World Wrestling Entertainment presents RAW
Date: 2/17/2003
From: Columbus, OH
Opening Contest: RAW Tag Team Champion Lance Storm vs. Rob Van Dam: They trade waist locks until Storm snapmares RVD. RVD battles back with a step over heel kick to send Storm reeling into the corner to regroup with Regal at ringside. Storm backs RVD into a corner and delivers a few strikes before choking RVD. RVD hits a springboard twisting crossbody for a two count. Storm dumps RVD to the apron, but RVD brings Storm to the apron where Storm grabs RVD and sends RVD into the barricade chest first. Storm hits a springboard clothesline into the ring for a two count. Storm works over RVD in the corner with a flurry of forearms and argues with the referee. RVD strikes Storm, but is cutoff quickly. RVD dropkicks Storm and goes for a cover managing a two count. Storm stops RVD with a jawbreaker. Storm snapmares RVD followed by a quick leg drop for a two count. Storm keeps RVD on the mat with an STF. RVD elbows Storm, but Storm kicks RVD. RVD nails Storm with a heel kick and both men are down for a moment. They trade a series of forearm strikes in the middle of the ring. RVD leg sweeps Storm followed by a few clotheslines. RVD shoulder rams Storm in the corner and hits a springboard kick off the middle rope for a two count. RVD forearms Storm followed by a spin kick and a standing moonsault for a two count. RVD tries for a suplex, but Storm breaks free and locks in the Canadian Maple Leaf (single leg Boston Crab). RVD struggles in the middle of the ring, but manages to crawl to the ropes to break the hold. Storm avoids a kick, but not a mule kick. RVD hits the rolling thunder splash for a near fall. Storm drops RVD chest first over the top rope, but runs into a spin kick. RVD goes to the top, but forearms Regal off the ropes. Kane brawls with Regal. Storm stops RVD, but is knocked off the top. RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash to pickup the clean win. (**. A decent match, but I noticed that Storm may not be over with the crowd as a viable heel for some reason. The crowd didn’t react to the Maple Leaf submission and there was no zero drama to RVD reaching the ropes. When that happens it tends to be a sign that the audience doesn’t believe in the heel. Which, is a shame because I think Storm is fantastic.)
Backstage, Jeff Hardy and Shawn Michaels are chatting when Eric Bischoff walks by. Michaels wishes Bischoff luck this weekend at No Way Out against Steve Austin because he’s going to need it. Bischoff is going to the ring and addressing the locker room and Steve Austin. Bischoff suggests that they may need luck themselves when he’s done.
RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff makes his way down to the ring to cut a promo. Bischoff has decided as his first action as the new GM that he’s going to do something special. He’s going to handle his issues with someone tonight. Bischoff invited the person to RAW and is there tonight. Bischoff is going to invite to the ring… Chief Morley. Morley makes his way down to the ring and is sporting a hefty black eye. Bischoff reinstates Morley has his Chief of Staff. Morley thanks Bischoff for the opportunity. Morley thinks that the people should feel lucky to have Bischoff as the GM. Morley wants the fans to applaud for Bischoff, but that’s not ever going to happen. Bischoff tells Morley to not worry about the fans and doesn’t need their support. Bischoff will never forget the people turning on him. Bischoff notes that the locker room was happy when they thought he was fired and even happier that he’s wrestling Steve Austin at No Way Out. Bischoff is tired of people laughing at him hoping he’s going to get his ass kicked at the PPV. Bischoff says that Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy will need luck tonight when they wrestle Christian and Chris Jericho in a tag team no disqualification match. Bischoff asks if the fans like the Dudley Boys and want to see someone go through a table. Bischoff announces he has suspended the Dudley Boys and thrown out of the building. We see footage of the Dudley Boys being escorted out of the building by security. Bischoff note that Spike Dudley isn’t out of the building. Bischoff is going to let Spike Dudley relive the experience from last week when he wrestles Rico, Jamal and Rosey in a handicap match. Bischoff admits he’s vindictive. Bischoff puts over his experience in martial arts. Bischoff is going to give the fans an example of what Austin is going to expect at No Way Out. Bischoff announces he’s wrestling tonight on RAW for the first time tonight. Bischoff reveals he’s wrestling Jim Ross tonight.
Backstage, Steven Richards is walking with WWE Women’s Champion Victoria and asks her to talk to Jazz. Victoria walks up and says she respects Jazz and doesn’t need her help. Jazz tells her that she’s here for two reasons. To take out Trish Stratus and be the most dominating woman in the WWE. Victoria mentions she’s the champion, but Jazz simply says “for now.” Victoria clutches the championship as Jazz walks off.
