Prior to his first ever Federation title opportunity, Jeff Hardy spoke his mind to Michael Cole. First, he expressed his disgust for his brother, who he called a loser for not winning Tag Team Turmoil. As for Matt taking Sid out of action, Jeff said that it was “no big,” he didn’t need Sid to win the title, and he could do it himself. As for the Undertaker, Jeff said he wasn’t afraid at all. In Jeff's opinion, it was the Dead Man who should be afraid.
Undertaker defeats Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy via pinfall to retain the WWF Heavyweight Championship
Having held the Intercontinental Championship (which wasn’t on the line in this match) for nearly seven months, Jeff Hardy’s contract with the Federation guaranteed him a shot at the WWF title. Undertaker had been dominant in the last few months beating the Rock, Sycho Sid, and Shawn Michaels for the WWF title. The winner would be Federation Champion and would have to fight Kurrgan in the Skydome at Wrestlemania. As the combatants came down, Kurrgan offered his insights into the match and his inevitable victory at Wrestlemania. Kurrgan was very gruff with JR and Vince; clearly he had tapped into his mean-streak. The title match started out slow, with Jeff running away from the ‘Taker whenever he approached. When the two did finally lock up, however, Undertaker dominated the match, seemingly impervious to Jeff’s attempts at offense. During the match, Kurrgan left the announce table and made his way to the ring. Tripping the Dead Man as he bounced off the ropes, Kurrgan afforded Jeff a few small chances for offense, but ‘Taker eventually scored a goozle and for what would likely have been a three-count. Kurrgan distracted the ref, however, and managed to deliver a hangman to Undertaker without the ref seeing. Jeff regrouped and took advantage, but Undertaker was still in control before getting Irish whipped into the referee, who was knocked unconscious as a result. Kurrgan took the opportunity to double team the Undertaker with Jeff, slapping on the dreaded Claw! ‘Taker struggled, but eventually was subdued. Jeff used his advantage to deliver a Sexy Boy Slam on the Dead Man. Kurrgan revived the ref and Jeff made the cover, but Undertaker kicked out! Jeff couldn’t believe it! Battling back, the Undertaker managed to goozle his opponent again. Seeing Kurrgan on the outside, the Undertaker then leapt over the top rope, devastating the Royal Rumble Champion! A huge goozle later, ‘Taker reentered the ring and picked up where he had left off on Jeff. After goozling Hardy yet again, the Federation champion finished him off with a Tombstone piledriver and made the cover. Undertaker had convincingly retained his title and survived his toughest test on the road to Wrestlemania! After the match Kurrgan got back in the ring, threw a battered Jeff out, and stared down in the Dead Man. Destined to face off in the Skydome in only a month, the two giants were locked in an intense stare-down as In Your House went off air. |
