SummerSlam 2002
Live from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York
Theme: "Fight" by Jim Johnston
Sunday Night Heat
Tables Match
Big Show vs. Spike Dudley
Winner: Big Show at 2:35
Result: Spike really doesn't stand much of a chance. He does try and fight back, but Big Show dominates most of the 2 minutes this match had. It ends with a solid Chokeslam that rocks Spike nearly out of his shoes. Show then follows it up with a Chokeslam from the ring to a table on the outside.
Main Card:
Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio
Winner: Kurt Angle at 13:20
Result: These two spend most of this match challenging the technical ability of Kurt versus Rey's athleticism and speed. Things really come to a head when Rey hits a 619. Angle catches him mid-West Coast Pop with an Ankle Lock. Rey fights out and gets Kurt onto the top rope. Rey goes for a Hurricanrana from the top rope, but Kurt lands on his feet and quickly locks in another Ankle Lock. Despite Rey's best efforts, he is forced to tap out to the devastating maneuver.
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Before the next match, we go backstage where Stephanie McMahon is bragging about the last match to a random backstage guy. She then enters the "General Manager"'s office where she finds Eric Bischoff with his patented smirk. Since this is the only office, Eric proposes that they share it for the night as it is "neutral territory" being a pay-per-view and all. Stephanie tells Eric to watch as SmackDown! reigns supreme. Eric tells Stephanie to take out some pen and paper and "take some notes."
Ric Flair vs. Chris Jericho
Winner: Ric Flair at 10:22
Result: These two go back and forth a lot of the match, but a lot of Y2J's downfalls come from him emulating Flair down to a T. Jericho gets Flair into a Figure 4, but Flair gets to the ropes. A brief distraction from Flair to the referee allows the Nature Boy to back kick Jericho down low. He then locks in a Figure 4 and gets Jericho to tap out.
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Before the next match, we go backstage where Paul Heyman watches the last match. He tells Lesnar that Flair can pick up any sympathy win he wants because he's already proven he's nothing against Brock Lesnar. Heyman hypes up Lesnar big time before letting him know that the Great One is just the next person to fall to the Next Big Thing.
After that, we cut to Steve Austin who is in his own locker room. He is seen stretching and getting ready whilst JR and King hype up how huge the main event is tonight as well as how much is on his shoulders by recapturing the Undisputed Title from the nWo.
Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero
Winner: Edge at 11:50
Result: Two of SmackDown!'s up and coming stars go toe-to-toe for over 11 minutes with neither man giving the other much breathing room. Soon, as Eddie attempts to steal a victory using a chair, he finds himself being hit with a drop toe hold that sends the chair back in his face. Edge goes for an Edgecution, but Eddie rolls out of it into a dropkick. Eddie goes for Frog Splash, but Edge get his knees up. This proves enough for Edge to nail a Spear to Eddie to get the victory.
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Before the next match, we get a brief promo regarding how the WWE has no breaks or day-offs and that contract disputes and other issues are settled "a bit differently." It's mocking the MLB lockout that is happening around this time.
After that, we go backstage where Jonathan Coachman talks briefly to the Un-Americans. When Coach brings up that should they win, they will be able to burn the US flag live on pay-per-view, it's Christian who intercedes. They can't wait to expose Booker T, Goldust, and Bubba Ray Dudley as hypocritical Americans. They just hate how it's Long Island who gets to view the honor. Coach questions why that's a problem, and Lance says that it's because they exemplify every negative trait they have against US citizens. Christian says that Americans always want more. Tonight...they'll give them more. They'll give them so much more that they'll be on fire...much like the US flag when they walk away winners.
Before we actually get to the next match, Tazz and Michael Cole lead up to it before a video package plays detailing it in much more detail.
Rikishi vs. Albert
Winner: Albert at 8:18
Result: These two hosses are fighting for different things with Rikishi more interested in revenge whilst Albert just wants to tear Rikishi apart. Early in the match, Albert runs over Rikishi with a clothesline that sends the Samoan inside out. Cole mentions that it's like a train rolling through. It sticks and Tazz takes a liking to the analogy. Rikishi does eventually fight back with a Samoan Drop that Albert kicks out of. Rikishi ducks a follow-up Bicycle Kick before hitting a Superkick that sends Albert into the corner. He goes for a Stink Face, but Albert rolls out of the ring. Rikishi tries to go for him, but Albert cuts him off with a Bicycle Kick. Albert throws Rikishi into the ring and hits another one before hitting a Baldo Bomb that sends the ring rocking. That's enough for Albert to score the win.
