Bryan Shocking the World & Big Show’s Dynasty Nightmare Continues

If anyone thought Monday Night Raw was going to go smoothly in the dog days of August 2002, tonight proved otherwise. From an impossible midcard upset that will be talked about for months, to a main event finish that sent the World’s Largest Athlete into a total backstage meltdown, Raw delivered high-stakes drama from the moment the pyro went off.

Here is the complete breakdown of what transpired on August 26, 2002.

1. The War of Words Made Physical: Afa Opens the Show

The show wasted zero time establishing its main theme: The Big Show vs. The Samoan Dynasty.

Opening the show to a roaring arena, Hall of Famer Afa the Wild Samoan marched to the ring with a bone to pick. For four months, Big Show had been running his mouth following his devastating KO defeat on April 19th—where Umaga famously hit a candidate for Knockout of the Year via a superplex off the corner ropes. Having already lost to The Rock and Umaga in back-to-back outings, Big Show had spent his injury leave targeting the bloodline verbally.

Afa set the record straight in a fire-and-brimstone promo:

“You think because you are seven feet tall and five hundred pounds, the Samoan family is supposed to bow down to you? No! We don’t bow to anybody!… Tonight, you don’t get a junior. You get THE HEAD OF THE TABLE OF THE SAMOAN DYNASTY!”

The challenge was laid down, setting up a massive Main Event between two raw physical forces.

2. Upset of the Year: Daniel Bryan Outlasts Mark Henry

The midcard delivered one of the most unexpected finishes in recent Raw history. Two months ago, the young, nerdy, 21-year-old Daniel Bryan failed in his initial attempt to make the WWE roster. Tonight, Eric Bischoff granted him one final trial—placing him in the ring against the ultimate gatekeeper, Mark Henry.

The Match Dynamic

• The Dominance: Mark Henry treated Bryan like a ragdoll. For over nine minutes, the World’s Strongest Man mauled the technician across the ring, driving him into the mat with heavy slams and backbreakers.

• The Resilience: Bryan refused to stay down. Kicking out at two on multiple near-falls, Bryan clung to the match through sheer endurance and heart.

• The Finish: After Henry got overconfident preparing for a final blow, Bryan countered out of nowhere, finding a brief opening to roll up the giant and hook the legs for a shocking 1-2-3!

The arena exploded as Bryan scrambled out of the ring clutching his ribs in complete disbelief. An enraged Mark Henry tore apart the steel steps at ringside, but the damage was done: Daniel Bryan officially earned his spot on the WWE roster.

3. Main Event Meltdown: Afa Steals One from Big Show

The Main Event featured Big Show’s long-awaited return to ring action after four months on the shelf. The 7-footer came out with bad intentions, completely overpowering Afa in the opening minutes of the bout.

The Climax

Big Show looked to have the match wrapped up after connecting with a bone-crunching KO Punch straight to Afa’s jaw. The Hall of Famer hit the canvas out cold, and Big Show went for the cover.

Just as the referee reached the count of two, Sika sprinted down the ramp, slamming his hands on the apron and screaming at the giant. A furious Big Show broke the pin to confront Sika over the top rope.

That split-second distraction was all Afa needed:

1. As Big Show reached for Sika, Afa stirred behind him.

2. Afa lunged, catching Big Show in a tight schoolboy roll-up while grabbing a handful of tights.

3. The referee counted 1-2-3 before Big Show realized what was happening!

4. The Aftermath: Big Show Demolishes Backstage

The broadcast didn’t end with celebrations. The camera cut backstage to a chaotic scene where Big Show was seen destroying equipment, smashing wooden crates, and flipping tables in an absolute rage.

When interviewer Jonathan Coachman attempted to get a word, Big Show grabbed him by the throat, threw him against the wall, and issued a terrifying warning:

“That’s THREE OF YOU! Rock, Umaga, Afa… you think you’re untouchable because of your bloodline?! You think you can keep making a fool out of me?! NEXT WEEK! I don’t care if it’s Afa, Sika, Umaga, or the whole damn family—I am going to tear down the Samoan Dynasty brick by brick!”

Big Show hurled Coachman into a stack of boxes before storming off as Raw went off the air.