WWF Smackdown
April 5th 2001
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
''Time To Play The Game'' suddenly hits to a chorus of boos and Triple H heads out onto the stage, alongside Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. Triple H looks at the crowd and smiles as the couple head down to ringside and into the ring.
Triple H: I know what you're all thinking. You're all thinking about Wrestlemania and you're all thinking about how I lost to The Undertaker.
The crowd cheer.
Triple H: Yeah, you can cheer all you want.. It doesn't matter to me. The fact of the matter is The Undertaker got lucky at Wrestlemania.
The crowd boo.
Triple H: Can't say it any clearer than that. You know, in this business, some people get lucky. I mean, come on, I've set the bar in this company so high that it's pretty much impossible for anyone to beat me without luck. Why? Because I'm the G...
Suddenly, the lights go out and the countdown begins. ''Break The Walls Down'' then hits and Chris Jericho heads out on stage with a microphone in his hand and begins to speak.
Chris Jericho: Good god, Triple H, would you please...SHUT THE HELL UP!
The crowd cheer.
Chris Jericho: Every single show, you come out here and run your mouth. You might be The Game but you are also the cure for insomnia!
The crowd cheer once again.
Triple H: Jericho, who the hell do you think you are?
Chris Jericho: Well, you should know my name by now. After all...
Stephanie quickly moves towards the microphone and replies.
Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley: It doesn't matter what your name is!
The crowd boo loudly at the couple mocking The Rock.
Triple H: Ah, come on! You know you wanted to hear it one last time!
The crowd boo once again.
Chris Jericho: Well, Stephanie, I always did know you had bigger balls than your husband so...
The crowd cheer.
Triple H: Jericho, what gives you the right to come out here and interrupt me? You are not in my league! Do you understand me? You're like an annoying itch that won't go away but that's all you are and that is all you will ever be!
Chris Jericho: Well, that's one hell of an itch you've got there because from where I'm standing, you look pretty pissed off!
Triple H: Listen...
Chris Jericho: Oh, no, I forgot, you're always pissed off!
The crowd cheer loudly once again.
Chris Jericho: I mean, seriously, do you ever smile? I mean, is life really that bad? Sure, your wife is a filthy, disgusting, bottom feeding, trashbag ho...
The crowd cheer once again.
Chris Jericho: And you do have a nose that even Pinocchio would be ashamed of...
The crowd cheer at Triple H and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley being embarassed once again.
Chris Jericho: But that isn't the end of the world!
Triple H: Jericho, you're real cute, you know that? You know, you can joke around all you want but I'm the former WWF Champion. I might talk the talk but I can back it up, I can walk the walk. You can talk all you want but that doesn't matter to me. You're the Intercontinental Champion, it's a start but you have yet to prove that you are in my league!Tonight, watch my match with Benoit because you will see what it takes to be the top dog in this business. Why? Because I'm The Game and I'm that damn good!
Triple H's music then hits as Triple H and Jericho stare each other down. We then head to a commercial break.
*Commercial Break*
Tag Team Match
The APA vs Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather
Buchanan and Goodfather are accompanied by Steven Richards, Val Venis and Ivory. A good tag team match, which is even for the majority. Faarooq starts off the match well and beating down on Buchanan. He tags in Bradshaw and he continues to dominate for a few minutes, until Steven Richards gets up on the ring apron. Bradshaw grabs him by his tie and gives him a right hand, which sends him crashing to the floor but turns around and straight into a scissor kick from Buchanan! Buchanan then tags in The Goodfather. Goodfather stomps on Bradshaw for a few seconds. He then lifts him upGoodfather goes for a splash in the corner but Bradshaw moves out of the way, comes off the ropes and hits the Clothesline From Hell! He goes for the cover. 1..2...3, it's all over.
Winners: The APA
After the match, Steven Richards shakes his head and gets into the ring, with a microphone in hand. Val Venis and Ivory follow him.
Steven Richards: You know what? I am sick of this I am sick of associating myself with losers! I'm not just talking about Bull and The Goodfather, I'm talking about all of you!
Ivory and Val Venis try to argue their case but Richards doesn't listen.
Steven Richards: As far as I'm concerned, this charade is finally over!
