Author's Note: Hit a bit of a wall over the last 2 weeks with writing. I had almost planned on doing the last two weeks before the PPV in some sort of recap form instead of the four individual shows left. However, I've thought better of that and will continue seeing as I'm this close to reaching SummerSlam in full as we stand. I'm not entirely happy with the next Raw, but we will push on. I've just started Raw and hope to get back into the swing of things with a standard show a week, as I have been doing.
The card at the end of this SmackDown is your official SummerSlam lineup as well. We've got two weeks of hyping up what is there and expanding upon stories, but all the matches appearing on the PPV have now been announced. Settled on 9 matches in total, as anything else felt like overkill for what promises to be a stacked show.
SmackDown! - August 7, 2003
Skyreach Place in Kelowna, British Columbia
Broadcast on UPN
"The Ultimate Opportunity”
*OPENING VIDEO*
*PYRO*
The voice of Michael Cole welcomes us to the first episode of SmackDown for August. After running down the card for what the fans can expect tonight, Cole is cut off when the arena goes dark. A spotlight shines from the top of the arena and focuses on a section of the crowd where an unexpected guest is standing. A big pop from the audience echoes throughout the building. The camera zooms in and reveals Edge standing amongst the fans… still in possession of the WWE Championship that he claimed last week during his invasion of the contract signing between The Rock and Brock Lesnar. With a microphone in his hand, Edge welcomes everyone to SmackDown and declares that for the first time in months, the WWE Title is in the hands of someone who deserves it. The fans chant his name while Edge recaps the invasion last week. What happened after his chat with Shane McMahon is that Edge realised he had to snatch opportunity if he wanted to get what he earned. “Make no mistake about it, ladies and gentlemen, I beat Brock Lesnar at Vengeance!” Edge slaps the WWE Title with his free hand and admits that it feels hollow at the moment, holding the belt without being able to call himself the champion. It’s all he has ever dreamt about since he was a kid, and after last week, he truly believes that he is as close as he has ever been. “I’m holding the title that should be mine! So, Rock… come and get it.”
“Next Big Thing” answers the call instead of the music for the WWE Champion. There may not be more tension between two men than there is between Edge and Brock Lesnar after the last three months. The current number one contender, Brock Lesnar, walks down to the ring, looking directly at Edge, who remains in the crowd. Lesnar challenges Edge to stand across from him in the ring, but the man of the people remains amongst the fans. “Unlike you, I’ve got no interest in playing dress up with a belt that isn’t mine… yet.” Lesnar tells Edge that his invasion last week was shocking; it was chaotic, but at the end of the day, it didn’t get the job done. That’s the story of Edge’s life, according to Brock Lesnar. “You get close to being in the main event, and then you fall short. Look at you, Edge. You’re holding a title you’ve never won like you’ve achieved something.” Edge has to admit that he wants to win the WWE Title more than anything. He reminds Brock that when SmackDown ended last week, there were three names on the contract for the WWE Title match at SummerSlam. Almost immediately, Brock tells Edge that’s not how contracts work; you’d never get a contract signing done in the WWE. “You can’t just sign your name on it, Edge. Listen, kid. You might learn a thing or two.”
“It’s Conquered” hits over the speakers and introduces The Rock - making his entrance onto the stage without the WWE Championship for the first time since March. Cole and Tazz make sure the audience understands that, although he does not hold the title, he is still the WWE Champion. From the stage, The Rock blasts both men for taking up television time on his show. “After nearly seven boring minutes, The Rock has come out to put an end to this charade and take back the WWE Title that currently rests on the shoulder of the biggest whiny bitch in the WWE.” Edge looks across at the title on his shoulder and holds it up, shouting back to The Rock that he’s welcome to take it back. With a smile on his face, The Rock quips that having the belt doesn’t put Edge on his level. “You might carry that belt on your shoulder, but in that ring, you could never get the best of the Great One.” Almost as if on cue, Shane McMahon steps out onto the stage alongside the WWE Champion. He gives a big wrap to the crowd for being fired up so early in the night. After the events of last week, Shane reveals that he is thrilled to be back on SmackDown. “There’s a change in the air across this brand, and it begins with the three of you.” From his pocket, Shane pulls out the contract signed last week with all three names on it. He claims that this contract isn’t officially binding… just yet. You can’t just come out and sign a contract without being invited or having reviewed it with legal counsel.
“In the spirit of change and chaos - which I have promised to bring to SmackDown, I’m going to give Edge a chance to make this contract valid.” That doesn’t sit well with The Rock, who rips off his sunglasses and protests. For him, adding Edge to the title match at SummerSlam would leave him with a 33% chance of walking out as still champion. It’ll be decided in the main event tonight. Edge will step into the ring and compete one-on-one with The Rock in a singles match. If he wins, he’ll be the third man in the WWE Title match, and it’ll be contested under Triple Threat rules at SummerSlam. If he loses, Edge gets nothing and cannot challenge for the WWE Championship so long as The Rock holds the gold. As Shane describes it, for Edge, it’s all or nothing. He either seizes the moment or he watches it pass. You think that’s it until Shane holds up a finger, revealing one last twist - the referee of the main event, to decide if Edge is added to the title match, will be the current number one contender, Brock Lesnar!
…
*Commercial Break*
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Match 1 | SINGLES MATCH:
Chavo Guerrero vs. Mark Henry
For the first time since Vengeance, we have in-ring competition from both of these men. It’s a standard affair that is focused on putting over Mark Henry. Coming off his big loss to the Hulkster, Mark Henry is uncontrollable in the ring with his rage and power. We see evidence of this when Mark Henry shoves a cameraman at ringside to the ground for the mistake of standing too close to the ring steel that he wants to climb. His opponent, Chavo Guerrero, is not one to show any fear in his athletic endeavours. Chavo kicks things off by firing up, slugging away at Henry until he is grabbed around the shoulders and thrown across the ring. Henry flattens Chavo with a hard shoulder block into an elbow drop combination that rattles the ring. The camera captures Chavo coughing desperately, trying to get some air in his lungs while Henry rebounds off the ropes and brings his weight down across Guerrero for a second time. At the finish, Henry catches Chavo Guerrero off a springboard attempt and plants him with the World’s Strongest Slam for the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry @ 06:34
In the immediate aftermath of the encounter, Mark Henry shouts at the referee to raise his hand and declare him the winner. There’s an uneasy feeling around the ringside. It’s like everyone knows this isn’t done yet. The referee attempts to show Mark to the exit, but Henry shakes his head and shoves the referee to the ground! Stomping back across the ring, Henry grabs Chavo by the arm and pulls him with ease to the corner of the ring. He continues to assault Chavo after the bell. As Henry appears to set himself up for another devastating move - Eddie Guerrero sprints down to the ring with a steel chair in his hand as an equaliser! Henry backs away, exits the ring and shoots a mean look toward Latino Heat. Inside the ring, Eddie stands over his nephew, challenging Henry to bring the fight now.
