Text By Jed Shaffer

What if...Rikishi Wasn't the Guy Who Ran Over Stone Cold Steve Austin at Survivor Series 1999?

Part III
(Part I is available here; Part II is available here)

Our story continues the night after No Mercy, where the two biggest stories both occured in The Rock's World Wrestling Federation Championship defense against Kurt Angle: first, the breaching of security, and WWF Commisioner Mick Foley's edict, by Undertaker and Steve Austin, a plot that led to the second big story: Kurt Angle capturing the WWF Title with the help of a vicious attack by Austin. Mick Foley has vowed to reveal the evidence that he believes will put Undertaker on the hook for Austin's hit-and-run, but Austin's attack on The Rock seems to cement the reluctantly popular, and far more logical, belief that The People's Champ is the guilty party. Now, 24 hours later, Foley, Austin, Rock, Undertaker and WWF Chairman Vince McMahon are on a collision course, with careers and lives hinging on whether it is Foley or Austin who blows the whistle first ...

Raw: Oct. 23, '00

Kurt Angle arrives to Raw to find out the glory of his victory is short-lived, as he is booked to defend his newly won title against Kane, in addition to three other title matches for the evening, and the first match of a four-man tournament--featuring Triple H, Chris Benoit, The Rock and Chris Jericho--to determine the number one contender for Survivor Series. But the big news as Raw opens is that Vince McMahon's scheduled visit to hand out justice to the perpetrator of the Austin hit-and-run is still scheduled, although now, it will be a two-on-two confrontation: Vince & Foley confronting Austin & Undertaker for their actions the night before and trying to resolve the situation.

Michael Cole catches up with Kurt Angle and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley before he gets to the ring for his title defense and asks him what he thinks of the tournament, and his match with Kane. Angle chortles, staring at Cole in disbelief. "Didn't I already beat this guy? Or is this another big goofy guy in red footy pajamas? Jeez!" Angle holds up his gold medals. "See these? Olympic gold medals." Angle pats the belt around his waist. "See this? World Wrestling Federation Champion. I'm a super-champion! I'm a freakin' world wonder! Kane ... he's ... he's just a freak!"

"Well, what about the tournament that starts tonight? Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Triple H, The Rock. Any one of those guys could be your opponent for Survivor Series."

"Are any of them Olympic medalists? Pshaw! I'm gonna watch all of their matches. In fact, me and Stephanie will be down at ringside tonight, for whatever match is happening tonight. We'll watch it up close and personal, so I can see exactly who I'm beating at Survivor Series ... whether it's that thief Chris Jericho--because I haven't forgotten how you stole a title from me at WrestleMania, Chris--or if it's that attempted murderer The Rock, or that jerk Triple H, or Chris Benoit. I'm Olympic, baby! Woo!"

Triple H comes down to ringside as Angle's defense proceeds, causing Angle to be distracted. It takes Stephanie putting Angle's foot on the ropes to keep Angle from only having a 24-hour title reign, but this earns her the wrath of Kane, who pulls her up by the hair. Triple H rushes the ring, clobbering Kane until he sends him over the top rope. Angle comes up behind Triple H and nails the Angle Slam, then rolls out and makes tracks for the back; Stephanie checks on her husband quickly, then follows Angle to the locker room.

At the top of the second hour, Foley enters the ring, looking perturbed; the chrous of boos don't improve his mood, as he scowls at the audience "Last night at No Mercy," he says, "Stone Cold Steve Austin got past security by hiding in the arena overnight. He violated a direct order from my office. He infiltrated the pay-per-view, he attacked The Rock and cost him the WWF Championship. And I think the evidence shows he conspired with The Undertaker to do it." The crowd cheers the idea of Austin and Undertaker's well-executed plan. "I don't know how it is somehow Undertaker became a hero to you in all this. And I don't know how I became your enemy. I've done the best job I can, and since I found the evidence linking Undertaker to the hit-and-run assault on Steve Austin, you people have treated me like some damned pariah!" The crowd boos in agreement. "Everything I've done has been to bring Steve Austin back to this very ring, and make sure his assailant faced justice. Why am I the bad guy? What did I do?" The crowd boos even more viciously. Foley surveys the crowd, looking like a boy who has lost his dog. Finally, after another "asshole" chant runs its course, Foley says; "Vince ... just come out so we can get this over with."

Vince's music cues up and he swaggers to the ring in typical McMahon fashion. "Before we bring out Steve Austin and The Undertaker ... Mick Foley, I have a few words for you." Foley looks up at Vince, eyes squinted just a little. "I've had my doubts about you as Commissioner. We've rarely seen eye to eye. But I want to commend you on the fine job you're doing." The crowd turns hostile quickly. "What's wrong you people? Do you understand the challenges this man has had to face? Every show, he has wrestlers whining and complaining about their matches. He has to balance the best interest of the show and the company against what will appease you ingrate fans. And to top--" A fresh round of chants breaks out for Vince now. "SHUT UP!!! This man, you should be on your knees thanking him. He has worked himself into a nervous breakdown so he could find the guy who hit Stone Cold Steve Austin and put Austin back in the ring for each and every one of you! And rather then show him the respect he deserves, you treat him like he ran over Austin himself!" When the crowd still won't bend to his will, Vince glares up at the ramp. "Bring 'em out! Just bring 'em out so we can get out of this rotten hellhole town!"

Security guards start pouring out of the gorilla position. In the center, two plain-clothesed islands amidst a sea of black riot gear, are their escorted guests, The Undertaker and Steve Austin, scowls etched in stone on their faces. "I hope you haven't minded your escorts tonight, gentlemen," Vince says with a sneer. "We may have summoned you here for this, but we couldn't take the risk of you wandering the arena and causing havoc, especially after your little escapades last night." The guards gesture for Austin and Undertaker to enter the ring; Austin fakes like he's going to swing at one of them, smiles a mirthless smile, then climbs the steps behind Undertaker. Once both men are in, Austin says; "C'mon, Vince, let's get this crap over with."

Foley clears his throat and steps forward. "Over the past two years, The Undertaker has--"

"What about what's in that envelope, Mick?" interrupts Austin with a devilish grin.

Foley glares at Austin for a moment, then starts again. "Over the past two--"

"Show Vince what's in the envelope, Mick."

Foley looks at Austin, then Undertaker, then Vince, and back to Austin. "The documents from the envelope are merely documentation of the pattern of behavior--"

Undertaker interrupts, looking right at Vince. "You haven't seen it, have you? Foley ain't showed you nothing."

"Mick Foley doesn't answer--"

Austin steps forward, smiling at Foley, then turning to Vince. "Vince, you can listen to what I gotta say, or you can ignore it. But I think, deep down inside, you know Stone Cold Steve Austin is a lot of things: a tough son of a bitch, a take-no-prisoners ass-kicker, a beer-drinkin' bionic redneck, and a rattlesnake ... but even you know, Vince, that I ain't never been a liar. So listen very closely when I tell you that if Mick Foley tries to put it on Undertaker, he's a damned liar. I ain't got no reason to stick up for Undertaker, Vince; but if he wasn't the guy who ran me over, I got everything ridin' on him not takin' the fall for it like Foley wants." Foley goes to retort, but Austin rolls on. "Ask Foley whose car done run me down a year ago. Ask him whose fingerprints was all over it. Ask him who went missing, not a damn witness to name, for a while, right around the time I got run over, and popped up not long after."

Vince turns to Foley silently. When the piercing glares become too much, Foley snaps. "Big deal! So what if it was Rock's car? Anybody coulda stolen it! They coulda stolen it, worn gloves, run you down, Steve, and put it back! That doesn't prove anything!"

"It proves the son of a bitch ran me over, Mick!"

"Undertaker could've planted--"

"Don't hand me that [bleep], Foley," barks Undertaker. "You know damn well--"

"ENOUGH!" Vince yells, sending everyone into an uncomfortable silence. Vince paces the ring as Foley, Austin and 'Taker exchange contemptuous glances. Finally, Vince stops, turns to the crowd and breaks the silence. "As Chairman of the WWF, I have to make the tough decisions sometimes, and today is no different." First, Vince looks at Foley. "Mick, you will continue the investigation." The crowd gasps collectively; Austin gets out a "What the fuck?" that the house mics pick up and doesn't get bleeped; Undertaker echoes Austin's sentiments by labelling them as bullshit. Vince ignores them. "As far as I'm concerned, this new 'evidence' neither implicates nor exhonorates anybody. You will proceed, Mick, on the presumption that the number one suspect is still Undertaker ... but, should another reasonable suspect emerge, I demand you pursue it to the fullest extent possible." The crowd resoundingly rejects Vince's judgment, but Vince ignores the reaction and turns to Undertaker, but the murderous look in 'Taker's eyes makes Vince take a step back and do a trademark McMahon-gulp. "U-u-u-undertaker ... I, I have considered the evidence in light of your alibi ... while Mick continues his investigation, I will allow you to continue wrestling. However, should the burden of evidence turn against you, I will not hesitate in punishment." Undertaker takes a step forward, and Vince takes another corresponding step back, one hand up, as if he could defend himself that way. "Hey! Get back! I can just as soon fire your ass and let the police deal with you!" Undertaker growls, but steps back, his hands balled into fists at his sides. Vince's smug sneer is almost intolerable. "Yeah, you're damn right you're gonna back down. You wanna get in a fight tonight, Undertaker? How about, tonight, you take on the Dudley Boys in a handicap match?" Undertaker grouses, but restrains himself from retaliating. Smug with satisfaction, Vince turns his gaze to Austin. "Austin, I realize not wrestling has been something of a hardship, and more then that, your competitive spirit is dying to get back in the ring. But you are a loose cannon right now," he continues, and the crowd boos as Vince speaks, "and I cannot ignore the risk of you injuring any of the WWF Superstars in your state of mind. Until Mick's investigation is complete, for the safety of both you and the WWF roster, your suspension from active competition stands." The crowd comes unglued, with some even throwing cups. "Guards, please escort Mr. Austin back to his dressing room for the duration of the show. If he tries to get out of his room, you have my permission to use whatever means necessary to keep him detained." Vince and Foley stay in the ring until Austin is escorted all the way to the back before leaving. On the way out, Vince looks at Undertaker and says; "Oh, I forgot to mention ... your match ... is right now."

Vince bolts out of the ring, passing by the Dudleys, who march to the ring with confidence. Undertaker drops out to the floor as the Dudleys charge, goes over to the timekeeper, and slides back in with something in his hand. The Dudleys barely have time to deliver a punch before Undertaker swings and connects, once to the head of Bubba Ray, and once to D-Von, felling them both with one blow each from the timekeeper's hammer. The ref signals for the timekeeper to ring the bell for a DQ; Undertaker tosses him the hammer and walks away as the announcer proclaims the Dudleys the victors by DQ.

The first round of the tournament starts with a meeting of Chris Jericho and The Rock. Chris Jericho takes the fight to The Rock, who has to deal with both a crowd so hostile they border on a lynch mob, and taped ribs and multiple bruises, courtesy of Austin's beatdown the night before. Rocky fights as best he can, keeping Jericho from getting a real clear advantage, but the injuries keep him from pressing his own advantage enough to get the victory.

