Wrestlemania 31 Predictions

Some people have been critical of this year’s Wrestlemania build up. Some complaining about the amount of part timers, some complaining about Roman Reigns’ push and other complaining about the storyline build to the matches. However, after watching the Wrestlemania Today programmes, I think they got it right. If you look at it from a storyline point of view they’ve done everything right. Yes, the booking on Raw and Smackdown hasn’t been the best. But from an overall storyline arc point of view, I think they got it right. Here’s my predictions and point of view on this year matches on the Show of Shows.

WWE Tag Team Championships:

Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (C) vs. The New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos

Story arc: Reigning champions who believe they are the best, put the titles on the line against four teams rather than one.

Prediction: Kidd and Cesaro are great together, they did a good job on Wrestlemania today hyping up the match. This should be a hot opener, expect plenty of high spots and the match ending on a flurry of mayhem. The Uppercats (or the Masters of the WWE Universe or whatever they are called) should leave with the belts. They are the best team in the division and there’s no reason to put the belts on any of the other teams.

Winners: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Story Arc: Okay, so the pre-show matches don’t really have story arc’s. It’s a repeat of last year’s match which pushed Cesaro so well last year… or not.

Prediction: It’s a shame this match ended up on the pre-show. I understand giving time to the rest of the matches on the main card but this really should be on the main card. Ryback has been booked the strongest going into this but I think that’s too obvious. Sheamus could always return and make an instant impact. Hideo Itami won a tournament to be involved in this, expect a good showing but he won’t win. My prediction is WWE plays the safe card. The Big Show turns on Kane and wins the bout.

Winner: The Big Show

Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Bad News Barrett (C) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan

Story Arc: With such a stacked card, a lot of talented Superstars have entered the race for the Intercontinental title, with the title becoming a hot potato recently.

Prediction: My first prediction for this match is that it will open the main show. Everyone knows a ladder match is an exciting match. It’s a simple formula, put this on first to get the people watching at home pumped up. There are so many choices for this match. Aside from R-Truth and Stardust, anyone could win this (hopefully Goldust reappears to cost Cody the belt, to restart that feud). Some rumours have said Bryan is going to win but I think Barrett’s retaining. Maybe leading to a triple threat between him, Bryan and Ziggler. I’d pay to see that.

Winner: Bad News Barrett.

The Bella Twins vs. AJ Lee and Paige

Story Arc: Mean Girls versus the misfits.

Prediction: A four way for the title may have been more suitable. But maybe their saving that for the next PPV. I must say the women’s division has stepped up this year, I actually care about what happens and I will watch. I think that has a lot to do with Paige and specially NXT. And with more NXT women being called up in the future, I think it’s only going to get better. I’m torn on who is going to win. I’ll say the Bella’s just to keep the champ strong

Winners: The Bella Twins

WWE United States Championship

Rusev (C) vs. John Cena

Story Arc: Undefeated Russian brute facing American Hero (Think Rocky IV but without Apollo Creed dying).

Prediction: It’s not a prediction but I hope WWE goes to town on this bout. I’d have Rusev come out with Russian troops with all the cliché’s you can get. Hell, even get a Vladimir Putin impersonator on the stage. Then, have Cena come out with a full American entrance. Bring out Sgt Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan too. Make it so American it hurts. Usually I’d be against all this. But I like the old school feel to this feud and I hope the WWE runs with it. Going by their match at Fast Lane this should be good. With so many big matches on the card, they might get less time than they did last time. Hopefully they get enough time to tell their story and Cena goes over. It might not be a popular choice but I think Cena is the right man to end the streak. It won’t harm Rusev and who else is there to break Rusev’s streak?

Winner: John Cena

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

Story Arc: The handpicked Future of the WWE turns into one of the WWE’s biggest names, returns to the side of his master then is edged out by the new handpicked Future of the WWE.

Prediction: This should just be a brawl from the start to the finish. Orton should be flying at Rollins from the bell. With so many big singles matches, WWE needs to ensure that each match feels different. Make this a brawl from the start to the finish. Hopefully WWE doesn’t pull a DQ or count-out finish on this one. Rollins is a constant top performer and on his WWE singles Wrestlemania debut I expect him to go all out. Expect J&J to get involved at some point. Like the Divas match, this could go either way. But I think Rollins getting the win would open this up for future rematches.

