As RAW opens, Jim Ross announces that tonight The Rock, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, and The Big Show will compete in a Fatal-4-Way match to determine the #1 Contender for the WWF Title. Kurt's music comes on and he walks out to the ring in front of his hometown crowd. Kurt is met with a mixed reaction - with one fan's sign saying "Pittsburgh's Own Crybaby Kurt Angle". Kurt tells the fans it's always great to come home to his hometown of Pittsburgh. Kurt says he has achieved something that many people consider to be impossible. Kurt then shows us some footage from an episode of RAW that took place in Pittsburgh almost a year ago. In the footage Kurt says "And since this town has very little to cheer about, I am officially naming myself your new hometown hero - and we all know it's not Mario Lemieux anymore. That's right, but if he had a little more courage maybe he would still be playing hockey today, and he would be able to save the Penguins". Back live, Kurt tells the Pittsburgh fans "You're welcome, because I know for a fact that it was me who lit the fire under Super Mario and prompted his return. And like all great Pittsburgh comebacks, it will eventually fail and ultimately be pointless, but I can't control everything. It's True." Kurt says tonight he will not be defending his WWF Title, but he will defend it on Smackdown this Thursday against the winner of the Fatal-4-Way match tonight. Kurt says tonight he wants to give back to the community. Kurt starts to tell us a story, but is interrupted by The Rock's music! The Rock apologizes for interrupting Kurt's homecoming, but he had to come out here and correct Kurt. The Rock says for Kurt to have something to do with Mario Lemieux's return and success is the biggest bunch of Penguin...(you get the idea). The Rock continues using his catchphrases to put down Kurt. The Rock says he has some footage of his own tonight. The Rock says everyone knows Kurt doesn't like pie, but asks "Do you like pizza?" Kurt tells The Rock not to even think about going there, but The Rock tells Kurt to shut his mouth and demands the footage be rolled. The Rock is showing us a commercial that Kurt did several years ago for "Pizza Outlet". In the commercial, Kurt answers the front door and the delivery guy says "Wow, Kurt Angle". Kurt says "Keep the change" as he gives the guy some money. Kurt shuts the door and takes the pizza inside. Once inside, the pizza box starts moving in Kurt's hands and Kurt asks "What's gotten in to this pizza?". Kurt sits down, opens the box, and the pizza toppings start wrestling with each other. Kurt takes a slice of pizza, and says to one of the toppings that has just jumped on his shoulder "Ah man, that was beautiful". The fans in the arena have a good laugh (perhaps many of them remember the commercial). The Rock smiles and asks Kurt what was that? The Rock asks Kurt if earlier tonight he said it doesn't matter who the 4 participants are in tonight's Fatal-4-Way match. Kurt replies "I certainly did". The Rock then breaks in and yells "It doesn't matter who you say doesn't matter". The Rock says it does matter, but one of the participants - the winning participant - is The Rock. The Rock promises to win the Title on Smackdown Thursday night, and then Kurt can come back to Pittsburgh as an ex-Champion. As The Rock concludes with "If ya smell..." The Big Show attacks him from behind. The Big Show leaves The Rock laying on the stage, as Kurt smiles at what he's just seen.

Before the Main Event, we see Kurt heading towards the entryway, and Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler wonder why. Kurt's music plays and he walks down the aisle and over to the announcer's table. Kurt's pizza commerical is replayed as he takes a seat besides Jerry Lawler. JR asks Kurt why he made that commercial. Kurt replies "How many people get to do a commercial like that? I was an Olympic Gold Medalist, I deserved that, I deserve much more, and that's why I'm the World Wrestling Federation Champion". Kurt says he will be ready for Thursday night. Jericho makes his way to the ring first, and Kurt says Jericho's pyro is obnoxious. As Jericho says "Welcome to RAW is Jericho", Kurt says Jericho has no integrity. Jericho says the WWF Championship needs saving, and that the Title has been with Kurt for too long. Jericho says Kurt shouldn't be selling pizza, but selling Rogaine. Jericho says Kurt's commercial didn't make him hungry for pizza, but for the WWF Championship. In regards to Jericho, Kurt simply says "Unbelievable". As Lawler admires Kurt's WWF Championship, JR asks Kurt if he can be Xtreme (referring to Smackdown Xtreme this Thursday), and Kurt says he can - he's an Olympic Gold Medalist. Chris Benoit and The Big Show, followed by The Rock enter the ring and the match begins. Kurt says he has too much intelligence to find himself on the receiving end of the punishment The Big Show is giving out to The Rock, Benoit, and Jericho. Kurt praises Benoit's chops. Kurt reminds us these 4 wrestlers are earning 'the right' to face Kurt. Kurt also acknowledges The Big Show's power. Lawler asks Kurt which of these guys he would rather face, and Kurt says he'll face any of them - at the same time if he has to. That impresses Lawler. Kurt says Benoit lacks integrity and intelligence. The Rock ends up pinning Chris Jericho to win the match. Kurt says he doesn't think The Rock is the best, and this Thursday Kurt will prove he is the best - and The Rock will know what Xtreme is. The Rock and Kurt then have a staredown as RAW goes off the air.

