World Wrestling Entertainment presents RAW
Date: 2/3/2003
From: Washington, D.C.
Eric Bischoff is in his limo on the phone with Chief Morley. Bischoff is in San Antonio and tells Morley that he’s in control of RAW tonight. Bischoff is on his way to Steve Austin’s house to get the contract signed. Morley is seen on the other end asking if Bischoff can hear him. Morley says that Bischoff is breaking up on the phone and tells Bischoff to not worry about tonight.
Test and Stacy Keibler make their way out to start the program. Two weeks ago, Jericho smashed Keibler with a chair shot against the ring post on accident during his match with Test. Keibler thanks everyone for their support over the past two weeks. Keibler admits that she needs to be more careful when she’s at ringside. Keibler would have appreciated if Jericho had just apologized. Test grabs the microphone and says that Stacy is forgiving, but he’s not. Test demands Jericho come out and apologize, or he’ll go backstage and beat an apology out of his ass. Test says it’s simple and awaits for Jericho to decide what he’s going to do.
Chris Jericho’s music hits and Jericho makes his way out. Jericho says that he feels horrible about what happened two weeks ago. Jericho has other more important issues to worry about including a match with Scott Steiner tonight to determine the number one contender. Jericho says he’s going to win the title at No Way Out and fulfill his destiny as the World Champion at WrestleMania. Jericho says it is important that he got over smashing Keibler’s face with a chair. Jericho suggests that Test be a big boy and get over it, as well. Test tells Jericho he has five seconds to apologize. However, Christian attacks from behind and knocks Test into Keibler. Christian pummels Test on the mat with stomps as Keibler is knocked down. Jericho is rooting Christian on from the ramp. Christian turns his attention to Keibler, which allows Test to recover and pummel Christian. Test rams the back of Christian’s head onto the mat. Test continues to pummel Christian in the corner and sends Christian shoulder first into the ring post. Test checks on Keibler to end the segment.
Backstage, Kane enters Chief Morley’s office, but Rob Van Dam is there and asks what Kane is up to. RVD is there to ask for a rematch against HHH and Batista. Kane tells RVD that he had to leave because they took his mask. RVD jokes that Kane needs to be Spiderman to wrestle. Kane and RVD proceed to bicker a bit until Morley enters the room. Morley tells them he’s in charge and wants great television. Thus, Morley is putting a match together where Kane will wrestle Rob Van Dam.
Outside, Test and Stacy Keibler are walking in the parking lot. Test says this isn’t over with Jericho, but they are leaving to keep Stacy safe.
Before the next match, Chief Morley reveals a special referee for the tag match. Rico comes out as the special referee.
Opening Contest: Dudley Boys (Bubba & D-Von) vs. Three Minute Warning (Jamal & Rosey): Jamal and Rosey attack from behind for the early advantage. Rosey knocks Bubba down and goes to the top rope missing an impressive split legged moonsault attempt. Bubba puts Jamal on his shoulders and D-Von hits a top rope clothesline to knock Jamal down. Bubba goes for the cover, but Rico does a very slow count preventing Bubba from winning. Dudley’s try for the 3D on Rosey, but Jamal rolls Bubba up from behind and Rico does a fast count to give 3MW the cheap win. After the match, Rico stands up to the Dudley’s until D-Von decks Rico. Dudley’s fight with 3MW as Spike Dudley comes out and slides a table into the ring. Spike hits the Dudley Dog on Jamal! Rosey is clotheslined to the floor by D-Von. Bubba press slams Spike over the top onto Jamal and Rosey. D-Von sets up a table and Rico is by himself. Bubba sits on the top rope and powerbombs Rico through the table. (*. Man, the Dudley Boys feels incredibly played out. Each week they use an old school angle to put cheap heat on the heels and draw out potential revenge for the Dudley’s. The aftermath was fine and kind of acts as a level of revenge already. I can’t imagine the Dudley’s are destined for a Mania moment, though.)
In San Antonio, Bischoff and his limo driver are apparently lost. Bischoff is telling Morley that he’s taking care of RAW and he’ll get Austin. The connection on the phone continues to be a problem.
Tommy Dreamer makes his way out for a match, but instead of his opponent coming out it’s RAW World Champion Triple H, Ric Flair, Batista and Randy Orton coming to the ring. Dreamer stands in the ring with a kendo stick prepared for a fight. Orton avoids a shot and Batista spears Dreamer. HHH is walking with a crutch due to deep hematoma, according to JR. Batista plants Dreamer with a spinebuster. Flair pummels Dreamer with right hands and stomps Dreamer’s head on the mat. Orton tosses Dreamer over the top to the floor.
