Raw is War

Memphis, Tennessee
May 20, 2002

The May 20 episode of RAW opened with a special tribute to "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith, a former WWE Superstar who passed away this past weekend at the age of 39. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

As the show opened live from the Pyramid in Memphis, Tenn., Jim Ross and Memphis' own Jerry "The King" Lawler to what promised to be an explosive broadcast -- just one night after Judgment Day. Rob Van Dam was heading to the ring as the show kicked off, but he was attacked from behind by the new Undisputed WWE Champion, the Undertaker! Taker brutalized RVD, tossing him into the ringpost and knocking him out cold.

Taker got into the ring to a chorus of boos, and then went back outside the ring and continued his assault on Van Dam, who was bleeding by this point. He tossed RVD into the ring steps, and then picked up the ring steps and cracked the former Intercontinental Champion in the head with them!

The champion climbed back into the ring, as J.R. speculated that Taker was sending a message to the entire WWE. Taker grabbed a mic and asked if he now had the people's attention. He said he wanted to make it known that he was the new WWE Champion, and as the champion, he had the right to come down the ramp first and start RAW.

Taker said now that he was champion, there would be some changes around here. When he felt like he had something to say, he would come out and say it, and if someone happened to be standing in the ring, they had two choices -- they could move aside, or stay and get their ass kicked. Taker said RVD had been re-acquainted with the No. 1 rule in this company -- you will respect the Undertaker.

Referees continued to check on RVD as Taker told the crowd that if anyone had a different opinion, they should go ask Hollywood Hulk Hogan what it's like to disrespect the Undertaker. Taker said he'd done exactly what he said he would do. As RVD tried to climb into the ring, Taker kicked him away.

The Dead Man said he would beat Hogan and take his title, and that's what he did. Taker said he'd taken Hogan's pride and killed Hulkamania. He told Hulkamania to rest in peace. The crowd chanted for Hogan, but Taker said Hogan wasn't going to come. Taker said he had it on good authority that Thursday on SmackDown!, Hulk Hogan would announce his retirement. Taker said he will expect a thank-you for allowing him to walk out of the ring last night to make that announcement. Taker said Hogan was thisclose to never walking again.

Taker said he was getting tired of saying it, but the people will respect the Undertaker. He said he didn't care if you were a legend like Hogan or a punk like RVD -- if you cross Taker's path, you will pay the consequences.

RVD kept trying to climb into the ring, and finally made it in to a huge "RVD" chant. Taker said some people were thick between the ears, and he wanted Van Dam to know that he asked for this. Taker went to hit RVD, but Van Dam turned the tide and knocked Taker down! Van Dam brutalized the Dead Man until referees pulled the superstars apart. An irate Taker struggled to his feet as the crowd cheered for Van Dam!

RVD ran back to the ring, where he and Taker slugged it out. RVD hit a second-rope kick to knock Taker down, and then nailed the Five-Star Frog Splash on the WWE Champion! Referees again pulled the men apart as the crowd continued to cheer for the bloody Van Dam! Taker left the ring and walked away, clearly shaken!

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson talked backstage, and Flair said he had big plans for when Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived there tonight. Suddenly, an irate Taker barged in, saying he wanted a match with RVD tonight! Flair said he would do one better -- he would make it a match for the WWE Championship! Undertaker didn't seem thrilled at the prospect of having to put his title on the line, but Flair convinced him he could do it. As Taker left, Flair said he would throw Austin a curveball the Rattlesnake wouldn't expect in a million years!

The first match on RAW pitted the Hardy Boyz against Big Show and X-Pac of the nWo. Show and X-Pac were accompanied by the newest nWo member, Booker T. Booker got involved early, pulling Matt Hardy's leg as he ran into the ropes. X-Pac and Show isolated Matt, but X-Pac showboated too much after a Bronco Buster, allowing Matt to powerbomb him and tag in Jeff. Jeff was a house afire, and the Hardys used double-team moves to gain the advantage. But the 500-pound Show downed both men with a massive clothesline, and dominated the two brothers. Show soon got caught on the top rope, and Booker went to kick Matt, but instead hit Show! Moments later, X-Pac hit the X-Factor on Jeff, but Goldust -- dressed as Elvis Presley -- distracted the ref. X-Pac went to se what was going on, only to be rolled up by Jeff for the pinfall! X-Pac and Show yelled at Booker about Goldust after the match.

