Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - October 20th, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw

October 20th, 2003

Wilkes Barre, PA

World Heavyweight Champion: Goldberg (since 9/21/03)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 8/10/03)

World Tag Team Champions: The Dudley Boyz (since 9/21/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly (since 7/28/03)

In Memory of Road Warrior Hawk Video Package airs… 

To open the show, Stone Cold Steve Austin comes out. He says there was a note on his desk to meet someone in the ring so here he is. Out comes Test and Stacy Keibler. Test is pissed about last week and the fact that he got injured at a house show in a match Austin booked. Austin tries to get Test to provoke him. Stacy ends up bumping Test into Austin and Austin cracks him with a stunner. Eric Bischoff comes up on the screen and says this shit is pathetic and proposes a Team Austin vs. Team Bischoff match at Survivor Series. If Team Austin wins, the physical provocation rule will be void and if Bischoff wins, Austin will no longer share GM responsibilities with him. Austin is down and toasts and STACY JOINS IN THIS TIME!!!

Backstage, Shane McMahon is standing around. 

1) The Dudley Boyz vs. La Resistance (Rob Conway & Rene Dupree) 

The only thing this is good for is them Dudleyz hitting a Doomsday Device in tribute to Road Warrior Hawk. Take er home boys. 

Match rating - *1/2

Backstage, Ric Flair and Randy Orton are talking when Booker T walks up. They get into it about who’s here to prove themselves more and Book slaps him and challenges him to a match NEXT. 

2) Booker T vs. Randy Orton 

My review of this match kept getting ate, it rocked, though. But I am not about to write up anything again so here's the rating.. Book wins via contour in sub 5 mins. 

Match rating - **3/4

3) Rob Van Dam & Lance Storm vs. Chris Jericho & Scott Steiner 

“What is ice?” -Jim Ross 

This was a good Monday Night Raw tag team match. Jericho & Storm naturally work well together. Steiner & RVD play their roles well. Steiner continuously pulls Storm out and slams him into the steps and shit. Just good basic rudo shit. Steiner even ends up using a chair on Van Dam’s back behind the ref’s back and it allows Jericho to hit the lionsault for the win.

Match rating - **3/4

After the match, Jericho & Steiner add insult to injury by continuing to assault Van Dam & Storm.

Back at the commentary table, JR & King pay tribute to Hawk and also queue up a Stu Hart memorial video with a monologue by Vince.

Meanwhile, Chris Jericho is all worked up and starts flirting with Trish Stratus. They both seem to have a thing for each other and awkwardly walk off. The crowd was chanting “We Want Puppies” through this whole thing. 

Over in the Evolution locker room, Randy Orton gets ambushed by Lance Cade & Mark Jindrak. I AM SCREAMING. This shit was hilarious. They steal the brief case with the Goldberg bounty money in it and run off. Orton chases after them as we go to commercial. 

Back from commercial, Orton is still running and he runs into Ric Flair. Flair doesn’t realize Orton lost the money so Orton plays it off. Flair says “you got the money right?” And Orton says yes and Flair tells him to go flaunt it front of Shawn during his match. Flair walks off WOO’ing and Orton looks concerned as fuck cause his dumbass lost the money. 

4) Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Molly Holly & Victoria (w/ Steven Richards)

“These two, they’re a potato salad and baked beans away from a tailgate party.” -Jim Ross 

JR says Molly has a bullseye on her backside and Jerry gets horny. He then says Stevie Richards is Victoria’s TRAILER. These fuckers have got to STOP LMAO. Stevie ends up being the determining factor of this match as he helps Molly & Victoria get the victory. After the match, they attack Lita while Trish is down and… Christian? comes down to make the save. 

5) Maven vs. Ric Flair

Flair basically lets Maven get a chance to shine and he doesn’t necessarily shine. He holds steady and does stuff and it’s passive and fine, but when you d got Naitch in there and he’s doing his schtick and letting you get stuff in, you have to nail it. I guess it’s better than shitting the bed, but in a way, you got a chance to wrestle Flair and all I could say was good here was Flair bumping around for you.. hm. Anyways. Flair wins using the tights, once again making Maven look better than he could make himself look here. 

