CHRISTMAS LIST: Too lazy to say "thank you for transcribing your two thousandth promo" in an email? Send a card to PO Box 64405, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-4405. Be sure to include something you'd like me to say at the top of the column - who knows?

AWARDS: No, see the deadline passed. YOU won't be counted, but almost 600 others WILL be! I already have seven of the 47 categories tallied, but that's NOTHING since these are the easy categories where everybody votes the same. Hopefully I'll have it ready by the 15th...or, more likely, the 18th, since I'll probably need ONE more weekend than I've planned...

A SAD TALE: Gather round my children and hear my words, in case you haven't already heard this story on the EZboard. Last Friday, tickets for SmackDown! at the Oakland Arena went on sale. Like a good fan, I stayed up all night to try to be first into the tickets.com website to get some good seats.

I hit tickets.com precisely at 10am and managed to tie up six ALMOST PERFECT tickets - ringside, section 1, row 4. Right in front of the cameras. I had the credit card ready, I was GOING to commit $300 to these tickets, damn the torpedoes, don't worry whether I'd be able to hit up people for $40 + $6.25 "convenience" fee + $2.50 "some other tax" fee, just DO it, baby,just do it.

Of course, tickets.com decided at that EXACT moment that suddenly, their servers were too BUSY to take my order.

I tried to submit the order again. "Sorry, our server is experiencing high usage and you didn't get through."

Again.

Again.

What they were REALLY saying was "we don't care WHAT kind of uberfan you think you are - you *ain't* gettin' six choice seats because we're only interested in selling them to EVIL SCALPERS who have NO love for wrestling but will happily turn around and break up THIS block for $250 per because IT'S ALL A CONSPIRACY AGAINST CRZ."

I know this, because after the requisite period of time, tickets.com gave up on me. Never mind that I was frantically trying to complete the damn order if only they'd LOOK at my credit card - no, they decided that since their time limit had expired and they hadn't heard from me, I *obviously* had no interest in purchasing these tickets, so they returned them back to the pool, where a Satan-worshipping drug fiend used a stolen credit card to quickly snap them up. HE managed to get through on THE PHONE, you see, because it was probably a stolen cel phone with a wicked speed dial.

Hey, I can only hit "Reload" so many times.

Is it possible I'm telling this sad story here in order to elicit sympathy from the company I faithfully detail for thousands - nay, TENS of thousands of fans, fans who are *hungry* for a happy ending to this sad tale? "Mmmmmm, COULD be...."

Hey, it never hurts to TRY.

I GET LETTERS: Long-time close personal friend and correspondent of not Edward Burkett anticipates my long work day by sneaking in this report of happenings prior: Dear CRZ sir,

Hello. How is the ballot counting going?

A few friends and I attended Raw live at the Continental Airlines Arena . Not much happened off camera, but I'll pass along what I can anyway.

We got to the arena later than usual while the Fink was talking. A match then started while we found our seats, so as far as we can tell, that was the first match. I hope you find this helpful.

Dark Matches (or what happened to Scott Vick???)

#1: Haas Bros. vs. the Dupps

The Dupps have degenerated to wearing regular tights instead of looking like hicks or slobs or whatever the Dupps were supposed to look like. I don't know if they still have those silly names. Anyway, the Dupps seemed to be playing heels, and after some heel miscommunication which bought the Haas brothers time to hit some nice offense (one Haas did an overhead belly-suplex off the top rope to the other Haas which flipped him onto a Dupp in the middle of the ring), a ref bump allowed the Dupps to walk away with the victory.

#2: Chris Chetti vs. Funaki

Surprisingly large pop for Chetti, who I thought looked like Eminem, and an even larger pop for Funaki, probably because they were each the first recognizable superstars to appear. Decent match, puncuated by chants for Funaki. Funaki won.

Some Kid Rock song plays, and Jonathan Coachman, Kevin Kelly, Tom Pritchard, and Michael Hayes come out for our

Jakked/Metal matches

#1: Al Snow vs. ???

I think it was some jobber. I didn't hear his name. Nice pop for Al and Head. Al wins with the snowplow after teasing Head. I'm amazed that people would cheer for him to lose the match on a dq. Anyway, after the match Al ran into the crowd, then ran back to the commentators brandishing head, and then pulled a cameraman halfway up the ramp before letting him go and leaving. I just think Al should grow his goatee back.

#2: Too Cool vs. Lo-Down

This is what happens when we spontaneously book Rikishi as a major heel. Nice pop for Too Cool. D-Lo is SO being misused if he has to be hidden under an orange turban. (and Chaz is better than this too...) Regardless, nice little match punctuated with the Worm (which pleased the crowd), but D-Lo hit the frog splash for the win.

