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Chapter Text

WWF Unforgiven 2000
September 24, 2000
First Union Center

The battle between Kurt Angle and Triple H had led to this moment in time. The two two men had gone through an absolute war with Stephanie looking on in anguish at ringside. Commissioner Foley was officiating the match. Kurt Angle was providing the majority of the offense. The story was Triple H's injured ribs, and whether he would be able to survive the match. It was for a moment that Triple H had gotten the upper hand with a one armed pedigree that he waved Stephanie into the ring.

Stephanie seemed confused by his request. She did as she was told, holding her hands up in the air, clueless to what part she was going to be asked to play. She knelt beside her husband as he spoke to her.

“You've got to choose.”

Stephanie looked dismayed by his words, not knowing what to do. She stood up, eyeing both her husband and good friend. Both men struggled to get to their feet via the ropes. Steph, not moving an inch to help either of them.

The camera suddenly shifted to the ramp as Billy Gunn came running to the ring with a steel chair.

JR: “Billy Gunn! Former member of DX! The man who Triple H kicked out of his faction back in February! He's here!”

Gunn darted up on the apron and slammed the chair into Triple's side, sending the Game stumbling forward, holding his torso.

Jim Ross: “Billy Gunn with a steel chair right into The Game's ribs! And it's as legal as a headlock in this No Disqualification match!”

Bad Ass Billy Gunn dropped the chair as soon as his feet hit the floor, and directed a quick crotch chop at his former friend before making his way back up the ramp. Angle seized the opportunity, using Triple H's own momentum to lift him into a perfect Olympic Slam. He hooked the leg for the cover.

JR: “Kurt Angle with an Olympic Slam, driving every last breath right out of The Game. He goes for the cover! Don't tell me Angle's going to win it this way!”

King: “That's the I for intelligence, JR!”

Stephanie looked on in disbelief, frozen in place, as Foley went to the mat to give the count. 1....2....3.

JR: “I can't believe it! Thanks to the assist from Billy Gunn, Kurt Angle has won the match!”

King: “And poor Stephanie is just in shock! I don't even think she's processing what happened.”

The bell rang and Angle's music filled the arena, but Angle's assault on The Game continued. Kick after kick found it's mark on the injured torso. The after match attack caused Angle's music to be cut short.

JR: “Stephanie never made her choice! She's standing there idle has her husband is further punished by Kurt Angle, the man she thought was her friend.”

King: “She's traumatized, JR!”

Finally, Stephanie seemed snapped out of her daze, as she moved to confront Angle.

King: “Wait, I think she's finally seen enough. If Foley won't put a stop to this then she will. She has to help her husband.”

Steph grabbed Kurt by the arm, turning him to face her, exactly how she had on SmackDown, but then she paused. The two stared at each other for a moment. Angle's chest was heaving from the grueling match he just had. In an instant, Stephanie's look of horror was replaced by a sadistic smile. She moved forward and planted a kiss on Kurt Angle.

JR: “Oh my God, Stephanie just kissed Kurt Angle! What in the hell is going on?!”

They kiss passionately for a moment, before breaking the lip lock, still in an embrace, while they both look over at Triple H, who was struggling to get to his feet, holding onto the middle rope.

Stephanie let go of Angle, slowly sashaying over to her struggling husband, still wearing an evil grin across her face. Without any warning, she kicked Triple H hard in the ribs causing him to scream out in pain, and fall back to the canvas. He clutched his chest, riving in pain while blood poured from his mouth.

JR: “Good God Almighty! Stephanie just kicked her own husband in his busted up ribs! We are witnessing pure evil!”

King: “I guess this is Stephanie making her choice.”

Angle had moved to get a closer look at his fallen bloodied opponent with a huge smile on his face. He taunted him aloud, “Who's crying now, Hunter? Who's the bitch now? Huh?”

Stephanie grabbed Kurt by his singlet strap, turning him to face her again as they entered yet another lip lock that was even more passionate than the first. The camera then focused on Triple H, as he looked up at them in fury, bloody grit teeth, willing himself to try and get to his feet, but was unable. The kiss ended but was quickly followed up by Kurt leaning over and spitting in Triple H's face. This caused Triple H to throw his back in anger, grimacing in pain, as he rolled over onto his side.

JR; “This is sick! So disrespectful! So undeserved! Triple H was battling this match to defend his wife's honor and she has completed destroyed him with Kurt Angle! Stephanie and her “friend” Kurt Angle have left Triple H in a bloodied heap!”

Angle's theme restarted as he and Stephanie make their exit to a mixture of boos, asshole and slut chants. They stopped on the stage. Stephanie looked back at her husband lying in the ring. The evil grin on her face was accompanied by a slow wave goodbye before she took Angle's hand and exited the stage with him. The PPV continued on as scheduled.

Chapter Text

RAW IS WAR

September 25, 2000

Bryce Jordan Center

Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcomed the television audience and the crowd to the inaugural episode of Monday Night RAW on TNN. The camera panned over the sold out crowd live from Penn State. Kurt Angle's “Medal” theme rang out evoking a chorus of boos.

Kurt and Stephanie emerged onto the stage together. Hand in hand they made their way to the ring while JR and Lawler gave a recap of Unforgiven, complete with still pictures of the action.

JR: “You can catch the replay on pay-per-view through your cable and satellite providers where we saw this woman, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley turn her back on her husband and side with this weasel, Kurt Angle.”

King: “That's our Olympic Hero, JR. Triple H told her to choose and Stephanie made her choice.”

JR: “That she did, but was kicking him in the ribs needed? Was flaunting their affair needed, King? Let's hear what these two have to say for themselves.”

The entrance theme faded leaving the ruckus crowd to be heard. Stephanie grabbed a microphone. She strolled around the ring with a smirk on her face as “SLUT” chant rang out causing her to roll her eyes. Angle yelled at the crowd to “shut the heck up” before she finally spoke:

“Is anyone really surprised by the choice I made last night?”

The crowd booed loudly and continued their chant.

JR: “I'm pretty sure your husband was.”

Steph continued, “Ever since I married Triple H, he has been obsessed with being the WWF champion! Obsessed with power by being in the McMahon family! His success was all he ever cared about, he never ever put me first!"

Stephanie's whiny, shrill voice pierced through the heat of the crowd only causing them to intensify their reaction to her words.

King: “She was neglected, JR”

JR: “Give me a break, cue the violins.”

It was when she went to speak again that the audience found another yet another level of intensity: The “SLUT” chants were deafening, cutting her off. She looked like she was going to cry causing Angle to pull her into a hug for reassurance.

JR: “The crowd isn't buying this either.”

Kurt took the mic from Stephanie, “How dare you people chant that four letter word at her! Unfortunately, I can't say I'm surprised! This coming from you people of Penn State who's football team, the Nittany Lions, haven't seen a championship win since 1986! You're pathetic losers! Oh, It's True!"

The Olympic Hero's dig at the college's football team caused the crowd to boo loudly. An upset Steph took the mic back and continued on.

“My marriage had become a nightmare! Triple H never trusted me from the beginning!”

JR: “And now we know why.”

“Kurt and I were just friends and Triple H's jealousy and insecurity drove me right into the arms of my Olympic Hero!” Mention of Angle brought a smile to her face, she cast a glance at Angle, which he returned with a wink.

She continued on, this time speaking to her husband directly, “Hunter, you couldn't handle the fact that Kurt was better than you in every single way! That's why you were so threatened by him!”

Stephanie brought up her hand, showcasing Angle as she went on, “The only Olympic Gold Medalist in the World Wrestling Federation! The fastest rising superstar ever in our business!”

Kurt smiled smugly, he did his little hop spin, soaking in all the praise she was showering him with. The crows began chanting 'asshole'.

“And well...” Stephanie paused for a moment, she placed her hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow, “the man who gave me more passion one August night than you were able to do in the 10 months we were married...Yes, I did screw Kurt after SummerSlam, and I loved it!”

Her admission reignited the hateful chants, which Stephanie seemingly ignored, sharing a laugh with Angle before they embraced in a searing kiss.

JR: “This is just vile. Stephanie admitting her infidelity with Angle SummerSlam night. So much for Angle's so called Integrity.”

King: "Oh come, JR, they're in love, it's true, it's true!"

JR: "And they deserve each other. Two self centered, self serving individuals, let me tell you."

Kurt waited for the chants to die down as he now had the microphone. Stephanie massaged his chest as he spoke, “Well Steph, intensity is one of my three Is. Oh, It's true! And if not for me 3 Is, I would never have won this prestigious gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta Georgia.”

Angle held his gold medal with his free hand. Stephanie took hold of it, eyeing it with pride as the crowd started an “Asshole” chant again.

JR: “It always comes back to the gold medal. Get a barf bag, this is insufferable!”

King: “What? He's a proud American who represented our Country. He's a hero! I've always been proud of him! This crowd should show some respect!”

Kurt pressed on, “your Olympic Hero is a winner. I am used to capturing state, world, Olympic, even WWF titles. But none of that compares to the feeling of capturing the heart and the hand of the Billion Dollar Princess."

The crowd booed loud as Stephanie gushed, placing her hand over her chest, blushing from his admission. The “Slut” chants picked up again.

King: “This is a storybook romance we're witnessing.”

JR: “Oh give me a break, King.”

Angle moved to take Stephanie's hand in his, “Steph, I can't tell you how proud I am of you for making the right choice at Unforgiven. You dumped the zero and got yourself a hero! Oh it's true!"

Stephanie nodded adamantly, echoing an “it's true” off mic before the Olympian continued on.

“And speaking of the zero. Triple H, you got exactly what you deserved. You wanted to question my manhood? You wanted to laugh at my accolades, my accomplishments? And guess what! I got the last laugh! I took your wife and it happened right under your humongous nose! Oh, it's true! It's DAMN True! Woo!"

The crowd showed their displeasure. Angle put the exclamation point on by pulling Stephanie into a passionate embrace.

JR: “Angle sure is running his mouth. You have to think he's confident that The Game isn't here yet tonight.”

The lip lock broke, Kurt almost seemed in a trance like state for a moment, gazing at the Billion Dollar Princess. He shook off his arousal, and brought the mic up to speak.

“Oh, I almost forgot. There's something else we need to address and that's "Mr. Ass".

Angle did air quotes with his hands, “who decided to interfere in my match last night. Just so we are clear, your Olympic Hero did not need the help of anyone to get the win over Triple H. Especially from a guy who's obsessed with other people's rear ends! And that is true!”

The Olympic Hero went on to speak but was quickly cut off by the theme song “I'm An Ass Man”. The couple looked annoyed by the interruption. They moved together to the ring ropes, facing the stage as Billy Gunn made his way out with a microphone of his own. The music died down allowing the former New Age Outlaw to speak:

“For the record, Kurt, my interference in your match had NOTHING to do with you. I did what I did to Triple H because of what he did to me back in February, kicking me out of DX and putting my on the shelf for the past seven months! I don't like you! And I sure as hell don't like that sleazy tramp you're standing in that ring with!"

The crowd cheered loud and followed it up with SLUT chants. Stephanie's eyes widened, her mouth parted as she was in shock by Bad Ass Billy Gunn's words directed toward her. Kurt paced back and forth in the ring, before screaming into the microphone, “You watch your freaking mouth! No ONE talks to her like that!"

Angle was turning a deep red while veins pulled in his broad neck. Stephanie seemed pleased with his defense. Billy Gunn, however, did not look the least bit intimidated.

“I just did so what are you going to do about it, little man?"

Kurt started to step through the ring ropes when Commissioner Foley's music rang out in the arena. The crowd cheered as Foley came out on stage. Neither Kurt nor Stephanie seemed pleased to see him. When the theme music died down, Mick spoke:

“Well Kurt, let me be the first to congratulate you on your win over Triple H after one hell of a battle that I witnessed first hand. Unfortunately due the injuries he sustained, “The Game” Triple H is not scheduled to be here tonight.”

The crowd booed, while Stephanie and Kurt pretended to be disappointed. Stephanie even wiped a fake tear from her eye causing Kurt to burst out laughing, and bring her into a hug from behind.

Foley continued on, “But Kurt and Stephanie, you ARE here tonight. And I must say, you two make quite the couple: The Hero and the Princess making their first appearance together as a couple on Monday Night RAW.”

King: “See Commissioner Foley gets it.”

JR: “What's Foley getting at?”

The crowd boos. Angle looked somewhat flattered by Mick's comments, but Stephanie seemed suspicious. They waited for Foley to continue.

“Since Stephanie has chosen Angle as her new life partner, she can also have him as her tag team partner!”

King: “What?”

The crowd cheers while Angle and Stephanie took very perplexed.

“I know, you both look very confused. I see Kurt is ready to defend Stephanie's honor against Billy Gunn, and there is someone who after seeing what you two did to Triple H last night, feels that there is a score needing to be settled. So tonight! It will be Kurt and Stephanie taking versus Billy Gunn and... The 9th Wonder of the World, Chyna! Right here at Penn State! Have A Nice Day!"

The crowd popped hard for the announcement of the blockbuster tag match as Foley's music played. Stephanie looked pissed, freaking out as Kurt did his best to try and calm her down to end the show opening segment.

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After a match we cut to a scene of Stephanie and Kurt in a dressing room. They sat cuddled on a love seat together. The camera panned out to see that Shane is also seated in on a sofa of his own. Shane-O rubbed his neck, as a nonverbal sign that he was still feeling the effects of the Stunners from Stone Cold Steve Austin at Unforgiven last night.

Stephanie took note of this. “You know, Austin really has some nerve stunning you not once but twice last night!”

Shane simply nodded at his little sister while it caused Angle to sit up straight, “What about what he did to me? I took the time to introduce myself to him and even gave him his own honorary gold medal and he kicked my-”

Angle stopped mid sentence, looking between Stephanie and Shane, “He tried to kick my ass! Do you believe that? He obviously has absolutely no integrity!”

Stephanie continued to whine, “What kind of WWF is Foley running when Austin can just go around assaulting everyone without any consequences? Mick is just as out of control as Stone Cold, I mean, he put me in a match tonight with Chyna!”

Steph's mention of her foe caused Angle to quickly reply as he rubbed her arm gently as reassurance, “Don't worry about her, she won't even get a chance to touch you because I'm going to pin Billy Gunn in an Olympic second.”

Stephanie smiled weakly, and placed her head on Angle's shoulder. Shane noticed this and re-positioned himself his chair, still selling the effects of the Stunner, before speaking to the couple, “By the way, I wanted to say congratulations to you guys making it official.”

Kurt and Stephanie smiled, thanking him, prompting Shane to continue on, “Like I said before, I support every decision that Stephanie makes and I mean that.”

Stephanie gushed, “Thank you, Shane. It was not much of a decision I had to make. I mean, I deserve to be with the best and.....now I am.”

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. Angle's face formed a smug smile as he added his own sentiment: “Oh It's True.”

Shane seemed less impressed with his sister's admission, “Well that may be true, but you two should probably watch your back. With that number you pulled on Triple H, you know he's going to be pissed.”

Shane's word of warning caused both Kurt and Stephanie to scoff. Shrugging off his words, they cuddle up again. This time, however, their smiles faded as the scene ended.

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After a hardcore match, we switch to backstage where Chyna was talking to Billy Gunn in the locker room. Billy seemed to be warming up for their match as the 9^th Wonder of the World was speaking to him.

“Look, I understand why you did what you did last night. But what you have to remember is Hunter being with Stephanie brought out a whole other side of him. The old Triple H would never betray his oldest friends. Stephanie is the reason for the downfall of Degeneration X!”

The Bad Ass Billy Gunn let out a sigh folding his arms in front of him. He wasn't full sold on what Chyna was telling him.

She continued on. “What that little rich bitch did to him last night was humiliating! And now I have a chance to begin to settle the score! She's going to pay!”

Billy scoffed and smirked at former fellow DX member. It had been a long time since they had joined forces.

“You and me, tonight. Just like old times.” He gave a crotch chop causing her to laugh.

They then hugged just as Eddie Guerrero came into the locker room. Latino Heat stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes taking in the embrace. He erupted, flying into a fit of rage as he began to attack Billy from behind. Eddie was on him, throwing a barrage of rights, lefts, and kicks.

“That's my Mami! Who do you think you are touching my Mamacita! We're engaged, homes! You don't touch my Mami!”

Chyna screamed for Eddie to stop the onslaught which ended with Billy Gunn laying motionless on the floor. “What are you doing? He didn't do anything! We were getting ready for a match!”

Guerrero would hear none of it. He screamed in her face a mixture of Spanish and English before storming off with his luggage and Intercontinental Title. Chyna was left to check on her friend as the scene came to a close.

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Kurt and Stephanie were seen reacting to what just happened. They both chuckled as Angle pointed out the obvious. “Well, either the match is off or Chyna's going to be taking on us in a handicap match.”

Stephanie smirked, “Looks like Chyna's little plan backfired big time.”

The door to the dressing room suddenly opened and in walked Mick Foley. The couple seemed taken aback by his intrusion, as they sat up in the sofa.

Stephanie seemed irritated, “What do you want, Mick?”

“Excuse the interruption, but I'm here to inform you that the tag match is still set to take place tonight. While Latino Heat's Latin temper has removed Billy Gunn from the match. At this late hour, I was able to find a worthy replacement.”

Angle and Stephanie looked at each other. They had not considered this possibility.

“Joining Chyna tonight will be the World Wrestling Federation Champion, The Rock!”

The Penn State crowd cheered while Kurt and Stephanie flipped out at Foley as he made his exit from their dressing room.

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Later that night, The Rock stood by backstage with Michael Cole. His shiny WWF championship, draped over his shoulder. He adjusted it as an eyebrow popping over his black framed sunglasses.

“Rock, tonight you will be-”

The Rock held his hand up, cutting Cole off from finishing. Rocky grabbed the microphone.

"Finally ...The Rock Has come BACK to Penn.... State...."

There was a long pause as the crowd pops, chanting Rocky. The Rock stood there, soaking in the reaction before continuing:

"The Rock has been in formed that he will be teaming with Chyna to take on Kurt Angle and his new Girlfriend, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley....."

'Slut' chants could be heard.

“Kurt Angle, you think you're unstoppable because you finally beat Triple H! You think you're really special because for the first time in 31 years someone besides you is playing with your little...gold... medals..."

The crowd popped again, Rock paused before moving on.

"But Kurt Angle, The Rock says this. You and Stephanie are an Olympic caliber couple."

Michael Cole looked surprised by The Great One's Comment.

"Let The Rock Explain: You have a gold medal in freestyle wrestling...... And Stephanie has the gold medal as the biggest two timing...horizontal lying....holla fo' a dolla, mark down, red tag, basement price, SLUT, The Rock has ever seen!"

The crowd goes crazy, “Rocky” chants ensue again for a few moments.

"But tonight is not about the Olympics, no no no NO! Tonight is about The Rock whooping both of your candy asses all over the Keystone State! IF YOU SMELLLLLLLLALALALALA OHHH WHAT THE ROCK... IS... COOKIN!"

The Rock flashes the People's Eyebrow as the crowd cheers for the promo they just saw on the Titan Tron.

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It was main event time. Kurt and Stephanie were out first. It was when Stephanie reached the ring that she was quick to correct Lillian Garcia who had just introduced them. Lillian got on the microphone.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I've been corrected.... now in the ring, Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon!”

King: “She already dropped the Helmsley, that didn't take long!”

JR: "Stephanie correcting Lillian before the start of this match up. She should be more worried about Chyna, the long time friend of Triple H, who is out for revenge."

Chyna was out next and Stephanie was quick to clear the ring. Her and Angle stood at ringside as they watched The People's Champion make his way to the ring with the biggest pop of the night.

The Rock dominated the match early. Stephanie stood in her corner looking concerned as her Olympic Hero took a hard Samoan Drop in the middle of the ring, going for the cover yielded only a two count. The Rock then set up the Sharpshooter. Steph saw this, and got the referee's attention while Angle quickly began to tap as soon as the move was locked in. The Rock broke the hold, turning to stare down Stephanie. Steph looked worried as the Great One attempted to grab her, but she quickly got off the apron. With the Rock momentarily distracted, Kurt got to his feet, and provided a textbook German to the WWF champion. Both men were lying in the ring. Angle selling the effects of the sharpshooter from moments ago.

The crowd began to chant for The Rock as Chyna was fired up, wanting to tag in to get a piece of Kurt Angle. Slowly both men go to their feet, Angle attempted to throw rights, each one blocked by the Great One, who answered back with fists of his own that rocked the Olympic champion. A rack to the eyes by Angle out of desperation allowed him to hit a snap suplex and go for the cover. A two count. Kurt looked frustrated, he hollered at the ref, before attempting to lift The Rock back up to his feet. Once his feet were under him, The Rock threw Angle into an Irish Whip, the rebound off the ropes, Angle ducked missing the clothesline but on the second rebound got hit with a Spine buster.

This of course was a set up for the most electrifying move in Sports Entertainment. The crowd went crazy. The People's Elbow hit hard. Rock went for the cover but again, Stephanie distracted the referee who is not there to make the count. The Rock got back to his feet. It looked like he may go after Stephanie again, but instead he looked over at his tag partner Chyna who held out her hand out for the tag. Stephanie finally realized what was taking place. Her eyes widen with fear as she watched The Rock tag in The 9^th Wonder of the World. The crowd cheered.

Chyna got in the ring, and made a beeline for Stephanie. With two handfuls of hair, she pulled the Princess right over the top rope, sending her tumbling to the canvas. Chyna pulled Stephanie's hair from out from her fingers as Stephanie crawls to the corner. She got up, and attempted to plead with Chyna. Chyna was smiling, looking forward to the payback that she was ready to deliver. Behind Chyna popped up Kurt Angle, who pulled her into an attempt at an Olympic Slam, but The Rock made the save and follows up with a DDT to Angle.

The Rock kipped up, popping back onto his feet. The crowd went wild as the Rock began to stalk Kurt Angle. Chyna was also back to her feet. She clotheslined Stephanie. Both Rock and Chyna began stalking their opponents.

The Rock Bottom and Pedigree were being set up, but the focus suddenly shifted to Shane McMahon who ran down to ringside. McMahon grabbed the Rock's WWF title, slid in the ring, and attempted to hit Rock. Rocky caught him, and hit him with the Rock Bottom.

Chyna, the legal man in the match, was still set up for the Pedigree. Before she could execute it, Edge and Christian ran in the ring and attacked her and the Rock. The bell rang signaling disqualification. All hell had broken loose. Angle managed to get a low blow on Rocky, allowing him to deliver an Olympic Slam on the WWF champion. Edge and Christian double team Chyna, as Stephanie directed them to make Chyna kneel in front of her. Stephanie held up her hand and delivered a hard slap to Chyna's face. Meanwhile, Angle picked up The Rock's WWF title and was waiting for The Rock to get to his feet so that he can hit him with it.

The camera abruptly shifted to the ramp as Triple H ran toward the ring with a sledge hammer. Angle and Stephanie saw this, and quickly high tailed it out of the ring with Shane. The Game made short work of E&C, shots with the sledge hammer sent them flying out of the ring.