In a pre-taped video package, WWE United States Champion John Cena and his manager, Paul Heyman, are in a back alley near the arena earlier in the day. With the title around his waist, in a ‘Dangerous Alliance’ branded hoodie, Cena cuts a promo on the massive ego that is inside the tiny brain of Kurt Angle. For all his awards and accolades, the bald fraud couldn’t clock what was coming his way at Vengeance. As Cena describes it - “Those gold medals didn’t smarten you up to what was looking you right in the face, Kurt.” He gloats about costing Angle the WWE Championship at Vengeance, highlighting repeatedly that he is the sole reason that the title, the thing that Angle has wanted more than anything else in the world for months, is not with him. “I screwed you at Vengeance because I run these streets! Look around, Kurt. I am untouchable. Nobody would dare do to me what I did to you. They fear the name - John Cena!” With a cocky smirk on his face, Cena crosses his arms, leaning back against a wall and issues a challenge. At SummerSlam, John Cena versus Kurt Angle… in a non-title match. “I don’t give out title shots to people coming off a loss. This is personal, and if you've got the guts, you’ll face me without getting a shot at my prize.”
…
*Commercial Break*
…
Upon the return from the commercial break, Jamie Noble is sitting around the APA poker table by himself. His head has a bandage wrapped around it, and his ribs are taped up as well from the sacrifice he made last week. Noble tries to take a sip of beer from the table, but he groans in pain, recalling the impact of the splash from Fatu a week earlier. After a few moments, Bradshaw and Ron Simmons join Noble at the poker table, making sure to knock on their own door before taking a seat. Bradshaw slaps Noble on the back, causing him to wince, and praises him for showing a load of spirit and guts last week. Simmons seconds that with his booming voice. “I agree!” He then brings down a hard slap to the back of Noble, sending the smaller man forward into the table and scrunching his face up in complete agony. Both members of the APA tell Noble that they appreciate what he did for them, and they know he’s been working hard to pay off his debt - which he still owes, Bradshaw making it clear it has not been forgiven. However, they both wanted to give him something. Bradshaw reveals an APA t-shirt and hands it to Noble, inducting him into their group as an honorary member.
Match 2 | CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC GAUNTLET:
Funaki vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Tajiri vs. Matt Hardy vs. Jamie Noble
It’s a five-man gauntlet to decide the next number one contender for the WWE Cruiserweight Title and the man who will challenge Nunzio at SummerSlam. The latter is revealed in commentary by Michael Cole, who advises that this is a direct result of the meeting held with the cruiserweight division last week. The opening duo is Jamie Noble and Funaki, and sees the man who calls himself the number one announcer advance to the next round. Noble tries, but his injuries from last week cause him too much pain, and Funaki can roll him up for a three count. Next out is Tajiri, who ends up getting the best of Funaki. Then Scotty 2 Hotty enters the gauntlet, having drawn the second-to-last spot in the list. Tajiri puts this round of the gauntlet away with a burst of green mist, blinding Scotty and finishing him with a kick to the head. The final round sees Matt Hardy and Tajiri compete for the chance to head to SummerSlam. With his green mist used, Tajiri is unable to find a way to overcome the fresher man. Hardy catches a kick attempt, boots Tajiri in the gut and hits the Twist of Fate for the three count. Matt Hardy has won and will challenge Nunzio at the biggest party of the Summer for the WWE Cruiserweight Title.
Winner: Matt Hardy @ 09:34 - WILL FACE NUNZIO AT SUMMERSLAM!
There’s a loud argument going on as the door to the General Manager’s office swings open. The siblings, Shane and Stephanie McMahon, are in a heated debate over what happened last week in conjunction with the opening segment. Shane is waving his arms around, very over the top, and argues that in the last two weeks, he has made SmackDown more exciting and unpredictable than ever before. “Take a look around sis! We’ve got a new number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title, Edge and The Rock in the main event with Brock as the referee, I could go on.” Voicing her frustration, Stephanie tells her brother that she has run SmackDown successfully since the brand split. She does not appreciate his attitude and the way he has come in and tried to discredit what she has done. Stephanie also points out that supporting actions like those Edge did is only going to cause more problems and mayhem if the rest of the boys on the roster think that’s the way to get their way. Before they can continue their debate, Kevin Nash enters the room and requests a moment to speak with the McMahon siblings.
…
*Commercial Break*
…
Michael Cole and Tazz are the focus of the camera when we return from the break. There’s a serious tone to Cole as he outlines the footage we are about to be shown. He explains that this is the raw footage from the local hotel that the WWE superstars were staying at last Sunday/Monday before Monday Night Raw. As was advertised, Hulk Hogan was supposed to appear on the flagship, but failed to appear on the show because he was rumoured to have been attacked at the hotel earlier in the day. The footage has finally been provided to WWE, and we are able to confirm exactly what happened. It’s black and white, old-style VHS footage from a security camera that shows the Hulkster putting his bags into the boot of a car. Suddenly, a figure jumps him from behind, attacking him with punches to the back of his head and slams the boot of the car across the top of his back. A few moments later, Chris Jericho is shown, clear as day, as the attacker, and he stomps on Hogan’s head one final time before fleeing the scene. Back inside the arena, Tazz and Cole blast Jericho for his cowardly attack ahead of his match with Hogan at SummerSlam. They call him a coward, someone who is afraid of meeting Hogan when he’s at 100%, and then reveal that Y2J will be live via satellite later in the evening to address the footage.
