WWE BACKLASH 2008
Sunday April 27th
From The Pepsi Center – Denver, Colorado
***Video Recap***
w/Voiceover
- Randy Orton winning the WWE Championship at No Mercy 2007, raising the belt in to the air
- Kane returning and winning the 2008 Royal Rumble, eliminating The Undertaker at the end
- Wrestlemania XXIV and Kane defeating John Cena to win the WWE Championship in the triple threat match with Randy Orton
- Randy Orton on Raw the next night, storming down to the ring and punting Mr. Kennedy before demanding his rematch
- Eric Bischoff telling Orton he would get his rematch at Backlash
- Orton in the ring with Kane & Paul Bearer, nailing Bearer with an RKO and escaping right away
- Later in the night, Orton returning to attack Kane with a steel chair and punting him in the head before stealing the WWE title
- Last week on Raw, Bischoff ordering Orton to give the belt back to Kane, resulting in Orton nailing Bearer and goading Kane in to attacking him
- Later on in the main event, Kane pinning Batista and Orton taking the belt once again, posing with it to anger Kane
- Evolution defeating The McMahon’s at Wrestlemania
- Vince, Shane & JBL on Raw a week later, announcing a rematch has been made for Backlash, a non sanctioned match
- The same promo with JBL telling Triple H if there was any justice, they will win at Backlash and Stephanie would lose their unborn baby, leading to a brawl
- Last week on Raw with The McMahon’s showing footage of them attacking Reid Flair, causing Flair to leave the arena with Evolution swearing revenge
Voiceover: Many actions go unresolved, and for those there is no retribution. . . There are those who wish turn to back the clock only to find their opportunity for revenge has fallen by the wayside. . . But for those who are hell bent on exacting payback, they will always find a way by means that will scar their victims for all eternity. . . For them and their victims, this night will never escape their memory. . . For on this night, there will be consequences. There shall be suffering, and there will be a Backlash.
***“All Summer Long”***
By Kid Rock
***PYRO***
***PYRO***
***PYRO***
***PYRO***
***PYRO***
Jim Ross: Welcome everybody to Backlash, and I hope you’re ready to strap in your seatbelts, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride tonight.
The King: You’re right about that JR, no less than three titles will be decided here tonight, including the WWE Championship when Kane defends against the former champion, Randy Orton.
Jim Ross: There’s no doubting how hungry Randy Orton is to once again become the WWE Champion after failing to retain the title he still believes is his at Wrestlemania. . . But of course, there’s a lot more on offer than that, as tonight in a non sanctioned match, Evolution will lock horns with The McMahon’s once again, and that one promises to be all kinds of ugly.
The King: It sure does JR, and you have to wonder just what Evolution has in store for The McMahon’s after the events of last Monday night.
Jim Ross: I dread to think King, but we’re kicking things off with the Intercontinental Championship up for grabs.
***The Opening Match***
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Kofi Kingston (c) vs Cody Rhodes w/Kelly Kelly
ENDING: Kofi stands back up and helps Cody back up to his feet too, then turns back and runs in to the ropes, but as he comes back, Cody ducks underneath an outstretched arm and spins around instantly to bring Kofi crashing down to the mat with a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. . . . . Rhodes readjusts his position straight away as he looks to cover Kofi, hooking the leg as the ref makes the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Kofi gets his shoulder up, but Cody doesn’t look too surprised as he makes his way back up to his feet. He then drags Kofi up and quickly scoops him up before slamming him hard on his back. The challenger then pulls Kofi away from the centre of the ring and closer to the corner as he then climbs up to the top rope with his back facing the ring. With Kelly looking concerned on the outside, Cody then goes for a MOONSAULT. . . . He hits it! He desperately hooks both of Kofi’s legs as he tries for another cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO!! Kofi kicks out again leaving Cody shocked this time. He lets go of Kofi’s legs and looks up at the referee, claiming a three count, but he gets knocked back. Kelly still watches on with interest as Cody reluctantly stands back up, then reaches down to pull Kofi back up to his feet. Still looking frustrated, Cody tries for a lacklustre whip to the corner, but it’s reversed by Kingston as the Jamaican then runs right in at Cody as he hits the pads back first. Kofi leaps up to the top rope with the crowd cheering as the Intercontinental Champion then unleashes some hard right hands to the head of Cody Rhodes. With the crowd counting along to six punches, Kofi then jumps back and down to the mat. With Cody looking dazed in the corner, Kofi looks to take advantage, and he sends Cody flying out of the corner with a MONKEY FLIP. . . . . The challenger lands back first across the canvas as Kofi then runs towards him and executes a DOUBLE LEG DROP TO THE CHEST. . . . . The fans like that as Kofi’s leg comes crashing down on Cody’s chest, and this time it’s Kofi who looks to go for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Cody gets his shoulder up this time, but Kofi takes it on the chin as he makes his way back up to his feet, closely followed by Cody. Kofi waits patiently as Cody stands back up, and the champion then turns back and runs in to the ropes, racing back to connect with a HIGH ANGLE REVERSE ELBOW SMASH. . . . . The crowd enjoy that one too as both men again make their way back up to their feet, and it’s Kofi who looks the brighter as Cody looks groggy as he makes his way back up with Kingston running to the corner. He climbs up to the top rope, and as Cody turns round to face him, Kofi then leaps off the top for a DIVING CROSS BODY. . . . . He gets all of it as Cody falls back with Kofi on top and holding on for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO!! Cody pushes the IC Champion off of his chest to break up the count. Kofi isn’t messing about as he rushes to get back up again with Cody also making his way back up to his feet. Kofi runs back to come back off the ropes, but as he gets towards his opponent, Cody jumps up in to the air and connects with one hell of a dropkick that sends Kingston down to the canvas. Cody frantically crawls over and hooks both legs again as the referee starts to count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Kofi gets his shoulder up once again as Cody sits up looking slightly dejected. He shifts on to his knees and grabs Kofi by the head and helps him up as he makes his own way back up to a vertical base. He then throws a succession of right hands at him, but Kofi fights back, connecting with a couple of right hands of his own, but Cody fights back by driving his boot in to the mid section of Kingston. He then runs past him and comes back off the ropes, connecting with a BULLDOG. . . . . Kofi’s head is driven in to the mat, and Cody turns him over on to his back to try once again for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO! Cody looks stunned as the resilient champion once again kicks out. It seems to anger Cody as he stands up straight away and urges Kofi back up, and slowly but surely, the Jamaican sensation rises to his feet, right in front of Cody. The challenger grabs him by the head and pulls him in to position for DDT. . . . . Cody looks to end it here and now, but Kofi escapes the grip and slips behind him. Cody turns round instantly, and Kofi reacts with quick reactions, nailing Cody with a LEG FEED ENZIGURI. . . . . That looks to be it as Kofi crawls across to go for a cover, hooking both legs for the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO. . . SO CLOSE! Cody just got his shoulder up, leaving Kofi stunned this time as he pulls himself back up to his knees. Cody tries to sit back up, but he looks to be very unsettled, causing concern for the referee who goes to check on him as Kofi looks on concerned. Kelly is also looking worried on the outside, and she stands up on the apron, trying to get a closer look. As Cody sits up, still looking dazed, Kofi walks past Cody and over to the ropes and reassures Kelly. Cody then makes his way back up to his feet and turns around, seeing Kofi with Kelly. He seems to have a fit of rage and charges right at Kofi, but Kelly warns him with Kofi turning round, running and ducking under Cody’s arm, but CODY RUNS RIGHT IN TO KELLY, KNOCKING HER OFF THE APRON AND DOWN TO THE FLOOR. . . . . Cody looks down in shock for a couple of seconds before turning round and running back at Kofi, who instinctively nails him with THE TROUBLE IN PARADISE. . . . . The champ looks really concerned for Kelly, but sees her sitting up, not in too much pain as he then covers Cody, hooking both legs but looking over towards Kelly the whole time as the ref makes the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: By pinfall, and still the Intercontinental Champion, Kofi Kingston @ 12.27.
AFTERMATH: “SOS” hits to a pop from the crowd, but Kofi rushes to his feet and slides under the bottom rope to check on Kelly. She seems to be okay, and she tells Kofi that as she only landed on her side. The ref collects Kofi’s belt and joins him on the outside, passing it to him and checking on Kelly, but she stands back up quite comfortably with Kofi helping her. Cody comes round and sits up on the inside, and as he turns his head, he sees Kofi & Kelly together again. He doesn’t look happy at all, and Kelly sees him staring at them, so she climbs in the ring and goes to check on him. Kofi looks on as Cody stares back at him with Kelly kneeling over the fallen challenger.
{Cut Backstage}
Randy Orton is shown arriving in the arena and walking down the hall with the WWE Championship over his shoulder as he drags his travel bag with the other hand. As he gets further down the hall and walks round the corner, he comes across
Eric Bischoff, who is talking to a production worker.
Eric Bischoff: Thanks for that.
