WWF RAW 1/31/2000

Written by Adam King

WWF RAW IS WAR
Monday, January 31th, 2000
Live from The Igloo in Pittsburgh, PA

List of WWF Champions at the time:
WWF World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (1/03/2000)
WWF Intercontinental Champion: Chris Jericho (1/23/2000)
WWF World Tag Team Champions: The New Age Outlaws (11/08/1999)
WWF European Champion: Val Venis (12/12/1999)
WWF Hardcore Champion: Test (1/17/2000)
WWF Women’s Champion: The Kat (12/12/1999)

~ Raw comes on the air and goes right to the intro with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcoming us to the show. JR mentions championships are on the line tonight and we’re starting off with the tag team titles.

~ Raw kicks off with the New Age Outlaws coming out to the ring and doing their non-heel spiel on the mic. We then cut backstage and find Steve Blackman telling Al Snow he’s tired of all his ideas and gimmicks. Blackman reminds Snow they have a chance to win the tag team titles so he asks him to concentrate tonight. Snow instead suggests the name Snow Storm for their team and gives Blackman an umbrella and a yellow slicker. Blackman isn’t too pleased and Snow suggests one more idea as they head out to the ring for the match.
But wait! As we get ready for the match we see Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero and Perry Saturn taking seats in the front row!! JR is flabbergasted as he mentions how these four men are hot free agents after thumbing their noses at “their last employer”. Snow even goes over and shakes their hands as the crowd begins to cheer these former WCW workhorses.

WWF World Tag Team Titles: The New Age Outlaws © vs. Al Snow & Steve Blackman
The Outlaws double-team Blackman to start and Road Dogg works him over then goes for a whip. Blackman reverses Road Dogg into a corner and goes for a monkey flip but Road Dogg blocks it. Road Dogg misses an elbow drop and Blackman connects with a dropkick. Blackman goes for a whip and Road Dogg reverses it, Blackman slides under him then goes for an enzuigiri but Road Dogg ducks it and dropkicks Blackman. Snow tags in when Road Dogg hits the juke ‘n’ jive punches then goes for the big right but Snow grabs him by the arms and hits the rapid head butts. Snow goes for a whip but Road Dogg reverses and Billy Gunn kicks Snow from the apron as we get another shot of Benoit and company sitting at ringside watching the action. Snow staggers into a boot then Billy tags in and goes for a whip but Snow slides to stop himself. Billy hits a neck breaker for a near fall then goes for a power bomb but Snow counters into the head butts. Snow hits a backdrop for a two count then whips Billy and Billy floats over him before going for an O’Connor roll and Snow hangs onto the ropes. Billy comes back with a press slam and splashes Snow in a corner then tags in Road Dogg who hits the shake, rattle ‘n knee drop. Road Dogg goes for a whip, Snow reverses it and Road Dogg fakes him out but Blackman clotheslines him. Snow lays the boots to Road Dogg and hits a suplex for a two count and Road Dogg fights back until Snow rakes the face. Snow whips Road Dogg but lowers the head and Road Dogg leapfrogs Snow and mule kicks him below the belt. Billy gets the tag and takes it to both men then whips Blackman into an elbow and whips Snow into a backdrop. Billy drills Blackman with the jackhammer but Snow breaks up the pin and Road Dogg comes in and knocks Snow through the ropes. Road Dogg goes out and goes for the whip but Snow reverses and sends him into the barricade. Snow then sends Road Dogg over the barricade, right into the laps of the WCW Four. Road Dogg gets up and has a stare down with them, not liking them showing up in his neighborhood, then takes a swing at Benoit prompting all four men to hop the barrier and start beating on him! Saturn suplexes Billy in the ring while Eddie climbs to the top rope and connects with the Frog splash! Malenko throws Road Dogg in while Benoit climbs up and hits him with the diving head butt! The WCW Guys then head up the ramp to the back while the Outlaws are left laying in the ring. (5:00) This match was all about Benoit and the rest making their surprise debuts and for that part it was done very well.

~ Back from break we get a replay of Benoit, Malenko, Eddie and Saturn debuting and laying out the Outlaws. We then cut backstage and find Cactus Jack thanking the four of them for accepting his invitation tonight. Benoit and friends seem happy to do it with Saturn saying he hadn’t has this much fun in a long while. Cactus asks them what it felt like to see the fans in the seats, pointing out they actually paid to be here. Cactus tells them the way to get over in the WWF is to make a lot of noise and promises his friends this is the beginning, that there’ll be a lot of fun tonight as JR refers to the WCW guys as “Radicals.”

