Someone ran Steve Austin over at the Survivor Series in November 1999. In September 2000, upon The Texas Rattlesnake's return to the squared circle, the question of "who perpetrated the vehicular assault" dominated WWE television. Commissioner Mick Foley investigated, questioning performers nonstop until he found the man, or men, responsible. On the October 9th episode of Raw, Foley revealed the results of his search: it was lovable dancing midcard babyface Rikishi that was the perpetrator. "I did it for The Rock. I did it for the people", he said, defending his actions by saying it allowed a Samoan to finally capture the WWE Championship. The big man would undergo a change in personality, relishing in the opportunity to remind fans that he had taken out their hero. Of course, he found himself on the receiving end of a world-class ass-whopping courtesy of Stone Cold at the No Mercy pay-per-view, then hung around the upper mid-card for another month of two before dropping down the card and settling into the tag division with Haku. What probably should have been a monumental moment in Rikishi's career, one that elevated him permanently to the top of the card, was instead a single, brief flirtation with main event greatness. It failed miserably, with fans not buying the fun-loving heavyweight as an attempted killer.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