Orton stops with the production worker walking away as Bischoff walks up to a very serious looking Randy Orton.
Eric Bischoff: Randy, it’s great to see you and even better to see that you took my words so seriously Monday night. . . If I’m not mistaken, I told you to give that belt back to Kane, not use it as a weapon and steal it back later in the night. . . So, the way I see it if I’m not mistaken is you’re either extremely hard of hearing or you’re pushing your luck in doing a great job of getting on my nerves. Which is it?
Randy Orton: This title belt is mine Eric, it’s like I’ve been saying since Wrestlemania. . . I never lost the title. I refuse to accept that this doesn’t belong to me. I am the WWE Champion in everything but name, but that will all change by the end of this night. . . I guarantee it.
Eric Bischoff: Let me spell something out for you Randy, just to make sure we’re both clear on things, I am the boss around here, and what I say goes. . . Now it’s pretty clear you don’t have any respect for authority or anyone that stands between you and that title, and I accept there’s only so much I can do to stop that. . . However, there is someone else who will make you feel the consequences of your actions, and you’re going to face up to them later on tonight when you go one on one with the big red machine. . . the monster you’ve attacked from behind on multiple occasions, stole that belt from and whose father you’ve laid out twice in eight days. . . the true WWE Champion, Kane.
Orton stares menacingly at Bischoff.
Randy Orton: What is that an attempt to get me worried Eric? . . . It’s going to take a more than a couple of tough words from an insignificant and inadequate authority figure like yourself to intimidate me. . . I’m going to that ring tonight to do what makes me the best this company has to offer and take back what is rightfully mine. . . the title of WWE Champion, and there’s nothing you or Kane can do to stop me.
Orton walks out of the shot, leaving a clearly unhappy Bischoff no option but to watch him leave.
Eric Bischoff: We’ll see about that.
{Cut to Ringside}
***Match 2***
Finlay w/Hornswoggle vs Santino Marella w/Melina
ENDING: Finlay hammers away on Santino, stomping him across the back as the Italian lies defenceless on the mat. He then bends down and pulls his sore looking opponent back up to his feet before chopping him hard across the chest and up against the ropes. Finlay then grabs Santino by the wrist and whips him in to the ropes. He walks in to the middle of the ring as Marella comes back and runs right in to a back body drop from the Irishman. Santino lands hard the canvas and sits up holding his back, selling the pain as Finlay then reaches down and drags him back up again to nail him with a short arm clothesline. Santino looks in some pain as he is once again dragged up to his feet with Finlay this time whipping him hard in to the corner, resulting is Santino’s back hitting the pads. Finlay takes a couple of seconds before charging in at him, but as he gets closer, Santino steps out of the corner and to the side as Finlay then runs chest first in to the pad. Santino turns round and rolls Finlay up for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Kick out by Finlay, and they’re both back up quickly as Santino swings a wild right hand at his opponent, but Finlay ducks it and grabs Santino by the head, pulling him in to a side headlock and taking him down to the mat where he keeps the hold locked in. Melina shouts words of encouragement to Marella as Finlay looks in control. Santino is close by to the ropes and tries drag himself there by his feet, and as Finlay tries to keep him there, Marella just about reaches his foot out to rest it on the bottom rope, forcing the referee to tell Finlay to break the hold. He reluctantly does so, but as he stands back up, he grabs Santino by the arm and drags him away from the ropes. He then shifts round to the Italian’s legs and tries to lock in an ELEVATED BOSTON CRAB. . . . . Santino reacts quickly and kicks Finlay away with the Irishman falling gently to the mat. Both men attempt and succeed in standing back up, but this time Santino ducks a right hand and as Finlay turns round to face him, Santino explodes by nailing him with an STO. . . . . The Italian stallion looks desperate as he frantically goes to cover Finlay with the ref counting his shoulders. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO! Finlay got his shoulder up and Santino doesn’t like it. He sits up holding his head in his hands, but Hornswoggle claps on the outside as he jumps up and down. Finlay sits up, forcing Santino in to action and to rise his feet. He stands above Finlay as he gets up, urging him up, and the moment he gets to his feet, Santino pulls him in to position for a ROLLING CUTTER. . . . . Finlay fights it and pushes him back in to the ropes, but Santino holds on to the top rope. Finlay charges at him with Santino lifting his boot up and driving it into Finlay’s face, sending him staggering away from the ropes. Santino turns to the crowd and smiles before turning back and running at Finlay, but the Irishman kicks him in the gut and quickly plants him with a SINGLE ARM DDT. . . . . That gets a pop from the crowd as he then rolls Santino on to his back and goes for the cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . NO!!!
Melina looks relieved on the outside as Santino just lifts his shoulder up to stop the count. She then sees an opportunity to distract Finlay by walking round the ring and towards his shillelagh. Finlay sees her grabbing it and stands up straight away, then walks over to the ropes as Santino ever so gradually starts to come round and sit back up. The referee goes to smooth things over, but Finlay demands Melina lets go of the shillelagh, but she won’t as she sees Santino getting back up behind Finlay. Just as Santino gets one foot back up, Hornswoggle slides in the ring behind the Italian and waits for him to stand up, and the moment Marella is able to stand up fully, the leprechaun kicks him in the groin from behind, getting a huge pop from behind. Melina screams out and drops the shillelagh in anger as Hornswoggle then slides back out of the ring with Finlay turning round to see Santino on his knees. He walks over and drags him back up to lift him on to his shoulders, and then plants him with the CELTIC CROSS. . . . . The referee turns back round as Melina can only watch on in horror as the referee makes the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: Finlay by pinfall @ 7.18.
AFTERMATH: “Lambeg” hits to a pop from the Denver crowd as Finlay stands back up to get his arm raised by the referee as Melina can only watch on in disappointment. Hornswoggle waits on the outside as Finlay leaves the ring and joins him, looking back and grinning as Santino lies motionless on the mat with Melina not looking best happy.
{Cut Backstage}
The McMahon’s are sat down dressed in expensive looking suits in their well decorated locker room with
JBL stood at the door with four security guards.
JBL: Gentleman, you’re doing a fine job, but I suggest that you remain vigilant at all times for the duration of the night. . . that’s if you wish to be paid for your services.
Security Officer #1: Yes sir.
JBL: Good, we both see eye to eye. Now get back to work gentleman.
All four security guards step outside of the door with JBL closing it behind them and turning to face his father and half brother. Shane leans back, looking very comfortable next to his father.
Shane McMahon: John, I can see why you’re a little extra cautious after Monday night, but think about it for a second. . . Right now you can imagine Triple H and Batista at each others throats. It’s two weeks in a row that one of them has managed to screw up. How do you think that’s gonna go down with those two? . . . And personally, I wouldn’t even worry about The Nature Boy. He’s probably at home making sure nothing bad can happen to his baby boy.
JBL looks back at Shane with Vince leaning forward on the sofa.
Vince McMahon: Shane’s right son, neither of them will like the dent that had to have had on their egos. This is Triple H, The Game and The Animal, Big Dave Batista we’re talking about here, I don’t see how they’ll be able to get past that and function as a unit tonight. . . However, on the plus side, it does make our job a whole lot easier.
JBL remains coy as Shane leans forward alongside his dad.
JBL: Regardless of recent events, we have to take tonight extremely seriously, hence the security force that I have personally hired to protect all of us.
Shane stands up, still looking very relaxed.
Shane McMahon: You know as well as we do that everything’s under control. We’ve thought through every last detail over and over. . . nothing can or will go wrong tonight John, you know it’s all going to be fine like we planned.
Vince stands up to join Shane, looking a little more serious.
Vince McMahon: Look, I want to see Evolution suffer more than both of you, but I’m sure neither of you has forgotten Wrestlemania right? . . . Every last detail is in place. There will be retribution tonight, and together as a family, we will enjoy every last second of it.
JBL grins, as does Shane with a look of real smugness with Vince then putting his arms round both his sons.
Vince McMahon: That’s my boys.
Vince laughs quite hard with both Shane & JBL looking very confident.
