[2001-02-26-WWF-Raw] Big Show vs The Rock vs Kurt Angle (Hardcore)

[GSR]

The new World champion, The Rock, is out, the man who’s now scheduled to go to Wrestlemania on April 1st where he will defend that title against ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.  Rock says the way that Kurt Angle brought it to him last night, the way he kicked out of the People’s elbow, the way he almost snapped his ankle, he can respect that.  After he beat him though he saw the other side of his personality, the person who cries, complains and moans.  He beat him for the World title and he’s the person going on to Wrestlemania but if Kurt Angle wants to bitch and moan why doesn’t he come out and bitch to The Rock?  It’s not Kurt Angle coming out, it’s ‘Stone Cold’ himself.  Austin firstly congratulates Rock on winning the gold and says Angle can cry all he wants but the fact is the better man won.  He has some advice for The Rock and that is as long as he’s the WWF champion, to “stay healthy”.  Nothing more and he’s about to leave when Rock tells him not to.  The Rock appreciates his advice although has some words of his own “Get ready”.  The two are nose to nose, eyeball to eyeball, they did next to nothing and it was so good.

Why is the World champion in a match for the Hardcore title?  Show is the new champion after winning the belt at the PPV yesterday.  It’s explained that earlier in the show Rock said he wanted Angle, Angle said he want Rock and Show said he also wanted Rock, so Mr McMahon made the match.  Apparently Show being involved is punishment for interfering in the World title match last night, although considering he wanted Rock anyway not sure how this is much of a punishment?  JR has never heard of the WWF champion fighting for the Hardcore title.  Me neither Jim.  As Rock and Angle glare at each other, Show runs through the pair with a double clothesline. Interesting to note how in the next couple of minutes, as things progress, Show sells for Rock but completely no sells for Angle.  The Rock ends up on the outside but manages to slide down Show’s back after being put over his shoulder and sends him crashing into the ring post, taking him briefly out the game.  Back inside, Rock with a Dragon screw into the Sharpshooter.  Show recovers in time to break that up courtesy of a big forearm to the back of Rock’s head.  Rock blocks the chokeslam with a low blow.  We’re reminded that is legal as it’s no DQ due to it being Hardcore rules.  Like when does anyone ever get disqualified for a low blow anyway?  Angle daftly tries to suplex Show, obviously getting nowhere, when Rock is over to provide assistance and the two of them manage to get him up.  As Angle celebrates the feat the WWF ‘C’ team start to interject themselves, each wanting to get their hands on the Hardcore belt.  In order, Steve Blackman, Bob Holly, Albert, Perry Saturn and finally Billy Gunn all arrive as there is effectively two separate matches going on now.  The Hardcore crew fight up the aisle towards the back, Essa Rios and Crash Holly also involving themselves, both trying their luck with crossbodies off the stage (both are caught).  For some reason Albert and Saturn decide against following the crowd, preferring to help Angle in a three-on-one beatdown of the Rock.  The masses have made their way backstage, Show ending the encounter by pinning Rios up against a wall.  Things are looking precarious for the Rock until Steve Austin comes to is rescue with stunners for Angle and Saturn.  It made clear that he wants Rock to “stay healthy” for Wrestlemania, just like he said earlier.