Elsewhere, Kurt Angle walks through the halls of the arena on his way to the locker room. Once he arrives, Angle enters and finds Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio. He tells them that he’s been looking all over for the pair. “Listen, I wanted to thank you both for coming down to the ring last week and helping me. I know what those vultures would’ve done had you not been there to make the save.” Kidman and Mysterio tell Angle that they know exactly the types of things the Dangerous Alliance would’ve done if they could get away with it. There needs to be a change here on SmackDown - the locker room cannot allow Heyman and his cronies to run wild like they own the place. Tonight, they’ll get the opportunity in six-man tag action when they take on all three members of the opposing faction. Angle reveals that he plans on accepting Cena's challenge for a match at SummerSlam. Kidman declares that he’s ready for another chance to get his hands on Cena after coming so close to winning the US Title from him. There are reasons for all three men to want a piece of the Dangerous Alliance, and Angle tells his de facto partners that tonight, if all goes to plan, they’ll all have something to smile about.
Match 3 | TAG TEAM MATCH:
APA vs. Samoan Death Squad
The match itself isn’t the story for this one. It’s a hard-hitting tag bout between four men who are not known for laying it on softly against their competitors. What makes this interesting is the involvement of the man on the outside. Even after his defeat earlier in the night, Jamie Noble finds himself at ringside with his newly minted associates, regardless of how much money he owes them for bad betting practices. Toward the end of the match, Noble is used as a distraction by the SDS to rip the advantage away from the APA. It appears that Bradshaw is about to put Fatu away with the big lariat when Samu grabs Noble around the neck and yells in the direction of the two legal men. Bradshaw instinctively reacts by moving toward Noble to make a save, and that allows Fatu to strike with a jab to the throat. He would then hit a running hip attack in the corner, following up with a big splash off the top rope for the win.
After the match, Cornette instructs his tag team to send a message to their foes. Fatu and Samu drag Noble into the ring and connect with the Kill Shot, adding further agony to his already awful night and injuries. They stand tall in the ring, providing credence to the claims that Cornette made last week when he said that his Death Squad would outmatch the APA under standard tag team rules. Even if they took a cheap way to get there, with the threat of Jamie Noble.
Winners: Samoan Death Squad @ 07:56
…
*Commercial Break*
…
In the backstage area, Nunzio cuts a promo direct to the camera on the cruiserweight gauntlet from earlier tonight. With the title belt on his shoulder, Nunzio declares that he fears nobody in the division, let alone a man like Matt Hardy. He jokes that Matt has spent the last ten months trying to get overweight men and women around the world to buy his crappy little motivational DVD. “While Matt Hary was preaching about being a follower of his stupid gimmick, I was becoming a champion!” He’s cut off mid-sentence when Matt Hardy approaches him for the second week in a row. This time, Hardy does so with the status of number one contender to his name. Hardy claims that he doesn’t disagree with anything Nunzio had to say. He has spent a long time chasing other goals, focusing on things he isn’t proud of, and mistakes were made. “Like everyone, I’m human, and I stumble. But like the good men and women out there, who have supported me before, and I hope do so now, when I get knocked down, I always get back up!” Nunzio sneers, showing off his title, and warns Matt that at SummerSlam, he’ll put that to the test. Nunzio and the FBI exit, leaving Matt Hardy standing solo with his chest pushed out and an air of confidence about him.
Match 4 | SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
Dangerous Alliance vs. Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman
The faction makes their entrance as a unit, as would be expected, in contrast to the individual entrances of their opponents in their makeshift team. Heyman is at ringside for the match to deliver instructions and advice for the Alliance. Things open up with Cena jawjacking with Angle, mocking him with motions resembling the attack with the title belt from Vengeance. During the match, Cole and Tazz put over how well the duo of Kidman and Mysterio work together as a combination of electric speed and athletic ability. They can keep the World’s Greatest on the back foot throughout, and score a nearfall when Rey springboards back into the ring with a DDT in mid-air. At the climax of the bout, Angle and Cena spill to the outside, and the former WWE Champion nails the ‘Man of the Hour’ with a stiff lariat that sends him over the barricade into the fans. Cena stumbles, scrambling away as he makes a run for it through the audience, with Kurt Angle hot in pursuit. Meanwhile, Kidman and Mysterio take advantage of it being a two-on-two situation and hit a combination 619 into a Shooting Star Press. Mysterio is legal and takes the pinfall over Shelton Benjamin - leaving Heyman in utter shock.
Winners: Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman @ 12:56
…
*Commercial Break*
…
In the back, Big Show and A-Train march through the busy hallways like two arrogant bullies without a care in the world. They knock over a stack of merch, not caring about the mess and shove a production assistant to the ground for having the nerve to walk in front of them. Show and A-Train mock those around them as being weak. The duo arrives at their destination, which turns out to be the office of the General Manager (or is it General Manager’s, at this point?). Matching the arrogance of their approach, Big Show and A-Train push open the door without knocking and meet both McMahon siblings. Throughout their time in the office, neither Big Show nor A-Train speaks directly to Stephanie McMahon. Deeming her to now be secondary, for whatever reason, perhaps because she is a woman, but they dismiss her nonetheless. Instead, Show and A-Train express their concerns to Shane McMahon, thanking him for coming to the blue brand and cleaning up the mess the brand had before his arrival. They know that Shane, praising him, will do what his others - shooting a look at Stephanie - have failed to do in recognising the two star athletes standing before him. In response, Shane describes them as being the very image of what he expects for SmackDown’s future and offers them a chance to discuss this further over a nightcap after the show, which they accept.