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We go to the The World in Times Square where a couple of male fans are being judged by Nidia for a "make out contest." Nidia eventually makes her pick, but as she starts going to town on him on the couch, The Hurricane descends from the rafters. Hurricane hits a Chokeslam to Jamie as Nidia just completely ignores that to continue making out with the lucky fan. We cut to Eric and Stephanie who are equal parts appalled and shocked. Eric compliments the level of "talent" they have on SmackDown! before Stephanie mentions that they're talent is good enough to steal the Intercontinental Title from under Eric's nose. Eric mentions that unlike Stephanie, Nidia "knows her place in this business." Stephanie says that women in this business are like her: on top. Eric responds by saying that RVD or X-Pac will prove that they're "on top" by taking the Intercontinental Title back. Stephanie responds by saying that that'll never happen.
WWE Intercontinental Title in a Fatal 4-Way Match
SD's Chris Benoit (C) vs. SD's The Undertaker vs. RAW's Rob Van Dam vs. RAW's X-Pac
Winner: Rob Van Dam at 20:30
Result: All four men take turns really taking it to the other and getting a chance to stay on top. Benoit focuses on tearing down RVD with submissions. Taker focuses on making sure X-Pac is beaten down in the ring. RVD focuses on Taker by keeping it to the mat with strikes. X-Pac uses cheap tactics like low blows and eye pokes to take it to Benoit. It all comes to a head when Benoit has X-Pac in a Crossface. RVD hits a Five Star Frog Splash mid-move to break it up. RVD goes up to for another one, but Taker crotches him. Taker then takes it to X-Pac and Benoit for a bit before hitting a Last Ride to X-Pac in the middle of the ring. He goes for another one to Benoit who reverses it into a Hurricanrana to send both men over the top out of the ring. RVD follows it up with a Five Star Frog Splash to X-Pac to regain his Intercontinental Title.
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We quickly head backstage where Eric is gloating to Stephanie that she should adhere to the old saying "never say never." Eric says that Stephanie can happily watch the Intercontinental Champion on RAW and before Stephanie can say anything else, Eric says that...perhaps the Intercontinental Title isn't the only championship that will soon be exclusive to his brand. Eric walks away with a smirk as Stephanie looks on confused.
Before the next match, we cut to another part of the arena where the nWo are in their locker room. Hulk Hogan is shining up his Undisputed Title real nice whilst focusing on it intently. The Outsiders are consoling X-Pac on his loss when Coach knocks and is told to enter. He asks how Nash and Hall feel going into their Tag Title defense later on tonight with Triple H still not medically cleared. Nash and Hall tell Coach that they gave DX a chance to join the supergroup that could be the nWo but they turned down years of friendship for the sake of a feel good moment that won't last. After tonight, the only thing that's going to "suck" around here is going to be DX after the nWo retain their titles. Coach then tries to ask Hogan some questions, but the other three members tell him to leave because Hogan is focusing on his match tonight.
Michael Cole and Tazz quickly run down how we got to the next match before a video package airs going into further detail on it.
WWE Women's Title in a Strap Match
Molly Holly (C) vs. Trish Stratus
Winner: Trish Stratus at 9:11
Result: With these two women tied together, there isn't any real moments for Molly to keep control. This allows Trish to dominate the first half of the match. However, the no disqualification aspects of the match allows Molly to take advantage long enough to stop Trish from ever getting all four turnbuckles. The end really comes when Molly goes for a Molly Go Round, but Trish ducks it, securing the third turnbuckle. She goes for the last one, but Molly keeps her back. Jazz rushes in and goes for Trish. However, Molly pull Trish forward at the right time, allowing Stratus to duck a clothesline and Holly to meet one from Jazz. Jazz is taken down with a Chick Kick, allowing Trish open access to get the last turnbuckle.
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Before the next match, JR and King breakdown what the stipulations really mean before a video package details the journey.
6-Man Tag Team Match Where If The Un-Americans Win, They Can Burn the American Flag
The Un-Americans (Christian, Lance Storm, and Test) vs. Booker T, Goldust, and Bubba Ray Dudley
Winners: Booker T, Goldust, and Bubba Ray Dudley at 12:37
Result: Despite The Un-Americans pulling out every trick that they might have, none if it is enough to keep the US team down. Things take a dark turn when Booker ducks a kick by Lance that nails the ref. A few low blows and shots with chairs leave the US trio down. Christian goes for a con-chair-to to Booker before he gets out of it and starts to fight back all by himself. Booker takes Test out of the ring and avoids a Big Boot that sends the big man over the barricade. Booker hits a Superkick to Lance that takes him down before going for a Book End to Christian. Christian fights out of it and goes for an Unprettier onto the chair. Booker shoves him away into a Bubba Bomb. Lance takes Bubba out of the ring, allowing Booker to hit a Scissors Kick to Christian to pick up the win and keep the American flag safe.