RAW World Champion Triple H has a microphone and declares today marking the beginning of a new era. Everything evolves and says standing in the ring is the greatest example of Evolution. HHH goes through and puts over Flair, Orton and Batista. HHH says he’s taken all of Flair’s traits and is the man he is today. HHH considers Batista and Orton to be the future. HHH puts over Batista’s power. HHH puts over Orton for having all the gifts needed to be a star and is a third generation star. HHH says Orton is the coal that will be squeezed into the next diamond. HHH says if you’re in a hospital bed wondering what just happened, well, Evolution has passed you by. This is the official birth of Evolution.
Backstage, Terri interviews Scott Steiner and shows Steiner footage of what has happened to Steiner in recent weeks due to Evolution’s attacks. Steiner says he’s taking care of business the way he always has and flexes.
Up at the sky box Evolution is up there celebrating their formation.
Back to San Antonio, Bischoff has arrived to Austin’s residence. Bischoff knocks on the door and a cowboy answers. The man tells Bischoff that Steve Austin isn’t there. Austin is at the Longhorn Saloon in downtown. Bischoff asks the man, Buford, if he’s positive that he’s not there. Buford repeats himself several times that Austin isn’t there. Bischoff departs saying that he drove through the area and thinks he can find Austin.
A video package highlighting Jazz attacking Trish Stratus is shown.
Second Contest: WWE Women’s Champion Victoria vs. Molly Holly in a non-title match: Victoria blocks a kick, but Holly arm drags Victoria and wrenches on Victoria’s arm to send Victoria face first to the mat for a one count. Victoria gains control with a full nelson, but Holly breaks free to shoulder block Victoria followed by a hip toss and an arm drag. Holly arm drags Victoria several times and sends Victoria into the corner, but is met with an elbow. Victoria drives Holly down to the mat with a side slam for a near fall. Holly strikes Victoria, but Victoria responds with a knee lift and tosses Holly across the ring by her hair. Victoria plants Holly with a vertical suplex. Victoria attempts a backbreaker, but Holly escapes and chops Victoria a few times. Holly tries for a handspring elbow, but is decked by Victoria. Victoria hits the Widows Peak to win the match. (*1/2. A competitive match, but it didn’t connect with fans likely because it’s a heel vs. heel. It doesn’t help that there’s only Trish as a babyface.) After the match, Jazz attacks Holly. Jazz shoves Victoria to the mat, too. They have a standoff, but Jazz pushes Victoria back to continue her attack on Molly with another DDT.
Backstage, Booker T meets up with Goldust and is pumped for their match tonight. Goldust talks about Booker winning in singles action lately. Goldust wants to make a deal with Booker. If they don’t win tonight then they go their own ways only because Booker is capable of doing more. Booker accepts the deal. Booker remains confident that they’ll win the tag titles.
Back at the sky box, Evolution continue to enjoy their evening. Triple H does make a noticeable facial reaction upon Booker’s entrance.
Third Contest: RAW Tag Team Champions Lance Storm & William Regal vs. Booker T & Goldust: Goldust and Storm kickoff the match with Storm gaining wrist control, but Goldust counters quickly and yanks on Storm’s arm. Storm backs Goldust into a corner, but Goldust fires back with right hands. Goldust kicks Storm and drops down to deliver a strike. Goldust signals for a tag to Booker and the crowd pops. Booker works over Storm with several strikes against the ropes to drop Storm to his knees. Storm kicks Booker and leg sweeps Booker to the mat for a near fall. Storm tries for a hip toss, but Booker counters with a clothesline for a one count. Storm stops Booker with a jawbreaker and tags in Regal. Regal uppercuts Booker several times against the ropes and delivers a shoulder block. Booker nails Regal with a forearm smash and delivers a heel kick for a two count. Booker tags Goldust back into the match and Goldust delivers a strike off the middle rope followed by a knee drop for a near fall. Goldust sends Regal into the corner, but Regal elbows Goldust. Storm tags in and is arm dragged by Goldust. Goldust keeps arm control on Storm, but is met with a strike by Regal and clotheslined by Storm. Regal knee drops Goldust for a two count. Regal arm drags Goldust to the mat and keeps control with a headlock. Storm kicks Goldust against the ropes followed by a leg drop for a two count. Storm keeps a neck vice on Goldust, but doesn’t get a submission. Storm misses a dropkick and Goldust gets a rollup for a two count. Goldust slams Storm to the mat and both men are down. Regal drops down and yanks Booker off the apron prompting a brawl. Storm dropkicks Booker off the apron. Goldust fights off the champs and clotheslines Storm. Goldust butt strikes Regal and hits a powerslam on Storm for a two count. All four men are in the ring brawling as Booker forearms Regal to the floor. Goldust and Booker collide allowing Storm to heel kick Goldust and picks up the victory to retain the titles. (*1/2. Are the Dudley Boys really going to be the team to chase all the way to Mania now? That has to be what they’re setting up for at this point and I’m dreading that. The crowd never fully bought into this and it’s probably because the promo backstage made it obvious that this is going to be a split between these two. I would have not done that promo and then done the promo afterward. It likely would have made for a more invested reaction from the crowd.)