Today on WWF Superstars we were shown footage of the events Kurt attended January 19th in Washington, DC when he was named Honorary Chairman for Smackdown Your Vote! Comments were shown from Bill Jones (Secretary of State in California) and Nancy Becker (U.S. Senator from Iowa). Nancy said "It's great to have a hero, a person who has been successful in their own field, to be a great role model like this, to be a good citizen for our young people". A part of Kurt's Smackdown Your Vote! ads are then shown. We then see Kurt arriving in a limo to an Inaugural Gala. Footage of past Presidents is shown. Kurt isn't wearing his Gold Medals, but does ask the people of D.C. if they like his cummerbund (WWF Championship belt). A very funny segment is then shown which mixes a speech from Kurt with one from George W. Bush. It goes as follows:
Kurt: I am thankful for the 3 Is
Bush: Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise, through Civility
Kurt: Intensity
Bush: Courage
Kurt: Integrity
Bush: Compassion
Kurt: and Intelligence
Bush: and Character
Kurt thanks the supporters of the young voters, and tells everyone to have a good time. Kevin Kelly then talks about the February RAW Magazine with Kurt on the cover, which is now onsale.

Kurt (w/Trish) defeated Chris Benoit to retain the WWF Championship.

At the beginning of RAW, Triple H and Stephanie come down to the ring. Triple H says he would normally hate coming to a town like this, but he was looking forward to tonight because he was supposed to be arriving as the WWF Champion. Triple H says one man alone prevented that from happening, and it's not Kurt, but Stone Cold Steve Austin. Triple H then complains for awhile longer about what should have been. Triple H promises to attack Austin as soon as he arrives at the building. Kurt comes out to the top of the ramp, and Triple H and Stephanie look on in disgust. Kurt says maybe Triple H's name should be "Triple W - for Wah Wah Wah". Kurt then does a great imitation of Triple H saying the things he just did about Austin. Kurt says, "Let me clarify something for you pal, there's only one person who cost you that Title, me". Kurt reminds Triple H it was his Olympic Hero who covered him for the 1-2-3! Kurt's hand was raised in victory at the Royal Rumble. Kurt asks Triple H what he has to do to get some respect from him, afterall, it's not Kurt's fault Austin and everyone else hates him so much. Kurt tells Triple H, "Maybe if you spent a little less time crying over spilled milk, and a little more time drinking it - like me, you'd finally be a winner". Triple H tells Kurt to come down to the ring right now. Kurt asks Triple H why he always uses a foreign object when he beats someone. Kurt asks "Can't you beat someone on just say...natural ability?". Triple H then challenges Kurt to a WWF Championship Match after he is done with Austin. Kurt accepts and says he'll beat him again. Suddenly Trish's music comes on and she stands next to Kurt. Trish challenges Stephanie to match tonight as well! Stephanie accepts the challenge.

Mr. McMahon arrives at the arena, and is greeted by Michael Cole. Vince tells Michael that he is The Boss, and "in the interest of fairness", these matches may or may not happen.

Triple H enters Mr. McMahon's office and he and Vince have an argument about the matches for tonight. Vince says he is still taking the matches under advisement. Vince does tell Triple H to get dressed for the match though.

