Jimmy Van's Writing Sample: April, 2003
Writing Sample - WWE Raw Brand
NOTE: This storyline was written over the period from April 15 - April 17, 2003. Therefore certain events, such as the release of Jeff Hardy from WWE, hadn't yet happened.
On May 18, 2003 at the Judgment Day PPV, the finals of a tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion (as part of the Smackdown! brand) took place, with Rey Mysterio winning the title.
Also at Judgment Day, The Dudley Boyz retained their World Tag Team Titles with a victory in a four way TLC match over Rob Van Dam and Kane, Sean Morley and Lance Storm, and Jeff Hardy and The Hurricane.
On a side note, both Dave Batista and Randy Orton have returned from their respective injuries and have once again aligned with Ric Flair and Triple H to form Evolution.
STORYLINE BEGINS ON WWE RAW - MAY 19, 2003
[Eric Bischoff's music hits, he comes out for an in-ring promo. He's carrying a briefcase.]
BISCHOFF: I've let this issue go long enough. Last night at Judgment Day, Stephanie McMahon took it upon herself to crown a new Intercontinental Champion as part of the "other" brand. She took it upon herself to revive the title that I'd killed… the title that I found to be redundant. After all, we already had a World Champion. And when you think about it, isn't that what "Intercontinental" really means?
However, I am man enough to admit my mistakes. And Stephanie McMahon actually had a point when she announced the revival of the Intercontinental Championship. She wanted to give the up-and-coming superstars a short-term goal to shoot for. She wanted to create a springboard, if you will, to the main event picture. Legendary names like Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart, and Steve Austin, and The Rock, and Triple H, have all held that title, and have utilized the momentum that came with that title to elevate themselves to World Title status. So Stephanie brought the Intercontinental Title back, and crowned a new Champion last night.
As I said, I'm man enough to admit my mistakes. But that doesn't mean that I regret the loss of the Intercontinental Championship. In fact, I was glad to see it go. Because on my show, I don't want to generate confusion by having both a World Champion, and an Intercontinental Champion, which essentially means World Champion. No. On Raw, we have the World Heavyweight Championship at the top of the ladder. And we have the World Tag Team Championship. And of course for our high caliber women's division, we have the World Women's Championship. And now, for the wrestlers on the roster looking for a means of reaching the next level, we will have…
[Bischoff puts down the briefcase, opens it, and removes a championship belt from inside.]
… the United States Championship. A title to be the focus of every newcomer of the Raw brand, as well as every member of the locker room looking for a means of elevating their game. But the United States Championship will not be considered a "secondary" title. As a matter of fact, the United States Champion will be deemed the #1 ranked contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. If you beat the United States Champ, you'll know that you've accomplished something, and you'll know that you're truly deserving of a World Title shot.
On Sunday night, June 15 in Houston, Texas, WWE will present its first ever, Raw-exclusive pay-per-view telecast called Badd Blood. And I can't think of a more appropriate setting to crown the new United States Champion, then at that event. But unlike Stephanie McMahon, I'm not going to give you the finals of a tournament at Badd Blood. Oh no, the Raw brand roster will have to REALLY earn this title. So at Badd Blood on June 15, I will present to you an eight-man tournament to determine the new U.S. Champion. A superstar will have to be victorious in three matches over the course of one night in order to have the privilege of being recognized as the new Champion.
Next week I'll announce the brackets for the tournament. And I suggest that every WWE superstar in that locker room do their best to impress me tonight, otherwise you may be overlooked for the tournament. Thank you very much and I wish you all, the best of luck.
[Bischoff's music hits, end of segment.]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ten Man Tag Team Match: Chris Jericho, Sean Morley, Lance Storm, Test and Chris Nowinski vs. Booker T, Shawn Michaels, Kane, Rob Van Dam and Scott Steiner
Late in the match, chaos ensues as all ten competitors brawl in the ring and at ringside. Kane goes for the Tombstone on Jericho. Nowinski runs up from behind Kane and pulls Kane's mask sideways. Kane drops Jericho and frantically tries to put the mask back into place. As he's doing this, Test levels him with the big boot, Jericho follows with the Lionsault, and Jericho pins Kane to win the match.
