WWE King of the Ring 2002 - Official Card, Poster, and LIVE COVERAGE

WWE King of The Ring 2002
Sunday, June 22

* Triple H vs. The Undertaker (c) - WWE Undisputed Championship; Special Guest Commentary - Paul Heyman *

Paul Heyman is doing commentary as well in this match. Undertaker enters first, Triple H comes out second. His theme stops abruptly as he's standing on the ramp, but it re-starts and all goes well. The two start brawling in the center of the ring, with Taker getting the better of that exchange. Triple H flies out of one of the corners though and sends Taker flying to outside with a clothesline soon thereafter. On the outside, Taker gets rammed into the steel steps before they both head back in.

Inside the ring, Undertaker turns the tables with punches in the corner but he misses a kick, allowing Triple H to respond with several punches while standing on the second rope. The match goes back and forth as usual, with Undertaker throwing more punches that lead into his pinfall attempt. Punches by Triple H but he runs into a sidewalk slam and Taker follows it up by driving an elbow in Triple H which gets a two. As Triple H is laying across the bottom rope, Undertaker jumps from the mat onto his back before going for another pin and another kickout at two. Taker whips Triple H into the corner and comes in but catches elbow. But Triple H can't capitalize on the miscue and soon Taker is in control again, throwing Trips back to the outside.

Back in the ring, Taker goes for another cover but Triple H refuses to stay down kicking out yet again before three. Taker picks Triple H up and sits him on the turnbuckle. He tries for a suplex, but Triple H blocks it and punches Taker down to the ground. Undertaker tries to charge back in but Triple H sticks up his boot and Taker runs right into it. Back bodydrop by Triple H but an Irish Whip goes wrong as Taker flies at him with a right hand. With the referee attending to Triple H, Taker exposes one of the turnbuckles and tries to ram Trips into it, it's blocked and the two head to the opposite corner.

Okay, let's see I missed some spots, but Triple H just hit a high knee on Taker and goes for the cover, but Undertaker kicks out. Both wrestlers get up and Taker retaliates with a DDT and a cover of his own, but it also goes nowhere. Triple H trying for the Pedigree by Taker trips him and slingshots him into the ref for the usual ref bump. Double clothesline knocks both men out and instinctively, the fans look towards the ramp looking for someone to come out. They're right as the Rock's music hits and out he comes while Heyman bolts through the crowd.

Back in the ring, Undertaker is slowly getting up with Triple H and the referee still down. Taker goes to the outside and gets a chair and heads back in. He tries to use it on Triple H but Trips blocks it and the match goes back to the outside where Triple H beats the hell out of Taker. Ref still down and totally out. I swear, he hasn't moved an INCH. Taker handles Triple H and then goes and decks the Rock. He tries to use the chair on Triple H but the Rock comes from behind and stops him. Rock grabs the chair himself and tries to hit Taker but he ducks and instead Rock clobbers Triple H who is now busted open. Taker beats up Rock and throws Trips back in, signalling for the Last Ride.

Undertaker hits the Last Ride, and another referee comes running in. Taker with the cover, but Triple H kicks out at the last instance. Taker decks the new referee and soon thereafter, the Rock enters the ring and Rock Bottoms Undertaker. Rock leaves as both Triple H and Undertaker are laying motionless in the ring. Triple H slowly puts his arm across Taker as the first referee (Earl Hebner) comes to. Cover, but Taker gets his shoulder up right before Earl strikes the canvas three. As both wrestlers once again struggle to their feet, Triple H kicks Taker in the stomach and hits the Pedigree. Cover but Earl is still stunned so Triple H tries to drag him towards Taker, who gets up and low blows Triple H. Rollup and a cover by Taker just as Earl gets up, 1-2-3, Undertaker retains.

Rock is standing at the top of the ramp, as Taker lips him off from the ring. Rock comes running down and beats Undertaker up and hits the People's Elbow. Triple H gets up as Rock is pacing around and Pedigrees Rock and while Triple H is standing over the Rock, Undertaker gets up and chokeslams Triple H before leaving.

