Raw is War

Austin, Texas
December 2, 2002

The last thing that Shawn Michaels wanted was for Triple H to become the No. 1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. Not only did The Game earn a shot at HBK and the title at Armageddon, but it was Michaels that counted the final pinfall of the night that made The Game victorious.

Under orders from Eric Bischoff, Michaels served as the special guest referee for the match between Rob Van Dam and Triple H that would decide the No. 1 Contender's spot. Bischoff warned HBK to call the match down the middle or risk being stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship. HBK pledged to call a straightforward match, but it became obvious that the champ was doing everything in his power to give RVD the victory. Ironically, it was RVD who came to blows with Michaels, although inadvertently. On several occasions, RVD mistimed his unorthodox offense and crashed into the ref. The final time sealed Van Dam's fate as The Game took control and covered his opponent as Michaels slapped out a three count!

One title went on the line during RAW unexpectedly. Fed up at seeing Goldust and Christian interfere in the singles match between Booker T and Chris Jericho, Bischoff's chief of staff Sean Morley declared the singles competition a no contest. However, he instructed all four men to immediately take part in a Tag Team Championship match right there! Despite being caught off guard, Christian and Y2J barely managed to escape with the gold around their waists once again.

Bischoff's night didn't end up as fortunate as Christian and Y2J's. Bischoff thought he could sway Scott Steiner to sign with RAW by plying him with a handful of Texas' hottest girls. But Steiner informed the RAW General Manager that he had the hottest freak in the world waiting in his limo. Bischoff eagerly followed Big Poppa Pump to his car, and whipped open the door to come face to face with Stephanie McMahon! Bischoff's jaw dropped as Stephanie mockingly said that she could give Steiner something that Bischoff never could. Steiner, who now appears to be a part of the SmackDown! roster, drove away with his new boss while Bischoff steamed!

 

Match Results

The Dudley Boyz def. Rosey & Jamal

Trish Stratus def. Ivory

William Regal & Lance Storm def. Jeff Hardy & Tommy Dreamer

Batista def. The Hurricane

Chris Jericho & Christian def. Booker T & Goldust

Jacqueline def. Victoria

Triple H def. Rob Van Dam