On this date in WWF history: Rikishi did it ... for da Rock

He did it ... for da people...

On October 9, 2000, Rikishi admitted to using his car to run over "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. But why? Well, because "The Rattlesnake" was getting the big push from the WWF at the time and Rikishi saw that as yet another example of the promotion holding back a Samoan performer.

The answer was simple: Eliminate Austin to elevate Johnson.

As a result, Rikishi spent the next few months feuding with Stone Cold and it was eventually revealed that Triple H was the mastermind behind the entire operation, which led to "The Game" taking over as Austin's foil and Rikishi tumbling down the creative ladder.

Not much has changed in the last 11 years, I suppose.

Anyway, the vehicular manslaughter angle may have bombed -- but it was well worth it -- just to get the following 13 seconds out of "da Rock."

Classic stuff? Or hideous angle rescued by Trips?