Steven Richards then undoes his tie and rips open his shirt.
Steven Richards: I'm done with all of you! The Right To Censor can rot in hell!
Richards storms out of the ring and heads backstage. Buchanan, Goodfather and Venis begin to rip their shirts as we head to a commercial break.
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We head backstage, where Vince McMahon is with WWF Commissioner William Regal. The two are chatting in Regal's office.
Mr. McMahon: You see, William, you have to deserve to be the number one contender for the WWF Championship. We can't just give it to anybody. Do you understand? I mean, I don't even think we should decide here tonight. I think we should think it over for a few days and announce the new number one contender on Monday at RAW.
William Regal: Absolutely, Mr. McMahon. I won't be making any hasty decisions. We need to think hard about this
Suddenly, there is a knock at the door and Trish Stratus comes into the room, with a tray in her hand.
Mr. McMahon: Speaking of thinking hard...Trish, how are you?
Trish sighs and replies without much enthusiasm.
Trish Stratus: I'm good, Mr. McMahon. Here's your coffee.
Mr. McMahon nods his head and begins to drink the coffee...but then spits it out!
Mr. McMahon: What the hell is this crap? I asked for two sugars! There's only one in here!
Trish Stratus: Does it really make much of a difference?
Mr. McMahon: Yes, it goddamn well does make a difference! I don't care if there's no sugar left, ok? When you're getting a drink for me and there's no sugar left, I expect you to get your ass over to the store and get some more! Is that understood?
Trish Stratus: Yes, Mr. McMahon.
Mr. McMahon then points to the door.
Mr. McMahon: Now, do your damn job!
Trish picks up the tray and leaves the room. The camera follows her out of the room and she is suddenly approached by Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, who has a smile on her face.
Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley: Hey Trish, you look like you've got your hands full there. It's good to see that you're finally doing what you should've been doing from the minute you arrived in this company.
Trish Stratus: Yeah, well, I've got to put food on the table.
Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley: Yeah, I understand. Here, let me help you with these.
Stephanie takes the tray away from Trish and drops it straight on the floor as the cups and pots smash. She then laughs. Trish goes to slap her but Stephanie grabs her wrist.
Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley: I wouldn't do that if I was you. Like you said, you've got to put food on the table.
Trish pulls her wrist away and bends down to pick up the mess as Stephanie walks away and we head back to ringside for the next match up.
Singles Match
Rhyno vs Steve Blackman
Blackman starts off the match well, using his martial arts skills to his effectiveness. He goes for a kick to the chest bur Rhyno grabs his leg and delivers a vicious clothesline. Rhyno then waits for Blackman to get to his feet and hits a shoulder tackle. He then begins to choke Blackman but the referee forces him to get off at the count of four. Rhyno lifts Blackman to his feet and then hits a vicious powerbomb. He then heads over to the corner and waits for Blackman to get up. He does so and Rhyno then hits the Gore! He covers for the 1...2...3. Rhyno puts in another dominant performance.
Winner: Rhyno
We then head backstage, where Triple H is outside Vince McMahon's office.
Vince McMahon: Welcome back, Hunter
Triple H: Well, it's great to be back, Vince. But, the reason I wanted to talk to you was to ask one question, just what the hell is going on with you and Austin?
Vince McMahon: It's just business, Hunter. Just business.
Triple H: Yeah, and I'm your son in your law. I ain't happy with this Vince. It stinks. I've spent the last year trying to keep that guy out of this compnay and you spent the two years before that trying to do exactly the same. Now, you've suddenly joined forces with him? Something ain't right .
Vince McMahon: It really isn't any of you concern, Hunter.
Triple H: You two hated each other just a few months...
Vince McMahon: I said, it isn't really any of your concern!
Triple H realises that McMahon and decides to close the lid on the conversation now.
Triple H: Fine but don't think I'm just gonna forget about this, Vince. I want answers. Oh, and as for announcing the number one contender for the WWF Title on RAW, surely I'm the obvious choice?
Vince McMahon: Well, I'll consider it but Hunter but it looks like you've got a few problems with Chris Jericho to worry about. before you even think about challenging for the WWF Title. Oh, and you did lose at Wrestlemania.
