Raw is War

College Station, Texas
April 15, 2002

With just six days to go before Backlash, the April 15 episode of RAW emanated live from the campus of Texas A&M!

World Wrestling Federation co-owner headed to the ring to a huge ovation as the show kicked off. The Nature Boy said the crowd was on fire tonight, and he was glad, because they had a tremendous program tonight. He said he wanted to start out by apologizing for being the first one on the show, being that there was such a wealth of talent in the locker room.

Flair said as a result of events that took place on RAW last Monday night, he wanted to address a certain individual -- Stone Cold Steve Austin. Flair said he recognized that Austin was anti-authority, but said unlike Vince McMahon, Flair had no desire to go to war with him. Flair said that he and Austin had a lot in common. He said he'd been an owner for a little less than a year, and before that, he'd performed for the fans every night, just as Austin had. Flair also said that he told Austin last week that he liked him, and he was determined to make their relationship work. He said personally, there was nothing he'd rather see than Austin beat Undertaker at Backlash and competing for the Undisputed Championship. Flair said he had no agenda -- in his mind, Austin was the man.

Flair said he had a problem with what happened last week, when Austin gave him a Stone Cold Stunner. The Nature Boy said the first time Austin Stunned him, he let it slide with a simple warning. But he'd said there would be hell to pay for another Stunner. So as a result -- but before Flair could finish, the sound of broken glass filled the arena, and out came the Rattlesnake!

The Texas native got a huge response from the Texas crowd, and wasted no time getting in Flair's face. Flair said that if Austin put his hands on him again, there would be hell to pay. The Nature Boy said he wouldn't suspend Austin as he did to Kevin Nash, but he was going to fine him $5,000. He asked Austin if they were clear, and the Rattlesnake said he heard Flair asking if they were clear. Austin asked Flair if they were clear, and told Flair to tell him who his opponent last Monday was supposed to be. He said it was Stone Cold vs. Scott Hall, but Flair wasn't Hall or Razor Ramon! So Austin said that Flair had come down uninvited, and deserved to get Stunned.

Austin said he never asked for help last week, and Flair had thrown himself in harm's way. Austin said that Flair had gotten a Stunner, and said big deal. He asked Flair if he was supposed to be his guardian angel. Austin said he didn't need Flair's help last week, and wouldn't need it this Sunday at Backlash. He said he would be the No. 1 contender after Backlash, because he would whip the Undertaker's ass -- and that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!

Suddenly, Undertaker's music filled the arena, and out came the Dead Man. Taker said as far as he was concerned, there was one bottom line -- Austin's focus was on the wrong man. He said he and Austin had a long history together, with Austin winning some and him winning some. Taker said they'd made each other bleed. He told Austin it would be a war this Sunday, since they didn't like each other, and never would. But Taker said Sunday, it wasn't because they didn't like each other, it was for a shot at the title. Taker said with the brand extension, they wouldn't have the same opportunities to get the title. So Taker told Austin to focus. He said their past didn't mean a damn, but he wanted Austin to know he would outwrestle him, outfight him and outcheat him to become the No. 1 contender. He told Austin to make no mistake about it -- at Backlash, he would beat him and go on to win the Undisputed Title.

Taker said what was pissing him off was how Austin was trying to pick a fight with Ric Flair, when deep down inside, Austin wanted Flair's help. Taker said Austin needed Flair's help. Austin said he didn't need anyone's help, and said that if Flair showed up at Backlash, he would Stun Flair right after he Stunner Taker. Taker said Austin had it wrong, because if Flair got out of line, after he beat Austin, he would kick Flair's teeth down his throat.

Flair said both men had it wrong. He said as the owner of the company, he was making himself the referee for their match at Backlash!

Things then went black and white, and out came Scott Hall and X-Pac of the nWo! Hall said the nWo was sick of hearing about what Ric Flair wants. Hall said he never thought he would agree with Stone Cold, but the Rattlesnake was right -- Flair had no business sticking his nose in their match. Hall said he had Austin beat one-on-one, and he should get the shot at Taker at Backlash. Hall said Flair had stuck his nose in his business, and so had Bradshaw. Hall said he wanted Stone Cold one-on-one tonight, and after he beat Austin, he would beat Taker!