Stephanie is next to enter her father's office to try and convince him to allow the matches for tonight. Vince tells Stephanie he is taking the matches under advisement. Vince tells Steph he is concerned about her well-being, but Stephanie asks if he is also worried about the well-being of her possible opponent (Trish). Vince tells Stephanie that she and Trish embarrassed him at the Royal Rumble. He tells her to go get dressed for the match and he will still take it under advisement.

Kurt's commercial for the Smackdown 2 video game for PlayStation is shown in its entirety during the break!

Trish enters Kurt's locker room and Kurt tells Trish that Mr. McMahon is taking their matches under advisement. Kurt asks "How much advisement does he need? What is he waiting for?" Trish tells Kurt to relax and that she will handle this. Kurt asks what she means. Trish says she will give Mr. McMahon all the advisement he needs.

Before the Rikishi vs. Kane match, we see Trish enter Mr. McMahon's office and shut the door. Later on we see Trish leave the office. Finally Michael Cole questions Vince as he leaves his office. Vince says he has made up his mind, and that "in the interest of fairness", tonight it will be Triple H and Stephanie against Kurt and Trish in a mixed tag team match. Stephanie goes outside to get Triple H (who is still waiting for Steve Austin to arrive).

Kurt and Trish walk to the ring first as the fireworks go off. Triple H and Stephanie then march to the ring, as Trish and Kurt step outside the ring. Triple H and Stephanie enter the ring, while Kurt and Trish talk strategy on the outside. While they're talking, Triple H baseball slides Kurt in to the security barrier. Triple H drags Kurt over and throws his head in to the Spanish announcers table. Triple H punches Kurt several times and throws his head in to the table again two more times. Triple H finally throws Kurt in to the ring. Kurt greets Triple H with some punches as he enters the ring. Kurt then goes to throw Triple H to the ropes, but Triple H reverses it. Kurt ducks a clothesline attempt, but is met with a high knee from Triple H. Triple H goes outside the ring, drags Kurt over to the corner, and rams Kurt's leg in to the ringpost twice. Triple H enters the ring, picks Kurt up, and drops him on his knee. Triple H continues to work on Kurt's knee. Triple H throws Kurt in to the corner and kicks him. Kurt comes back with some punches, but Triple H stops him by kicking him in the knee. Triple H runs at Kurt in the corner, but Kurt lifts up his right leg and gives Triple H a boot to the face. Kurt runs at Triple H and gives him a neckbreaker. As Triple H gets up, Kurt knocks him down with one punch and tags in Trish. Trish dives off the top rope at Triple H, but Triple H catches her. Kurt then dropkicks them so that Triple H lands on his back. Stephanie enters the ring as Trish goes back to her corner. Stephanie charges at Trish, but Kurt stops her and throws her to the mat. Kurt then can't believe what he just did. Kurt assists Stephanie but she slaps him in the face. As Kurt turns around from the slap, he is met with punches from Triple H and another slap from Stephanie. Triple H continues punching Kurt. Triple H tries to throw Kurt to the ropes, but Kurt reverses it. Kurt puts his head down, and Triple H catches him with a facebuster. Triple H runs off the ropes at Kurt, but Kurt catches him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Kurt tags in Trish. Kurt then holds Triple H as Trish climbs to the top rope. However, Triple H lowblows Kurt and Stephanie slams Trish from the top rope. Triple H slams Kurt's head in to the ring steps outside the ring, as Trish and Stephanie start fighting in the ring. Kurt gets to his feet and slams Triple H in to the security barrier. Triple H comes back though and throws Kurt in to the ring steps again. Triple H enters the ring, grabs Trish, and gives her a Pedigree. Kurt gets up on the ring apron, but Triple H punches him off. Stephanie rolls over and covers Trish for the 1-2-3! Kurt pulls Trish out of the ring, as Triple H is attacked from behind by Stone Cold Steve Austin!

At a press conference at the National Press Club, Kurt was named Honorary Chairman for Smackdown Your Vote! The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and Youth e-Vote were also announced as two new members to the Smackdown Your Vote! team. In the evening, a Smackdown Your Vote! celebration was held at Club Insomnia. Click here to read the press release at WWFVote.com!

Kurt was also interviewed by Tim Virgin from Washington, DC's 99.1 WHFS radio station. The conversation was mostly about this weekend's Royal Rumble and Tim being a fan of Kurt's.