STORYLINE CONTINUES ON RAW - MAY 26, 2003
In a vignette that airs at the start of Raw, the brackets are announced for the United States Championship tournament on June 15 at Badd Blood:
Rob Van Dam vs. Christian
Maven vs. Test
Jeff Hardy vs. The Hurricane
Kane vs. Chris Nowinski
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Backstage segment. A ruckus has ensued in Eric Bischoff's office, as a variety of wrestlers have gathered there and have started arguing. Among those in the room are Randy Orton, Batista, Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, Maven, Goldust, Tommy Dreamer, Spike Dudley, Rico, Rosey and Jamal. Bischoff comes in.]
BISCHOFF: Whoa, whoa, whoa, everybody SHUT UP!
[The room goes quiet.]
BISCHOFF: Alright now, somebody tell me what's the problem.
[The wrestlers start yelling and trying to talk over each other.]
BISCHOFF: I mean it now, everybody be quiet or I'll have you all escorted out of the building. Now, Randy Orton, why don't you go first.
ORTON: Well Mr. Bischoff, I think your idea for a United States Championship tournament at Badd Blood is ingenius!
BISCHOFF (with a smile): Well thanks Randy, I thought so.
ORTON: But sir, with all due respect, I do have one problem.
BISCHOFF: Oh? What would that be?
ORTON: Well, I'm just wondering why I was overlooked for a spot.
FLAIR: Not to mention Dave Batista!
CHRIS JERICHO: Forget about these jerkies, what about me Mr. Bischoff?
BISCHOFF: Well first of all guys, you're all worthy competitors, but there just wasn't room in the tournament for everybody. Don't fret though, because I can assure you that sooner or later, you'll all get your chance to compete for the U.S. Title, okay? Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.
[The wrestlers nod in acceptance and leave, except for Batista, Orton, Flair and Jericho.]
JERICHO: Look Eric, a man in my position shouldn't have to wait for things like some middle-class schmuck.
BISCHOFF (to Jericho): Now Chris, in your case, I purposely didn't put you in the tournament.
JERICHO: And why in the name of all that is holy didn't you?
BISCHOFF: Well because for a man with your credentials… for a former World Champion not to mention the first ever Undisputed Champion, I thought a spot in the United States Title tournament would be a little less than what a seasoned veteran of your caliber is accustomed to.
JERICHO (nodding): Hmm… you know you have a point. After all, I AM the "King of the World"!
BISCHOFF: Oh you're the King!
JERICHO: And I'm one bad mamma jamma!
BISCHOFF: The baddest of the bad!
JERICHO: I'm the Master of Disaster! The King of Sting! The One and Only!
[Orton leans into Flair.]
ORTON: Isn't that Apollo Creed?
JERICHO (to Orton): SHUT UP!
BISCHOFF: So you see Chris, a main event star like yourself doesn't really need the United States Title, that's why I decided not to include you in the tournament.
JERICHO: I completely understand Mr. Bischoff. Besides, my entry would have made for a predictable tournament anyway since I would have beaten everybody's ass.
BISCHOFF: Very possible. Now if you'll excuse me Chris, I guess I should attend to these other guys.
[Jericho strolls out of the picture. As he leaves, he can be heard giving one more line.]
JERICHO: I'm the baddest of the bad!
BISCHOFF: Okay Randy, now why are you still here?
ORTON: Well come on, I don't think I need to spell it out. Just look at me. I'm a third generation wrestler, not to mention a member of Evolution. I don't feel that I should have to wait when I'm a proven phenom already.
FLAIR: And Eric, how could you overlook Dave? Look at the size, the power, the guy's got "Champion" written all over him.
[Bischoff ponders things for a moment.]
BISCHOFF: Okay I tell you what. Dave, I'll put you in a match with Jeff Hardy. If you win, you get his place in the tournament at Badd Blood. And likewise Randy, I'll give you a match with The Hurricane. If you beat him, you're in.
FLAIR: Whoa, whoa, wait a second. But that means that if Randy and Dave both win, they have to face each other in the tournament!
BISCHOFF: Well I'm sorry guys, but that's the best I can do, take it or leave it.
[Orton and Batista look at each other.]
ORTON (to Batista): It's just business, right?
[Batista hesitates, then nods.]
ORTON (to Bischoff): Thank you Mr. Bischoff, we accept.