~ Out in the arena Kurt Angle comes out on the stage and waves to his hometown fans before getting on the mic and mocking The Rock, even borrowing his “Finally…” line, before claiming he’s still undefeated in the WWF. Angle mentions he’s facing The Rock tonight but the People’s Champion is no match for the Olympic champion. Angle says since Pittsburgh has little to cheer about, he’s officially naming himself their new hometown hero. Angle says if Mario Lemieux had a little more courage, he would be playing today and save the Penguins but assures the fans he will take over where Mario left off, starting with beating The Rock tonight.

~ JR and Lawler then lay out more of tonight’s card in addition to The Rock vs. Kurt Angle. Triple H defends the WWF Championship against Kane while Chris Jericho takes on X-Pac. And the women’s title will be defended in a lumberjill ‘snow bunny’ match as we get a look at a pit near the stage that’s filled with snow.

~ They then show one of the WWF’s Super Bowl commercials, this one featuring a maternity ward with babies emulating the WWF wrestlers.

~ Back from break the Outlaws complain to the Helmselys about the WCW “Radicals” and want something done. Triple H reminds Road Dogg and Billy that they threw the first punch at guys who don’t even work in the WWF, thus this is their problem and Stephanie tells them to go out and take care of business. Just then the Big Show barges in, sporting a new haircut and saying he has an eyewitness from the Royal Rumble. Show brings in security head Jim Dotson who claims from where he was standing Rock’s feet did hit the ground first and Show hopes this will convince Triple H to give him his match with Rock for the Wrestlemania title shot. However Triple H tells “Gomez” it’s still not good enough and that he needs videotape evidence to give him his match. Show says he’ll have the video this Thursday but threatens to rip Triple H’s head off if he short changes him again. Show walks off and the Outlaws agree that Triple H has bigger problems than them.

Christian (w/Edge) vs. D’Von Dudley (w/Bubba Ray Dudley)
JR mentions Terri Runnels is home from the hospital but still healing from her injuries last week and shows he’s in full anti-Dudley mode tonight. Christian gets in the first shots and goes for a whip, D’Von reverses but Christian hits a cross body. Christian tees off on D’Von and D’Von whips him into a corner but Christian lifts himself over him and hits a tornado DDT. Christian comes off the ropes but Bubba trips him from the floor so Christian springboards over the ropes into a plancha on Bubba. Christian climbs back in the ring but D’Von throws Christian into the ring post then pounds on him and whips him into the jumping elbow. D’Von works Christian over and hits a Curtain Call then hops to the middle rope but misses a head butt. Christian whips D’Von into a backdrop then hits an Atomic Drop and a Russian leg sweep for a two count. Christian goes for a whip but D’Von reverses him into a corner and Christian lifts himself up again. This time D’Von catches Christian and pulls him into the mat then scoops him up but Christian floats over. Christian goes for the Unprettier when Bubba hops onto the apron and gets his attention before he can hit it. Christian breaks the hold and moves in on Bubba allowing D’Von to nail him from behind. Edge comes in and hits a thrust kick on D’Von and Christian follows up with a Slop Drop to get the three. (3:21) Bubba comes in and knocks Edge through the ropes then goes out and drops him onto the barricade. Bubba then pulls a pair of tables out from under the ring and slides one of them in the ring. Bubba then sets Christian up while D’Von climbs to the top rope and hits the head butt to the groin. Edge stumbles back in the ring but Bubba rolls him onto the table then places a chair over him. D’Von hops on the middle rope when the Hardys run into the ring and go right after the Dudleys. Jeff unloads on Bubba while Matt goes up to the top rope and DDT’s D’Von down through the table! Jeff and Bubba meanwhile fight out to the floor and Jeff whips Bubba into the ring steps. Edge and Christian go out and set up the other table then placed Bubba onto it and holds him down while Jeff climbs up to the top rope and drives Bubba through the table with a Swanton bomb! E&C and the Hardys depart while the Dudleys are left laying around the ring. **

~ Back from break Cactus Jack introduces the Hardys, Edge and Christian to the WCW Radicals. The Mean Street Posse then walks up and advises the four newcomers not to mess with them. Cactus suggests to Benoit and the others that they should formally introduce themselves and the Radicals comply by beating down all three Posse guys as everyone else looks on.