#3: Raven vs. TAKA Michinokou (sp?)

Did you know that in Smackdown 2, even the WWF spells it as TAKA? (and if I can just say that that game is amazing!!! YOU CAN GET RUN OVER BY A CAR -- ITS JUST LIKE THE REAL WWF!!!) Anyway, Kaientai goes 50-50 on the night when Raven hits his Evenflow DDT. Judging by the crowd, if JR was right when he said that we would determine if Raven or Tazz would be a face or a heel, it seems that Raven will be a face.

#4: Eddie Guerrero defeated Essa Rios

Then JR comes out to his Oklahoma music, and Lawler comes out to that King music that he comes out to. Lillian sings the national anthem. We go live for a minute. Then RAW starts.

I'll take it from here, Eddie-torial!

QUICK QUOTE: WWF 13 1/8 (- 1 ... last year: 16 5/8)

TONIGHT: Armageddon LOOMS on the horizon, and tonight's show LOOMS from another fifteen minutes of *Sammo* - check out the cool graphic with all six participants of the main event! They'll all be here tonight...and so will Vince McMahon! Matches? Forget 'em! RAW is LIVE at the top of the hour!

Man, between *Sammo* and Arsenio Hall, this is the UGLIEST version of "Caged Heat" I've EVER seen

LAST THURSDAY: That wasn't Austin! It was......it was VINCE, Austin! It was Vince ALL ALONG!

Opening Credits

SHWOOOOOOM BOOM WE ARE LIVE from the Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands in LOVELY East Rutherford, NJ 4.12.2K - 17,129 in the building, MILLIONS watching around the world (including WWF New York) - YOU - and ME - right here, right now...transimitido en espanol SAP... RAW...... IS... WARRRRRRRRRR

HEY HEY HEY HEY (on his Beautiful Titan Bike - Undertaker.com) v. RIKASHMONEY - NO TIME FOR TALK DADDY it's FAHTIN' TAHM - no, I didn't say "fart," I said FIGHT. These two are in the big Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon, just in case you've been living in a cubicle with no Internet access. Rikishi tries to get the jump, but no - kick, soupbone, soupbone, soupbone, into the corner, back elbow up by Rikishi. Ross said "studs." Clothesline from the Reaper. In the corner, soupbone, into the opposite corner, running clothesline in the corner. Soupbone blocked, right by Rikishi. Soupbone by Undertaker. Right by Rikishi. Soupbone by Undertaker. Right...is blocked - 'Taker with a headbutt! But it looks like it hurt HIM more than the big Samoan! The Undertaker *hurt?* He headbutts him again - Rikishi no-sells it and headbutts HIM - down he goes! Clubbing forearm. In the corner, right, right, right, right, right, right, kick, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, finally referee "Blind" Teddy Long manages to enforce the rules by forcing Rikishi to relent. Into the opposite corner and 'Taker lands hard. He's warming it up! Running start...but 'Taker steps aside! Soupbone! Soupbone! Running start on the BIG clothesline! Arm wringer - OLD SCHOOL - Rikishi doesn't have the ropewalk scouted, apparently...but maybe KING KURT ANGLE does, since he's out to ringside as 'Taker stands on top. Angle can't get involved...unless he wants to forfeit the title - but perhaps it's just enough to provide distraction, as Rikishi pulls him into the ring HARD. Right hand from Rikishi - another right. Crowd: "Angle sux" Rikishi gives a not-quite-silent count to three and hits the BELLY-to-belly...for 2. Right to the back of the head, again, into the ropes is reversed, big boot from the Badass. Off the ropes, big elbowdrop - 1, 2, shoulder barely up! Castrol provides the Double Feature of the BELLY-to-belly...as we watch that, 'Taker sneaks outside and starts laying 'em into Angle...is he nuts? He'll lose his title shot for sure! Soupbones a-flyin'! 'Taker back in - Ross says "soupbone" - hi, Ross - I learned that trick from Hyatte. Back in - soupbone, soupbone, into the ropes is reversed, 'Taker ducks..but lands in the Samoan drop! Leg is hooked - 1, 2, NO!! Right hand from Rikishi - into the ropes, head down...'Taker DDT's him! Hey, how come THAT hurts the big Samoan head? Who can say. Angle has a chair on the outside...he's not gonna interfere, is he? 'Taker in position for the choke....got it....Angle on the apron with the chair and 'Taker lets go, running over to give him ANOTHER soupbone that puts him out on the floor! But he turns back and EATS THE RIKISHIKICK. Off the ropes...DRUMSTICK DROP! That'll be it - 1, 2, BULLLLLLLLSHIT - 'Taker may have raised his hand but his shoulder DAMN sure didn't move. Teddy Long is in the Undertaker's pocket! Rikishi stands at the ready as 'Taker gets to his feet. ANOTHER RIKISHIKICK! Dragging him to the corner....he won't...will he? BAN - ZAI - DRAWWWWWWWWWWWWP! NOBODY gets up from that - 1, 2, 3!!!!!!!! THREE!!!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! GREATEST OPENER EVER!!! (5:15) The Smark just told me that this match was "dull and plodding" but *I* think it was a "classic big man battle that belongs on a compilation tape - and I wish the crowd was louder." Angle is quickly in to add stomping to injury - right, medals in the hand - right - ducking a clothesline, Rikishi puts him down. Angle continues stomping. Crowd chanting for *anybody*...but all they get is Angle's theme. Is there an alliance here? They just did the Wonder Twin Powers signal!

