Stone Cold Vs. Rikishi: No Mercy 2000's Wild Showdown

Alright guys, buckle up because we're about to take a deep dive into one of the most unexpected and wild rivalries of the legendary Attitude Era: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi at No Mercy 2000. This wasn't just any wrestling match; it was the culmination of a truly shocking storyline that kept millions of fans glued to their television screens, desperate to uncover the truth behind who ran over the Texas Rattlesnake. For those of us who lived through the Monday Night Wars, this period was pure magic, and this particular feud stands out for its drama, its twists, and its sheer audacity. We're talking about a time when WWE (then WWF) pushed the boundaries of storytelling, creating narratives that felt cinematic and larger than life. The air was electric, the stakes were incredibly high, and the reveal of Rikishi as the assailant was a moment that sent shockwaves through the entire professional wrestling landscape. It challenged our perceptions of heroes and villains, bringing a genuinely unpredictable element to the already volatile world of Stone Cold Steve Austin. So grab a cold one, give me a "Hell Yeah!", and let’s rewind to a time when two absolute powerhouses collided in a collision course of epic proportions. This article isn't just about a match; it's about a moment in history that encapsulated the intensity, the intrigue, and the unforgettable entertainment that defined the Attitude Era. Get ready to relive every single twist, turn, and bone-shattering impact from this truly iconic showdown.

The Unthinkable Plot Twist: Who Ran Over Stone Cold?

Before we even talk about the match itself, we absolutely have to discuss the incredible, mind-bending storyline that led us to Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi at No Mercy 2000. It all started way back in November 1999 at the Survivor Series pay-per-view. Stone Cold Steve Austin, the undisputed top dog of the WWF, was gearing up for a Triple Threat match for the WWF Championship against Triple H and The Rock. But before he could even make it to the ring, he was deliberately run over by a mysterious driver in a car. Talk about a shocking moment! The crowd went silent, fans at home gasped, and the wrestling world was left reeling. Austin was written off television for nearly a year to undergo necessary neck surgery, leaving us all to wonder: who did it? This wasn't just a simple injury angle, guys; this was a long-term, intricate mystery that became a central plot point for months. The WWF creative team masterfully kept the assailant's identity under wraps, dropping subtle hints, misdirections, and red herrings along the way. When Austin finally made his triumphant return in the fall of 2000, his sole mission was clear: vengeance. He wasn't interested in championships or glory; he wanted to find out who tried to end his career. The suspense was almost unbearable, creating a level of engagement rarely seen in sports entertainment. The hunt for the culprit led Austin through various suspects, including Rikishi, and later, Scotty 2 Hotty, Too Cool, and even The Rock for a moment of doubt. The tension built week after week, with Stone Cold tearing through anyone who stood in his way, demanding answers. The fans were desperate for closure, yearning to see the Rattlesnake get his hands on the person responsible. This narrative, a slow-burn thriller woven into the fabric of weekly television, showcased the storytelling prowess of the Attitude Era, proving that wrestling could be just as captivating as any prime-time drama. It set the stage for a reveal that no one truly saw coming, and cemented this particular storyline as one of the most memorable and discussed of all time.

The Stunning Revelation: Rikishi Did It!

This, my friends, is where the story of Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi at No Mercy 2000 truly takes its most dramatic turn. After months of speculation, wild theories, and Austin administering Stunners to anyone who looked at him funny, the truth finally emerged. On the October 9, 2000, episode of Raw Is War, Stone Cold Steve Austin finally cornered Rikishi. In a shocking confession, Rikishi admitted he was the one who drove the car that nearly ended Austin's career. But here’s the kicker, guys: his motivation was absolutely insane! Rikishi, a generally beloved, dancing, fan-favorite big man, claimed he did it “for The Rock.” He argued that the WWF had always held down his Samoan family, despite their incredible talent and contributions to the business, and that by taking out Stone Cold, he was clearing the path for his cousin, The Rock, to reach the top. He wanted to ensure that a Samoan, specifically The Rock, would be the man, not Austin. This heel turn was one for the ages, completely subverting audience expectations and transforming a fun-loving character into a bitter, resentful villain. The betrayal was deeply personal, striking at the heart of Austin’s trust and challenging the very core of his legacy. Rikishi, with newfound aggression and a chillingly calm demeanor, now stood as Austin's mortal enemy. This revelation didn't just shock the fans; it redefined the feud, turning it from a simple revenge plot into a complex narrative about ambition, family loyalty, and the dark side of striving for success. The fact that Rikishi, of all people, was the culprit made the entire storyline incredibly compelling and unpredictable, solidifying its place in Attitude Era lore. The stage was now set for a brutal confrontation at No Mercy 2000, where Stone Cold wouldn't just be looking for a win; he'd be looking for absolute, total retribution against the man who tried to take everything from him. This deep-seated personal vendetta elevated the stakes to an almost unbearable level, ensuring that their match would be nothing short of an absolute war, fueled by pure, unadulterated hatred.

