2002 | Monday Night Raw

[blackHEART]

Monday Night Raw | May 13, 2002

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler give a brief overview of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament thus far, reminding fans both semifinal matchups will take place tonight and the finals will commence this Sunday at Judgment Day to determine the first-ever World Heavyweight Champion for Raw. They send it to the ring for the first or two semifinals - a triple threat, as they review how that came about, with Edge and Chris Jericho drawing.

Shawn Michaels def. Chris Jericho and Edge in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinals
Jericho was closing in on a trip to the Finals, with Edge having nowhere to go in the Walls of Jericho until The Rock's music hit. The Rock stood at the ramp and Jericho had let go because of shock. Jericho then turned around after the music had stopped to eat Sweet Chin Music and HBK is moving to the Finals.

The Rock had made his way to the ring after it had cleared. Michaels celebrated and went to the back, as followed by Edge, while Jericho had stumbled to the curtain. The Rock had Jericho stop there, and The Rock brought up his attack that landed him out of this very tournament. The Rock said it was one man that cost him, and as The Rock requested the footage, it showed Jericho attacking The Rock from behind with a lead pipe. The Rock then informs Jericho, as the rest of the world, that he is cleared to wrestle this Sunday at Judgment Day and has a date with Y2J. Jericho wasn't too fond of this and warned The Rock he's going down, and he'll regret ever showing up here tonight.

Goldust is backstage when Terri comes up to Goldust. Terri tries to reconcile their differences, that once being married, they should still be able to get along. Then enters Trish Stratus into the picture, and Goldust never looks back at Terri. Stratus drops the news that she talked Ric Flair into getting Goldust a match at Judgment Day this Sunday. Goldust asks against who, and Stratus informs him he'll be competing for the Intercontinental Championship against Rob Van Dam. Goldust is so elated and he and Stratus celebrate as Terri turns around and walks off agitated.

Big Show def. Local in a singles match
After possessing the Cruiserweight Championship last week, Big Show defeated a small local wrestler, classified as a cruiserweight, and finished him off with a Chokeslam with the hang time of 12 seconds.

Big Show takes some time on the microphone to urge everyone to tune into Judgment Day this Sunday. As he raises the Cruiserweight Championship to his face, Big Show announces that he will dispose of the Cruiserweight division once and for all when the championship along with the entire division is thrown away.

Shawn Michaels is asked by The Coach about earlier tonight, and Shawn asks why The Coach isn't congratulating him. HBK admits he had nothing to do with The Rock, not even knowing he was in the building tonight, but it sure backfired on Chris Jericho. The Coach then asked if he would prefer to wrestle Kurt Angle or Triple H this Sunday. Michaels said he would love to get his hands on Angle after attacking him last week, just as much as the dream match to see him face his best friend Triple H. Michaels answers that with no preference, because he's come back to become the World Heavyweight Champion.

As the next match begins, number-one contender Goldust is led out by Trish Stratus to watch this match from the stage.

Rob Van Dam def. D'Lo Brown in a non-title match
As D'Lo Brown went up top for his frog splash, RVD hopped up and hit a hurricanrana, to follow up with his own 5-Star Frog Splash to gain momentum headed into Sunday for his title defense.

When Kurt Angle is interviewed by The Coach, he's asked about his choice to attack Shawn Michaels after last week's quarterfinals matchup. Angle said he doesn't owe The Coach an explanation and was adamant for not giving him one. The Coach changes the question and asks about his thoughts headed into his match against Triple H tonight. Angle bragged about making the Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam tap out and predicted the same result for tonight's main event, and then again for Sunday's pay-per-view event when he becomes the first World Heavyweight Champion.

Hardcore Champion Raven comes with Big Boss Man and Justin Credible. Raven boasts of the assembly he's made and the constant times he's outsmarted both Tommy Dreamer and Sabu. Raven then mentions the tag team match this Sunday when he and Big Boss Man take on Dreamer and Sabu, while Raven suggests it will be no different. Then, Dreamer and Sabu come to the ring as Dreamer accompanies for Sabu's match versus Justin Credible.