Match rating - *3/4

Backstage, Flair approaches Orton stoked on his win. Orton still can’t find the money so he tells Flair that Cade & Jindrak jumped him and stole the money. Flair spazzed the fuck out and they go to find the money when a bunch of cops and security come running through and BY FUCKING GOD ITS KANE STANDING IN THE GARAGE WITH A TOWEL ON HIS HEAD. JR exclaims “MY GOD….” with a growl that made me howl. 

SURVIVOR SERIES coming in 4 weeks to Dallas, Texas and holy fuck that video package just made me so nostalgic. Man… I miss my childhood. I gotta find that song somewhere. (it’s Build a Bridge by Limp Bizkit)

Back from commercial, Big Kane is here. JR is still unloading. Kane walks us through his thoughts when he beat up Linda. He explains that inflicting pain turns him on. He says Shane can’t do anything to stop him. Fire couldn’t, a tractor trailer crash couldn’t, but at Survivor Series, he will give him one more shot. Kane says Survivor Series will be the end of Shane, but for now, his pain has just begun. 

Meanwhile, Triple H catches Cade & Jindrak with a 2x4 as they are trying to escape the arena with the briefcase full of money. H approaches Orton & Flair in the locker room and says Orton best not lose the money again because Shawn Michaels is about to beat Goldberg and collect the bounty up next..

6) Goldberg (c) vs. Shawn Michaels - World Heavyweight Championship Match

This doesn’t go too long before Goldberg accidentally spears the referee. Shawn superkicks him and another referee runs down. Before anything can happen, BATISTA jumps the railing making his first appearance in a long ass time. Batista hits the spine buster and the Batista bomb on Goldberg then snaps his leg in a chair while Jim Ross puts him over like crazy on commentary. “THIS GUY IS BIGGER THAN GOLDBERG!!!”” Batista leaves the ring and Evolution comes out to meet him at the entrance to deliver him his bounty for destroying Goldberg. This closes the show. 

BATISTA HAS COLLECTED THE BOUNTY.....

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE No Mercy Review - October 19th, 2003

WWE No Mercy 

October 19th, 2003

Baltimore, Maryland 

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 9/18/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Los Guerreros (since 9/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Tajiri (since 9/25/03)

Taz & Michael Cole welcome us in after the opening video package highlighting Steph/Vince and Angle/Cena and then introduce the Spanish announce team. 

1) Tajiri (c) vs. Rey Mysterio - Cruserweight Title Match 

I buckled up for this one. They do some limb work that is good, but inevitably this breaks down into spots and stuff. Great opening match type shit, though. Rey seems to be building a comeback when two “fans” try to run in and it distracts him and Tajiri hits a buzzsaw kick and pins Rey to retain. 

Match rating - ***

Backstage, Josh Mathews interviews Mr. McMahon… he says anyone who tries to interfere tonight in his match with Stephanie will be fired. 

2) Chris Benoit vs. A-Train

These two are just awesome together and this was no different. In this one, A-Train gets the upper hand early and dominates the Rabid Wolverine. Train tosses him around and Benoit’s mouth ends up busted open which is a great visual. After getting dropped head first on a chair, Benoit somehow manages to fire up and drop Train with some suplexes after a cross face attempt false finish. A-Train regains control momentarily and sets up a chair in the corner, he ends up accidentally kicking it when Benoit moves and his leg gets caught in it. This gives Benoit a target. Dragon screw into sharpshooter and Train has no choice, but to tap. 

Match rating - ***1/2 

Backstage, Heidenreich has Shannon Moore jacked up against the wall. Matt Hardy walks up. Heidenreich is pissed because “Little Jimmy” told him about them throwing his tape away. Hardy says it was misinformation and it was actually a “Best of Shannon Moore” tape that they threw away so Heidenreich lets Shannon go. 

3) Matt Hardy (w/ Shannon Moore) vs. Zach Gowen 

This shit ain’t fun no more. Gowen doesn’t die and it’s boring. Shannon interferes. Hardy plays chicken shit. Gowen gets his first ever win in WWE and also his lamest showing ever. Greeaaaatttt. 

Match rating - ** 

4) The Bashams vs. APA (Bradshaw & Farooq) 

This all stems from Bradshaw and the clothesline from hell he hit on Shanequa a few weeks back (I think). This happens and it isn’t Great. Near the end, after Bradshaw hits the last call on one of them Basham boys, Shanequa shows up with a bat while the ref is down off an unintentional Farooq bump and hits Bradshaw which allows the Bashams to get the upset victory. 