TONIGHT: Vince McMahon - he's here to save the ratings! A "state of the WWF" address may be imminent!

We check out the office of the Commissioner (and Lt. Commissioner) - the signs are there, the stuffed animals are there, the cacti and lava lamp are there....but NOT there are our Commish and Lt. Commish! What's up? Come back to find out!

WWFshopzone.com ad

SmackDown! 2 ad

I guess that "no interference" thing was just for SmackDown! then....or the writers have no short-term memories

Moments Ago, Undertaker felt the power of the awesome standing side kick...and the Banzai Drop. No sooner was the match over than a doubleteam was on.

WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: HARDY BOYZ (with Lita) v. WALL BUCHANAN & GOODFATHER (with Steven Richards & Bald Venis & Ivory & Let Us Take You Back to Rebellion) - It would be wrong of me to wonder aloud why Edge & Christian haven't gotten their shot at the RtC, given their efforts to get the belts OFF the Hardyz, so instead let's look at these clips from last Saturday, where the Hardyz had the titles won until interference from Val Venis swung the scales back to the champions. When we come back live, it looks like referee "Blind" Jim Korderas is clearing the ringside area of Right to Censor members not competing in the match! I notice he's letting Lita stick around....back to the ring where the champs take advantage of the distraction. Into the ropes, double duck, double slide under - Goodfather and Buchanan slide under as the Hardys come back in - double dropkick through the ropes! Double pescado! Buchanan and the Harydz back in - gutshot, double suplex - Matt covers but only gets 2. Right, right, into the ropes is reversed, and reversed through the ropes to the outside. Goodfather over - big right, into the post. Backstage, Dean Malenko is watching a monitor...VERY intently. Is that a new Light Heavyweight belt? Matt's apparently thrown back in the ring for Buchanan - right hand. Kick. Tag. Into the ropes, gutshot by Buchanan, kick off the ropes by Goodfather. Clubbing forearm. Yanking on the arm. And again. Into the ropes, head down, kick by Hardy, right hand by Goodfather is ducked, DDT by Hardy and both men are down! Goodfather is up, but Matt ducks under him and leaps for the HOT TAG! Right, right, right, off the ropes, dropkick, right, right, right, right, Buchanan in illegally with a forearm - into the corner, ducking the double clothesline, leaping up to the top - BEAUTIFUL corkscrew moonsault! All four men in now - Hardyz on Goodfather, into the corner, Buchanan into Goodfather, Poetry in Motion on the stack. The shirts come off and the girls scream! But here come....THOSE DAMN DUDLEYZ, still in camo pants and boots but wearing...white shirts and black ties? They have a very solemn walk...the Hardyz are confused, and so is the crowd. RtC from behind to take control. Into the ropes, Matt holds on to avoid the big boot, Buchanan runs at him and gets dumped to the floor. Goodfather has Jeff up in a backbreaker...Matt pulls him off - Twist of Fate! Swantonbomb! The Dudleyz on the apron and Korderas devoting all his attention to...pointing at them, I guess. Jeff covers but Korderas is stlil busy telling the Dudleyz to get to the floor. Buchanan with a *vicious* scissors kick on Jeff - then he and Matt exchange punches in the corner as Goodfather makes the cover....1, 2, 3. (3:41) WAZZUP with the Dudleyz? Even Goodfather and Buchanan are confused by the new look for the men from Dudleyville...

