So, decided to try something interesting: The Invasion
I did a full brand split for this, WCW gets Raw(Nitro) and WWF gets Smackdown. Heat will be shared. PPVs are cross-promoted, with names borrowed from both companies. But WCW guys aren't allowed to compete in the King of the Ring or the Royal Rumble.
In addition to the starting roster, I moved Benoit, Trish, and Foley to WCW, using WrestleMania 17 as the backstory, with Shane's win having a secondary clause allowing WCW to take control of either Raw or Smackdown, with Shane announcing his decision shortly before the main event. That helps explain Austin's heel turn, he and Vince felt threatened and chose to team up to protect the company that made them both rich.
First show I'm gonna book is Nitro(the auto-booker can take care of Heat this time), and I have a few plans heading towards Backlash. Angle/Benoit is still ongoing, so that'll be a match on the show. And Triple H is feuding with The Rock(no Scorpion King here) and Austin is feuding with The Undertaker, who takes a neutral stance in the WWF/WCW issue.
I'm still sorting out face and heel alignments, WCW I think is good, but there's a few in WWF I'd like to change, for events going forward...
So Pat Patterson booked Heat. I let him use Billy Gunn, X-Factor, Kai En Tai, The Radicalz, Hardcore Holly, Rikishi, and Scotty 2 Hotty. I don't know what he booked, but it got a 60% show rating and a 7.23 TV rating. Up next: Nitro...
Segment 1: Shane McMahon announces Mick Foley as the new Commissioner of WCW
(gonna be kinda tough to accomplish everything I want to on this show, since I can only use some one twice without the crowd getting sick of them. So Shane will still be making an executive announcement later in the show...)
90%
Segment 2: Gregory Helms over Elix Skipper, Chavo Guerrero, and Billy Kidman to win the Cruiserweight Championship
(for reasons I don't quite understand, the Cruiserweight title starts vacant, but is also the only WCW title not suspended...)
63%(I'll admit I expected a better rating than that...)
Segment 3: Hugh Morrus/Mike Awesome backstage confrontation
(Because even though WCW doesn't have any feuds yet, I need to build up my mid-card guys, since the body of the brand will be built around them)
70%
Segment 4: Mike Awesome over Hugh Morrus via Lance Storm run-in, with Lash LeRoux making the save for his former Misfit in Action compatriot
(nothing to explain here, straight forward booking to lead up to next week)
69%
Segment 5: Shane McMahon announces that Booker T has surrendered the United States Championship in order to focus on defending the World Heavyweight Championship
(And now I can put together the tournament on next week's show)
81%
Segment 6: Mick Foley announces that Chris Benoit has joined WCW, and will be facing Booker T for the WCW Championship tonight!
(Because no better time to start building our main event scene than on the first show)
77%
Segment 7: Palumbo and O'Haire over 3 Count in a non-title match, then get attacked by Mike Sanders and The Wall post-match
(I need tag teams. Might as well try throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. I feel like Wall would would work best in a tag team, and Sanders needs something to do)
65%
Segment 8: Backstage confrontation between Kwee-Wee and Shawn Stasiak
(I feel like the premise here would be Kwee-Wee critiques Stacy's hair and makeup, causing Stasiak to come to his manager's defense)
63%
Segment 9: Shawn Stasiak over Kwee-Wee via Stacy Keibler interference, Torrie Wilson runs out to even the odds afterwards
(I know I'm doing a lot of run-ins, but I'm trying to debut as much of my roster on the first show as I can. And I think the matches I'm setting up could be intriguing...)
56%(not shocked by that one at all. Divas usually get lower ratings, and it's two lower midcarders in the match)
Segment 10: Chris Kanyon announces his intention to go after the United States Championship
(Another straight forward segment that will lead where you might expect, with Kanyon becoming one of the front runners for the belt)
72%
Segment 11: Chris Benoit over Booker T by disqualification via Kurt Angle run-in, with Diamond Dallas Page then running in to attack Booker T after the bell
(Two goals accomplished here: 1, continue the Angle/Benoit feud across both shows, and 2, establish a main challenger for the WCW Championship. That's not gonna be the feud for the belt, though. I've got something else up my sleeve...)