Sabu (with Tommy Dreamer) def. Justin Credible (with Big Boss Man and Raven)
Sabu pulls out the Arabian Clutch for Credible to submit to, leaving Raven and Big Boss Man unimpressed in Credible's efforts.

Trish Stratus is talking up Goldust in the hallway about his title opportunity this Sunday at Judgment Day when she leaves him be and enters the women's locker room. There, Trish Stratus is confronted by a skeptical Terri. Terri openly admits she doesn't trust Trish and doesn't believe she's all that sincere towards Goldust. Stratus laughs and tells Terri she's better off forgetting about Goldust, because after this Sunday, she will be the one going home with the Intercontinental Champion. Trish walks away to the lockers, when Terri asks if that's going to be similar how she went home with the Raw General Manager last week. Trish stops in her tracks and laughs it off, before shaking her head and answering that with a no, comparing it more with Terri's tape with Val Venis - a reference to 1998 when Terri cheated on her then-husband with the infamous adult film star.

Back to ringside, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler announce all that Raw will represent at Judgment Day, including The Rock's return versus Chris Jericho and Big Show's promise of disposing the Cruiserweight division "one and for all." They then mention the World Heavyweight Champion for Raw will be crowned this Sunday as the finals take place, prepping for the main event next between Kurt Angle and Triple H.

Kurt Angle def. Triple H in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semifinals
While the Angle Lock was applied, Triple H countered it and sent Angle's shoulder into the post and then ate a Pedigree, but it was only for 2. It wasn't until they both got to a vertical base and went at it for a few minutes before Triple H swung and got caught in an Angle Slam, where Angle reached over and covered Triple H.

As Kurt Angle slowly got up, advancing to the finals this Sunday, he turned around into a Sweet Chin Music by Shawn Michaels. This could've been redemption from Angle's attack after the main event last week. Shawn Michaels stood tall and signaled that the title would be around his waist this Sunday as he then turned to Triple H. Triple H and Shawn Michaels embraced, with "The Game" clearly heartbroken, as he raises the hand of whom he wishes to be the eventual winner Sunday.

[blackHEART]

Thursday Night SmackDown | May 16, 2002


What you need to know...

Tonight's episode began with Hulk Hogan, reflecting on his career back in the WWF and the days he bodyslammed Andre the Giant, to WCW and forming the nWo to run through the entire company and professional wrestling, and to now when he's kicked out of his own group. Hogan says he has an unique opportunity to beat X-Pac this Sunday. While Hogan is in the ring, Vince McMahon appears. Vince lets Hogan know that he is wrestling in the main event tonight with big stipulations. If Hogan wins, he will wrestle X-Pac one-on-one. If Nash wins, then both Nash and Hall will be ringside for Sunday's match.

"The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar beat Hurricane with an F-5 to continue on this undefeated roll since his debut last month at Backlash.

The Dudley Boyz would wrestle Crash Holly and Hardcore Holly after they took offence to Crash being put through a table as a symbolic gesture to the WWF Tag Team Champions. The Dudley Boyz would beat them after a 3D to Hardcore Holly. However, they had to look to the big screen as Billy and Chuck had set up an entire array of tables in a closed off room, while Rico addressed the challengers prior to this Sunday's Tables Match. Then, we see a bloodied Spike Dudley be dragged into the frame by Billy and Chuck. They then toss Spike Dudley into three tables, as both Bubba Ray and D-Von can't take it, before the fourth table is the champions' version of a 3D. Rico lets the Dudley Boyz know they'll see them in Nashville.

After William Regal defeated Tazz, the number-one contender Kane rushed down and the two brawled. Regal pulled his brass knuckles out during the fight and this laid the Big Red Monster out. Regal used this time to grab his belt and run off, but as Regal retreated, Kane sat up and got up to a vertical base, frightening the European Champion.

In a triple threat match, Ivory would defeat Jacqueline and Stacy Keibler, beating Keibler with Poison Ivory to earn a title match versus Jazz at Judgment Day. Ivory lost to Jazz at Backlash last month.

