The APA, Scotty 2 Hotty, Big Show, Billy Gunn and Spike Dudley teamed up to take on the Dudley Boyz, Chuck Palumbo, Sean O’Haire, Hugh Morrus and Tommy Dreamer in a 12-man tag team match. The match saw all twelve men deliver their finishing maneuvers on each other, capped by a monster chokeslam on Tommy Dreamer by the Big Show for the win. After the match, the six Federation stars stood united in the ring as the Alliance members scurried back to the locker room.

In a pre-taped segment, Hurricane Helms explained that, as a kid, he was fascinated by superheros—especially the Green Latern. He said that, in the past few months, Stone Cold has shown him what it takes to be a super-sized hero in the sports-entertainment business. He finished by saying that Austin was now his favorite superhero.

Chris Jericho made his way to the ring and told the crowd that, at SummerSlam, he had finally beat the vicious Rhyno. He said, however, that Rhyno showed him that he truly had a set, unlike Test. He said he was disgusted by the fact that Test had reunited with his ex-fiance, Stephanie. The comments led to Test coming to the ring, accompanied by Stephanie, for their one-on-one match. During the match, Y2J grabbed Steph, who was on the apron, when Rhyno made his way out. Rhyno and Jericho battled outside the ring, until Jericho turned his attention to the Billion Dollar Princess.

Backstage, Edge was shining up his newly-won Intercontinental Championship when Christian entered the room. He said that not only are they seven-time Tag Team Champions, two-time Intercontinental Champions and the 2001 Kings of the Ring, but after his match with Matt Hardy on RAW, they will also be European Champions as well. Edge then wished Christian luck as his younger brother walked out of the room with the King of the Ring trophy.

In another pre-taped segment, Shawn Stasiak attempted to give his thoughts on Stone Cold, but he continued to mess up his promo take after take. Stasiak finally uttered something to the effect that Austin was his inspiration.

Mick Foley was hosting RAW at WWF New York, and J.R. asked the former Federation Commissioner his thoughts on the Stone Cold/Kurt Angle Federation Championship match at SummerSlam. Foley said he had never kicked out of a Stone Cold Stunner, but Angle did it three times in their match. He said that he and the other Superstars knew how tough Angle was before the match, but he said that thanks to his gut-wrenching performance at SummerSlam, the whole world now knows the intensity of their Olympic hero.

The Rock then defended his WCW Championship against the Alliance’s Lance Storm. The Great One made short work of the former Intercontinental Champion, winning the match after a Rock Bottom.

Commissioner William Regal and Tajiri were looking at the latest RAW Magazine when Booker T entered their office. Booker was furious that people were laughing at him, and he wanted a rematch with The Rock. Regal said that The Rock had already defended the WCW Championship earlier in the show against Lance Storm, and much like Booker T the night before, he came up a little “short.” Tajiri was laughing at Booker, which prompted the former five-time WCW Champion to challenge Tajiri to a match.

Still dressed in his street clothes, Booker T came to the ring. He said that ever since he came to the Federation, he had been disrespected. However, he said, that would all change on RAW. He then called out the Japanese Buzzsaw, Tajiri. Booker T brutally assaulted Tajiri, choking him out with his shirt, which led to the WCW official calling for a disqualification.

Sara was preparing for her match against DDP when Taker asked her if she was sure she wanted to go through with it. She assured her husband that she definitely wanted to face Page, and the duo made their way to the ring.

Next up, DDP took on the Undertaker’s wife, Sara. Page grabbed the microphone and told Sara that he knew she wanted to get physical with him. DDP gave her the first shot, and Page retaliated by pushing her to the ground.

He then celebrated on top of the milk truck by downing milk carton after milk carton as RAW went off the air!
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The Dudley Boyz took on the team of Billy Gunn and Big Show. Show dominated the Dudleyz, taking both men out with massive clotheslines. The Dudley Boyz recovered and attempted a 3-D on Big Show, but the 500-pound monster was too heavy for them to life. Show then hit a chokeslam on D-Von and covered him to give the Show-Gunns the upset victory!

The Rock was walking down the hallway when he ran into a production crew member. He asked the man if he had seen APA, and he directed The Rock down the hall.

The WCW Champion walked into the APA’s office, and Bradshaw and Faarooq congratulated the Great One for his win against Booker T at SummerSlam. The People’s Champ told the APA that they would lay the smack down on Booker T, Rhyno and Test later on SmackDown!

In another locker room, Edge was on the phone with his grandma, telling her that he would be defending the Intercontinental Championship later on in the night. Christian told Edge that he had a sure way that his brother would remain I.C. Champ after SmackDown! – he cancelled Edge’s match! Christian then said that he had set up a Federation Tag Team Championship match up for the duo, meaning they had the chance to become eight-time Tag Team Champions.

