd time. He says he proved Benoit wrong in front of the Jerichoholics and walks off. Short and effective promo.
We get a promo package for our Women's Title match, which of course stems from Ivory and Stevie Richards nailing Chyna with a Spike Piledriver, taking her out with a neck injury. We see Chyna giving interviews, with Ivory mocking her along the way. She gets cocky enough to put the title on the line against Chyna at the Rumble, and of course Chyna acceptst the challenge.
WWF Women's Championship: Right to Censor's Ivory (c) (w/ Steven Richards) vs Chyna
Pre-Match Notes and & Thoughts: This is the first time Chyna is challenging for the Women's Championship. Commentary talk about King bringing out some cheerleaders on Raw only to be interrupted by RTC, and Chyna coming out to surprise Ivory.
Chyna dominates this match, but it doesn't go very long. They brawl around ringside and in the crowd a bit, Richards comes in but Chyna tosses him out. Chyna nails a handspring elbow in the corner but Chyna drops to the mat holding her head and neck. Ivory makes the cover and retains the title in 3:33. A short match, but for good reason in this case, keeps the story going.
Chyna isn't moving as Richards' helps Ivory back to her feet. Lawler gets up from commentary to go check on Chyna, Billy is out next before paramedics come down and stretcher her out. We get a replay of the handspring. Lawler rejoins J.R. and talks about how she responded as doctors came in, before another replay.
Cut to Steph entering the make up area and Trish is there. They talk a bit of trash.
Cut to Drew getting his ring gear as Kane walks in. He says nothing.
Cut to... I think Tiger Ali Singh, and his henchmen? I don't remember this guy all too great. I think D'Lo is one of them. Vince comes in and announces that neither of them are going into the Rumble and they've been with Drew Carey. Tiger thinks Vince said "curry", Vince gives him a look before walking off.
We see some footage of fans at WWF New York giving their thoughts on the WWF Title match. They also say HHH is gonna win aside from a couple people.
We cut to HHH breathing heavily against a mirror before storming off. Commentary hype it up a bit before we see Angle walking down the hallway. Video package is next. The story here being he's got Trish in his corner to counteract the McMahon family... and we get some pervy Vince and Trish stuff. So basically she's in here to continue the Trish/Vince affair angle.
WWF Championship: Triple H (w/ Stephanie McMahon) vs Kurt Angle (c) (w/ Trish Stratus)
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Fink does HHH's introduction pretty late into his entrance for whatever reason.
Kurt's already got the straps down and we're not even a minute into this. Nice bit of chain wrestling to start things off. HHH spends the match working Kurt's leg.
Closing Moments: Kurt hits a nice moonsault but he hurts his knee on the landing before being tossed out of the ring. HHH knocks Hebner down as he leaps off the apron toward Angle, before whipping Angle head first into the ring post. HHH goes up top but Angle takes him down to the mat with an arm drag. Angle goes for the cover but Hebner's still out. Angle tries to revive him before pulling HHH out, only to sandwich Hebner into the steps using Angle. HHH wastes no time grabbing the title belt from ringside and Angle hits a belly to belly overhead.
Angle with the title now and goes to nail HHH but eats a Pedigree instead, Hebner's still out and no referee around. Now he's trying to revive Hebner but Austin runs down and is on the attack. He nails HHH with the title before rolling Hebner back in the ring. HHH is busted open and Austin goes to leave, but nails HHH with a Stunner for good measure before leaving.
Angle crawls over and drapes an arm over HHH, and it takes Hebner forever to come to and make the count. Angle retains in 24:14, as HHH noticeably tries to get the arm up in time. Damn good match, if not a little overbooked at the end, but doesn't ruin the match.
Angle limps up the aisle as we go to replays of the closing moments. HHH follows shortly after obviously pissed.
We cut to Rikishi getting ready, who has apparently drawn number 30. We see Taker for a few moments before cutting to Rock being interviewed by Kevin Kelly. He talks some trash about Kane and Taker in typical Rock fashion, along with some of the other participants, teasing a showdown with Austin.
We get a hype package for the Rumble match up next, highlighting Rikishi, Kane, Taker, as well as Austin and HHH's issues.
Time for our main event.
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Jeff Hardy is out as our first entrant of this match, followed by Bull Buchanan and they waste no time going at it.
Bull tries to press slam Jeff to the outside but he slips out. Otherwise, first two minutes are your typical opening moments for a Rumble match.
