2002 | Monday Night Raw

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Monday Night Raw | April 1, 2002

The Undisputed WWF Champion Triple H starts out tonight's broadcast. Triple H said it must be an April Fool's joke to defend his championship against The Undertaker three weeks from now at Backlash. Triple H broke it down, saying there was a reason Undertaker was drafted to the B-Show. Triple H is then interrupted by The Rock. The Rock says it is an April Fool's joke, but the only one going around that Triple H is the champ. The Rock states he's willing to change that, challenging Triple H to a championship match here tonight! Triple H laughs it off, but Ric Flair does not. Flair comes out to make the match official for the main event.

Hardy Boyz def. APA in a tag team match
Jeff and Matt escaped after Bradshaw's attention was directed towards the outside to Matt and Faarooq, when Jeff rolled Bradshaw in a school-boy and won.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler get excited over the two championship matches tonight. Raven defends his Hardcore Championship against Goldust a little later on, but more importantly the main event: Triple H versus The Rock for the Undisputed WWF Championship; the winner facing The Undertaker at Backlash. They then speak of the match happening next, a non-title defense for Rob Van Dam as he faces off against Chris Jericho.

Chris Jericho def. Rob Van Dam in a non-title match
Jericho pulled out a move he hasn't used in a while, the Breakdown, to pull one over on the Intercontinental Champ.

Ric Flair is with Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri in his office. While Tajiri is having a hard time understanding, the viewers do clearly. Flair's goal is to make the Cruiserweight Championship as valuable as every other title on Raw. Flair mentions that Tajiri will compete live next week against the Big Show. Tajiri understood this, but Flair explains that to be seen as an equal, they must beat equal competition. Flair instills faith in Tajiri, but it seems to be insincere.

Rikishi def. D'Lo Brown in a singles match
D'Lo Brown got a bunch of Stinkface and that was it with Rikishi making quick work of D'Lo.

The Rock gets an interview backstage about tonight's main event. The Rock says the opportunity to become a 7-time WWF Champion is one he can't pass up. The Rock says it doesn't come around often and he hasn't been champion since last February. The Rock promises he won't let it slip through his fingers.

Ric Flair is heading to the ring when he's stopped by Chris Jericho. Jericho is pleading his case for an Intercontinental Championship match following his win tonight. Jericho gets on Flair's nerves enough and won't leave him alone, for Flair to agree at Backlash he'll get it. Flair pushes him aside and heads to the ring.

Ric Flair gets in the ring and addresses the draft last week, and the one man who was exempt, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Flair said that Austin has the right to choose whether he wants to join SmackDown or Raw. Flair pleads the case for Raw, including they host the Undisputed WWF Champion Triple H. Flair also brings up Stone Cold's troubled past with Vince McMahon. Flair then invites Stone Cold to Raw next week, just for a tour and a visit, and maybe he could see why Raw is the place for him.

Raven© def. Goldust in a Hardcore Match for the Hardcore Championship
Raven retains the Hardcore Championship after a Ravenflow DDT on a steel chair.

Raven pulls the chair out from under Goldust's face and props it up to sit in. Raven states he's an ECW original and Goldust is a product of Vince's imagination. Raven claimed that Dusty Rhodes sits at home ashamed of what his son has turned into. Raven says that not only is he an ECW original, but he was the best. Raven said that nobody can touch him and he dares anybody to challenge that. Raven mentions he'll defend his Hardcore Championship again next week in an open challenge to anyone from ECW, or anyone who sat back and watched them do crazy ****. Raven's word is bleeped out before he tells everyone to quoth the Raven, nevermore.

Backstage, Edge is sitting on a crate talking to Molly Holly when Kurt Angle steps by. This runs Molly Holly off, and when Edge asks what Angle's problem is, Angle brings up a few weeks ago prior to WrestleMania. Angle asked Edge that since the draft, suddenly everything was smooth. Angle admits he wants nothing more than to put Edge in an ankle lock. Edge nods and agrees, because he'd want nothing more than to plant Angle on his neck. Angle shoves Edge against the wall and runs off before Edge can get to a vertical base.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler speak of next week with the possibility of free agent Stone Cold Steve Austin appearing on Monday Night Raw next week, and the magnitude of which he signs with Raw. They then mention what will happen for a fact, including Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri facing insurmountable odds against the Big Show. Lawler and Ross bring up Raven's open challenge for the Hardcore Championship, and then switch gears to the main event: the Undisputed WWF Championship match. Lawler picks Triple H to emerge victorious, while JR believes The Rock wins.