In the Alliance’s locker room, Kanyon was talking to Chuck Palumbo, Justin Credible, Sean O’Haire and Chavo Guerrero that he was excited about his match against Kurt Angle later in the night.

Next up, Kurt Angle took on the WCW U.S. Champion, Kanyon. During the match, the Olympic hero hit a succession of suplexes on the self-proclaimed Alliance MVP. Kanyon tried to hit Angle with the U.S. title, but Angle ducked. The former Federation Champion then hit his Olympic Slam on Kanyon. Angle won the match by forcing the U.S. Champ to tap out to his ankle-lock submission!

The Rock, Bradshaw and Faarooq took on the Alliance’s team of Booker T, Rhyno and Test in six-man tag team action. At several points, all six Superstars were brawling inside the ring. Eventually, only Booker T and Faarooq were left inside the ring, which allowed Booker to hit a scissors kick on the former Florida State football star for the win. On his way backstage, The Book graciously gave the Denver fans a Spinaroonie at the top of the ramp.

X-Pac was hosting SmackDown! at WWF New York, and he told the fans that he was the first person in sports entertainment history to have titles from both the Federation and WCW at the same time. He said that because of that, he was obviously one of the greatest Superstars to ever grace sports entertainment.

As the Lionheart battled the Rattlesnake, Kurt Angle was seen watching the match in the backstage area. Y2J was able to slap the Walls of Jericho on Austin early, but the Champion was able to get to the ropes to break the move. Jericho continued to work on the left arm of Stone Cold. Austin hit a spinebuster on Jericho, but it was obvious that his left shoulder was hampering him. The men battled outside the ring, and Stone Cold continued to ram the back of Y2J onto the steel ring post. Back inside the ring, Jericho was once again able to slap on the Walls of Jericho, but once again, Austin found the ropes. Finally, in ironic fashion, Stone Cold was able to retain the Federation Championship when he used the ropes to pin Jericho for the 1-2-3! Austin celebrated up the ramp, with the title in hand, as SmackDown! went off the air.

In Stone Cold Steve Austin's locker room, the Rattlesnake complained of a shoulder injury suffered at the hands of Chris Jericho on SmackDown! Then Rob Van Dam and Raven entered to ask Austin to approve a Hardcore Title Match between the two. Austin asked how the two they could be so selfish considering his injury and how the Alliance is supposed to be a team. Raven and Van Dam offered to be Austin's partner, but the Rattlesnake said he'd take on Jericho and Angle on his own! But when proposed that Raven and Van Dam take on Jericho and Angle, Austin seemed to like the idea!

The Undertaker against Albert was RAW's first match. A physical contest was interrupted when X-Pac nailed Taker with a right hook. Taker went to attack X-Pac, but was met by Albert and a belt bash by X-Pac which nearly cost Taker the match. When Albert went for the Baldo Bomb, Taker blocked it, and hit him with a boot and subsequent chokeslam to win the match!

Hurricane Helms spoke with Michael Cole about his obsession with the Green Lantern. Helms corrected Cole by saying that Green Lantern is second behind Stone Cold Steve Austin, and proceeded to tell Cole stories on how the Lantern overcame evil, and that the Hurricane would overcome Matt Hardy and win the European Championship!

Elsewhere, Edge was enjoying a soda when Hugh Morrus confronted him. Edge insulted him, and Christian came to his defense by telling Morrus he'd be crazy if he could beat Edge in a title match. Morrus then accepted an Intercontinental Title Match with Edge that night. A bewildered Edge asked Christian what he was doing. Christian said that why "we were the champs."

Up next was a battle of big men as Bradshaw sought revenge out of Test. After a sidewalk slam, Test went for his flying elbow, but missed. The big Texan then hit a powerslam to nearly pin Test. Later, Bradshaw was thrown out of the ring and attacked by Shane McMahon. Faarooq tried to rescue his partner, but was met with a Test clothesline. When Bradshaw chased Shane in the ring, Test nailed him with a big boot to win the match.

Steve Austin complained on how Kurt Angle could attack Raven when Rob Van Dam complemented him on an apparent plan for Austin to team with RVD. Debra loved the idea, but Austin hated it. The Rattlesnake told RVD he'd think about it, asked him to leave and argued with Debra some more.

Elsewhere, Angle poured himself a glass of milk with Shawn Stasiak looking on. Stacy Keibler asked him what he was up to, and told her he had a plan to humiliate the Olympic hero.

Rhyno's shot at the WCW Championship was next as he took on The Rock, whom he leveled with his gore earlier on. Rock attacked Rhyno on the outside, but Rhyno threw him into the ringside barrier and gored him! The man-beast then went to work on Rock's injured ribs but couldn't keep the Great One down as Rock tossed Rhyno over the top rope.