Rocky and Jericho don't notice the TitanTron change view, though, from the match to a fight backstage, The Undertaker brawling with members of the security force, a chain wrapped around his fist. As he fells a guard, another comes in to replace the fallen one. The brawl leaves the door to Steve Austin's dressing room unattended, and he sneaks out, racing to the ring with a chair in hand. Both the ref and The Rock see Austin coming; the ref warns him not to enter, while Rocky tries to talk to Austin, but Austin gives Rocky a reply of middle fingers. Jericho takes the opportunity to drop Rocky and lock in a vicious Walls Of Jericho, putting a knee right in Rock's ribs. Rocky tries to reach for the ropes, but Jericho's hold is too strong, and Rocky ends up passing out, advancing to the finals of the tournament. As soon as the ref has rung the bell, Austin slides in and lays waste to Rocky again with the chair and stomping him down until the authorities drag him out in handcuffs, kicking and screaming even as he's being led away that next time, he'll kill The Rock.

Smackdown: Oct. 26, '00

Smackdown's card is stacked with three big matches: Triple H vs. Chris Benoit in the second match of the #1 contender's tournament, Undertaker taking on The Dudley Boys in a tables match, and Kurt Angle defending the WWF Title in a triple threat against Billy Gunn and Steven Richards.

But opening Smackdown is a sitdown interview, conducted by Jim Ross with The Rock, from undisclosed hospital room. Welts and bruises decorate Rock's torso and arms; he has a black eye and stitches in his forehead, and enough bandages to make him look like an unfinished mummy. Unlike his usual cocksure swagger and bombastic attitude, Rocky is subdued.

"Rock, the past several weeks have been a roller coaster for you," says JR.

Rocky chuckles, but without any real trace of humor. "That's one way of putting it. Another way would be to say this has been a month from hell."

"Well, we need to discuss the most obvious topic; the hit-and-run of Stone Cold Steve Austin at last year's Survivor Series. Bottom line, Rock; did you do it?"

The Rock's voice is cool and calm he keeps JR's gaze the entire time. "Absolutely not. The Rock has done a lot of things ... The Rock's done some bad things since he started wrestling ... but never has The Rock entertained the idea of running over somebody."

"How do you explain the evidence that was revealed on Monday ... that it was your rental car ... that the only fingerprints found in the car were yours ... that, at the time of Austin's attack, you were nowhere to be found. How do you respond to this?"

"Well, I think Mick Foley said it all on Monday. Why couldn't someone have stolen The Rock's keys and taken the car, maybe worn a pair of gloves, and ran over Austin?"

"But where were you? Everybody who was there that night says you were nowhere to be found. That's awfully suspicious, Rock."

Rock's eyes narrow. "So, that's it, isn't it, Jim Ross? You're jumping on the bandwagon? Buying in to what The Undertaker is saying?"

Jim Ross squirms in his seat. "Rocky, that's not it at all. But the fact is, Undertaker has an alibi, and Mick Foley didn't address your whereabouts on Monday. You won't here and now. And, if Mick Foley is going to use Undertaker's past behavior against him, we can't forget that you threw Steve Austin off a bridge. You have to admit, the case against you is strong, and yet, Mick Foley and Vince McMahon still has Undertaker has the number one suspect."

Rock stares at JR, his eyes running through hurt and anger. He leans forward, holding up a single finger. "The Rock is going to say this once, Jim Ross: The Rock did not run over Stone Cold Steve Austin. If you want to believe Undertaker, if you want to get sucked up in his conspiracy theories about me being worth too much to blame, if you want to be suckered into that, that's your decision."

"The people seem to have made their feelings known; they don't trust you, Rock.”

Rocky shrugs. "That's the people's decision. The Rock has done nothing for them to turn on him like they have. If the people feel The Rock is guilty, all The Rock can do is try and convince them otherwise, by continuing to be the People's Champion, The Most Electrfying Man In Sports Entertainment." Rock shrugs again. "If that's not good enough, then ... The Rock will do what he has to do."

"What about Stone Cold Steve Austin? He's convinced you did it. He put you in this hospital. What do you have to say to him?"

Rock turns and looks at the camera. In that moment, the persona of The Rock all but melts away, his __expression contrite and almost mournful. "Steve, The Rock can't stop you from doing what you think you have to do. But The Rock is telling you ... you have the wrong man. The Rock doesn't know who did it, but you have to trust that Mick Foley will find the man who did this, and that that person isn't The Rock. There's no conspiracy, Stone Cold ... there's just one guy. One guy who hates you and wanted you out of the WWF. And you need to know that person isn't The Rock." The image of his earnest, imploring face lasts until the segment fades to black.

When Angle and Stephanie get to the arena and find out about Angle's defense, and Triple H's opponent, both make impassioned pleas to Commissioner Foley to have the matches changed. Foley declines their requests, and when they persist, he snaps and threatens to suspend both and strip Angle of the title. Angle and Stephanie immediately retreat to the locker rooms, where Stephanie runs into her husband. Triple H just stares her down, not saying a word. Stephanie tries to reach out to him and attempts to explain why she left with Angle after his hitting Triple H with the Angle Slam. Triple H shuts her down and tells her tonight, she has a choice to make about whether her career is more important to her then her marriage, and that he'll be getting the answer by the end of the night one way or the other.

Before Undertaker's handicap tables match against The Dudleys, The Undertaker grabs a microphone. "I just got something quick to say, a couple things for a couple people. First, Foley; if you think you're gonna punish me with handicap matches and stackin' the deck against The Undertaker until you break me, why, boy, I'd think you'd know me better then that after all the blood we've spilled together. You best just stay outta my way, Mick, before I gotta go and make ya famous again. Rocky? Hope them ribs and bruises heal up real nice, and real quick. Far as I'm concerned, I'm due a little something by way of you and Foley, and I intend to take it outta your ass at Survivor Series, injuries or not." Undertaker grins; it is a grin that would send the devil running for cover. "As for Boss-man Vince ... I'll see you 'round, boy. See you real soon." In the match, Undertaker holds his own against The Dudleys, twice managing to get one of the Dudley brothers into an elimination position. But when Undertaker slides out to get a chair to keep his chances of survival alive, Mick Foley (surrounded with his personal police) comes down to ringside and stops Undertaker from using the steel equalizer. The distraction gives the opportunity for the Dudleys to take the advantage and 3-D Undertaker through a table. Foley tells the downed Undertaker that, as long as his future and his freedom are in Foley's hands, he will respect the office of the Commissioner.

When Kurt Angle's WWF Title defense comes up, and Stephanie McMahon comes out with him, the crowd boos her appearance, taking it as a confirmation of her decision. When she tries to argue that she has a sworn professional commitment to Kurt Angle as a manager, the crowd rejects her arguments with more negativity. The match itself is more a chance for Billy Gunn to square off with his nemesis, Steven Richards, and Angle is all too happy to allow the two of them to beat each other senseless. A timely Angle Slam on Steven Richards after Richards' Right To Censor friends subdues Gunn gets Angle the victory, but the celebration is short-lived, as Triple H comes out afterwards to argue with Angle and Stephanie. Stephanie becomes indignant, telling Triple H she is a free woman, she makes her own decisions, and she will not stand to be put on trial when she has done nothing wrong.

Triple H comes into his match with Chris Benoit with a severe chip on his shoulder, not so much wrestling or fighting Benoit but attacking him. Benoit manages to take advantage of his Triple H's distraction and temper and systematically breaks him down, working the arm until it hangs limp at Triple H's side. Triple H fights back as best he can with one arm, but every time he manages to build up some momentum, Benoit simply hits the arm, and Triple H's offense comes to a grinding halt. A timely nutshot the ref doesn't see gets Triple H a chance to breathe, and he goes for a Pedigree, gritting his teeth through the pain of using his arm to hook Benoit into the match-stopping finisher. But as he gets Benoit into position, the images on the TitanTron catch his attention, and he drops Benoit to the mat.

It is a grainy, black and white video; the sound is horrible, but the voice is still unmistakable, even before the face comes into view to confirm. It is his wife, Stephanie. She stumbles into the camera's view, which shows the bed in a hotel room. She plops down onto the bed, kicking off her shoes, saying how she shouldn't be doing this, but Triple H has just been so difficult lately. Suddenly, someone else comes into view, and although his face is concealed, the long, blonde hair and the colorfully designed shiny short-sleeved shirt is unmistakable, even without the arms-out silhouette on the back. Stephanie falls back on the bed, and the man moves forward; the video cuts off as the man helps Stephanie pull down the straps on her dress. Triple H stands in the ring, his face turning as red as a flame, his jaw clinched tight enough to break steel on. Benoit takes him by surprise, dumping Triple H with a hammerlock back-suplex, then floats over into a Crossface. The excruciating pain from his damaged arm is too much for Triple H to bear and, to the shock of the crowd, he taps out, sending Benoit to meet Chris Jericho for the #1 contendership on Raw. Benoit celebrates like he's already won the WWF Title, while Triple H rolls out of the ring, holding an aching shoulder, and walks up the ramp forcefully, growing angrier with every step as Smackdown comes to a close.

Raw: Oct. 30, '00

The sounds of sirens fill the air, and the Right To Censor comes to the ring, looking more smug then usual. "Last Thursday, the fans of the World Wrestling Federation were subjected to a horrible sight," says Steven Richards. "You witnessed a pornographic video played during the middle of Smackdown, starring none other then this company's Chairman's daughter, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley--a married woman, mind you--in the middle of ... of ... well, for the sake of your fragile, stupid little minds, I will not pervert you any further by describing what that ... that harlot did!" The crowd boos, although whether it's for the sanctimonious, self-appointed judges of taste known as the RTC, or for Stephanie's marital indiscretions, is impossible to tell. "Rest assured ... rest assured, the Right To Censor will be petitioning--"

The music of Triple H cuts off Richards' smug, self-serving speech. Triple H stomps down the aisle, dressed in his leather & denim jacket and a pair of jeans, psychotic rage emanating off him, reinforced by the sledgehammer in his hand. Triple H slides in the ring, and Richards goes to shake his hand; Triple H responds with the sledgehammer right between Richards' eyes. Bull Buchanan takes a shot to to the gut, and that sends the rest of the group scurrying. Triple H stalks around the ring for a few seconds, the crowd cheering both for Triple H sending the obnoxious group for the hills, and support for the wronged husband. When he grabs a microphone, his voice is an inhuman snarl.

"I got a couple things to say to a couple people. First, to my soon-to-be-ex-wife ..." This gets a huge response from the crowd. Triple H isn't bolstered by the audience's support, however. "Do yourself a favor, you little bitch: stay away from me. Don't talk to me, don't send me messages, don't call me. Nothing. The only thing I want from you is your signature on divorce papers. Come near me," he says, holding up the sledgehammer, "and I'll be introducing you to my best friend here." Triple H paces a little more, then says; "As for Kurt Angle ... you can have the dirty slut. Take her. Just remember one thing, Kurt: the only reason why I hadn't put you in a wheelchair is because of Stephanie. That won't stop me anymore." Triple H finally stops pacing and looks right at the camera, breathing in and out so deeply, he's nearly hyperventilating. "Jericho. I suppose I should thank you for helping me see how big a raging tramp Stephanie really is. And I have something to give you as a gift for doing me such a favor." Triple H holds up the sledgehammer again. "And I plan on giving it to you over and over and--"

A light, spritely music, distinctly British, floods the arena, cutting Triple H's rant off at the knees. Triple H's gaze whips to the ramp, staring down the European Champion, William Regal, as he approaches the ring. Triple H leers over him as Regal climbs the steps and gets into the ring, all the while, his mouth running like a river. "As the WWF's Goodwill Ambassador, I could bear no longer to hear your suffering, Triple H," he says as he steps into the ring. Regal extends a hand that Triple H rebuffs with a dirty glare; Regal blinks, retracts his hand and continues in spite of the dirty looks. "Triple H, you're obviously a man suffering. You don't have the concentration for such things as wrestling a match with such scoundrels as The Rock and Undertaker, not while that filthy home wrecker, Chris Jericho, is lurking about. You need to take the night off. Let me act as your replacement in your tag team match, and you go off and have a pint."