JR: “It's Triple H! The Game is here and he's cleaning house! Angle and the McMahons are running like scolded dogs! Triple H is out for blood!”

The Game was all fired up. He ripped off his shirt showing his heavily bandaged ribs. He went into the ring corner, standing on the middle rope, he pointed and hollered at Angle and Stephanie.

Kurt and Stephanie were wide eyed as Shane implored them to move further up the ramp to the stage, getting as much distance between them and Triple H as possible. In the ring The Rock managed to get to his feet. There was a stare down between The Brahma Bull and The Game which broke when The Rock grabs his WWF title. The two, who have a long history as enemies, both looked out at the new McMahon-Angle regime as RAW went off the air.

Chapter Text

SmackDown!

September 28, 2000

Mellon Arena

Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcomed everyone to Thursday Night SmackDown! On UPN from the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! The camera panned over the fired up crowd. Cole mentioned Stone Cold Steve Austin's search for who ran him down continues tonight.

“My Time” rang out through the arena to a huge pop from the audience. The Game, Triple H, emerged onto the Oval stage with a sledge hammer in hand. An open leather jacket framed his torso that was heavily bandaged.

Cole: “The Pittsburgh crowd giving The Game a standing ovation! Triple H slowly making his way to the ring armed with a sledge hammer! The same one he used to clear the ring on Monday night. King, you have to wonder what condition his ribs are after the brutal attack from Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon at Unforgiven.”

King: “Well, they seem pretty bandaged up, but I've never seen him that out of control as I did Monday night!”

Cole: “After what Stephanie and Kurt Angle did, I don't know how you can't blame him.”

Triple H grabbed a mic with his free hand. He waited for his music to die off before he finally spoke. “Last week was a living hell! It started at Unforgiven when my wife turned her back on me, leaving me in a pool of blood!”

Slut chants began to ring out through the arena. Triple H paced around the ring, allowing the chants to ring out before continuing, “And that living hell continued when I came home to find all of my stuff in trash bags by the curb and the all of the locks on the doors changed!”

The crowd booed, and continued with their favorite four letter chant for Stephanie.

Cole: “Stephanie kicked Triple H out of his own house!”

King: “What is it that they say, Cole? Possession is nine tenths of the law?”

Hunter continued on, “Everything I did trying to hold that marriage together! All the bitching and complaining I had to endure!”

Triple H paused for a moment. The look of disdain on his face was evident as he thought back on all of the misery his wife had put him through. He continued on, speaking this time directly to his estranged wife,

“Stephanie, You care about nothing but yourself! You never gave a crap about us, it was always about you!” Triple H pointed his hammer to the stage as he spoke.

King: “He's saying the same thing about Stephanie as she said about him on Monday!”

“I gave you the world and you threw it away like it was NOTHING! With each and every breath I take-” Triple H moved his arms away from his torso, the camera focused on his bandaged ribs. “I am reminded of your betrayal, you sick, heartless BITCH!”

The crowd popped hard showing their support for Triple H.

“But karma....has a way of coming back around...” Hunter commented, bringing the sledge hammer up to his shoulder. “And speaking of karma..Bad Ass Billy Gunn.”

Cole: “The man who had a hand at costing Triple H his match against Kurt Angle at Unforgiven!”

The Game continued, “I'll admit it, karma came back to bite me in the ass after what I put you through seven months ago. You settled your score and I can't blame you for that. In fact, tonight I'm going to do the same thing. I have a score of my own to settle with Kurt Angle and my soon to be ex wife!”

The crowd got fired up again. They watched with glee as Triple H turns his attention to his sledge hammer in his hand.

Hunter raises the hammer up, “So Kurt, grow a pair of nads, and you and that filthy Beep of a wife of mine, come out here so I can bash in both of your skulls!”

The crowd popped again, then time louder than before as The Game began to pace around the ring again.

King: “Don't come out here, Kurt and Stephanie! The way The Game is fired up tonight, he might do something down right criminal!”

Cole: “I don't think Triple H is going anywhere until they come out to face him!”

A few moments went by before “Medal” began to ring out in the arena. Kurt and Steph stepped out onto the stage, and they had company. With them were Shane, Edge, and Christian. Stephanie stood snuggled up close to Kurt Angle while she shot her estranged husband an icy cold stare.

King: “Kurt and Stephanie did not come alone.”

Cole: “There is safety in numbers, King.”

Angle had a microphone in his hand. He gave a forced chuckle before speaking. “Woah, big man with a sledge hammer! Funny, is that the same hammer that I smashed you in the ribs with last week on SmackDown?”

Stephanie, Shane, and E&C all began to laugh while a smirk pulled taunt on Kurt's face.

Hunter seemed unfazed by the remark. He chewed his piece of gum a few times before giving a retort of his own, “Why don't you come in the ring and I'll tee off on your head so you can find out!”

The crowd erupted with a “Triple H” chant. Angle and Steph rolled their eyes. Kurt scoffed before replying, “Unlike you Triple H, I have nothing to prove. I pinned you 1..2..3 at Unforgiven. Stephanie is now mine! It's Game Over! The McMahon-Helmsley era is finished! And now begins the Era of The Olympic Hero! Oh, It's True!”

Stephanie and Angle's other associates all clap, and nod in approval as the Olympian continued on, “And what better place to kick it off than in Pittsburgh, PA? My hometown, Woo!”

The crowd actually cheers for Kurt. A small “Angle” chant can be heard for a brief moment.

Angle pointed at the crowd, “I”m their hometown hero! And Thank God I am because Pittsburgh has nothing going for it!”

Kurt's dig at his hometown caused a negative reaction from the crowd as he continued on, “The Steelers are a disgrace! The Pirates are an embarrassment! The Pens, well, they aren't too bad but no one cares about hockey?! I'm the only thing left in these people's lives! It's True! It's True!”

Jerry Lawler let out a laugh on commentary as the crowd began a strong “Asshole” chant directed at Angle.

Kurt ignored this and pressed on, “And what better way to give these people something to live for then to see their Olympic Hero take on The Rock for the WWF title tonight! To see one of their own bring home the gold like I did in 1996 when I won the Olympic Gold medal!"

The crowd continued to give Angle heat. His entourage were the only ones who seemed to be on board with his open challenge to the WWF champion. Stephanie stroked the Olympic medal around Kurt's neck before planting a kiss on his cheek.

King: “Kurt Angle is issuing a challenge to the WWF champion!”

Cole: “I think he's going to have to go Triple H first! Angle thinks that The Game is going to just cut his losses and move on! But I don't think Triple H is going anywhere, King!”

Triple H had heard enough, “Kurt, I know that between your cauliflower ears is a brain the size of a pea, so I'm going to make this real simple for you!"

The crowd cheered. Angle looked insulted, touching his ears with his free hand. Stephanie rolled her eyes, brought her manicured hands to Kurt's face to reassure him.

Triple H moved to the ring ropes as he spoke, “This is not over! And if you are too much of a bitch to come down here-”

The Game stopped mid sentence and dropped his mic. He quickly stepped through the ropes and down to the floor at ringside.

Cole: “Triple H has heard enough and he's coming for Kurt Angle!”

Triple H began to make his way to the ramp, but was abruptly cut off by Chris Benoit who had hopped the barricade. Triple H and Benoit began to exchange blows causing Helmsley to drop his sledge hammer.

Cole: “Chris Benoit out of nowhere ambushing The Game! Benoit, the associate of Shane McMahon!”

King: “The McMahons always have an ace up their sleeve!”

The camera panned out as Kurt Angle and the rest of his coalition ran down the ramp to jump in the fray. Triple H was quickly overcome by the number of enemies who were attacking at all sides. Stephanie and Shane were taunting him nearby as the crowd booed loudly.

Benoit slapped the Crippler's Crossface on Triple H. Helmsley screamed out in agony while Angle bent down and taunted him.

Cole: “The Crippler Crossface! The Crippler Crossface! The pressure and torque being put on the already injured torso of The Game, Triple H by the Rabid Wolverine, Chris Benoit!”

Suddenly the crowd popped when they saw the People's Champion, The Rock running down the ramp. The Great one began to take out each of Angle's henchman one by one. Stephanie and Shane ran to ringside to avoid the onslaught. The Rock and Angle began to exchange punches, until the Rock over came the Olympian and knocked him down, laying the SmackDown with a right hand. The Rock was left standing tall while the crowd chanted his name before the show faded to a commercial break.

------------------------

Coming back from the commercial break, the viewers at home were treated to a replay of the action that had taken place in the opening segment of SmackDown. It was then that Michael Cole made the announcement of the matches set to take place tonight complete with match up overlays of the wrestling participants:

Cole: “I've been informed that Commissioner Foley just set our main event. It will be Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit taking on Triple H and The Rock!”

King: “The Rock and Triple H teaming up together? That's something that I never thought I'd see!”

Cole: “Also set for tonight's action. Eddie Guerrero will be defending his Intercontinental championship against Billy Gunn. Of course this match was made after Eddie's attack on Gunn on Monday night.”

King: “Too Cool will be taking on former tag team champions, Edge & Christian! We are stacked with action on Thursday night SmackDown!”

The show continued on with Al Snow defending his European title against Perry Saturn. After the match we cut to a backstage segment.

Kurt, Stephanie, and the rest of their group were seen backstage in their dressing room. Angle had his arm around his girlfriend. He did not look happy and seemed to be pouting.

“I can't believe that Foley wouldn't give me a title shot tonight in my hometown! I mean, I'm coming off of a big win against Triple H at Unforgiven!”

Edge quickly interjected, “Kurt-ski, it's a major bummer, we know. Christian and I were robbed of our tag titles at last Sunday. Instead of a rematch, we are fighting Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay, their dance moves reek more than than their friend Rikishi's ass!”

Christian laughed at his brother's joke and gave him a quick high-five before adding, “Totally! Fatso Foley should give us a rematch after we beat those two clowns tonight!”

Edge and Christian continued their banter which included breaking out the kazoos. Everyone in the room witnessing their antics were clearly getting annoyed. It was the Billion Dollar Princess who finally spoke up with her shrill voice, “Guys!”

Her abrupt holler caused E&C to snap their attention to her. She continued on, “Why don't you go see Mick and demand a rematch?!”

The brothers looked at each other and nodded. They quickly departed to do just that closing the door behind them. It was Chris Benoit who broke the silence.

“Who the hell let those two jackasses in here?”

Both Stephanie and Shane's eyes shifted to Kurt who took a moment to notice their gaze. The Olympic Hero frowned, “What? They're my buddies. You know, Team ECK. Edge, Christian, Ku-”

Benoit had heard enough, he cut off Angle. “If anyone deserves a rematch it's ME! I had the WWF title won at Unforgiven! Foley reversed the decision and restarted the match!"

Angle looked surprised by his admission and shook his head before he spoke. “I saw the match, The Undertaker had his foot on the ropes! You were Rock Bottomed and pinned! I'll tell you one thing, if anyone is going to get the win tonight against the champion, it's going to be me, pal! Oh, It's True!

The Rabid Wolverine scowled, he leaned forward in his seat as he spoke, “I'm not your pal. Let's get one thing straight: I attacked Triple H tonight because Shane asked me to. I was thinning the numbers in the competition for the WWF title, which should be mine!”

Angle was insulted. He was about to respond with a comeback of his own when Shane attempted to smooth things out. “Hey, hey, let's cool it. Tonight is not about the WWF title, okay? The two of you need to come together and work as a team. The focus needs to be on Triple H and The Rock.”

Stephanie was nodding in agreement. She began to rub her Olympic Hero's arm as a nonverbal way of imploring him to listen to her older brother.

Angle looked at her for a moment and formed a smile on his face and focused back on Benoit and McMahon. “You're right, Shane. Benoit, we've faced each other before so I know you have got some technical skills in the ring. I mean, you don't have an Olympic Gold medal.... you've never been a Euro-Continental Champion.... or won King of the Ring for that matter... but if you follow my lead, we can easily win tonight. It's true."

Chris Benoit was seething. He darted to his feet and left the room in a huff causing Shane to run after him. Steph was left looking on sympathetically at the Olympic Champion. He was clueless and quite confused by Benoit's reaction to his comments. “What? Is it something I said?”

---------------------------------------

Later in the evening, Triple H was seen applying fresh bandages around his large frame. He was already in his ring gear. Into the camera view came Billy Gunn causing a pop from the crowd who were viewing the segment on the Oval Tron.

The two men stared each other down for a moment before Mr. Ass spoke, “I heard what you said out there. Just so you know, I'm not going to forget what you did to me... but now we are even.”

Hunter took a sip of his water bottle. He let out a small groan before he tossed his wet hair back away from his face. “Fine. But just so YOU know, if you interfere in any more of my matches... I'm going to make what I did to you last time look like a paper cut. Do we understand each other?"

Another stare down and Gunn gave a slight nod before departing. Triple H turned his attention back to getting ready. He placed his foot on the locker room bench in order to pull up his knee pads. The sound of the door opening caused him to be on alert.

It was Chyna. Seeing his old DX friend allowed The Game to relax. He flashed her a smile which she mirrored. She moved to greet him with a quick hug and asked how he was holding up.

“I'll live. I just care about getting my hands on Angle. I'm going to break him apart piece by piece. And my soon to be ex wife better not get in my way because I'll have no problem putting my hands on her!”

Chyna chuckled but looked a bit concerned. She inquired, “Are you sure that you're in good enough of a condition to take them on tonight? Do you need some back up? You know, like old times?”

Her offer elicited a smile from The Game's face. Thoughts of the old Days Of Degeneration X was enough to put a smile back on his face. He shook his head. “No, thanks for the offer but this is something I have to do alone. You don't need to get involved, you've done enough already.”

Chyna nodded, accepting his words. She wished him luck before departing.

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It is after the Intercontinental title defense that the camera shifts to Kevin Kelly who is standing backstage with the World Wrestling Federation Champion, The Rock.

Kelly: “Rock, tonight you will be teaming up with Triple H to take on Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit. This match was made after you came to the aid of The Game earlier in the night. With all of the wars that you and Triple H have gone through, what made you get involved?”

The Rock stood there for a moment before snapped into action, grabbing the microphone from Kevin Kelly and holding it up in the air, “FINALLY....The Rock has come BACK to Pittsburgh!”

The crowd cheered and began to chant “Rocky”. The Rock allowed the reaction for a few moments before answering the interviewer. “Hermie, let The Rock correct you. It was not The Rock who chose to be involved, no no no NO, it was Kurt Angle who attacked The Rock after their match on RAW with his little band of jabronis and his two cent slut!"

Another huge reaction from the crowd.

“And then tonight, Kurt Angle comes out in his hometown and he lays down a challenge to The Rock. Kurt Angle, let the Rock remind you of the last time you went one on one with The Great One in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, The Steel City!”

Another huge pop. “The Rock whooped your candy ass and pinned you for the 1..2...3!"

Rocky shifted his belt on his shoulder then continued on. “But tonight isn't a one on one match, No, no no! It's a tag team match and your partner is Chris Benoit! Chris Benoit, the man who The Rock pinned at Unforgiven to retain the WWF Title in the fatal fourway! Chris Benoit, Shane McMahon's little punk ass b**ch puppet who has fewer brain cells in his head than he does teeth!"

Another 'Rocky' chant started. The Rock waited before he went on. “Then you have The Rock tag team partner Triple H. Let the Rock make this crystal clear. The Rock doesn't like Triple H. The Rock doesn't trust Triple H. The Rock doesn't even respect Triple H...as a person...But The Rock does respect that Triple H is a 4 time WWF champion and he gets the job done. And the only job that Triple H has tonight-"

The Great One raised his hand.

“This is the Rock's hand. You don't have to like it, you don't have to respect it, all you have to do... is tag it. So The Rock can take it and lay the Smacketh Down on ALLLL THEIR CANDY ASSES! IF YOU SMELLLLLLLLLLALALALALA OHHHH WHAT THE ROCK.... IS.... COOKIN'"

The promo was capped off with the People's Eyebrow as the crowd went crazy.

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Coming back from a commercial break, the Olympic Hero and the Billion Dollar Princess were seen alone in their dressing room. Steph was watching him do squats, warming up for the match. He pulled up his singlet straps before turning to her.

“Steph, are you sure you want to come to ringside with me tonight?”

The McMahon heiress seemed taken aback by his question, “Kurt, I want to be out there with you. Why do you not want me there?”

“What? No, that's not it. I love having you by my side but what about Triple H? I mean, he's majorly P.Oed after what we did to him. And The Rock has absolutely no integrity, we know that. I don't trust either of them.”

Stephanie rolled her eyes and smiled. She brought her hands up to Angle, lovingly fixing the red, white, and blue ribbon holding his gold medal so that it wasn't twisted before she spoke. “Kurt, you worry way too much. Shane will be out there too. Besides, I know my Olympic Hero will protect me. It's True?”

Angle smiled wide, pulling her into his arms. “It's damn true...Always.”

Their eyes locked before they both leaned in for a quick kiss. Michael Cole informed the viewers that the main event was next after the commercial break.

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Chris Benoit's theme, “Shooter” blared through the arena as he was first out being followed close behind by Shane McMahon. Kurt and Stephanie then joined the two in the ring. Shane and Steph both seemed to be giving Angle and Benoit a last minute pep talk before Triple H's theme began to play.

The Game wasted no time running down to the ring and making a beeline for Kurt Angle. Hard rights found their mark on the Olympian as Triple had him backed up in the corner. Benoit jumped in the fray. For a moment, The Game was beating both men to the punch.

Cole: “Look at Triple H, he is livid! He is steaming!”

King: “He's holding his own, I've got to give him credit”

But the numbers quickly caught up with him. Angle and Benoit each took turns giving him shots to the injured ribs in the corner. Shane and Steph cheered them on at ringside. Finally, The WWF champion's music rang out.

The Rock ran to the ring. Immediately, he began taking Kurt and Benoit down with right fists. The Great One threw Benoit out of the ring, Triple H went to work on the Olympian.

The bell finally rang to start the match. Angle threw HHH hard into the corner, he came back, Angle attempted to clothesline, HHH ducked, catching him with a neck breaker. The Game picked up Kurt Angle but receives a low blow that the ref didn't see. Then Kurt hit a beautiful belly to belly causing Steph clapping lively. Angle began to kick at a downed Triple H's ribs. Stephanie was beaming with happiness, yelling for him not to stop.

"Angle sucks" chants started. Hunter crawled into corner. The Olympic Hero choked him with his foot, not allowing him to catch his breath. The referee pulled Angle off as was past the count. This made Angle get in the ref's face as The Game crawled out of the corner, hanging on the bottom rope. Steph came over and slapped him hard while Angle had the ref distracted. The Rock wanted the tag badly. He began hitting the turn buckle. “Rocky” chants were heard from the crowd. Angle yelled at them to shut up. He then went to lift Triple H up and Irish whip him. The Game came back with a high knee eliciting a big pop from the crowd. Triple H tagged in The Rock.

The WWF champion was in the ring now and he took on Angle with right hands. Rocky threw Kurt into the corner, then ran at him, but was countered with an elbow to side of the head, causing Rocky to reel. Angle then ran at The Rock but got body slammed with his own momentum. Cover on Angle. 2 count.

Rock began to kick Angle repeatedly. Stephanie played cheerleader , her shrill voice saying "Come on, Kurt!" as she hit the mat with her hand. The People's Champion got the Olympian to his feet, went for an Irish Whip, on the rebound Angle hit Rock with a clothesline. The American Hero taunts "Woo!" Stephanie echoed it at ringside. The celebration was short lived as Triple H stormed in the ring and clotheslined Angle. The ref was on Hunter, yelling at him to get out of the ring with his back to the action. This allowed Benoit, under Shane's direction, to run in the ring and take a few cheap shots at Rock, via kicks before going back to his corner. “Rocky” chants ensue.

Angle brought The Rock to his corner and tagged Benoit. The Rabid Wolverine began to go after Rock with kicks to the gut. He threw Rock for an Irish whip, and did a deep knee to the gut as Rock flipped over and on to the canvas. Benoit went for the cover, Rock powered out at 2 count. Benoit tagged in Kurt, holds The Rock for Angle to take a shot. A few right hands from the Gold medalist found their mark before he sends Rocky back into the ropes, Rock reversed the Irish Whip and hit Angle with a Samoan drop. Went for the cover. Angle kicked out at 2.

The Game was holding his hand out for the tag. Rock gave it to him. Triple H gave Angle a hard right hand, sending him against the ropes. Angle was thrown into an Irish whip, Kurt ducked then on the rebound was hit with a Facebreaker Smash. Stephanie looked concerned. Helmsley went for the cover. Benoit broke it up. Hunter went for another Irish whip, Angle reversed, sending The Game into the ropes where Benoit hit him from the apron with a knee. Triple H turned around and punched Benoit off the apron. When Hunter turned back, he was met a belly to belly suplex from Angle! Stephanie claps enthusiastically while Kurt taunted. Hunter clutched his ribs, riving in pain on the mat. Angle went over and tagged Benoit. Triple H was now laid up in the corner. Benoit went over and began stomping him in the ribs over and over again. Shane was all fired up at ringside, cheering him on.

Cole: "The rabid wolverine, continuing his assault on The Game, Triple H. King, you know how hard it is to breath when you have a rib injury"

King: "I know"

Benoit sent Helmsley into his corner's turnbuckle. The ref was yelling at Benoit with his back to Angle who began to choke Triple H in the corner. The Game fought out of it and punched Angle, sending him off the apron. Benoit rushed Triple H, who put his foot up, hitting Benoit in the face. It caused the Canadian to stumble backward. Hunter ran at him, but got caught in the Crippler Crossface! The Rock ran in to try and break it up, but Kurt cut him off with a clothesline. Angle ended up throwing Rock over the top rope to the outside.

Angle was smiling sadistically watching Benoit make Triple H rive in pain. He went back to his corner. Shane began hitting the canvas telling Hunter to tap! Triple H was screaming, reaching for the ropes that were out of reach. He attempted to crawl closer, Crossface still locked in. The Rock finally came back in and broke the submission.

Cole: "Finally, The Rock makes in back in the ring to break the crossface by Benoit. King, did you ever think you would see The Rock save Triple H from losing a matchup?"

King: "Never in my life."

Benoit had Triple H up, and hit him with a German suplex. He went for another, but The Game battled out with elbows to the head. They sent Benoit into the ropes, colliding with Angle who was on the apron, knocking him to floor. Triple H with a roll up on Benoit. Benoit powered out after two. Chris went over and pushed Angle who is at the ropes again. Kurt pushed him back, and got in the ring. Shane began yelling at them at ringside to keep their heads! Kurt hit Benoit with a punch, Benoit stumbled back. The Game set up Benoit with the pedigree, Kurt came back and clotheslined Triple H.