Austin said it was fine with him, but Flair said no. Flair told Hall to take the "W" out of "nWo" and the answer was no! Hall said there was just one thing left to do -- but before they could rumble, out came Bradshaw to kick some ass! Bradshaw and Austin cleaned house of Taker and the nWo as the Texas crowd went crazy! Outside the ring, an irate Flair went nuts, as he had been hit by Taker in the fight! Austin and Bradshaw downed a beer after clearing the ring!

Moments later, an irate Flair screamed backstage about what had just happened. He said he wanted the respect that came with the title of owner. Flair said it would be Bradshaw and Austin together tonight on RAW against Undertaker and nWo -- anything goes!

The opening match on RAW was for the Hardcore Championship, as Bubba Ray Dudley defended against Raven. Raven brought his usual shopping cart of weapons with him to ringside. The superstars brutalized each other with the weapons, including cookie sheets and garbage cans. The men hit each other repeatedly with stereo shots from trashcan lids. During the bout, Bubba even showed off some of his dance moves. Soon, he screamed, "Bubba -- get the table!" The Hardcore Champion grabbed a table and was putting it in the ring, only to have Raven dropkick it into his face. Raven then hit a DDT and pinned Bubba to win the championship! Suddenly, out ran Tommy Dreamer, who downed Raven and pinned him to win the title. Suddenly, out came Steven Richards, who hit a scissors kick to become Hardcore Champion. Then, Bubba hit Steven over the head with a guitar, and pinned him to regain his championship! Bubba celebrated after the match with a little dance.

Coach interviewed Shawn Stasiak about his return to RAW, facing Big Show. Stasiak asked if Coach thought he had gone a little crazy-ak. Stasiak had a plan of attack, and told Coach to enjoy the road. He told Coach to welcome to planet Stasiak.

That match was up next, and the crowd rose to their feet for the 7-foot-2, 500-pound Big Show. Stasiak looked like a crazed madman as he made his way to the ring. Shawn wasted no time going after Show, but the 7-footer dominated in the early going. Stasiak went to work on Show's left leg, keeping Show grounded. But the giant rebounded, and pinned Stasiak after a monstrous chokeslam.

Terri interviewed Eddie Guerrero, and informed Latino Heat that Rob Van Dam had accepted Guerrero's challenge for an Intercontinental Championship match at Backlash. Eddie said he'd been trying to get things right in his life, and this was a step in the right direction. He said the IC Title rightfully belonged to him, and in his opinion, RVD stole it. Eddie said Van Dam had also stolen his frog splash. But Eddie said that was OK, because come Backlash, he wouldn't steal anything, he would just take back what was rightfully his -- using his frog splash! He said he would be the new Intercontinental Champion after Backlash. He also said that tonight, he and William Regal would dominate RVD and Spike Dudley.

Booker was warming up backstage when he was approached by Goldust. Booker asked what was wrong with Goldust, saying Goldust had cost him the Hardcore Title last week, but now they would be teaming up at Goldust's request. Goldust apologized for last week, saying he got greedy. Goldust said he saw a star in Booker, but Booker said Goldust was a freak about to get his ass kicked! Goldust said they were a pair of mismatched rogues. He said together, they could make the biggest blockbuster since Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Goldust said together, they would make box-office gold. Booker said he was getting too old for this s**t!

Debra was getting coffee backstage when she was approached by Undertaker. Debra was so surprised to see him, she accidentally spilled her hot coffee all over him before running away!

Next up, Crash took on Jacqueline, in a rematch from HEAT. Prior to the bout, Terri interviewed Jacqueline about the way Crash had beaten her last night on HEAT, using the ropes. Jackie said she wasn't going to let that punk pull any crap -- and she wasn't going to let Crash get away with cheating her, especially in her home state of Texas! Jackie raced to the ring, taking it right to Crash. But Crash fought back, and tried to pin Jackie with his feet on the ropes, only to have the ref break it up. Jackie hit a missile dropkick, and pinned Crash with a sunset flip!