***Video Recap***
- John Morrison & Miz knocking title reign of London & Kendrick, accusing them of being on their last legs, resulting in Eric Bischoff making a title match for Backlash
- Brian Kendrick beating The Miz two weeks ago on Raw
- Last week on Raw, London & Kendrick attacking Morrison & Miz as they insulted them during an interview, only to be separated with both teams wanting more
{Cut to Ringside}
***Match 3***
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c) vs John Morrison & The Miz
ENDING: Both London & Morrison struggle to their feet after a double clothesline, and it’s Morrison who goes to strike first with a right hand. London blocks it and fires away with some hard shots of his own, forcing Morrison back in to the ropes. He then grabs Morrison’s arm and tries to whip him in to the opposite set of ropes, but it’s reversed, and as London comes firing back off the ropes, Morrison runs out to meet him and nails him with a spinning wheel kick. Both men stay down for a couple of seconds, but it’s Morrison who is up first, closely followed by London, and Morrison sees him getting back up. He runs in to the ropes as London gets up and nails him with a SPRINGBOARD ENZIGURI. . . . . London just gets nailed, and Morrison looks to take advantage by going for cover straight away. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO!! London lifts his shoulder up, completely taking Morrison by surprise. He doesn’t look happy at all as he stands back up and urges the high flyer to do the same. As London rolls on to his knee, Morrison goes for him there and then, dragging him back up to his feet and setting him up for a CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER. . . . . The panic in the crowd is obvious as the gasps can be heard, but as Morrison sets him up and looks to hit it, London just pulls his head back with Morrison falling forward. As The Shaman of Sexy steadies himself and turns round, London digs deep and connects with a DROPSAULT. . . . . That gets the crowd going as both men hurry back up to their feet, but it’s London who looks to gain the momentum now as he kicks Morrison in the gut, sending him down to his knees, runs back and nails him with a SEATED DROPKICK. . . . . Cheers ring out as London shimmies round and hooks the leg for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO! The Miz breaks it up by entering the ring and stomping on the back of London’s head, bringing an angry reaction from the referee who gets right in Miz’s face and orders him back to the apron. Kendrick looks pissed but quickly switches focus to urge London to make the tag as both he and Morrison start to crawl to their respective corners, getting closer and closer before eventually jumping up and making the tags. Both Kendrick & The Miz race through the ropes and charge at each other with Kendrick ducking an outstretched arm and running through to hit a SPRINGBOARD BACK ELBOW SMASH. . . . . The fans enjoy that as Kendrick gets back up, followed by The Miz with Kendrick then whipping him in to the corner and racing straight in, connecting with a back flip dropkick. He backs away the corner as The Miz staggers out in to a HURRICANRANA WITH KENDRICK HOLDING THE LEGS TIGHTLY FOR A COVER. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . KICK OUT. . . . SO CLOSE!
Miz just about is able to lift his shoulder up off the mat to the frustration and disappointment of both Kendrick and the crowd as both London & Morrison stand back up on the apron. Kendrick senses the end is near, and as Miz gets back up, Kendrick grabs him by the head and runs in to the corner, looking for SLICED BREAD #2. . . . . BUT NO. . . . . The Miz throws Kendrick off his shoulder, but Kendrick lands on his feet. The Miz looks shocked and runs right at Kendrick, but right in to a SUPER KICK. . . . . The Miz just falls flat on his back as Kendrick drops to his knees and hooks the leg with the ref counting the fall. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . MORRISON BREAKS IT UP!
Boos ring out as Morrison races in to the ring and drags Kendrick off The Miz by his feet to save the match. The ref stands up and gets right in Morrison’s face, but London steps through the ropes and runs right at Morrison, tackling him down to the mat. Kendrick makes his way back up and grins as London does the same with Morrison struggling to his feet by the ropes. The tag champs then run at him and send him crashing over the top with a double drop kick to the delight of the crowd. Morrison hits the padded floor, but within seconds he’s sitting up. London watches on as he sees Morrison slowly getting to his feet, and the high flyer turns back and hits the ropes, runs back and DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES TO TAKE MORRISON BACK DOWN TO THE FLOOR. . . . . A huge pop breaks out as London hits the suicide dive with Kendrick reaching down and pulling The Miz back up, but he reacts with a right hand to Kendrick’s chest. He rises to his feet and clubs Kendrick across the back before pulling him in to position for THE MIZARD OF OZ (Swinging Reverse DDT). . . . . As he goes to swing round, Kendrick escapes his grasp and spins him back round, kicking him in the gut and grabbing his head to run in to the corner, but before he can do so, The Miz drops to his knees and low blows him, forcing the referee to call for the bell.
WINNERS: By DQ, and still the World Tag Team Champions, Paul London & Brian Kendrick @ 13.08.
AFTERMATH: “Rocker” plays to a subdued and angry reaction inside The Pepsi Center with Morrison & London sitting up and looking confused on the outside as they come round. The Miz stands up and argues with the referee as London gets up and enters the ring to check on Kendrick. London looks up at the ref and Miz to ask what happened as Morrison enters the ring. He and Miz then look down at smirk as Kendrick lies helpless on the mat, clutching his groin with London shaking his head at their actions. The challengers then leave the ring with stupid grins on their faces despite losing the match as Kendrick sits up to see Miz & Morrison with an angry expression on his face.
{Cut Backstage}
Cody Rhodes & Kelly Kelly are in their locker room with a sombre Kelly putting knee and elbow pads on in preparation for her match later on while an angry Cody paces up and down the room.
Cody Rhodes: I can’t believe you didn’t listen to me Kelly, I told you what Kofi was like but you just ignored it and told me how nice he was, over and over, well I think we both know now who was wrong and who was right.
Kelly looks up, but chooses not to react to Cody’s frustration.
Cody Rhodes: It’s pretty obvious Kel after tonight that he cares about one thing and one thing only, and that’s the Intercontinental Championship. . . But if he thinks this is over, he’s wrong. It’s not over by a long shot.
Kelly stands up
Kelly Kelly: Cody, it was nothing.
Cody Rhodes: He saw you on the floor and took advantage of it to save his own neck instead of trying to help you and see if you were okay, so I’m sorry if I’m just a little bit upset about right now. You might want to forget about Kelly, but I don’t. . . And I’ll tell you what you can forget. . . wrestling tonight. . . After what happened, you can’t go out there and get yourself hurt again, I won’t allow it.
Kelly Kelly: I’m fine.
Cody Rhodes: You think so do ya? . . . You really think you have a chance in there against three other women who are all going to target you? . . . You might think so, but I’m not letting you put yourself in danger like that, I can’t let you take that risk. . . It’s for your own good Kelly, and if you choose to go through with it and turn your back on me trying to help you, you might as well turn your back on us.
Cody stares at Kelly, trying to pressure her. She is genuinely upset as she looks at Cody, but after several seconds of thought, she turns round and walks out of the room leaving Cody very angry as he stares at the door.
Cody Rhodes: Kofi, you’ve got a hell of a lot to answer for.
{Cut to Ringside}
“Priceless” hits to heat from the crowd as the Million Dollar Champion, Ted DiBiase Jr & “The Million Dollar Woman” Maryse walk down to the ring, surprising JR who mentions DiBiase was not expected here tonight. Once in the ring, Maryse collects a microphone from Lilian who leaves the ring and passes it to DiBiase.
Ted DiBiase: I realise that some of you weren’t expecting to see the ever glamorous Maryse and myself out here, however I think even you people have to agree that this show wouldn’t be the same without our presence.
***HEAT***
Ted DiBiase: You don’t have to agree, but to those who matter, it is abundantly clear that this show needs Ted DiBiase Junior more than it needs Kofi Kingston, John Cena and Evolution, and you should be thankful that you will be leaving this arena tonight having witnessed the single greatest prospect in this business today.
***HEAT***
Ted DiBiase: And you all have one person to thank. . . good old JR himself.
The camera switches to a stunned shot of JR before cutting back to DiBiase, who turns round to looks towards the announce table.
Ted DiBiase: See, as I was watching back over my performance from Raw last Monday night like any committed superstar would, I couldn’t help but notice something you said JR. You said that, even in victory, I was complacent. You said that. And JR, you were right. My performance was not acceptable, even in victory. . . well, I’ve yet to taste anything but. . . Anyway, the fact is that even the best get complacent and have their off days. . . Even Tiger Woods has had days where he was walked away from the odd green or two empty handed, and that’s what almost, almost happened to me Monday night. Despite the fact I put it in a barely average performance, it was yours truly that was getting his hand raised and being announced as the victor when it was all said and done, ensuring my perfect record remainds intact, along with the Million Dollar Championship.
***HEAT***
Ted DiBiase: So, with JR’s words ringing in my ears tonight, I am going to silence him and any other critics, and show them how a world class athlete like myself reacts to rare negativity. . . One thing that you certainly can’t discredit about me is that since the very first moment I stepped inside this ring, I’ve never shied away from putting my title and reputation on the line. . . Every single week I’ve walked down that ramp and in to this ring to give anyone, no matter how undeserving, the opportunity to wrestle for this prestigious title (raising the Million Dollar Championship in to the air). . . So, to carry on this so far one sided tradition, I am giving anybody in the back the same chance to all those who have so far tried and failed to take this title away from its rightful owner. . . It’s that simple, and all that’s left now is for someone to wander on down here. . . Don’t be shy!
DiBiase looks up to the stage and smiles along with Maryse. There’s no response for five seconds until
“Gonna Punch Someone Tonight” hits to a pop with
Jimmy Wang Yang walking down to the ring. DiBiase & Maryse laugh with the Million Dollar Champ then passing his belt and microphone to Maryse who leaves the ring as Yang climbs in and takes off his hat. DiBiase shakes his head in disbelief as he prepares to get going. JR & King mention that this is Yang’s Raw debut since being drafted across from Smackdown.