Stone Cold Steve Austin returned the favor by speaking his mind. Addressing The Undertaker's comments last week, Stone Cold said he doesn't need anyone by him to whoop The Undertaker at Judgment Day, as he's never needed anyone in his life. Stone Cold explained he chose SmackDown to become the WWF Champion and he wants to beat The Undertaker for it, which will happen this Sunday.

In the main event, Hulk Hogan fought Kevin Nash. With the stipulation of the nWo's rights at ringside this Sunday on the line, it wasn't clear for tonight. X-Pac and Scott Hall would rush down when Nash was in danger of the big leg drop, distracting Hogan. Hogan would leave the ring and punch Scott Hall down. Hogan chased X-Pac up the ramp and mouthed off, but by the time Hogan realized, he had been counted out. Hogan was then ambushed from behind by Scott Hall, as X-Pac then came back and joined in. X-Pac and Scott Hall threw Hogan into the steel steps before sending him in the ring for Kevin Nash to hit a Jackknife Powerbomb, leaving Hogan down and helpless once again as the WWF heads into Judgment Day.

[blackHEART]

With the card for WWF Judgment Day 2002 being known, WWF.com has released an official prediction post for fans to submit.

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

WWF Judgment Day
brands: Raw and SmackDown!
date: May 19, 2002
location: Nashville, Tennessee


match card:

WWF Women's Championship Match
Jazz© vs. Ivory
winner:
method: (pinfall/submission/count-out/DQ/etc)

Tag Team Match
Big Boss Man and Raven (with Justin Credible) vs. Sabu and Tommy Dreamer
winners:
method:
who scores fall:
who loses fall:

Intercontinental Championship Match
Rob Van Dam© vs. Goldust (with Trish Stratus)
winner:
method:

Singles Match
Chris Jericho vs. The Rock
winner:
method:

Singles Match
Hulk Hogan vs. X-Pac (with nWo)
winner:
method:

WWF Tag Team Championships (Tables) Match
Billy and Chuck© vs. The Dudley Boyz
winners:
method:
who scores fall:
who loses fall:

European Championship (No DQ) Match
William Regal© vs. Kane
winner:
method:
who scores fall:
who loses fall:

WWF Championship Match
The Undertaker© vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
winner:
method:

World Heavyweight Championship Tournament - Finals
Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
winner:
method:

Chosen One predictions? Once you get them in, I'll post the show.

[Chosen One]

Predictions, predictions...

Here we go!

Jazz
Big Boss Man & Raven
RVD
The Rock
X-Pac
Billy & Chuck
KANE!

Now for the grand finale!

I’m saying Undertaker retains but not cleanly. He may not even be the one to put Stone Cold down. Idk... Just a gut feeling that a surprise is lurking in this match.

Kurt Angle! AND TRIPLE H IS COSTING HBK! MARK MY WORDS!!!!

[blackHEART]

WWF Judgment Day | May 19, 2002

WWF Judgment Day starts with a hype video of how we got here tonight, starting with last month's Backlash where The Undertaker took the WWF Championship to SmackDown. This event along with Stone Cold opting to sign with the blue brand brought us to one of the two main events in tonight's event. The other was with the collateral effect of not having a world champion on Raw, Ric Flair began a tournament and with the return of Shawn Michaels, he advanced to wrestle Kurt Angle to determine the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion for Raw. They then send it to the ring when we begin with SmackDown and a Tables Match.

The Dudley Boyz def. Billy and Chuck© (with Rico) in a Tables Match for the WWF Tag Team Championships
After several close calls for both teams, and even with Rico getting involved, Spike Dudley rushed to the ring and evened the odds, enough for Chuck to be put through a table with the 3D.

The Dudley Boyz celebrated becoming 7-time tag team champions as they send it backstage with The Coach who is with Chris Jericho. The Coach asks if Jericho's attack on The Rock last month was worth it, knowing he will go one-on-one with The Great One tonight at Judgment Day. Jericho explained he tried doing The Rock a favor. Jericho said The Rock's era is passing him by, and he just was going to quietly put him down. Now that he's cost him the chance to become the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion, he'll do that in front of the entire world and have no shame embarrassing The Rock.