SmackDown now rolls into a split screen with Michael Cole on one side from the announce desk. On the other half of the screen, Chris Jericho is shown sitting in his home in New York, live via satellite. The first question has to be about the attack from Monday, which, ironically, Jericho does not deny. He accepts responsibility for the attack and reminds both Cole and the fans of all the horrid things that the Hulkster did while he was running wild in World Championship Wrestling. Jericho argues that his attack was no more vile an act than what Hulk Hogan had done only a few years ago to keep his spot at the top of the former company. "I was there, Michael. I saw firsthand what Hogan would do to keep his spot. You and the fans of the WWE only have this heroic vision of the man in red and yellow. There's no greater fake than Hulk Hogan." Cole pushes back as best he can, but Jericho hammers home the point that his actions are viewed one way, while Hogan has a history of the same action, and it is viewed entirely differently. This is the hyprisocary that Jericho says makes him sick. Hogan has gotten away with being an awful person for far too long. He has knocked down many and drowned his fellow wrestlers while pretending to pull them out of the water. “I am not the bad guy in this match, Michael. I am the only one who is honest. Hulk Hogan would have you believe he is a good guy. No, he is as vile a man as you believe me to be; you’re just so blinded by his pomp and circumstances that you fail to see it. He has no friends.” As the segment wraps up, Chris Jericho shows off that he has retained the bandana that Hulk Hogan was wearing the night of the attack, twirling it in his fingers as he smirks to end the feed.
With just mere moments before the main event, Edge stands in a hallway with a bottle of water in his hand. It’s shaking, ever so slightly, as he ponders what opportunity awaits him after the commercial break. With just the slap of the mat three times, Edge could find himself headlining SummerSlam for the first time in his career. The camera stays on Edge as he looks up, his eyes narrowing, the bottle in his hand crunching under his tightening grip. Brock Lesnar approaches him directly. They stare each other in the eyes - not saying a word for a time. Edge speaks first, telling Brock that all he has to do is call the match down the middle. “I’ll handle the rest. I know we aren’t friends, and I’m not asking for any favours. I just want the shot I deserve. Do the right thing and give me a fair chance out there.” He questions whether Brock is such a big deal. Why would he hesitate to give him a fair go? After all, what does the ‘Next Big Thing’ have to fear, even if it is a triple threat? In response, Brock smirks and explains that he doesn’t care if it’s one-on-one or a three-way. So long as the WWE Title is on the line, that’s all he needs to regain the title that was stolen from him at Survivor Series. Brock promises to call it down the middle, but makes a point to say he does not fear Edge joining the match because he’s already beaten him.
…
*Commercial Break*
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Match 5 | SINGLES MATCH | IF EDGE WINS, HE JOINS THE WWE TITLE MATCH AT SUMMERSLAM:
WWE Champ, The Rock vs. Edge - [Special Referee: Brock Lesnar]
A main event worthy of the hype surrounding it. Three of the biggest names on SmackDown are taking centre stage with a spot at SummerSlam on the line. There are huge implications for all three men. During the entrances, Edge still holds the WWE Title but does not wear it, for he has not earned that right. When The Rock enters, he immediately starts demanding that the title be returned to him, or else. Once inside the ring, Edge lays the title on the canvas in front of him, motions to The Rock and dares him to come and get it. Before he can do so, Brock Lesnar makes his way out in a referee shirt and orders both men back up to their corners.
It’s a bout which nearly goes fifteen minutes, and has a controversial finish to it. The Rock knocks Edge off the apron of the ring, sending him to the floor, and he stomps back to the middle of the ring while slapping his hand against his thigh. Where a normal referee would have begun a count, Brock Lesnar shows no interest. He leans against the turnbuckle, shaking his head and telling The Rock that he'd better go get Edge because he’s not going to call this a countout. This infuriates the WWE Champion, who shouts at Lesnar that he’s going to screw it up for both of them. “Make the count you, idiot!” It was never going to happen. The Rock was forced to go to the outside, where Edge grabbed him and tossed the WWE Champion into the announce table. They battled on the outside for a minute with Edge getting the best of it, and he tossed The Rock back into the ring. Before he returned to the squared circle, Edge turned, reached down and grabbed a steel chair.
The poison chalice was once again in his hand as Edge entered the ring with the steel chair firmly in his grip. The weapon that had given him fame and fortune, and the tool that he saw as the way to ascend to the next level. Brock warned him twice, telling Edge that he could not ignore this - but Edge spat back at him to just make the count. Edge raised the chair to strike… at which point Lesnar snatched it from his grasp! Edge swiftly turned around, his eyes wide and shoved Brock hard in the chest. “I won’t let you screw me again!” Edge went back to The Rock, hit him with a punch before turning around as Lesnar swung the chair at his head! At the last second, Edge ducks and Lesnar accidentally collects The Rock in the face with the chair. Down goes the WWE Champion, Edge can’t believe it. He scurries into the cover, shouting at Brock to do the right thing and send him to SummerSlam. Lesnar hesitates a moment but ultimately drops to his knees and slaps the mat three times, the third being in total disgust with himself.
Winner: Edge @ 13:14 - THE WWE TITLE MATCH WILL BE A TRIPLE THREAT!
You would have to see it to believe it! For the second time since his return, The Rock has been defeated. He has lost for the first time in singles action and, in doing so, will now be forced to defend the WWE Championship against two men. After the three count is made, Brock Lesnar rolls to the outside and storms up the ramp, furious that he let Edge get to him and with the mistake he made at the end. Inside the ring, Edge poses like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The contract is now valid - it will be The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Edge for the WWE Title. Edge will get a second chance to become the WWE Champion after coming so close at No Way Out back in February. A six-month wait will reach its conclusion at the biggest party of the summer. As he falls to his knees in the ring, Edge looks out to the crowd, sensing they are behind him and his journey to achieve his boyhood dream.
The card at the end of this SmackDown is your official SummerSlam lineup as well. We've got two weeks of hyping up what is there and expanding upon stories, but all the matches appearing on the PPV have now been announced. Settled on 9 matches in total, as anything else felt like overkill for what promises to be a stacked show.