Early in the show, Vince McMahon tells Triple H that if he and Stone Cold Steve Austin clash tonight, then Triple H will lose his #1 Contender spot and the WWF Title Match at the Royal Rumble, and Austin will be out of the Royal Rumble match itself. Vince then announces that tonight Austin and The Dudley Boyz will face Edge, Christian, and Kurt. Triple H then says (once again) that Kurt is still WWF Champion because he has allowed it (yawn...). Triple H says all his attention is on Kurt now, and becoming WWF Champion. Triple H talks about Kurt's title reign - having his brother help him at Survivor Series, getting DQ'd and counted out all the time, and having his friends Edge and Christian run in to save him all the time (Triple H sure is jealous). Kurt's music comes on and he walks out to the stage. Kurt says "Well, well, well...if it isn't my old friends, the McMahon-Helmsleys". Kurt tells Stephanie he is very disappointed in her. Kurt says Triple H may be a great athlete, but there's no way he is going to take his Title at the Rumble. Kurt says "You want to talk about games? Well Donkey Kong himself has a better shot at taking this title from me than you do pal." Kurt respects that Triple H is Stephanie's husband, but he hopes she can respect that he has gotten someone for his corner at the Rumble - "someone the McMahon-Helmsley family knows quite well." Kurt has Trish come out to say hello. Trish, wearing a fur coat and diamond earrings, tells Stephanie and Triple H she thinks the World of them, but when Kurt asked her to be in his corner, she couldn't say no. Stephanie, a little upset with Trish, makes a match between Trish and Jackie for tonight. Trish and Kurt leave, as Triple H and Stephanie smile in the ring.

Later in the show, Edge and Christian attack The Dudley Boyz in a hallway backstage. The attack leaves The Dudleyz unable to compete in the Main Event tonight, and Stone Cold Steve Austin without partners.

Trish and Jackie compete in their variation of a strap match. During the match, Kurt comes down to ringside. His presence distracts Jackie, allowing Trish to gain the advantage. However, Jackie manages to win the match, and Kurt pulls Trish out of the ring and away from Jackie's attack.

Backstage, Trish is still hurting from her match. Kurt says he is disappointed with Stephanie for putting her in that match. Kurt tells Trish to rest up for the Rumble, and he can handle himself in his match tonight. Kurt tells Trish she did a good job, and she wishes him luck.

Before the Main Event, we see Kurt, Edge, and Christian walking backstage headed toward the entranceway - all with smiles on their faces. Stone Cold Steve Austin comes to the ring first. Kurt, Edge, and Christian then walk onto the stage. They pause as the fireworks go off, then finish their walk to the ring. They take off their belts, as Austin stands in the ring smiling. They enter the ring, and suddenly the Acolytes music comes on. Austin starts punching Kurt. The Acolytes attack Edge and Christian, while Austin throws Kurt's head in to the turnbuckle. Austin drags Kurt to another turnbuckle, then stands on the middle rope and punches Kurt several times. Austin throws Kurt to the ropes, and catches him with an elbow. The Acolytes and Edge and Christian take their positions in their respective corners. Austin throws Kurt to the ropes again, but Kurt stops himself and tags in Christian. Austin next tags in Bradshaw, who maintains the advantage on Christian. Kurt comes in to stop Christian from being powerbombed by Bradshaw. This allows Christian to tag in Edge. Bradshaw tags in Faarooq, and they double-team Edge. Faarooq tags in Austin. Edge gains an advantage on Austin, and tags in Kurt. Kurt kicks Austin several times. Kurt throws Austin in to the corner, and then suplexes him. Kurt then delivers another suplex. Kurt tries for yet another suplex, but Austin escapes and starts punching Kurt. Austin throws Kurt to the ropes, Kurt ducks two clothesline attempts, but is finally caught with a spinebuster from Austin. Austin goes for the cover, but only gets a 2 count. Edge and Christian then enter the ring with chairs. They each take a swing at Austin, but he ducks, and they hit their chairs together. The Acolytes then enter the ring to attack Edge and Christian. The two tag teams fight outside the ring, while Austin lifts Kurt up on to the top turnbuckle. Austin suplexes Kurt off the top, goes for the cover, but only gets a 2 count. Triple H walks out on to the stage, which distracts Austin. As Austin turns around to face Kurt again, he is caught with a lowblow by Kurt. Kurt kicks Austin down. Kurt tries for a gutwrench suplex, but Austin blocks it and gives Kurt a gutwrench suplex instead. Austin gives Kurt several right-hands to the head. Austin throws Kurt to the ropes, but Kurt reverses it and catches Austin in a belly-to-belly suplex as he comes off the ropes. Kurt goes for the cover, but Austin kicks out. Kurt punches Austin in the corner. Kurt tries to throw Austin to the opposite corner, but Austin reverses it. As Kurt comes out of the corner he hits Austin with a clothesline. Kurt tries for the Olympic Slam, but Austin kicks out. Austin gives Kurt a side-Russian-legsweep. Austin then chokes Kurt on the middle rope. Austin runs off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring and prepares to jump down on Kurt, but Kurt moves out of the way. Austin punches Kurt, throws him to the ropes, and hits him with a Lou Thesz Press. Austin punches Kurt some more. Kurt rakes Austin in the eyes, climbs to the second rope, dives off at Austin, but is met with Austin's boot. Austin then gives Kurt the Stone Cold Stunner and gets the 3 Count! Triple H comes down to the ring and dares Austin to hit him. After a rather long confrontation, which sees Austin leave the ring, walk up the ramp, only to return to the ring again to confront Triple H. As Austin runs in to the ring after more verbal abuse by Triple H, Kurt comes from behind and gives Triple H an Olympic Slam - which earns Kurt a Huge Pop from the crowd! However, Austin gets behind Kurt and gives him a Stone Cold Stunner (what appreciation, huh?).

