UPN - Thursday!

TV-PG-DLV - One World Leader Attitude - WWF!

LIVE! ("Recorded Earlier") from the Compaq Center in Houston, TX 13.9.1 - the crowd is chanting "USA..."

And VINCE McMAHON is standing in the ring. "Tonight - tonight, the spirit of America...lives...here...in Houston, Texas! On behalf of everyone here in the arena, and a worldwide television audience, we would like to extend our condolences to the victims, and the families and friends of the victims of the terrorist acts that occurred on Tuesday in New York City and Washington, DC. Our nation's leaders have encouraged us to return to living our lives the way we normally do...our nation's leaders have encouraged us to continue to live our lives...the American way....they've encouraged us to practice and exercise our Constituational rights. And, as such, tonight I believe this is the first public assembly of its size since the tragedy of Tuesday. Make - make NO MISTAKE about what - and make no mistake about the message this public assembly is sending to terrorism tonight. And that message, quite simply, is that we will not live our lives in fear. The citizens of Houston are NOT afraid...the citizens of Texas are, indeed, not afraid...and by God, the citizens of the United States are not afraid! For we are a proud people - proud of who we are, proud of our nation, and damn proud to be Americans!" "USA!" "And we...and we will fight. We will fight for our families, we will fight for our rights, and we will fight for our great nation. America's heart has been wounded. But her spirit - her spirit shines as a beacon of freedom - a beacon of freedom that never has been, nor ever will be extinguished. The World Wrestling Federation would like to thank each and every one of you here in the Compaq Center tonight. The World Wrestling Federation would like to thank each and every one of you watching on television. We would like to thank you for the honour and privlige of performing before you here tonight."

Opening Credits

THE ROCK leads THE LOCKER ROOM out onto the aisle - a lot of backstage personnel are out with them as well. "...JIM ROSS & PAUL HEYMAN here at ringside on what will be no doubt a very special edition of World Wrestling Federation SmackDown! on what has been an extraordinary week for our country. We are here tonight to entertain you - and that's what these marvelous men and women of sports entertainment fully intend to do in the next two hours." Hey Kane's back! Behind then, TEAM W/ECW also come out - and take the stage behind the WWF superstars. Many of them carry American flags. Everybody in the crowd is standing.

HOWARD FINKEL: "Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the singing of our National Anthem!"

LILIAN GARCIA sings "Star Spangled Banner" from the middle of the ring. The red, white and blue ropes are back surrounding the squared circle. Garcia fights back tears as she finishes the song...and a loud "USA" chant starts again.

Ross: "It certainly has been an emotional night for all of us, it has been an emotional week for all Americans...and all of humanity, but we'll be back...with action...right after this timeout."

The sitdown tributes are bumpered in by WWF logos:

"EDGE:" I was actually contemplating whether to do this or not, because I don't know if all of you really care what Edge, or better yet Adam Copeland has to say about this. What else can be said? And I actually contemplated whether this show was the right thing to do. And once I contemplated it, I decided that, as the WWF family, we need to do our job tonight, and our job is to bring smiles to the faces of all your families. And if we can do that, then we've done our jobs, and...this can't be forgotten, it shouldn't be forgotten, and it never will be forgotten...but if we can do that, then this show was the right thing to do. And, I'd just like to send my prayers out to all those affected.

RICKY SANTANA (WWF Agent): First of all, I'd like to offer my condolences to all the families that are...indirectly and directly related to this horrific event that happened - ah, if you're askin' me if I'm mad, you're damn right I'm mad. You know, this is ah, the United States and it's the home of the free, and I'm not gonna hide my head, like an ostrich and live in fear. And I'd like to commemorate the great fans of Houston for coming out and showing their patriotism, and I wanna commend the WWF for stepping out and becoming the first to, to have the same thoughts and expressions that I have, and ah....ah, I'm at a loss for words at this point, but....I just wanna say, on a personal note, ah...to my loving wife, Mimi and do my daughters Nicole and Desiree, everything's gonna be okay, and Dad's coming home. Thank you.

HARDY BOYZ (with Lita) v. HURACAN & LANCE STORM (with Ivory) - Matt and Hurricane start - lockup, fireman's carry takeover by Hurricane, superhero spin...and pose. Lockup, side headlock by Hurricane, powered out, shoulderblock by Hurricane, pose. Up and over, hiptoss by Matt, MATT goes into the spin and poses. Hurricane runs into a right, right, Storm from behind to turn it around, now all four men in...pairing up in opposite corners, double whip - Storm and Hurricane stop just in time, but Jeff dropkicks Storm into Hurricane, into a rollup by Matt - 1, 2, kickout. Jeff tosses Storm - Hurricane into the ropes, double back elbow, fistdrop/senton combo. Matt off the ropes - but Storm ankles him. Referee "Blind" Mike Chioda is too busy putting Jeff back to notice. Storm comes in - Matt sent into the ropes, double back elbow, double spin and pose - Storm seems to like it! Into the ropes, nice dropkick by Storm. Tag to Hurricane, who's donning the cape - scoop slam by Storm...Hurricane up top - crossbody *hits*...but Matt kicks out at 2. Cape put back in the corner - Matt reverses the powerbomb attempt into a side Russian legsweep. Coming up tonight: the Rock, Rob van Dam, Chris Jericho, and more! Both men are down and heading to their corners - Storm tagged, Jeff HOT TAG! Right for Storm, right for Hurricane, right for Storm, double leg for Hurricane, into the speaking in tongues double legdrop - sitout jawbreaker on Storm. Matt in - Poetry in Motion on Hurricane, Storm tries to whip Matt but it's reversed - Poetry in Motion MISSES - Matt with a gutshot, trying the Twist of Fate but Storm shoves him into the super(hero)kick! Hurricane puts Jeff on the ground as Storm covers - 1, 2, NO! Hurricane with a pescado on Jeff! Inside the ring, Storm is working on Matt - meanwhile, Lita is at the top of the steps...Lita with a 'rana on Hurricane! Back in the ring - Matt's turned it around somehow - gutshot, Twist of Fate - Jeff's back up and on top - swantonbomb - Jeff hooks the leg - he is the legal man - 1, 2, 3! (3:18) Rock is in the house tonight, Big Show, Booker T, Lita takes on Ivory, and more to come!

