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Being The Booker

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#1 · (Edited)
:BEING THE BOOKER:
Presented by Wolf Beast

*
*WWE Roster as of March 17 2007*
http://www.wrestlingforum.com/booker/151424-being-booker-341.html#post28151457


~ UPCOMING PAY PER VIEW AND TELEVISION EVENTS ~



Raw and Smackdown Present;
WWE WRESTLEMANIA XXIV

March 30 2008
Cardinals Stadium; Phoenix, Arizona



Title Histories as of August 20 2007;
World Heavyweight Championship:
(8) Triple H (December 13th 2003 - January 25th 2004)
defeated Goldberg and Kane in a Triple Threat Match (Armageddon, Orlando)
lost to Shawn Michaels in a Last Man Standing Match (Royal Rumble, Philadelphia)

(5) Shawn Michaels (January 25th 2004 - April 11th 2004)
defeated Triple H in a Last Man Standing Match (Royal Rumble, Philadelphia)
lost to Randy Orton in a six man Hell in a Cell Match (Backlash, Phoenix)

(1) Randy Orton (April 11th - August 22nd 2004)
defeated Shawn Michaels in a six man Hell in a Cell match (Backlash, Phoenix)
lost to Chris Jericho (Summerslam, Toronto)

(3) Chris Jericho (August 22nd - November 14th 2004)
defeated Randy Orton (SummerSlam, Toronto)
lost to Orton in a Triple Threat match, also featuring HBK (Survivor Series, Chicago)

(2) Randy Orton (November 14th - March 20th 2005)
defeated Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels (Survivor Series, Chicago)
lost to John Cena (WrestleMania 21, Detroit)

(1) John Cena (March 20th - August 7th)
defeated Randy Orton (WrestleMania 21, Detroit)
Lost to Shawn Michaels (Summer Slam, San Juan)

(6) Shawn Michaels (August 7th - December 4th)
Defeated John Cena
(Summer Slam, San Juan)
Lost to John Cena
(Armageddon, Boston)

(2) John Cena (December 4th - April 30th 2006)
Defeated Shawn Michaels
(Armageddon, Boston)
Lost to Christian in a triple threat match, also featuring Brock Lesnar (Backlash, Seattle WA)

(1) Christian (April 30th - October 23rd)
Defeated John Cena in a triple threat match
(Backlash, Seattle WA)
Lost to Triple H (Raw, New York City, NY)

(10) Triple H (October 23rd 2006 - February 3rd 2007)
Defeated Christian
(Raw, New York City NY)
Lost to John Cena in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match (SuperBrawl, Providence, RI)

(3) John Cena (February 3rd 2007 - March 18th 2007)
Defeated Triple H in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match (SuperBrawl, Providence, RI)
Lost to Christian (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)

(2) Christian (March 18th - November 11 2007)
Defeated John Cena (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)
Lost to John Cena in a triple threat match with Umaga(Survivor Series, Los Angeles CA)

(4) John Cena (November 11 2007 - Present)
Defeated Christian in a triple threat match with Umaga (Survivor Series, Los Angeles CA)

***

Intercontinental Championship:


(1) Randy Orton (December 13th 2003 - February 9th 2004)
defeated Rob Van Dam (Armageddon, Orlando)
lost to Chris Jericho (Raw, Green Bay)

(6) Chris Jericho (February 9th - March 14th 2004)
defeated Randy Orton (Raw, Green Bay)
lost to Christian in a 20 Man Battle Royal (WrestleMania XX, New York)

(4) Christian (March 14th - June 14th 2004)
defeated Chris Jericho in a 20 Man Battle Royal (WrestleMania XX, New York)
lost to Matt Hardy (Raw, Albany)

(1) Matt Hardy (June 14th - August 16th 2004)
defeated Christian (Raw, Albany)
lost to Sting (Raw, Detroit)

(1) Sting (August 16th - October 18th 2004)
defeated Matt Hardy (Raw, Detroit)
lost to Matt Morgan (Raw, Kansas)

(1) Matt Morgan (October 18th 2004 - February 7th 2005)
defeated Sting (Raw, Kansas)
lost to Edge (Raw, Boise)

(5) Edge (February 7th - February 28th 2005)
defeated Matt Morgan (Raw, Boise)
lost to Christian via forfeit (Raw, Atlanta)

(5) Christian (February 28th - April 25th 2005)
defeated Edge via forfeit (Raw, Atlanta)
Lost to Rey Mysterio (Raw, New York)


(1) Rey Mysterio (April 25th - December 4th 2005)
Defeated Christian
(Raw, New York)
Lost to Carlito Caribbean Cool (Armageddon, Boston)

(1) Carlito Caribbean Cool (December 4th 2005 - April 30th 2006)
Defeated Rey Mysterio
(Armageddon, Boston)
Lost to Shelton Benjamin (Backlash, Seattle)


(1) Shelton Benjamin (April 30th - June 25th)
Defeated Carlito
(Backlash, Seattle WA)
Lost to Finlay (Unforgiven, Denver)

(1) Finlay (June 25th - September 2nd)
Defeated Shelton Benjamin
(Unforgiven, Denver)
Lost to Mr. Kennedy (Saturday Nights Main Event, Montreal)

(1) Mr. Kennedy (September 2nd - October 15th)
Defeated Finlay
(Saturday Nights Main Event, Montreal)
Lost to Shelton Benjamin (Nemesis, Uncasville)

(2) Shelton Benjamin (October 15th 2006 - January 14th 2007)
Defeated Mr. Kennedy
(Nemesis, Uncasville)
Lost to Rey Mysterio (Royal Rumble, Indianapolis)

(2) Rey Mysterio (January 14th - April 22nd)
Defeated Shelton Benjamin
(Royal Rumble, Indianapolis)
Lost to Shelton Benjamin (Backlash, Montreal)

(3) Shelton Benjamin (April 22nd - August 19th)
Defeated Rey Mysterio
(Backlash, Montreal)
Lost to William Regal in a triple threat match (Summerslam, London England)

(2) William Regal (August 19th - September 24th)
Defeated Shelton Benjamin in a triple threat match
(Summerslam, London England)
Lost to Shelton Benjamin (Raw, Detroit)

(4) Shelton Benjamin (September 24th - October 14th)
Defeated William Regal
(Raw, Detroit)
Lost to Matt Hardy (Nemesis, Little Rock)

(2) Matt Hardy (October 14th 2007 - January 7th 2008)
Defeated Shelton Benjamin
(Nemesis, Little Rock)
Lost to Brent Albright (Raw, Atlanta)

(1) Brent Albright (January 7th 2008 - Present)
Defeated Matt Hardy (Raw, Atlanta)



***

World Tag Team Championships:

Ric Flair and Batista (December 13th 2003 - February 9th 2004)
defeated Dudley Boyz in a Tag Team Turmoil Match (Armageddon, Orlando)
lost to Dudley Boyz (Raw, Green Bay)

Dudley Boyz
(February 9th - March 22nd 2004)
defeated Ric Flair and Batista (Raw, Green Bay)
lost to Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak in a TLC Match, which also featured Shawn Michaels & Rob Van Dam, Randy Orton & Batista (Raw, Long Island)

Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak
(March 22nd - June 20th)
defeated Dudley Boyz et al in a TLC Match (Raw, Long Island)
lost to Natural Born Thrillers (Bad Blood, Washington D.C)

Natural Born Thrillers
(June 20th - July 12th 2004)
defeated Cade and Jindrak (Bad Blood, Washington D.C)
lost to Edge and Christian (Raw, Omaha)

Edge and Christian
(July 12th - October 17th 2004)
defeated Natural Born Thrillers (Raw, Omaha)
lost to Booker T & Goldust in a Cage Match (Nemesis, St. Louis)

Booker T & Goldust
(October 17th - December 12th 2004)
defeated Edge and Christian in a Cage Match (Nemesis, St Louis)
lost to Ric Flair and Batista (Armageddon, Orlando)

Ric Flair and Batista
(December 12th 2004 - April 11th 2005)
defeated Booker T & Goldust (Armageddon, Orlando)
lost to The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (Raw, Sacramento)

The Worlds Greatest Tag Team
(April 11th - June 12th 2005)
defeated Ric Flair and Batista (Raw, Sacramento)
Lost to Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak (Bad Blood, Philadelphia)

Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak (June 12th - December 4th 2005)
Defeated The Worlds Greatest Tag Team
(Bad Blood, Philadelphia)
Lost to The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (Armageddon, Boston)

The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (December 4th 2005 - April 3rd 2006)
Defeated Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak in a Ladder Match
(Armageddon, Boston)
Forced to vacate titles, after Charlie Haas was drafted to Smackdown

Titles vacant - April 3rd 2006 - April 30th 2006

Acolyte Fashion Agency (April 30th - June 25th)
Defeated The Brotherhood, United Nations, Booker T & Goldust for vacant titles
(Backlash, Seattle WA)
Lost to MNM (Unforgiven, Denver)

MNM (June 25th 2006 - March 18th 2007)
Defeated A.F.A
(Unforgiven, Denver)
Lost to Straight Edge via stipulation (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)

Straight Edge(March 18th 2007 - June 18th)
Defeated MNM via stipulation (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)
Lost to MNM (Raw, Oklahoma OK)

(2) MNM(June 18th - August 19th)
Defeated Straight Edge (Raw, Oklahoma OK)
Lost to Straight Edge (Summerslam, London England)

(2) Straight Edge(August 19th - Present)
Defeated MNM (Summerslam, London England)

***

Womens Championship:

(2) Molly Holly (July 28th 2003 - January 26th 2004)
defeated Gail Kim (Raw, Colorado Springs)
lost to Lita (Raw, Rochester)

(2) Lita
(January 26th - June 7th 2004)
defeated Molly Holly (Raw, Rochester)
lost to Trish Stratus (Raw, Chicago)

(5) Trish Stratus
(June 7th - October 18th 2004)
defeated Lita (Raw, Chicago)
lost to Shaniqua (Raw, Kansas)

(1) Shaniqua
(October 18th 2004 - October 17th 2005)
defeated Trish Stratus (Raw, Kansas)
Lost to Trish Stratus (Raw, Toronto)

(6) Trish Stratus (October 17th 2005 - April 30th 2006)
Defeated Shaniqua
(Raw, Toronto)
Lost to Jillian Hall (Backlash, Seattle WA)

(1) Jillian Hall (April 30th - June 12th)
Defeated Trish Stratus
(Backlash, Seattle WA)
Lost to Alexis Laree (Raw, Greenville, SC)

(1) Alexis Laree (June 12th - September 2nd)
Defeated Jillian Hall (Raw, Greenville, SC)
Lost to Trish Stratus (Saturday Nights Main Event, Montreal)

(7) Trish Stratus (September 2nd 2006)
Defeated Alexis Laree
(Saturday Nights Main Event, Montreal)

Title relinquished

(2) Alexis Laree (October 2nd - October 30th)
Defeated Jillian Hall for the vacant title (Raw Season Premiere, St. Louis, MO)
Lost to Melina (Raw, Adelaide)

(1) Melina (October 30th 2006 - March 18th 2007)
Defeated Alexis Laree
(Raw, Adelaide)
Lost to Alexis Laree via stipulation (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)

(3) Mickie James (formerly Alexis Laree) (March 18th - August 19th)
Defeated Melina via stipulation (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)
Lost to Beth Phoenix (Summerslam, London England)

Beth Phoenix (August 19th - November 11 2007)
Defeated Mickie James (Summerslam, London England)
Lost to Mickie James * 3-2 in a Best of Five Series* (Survivor Series, Los Angeles CA)

(4) Mickie James (November 11 2007 - February 4th 2008)
Defeated Beth Phoenix *3-2 in a Best of Five Series* (Survivor Series, Los Angeles CA)
Lost to Gail Kim (Raw, Green Bay WI)

(2) Gail Kim (February 4th 2008 - Present)
Defeated Mickie James (Green Bay, WI)

***

Smackdown;


WWE Championship:
(3) Brock Lesnar (September 18th 2003 - June 10th 2004)
defeated Kurt Angle in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match (Smackdown, Raleigh)
lost to Kurt Angle (Smackdown, St. Louis)

(6) Kurt Angle (June 10th - August 22nd 2004)
defeated Brock Lesnar (Smackdown, St. Louis)
lost to Goldberg (SummerSlam, Toronto)

(2) Goldberg (August 22nd - October 17th 2004)
defeated Kurt Angle (SummerSlam, Toronto)
lost to Triple H (Nemesis, St. Louis)

(9) Triple H (October 17th 2004 - March 20th 2005)
defeated Goldberg (Nemesis, St. Louis)
lost to The Rock (WrestleMania 21, Detroit)

(10) The Rock (March 20th - July 3rd 2005)
defeated Triple H (WrestleMania, Detroit)
Lost to Goldberg (Great American Bash, Washington, D.C)

(3) Goldberg (July 3rd - August 7th 2005)
Defeated The Rock
(Great American Bash, Washington, D.C)
Lost to Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat Match (Summer Slam, San Juan)

(7) Kurt Angle (August 7th - November 6th 2005)
Defeated Goldberg in a Triple Threat Match
(Summer Slam, San Juan)
Lost to Eddie Guerrero in a Fatal Four Way (Survivor Series, Manchester, NH)

(1) Eddie Guerrero (November 6th 2005)
Defeated Angle, Triple H & Lesnar in a Four Way
(Survivor Series, Manchester, NH)

(4) Brock Lesnar (November 17th 2005 - March 26th 2006)
Defeated Kurt Angle & Triple H in a Triple Threat for Vacant Title
(Smackdown, Detroit)
Lost to Chris Benoit (WrestleMania 22, Las Vegas, NV)

(1) Chris Benoit (March 26th 2006 - July 23rd)
Defeated Brock Lesnar
(WrestleMania 22, Las Vegas, NV)
Title Vacated due to injury

(1) Rob Van Dam (August 20th 2006 - March 18th 2007)
Defeated Chris Jericho for Vacant Title in tournament final
(SummerSlam, Anaheim)
Lost to Randy Orton via Money in the Bank (WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)

(3) Randy Orton (March 18th 2007 - Present)
Defeated Rob Van Dam via Money in the Bank
(WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)


***

United States Championship:

(1) Big Show (October 19th 2003 - February 15th 2004)
defeated Eddie Guerrero (No Mercy, Baltimore)
lost to Billy Gunn (No Way Out, San Francisco)

(1) Billy Gunn (February 15th - April 1st 2004)
defeated Big Show (No Way Out, San Francisco)
lost to Kanyon (Smackdown, Salt Lake City)

(2) Kanyon (April 1st - July 18th 2004)
defeated Billy Gunn (Smackdown, Salt Lake City)
lost to William Regal (Vengeance, Fresno)

(1) William Regal (July 18th - August 22nd 2004)
defeated Kanyon (Vengeance, Fresno)
lost to Benoit in a 3 Way Match, also featuring E. Guerrero (SummerSlam, Toronto)

(2) Chris Benoit (August 22nd - September 23rd 2004)
defeated Regal and E. Guerrero in a Triple Threat Match (SummerSlam, Toronto)
lost to Kanyon (Smackdown, Dallas)

(3) Kanyon (September 23rd - December 9th 2004)
defeated Chris Benoit (Smackdown, Dallas)
lost to Eddie Guerrero (Smackdown; Night of the Championships, Ft. Lauderdale)

(1) Eddie Guerrero (December 9th 2004 - July 3rd 2005)
defeated Kanyon (Smackdown; Night of the Championships, Ft. Lauderdale)
Lost to John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield in a Triple Threat Match (Great American Bash, Washington, D.C)

(1) John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield (July 3rd 2005 - March 26th 2006)
Defeated Eddie Guerrero in a Triple Threat Match
(Great American Bash, Washington D.C)
Lost to Matt Hardy (WrestleMania 22, Las Vegas, NV)

(1) Matt Hardy (March 26th - May 14th)
Defeated JBL
(WrestleMania 22, Las Vegas, NV)
Lost to Charlie Haas (Judgment Day, Milwuakee)

(1) Charlie Haas (May 14th - July 23rd)
Defeated Matt Hardy
(Judgment Day, Milwaukee)
Lost to Matt Hardy (Great American Bash, Atlanta)

(2) Matt Hardy (July 23rd - October 13th)
Defeated Charlie Haas
(Great American Bash, Atlanta)
Lost to Brent Albright (Smackdown, Lafayette, LA)

(1) Brent Albright (October 13th 2006 - May 20th 2007)
Defeated Matt Hardy
(Smackdown, Lafayette, LA)
Lost to Paul London (Judgment Day, Miami, FL)

(1) Paul London (May 20th 2007 - January 20th 2008)
Defeated Brent Albright
(Judgment Day, Miami, FL)
Lost to Batista (Royal Rumble, Las Vegas NV)

(1) Batista (January 20th 2008 - Present)
Defeated Paul London
(Royal Rumble, Las Vegas NV)


***

WWE Tag Team Championships:
(1) Basham Brothers (October 23rd 2003 - January 25th 2004)
defeated Los Guerrero's (Smackdown, Albany)
lost to The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (Royal Rumble, Philadelphia)

(3) The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (January 25th - June 10th 2004)
defeated Basham Brothers (Royal Rumble, Philadelphia)
lost to La Resistance (Smackdown, St. Louis)

(2) La Resistance (June 10th - September 2nd 2004)
defeated The Worlds Greatest Team (Smackdown, St. Louis)
lost to Hurricane & Citizen Storm (Smackdown, Tulsa)

(1) Hurricane & Citizen Storm (September 2nd - November 11th 2004)
defeated La Resistance (Smackdown, Tulsa)
lost to Basham Brothers (Smackdown, Cincinnati)

(2) Basham Brothers (November 11th - December 9th 2004)
defeated Hurricane and Citizen Storm (Smackdown, Cincinnati)
lost in a ten team Tag Turmoil match, with Test and Scott Steiner eventually winning the match outright (Smackdown; Night of the Championships, Ft. Lauderdale)

(1) Test & Scott Steiner (December 9th 2004 - January 23rd 2005)
defeated nine teams in a Ten Team Tag Turmoil Match (Smackdown; NOTC, Ft. Lauderdale)
lost to America's Most Wanted in a Fatal Four Way, also featuring La Resistance, and the APA (Royal Rumble, Houston)

(1) America's Most Wanted (January 23rd - March 20th 2005)
defeated Test and Scott Steiner, La Resistance and the APA in a Fatal Four Way match (Royal Rumble, Houston )
lost to The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (WrestleMania 21, Detroit)

(4) The Worlds Greatest Tag Team (March 20th - March 28th)
defeated America's Most Wanted (WrestleMania 21, Detroit)
forced to vacate titles after being drafted to Raw

Titles Vacant (March 28th - May 15th)(2) Americas Most Wanted (May 15th - October 20th 2005)
Defeated The Dudley Boyz, La Resistance, and Un-Americans in a 4 Way for vacant belts
(Judgement Day, Vancouver)
Lost to Basham Brothers (Smackdown, Vancouver)

(3) Basham Brothers (October 20th 2005 - February 2nd 2006)
Defeated America’s Most Wanted
(Smackdown, Vancouver)
Lost to America’s Most Wanted (Smackdown, Columbus)

(3) Americas Most Wanted (February 2nd - May 14th 2006)
Defeated Basham Brothers
(Smackdown, Columbus)
Lost to The Spirit Squad (Judgment Day, Milwaukee)

(1) The Spirit Squad (May 14th - August 20th)
Defeated Americas Most Wanted
(Judgment Day, Milwaukee)
Lost to Paul London & Brian Kendrick (SummerSlam, Anaheim)

(1) Paul London & Brian Kendrick (August 20th - December 10th)
Defeated Spirit Squad
(SummerSlam, Anaheim)
Lost to Americas Most Wanted (Armageddon, Richmond)

(4) Americas Most Wanted (December 10th 2006 - January 20th 2008)
Defeated Paul London & Brian Kendrick
(Armageddon, Richmond)
Lost to MNM (Royal Rumble, Las Vegas NV)

(3) MNM (January 20th 2008 - Present)
Defeated Americas Most Wanted
(Royal Rumble, Las Vegas NV)

***

Cruiserweight Championship:

Rey Mysterio (January 6th - April 8th 2004)
defeated Tajiri (Smackdown, Laredo, TX)
lost to Billy Kidman (Smackdown, Hartford, CT)

Billy Kidman (April 8th - May 16th 2004)
defeated Rey Mysterio (Smackdown, Hartford, CT)
lost to Rey Mysterio (Judgment Day, Corpus Christi, TX)

Rey Mysterio (May 16th - July 29th 2004)
defeated Billy Kidman (Judgment Day, Corpus Christi, TX)
lost to Chavo Guerrero (Smackdown, Seattle, WA)