WINNER: The Undertaker - still WWE Undisputed Champion

credit: rajahwwf

* Triple H meets the nWo! *

Triple H was shown walking through the backstage area and he's up next against the Undertaker. Triple H came face to face with the nWo's Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash and Shawn told Triple H that it's good to see him and they hugged. They wished him good luck and they told him to bring that strap home. Kevin told Triple H that if he needs them out there tonight, they'll be there with him.

* King of the Ring FINAL - Brock Lesnar vs. Rob Van Dam *

Brock Lesnar made his way out to the ring for this King of the Ring Final Round match against Rob Van Dam! Of course, Brock Lesnar brought Paul Heyman out to the ring with him...

Rob and Brock locked it right up and Brock powered Rob Van Dam into the corner and then he went for a right hand but RVD ducked it and gave Brock a number of forearms.

Rob Van Dam knocked Brock Lesnar down and then he gave him the rolling thunder and he pinned him for a two count as Brock Lesnar powered out of it.

RVD gave Brock a spinning leg drop and then he hit Brock Lesnar with the Five Star Frog Splash and then Paul Heyman hopped up on the apron and pulled RVD onto the ropes and then RVD fell onto Lesnar with a pin for a two count.

Rob then knocked Heyman down with a baseball slide and then RVD hopped up to the top rope and then he came off with a cross body but Brock caught Van Dam in mid air and then he gave him the Brockbuster to get the win!

WINNER: Brock Lesnar - 2002 King of the Ring

credit: pw

* The Rock meets with Goldust and Booker T; Rock reveals his plans -- to go after the nWo! *

Goldust and Booker T were shown backstage and Goldust acted as if he was The Rock. The Rock showed up behind Goldust and Goldust cowered down and confronted the two, face to face. The Rock told Goldust how to do The Rock's spiels and he told Goldust that there's no way he can be The Rock. Booker T told The Rock that he needs to concern himself with Booker T! The Rock and Booker stood face to face and Goldust interjected. Goldust gave up and Booker T said that he and The Rock never saw eye to eye on anything and probably never will, but last week on RAW, Booker T is down with what The Rock said. The Rock appreciates that, because he meant it. Anyone who doesn't want to be with this company, they can get the "F" out. The Rock said the fact of the matter is that The Rock is here for one reason and that is to watch the WWE Undisputed Championship match. A Championship that is much bigger than the people's elbow and the spinaroonie. A Championship that is much bigger than uh... what does Goldust do? The Rock told Goldust to stop doing his sick thing and he called him a sick freak and The Rock said that even though they don't see eye to eye, they need to do what's right and lay the smacketh down on the nWo's candy asses! Goldust tried to do the "If ya smell..." bit but The Rock cut him off and told him to stop everything he does and then he did it and the fans were well behind it.

* Kurt Angle vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan *

Hulk Hogan's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring for his one on one contest against Kurt Angle.

Angle and Hogan locked it up in the center of the ring and Kurt started to back Hogan to the corner until Hogan shoved Kurt right down to the mat towards the corner.

Hogan nailed Kurt a number of times in the corner with hard right hands and then he nailed him with another hard right to knock him down in the center of the ring and he signaled that he would be taking his wig off but Kurt Angle nailed Hogan with a low blow as he went to remove the wig.

Kurt Angle put Hulk Hogan in the Angle Slam and the he pinned him but only got a two count.

At this point, Hulk Hogan Hulked up and then he hit Kurt with a number of right hands and then the big boot and then he took his wig off! Kurt then got up in embarrassment and he ran into some right hands by Hogan. Hogan went for another leg drop but Kurt bailed out of the ring to avoid it.

Kurt wanted to get his wig back, but then he walked off and came back with a steel chair as Hogan put the wig on and posed. Hogan avoided a chair shot and Kurt hit himself and Hogan hit Kurt with the big boot and then he went for the leg drop but Kurt avoided it and then he caught Hogan in the ankle lock submission!

Hogan tried to roll out of it but Kurt held onto it and Hogan got to the ropes. Kurt pulled Hogan back to the center of the ring and Hulk Hogan tapped out, giving the win to Kurt Angle!

