WWE Monday Night Raw- 19/9/05- Omaha, Nebraska
The show begins with a highlights package from last night’s Unforgiven. We start off with a shot of the Steel Cage being lowered, Kane and Batista inside ahead of their World Title showdown before we go on to see fast paced shots from all the matches on the card, including Charlie Haas running up the ramp, Shelton Benjamin clutching his I.C Title after victory. We see the Basham Brothers smirking after costing the Platform to Perfection the Tag Team Titles before a shot of Victoria smashing a Steel Chair across the ankle of Victoria, only for the shocking return of Trish Stratus , coming to Lita’s aid. We then get clips of the action from the Triple Threat number one contender’s match as we see the finish that saw Christian earn his first shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Mr.Kennedy is next on the scene as we see Goldust answer his call only to point to the ramp and out comes Eugene, dressed as Goldust to answer Kennedy’s challenge, one which Kennedy conquers once again. It’s then highlights from the Handicap match and we see all three of Shawn Michaels eliminations in a herculean effort only for Eric Bischoff and Muhammad Hassan to finally walk away on top, screwing the Showstopper once again. In closing we get some hard hitting action from the main event, including shots of champion and challenger both a bloody mess before Batista delivers a devastating BatistaBomb to retain his gold.
We then head to the opening video and pyro as J.R and Coach welcome us to Raw!!
Jim Ross: We are twenty four hours removed from what was a simply hellacious night at Unforgiven and we are now all set as the road to Survivor Series begins right here tonight!!
The Coach: One of the biggest shows of the year J.R and after what went down last night I gotta feelin’ the road to this year’s is gonna be a bumpy one!!
Jim Ross: No doubt about it. Last night saw…
‘I Walk Alone’
And it’s a HUGE pop that greets the music of the World Heavyweight Champion, the Animal, Batista!! The champion bursts through the curtain, roaring back at this pumped up crowd, dressed in a suit, title draped over his shoulder as he makes his way down the ramp.
Jim Ross: Last night saw this man!! And it saw him go through hell and back to retain the World Heavyweight Title. It was a Steel Cage match, Animal versus Monster, Batista versus Kane and good god in heaven, was it a slobberknocker!?!
The Coach: You’re not wrong with that one J.R. It was a battle of the bulls and those two laid it all on the line, I take my hat off to both of ‘em, Batista included and J.R you know that ain’t easy for me to do. It was a straight up FIGHT last night and in the end Batista pulled it off.
The Animal now has a microphone, letting his music die down as well as this crazy crowd with Tista beaming ear to ear, clearly still on a high after his victory last night.
Batista: Last night…last night I gotta admit, I didn’t know what I was steppin’ into.
Tista scratches his chin.
Batista: A Steel Cage match, it’s something I’ve not experienced in my career, it was an unknown for me last night and hey, it wasn’t just anybody I was steppin’ in there with either.
Tista laughs a little at that.
Batista: I went in there with a guy…I went in there with a
monster who let’s face it, he’s kicked my ass more than once these last couple of months. I went in there and I experienced everything a Steel Cage match is all about and let me tell ya…it ain’t pretty.
Decent pop for that as Tista says that dead seriously.
Batista: The first time your face hits that steel, it’s like nothin’ you’ve ever felt in your life. But I knew I had to fight through it. I knew I had to go through all that
pain, all that
suffering, all that
punishment. I laid everything I had on the line last night, blood, sweat and tears all for one thing, just ONE THING and that’s to stand here tonight STILL…World…Heavyweight…Champion.
We get a close up shot of the title resting on the shoulder of Batista, the crowd giving a strong pop.
Batista: But I’m not stupid enough to think that’s it, to think I can sit back and relax now that I’m through with Kane. When you get over one hurdle, you move right onto the next one and last nigh…
‘Just Close Your Eyes’
It appears Batista’s next hurdle is about to confront him as out steps Captain Charisma, Christian to a decent pop initially but it soon turns into a chorus of heat as the new number one contender surveys the arena for all his ‘Peeps’.
The Coach: HERE HE IS J.R!! That next hurdle Batista talked about, his next challenger, THE NEXT World…Heavyweight…Champion, Captain Charisma baby!! Christian!!
Jim Ross: Well indeed he is the next hurdle, he is the next challenger to Batista and the World Heavyweight Championship. Christian won a heck of a match last night, defeating Edge and Chris Jericho to earn himself a shot at the biggest prize in the game, a chance he believes has been a long time coming.
The Coach: It has been a long time coming J.R. This man’s been held back for far too long but that’s all started to turn around. 2005, the breakout year for Captain Charisma, he retired Ric Flair, he finally has a World Title opportunity and I can GUARANTEE…he WILL be a World Champion once he’s through with Batista.
Christian is smirking like a smug S.O.B right at Batista who hasn’t budged as the new number one contender grabs a microphone, his music dying down as he wags the microphone in the direction of the Animal.
Christian: Let me, let me take it from here big guy. Your next challenge, your next hurdle, your next… World Heavyweight Champion…is
me.
A few cheers, a lot more boos however as Christian’s smile has yet to disappear, Batista staring intently back at the number one contender.
Christian: At Summerslam it was Ric Flair, last night it was Edge and Jericho, next? Well next up Dave…it’s
you. What you went through last night? Sure, a Steel Cage match, it’s not easy but guess what? A Triple Threat match…that isn’t easy either and…and yet, do I come out here bragging about what I went through last night? Do I come out here sucking up to all these idiots?
That draws Christian his first strong dose of heat from all sections of the crowd.
Christian: No, no I don’t because I don’t need to do that. I don’t need to feel loved by these people like you do. I don’t need their support, I don’t need them to tell me how great I am, I KNOW…how great I am and there is only one thing missing, just
one thing that’s stopping me from cementing my place around here as WOOOO, ‘The Man’.
More big time heat for Christian there who can’t help but laugh at his mocking of the Nature Boy.
Christian: And it’s that championship sittin’ right there on your shoulder.
We get a close up shot of the World Title, Christian pointing right at it.
Christian: That championship is the ultimate goal in this business. To become a World Champion, it’s what we all aspire to be and I’m no different. Every guy back in that locker room wants to be in your position Dave, they all wanna take your spot, they all dream of sittin’ on top of the mountain but the difference between me and them is, I don’t dream…
I take.
Christian’s smile is gone now as he gets serious with the Animal.
Christian: I took Ric Flair outta my way, I took the number one contender’s spot and make no mistake about I will TAKE THAT TITLE…from
you.
Good bit of heat for that but a sense of anticipation building as Tista now appears to have his chance to respond.
Batista: Y’know, I’ve had a whole lot goin’ on these past couple months. I’ve had to deal with Eric Bischoff trying to take me down, I’ve had to deal with the threat of Shawn Michaels screwin’ me and I’ve had to deal with a seven foot monster hell bent on takin’ my title BUT…that hasn’t stopped me from seein’
everything you’ve done.
Christian looks a little surprised by this before that surprise turns into another smile.
Batista: I’ve seen the way you do things around here, I’ve seen the way you go about your business and if I didn’t have a bunch of other crap goin’ on then TRUST ME…I woulda dealt with you a whole lot sooner.
Strong pop for that comment.
Christian: Is that…is that right huh? What would…what would you have done
exactly Dave? How would you have
dealt with me? C’mon I’m dyin’ to know, I think everybody wants to hear this, cos you’re not the only one who’s wanted to ‘deal’ with me, who’s wanted to put me in my place.
Christian is shaking his head.
Christian: Think long and hard before you gimme an answer cos hey, incase you’d forgotten, your old buddy Ric wanted to do the same damn thing and…and… remind me would ya? What happened to him? OH!! Oh that’s right…I BEAT HIS ASS and sent him to the retirement home!
Big time heat for CC as Tista bites back instantly.
Batista: You did, you did. I’m not gonna stand here and deny it, you retired Ric Flair.
Christian yells to the crowd ‘DAMN RIGHT I DID’.
Batista: You retired one of, if not
the greatest superstar in the history of this business and nothing I
do, nothing I
say is gonna change that. My problem with you? It’s not that you retired Ric, it’s that you show him no respect, you show his career no respect, you show no respect…
period.
Tista’s all business here, a no nonsense look on his face.
Batista: And you think you’re gonna be looked at as ‘the man’? You think people are gonna look at you and see you in the same light as Ric Flair? Let me tell ya, there ain’t a chance of that happenin’.
Christian looks genuinely shocked by that.
Batista: You can have as much talent as Ric Flair, you can win as many matches as Ric Flair but until you show the
class of Ric Flair, the
heart of Ric Flair, the
respect that Ric Flair shows then you will NEVER…be ‘the man’.
Big time pop, Tista’s point made loud and clear.
Christian: Really? You’re…you’re kidding me right? Dave I don’t know how to tell ya this buddy but uh Ric Flair, he thrived…on being the ‘Dirtiest Player in the Game’.
‘WOOO’s accompany that statement.
Christian: Ric Flair was the biggest piece of trash that’s ever got to the top in this industry and that is a FACT. He did everything and anything he could to be victorious, to climb to the top of the ladder, to be the very best and if that meant walkin’ all over the guys in the back, he’d do it, make no mistake about it, he…would…
do it.
Batista: No, you don’t seem to get it do y…
Christian: Oh I get it Dave, I get it. For Ric Flair, it was win at all costs, by any means necessary. Class? Respect? Gimme a break. That went right the way out the window when he stepped inside this ring and if I could give you a little word of advice, when you step in this ring with me? You’d better do the same damn thing because I WILL NOT STOP…until I take that title.
Strong heat for CC here.
Batista: You sure can talk the talk can’t you? Trouble is, nobody here believes…that you can walk the walk. And that’s just another difference between you and Ric Flair, whether ya like it or not, he ALWAYS backed up what he said in this ring. One of the greatest of all time, SIXTEEN TIMES…a World Champion.