Chavo Guerrero (July 29th - November 14th 2004)
defeated Rey Mysterio (Smackdown, Seattle, WA)
lost to Hurricane (Survivor Series, Chicago, IL)

Hurricane (November 14th - December 9th 2004)
defeated Chavo Guerrero (Survivor Series, Chicago, IL)
lost to Chavo Guerrero (Smackdown; Night of the Champions, Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Chavo Guerrero
(December 9th 2004 - February 13th 2005)
defeated Hurricane (Smackdown; NOTC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
lost to Tajiri (No Way Out, Salt Lake City, UT)

Tajiri (February 13th - March 20th 2005)
defeated Chavo Guerrero (No Way Out, Salt Lake City, UT)
lost to Chavo Guerrero in a Six pack Challenge, which also featured Akio, Paul London, Rey Mysterio & Jamie Noble (Wrestlemania 21, Detroit, MI)

Chavo Guerrero
(March 20th - May 15th 2005)
defeated Tajiri, Jamie Noble, Akio, Rey Mysterio & Paul London in a Six pack Challenge (WrestleMania 21, Detroit, MI)
Lost to Paul London (Judgement Day, Vancouver)

(1) Paul London (May 15th - November 6th 2005)
Defeated Chavo Guerrero
(Judgement Day, Vancouver)
Lost to Jamie Noble via stipulation in an 8 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match (Survivor Series, Manchester NH)

Jamie Noble (November 6th 2005 - February 11th 2006)
Defeated Paul London via stipulation in an 8 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match
(Survivor Series, Manchester NH)
Lost to Paul London (Saturday Nights Main Event, Anaheim, CA)

(2) Paul London (February 11th - March 16th 2006)
Defeated Jamie Noble
(Saturday Nights Main Event, Anaheim, CA)
Lost to Kid Kash (Smackdown, Detroit, MI)

(1) Kid Kash (March 16th - June 8th 2006)
Defeated Paul London
(Smackdown, Detroit, MI)
Lost to Juventud Guerrera (Smackdown, Tulsa OK)

Juventud Guerrera (June 8th - September 17th)
Defeated Kid Kash
(Smackdown, Tulsa OK)
Lost to Super Crazy (Cyber Sunday, Rochester, NY)

Super Crazy (September 29th 2006 - January 14th 2007)
Defeated Juventud Guerrera
(Smackdown, Dayton, OH)
Lost to Kid Kash as part of a six man tag team match (Royal Rumble, Indianapolis)

Kid Kash (January 14th 2007 - March 18th 2007)
Defeated Super Crazy in a six man tag team match
(Royal Rumble, Indianapolis)
Lost to Brian Kendrick(WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)

The Brian Kendrick(March 18th - December 9 2007)
Defeated Kid Kash
(WrestleMania 23, New Orleans, LA)
Lost to Bryan Danielson (Armageddon, Cleveland OH)

Bryan Danielson (December 9 2007 - Present)
Defeated The Brian Kendrick (Armageddon, Cleveland OH)
 
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#3,578 ·










WWE PRESENTS


WRESTLEMANIA

XXIV


MARCH 30 2008 | PHOENIX, ARIZONA
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX STADIUM

- THE DESERT CLASSIC -



Open with two fighter jets flying over the opened roof of the University of Phoenix Stadium - it’s still broad daylight in the desert, and the Seventy Thousand PLUS in attendance mark out…


Lillian Garcia: PHOENIX, ARIZONA … WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA TWENTY FOURRRR!!!!

Another huge pop engulfs the arena.

Lillian Garcia: And now, ladies and gentlemen, here to sing “America The Beautiful” … five time grammy winning and multi-platinum singer-songwriter … JOHN … LEGEND!!!

Again, the majority of fans cheer for the annual opening act of ‘America The Beautiful’, and if you saw the real WrestleMania 24 … you’ll know what to expect from John Legend.

The singer finishes his rendition of the anthem, and once more, the fans cheer, before the television audiences picture fades to black…

 
 




Then, open with the very first WrestleMania, and it’s low key titles, with a narrator briefly saying just ONE word.

“WrestleMania.”

Speeding up through the years, as the dull arenas get brighter, crowds grow larger, and WrestleMania becomes a phenomenon.

Christian:
The pinnacle of Sports Entertainment.

Shots of various competitors at WrestleMania through the years; Steamboat winning the I.C Title at III, Savage and Elizabeth reuniting at VII, Shawn Michaels with the title at XII, Edge and Christian standing at the top of the ladders in 2000, John Cena victorious at WrestleMania 21, and Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22.


Brent Albright: The Holy Grail of every man-


Mickie James: Or woman-


Rowdy Roddy Piper nose to nose with Mr. T at the first WrestleMania, then walking out at WrestleMania III before getting the better of Goldust at WrestleMania XII.


Rowdy Roddy Piper: That ever steps foot in the squared circle.



Cut to various shots of the superstars taking a look around the stadium over the weekend as the set was being put together - specifically Bryan Danielson, and he speaks over the footage.


Bryan Danielson:
Just to be a part of it is an achievement.

Then, Edge sitting alone in the stands, taking the vast arena in.


Edge:
To be a headliner is a dream come true.

Shawn Michaels, standing in the ring, leaning on the ropes.

Shawn Michaels:
And to steal the show is to live forever.

Rey on the aisle, looking up at the staging.

Rey Mysterio:
To make a memory…

RVD looking around in the middle of the ring.


Rob Van Dam: To have Seventy Thousand on their feet…

And Gail Kim standing at the top of the ramp, taking in the huge stadium.


Gail Kim:
To create a WrestleMania moment…

And settle in silence … the empty stadium …

Then quickly fills up today…



And cut to WrestleMania XIX; and the botched Shooting Star.


Brock Lesnar:
Is life changing.

Shots of the newcomers; Cody Rhodes, Bryan Danielson, Angels of Anarchy, Garrison Cade, Gail Kim.

Christopher Daniels:
From a debut…

And cut to clips of Ric Flair at WrestleMania VIII, then X8, 22 - changing, getting older through the years…

Ric Flair:
To a swansong…

Clips of Hulk Hogan celebrating another WrestleMania title win at WrestleMania V, before his return in 2002.


Hulk Hogan:
The feeling … remains the same.

Shots of Shane McMahon going Coast to Coast, Matt Hardy landing with a leg drop, Shawn Michaels flying off the ladder at WrestleMania X and Paul London crashing and burning last year.


Matt Hardy:
To take death defying risks…

Kurt Angle fighting through the broken neck to compete at WrestleMania XIX.

Kurt Angle:
Or push through unimaginable pain…

And Triple H standing tall at WrestleMania X8, as Undisputed Champion.

Triple H:
The glory is the ultimate prize.





Shots of various champions being crowned down the years; Savage at IV, Warrior at VI, Bret Hart at X, Austin at XIV, Christian last year.


Randy Orton:
From championships…

To various clips of The Undertaker through the years, starting with Snuka, then Roberts, Sid, Kane at XX, Michaels at 21 and Jericho at 22 - all falling victim to the Deadman.


The Undertaker:
To streaks…

Clips of Hogan slamming Andre, Michaels zip lining to the ring, Goldberg tapping out to Angle, and Cenas big entrance last year.

John Cena:
There’s a reason it’s called the showcase of the immortals.



Cut to recent shots of Lesnar and Michaels face to face in the ring.

Paul Heyman:
Where dream matches become reality.

Umaga and Undertaker face to face before the explosion at the Royal Rumble.

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:
Where irresistible forces meet immovable objects.

Triple H ready to erupt - being kept apart from Kennedy.


Mister Kennedy:
Where worlds collide.

Fireworks going off at last years WrestleMania.


Finlay:
And it can only happen in one place…



Austin bloodied - but defiant whilst locked in the Sharpshooter, Rock and Hogan shaking hands in Toronto.

Chris Jericho:
The unforgettable moments.

Edge spearing Jeff Hardy off a ladder at WrestleMania 17, Mick Foley eating Sweet Chin Music putting him through the flaming table last year.

Paul London:
Shock and awe.

Liberace dancing in the middle of the ring at WrestleMania I, Tyson punching out HBK, Eminem performing at WrestleMania 21.

Melina:
Glitz and glamour.

Cut to crowd shots of excited fans through the years.


Kurt Angle:
The grand daddy of ‘em all…

Fireworks going off as the Ultimate Warrior celebrates his title win, and the same for Cena at WrestleMania 21.

M.V.P:
The show of shows…

Triple H and his elaborate entrance at WrestleMania 22, Undertaker passing by the druids at WrestleMania 14.


Garrison Cade:
The showcase of the immortals.





The Rock triumphing over Triple H at WrestleMania 21, followed by Andre turning on the Heenan Family after what would be his final WWE match at VI, then Shawn Michaels climbing the ladder to victory against Randy Orton at WrestleMania XX.

Shawn Michaels:
Icons made.

Bret Hart beating Kurt Angle two years ago, then Christian overcoming Cena to win the big one last year and Ric Flair applying the Figure Four on Undertaker at X8.

Ric Flair:
Legends born.

Hulk Hogan cupping his ear after victory at WrestleMania III, Austin leaving the ring after his final WrestleMania match two years ago, and Undertaker celebrating yet another win in traditional style at WrestleMania 21.

The Undertaker:
Immortality earned.

Shots of Ultimate Warrior running to the ring, Randy Savage with the title at WrestleMania IV, and Brock Lesnar - out of sorts - at WrestleMania 19 sharing a hug with Angle.

John Cena:
All … at WrestleMania.





Darkness.

Then followed by the evolution of WrestleMania again from the dim lit MSG for the first WrestleMania, to tonight in Phoenix, with many other locations shown in between.


Triple H:
For twenty three years, the legend has grown.

The Undertaker dispatching Jake Roberts with ease in 1992 to JUST barely getting by Kurt Angle last year, and then a menacing shot of Umaga stomping down the ramp to the ring.


Christian:
And with each year, the ante goes up…

Shots of victorious Royal Rumble winners; Yokozuna, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold in 2001 and Christian last year … mixed with their follow up wins in the WrestleMania main event.

Edge:
The expectation rises…

Shots of thrilled fans, rising to their feet last year…


Randy Orton:
And it never disappoints.

Darkness.

Narrator: And tonight, the tradition … continues.





*FEELS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT INSTRUMENTAL*


Lesnar with an F5 on Michaels … HBK with Sweet Chin Music to Lesnar.

Jim Ross:
A MATCH FOR THE AGES!!

WITH THE LIGHTS OUT, IT’S LESS DANGEROUS

Ric Flair and Kurt Angle trading slaps in the ring.


Joey Styles:
The Best Today versus the Best Ever!!

HERE WE ARE NOW, ENTERTAIN US


Umaga destroying Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.


**GONG**

I FEEL STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS

Edge spearing RVD to the floor to win the Royal Rumble.

Joey Styles:
Edge is goin to WrestleMania!!!

HERE WE ARE NOW, ENTERTAIN US


John Cena and Christian being held apart on Raw.


Jim Ross:
THE JEALOUSY, THE RAGE, THE ANGER - Y’CAN SEE IT ALL ETCHED ON THEIR FACES!!!!

A DENIAL




Clips of Brent Albright, Paul London, Rob Van Dam and Straight Edge at various times.

“Tonight, WrestleMania creates new moments…”

A DENIAL

Mister Kennedy shouting into his old school mic, MNM walking down the red carpet MVP bursting out of his tunnel and Edge setting off his pyro.

“New icons …”

A DENIAL

Randy Orton holding the WWE Title aloft, Kurt Angle yanking on an Ankle lock and Brock Lesnar delivering an F5.


“New legends…”

A DENIAL

Triple H spitting water, Chris Jericho standing stoic in the ring, and Umaga charging across the ring.

“New immortals…”

A DENIAL

Flashing shots of Cena, Christian, Orton, Edge, Albright, Michaels, London, Flair, Triple H … and finally The Undertaker.

“The Desert Classic … has arrived.”

A DENIALLLLLLLLLLL…


And the unmistakable Vince McMahon, many moons ago…


“WELCOME TO … WRESTLEMANIA!!!”

ECHOES…


 
 
AND NOW … SLIM JIM PRESENTS A RAW AND SMACKDOWN PRODUCTION OF WWE WRESTLEMANIA TWENTY FOUR

 






 
!! ~ PYRO ~ !!

 
The camera pans around the stadium, showing the excited faces of the thousands of men, women and children that have descended upon the University of Phoenix Stadium, with ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ being piped through the PA.

The cheers are loud, the signs are plentiful … WrestleMania is on the air, and after a few moments of letting the fans speak for themselves, the iconic voice of Jim Ross opens the show for the viewers at home…

Jim Ross: It is high noon at the O.K corral, as the weeks and MONTHS of anticipation have finally come to a head, for the WWE has arrived deep in the desert of Arizona, and it has brought glitz, glamour, pomp and pageantry that could only be brought by the juggernaut that is WRESTLE-MANIAAAA!!!

The camera cuts to ringside, and shows the announce trio for the evening; Jim Ross, The Coach, and Joey Styles…

Joey Styles: And it is an honour to be sat here at ringside for the biggest night of the year - and on a personal level - the biggest night in my professional career. From converted bingo halls to football stadiums, WrestleMania is what dreams are made of - and as I lose my WrestleMania virginity, I can honestly say my dreams have well and truly come true tonight!!! And tonight, dreams will become reality for the superstars of Raw and Smackdown!! I’m Joey Styles, joined of course, by the unmistakable Jim Ross, and The Coach!!!


The Coach: J.R may be unmistakable, but The Coach is unmissable, Joe!! You may be a WrestleMania virgin, but me?? I’m old hat at this thing now - and trust me, it gets bigger and better every year, and I’m calling it right now - this will be the most historic WrestleMania of all time!!


Jim Ross: The pieces certainly are in place for an unforgettable evening here in Phoenix - four championships will be decided, the Streak is in jeopardy, and along with two additional dream matches, plus the grudge match of the century - I’d advise you folks at home to get comfortable now - you don’t want to miss a minute of this night!!!


The lighting in the arena dips off - though, it’s still daylight, so it has little effect in the stadium…

… 5 …

… 4 …
… 3 …
… 2 …
… 1 …



~PYRO~

**BREAK THE WALLS DOWN**

Entering in a sparkly, lit up jacket - as opposed to the dour black leather jacket he had adopted since his return at the end of last year, Chris Jericho stretches out his arms, spinning around and examines the 70,000 strong attendance.


Jericho drinks in the moment, surveying the entire stadium, smiling - unlike Jericho in recent times - before striding down the aisle, shouting out; “ARE YA READY PHOENIX!!!”

Joey Styles: Chris Jericho has come to Phoenix with one goal in mind - and that’s stealing this show in the opening match. Since his return to Smackdown in November, Jericho’s mission has been to prove that success can be gained through honour and respect and fair play … but up until this point, he has failed to find success. Tonight, along with an old rival, Jericho sets out to show the rest of the locker room how it’s done - in a straight up wrestling machine where the best man wins, and in the process, as I said; steals the show.

Jim Ross: I for one commend Jericho for his strength in convictions, and I sure do hope that the young wrestlers in the locker room watch this exhibition carefully, and follow this example as opposed to some other more controversial members of the roster. We’re about to get the sport of professional wrestling at it’s finest.

The Coach: Get it right - we’re about to see two losers who couldn’t do what it takes to make it into the main event. If Chris Jericho has the killer instinct of Randy Orton, he’d be WWE Champion, and if RVD hadn’t assisted Edge in qualifying for the Rumble match, he wouldn’t have finished runner up a few weeks later!! If these two had any guts, they’d be headlining this show tonight!!

Howard Finkel: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall!! Introducing first, making his way to the ring; from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, weighing 227 pounds … CHRISSSS JERICHOOOO!!!!!

Jericho jogs up the steps, and swings against the ropes, looking fired up and excited, before stepping into the ring, and taking another long look at the vast sea of fans inside the impressive stadium.

Jim Ross: But the point, Coach, is that there should be no need for cheating - no need for a “killer instinct” - at it’s core, this is a sport, not some underground “fight club” - Jericho wants to prove that winning at all costs measures like punting another human being in the skull aren’t necessary. There’s no shame in losing to the better man.

Joey Styles: Amen.


The Coach: Spoken like two men who never won anything in their life.

Jim Ross: Oh yeah, because you’re such the accomplished athlete, right, Coach?? Remind me, how did you fare in that Royal Rumble match??…

The Coach: … I slipped.

**ONE OF A KIND**

More pyro - less than what Jericho got - shoots off as Van Dams theme pipes into the arena, with The Whole Damn Show strutting confidently onto the stage, relaxed and as laid back as ever.

Joey Styles: A year ago at this event, Rob Van Dam walked in as WWE Champion, and SHOULD have walked out as champion after a successful title defence in a match including Chris Jericho - but the vile Randy Orton would cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase he had won earlier in the night, and PUNTED Van Dam into a hospital bed to take the title from him.

The Coach: And look at where Orton is now. Face it, boys - the game has changed. If you want to be successful in this business, you cant be a boy scout any more. It’s dog eat dog, and no matter how fancy and pretty and enjoyable this match is gonna be - they’ll both be left with no real glory when this night is over.

Jim Ross: I’d wager there’s a lot of fans who’d disagree with that assessment Coach. And after the heartbreak of what happened to him last year, Rob Van Dam will look to gain some form of redemption at WrestleMania tonight. It may not be the main event - but the goal is simple - do what you do best; steal this show!!

RVD continues to stroll on the ramp, stopping as he reaches the flat part of the aisle, and gives the fans what they want; the always pleasing “R-V-D” thumb taunt, which gets 70,000 plus chanting along.

Howard Finkel: AND, his opponent, weighing 235 pounds, from Battle Creek Michigan; ROB … VAN … DAM!!!!!

In the ring, Jericho smirks at the moment, as he now begins to remove his jacket in preparation for the match he asked for. RVD eyes Jericho from the outside, shrugging his shoulders, carrying a cheeky grin - looking forward to sharing the ring with his old buddy/rival.

Jim Ross: Both men look relaxed here if you ask me, and I’d say that’s a good sign. There should be little in the way of nerves - these two men look like their ready to let it all hang out.

Joey Styles: And over the years in ECW, Rob Van Dam adopted the nickname of Mister Pay Per View, because he ALWAYS delivered and stole the show on the big events and he always gave people their monies worth. Tonight, RVD will look to prove why he was known as that very man; Mister Pay Per View - at the biggest Pay Per View of the year.

Jim Ross: Jericho got what he wanted - he has the platform, he has the stage, and he has the opponent. Now, he has to deliver what he set out to do - steal the show.

Van Dam climbs into the ring, posing for the fans again, before leaping off the turnbuckles, with Jericho all set for action … just like the fans … and it’s go time.

The Showstealer:
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho
The bell rings, and both Jericho and Van Dam circle initially - tentative - before reaching in, locking up together. Jockeying for position, the two former world champions struggle toward the ropes, shifting the pressure between each other, as Jericho presses Van Dam, but RVD overturns the power, backing Jericho against the ropes.

They struggle into the corner, where referee Jack Doan intervenes and forces a break. Very slowly, Van Dam eases up and steps out defensively, with both men on guard for a cheap shot from the other - but nothing is forthcoming from either. The fans appreciate the sportsmanship, offering a round of applause for both men, and both Jericho and Van Dam give each other a nod also.

Jericho pushes out of the corner, and they circle the ring again, before tentatively engaging in a test of strength with a Greco-Roman Knuckle Lock … both pressing into it, trying to overpower the other … but it looks like it’ll be another stalemate, with neither man able to eke out an advantage from the test of strength …

… But before the battle can fizzle out, RVD breaks the grip himself with his legs, stepping over the arm, and looks for a firemans carry takeover, but as Jericho is shifted, he rolls through, and back onto his feet!!! Both men rise up, in a defensive stance - another stand off!! Again, the fans are respectful towards the two, and both Jericho and Van Dam relax and look around the stadium, taking in the respect of the fans.

RVD and Y2J then share a glance at each other, with Jericho pointing around the stadium, saying something to Van Dam, with RVD nodding, before taking the middle of the ring, and pointing his thumbs, getting the “ROB … VAN … DAM” reaction from the fans. Jericho then does his own version of the thumb taunt, getting a smaller “Y…2...J” reaction from the fans, with RVD smirking at the spot.

They both give each other another nod, and Jericho bounces into the ropes, out toward RVD, and they circle once more, before locking up … and this time, Jericho goes straight into a side headlock. Van Dam looks to shove him off, but Jericho hangs on, keeping the side headlock applied, then he switches to a hammerlock. Van Dam reverses that though, applying his own hammerlock.