Triple H© def. The Rock for the Undisputed WWF Championship
While nearly losing on two Rock Bottoms by The Rock, Triple H sneaks a Pedigree in and skates by with a title retention.

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Thursday Night SmackDown | April 4, 2002


What you need to know...

The Undertaker would send a verbal message to Triple H at the beginning of the show, and closed the show by defeating Booker T in the main event.

Women would be featured for the first time in a match post-draft, as Jazz and Ivory defeat Jacqueline and Torrie Wilson. However, after the match, Ivory attacked Jazz and left the Women's Champion ailing in the ring.

Billy and Chuck would suffer a non-title loss to The Dudley Boyz.

Kane would win a #1 contendership match for William Regal's European Championship, defeating Hardcore Holly for the opportunity at Backlash.

Vince McMahon would make his case for free agent Stone Cold Steve Austin to sign with SmackDown. Vince said he's professional enough to put the past aside, and lets Stone Cold know he is welcome on Thursdays.

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Stone Cold Visiting Raw


Free Agent appearing on Monday Night Raw
Stone Cold Steve Austin is a free agent following the draft, as he was made exempt by board member Linda McMahon. After a week of prompting by both Raw's Ric Flair and SmackDown's Vince McMahon, Steve Austin will be making a visit to Monday Night Raw in Phoenix, Arizona.

Will he sign with Raw by the night is over?

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Monday Night Raw | April 8, 2002

Rob Van Dam def. Mr. Perfect in a non-title match
The Intercontinental Champion bounced back from a loss at the hands of Chris Jericho last week, hitting the 5-Star Frog Splash on Mr. Perfect to win.

Backstage, we see Ric Flair waiting at the parking lot entrance for the arrival of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Undisputed WWF Champion Triple H came and addressed the comments made by The Undertaker on last week's SmackDown. While addressing these comments and looking forward to the title defense in two weeks at Backlash, The Rock comes to the ring. The Rock puts his hands up and says he's only here to congratulate Triple H like a man, and when the hand is extended, the champion shakes it. This moment is cut short by Christian, who has a different attitude as of late, and he ruins the "sob story" and says that if by the nail of his toe, Triple H can beat The Undertaker at Backlash, The Rock's time is up and it will be Christian's time. The Rock and Triple H laugh, and the two take jabs at Christian to get him laughing. Then, Chris Jericho comes to the ring and Jericho brings up his beef with Triple H back from WrestleMania. This leads to The Rock challenging Jericho and Christian to a tag team match right now, while getting Triple H's approval, and then Jericho and Christian's acceptance. They rush a referee down and start the match.

The Rock and Triple H def. Christian and Chris Jericho in a tag team match
Opponents one week, willing tag partners the next, Triple H gets Christian in a Pedigree and secures the win.

Ric Flair continues to wait by the parking lot entrance, until a pickup truck pulls up. Out comes Stone Cold Steve Austin and shakes the hand of Ric Flair, as Flair leads Austin inside the arena as Raw on TNN cuts to commercial.

When Raw returns from commercial, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler recap Stone Cold Steve Austin arriving at the arena in Phoenix tonight. They then look towards a Hardcore Championship open challenge issued by Raven tonight, and the match between Edge and Kurt Angle which is sure to be a classic. But now, turn to the Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri facing the Big Show. They display a tale of the tape to show how mismatched Tajiri is.

Tajiri def. Big Show in a singles match
With help from his green mist, Tajiri blinds Big Show, bringing him to his knees for a Buzzsaw Kick and a massive upset.

Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ric Flair are walking backstage as Flair shows Austin what he's done with the place and a couple changes he's made in catering. Austin requests more beer, which Flair agrees to with passion. They exit catering and stop in their tracks when The Rock appears. The Rock and Stone Cold greet each other, and The Rock asks if Austin is considering signing with Raw, in which Austin shrugs his shoulders. The Rock said he may have lost last week, and he may have tagged with the champ tonight, but his goal is to become a 7-time WWF Champion. The Rock told Austin if he comes to Raw, he'll rip up the contract if he needs to in order to become champion. Flair tries calming it down, but Austin engages, laughing at The Rock for never beating him at WrestleMania. Austin tells his adversary he will sign wherever he pleases and The Rock needs to know his role, and shut his mouth, before Flair leads Austin away, continuing the tour.

Hardcore Champion Raven heads to the ring and reminds everyone as he sits in the corner of the open challenge he issued. The challenge is answered by Scotty 2 Hotty.

Raven© def. Scotty 2 Hotty in a Hardcore Match for the Hardcore Championship
After hitting a crucifix powerbomb through a table, Raven lifted Scotty up for the Ravenflow DDT to retain his belt.

Raven sits in the corner and mouths off about being the best man from ECW and the Hardcore Championship proves it. Raven calls Scotty 2 Hotty a wannabe and issues an open challenge for next week, exclusive to those from his ECW days.

Ric Flair and Stone Cold Steve Austin are discussing things in Flair's office when the APA barge in. The APA are complaining of their loss to The Hardy Boyz last week, in which Flair's initial response is taken back, but takes the initiative of making a match for next week. Flair says one of them can wrestle one member of the Hardy Boyz in one-on-one action.

Kurt Angle def. Edge in a singles match
In a sweat and tears fight, Angle finally breaks Edge's will in an agonizing Angle Lock.

In his office, Ric Flair is with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Flair says there is one reason for Stone Cold to sign with Monday Night Raw. Flair hollers for the ladies, as Trish Stratus and Terri come in and as they pay attention to Stone Cold, Ric Flair goes over and prints out an official contract for Stone Cold to join Raw. Stone Cold stops it right there and gets the ladies to, as well. Stone Cold said that he likes women as much as the next guy, but that's a waste of talent. Stone Cold said a solid general manager would put them in the ring rather than skimpy outfits. Stone Cold let Ric Flair know that he will be visiting SmackDown on Thursday. Stone Cold leaves Ric Flair's office in an abrupt manner as Flair snaps at both Stratus and Terri, ordering them to get out of his office as Flair immediately looks stressed.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are recapping of what just happened, as Lawler's expressing concern that Stone Cold Steve Austin signs with SmackDown on Thursday night. JR brings up the match between a member of The Hardy Boyz and the APA next week, as well as the Hardcore Championship open challenge once more by Raven. Jim Ross thanks everyone for tuning in, as Jerry Lawler continues to air his concern for Thursday when Stone Cold may no longer be a free agent.

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Thursday Night SmackDown | April 11, 2002


What you need to know...

Much like his opponent at Backlash, The Undertaker would compete in tag team action. The Undertaker teamed with his brother Kane and the two would come out on top against European Champion William Regal and Test.

Stacy Keibler would wrestle Ivory for an opportunity at Jazz's WWF Women's Championship at Backlash, in which Ivory backed up her attack on Jazz with a victory. It was afterward that Jazz got her revenge and laid out her new challenger. Also in a separate match, to make an emphasis on women's wrestling, Jacqueline would defeat Torrie Wilson.

Announced prior to their victory over Crash and Hardcore Holly, the Dudley Boyz will challenge Billy and Chuck for the WWF Tag Team Championships.

Next week, the nWo has vowed to be a part of next week's show. They will respond to Hulk Hogan's comments from tonight's episode, as Hogan reminded the nWo of what they were, how they ran roughshot over WCW, and had plans to do the same in the WWF. Hogan extended the olive branch to make amends to the group, if they would.

Vince McMahon let Stone Cold Steve Austin walk around with him the entire event. Several interactions backstage that appeared Vince had no control over his talent. Stone Cold pointed this out, saying Vince was walking on eggshells too much. Stone Cold said that wasn't the Vince he [sarcastically] grew in love with. Stone Cold mentioned he thinks he's going to show up on Raw this Monday. This blockbuster announcement came in the midst of chaos of Booker T and Perry Saturn brawling in the back after some choice words were extended.

