*Team Xtreme (Hardy Boyz and Lita) vs T & A and Trish Stratus
-The Pay Per View opens with a rivalry that would revive the women’s division and captivate us for the next 6 years. Trish Stratus was relatively green (inexperienced) at the time, but she plays the role of heel to perfection. This match centered more on the rivalry the two women had than the tag teams involved, but this was a fast paced bout and a great way to start the show, with Team Xtreme gaining the win.
*Tazz vs Al Snow
-This match was for one purpose and one purpose only: to put over the returning Tazz. Al Snow looked good here as he usually does as a solid performer, but Tazz basically squashes Snow in a short 5 minute contest.
*Eddie Guerrero vs Perry Saturn
WWF European title match
-This was a match to basically set up Eddie and Chyna battling for the Intercontinental title, as well as get Saturn a run at a significant title in WWE. Saturn was a very talented athlete, but WWE mismanaged him. However, he looked great against Eddie here. Chyna and Terri having a small squabble helped make this match better, but this was a match that was made due to bigger things coming for Eddie and Chyna.
*Edge & Christian vs The APA
WWF Tag Team Championship
-This match was tough to gauge because WWE was obviously saving Edge & Christian for the first ever TLC match that followed at Summerslam. Edge & Christian were entertaining throughout the night as Christan faked being ill to get out of the match. Other than making the champs fear them, my question is what did the APA gain from this, other than a win on the record books. Bradshaw being a native Texan and getting pops for naming off the history of the Texas was great however, and this was a solid contest.
*Val Venis vs Rikishi
Steel Cage Match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
-Val Venis had won the title about 2 weeks prior to this matchup, so it was hard to see Rikishi winning the title right back (maybe Val should've won a no. 1 contender's match and beat Rikishi for it, but that's another story for another day). Nonetheless, Val and Rikishi had a GREAT match. Rikishi flying off the cage was a GREAT spot and credit to Val for taking that bump. Val retains his newly won title however.
*Undertaker vs Kurt Angle
-What do you do when you have two huge names with nothing to do? Throw them in a mini feud together. While that can suck at times, this was a good way to advance Angle as a main event talent. Angle was hilarious throughout this feud and it helped throw him into the spotlight after an underwhelming feud with Big Show. Undertaker as always had a solid performance and help sell the feud as the Bad Ass that Angle was afraid to face. This match was a bit short, but still entertaining regardless.
*Triple H vs Chris Jericho
Last Man Standing Match
-This was the best match on the card in my opinion. Triple H and Jericho rarely ever have bad matches together, but this may be their best encounter. Jericho finally broke through as a main event guy and Triple H sold so much offense from Jericho. Jim Ross really helped elevate Jericho with his commentary, but in the end Triple H did what he does best and that's win.
*The Rock vs Chris Benoit
WWF Championship Match
-This by far is one of my favorite matches ever. I truly believe it's one of the best between the two and one of the best in either man’s career. Rock with the smashmouth style went perfectly with Benoit’s technical expertise. Benoit sold this match very well and the finish was great, teasing us that big things were in store for Chris Benoit. The Rock held his own in this match despite not being as technically sound in the ring. It was a nice touch to see Rock use the crossface as well as break out a few new offensive maneuvers. This match gets lost in the shuffle as far as either man's career goes, but with the drama and the action in it, it's a classic. Rock picks up a victory and retains his title.
So there you have it, Fully Loaded 2000. What did you think of this PPV? Let us know what you think below in the comments.
-C. Yates
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