Goldust (with Trish Stratus) def. Rob Van Dam© for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
RVD was up top for the 5-Star Frog Splash, but Stratus got involved by holding the leg of RVD, allowing enough time for Goldust to recover and body slam RVD to the mat to win his fourth Intercontinental Championship, the first since 1999.

Backstage, Ric Flair is watching the event from his office when Vince McMahon walks in. Vince asks if he wanted to see him, and Flair said he had business to discuss with Vince. Vince elevated himself up as a businessman beyond any personal begrudges, so he is all ears, before Flair looks at the camera and issues it to be private. Vince orders the camera guy rudely to leave them be.

Kane def. William Regal© in a No DQ Match for the WWF European Championship
It was the chokeslam on a steel chair, followed by a Tombstone Piledriver on the same exact chair, that pried the European Championship out of Regal's hands.

Shawn Michaels is shown backstage preparing for his World Heavyweight Championship match against Kurt Angle tonight, when his best friend Triple H comes onto the scene. Triple H wishes Michaels luck, and Michaels appreciates that. Triple H offers to watch his back tonight, but Michaels declines, saying he wants Angle to have no excuses when he's choking on his teeth tonight. Triple H understands and leaves Michaels be before his big title match.

Sabu and Tommy Dreamer def. Big Boss Man and Raven in a tag team match
In a normal two-on-two tag team match, Sabu is able to put the Arabian Clutch on Raven and force the Hardcore Champion to submit.

Prior to the next match, SmackDown's broadcasting team of Michael Cole and Tazz recap the feud between the nWo and Hulk Hogan since Hogan was kicked out.

Hulk Hogan def. X-Pac (with nWo) in a singles match
Hogan overcame the odds with Nash and Hall ringside before kicking X-Pac to the mat and hitting the big leg drop to win.

Big Show comes to the ring with the Cruiserweight Championship. Big Show lays the belt in the ring and gets a trash can from under the ring and tosses it in there. Big Show sets the can in the center of the ring. Big Show reminds everyone that he is personally burying the Cruiserweight Championship along with its division. Big Show declares the division obsolete by lifting the can and dropping the title in there. This is met with Tajiri's music as he stands at the stage in defiance to Big Show's actions. Big Show declares it dead, but in comes several men to disagree. Scotty 2 Hotty, SmackDown's Hurricane and Billy Kidman, along with one of the hottest free agents in the world, Jushin Thunder Liger, all stand united with Tajiri. The men then rush down and all take on the Big Show at the same time. Big Show is holding his weight before Tajiri gets the mist in his eyes and then the cruiserweights are able to get the big man down. They each take their own moves on the Big Show, and commencing in the Hurricane trying to chokeslam Big Show, but the others helping lift the Big Show in a collective effort. After this, Tajiri lifts the Cruiserweight Championship from the can as it appears the division is more alive than ever.

Ric Flair is shown watching with Vince McMahon what transpired. Flair let Vince know he appreciates that trade, and it couldn't have come at a better time. They shake hands, but then Vince lets Flair know that he can have the cruiserweights, but SmackDown got the best end of the deal. Vince walks away as Flair scoffs and continues watching.

The Rock def. Chris Jericho in a singles match
After costing each other both an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship, The Rock came out on top after hitting a Rock Bottom on Y2J.

Michael Cole and Tazz recall that each championship has changed hands thus far. They then advertise the Women's Championship match to take place next.

Jazz© def. Ivory for the WWF Women's Championship
The Jazz Stinger secures the first successful title defense of the night.

Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross recap a historic and memorable night for Monday Night Raw. They are curious as to how everything will unfold tomorrow night on Raw, especially with the cruiserweight division acquisitions like Kidman and Hurricane from SmackDown, along with the signing of Jushin Thunder Liger. They then turn their attentions to Raw's main event of the night, the finals of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament. They show both paths to the finals of Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle, as they let the action commence now.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kurt Angle def. Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship
A Sweet Chin Music meant for Angle was received by the referee after Angle ducked. Michaels was then caught with a deliberate low-blow that dropped him to the floor. Angle locked in the Angle Lock and Michaels struggled, but slowly fainted, and another referee had to come down and stop the match, rewarding Angle the World Heavyweight Championship.