You? You've’yet to do it, you’ve yet to win one, you’ve yet to prove to ANYBODY that on the biggest stage, you’re more than just cheap talk.
Christian: I’ve yet to prove it…because I haven’t had that chance and
why haven’t I had that chance? Oh…oh that’s right, it’s because of guys like Ric Flair, guys like him who hold people like
me down, who take
my opportunities, who fear what’s behind them. But not anymore, no, no, that’s all over with. I forced him out the door, I took him out, he couldn’t run from me and Dave…neither can you.
Now is my chance,
now is my time,
now is my opportunity and trust me Dave, TRUST ME…I’m gonna take it.
And with that Christian shoves his microphone into the Animal’s chest, Batista looking less than impressed as his next challenger’s music hits and Christian exits the ring, a smug look on his face with the champion scowling back at him.
Jim Ross: Well that was quite the first encounter folks. Champion meets challenger and I think it goes without saying Batista and Christian are gonna go head on in this thing. Christian wants to solidify himself, he wants to be the man, Dave Batista IS that man, it is all about being top of the food chain and this one’s gonna get pretty damn heated if you ask me.
The Coach: Batista’s only on top because like Christian said, he’s never had the chance to face him. He’s never had the chance at becoming World Champion. Now he’s got it, he’s got that opportunity and Captain Charisma is gonna take it with both hands baby.
We end the opening segment with Christian standing on top of the ramp, pointing back at Batista who snarls on inside the ring. Christian then motions that the World Title will be around his waist, Batista letting out a little smirk at that before we head to a break.
Commercials
We return and we’re taken straight to the backstage area, more accurately to the office of Raw’s General Manager as we see Eric Bischoff sat at his desk, hands behind his head, feet up in the most relaxed mood. The boss is all smiles as the boos rain down on him. The camera then shifts and the boos get EVEN LOUDER as we see all four members of the Arabian Entity walk into the office of Bischoff, they too are all smiles(bar the giant).
Muhammad Hassan: What’s the plan for tonight Mr.Bischoff?
Bischoff spins round in his chair, leaping to his feet and continuing to beam as he looks at the men who did their duties last night on HBK.
Eric Bischoff: The plan…is to seal the deal.
Again Bischoff starts gleaming.
Eric Bischoff: Last night, you gentleman did what was required, you beat Shawn, you left him a broken, battered, BLOODY mess and
tonight? Tonight he does what’s right…and he walks away.
Big time heat for that comment as Hassan now begins to smirk menacingly.
Muhammad Hassan: It’s long overdue and Eric believe me, I
can…not… wait,
we cannot wait to witness it. Is there…is there anything that we can do of assistance out there tonight?
Bischoff looks down, thinking for a moment.
Eric Bischoff: You did your part last night, tonight you get to sit back, relax and hey, how about this? How about you get the best seat in the house? How about you
join me out there tonight and we ALL get to watch first hand as Shawn Michaels…says his goodbyes.
Rousing amount of heat once more as Hassan and his men look around at one another before Hassan turns right back to the boss.
Muhammad Hassan: Eric, you got yourself a deal, we’ll see you out there.
And with that the Entity turn and exit, a buoyant atmosphere inside the office of Easy E as Bischoff can’t wipe the smile off his face.
Eric Bischoff: This is…man, this is gonna be good.
Bischoff finishes things off with a little chuckle to himself before sitting back down and spinning round in his chair once again before we head back to ringside.
‘Yeah We’re Comin’ Down’
And it’s a strong ovation that greets the music of the World Tag Team Champions as out come the Dudley Boyz, looking all fired up and ready for action as we then switch towards the ring where we see their opponents already inside the ring in Trevor Murdoch and Rob Conway.
Jim Ross: Well the end may indeed be near tonight for Shawn Michaels but the end was not in sight last night for the Tag Team Title reign of Bubba Ray and D-Von, the Dudley Boyz who successfully defeated the arrogant young duo of Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth, the Platform to Perfection.
The Coach: Woah, woah, woah lemme stop ya there J.R. The Dudley Boyz did not defeat Doane and Nemeth last night, the Basham Brothers SCREWED Doane and Nemeth. These damn Dudleyz were at long last set to lose those titles, we were gonna finally have REAL champions before the freakin’ Basham’s stuck their noses into business that had nothin’ to do with them and I’m willin’ to bet they’re gonna pay for it.
Jim Ross: Well I won’t lie, the Basham’s did have an impact last night BUT…they have just as strong a claim to a World Tag Team Title shot as the Perfectionists do and maybe last night will earn them exactly that.
The Coach: If it does then I’ll eat your damn cowboy hat. The Dudleyz better have thanked Doug and Danny Basham by the way cos without them their run would be over, their careers would be over, they wouldn’t even be in this arena tonight. Damn it now I’m startin’ to dream J.R.
With Coach finally shutting his yap we now head to the action as D-Von and Murdoch get set to kick things off.
Match One: Tag Team Match
Dudley Boyz vs Trevor Murdoch and Rob Conway
Murdoch starts out for his side with D-Von for the champions and it’s a quick start from Murdoch who rushes D-Von the moment the bell rings and the crazed red neck mounts an attack, taking control in the opening minute or so, keeping D-Von grounded with a series of hard hitting shots from top to bottom.
Murdoch continues his assault before tagging in Conway and the Con Man takes his foot off the gas, allowing D-Von a route back into things. D-Von shows a real plucky side as he fights back into the contest, eventually sending Conway flying with a beautiful flying forearm smash. D-Von then crawls towards his corner, tagging in Bubba Ray with the big man storming in and unloading in classic Bubba fashion on a struggling Conway. With his partner in trouble, Murdoch returns to the ring but is WIPED OUT by D-Von before he’s tossed aside like nobody’s business. Bubba and D-Von then round things up in typical Dudley style with a devastating 3D to put Conway away for the three count and the victory.
Winners: Dudley Boyz(4:23)
It’s fairly plain sailing for the champions as we see Bubba and D-Von celebrate together, no sign of happiness however, instead it’s fairly stern looks on the duo’s faces before we see Bubba has gone to ringside to grab a couple of microphones, tossing one to D-Von.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Last night…last night we walked out STILL World Tag Team Champions.
Nice pop for that as Bubba and D-Von nod their heads.
Bubba Ray Dudley: But we ain’t gonna stand here and say we deserved it, say that we earned it cos fact is, we didn’t.
D-Von now takes over.
D-Von Dudley: My brother you’re right. Last night may go down as a victory but it ain’t one we exactly proud of. You all saw it, just like me and Bubba, clear as day that we walked outta Oklahoma with these championships, but it’s not cos’ we were the better team, it’s not cos’ we put those two punks down, it’s cos’ the Basham Brothers…did it for us.
Small pop for the mention of the Basham’s as Bubba now takes control once again.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Last night we got a little too caught up in the moment. We celebrated in the ring, we celebrated backstage and believe me, we celebrated ALL NIGHT LONG!! But then…then we woke up. We woke up and we realised that last night just, it just didn’t feel quite
right, y’know? We’re fighting champions, we pride ourselves on being the very BEST in this business and last night we didn’t prove it.
Bubba stands, hands on hips before huffing to himself.
D-Von Dudley: Which is why right here tonight, we wanna call down to this ring the two men we beat last night, the two men who, hey, me and Bubba don’t know, nobody knows but the two men who
could be standing here tonight World Tag Team Champions. We wanna call out Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth, come on down to this ring boys and we’ll do this the righ…
‘Whips and Chains’
D-Von immediately huffs, Bubba looking frustrated also as the music of Doug and Danny Basham hits, the Basham Brothers stepping slowly out from the back to a few cheers, a few boos however are thrown in there also as the duo smirk at the reaction before locking eyes with the champions, stood still at the top of the ramp.
Doug Basham: Not who you were hopin’ for right?
Doug and Danny give a little smirk at one another.
Doug Basham: Well this is who you’re getting cos if last night didn’t make it clear enough, we’re not sittin’ back anymore, we’re not goin’ anywhere until we get what we deserve and that…is a shot at those World Tag Team Championships.
Danny now takes the mic as we see Bubba and D-Von looking at each other in a less than impressed fashion.
Danny Basham: We made it clear after Summerslam that we weren’t gonna stop until we got that shot, until we got what we deserved but did we get it? Did Doane and Nemeth put their shot on the line? Did you guys
give us a shot? No, no you didn’t and as much as we respect the two of you, that just...that didn’t sit well with us.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Woah, hold up a second there cue ball. You did make it clear you weren’t goin’ anywhere and me and D-Von, we get that, we got no problem with it. BUT…where we
do have a problem, is you saying that…that we didn’t
give you a shot.
Bubba scratches his head.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Is that how this works now huh? We’re supposed to just go round dishin’ out title shots to everybody and anybody? No, no. We may be fighting champions but you gotta EARN that shot to face us and hey, you two haven’t lost a whole lot lately, sure. But guess what? You ain’t won much either.
Bit of a pop for that, Bubba a little fired up.
D-Von Dudley: So my brothers if you wanna get a shot at us, get a shot at these, you better start takin’ names and makin’ statements. Cos helpin’ us? That just ain’t gonna cut it. We got two guys whose asses we wanna kick all over Omaha tonight.
Big pop for the mention of where we’re coming to you from tonight.
D-Von Dudley: So how bout the two of you get on outta here and let us handle our business?
Danny Basham: That’s a real good speech there boys. You want us to let you handle your business huh? Well…we got business of our own and hey, if you aren’t gonna listen to it, I think it’s time we handle it
ourselves.
And with that Danny drops his microphone, nods at Doug and the Basham’s begin to walk down the ramp. The crowd rising in anticipation of two of the fan favourite teams on Raw set to collide. Bubba and D-Von drop their mics, they’re ready and waiting, not backing down from the fight that’s set to ensue…BEFORE WE SEE KEN DOANE AND NICK NEMETH ATTACK THE BASHAM’S FROM BEHIND!!