The Big Show vs. Too Cool – Handicap Match
Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay dance their way out while Rikishi is noticeably absent. JR mentions Rikishi is not here after spraining his ankle Thursday in his match with the Rock. Scotty and Sexay try to rush Show but Show easily dispatches them and drops Sexay with a right hand. Show chops Sexay in a corner then whips him into the opposite corner and goes for a splash. However Sexay sidesteps him and Scotty climbs onto Show’s back while Sexay dropkicks him twice. Sexay tries a third dropkick but Show swats him away then flings Scotty off his back to the mat. Scotty and Sexay dropkick Show then manage to hit a double DDT followed by a double clothesline. Scotty and Sexay chop block both of Show’s knees then make a wish and Scotty even hits the Worm. Sexay climbs up to the middle rope and leaps off but Show gets his boot up to block him. Scotty climbs up as well but Show grabs him and holds him up before hitting the choke slam. Show then plants Sexay with a massive power bomb and covers Scotty to get the squash win. (2:15) Show then makes the ‘no sweat’ gesture as he leaves the ring. *
However as Show heads out The Rock appears on the TitanTron and does his “Finally…” bit to cheers. Show watches as Rock makes fun of his haircut saying he should go back to Supercuts and get his $5 back. Rock also tells Show he’s tired of hearing him whine and complain about whose feet touched down first. Rock then mentions his match with Angle saying he’s going to win a gold medal for beating Angle all over Pittsburgh. Rock finally wraps up with the usual “If ya smell…” as we go to commercial.

~ Back from break we get a look at the snow pit being prepared for the snow bunny match later tonight.

The Rock vs. Kurt Angle
Angle tries to attack Rock before the bell but Rock gets the advantage and whips him into an elbow. Rock lays the boots to Angle and whips him but lowers the head and Angle kicks him in the face. Rock comes back with a clothesline and Angle rolls out to the floor with Rock right behind him. Rock rams him into the barricade then goes to ram Angle into the announce table but Angle blocks it. Rock blocks Angle’s table shot and hits his then grabs a bottle of water and spits it at Angle. Angle rams Rock into the timekeeper’s table and clotheslines him then poses for the jeering fans so Angle gets on the mic and yells at the fans for booing him saying he was born in this town. Rock punks Angle from behind and takes the mic telling Angle it doesn’t matter where he was born. Rock drops Angle onto the barricade and throws him back in the ring then suplexes him for a two count. Rock pounds Angle down but Angle hits a low blow followed by a bridge suplex that gets a near fall. Angle tees off on Rock in a corner and chokes him with his boot but Rock starts to fight back. Rock goes for a whip but Angle counters with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Angle chokes Rock in a corner and goes for a whip but Rock reverses him into the opposite corner. Rock charges but eats a boot and Angle comes out but runs right into a DDT that gets a two count. Rock hammers Angle in a corner and hits the Smackdown followed by a Samoan Drop for another near fall. Angle then bails out to the floor deciding he’s had enough and starts walking away from the match. However Tazz comes out and throws Angle back in the ring and Rock plants him with a spine buster. Rock follows up with the People’s Elbow for the three and Angle finally suffers his first pin fall loss. (5:32) Good match but these two would have many more memorable battles down the road. The now formerly-undefeated Angle rolls out to the floor where Tazz lies in wait for him. Tazz goes for a clothesline but Angle ducks it and Tazz nails Rock by accident! Angle takes off running with Tazz right behind him while Rock tries to get back to his feet. **½

~ Backstage the Acolytes are playing cards when the Mean Street Posse comes in asking for protection from the Radicals. The Acolytes aren’t interested in their problem at first until the Posse offer to pay for their services and empty their pockets. Naturally Bradshaw and Faarooq accept their payment but want to finish their game before they help them out. That gets Bradshaw thinking and he suggests to Faarooq they could really make money protecting people. Yes, folks, now this begins.

~ Chris Jericho and Chyna are shown walking to the ring as are X-Pac and Tori as we go to commercial.

~ Back from break Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and the other Radicals meet more of the WWF wrestlers. Eddie Guerrero and D’Lo Brown even have a mutual respect thing since they use similar finishers. Perry Saturn then asks where the girls are and the Godfather decides to show him.