WINNER: Kurt Angle

credit: pw

* Kurt Angle Interview *

Marc Loyd was shown with Kurt Angle and tonight, he faces Hollywood Hulk Hogan in what some are calling the battle of the real American heroes. Kurt asked him what the hell did Hulk Hogan ever did to become a real American hero? Kurt is the one that won an Olympic Gold Medal and trained and sacrificed years for this company. Hogan became a real American Hero because Vince McMahon told him he would be a real American Hero. If Vince told him to be a zoo keeper, he would have been a zoo keeper. And yet, people cheer him and tell Kurt he sucks. He doesn't get it, but tonight, he's going to do something about it. Two years ago at the King of the Ring, he won the damn thing. Last year, he wrestled three matches and took Shane McMahon out in a Street Fight and tonight, he's going to make Hulk Hogan tap... why? Because he can. Because he's legit and he's the real deal and he doesn't need to place his hand on his ear like an idiot to know that he's this company's only real American hero. Oh it's true, it's red, white and blue true.

* Trish Stratus (c) vs. Molly Holly - WWE Women's Championhip *

Molly attacks Trish to start the women's title match but Trish fights back with some punches but walks straight into the body drop. Cover by Molly and Trish kicks out. Arm bar take down by Molly but Trish reverses it into a cover which ends at two. Trish with a victory roll but again Molly kicks out, not once but like four times in all. Molly then drop kicks Trish to the outside and rams her into the ring mat viciously. Trish gets whipped into the barricade and over but Molly flips her back to the mat before throwing her back into the ring. Trish kicks Molly in the head as she's getting back before crotching her on the top rope.

They continue to go at it before Molly hits a belly to back suplex followed by a cover which Trish kicks out of. Molly heads to the top rope where she misses the Molly go Round. Trish rolls her up for a pin, but Molly reverses it and holds Trish's tights for the 1-2-3 victory. Molly is the new WWE women's champion.

WINNER: Molly Holly - new WWE Women's Champion

credit:rajahwwf

* The World *

We were then shown a shot of WWE The World in New York City. Inside the restaurant, William Regal and Chris Harvard (Chris Nowinski) were ordering food, and just as the waitress was giving them their meals, they made fun of her.

* Ric Flair vs. Eddie Guerrero *

Ric Flair enters the ring to mixed reaction. Eddie Guerrero follows him out. The two play cat-and-mouse for a while before locking up. Shoulder block knocks down Flair but he responds with a drop kick causing Flair to bail. Guerrero does a WOOO for the fans and Flair slowly makes his way back into the ring where they lock up yet again. Guerrero backs Flair into the corner where he wails away with chops and punches but Flair turns it around and treats him to the same. Low blow by Flair drops Guerrero, allowing Ric to pound away with a couple more right hands. More punches in the corner by Flair and a huge chop has Guerrero on the outside regrouping.

Guerrero tries to get back in but Flair prevents him from doing so. Finally, Eddie is in and they lock up but Ric gets in a big standing vertical suplex. Irish whip by Flair but a missed chop and Guerrero attacks Ric's knee, causing Flair to drop and allowing Eddie to further assault the knee. Flair reverses a partial figure four into a small package but Eddie kicks out and continues to attack Ric's knee. Eddie drags Ric to the ropes and draps his leg around the bottom rope using it as leverage I guess to further injure the knee.

Back in the ring, Eddie puts the figure four leglock on Flair but Ric gets to the ropes and the ref calls for the break which Eddie does eventually agree to. Guerrero pounds away on Flair in the corner before snapmaring him. Chinlock by Guerrero slows the match down even more. The two fight towards the corner where they exchange chops. Guerrero comes running off the ropes, but Flair back bodydrops him to the outside. As Guerrero re-enters the ring, he clotheslines Flair on the top rope before suplexing him. Frog splash attempt by Flair but he misses and Ric uses the opportunity to attempt the figure four which he hits just as Chris Benoit makes his way down to the ringside area.