79%(OK, I really expected a better rating for that match. Main Eventer vs. Upper Midcarder, with another ME guy and an upper midcard guy running in. I'm a little shocked there)
Let's see, the show did... a 70%. Not awful for the first show. TV Rating was 7.24. Take that, Pat Patterson!
So, this is a good time to point out something else I'm doing. Anyone who wrestles on Heat won't appear on their brand's show that week. So the ten guys who wrestled on the Patterson show won't be on Smackdown. Sorry, X-Factor fans...
Smackdown:
Segment 1: The Rock challenges Stone Cold to a WrestleMania rematch tonight
(Since this is technically the first WWF show since WrestleMania, we need to tie up loose ends, while also setting the stage for what's to come...)
96%
Segment 2: Matt Hardy over Jeff Hardy, the brothers shake hands afterwards
(This is the first of three matches in a mini tournament of sorts...)
79%
Segment 3: Chris Jericho is interviewed about his victory over William Regal at WrestleMania, gloats about it, digging himself deeper...
(I kept this feud intact because I don't feel like there are that many viable options to challenge Jericho just yet)
86%
Segment 4: Buh Buh Ray Dudley over D-Von Dudley
(This is the second match in that mini tournament I mentioned...)
67%
Segment 5: Right to Censor over The APA, via Steven Richards interference, but Val Venis is nowhere to be seen...
(I don't remember if the RTC got a proper sendoff or not, so I'm doing this my way)
72%
Segment 6: Kurt Angle calls out Chris Benoit, but the challenge goes unanswered...
(It's risky having the face duck a challenge, but I don't want anyone jumping back and forth between shows all the time, either)
88%
Segment 7: Edge and Christian laugh about The Hardys and Dudleys having to face off, but then there's a knock on the locker room door...
(Leading into...)
77%
Segment 8: Christian over Edge by cheating, Edge then refuses the offer of a handshake post-match
(The third match in the mini tournament...)
70%
Segment 9: Hardcore Champion Kane is attacked backstage by Rhyno
(This feud should've happened in real life. Rhyno was one of several ECW guys squandered by the WWF, but I'm going to fix that...)
92%
Segment 10: William Regal announces that next week, Chris Jericho will take on X-Pac and Justin Credible in a handicap match
(I was gonna do the match on this show, but ran of space)
73%
Segment 11: Steve Austin over The Rock to retain the WWF World Championship via Triple H interference, The Undertaker makes the save
(Two feuds with one match, while still keeping the Two Man Power Trip a thing)
94%
Overall rating was 79%, TV Rating was 7.27, and I have an incident... Jerry Lynn has been injured. Shit. Let's see, how bad? ...1 month. OK, that's manageable.
I lost some image from Nitro, but Smackdown boosted me back up a bit. Gonna have to work around WCW's lack of star power, I think. Once I get some feuds going, that should help a bit. Gonna book Heat myself, since I think auto-booking affects image, too.
The way Heat will work is the first four segments will be WCW, the other four will be WWF.
Heat:
Segment 1: The Wall and Mike Sanders over The Jung Dragons, Palumbo and O'Haire run in on Sanders and Wall post-match
(Figured I can give Sanders and The Wall a test run as a team, while also debuting the Dragons. Also, since Palumbo and O'Haire did a run-in, but didn't wrestle, they can still appear on Nitro tomorrow night)
62%(The Wall got a positive response for his bodyguard gimmick. The problem is I haven't finished the heel turn, so it's currently a weak gimmick)
Segment 2: Billy Kidman announces his intention to go after the United States Championship
(Now I've got two challengers established for the gold, and Kidman doesn't get pegged exclusively in the Cruiserweight division)
55%(note to self: consider giving Kidman a manager)
Segment 3: Jamie Knoble warms up for his match
(I wanted to use this segment to give either Buff Bagwell or Mark Jindrak some screen time, but I couldn't think of a way to use them. Promising for their futures, I know...)
61%(Knoble got over from this. Preparation pays off, folks!)