Winner: Seth Rollins

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt

Story Arc: The former King of the jungle disappears after being dethroned, a new hungry lion hopes to defeat the former King to gain respect and put the King to sleep for good.

Prediction: First off let’s praise Bray Wyatt for building up a match (at Wrestlemania no less) without actually having an opponent. We are quick to praise guys like Daniel Bryan who can wrestle anyone and look good but Wyatt has shown just how good he is at promos. Full credit must go to him. My prediction is that ‘Taker will look to make up for last year’s concussion and put on a great bout. If Sting never returned I would have been 100% percent behind Wyatt. Just for him to get that passing of the torch moment. But Wyatt winning would kill dead the build to a potential bout with Sting at next year’s Mania. Wyatt can still look excellent in defeat. So ‘Taker has got to go over to get back on track and set up the ‘Mania match we all dreamed of.

Winner: The Undertaker

Sting vs. Triple H

Story Arc: The blueblood-turned-degenerate-turned-top dog-turned-company man attempts to put the final nail in the coffin of WWE’s biggest rival.

Prediction: The build-up for this one hasn’t been that good but it’s Sting in a WWE ring! Who’d have thought it? I wonder how this one will go down. Maybe a slower pace to the rest of the bouts. Triple H beats down Sting then the Vigilante has the comeback to win the bout. It may not be a mat classic but it should be a nostalgic bout. I might be underestimating these guys too much. Triple H can still put on top matches. Sting is a bit of an unknown factor. He has put on some great bouts in TNA but in the last few years has looked like an old man past his prime. I’m hoping for a Wrestlemania XXIV Ric Flair versus Shawn Michaels kind of feel. Sting has to go over here, I expect some Authority shenanigans which can lead to a baseball bat / sledgehammer fight. But I think Sting going over is the right call.

Winner: Sting

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Roman Reigns

Story Arc: The Beast faces his match.

Prediction: This is the most controversial match, the bout which has had many of the WWE Universe complaining. I think Reigns facing Lesnar is the right choice, it’s just the build-up for Reigns has been a let-down. To be a threat to Lesnar, Reigns should have been spearing everyone, every week, looking unstoppable. But what is done is done, now we just await the match itself. There is a possibility that the fans will turn on Reigns in the match and boo him. Hopefully that doesn’t happen because I am hoping for a good bout. Reigns had good storytelling at Fast Lane and sold well, if he does the same well, it should be a good bout. As long as they don’t book Reigns like Superman bout with Lesnar destroying Reigns, then the former Shield member not selling anything and winning with a Spear. All along I was completely convinced that Reigns would walk out as Champion. But with Lesnar signing on with the company, that makes me less certain. However, Brock signing a new deal is just a red herring, they wouldn’t have him retain after building up Reigns so much. Would they? 

Winner: Roman Reigns

Of course, there is one more prediction to make. Will Seth Rollins end the night as champion? Will he cash in his briefcase and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Championship? If it happened it would surely be one of the most iconic moments at Wrestlemania. Rollins has defiantly got the skills to be the top guy in the business. He’s proven he has what it takes ever since breaking away from the Shield. Plus cashing in on Roman would re-awaken their feud. But I can’t see it happening. WWE had a plan to put the title on Reigns and I don’t see it ending straight away. Maybe in a month or two.

So that’s the ‘Mania predictions done. With some hope, this should be a great Wrestlemania. But anything is possible with the WWE. Do you agree with my choices, who do you think will be victorious at Wrestlemania? Let me know @marcusandberg

WWF Themes from the Early 2000's

Ever since reviewing Fully Loaded 2000, I've been pretty addicted to the WWF in the early 2000. Most recently watching the excellent SummerSlam from the same year. Which was most famous for hosting the first ever TLC match. But the card also contains a good three-way main event for the WWF Championship between The Rock, Kurt Angle and Triple H. And a hardcore title bout involving Shane McMahon which is always fun and involves an insane bump by Shane O'Mac.

Watching events like this allows me to relive some of the great moments that got me into wrestling. Everything just seems "right", from the energetic crowds to the gimmicky characters. One thing that shouldn't be overlooked is the theme music. They typify the era and sum up the characters perfectly. Here's five of the best:

Triple H - "My Time"
I mentioned this theme when I reviewed Fully Loaded. It reminds me of the original Smackdown game on PlayStation. Say what you like about Triple H but he's had some epic theme tunes. This is just one of many. What stands out in this era is the opening. All the songs have that cool opening. Coupled with some intriguing lyrics "Yo Jimmy, hit me with that Triple H", this is a classic.

Chris Jericho - "Break the Walls Down"

When Chris Jericho arrived in the WWF he did exactly what his entrance music said, he broke the walls down. The countdown added to his arrival and gimmick. The video is a little plain with shots of nightlife and such but the music added to Jericho's rock n' roll character.

 

Chris Benoit - "Shooter"

A theme that had no lyrics but it didn't need too. It was what Benoit was all about. He wasn't going to go toe-to-toe on the mic with The Rock like Jericho. He was all about the wrestling. It was fitting that his entrance theme just focused on the music. His theme was later re-done by Our Lady Peace and entitled "Whatever" with lyrics which remains one of my favourite wrestling tunes. 

 

The Undertaker - "Rollin"

The Undertaker's gimmick change from deadman to biker was a huge shift for the longest serving roster member. Who would have guessed it would have worked so well? 'Taker didn't debut under his new gimmick with this theme. But when he did, everybody loved it. All thanks to Limp Bizkit.

 

Maven - "Tattoo"

An odd one but an awesome one. Possibly my favourite tune. It sums up Maven's underdog character perfectly. It was written by Mercy Drive, the dudes behind another of my favourite wrestling tunes, Randy Orton's "Burn My Light". I was a Maven mark and I have to attribute a lot of that to his theme music.

 

Do you agree with my choices? Do you prefer a bit of Too Cool? What would be your picks?@marcusandberg





Who’s Next? NXT Post WrestleMania Call Up’s

It’s WrestleMania Season! But all is not well. Fans are not happy with the ‘Mania build up. So let’s look ahead to the post ‘Mania Raw. A show that always promises shocks, surprises, returns and call-ups. Here I look at five possible call ups following the show known as “The Grand Daddy of Them All”:

1) Adrian Neville: The man formerly known as PAC is probably the most likely person to be called up from NXT. I was a fan of “The Man That Gravity Forgot” on the indies but seeing him regularly on NXT has boosted him into one of my favourite wrestlers. He’s shown throughout his time in NXT that he is adaptable, either as a tag team competitor, the hungry title challenger, strong champion or more recently the former champ who can be relied upon to put on great matches. Neville will easily fit into the main roster and his move set will allow him to get over instantly. Unlike other indy highflyers like Evan Bourne, Neville also has a power game which stops him from being labelled “Just another highflyer”.

Ideal Debut: Fresh off defending his title in a ladder match at WrestleMania, Wade Barrett comes out to celebrate. Neville interrupts to set up a battle between two Englishmen.

2) Kalisto: Words cannot describe Kalisto. The diminutive highflyer is destined to become the new Rey Mysterio. It’s a shame the “Master of the 619” is no longer with the WWE, as Mysterio could have put the young highflyer over, like Mysterio was meant to put over the original Sin Cara. But Kalisto doesn’t need to go down the singles path just yet. His current team with Sin Cara is a great way of introducing him to the wider WWE Universe. He recently debuted alongside Cara against Kidd and Cesaro in what was a very good TV match. He brings something different to the table and is always a treat to watch.

Ideal Debut: Versus the Ascension. They got history and it’s better than throwing the team straight into the title hunt.

3) Charlotte: The theme of the former champions continue. The former NXT Women’s Champion had a great reign as Queen of NXT. Now without the title, it’s only a matter of time before she gets called up to the main roster. Charlotte gets some stick for her push being attributed to her being the daughter of the legendary Ric Flair but I think she deserves everything she has got. She’s a good worker as proven by her matches as champion. There’s been some rumours that the WWE dislike that she doesn’t have that typical Diva look. But I don’t believe it. With her build, she could even go onto taking on men. Chyna 2.0. Anyway, like her daddy, not only can she walk-the-walk but she can also talk-talk-talk. She would be a great addition to the women’s roster, she’s already wrestled on the main roster. And hopefully, if the Divas get given more ring time, Charlotte may have a bright future in the WWE.

Ideal Debut: In shades of the last Raw after WrestleMania, the Bella’s come out to celebrate their title reign and Charlotte interrupts.

4) Finn Bálor: NXT has been fantastic for the last few months and one of the reasons for this is Finn Bálor. Out of everyone in NXT, no-one has the same presence as Bálor. Even without his war paint, the moment he steps out onto the stage everyone is watching him. Everyone loves doing the Bálor pose along with the music. Then in the ring he is one of NXT’s top performers and has adapted well, slowly picking his signature moves to fit alongside his sick double stomp finisher. He is facing Kevin Owens for the title on March 25^th and is unlikely to win which would set up Owens versus Zayn 2. He could find himself losing the title bout and joining the main roster five days later. However, it is unlikely to happen and Bálor is likely to go onto another main event feud before debuting on the main roster later on in the year.

Ideal Debut: [Insert heel winner of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal here] comes out to celebrate his win. Enter Demon Bálor with full theatrics. The smarky Raw crowd will go insane.

5) Rhino: A bit of a wildcard but there is reasoning behind the choice. It’s unclear why Rhino is in NXT. It should be to put over younger talent but he hasn’t really done that yet. Maybe they are building him up so that he can put over talent like Bull Dempsey? What his NXT return has done is remind me how good of a worker he is. He cut a good promo recently and, if given time, should put on good matches. Why not have the “Man Beast” make a surprise return to the main roster just for one night? The fans would be behind him and he could put someone over on the main roster without damaging his NXT reputation.

Ideal Debut: Rusev comes out to gloat/complain about his win/loss against John Cena at WrestleMania. Out comes Rhino who puts Rusev over to either continue Rusev’s momentum or build him back up after losing.

 

Who would you like to see called up after WrestleMania? Let me know @marcusandberg

Rebooked: The Rock versus Hollywood Hulk Hogan

The Build-Up

It all started at No Way Out where Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall known as the NWO returned to the WWE. Their main targets soon became clear in the two of the company’s top faces, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.

The NWO started by attacking The Rock backstage and costing Steve Austin the WWF Undisputed Championship. Austin and The Rock met up the following week and became united under their hate of the NWO (although they faced off at WrestleMania only a year before). They brawled with the NWO from the ring into a parking lot until the NWO took the numbers advantage. After smashing The Rock though a windscreen the NWO ran off. The following week Stone Cold entered the arena alone and was beaten down by all three members of the NWO. His scheduled match with Kevin Nash never officially started.

The Rock returned the next week and called out the former “Hulkster” to come out alone. Hogan answered his challenge and came to the ring by himself. The two had an intense conversation. The Rock talked about how dream matches are usually just dreams but they can make this dream a reality. Hogan declined a match between the two until The Rock slapped him in the face and mocked his manhood. Hall and Nash came from the crowd and attacked The Rock until the crowd were treated to the sound of glass shattering as Stone Cold came out. Austin was able to throw all three NWO members from the ring and then proceeded to share a beer with the “Great One.”

The next week a double contract signing was held for WrestleMania X8. The Rock would challenge Hollywood Hulk Hogan while Steve Austin would face Scott Hall. After all four men signed it erupted into a brawl where Austin fought both Nash and Hall into the crowd while the “People’s Champion” and Hogan fought in the ring. Hall, Nash and Austin then disappeared while referee’s and officials pulled Rock and Hogan apart.

On the Raw before the big event the NWO were informed that they would be in a handicap match against The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the Main Event. The match was back and forth with the NWO’s Hogan and Hall refusing to face their WrestleMania opponents. The Rock eventually got in the ring with Hogan but Hogan caused a DQ after a blatant low blow. Leaving a final image before WrestleMania of the NWO spray painting their stables initials on their opponent’s backs.

The Show

OTHER MATCHES

After 9 matches which included Rob Van Dam being crowned the new Intercontinental Champion, Kurt Angle toppling Kane and the Undertaker coming up top over Ric Flair it was time for the match billed as “Icon vs. Icon” Just two matches before Stone Cold Steve Austin opened up his trademark can of whoop a** on Hogan’s fellow NWO stable mate, Scott Hall.

NWO WORRIED?

Both Hall and Kevin Nash were distressed about the loss wondering if it will effect Hogan in his match with The Rock later tonight. We see Hogan’s views in a short segment after the Tag Team Title match.

Hall: (Pacing back and forth) Hey yo, could you believe what just happened out there tonight?

Nash: Just calm down look Hogan’s got it covered. He’ll beat Rocky tonight then we’ll get our revenge on Austin, yeah?

Hogan walks onto the set in full wrestling attire and his black and white feather bowers. We hear a load roar from the crowd in the sold out SkyDome.

Hogan: What’s the matter brother?

Nash: Nothing Hulk. You just concentrate on your match.

Hogan: Oh I’m ready brother. I’m ready to rip this jabroni a new a** hole.

Hall: Well you better be. Rocky gonna bring his A-game.

Hogan: And I’m gonna to bring the same because tonight is the night the world watches it’s “People Champion” crumbles before the might of the N...W...O!

“A year ago we would have thought this match could have never occurred but there’s only one place, only one stage for this match, Wrestlemania X8. The Rock versus Hollywood Hulk Hogan.”

Jim Ross- WWE Commentator

HOGAN RETURNS

The immortal riffs of the NWO Music plays as the SkyDome turns black and white. Hogan struts out onto the stage playing his air guitar load and proud. He continues his strut down the ramp and into the ring where the screen returns to normal. The commentators make note that this is Hogan’s tenth Wrestlemania and his first in 9 years. As the music stops a loud “Hogan, Hogan” chant is heard. Hogan smiles, then turns away.

THE PEOPLE’S ENTRANCE

“If you smell what the Rock is cooking…” The timeless words to The Rock’s entrance theme cuts Hogan’s nostalgic chants from the audience. As The Rock emerges from the entrance the crowd cheer even louder. “The Great One” pauses on the stage and looks around into the audience before beginning his journey on marching down to the ring. The Rock leaps up onto the steel steps and walks across to the ring ropes before striking his signature pose on the top turnbuckle.

THE STAREDOWN

The Rock jumps down and the music cuts and the crowd are heard in their deafening cheers for both competitors. Hogan removes his sunglasses and walks up to The Rock. They meet face to face in the centre of the ring. After a few moments of staring at each other they turn to the crowd, split on their chosen Icon. They then back up towards their respective turnbuckles as the ring bell sounds.

The Match

The two icons lock up in the middle of the ring. After seconds of struggling Hogan gets the advantage and backs The Rock up into the ropes. The referee makes a 4 count and Hogan releases. They centre back up in the ring then lock up once more. After more struggling to gain the advantage The Rock comes out on top and forces Hogan into the ropes. The referee once again makes the count and The Rock releases. Hogan then pushes The Rock back into the centre of the ring. For a third time they lock up. They struggle back and forth with both men nearing the ropes until Hogan hits a big scoop slam sending The Rock to the floor sending the Hogan fans into a frenzy.

The Rock quickly gets back onto his feet but now holding his back. They lock up again but only briefly as Hogan irish whips Rock into the ropes. On the rebound Hogan lifts his arm out in a clothesline knocking The Rock down for a second time. The Rock gets back up but this time slower. Hogan grabs Rock around the head and gives him a clubbing blow to the back. After a third hit Rock goes down and Hogan taunts to the crowd. Hogan reaches down to pick up his opponent but Rock pushes away. Rock follows up with a few fists sending Hulk back into the ropes.

Rock grabs Hogan and sends him into ropes and as he comes back he hits a clothesline to knock Hogan off his feet. The Rock then takes his turn to taunt the crowd as Hogan slowly reaches his feet. Rock goes for an early Rock Bottom but Hogan counters with some elbows to the head. Hogan then sends Rock into the turnbuckle. Rock is able to give an elbow back to Hogan who quickly reacts with a back rake. The referee warns Hogan who follows in on the “The Great One”.

The Rock stumbles into the centre of the ring where Hogan attacks from behind in an Atomic Drop. Rock goes down and Hogan follows with two consecutive elbow drops. The third is only stopped as Hogan whips his shoe over The Rock’s face. Hogan taunts the crowd once more who are cheering loudly for him. This allows Rocky to get to his feet and deliver 3 quick blows to Hogan’s ribs. The Rock tries for a Samoan Drop on Hogan who is able to slip out from the move and hit a back suplex. Both men get to their feet around the same time.

They struggle over the advantage until The Rock pulls out a front suplex which keeps Hogan down. The Rock tries for a 3-count but only gets a two. Strangely The Rock exits the ring onto the apron and starts ascending the turnbuckle. The Rock waits on the top rope until Hogan gets to his feet. The Rock dives off in a diving crossbody but fails to connect as Hogan moves out of the way. Hogan tries for the win after an unusual top rope move from The Rock but only gets a two count. Back on their feet Hogan gets ready to lift The Rock in military press slam but the Rock jumps out from behind hitting a Russian leg sweep for his own close count.