BISCHOFF: Alright guys, good luck.
[End of segment.]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For a spot in the United States Championship Tournament at Badd Blood: Dave Batista (with Ric Flair) vs. Jeff Hardy
A classic "big man" vs. "little man" match, with Hardy using a smart "stick and move" style of offense. Flair tries to interfere on occasion, but Hardy thwarts his attempts. Flair is finally successful however, and enables Batista to get the win. As Batista celebrates post-match, Hardy dropkicks him from behind, knocking him into the turnbuckles. Batista stumbles out of the corner, and Hardy connects with a Twist of Fate, after which Batista rolls to the floor. Hardy then sets his sights on Flair. Randy Orton then runs out and attacks Hardy. Orton and Flair double-team Hardy briefly before The Hurricane runs out to even the odds. Batista then runs back in, and the Evolution members lay out Hardy and The Hurricane with a vicious assault.
Batista's victory changes the U.S. Title tournament brackets to the following:
Rob Van Dam vs. Christian
Maven vs. Test
Dave Batista vs. The Hurricane
Kane vs. Chris Nowinski
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Backstage segment. Flair, Orton and Batista are walking backstage laughing about what they'd just done. Triple H enters the picture to congratulate them.]
TRIPLE H: Great job guys, and congrats Dave! I guess it's up to you now, Randy. But then what are you guys gonna do at Badd Blood?
ORTON: Well we talked about it a little, and we know that one of us will win the tournament. So we agreed that the one who doesn't win will get the first title shot. So it's all good. It'll ultimately be a victory for Evolution anyway, right?
[As the four continue to celebrate, Eric Bischoff storms into the picture.]
BISCHOFF: What the hell were you guys thinking?
TRIPLE H: What? What's wrong?
BISCHOFF: What's wrong? A possible concussion is what's wrong. The Hurricane's gone to the hospital because of you guys.
ORTON: Awww… isn't that too bad. I guess that means he'll have to forfeit his match tonight, so I get his spot in the tournament.
BISCHOFF: Not so fast. I scheduled a match, so I have to produce a match.
TRIPLE H: So what are you saying?
BISCHOFF: Well… if Randy Orton wants to participate in the U.S. Title tournament, he'll have to beat somebody else for their spot.
ORTON: And who's that?
BISCHOFF: You brought it on yourself Randy… it'll be you one-on-one, with Kane.
[The Evolution members become shocked and irate.]
ORTON: WHAT?!? You said I'd fight The Hurricane, and Kane sure as hell isn't The Hurricane.
BISCHOFF: Well you should have thought of that before you attacked The Hurricane out there.
FLAIR: Oh please, it's not Randy's fault that The Hurricane couldn't take a beating. So you give him The Hurricane's spot, that's it.
BISCHOFF (to Flair): Look, you want Randy to be in the tournament?
FLAIR: Of course.
BISCHOFF (to Randy): And you want in the tournament?
ORTON: Absolutely.
BISCHOFF: Well then you'll have to go through Kane to get it. Good luck.
[Bischoff leaves, as the Evolution members look on with disdain.]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For a spot in the United States Championship Tournament at Badd Blood: Randy Orton (with Ric Flair) vs. Kane
Kane wins the match, thereby retaining his place in the tournament. Post-match, Flair hits Kane from behind, and Kane then stalks after Flair. Batista and Triple H both run out, and all four Evolution members attack Kane. Rob Van Dam runs out, but the odds are too great and he goes down. Shawn Michaels runs out, and he too succumbs to the odds. Kevin Nash then runs out and puts up a good fight before Evolution overpowers him. Segment ends with Evolution standing over their foes.
STORYLINE CONTINUES ON WWE RAW - JUNE 2, 2003
Kevin Nash vs. Dave Batista (with Ric Flair)
Match ends via disqualification after Ric Flair blatantly interferes. Nash clears the ring of his two enemies.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rob Van Dam vs. Ric Flair
Eric Bischoff orders that none of RVD's friends, nor none of the Evolution members, can interfere. RVD wins in relatively easy fashion.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Triple H and Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels and Kane
No Evolution members are again allowed to interfere, nor can Nash or RVD. Late in the match, Michaels is leveled with a chair at ringside by Triple H. In the ring, Kane lifts Orton onto his shoulder for a powerslam, but Orton escapes the hold by shifting Kane's mask. While Kane puts it back into place, Triple H comes in, hits the Pedigree, and Orton covers and pins Kane.