SmackDown! - August 7, 2003
Skyreach Place in Kelowna, British Columbia
Broadcast on UPN
"The Ultimate Opportunity”
*OPENING VIDEO*
*PYRO*
The voice of Michael Cole welcomes us to the first episode of SmackDown for August. After running down the card for what the fans can expect tonight, Cole is cut off when the arena goes dark. A spotlight shines from the top of the arena and focuses on a section of the crowd where an unexpected guest is standing. A big pop from the audience echoes throughout the building. The camera zooms in and reveals Edge standing amongst the fans… still in possession of the WWE Championship that he claimed last week during his invasion of the contract signing between The Rock and Brock Lesnar. With a microphone in his hand, Edge welcomes everyone to SmackDown and declares that for the first time in months, the WWE Title is in the hands of someone who deserves it. The fans chant his name while Edge recaps the invasion last week. What happened after his chat with Shane McMahon is that Edge realised he had to snatch opportunity if he wanted to get what he earned. “Make no mistake about it, ladies and gentlemen, I beat Brock Lesnar at Vengeance!” Edge slaps the WWE Title with his free hand and admits that it feels hollow at the moment, holding the belt without being able to call himself the champion. It’s all he has ever dreamt about since he was a kid, and after last week, he truly believes that he is as close as he has ever been. “I’m holding the title that should be mine! So, Rock… come and get it.”
“Next Big Thing” answers the call instead of the music for the WWE Champion. There may not be more tension between two men than there is between Edge and Brock Lesnar after the last three months. The current number one contender, Brock Lesnar, walks down to the ring, looking directly at Edge, who remains in the crowd. Lesnar challenges Edge to stand across from him in the ring, but the man of the people remains amongst the fans. “Unlike you, I’ve got no interest in playing dress up with a belt that isn’t mine… yet.” Lesnar tells Edge that his invasion last week was shocking; it was chaotic, but at the end of the day, it didn’t get the job done. That’s the story of Edge’s life, according to Brock Lesnar. “You get close to being in the main event, and then you fall short. Look at you, Edge. You’re holding a title you’ve never won like you’ve achieved something.” Edge has to admit that he wants to win the WWE Title more than anything. He reminds Brock that when SmackDown ended last week, there were three names on the contract for the WWE Title match at SummerSlam. Almost immediately, Brock tells Edge that’s not how contracts work; you’d never get a contract signing done in the WWE. “You can’t just sign your name on it, Edge. Listen, kid. You might learn a thing or two.”
“It’s Conquered” hits over the speakers and introduces The Rock - making his entrance onto the stage without the WWE Championship for the first time since March. Cole and Tazz make sure the audience understands that, although he does not hold the title, he is still the WWE Champion. From the stage, The Rock blasts both men for taking up television time on his show. “After nearly seven boring minutes, The Rock has come out to put an end to this charade and take back the WWE Title that currently rests on the shoulder of the biggest whiny bitch in the WWE.” Edge looks across at the title on his shoulder and holds it up, shouting back to The Rock that he’s welcome to take it back. With a smile on his face, The Rock quips that having the belt doesn’t put Edge on his level. “You might carry that belt on your shoulder, but in that ring, you could never get the best of the Great One.” Almost as if on cue, Shane McMahon steps out onto the stage alongside the WWE Champion. He gives a big wrap to the crowd for being fired up so early in the night. After the events of last week, Shane reveals that he is thrilled to be back on SmackDown. “There’s a change in the air across this brand, and it begins with the three of you.” From his pocket, Shane pulls out the contract signed last week with all three names on it. He claims that this contract isn’t officially binding… just yet. You can’t just come out and sign a contract without being invited or having reviewed it with legal counsel.
“In the spirit of change and chaos - which I have promised to bring to SmackDown, I’m going to give Edge a chance to make this contract valid.” That doesn’t sit well with The Rock, who rips off his sunglasses and protests. For him, adding Edge to the title match at SummerSlam would leave him with a 33% chance of walking out as still champion. It’ll be decided in the main event tonight. Edge will step into the ring and compete one-on-one with The Rock in a singles match. If he wins, he’ll be the third man in the WWE Title match, and it’ll be contested under Triple Threat rules at SummerSlam. If he loses, Edge gets nothing and cannot challenge for the WWE Championship so long as The Rock holds the gold. As Shane describes it, for Edge, it’s all or nothing. He either seizes the moment or he watches it pass. You think that’s it until Shane holds up a finger, revealing one last twist - the referee of the main event, to decide if Edge is added to the title match, will be the current number one contender, Brock Lesnar!
…
*Commercial Break*
…
Match 1 | SINGLES MATCH:
Chavo Guerrero vs. Mark Henry
For the first time since Vengeance, we have in-ring competition from both of these men. It’s a standard affair that is focused on putting over Mark Henry. Coming off his big loss to the Hulkster, Mark Henry is uncontrollable in the ring with his rage and power. We see evidence of this when Mark Henry shoves a cameraman at ringside to the ground for the mistake of standing too close to the ring steel that he wants to climb. His opponent, Chavo Guerrero, is not one to show any fear in his athletic endeavours. Chavo kicks things off by firing up, slugging away at Henry until he is grabbed around the shoulders and thrown across the ring. Henry flattens Chavo with a hard shoulder block into an elbow drop combination that rattles the ring. The camera captures Chavo coughing desperately, trying to get some air in his lungs while Henry rebounds off the ropes and brings his weight down across Guerrero for a second time. At the finish, Henry catches Chavo Guerrero off a springboard attempt and plants him with the World’s Strongest Slam for the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry @ 06:34
In the immediate aftermath of the encounter, Mark Henry shouts at the referee to raise his hand and declare him the winner. There’s an uneasy feeling around the ringside. It’s like everyone knows this isn’t done yet. The referee attempts to show Mark to the exit, but Henry shakes his head and shoves the referee to the ground! Stomping back across the ring, Henry grabs Chavo by the arm and pulls him with ease to the corner of the ring. He continues to assault Chavo after the bell. As Henry appears to set himself up for another devastating move - Eddie Guerrero sprints down to the ring with a steel chair in his hand as an equaliser! Henry backs away, exits the ring and shoots a mean look toward Latino Heat. Inside the ring, Eddie stands over his nephew, challenging Henry to bring the fight now.