After the match ended, the referee got medical attention and while Kurt Angle celebrated, Triple H came down and forced Angle out of the ring as Triple H checked on his best friend. After regaining consciousness, Shawn Michaels was helped up by Triple H and was helped to the back.

SmackDown closes the night, as we get a video package prior to the WWF Championship main event now.

SPOILER: Click to show

The Undertaker© def. Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship
In the middle of the match, the referee trips and goes to retie his shoe when Stone Cold hits the Stunner on the champion. Stone Cold makes the cover and gets more than 3, but the official doesn't realize. Stone Cold then goes over and gets the attention of him, before going to pin The Undertaker again and only gets a 2-count. Stone Cold is irate with the ref and backs him up into a corner complaining before turning around and getting his throat caught by the champion, before Undertaker turns it into a Tombstone Piledriver and a victory.

Judgment Day ends after Michael Cole calling out the controversy that happened tonight.

[Chosen One]

Judgement Day, here we go.

Good opener to have the Dudleyz capture the tag titles.  It sets the tone for the rest of the ppv.

Goldust won!  YES!  Here’s hoping for an awesome reign.

KAAAAAANE!  Treat this reign right and you’ll have the most dominant European Champion of all time!

Sabu and Dreamer picking up the victory was a good call.

Really glad Hogan won here.  No way X-Pac had a real chance here.

 Hahahahaha all the Cruiserweights beat up Big Show!

The Rock is victorious, but knowing Y2J...  This isn’t over.

Jazz winning is nice.  Now how will her reign be?

I want a rematch! *clap, clap, clap!*. Stone Cold got screwed.  This definitely isn’t over!

100% thought Triple H was costing Michaels.  Glad to see Angle win the strap, but I still want to see 1 more HBK title reign while he’s in his prime.

Keep it up man.  You’re work exceeds all expectations.  Can’t get enough of it!

[blackHEART]

Oct 8, 2018 0:51:38 GMT -5 Chosen One said:

Judgement Day, here we go.

Good opener to have the Dudleyz capture the tag titles.  It sets the tone for the rest of the ppv.

Goldust won!  YES!  Here’s hoping for an awesome reign.

KAAAAAANE!  Treat this reign right and you’ll have the most dominant European Champion of all time!

Sabu and Dreamer picking up the victory was a good call.

Really glad Hogan won here.  No way X-Pac had a real chance here.

 Hahahahaha all the Cruiserweights beat up Big Show!

The Rock is victorious, but knowing Y2J...  This isn’t over.

Jazz winning is nice.  Now how will her reign be?

I want a rematch! *clap, clap, clap!*. Stone Cold got screwed.  This definitely isn’t over!

100% thought Triple H was costing Michaels.  Glad to see Angle win the strap, but I still want to see 1 more HBK title reign while he’s in his prime.

Keep it up man.  You’re work exceeds all expectations.  Can’t get enough of it!

Thank you for the feedback man! There's definitely some twists and turns coming. I believe you'll continue to be interested in the product moving forward.

[blackHEART]

Monday Night Raw | May 20, 2002

Raw kicks off with "The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels coming to the ring with Triple H. Michaels addresses last night's events, but he doesn't request another opportunity. Michaels said what Angle did, he probably would have done too at one point in his career, so he chooses not to be mad. Triple H took a moment to tell how proud he is of Shawn and all he's done to get back to this point, and he will be World Heavyweight Champion one day soon. This is interrupted by the World Heavyweight Champion and Kurt Angle piles on after last night's win, calling Michaels washed up and Triple H the Robin to Shawn's glory days. Triple H and Michaels look at each other, before agreeing to issue this challenge, a main event for tonight. They announced they will team up, for the first time in years, if Angle gets a partner. Angle laughs and accepts, as a huge main event was just announced!

We get a battle royal next, as it was announced by JR that this is for a "surprise opportunity" as quoted by Ric Flair.

20-Man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal
With 8 men left, Ric Flair suddenly comes out and stops the match.