Second Contest: WWE Women’s Champion Victoria & Jazz vs. Jacqueline vs. Molly Holly: Jazz forearms Holly to kickoff the match, but Holly tries to fight back until an elbow strike stops her momentum. Jazz follows up with a short arm clothesline. Jazz hits a double under hook suplex for a two count as Jacqueline makes the save. Jazz comes off the ropes to deliver a leg drop. Victoria tags into the match, but Holly nearly wins with an inside cradle. Holly chops Victoria, but is met with an elbow in the corner. Victoria connects with a swinging side slam for a near fall. Victoria sends Holly into the ropes and hits a powerslam for a near fall. Victoria scoop slams Holly and goes to the apron. Jazz tags herself in and covers Holly for a near fall. Jazz delivers a sit out scoop slam and misses a big splash off the ropes. Jacqueline enters, but is met with a clothesline by Jazz. Jacqueline strikes Jazz several times and elbows Victoria on the apron before tossing Victoria into the ring. Jacqueline kicks Victoria several times. Jazz sends Jacqueline into Victoria knocking the champ to the floor. Jazz spikes Jacqueline with a DDT for the win. (*1/2. It wasn’t a horrible match, but the crowd was mostly dead for it. If you actually pay attention to the action you can see that the women have skill and aren’t bad in the ring. It seems like the audience doesn’t give them a chance if Trish Stratus isn’t involved.) After the match, Jazz lays out Holly and Jacqueline. Jazz grabs a microphone and says “the bitch is back.” Victoria stops Jazz from leaving the ring and Jazz shoves Victoria. Victoria slaps Jazz and Jazz laughs in the champs face.
Backstage, Booker T provides an update on Goldust saying that he’ll be back in a few weeks. Booker says that Goldust is having a neurological issue since the incident and needs to get checked out. Terri mentions that Evolution hasn’t shown any remorse about what happened to Goldust. Booker notes that Goldust is his friend and says they will learn that if you mess with his friends they are messing with him. Booker is going to enjoy teaming with Scott Steiner and getting some payback tonight.
Backstage, Evolution watched that interview on television. Ric Flair jokes that he can’t believe Booker would think they were joking about Goldust. HHH says they had the best gimmick for a tag team “booker and cooker.” Randy Orton chimes in and says Goldust is the new most electrifying man in sports entertainment. HHH says they are going to put Booker in a hospital bed next to his buddy. Batista asks about Scott Steiner. HHH says when they get to Steiner that they don’t stop and make sure that he doesn’t make it to No Way Out.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler mention the death of Curt Hennig and how much they will miss him. A video package highlighting Curt Hennig is shown and is voiced over by Vince McMahon briefly.
Teddy Long introduces his new playa Rodney Mack and says that Mack is going to do what D’Lo Brown couldn’t do and that’s stick it to the man. Long says they are sending a message on President’s Day and notes that they’ve never had a black man as President, and says the chances of that ever happening are as good as Snow beating Mack tonight.
Third Contest: Rodney Mack vs. Al Snow: Mack quickly goes on the attack with stomps, but Snow takes Mack down to the mat. Mack nails Snow with a leaping shoulder block and hits an overhead suplex. Snow jabs Mack out of the corner, but a knee lift stops Snow. Mack sends Snow into the corner, but runs into a boot. Mack snap powerslams Snow coming out of the corner. Snow comes off the ropes to forearm Mack to the mat. Snow traps Mack’s arms and delivers a series of headbutts to the chest. Snow continues with a couple of clotheslines. Snow backdrops Mack followed by a scoop slam and climbs to the top rope. Snow misses a moonsault as Mack got his knees up. Mack hits a double under hook powerbomb, but Snow nearly landed directly on his neck. Mack covers and wins the match. (*1/2. I was a bit surprised by how much offense got in on Mack. I kind of expected a more dominating outing for Mack to get over as a heel on RAW. The finish was dangerously executed and I would be shocked to see that used again. I’d imagine they’ll think of a different finisher for Mack that is far less dangerous for a relatively green worker.)
Backstage, Chris Jericho is chatting with Christian. Jericho says that Shawn Michaels made the wrong comment to the wrong guy and now he’s got the chance to kick Michaels ass tonight. Christian says that Michaels and Hardy think they are so cool because women scream when they take their shirts off when that’s been happening for him for a long time. Jericho calls Christian a sexy beast and spits out his gum before smacking it as a obvious tribute to Hennig.