Chris Jericho © (w/Chyna) vs. X-Pac (w/Tori) – Non-Title Match
Chyna makes her separate entrance as they show The Rock and Chyna on the cover of “Newsweek”. Jericho comes out and gets on the mic saying he’s thrilled for X-Pac because he finally got to kiss a girl then gives him props for finding the one woman in the universe more stupid than he is. Jericho charges in the ring and wastes no time stomping down X-Pac then goes for a whip. X-Pac reverses but Jericho hits a spinning heel kick. X-Pac rolls out onto the apron when Jericho knocks X-Pac to the floor with the springboard dropkick. X-Pac spits in his face and Jericho chases him around the ring but X-Pac tosses Jericho into the ring steps. Both men head back in the ring and X-Pac hammers Jericho in the back of the head with elbow drops. Both men exchange punches and X-Pac whips Jericho but Jericho hits a chop followed by a clothesline. Jericho chops X-Pac and goes for a whip; X-Pac reverses him into a corner and charges but eats an elbow. Jericho comes out but runs into a spin kick for a near fall and X-Pac applies a chin lock. Jericho fights out of the hold and hits a double-arm backbreaker for a two count. Jericho whips X-Pac looking for a dropkick but X-Pac fakes him out and leg drops him for a two count. X-Pac chops Jericho in a corner and Jericho reverses positions for his chops but X-Pac reverses back. X-Pac whips Jericho into a corner and charges but Jericho sidesteps and X-Pac straddles the turnbuckle. Jericho comes off the ropes with a flying forearm and goes for a whip, X-Pac reverses it but Jericho catches X-Pac into a power slam for a near fall. Jericho then goes for another whip but X-Pac counters that into the spin kick then rams Jericho into a turnbuckle and hits a suplex. X-Pac climbs the middle rope and leaps off but Jericho belts him in the chest. Jericho hits a power bomb and holds on for a second power bomb then goes for the Lionsault but X-Pac blocks it with the knees. X-Pac kicks Jericho down in a corner and goes for the Bronco Buster but Chyna trips him from the floor. X-Pac takes a swing at Chyna but Chyna connects with her shot as the referee reprimands her. Jericho puts X-Pac in the Walls of Jericho but the referee is too busy arguing with Chyna to see it while Tori hops on the apron with Jericho’s IC belt and waffles Jericho in the head with it. X-Pac quickly follows up with the X-Factor and covers for the upset. (5:32) Chyna decks Tori on the floor then goes into the ring to console Jericho. Pretty good match but I don’t see why Jericho had to job to X-Pac of all people. ***

~ We get a look at the Kat who’s now sporting blonde hair and bunny ears as she walks to the ring. We also get a look at her challenger, “Hervina”, which is obviously a guy in drag. Yes, folks, it’s “that match”.

~ The WWF’s second Super Bowl commercial is shown, this one of the brawling beauty contestants. Interestingly enough Miss Connecticut is the winner while Miss Georgia is the sore loser. Weird.

~ Back from break Bradshaw shows Faarooq his logo for the APA: Acolytes Protection Agency. Faarooq voices his approval when the Dudleys come in still reeling from being put through tables earlier. The Dudleys say they have heard rumors of their new protection racket and that everyone’s jumping on them especially the Hardys and Edge & Christian. The Dudleys want to hire them and Bradshaw tells them they don’t work for free but Bubba says they don’t have any money on them. Bubba then offers to write a check and Faarooq warns them if the check bounces, so will they.

WWF Women’s Title: The Kat © vs. “Hervina” – Lumberjill Snow bunny Match
This match is taking place in the snow pit near the stage and the lumberjills are BB, Ivory, Jacqueline, Luna and Mae Young who start throwing snowballs at each other. Unfortunately JR has to mention the whole “Mae Young is pregnant” thing we wanted to forget. Both sides have bunny ears and “Hervina” is wearing a full winter getup while Kat is wearing a lot less. The lumberjills toss snow as “Hervina” starts off with a double-leg takedown but misses an elbow drop. Kat throws “Hervina” into the snow and “Hervina” tries to crawl away but gets shoved back in. Kat manages to hit a flying tackle but only gets a two count then shoves “Hervina” down. “Hervina” does something as they cut to the crowd then cut back as Kat is sitting in the snow. Kat tries to walk out but Jackie blocks her way so Kat dumps snow on her. Jackie shoves Kat down and “Hervina” covers for the 1..2..3 and the title. (1:14) Michael Cole is out to grab an interview with the new champion and asks “her” where she’s from. However “Hervina” replies in a masculine voice and is quickly revealed as Harvey Whippelman. Whippleman talks about being a legend and finally being WWF Champion. Cole tries to point out that he won the Women’s title and laughs at him but Whippleman doesn’t take kindly to that and shoves Cole down. The other women pour into the pit and dog pile him in the snow. From the Kat winning the strap in a pool match to this moment has to be the absolute lowest point of the Women’s title. DUD