"TERRI": Umm, I think what hit me the strongest was coming from the angle, I mean, and the spirit of a mother, because I have a beautiful child at home...and, to think about....all the children who will not have their mommies, daddies, um - grandparents, brothers, sisters. Just from the whole human aspect, it, ah- it breaks my heart that, that this could happen, and in the name of what?

"THE ROCK": First and foremost, I have to say that I can't fathom or comprehend the pain and the suffering and the anguish that the families and friends of the victims are going through...the workers, working diligently, 24 hours a day - sifting through the rubble and looking for...any remnants of life. It's difficult...to talk about this and I will say that I can't...I couldn't imagine what it must be like to be there, I couldn't imagine, I couldn't imagine if my own family were there. I, ah, I will offer my condolences and certainly say that everyone is in my heart and in my prayers, and I umm - I just wanna say to everyone out there, again to the families and friends of the victims and everyone involved is to...just stay strong. Stay strong.

The UPN announcer reads white text on a black screen: "Smackdown is sports entertainment, but the evil behind Tuesday morning's terrorist attacks is real. Our toughts to out to everyone affected by this tragedy."

...which seamlessly segues into a UPN "Enterprise" promo.

You're watching WWF SmackDown! on UPN!

JIM McINGVALE (galleryfurniture.com): We're here tonight to remember the thousands of brave Americans who died on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, and on behalf of myself, Jim McIngvale, here in Houston we'd like to tell all the family members across the United States that our prayers are with them as we mourn their loved ones who passed away on September 11th, 2001. However, we're also here tonight to celebrate the incredible freedom we enjoy in this country. And we'd like to thank Mr. McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation for taking the bold step of getting the ball rolling again. President Bush said the other day it's time for America to get back to work. Well, I'm glad the WWF is back in Houston so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have in this country - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom to pursue opportunity in this great country...

ROB VAN DAM v. SPIKE DAMN DUDLEY (with Molly Holly) in a nontitle match - Ring announcer TONY CHIMEL has an American flag in his coat pocket. Ross relates some Disaster Relief Support information for the American Red Cross. Kick by van Dam after avoiding the lockup, elbow, elbow, kick, kick, kick in the head, spin kick and Dudley goes down. van Dam points to himself...and sure enough, Spike manages a double leg takedown to turn the tide. Elbowdrop...dropkick. Up to try a 'rana - van Dam to the ropes and Dudley manages to take him over and out. Spike on the apron - trying the running somersault - no, van Dam catches him and gently sets him down on the barricade...then climbs back up to the apron to pose, then hit his spinning guillotine...cover on the floor - for 2. I guess this is a hardcore rules match, even though it's nontitle? Boot to the head. Dudley back in the ring, then shoving aside Chimel to grab his chair. van Dam places it in the middle of the ring. Bringing Spike back up - Spike breaks it up, elbow, elbow, kick by van Dam, scoop...but Spike ends up on the shoulders - victory roll gets him 2! Forearm, into the ropes is reversed by van Dam, van Dam picks up Dudley but he goes down the back, ducks a clothesline, van Dam tries a Lionsault - sorry, quebrada but Spike ducks it, van Dam lands on his feet, picks up the chair, and hits a dropkick to the chair to Spike's face - ooh! van Dam takes a bow, then points to himself. van Dam vaults to the top - Fivestar frog splash finds the mark! - and that'll do ya. 1, 2, 3. (2:23) Replay of the sequence ending with the chair dropkick - and the frog splash. Heyman again sneaks in "When it comes to coming off the top rope, no one gets as high as Rob van Dam." Total "Wrestling Challenge" match - I have a feeling we'll see a few more of them before the night's up.

"CHRIS JERICHO": To be quite honest, I'd like to, I'd rather be in New York City going through the rubble and seeing what I could do to help right now...but since I'm not, maybe - maybe we can help in a different way - maybe we can begin with ourselves, and maybe we can learn from this and become a more peaceful nation and a more peaceful race in the long run. Umm...by being a little bit nicer to each other. I think it's one thing that we've learned from this is that we never know what's gonna happen tomorrow, in the next five minutes, in the next ten minutes. And maybe above anything else, ah, you know, maybe tonight, you know, hug your loved one a little bit harder, or give him or her an extra kiss. Be a little bit nicer to a stranger on the street. Be a little more kind, a little more gentle. Um, like I said, if anything else, that our fate and our destiny lies in our hands now...