Stephanie cheered for Kurt while Shane did not look pleased that Benoit and Angle came to blows. Triple H attempted to reach for Rock to make the tag but The Crippler lifted him into a backdrop. Benoit taunted, and went to the top rope. Flying headbutt on Triple H, right into the ribs! Stephanie was clapping, looking very happy at ringside. Chris Benoit went for the cover. Rock came in and broke it up. Angle ran from his corner and hit the rock from behind. Rock quickly got up and spun around looking wide eyed at Kurt Angle.

Kurt looked like he might have bitten off more than he could chew. Rock ran at Angle with a quick clothesline, knocking him down. A Punch to Angle's face and Rock sent Angle to the outside. Rock and Angle began battle outside. Kurt sent Rock into the steel steps. He grabbed Rock's title at ringside went to get back in the ring. Stephanie saw this and moved to distract the referee. The Game got up, teetering on his feet, he turned around. Angle was going to hit Triple H, but The Rock grabbed his foot under the bottom rope, tripping him, and pulling him out of the ring. Rock sends Angle into the announcers table.

The Game used the WWF belt to hit Benoit. The ref was distracted with yelling at Rock and Kurt so he didn't see it. Triple H tossed the belt and went for the cover but the ref wasn't there to make the count because he has gone to the outside with Kurt and Rock. The Olympic Hero climbed back into the ring. He grabbed the WWF title belt, and nailed Triple H in the head with it while Hunter was still covering Benoit. Angle then threw Benoit on top of The Game. The ref got back in the ring. Went to count. Triple H got his shoulder up just in time! Crowd popped! Shane and Stephanie couldn't believe that match wasn't over.

Rock was back at his corner! He wanted in bad! He slapped his own his hand trying to will Triple H to make the tag. Benoit and Helmsley were trying to get to their corners to make the tag. Benoit tagged Angle. Then Triple H tagged in The Rock. Rock hit Angle with a clotheslines, hit Benoit twice, looks back at his hand, before the third hit, sending Benoit out of the ring. The Olympic Hero then charged at Rock, and got hit with a Spine buster!

The crowd were on their feet getting ready to witness the most electrifying move in Sports Entertainment! The People's Elbow! It found it's mark! The Rock went for the cover, but Benoit broke it up!

Triple H went for Benoit, knocking him out of the ring. He then went to send Chris into the steel steps, but Benoit reversed it, sending HHH careening shoulder first into the hard metal! Stephanie witnessed this. Feeling brave, she went over and taunted Hunter while he laid at ringside. Meanwhile in the ring, The Rock hit Angle with a Russian Leg Sweep. He went for the cover. Benoit got back in the ring to break up the count.

At ringside, Steph went to kick Triple H in the ribs, but he caught her foot, and pulled her off her feet. The crowd cheered! Hunter got up, looming over the Billion Dollar Princess. Shane went to defend his sister but is met with a hard right hand knocking him down!

Helmsley was yelling at her, before he grabbed her by her hair, yanking her to her feet. Angle saw what was happening and slid out of the ring. He hammered The Game from behind. Stephanie ran away to safety. Angle and Triple H were now battle back and forth. Kurt hit Hunter with a low blow, which allowed him the advantage to throw him into ring post, knocking him out cold!

Inside the ring, The Rock was sizing up Benoit, and hit him with a Rock Bottom. He instinctively went for the Cover but Benoit wasn't the legal man! Angle got in the ring. He calls out to Steph, quickly pointing at the referee. Steph ran to distract the ref. The Olympic Hero grabbed Rock's title belt, sizing him up. Rock slowly got to his feet, turned and Kurt charged at him. The Rock caught him but before he could set him up for a Rock Bottom, Angle fought out of it with a hard elbow. Rocky staggered, moving right into an Olympic Slam! Kurt Angle went for the cover. The ref dived into position on the canvas and counted. 1....2....3!

“Medal” blared as Tony Chimel announced Angle and Benoit as the winners of the tag team contest.

Cole: “Kurt Angle has pinned the champion! Kurt Angle has pinned the WWF champion!”

King: “Right in his hometown of Pittsburgh! What a great night for the hometown hero!”

Kurt quickly exited the ring to meet up with Stephanie and Shane who were waiting for him at the ramp. The crowd booed hard while the Olympic Hero celebrated with the McMahons as they backed up toward the stage. The Rock was back on his feet and was talking smack as he stared down Kurt Angle.

Jerry “The King” Lawler commented that The Rock does not look happy as the show faded to a close.

Chapter Text

RAW IS WAR

October 2, 2000

MCI Center

RAW IS WAR began with the mention of the passing of Dennis Dunn (1924-2000), the WWF’s first executive producer. The show's opening montage played. Pyrotechnics shot off in sequence on the RAW Is WAR stage while the 17,063 fans in attendance cheered on their feet. The camera panned over the massive sold out arena as the commentators did their usual introduction to the viewers at home:

JR: “Hello again everybody, I'm Jim Ross along side Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside! And King, are you ready for another wild ride on a Monday night?”

King: “I'm ready to rock! I love it here on TNN, JR! This is going to be great!”

JR: “The WWF superstars will shine tonight in our Nation's Capital!”

The RAW IS WAR theme gave way to a few seconds of silence before “Medal” filled the arena triggering boos from the crowd. Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon made their way out to the ring. Both wore smiles on their faces walking together arm and arm.

King: “What better way to kick the night off with an appearance from the new power couple: the Olympic Hero and the Billion Dollar Princess? They look so happy, JR!”

JR: “Kurt and Stephanie both have smug smiles on their faces. And I'm sure it has to do with Angle's win over the WWF champion last week on SmackDown in a tag team match with Chris Benoit.”

Angle obtained microphone. His theme faded and was replaced by a chorus of boos. Steph placed her hand on her hip and shot the crowd a dirty look while the Olympic Hero held up his hand as he was about to speak, wanting the crowd to die down.

“People of DC, you are looking at the man who pinned the WWF champion right in the center of the ring on SmackDown!”

The crowd showed their displeasure. Stephanie pointed at the canvas and then clapped eliciting a smile from Angle before he went on.

“There is no stopping the rise of your Olympic Hero! It's True, it's true!”

The crowd began an “Asshole” chant causing Kurt's smirk to disappear and be replaced with a look of displeasure. Steph rolled her eyes and comforted him while the chant continued.

JR: “The DC crowd making their feelings about their Olympic Hero known.”

King: “They aren't showing any respect, JR.”

JR: “Let's hope he doesn't start crying, we know he's very sensitive.”

Angle retorted, “I can't believe you people! This is our Nation's Capital! And I represented this Nation, all 50 states, at the Olympic Games!”

Steph pointed to his Olympic Gold medal around his neck and began to clap for him while the crowd booed causing Kurt to press on.

“I'm a freaking American Hero! In fact, I could run for office! It's True! It's True!”

King: “I'd vote for him!”

JR: “And you'd probably be the only one, King.”

“The politicians of DC could learn a thing or two about my 3 I's. I would be a role model for men, women, and children everywhere! And of course, behind every great man...is a great woman.”

Angle shifted his focus to the Billion Dollar Princess who look flattered while he continued, “A woman with such elegance and poise.”

The Washington DC crowd cut Kurt off as they began to chant “Slut”. Steph sneered at them. Kurt shook his head.

JR: “I don't think these two are going to win any popularity contests with the fans in attendance tonight.”

“While I'm not nominated for the 2000 election, I should be nominated as the number 1 contender for The Rock's WWF title! So Mick Foley, you need to do what's right and officially name me the number one contender! Oh, it's true! It's Damn true!”

JR: “Angle making demands of Commissioner Foley here tonight.”

King: “Foley needs to give our Olympic Hero his dues!”

The couple in the ring seemed to be waiting for Foley's music to hit but instead a Y2J countdown was seen on the Titan Tron which gave way to a pyrotechnic blast. “Break The Walls Down” began to play. Chris Jericho emerged on stage with a microphone. The camera panned to Stephanie who was grimacing in the ring. She and Angle had moved to the ropes that faced the stage. Both seemed to be upset by his arrival.

Y2J's music faded as he began his promo, “Welcome to RAW...IS...Jericho!”

The crowd erupted with a cheer. “Kirk Angel, I would just like to say, on behalf of all the Jerichoholics here tonight, would you please SHUT THE HELL UP!”

Another pop from the sold out arena. Angle nor Stephanie looked pleased in the ring. Y2J continued, “I mean, I don't know what's worse, you whiny about wanting to be named the number one contender or the thought of you, The Olympic Jackass, running for anything other than a trip to the drug store for a bottle of Rogaine!”

The arena filled with cheers and “Y2J” chants as Kurt brought his hand up to his head of hair. The Olympic Hero was losing his cool, as Stephanie tried hard to calm him down.

JR: “Jericho referring to Angle's receding hairline.”

King: “I don't know what Jericho's talking about. Our Olympic Hero has full head of hair. He's very dashing.”

Y2J continued on, “Though perhaps I'm judging the whole idea too harshly. Maybe you just need a really good slogan for people to get behind. How about this... Vote for Kirk Angel, the man who embodies the 3 I's: Idiotic, Insufferable, and Inferior! It's True, It's True!”

The arena popped again while Angle began to pace around the ring in anger. Stephanie was still at the ropes shaking her head at the sophomoric by Jericho. Chris noted her glaring at him and was not going to leave her out:

“And the woman who instead of standing behind you, bends over in front of you and everyone else on the campaign trail: the filthy, dirty, disgusting, brutal, bottom feeding, trash bag, HO, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley!”

The biggest pop of the opening segment rang out. Deafening “slut” chants could be heard as Stephanie was throwing a fit in the ring. Kurt was pointing at Jericho leaning over the ropes screaming at him to 'watch his freaking mouth'. 'Y2J' chants then began as Stephanie grabbed the microphone from Kurt's hand.

Steph cut through the chants as she spoke, “It's Stephanie McMahon! At least be correct when you address me!”

King: “You tell him, Stephanie!”

JR: “If the young lady is going to be insulted, at least call her by the name she wishes to go by.”

Steph managed to contain herself before speaking again. “You know, Jericho, every week you come out here and you hurl your little insults but when it comes to stepping in the ring and getting the job done, you always fall short!”

Chris Jericho chuckled he paced on the stage for a moment before responding, “Well Stephanie McMahon, no one knows more about "getting the job done" than you! But tonight I have no problem stepping in the ring with Kirk and making him tap to the Walls of Jericho to become the number one contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship!"

Y2J's challenge evoked a huge cheer from the capacity crowd. Kurt Angle seems even more upset by this. He quickly grabbed the microphone from Steph to respond.

“"Whoa, whoa, hold on a second! What makes you think you deserve to be in the same ring as me?! I pinned the WWF champion on SmackDown! I not only beat Triple H at Unforgiven, I humiliated him and left him in bloody and broken in the ring! If anyone has already earned the title of number one contender, it's me! It's Tru-"

Suddenly, Triple H's “My Time” theme blared through the arena cutting Angle off. The crowd popped. The Game raced to the ring, completely bypassing Chris Jericho on the stage. Steph was able to exit the ring before Triple H slide in and began exchanging blows with The Olympic Gold Medalist. Hunter quickly got the better of Angle, laying in hard right hands, sending him reeling. A hard kick to the gut, setting up his finisher. A thunderous Pedigree from Triple H while Stephanie looked on in horror. Triple H then attempted to continue the beat down, but his soon to be ex wife pulled the fallen Angle out of the ring to safety. The opening segment came to a close.

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Later in the evening, the viewers at home saw an outdoor shot of the MCI Center. The camera then switched to Mick Foley who was seated in his makeshift office in a storage container backstage at the arena. He seemed to be playing checkers with himself as Triple H approached. The Game was seething, knocking the board game onto the floor, demanding the Commissioner's attention as he shouted:

“You're going to give me a match with Kurt Angle tonight!”

Foley placed up his hands as he spoke in a much calmer voice, “Hunter, I get that you are pissed off. After everything that Kurt and Stephanie have put you through in the last two weeks, I know you are itching to get the Olympic Twerp one on one....But that's not going to happen.”

A boo could be heard from the crowd. Triple H threw his head of hair back from his face. His breathing intensified as he looked like he was getting ready to explode and destroy Foley's random office.

Mick continued on before that could happen, “It's not going to happen because tonight I'm going to kill two proverbial birds with one huge stone and it's going to be a Triple Threat Match: Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle vs. You with the winner becoming the number one contender for the WWF title...Right here in Washington DC!”

Foley hit his gavel down on the desk causing some checkers to fly off. The crowd cheered as The Game nodded in approval before he spoke: “Tonight, I'm going to check two things off my list: ending Kurt Angle's career and becoming number one contender to my WWF title.”

With that said, Triple H stormed off. Commissioner Mick Foley called after him, “Have a nice day!”

----------------------------------

Coming back from a commercial break, Kurt was seen looking none too happy as he sat with Stephanie in their dressing room.

The Olympic hero vented, “I can't believe Foley! He's making me face Triple H again! I already beat him at Unforgiven! And now I have Jericho in the match too! I mean, Steph, where's the fairness?!”

Stephanie scoffed and shook her head before comforting him, “You know that Foley is anything but fair. But, Kurt, none of this matters, because I believe in you. You are the best athlete in World Wrestling Federation history! You are the only Olympic gold medalist to step into the WWF ring: the best in the whole entire world. That number one contender spot is yours. It's true!”

Kurt's face formed a smile after hearing all the praise from his girlfriend. She knew how to pump up his confidence and now was no different. He gazed into her eyes lovingly, “Steph, that's all I needed to hear. I'm going to go Olympic on Jericho and Triple H. Oh, it's true!”

Steph matched his grin and clapped enthusiastically. When her excitement died down, she went on to comment: “Just ah, don't use up all your intensity in the match. Save some for after the show.”

Angle looked a bit puzzled by her words. This prompted the Billion Dollar Princess to lean forward and whisper in his ear while her hand traveled up his thigh. Angle's eyes widened, his mouth parted, and formed a goofy smirk as the segment came to a close.

--------------------------------------

After seeing a segment about the 'SmackDown Your Vote 'initiative, the scene shifted to backstage where Shane McMahon approached Commissioner Foley. Mick seemed to be staring at his lava lamp but took note of the McMahon heir standing in front of him.

“Shane O' Mac, what do I owe the visit to my office.”

Shane folded his arms before replying, “Mick, I want to know why Chris Benoit isn't getting a shot at the number one spot tonight.”

“Well frankly, your soon to be former brother-in-law has already beaten you to the punch when he requested a match against Kurt Angle which I granted and threw Y2J in there setting up a nice little three way dance. The winner is going to get a title shot at No Mercy.” Foley smiled at his handiwork, with a thumbs up.

Shane smiled and nodded his head. “Yeah, that's a hell of a main event. But you know, what would make it even better is it being a Fatal Fourway. Benoit deserves a shot after you stripped the belt off him at Unforgiven.”

Foley gave a chuckle, which Shane mirrored.

“Shane O', I admire your gusto to have your associate Chris Benoit in action tonight. And I am going to give him a shot.”

McMahon looked pleased by Foley's compliment. He believed that the Commish was going to grant his request.

Mick pressed on, “That's why tonight, right here in Washington DC, Chris Benoit will be taking a shot..... at beating The American Badass, The Undertaker! And that's final!” Shane was clearly frustrated with Foley as the gavel came slamming down onto the table.

---------------------------------------

Later in the evening, Benoit was seen getting the pin on the Undertaker with a quick roll up and using the rope which the ref did not see. Shane and Benoit ran up the ramp as a pissed off Undertaker looked on.

Next we had Michael Cole standing by with the WWF Champion, The Rock, backstage.

Cole: “Rock, tonight we will have a triple threat match to determine the number one contender for your WWF championship at No Mercy-”

The Rock quickly grabbed the microphone from Michael Cole and delivered one of his signature phrases, “Finally!....The Rock HAS COME BACK to D...C...”

The crowd cheered. “Rocky” chants erupted. The Great One stood hearing the people chanting his name before continuing moments later.

“Tonight, three men battle it out to determine who will go one on one with The Great One! The Rock says he does not care who wins tonight! Whether it's Chris Jericho, the wannabe rock star who will never EVER be the same again after The Rock sticks his boot up his candy ass! Whether it's Triple H, the man who is that damn good at taking The Rock Bottom! Whether it's Kurt Angle, Mr. Straight laced, red white and blue, The Rock's got a message for you, shove your head up your ass and you can smell it too! And what you're smelling is that The Rock is going to walk into Albany New York as the WWF champion and he's going to leave the WWF champion! The Rock is going to whoop which ever candy ass steps in the ring at No Mercy! If Ya Smelllllllalalalalala Ohhhh What The Rock...Is..Cookin'!”

The People's Eyebrow pops from above The People's Champion's shades, topping off the segment.

The scene shifted to show each of the competitors for the main event walking backstage toward the ring. Jim Ross stated that the match was next prior to going to commercial break.

-----------------------------

The time for the main event of the evening had come. The match that would determine the number one contender for the WWF championship at No Mercy. Kurt Angle and Stephanie were out first to huge heat.

King: “What do you think Stephanie whispered to Kurt earlier.”

JR: “I think you know, King. What Angle needs to be focused are his two opponents tonight: Chris Jericho and Triple H. Angle is going to have to go through both of them in order to earn his shot at The Rock's WWF title.”

Kurt handed off his Olympic gold medals to Stephanie as he then began to warm up. The commentators mentioned that Triple Threat Matches are no count out and no disqualification. Chris Jericho was out next. He strutted to the ring getting a huge reaction from the crowd while Stephanie glared at him with hatred at ringside. Triple H was the last competitor to arrive. The three men sized each other up at the sound of the bell.

The Game was focused on Kurt Angle right away, but quickly became side tracked by Chris Jericho as the Canadian used his fast pace to throw both Angle and Triple H off balance. Steph seemed quite upset as she watched Jericho and Triple H working together briefly working over Angle in the corner. The alliance between the two quickly ended as Jericho delivered hard chops to the chest of The Game, before throwing him for an Irish Whip. Triple H returned from the ropes and was met with a Spinning Heel Kick. Angle made his way out of the corner, and was set up with a one handed Bulldog to the canvas. Angle sold the move, holding his chest in pain, as he rolled onto his back. Jericho then went for the Lionsault off the middle rope. It found his mark, and Jericho went for the cover. Triple H quickly broke it up. Jericho was able to catch The Game's leg when he attempted a gut kick, he spun him to the floor and applied The Walls of Jericho! Angle managed to get to his feet to break it.

Stephanie was playing cheerleader at ringside, trying to fire up the Olympian as he battled the two men. It seemed to have the desired effect as Angle began to gain some momentum. A German Suplex to Triple H, Jericho attempted to clothesline Angle, but he dodged in time, and hit a snap suplex on Y2J. Kurt went for the cover yielding a two count. Triple H was back up. Angle went for an Irish Whip on The Game. The Olympian ducked as Triple H came back from the ropes. Facebreaker Knee Smash! Triple H set up the Pedigree on the stunned Angle. The crowd cheered, but it was Jericho who made the save with a hard clothesline to Triple H. Kurt and Hunter were both lying next to reach other on the canvas. Jericho noted this, he for a Lionsault which he hit on both men! Y2J clutched his chest, before he covered both. The referee got in position for the count.

Stephanie reached into the ring and grabbed the ref's foot causing a distraction. Jericho noted this. He got to his feet and grabbed the Princess by her hair. The crowd cheered, but it was Kurt Angle with the save, with a hard shot to the back of Jericho's head. Chris let go of Stephanie and Angle hit an Olympic Slam. Kurt hooked the leg. 1..2.. Triple H broke up the pin causing the crowd to cheer.

Triple H brought Angle to his feet. He threw Angle into the ropes, Angle went to clothesline him, The Game ducked and then hit him with a neck breaker. The Game began to stalk Angle. Stephanie with her shrill voice screamed at Kurt to 'look out', as the Olympic Hero used the ropes to get to his feet. The crowd popped as Angle, who had finally reached his vertical base, turned and was hit with a hard kick to the gut. Triple H set up the Pedigree!

The camera angle changed, revealing Chris Benoit and Shane McMahon at ringside. Benoit got up onto the apron. Triple H dropped Angle and made his way over to Canadian. Out of nowhere, Benoit hit The Game with a hard headbutt, sending Hunter reeling right into an Olympic Slam!

JR: “A hard headbutt to The Game! Into an Olympic Slam!”

King: “And it's all legal in this No DQ contest! Benoit wanted to be involved in this match and now he is!”

Angle went for the cover. The ref counted: 1....2....3! The bell rang and “Medal” began to play. Lillian Garcia announced Kurt Angle as the winner and the new number one contender for the WWF championship.

JR: “Thanks to Benoit and the McMahons, Kurt Angle is the new number one contender for the WWF championship at No Mercy!”

King; “Kurt said he was going to be named the number one contender tonight, and that's exactly what happened! It's True!”

Angle celebrated in the ring, falling to his knees with his arms spread out wide. The crowd booed loudly. Stephanie, at ringside, motioned for him to exit the ring. Rolling out of the ring, he was met with an embrace from the Billion Dollar Princess, who then raised his hand as they made their way up the ramp. A shot of Benoit with a gaped tooth smile was seen before the camera switched to Triple H still knocked out on the canvas.

JR: “Chris Benoit smiling while Triple H is still laid out on the mat! The Game was screwed out of the number one contender spot by Chris Benoit! There is going to be hell to pay!”

Kurt Angle and Stephanie were seen celebrating the win on the stage as the show went off the air.

Chapter Text

SmackDown!

October 5, 2000

Baltimore Arena

WWF SmackDown on UPN kicked off with Bad Ass Billy Gunn defending his Intercontinental title against Test. The match ended with a well executed Fameasser allowing Gunn to retain. Prior to being able to celebrate, Right To Censor attacked. Chyna ran to make the save as the camera shifted to a backstage segment. The commentators informed the viewers that the WWF title was going to be on the line tonight in the main event.

A shot of Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon making their way down the hall as the commentators reported that the two were on their way to the ring before the commercial break.

“Medal” filled the arena. Angle strutted to the ring with the Billion Dollar Princess. The crowd showered the two in a chorus of boos.

Cole: “The Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle, the man who was named The Number One Contender for the WWF title on RAW. Angle will face the champion at No Mercy.”

King: “Kurt told us on Monday that he would be crowned the number one contender and he was, it's true! It's True!”

Angle stood in the ring with his girlfriend, waiting for the onslaught of boos to die down. He placed his hand in the air, attempting to cut them off so he could begin his promo, “People, I'm on a roll! I beat The Rock last week! I beat Triple H and Jericho on Monday! And at No Mercy, I will beat whoever holds the title and become the WWF champion!”

Stephanie nodded, a big smile plastered across her face as she clapped for the Olympian. The crowd was not impressed by his words as they began to chant “asshole”. Kurt looked annoyed by the crowds reaction. He shook his head briefly before pressing on, “It's only fitting that I have a winning streak coming into Baltimore Maryland, home of the legendary Cal Ripken.”

Mention of popular Orioles player caused the Baltimore crowd to cheer. Both Angle and McMahon rolled their eyes. Kurt pressed on, “Because unlike Cal Ripken, my streak will actually mean something!”