Segment 4: Jamie Knoble over Kid Romeo
(Straight forward match to establish Knoble as a Cruiserweight contender)
60%
Segment 5: Ivory is interviewed ahead of her match with Molly Holly, she refuses to comment on Val Venis' whereabouts...
(Story progression, plus I didn't want to use too many people who were on last week's show. Need to keep my options open for Smackdown)
66%
Segment 6: Ivory over Molly Holly via cheating
(Just putting Ivory over. Also worth noting, I suspended the Women's Championship and fired Chyna. Gonna be enough going on here without another title in the mix)
55%(Huh, better than I expected...)
Segment 7: Crash Holly cuts a promo on his upcoming opponent, Taka Michinoku
(The Lightweight Championship, on the other hand, is going to get some decent promotion)
59%(Next time, I'll let Molly cut his promo)
Segment 8: Crash Holly over Taka Michinoku to retain the Lightweight Championship, Tajiri attacks Crash post-match
(Note: The game calls it the Lightweight Championship, not the Light Heavyweight. And Jerry Lynn's spot is handed over to Tajiri...)
73%(Strong finish, just the way I like it)
Overall rating: 51%(Ouch! Thank god it's only Heat...)
TV Rating: 7.30(which means that Patterson's show last week was so good, more people tuned in to see... that. Whoops.
)
Jeff Hardy wants to work with Christian, Booker T wants to work with Chris Kanyon, and... Billy Kidman wants Molly Holly to manage him. Would mean moving her to WCW, though. I wonder if Trish Stratus would suffice...
Nitro time! US Title tournament begins on this show.
Something I need to add before I begin, though. WCW isn't going to get as much PPV time as WWF. The reason being the lack of big name talent and the fact that most of my feuds are WWF guys. It's just not practical to put guys who aren't over on PPV. So most of the stuff happening on Nitro will be contained to Nitro for the time being.
Segment 1: Booker T calls out Diamond Dallas Page, who accepts his challenge for a match later tonight(non-title)
(Might as well follow up from last week)
82%
Segment 2: Hugh Morrus over Shawn Stasiak
(First round US Title tournament match)
69%
Segment 3: Palumbo and O'Haire cut a promo on The Wall and Mike Sanders, setting up a match for next week
(Because of the booking style I'm using here, we've had each team attack the other, now we want them in the ring)
68%
Segment 4: Chris Kanyon over Kwee-Wee following Stasiak interference
(Couple of things from last week continue in one match; US Title tournament match)
64%
Segment 5: Shane McMahon introduces another new face to WCW - Trish Stratus
(I wanted to debut her last week, but I didn't want to overuse Shane or Foley just to introduce her)
87%
Segment 6: Chris Benoit challenges Kurt Angle to a match at Backlash
(More to this segment than the game lets me put in: Benoit explains that he wanted to confront Angle on Smackdown, but Mick Foley and Arn Anderson(Benoit's manager) talked him out of it)
86%
Segment 7: Lance Storm over Lash LeRoux via Mike Awesome interference, Hugh Morrus makes the save
(US Title tournament match, plus it continues where we left off last week)
74%
Segment 8: Gregory Helms' Cruiserweight Championship celebration is ruined by Chavo Guerrero
(Might as well kickstart the first Cruiserweight rivalry on the show)
71%
Segment 9: Billy Kidman over Mike Awesome
(US Title tournament match)
69%(Awesome lost overness, while Kidman gained overness)
Segment 10: Mick Foley is stalked backstage
(I'll admit I was short a segment, but I'm gonna go somewhere with this)
87%
Segment 11: Diamond Dallas Page over Booker T via cheating
(Gotta make the challenger look strong in the first encounter, but not have the World Champion lose clean)
82%(DDP is losing overness due to a weak gimmick(Franchise Player)
Overall rating: 75%
TV rating: 7.29(meaning HEAT is still the top ranked show for the week thus far...)
Kane wants to work with Rikishi. But you're feuding with Rhyno, Kane!
Jacqueline has admitted to having a drug problem, so I've sent her to rehab.
Also, Heat drove my public image down by 3%, but Nitro put me up a point, so I'm at 77% right now.