My Thoughts: Well, it's pretty clear that Kurt's big face turn isn't that far away. Did you hear the crowd reaction to his Olympic Slam on Triple H? Did you notice his mic work at the beginning of the show didn't include any insults to the crowd? This reminds me of another wrestler a few years ago. I can remember a time when The Rock first started talking when he was a member of the Nation of Domination. That's when I first became a fan of his, and I knew his microphone skills were going to make him a star. I had other fans online tell me I was the only Rock fan they had ever met, and how could I like someone like The Rock? Well shortly after that time, the millions and millions of Rock's fans were born. The same thing has basically happened with Kurt. For over a year now I've been telling people that one day he will be a huge fan favorite. Of course no one has believed me, and wondered how I could be a Kurt Angle fan. Slowly though over the past few months, I see more and more people claiming to be his "biggest fan", lol. Hey, I'm not saying Kurt never had fans - of course he did! It's just always interesting in wrestling how quickly the average fan changes their opinion of a wrestler - often in a matter of seconds even! As far as Kurt's alliance with Trish Stratus...they do have some funny segments together (especially when irritating Triple H and Stephanie), but I don't think it is going to last. I'm sure she is either using Kurt to make Stephanie mad, or helping out Mr. McMahon.

Kurt signed autographs at DC Sports in Sterling Heights, MI. If you attended this event, and want to share your story or photos, please email me at gwd@nh.ultranet.com

At the beginning of one of the most anticipated RAWs ever, Vince McMahon comes down to the ring and talks about New Year's resolutions. After making a handicap match for tonight between The Rock and 2 WWF Referees against Kane and Rikishi, Vince tells us the reason why he counted Austin on to victory on Smackdown is because this is a New Year - and Vince is a new man. Vince says his New Year's resolution is to be fair in everything that he does. Vince is soon interrupted by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin comes to the ring and tells Vince he doesn't believe or trust him. Austin tells Vince to stay out of his life, and that tonight he is going to beat Kurt Angle and become the WWF Champion. Kurt's music plays and he walks down to the ring. Kurt tells Austin he's impressed with Austin's "great talk" (referring to Austin's profanity). Kurt asks Austin if he has always been a great talker, like back in 1996 when he was having strap matches with Savio Vega - and Kurt was bringing honor and glory to our country. Kurt says Austin shouldn't assume just because he has his title shot tonight that the gold is his for the taking. Kurt reminds us of some of his recent victories, like Hell in a Cell at Armageddon and the Fatal 4-Way at Madison Square Garden. Kurt says he's not going to let his Title go to anybody, especially someone like Mr. Austin. Austin then makes a rude gesture at Kurt and asks the fans if they want to see Kurt lose the WWF Title to him, and they do. As Austin is catching some beers from ringside, Kurt hits him in the back with the WWF Championship. Kurt and Mr. McMahon take off, leaving Austin in the ring pointing to his watch - telling Kurt his time is coming.