Match rating - *1/2 

Backstage, Shanequa says Bradshaw’s clothesline the other week caused her tits to swell and that doctors say IT MIGHT BE PERMANENT. Doug and Danny Basham are horny and gripping her waist. Shanequa says they’ve been doing such a good job and deserves a reward. Doug says “yes mistress” and they go to “whip it good”… what a segment. 

5) Mr. McMahon (w/ Sable) vs. Stephanie McMahon (w/ Linda McMahon) “I Quit” Match

If Stephanie loses, she is no longer Smackdown GM. This is a fucking mess. Horrible Vince melodrama. Cringy. Stupid. Gross. All the Things. I’m not recapping anything that happened in this shit because it is not worthy of such. Vince wins after Linda throws in the towel while her daughter is being choked. 

Match rating - 1/2*

After the match, Vince takes shit a step further and shoves his wife of 37 years, Linda McMahon to the mat and then proceeds to make out with Sable on the ring apron. Cameras shift to Cole & Tazz as they ponder the future of Smackdown without Stephanie as GM and emphasize how fucked everything Vince just did was. 

6) John Cena vs. Kurt Angle 

This match lowkey rocks. It is no masterpiece. It is no all timer, but it bangs. The street fighting dynamic against the Olympic gold medalist was awesome and these two worked it super well and made it the full story of the match. I say it a lot in these reviews, but it’s so easy to see why WWE saw so much in John Cena in these early years and pushed him toward what he would become. Unfortunately, it goes into Kurt formula and he wins with the ankle lock.

Match rating - ***

7) Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. The Big Show - United States Championship Match 

The build to this was phenomenal and set the stage for a story that was super easy to follow. Eddie’s back is all taped from the glass that cut him up on Smackdown. Show chops not only the chest, but also the back which cause blood to begin to drip from the bandages on the champion’s back. Eddie fights from underneath which is always good. It’s a little more one sided than I anticipated and Eddie ends up eating the loss and we have a new US Champion. Crowd was also kinda dead for this after Cena/Angle. 

Match rating - **3/4 

After the match, Chavo tries to comfort Eddie and remind him they are still tag champs, but Eddie isn’t having it, he wants his US Title back. 

Backstage, Big Show hoots and hollers about how he told everyone he would destroy Guerrero and now he’s done it and is our new United States Champion. 

8) Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker - Biker Chain Match for the WWE Championship 

Off the jump, I’ll say this felt more like a TV main event than a PPV main event. A lot of the early time felt sort of wasted to kill time til the FBI interference and the build toward the grabbing of the chain by Taker. The crowd pops and wakes up huge for these moments, though. Taker gets the chain after fighting off interference, but once he does, Mr. McMahon shows up and crotches Taker on the top rope. DAMN. This allows Brock to scoop the chain and scoop the victory and retain the title. Vince flees the ring and it’s funny as fuck how scared he is of Taker even when he’s on his ass. 

Match rating - **1/2 

 

The show closes with Lesnar celebrating with the title. 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - October 2nd, 2003

WWE Smackdown

October 2nd, 2003

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 9/18/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Los Guerreros (since 9/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Tajiri (since 9/25/03)

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

TONIGHT: Taker/Angle vs. Brock/Cena .. LETS FUCKING GO

1) Eddie Guerrero (c) (w/ Chavo Guerrero) vs. Matt Hardy (w/ Shannon Moore) - United States Championship Match 

More great Eddie work here. Not to discount Matt, though because he’s fantastic around this time, too. Eddie has just been killing it in these last few weeks and months. Eddie’s ribs come into play naturally here. Matt hits a nasty powerbomb on him and hangs him stomach first on the ropes. Just a lot of good shit. Eddie makes his comeback. Hardy tries to cheat, so the Guerrero’s do their thing and do it back and Eddie hits the frog splash off a belt shot to retain! 

Match rating - ***

WRESTLEMANIA XX TIX WENT ON SALE and they got clips of people buying them and shit at the venue to hype it up even though we are like 6 months away.

