Raw is War

Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
February 28, 2000

The road to WrestleMania began when RAW IS WAR kicked off live from New York City's Madison Square Garden. Triple H and Stephanie came to ringside to start the show. A somber Triple H told the capacity crowd in New York that he has now learned to respect Mick Foley, especially after the Hell in a Cell Match at No Way Out. As a sign of respect for Foley, Triple H put together a tribute package, which aired on the TitanTron. Just when everybody in attendance thought Triple H had a heart, the tribute package turned into a typical DX package - poking fun at the now retired Mick Foley. Soon thereafter, the Game and Stephanie hugged in celebration. However, not long into their celebration Shane McMahon and Big Show hit the ring to interrupt. Shane explained that he was not going to sit by while his sister ran the Federation, which is why he has aligned himself with Big Show. The Rock's music then hit the arena, interrupting Shane's commentary. The Great One congratulated the four in the ring for being A-holes. Triple H then reminded The Rock that he was not involved in the main event at WrestleMania. In fact, he told The Rock that he would be starting at the bottom of the ladder. The Rock then learned that he would fight the Brooklyn Brawler later on in the evening.

Before the commercial break, the Hardys challenged the Acolytes to a match. After the commercial break, the match took place. The match began in the Hardys advantage, however, Faarooq and Bradshaw's size quickly swayed the momentum in the Acolytes' favor. The Acolytes controlled the majority of the match, however, the Hardys gained the victory when Matt Hardy pinned Bradshaw after a Twist of Fate.

The new Intercontinental Champion made an open challenge for the European Championship earlier in the day. Rikishi Phatu accepted. An unexpecting Angle looked very unimpressive, as Rikishi absolutely destroyed him. Angle then intentionally got himself counted out, saving the European Championship. While on his way back to the showers, Angle was cut off by Y2J and Chyna. The duo forced Angle back to the ring, where he was met again by Rikishi. The Radicals then made their way into the ring, followed by the popular tag team of Too Cool. A huge brawl quickly ensued. When it was all said and done, the Radicals and Angle were forced back to the dressing room by Jericho, Chyna, Rikishi and Too Cool. Afterwards, the five Superstars danced in unison as the crowd in New York went wild.

Next up, Edge and Christian made their way to the ring in preparation for their match against Al Snow and Steve Blackman. Prior to the match Terri joined J.R. and the King at the commentators' booth. During the match, fans learned that Terri was upset with Matt and Jeff Hardy because they only visited her twice a week while she was in the hospital. Apparently, she was not given the adoration she desired. In the ring, Edge pinned Blackman after Terri distracted him with a foam cheese hat.

The Rock then took on the Brooklyn Brawler. Needless to say, this match was a one-sided affair. The Rock made short work of the Brawler, pinning him after a Rock Bottom. After the match, The Rock challenged Triple H. Never one to back down from a challenge, the Champion made his way to the ring. However, he was cut off by Shane McMahon. Shane warned Triple H not to fall into The Rock's trap, for he might end up losing his Championship. Rather, Stephanie told the People's Champ that he could get his No. 1 contender's spot back if he could pin either Big Show or the Game in a two-on-one match.

In a match setup earlier in the evening, Chris Jericho took on Perry Saturn. Y2J was able to score the victory, but give the assist to Chyna. She nailed Saturn with a low blow, and Jericho quickly followed with an Asai moonsault.

Mark Henry then challenged Crash Holly for the World Wrestling Federation Hardcore Championship. Several minutes into the match, Mae Young interfered on behalf of her boyfriend. The idea proved to be a poor one, as Mae's attempt at a splash injured her stomach. Fans later learned that Mae was in labor.

Next up, an angry Tazz battled Chris Benoit. The action was fast and furious. Both Superstars came within inches of a victory early on in the match. The match ended when Boss Man and Prince Albert attacked Tazz from behind. The two Superstars did everything in their power to keep Tazz down, but their appeared to be no stopping the hometown boy, that is until Prince Albert dropped him on a steel chair.

The new Tag Team Champions then defended their titles against Road Dogg and X-Pac. Earlier in the evening, Mr. Ass took exception to X-Pac taking his spot with Road Dogg. DX then put Mr. Ass on the wrong end of an ass beating. Road Dogg nearly won back the Championship he lost just 24 hours earlier when caught D-Von Dudley in a modified sunset flip. The Dudleys regained the momentum soon thereafter. The match came to an end when Kane made his way to the ring, alongside his father, Paul Bearer. The Big Red Machine destroyed Road Dogg, D-Von, and Buh Buh Ray, while X-Pac ran from the wrath.

A touching Mick Foley tribute then aired. The package highlighted the long and illustrious career of the King of Hardcore, Mick Foley.

In the final match of the evening, Big Show and Triple H took on The Rock. It was learned earlier in the show that if The Rock can pin either one of his opponents, he would recapture his No. 1 contender's spot for WrestleMania. Despite being out-manned, The Rock held his own in this all-important match. It looked as though the Great One was going to get the win when Big Show accidentally floored his partner with a clothesline, followed by a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow, but Shane McMahon interfered on behalf of Big Show and Triple H. The Rock won by disqualification. He didn't get the pinfall he needed to go on to WrestleMania.