Back to the Commish's office, where Debra reads a copy of RAW Magazine (available at a store near you). Road Dogg and K-Kwik show up and plead their case, saying that THEY should have had the title shot instead of the Hardyz - they had them dead to rights last week, but Teddy Long let Ivory interfere. Debra says the ref was reprimanded, and she thinks they deserve a rematch...just happening by, though, are Edge & Christian. Edge asks how they, three-time champions, have received NO title shots against the RtC while these "reekazoids" get continual title shots. Dogg sports some umbrage, telling "Percy Sledge & Sister Christian" that if they wanna dress up like Ike & Tina, they'll be happy to whoop both their asses. "That doesn't even make any sense!" "Makes sense to me and him." "That makes no sense at all... 'Boff?' Nice shirts, how old are you guys, like seven?" Debra says that they're both worthy, and she and Mick will definitely be interested in who wins tonight. She walks out, leaving them to bicker...

In the local slot, AT&T Broadband puts up a WCW Starrcade promo

...and a Golden State Warriors ad. Oof - they go together, somehow

We get a shot of Debra's gams - she's WALKING! And waiting in the parking area for Mick Foley to arrive.

Moments Ago, Five Paragraphs Ago

Back in the locker room, the Hardyz wonder aloud what the hell'z up with the Dudleyz. "Oh, Lita..." Dean Malenko enters with a bouquet of flowers. The Hardyz give him two seconds to clear out. "Hey hey, hold on a second, did I come here at a bad time? Guys, I'm not here to talk to you, I'm here to talk to Lita. Lita, I wanted to give you something and apologise to you for everything that's happened...and, you know, given the right chance, I really do think you can like me and all I'm asking you is just for once chance...and more importantly than that, a date." "Okay, can I think about that?" "Sure, no problem!" "Thought about it, no!" and she tomahawk chops him with the flowers and Matt shoves him out the door. "What was he thinking? Cheap flowers..."

Meanwhile, in another dressing room, Triple H and Rikishi celebrate his big win. "Hell of a match - not many guys can claim they've beaten the Undertaker. That was awesome, you're a machine. Listen, Thursday I started to tell you about this but this Hell in the Cell match Sunday...this is a different beast, man - I know you wanna be World Wrestling Federation champ - I do too, but we gotta play this game smart. Hell in the Cell is the most dangerous match in the World Wrestling Federation. I know, I've been in there. But this one's different. Six guys. SIX guys. We gotta play this smart. I look at it like this...if it's every man for himself, it's pretty tough, but if we form an alliance...you think Austin, the Rock and 'Taker - you think they can...can work together? Naw, their egos won't allow it. But if you and I - if you and I work as a team, Rikishi...one unit. An alliance. Just think about it - we would be the most powerful force at Armageddon - and it's ours, and it's ours for the taking - you know what I mean?" "Well let me ask you something - what about you and McMahon, are you cool with him?" "Ahh, see the thing with me and Vince, it was a misunderstanding. You know what I mean? Don't worry about that - the old man will be cool with all of it. Trust me." "Triple H - if you're cool with that, then I'm cool witchoo." We focus on it just a BIT too long...did I hear a director?

CHRIS BENOIT v. KOOL MOE DEE - "The One Billy Gunn. Will someone please tell me what the hell that means? Well, I'll tell you what I think it means. He's The One I'm going to beat for the intercontinental championship! He's The One the world's greatest technical wrestler is going to abuse. He is The One that will NOT prove me wrong at Armageddon and that is JUST the way it is! And tonight...Hardcore Holly...huh...well let me tell you what I think of your name...they c--" the music

Out in the garage, Debra is still anxious and waiting. A black limousine pulls up - that must be Commissioner Foley....ohh, no, it's Vince McMahon. Debra seems EXTRA anxious, now...

As we check out Giants Stadium...then the Continental Airlines Arena...there's a big inflatable XFL football and tee....

And here's RUSTY TILLMAN, the coach of the New York/New Jersey Hitmen, along with his (apparently) no-name assistants! How much a success do they plan the XFL to be? THEY'VE GIVEN IT THE BRAWL FOR ALL THEME

Another look at the cool graphic and a listen to the sounds of "Sweet Home Alabama" - at Armageddon, it's six men and one cell.

Back to the garage, where Mick Foley arrives in his rental car. After the requisite plug for "Christmas Chaos," Debra catches up Foley on what's been happening, not the least of which was McMahon showing up...

Cut to Rikishi and Triple H, who rise as Vince enters their dressing room. Vince glares at Triple H...then turns to Rikishi. "How 'bout givin' me and Triple H a minute?" "Sure, boss..." "You know why Steph's not here, right? 'Cause I don't want to put Steph in the middle...not between you and me. But there's gotta be some sort of explanation - one that I'm satisfied with. What the hell were you thinking? Huh? What the hell were you thinking? I'm not so sure what I'm thinking here tonight, all right? I don't know whether to take your head off right now...or sit down and talk it out...or just what." "Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a second. Before you get carried away here, I tried to call you. I've gone by your house - you don't come to the door, you don't answer the phone. I've explained it to you on your answering machine but you don't listen so I'll tell you face to face. That was a mistake. Vince, I thought you were Austin. Now YOU know better than anybody how Austin can get under your skin - what he can do to a man inside. That was a mistake, Vince." "Mm hmm." "I thought you were Stone Cold." "You got Armageddon coming up this Sunday, right? You remember what happened at LAST year's Armageddon? 'Cause I do." And he walks off... "Yeah. I'll never forget. And don't worry...I'll make it up to ya."