STORYLINE CONTINUES ON WWE RAW - JUNE 9, 2003
[Shawn Michaels' music hits, and he comes out for an in-ring promo.]
MICHAELS: I'm not out here to talk about Triple H, or Chris Jericho. As a matter of fact if you'll all bear with me for a few minutes, I want to give you all a bit of a history lesson. I ask that you all turn your attention to the Titan Tron, and Kevin Dunn… roll that first piece of footage.
[A brief vignette airs featuring Isaac Yankem, DDS circa 1995. When the vignette finishes, a still photo of Yankem appears on the left half of the Titan Tron screen.]
MICHAELS: That right there was a wrestler by the name of Dr. Isaac Yankem, DDS. See, he was this evil dentist that competed for WWE in 1995, and he had really bad teeth to contradict the whole dentist thing, oh the irony!
Alright, time for video clip #2, Mr. Dunn if you please.
[A second vignette airs, this one of "Diesel 2" from WWE circa 1996. At the end of the clip, a still photo of "Diesel 2" appears on the right half of the Titan Tron screen next to the Isaac Yankem photo.]
MICHAELS: Gee, now that guy looks familiar! Well… sort of anyway. You see back in '96 when my buddies Scott Hall and Kevin Nash left this company to go down south, WWE decided to introduce two new wrestlers to play the same "Razor Ramon" and "Diesel" characters that my friends had made famous. And that guy (pointing at the Titan Tron) was "Diesel 2", or "The Fake Diesel", or "Diesel the Sequel", whatever you wanna call him. Now, look at Isaac Yankem, and look at Diesel 2. See any similarities at all?
[Kane's pyro and music hit, and he speed walks to the ring. As he enters the ring, Michaels goes to the other side of the ring preparing a quick exit.]
MICHAELS: Now hold on just a second there, Glen, hold it!
JERRY LAWLER (on commentary): What did he call him?
[Kane slowly walks towards Michaels in threatening fashion while Shawn continues to talk.]
MICHAELS: I said hold on! Just give me a few minutes, I promise you there's a method to my madness here.
[Kane stops, and looks at Michaels.]
MICHAELS: Just give me a few minutes and you'll be glad you did, I swear to God. Now, that third piece of video footage, roll it!
[A vignette airs of Kane's WWE debut at In Your House: Badd Blood in 1997. Specifically, footage airs of Kane ripping the door off the Hell in a Cell, and giving The Undertaker a Tombstone piledriver. Footage also airs of Kane being announced as the new World Champion at the 1998 King of the Ring. After the vignette airs, a larger still image of Kane appears on the Titan Tron sandwiched between the 'Isaac Yankem' and 'Diesel 2' photos.]
MICHAELS (to Kane): Do you remember that guy up there? Because that sure as hell isn't the guy I'm looking at right now. That guy was a monster. He was a powerhouse. He was one of the most dominant forces ever in this business. He was the first guy to kick out of The Undertaker's Tombstone piledriver, and he was also the guy who ended Stone Cold Steve Austin's first reign as World Champion. What happened to that guy, Glen? Where'd he go?
[Kane puts his hands on his hips as if growing impatient.]
MICHAELS: How is it that in that picture, you had to wear a full body outfit because your body was supposedly burned, yet now you've got a lot of skin exposed, and I don't even see any scars? How is it that that guy (pointing at the Titan Tron) couldn't even talk without using some voice synthesizer, but you have no problem talking now? Did you undergo some kind of miracle surgery or something?
[Kane takes a step towards Michaels.]
MICHAELS: Whoa, whoa, whoa, let me finish.
[Kane again stops.]
MICHAELS: You're not The Undertaker's brother any more than I am. And you're sure as hell not Paul Bearer's son. Your name is Glen Jacobs, you're a veteran pro wrestler, and before the creative geniuses within WWE decided to put you in a body suit and mask, they had you pretending to be an evil dentist, and then they had you imitating Kevin Nash. Is it true or isn't it?
[Kane doesn't respond.]
MICHAELS: Now, I have one more video clip, so roll it!