Lucky for Jeff, Matt Hardy is Entrant #3. They make quick work of Bull and we get our first elimination. They start going at it now, some nice back and forth before the next entrant.
Entrant #4 is Farooq. He takes down the Hardys with a double clothesline. Farooq tries to toss Jeff over off a double team but eats a Twist of Fate and Swanton for his trouble, and now he's eliminated. Matt tries to capitalize and eliminate Jeff but he hangs on.
Entrant #5 is... well, Drew Carey is out already. J.R just called him one of the biggest stars in all of Hollywood, that gave me a good chuckle. More plugging of his PPV and even his TV show. Drew doing the smart thing and staying out of the ring as Matt and Jeff continue to go at it. Drew does come in eventually as Jeff and Matt end up eliminating each other. So now Drew is by himself.
Entrant #6 is Kane. Drew looks like he just shit himself. Drew tries calling for the Hardys to come back as Kane stalks around ringside. Kane does his pyro spot and Drew tries to shake his hand. Then he tries bribing Kane, but we're already onto our next entrant.
Entrant #7 is Raven, the Hardcore Champion, with a kendo stick. He nails Kane, but doesn't do him much good, while Drew eliminates himself. Thanks for coming. Kane and Raven botch a sidewalk slam, but Raven starts grabbing a handful of weapons from under the ring. Al Snow runs down and starts attacking Raven. Seems like Raven took him out with a cinder block some weeks back. Commentary are confused about whether he's even in the match as he starts grabbing weapons.
Entrant #8 is... Oh I guess Al Snow is in this match. This turns into an impromptu hardcore match as Snow grabs his bowling ball bag, rolling it into Raven's nuts in the corner, then eats a big boot from Kane. Raven and Snow try to take Kane out with trash can shots, finally taking him down with a drop toe hold momentarily.
Entrant #9 is Perry Saturn, accompanied by Terri. The ring is a mess with assorted weapons and other things. Saturn starts to work the leg but it doesn't last too long, Kane powering out. Raven goes for a sleeper but Kane throws him off. Saturn back on the offense, then Snow, then Raven, finally taking him down with a sleeper, some chop blocks and shots to the head with a road sign. Saturn back on the leg as our next entrant comes out.
Entrant #10 is Steve Blackman with his martial art sticks, nailing Raven and Snow. Kane is already back up as this has turned a bit chaotic.
Entrant #11 is Grand Master Sexay of Too Cool to join in on the hardcore melee. Kane knocks Sexay out with a shot to the head with a trash can, then Blackman goes over trying to hold on before taking a shot to the head with a trash can lid. Snow is out next, then Raven, then Saturn.
Entrant #12 is... Well hell, it's the Honky Tonk Man, guitar and all. He's cool, he's cocky, and he's bad (I know, that was bad). He leads the audience in a sing along to his song, but Kane isn't much for having fun, smashing the guitar over Honky's head before eliminating him next.
Entrant #13 is The Rock. Well things are picking up now. Rock lays in some right hands and takes Kane off his feet, and tries to toss him over but Kane avoids elimination. Kane on the offensive now with shots in the corner.
Entrant #14 is The Goodfather of the Right to Censor. Rock makes short work of him and he's eliminated within seconds. Kane takes Rock back down with a right hand. Kane keeps the advantage for the most part.
Halfway through, entrant #15 is Tazz. Kane goes right after him, lifting him to the top rope and eliminates him with a right hand immediately. More fighting, trying to eliminate each other. There's this weird transition to a black screen then a replay of Tazz's elimination, and a sudden cut back to the action. I guess someone fucked up.
Entrant #16 is Bradshaw of the APA and goes right after Kane. Rock joins in, but eats a stiff clothesline from Bradshaw. Rock nails him with a spinebuster before eating a clothesline from Kane.
Entrant #17 is Albert. He goes right after Rock before Kane and Bradshaw start to double team him, short lived before Kane takes him out with a clothesline. Bradshaw gets nearly eliminated by Albert, Rock almost by Kane.
Entrant #18 is Hardcore Holly, Bradshaw eats a Baldo Bomb as the action continues. More of your typical Rumble action. Kane eats a boot from Albert. Clothesline by Rock on Bradshaw and almost eliminates Kane.
Entrant #19 is K-Kwik, the future R-Truth. More of the same. Bradshaw nails Kwik with a powerbomb and Holly eats a powerslam by Kane.