Smackdown:
Segment 1: Steve Austin calls out The Undertaker and the two brawl
(followup from last week's main event)
82%(Austin lost overness)
Segment 2: X-Pac and Justin Credible over Chris Jericho via Regal interference
(Regal gets the 1-up on Jericho, plus X-Pac pinned the Intercontinental Champion, leaving the door open for a potential title shot down the line)
76%
Segment 3: Rikishi cuts a promo on Kane, hyping their upcoming match
(Cause might as well do the match)
74%
Segment 4: Kane over Rikishi by disqualification via Rhyno interference
(And there's the feud hype)
79%
Segment 5: Jeff Hardy, D-Von Dudley, and Edge over Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn, Jeff pins Eddie
(A little more plot development stemming from the mini tournament first round matches last week)
76%
Segment 6: Kurt Angle cuts a promo on Chris Benoit
(I'm calling this Angle's accepting of Benoit's challenge)
94%
Segment 7: Steven Richards confronts Val Venis over where he was last week
(More RTC development!)
73%
Segment 8: Billy Gunn over Val Venis by disqualification via Steven Richards interference, Test makes the save
(Two more guys I needed to get in the mix, Test and Gunn. This works)
74%
Segment 9: Christian over Buh Buh Ray Dudley and Matt Hardy
(Mini tournament final, this was for a European Championship match, btw)
77%
Segment 10: Jeff Hardy challenges Christian to a match next week
(The idea is that since Hardy pinned Guerrero earlier tonight, he should have a chance to face him for the title. So if Jeff wins next week, he gets added to the title match at Backlash)
81%
Segment 11: The Rock challenges Triple H to a match at Backlash
(Was gonna do insult trading, but we'll hold off a bit on that one)
88%
Show rating: 77%
TV rating: 7.24(Meaning Sunday Night Heat was the best show of the week, unless XPW or CZW pull off a miracle...)
Val Venis and Billy Gunn have good chemistry. I'll keep that in mind...
Public image went back up to 78%, but still lower than where I started(80%)
Buff Bagwell has been released, for several reasons. For one, he's one of two people who wouldn't sign an open contract, which means it costs me money every time I use him. In addition, Gregory Helms doesn't like him. The Cat, who I could, in theory, sign at some point, doesn't like him. Scott Steiner, who I could also sign, hates him. Nobody actually likes him, so he won't be missed. I have no idea how to use him either, making him a perfect candidate for release.
Heat:
Segment 1: 3 Count call out any team to face them. The challenge is answered... by Big Vito and Johnny The Bull!
(I never make use of the debut angles and I don't want to give away any of the major angles on Heat, so might as well do this here)
67%(surprisingly, this got 3 Count over)
Segment 2: Big Vito and Johnny The Bull over 3 Count
(Nothing to say here. Gotta get my new tag team over)
61%
Segment 3: Elix Skipper interview to hype his match with Kaz Hayashi
(I'm trying to make sure I have at least one cruiserweight match a week, and give at least one guy in the match some mic time. Also lets me see who needs a manager...)
43%(yep, another guy who needs a mouthpiece)
Segment 4: Elix Skipper over Kaz Hayashi via cheating, Kaz revenge attack
(Let's keep these guys even for now. I like having options.)
54%(Kaz lost overness)
Segment 5: Test cuts a promo on his upcoming opponent, Steven Richards
(Just a little something to advance a storyline of sorts)
61%
Segment 6: Steven Richards over Test via Val Venis interference, Billy Gunn makes the save
(And more advancement!)
59%
Segment 7: Tajiri is warming up for his match
(Well, I'm not gonna have him cut a promo...)
60%
Segment 8: Tajiri over Scotty 2 Hotty, Crash Holly post-match run-in on Tajiri
(I'm trying to actually push the Light Heavyweights here)
62%
Show rating: 47%(...)
TV rating: 7.30(yet people are watching. Not sure yet if that's good or bad, though...)
Kurt Angle wants to work with Chris Jericho. I think that can be arranged.
Big Vito and Johnny The Bull want to be a regular team. Because for some reason, they weren't already. Done.
Jerry Lynn will be going to WCW upon his return, because I think the brand needs him more than WWF. And WWF is already crowded enough, with 48 workers. WCW's at 35 now. And there are more switches to come...
