WWF SmackDown on January 24, 2002, delivered high-stakes action from the North Charleston Coliseum in South Carolina as part of the Undisputed WWF Championship No. 1 Contendership Tournament. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin overcame Booker T in a semi-final, while Kurt Angle upset The Rock amid shocking interference.
Tournament Kickoff and Atmosphere
The episode opened with hype for the four-man tournament to determine Chris Jericho's challenger at No Way Out, featuring semi-finals on SmackDown and the final on Raw. Fans packed the North Charleston Coliseum for a night blending intense rivalries with WWF's Attitude Era edge.Key undercard matches set the tone, including Rob Van Dam's quick win over Intercontinental Champion William Regal via Five Star Frog Splash and Rikishi's Banzai Drop victory against Big Bossman. Tag action saw champions Spike Dudley and Tazz retain against Albert and Scotty 2 Hotty in a chaotic bout.
Stone Cold vs. Booker T Breakdown
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin faced Booker T in a gritty semi-final, with the winner advancing to Raw. Austin controlled early with a spinebuster and neckbreaker, but Booker shifted momentum via superkick and leg work, sending Austin into the steps.Booker hit a spinaroonie after countering the Stunner, followed by a scissors kick for a near fall, but Austin reversed into his own Stunner for the pin at around 9:16. This win propelled Austin toward Jericho, building on their grocery store brawl rivalry from late 2001.
Kurt Angle vs. The Rock Chaos
The main event pitted Olympic hero Kurt Angle against The Rock, both vying for title contention. They traded suplexes and signature moves, with Angle applying the Ankle Lock and Rock countering with a Sharpshooter.Chaos erupted as Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho distracted the ref on commentary, then The Undertaker appeared for a devastating chokeslam on Rock, allowing Angle the pin. This interference stemmed from Rock mocking Taker's Royal Rumble elimination by Maven.
Bigger Picture and No Way Out Build
Winners Austin and Angle were set to clash on Raw for the No. 1 contendership shot at Jericho during No Way Out on February 17. Vince McMahon's eerie promos teased the nWo invasion, adding corporate drama amid the wrestling fireworks.This SmackDown exemplified WWF's peak storytelling, blending athletic matches with interference angles that fueled PPVs. Tables matches like Kane & Big Show vs. Dudley Boyz and women's action rounded out a stacked card.
