Stone Cold vs. Rikishi: A No Mercy 2000 Grudge Match for the Ages

Nov 5, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 16 views

Stone Cold vs. Rikishi: A No Mercy 2000 Grudge Match for the Ages

WWE’s history is rich with iconic rivalries, but the collision between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi at No Mercy 2000 stands out as a particularly brutal and unforgettable encounter. This wasn’t just a wrestling match; it was a deeply personal, no-holds-barred brawl fueled by betrayal, revenge, and a shared desire to inflict maximum damage. The stakes were astronomically high, with Stone Cold seeking retribution for a heinous act, and Rikishi attempting to cement his reputation as a dominant force. The anticipation leading up to this contest was palpable, as fans knew they were about to witness something truly special, a testament to the raw intensity that defined the Attitude Era. The air was thick with tension, a premonition of the violence that was about to unfold in the squared circle.

The Genesis of a Grudge: Betrayal and Vengeance

The seeds of the Stone Cold vs. Rikishi No Mercy 2000 showdown were sown in one of the most shocking moments in WWE history. Leading up to Survivor Series 1999, Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered a severe injury that sidelined him, and the mystery surrounding who was responsible consumed the WWF. After months of speculation and a series of attacks, the culprit was revealed: Rikishi. This revelation sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. The normally jovial and fan-favorite “dancing Samoan” was exposed as the driver of the car that ran over Stone Cold, leaving him hospitalized and facing an uncertain future. The motive, as explained by Rikishi, was a twisted sense of loyalty to the deceased Owen Hart and a desire to fulfill his legacy, which he believed Stone Cold had disrespected. This act of pure malice transformed Rikishi from a beloved entertainer into a despised villain, and the target of Stone Cold’s unadulterated fury. The WWF management, capitalizing on this explosive storyline, booked a series of intense confrontations leading to their ultimate clash at No Mercy 2000. The narrative wasn’t just about wrestling; it was about justice being served in the most visceral way possible, with Stone Cold aiming to reclaim what was stolen from him: his career and his peace of mind. The WWF Universe was divided, some revelling in the shock of Rikishi’s turn, while others were baying for Stone Cold’s immediate return and swift revenge. This deeply personal vendetta added a layer of gritty realism to the often fantastical world of professional wrestling, making the impending match at No Mercy a must-see event.

The Road to No Mercy: Escalating Animosity

Following the shocking revelation on SmackDown!, the WWF programming became a relentless showcase of the escalating animosity between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi. Stone Cold, still recovering but driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge, made his presence felt through sneak attacks and intense verbal confrontations. He vowed to make Rikishi pay for his actions, not just with a victory, but with prolonged suffering. The crowd’s reaction to Stone Cold’s return was deafening; they were fully invested in his quest for justice. Meanwhile, Rikishi, embracing his newfound heel persona, reveled in the chaos he had created. He adopted a more menacing demeanor, frequently taunting Stone Cold and basking in the heat he received from the audience. His signature moves, the Stink Face and the Banzai Drop, took on a more sinister tone, no longer just playful antics but weapons of psychological warfare. Several confrontations prior to No Mercy 2000 saw the two Superstars engage in chaotic brawls that spilled out of the arena and into the backstage areas, highlighting the volatile nature of their feud. These skirmishes served as crucial foreshadowing, demonstrating the lack of holds barred approach both men were willing to take. The narrative was expertly crafted, building the tension with each passing week, ensuring that by the time No Mercy 2000 arrived, the WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats, anticipating a wrestling war. The sheer brutality of their pre-match encounters underscored the personal nature of the feud, leaving fans to wonder just how far these two men would go to settle their score.

Austin’s Return and the Reignited Fire

Stone Cold Steve Austin’s return to in-ring competition was one of the most anticipated moments of the Attitude Era, and it was inextricably linked to his quest for vengeance against Rikishi. After a lengthy absence due to the infamous hit-and-run incident, Austin made his triumphant return, not with a triumphant march, but with a singular focus: to dismantle Rikishi piece by piece. His promo cutting promos were laced with raw anger and a chilling intensity that resonated with fans who had followed his career. He didn’t just want to win; he wanted to inflict pain and make Rikishi understand the gravity of his actions. This return reignited the fire within the WWE Universe, uniting them behind their anti-hero in his pursuit of retribution. Every time Austin’s music hit, the arena erupted, a testament to his enduring popularity and the compelling nature of his quest. The narrative of Austin’s return was more than just a comeback; it was a promise of payback, a statement that no one, not even a dominant force like Rikishi, could get away with such a heinous act without facing the wrath of the Texas Rattlesnake. The WWF writers masterfully used this return to amplify the stakes for the No Mercy 2000 encounter, ensuring it was viewed not just as a championship match, but as a personal vendetta coming to a head.