After the match, Booker grabs a microphone and tells Goldust to get back in the ring. Goldust appears to be upset with himself for the loss. Booker tells Goldust they’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. Booker says that they both loss the match and it’s not on Goldust. Booker tells Goldust that they had one hell of a run together. Booker respects it if Goldust wants to go their own ways. Booker enjoyed every second they were together. Booker tells Goldust that he loves him and they embrace to end the segment. I completely thought Goldust was going to turn on Booker.
Back to San Antonio, Bischoff has arrived to the Saloon that Steve Austin is suppose to be at. Bischoff asks for a martini and is laughed at. Bischoff continues to get laughed at for his second drink choice. Bischoff is told all they have is cold beer and he accepts that. The say that they just saw Austin earlier. Bischoff asks to know where Austin is at, but he’s told that Austin went to a bar down the street. Bischoff gives the bartender a $100 and thanks them for their help before departing.
Fourth Contest: Rob Van Dam vs. Kane: Kane nails RVD with a clothesline for a two count at the start of the match. Kane runs into an elbow in the corner and RVD delivers a spin kick. RVD hits a split legged moonsault for a two count. RVD ducks a clothesline and has a standoff. Kane catches RVD and delivers a powerslam for a two count. Kane tries for a press slam, but RVD delivers a kick to break free. RVD leaps off the top to deliver a kick to the face. RVD comes off the ropes, but Kane bails to the floor. RVD baseball slides Kane and dives over the top to take Kane out to the floor. Kane nails RVD with a clothesline on the floor to regain control of the contest. Kane side slams RVD for a near fall. Kane tries for a chokeslam, but RVD avoids it and heel kicks Kane followed by the rolling thunder. RVD goes for a cover, but Kane kicks out. RVD jabs Kane, but runs into a big boot. Kane leaps off the top hitting a flying clothesline. RVD is on the mat holding his head and tricks Kane to deliver a kick and a spinning leg drop. RVD goes to the top, but Jeff Hardy comes out and shoves RVD to the floor to cause a DQ. Hardy decides to slap Kane and is met with a chokeslam. After the match, Kane and RVD work together. RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash on Hardy and Kane gets fire out of the turnbuckle posts to end the segment. (*. They are trying their damndest to make people hate Hardy, and it might be working. There wasn’t much to this, though.)
In the parking lot, Booker walks up to Earl Hebner asking if he’s seen Goldust. Hebner says that Goldust went to his hotel. Booker simply walks off accepting that.
Shawn Michaels makes his way down to the ring as Jeff Hardy has remained laid out on the mat through a commercial break. Michaels came out here to address Jericho, but knows that Jericho is busy. Michaels offers some advice to Hardy free of charge. Michaels knows where Hardy is coming from because he was once there. Michaels knows that Hardy is hot at the world. Michaels says the biggest problem he has is that Hardy has wasted potential. Michaels thinks that Hardy is at a crossroads in his career, which Michaels experienced as well. Michaels talks about throwing his old partner through a glass window and stuck with the decision. Michaels says nobody liked the decision when he did id 15-years ago (it was really 11). Michaels tells Hardy to make a decision right now and deal with the results. Hardy grabs the microphone from Michaels and says there’s not enough time to describe himself. Hardy says he’s going to kick some ass here and start with Michaels. Michaels instead nails Hardy with Sweet Chin Music to leave Hardy laid out, again.
A vignette promoting Sean O’Haire is shown. O’Haire encourages everyone to not pay their taxes because the government wouldn’t even notice.
Fifth Contest: D’Lo Brown vs. Maven: Brown shoves Maven and gains control with a side headlock. Brown shoulder blocks Maven and tries for a hip toss, but Maven arm drags Brown. Maven keeps control with a side headlock, but Brown counters. Maven drop toe holds Brown to the mat and maintains the advantage until Brown gets a head scissors on the mat. Maven kips free and goes back to a headlock. Brown knee lifts Maven in the midsection followed by a right hand. Brown stomps Maven on the mat several times. Brown knee lifts Maven again and delivers a backbreaker. Brown covers for a two count. Brown sends Maven hard into the corner back first and continues with a knee drop to the back. Maven kicks a charging Brown in the corner and delivers a forearm smash. Maven clotheslines Brown and hits a dangerous spinning heel kick for a two count. Maven tries for a rollup, but Brown kicks out. Maven backslides Brown for a near fall. Maven leaps off the middle rope to hit a bulldog for a two count. Maven heads to the top rope missing a missile dropkick. Brown plants Maven with the Sky High for the clean win. (*. Nobody cared.) After the match, Teddy Long cuts a promo about D’Lo being a winner again. Long notes that D’Lo has been undefeated since they linked up and it will remain that way. Long wants the fans to chant “down with the brown”, but they do not chant it.