Nitro:
Segment 1: Mick Foley announces Booker T vs. DDP for the WCW Championship next week
(The first match announced for next week's counter-programming to Backlash)
84%
Segment 2: Billy Kidman over Lance Storm
(Semifinal match in the US Title tournament)
75%(Storm lost overness, Kidman gained overness)
Segment 3: Chavo Guerrero promo to hype his match with Jamie Knoble
65%
Segment 4: Chavo Guerrero over Jamie Knoble
(Unofficial number one contenders match)
75%
Segment 5: Interview with Chris Benoit and Arn Anderson about Kurt Angle
(Needed to debut Anderson, and the original plan for a Benoit/Jindrak match wasn't working. If there's no reason for it, why book it?)
77%
Segment 6: Palumbo and O'Haire over Sanders and The Wall by disqualification, Sanders and Wall get revenge
(I don't want to keep having the Champions lose non-title matches, and a DQ finish still sets the stage for a rematch down the road)
67%(I need to turn Wall heel, because this gimmick isn't working as a face)
Segment 7: Mick Foley is stalked backstage
(I'm hesitant to do the exact same segment two weeks in a row, but the only other options involved the stalker attacking him)
82%
Segment 8: Interview with Chris Kanyon about his match with Hugh Morrus
(Straight forward, hype the match)
70%
Segment 9: Chris Kanyon over Hugh Morrus via Mike Awesome interference
(US Title tournament semifinal, plus it continues the angle between Awesome and Morrus)
71%
Segment 10: Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson argue backstage
(As far as I'm concerned, Stasiak and Kwee-Wee were present for this)
79%(Stacy's new Seductress gimmick got a positive response, and Torrie got over from this segment)
Segment 11: Chris Benoit over Diamond Dallas Page by count out, Booker T post-match run-in on DDP
(Way I'm envisioning this is that Booker T was on commentary and DDP got counted out arguing with him)
78%
Show rating: 73%
TV rating: 7.22
Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Knoble have excellent chemistry. Something to keep in mind.
Tajiri has found religion and is a changed man. That's nice.
Smackdown:
Segment 1: Vince McMahon books The Two Man Power Trip against The Rock and The Undertaker for the main event
(I may be a week early with this one, but this is classic WWF 2000's booking, take two feuds and book a tag team match)
87%
Segment 2: The Right to Censor over Billy Gunn and The APA via Steven Richards interference, Test makes the save(in my head, since the game won't let me do it)
(The purpose here is to set up the following segment...)
66%
Segment 3: Bradshaw challenges Steven Richards to a match at Backlash
(Basically, after the match, The APA would challenge the RTC to a match, with the stips that if RTC loses, they must disband. Leading to Richards making the counter-stipulation that if the APA side loses, The APA must close up shop)
70%
Segment 4: Eddie Guerrero promo on Jeff Hardy
(What I'm actually intending this to be is Eddie joining the announce team for the next match, but that's not an option, so I'm winging it)
82%
Segment 5: Christian and Jeff Hardy go to a no-contest after Eddie Guerrero interferes, leading to a 3-way brawl
(Sets up a triple threat match for the European Championship at Backlash)
85%
Segment 6: William Regal announces Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle for tonight
(In my mind, this starts as a Regal/Jericho confrontation before the match is actually made)
80%
Segment 7: Chris Jericho over Kurt Angle by disqualification via William Regal interference
(To avoid overusing Regal or Jericho, we'll say that after the match Regal books himself vs. Jericho at Backlash, for the Intercontinental Championship)
92%
Segment 8: Kane calls out Rhyno for a brawl
(In my mind, this is the official setup for Kane vs. Rhyno at Backlash, for the Hardcore Championship)
84%
Segment 9: The Dudley Boyz over The Radicalz, X-Factor attacks both teams post-match
(Because I've been neglecting the WWF tag team division, I decided to do something to keep the division active)
78%
Segment 10: Stephanie McMahon and Triple H cut a promo on The Rock
(This will likely bomb, since Triple H doesn't need Steph to talk for him. But I still need to debut her new gimmick(Daddy's Girl), so there we are)
89%(Not bad, but the report did say Triple H is as good, if not a better talker, than Steph. Also, Steph's gimmick got a positive response)
Segment 11: The Rock and The Undertaker over The Two Man Power Trip, Power Trip gets revenge post-match
(Could've gone either way with this one, so I decided to have the number one contender and the former Champion get the win)
89%
Show rating: 80%
TV rating: 7.21
Edge wants to work with Matt Hardy. Hmm, should I do singles or tag?