KEVIN "NAILZ" KELLY (holy CRAP! What happened to his HAIR? Did he lose an ECWA match or something?) stands in the towering presence of the Rock, who puts up a hand for him to talk to. Mug, mug, mug. "Finally, the Rock HAS COME BACK to New Jersey! Just as sure as for the very first time, Kevin Kelly, the Rock stood right in this arena and called you an ugly hermaphrodite, is as sure as this Sunday night at Armageddon, the Rock will be in Hell in a Cell. This is gonna be the most brutal match the Rock has ever been in - the dangerousest match the Rock has ever been in - the Hell in the Cell, and it doesn't matter, Kevin Kelly, whatcha call it, whether it's called the Hell in the Cell - Rage in the Cage - Painus in Your Anus, the only thing that matters...is that the Rock is going in this Sunday night to do exactly what he does best, layeth the smacketh down and get back the Rock's WWF title. ... And the fact of the matter is this, is that the Rock knows that this Sunday night, he has his work cut out for him. The Rock knows he's got five other guys he's gotta compete with...and even if the Rock has gotta beat Kurt Angle, which means... (glasses off, eyes wide and bright) 'I'm gonna drink a big glass of milk! Eat some chocolate chip cookies and then maybe I'll take three Viagra!' Or maybe the Rock is gonna face Rikishi - beat Rikishi. 'I did it - for de Rock. I did it - for de People. I did it - I' aww shut your mouth, ya thong wearin' fatty. Or maybe even the Rock has gotta beat the Undertaker, the American Badass, beat him so bad that one more time he'll raise up... (rolling eyes back in head) 'Rest... in.... peeeeeace.' Or maybe the Rock has gotta beat Triple H himself 'which means-uhh, he's gotta beat the Game-uhhh, in the middle of the ring-uhhh, and he has a two dollar (beep) for a wife-uhhh...' [somebody tell Rock Vince is here tonight].... .... .......or maybe the Rock has gotta beat...(puts on an Austin cap) 'Stone Cold Steve Austin...which means I gotta git in my - I gotta git in my pickup truck, drink some Steveweisers, listen to some Backstreet Boys...and that's the bottom line, 'cause the Great One said so!'" Rock puts the cap on Kelly...and puts his shades back on. "And one more thing...this Sunday night at Armageddon, the Rock is gonna do all he can to win the WWF title...IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL what THE ROCK is cookin'!"

The Undertaker leaves the Commissioner's office...perturbed. "DAMN!" We look inside the office. "Sorry, Undertaker! I'm gonna make it up to ya on SmackDown!" Foley says since Angle is so keen on interfering, maybe should defend his title tonight.....right here in Cheap Pop! In fact, maybe he'd like to defend the title against..Chris Jericho!

Dean Malenko catches up to Lita one more time - "haven't you heard of giving a guy a second chance?" Lita is ready to slam the door on him again, when Malenko motions to his crotch...oh, I mean his belt. Malenko offers her a Light Heavyweight title shot. If she wins, he'll move on. If HE wins, there'll be no SmackDown! for them Thursday - instead, it'll be a dinner that she'll NEVER forget. He offers her chocklits - she takes one..."you got yourself a match...." then upends the rest of the box in his face and slams the door. "She really digs me!"