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Monday Night Raw | April 15, 2002

Raw opens with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler expressing excitement for tonight's episode. Lawler especially is excited for the first women's match on Raw since the Draft, it'll be Trish Stratus going one-on-one with Terri. In addition to that, the main event announced will be a rematch from WrestleMania X8, Chris Jericho taking on Undisputed WWF Champion Triple H. But for now, they send it to the ring for action.

Bradshaw (with Faarooq) def. Jeff Hardy (with Matt Hardy) in a singles match
Bradshaw caught Jeff on a top-rope dive and hit the Last Call in order to pin Jeff Hardy.

After a commercial break in the action, Edge is seen walking steadily to the ring. Edge recaps what happened last week, but this is immediately interrupted by Kurt Angle. Angle is seen laughing and making fun of not only Edge's loss to him last week, but also his plagued ankle. Edge snaps and says his ankle clearly isn't 100%, but a one-legged Edge can always beat a two-legged Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle laughs again, until Edge challenges him to a match this Sunday at Backlash. Angle laughs it off, shrugs, and says he's on. This ends with Angle kicking Edge's ankle and putting him into an Angle Lock once more, which requires officials to break up. Edge seems to be in more pain than before, after just agreeing to a match with Kurt Angle.

The Rock is backstage getting an interview from The Coach about Stone Cold potentially signing with Raw tonight. The Rock said "The Great One" made his intentions loud and clear. The Rock will become the Undisputed WWF Champion and if Stone Cold dares sign with Monday Night Raw tonight, he can fight Jericho or Van Dam for the Intercontinental Championship, or maybe accept Raven's open challenges, or drop some weight and face Tajiri. The Rock is adamant nobody, not even his longtime foe, will get in his way of becoming champion.

Trish Stratus def. Terri in a singles match
Stratus would load up some Stratusfaction to defeat Terri in women's action.

Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri is roaming backstage when he comes face-to-belly with Big Show. Big Show tries to let Tajiri know that he's went to Ric Flair and got a match at Backlash. Big Show sees that Tajiri isn't comprehending, so he breaks it down by pointing and talking slowly, before saying he'll not only put an end to Tajiri and his antics, but also squander any Cruiserweight division Flair wants to build.

Hardcore Champion Raven comes to the ring and sits in a corner, once again spreading his message that he is the best product of ECW. Raven issues his open challenge to anyone in ECW, and it so happens that Justin Credible answers the call.

Raven© def. Justin Credible in a Hardcore Match for the Hardcore Championship
Credible put up a fight, until Raven regained control and handcuffed him, before hitting the Evenflow DDT on the steel steps.

Raven goes off in his corner to let the entire world know he's backed up his claim and there isn't a soul from WWF, WCW, or ECW that can touch him in the ring when he can use the environment. Raven then says that Backlash is this Sunday and he doesn't have an opponent, which is a shame. Raven contends he's put more work in than Triple H as a fighting champion, and will not stand for it. Raven issued an open challenge open to anyone, even fans included, for Backlash. Raven sits up and exits the ring before Tommy Dreamer's music hit. Tommy Dreamer, the 35th overall pick in the draft, steps out and says he's tired of Raven running his mouth week after week. Dreamer wastes no time picking up the open challenge, telling Raven he will see him Sunday in Kansas City.

Ric Flair continues to wait for the arrival of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who promised he would be here tonight, as Flair begins on a search around the backstage area asking around.

Al Snow vs. Tajiri ends in a no contest
This match was interrupted by the Big Show, as Big Show tossed Al Snow aside and attacked Tajiri, with a Chokeslam as the exclamation point.

Chris Jericho is interviewed in the backstage area about his match versus Rob Van Dam on Sunday. Jericho says he wants to become a 5-time Intercontinental Champion and he's convinced he has RVD's number. Jericho also says he's about to go to the ring and defeat Triple H, not having Stephanie or Lucy or any other distractions, and it can just be two men proving who is the best - which Jericho leaves no doubt it is him.