***Match #4***
MILLION DOLLAR CHAMPIONSHIP
OPEN CHALLENGE
Jimmy Wang Yang vs Ted DiBiase Jr (c) w/“The Million Dollar Woman” Maryse
ENDING: DiBiase has fought his way back in to the match after Yang caught him off guard in the early going. He looks down at Yang with serious intent before starting to stomp away at his chest before turning back and walking in to the corner, where he climbs to the second rope. He then jumps off and connects with a DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP. . . . . He landed right on Yang’s chest! That had to hurt, and the Million Dollar Champion looks quite confident now as he makes a cover without even hooking one of Yang’s legs as the ref counts the shoulders of the challenger. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Yang kicks out, but DiBiase doesn’t seem to be bothered as he stands back up, seeming to be back to his complacent ways as he allows Yang to pick himself up. It takes him a while, but as he gets back up to a vertical base, DiBiase runs right at him, but Yang shocks him by catching him with a drop toe hold. The sight of the arrogant DiBiase on the mat pleases the crowd, and as both men stand back up, Yang puts DiBiase on the back foot with a series of stiff kicks to the chest. He then turns round and runs in to the ropes, and coming back, he connects with a JUMPING SPINNING LEG LARIAT. . . . . That looked impressive from Yang, as once again DiBiase hits the deck. The challenger has momentum on his side as he races back up to his feet and in to the corner, where he climbs all the way up to the top, getting the crowd going even more. DiBiase picks himself back up, and as he turns round to face Yang, the challenger leaps off the top and nails the champion with a MISSILE DROPKICK. . . . . More cheers ring out across The Pepsi Center as Yang looks to cause an upset by going for the cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . NO!!
Sighs come from the crowd, and even Yang looks disappointed as he pulls himself back up to his knees. Maryse looks concerned on the outside as DiBiase sits up, seeming not to be in the best of shape. Yang picks himself back up and drags DiBiase back up, then whips him in to the corner, charging in straight away to nail his opponent with a SPINNING WHEEL KICK. . . . . DiBiase Jr drops flat on the mat as Yang lands on the apron after being taken over the ropes by the momentum. Yang then shifts round on the apron and holds on to the top rope before hitting DiBiase across the back of the neck with a SLINGSHOT LEG DROP. . . . . The champion looks in real trouble as Yang shifts around and turns DiBiase on to his back before being able to go for the cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . SHOULDER UP!
The champion is hanging on, just getting out of that one. Yang seems to be gaining confidence, and as he stands back up, he walks in to the corner and climbs to the top rope once again. As he gets up there and turns to face the crowd, Maryse wanders round and tries to catch his attention, and she succeeds. The challenger looks down at her and seems to be wary of her as DiBiase slowly makes an effort to get back up to his feet, but Yang quickly changes gears and turns the attention back to DiBiase by looking behind him to see the champion on his feet. He then leaps off the top and looks to hit the YANG TIME (Corkscrew Moonsault). . . . . But no, DiBiase steps to the side as Yang eats mat. The relieved champion stands by the ropes and leans against them for a couple of seconds as Yang remains still on the mat.
He then walks over and pulls the challenger up, holding him around the waist from behind, and then tosses him behind with a BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX. . . . . He releases his grip with Yang’s back being slammed in to the mat. With Maryse clapping on the outside, Ted Jr stands back up and stalks Yang for THE MILLION DOLLAR DREAM. . . . . Slowly but surely, Yang starts to stand back up with the crowd trying to warn him of the vulture standing behind him, ready to pounce. And as he stands back up, DiBiase strikes, grabbing him from behind and tries to lock in the deadly submission hold. Yang fights it straight away and reaches back to snap mare DiBiase forward in to a seated position on the mat. He then swipes his boot in to the champion’s spine, causing DiBiase to fall back to the mat with Yang dropping to his knees and reaching across to grab his opponent’s legs for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . NO!!
DiBiase saves his title once again, and as Yang lets go of DiBiase’s legs, he stands back up and looks to hit a STANDING MOONSAULT. . . . . DiBiase gets his knees up though, driving them in to Yang’s chest. He sits up straight away, grabbing hold of Yang before he can fall and quickly drives him down to the mat a COBRA CLUTCH LEG SWEEP. . . . . The champ readjusts his position quickly to make the cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: By pinfall, and still the Million Dollar Champion, Ted DiBiase Jr by pinfall @ 7.26.
AFTERMATH: “Priceless” hits with boos ringing out inside the arena. DiBiase pulls himself back up to his knees as Maryse grabs the Million Dollar title and steps in to the ring, passing the title to the very relieved champion, who clutches it close to his chest. He then stands up and raises the belt in to the air as Maryse does the same with his left arm. They then leave the ring with Maryse smiling and DiBiase looking more relieved than anything.
{Cut Backstage}
Leticia Cline is standing by at the interview set.
Leticia Cline: Joining me at this time is Kenny Dykstra.
The camera zooms out to reveal the arrogant youngster standing there looking as smug as ever.
Leticia Cline: Kenny, later on tonight you will be going one on one with John Cena. And after what happened Monday night on Raw, you’ve got to be slightly nervous considering what you did to his locker room and in costing him his match.
Kenny Dykstra: Nervous? . . . Not at all. . . If I was nervous about facing John Cena tonight, do you really think for a second that I would have gone to the level I did to make a point like I did Monday night? . . . It makes me laugh that people ask me why I should be nervous about John Cena after I proved to the world that I’m not intimidated by him in the least. . . I did something not many have by getting in his face and let my actions tell him just that. His devoted fans might not like to hear it, but it’s the truth. Not only I am not the slightest bit intimidated by John Cena, I know that when it comes down to it in that ring, I am a far superior wrestler. And you know what the tragic thing about that is? . . . His deluded fans might not see it, but deep down, Cena knows the truth, and the truth is that when it’s all said and done tonight, everyone will have no choice but to stand up and accept the cold hard fact that I am the real deal and that John Cena is nothing but a joke.
Leticia Cline: Okay. . . You seem very confident, but John Cena is a former WWE Champion and many people have said that you don’t really stand a chance tonight. How would you respond to them?
Kenny Dykstra: Many people say that do they? . . . Well many people aren’t stepping in to that ring with Cena tonight are they? . . . I am, and I know I have what it takes to cause an upset as these many people would call it, but the bottom line is it won’t be an upset to anybody who knows the first thing about talent. . . Tonight, everyone is going to see the most significant draft pick in WWE history beat the most over rated superstar in WWE history with Cena’s time in the sun coming to an end, courtesy of Kenny Dykstra.
He stares right at Leticia, meaning every word before turning round and walking out of the shot, looking as confident as ever.
{Cut to Ringside}
***Match #5***
NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
Candice Michelle vs Kelly Kelly vs Natalya Neidhart vs Melina
ENDING: With Victoria watching on from the announce table, the four divas go back and forth with only two allowed inside the ring at one time. Kelly has taken some abuse from both Melina & Natalya, and Natalya looks to finish her off. She drags Kelly up to her feet and pulls her in to position for a GUT WRENCH SUPLEX. . . . . Natalya lifts her in to the air and slams Kelly hard down to the mat. She looks in real trouble as the dangerous Canadian hooks her leg for the cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Somehow, Kelly gets her shoulder up and fights it, leaving Natalya very frustrated. She stands up once again and pulls Kelly up to her knees, letting her drag herself up Natalya. The intimidating Neidhart then grabs Kelly’s head and places it under her arm before lifting her up in to the air and falling back for a vertical suplex. Once again, Kelly takes some punishment, but it doesn’t end there as Natalya gets back up and walks round to her legs, lifting them up and locking in THE SHARPSHOOTER. . . . . Kelly looks in real trouble now as the relentless Natalya apples the pressure to her lower back, pulling really hard as the crowd try their best to encourage Kelly by clapping and her shouting her name. Candice does the same on the outside as Kelly starts to fight the hold, taking Neidhart by surprise.
Slowly she crawls and drags herself towards the ropes, getting closer and closer with Natalya panicking. Kelly gets within touching distance, and as she gets desperately close, she gives it everything she can and reaches out to grab the bottom rope to the shock of everyone in the arena, especially Natalya. She stands back up and looks angrily at the referee, then walks towards the ropes by Melina, who then slaps Natalya, tagging herself in to the match. Neidhart isn’t happy, but she has no choice as the referee tells her to leave the ring. Melina doesn’t waste any time as she goes right for Kelly, dragging her away from the ropes, but as she reaches down to pull her up, Kelly sits up and manages to roll Melina in to an INSIDE CRADLE. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Melina kicks out of that one and rushes back to her feet with Kelly still sat up. She drags Kelly up and whips her in to the corner, then runs in and hits a ROPE AIDED CALF KICK. . . . . Kelly falls flat on her face as Melina poses by the corner to heat from the crowd. She then turns back to Kelly and urges her up to feet, ready and waiting for her to stand up. With Kelly slowly making her way up, Melina steadies herself more, and as Kelly gets to her feet, Melina swings for a wild kick, but Kelly ducks it and runs through in to the ropes, comes back and takes Melina down with a DIVING CROSS BODY. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO! So nearly there was an upset as Melina just powered out in time. Both make their way back up, and Kelly is on the receiving end of an irish whip, but as she comes back, she stuns Melina with a TILT-A-WHIRL HEAD SCISSORS TAKEDOWN. . . . . A big cheer breaks out as Melina hits the mat and Kelly makes the short crawl to the corner to tag in Candice Michelle. She climbs through the ropes as Melina gets up and clothesline her down to the mat. Melina is straight back up, but Candice sends her back down again with a second clothesline. Melina fights on and is right back up again with Candice kicking her in the gut and planting her with a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . NATALYA TO THE RESCUE!