Triple H glares at Regal, seething. Through gritted teeth, he says; "This ain't any of your business, William. Piss off."

Regal blanches at the profanity, but presses on undaunted. "I know you're in a bother right now, Hunter, so I'll overlook your vulgarity. But you are in no emotional state to be wrestling tonight. Take the night--"

The screeching of tires and a familiar power chord bring out the embattled Commissioner. Foley enters the ring and glares at Regal. "I don't know who you think you are, William," snaps Foley, "but you've got no authority to come out here and go switching up tonight's matches. Triple H is set to partner with The Undertaker against The Rock and the WWF Champion, Kurt Angle tonight. That's my final ruling."

"I'm the Goodwill Ambassador for the WWF," says Regal with an air of disgust. "And unlike you, I actually excel in my job. What have you done, Michael, aside from bumble a very important investigation and let some hooligan run some scandalous videotape that has wrecked poor Hunter's marriage."

"I'm sorry, William, but I just can't muster much sympathy for someone who Pedigreed me face-first into a couple hundred thumbtacks and sent me through the roof of the Hell In A Cell. Seeing Triple H's life fall apart actually fills me with a sense of glee right now, so, I think he'll be staying put in his tag match tonight." Foley turns to Triple H, the two trading scowls. "And if I see you pop your head in the match between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, so help me God, I'll see you nursing a nice, fat suspension right next to Stone Cold Steve Austin, you understand?" Foley turns right back to Regal. "And as for you ... I have Steve Austin running around like a crazy man ... I got a criminal I can't send to jail because there isn't enough evidence ... and I got Vince McMahon breathing down my neck to finish the investigation. The last thing I need is you, William Regal, acting like you have some kind of authority to go switching things up on my show." Foley suddenly smiles, then says; "Here, tell you what. You want to make a match so badly? You're defending your European Title tonight. Triple threat match. Who would you like to face?"

Regal's eyes goes wide. "You're ... you want me to ... pick my opponents?"

"Yessir. Anybody."

Regal thinks a moment, then smiles and says; "Fine. I'll face ... Crash Holly and Ivory." Foley nods, considering the idea. "Good choices. But I think a switch needs to be made. I just don't see that keeping people from going to get a tub of popcorn. How about we switch Crash Holly with ... Test? Yeah, Test. And we switch Ivory with ... oh, how about ... Kane?" Regal's jaw drops; when he finds the words to protest, Foley cuts him off. "Kinda sucks to have things all switched up without your approval, doesn't it, William? Now how about we add Rikishi, just for fun? Yeah. Regal, Rikishi, Test and Kane. Ought to be a fair fight." Foley turns back to Triple H, ignoring Regal's continuing protests. "I meant what I said, Hunter; I don't have time to babysit you tonight. I have a meeting with Mr. McMahon over the Austin investigation. Your martial spat means about as much to me as me feeding my family did when you got me fired last year, so I don't wanna hear another word from you. Interfere with Chris Jericho's match in any way, and you'll be spending the next 60 days at home. You got that? Good." Foley exits the ring, leaving the furious Triple H to go ballistic and smash the ringside area--announce tables, monitors, anything in sight--with the sledge.

The cameras cut to the back to show a limo pulling up. Out steps Stephanie, all alone, her face puffy from crying. She dabs her eyes a little with a tissue, and walks, shoulders slumped, toward the arena, stopping to ask Edge & Christian if they know if Kurt Angle has arrived yet.

"I'm sorry," says Edge. "I no speak Skankasaurus Rex."

"Yeah, hos are totally non-non-non-cool!" agrees Christian. Stephanie doesn't even bother trying to disagree; she just walks away, head hung low.

Regal's European Title defense goes about as predictable as possible, with Regal being the punching bag for three much larger athletes. Regal tries to rely on cunning and technical prowess to retain, but it is too much to overcome, and Regal ends up losing the title to Rikishi, after eating finishers from all three of his opponents. A battered and worn Regal immediately goes to Foley's office and demands a rematch for Survivor Series, but Foley says he's much too busy to consider it, and he'll need to get in line behind everybody else with a selfish personal quest until after the Austin investigation is done.

The cameras go back to the parking garage, where Steve Austin arrives in his pick-up truck. Before the cameras cut away again, Austin says to an unidentified passenger; "Listen, I wanna thank you for helping me out here. I know you can't do much, but ... ol' Stone Cold just ain't Stone Cold if he ain't stompin' a mudhole in someone's ass in that ring. Let's go get this done."

As Kurt Angle is about to leave the locker room to go to the ring, Stephanie comes in. "Kurt, oh, I'm glad you're still here!" she says, her voice quivering. "Have you seen Hunter?"

"I know he's here," Angle replies. "And I know he's all sorts of upset. Listen, I gotta go--"

"Kurt! Please, can we talk--"

"Stephanie, I have a match in a couple minutes. I have to team with ..." Angle shudders. "I have to team with that freakin' lunatic, The Rock. We're facing Undertaker and Triple H."

"Well, then let me come to ringside with you! I need to--"

"No, Stephanie, that's not a good idea. Hunter is mad enough, and ..." Angle's voice trails off; he looks at the floor, kicking his foot around. "I don't know how to say this." Angle takes her arms and sighs. "Stephanie. I live by three I's: Intelligence, Intensity and Integrity. You slept with Chris Jericho. You have no integrity. I can't risk the stain on my career here in the WWF by being associated with an adulterer. I'm sorry." Angle walks by as Stephanie breaks down, begging Angle to come back.

Angle goes to ringside by himself, taking the microphone before his partner appears. "You know, it's just like Mick Foley to do something like this, partner me up with some ... some ... lowlife like The Rock. Cripes on Friday, look at the man! He tried to kill Stone Cold Steve Austin! And he's got Mick Foley covering for him! That's so lacking in integrity, why ... why ... it just spoils my milk!" Angle tosses the microphone in frustration, gnashing his teeth and stomping around like a child until The Rock makes his (much derided) arrival. The Rock and Angle get in each other's faces, trash-talking until the referee has to step between them to keep the match from degenerating before it starts.

The same occurs between Undertaker and Triple H, although it's more from Triple H's poor demeanor then anything between the two. Finally, the ref manages to get both sides cooled down enough to start the match, but it isn't long before the rulebook goes flying, and all four men are trading punches and kicks in the middle of the ring. When Triple H sends Angle up and over the top rope to the floor (while Undertaker and Rock brawl on the outside), Stephanie comes out to first check on Angle, then beg for forgiveness from Triple H. Triple H tolerates Stephanie's blubbering for a minute before doubling her over and putting her in position for a Pedigree, turning with her to show all sides of the crowd the impending punishment he is about to inflict on his wife. But when he turns towards the stage, he nearly gets his head taken off with a Steven Kick from Steven Richards that goes unseen by the overloaded ref. Rocky, having subdued Undertaker by throwing him into the steel steps, slides in and steals the pinfall victory, although Angle comes in and makes Rocky eat an Angle Slam. Paramedics come in to check on Stephanie and help her to the back, but neither her husband nor her former business partner show the slightest bit of concern for her welfare.

Mick Foley enters the ring for his meeting with Vince McMahon, his head hanging low. The crowd drowns out Foley's first attempt to speak with an "asshole" chant. Foley lets it run its course, then says; "I'm trying to do my best to bring Stone Cold Steve Austin back to you people, and this is the thanks I get? If I got a little more support, then maybe Steve would be back in this very ring--"

The sound of glass breaking and driving guitar riffs bring Steve Austin down to the ring, although the music can barely be heard over the crowd. Austin salutes the crowd and grabs a microphone, but Foley cuts him off. "Steve, I ... this is supposed to be a meeting between me and Mr. McMahon. You--"

Austin gets nose to nose with Foley, boring holes through the back of Foley's skull with his gaze. His tone is quiet and calm, but somehow more lethal then ever. "You call him Mr. McMahon now, Mick?" Foley stammers on a reply, but Austin cuts him off. "Shut your damn mouth, Mick, cause I don't care what you call him; none of us can understand a damn thing you say with your head stuffed so far up Vince's ass!" The crowd agrees wholeheartedly, and Austin eggs them on by saying; "If you think Mick Foley's a kiss-ass, gimme a 'hell yeah'!" The crowd responds in kind, then turns "Mick's a kiss-ass" into a new chant.

After the chant dissipates, Foley says; "I hope you've gotten this out of your system, Steve. You're not needed here tonight. Mr. McMahon should be here--"

"Oh, he's here, Mick. I drove him myself. That's why I'm here, Mick. You say nobody wants Steve Austin back in the ring more then Mick Foley, well huh-uh!, ol' Stone Cold wants it a little bit more. So I did what I always do, I go grab the bull by the horns and pull, and I done brought McMahon here to ya."

Foley looks in puzzlement from Austin to the ramp, and the confusion in the arena grows when McMahon's music cues up ... until Shane McMahon comes out. The crowd, and Foley, are gobsmacked to see Vince's son coming to the ring, not showing a bit of the cocky swagger he normally has. Shane shakes hands with Austin, tries to do so with Mick, and only gets a blank stare. "Mick, Mick, Mick," he says, "is that any way to say hello? I'm a McMahon, just like Vince." Shane pauses, leans in a little with a conspiratorial grin and says; "And that means you answer to me, too."

"Where's Vince?" asks Foley. "I thought--"

"Stone Cold called me the other day, and we discussed a few things, and when I discovered my dad would be flying here to discuss the investigation ... well, one McMahon is as good as another." Shane flashes a million dollar, shit-eating grin, happy a as a clam to have put one over on Foley; then it disappears and he's all business again. "This investigation is dragging, Mick. What's the hold-up?"

"Well, we've had a hard time finding any more evidence linking Undertaker--"

"Any more evidence? I don't remember seeing or hearing about any evidence at all tying Undertaker to this."

Foley's face flushes. "Shane, with all due respect to you and your position … you know, the one you got because of your last name …" The crowd boos at Foley for the cheap shot. "Your father has made it clear that I answer to him as far as the investigation. I don't know where you get off coming here and trying to bully me, especially since a couple years ago, I kinda proved how much tougher I am then you and damn near ripped your arm right of your shoulder."

Shane's eyes narrow. He nods, a sideways grin on his lips. "You're right, Mick. Vince is in charge. But the thing is, the World Wrestling Federation, it belongs to the McMahon family. That means Vince, that means my sister, my mother, and that means me. And while Steve and I have never been the best of friends, as a businessman, it's plainly obvious to me that every show that Stone Cold Steve Austin doesn't wrestle on, every pay-per-view we don't sell because Stone Cold Steve Austin isn't scheduled to appear, that's money out of my pockets. That's a disappointed fan. Every week that this drags on without any new leads, the fans get more and more ancy ... it's only a matter of time before they stop buying tickets and stop ordering pay-per-views out of disgust, Mick Foley. Out of disgust for your incompetence ..." Shane pauses, his gaze piercing; Mick is too livid to look away, his knuckles white around the microphone handle. "Or is it complicity, Mick?"