Jericho looks to escape, throwing an elbow back that misses, and RVD shrugs off a snap mare attempt too … before Jericho then squeezes under, and re-applies his hammerlock. Quickly, Jericho lets go - but latches onto the side headlock once more, then takes RVD over, onto the mat - but the Whole Damn Show counters with a head scissors on the mat. Jericho kicks his legs while trapped in the scissors … but soon counters, escaping the leg grip of RVD, and works his way into a jackknife pin attempt …


………1………

………………2………………
………
…………………RVD POWERS UP…………………
!!!!!

Van Dam excites the fans with the feat of strength and athleticism, pushing up from the pin attempt, and once up, he tries to work his way into a backslide … but Jericho struggles, refusing to go over … and manages to block it, escaping the grip, and spins RVD around, taking him down with a double leg … but despite being in position to try and apply the Walls of Jericho, and goes for a pin …


…1…
…………………
…2…

…VAN DAM ROLLS THROUGH IT…



…INTO A SIT-OUT PIN ATTEMPT OF HIS OWN…


…………1…………
………
………………2………………

……REVERSAL FROM JERICHO……



………1………

………………2………………
………
…………………RVD BREAKS IT…………………
!!!!!

Both men bounce up, but RVD catches Jericho coming in with a drop toe hold, and gets into another pin attempt with an Oklahoma roll …


…1…
…………………
…2…

…KICK OUT…
!!!

Both men bounce up, with Jericho looking for a hip toss, but Van Dam blocks, and again looks for the backslide … and this time he gets it, pinning Jerichos shoulders to the mat…


…1…
…………………
………………………2………………………

…JERICHO KICKS OUT…
!!!

Once more, both men are quick to their feet, but Van Dam is a split second quicker, and ducks under Jericho, bouncing back, and over the bent over Jericho again … looking for a sunset flip … BUT JERICHO DROPS DOWN INTO A PIN OF HIS OWN…


………1………
………
………………2………………

…ROLL THROUGH…



……………1……………

…2…

……JERICHO ROLLS THROUGH AGAIN……



…1…
…………………
…2…
………KICK OUT………
!!!

Yet again, Jericho and Van Dam get to their feet quickly, and Jericho attempts a knife edge chop, only for RVD to duck it, and grips Jericho from behind, running him into the ropes … and rolls through with an O’CONNOR ROLL …


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

…KICK OUT…

Jericho kicks out, pushing RVD off the pin and into the ropes, then cradles RVD on his return from the ropes … INSIDE CRADLE …


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

RVD pops out, and both men stand up but Van Dam - looking to listen to the building reaction from the fans - is caught off guard by Jericho, who opens up right away with a vicious knife edge chop!! Jericho backs RVD up with the chop, and Jericho unleashes a torrent of chops, into the corner, softening his opponent up.

Jericho sends RVD across the ring to the opposite corner - charging across after him, but before RVD can hit, he pushes up onto the ropes, and pushes out, over Jericho, out of the corner, then BLASTS Jericho with a straight right hand!!! Jericho wobbles into the corner after the right hand, and holds his jaw, looking stunned by the shot.

Van Dam remains in a fighting stance, whilst Jericho rubs his jaw, angered by the right hand, and clearly says to RVD; “WHAT‘S THAT ABOUT??” before angrily shoving RVD. Coach comments that it looks like the friendly façade is gone, as Van Dam appears surprised by the shove, and motions to Jericho about his knife edge chops that came first, and shoves Jericho back, returning the favour.

Jericho looks furious after being shoved into the corner again, and shakes his head, mouthing; “THAT‘S IT, YA SON OF A BITCH!!” and Jericho steams out of the corner, throwing a right hand, with RVD striking right back with one of his own, and the two men begin to slug it out, trading right hands back and forth, into a frenzy - hammering at each other relentlessly, until Jericho slows RVD with a knee to the gut.

RVD doubles over, and Jericho pushes him into the corner, opening up with knife edge chops again before sending RVD off the ropes, ducking down for the return … but Van Dam rolls off the back of Jericho, then attempts to catch Jericho with a spin kick, but Jericho ducks under … and surprises RVD with a school boy roll up …


………1………

………………2………………
………
………VAN DAM KICKS OUT………
!!!

Van Dam escapes the pin, and once back to his feet, he ducks an incoming Jericho, then meets him on the return with a right hand!!! RVD opens up with a plethora of right hands to Jericho, forcing Y2J into the corner, then drops down, driving a few shoulders into the gut, before leaping back out, and sends Jericho across the ring, racing across, looking for a MONKEY FLIP …

… But Jericho has it scouted, and blocks it, grabbing the legs, and as RVD hit’s the mat, JERICHO ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE WALLS OF JERICHO … BUT RVD BLOCKS IT!!! The fans get a little more excited, watching RVD squirm to avoid the submission, despite Jericho desperately trying to get a firm grasp of the legs … but RVD successfully escapes, rolling away from Jericho.

Getting to his feet, RVD meets Jericho with a kick to the gut, then looks for another kick - caught by Jericho, and Jericho spins Van Dam around … but RVD catches Jericho with a mule kick as he spins. Jericho is slowed by the kick, and it allows RVD to follow up with a series of his martial art style kicks, before finishing up with a spin kick right to the mush of Jericho!!! Cover;


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Van Dam doesn’t dwell over the kick out, quickly getting back to his feet, looking down at Jericho on the mat - then nods, before taking off, hitting the ropes … as the fans rise in expectation, telegraphing what’s coming … as RVD rebounds back off the ropes with a ROLLING THUNDER … BUT JERICHO GETS HIS KNEES UP!!!!!

The Whole Damn Show writhes away in agony, slapping the mat and holding his back, rolling to the outside to give himself a chance to recover. With Jericho getting back to his feet, RVD grimaces in pain on the outside, leaning against the ring apron. Jericho stands and waits in the ring, watching as RVD pulls himself back onto the ring apron … and once he does, JERICHO LOOKS FOR A SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK - BUT RVD DUCKS!!!!!

Jericho crashes and burns on the mat, rolling out of the ring himself, with Joey Styles pointing out that both men appear to have the other well scouted with a number of counters and reversals to some of each mans signature offence. RVD gets back in the ring, looking down on Jericho on the outside … then takes off, hitting the ropes … AND DELIVERS A SOMERSAULT PLANCHA TO JERICHO ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!

Phoenix explodes for the high risk spot from the Whole Damn Show, and Styles proclaims that THAT is why RVD is Mr. PPV. Van Dam soaks up the adulation, and for the third time - performs the thumb taunt for the fans. He then reaches down, picking Jericho up from the ground, rolling him back in the ring. RVD himself then climbs onto the apron, and proceeds to the top turnbuckle, waiting for Jericho to get up, and once his is, Van Dam flies with a kick off the top!!!!!


……………1……………

…2…

…KICK OUT…
!!!

RVD shakes his head at the kick out, and refocuses, getting back up, bringing Jericho with him. He keeps Jericho subdued with a few short punches, backing his opponent into the ropes, sending Jericho off, but Jericho ducks a clothesline on his return, then, as RVD ducks down, Jericho leaps over him, off the ropes again, coming back … and cracks RVD with a flying forearm!!!

Jericho pumps the air off the move, looking to get the fans on-side, then gets back at Van Dam, choking him in the ropes, pressing his knee into the back of RVD, softening him up, then shouts to the fans; “C‘MON BAY-BAY!!!” and takes off, hitting the ropes, coming back with a running knee to the back, crushing RVD against the ropes.

RVD writhes on the mat, holding his throat, selling the knee that crushed him on the ropes. Meanwhile, Jericho is planning his next attack, and hoists himself onto the middle turnbuckle, waiting for Van Dam to get back up … and once he’s up, Van Dam staggers around - right into a reverse elbow off the middle rope from Chris Jericho!!!

Jericho then stands up, and watches RVD getting back to his feet, and Y2J wants the running bulldog, but as he rushes in behind RVD, Van Dam throws him off, into the ropes, then stuns Jericho - NAILING HIM with a spinning heel kick to knock Jericho down!!! Van Dam looks down at Jericho, then up at the corner, leaping up top into position for a moonsault-

BUT JERICHO LEAPS UP … AND SHOVES VAN DAM OFF THE TOP - SENDING RVD CRASHING INTO THE BARRIER ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

The fans groan at the fall, but Jericho shows no regret, and he now climbs to the top rope, perching himself up top … in wait of RVD, with the Whole Damn Show struggling back to his feet … and Jericho flies from the top rope with a SPLASH TO RVD ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

J.R bellows on commentary that both men are putting it all on the line tonight, holding nothing back, as Jericho struggles back to his feet, dragging RVD with him, and attempts to send his opponent into the barrier with an Irish whip - but Van Dam somehow summons the energy to reverse the whip, and he sends Jericho into the barrier instead!!!!!

Jericho winces upon impact, immediately clutching his back, whilst RVD sells the effects of the bad landing he took just moments ago. Still, Van Dam realises he cant let up, and kicks Jericho in the gut, before hooking him into a suplex position, getting Jericho up - then HANGS JERICHO UP OVER THE BARRIER - CRUSHING HIS MID SECTION!!!

Van Dam turns around, motioning for the fans to raise the roof, then he climbs up onto the barrier, taking a look around, wanting to get the fans rocking in anticipation … before delivering a leg drop off the apron across the neck of the hung up Jericho!!! Jericho spills onto the mats at ringside, but RVD isn’t done there, and he looks down at Jericho, before climbing back onto the barrier … THEN MOONSAULTS OFF IT ONTO JERICHO!!!!!!

The fans chant “R-V-D … R-V-D … R-V-D” in unison for the classic, ECW era offence of Van Dam, and the former WWE Champion rushes to get Jericho up and rolls him into the ring, crawling in after him, and looks to hook the leg for the cover;


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Jericho survives, and RVD looks disappointed, shaking his head, but pushes on, getting to his feet, dragging Jericho to his feet to, before snapping off a quick vertical suplex. Instead of a cover though, Van Dam uses the suplex as a set up for a second attempt at the ROLLING THUNDER … AND THIS TIME DELIVERS THE ROLLING THUNDER!!!!! The fans pop for the signature offence - and this time, there was nothing Jericho could do to avoid it!!! Cover;


………1………
………
……………………2……………………

…KICK OUT AGAIN…
!!!!!

Again, RVD looks disappointed, shaking his head, asking the referee about the count, but once more, he pushes on. The Whole Damn Show gets back to his feet, and brings Jericho up with him too, softening him up with a few short right hands, before sending him off the ropes, and has it in his mind to catch him on the return with a front dropkick … But Van Dam dropkicks thin air - Jericho held onto the ropes to prevent the return!!!

Van Dam crashes back first onto the mat, and Jericho spots his opportunity … AND SEIZES IT - HE GRABS THE LEGS, AND TURNS RVD OVER … WALLS OF JERICHO LOCKED ON!!!!!!! Jericho has his patented submission hold locked on, and sits back immediately … WITH VAN DAM STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!!!

He yells out in agony, his hands around his head, and trying to block out the pain, desperately thinking of a way to free himself, but has nowhere to go, as Jericho SYNCHES BACK!!!!! RVD tries to claw his way to the ropes, but has to contend with Jericho YELLING at him to ‘TAP’, over and over … wanting the submission … whilst RVD desperately reaches his arms out, looking to claw his way to the ropes, desperately searching for his sanctuary, and safety.

The eyes close, with RVD shaking his head in desperation, with Jericho trying to increase the pressure by driving a knee into his back. RVD is in a world of trouble now, and makes a final push … REACHING … AND GRABBING THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!! A big pop develops inside the stadium, with the fans delighted for the match to continue, with Jericho having to let go of the hold, but looks furious at having to do so …

And indeed, Jericho initially DOESN’T let go - and with RVD holding the ropes, Jericho leans back, taking the count to FOUR before he finally relents!!! A number of fans boo the unsportsmanlike conduct of Jericho, who is given a stern warning by Jack Doan, and the Canadian does apologise - clearly getting caught up in the moment.

On commentary though, it hasn’t gone unnoticed, and The Coach mentions that that was a sign of the ‘old’ Chris Jericho - and he welcomes it. Jericho meanwhile, shrugs off his ill-manners, brushing past the official, as he gets back to work, nailing Van Dam with more knife edge chops against the ropes, not allowing RVD to recover, then sends his opponent to the corner …

… But instead of hitting the corner, RVD leaps up to the middle rope, and attempts a splash back out at Jericho - but Jericho is waiting for it this time and kicks him in the gut!! RVD doubles over, and Y2J applies a double underhook, getting Van Dam up … DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER!!!!! RVD crumbles upon impact, especially after the Walls of Jericho just moments ago. Hook of the leg from Jericho…


…1…
………………………………………
…2…
……………
………KICK OUT………
!!!

“GOD DAMMIT!!” yells Jericho off the kick out, and his frustration is building, but he keeps his cool. He brings Van Dam up to his feet, and sends him into the corner - and this time, RVD doesn’t have a fancy athletic feat to avoid it, and hit’s the corner hard, bouncing back out, with Jericho coming off the ropes - RUNNING BULLDOG!!! Without missing a beat, Jericho turns his attention to the ropes … LIONSAULT-

MET WITH KNEES!!!!!

Jericho rolls away, clutching his ribs in agony, as RVD prevents the Lionsault, and gets to his feet, wanting another spin kick - BUT JERICHO DUCKS … GRIPS RVD FROM BEHIND - AND DELIVERS A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! AND JERICHO BRIDGES UP UPON IMPACT - AND RVD’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN … Jack Doane makes the count…


…1…
…………………
…2…

………VAN DAM KICKS OUT………
!!!

Jericho is again in a state of disbelief!!! He slaps the mat in frustration and argues the count with Jack Doan as he climbs back to his feet … but the official tells him “TWO”, much to the chagrin of the Canadian. Jericho watches as RVD struggles back to his feet, and looks to finish the job … GOING FOR A CODEBREAKER - BLOCKED BY VAN DAM!!!!!

Using his hands to defend himself, RVD blocks the finisher, and Jericho lands hard on the canvas without success!!! RVD instantly follows up, and crashes down on Jericho with a quick leg drop!!! Van Dam spins back to his feet … and leaps to the top rope … SPLIT LEGGED MOONSAULT!!!!!! The fans pop for another signature RVD spot, and he has the cover…


…1…
…………………
…2…

………KICK OUT………
!!!

Van Dam is the one that cant believe it now, and he holds up three fingers in the direction of the official, but gets a shake of the head in return, and two fingers to indicate the kick out. RVD allows himself a wry smile, and bounces up to his feet, taking one more look around the stadium, and nods - as if they should know what’s coming next.

RVD leaps up to the top rope again, with the fans rising, expecting a FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH … but Jericho is stirring, and it forces RVD to change plans, and he instead leaps off with an axe handle attempt … BUT JERICHO MEETS HIM WITH A KICK TO THE GUT!!! Jericho then trips the legs … WALLS OF JERICHO-

NO!!!!!!!

Van Dam kicks Jericho away!!! Jericho tumbles backward into the corner, and RVD gets back up, rushing into the corner with a clothesline, then bounces out, and races in again - and this time delivers the MONKEY FLIP!!! And it’s a perfect set up for the FIVE STAR!!!!! Van Dam leaps up top, readying himself … but as he does … a desperate Jericho KICKS THE REFEREE INTO THE ROPES!!!!

AND RVD CROTCHES THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!!!!!

On commentary, all three speculate if it was an intentional move from Jericho - and Coach is convinced it was. RVD slowly tumbles from the top, and onto the mat, clutching his mid section in pain. Jericho gets back to his feet, protesting his innocence to Jack Doan, hands up innocently, claiming he didn’t realise what he was doing, with Doan just about buying it.

Jericho looks to help RVD back to his feet, apologising profusely for his ‘mistake’, with RVD worse for wear following his bump to the floor. Van Dam shoves Jericho away, telling him to bring it on, and Jericho obliges, coming at RVD - but Van Dam blocks the shot, and fires off one of his own, then ducks a swing from Jericho, kicking him in the gut.

Jericho doubles over, with RVD looking to bounce onto the middle rope and spring back with a kick, but he kicks fresh air; JERICHO SIDE STEPS HIM … and as RVD spins around; ~BAM!! Jericho connects with the step up Enziguri, putting the Whole Damn show down on the mat. Jericho quickly bounces up, glancing down at RVD … before pointing to the ropes, and takes off; LIONSAULT … CONNECTS!!!!!


…1…
…………………
…2…
………RVD STILL KICKS OUT………
!!!!!!!!

Jericho cant believe it - and neither can the fans or our commentary team, stunned by the actions of Jericho … and it appears Jericho has lost it!!! He argues the count with Doan before he shakes his head in frustration, muttering obscenities, with J.R shouting; “What has gotten into Jericho here???” Jericho continues to look out of ideas, walking around the ring, waiting for RVD to get up again.

Van Dam stirs, and Jericho looks to swarm him again, coming for another attempt at the running bulldog … but RVD shoves Jericho away, off the ropes, meeting him on the return with a spin kick!!! Jericho goes down, and RVD looks around - getting cheers of approval - the fans know what to expect. Van Dam leaps up top, positioning himself for the Five Star Fro-

NO!!!!!

Jericho is back up, and comes racing up the ropes, looking to bring The Whole Damn Show down, but RVD fights Jericho off, shoving him back to the mat … as Jericho lands on his feet … then HOBBLES away!!! Jericho limps, screaming out in agony, as Jack Doan steps in, asking Jericho what the problem is. Jericho holds his leg in pain, shaking his head … whilst RVD looks confused up top.

A few boos are heard from the fans for the break in action, as Doan motions for a trainer to come to the ring, with Jericho burying his head on the top rope, groaning in agony, being heard on camera saying; “I heard it pop!!”, with Styles speculating that Jericho maybe just blew out his knee. RVD looks around from up top, as if to ask the fans what to do, as we see Jericho leaning on the ropes, shaking his head in anguish.

With the fans quiet - unsure what to think of this unfortunate sequence of events, RVD climbs down off the top, and after being initially dubious about the legitimacy of the injury, he looks worried for Jericho, coming to ask his opponent if he is okay - CODEBREAKER!!!!!!!!! Jericho was playing possum!!!!! He scrambles quickly into the cover, looking completely fine, as Doan is initially confused … but has to make the count!!!


…1…
……………………………
……2……

…………3…………
!!!!!!
WINNER: CHRIS JERICHO @ 15:34

Joey Styles: Chris Jericho has won this match - but NOT without controversy.

Jim Ross: A blatant piece of skulduggery. A pre-meditated action from Chris Jericho that swung the momentum of this match. What in the hell was Chris Jericho thinking?? Why?? Why did he do it?? Why feign an injury like that??

The Coach: Maybe he’s just a quick healer, J.R??

Jim Ross: Pull the other one, Coach!! Why would Jericho ruin what was shaping up to be something special?? Why??

Jericho revels in the moment, having his arm raised by the unwitting official, and with a grin on his face, it’s pretty clear that Jericho didn’t miraculously recover from an injury - he staged the whole thing and meant everything he just did - and he appears to be enjoying the heat from the pissed off fans.


The Coach: Because he’s seen what it takes to be a success in this day and age, J.R!! He had enough of the holier than thou crap - it got him nowhere - and the proof?? It’s in the pudding!!

Joey Styles: He’s a hypocrite. That’s what Jericho is, Coach!! He came here saying his intention was to steal the show with RVD - and they were well on their way to perhaps doing just that … and he ruined it. Jericho double crossed RVD!!

Jericho then peers down at his beaten foe, with a look of disdain for Van Dam, before taking his leave, and departing the ring, whilst RVD squirms in pain - still feeling the effects of the Codebreaker moments ago.

The Coach: Oh, what did you want him to do, Joey?? Lay down for your boy RVD?? Gimme a break - it’s Wrestle Mania - Jericho wasn’t takin any chances here tonight, and I’ve found some new respect for him. Kudos Jericho!!

Jim Ross: Kudos?? Gimme a break!! Jericho had the chance - win or lose - to do something memorable here tonight. He had the chance with RVD to open this show up in style and put on a classic … and he decided to ruin the whole thing. Asshole!!

The Coach: But he did do something memorable, J.R - he won!!


RVD begins to pull himself up on the ropes, looking out of the ring, watching as Jericho departs with his arms raised in victory … with RVD fuming, having been screwed over in the opening match tonight…

Joey Styles: My heart goes out to RVD here tonight. Double crossed by Jericho … more anguish at WrestleMania for the Whole Damn Show. But right now, let’s take it back to Kelly Kelly, who is standing by with a man who will be hoping that their night wont end so badly … Kelly??



