· The InVasion Project · SmackDown! · June 28, 2001 · | Wrestlingfigs.com WWE Figure Forums (2024)

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena for WWF Jakked. Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to the show, on the eve of the King of the Ring!

-

2) Val Venis def. Mike Sullivan (3:24)

[Broadcast on WWF Metal]
In an address to the ladies in attendance before the match, 'the Big Valbowski' planned to deliver a huge package to them on RAW this coming Monday. After being responsible for disbanding the Right to Censor over a week ago on SmackDown, Val Venis had stiff competition in Mike Sullivan. Sullivan impressed with a slingshot facebuster, but Val got the win with the sit-out spinebuster.

3) Buchanan def. Billy Fives (2:41) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]
Now on his own after the Right to Censor's disbanding over a week ago on SmackDown, Buchanan was a free man. In all black swat-team like gear, the fearsome colossal hammered on the aspiring Billy Five. He tried to fight back with a missile dropkick, just to be cut off with a big boot. Buchanan picked up the win shortly after, with a springboard clothesline to get the three count.

4) Crash (w/Molly Holly) def. K-Kwik (3:53) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]

K-Dawg made fun of the recently unlucky Crash, who voiced his disdain with right hands. After attributing a losing streak of late, he hoped to turn it around on the rapper with aggression, to receive an axe kick for his worries. Molly tried to root for Crash, and he made a comeback with a matslam. Crash choked away at K-Kwik, when K-Dawg hit an enzuigiri. With the comeback, K-Kwik hit the scissors kick just for Crash to duck - and a rolling clutch cradle with the tights stole it for Crash.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena where Jonathan Coachman and Michael Hayes welcomed us to a special Sunday Night Heat - hours away from WWF King of the Ring, live on pay-per-view!

-

The boyfriend of the WWF Women's Champion Chyna had missed out on the King of the Ring tournament, but hoped to get back into the swing of things with a rejuvenated and hungry Buchanan. Weeks after the Right to Censor's disbanding, the behemoth cut Billy off from the getgo with aggressive strikes. Gunn fired a comeback after fighting a nerve hold, but the One and Only would be reversed into a springboard clothesline - a marginal upset giving Buchanan the win.

2) Albert def. K-Kwik (3:15)
'The Freight Train' was dead set on making his own mark, after destroying D-Lo Brown weeks ago. K-Kwik looked to derail him, firing quickly with an axe kick rocking Albert into the ropes. K-Dawg capitalized, only to be struck with a big shoulder block! Albert pounded on the rapper in the ropes, but a powerbomb was reversed into a hurricanrana. K-Kwik fought for his life, but he was caught during the ten punches - a Baldo Bomb granting Albert victory.

3) Hardcore Holly (w/Crash and Molly Holly) def. Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Rikishi and Victoria) (4:33)
Hardcore Holly was looking to make himself noticed as a coach on WWF Tough Enough. Scotty 2 Hotty caught Hardcore off guard, until a clothesline cut him off. Hardcore brutalized Scotty with a kick to the gut as he was strung up on the ropes, when Crash got involved. Rikishi pursued him sparking a showdown, when Scotty made a comeback. The bulldog hit and the Worm was on the way, when Crash struck with a right hand, and the Alabama Slam gave Hardcore the three count.

1. Jeff Hardydef.Jerry Lynn(c) by disqualification; Jerry Lynn retains the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
2. Tajiri def. Taka Michinoku
3. Albert def. Billy Gunn
4. Test def. Mike Awesome
5. WWF Women's Champion Chyna and Lita def. Ivory and Molly Holly
6. Matt Hardy(c) def. Commissioner William Regal to retain the WWF European Championship.
7. The Impact Players (c) def. The Dudley Boyz to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship.
8. Rhyno (c) def. Kane to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship.
9. Chris Jericho (c) def. Raven in a steel-cage match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

The opening video package aired, showing a throne in ruin and surrounded by rubble. Images flash across the screen, faces such as WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle. A defeated voice exclaims their body is broken and their mind spent, as the ECW Revolution are shown in full force leaving the Brothers of Destruction down. The King of the Ring throne in decay remains unchanged, as Angle, Austin and HHH argue over the WWF Championship. A snake slithers from a skull, as the voice calls out demanding to be taken to his throne. The King of the Ring awaits.The opening video package aired, bringing us to outside of the Continental Airlines Arena. A rabid crowd was in line awaiting entry for the King of the Ring, just shy of an hour away live on pay-per-view. Inside the building, Michael Cole and Tazz greeted us from a skybox high up overlooking the arena! Cole was excited for the Triple Threat WWF Championship match tonight, whereas 'the Human Suplex Machine' exclaimed that tonight would be the most humiliating defeat in the history of the WWF!

Tazz gloated about the certain victory that the ECW Revolution would hold over Team WWF in tonight's five-on-five tag team war of attrition, when Michael Cole argued about the Brothers of the Destruction and the APA being joined by none other than Chris Benoit, last Thursday night on SmackDown. Tazz claimed 'the Rabid Wolverine' was a non-factor. Cole talked about King of the Ring tonight, before discussing what was coming up in this hour of Sunday Night Heat!

• TONIGHT: Matt Hardy (c) vs Perry Saturn for the WWF European Championship.

-

The APA stood in their office, with Jacqueline, Rikishi,Scotty 2 Hotty, Test,K-Kwik, Kaientai and Victoria gathered around the poker table. Bradshaw and Faarooq spoke about the importance of tonight, and how the last few weeks had taught them all to expect the unexpected. They were at war with ECW, the very group of misfit toys that Paul Heyman had led into their house to steal food from they and their families' mouths. Bradshaw declared that they would not take this cr*p lying down, and tonight would see Team WWF in no-man's land against Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. Faarooq said he, the Undertaker, Kane and Chris Benoit would lead the force - but bodies would be lost in the process. Bradshaw warned the WWF Superstars to remain vigilant - and if they saw an ECW parasite walking, to kick their ass - for their families!

A video package aired, recapping the history of the King of the Ring tournament. Past winners include the legendary likes of Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ken Shamrock and Kurt Angle - but tonight, a new King would be crowned! It had all boiled down from sixteen men to the final four - tonight seeing Chris Jericho, Edge, WWF Commissioner William Regal and Rob Van Dam vy to see who the absolute best was. Tonight, in the ninth annual instalment - who would be the 2001 King of the Ring?

Michael Cole and Tazz continued to talk in the skybox overlooking the Continental Airlines Arena, with Cole questioning why Tazz wasn't nominated by Paul Heyman to be a part of the ECW Revolution tonight. Tazz defended himself claiming he was needed here - to save the Tazz Show from the boring, moronic comments made by his co-host! It led to a discussion about the King of the Ring tournament, with Chris Jericho, Edge, Commissioner William Regal and Rob Van Dam all having to compete twice to qualify for the Semi-Finals. Tonight, they would compete twice more to be crowned the 2001 King of the Ring winner! Tazz insulted RVD for selling out to the WWF, after all that ECW had done for him.

Christian was in the locker room moping around, when into the room came his older brother Edge. With a huge grin on his face, Christian put a front up and hugged his brother, stoked about his opportunity tonight to be crowned King. Edge insulted the loudmouth jackass Chris Jericho, the blazing reekazoid Rob Van Dam, and the stick-in-the-mud holier-than-thou Commissioner William Regal. Edge declared 2001 the year of Edge, which bummed Christian out. Edge assured him he should totally be in the King of the Ring semi-finals with him, and he would get payback on Y2J tonight when they meet. Christian told Edge as disappointed he was, he was totally gonna have his brother's back - and he was right, 2001 was going to be their year! They delivered the secret handshake, as Edge took off.

-

-

Earlier today, the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived backstage to the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' was in the zone, as Jonathan Coachman hoped to catch a word with the champ - just for him to stomp past the Coach. The Triple Threat match tonight had to be playing on Austin's mind - his biggest threat to date!

-

Tazz mocked Spike Dudley for being like the Dudley Boyz and Rob Van Dam - selling out on who made them stars in ECW. Tazz told Spike he should be thanking Paul Heyman and the Impact Players for humbling him - even if it meant crushing him like a bug. Spike responded, reminding Tazz that at 150-pounds, he might not be the biggest dog in the WWF. But at least he wasn't as short and as ugly as he was! Tazz was incensed, warning Spike that he would kick his ass at the next given opportunity. He told him he'd better see his ass at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night on RAW.

-

-

A replay aired, showing Faarooq left laying as a result of an ECW Revolution ambush in the backstage area. With his condition in question, Bradshaw stomped back and forth in frustration when approached by the Brothers of Destruction. The Undertaker and Kane questioned what happened, bringing the Texan to talk in anger about how it was doubtful his buddy would be able to compete tonight - thanks to what those ECW clowns had done to him. Undertaker remained calm, telling Bradshaw that they'll have to get even with the Revolution. 'The American Badass' reminded Bradshaw he'd said it himself, that there would be casualties - but for Faarooq, they'd have to make some casualties of ECW tonight. Team WWF were determined, despite being down a man, ahead of the war!

• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT:Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, Chris Benoit, Bradshaw and TBA) vs The ECW Revolution (WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer)

Tazz was laughing about the misfortune of the APA, how Faarooq would have been a weak link anyway. Michael Cole questioned whether Tazz had any ounce of remorse in him, with the ten-man tag team match tonight now looking to be an unfair fight. 'The Human Suplex Machine' said the Brothers of Destruction and Bradshaw all knew what they were getting into - and it wasn't on ECW Revolution for taking advantage of an opportunity! Cole and Tazz discussed the WWF against ECW matches set for tonight - also seeing Jeff Hardy challenge Jerry Lynn for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship. Tazz anticipated a clean sweep, to Cole's frustration!

-

-

Team Xtreme were gathered in the dressing room, with the WWF European Champion Matt Hardy talking about how a lot was going down tonight - WWF was at war with ECW, but also they had the opportunity of all leaving King of the Ring with gold around their waists. Jeff talked about how Jerry Lynn would go down and he would become a two-time WWF Light Heavyweight Champion tonight, whilst Lita told Matt she had been waiting her whole life for an opportunity as big as beating the Playboy covergirl Chyna to become WWF Women's Champion.

Matt said that all sounded good - but first, he had to take care of Perry Saturn. All hands were in, when Eddie Guerrero arrived. 'Latino Heat' was met with hostility from Jeff and Matt, but Eddie just wanted to let the Hardy Boyz know that if they needed anything tonight - he'd have their backs, they could count on him! Team Xtreme left Eddie alone, unsure what to make of the former Radicalz member's input. Up next, Matt defended the WWF European Championship against Perry Saturn!

A video package aired, recapping the history between Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H. It had been a hectic schedule for 'the Texas Rattlesnake', who barely left Backlash as WWF Champion against 'the Game' thanks to Angle's interference. At Judgment Day, a similar war went down with Austin conquering 'the Megastar' to remain WWF Champion. Yet as the ECW invasion began, it was Kurt Angle who proclaimed he was the leader the WWF deserved - even invading the WCW Big Bang special to prove it! It led to animosity from HHH and Stone Cold, who were soon reminded that whatever Power Trip existed between them - they would still be rivals, regardless. Austin himself had Triple H added to tonight's war, with all hands on deck. For the richest prize in the business on the line, who would be the top dog in the WWF amidst the ECW invasion?

Michael Cole and Tazz ran down the line-up for tonight's King of the Ring, with a full house on hand tonight in the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple H in a Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: Team WWF (The Undertaker, Kane, Chris Benoit, Bradshaw and TBA) vs The ECW Revolution (WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer).
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley Boyz for the WWF Tag Team Championship.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Edge in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: WWF Commissioner William Regal vs Rob Van Dam in a King of the Ring Semi-Final match.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: TBA vs TBA in the King of the Ring Finals.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: Jerry Lynn (c) vs Jeff Hardy for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
• KING OF THE RING, TONIGHT: Chyna (c) vs Lita for the WWF Women's Championship.

Sending off to Jim Ross and Paul Heyman at the announce table inside the Continental Airlines Arena, the two talked about King of the Ring being moments away. The ECW Owner applauded the initiative taken by the ECW Revolution to remove Faarooq from the equation - and it almost assured that Team WWF's chances of winning would be futile tonight!

1) Matt Hardy (c) def. Perry Saturn (w/Terri) to retain the WWF European Championship (5:24)
Tensions had flared between Team Xtreme and the Radicalz, and Matt Hardy winning the WWF European Championship from Eddie Guerrero brought Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Terri to force 'Latino Heat' out. With the Hardy Boyz and Lita all with opportunities of leaving King of the Ring with gold, Saturn was tasked with ruining it. Matt blasted Perry with punches early, when a belly-to-belly suplex saw him take control. Saturn hung Matt in the tree of woe and choked him fom ringside, all while making out with 'the She-Devil!' Saturn hit a diving elbow drop for a near fall, when Matt reversed the fisherman suplex with a tornado DDT! Matt hit the diving legdrop, but Terri distracted him. Saturn capitalized, but a back suplex was reversed into the Twist of Fate affording Matt to retain the title!

It was one-down, two to go for Team Xtreme in their pursuit of gold in the outcome of tonight's King of the Ring extravaganza. Terri checked on Perry Saturn in the ring, as Matt Hardy stood on the second rope with the WWF European Championship held high. King of the Ring was moments away, live on pay-per-view!

King of the Ring 2001 - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by Mars' Combos - "Voices"




WWF Championship
Triple Threat Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle vs Triple H

After a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Yet after a brutal Steel-Cage war, Triple H staked his own demand to recapture the title that eluded him. Austin accepted, much to the fury of Angle. Carnage is sure to unfold at King of the Ring!

The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Finals

10-Man Tag Team Match
Team WWF vs The ECW Revolution
The Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Faarooqand Chris Benoit
vs
Rhyno, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Sandmanand Mike Awesome

Nobody saw the invasion coming, when on May 21, 2001 Paul Heyman's ECW Revolution took on the WWF, taking out their top Superstars, ECW have taken over. Mick Foley made his return to RAW is WAR with a clipboard in hand, declaring on behalf of WWF CEO Linda McMahon to make this match. The Brothers of Destuction headed an army with the APA heading to the frontline. Heyman responded naming five fearsome members of the ECW Revolution headed by WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno. In the eleventh hour, Chris Benoit filled the role of the fifth man for the WWF. At King of the Ring, these ten men would meet in an interpromotional war!

WWF Tag Team Championship
The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley Boyz

The 2001 King of the Ring Tournament
King of the Ring Semi-Final
Rob Van Dam vs William Regal

The King of the Ring tournament boiled down to four participants, with the second of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Rob Van Dam qualified by overcoming Bradshaw and Jeff Hardy, whereas Commissioner William Regal advanced against Test and Rikishi. While Regal had been extremely defensive of the WWF against the recent ECW Revolution in recent weeks, RVD was adamantly loyal in jest of advances made by his former colleagues such as Raven and Paul Heyman. Would 'the Goodwill Ambassador' follow in the footsteps of His Majesty, the Queen, or would 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' prove exactly why they call him that?