Josh Mathews catches John Cena walking into the arena earlier tonight. Josh says Cena had some dope rhymes last week and Cena gives him some more shitting on Kurt Angle ahead of their tag match tonight. 

Backstage, Eddie & Chavo are celebrating and talking. They walk up on The Big Show. Show says he doesn’t like them or “they’re kind” and yeah this gets racist as fuck. Show tosses them to the ground, laughs and walks away. 

Back from commercial, Eddie is furious and pushes Chavo up against the wall and says he’s gonna take care of this Big Show shit. 

2) Bradshaw & Ron Simmons vs. The Basham Brothers (w/ Shanequa) 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - September 18th, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

September 18th, 2003

Raleigh, North Carolina - NC State University 

WWE Champion: Kurt Angle (since 7/27/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 7/3/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

The show begins with Mr. McMahon hyping up the iron man match main event. He is interrupted by The Undertaker. Taker says he knows that Vince orchestrated the interference in his title match, but he isn't gonna mess up the title match tonight. He just wants Vince to know that he doesn't forget... or forgive. Take says he respects the title, but not Vince himself.

1) Chris Benoit & Rey Mysterio vs. Tajiri & Rhyno 

This absolutely rocked. 5 minutes or whatever and not a moment wasted. Everything crisp and does its job to hype Rey/Tajiri for next week more and also touch on the bad blood between Benoit & Rhyno. I would watch this go 10-15 any day of the week. Benoit & Mysterio get the win and leave the heels reeling. Perfect little opener, I just wanted a little more time. 

Match rating - ***

TONIGHT: Los Guerreros defend the Tag Team Titles against Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin 

Backstage, it’s Stephanie, Big Show, Vince, and Sable. Vince is shocked Steph didn't quit last week, but he's not gonna fire her, he's just gonna make it even more rough on her since she wants to play it this way.

“From the GQ cover guy to the Playboy cover girl…” -Michael Cole’s transition from promoting The Rock on the cover of GQ to the following match 

2) Torrie Wilson & Nidia (w/ Dawn Marie) vs. Shaniqua (w/ The Basham Brothers) 

Another Shaniqua squash. She even destroys Dawn too after the match. 

3) Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (c) vs. Eddie & Chavo Guerrero - WWE Tag Team Title Match 

The review I had written this for match mysteriously disappeared so just enjoy my rating and know that it was really fucking good :) .. Los Guerreros win the straps too!!! YEAH!!!

Match rating - ***3/4

MEANWHILEE.... IT'S POKER TIME BACKSTAGE BEFORE DA MAIN EVENT

4) Kurt Angle (c) vs. Brock Lesnar - 60 Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship

I have seen this match a handful of times. I loved it on first watch probably a decade ago. I watched it again a few years ago and I thought it was good, but not above a 4 star effort. I think my tastes are much different and more refined now, so I think my take on it in this moment will stand the test of time. Things can change, though. But as of this writing.. I fucking loved this match. Brock's dominance and control and the entire way he paced this match was just brilliant. You do see some of Kurt's flaws here in minor ways. Nothing big enough to hinder the match to a detrimental extent, and nothing Brock's strengths couldn't hide and make you forget. This is an all time Brock performance and one that everyone should see. Just absolutely phenomenal when on top and also when selling Kurt's comebacks. Kurt's selling is hit or miss as always, but he does a decently better job than you may expect. They made 60 minutes fly by and put Kurt down multiple falls due to some ref bumps and Brock blatantly cheating. Everything works, though. Somehow, it all fucking works and never drags or feels overbooked. I can't quite explain it and don't wanna try to break this down too much and over explain. I just know this was a ride. And that's what a match like this HAS to be. You can't run an exhibition for 60 minutes, you have to work these style of matches a certain way and god damn if they didn't lay out a phenomenal blue print for iron man matches to come. Kurt fighting from under almost the entire time and still coming up short at the end made the last stretch of this a fucking nail biter. At the end of this, I was still wanting more. 

Match rating - ****1/2

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - September 15th, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw 

September 15th, 2003

University of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina

WE IN MY HOMETOWN TONIGHT BABY. 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 8/10/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly (since 7/28/03)

The broadcast opens with Triple H walking backstage with his title over his shoulder. He runs into Eric Bischoff. Bischoff reminds H how much he supports him and knows he will win on Sunday. H says he needs one more favor from Bischoff.. he wants to throw a going away party for Goldberg tonight. Eric asks what they’re gonna do if Goldberg shows up, H says “…invite him to the party” as he smirks and walks off. 