Rikishi’s Dominance and the Provocation

On the other side of this volatile equation stood Rikishi, who had embraced his role as a villain with chilling conviction. Following the revelation of his involvement in the attack on Stone Cold, Rikishi underwent a transformation, shedding his playful persona for a more sinister and dominant one. He relished the boos and the hatred directed his way, using it as fuel to further his agenda. Rikishi was portrayed as an unstoppable force, using his immense size and power to overwhelm opponents. His signature moves, the Stink Face and the devastating Banzai Drop, became symbols of his newfound brutality. He frequently taunted Stone Cold, boasting about his actions and reveling in the suffering he had inflicted. This deliberate provocation was designed to draw Stone Cold back into the ring prematurely and, more importantly, to get inside his head. Rikishi wasn’t just trying to defeat Stone Cold in a wrestling match; he was attempting to break him mentally and physically before they even stepped into the ring at No Mercy 2000. His promos were filled with a dark charisma, a chilling confidence that suggested he believed he was untouchable. This aggressive and provocative stance solidified his status as a top heel and created a palpable sense of danger surrounding his impending clash with Stone Cold, making the WWF Universe eager to see if Stone Cold could overcome this newfound menace.

The No Mercy 2000 Encounter: A Brutal Affair

No Mercy 2000 delivered on its promise of unparalleled brutality when Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi finally locked horns. The match was a chaotic, no-holds-barred affair that showcased the raw intensity of both competitors. From the opening bell, it was clear that this was more than just a wrestling contest; it was a personal war. Stone Cold, fueled by months of pent-up rage, attacked Rikishi with a ferocity that was truly astonishing. He used every weapon at his disposal, including chairs, kendo sticks, and anything else he could get his hands on. Rikishi, for his part, met Stone Cold’s aggression with his own brute strength, attempting to use his size advantage to wear down the “Texas Rattlesnake.” The match spilled out of the ring multiple times, with the brawl extending into the crowd and through the backstage area, epitomizing the Attitude Era’s penchant for uncontrolled violence. The booking of this match was deliberate: to make it feel like a street fight, a true test of endurance and will rather than a technical wrestling showcase. The iconic image of Stone Cold driving a truck over Rikishi’s car prior to the match had already set a precedent for the extreme measures these men were willing to take. The audience was on the edge of their seats, witnessing a visceral display of anger and retribution. The finish of the match was equally chaotic, with interference and a controversial ending that left many fans debating its true outcome, but the lasting memory was the sheer, unadulterated violence and the personal vendetta that had reached its boiling point. The match was a perfect encapsulation of why the Attitude Era was so captivating: it was unpredictable, it was raw, and it was driven by compelling, personal storylines.

A Match of Unsanctioned Violence

The Stone Cold vs. Rikishi match at No Mercy 2000 was far from a traditional wrestling bout; it was a brutal exhibition of unsanctioned violence. The referees, for the most part, were unable to control the pandemonium that ensued, and at times, it felt as though the match had no rules at all. Chairs were used with devastating effect, kendo sticks cracked across backs, and the canvas was littered with debris from the chaotic brawls. Stone Cold, ever the pragmatist when it came to revenge, didn’t hold back, delivering a flurry of punches, kicks, and signature moves designed to inflict maximum pain. Rikishi, despite being on the receiving end of Stone Cold’s fury for much of the match, proved to be a formidable opponent, absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment and dishing out his own brand of punishment with his powerful strikes and slams. The visual of Stone Cold’s bloodied face, a testament to the punishment he endured, only added to the gritty realism of the encounter. This wasn’t about winning cleanly; it was about survival and the catharsis of inflicting pain on an enemy. The fans in attendance were not witnessing a display of athletic prowess as much as they were witnessing a primal battle, a culmination of a deeply personal feud that had spilled onto the wrestling stage. The unsanctioned nature of the violence underscored the extreme animosity between the two Superstars, making No Mercy 2000 a landmark event for its sheer ferocity.