King: “This guy's really something, isn't he?”

“I will end my streak on top when I win the WWF title! Unlike Cal Ripken, who is a washed up, over the hill, has-been who's playing with a bunch of losers! It's True! Oh, it's True!”

The Baltimore crowd gave unanimous heat in reaction to Angle disrespecting one of their treasured athletes. Kurt and Stephanie both laughed before he continued on.

“And furthermore-”

The sound of shattering glass cut Angle off mid-sentence. The crowd immediately popped as the music of Stone Cold Steve Austin blared throughout the arena. Austin power walked to the ring. Kurt and Stephanie seemed very surprised that he was interrupting them.

The rattlesnake grabbed a microphone and began to speak when both his music and the crowd died down. “Stone Cold Steve Austin is sick of hearing you night after night running your mouth about your little streak and your title shot at No Mercy. No one cares about you, or your stupid little gold medal around your neck! The only thing that matters is finding the son of a bitch who ran me down!”

The crowd cheered as Kurt looked a bit perplexed by Stone Cold's words. Kurt and Steph both hold up their hands and shake their heads, saying off mic that it has nothing to do with them.

“Hearing you go on and on about all your accomplishments since you've been in the World Wrestling Federation made old Stone Cold get to thinking...That your in ring debut was at Survivor Series, the same night of my hit and run!”

Kurt's looked completely insulted by Steve's remarks. “Woah, woah, hold on a second! Yes, I debuted in the ring at Survivor Series. But I had nothing to do with what happened to you! I mean, I couldn't wait to meet you! At Unforgiven, I even gave you an honorary gold medal as a token of my friendship and what did you do? You attacked me! What the heck? That may be common behavior in places like Victoria Texas or here in Baltimore but it's not acceptable behavior to me! It's True! It's True!”

Austin moved forward toward Angle but The Olympian put his hand up, signaling he was not done speaking. “Hold on, Stone Cold, if anyone has reason to take you out, it's the current WWF champion, The Rock. I mean, he's the one who has benefited the most in your absence.”

The Baltimore crowd began to boo loudly as Austin was still staring Angle down, unsure if he was buying what Kurt was selling to him.

Stephanie took the microphone from her boyfriend and added more, “It's true, Austin. The Rock has had more success, sold more merchandise since you've been gone. Everyone knows that no one loves the spotlight more than “The Great One”.

The Billion Dollar Princess did air quotes as she continued on, “He should be your prime suspect, not Kurt.”

The Rock's music suddenly hit to a huge pop from the crowd. The WWF champion strutted down to the ring. The championship was draped over his shoulder, his shades over his eyes. He got into the ring, already holding a microphone. Rocky chants started as soon as the music died down.

The Great One waited a moment, soaking in all the love from the crowd before he spoke. “Finally....The Rock has COME BACK to Baltimore!”

Kurt and Steph both rolled their eyes while the crowd cheered. Austin seemed unfazed by all of it. He waited to hear what the WWF champion had to say for himself.

Rock looked directly focused on the Rattlesnake as he spoke. “The Rock wanted to come out here and look you, Stone Cold Steve Austin, directly in the eyes.”

The People's Champion removed his sunglasses and continued. “Face to face, eye to eye, man to man, The Rock came out here to tell you that he had nothing to do with you being run over.”

The crowd cheered while Austin and Rock continued to stare at one another. After a moment it was Kurt who interjected with his two cents. “Of course he's going to deny it! The guilty ones always do! Oh, it's true!”

His words caused The Rattlesnake to snap around to face Kurt Angle. “How do I know you ain't lying, Mr. Olympic Gold Medalist?”

The crowd popped, while Angle looked upset that he was once again in the hot seat. Austin continued, “You got a McMahon backing you and if it's one thing that Stone Cold Steve Austin doesn't trust, it's a McMahon!”

Stephanie looked insulted as Austin pointed at her while she stood behind her Olympic Hero. The crowd cheered and then began to start a 'slut' chant.

The strong crowd reaction made Austin press on. “Oh Yeah, I'm looking in your beady little eyes and I see a man who doesn't give a damn who he's gotta take out to get what he wants! I saw the number you pulled on Triple H at Unforgiven after you weaseled your way into his sick little marriage and took his woman-”

The McMahon heiress had taken the microphone from her boyfriend and cut off the rattlesnake as she stepped forward to face him. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

The crowd showed their displeasure with the Princess cutting off Austin. Steph seemed unaffected by their response and pressed on, “Austin, I don't like what you're implying! Hunter got what he deserved at Unforgiven and I did it right to his face! It was my decision! But that was personal! This is business, my family's business! And you are one of our biggest draws for money and ratings why would I, my boyfriend, or anyone in my family ruin that by running you down?"

Cole: “Stephanie has a point. The McMahons are all about their bottom line.”

Austin seemed to take a moment to consider what the young woman had said before he brought his microphone up to his mouth to speak. “Well, I respect that fact that you're a woman but for your own safety, you need to take a few steps back."

Steph looked insulted and was immediately pulled back away from Austin by her boyfriend while Stone Cold continued on, “You flap your little gums in Stone Cold's face, and you just manage to say one thing I believe. With amount of times I stomped mud holes and your daddy and brother's asses, they be pretty damn stupid to make a move on Stone Cold Steve Austin."

Cole: “The McMahons and Austin sure have a history, King. Shane fell victim to not one, but two stunners at Unforgiven.”

King: “Austin has been assaulting everyone. He's a mad man.”

Stone Cold continued on, walking away from Angle and Stephanie. “So who had a motive to want to see Stone Cold Steve Austin out of the World Wrestling Federation? Who's career all of a sudden skyrocketed to the top like a bolt of lightening? How about the sum bitch they call 'The most electrifying man in sports entertainment? The dubya dubya -F champion?”

Austin was now nose to nose with The Rock. Rocky was not backing down. He was staring right back at him. Angle and Stephanie were all smiles, nodding adamantly, delighted by the fact that Stone Cold's focus was back on the People's Champion.

Steve Austin continued on, “If you follow the paper trail that Foley pointed out it was The Rock's name on the receipt for the rental car that ran me down. That's a hell of coincidence right there!”

King: “Utoh, could The Rock be guilty of attempted vehicular homicide?”

Cole: “It is a compelling piece of evidence, King, but The Rock says he had nothing to do with it.”

The Rock brought the mic to his face. “It's True.”

Cole: “What?”

“It was The Rock's rental car that ran you, Stone Cold Steve Austin, at Survivor Series, but it was not The People's Champion who was behind the wheel! The Rock's keys were left in The Rock's dressing room! How they ended up in someone's hands that night, The Rock couldn't tell you. But The Rock can tell you this. The Rock settles his issues in the ring. The Rock doesn't need to hide behind the wheel of a car! No, no no, The Rock will lay the SmackDown down on any candy ass that steps in his ring, anytime anywhere. And that's the bottom line because The Great One said so! "

The WWF champion's words caused a huge pop from the crowd. Austin paced back and forth in the ring. He clearly looked agitated by the use of his own catchphrase. Rocky looked ready for anything, keeping his eyes on the rattlesnake,

Stone Cold brought the mic up for a reply, “It only matters if Stone Cold said so and I say that I haven't ruled you out just yet."

Kurt Angle looked somewhat annoyed by this back and forth exchange. Taking the microphone from Steph, he moved to the center of the ring and spoke to Stone Cold Steve Austin. “Oh come on, what more proof do you need? It's obvious that he did it, even these common thugs in Baltimore know it's true! If you believe anything that Rock says then you are more gullible than they are! And that's saying something! It's Tru-”

The Rattlesnake struck out of no where, kicking Angle in the gut and hitting him with a Stone Cold Stunner! Angle shot off Austin's shoulder with force, flying back onto the mat as the crowd cheered! Austin's music hit as Stephanie rushed to tend to Angle who was on the canvas. Austin shot a two bird salute in their direction before he turned his attention on the WWF champion. Rock and Austin stared each other down as the segment came to a close.

--------------

Coming back from a commercial break, there was a recap of the blockbuster segment. Michael Cole informed the viewers that tonight's main event will see the WWF champion, The Rock, defending his WWF title against the Big Red Machine, Kane!

A hardcore title defense was followed by a scene transition to backstage where Kurt Angle was lying on the sofa of his dressing room. His head was in his girlfriend's lap as she held an ice pack to his jaw. He was really selling the stunner, soaking up all the attention from the Billion Dollar Princess.

Stephanie gave him a peck on the lips as there was a knock on the door. Her eyes did not leave Angle as she spoke, “Come in.”

The crowd cheered when the camera panned to show Mick Foley enter the dressing room. Steph shot the commissioner a look of disdain as she pointed to her injured boyfriend. “Mick, do you see what Austin did? He is completely out of control! You need to suspend him!”

Foley responded, seemingly not as upset at what had taken place as the Billion Dollar Princess. “Yes I did see. I saw Kurt playing with fire trying to pit The Rattlesnake against the Brahma Bull and he got burned... Or in this case stunned. But Stephanie, you better give Kurt all the tender loving care you can because he's in action later tonight.”

Hearing that he was wrestling tonight caused Angle to sit up straight. He snatched the ice pack out of his girlfriend's hand. “What? You gotta be kidding me!”

Steph chimed in. “You can't do that, Foley! Kurt is in no condition to compete tonight!”

Mick was quick to reply, “I kid you not. Come on, Kurt, where is that competitive spirit that won you that prestigious gold medal in '96 in Atlanta for Team USA? You're a team player and tonight you are going to be tagging with your buddies Edge & Christian to take on Too Cool and Rikishi! Have a nice day!”

Foley left the room leaving Kurt seething. He brought the ice pack to his jaw, but then quickly threw it across the room in anger as the backstage segment came to a close.

-----------------------------

Later in the evening, “You Think You Know Me” began to play as the tag team of the 5 Second Poses made their way to the ring while Tony Chimel introduced them as part of the six man tag team match that was taking place.

“Medal” played for the second time in the evening. Kurt Angle emerged from the oval staged dressed to compete but he did not look happy. Stephanie trailed after him. Angle looked reluctant to be in the ring, but his friends provided him with hive-fives to boost his spirits.

The crowd began to cheer as “U look Fly Today” blared through the arena. Too Cool danced their way down to the ring. Team ECK and Stephanie cleared the ring, allowing Scotty 2 Hotty, Grand Master Sexay, and Rikishi to enter playing to the crowd before their music died down.

The match went back and forth, as Edge and Christian worked well to isolate Scotty. Brian Christopher clapped, signaling for the crowd to do the same, in order to fire up Scotty to have a come back. Christian rebounded off the ropes and was hit with a bulldog. The crowd cheered as Scotty stretched his arms out, he stomped his feet gearing up for his signature move. The crowd chanted along as he hopped on one foot, “W...O...R...M”! He did the signature dance move before dropped down onto Christian and going for the cover! Edge ran in and broke up the count causing the crowd to boo.

Christian tagged in Angle, as Scotty tagged in the big man, Rikishi. Angle hit a few punches, before going for an Irish Whip, Rikishi rebounded and slammed his large frame into Angle, sending him to the canvas. Kurt got up, and went to the corner for a breather. Rikishi charged, slamming his weight into Angle's torso, causing him to fall in the corner. Rikishi turned back around and eyed Angle who was now in position for the most disgusting move in the World Wrestling Federation! Edge and Christian attempted to get into the ring to stop the proceedings but were met by Sexay and Scotty, who battled them, sending both of them out of the ring. Stephanie was screaming at ringside, slamming her hand down on the mat. She was imploring Angle to move out of the way as Rikishi closed in. Backing up his huge rear end, the big man smashed his ass in Kurt Angle's face! The crowd popped as Angle's face disappeared in Rikishi's ass! Stephanie was looking on in horror, gagging at what she was witnessing!

King: “Poor Kurt, first a stunner and now a stink face! Stephanie can't believe what she just saw! She's not going to want to kiss her Olympic Hero tonight, that's for sure!”

Angle sold the move, wiping his face in disgust as he crawled out of the corner. Scotty 2 Hotty hit the Olympian with a Super kick! Rikishi quickly tagged Grand Master Sexay. The crowd cheered as Brian Christopher then made his way to the top rope. He adjusted his goggles over his eyes, getting ready for the Hip Hop Drop! Edge and Christian were back in the ring, attacking the other members of Too Cool! Stephanie quickly climbed onto the apron and pushed Grand Master Sexay off the top rope! Kurt Angle was up, pulling Brian into an Olympic Slam! Angle then went for the cover! The ref dived to make the count: 1...2...3!

The crowd booed as Team ECK left the ring while Chimel announced them as the winners. A shot of Too Cool looking disappointed was shown before going to commercial.

Coming back from the break, the viewers are treated to a backstage segment where Kurt and Stephanie were seen with E&C as they celebrated their win in their dressing room.

Edge ran a hand through his long blonde locks as he spoke, “Stephanie, huge kudos for the little assist out there! Kurt-ski, that was a primo Olympic Slam! It would take way more than a stunner to stop you!”

Angle nodded with a smile, “Oh, it's true!”

Stephanie smiled and nodded before she gave her Olympic Hero a quick kiss. Angle pulled her closer.

Christian added his two cents: “At No Mercy, we are all walking out with gold around our waist! Team ECK rules! Tonight, let's go out and celebrate! Brewskis, pizza, and milk all around!”

Edge high-fived his brother in agreement, “Totally! Are you and Steph coming out with us?”

The Olympian rubbed his jaw and glanced as his girlfriend. It was Stephanie who replied. “You guys go on ahead. Kurt still has some business to take care of tonight.”

Kurt and Steph smiled at each other as Edge & Christian parted. The segment ended with both commentators wondering what those two had planned.

The next match saw Chris Benoit taking on fellow Canadian, Chris Jericho. Triple H was seen running in, ending the match with a DQ. Referees ran to separation The Game and The Rabid Wolverine! Triple H grabbed a chair at ringside and slammed it into Benoit's head, busting him open! A bloodied Benoit tried to fight his way to Triple H through referees!

---------------------------------

Later in the night it was main event time with the richest prize in the business being on the line. The Rock defending his WWF championship against the Big Red Machine, Kane.

The Baltimore crowd cheered their People's Champion as he battled back and forth with the giant. Rock was not backing down. The match spilled out to ringside. The ref shouted at the men to get the action back in the ring. Kane went to Clothesline the Rock at the barricade, hitting not just the WWF champion but also the referee! The ref fell to the ground as the battle between the men raged on.

The camera shifted focus to the SmackDown stage where Kurt Angle was seen running to ringside with a steel chair! Before either Kane or The Rock could react to his presence, he laid both of them out with shots to the head. The Baltimore crowd booed The Olympic Gold Medalist! The ref was still out cold and had not seen his interference. Angle was smiling, seemingly pleased with himself. He retreated back up the ramp.

The camera came back to The Rock and Kane who were slowly getting back to their feet. The ref is also up, and is again insistent that the two competitors return to the ring. Kane hits Rock with a hard uppercut, before Irish Whipping him back into the ring. The big man lumbers into the ring. Rock is back to his feet, he hits him with right hands, that barely seem to faze Kane. The Rock went to Irish Whip him, but on the rebound was caught with a big boot to the face. Kane taunted before climbing the turnbuckle. He perched his large frame on the top rope, as Rock struggled to get to his feet. The crowd chanted “Rocky”, getting behind the champ. Kane dove, coming down onto The Great One with a thunderous clothesline. Kane went of the cover, but The Rock kicked out at 2.

The camera panned to the ramp, showing Rikishi running down toward the ring. He entered and hit Kane with a super kick. The referee called for the bell signaling disqualification.

The Rock was seen arguing with Rikishi before he grabbed his WWF title and left the ring. Rikishi seemed perplexed that The People's Champion did not appreciate his help. Kane suddenly sat up and got to his feet while Rikishi's focus was on this departing friend. Kane suddenly grabbed Rikishi by the throat and sent him for a chokeslam!

The Rock's focus was back in the ring. He ran back down the ramp, sliding into the squared circle. Kane and Rocky traded punches back and forth, before the Brahma Bull sent Kane into the ropes. On the return, Kane was hit with a spine buster. The Baltimore crowd were on their feet as The Rock posed, removing his elbow pad for the most electrifying move in sports entertainment! The People's Elbow hit and The Rock's music played.

King: “I still don't get it, why did Rikishi come out here?”

Cole: “Well none the less, Kane wins the match but Rock keeps his WWF title!”

The WWF champion posed with his WWF title high in the air as SmackDown came to a close.

Chapter Text

RAW IS WAR

October 9, 2000

Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim

The RAW IS WAR intro video package gave way to a shot of the Monday Night RAW stage being illuminated with a barrage of pyrotechnics. The camera panned over the crowd that was cheering for the show opening. The commentators spoke to the viewers at home:

JR: “Hello again and welcome everybody to Monday Night RAW! I'm Jim Ross along side Jerry "The King" Lawler! We are in Anaheim California, where the Pond has been sold out for months!”

King: “Our fans in attendance and all of our viewers at home are all wondering the same thing, JR. Will we find out the name of the assailant who ran down Stone Cold Steve Austin at Survivor Series in November?”

JR: “Let's hope so, King. Austin was run down like an animal and he's out for revenge. Ladies and gentleman, tonight we have a blockbuster main event for you: The Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle will be teaming up with The Big Red Monster, Kane to take on 500 lb Samoan Rikishi and our WWF champion The Rock in tag team action!”

King: “Kurt smacked Kane in the head with a chair last week and now he's going to have to team with him? How's that going to work?”

JR: “Angle's going to have to use that the I for intelligence and figure that out. His attack on The Rock and Kane didn't seem too bright of an idea to me.”

The show kicked off with the Hardy Boyz defending their tag team titles successfully against Lo Down. The scene shifted to the backstage parking area where a limo pulled up. Linda McMahon emerged. The crowd popped as they watched this on the Titan Tron. The commentators seemed excited that Mrs. McMahon was making an appearance tonight. Something was definitely going down.

A European championship defense saw Al Snow picking up a win against The Goodfather before the segment shifted backstage. The viewers see the laundry room which was tonight's make shift office for Commissioner Foley. Mick was seated at a desk, playing Connect 4 with no one but himself. A stuffed dog spun around in the dryer in the background adding to the Foley zaniness. The camera panned out to see Linda McMahon arrive. Foley rose to greet her. She smiled politely and took a seat before speaking:

“Mick, I appointed you the Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation because I knew that you would be fair with the superstars and keep the show in order. However, lately, with Stone Cold Steve Austin returning, the WWF has been anything but in order. It's been a disaster. And quite frankly, Austin has become a liability.”

Foley nodded before his reply, “Linda, you're right, The Rattlesnake is a loose cannon that has been hell bent on getting answers. As the commissioner, I take responsibility to find the one responsible for what happened at Survivor Series.”

“You're right. It is your responsibility, Mick. The time for investigating is over. This has gone on long enough.”

Foley had taken a hold of his gavel that was sitting on his desk. He turned it over in his hand while he spoke, “We agree on that. And I can look you in the eye and say that by the end of the night, I will reveal the identity of the driver right here in Anaheim California!”

The crowd cheered and Foley brought his gavel down hard on the desk. Linda seemed unmoved by his declaration.

“I hope so, because if you don't deliver tonight, you, Commissioner Mick Foley, will be replaced.”

The segment ended with Mrs. McMahon departing. Mick's voice sounded a bit deflated as he called out “Have a nice Day..Linda.”

A hardcore title defense was up next. The title changed hands a few times until a well placed Kendo Stick to the head of Hardcore Holly allowed Steve Blackman to once again retain.

The camera shifted backstage. The crowd cheered when they saw Triple H walking from the parking lot. Suddenly Benoit along with the rest of the Radicalz jumped The Game, attacking him viciously. Shane McMahon joined in, taunting and instructing the beat down. Hunter attempted to battle back, but the numbers were overwhelming. Road Dogg ran into the fray in an attempt to help the former DX leader, but was also overcome! The scene ended with Benoit smiling at the sight of Triple H left lying on the pavement.

The scene shifted to another backstage area where Michael Cole is standing by with the number one contender for the WWF title, Kurt Angle, and his girlfriend, Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie was leaning in lovingly to the Olympian as Cole started the interview:

Cole: “Kurt, tonight you have been tasked with working with Kane to take on the WWF champion, The Rock and Rikishi. I wanted to get your thoughts on how you plan on doing that as you attacked not just The Rock last week on SmackDown but also Kane. How do you plan on being able to co-exist with the Big Red Machine?”

Angle smirked and let out a chuckle at the mention of his attack last week. “You act surprised by my action, Michael Cole. As if The Rock is any stranger to attacking people out of no where, I mean look at what he did to Stone Cold last November. I smashed The Rock in the head with a steel chair to prove a point: That I will do whatever it takes to become the WWF champion at No Mercy. Intensity is not just one of my three Is, oh no, it's going to make me unstoppable so I can bring home the richest prize in our business and cap off the best rookie year in World Wrestling Federation history. It's True! It's True!”

Stephanie echoed his “it's true” catchphrase as she nodded adamantly, pleased with his words while Cole pressed on:

Cole: “You still haven't addressed what you did to Kane.”

Kurt rolled his eyes and looked a bit annoyed. “Look, I obviously wasn't 100% after getting stunned by Stone Cold Steve Austin last Thursday. So maybe I was a little loopy, saw double and thought I was hitting The Rock again. I mean, Kane could have ducked. That's all I'm saying.”

Cole looked puzzled by the Olympic Hero's response while Stephanie found it quite humorous as did Jerry “The King” Lawler on commentary.

Angle continued on, “But who cares about Kane? Tonight is about getting yet another win over the current WWF champion. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. Oh it's True!"

The Olympic Hero and Billion Dollar Princess both flashed smug smiles before departing. Michael Cole was left shaking his head as the segment came to a close.

A commercial break was followed up by an intercontinental title defense. Billy Gunn raised his belt in victory over a fallen Albert as the camera shifted to the parking area once again. It was this time that the fans saw Austin's black pick up truck come speeding into the parking garage. The fans in attendance cheered as they watched the Titan Tron as Austin came marching into the arena. The commentators reminded the viewers that the identity of the assailant will be revealed tonight.

Commissioner Foley was seen walking backstage when he approached Scotty 2 Hotty as he was emerging from the locker room.

The Too Cool tag member was quick to greet the Commish, “What's up, Mick?”

“Hey Scotty, you got a second to talk? I have a few questions for you and I think you could really help me out.”

Scotty lowered his sunglasses before he shrugged. It was obvious he was unsure what Foley was getting at.

Mick continued on, “If you could just follow me to my office, it will only take a few moments of your time.”

“All right, it's all cool.” Scotty 2 Hotty followed Mick as both Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler commented wondering what that was about as the backstage vignette came to an end.

The time for the main event had arrived. Kurt Angle was out first with Stephanie McMahon by his side. She was quick to take his gold medals before getting out of the ring as the Big Red Machine's music filled the arena. Kane lumbered to the ring where Angle was still standing. Without warning, Kane began to attack the Olympian with hard punches, throwing him through the ropes onto the apron. Angle was trying to get his bearings, getting to his feet on the apron. He then received a hard boot to the face, sending him out to the floor as the crowd cheered.

