The result of a weeks-long rivalry between Rikishi and Val Venis, the Steel Cage match for the Intercontinental Championship at Fully Loaded was a watershed bout in both men's careers. Rikishi was in the midst of a career renaissance while a heel turn and pairing with Trish Stratus had been incredibly beneficial for Venis, who had fallen into mediocrity and irrelevancy at the end of 1999. Their match for the second-most important title in all of WWE was a reward for their hard work and determination and they repaid management's faith with a great match. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1zspz8_fully-loaded-2000-rikishi-vs-val-venis-steel-cage-match_sport Venis took a tremendous beating and bled for his art while Rikishi sailed through the air, leaping off the top of the cage and crashing into the midsection of his opponent in one of the most memorable spots of an outstanding year of WWE programming. Interference from Tazz put a damper on an otherwise hard-fought match as Venis survived a brutal beating to emerge with his title intact. Unfortunately for the hard-working Canadian, his reign as champion would come to an end a month later at the hands of Chyna as sports-entertainment storytelling took precedence over strong midcard booking.
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.