Rhyno fought back with a bear hug, but despite injured ribs, The Rock refused to submit and narrowly avoided passing out from the pain. Rock soon recovered enough to hit a Samoan back drop, but was felled once again with a shoulder to the ribs. Eventually, the People's Champion regained his bearings and dropped Rhyno with a DDT. After a Rock spinebuster, Shane McMahon interfered to distract Rock and leave him open for a Rhyno low blow, but the APA chased Shane away. Rhyno had Rock set up for the gore in the ring, but Rock moved out of the way and hit the Rock Bottom to pin Rhyno and retain the WCW Championship!

Elsewhere, Stacy Keibler asked Shawn Stasiak if his plan to humiliate Kurt Angle would really work. Stasiak told Stacy his plan was beautiful, just like her! He had a bucket of sour milk hidden above an open door, which was supposed to drop on Angle when he entered the room. Stasiak would then beat up Angle so that Austin would be proud of him and pick him to be his partner. Shawn and Stacy then hid, expecting Angle to walk in. But instead, it was Debra -- Austin's wife!

Debra complained to Austin how someone could do that to her, and that Austin being her husband should stand up for her. Austin asked why he should because he's the champion. All Debra could do is scream in horror!

Edge's Intercontinental Title defense against Hugh Morrus was up next, and Edge's brother, Christian, joined Jim Ross and Paul Heyman ringside. Christian explained that the reason he carries Edge's King of the Ring trophy around is because he's proud and supportive of his brother, amid reports that he's jealous of his brother. Christian soon interfered and clotheslined Morrus off the top rope. Edge hit Morrus with a DDT, but referee Teddy Long saw Christian's interference and disqualified Edge. Christian then made it a point to announce that his brother was still Intercontinental Champion. A disgusted Edge took his belt back as Christian tried to calm him down.

Booker T told Michael Cole that The Rock stole something from him at SummerSlam. Cole then aired footage of Booker Wee from last week, and an interview conducted with the Big Show about his match with Booker later on RAW. The Show would up mocking the Book in the interview as Jonathan Coachman tried hard to hold in a laugh. The Book was so incensed, he said that Show's actions didn't deserve comment, except that "when suckas do that somebody gots to get hurt!"

In the weight room, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley confronted Chris Jericho with some important news -- that no matter what happens in his tag team main event later that night, Y2J is O-U-T and that the initials RVD is in. Jericho said that RVD and Steph make a heck of a couple -- R-V-D and H-O-E.

Booker T then had his chance at the Big Show, who continued to have fun at Booker's expense, even doing the Spin-a-roonie until Booker attacked. Show blocked a Booker sidekick attempt and went to work. Shown went for a powerbowb, but Booker escaped and hit a sidekick on the Show. After a Spin-a-roonie, Booker was caught by the throat, but escaped with a low blow. However, Show grabbed Booker by the throat again and threw him to the outside, where he hit his knee on the steel steps. Once Booker leveled Show with a steel chair, the referee called for the bell, but Booker continued the assault and knocked Show out with the chair.

At WWF New York were Al Snow and the WWF Tough Enough finalists. On September 20 live from WWF New York, one male and one female from the group will be offered guaranteed Federation contracts on the season finale of "WWF Tough Enough," live on MTV.

Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle hit the ring awaiting Rob Van Dam and his partner -- Stone Cold Steve Austin, injured shoulder and all! Or was he? Austin would up introducing RVD's real partner -- Tazz! The match began with Angle and RVD fighting on the inside, and Tazz and Y2J brawling on the outside. The Federation Superstars gained early control with Jericho and Angle going to work on Tazz. Jericho nearly had Van Dam pinned until Tazz broke up the count.

Jericho executed a thunderous superplex from off the top rope and again nearly had Van Dam beat when Tazz stopped the count. Van Dam then leveled Jericho with a guillotine leg drop, and the Alliance members took control of the match until Jericho nailed Tazz with a DDT. However, RVD prevented Jericho from making the tag to Angle, keeping momentum on the side of the Alliance.

When Van Dam when from springboard moonsault, Jericho put his knees up to protect himself and tagged in Angle. Angle took Tazz down with a belly-to-belly suplex, but Tazz knocked Angle down to set him up for RVD's Five Star Frog Splash. Tazz covered Angle, but Angle narrowly escaped. On the outside, Jericho locked RVD in the Walls of Jericho, but was hit from behind by Austin. In the ring, Angle locked Tazz in the Ankle Lock but Austin broke that up too. Tazz then locked Angle in the Tazzmission, but Angle turned it into the Olympic Slam to win the match!