After the match, the US team fly Old Glory high and proud much to Long Island's joy.
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Before the next match, JR and King make it clear that Triple H is still not cleared to compete. To fully understand why, we get a video package that details how we got here.
WWE Tag Team Titles
The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) (C) vs. D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels)
Winners: No Contest at 23:50
Result: Despite this being a handicap match, Shawn Michaels comes out in a blaze of glory for a return to form. For the first match back from injury and DX's first match in nearly 2 years, Shawn Michaels shows the world that he hasn't lost any steps in between. Unfortunately, Nash and Hall don't make it easy for him. They quickly take advantage of the ref distraction by beating on HBK's back. HBK spends much of the match trying to come back, but does eventually catch them off guard by getting off a Razor's Edge and sending Hall out of the ring. Nash goes for a Jackknife, but HBK gets behind him and starts to mount his comeback. This takes a worse turn when Nash distracts the referee to allow Hall to hit HBK with one of the tag title belts which busts Shawn open. Now a bloody mess, HBK tries even more valiantly to fight back, including kicking out of a Jackknife Powerbomb. Hall goes for a Razor's Edge, but they are distracted by Triple H walking out with a neck brace on and his sledgehammer in hand. He limps slowly down, allowing HBK to get down and hit Sweet Chin Music to Hall. Nash attempts to intercede, but a ducked Big Boot leads to another Sweet Chin Music to him. As Triple H hits ringside, X-Pac pops out and tries to make a difference, but is hit with a sledgehammer to the gut. Shawn quickly pops the ref before cross chopping his prone body. This officially throws the match out with JR calling out the ref's "shoddy officiating."
After the match, a weakened Triple H blasts Hall and Nash in the gut with the sledgehammer before HBK takes it to them. Triple H watches as HBK nails Nash with one more Sweet Chin Music and hitting an Elbow Drop from the top rope to Scott Hall through the Spanish announce table. DX walk away on top with Triple H wary of his injury.
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Before the next match, Howard Finkel is in the ring for some reason. He starts getting pompous and says that this is the first time he's announced here since WrestleMania 2. He then says that just because MLB might be going on strike, we will always have The Fink. Trish Stratus then comes out with her new title in tow. Howard takes exception to this as Trish has taken exception to Howard's recent shenanigans on Raw. Trish apologizes to Howard for a bit, really laying it on thick. She mentions that upon hearing him announce her title win earlier, she realized what a sexy voice he has. To truly apologize, Trish has a surprise for Fink. Fink, truly proving how much of a creep he is, says that it's a dog eat dog world since Trish has the puppies, and Howard has his...wiener. Lord help us all until Trish says that her real surprise...is behind him. Lillian Garcia has entered the ring much to Howard's surprise and annoyance. Lillian than slaps the taste out of Howard's mouth before kicking him right into his...wiener. Trish and Lillian celebrate a bit before the former is attacked from behind by a black haired woman. This woman is looking sort of crazy and starts to pull her hair whilst staring down at Trish. After a bit, Trish gets up and looks on before taking a harsh boot to the face. Refs get into the ring to separate them as this black haired woman stares down at her before crawling towards the Women's Title. She places her hand on it while looking down at Trish before exiting the ring.
Following that, Cole and Tazz try to recover by detailing the next contest. A video package plays that goes further into it.
Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman vs. The Rock
Winner: Brock Lesnar at 15:50
Result: Lesnar uses a lot of his power to keep Rock down, but Rock uses his athleticism to fight back wherever he can. Heyman tries once to make a difference, but Rock puts that down with a Rock Bottom through the SmackDown! announce table. From there, Brock really takes control with powerslams, powerbombs, and clotheslines. Eventually, Rock busts out of an F5 into a Rock Bottom which Brock kicks out of. Soon after, they fight outside of the ring where Rock sends Brock catapulting into the turnbuckle post. Rock starts laying into Brock from there, getting a spinebuster and going for a People's Elbow. Brock cuts it off with a clothesline. Brock goes for an F5, but Rock gets out and gets a Sharpshooter on Lesnar. Lesnar fights out and flings Rock across the ring. Rock hits a Spinebuster and goes for another People's Elbow. Brock moves at the last moment, causing Rock to hit the mat. Lesnar sets up for an F5, but Rock reverses it into another Rock Bottom attempt. Lesnar reverses that into a final and conclusive F5 that keeps the Great One down.