They wrestle around some where with several pinning predicament sequences with each ending at the two count. Guerrero hits a tornado DDT and goes for the cover, but Flair puts his foot on the rope ending the count. Guerrero kicks away at Flair, choking him despite the ref's warnings. The referee drags him away allowing Benoit to pull Flair out where he hits the Crippler Crossface. The referee comes running out and sends Benoit to the back and behind all the commotion, Bubba Ray Dudley sneaks in and Bubba bombs Eddie Guerrero. Benoit comes running back and chases Bubba away as Flair rolls over and pins Guerrero.

WINNER: Ric Flair

credit:rajahwwf

* Eddie Guerrero Interview *

Terri was shown with Eddie Guerrero and they talked about Eddie's match against Ric Flair. Terri asked Eddie if he's worried that he might have unleashed the dirtiest player in the game on Monday? Eddie ignored the question and took the chance to say hello to his brothers, cousins and little Timmy, the foster kid they picked up over the weekend! They're all checking him out because he's going to take on the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, the legend! Eddie said he's in the best shape of his life and Ric Flair can't do half the moves Eddie does in the ring. He only dreams about that. Flair says he has 'one last great run' left, but the only running he's going to do is the running to the retirement home and the only memory he's going to have left when it's all over is the one of the man who put him there, Latino Heat!

* Jamie Noble vs. The Hurricane (c) - WWE Cruiseweight Championship; Rock arrives *

Michael Cole and Tazz hype up the Cruiserweight title match and a series of video clips are shown outlining the history between Jamie Noble and Hurricane.

Noble enters the ring first, accompanied by his "girlfriend" Nidia. Hurricane emerges from the back next and before long, the match is underway. Lockup goes nowhere and they break and do it again. Another break and another lockup and the two roll around with some reversals and counters. Kicks by Noble in the corner before the ref separates the two. Shot to the head by Hurricane, followed by a chokeslam attempt but Noble fights back and gets knocked down again for a two count. Figure four head scissors by Hurricane but Noble reverses it and tries a suplex that isn't successful. Nidia tries to distract Hurricane who chases her around but Noble comes out of nowhere and floors Hurricane.

Back in the ring, cover by Hurricane kicks out. Irish whips by Noble into the corner and he also picks up Hurricane and throws him into the turnbuckle. With Hurricane trying to recover, Noble taunts the audience before snap suplexing Hurricane. Another cover, another kickout. Arm lock by Noble and a side suplex but Hurricane manages to kick out again. Quick inside cradle by Hurricane but Noble squeaks out and hits an electric chair drop. The two go back and forth until they exchange sleeper holds. Hurricane's gets turned into a chinbreaker but Noble's is successful as Hurricane starts going unconscious.

However, Hurricane still has some fight left and the two exchange punches in the center of the ring. Neckbreaker by Hurricane and he heads up to the top but only gets a two count. Hurricane signals for the end but misses the eye of the hurricane allowing Noble to capitalize. He can't so Hurricane again tries for the Eye of the Hurricane and this time he hits it but Noble kicks out.

Hurricane heads over to the corner and grabs his cape but Nidia steals it back. Noble tries to sneak up from behind but Hurricane catches him with a suplex that has him tumbling to the outside. High cross body by Hurricane from the top ropes onto the floor across Noble. He throws Noble back in the ring but gets distracted by Nidia (who kisses Hurricane) allowing Noble to baseball kick Hurricane. Both men on the ropes near the corner as Noble tries to suplex him but Hurricane fights it off and hits a neckbreaker from the top rope. Both men down and Hurricane crawls over the pin attempt but Nidia jumps up on the mat distracting the referee. Hurricane gets up, throws the ref aside and blocks a slap by Nidia before hurling Noble into her. Big chokeslam by Hurricane but Noble kicks out. Hurricane goes to the top but Noble runs into the ropes crotching Hurricane before powerbombing him into the mat. Cover, but Hurricane has his foot on the rope until Nidia pushes it off behind the ref's back. 1-2-3, Noble wins.