TONIGHT: Last Man Standing Contract Signing between Kane & Shane McMahon 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - September 11th, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

September 11th, 2003 

Birmingham, Alabama 

“SMACKDOWN HAS COME TO THE DEEP SOUTH…”

WWE Champion: Kurt Angle (since 7/27/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 7/3/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

TONIGHT: John Cena vs. Eddie Guerrero in a Parking Lot Brawl plus Chris Benoit vs. Rhyno

In the parking lot, they’re setting up the garage for the Parking Lot Brawl later on. 

1) Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman vs. Tajiri & Nunzio 

Golden era Rey continues. This is just a load of fun. It’s all about Tajiri looking strong as he gets the pin on Rey in this super short sprint. After the bell, he smashes Rey with the belt for good measure. 

Match rating - **1/4

In Vince’s office, he’s sitting with Sable. Big Show is behind them tearing up a magazine. Vince is on the phone about to send the family of Zach Gowen some flowers. Steph walks in and asks if he’s proud of himself for what he did last week. Vince says he’s not responsible for what Brock did to Gowen and Steph refuses to believe him. Steph says Brock deserves to be in JAIL. And up walks Brock behind her. Brock wants a warmup match for his Iron Man with Kurt next week. He suggests a handicap match against Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, & Zach Gowen. None of them are here tonight. Brock says he still needs a fight, but everyone in the room he’s wrestled already… except Stephanie. Vince says that’s a money match, but he gives Steph an option.. face Brock or step down as general manager. What the FUCK lmao. 

Torrie Wilson & Nidia walk up to Dawn Marie backstage about her match with Shaniqua coming up. Nidia says “it’s suicide, baby”.. but Dawn says she has to stop her tonight. 

2) Shaniqua vs. Dawn Marie 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - September 4th, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

September 4th, 2003

New Orleans, Louisana 

WWE Champion: Kurt Angle (since 7/27/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 7/3/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

TONIGHT: Kurt Angle defends the WWE Championship against The Undertaker plus The Bourbon Street Bikini Contest 

1) World’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas) (c) vs. The APA (Bradshaw & Farooq) - WWE Tag Team Title Match 

Haas & Benjamin charge the ring and this gets underway as soon as the bell rings. WGTT get Farooq and isolate him from Bradshaw for a minute or two. Bradshaw gets a hot tag and cleans house. Things sort of break down from here and go back & forth for a bit before Benjamin uses the tights on a roll up to pin Bradshaw following a belt shot from Haas behind the ref’s back. 

Match rating - **1/2

Backstage, Eddie Guerrero is polishing up his US Title on the hood of his car. A limo pulls up and it’s Big Show, Sable, & Mr. McMahon. Brock Lesnar walks up and asks what the hell is going on because he hasn’t heard from Vince since SummerSlam. Vince says it’s because Brock tapped out. This pisses Brock off and Vince tells him to chill and come to his office so they can talk about it. 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - September 1st, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw

September 1st, 2003

Lafayette, Louisiana 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 8/10/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly (since 7/28/03)

Replays of Shane killing Kane via arson last week. Yeah, man. It’s 03 baby. 

Jerry Lawler is out first for his match with Jonathan Coachman. God help us all. 

1) Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Jonathan Coachman

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - August 18th, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw 

August 18th, 2003

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 8/10/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly (since 7/28/03)

Commentators - Jim Ross & Jerry "The King" Lawler

Chris Jericho opens the show with The Highlight Reel. He talks about how he’s gonna shave Kevin Nash bald tonight then go on to win the Elimination Chamber match at SummerSlam. His guest tonight is Shawn Michaels. Once Michaels comes out, Jericho passes off hosting duties to.. Evolution. After some talking, this turns into a 3 on 1 assault on HBK by H, Flair & Orton. Kevin Nash comes out for the save and he’s followed by Goldberg who cleans house on everyone. 

Backstage, Stacy is getting ready. Test walks up and this saga IS STILL GOING ON. Test says when he wins the match tonight, he will treat Stacy “like the little slut that she is.” 