MICHAEL HAYES: You know, Americans - we're, we're not perfect people and we never claimed to be perfect people but we are good people. And the people that did this...are evil people, and it's really put some things into perspective, I mean, like, for me, the things that you read, or you used to read in the history books that just seemed like stories, from the Pilgrims coming over to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, and II, Korean wars, Vietnam, Gulf Wars, you really feel how real it is and how so many women and so many men have fought and died for freedom, and that's something that will never stop in this country. Because we are Americans and we will fight, we will die for our freedom, and it brings to mind two sayings that are very famous and been around a long time in this country. One of 'em is "United we stand and divided we fall." We have not fallen - and we are more united than we will ever, ever be. And the second saying is this: "Be careful what you ask for, 'cause you just might get it." And I personally cannot wait to see those responsible get it.

UPN bumper again...this time leading into a Buffy promo

"SHAWN STASIAK:" Umm, all I can say is that my heart, my prayers go out to all the families...all the relatives, all the friends, um... I think it's the time for America to come together and be stronger - I think when this all clears, um, we'll overcome it, and uh we'll be a stronger nation. That's it.

"LITA:" Uh, I really - I don't know what to say about something so...devastatingly evil...uh, that could even make a difference to anyone, so, um... I try to delve below, I've got, you know, this layer of numbness over me and I try to discover the emotions that I have and they're, you know, sadness, anger, fear, help- helplessness, it's like all in one, you know, and so we start to look for answers. I mean, who would do something like this? Why? What are they trying to accomplish? You know, it's...we don't understand. We start to watch...and get some of the suspects, and the motives, you know, for an event like this, and...but what I wanna know, what do the answers solve? It doesn't change anything that's happened. And, um, you know, I've watched the TV ever since Tuesday morning like I'm sure everyone else has, and um...the only thing that's changed is become more of a reality, and, um...all I can say is I've never felt anything like this, um, personally or on a national level. Um, I can't.....um, I would never have the audacity to say that I do know what to do in a situation like this. Um, but on a personal level, whenever I have a problem, large, small of any level, it always begins with stopping everything and taking a deep breath. So tonight I hope that the entertainment that we provide for you can help you kinda relax and get your mind off things, just for a short time so that you can relax, maybe start to take that first deep breath.

CHRISTIAN v. CHRIS THU RSDAY JERICHO - Christian actually gets a little mic time! "Greetings to all my fans in Houston! Now I know what you're all thinking...was that not the greatest entrance you've ever seen? I mean, it was literally raining goldage! Which is so appropriate, because soon I'll have gold of my own, when I win a certain title....a certain intercontinental..." Whoops, there goes the Y2J countdown - Jericho too has a mic. "Actually, I *know* what all these people are thinking - they're thinking 'Junior, would you PLEASE - SHUT THE HELL UP.' But as far as your ring entrance goes, wow, I guess, you know that is pretty cool, it's - it's just like a real-life opera - and what a great opera song you have - I love the lyrics. (shrieks) CHRISTIAN! CHRISTIAN! THE JACKASS OF THE YEAR! But no one is gonna remember your entrance tonight - but they *will* remember your exit, CHRISTIAN! ...when you leave the ring after receiving a true blue, bona-fide Y2J beating that you will never, EVER forget agayne." Jericho tosses the mic into the air, catches it and THEN spikes it...then rushes the ring. Ducks a clothesline, and unleashes one of his own. Chop, chop, into the opposite corner is reversed, Jericho up and over - double leg, going for the Walls early but Christian punches out of the attempt - into the corner, Jericho gets the boot up. Christian ducks the clothesline, gutshot, shoulderfirst into the ringpost. Christian with an arm wringer, yanking and cranking, armbar takedown - say, I think he's picked a body part. 1, 2, no. Why is Charles Robinson the referee in this match? Who can say? Arm wringer, pounding the arm - Jericho fires back, elbow, elbow, off the ropes, Jericho with a flapjack. Still to come: the Rock, the APA, X Factor, Booker T, Big Show, and Lita and Ivory, *and* Kurt Angle takes on Rhyno! Both men up at 6. Right by Christian - Jericho fires back. Right by Christian, right by Jericho, chop by Jericho, into the ropes is reversed, shoulderblock by Jericho - Christian put in the corner, off the ropes but Christian ducks the bulldog attempt...but Jericho uncorks an enzuigiri - *now* that bulldog hits...Lionsault...MEETS THE KNEES! Christian with...an Edge-O-Matic? - 1, 2, NO! Christian argues the count with Robinson - shove - Jericho up from behind and I think he's got the tights - 1, 2, 3! (2:18) Jericho quickly slips out of the ring while Christian works on building a nice, frothy tantrum...

"KANYON:" My cousin's are New York City cops, and they've been part of the rescue effort, and...I'm very very proud of them. I'm very proud of all the people of New York City - the way they've dealt with this tragedy. They've come together...givin' blood, volunteered, and more than anything else, at this time I'm just proud of this country.

"TAZZ:" Ahh, besides the Pentagon and the plane that went down outside of Pittsburgh, and all the bomb scares in New York, it's scary for me right now, to be here in Houston and be this far from my family, my parents live in Staten Island, um, my wife and son, I'm just worried, you know, because of all these bomb scares, and I just wanna be there to protect them and be there with them and I'm not - I gotta do what I gotta do and I'm here and I miss her and I miss my son, and ah....these people who are responsible for this - you know, they're gonna pay, and they're gonna pay hard. And I don't know who it was, the president or one of these Senator people, they said you know, we're gonna bring 'em to justice. Well to me that's a load o' crap. Don't bring 'em to justice, bring 'em down - to their knees, to their stomach - until they're not breathing. You gotta fight force with force, and that's just what they did, and...I don't know when I'm going home... but it'll be in New York, that's where my home is, and I can't wait to go home, uh...I don't know what home looks like now, so...