Later on backstage, Kurt is warming up for his Title Defense when he receives a visit from Edge and Christian. Christian tells him "Slammin' outfit" (Kurt's blue jogging outfit). Edge tells Kurt he did a good job with Austin earlier, and wishes him luck tonight (all 3 agree Kurt doesn't need the luck anyway). Christian then tells Kurt he'll be proud about what they have planned for The Dudley Boyz tonight. Kurt asks what it is, but they say they don't have time to explain.

Footage is then shown from earlier in the night at WWF New York when fans were asked "Who will win tonight's WWF Championship match?" The first fan says Austin would win and he would join him having some beers. The second fan also agrees Austin will win. Finally, the third fan believes Kurt will win because he is an Olympic Champion! (smart guy). The first female surveyed thinks Austin will win because it's time someone put Kurt in his place (??? he is in his place - he's the WWF Champion ???) The next fan says Kurt will win because Vince has something up his sleeve. The next person says Austin because he's stronger and tougher (huh?). The last person says Kurt will win, because someone will interfere.

Two video packages are shown before the Main Event. The first one is of recent events involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, the McMahons, William Regal, and last week's Smackdown. The second video is a look back at all of Kurt's accomplishments since entering the WWF. Austin and Kurt then start to head towards the entranceway.

Kurt walks to the ring, with Olympic Gold around his neck and WWF Gold around his waist. Lilian Garcia begins the announcements as Kurt enters the ring. Referee Earl Hebner holds up the WWF Championship for all to see. The glass breaks and Austin walks to the ring, staring intently at Kurt. Austin takes off his jacket, enters the ring, takes the WWF Championship from the referee and lays it on the mat - telling Kurt to come and get it. Kurt rushes the ring to grab his Championship, but is met by some kicks from Austin. The bell rings and we are under way! Austin elbows Kurt a few times, and throws Kurt in to the top turnbuckle several times. Austin drags Kurt to the opposite corner and hits Kurt's head against that top turnbuckle, and Kurt falls on his back. Austin comes off the ropes with an elbow to Kurt's chest. Austin picks Kurt up and gives him a suplex. Austin picks Kurt up and places him on a top turnbuckle, punches Kurt, and climbs to the second rope. Kurt blocks Austin's superplex attempt, and sends Austin crashing to the mat. Kurt kicks Austin while he's down, then picks him up. Kurt tries to throw Austin to the ropes, but Austin reverses it. As Kurt comes off the ropes he ducks a clothesline attempt by Austin, but as he comes off the opposite side he is met with a Lou Thesz Press by Austin. Austin punches Kurt and then delivers 2 elbows off the ropes to Kurt's neck area. Austin goes for the cover but Kurt gets his shoulder up. Austin tries again to pin Kurt, but Kurt kicks out this time. Austin gives Kurt a gutwrench suplex, goes for the cover, but Kurt kicks out again. Austin gives Kurt yet another suplex, but Kurt escapes the 3 count. Austin tries for another suplex, but Kurt escapes and gives Austin a side-Russian-legsweep. Kurt gets to his feet first and kicks down Austin, then chokes him with his foot and using the top rope for leverage. Austin blocks a punch from Kurt, and then gives some of his own. Kurt knees Austin and puts him in a headlock. Austin pushes Kurt to the ropes and sends him to the other side. Kurt ducks 2 of Austin's clothesline attempts before diving at Austin. Austin kicks out of Kurt's pin attempt. Austin goes for a slam, but Kurt counters with a small package, but only gets a 2 count. Austin knees Kurt and throws him to the outside of the ring. Austin follows him out and throws Kurt's head in to the announcer's table. Austin punches Kurt and clotheslines him over the security barrier in to the fans. Austin climbs over the barrier and elbows Kurt to the back of the head, and then throws Kurt back over the barrier to the outside of the ring. As Austin is kicking Kurt, William Regal approaches from behind with a pipe. Austin sees Regal though and takes out his anger on Regal, leaving Kurt