Jim Ross: DOANE AND NEMETH!! THE PERFECTIONISTS COMIN’ FROM OUTTA NOWHERE!!
The Coach: Get ‘em Ken, get ‘em Nick!! Give ‘em what they deserve boys!!
Doane is stomping the crap out of the fallen Doug Basham, Nemeth has dropped down and is clobbering Danny Basham with some stiff looking right hands as Danny’s head rocks back and forth. Bubba and D-Von meanwhile are still inside the ring, they’re not doing anything about this, watching on as by-standers instead.
Nemeth now zips to his feet, dragging Danny up with him, striking with a boot to the gut before a THUNDEROUS Irish Whip into the barricade!! Doane meanwhile has Doug to his feet also and he connects with an Irish Whip of his own as DOUG GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! The crowd are now booing relentlessly…but Bubba and D-Von stand firm inside the ring, they’re motioning for Doane and Nemeth to come get them some inside the ring, the Dudleyz wanna fight…but Doane and Nemeth are having NONE of it and instead opt to back up the ramp, a cocky grin on their faces as Nemeth throws his arms up at the champions, Doane shaking his head saying ‘Not tonight’.
The Coach: You DO NOT get involved in these two guys business J.R!! The Basham’s did that last night and look where it’s got ‘em, nowhere!!
Jim Ross: Well the Basham’s mighta cost these two men last night but there’s a way of getting payback and that right there isn’t it. A damn sneak attack by Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth, blindisiding the Basham’s here tonight.
The Coach: And hey, how bout the Dudleyz J.R?! I don’t like ‘em, I don’t respect ‘em but what they did tonight? Allowing the Basham’s to get their asses kicked? THAT I love.
Jim Ross: Well the Dudleyz made their point to the Basham’s tonight that’s for sure but I think they wanted the chance to get it on again with the Platform to Perfection, a chance these two young men turned down. How wise that is? I don’t know but I’m damn sure we’ll soon find out.
The Dudleyz are now leant up against the ropes looking down at the fallen Basham’s before eyeing up Doane and Nemeth once more with the cocky Perfectionists still arrogantly smirking in their direction. Nemeth yelling ‘We’ll get what’s ours and baby, it’s gonna be PERFECT.’
Commercials
We return from the break and we hear from J.R and Coach who tell us about just what went down during the commercials and we’re quickly taken to that footage and to the backstage area where we see Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth sharing a laugh and a joke before they’re caught up with by the one and only, Todd Grisham.
Todd Grisham: Ken, Nick, can we uh, can we just grab a word on what went down out there between you guys and the Basham Brothers?
Ken Doane: What went
down…well I think it’s pretty obvious just what went
down don’t ya think? Last night we were all set to become the NEW World Tag Team Champions. We were gonna make the tag team division on Raw PERFECT but…but that didn’t happen did it?
Nemeth shakes his head in disgust, Doane sternly looking at Grisham.
Nick Nemeth: That didn’t happen because of Beavis and Butthead out there getting involved in OUR business!! And now tonight they wanna come on out and tell the Dudleyz, tell everybody that they’re the next in line, that the Dudleyz owe ‘em, that they
deserve a shot at the Tag Team Titles. Well it’s time they had a little reality check.
Nemeth is clearly fired up here as Doane now takes over again.
Ken Doane: Just because they cost us last night, doesn’t mean they suddenly jump to the front of the line. WE are still the number one contenders, WE are still better than them and we’re DAMN SURE better than the Dudleyz!! And we are STILL GONNA BE…the next World Tag Team Champions.
Doane is much like his partner now, extremely fired up, the anger evident in his face, a gritty, steely look about both the Perfectionists.
Nick Nemeth: Tonight was a simple message. The Basham’s can try all they want to get us outta the picture but trust me, we aren’t goin’ anywhere until we get what we want, no matter what they throw our way.
Todd Grisham: Guys you mentioned the Basham Brothers, your reasons for ambushing them but can we also get a quick word on the current World Tag Team Champions, the Dudley Boyz? I mean, they called you out tonight, they wanted you in the ring and you walked aw…
Nick Nemeth: No, no, no do NOT try and spin this on us. Sure we walked away but we walked away with damn good reason. We don’t need to cave in to what they want, we don’t need to prove anything to them. The only time you will see us stepping in a ring with those two overweight, washed up pieces of crap will be when the World Tag Team Titles are on the line.
Ken Doane: Nick’s right. We’ve backed up everything we’ve said since we came here and it’s about damn time we got our rewards. The Dudleyz wanna fight us? Do it with those titles on the line. The Basham’s wanna fight us again?
That…we can arrange.
And with that Nemeth and Doane give a nod at one another with Nemeth scoffing at Grisham as the two depart and we head off elsewhere backstage…
Where we enter the locker room of the man who walked out victorious last night at Unforgiven, the Intercontinental Champion, Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin is sat down on a chair and is dressed to compete as he’s set for action later on tonight. We then see Benjamin’s focus change and with that the camera does likewise and we see Benjamin’s partner enter the room, Charlie Haas.
Charlie Haas: So…about last night.
Shelton Benjamin: What about it?
It’s rather blunt and to the point from the World’s Greatest Tag Team here. Benjamin standing up from his chair to greet his partner with a look of real anger, not taking his eyes off his partner.
Charlie Haas: I think you know exactly what about it Shelton.
Haas stares a hole through Benjamin.
Shelton Benjamin: Y’know what? You’re right, I
do know. I know you helped me walk out last night still the Intercontinental Champion, I know you did everything in ya power to make sure I won that match and I know you feel whatcha did last night was the right thing to do.
Benjamin pauses with Haas holding his hands outstretched.
Charlie Haas: Exactly, so…all I want is to move on from this man. Forget about last night, you can apologise and we’ll go back to being the Worl…
Shelton Benjamin: Woah, woah, woah, slow down there.
Benjamin is very assertive in stopping Haas there with Haas looking a bit surprised.
Shelton Benjamin: Did I just hear you right? Did…did you just ask me to
apologise to you??
Haas now smiles, Benjamin less than pleased.
Charlie Haas: Uh…
yeah? Shelton, I helped you retain that title sitting on your shoulder and incase you forgot, last night you weren’t exactly grateful for it. I thought we’d clear the air tonight and you’d uh, you’d actually thank me for it.
Haas is pretty smug right now, Benjamin looking totally bemused.
Shelton Benjamin: Oh that’s what you thought is it? Well Charlie, lemme tell ya…you thought
wrong.
Haas looks a little taken aback.
Shelton Benjamin: I wasn’t grateful for it last night, so what makes you think that anything’s changed since then? What you did last night wasn’t what I wanted man, whether you agree wit’ it or not. When I defend this title, I wanna do it the right way and hey, if that means I lose this title? So be it.
A solid pop for Benjamin here, Haas not taking too kindly to it however.
Shelton Benjamin: I ain’t gonna lower myself to letting you do all my work for me and if you can’t ac…
Charlie Haas: Little too late for that now.
Shelton Benjamin: Hey, what the HELL is that supposed to mean huh?!
Benjamin’s now in Haas’ face who smirks at the sight of his partner getting riled.
Charlie Haas: Listen, I…I don’t need to say another word. Good luck out there tonight…
partner.
Haas then pats Benjamin on the shoulder where his Intercontinental Title rests with Benjamin looking at the spot Haas touched before a real look of anger is seen on Benjamin’s face, gritting his teeth before turning round, once again preparing for his match later on tonight.
We then head back to ringside where we see Molly Holly already waiting inside the ring, her music being heard in the background as she stretches, all set for action before we hear…
‘Time to Rock ‘N Roll’
And it’s a BIG pop that greets the music of the returning Trish Stratus who bursts out from behind the curtain, set for her first match on Raw in several months, the blonde bombshell looking extremely pumped up for this one.
Jim Ross: Well problems continuing between the World’s Greatest Tag Team but back to the action folks and what a night last night at Unforgiven for the former Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus. Trish shocked us all in making her return from a broken ankle, coming to the aid of Lita and in all likelihood preventing the Daredevil Diva from suffering the exact same fate she did at the hands of the twisted Victoria.
The Coach: I couldn’t believe Trish was back and I think you’re right J.R, I believe if Trish hadn’t returned last night then Victoria was gonna put Lita on the shelf, just like she did to Trish. Question now though J.R is, will Trish regret returning so soon? I mean c’mon, can you see Victoria doing ANYTHING other than putting Trish right back on the injured list? Cos I tell ya cowboy, I can’t.
Match Two: Singles Match
Trish Stratus vs Molly Holly
Trish starts this one off all guns blazing with Molly really struggling to deal with a clearly fired up Trish, a point to prove on her return to Raw. Trish fires right hands, a real onslaught from the legendary diva before a big time Irish whip into the corner, Trish following it up with a thunderous running clothesline as Molly drops to the mat.
Trish however is perhaps a little too keen to impress on her first night back in the squared circle as she looks to continue her attack, an Irish whip on Molly but Molly rebounds and takes Trish out with a double leg take down before almost instantly targeting the left ankle of Trish, the ankle that was broken back at Vengeance as we hear Trish crying out in pain, Molly working a smart game plan here.
Molly continues with working over the left ankle, stiff kicks, dropping elbows and a modified ankle lock almost is applied, Trish writhing in agony as the crowd will her on, desperate to see Trish back with a victory but perhaps more importantly, not back on the injured list. Molly eventually releases the hold before…heading to the top rope? Certainly a different approach than we’re used to seeing from the ruthless diva. Molly sets herself up high, Trish’s left leg stretched out, open for the taking as MOLLY FLIES!! NOBODY HOME!! Trish dodges it to a nice pop, rolling out of harm’s way.
It proves to be another turning point in the match as Trish rallies back into this thing, fighting to her feet, albeit a little gingerly with the ankle still perhaps not quite a hundred percent. Molly gets to her feet as well, both divas throwing themselves at the other but it’s Trish who strikes first and the momentum goes the way of the Canadian. Eventually Trish goes for a kick to Molly, Molly blocking though but Trish strikes with an enziguri!! The end now in sight as Molly groggily gets back to her feet, spinning round into a boot from Trish…Stratusfaction time!!! CONNECTING!! Cover by Trish, 1…2…3…big win on return for Trish Stratus.