"Tough Enough: Music from the Hit Series" album ad - in stores (Target) Tuesday

You're watching UPN!

"TORRIE WILSON:" I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to all those have, that have lost a family member, or loved one in this terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to you all. God bless you.

"THE HURRICANE:" I'd like to pay my respects to all of the fireman and, you know, all of those guys who went out of their way to try to help their fellow man, not just a fellow American...but a fellow human. 'cause the people that did this in my opinion, the people who were the cause of it, you know...they're less than human. And the people that helped and tried to fight against it, they proved to the world that we're more than that.

"BUBBA RAY DUDLEY:" The one thing I did wanna say is that there's an old saying, "that which does not kill us makes us stronger." And yes, a lotta people died, but you can't kill America, and you can't kill American spirit. And somebody's gonna pay for this, and I hope it's soon, and...

THE ROCK hits the ring as attendance is announced at "over thirteen thousand." Ross: "...and as Vince McMahon said earlier, we will not live in this country, live our lives in fear, and these Houstonians are here, these WWF fans are here, and they're having a great time tonight, because that's the American way - to live life to its fullest, and that's what we're experiencing here tonight!" Rock relieves Chimel of his mic. "Finally, the Rock HAS COME BACK to Houston! Now seeing as this is a very...special night...and the Rock has come to Houston to have a grrrrrreat time...and seeing as we are - live, LIVE LIVE on the Rock's show LIVE on SmackDown!...the Rock is issuing - the Rock is issuing a challenge to anybody in the back who wants to go one on one with the Great One...who wants to go one on one with the Great One and get a PIECE of the Rock." "Rock E!" Rock hands his belt to Nick Patrick as the music hits...

THE ROCK v. SHAWN STASIAK (with Stacy Keibler) - oh oh - Full charge for Stasiak - Rock steps aside and tosses him over the top rope out of the ring. "Like the Rock was saying, if there's ANYBODY back there who wants a shot at the Rock, come out right now!" Stasiak, halfway up the ramp, turns back, runs down again...and gets tossed again. Crowd goes nuts. "Now, before the Rock was so rudely interrupted...one more time. If there's anyone - and the Rock means ANYONE back there who wants a shot at the Rock, come out and go one - on one - with the Great One!" Will Stasiak try a third time? He definitely looks annoyed. With firm resolve, here he comes. "Whoawhoawhoawhoawhoawhoawhoawhoa - whoa! Now what's the MATTER with you? What are you doing? Every single week the Rock sees you knockin' yourself out. And tonight, you come running' down - twice - and twice the Rock threw you right over the top rope. Do you like that? Huh? No, no you don't. Does it feel good when the Rock throws over the top rope? Huh? No, no it doesn't. It's embarrassing, isn't it? And....it prob'ly hurts. So now listen. Why don't you just relax...you and the Rock, we can talk like two adults, and let's talk about something that everybody enjoys....let's you and the Rock talk about...pie. Now Shawn Stasiak, do you ahhh - do you like ... the pie?" "Absolutely NOT - I HATE pie." Rock seems aghast. Crowd boos robustly. "Well everybody knows the Rock likes pie. Houston, Texas LOVES that pie... and you say you don't like - pie - so? So, dare the Rock say it - you don't like that uhh....strudel, do ya?" Stasiak vigorously shakes his head. "Whoawhoaheywhoawhoahey - hey - to each his--" looks like he just caught sight of Stacy. "Now what about you up there, honey...do you ahhhhhh - like the People'ssssssssssss..." we are spared Rock's hand motions and hip thrust. Stacy smiles and nods. "Hold on, let the Rock get it out, hold on - hold on! One more time, look at the Rock - do you like the People'ssssssssstrudel?" Ah, there was a hip *swivel* in there, too. Honky Tonk Man lives! "Excuse me...I want my WCW title shot NOW." "Oh, you are gonna get your WCW title shot now. That WCW title means everything to the Rock." "Rock E!" "But before we officially begin, why don't you shake the Rock's hand. And then we'll have the WCW title match...tonight." Stasiak takes the Hand of Friendship. "And now...let the Rock officially welcome you to the *Lone Star state.*" ROCK BOTTOM! Patrick didn't ring the bell, but he'll still count - 1, 2, 3! ("0:03")

"DEBRA:" Well, I'm not really good at doin' stuff like this, but...I know I come from a family where all three of my brothers were in the armed forces, and I was raised to be a fighter and to stand up for what you believe in...and what's happened this past week has just been unbelievable, and it has just ripped my heart out, because...how dare these people do this to Americans, I mean I'm still in shock over that day when I was watching TV with Steve and it was like a dream, it was so horrible...but one thing I know, I've lost a lot of loved ones in my life, and I do, I feel so bad for the people in New York, and for what they're going through...and especially the ones, you know, you don't know where your loved ones are...and I just wanna say that my heart goes out for everyone that's lost loved ones...and everyone that's been a victim in this, 'cause in a way, I mean we've all been victims, and how dare these people do this to Americans, and I can't wait for the day that we pay these people back. I can't wait."

