Backstage, HHH says he has a bad feeling. As he is warming up, he pleads with Steph to stay in the back because he doesn’t want anything to happen to her. Steph runs into Benoit who asks how her head is. Steph slaps the shit out of him and he just smiles. HHH jumps Angle at his entrance and this is worked straight as a chaotic brawl. It is really well done and the intensity is up for these two. In fact, it may be better bell to bell than their PPV match. HHH sends Angle through a table with an elbow drop as Steph comes out. Benoit comes out again and HHH attacks him. Angle is now recovered and goes to hit a chair on HHH until Steph stops him. With Steph still on the apron, Benoit drags her down. This gets HHH going after her and allows Angle to sneak from behind and hit the Olympic Slam to become the #1 contender. After the match, HHH gives Steph the business and tells her that she should have stayed backstage. Steph is crying as HHH walks away. Really good tv main event and another match to add to HHH’s 2000 resume. ***1/4 (6.7)

I absolutely liked this more than the pay per view match. Better pace, more discernible hatred, better character work. Angle is steadily coming along a bit week by week but I still think he struggled here to be that compelling on top. Luckily, this goes by quickly and it doesn't have a chance to lose its intensity. I even like the finish and Angle really was in a spot to capitalize off a win at this point.

 

***1/4