This match on the **September 4, 2001 episode of WWF SmackDown! ** saw Rob Van Dam (Hardcore Champion) go one-on-one with WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin in a physical, hard-hitting non-title bout that played heavily into tension within the Alliance storyline. From the opening bell Austin immediately attacked RVD, driving him into the corner and punishing him with clotheslines, head-butts, and ring-post bumps while trying to assert control. RVD fired back with spinning kicks and offensive bursts, even slamming Austin’s head into the announce table and getting some momentum before Austin retaliated with a superplex and more strikes throughout the ring and into the crowd. Despite a strong effort, including RVD knocking Austin to the outside and landing high-impact offense, Austin stayed in control for much of the match by cutting off RVD’s aerial attacks and repeatedly grounding him. Late in the bout, RVD delivered a kick to a chair-wielding Austin and climbed to the top rope, but Austin caught him and hit the Stunner. As Austin went for the Ankle Lock instead of a pin, Kurt Angle’s music hit, distracting Austin long enough for RVD to sneak up and roll him up for the upset pinfall as SmackDown! went off the air, giving RVD a major win and adding more heat to the ongoing championship picture.