Winner: Trish Stratus(6:53)
Jim Ross: A convincing win on Trish’s return here tonight and I know I’m not the only one who mighta doubted Trish coming back but Coach, she looks better than ever and if I were Victoria, I’d be concerned.
The Coach: You wish you were Victoria J.R. Victoria doesn’t have to be concerned with Trish, she doesn’t have to be concerned with anybody. She’s the Women’s Champion and for a DAMN good reason. Trish may have looked good tonight but when she steps in that ring with Victoria, it’s a whole different ball game and I gotta feelin’ Trish is gonna strike out.
Trish celebrates to all sides of the arena who respond accordingly, all smiles and cheers greet the returning diva and whilst Trish celebrates we then switch backstage where we see what’s going on in the ring being displayed on a monitor and who’s watching that monitor? The Women’s Champion herself, Victoria. The ruthless champion is shaking her head, a look of real animosity towards her long time rival on screen as we then hear…
Victoria: You’re gonna wish you never came back.
The look of animosity then turns into one of a twisted smile as Victoria walks off and we head back to the ring to see more of Trish celebrating, her music in the background as we then fade off into a commercial break.
Commercials
*Video Package*
Narrator:
Survival is the struggle to remain living…
We see Shawn Michaels bloodied and battered, hung up in the ropes with a look of sheer desperation on his face.
The next image we’re shown is of Batista and Kane both laid out in the technical area, both unmoved and seemingly unconscious.
Jim Ross:
THEY MIGHTA JUST DAMN NEAR KILLED EACH OTHER!!
Narrator:
And in times of struggle there are those who will crumble…
We see Edge puffing his cheeks before a shot of Chris Jericho, head down, a look of frustration before an image of Charlie Haas shaking his head backstage, hands on hips, a look of despair.
Narrator:
There are those who will fail to rise…
We see Kurt Angle and Randy Orton standing strong together, standing tall over a fallen John Cena, the Doctor of Thuganomics laid out cold, the WWE Championship laid down beside him.
We then get a shot of Shelton Benjamin laid out cold by the announce table, Mark Jindrak standing above him with a final image of Benjamin, eyes glazed over as he struggles to bring himself upright.
Narrator:
But then there are those who will show strength…
We get a shot of Christian standing on the top rope, celebrating victory, surveying for his ‘Peeps’ before we see Matt Hardy holding the United States Championship up high in celebration.
We then see Edge clutching his Money in the Bank briefcase in jubilation before a shot of Muhammad Hassan, arms outstretched, eyes closed with his Entity around him.
Narrator:
There are those who will stand up and be counted…
We see Kane sitting up in his menacing fashion before a shot of Chris Jericho applying the Walls of Jericho.
That’s followed up by Rob Van Dam connecting with a Five Star Frog Splash to Johnny Nitro.
The next image we’re shown is of Big Show sending a devastating Chokeslam to William Regal before letting out a trademark roar.
Narrator:
And it shall be those men who WILL…survive…
We see Batista delivering a BatistaBomb to Kane, the music getting faster, louder before we see The Undertaker delivering a devastating Tombstone Piledriver to Randy Orton.
Images of several superstars then flash up, all of whom have the same message.
Chris Jericho:
I will be the one to survive.
Edge:
I will be the one to survive.
Muhammad Hassan:
I will be the sole survivor.
John Cena:
Survival is all that matters.
Randy Orton:
I won’t let you…survive.
Christian:
I will survive…cos that’s just how I roll.
Kurt Angle:
Survival? You’ll be lucky.
Shawn Michaels:
I’ll survive…I have to.
The video package ends rather eerily as Michaels looks up to the heavens, no sense of emotion on his face before we head to a Survivor Series graphic.
WWE Presents: Survivor Series
27th November 2005; Joe Louis Arena; Detroit, Michigan
We go from that video package and head straight to ringside where we see already waiting in the ring is the five hundred pound ‘World’s Largest Love Machine’ Viscera who is doing some kind of swaying and dancing that would make several in attendance feel rather unwell. Big Vis stops in his tracks however as we then hear…
‘KENNEDYYYYYYYYYY’
‘Turn up the Trouble’
And there’s an immediate pop, followed up with a mixture of boos and cheers, the boos probably just tipping it right now after Mr.Kennedy’s actions last night, however it appears the Kennedy fan club are also in attendance here tonight…but there’s no sign of the man himself?
Jim Ross: Well it wasn’t the night Mr.Kennedy wanted last night at Unforgiven. Kennedy craved competition, he was desperate for his challenge to be answered but in the end it was the thorn in Kennedy’s side who once again emerged as Eugene tried to take down the so called ‘Game Changer’.
The Coach: Yeah and shock horror he didn’t pull it off. BUT…the good news J.R is that Kennedy’s DONE with that schmuck and can move on to bigger and better things. Where you at Kennedy?!? The Coach is ready and waitin’ for ya!!
Jim Ross: Well folks Mr.Kennedy is scheduled to be here tonight and he is scheduled to face that man, Viscera but uhhhh, so far there is no sign of the Green Bay native. Coach I don’t know where or what Mr.Kennedy is tryin’ to pull here but it’s not what we all expe…
?: AHEMMMMMMM. Looking for somebody?
J.R is soon cut off and the camera instantly shifts towards the titantron where we see the man of the moment himself, Mr.Kennedy who is looking rather cosy in the comforts of what would appear to be his own home. Kennedy is dressed in a smart shirt, sat down in an armchair, a garden on display in the background as Kennedy beams from ear to ear, hands clasped together before he shuffles in his seat.
Mr.Kennedy: This is gonna pain me to do, really but I uh, I gotta be the bearer of bad news tonight. Unfortunately all you people in Omaha are NOT…going to be treated to seeing yours truly in action.
Kennedy shakes his head with a few boos, a fair few cheers however as Kennedy chuckles to himself.
Mr.Kennedy: Y’see, last night was where I thought everything was…where everything was gonna be put right. I thought Unforgiven was gonna be the start of somethin’ special y’know? FINALLY…Mr.Kennedy was gonna get himself some competition.
Kennedy now pauses, looking agitated.
Mr.Kennedy: But did that happen? Did I face a real challenge last night? Did I get the spotlight I deserve? NO I FREAKING DIDN’T!!
Kennedy now scowls directly at the camera with more boos than cheers now being thrown his way.
Mr.Kennedy: Instead all I got was…all I got was everybody’s favourite little superstar…Eugene. Eugene, I mean for cryin’ out loud, the guy can’t even spell his own name and they expect me to be happy about facin’ him? AH, AH, NOT A CHANCE!
Kennedy is again shuffling in his seat, trying to regain his composure.
Mr.Kennedy: But still, still I did my job last night. I took Eugene on, I kicked his ass, I remained undefeated, untested…un…
satisfied. With that in mind, I thought I’d receive a call today from Eric Bischoff, mmm I did. I thought I’d receive a call and Eric would tell me about how tonight was the start of me climbin’ to the top o’ the ladder around here. Eric would tell me that everything that’s happened since I came to Monday Night Raw it would…it would just be swept aside and that tonight, we were startin’ over.
Kennedy now sighs, taking a deep breath.
Mr.Kennedy: Well, guess what? I DID get a call from Eric Bischoff today, oh yeah. I got that call and I was…I was
excited. I couldn’t WAIT to hear the good news.
Kennedy now smiles quickly and sharply before that smile soon shifts to a scowl of disapproval.
Mr.Kennedy: But good news didn’t come, the good news wasn’t delivered and all that excitement I had inside o’ me turned to…well it turned to absolute
disgust and why? WHY YOU ASK? Because I was told what I was gonna be doin’ here tonight, I was…I was told that I was gonna be in action.
Kennedy nods, hands clasped together as you can see the frustration inside of him.
Mr.Kennedy: But I wasn’t gonna be in action against anybody worth ONE SECOND...of my time. I wasn’t gonna be squaring off against the World Champion. I wasn’t gonna be stepping in the ring with a title contender. Hell, I wasn’t even gonna be facing the Intercontinental Champion and hey, Shelton Benjamin ain’t in my league but he’s sure as heck a step up from that klutz I beat last night.
A small pop for that amidst a few laughs from the Omaha faithful.
Mr.Kennedy: No, no instead, the opponent Eric Bischoff lined up for me stands before you in that ring right now. My scheduled opponent here tonight was none other than the five hundred pound, World’s Largest Love Machine, yeah you heard me right people. My opponent tonight…Viscera.
We get a shot of Viscera doing a dance inside the ring to muted cheers. Kennedy meanwhile has leant forward in his chair, head down as he shakes his head yet continues to smile before raising his head once more, looking into the camera.
Mr.Kennedy: Viscera. Not Batista, not Kane, not Edge, the list could go on and ONNNNNNN. Instead, I get that lump o’ freakin’ lard thrown my way. Well you’d better believe I told Eric Bischoff that he could KISS MY ASS!!
Strong pop for that as Kennedy almost jumps out of his seat.
Mr.Kennedy: He probably thought that was just talk, they were only words right? RIGHT?! Wrong. Whatever words come outta my mouth, I guarandamntee you, I will back…them…up. Which is why I am not in Omaha tonight and if Eric Bischoff hasn’t quite got it through that thick skull o’ his yet, it’s why I will not come back PERIOD…until I get what I want.
Kennedy is now bobbing on his chair, a sense of urgency in his manner here.
Mr.Kennedy: Eric Bischoff knows what that is. You people know what that is. Competition, the spotlight, the MAIN EVENT. I want it and if I’m not gonna get it? Well…if I’m not gonna get it then I’m not gonna
waste…my…time.
Kennedy pauses, again shuffling around in his seat.