Standing by is KELLY KELLY, with the backstage announcer smiling broadly, getting cheers and wolf whistles from the fans. Because. Kelly Kelly…

Kelly Kelly: HEY!! It’s Kelly Kelly!! And right now, I’m with one of the eight men set to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match tonight; the NEW Intercontinental Champion, please welcome, Matt Hardy!!!

The camera pans to show MATT HARDY getting a pop as he is shown for the first time, with the Intercontinental Title on his shoulder.

Kelly Kelly: Matt, it’s been quite a week for you since Monday night on Raw. You won back the Intercontinental Championship from one of your seven opponents tonight; Brent Albright. And on Friday, you successfully retained the title against Albright again. With all that momentum, do you believe that the time is now for you to step up, and become Mister Money in the Bank??

Hardy ponders momentarily, before answering.

Matt Hardy: Kelly, ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being World Champion. I’ve fought from day one, and I’ve held many titles over the years. Right now, I’m Intercontinental Champion. And if that’s as good as I ever am, I’ll not be disappointed. This is one of the most coveted championships in wrestling. But … that said … I know I’m good enough. I’m good enough to be a World Champion, Kelly. And I’ve been in enough Ladder matches to know how to not survive in them … but THRIVE!!!

Small pop in the background. Hardy takes a moment to pause, nodding at the reaction, before speaking again…

Matt Hardy: And tonight, I’m counting on all that experience to carry me through Money in the Bank … to defeat seven other hungry wolves. I’m willin to put my body on the line. I have to. That’s what this match is all about. And that’s what I’M all about!!!

Then, JEFF HARDY - Matt’s brother, arrives on the scene, patting his brother on the back, getting a pop from the fans … and he checks out Kelly too, then offers Kelly a wink, before getting to the point.

Jeff Hardy: We’ve been through hundreds of these matches, bro. You know what you gotta do out there!! Now go out there - and DO IT!!! Do it for dad, do it for me … but most importantly …

Jeff slaps the chest of his brother, geeing him up.

Jeff Hardy: Do it for YOU!!!

Jeff prods his finger into the chest of Matt. Matt nods, and hugs his brother, as the picture fades out…



And, back at ringside … Jim Ross, The Coach and Joey Styles are all keyed up for the camera…

Joey Styles: Certainly, it looks like Matt Hardy means business tonight ahead of the Money in the Bank ladder match. That still to come later tonight - but before we came on the air, over at wwe.com for the ninety minutes leading to the show, there was a whole lot of action.


Jim Ross: Indeed there was Joey, and thankfully, there was no controversy in the three matches prior to coming on the air here, unlike our opening contest…

Clips now play of the quick fire, six person tag match, where the up-and-coming Hart Legacy defeated Americas Most Wanted & Michelle McCool, thanks to Natalya and a Sharpshooter getting the submission from McCool.


The Coach: And it’s been a pretty rough couple of months for AMW. From a thirteen month reign as tag team champions, to losing to these three at WrestleMania. How the mighty have fallen!!

Joey Styles: It’s a huge win for the Hart Legacy, who keep the Hart family tradition going strong with a win on their debut at WrestleMania. And after that, we had ourselves a hellacious twenty four man - or should I say twenty three man and one WO-man battle royal!!!

Clips air from the Battle Royal, focusing initially on Beth Phoenix running to the ring as the final entrant, and eliminating Kid Kash before being cruelly tossed out herself by Mark Henry.

Jim Ross: And certainly, Beth Phoenix - the only female competitor in the match, gave a hell of a showing by eliminating Kid Kash .. Before she fell victim; like many others, to Mark Henry.

Joey Styles: And she wasn’t the only one that Henry tossed outta there, J.R. All in all, Mark Henry eliminated EIGHT people. More than anyone else, by quite some distance too.

Then, some of the more high risk eliminations too, starting with Xavier Woods getting beat up by everyone, before being tossed out of the ring, Nick Nemeth taking a huge bump when being tossed by Mark Henry, and Damien Sandow being chucked out by William Regal whilst performing his “Elbow of Disdain”.

The Coach: Shout out to my boy, Big Zeke, who gave a hell of an effort in there, and it took two men to throw him out - two cowards; those two jumping bean Los Latinos!! And I have half a mind to get my gear on and challenge those two to a tag match, right here.

Jim Ross: Oh, good god, please no - spare us, Coach.

The Coach: I will - but only because I like how this suit looks.


Clips air with the Battle Royal coming down to the final four of Mark Henry, Shelton Benjamin, Jeff Hardy and Jamie Noble. Noble valiantly puts up a fight against Henry - before all three try to eliminate the Worlds Strongest Man … but Henry soon tosses Hardy and Noble … leaving just Henry and Benjamin.

Joey Styles: Well, that aside, it came down to the final two of Mark Henry and the returning Shelton Benjamin, and after taking quite the beating from Henry, Benjamin battled back, forcing Theodore Long to try and take matters into his own hands…

Theodore Long tries to intervene by getting on the apron, just as Benjamin is rocking Henry … but as Shelton grabs Long, Henry rushes in - Benjamin side steps him, with Henry hitting his manager!! Benjamin then cracks Henry with a Dragon Whip, and Henry tumbles back … with Benjamin dumping him out!!!


Jim Ross: And in the end, it was Shelton Benjamin comin out on top, scoring a huge win!! What a week for Shelton after three months on the shelf at the hands of the Worlds Strongest Man!! Revenge, certainly was sweet tonight for the Black Diamond!!

Joey Styles: And then, it was onto the main event of the freeview pre-show - the first title match of the day, between the two best tag teams on Smackdown; MNM defending the titles against the Caribbean Connection.

Clips air of the grandiose entrance for MNM with an extra long red carpet and lots of feathers for Melina, before a handshake at the beginning of the match, followed by a lot of high flying offence from both teams.

Jim Ross: And there was no sneak tactics, no backstabbing ago - these two teams went out there with the utmost respect for one another, and in the end, the best team won.

Carlito and Kofi try to set up the Backcracker from Paradise, but Nitro pulls Mercury out of harms way from the kick, then tosses Kofi out of the ring, catching Carlito with a thrust kick of his own, before MNM finish Carlito off with a Snapshot.

The Coach: Four saps if you ask me. I don’t know what Melina sees in those two goons!!

Joey Styles: It was a great spectacle, Coach - one that these fans in attendance dug from start to finish!!

Jim Ross: And comin up in just a second, I think the fans in Phoenix are gonna dig the hell outta this Womens Championship match!!








The Coach: Oh boy, oh boy!! This is gonna be something!!

Jim Ross: The unhinged, split personality of Mickie James or Alexis Laree - depending on the weather - has caused all kinds of grief for the Womens Champion Gail Kim, ever since Gail defeated Mickie for the Womens Title…



In the ring, Howard Finkel is standing by, ready to go, as the bell is rung…

Howard Finkel: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall … AND it is for the WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!…

**X-AMOUNT OF WORDS**

In a change of attire, Mickie James has ditched the frilly skirt and top combo that she has adorned from day one since debuting two years ago, and tonight, is wearing more traditional gear of spandex tights. She still skips out - a jarring visual to associate with the unbalanced schizophrenic.

Jim Ross: And there is the former four time Womens Champion, attempting to become champion for the fifth time in just two short years in the WWE - but in recent months, we’ve seen a side to this young woman that’s frankly unsettling.

Joey Styles: Unsettling is an understatement, J.R. Mickie James is flat out psycho.

The Coach: I think we can all agree on that.

Mickie jogs down the ramp and aisle, waving to the fans - blissfully unaware of the negative reaction she’s getting from the 70,000+ in attendance.


Howard Finkel: Introducing first; the CHALLENGER; from Richmond Virginia … MICKIE JAMES!!!

Jim Ross: And let’s just remember - this woman SHOULD be receiving treatment. She’s clinically off the wall. Mickie James is clearly suffering from some kind of split-personality disorder, which was heightened by her loss to Gail Kim a few months ago when she lost the title. JBL though, our esteemed General Manager wouldn’t sign off on Mickie James receiving the treatment she desperately needs!!!

Joey Styles: Citing “business needs” of course, J.R. JBL didn’t want Mickie missing out on WrestleMania - regardless of the risk to the wellbeing of her co-workers, it’s all about the bottom line to JBL.


The Coach: In fairness, are you two not interested in seeing how this unfolds?? Are you not intrigued by seeing which version of Mickie James - or Alexis Laree - shows up here tonight??

Jim Ross: These are human beings we’re talking about here, Coach. For God’s sake - there’s more important things than ogling a poor young woman’s breakdown in front of the entire world. She needs help!!!

Mickie waits in the ring - still smiling peculiarly - as she awaits the arrival of the champion…

**STRONG AND SEXY**

In a rather understated entrance, the Womens Champion walks out in a baby blue outfit, raising the title belt for all the fans to see - with no protective mask on her face despite the broken nose she suffered just three weeks ago on Raw at the hands of the deranged challenger.


Howard Finkel: AND, her opponent, from Toronto Ontario Canada … she is the WWE Womens Championnn … GAILLL KIM!!!!!

Joey Styles: Against doctors orders, Gail Kim has ditched the protective mask she had been wearing for her recently broken nose tonight - and the Womens Champion told me earlier that the reason is that she didn’t want to give Mickie James an easy place to target.

The Coach: But the fact remains she’s at less than a hundred per cent, guys. And taking on a loose cannon like Mickie, you cant afford to be giving anything away!!

Jim Ross: And you gotta believe that Gail will look to try and end this early and minimize any damage she may suffer to her tender face. The longer this goes, the more trouble she’ll be in if you ask me.

Gail pauses at the ringside area, looking up at the challenger who oddly waves - like they’re still friends … and probably believes they still are. The official steps in, and forces Mickie back, who argues with him - confused why he’d back her away from her friend.

Jim Ross: Look at this!! Mickie is completely ignorant to the fact of the pain and suffering she’s caused Gail Kim!! She thinks they’re still friends!!!
Joey Styles: This is really uncomfortable for me to watch, J.R. I don’t know about you guys. Mickie shouldn’t be here - she should be getting help.

Jim Ross: I couldn’t agree more.

Eventually, the champion enters the ring, handing the title over, as we get set for the first title match of the evening - on the Pay Per View portion of the event at least.

Womens Championship Match:

Gail Kim vs. Mickie James
The bell rings and the two ladies are brought to the middle of the ring by Marty Elias, who dishes out some last minute instructions - whilst Mickie James, offering out a handshake to the woman she has tortured for weeks … acting as if they’re still friends … but Gail is beyond pity for her deranged challenger and SLAPS Micke’s hand away!!!

Mickie looks stunned and confused - but doesn’t have time to think about it - GAIL GOES RIGHT ON THE ATTACK!!! Unleashing her fury, Gail hammers the challenger with repeated blows in the corner … but Mickie doesn’t try to defend herself … she just allows herself to take the stiff forearm shots, before the official steps in to break them up.

Gail - fired up - demands Mickie to “COME ON!!!”, willing the challenger to fight her … but instead, Mickie stands in the corner, holding her jaw, looking crestfallen, and looks at the champion, shaking her head; “Why would you do that to me, Gail??” is the message from Mickie, but Gail pours forward, with no more sorrow for the unbalanced challenger, and rips into her again!!

Mickie cries out for Gail to stop, telling her “You‘re hurting me!!”, and she begs off, crouching down in the corner, with Gail being held back by Marty Elias again - much to the chagrin of the fans. Gail herself is frustrated by the stop-start nature of the match … but the official is worried about the mental state of the challenger, talking with her in the corner, and Mickie is heard telling him; “I thought she was my friend. She‘s hurting me!!”

Elias stands up, and approaches Gail, talking to her - presumably about the mental condition of her challenger - and he appears to be wanting to call the match off … WHEN MICKIE EXPLODES OUT OF THE CORNER AND BASHES GAIL WITH A BIG BOOT TO THE FACE!!! Maniacally, Mickie giggles at the big boot - and appears to have snapped into her other personality.

The challenger picks Gail up, and oddly toys with Gails hair, whispering to her - but Gail sparks back into life, catching Mickie with an elbow, then drives a knee to the gut, and attempts a whip to the corner, but the challenger reverses it, sending Gail into the corner instead, then rushes in after her - but Gail swings out through the ropes, leaving Mickie to hit the buckles, stumbling out, as Gail climbs up top … FLYING OFF AND CONNECTING WITH A HURRICANRANA OFF THE TOP!!!!! She covers…


…1…
…………………
…2…
………KICK OUT………
!!!

Mickie throws a shoulder up to survive, but it’s Gail that’s in charge, and she isn’t interested in letting her unhinged foe get time to recover. The champion gets up, hitting the ropes, and dropkicks her kneeling opponent. Gail pulls Mickie back up, and sends her into the corner, following in - BUT IS MET WITH AN ELBOW FROM THE CHALLENGER!!! Gail stumbles back, and Mickie delivers a side kick to the gut of the champion, then catches her with a nice spin kick!! Now, Mickie makes the cover…


…1…
…………………
…2…
………………NO………………
!!!

Mickie - with a peculiar look on her face, reaches down to pick Gail Kim back up … but reaches for her HAIR, and DRAGS the champion up by her ROOTS, forcing Gail to grimace, before Mickie SLAMS the champions face off the canvas in brutal fashion. Giggling, Mickie stalks Gail as the champion turns away and crawls to the corner, with the challenger eventually choking Gail in the corner with her boot.

Gail flails her arms to push Mickie away, but cant force the challenger off - with the referee being the one to eventually step in and force the break. Innocently, the challenger backs off with her hands up, before reaching back in and dragging Gail to her feet. Mickie shoots Gail off across the ring to the opposite corner, and follows in - but as she does, the champion has the wherewithal to push up, and over the incoming challenger, coming out with a roll through …


…………1…………
……………
………………2………………

………MICKIE PUSHES OUT………
!!!!!

The challenger escapes the pinning predicament, and both bounce up, but it’s the energized champion that is quickest to respond, delivering a clothesline to knock Mickie off her feet … and follows up with a slam. Feeding off her own comeback, Gail makes her way to the ring apron, and climbs up the turnbuckles to go up top, positioning herself for a MOONSAULT …

BUT MICKIE LEAPS TO HER FEET - AND SHE RUSHES ACROSS … SHOVING THE CHAMPION OFF THE TOP … AND SENDS GAIL FLYING INTO THE BARRIER ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

The sixty thousand plus react massively for the huge spot, with Gail hitting the barrier from the top rope with a sick thud. Despite being the architect of the champions downfall, Mickie doesn’t look too pleased with her actions … and in fact looks CONCERNED for the champion!!?? Covering her mouth, Mickie shakes her head, and grabs the official, shouting; “IS SHE OKAY???”

All three commentators point out the odd demeanour of Mickie James, as they watch her roll out of the ring, looking to TEND to the ailing champion. She kneels down, stroking the hair of Gail Kim, cradling her, asking Gail if she is okay, before demanding the official gets help for the champion.

Mickie places her head under the arm of Gail, and with some cajoling, gets the referee to do the same under the other arm, and they help Gail to her feet, as faint “BULLSHIT” chants begin to fill the arena … with Mickie and Marty Elias walking Gail toward the aisle way … when Mickie suddenly shifts, then FLATTENS GAIL WITH A THUNDEROUS CLOTHESLINE!!!!!

Elias does an over the top jump as a reaction to the clothesline from Mickie - and the mentally unhinged challenger once again flips the switch!! Mickie goes from sympathetic friend to psycho bitch in a heartbeat, and begins to crazily stomp the leg of the struggling champion.

Elias tries to step in but Mickie SNAPS at him, and screams in his face for the official to “BACK OFF!!!”, and Elias again is freaked out by the crazed challenger. Mickie mutters as she brings Gail to her feet, rolling her back inside the ring, following in and making the cover, whilst yelling at the uncomfortable looking official to “MAKE THE COUNT!!!”


…1…
…………………
…2…
………SHOULDER UP………
!!!

Gail kicks out, much to the chagrin of Mickie, and the unbalanced challenger gets to her feet again, stomping the legs of Gail, targeting a weak spot in the champion. Mickie drags Gail to the edge of the ring, and rolls out herself, before slamming the leg off the edge of the ring apron - not once, not twice - but three consecutive times. Gail rolls away, clutching her leg, whilst Mickie turns away on the floor, laughing maniacally.

The challenger rolls back inside, stomping the leg some more, then drops a few elbows to the point of the knee, before lifting the leg - with the champion unable to fight Mickie off - and the challenger goes on to apply the rarely seen STRETCH MUFFLER submission hold. Mickie cranks on the hold, ripping at the leg, with Gail screaming in pain, before the challenger nonchalantly tosses the champion aside.

Gail rolls around in pain, whilst Mickie continues to giggle at her actions, enjoying inflicting pain on the champion. On commentary, all three men are in unison; Mickie James has a screw loose … though Coach oddly admits that he’s starting to find this side of Mickie pretty hot, and that call gets audible groans from both J.R and Styles.

Mickie waits for Gail to stand up, then kicks the leg, dropping Gail to a knee, with the champion crying out in pain. Mickie drags Gail up, talking trash to the champion before tossing her into the corner. Mickie follows in, grabbing Gail by the face, yelling at her; “IT DIDN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!! WE COULD‘VE BEEN FRIENDS, GAIL!!!” Mickie releases her hand from Gails face, and takes a step back, trying to compose herself…

THEN GAIL KIM EXPLODES!!!!

Out of the corner, Gail Kim launches into the challenger with forearms, rocking Mickie into the opposite corner, her head bouncing back from the ferocity of the forearms from the fired up champion. Gail then switches to right hands, unloading on Mickie. Gail then shoots the challenger across the ring to the other corner, following in with a clothesline, squashing Mickie. Gail turns, running the ropes, and back in at Mickie in the corner, squashing her with a dropkick!!!

Gail is back up immediately, running the ropes again, back in at Mickie James, and squashes the challenger in the corner once more with a cross body into the corner!!! Gail climbs back to her feet, and receives a HUGE ovation from the fans for the lightning quick comeback. Now, with the adrenaline wearing off, Gail begins to sell her leg, rubbing her knee and wincing, as she pushes through the pain to keep her momentum going.

The champion climbs onto the apron and up the turnbuckles, perching herself up top - with J.R questioning if this is wise given her injured leg - and she waits for Mickie to get up … and flies off the top with the MISSILE DROPKICK to the challenger!!!!! Gail crawls into the cover…


…………1…………
……………
………………2………………

……NO……
!!!!!

Gail sits on her knees, breathing heavy, shaking her head, believing she had it won at that point. She slowly reaches her feet, again with a slight limp … but she pushes through the pain in her leg, and begins to stalk the challenger, willing the dazed Mickie James up to her feet … and grabs her arm, putting her foot to the chin … EAT DEFEAT - NO!!!!!!! MICKIE SHOVES THE FOOT AWAY, AND GAIL CRASHES ONTO THE MAT … WITH MICKIE QUICKLY DROPPING AN ELBOW ONTO GAIL!!!!!

The reversal takes the wind out of the sails of the fans in the stadium, with Mickie now back in charge, and now SHE is looking to put the finishing touches on Gail, sizing her up as she climbs back to her feet … MICK KICK - NO!!!! GAIL DUCKS, AND THEN CHARGES MICKIE, RAMMING HER INTO THE CORNER!!!!!

Gail backs out, then charges back in … BUT MICKIE GETS A BOOT UP!!!! Gail is knocked loopy from the boot, as Mickie hoists herself onto the top rope … then comes off - WITH A HURRICANRANA TO GAIL OUT OF THE CORNER!!!!! The fans do indeed pop for the high flying spot from the psychotic heel, with Mickie getting to her feet with a wide grin on her face - delighted to be getting cheers!!!

Mickie raises her arm giving a thumbs up to the fans, ala Jim Duggan, believing she has won them over, and then drags Gail to her feet, signalling for the MICKIE-T … but then the fans BOO!!! Mickie’s expression drops, and the unbalanced challenger looks confused at the change of reaction from the fans … which gives Gail Kim the opening to counter out of the DDT position, AND GOES FOR EAT DEFEAT AGAIN …

BUT MICKIE SWEEPS THE STANDING LEG, PUTTING GAIL DOWN … AND GETS A JACKNIFE COVER …


…………1…………
……………
………………2………………
………
………GAIL PUSHES UP TO HER FEET………
!!!


…AND TURNS MICKIE OVER…
………
……AND GETS A CRUCIFIX PIN……



……1……
………
………………2………………

………MICKIE ESCAPES THE PINNING PREDICAMENT………
!!!!!