Coach interviewed William Regal, and the former European Champion said losing to Spike last week on RAW was the most humiliating experience of his life. Coach laughed, reminding Regal that he had once kissed Vince McMahon's bare behind! An irate Regal said he wasn't in a joking mood, but Spike's feel-good moment would turn into a tragedy in their tag match tonight, and then regain his title. Regal said if Coach ever conducted an interview with him again and treated him with such disrespect, he would crack his skull open!

In tag action, Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam and European Champion Spike Dudley took on Eddie Guerrero and William Regal. Regal took a cheap shot at Spike as the match began, and he and Eddie double-teamed Van Dam. But RVD fought back with kicks, holding his own with his opponents. Eddie and Regal soon isolated Spike, and went to work on the runt of the Dudley litter. But Spike battled back. He went for the Dudley Dogg on Regal, and when Guerrero tried to break it up, he gave Eddie a hurricanrana! He then tagged in RVD, who hit Rolling Thunder on Regal for two. RVD hit a top-rope kick to Regal and hit a split-legged moonsault, only to have Guerrero break up the fall. Regal scored with a bodypress on Regal for two, but Guerrero hit a neckbreaker on RVD, who tagged in Spike. Regal downed Spike with a kick and tagged in Guerrero. All four superstars were soon fighting it out, and Guerrero hit a brainbuster on Spike. Guerrero then hit a frog splash and pinned Spike for the pinfall! As Eddie celebrated after the bout, Van Dam attacked him and was about to hit a frog splash of his on, until Regal pulled Guerrero out of the ring.

Coach interviewed Trish Stratus about her rematch with Molly Holly on RAW, with the winner getting a Women's Title match at Backlash. Trish promised to beat Molly on RAW and Jazz at Backlash. Molly then walked over to Trish and asked Coach which picture was more appetizing -- and she then showed a picture of Trish and a picture of herself from the Divas Magazine! Molly promised to become the first-ever pure and wholesome Women's Champion. Trish promised to put Molly in a position she wasn't used to -- flat on her back.

That match was up next, and Molly was focused. She dominated Trish in the early going, doing it with a smile on her face. Trish tried to battle back, but Molly was focused. Molly soon went up top for the Molly-go-Round, but Trish moved, and soon regained control. She hit a boot to Molly's face for two, and then went for another but missed. Molly rolled Trish up and held the rights, but Trish reversed and held Molly's tights for the win! Trish now goes on to Backlash to meet Jazz for the Women's Championship!

Terri interviewed Bradshaw, telling him that Ric Flair had said he would face Scott Hall this Sunday at Backlash. Terri showed Bradshaw footage of what the nWo did to Kane last week on RAW, destroying and unmasking the Big Red Machine. Bradshaw said it was typical nWo. Bradshaw said their mistake was not finishing Kane off. He said Hall could buy a lot of types of nuts, but the set of nuts Scott Hall needed, he couldn't buy and didn't have! Bradshaw said he would kick Hall's ass. He said he had a present for the Texas crowd tonight. He said there were many great Texans, and he had the greatest Texan of them all -- Stone Cold -- in his corner! Bradshaw said they were gonna kick a lot of ass and drink a lot of beer!

Watching on, the nWo said there were two things in Texas -- steers and queers, and they didn't see any horns on Bradshaw. They said they knew Taker would focus on Stone Cold on RAW, so they could focus on Bradshaw, and do to him what they did to Kane. X-Pac was wearing Kane's mask during the segment, mocking the Big Red Machine.

Coach interviewed Lita, asking how she felt after her recent neck injury. Lita said she felt OK. Coach showed footage of what Brock Lesnar did to the Hardy Boyz on RAW, and said Flair had announced that Brock would wrestle his first match this Sunday at Backlash against Matt Hardy. As Lita began to answer, she was approached by Paul Heyman, who told her to think about Backlash. Heyman then entered her locker room, and she screamed at him to get out. Paul grabbed one of her thongs, and said Brock might play nice with Matt at Backlash, or might play rough. Paul said the choice was hers, and all depended on how she wanted to play with him! Paul smiled, and Lita slapped the smile off his face! She told him to get out of her locker room, and Paul just laughed, asking if she liked to play rough. Paul said he liked to play rough too.