Entrant #20 is Val Venis of the Right to Censor. J.R. tells us Kane's been in there for a half hour now.
Entrant #21 is William Regal, the European Champion. He goes straight for Kwik then turns his attention to Bradshaw. Rock with a spinebuster on Val. He tries eliminating Rock but Bradshaw cuts him off for some reason.
Entrant #22 is Test. He goes after Regal and eliminates him. Now on Albert, former partners. Hardcore trying to eliminate Rock. We get a better angle on Regal's elimination, and the action goes on as normal.
Entrant #23 is The Big Show, who's apparently making his return from... something. He eliminates Test, then tosses Kwik out to the floor press slam style. Albert eats a chokeslam, then Bradshaw, then Val. J.R. with the cringe line, saying "It's like a man playing with children". Phrasing, Jim. Hardcore gets a chokeslam too. Kane gets some height on his chokeslam, but gets a low blow as he goes after Rock, only to be eliminated after some right hands. Damn so much destruction and no eliminations. Show is taking apart the announce table as...
Entrant #24 is Crash Holly. Show pulls Rock out of the ring as Crash enters the ring. Rock is sent through the table with a chokeslam. I think Lawler lost his head set in the chaos.
Entrant #25 is The Undertaker, rolling out on his motorcycle. Everyone's trying to eliminate Kane, but Taker cuts them off. Taker sends out Bradshaw, Kane gets Crash and Albert, Taker takes out Hardcore and Albert. Kane and Taker are alone in the ring. Long stare down, and J.R. mentions Kane's been in for 40 minutes now.
Entrant #26 is... oh no, it's Scotty 2 Hotty. He's taking a very slow walk to the ring as Taker and Kane stare him down. They have some fun and throw him around some before nailing a double team chokeslam, before finally tossing him out. Rock is finally starting to stir as Taker and Kane continue to just stare at each other, before the countdown starts.
Entrant #27 is Stone Cold, and they've dubbed out his theme for his classic one. HHH nails Austin from behind, and he noticeably still has blood on his forehead, so I guess he didn't bother to get patched up. Kane and Taker double team Rock as HHH tosses Austin around near the entrance, and Austin is busted wide open now.
Entrant #28 is Billy Gun. He goes after Kane and tries to even the odds but it doesn't last too long. Officials are finally out to tear HHH off of Austin. Jesus his head is covered in blood. Kane choking Billy in the corner and Taker with right hands on Rock in the other corner. Rock finally fights out of the corner but Taker nails a DDT coming off the ropes.
Entrant #29 is... Haku? Well talk about random surprise entrants... He goes straight for Taker, then Kane with headbutts and chops. Kane and Taker start to team up to take Haku out, but he holds his own, although his offense is mostly just chops and headbutts.
Entrant #30 is of course Rikishi. Austin's made his way halfway up the aisle and Rikishi tries to take advantage, but Austin starts whaling on him and everyone.
Austin takes Haku out with some right hands, we're down to the final 6. Rikishi takes a chokeslam from Taker and nearly eliminates Rock but he hangs on. Austin eats a big boot, and Rikishi takes Taker out with a side kick, and he's out now.
Rock after Rikishi now as he's rammed into the corner by Kish. Kish calls for the Banzai Drop on Rock, but Rock nails a low blow before knocking him to the floor. We're down to the final 4, Taker's bike roaring as he drives to the back.
Austin goes for a Stunner on Austin but he gets him with a Fame Asser. Not a lot of good because he gets eliminated next as he tries to toss out Austin.
Rock and a bloody Austin stare from opposite corners before going at it, Austin with the advantage, but Rock takes him down with right hands. He calls for the Rock Bottom, but Austin escapes and hits the Stunner. Stomping away at Rock in the corner before Kane gets back in it, but Austin drops him with a Thesz Press.
Rock back up with right hands but Austin rakes the eyes, only for Rock to hit the Rock Bottom. Kane back up and after Rock, Rock goes to eliminate him but Kane goes through the ropes, so he's still in this. Rock and Austin trade right hands again until Austin picks him up, nearly throwing him over. Rock does the same and Kane is back in, trying to eliminate both but Austin hangs on, Rock hitting the floor.
