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Austin immediately set out for revenge, facing Rikishi in aNo Holds Barred matchatNo Mercy.[40]
The match went to a no contest when Austin dragged Rikishi to the parking lot and tried to run him over; a police car drove in front of Austin's, saving Rikishi.
Though arrested, Austin had brutally attacked Rikishi, cutting and bruising his face. Later that night, Rikishi interfered in
The Rock'sWWF Championshipdefense against Kurt Angle, but "accidentally" kicked the champ, allowing Angle toAngle Slamthem both and win the title.[41]
After several attacks on Austin by an unseen assailant, it became clear that Rikishi had an accomplice.
During a handicap match pitting Rikishi and Angle against Austin,Triple Hcame to the ring, seemingly to aid Austin, butswervedthe audience by attacking him with asledgehammer.
Triple H then revealed he had masterminded the Survivor Series assault, and hired Rikishi to drive the car.
While Austin began feuding with Triple H,
Rikishi's tension with The Rock boiled over. Despite delivering aStink Faceto the Rock, Rikishi would lose to him in a match atSurvivor Series.[42]
He then participated in a six-manHell in a CellWWF Championship match atArmageddon.
Vince McMahon drove a flatbed truck ringside in an effort to dismantle the cage and stop the match.
Before he could, The Undertaker chokeslammed Rikishi from the top of the
cell onto the wood chip-covered bed. Kurt Angle later retained the title.[43]
In January 2001, Rikishi won a Fatal Four Way match onSmackDown!for the #30
spot in the2001 Royal Rumble matchinvolving Rock, Undertaker and
Kane, after he pinned the latter. There, he eliminated The Undertaker, and was soon
eliminated by The Rock.[44]Hakureturned to the WWF in the Rumble, and he and
Rikishi formed a tag team and feuded withThe Brothers of Destruction,The Dudley BoyzthenThe Hardy Boyz