~ Backstage Cactus is walking with the Radicals saying they should make this arrangement permanent so they decide to knock on The Helmsleys’ door and see what happens.

~ We cut to WWF New York and get a shot of Lillian Garcia among the rowdy crowd. JR says Lillian has an announcement later as we go to commercial.

~ Back from break Cactus Jack is introducing the Radicals to the Helmselys saying they want to work for them, calling his buddies four of the best wrestlers ever. However Triple H and Stephanie seem unimpressed and Triple H asks who the Radicals think they are to just come in there just because Cactus invited them. Cactus explains people are sick of seeing the Mean Street Posse and points out who he can have instead. Triple H reminds everyone that he and Stephanie are in charge and they have to ask them for any chances. Stephanie says she’s heard about what troublemakers they were to their former employer down south. Benoit says all they want is an opportunity, nothing more, and Triple H tells him they’ll think it over.

Crash & Hardcore Holly vs. Viscera – Handicap Match
Viscera clotheslines both Hollys to start then throws Crash across the ring. Hardcore rolls out to the apron while Viscera whips Crash into an elbow then hits a vertical suplex. Viscera whips Crash and “hits” a spinning heel kick the misses but Crash sells it anyway. Viscera whips Crash who bounces off him but Crash does tag in Hardcore as he comes off the ropes. Hardcore comes in and dropkicks Viscera into the ropes causing him to get tangled up in them. Hollys tee off on Viscera who slips out of the ropes and Hardcore chokes him on the middle rope. Crash comes back in and tees off on Viscera who pops Hardcore with a right hand. Crash again comes in and pounds on Viscera and Hardcore gets in his own shots. Viscera beats Hardcore down to the mat when Crash comes in for some more shots. Hardcore chokes Viscera and Viscera rakes the face but Hardcore kicks away at Viscera’s knee. Hardcore knocks Viscera into the ropes and works over the leg then tags in Crash who takes over. Crash climbs onto Viscera’s back and clubs him as Hardcore comes back in without a tag. Hardcore goes for a whip but Viscera reverses and hits a splash and a Samoan Drop. Crash makes the save and tags in then goes for a whip but Viscera reverses him into a corner. Viscera goes for a splash but Crash sidesteps him and climbs to the middle rope. Crash goes for a huricanrana but Viscera catches him into a power bomb and Hardcore breaks up the pin. Viscera scoops Crash up but Hardcore climbs to the top and hits a cross body that knocks the pile over. Crash ends up on top and Hardcore goes out and holds Viscera’s leg down as Crash gets the pin. (4:51) Boy that’s one way to suck the energy out of the crowd. The Hollys’ celebration is cut short when Viscera comes back in and throws Hardcore through the ropes. Viscera slams Crash to the mat then hits a body splash before Hardcore can pull him out to safety. DUD

~ JR and Lawler then show a Super Bowl commercial that was rejected by ABC, this one shows senior citizens getting fired up by WWF Attitude. Not really anything to write home about.

~ Back from break we get an exterior shot of the Igloo. They then show highlights of the Halftime Heat interview with Steve Austin.

~ We then cut back to WWF New York for Lillian Garcia’s announcement. Lillian says the WWF is going hold a press conference on Thursday to announce a new venture but all she reveals is that it will involve the WWF and pro football. Huh.

~ The Hardys are shown walking to the ring for the next match as we go to commercial.