Afterward, Austin attacked Angle with the Federation Championship belt, and put Angle's medals around his neck. The Rattlesnake then leveled Angle again with the Federation Title, and walked away with Angle's medals. Angle and Austin exchanged looks of hatred as RAW went off the air!

Booker T told Angle that he “gots to be kidding.” He said that everyone knew that he was the one that was robbed at SummerSlam when The Rock stole the WCW Championship from him. The former five-time WCW Champ told the Olympic hero that his medals meant nothing compared to the WCW Championship. Angle then asked Booker T if the Spinaroonie had suddenly become an Olympic sport. He told “The Book” to go back to his dressing room, practice his dancing, send out another audition tape for “Soul Train” and get the hell out of the ring! Booker said he came out because he felt he and Angle were both in the same boat, seeing as they had both been robbed, but he realized that Angle and him had nothing in common. He said that, on SmackDown!, he was going to add to the horrible crime rate in Detroit by punking out Angle later in the night.

Shane got on the microphone and told Angle that he should respect the five-time WCW Champion.

At that point, Stone Cold popped up on the TitanTron with Angle’s medals in his hand. He told the Olympic hero that if he wanted his medals back, he should come to the backstage area and get them! Angle then jumped out of the ring and made his way to the back.

After commercial, Angle was searching for the Rattlesnake backstage when he ran into Scotty 2 Hotty. The master of the Worm told the Olympic hero that after Austin saw Angle making his way to the back, he jumped in his truck and drove away.

Next up, the Undertaker took on Albert, who was accompanied by X-Pac, in a rematch from RAW IS WAR. Before the match, Michael Cole and Tazz announced that Kane has been sidelined with an infection in his elbow, so it could be some time before the Big Red Machine was back in action. During the match, X-Pac jumped onto the apron and threw a steel chair into the ring, but Taker grabbed the high-flyer and brought him into the ring the hard way. With the Dead Man preoccupied with X-Pac, Albert picked up the chair and nailed Taker in the back. The former Intercontinental Champion went for the cover on the Dead Man, but he kicked out.

The next match saw WCW U.S. Champion Kanyon putting his title on the line against Edge. Before the match began, Christian came to ringside with the 2001 King of the Ring trophy. At one point, Kanyon rolled out of the ring, picked up his U.S. Championship and re-entered the ring. He wound up to hit the Intercontinental Champion with the belt, but Christian jumped on the apron and grabbed the U.S. Championship out of Kanyon’s hands. Christian then attempted to hit Kanyon with the title, but the U.S. Champ ducked and Christian waffled Edge! Kanyon covered the fallen Edge for the 1-2-3 to retain the U.S. Championship. After the match, Christian apologized to Edge for hitting him, saying that he would make it up to his brother by taking on The Rock this Monday night on RAW in his hometown of Toronto and becoming the WCW Champion! Christian said that Team E&C would then be Team NBG –Nothing But Gold!

In the Alliance’s locker room, Lilian Garcia interviewed Hurricane Helms. Garcia told Helms that it wasn’t exactly heroic how Ivory helped him win the European Championship from Matt Hardy on RAW. Helms said that when he defeated the meddlesome Matt Hardy and his sidekick, the lovely Lita, he struck a courageous blow for truth, justice and the European way. Garcia told Hurricane that on SmackDown!, he would be teaming up with Ivory to take on Molly Holly and the Federation’s underdog, Spike Dudley. Helms said that Spike was no underdog, saying that Underdog wasn’t even real. Helms said that he and Ivory would be victorious, so Garcia should tune in at the same Hurri-time and the same Hurri-station.

Spike and Molly then took on Ivory and Helms in tag-team competition. In true superhero fashion, Hurricane started the match with a friendly handshake with Spike. During the match, Molly went for her patented Molly-Go-Round, but Ivory ducked out the way. Ivory then grabbed Molly, holding her for Hurricane for a superkick, but Molly moved and Helms nailed Ivory in the face! Spike grabbed Hurricane and went for the Dudley Dog, but Ivory took out the leg of Spike. Helms then hit his Eye of the Hurricane finishing maneuver to pick up the win for the Alliance.

On a Detroit city street, Stone Cold was talking into the camera, asking where Kurt Angle was.

The Rock was seen pacing in the backstage area, prompting Tazz to wonder why the Great One was still in the building.

Back in the Commissioner’s office, Torrie was complimenting Tajiri on his big muscles when Regal told her to run along. Torrie kissed the Japanese Buzzsaw and left the office. At that point, Perry Saturn confronted Regal, and the Commish told Saturn that he hated to be the bearer of bad news, but an unmarked envelope had arrived at the Commissioner’s office earlier in the day. Regal showed Perry the contents of the envelope, which included a Polaroid shot of Moppy and a kidnapper’s ransom note that read “$100,000 or you’ll never seen Moppy again” in pieced-together letters. Furious, and wondering where he was going to get the money, a screaming Saturn left the office.