EDGE & CHRISTIAN v. MOM II - "Road Dogg & K-Kwik - you think you're so special because you come out here and rap...we got a little surprise for you, 'cause we...are about to..KICK IIIT!" "We're Edge & Christian and we're total bliss / that's because we reek of awesomeness!" "Now we're the E to the C and they're in liggety-luck / Gonna beat Dogg and Krush 'cause they totally suck." "Now even tho' we're in Jersey - a state with skanky ho's / We'll still break it down for a five second pose!" "Whodat?" They make with the phat posedown, yo, until Dogg & Kwik run out *without* music and take it to them as we start. Christian goes out and referee "Blind" Mike Chioda decides that putting Krush - sorry, Kwik - in his corner is in order at this time. Lawler says this was Dogg & Kwik's greatest, most entertaining entrance ever. Rights by Dogg. Into the ropes, reversed, hiptoss blocked, clothesline by the Dogg. Right, tag to Kwik. Right hand by Kwik. Right. Into the opposite corner is reversed, Kwik up and over, superfluous back cartwheel. Off the ropes with a flying jalapeno. Chioda over to keep Dogg from coming in, so Christian comes in with a surprise Slop Drop to turn it around. Edge on Kwik - six quick rights. Tag to Christian - open shot, right, Kwik fires back, another forearm by Christian, blatant choke. Tag to Edge, open kick, head to the buckle, tag to Christian, into the ropes, double clothesline ducked, double press, but Kwik manages a double dropkick on his way back down. Dogg wants the tag - and gets it! Right for Christian, right for Edge, clothesline for Christian, scoop slam for Edge. Christian coming at him with a crossbody, but Dogg ducks it and Edge takes the blow! Left for Christian, left, left, juke, jive, right for Edge. Kwik in with a clothesline that puts Edge on the floor...Christian tries a Slop Drop on Dogg, but he turns it around and puts him in a bearhug - Kwik with an eight foot high heel kick! Dogg covers, but Chioda is trying to tell Kwik that only one man is allowed in the ring at a time. Behind his back, Edge is back in - Edge-O-Matic! Christian covers...1, 2, 3! (2:43) Did we just decide the #1 Contenders?

Kurt Angle invites himself into the dressing room and suggests the three of them team up against Rock, Austin and Undertaker....just like the Three Musketeers! Angle suggests that if it came down to the three of them...they could make it a Triple Threat...this interests Triple H enough to lean forward on the sofa...or maybe it's just his sciatic nerve bothering him (yuk yuk - jokes for smarts). "Of course, to make it effective, we're gonna have to start the alliance tonight - I'm gonna have to beat Chris Jericho tonight...if you catch my drift." "We'll think about it, Kurt, we'll think about it." "Great. All right, guys." And off he goes. H turns to Rikishi...and smiles...

Meanwhile, Chris Jericho is WALKING!

Meanwhile, Vince McMahon is SWAGGERING! Walking up to the door with the skull on it...he won't go in THERE, will he?

JESSE VENTURA: "Why did you cheer the football legends of yesterday? Was it because of his seven figure salary, his five houses, the jewelry around his neck, or was it because he made diving catches across the middle, took a blind hit, and still got up, played with a busted hand or a broken bone in his leg..." "The XFL, coming this February." "It's real football." Didn't those legends usually die broke and broken?

SmackDown! 2 ad #2

WWF SmackDown! at the Oakland Arena 9 January! Up yours, BASS! Up yours, tickets.com!

When we come back, it's a healthy staring contest 'twixt Steve Austin...and Vince McMahon. Vince offers a hand...and a querying visage. "You want me to shake your hand?" "All right. I'll cut to the chase. Maybe I don't give a damn personally, but professionally from an investment standpoint, I do. I don't like you in Hell in the Cell. I don't like a lot of these guys in Hell in the Cell match. It's a lousy investment, you going in there - I wanna protect my investment, all right? And if you go through with this Hell in the Cell match, it's your first one, but it can be damn well be your last one." Off he goes...

WWF CHAMPIONSHIP: KING KURT ANGLE (with RAW Credits & TV-14-DLV-CC boxes) v. CHRIS MONDAY JERICHO - Champ enters first because he's got something to say. "Now Your Olympic Hero realises that this state isn't exactly associated with winners...but this is ridiculous! I mean, I'd love to come out here and entertain all of you, but I need at least a few minutes preparation time to defend my WWF title tonigh--"

Armageddon ad - it's THIS SUNDAY!

Moments Ago, two paragraphs ago

Angle busts in on H & Rikishi and asks the heck is going on. "We were just about ready to come down there, but then when we saw Kane, we figured you were all right, man." "Steph was right - you really DON'T need any help at ringside! I mean, you know... Kurt..wait a second. But your idea about an alliance? That was a pretty good idea, why don't you come and sit down for a second."

WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: THA 1 BILLY GUNN (with That Slut Chyna Fatone) v. BALD VENIS (with Ivory) - Why the camera chose to focus on the line of signs saying "The One Bad Ass Monty Sopp!" I'll never know. Maybe it's the Sopp family out there or something.

Vince McMahon hits the Rock's dressing room. "Rock - easy, easy. Listen, you're perhaps the most intelligent, okay, of all the WWF superstars, so I will plead to your intelligence, you don't have to compete in this Hell in the Cell match this Sunday. Think about it...you've got more to lose than anyone else. You're young, you've got your entire career - you've got your entire career ahead of you, Rock. Think about it, you can tell Mick Foley to go to hell." "The Rock appreciates your concern. He appreciates your generosity. But from the bottom of the Rock's heart....thank you." "All right."