Triple H: The Undertaker got lucky at Wrestlemania! And as for Jericho, like I said, he's nothing more than an annoying itch. I've got bigger fish to fry than him.
Vince McMahon: Like I said Hunter, I'll consider it. Now, I think you better get ready for your match with Chris Benoit.
Vince McMahon then heads back into his office as Triple H grits his teeth angrily.
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We then head into Team Xtreme's locker room, where Matt Hardy is talking to Lita.
Matt Hardy: No, Lita, you're not going out there tonight for my match with Guerrero. I'm not gonna risk your well-being.
Lita puts her hands on her hips and sighs.
Lita: Come on, Matt. It was one accident. You can't ban me from going out to ringside. I've been doing it for my whole career.
Matt Hardy: Do you really think I'm gonna Eddie Guerrero go anywhere near you after what happened on RAW? If I let you go anywhere near him then what sort of guy would I be? You're staying back here tonight.
Jeff Hardy suddenly comes into the locker room and senses the heat between Matt and Lita.
Jeff Hardy: So, what's going on?
Lita: Matt won't let me go out there because he thinks I'm going to get myself hurt again.
Jeff Hardy: Come on, man. I wanna be out there for your first big singles title match too...
Matt Hardy: NO! I don't want any of you out there!
There is an awkward silence for the next few seconds before Matt tries to lower the tension in the room.
Matt Hardy: Look, this is my first chance to win a singles title in the WWF and I wanna do it on my own. Please, just look at it from my side of things.
Jeff Hardy: Well, if that's what you want, man. Good luck.
Lita: Yeah, good luck.
Matt smiles and nods before leaving the room for his match as Jeff and Lita look on.
European Championship
Eddie Guerrero vs Matt Hardy
A very good match. Guerrero is accompanied by Malenko and Saturn, while Hardy is on his own. However, Malenko and Saturn soon get sent to the back after trying to distract the referee. Hardy then begins to dominate Guerrero, reverting from his normal style to more of a brawling style, desperate to get revenge on Guerrero. Hardy hits a scoop slam on Guerrero and heads to the top rope for a legdrop, which he hits perfectly. 1...2...Guerrero kicks out.. Hardy goes to pick him up but is thumbed in the eye. Guerrero then hits a DDT and goes over to the corner. He begins to try and expose the top turnbuckle but the referee sees him doing so. As Guerrero steps away, the referee. Guerrero then takes this chance to go to the outside and grab his European Championship belt. He gets into the ring and is about to hit when Jeff Hardy appears on the stage and heads for the ring! He jumps up onto the ring apron and Eddie runs over to hit him. However, Jeff ducks and sends Guerrero face first into the ropes. Guerrero turns around and Matt kicks him in the gut. He then hits the Twist of Fate! He goes for the cover....and the referee rings the bell!
Matt gets up and wonders what is going on as the referee goes over to the ring announcer to announce the decision.
Tony Chimel: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee caught Jeff Hardy interfering in the match, therefore your winner by disqualification and STILL European Champion, Eddie Guerrero!
Winner by disqualification and still European Champion: Eddie Guerrero
As Eddie celebrates on the stage, Matt and Jeff seem to be arguing in the ring. Matt pushes Jeff and Jeff points his finger at Matt's face. Matt pushes the finger away and pushes Jeff again. Lita suddenly runs down the entrance ramp and into the ring. She tries to separate the two Hardys. Jeff sticks his finger in Matt's face again and this time, Matt responds with a kick to the gut and a Twist of Fate!
He grabs Lita by the arm but she pulls away because she is concerned about Jeff. Matt tries to grab her by the arm again but pulls away again. At this point, Matt leaves the ring and heads up the entrance ramp. He turns around for a second and puts his hands on the back of his head, wondering just what he just did. Matt shakes his head and then turns back around before going backstage as we head to a commercial break.
*Commercial Break*
''Glass Shatters'' hits and the WWF Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin walks down the entrance ramp to a chorus of boos.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: As I'm sure all of ya know by now,The Rock lost his WWF Title rematch on RAW, which now means he is out of the World Wrestling Federation for good!