Austin with right hands on Kane against the ropes, but Take catches Austin by the throat and hits the chokeslam. Kane wastes time with some taunts, allowing Austin to low blow him out of desperation. Kane slides out and grabs a chair from ringside, but Austin kicks it out of his hands. Kane goes for a tombstone but Austin hits the Stunner. Austin grabs the chair as Kane sits up, cracking Kane over the head three times before sending him over the ropes, winning the Royal Rumble for his third time in 1:01:54.
Austin a bloody mess as the fans pop and his music hits. We go to replays of Kane's elimination, and of course Austin starts knocking back some beers as the PPV goes off air.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I mean what can I say, this was a solid PPV top to bottom. Even the women's title, albeit short, had it's place and did it's job. Rumble match did feel a bit slow and clunky at times, but then I realized that's usually how Rumble matches go anyways.
I think I covered most of the aftermath after my Armageddon 2000 review. Austin beats Rock and turns heel, after Angle loses the title next month to Rock. HHH and Austin have their 3 Stages of Hell, then HHH goes on to fight Taker. Kane goes on to win the Hardcore Title in a fantastic triple threat with Raven and Big Show at Mania. There's nothing else to really say.
We get a video package highlighting the participants in tonight's Rumble match, all wanting their chance at the WWE Title. Those who've already held it and those who never have. Great way to start.
We're live from the New Orleans Arena in... Well, obviously New Orleans, Louisiana. J.R. and the King are on commentary tonight as always. Let's right to the action.
WWF Tag Team Championship: The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian (c)
Pre-match Notes: J.R. mentions that the Dudleyz are suffering from concussions via concertos on the previous Raw. We get a replay of the attack backstage, along with a follow up on the following Smackdown, Bubba being sent through a table while D-Von ate an Unprettier. Dudleyz waste no time in going after E&C as the match starts.
Dudleyz spend the match trying to end it quick with their concussions while E&C do their heel stuff. Dudleyz dominate a good few minutes before Christian gets a cheap shot to the back of the head on D-Von. E&C focus on the head while keeping D-Von and Bubba apart. Bubba desperate to get a tag as D-Von gets worn down. Fans chant for tables.
E&C attempt a Spike Piledriver but D-Von escapes, catapulting Edge into Christian, in turn crotching him on the top rope. D-Von attempts a roll up but Edge kicks out at 2. Both down with a double clothesline as Chioda starts the count. D-Von tags in but Edge distracted the ref and gets called off. D-Von ducks a Concerto attempt and nails a double clothesline on E&C and finally gets the hot tag. Despite a concussion, D-Von nails the Wassaaaaaap on Edge, not the smartest thing to do there.
Closing Moments: Dudleyz call for a table, Bubba nearly gets a pin on Edge. Christian goes for an Unprettier, but gets cut off. Dudleyz go for the 3D but Edge spears Bubba, while Christian rolls back into a DDT on D-Von. Edge with a pin attempt but Bubba kicks out at 2. E&C call for a Wassaaaaaaaaaaaap of their own, but D-Von cuts off Edge, Bubba with a victory roll(?), Edge launched off the top to nail Christian instead. Dudleyz nail the 3D and D-Von falls on Edge to win the titles in 10:01. Match was given plenty of time, and these teams never fail to disappoint.
We go to replays as Dudleyz... well try to celebrate. D-Von's still selling and barely moving, but Bubba does some poses before heading up the aisle with their newly won titles.
We see footage from earlier of Drew Carey arriving at the arena. J.R. plugs his improv PPV. Then we cut to Vince talking about an altercation between HHH and Austin.
Cut to HHH and Steph in the back, talking about Steph and Trish and a possible altercation between the two during the title match tonight. Drew Carey walks in and talks about running into Kamala at the airport, then plugs his PPV and looks for Vince. Steph takes him to see Trish, I guess as some sort of evil scheme?
Cut to APA in their "office" drinking beers and playing cards like always. They show each other their numbers for the Rumble. Bradshaw laughs at Farooq before Crash Holly walks in and does his usual goofy stuff.
We get a promo package for our IC Ladder Match, showing their various matches and altercations over the last several months. Benoit tells Chris he can pick the match and Jericho picks the ladder match. All there is to it.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit (c)
Pre-Match Notes: J.R. brings up how Jericho was attacked by Benoit and Saturn on Smackdown, which was highlighted briefly in the video package, more specifically his arm having been targeted. They waste no time as the match gets started.
Benoit tries for a crossface already, then Jericho going for the Walls. Benoit spends the first bit of the match working the injured arm. J.R. mentions that the last time the IC Title was defended on PPV in a Ladder Match was when HHH and Rock went at it at Summerslam in 1998.