[A video clip airs showing Kane on the receiving end of attacks by the nWo (before his hiatus due to injury) as well as footage of Kane losing matches after having an opponent pull at his mask. After the vignette ends, a still image of Kane flat on his back appears on the Titan Tron along with the other three photos.]
MICHAELS: Look at that picture, Glen. You took four months off with a torn biceps, you came back, and suddenly your edge was gone. You entered the tag team division, and hey don't get me wrong, nobody has more respect for the tag team division than I do. But I didn't live up to my potential until I left The Rockers, just like you're not living up to yours now.
What happened to that wrecking machine that sent chills up and down the spine of every superstar in the locker room? What happened to the guy who would take a beating and just keep going after his opponent? WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM?
[Kane slowly nods.]
MICHAELS: You're letting yourself get distracted by guys going after your mask? You're losing matches to protect a face that's not even burned? What happened to you? What happened to that edge?
It's time for that monster to resurface. So I'm asking you… no, I'm telling you… take off the mask, Glen.
[Kane looks strangely at Michaels.]
MICHAELS: Do it. Take it off. You have no reason to hide anymore.
[Kane reaches up for the mask, but then stops.]
MICHAELS: DO IT! Stop worrying about the corporate suits. The mask isn't the star, it's the man behind it.
[Kane hesitantly reaches up, and lifts up his mask, revealing his face. Michaels pauses for the crowd reaction.]
MICHAELS: There… it's good to actually see you again.
Now in case you're wondering why I'm doing this? What's in it for me? Nothing. I'm merely saying what should have already been said. Revelation 3:20 says, "I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and he with me." Well I've knocked, Glen. And you've heard me. It's up to you to open the door.
[Kane slowly nods. Michaels' music hits. As he turns to leave, Kane lowers the mask back down over his face. He then hits Michaels from behind, then delivers a chokeslam. Kane then grabs the microphone, which Shawn dropped when Kane hit him.]
KANE: Glen didn't hear you. But Kane did. And he just tore the door off its hinges.
[Kane drops the mic, and lifts Shawn to his feet. Kane then hoists Shawn up and delivers the Tombstone piledriver. Kane then stands over Shawn, raises and lowers his arms, and his pyro and music hit. Kevin Nash runs out and enters the ring. He doesn't attack Kane, rather he slowly approaches the fallen Michaels while Kane slowly leaves the ring while looking at Nash. Kane leaves as the segment ends.] .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Backstage segment. Kane is walking backstage when Rob Van Dam approaches him.]
RVD: Hey, what the heck happened to you out there, you alright?
[RVD puts his hand on Kane's shoulder, and Kane sharply turns and looks at RVD's hand, until RVD pulls away.]
KANE: I'm fine.
RVD: Okay… well look, we've got a match coming up against Three Minute Warning, I think we oughta go over our game plan.
KANE: I don't need a game plan. I'll see you out there.
RVD: But wait a sec…
KANE: I SAID… I will see you out there.
RVD: Uh… okay. See you out there.
[Kane walks away. End of segment.]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Three Minute Warning vs. Rob Van Dam and Kane
Rosey and Jamal come out first, with Rico. Rob Van Dam enters the arena first for his team and stands at ringside waiting for Kane's intro. Kane is then introduced. He bee-lines past RVD and into the ring, and immediately goes after Rosey, Jamal and Rico. A surprised RVD gets into the action. The ring is cleared of Rosey and Rico, after which Kane looks at RVD and points to the corner, indicating that he wants to be the legal man in the match. RVD obliges, and Kane then destroys Jamal. Rosey tries to get involved, and Kane takes him out. Rico tries to interfere, Kane levels him. Kane then chokeslams Jamal twice, and pins him. RVD never even gets involved in the match.
STORYLINE CONTINUES ON WWE HEAT (THE NIGHT OF BADD BLOOD) - JUNE 15, 2003
[Backstage segment. Shawn Michaels is in catering with Kevin Nash, and Chris Nowinski enters the picture.]
NOWINSKI: Shawn Michaels, just the guy I'm looking for.
SHAWN: What can I do for you?
NOWINSKI: Well, I have a somewhat unusual request, especially given my credentials and intellect. But last week on Raw, I don't know what you did, but it's like Kane was reborn.