WWF Light Heavyweight Championship
Jerry Lynn (c) vs Jeff Hardy

Since their arrival, the ECW Revolution had taken the WWF by storm. Not only did they possess the WWF Hardcore Championship and WWF Tag Team Championships, but the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship too, once Jerry Lynn defeated X-Pac to capture the gold. With Kid Kash behind him, they would cross paths with the Hardy Boyz. Jerry took issue with Jeff for failing to qualify for the King of the Ring Semi-Finals, willing Hardy to defeat 'the Notorious K.I.D' on his own. With Matt Hardy as WWF European Champion and Lita chasing the WWF Women's Championship - could Jeff knock off Jerry and become a two-time champion?

WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (c) vs Lita

Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. Can the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date?

Matches to be announced.

King of the Ring - June 24, 2001
Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Live on Pay-Per-View - Sponsored by Mars' Combos
"Voices"

The opening video package aired, showing a throne in ruin and surrounded by rubble. Images flash across the screen, faces such as WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle. A defeated voice exclaims their body is broken and their mind spent, as the ECW Revolution are shown in full force leaving the Brothers of Destruction down. The King of the Ring throne in decay remains unchanged, as Angle, Austin and HHH argue over the WWF Championship. A snake slithers from a skull, as the voice calls out demanding to be taken to his throne. The King of the Ring awaits.

The opening video graphic aired, bringing us to the sold-out Continental Airlines Arena for the 2001 King of the Ring! Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage, with a packed house on hand in the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey. With four championships, all eyes had to be on the outcome of tonight's King of the Ring tournament. A packed house was also hand in heart of Times Square at WWF New York.

Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed everybody to the show, with the ECW Owner obnoxiously claiming that tonight Team WWF was a man down due to the ambush on Faarooq during Sunday Night Heat - and that would surely lead the ECW Revolution to victory in the ten-man tag team match! J.R. disputed how proud an accomplishment that would be, before talking about the WWF Championship Triple Threat main event - Stone Cold Steve Austin defending against Kurt Angle and Triple H.

A buzz came over the Continental Airlines Arena, as the King of the Ring tournament was kicking off the pay-per-view! Edge and Christian came strutting down the aisleway, with Edge in prime condition ahead of his biggest opportunity to date. Sliding into the ring, Edge thrusted against the mat wearing white tights with a black leather duster - meanwhile Christian wore goggles and obnoxious red cargo pants with a green vest shirt. To boos, Christian took to the microphone to declare greetings to the fans of Long Island! The New Jersey crowd booed, as he talked about how finally a King would be crowned: and why would it be anybody other than his older brother. Christian voiced his disappointment in being eliminated from the tournament six nights ago by the WWF Intercontinental Champion - but tonight, nobody was prouder than he was to have the back of his brother Edge!

The countdown began, and the crowd came to their feet as pyrotechnics erupted across the stage. Chris Jericho emerged to an electric response, in black tights with green lightning strikes up the sides. The WWF Intercontinental Championship looked immaculate around the waist of 'the Sexy Beast', as he pleaded with Christian to please shut the hell up! He didn't come to the Meadowlands to shoot the shiznit and listen to Christian kiss his older brother's ass - Y2J came to the home of the New Jersey Devils to do one thing: and that's be crowned King of the Ring. Jericho talked about the run-ins he had had in recent months with the former WWF Tag Team Champions, but while they shared many things in common - all three of them were blonde, handsome, Canadian boys. They differed in one sense: because Y2J was destined to be King, and he was about to prove it! Y2J darted to the ring, with Edge on the defensive!

1) King of the Ring Semi-Final Round
Edge (w/Christian) vs WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho

The King of the Ring tournament has boiled down to four participants, with the first of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Edge qualified to make it here by defeating K-Kwik and WWF European Champion Matt Hardy, whereas the WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho beat Billy Gunn and Christian. In recent weeks E&C had been on the outs, determined to cement their legacy by becoming King - even if it meant having to battle it out against each other. Y2J denied that by eliminating Christian, leaving it up to Edge to earn royalty himself. Now, it looked as though Edge had Christian's full support, but how helpful would he be against the seemingly unstoppable WWF Intercontinental Champion? Who would advance to the Finals between the two prosperous Canadians?The bell sounded with Chris Jericho ducking into the right hands of Edge, only to duck a clothesline and come flying off the ropes with a flying forearm! Jericho followed with a second one, before exchanging words with an angry Christian at ringside. Edge looked to come from behind to catch a back elbow, and a suplex would see Y2J take control. Placing his boot on the chest of Edge for a quick two count, the fans of East Rutherford chanted the fan favorite's name. Jericho lit Edge up with some knife-edged chops in the corner, willing Edge to respond with one of his own. A toe kick saw Y2J continue to lead things, with a double underhook backbreaker scoring a second near fall. Christian was not happy with the WWF Intercontinental Champion's antics, when Edge came from behind with a clothesline of his own! Edge drove the stomps into the back of Y2J, when a backbreaker gave him a two-count.

Christian cheerled for his older brother as Edge drove the sole of his boot into the face of Chris Jericho in the corner, with Edge showboating to a mixed reaction from the New Jersey crowd. Edge sent Y2J off the ropes, ducking a clothesline - but Y2J would surprise with a big back body drop, sending him running to the floor! Y2J prepared a crossbody plancha to the floor, but Christian stood in the way. The two would exchange words, no love lost from the match on RAW last Monday - when Edge whipped Y2J from behind into the barricade! The referee looked to regain order as Edge put the boots to Y2J against the barricade. The referee threatened Edge's behavior in the ring, allowing Christian to barrage Jericho with mounted rights and lefts on the floor! Stepping away unnoticed, the referee initiated the count when Y2J slipped back into the ring at a count of five. Edge continued to beat punches across the back of Y2J's head, when a front suplex saw Y2J faceplant the canvas for another near fall.

Edge slapped on a headlock on the canvas, Y2J seated with the fans hoping to will him back into the match. Chris Jericho stirred back to his feet, when Edge drove his knee into the swoll of the back! Restraining his arms in a seated surfboard stretch, Edge transitioned into an abdominal stretch as the WWF Intercontinental Champion stumbled to his feet. Christian reached his hand through the ropes from ringside for assisted leverage, with Edge wisely breaking contact from the referee's visibility. Y2J inched for a reversal, when Edge would again reach for Christian's hand, when finally the referee spotted it! He kicked the hands of Edge and Christian apart, and a hip toss saw Y2J break free! Jericho battled with two clotheslines and an inverted atomic drop, followed by a dropkick that sent Edge out to the floor a second time. Y2J achieved the diving crossbody plancha this time around, taking both former WWF Tag Team Champions down!

Chris Jericho tossed Edge back inside and climbed to the top rope for a missile dropkick, for a near fall. On the attack once again, a double-underhook backbreaker stunned Edge with Y2J distracted again by the persistent pest Christian on the apron. Edge ducked a clothesline and struck with the Edge-o-matic for a two-count, before hoisting Y2J atop his shoulders for an electric chair drop! Edge returned to a side facelock applied, as the WWF Intercontinental Champion began stirring. Edge maintained pressure on the neck, but Jericho would find himself able to run Edge off. Edge's momentum sent him nearly clashing heads with Christian on the apron. He halted before doing so, prompting apologies to each of the brothers. Suddenly Y2J struck with a springboard dropkick sending Christian from the apron! Edge went after Y2J to go locked into the Walls of Jericho! Y2J managed to turn Edge over for it, the hold successfully locked in - when Christian struggled into the ring.

The WWF Intercontinental Champion went to lock Christian in the Walls of Jericho, when Edge recovered and cut Chris Jericho off with the spear! Edge hooked the leg, yet Y2J powered out at two! Edge was in disbelief and helped Christian to his knees. Edge went to work on Jericho with right hands as Christian visibly unbuckled the middle turnbuckle pad. Edge looked for the jumping DDT that allowed him to bypass Matt Hardy in the Quarter-Finals, but Y2J managed to fight it off. The damage was done as Edge struck with a spinning wheel kick, before stalking across the ring for a spear. Y2J was able to leapfrog the spear, sending Edge face-first into the exposed steel turnbuckle! Down and out, Jericho sprung to life with the Lionsault connecting - to advance into the King of the Ring Finals!

Winner: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho (11:32)

Despite the numbers advantage favoring Edge, it was Chris Jericho who willed past both he and Christian to qualify to the 2001 King of the Ring Finals! Y2J slowly rose to his feet and had his hand raised, receiving the WWF Intercontinental Championship and clenching it. Christian checked on his brother Edge, outraged at defeat in the first of two Semi-Final matches tonight. For Y2J, could he walk out of New Jersey tonight, not only as WWF Intercontinental Champion, but as the 2001 King of the Ring?

• 2001 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Chris Jericho advances to the Finals.
• TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs TBA in the 2001 King of the Ring Finals.

An exterior shot of East Rutherford, New Jersey was shown, on a cool summer's night downtown. Inside of the Continental Airlines Arena, history would be made tonight at the 2001 King of the Ring!

-

Kurt Angle was in the dressing room speaking to his girlfriend Stephanie McMahon, with the Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship having to be playing on 'the Megastar's mind. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' was apologetic to Kurt that a man of his calibre and leadership had to recapture the WWF Championship after such a long chase - in the state of New Jersey! Angle tried to defend the Garden State, but ultimately couldn't: this place was hideous! Vince McMahon soon entered the room, with Trish Stratus behind him. The Chairman stressed how nothing could go wrong. Team WWF was a man down after what the thugs from ECW did to Faarooq earlier tonight! They needed a fifth man because they could not afford to lose to a second-rate group of anarchists from some bingo hall in Philadelphia. He had enough to worry about! Angle assured victory tonight, because he would be the leader that Stone Cold Steve Austin nor Triple H could be for the WWF.

He vowed the WWF would dominate tonight, and Vince would have a WWF Champion he could be proud of. Vince hoped so, as Angle left to prepare for the main event. Steph assured her father that Angle would come through for him, and he left bickering to himself. It left Steph and Trish, who shot her a knowing smile - before she too departed. Stephanie mimicked the WWF Diva's wit, despising her!

-

Footage aired from earlier tonight on Sunday Night Heat, where Faarooq was seen laying buried beneath a steel storage unit after an apparent ambush from the ECW Revolution. Bradshaw and Jacqueline came to his aid, but as would later be made clear - Faarooq would not be fit to compete in tonight's ten-man interpromotional battle between Team WWF and the ECW Revolution!

The Brothers of Destruction, Sara, Bradshaw and Chris Benoit were gathered in their locker room. The Undertaker led the meeting, unsure what to make of the situation tonight. Bradshaw commented that the ECW Revolution targeted Faarooq because they knew against the five of them, there was no way ECW could beat the WWF in a fight. 'The Rabid Wolverine' maintained that they were still down one man - and he had once fought side-by-side with the likes of the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer. He knew how crazy they could be - it didn't look good for them. Kane questioned if Benoit had allegiance with Paul Heyman, with Rhyno, Raven or Mike Awesome. Grunting with rage about them, Undertaker maintained control by saying that they needed a fifth man - but one way or another, they were going to wear ECW's asses on their feet when all was said and done tonight. They needed one more body, but in the casualty of war they were going to make ECW's lives incredibly hard one way or another tonight!

The WWF Commissioner brought a negative response to the Continental Airlines Arena, as William Regal strode out to the aisle to boos, with his apprentice Tajiri behind him. In his trademark maroon-colored trunks, he smiled and waved looking to make the World Wrestling Federation proud by leaving tonight crowned as the 2001 King of the Ring winner. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' looked devious in his green polo shirt and khaki pants, but Regal assured Tajiri he had this one. Appearing to want to do this admirably, Regal encouraged Tajiri to return to the back! Meanwhile, a pyrotechnics blast saw Rob Van Dam come pacing down the aisle. In an orange and white airbrushed singlet, 'the Whole Dam Show' appeared determined in crossing paths with Tajiri before rolling inside and raising his fists while circling the ring. RVD and Regal exchanged words, with the winner to meet Chris Jericho in the Finals later tonight.

2) King of the Ring Semi-Final Round
Rob Van Dam vs WWF Commissioner William Regal

The King of the Ring tournament boiled down to four participants, with the second of two Semi-Final matches set in stone for the King of the Ring. Rob Van Dam qualified by overcoming Bradshaw and Jeff Hardy, whereas Commissioner William Regal advanced against Test and Rikishi. While Regal had been extremely defensive of the WWF against the recent ECW Revolution in recent weeks, RVD was adamantly loyal in jest of advances made by his former colleagues such as Raven and Paul Heyman. In a preview tag team match of the Final Four participants on SmackDown, Regal stole a victory over RVD with his feet on the ropes after interference from his apprentice Tajiri. Would 'the Goodwill Ambassador' follow in the footsteps of His Majesty, the Queen, or would 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' prove exactly why they call him that?With Tajiri instructed to return to the back, the WWF Commissioner appeared with a smile on his face in his corner. Rob Van Dam stepped toward the center and motioned with his thumbs that his name was Rob Van Dam. The Meadowlands chanted RVD's initials along with him, willing William Regal to begin circling. His vendetta of ECW vocal in recent weeks, the two locked up where Regal was able to force his opponent into the corner. The referee forced a break, when William poked the eye of Van Dam! The official admonished him but Regal couldn't care less, lighting RVD up with two forearm strikes. He sent Van Dam into the corner across the ring, but Van Dam would handstand over an inbound Regal and stare him down - motioning with his thumbs that his name was RVD one more time! Regal was insulted by a grinning 'Mr. Pay-Per-View', but was met with a series of forearms! Regal slapped on a side headlock, but Van Dam would send Regal off the ropes.

Dropping to a split-legged dropdown, Van Dam would roll onto his back and catapult Regal with a monkey toss across the ring! Regal was shocked as RVD stayed on the Commissioner with forearm strikes, when William body dropped Van Dam over the top rope. Van Dam landed on the apron and draped William's head over the top rope, before nipping to the top rope and firing with a diving thrust kick for a near fall! New Jersey chanted RVD's name as he picked William up and began driving his shoulder into the abdomen of the Englishman in the corner. A handspring backflip followed, but Regal darted out with an abrupt knee trembler to the bridge of the nose! RVD was down and out, as Regal shook his head at Van Dam's agility. Dropping for a one-count, William knelt beside and drove a series of clenched fists into the temple of RVD. Soon digging his knuckle into the forehead, the referee again warned him before a cover got a quick two-count.

'The Goodwill Ambassador' choked Van Dam with his knee across the throat, and appeared innocent as the referee began the count of five! Regal let up on four, picking RVD up and delivering a butterfly suplex for another near fall. With each pin, Regal's forearm pressed against the face of Van Dam, who was soon choked on the canvas by the dastardly Englishman! With a sleeper hold applied, Regal's plan to ground Rob had proven effective, but the fan favorite was favored by chants for "RVD". Van Dam elbowed his way out, but Regal would drag him by the hair back down to the canvas for a one-count! Regal returned to the sleeper hold, but Van Dam would begin stirring. Van Dam got back to his feet, but Regal would step on the back of his knee to bring him down again. The referee checked Van Dam's hand twice to no response, but on a third he came back to life! Van Dam returned with elbows though Regal latched on...until Van Dam sent Regal through the ropes to the floor!