Next up, the Hardy Boyz -- accompanied by a very disturbed Lita -- took on Goldust and Booker T. The Hardys soon isolated Goldust, and Matt hit the Twist of Fate. Paul Heyman ran down the aisle to mock Lita, and Matt chased him away. Back in the ring, Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb, but Booker hit a huge kick, and Goldust pinned Jeff for the win. At the top of the ramp, Paul went through Lita's travel bag -- and all of her thongs. Matt walked up the ramp, only to have Brock Lesnar walk out. Matt went right after Brock, but Lesnar was simply too strong, and Brock gave Matt his finisher on the solid steel stage! Jeff chased Matt away with a steel chair as Lita looked on in shock.

A few moments later, J.R. got into the ring to conduct an interview with Undisputed Champion Triple H. Before he brought out The Game, however, he showed footage from last Thursday's SmackDown!, when Triple H and Hollywood Hulk Hogan got into a nasty scuffle. J.R. then welcomed The Game, and it was announced that this Thursday on SmackDown!, Triple H would team with Hogan against Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho!

J.R. said he was looking forward to Triple H's match at Backlash more than any other, and he asked The Game how he felt about what happened on SmackDown! Triple H said he and Hogan both made a number of mistakes on SmackDown! Hogan made a mistake by coming to the ring, and The Game made a mistake by turning his back on him. Triple H said when Hogan gave him the boot and the legdrop, Hogan had made a big mistake. J.R. said it was hard deny the popularity of Hulkamania, and asked if Hogan could drop the leg at Backlash and regain the title.

The Game said Hulkamania was running wild, and anything can happen in the Federation. Triple H also said every time you think Hulkamania is dead, it rises again from the ashes. Triple H said it would be a big mistake on his part not to consider every possibility for this match. The Game said Hogan had done him a favor on Thursday -- Hogan's actions told him exactly how he intended to play the game. Triple H said he would answer a question -- "Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?" Triple H said the answer was, at Backlash, he would make no mistakes, and that when Hogan stepped foot in the ring with him, he would kick Hogan's ass!

J.R. said that assuming Triple H retains his title at Backlash, he would next defend against either Stone Cold or Undertaker. He asked Triple H for a prediction for that match, and asked if The Game had a preference as to who he would meet. Triple H said Stone Cold and Undertaker were no strangers to each other, and the bout could go either way. He said when Backlash was over, he would be waiting and would be ready. He said it didn't matter if it was Austin or Undertaker or anyone else -- sooner or later, everyone would come to the realization that he was the Undisputed Champion and he is The Game and he is that damn good.

The main event on RAW pitted Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bradshaw against Undertaker, Scott Hall and X-Pac in a Handicap Match. X-Pac wore Kane's mask to the ring, again mocking the Big Red Machine. The slobberknocker was on from the opening bell, as Austin took on Taker and Bradshaw fought off the nWo. Austin went for the Stunner early on Taker, but the Dead Man got away.

Taker tagged in X-Pac, who was met with fury by Stone Cold. X-Pac rebounded with a spinning heel kick and a series of punches. But Austin fought back with spinebusters on X-Pac and Hall. Stone Cold tagged in Bradshaw, who took it right to X-Pac, smashing him with power maneuvers. X-Pac fought back, and tagged in Hall. Bradshaw gained control, and again tagged in the Rattlesnake. Austin went to work on his Hall, and Hall hit a fallaway slam, knocking Austin to the outside, where he was abused by Undertaker.

Back in the ring, the nWo and Taker isolated Austin, wearing down the Texas Rattlesnake. Stone Cold fought back, and finally got the tag to Bradshaw! Bradshaw was a house afire, cleaning house on all three of his opponents, even hitting Taker with the Clothesline from Hell! He then hit Hall with the maneuver, and caught X-Pac in a slam for two, until Taker broke it up.

All five men battled it out, as Bradshaw hit the Clothesline from Hell on X-Pac and pinned him for the win! After the bout, Hall knocked Bradshaw down, until Austin saved him. But Hall threw Austin to the outside, where Taker clocked Austin over the head with a steel chair. Back in the ring, the nWo decimated Bradshaw, and Taker surveyed his work outside the ring as RAW went off the air.