WWE Survivor Series 2002
Since we're just over a week away from this year's Elimination Chamber PPV, I figured I'd go back and cover the site of the first ever Elimination Chamber, a PPV not named after the match (I know, shocking right?). Never seen this PPV in full so it'll be interesting to see how this show goes.
Our opening video package starts with Lesnar beating Taker in Hell in a Cell ahead of his title match with Big Show tonight, and some footage of show assaulting several wrestlers. Then we have Bischoff voicing over some past footage, and footage of the matches participants to hype up his creation, the Elimination Chamber.
We're live from Madison Square Garden in NYC. On commentary, we have good ol' J.R. and the King representing Raw, and Cole and Tazz representing Smackdown. Let's get to our first match.
6-Man Tag Team Elimination Tables Match: Bubba Ray, Spike Dudley & Jeff Hardy vs Three Minute Warning (Jamal, Rosey & Rico)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We TMW putting Jeff and Spike through a table with a splash off the top, and they waste no time getting things started.
Spike gets press slammed onto Jamal and Rosey on the outside only to be caught, while Jeff launches off Bubba's back to take em out. Bubba and Rico in the ring and Bubba lays in with chops and right hands. Spike with a nice hurricanrana on... One of them, before doing the Wasssup spot, then Jeff. Dudleyz and Jeff standing tall and they call for a table.
Bubba sets one up in the corner but Rosey cuts him off, taking out Spike and Jeff yet. Spike head first into the corner table before leaned up against it as Rosey goes to spear him, but Spike moves and Rosey smashes through. Jeff off the top but he gets swatted down and eats a splash.
Jamal sliding a table in the ring and Rico sets it up near the corner, going for a suplex on Spike but he fights out, going for a Dudley Dog, until Jamal and Rosey come up behind and catch him, with, as best I can describe, a slingshot flapjack through the table and Spike is eliminated.
Jeff and Bubba set up in the middle of the ring for a pair of splashes off the top but Bubba gets up, crotching Jamal and Rosey up top, sending Rico out. Jeff goes for Poetry in Motion but Rosey grabs hold of his hair before he can. Rosey and Jeff headed into the crowd, very reminiscent of Royal Rumble 2000. Rosey setting up a table and sets Jeff on top just below a balcony. In the ring, Jamal get a splash in the corner into Rico, Bubba joins Jeff to help him out, moving the table into place and setting Rosey on top, as Jeff climbs the balcony to nail a Swanton, eliminating Rosey. Nice call back.
Jamal getting Bubba back in the ring as Jeff recovers. Bubba set up on the table while Rico climbs up top looking for a moonsault, but Jeff comes back and shakes the ropes, crotching him. Bubba tries a back body drop off the top but Jamal moves the table in time. Jeff with Whisper in the Wind on Jamal, then a dropkick off the ropes.
Back on the outside, Jeff slams a table into Jamal before climbing the barricade, running at Jamal and... well it seems like Jamal threw the table into him, and I think Jeff went through it without meaning to, and the refs call it off. Jeff set up on another table as Jamal climbs off top, launching off with a splash and eliminating Jeff next.
Bubba and Rico in the ring with his punches and en elbow. Rico set up on a table in a rush, up on the second rope but Jamal intervenes, pushing Rico off. Jamal up top now, but Bubba catches him and powerbombs Jamal through the table We're down to two.
Rico on the attack now with right hands, Rosey is coming to as Rico slides in another table. The ref is trying to get Rosey out of there but it's no use. Rosey with a belly to belly slam as Jamal comes to now, setting a corner near the corner and... Well hell, D-Von is out, who I'm pretty sure was preacher D-Von at this point, so it's a nice surprise. They hit Rico with through the table to win the match in 13:55. A damn good start to this show.
Dudleyz celebrate and reunite as Jeff is helped to the back.
We cut to Stacy Keibler at The World, talking up Test and his "testicles", before introducing Saliva to sing the PPV's theme song., playing alongside footage hyping tonight's matches.
We see RVD getting prepared in the back before Tazz and Cole talk up the Chamber ahead of our next match.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble (c) (w/ Nidia) vs Billy Kidman
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Kidman's already got two non-title matches already, one in a tag team match. Apparently he's got a new theme song, and it's pretty decent.
As expected, a fast paced match. In the closing moments, Noble nails a Spike DDT with Kidman's legs draped over the ropes in the corner, but kicks out of a pin attempt. Enziguri by Kidman and sets Noble up for the Shooting Star but Nidia climbs up to distract, allowing Noble to climb up, only to be knocked back down. Kidman nails the Shooting Star Press to win the title in 7:29.
Kidman heads into the crowd to celebrate his newly won title as we go to replays.
We cut to Angle in the back reacting to the match, asking Benoit's opinion. He says they should have no problem winning the titles if Kidman could, as long as Benoit stays out of his way. He uses several different words to say they're partners and that no one can stop them. He refuses to shake Benoit's hand, because... tag partners don't shake hands, they hug. Well that gave me a chuckle.
We see Jericho preparing for the Chamber match, then cut to Victoria preparing for her title match. She's talking to her mirror ala Snow White wicked witch, freaks out and breaks it, before ripping a Trish cutout, and that match is up next.
We get a video package, where Victoria talks about being jealous of Trish getting a job with WWE and not, back when they were fitness models together. We get some footage of Victoria attacking Trish, along with Terri, setting up our hardcore match for tonight.
Hardcore Match for the WWE Women's Championship: Victoria vs Trish Stratus (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Weird seeing Victoria come out with anything but her trademark WWE theme. This is the first women's title match under hardcore rules since September of '99, where Ivory successfully defended against Luna at Unforgiven. They've attached a trash can with assorted weapons to each ring post. Victoria wastes no time attacking Trish as she does her entrance to get things started.
Victoria starts by choking Trish with her entrance robe, tossing her around the ring a few times, before taking a broom from one of the aforementioned trash cans. She fails to nail Trish, who uses it to do a monkey flip, but Victoria flips over to choke her with it relentlessly, even climbing the turnbuckle for leverage to hang her. She gets a bit too cocky to let Trish throw her off, who grabs a trash can lid, only to have it knocked into her face by the broom.
Trish slammed face first into the lid a few times before being tossed to the outside, then whipped into one of the corner trash cans. Back in the ring, Victoria with a flip leg drop over the ropes for a near fall. Back on the outside, Victoria grabbing and wedging a trash can into the corner, open end out, allowing Trish to catapult her into t from underneath. Trish with a pin attempt and a near fall.
Trish under the ring now with... an ironing board? Um, alright then. Trish setting it up in the corner and whipping Victoria into it before she eats a kick, Trish with another near fall. Trish grabbing a kendo stick now across the back and ribs, but Victoria knocks her down. Victoria's nose busted as she goes up top, Trish with some lid shots to the face to knock her to the outside before being whipped into the steps.
Back in the ring, Victoria with a powerbomb before going to the outside and... Well, a conveniently placed mirror, a call back to earlier, but eats a kick, then a Chick Kick for another near fall. Trish up top to grab a cookie sheet, but Victoria nails her with a kendo stick. There's a botched bulldog by Trish, or maybe like a Stratusfaction, but anyways, Trish with another near fall after that.