Lita is WALKING! She's a GIRL!

Meanwhile, Dean Malenko applies cologne. "Tonight's your night, Lita..."

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Time now for the Castrol Motor Oily WWF Slam of the Week! From last Thursday, Lita lands a moonsault on Malenko, Guerrero lands a frog splash on Lita, and Malenko expresses...concern.

WWF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: LITA (with RAW is WAR is brought to you by THQ's SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role, Castrol Motor Oily, and Squaresoft's Final Fantasy IX) v. DEAN MALENKO IS NOT JAMES BOND - belt vs. date - no, I *can't* remember the last time Malenko defended this belt on RAW. Malenko doesn't take his eyes off of Lita all the way down the aisle. Well, if anybody can drag a good match out of Lita....lockup, Malenko shoves her down. Then heh walks over to help her up, but Lita surprises him with a rollup for 2. Lockup, Malenko chain wrestling, reversal by Lita, fireman's carry takeover by Malenko, nip up by Lita, arm wringer flips him down, working an arm bar, Malenko back up. Sent into the ropes, going for the tilt-a-whirl, Lita counters with a head scissors, sorta. Lita with a hammerlock, Malenko elbows out...rather hard, at that. Lita holds her jaw. Malenko has her in the corner, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, kick, standing on the...chest? Family-friendly camera angle is unsure. hop. Into the ropes, sunset flip by Lita, Malenko follows through, flipping her backwards into a pinning predicament - for 2. Into the ropes, no, gutshot by Malenko....going for a powerbomb, but Lita goes up and over, and takes him down with an armdrag. Dropkick and Malenko goes outside. Tope through the ropes! Crowd apparently doesn't care! Malenko put back in the ring...head to the gut, sunset flip...Malenko holds the rope, so referee "Blind" Jack Doan kicks the hand away, then counts 1, 2, no. Kick by Lita, kick,

Six men for the WWF championship - Hell in the Cell - it's this Sunday!

Vince McMahon tries on the Undertaker's bike for size...then tells the guy shining it up to go tell the Undertaker he's looking for him...

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Your hosts are a pair of kings - LARRY KING & JERRY LAWLER - and a copy of the WWF cookbook. Chyna's been taken to the hospital, we're told.

Clips from Rebellion in Sheffield, England.

Vince is checking out the chrome...when he looks up, there's the Undertaker. "You NEED to get your ass off my ride." "Well, you know, I thought maybe you might show up - I need to, to help you out here a little. You need to be thinking about the ride YOUR ass is gonna take at Hell in the Cell - you've been there before, of all people, you KNOW what Hell in the Cell is all about, and you need to give Mick Foley a message, and that message would be 'Well, you know, Mr. Foley, I don't think I wanna compete in Hell in the Cell.'" "Well, you know, you need to give Mick Foley a message." "What's that?" And 'Taker spits his chaw on Vince's lapel. "You've got something on your jacket." Vince makes a face.

WWF EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: WILLIAM REGAL (with Let Us Take You Back to Rebellion) v. CRASH (with Molly Holly) - "In case you missed it, Regal lost the European title in the UK - I think that's, like, a rule or something. "I stand here in this miserable state a man besmirched! Because, in my home country of England on Saturday night in front of my friends, in front of my family, and most of all, my poor dear old father, who was humiliated because his only son was beaten for his European title not by Crash Holly, but by that bloody tart, Molly Holly! And so, what I suggest now is for that miserable little specimen, and bring that bloody scrubber with you!" Regal is quickly on him as he hits the ring - kick, Euro elbow, elbow, into the opposite corner, elbow as he comes out - European elbow, Crash with a punch, Regal with the elbow, Crash with the punch, Regal with one more elbow...Crash switches places with him in the corner, right, right, right, then five quick elbows, another elbow - he's European now! Into the ropes, clothesline, hooks the leg, and gets 2. Regal to the eyes. Through the rope to the floor, kick. Into the ringpost. Right hand, right, forearm to the back. Put onto the apron - and the neck is rammed into the corner of the apron. Regal back in - off the ropes with a measured elbowdrop. Big death suplex. 1, 2, Crash kicks out. Crash with a right, right, right, into the ropes, but Regal kicks him. Into the ropes, reversed, back elbow by Crash, Ducks a clothesline, Leprechaunrana, no cover. Crash with a scoop slam, going up top...missile dropkick! 1, 2, no! Into the ropes, reversed, Regal counters the headscissors by dropping him on his face. STF...and Crash taps. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new European champion. (2:23) You'd think the commentators would get a little more excited about this. Regal refuses to let go of the hold. Molly does nothing...oh wait, she's climbing the turnbuckle - big splash onto the waving Regal! Regal rolls through it, picks her up - BIG DEATH SUPLEX - BIG BIG STF. Molly taps...but it doesn't help much. KOOL MOE DEE comes out, pounds on Regal, and tosses him. Regal gives us a wicked grin. You know, not only did they NOT announce the new champion, but they never announced Crash as champion! Oh well, no matter - it's JUST the *European* Championship...