Rob Van Dam used the top rope to baseball slide William Regal out on the floor, before slipping out to the apron and delivering a moonsault onto the WWF Commissioner on the floor! Van Dam was fatigued, but still showboated as he sent Regal face-first into the Spanish announce table! Suplexing Regal gut-first over the barricade, RVD headed back to the apron to point with his thumbs - and a diving roundhouse kick was planted across the back of Regal, as he draped the barricade! The count was on and broken by Van Dam hurling Regal back inside the ring, where RVD delivered a split-legged moonsault off the top rope for a near fall! 'The Whole Dam Show' was rolling now, as he powered Regal up on his shoulders with a fireman's carry - but Regal would slip free and deliver a half-Nelson suplex driving RVD on top of his head! William made the cover, but Van Dam was able to get his shoulder up at the count of two!

'The Goodwill Ambassador' could taste victory, wanting to bring honor and courage to his homeland of England by being crowned King of the Ring tonight. William picked Rob Van Dam up to his feet and delivered a double underhook suplex for another near fall, much to the WWF Commissioner's frustration! Regal argued with the referee and looked for the Regal Cutter, just for Van Dam to elbow free - a roundhouse kick missing. Van Dam however came back with a legsweep from behind, before hitting the ropes and taking off with the Rolling Thunder! Van Dam was running on adrenaline, as he kipped up to the top rope looking for the Five-Star Frog Splash - when Regal shoved the referee into the ropes! Van Dam was crotched on the top, as Regal slowly climbed to the top in search of the superplex. Instead, RVD would strike with a series of high kicks, eventually knocking him off to the canvas! The Five-Star Frog Splash was executed, allowing 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' to advance to the Finals!

Winner: Rob Van Dam (12:27)

The Finals of the 2001 King of the Ring tournament had been set, with Rob Van Dam prospering after a hard-fought ground-game with William Regal. RVD knew the battle he had been in was physical, having his hand raised over the beaten WWF Commissioner's body. 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' was planning to go the distance as he sluggishly climbed to his feet and motioned with his thumbs to a big ovation. But the work had only just begun for RVD, with one more match to go later tonight. Tajiri resurfaced to check on his mentor, who continued to argue with the referee as he was aided from the ring. 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' would help an irate Englishman up the aisle, while RVD remained inside - to meet Chris Jericho tonight!

• 2001 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: Rob Van Dam advances to the Finals.
• TONIGHT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Rob Van Dam in the 2001 King of the Ring Finals.

With Team WWF down a man in Faarooq's injuries sustained on Sunday Night Heat, the ECW Revolution were gathered in their dressing room. The WWF Hardcore Champion Rhyno listened alongside Raven, Tommy Dreamer and Mike Awesome, while the Sandman drank a can of beer. They all listened to Tazz, who talked about the numbers advantage they had in bringing down the Brothers of Destruction, Chris Benoit and Bradshaw tonight. 'The Human Suplex Machine' brought context, declaring that it was because of men like the Undertaker and Bradshaw who had tried keeping talents like them, outlaws like them out of the World Wrestling Federation. Rhyno barked that the war had begun, and the war of attrition awaited them. Raven said that tonight, blood would be shed - but it would be of their enemies. This is what brought them to the dance, and tonight when they conquer Team WWF, there would be no stopping any of them. The boys chanted the ECW initials, all eager for victory - but how might Team WWF respond tonight?

-

The crowd cheered, as Jeff Hardy soon came prancing out to the stage to a loud ovation. The women of New Jersey loved the Hardy Boyz member, as for a second time tonight a Team Xtreme member came skipping down the aisleway. A replay aired from Sunday Night Heat, showing Matt Hardy successfully retain the WWF European Championship against Perry Saturn - but now, it was up to Jeff and Lita to win gold for the trio. Hardy wore a white fishnet shirt with black cargo pants, his hair dyed crimson red for championship competition. Jerry Lynn's arrival brought a negative response and smattering of "ECW" chants from the crowd, as the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion removed his title belt and raised it high. With close allyKid Kash behind him in a white whitebeater and black leather pants, 'the Notorious K.I.D' supported Jerry as he climbed into the ring in his black tights. ECW was also looking for a clean sweep tonight, with three matches opposing the WWF.

3) WWF Light Heavyweight Championship
Jerry Lynn (w/Kid Kash) (c) vs Jeff Hardy

Since their arrival, the ECW Revolution had taken the WWF by storm. Not only did they possess the WWF Hardcore Championship and WWF Tag Team Championships, but the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship too, once Jerry Lynn defeated X-Pac to capture the gold. With Kid Kash behind him, they would cross paths with the Hardy Boyz. Jerry took issue with Jeff for failing to qualify for the King of the Ring Semi-Finals, willing Hardy to defeat 'the Notorious K.I.D' on his own. But Jerry and his ally 'the Notorious K.I.D.' would jump Jeff from behind three nights ago on SmackDown, issuing the challenge to the rainbow-haired Team Xtreme member. With Matt Hardy as WWF European Champion and Lita chasing the WWF Women's Championship - could Jeff knock off Jerry and become a two-time champion?

Kid Kash yelled at Jeff Hardy from across the ring as the referee ordered him to leave the ring, as Jerry Lynn confidently gestured to Jeff to start this match. Proposing a start with a test of strenght, Jeff Hardy accepted with knuckles locked. Jerry tried using his size to an advantage, but Jeff was quick to turn him around against the ropes before firing with two toe kicks to the abdomen! Jeff struck with right hands, whipping Lynn off the ropes for it to go switched. Hardy hit the ropes, but came back with a flying forearm! Jeff followed suit with a spinning headscissors, before popping up to the second rope and sounding off with ten punches in the corner. The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion was able to put a stop to it at the count of seven right hands, powering up with a powerbomb attempt - but Jeff delivered a hurricanrana for a near fall! Jeff struck with a jawbreaker that sent Lynn flocking to the floor, but as Jeff prepared to fly - Kid Kash thwarted by jumping to the apron!

'The Notorious K.I.D.' had Jerry Lynn's best interests in mind as he returned to check on the champ, but Jeff would sneak out to the ringside floor. Zipping atop the barricade, Jeff would catch Kash off-guard with a flying clothesline! Jeff picked Jerry up and thrust him spine-first against the barricade, before sending him back inside at the count of four. Jeff climbed up to the top rope looking for a missile dropkick, but Jerry caught him in mid-air with a dropkick! Lynn showboated with his arms flexed to boos, before stomping away at Jeff in the lower corner. Dragging Jeff out by the legs, Lynn planted him with a sit-out powerbomb for a near-two count before Jerry continued to lay in the strikes in the corner. Jerry would bodyslam Jeff and cover for a one-count, before stretching the challenger from a seated position. His arms extended beside him, Jeff had Lynn's knee driven into his spine as the crowd began to get behind the Hardy Boy.

The charismatic challenger was willed to action by East Rutherford, rising to his feet and being able to front flip out of the stretch-hold! Jeff went for a toe kick for Jerry Lynn to catch it - and a spinout enzuigiri would connect. Jeff held his abdomen as he lit Jerry up with right hands, sending him off the ropes again. Lynn clung to the ropes, but Jeff dropped down before him. Lynn kept chasing, as Jeff performed a leapfrog before spinning around and sweeping the legs! The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion was in trouble after a legdrop to the groin, when Kid Kash got on the apron again - taken out with a baseball slide to the leg! Jeff climbed out to the apron, but Lynn would come from behind - driving him into the canvas with a DDT on his head. Lynn was being issued a fight by the youngster, covering for another near fall. He would hoist Jeff up and apply the Inverted Gory Special submission hold - Hardy locked upside down, descending across the back of the champion.

Jeff Hardy had to be hurting as Jerry Lynn continued to stretch the challenger, but the New Jersey crowd cheered Hardy on. Finally he was able to break free and land on his feet - a rolling clutch cradle getting a near fall. Jeff took off to the ropes and came back with a sunset flip, but Lynn caught the legs and trapped Jeff for a near fall of his own! Lynn popped up and grabbed an inside cradle for a one-count, when Jeff switched it into one of his own - getting a two count. Lynn swept the legs and covered Jeff for another count, when Jeff caught the champ in a Magistral cradle for another near fall! Jerry looked for the Gory Special again, clutching the arms in back-to-back motion - but Jeff was able to turn it around into a backslide for a near fall. Lynn looked to catch Jeff with the Air Raid Crash, but Hardy would land on his feet before popping to the top rope for the Whisper in the Wind! Both men were down and the Meadowlands applauded both, as Kid Kash pounded the apron in favor of Jerry.

The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion was back up at the count of five, when Jeff Hardy struck with right hands from his knees. Jerry Lynn drove his elbow into the spine of the challenger, then hit the ropes with a neckbreaker for Jeff Hardy. Prepared to finish this, the champion grabbed Jeff by the hair and brought him to the corner. Sat on the second rope, he bided his time before looking for a tornado DDT - but Jeff would send Jerry over the top rope to the floor! Kash ran to help Lynn, but Jeff would shock with a daredevilish somersault senton plancha to both men outside the ring! Jeff whipped off his shirt in a shot of adrenaline to girlish screams from the Continental Airlines Arena, sending Jerry back inside and climbing to the top rope. Down on his back, Jeff set up for the Swanton Bomb - but Jerry rolled out of the way at the last second! Hardy crashed and burned, when Lynn got an Oklahoma roll with his feet on the ropes - out of sight of the official - to steal the win!

Winner, and still WWF Light Heavyweight Champion: Jerry Lynn (9:17)

The WWF Light Heavyweight Champion slid out of the ring, having retained his title. Into the arms of Kid Kash, Jerry Lynn hugged it out with 'the Notorious K.I.D.' before claiming his prize. The ECW Revolution were up one against the World Wrestling Federation tonight, with two more matches to go. Jeff Hardy meanwhile was left with a look of frustration his face, having been cheated out of the title tonight.

Bradshaw and Jacqueline talked about tonight's predicament in the APA's office, when a knock at the door brought in Chris Benoit. Met with hostility from the Texan, 'the Rabid Wolverine' understood perfectly that he and Bradshaw had never seen eye to eye - but a decision had to be made. Tonight, the WWF needed a victory against the ECW Revolution. Despite what everybody thought, he wasn't representing ECW, because he came to the WWF to be on top of the business. Bradshaw nodded and told Chris that he understood, and he respected that - but it didn't mean he liked it. Benoit told Bradshaw that he had an idea who could be the fifth man for Team WWF tonight, somebody who would love to get even with ECW for all they've done. Bradshaw chuckled, telling him to quit wasting time and get them on board!

-

Deep in the heart of Times Square, Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed us to WWF New York. The restaurant complex was heaving with fans in the house for King of the Ring, as Spike Dudley enjoyed catering sat among the people. He ate his food when approached by Kevin Kelly, who asked him about his health after being driven through a table on the floor by the Impact Players on RAW. Spike told Kevin he had been better, but it wasn't anything he wasn't used to. For years he had put his body on the line, so he would be just fine. The Dudley Boyz were full of rage, and they were ready to reclaim the WWF Tag Team Championships from those arrogant, backstabbing ECW meatheads. Hardcore Holly arrived with a smirk on his face, asking Spike how he liked being sat on the sidelines like the twerpy little loser he was! Hardcore flipped his plate and called him weak - when Spike got up and decked Holly! Hardcore fell on his butt, but warned Spike he'd regret ever doing that.

A video package aired, recapping the history between the Impact Players and the Dudley Boyz. The Dudleys had been the most dominant tag team in the WWF, overcoming TLC II at WrestleMania and beating out any competition in their way. They outlasted Tag Team Turmoil at Judgment Day, but days later in TLC III on SmackDown it was Lance Storm and Justin Credible who stole the WWF Tag Team Championships! As Bubba Ray and D-Von nursed their injuries, the new champs sided with ECW and rechristened themselves the Impact Players. They ran roughshod over the division with the Revolution - until the Dudleys returned with vengeance in mind! With Spike taken out by a back body drop through a table last Monday, it would be real battle to determine the most dominant team in sports entertainment - the gold also at stake!
A rocket blast erupted across the throne, with the Dudley Boyz emerging to the stage. D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley had a fierce look of determination on their face, after weeks of head games played by the Impact Players. camouflage-clad, the Dudleys wasted no time sliding into the ring and posing on the second turnbuckles - tonight they were gunning to become four-time WWF Tag Team Champions. The cheers turned to boos once the Impact Players arrived, trash-talking their foes from the second they walked out to the aisle. The WWF Tag Team Champions wore their gold proudly as they bided time circling the ringside area. With words fiercely exchanged, Justin Credible obnoxiously showed off his title belt to Bubba while Lance Storm teased entering only to be ran off by D-Von.

4) WWF Tag Team Championship
The Impact Players (c) vs The Dudley Boyz

Lance Storm and Justin Credible shocked everybody when they left TLC III as the WWF Tag Team Champions. Even more shocking, they did so by defecting from the WWF and X-Factor, and becoming the Impact Players aligned with the ECW Revolution. The Dudley Boyz were gone for weeks, with Storm and Credible running their mouths until the Dudleys returned with a vengeance. After an ambush at WWF New York, the Dudleys announced their intentions for the gold and retribution - after the Impact Players eliminated Spike Dudley by sending him crashing through a table. With Spike on the shelf and the gold around the Impact Players' waists, the Dudleys looked to leave King of the Ring as four-time WWF Tag Team Champions. Who would be the most dominant team in sports entertainment?

The Impact Players continued to waste time at ringside, bringing the Dudley Boyz to begin chase out to ringside! Lance Storm and Justin Credible barricaded themselves behind the referee, with D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley ever-eager to get to them. Sliding back inside, the Dudleys showboated to the adoring crowd, when the Impact Players hesitantly climbed inside. D-Von and Justin Credible started as the bell sounded, with a collar-and-elbow tie-up seeing D-Von begin pounding away at Credible. Sending him into the ropes, D-Von struck with a quick spinning back elbow before following with a second! D-Von twirled in anticipation, when a third attempt saw Credible cling to the ropes. He gestured to his head pointing out the intelligence, when D-Von approached him and cracked him upside the head! D-Von took Justin to the challengers' corner for some right hands, when in came Bubba to continue the job.

The Dudley Boyz had Justin Credible right where they wanted him, as Bubba Ray sent him into the corner spine-first - directly into a sidewalk slam! He only got a near fall, when Justin went charging to his corner on his knees. Hugging the waist of Lance Storm, the tag was made and in came the Canadian. A look of determination on his face as always, Storm got the waistlock on Bubba, but he was too heavy! Bubba elbowed out before delivering a body slam - spreading the legs immediately! D-Von climbed up top for the Wazzup, but the referee interjected. With him distracted, Credible drove an axe handle into the back of Bubba's head, and Storm would deliver an enzuigiri upside Bubba's head! To a knee, Storm took off and connected with a calf kick for a near fall, before delivering a dropkick to the kneeling older Dudley brother. A one-count only, Storm choked Bubba against the bottom turnbuckle pad, with Credible making the blind tag.

Justin oozed arrogance, delivering a sliding dropkick into the chest of Bubba Ray for a two-count. Credible raised his arms to the New Jersey's crowd's chorus of boos, soon cornering Bubba with more right hands. Powering him up to the second rope, Justin bided his time in showing off when Bubba was able to send him crashing to the canvas! Bubba lined him up, but a diving senton would see him crash on the canvas alone! A quick tag to Storm allowed him to rush in with a kick to the gut of the crawling Bubba Ray. Soon standing on his back, Bubba was choked over the bottom rope for a four-count, when Storm climbed to the top rope and executed a missile dropkick for a near fall. Tagging back Credible, the two sent Bubba into the ropes for a double dropkick when Justin continued to show off. Climbing to the second rope, Justin drove Bubba into the canvas with a diving bulldog, but Bubba continued to show resilience!