The fans boo.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: And ya know something? I'll give credit where credit is due 'cause I've been battling The Rock ever since I started in the World Wrestling Federation and he gave me some of the best matches of my career. I don't like the guy but he does deserve this tribute so lets take a look
We are then shown a tribute of The Rock, which is the Desire video shown before Wrestlemania 17. About half way through the tribute, Glass Shatters suddenly starts playing over the video and we then cut to Stone Cold Steve Austin's brutal attack with the steel chair on The Rock at Wrestlemania 17, followed by his celebration. We then head back to the ring, where Stone Cold Steve Austin is smiling.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: I hope ya'll enjoyed that because that is the last time ya ever gonna see that piece of crap in this company again!
The crowd boo.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Yeah, that's right, get out ya little boxes o' tissues and wipe your eyes because you don't get to chant Rocky no more!
The crowd begin to chant ''Rocky!'' and Austin smiles.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Do all of ya really think The Rock's gonna walk back in here tonight like nothing happened, ya dumbasses? He's gone and there ain't nothing none of ya can do about it!
Suddenly, ''If You Smell'' hits and the crowd go wild!. Austin looks flabbergasted in the ring and the camera pans over to the stage. However, as the music plays, it becomes apparent that The Rock isn't coming out to the ring. We then cut back to Austin, who is laughing.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Sorry to disappoint ya'll yet again but there ain't gonna be no Cinderella story here...
The crowd boo.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Now, ya see, the real reason I came out here was to see Mark Yeaton.
The crowd are silent.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Yeah, I know what ya jackasses are wondering. Who the hell is Mark Yeaton? Well, to tell you the truth, I wondered that myself until I found out earlier today that this piece of trash timekeeper down here (Austin points) is Mark Yeaton.
Mark Yeaton shrugs his shoulders and points at himself, wondering why Austin wants to talk to him.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: You deaf, buddy? I said ya name so that means I'm talking to your sorry ass. Get in the ring.
Mark Yeaton hesitates.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Get in this ring or I'll come over there and stomp a mudhole in your ass and walk it dry! Get in here!
Yeaton gets up from his seat and climbs up the ring steps and into the ring. Austin then puts his arm around Yeaton and continues to talk.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Now, ya see, Mark, there was just a little problem with what ya did on RAW Monday. Ya see, ya refused to ring the bell when Vince McMahon told you to. I've got one question for you Mark, why? Why would you disobey the owner of this company? Why didn't ya ring the damn bell?
Stone Cold Steve Austin shoves the microphone in front of Yeaton's face.
Mark Yeaton: I...I...I didn't think it was the right thing to do.
Austin then moves the microphone back towards himself and continues to speak.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Ya didn't think it was the right thing to do? Well, I admire your wisdom and all Mark, from one man to another...
Austin kicks Yeaton in the gut and then hits the Stone Cold Stunner! He then continues to speak.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: When ya disrespect Vince McMahon, ya disrespecting Stone Cold Steve Austin and when ya disrespect Stone Cold Steve Austin, ya gonna get ya ass whooped whether ya like it or not. and that's the bottom line 'cause Stone Cold said so!
Stone Cold's music then hits as he leaves the ring and heads backstage.
We then head backstage, where there is a crowd of WWF superstars outside, The Hollys, The APA, X-Factor, Steve Blackman, Grandmaster Sexay, Billy Gunn and K-Kwik. They are outside waiting for Edge and Christian and are arguing about where they could be.
Suddenly, Edge and Christian walk into the picture.
Edge:Have no fear, we are here!
X-Pac: Well, what took you so long?
Christian: Well, we need to prove that we're fighting champions so we're going out there right now to defend our titles against the best the WWF has to offer.
Edge: Yeah, so you guys go in and enjoy the party. We'll be there shortly.
*Commercial Break*
Edge and Christian's music hits and they head out to the ring. They both get microphones and Christian begins to speak.
Christian: Greetings to all of our fans in Philadelphia!
The crowd boo.
Edge: Now, like Christian said a few minutes ago backstage, we want to prove that we're fighting champions. We want to prove that we're the best tag team in this company and to be the best, you've got to beat the best. So, tonight, we aim to beat the best. Ladies and gentlemen, our opponents tonight...KAIENTAI!
Kaientai's music hits as the fans boo loudly at a team they consider to be a joke challenging for the tag team titles. Edge and Christian laugh as we start the match.