"HUGH MORRUS:" Ah, I myself, I have a brother back there right now, who's a - a fireman. They're finding guys alive - they're finding some dead. Ahh....they call us, ah, role models, they call us heroes. What you're watching on TV are heroes, people puttin' their lives on the line, and...what's happening just makes me sick. So, ah, when you talk about role models to your kids, and you explain things to your kids, you sit 'em down in front of the TV instead of watching me or whoever else you're watching right now. And you explain that's a role model, that's a hero, and you teach 'em about America...and uh...that's pretty much all I got to say.

Tazz shills Stacker 2

"IVORY:" First of all, I just want to send out our prayers - everyone here at the WWF, the talent, the crew, the creative staff and the McMahon family. We want to send our prayers out to the victims of this travesty, to the families of those who perished, to the survivors for strength, and also the rescue teams that are still hard at work. But I want to speak to the young Americans of our country - the children. I don't want you to be afraid, and I don't want you to be judgmental...I just want the children to know that there are far, far more good people in this country, in this world, than there are bad. America is made up of people of all creeds and all religions - and all different beliefs, and that's what makes our country so wonderful, and so diverse, and so free. And as a country we are going to embrace this tragedy. We will embrace it, and remember it, and its devastation and its cruelty is what will challenge all of us to become a stronger, more connected human race...

"BRADSHAW:" You know, I have heard and I have seen the cowardly acts that have happened before. The extermination of Jews by some maniac in Germany. The bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City by some maniac. And now some maniac has attacked America - attacked innocent men, women and children...husbands, fathers, parents...all because of some religious belief, or some other motive that he has, these people had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with you. We're running this show tonight because we're gonna show you that you cannot break, you cannot even bend the fiber, the backbone of the United States of America. There's gonna be some critics. There's gonna be some critics that wonder why we run this show. I wanna make this perfectly clear: go to hell. We're doin' this show because we love America. This is all we have to give you for tonight is this, is this evening. If I had to, I'd give my life, readily, for this country. I have relatives who have done that, who are buried overseas, who are buried in many different places. I would do the same thing 'cause I love this great country. George W. was one of the greatest governors of the state of Texas - it's time he become - it's time he will become a great president. You guys who are out there, we're gonna find your ass. We're gonna make whatever country's hiding you into a stinking parking lot. God bless this country - God bless this great state I live in, and God rest the sorry son of a (beep) that did this. We will find you.

X FACTOR v. A.P.A. - X-Pac and Faarooq start - X-Pac displays an impressive martial arts routine...so Faarooq puts him down with a single kick in the gut. Hahahaha. Shot in the back, right, right, right. Into the corner, scooped up into a backbreaker. "X-Pac sux!" Right hand and down he goes again. Into the ropes, 'Pac ducks the clothesline and unleashes a spinning heel kick. Free shot for Bradshaw to tie up referee "Blind" Teddy Long....but X-Pac doesn't capitalise. Bradshaw finally makes it back - and sticks out his hand. "You want him?" Bradshaw gets the tag - and X-Pac tags Albert. Another great classic spot. Lockup...to the ropes - Bradshaw with forearms into the back, kidney punch, whip is reversed, head down, forearm by Bradshaw. Albert pops up. "Is that all you got, bitch? Huh? Is that all you got?" So here's Bradshaw with a big boot off the ropes - that has a little more effect on him. X-Pac gets a free shot from Bradshaw, to the delight of the crowd. Back to Albert - into the corner is reversed - yaaaaaavalanche. Scoop...and a slam. What strength from Albert. And now a Vaderbomb...MISSES! Tag to Faarooq - into the ropes, double shoulderblock. Faarooq hooks the leg - Albert kicks out. Into the ropes is reversed, Faarooq ducks the clothesline...but takes the boot full force in the face. Tag to X-Pac - open kick, shoved into the corner, kick trifecta in the corner - foot on the throat...into the skip, but the broncobuster is headed off with the SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Bradshaw - Albert in without a tag, Bradshaw ducks the clothesline and follows through into a shoulderblock for X-Pac, flyling shoulderblock for Albert, DDT (ooh, not good) - X-Pac into the ropes, 'Pac ducks, but tries a crossbody, and you know that doesn't work against Bradshaw - yep, fallaway slam - 1, 2, Albert tries a splash but lands on his partner when Bradshaw moves away... Faarooq tosses Albert as Bradshaw hooks 'em horns on the Hades lariat - 1, 2, 3. (3:07) Replay of the clothesline from hell - two angles, and it connects every time.

"KURT ANGLE:" I just wanna say that my heart, my thoughts and my prayers go to the victims and their families. And you know, all my life I've always wanted to do something special to be considered an American hero. And after winning the Olympic gold medal at the Olympics, some people would consider me to be an American hero. But after watching this terrible tragedy - now I know who the true American heroes are. They're the police officers and the firemen, and the doctors and nurses, and the paramedics, and all the people that stretched out their arms to help the victims and their families. They're the true American heroes. THEY deserve a gold medal. Or better yet...they earned the right to be called Americans. It's true.

You're watching WWF SmackDown! on UPN!