1) Molly Holly (c) vs. Trish Stratus - Women’s Championship Match

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - August 14th, 2003

WWE Smackdown

August 14th, 2003

St Louis, Missouri 

WWE Champion: Kurt Angle (since 7/27/03)

WWE United States Champion: Eddie Guerrero (since 7/27/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 7/3/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

Commentators - Michael Cole & Tazz

TONIGHT: The Undertaker vs. The Big Show

Mr. McMahon opens the show. He says he is here to introduce everyone to someone that they thought they knew.. Brock Lesnar. Vince then replays what happened last week with he & Brock swerving Angle and destroying him in the cage. Vince play by play narrates the entire thing over the mic and it is HILARIOUS LMAO. “LOOK AT THAT!” Vince brings Brock out and they have a love fest. STEPHANIE MCMAHON MAKES HER RETURN to interrupt. Steph says she learned a lot at Vengeance.. she learned that her dad would hire A-Train to physically assault his own daughter just so “his slut” (Sable) could win a match. Dear fucking lord. Considering everything happening right now in real life in 2022, this segment is nuts to look back on. Steph talking about being in a position of power and her dad being a piece of shit. Vince makes a lot of derogatory comments toward women. He says the worst day in his life was when he married her mother and Steph tries to slap him. Brock grabs her arm and she screams. Vince says he can handle it, though, and since Steph wants to accuse him of physical abuse, he’ll show her physical abuse when she faces THE 350

POUND A TRAIN TONIHJT! “And that’s physical abuse…” this is fucked. 

1) Worlds Greatest Tag Team (c) vs. Rey Mysterio & Billy Kidman - WWE Tag Team Title Match

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - August 11th, 2003

WWE Monday Night Raw 

August 11th, 2003 

Quad Cities

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 8/10/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Molly Holly (since 7/28/03)

Commentators - Jerry Lawler & Jonathan Coachman

TONIGHT: Goldberg vs. Ric Flair… again. But this time it’s No DQ. OH YAY. 

This is the first episode of Raw on SPIKE TV. 

Eric Bischoff opens the show and he replays everything that went down last week. As he’s bragging about beating Shane, JIM ROSS RETURNS. JR comes to the ring and says he’s pressing charges on Bischoff for what happened to him during the Kane interview. Stone Cold comes out and says the only way JR won’t sue Bischoff is if he signs a contract for a match tonight. Eric agrees to avoid the lawsuit, but he didn’t read the fine print.. tonight, Bischoff is contracted to face Kane!

1) Scott Steiner & Stacy Keibler vs. Rico & Jackie

This is fine while it lasts which isn’t long. Test runs through the crowd and Steiner follows him into the crowd for a brawl. This distraction allows Rico & Jackie to pick up the win. 

Match rating - *1/4

After the match, Steiner says THIS IS BULLSHIT. He is tired of Test following him around and wants him one on one right now. Test is down, but not right now.. next week and with one stipulation - winner gets Stacy Keibler. Jesus Christ. Stacy says they’re in and Steiner says Test’s ass is his next week. 

Backstage, Ric Flair and Randy Orton are talking. Triple H walks up and says now more than ever they need to stick together. H complains about the Elimination Chamber Match and Orton says Hunter isn’t alone in the match because he’s fighting to defend his title as well. H says now they need to turn their attention to tonight when Ric faces Goldberg. H says everyone’s been screwing them, now it’s time for them to screw with everyone else. 

Back from commercial, Kane arrives in his van again LOL. This shit is getting kinda humorous more than scary or ominous. 

2) The Dudley Boyz vs. La Resistance 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - July 7th, 2003

WWE Raw

July 7th, 2003

Montreal, Quebec, Canada 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Gail Kim (since 6/30/03)

Commentators - Jerry "The King" Lawler & Jim Ross

GLASS SHATTERS.

Stone Cold is here to kick the show off after missing last week and his co general manager.. having a time. Austin says he had food poisoning last week and was stuck at home drinking beer and eating Mexican TV dinners. Austin says Bischoff is stove up from the chokeslam he took from Kane last week, so he’s running the show tonight and we’re kicking it off with a title match. 