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In a pre-taped video package, WWE United States Champion John Cena and his manager, Paul Heyman, are in a back alley near the arena earlier in the day. With the title around his waist, in a ‘Dangerous Alliance’ branded hoodie, Cena cuts a promo on the massive ego that is inside the tiny brain of Kurt Angle. For all his awards and accolades, the bald fraud couldn’t clock what was coming his way at Vengeance. As Cena describes it - “Those gold medals didn’t smarten you up to what was looking you right in the face, Kurt.” He gloats about costing Angle the WWE Championship at Vengeance, highlighting repeatedly that he is the sole reason that the title, the thing that Angle has wanted more than anything else in the world for months, is not with him. “I screwed you at Vengeance because I run these streets! Look around, Kurt. I am untouchable. Nobody would dare do to me what I did to you. They fear the name - John Cena!” With a cocky smirk on his face, Cena crosses his arms, leaning back against a wall and issues a challenge. At SummerSlam, John Cena versus Kurt Angle… in a non-title match. “I don’t give out title shots to people coming off a loss. This is personal, and if you've got the guts, you’ll face me without getting a shot at my prize.”
…
*Commercial Break*
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Upon the return from the commercial break, Jamie Noble is sitting around the APA poker table by himself. His head has a bandage wrapped around it, and his ribs are taped up as well from the sacrifice he made last week. Noble tries to take a sip of beer from the table, but he groans in pain, recalling the impact of the splash from Fatu a week earlier. After a few moments, Bradshaw and Ron Simmons join Noble at the poker table, making sure to knock on their own door before taking a seat. Bradshaw slaps Noble on the back, causing him to wince, and praises him for showing a load of spirit and guts last week. Simmons seconds that with his booming voice. “I agree!” He then brings down a hard slap to the back of Noble, sending the smaller man forward into the table and scrunching his face up in complete agony. Both members of the APA tell Noble that they appreciate what he did for them, and they know he’s been working hard to pay off his debt - which he still owes, Bradshaw making it clear it has not been forgiven. However, they both wanted to give him something. Bradshaw reveals an APA t-shirt and hands it to Noble, inducting him into their group as an honorary member.
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Match 2 | CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC GAUNTLET:
Funaki vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Tajiri vs. Matt Hardy vs. Jamie Noble
It’s a five-man gauntlet to decide the next number one contender for the WWE Cruiserweight Title and the man who will challenge Nunzio at SummerSlam. The latter is revealed in commentary by Michael Cole, who advises that this is a direct result of the meeting held with the cruiserweight division last week. The opening duo is Jamie Noble and Funaki, and sees the man who calls himself the number one announcer advance to the next round. Noble tries, but his injuries from last week cause him too much pain, and Funaki can roll him up for a three count. Next out is Tajiri, who ends up getting the best of Funaki. Then Scotty 2 Hotty enters the gauntlet, having drawn the second-to-last spot in the list. Tajiri puts this round of the gauntlet away with a burst of green mist, blinding Scotty and finishing him with a kick to the head. The final round sees Matt Hardy and Tajiri compete for the chance to head to SummerSlam. With his green mist used, Tajiri is unable to find a way to overcome the fresher man. Hardy catches a kick attempt, boots Tajiri in the gut and hits the Twist of Fate for the three count. Matt Hardy has won and will challenge Nunzio at the biggest party of the Summer for the WWE Cruiserweight Title.
Winner: Matt Hardy @ 09:34 - WILL FACE NUNZIO AT SUMMERSLAM!
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There’s a loud argument going on as the door to the General Manager’s office swings open. The siblings, Shane and Stephanie McMahon, are in a heated debate over what happened last week in conjunction with the opening segment. Shane is waving his arms around, very over the top, and argues that in the last two weeks, he has made SmackDown more exciting and unpredictable than ever before. “Take a look around sis! We’ve got a new number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title, Edge and The Rock in the main event with Brock as the referee, I could go on.” Voicing her frustration, Stephanie tells her brother that she has run SmackDown successfully since the brand split. She does not appreciate his attitude and the way he has come in and tried to discredit what she has done. Stephanie also points out that supporting actions like those Edge did is only going to cause more problems and mayhem if the rest of the boys on the roster think that’s the way to get their way. Before they can continue their debate, Kevin Nash enters the room and requests a moment to speak with the McMahon siblings.
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*Commercial Break*
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Michael Cole and Tazz are the focus of the camera when we return from the break. There’s a serious tone to Cole as he outlines the footage we are about to be shown. He explains that this is the raw footage from the local hotel that the WWE superstars were staying at last Sunday/Monday before Monday Night Raw. As was advertised, Hulk Hogan was supposed to appear on the flagship, but failed to appear on the show because he was rumoured to have been attacked at the hotel earlier in the day. The footage has finally been provided to WWE, and we are able to confirm exactly what happened. It’s black and white, old-style VHS footage from a security camera that shows the Hulkster putting his bags into the boot of a car. Suddenly, a figure jumps him from behind, attacking him with punches to the back of his head and slams the boot of the car across the top of his back. A few moments later, Chris Jericho is shown, clear as day, as the attacker, and he stomps on Hogan’s head one final time before fleeing the scene. Back inside the arena, Tazz and Cole blast Jericho for his cowardly attack ahead of his match with Hogan at SummerSlam. They call him a coward, someone who is afraid of meeting Hogan when he’s at 100%, and then reveal that Y2J will be live via satellite later in the evening to address the footage.
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Elsewhere, Kurt Angle walks through the halls of the arena on his way to the locker room. Once he arrives, Angle enters and finds Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio. He tells them that he’s been looking all over for the pair. “Listen, I wanted to thank you both for coming down to the ring last week and helping me. I know what those vultures would’ve done had you not been there to make the save.” Kidman and Mysterio tell Angle that they know exactly the types of things the Dangerous Alliance would’ve done if they could get away with it. There needs to be a change here on SmackDown - the locker room cannot allow Heyman and his cronies to run wild like they own the place. Tonight, they’ll get the opportunity in six-man tag action when they take on all three members of the opposing faction. Angle reveals that he plans on accepting Cena's challenge for a match at SummerSlam. Kidman declares that he’s ready for another chance to get his hands on Cena after coming so close to winning the US Title from him. There are reasons for all three men to want a piece of the Dangerous Alliance, and Angle tells his de facto partners that tonight, if all goes to plan, they’ll all have something to smile about.
