RVD vs Chris Beniot
RVD vs Chris Beniot (Summerslam 2002)
RVD sent an early message with a bunch of hard kicks to the Rabid Wolverine who was forced to regroup outside the ring. And regroup he did, driving RVD to the mat and using a series of holds to wear down RVD.
After a vicious suplex by Benoit, referee Earl Hebner asked RVD if he could continue. RVD said, "yes" and suffered for a few more minutes at the hands of the reigning champ.
An inside cradle by RVD seemed to inspire him for a moment, but just as soon, Benoit took control with a few knife edge chops.
A split legged moonsault then went awry for the SoCal high-flyer, and Benoit attempted the high-risk flying head butt off the top rope and missed.
Van Dam countered with the 5-Star, but Benoit rolled away and applied the Crippler Crossface to a hurt RVD. RVD managed to find the ropes, and the match continued with Benoit in control.
Several minutes later, Benoit cinched in the Crossface again., RVD, broke free! Nevertheless, Benoit continued his relentless assault including three German Suplexes and another Crossface which RVD escaped from.
Finally, RVD got some offense in with a springboard, near fall, Rolling Thunder, and another near fall.
Benoit fought back and went for a suplex off the top rope and RVD countered in the air and turned it into a body slam. With Benoit prone on the mat RVD went for the 5 Star and hit it. One-two-three. RVD is the new Intercontinental Champion.
Winner: RVD New Intercontinental Champion