Mick fumes, his head actually shaking with rage until he finally blows. "Where do you get the goddamn nerve to come into my ring and insult me like this? Who the hell do you think you are? I've worked my fingers to the bone to try and bring the man who did this to justice ... I've checked every piece of evidence, listened to every piece of testimony--"

A patriotic fanfare breaks out, ushering the WWF Champion, Kurt Angle, to the ring. Angle hops in the ring, microphone in hand and makes a beeline for Foley, looking insulted, almost hurt. "How can you say that, Mick? You never questioned me!"

Both Austin and Shane look from Angle to Foley and back again. Shane and Austin both step towards Angle, who takes a nervous step back. "Do you have something to add?" asks Shane. "Something helpful?"

Angle's gaze darts from Austin to Shane to Foley and back to start. Foley steps up and says; "No offense, Kurt, but what could he possibly have to add to this? He wasn't even there!"

Angle's eyes go wide. "What? Last year's Survivor Series was my first day here in the World Wrestling Federation! I beat some kid in, like, record time! Sheesh, you'd think the day an Olympic gold-medal winner comes to the WWF would be like some kind of freakin' national holiday."

Austin suddenly steps up, sending Angle scurrying backwards out of surprise. "If you know something, Kurt, you best be spillin' it right now, cause I got a six-pack of whoop-ass I'm lookin' to open."

Angle quickly scans his looming jury again. He takes a deep breath, holds the microphone with both hands and says; "Okay. I didn't mention this sooner because ... well, you see"--Angle pats the WWF Title wrapped around his waist--"this belt means the world to me. All the great men that have worn it ... Superstar Billy Graham, Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin ... no Olympic gold medal winners, but good in their own right. And I believed then, as I do now, that I owed it to them to restore the glory of the WWF Title as only I could by first winning it before I got involved in this. If I'd said a month ago what I saw, with The Rock still holding the belt, why ... well, we woulda all been just plain horn-swaggled!"

"What do you know, Kurt?" asks Shane. "What did you see?"

"I ... I saw Rock ..." Angle takes one more deep breath to steady himself. "I was putting my bags in my car when I saw Rock come out to the parking garage and get in his car. Like, maybe two, three minutes before Stone Cold was run over. I wasn't sure until I saw the videotape of the accident, when I saw for sure it was the same car."

A deathly silence fills the arena, with everyone looking at each other, trying to digest what Angle has just said. Shane finally breaks the silence, looking to Foley when he speaks. " Commissioner Foley, order your security force to arrest The Rock at once, and reinstate Steve Austin effective tonight."

Foley snaps his head in Shane's direction. "I don't take orders from you, Shane, and I'm certainly not arresting The Rock based on his testimony!"

"What's wrong with my testimony?" asks Angle.

"Arrest The Rock, Mick," says Shane again, ignoring Angle. "or I'll do it myself."

"What did I do to you, Mick?" asks Angle, still going ignored.

"There's not a damned thing you can do to get me to arrest The Rock!" Foley blurts out. "I don't care if there's fingerprints, or DNA, or eyewitness testimony. Nothing short of a videotape with his face, or his own confession, will make me arrest The Rock!" Out of nowhere, Foley lunges at Shane, sending the two of them toppling to the ground. Austin and Angle pry the two apart, and security forces arrive in time to keep the two separate. Foley repeats his vow never to have The Rock arrested. Shane orders the guards to arrest The Rock; the guards look from one authority figure to the other in confusion. "You don't answer to that punk kid!" Foley bellows. "Anybody I see going towards--"

"If you work for the WWF," Shane yells at the security force, "you work for me! As part owner, I command you to arrest The Rock and deliver him into police custody, or every last one of you will be fired!"

Foley glares at Shane, but he knows he has no argument to counter with. The security force lingers a moment longer, then a portion of them disappear to the back. Shane levels a finger at Foley and says; "You'll be seeing me at Smackdown, Foley! This ain't over!"

The #1 contender's match wraps up Raw, another classic match-up between Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho. But unlike before, Jericho does not come out to the fanfare he is used to, in light of the infidelity scandal. In fact, between him, the heartless Benoit and Angle, the only person to receive even a warm reception is Angle. Strangely, Benoit comes in with more of an edge then before, attacking Jericho with a ferocity and a passion never seen before. Unfortunately, Benoit's temper makes him take costly and unnecessary mistakes, and lead to a Jericho pinfall off of a Lionsault. Jericho celebrates as the announcer proclaims him the #1 contender (even though the crowd is sour on the idea), until Triple H races down to ringside and takes down Jericho. The two brawl until Steven Richards slides into the ring and levels Triple H with another Steven Kick. Angle gets in the ring and picks up where Triple H left off in brawling with Jericho, but it is when Benoit gets up, still weary from the loss, and takes down Richards with the Crippler Crossface until officials swarm in and break up the melee.

But the final, lasting image of Raw that night is of Shane walking with the security team, escorting The Rock to a car in handcuffs. Rocky is silent, almost mournful, as he is being put into the car. Shane mutters, "You make me sick," right before the door is shut and the car drives off into the night.

Smackdown: Nov. 2, '00

Triple H gets blindsided when he arrives at the arena. "Hunter, chap," William Regal says as Triple H enters the locker room. "So you know, we're partnering tonight against those insufferable toerags from the Right To Censor, Steven Richards and Val Venis."

Triple H's jaw clinches, his lip curling up. He stows his bags in his locker; when Regal starts to repeat himself, Triple H cuts him off. "Is Jericho here?" he asks.

"I don't know. I haven't been looking for him. You can't be thinking about Chris Jericho, Hunter. We have to focus--"

Triple H wheels around, pinning Regal against the wall with his forearm across Regal's chest, nose to nose as Triple H speaks through clinched teeth. "The only thing I'm focused on is putting Chris Jericho in a coma. I don't give a rat's ass about the Right To Censor. They don't matter."

Regal's reply is blunt and honest. "Tonight, they do." Triple H holds up Regal for a moment more, then releases Regal, sits down on the bench and seethes. Regal gives Triple H a once over and says; "The match isn't until later. I'll give you some time to cool down," and leaves.

Chris Benoit starts off Smackdown's in-ring action, facing off against Eddie Guerrero and Chyna in a triple threat match for the Intercontinental Title. Once again, Benoit seems more vicious and angry then ever before. Unlike his match against Jericho, though, Benoit is able to channel is fury long enough to capture the Intercontinental Title by getting Chyna to submit to the Crossface. After being presented with the title belt, Benoit asks for a microphone.

"As glad as I am to win this again, to prove once again that I am the best damn technical wrestler in this business," says Benoit, "I have to get something off my chest, and I need Triple H out here to do it."

Triple H's music cues up, but the stage remains empty. A second playing fails to draw him out. "I know we've had our differences," Benoit says, "but I need you to come out here for a minute." Once again the music plays, and this time, Triple H comes stomping down to the ring without saying a word. He gets right in Benoit's face, silently urging him to speak his piece and be done with it. "I can see you don't wanna be here," Benoit says. "You don't trust me. That's fine. But you need to hear this." Benoit takes a deep breath, then says; "All this time, these past several weeks, between you and me ... I ... I don't know how to tell you this.”

Triple H spits out the words. "Out with it."

"Stephanie ... she hit on me a couple months ago." Triple H's face turns fire engine red in a matter of milliseconds. He starts to stalk Benoit, sending Benoit stumbling back into the ropes. "Listen! I know you don't want to hear it, but it's true! When you started getting all jealous of Kurt Angle, she got upset ... but Kurt, he turned her down. So she came to me, and I thought, if I started attacking you, it might cause enough of a distraction for her to focus on your marriage again!" For a moment, it looks like Triple H is going to tear Benoit's head from his body ... but suddenly, Triple H just turns and walks away, leaving Benoit to call after him until Triple H is in the locker room again.

Back in the locker room, Regal approaches the seething Triple H and tries to talk it out with him. "I know you can't help dwelling on these issues, especially after what Christopher said. But let me assure you, Hunter ... I've known Christopher a long time. He is a close friend of mine. He helped me regain my job here in the WWF. I believe what he says. Sometimes he may act the dirty, rotten scoundrel, sometimes he may cheat ... but Chris Benoit is no liar, this I can assure you." For all of Regal's efforts, however, Triple H continues to seethe until their match comes due.

Regal and Triple H dominate the Right To Censor contingent of Richards and Venis for most of the match, with the RTC only gaining any advantage through blatant cheating. When Triple H gets the hot tag and reverses the momentum, Richards quickly calls out the reinforcements, drawing the DQ, but getting the moral victory from a 5-on-2 beatdown. As the collective group put the screws to Regal and Triple H, Richards issues a challenge to Triple H to find 4 people who can stomach being near him and face the RTC in a classic Survivor Series match at the pay-per-view.

Shane McMahon walks to the ring, Austin nowhere to be seen. "If you're wondering where Stone Cold Steve Austin is," says Shane, "I asked him to stay away tonight. You see, Mick Foley and I have some issues to discuss, and having Austin present would only complicate issues. So I'm gonna ask Mick Foley to come down to the ring right now so we can have this out."

Mick steps out onto the stage, but stops at the head of the ramp. "Shane, I just came out here to tell you that you and I have nothing to discuss. I don't owe you any explanations, any justifications; I don't owe you anything. When it comes to the Stone Cold investigation, the only person I answer to is your father."

"See, Mick, I think you owe an explanation ... to the people. And I'm here to get that for them. You owe them an explanation on why you won't see a solid lead through to its end. You owe them an explanation on why you keep pursuing an obviously innocent man, and why you continue to turf Stone Cold Steve Austin when he's perfectly capable of wrestling."

Before Mick can answer, The Rock comes through the crowd, slides into the ring, and clobbers Shane in the back. A Rock Bottom later, Shane is out on the mat. Mick strolls down to the ring. "I'm doing the best job I can, Shane," Mick says to Shane, lying prone on the mat. "And I don't need some snot-nosed brat like you second-guessing my every move! I don't answer to you, Shane, and I don't have to explain anything to anyone who isn't named Vince Mc--"

The roaring thunder of a motorcycle interrupts Foley; Undertaker races down to ringside atop his Titan bike and slides in the ring. Rock immediately pounces, stomping as Undertaker slides under the bottom rope, but Undertaker manages to get to his feet and fight back. An attempt at a chokeslam is derailed by a kick to the groin, but when Rock throws Undertaker into the ropes, he retaliates with a flying clothesline. Rock rolls out, but Mick gets caught by Undertaker and chokeslammed. Undertaker and Rock trash talk each other as Shane gets up and shakes out the cobwebs. "You wanna see some action tonight, Rocky?" Shane yells, holding the back of his head. "You and Jericho against Undertaker and Angle, tonight! And Monday ..." Shane pauses, holding his head. "Monday, it's you and me in a street fight!" The crowd pops for the announcement, while Rock glares at Shane and Undertaker.

While Jericho and Rock have something in common--both being formerly beloved performers who have recently lost the crowd's approval because of bad deeds--they have little beyond that to tie them together, and the strain between the two shows in the main event tag match. Angle and Undertaker take advantage of this to dissect the team, until Mick Foley interferes on behalf of Rocky when he's about to get hit with the Last Ride. The ref calls for the disqualification, helping Rocky and Jericho get the advantage over Undertaker and Angle. Foley gets chairs for Rocky and Jericho, who use them to floor Angle and Undertaker, splitting 'Taker open. Triple H races down to the ring, sledgehammer in hand, but Jericho gets to Hunter first with the chair. Even a surprise appearance by Austin goes awry, with Rock denting the chair on Austin's head. The attacks only cement the triumvirate's positions as the most hated men in the company, with the crowd raining down cups and garbage into the ring as Jericho and Rock stand tall amongst the fallen bodies of multiple heroes ... but even that bond does nothing to engender good relations between Rock and Jericho, who glare at each other, chairs in hand, a Mexican standoff between the federation's most unpopular sinners.