Undisputed WWF Champion Triple H comes first and Triple H makes his final remarks to The Undertaker, his challenger at Backlash this Sunday. Triple H says it's not only for him, but for the entire Raw roster relying on him. Triple H says he won't let them down and vows to return as champion.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler outline the Backlash card, particularly for Raw's side. The Intercontinental and Hardcore Championship matches are set, as well as "Goliath" Big Show versus "David" Tajiri. They seem most excited about Edge and Kurt Angle going head-to-head again, while the main event for the Undisputed WWF Championship have all the making to be great.

Triple H def. Chris Jericho in a non-title match
Triple H was assisted by RVD's distraction at ringside, where Triple H turned Jericho around and hit him with the Pedigree.

As Triple H celebrated the big win and Rob Van Dam made a statement on Jericho, the glass shattered. Stone Cold Steve Austin is in the building! Stone Cold comes to the ring and after making the grand entrance, grabs a microphone and as he stands in front of the Undisputed WWF Champion, we then go to commercial.

After a commercial, the ring is clear and only Stone Cold Steve Austin remains. Stone Cold says he's visited both Raw and SmackDown, and he's seen enough. Stone Cold is then interrupted by Raw's Ric Flair! Flair comes trotting with a contract in hand and tries to convince Stone Cold to sign. Stone Cold mentions he's here for a favor from Ric Flair, and maybe he'll do one in return for Flair. Flair said anything, and Stone Cold brought up the fact that Triple H and The Undertaker are set to do battle in one of the biggest matches to-date. Stone Cold admitted the stakes are huge, and he wants a hand in it. Stone Cold requests to be the special guest referee. Flair nods and agrees to do so. Stone Cold's music begins to play and as he's tossed beers, Ric Flair stops it. Flair hands the contract over and Stone Cold promises to make a decision after the main event of Backlash. Stone Cold exits the ring, leaving Flair without a signed contract, but with more comfort headed into this Sunday.

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Thursday Night SmackDown | April 18, 2002


What you need to know...

At the beginning, Stone Cold Steve Austin showed up to boast of his referee status for Sunday's main event between Triple H and The Undertaker. As he did, Undertaker came to the ring and told Stone Cold to leave his past with Vince at the door, and he can sign with Raw if he wants, but he better not screw him over or there'd be much to pay. Vince McMahon came to the ring and settled this, making Stone Cold the special guest referee to tonight's main event, The Undertaker wrestling Hulk Hogan.

Jazz would contest against Torrie Wilson with Ivory at the announcers table. Jazz won, but Ivory made it her mission to scout the competition for Sunday's Backlash.

"The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar, who had been hyped for weeks by Paul Heyman, will be making his in-ring debut at Backlash.

After Billy and Rico helped Chuck defeat D-Von Dudley with Bubba Ray at ringside, later in the evening the Dudley Boyz announced they would be inviting Spike Dudley to ringside at Backlash.

The nWo appeared and made it clear their affiliation with Hulk Hogan is in the past, much like his career. Hogan came to the ring and tried to convince them otherwise, but the nWo mentioned their sights are on conquering SmackDown and the Undisputed WWF Championship, should The Undertaker win. Then one by one, the nWo left the ring to Hogan himself, who would compete in the main event next.

In the main event, Hogan and Undertaker was set to go down with Stone Cold as the referee. However, Stone Cold no-showed and was seen leaving the arena. A regular official stepped in and had to throw the match out after the nWo got involved and took out Hulk Hogan. However, The Undertaker stepped in and tried to take on the nWo, but fell victim to the trio. X-Pac grabbed the mic as Nash and Hall stood over the bodies, making it clear that if the title is to come to SmackDown, they want to be first in line.

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This is the official card for Sunday's WWF Backlash event:

Sept 14, 2018 19:29:01 GMT -5 blackHEART said:

WWF Backlash
brands: Raw and SmackDown!
date: April 21, 2002
location: Kansas City, Missouri


match card:

In-Ring Debut
Brock Lesnar debuts.