Benoit vicious on the outside, whipping Jericho into the post and ring steps shoulder first, taking nasty spills before he sets up a ladder in the ring. Jericho cuts him off with an electric chair, before ramming the ladder into Benoit's head, then to the ribs in the corner. Jericho sent face first into a ladder he had laid across the top rope as he rolls out to the ring.
Benoit goes for a suicide dive but Jericho nails him right in the head with a chair as he dives out. That is hard to watch in hindsight, that looked nasty, not to mention he lands right on his head. Jericho works the ribs as he slams Benoit ribs first over the rail, but misses Benoit as he tries to fall on top with a ladder, nailing the barricade instead. Jericho eats a ladder to the face , before Benoit nails him across the back with the chair.
Back in the ring, ladder set up in the corner by Benoit and Jericho into it like a lawn dart, tries again but gets sent into it face first by Jericho. Jericho hangs Benoit up in the ladder and nails what looks like a back suplex of sorts from the top rope.
Benoit dropkicks the ladder into Jericho's chest as he picks it up before hitting a back suplex of his own, but eats a ladder set up in the corner. Jericho sets the ladder across the top rope like a seesaw and smacks Chris right in the face, then again with a missle dropkick into the ladder. Ladder set back up by Jericho and makes the climb but gets cut off, back suplexed (sort of) over the ropes to the floor. Benoit takes a while to start climbing now, Jericho cuts him off and puts him in the Walls across the top of the ladder. Always loved this spot. Jericho almost gets the belt, but Benoit manages to topple the ladder over in time. Jericho with the ladder now as he slams it into Benoit's chest, then back on the climb. Benoit catches him in the crossface as Jericho dives off. Jericho is tapping immediately, but obviously it does him no good. He finally releases before throwing Jericho shoulder first into the ring post. Jericho sends him face first into the ladder, then again into the corner. Jericho sets it up for something in the corner as he and Benoit climb up, going for a superplex but Benoit knocks him off. Benoit tries for a headbutt, but Jericho moves out of the way. God damn.
Closing Moments Jericho sets the ladder up with Benoit pinned underneath, Jericho starts the climb but Benoit tilts the ladder back, bouncing Jericho off the turnbuckle and to the outside. Benoit with the ladder set up but Jericho grabs the chair from ringside, nailing Benoit in the back, and again, pushing the ladder over and Benoit to the outside. Jericho sets the ladder back up and Benoit tries desperately to climb back in the ring but Jericho takes the belt down to win the IC Title in 18:45. A damn good match between these two.
Both showing the toll of the match as Jericho celebrates and we go to replays. Can we please stop showing that suicide dive chair shot?
We cut to Drew and Trish in the back. Drew hits on her and she brings up her relationship with Vince. Vince walks in and they plug his PPV some more. Vince suggests he enter the Royal Rumble match as a bit of improv tonight. Vince manages to coax him into it, even bringing up his own Rumble win. He eventually agrees.
Cut to Billy Gun trying to talk Chyna out of wrestling tonight, telling her to listen to the doctors at lest. We're in the middle of the neck injury angle with her and Ivory. She tells him to worry more about the Rumble Match and less about her.
Cut to Michael Cole interviewing Chris, who puts over Benoit and talks about winning the title for the 3rd time. He says he proved Benoit wrong in front of the Jerichoholics and walks off. Short and effective promo.
We get a promo package for our Women's Title match, which of course stems from Ivory and Stevie Richards nailing Chyna with a Spike Piledriver, taking her out with a neck injury. We see Chyna giving interviews, with Ivory mocking her along the way. She gets cocky enough to put the title on the line against Chyna at the Rumble, and of course Chyna acceptst the challenge.
WWF Women's Championship: Right to Censor's Ivory (c) (w/ Steven Richards) vs Chyna
Pre-Match Notes and & Thoughts: This is the first time Chyna is challenging for the Women's Championship. Commentary talk about King bringing out some cheerleaders on Raw only to be interrupted by RTC, and Chyna coming out to surprise Ivory.
Chyna dominates this match, but it doesn't go very long. They brawl around ringside and in the crowd a bit, Richards comes in but Chyna tosses him out. Chyna nails a handspring elbow in the corner but Chyna drops to the mat holding her head and neck. Ivory makes the cover and retains the title in 3:33. A short match, but for good reason in this case, keeps the story going.