With a chinlock applied, Justin Credible stuck his fingers into the mouth of Bubba Ray. A camel clutch position was soon averted however, once Bubba chomped on Justin with his teeth! Bubba shot back with right hands, when Storm made a blind tag and took him out with a spinning heel kick. Storm drove two knee drops into the leg of Bubba, as D-Von tried to get the fans behind his half-brother. As Lance looked for a Sharpshooter, Bubba would kick Storm off into the corner - to come back and receive a Samoan drop! Bubba was on the move, and D-Von would make the tag! With a head full of steam, D-Von shot Credible off the apron with a clothesline before sending Storm off the ropes for a shoulder tackle! D-Von was jumped on a one-count by Credible, as the WWF Tag Team Champions guided him off the ropes for D-Von to return with a double clothesline! D-Von delivered a neckbreaker to Storm for a near fall, when Justin got involved.

Bubba Ray came to D-Von's aid attacking Justin Credible, as the referee struggled to restore order. Credible raked the eyes of Bubba and climbed to the second rope, but Bubba would take him up in the electric chair! D-Von climbed to the top rope on the opposite side, the Dudleyville Device connecting! Lance Storm returned with a low dropkick to Bubba Ray, and when D-Von got involved, Storm would duck a clothesline and strike with the Super Kick! Storm maintained D-Von on the canvas with a front facelock, buying Credible time to recover. He would make the blind tag and come in with another dropkick to the jaw of D-Von - the Dudley Boyz being divided by the champions again. Credible was obnoxious in stomping at D-Von's leg in the corner. Climbing to the second rope, a tornado DDT garnered a two-count, with frustration showing on the part of the ECW Revolution members.

Lance Storm tagged in and delivering an overhead neckbreaker, before returning once again to the leg of D-Von Dudley. Softening him up with some stomps ahead of the Maple Leaf Crab, the Canadian slammed his leg repeatedly off the canvas. Some fans began to chant "USA" in vain of him, and Lance would tag in Justin Credible for a double suplex - just for D-Von to break out with a double DDT of his own! All three men were down, with Bubba slamming his fist into the top turnbuckle pad for the tag. D-Von crawled when Justin grabbed his foot - but D-Von would kick him off and make the tag to Bubba! Bounding in, Bubba Ray sent Storm over the top rope to the floor before driving Credible into the canvas with a pop-up facebuster! A cutter followed when Storm rushed in - but a covering Bubba moved, and Storm dropped an elbow on Credible! Bubba body slammed Storm and spread his legs, with this time D-Von executing the Wazzup successfully!

Justin Credible had the referee's attention as Bubba told D-Von to get the tables, when he came from behind with a chop block. D-Von back body dropped Lance on the floor and picked up the wood, for Credible to baseball slide it into his face! Credible set the table at ringside as Bubba limped out and jumped him. All four men out on the floor, Credible averted being sent through the wood and slipped inside. Bubba followed and lit him up with fists, sending Credible into the ropes for a 3D - but Lance Storm intercepted with a Super Kick to Bubba! Credible reversed and planted D-Von with the Impaler DDT, soon rolling him out to the table at ringside. Storm climbed to the top and delivered a diving splash - putting both he and D-Von through the wood! Bubba dropped the Bubba Bomb on Credible, hooking the leg - but Justin got his foot on the bottom rope at two. Looking and seeing D-Von in the carnage of the wood, he strived to fight off a returning Storm when Justin struck with a cheap low blow! Out of sight of the official, the Impact Players delivered X Marks the Spot to claim the victory!

Winners, and still WWF Tag Team Champions: The Impact Players (15:21)

The Impact Players divided to conquer the Dudley Boyz, to loud boos from the East Rutherford crowd. D-Von Dudley remained in disarray on the outside, his body through the shambles of the table clutching his ribs. Meanwhile, Lance Storm and Justin Credible had been gifted victory with a low blow to Bubba Ray Dudley. The WWF Tag Team Champions paraded their titles high to boos, as Bubba Ray slumped himself up in the corner. Paul Heyman applauded the fact that the ECW Revolution were 2-0 against the World Wrestling Federation tonight, as the ECW Owner questioned the foolishness of the Dudleys - to dare mess with the most dominant tag team in sports entertainment, the Impact Players!

Rob Van Dam shook the cobwebs after his Semi-Final victory against Commissioner William Regal earlier tonight, when approached by Michael Cole. He noted how RVD did not have long to wait - one more match to be crowned the 2001 King of the Ring winner. 'The Whole Dam Show' coolly said he hadn't broken a sweat, that 'the Goodwill Ambassador' got his comeuppance from a true monarch - the dude who was going to win it all. Tonight, he promised to show the world why they called him 'Mr. Pay-Per-View'. WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho appeared. Nursing his arm, Y2J brought up how they had had each others' backs, but tonight all bets were off. If anybody was going to win King of the Ring, it was going to be Y-2-J. Jericho motioned with his thumbs, but RVD responded by motioning with his thumbs. Correcting him, he assured Jericho the victor would be R-V-D. Both men chuckled, with RVD offering a handshake. May the best man win, Jericho accepted it!

-

Stephanie McMahon was still irritated after being bested in her interaction with Trish Stratus earlier tonight. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' groaned in anger at Vince McMahon not caring about her input either, when her face changed: Triple H arrived before her. 'The Game' smiled at his ex-wife, asking her how squeaky-clean things were for her. Steph told Hunter to leave her alone, but 'the Game' mused that he never got how she could dump him for a guy like Kurt Angle - after all, he was as vanilla as they come: and she was a no-good sl*t. Stephanie looked appalled, as Triple H told Steph he did wish her well though - her boyfriend on the other hand, not so much. Tonight, it all comes to an end. All of the chasing, the games and running around: it would end. Tonight, Kurt wasn't going to come close, and Stone Cold Steve Austin had big things to worry about. Tonight, he would become WWF Champion once again - because he was that damn good.

A video package aired, recapping the ECW Revolution. Paul Heyman had led the troops in to invade the WWF, targeting the top WWF Superstars. It distressed Vince McMahon to see Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and the Brothers of Destruction laid to waste, when Mick Foley arrived with a clipboard in hand. Under orders of WWF CEO Linda McMahon, he made this ten-man tag team match official - with Undertaker and Kane choosing to name themselves first on Team WWF! The APA would join, having rallied the locker room over the past couple of weeks - yet a fifth man was hard to obtain, as Heyman named Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer for the match. Finally, their history aside, Chris Benoit saved the day on SmackDown - and a showdown was sure to ensue between WWF and ECW!

The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer were seen descending the staircases of the Continental Airlines Arena. Wielding Singapore canes, 'the Hardcore Icon' and 'the Innovator of Violence' frowned through the sea of faces before each hopping the barricade. Banging their canes against the steel steps, they emerged in the ring to represent the ECW Revolution. Next came Mike Awesome, in supreme physical condition wearing black trunks. With a snarl on his face, Awesome would join Sandman and Dreamer inside when Ravenmade his arrival. Skulking out to the aisle, he was met with loud boos as he brooded in a leather jacket. Revealing an ECW shirt beneath, the turncoat slumped into the corner of the ring where he sat patiently and waited. Finally, the WWF Hardcore Champion Rhynoemerged, pacing down the aisle a man possessed. 'The Man-Beast' pounded his chest and joined his teammates, as Paul Heyman sang the praises of each member of the ECW Revolution!

Bradshawkicked off Team WWF, bounding out to the stage to a positive reaction. Pointing to the fans in attendance, the Texan wore a WWF Attitude shirt as he walked back and forth, when joined by Chris Benoit to a big ovation. 'The Rabid Wolverine' had endeared himself to the East Rutherford crowd sporting black and white tights. The two spoke amongst themselves momentarily, when a long wait led to Testmaking his way out to the stage! In Faarooq's absence due to injury, 'the Working Man' looked fired up for the War of Attrition. Finally, flames erupted and out came Kane! 'The Big Red Machine' led the pack out to the ring, fending the ECW group out to ringside. As Team WWF occupied the ring, he set off his pyrotechnics - leading to the Undertaker's arrival. Driving down to ringside on his motorcycle to Limp Bizkit's "Rollin'", the ECW Revolution members ducked for cover as 'the Deadman' circled the ring, before uniting with his teammates. Team WWF was in full force, opposite the ECW Revolution.

The ECW Revolution waited in a huddle at ringside before the announce table, when Paul Heyman left commentary to take the lead for his five outlaws. Rhyno, Raven, Mike Awesome, Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman listened as Team WWF waited in the ring impatiently. Suddenly, the Undertaker, Kane, Bradshaw, Chris Benoit and Test would make the first move - rushing the ECW Revolution on the floor! The Continental Airlines Arena came unglued as a ten-man brawl broke loose at ringside, with the ECW Owner fleeing over the barricade into the crowd to safety! The referee was finally able to intervene, forcing Team WWF to return to the ring. As ECW recouped their losses, the five men all decided to step inside. The ten man began with trash talking from across the ring, when much to the chagrin of the official - another ten-man battle broke out! Undertaker brought the fight to Raven, as Kane traded fists with Awesome in the corner. Sandman and Dreamer tied up with Benoit and Test!

The action broke out to the floor, with the action breaking down to Chris Benoit and Tommy Dreamer. A right hand went missed and a German suplex connected from 'the Rabid Wolverine', who followed with a snap suplex. Tagging in Test, Benoit held Dreamer up for a big right hand from 'the Working Man'. From the second rope, Test dropped an axe handle before 'the Innovator of Violence' raked the eyes. Dreamer took off to the ropes, ducking a clothesline but walking into the tilt-a-whirl slam of Test for the first pinfall attempt of the match! Rhyno broke it up at one, prompting Test to mouth off at the WWF Hardcore Champion - when Dreamer came again from behind with a clothesline. With a succession of stomps in the corner, in came Sandman with a series of right hands as Dreamer held him. 'The Hardcore Icon' sent Test into the ropes for a clothesline - but the big man did not budge. Sandman tried again, to no avail. Test welcomed Sandman a third try - this time a low dropkick taking him down!

The Sandman choked Test with a rear naked choke hold, before clubbing away with right and left arms swinging. A hip thrust dropped Test to the canvas, as Sandman went to the top rope and dropped a diving leg drop - but Test powered out at two. Sandman brought more stomps to Test when tagging in Raven. The former WWF Intercontinental Champion confidently sulked in the corner, doused in boos, when Raven went for the Evenflow DDT - just for Test to power him off! Test made the tag to Bradshaw, who had Raven back away to his corner - and the Texan throttled Raven against the turnbuckle, just for Rhyno, Sandman, Dreamer and Awesome to hammer away at the APA co-founder! Bradshaw tried his earnest to fight his way off, swinging for any ECW member in sight - but a clothesline went followed with a bulldog from the calculated Raven for a near fall. Raven pounded on Bradshaw with mounted punches, before picking him up and choking him over the second rope.

Raven trash talked Team WWF, with the Undertaker and Chris Benoit irritated. Raven showboated before taking off to the ropes - but Bradshaw moved, and Raven crotched himself on the second rope! Bradshaw shoulder tackled Raven before sending him off the ropes for a big boot and a two-count, when Mike Awesome grabbed him by the hair off the ropes - Bradshaw to the canvas! Raven hurriedly made the tag to Awesome, who blasted Bradshaw with a clothesline upon entry. Mike pointed at the Brothers of Destruction and teased letting Bradshaw crawl, only to kick him in the ribs. Awesome picked Bradshaw up and delivered a back suplex for a near fall, his eyes still firmly set on 'the American Badass' particularly. Bradshaw gained an opening with some body blows, but Awesome would rock him with a knee lift and a powerslam for a near fall! Mike got in the face of Undertaker and Kane, prompting them to distract the official for ECW to put the boots to Bradshaw!

The WWF Hardcore Champion got the tag and Rhyno came in with a knee lift off the jaw of Bradshaw. He proceeded with a series of stomps against the ropes, when 'the Man-Beast' too jawjacked with Benoit and Test. He climbed the back of Bradshaw and raked the eyes with a camel clutch-like hold, but Bradshaw would have East Rutherford behind him. Bradshaw was soon able to power him up and sit back squashing him on the canvas! The chase was on, with Bradshaw able to make the tag to 'the Big Red Machine!' Kane hit the ring with throat thrusts to Rhyno, when Dreamer came in to receive one as well. Kane caught Awesome with a double-handed choke toss, sending him into the ropes for a series of elbow smashes. Climbing to the top rope, a missile dropkick would send Awesome off his feet! But with the seven-foot monster's back turned, Rhyno returned with a spinebuster. He and Raven picked the bones of Kane as Undertaker came in to intervene.

The referee was distracted once again, as the Sandman snuck into the ring and struck Kane with a Singapore cane from behind - which brought Test and Bradshaw to race the ring, the two pursuing Sandman to the floor for a fist fight with 'the Hardcore Icon' and Tommy Dreamer! The referee raced out to restore order, while inside Raven introduced a stop sign - just for Kane to big boot it back into his face! Rhyno received the stop sign over the head, and Kane would make the tag to the Undertaker. 'The Deadman' came in, but the referee returned and contested whether a tag was made - and Rhyno would take Kane out with the Gore! The cover was made, when Undertaker barged the official out of the way and broke it up. Raven came in to be taken down by Undertaker as well as Rhyno by Benoit - when Mike Awesome blasted Undertaker with a big boot! Benoit and Awesome brawled out to the floor.

Rhyno sized Kane up for the second Gore in this match, but Kane would power him up and deliver a running powerslam! Kane sat up and made the tag to the Undertaker, who came in with right hands directed at Raven. With a series of body blows in the corner, an uppercut rocked him, as Undertaker would soon fight off an inbound Sandman with a right hand! Awesome came in, only for Benoit to aid him with a back suplex, as Test battled Dreamer out to the floor. Undertaker took Raven by the arm and climbed to the top rope - a tightrope walk resulting in Old School being delivered! A clothesline sent Raven out to the floor, joining the group of Team WWF and ECW Revolution members by the aisle. That's when Undertaker took to the skies, with a groundbreaking plancha taking out every man in sight! Undertaker picked Raven back up and sent him inside, soon fighting off Mike Awesome with help from Bradshaw.

Climbing back inside, Undertaker rushed Raven in the corner when Raven dragged the referee in the way. Undertaker nearly took the referee out but halted - when Awesome splashed the referee in the corner! Test came from behind with a pumphandle slam for Awesome, when Sandman came from behind with the Russian legsweep. 'The Hardcore Icon' was deliriously loving it, not spotting Kane mount the top rope for a flying clothesline! Suddenly Tommy Dreamer entered with a trash can in hand - smashing it over 'the Big Red Machine's spine for him to absorb the blow! Kane punched the can flying from the ring, when Bradshaw struck with the Clothesline From Hell! Raven hammered on Undertaker in the corner and took a seat on the top rope for leverage - but Undertaker would grab him by the throat, driving him into the canvas with a thunderous Chokeslam! Suddenly, Rhyno came in with another Gore lined up: but Chris Benoit would thwart him with the Crossface applied!

