This Day In Wrestling History - July 1

Date: July 1, 2002 (11 years ago)

Event: The Undertaker beat Jeff Hardy in a ladder match for the WWF Title on Raw. The match is remembered for Jim Ross's famous call of a Hardy nearfall: "Climb the ladder, kid! Make yourself famous!" Also on the show, Brock Lesnar beat Ric Flair.

Torch Newsletter Back-Issue Feature: PWTorch Newsletter #702 Raw TV Report

Not a VIP member? Find out how to access over 1,000 PWTorch Newsletter back-issues right now by CLICKING HERE - PWTorch.com/GoVIP.

WWE Raw TV Report
July 1, 2002
Live from Manchester, N.H.
Report by Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

- Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman walked to the ring for a promo. Heyman said Lesnar issued an open challenge to any WWE veteran earlier in the day. Ric Flair walked out and accepted the challenge, saying he had not forgot that Lesnar cost him the WWE Ownership match against Vince McMahon.

(1) Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) beat Ric Flair at 6:58 with the F5. The wrestlers split the offense, which is way too much considering that Lesnar is supposed to be a monster and Flair is in his fifties and has been beaten by just about every major player in the company.

- Backstage, Jonathan Coachman interviewed Jackie Gayda. Molly Holly overheard Jackie remind Cole that Molly took the pinfall during their recent tag match. Molly got upset and attacked Jackie, eventually carrying the fight all the way to the ring. Trish Stratus ran out and pulled Molly's pants down.

(2) Christopher Nowinski beat Bradshaw in a non-title match at 0:56. Before the match, Nowinski cut a promo saying that he had asked for the non-title stipulation because he wants nothing to do with the hardcore title. Nowinski hit Bradshaw with a cowbell before scoring the pin.

- Backstage, Goldust (dressed as Darth Vader) told Booker T that his latest costume was related to a plan.

- Backstage, Vince McMahon told Eddie Guerrero he was making an exception to the split rules by allowing Chris Benoit to wrestle on Raw.

(3) Rob Van Dam beat William Regal with the Five Star Frogsplash in a non-title match at 3:46.

(4) Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley beat Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerrero at 9:23. In the end, Bubba pinned Guerrero. Afterward, Benoit put Spike through a table and locked Bubba in the Crossface.

- Backstage, Goldust, still wearing the Darth Vader outfit, attacked Big Show with a toy light saber. Kevin Nash showed up and knocked out Goldust. Later, Big Show found X-Pac knocked out backstage and then stormed to the ring to take revenge on Booker.

- A video aired of Jeff Hardy's greatest ladder match stunts.

- Backstage, Terri interviewed Undertaker about his match against Jeff Hardy. Instead of talking about the match, Taker hyped his Smackdown match against Kurt Angle and The Rock's return on July 11.

(5) Booker T beat Big Show via countout at 3:22. Booker kicked Show at ringside, which led to Show dropping the ringsteps onto his own head. After the match, Booker made his exit through the crowd as a shot aired of Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash fuming backstage.

- Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash walked to the ring for a promo while Show was still standing there. Michaels claimed that Triple H would be joining the group shortly. Nash shook hands with show, but then pulled him into a superkick from Michaels. Afterward, Michaels told Show not to take the attack personally, calling it "tough love."

- Backstage, Vince announced Undertaker vs. Rock for Vengeance and said the match would take place regardless of whether Taker was still champion. Taker took offense to Vince suggesting he may not retain the title that long and promised that Jeff Hardy would not be able to stand after their match.

- Backstage, Matt Hardy and Lita (wearing a neckbrace) wished Jeff good luck in his match. Jeff spazzed out and slammed the door with his fist.

(6) Undertaker beat Jeff Hardy in a ladder match to retain the WWE Title at 14:05. Taker dominated the match, allowing Jeff to make occasional hope spot comebacks. Late in the match, Jeff made his biggest comeback and climbed the ladder. He got his hand on the title belt, but Taker hit him from behind with a chair. Taker chokeslammed Jeff to the Matt and grabbed the belt for the win.

Afterward, Taker started to drive his bike backstage, but Jeff grabbed the mic and said that Taker hadn't finished him off. Taker returned to the ring and wound up to punch Jeff, but stopped himself. Taker raised Jeff's hand in the air to end the show.

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

We suggest these recent related articles...

WRESTLING PODCAST LOG: Patrick from Tough Enough on Ross & Booker's shows, Austin talks hot topics, Jericho/Mr. Belding, Flair/Madden, Taz, Cabana, more

WRESTLING PODCAST LOG: Heyman talks to Chael Sonnen & Austin, Flair & Steamboat, Cornette to Jim Ross & Roddy Piper, Cabana, Jericho, Taz, more

WRESTLING PODCAST LOG: Jericho talks to Ventura, Cabana to Hawkins, Austin/Barnett, Ross/Danny Davis, Booker/Vickie, Piper/Valentine, Flair, Taz, more