Fourth Contest: Chris Jericho & Christian vs. Jeff Hardy & Shawn Michaels in a no disqualification match: Michaels and Hardy storm the ring to kickoff the match with brawling. Michaels pulls Christian groin first into the ring post from the floor. Hardy avoids a dropkick by Jericho and catapults Jericho over the top to the floor. Hardy runs the barricade, but Jericho slams Hardy on the floor. Christian and Jericho double team Michaels and send Michaels into the ring steps. Michaels is handcuffed to the bottom rope. Jericho plants Hardy with a back suplex and taunts the crowd. Michaels is trying to break free, but Jericho taunts Michaels with the key. Hardy fights back with right hands, but Christian cuts Hardy off from behind. Christian chokes Hardy on the mat. Hardy avoids Jericho in the corner and clotheslines Christian followed by a forearm strike to Jericho. Christian stops Hardy with a reverse DDT. Michaels chokes Jericho with one arm until Christian helps his partner. Jericho rips Michaels shirt off and whips Michaels over the back with a leather belt. Jericho and Christian continue to double team Hardy. Jericho taunts Michaels with the key. Hardy nails Christian with the Whisper In The Wind. Michaels nails Jericho with the Sweet Chin Music and manages to get the key from Jericho. Michaels unlocks himself from the bottom rope.
Michaels gets on the apron and gets the hot tag. Michaels decks Christian with a few right hands and backdrops Christian. Michaels pummels Christian in the corner with right hands and hits a springboard twisting Thez Press to pummel Christian some more. Christian elbows Michaels in the corner and heads to the top rope. Michaels slams Christian off the top rope to the mat. Michaels sends Christian into the ropes, but Christian holds onto the ropes, but is still sent over the top to the floor. Hardy leaps off Michaels back to dive onto Christian. Jericho tries to use a steel chair, but Michaels nails the chair into Jericho’s face with the Sweet Chin Music. Hardy leaps off the top to hit the Swanton Bomb on Jericho for the win. (**. Well, the heels looked like morons especially Jericho. This was hardly a no disqualification match as they followed tag rules and there wasn’t much in terms of weapon usage. I was hoping for a bit more here, but they instead settled on making the heels look like dopes.)
Backstage, Chris Jericho is tossing stuff having a temper tantrum. Jericho tells Christian that this isn’t over and that Hardy hadn’t won a match in four months and isn’t going to celebrate on him.
Fifth Contest: Christopher Nowinski vs. The Hurricane: Nowinski backs Hurricane into a corner, but backs off. Nowinski kicks Hurricane followed by a snapmare and shoulder blocks Hurricane. Hurricane clothesline Nowinski for a two count. Hurricane sends Nowinski to the floor and hits a slingshot hurricanrana on the floor. Hurricane tries for a slingshot into the ring, but is caught and dropped over the ropes. Nowinski decks Hurricane with a clothesline and chokes Hurricane over the top rope. Nowinski yanks Hurricane to the mat and keeps control with a neck vice. Hurricane fires back with right hands, but Nowinski kicks Hurricane and hits a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall. Nowinski tries for a full nelson, but Hurricane counters with a rollup for a two count. Hurricane comes off the ropes to spike Nowinski with a tornado DDT. Hurricane connects with a neckbreaker and yanks Nowinski down to the mat for a near fall. Hurricane misses a blockbuster attempt. Nowinski plants Hurricane with a spinebuster for a near fall. Hurricane counters a double under hook DDT. Hurricane hits the Eye of the Hurricane to pickup the clean win. (*. A good win for Hurricane. Hurricane has a ton of in-ring skill, but just so happens to be getting over because of the character, too.)
Backstage, Bischoff is prepping for his match with Jim Ross by kicking a bag with a picture of Ross taped to it and being held by Morley. Morley tells Bischoff he thinks he’s had a enough practice. Bischoff and Morley sit down to watch Spike Dudley getting potentially destroyed in the handicap match.
Backstage, Scott Steiner is prepping for the tag match later tonight.
Sixth Contest: Rico, Jamal & Rosey vs. Spike Dudley in a handicap match: Spike tries to go on the attack, but is obviously quickly beaten down. Spike is lifted into the air and driven down to the mat by Jamal and Rosey followed by a double elbow drop. Jamal nails Spike with a running back strike to Spike’s head in the corner. Rosey plants Spike with a Samoan Drop. Spike is sent hard into the corner chest first. Rosey drives Spike down with a swinging side slam. Jamal heads to the top rope as Spike is held down. Jamal destroys Spike with a big splash. Rico covers Spike and has a handful of tights to win the match. (*. Spike may be the best guy to ever take an absolute mauling.)
Backstage, Scott Steiner says he’s going to win the title at No Way Out. Steiner says he’s the best and HHH couldn’t beat him at the Royal Rumble. Steiner says that HHH is fighting the freakzilla and the next World Champion. Booker T enters the scene and says it’s time to get some payback on their punk asses.