Mr.Kennedy: So no, I’m not gonna be there tonight, I’m not gonna be there next week and I’m not gonna be there the week after that! I’m gonna be right here, sittin’ at home
waiting. Waiting until Eric Bischoff or somebody, ANYBODY in that stupid company sees the freakin’ light and gives me what I deserve.
Kennedy is pointing right at himself, thumbs to his chest as he stares a hole through the camera.
Mr.Kennedy: Clock’s a tickin’ and
patience? Well, patience just ain’t my strong suit. You know where I am Eric and if ya don’t come lookin’? Well… if ya don’t come lookin’ then maybe I’ll go lookin’ myself, maybe I’ll go lookin’
elsewhere. Message received? It better be. Over…and…
out.
And with that Kennedy chuckles once more to himself and we slowly fade out with the image of a clearly frustrated Mr.Kennedy as we head to a commercial break.
Commercials
We return from the break and go to the scene of the announce table where J.R and Coach are all set to give us their words of wisdom.
Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw folks and before the commercial break it was uh, well, it was quite the statement from Mr.Kennedy. Kennedy who has craved the spotlight since coming to the WWE told the world moments ago from his home in Green Bay that he was NOT returning to Raw until he is given what he wants.
The Coach: And why should he? It’s rare that I disagree with Eric Bischoff J.R but this is one of those occasions where I do exactly that. Kennedy is one of the most talented guys in the company and Eric can’t allow him to sit at home, we’re missin’ out big time! This guy is GOLD and I damn sure Eric Bischoff makes amends with the WWE’s very own ‘Game Changer’.
‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me Now’
And out next to a strong pop is the Intercontinental Champion, Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin struts down the ramp, title belt over his shoulder after heated tension between he and his noticeably absent partner, Charlie Haas.
Jim Ross: Well it’s been quite the ride for this man over the past twenty four hours. Last night at Unforgiven Shelton Benjamin retained the Intercontinental Title, however it wasn’t without a helping hand from Charlie Haas.
The Coach: It was more than a hand J.R. Haas made absolutely sure that Benjamin didn’t lose last night. Benjamin WAS beaten, Mark Jindrak had him down for the three count and Charlie Haas kept his partner in the contest but…but what thanks does Charlie Haas? What appreciation does Shelton Benjamin show? NONE!! He didn’t show a damn thing and it makes me sick. Did he wanna leave Oklahoma last night without that title on his shoulder?
Jim Ross: Of course not but Coach there’s a way to do it and Shelton Benjamin didn’t want it to go down like that. Charlie Haas may believe he was doin’ the right thing but after hearing from Shelton Benjamin last night and right here tonight in Omaha, I think the message is loud and clear to Charlie Haas.
The Coach: Absolutely, the message to Charlie…your partner is ungrateful, selfish and doesn’t realise how damn lucky he is.
Jim Ross: Oh c’mon.
‘You think you Know Me’
‘Metalingus’
As Benjamin waits inside the squared circle, his opponent’s music hits and out comes a VERY fired up, Money in the Bank contract holder, Edge. The Rated R Superstar holds his briefcase out in front of him, looks at it, eyes widened, baring his teeth before walking down to the ring with a purpose, clearly angered over his defeat last night.
Jim Ross: Last night certainly didn’t prove to be as successful for this man. Edge failing to become the number one contender in his Triple Threat match with Christian and I think the look on the Rated R Superstar’s face tells the story.
The Coach: Sure Edge didn’t become number one contender J.R BUT…he didn’t lose last night. He wasn’t pinned, he didn’t submit. Chris Jericho cost Edge last night getting beat by Christian. Jericho’s been so damn desperate to prove he’s better than Edge and last night he did prove something. He proved he’s a damn failure and he proved he’s a whole bunch beneath Edge, something I already knew.
Jim Ross: Well Jericho mighta lost last night but that doesn’t mean he’s a failure and if memory serves me right Coach, Edge and Jericho have both beaten one another. I don’t think you can say Jericho’s beneath Edge.
The Coach: Good job your opinion doesn’t count then ain’t it cowboy?
Match Three: Singles Match
Shelton Benjamin vs Edge
It’s a cagey opening to this one as both Benjamin and Edge are perhaps still feeling the effects of their matches last night. Both men take turns to control the opening few minutes, Benjamin trying to work at his usual high tempo, Edge trying to contain him at every opportunity before looking to strike when the time arises and after a flashy few moments from Shelton, Edge does exactly that and strikes with a thumb to the eye before a clothesline takes Shelton down allowing Edge to assemble control.
The Rated R Superstar looks to keep Benjamin grounded, repeated stomps and strikes to both of Benjamin’s legs, Edge perhaps recognising that he needs to stop Benjamin’s high paced style. The Money in the Bank contract holder keeps up his onslaught, more stiff strikes before he does bring Benjamin back to his feet but almost instantly drops him back down with a beautiful vertical suplex. The first cover of the match sees a Benjamin kick out at two.
Edge shows signs of frustration as he scores a couple more near falls over the next few minutes, continuing to work on the legs of Benjamin, the Intercontinental Champion grimacing in discomfort but refusing to back out of this contest before the tables are suddenly turned as Edge delivers an Irish whip, Benjamin however hanging onto the ropes, Edge comes steaming in and Benjamin scores with a back body drop up and over the top!! Edge crashes and burns with Benjamin now having the momentum with him.
Benjamin immediately drops out the ring and looks to get right on the MITB holder as he strikes with kicks to Edge’s ribs and mid section before pulling Edge to his feet, Benjamin looking for an Irish whip but Edge reverses and Benjamin crashes into the steel steps!! Edge turning the tables once more with that big reversal before heading back into the ring, stopping the count out and grabbing a breather. He then shifts his attention back towards the fallen Benjamin. Edge heads to the outside and again focuses on Benjamin’s legs, wanting to keep up the earlier punishment as he delivers a nasty chop block to the left knee, Benjamin buckling under. The work continues with Edge stomping away at both legs, particularly the knees before he grabs Benjamin’s right knee and uses it to VICIOUSLY SWING BENJAMIN’S LEG INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!
Edge dominating right now as he soaks in the heat from the crowd before taking Benjamin back into the ring. We get a cover, 1…2…kick out at two to Edge’s frustration. The pressure then finally lets up as Edge begins to almost toy with Benjamin, taking his time, not seeming to believe that Benjamin is any threat to him now. The Rated R Superstar brings Benjamin to his feet, very slowly and it costs him as Benjamin hobbles up but strikes with a right hand. Repeated rights from Benjamin, surprising Edge and knocking him aback. Irish whip now from the IC Champ, Edge rebounds and Benjamin strikes with a boot to the gut, BIG TIME DDT!! Cover from Shelton, 1…2…kick out at two!!
The finishing stage of the match comes with Benjamin still on top following that DDT near fall. Benjamin bringing Edge to his feet and looking to strike with more right hands, he follows it up with an Irish whip into the corner, STINGER SPLASH TO FOLLOW IT UP!! Edge stumbles out of the corner, Benjamin however clutches his right leg, the sprint to the corner taking it out of him. The fans feel Benjamin building momentum now as Edge spins around, T-BONE INCOMING!! NO!! NO BECAUSE IT’S…IT’S JINDRAK AND REGAL FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! MARK JINDRAK AND WILLIAM REGAL ASSAULTING BENJAMIN FROM BEHIND!! Both Benjamin and Edge are knocked down, Jindrak and Regal going to work on the Intercontinental Champion. The referee has no choice but to call for the bell!!
Winner via Disqualification: Shelton Benjamin(13:25)
Jim Ross: WHERE THE HELL DID THEY COME FROM?!!? JINDRAK AND REGAL BEATIN’ THE HOLY HELL OUTTA SHELTON BENJAMIN!!
The Coach: This is for last night J.R!! This is for Benjamin leaving with Jindrak’s title!!
Jindrak and Regal are hammering away with vicious stomps all over the Intercontinental Champion as we see Edge now getting to his knees, crawling around the ring and EDGE IS HEADED FOR THE STEEL CHAIR!! Regal now backs off, barking at Jindrak to keep at it, the Protégé obliging as Edge now brings himself up, steel chair in hand…
Jim Ross: Ah somebody stop this damn it!! Shelton Benjamin’s in a world of trouble!! Where the HELL is Charlie Haas?!
The Coach: Sittin’ in the back with a smile on his face, that’s where Charlie Haas is at. This is what Shelton Benjamin deserves.
Jindrak now picks Benjamin up, Edge has the chair in his hands, sizing the I.C Champion up and down, a crazed look in his eye…
‘Break the Walls Down’
BUT HERE COMES Y2J!! Chris Jericho storms down from the back and is gunning for Edge, for Jindrak, for Regal!!
Jim Ross: Chris Jericho comin’ to get him some!! Jericho comin’ to the aid of Shelton Benjamin!!
The Coach: He’s got a deathwish J.R! Edge is gonna send him to the freakin’ hospital!!
Jericho charges into the ring and immediately FLIES AT EDGE TAKING HIM OUT WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKE DOWN AS Y2J BEGINS TO PUMMEL AWAY!! The Omaha crowd are going wild for Jericho…BAM!! REGAL AND JINDRAK THOUGH BEGIN STOMPING THE CRAP OUT OF JERICHO!! Benjamin is down, it’s three on one still here as Jindrak and Regal dissect the former Undisputed Champion. Jindrak now takes the chair in his hand, Regal flashing that sinister smile as he recognises what his Protégé has in mind but the crowd is abuzz??
BECAUSE CHARLIE HAAS IS RIGHT IN AMONGST THEM AND IS HEADED THIS WAY!!
Jim Ross: HAAS IS HERE, HAAS IS COMIN’ TO SAVE HIS PARTNER, TO SAVE CHRIS JERICHO!!
The Coach: Don’t do it Charlie, DO NOT DO IT!! I THOUGHT YOU’D SEEN THE LIGHT!!
