World Wrestling Entertainment presents Heat
Date: 4/27/2003
From: Worcester, MA
Heat takes place on the same night as WWE Backlash. Coach is on commentary by himself due what happened to Lita on RAW thanks to Eric Bischoff firing her. Coach introduces Jerry Lawler as his commentary partner for Heat.
Backstage, Trish Stratus is getting checked out by the doctor. Eric Bischoff enters the scene and tries to talk to Stratus, but the doctor pulls Bischoff aside and says that he doesn’t think Trish should compete tonight. Bischoff tells the doctor that Stratus better be in the ring or it will be the doctors job on the line.
Backstage, Dudley Boys are talking where Bubba says he thinks Spike knows this is just business. Bubba knew things would work out and tonight they get a tag title shot thanks to working with Morley. D-Von says he will not be a puppet or a yes man for Bischoff. D-Von says that Stephanie McMahon is here and they could always go to Smackdown. Morley enters the scene and reminds them of a big opportunity tonight. Morley is going to give them insurance tonight that they are going to win the titles tonight. Morley reveals he’s going to be the special guest referee. Bubba thanks Morley and shakes his hand, but D-Von walks off disgusted.
Earlier today, Smackdown World Champion Brock Lesnar arrives to the arena shaking hands with various fans.
Backstage, Josh Matthews interviews Smackdown Tag Team Champions Team Angle in the parking lot. Charlie Haas dedicates their match to Kurt Angle. Shelton Benjamin says they will be fully represented tonight and they have a picture of Kurt Angle framed with them.
Backstage, The Rock has arrived to the arena where Lilian Garcia interviews him. Garcia asks what they can expect to see tonight. Rock can show Garcia a lot better than he can tell her. Rock flexes his muscles for Garcia to touch his arm. Rock claims the match with Goldberg will be even bigger than his muscles.
MAIN EVENT: RICO VS. SCOTT STEINER
FINISH: Steiner avoided a kick and hit a reverse DDT to earn the win.
Bob’s Take: Steiner has fallen so far that he’s now working Heat pre-show matches. Just two months ago he’s challenging for the World Title and now he’s here. 3MW tried to get involved, but Steiner fought them off quickly. Rico delivered a series of kicks to gain the advantage, and it’s still impressive to see Rico perform like this as it’s not something you’d expect. Steiner didn’t look too bad here and they kept a fine pace to hold interest. The crowd popped for Steiner winning so they should be fired up for Backlash.
Match Rating: **
Backstage, Goldberg arrives to the arena to close the show.
Final Thoughts:
As per usual, these pre-shows are simple and effective to promote the PPV.
Thanks for reading.