Neidhart breaks up the count with a stomp across Candice’s head. The referee tries to get her out, but she stays where she is and drags Candice up to her feet. Candice looks defenceless, but Melina sits up behind her and rolls Candice back for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Natalya breaks it up again by kicking Candice again. The referee has a real go at her, but Melina stands up, and she isn’t impressed. She stands face to face with Natalya and argues with her, then pushes her back as Candice crawls towards her corner. Natalya looks in disbelief at Melina pushing her, then shoves her back as the groggy Candice reaches up and tags Kelly in. Kelly steps through the ropes as Candice remains on the mat. Melina shoves Natalya again, but Kelly walks up behind her and shoves her right in to Natalya with them colliding and Natalya falling to the mat. Melina turns round looking dazed and is on the receiving end of a ROUNDHOUSE KICK. . . . . Kelly then drops to her knees with the crowd cheering as the referee makes the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: Kelly Kelly by pinfall @ 7.57.
AFTERMATH: “Holla” hits as Kelly lets go of Melina’s legs and stands up to get her arm raised, looking genuinely shocked. She doesn’t know what to do as she looks in to the crowd, totally gobsmacked as even Victoria seems surprised at the announce table. We then see Cody Rhodes walking down to the ring, and he seems quite low key as he climbs up the steps and through the ropes. Kelly doesn’t know what to make of him being out there, but he walks up to her and it looks like he says he’s sorry. Kelly doesn’t react too much and despite looking not that happy about it, he raises her arm in the air before letting go and leaving the ring, walking to the back leaving Kelly unsure of what just happened. Natalya sits up, as does Melina, and Natalya doesn’t look happy with Melina, staring right at her.
{Cut Backstage}
A tense
Evolution are shown in their dressing room with
Triple H walking up to
Batista, who’s lacing his boots, then looks up to see The Game there, and stands up.
Triple H: Big man, you know I don’t blame you for what’s gone down the last two weeks. . . Accidents happen, what’s done is done, it’s in the past. What we need to focus on tonight is The McMahon’s and making sure they get what’s coming to them after what they did to Reid last week. We can’t let them get away with that, and tonight we’ve got to stick together no matter what, and show them that they’re not going to get away with the stunt they pulled Monday night. . . Dave, what happened Monday with us was an accident. . . What they did to Reid was no accident. JBL running his mouth about Steph was no accident, and what I and hopefully, we plan on doing in that right tonight won’t be an accident either.
Batista & Flair nod along quietly in agreement, and after a few seconds,
Reid Flair walks in to the shock of all of them, especially Ric.
Reid Flair: Hey dad.
Ric Flair: Son, what are you doin’ here?
Reid Flair: You think I was gonna miss you wipin’ the floor with those jerks tonight? I got myself a front row seat.
Reid pulls out a ticket and shows the still stunned Nature Boy.
Ric Flair: You be careful alright? I don’t want you gettin’ hurt again.
Reid Flair: Don’t worry about that dad, I know you guys are going to take care of them right?
Reid puts the ticket away as his dad smirks and then hugs him. Triple H then puts his hand on Reid’s shoulder as they pull away.
Triple H: Don’t worry kid, I promise you, they’re going to pay tonight. Mark my words.
Batista: He’s right. Wrestlemania is going to be a picnic compared what we have in store for them tonight.
Ric still has his arm round his son
Ric Flair: You know, I’m glad you’re here to see what we’re going to do them tonight. . . Son, I swear on my life that I’m sure as hell going to make JBL suffer for what he did to you, and I’m doing it for you.
Ric hugs his son again as Triple H holds his hand out to Batista to the side of them. Dave looks at him for a second, but he doesn’t have to think about it long as he slaps and then shakes hands with The Game.
{Cut Backstage}
Todd Grisham is standing by at the interview set.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest at this time. . . JOHN CE-NAAA.
A fairly relaxed
John Cena walks in to the shot to a big pop from inside the arena, with some boos mixed in.
Todd Grisham: John, a month ago we saw Kenny Dykstra return to Raw, and it seems that he’s gone out of his way to make life difficult for you. . . He cost you the chance to regain the WWE Championship a few weeks back before costing you a match with Santino Marella as well as spray painting your locker room last Monday night. . . I guess you’re quite looking forward to getting even with him tonight?
Cena smirks.
John Cena: You know Todd, you don’t miss a trick! . . . You can’t really blame the kid, he wanted to make a big impact, and to do that he came after the biggest name on Raw. . . But at the same time, he’s dug a hole so deep that he can’t get out of. A hole I’m not going to let him get out of.
Todd Grisham: Judging by some of the comments he’s made recently, it seems that he thinks he is capable of digging himself out of this hole he’s dug himself in to.
John Cena: Even as a young kid coming in to the WWE Todd, I myself got in to trouble with my big mouth getting the better of me. And when you do that, there comes a time when you have to deal with the consequences, and the night has come for Kenny Dykstra.
Cena turns to look in to the camera, looking very serious now.
John Cena: YOU WANNA STEP UP TO THE BIG LEAGUES? WELL TONIGHT YOU GET YOUR WISH. . . THE TIME FOR TALKIN’ TRASH IS THROUGH, THERE’S NO MORE TIME TO TALK THE TALK, NOW IT’S TIME TO WALK THE WALK. AND I PROMISE YOU YOU’RE GONNA GET THE VERY BEST OF JOHN CENA, NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS. . . Welcome to the big leagues kid.
Cena stares intently in to the camera for several seconds before turning round, when a big smile settles on his face.
John Cena: Well I’ll be damned.
He walks away from Todd as we see someone else walking in to the shot, it’s
Rob Van Dam. He looks very relaxed indeed, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.
Rob Van Dam: Hey John, how’s it goin’ dude?
Cena is still grinning.
John Cena: Whoa, hell no, you can’t spring a surprise like this unannounced. This is RVD, the whole damn show we’re talkin’ about. . . What’s the deal man?
Rob Van Dam: No deal dude, just takin’ the chance to catch up and chill with some of the guys, that’s all, nothin’ to it.
John Cena: Come on Rob, this is John Cena you’re talking to. What am I gonna do? Climb the rooftops and tell the world that low and behold, MR. MONDAY NIGHT IS RIGHT HERE IN DENVER TONIGHT.
RVD smiles and holds his hand out to Cena, shaking hands with him.
Rob Van Dam: John, sorry to leave you hangin’ bro but it’s time for me to head home.
John Cena: You come back you here. . . Not the same without you dude.
RVD chuckles as he turns to the side and walks away.
Rob Van Dam: Later John.
Cena smirks as he walks away with RVD doing the same in the opposite direction up the hall in the background.
***Video Recap***
- Randy Orton winning the WWE Championship at No Mercy 2007, raising the belt in to the air
- Kane returning and winning the 2008 Royal Rumble, eliminating The Undertaker at the end
- Wrestlemania XXIV and Kane defeating John Cena to win the WWE Championship in the triple threat match with Randy Orton
- Randy Orton on Raw the next night, storming down to the ring and punting Mr. Kennedy before demanding his rematch
- Eric Bischoff telling Orton he would get his rematch at Backlash
- Orton in the ring with Kane & Paul Bearer, nailing Bearer with an RKO and escaping right away
- Later in the night, Orton returning to attack Kane with a steel chair and punting him in the head before stealing the WWE title
- Last week on Raw, Bischoff ordering Orton to give the belt back to Kane, resulting in Orton nailing Bearer and goading Kane in to attacking him
- Later on in the main event, Kane pinning Batista and Orton taking the belt once again, posing with it to anger Kane
{Cut to Ringside}
***Match #6***
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Kane (c) w/Paul Bearer vs Randy Orton
ENDING: Orton started the match by dodging Kane and leaving the ring before getting back in and pounding on him. Kane has got back in to it and looks to be in control as he reaches down and pulls Orton back up, nailing him with a succession of uppercut thrusts, forcing him on to his back foot. With Orton off balance, Kane grabs his arm and whips him in to the ropes, but as The Legend Killer comes back off the ropes, Kane ducks his head, giving Orton the chance to kick him square in the head. Kane’s head snaps back up, and Orton takes full advantage as he shifts behind the monster and drags Kane’s arm under his arm. The challenger then drops to one knee and pulls Kane’s back down on to his outstretched knee with an INVERTED HEADLOCK BACKBREAKER. . . . . Kane hits the deck and Orton looks to seize the moment as he hooks one leg and tries to get the pin. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
The champion gets his shoulder up and starts to move right away, forcing the desperate Orton in to action as he bends down and helps Kane up to his knees. He then explodes with a series of vicious forearm shots to the back, sending Kane back to the mat with Orton now stomping all over his opponent until the referee intervenes. Orton tries to carry on, but the referee holds him back, and it doesn’t go down too well with the challenger. He then drops to the mat and stalks Kane as he wriggles around with Orton now psyching himself up for an RKO. He has a real look of determination on his face as he urges Kane up, and slowly the monster starts to rise back up to his feet. And as Kane makes it up and turns round, Orton leaps up in to the air for the RKO. . . . . Kane is able to push him off though as Orton is sent full force in to the ropes, and as he comes back, Kane drives his huge boot right down his opponent’s face to a mixed reception from the crowd.
With the challenger falling in a heap, it gives the champion the chance to take a short breather before walking in to the corner and climbing to the top rope as Orton slowly starts to sit back up. As Kane gets to the top, Orton manages to stand up, looking out glazed over as he turns round to the sight of Kane leaping off the top and sending him back down to the mat with a FLYING CLOTHESLINE. . . . . Kane is in control here as Orton attempts to get back up too, but Kane is up first and he sizes Orton up, raising his right hand in the air, indicating a chokeslam could be near. Orton makes it back up despite looking very uneasy on his feet, and as he turns round to face the monster, Kane grabs him around the throat for a CHOKESLAM. . . . . Another mixed reception meets it, but as Kane lifts Orton up in to the air, the challenger manages to turn around in the air and slide down Kane’s back. He drives his knee in to the spine of the champion and quickly plants him with a REVERSE DDT. . . . . Both men remain down for several seconds before Orton reaches out an arm and places it across Kane’s chest for the cover attempt. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . NO!!!
Orton looks up and is clearly frustrated as Kane gets his shoulder up. It takes him a couple of seconds before he tries to get back up, but as he is about to do so, Kane comes round too and makes his own way up too. Orton throws a right at the monster, but it’s wild and Kane ducks it. He then grabs Orton’s arm and whips him hard in to the corner. The back of Orton hits the pads hard, and he looks in pain as he staggers out a couple of steps as Kane follows in, grabs him by the throat very quickly, lifts him in to the air and sends him crashing down to earth with a CHOKESLAM. . . . . Orton’s not moving as he lies across the mat, not that far away from the ropes as Kane hooks the nearest leg with the referee making the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
FOOT ON THE ROPE!
The Legend Killer lives to fight another day as Paul Bearer watches on, surprised that Orton dodged that one. It doesn’t seem to bother Kane one bit however as he stands right back up and drags his arm across his neck, signalling the end is near. Orton doesn’t have a clue of what is just around the corner as Kane stands in the centre of the ring, ready to strike as his opponent slowly makes his way back up, using the ropes to help him. He manages to stand up, and he then turns round and walks right in to Kane’s path as the champion then scoops him up on to his shoulder for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER. . . . . Orton wriggles free straight away and escapes the danger by sliding down Kane’s back and pushing him forward, right in to the referee. The ref is down as Kane looks down instinctively, but from behind, the ruthless Orton sweeps his leg forward and into Kane’s groin. It doesn’t knock the monster down, giving Orton the chance to nail him with THE RKO. . . . . Kane is laid out, the referee is laid out and there is no one to make a cover as Orton stands in the centre of the ring looking extremely intense.
He surveys the wreckage and looks towards the timekeeper’s table, staring in that direction for a couple of seconds before walking across to the ropes and climbing through them to hit the arena floor. He walks past the worried Bearer and reaches behind Lilian to grab a steel chair. Bearer sees him and panics, then tries to grab it, but Orton just looks menacingly at him before shoving him down to the floor. The relentless Orton then slides back in to the ring with the chair in hand as Kane starts to come round, totally unaware of Orton ready to bash his skull in. All of a sudden however, a huge cheer breaks out, leaving Orton confused, but he looks towards the aisle and sees Mr. Kennedy racing down to the ring. Orton’s stunned, and as Kennedy slides in the ring, Orton runs at him with the chair and swings it at him, but Kennedy ducks his head and runs through. Orton manages to stop himself and turn round, but Kennedy does the same and reacts first, kicking Orton in the gut and stealing the chair before SMASHING HIM ACROSS THE HEAD WITH THE CHAIR. . . . .
A pop meets it as Kennedy stares down intensely at the fallen challenger while Kane sits back up. Kennedy smirks, then drops the chair and kicks it out of the ring before walking back over to the ropes and leaving the ring. He turns round to face the ring, clearly enjoying his revenge for Orton punting him in the head the night after Mr. Wrestlemania as Kane stands back up with the referee also coming round. Kane sees Orton lying there and then looks to both sides, clearly confused at what happened. Bearer stands back up on the outside, then points in Orton’s direction to Kane, who reaches down and drags the dead weight up, then scoops him over his shoulder once again. Orton isn’t escaping this time as Kane lowers him in to position and drills him head first down to the mat for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER. . . . . Orton’s out of it as Kane crosses his arms with Kennedy smiling as he watches on with the referee slowly crawling across to make the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: By pinfall, and still the WWE Champion, Kane @ 19.48.
AFTERMATH: “Burned” blasts out as Kane stands back up with Bearer reclaiming his belt and climbing in to the ring to hand it over to him. Kane grabs hold of it as Kennedy grins and turns his back quite happy at the outcome as Kane then raises his arms in the air and sets his pyro off to a huge explosion inside The Pepsi Center. An extremely satisfied Bearer then turns round and smiles at the sight of Orton laid out as the camera then zooms in on a scary looking Kane with the WWE Championship in his possession.
{Cut Backstage}
Eric Bischoff & William Regal are sat down on a leather sofa in their office, watching the action.
Eric Bischoff: I don’t know about you Regal, but I think Randy Orton just learnt a valuable lesson. . . what goes around comes around.
William Regal: Very true, but what are we going to do about Mr. Kennedy? . . . We can’t allow him to get away with such actions.
Eric Bischoff: We’ll think of something.
William Regal: If you don’t mind me saying Eric, I’m slightly concerned about the main event after what we just saw.
Eric Bischoff: Hey, don’t worry about that, I didn’t sanction it for a reason. I just hope both teams beat the hell out of each other to make my job, and yours a whole lot easier. . . And if that doesn’t happen, I might have to leave you in charge tomorrow night and take the day off!
William Regal: Oh, thank you very much!
Eric Bischoff: No, but in all seriousness, if it does get out of hand later on, we’re going to have our hands full tomorrow night, just to warn you now.
William Regal: For what it’s worth, nothing would surprise me as far as The McMahon’s are concerned.
Eric Bischoff: I hope to god you’re wrong. But if they or Evolution for that matter go too far tonight, they will be punished. . . Mark my words.
They sit there looking quite reserved before the camera then cuts away.
***Video Recap***
- Kenny Dykstra being drafted to Raw 4 weeks ago
- Kenny Dykstra being interviewed and not being happy with John Cena for not knowing his name
- Later in the night, Dykstra distracting Cena to cost him a chance at winning the WWE title
- 2 weeks ago, and Cena calling Kenny out with Dykstra not being keen with a Backlash match then made for them by William Regal
- Cena & Dykstra fighting to the back during a tag team match later that night
- From last week and Dykstra storming to the ring and attacking the referee and costing Cena a match with Santino, counting the fall himself
- Later on and Cena going back to his locker room to see paint on wall saying “You can’t see me” with Cena then seeing the can and tossing it against the wall
{Cut to Ringside}
***Match #7***
John Cena vs Kenny Dykstra
ENDING: Dykstra looks to come back in to the match as he makes his way back up to his feet after a falling clothesline, but Cena is closely following him. Kenny swings a right hand at him, but Cena blocks it and hammers away at him, pushing him back towards the ropes. Cena has Kenny where he wants him and he whips him in to the opposite set of ropes, then runs right at him as he comes back. Dykstra takes him by surprise though as he slides across the mat and through Cena’s legs. Dykstra races up to his feet as Cena turns round in to a LARIAT. . . . . Dykstra got some height in that jump as Cena hurries right back up, but Kenny levels him again with another impressive leap and lariat. Both men make their way back up with Cena showing some typical resilience, but Kenny looks to get his way in to the match as he turns back and runs in to the ropes, but as he comes back, Cena runs right past him and hits the ropes himself. Kenny stops dead and turns round to see Cena charging back and jumping up at him for a LOU THESZ PRESS. . . . . A ton of cheers ring out as Cena unloads on the cocky youngster, hammering away at him with some hard right hands. Cena has his fun and gives it up as he stands back up with Dykstra slowly standing back up, and as he gets closer to his feet, Cena runs behind him and comes back off the ropes to send him straight back down to the mat with THE THROWBACK. . . . . The cheers get even louder as Cena looks to be in control again. He crawls across to Kenny and turns him over on to his back before going for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Kenny kicks out, but Cena carries on with business, standing right back up and pulling his opponent right back up. He whips the youngster in to the corner and takes a second before running in, but Dykstra turns to his side and lifts his elbow up in to Cena’s face. He reacts quickly to step out and grab Cena by the head and waist, tossing him right in to the ringpost. Cena hits the post shoulder first with Kenny dropping to his knees and taking the chance to get his breath back. The underdog then stands back up and drags Cena back and lifts him on to his shoulder before falling back for a side suplex. Cena looks in a lot pain as Dykstra decides to take his chances and try for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
NO!!