Trish was stretching for her match when she was approached by Paul Heyman. Paul said he'd seen Trish in her bra and panties on SmackDown!, and that he couldn't get that image out of his head. Paul said he was also impressed with her title match at Judgment Day, and pointed out that he'd pinned Jeff Hardy at the same show. Paul was wondering if she'd like to get together tonight and relieve some of her sexual tension. Trish simply excused herself, saying she had a match. As she left, Paul mumbled that that wasn't a no!

Backstage, X-Pac and Show screamed at Booker and Goldust. X-Pac told Booker his friend had caused them to lose, and Booker said Goldust wasn't his friend. Big Show said he'd had enough, and he would now be the leader. X-Pac said he had been with the group longer than anyone, and he should be the leader. Goldust asked if he could be the leader and join the nWo, and they all screamed no. Booker said he would prove he should be the leader by doing what X-Pac and Show couldn't do -- beat the Hardys. He said he would take Goldust as his partner, to which Goldust -- still dressed as Elvis -- said, "Thank you, thank you very much!"

The WWE Women's Championship was on the line as Trish Stratus defended against Jacqueline. Jackie took the early advantage, but the champion fought back valiantly. Jackie missed a shot in the corner, and Trish capitalized, surprising her challenger with the Stratus-faction for the pinfall victory! After the bout, Jackie and Trish shook hands in a show of sportsmanship.

Suddenly, Paul Heyman's voice rang out, and he and Brock Lesnar walked to the ring. Paul said Trish hadn't given him an answer, and Brock didn't like when people didn't give him answer. Paul said they could do this one of two ways -- either she could go with Paul, or she could say no and Brock would take care of things. He asked her to decide, and she said no!

Paul told Brock to show Trish how rough he liked it, and the monster cornered Trish. The WWE Women's Champion cowered in fear, until Bubba Ray Dudley ran to the ring. Bubba stared down Brock, and Heyman held Brock back. Bubba told Heyman to let Brock go, but the agent wouldn't release his grip on the Next Big Thing. At Heyman's command, Brock simply walked away from Bubba Ray, although the look on Brock's face was clear -- he wanted to go with Bubba, who also wanted a piece of Brock.

More footage aired of Tommy Dreamer and his disgusting habits -- including eating his own hair, drinking barber fluid and eating hair gel!

Rob Van Dam's bloody head was being cleaned up backstage, and the doctor said his cut was so bad that he didn't think RVD should compete tonight. RVD said there was pride on the line, and that the doctor should just sew him up -- because he was going to take on the Undertaker and defeat him for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The WWE European Championship was on the line as William Regal -- accompanied by Molly Holly -- defended against Bubba Ray Dudley. The crowd chanted for tables as the men went at it. Bubba showed off some of his dance moves as he went to work on the champion. Molly soon grabbed Bubba's feet as he ran into the ropes, and Bubba went running after her, only to be met by Regal. Bubba got that look in his eye, and told himself to get the table -- but as he pulled it out, he was attacked from behind by Brock Lesnar! The ref called for the bell, ending the bout in a disqualification. Brock nailed Bubba with his huge fall-away slam, before he and Heyman walked away with big smiles on their faces. Molly then reached into her tights and handed Regal the brass knuckles, and Regal nailed Bubba in the back of the head with the knucks! Bubba was out cold!

RAW owner Ric Flair headed for the ring, accompanied by Arn Anderson. Slick Ric talked about Stone Cold Steve Austin, saying he knew he could hear him. Flair said he'd looked into Austin's eyes just before he walked out here tonight. Flair said it was time to set the record straight -- Austin hadn't beaten him at Judgment Day. Flair said he wasn't the legal man in the ring. So as the owner of RAW, Flair had taken it upon himself to correct the record book.