All hell was breaking loose in the War of Attrition between WWF and ECW, as the action resumed with Undertaker being ambushed by Mike Awesome - an Awesome Bomb connecting to 'the Deadman!' Test and Awesome clotheslined one-another out to the floor as Raven made the cover on Undertaker. The referee stirred into a long, long near fall, with the fans exploding as Undertaker remained alive! Benoit stood on the apron desperate for the tag, and he made it! Benoit and Awesome came in exchanging strikes, with Awesome using his size as an advantage. Benoit failed to stun the big man with two shoulder blocks, when a third would see Benoit caught with a powerslam attempt. Benoit slipped free and slapped on a cross-armbreaker, to be stomped out by Dreamer. Kane sent Tommy out to the floor, where Rhyno was waiting - and a Gore would send both men crashing through the barricade wall!

Sandman tried to enter with the Singapore cane, just for Bradshaw to snatch it from him and begin dishing out the haymakers! The brawl was on, as Chris Benoit was dropped with the Evenflow DDT from Raven. Awesome made the cover as Test struck Raven with the Big Boot, but Benoit got his foot on the bottom rope! Awesome was livid, stomping up and down the ring. Bringing Benoit up to the top rope, Awesome hammered on the back as Chris sat precariously facing the ring post. Awesome prepared the Awesome Bomb, but Benoit was able to rotate on Mike's back - into the Crossface! Awesome squirmed, with bodies laid out everywhere around ringside. Raven slipped in looking to break it up...but Awesome was forced to tap out!

Winners:Team WWF (20:42)

A War of Attrition was had between Team WWF and the ECW Revolution, but in the end it featured Chris Benoit forcing Mike Awesome into submission with the Crossface! The East Rutherford crowd exploded in glee, as 'the Rabid Wolverine' had his hand raised. Kane and Rhyno remained unconscious after the Gore through the barricade wall, as Raven slumped into the corner in protest. The Sandman helped Tommy Dreamer up on the ringside floor, while Test and Bradshaw would return to the ring. Both raising Benoit's hands in the ring, the Undertaker would soon join them.

Bradshaw and Test raised Benoit atop their shoulders in celebration, when Benoit would meet eyes with a sceptical Undertaker. 'The American Badass' and 'the Rabid Wolverine' had had a threshold of issues spanning the last several months, as Benoit jumped down to the canvas. With Kane rising to his feet on the floor, Undertaker and Benoit exchanged words - when 'the Deadman' would shake hands with Benoit and raise his hand in victory as well! The Brothers of Destruction left together, as Benoit was responsible for ECW's defeat tonight, at King of the Ring!

Vince McMahon

was overjoyed by the defeat of the ECW Revolution, applauding with his fists clenched over his head in his office. The Chairman proclaimed victory over Paul Heyman's group of misfit toys as Jonathan Coachman entered the office looking for his thoughts. Vince made it clear that ECW may have had the likes of five outlaws like Rhyno, Raven, Tommy Dreamer, the Sandman and Mike Awesome: but Team WWF was an unstoppable force. Vince claimed nothing could stop them, that the WWF was an unstoppable force over all. Echoing his words from earlier tonight, Vince said nothing could go wrong tonight at King of the Ring - and nothing would.

-

An advertisem*nt aired, showing a dark roulette wheel. It continued to spin, and spin and spin. A voiceover spoke about the hands of fate, and the crap shoot one took each time they threw the dice. WWF Superstars, the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Undertaker, Triple H and Chris Benoit flashed on the screen - all bloodied. As the voiceover declared life was a b*tch, the logo appeared. WWF Fully Loaded would emanate live on pay-per-view from the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday, July 22!

A video package aired, recapping the history between Chyna and Lita. The WWF Women's Championship was on the line, following weeks of 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' having choice interactions with the number one contender. Lita had impressed Chyna, but she remained sceptical whether she could dethrone her to become the champ. They got along great, but tensions rose on SmackDown this past Thursday, where WWF Divas Ambassador Debra had them sign the contract to make it official. Ahead of King of the Ring, Lita warned Chyna she might not be the biggest hurdle in her reign - but she planned to take the title by force tonight.
The challenger made her way out to the stage first, Lita full of life on her way to the ring. In green cargo pants and a Team Xtreme blouse, the WWF Diva had been the WWF Women's Champion before - but she had never met a woman like 'the Ninth Wonder of the World'. Skipping down the aisle and sliding into the ring, Lita received a positive ovation from the crowd as she posed in the ring. While Jeff Hardy had come up short in his pursuit of the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, Lita awaited her chance to leave King of the Ring as champion, alongside her boyfriend the WWF European Champion Matt Hardy.

Lita awaited momentarily to chants of her name, when the WWF Women's Champion made her arrival. With her boyfriend 'the One' Billy Gunn nervously beside her, Chynastood in dominance on the aisle in an all-silver ensemble. Marching down to the ring, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had a smile on her face as she eyeballed Lita from afar. Despite the respect that these two women shared for one-another, there could only be one champ, and upon entering the ring Chyna would remind Lita of this by posing it high in the air for Lita to see. Billy got in Lita's face until Chyna and the referee backed him off; Billy soon posing with the WWF Women's Championship himself!

6) WWF Women's Championship
Chyna (w/Billy Gunn) (c) vs Lita

Since accomplishing her dream of becoming WWF Women's Champion at WrestleMania, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' had enjoyed a wave of success. She had toured the planet with a jam-packed schedule, including talk show appearances in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Lita has been shocking many with her performances night-in and night-out against WWF Divas and Superstars alike. It would catch the attention of the Playboy covergirl, and following a series of fascinating interactions backstage Chyna would request the opportunity of a lifetime for Lita. The two shared a tense contract signing three nights ago on SmackDown, itself coming days after an interesting tag team match that saw Lita take all of the action. Both ladies had great respect for one another, but this was for the big one. In a first-time encounter, could the Team Xtreme member get the job done, and win her biggest match to date?
The Continental Airlines Arena was split as Chyna and Lita smiled to one another from across the ring. The bell sounded to get this WWF Women's Championship match underway, and both ladies would shake hands. Circling the ring, 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' and her latest challenger locked up, with Chyna cornering Lita in the corner with ease. Using her strength and size, Chyna broke on the referee's command, when Lita would strike with a swift forearm to the face! Lita smiled cutely to Chyna, who actually broke a laugh. The two locked up again, with this time Lita using all of her might to overpower Chyna - who would easily toss Lita down to the canvas! Lita backwards rolled into the corner, before surprising Chyna with a go-behind. Chyna was able to reverse into a drop toe hold, and with a headlock applied Lita fired up from the canvas. Lita sent Chyna into the ropes for a dropdown and a leapfrog, when a dropkick stunned the champ and sent her through the ropes!

Chyna rolled out to the floor, where 'the One' Billy Gunn rushed to give his girlfriend a voice of inspiration. 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' took her time before climbing back inside, where Lita welcomed her back inside. Chyna accepted the help, before a side headlock went applied. Lita again sent Chyna into the ropes, but a shoulder block took the challenger down. Chyna hit the ropes as Lita dropped down again, when this time a spinning headscissors would catch the champion off-guard! In the corner, Lita levelled with ten punches for Chyna. The WWF Women's Champion used her power to attempt the Powerbomb, but a second hurricanrana saw Lita tower with a near fall! Billy watched in disbelief, as she took Chyna down with an armdrag and wrenched at the armbar - but Chyna would build back up to a knee and grab an inside cradle for a near fall. Lita came back up with a side headlock, but Chyna would break out and drop her with a DDT!

'The Ninth Wonder of the World' hooked the leg but raised Lita's head before the three-count, an overconfident display as she picked Lita up and powered her into the corner. Onto the top rope, Chyna looked to be going for a superplex, but the feisty challenger fired off with forearms to stun Chyna back to the canvas. Lita came off the top rope with the Litcanrana, eager to hook the leg - but Billy Gunn would involve himself, propping Chyna's foot on the bottom rope! Lita contested the rope break with the referee, as Billy showboated to boos - when Lita rolled out of the ring to confront him. It bought Chyna time as Billy claimed innocence, and a baseball slide would see Chyna in control. Chyna dressed Billy down for his unwarranted interference, as Chyna sent Lita back inside. Gunn again pled innocent. Chyna drove Lita up in the air for the military press slam, but Lita would squirm her way free, into a rolling clutch cradle for a near fall!

Lita landed a low dropkick to the knee, when the Twist of Fate was attempted: but Chyna sent her into the ropes for a clothesline! Chyna was ready to put an end to this defense with the Powerbomb as Billy Gunn applauded at ringside, but Lita would go up and sound off with a series of elbows. Chyna collapsed to the canvas, and Lita went up to the top rope! The Moonsault was moments away, when Billy once again intervened! Suddenly Eddie Guerrero came rushing down the aisleway, distracting both Billy and Lita. This allowed Chyna to come in beneath Lita - a Powerbomb planting Lita! 'Latino Heat' and Billy Gunn exchanged words at ringside, whilst Chyna made the cover on Lita to claim another successful title defense.

Winner, and still WWF Women's Champion: Chyna (6:57)

'The Ninth Wonder of the World' laid back on the fallen chest of her challenger, having retained the WWF Women's Championship once again. Chyna had her hand raised by the official after moving from the body of Lita, when greeted with an excited hug from 'the One' Billy Gunn. Chyna took the title from her boyfriend, but did not look too pleased with his involvement in this match. Eddie Guerrero was seen backing up the aisleway in despondence. It was clear 'Latino Heat' was trying to aid Lita, but did not follow through on fending off Billy Gunn's interference.

Michael Cole was backstage, still hoping to receive some form of comment from the WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. He spoke about how 'the Texas Rattlesnake' had been here all day long, but wanted to receive an injury update on the status of his ankle after what Kurt Angle had done last week on RAW. Cole again knocked on Steve Austin's door, but instead Debra came out. The WWF Divas Ambassador demanded to know what he wanted, then interrupted Cole telling him now wasn't a good time. Michael questioned what shape 'the Bionic Redneck' would be, with the Triple Threat match mere moments away. Debra informed Cole that his name was Stone Cold Steve Austin - he was the WWF Champion, and tonight, all hell would break loose. Debra closed, telling Cole that was the bottom line.

-

Jim Ross and Paul Heyman discussed the action we had already seen tonight at King of the Ring, with Heyman barking that Team WWF had cheated their way to overthrowing the ECW Revolution! The ECW Owner vowed that a storm was coming to take the World Wrestling Federation out, but J.R. told Heyman his guys lost fairly and squarely! J.R. discussed the Finals of the King of the Ring tournament and showed video replays of the Semi-Final round from earlier tonight. Chris Jericho was able to bypass Edge, despite the help from Christian; and Rob Van Dam overcame WWF Commissioner William Regal. Up next was to crown the 2001 King of the Ring winner!

The crowd came to their feet for the second appearance of Rob Van Dam. In a fresh new orange and white singlet, 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' was on a quest to prove exactly why they called him that, as he smirked to the fans and rolled into the ring. With his fists pointing to the heavens, RVD jumped around the ring before pointing the thumbs toward himself - the Continental Airlines Arena in full support! RVD stretched his legs on the top turnbuckle, when the lights went out and the countdown began. Pyrotechnics erupted, ushering out the WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho! Y2J wore the gold around his waist as he posed and turned to take a long look at his opponent. Also beloved in New Jersey tonight, Jericho stepped down the aisleway and onto the ring apron. Turning again to look at RVD, the two shared a lot of respect - but there could only be one King of the Ring.

7) King of the Ring Finals
WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs Rob Van Dam

The King of the Ring tournament had been won by some of the fastest rising WWF Superstars in history. Names such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Kurt Angle among others had gone on to claim greater fame from the springboard of winning the illustrious tournament by way of becoming WWF Champion, or had their careers made by winning the coveted throne. In the final four, it boiled down to Rob Van Dam, William Regal, Edge and Chris Jericho. After earlier tonight, it was divided down to two men. In recent weeks, Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam had helped each other out against the opposing forces of the ECW Revolution. While Y2J respected RVD, he was weary of him, given the extreme history of 'the Whole Dam Show'. With one match under both their belts already, this match would determine the ninth annual King of the Ring winner. Who's career would be changed forever?

The fans were divided in this unorthodox King of the Ring Finals, bringing Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam to look around and take in this moment. The WWF Intercontinental Champion smiled as RVD heard chants of his name, before motioning toward Y2J that he was Rob Van Dam. The two circled the ring before coming to a collar-and-elbow tie-up, with neither man gaining an advantage. Y2J managed to take the arm, but Van Dam struck with two sharp kicks to the chest. Y2J was able to catch a third, and a single-leg takedown put him in the compromising position for the Walls of Jericho - but Van Dam was able to latch onto the bottom rope! Van Dam rolled back to the corner, as Y2J motioned with his thumbs that he was Y2J. RVD smiled this time, as the two circled again. Another lock-up followed, this time with Jericho on the go-behind. Van Dam tried to wrestle out and did. A waistlock takedown took Y2J to the mat, when Jericho got back up and was able to switch it!

Chris Jericho applied a hammerlock on Rob Van Dam, when Van Dam slipped out into a wristlock of his arm. Taking the arm high, a succession of kicks led to a roundhouse kick that stunned Y2J into the ropes. Van Dam whipped the WWF Intercontinental Champion off them, when Y2J clung to the ropes. Van Dam had dropped into the splits on the canvas, and Jericho would rush in with a low dropkick to the jaw of Van Dam! Jericho was not playing around as he toe kicked Van Dam into the corner. Jericho chopped Van Dam when Van Dam forearmed back. Switching it around, Van Dam delivered two shoulder thrusts into the solar plexus before performing a backwards handspring. Rushing into the corner, Y2J pressed him overhead just for Van Dam to use the top rope to vault out of it! Jericho took off to the opposite corner, when Van Dam followed suit with a monkey flip! Y2J was bested and rolled out of the ring instinctively - but RVD scored a somersault senton plancha!

The people were chanting Rob Van Dam's name now, as he brought Chris Jericho to his feet and prepared to suplex him over the barricade. Y2J was able to break out of it with forearm strikes, when a chop sent RVD dazed into the barricade. The WWF Intercontinental Champion walked away and prepared to charge, but Van Dam would deliver a back body drop sending Y2J ribs-first onto the barricade! Van Dam took off to the top of the steel steps, looking for the jumping roundhouse kick - but Jericho was able to move out of the way! Van Dam crashed and burned with his foot against the barricade, clutching his ankle on the ringside floor. The ball was now in the Canadian's court, as he returned ringside and sent Van Dam back inside the ring. Y2J immediately grabbed the foot and attempted the Walls of Jericho, but Van Dam clung to the bottom rope for dear life. Improvising, Y2J catapulted Van Dam throat-first against the bottom rope!