King: “Kane, that's your tag team partner! What are you doing?”

JR: “Looks like payback for the chair shot from Angle last week on SmackDown! This match hasn't even started and Kurt Angle has been taken out of it.”

Steph ran to her boyfriend, tending to him at ringside as Rikishi's music filled the arena. The large Samoan stopped at the end of the ramp and waited for his music to die down. The Rock's music hit and the crowd went crazy. The WWF champion strutted to the ring with the strap on his shoulder. He led the way into the ring, posing in the corner, his championship belt held high in the air while camera flashes fluttered capturing the iconic sight.

Rikishi was starting off the match against Kane when the bell rang. The camera showed that Kurt Angle was back to his feet but was standing with his arms folded, leaning against the barricade at ringside with Steph by his side.

JR: “It looks like Kurt Angle is choosing not to participate at all in this match. He's not even standing on the apron.”

King: “Well after that attack from Kane can you blame him? Kane's going to be sorry he attacked the Olympic Hero because this is turning into a handicap match.”

Kane was holding his own against the Samoan team, using his force and sheer power to dominate Rikishi. When The Rock got the tag in, he quickly turned the tables causing the crowd to get fired up. Another shot of Kurt at ringside still standing in the same position with a smug look on his face. He didn't seemed at all concerned that Kane was in trouble. The Big Red Monster was hit with a hard DDT but powered out of the cover at a 2 count. Rocky tagged in Rikishi who attempted to follow up with more punishment. Rikishi went to charge Kane but was quickly caught by the throat. A thunderous Choke slam! The camera view switched to show that Kurt was now standing on the apron and holding his hand out for a tag.

JR: “Angle wants to get in this match now! He wouldn't lift a finger to help Kane but now he wants in!”

Kane trotted over to his corner and grabbed Angle by the throat. The crowd popped as the monster hoisted Angle into the air, over the ropes, bringing him down hard onto the canvas with a Choke slam. The Big Red Machine then left the ring, going up the ramp leaving Kurt Angle lying.

King: “That was an awful way to tag in your partner, Kane! It looks like he's leaving poor Kurt to fend for himself!”

JR: “Angle was aiming for it! Kane's had enough of the Olympian's antics!”

Kurt struggled to get to his feet before Rikishi was able to stand. He moved quickly and attempted an Olympic Slam on the 500 lb-er. He did not get much elevation, but was able to hit the move. Instead of going for the cover, Angle did a little hop spin, celebrating his accomplishment. It was Stephanie at ringside that saw The Rock enter the ring. She yelled for Kurt to look out, but Angle turned and walked right into a Rock Bottom!

The crowd cheered on their feet while the referee yelled at The People's Champion to get back out of the ring as he was not the legal man in the match. Rikishi then got to his feet. He eyed Angle who was still lying on the canvas. The large frame loomed over the Olympic Gold Medal and came down hard. Rikishi dropped all 500 lbs on Kurt's torso. He stayed seated as the ref counted 1...2...3!

Rikishi's music hit as he and The Rock began to celebrate. Angle rolled out of the ring, onto the floor where Stephanie rushed to him. The celebration in the ring was short lived before Mick Foley's music hit.

Foley made his way to the ring. His eyes focusing on The Great One who was looking right back at him, putting the WWF title on his shoulder. Mick grabbed a microphone.

“There will be no wild accusations tonight. I promised Linda McMahon that I would deliver the person who ran down Stone Cold Steve Austin. And all of the evidence points to you, Rock!”

JR: “Utoh, you know Austin is backstage, he's waiting for Foley to say the word before he strikes!”

The crowd was a buzz as they awaited for Foley to make his reveal. Mick pressed on, “It was in fact your rental car that ran over Stone Cold: your finger prints, your DNA was found in the car, even your sunglasses were found in the glove box. And you had the most to gain with Austin gone: all of the t-shirt sales, media appearances that you took over!”

JR: “This isn't looking good for The Rock.”

Foley paused for a moment before continuing, “Right here in Anaheim California, in the case of who ran over Stone Cold Steve Austin at Survivor Series...Mick Foley finds The Rock.....NOT..GUILTY.”

The fans in attendance cheered showing their support for the WWF champion. Foley allowed the reaction to rage on for a moment. The Rock shifted the title belt as “Rocky” chants began.

Mick brought the mic back to his lips causing the cheering to die down so he could speak, “But if you didn't do it, who did? I'm going to tell you who did.”

Foley shifted his gaze to Rikishi who was standing on the other side of the ring. Mick pointed at him as he spoke, “He did.”

JR: “What? Rikishi?”

Rikishi shook his head, looking confused by the Commissioner's accusation. The Rock looked just as puzzled by Foley's words.

The commissioner explained further, “I hadn't figured it out until I questioned Scotty 2 Hotty tonight and he told me about hanging out backstage with you at Survivor Series, only you weren't even scheduled for a match at Survivor Series, you hadn't even debuted yet. Who else is close enough to The Rock to go into his dressing room, to go into his bag and get his keys? The mirrors in the seat were configured to fit not just a large man but a very large man. That very large man is you. The only thing I don't know is why.”

Rikishi stood there for a moment. He then accepted the microphone from Foley so that he could respond. “Ok....I did it.”

JR: “Damn it!”

The crowd began to boo loudly. Rock had turned to look at his fellow Samoan, not really sure that he understood what he had just said. The big man could see his confusion and further clarified.

“In case you didn't hear, I admit, I did it. I ran over Austin...And I'd do it again! But I didn't do it for me....I did it....For The Rock!”

King: “What?”

JR: “He did it for The Rock?”

The WWF champion's brows furrowed. He looked completely dumbfounded, disgusted by Rikishi's admission. Just as Rikishi was going to further explain the sound of glass shattering filled the arena! Stone Cold Steve Austin was stomping his way across the stage and down the ramp!

Rikishi immediately high tailed it, pulling himself up over the barricade to get away from the rattlesnake! Austin slide into the ring and immediately began to throw a barrage of fists at Rock, before hitting him with a Stunner! Foley attempts to reason with Austin but also received a stunner of his own! Stone Cold got back out of the ring and was in pursuit of Rikishi, going through the crowd after him.

Meanwhile, Kurt Angle was seen sliding back into the ring amid the destruction that was left in Austin's wake! The Olympian began to attack the fallen WWF champion with hard kicks to the torso. The crowd began an “Angle Sucks” chant as Kurt lifted Rock to his feet and hit an Olympic Slam!

JR: “Kurt Angle attacking a defenseless Rock! He's picking the bones of the carnage that Stone Cold Steve Austin left in the ring! Angle's showing no integrity what so ever!”

King: “It's his intelligence, JR. Kurt saw this opportunity and he's capitalizing on it!”

Steph also entered the ring. She grabbed The Rock's WWF championship and handed it to her boyfriend. Angle raised the belt high in the air while Stephanie clapped. The boos from the sold out crowd were deafening.

JR: “This is just sick!”

King: “Is this a sign of what we will see at No Mercy? Could Kurt Angle be our next WWF champion?”

The camera shifted from the ring to backstage where Austin was still in hot pursuit of Rikishi. The big man had just gotten into a rental car when Stone Cold finally reached him. Austin pounded on the door, attempting to break the glass. Before Austin was able to do any real destruction to the vehicle, Rikishi was able to start the engine and speed away! The show came to a close with a shot of Stone Cold fuming as Jim Ross commented that there was going to be hell to pay.

Chapter Text

SmackDown!

October 12, 2000

Staples Center

The SmackDown intro video package aired transitioning to a shot of the packed arena. An impressive pyrotechnic showcase lit up the Oval stage. The camera panned over the cheering fans as Michael Cole greeted the viewers at home.

Cole: “Welcome to Thursday night SmackDown! I'm Michael Cole along side me, Jerry “The King” Lawler! We are here in Los Angeles California in a sold out Staples Center!”

King: “The LA crowd sure is hot tonight and we've got an action packed show! The Olympic Hero will be taking on The Big Red Machine, Kane!”

Cole: “Also King, I have been informed by Commissioner Foley that both Rikishi and Stone Cold Steve Austin have been barred from the area. A score will be settled at No Mercy as the Rattlesnake goes one on one with the man who ran him down. We found out on Monday night that that man is Rikishi!”

King: “I still can't believe it, Cole. What was that guy thinking?”

Cole: “We are going to get answers from Rikishi later tonight as Jim Ross sits down in the studio with the big man and asks all of the hard hitting questions. You won't want to miss it!”

The show kicked off with a tag match before transitioning to a backstage segment. Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon were seen in their dressing room with Shane McMahon. Kurt was gloating about how he was left standing tall with the WWF title at the end of RAW on Monday. Steph was all smiles, reassuring him that he is poised to become the next WWF champion at No Mercy. The two shared a kiss while Shane let out a forced chuckle and decided to speak up:

“Yeah that's great you two are so confident and all. I myself like to have a little insurance policy in place.”

Shane's words intrigued the couple. Steph shifted position in the sofa causing Angle to adjust his arm that was around her while she replied.

“What do you mean, Shane?”

Shane O' Mac smiled and continued, “I already talked to Foley earlier today. Benoit will be challenging The Rock for the WWF title tonight on SmackDown! Benoit being crowned the new champ, means that no matter the outcome at No Mercy, the WWF title stays in the McMahon camp.”

Kurt narrowed his eyes looking a bit confused. He looked over at his girlfriend who did not seemed too thrilled with the match that her brother had set up. She was wearing a suspicious look on her face. Her head turned to the side as she sized him up. Stephanie then moving forward in her seat, speaking boldly with confidence:

“The WWF title is going to be around Kurt's waist at No Mercy.”

Angle's face formed a smile in reaction to her words. He simply nodded before commenting with a single “it's true”. Shane leaned forward in his own seat before responding back, “I guess we will see.”

The segment ended shifting to a replay of the attack of Triple H and Road Dogg by the Radicalz on RAW. The tag match with The Game and his friend, Road Dogg, taking on Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko commenced. Benoit was at ringside supporting his buddies. The contest went back and forth, ending with Benoit interfering to help Saturn pick up the win for his team. An all out brawl broke out resulting in the former DX members being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers difference. Benoit attacked The Game, snapping on the Cripple Crossface as referees attempted to break it bringing the in ring segment to a close.

A studio segment with JR and Rikishi was then shown. The big man made it clear that The Rock had nothing to do with the attack. Rikishi stated that he would do it again, and that it was to allow The Rock to have a chance to rise to the top, something that he couldn't do with Austin in the way. Rikishi then promised that at No Mercy, he will finish the job he started at Survivor Series.

It was now time for number one contender, The Olympic Hero, to take on the Big Red Machine, Kane. Stephanie accompanied Angle to the ring while the commentators brought up the blunder that was the tag team match on RAW IS WAR where Kurt and Kane were unable to work together as partners. A blaze of fire on stage brought forth Kane. Angle and Stephanie were quick to leave the ring before the monster entered. King commented that Angle sure had his work cut out for him.

Kane dominated the match early on showcasing his raw power which overcame the Olympian. It was when Kane had Angle by the throat that Stephanie climbed onto the apron to distract the referee. Kane lifted Angle high in the air and drove him down hard onto the canvas with a chokeslam. He went for the cover but the ref was still dealing with Stephanie who refused to leave the apron. Kane stood back up and left the ring. It was then the Billion Dollar Princess saw that the Big Red Machine was coming after her from ringside. She quickly got into the ring and ran to the other side to exit in order to get distance between herself and Kane. The monster continued to give chase, finally catching her from in the ring as he leaned over the ropes, grabbing her by her hair. The crowd cheered wanting to see her be brutalized.

Kane's grasp on her was short lived as Angle came from behind with a roll up. The ref dropped down to make the count, not seeing Angle's hand on the bottom rope for leverage. 1...2...3! The bell sounded and Kurt quickly hightailed it out of the ring with Stephanie meeting him at the ramp. Angle's music played briefly as he was declared the winner of the bout. Kane grabbed hold of the referee and choke slammed him. Another ref ran into the ring and suffered the same fate at the hands of Kane. The big red monster's music hit. A shot of Kurt and Steph backing up the ramp looking unsettled was seen before going to a commercial break.

A view of the Staples Center was shown before switching to a backstage shot of the WWF champion pacing back and forth with his title belt on his shoulder. Lawler then asked on commentary if The Rock would be able to focus on defending his title tonight with everything he's going through. Cole commented that the Great One refused an interview, he's all business tonight with his title defense.

The scene shifted to Chris Benoit and Shane McMahon in a locker room. Benoit was clearly getting ready for his shot at the gold: tapping up his wrists and he listened to his business adviser give him a pep talk.

“This is your night! That WWF title is up for grabs and all you have to do is take it! The Rock is vulnerable, more than he has ever been! Okay, this is when we strike and strike hard! Are you with me?”

Shane clapped his hands together, trying to get Benoit fired up. Chris smiled, showing his missing teeth as he toss the roll of tape down on the bench.

“Save your words, McMahon. I don't need you to play cheerleader. I'll get the job done tonight and I will take what was already mine at Unforgiven, the World Wrestling Federation championship. Then I will gladly take on Mr. 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist at No Mercy and I will show him why I am the most technically sound wrestler in WWF history. When I am WWF champion, I will take on ANYONE who think they can prove me wrong!”

The commentators informed the viewers that the title match was up next before going to a commercial break.

Chris Benoit made his way to the ring with his business adviser. The biggest pop of the night came as The Rock made his entrance in front of the sold out LA crowd. A sea of camera flashes was the backdrop to The People's Champion raising his title belt high in the air on the turnbuckle. When The Rock's music cut, “Medal” began to play after only a few moments.

The camera panned to the Oval stage as Kurt and Steph made their way out. Michael Cole questioned what they were doing out there as a match was about to be underway.

The Olympic Hero had a microphone in hand and was ready to speak. “You know, Steph and I were just talking and we find it interesting that Rikishi claims that The Rock had nothing to do with Stone Cold Steve Austin getting run over. How convenient, Rock!”

The crowd booed loud which Angle ignored and pressed on, “But I guess if they can find OJ innocent out here in LA then maybe you can find some Los Angelinos gullible enough to believe that The Rock had nothing to do with it too! And that is true!”

A strong 'asshole' chant began while the commentators responded to Angle's comments:

King: “Well if it don't fit you must acquit, I don't think The Rock had anything to do with it, do you?”

Cole: “I don't think The Rock had anything to do with it at all.”

The camera shifted to show the WWF champion exiting the ring while Michael Cole provided context, “And The Brahma Bull is going to do something about it now! He's had enough of Kurt Angle!”

Rock attempted to power walk up the stage for Angle, but Chris Benoit chased after him and began hammering away, bringing him back to the ring for their title match.

The bell rang when both competitors were back in the ring. Stephanie and Kurt were still standing on the stage spectating the action from afar. Shane McMahon made his presence felt at ringside using every heel tactic to keep Benoit in control of the match. The LA crowd was completely behind their WWF champion as “Rocky” chants surged through the area while Benoit hit a textbook German Suplex. A shot of Kurt and Steph were seen showing Stephanie whispering to Angle, pointing at the ring.

Cole: “I don't understand why Kurt and Stephanie are out here. Angle is the number one contender but he gets his shot in 10 days at No Mercy, not here tonight.”

King: “It's the intelligence of the Olympic Hero, Cole. He and Stephanie are playing mind games with The Rock. I see Steph whispering to her man, she's got a lot of tips for him.”

Cole: “Stephanie has made herself a valuable asset to Angle being in his corner. You have to wonder what role she will play at No Mercy when Angle goes for the WWF title.”

The camera had shifted back to the action. Benoit had gone for his signature Diving Headbutt but The People's Champion rolled out of the way. The fans were on their feet, cheering for a potential come back from the Great One. Both men lay prone on the canvas as Shane moved to the time keeper at ringside to grab the WWF title belt. McMahon tossed the belt onto the apron, and proceeded to get the referee's attention. Benoit grabbed the title, getting to his feet; Rocky did the same, turning around to be met with a hard shot with the championship. Benoit tossed the belt out of the ring, and went for the cover. The ref turned around and went for the count. 1....2... The Rock's arm shot in the air to a thunderous cheer!

Shane was shocked at ringside, extremely disappointed that he and his business associate did not have the win in the bag. The camera showed Angle and Stephanie who also could not believe what they had witnessed. Another “Rocky” chant filled the arena as the champion willed himself to his feet as did his opponent. Each time Rabid Wolverine attempted to go for a punch, The Rock blocked it, and came back with a stiff shot of his own. The fans in Los Angeles were witnessing his comeback, the tide turning in this WWF title match. Rock threw Benoit against the ropes, a Spinebuster found it's mark on the rebound. The fans were on their feet as they knew that the Most Electrifying move in Sports Entertainment was up next. However, The Rock's attention turned to Shane McMahon who was again on the apron attempting to distract the referee. The champion made a beeline for McMahon, chasing him around ringside before Shane rolled into the ring. Rocky entered the ring but was almost beheaded by a vicious clothesline from Benoit. Shane was all smiles as he exited the ring while the referee yelled at him to do so. The tide had turned once again and the challenger taunted before ascending the turnbuckle.

The camera panned out revealing Triple H running to ringside. The Game climbed onto the apron and knocked Benoit off his perch on the top rope causing him to fall onto the canvas. The referee called for the bell. Chris Benoit had won by DQ, but he had lost his chance at claiming the WWF championship thanks to Triple H!

Triple H and Benoit began battling in the ring. Kurt Angle ran down the ramp while removing his gold medals, tossing them to the floor before joining the fray. Angle began his attack on The Rock who was still down on the mat. It looked like Shane McMahon wanted to get in on the action as he got on the apron. This was just as Benoit was attempting to clothesline Triple H. Hunter ducked, causing Benoit to drill his business adviser with a hard shot, knocking him to the floor much to the fans delight!

Benoit turned around and was met with a kick to the gut followed by a Pedigree! HHH threw his hair back, getting to his feet but was hit with a hard low blow by Angle sending him stumbling forward. Steph clapped her hands as she made her way to ringside. Kurt followed up with an Olympic Slam! Angle began celebrating, not seeing that The Rock was back on his feet and sizing him up. Steph was yelling at Kurt, pointing for him to look behind him. Angle stopped, turned around to be met with a Rock Bottom! The fans popped while Stephanie threw a fit at ringside. The People's Champion then proceeded to give the fans what they came for: The People's Elbow on the number one contender for his WWF championship!

The Rock's music hit as he was handed his WWF title from the referee. Rocky stood tall posing on the turnbuckle with is title as SmackDown came to a close.

Chapter Text

RAW IS WAR

October 16, 2000

Joe Louis Arena

RAW IS WAR began it's live airing as the “Thorn in Your Eye” theme blared in the arena. Pyro lit the stage as the sold out crowd was on it's feet. The camera then panned across the masses of diehard fans while Jim Ross did his usual introduction to the show.

JR: “17,485 WWF fanatics have sold out the Joel Louis Arena! And we are on our way to No Mercy this Sunday on Pay Per View! Hello again everybody, I'm Jim Ross alongside Jerry "The King" Lawler!”

King: “They don't call Detroit Rock City for nothing, JR. The Rock is in the house!"

The opening match saw Jericho taking on Eddie Guerrero which ended in a disqualification as XPAC attacked Y2J. Billy Gunn ran in for the save as the production transitioned to a shot of the Joel Louis arena. A vignette played of the build up to the Austin and Rikishi feud prior to going to a commercial break.

Coming back from the break, Chris Benoit along with Shane McMahon made their way to ringside to be seated at the commentary table with JR and King. They were there to provide their two cents on the following contest of Undertaker versus Triple H. The American Badass was taking it to Hunter, especially since Helmsley was quite distracted by the fact that his soon to be ex brother-in-law and Benoit were at ringside. Eventually, Triple H attacked Benoit, causing Shane to quickly dash out of harms way. Taker got out of the ring and went after Triple H, after all it was his opponent in the match, and he wanted the win. The two men traded blows at ringside while the referee yelled at them to return to the ring in between doing his ring out count. Just when it seemed like Triple H got the upper hand, Shane smacked him in the back with a steel chair. The crowd booed loudly, as the referee signaled for the bell calling the match a DQ. Benoit took advantage and tossed Triple H back in the ring. The bell continued to ring, as the assault on the game continued, with 3 German suplexes. The crowd continued to show their displeasure, a 'Triple H' chant began, before the Rabid Wolverine then slapped on the Crippler Crossface. Hunter yelled in pain while Shane moved into frame, taunting him in his face as Benoit pulled back seemingly as hard as he good with the move locked in tight. The segment came to a close, transitioning to backstage where Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon were seated together watching their CRT TV of the action. Steph commented on what they were witnessing:

“Nothing makes me smile more than seeing my soon to be ex husband being absolutely destroyed...Well, except for picturing you with the WWF gold around your waist.” Steph commented, a smile beaming in Angle's direction as they sat cuddled on the sofa.

Kurt was all smiles as well, “Oh it's true.”

Their eyes locked for a moment before they both leaned in for a kiss. The crowd booed while watching the pretape via the Titan Tron as the kiss started off conservative but quickly intensified. It was interrupted by the sound of their dressing room door opening. The couple jumped, and looked in the direction of the noise. The camera shot widened revealing Edge and Christian who both waltzed into the frame. The couple seemed to be relieved to see that it was just Angle's two buddies and not a foe. Kurt leaned back in his seat with a stupid grin, while his girlfriend adjusted her position in the seat.

Stephanie was quick to admonish them for their rude interruption with a shrill voice full of attitude, “have you ever heard of knocking?”

Edge piped up, “our bad, Steph, we just needed to talk to our compadre because we heard that Team ECK will be teaming together to take on The Hardys and The Rock.”

The sold out crowd cheered loudly as the announcement of tonight's main event was provided. Angle smiled nodding his head in a approval. “Sounds good to me”.

Edge was quick to elaborate, “It's going to be freaking sweet! Team ECK joining forces to get what we want: wins over the Hardy Boyz and The Rock!”

Christian added on, “Team Xtreme stands for how extremely bad they are going to lose to us at No Mercy!”

E&C both laughed at the corny joke and celebrated with a high five. Edge went on to motion across his waist where the tag belts would sit, “totally! Those tag team titles are as good as ours once again! And we've got you, the Olympic champ, who this Sunday will be crowned the WWF champ, in our corner tonight! With the amount of gold we will be carrying out of Albany, we'll be ruling the World Wrestling Federation!”

Christian broke out his kazzoo, “So much gold, like reeking of royality! Let's play our coronation music!”.

Kurt and Stephanie looked on, a bit mildly annoyed and confused by the tag team's antics as two kazoos played badly in unison bringing the segment to an end.

--

The live event continued on until it was time for the main event. “Medal” blared through the area as the crowd then expected Kurt Angle to make his way out but it was Stephanie who emerged by herself onto the stage with a microphone already in hand. The music cut off and was replaced by the crowd's loud “slut' chants. The reaction from the crowd caused Miss McMahon to roll her eyes and shake her head.