Kurt Angle was in his locker room when the Alliance’s Mike Awesome approached him.

Next up, Tajiri took on Lance Storm in one-on-one action. Tajiri locked in the Tarantula on Storm, but Lance was able to escape. During the match, Torrie ran to ringside to assist Tajiri back into the ring, but Storm was waiting to hit the Japanese Buzzsaw in the face with a superkick for the win! After the match, Torrie consoled Tajiri in the ring.

The main event of SmackDown! saw the former five-time WCW Champion Booker T, accompanied by Shane McMahon, take on the medal-less Olympic hero, Kurt Angle. During the match, Shane pulled down the top rope, forcing Angle to plummet to the mat outside the ring. With the ref distracted, Shane attacked Angle, throwing him into the ring post. Booker T continued the attack, throwing the American hero throat-first on the barricade. Back inside the ring, Booker T hit a scissors-kick on Angle, and followed it up with a Spinaroonie! “The Book” went for the cover, but Angle managed to kick out.

While they were celebrating, Stone Cold again popped up on the TitanTron with Angle's medals. He said that Angle said Stone Cold would never have gold medals, but he has two now. He wondered what Angle would do to get his medals back. He said all the Olympic hero had to do was ask for them. He then corrected himself, saying that asking for them would be too easy. The Rattlesnake said Angle should beg for them. He told Angle to get on his knees and beg Stone Cold for his medals.

He then asked Kurt if he was too proud to beg for the Federation Championship. Austin said he had never seen a bigger crybaby in the Federation than Angle, so he said if the American hero would cry for him, the Rattlesnake would give him his medals back. Austin said if Angle wouldn't cry or beg for the medals or the championship, then that just proves that Angle is a spineless coward. Stone Cold said that since Angle didn't want the medals, he had another idea. He then tied the medals to a cinderblock and through them off a Detroit bridge into a river as SmackDown! went off the air!

The main event on RAW pitted Hardcore Champion Rob Van Dam and Rhyno against the returning Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho. Early in the match, Jericho tagged in Jeff Hardy, who was immediately pounded on by RVD. But, even with his sore ribs, Jeff made it to the top rope and hit RVD with a Swanton Bomb! Even though he had took down Van Dam, Hardy hurt himself in the process. Finally, Jeff was able to tag in Jericho, who took out Rhyno but then was attacked by RVD! Jericho reversed on of Van Dam's holds, however, and pinned Van Dam for the win!

At a different, higher, bridge in Toronto, Kurt Angle led Stone Cold to the edge. Stone Cold said that he was sorry for throwing his medals in the Detroit River, and that he would go back and get them. Angle said it was too late for that. Kurt said he wanted Austin to beg, and then he put the blindfold back on Austin! Angle said if he didn't beg and cry, Angle would throw Austin over the edge faster than Austin threw his medals over the edge last week!

Back in the ring, Debra pleaded with Kurt Angle not to hurt her husband. She cried and sobbed and said that Austin may be a bad guy, but he was the love of her life. She begged Kurt not to hurt her husband.

At the bridge, Angle demanded for Austin to beg. Austin said he was sorry, and Angle kept asking him "What?" Austin said he was so sorry. Angle called him pathetic for begging him, and then told him to cry. Austin said he couldn't cry.

Christian said it seemed like he's been living in denial lately. He said it him on RAW that all the talk is true -- that Edge was bitter, jealous and resentful of him his whole life! He said it had always been Edge & Christian, E&C, Edge and his brother. He asked why Edge always got to go first. He asked what Edge had ever done, and he said what about him?
Christian proclaimed that he was special. He said he had always been there for Edge, but where was Edge when Christian had the chance to become WCW Champion on RAW? He claimed that it would have eaten Edge up alive to see him walking around with singles gold. He said that Edge made him do what he did, but it would all come back. He said Edge and the people of Toronto deserved each other, because they were all selfish.

Christian said that he didn't need Edge for anything -- not even a con-chair-to, as he proved on RAW. He said Edge had nothing he needed, but Edge did have something he wants -- the Intercontinental Championship. He then challenged his brother to an IC Title match for Unforgiven, saying he would take the title the same way Edge always took the spotlight from him! He said, just like their song, "I think I know you," but as RAW proved, Edge so didn't know Christian!

Backstage, Stone Cold and Debra were talking when Shawn Stasiak walked in. Stasiak offered Austin a cup of coffee. The Rattlesnake took it and drank it, but it was too hot, so he threw it in Shawn's face, and then beat up Stasiak! He told Debra to get a paramedic because he thought he burned his mouth!