Public image is back to 78%. Heat will probably drive it back down, but that's to be expected...
Heat:
Segment 1: Mike Sanders over Chuck Palumbo via interference by The Wall, Sean O'Haire run-in for the save
(Mainly did this to turn The Wall heel, but also helps build to the title match)
72%(The Wall's heel turn gained him overness)
Segment 2: Interview with Kwee-Wee to hype a match with Shawn Stasiak
(I'm doing Torrie vs. Stacy on Nitro, so we'll have the guys face off here)
55%
Segment 3: Kwee-Wee over Shawn Stasiak by disqualification via Stacy Keibler interference, Torrie Wilson makes the save
(Sets up the women's match for Nitro)
61%(Torrie is losing overness for a weak gimmick. I'll have to see what she is right now and fix it)
Segment 4: Confrontation between Billy Kidman and Chris Kanyon
(Build up for the US Title final)
64%(Kanyon lost overness for the segment)
Segment 5: Interview with The Dudley Boyz to hype a match with X-Factor
(Not much to say about this one...)
80%
Segment 6: X-Factor over The Dudley Boyz via interference by The Radicalz, Kai En Tai make the save
(Continuing the tag team division build)
78%
Segment 7: Interview with Raven to hype a match with Hardcore Holly
(I haven't used either one, and I don't want Raven to be mad at me, since I will be using him down the road...)
81%
Segment 8: Raven over Hardcore Holly
(Nothing to say here, straight forward match)
67%
Show rating: 58%(I'm not even surprised anymore)
TV rating: 7.25
Rikishi wants to work with Bradshaw. Random.
Chris Jericho wants to work with Christian.
X-Pac and Justin Credible make a good team.
Nitro is going to be the big counter programming to Backlash, while Smackdown is a night of tag team wrestling.
Nitro:
Segment 1: Chris Benoit over Mark Jindrak, Kurt Angle jumps Benoit post-match
(So ended up with Benoit/Jindrak anyway. WCW really needs more guys. Thankfully, that's going to change soon...)
69%
Segment 2: Interview with Mike Awesome and Lance Storm to hype their match with Hugh Morrus and Lash LeRoux
(By now, it should be fairly obvious who I'm pushing based on who gets the pre-match segments...)
65%
Segment 3: Hugh Morrus and Lash LeRoux over Mike Awesome and Lance Storm via miscommunication, Storm and Awesome argue over the loss
(SWERVE! But actually, I have plans for both Awesome and Storm, and losing here helps set those plans into motion)
72%
Segment 4: Stacy Keibler is warming up backstage
(Complete with the sexy music they always used to play for Diva segments like this)
80%
Segment 5: Stacy Keibler over Torrie Wilson via cheating, the two brawl post-match
(In theory, Kwee-Wee and Stasiak would be out there, but I can't book it that way without a run-in)
67%
Segment 6: Interview with Billy Kidman to hype the US Title match
(I almost went straight to the match, but felt there should be something to hype it)
57%
Segment 7: Billy Kidman over Chris Kanyon to win the United States Championship, Kanyon revenge attack afterwards
(I'd like to run this match again, plus I need time to build up some potential challengers for the title)
74%(Kidman gained overness, Kanyon lost overness)
Segment 8: Mick Foley is laid out by the mystery stalker
(And the plot thickens...)
85%
Segment 9: Chavo Guerrero and Elix Skipper over Gregory Helms and Kaz Hayashi
(Chavo pins Helms, setting up a title match next week)
67%
Segment 10: Interview with Booker T to hype the World Title match
(Again, I almost didn't do an interview, but I think the World Title match should have some hype)
89%
Segment 11: Booker T over Diamond Dallas Page to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
(Normally, I'd have the next challenger jump Booker T, but he hasn't joined WCW. Yet...
