(fantasy) the landscape changeth, part 4
Jacob Gilbert
married to HHH. Instead, the "new owner of ECW" is cozy with "Action"
Jack Hunter.
Smackdown is in Boston. As usual, all ad breaks are held to 2:00
blocks. We delete the recap from Raw (which aired twice).
8:02 (EDT): WCW/ECW promo, cut to 8:00.
8:10: Vince McMahon/Chris Jericho segment. The clues are starting to
show up telling us that Invasion will have a different ending.
8:14: We're back with Stephanie, who's now in the office of her other
business venture, McMahon-Hunter Enterprises. Jack is waiting for her.
StM: Thanks for being patient, honey. (kisses Jack)
AJ: Not a problem, Steph. Anyway, I need a huge favor from you.
StM: Name it, big boy. I can grant any wish you desire.
AJ: Well, this has to do with the referees' match at Invasion. There's
no way any of the other refs will be non-partisan in this bout. What
we need is a trouble-shooter, someone who can call it down the center,
and.....
StM: And happens to be 6'6", 275 pounds, and can see the whole ring?
Consider your wish granted, handsome! Of course, we'll need to make
some alterations on the shirt, but.....
AJ: Don't sweat the details, beautiful. Everything'll be fine. Thank
you so much. (they kiss)
Y2J-DDP ends in a DDQ as Cordell McShayne steps in and cites Nick
Patrick's bias toward Page.
Additionally, Torrie Wilson is DQd in the arm wrestling match for
interference. Not only does Patrick get wasted by Lita, Trish, & Earl
Hebner, but McShayne comes down and gets himself some. To the surprise
of many, McShayne hammers Patrick with---the Nightmare Plunge, his
cousin Jack's finisher. Lita & Trish follow with consecutive
moonsaults on Patrick. Off-camera, Trish leaves hand in hand with
McShayne!
Post-show: Trish and Shane Cordell (McShayne) double date with Jack &
Steph for a nightcap at a local eatery. Despite Trish's flirting
on-camera with Jeff Hardy, she's playing the field, as is Cordell.
Byte This!: Vince McMahon is the guest, and both Shane & Steph are
heard from. The seeds are still being planted for a surprise swerve at
Invasion. It's also mentioned that Jack will indeed be the guest ref
for Hebner v. Patrick, and will be at ringside with Stephanie for the
main event, strictly as a bodyguard for his beloved.
7/18: The McMahons are a happy family attending the Mets-Marlins game
at Shea. Jack sprung for the tickets, expecting to match cousin Shane
with someone, but Shane begged off, saying he had business in Atlanta
to take care of. Steph of course is with Jack, Vince & Linda make a
rare public appearance together, and Shane-O-Mac is with wife Marissa.
Powerslam Radio (our version only): This week's show originates from
WWF-NY, and expands to 3 hours. ECW, WCW, & WWF wrestlers will appear
in separate discussion forums. Team WWF also includes referee Teddy
Long. Details next time, plus Invasion, in the conclusion of "the
landscape changeth".
J. C. Gilbert