A look at the flags flying at half staff outside the arena

Earlier Tonight, Vince delivered some words - aka 41 paragraphs ago

NAPPY T v. WELL IT'S THE BIG SHOW - The Lexington event scheduled for Sunday has been rescheduled to 28 October. Show models his T-shirt. T ducks the punch, right, right, right - Show mauls him into the corner. Well it's a big knee - well it's a big open-handed slap. Into the ropes - well it's a big boot and T rolls outside. Show follows - well it's a big scoop...and drops him on the barricade. Referee "Blind" Brian Hebner tries to get it back in the ring - Show obliges. T tries again with a double sledge - and lots of axehandle blows...no real effect to the big man...who rieses. Into the ropes, reversed, T with a crescent kick. No effect. Well it's a big clothesline. Another clothesline. Into the corner, well it's a big, engulfing splash. Choke...but T knees out, knee, knee, knee - Show puts him in the corner, T tries the body scissors rollup as Show comes in - Show squashes him with a Quake. Ross: "That is a large...butt...in your torso." Double choke - Show tosses him to the mat. Well it's a big boot - but T evades it and Show gets hung up on the top rope - T climbs the corner - missile dropkick is only a glancing blow. T ducks a right hand - off the ropes - chop block! Ooh, NOW T is feeling it....AXE KICK! 1, 2, NOOO KICKOUT!! T waits for Show to get up - and lands A SECOND AXE KICK! 1, 2, NO!!!! T off the ropes - RUNNING HARLEM HANGOVER to the back of the neck!!!! T rolls him over - 1, 2, 3!!!! AWESOME. (2:45) T looks at his glove...will we get it? Will we see the... nope. T leaves the ring and heads out...

"LANCE STORM:" You know, I've...spent the better part of the day trying to come up with the right words. Uh....wasn't gonna do this unless I could find 'em, but I've realised that there aren't any. They don't exist. Uh...I've watch the news, heard the, you know, attack on America, things like this shouldn't happen in the US, but...things like this shouldn't happen in the world, and it's an attack on the world. I'm not an American, I don't live in this country...yet this affects my life. I'm a husband, I'm a father, and from now on every day I step on a plane to come to work...my wife, my kids - they're gonna worry about me. Every day I'm not home, to tuck my kids into bed, kiss my wife good night - I'm gonna worry about them. Make no mistakes about it, you know, this is not an attack on America...this is an attack on the world. It affects us all. And...just very sad day that...I don't think I'll ever forget.

"D-VON DUDLEY:" When it hits really close to home, it kind of makes you wake up and realise that, you know, this stuff is real, and you got these people out here that are crazy, you got these people out here who are jealous, you got these people who are very envy, just because of the fact that their country is so screwed up right now, and that they don't have the freedom that we have, like in the United States and in other countries, so they wanna bring everybody else down with 'em. You know, and I think as the United States, I think as a people, you know, we need to stick together, and by - if this doesn't bring the United States together, if this doesn't bring us closer, I don't know what will...

UPN voiceover

Full screen graphic for the American Red Cross - call 1-800-HELPNOW or click over to www. redcross.org

MICHAEL THORNTON (Ret. Naval Lt. Commander, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient): Hi, my name is Mike Thornton - I'm a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. I reside here in Houston, Texas...which is a great city and a great state...and it's a great place to live in this great country of ours, America. I'd like to thank Vince and the WWF for coming forward and being the first sports...group to stand up and say "hey, we're not gonna let this terrorism act change our way of act." This terrorism act is, what it is is a way of fear. As Colin Powell said, we've got to get on with living, and that's what it's all about, and Vics - Vince McMahon and the WWF is doing that right now today in Houston, Texas. It's my honour to be sitting in front of you ladies and gentlemen tonight, and with the help of people like Jim McIngvale, Mayor Lee Brown, and the other leaders of Houston, Texas...

LITA v. IVORY - We take another long look at Mike Thornton, his naval uniform, and his Congressional Medal of Honor in the front row. Lockup, back leg trip by Ivory. Stomp, stomp. Into the corner is reversed - Ivory runs into a backdrop - Angle/Rhyno to come! Armdrag by Lita, hiplock takeover, into the ropes is reversed but Lita hits a short clothesline for 2. Coming up, Commissioner Regal, Tajiri and Scotty 2 Hotty take on Test and the Dudley Boyz. Ivory breaks it up with an eye gogue. Into the ropes, boot in the gut, Blowout. 1, 2, no. Okay, I've let this go on long enough: what the HECK is up with Ivory's PANTS? I mean, flares are nice but this just goes WAY too far! Into the ropes, head down, sunset flip attempt by Lita - Ivory grabs the hair, puts a knee on the back of her neck and drives her face down to the mat - ooh that's vicious! 1, 2, no. Snapmare takeover into the headlock...Lita back to her feet - shoves Ivory into the corner, schoolboy by Lita - 1, 2, no. Ivory back up with a clothesline. Ross: "She's feisty." It's "Back to the Headlock II" - this time Lita slowly fades away. Arm falls once...arm falls twice...but as referee "Blind" Chad Patton confirms, that arm doesn't fall thrice. Lita back up - elbow, elbow, shot in the back, death suplex out. Both laides up slowly - Lita with "Iblockyourpunchyoudon'tblockmine," again, right, right, whip into the ropes is reversed, Lita brought up...but counters down into the 'rana. Gutshot, Twist of Fate, off comes the outer shirt, up top...moonsault allegedly lands - 1, 2, 3! (3:07) Replay of the moonsault is from a friendlier angle. The Commander seemed to enjoy it.

"STACY KEIBLER:" Being that I'm only 21, this is something that my generation has only read about in textbooks in school, and um...we're really getting a reality check right now on what the words compassion and courage and patriotism really mean...and I know, myself, I have a new respect for the word freedom, and I would just - my only feeling is that, um, not my only feeling, but America, we need to stick together and stop fighting one another, and come together as a whole, and - and my thoughts and prayers really go out to all the families all across the country that were affected.

"STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN: I don't have anything philosophical to say or anything that's gonna change the world. I just know that I was given an opportunity to speak about what's happening, so all I have to offer is my opinion...and...and my opinion, what I think is the people who did this are a buncha complete cowards. Ah, my heart goes out to anybody that lost loved ones in this whole ordeal. And uh...I think that tonight, by going back to work with the World Wrestling Federation, I think it's, uh...I think it's the thing to do. It feels strange, and I've had this uh, I've had this bad feeling come over me ever since this whole thing has happened and it doesn't seem like I can shake it. But uh, as a person, and I think as a country I think we have to shake it. We have to mourn the losses of the people that we knew, but we have to, uh....we have to get back - we have to get the gears rollin' again, and that's what we're here to do tonight. Uh, what happened this past Tuesday was the worst thing that I've ever seen in my life, and I hope that I never ever see anything like this again, except, to the people that when we find out who did this get a payback, because they deserve a payback, and they deserve exactly what they have comin'...

UPN voiceover

Tazz shills Stacker 2 #2

"BOOKER T:" I just wanna give my condolences to everyone who had, you know, who was involved, you know, everybody who was on the flights, you know, all the - all the firemen, all the policemen who...as soon as the thing happened, they rushed in there to help someone, they just wanted to save someone and to lose their own lilfe is - is tragic, but those guys, in our eyes, in history is always gonna be remembered as - as heroes. That's the way I feel about 'em, and...for something like this to happen here in America, you know, it's givin' everybody uncertainty...it's, you know, can we go out of our houses, and you know it's kinda crazy right now but I know it's gonna make us stronger, it's gonna pull us together, it's gonna make us a better people...

STEPHANIE McMAHON: A few years ago, some people tried to destroy my family. They attacked my father's reputation, they attacked my mother's reputation, and they attacked the World Wrestling Federation. They tried to rip us apart...but all they did was make my family stronger. And that's exactly how America feels right now. Because on Tuesday, America was attacked. Because America is a united nation. And together, we stand strong. I am incredibly proud to be an American citizen, and I will stand up for my rights and my freedom.

TEST TEST THIS IS A TEST & THOSE DAMN DUDLEYZ v. SCOTTY 2 HOTTY & COMMISSIONER REGAL & TAJIRI (with Torrie Samuda) - We check out the Lakers' ROBERT HORRY in the front row. Also in the front row...and seeing ZZ Top's BILLY GIBBONS, Paul Heyman exclaims "OH MY GOD ladies and gentlemen - the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant! MERCY!" D-Von and Regal start - Lockup, Regal with a wristlock, into an arm wringer - D-Von reverses. Regal rolls forward to ease the pressure, kicks away the arm, leg scissor takedown, floating over into a headlock. Back to their feet...D-Von reverses a whip into a side headlock - Regal powers out - head down - sunset flip attempt...Regal fights it off, picks D-Von up, knee behind the neck, and down the mat! (Hey he stole that move from Ivory!) Hotty, who has been bouncing up and down on the bottom rope this whole time, wants the tag...Regal nears him just as Hotty slips and falls to the floor. Regal decides to tag Tajiri instead. Open kick to the ribs. Into the ropes, reversed, Tajiri ducks the punch...and hits a BIG standing side kick. In the corner, open-handed slap, chop, kick, kick, kick, kick through the ropes to Bubba Ray (who was trying to sneak over on the apron), overhead kick to Bubba Ray to put him out on the floor - Test with an apron clothesline to bring it back to the Alliance side. Test takes the tag - open shot. Head to the buckle. Right, back elbow, kick, kick, kick. Into the opposite corner, running clothesline. Got him by the hair - tag to Bubba Ray - open shot. Forearm across the back. In the corner, open-handed slap. Winding up for another slap. Scoop...and a slam. Second rope - NO BUBBA RAY DON'T TRY THE SENTON IT NEVER WORKS - ohhh too late. Tajiri crawls to Hotty and makes the tag - Test gets the tag on the other side - "Iblockyourpunchyoudon'tblockmine," again, blocks a third punch, ducks a clothesline, and lands a superkick. In comes D-Von - he gets a back body drop. In comes Bubba Ray - Hotty ducks HIS clothesline, right, right, right, into the opposite corner is reversed - boot up by Hotty - he wants the bulldog...but Test ankles him and drags him out. Regal in without a tag - but Bubba Ray hits the scoop slam and puts him in position for a headbutt to he graun - but Tajiri hits GREEN MIST on D-Von - and a Viscera kick on Bubba Ray - Bubba Ray reverses the whip, but Tajiri lands the handspring elbow. Test ankles HIM and drags him out - stomping away on him but Hotty is back in - bulldog on Bubba Ray! W - O - R - M - hoo hoo hoo HOO HOO HOO hi-YA...oops, Test is in with Wotsitolla Boot right after he lands the karate chop - and yer damn skippy I don't have to tell you who - OR referee "Blind" Timmy White - who the legal men were. 1, 2, 3. (4:22)

LILIAN GARCIA: "Well, to say the least, this has been a real roller coaster of a week. And especially because I live in New York City. Um, I have loved ones there, and I'm just very fortunate and very glad that a specific one didn't get to go to his meeting at 8:30 in the morning that he was supposed to be at at the Twin Towers, and uh...so I thank God for that, and I still don't know about a lot of my friends. I have...uh, we'll be finding out, I guess, little by little. I pray for everybody there..."