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Match 3 | TAG TEAM MATCH:
APA vs. Samoan Death Squad
The match itself isn’t the story for this one. It’s a hard-hitting tag bout between four men who are not known for laying it on softly against their competitors. What makes this interesting is the involvement of the man on the outside. Even after his defeat earlier in the night, Jamie Noble finds himself at ringside with his newly minted associates, regardless of how much money he owes them for bad betting practices. Toward the end of the match, Noble is used as a distraction by the SDS to rip the advantage away from the APA. It appears that Bradshaw is about to put Fatu away with the big lariat when Samu grabs Noble around the neck and yells in the direction of the two legal men. Bradshaw instinctively reacts by moving toward Noble to make a save, and that allows Fatu to strike with a jab to the throat. He would then hit a running hip attack in the corner, following up with a big splash off the top rope for the win.
After the match, Cornette instructs his tag team to send a message to their foes. Fatu and Samu drag Noble into the ring and connect with the Kill Shot, adding further agony to his already awful night and injuries. They stand tall in the ring, providing credence to the claims that Cornette made last week when he said that his Death Squad would outmatch the APA under standard tag team rules. Even if they took a cheap way to get there, with the threat of Jamie Noble.
Winners: Samoan Death Squad @ 07:56
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*Commercial Break*
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In the backstage area, Nunzio cuts a promo direct to the camera on the cruiserweight gauntlet from earlier tonight. With the title belt on his shoulder, Nunzio declares that he fears nobody in the division, let alone a man like Matt Hardy. He jokes that Matt has spent the last ten months trying to get overweight men and women around the world to buy his crappy little motivational DVD. “While Matt Hary was preaching about being a follower of his stupid gimmick, I was becoming a champion!” He’s cut off mid-sentence when Matt Hardy approaches him for the second week in a row. This time, Hardy does so with the status of number one contender to his name. Hardy claims that he doesn’t disagree with anything Nunzio had to say. He has spent a long time chasing other goals, focusing on things he isn’t proud of, and mistakes were made. “Like everyone, I’m human, and I stumble. But like the good men and women out there, who have supported me before, and I hope do so now, when I get knocked down, I always get back up!” Nunzio sneers, showing off his title, and warns Matt that at SummerSlam, he’ll put that to the test. Nunzio and the FBI exit, leaving Matt Hardy standing solo with his chest pushed out and an air of confidence about him.
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Match 4 | SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
Dangerous Alliance vs. Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman
The faction makes their entrance as a unit, as would be expected, in contrast to the individual entrances of their opponents in their makeshift team. Heyman is at ringside for the match to deliver instructions and advice for the Alliance. Things open up with Cena jawjacking with Angle, mocking him with motions resembling the attack with the title belt from Vengeance. During the match, Cole and Tazz put over how well the duo of Kidman and Mysterio work together as a combination of electric speed and athletic ability. They can keep the World’s Greatest on the back foot throughout, and score a nearfall when Rey springboards back into the ring with a DDT in mid-air. At the climax of the bout, Angle and Cena spill to the outside, and the former WWE Champion nails the ‘Man of the Hour’ with a stiff lariat that sends him over the barricade into the fans. Cena stumbles, scrambling away as he makes a run for it through the audience, with Kurt Angle hot in pursuit. Meanwhile, Kidman and Mysterio take advantage of it being a two-on-two situation and hit a combination 619 into a Shooting Star Press. Mysterio is legal and takes the pinfall over Shelton Benjamin - leaving Heyman in utter shock.
Winners: Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman @ 12:56
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*Commercial Break*
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In the back, Big Show and A-Train march through the busy hallways like two arrogant bullies without a care in the world. They knock over a stack of merch, not caring about the mess and shove a production assistant to the ground for having the nerve to walk in front of them. Show and A-Train mock those around them as being weak. The duo arrives at their destination, which turns out to be the office of the General Manager (or is it General Manager’s, at this point?). Matching the arrogance of their approach, Big Show and A-Train push open the door without knocking and meet both McMahon siblings. Throughout their time in the office, neither Big Show nor A-Train speaks directly to Stephanie McMahon. Deeming her to now be secondary, for whatever reason, perhaps because she is a woman, but they dismiss her nonetheless. Instead, Show and A-Train express their concerns to Shane McMahon, thanking him for coming to the blue brand and cleaning up the mess the brand had before his arrival. They know that Shane, praising him, will do what his others - shooting a look at Stephanie - have failed to do in recognising the two star athletes standing before him. In response, Shane describes them as being the very image of what he expects for SmackDown’s future and offers them a chance to discuss this further over a nightcap after the show, which they accept.
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SmackDown now rolls into a split screen with Michael Cole on one side from the announce desk. On the other half of the screen, Chris Jericho is shown sitting in his home in New York, live via satellite. The first question has to be about the attack from Monday, which, ironically, Jericho does not deny. He accepts responsibility for the attack and reminds both Cole and the fans of all the horrid things that the Hulkster did while he was running wild in World Championship Wrestling. Jericho argues that his attack was no more vile an act than what Hulk Hogan had done only a few years ago to keep his spot at the top of the former company. "I was there, Michael. I saw firsthand what Hogan would do to keep his spot. You and the fans of the WWE only have this heroic vision of the man in red and yellow. There's no greater fake than Hulk Hogan." Cole pushes back as best he can, but Jericho hammers home the point that his actions are viewed one way, while Hogan has a history of the same action, and it is viewed entirely differently. This is the hyprisocary that Jericho says makes him sick. Hogan has gotten away with being an awful person for far too long. He has knocked down many and drowned his fellow wrestlers while pretending to pull them out of the water. “I am not the bad guy in this match, Michael. I am the only one who is honest. Hulk Hogan would have you believe he is a good guy. No, he is as vile a man as you believe me to be; you’re just so blinded by his pomp and circumstances that you fail to see it. He has no friends.” As the segment wraps up, Chris Jericho shows off that he has retained the bandana that Hulk Hogan was wearing the night of the attack, twirling it in his fingers as he smirks to end the feed.