1) Christian (c) vs. Booker T - Intercontinental Championship Match 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - July 3rd, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

July 3rd, 2003

Rochester, New York 

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri (since 5/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

Commentators - Michael Cole & Tazz

Replays of the Gowen/McMahon saga that led us to the handicap match that’s happening tonight.

Vince McMahon pre-tape thing to begin. He says tonight will be the first ever TRUE handicap match. Oh, man that’s fucked up. It’s Gowen & Steph vs. Big Show with a contract for Gowen on the line.

1) Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Nunzio - Cruserweight Championship Match

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - June 30th, 2003

WWE Raw

June 30th, 2003

Buffalo, New York

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: La Resistance (since 6/15/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Commentators - Jim Ross & Jerry "The King" Lawler

Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel opens the show. He mentions Kane’s unmasking last week, but says he’s not about the UGLY he’s about the.. beauty. Ok. His guest tonight is Stacy Keibler (w/ Scott Steiner). I guess they’re a package deal now. The sexual innuendos begin quickly here. Jericho says he’s been checking out Stacy’s spread. He also says he didn’t invite Steiner here and tells him to get lost. Jericho says he’s a legend in the ring and the sack. Lmao. Stacy asks Jericho if he really thinks he could compete with FREAKZILLA. Stacy says she’s heard Jericho has a small penis.. man.. why the fuck am I typing this all out. Jericho brings out Test, clearly trying to start trouble. 

Jericho attacks Steiner and Test joins him. Steiner starts clearing house and out comes Eric Bischoff. Bischoff announces Jericho & Test vs. Steiner for later on and also lets us know that Stone Cold isn’t here tonight. 

1) Goldberg vs. Lance Storm 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - June 26th, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

June 26th, 2003

New York City - Madison Square Garden

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Eddie Guerrero & Tajiri (since 5/18/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Rey Mysterio (since 6/5/03)

Commentators - Michael Cole & Tazz

TONIGHT: Lesnar/Angle/America vs. Haas/Benjamin/Show 

Josh Matthews is ring announcing tonight and it’s weird. 

John Cena opens the show. He says he’s bigger than Madison Square Garden and that when WrestleMania 20 rolls around next year, he will be in the main event. He recites some lines from his theme, then does a rap. It’s the one year anniversary of him answering Kurt Angle’s open challenge so now he’s issuing an open challenge to “any rookie punk in the back looking to make a name.” 

Orlando Jordan answers the challenge and they show Billy Kidman in the crowd looking like a cool guy. 

1) John Cena vs. Orlando Jordan 

Cena throws some shade at Jordan and gets clotheslined out of nowhere for his troubles. Bell rings and they run the ropes and Jordan hits some explosive offense early. Jordan is another random person like the Basham’s that I remember seeing when I began watching Smackdown as a kid so it’s cool seeing his debut here against someone who would become quite the rival of his. Anyways, Cena finally gets his Jersey off and starts moving. He goes for an FU and Jordan escapes. Jordan fires off again and goes for a crossbody, but Cena rolls through and gets the pin. This was fun for like 3 minutes.

Match rating - **

Cena attacks Orlando post-match and The Undertaker shows up to confront him. Cena bails out as soon as Taker gets off his motorcycle and into the ring. Taker stares at Orlando as he gets up and gives him a nod. 

2) The Undertaker, Bradshaw, & Ron Simmons vs. Full Bloodied Italians (Nunzio, Chuck Palumbo, & Johnny Stamboli) 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Bad Blood 2003 Review - June 15th, 2003

WWE: Badd Blood 

June 15th, 2003

Houston, Texas 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Opening video package is awesome. It recaps how we ended up at H & Nash in Hell in a Cell with Foley as the special ref. 

“And believe me, there will be hell unleashed…” -Mick Foley 

Commentators - Jim Ross & Jerry “The King” Lawler 

“LOOK OUT!” -Jerry Lawler

1) The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von) vs. Rodney Mack & Christopher Nowinski (w/ Theodore Long)

“Why is your white brother always telling you to get the tables?” -Chris Nowinski 

Mack and D-Von lock up before the bell. It’s awkward and not as cool as shit like that is sometimes, lol. So what a start! Crowd seems hot, this show feels.. cool? Which anything will feel better on the eyes and ears after the atrocity that was Insurrextion a week prior. Anyways. This match really is all about that quote from Nowinski I wrote out at the top of this match review. This is a perfectly fine opener. Good work from everybody. Bubba gets a nice hot tag, there’s a good near fall or two. Teddy gets on the apron and distracts D-Von when Bubba does the “get the tables” spot and it costs them that moment. D-Von goes to swing at Teddy and Rodney nails him from behind and shit goes downhill from here. Bad finish with Nowinski getting the cheap victory over Bubba. Fun match otherwise.