"FAAROOQ:" You know, it's - it's, it's kinda hard to put into words, but... and I'm sure it's been repeated, you know, over and over, but there's no way you can describe such a horrific act of terrorism and cowardness of what has happened, you know, and...my, my heart, my best wishes, and my deepest sympathies goes out to the families that have lost loved ones in this terrible act of terrorism. But I know this. I know that throughout it all, that the American people will prevail in this, and we will come through this. And I think it's time that we showed these cowards that we mean business."

WWF SmackDown! returns in a moment on UPN!

"WILLIAM REGAL:" Coming from a country that...you know, has a threat of terrorism all the time, it's....there's no, you can't explain...you know, the feelings that - I can't explain the feelings I have right now of how angry I am at what's happened...or....but, it's happened, and we've ...we've got to get on with our lives, and it's, it's great to see that people are rallying around and doing the utmost best in any way, shape, or form that they can to help out, and...so that life can continue. And that's basically what it's all about is that life continues and we've got the...everybody rally around and and...and get on with it, and that's...that's what life's all about.

"ALBERT:" Waking up on the morning of Tuesday, September 11th, to turn the TV on, to see the tragedy that took place left a feeling of disgust in the pit of my stomach. Never before have I ever seen nor heard of something so tragic. My only hope is, once again, America can pull together and overcome this tragedy. And we pray for the victims, the families who have lost their loved ones, to the people who are helping save people who may still be alive, and that swift justice is brought to the cowards - the faceless cowards that perpetrated this. God bless America and I truly hope that we can overcome this.

RHYNO THE MAN BEAST v. KURT ANGLE - Angle's left elbow is heavily taped - the only remnant of his "injuries" from Monday, but Heyman sells hard that Angle "shouldn't be here tonight." Lockup, side headlock by Rhyno...powered out, shoulderblock by Rhyno. Up and over, Angle with a drop toehold. Right, right, into the ropes is reversed, ducks the clothesline, big crossbody by Angle for 1. Rhyno with a knee. Rhyno with a right, into the ropes is reversed, over the top rope to the floor...and Angle is out after him. Hard into the barricade...which moves about a foot. Rolled back in - knife-edge chop by Angle, chop, right, into the opposite corner is reversed, Rhyno with a spear, sandwiching him in the corner. Rhyno with a slingshot knee in the back. Again, the knee finds the mark. Angle fires back - right, right, off the ropes...up onto Rhyno's back - whoa, helicopter spin by Rhyno...into a version of the Diamond Cutter! 1, 2, Angle kicks out. Rhyno hits the headlock. Crowd chants "USA" - they've been wanting to all night - Angle back to his feet - elbowing out - punching out - whip is reversed, but Angle grabs the knee and rolls him up - 1, 2, no! Rhyno comes back with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rhyno wants the gore and waits for Angle to get up...but Angle sidesteps it and puts him into the turnbuckle! Olympic Slam - NO Rhyno back to his feet - double clothesline! Both men are down and referee "Blind" Earl Hebner puts on the count. Crowd chants "USA" again. Rhyno up at 8...Angle up as he meets him - "Iblockyourpunchyoudon'tblockmine" by Angle, again, right, whip is reversed, but Angle hits the flying jalapeno off the ropes. Rhyno wants the belly-to-belly again, but Angle reverses into a waistlock and hits a German suplex - then holds the waistlock for a second! He's STILL got the waistlock on - Rhyno trying to elbow out - three elbows, Angle ducks the next one and hits a belly-to-belly overhead suplex! 1, 2, NO! Angle with a right hand, right, into the ropes - reversed and Rhyno pulls Angle into a BIG spinebuster. Both men are slow to get up - Rhyno wants the gore - and this time he GETS it! Verrrry slow cover - did Angle get enough time to recover? 1, 2, KICKOUT!! Rhyno goes back to pounding on Angle, jaws with Hebner...Angle is up! Right, right, Rhyno ducks, gutshot by Rhyno, wants a whip but Angle ducks underneath, picks him up - OLYMPIC SLAM! 1, 2,...3! (4:58) Angle poses in the corner, then takes the mic and leads the crowd in one more chant of "USA." Ross says it's time for us to get back to living our lives as Americans as we fade out.

I have a feeling that, just like that last tribute show, a lot of these comments may make it to either Excess or WWF.com as video.

Hey, I think I kept most (if not all) of my smartass comments in check...in this situation, a chronicle of events serves public interest infinitely more than some two-bit recapper's need to hear his own voice handing out pearls of wisdom to the unwashed masses, but I hope you won't mind me throwing out an observation and an opinion here...and if you do, you can stop reading right now and I won't be offended:

First, Vince failed to end his remarks with "and we'll donate all the profits from tonight's show to the Red Cross." I note this in the most impartial manner possible without implied suggestion...that'll be for others to do. However, *this* one is mine: No matter *how* many people tell me what a sweetheart Stephanie McMahon is in real life, it doesn't change the fact that, to me, tonight, she came across petty, bitter, vindictive, and concerned solely with herself and twisting every available situation in that direction. And THAT....well, *that* makes me wonder if maybe it's just something she hasn't learned to suppress...to suppress, perhaps, as well as her father.

Back to "normal" Monday...we hope.

CRZ
[slash] wrestling