The Infamous Truck Incident: A Precursor to Chaos

Perhaps one of the most visually shocking and memorable moments that set the stage for the Stone Cold vs. Rikishi No Mercy 2000 encounter was the infamous truck incident. In a move that perfectly encapsulated the extreme nature of the Attitude Era and the personal vendetta between the two Superstars, Stone Cold Steve Austin, still seeking retribution, used a forklift to lift Rikishi’s car and then dropped it from a significant height, crushing it completely. This act of pure destruction was not just a symbolic gesture; it was a direct and brutal message to Rikishi: Stone Cold was willing to go to any lengths to make him pay. The visual of the crushed car was a stark reminder of the consequences of Rikishi’s actions and the immense power Stone Cold wielded when fueled by rage. This incident, broadcast on SmackDown!, amplified the anticipation for their match at No Mercy 2000, raising the stakes to an unprecedented level. It demonstrated that the upcoming match would not be confined to the wrestling ring, but would be a chaotic, no-holds-barred confrontation where anything could happen. The sheer audacity and destructive nature of this event cemented its place in WWE history and further fueled the narrative of Stone Cold’s relentless pursuit of vengeance, making the No Mercy 2000 showdown an unavoidable and intensely anticipated spectacle.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Stone Cold vs. Rikishi No Mercy 2000 match, while incredibly brutal and entertaining, left a significant mark on both Superstars and the WWE landscape. While the match itself was a violent spectacle, its conclusion was mired in controversy, adding another layer to its complex legacy. The outcome was not a clean victory for either man, and the interference from other Superstars played a role, which was typical of the Attitude Era’s storytelling. However, the lasting impact of the feud extended beyond a single match. For Stone Cold, it marked a period of his career focused on reclaiming his dominance and settling unfinished business. For Rikishi, it was a defining feud that showcased his versatility as a performer, proving he could be a compelling heel as well as a beloved face. The No Mercy 2000 encounter is remembered not just for the physical violence, but for the compelling narrative of betrayal and revenge that drove it. It remains a potent example of how personal animosity, when skillfully woven into the fabric of professional wrestling, can create unforgettable moments and enduring storylines. The match, and the feud that preceded it, became a touchstone for the Attitude Era’s signature blend of intense action and gritty, character-driven drama, solidifying its place in the annals of WWE history.

A Controversial Finish and Lingering Questions

The finish to the Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi match at No Mercy 2000 was as chaotic and controversial as the bout itself. As the match reached its fever pitch, with both men battered and exhausted, outside interference became the catalyst for the end. This interference, a common trope in the Attitude Era, served to protect both Superstars while prolonging the narrative. The exact nature of the finish often depends on how one interprets the events, but it typically involved the involvement of other wrestlers, leading to a no-contest or a disqualification, rather than a decisive pinfall. This ambiguous ending left the WWE Universe clamoring for more and added a layer of unresolved tension to the feud. It allowed for the story to continue, demonstrating that sometimes, the most compelling narratives aren’t tied up neatly with a bow. The controversial finish ensured that the animosity between Stone Cold and Rikishi wasn’t fully extinguished at No Mercy 2000, paving the way for future confrontations and keeping fans invested in the ongoing saga of revenge and retribution. The lack of a clear-cut victor only served to fuel the intensity of their rivalry and keep the audience guessing about who would ultimately emerge victorious in their war.

The Enduring Appeal of the Attitude Era

The Stone Cold vs. Rikishi feud and their clash at No Mercy 2000 serve as a powerful microcosm of the enduring appeal of the Attitude Era. This period in WWE history was characterized by its edgy content, boundary-pushing storylines, and larger-than-life characters who often operated in shades of gray. The feud between Stone Cold and Rikishi, built on a foundation of betrayal, revenge, and raw violence, perfectly embodies these qualities. Fans were drawn to the authenticity of the emotions, the high stakes, and the unpredictable nature of the confrontations. Stone Cold Steve Austin was the ultimate anti-hero, a symbol of rebellion and defiance, while Rikishi’s turn from fan favorite to vengeful villain was a masterstroke of storytelling. The No Mercy 2000 match itself, with its brutal physicality and chaotic nature, was a perfect culmination of this narrative. It wasn’t just about who was the better wrestler; it was about who could inflict more punishment and who had the stronger will to survive. The legacy of this feud lies not only in the memorable moments it produced but also in its contribution to the overall mystique and enduring popularity of the Attitude Era, proving that compelling character development and intense, personal rivalries are the bedrock of captivating sports entertainment. The unwritten rule of this era was that anything could happen, and the Stone Cold vs. Rikishi saga at No Mercy 2000 was a prime example of that philosophy in action, leaving an indelible mark on WWE’s storied past.

In conclusion, the Stone Cold vs. Rikishi encounter at No Mercy 2000 was a pivotal moment in WWE history, a brutal and unforgettable clash that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Attitude Era. The deeply personal feud, fueled by betrayal and a relentless quest for revenge, captivated audiences worldwide. From the shocking revelation of Rikishi’s involvement in the attack on Stone Cold to the no-holds-barred brutality of their match, every element was designed to create a visceral and compelling narrative. This iconic rivalry stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in professional wrestling, proving that when combined with raw talent and unadulterated aggression, it can create moments that resonate for decades. The No Mercy 2000 battle remains a benchmark for intense grudge matches, forever etched in the memories of wrestling fans as a true clash of titans.