Tag Team Championships
Edge and Christian vs Kaientai
A good tag team match with Kaientai doing well and getting plenty of near falls. Edge goes for the electric chair but Michinoku rolls down the front of Edge's body and into a cover! 1..2...kickout. Both men get up and Edge hits a clothesline before tagging in Christian. Christian heads to the top rope and waits for Michinoku to get up. Christian hits a crossbody which results in him landing in a pinning position, but Michinoku reverses. 1...2, Christian kicks out. Taka then heads over to tag in Funaki and Christian dominates him for a few minutes. Christian hits a reverse DDT and then tags in Edge, who then lifts Funaki to his feet and hits the Downward Spiral for the 1...2...3.
Winners and still Tag Team Champions: Edge and Christian
Edge and Christian celebrate, while Kaientai receive admiration from the crowd for the way they performed in the match. We then head to another commercial break.
*Commercial Break*
We head backstage, where Edge and Christian's Tag Team Championship celebration party is going on. Edge and Christian's theme music is playing in the background. The finish to their tag team championship match seems to be on loop on a television in one corner, while there are several games going on in the corner. The APA are having a drinking game whilst watching the match, there's a crowd of wrestlers chatting in the centre, while Kurt Angle and Steve Blackman are sat on a sofa in one of the other corners. Edge and Christian suddenly enter the room.
Christian: We are still the WWF Tag Team Champions, ladies and gentlemen!
Nobody seems to listen to Edge and Christian as they walk to the centre of the room.
Christian:Dude, this party so reeks of awesomeness!
Edge: Tell me about it, bro. Wait, what's Kurt doing with Blackman over there?
Grandmaster Sexay is begging his tag team partner, Steve Blackman for a game of Twister but he just nods his head with a blank look on his face, while Angle seems to be daydreaming.
Edge: Kurt, what's going on man?
Kurt Angle: I feel naked...
Christian: Dude, seriously, keep those thoughts to yourself!
Kurt Angle: God damn it Christian, I meant without my gold medals! Benoit took them on RAW but I guess you guys were too busy celebrating to care about that!
Edge: Eh, yeah, I guess we were. Sorry, man. You want us to help you get 'em back?
Kurt Angle: It's all been taken care of.
Edge:So, why are you sat here like a bozo? Come on, have a little fun!
Kurt Angle: Well fellas, I'm not doing anything here because I've got another role to play tonight. Enjoy the party.
Angle gets up and taps both Edge and Christian on the shoulder before leaving the scene. Edge and Christian shrug their shoulders as we head to ringside for the main event.
*MAIN EVENT*
Singles Match
Triple H vs Chris Benoit
A very even match, which is a brawl throughout. The first major event comes when HHH then goes to irish whip Benoit in the corner but it is reversed and HHH goes tumbling over the ropes to the floor. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley suddenly heads over to the announcers table and grabs the Olympic Gold Medals Benoit brought to the ring. She then heads back up the ramp as both Benoit and HHH look at her as we head to a commercial break.
*Commercial Break*
The finish comes when Triple H goes for the Pedigree but Benoit reverses and manages to lock on the Crippler Crossface in the centre of the ring! Suddenly, Stephanie rushes back to ringside with Kurt Angle, who has his gold medals around his neck. She distracts the referee, while Angle gets into the ring and breaks up the Crossface. Angle then lifts Benoit to his feet and hits the Olympic Slam! Angle leaves the ring as HHH uses the rope to get to his feet. He lifts Benoit to his feet and hits the Pedigree! He covers for the 1...2...3
Winner: Triple H
After the match, Angle and Triple H stare each other down as Benoit gets to his feet. They suddenly turn and begin to assault Benoit as Stephanie smiles at ringside. Suddenly, Chris Jericho runs down to ringside and Triple H, Angle and Stephanie clear the ring as the show comes to a close.
WWF 2001: Wrestlemania X7 Onwards
WWF 2001: Wrestlemania X7 Onwards
@ Vince being not angry, but furious. I really liked that bit. I would’ve liked to see a little more resistance from Trish. You made her give up to McMahon’s threat way too easily, in my opinion. Still, this was probably one of the best segments on the show.