Trish with the kendo stick but Victoria gets her with a drop toe hold. Now she's got a fire extinguisher and sprays Trish in the face, followed by a suplex and... Oh that's it. Huh, what a weird finish. Anywho, Victoria wins the title in 7:01. Fun match.
We go to replays as Victoria heads to the back with her new title. We see Booker getting ready for the Chamber in the back, commentary hype up our show before going to the back.
Coach asks Bischoff about what to expect tonight witht he Chamber, and Bischoff sells it's brutality and the history he's making tonight, touting outdoing Stephanie. Big Show interrupts, saying Bischoff made a big mistake trading him, saying he's walking out the new WWE Champion.
We cut to Lesnar getting ready as Heyman walks in, saying he's a nervous wreck. He says nothing's been the same since Hell in a Cell, bringing up his broken rib. Heyman hypes up being in MSG in his home town, and will do everything in his power to make sure "his client" walks out with the WWE Championship. Some nice word choice and foreshadowing for what's about to happen.
We get a video package that starts with showing Lesnar overcoming the Deadman in a brutal Hell in a Cell match the previous month. Show throws Taker off the stage the following episode of Smackdown. Show talks about his dominance, we see Show destroying Lesnar and a few others. He also throws Lesnar off the stage, which caused the broken rib. Heyman does his best to warn Lesnar of how dangerous Show is, but Lesnar won't listen, calling Show out for a fight, leaving Show a bloodied mess after a chair shot.
WWE Championship: The Big Show vs Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Show's forearm is taped up, apparently from an attack on the previous week's Smackdown. I kinda miss the way Tazz would introduce Lesnar with "Well, here comes the pain." It was a nice, simple touch. MSG is fully behind Lesnar in this match.
First few minutes are spent with the two locking up, only for Show to overpower Lesnar. Lesnar takes him down with a double leg before going to the outside. Brock tries to whip Show, but gets slammed ribs and back first into the ring post. Lesnar just barely gets Show with a side suplex before taking Show into the corner. He does (sort of) nail a German suplex out of the corner on Show. He tries an F5 but Show gets him in the ribs, only for Lesnar to knock the ref out of the ring. Lesnar with a nice belly to belly overhead on Show out of the corner. Heyman tosses a chair into the ring, but Show gets Lesnar by the throat. Lesnar with a low blow before nailing Show over the head with a chair. Lesnar gets Show up and successfully nails an F5. Already we have another referee out to make the pin, but Heyman pulls him out, knocking him on his ass. Well, this is an interesting turn of events.
Lesnar has come to the realization of what's just happened and Heyman looks on in absolute fear, which is probably the best part of this match.
Lesnar exits and heads after Heyman, leading him back in to take a chair to the ribs and back from Show. Show nails a chokeslam onto the chair, Show tosses the chair out while Heyman throws the ref back in, and we have a new WWE Champion in 4:20. I don't know how to feel about this one. I also don't know what this was like when it first aired, but this isn't much of a surprise 16 years later.
Heyman comes in and jumps into Show's arms as they celebrate with the title and make a quick exit and we go to replays. We cut back to Heyman and Show hop into a waiting limo and leave the arena. Tazz and Cole talk up what just happened, talking about how Heyman and Lesnar have been together since his debut, before we get another replay of the closing moments.
Up next, the WWE Tag Team titles are on the line, in what is the closest thing to a traditional Survivor Series match we'll get on this show. We get a video package, starting off with Angle and Benoit winning the titles in a tournament at the previous month's No Mercy PPV. We see Angle and Benoit are clearly not on the same page and even accidentally nail Steph with a trophy. Angle and Benoit both get smacked in the face. Los Guerreros interfere in a match between Benoit and Angle out of nowhere on Smackdown, before he eats an Angle Slam, and even smashing up their trophy. Edge and Mysterio would win the titles in a 2 of 3 Falls Match on Smackdown, after Benoit inadvertently nails Angle with a flying headbutt. I don't quite understand where Angle and Benoit went from hating each other to Angle hugging it out.
We see Dawn Marie and Al Wilson in the crowd, who are engaged to be married. Good lord, I forgot about that angle.
Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship: Los Guerreros (Chavo & Eddie) vs Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio & Edge (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: So we're doing the only two start in the ring rule for this one.
Benoit and Mysterio start this one out after a couple minutes of trash talk between the three teams. Nice fast paced action to start things out. Mysterio tags out off a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle in their corner, before Edge follows with some elbows. Chops by Benoit before he tags in Angle. Angle tags in Chavo as he's whipped toward the ropes, who's visibly reluctant. Nice kip up by Chavo into a dropkick from Edge, tagging in Mysterio who nails a springboard splash for a near fall.
Chavo tags in Eddie who goes right after Rey with right hands and stomps, whipping him off the ropes but gets caught in a nice tilt-a-whirl headscissor. Eddie quickly tags in Kurt who goes after Rey now.
Rey off the ropes with a head scissor on Angle. Angle goes shoulder first into the post, Rey launched over onto the top rope with a nasty landing on his head, but he seems to be alright. Hard to keep up with the action. Angle with a suplex to float over for a near fall. Benoit tagged in after a clothesline and a neck breaker on Rey and a back suplex, into another near fall. Angle tagged in for a back suplex on Rey for another near fall. Stomps on Rey before knocking Edge off the apron. Angle Slam countered into an arm drag, only to be knocked down with a clothesline for another near fall.
Benoit tagged back in, a snap suplex on Rey for another near fall. Angle tagged in again with a snapmare into a front facelock, continuing to work the neck. Mysterio finally fights back up and finally takes Angle down. Angle tries to tag in a Guerrero but they both hop off the apron. Angle and Rey tag their respective partners in and Edge cleans house, a nice belly to belly overhead on Angle. Mysterio takes Eddie to the outside, Edge goes for a spear, but gets caught in an Ankle Lock/Crossface combo, but Rey comes in off the top, taking out Angle and Benoit. Angle's tripped up by Chavo and Rey with a corkscrew over the top onto them.
In the ring, Benoit with a German on Edge, Eddie comes off the top with a sunset flip on Benoit into a German on Edge in a nice move but Edge and Benoit both kick out. Benoit lifting Eddie to the outside, and Benoit with another pair of Germans on Edge. Benoit calls for the headbutt and heads up top, but Eddie nails a Frog Splash first, going for the pin, but Benoit nails Eddie with a headbutt in the middle of a pin attempt. Aren't there only two legal men in this match?
Angle with an Angle Slam on Eddie, Benoit with a Crossface on Edge. The ref tries to call Angle off, allowing Chavo to nail Benoit in the back with the title belt, tossing it to Angle, and Benoit comes to thinking Angle's the one who nailed him. They argue, and Rey nails Benoit with a dropkick,then a baseball slide into a head scissor on Chavo on the outside. Edge goes for the Edge-cution, Benoit escapes and goes for a Crossface, but Edge slips out and nails a Spear launching off the ropes, eliminating Benoit and Angle from the match.