WINNER: Jamie Noble - new WWE Cruiseweight Champion

Backstage, the Rock arrives and JR and Lawler wonder what his role at the PPV will be.

credit:rajahwwf

* Coach asks RAW Stars on who's going to win; Mark Loyd is with the angered Christian and Storm *

The Coach was shown in front of the RAW locker room and he wanted to get comments from RAW Superstars on who they think will be the King of the Ring. The Coach asked Bubba Ray and Bubba said he thinks it's great that two guys from the RAW brand are in the Finals from the King of the Ring. Brock and RVD are great athletes and competitors. He's been in the ring with both of them and as much as he would like to see RVD get his hand raised, he doesn't think he'll make it past the next big thing tonight. Bubba said he wishes it was him that would go to Summer Slam for the Title, but it's not. That's fine, so he's going to bounce back and find a way to make an impact here.

Marc Loyd was shown backstage and Lance Storm and Christian came out of the locker room and Lance said that it was supposed to be Jericho and Test, an All Canadian final. Now, it's All American. Christian said it proves what they said on Smackdown!. WWE is prejudice against Canadian athletes and come to think of it, Americans are the most prejudice in the world. The entire world hates this country... Lance said as Canadians, it's very important they don't get sucked into their pro American hateful abyss. As Canadians, they need to carry the flag of Civility, Tolerance and Peace!

* King of the Ring Semifinal #2 - Brock Lesnar vs. Test *

Test made his way out to the ring to little to no crowd reaction and he's up against the next big thing, Brock Lesnar in this King of the Ring Semi Final match!

Test and Brock locked it up in the center of the ring and it was a very tough tie up as Brock and Test both displayed their power. Brock finally backed Test into the corner and then he hammered away on him with a number of right hands.

Test gave Brock Lesnar the full nelson slam and then he pinned him but only got a two count.

Test then went for the pump handle slam but Brock got out of it and he put Test in a waist lock and Test fought out of it with a number of elbows to the head.

Test went for the pump handle slam once again, but this time he got it on and then he pinned him for a two count. (Decent pop for the move.)

As Brock got to his feet, Test went for the big boot but Brock avoided it and then Brock went for a power bomb but Test got out of it and then he gave Brock the big boot and then he pinned him but only got a two count!

Test went for the boot once again and Brock shoved the referee and Paul punched Test in the back and then Test went after Heyman and that allowed Brock to pick up Test and give him the Brockbuster to get the win!

WINNER: Brock Lesnar - qualifies for Final

credit: pw

* RVD interview, Y2J gets even; Paul Heyman gets Lesnar ready *

After the match, Jerry Lawler got out of his seat to grab a word with Rob Van Dam. Jerry said that it was an unbelievable victory. Now that he's won, he's going to go on to either face Test or Brock Lesnar in the finals. Any preference? Rob said "Whatever." He doesn't care if it's Test or Brock Lesnar or Godzilla! Nothing is going to keep the King of the Ring from being Rob Van Dam!

As Rob was saying that, Chris Jericho attacked Rob Van Dam from behind and then he put him in a nasty sleeper hold slam and then he put him in the Walls of Jericho, yelling "I'm the King of the World!" Brian Hebner called for some help to come out to the ring for RVD and a number of WWE officials came out to break it up.

Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Brock Lesnar that RVD just called him Godzila, but RVD doesn't get it. Godzila is fake, while the Next Big Thing Brock Lesnar is very real and it's time to prove that! The Next Big Thing will become the next King of the Ring tonight.

* King of the Ring Semifinal - Chris Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam *

Chris Jericho's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring for this first of two Semi Final matches for the King of the Ring and he's up against the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Rob Van Dam!

The two locked it up in the center of the ring and Chris Jericho got Rob Van Dam in a side headlock and then Rob got out of it and put Jericho in a hammerlock. Chris countered it and he twisted the arm of Rob and then yanked it and held him in a wristlock.

Rob Van Dam did his usual "RVD" thing right in Jericho's face and Jericho responded by slapping RVD right in the face which prompted Rob to reply with a kick to the face.

Rob went to the top rope and Jericho shoved the referee into the ropes to knock RVD down. Chris then went to the top rope and gave Rob Van Dam a double arm suplex from the very top rope and then he pinned him for a two count.

Chris Jericho got frustrated and exposed the top turnbuckle and the referee yelled at him and as the referee put the turnbuckle back into place, Chris went to RVD and RVD caught Chris in a small package for a two count as the referee was out of position.