Both women race to get to their feet first, with Gail slowed by a split second due to her ongoing problem with her leg … and it allows Mickie to strike first - WITH THE MICK KICK!!!!! Mickie drops into a cover …


…………1…………
……………
…2…

………GAIL GETS HER SHOULDER UP………
!!!!!

Mickie cant believe it!!! She rolls onto the mat, kicking her legs and SCREAMING as she rips her nails down her own face in anguish, unable to believe that Gail kicked out. Sitting back up, Mickie has pierced some of HER OWN skin after raking her nails down her face - such is her fury. She sits and looks at Gail, screaming at the champion on the mat; “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME!!!???”

The challenger then mounts Gail, and begins to wail on her with rights and lefts, yelling undecipherable words as she does, with Marty Elias having to physically drag Mickie off. Mickie then nearly snaps on the official, screaming in HIS face to back off, as the camera gets a close up of the manic challenger; hair frazzled, mascara all over her face, make up ragged, with scratch marks all over her face - self inflicted scratch marks.

Elias looks concerned for Mickie himself, as she then turns away, reaching down to pick Gail back up. She stands in position, and takes a few deep threats, before raising an arm … looking for the MICKIE-T … SHE LEAPS UP … BUT GAIL SPINS OUT!!! MICKIE LANDS BACK ON THE MAT … SWINGS A CLOTHESLINE … GAIL DUCKS, THROWS HER LEG UP … EAT DEFEAT TO THE CHALLENGER!!!!!!!!!! Gail covers…


………1………
……………
……………………2……………………

…3…
!!!!!
WINNER: AND STILL WOMENS CHAMPION - GAIL KIM @ 07:35

Jim Ross: SHE GOT IT!!! GAIL KIM GOT HER!!!

Joey Styles: Thank Gawd!!! Hopefully now, Mickie James can get the help she clearly needs!!!

Gail has a look of relief on her face, having taken a real pounding for a lot of the match, sitting on her knees, clutching the title belt graciously, kissing the centrepiece of it, before standing up and having her arm raised in the air.


The Coach: I gotta feel for Mickie here, guys. Sure, she’s probably insane, and yeah, she should be locked away somewhere … but she poured out her heart and soul out here to win back that title.

Joey Styles: She poured more than that, Coach. She tore the flesh off her OWN skin. That’s how crazy this woman is!!!

Gail is quickly ushered out of the ring, as Mickie comes around on the mat. The champion leaves, taking a glance back over her shoulder as she proceeds up the ramp.

Jim Ross: We may want to get security out here to escort Mickie James from the ring. That may be a good idea, if anyone in the back is listening. And you may want to give her a first class ticket to the nearest mental health facility.

The Coach: Don’t be so callous, J.R!! Cant you see this poor woman is upset??

Jim Ross: Since when did you become a fan of Mickie James, Coach??

The Coach: I’ve always spoke highly of her, J.R.

Jim Ross: Well, be that as it may, Gail Kim will leave Phoenix with the Womens Championship in tact, and as you said earlier, Joey, perhaps now, Mickie can get the professional help she clearly needs.

Joey Styles: Absolutely. And once again, congratulations to Gail Kim. That was not an easy position she was in tonight. Gail Kim not only had to overcome a world class athlete, she had to overcome an unhinged individual too.


In the ring, Mickie finally stands up to her feet, searching out into the huge audience, tears streaming down her face, as three officials try to escort her safely from the ring. Almost in a trance, Mickie doesn’t react, but just follows the directions of the officials, and slowly meanders up the ramp, head down …



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

… ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW…

… BEGINNING ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW, AND CONTINUING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL …

Flashing shots of superstars in action; Paul London, Brent Albright, Los Latinos, Beth Phoenix…

… IT’S TIME …

MVP, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker & Straight Edge.

… TO SHAKE …

John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Christian.

… THINGS …

The Gods of War, Matt Hardy, Jamie Noble, Shawn Michaels.

… UP …


THE 2008 DRAFT
-THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL-
~ BEGINS; MONDAY, APRIL 7, LIVE ON RAW ~
***



Back live in the stadium, the camera pans around the arena, before showing a close up of celebrities in attendance - the first being MARIA MENOUNOS.

Jim Ross: The stars are out for WrestleMania!!

Joey Styles: They absolutely are!!

The Coach: I got Maria those tickets, by the way; she’s my date.

Joey Styles: Does she know about it??

SETH GREEN is then shown elsewhere…

The Coach: And another one of my good buddies; Seth Green!! You guys watch Family Guy, right??
Joey Styles: Never miss it, Coach…

Then SHAQ; Shaquille O’Neill gets shown - to a MONSTER pop in Arizona.

Jim Ross: And you’re looking at the most recent addition to the Phoenix Suns!! They have a new hero here; SHAQ!!!

The Coach: Shaft??

Joey Styles: It’s SHAQ you idiot.

The camera then shifts from the fans in attendance … to the MONEY IN THE BANK briefcase hanging above the ring … and the fans pop again.

Jim Ross: And gentlemen, someone is about to go straight to the top!!

The Coach: OH YEAH!!! Money in the Bank baby boy!!

Joey Styles: Eight men are about to put their bodies on the line!! Four Raw superstars, four Smackdown superstars and inside that briefcase is a contract; a golden opportunity to make all your hopes and dreams come true - one shot at the WWE or World Heavyweight Champion, whenever you choose, wherever you want it - ANYTIME in the next twelve months.
The Coach: And all you gotta do is climb a fifteen foot ladder and retrieve the case.

Jim Ross: {Sarcastically} … Simple.

In the ring, Lillian Garcia is ready to speak…

Lillian Garcia: The following contest is the Money in the Bank ladder match!! Now, in this match, the ONLY way to win is to climb the ladder and retrieve the Money in the Bank briefcase. The winner will then have a guaranteed title match at any time of their choosing, any time in the next twelve months…

**I‘M COMIN**

Bursting right through his elaborate set, MVP has that trademark swagger about him, even with the risk filled ladder match on the horizon.

Joey Styles: This will be Montel Vontavious Porters second chance at the Money in the Bank contract. A year ago, MVP was inches away - no - he had his HANDS on the briefcase, but couldn’t retrieve it. It’s a second shot, and listening to MVP on Smackdown, he’s determined to make this second shot count!!

Jim Ross: And that experience could prove pivotal tonight, Joey. MVP knows what to expect. He knows the toll this match will take on his body - and he’s ready to put himself through it.


Lillian Garcia: Introducing first, from Miami Florida, weighing 252 pounds; MONTEL, VONTAVIOUS PORTER; M-V-P!!!!!

MVP dips between the ladders on the aisle, stopping at the bottom of the ramp to give the fans his famous; “BALLIN” signal, as he makes his way into the ring…

The Coach: I wonder if he’s as confident as he looks. He’s gotta be nervous - it doesn’t matter how many ladder matches you’ve been part of, these types of matches shorten careers.

Joey Styles: And that’s what these eight men are willing to sacrifice, Coach. They’re willing to shorten their careers in order to get a shot - just a SHOT - at immortality.

**IT’S A NEW DAY**

Minus his running buddy Ken Doane, CODY RHODES steps through the curtain for his first (proper) WrestleMania appearance - and a huge one at that.


Lillian Garcia: From Marietta Georgia, weighing 220 pounds; CODY … RHODESSS!!!!

Jim Ross: This kid, say what you want - and I’ve plenty of opinions on him - but he’s got a huge upside. As much as he has shunned his lineage, it’s a hell of a bloodline to come from, and at still just TWENTY-TWO years of age - if Cody Rhodes DOES triumph tonight, and go on to successfully cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase, he will become the youngest champion in WWE history.

Joey Styles: And he’s not short of confidence, J.R. There hasn’t been much talk about Cody in this match, he’s slipped under the radar thus far - and he may go right under the radar and stun the world here.

Cody pats a rung on each ladder he passes, before looking up at the briefcase from outside the ring. Nodding, Cody gives himself a pep talk, giving himself a boost ahead of the biggest opportunity of his career.

**ROAD TO TEXAS**

Carrying his trusty bull rope, the cowboy hat wearing GARRISON CADE storms out with authority, walking with a purpose down the ramp - not phased by the size of the grandeur of WrestleMania, and certainly not ‘experiencing’ the moment. He‘s all business.


Lillian Garcia: From San Antonio Texas, weighing 268 pounds, THE LONE STAR, GARRISON CADE!!!!

Joey Styles: This past Friday on Smackdown, that man, Garrison Cade left a huge mark on six of his seven opponents tonight. With a ladder, he decimated everyone in sight, sending a huge message-

Jim Ross: And giving himself an early advantage too, Joey. He’s big, he’s tough, he’s rugged, and the Lone Star aint comin into this thing bashed up from Smackdown!!

The Coach: After years of playing second fiddle to the likes of Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton, the big Texan has finally stepped out of their shadows. He’s broke out on his own, and he might just be my new favourite to win this thing after what he pulled off on Smackdown.

Jim Ross: He’s certainly all business. Garrison Cade has been on the WWE main roster for five years, and has had to wait until NOW to get his shot at the biggest event on the calendar. He’s takin no prisoners tonight.

Cade slides right into the ring, with he and MVP almost coming to blows right away, but the officials keep the two apart, with bad blood brewing between the former tag team partners.

**BOOYAKA 619**

Popping from under the trap door, REY MYSTERIO elicits an electric response from the fans!! And, in keeping with his WrestleMania tradition, Rey is dressed up for the occasion; in 2006 it was a take on Superman. Last year it was Spidermans turn … and this year, it’s OPTIMUS PRIME from the Transformers movie!!


Lillian Garcia: From San Diego California, weighing 175 pounds; REY MYSTERIOOO!!!

Jim Ross: The first ever winner of the Money in the Bank ladder match two years ago!! We talked about MVP having experience in this match; but Rey has not only been here before, he’s WON IT!! Can Mysterio do it again tonight??

The Coach: Yeah - I don’t think so, old timer!! What a joke - he won the thing two years ago, and could’ve gone on to make history as World Champion. He did the hard bit … then he lost the thing!! He doesn’t deserve a second shot!!!

Joey Styles: His goal is to be a World Champion and prove all his doubters wrong. He’s been written off throughout his career, but he’s never given up. And after a number of close calls, being within touching distance of becoming World Champion … can Rey give himself the opportunity to finally clinch the big one??

Rey removes some of the additional gear he’s wearing to make himself look more like a ‘Transformer’ on his way down the aisle, and proceeds to do the weird head to head thing with kids wearing Mysterio masks…

**STAY IN SHADOW**

Sprinting out through the curtain, PAUL LONDON puts the brakes on at the top of the ramp. Taking a few steps back, and taking in the enormity of the stadium, London nods, puffing his cheeks … then shrugs, and SPRINTS down the ramp!!!


Lillian Garcia: From Austin Texas, weighing in at 190 pounds, PAULLLL LONDON!!!!

Jim Ross: And another man who has experienced the Money in the Bank ladder match before!!! The former United States Champion, former Cruiserweight Champion, former Tag Team Champion. Is the World Championship in this kids future??

Joey Styles: Like Mysterio, London has had more than one close call with the WWE Championship over the years. He too was within reach of the briefcase a year ago at WrestleMania. And by the sounds of things, he may just be the peoples favourite here at WrestleMania.

London runs all the way to the ring, sliding inside, and nearly sliding right through the ring!!! He stops short, and pulls himself to his feet, before proceeding to climb the turnbuckles, posing to the fans…

**MEET YOUR MASTER**

At a slower - much slower - pace to London, BRENT ALBRIGHT swaggers onto the stage, and walks with a purpose down the ramp, muttering as he makes his way to the ring.


Lillian Garcia: From Tulsa, Oklahoma; weighing 240 pounds, he is the 2007 King of the ring winner; BRENT ALBRIGHTTTT!!!!

The Coach: There he is!!! MY PICK!!!

Jim Ross: And could Brent Albright cap off an incredible twelve months with the guaranteed title shot the Money in the Bank briefcase brings?? He upset Batista at last years WrestleMania to retain the United States title. And since then, he has moved onwards and upwards…

Joey Styles: He absolutely has. Love him or hate him, the Ace of Spades resume over the last twelve months is pretty damn impressive. He won the King of the Ring in June, he was one of the survivors that put Arn Anderson out of a job at the Survivor Series, he was one of the final four in the Royal Rumble, and until six days ago, he was the Intercontinental Champion.

The Coach: And he still should be!! What happened on Raw was a travesty, and that rematch on Smackdown was a joke!!! But he’ll have the last laugh tonight!!

Jim Ross: Well, be that as it may, what comes around goes around. Brent Albright took many a short cut to win that very title. He’ll not be able to take any short cuts here tonight to triumph in this ladder match - his first ladder match by the way.

The Coach: His first - and he’s gonna perfect it. Like he does everything.

Albright has plenty of strong words for his fellow opponents, getting digs in at all of them off mic, with plenty of anger to direct at them for screwing him over on Smackdown.

**FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES**

With the Cruiserweight Championship over his shoulder, BRYAN DANIELSON makes his understated - as always - entrance, mouthing “Wow. This is pretty cool.” as he takes a look around the stadium on his way to the ring.


Lillian Garcia: From Aberdeen Washington, weighing 205 pounds; he is the WWE Cruiserweight Champion; BRYAN DANIELSONNN!!!!

Joey Styles: And the first of two champions in this match. Like myself, Bryan Danielson is breaking his WrestleMania virginity tonight after less than six months in the WWE. But guys, what a six months this man has had; he’s not been beaten, as you can see, he’s Cruiserweight Champion, and to cap it all over, he’s participating in his first ever WrestleMania.

Jim Ross: This young man has travelled the world plying his trade for the best part of a decade, and since arriving in the WWE, Bryan Danielson has grabbed the bull by the horns - he’s taken every opportunity that’s come his way. Can he take the biggest one yet, here tonight??

The Coach: You said he’s losing his WrestleMania virginity, Styles?? That’s the only one he’s losing.

Danielson parades in the ring with his title belt, before pointing up at the briefcase hanging above him, and looks confident about his chances…

**LIVE FOR THE MOMENT**

MATT HARDY runs onto the stage, getting one of the louder pops so far tonight, with the Intercontinental Champion a big crowd favourite in Phoenix. Matt shows off the title, patting it proudly, before making his way to the ring down the ramp.


Lillian Garcia: And, from Cameron, North Carolina, weighing 236 pounds; he is the WWE INTER-CONTINENTAL CHAMPION … MATT … HARDAYYYYY!!!!!

Jim Ross: When you talk about experience in a ladder match environment, there is perhaps NO ONE with more experience around ladders than Matt Hardy!!

Joey Styles: Certainly not in this field anyway. By far and away, Matt Hardy has been involved in more ladder matches than anyone else in this match - probably combined.


The Coach: But how many has he won??

Hardy reaches the ring, hoisting the title up as he climbs the turnbuckles, getting more cheers from the fans. Hardy drops down, as the ring completely fills with all eight men … and the match set to begin … with Albright jumping the gun attacking the man that took the Intercontinental title from him on Raw!!!

Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
WINNER HAS AUTOMATIC TITLE SHOT ANYTIME IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

Rey Mysterio vs. M.V.P vs. Paul London vs.
‘The 2007 King of the Ring’ Brent Albright vs. Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy vs. Garrison Cade vs. Cody Rhodes
Hardy covers up from the unsuspecting attack from Albright, as four of the other six focus their attention on GARRISON CADE!!! Looking for revenge for his attack on them on Smackdown, Mysterio, MVP, London and Danielson all team up to take their frustration out on The Lone Star … while Cody Rhodes - the sneak that he his, quickly backs off and rolls out of the ring, getting his hands on a ladder.

Whilst Cody waits on the outside, Cade escapes the clutches of the four men coming after him and jumps out of the ring at the opposite side. London and Danielson then take off, looking to dash off the ropes to build up some speed, but when London hits, Cody trips him, dragging him out of the ring, and throws him into the barrier!! Danielson continues though, and DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES … BUT CADE DODGES HIM!!!

Danielson crashes and burns, whilst MVP and Rey are now battling between each other in the ring, with the two spilling out of the ring. Cody comes back in with a ladder and takes out Albright, but when he looks to put Hardy down, Matt ducks, then nails the upstart with a solid right, forcing Cody to drop the ladder.

Hardy then shoots Rhodes into the corner, rushing in with a clothesline, and looks to follow up with a running Bulldog out of the corner … But Cade is back in the ring, with the ladder … AND HE THROWS IT AT HARDY AND RHODES - PUTTING BOTH DOWN!!!

The big Texan asserts his authority early on, coming for the ladder again … BUT REY MYSTERIO FLIES OFF THE TOP AT HIM … HURRICANRANA TO CADE!!! MVP is back in now, and he doesn’t gives Rey a second to recover from the high flying move, BIG BOOT to Mysterio!!! MVP follows up, knocking London back off the apron, then kicks Danielson off the apron, and comes for Hardy in the ring - but misses his clothesline attempt, and returns … into a hip toss - ON THE LADDER!!!!!

MVP contorts his body upon impact, and rolls off the ladder, and right out of the ring, giving Hardy a shot to climb the ladder first. Quickly and efficiently, Matt sets the object below the briefcase, but before he can get too far, Cody Rhodes pulls him back down, kicks Matt in the gut, then leaps up on the ladder to push off - DISASTER KICK - MISSES!!!! Hardy ducks it, then trips Cody down … AND CATAPULTS HIM - FACE FIRST - INTO THE LADDER!!!!!

The ladder topples, with Cody rolling out to safety whilst the recovering Cade looks to drag it out of the ring, but Hardy thinks quick, racing across - BASEBALL SLIDE into the ladder … INTO CADE!!! The big man is sent crashing back into Cody, with the two landing at the bottom of the aisle. Getting back up, Hardy looks to follow up on Cade … and uses the ropes to elevate himself over - splashing out onto the big Texan!!!

As Hardy, Cade and Rhodes look to try and get back up … MVP is back up, and on the ring apron, looking to the fans for some noise … before he takes off - SOMERSAULT PLANCHA OFF THE APRON TO CADE, HARDY AND CODY!!!!! Now, Rey Mysterio is back to his feet, and he climbs onto the apron, looking down at the four men below him … and he now signals to the fans, as he watches the four struggle to their feet … AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES - AND CRASHES ONTO THEM!!!!!

The fans pop louder with each dive, and as the victims all battle to get back to their feet, BRYAN DANIELSON is building up steam in the ring … AND DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES AT THEM ALL - THIS TIME HITTING THE TARGET!!!!

But that’s not all!!! The fans continue to cheer … and the cheers grow, as PAUL LONDON now looks to take his big risk, climbing up top, looking around at the sea of fans inside the stadium … waiting until the victims are on their feet … AND FLIES … WITH A SHOOTING STAR PRESS OFF THE TOP - ONTO THE SIX MEN ON THE FLOOR!!!!!

“…THIS IS AWE-SOME … THIS IS AWE-SOME … THIS IS AWE-SOME…”

The fans show their appreciation for the series of high risk moves … and seven of the eight men are down. Leaving just BRENT ALBRIGHT. The chants change from “This is awesome” … to flat-out heat for the 2007 King of the Ring, as he slithers into the ring, and teases a dive of his own … getting the fans excited … but he shakes his head, and turns, looking up at the briefcase, then waves off the other seven; all down on the outside - and gets HUGE heat.

Albright instead slides out, grabbing a ladder and slides it into the ring, hurrying to get it upright, and tries to race up and steal the briefcase through the back door. The fans boo - not wanting to see the match end this way, and especially so soon, with Albright racing up the ladder…


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…


BUT PAUL LONDON IS BACK IN THE RING - AND HE’S CHARGING UP THE LADDER TO STOP ALBRIGHT!!!!! Albright and London fight it out at the top of the ramp, renewing their long time rivalry … but as they trade blows, GARRISON CADE is back in the ring, AND PUSHES THE LADDER OVER … SENDING LONDON AND ALBRIGHT BOTH CRASHING OVER THE TOP ROPE - TO THE FLOOR!!!!!

Before Cade can take advantage though, Cody Rhodes is back in, and he attacks Cade from behind, before using his impressive vertical leap to dropkick the big Texan into the ladder. Cody then proceeds to set the ladder up in the corner, but as he drags Cade back up, the Lone Star drives an elbow into the gut of the youngster, then picks him up … onto his shoulders … AND CHARGES ACROSS THE RING WITH CODY … SENDING HIM INTO THE LADDER … WITH THE RAZORS EDGE!!!!!!!