After the match, Rock gets a mic and starts to cut a promo that gets drowned out by the fans' boos. He tries a couple times but can't get any word in as the fans just keep on jeering him. Rock takes a few moments before getting noticeably pissed. He says that whether the fans like it or not, he's still their People's Champ. He ends it by saying that as of right now, sing along with The Rock...is over. He throws the mic down and hits the back with a smile.
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As JR and King start to speculate on what that means, we head backstage where Austin is heading to the ring. JR and King build up what this means tonight for Austin. A year and a half ago, Austin sold his soul because he needed to win the Undisputed Title. Tonight, he represents the WWE against the nWo. The WWE locker room will all be watching him as he attempts to regain the title from the nWo's clutches. The pressure most certainly is on the Rattlesnake's wounded neck.
On the flip side, we see Hogan in his locker room, still looking at the Undisputed Title in his grasp. The door is knocked on and Eric Bischoff enters. He walks up to Hogan and we see him looking closely at Hollywood in the mirror. Eric says that it's time. Hogan stands up and puts the title on his shoulder. Eric and Hogan shake hands before the champ heads out.
We then get a video package detailing the nWo's start of their journey all the way to now.
Undisputed WWE Title, Icon vs. Icon, First Time Ever
Hollywood Hulk Hogan (C) vs. Steve Austin
Winner: Hollywood Hulk Hogan at 17:48
Result: After a good while of posturing and grandstanding, things come to a head with Austin getting the upperhand. This continues for a bit until Hogan gouges the eyes a couple times to gain control. He uses his belt to whip Austin and choke him, but an unseen low blow by the referee keeps Austin on top. He returns the favor much to the ref's chagrin and sets up for a Stunner. Hogan pushes him away and heads outside. Austin is quick to get on him and the two brawl for a bit. Hogan eventually whips Austin into the steps. From there, Hogan really starts keeping control. He uses a couple unseen cheating tactics to maintain control, but a lot of it is just Hogan on top. Austin eventually fights out and regains control with a couple clotheslines and a Lou Thesz press. Austin stomps a mudhole in Hogan a couple times before going for a Stunner. Hogan throws him into the ref, taking him out. Hogan hits a low blow and grabs the Undisputed Title. He whacks Austin in the face with it, busting him open. Hogan goes for a Leg Drop, but Austin moves. Austin hits a Stunner to Hogan, but there's still no ref. A new ref comes out, but it's long enough that Hogan kicks out. A bleeding Austin goes for another Stunner, but Hogan throws him back. He hits a Big Boot and then the Running Leg Drop. Austin kicks out, and a flabbergasted Hogan immediately hits a Leg Drop to the ref in protest. Hogan ditches the new ref and tries to wake up the old one. Hogan, still annoyed, turns around into a Stunner by Austin. This bit of a break is enough for Triple H to start stumbling down to the ring, his sledgehammer in hand. His neck brace is still around his neck. As Triple H hobbles into the ring, he grabs the hammer and looks at Hogan before turning and nailing Austin in the face with his favorite weapon.
With this, Triple H rips off the neck brace and stares down at Austin. Triple H starts railing into a bloodied Austin before nailing him once again in the face with the sledgehammer. Triple H rolls out of the ring and makes sure the old ref is awake. This Hogan to hit a Running Leg Drop to Austin. That is enough to secure the win and retain the title.
After the match, Triple H and Hogan have a staredown, with neither looking to make a move. With a smirk, the two share a "Wolfpac" gesture before hugging it out. Fans start pelting the ring with trash as Hogan holds up the nWo painted belt. Nash and X-Pac limp out, the former holding his head and the latter holding his stomach. Triple H shares hugs with them too as trash continues to pour into the ring. Shawn Michaels hobbles out and immediately starts to question Triple H. The two have a staredown for a bit before X-Pac attempts to intercede. He gets a punch for his troubles. Nash goes for a clothesline, but is quickly punched as well. Hogan and HBK then have themselves a time-stopping confrontation that ends when Hunter nails him in the back with the sledgehammer. HBK hits his knees and Triple H tells him to look him in the eyes before sending another sledgehammer shot to the back. The nWo, with their newest member in tow, celebrate to end the night, pelted in trash. Kevin Kelly enters the ring attempts to figure out what's going on, but before Triple H can answer, he is promptly hit with a Pedigree for his troubles. HHH mockingly does a cross chop before JR signs us off, telling Triple H that he can go to hell.