Chyna isn't moving as Richards' helps Ivory back to her feet. Lawler gets up from commentary to go check on Chyna, Billy is out next before paramedics come down and stretcher her out. We get a replay of the handspring. Lawler rejoins J.R. and talks about how she responded as doctors came in, before another replay.
Cut to Steph entering the make up area and Trish is there. They talk a bit of trash.
Cut to Drew getting his ring gear as Kane walks in. He says nothing.
Cut to... I think Tiger Ali Singh, and his henchmen? I don't remember this guy all too great. I think D'Lo is one of them. Vince comes in and announces that neither of them are going into the Rumble and they've been with Drew Carey. Tiger thinks Vince said "curry", Vince gives him a look before walking off.
We see some footage of fans at WWF New York giving their thoughts on the WWF Title match. They also say HHH is gonna win aside from a couple people.
We cut to HHH breathing heavily against a mirror before storming off. Commentary hype it up a bit before we see Angle walking down the hallway. Video package is next. The story here being he's got Trish in his corner to counteract the McMahon family... and we get some pervy Vince and Trish stuff. So basically she's in here to continue the Trish/Vince affair angle.
WWF Championship: Triple H (w/ Stephanie McMahon) vs Kurt Angle (c) (w/ Trish Stratus)
Pre-Match Thoughts & Notes: Fink does HHH's introduction pretty late into his entrance for whatever reason.
Kurt's already got the straps down and we're not even a minute into this. Nice bit of chain wrestling to start things off. HHH spends the match working Kurt's leg.
Closing Moments: Kurt hits a nice moonsault but he hurts his knee on the landing before being tossed out of the ring. HHH knocks Hebner down as he leaps off the apron toward Angle, before whipping Angle head first into the ring post. HHH goes up top but Angle takes him down to the mat with an arm drag. Angle goes for the cover but Hebner's still out. Angle tries to revive him before pulling HHH out, only to sandwich Hebner into the steps using Angle. HHH wastes no time grabbing the title belt from ringside and Angle hits a belly to belly overhead.
Angle with the title now and goes to nail HHH but eats a Pedigree instead, Hebner's still out and no referee around. Now he's trying to revive Hebner but Austin runs down and is on the attack. He nails HHH with the title before rolling Hebner back in the ring. HHH is busted open and Austin goes to leave, but nails HHH with a Stunner for good measure before leaving.
Angle crawls over and drapes an arm over HHH, and it takes Hebner forever to come to and make the count. Angle retains in 24:14, as HHH noticeably tries to get the arm up in time. Damn good match, if not a little overbooked at the end, but doesn't ruin the match.
Angle limps up the aisle as we go to replays of the closing moments. HHH follows shortly after obviously pissed.
We cut to Rikishi getting ready, who has apparently drawn number 30. We see Taker for a few moments before cutting to Rock being interviewed by Kevin Kelly. He talks some trash about Kane and Taker in typical Rock fashion, along with some of the other participants, teasing a showdown with Austin.
We get a hype package for the Rumble match up next, highlighting Rikishi, Kane, Taker, as well as Austin and HHH's issues.
Time for our main event.
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Jeff Hardy is out as our first entrant of this match, followed by Bull Buchanan and they waste no time going at it.
Bull tries to press slam Jeff to the outside but he slips out. Otherwise, first two minutes are your typical opening moments for a Rumble match.
Lucky for Jeff, Matt Hardy is Entrant #3. They make quick work of Bull and we get our first elimination. They start going at it now, some nice back and forth before the next entrant.
Entrant #4 is Farooq. He takes down the Hardys with a double clothesline. Farooq tries to toss Jeff over off a double team but eats a Twist of Fate and Swanton for his trouble, and now he's eliminated. Matt tries to capitalize and eliminate Jeff but he hangs on.
Entrant #5 is... well, Drew Carey is out already. J.R just called him one of the biggest stars in all of Hollywood, that gave me a good chuckle. More plugging of his PPV and even his TV show. Drew doing the smart thing and staying out of the ring as Matt and Jeff continue to go at it. Drew does come in eventually as Jeff and Matt end up eliminating each other. So now Drew is by himself.
Entrant #6 is Kane. Drew looks like he just shit himself. Drew tries calling for the Hardys to come back as Kane stalks around ringside. Kane does his pyro spot and Drew tries to shake his hand. Then he tries bribing Kane, but we're already onto our next entrant.