Matt Hardy (w/Jeff Hardy) vs. Bubba Ray Dudley (w/D’Von Dudley)
The Dudleys come out but are soon joined by the Acolytes in their new protection role. Bubba rushes the ring but Matt quickly hammers away at him and chokes him in a corner. Bubba rakes Matt’s face and chops him in a corner but Matt fights back until Bubba hits an elbow. Bubba whips Matt into a clothesline then pulls him up by the hair and chops him in a corner. Bubba throws Matt through the ropes then distracts the referee as D’Von … just stands there. Bubba suplexes Matt back in the ring then boots him in the head. Matt starts to fight back and chokes Bubba against the ropes then goes for a whip but Bubba reverses Matt into a corner and splashes him. Bubba goes for another splash but eats a boot and Matt hits a tornado DDT for a two count. Matt goes for a whip but Bubba reverses it and hits a leg drop. D’Von tosses a chair toward Bubba but accidently tosses it too high and over his head. Matt catches the chair instead and whacks Bubba with the chair and that’s it for this match. (2:57) Matt continues assaulting Bubba but the Acolytes then come in and start beating Matt down. Jeff comes in but runs into a spine buster while D’Von whips Matt into a 3D from the Dudleys. Edge & Christian try to come in for the save but the Acolytes take them out on the floor. Faarooq then throws Christian in the ring and he gets taken out with a 3D as well. The Dudleys and Acolytes pulls out three tables from under the ring and stack them in a pyramid. The Acolytes are hesitant but Bubba reminds them he paid for their services so they go along with it. Bubba throws the ring steps into the ring as the Acolytes place Matt on top of the stack and hold him. Bubba then stands on the steps and power bombs Jeff through Matt through all three tables!! However one of the tables doesn’t break and Jeff just hangs off it! Bubba has that weird look again as the referees tend to the broken Hardys at ringside. **

~ Backstage Cactus Jack is chatting with the Radicals, saying Triple H would be stupid to let them get away. Right on cue Triple H comes out with Stephanie saying they’ve been thinking about their opportunity. Triple H tells the Radicals they’re not quite ready to hang in the WWF so in other words nothing doing. Triple H also tells the Radicals it’s time for them to leave and brings out security to escort them out. Malenko tells the Helmsleys they’ll leave and that they’ve walked out of buildings where they weren’t wanted before. The Radicals depart with the security guys while Cactus tells Triple H he just made a really big mistake.

WWF World Heavyweight Title: Triple H © (w/Stephanie McMahon) vs. Kane
After Triple H makes his entrance to the ring Kane’s music and pyro go off but Kane doesn’t appear. Triple H gets on the mic and says Kane is back there probably crying in some hole after being beaten down and humiliated by Tori dumping him for X-Pac last week. Triple H claims Kane is too afraid to stand before him and get beaten on national television then gives him 10 seconds to come out and face him of else he’s going to drag him to the ring. Triple H starts counting but decides to just go to the back and find Kane and starts to head out. However before Triple H can head up the ramp Cactus Jack comes out to the stage with a mic. Cactus yells at Triple H for throwing the Radicals out of the building after he invited them, calling them four men he’s sweat and bled with that could tear the house down anywhere. Cactus says he’s thought about letting bygones be bygones but that’s not going to happen so instead decides to get a piece of Triple H here in Pittsburgh as he charges in the ring after him. Cactus beats down Triple H in a corner and hits the running knee then whips him into a clothesline. Triple H rolls out to the floor and Cactus goes out after him but Triple H rams him into the ring steps. Triple H throws Cactus back in the ring then brings in his WWF Championship belt and readies a swing but Cactus cuts him off. Cactus then whips Triple H while brandishing the belt but Triple H bails out to the floor. Triple H then starts to back up the ramp when the Radicals come out and nail Triple H from behind! Benoit, Eddie, Malenko and Saturn throw Triple H back in the ring and proceed to beat him down! Each one of the Radicals gets in a shot and Malenko whips Triple H into a belt shot from Cactus! Interestingly enough there’s no sign of X-Pac or the Outlaws to make the save for their leader. The Radicals continue their assault on the fallen Triple H and whip him into another belt shot. Soon Cactus and the Radicals depart the ring together and leave Triple H seething as we go to black.

Conclusion: Very good episode of Raw this time. The first hour had some good in-ring action and the debut of Benoit, Eddie and the others was very well done. There was some other good stuff, like the formation of the APA which would provide some funny segments down the line. The show does take a dip in the second hour with the Hollys/Viscera match and the drivel with the Women’s title but the hot ending got the crowd cheering again and established the WCW guys as a force to be reckoned with. All in all a solid edition that really gets the WWF’s last golden age rolling.