WWF Tag Team Title Match: Edge & Christian (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz
What a way to kick off what turned out to be one helluva event. After a great match, with several high spots (I mean, who doesn't enjoy a match with multiple groin shots?), the Dudleys came out on top with the Tag Team titles for the second time. It's just too bad the WWF doesn't turn them loose, especially on the mic.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title: Chris Benoit (c) vs. Chris Jericho
What can I say? I was wrong. I thought this match would absolutely suck. I'm not the biggest fan of Jericho, and for some reason I couldn't picture Benoit in a ladder match considering he's more of a technical wrestler, and not really a big high spot guy. Anyway, it turned out great. Lots of high points in this match, lots of interesting uses of the ladder. In the end, Jericho got the win after knocking Benoit off the ladder and over the top rope to the outside. I just really wish that the WWF would turn Jericho heel, he's really damn boring right now. I loved his work in WCW and early on in the WWF. Anyway, another Intercontinental Title reign for Y2J.
We had been seeing backstage some things involving ABC star Drew Carey. First off, that guy is funny as hell. But earlier in the night, we had seen Drew being sent to Trish's dressing room. Now that Drew had arrived, and was hitting on Trish, Vince McMahon just happened to walk in. Vince puts Drew in the Royal Rumble match, surely as punishment for hitting on Trish.
WWF Women's Title Match: Ivory (c) w/ Steven Richards vs. Chyna
First off, what in the hell is Chyna doing competing against an actual woman, let alone for the Women's title, a belt which I have read numerous times she wants absolutely nothing to do with? This match made no sense. If Chyna wanted revenge against the Right to Censor, she should have fought Val Venis. This was a damn ridiculous match, and the ending was even worse. This match was nothing but a pimple on the ass of what was an otherwise great night.
Backstage, we see Drew Carey receive his wrestling gear, and as Kane walks by he asks who the goofy guy in the mask is. Good stuff. Then we see Lo Down arguing over who will be in the rumble, until Vince informs them Drew Carey has taken that spot. Man, I don't give a damn about Chaz one way or another, but I'm getting tired of seeing D-Lo stuck in this go-nowhere gimmick.
WWF Championship Match: Kurt Angle (c) w/Trish Stratus vs. Triple H w/Stephanie
Another great match between two of my very favorite WWF superstars. It didn't hurt anything that Trish Stratus and Stephanie were ringside either. A great match, complete with a catfight, which was interrupted by Vince. Vince rounded the ladies to the back, but not without getting knocked down himself a couple times. Austin interfered and cost Triple H the match. The outcome of the match pissed me off, but at least the belt isn't on the Rock or Steve Austin. The saving grace of the outcome was that I knew Stone Cold would most likely get his when he came out later on.
30 Man Royal Rumble Match: Winner gets a shot at the WWF title at Wrestlemania 17
Jeff Hardy draws 1, Bull Buchanan draws 2. I really don't want to name every participant and their order of entry, so I'll just hit the high points. Drew Carey entered at number 5, right as the Hardyz were eliminating each other. Drew stands tall, UNTIL, Kane enters at number 6. Kane stalks the ring for awhile before finally entering in the ring. Drew looks scared shitless. Kane does his pyro, Drew attempts to shake Kane's hand, and gets his hand slapped away. Drew tries to bribe Kane with a fistful of money, Kane slaps it away. Kane goes for a chokeslam, when number 7, Raven, interrupts. Drew eliminates himself to avoid further punishment. Funny shit. Kane goes crazy, eliminating everyone. The ring is clear of everyone but Kane when number 12, the Honky Tonk Man, comes down. Honky sings his song, but Kane isn't entertained. Kane snatches the guitar from Honky, and smashes it over his head, and dumps him out of the ring. Rock comes in next, nothing big, until number 23, The Big Show. Big Show eliminates K-Kwik and Test, chokeslams everyone, except the Rock. Rock eliminates Show, but Show pulls Rock out of the ring and chokeslams him through the announce table. Stone Cold tries to come down at number 27, but gets attacked by Triple H. HHH leaves Austin a bloody mess. Haku makes his WWF return at number 29. Kane is still in the ring. Austin finally makes his way to the ring, and the final four are Billy Gunn, Rock, Austin, and Kane. Kane has been in the ring 50 minutes at this point. Gunn goes first, then as Rock and Austin go at it, Kane tosses Rock over. Austin and Kane go at it for awhile. Kane goes to the outside and gets a chair. Stone Cold gets a hold of the chair and gives Kane three chair shots and a clothesline to the outside to win the rumble. Dammit! So close!
All in all, one hell of a show. I loved the dominance Kane displayed in that Rumble match. I knew deep down he wouldn't win I guess, that it'd be Rock or Austin, but when he dumped Rock over the top rope, I was so hopeful. Anyway, Austin will fight most likely the Rock by the time Wrestlemania rolls around for the title. But maybe, and hopefully, what we saw from Kane this Sunday is a sign of things to come. It's about time the Big Red Machine gets that title back around his waist, or at least re-establishes his dominance as a main event player. I totally marked out when Triple H kicked Austin's ass too. A great event, and if it's a sign of the things to come from the WWF this year, then 2001 is going to be the best damn year ever.
Until next time.