The No Mercy 2000 Match: Stone Cold vs. Rikishi

The air at the Albany, New York arena on October 22, 2000, was absolutely thick with anticipation for the highly anticipated collision between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi at No Mercy 2000. This wasn't just another match on the card; this was the grudge match, the culmination of nearly a year of mystery, anger, and betrayal. The crowd was absolutely electric, practically vibrating with excitement as Stone Cold's glass-shattering theme hit, followed by Rikishi's entrance, which was met with a chorus of boos. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear this wasn't going to be a technical masterpiece; this was going to be a fight. Austin, fueled by pure rage, immediately went after Rikishi, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks. He wasn't holding anything back, demonstrating the sheer intensity of his desire for revenge. Rikishi, for his part, tried to use his size and power to overwhelm the Rattlesnake, but Austin was too determined, too driven by vengeance to be easily subdued. The action spilled outside the ring almost immediately, a chaotic brawl that perfectly fit the narrative. We saw chairs, steel steps, and whatever else they could get their hands on being utilized as weapons. The referee had long since lost control, and honestly, the fans didn't care. They wanted to see Austin get his pound of flesh, and he was delivering a relentless assault. Rikishi fought back valiantly, showing a newfound aggression that matched his evil heel persona, but Austin's fury was unmatched. The match was brutal, a street fight masquerading as a wrestling match, and it perfectly encapsulated the no-holds-barred nature of the Attitude Era. Every blow landed with conviction, every move carried significant weight, reinforcing the deep personal hatred between these two competitors. The storytelling continued to be excellent, as Rikishi, despite his monstrous size, found himself unable to escape the relentless pressure from a truly vengeful Stone Cold. This match was designed to be a definitive confrontation, and it delivered on all fronts, providing a visceral and satisfying spectacle for the thousands of fans in attendance and millions watching around the world. It solidified the fact that when Austin wanted revenge, absolutely no one, not even a powerhouse like Rikishi, could stand in his way.

The Infamous Forklift Incident

Now, guys, let's talk about the moment that everyone remembers from Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi at No Mercy 2000: the truly unforgettable and absolutely insane ending. The match had already been a chaotic brawl, with both men giving it their all. But Austin, still driven by an insatiable need for retribution, wasn't satisfied with a simple pinfall or submission victory. He wanted to make Rikishi pay in the most humiliating and painful way possible. The action had spilled backstage, a common occurrence in these Attitude Era brawls. Austin, ever the unpredictable force, found himself a forklift. Yes, a forklift! In a moment of pure, unadulterated madness, Stone Cold strapped Rikishi into the back of a truck or some other vehicle, then proceeded to use the forklift to try and drop the entire vehicle onto Rikishi! It was an incredibly dangerous and visually striking moment that epitomized the extreme nature of the Attitude Era. The live audience erupted, a mixture of gasps and cheers, as Austin piloted the heavy machinery, attempting to crush his assailant. This wasn't a clean finish, and it wasn't supposed to be. This was pure, unfiltered vengeance. The match ended in a no contest as other officials and security rushed in to prevent Austin from committing what would have been an absolutely horrific act. While Rikishi was able to escape relatively unharmed (it's wrestling, after all!), the message was clear: Stone Cold Steve Austin was back, he was more dangerous than ever, and he would stop at nothing to get his revenge. This segment wasn't just about the physicality; it was about the storytelling, showcasing Austin's descent into a single-minded pursuit of justice, blurring the lines between hero and anti-hero. The forklift moment is permanently etched into the memories of wrestling fans, a testament to the creative risks and boundary-pushing narratives that made the Attitude Era so incredibly captivating. It served as a definitive exclamation point to the initial chapter of this brutal rivalry, leaving no doubt about the depth of Austin's rage and his willingness to go to extreme lengths for his justice. It was a chaotic, unforgettable, and truly iconic moment that reinforced the unpredictable nature of Stone Cold Steve Austin and his quest for ultimate retribution.

Aftermath and Unmasking the Mastermind

The Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi at No Mercy 2000 match, while ending in a no-contest, was far from the end of this compelling storyline. In fact, it only intensified Austin’s hunt and led to an even bigger revelation. The forklift incident left everyone wondering what would happen next, and the WWF didn't keep us waiting. Rikishi, still claiming he acted alone, was challenged by Stone Cold to another match, a No Holds Barred match at Armageddon 2000. But before that event, the plot thickened. During an interview segment, Stone Cold confronted Rikishi again, forcing him to confess that he wasn't acting alone. Rikishi was merely a pawn in a much larger, more sinister game. The true mastermind, the one who orchestrated the entire