In a match stemming from Monday's RAW, Steven Richards took on the Undertaker. Prior to the match, Steven said that many wondered why he Stevenkicked the Taker on RAW, and why he challenged him to a match on SmackDown! He said many people thought he was crazy for doing so, but he had one thing to say to the Undertaker -- he hates you! He said he blamed Taker ffor the disbanding of the Right to Censor. He said that although the people had no faith in Steven Richards, he had faith in himself. He challenged Taker to come out and get some, which Taker did. The American Badass went right for Steven, who made Taker chase him. Steven then grabbed a chair, and challenged Taker to come after him.

The Badass stalked Steven up the ramp, and punched him in the face. He then turned around, and Brian Adams of Kronic kicked Taker's motorcycle over! As Taker went after Adams, Bryan Clarke -- also of Kronik -- attacked Taker from behind, and the duo double-teamed the Badass! With Steven directing traffic, the duo tossed Taker in the ring and gave him the High Times double-chokeslam

William Regal was watching the monitor in his office when Booker T and Shane McMahon entered. The Boy Wonder said that even though Rock was under contract to the World Wrestling Federation, the WCW Title was under his jurisdiction. Shane said that at Unforgiven, The Rock will defend the WCW Championship against Booker T and Shane McMahon in a Handicap Match.

Debra checked on Stone Cold's burned tongue backstage, and then told Austin that she thought he should go to the ring and talk to the public. Austin said he had already explained himself to the members of the Alliance, and didn't want to talk to the people. Debra reasoned that the people in the arena were foreign, and Austin said he'd think about it.

Next up, Test battled Billy Gunn. Test hit three consecutive Russian leg sweeps, and went for the pumphandle slam, but Billy reversed it into a neckbreaker. Moments later, Billy went for the One and Only, but Test reversed. Billy then went for the fame-asser, but Test instead nailed the big boot, and pinned "The One" for the win!

Backstage, Debra told Stone Cold that he should go to the ring and explain, and Austin said she was right.

The sold-out crowd at the Air Canada Centre rose to its feet moments later, as Stone Cold's music played. But when he got to the stage, he suddenly grew reluctant and headed backstage. But moments later, he came back out and headed to the ring, not before jawing with a number of fans.

Stone Cold said he wasn't really begging, and that he didn't really mean it, so Kurt showed footage of Austin crying! Austin said he wasn't crying, and Angle asked him if he was the Rattlesnake or the "Waaah"-ttlesnake! Kurt then asked one more question -- what Austin was doing when he fell into the wading pool!

Angle said he had so much fun with Stone Cold on RAW, seeing sides of Austin he had never seen before. He said that at Unforgiven, Austin would see a side of Angle which would make him wish he never messed with him. He promised to show Austin how stone cold he could be at Unforgiven.

The Alliance was talking in their locker room when Stone Cold entered. He said he'd been embarrassed and humiliated for the last time by Kurt Angle. He said that seeing the footage again had made him sick. Austin said he didn't want to wait for Unforgiven -- he wanted to whip some ass on SmackDown! He challenged each of the members of the Alliance, and then said he would pick for himself. He said he would fight the next person who walked through the door.

Elsewhere, Lilian Garcia interviewed The Rock. She asked about his match against Booker T and Shane McMahon at Unforgiven. Rock mocked Lilian, saying she needed to let her feelings go. He said he knew she had feelings for him! He said she dreamed of becoming Mrs. Lilian Rock-sia! He said for Lilian to admit that she gets wet ... with perspiration ... standing so close to him! He said he knew how Lilian felt about pie, but asked how she felt about strudel. He asked if she wanted to try some of his strudel, and she said she would, more than anything in the world! He then asked what the hell was wrong with her -- he had just been informed that he had a Handicap Match at Unforgiven, and all she could think about was desert! He asked her for a little professionalism. Rocky then turned his attention to Booker and Shane, and said he's seen the way Booker and Shane look at each other. He said the two should have a baby together, and the first words out of mouth would be, "Can you dig it, sucka," and the baby would then do a little jukin' and jivin'! He said that Unforgiven would be electrifying -- if ya smell what The Rock is cookin'! He also told Lilian to stop thinking about the People's Strudel!

In the Alliance locker room, Austin and the Alliance awaited the next person to walk through the door -- and it was Rob Van Dam! As the crowd chanted for RVD, Austin said that the Alliance members had something to tell him -- namely, that the two would go one-on-one later in the night!

Inside WWF New York, Hardcore Holly greeted fans. Michael Cole asked how Holly has been doing, and Holly said he was in the best shape of his career, but he hadn't been on TV much lately because the Alliance hadn't challenged him. He said he had helped stop the Alliance from taking over the Federation. He said he wasn't a begger, but he said he would accept any challenge from the Alliance. He said he would show why he is the "Big Shot."