)
81%
Show rating: 72%
TV rating: 7.30
Smackdown:
Segment 1: Chris Benoit calls out Kurt Angle and the two brawl
(Benoit’s WCW, but it makes sense that he’d want revenge on Kurt ahead of Backlash)
76%
Segment 2: Steven Richards and Val Venis over The APA via Goodfather and Bull Buchanan interference, Billy Gunn and Test make the save
(Sets up a second tag match later in the show, as well as hypes the PPV match)
75%
Segment 3: Chris Jericho and William Regal trade insults in the ring
(Pretty sure this actually happened in the real timeline…)
85%
Segment 4: The Hardy Boyz over Edge and Christian via Eddie Guerrero interference, Christian gets revenge post-match
(Helps build to the triple threat at Backlash)
87%
Segment 5: Interview with The Radicalz about their match with Kai En Tai
(Continues the loose storyline I’ve got going on)
60%
Segment 6: Kai En Tai over The Radicalz via X-Factor interference, Dudley Boyz make the save
(Sets up a 4-way number contenders match at Backlash)
72%(Saturn lost overness, Kai En Tai gained overness, but the crowd felt let down by this match, following the Hardyz/E&C match)
Segment 7: Interview with Test and Billy Gunn to hype a match with The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan
(Continues the angle from segment 2, with the other two teams meeting up)
65%(Billy Gunn lost overness)
Segment 8: Test and Billy Gunn over The Goodfather and Bull Buchanan via APA interference, Steven Richards and Val Venis make the save
(Final build to the eight man tag at Backlash)
72%
Segment 9: Tajiri attacks Crash Holly backstage
(sets up a match for the Lightweight Championship on Heat)
58%
Segment 10: Interview with Rhyno about Kane
(I want to give this feud some hype, and also see how well Rhyno does with a mic)
86%(He does quite well, apparently)
Segment 11: The Rock and The Brothers of Destruction over Rhyno and The Power Trip by disqualification
(Final segment before Backlash)
86%
Show rating: 73%
TV rating: 7.27
Billy Gunn and Test work well together as a team. Good thing to know…
Backlash:
Heat: Tajiri over Crash Holly to win the Lightweight Championship
(I considered letting Crash keep the belt, but I'm afraid that would kill Tajiri's momentum, so we'll give him the belt)
66%
Segment 1: The Dudley Boyz over Kai En Tai, The Radicalz, and X-Factor in a number one contenders elimination match
(Yep, Dudleys vs. Edge and Christian on Smackdown. Cutting edge booking!)
78%
Segment 2: Eddie Guerrero over Christian and Jeff Hardy to retain the European Championship
(I'll toy with singles pushes, but I'm not quite ready to give anyone in the E&C/Hardys/Dudleys triangle a singles belt)
82%(Although that rating's enough to make me reconsider)
Segment 3: The APA, Test, and Billy Gunn over The Right To Censor via Val Venis turn to end the stable
(RTC... you will be missed... but welcome back Big Valbowski!)
71%(Venis gained overness for his face turn)
Segment 4: Rhyno over Kane to win the Hardcore Championship via Raven interference, Rhyno attacks Raven post-match
(I would've rather done a no-contest, but it wouldn't let me. So Rhyno gets the title a bit sooner than planned)
87%
Segment 5: Chris Jericho over William Regal to retain the Intercontinental Championship, Regal gets revenge post-match
(I almost gave Regal the title, but opted to change it up at the last second...)
83%
Segment 6: Chris Benoit over Kurt Angle via Big Show interference
(Big Show turned face and joined WCW)
93%(Show's turn got him over)
Segment 7: Triple H over The Rock via Stephanie McMahon interference
(wasn't sure what to do here, but this feels right)
93%
Segment 8: The Undertaker over Steve Austin by disqualification via Triple H interference, The Rock makes the save, Austin keeps the WWF Championship
(Yeah, Taker wasn't winning the title here. Not saying Austin is going to be a long-term Champion, but this isn't the time to drop the belt)
92%
Show rating: 85%
Buy Rate: 1.71