Entrant #7 is Raven, the Hardcore Champion, with a kendo stick. He nails Kane, but doesn't do him much good, while Drew eliminates himself. Thanks for coming. Kane and Raven botch a sidewalk slam, but Raven starts grabbing a handful of weapons from under the ring. Al Snow runs down and starts attacking Raven. Seems like Raven took him out with a cinder block some weeks back. Commentary are confused about whether he's even in the match as he starts grabbing weapons.
Entrant #8 is... Oh I guess Al Snow is in this match. This turns into an impromptu hardcore match as Snow grabs his bowling ball bag, rolling it into Raven's nuts in the corner, then eats a big boot from Kane. Raven and Snow try to take Kane out with trash can shots, finally taking him down with a drop toe hold momentarily.
Entrant #9 is Perry Saturn, accompanied by Terri. The ring is a mess with assorted weapons and other things. Saturn starts to work the leg but it doesn't last too long, Kane powering out. Raven goes for a sleeper but Kane throws him off. Saturn back on the offense, then Snow, then Raven, finally taking him down with a sleeper, some chop blocks and shots to the head with a road sign. Saturn back on the leg as our next entrant comes out.
Entrant #10 is Steve Blackman with his martial art sticks, nailing Raven and Snow. Kane is already back up as this has turned a bit chaotic.
Entrant #11 is Grand Master Sexay of Too Cool to join in on the hardcore melee. Kane knocks Sexay out with a shot to the head with a trash can, then Blackman goes over trying to hold on before taking a shot to the head with a trash can lid. Snow is out next, then Raven, then Saturn.
Entrant #12 is... Well hell, it's the Honky Tonk Man, guitar and all. He's cool, he's cocky, and he's bad (I know, that was bad). He leads the audience in a sing along to his song, but Kane isn't much for having fun, smashing the guitar over Honky's head before eliminating him next.
Entrant #13 is The Rock. Well things are picking up now. Rock lays in some right hands and takes Kane off his feet, and tries to toss him over but Kane avoids elimination. Kane on the offensive now with shots in the corner.
Entrant #14 is The Goodfather of the Right to Censor. Rock makes short work of him and he's eliminated within seconds. Kane takes Rock back down with a right hand. Kane keeps the advantage for the most part.
Halfway through, entrant #15 is Tazz. Kane goes right after him, lifting him to the top rope and eliminates him with a right hand immediately. More fighting, trying to eliminate each other. There's this weird transition to a black screen then a replay of Tazz's elimination, and a sudden cut back to the action. I guess someone fucked up.
Entrant #16 is Bradshaw of the APA and goes right after Kane. Rock joins in, but eats a stiff clothesline from Bradshaw. Rock nails him with a spinebuster before eating a clothesline from Kane.
Entrant #17 is Albert. He goes right after Rock before Kane and Bradshaw start to double team him, short lived before Kane takes him out with a clothesline. Bradshaw gets nearly eliminated by Albert, Rock almost by Kane.
Entrant #18 is Hardcore Holly, Bradshaw eats a Baldo Bomb as the action continues. More of your typical Rumble action. Kane eats a boot from Albert. Clothesline by Rock on Bradshaw and almost eliminates Kane.
Entrant #19 is K-Kwik, the future R-Truth. More of the same. Bradshaw nails Kwik with a powerbomb and Holly eats a powerslam by Kane.
Entrant #20 is Val Venis of the Right to Censor. J.R. tells us Kane's been in there for a half hour now.
Entrant #21 is William Regal, the European Champion. He goes straight for Kwik then turns his attention to Bradshaw. Rock with a spinebuster on Val. He tries eliminating Rock but Bradshaw cuts him off for some reason.
Entrant #22 is Test. He goes after Regal and eliminates him. Now on Albert, former partners. Hardcore trying to eliminate Rock. We get a better angle on Regal's elimination, and the action goes on as normal.
Entrant #23 is The Big Show, who's apparently making his return from... something. He eliminates Test, then tosses Kwik out to the floor press slam style. Albert eats a chokeslam, then Bradshaw, then Val. J.R. with the cringe line, saying "It's like a man playing with children". Phrasing, Jim. Hardcore gets a chokeslam too. Kane gets some height on his chokeslam, but gets a low blow as he goes after Rock, only to be eliminated after some right hands. Damn so much destruction and no eliminations. Show is taking apart the announce table as...