Back at the sky box, Triple H says nobody is down with the brown (yikes). Flair calls over Batista and Orton to join them. HHH says Steiner vs. Jericho is next. Orton says they know what to do and HHH tells them to go do it.
Back to San Antonio, Bischoff arrives to the bar that Austin is said to be at. Bischoff is standing at the bar asking about Austin. The bartender claims to have not seen Austin at the bar. Bischoff gives up with the bartender and stops when a young kid laughs at Bischoff. The kid says that Bischoff is going to get fired in a week because he won’t sign Austin. Bischoff takes the kid out by breaking glass over the kids head. Bischoff says screw Austin and screw everyone else.
Backstage, Randy Orton asks if Goldust has seen Scott Steiner anywhere. Goldust doesn’t answer and proceeds to be attacked by Orton and Batista. Goldust fights back on Batista with right hands. Orton sends Goldust into the wall. Batista strikes Goldust several times and they toss Goldust into the electrical outlet. Goldust has gotten a electrocuted! EMTs quickly arrive and attend to Goldust.
Main Event: Scott Steiner vs. Chris Jericho in a number one contenders match: Steiner shoves Jericho to the mat and shows off his body as Jericho remains on the apron. Steiner tries for a slam, but Jericho counters with a rollup for a near fall. Steiner backs Jericho into a corner and delivers several strikes. Jericho counters with forearms in the corner and chokes Steiner. Steiner chops Jericho in the corner several times followed by overhand strikes. Steiner boots Jericho and delivers a press slam dropping to the mat. Steiner nails Jericho with a boot to the face several times. Steiner clubs Jericho over the back several times. Steiner clotheslines Jericho coming off the ropes and delivers an elbow drop. Steiner opts to do a few pushups and taunts the referee. Steiner grabs Jericho, but is met with elbows. Steiner tries for an overhead suplex, but Jericho uses the referee for help and strikes Steiner. Jericho knee lifts Steiner from behind to send Steiner to the floor. Jericho sends Steiner shoulder first into the ring steps. Jericho rolls Steiner back into the ring and stomps Steiner on the back. Jericho pulls back on Steiner’s arms while pressing his knee into Steiner’s back. Steiner strikes Jericho to break free and catches Jericho on a leapfrog to deliver a slam.
Steiner strikes Jericho a few times followed by a backdrop and a clothesline. Steiner kicks Jericho in the corner. Jericho misses an axe handle and is tossed overhead by Steiner with a suplex. Steiner tries for a powerbomb, but Jericho breaks free and goes for the Walls of Jericho, but Steiner powers free. Steiner plants Jericho with a powerbomb for a two count. Steiner sends Jericho into the corner and is met with a boot. Jericho uses the ropes for leverage on a rollup for a two count. Jericho forearms Steiner and locks in the Walls of Jericho. Steiner reaches the ropes to break the hold. Jericho stomps Steiner on the mat, but is dumped to the apron. Jericho drops Steiner throat first over the top rope and heads to the top rope. Jericho is crotched by Steiner and Steiner hits a Samoan Drop off the middle rope. Steiner covers and pins Jericho for the win. (*1/2. I was not expecting that to be the finish whatsoever. I can’t imagine anyone would have thought Jericho had a chance to win here. Steiner’s run has already been a failure and I’m not interested in another match with HHH.)
Scott Steiner points up to the sky box and signals that the championship is coming to him.
Backstage, Chief Morley is on the phone talking to Bischoff trying to explain what happened tonight. Vince McMahon barges into the room to talk to Morley. McMahon says it looks like Morley and Bischoff are not having a good night. McMahon tells Morley that time is the most important commodity and is something that they are running out of. McMahon tells Morley if he isn’t impressed next week then he’ll call out both Morley and Bischoff to fire them.
Final Thoughts:
An incredibly boring episode of RAW this week. Booker appears destined for a singles push, which is something I can get behind. I am not looking forward to the Dudley Boys getting a lengthy chase towards the tag titles. Test had potential for a face push, but his dependence on Stacy is already clear and appears to be rejected by the fans. It’s a similar turn of a events that DDP suffered in WCW. Safe to say, this weeks RAW gets a thumbs down.
Thanks for reading.