Angle comes in with a German on Edge, and Benoit with one for Rey, before they start pushing each other. Then they go after Chavo. Angle Slam for Edge before they head to the back still arguing. Eddie goes to sneak a pin on Edge but Edge kicks out. Eddie with a suplex before tagging in Chavo, dropkick to the ribs for another near fall.
Snapmare on Edge before tagging in Eddie, launching over the ropes into Edge for another near fall. Edge off the ropes into a sleeper hold, Eddie keeping Edge in their corner, and Chavo with a blind tag, Eddie pushing Edge off the ropes to eat a dropkick from Chavo for another near fall. Stomps in the corner. Eddie pulling Edge's hair in the corner to hold him in place while the ref is busy with Mysterio. Eddie tagged back in now with a back suplex and a front facelock. Back in the corner and Chavo with a blind tag and a snapmare into a dropkick, and a near fall.
Eddie tagged in again, Edge ducking a double team clothesline and nails a pair of flapjacks. Edge gets the hot tag and he launches with a crossbody onto Chavo. Rey with some fast paced action on both Guerreros and a spear by Edge into both in the corner, Rey with a dropkick into Eddie seated in the corner. Edge launches Rey into Eddie seated on the top into a hurricanrana and a pin, but Chavo breaks it up. Eddie and Edge going at it, Edge sends Eddie to the ropes to set up for a 619 and it connects, but the ref is busy trying to get Edge out of the ring. Chavo takes advantage on the outside, nailing Rey in the back with the title as he goes for the springboard. Edge with a baseball slide to Chavo and they start fighting on the outside. Meanwhile, Eddie takes advantage and locks in the Lasso from El Paso on Rey in the ring, and the Guerreros win the titles in 19:25. That was a fantastic match.
Guerreros quickly head to the back celebrating, before we cut to Kane getting ready for the main event.
Well the Chamber is supposed to be next, but Christopher Nowinski's music hits and makes his way out instead, to J.R. and King's confusion. Crowd is pretty dead, not sure if it's because of Nowinski or the last match. Chris gets a mic and says as he's the only Harvard graduate in the arena, wants to set the record straight, saying street smarts aren't the same as intelligence, which is something he has. It isn't something you can buy, like how the Yankees bought all their World Series titles, it's something you have or you don't, saying they don't. He says New York is #1 in stupidity.
Now we're booting up Matt Hardy V1. Apparently he keeps the room temp at 75 degrees, and only drinks lowfat chocolate milk. I forgot how great the Matt facts were. Matt gets a mic and says he's come here to tell Chris that New Yorkers aren't stupid, to a pop, but they're losers, to a boo. He expected to come out and see the people flowing with Mattitude, but are in fact sucking the Mattitude out of him. He's choking worse than the Knicks. He says it's unfortunate because he thought New York was cool, but it's full of losers, in a cruel twist of fate. Chris says they aren't losers, they're just too stupid to know better. Matt disagrees and points to some of the fans and calls them losers, and Chris asks the fans if they're stupid or losers. Matt says the debate has to end, and says they're both losers and stupid: they're lupid. They shake and raise hands.
Well, if things couldn't get more bizarre, that iconic siren plays and Scott Steiner makes his return to a massive pop, god damn, commentary bringing up how he's a free agent, signing his contract the previous night on Confidential. Matt shoves Chris into Scott and he lays them both out with a variety of suplexes. Belly to belly slam on Matt, tossing Chris out, and tossing Matt out onto him with a military press. The Big Bad Booty Daddy with some push ups before taking a mic, giving a shoutout to his New York freaks, and doing his catchphrase before his music hits, flexing for the crowd. Nice segment to get the energy back in the crowd after that last match.
We get a view of the ominous Chamber as it gets lowered down to the ring, as commentary talk about it's combination of Hell in a Cell, War Games and traditional Survivor Series matches.
We go to the back where Terri catches up with Shawn, asking why he believes he's winning the title tonight, but it gets interrupted by Randy Orton, with some RNN Breaking News. I forgot this was a thing. We see him with his arm in a sling in an unknown location, talking about the flight to New York and the sexy flight attendant. He tells the fans to send more get well messages to an email, before we get to our hype package for the main event.
Eric Bischoff is the kayfabe genius of this match, and we get a by-the-numbers run down of the structure itself. Ten tons of steel, 36 feet in diameter, 16 feet tall, intercut with footage of the crew building the structure. We get footage highlighting the competitors in this match, played behind the show's theme song. We see footage of HHH and Shawn's Unsanctioned Match from Summerslam and further brawling between the two in the build up, including a brawl between all 6 on Raw.
We cut to HHH with Flair who's approached by Coach, asking him about the match tonight. He talks about being handed the title, and how he's beaten everyone put in his way, and how tonight won't be any different, saying he's going up against 5 of the best ever in the business. He says he's got a first class ticket to hell and wants to know who's coming with him before walking off.
Back to the arena, Bischoff makes his way out grinning like an idiot, stepping into the Chamber with mic in hand. He says he's back in MSG, back making history once again, inside a match that could only come from his great mind. Two miles of chain, over 10 tons of solid steel, beating the steel with a pipe, 6 Raw superstars willing to put their careers on the line for the ultimate prize. He goes on to explain the rules of the match, which we should all know by now. Fantastic promo by Eric to hype the match up. Eric leaves as his music hits.
Let's get to our main event.
First Ever Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: World Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho vs Booker T vs Kane vs Shawn Michaels vs Rob Van Dam vs Triple H (c) (w/ Ric Flair)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Saliva is playing Jericho's theme from The World tonight... well, not his usual theme. Not sure what the name of the song is. Booker holds a tag team victory over the champion with help from Shawn Michaels a few weeks prior to this show. Apparently Michaels #1 goal tonight is to make sure HHH leaves MSG without the title tonight, rather than winning it for himself. J.R. points out that HHH is 0-6 at Survivor Series going into tonight's match. RVD and HHH will start the match off.
Match starts with your standard action, locking up into the corner, RVD nailing some spinning heel kicks. HHH goes for a Pedigree already but gets back dropped onto the steel grating. RVD wasting no time with some stomps before throwing HHH face first into the chains a few good times, even breaking the door to the Chamber open in the process. HHH already busted open, RVD with a monkey flip into the steel. Back in the ring, nailing a rolling thunder over the ropes into HHH on the steel floor. Right hand sends HHH back into the ring.
Scoop slam on HHH before RVD flips off Jericho, climbing on top of his pod, but Jericho reaches through the roof to pull Rob's leg through, HHH get crotched on the top rope as he follows and RVD fights his way out, on the top rope with a senton onto HHH back to the steel, Van Dam clutching at his leg. HHH into the chains again before falling back into the ring, RVD following.
HHH in the corner, RVD with some kicks as we get our first countdown, and Jericho is out first. RVD goes right after him and gets a spinning heel kick and a moonsault, followed by our first near fall of the match. Jericho whips Van Dam into the corner, but launches out of it with a kick to Jericho, before clotheslining him over the top to the steel grating, launching off the ropes and catching himself on the chains, crossbody onto Jericho.