Entrant #24 is Crash Holly. Show pulls Rock out of the ring as Crash enters the ring. Rock is sent through the table with a chokeslam. I think Lawler lost his head set in the chaos.
Entrant #25 is The Undertaker, rolling out on his motorcycle. Everyone's trying to eliminate Kane, but Taker cuts them off. Taker sends out Bradshaw, Kane gets Crash and Albert, Taker takes out Hardcore and Albert. Kane and Taker are alone in the ring. Long stare down, and J.R. mentions Kane's been in for 40 minutes now.
Entrant #26 is... oh no, it's Scotty 2 Hotty. He's taking a very slow walk to the ring as Taker and Kane stare him down. They have some fun and throw him around some before nailing a double team chokeslam, before finally tossing him out. Rock is finally starting to stir as Taker and Kane continue to just stare at each other, before the countdown starts.
Entrant #27 is Stone Cold, and they've dubbed out his theme for his classic one. HHH nails Austin from behind, and he noticeably still has blood on his forehead, so I guess he didn't bother to get patched up. Kane and Taker double team Rock as HHH tosses Austin around near the entrance, and Austin is busted wide open now.
Entrant #28 is Billy Gun. He goes after Kane and tries to even the odds but it doesn't last too long. Officials are finally out to tear HHH off of Austin. Jesus his head is covered in blood. Kane choking Billy in the corner and Taker with right hands on Rock in the other corner. Rock finally fights out of the corner but Taker nails a DDT coming off the ropes.
Entrant #29 is... Haku? Well talk about random surprise entrants... He goes straight for Taker, then Kane with headbutts and chops. Kane and Taker start to team up to take Haku out, but he holds his own, although his offense is mostly just chops and headbutts.
Entrant #30 is of course Rikishi. Austin's made his way halfway up the aisle and Rikishi tries to take advantage, but Austin starts whaling on him and everyone.
Austin takes Haku out with some right hands, we're down to the final 6. Rikishi takes a chokeslam from Taker and nearly eliminates Rock but he hangs on. Austin eats a big boot, and Rikishi takes Taker out with a side kick, and he's out now.
Rock after Rikishi now as he's rammed into the corner by Kish. Kish calls for the Banzai Drop on Rock, but Rock nails a low blow before knocking him to the floor. We're down to the final 4, Taker's bike roaring as he drives to the back.
Austin goes for a Stunner on Austin but he gets him with a Fame Asser. Not a lot of good because he gets eliminated next as he tries to toss out Austin.
Rock and a bloody Austin stare from opposite corners before going at it, Austin with the advantage, but Rock takes him down with right hands. He calls for the Rock Bottom, but Austin escapes and hits the Stunner. Stomping away at Rock in the corner before Kane gets back in it, but Austin drops him with a Thesz Press.
Rock back up with right hands but Austin rakes the eyes, only for Rock to hit the Rock Bottom. Kane back up and after Rock, Rock goes to eliminate him but Kane goes through the ropes, so he's still in this. Rock and Austin trade right hands again until Austin picks him up, nearly throwing him over. Rock does the same and Kane is back in, trying to eliminate both but Austin hangs on, Rock hitting the floor.
Austin with right hands on Kane against the ropes, but Take catches Austin by the throat and hits the chokeslam. Kane wastes time with some taunts, allowing Austin to low blow him out of desperation. Kane slides out and grabs a chair from ringside, but Austin kicks it out of his hands. Kane goes for a tombstone but Austin hits the Stunner. Austin grabs the chair as Kane sits up, cracking Kane over the head three times before sending him over the ropes, winning the Royal Rumble for his third time in 1:01:54.
Austin a bloody mess as the fans pop and his music hits. We go to replays of Kane's elimination, and of course Austin starts knocking back some beers as the PPV goes off air.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I mean what can I say, this was a solid PPV top to bottom. Even the women's title, albeit short, had it's place and did it's job. Rumble match did feel a bit slow and clunky at times, but then I realized that's usually how Rumble matches go anyways.
I think I covered most of the aftermath after my Armageddon 2000 review. Austin beats Rock and turns heel, after Angle loses the title next month to Rock. HHH and Austin have their 3 Stages of Hell, then HHH goes on to fight Taker. Kane goes on to win the Hardcore Title in a fantastic triple threat with Raven and Big Show at Mania. There's nothing else to really say.
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