Grudge Match
Big Show vs. Tajiri

Hardcore Championship Match
Raven© vs. Tommy Dreamer

Grudge Match
Edge vs. Kurt Angle

Women's Championship Match
Jazz© vs. Ivory

WWF Tag Team Championships Match
Billy and Chuck© (with Rico) vs. The Dudley Boyz (with Spike Dudley)

European Championship Match
William Regal© vs. Kane

Intercontinental Championship Match
Rob Van Dam© vs. Chris Jericho

Undisputed WWF Championship Match
Triple H© vs. The Undertaker
Special Guest Referee: Stone Cold Steve Austin

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WWF Backlash | April 21, 2002

WWF Backlash begins tonight with a short video highlighting how we got to tonight, with the main focus on Stone Cold's decision, as well as the Undisputed WWF Championship match tonight. But the SmackDown announce table kicks things off with the European Championship.

William Regal© def. Kane for the European Championship
Regal, after realizing Kane's mask acts as a shield, hits Kane with an uppercut to the jaw, sneaking brass knuckles out of his tights, winning without the official seeing.

Ric Flair is backstage with Vince McMahon and the two are acting cordial, while Flair takes a dig at SmackDown opening the show and already having an iffy finish. Vince is upset and reminds Flair that the Undisputed WWF Championship will be coming home to SmackDown. Flair shakes his head and says by the end of the night, Raw will have the champion AND Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Big Show def. Tajiri in a singles match
Big Show gets revenge over his embarrassing loss to Tajiri a couple weeks ago by finishing the Cruiserweight Champion with a Chokeslam.

Despite the match being over, Big Show continued to toy with Tajiri and tossed him around like a rag doll. Ric Flair tries to step out and end this, but Big Show doesn't listen and he chokeslams Tajiri on the steel steps. Big Show takes the Cruiserweight Championship belt with him in a defiant mode.

Vince McMahon is backstage chuckling at Big Show's blatant disrespect towards Flair. Paul Heyman then walks in and Vince asks if Lesnar is here, and Heyman nods. Vince says he's looking forward to what the Next Big Thing can do for SmackDown, which Lesnar promises that Brock Lesnar will be the Undisputed WWF Champion in one year time. Vince and Paul then agree as to who wins tonight, because Heyman mentions that Undertaker is one of the all-time greats, but Lesnar can be even better by the time careers are said and done - which for Lesnar will be a loooooong time from now.

Billy and Chuck© (with Rico) def. The Dudley Boyz (with Spike Dudley) for the WWF Tag Team Championships
Spike got taken out by Rico, who tried to get involved with the Wazzup, then Billy hit a Famouser on Bubba Ray to retain the titles.

Edge is approached in the trainers room getting his ankle taped up prior to tonight's match with Kurt Angle. Edge is asked about his ankle, and Edge admits his ankle isn't feeling the best it ever has, but Kurt will say the same about his neck after tonight.

Rob Van Dam© def. Chris Jericho for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
After battling it out on the top, Van Dam pushed Jericho off to hit a 5-Star Frog Splash and win an epic match.

Big Show is approached by The Coach after snatching the Cruiserweight Championship from Tajiri, and is asked why. Big Show reminds everyone of his comments earlier about single-handedly ended the Cruiserweight division before it even starts, and tonight was his mission accomplished, and what lies in his hand is the trophy.

Billy Kidman is ready for his match, and he is facing "The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar who is accompanied by Paul Heyman.

Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) def. Billy Kidman in a debut match
Kidman is caught on a springboard SSP attempt, and is tossed across the ring, setting up a move called the "F-5" by Heyman, and Lesnar wins his debut.

Footage is played of Tommy Dreamer arriving at the arena earlier today. When asked about accepting Raven's challenge, Dreamer said that ECW is a huge part of him, and for Raven to claim it was just him is wrong. Dreamer mentioned all the greats that made ECW what it was, and it was no one-man show. Dreamer says it would mean nothing more than to win the Hardcore Championship tonight and carry that legacy of hardcore and extreme. We then see a video package played of Raven's recent history as Hardcore Champion.

Raven© def. Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore Match for the Hardcore Championship
As Dreamer had his sights set on the Hardcore Championship, Big Boss Man came from behind with the nightstick and clubbed Dreamer from behind, before a Boss Man Slam, and then Raven's Ravenflow DDT put Dreamer down.