Cody takes more punishment early on!!! The youngster crawls out of the ring in agony, but for Cade, the coast isn’t clear, as DANIELSON is back in, and the Cruiserweight Champion shows no fear of the big man, crashing into him, drilling Cade with his trademark stiff forearms, rocking Cade, then bounces off the ropes … RIGHT INTO A STIFF CLOTHESLINE!!!!! Danielson flips in mid air off the stiffness of the clothesline!!!

Still, Cade hasn’t got a clear path. Matt Hardy looks to surprise him off the top, but Cade meets him with a boot to the gut, and proceeds to PUMPHANDLE SLAM THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION ONTO THE LADDER!!!!! Cade is taking this match over!!! MVP comes at him, but Cade uses Porters own momentum against him, and back body drops him right back out of the ring to the floor.

Rey is next up to try and take Cade down, ducking under a clothesline from the big man, rebounding off the ropes, sliding through his legs, then springboards off the ropes at the Texan - CAUGHT!!! Cade throws Rey up into a press position … AND PRESS SLAMS MYSTERIO OUT OF THE RING TO THE FLOOR!!!! Now, Garrison Cade looks to have the free run he’s been looking for, and he sets the ladder up, and looks to start his ascent to the top …

WHEN PAUL LONDON LEAPS FROM THE ROPES ONTO THE LADDER … AND HE RACES UP, AHEAD OF CADE!!!!! Cade is stunned by the cheek of what he’s seeing, and he reaches up, pulling the tights of London to stop him in his tracks. London turns, kicking his feet out at Cade to kick him away, but the big Texan isn’t ready to give up.

As this goes on though, BRYAN DANIELSON is beginning to climb up the ladder from the opposite side!!! Sneaking in through the back door, the Cruiserweight champion is quietly climbing undetected by Cade and London - too busy by their own issue … and he’s given free reign when LONDON HEADSCISSORS CADE FROM THE LADDER!!!!! Danielson looks set to go on and reach the briefcase, with the fans coming alive…

… UNTIL MVP RETURNS - AND PUSHES THE LADDER OVER … SENDING BRYAN CRASHING INTO THE ROPES!!!!! Bryan then tumbles to the floor, but before MVP can capitalise, Rey Mysterio is back in action, and the two men go blow for blow in the middle of the ring. MVP wins the battle, and sends Rey into the ropes, but Rey ducks on the return, then comes back - catching MVP with a head scissors!!!

Mysterio looks to build momentum, and moves to the apron, leaping up onto the ropes … SEATED SENTON … CAUGHT … POWERBOMB!!!!! The fans pop for the awesome counter, and MVP looks to be getting into his rhythm, raising his arms to get the fans going … before bouncing off the ropes … “BALLIN” … and drops his patented elbow on Rey!!!!! Now, Porter gets his hands on the ladder, setting it up under the briefcase … but as he does this, Rey is getting up - and dropkicks MVP … sending him into the ropes!!!

Mysterio calls it to the fans, dialling his signature move up … AND DELIVERS THE 619!!!!! Mysterio hit’s the move, but as he gets back in the ring … CADE IS BACK - AND HE CATCHES REY WITH A SIDEWALK SLAM!!!!! As soon as Cade is up though, Bryan Danielson is on him, kicking at the legs, trying to bring Cade down, putting him on one knee, before taking off, hitting the ropes, rebounding back - but Cade is up …

AND HIP TOSSES BRYAN INTO THE UPRIGHT LADDER!!!

The ladder topples upon impact, falling out of the ring, with Bryan rolling around in agony. Cade takes a look around, and tosses MVP out of the ring, before reaching out through the ropes, pulling another ladder into the ring through the ropes … but as he brings it in on his knees by the ropes … REY MYSTERIO APPEARS FROM NOWHERE … 619 INTO THE LADDER - INTO CADE!!!!!

Despite the big move from Rey, he hasn’t given himself a shot at climbing the ladder - with MATT HARDY re-emerging, bringing a second ladder into the ring, setting it up alongside Reys. The two both climb to the mid way point of the ladder, trading blows back and forth, trying to knock the other off their ladder … whilst BRENT ALBRIGHT is back, and he climbs on the other side of Matt’s ladder!!

Albright tries to take advantage of the distraction Matt and Rey are giving each other, but that doesn’t go too well, as BRYAN DANIELSON is back, and climbing up the other side of Reys ladder, he catches Albright, stopping him, with he and Brent now battling for supremacy. Then, from either side, TWO new ladder emerge; one brought in by MVP and the other from PAUL LONDON. They set their ladders up either side of Matt and Rey, and begin to climb too - with the race on to reach the top!!!

CODY RHODES and GARRISON CADE return too, climbing up on the other side of the ladder brought in by London and Porter … WITH ALL EIGHT MEN now in the ring, on four ladders!!! Jockeying for position, all eight are one or two rungs away from the briefcase, with London reaching … but too far away on his ladder … and Matt Hardys fingertips touching the case before a right hand from Albright stops him.

Rhodes pokes the eye of MVP, and looks to reach up … but as he does, Rey kicks him … AND CODY FALLS FROM HIS LADDER … CROTCHING HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE!!!!! The fans groan; feeling the pain Rhodes is going through, with the youngster wincing in agonizing pain … before toppling to the floor on the outside. Albright soon goes down too, with Hardy slamming the King of the Rings head off the top of the ladder!!

Albright crashes to the mat, and rolls to the outside, whilst Danielson gets shoved off his ladder by MVP. Meanwhile, London is lighting up Cade with a series of stiff forearms, eventually pushing The Lone Star off the ladder … into the ropes … but CADE STUMBLES BACK … INTO THE LADDERS - PUSHING ONE INTO ANOTHER …

… WHICH UNBALANCES HARDY AND HE HIT’S THE CANVAS … AS DOES DANIELSON!!!

The ladders move, but MVP, London and Mysterio are all still there, hanging on, with MVP and Rey trading blows across ladders, as London looks to step across from one ladder to the next - with Cade recovering, picking up the ladder London was on - AND JOUSTS THE LADDER INTO THE BACK OF LONDON - WITH LONDON TOPPLING … RIGHT OUT OF THE RING TO THE FLOOR!!!!!

It’s a brutal, ugly landing for London, but Cade shows no remorse, throwing the ladder out of the ring - onto Danielson, Rhodes and Hardy!!! Cade now proceeds back up the ladder … but as he reaches the top, MVP and Rey (now both on the same ladder) momentarily team up … pushing the ladder Cade is on … and it topples … WITH CADE FALLING!!!! Cade hit’s the ropes, then falls through them, to the floor!!!!

And it leaves just MVP and Mysterio!!! Porter and Rey trade shots, and in between each that they throw, they reach up, trying to grasp the briefcase … before being stopped by the other. Rey eats a few shots from MVP and drops a few rungs, but as MVP tries to push him to the floor, Rey steps to the second ladder … ONLY FOR PORTER TO THEN KICK REYS LADDER - PUSHING REY OFF AND CRASHING TO THE CANVAS!!!!! It’s opened up for MVP to claim victory - HE’S ALL ALONE!!!!!


…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


MVP NOW REACHES UP … AND HAS A HAND ON THE BRIEFCASE …

BUT BRENT ALBRIGHT IS BACK!!!! THE KING OF THE RING RETURNS TO THE RING, AND FRANTICALLY CLAMBERS UP THE LADDER TO STOP MVP!!!!! Albright clubs the back of Porter, forcing MVP to steps further back down the ladder, until the two men are sharing the same rung, with MVP getting his back pummelled with stiff forearms to the back by the Ace of Spades … ALLOWING ALBRIGHT TO HOOK MVP UP …

… HALF NELSON SUPLEX OFF THE LADDER!!!!!!!!!!

“HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT”

The sound reverberates around the stadium … and now ALL EIGHT MEN ARE DOWN!!! The arena splits with chants for any number of the eight men as their favourites, and willing them to be the first man to rise to his feet and make it up the ladder … when footage switches from the carnage around ringside … and to the ramp…

… WHERE THE BRIAN KENDRICK IS SPRINTING DOWN TO THE RING!!!!!!!!!!

After weeks of badgering, weeks of plotting, weeks of campaigning … The Brian Kendrick didn’t get the spot he craved in this match … BUT HE’S HERE ANYWAY!!!!! Some fans do cheer for the persistence of Kendrick, but the majority boo the annoying heel as he sprints to the ring. With all eight competitors down, The Brian Kendrick has an opportunity to sneak in and take the briefcase despite not being an official entrant in the match!!!!!

Kendrick grabs a ladder, trying to slide it into the ring - so overwhelmed by his opportunity that he doesn’t initially realise there’s a ladder in the ring already … but when he does spot the ladder in the ring, he gives up on the ladder he’s trying to bring in, and ends up setting that ladder between the apron and the barrier … ominously. TBK then stumbles into the ring, and fixes the ladder under the briefcase, taking a look around to see if anyone is recovering - which they’re not … before climbing up the ladder like a rat up a drainpipe!!!


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…


The briefcase is within touching distance for Kendrick, and he stands proudly on the ladder, shouting; “I‘M THE KING OF THE WORRRRRRLD” …

… WHEN PAUL LONDON AND BRYAN DANIELSON TOGETHER PUSH THE LADDER!!!!! KENDRICKS EYES BUG-OUT … AS THE LADDER TOPPLES … HIS MONEY IN THE BANK DREAM FLASHING BEFORE HIS EYES …

AS HE TOPPLES OVER … AND OUT OF THE RING … THROUGH THE LADDER HE SET UP HIMSELF!!!!!!!!!!

Crashing and burning, Kendrick is folded up in the wreckage of the ladder, with London and Danielson taking a moment to observe their work … before turning on each other - and go at it hell for leather!!! Trading blows, London and Danielson rough each other up, hooking one arm around the head of each other and lighting their rival up with stiff forearms!!!

Danielson wins the battle against the former Cruiserweight, Tag & U.S Champion, and continues to rattle London with the forearms, backing him into the corner with them, before racing out, to the other corner … and sprints in, at London - CORNER DROPKICK!!! Danielson bounces back up, and runs back to the opposite corner again, and looks to repeat the trick … but as he sprints across … LONDON BOUNCES OUT … DROPSAULT TO THE INCOMING DANIELSON!!!

London gets the fans pumping after the out-of-nowhere counter, and he pulls Danielson to his feet, looking to execute a DRAGON SUPLEX … but Bryan escapes it, running backward, crushing London into the corner, breaking the grip, then catches London himself … BUTTERFLY SUPLEX … CRUSHING LONDON ONTO A LADDER!!!!! London rolls out upon impact, with Danielson setting the ladder up for himself, and he begins his ascent to the briefcase above…


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…


The Cruiserweight Champion has the briefcase within his sights … but Brent Albright and Matt Hardy are climbing back into the ring from opposite sides … with Cade and Mysterio also climbing back into the ring!!! Danielson sees them coming, and desperately tries to get to the top before he can be stopped by his rivals…


…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


Danielson reaches up … but it’s all for naught!!! Cade, Albright, Hardy and Rey all band together momentarily … and together they LIFT the ladder off the mat … with Danielson clinging onto the ladder for dear life … AS THE FOUR MEN CARRY THE LADDER TO THE ROPES … AND DUMP IT OUT OF THE RING - WITH BRYAN STILL ON IT … RIGHT OUT AT THE AISLEWAY!!!!!

The fans are stunned by what they’ve just seen, with four men joining together to lift a ladder - WITH A MAN ON THE LADDER - and dumping it out of the ring!!!!! The alliance doesn’t last any longer though, as the faces and heels in the ring face off, with Mysterio going at it with Cade and Albright pairing off with Hardy, fighting it out for supremacy. While all this is going on, The Brian Kendrick is shown being escorted from the ringside area on a stretcher…

Being the bigger of the two men, Cade dominates Rey in a fistfight, beating the masked man down … but when he shoots Rey off the ropes, Rey returns with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors taking The Lone Star down!!!!! Meanwhile, Albright attempts a Belly to Belly on Hardy, but Matt counters, then ducks a clothesline … and catches his rival with a SIDE EFFECT!!!!!

Hardy and Rey give each other a nod, and they bring a ladder into the ring, and together, using the ladder as a battering ram, knock down Cade, then Albright, before setting the ladder up in the corner. Matt and Rey beat Garrison Cade into the corner, before Rey gives Hardy a signal, with Matt nodding … AS THEY LOOK TO SET UP POETRY IN MOTION!!!! Hardy kneels down in front of Cade, as Rey goes for the run up … POETRY IN MOTION …

NO!!!!!! CADE MOVES AT THE LAST MINUTE … AS REY COLLIDES WITH THE LADDER INSTEAD!!!!! Hardy rises to his feet, wasting no time, going for Cade … BUT ALBRIGHT COMES UP BEHIND THE I.C CHAMP … AND DELIVERS A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! Albright puts Hardy down, with Matt rolling out of the ring, whilst we see Cade now getting the ladder, setting it up … with he and Albright in a race to the top!!!

The Lone Star and the Ace of Spades trade blows at the top of the ladder, with the bigger Texan able to win the fist fight, then oddly, after he softens up Albright by smashing his head off the top of the ladder … he drops down a few rungs … but it makes sense soon, AS HE APPEARS TO BE SIZING UP A HEART PUNCH TO ALBRIGHT!!!!!

Cade looks to deliver the punch through two rungs … but as he aims … Albright shifts his position on the ladder … THEN WITH THE ARM THERE … ALBRIGHT YANKS AT IT, pulling Cade face first into the steel of the ladder, and yanks him again, before applying a version of his CROWBAR submission on the ladder!!!!!!

Albright contorts the arm of Cade in this version of his deadly Crowbar, with the big Texan tapping the rungs with his free arm … until Albright releases, and yanks the arm once more … with Cades face bouncing off the rung one more time … and he bounces back … falling off the ladder … CRASHING ONTO THE MAT!!!!! Albright takes a look up at the briefcase above, and takes a step up … REACHING…

BUT MATT HARDY STOPS HIM!!!!! Hardy grabs the legs of Albright, dragging him down a few rungs of the ladder, with the two men sharing the same side of the ladder, trading shots, with Albright trying to shove Matt off … BUT MATT DUCKS A SHOT … AND HOOKS ALBRIGHT UP … TWIST OF FATE OFF THE LADDER!!!!!

Cardinals Stadium erupts once more, with Hardy and Albright crashing into the mat … as Paul London returns, and he’s all alone!!! London looks to take advantage, and sets himself up, climbing the ladder … but as he proceeds, CODY RHODES IS BACK … AND HE LEAPS AT THE ROPES … SPRINGING OFF … DISASTER KICK TO LONDON - KNOCKING HIM OFF THE LADDER!!!!!

Rhodes is back up, and has to avoid a boot from Cade, then kicks him in the gut … CROSS RHODES CONNECTS!!!!! MVP slides a ladder into the ring, but before he can follow it in himself, Cody knocks him back off the apron, giving himself the ladder … which he keeps on the mat, but opens it up … and with Cade in a seated position in the corner … RHODES SLIDES THE LADDER ACROSS THE MAT … CRUSHING CADE IN THE NUTS!!!!!

Cades face tells the story, whilst Rhodes grabs the ladder in the other corner, and carries it across, placing it on the opened ladder he used to crush Cade’s balls with, and looks to keep Cade trapped in the corner!!!!! The twenty-two year old now looks to make the climb on the ladder in the middle of the ring, and he makes his way up, with no one to stop him it seems!!! Rhodes climbs, looking up with each step…


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…


Cody reaches, desperate to get his hands on the briefcase, BUT MVP COMES CHARGING UP THE LADDER ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!!! Cody takes another step, reaching - but cant get a hold of the briefcase … and Porter catches him at the top, beating the youngster to the punch, then sets himself … AND PROCEEDS TO SUNSET POWERBOMB CODY OFF THE LADDER!!!!!!!!!!

“HO-LY SHIT!!! HO-LY SHIT!!! HO-LY SHIT!!!”

The chant erupts again, as MVP takes out himself and Rhodes with the SUNSET POWERBOMB OFF THE LADDER, and both look broken by it too, as we see Cade standing up in the corner, barricaded by the two ladders … AS DANIELSON LEAPS OFF THE ROPES … JUMPING ONTO THE LADDER BLOCKING CADE … WHICH SEESAWS UP … SMASHING INTO THE FACE OF THE LONE STAR!!!!!

“THIS IS AWE-SOME … THIS IS AWE-SOME … THIS IS AWE-SOME”

Cade eats the steel, as Danielson now repositions the main ladder, and looks to climb his way to victory … with a sea of broken bodies strewn around ringside …


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…


Danielson continues to ascend, but Rey is back in the ring, and he comes in hot pursuit of the Cruiserweight Champion… for Danielson though, he has a huge advantage, with the briefcase in touching distance!!!


…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


Danielson reaches up, but before he can get his hands on the briefcase, Rey stops him!!! A shot to the gut from Rey forces Bryan to double over, and another shot to the back allows Rey to now reach up, getting his hands on the briefcase, holding on, with Danielson recovering, punching Rey, before HE gets a grip of the briefcase too!!! Both men have their hands on the case, with a firm grip - battling to get a hold of it from the other…

WHEN PAUL LONDON TAKES THE LADDER AWAY!!!!!!!

London pulls the ladder from Rey and Bryan - leaving both men teetering high above, holding for dear life onto the briefcase!!! Both Mysterio and Danielsons legs swing wildly, trying to yank the case down - willing to take themselves out to land with the title shot … BUT LONDON JOUSTS THE LADDER AT BOTH MEN, ONCE, TWICE, THRICE!!!!! And the blows take their toll, Mysterio and Danielson both lose their grip - CRASHING AND BURNING ONTO THE MAT!!!!!

The Golden Boy stands tall in the ring with the ladder in his hands, and the fans chant; “LON-DON … LON-DON … LON-DON!!!” … with London spinning around, seeing Hardy on the apron, and smashes the ladder into him, knocking him off apron, crashing into Cade on the floor!!! London has cleared the ring, and he sets the ladder back up!!!! The Golden Boy has the briefcase in his sights, AND HE BEGINS TO CLIMB TO GLORY!!!


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


…LONDON MAKES IT!!! Paul London reaches up … touches the briefcase … AND TOPPLES BACKWARD … AS BRENT ALBRIGHT IS BACK … AND HE TIPS THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE LADDER … WITH LONDON FALLING BACKWARD OFF THE LADDER … TO THE OUTSIDE … CRASHING ONTO HARDY, CADE, MVP & RHODES!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone is out … with BRENT ALBRIGHT LEFT STANDING!!!!

Albright smiles, and takes a moment to enjoy himself, as London falls victim, falling at the final hurdle, in the EXACT same circumstances as he did last year in the same match when Randy Orton won. Albright places the ladder under the briefcase, and begins to climb, seemingly to an easy victory…


…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


The boos are loud in Phoenix; they don’t want to see Albright triumph, but he’s at the top … there’s no one else in sight, he takes a few seconds to look around and savour the moment … before shouting; “I TOLD YOU TO BANK ON IT!!!” … before getting his hands on the briefcase, unhooking the prize … and raises it in victory!!!!!
WINNER: BRENT ALBRIGHT @ 16:33
*NOW HAS A TITLE SHOT, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS*

Jim Ross: BRENT ALBRIGHT SURVIVES THE CARNAGE, THE CHAOS, THE DEVASTATION AND THE DAMAGE TO TAKE ONE HUGE STEP TOWARD IMMORTALITY!!! HE IS MISTER MONEY IN THE BANK!!!!

Albright stands proudly on the top of the ladder, with the briefcase over his head, whilst the camera switches momentarily to the outside; and the collection of broken bodies slowly recovering.


The Coach: He is one step closer, J.R!!! It was always gonna be in his future - he just sped up the process with this golden ticket!!! I called it!!! I said, Brent Albright was my pick!!!

Joey Styles: Even a broken clock is right twice a day, Coach. And sure, credit to Albright for his win tonight … but I’m sorry - I feel for Paul London. If my memory serves me right … we just saw an exact replay of how the same match concluded last year. London did the hard part, and took out the competition … then, with the win in his sights, saw it taken away cruelly.

Brent finally climbs down from his perch, and stumbles out of the ring, walking through the broken bodies; the disappointed broken bodies that gave it their all … to ultimately fail.

The Coach: Don’t try to rain on Albrights parade. He’s always been a step ahead of that punk London!!! And what a year this guy has had; a year ago he was United States Champion. Then he won the King of the Ring, he was Intercontinental Champion, in the final four of the Royal Rumble … and now, he has a new moniker; MISTER Money in the Bank!!!

Jim Ross: Love him or hate him, and there’s many that hate him; he delivered tonight. And he has given himself a golden opportunity to become World Champion in the next twelve months.