As soon as the chant died down, she spoke into the mic: “And now, I'd like to introduce you to the man who this Sunday will defeat The Rock to become the new WWF champion, your Olympic Hero and mine....KURT...ANGLE!”

“Medal” played again and Angle strolled out with his arms spread wide, a microphone in his right hand. He did a little hop spin, putting an exclamation point on his entrance as the crowd booed.

JR: “Kurt Angle being introduced by his girlfriend, Stephanie. The young lady seems very confident that her 'hero' will be victorious at No Mercy”,

King: “She is confident. She's confident in those 3 Is. The Rock won't have a chance!”

Steph was all smiles, motioning to Angle's waist signaling that the world title would be there after this Sunday. The crowd was still showing their displeasure, causing the Olympian to hold up his hand as his music stopped.

“You know something, Steph. Everyone's making such a big deal out of this being the arena where Stone Cold Steve Austin got run down last Survivor Series. Like that's something to brag about. I mean, yes indeed, this arena is famous but not for Stone Cold Steve Austin."

Steph questioned, “then why?”

“And certainly not for the Red Wings, oh it's true!”

An 'asshole' chant started in response to Kurt ripping on the crowd's hockey team. Steph flashed an annoyed look at the crowd.

King: “They are showing him absolutely no respect.”

Kurt continued on, “Detroit, this arena is famous for the national television debut of your Olympic Hero here in the WWF."

King: “It's True, remember that?”

JR: “I remember, it is true.”

The crowd booed again as it was Steph's voice that cut through the crowd noise, “and Kurt, this city, which is located in Detroit, isn't Detroit also known as the Motor City?”

“Indeed it is, Steph. It's true, it is. And how fitting that this city is called the "motor city" because this is the city where the Rock just happen to leave his bag open. And the Rock's pal Rikishi just happened to take his keys...And just happen to "Motor" down Stone Cold Steve Austin! Like The Rock had nothing to do with it!"

The crowd responded with a mix of boos and “asshole” chants.

King: “Utoh.”

Stephanie then spoke, “Well you know, Kurt. It sounds like The Rock, has a lot of excuses, but this Sunday Rocky will have no excuses, except for maybe me, when you defeat The Rock and become the World Wrestling Federation champion!"

King: “She's full of confidence.”

JR: “She's a McMahon.”

She pressed on, “It's true, I will be by your side as you claim the richest prize in our business! No one can stop your rise! And nothing turns me on more than a man on top!"

Steph flashed an evil grin before licking her lips. Angle smirked gazing at her longingly.

King: "Oh boy! Look at that look in her eyes. That's a woman in love if I've ever seen it."

JR: “Don't you start again, King. These two are insufferable.”

Steph grabbed Angle by his singlet straps, that were down at his waist, and pulled him into a kiss. The crowd showed their displeasure with a chorus of boos.

JR: "Stephanie feeding that Olympic sized ego. As if Angle's head wasn't big enough. These two should get a room, We are wasting time for our main event here."

The kiss was quite unbridled and was slow to end while the capacity crowd chanted "Slut". Angle had a big goofy smile plastered on his face the moment their lip lock broke. It took him a moment of gazing at his princess before he brought his microphone up to speak.

"Where was I?... Oh yeah...Rock, it shouldn't come as a big shock to you when do lose your title to me this Sunday at No Mercy. Because Rock, your about to be accustomed to losing, I mean, you may be a 5 time WWF champion. You may be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, whatever that means!"

The capacity crowd popped loud for the People's Champion, chanting “Rocky”. Angle paused for a moment before continuing on:

“"But Rock, you are about to embarked on a losing streak starting right here tonight in Detroit and that is True!"

King: "Embark, that's a good word."

JR: "Well Kurt Angle and Edge and Christian in a couple of minutes will take on The Rock and the Hardys. And of course Stephanie will be here at ringside."

A camera focused on on Kurt and Stephanie as they walked down the ramp together. The footage being displayed on the titan tron. They seemed so focused on one another that both reflexively jumped when Angle's ramp pyro went off. They both chuckled and did a half-hearted attempt to acknowledge it

King: "Take a look at the Olympic Hero and the Billion Dollar Princess, Jr. You have to admit they make quite the couple. This is the happiest we've ever seen Stephanie."

JR: "I can't say I'm a fan of this young woman. Seeing what she did to her soon to be ex husband last month at Unforgiven."

Angle's arm was lovingly around her waist as he ushered her in front of him to climb the steel steps so that he could get in position to hold the bottom ring ropes open for her to enter.

King: "Didn't you hear what Kurt said? She dumped the zero and got herself a hero. And Kurt's her hero."

The camera switched to show The Rock walking down the hall backstage carrying his WWF title by it's strap as the show went to commercial.

The show came back from commercial break with the camera in the ring. Stephanie was seen receiving Kurt's gold medals as he raised his singlet straps and began warming up. Steph gave him a quick peck on the check as Lillian announced him:

"The following is a 6 man tag team contest and is scheduled for one fall.

Introducing first, being accompanied by Stephanie McMahon, from Pittsburgh PA weighing in at 237 lbs, he is the number one contender for the World Wrestling Federation Championship this Sunday at No Mercy, Kurt Angle!"

JR: "Could be the next WWF champion"

King: "Stephanie says he is. I think you can take a McMahon guarantee to the bank"

JR: "When I first met Stephanie she looked like Snow White."

King: "What do you mean?"

JR: "But now she's drifted, obviously"

Edge and Christian were out next. They highfived Angle before taking off their beany hats and sunglasses. Team Xtreme was out next to a huge pop. The heels cleared the ring to allow the babyfaces to make their entrance. Lita posed in the middle of the ring with her Women's title while the Hardys posed with their tag team title belts around their waists at adjacent ring corners.

The People's Champion, The Rock, was the last man to make his way to the ring, and he immediately went after Kurt Angle who was perched on the ring apron for the tag match.

JR: “The Rock and Kurt Angle are getting it on here just like they will this Sunday. But this Sunday it will be for the WWF title!”.

Edge and Christian quickly made the save, attacking Rock which allowed Angle to escape to ringside. Team ECK worked together tagging in and out, staying fresh as they worked to isolate Rock from his corner. The crowd chanted “Rocky”, as the Hardy Boyz wanted to be tagged in badly. Rock made the tag, Jeff Hardy flipped into the ring and immediately used his agility and quickness to shake up Edge. The highflyers set up a Poetry in Motion after Jeff tagged in his brother. Matt then went for the cover for a two count. The two men battled on before Matt attempted a Twist of Fate but was countered, Irish Whipping Hardy into Angle's fist in the corner. Edge tagged Angle in. Stephanie cheered the Olympian on at ringside as Angle began kicking at Matt Hardy. A Snap Suplex quickly followed by a pin attempt only yielded a two count. Kurt waited for Matt to stand and hit him with a running clothesline. Angle taunted the crowd with a “Woo” that Stephanie echoed, applauding him at ringside. The crowd began an “Angle Sucks” chant.

The team of heels then began to work to isolate Matt, not allowing him to make a tag as the partners cycled into the ring, staying fresh. It was when Hardy was able to reverse a move on Edge, and both combatants were lying in the ring, that the crowd began to cheer as Matt slowly crawled to his corner where Rock was wanting to be tagged in. Edge was able to get the tag to Christian before Rock was able to be reached. A fresh Christian knocked Jeff off the ring apron, before going to attack Matt, hitting him with an inverted suplex as the camera showed Lita climbing up to the top rope. Christian stood up just in time to be hit with a Hurricanrana from Lita. The crowd popped. Angle then slid into the ring and pulled the diva out by her legs to the ringside area.

JR: “Unhand her!”

Lita looked confused at Angle, as he backed away, allowing Stephanie to attack her from behind with a hard shot to the back of her head. Kurt smiled, holding his hands up in the air, letting the Billion Dollar Princess handle the diva. Stephanie then threw Lita face first into the nearby ring post.

JR: “Stephanie just threw Lita face first into the ring post!”

King: “Wow! She's not the lady to be messed with! I'm going to tell you, you remember how long Stephanie was the WWF Womens Champion? She's still the Women's Champion in my eyes.”

JR: “But more importantly, King, she's a McMahon!

Kurt was back on the ring apron and shot the Princess a double thumbs up for her handiwork. Rock and Angle ended up being tagged in simultaneously. The crowd cheered as Rock made a beeline for Angle, easily getting the upper hand. The crowd was going wild as Rock was taking it to Angle. Rock delivered a Spine Buster, setting up the People's Elbow! Stephanie looked distraught as the crowd cheered on! As soon as Rock took off his elbow pad and threw it, Christian slid into the ring and attacked him. Rock made short work of Christian, laying the SmackDown with his hand, sending Christian out of the ring. Kurt then ran at Rock, but was caught with a Rock Bottom! He went for the cover, but the ref was distracted by Edge and Jeff at ringside. Stephanie attempted to grab Rocky's leg to break the pin attempt. This caused Rock to get to his feet, and reach over the top rope, grabbing Stephanie by her hair. The crowd popped. Thankfully for Steph, Edge and Christian made the save. They doubled teamed The Great One, before double clothes-lining him out of the ring. The heel tag team then left the ring to further attack Rock.

Jeff Hardy climbed onto the top rope looking to set up the Swanton Bomb. But out of nowhere, Stephanie got on the ring apron and hit him with a metal rod!

JR: “Stephanie again!”

King: “Stephanie's all over the place!”

Jeff fell to the canvas. This allowed Angle enough time to get up, and set up a beautiful Olympic Slam. The ref made the count: 1....2...3!

“Medal” began to play in the area as Lillian announced Angle and his friends as the victors.

King: “What a victory for Stephanie and her Kurt!”

The Olympian slid out of the ring and into his awaiting girlfriend's arms. They kissed as he lifted her up off her feet. Her legs wrapped around him as they celebrated at ringside. A recap of the end of the match was shown. The camera cut to the couple moving up the ramp. Stephanie raised Angle's arm in the air, using her other arm to point at the man she was stating would be the next WWF champion.

The camera then cut to the ring to see The Rock in the ring with Christian. The WWF champion quickly got the upper hand and gave Christian a Rock Bottom as Angle's theme music was cut off. Edge attempted to attack with a double axe handle off the top rope but was also caught with a Rock Bottom of his own. The Rock's theme music then played as he and Angle stared each other down. Rocky did his “Just Bring it” hand motion. In response, Kurt and Steph did their best mocking attempt at smelling what they were cooking.

JR: “Angle just smelled it. Is Angle smelling the WWF champ? With Stephanie McMahon in his corner will Kurt angle defeat The Rock Sunday at No Mercy and become the WWF champion?”

King: “Look at this couple, JR. It's a power couple, I think it's destiny! I think it's Kurt Angle's time! This Sunday we're gonna have a new WWF champion!”

JR: “Stephanie McMahon, along with Kurt Angle, it may be more than even The Rock can overcome! We'll find out Sunday, my God, No Mercy is unbelievable on Pay Per View!”

Stephanie and Angle posed on the stage smirking, while Rock was shown staring them down on the Titan Tron as RAW went off the air.

Chapter Text

SmackDown!

October 19, 2000

Gund Arena

The SmackDown intro video package gave way to pyrotechnics lighting up the arena while the show theme blared.

Cole: "We are just 72 hours, 3 days away from No Mercy, Live on PPV. Welcome to WWF Smackdown from the beautiful Gund arena in Cleveland. Michael Cole, "The King" Jerry Lawler at ringside. And King, we are getting set for a huge tag team Battle Royal. But what a night it's going to be tonight on Smackdown! A four corners match: Chris Benoit, Triple H, Kurt Angle, and The Rock in the same ring, at the same time!"

King: "I have no idea which one of those guys is going to come out on top!"

The tag team elimination match started off the show. After, a backstage scene with Benoit and his associate Shane McMahon was seen. McMahon seemed to be going over strategy for tonight's main event.

“Look this position that Foley has put you in isn't ideal. Triple H is going to be out for blood after what we did to him on Monday.”

Benoit seemed unfazed but Shane's comment and was unpacking his duffel bag, placing his gear in the locker room cabinet.

Shane pressed on, “but I have a plan, okay? I am going to get the odds stacked in our favor going into No Mercy. Just leave it to me.”

Shane clapped his hands together, and gave Benoit a pat on the shoulder. Chris seemed emotionless, he looked at his shoulder that Shane had just hit before speaking, “I don't care about the odds tonight. I will go through everyone in that match and be declared the victor, to prove that I SHOULD BE the number 1 contender for the WWF title! Let's see if they can prove me wrong!”

Shane looked a bit intimated by Benoit's intensity, “Yeah I get it, you're confident, you against the world, I get it. But it wouldn't be so bad if you and Angle had an alliance going into the match tonight. I can talk to Stephanie-”

“I don't need Angle!”

“Okay, fine, you do what you do, and I will make my moves. You'll be thanking me.” Shane smirked before walking out of the locker room as Cole asked on commentary what he was planning.

------------------------------------------------------

Later in the night Kurt and Stephanie were seen entering a boiler room which also happened to be Mick Foley's office.

Stephanie placed her hand on her hip as she addressed the Commissioner, “Mick, this main event is ridiculous and it achieves nothing!”

Angle piped up, “it's true, I mean, I beat virtually everyone in this match already. And I have the most important match of my life this Sunday!”

Steph continued, “Kurt has to be ready to face The Rock at No Mercy! You need to cancel this match right now or I will NOT be happy! And if it's one thing you know, Mick, it's you do not want to make a McMahon unhappy!”

She glared at the commissioner, buy Foley didn't seem to be bothered by the Billion Dollar Princess' threat. “Stephanie, it isn't my job to make either of you happy. I talked to Rock and Benoit and they aren't happy either. In fact, the only man who is happy is Triple H! And he's happy to get his hands not only on Benoit, but you, Kurt Angle!"

The crowd cheered as they watched this pretape on the Ovaltron. The idea of Triple H getting a piece of both of his foes tonight was something that the crowd wanted to see.

Angle seemed nervous by Mick's reply and retorted, “Oh come on, you've got to be kidding me! Isn't it time that Triple H just get over it? What a pathetic sore loser! Thousands of wives leave their husbands everyday for a lot less than what he pulled. And that is true!"

Steph echoed, “it's true.”

Kurt continued on, "but who cares about Triple H? My focus is on The Rock and taking the WWF title for him this Sunday! I'm the number 1 contender and I deserve the night off!"

Mick Foley gave a toothless grin, he turned the wooden gavel in his hand as he spoke, “You are indeed the number one contender for the title at No Mercy and if it's one thing I, a former WWF champion knows, it's the importance of being prepared. That's why tonight you WILL be taking part in the four corners match so you are battle tested right here in Cleveland Ohio! And that is final!"

The gavel slammed hard on the table as a cheap pop from the crowd could be heard.

Stephanie scoffs, and her and Angle retreat in disappointment.

"Have a nice day!" Foley added as they walked out. The segment ended.

-------------------------------

After seeing William Regal successfully defend his European title against Al Snow and Perry Saturn, a shot of Triple H arriving at the arena in the parking lot. Suddenly, he was attacked by Shane McMahon and the Mean Street Posse.

Cole: “Shane McMahon and the Mean Street Posse! Where the hell did they come from? The Game is being ambushed by Shane and his henchman!”

King: “From the mean streets of Greenwich! I guess this is Shane's master plan, he's trying to take out Triple H!”

The numbers were overwhelming for Triple H, but he was able to battle back. He easily over powered Pete, Rodney and Joey. Shane was left, attempting to attack Hunter with a lead pipe. Triple H ducked and landed right hands on his soon to be ex brother-in-law. The crowd was cheering seeing Triple H giving Shane a beating. The Game grabbed Shane by the head and threw him into the side of the limo, head first, shattering the glass. A crimson mess covered Shane's face as he was left in a pool of his blood next to his posse members. Trainers rushed to the scene calling for help as the show went to break.

Coming back from the break the viewers were treated to a replay of the backstage segment before switching to the parking lot where Stephanie and Angle were now standing by as Shane was being put on a stretcher and brought to an awaiting ambulance.

“Oh Shane! I can't believe Triple H did this!” Steph shrieked, clearly distraught by her older brother's appearance.

Angle was sympathetic, pulling her into a hug. He embraced her in his arms, rubbing her back to provide reassurance that it was going to be okay. The camera panned out to see Benoit approaching the scene. Kevin Kelly was quick to approach the Rabid Wolverine to get his thoughts on what happened to his business associate with a microphone in hand. “Benoit, do you have any words for what just happened to Shane McMahon.”

“No Mercy isn't just the name of the Pay-per-View. It's exactly what's in store for Triple H tonight. This isn't even going to make it to this Sunday! He, nor anyone else in the match tonight will be able to prove me wrong!”

Chris slowly walked away and King mentioned on commentary that he would hate to be one of Benoit's competitors tonight as the segment came to a close.

------------------------------

After a match, the scene cut to backstage where The Rock was seen standing by with Kevin Kelly. The WWF title perched on Great One's right shoulder, sun glasses on his face while he listened to Kelly:

Kelly: "Rock, we know that this Sunday at No Mercy it's you defending the World Wrestling Federation Championship against Kurt Angle with Stephanie McMahon in Angle's corner."

Kevin held the mic in the People's Champion's direction. There was a a long pause while The People's Champion looked off into the distance.

The crowd cheered, watching him on the tron.

Rock finally spoke, “Finally The Rock has come back to Cleve-land!”

Another pause for a thunderous cheer from the sold out crowd.

“You see over the past two weeks, The Rock has had a lot on his mind. The Rock just recently found out that it was Rikishi who ran over Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock's been angry, The Rock's been confused, but there's been one man to help the rock..snap out of it. And that man is Kurt Angle."

The arena was filled with boos at the mention of the Olympic Hero.

“So Kurt Angle, thank you for helping the Rock. After all your trash talking for the past few weeks, after attacking The Rock from behind, The Rock is now not thinking about Rikishi, he's thinking about you. The Rock is thinking about you Kurt Angle, thinking about beating the Olympic mucus right out of your smug smiling face!”

A cheer and brief Rocky chant could be heard.

“And you see Kurt Angle, for the past two months, The Rock has gone through a lot of opponents. One of which is Kane. All 7 feet 350 lbs who comes out and says "I am the big red monster'. Another man by the name of Chris Benoit who comes out and says "just prove me wrong', and now The Rock faces a man who comes out and says-”

Rocky put a smile on his face, raising his eyebrows while he spoke again, “Drinking milk has calcium and is good for your bones. And drinking milk is also very good for your healthy body. Oh, it's true, it's true".

The smile on the Great One faded and was left with a look of sincerity, “You see Kurt Angle, this Sunday night at No Mercy, let The Rock explain to you exactly what he is going to do and only a language that you can understand.”

Rock began speaking slowly with much articulation, “You see Kurt Angle you and The Rock, we are going to have a WWF title match in which many moves are going to be executed: an armbar, a wrist lock, and many other moves. But you see The Rock has a very special move he's going to execute just for you, Kurt."

King: “Oh boy!”

The crowd popped again.

“You see, The Rock is gonna take his boot. And then The Rock is going to turn it horizontal or side ways, just the way you like it..... so The Rock has heard."

Rocky smiled as the crowd chanted his name before he continued on, “And then Kurt, in one swift motion, The Rock is going to take his boot and stick it straight up your candy ass!"

The fans found another level to their cheers, they were now on their feet chanting The Rock's name.

“You see Kurt Angle you think your special just because you've got your 3 Is! You think your really special because you've got your two dollar, no 50 cent, no, buy two get one free, does anybody have change for a nickel two bit [beep] behind you!"

King: “Change for a nickel?”

The crowd began their favorite chant for Stephanie as Rocky continued on, “You see Kurt Angle, this isn't the Olympics, your not facing the Romanians, your not facing the Bulgarians, you're facing The Rock, the Brahma Bull a man who has no quit, a man who has no fear! So Kurt Angle, bring your gold medals, Stephanie, bring your dirty panties but above all else, just like tonight, at No Mercy this Sunday, Just BRING IT!" IF ya smelllllll what The Rock IS COOKIN'!”

------------------

When it was time for the four corners main event, the heel competitors were out first followed by the babyfaces. Benoit and Rock started things off. Chris was methodical, dissecting the People's Champ with chops, and suplexes. Angle was holding his hand out, wanting a tag while the WWF champion was on the ropes. Rock was in the corner, seemingly down and out, before blocking a punch, and starting to battle back. A clean DDT and kip up, made the crowd come alive. Rock grabbed Benoit's hand and reached it out to Angle. Taunting him to make the tag now. Kurt looked away nervously. He wanted no parts of taking on Rocky now.

The Rock drug Benoit over to the other corner where Triple H was wanting a tag in to get a piece of Benoit. With the tag made, The Game started going to work on Chris. The commentators mentioned that his associate Shane attempted to attack Triple H earlier today and paid the price. He was not at ringside tonight but at the hospital. HHH went for the cover following a knee drop, but it only yielded a 2 count.

Angle smacked Benoit's shoulder, to tag himself into the match while The Rabid Wolverine had gotten the upper hand lifting and dropping Triple H face first into the ropes. Kurt rushed in and delivered a clothesline to HHH. Steph cheered Angle on as he began kicking The Game relentlessly. The crowd started an "Angle Sucks" chant.

The camera focused on Steph who was beaming with happiness, "Yeah, Kurt, yeah! Destroy him! Oh yeah! Woo!"

The camera shifted back to ring action. Triple H was in the corner, Angle throwing right hands at HHH. The ref separated them momentarily. Angle turned his attention to Stephanie. He winked at her, and she sent him a kiss. The moment reprieve allowed The Game to fire back, grabbing Angle and throwing him into the corner.

The crowd erupted in a cheer as Hunter began to pummel Angle with a flurry of punches. Triple H then went to Irish Whip Angle from the corner, he came back with an Irish Whip of his own, sending the Game into the diagonal corner. HHH came back. Kurt attempted to punch him, but Triple H side stepped it, and hit him with a well placed neck breaker. The crowd popped.

The Game rose to his feet, Stephanie was worried, beginning to hit the mat, imploring Kurt to get up. HHH lifted Angle, a kick to the gut and then a Pedigree. The crowd erupted again! Hunter went for the cover, but Stephanie distracted the ref, acting as if she was going to get in the ring. Triple H saw this, got to his feet and pulled the Princess by her hair, bringing her into the ring. Steph screamed, holding onto her hair as he pulled her into the squared circle.

Cole: "Stephanie's in big trouble, King!"

King: "Kurt! Get up, He's got Stephanie!"

The Game set up the Pedigree and thunderously delivered it, leveling the Billion Dollar Princess. She laid motionless as the crowd had the biggest pop of the night!

Cole: "The Pedigree, the pedigree! Triple H just pedigreed his soon to be ex wife! A small bit of revenge for Stephanie turning her back on Triple H at Unforgiven".

HHH used his foot and pushed the unconscious Stephanie out of the ring. It was then, with his back turned, that Angle was finally up and delivered an Olympic Slam to Hunter.

The crowd booed, as Angle then tagged in Benoit. Once temporarily out of the match, Angle went ringside to check on Stephanie. The camera showed him briefly, seated on the padded floor, with Steph in his lap, he was stroking her hair, touching her face, trying to revive her.

King: "Kurt loves Stephanie so much, he didn't even care about winning the match after the Olympic Slam. Her hero came to check on her."

Cole: "Stephanie is out cold. She was pushing her luck getting involved in this match and paid the price for it.”

The battle raged on in the ring. Benoit got a near fall on the downed Triple H. He lifted The Game to a vertical base and then slapped on the Crippler Crossface.

Cole: "The Crippler Crossface, the crippler Crossface! All the pressure and torque on the torso of The Game Triple H!"

Triple H screamed in pain and was about to tap, but The Rock broke it up. Rock then sent Benoit into the ropes and on the rebound hit him with a Samoan Drop. All men in the ring laid there, exhausted by the contest, as Rock was slowly getting to his feet. Then, out of where, Angle slid back into the ring behind the Rock and delivered an Olympic Slam to the WWF champion.

King: "That's the I for intelligence! What a perfect time for Kurt to take a break from tending to Stephanie and get back into the match!"

Cole: "Angle going for the cover on the Rock!"

The ref began the count but HHH broke up the pin. He lifted Angle to his feet, sent him into the ropes and executed a face buster, before setting up a Pedigree. He was stopped dead in his tracks when Benoit took Triple H's head off with a clothesline before he could hit his finisher on Kurt.

Benoit did the cutthroat taunt before climbing the ropes. A diving headbutt found it's mark on The Game. Benoit stretched an arm over him for the pin. The ref began to count, but Rock broke it up. Benoit got to his feet, went to clothesline Rock, but got caught with a Rock Bottom. Rock hooked the leg, going for the win, but Angle broke it up. Getting Rock to his feet, pulled him into a back suplex. He taunted the crowd causing a chorus of boos. Triple H had gotten back to his feet, when Angle turned back around, he was hit in the gut, setting up a pedigree. The crowd cheered. Before HHH could hit it, Benoit grabbed him, turning him around and into the Crossface yet again! Angle stumbled over, getting to his feet with a smile on his face. He taunted Triple H, not realizing Rock had gotten to his feet.

When Angle finally turned around Rock was right there, he attempted to kick him but Rock caught his leg and did a corkscrew takedown letting up a Sharpshooter! The crowd went crazy as both submissions were locked in on Angle and HHH. Angle looked like he was going to tap, but twisted his lower body so that he could grab Rock's leg. Rock stumbled forward and fell right into Benoit who had his submission applied, breaking it up. Angle scurried over to Triple H, rolled him over and got the pin fall. The crowd booed as he was declared the winner of the match. “Medal” blared through the arena.

Cole: "Always the opportunist, Kurt Angle picks up the win.”

King: “What intelligence on display! Kurt got himself out of the submission hold, took out both Rock and Benoit and picked up the victory! I think Rock's days of being WWF champion are numbered, Cole!”

Angle retreated from the ring to Steph who was still unconscious at ringside. He scooped up his Princess in his arms as was beginning to carry her backstage up the Smackdown ramp. Rock looked pissed, he made a beeline for Angle. He turned him around and delivered a punch to his head, causing Kurt to fall with Stephanie. In the ring, Benoit had reapplied the submission on The Game. Angle's music had stopped and referees rushed to the ring attempting to get Benoit to break the hold.

The camera shifted back to Rock and Angle, their fighting had moved to the stage. Rock quickly got the upper hand and Rock Bottomed Angle right onto the steel stage floor! He began talking smack to Angle who was out cold. Rocky posed for the millions of fans who were watching live and at home with the taped broadcast.

In the ring, referees finally got Benoit to release his hold. The camera focused on Benoit's face. He was smiling sadistically as HHH rived in pain. The crowd suddenly popped as The Rock slid into the ring and began layin' the SmackDown on Benoit! He went to punch him, but Benoit caught his arm and pulled him into the crossface! Rock tapped screaming in pain. Refs then pulled Benoit off Rocky. Benoit's music played as he stood tall. The crowd began to boo the turn of events.

Cole: "The Rabid wolverine is the only one left standing, prove him wrong, I don't think you can!"

Benoit left the ring, raising his hands in victory back up the ramp as SmackDown went off the air!

Chapter Text

WWF No Mercy

October 22, 2000

Pepsi Arena

Stephanie appeared on Sunday Night Heat before the start of the PPV and was interviewed by Michael Cole and Tazz. She guaranteed that Angle would be walking out of No Mercy as the WWF champion. Steph then informed the viewers that Kurt would be interviewing The Rock live right now.

The scene shifted to a highly edited “interview” where clips of The Rock were spliced together with Angle asking him questions. This was replayed at the start of the PPV and JR commented on how ridiculous it was.

The under card of the PPV had been underway. A backstage shot of Triple H walking down the hall was seen. He was heavily bandaged around his shoulder and ribs. Was he in any condition to take on Chris Benoit tonight? He slowed his stride focusing on his estranged wife who was passing him in the hall. Steph gave him a death stare, slowly walking by him. The Albany crowd began chanting 'Slut'.

Triple H spoke up, “hey, how does your face feel after it was smashed into the ring from my pedigree?”

The crowd cheered at the mention of what happened on SmackDown last Thursday.

The Game continued on, “though I know you are used to having certain things slammed in your face.”

Hunter placed his tongue in his cheek and made his a motion with his fist toward his mouth.

The crowd cheered and Stephanie looked shocked by his crude comment. She looked away but came back with a hard slap across his face! It echoed in the hallway and even made him stumble a bit. She replied with venom, “I hope Benoit rips your arm out of its socket when he beats you tonight! Especially after what you did to Shane!"

Triple H looked back at her. He was shaking with fury as he then threw his hair back. It looked like he was ready to lay hands on her. Steph was uneasy at this side and quickly scurried off down the hall bringing the segment to a close.

------------------------------

The night continued on until it was time for the first even of the upper card of the PPV: Chris Benoit Vs. Triple H. It was a back and forth contest. Benoit did his best to exploit the injured body of The Game. The commentators pointed out that Shane McMahon was no where to be seen. This of course was after being carted off by ambulance after his failed attack on Triple H on SmackDown.

HH had the upper hand on Benoit, the crowd booed loudly as the viewers saw Stephanie McMahon making her way to the ring. She seems to have something with her, but is holding her hands clasped together. She sneaked around ringside attempting to avoid the referee who was busy with the contest.

JR: "What is Stephanie doing out here? This is none of her business!"

King: "What's she got there in her hand?"

A slut chant started. The ref was checking on Benoit who was still down. HHH was also attempting to get to a vertical base, on the ropes. He stood, just as Steph climbed onto the apron and hit him in the face with something. HHH staggered back toward the center of the ring where The Rapid Wolverine was waiting and pulled him into a Crippler Crossface. HHH screamed in pain.

The camera focused on Stephanie and it's revealed that she had Angle's gold medals in her hands, the ribbon wrapped around her wrist. She had used them as a weapon.

JR: "She hit him with the gold medals and the ref didn't see it! This vile witch of a woman!"

King: "Looks like HHH just had something fly at his face! Hahah! I wonder if Kurt's looking for those!"

Steph strolled up the ramp with a huge smile on her face. She seemingly felt like she had gotten the last laugh by costing Hunter the match.

It looked like HHH was going to tap, but he willed himself to fight. The crowd started a HHH chant.

He struggled, getting to his feet, lifting Benoit up, and bringing him down with a backdrop. The momentum had swung his way and right fists found home on Chris. An Irish Whip rebound gave way to a Face buster . HHH attempted to fight through the pain, and delivered a one armed Pedigree. He got it and went for the cover. 1.2.3. HHH picked up the win, no thanks to his estranged wife.

Howard Finkel announced the winner, “here is your winner, Triple H!”

“My Time” theme blared through the arena. Stephanie was seen pissed off at the entrance way. She stormed off as the camera focused back on the victor. Triple H was still holding an arm close to his body as the ref raised his other arm in victory.

-------------------------------------

A promo for the SmackDown The Vote campaign aired and was followed up by a backstage scene of Kurt Angle warming up in a hallway. He was seemingly getting ready to go out of his match. He pressed his arms against the wall, stretching out his muscles. Stephanie approached causing him to shift his focus to her. She looked disappointed by the result of the last match as she handed over his gold medals.

"You didn't dent them on his fat head, did you?"

His comment with a smirk elicited a smile and chuckle from her as she shook her head. She watched him put the medals around his neck before she spoke, “After tonight those gold medals will pale in comparison to the WWF title that will be around your waist.”

Steph made a motion at his waist line, before grabbing at his singlet to bring him closer to her. Angle was mesmerized by her. His eyes gazing lovingly as he brought his hand to her face and stroked her jaw line, "Steph, no gold I capture compares to the feeling of having you by my side...I love you."

The crowd booed watching this on the tron.

"I love you too." She whispered back.

Slowly he closed the space between them and kissed her. The liplock quickly became unbridled as in one fluid motion Angle lifted her off her feet. Steph let out a playful giggle as he sat her on a a lighting box. Their kissing continued, she wrapped her legs around his torso. When the kiss finally ended, they smiled. Angle backed away, and took her by the hand to lead her to the ring for the main event.

JR: "This is nauseating, our main event is next."

A video package showcasing the events of the last month leading up to the WWF title match tonight was shown. "Medal" blared through the Pepsi Arena. Angle and Steph walked out together.

The ring announcer told the viewers that there would be no disqualifications. JR and King seemed confused but were told on the headset that it was accurate. In the ring, Angle adjusted his singlet straps over his shoulder. He handed the Billion Dollar Princess his medals before giving her another quick kiss.

The Rock's music hit to the biggest pop of the night so far. The Great One made his way to the ring. A sea of camera flashes flickered across the crowd as Rock posed at the turnbuckles of the ring with his title belt. Stephanie had gotten out of the ring and was standing nearby. Rocky stared at her for a moment before getting down from the ropes. Angle and Rock circled each other as the bell rang.

JR: "Kurt Angle, in 11 months, has won the European title, the Intercontinental Title, the King of the Ring, and now is the WWF title next?"

King: "I got a funny feeling, JR."

Steph climbed up onto the apron acting like she was getting in the ring.

JR: "Stephanie up on the apron, remember it's no disqualification. The Rock is distracted by Stephanie. He needs to get his mind on the man in the blue tights."

This distracted Rock allowing Angle to get the first offense of the match. Hard shots found their mark on the WWF champion as Steph cheered at ringside. More punches, caused Rock to leave the ring, attempting to get space from the Olympian so he could get his barrings. Angle too left the ring in pursuit. He caught up to the rock, Sending his head into the barricade and then into the announcers table. Rock was on all fours at ringside. Angle grabbed a nearby steel chair and slammed it into Rocky's back. He screamed out in pain.

JR: "And in this match it's legal. I wonder why this match was made a no disqualification match."

King: "I'll be honest, my first thought was the Rock went to Foley and asked for it, thinking, you know, that Kurt Angle, being the Olympic Champion, well the guy with the three Is, integrity and all that sort of stuff, that he would try to wrestle by the rules but that may have backfired".

Kurt had Rock back in the ring now and was still on the offense. He held Rock's throat over the middle rope, choking him while Stephanie taunted The WWF champion at ringside.

Stephanie could be heard over the crowd noise, "Choke him! Choke him, Kurt!"

The referee finally pulled Angle from his opponent, backing him up as he yelled at him. Stephanie took the opportunity to talk trash to The Rock: "You suck, Rocky! You suck, Rocky!"

Angle returned to throwing punches. The commentators noted that it had been all Kurt Angle on offense since the start of the match thanks to his girlfriend. Angle Irish Whipped Rock. He countered with one of his own and hit Angle with a nasty clothesline. The crowd popped. The People's champ punched him again, sending the challenger into the ropes and catching him with a Samoan Drop! Rock went for the cover and got a two count.

Angle rolled out of the ring and was heading up the aisle way toward the entrance. Rock followed after him. The two began to battle around the stage area. They fought, sending each other into all the equipment and barricades. The fans were going wild being this close to action as the two gladiators went back and forth. Stephanie on the other hand, hung back at ringside, watching everything unfold via the titan tron. She looked in horror as Rock grabbed a cardboard cutout of himself held it up to Angle and punched him.

Kurt was crawling up the aisle way back toward the ring. Rock was on his heels. Angle finally stood and hit a hard elbow into the champion's gut. He threw Rock back in the ring.

Stephanie with her shrill voice broke through the crowd, "come on, Kurt! Let's go, Kurt!"

Angle entered and began kicking Rocky, causing him to crawl to a corner. He began stomping at him as Steph screamed for him to stay on him. The ref pulled Angle away.

Stephanie implored, "come on Kurt, don't let up!"

More kicks found their home followed by Angle choking Rock with his boot. The ref pulled Angle away again. This time, Rock came from the corner, hanging over the middle rope trying to catch his breath. Stephanie grabbed hold of his head and began to choke him herself! She let go and backed away, very pleased with herself.

JR: "Stephanie choking The Rock. She's so happy with her actions. The young lady is getting awfully brave."

King: "She knows her Olympic Hero will protect her."

JR: "Didn't stop her from getting pedigreed by Triple H last Thursday. She better be careful because there might be a Rock Bottom in her future."

King: "Don't even say that, JR."

Angle continued his onslaught, but the People's Champion began to battle back. The sold out crowd in Albany was behind him. He Irish whipped The Olympian into the corner, Angle made contact high, hitting his leg into the turnbuckle causing him to let out a scream. Rock began kicking at his leg. He drug Angle to the other corner. The ref yelled at him not to do it. Rock pulled Angle's legs causing his junk to smash into the ring post.

King: "Oh no, the Olympic jewels, look at Steph she can't believe it. No celebration tonight if Kurt wins the title."

JR: "This no disqualification match rages on, both men taking advantage of this stipulation."

Rock had a chair and slammed it into the knee of Kurt that he wedged between the apron and the steel steps.

Steph was imploring her boyfriend as she leaned onto the canvas from the ringside. She looked worried. "Come on, Kurt!"

Rocky entered the ring. Angle had gotten to his feet in the same corner of the ring. He kicked out at Rock when he approached. Angle wasn't giving up this easy. Rock stumbled away. Angle went to kick him again, but Rock caught his leg and did a corkscrew take down into the Sharpshooter.

Stephanie was quick to action, attempting to get into the ring to distract the referee. Angle was tapping like mad. Rock saw Stephanie's interference and broke his submission. He attempted to grab Steph but she got off the apron.

She talked smack to the champion, "yeah, talk, talk, talk, Rocky! What are you going to do? Huh? He's the next champion!"

A slut chant started before The Rock bolted out of the ring and began to chase after Stephanie. The crowd cheered as Steph ran around ringside. She slid into the ring, scurrying on all fours by her boyfriend. Rock entered the ring in pursuit but was met with Angle who delivered a textbook belly to belly over head Suplex. The ref went over to Steph as she slide back out of the ring.

Steph yelled at the referee, "I'm out!"

Kurt celebrated in the ring as did Stephanie. She was smiling ear to ear, clearly proud of her man who had just saved her.

King: "Stephanie was actually in the ring and the ref can't do a thing about it!"

Kurt was limping due to the earlier attack. Punches and kicks found their mark on the Great One. An "Angle Sucks" chant started. Kurt taunted the crowd while Steph implored him to stay focused on his opponent. The WWF title still hung in the balance of the match.

He lifted Rock to his feet. Rock began to battle back with shots of his own. The champ went for an Irish whip, but Angle hit a flying forearm when Rock rebound. The Olympic Hero got up and taunted. Steph screamed for him to go for the pin. Only a two count was obtained. Angle then went for a side chin lock.

King: "Do you ever notice how the McMahons always some how find a way to be around the WWF title belt?"

JR: "And it's not a coincidence either, let me tell you, I know it's not. I mean with the WWF title comes a lot of things including power and influence, as if the McMahons needed more power and influence. But it does exist."

Angle was applying the pressure on Rock, both men were on the canvas. Stephanie implored him not to let up. He then applied more torque and even brought his legs into the air and dropped them down into the back of the WWF champion.

Stephanie continued to play cheerleader, "you're the next champ, baby!"

JR: "Let's talk about how heritage of the WWF title. Let's think about how influential Vince McMahon has been with the WWF title. His son, Shane, with the WWF title, and now it's this young woman's time."

King: "Stephanie's so focused! She is determined for Kurt to walk out of this arena with the title!"

JR: "She's got a look in her eye that tells the story. She wants that WWF title around Kurt Angle's waist. You got to wonder, King. What is she willing to do to put it there?"

King: "Well you know McMahons get what they want."

The ref began to grab Rock's arm and raise it to indicate if he was being choked out. It rose and fell two times. It looked like it was going to fall again, but the champion raised it back up. The crowd popped as Rock suddenly came back to life. Rock got back to his feet, Angle still had the submission locked on. The champion began to punch at his torso causing the submission to be broken. He Irished whipped Angle, on the rebound it looked like the People's champion was looking to set up a spine buster, but Kurt kicked him. Angle then ran at him, but was tossed over the top rope onto the padded floor! The crowd popped!

Stephanie was wide eyed. Thankfully her man hadn't fallen onto her as she had been standing there there a mere moment ago. She looked like she wanted to go to him but was weary of Rock who was looming. She kept her distance.

The two man then began battling at ringside again. Kurt went to Irish Whip Rock into the steel steps but he countered and sent the Olympian into them instead. Rock then drug Angle over to the commentator table and started bashing his head into it repeatedly. Kurt looked dazed and confused as Rock went reached and took a water bottle from JR, chugged it, and sprayed water right in Kurt's face. He went to slam his head again, but Angle countered and threw Rock's head into the table. Kurt followed it up, ramming Rock into the nearby steel post.

After Angle threw Rock back into the ring, the ref was talking to him, his back to the WWF champion and the ring. Stephanie hurried over to ringside where the WWF championship belt was with the announcer. She slid the title belt into the ring and then moved to grab the referee's attention. An "Angle Sucks" chant started again as Kurt entered the ring and grabbed the belt. He was sizing up the Great One. He went to attack him, but Rock caught him, setting up a Rock Bottom. The crowd erupted, but Angle fought out of it. He then successfully smacked Rock over the head with the belt! Steph ran to grab the title as Angle quickly went for the cover. The referee was completely oblivious about what had just taken place. Not that it even mattered as the match was a No DQ, which both Olympic Hero and Billion Dollar Princess seemed to forget in this moment.

The ref counted, 1...2... And Rock kicked out! The Crowd went crazy! Angle was pissed and Stephanie couldn't believe it! She instructed him to get back on offense, but Angle decided to climb the ropes instead.

King: "Maybe you can't take that McMahon guarantee to the bank after all."

Rock got to his feet and ran into the ropes causing Angle to lose his balance and straddle the top turnbuckle. He was now left open for punches from the champion.

JR: "Angle's like a sitting duck there."

King: "The smack is being laid down by The Rock."

The People's Champion climbed up the ropes and delivered a Suplex to Angle from the top rope!

JR: "What a Suplex! Angle busted open over his left eye."

The ref began to count for both men as they were lying in the ring. This match had already been a war over the richest prize in the business.

Stephanie was slamming her hand down on the map at ringside. "Let's go, Kurt! Let's go, Kurt!"

Rock slowly put an arm over Angle. Going for the cover. The ref began the count.

Steph screeched, "come on, Kurt!"

At the last moment, Angle's arm shot up off the canvas. The Princess looked very relieved, as she began beating her hand on the ring repeatedly. Slowly, Angle got to his feet as did The Rock. An Irish whip was inverted allowing the Olympian to score a beautiful German Suplex.

Steph then implored him to go for the cover. Angle put his hands up to her, signaling that he had it in hand. He climbed the ropes again, this time going for a Moonsault that missed it's target.

JR: "Angle going for the Moonsault."

King: "What did you do that for?"

JR: "I don't know if Stephanie called that play or not."

King: "I don't think so at all, Kurt's trying to show off for Stephanie and it ended with a splash. That was dumb, Kurt."

Both men were down. Steph was again begging him to get up. She was so loud and disruptive that the ref even came over and kicked out at her, telling her to shut up. She was highly offended as a 'Rocky' chant started. Rock began to battle back and hit a Float-over DDT. He went for the pin but only got a two count. Angle was back up and raked Rock in the eyes out of desperation. He went to Irish Whip the champion but Rock caught him in a belly to belly throw. A spin buster then followed setting up the most electrifying move in sports entertainment.

The crowd was on its feet. The Rock hit the People's Elbow on Angle. He went for the cover, but at the last moment, Steph had reached in and grabbed Rock's leg, breaking the cover and saving Angle from defeat. The crowd started a 'slut' chant. Rock looked pissed. He had the match won. He rose to his feet and reached over the ropes grabbing the Billion dollar Princess by her hair. The crowd cheered. But Angle made the save with a roll up from behind. The ref counted 1..2.. Rock was able to kick out! The crowd popped.

The camera panned to the stage. Rikishi was lumbering to the ring. He was blooded and bandaged as he had gotten a massive beating from Stone Cold Steve Austin earlier in the night.

JR: "What the hell is Rikishi doing out here?"

The 500 lb Samoan slid in the ring. He seemed to be sizing up Angle for a kick, but when he went for it, Angle ducked and Rikishi's boot hit The Rock who had just gotten to his feet.

JR: "Rikishi obviously out here to help his fellow Samoan but it backfired! He just hit The Rock!"

Rikishi seemed pissed, he attempted to kick Angle again, which Angle side stepped and then went for the best Olympic Slam he could muster, dropping Rikishi down. The huge Samoan rolled out of the ring. Rock was back up and Kurt delivered an Olympic Slam to him right in the center of the ring.

The ref and all of the fans in attendance counted aloud! 1....2....3!

JR: "Kurt Angle is the WWF champion!"

The bell rang and "Medal" began to play in the arena.

Howard Finkel: "The winner of this bout and new World Wrestling Federation Champion, Kurt Angle!"

Angle rolled out of the ring and was greeted by his girlfriend. She embraced him. The referee brought the title over to them. Stephanie took it and did the honors of putting it around his waist for the first time! Angle was emotional, he fell to his knees and began crying.

King: "He's done it, JR!"

JR: "Thanks to Rikishi, Kurt Angle is the WWF champion and he's crying! For God sakes! Kurt Angle has ascended to the top of the WWF mountain in less than a year! We are witnessing the dawning of a new era in our business!"

Stephanie had helped an emotional Angle back to his feet. She raised his arm as they backed up the entrance way. Angle had taken the belt off his waist, kissed it and then kissed Stephanie. He held it high in the air as Steph posed at his side bringing the PPV to a close.

Chapter Text

RAW IS WAR

October 23, 2000

Hartford Civic Center

A small tribute to mark the passing of Rodney Anoa'i, known as Yokozuna was shown before the RAW IS WAR opening montage. The camera panned around capturing the sold out arena.