Flair said Frank Sinatra said it best -- "mistakes, I've made a few, but then again, too few to mention." Flair said up until now, he had made some mistakes in his treatment of Austin. But Plan B would go into effect tonight. Flair then challenged Austin to head to the ring so he could explain exactly what Plan B entailed, face to face.

It didn't take long for the sound of broken glass to fill the Pyramid, as the Rattlesnake marched to the ring. Anderson took the mic and told Austin that in the event the Rattlesnake was thinking of doing something foolish, he wanted to remind Austin that Flair had permanent back-up -- Arn Anderson. Arn then handed the mic back to the Nature Boy.

Flair told Austin that clearly he had made some of the same mistakes Vince McMahon did by trying to stack the deck against Stone Cold night after night, putting him against all odds, and like with Vince, it didn't work. But now it was time for Plan B. Flair said Austin was the property of RAW -- Flair's property. So Flair said he was going to do the worst thing to Austin and the worst thing he could do to the fans worldwide who loved Austin -- he was taking him out of matches in the ring. Flair said he would take from Austin what made him tick -- the thrill of competition.

The crowd chanted "a$$hole" as Flair repeated his plan, saying that as of tonight, Austin was benched. Flair said Austin had the night off, and he told the Rattlesnake to get out of his sight right now. Instead, Stone Cold punched out Anderson and Flair, assaulting both with Stunners! The Rattlesnake then downed a couple of Steveweisers for good measure!

Raven joined Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at ringside for the match pitting the Hardy Boyz against Booker T and Goldust. Raven said he was tired of Lawler's lecherous ways, that he was sick of Lawler fawning over women and not calling matches. Raven said if Lawler knew anything about women, his wife wouldn't have left him. Raven said he was out to show Lawler what a real commentator was like. As the match began, J.R. informed fans that Stone Cold had left the building.

Raven continually razzed Lawler on commentary, drawing the ire of "The King." X-Pac and Big Show soon ran to the ring, and with the ref distracted, X-Pac kicked Goldust in the head -- allowing the Hardys to pick up the pinfall on the Golden one! Show and X-Pac told Booker to give up on Booker, but the Bookerman looked concerned about Goldust.

At a local karaoke bar, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Debra walked in and sat down to have a drink. Austin seemed to be in good spirits as he and Debra downed a couple of brews.

Moments later, Show, X-Pac, Booker and Goldust were still in the ring together. Booker said he thought they were on the same team. X-Pac said they were on the same team, and he asked where Booker was last night when nWo needed help against Austin. Booker said he wasn't the one who kicked his partner in the head. X-Pac said Booker was at the hotel trying to get laid, and Booker said at least he could get laid! Booker said Show and X-Pac were just jealous because he was a five-time WCW Champion. Show said they didn't ask Booker to be in the group, and if Booker wanted out, he had no problem taking him out personally. Booker said if he wanted some, he could come get some -- but as they were about to fight, out came Kevin Nash!

Nash stared down Goldust, who retreated from the ring. He then got in Booker's face, and told him to get something straight -- Flair had put the nWo T-shirt on Booker. He said Flair may run the RAW brand, but Nash runs the nWo. Nash said it didn't mean a lot that Show and X-Pac had his back, since they had embarrassed the nWo in recent weeks. Nash said the nWo was the most feared logo the sport had ever seen at one time -- but now he was sickened that it couldn't be again. Nash said he and Show were the two biggest guys in the company, and if they teamed up, no one could beat them. Nash said he and X-Pac go back 12 years. He asked if X-Pac was with him, and X-Pac nodded yes.

Nash said they could turn this thing around tonight. He gave the nWo signal, and X-Pac saluted him, as did Show. Nash asked Booker if he wanted to be a part of the group, and Booker saluted the men. Nash hugged the men, and shook hands with Booker, welcoming him to the group.

Back at the karaoke bar, Stone Cold and Debra were enjoying their beers. The bartender handed Debra a teddy bear, which she said was from the gentleman across the bar. It was Eddie Guerrero! Austin questioned what the hell was going on, asking why he bought her a teddy bear. Debra suggested Austin go on stage and sing a song.