Cena kicks out with time to spare as Kenny sits up looking frustrated, and then stands up still not looking happy. He reaches down and pulls Cena back up, and he’s not moving well as Dykstra spins him in to a belly to back grip. He then lifts him up in to the air, but instead of going for a belly to back suplex, he lifts Cena in to position for an ELEVATED NECKBREAKER SLAM. . . . . AND HE NAILS IT. . . . . Cena looks in trouble as Dykstra scurries back across the mat to hook both legs for the cover as the referee makes the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!! Cena gets the shoulder up, leaving Dykstra shell shocked. He sits up and leans back looking absolutely stunned before turning optimistically towards the referee, who just confirms his disappointment of it being a two count. The disappointment turns to dejection as he drops his head down in to his hands for several seconds before standing back up and focusing back on Cena, who starts to squirm around on the mat. Dykstra then picks himself up and urges Cena back up, and slowly but surely, the multiple time WWE Champion makes his way back up with Dykstra running in to the corner and jumping up to the top rope, shifting himself round to face Cena. Before Dykstra can steady himself, Cena walks closer to the corner and Kenny panics, deciding to leapfrog him instead, and as both men turn round, Cena ducks a clothesline attempt and lifts Kenny on to his shoulders for an F U. . . . . Dykstra manages to free himself by slipping down Cena’s back and quickly grabs him around the waist. He then holds on and runs forward, pushing Cena in to the ropes before rolling back with Cena underneath him as he sits on the back of Cena’s ankles for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Cena pushes Kenny off as both men both hurry back up to their feet and turn to face each other with Dykstra running at Cena, but he runs in to a drop toe hold with Cena trying to follow up by looking to apply the STFU. . . . . Dykstra senses the danger and scurries across the mat before Cena can get it locked in and is able to grab hold of the bottom rope to avoid the deadly hold. He turns his head to tell the ref to get Cena off of him, and he does just that, standing back up and backtracking with his hands in the air, allowing Dykstra to stand back up. Once up, he turns round and walks across to meet Cena as they end up slugging it out once again. It’s Cena who takes charge, nailing three hard rights in a row and following up with a kick to the stomach. He then pulls Dykstra’s right leg in to his chest and hits a JUMPING FISHERMAN SUPLEX. . . . . . With Cena holding on for a cover, the ref counts Dykstra’s shoulders. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . SHOULDER UP!
Dykstra lives to fight another day as Cena lets go of his leg and stands back up, ready and waiting as Dykstra also gets back up. Cena looks to pounce straight away by shifting behind him and trying to lift him up for a side suplex, but Dykstra quickly pulls himself back and drops to the mat, landing on his feet. Cena turns round as quickly as possible, but Kenny pulls his head towards him and connects with a ROLLING CUTTER. . . . . He thinks it’s all over and hurries to hook Cena’s leg and try for the pin. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . NO!!
Cena kicks out once again, leaving Dykstra stunned. He looks really frustrated and stands up straight away, then walks in to the corner and climbs up to the top rope, staring down angrily at Cena, who still lies across the mat in the middle of the ring. Dykstra then takes one almighty leap off the top and comes down for the GUILLOTINE LEG DROP. . . . . BUT NO. . . . . Cena rolls to the side as Dykstra crash lands across the canvas to a huge pop from the crowd. Both men are down and out, and it takes them a while before they both stand back up, and it’s Kenny who’s up first. He tries to pull Cena up from his knees, but Cena sweeps his feet from under him and turns him over really quickly to lock in the STFU. . . . . . The crowd rise to their feet and cheer Cena on as he applies the pressure to a desperate Kenny Dykstra, who tries to fight the hold, raising his right hand up in to the air as the determination on Cena’s face is shown. The referee drops down right in front of Kenny and asks him if he wants to give it up, but he’s carrying on and desperately tries to drag himself across the mat, but it’s not working as Cena holds on tight.
Kenny’s not giving it up though, and Cena starts to tire ever so slightly, giving Kenny the chance to pull himself towards the ropes, and it works as he gradually drags himself away from the centre of the ring. Cena holds on to the grip, but Kenny continues to defy the odds and pulls himself closer and closer, and as he gets within touching distance, he reaches out with one big lunge to grab hold of the bottom rope. The crowd boo as the referee tells Cena to release the hold, and he does so at the count of four. Dykstra pulls himself on to the bottom rope and takes a few big deep breaths of air in as Cena backs away from him, getting himself ready as the worn out Dykstra starts to stand up. As he turns round, Cena doesn’t waste a second as he charges right at him, but Kenny lifts his boot up in to his face. Cena is sent back pedalling away from the ropes, and Dykstra races at him, but Cena reacts quickly to lift him on to his shoulders and sends him crashing down to the mat with THE F U. . . . . He hit it and he drops to his knees straight away to make the count. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNER: John Cena by pinfall @ 17.43.
AFTERMATH: “My Time is Now” blasts out to a big pop with the referee raising Cena’s arm in the air. He then walks in to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, lifting his arms up to pose for the crowd. As he jumps back down, he sees a groggy Dykstra sitting back up. He stops and looks right at him, seeming to be impressed with the effort shown by the youngster. He then carries on and celebrates in the opposite corner before leaving the ring as Dykstra sits up, looking unhappy as Cena walks back up the ramp.
***Video Promo***
Clips of classic King of the Ring moments are shown, such as Bret Hart winning the first tournament in 1993, followed by Owen Hart in ’94 and being crowned. It then shows Stonecold Steve Austin’s famous 3:16 quote from 1996, Triple H winning a year later and Kurt Angle’s victory in 2000, and ending with Edge’s in 2001.
Voiceover: For years, there have been only memories. . . For years, we have seen superstars grow in front of our eyes. . . Many of these moments stem from one glorious night. . . The King of the Ring. . . However, once again, this special night will create memories, champions and hall of famers. . . The King of the Ring returns to the WWE calendar very soon.
***Video Recap***
- Triple H revealing Hornswoggle was not Vince’s son on Raw last November
- Saturday Night’s Main Event last December with JBL screwing Triple H out of the chance to win the WWE Championship
- JBL being revealed on the first Raw of the 2008 as Vince’s son
- Shane McMahon making a rematch between Triple H & Randy Orton, but screwing his brother-in-law over to unite with his family
- The Royal Rumble match and Triple H eliminating Shane and JBL, but with JBL returning to eliminate him
- Eric Bischoff being made the Raw Head of Authority with The McMahon’s losing all power
- Evolution reforming on Raw and Triple H announcing they would face The McMahon’s at Wrestlemania
- Evolution defeating The McMahon’s at Wrestlemania
- Vince, Shane & JBL on Raw a week later, announcing a rematch has been made for Backlash, a non sanctioned match
- The same promo with JBL telling Triple H if there was any justice, they will win at Backlash and Stephanie would lose their unborn baby, leading to a brawl
- The next week with JBL defeating Triple H in a No Dq match with Shane then hitting a Coast to Coast with the trashcan on The Game
- Last week on Raw with The McMahon’s showing footage of them attacking Reid Flair, causing Flair to leave the arena with Evolution swearing revenge
{Cut to Ringside}
***The Main Event***
NON SANCTIONED MATCH
Evolution vs The McMahon’s
ENDING: Reid Flair has been watching on intently from the front row the whole time as both teams have been throwing everything at each other. With Vince on the outside, slumped against the barricade, Triple H slips back in the ring to help out Flair as he receives a beating from Shane. Shane O is stomping all over Naitch in the corner, but that all changes as The Game walks up behind him and spins him round. He then nails him with a couple of hard right hands before whipping him in to the opposite corner. Shane’s back hits hard, and as he staggers out of the corner, HHH runs at him and nails him with a high knee strike, getting a pop from the crowd. He then reaches down and applies an INVERTED INDIAN DEATH LOCK. . . . . Shane struggles in the hold and screams out in pain while Batista & JBL fight it out on the outside with Batista hammering away at JBL’s back as he stands up. He then grabs him by the head and tries to smash it in to the ringpost, but JBL blocks it and sweeps his leg back in to the groin of Batista. The Animal falls forward and leans against the ring post, looking in agony, but it gives JBL the chance to take a short breather before stepping back and then running at Batista to DRIVE HIS BOOT AGAINST THE SIDE OF HIS THE ANIMAL’S HEAD, SMASHING IT IN TO THE RINGPOST. . . . .