Ric Flair suddenly asks to stop the match. The remaining eight of Big Show, Bradshaw, Chris Jericho, Christian, Edge, Mr. Perfect, The Rock, and Tommy Dreamer all look around confused. Flair says that is all he needs, and the good news is, each of them will receive the surprise opportunity. Flair clarified that June 23rd is the King of the Ring PPV event. Flair says next week they will begin the tournament to crown the next King of the Ring, and they will represent Monday Night Raw in the tournament. Flair wishes them all the best of luck, as they still look around at each other still unsure of what just happened.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler react to the big news, and they're excited that eight of the best Raw has to offer will compete in that tournament. They also talk of a moment to preview a big card for the rest of the night. The main event will be Triple H and Shawn Michaels back together again to face Kurt Angle and a partner of the champion's choosing. Plus, a title match take place tonight when Rob Van Dam gets his Intercontinental Championship rematch versus Goldust. Then, the cruiserweights are back in action as the division is alive and well in tag team action later tonight with Jushin Thunder Liger teaming with Scotty 2 Hotty to face the newest acquisitions from SmackDown, Billy Kidman and Hurricane.

Backstage in the hallway, Trish Stratus is on the phone when Terri interrupts the call. Stratus asks what Terri's problem is. Terri said that Goldust could have won that match on his own last night. Trish laughed and Terri claimed Stratus doesn't respect Goldust enough. Stratus reminded Terri that he is the Intercontinental Champion today, which is all that matters. Terri said if she respects Goldust enough, she won't accompany him tonight.

Sabu def. Big Boss Man in a singles match
The Hardcore Champion Raven was ringside to watch Sabu make Boss Man submit to the Arabian Clutch, the same hold that had Raven tap out last night.

Kurt Angle is backstage walking around in a hurry when he's stopped by The Coach. The Coach asks Angle if he believes he can find a partner in time for tonight's main event. Angle said he doesn't have time to talk, but he'll have a partner, and it will be to the detriment of Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Billy Kidman and Hurricane vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Scotty 2 Hotty in a tag team match
This match was thrown out after Big Show spoiled the party and laid the four cruiserweights out.

After Big Show ruined the tag team match for the renewed cruiserweight division, he grabbed a microphone and let Tajiri know that once he is King of the Ring, he will declare the division no more. Big Show was sure to say this was far from over, and won't be until the division is over.

Trish Stratus is talking with the new Intercontinental Champion Goldust and lets him know she'll be remaining backstage for his title match. Learning this moments before he needs to go out, he gets upset and questions why, but Trish reaffirms she believes in him and doesn't want any excuses from Rob Van Dam or anyone else. Goldust isn't happy about it, saying having Trish at ringside gives him new life and he yearns for her to be by his side. Trish pats him on the chest and lets him know he'll be fine.

In another part of the backstage area, Shawn Michaels and Triple H are being interviewed by The Coach about the choice to team up once again tonight on Raw. Michaels takes over the question as Triple H is pulled away for a moment by a worker, and Michaels says that he and Triple H are the best of friends and have known each other for a long time. When he went away, Triple H took the ball, ran with it, and evolved into a whole other competitor in the ring. Shawn says if he has to go to war against anyone, he wants The Game by his side. Just then, Triple H nudges as Michaels and lets him know "it" is here. They go back and forth on the word it, before Michaels excuses himself from the interview.

Rob Van Dam def. Goldust© for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
After suggesting Stratus stay in the back, Terri came down towards the end to support Goldust. This was met by Trish Stratus rushing down and the two fought, distracting Goldust, who then ate a spinning heel kick, followed by a 5-Star Frog Splash to lose the title he won last night.

Ric Flair sees Big Boss Man and Justin Credible backstage, and when Flair asks about Raven's whereabouts, they inform Flair that the Hardcore Champion checked out early and had business to attend to. Flair asks them to relay the message that next week, Raven will defend his title in a Hardcore Match against the man who has beat all three of them in a span of 8 nights - Sabu. They don't seem too happy with it, so one can only imagine how Raven will react.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about the Hardcore Championship match announced for next week, along with the first round of the King of the Ring Tournament will begin! Bradshaw wrestles Tommy Dreamer in the opening round, along with Big Show squaring off against The Rock.