Chris Jericho gave Rob Van Dam the Break Down and then he pinned him but only got a two count.

Jericho used his wrist tape to choke Rob Van Dam and the referee made the count but Jericho broke it so he didn't get disqualified.

Rob went to sweep Chris off his feet but Chris hopped it and then he knocked Rob Van Dam down with a back brain kick and he followed it up with a pin for a two count.

Chris Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho on Rob Van Dam but Rob reversed it into a pin for a two count.

Chris went for a drop kick but Rob countered it with a sling shot but Chris landed on the ropes and then Chris hopped off the ropes only to get hit by RVD. Chris then slammed RVD's head into the exposed turnbuckle and then he rolled him up and put his feet on the ropes and pinned him for a two count.

Chris went for the lionsault but Rob Van Dam moved out of the way and then he knocked Chris down with a side kick and he went for the Five Star but Chris moved out of the way and then Chris Jericho hit Rob Van Dam with the lionsault and then he pinned him but only got a two count!

Rob Van Dam went for a hurricanrana but Chris countered it into the Walls of Jericho but RVD was able to get to the ropes to break it up.

Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam both went to the top rope and Rob knocked Chris down and then Rob Van Dam came off the top rope with the Five Star Frog Splash on Chris Jericho to get the win.

WINNER: Rob Van Dam - qualifies for Final

credit:pw

* Opener *

King of the Ring started with a video package that showed shots of previous winners, including Steve Austin, Triple H, Owen and Bret Hart, Kurt Angle and Edge, of course. Jerry Lawler and J.R. then welcomed us to ringside as the 2002 edition of King of the Ring began!

Sunday Night Heat

- Johnathan Coachman and D'Lo Brown kicked off the show tonight with Sunday Night Heat, LIVE from Columbus, Ohio at the sight of King of the Ring.

Jamie Noble and Nidia arrived at the arena in a very dirty truck, as Nidia was wearing Hurricane's cape. Nidia said that the two might be coming like trailer park trash, but they'll be leaving tonight with Cruiseweight god. Jamie Noble promised his crazy girlfriend that tonight they'll be leaving with class, which got him a kiss from Nidia.

Backstage, Terri caught up with Ric Flair and said that he's one of the greatest ever in this business. Flair said that even though Eddie Guerrero wants to end his final run tonight, a lost to Latino Heat won't mean anything to Flair (hint hint). Ric says that everybody has tried to make themselves famous by trying to defeat him, so tonight he has to prove to himself and to everyone else that he is indeed Ric Flair, The Nature Boy! Whooooooooo.

Again Backstage, Jerry Lawler talked to Molly Holly about tonight's Women's Championship match. Molly said that she will be happy to bring some dignity to the women's division and the women's championship by winning the belt tonight. The King then said that there is a rumor "floating around" that Molly wasn't invited to participate at the Divas Undressed Special. Molly said that this is not true and that she was invited but turned the offer down. Jerry then insulted Molly by saying another rumor stating she rented her butt out for a drive in a movie screen must not be true. Molly simply walked off very offended.

The Rock was then shown backstage arriving as D'Lo Brown went crazy.

The Hardy Boyz then made their way to the ring, followd by Steven Richards and Raven for a tag team match. Nothing significant happened in this match. At the end, Steven Richards got a Stevie Kick on Matt and for some reason Raven walked away from the ring. Matt then gave Richards a Twist of Fate and Jeff followed with a Swanton Bomb to finish it off, as the Hardyz got the win. King of the Ring is up next!

Predictions for WWE King of the Ring are available over at the WWE Report.

?To view the official WWE King of the Ring 2002 Poster, click here. Join us for LIVE COVERAGE of WWE King of the Ring this Sunday at 8 PM ET!!!

Official Card

* The Undertaker (c) vs. Triple H -- WWE Undisputed Championship

* Kurt Angle vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan

* Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair

* The Hurricane (c) vs. Jamie Noble w/ Nidia -- WWE Cruiseweight Championship

* Trish Stratus (c) vs. Molly Holly - WWE Women's Championship

* King of The Ring 2002 Tournament: