[2000-09-07-WWF-Smackdown] The Undertaker vs Kurt Angle

[soup23]

Angle looked better here than at Fully Loaded against Taker but he still gets manhandled pretty well. At least Taker varies things up with a gutwrench suplex. Angle transitioning with a drop toe hold was a nice spot. The finish happens quickly as Benoit runs in for the DQ. A neat moment then happens as HHH makes the save but goes directly after Angle. Its not so much that he was helping Taker as he wants a piece at Angle. *1/2

[AstroBoy]

Fine action but nothing more than a placeholder to move these stories along. This time feels like a bit of a flux as Triple H and Angle is taking on a different kind of dynamic while they are working to set up all these challengers for the title at the same time. The developments here are good steps in those directions.

 

*1/2

[GSR]

The Undertaker is manhandling Kurt with ease in the early moments, including hitting a cool variation of the powerslam, almost like Duke Droese’s old ‘Trash Compactor’ finisher.  Triple H is shown watching on from his dressing room and finding Angle’s predicament all too amusing.  Taker looks more motivated than usual tonight, even busting out the old-school walk across the top rope.  A drop toe hold stops Taker in his tracks, before Kurt kicks him in the groin and gets a two count after a DDT.  Angle runs into a big boot but manages to escape the tombstone, hitting a high release German suplex.  We see HHH looking on again and while he is no longer looking as pleased as he did previously now that Kurt's in control, Stephanie is certainly enjoying what she sees.  A flying clothesline takes Angle off his feet and as Taker goes for the last ride, he’s attacked by Chris Benoit for the cheap DQ.  ‘The Game’ makes the save, but Michael Cole portrays it that he’s more interested in getting his hands on Kurt Angle than he is of helping the Undertaker.  With Angle now out of there, Taker eventually delivers the ‘Last Ride’ to ‘the Crippler’ to leave the fans happy.