Haas now heads towards the ring, Jindrak and Regal have their backs turned, the crowd cheering like crazy as Haas scales to the top rope!! Regal now realises what’s going on, tapping Jindrak to get his attention, the dup turning round…AND HAAS FLIES THROUGH THE SKY TAKING BOTH MEN OUT WITH A STUNNING MISSILE DROPKICK!! Jindrak and Regal are wiped out as Edge rolls outta the ring, the wily Brit following suit, dragging Jindrak out with him as Haas stands tall in the ring, comforting Benjamin before the duo tend to the fallen Chris Jericho.
Jim Ross: The tension between the World’s Greatest Tag Team has been pretty clear folks but right here and now you can bet your ass that they’re on the same page. Charlie Haas standing side by side with Shelton Benjamin tonight and as far as Chris Jericho is concerned, I think he’s clearly far from through with our Money in the Bank contract holder.
The Coach: I don’t know what Charlie Haas is tryin’ to pull here, I really don’t. I mean we all saw it earlier on tonight, him and Shelton are NOT on the same page J.R, there’s somethin’ to this tonight from Charlie Haas, I guarantee it.
We get a shot of Haas and Benjamin, a glare between the two as Benjamin nods his head towards his partner, Haas not quite so certain in his response, instead a bit of a glint in his eye almost. We then switch gears and see a shot of Edge fleeing up the ramp with his MITB contract in hand, tapping it repeatedly with Chris Jericho furiously eyeing up the Rated R Superstar.
Commercials
We return and immediately head backstage where we see Edge pacing around, clutching his briefcase whilst wincing in some pain after Chris Jericho’s ambush on him following his clash with Shelton Benjamin. Edge is then caught up with by none other than a very frantic Mr.Todd Grisham.
Todd Grisham: Edge we all saw what just happened out there between you and Chris Jericho. Clearly this thing isn’t over between you tw…
Edge: Wrong, wrong, WRONG!! I am FINISHED...with Chris Jericho. Now that…that might surprise you, it might surprise all these idiots here in Omaha but when ya think about it, when you REALLY think about it, it is crystal clear why I’m through with him.
Edge runs his hands through his hair before continuing.
Edge: Sure, last night he blew my shot at the World Heavyweight Title. I didn’t lose that match last night, Chris Jericho lost that match and you’d think, you’d think I would be the one out to get Chris Jericho, that I’d be the one wanting payback because of it but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Edge now smiles a little to himself.
Edge: Am I angry about last night? You bet your ass I am. I wanted to come here tonight and take all that pain, that anger, that frustration out in my match with Shelton Benjamin but then…when Jericho came down that ramp, when Jericho targeted me AGAIN here tonight, all my anger, it…it faded.
Edge flicks his hair, again smiling in a crazed fashion.
Edge: Because I realised that despite not becoming the number one contender last night, Jericho still doesn’t have what I have…
this.
We then get a close up of Edge’s Money in the Bank briefcase.
Edge: This is still my ticket straight to the very top and right now all I’m focusing on is picking my spot, when I’m gonna cash this in, where I’m gonna cash this in and against who…I’m gonna cash this in.
Boos for that as Edge taps his briefcase.
Edge: Chris Jericho simply doesn’t matter to me anymore. I beat him at Summerslam to keep hold of this, I proved that I am better than him but he just…he just can’t let it go and why? Why you ask? Well that’s real simple to figure out. I’m his last hope, his final chance at becoming World Champion again. This briefcase is a guarantee, it’s called ‘Money in the Bank’ for a reason and Y2J, the Ayatollah of Crap and something, everybody’s favourite catch phrase king is, well…he’s gone bankrupt.
Edge now laughs to himself, that comment drawing strong heat.
Edge: He’s outta luck, he’s outta time, he’s outta opportunities and he’s becoming desperate, he’s becoming obssessed with taking this away from me. Well Chris, bad news buddy, all my efforts, all my energy is going towards cashing this bad boy in now. You and me? We’re over, we’re through and the sooner you get that inside your head, the better. You can keep living in the past, you can keep believing you’re a champion but this is 2005, this is a new day, the right here and now and trust me both the present and the future…is Rated R.
Edge again chuckles to himself before flicking his hair out the way with his hands and heading off, leaving us with a shot of a bewildered Todd Grisham as per usual as we then head off elsewhere backstage.
And what we’re shown is rather mysterious. We go to a dark room, no sound being made as all we see are a man’s feet, however there is a strange red smoke inside the room. The feet begin pacing around the room as the camera begins to slowly rise up this person’s body. The picture goes all the way up until we reach this large man’s face and there’s an immediate ‘Ohhhhh’ amongst the fans as we see just who it is. The anger, sinister look on his face as it’s revealed to be none other than the Big Red Machine, Kane. The monster continues to pace around the room, clearly frustrated as he breathes heavily, snarling whilst doing so.
Kane: A monster… is supposed to inflict punishment, inflict pain, inflict SUFFERING…on those who cross their path. A monster… is supposed to be feared. When you see a monster…you run ha ha. A MONSTER IS SUPPOSED TO BE UNSTOPPABLE!!
Kane is now pacing frantically around the room, hands on head, he looks ready to explode here.
Kane: I…I am supposed to be a monster. But last night I WAS STOPPED! I was stopped…by Batista.
Strong pop for that.
Kane: Did Batista fear me? Did Batista look at me, like so many before him, and see the demon that lies within me? DOES ANYBODY…see that anymore?
Kane stops, looking into the camera in a questioning manner as he says this.
Kane: I used to believe they did. I used to believe that EVERYBODY looked at me and saw what I see, felt what I feel. BUT NOW? Now…I don’t know. I don’t know anymore, maybe, MAYBE…they don’t look at me like before, maybe they don’t see it, maybe they don’t feel it. Because what I used to see when I looked in the mirror was that monster…that monster who struck FEAR into other’s souls.
Kane now chuckles to himself.
Kane: What I used to feel were things that I don’t normally feel, that I’ve never felt before, that only
I…could make myself feel. I used to feel that fear when I saw what lied within me, when I recognised who I am, I WAS SCARED KNOWING WHAT I WAS CAPABLE OF. But now…I don’t see it, I don’t feel it and if I don’t feel it?? Then
nobody…can feel it.
Kane puts his head down, momentarily stopping in his tracks.
Kane: I can’t let that happen. I can’t let people look at me and feel…
nothing. I NEED THEM…I need them to know that the monster still lives deep inside of me and Batista beating me last night? That may put doubt in your minds but all it’s done for me, all it’s going to do for me…is awaken that monster inside ha ha.
The Big Red Machine again begins laughing to himself.
Kane: You will all see…YOU WILL ALL SEE…the monster re-emerge. You will all FEEL THAT FEAR INSIDE OF YOU when you realise…ha ha…when you realise that the fire…still…
burns.
And in rather eerie fashion Kane has a match in his hand, looking at it as though it’s his prized possession, smirking at it in a rather twisted way with the former number one contender having vowed to ‘awaken the monster’ inside of him. We then head back to ringside where already standing inside the squared circle are the always vein tag team that are The Heart Throbs, dancing around together in an odd way.
Jim Ross: Well, that was uh…that was pretty damn intense Coach. Kane promising us all that the ‘fear’ will return and that the ‘monster’ will re-emerge. I can’t speak for everybody but the fear never went away as far as I’m concerned, I can only imagine what the Big Red Machine could mean by that.
The Coach: All I can say is, the locker room has been put on notice, that defeat last night has awakened the monster baby!! I can’t freakin’ wait to get a look at it. Kane is gonna run this place J.R and I mean RUN IT.
‘Shattered Dreams’
And it’s a pretty nice pop that greets the music of the ‘Bizarre One’ as out steps Goldust along with his recent acquaintance, Eugene. Goldust is all robed up, wig on while Eugene is in his usual attire, happy and excited as he trots down the ramp. Goldust taking a more relaxed approach as we see the Heart Throbs looking a little frazzled inside the ring.
The Coach: Oh here we go, the damn circus is in town. J.R what the hell are these two doin’? I mean, c’mon.
Jim Ross: Well over the past couple of weeks a uh…a friendship shall we say has developed between Eugene and Goldust. Goldust encouraged Eugene to just be himself and that others will accept him in return and tonight’s the first time we’re gonna see this new team in action.
The Coach: Be himself? Being a stupid idiot won’t getcha accepted, it’ll getcha beat up and tonight, the Heart Throbs are gonna stick a beating on poor Eugene and Goldust? That freak? He’ll join the club.
Match Four: Tag Team Match
Goldust and Eugene vs The Heart Throbs
It’s the first outing together for this odd couple of Eugene and Goldust and it shows as they aren’t quite the cohesive tag unit just yet, the Heart Throbs showing a lot more team work with frequent tags and in the early going especially, singling out one of their opponents, Eugene being that man.
With Eugene struggling for a fairly long period and Antonio of the ‘Throbs working away at Raw’s special superstar, the crowd firmly rally behind Eugene and it seems to inspire Eugene, almost Hulk Hogan esque, one of his favourite superstars of course. Eugene somehow begins to ‘hulk up’ and fends off the challenge of both Antonio and Romeo, sending Antonio down first with a devastating final right hand, Romeo leaping in to save his partner only for Eugene to connect with a boot to the gut before a snap DDT connects!!
Eugene finally makes a tag and it’s Goldust’s to lose now, the ‘Bizarre One’ storming into things and striking the legal man Antonio relentlessly. As Goldust then sets Antonio up for a dose of Shattered Dreams, Romeo returns to the mix however, looking to strike Goldust as the golden one charges, only for Eugene to do likewise, thwarting the pretty boy and sending him over the top rope before BAM!! GOLDUST STRIKES WITH SHATTERED DREAMS!! Antonio drops forward, clutching his nether regions before a boot to the gut from Eugene, STUNNER!! Stone Cold esque from Eugene, Antonio in no man’s land as he stumbles back right into Goldust’s path who connects with the Final Cut!! Cover, 1…2…3…big win for Goldust and Eugene.
