Review by Gary Ballance

2001's King of the Ring was quite enjoyable. While the actual KotR tournament wasn't great (it was a risky move putting 4 heels in the final 4), two matches in particular were outstanding:

• Shane McMahon vs Kurt Angle (Street Fight). I am constantly amazed by Shane's in-ring skills (he could show some of the WWF's roster- X Pac, Dudleys- a thing or two). He puts in a lot of effort in this match, as well as Angle (who wrestles his 3rd match of the night). Very good spots in this match, esp. Shane's Shooting Star Press and a few nasty bumps (Angle's botched Overhead Suplex where Shane landed on his head, as well as an Overhead Suplex through a glass set prop.) A spectacular ending caps off a great match,which is the best of the night.

• Chris Benoit vs Chris Jericho vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (Triple Threat Match for the WWF Title). Also a great match. Jericho, who has worked his ass off in the WWF for nearly two years, is rewarded with his first PPV main event, and it's a good one. Good technical wrestling between Jericho and Benoit (who manage to trap Austin in the Crippler Crossface and Walls of Jericho at the SAME TIME!) Features an appearance from a major WCW player and an extremely bizarre conclusion.

Other matches include X-Pac vs Jeff Hardy, Spike Dudley & Kane vs the Dudleyz, Diamond Dallas Page vs The Undertaker (non- sactioned brawl) and the KotR Tournament (featuring Edge, Christian, Rhyno and Kurt Angle)