Stone Cold was pacing backstage when RVD entered his locker room. Austin said that tonight, Van Dam's name was Kurt Angle. RVD said he wasn't Kurt Angle -- he was Rob Van Dam. After Van Dam left, an enraged Rattlesnake screamed at Debra that Van Dam was Kurt Angle.

The main event on SmackDown! was a battle of Alliance members, as World Wrestling Federation Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin took on Hardcore Champion Rob Van Dam in a non-title bout. Austin's rage was apparent, attacking RVD before the bell as the arena filled with chants of "RVD!" Stone Cold pounded on RVD, but Van Dam battled back. At one point, Austin shoved RVD off the top rope, all the way to the outside! The fight soon spilled into the crowd, and Van Dam almost beheaded Austin with a roundhouse kick. But the Federation Champion regained control, and mocked the Hardcore Champ.

Stone Cold nailed a top-rope superplex, but RVD kicked out of the pin. Moments later, the two men battled to the outside, where Van Dam suplexed Austin onto the ramp. Shortly thereafter, Austin crotched RVD onto the barricade. Back in the ring, Austin went for a cover, but RVD again kicked out. Austin locked on a modified sleeperhold as the crowd chanted for Van Dam. RVD battled out of the sleeper, and Austin went for the Stunner, but RVD reversed it into a dropkick. Van Dam then went for a rolling moonsault, but Stone Cold got his knees up.

The Rattlesnake then went outside the ring and grabbed a steel chair, and was about to him Van Dam, but RVD met him with a kick to the chair, right into Austin's face! RVD then went up top, but Austin caught him. On the top rope, RVD knocked Austin down, but missed the Five-Star Frog Splash! Austin then hit the Stunner, but instead of going for the pin, he went for the ankle lock.

Suddenly, Kurt Angle's music came on, and Austin got up to look for the Olympic hero -- allowing RVD to sneak up behin him and pin him for a stunning upset! Angle laughed at Austin as the show went off the air!

As Lance Storm leafed through the new Extreme Magazine, the Hurricane entered the room and asked Storm if he knew of someone who could be the Hurricane's new sidekick. After Storm suggested Ivory, the Hurricane said that his Hurri-sense was telling him the right person for the job. The Hurricane then wooshed away from the scene.

As Stone Cold Steve Austin arrived at the arena, he was greeted by Rob Van Dam, who was waiting for him in his dressing room. RVD had a question for Austin - why did he throw him off the stage last Monday on RAW? Austin said he did that to help him win his Hardcore Championship back from Kurt Angle. RVD said that was fine, as long as he and Austin were cool. RVD then told Stone Cold that a lot of the Alliance members were asking him for advice in the absence of Stone Cold. Austin grew hostile and asked RVD to tell him who was asking advice, but Van Dam wouldn't tell!

In singles action, Jeff Hardy entered the ring against Lance Storm. After some brutal and high-flying action, Jeff Hardy kept going for the pin, but Storm kicked out each time! Ivory then distracted Jeff, and Storm went to make a pin, but Jeff kicked out! Ivory once again went to distract Jeff, but Lita went after her!

Y2J began the match immediately, going after RVD as the crowd chanted U.S.A. When the match entered the ring, it was Jericho against Austin. Soon, Van Dam entered the frey and started pounding on Jericho, but Jericho reversed a hold and took down RVD, enabling him to tag in Angle. Soon, the battle spilled outside the ring, where RVD and Jericho began brawling, in a preview of their match at Unforgiven. Meanwhile, Austin and Angle just stood in separate corners. Eventually, Austin and Angle were tagged in, where Jericho and Angle double-teamed Austin! RVD went to help Austin, but accidentally hit the Rattlesnake! After the referee was knocked out, Angle locked Austin in the Ankle Lock! RVD made the save to help Austin! As Jericho locked Van Dam in the Walls of Jericho, Austin got the ring bell and nailed Jericho with it. As the crowed chanted for the U.S.A., Angle made his way to his feet and nailed Austin with the Angle Slam! He covered Austin and made the pin for the win! Austin cradled his WWF Championship and stared at Angle as RAW went off the air!

Lita was hanging out in the weight room when Kanyon walked in and asked her to hang out after his match with Matt Hardy, to find out personally the answer to the question, "Who better than Kanyon? Nobody baby!" Lita asked Kanyon to repeat himself, which confirmed her belief that he did, in fact, have a speech impediment.

While Christian entered the ring for his Intercontinental Title defense against Chris Jericho, footage was shown of a doctor working on Edge's eye. The champion bragged that the world discovered who the better brother was at Unforgiven. He then announced the moment he had waited for his whole life -- his very own five-second pose, which was interrupted by Jericho's entrance. While on the outside, Christian grabbed the ring bell, and hit Jericho in the head with it to force a disqualification. But Christian wasn't through. He had Jericho set up for the one-man Con-chair-to, but missed. Y2J then locked Christian in the Walls of Jericho! Christian was tapping, but it took three Federation officials to pry Y2J off of him!