Raw: Nov. 6, '00

Raw starts off with the huge announcement of two matches for Survivor Series in addition to Kurt Angle's WWF Title defense against Chris Jericho: The Rock taking on Undertaker, and Triple H teaming with William Regal, Billy Gunn, Chyna and a yet-to-be-determined fifth partner against the Right To Censor in a classic Survivor Series match.

Jericho comes out for a hot lead-off match on Raw, taking on The Undertaker. The crowd boos vociferously when the Y2J countdown begins, and drowns out his voice when he starts his "Welcome to Raw is Jericho!" tagline. He tries to talk a second time, but when the crowd drowns him out with the chant of "homewrecker", Jericho tosses the microphone. But he doesn't get more then a couple steps towards the ring before Triple H launches out of the back like a cannonball and takes down Jericho from behind. Triple H brawls with Jericho around ringside, tossing him into the steel steps and slamming him headfirst into the announce table until Steven Richards comes out and clips Triple H. Richards pounds on Triple H's leg and books when the officials finally get their act into gear and come down to ringside. Jericho and Triple H are led away by trainers, while Richards disappears into the safety of the audience.

Backstage, Regal checks in on Triple H as a doctor checks out his knee; the scheduled singles match between Triple H and Richards for the evening is off.

"This is a fantastic opportunity," says Regal. "We can eliminate two problems at once."

Triple H glowers at Regal. "How is Steven Richards injuring my knee a good thing?"

"Hunter! We need a fifth man for our match at Survivor Series. You need someone to take your place tonight against Steven Richards. I know just the man for both of these jobs." Regal's chest puffs out with pride, his smile so beaming, it could outshine the sun. "Chris Benoit."

Triple H deadpans Regal until the trainer makes Triple H bend his knee, sending a shockwave of pain through it. "Are you stupid? No way am I partnering with a guy who, just a few weeks ago, was trying to beat me senseless."

"Hunter, just because you had your problems against Christopher doesn't make him a bad guy. I've known him for years. He helped me get a job here and become the WWF's Goodwill Ambassador, and that's what I'm trying to do here; spread goodwill by offering up Christopher's services as both our partner at the Survivor Series, and as a substitute tonight. I would stake my reputation and my honor as an Englishman on Christopher's integrity."

Triple H sucks in a quick breath of oxygen as the doctor cinches up the bandages around his knee. "Last guy I knew who went on about integrity tried to steal my wife."

Regal blanches. "I can't speak for Kurt Angle ... but I've known the lad who did spoil your marriage, and he has never been a virtuous lad. Chris Benoit, however, is. I give you my word." Triple H regards Regal for a few moments before finally acquiescing with a barely audible "fine" and a wave of the hand. "Splendid! I'll go discuss it with Christopher, and alert Commissioner Foley straightaway."

Benoit gladly agrees, vowing to "prove his honesty" to Triple H by taking out Richards. Regal accompanies Benoit to the ring to watch Benoit dismantle Richards in decisive fashion with a blur of suplexes, stiff chops and high-impact offense that leaves Richards stupefied. The tap-out is all but done until the RTC's usual tactics of running in and trying the numbers game draws the DQ. Billy Gunn and Chyna come out and help clear the ring of the annoying faction.

Shane McMahon is busy stretching and warming up for his street fight when the locker room door opens and he's met with a surprise visitor: his father. Shane looks at him a moment, then goes right back to his stretches.

“Shane, we need to talk,” says Vince. Shane doesn't reply, or even acknowledge his father with a look. Vince sighs. “Shane, you … this can't happen. I can't allow this to happen, Shane.”

“Why not?” Shane says without looking up.

“Because … dammit, Shane, this isn't right! You can't …” Vince's voice trails off.

Shane stops his stretching and stands up. “What, Dad? What is so wrong about this? Are you worried I'm gonna get hurt … maybe jump off something tall and break my back? Get my head split open and need stitches? Where was this fatherly concern when I was being beaten damn near into a coma by the Big Show, or when I was jumping off the TitanTron while I was fighting Steve Blackman? I'll tell you where … it was folded up in your pocketbook, like it always is. Money before everything else; if Shane jumps off something tall, if he gets his head split open, it sells a few more pay-per-views the next time he shows up. Save it, Vince.”

Shane turns to go back to stretching, but Vince grabs him by the shoulder and spins him back around. “Shane, dammit, listen to me; The Rock is a very important component to the World Wrestling Federation. Did you know he has Hollywood producers interested in him for movies? Do you know what that kind of exposure could do for this company? I can't risk you going out there and hurting him, and I sure as hell won't allow you to continue this campaign of yours to get him arrested for something he didn't do!”

“That's really all you see here. Money.” Shane shakes his head. “Mick Foley has you so snowed …”

“Mick Foley does what I say! I don't care one bit about him being buddies with The Rock, but I will not sit by and let someone like The Rock be taken out of the game because somebody has it out for him!”

Shane and Vince glower at each, the silence of the standoff palpable. Vince's jaw clinches, anticipating the worst, but Shane steps back and sits down to continue his stretches. “Get out,” he says, almost an afterthought. Vince grumbles, but when Shane won't acknowledge him any further, Vince stomps out of the dressing room.

Mick Foley enters Triple H's dressing room as Regal is continuing his hard sell of Benoit as a partner for Survivor Series. Regal and Triple H regard Foley with plainly visible disdain. Foley gets right in Triple H's face. “Because of your little antics earlier in ruining the Undertaker/Chris Jericho match, I'm fining you five thousand dollars!” Triple H's only reply is to continue to stare coldly at Foley. “And as I am a man who always keeps his word, I intend on delivering that match to the fans here tonight. In fact, it's happening in just a minute or two … and if I see you get involved in any way, so help me God, I'll make sure you don't wrestle again until Survivor Series. Next year.” Triple H's gaze doesn't break, and neither does his silence. Foley lingers a moment longer, then, without another word spoken, leaves.

Jericho's match with Undertaker evokes memories of Undertaker's legendary matches with Shawn Michaels: a big, angry giant, beloved by the fans, chasing and pummeling a smaller athlete whom the crowd hates. Jericho has to use his speed to take the advantage away from Undertaker, hitting the Dead Man with a blur of hit-and-run strikes and high-impact, high-risk offense. Undertaker manages to retake the upper hand, though, by bringing up his knees when Jericho goes for the Lionsault, and sets to beating on Y2J. Jericho eats a chokeslam and rolls out to the floor, trying to regroup, but is surprised to find Stephanie McMahon show up and berate him for taking advantage of her in the hotel room. Jericho pleads his innocence, to which Stephanie slaps him hard. While Stephanie and Jericho argue (which has the ref tied up, trying to get Stephanie to leave ringside), Rock slides into the ring and plants Undertaker with a Rock Bottom. Jericho manages to disentangle himself long enough from Stephanie long enough to go for the pin, but Stephanie climbs in and stomps on Jericho, forcing the ref to award the match by DQ to Jericho. Upon hearing the closing bell, Rock comes back and goes after Undertaker, pushing Stephanie out of his way to do so. When Undertaker gets nailed for a second time with Rock Bottom, Stephanie hauls off and slaps Rock for shoving her out of the way. The slap earns Stephanie a Rock Bottom of her own. Jericho wisely rolls out, all the while glaring at Rock as he backs up the ramp.

When Rock comes out again at the end of the night for the Street Fight, he is surrounded by his Commissioner-ordered protection squad, and the Commissioner himself. The Rock grabs the microphone before Shane can come out and says; “The Rock is sick … no, The Rock is tired … no, The Rock has had it with being the fall-guy for running over Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Rock has tried to defend himself for weeks, and Undertaker, you've run your mouth for weeks trying to pin this on The Rock, blame The Rock, say The Rock was getting special treatment from management. Well, let The Rock tell you something; The Rock is done, finished, through listening to you spread lies about The Rock. The Rock is finished listening to you, to Shane McMahon, to all these backstabbing fans who don't believe in The Rock”-this earns him a massive dose of antipathy from the crowd, which he disregards-“The Rock is finished defending himself when nobody wants to hear it … and The Rock is done playing games. Survivor Series, 13 days, Rock and Undertaker, Undertaker and Rock. Historic? Epic? No, The Rock isn't going to come in and do what The Rock does best, and that is to be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment; no, The Rock is going to simply come in to Survivor Series … make sure his boots are shined up real nice … and beat on you and stomp on you until you are a dead man, if you smelllllllllllllllllllll … what The Rock … is … cookin'!”

The Rock and Foley are caught off-guard, though, when Shane comes to ringside with an escort: Steve Austin. Foley protests the appearance of Austin at ringside, but Rock tells him to let it slide, keeping a nervous eye on the twitchy, trigger-happy Texas Rattlesnake. Shane lives up to his reputation, throwing caution to the winds as he unloads the plunder and everything else to beat on The Rock. Rocky's superior conditioning and years of in-ring experience, however, give him the upper hand. Austin and Foley cheer their men from the corners, Foley always keeping a close, nervous eye on Austin just in case. When Shane gets the upper hand again using a Singapore cane right between the eyes, Foley almost leaps up to the apron, until Austin makes a motion to climb into the ring as well; Foley backs down instantly … until the appearance of Vince McMahon, brandishing a chair, coming to the ring gets him stirred up. The crowd, as well as everyone else-save Shane and Rock, too busy beating on each other-sends people into an uproar, wondering if Vince's greed will overcome family ties, or if he will retaliate for his daughter. A chair shot later, and Shane is on the mat, his head causing the seat of the chair to dent. Rock nails an unnecessary People's Elbow and scores the academic pinfall. Before the timekeeper can even ring the bell, Austin is sliding into the ring. Rocky bails, and the ring floods with guards; Austin starts brawling with them, but he is overwhelmed by the numbers. However, with the bulk of attention turned to Austin, Rock doesn't see Undertaker come from behind, his hand wrapped in a chain. Rock drops to the ground with one punch, out like a light, as a couple of the security force break off to check on Rock and question Undertaker while the rest of the group leads Austin away in cuffs.

Smackdown: Nov. 9, '00

Smackdown begins with the arrival of Shane McMahon's limousine; he has bandages on his forehead covering the wound caused by his father's chair shot. A second passenger gets out; it is Stone Cold. Shane turns to Austin and says; “Let me talk to them first. The last thing we need is you getting riled up and attacking them; that won't put them in any kind of mood to listen to me.”

“Shane, Vince and Mick ain't gonna wanna listen to you no matter what,” says Austin, putting his hands up. “But if you wanna do it this way …”

Michael Cole announces the card for the evening as Austin and Shane enter the arena; Chris Jericho taking on Steven Richards, William Regal, Chyna and Billy Gunn taking on Bull Buchanan, Goodfather and Ivory, and Raven & Tazz squaring off against Triple H & Chris Benoit. As he's doing so, Stephanie McMahon comes out to the ring. The crowd dumps on the McMahon daughter.