Raven was handed the Hardcore Championship by Big Boss Man and the two celebrated Raven's successful, yet controversial, title defense.

Stone Cold Steve Austin is seen backstage in his official referee shirt, when the nWo surround the Texas Rattlesnake. They intimidate Stone Cold and allude to him counting the 3 for The Undertaker tonight, with invested interest as to contend for the title themselves. Then, The Rock steps up and his presence has the nWo to back off. The Rock looks at Stone Cold and pokes the referee shirt, letting Stone Cold know he shouldn't abuse that power, because he wouldn't want that power abused in his title match. The Rock leaves Stone Cold something to think about there.

Jazz© def. Ivory for the WWF Women's Championship
The champion hit the Jazz Stinger and put Ivory down for the count.

Hardcore Champion Raven and Big Boss Man are seen backstage basking in Raven's win earlier, when Boss Man is jumped from behind by Tommy Dreamer. Raven drops the belt and gets in on the action and this is separated by bystanders in the hall, as Dreamer obviously is not done with these two.

Kurt Angle def. Edge in a singles match
Despite giving it a go, Edge's bum ankle could not hold on any longer in an Angle Lock as he surrendered and tapped out.

The night is recapped and we have Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and SmackDown's Tazz joins in. They preview the main event up next, prior to both Ric Flair and Vince McMahon coming ringside to get a close look. The glass shatters and Stone Cold Steve Austin arrives in his referee shirt, followed by the challenger The Undertaker from SmackDown, and then the champion from Raw Triple H.

Triple H© vs. The Undertaker for the Undisputed WWF Championship Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

SPOILER: Click to show

This main event is fairly even thus far between Triple H and The Undertaker, as well as Stone Cold's unbiased take. It wasn't until Triple H had kicked out of the Tombstone Piledriver that Undertaker snapped and grabbed hold of Stone Cold's throat, pushing him over the top rope and Stone Cold falling to the floor. Undertaker turned around and got caught with a Spinebuster and as Triple H made the cover with no official, the nWo came down. The nWo began to beat down on Triple H to a pulp when The Rock's music hit and The Great One rushed down to take down the nWo. Stone Cold popped back up in the ring and handed a few stunners out to Scott Hall, X-Pac, Kevin Nash, and then The Rock! Stone Cold then turns and hits a Stunner on Triple H! Ric Flair stands up and throws his jacket on the ground irate. Stone Cold then sees The Undertaker rise and look at Stone Cold, then at Triple H, then drops to his knees and covers Triple H.

The music hits and Stone Cold grabs the Undisputed WWF Championship and hands it to The Undertaker, before hitting the Stunner on the new champion! Stone Cold then comes face-to-face with Raw's Ric Flair who steps up on the apron. Ric Flair enters the ring and slaps the taste out of Stone Cold's mouth, before Flair is laid out with a Stunner of his own. Stone Cold then looks out to Vince McMahon who is concerned, as Stone Cold exits the ring and motions for Vince to hand over the contract to SmackDown in his hand. Stone Cold then leaves ringside with the contract in hand to join SmackDown as Backlash goes off the air tonight.

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Monday Night Raw | April 22, 2002

After a replay of what happened for last night's main event, Kurt Angle begins tonight's show by coming to the ring. Angle boasts of his victory over Edge last night, but he looks around, and wonders where is the world title he should be contending for. Angle then goes into a rant about Triple H failing to bring the title home, in which The Rock comes to the ring. The Rock defends Triple H and tells Angle to quit his whining. Then comes Chris Jericho, who said Raw would've been better off with Doink representing rather than Triple H. The Rock said that neither Angle or Jericho came to Triple H's aid last night, that they have no room to talk. Angle and Jericho tried changing The Rock's mindset, now directing that he has no world title to fight for. This is answered by Triple H, who is in a terrible mood. Triple H doesn't say anything and goes right to punching Jericho in the face. This sets out a brawl and Jericho and Angle retreat.

Rob Van Dam def. D'Lo Brown in a non-title match
24 hours after a successful title defense, The Intercontinental Champion hits a 5-Star Frog Splash to win here tonight.

Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho barge into Ric Flair's office shouting about the actions of Triple H and The Rock. Flair obviously isn't in a good state of mind after last night, and waits for the hollering to stop, before he announces tonight's main event to be a tag team match and simply tells them to settle it in the ring.

Big Boss Man accompanies the Hardcore Champion Raven to the ring. Big Boss Man stands ringside as Raven sits in the corner and starts labeling Tommy Dreamer as a fool. Raven said Dreamer is delusional to think ECW was any better with him, and would've been better without him. This incites Tommy Dreamer's music and he comes down, as Raven and Boss Man switch places for the match up next.

Tommy Dreamer def. Big Boss Man (with Raven) via DQ
Dreamer appeared to have Big Boss Man down for the count, when Raven hops in and breaks up the pinfall.

Raven continues attacking Dreamer until Boss Man gets up and it becomes a two-on-one. This was until we hear some music familiar to the common ECW fan... SABU! Sabu is here on Raw! Sabu rushes down with a steel chair, slides in, and the ring is clear. Sabu comes to the aid of Tommy Dreamer tonight and has apparently joined Monday Night Raw.

After a commercial break, Ric Flair is in the ring. Flair addresses last night in a somber tone, admitting the obvious that Raw does not host the Undisputed WWF Champion. In addition, Flair breaks the news that Stone Cold Steve Austin will not be signing with Raw. Flair recaps a rough night at Backlash for Raw, but more importantly, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Flair said he was able to acquire Sabu, and that's only the beginning. Ric Flair makes his goal public to the world to leave Raw in better position after Judgment Day on May 19th than it is today.

Backstage, we see medical personnel huddled around someone passed out on the floor. Once it clears for a stretcher, we see it is The Rock on his face. The Rock is turned over and is loaded up on the stretcher, leaving the main event in doubt.

Goldust def. Christian in a singles match
Goldust uses Shattered Dreams to pick up a victory over Christian.

Triple H is asked by The Coach of what he is to do as he sees The Rock drove away from the arena. Triple H says it's obvious who is responsible, and if he has to go at it alone, Angle and Jericho will be twice as sorry.

In the ring, Big Show has the Cruiserweight Championship still. Big Show says he is holding the title hostage and it will take a cruiserweight to take it from him. Big Show said he already scheduled his first opponent, and out comes a midget by the name of "Short Sleeve Sampson." The referee can't believe this, but Big Show demands he ring the bell anyway.

Big Show def. Short Sleeve Sampson in a singles match
Big Show makes quick work of Short Sleeve Sampson, but the match lasts longer than it should have, simply for Big Show having fun before kicking Short Sleeve Sampson in the torso/head area to win.

Backstage, Goldust is seen in the locker room when he hears a knock at the door. Goldust invites the person in, when he realizes it is Terri, his ex-wife. Terri told Goldust he looked good out there and asked if he would join her for drinks, but Goldust turns her down.

After Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho have entered the ring in confident manners, Triple H is shown walking towards the curtain when Ric Flair tries to stop him. Flair has something important for Triple H, but Triple H is in battle mode and doesn't stop to hear his boss out, as Triple H heads immediately out.

Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle def. Triple H in a 2-on-1 handicap match
Triple H tried his best, but the numbers were too much, as Angle had the Angle Lock in and Jericho hit the Lionsault at the same time, before Angle picked Triple H up and hit the Angle Slam for the win.

After the match was over, Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle continued to beat down on the former Undisputed WWF Champion. But this was only met by oh too familiar music that stopped Jericho and Angle in their tracks. Ric Flair stepped out from the curtain, but it wasn't his music. It was the music of "The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels, and Michaels appeared moments after Ric Flair. Shawn stood at the top of the ramp before he darted to the ring and took on both Angle and Jericho, looking better than ever! Michaels then tuned up the band after Jericho had ran off, but he hit the Sweet Chin Music on Kurt Angle. Triple H then lifted himself up to his feet to see Shawn Michaels in a WWF ring once again. Triple H then hugs his friend and this moment is how Raw ends tonight. While Raw had missed out on Stone Cold Steve Austin, it appears they compensated well.