It was dog-eat-dog in the King of the Ring Finals, as the WWF Intercontinental Champion went on the offensive. With a cover attempt, Van Dam powered out at two before Y2J dropped his elbow into the side of his ankle. Wrenching away at it, Y2J refused to let up and grapevined the foot with his legs. Jericho had RVD in pain, when Van Dam was able to sit up behind Y2J. A rear naked choke was applied when Jericho rolled backwards on top of RVD for a close two-count. Y2J hit the ropes but missed another low dropkick, when RVD caught him by surprise with a monkey toss! Van Dam hobbled back to his feet and followed by hopping to the second rope. Driving three punches into the anatomy of Y2J in the corner, a second monkey flip followed! Van Dam hit the ropes and delivered a cartwheel into a standing moonsault, covering for only a near fall. RVD was feeling it as he picked Chris Jericho up on his shoulders, delivering a rolling fireman's carry by the corner!

'Mr. Pay-Per-View' thought he had the match won, popping to the top rope for a split-legged moonsault. The cover was made, but again Y2J muscled out at two! Van Dam was in shock at the resilience of the WWF Intercontinental Champion, soon bringing Jericho up to the top rope. The two battled precariously, with Van Dam looking for a superplex. Jericho chopped his way out of it and crotched RVD on the top rope. Jericho now looked for a powerbomb, but RVD would counter into a hurricanrana from the top! Both men crashed onto the canvas, as Van Dam rolled over - but again, Y2J would kick out at two! The Continental Airlines Arena waited as Y2J and RVD battled it out on their knees. Jericho struck with chops, RVD with forearms. Jericho elbowed RVD to his feet before taking off to the ropes, when Van Dam met him with a roundhouse kick! Van Dam vaulted to the top rope for the Five-Star Frog Splash, when Jericho met him up there - an arm drag bringing him down!

The referee made the count as both men began stirring on the canvas. Chris Jericho was the first up at the count of four, and met RVD with a go-behind. Running him into the ropes, a rolling clutch cradle saw Jericho backwards roll into the center alone - when Van Dam sprung the second rope looking for the thrust kick. Instead, Y2J caught and swept the legs. The Walls of Jericho was applied, with Van Dam in deep trouble! Y2J had RVD where he wanted him, moving to the center of the ring - but Van Dam would somehow persevere and make it to the bottom rope! Y2J was in disbelief himself, soon picking Van Dam up. Instead, he swept the legs and made a bridging pin. Jericho kicked out at two by powering up, soon wrestling Van Dam into a backslide for a near fall. Van Dam landed out on his feet, missing another roundhouse kick but nailing a legsweep!

Rob Van Dam shook his bad foot to keep the blood flowing, limping over to the top rope. Looking around, he vaulted up to the top rope. With the Five-Star Frog Splash in sight, he took to the air with incredible hangtime...just for Jericho to get his knees up! Y2J rolled Van Dam up with a handful of tights, but transitioned into another Walls of Jericho attempt. Van Dam threw him off, but Jericho would duck a clothesline and connect with the bulldog! Y2J was closing in on victory, as he hit the ropes and went for the Lionsault - but RVD got his knees up! Neither man was able to capitalize as they clutched their ribcages, when down the aisle ran Tazz. 'The Human Suplex Machine' wore an ECW Revolution shirt, and tried to push his way past the referee on the apron. RVD gasped for air and mouthed off with the man that had been a thorn in both men's side of late - and Y2J would act with a springboard dropkick!

Tazz rebounded off the apron to the floor, as the WWF Intercontinental Champion talked trash to him. Unlucky for him, Rob Van Dam would duck Chris Jericho's clothesline and connect with a shuffle side kick to the jaw! 'The Whole Dam Show' fell atop Y2J, but again scored only a near fall. Van Dam used the ropes to get back to his feet, but Tazz again got on the apron to distract Van Dam. RVD and Tazz had words, when an inbound Chris Jericho came from behind to send him into Tazz! Tazz took another fall as Y2J got a rolling clutch cradle on Van Dam. RVD kicked out, but Jericho would apply the Walls of Jericho one more time! RVD squirmed to fight it, as Tazz returned to his feet and made a crawl to the apron - but despite much deliberation, Van Dam was forced to tap out!

Winner, the 2001 King of the Ring Winner:
WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho (14:27)

The crowd cheered as Chris Jericho dropped to his knees. The 2001 King of the Ring had been determined, with the WWF Intercontinental Champion having his hand raised by the referee. Rob Van Dam laid down and out on the canvas, as Y2J raised his title to the crowd - the official King of the Ring winner! Suddenly Tazz came from behind, locking Jericho in the Tazzmission to loud boos. 'The Human Suplex Machine's motive remained unclear, as Tazz choked Y2J down to a knee. Jim Ross on commentary blamed Paul Heyman for his involvement, but the ECW Owner protested he had nothing to do with it.

Heyman marched off from the announce table and climbed into the ring, immediately telling Tazz to relinquish Y2J. Tazz was baffled, when RVD made a recovery and came in wielding a steel chair. Heyman and Tazz left the ring, when 'Mr. Pay-Per-View' tossed the chair to Chris Jericho - and delivered a Van Terminator! Y2J was down and out as the crowd gasped in cheers and boos. RVD looked around and smirked before leaving, with Tazz by his side! Heyman celebrated the double-cross, as Van Dam had lost the King of the Ring Finals - and humiliated the victor, Y2J in the process!

• KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT: WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho wins the 2001 King of the Ring.

A video package aired, recapping the history between Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Triple H. It had been a hectic schedule for 'the Texas Rattlesnake', who barely left Backlash as WWF Champion against 'the Game' thanks to Angle's interference. At Judgment Day, a similar war went down with Austin conquering 'the Megastar' to remain WWF Champion. Yet as the ECW invasion began, it was Kurt Angle who proclaimed he was the leader the WWF deserved - even invading the WCW Big Bang special to prove it! It led to animosity from HHH and Stone Cold, who were soon reminded that whatever Power Trip existed between them - they would still be rivals, regardless. Austin himself had Triple H added to tonight's war, with all hands on deck. For the richest prize in the business on the line, who would be the top dog in the WWF amidst the ECW invasion?
Triple H had the fans on their feet, as the lights went out and Motorhead's "The Game" began playing. Stepping down the aisle, 'the Game' had a fierce look of determination on his face as he paced down to the ringside area. Taking a walk around, he gulped his water bottle began stepping onto the apron. Spitting it out into the atmosphere with his arms raised high, this was what it had boiled down to for Triple H. For fourteen months he had chased, lost, redeemed and had revenge. Through trials, tribulations and shortcomings, it was now or never for HHH - who badly wanted the WWF Championship more than anything! He waited in the ring, pacing up and down for the opposition to arrive.

The crowd turned to boos, as Kurt Angle made his arrival. In red, white and blue, 'the Megastar' jogged out to the aisle before raising his arms in the air. Pyrotechnics erupted overhead, as the equally motivated Olympic Gold Medalist walked with girlfriend Stephanie McMahon behind him. Climbing into the ring, Angle stopped briefly to kiss 'the Billion Dollar Princess' before presenting himself to the Continental Airlines Arena. Angle posed and pranced around the ring, soon engaging in an intense staredown with Stephanie's ex-husband, 'the Cerebral Assassin' Triple H.

The two challengers mouthed off at one-another, as the East Rutherford crowd buzzed in anticipation. Finally, the glass shattered and Disturbed's"Glass Shatters" caused the fans to break out in a massive ovation! Stone Cold Steve Austin bound out to the stage to a loud ovation from the crowd. Bandaged ankle and all, 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was not about to let Kurt Angle's damage stop him from being a fighting WWF Champion. With the richest prize in hand behind him, 'the Rattlesnake' stomped to the ring apron and climbed inside, immediately staring a hole through both challengers. The WWF Champion stood on the second turnbuckle with his fists and gold raised - but in a Triple Threat match, Austin was at odds - not even needing to be pinned or submitted to lose the title!

8) WWF Championship- Triple Threat Match
Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs Kurt Angle (w/Stephanie McMahon) vs Triple H

After a battle to remember at Judgment Day, 'the Megastar' continued to pursue the WWF Championship. With the ECW invasion in full swing however, it became about more than the richest prize in the business. The Olympic Gold Medalist believed 'the Texas Rattlesnake' was too selfish to be leader of the WWF - instead thinking himself as the man the company needed. Angle hogged credit against the ECW Revolution and invaded WCW's The Big Bang to send a statement. Yet after a brutal Steel-Cage war, Triple H staked his own demand to recapture the title that eluded him. It was back at Backlash in April when Austin and HHH renewed their rivalry in a fierce showdown, when Kurt Angle's interference cost him completion of his redemption. Austin accepted, much to the fury of Angle. However with all the marbles at stake, be it the WWF Championship or the leader of the WWF against the ECW Revolution, tensions rose six nights ago on SmackDown, when Angle did a number on Stone Cold's ankle! Who would leave King of the Ring as the man on top of the world?The bell sounded, as three of the biggest faces the World Wrestling Federation had to offer gathered in the ring. Earl Hebner was wary of each, as Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H came out of their corners to engage in a fierce staredown. East Rutherford patiently awaited the first blow, when Kurt Angle tried to involve himself. Austin and Triple H continued to stare through one another as 'the Megastar' ran his mouth - when Austin and Triple H formed a bond and levelled Angle with two right hands, simultaneously! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' and 'the Game' quickly went after the Olympic Gold Medalist to Stephanie McMahon's sheer horror, causing Angle to flock from the ring as quickly as possible. It left Austin and HHH alone, once again returning to squaring off. Austin flipped the double-bird in 'the Game's face, when the challenger struck first. The gloves were off, as both men unwielded on one-another with a series of haymakers!

Triple H gained the upper hand early with a toe kick, sending Stone Cold off into the ropes for Austin to duck a clothesline, and a knee lift would catch 'the Game' in the ribcage! HHH rolled onto the canvas, soon getting up to witness Austin corner him with some mudhole stomps. In the corner, 'the Game' had the upper hand when Kurt Angle tried to sneak in from behind - just to get barged away with a right hand from Stone Cold! The WWF Champion pursued Angle now with a knife-edged chop in the corner, before proceeding to a stomp a mudhole in the Olympian! Triple H tried to get Austin's attention just to receive more haymakers. Austin sent HHH into the ropes, with Triple H ducking a clothesline just for the champ to catch him with the Lou Thesz press! A series of punches landed, when Kurt Angle came from behind, clubbing the back of 'the Bionic Redneck'. Angle looked for a back suplex, when Austin landed on his feet and scored with a spinebuster!

Stone Cold made the first cover attempt of the match, but Triple H was there to break it up. 'The Game' hammered Steve Austin against the ropes, sending him into the ropes for a high knee - the WWF Champion sent tumbling out under the ropes. This left Kurt Angle to receive some stomps at the mercy of 'the Cerebral Assassin', with HHH visibly making contact with his ex-wife Stephanie McMahon - and motioning that the title would be his after tonight! Triple H wrenched the arm of Kurt into a short-arm clothesline, but a cover saw Austin drag him out to the floor. The two fan favorites would duel with rights and lefts at ringside, when HHH ducking a right hand and tackling Austin into the ring apron. Suddenly Angle struck with a baseball slide, joining the frenzy on the floor. Angle decked both Austin and Triple H with punches, but made a rookie error in showboating to loud boos. Angle returned to Austin, who swept the legs - and a catapult would see Angle sent into the ring post!

The WWF Champion was not to be counted out yet, when Triple H came from behind. The two men brawled back and forth onto the aisleway, where Austin sent 'the Game' into the guardrails. Picking up a steel sign from the guardrail intended to warn fans away from ringside, Austin would crack HHH upside the head with it! Soon a suplex was attempted, with Austin looking to eliminate HHH - but he countered it, and Austin took a bump on the concrete aisleway floor! Kurt Angle wisely re-entered the battle, targeting Triple H. With right hands, he sent him back into the ring. Without Austin's presence, Kurt Angle choked Triple H in the corner with a high boot. Triple H rallied back by sending Kurt into the corner for a series of drilling punches, but an eye poke saw Angle take control with a back suplex! Angle locked in a leglock on 'the Game's documented braced knee, when Triple H was able to fight it off with some big boots to the face. Meanwhile Austin remained incapacitated on the aisle!

Triple H caught Kurt Angle with a spinebuster for a close two-count, as the WWF Champion remained out of the equation. 'The Game' kept right on top of 'the Megastar', picking him up and sending him into the ropes for another high knee. Only this time, Angle reversed it with a go-behind German suplex! Angle made a cover attempt of his own, only this time Triple H was able to power out at two! Stone Cold began stirring and crawling back to ringside from the aisle, as Kurt continued to put the boots to 'the Game'. Driving his knee into the face of HHH, Stephanie applauded her boyfriend. Angle soon picked 'the Game' up and sent him into the ropes for a sleeper hold, but HHH was able to elbow out of it. Triple H would slap on a sleeper hold of his own - when in rushed Stone Cold, to apply a sleeper on Triple H! There was a chain going on, with Angle feeling the brunt of it - but the referee ordered a break, because there could only be one winner in a Triple Threat match such as this!

Angle dropped to the canvas prompting a jawbreaker on Triple H, just as Steve Austin relinquished the sleeper on 'the Game'. Austin clotheslined Triple H over the top rope to the floor, when Angle came to his feet to be met with a flapjack from 'the Texas Rattlesnake!' Austin made the cover attempt, but Angle kicked out at two. The pressure was on the WWF Champion, who hung Angle throat-first over the second rope. Taking off to the ropes, Austin looked to drape the leg across the back of Angle's head - but Angle averted disaster at the last second! Austin straddled the second rope, with Kurt slipping out to the floor and applying the Ankle Lock on the bandaged ankle of 'the Rattlesnake!' The official ordered a rope break, but with no disqualifications in a Triple Threat match, Angle instead drove the ankle against the apron! With Austin falling out to the apron, Angle raised the ankle before slamming it down across the apron again, before driving his elbow across it.

The Olympic Gold Medalist had the WWF Champion where he wanted him, bouncing his head off the steel steps. But Kurt Angle smelled blood in the water, and once again applied the Ankle Lock on 'the Texas Rattlesnake!' Austin rived in pain, but the decision would not count outside of the ring. Angle refused to relent, when Triple H blasted Angle with a clothesline seemingly from nowhere! 'The Game' clutched and pounded on the face of 'the Megastar', before picking him up and pressing him chest-first across the announce table cover. He'd pick up the cover and slam it down across Angle's spine, before removing the television monitors one at a time. Triple H set Angle atop it, before joining him up there. He looked to Pedigree 'the American Hero' through the announce table, when Angle grabbed the leg - the Ankle Lock going applied on HHH now, on top of the table! With a single trickle of blood from his forehead, Angle was a machine possessed.

Angrily, Kurt Angle dragged Triple H unexpectedly from the announce table. He dragged him in reverse up the ring steps. Without even breaking the Ankle Lock, 'the Game' found himself screaming in pain - but would he tap out? Angle screamed at HHH to tap out, just like in Hell in a Cell at No Mercy - but Triple H would make it to the bottom rope! Angle responded by driving his forearm into the ankle repeatedly, but suddenly Stone Cold Steve Austin came lumbering back in with a spinebuster for Angle! Hobbling on one foot, the WWF Champion mounted Triple H and hammered away at him, before taking off to the ropes and dropping the forearm and elbow across the nose of the Olympian. Austin had difficulty standing on his bandaged foot, when Triple H crept in with a swift neckbreaker. The pinfall was made, but Angle dove to break the count! Angle picked Triple H up and attempted the Angle Slam - but Triple H would reverse into the DDT.