X-Pac was talking on the telephone in Commissioner Regal's office complaining to someone about the lack of television time. Regal asked what in the blue hell X-Pac was doing in his office, and X-Pac accused Regal of never getting him on TV time and doing nothing as a Commissioner. Regal screamed X-Pac that he will get his TV time -- a match with the Commissioner himself!

RVD was stretching his legs when he was approached by Raven, who complained he was in a funk of late and that losing to Perry Saturn at Unforgiven was a new low. Van Dam told Raven he needed to lighten up and snap out of it. Then Stephanie arrived and shook RVD's hand. She told him she was so impressed with his leadership skills and that she saw greatness in him. She also said that after she defeated The Rock for the WCW Title, he would be the leader of the Alliance. RVD told Steph that he didn't know about being a leader, but he was honored to get the title shot. Van Dam assured Stephanie he would not let her down, and Stephanie told him he had better not. After she left, RVD seemed intrigued with the concept of Alliance leader!

Matt Hardy's match with Kanyon was up next. Kanyon seemed more focused on hitting on Lita than the match, but a Lita slap to his face seemed to put Kanyon back in focus, at least temporarily. After a couple of near falls, Kanyon was still eyeing Lita. The fight took to the top rope, where Hardy pushed Kanyon down and hit a leg drop from the second rope. Lita even contributed with a Lita-con-rada on Kanyon while on the outside. Matt had Kanyon ready for the Twist of Fate, but Kanyon pushed Hardy off and into Lita, which caused Lita to fall to the floor. That left Hardy open for a Kanyon Flatliner, and a victory for Kanyon.

Stone Cold's arrival was still pending, which was getting J.R. more and more nervous and impatient...

Diamond Dallas Page was back, and he addressed fans with an evil smile! He admitted that although he was on the receiving end of a beating by the Undertaker, which was a good thing, because what mattered was not getting back down, but getting back up. DDP said he did some soul searching, and that he found the real DDP. He told people that they would like DDP, and DDP would help them like themselves.

At WWF New York, each "WWF Tough Enough" finalist explained why they deserved a guaranteed Federation contract.

The Rock was asked by Michael Cole his thoughts about his WCW Title defense against Rob Van Dam. The Rock explained that Unforgiven was a very special night for him because he walked out still the WCW Champion. Rock then said that tonight was also a special night because for the first time, he would be defending the WCW Title against Rob Van Dam. Tonight was also special to The Rock because it was Stephanie's birthday, and he warned her that if she got involved in The Rock's match, then just like the doctor wiped all the afterbirth goo off her body 25 years ago, Rock would slap her candy ass! Rock then wanted to help celebrate Stephanie's birthday by singing her a birthday song:

Happy Birthday to Steph
You're a ho with big breasts
So take the night off from hooking
If you smell what The Rock is cooking!

Backed by new entrance music performed by Saliva, Federation Light-Heavyweight Champion and WCW Cruiserweight Champion X-Pac made his way to the ring for his match against Commissioner Regal. The Commish ended a competitive, scientific, non-title by pinning X-Pac.

It was finally time for The Rock's WCW Title defense against Rob Van Dam. But before the match began, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, the Billion Dollar Princess/birthday girl, made her way to ringside to cheer on Van Dam, and smirked at the People's Champion, who she pinned last week on RAW.

Rock got started with a couple of quick arm drag take downs, and RVD answered with a reverse heel kick. When the fight took to the outside, the Federation Hardcore Champion gained the advantage and nearly won after a flying karate kick from the top rope. Much to the delight of Stephanie, Van Dam continued on the offensive, ramming Rock's head into the steel steps before taking apart the American announce table. When RVD charged The Rock, the WCW Champion backdropped him on that very table.

Back in the ring, Van Dam kicked out after a Rock spinebuster, and soon missed a split-legged moonsault. Stephanie then got involved by slapping The Rock. But the Great One battled back with a series of right hands, DDT and a Sharpshooter! But Stephanie climbed to the apron, which forced Rock to break the hold and chase Stephanie up the rampway. Rock grabbed Steph by the hair and dragged her into the ring.

He was about to give her the Rock Bottom, but RVD caught him from behind. Van Dam then went up for the Five Star Frog Splash, but Stephanie pushed referee Charles Robinson into the ropes, which forced RVD to slip and fall! One Rock Bottom later, The Rock retained the WCW Title, and the birthday girl walked away crying! The Rock celebrated in the ring as RAW went off the air!