[2000-10-05-WWF-Smackdown] The Rock vs Kane

[soup23]

I get they are trying to humanize Kane but his pre match promo here was bad with him sounding whiny and being too vulnerable as the monster about to go for a chance at the title. The streak continues lately of SmackDown having the best WWF tv match of the week and this is one of the better Kane matches period honestly. It was kept at a good length and the pace never lets up. Rock being stalked by Kane looked believable and Rock does a great sell job especially around the outside area having to use a bell and other tactics to gain the advantage. All of Rock’s comebacks throughout the match are cut off by Kane and the crowd seems to really believe a title change is possible when Kane grabs Rock’s throat when he goes for the People’s Elbow for the first time. Kane goes up top and gets pounded down by Rock and now Rock is looking for a big move on the outside. Ref gets bumped and out comes Angle with a chair. Angle smashes Kane and Rock with the chair. Referee is back and they tease a countout with Kane placing Rock back in the ring at a count of 8. Chokeslam from Kane and a nice dramatic kickout by Rock with the referee still hurting. This gave Kane a good visual victory over the champion. Rock uncorks a miracle Rock Bottom off of some punches and both guys are down again. Rikishi now comes in the ring and hammers Kane calling for the DQ. Really smart booking here given what is about to happen and kudos to both Rock and Kane for an exciting match. ***1/4 (6.7)