'The Game' saw his opportunity and slapped on the figure-four leglock on a wounded Stone Cold Steve Austin, expertly applied. Austin's leg had to be feeling dire, as Triple H relented all of his pressure - but suddenly Angle came from behind, applying a sleeper hold on 'the Game'. The figure-four remained applied on Austin, and his shoulders were counted just for him to sit up before three. Angle broke the sleeper hold, clubbing HHH with his inner-arms. Angle picked him up and delivered a belly-to-belly suplex, covering him just for Austin to drag Angle off! Austin and Angle duked it out, when Angle kicked the bad leg sending Austin to a knee. Angle drove some knee lifts into the anatomy of the WWF Champion, before taking to the ropes just to receive a Lou Thesz press from Steve Austin! Austin measured Angle now, looking for the Stunner - but Angle grabbed the foot and reversed into the Ankle Lock!

Stone Cold was in trouble again, but this time rolled over to his back and looked to kick the challenger away. Kurt Angle was moments away from becoming a three-time WWF Champion, refusing to let go of the hold...but Triple H ambushed him! The fans in the Continental Airlines Arena admired the efforts of all three men, giving all three a standing ovation. Stephanie pounded the apron in support of Kurt, as Angle slowly got the go-behind on HHH. He aimed for the Angle Slam, but Triple H landed on his feet and hooked the arms. The Pedigree attempted, Angle was able to back body drop 'the Game' to the apron. Suddenly Austin came from behind, a back elbow sending Angle into HHH, who landed ribs-first on the announce table's edge! Austin lined Angle up for the Stunner and this time executed it, but instead of making the cover Austin rolled out of the ring and went for Triple H! Austin hammered HHH against the table before sending him onto it. He looked to take him out, a Stunner on top of the table - not breaking!

'The Rattlesnake' may have destroyed Triple H's chances of walking out of the Meadowlands as WWF Champion once and for all, as Stone Cold gingerly limped back to the ring. He sized Angle up for a second Stunner, but Kurt would take the leg and swivel Austin around: for the Angle Slam! It connected, but Austin rolled out to the floor. Angle was in disbelief at his luck, slowly rolling out to ringside. Kurt stomped at Austin before targeting 'the Game', who came back with a big punch to the temple. HHH and Angle returned inside, where Triple H and Kurt Angle each hit the ropes. Both ducked the other's clothesline attempts, when both men in a calamity taking both men down to the mat! Stone Cold refused to go down without being involved, using the ring steps to get back to his feet. Both Angle and HHH rose to their feet, as Austin would give both a kick to the gut - and a double-Stunner connected! Austin covered Triple H, looking to end this...but Austin was dragged from the ring!

It was none other than Scott Steiner, with use of a lead pipe! He'd used the opening in the barricade caused by Rhyno and the Undertaker earlier tonight, and immediately battled with Stone Cold Steve Austin. The WWF Champion fought valiantly on one foot, to be overthrown by the former WCW Champion with a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor! A cavalry of WWF referees rushed to escort 'Big Poppa Pump' from ringside.His hair bleached blonde, jacked to the gills and wearing black dress pants and nothing but, Scott Steiner had decimated 'the Texas Rattlesnake!' Steiner argued with officials and shoved them off, before picking Austin up and delivering a powerslam that sent Stone Cold through the announce table! Steiner finally left - but Austin had been left unconscious by this invader. Back inside, Kurt Angle had seen everything. Yet unlike a leader, 'the Megastar' spotted his opening. He stomped his feet, waiting for Triple H to come back up. The Angle Slam was attempted, but Triple H broke out again.

'The Game' caught Kurt with one of his own, hooking the leg for only a two-count! Stephanie McMahon could barely contain her emotions, as Triple H made eye contact with her. Also knowing Stone Cold was down and out of the equation, 'the Game' picked Kurt up and attempted the Pedigree. He hooked the arms, but Angle would back body drop out. HHH caught him with a sunset flip, but Angle rolled backwards and sinked in the Ankle Lock again! Triple H was caught dead to rights in the middle, dragging him further from the ropes. Angle was bleeding profusely, but Shane McMahon slipped into the ring behind him. Steph warned her boyfriend about her brother's appearance - also from the crowd - and armed with a steel chair, Shane O'Mac walloped Angle across the skull with the chair! The WCW Owner celebrated revenge on Angle for what happened at the Big Bang three weeks ago, then rolled out of the ring.

Shane made eye contact with the same sister who had him banished from the WWF at Judgment Day. Stephanie looked like she had seen a ghost! WCW had invaded tonight's main event, finally prompting Vince McMahon to come strutting out to ringside. The Chairman conversed with Stephanie furiously, as he locked eyes with Shane O'Mac from afar. Shane could be seen in the crowd with a huge smile on his face! Back inside the ring, Triple H clutched his ankle and attempted the Pedigree - this time sealing his fate, by becoming the WWF Champion!

Winner, and new WWF Champion: Triple H (28:51)

The Chairman appeared horrified, as did Stephanie McMahon. Triple H leant back on the bottom rope in disbelief himself - when the referee raised his hand as the victor! One hellacious Triple Threat match had been marred in controversy, from the interference of a WCW invasion - one brought by not only Shane McMahon to thwart Kurt Angle, but one from Scott Steiner: intended to punish and screw Stone Cold Steve Austin! 'The Texas Rattlesnake' remained down and out, face-down in the carnage of the announce table. Meanwhile, a bloodied Kurt Angle remained down and out cold on the floor.As for Triple H, 'the Game' had accomplished his long, long journey.

What started the very night he lost the WWF Championship at Backlash 2000 had seen him lose everything. He'd lost his marriage to Stephanie McMahon to Kurt Angle. He'd lost the McMahon-Helmsley Regime to the Coalition. He'd lost friends in D-Generation X, thanks to X-Pac and later Shawn Michaels. He'd suffered setbacks and adversity, from losing and being screwed out of the title time and time again. But now, after fourteen months, 'the Cerebral Assassin' stood once again with the WWF Championship raised high! Vince and Steph stared down Shane, who defiantly grinned from the nether-regions of the crowd: 'the Comeback Kid' having struck once again. Triple H posed on the second rope, having captured the WWF Championship for a fourth time - but how would Stone Cold respond? So many questions were to be answered - but they would have to wait until RAW, tomorrow night from Madison Square Garden!

Fully Loaded 2001 - July 22, 2001
Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio
Live on Pay-Per-View
Presented by PlayStation - "Me 2"

Matches to be announced.

5.05 | 13,763; sell-out

A video package aired, recapping the Triple Threat match that headlined last night's King of the Ring extravaganza. Stone Cold Steve Austin paced in with a bad ankle as WWF Champion to combat Kurt Angle and Triple H. It was an all-out battle for dominance that could have gone either way. In the end, it was the shocking appearance of WCW's Scott Steiner that cost 'the Texas Rattlesnake' the gold. Austin was decimated and driven through the announce table by 'Big Poppa Pump', leaving it open to 'the Game' or 'the Megastar' to capture the gold. In the end, it was WCW Owner Shane McMahon making a shocking appearance of his own - getting revenge on Angle with a sickening chair shot, allowing HHH to accomplish his fourteen-month road to redemption, by becoming a four-time WWF Champion!

Outside the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, police officers stood to attention. A limousine rode into the parking lot, only to be stopped by two of the police guards. Armed with nightsticks, they instructed the passenger to unwind his window - revealing the ever-serious face of Vince McMahon. The guards apologized to the Chairman, who warned them to keep doing their jobs in making sure Shane McMahon and WCW stay the hell out of Madison Square Garden.

The opening video package aired, cutting to the sold-out Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple! Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage, as Jim Ross and Paul Heyman welcomed us to RAW is WAR. Twenty-four hours removed from a controversial King of the Ring pay-per-view event, J.R. and Heyman discussed everything that transpired last night - including the WCW invasion of the Triple Threat main event!

-

Kurt Angle was wasting no time making his way out to the ring. 'The Megastar' was not in a happy mood, ignoring the red, white and blue pyrotechnics on his way out. Stephanie McMahon walked behind him, surely terrified after the presence of her brother Shane McMahon at King of the Ring. The New Yorkers in attendance chanted "you suck" at the Olympic Gold Medalist, who could not even muster up the words. Stephanie covered for him, stating that what happened last night was immoral. Not only was it that, but it was the most condemning thing to ever happen to the WWF Championship, she could ever remember. 'The Billion Dollar Princess' overlooked Scott Steiner's destruction of Stone Cold Steve Austin, instead talking about Shane McMahon's chair shot that knocked her boyfriend Kurt Angle out to soften him up for Triple H's Pedigree.

Stephanie reminded everybody of the stipulation from Judgment Day, some six weeks ago: Shane McMahon lost, and as a result he was banished from ever appearing on WWF programming again. The fans chanted derogatory things at her, as she began to take issue with the WCW Owner for screwing Kurt out of the WWF Championship. They became too much, and Angle immediately demanded New York City to give the girl the respect she deserved! He said that Steph spoke only the truth: that there was one man who should be WWF Champion right now, and it was Kurt Angle. The same man that had carried this company on his back for the last year; the rightful leader of the WWF. The same man that won the Olympic Gold Medals around his neck with a broken freaking neck!

Angle said he did it all for his love for the United States of America - but these fans didn't care about this country. All they cared about was injustice, and men like Triple H and Stone Cold! Kurt talked about how Shane O'Mac shouldn't be allowed in the World Wrestling Federation, reminding everybody of how his loving, adoring biggest fan Stephanie had made sure of it at Judgment Day. Angle acknowledged increased security measures being taken tonight. This was Madison Square Garden - the most coveted and historic building in the United States. Kurt talked about how last night, a man that didn't deserve to be WWF Champion in Triple H captured the title - but only because he got lucky. Angle said that Vince McMahon personally assured him that with no way of WCW getting involved; and with all interference banned from ringside - he would get a rematch with 'the Game' tonight.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to 'the World's Most Famous Arena' for a second straight night! Pyrotechnics erupted over Madison Square Garden, as Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to New York City. After some chatter about the impending WCW invasion, 'the Human Suplex Machine' condemned WCW for taking a page straight out of the ECW Revolution's playbook!

• TONIGHT: The Brothers of Destruction and Chris Benoit vs Mike Awesome and WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players
• TONIGHT: Chyna (c) vs Lita for the WWF Women's Championship.
• TONIGHT: Paul Heyman interviews Rob Van Dam in the ring.

-

-

-

-

-

• TONIGHT: Chris Jericho (c) vs Rhyno for the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

• TONIGHT: Spike Dudley vs Hardcore Holly

Vince McMahon spoke with Trish Stratus in his dressing room, wanting to make sure she understood what he was trying to do last Monday night. The Chairman maintained he was making a statement, that he was above her methods of seduction to make a point that he could not be corrupted. Be it Paul Heyman, Shane McMahon or even Linda McMahon - Vincent Kennedy McMahon was not to be messed with. Trish understood, when the WWF Owner declared if she didn't understand, and if she tried to cross the boss, she would face his wrath too - much like anybody else! Sheepishly, the WWF Diva understood.Kurt Angle arrived, looking to speak with the Chairman about Monday night. 'The Megastar' tried to explain his actions, but Vince understood perfectly. It was too much for him to ask he take the WWF Championship from Triple H with a concussion, that was for sure.

Kurt assured Vince that on his best day, when he got back to 100%, he would bring the title to its rightful place. Vince then paused, when WWF Champion Triple H arrived behind Kurt. 'The Game' startled the Olympic Gold Medalist, wanting to question when that might be. Angle saved face and confronted the new champ, when HHH declared his intention to hunt Booker T and Shane McMahon's asses down. Angle told Vince he wanted the exact same thing - but more. The two men argued over who wanted to kick WCW's ass more, prompting Vince to demand both of them get a hold of themselves. He said there would be no WCW presence at SmackDown tonight, when 'the Game' glared at his once-father in law and told him he would get his hands on Booker and Shane - and if it happened in Madison Square Garden, it happened in Madison Square Garden. Angle balked as 'the Game' left.

-

-

-

• TONIGHT:Eddie Guerrero vs Billy Gunn

-

3)Chris Benoit andThe Brothers of Destruction (w/Sara) def. WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players and Mike Awesome (7:15)

Team WWF were coming off a week of success, having come out on top in the War of Attrition ten-man tag team altercation at King of the Ring thanks to Chris Benoit. After an ambush from the Impact Players and Mike Awesome on RAW, 'the Rabid Wolverine' alongside the Undertaker and Kane brought the fight to the ECW Revolution members early. Benoit struck with a snap suplex for Lance Storm, when the Sharpshooter was applied on Justin Credible. Kane hit a flying clothesline for a near fall, when a distraction from Credible saw Awesome gorilla press slam 'the Big Red Machine' illegally'. Arrogantly, the WWF Tag Team Champions cornered and isolated Kane, opening him up for a double suplex from the Impact Players. Storm got a near fall from a missile dropkick, when Kane fired back by gorilla pressing Storm off the top rope on a second attempt!

Kane got the tag to his brother, the Undertaker, who came in taking on every member of the ECW Revolution in sight! 'The American Badass' struck with Old School on Justin Credible, and had the Last Ride in mind for him when Lance Storm got involved. Chris Benoit came in and chopped away at Storm in the corner, sending him in for a Powerbomb from 'the Big Red Machine!' The Impact Players slid out to the rampway, leaving Mike Awesome as a lamb led to slaughter - receiving a double Chokeslam from the Brothers of Destruction! The WWF Tag Team Champions were forced to watch, when 'the Rabid Wolverine' went to the top rope and executed the Diving Headbutt for the three count!

-

-

Kurt Angle throws out the challenge to WCW
Kurt Angle made his way out to the stage to boos from the New York City crowd. With Stephanie McMahon following him down to the ring, 'the Megastar' told Madison Square Garden how he didn't need to hear their criticisms tonight. He spoke about what a long week it had been, how it should have panned out so much differently. Not only was he supposed to be WWF Champion right now, but he was meant to be feeling like the king of the world! Stephanie applauded as Kurt spoke about being screwed in the Triple Threat match at King of the Ring, all thanks to Shane McMahon and Scott Steiner - suddenly Kurt digressed, questioning if anybody had even heard from Stone Cold Steve Austin since last Sunday. He reasoned that's why he was here for the WWF - because he was the leader the WWF deserved, unlike a coward like 'the Texas Rattlesnake!''The Megastar' said instead of walking out of King of the Ring, or RAW is WAR last Monday as WWF Champion, he was the victim of a heinous assassination attempt by the WCW Owner, Shane McMahon - a man he used to know perfectly well! Angle said he was put on the shelf with a concussion, but he was in a fighting mood and he was not about to wait until he was cleared to call out Shane O'Mac! Angle told his former ally from the days of the Coalition to come out of hiding, because he knew he was hiding in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden somewhere. Stephanie realized what was going on, as Kurt removed his shirt. She tried to plead with Kurt to give it a rest, when instead of Shane and instead of Booker T...out of the crowd walked a shirtless 'Big Poppa Pump' Scott Steiner!The fans in New York City erupted, as the former WCW Champion argued with security members. With sunglasses over his eyes, and the chainlink headdress donning his head, 'Big Poppa Pump' had invaded Madison Square Garden! Kurt Angle challenged Steiner to come to the ring and fight, to the sheer horror of his girlfriend Stephanie. Two security guards raced out to try and prevent Steiner access to the ring, as Steiner verbally threatened Kurt, as well as Vince McMahon! Talking trash to security, he suddenly took one out with a big right hand, before hurling him into a security wall in the crowd! Steiner pointed the finger at a seething Angle, but instead of heading to the ring, Steiner began to leave. Angle was restrained by Steph - but what was Steiner doing in the Big Apple?After a replay showing the unexpected arrival and departure of Scott Steiner, answering Kurt Angle's call in Madison Square Garden; footage aired from during the break. 'Big Poppa Pump' Scott Steiner was seen leaving MSG for Penn Station right next door! Steiner was leaving the Big Apple it seemed, making his response to 'the Megastar' all the more curious.