Match rating - **

King & JR replay how all the different contests that will take place in the Redneck Triathlon were determined.

This leads into Terri, backstage, hosting the first event in this.. triathlon between Steve Austin & Eric Bischoff.. a burping contest. This is.. somethin else. These burps are so clearly phoned in.. it’s .. bad lmao. I have to go, y’all.. Austin wins the “contest” for those who care. 

2) Test vs. Scott Steiner 

“You’ve always been a little voyeuristic.” -Jim Ross

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Insurrextion 2003 - June 7th, 2003

WWE Insurrextion 

Newcastle, England

June 7th, 2003

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Commentary - Jim Ross & Jerry “The King” Lawler 

1) Jazz (c) (w/ Theodore Long) vs. Trish Stratus - Women’s Title Match 

“He is a dapper yapper.” -Jim Ross

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Monday Night Raw Review - May 19th, 2003

WWE Raw

May 19th, 2003

Greenville, South Carolina 

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

Intercontinental Champion: Christian (since 5/18/03)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

Commentators: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross

Stone Cold Steve Austin opens the show. Judgement Day was last night, but we are looking ahead toward Bad Blood presented by Stone Cold and Stone Cold says that since it’s presented by him that means… 

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED  

Austin is full of great quotes tonight. He says he’s gonna get to the bottom of the Goldberg deal because “if anyone knows anything about getting hit by an automobile, it’s Stone Cold Steve Austin” holy fuck.

Austin introduces the World Heavyweight Champion Triple H accompanied by Ric Flair. He stops H made entrance and says he doesn’t have time to watch him spit his stupid water, he’s here to talk business. He says H got his ass whipped last night and doesn’t deserve to be holding that title. Austin says H will wrestle tonight and he will let him pick his own opponent as long as they’re a former world champion. H is pissed at first then smirks and says he will face the greatest world champion of all time… Ric Flair. Flair looks confused and Austin is clearly annoyed. H & Flair leave as Austin stares on. 

1) The Dudley Boys (Bubba Ray & D-Von) vs. 3 Minute Warning (Jamal & Rosey) (w/ Rico) 

“Here come them damn Dudleys.” -Jim Ross

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Judgement Day 2003 Review - May 18th, 2003

WWE Judgement Day 

May 18th, 2003

Charlotte, North Carolina

World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H (since 12/15/02)

World Tag Team Champions: Rob Van Dam & Kane (3/31/03)

WWE Women's Champion: Jazz (since 4/27/03)

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 2/6/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

Commentators: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross and Michael Cole & Tazz  

Before we get going, just want to plug the Up & Over Podcast episode that covers this show! If you prefer audio or just want a more in depth conversation with a couple of others on this event, you can check that out here on our YouTube page and there you can also find links to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc! NOW, let’s dive into this event….

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin hits the ring to start the show. He’s our new co general manager and god almighty that glass shattering never gets old. You can never go starting the show this way. Austin says he isn’t here to talk a lot, but he wanted to let everyone know he has his own personal skybox that he calls “redneck heaven” and he will be up there watching the show just like everyone else in Charlotte. Austin walks up from ringside through the crowd after roasting a drink with Tazz at the commentary table. 

1) John Cena, Chuck Palumbo, & Johnny Stamboli vs. Chris Benoit, Brian “Spanky” Kendrick, & Rhyno 

Ruthless Aggression Era Project: WWE Smackdown Review - May 1st, 2003

WWE Smackdown 

May 1st, 2003

Manchester, New Hampshire

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar (since 3/30/03)

WWE Tag Team Champions: Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas (since 2/6/03)

WWE Cruserweight Champion: Matt Hardy (since 2/23/03)

LATER TONIGHT: Mr. McMahon confronts Mr. America in Piper's Pit

Backlash replays air to start the broadcast. 

1) Eddie & Chavo Guerrero vs. Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore