JAZZ (C) VS. TRISH STRATUS

 This was the first episode of Raw under the WWE name. We start with the Get the F Out commercial and Raw’s introduction video. Jim Ross welcomes us to the show with Jerry Lawler as we get crowd shots and pyro. Trish Stratus is the first person we see for the show and it’s difficult to complain about that. Tonight’s main event is Scott Hall, Big Show and X-Pac representing the nWO taking on Steve Austin, Ric Flair and Bradshaw. Jazz makes her way out with Steven Richards, who won the then-WWF Hardcore Championship last week.

 

JAZZ © VS. TRISH STRATUS 
No Disqualifications - WWE Women's Championship
WWE Raw (6^th May 2002)

 Trish Stratus ducks a right hand and connects with some forearms.

  There’s an awkward sunset flip where Jazz walks back before rolling back and Trish only gets 1. Trish backs Jazz into the corner with forearms before kicking the champion in the midsection, wooo chants for chops to Jazz. Jazz reverses an irish whip sending Trish Stratus into the corner but eats shit on a Stinger Splash. Steven Richards jumps onto the apron and the referee misses another roll-up attempt by Trish. Richards avoids a shot from Trish. Jazz knocks Trish to the outside, headbutts her then brings her back in as Lawler calls Jazz and Mike Tyson identical twins. Jazz hits 2 butterfly suplexes, taking time to celebrate between them, and covers but Trish gets her shoulder up at 2. Jazz chokes Trish across the middle rope and strikes Trish before covering for 2 again. Jazz lifts Trish in a chickenwing and slams her down (basically the Glam Slam) and covers for 2. Trish Stratus catches Jazz with a kick and hits the Stratusfaction bulldog, she covers and Steven Richards pulls the referee out of the ring at 2!

  Steven Richards hits the Steven Kick (Superkick) on Trish Stratus, Jazz drapes her arm over Trish and the referee counts the 3.

WINNER: JAZZ (STILL WWE Women’s Champion)

 I don’t know why this was needed. They used the stipulation a few times but they didn’t have the time to tell a story. The abrupt end knocks it down slightly all though itmakes sense for Richards to get involved as Trish Stratus swings the momentum. [*½] 2.75/10