Winners: Goldust and Eugene(6:12)
Jim Ross: They got ‘em!! Eugene and Goldust victorious here tonight!! A huge win for Monday Night Raw’s newest Tag Team!!
The Coach: I don’t believe it. If these two guys can win a match around here then maybe they can stick you in the ring and you’d get a W on the board J.R.
Jim Ross: Hey, how bout you volunteer to step in there sometime?
The Coach: Please, if the Coach really wanted to, he’d be a World Champ by now baby. Whole different ball game cowboy. This is a sad day in the history of the WWE J.R. Eugene and Goldust not just a team but a winnin’ team? I never thought I’d see the day.
We get a shot of the bizarre duo backing up the ramp, Eugene very, VERY excited as he tries to tell Goldust all about it. Goldust tries to calm Eugene down, patting him on the back as there’s applause from the crowd before Goldust and Eugene raise one another’s arms in victory before we cut to the backstage area again.
Where we see Raw’s General Manager, not for the first time this evening with Eric Bischoff being all smiles. The boss is wandering around the halls, greeted with jeers from the crowd before he stops, still beaming and the camera shifts to see the four members of the Arabian Entity coming to join his side. We then hear from Jim Ross and Coach that coming up next will see Bischoff and the Entity headed to ringside to see Shawn Michaels ‘say his goodbyes’.
Commercials
Returning from the break and we head to the parking lot where we’re shown the image of a rather infuriated looking World Champion, Batista. The Animal is greeted with strong cheers, all set to leave the arena as he heads towards his limousine when the former Evolution man suddenly stops and reaches inside his suit pocket and pulls out his phone which is ringing. Tista stares at it, same stern look on his face but that look soon evaporates and turns into a smile as he answers the call.
Batista: I wasn’t expecting this when I heard my cell ringing that’s for sure! How are ya man? It’s been a while.
Tista nods, still smiling as we’re a little unsure as to what’s going on.
Batista: Good, good, glad to hear man, glad to hear. Yeah everything’s great right now, last night was as tough as they come but I pulled through, got your buddy breathin’ down my neck now and you’d better believe I’ll stick him in his place after what he did.
Tista pauses awaiting a response, Christian the topic of conversation and it would appear we now know who’s on the other end of the phone…
Batista: I get that, I do…uhuh…yeah…yeah I know it’s gonna be tough, I know it won’t be easy but he…
The Animal now huffs, getting a little irritated.
Batista: Look Ric, I don’t know what you want me to say. He talks the talk but can he walk the walk when it comes to me and him standin' in that ring?
Well that confirms it is none other than Ric Flair on the phone.
Batista: So you’re saying you don’t think I can do it? You don’t think I can beat him? I know he’s good but Ric…I’m better.
Nice pop for that as Tista shuffles around a bit, perhaps surprised that Flair’s not as confident as he is.
Batista: Listen I gotta go and…yeah…of course, any advice you have, I’ll always take it on board, you know that.
Tista waits, nodding his head.
Batista: I appreciate it, really I do. I know how he does things and trust me, if it’s comin’ outta your mouth, I’ll definitely watch my ba...
BAM!!!! JUST LIKE THAT, RIGHT ON CUE, BATISTA IS AMBUSHED FROM BEHIND BY CHRISTIAN!! Captain Charisma knocking the Animal down, blindsiding the champion as Christian stands tall over the World Champion. The look of arrogance on Christian’s face tells the story, the number one contender reluctant to continue his assault as he instead simply stares at the fallen Dave Batista, a message well and truly sent to the champion tonight as Christian now walks off patting his chest. We hear a groan from Batista who clutches his ribs after a heavy fall and we return back to ringside.
The Coach: MY MAN J.R!! Captain Charisma sending another message tonight!! Ric Flair said it his freakin’ self, Batista watch your back!! BAM!! Christian takin’ Batista down and out, I love it.
Jim Ross: The man simply shows no class. There is no respect on the part of Christian. There wasn’t he faced Ric Flair and by the looks of things tonight, there won’t be when he faces off against Batista. Christian getting inside the head of the World Champion tonight and hey, I gotta agree with Ric Flair, Christian’s gonna go for gold by any means necessary, the Animal needs to beware.
‘I’m Back’
And for the first time this evening, Eric Bischoff’s music hits and out struts the boss to rapturous boos before we see the Arabian Entity emerging behind him, the boos only growing louder as the quartet accompany Bischoff down to the ring.
Jim Ross: Well I think the reaction from this Nebraska crowd tells the story. Last night at Unforgiven it was a Four on One Handicap elimination match, Shawn Michaels squaring off against the Arabian Entity and by god, I thought Michaels was gonna pull it off. The Heartbreak Kid eliminated three of the Entity before Muhammad Hassan finished off a resilient Showstopper, but only thanks to Eric Bischoff stickin’ his nose in where it didn’t belong.
The Coach: Didn’t…didn’t belong? Are you kidding me? Shawn Michaels is Eric Bischoff’s ‘Personal Employee’ J.R. Anything involving Michaels is Eric Bischoff’s business and you know the boss, he does whatever’s right for business. Last night was the right thing to do and tonight? Tonight Shawn Michaels is gonna do the right thing too and he’s gonna walk on out that door.
The Five men now stand in the ring, the boos barely dying down as Bischoff stands, broad smirk on his face. Daivari and Dutt are likewise with Hassan seeming more of a smug look about him, Khali as intimidating as ever with Bischoff tossing a microphone around in his hand, his music fading slowly in the background.
Eric Bischoff: This has…this has been a long…time…coming.
Bischoff is peering into the crowd and has that mischievous grin as the crowd boos from the moment the boss opens his mouth.
Eric Bischoff: I’ve been waiting a long time to see the back of Shawn Michaels and that hope, that anticipation, that DESIRE to see him walk out the door has just got stronger and stronger over the past few months. But right here and now that all just…that all just seems so far in the past. Those feelings have, well, they’ve been replaced by the feeling of accomplishment, of pleasure, by the feeling of sheer
pride at what I’ve done, at what
we have done.
Bischoff points at the four members of the Entity, a close up of Hassan slyly grinning is then shown.
Eric Bischoff: Because together we’ve done what seemed to be impossible. We’ve taken a man who has prided himself on his spirit, his belief, his
faith and we have absolutely, positively CRUSHED IT.
Bischoff now begins laughing, the boos following right behind him.
Eric Bischoff: Physically and mentally, we
crushed Shawn Michaels, we crushed everything he believes in, everything he stands for and now? Now…the rewards will follow. I get what I’ve been wanting, these four gentleman get exactly what they’ve been wanting an…
Bischoff is cut off by chants of ‘You Suck’
Eric Bischoff: How bout you show some damn RESPECT? We are doing you people a favour. We are getting rid of a man who’s caused more harm than good to me, who’s caused more problems than ANYBODY back in that locker room and yet you all seem to want him to stick around. You all seem to care about Shawn, hell some of you idolise Shawn Michaels. Well newsflash, I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU WANT OR HOW YOU FEEL!!
More thunderous boos for the boss as Daivari and Dutt applaud what Bischoff is saying, Hassan standing by nodding on.
Eric Bischoff: This is about what I want, about what we wa…
‘Sexy Boy’
Bischoff instantly hangs his head and the Entity ready themselves as the music of the Heartbreak Kid hits and out steps Shawn Michaels to a HUGE ovation. The Showstopper is dressed in a vest top and trousers, cutting a rather depleted figure, not for the first time this year as he slowly, gingerly makes his way down to the ring, clearly hurting from last night. Michaels slowly steps through the ropes and the Entity are protecting Eric Bischoff who stands behind them, somewhat nervously yet a wry smile as Michaels grabs a microphone from ringside, his five foes shuffling away.
Shawn Michaels: Y’know, you and I, we don’t agree on much Eric but you’re right when you say that this… this whole thing isn’t about what they want or about how they feel.
Michaels is pointing around the crowd, an all serious approach from the Showstopper.
Shawn Michaels: But…damn it this is NOT about what you want or how you feel. This is about what I WANT, ABOUT HOW I FEEL!!
Michaels is pacing towards Bischoff, the crowd abuzz but the Entity are blocking him off and Muhammad Hassan steps forward to confront Michaels, microphone in hand.
Muhammad Hassan: NO!! NO, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT YOU WANT SHAWN!!
Hassan only has to open his mouth for the crowd to shit all over him.
Muhammad Hassan: This is about us, about what I’ve done, we’ve done, about what Eric has done. We’ve taken a guy like you, a guy who is a symbol of what’s wrong with this country and we have BROKEN...YOU…DOWN.
Shawn Michaels: That’s…hey, that’s
right. You have broken me down, I’m not afraid to admit it. The Shawn Michaels standin’ here tonight in front of your very eyes is not the Shawn Michaels I used to know.
There’s a silence in the arena, the fans glued to what Michaels is saying.
Shawn Michaels: Ever since Wrestlemania, everything in my life, EVERYTHING…has gone downhill. Inside this ring, outside of it, every second of me being a part of this company has…has made me more miserable than I could’ve ever imagined. And being miserable here? I then go and I take that home with me, I take it back to my family and that…that hurts the hell outta them and it hurts the hell outta me.
Michaels points right into his chest, you can feel the hurt.
Shawn Michaels: But I can’t help the way I feel. I’ve tried to put on a brave face, I’ve tried to act like nothing’s happened, like nothing’s wrong but I just can’t…do…it. That loss to Kurt Angle, I haven’t felt that much pain from a defeat in my entire career but I thought…I thought I could recover, I thought I could bounce back from that but then…then
you showed up.
Michaels now points at Bischoff who is still smirking.
Shawn Michaels: You decided that you weren’t gonna let me recover from that defeat, that you were gonna punish me, make me suffer and congratulations cos you’ve done all that and whole lot more.