Seventh Contest: RAW World Champion Triple H & Batista vs. Booker T & Scott Steiner: HHH and Booker kickoff the tag match. Booker backs HHH into a corner and backs off. HHH knee lifts Booker followed by a right hand and a headlock. HHH shoulder blocks Booker and runs the ropes where Booker delivers a spinning heel kick. Booker pummels HHH in the corner with strikes and chops. Booker backdrops HHH coming out of the corner for a two count. Batista knee lifts Booker from the apron and HHH delivers a high knee. Batista tags in and works over Booker with elbows in the corner. Batista clotheslines Booker in the corner for a two count. Batista continues with a knee lift in the corner and strikes Booker against the ropes. Booker is met with a clothesline and HHH tags into the match. Booker rolls to the corner and tags in Steiner. Steiner goes after HHH with forearms and chops in the corner. Steiner boots HHH in the corner and hits a belly to belly suplex. Steiner rams HHH into the corner face first and gets distracted by Flair on the floor. Steiner chases Flair onto the ramp. HHH forearms Steiner upon returning to the ring and stomps Steiner in the corner. Batista chokes Steiner in the corner and drops Steiner over the top rope. HHH sends Steiner through the ropes to the floor where Orton gets several cheap shots in and looks healthy. Orton rolls Steiner back into the ring where HHH gets a near fall.
Steiner forearms HHH, but HHH locks in a sleeper hold. Steiner breaks free with a back suplex. Booker tags into the match and hammers away on HHH. Booker forearms HHH and pummels Batista in the corner. Booker stomps Batista in the corner followed by a spin kick to HHH and Batista. Booker heel kicks HHH a second time and does the spinarooni. Batista turns Booker inside out with a clothesline. HHH tries for the Pedigree, but Steiner clotheslines HHH and hits. a belly to belly suplex on Batista. Steiner slams Orton off the top rope and suplexs HHH. Booker scissor kicks HHH and covers for the win! (**. Jesus Christ they are pivoting away from Steiner even before the pay per view. This can’t be going unnoticed by Steiner. Booker pinning the champion is sending a message. I feel like there’s no interest in Steiner/HHH, but they have to go through with the PPV match and then move away from it as soon as possible. Booker potentially being the next challenger for HHH is totally fine by me.)
In the ring, Bischoff and Morley are doing a showcase. Morley holds a board for Bischoff and Bischoff kicks the board in half. Bischoff says that is Steve Austin’s rib cage. Bischoff punches another board in half. Morley grabs a watermelon and Bischoff kicks the watermelon to signify Austin’s head. Morley picks up a cinderblock, but Jim Ross cuts off the segment. Bischoff claims he’s not afraid of Austin and says he can make any match he wants. Bischoff books the match with Ross is no holds barred. Bischoff is going to kick Austin’s best friends ass to show how grateful he is for Austin saving his job.
Main Event: Eric Bischoff vs. Jim Ross in a no holds barred match: Bischoff mocks Ross and is promptly met with a slap to the face. Morley decks Ross from behind and pummels Ross with right hands on the mat. Morley puts the cinderblock on Ross’s head and Bischoff teases kicking the cinderblock. Bischoff ends up kicking the cinderblock on Ross’s head. Jerry Lawler decides he’s had enough of this and runs into the ring to attack Morley. Lawler decks Morley several times. Bischoff kicks Lawler, but Lawler isn’t too bothered by it. Morley decks Lawler from behind and tosses Lawler to the floor. Morley continues with strikes and sends Lawler into the ring post. Ross has been busted wide open and is somehow staggering to his feet. Ross holds himself up on the ropes, but Bischoff strikes Ross in the midsection. Bischoff covers Ross and pins Ross for the win. (NR. Okay, well, that was quite bizarre. It’s a fine way to get Bischoff and Morley more heat heading into No Way Out. However, it is baffling that Jim Ross would even get to his feet after having a cinder block kicked into his head. For goodness sake he’s just a commentator and he’s able to recover from that? Give me a break. Lawler waited until after the cinderblock part to make the save for his buddy? What are we doing here?) After the match, Bischoff opens a beer and does Austin’s catchphrase before drinking beer over the lifeless body of Jim Ross. Bischoff pours beer onto Ross to end the program.
Final Thoughts:
A mostly average episode of RAW this week. I think WWE wants to get past the Steiner experiment and move on towards WrestleMania with a stronger main event on the RAW brand. The heels got plenty of momentum on this episode, but that needs to happen for the face to get a bigger pop in the future. A middle of the road episode here, which is a small victory for the RAW brand.
Thanks for reading.