Batista just falls to the side in a heap as JBL slides back in the ring and walks slowly over to Triple H. He stomps across the ribcage of The Game, breaking up the submission hold and freeing Shane. Vince starts to move around on the outside, and he crawls towards the apron, then reaches underneath it and pulls out a Singapore cane. He slides it in the ring towards Shane as he squirms around on the mat. JBL goes to work on Triple H though, dragging him up to his feet and nailing him with a series of right hands, backing him up in to the corner where he then lifts his boot up against The Game’s throat, choking him out. Vince crawls back in to the ring and looks on with approval, but Flair is coming back to life in the opposite corner as Shane also makes his way back up. Vince walks across to Flair and throws a right hand at him, but it’s blocked by Naitch, who chops away at the chest of Vinnie Mac before kicking him in the chest and planting him with a DOUBLE ARM SUPLEX. . . . . Flair looks down at him and calls him a son of a bitch, not realising Shane is back on his feet and approaching right behind him with the Singapore cane, and Shane lets rip, NAILING FLAIR ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE CANE. . . . .
Flair drops to his knees, and Shane nails him again, right across the spine, sending Naitch back down to the mat. JBL turns around with HHH slumping down to the mat, with both JBL & Shane then smiling sadistically at the sight of Evolution down and out. JBL seems to give Shane some instructions, and his half brother drops the cane before leaving the ring and looking under the apron. He pulls out a table and slides it in to the ring, but JBL looks confused. Shane tells him he’s not done as he takes another look, dropping to his knees again and reaching underneath to pull out a trashcan. He tosses that over the top rope and in to JBL’s possession as he places it across Triple H’s chest as he remains slumped against the pads. Shane O Mac doesn’t bother getting back in the ring as instead, he hops up to the apron and climbs up to the top rope, adjacent to the corner that Triple H lies in. With The Game motionless, Batista out of it on the outside and Flair on the mat, Shane takes a giant leap across the ring and connects with THE COAST TO COAST. . . . . Some cheers come from the crowd there, but it quickly turns to heat as JBL drags HHH out of the corner and hooks the leg for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!!!
JBL looks angry more than anything as he sees Triple H somehow get his shoulder up. Shane stands up and looks surprised too, but he sees Flair rising to his knees, also pointing out it to JBL. He stands back up and turns round to pull Flair up to his feet, grabbing him by the neck and trunks to toss him through the ropes and to the outside, right in front of the announce table. Flair looks extremely worse for ware as JBL then spots the table Shane brought in to the ring and tells him to help him set it up, and he does. They set the table up with JBL then dragging Triple H right back up and placing his head between his legs, right in front of the table. JBL signals for THE LAST CALL. . . . . The fans boo like crazy, but just as JBL lifts The Game up above his head, Batista slips back in the ring under the bottom rope and pulls Triple H down to his feet, but he falls to his knees and right back down to the mat. The Animal then sees Shane running at him, but he turns round to RIP HIM IN HALF WITH A SPEAR. . . . . Shane rolls across to the apron with Triple H doing the same on the opposite side as JBL walks over and drags Batista up, but he fights back, unleashing some ferocious shots and whipping him in to the ropes. As JBL comes back, Batista LIFTS HIM UP IN TO THE AIR AND NAILS HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER. . . . .
Batista explodes with rage as he sees Vince getting to his knees and he immediately walks over to him and pulls him between his legs and sets him up for the BATISTA BOMB RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE TABLE. . . . . The Chairman of the Board looks to be in deep trouble as Batista looks in to the crowd, and it proves to be costly as Vince low blows The Animal, who drops to the mat, along with Vince. Flair stands back up on the outside and he sees Shane trying to get up by the ropes. He walks across and grabs him under the bottom rope by his feet and chops him across the chest with Reid getting behind him as he watches on from the front row. Shane looks defenceless as Flair then swaps from chops to hard punches to the face, sending Shane down to his knees. Flair looks to be in a fit of rage, and he walks back to the announce table, stripping it to a huge pop from the crowd. JR & King stand up as Flair grabs a monitor with Shane getting to his knees behind him. The Nature Boy turns back round with serious intent as Shane sees what’s coming and begs him not to do it. Flair raises the monitor above his head with Shane still begging, but Flair takes his time as he puts Shane through it.
Shane then reacts by leaning forward and hitting Naitch with a shot to the gut. Flair slumps down slightly, and Shane takes his chance by standing up and stealing the monitor from him and quickly nails him in the side of the head, busting him open. He smirks as Flair drops to the floor with Reid looking on to the side. Shane then drops the monitor and drags the lifeless Flair up and to the announce table, resting him against it before pushing him on top of it. Shane then turns round and walks towards the ringpost, but sees Reid and gets distracted. He laughs at him before climbing up to the apron and up to the top rope, taunting Reid as he gets up there, but Reid can’t take it. He stands up from his seat and leaps over the barricade, taking Shane by surprise as he then jumps up on to the apron and shoves him down in to the base of the announce table to a massive pop from everyone inside the arena. He then jumps down and checks on his dad, but he doesn’t look good. Triple H, JBL, Batista & JBL all come back to life gradually with Triple H walking up to Vince and whipping him in to the ropes, connecting with a DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER. . . . . The fans enjoy that too as he follows up for a cover. . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
JBL BREAKS IT UP!
Vince’s illegitimate son dives across on to The Game’s back, just in time to stop the count. But as JBL slowly makes his way back up, Batista is doing the same. They both look unsteady on their feet with Batista pushing the table to the side, and as JBL swings a lazy right hand at him, Batista ducks it and whips him in to the corner. He charges in and hits him with a shoulder thrust to the stomach. Triple H gets to his knees and rolls across to the ropes and under the bottom rope as Batista then turns back to run the ropes, and as he comes back, he nails JBL with a SPEAR. . . . . Another pop breaks out as Batista stays down with the fatigue playing a part while Vince starts to come round. Triple H looks under the apron on the outside and he pulls out his trusty sledgehammer to another big pop. Vince sees it too as he looks up in horror with The Game staring right back at him, but we then see a close up of Vince smiling and the crowd rising to their feet and making a ton of noise. Triple H doesn’t know what’s going on as he turns to the side, but as he turns round, he sees the familiar sight of The Big Show walking right up behind him. . . . .
HE’S BACK! . . . . . The 7ft plus giant shocks the hell out of The Game as he walks up to him, but as Triple H swings the sledgehammer at him, he grabs it with one hard and tosses it to the floor before nailing him with a thunderous right hand. The Game drops to the floor, delighting Vince on the inside. Big Show drags him back up and tosses him back in the ring as Batista stands back up, and as he turns round, he’s greeted by the sight of The Big Show stepping over the top rope. The Animal charges at him, but he receives the same knock down blow that just befell Triple H. Vince then stands up and points for Show to get Triple H as he walks towards the table and drags it back in to the centre of the ring. Reid sees what’s going on after turning round and slides in to the ring, hitting Vince across the back, but Show lets go of The Game straight away and walks slowly across to Reid, who looks petrified. He stands face to face with the biggest athlete in the world, and he then decides he has to fight as he hits Show across the chest, but it has no effect with Show just staring right at him.
Reid tries again, but this time Show grabs his hand and then his throat, planting him with a CHOKESLAM. . . . . Boos ring out as Vince smiles at the sight of Reid laid out, but his dad is back on his feet as he slowly walks back to the apron. The bloodied Nature Boy looks pissed at his son has been broken in half as he climbs back in the ring with Shane coming back round. Flair runs right at Show, but it’s wasted as he just opens out an arm and knocks him down to the mat. Show drags him right back up and CHOKESLAMS THE NATURE BOY DOWN TO THE MAT. . . . . The crowd are booing like crazy as Show lets out a sly grin as he turns his attention back to the squirming Triple H with Vince urging him to break The Game in half. Show drags him up and grabs him by the throat, staring right in to his eyes and talking smack before hoisting him up in to the air AND CHOKESLAMMING HIM THROUGH THE TABLE. . . . . The referee looks disgusted as Vince drops to his knees and goes for the cover, but with The Big show telling him to the count, he has no choice but to count The Game’s shoulder. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3.
WINNERS: The McMahon’s by pinfall @ 22.10.
AFTERMATH: “No Chance in Hell” hits to a chorus of boos in The Pepsi Center as Vince half hugs The Big Show before the giant raises Vince’s arm in the air. Shane sits up and smiles on the outside before slowly standing back up. JBL also makes his way back up on the inside and walks over to Show, shaking his hand and hugging Vince while Shane climbs back in to the ring and does the same as JBL, shaking Show’s hand and hugging his dad. All four then stand in a line and raise their arms together to end the show.
{End of Show}
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