Clips then air of a series of the high spots in the match; including MVP hitting the sunset power bomb to Rhodes off the ladder, Danielson getting dumped out of the ring WITH the ladder by four men…

Joey Styles: Eight- or should I say NINE game superstars just put their bodies on the line here - it looks like a car wreck out here.


Jim Ross: Indeed, nine men is correct. The Brian Kendrick, after weeks of being told NO; wouldn’t take that for an answer, and found a way to insert himself into proceedings here. Unfortunately for him … it didn’t quite go as he planned.

Joey Styles: From within touching distance of the briefcase … to leaving on a stretcher. I’m not so sure the effort was worth it for the former Cruiserweight champion.

More clips air; including The Brian Kendrick making a cameo … only to crash and burn through a ladder, Hardy delivering a Side Effect off the ladder to Albright, Cade eating a ladder to the face, and the sequence of splashes and dives early in the match to the outside.


The Coach: I’d say the effort wasn’t worth it for anyone … EXCEPT our new, Mister Money in the Bank, Brent Albright. And guys … when?? When do you think Albright will cash that baby in??

Joey Styles: Well, let’s not forget the impact Randy Orton had with it last year. He cashed in ON THE SAME NIGHT!!! Will Albright do the same??

At ringside, the beaten contenders all recover, looking worse for wear, with London sat on the outside, head buried in his hands, ignoring the questions being asked of him by the ringside doctor. Cade staggers up the ramp, head down, whilst Hardy is seen holding his neck as he collects his I.C Title, with Danielson and Rey still selling on the floor.

Jim Ross: It’s a good question. And gentlemen, you have to believe that Randy Orton, Edge, John Cena and Christian - the four men who will be battling for the two world titles, will be thinking in the back of their minds … could Albright be looking to cash in tonight.

The Coach: He’s gonna be on their minds until he cashes in baby boy. He’s gonna be in their thoughts; whoever leaves here champion tonight - before they sleep, and as soon as they wake. Any time in the next twelve months. Albright is gonna be a World Champion … soon.

Jim Ross: The odds are most certainly in his favour…

Joey Styles: Well, Brent Albright has most certainly upset many of the fans here in Phoenix, but guys, these seventy thousand plus have had a weekend to remember already - BEFORE we even kicked off here tonight. WrestleMania is a week long event, and here’s just some of the highlights of the activities and festivities we‘ve had…


Albright is shown at the top of the ramp, hoisting the briefcase one more time … as the camera fades…



~WRESTLEMANIA WEEK~

With the music of Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” playing over it, we see various shots of superstars being interviewed by multiple outlets; superstars like Chris Jericho, William Regal, Rey Mysterio, Victoria, Carlito, The Master Craftsmen and JBL are shown.

Newspaper headlines follow, just to show the scope of WrestleMania week, and how it has taken over the city of Phoenix, and indeed, the entire state of Arizona, over comments from the vice-mayor of Phoenix.

With various shots from Axxess of superstars posing for photos, mile long lines for autographs, and fans doing their own WWE superstar entrance, comments from the superstars are played over, such as Gail Kim, Edge, Paul London and Paul Heyman.

Next, comments from fans, showing how far many of them have travelled for the biggest event of the year; Germany, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland and more…

Clips are shown from the Pro-Am gold tournament, as superstars and legends play, with Sgt. Slaughter in particular being shown hitting a great shot, and the East Coast Party Boys crashing their buggy.

Then, Kofi Kingston is at the WrestleMania reading challenge, with him talking about the help it will give to children, as MNM are also shown participating at the event.

Various shots of the fans enjoying themselves at Axxess, over the top of their comments about how great it is to be here, and either that this is their second, third or fourth WrestleMania week, or that this is their first, but that they’ll be definitely buying tickets for next years show too.

The package ends with Shawn Michaels standing on his autograph table, asking the fans to tell him if their having a great time - and gets a massive cheer from the fans there… a good time had by all.

END PACKAGE
***



After the video package ends, footage switches to a split screen of WWE Champion RANDY ORTON walking through the backstage area with the title over his shoulder, wearing a t-shirt, and the 2008 Royal Rumble Winner; EDGE sat in the locker room - mind focused, eyes fixated on the ground, deep in thought…

Joey Styles: We touched on it a few moments ago, but as we look at the two men set to collide in the main event of tonight’s event, could Brent Albright repeat history - history that Randy Orton made a year ago at WrestleMania Twenty-Three?? Will Albright cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase??
The Coach: The same briefcase Edge failed to cash in last year, don’t forget.

Jim Ross: It’s bound to be something on both mens minds, Joey. But gentlemen, just what condition is Edge’s neck in?? We saw Orton take a cheap shot two nights ago, which backfired. But will Edge’s neck stand up to the kind of punishment we KNOW he’ll have to put up with tonight from Orton??



Cutting away elsewhere … JOSH MATHEWS the resident Smackdown backstage reporter is outside the office of Finlay, with a microphone in hand, and knocks the door, walking in to get an interview …

But inside Smackdown General Manager FINLAY is already in the middle of something; in the middle of a heated conversation with STEVEN RICHARDS

Finlay: … I wanted to speak to you on Friday, but you and your boys didn’t show. Don’t give me any crap, Richards; what’s your plans?? I heard what you had to say on Raw.

Richards chuckles, looks down, then back up, right in the eyes of Richards.

Steven Richards: You’re on a need to know basis, boss. And right now, you don’t need to know.

Steven smirks, but Finlay doesn’t see the funny side.

Finlay: … I’m in charge of Smackdown. If you’re up to something, I need to know. But if you want to keep me in the dark?? Then I’ll give you a pretty clear warning; DON’T you dare, you, Batista or Lashley … get involved in the main event tonight. I know the three of you have an issue with Edge, but you had more than enough chances to finish that. It’s over. Don’t dare get involved in that match. Understood??

Still, Richards smirks. He chuckles again, and pats the shoulder of Finlay before replying.

Steven Richards: Sure…

Finlay looks tense, angry that Richards is playing coy. Steven winks at Finlay, with the Smackdown GM not reciprocating; not happy. Richards walks out of the office, with Finlay left to stew in the office, having to worry that the main event could be scuppered by interference…

Mathews clears his throat, and Finlay turns his attention to the backstage reporter…

Josh Mathews: Uh, Finlay?? I was uh, just wanting to get your thoughts on The Brian Kendrick disobeying your orders and trying to insert himself on the Money in the … Bank … ladder … match …

Mathews trails off, with him getting a look - a look he doesn’t want - from Finlay. A look that says; “I‘m not in the mood for this right now…”

Josh Mathews: … I’ll come back later.

Mathews indicates to his cameraman to move out, with Finlay nodding as if to say; “Good idea.” … as the camera fades out.



Cutting away, the screen now shows the graphic;



The fans cheer inside the stadium, and for good reason; the first of the SIX main event calibre matches on the bill…

Jim Ross: Oh boy!! Listen to these fans, gentlemen!! They’re excited and for good reason; we’re about to see the best of all time take on the best in the business today. And it’ll be emotional; we know it’ll be Ric Flairs final match at the Showcase of the Immortals … but will it be his last match ever??

The Coach: I cant see how it wont be. Kurt Angle has vowed to break that ankle and send Flair into retirement tonight. And after the outcomes Angle has suffered through the last two years at WrestleMania?? He cant afford to fail a third time.

Joey Styles: But, will that pressure be too much for Angle?? He’s put so much pressure on himself these last two years at WrestleMania, and it became too much. Has he made the same mistake again??

Jim Ross: Well, if anyone can seize on any weakness, it’s Ric Flair. The Dirtiest Player in the Game will be wanting to sign off from WrestleMania with a win, and let’s not forget, he still wants ONE last run with the World Championship. To get there, he MUST beat Angle…



***
RIC FLAIR | KURT ANGLE

The package opens up at Saturday Nights Main Event on March 1, with Flair standing in the ring…

Ric Flair: Before I hung up my boots, I wanted ONE THING!!! … Number Seventeen. And I put ALLLL my eggs in a Royal Rumble sized basket

Cut to Flair walking to the ring at the Royal Rumble as the #23 entrant, turning the clocks back with a vintage Nature Boy performance, including Flair eliminating Brent Albright.

Ric Flair: I thought it was meant to be; a fairytale ending to my thirty plus year career … I gave it my all; I turned the clock back fifteen years, and scratched and clawed my way right down to the wire … outlasting some of THE finest names to ever grace a WWE ring …

Flair ends up being eliminated by Edge, right at the death.

Ric Flair: … But it wasn’t enough…

Back to Saturday Nights Main Event…

**MEDAL**

… And KURT ANGLE entering the arena…

Joey Styles: What’s Angle doin out here???

Angle and Flair stand in the ring across from each other…

Kurt Angle: The limousine ridin, jet flyin, kiss stealin, wheeling dealin, son of a gun, sixteen times world champion … and the Best … ever.

Cut to a clip from the Royal Rumble where Flair pokes Angles eye, low blows him and dumps him from the Rumble match!!

Kurt Angle: …And the man that threw Kurt Angle out of the Royal Rumble match!!

Shots of Angle looking dejected after the elimination at the Rumble; his own WrestleMania ambitions ended.

Kurt Angle: Don’t worry, Ric - I’m not bitter. I was outsmarted by the dirtiest player in the game. I wasn’t the first guy, and I’ve every faith that I wont be the last either.

Clips of Flair using his bag of tricks over the years on the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Sting, Hulk Hogan and Ricky Steamboat…

Kurt Angle: But at the same time, you DID take away my dream of headlining WrestleMania, one more time, and becoming WWE Champion again … and staking my own claim to be what you are -- The Best - EVER.

Clips of Angle losing to Christian at SuperBrawl and Brent Albright on Raw respectively…

Kurt Angle: And ever since you tossed me out of the Rumble, I haven’t recovered. I tried to bounce back and earn a World Title shot - didn’t make it. I saw an opportunity in the Money in the Bank ladder match - and I didn’t make it.

Shots of Angle down the years; winning championships, making people tap, suplex after suplex…

Ric Flair: From one soon to be Hall of Famer to a FUTURE first ballot Hall of Famer … you are without a shadow of a doubt the BEST in this business today. And even if you got shot down by lightning tonight, regardless of any shortcomings you’ve had of late - you’d go down in history as one of the very best … EVER.

Cheers are piped in on the video package, but Angle shakes his head, standing face to face with Flair…

Kurt Angle: Being one of isn’t enough for me, Ric. It never has … I have to be THE best … EVER. You want to go out as a seventeen time World Champion. And I’m your ticket. You-want to get back in the title hunt?? Then face ME at WrestleMania Twenty Four.

Shots of cheering fans, before coming back to Angle and Flair in the ring…

Kurt Angle: If you beat me?? You’re back. You’ve got all the reasons you need to stake a claim for a title shot. - and I want to carve my legacy. I’m honoured that people out there point to me as the best in the business; today. But that isn’t enough for me. I want your title. I want to go down in history as the best; ever.

Angle stands right in front of Flair…

Kurt Angle: So what do you say, Ric?? For the first time ever, Kurt Angle versus Ric Flair… At WrestleMania.
Ric Flair: The Best Today … versus the Best … ever?? You got it!!!

They shake hands…

Ric Flair: And may the best man win.

Immediately, Angle yanks Flair in, and hooks him into position; HITTING THE ANGLE SLAM!!!

Jim Ross: WHAT IN THE-??

Angle flattens Flair in the middle of the ring, and then explodes toward the fans, letting out his pent up aggression, as he rips off his jacket, and picks up the mic…

Kurt Angle: I intend to.

Cut to Raw, and Angle explaining his actions…

Kurt Angle: And losing these past two years at WrestleMania has been eating at my soul. I’ve had the chance to grasp immortality these past two years … and I’ve let it slip through my fingers…

Clips of Angle walking to the ring in Vegas two years ago, then New Orleans last year at WrestleMania…

Kurt Angle: I should’ve ripped Bret Hart limb from limb at WrestleMania Twenty Two … but I showed too much compassion. I showed weakness … and I paid the price. I had The Undertaker BEAT a year ago. I hesitated and he caught me. And again … my shot at Immortality - my shot at being the guy that snapped the Streak … was gone.

Angle taps to the Sharpshooter at WrestleMania 22 … and taps to the Triangle at WrestleMania 23.

Kurt Angle: When I face the Nature Boy on March 30, I wont fail. He may be a legend, but I wont show him any compassion. He may be an iconic figure, but I wont hesitate to do what has to be done… I don’t just want the torch to be passed to me from Ric Flair because he’s gonna retire. I’m heading into Phoenix for WrestleMania and I’m coming to TAKE that torch from him … by making sure I’m the last man Ric Flair ever steps in the ring with.

Clips of Angle at his intense best, applying the Ankle lock to dozens of superstars…

Kurt Angle: And it’s nothing personal - this is business. Ric Flair is an idol to me … but more than that … he’s my shot at redemption. Once I’ve broken Ric Flairs ankle, and put him out to pasture … that’s when I stake my claim to become the Best of all time.

Flair walks down the aisle, and proceeds to undo his tie, unbuttoning his top button … AND FLINGS OFF HIS JACKET THEN SLIDES INTO THE RING!!!

Angle backs up, putting his hands up, trying to keep the peace … BUT FLAIR TAKES A SHOT AT ANGLE!!!!! Flair opens up on Angle, backing him into the corner and rips open the shirt of Angle, looking to open up with chops, but Angle RAKES THE EYES!!!!!

Flair reels away, holding his face, with Angle thinking better of the fight, escaping the ring and begins to walk away, as Flair goes nuts in the ring, kicking ropes, and dropping an elbow onto the mat, before grabbing the mic…

Ric Flair: C’MON ANGLE!!! YOU WANT YOUR TORCH?? I GOT YOUR TORCH RIGHT HERE, ANGLE!!! TAKE THE FREAKIN TORCH!!!

Clips then air of Flair fighting with Angle on March 17, when Angle came to Flairs aid - but Flair didn’t want the help … and then clips of Flair attacking Angle on March 21 on Smackdown over sound bites from Flair a few weeks earlier…

Ric Flair: You say you want to end my career?? YOU SAY YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT DECISION OUT OF MY HANDS!!?? Not on your LIFE, pal!! If you’re gonna go to WrestleMania to end Ric Flairs career, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m takin that personally.

Classic clips of Ric Flair down the years at his very best, upsetting the likes of Vader, drilling Hogan with a low blow, applying the Figure Four on Randy Savage, holding the WWE Title, the NWA Title and the WCW Title…

Ric Flair: I’m gonna walk that aisle at WrestleMania, and I’m takin you to school, jack!! WOOOOO!!! I’M GONNA WALK. THAT. AISLE. … and I’LL decide when I’m finished - not you, not McMahon, not God, NOT ANYBODY!! Whether you like it or not - you’re gonna learn to love it!!! WOOOO!!!

Switch to clips of Angle down the years, from his debut; when he had hair, to being the Euro-Continental Champion, and the King of the Ring, before winning the WWE Title; all within a year.

Kurt Angle: I want everyone to eventually recognize me as the best. I want to have no peers for the fans to argue against me with. And I’m not content to be just the best today. I want to be known as the best - EVER.

And shots of Angle at his intense best, furiously applying the Ankle Lock, the Belly to Belly that put Shane McMahon through glass in 2001, the moonsault off a steel cage, making Goldberg tap at WrestleMania 21, among his various title reigns…

Kurt Angle: My pro-wrestling legacy is ALL I have left. And if I don’t go down in history as being the greatest of all time … it’ll have been a lousy career.



Cut to two nights ago; Flair and Angle, face to face…

Ric Flair: You’re best in the world today in my opinion… And in a lot of their opinions too!!! Don’t you get it??

Flair walks up to Angle … AND SLAPS HIM!!!!! Right in his face, Flair bellow to Angle;

Ric Flair: WAKE UP!!! You’ve already carved a legacy, Kurt. But let me give you some advice … this isn’t how you do it.

Clips of the WrestleMania logo, and fireworks going off, with sights of fans in the stadium last year at WrestleMania, and Ford Field three years ago…

Ric Flair: Beating me at WrestleMania?? Sure. But breaking my ankle, being remembered as the guy that retired the Nature Boy?? You do that?? These people wont think Kurt Angle; Best Ever…

Cut back to Smackdown two nights ago, where Flair walks up to Angle again; right in his face.

Ric Flair: They’ll only remember you as the guy that retired the Best Ever.

Clips of Angle helping Flair to his feet on Raw on March 24 … before Flair took Angle to school, with some of his legendary dirty tricks.

Ric Flair: I sure as hell wont be goin down without a fight. And win, lose or draw - this will be my last dance at the grandest stage of ‘em all. So you can expect every single ounce of the kiss stealin, wheelin dealin - WOOO - limousine ridin, jet flyin; DIRTIEST. PLAYER. IN. THE. GAME!!!!

And Flair putting Angle in the Figure Four on that episode of Raw!!!

Ric Flair: If you want to be the best of all time … all you have to do is be you. BE YOU!!! Because you’re not Bret Hart. You’re not The Undertaker… And you’re not Ric Flair. You’re Kurt FREAKIN Angle. And that oughta be enough!!!

Clips of Angle winning each of his titles; with victories over some of the biggest names of all time; The Rock, Booker T, Stone Cold, Big Show, Brock Lesnar & Goldberg.

Ric Flair: Because Angle, you may beat me on Sunday. You can go out there and break my ankle and force me to retire and take the decision outta my hands. But you’re not Ric Flair…

Before finally settling on Flair and Angle face to face two nights ago…

Ric Flair: And you never will be.

END PACKAGE
***



Back into the arena…

**MEDAL**

No glitz, or glamour; KURT ANGLE is all business for WrestleMania, in his traditional red, white and blue singlet.


Howard Finkel: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall!!! Introducing first; from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weighing 235 pounds; KUUUURT … ANGLEEEE!!!!!!

Angle stops at the top of the ramp, puffing his cheeks, before raising his arms, looking at the sky; as PYRO explodes behind him. Angle waits as the extra long pyro goes off, before walking down the ramp with a purpose, eyes fixated on the ring, not taking his eyes off to look at the fans or the stadium - his focus in intense.

Joey Styles: Arguably, Kurt Angle is the greatest athlete in WWE history. An NCAA champion, Olympic Gold Medallist, he won the WWE Championship within a year of his debut. But none of that matters to Angle. He’s been the best in the amateur game - his goal now though, is to be the best EVER in the WWE.

The Coach: The first and ONLY gold medallist in the history of the WWE!!! How can these people say he sucks!!!

Indeed, the 70,000 strong are chanting in unison; “YOU SUCK”, but they could be saying anything right now; Angle isn’t paying attention to them, his focus is solely on the job at hand. He continues down the aisle, and jogs up the steps, getting into the ring, and pirouetting as he climbs into the ring.

Jim Ross: Kurt Angle is hell bent on leaving this game as the best to ever grace it. But his WrestleMania record has failed him thus far; he was a hairs breadth from breaking the streak a year ago; closer than anyone EVER … but fell short. And he let the occasion get the better of him two years ago in Vegas when he lost to Bret Hart. Angle has consumed himself with the thought of finishing Ric Flairs career tonight in order to cement his own legacy … has he put too much pressure on his shoulders again??

Joey Styles: That’s what makes this match - this dream match - so intriguing. So many questions we’re about to get answered. Can Flair turn the clocks back to give one last vintage performance at WrestleMania, can Angle banish his demons over recent years. We’re in for a treat!!


Jim Ross: We most certainly are…

Angle hunches over, hands on his knees, eyes focused on the top of the ramp, waiting for Flair, as his own music dies down…

**ALSO SPRACH ZARATHRUSTRA**

Wearing an exquisite royal blue robe with sequins and feathers, RIC FLAIR marches onto the stage with the swagger only Ric Flair has. The Nature Boy makes the long walk to the ring, as Angle waits in the ring.


Howard Finkel: AND … his opponent; making his way to the ring, from Charlotte, North Carolina, weighing 232 pounds; RIIIIC … FLAIRRRRR!!!!!

Jim Ross: One night ago, Ric Flair took his rightful seat in the WWE Hall of Fame - if anything, Flair should be given his own wing!! Can Flair top off the perfect weekend with a perfect WrestleMania send off??

Joey Styles: No one has the list of accomplishments in professional wrestling like Ric Flair. Universally adored. He’s a one of a kind.

Jim Ross: Stylin and profilin’, Ric Flair is the man!! And if Kurt Angle wants to be the man?? Well, he’ll have to beat the man!! I’ve got goosebumps.

The Coach: No, no, no. If Ric Flair still wants to be the man, he’ll have to beat Kurt Angle. Angle is the man, J.R!! If Flair wants to survive, he’ll need to draw on all those decades of experience. He’ll need to reach into all his experience from all sixteen world titles.