With Hollywood down The Rock looks around to the millions (and millions) of The Rock fans in the arena and watching around the world and prepares for the Peoples Elbow. He kicks the arm in, removes the elbow pad then throws it before setting off into the ropes. Hogan is able to get to his feet in time and hit a big shoulder block to counter. With The Rock down Hogan locks in a sleeper hold. The Rock nearly falls unconscious to the hold but is revived before the referee’s count of three. The Rock gets to his feet and gives three elbows to Hogan’s mid section.

He is able escape the hold and run into the ropes but as he comes back Hogan hits the big boot. Hogan quickly covers but gets another two count. Back on their feet the two opponents both delivers punches until The Rock ducks Hogan’s fist and grabs his legs. Yanking them in the air he sends Hogan onto his back. The Rock crosses the legs and turns him over for the Sharpshooter. Hogan screams in agony but is able to eventually reach the ropes.

The Rock makes the break then gets the weakened Hogan to his feet against the ropes. Rock sends him into the ropes and delivers a spinebuster. The Rock looks like he is going for a pin but instead pulls his opponent to his feet. The Rock then hits his signature move the Rock Bottom and quickly hooks the leg. But the Hulkster kicks out again.

The Rock signals for one more and lifts the battered body of Hogan to his feet but Hogan starts to shake his head. The Rock starts to punch away to no effect as Hogan shakes his head and then his fists. The Rock tries for his trademark palm strike but Hogan is Hulking up! Hogan starts his punches on the Rock then sends him into the ropes for a big boot. Hogan then signals to the crowd for the Leg Drop and is able to hit it. Hogan goes for the cover but the “People’s Champion” is able to get a shoulder up before the count of three to continue this historic match.

The Rock then rolls to the outside to recover as Hogan sits in the ring in disbelief. Hogan then follows The Rock to the outside but is met by the Rock smashing his face into the announce table. The Rock throws Hogan back into the ring and signals for a second People’s Elbow. Once again he kicks the arm then removes the second elbow pad and throws it into the crowd. On the way back from the ropes Hogan is able to trip the Rock up.

Both men stay down until the count of 9 from the official. Once back on their feet they come face to face once more. Both exhausted after hitting their big moves and still unable to get the 3-count. The stare down is broken up by Hogan’s right hand hitting The Rock’s face. The Rock delivers one back and they continue to trade blows until Hogan catches The Rock in his own Rock Bottom!

Hogan gets back up and mocks the Rock by trying for the Peoples Elbow. He kicks in the arm, removes an imaginary elbow pad and throws it into the crowd. Hogan comes back off the ropes but is met by a Rock Bottom. With sweat dripping off his brow and his heart racing The Rock kicks in the arm, removes the... realises he has no elbow pad left and just raises his arm to the “Just bring it” pose. Then runs into the ropes and returns with an elbow to Hogan’s chest. The crowd wait in disbelief for the count. 1..2..3

THE AFTERMATH

The Rock stumbles to his feet with help from the referee then gets his hand raised to the sell out crowd. Hogan very slowly gets to his feet with sweat pouring off him clutching both his back and his midsection. The Rock comes down off the turnbuckle and returns face to face with Hogan. As it looks like they’re going to start fighting again Hogan extends his hand in a handshake. The Rock looks around as if he’s asking the crowd should he shake his hand after what he has done. The Rock then shakes the hand and a smile grows on both men’s faces.

This is until Scott Hall and Kevin Nash walk down to the ring. They enter the ring and walk over to Hogan. You can see that they are upset with him and are asking him why he shook his hand. Hogan doesn’t respond and Hall pushes Hogan. Hogan then straightens up and punches Hall and Nash. Hall gets back up but the Rock grabs him so that Hogan can strike Hall. Hogan lines up the punch but as he goes to connect with a punch on Hall, The Rock moves and delivers a kick between the legs of Hogan before delivering yet another Rock Bottom.

The Rock’s smile returns as Nash pulls out a spray can and hands it over to The Rock. In the middle of the ring The Rock spray paints “NWO” on Hogan’s back. Hall, Nash and Rock stand over Hogan’s body as the camera zooms in on the back on Hogan.