“Why are you mad at me?” Stephanie implores. “What did I do? If anything, you should feel sorry for me … Chris Jericho took advantage of me! I was obviously intoxicated; Chris Jericho forced himself on me. Why you're making me out to be the bad g-“

The countdown of the Jericho clock drowns her out. Jericho stands on the stage, pacing back and forth. The crowd gives Jericho no better a reaction then Stephanie, but Jericho ignores it. “Stephanie, Stephanie, Stephanie,” says Jericho. “There's just one problem with your little excuse; for me to take advantage of you would require a couple things: it would require you to actually resist sleeping with a guy!” The crowd breaks out into a “slut” chant, which bridles Stephanie to no end. “And secondly … to get into bed with you would mean stifling my vomit long enough, and being drunk enough to forget that you're a dirty, filthy, disgusting, trash-bag, bottom-feeding ho!” The crowd, despite hating Jericho, eats up the trash-talking. “But one thing we have in common here, Stephanie, is that we're both being set up. That's so plainly obviously not me in that videotape, and that's plainly, obviously … well, okay, that is you, flopping down on the bed, getting ready to … well, what you do best … the only thing you do best … but that sure ain't me!”

Stephanie has to calm herself down before she can speak. Before she can even get a word in edgewise, Triple H comes barreling out of the back, clobbering Jericho in the back of the head. Triple H puts the boots to Jericho as Stephanie screams for Triple H to stop. Triple H grabs the microphone, looks at Stephanie with murderous eyes and says, “You'll get yours soon enough, you little bitch!” Triple H throws the microphone away and puts Jericho in position to Pedigree him on the steel stage. Jericho, however, breaks the underhooks, lifts Triple H up and over into a back body drop that sends Triple H off the stage, crashing through a catering table. Medics and trainers immediately come out and check on Triple H, who doesn't move. Foley comes out and surveys the damage, stomping and swearing at the turn of events as he disappears backstage while paramedics put him on a stretcher and wheel him out. Tazz & Raven catch up with Foley backstage, but Foley brushes off their requests to kept the match as a handicap and says he'll make a decision about it when he's damn good and ready.

Despite Trish not being as experienced in the ring, or as strong, as Chyna, Trish, Test and Albert manage to overwhelm Regal, Gunn and Chyna with their size and, naturally, dirty tactics. Chyna also helps her team fall behind when she tries to do too much and lift Albert up for a body slam; Albert pounds her down, strengthening their position of control. When Regal is finally tagged in, he looks to be turning the tide until the Right To Censor swarm out and beat on their Survivor Series opponents. Chris Benoit again comes to the rescue, but this time, his presence isn't enough to turn the tide, and the heroes all take a beating.

Shane McMahon enters Vince's office, where he and Foley are discussing what to do about Benoit having a partner for the match tonight. “We need to talk,” says Shane sternly. Vince and Foley look up at Shane disgustedly.

“We're in the middle of trying to figure out what to do about Chris Benoit's match tonight,” scolds Vince. “Hell, we don't even know if he's going to be able to wrestle, let alone whether or not we can find him a partner.”

“We could always make Undertaker take his place,” says Foley with a devilish grin.

“Undertaker vs. Raven and Tazz … I like-“

“We need to talk now!” Shane barks. “Last Monday on Raw, the two of you made it perfectly obvious what's going on; you two are protecting The Rock because he's an investment.”

“Now, now,” Vince counters, “if Rocky is guilty, we'll have no choice but to punish him accordingly. Right now, the preponderance of evidence just doesn't indicate-“

“How can you say that?” Shane shakes his head. “No, you know what? I can argue with you until I'm blue in the face. You won't listen.” Shane makes his voice go unnaturally deep, puffs out his chest and starts walking around the office in the familiar Vince strut. “You're Vince McMahon. You're a titan of industry, Mr. Sports Entertainment himself. Certified genius and billionaire.” Shane stops, deadpanning. “But last Monday on Raw, you let Rock attack your daughter, my sister, Stephanie. You let him manhandle her and drive her into the mat with a Rock Bottom … and for what? No reason. And when you had the opportunity to even the score, you blast me with a chair. Are you telling me that Rocky is so valuable to this company, that you're going to let your daughter be beaten up by some potentially dangerous man-a man who is the prime suspect in a hit-and-run assault-“

“Not according to our investigation, he isn't,” says Foley.

Shane ignores Foley, focusing on his dad. “Is this how you're going to run your company? Sacrificing everything and everyone because you got a gravy train you wanna ride till the end?”

Vince rises up from his chair, his face twisted and contorted into the familiar Vince McMahon face of rage. “After all the hell your slut sister put me through last year, she's lucky I didn't order Rocky to hit her again,” he spits through gritted teeth; the audience gasps in response (as do the announcers). “There are consequences when you step through those ropes, and she damn well knows what they are …” Vince smiles the smile of a maniac, looking up at Shane's bandages. “And so do you.” The smile quickly switches back to Vince's scowl. “I made this company, I own this company … I am this company, Shane. Next time you question my authority, when I'm through with you, you'll be begging for a job on the ring crew down in Atlanta, you understand? This discussion is over.”

Shane's eyes narrow. “Oh, I understand, father. Now you understand me.” Shane suddenly reaches out and grabs Vince's tie, pulls him in real close and talks through similarly gnashed teeth. “If you allow another member of our family to get caught in the crossfire again because of your mistakes, you will answer to me.” Shane lets Vince's tie go; he falls back in his chair, loosening it and coughing. “This isn't over. Not until I say it's over.” Shane turns his attention to Foley. “If I don't see you produce something concrete by Survivor Series that ties Undertaker to this crime … there's gonna be trouble. You understand me, Mick?” Shane walks out of the office before either his father or Foley can come up with a reply.

Undertaker's handicap match with Raven and Tazz is inexplicably and suddenly changed to a handicap hardcore match as the match is being announced. Undertaker uses it to the best of his advantage, arming himself with a chair before Raven and Tazz can hit the ring, but the ECW alumni are no strangers to hardcore violence, and soon enough, Undertaker is taking a beating. Soon enough, everyone sees why the rules change occurred, as Rock interjects himself into the proceedings, sliding a chair into the ring for Raven and Tazz to use to spike-piledriver Undertaker for the pinfall. Afterwards, Rocky slides in with a microphone, instructing Raven and Tazz to continue the beatdown, while he looks on and taunts Undertaker. “You want to make The Rock the bad guy? You want to cast Rock as the sick son of a bitch who ran over Austin?” Raven and Tazz hold Undertaker up by the arms; Rocky gets in Undertaker's face, nosetips touching. “If you want The Rock to be a vicious, rotten son of a bitch, you got it. From now on, The Rock is going to do whatever The Rock has to do … and if that means leaving you in a pool of your own blood … well, The Rock hopes you know how to swim, cause you're gonna be drowning in an ocean of it. Do hear The Rock? Drowning.”

The Jericho/Richards match ends up being thrown out when William Regal interferes, brawling first with Richards, then with Jericho. Angle comes out to assist in putting Jericho away, but Jericho manages to hit crotch kicks on both guys. Jericho bolts, leaving Angle and Regal nursing sore groins.

Vince and Foley come out for the final segment of the evening. Vince, as usual, struts down to ringside as if he were a king. Foley, also as usual, has his phalanx of protection around him. Vince goes to address the hostile crowd, but doesn't get out so much as a syllable before the sound of breaking glass sets off the audience. Austin stomps down to the ring, salutes the fans, then grabs a microphone. Foley goes to say something, and Austin cuts him off. “Mick, you need to shut your mealy little mouth before I crack that stack of dimes you kill a neck.” Foley and Vince both sneer at this, but Austin rolls on. “Now, I ain't out here to wrestle, because these dumb sumbitches won't let me do that. They think ol' Stone Cold is some kinda dangerous person to have around since they ain't arrested The Rock.” Austin pantomimes embarrassment, as if he said a faux pas. “Oh, I'm sorry. Since they haven't arrested,” Austin says, deadpanning right at Vince and Foley, “'the perpetrator'. Now, me, I all I wanna do is whip somebody's ass, and get on with my life, and get the World Wrestling Federation Championship back in my hands.” Austin turns to Vince and Foley, lowering his voice. “That's why I came out here tonight; to see if we can't, you know, hash this out. Come to an agreement. Do things …” Austin swallows, his upper lip curled up. “Do things … the easy way.”

Vince beams. “Do you mean you're going to let us do our job and stop stirring the pot? No more attacks on The Rock? No more blaming him?”

Austin lets the moment draw out a few seconds. “No, Vince, what I mean is that I got a proposal for you. Easy for you, easy for me.”

Vince regards Austin skeptically. “And … what would that be, Steve?”

“Well, it's real simple, Vince; me and Rock, we have a match on Monday.”

Foley jumps in quick as a heart-attack. “No way, no way will I allow that-“

“Was I talkin' to you, Mick?” Austin turns away from Foley and looks right at Vince again. “One match. No Undertaker, no Mick Foley, no Shane, and none of these piece of crap little mall rent-a-cops Mick Foley seems to like so much. Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, one on one. If I can't beat The Rock, I'll go back to Victoria and drink beers and watch Jerry Springer and fish and hunt until you tell me to come on back.”

Vince sees where Austin is going. “But … if you win …”

“Then I come back with a six-pack of whoop-ass riding shotgun, whether your stupid little investigation is done or not.”

Vince considers the idea a moment. Foley pipes up to protest, but Vince shuts him down immediately. “So … what you're proposing is … if you win, your suspension is lifted, and you can come back full time to wrestling. But if you lose … you don't come to any more WWF events until the investigation is over. Do I understand you correctly, Steve?”

“What, did I stutter, so you had to repeat the whole damn thing? That's what I said. No Mick, no guards, no Undertaker, no Shane. Me and Rock, my suspension on the line.”

“Vince, you can't be considering-“

“Mick,” says Vince, turning to Foley, “not only am I considering it …” Vince turns to Austin and extends a hand. “I accept your terms, Stone Cold. On Monday Night Raw, in this very ring, it will be Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, with Steve Austin's suspension on the line.” Austin looks at the hand for a moment, visibly unsure about taking Vince's hand. Finally, after a few moments of Vince leering at Austin with wide, almost psychotic eyes, Austin takes the hand and shakes it once. Austin extends a hand to Foley, who looks at it as reluctantly as Austin did Vince's; eventually, Foley takes it, only to get pulled into a kick in the gut and a Stunner. Vince watches Austin salute the fans again with upraised middle fingers, seething, ignoring his Commissioner lying on the mat, unconscious.

Raw: Nov. 13, '00

Jim Ross runs down the matches for the evening, including a triple threat Intercontinental Title match with Chris Benoit defending against Val Venis and Raven, and a tag match pitting the unlikely partners (and sworn enemies) Triple H and Kurt Angle against Chris Jericho and Steven Richards. But all the focus, all the anticipation, is for the main event, the Rock/Austin showdown, with Austin's suspension on the line.

Michael Cole catches up with Austin in his dressing room as Raw begins. “Stone Cold, a moment of your time.” Austin looks up and shoots him a look that sends Cole scurrying back a couple steps. “Um, Stone Cold … I just wanted to ask you what your thoughts are as we get closer to your match with The Rock.”

Austin glares a hole through Cole. “You wanna know my thoughts?” Austin suddenly lays down on the bench. “See this? See what I'm doin' here, ya little stick-figure?” Austin jumps up to his feet, pointing back at the empty bench. “I'm thinkin' about that. How I laid on my back for a damn year of my life, because some sick son of a bitch ran me over. I'm thinkin' about how I sat at home for a year while Rock became the biggest damn wrestler in the company. I'm thinkin' about all that, Michael Cole. Cause that's gonna be the fuel that drives this whoop-ass machine tonight.”