time to recover. Kurt dives at Austin from behind, but Austin sees him coming and lifts him up in the air and over the security barrier and in to the fans again! Austin stands on top of the security barrier and dives at Kurt with a clothesline. The fans are going crazy around them. Austin tosses Kurt back over the barrier, and then in to the ringpost. Austin tosses Kurt back in to the ring, and then tries to pin Kurt, but Kurt gets the shoulder up. Austin tries to pin him again, but Kurt gets the shoulder up again. Austin punches Kurt 10 times! - goes for the cover again, but Kurt escapes close to the 3 count. Austin goes to the second rope and jumps down at Kurt, but Kurt blocks him and gives Austin a belly-to-belly suplex. Austin gets to his feet first, but Kurt rakes his eyes and punches him. Kurt throws Austin to the ropes, but Austin reverses it. As Kurt comes off the ropes, Austin raises his boot - but Kurt grabs it and pulls Austin in for another belly-to-belly suplex that sends Austin flying. Kurt kicks Austin and delivers an elbow. Kurt again chokes Austin with his boot while using the top rope for leverage. Kurt gives Austin another suplex, and then another! Kurt smiles to the crowd, and then gives Austin another suplex! Austin kicks out of Kurt's pin attempt. Kurt delivers another suplex, and then kicks Austin. Kurt gives another suplex, and Austin kicks out of another pin attempt! Yes, a gutwrench suplex next by Kurt on Austin. Austin comes back with a thumb to the eye. Austin lifts Kurt for a slam, but Kurt falls forward on Austin. Austin escapes the 3 count. Kurt gives another gutwrench suplex! Kurt tries for the Olympic Slam, but Austin kicks his way out and delivers a knee lift. Both men go down. Austin gets up in the corner, and as Kurt approaches him he is met with a kick to the mid-section by Austin. Kurt punches Austin, but Austin punches back. Austin then stomps Kurt in the corner. Austin throws Kurt to the ropes and gives him a spinebuster. Austin goes to the second rope, and drops an elbow on Kurt. Austin waits for Kurt to get to his feet. As Kurt turns around, Austin puts up his boot to kick Kurt, but Kurt grabs the boot and tries for the Olympic Slam. Austin escapes his attempt, kicks Kurt in the mid-section, tries for the Stunner, but Kurt throws Austin to the ropes. As Austin comes off the ropes he ducks Kurt's clothesline attempt, delivers a kick to Kurt, and then the Stunner. As Austin covers Kurt, Triple H appears and pulls the referee out of the ring. Triple H punches the referee and Austin throws Kurt out of the ring. Austin and Triple H then become involved in a huge brawl, while Kurt leaves still the WWF Champion!

(Andrew attended this show, and sent in this summary of Kurt's match.)

Kurt Angle comes out to both heat and some cheers. Glass shatters and Austin comes out, poses on all four turnbuckles, and waits for Kurt to get in the ring. Austin had all the spots. Lou Thesz Knuckle, Stunner, Elbow Drop, and beer. Edge and Christian tried to interfere, but Austin comes back. Kurt hits The Rattlesnake with the championship belt and gets the cover. Steve then stun's Christian followed by Edge, and drinks some beer.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler talk at ringside about tonight's match. Cole says The Rock demanded the match after what happened on RAW this past Monday night. Footage is shown from RAW of the conclusion of The Rock/Kane match. Lawler brings up a good point, that they didn't just replay when The Rock attacked Kurt first earlier in the match when Kurt was just observing at ringside. Cole says Kurt had no business being at ringside in the first place. Lawler disagrees, saying he had a right to watch a match that could impact his Championship reign.

Kevin Kelly is backstage with The Rock. The Rock congratulates Kurt on costing The Rock what means most to him, a shot at the WWF Title. The Rock says Kurt forgot there's more than 1 way to get a shot at the WWF Title, referring to the Royal Rumble in a couple of weeks. The Rock promises he'll win the Royal Rumble and go on to Wrestlemania. As for tonight, The Rock says all he is concerned with is giving Kurt the beating of a lifetime. The Rock then complains some more about how Kurt cost him the match on RAW Monday night.