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With just mere moments before the main event, Edge stands in a hallway with a bottle of water in his hand. It’s shaking, ever so slightly, as he ponders what opportunity awaits him after the commercial break. With just the slap of the mat three times, Edge could find himself headlining SummerSlam for the first time in his career. The camera stays on Edge as he looks up, his eyes narrowing, the bottle in his hand crunching under his tightening grip. Brock Lesnar approaches him directly. They stare each other in the eyes - not saying a word for a time. Edge speaks first, telling Brock that all he has to do is call the match down the middle. “I’ll handle the rest. I know we aren’t friends, and I’m not asking for any favours. I just want the shot I deserve. Do the right thing and give me a fair chance out there.” He questions whether Brock is such a big deal. Why would he hesitate to give him a fair go? After all, what does the ‘Next Big Thing’ have to fear, even if it is a triple threat? In response, Brock smirks and explains that he doesn’t care if it’s one-on-one or a three-way. So long as the WWE Title is on the line, that’s all he needs to regain the title that was stolen from him at Survivor Series. Brock promises to call it down the middle, but makes a point to say he does not fear Edge joining the match because he’s already beaten him.
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*Commercial Break*
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Match 5 | SINGLES MATCH | IF EDGE WINS, HE JOINS THE WWE TITLE MATCH AT SUMMERSLAM:
WWE Champ, The Rock vs. Edge - [Special Referee: Brock Lesnar]
A main event worthy of the hype surrounding it. Three of the biggest names on SmackDown are taking centre stage with a spot at SummerSlam on the line. There are huge implications for all three men. During the entrances, Edge still holds the WWE Title but does not wear it, for he has not earned that right. When The Rock enters, he immediately starts demanding that the title be returned to him, or else. Once inside the ring, Edge lays the title on the canvas in front of him, motions to The Rock and dares him to come and get it. Before he can do so, Brock Lesnar makes his way out in a referee shirt and orders both men back up to their corners.
It’s a bout which nearly goes fifteen minutes, and has a controversial finish to it. The Rock knocks Edge off the apron of the ring, sending him to the floor, and he stomps back to the middle of the ring while slapping his hand against his thigh. Where a normal referee would have begun a count, Brock Lesnar shows no interest. He leans against the turnbuckle, shaking his head and telling The Rock that he'd better go get Edge because he’s not going to call this a countout. This infuriates the WWE Champion, who shouts at Lesnar that he’s going to screw it up for both of them. “Make the count you, idiot!” It was never going to happen. The Rock was forced to go to the outside, where Edge grabbed him and tossed the WWE Champion into the announce table. They battled on the outside for a minute with Edge getting the best of it, and he tossed The Rock back into the ring. Before he returned to the squared circle, Edge turned, reached down and grabbed a steel chair.
The poison chalice was once again in his hand as Edge entered the ring with the steel chair firmly in his grip. The weapon that had given him fame and fortune, and the tool that he saw as the way to ascend to the next level. Brock warned him twice, telling Edge that he could not ignore this - but Edge spat back at him to just make the count. Edge raised the chair to strike… at which point Lesnar snatched it from his grasp! Edge swiftly turned around, his eyes wide and shoved Brock hard in the chest. “I won’t let you screw me again!” Edge went back to The Rock, hit him with a punch before turning around as Lesnar swung the chair at his head! At the last second, Edge ducks and Lesnar accidentally collects The Rock in the face with the chair. Down goes the WWE Champion, Edge can’t believe it. He scurries into the cover, shouting at Brock to do the right thing and send him to SummerSlam. Lesnar hesitates a moment but ultimately drops to his knees and slaps the mat three times, the third being in total disgust with himself.
Winner: Edge @ 13:14 - THE WWE TITLE MATCH WILL BE A TRIPLE THREAT!
You would have to see it to believe it! For the second time since his return, The Rock has been defeated. He has lost for the first time in singles action and, in doing so, will now be forced to defend the WWE Championship against two men. After the three count is made, Brock Lesnar rolls to the outside and storms up the ramp, furious that he let Edge get to him and with the mistake he made at the end. Inside the ring, Edge poses like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. The contract is now valid - it will be The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Edge for the WWE Title. Edge will get a second chance to become the WWE Champion after coming so close at No Way Out back in February. A six-month wait will reach its conclusion at the biggest party of the summer. As he falls to his knees in the ring, Edge looks out to the crowd, sensing they are behind him and his journey to achieve his boyhood dream.
END OF SHOW
***
Current Card for SummerSlam:
Date: August 24, 2003
Location: America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona
!! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER !!
The Main Event of SummerSlam:
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Goldberg
World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Champion, Booker T defends against;
The Game, Triple H
WWE Championship | Triple Threat Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar;
Edge
Singles Match | Non-Title:
Kurt Angle vs. John Cena (with Paul Heyman)
WWE Women’s Championship Match:
Jazz [c] (with Theodore Long) vs. Sable
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio [c] (with the FBI) vs. Matt Hardy
Interpromotional Match:
Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho
World Tag Team Championship Match:
Goldust & Dusty Rhodes [c] vs. Evolution (Batista & Ric Flair)
The Devil’s Temptation | Singles Match:
Shawn Michaels vs. Any Member of the Forsaken
***
Current Card for SummerSlam:
Date: August 24, 2003
Location: America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona
!! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER !!
The Main Event of SummerSlam:
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Goldberg
World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Champion, Booker T defends against;
The Game, Triple H
WWE Championship | Triple Threat Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar;
Edge
Singles Match | Non-Title:
Kurt Angle vs. John Cena (with Paul Heyman)
WWE Women’s Championship Match:
Jazz [c] (with Theodore Long) vs. Sable
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio [c] (with the FBI) vs. Matt Hardy
Interpromotional Match:
Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho
World Tag Team Championship Match:
Goldust & Dusty Rhodes [c] vs. Evolution (Batista & Ric Flair)
The Devil’s Temptation | Singles Match:
Shawn Michaels vs. Any Member of the Forsaken
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