The participants in the triple threat match each bring a surprise to the ring: a corner man, with Benoit bringing Regal, Venis bringing Richards and Raven bringing Tazz. The addition of the corner men provides as much action outside the ring as there is inside. Venis and Raven team up long enough to weaken Benoit, but the fragile alliance shatters when Raven goes for a more hardcore approach, and Richards, disapproving of hardcore wrestling. Tazz goes after Richards, and the distractions are enough for Benoit to score the submission victory over Venis.

Undertaker pulls into the parking garage on his motorcycle, and is immediately approached by Foley. “Undertaker, if you're even thinking of getting involved in The Rock's match tonight, you'll be suspended on the spot,” Foley warns, sticking a finger in Undertaker's face. “Tonight's main event is the biggest, most important match in Raw history, and the last thing I want is for somebody to come along and screw it up.”

Undertaker holds up his hands. “Hey, man, no worries. Me and Austin, we already talked. That's his match tonight, so I ain't doin' a damn thing.” Undertaker starts to turn away, then turns back and puts a finger in Foley's face. “But come Sunday, that's my match. And if there's anything left of your boy after Austin wipes the floor with him …” Undertaker walks off, leaving the sentence unfinished, but the implication is clear.

After his parking lot confrontation with Mick Foley, Undertaker goes right to the ring. “This Sunday is Survivor Series,” he says. “I'm supposed to have a match with The Rock. Vince McMahon and Mick Foley don't want this match to happen, see, cause they know that here in my yard, I make bad things happen to bad people. And Rocky, he's been a bad man, so I'm fixin' to do some bad things to Rock. But, see, later on, Stone Cold's finally gonna get a piece of Rock. And I gotta ask you a favor, Austin … I gotta ask you to go easy on the boy. Cause I don't wanna be pickin' bones on Sunday. Just as Rock took away a year of your life, Austin, Mick Foley and Vince McMahon, they've made me look like a criminal. If they can hang this on me, I'm losin' more then a year. And if that happens, I wanna make sure I take out their precious little matinee idol.”

“Undertaker!”

Undertaker looks around for the source of the familiar voice, the deep bass voice of The Rock. The TitanTron switches views; Rock fills the screen. Rock rolls his eyes in the back of his head and makes his voice go even deeper, delivering all his words like a robot. “'I am Undertaker. I big hurt people. I beat Rock.'” Rock goes expressionless. “The Rock understands your fears, Undertaker. You're afraid … afraid to go one on one with the Great One. Afraid that Sunday, at Survivor Series, The Rock's gonna do what you say you do to everyone else, and that's … make you famous. Undertaker, you spend so much time running your mouth about how The Rock and Vince McMahon and Mick Foley have it out for you, you're a patsy, you're being set up. The Rock did this, The Rock did that, but they're blaming it on Undertaker. The Rock has said time and time again that he had nothing to do with running over Stone Cold Steve Austin, but nobody's listening. Everybody wants to blame The Rock. Well, today, right here, right now, The Rock will be guilty of something.” The camera pulls back to show Undertaker's motorcycle is next to The Rock … and Rocky is holding a sledgehammer. “You want a piece of The Rock, Undertaker? You want to go toe to toe with The Rock, make 'bad things happen'? Well, The Rock says if you want bad things to happen, The Rock will be the one making bad things happen.” The Rock hoists up the sledgehammer, pulls back and swings; the hammer connects, sending pieces of metal flying, causing the bike to tip over. Rocky raises the hammer over his head and brings it down again and again, but Undertaker sees none of it, as he races out of the ring and back to the parking garage. A brawl breaks out, but Rocky ends it quickly and violently by blasting Undertaker between the eyes with the hammer. Officials pull Rock away from Undertaker before he can do any more harm, while medics take Undertaker away to stitch up the laceration in his head.

The Triple H/Angle vs. Jericho/Richards match comes off the tracks from the very first moment, with all four men in the ring, punching and brawling. Finally, Angle and Jericho are left in the ring, brawling, but only because Richards and Triple H's brawl has spilled outside. Jericho and Richards manage to get the upper hand courtesy of Richards' cheating, but Richards seems as uncomfortable tagging with an adulterer as Triple H is tagging with Angle, and dissension causes Richards to abandon his partner. Jericho's chances for victory continue to evaporate when, of all people, Stephanie shows up and pulls on the ropes as Jericho is going for a Lionsault on Triple H. When Triple H comes to and sees his wife, he dismisses her apologies with a middle finger and sets up the Pedigree, but Richards reappears and nails a Steven Kick that almost takes Hunter's head off. Richards quickly intercepts Angle, and Jericho gets the pinfall, then makes tracks for safer ground before Triple H can come to. After Richards leaves, pleased with his craftiness, Stephanie gets in the ring and tries to aid Triple H, but he shoves her away. Stephanie pleads her case, crying and begging Triple H to see it in his heart to forgive. Triple H's reply is nail her with a Pedigree. Angle confronts Triple H, but gets a punch in the mouth for his troubles.

When the sound of breaking glass hits, the arena explodes with fanfare as Stone Cold Steve Austin makes his way to the ring in wrestling trunks for the first time in nearly a year. The Rock, by contrast, is received as warmly as Charles Manson. The ring announcer introduces the two combatants in a big-fight style, reading the rules while the referee checks for foreign objects in the trunks and boots of both men. The Rock steps to the middle of the ring, not taking his eyes off Austin, but not regarding him with any hostility; Austin, however, looks ready to kill.

But before the opening bell can sound, Vince McMahon comes through the crowd, slides into the ring and blasts Austin with a chair. Vince waffles Austin a couple more times, rolls Austin over and puts the chair on Austin's chest, then orders Rock to nail the People's Elbow. As Rock drives the point of his elbow into the chair, Vince grabs the microphone from the ring announcer; his voice is so hoarse, it's almost unrecognizable. “Ring the opening bell, dammit! Ring it!” The timekeeper rings the bell; Rock covers Austin, but the referee hesitates. “Count that pinfall, or your ass is fired!” Vince snarls. The ref reluctantly goes down and counts once, twice … hesitates and slaps the mat a third time. The timekeeper rings the bell to close the match as the crowd becomes almost riotous. Vince leers over the fallen Austin as Rock quickly leaves the ring. “Remember what you said, Austin? No Undertaker … no security … no Foley … no Shane … you didn't say anything about me, Austin! I won't have you ruining my company, Austin! I won't have you endangering my most valuable investment!” Vince signals to the back, and the ever-present security force comes into the ring. “Get him out of here! Send him back to Texas! I don't want to see you again until the Undertaker is behind bars!”

Smackdown: Nov. 16, '00

As Smackdown begins and the announcers run down the card for the evening (including Triple H & Regal vs. T&A, Rock vs. Crash, and Angle vs. Tazz in the main event), cameras catch Undertaker walking in the hallways in the arena. He stops and asks road agent Tony Garea if he knows where Crash can be found; Garea directs him around the corner. Undertaker comes up behind Crash, nearly scaring him out of his boots.

"Calm down, little guy," says Undertaker. "Can we go somewhere and have a little talk?" Undertaker slips an arm around his shoulders and guides him into a nearby room, closing the door behind them.

"No Chance In Hell" brings down Vince and Foley, both of them all smiles and swagger.

"How ya doin', Mick?" Vince asks smugly.

"Vince, I'm doing great. How about you?" "Well, Mick, ever since Monday Night Raw, I'm doing fantastic. You remember Monday Night Raw, don't you, Mick? When I sent Steve Austin packing back to Victoria, Texas?"

Foley puts a hand on Vince's arm. "Vince, I know we've had our differences, but after what you did in Raw, I have to thank you, and pay respect to your brilliance. You single-handedly found a loophole that allowed us to bench Stone Cold until we finish our investigation, protects this company's biggest and brightest star, and secured peace for the federation." Foley extends a hand. "Vince ... I congratulate you."

Vince takes Foley's hand exuberantly. "Mick, thank you very much. It's so ... wonderful, to be able to live and work without worrying that some drunken psychotic is putting everyone in the company in physical danger. Don't get me wrong ... Steve Austin deserves to get justice for what happened to him, but not at the expense of the World Wrestling Federation's integrity. Stone Cold is just going to have to take one for the team and stay at home until this mess is sorted out." Vince pauses, his eyes going far, far away. "In fact ... you know, Monday was such a triumph ... how about we all watch it again?"

Vince and Foley turn to the TitanTron, but instead of the video of Raw cuing up, the screen flips over to Linda McMahon, sitting at her desk in the WWF offices. "Good evening, Vince. Mick. I must congratulate you on your brilliant plan on Monday Night Raw," she says sarcastically. "You were nothing short of genius, Vince. The only problem is, your actions and the actions of Mick Foley over the past several weeks have been as detrimental, if not more so, then anything Steve Austin has done since returning to the World Wrestling Federation. The cost of hiring, retaining and obtaining permits for armed security at all WWF events has staggering, pursuing an investigation against a suspect with no evidence while ignoring the suspect to whom the evidence points, and keeping Stone Cold Steve Austin off WWF television as a wrestler has undermined the reputation of the World Wrestling Federation as the dominating force in sports entertainment. After speaking at length with both Stone Cold Steve Austin and our son, Shane, as Chief Executive Officer of the WWF, I can no longer allow you and Mick Foley to run unchecked and kill off this federation with your misguided attempts at protection."

"You can't do this, Linda--"

"Yes, I can, Vince. I can, and I am. Effective Monday, I am instituting a four week deadline on the investigation into Steve Austin's hit-and-run assault. Your progress between now and then, coupled with an intensive review of your performance as Commissioner, will determine whether or not you keep your job." Foley opens his mouth to protest, but Linda barrels on. "Also effective Monday, I am voiding the suspension of Stone Cold Steve Austin."

Foley can't help but interject. "Don't you realize how much danger this puts The Rock in, how much--"

"I am aware of the dangers, Mick, and while I recognize that this puts your friend in physical danger, The Rock is perfectly capable of defending himself. I have also released your security force, Mick; it is an excessive waste of money and personnel. The Rock doesn't need such security, and if you have grown so fearful for your safety, I can accept your resignation right here and now."

"No, no, I ... it's just ..." Linda's stone-face goes unchanged as Foley stammers through aborted attempts at protests. Finally, Foley gives up and falls silent.

"Austin will not be at Smackdown tonight, so you can relax for tonight. However, I expect to see Stone Cold Steve Austin in action in a WWF ring on Monday Night Raw." Linda smiles and adds; "Oh, Mick? Have a nice day."

Regal enters Triple H's dressing room. "So ... have you decided, Hunter?"

Triple H looks up from tying his boots. "I still don't trust him, William. This is a guy who tried to rip my arm out of my socket for over a month. Why would I wanna pick him for our fifth partner at Survivor Series?"

"You have my word, as a gentleman and a Briton, that Chris Benoit is a class act and a worthy partner." Regal smiles suddenly. "I have a splendid idea! Why don't you see if you two can team together tonight! Christopher can have my place when you face off against Test and Albert!" Triple H grumbles an incomprehensible reply, but Regal is undaunted. "Smashing! I'll go tell Michael that I'm not able to wrestle tonight, so you can Christopher can use this opportunity to bond."