Kurt walks down to the ring for his match against The Rock, as fireworks go off. After the ring announcer introduces Kurt, he tells The Rock he can't stand a crybaby. Kurt said he didn't want to interfere in the match on Monday, he was simply scouting his potential opponents. Kurt says he retaliates when someone puts their hands on him, and it's The Rock's own fault. Kurt asks San Antonio what the deal is?, "Remember the Alamo, but forget some other things, like showering, holding down a job, literacy, and obviously mastering the concept of using a toothbrush." Kurt tells The Rock to "Just Bring It". The Rock's music comes on, and Kurt meets him halfway up the ramp. The Rock punches Kurt back to the ring, and throws him in. As The Rock slides in to the ring, Kurt kicks him, and then punches him in to the corner. Kurt tries to throw The Rock to the opposite corner, but The Rock reverses it, and catches Kurt with a clothesline as Kurt bounces out of the corner. The Rock kicks Kurt, and then punches him. The Rock tries to throw Kurt to the ropes, but Kurt reverses it, and catches The Rock with an elbow to the chest as The Rock comes off the ropes. Kurt kicks The Rock. Kurt and The Rock then exchange punches. The Rock throws Kurt to the ropes, and gives him a Samoan Drop. The Rock tries to throw Kurt to the ropes again, but Kurt counters and gives The Rock a belly-to-belly suplex. Kurt kicks The Rock, then chokes him on the middle rope. Kurt gives The Rock a suplex, and goes for the pin but only gets a 2 count. Kurt punches The Rock, but The Rock punches back until Kurt rakes him in the eyes. Kurt punches The Rock again. Kurt tries to throw The Rock to the ropes, but The Rock reverses it. As Kurt comes off the ropes, The Rock puts his head down for a back-bodydrop, but Kurt stops and kicks The Rock in the chest. The Rock recovers quickly and tosses Kurt over the top rope to the arena floor. The Rock follows Kurt to the outside and bounces Kurt's head off the announcer's table. The Rock then throws Kurt in to the announcer's table several more times. The Rock brings Kurt on top of the table and tries for a "Rock Bottom", but Kurt elbows The Rock in the head several times to prevent the move. As Kurt punches The Rock, the announcer's table collapses. Kurt gets to his feet first and gives The Rock an "Olympic Slam" on the arena floor. Kurt enters the ring to recover, as The Rock lay on the arena floor. As The Rock is about to get to his feet before the ref's count of 10, Kurt goes outside and kicks The Rock down. Kurt elbows The Rock and throws him back in the ring. Kurt then climbs the ropes and gives The Rock a dropkick off of the top rope! Kurt goes for the cover, but The Rock gets his shoulder up before the 3 count. The Rock recovers and punches Kurt, tries to throw him to the ropes, but Kurt reverses it. As The Rock comes off the ropes they double-clothesline each other. As they get to their feet they exchange punches. Kurt runs off the ropes at The Rock, but The Rock catches him with a belly-to-belly suplex. The Rock punches Kurt in the corner. The Rock then shoves the referee who is trying to get him out of the corner. After The Rock turns around he low-blows Kurt with a kick The Rock then gives Kurt a spinebuster. The Rock throws his elbowpad to the crowd, but instead of giving Kurt "The People's Elbow", he goes outside the ring and grabs a steelchair. The Rock brings it in to the ring and the referee grabs the chair. Kurt comes from behind with a punch, but The Rock counters it by giving Kurt "The Rock Bottom". The Rock picks up the chair, but the referee takes the chair away. The Rock gives the referee a "Rock Bottom". A second referee runs down to the ring, and he receives a "Rock Bottom" as well. The Rock takes the chair and hits Kurt in the head with it as Kurt gets to his feet. The Rock goes outside the ring, grabs Kurt's Championship Belt, and brings it in the ring - holding it in the air - pretending he is the WWF Champion. When he's done, he throws the belt on top of Kurt - who is still lying in the center of the ring.

The winner of the Triple Threat Match to determine the #1 Contender for the WWF Championship is Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin was given this chance by Mr. McMahon to face The Undertaker and Kane in exchange for Austin leaving Stephanie alone.