Muhammad Hassan: What’s…what’s the point you’re trying to make here Shawn? Huh? What is it? Cos I don’t get it. I don’t understand and I’m sure I speak for everybody else in this ring too. YOU Shawn, YOU…brought this all on yourself.
Michaels looks a little irked by that, Bischoff nodding behind the quartet as Hassan makes his point.
Muhammad Hassan: You targeted Eric Bischoff, he didn’t single you out Shawn, this was all your own doing. That loss to Kurt Angle? Eric Bischoff didn’t make you lose that match, he didn’t make Kurt Angle slap the Ankle Lock on you, he didn’t make you TAP…OUT.
Big time heat for this as Michaels looks away in anger.
Muhammad Hassan: You did all that Shawn and you couldn’t deal with it, you couldn’t handle the fact that you weren’t quite as great as you thought you were. So…so what did you do? You took it out on somebody. All that anger, that frustration, you took it out and wh…who…did you take it out on? Oh that’s right, like the GENIUS you are, you took it out on your own boss. YOU sealed your fate Shawn…
you did.
Hassan is now almost laughing in Michaels face, the Showstopper looking down and despondent.
Muhammad Hassan: You started this whole thing and now? Now… we’re gonna f
inish it. For me, for us, for Eric and noth…
Shawn Michaels: That’s…that’s tough talk there. Really strong stuff, kinda becomin’ your thing around here isn’t it?
Muhammad Hassan: No, no see I don’t just talk Shawn…I
act and my actions last night saw me BEAT YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS RING!!
Huge heat as Michaels rubs his chin, chuckling to himself. Hassan fired up at Michaels trying to put him down.
Shawn Michaels: That ya did, that…you…did. But y’know what? All that crap you just talked about? If you’da let me finish, you’d realise that’s…that’s actually why I’m out here. I didn’t come here tonight to just show up, walk down to this ring and give in, to give you what you wanted, no. You want me gone, I get it. But last night? That just ain’t gonna cut it.
Nice pop for that, Michaels digging his heels in.
Shawn Michaels: But…I…I am at breaking point, I hold my hands up to ya, I’m on my knees but I’m not down and out just yet.
Bischoff now barges through, a look of anger on his face as the crowd pop for Michaels refusal to back down.
Eric Bischoff: THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU OUT HERE FOR HUH?! I only…I only let you even be here tonight because I thought you were gonna do what’s right, I thought I’d finally got it inside that thick skull o’ yours that you have absolutely NO FUTURE IN THIS BUSINESS!! If you aren’t out here to walk away then…then DAMN IT YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU’RE OUT HERE FOR!!
There’s a pause, no response yet from Michaels, but there is one…from Hassan?
Muhammad Hassan: I…I think I get it. I think I know what he wants Eric. No matter how much he fights it, fights
us…he can’t win. He knows it but Eric, he won’t walk away, he can’t…walk away. BUT…he does want out, don’t ya Shawn? You can’t take this anymore, your family can’t take this Shawn Michaels anymore can they? They want the old Shawn Michaels. Your wife Shawn, your wife, she wants the REAL Hearbtreak Kid, your kids…his children Eric, they want their OLD daddy back.
Shawn Michaels: YOU LEAVE MY KIDS OUTTA THIS, YOU UNDERSTAND?!
Michaels is spewing here, getting in the face of Hassan before the gigantic Great Khali steps forward, Michaels on edge here as he backs away, almost bursting at the seams, Hassan and Bischoff looking at one another as Hassan grins in his usual evil fashion.
Muhammad Hassan: Just like I thought, it’s eating you alive isn’t it Shawn? But you just can’t do it. You ca…
Shawn Michaels: No, no you’re right, I can't do it, at least...not yet. I told you when I came out here, tonight? It’s not about that, this is about…what I want and what I want is to make you…an offer.
Bischoff suddenly lights up, sensing an opportunity, Michaels looking reluctant to do this as he looks directly at the boss.
Shawn Michaels: This is how desperate I am Eric, it’s how much I’m hurtin’ right deep down in here(
pointing into his gut) cos I’m willin’ to meet ya half way ya understand? All I’m askin’ for…is
one more chance, just
one…more…shot.
There’s now silence, almost a stand off as Bischoff and the Entity concur with each other for a moment, Michaels looking on with wonder in his eyes.
Eric Bischoff: One…one more shot at…at what exactly Shawn?
Shawn Michaels:
Freedom.
It’s a swift, immediate response from the Heartbreak Kid.
Shawn Michaels: One more shot at freedom Eric, it’s all I ask. So y’know what I’m gonna do? I’m just gonna lay my cards out on the table right here, right now for ya and make this as simple and easy as possible for you to take in. Survivor Series, five on five, elimination match, my team…versus your team. If my team wins? Then Eric, this…this whole thing…it stops.
There’s a buzz here for that mouth watering prospect of a match at Survivor Series as Bischoff stops and thinks.
Eric Bischoff: Woah, woah, woah, wait. So…so your team of five beats my team of five and…and I just, what? I just let you go from your contract?
Shawn Michaels: That’s...well, that’s not exactly right. My team wins, that contract
is terminated…along with yours.
Ohhhhhh. There is a MAJOR pop at that as Bischoff starts laughing and Hassan takes over.
Muhammad Hassan: Are…are you that stupid? C’mon Shawn, really? You’re…you’re joking with us right? You think Eric’s gonna put his job on the line just like that? You’re an even bigger fool than I thought!!
Shawn Michaels: Oh I do think he’s gonna put his job on the line…because of what I’m offering in return.
Michaels now scratches his chin, pacing back and forth as Bischoff suddenly tilts his head.
Eric Bischoff: Well uh, what’s…what’s it gonna be Shawn? What does my team get if we win huh? What can POSSIBLY make me put my own job on the line?
Shawn Michaels: If your team wins Eric, you get...(huffs), you get... whatever you want.
Well, that certainly wasn’t what a wide eyed Eric Bischoff was expecting as he and the Entity now look at each other in total surprise. Michaels clearly not wanting to say those words
Shawn Michaels: I told you Eric, I’m on the verge here, you’ve pushed me as far as I can go and if I fail this time? Then I just...I just can’t do it anymore. Whatever it is you want…I will do it.
The Entity are still conversing with the boss before Bischoff steps forward.
Eric Bischoff: I uh…I wasn’t expecting this, really. That’s uh…that is quite the stipulation you laid down there Shawn and y’know what? I kinda like it.
Bischoff laughs to himself.
Eric Bischoff: So here’s how it’s gonna go down Shawn. Survivor Series, Team Michaels versus Team Bischoff, traditional Elimination match. If your team wins, you get your wish, freedom. I will walk away from Monday Night Raw and I will walk away from the WWE.
Massive ovation for the thought of that.
Eric Bischoff: BUT IF MY TEAM WINS…if my team wins then Shawn, you…are…
done. I’m not gonna fire you, you’re gonna do what I’ve been waiting for you to do, what I’ve been pushing you to do, you’re gonna do the one thing you just can’t seem to do Shawn. You’re gonna walk away.
Bischoff and Michaels stare at one another, a look of real intensity from both.
Eric Bischoff: You’re gonna walk away from the thing you love the most. Not Monday Night Raw, not the WWE. You’re gonna walk away from wrestling…
period.
Michaels hangs his head, beginning to pace around the ring again as Bischoff has that smile etched on his face once more, the Entity applauding. The crowd are booing relentlessly, knowing Michaels career hangs in the balance.
Eric Bischoff: What do ya say Shawn? Do we have a deal?
Bischoff then extends his hand!! Michaels is being offered a handshake by the man he despises more than anything, the crowd crapping all over Bischoff.
Shawn Michaels: Eric, I’ve said all along that I have faith I’ll get outta this thing and guess what? Nothing and I mean
nothing…has changed. I will…survive. You got yourself a deal.
BAM!!! THERE’S NO HANDSHAKE AS INSTEAD MICHAELS FOR THE SECOND NIGHT IN A ROW HAS TAKEN BISCHOFF’S HEAD OFF WITH SOME SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!
Jim Ross: SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO ERIC BISCHOFF!!
The Coach: But here come the Entity J.R!! Michaels had this comin’!!
Indeed the Entity are right on Michaels tail with Daivari storming at Shawn BUT MICHAELS WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC AGAIN!! DUTT NOW COMES AT THE SHOWSTOPPER AND HE GETS THROWN OVER THE TOP!!
Jim Ross: Thanks for comin’!! Shawn Michaels taking it to the Entity and…AND WOULD YA LOOK AT THIS?!? DAMN IT, WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU!?!
The Coach: It tells you he is a smart, smart man J.R.
Who’s so smart? Muhammad Hassan of course. The Entity’s leader exiting the ring to the wrath of Shawn Michaels, the Showstopper gritting his teeth as Michaels then locks eyes with The Great Khali. Khali remaining in the ring, Hassan ordering him out but Khali not budging just yet…before eventually exiting the ring. The boos are incredible for Hassan and his giant as Michaels smirks, a real…almost sort of arrogance about him as he stares down the fallen Entity members, the retreating Hassan and Khali joining them as the quartet go to the aid of a stricken Eric Bischoff.
Jim Ross: The stakes could not be higher folks!! Survivor Series, it is do or die for Shawn Michaels!! Team Michaels versus Team Bischoff, five on five elimination match!! If Shawn Michaels team loses then Shawn Michaels must walk away from the W…W…E.
The Coach: It’s do or die for Eric Bischoff too J.R!! DO NOT FORGET YOUR BOSS!! If…god forbid, if…Team Bischoff loses then Shawn Michaels is free and J.R, Eric Bischoff is gone!!
Jim Ross: It is all about survival in Detroit, Michigan. November 27th, will faith simply be enough to survive!?! Goodnight everybody!!
Date: 27th November 2005
Location: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit; Michigan
Current Card:
5 on 5 Elimination Match:
Team Michaels(Shawn Michaels, ?, ?, ?, ?) vs. Team Bischoff(?, ?, ?, ?, ?)