JR: “At No Mercy we saw a new World Wrestling Federation champion crowned! Kurt Angle! Hello and welcome everybody, I'm Jim Ross along side Jerry “The King” Lawler and we welcome you live to WWF RAW!”

A segment between Rikishi and The Rock open the show and ended with Rock giving a Rock Bottom to his fellow Samoan. It was clear that The Great One no longer wanted any association with the man who played a part in him losing his WWF title despite Rikishi trying to apologize and explain. Jim Ross announced that tonight the new World Wrestling Federation champion and his girlfriend are scheduled to be there. A divas match along with Kane costing Jericho a match against William Regal followed.

A shot of the parking lot was shown as a jet black limo drove toward the camera before pulling up to stop. The camera panned along the length of the car, settling on the passenger door.

JR: “This is not the way Stone Cold travels, I can tell ya.”

King: “Yeah, this looks like it!”

The limo driver opened the door. Stephanie stepped out first and immediately camera men serving as paparazzi began calling her name and taking pictures. She smiled and extended her arm in the direction of the limo. Kurt Angle emerged with the WWF title around his waist. Camera flashes lit up the parking lot signaling the couple to pose. Steph patted the title around his waist before kissing his check as Angle wore a smug smirk.

Steph was beaming, “are you tired of the camera's yet, babe?”

Kurt flashed her a goofy smile shaking his head. The Olympic Hero then struck a pose giving a hop spin. for the photographers causing Jim Ross to groan on commentary. He and Steph then walked further into the area as the backstage skit came to an end.

A commercial break followed before “Medal” played throughout the area. A new entrance video showcased the aftermath of Angle's WWF title win showing him crying and clutching the belt was shown on the titantron. It was Stephanie who emerged onto the stage with a microphone.

JR: “That's not Kurt Angle, that's his girlfriend, Stephanie McMahon.”

King: “Behind every successful man, is a good woman!”

Steph posed for the crowd with her free hand on her hip while Ross continued on,

JR: “If you are keeping score at home, Stephanie is Triple H's estranged wife who left him for Kurt Angle and of course, Kurt Angle was victorious last night and captured the WWF title.”

The theme music cut off and was replaced by booing and “slut” chants. Stephanie raised the microphone and spoke, cutting through the ruckus crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very special presentation to make right here in Hartford Connecticut.”

King: “It's a special night.”

“Not only is this the city where I was born.”

King: “Wow.”

The Hartford crowd began to boo loudly showing their displeasure in their city being the birth place of the Billion Dollar Princess.

King: “Did you know that?”

“This is the city where you all will catch the first glimpse of the man I promised would defeat The Rock at No Mercy and bring home not Olympic Gold, but World Wrestling Federation gold! Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you, the new World Wrestling Federation champion. Kurt! Angle!”

Angle's music hit and he walked out onto the stage. He held his arms out and spun around so that the crowd could soak up his appearance with the gold around his waist.

JR: “With a chorus of boos for Kurt Angle..”

King: “What's wrong with these people? This is a time for celebration!”

The WWF champion walked down the ramp, his arms still outstretched. As soon as his pyrotechnics went off, patriotic colored confetti, and balloons began to fall from the ceiling.

JR: “Angle cried like a baby when he won the WWF title.”

King: “Look at this confetti! It's better than the Fourth of July!”

Kurt and Steph made their way into the ring while Angle was still posing and soaking up the moment. Inside the ring was a stand that was covered with a sheet draped over it. It was clearly concealing something that was to be unveiled in the segment.

JR: “It's like when the Yankees win the World Series! They've been all over the New York media today.”

King: “I've never seen anything like this. It certainly didn't happen like this when The Rock won the title.”

JR: “I've never seen a celebration like this since...well never.”

King: “We've never had a WWF champion like this! We never had a more deserving WWF champion, JR.”

Angle brought Steph in for a hug and a kiss. His theme faded and was replaced with heat from the crowd.

It was Stephanie who still had the microphone and spoke again, “you all should be showing your new WWF champion more respect. It's True.”

The crowd booed even louder and then started an 'asshole' chant. Angle looked perplexed, pointing at his WWF title, demanded respect off the mic. Steph allowed the chanting to go on for a moment before continuing on and speaking to Angle directly:

“Kurt, I am so proud of you. I believed in you and I knew you would rise to the challenge and pin Rocky for the 1..2..3. And to celebrate what you accomplished last night, I commissioned something very special for you.”

The camera focused on the shrouded object in the ring. Angle looked surprised and excited like a child on Christmas morning with a gift in front of him.

King: “I wonder what it is, JR.”

JR: “By God, I hope it's not a statue of him. The head would be huge to hold that Olympic sized ego of his.”

Stephanie did her own drum roll on the microphone before pulling back the sheet and unveiling a plaque. The camera zoomed in showing a picture of him holding his WWF title in the air with her at his side was displayed. Angle jumped up and down a few times before taking it in his hands and eyeing it.

JR: “He's holding it like she just gave him a new baby.”

King: “What a special way to commemorate what he accomplished.”

The crowd continued their booing and asshole chanting as they watched Kurt give his girlfriend a quick kiss. Angle then placed the plaque back on the stand and requested the microphone from Steph with a smile.

“Thank you, Steph. I will have a very special place for this plaque of us on my Wall of Fame at home.”

JR: “Seems like the Hartford crowd here tonight has another special place in mind for Kurt Angle to put that plaque.”

King: “Come on, JR, he's the Olympic Hero! That plaque is recording history! We are witnessing history!”

Angle spoke directly to the crowd, “people, I ask you. What do you consider to be a successful year? For most people, a successful year would be maybe earning a little extra money or getting a promotion, or maybe spending a little extra time with your families and loved ones. With all due respect, that's a bunch of garbage. It's True! It's True!”

JR: “What's he saying?”

“I know that people have obstacles to overcome in their lives. For most people, it's overcoming poverty. For some people, it's overcoming impossible odds. Like having accomplished something in your life- being born in a city like Hartford, Connecticut. Good job, Steph, good job.”

Stephanie began to laugh as the dig at the city made the crowd's booing intensify. Angle let the crowd show their displeasure before continuing on:

“For me, it was accomplishing more in one year, then most people will ever accomplish in their whole entire lives.”

JR: “And unfortunately, that is true. It's true.”

The Connecticut crowd began booing again, causing Angle to hold up his hand before continuing on, “let me take you on a little trip, a pictorial journey, if you will. See, four years ago I captured the Olympic Gold medal in the 1996 games in Atlanta, Georgia.”

JR: “We know.”

King: “That was huge.”

“And for most people, after capturing the Olympic gold medal, they would call it a career. It's over, done. Thankfully....I'm not most people. And that is true!”

Stephanie nodded her head and clapped. Angle flashed her a wink and smile before continuing on:

“Four years later, I decided to give it a shot and enter the World Wrestling Federation. 'The most celebrated athlete in the World Wrestling Federation', the headline screamed. And boy were they on the money!”

Another 'asshole' chant erupted. Kurt looked upset by this, they were raining on his parade.

JR: “This personal testimonial is not gaining favor in Hartford.”

King: “This is a man to be respected. This is our new champion.”

“Would you keep it down for a second please?”

King: “He's asking.”

JR: “Don't make him cry. We know he's very sensitive.”

King: “Come on, JR. Show some respect for our new champ.”

“A mere two months in the WWF, and I captured my first gold by winning the European championship!”

Corny music began to play as on the title tron footage of him celebrating with the European title was shown. It would be the first of a few video clips to illustrate Angle's self adulation.

“And incredibly, here's the footage, incredibly, tourism grew in Europe 38 percent from me!”

King: “Wow!”

JR: “Were you aware of that, King?”

King: “Well Kurt had told me that.”

“Then, only two months later, I captured the Intercontinental championship. In this very city, mind you! And became the first ever Euro-Continental Champion in WWF history! ….Well besides D'Lo Brown, but he doesn't count. We know that!”

JR: “Listen to this music..”

“Then four months later, I not only captured gold but royalty as well when I was crowned the 2000 King of the Ring. Look at that, Steph! Look at that crown and that scepter!”

Steph spoke into his microphone, “you look so handsome and successful!”

“Well thank you.”

King: “That's when I knew he was special.”

JR: “Hideous...”

“And unbelievably, sales of crowns and scepters grew forty-nine percent!”

King: “Anytime I tried to get any they were sold out.”

“I couldn't believe it either. And then last night, the greatest accomplishment of all. With my Billion Dollar Princess at my side, I topped the most amazing 12 months in WWF history and became the World Wrestling Federation champion! We will remember that for a lifetime.”

Steph clapped profusely before raising his arm and telling the crowd to cheer for him off mic.

King: “I've got to applaud, that was just amazing.”

JR: “Don't you start crying, King.”

“That's a successful year. But....With all the titles I won, all of my accomplishments. None of that matters if you don't have the right people in your corner. Steph...”

He turned his attention to her and she looked flattered. The crowd began to chant their favorite four letter word for her. She ignored it and listened as Angle continued:

“You believed in me and willed me to defeat The Rock. Without you, I'm nothing...Well actually, I am an Olympic Gold Medalist, but besides that, there would be no way that I would be on top of the WWF without you with me. You have been the missing piece in my life. And that is true!”

JR: “A rare moment of humility from Angle.”

King: “He's in love. Stephanie means the world to him, you can tell.”

Steph was beaming and pulled him into an embrace. They hugged and then kissed causing the crowd to get further riled up with a mix of 'asshole' and 'slut' chants. The young McMahon took the microphone from her boyfriend.

“It's so refreshing to have a man who fully appreciates me. And that is why you will have me by your side to celebrate every accomplishment that's to come because there will be a lot more! Last night was almost a perfect night.”

King: “What's she mean? Her Olympic Hero won the title?”

“The one blemish of the night was Triple H beating Chris Benoit.”

The crowd popped and began a 'HHH' chant. She paused and gave the crowd a look of disgust that only compelled them to find another level of volume.

“Triple H is such a vile person! His comments about me last night were....”

She stopped herself from speaking as she was getting so upset thinking about them. The crowd cheered and began chanting at her again. Angle pulled her in to a hug.

JR: “Stephanie citing the crude comments that her husband had for her before his match at No Mercy.”

It took Steph a moment to get her bearings before her shrill voice boomed on the microphone. “He may have won the battle last night but he certainly not win this war and he will never EVER take this title from Kurt!”

She pointed to the belt as the camera zoomed in. Suddenly The Game's music started. The crowd had the biggest pop of the night so far as Triple H strolled out onto the stage. He had some paperwork in his hand along with a microphone in the other.

JR: “The Game is here in Hartford Connecticut! Stephanie says he will never get a shot at the title but let's see what her estranged husband has to say on the matter. He's got some kind of paperwork in his hand.”

King: “I wonder what that is.”

Hunter smirked and allowed the crowd to chant his name for a few seconds when his music cut off before speaking, “Let me be the first to congratulate you, Kurt.”

King: “What? Triple H is congratulating Kurt?”

“You did what you set out to do last night and won the WWF title. You are a the top of the mountain here in the World Wrestling Federation.”

The crowd booed, Angle looked flattered by HHH's comments, but Stephanie looked on suspiciously.

HHH continued on, “but you see, Kurt, you are only there in that position because I've been busy kicking Chris Benoit and Shane McMahon's asses. And since I took care of business last night and beat Benoit, I think that earns me the right to call myself number one contender.”

The crowd cheered and began another “Triple H” chant. Stephanie and Kurt both began to shake their heads adamantly, wanting no part of what The Game was suggesting.

Hunter pointed at the ring with the papers, “There's only one thing in that ring that I want, and that's the World Wrestling Federation championship! You can keep the bitch standing next to you!”

The sold out crowd popped and began chanting “Slut” at the Billion Dollar Princess. The camera panned onto her face. Her eyes were wide, her mouth parted. Her reaction to his words only caused the crowd to be more fired up.

Triple H chewed on his piece of gum with a smile on his face. He motioned the crowd to chant louder. When he brought the mic back up to speak, the crowd quieted down. “You can have her, Kurt, I'll tell you what. I'm going to throw a log on the fire of this celebration of yours. In my hand are divorce papers that I've signed and only need her signature.”

King: “What? Triple H has divorce papers for Stephanie to sign?!”

JR: “Looks that way, King!”

The crowd cheered and Stephanie began to nod her head adamantly motioning for him to bring them to her.

Helmsley was holding the papers up and spoke to his wife directly, “Stephanie, want to be done with you!”

Triple H walked to the ring and once inside threw the papers at her feet instead of handing them to her.

Steph's shrill voice cut through the audience noise, “No, I'm done with you! I left YOU!”

She had bent down and collected the papers. The viewers watched as she went to ringside and used the commentary table to start signing.

King: “I'll be a witness if you need one, Stephanie. She's ready to unload her husband. She's a woman of confidence and determination.”

JR: “Stephanie doesn't have to be asked twice. She wants out of the marriage just as bad as Triple H.”

With all pages signed, she returned to the ring and threw them at her now ex husband. The crowd cheered at the witnessing of the dissolving of their marriage. “Now take your papers and get the hell out of my family's ring! I'm with a real man now! The new WWF champion! You have your divorce but you will never have his WWF title!”

Angle had a smug smile on his face as he pulled Stephanie to him. Suddenly Mick Foley's entrance theme rang out. The crowd cheered as the commissioner came onto the stage.

JR: “It's the Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation. Perhaps he will have something to say about who is the number one contender!”

King: “Maybe Foley's just out there to congratulate Kurt and Stephanie.”

When the music faded Foley spoke into his microphone, “Kurt, let me first congratulate you on your win last night. I know first hand what it's like to stand for the first time in that ring with the WWF championship belt around your waist. Last night was special for you and I'm sure you will never forget it. But tonight is special too.”

The camera focused on Angle and Stephanie who were looking a bit worried. They were wondering what Mick had planned. He didn't wait to further elaborate:

“While Stephanie may be done being married to Triple H, she and Kurt Angle will have to contend with him and the former WWF champion, The Rock. Because tonight will be Kurt Angle's first title defense in a Triple Threat Match right here in Hartford, Connecticut!”

The crowd popped hard for tonight's main event announcement. The WWF champion and his valet were seen hollering at Foley that he could not do that. Triple H tossed his hair back and flashed a smile.

JR: “What a main event! Kurt Angle defending his title not just against Triple H but against the former WWF champion, The Rock not even a full 24 hours since he wont the title!”

King: “Foley had to ruin what was turning out to be a wonderful night!”

Angle had the microphone now with a look of sincerity on his face, “Mick, it doesn't matter who you put me up against! I will prevail! And that is the difference between great men and super men! And I am super! I'm the best in the business! I beat the Rock last night! Me! I took his title! And Triple H, well, I took his wife! It's True! It's True!”

The crowd began chanting 'asshole' yet again. Angle seemed so happy with himself that he did not see The Game grab the plaque off the stand. When Angle turned Triple H slammed it into his head knocking him off his feet. The crowd went crazy.

JR: “Triple H just took Kurt Angle's head off with his plaque!”

King: “Poor Kurt! Stephanie, look what your ex husband did to your champion! Triple H is such a sore loser!”

JR: “Angle was running his mouth and he got it smashed by Triple H!”

Steph had rushed to Angle's aid. He was out cold on the canvas. Triple H stood over them and did his signature crotch chop in their direction before exiting the ring. The camera showed HHH walking backward up the ramp, the titantron behind him showcasing Steph glaring at her ex husband with the WWF champion in her arms as the segment came to close.

There was a recap of the end of the long segment before the scene transitioned to backstage in the trainer's room. Kurt Angle was being checked by EMTs. Stephanie stood by with his WWF championship belt on her shoulder. She wore a look of concern as Angle seemed to not even know where he was. The trainer shown light in his eyes as he stared off into space. He finally spoke aloud:

“Did I win? How many points did I score?”

Steph looked like she was about to cry as she kissed his cheek and then rubbed his back. Jim Ross commented that Angle had hit so hard that he thought it he was back in his amateur wrestling days. He was going to have to defend his title tonight. Would he even have a chance against The Rock and Triple H?

Later in the evening The Rock was seen standing with Michael Cole who had a chance to interview The Great One about the main event tonight.

“Finally! The Rock has come BACK to Hartford!”

The sold out crowd popped for The People's Champion. A 'Rocky” chant started.

Rock paused for a moment before continuing on, “The Rock says he's seen all the celebration....Kurt Angle celebrating winning the WWF title. Triple H celebrating unloading his two dollar standing by the street corner slut, Stephanie McMahon!”

Another pop from the crowd and a short slut chant.

“But coming out of No Mercy, The Rock is not in a celebrating mood. Rikishi decided to insert is 500 lb fat ass in the Rock's business costing The Rock his WWF title! Rikishi, The Rock hopes that the Rock Bottom tonight was a clear message that you can take your apology to The Great One...have someone proofread it because we know you never passed the 3rd grade, print it out on some fresh white paper, turn it sideways, and stick it straight up your 500 lb cottage cheese ASS!"

King: “Cottage cheese?! Haha!”

Another pause for the crowd to chant his name. “But there was one thing that lifted The Rock's spirits just a tiny little bit...And that was seeing Kurt Angle have his smug smiling face smashed in by Triple H!”

The fans in attendance cheered at reference to what happened earlier in the evening.

“There was Kurt Angle sitting in the trainers room staring into space.”

The Rock then imitated Angle with a blank stare, rocking from side to side. The crowd cheered and chanted his name as Rock continued on.

"Hello, Kurt?" Rock whistled, "Let The Rock reorient you: tell you who you are, where you are, and what's going to happen tonight!”

“You are Kurt Angle, the Olympic Jabroni who is about to have one of the shortest WWF title runs in WWF history! You are in Hartford Connecticut where The Rock is going to run through you and Triple H faster than Stephanie runs through her customers on a busy night in the red light district! And it is October 23. 2000 the date that will be etched in the WWF history books as the night that The Rock stood in front of this sold out crowd in Hartford Connecticut raising the title over his head, once again the World Wrestling Federation champion! If you SMELLLLLLL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN!"

The People's Champion gave the People's Eyebrow bringing the interview to an end. The crowd was going crazy for his promo on the titantron. Ross and King were excited for the main event.

Triple H and The Rock were out first for the main event. The WWF champion made his way to the ring with Stephanie in tow. He kept touching the side of his head while the commentators mentioned that he might have suffered a concussion at the hands of Triple H. Jerry Lawler reminded the viewers at home that this isn't the first time that Angle competed with a concussion. Triple H had put him through a table back in August at SummerSlam and Kurt still came out and battled for the title. Jim Ross reminded everyone that the WWF title was on the line tonight and Angle was going to have to find a way to compete.

Stephanie seemed worried at ringside while she watched The Rock and Triple H double team the WWF champion. The focus on the attack was Angle's head. The brawl had moved to ringside as The Rock and Triple H took turns bouncing The Olympian's head off the announcers' table. It wasn't long before the cooperation between The Game and the Great One ended as they started fighting. Angle was left at ringside with Steph checking on him, as Rock and HHH went back and forth trading blows in the ring. The crowd seemed split in support, but a big pop came when The Rock caught Hunter with a Rock Bottom. Rocky hooked the leg, but Stephanie distracted the referee.

Rock was now in pursuit of Steph at ringside, but he ran into a hard clothesline for Angle who had just managed to get back to his feet. Kurt threw Rock back into the ring. The Game then Irish Whipped Rock into the ropes. A Face buster found it's mark on the rebound setting up a Pedigree. Triple H hit his finisher, attempted to go for the cover but Angle managed to get into the ring and break the count. Kurt got to his feet, and pulled Helmsley off the canvas, he hit him with a textbook German Suplex. Stephanie cheering him on at ringside, instructing him to go for the cover. A two count followed as Triple H's shoulder shot off the mat.

An “Angle Sucks” chant began to grow as Kurt began to kick HHH over and over again. He then taunted the crowd, his arms outstretched. The fans then started cheering as behind the WWF champion, The Rock had gotten to his feet. When Angle turned around he was met with a clothesline. The Rock began to find his mark on Angle, over and over again as his offense built and Angle was met with a Spine Buster. Everyone was on their feet as The Rock was set to do his People's Elbow. Flashes of cameras filled the arena as he hit the move and went for the cover. 1...2...Triple H broke up the pin just in time!

All three man were down in the ring. Steph was hitting the mat over and over again, yelling at Angle to get up and gain the upper hand. It was HHH who had gotten to his feet first. He had lifted Rocky to a vertical base and attempted to set up the Pedigree again, but Rock countered, lifting him up over head and out of the ring.

Suddenly the camera shifted to the stage as Shane McMahon was seen running out to the ring. He ran to ringside and grabbed hold of the WWF title belt.

JR: “Shane McMahon! What the hell is he doing out there?”

In the ring, Rock was stalking Kurt Angle, seemingly unaware of Shane's presence. Angle slowly got to his feet, stumbling, holding his head. The Olympic Hero turned around and Rock set him up with a Rock Bottom but was nailed in the head with the WWF title belt by Shane McMahon!

JR: “Shane just drilling The Rock with the WWF title belt and it's legal as this is a no disqualifications match!”

Triple H got back in the ring. Stephanie reached into the ring from ringside and grabbed hold of his boot. Before he could react to her, Shane slammed the belt into the head of his former brother-in-law. The Game was knocked out cold. Angle directed Shane to lift up The Rock. “Angle sucks” chants resumed. Kurt was holding his head, still selling his concussion. He waited as Shane peeled The Rock off the canvas. The WWF champion then drilled Rock with an Olympic Slam. Shane and Stephanie cheered and encouraged Angle to do it again.

JR: “Shane and Stephanie encouraging Angle to further punish The Rock! What the hell is Shane McMahon even doing out here, King? He should know now what happens when you meddle in other people's business! All that's missing are his goons, The Mean Street Posse.”

King: “He's obviously supporting his sister and her WWF champion, Kurt. Let's not forget that it was because of Triple H that Shane McMahon had to be taken away on a stretcher on SmackDown.”

Kurt hit another Olympic Slam on The Rock that seemed even more devastating than the first. He then went for the cover. Stephanie and Shane counted in the air as the referees hand came down, 1...2...3!

The bell rung and “Medal” blared through the arena. Stephanie joined her brother and boyfriend in the ring as they all began to celebrate. The crowd booing loudly, showing their displeasure.

Lillian Garcia: “Here is your winner and still World Wrestling Federation champion, Kurt Angle!”

Steph grabbed the WWF title and put it around Angle's waist. The two shared a kiss before, she lifted Kurt's arm in the air. Her brother then lifted Angle's other arm.

King: “What a successful title defense! A concussion couldn't stop our WWF champion! He's a fighting champion!”

JR: “Thanks to Shane McMahon, Kurt Angle has retained his WWF title and has left The Rock and Triple H lying in the ring. Are we seeing a new era?”

King: “I think we are, J.R.! I think we're witnessing the McMahon-Angle era!”

A zoomed out shot of the celebration brought RAW IS WAR to a close.