-

-

4) Eddie Guerrero def. Billy Gunn (4:09)
In what was once a love triangle revolving around 'the Ninth Wonder of the World' Chyna, Eddie Guerrero had intercepted Billy Gunn's interference earlier tonight in Lita's shot at the WWF Women's Championship - and now 'Latino Heat' had acted out against Billy and Chyna, believing them to be behind Jazz's debut assault on Lita! Billy Gunn was egotistical in his arrival, met with a negative response from Madison Square Garden. Eddie brought the fight and sent him to the floor twice, bringing frustration bubbling to the surface for 'the One'. Guerrero would miss a plancha over the top rope, allowing Gunn to drive him into the ring post. Back inside, Gunn targeted the spine with a backbreaker and a military press slam. Eddie made a comeback with a pop-up dropkick, halted by a tilt-a-whirl slam. The One and Only was incoming, when Eddie victory rolled out with the tights - stealing the win!'Latino Heat' had his hand raised victorious, to the chagrin of 'the One' Billy Gunn. Eddie Guerrero was applauded by the fans in the Big Apple, when an aggravated Billy struck from behind. Guerrero tried to make a comeback, but a low blow would stop him in his tracks! Billy sent Eddie shoulder-first into the ring post, when the One and Only connected. Furious, Billy stood tall until the Hardy Boyz came darting to the ring! Jeff Hardy chased Billy out to ringside, as WWF European Champion Matt Hardy checked on Eddie. Despite being unsure whether to trust Eddie, Team Xtreme had his back after Billy's violent outburst.

-

-

-

-

-

The WWF Champion Triple H and Kurt Angle had received their orders from Vince McMahon, and now squabbled back and forth. Making their way through the many hallways of Penn Station, 'the Game' and 'the Megastar' were three days removed from fighting it out for the richest prize in the business. Now? They were heading to WWF New York via subway, to combat WCW's Booker T, Shane McMahon and Scott Steiner! Angle demanded HHH save Shane O'Mac for him, bringing up how if it wasn't for the WCW Owner he'd be WWF Champion right now. Comically, 'the Game' mocked Angle and told him he'd get who he got. He was the WWF Champion, and that meant he got first dibs.Elsewhere, Vince McMahon was making the rounds in Madison Square Garden. Looking stern, the Chairman appeared to be heading to the ring to address his son Shane McMahon's comments from earlier tonight - up next!

Vince McMahon addresses Shane McMahon; is set-up for an ambush
With WWF Champion Triple H and Kurt Angle en route to WWF New York in Times Square, Vince McMahonreceived a thunderous ovation of boos from the capacity crowd in Madison Square Garden. 'The World's Most Famous Arena' was ill-receptive toward the billionaire as he strutted down to the ring. The Chairman took to the microphone to bring up what had gone down tonight. It was quite clear that Shane McMahon had no idea when to quit, because if he had a single ounce of dignity in him, he would know better than to even bother trying to declare war on the WWF. Vince decided to offer the people a history lesson about the last time WCW declared war on his fateful company. While WCW performed better than expected: stealing their talent, their ideas, and beating them damn-near into submission, it was the buffoonery of the powers-that-be who cost WCW its life.Vince noted how Shane McMahon knew all too well not to make the same mistakes as those who failed WCW the first time, and how ultimately WCW was not even close to being on the WWF's level! The WWF Owner said one company survived said war, and its' initials weren't WCW - instead, it was the WWF. Vince took us back to comments he made on RAW, discussing great promoters like his father Vince McMahon, Sr; as well as his grandfather Jess McMahon. Both were cunning, intelligence entrepreneurs who made Madison Square Garden the place to be, in the entire United States! They each formed the history that led to the WWF becoming the recognized world leader in sports entertainment, and deep down Shane O'Mac knew that. Deep down, even Paul Heyman knew that. Vince declared that no matter what WCW did, there was not a single chance in hell that this war would go down.On the OvalTron, footage aired depicting WWF ChampionTriple H and Kurt Angle having arrived at last, inside WWF New York. The entertainment complex erupted upon seeing the two top WWF Superstars, as they navigated the jam-packed house in Times Square in search of WCW entities! 'The Game' nor 'the Megastar' were able to find anybody however, as HHH took to the stage and removed his shirt to a massive ovation. With a microphone in hand, 'the Cerebral Assassin' declared he knew WCW were here, and if they had the balls - he wanted Booker T and Scott Steiner's asses to show themselves right now! 'The Olympic Gold Medalist' agreed, as Vince watched with a big grin on his face. He spoke about how that's what leaders truly looked like...but he had no idea that Scott Steiner had entered the ring behind him!'Big Poppa Pump' stalked behind the Chairman, unaware of the set-up. Vince McMahon finally turned, then froze at the sight. Steiner grabbed him by the collar and decked him with one huge right hand! The former WCW Champion locked the Steiner Recliner on Vince in the middle of the SmackDown ring, inside of Madison Square Garden - when the floodgates opened, with WWF Superstars hitting the ring! Steiner left on his own terms, hopping the barricade and fleeing the likes of the APA, WWF Hardcore Champion Test, K-Kwik, Scotty 2 Hotty, Val Venis, the Godfather, Kaientai, among many others. WCW had lured HHH and Angle away so that they could get the drop on Vince - this war was only just getting under way!

Over the period of thirteen weeks, WWF Tough Enough contestants will live together, train together and compete against each another in a series of challenges tasked by a team of trainers consisting of WWF Superstars. Along the way, the hopefuls will be introduced to a range of headlining special guests. As the competition wittles down, there will be only two winners - one male, and one female. The winners of WWF Tough Enough will win a World Wrestling Federation and embark on their next journey to becoming a full-fledged WWF Superstar.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the arena for WWF Jakked. Kevin Kelly and Jonathan Coachman welcomed us to the show, six days removed from the 2001 King of the Ring.

-

With his older brothers the Dudley Boyz incognito after losing the WWF Tag Team Championship match at King of the Ring, Spike Dudley refused to be made a victim by the Fighting Holly Cousins. Spike upset Hardcore Holly this past week on SmackDown, and brought the fight to the equally feisty Crash. He caught a missile dropkick and took control, but Dudley made a comeback with a double foot stomp, when Crash caught Spike with a victory roll with the ropes to steal the three count.

2) Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Victoria) def. Low-Ki (3:48)

[Broadcast on WWF Metal]
With good friend Rikishi out with a separated shoulder thanks to Albert's attack last week on SmackDown, Scotty 2 Hotty had Victoria accompany him to do battle with the martial-artist youngster, Low-Ki. He struck fierce against Scotty, a dragon sleeper keeping him at bay. Scotty managed to fire up and make a comeback with the bulldog, and the diving DDT brought Scotty the win.

3) Albert def. The Inferno Kid (2:49) [Broadcast on WWF Metal]
A force to be reckoned with, 'the Freight Train' was responsible for sidelining Rikishi one week ago on SmackDown. Albert was unstoppable, as he went up against the aspiring youngster, the Inferno Kid. Kid tried to fight from underneath the towering 350-pounder, but Albert struck fast with a corner splash making way for the bicycle kick. The Baldo Bomb followed, Albert claiming another win.

4)WWF Tag Team Champions The Impact Players def. Kaientai (3:50)
Lance Storm and Justin Credible were on cloud nine, retaining the WWF Tag Team Championships at King of the Ring against the Dudley Boyz, but looked to have danger ahead in the Brothers of Destruction. Kaientai insulted the ECW Revolution during their entrance, and fought well when a low blow saw Credible take advantage of Funaki. Taka Michinoku made the hot tag, but the Michinoku Driver was reversed into That's Incredible, giving the Impact Players victory.

The opening video package aired, cutting to WWF New York in the heart of Times Square for Sunday Night Heat. Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed us to the show, days after an unforgettable week in World Wrestling Federation history in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden!

• TONIGHT: The APA host Sunday Night Heat from WWF New York.
• TONIGHT: Edge and Christian vs The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer

╳╳╳

• RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: The APA vs The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer in a Bar Room Brawl.

╳╳╳

1) Albert def. Scotty 2 Hotty (w/Victoria) (2:12)
Scotty 2 Hotty was always one to dance and have a good time, but tonight he nor Victoria were in very happy moods. Ten days following Albert taking Rikishi and putting him on the shelf with a re-aggravated shoulder injury, Scotty came out swinging against 'the Freight Train'. Unfortunately for him, Albert quickly struck with a bicycle kick for a near fall. Albert had the gall to harrass Victoria at ringside, intimidating her when Scotty lashed out with further rights and lefts. Unfortunately for him, it would not last. Albert caught Scotty off the top rope and dropped him with the Baldo Bomb to take the win.Albert had his hand raised in victory, the fans booing the freak show for having put Rikishi on the shelf over a week ago. Victoria aided to Scotty 2 Hotty in the ring, when 'the Freight Train' decided he was not done. Scaring her away, Albert looked to make it two-for-two against Too Cool, as he picked Scotty up and drove him down with a second straight Baldo Bomb!

╳╳╳

The new WWF Hardcore Champion Test proudly brandished the title on his shoulder, as Kevin Kelly stood by wanting to gauge what it meant for him to win gold in the World Wrestling Federation. 'The Working Man' explained how he did the work, and people called him that monicker for a reason. Rhyno was no easy opponent, and although he had help from Chris Jericho on RAW, he wanted to offer 'the Man-Beast' a rematch any time, any place, 24/7. Test planned to be a fighting WWF Hardcore Champion - when up walked the Radicalz with Terri.

In his ring gear, Perry Saturn had an arm around 'the She-Devil', as he mocked Test for not knowing when to shut his mouth. Calling him a joke, Saturn believed Test wasn't as fearless as he said he was. If anything, with his damaged ribs - he was nothing but a narc! Dean Malenko supported his tag team partner's claims, as Test asked Perry what he wanted to do about it. Daring him to try take the title from him there and then, Saturn declined - but instead told Test that he'd fight him like a man, in the ring tonight!

• TONIGHT: Test (c) vs Perry Saturn for the WWF Hardcore Championship.

Edge and Christianwere backstage talking about their losing ways of late, and how what happened on RAW could not possibly happen again tonight. Edge tried to take the blame for losing on Monday to those wieners, Raven and Tazz - but Christian wouldn't allow him to do so. Either way, Edge believed tonight was a different night, and they were still Edge and Christian - the former three-time WWF Tag Team Champions. Christian told Edge they were going to expose the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer as being the reekazoids everyone knew they were tonight. Edge made fun of how he could smell booze from Sandman from here!

╳╳╳

2) K-Kwik def. Buchanan (3:38) [International exclusive]
Since stepping away from the disbanded Right to Censor weeks ago, Buchanan was back to his bounty-hunting ways and targeted K-Kwik in singles action tonight. The rapper struck quick and looked to chop Buchanan down to size with a series of chop blocks and a flying forearm, when a powerslam allowed the brute to take charge. 'The Bull' struck with a charging clothesline in the corner, followed by a clothesline for a near fall. A camel clutch saw K-Dawg fire back, and an enzuigiri and the axe kick stunned Buchanan. 'The Bull' battled back, but K-Dawg would roll him up to sneak a three count on the big man.K-Kwik was fast to escape the clutches of Buchanan, who was furious at tasting defeat at the hands of the smaller opponent. The fan favorite rapper had a huge grin on his face, as he had his hand raised by the referee at ringside.

╳╳╳

Michael Cole was able to catch a word with the Godfather and Val Venisas they hung out in the VIP section of WWF New York! Surrounded by beautiful ladies, Cole found himself struggling to maintain a professional demeanor, as 'the Big Valbowski' spoke on how he re-introduced the world to 'the Pimp Daddy' last Monday on RAW is WAR. Godfather said how good it felt to be back and implored the fans to smoke a fattie with 'the Pimp Daddy' - and that he and Val were about to smoke all the competition out there, whether WWF or ECW. Godfather chomped down on his cigar, when Val had Michael ejected from the VIP section for gazing at his ladies too long.

╳╳╳

In a video recap looking back at the WCW invasion, it was announced by Michael Cole and Tazz that WWF CEO Linda McMahon would be present live on RAW is WAR tomorrow night to address her future ex-husband Vince McMahon!

• RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF CEO Linda McMahon returns to address Vince McMahon.

╳╳╳

• RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF Divas Ambassador Debra confronts Jazz.

As a video package recapped Chris Jericho getting himself disqualified against Rhyno this past Thursday on SmackDown, Michael Cole and Tazz talked about RAW is WAR tomorrow night - where 'the Man-Beast' would receive his rematch for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, this time in a Falls Count Anywhere match!

• RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: Chris Jericho (c) vs Rhyno in a Falls Count Anywhere match.

In a look around at the packed house inside of WWF New York, the camera panned to pick up a shot of 'the World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry. The former Right to Censor enforcer had relapsed back to his vices pertaining to sex, kissing a small female...who would be revealed to be none other than Ivory! Scantily dressed herself, with cleavage on display, the two former RTC members appeared to be embracing their newfound freedom from Steven Richards.

Michael Cole and Tazz talked about the issues ongoing between WWF Champion Triple H and Kurt Angle, who failed to capture the title in a rematch from King of the Ring, twenty-four hours later on RAW is WAR from Madison Square Garden. With Stone Cold Steve Austin nowhere to be seen after being assaulted by Scott Steiner, tomorrow on RAW is WAR, 'the Game' will do battle with Rob Van Dam!

• RAW IS WAR, TOMORROW NIGHT: WWF Champion Triple H vs Rob Van Dam

╳╳╳

The ECW Revolution had for a second time this week stolen the win from Edge and Christian, and the Sandman and Tommy Dreamer appeared proud. 'The Hardcore Icon' and 'the Innovator of Violence' were chased away by Christian, who clutched a steel chair for extra safety. Edge would come to his feet, but as Christian tried to console his brother, Edge shoved him off. Frustration was starting to come between the brothers, who had to start finding some luck as a unit!

╳╳╳

Michael Cole and Tazz bickered as they discussed Edge and Christian's losing ways, when 'the Human Suplex Machine' changed course to run down RAW is WAR tomorrow night. Tazz voiced his disdain for the WCW invasion, claiming they were stealing something else from ECW even after both were out of business! Cole refuted them being out of business, before talking up next week on Sunday Night Heat - where they would be joined by Trish Stratus!

• SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT, NEXT WEEK: Trish Stratus in the house at WWF New York.