SHAWN: I have nothing to say about Kane anymore. I'm willing to forgive him for what he did.
NOWINSKI: Right… anyway, I was wondering if you might have some advice for me? Like some kind of Benny Hinn thing to give me the edge against Kane in our match tonight?
SHAWN: Oh right, you've got Kane in the tournament right?
NOWINSKI: That's right.
NASH (laughing): I think the most appropriate passage I can think of for you is, Austin 3:16. Because Kane's probably gonna whip your ass.
NOWINSKI: Oh isn't that terrific. Almost as terrific as the fact that you managed to put a sentence together.
[Nash stands up, and towers over Nowinski.]
NOWINSKI: Uh… I mean… of COURSE you can put a sentence together, a man of your stature and all. Thanks for the advice.
[Nowinski leaves. End of segment.]
STORYLINE CONTINUES AT WWE BADD BLOOD - JUNE 15, 2003
First Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: Rob Van Dam vs. Christian
Rob Van Dam wins a solid, well-paced match to advance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: Maven vs. Test
Test wins to advance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: The Hurricane vs. Dave Batista
Classic "big man" vs. "little man" style of match, with Hurricane utilizing his speed to frustrate Batista with "stick and move" offense. Batista eventually catches him, dominates with his power, and wins to advance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: Chris Nowinski vs. Kane
Nowinski out first. Lights go out before Kane's intro. He has new music, a new video, new tights and a smaller, sleaker mask. Nowinski goes right at Kane when Kane enters the ring, but Kane no-sells his offense before putting Nowinski away with the chokeslam/Tombstone combo. Kane advances.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Second Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: Rob Van Dam vs. Test
RVD wins to advance to the finals.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Second Round Match in the U.S. Title Tournament: Dave Batista vs. Kane
Like Nowinski, Batista tries to catch Kane by surprise with an early attack, but his offense has little effect. Ric Flair tries to interfere, but Kane thwarts his attempt. Randy Orton runs down and gets on the apron, distracting the referee. Ric Flair then runs in and clips Kane's leg from behind, but Kane barely flinches. The distraction however allows Batista to pick Kane up and drop him with a spinebuster. Kane immediately sits up. Batista looks lost, but at the instruction of Flair, hits a second spinebuster, and Kane again sits right up. Batista then goes for a third, but Kane blocks it, starts to hammer Batista down with punches, then goes for the chokeslam. He gets Batista by the throat, and Orton runs in. Kane levels him with a boot, then Flair runs in and he too gets caught with a boot. Kane then chokeslams Batista, after which Orton jumps on Kane's back. Kane pulls Orton onto his shoulder, turns it into a Tombstone, and drops Orton. The referee decides he's seen enough, calls for the bell, and Kane wins by DQ.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Finals of the Tournament for the U.S. Title: Rob Van Dam vs. Kane
RVD stuns Kane with aerial and "stick and move" offense, but can't get him off his feet. One of RVD's kicks goes awry and hits the referee. Kane then goes on the offensive against RVD. Ric Flair runs in and grabs Kane by the leg, allowing Batista (who runs in behind Flair) to hit Kane with a clothesline. It stuns Kane, but he doesn't go down. A second clothesline, he doesn't go down. Batista then picks up Kane and hits the spinebuster. In the meantime, RVD had gone to the floor to get a chair. He brings it back into the ring, hits Flair with it, then tosses it at Batista and hits the Van Daminator. Kane is down from the spinebuster, so RVD goes up top and hits the frog splash. The referee recovers and goes for the count, but Kane powers out at a one count. RVD goes up again as Kane gets up. A bloody Flair gets on the apron and trips up RVD, after which Kane runs at Flair and catches him with a big boot. Kane then looks at RVD, who's crotched on the top turnbuckle. He grabs RVD by the throat, chokeslams him off the top rope and to the canvas, and pins him to win the match, and the United States Title.
This storyline accomplishes several goals simultaneously. First, it revives a secondary title (for both the Raw and Smackdown! brands) thereby giving the mid-card WWE talent a springboard to the main event picture. Furthermore, it helps to elevate Kane (and to a lesser degree, Rob Van Dam), plus it allows young talent like Batista, Randy Orton and Chris Nowinski to work in conjunction with the established veterans.