J.R., Lawler and Raven continued the show at ringside, as J.R. announced that 43,000 tickets for the Global Warning Tour in Australia were sold this past weekend. The tension continued between Raven and Lawler, as Raven asked if Lawler knew anything about wrestling anymore. Lawler told Raven to take a hike, and Raven got into the ring.

Raven said Lawler talked about nothing but puppies week in and week out. He said it was obvious Lawler knew nothing about wrestling anymore. Lawler's hometown crowd in Memphis chanted for him as Raven challenged him to a match. He said he would humble him with the Raven effect. Lawler grabbed a mic of his own and borrowed a phrase from Booker T -- "Tell me you didn't just challenge me to a match in my hometown." Lawler said the last time he saw something that looked like Raven, he flushed it. He told Raven to go get his gear and he would be waiting.

Back at the karaoke bar, Austin questioned Guerrero's actions, but Debra asked Austin to sing a song for her. But as he walked to the stage, Eddie grabbed the mic, and said he would be singing. Austin said it was his turn, and the two men were soon face to face. Debra convinced Stone Cold to calm down, and Eddie asked for some music. Country music began to play, as Eddie began to sing, and the crowd booed.

In front of his hometown crowd, Jerry Lawler took on Raven in an impromptu match. Raven took it to "The King," trying to embarrass the hometown boy. At one point, Raven screamed at J.R. that he would be sitting in King's place next week on RAW. But Lawler fought back, taking it to the HEAT co-host. He nailed Raven with a dropkick, and punched away at him. King went up to the second rope, and Raven simply walked away from the fight. The ref counted Raven out, giving the win to the hometown boy!

Back at the karaoke bar, it was Stone Cold's turn to sing a song. The Rattlesnake sang "Margaritaville," with the people screaming "What?" after every line! Austin then told them to cut the music, and he wanted to sing another song. As Austin sang, Guerrero gave him a dirty look. Austin walked over to Latino Heat and asked if he didn't like what he was singing. Eddie simply talked to the two ladies at his table, and didn't look Austin in the eye. Stone Cold asked if Eddie had a problem with him. Stone Cold said he was going to sing another song just to bother Guerrero, just as Latino Heat had been bothering him all night. But as Austin walked away, Guerrero broke a beer bottle over the Rattlesnake's head!

The main event on RAW pitted the Undertaker against Rob Van Dam for Taker's Undisputed WWE Championship. RVD hit a plancha over the top rope onto Taker as the match began. Taker went for a boot, but RVD moved, and Taker got crotches on the top rope. RVD followed up with a top-rope kick, to score a two-count.

RVD fought out of a slam and kicked Taker for another two-count. He clotheslined the champion to the outside, where Taker hit his head on the announce table. Outside the ring, Taker raked RVD's eyes, but RVD threw Taker into the barricade, and dropped a leg across his back.

Back in the ring, RVD continued his assault, but Taker scored with a huge clothesline. Taker set RVD up for the Last Ride, but Van Dam fought his way out of it and scored yet another two-count. Taker downed RVD with a big boot, and took the turnbuckle off one of the corners. Taker attacked RVD's already-injured left eye, and tossed RVD into the exposed turnbuckle. The Dead Man laid into RVD with punches and set him up for a chokeslam, but Van Dam kicked out of it!

Taker slammed RVD and went for an elbow, but RVD moved. RVD dropkicked Taker three times for a two-count. He tried to maintain control, but Taker overwhelmed him and gained the advantage. But soon RVD hit a spinning heel kick and Rolling Thunder, pinning him for the win, even though Taker had his foot on the ropes! The ref didn't see Taker's foot on the ropes and awarded Van Dam the title!

RAW owner Ric Flair came out and told the ref that Taker's foot was on the ropes, and the match would continue. An irate Van Dam punched Flair, only to be caught by Taker, who hit the Last Ride and pinned RVD for a successful title defense. Flair smiled at the result as RAW went off the air.