As if Foley and Vince don't have enough hassle to deal with, Rock comes out for his schedule match against Crash, but when Crash's music plays, nobody comes out. The truck cues up the music again, and again, Crash is absent. A third play through gets, instead of Crash, Mick Foley, visibly perturbed. "I'm sorry, Rock, but Crash seems to have left the arena. We don't anybody lined up as a substitute, so ... you can take the night off and go home, Rock." The crowd boos; a "we want a match!" chant breaks out, but it goes ignored as Rock walks back to the dressing room.

Triple H comes out first for his tag match and awaits his partner; when Chris Benoit's music plays, he shakes his head in resignation. Benoit goes for a handshake, but Triple H leaves him hanging; Benoit doesn't even notice, and enthusiastically volunteers to lead off the match. Despite their size advantage, Triple H's skill and cunning, and Benoit's technical superiority prove too much for T&A, and they go down to the seemingly well-oiled machine of Triple H and Benoit. No sooner does the ref raise their hands in victory then Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather come out for an attempted ambush, but Triple H and Benoit manage to send them packing. Benoit again offers his hand for a handshake. Triple H considers it for what feels like an eternity, then grudgingly shakes it once. Benoit holds on and raises his and Triple H's arms in triumph, although Triple H looks at his partner suspiciously.

Kevin Kelly tries to catch up with Rock as he gets in his car to leave, but Rock slams the door on him. Kevin is about to throw the broadcast back to Michael Cole when the cameras notice something far off on the other side of the garage, illuminated by Rock's headlights: The Undertaker. Suddenly, Rock's engine rumbles, revving up as the car sits in place. Kevin slowly approaches the car, but before he can do anything, the car lurches forward, barreling down on Undertaker ... until Rock's car plows right through him and it's plainly visible that it was a cardboard cutout of the Deadman. Rock's car screeches to a halt, spinning to end up parallel with a tractor trailer ... and, just as quick, another car comes out of the darkness and parks right next to Rock's, the doors touching. Undertaker steps out of the second car, brandishing a baseball bat.

"C'mon, boy! You wanna play?" Undertaker swings the bat and connects with the back window. "You wanna play the pain game, Rocky?" Another swing, bashing on the metal. Undertaker hops up onto the roof and swings downward, taking out one of the driver's side windows. "Come on, Rock!" The next swing dents the windshield, and another puts a hole right through it. "Are you afraid, Rock?" Undertaker moves down to stand on the hood and starts bashing the roof over and over again, Rock cowering inside from the noise and the rain of broken glass. "Are you afraid to go all the way with this? This is your game, Rock!" Undertaker keeps bashing the car, moving from body to windows (until he's broken them all) and back until officials finally come to the scene and surround Undertaker. Surprisingly, Undertaker willingly forfeits the bat and allows himself to be escorted off the premesis, while a crew of people first move Undertaker's car, then attend to checking Rocky for injuries.

With authorities kept busy attending to the Undertaker/Rock situation, Shane McMahon launches a surprise offensive, blindsiding Triple H in the locker room with a Singapore cane to the back of the head. Regal and Benoit manage to grab ahold of Shane and pull him off, but not before he gets off a few more shots for good measure. "You won't get away with hitting my sister!" Shane screams as Benoit and Regal drag him out of the dressing room.

"You should be going after Chris Jericho, not Hunter!" says Regal as they pull Shane out of the dressing room.

"I want a piece of his ass too!" Shane yells, fighting to get free. Benoit manages to get the cane out of Shane's hand, and they dump Shane in the hallway. "That son of a bitch Pedigreed my sister!"

"Your sister has to answer to her husband for her indiscretions," Regal retorts. "If she'd not gone and laid down with that scrubber Chris Jericho, she wouldn't be in the position she is now. If you have issue with Hunter, you need to take it up with him like a gentleman, not blasting the poor man from behind!"

Shane tries to lunge past, but Benoit catches him and moves him back. Shane tries once more and again gets nowhere. "I won't forget this," Shane says and walks off.

Jericho comes out before the main event and takes a seat at the commentator's table. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler pepper Jericho with questions about the videotape of him and Stephanie. Jericho issues a blanket denial immediately, and dodges further questions, saying he is here to scout his opponent three days hence. Tazz and Angle provide a technical tour de force, trading suplexes and submission holds in an effort to get the upper hand. When the fight spills outside, though, Angle can't resist taunting Jericho, throwing Cole's water in Jericho's face. The ref quickly gets in between Jericho and Angle, and Angle goes back to the fight. Eventually, Angle manages to clap on the Ankle Lock and scores the submission victory. Jericho drops the headphones immediately and storms the ring; Angle and Jericho trade blows, with Angle getting the advantage. But Jericho reverses an attempt at the Ankle Lock into the Walls Of Jericho; Angle taps as Jericho wrenches back harder, driving his knee into the upper back. Out of the corner of his eye, Jericho sees Shane McMahon coming to the ring, Singapore cane in hand; Jericho drops Angle, rolls out of the ring and escapes into the crowd, leaving Shane McMahon to curse Jericho from the ring.

Survivor Series: Nov. 19, '00

The arrival of Stone Cold takes everyone off-guard; he is barely in the ring before Mick Foley comes down, for once, not joined by his entourage of armed guards. "Steve, what are you doing here?" asks Foley.

"Well, after Linda McMahon's little message to you and that mealy-mouthed son of a bitch, Vince McMahon," rants Austin, "I figured I'd get the jump on things." Austin bows his head, trying to look as contrite as possible. "I'd like to ask, if I can, who my opponent is gonna be tomorrow."

Foley recoils, almost offended by the question. "Between trying to wrap up the investigation into your hit-and-run, keeping the peace around here with a hundred superstars all looking out for themselves, and keeping Survivor Series running smoothly, I haven't had the time to give your opponent a lot of thought tomorrow."

"Well, I got a couple requests, if I could run them by ya."

"Can we do this tomorrow?"

"I'd really like to do it now, Mick. I think I've been on the shelf long enough that I deserve it." Foley sneers for a moment, then finally relents with a shrug and a "go on" gesture. "Well, I was thinking there's two opponents I think would be a good start for me comin' off the bench: The Rock ..." The crowd goes ballistic for this idea. Austin grins back at the positive response, ignoring Foley's disgust. "Or, maybe ol' Stone Cold Steve Austin could get a shot at the World Wrestling Federation Champion."

Foley's eyes go wide as dinner plates. "You haven't wrestled since November of last year, Steve. You can't really expect to get a WWF Title shot in your first match back."

"So, what you're tellin' me is that a four-time WWF Champion don't rate a shot?"

"Not after a year off, no. You gotta earn your shot, Steve, like anybody else."

Austin blanches. "Well, then, what about Rock? Can I have The Rock tomorrow?"

"You only want him because you think he ran you over. I'm not making a match between you and Rock based on your guess."

"He was aimin' to run over Undertaker on Smackdown, Mick!" Austin exclaims. "If that don't show the sumbitch has what it takes to have run me down, there ain't nothing gonna convince you."

"Well, I'm sorry, but I just don't agree. And I'm not going to put my best friend in harm's way because you have a hunch. Your request is denied, Steve. You'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see who you're wrestling."

Austin shrugs. "Well, if I gotta wait until tomorrow, then I guess I better start gettin' the ring rust off." Austin suddenly kicks Foley in the gut, grabs his head and snaps off a Stunner. Austin gets down and trash-talks Foley, then salutes the audience on his way out of the ring.

The RTC vs. Team Triple H Survivor Series match leads off the triple main event. After multiple members of the teams trade off, the RTC focuses on eliminating Chyna first. Indeed, Chyna is the first eliminated, as Bull Buchanan destroys her, tags in Ivory and allows her to pin Chyna while the rest of the RTC keep Triple H's team from stopping the three count. Billy Gunn falls next, the victim of a Steven Kick.

But Triple H's team turns the tide, getting The Goodfather counted out when he is knocked out when he is knocked off the apron and nails the guard rail on the way down. Bull Buchanan eats a Pedigree, dropping the RTC's resident big man and bringing the teams even at three apiece. Val Venis is the next to be eliminated, submitting to Chris Benoit's Crippler Crossface. Steven Richards tries every cheap trick, short cut and dirty tactic to bring the odds back in his favor, but William Regal gets a tap-out from an STF, leaving only Ivory to represent the Right To Censor. Regal, Benoit and Triple H all hang back in the corner, smiling and waving at Ivory as she stands on the apron, quaking with fear. The ref tries to get her to come in, but Ivory stands on the apron, a dear in headlights. Triple H waves to get her attention, tells her she has ten seconds, then starts counting off with his fingers. By the time he's reached five, Ivory is running up the aisle as if she's being chased. The ref counts her out, giving the win to the three survivors, Benoit, Regal and Triple H.

As Triple H is walking back to the locker room, Shane approaches him. Regal and Benoit both step forward, but Shane holds up his hands. "I'm not here to attack you, Triple H," says Shane. "Not today. But you and me ... we're gonna have it out soon, without your buddies to get between us. Nobody gets away with hitting my sister."

"Your slut sister got what she earned by sleeping with Chris Jericho," growls Triple H. "Stay out of business that ain't yours, Shane, before I shove something a little bigger and a lot more uncomfortable then the silver spoon that's already up your ass." Shane glares at Triple H as he, Regal and Benoit walk away.

Jericho's shot at the WWF Title follows, providing a fantastic back-and-forth technical contest. Twice, Jericho gets Angle in the Walls Of Jericho, only for Angle to get to the ropes to break the hold; likewise, Angle gets the Ankle Lock on Jericho, but Jericho dodges the bullet with rope-breaks, and both trade near-three counts on a variety of moves. Neither man can get the upper hand long enough to score the duke, so the lure of ruining Jericho's big chance is too strong for Shane, and he comes out with a Singapore cane in hand. Shane stops at the end of the aisle, eyeballing Jericho as he mounts a comeback against Angle's offense. Neither Shane nor Jericho sees Triple H race down to ringside and shove Shane out of the way to get to the ring. Shane immediately gets up and tackles Triple H, and the two start brawling on the floor. Jericho sees his two foes at ringside and climbs the turnbuckle to tackle both of them at the same time. Angle, however, pops up, climbs the turnbuckle and nails an amazing Angle Slam from the top turnbuckle for the three count. Officials separate Shane and Triple H, but as the officials are dragging them back to the locker rooms, Jericho comes to, runs down the aisle and leaps into the fray again, calling out more officials to keep the three brawlers apart.

The Rock/Undertaker match gets the main event slot, and the stakes get even higher when the ring announcer makes the sudden and surprise proclamation that the match is a no-disqualifications bout. The change in rules arouses suspicions among the announcers, and stirs enough suspicion in the locker room that Austin comes out after Rocky has been introduced and acts as a sentinel at the end of the entrance ramp. Both Rocky and Undertaker take advantage of the change in rules and utilize their license to maim from the opening bell, bringing in chairs, a chain, the ring bell, the announce tables and virtually anything not nailed down at ringside, or in the audience. After fifteen minutes have passed, both men are bloody and exhausted, having taken their fight on a sprawling tour of the arena and back to the ring, all the while, Austin keeping a close eye on the fight to keep out any interested parties from influencing the outcome. Undertaker ends up getting the pin by elbowing out of a Rock Bottom and nailing a Last Ride through a table. Austin immediately slides in, gets down in Rock's face and says in a low growl; "I'm comin' for ya next, son, and I won't stop with tossin' ya through a table. A hunter doesn't bag nothin' if he leaves his prey alive."

To be continued....

 

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