HHH is back up and clothesline RVD back to the mat and Jericho lays into Van Dam with some stomps, then a back suplex. RVD now fighting off both HHH and Jericho, eating a high knee from HHH off the ropes, followed by a near fall from Jericho. Jericho holding up RVD allowing HHH to get in some right hands, Jericho with some crotch chops for HBK before Jericho tosses Van Dam onto the steel.
Van Dam off the ropes and back first into the chains, tumbling back into the ring, only to be tossed back out. Back first into the chains a few more times, one into one of the bars for good measure too. RVD into the corner, Jericho whipped toward him but goes shoulder first into the post. HHH with a spike DDT on Rob as we go into our next countdown.
Booker T is out next and lays into Jericho and HHH, sending HHH over the ropes to the steel, giving him room for a Spinaroonie before RVD comes in. They lay into each other with right hands, RVD of the ropes over Booker but eats a heel kick, Booker with a near fall. Step over heel kick by Van Dam for a near fall. Van Dam into the corner, but Booker eats an elbow, only to nail another kick for a near fall. HHH back up a bloody mess and after Booker, but Booker nails a Scissors Kick. Jericho from behind, then eats a dropkick from Van Dam. RVD climbs up to one of the top rope, then reconsiders and goes to the top of the Chamber and nails... well, it's supposed to be the 5 Star Frog Splash, but he doesn't have a lot of room to do it. Not to mention he nails HHH right in the throat with his knee. God damn that had to be rough.
Booker up top as Van Damn limps, nailing a missile dropkick on Van Dam and... Oh. Well damn, we have our first elimination. Booker with a cover on HHH but he gets his foot on the rope. Jericho back in and goes after Booker, choking him in the corner as RVD leaves the Chamber. Jericho with chops, whipping Booker into the opposite corner, followed by a bulldog and a Lionsault attempt, but Booker rolls out of the way, into an Alabama Slam on Jericho. Booker with the cover and a near fall into our next countdown.
Kane is out next and lays into Booker and Jericho with right hands, back body drop on Jericho. Taking Booker into the corner, whipping him into the opposite one and follows with a clothesline, tossing Jericho out onto the steel. Jericho rammed face first into the chains like a javelin, before being thrown through an empty pod.
Kane back in the ring right after HHH, nailing him and Booker with right hands, elbows in the corner. Jericho busted open as he crawls out of the pod. Booker goes for a Scissors Kick on Kane, but Jericho gets him with a low blow coming off the ropes, Kane catching him for a chokeslam. Kane nails HHH with a right hand to the outside, while Jericho comes in and nails Booker with a Lionsault, and Booker's out been eliminated.
Kane back in the ring and tosses Jericho onto the steel. More right hands, but Jericho gets some in himself, climbing the chains trying to get away but gets slammed face first into the pod. Kane with right hands and elbow before getting thrown back into the ring.
Kane with a suplex on Jericho and a near fall. Kane off the ropes for an elbow drop but Jericho moves, kicking Kane back out onto the steel. HHH goes up top but Kane nails a right hand, tossing him off back down to the mat.
Jericho with a low blow on Kane before climbing the second rope with a dropkick, into our final countdown as HBK leaves his pod. Right hands for Jericho and Kane, Jericho off the ropes into a back body drop, but Kane takes him down with a clothesline. HBK off the ropes again with a flying forearm on Kane. Kane whips HBK into the corner, who does his flip spot back to the mat.
Kane with a two handed chokeslam on Jericho, then a regular for HBK and one for HHH. Jericho off the top and he eats another chokeslam instead. Kane goes for HHH and sets up a Tombstone, but HHH slips free, HBK nailing Kane with Sweet Chin Music. Kane sits up, but HHH nails a Pedigree, and Jericho follows with a Lionsault, and Kane's been eliminated.
HBK back to his feet and launched Jericho into the ropes, but Jericho sends HBK to the steel grating. Jericho sending him face first into the chain link walls, then again. HHH takes advantage with a right hand in the ring. HHH and Jericho double teaming Shawn, Jericho and HHH open Michael up with some right hands.
HHH grating HBK's face into the chain link before sending him face first off the pod. More right hands on Michaels.
Jericho with a headlock and more right hands in the ring before taking him back to the steel floor,but gets sent into the wall a few times. HHH follows and takes some right hands, before being sent back into the ring. Shawn attempts a piledriver, but gets back dropped to the steel instead. Back in the ring, HHH with right hands on Michaels, off the ropes with a flying forearm on HHH.
HBK with a kip up but Jericho comes in with a bulldog and a Lionsault, but Shawn kicks out to Jericho's shock. Right hands in the corner, whipped into the opposite but Shawn gets a boot up, moonsault off the top and a pin attempt but Jericho kicks out. Shawn puts Jericho in the Walls but HHH interrupts and nails a DDT, Jericho with a pin attempt, but HHH pulls him off instead. They start trading right hands, Jericho off the ropes into a clothesline. HHH off the ropes and hits a facebuster, for a near fall. Jericho into the corner, launches off and HHH catches him for a Pedigree, but Jericho takes him down and locks in the Walls. HHH claws his way toward the ropes but Jericho pulls him back to the center, only to eat Sweet Chin Music, and he's eliminated.
HHH and HBK trading right hands, nailing Shawn with a spinebuster but Shawn kicks out. HBK off the ropes and nails HHH with a kick, but gets back dropped back onto the steel floor. HHH sent face first into the chain link again, and HBK goes for a Pedigree, but HHH trips him up and catapults him through one of the pods.
HHH pulling Shawn out of the pod and back into the ring for a pin attempt, but Shawn manages to kick out. More right hands by HHH, then Shawn fight back, trading back and forth. HHH off the ropes and nails a facebuster, clotheslining Shawn back to the steel floor. HHH with a Pedigree attempt now, but Shawn catapults him into the chains now. HHH clotheslined back into the ring.
Shawn to the top rope, looking out to the crowd before going to the top of the pod and nails an elbow drop.
Shawn back to his feet, into the corner and calls for Sweet Chin Music, but HHH catches him and nails a Pedigree, but can't capitalize immediately for a pin, allowing Shawn to kick out when he eventually does drape an arm over. HHH argues with Hebner before attempting another Pedigree but Shawn with a back body drop, and nails Sweet Chin Music to win the championship in 39:22 to one hell of a pop.
We get confetti as J.R. loses it on commentary. Shawn celebrates in the corner as we get a replay of the closing moments of the match. Shawn celebrates some more as Hebner raises his arm in victory, and the show fades out.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Aside from the WWE Title match, this was a solid show. A fantastic opener that saw the reuniting of the Dudleyz,the mid-card matches were great, we had a big return with Scott Steiner, and a wonderful closing moment, seeing Shawn win would be his last world title.
Shawn wouldn't hold it for long though. He'd lose it back to HHH at Armageddon the next month in 3 Stages of Hell. Big Show wouldn't hold his title for long either, losing it to Angle that same PPV with help from Lesnar. Lesnar would go on to win the Rumble and win the title back from Angle at Wrestlemania. Shawn and Jericho would start a feud going into the Rumble, and continue on to Wrestlemania, with HBK getting the victory. HHH would hold the title after that until I believe Unforgiven in September, losing it to Goldberg after the abysmal Elimination Chamber match at Summerslam. Booker would get a shot at the title at Wrestlemania, and I don't think I need to mention how that goes, it's become pretty infamous at this point.