World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle comes to the ring and decides to pick a person he's teamed with before, and a person who qualified earlier for the King of the Ring Tournament. Chris Jericho comes to the ring ready to team with the champion, when Triple H's music hits. Triple H's music plays and he never comes out. They then play The Heart Break Kid's theme, and the same thing, he never comes out. Angle and Jericho laugh it off, about to leave the ring, when a third theme hits... the ole D-Generation X theme. The crowd erupts and out come Shawn Michaels and Triple H in refined DX gear. The two come out with green glowsticks as well, before entering the ring and leading the crowd in crotch chops, before introducing themselves as D-Generation X.

D-Generation X def. Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle in a tag team match
Triple H and Shawn Michaels, teaming up for the first time in a long time, get a win officially as Shawn hits the Sweet Chin Music on Kurt Angle and pins the World Heavyweight Champion.

Raw goes off tonight with Triple H and Shawn Michaels embracing after a big win, celebrating returning D-Generation X, at the least for one night, and doing so successfully.

[Chosen One]

KING OF THE RING!!!!!

Also...

THAT is how you make a DX reunion! You’re absolutely killing it man! Love your stuff.

[blackHEART]

Thursday Night SmackDown | May 23, 2002


What you need to know...

SmackDown kicked off with Vince McMahon acknowledging what Ric Flair did, and that's the King of the Ring Tournament taking place next month. Vince says tonight he'll have a few matches and keep a close eye on what's going on and then determine the eight to represent SmackDown.

Brock Lesnar, with Paul Heyman, was approached by Vince McMahon backstage and was told he's automatically being placed in the King of the Ring tournament. This didn't set well with Spike Dudley who overheard, and he had the balls to argue with Vince, before Lesnar took him and slung Spike Dudley around and then threw him into the wall with an F-5.

The Dudley Boyz would defeat the team of Maven and Shawn Stasiak in their first match as WWF Tag Team Champions. Billy and Chuck joined Michael Cole on commentary and mentioned they would be getting their titles back shortly, but Billy wants a spot in the King of the Ring Tournament so he can win it like he did in 1999.

William Regal as former European Champion came to the ring and whimpered about him losing the title to Kane on Sunday. This was met by Diamond Dallas Page, who prolonged a bad week for Regal with the Diamond Cutter after DDP was tired of listening.

Women's Champion Jazz made it clear she was years beyond the rest of the competition, and she's beginning to think the title will never leave her shoulder. Then all of a sudden, music hit of Molly Holly. Molly Holly explained to Jazz that a trade took place at Judgment Day, and now she is a member of the blue brand, and she wants the WWF Women's Championship. As this staredown occurred, Lita's music hit! Lita came out and said Molly Holly wasn't the only one who was traded to SmackDown. This ended in a three-way staredown as Jazz suddenly has two more competitors.

The nWo watched X-Pac lose to Chris Benoit to a Crippler Crossface. After the match, Nash and Hall entered and while X-Pac apologized, he was assaulted by both Nash and Hall. The two left X-Pac laying in the ring, but not until Hulk Hogan came out and protected X-Pac from any further damage.

Vince McMahon, after a night of action, took to announce the competitors for the King of the Ring tournament. In it he listed: Billy, Booker T, Brock Lesnar, Bubba Ray Dudley, Chris Benoit, Diamond Dallas Page, Kane, and Test. With these competitors, it was known that Billy is wrestling Test, Booker T wrestling Kane, Brock Lesnar wrestling Diamond Dallas Page, and Bubba Ray Dudley wrestling Chris Benoit. Vince said ALL these matches will take place on next week's SmackDown episode.

Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived at the arena in a sore mood and came at the tail-end of the show to address the results at Judgment Day. Stone Cold said he figured as much that Vince McMahon would cause some rift in his plans to become WWF Champion. Vince McMahon responded to these comments and said they were absurd, that he had nothing to do with it. Stone Cold wasn't buying it, then The Undertaker came into the picture. Undertaker said he pinned Stone Cold one-two-three and he can't handle it. This incited Stone Cold to exit the ring, run up the ramp, and engage in a fist fight with The Undertaker that went throughout the entire building and chaos was still ensuing when SmackDown went off air.