If you're thinking that it's looking more and more like our main event is going to be Vince's fifteen minute "state of the WWF" address...

At WWF New York, T&A throw out some T&APA merchandise to the crowd

Moments Ago, four paragraphs ago. Ross *still* calls him "Steven Regal" at least once per segment.

Backstage, Molly cries...and Hardcore throws a tantrum.

Michael King Cole stands with the Commissioner and Lt. Commissioner. Foley announces two new matches for Armageddon - a European title match between William Regal and Hardcore Holly... and Kane and Chris Jericho in a Last Man Standing match! There'll be some more matches made at SmackDown!, but for now, let's talk about the six man Hell in the Cell....or not, as Vince comes in. "Hey, Vince." "Oh Commissioner, so nice to see you. I wouldn't be so sure that your Hell in the Cell match is gonna come off. You see, I have to go deliver the State of the WWF address." Mick's voice drops to match Vince's stage whisper. "I can't wait, Vince, I can't wait."

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One more look at the outside of the arena - and that big ass XFL football. Armageddon is brought to you by Castrol GTX - Drive Hard!

And now, the main event you've all been waiting for....BILLIONAIRE VINCE is out. "I come before you tonight to deliver the State of the World Wrestling Federation address...but considering the length of my absence, quite frankly, I really don't know where to begin. Perhaps I should begin with the CEO, my wife Linda's decision to appoint Mick Foley as the Commissioner. That was a decision that I vehemently disagreed with at the time and as I stand before you here tonight, am convinced it was the wrong decision. I mean, my wife and I have - well, we do disagree on a number of topics, that being one of them, but through counseling, we have learned to agree...to....disagree. ["Ass Hole!"] Now, notwithstanding my wife's poor judgement - I can forgive her for that, but I can't forgive Mick Foley for his lack of judgement. You see, while I was at home making great personal sacrifice for my marriage, Mick Foley was here in the World Wrestling Federation. Mick Foley was here, sacrificing - sacrificing the careers of great WWF superstars, and quite frankly, only a - a masochist - only a, a sadist like Mick Foley, only someone with a demented, twisted mind could take six WWF superstars and put them in the most hellacious match ever! Only Mick Foley, the Commissioner would take arguably the six greatest WWF superstars of all time and put them in a Hell in the Cell match at Armageddon!" COMMISSIONER McFOLEY is out...to offer response? "Fo Ley!" "What brings Fatass Foley out here?" "Nice jacket, Vince. So I'm sick - I'm twisted and I'm demented, huh Vince? That means a lot coming from a guy who, when he was in charge, kidnapped his own daughter, knocked out his own son, good move, booked himself in WWF title matches, and gave us all the pleasure of seeing Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson in an evening gown match, and now you've got the audacity to call me sick and twisted for booking the six greatest athletes in the WWF in a Hell in the Cell match - I consider it a compliment, Vince, because I booked that match because in my personal life, my two Hell in the Cells represented two important milestones - one, the first one made my career, and the second one ended it. So Vince McMahon, you get this clear, until I am no longer the WWF Commissioner, and make no doubt about it, I still *am* the WWF Commissioner...that Hell in the Cell WILL take place at Armageddon, and yes, I do expect careers to be made, and maybe I expect careers to be ended, but who knows, Vince? Sick, twisted, demented...well, maybe I am, because on Thursday night, when the lights went on and the smoke cleared and I saw it was your face that Triple H had been hammering on,

We look backstage, where Undertaker is beating up Angle - Triple H comes in...then Rikishi's ass flies in - tripleteam beatdown ensues - right into the Big Pile of Noisy Metallic Objects! We pan back to see a bloodied Rock...and a barely conscious Austin. Angle, Rikishi and H walk off, leaving all three men unable to stand...credits are up, logo is up, we're gone.

AFTER THE FACT: Oh, wait, Edward Burkett wasn't through: The only things that happened during the show were that Lillian hawked merchandise and they aired some XFL commercials. After the show, Vince was helped out by a bunch of refs.

It was a good show, but I don't know how much the crowd liked it given that the Rock, Austin, Foley, and Vince didn't come out till the end. I personally wish HHH had appeared more, but that's just me. And no Blackman sucked too...

I think that's everything. Have a good day.

And I hope YOU have a good day as well.....WHOEVER you are!