Our opening video package starts with Lesnar beating Taker in Hell in a Cell ahead of his title match with Big Show tonight, and some footage of show assaulting several wrestlers. Then we have Bischoff voicing over some past footage, and footage of the matches participants to hype up his creation, the Elimination Chamber.
We're live from Madison Square Garden in NYC. On commentary, we have good ol' J.R. and the King representing Raw, and Cole and Tazz representing Smackdown. Let's get to our first match.
6-Man Tag Team Elimination Tables Match: Bubba Ray, Spike Dudley & Jeff Hardy vs Three Minute Warning (Jamal, Rosey & Rico)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: We TMW putting Jeff and Spike through a table with a splash off the top, and they waste no time getting things started.
Spike gets press slammed onto Jamal and Rosey on the outside only to be caught, while Jeff launches off Bubba's back to take em out. Bubba and Rico in the ring and Bubba lays in with chops and right hands. Spike with a nice hurricanrana on... One of them, before doing the Wasssup spot, then Jeff. Dudleyz and Jeff standing tall and they call for a table.
Bubba sets one up in the corner but Rosey cuts him off, taking out Spike and Jeff yet. Spike head first into the corner table before leaned up against it as Rosey goes to spear him, but Spike moves and Rosey smashes through. Jeff off the top but he gets swatted down and eats a splash.
Jamal sliding a table in the ring and Rico sets it up near the corner, going for a suplex on Spike but he fights out, going for a Dudley Dog, until Jamal and Rosey come up behind and catch him, with, as best I can describe, a slingshot flapjack through the table and Spike is eliminated.
Jeff and Bubba set up in the middle of the ring for a pair of splashes off the top but Bubba gets up, crotching Jamal and Rosey up top, sending Rico out. Jeff goes for Poetry in Motion but Rosey grabs hold of his hair before he can. Rosey and Jeff headed into the crowd, very reminiscent of Royal Rumble 2000. Rosey setting up a table and sets Jeff on top just below a balcony. In the ring, Jamal get a splash in the corner into Rico, Bubba joins Jeff to help him out, moving the table into place and setting Rosey on top, as Jeff climbs the balcony to nail a Swanton, eliminating Rosey. Nice call back.
Jamal getting Bubba back in the ring as Jeff recovers. Bubba set up on the table while Rico climbs up top looking for a moonsault, but Jeff comes back and shakes the ropes, crotching him. Bubba tries a back body drop off the top but Jamal moves the table in time. Jeff with Whisper in the Wind on Jamal, then a dropkick off the ropes.
Back on the outside, Jeff slams a table into Jamal before climbing the barricade, running at Jamal and... well it seems like Jamal threw the table into him, and I think Jeff went through it without meaning to, and the refs call it off. Jeff set up on another table as Jamal climbs off top, launching off with a splash and eliminating Jeff next.
Bubba and Rico in the ring with his punches and en elbow. Rico set up on a table in a rush, up on the second rope but Jamal intervenes, pushing Rico off. Jamal up top now, but Bubba catches him and powerbombs Jamal through the table We're down to two.
Rico on the attack now with right hands, Rosey is coming to as Rico slides in another table. The ref is trying to get Rosey out of there but it's no use. Rosey with a belly to belly slam as Jamal comes to now, setting a corner near the corner and... Well hell, D-Von is out, who I'm pretty sure was preacher D-Von at this point, so it's a nice surprise. They hit Rico with through the table to win the match in 13:55. A damn good start to this show.
Dudleyz celebrate and reunite as Jeff is helped to the back.
We cut to Stacy Keibler at The World, talking up Test and his "testicles", before introducing Saliva to sing the PPV's theme song., playing alongside footage hyping tonight's matches.
We see RVD getting prepared in the back before Tazz and Cole talk up the Chamber ahead of our next match.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble (c) (w/ Nidia) vs Billy Kidman
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Kidman's already got two non-title matches already, one in a tag team match. Apparently he's got a new theme song, and it's pretty decent.
As expected, a fast paced match. In the closing moments, Noble nails a Spike DDT with Kidman's legs draped over the ropes in the corner, but kicks out of a pin attempt. Enziguri by Kidman and sets Noble up for the Shooting Star but Nidia climbs up to distract, allowing Noble to climb up, only to be knocked back down. Kidman nails the Shooting Star Press to win the title in 7:29.
Kidman heads into the crowd to celebrate his newly won title as we go to replays.
We cut to Angle in the back reacting to the match, asking Benoit's opinion. He says they should have no problem winning the titles if Kidman could, as long as Benoit stays out of his way. He uses several different words to say they're partners and that no one can stop them. He refuses to shake Benoit's hand, because... tag partners don't shake hands, they hug. Well that gave me a chuckle.
We see Jericho preparing for the Chamber match, then cut to Victoria preparing for her title match. She's talking to her mirror ala Snow White wicked witch, freaks out and breaks it, before ripping a Trish cutout, and that match is up next.
We get a video package, where Victoria talks about being jealous of Trish getting a job with WWE and not, back when they were fitness models together. We get some footage of Victoria attacking Trish, along with Terri, setting up our hardcore match for tonight.
Hardcore Match for the WWE Women's Championship: Victoria vs Trish Stratus (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Weird seeing Victoria come out with anything but her trademark WWE theme. This is the first women's title match under hardcore rules since September of '99, where Ivory successfully defended against Luna at Unforgiven. They've attached a trash can with assorted weapons to each ring post. Victoria wastes no time attacking Trish as she does her entrance to get things started.
Victoria starts by choking Trish with her entrance robe, tossing her around the ring a few times, before taking a broom from one of the aforementioned trash cans. She fails to nail Trish, who uses it to do a monkey flip, but Victoria flips over to choke her with it relentlessly, even climbing the turnbuckle for leverage to hang her. She gets a bit too cocky to let Trish throw her off, who grabs a trash can lid, only to have it knocked into her face by the broom.
Trish slammed face first into the lid a few times before being tossed to the outside, then whipped into one of the corner trash cans. Back in the ring, Victoria with a flip leg drop over the ropes for a near fall. Back on the outside, Victoria grabbing and wedging a trash can into the corner, open end out, allowing Trish to catapult her into t from underneath. Trish with a pin attempt and a near fall.
Trish under the ring now with... an ironing board? Um, alright then. Trish setting it up in the corner and whipping Victoria into it before she eats a kick, Trish with another near fall. Trish grabbing a kendo stick now across the back and ribs, but Victoria knocks her down. Victoria's nose busted as she goes up top, Trish with some lid shots to the face to knock her to the outside before being whipped into the steps.
Back in the ring, Victoria with a powerbomb before going to the outside and... Well, a conveniently placed mirror, a call back to earlier, but eats a kick, then a Chick Kick for another near fall. Trish up top to grab a cookie sheet, but Victoria nails her with a kendo stick. There's a botched bulldog by Trish, or maybe like a Stratusfaction, but anyways, Trish with another near fall after that.
Trish with the kendo stick but Victoria gets her with a drop toe hold. Now she's got a fire extinguisher and sprays Trish in the face, followed by a suplex and... Oh that's it. Huh, what a weird finish. Anywho, Victoria wins the title in 7:01. Fun match.
We go to replays as Victoria heads to the back with her new title. We see Booker getting ready for the Chamber in the back, commentary hype up our show before going to the back.
Coach asks Bischoff about what to expect tonight witht he Chamber, and Bischoff sells it's brutality and the history he's making tonight, touting outdoing Stephanie. Big Show interrupts, saying Bischoff made a big mistake trading him, saying he's walking out the new WWE Champion.
We cut to Lesnar getting ready as Heyman walks in, saying he's a nervous wreck. He says nothing's been the same since Hell in a Cell, bringing up his broken rib. Heyman hypes up being in MSG in his home town, and will do everything in his power to make sure "his client" walks out with the WWE Championship. Some nice word choice and foreshadowing for what's about to happen.
We get a video package that starts with showing Lesnar overcoming the Deadman in a brutal Hell in a Cell match the previous month. Show throws Taker off the stage the following episode of Smackdown. Show talks about his dominance, we see Show destroying Lesnar and a few others. He also throws Lesnar off the stage, which caused the broken rib. Heyman does his best to warn Lesnar of how dangerous Show is, but Lesnar won't listen, calling Show out for a fight, leaving Show a bloodied mess after a chair shot.
WWE Championship: The Big Show vs Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Show's forearm is taped up, apparently from an attack on the previous week's Smackdown. I kinda miss the way Tazz would introduce Lesnar with "Well, here comes the pain." It was a nice, simple touch. MSG is fully behind Lesnar in this match.
First few minutes are spent with the two locking up, only for Show to overpower Lesnar. Lesnar takes him down with a double leg before going to the outside. Brock tries to whip Show, but gets slammed ribs and back first into the ring post. Lesnar just barely gets Show with a side suplex before taking Show into the corner. He does (sort of) nail a German suplex out of the corner on Show. He tries an F5 but Show gets him in the ribs, only for Lesnar to knock the ref out of the ring. Lesnar with a nice belly to belly overhead on Show out of the corner. Heyman tosses a chair into the ring, but Show gets Lesnar by the throat. Lesnar with a low blow before nailing Show over the head with a chair. Lesnar gets Show up and successfully nails an F5. Already we have another referee out to make the pin, but Heyman pulls him out, knocking him on his ass. Well, this is an interesting turn of events.
Lesnar has come to the realization of what's just happened and Heyman looks on in absolute fear, which is probably the best part of this match.
Heyman comes in and jumps into Show's arms as they celebrate with the title and make a quick exit and we go to replays. We cut back to Heyman and Show hop into a waiting limo and leave the arena. Tazz and Cole talk up what just happened, talking about how Heyman and Lesnar have been together since his debut, before we get another replay of the closing moments.
Up next, the WWE Tag Team titles are on the line, in what is the closest thing to a traditional Survivor Series match we'll get on this show. We get a video package, starting off with Angle and Benoit winning the titles in a tournament at the previous month's No Mercy PPV. We see Angle and Benoit are clearly not on the same page and even accidentally nail Steph with a trophy. Angle and Benoit both get smacked in the face. Los Guerreros interfere in a match between Benoit and Angle out of nowhere on Smackdown, before he eats an Angle Slam, and even smashing up their trophy. Edge and Mysterio would win the titles in a 2 of 3 Falls Match on Smackdown, after Benoit inadvertently nails Angle with a flying headbutt. I don't quite understand where Angle and Benoit went from hating each other to Angle hugging it out.
We see Dawn Marie and Al Wilson in the crowd, who are engaged to be married. Good lord, I forgot about that angle.
Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship: Los Guerreros (Chavo & Eddie) vs Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio & Edge (c)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: So we're doing the only two start in the ring rule for this one.
Benoit and Mysterio start this one out after a couple minutes of trash talk between the three teams. Nice fast paced action to start things out. Mysterio tags out off a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle in their corner, before Edge follows with some elbows. Chops by Benoit before he tags in Angle. Angle tags in Chavo as he's whipped toward the ropes, who's visibly reluctant. Nice kip up by Chavo into a dropkick from Edge, tagging in Mysterio who nails a springboard splash for a near fall.
Chavo tags in Eddie who goes right after Rey with right hands and stomps, whipping him off the ropes but gets caught in a nice tilt-a-whirl headscissor. Eddie quickly tags in Kurt who goes after Rey now.
Rey off the ropes with a head scissor on Angle. Angle goes shoulder first into the post, Rey launched over onto the top rope with a nasty landing on his head, but he seems to be alright. Hard to keep up with the action. Angle with a suplex to float over for a near fall. Benoit tagged in after a clothesline and a neck breaker on Rey and a back suplex, into another near fall. Angle tagged in for a back suplex on Rey for another near fall. Stomps on Rey before knocking Edge off the apron. Angle Slam countered into an arm drag, only to be knocked down with a clothesline for another near fall.
Benoit tagged back in, a snap suplex on Rey for another near fall. Angle tagged in again with a snapmare into a front facelock, continuing to work the neck. Mysterio finally fights back up and finally takes Angle down. Angle tries to tag in a Guerrero but they both hop off the apron. Angle and Rey tag their respective partners in and Edge cleans house, a nice belly to belly overhead on Angle. Mysterio takes Eddie to the outside, Edge goes for a spear, but gets caught in an Ankle Lock/Crossface combo, but Rey comes in off the top, taking out Angle and Benoit. Angle's tripped up by Chavo and Rey with a corkscrew over the top onto them.
In the ring, Benoit with a German on Edge, Eddie comes off the top with a sunset flip on Benoit into a German on Edge in a nice move but Edge and Benoit both kick out. Benoit lifting Eddie to the outside, and Benoit with another pair of Germans on Edge. Benoit calls for the headbutt and heads up top, but Eddie nails a Frog Splash first, going for the pin, but Benoit nails Eddie with a headbutt in the middle of a pin attempt. Aren't there only two legal men in this match?
Angle with an Angle Slam on Eddie, Benoit with a Crossface on Edge. The ref tries to call Angle off, allowing Chavo to nail Benoit in the back with the title belt, tossing it to Angle, and Benoit comes to thinking Angle's the one who nailed him. They argue, and Rey nails Benoit with a dropkick,then a baseball slide into a head scissor on Chavo on the outside. Edge goes for the Edge-cution, Benoit escapes and goes for a Crossface, but Edge slips out and nails a Spear launching off the ropes, eliminating Benoit and Angle from the match.
Angle comes in with a German on Edge, and Benoit with one for Rey, before they start pushing each other. Then they go after Chavo. Angle Slam for Edge before they head to the back still arguing. Eddie goes to sneak a pin on Edge but Edge kicks out. Eddie with a suplex before tagging in Chavo, dropkick to the ribs for another near fall.
Snapmare on Edge before tagging in Eddie, launching over the ropes into Edge for another near fall. Edge off the ropes into a sleeper hold, Eddie keeping Edge in their corner, and Chavo with a blind tag, Eddie pushing Edge off the ropes to eat a dropkick from Chavo for another near fall. Stomps in the corner. Eddie pulling Edge's hair in the corner to hold him in place while the ref is busy with Mysterio. Eddie tagged back in now with a back suplex and a front facelock. Back in the corner and Chavo with a blind tag and a snapmare into a dropkick, and a near fall.
Eddie tagged in again, Edge ducking a double team clothesline and nails a pair of flapjacks. Edge gets the hot tag and he launches with a crossbody onto Chavo. Rey with some fast paced action on both Guerreros and a spear by Edge into both in the corner, Rey with a dropkick into Eddie seated in the corner. Edge launches Rey into Eddie seated on the top into a hurricanrana and a pin, but Chavo breaks it up. Eddie and Edge going at it, Edge sends Eddie to the ropes to set up for a 619 and it connects, but the ref is busy trying to get Edge out of the ring. Chavo takes advantage on the outside, nailing Rey in the back with the title as he goes for the springboard. Edge with a baseball slide to Chavo and they start fighting on the outside. Meanwhile, Eddie takes advantage and locks in the Lasso from El Paso on Rey in the ring, and the Guerreros win the titles in 19:25. That was a fantastic match.
Guerreros quickly head to the back celebrating, before we cut to Kane getting ready for the main event.
Well the Chamber is supposed to be next, but Christopher Nowinski's music hits and makes his way out instead, to J.R. and King's confusion. Crowd is pretty dead, not sure if it's because of Nowinski or the last match. Chris gets a mic and says as he's the only Harvard graduate in the arena, wants to set the record straight, saying street smarts aren't the same as intelligence, which is something he has. It isn't something you can buy, like how the Yankees bought all their World Series titles, it's something you have or you don't, saying they don't. He says New York is #1 in stupidity.
Now we're booting up Matt Hardy V1. Apparently he keeps the room temp at 75 degrees, and only drinks lowfat chocolate milk. I forgot how great the Matt facts were. Matt gets a mic and says he's come here to tell Chris that New Yorkers aren't stupid, to a pop, but they're losers, to a boo. He expected to come out and see the people flowing with Mattitude, but are in fact sucking the Mattitude out of him. He's choking worse than the Knicks. He says it's unfortunate because he thought New York was cool, but it's full of losers, in a cruel twist of fate. Chris says they aren't losers, they're just too stupid to know better. Matt disagrees and points to some of the fans and calls them losers, and Chris asks the fans if they're stupid or losers. Matt says the debate has to end, and says they're both losers and stupid: they're lupid. They shake and raise hands.
Well, if things couldn't get more bizarre, that iconic siren plays and Scott Steiner makes his return to a massive pop, god damn, commentary bringing up how he's a free agent, signing his contract the previous night on Confidential. Matt shoves Chris into Scott and he lays them both out with a variety of suplexes. Belly to belly slam on Matt, tossing Chris out, and tossing Matt out onto him with a military press. The Big Bad Booty Daddy with some push ups before taking a mic, giving a shoutout to his New York freaks, and doing his catchphrase before his music hits, flexing for the crowd. Nice segment to get the energy back in the crowd after that last match.
We get a view of the ominous Chamber as it gets lowered down to the ring, as commentary talk about it's combination of Hell in a Cell, War Games and traditional Survivor Series matches.
We go to the back where Terri catches up with Shawn, asking why he believes he's winning the title tonight, but it gets interrupted by Randy Orton, with some RNN Breaking News. I forgot this was a thing. We see him with his arm in a sling in an unknown location, talking about the flight to New York and the sexy flight attendant. He tells the fans to send more get well messages to an email, before we get to our hype package for the main event.
Eric Bischoff is the kayfabe genius of this match, and we get a by-the-numbers run down of the structure itself. Ten tons of steel, 36 feet in diameter, 16 feet tall, intercut with footage of the crew building the structure. We get footage highlighting the competitors in this match, played behind the show's theme song. We see footage of HHH and Shawn's Unsanctioned Match from Summerslam and further brawling between the two in the build up, including a brawl between all 6 on Raw.
We cut to HHH with Flair who's approached by Coach, asking him about the match tonight. He talks about being handed the title, and how he's beaten everyone put in his way, and how tonight won't be any different, saying he's going up against 5 of the best ever in the business. He says he's got a first class ticket to hell and wants to know who's coming with him before walking off.
Back to the arena, Bischoff makes his way out grinning like an idiot, stepping into the Chamber with mic in hand. He says he's back in MSG, back making history once again, inside a match that could only come from his great mind. Two miles of chain, over 10 tons of solid steel, beating the steel with a pipe, 6 Raw superstars willing to put their careers on the line for the ultimate prize. He goes on to explain the rules of the match, which we should all know by now. Fantastic promo by Eric to hype the match up. Eric leaves as his music hits.
Let's get to our main event.
First Ever Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: World Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho vs Booker T vs Kane vs Shawn Michaels vs Rob Van Dam vs Triple H (c) (w/ Ric Flair)
Pre-Match Notes & Thoughts: Saliva is playing Jericho's theme from The World tonight... well, not his usual theme. Not sure what the name of the song is. Booker holds a tag team victory over the champion with help from Shawn Michaels a few weeks prior to this show. Apparently Michaels #1 goal tonight is to make sure HHH leaves MSG without the title tonight, rather than winning it for himself. J.R. points out that HHH is 0-6 at Survivor Series going into tonight's match. RVD and HHH will start the match off.
Match starts with your standard action, locking up into the corner, RVD nailing some spinning heel kicks. HHH goes for a Pedigree already but gets back dropped onto the steel grating. RVD wasting no time with some stomps before throwing HHH face first into the chains a few good times, even breaking the door to the Chamber open in the process. HHH already busted open, RVD with a monkey flip into the steel. Back in the ring, nailing a rolling thunder over the ropes into HHH on the steel floor. Right hand sends HHH back into the ring.
Scoop slam on HHH before RVD flips off Jericho, climbing on top of his pod, but Jericho reaches through the roof to pull Rob's leg through, HHH get crotched on the top rope as he follows and RVD fights his way out, on the top rope with a senton onto HHH back to the steel, Van Dam clutching at his leg. HHH into the chains again before falling back into the ring, RVD following.
HHH in the corner, RVD with some kicks as we get our first countdown, and Jericho is out first. RVD goes right after him and gets a spinning heel kick and a moonsault, followed by our first near fall of the match. Jericho whips Van Dam into the corner, but launches out of it with a kick to Jericho, before clotheslining him over the top to the steel grating, launching off the ropes and catching himself on the chains, crossbody onto Jericho.
HHH is back up and clothesline RVD back to the mat and Jericho lays into Van Dam with some stomps, then a back suplex. RVD now fighting off both HHH and Jericho, eating a high knee from HHH off the ropes, followed by a near fall from Jericho. Jericho holding up RVD allowing HHH to get in some right hands, Jericho with some crotch chops for HBK before Jericho tosses Van Dam onto the steel.
Van Dam off the ropes and back first into the chains, tumbling back into the ring, only to be tossed back out. Back first into the chains a few more times, one into one of the bars for good measure too. RVD into the corner, Jericho whipped toward him but goes shoulder first into the post. HHH with a spike DDT on Rob as we go into our next countdown.
Booker T is out next and lays into Jericho and HHH, sending HHH over the ropes to the steel, giving him room for a Spinaroonie before RVD comes in. They lay into each other with right hands, RVD of the ropes over Booker but eats a heel kick, Booker with a near fall. Step over heel kick by Van Dam for a near fall. Van Dam into the corner, but Booker eats an elbow, only to nail another kick for a near fall. HHH back up a bloody mess and after Booker, but Booker nails a Scissors Kick. Jericho from behind, then eats a dropkick from Van Dam. RVD climbs up to one of the top rope, then reconsiders and goes to the top of the Chamber and nails... well, it's supposed to be the 5 Star Frog Splash, but he doesn't have a lot of room to do it. Not to mention he nails HHH right in the throat with his knee. God damn that had to be rough.
Booker up top as Van Damn limps, nailing a missile dropkick on Van Dam and... Oh. Well damn, we have our first elimination. Booker with a cover on HHH but he gets his foot on the rope. Jericho back in and goes after Booker, choking him in the corner as RVD leaves the Chamber. Jericho with chops, whipping Booker into the opposite corner, followed by a bulldog and a Lionsault attempt, but Booker rolls out of the way, into an Alabama Slam on Jericho. Booker with the cover and a near fall into our next countdown.
Kane is out next and lays into Booker and Jericho with right hands, back body drop on Jericho. Taking Booker into the corner, whipping him into the opposite one and follows with a clothesline, tossing Jericho out onto the steel. Jericho rammed face first into the chains like a javelin, before being thrown through an empty pod.
Kane back in the ring right after HHH, nailing him and Booker with right hands, elbows in the corner. Jericho busted open as he crawls out of the pod. Booker goes for a Scissors Kick on Kane, but Jericho gets him with a low blow coming off the ropes, Kane catching him for a chokeslam. Kane nails HHH with a right hand to the outside, while Jericho comes in and nails Booker with a Lionsault, and Booker's out been eliminated.
Kane back in the ring and tosses Jericho onto the steel. More right hands, but Jericho gets some in himself, climbing the chains trying to get away but gets slammed face first into the pod. Kane with right hands and elbow before getting thrown back into the ring.
Kane with a suplex on Jericho and a near fall. Kane off the ropes for an elbow drop but Jericho moves, kicking Kane back out onto the steel. HHH goes up top but Kane nails a right hand, tossing him off back down to the mat.
Jericho with a low blow on Kane before climbing the second rope with a dropkick, into our final countdown as HBK leaves his pod. Right hands for Jericho and Kane, Jericho off the ropes into a back body drop, but Kane takes him down with a clothesline. HBK off the ropes again with a flying forearm on Kane. Kane whips HBK into the corner, who does his flip spot back to the mat.
Kane with a two handed chokeslam on Jericho, then a regular for HBK and one for HHH. Jericho off the top and he eats another chokeslam instead. Kane goes for HHH and sets up a Tombstone, but HHH slips free, HBK nailing Kane with Sweet Chin Music. Kane sits up, but HHH nails a Pedigree, and Jericho follows with a Lionsault, and Kane's been eliminated.
HBK back to his feet and launched Jericho into the ropes, but Jericho sends HBK to the steel grating. Jericho sending him face first into the chain link walls, then again. HHH takes advantage with a right hand in the ring. HHH and Jericho double teaming Shawn, Jericho and HHH open Michael up with some right hands.
HHH grating HBK's face into the chain link before sending him face first off the pod. More right hands on Michaels.
Jericho with a headlock and more right hands in the ring before taking him back to the steel floor,but gets sent into the wall a few times. HHH follows and takes some right hands, before being sent back into the ring. Shawn attempts a piledriver, but gets back dropped to the steel instead. Back in the ring, HHH with right hands on Michaels, off the ropes with a flying forearm on HHH.
HBK with a kip up but Jericho comes in with a bulldog and a Lionsault, but Shawn kicks out to Jericho's shock. Right hands in the corner, whipped into the opposite but Shawn gets a boot up, moonsault off the top and a pin attempt but Jericho kicks out. Shawn puts Jericho in the Walls but HHH interrupts and nails a DDT, Jericho with a pin attempt, but HHH pulls him off instead. They start trading right hands, Jericho off the ropes into a clothesline. HHH off the ropes and hits a facebuster, for a near fall. Jericho into the corner, launches off and HHH catches him for a Pedigree, but Jericho takes him down and locks in the Walls. HHH claws his way toward the ropes but Jericho pulls him back to the center, only to eat Sweet Chin Music, and he's eliminated.
HHH and HBK trading right hands, nailing Shawn with a spinebuster but Shawn kicks out. HBK off the ropes and nails HHH with a kick, but gets back dropped back onto the steel floor. HHH sent face first into the chain link again, and HBK goes for a Pedigree, but HHH trips him up and catapults him through one of the pods.
HHH pulling Shawn out of the pod and back into the ring for a pin attempt, but Shawn manages to kick out. More right hands by HHH, then Shawn fight back, trading back and forth. HHH off the ropes and nails a facebuster, clotheslining Shawn back to the steel floor. HHH with a Pedigree attempt now, but Shawn catapults him into the chains now. HHH clotheslined back into the ring.
Shawn to the top rope, looking out to the crowd before going to the top of the pod and nails an elbow drop.
Shawn back to his feet, into the corner and calls for Sweet Chin Music, but HHH catches him and nails a Pedigree, but can't capitalize immediately for a pin, allowing Shawn to kick out when he eventually does drape an arm over. HHH argues with Hebner before attempting another Pedigree but Shawn with a back body drop, and nails Sweet Chin Music to win the championship in 39:22 to one hell of a pop.
We get confetti as J.R. loses it on commentary. Shawn celebrates in the corner as we get a replay of the closing moments of the match. Shawn celebrates some more as Hebner raises his arm in victory, and the show fades out.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Aside from the WWE Title match, this was a solid show. A fantastic opener that saw the reuniting of the Dudleyz,the mid-card matches were great, we had a big return with Scott Steiner, and a wonderful closing moment, seeing Shawn win would be his last world title.
Shawn wouldn't hold it for long though. He'd lose it back to HHH at Armageddon the next month in 3 Stages of Hell. Big Show wouldn't hold his title for long either, losing it to Angle that same PPV with help from Lesnar. Lesnar would go on to win the Rumble and win the title back from Angle at Wrestlemania. Shawn and Jericho would start a feud going into the Rumble, and continue on to Wrestlemania, with HBK getting the victory. HHH would hold the title after that until I believe Unforgiven in September, losing it to Goldberg after the abysmal Elimination Chamber match at Summerslam. Booker would get a shot at the title at Wrestlemania, and I don't think I need to mention how that goes, it's become pretty infamous at this point.
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