As Flair gives the fans a spin on the ramp, footage switches to the audience where fans are bowing for the greatest of all time, as well as crowd signs where multiple fans hold long collections of posters reading WOOOOOOOOO…

Jim Ross: In my opinion, the greatest of all time. Win, lose or draw, I don’t see that opinion changing. As much as I respect the ability of Angle, if he insists on ending Ric Flairs career; taking the decision out of the Nature Boys hands, he wont have that recognition he wants; he’ll be what Flair said he’d be known as; “the guy that retired the best ever.”

Joey Styles: And you have to wonder if those words got to Angle on Smackdown, J.R. Will Flair have changed the gameplan of Angle here tonight??

Jim Ross: I sure hope so. Angle can one day go down as the best ever; he doesn’t need to retire Ric Flair for that to happen.

Charles Robinson holds the ropes open for Flair, showing his respect for Naitch, with Flair stepping into the ring with the style and grace we’ve come to expect. Flair hands over the expensive robe, with Robinson placing it outside, and calling for the bell!!!

The Best Today vs. The Best Ever:

Kurt Angle vs. Ric Flair
The bell rings, and both Angle and Flair meet in the middle of the ring. The fans get louder, as the two trade stern words - though Flair keeps a crooked smile on his face as he speaks to Kurt. Angle has the final words, with Flair pursing his lips, offering a knowing nod, before reaching out, offering Angle a handshake before they go at it.

The gesture elicits a respectful cheer inside the University of Phoenix Stadium, with Angle looking around - unsure if he should accept the offer from the dirtiest player in the game. Angle takes his time to think about it, not knowing if he can trust the motives of Flair, but finally he accepts the offer, and reaches to shake the hand of Flair … BUT FLAIR PULLS HIS HAND AWAY!!!!!

The Nature Boy pulls away, and runs his fingers through his hair, strutting away from the Wrestling Machine, with the fans eating up the cocky - VINTAGE - attitude of Flair, as he struts around the ring … and Angle remains standing in the middle, stewing over the slight. “That‘s the way you want it, Ric?? Fine.” The Olympian didn’t take the act well, clearly feeling disrespected, as he and Flair proceed to circle; the line drawn in the sand.

Flair and Angle circle around the ring, each eyeing the other, both waiting to lunge in at the right moment … and they finally do, locking up for the first time; collar and elbow. Battling for supremacy, Flair and Angle tussle in the lock up, but the younger, stronger Angle wins the battle, backing Flair up toward the ropes, but at the last moment, Flair shifts the momentum, and backs the Olympian into the corner.

With Flair backing Angle up in the corner, the official steps in to force the break … with Flair slowly releasing from Angle, both he and his rival wary of a cheap shot … but surprisingly, the break is clean, with neither man taking a cheap shot, but once they break, Flair cant resist to let out a huge “WOOOOOO” right in the face of Angle. The fans respond with a “WOOOO” of their own, but Angle - again - looks slighted by the act from Flair.

Flair backs out of the corner, with Angle following, and the two circle the ring again, with J.R commenting that Flair is in “rare form” tonight, looking fired up for the challenge. The two men close the distance again, locking up, and again, it’s Angle that wins the test of strength in the collar and elbow tussle, this time meeting little resistance from the Nature Boy as he backs Flair up into the corner … where again, Charles Robinson steps in for the break by the ropes.

Again - surprisingly - it’s clean break from both men … but this time, Angle takes the opportunity to get in Flairs face with a “WOOOOOO” of his own, right in the face of the Nature Boy!!! And Flair responds instantly WITH A SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF ANGLE!!! Angle holds his jaw, but has a wry smile on his face, whilst Flair moves out of the corner. Looking across the ring at Ric, Angle mouths; “You‘re really tryin to piss me off, aren‘t ya??”, to which Flair responds; “Why should I be the only one??”

Angle spits to the floor (lovely), and psyches himself up, coming after Flair, forcing the legend to move quickly as he reaches in trying to pick the leg - Angle looking to school Flair, but Ric avoids getting caught by his chasing opponent, keeping on the move. Angle eventually stops, and stands up straight, challenging Flair to a test of strength. Flair smirks, and makes his way to Angle, raising an arm, seemingly accepting the challenge … but before they lock knuckles, he pulls away, and tells his foe; “You‘ll have to do better than that!!”

But just then, Angle shoots, trying to pick the leg, taking Flair down to the mat, but before he can follow up, Flair scrambles, escaping the grip of the Olympian, and rolls out of the ring for the break. Flair takes a walk around ringside, talking to himself, as Angle stands back up in the ring, leaning over the ropes at Flair, shouting to him; “C‘MON RIC!! Y‘CANT AVOID THIS FOREVER!!!” to which Flair responds by slamming his hands on the apron in fury!!!

Flair rolls back into the ring, challenging Angle now!!! They lock up again, and instead of battling for supremacy this time, Angle immediately switches to a side headlock take down, and he looks to squeeze the life out of the older veteran, but older he may be; but Flair is every bit as shrewd, and he manages to escape the hold, getting back to his feet, but Angle is right back on him when he does, immediately applying a standing headlock.

Angle pressures Flair, with Naitch taking a knee, before pushing back to his feet, and tries to break free by pushing Kurt off, but Angle hangs on to the headlock, keeping the pressure applied. Flair tries to stamp the feet of Angle, but that doesn’t work either. Flair then backs up with Angle, into the ropes, and finally pushes Kurt off, into the opposite side of the ring, dropping down for the return … but Angle puts the breaks down … THEN DROPS DOWN, GRASPING FOR THE ANKLE OF FLAIR!!!

Quickly and wisely, Flair scurries to the ropes avoiding the deadly ankle lock from Angle. He reaches the sanctity of the ropes, but whilst he has that safety, Kurt Angle makes sure to stand over The Naitch, letting Flair know he’s there, and that he can apply the ankle lock at any given time. Flair - on the mat - looks up at Angle, knowing what Angle is trying to do by psyching him out … and without saying a word, Angle clicks his fingers as if to say; “I can get it, just like that.”

Angle backs up in order to allow Flair to his feet, with the sixteen times world champion rising back to his vertical base, nodding, knowing what he’s up against, circling around once again. The two men lunge in once more, but this time, Flair avoids the lock up, immediately going behind, grabbing the arm of his opponent, applying a hammerlock.

Angle - with his free arm - reaches back, trying to grab any part of Flair that he can, but Naitch avoids, keeping the hold applied, before tripping Angle onto the mat, dropping down and shifting to a side headlock. Now, showing why he is the ‘dirtiest player in the game’ Flair takes an opportunity to use the ropes for leverage, putting his feet up on them whilst the headlock is applied, making sure Charles Robinsons view is obstructed.

Despite the pressure, Angle is able to stir, spinning out on the mat, but Flair quickly re-applies the hold, keeping it on as Angle battles to his feet, still trapped in the headlock. But, now on his feet, Angle has more options to escape, and throws an elbow to the gut of Flair, and another - breaking the hold. Angle then kicks Flair in the gut, pushing him into the corner, before going CRAZY with a series of STIFF European Uppercuts!!!!!

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, TEN!!!!! Consecutive European Uppercuts from Angle decimate Flair in the corner, with the fans split for the spot, as Angle is forced back by the official … with Flair staggering out of the corner … FLOPPING on his face!!!!! The classic Flair-flop emerges at WrestleMania, prompting a pop from the fans, with Angle doing the damage, and wasting no time after Flair flops to the mat.

Angle reaches down, scraping Flair off the mat, pushing him into the corner, lighting him up with a few overhand rights, before shooting Naitch across the ring, hard into the opposite corner, with Flair bouncing out … right into a BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX FROM ANGLE!!!!! Angle makes the cover off the suplex, hooking the leg…

……………
……………1……………

…2…
…………………
……KICK OUT……
!!!

Flair is forced to throw a shoulder up, with Angle ominously looking in control, having his way with Flair at this stage, turning Flair over, and going amateur on the legendary Nature Boy, riding Flair, showing his credentials, before finally stopping the amateur theatrics, and applies a front face lock, to wear Ric down, with Coach commenting that Flair looks way out of his depth here, before stating; “The mind is willing Ric .. But your body aint anymore!!!”

Angle applies the hold tight, pressuring Flair, sucking the life out of the Nature Boy, with Ric throwing his arms to find something to grab in order to break the hold, but Angle grasps tightly, not relenting, until Flair pushes to his knees, knowing he cant lay down forever, then with a few shots to the gut of Angle, Flair rises to his feet - but he is still trapped in the hold.

Flair slowly backs Angle into the ropes, and throws Angle off, breaking the front face lock, sending Angle off the ropes, but Kurt returns with a stiff shoulder block, knocking Flair off his feet again, landing on his ass. Angle smirks, then takes off again, looking to hit the ropes once more, with Flair rising back to his feet, and this time, on the return, Flair meets Angle with a back elbow, stunning Kurt, putting HIM down!!!

Angle sits on his ass, holding his jaw, as Flair enjoys getting the upper hand, taking the opportunity to STRUT across the ring!!! Offering a WOOOOO to the fans, Flair gets one back from the seventy thousand plus in attendance … but one man that doesn’t respond in kind is KURT ANGLE, who is right back to his feet, and as Flair turns, Angle decimates him with a clothesline, sending Flair over the top rope, crashing to the floor outside!!!!!

The Wrestling Machine lets out a huge roar, pumping himself up, before climbing out of the ring to meet Flair, beating him up by the barrier with another series of overhand rights softening the sixteen times world champion up, but Flair comes back!!! Fighting on instinct, Flair retaliates to Angle, blocking a right hand, and backing Angle up with one of his own!!

Flair follows up with another straight right - right on the button of Angles chin!!! Angle looks to shake the cobwebs loose, but is inundated with rights and lefts from the fired up Nature Boy, who then proceeds to light Angle up with KNIFE EDGE CHOPS!!! Angle stops the assault with a boot to the gut, slowing Flair down, and takes a few steps back to compose himself … but Flair comes back for Angle again … only to be met with a back body drop from Angle!!!!!

Flairs body lands hard on the outside, with Angle keeping Ric down by stomping the Nature Boy, before rolling in and out of the ring to break the count. Kurt drags Flair up, rolling him onto the apron, climbing back into the ring himself, before dragging Flair up on the apron. Hooking Flair into position, Angle attempts to suplex Flair back into the ring - but Ric blocks. Shaking his head, Kurt tries again … but Flair blocks again!!

Then, suddenly, it’s FLAIR taking Angle up for the suplex, hoisting Angle up, bringing the fans to their feet, thinking Flair is going to suplex Angle OUT of the ring … but instead, Flair hangs Angle up on the ropes!!! Angle bounces back, and lands on the mat, as Flair drops down to the floor, dragging his weakened adversary outside, and lights up Angle against the apron with a series of chops, before shooting Angle into the barrier!!!

Angle winces upon impact, but Flair, like a rabid dog, is right on Kurt, going to work with rights and left to the chin and the body, roughing up Angle, showing him what he’s still got left … before hooking Angle up … DELIVERING A SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR!!!!! Both men sell the effects of the suplex, with both taking a tough landing, whilst the fans show their appreciation for Flair putting his body on the line.

Flair, naturally, is first to stir, but he groans in pain, before climbing up on the apron, bringing himself up to his feet … but as he stands up on the apron … ANGLE GETS TO HIS FEET TOO!!! Angle climbs onto the apron, clubbing the back of Flair, gripping him from behind on the apron … SETTING UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX … OFF THE APRON!!!!!!!!!! The fans explode momentarily for the tease, as Flair hangs onto the ropes for dear life, knowing the consequences if he releases his grip!!

Angle desperately tries to yank Flair off, pulling with all his might on the apron, trying once more … but Flair hooks his arms around the ropes, refusing to give in and be suplexed off the apron … before finally retaliating, throwing an elbow back at Angle - and again - this time breaking Kurts grip. A third elbow then knocks Angle OFF apron, but when he lands, Angle grabs the legs of Flair - YANKING Flair off the apron, with Ric smashing his face off the apron upon landing!!!!

Flair staggers a few steps, as Angle sizes him up, charging in for a clothesline - but Flair moves, with Angle unable to stop his momentum, and he clotheslines the ring post - and there’s only one winner in that scenario!!! Angle staggers away, holding his arm in agony, with Flair following up, grabbing Angle by the singlet - rushing him into the next ring post - bad arm first!!! Flair then rolls Angle back inside, and follows in himself, with the momentum swinging in Flairs favour!!!

Naitch pushes the worse for wear Angle back into the corner, and goes to work on Kurt, rolling back the years with a series of knife edge chops, getting the usual series of “WOOOO” shouts from the fans for each chop. Flair finally relents with the chops, but continues his attack, and snap mares Angle out of the corner, onto the mat, before stomping Kurt down, softening him up for an old school knee drop. Flair gets the lateral press…


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!!!

Angle kicks out, but Flair stays on him, beating him to the punch as he tries to reach his feet, shooting Angle into the corner. Kurt bounces out, into the path of Naitch, who kicks Angle in the gut, hooking him into position, and scores with a DOUBLE ARM SUPLEX!!!!! Flair floats over, into another cover…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

……NO……
!!!!!!

Kick out again from Angle!!! It’s Kurt that’s having to show resilience at this stage, surprising Coach on commentary, with Flair taking the fight to the Wrestling Machine!!! Angle tries to stir as he stands, but Flair doesn’t give him the chance, going to work again with chops and punches in the corner, shooting Angle out again, looking to send him into the opposite corner … but Angle reverses the Irish whip, and BLASTS Flair into the corner instead!!!!

And Flair topples upon impact, hitting the corner upside down, crashing over, and onto the apron … where he runs along the apron - in classic Flair fashion, to the other corner, climbing the turnbuckles, going up top … WHEN ANGLE SPRINTS ACROSS, MEETING FLAIR UP TOP … AND DELIVERS A STUNNING BELLY TO BELLY OFF THE TOP ROPE TO THE FIFTY-NINE YEAR OLD NATURE BOY!!!!!!

The fans are in shock at the high impact move taken by Flair, with the veteran sitting up in agony after impact, screaming in pain, as Angle quickly looks to hook the leg and finish things off…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

…NOOOOOOOO…
!!!!!!

FLAIR KICKS OUT!!!!! Styles puts over the heart of Flair to kick out of such a big move, but it may only be a stay of execution, with Angle picking Flair up again, punishing him with a short arm clothesline. Looking angry and fired up, Angle drags Flair up again, repeating the trick, delivering another short arm clothesline, devastating Flair!!

Angle picks Flair up once more, shoving him back into the corner, stomping a mudhole in Flair, having to be forced back by the official. Angle is warned about his aggression, telling him to curb it, but Kurt pushes by him, coming for Flair again - but Flair looks to meet him with a shot of his own; BLOCKED by Angle, and Angle rocks Flair with a big right hand!!!

Kurt drags Flair out of the corner, and grips him from behind, attempting a GERMAN SUPLEX … but again - like on the apron, Flair is determined to avoid it, blocking initially by hooking his leg around Angles, but after a few rough forearms to the back, Angle looks to hit it again … BUT FLAIR BLOCKS IT AGAIN!!!! Naitch tries to grab anything; ropes, officials - but he does get his hands on the turnbuckle pad to prevent the German!!!

Flair grips onto the padding … holding on for dear life … RIPPING the padding from the turnbuckle, and tossing it aside - DISTRACTING the referee - ALLOWING HIM TO MULE KICK ANGLE!!!!! Angle eats a kick right to the nuts, and immediately relents his grip around Flairs waist; the dirtiest player in the game strikes once more, with another ingenuous plan coming together for the sixteen times world champion!!!!!

Angle staggers after the low blow … giving Flair a moment to catch his breath, before he follows up with an ATOMIC DROP … then and INVERTED Atomic Drop … before TRIPPING the leg … AND HOLDS ON … IN POSITION TO APPLY THE FIGURE FOUR… BUT AS HE TURNS TO HOOK THE LEGS … ANGLE GETS A FOOT UP - KICKING FLAIR AWAY INTO THE CORNER CHEST FIRST!!!!!

The Wrestling Machine bounces to his feet, catching Flair from behind as he staggers back out of the corner … AND THIS TIME THERE’S NO ESCAPE FOR FLAIR … GERMAN SUPLEX CONNECTS!!!!!

… AND ANGLE HANGS ON!!!

Angle keeps his grip of the waist of Flair, dragging his battered opponent to his feet, and there’s NO resistance on this occasion … as Angle LAUNCHES WITH A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!!

… AND ANGLE HANGS ON AGAIN!!!

STILL, Angle keeps his grip around the waist of Flair, with Naitch looking worse for wear, only standing because he’s been brought to his feet and held up by Angle … and again, with Flair defenceless … there’s NO resistance against it … as Angle LAUNCHES WITH A THIRD GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! And this time, he DOES release the hold!!!! The trifecta is complete, and Angle floats over into a cover …


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……SHOULDER BARELY RISES……
!!!!!!!!

Flair survives - but BARELY - only just lifting his should enough to survive, leaving Angle frustrated. Dragging Flair back up, Angle delivers another two stiff rights, then puts Flair down again with a vertical suplex. The Wrestling Machine looks down at Flair, before stepping up the turnbuckles!!!! It must be a big occasion; KURT ANGLE IS CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE!!!!! Angle steadies himself up top, as we see the sea of fans al standing, cameras flashing …

AS ANGLE SOARS WITH A PICTURE PERFECT MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP ROPE…

CRASHING …

ON THE MAT!!!!!!! NO ONE HOME!!!!!

FLAIR ROLLED OUT OF HARMS WAY!!!!! Angle crashes and burns on the mat off the moonsault, with the spent Naitch following up, rolling up Angle with a school boy …


……1……

…………………2…………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!

Angle nearly didn’t make it, but escapes the roll up, with Flair looking up as if to say; “Damn it”, thinking he got it done on that occasion, and realising it’ll take more to beat Angle. Flair falls back onto the mat, then shakes his head, turning over, punching the mat … and locks eyes with Kurt Angle - also on his knees, worse for wear, feeling the effects of the missed moonsault.

And the Best Today rises to meet the Best Ever in the middle of the ring; where they trade shots in a battle for supremacy, and Angle has to deal with a crazed, fired up Nature Boy, having to fight fire with fire, trading knife edge chops … and in a battle of chops, Flair will always win out, no matter what the year or the opponent!!!

Flair rattles Angle with the chops like it was 1988, but eventually, as Flair lines up a chop - Angle is that split-second quicker - and catches Flair before he can strike - clutching him in tight … FOR A BELLY TO BELLY … BUT FLAIR BITES THE FACE OF ANGLE!!!!! Using any and every resource he has, Flair avoids taking another belly to belly by BITING Angle, breaking the grip, and ignores the warnings from the referee, lighting Angle up in the corner with rights and lefts!!!!

The Nature Boy sends Angle across the ring with all he has - falling over, such is the ferocity he puts behind it!!! Angle hit’s the corner hard, bouncing back out, with Flair back up, delivering a back body drop to put Kurt down. Angle, looking dazed, staggers back to his feet … but is easy prey for Flair and the chop block!!!!! The fans get louder, sensing what the chop block is setting up … with Kurt selling the knee, holding it tightly, as Flair goes to work, stomping the knee.

Angle tries to push Flair off in order to create a break, but Naitch is like a dog with a bone, and drags Angle up, raising him in the air, using the leg … SHIN BREAKER!!!!! Angle slams the mat in agony, as Flair grabs the leg, dropping an elbow to the point of the knee … getting back up, dropping another knee, with Angle unable to shake him off!!! Flair butchers the leg with his elbows to the knee, and yanks on it … holding on, before looking out at the fans for approval… getting wild cheers …

As Flair turns over, hooking Angles legs … AND APPLIES THE FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!!!!!! Flair goes right to the classic playbook, bringing out the biggest weapon in his arsenal, with Angle immediately groaning in agony, covering his face to hide the pain!!! J.R sells the Figure Four; FLAIRS figure four, saying no one has ever perfected the move like Flair, and reels off the list of names Naitch has beaten with it, asking the question; “WILL KURT ANGLE BE ADDED TO THAT VERY LIST???”

Flair leans back into the move, shouting for Angle to tap … but Angle wont go down - at least not yet. Styles reminds everyone of Angles last two WrestleManias ending in submission losses to Bret Hart and The Undertaker, asking if Kurt is destined to repeat history again … just as Angle sits up, and tries to turn over the pressure on Flair … but the master of the figure four wont allow it!!! Flair stops the momentum switch, as Angle falls back down, with the count coming…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

………NO………
!!!!!!

Angle sits up to break the count, nearly losing the match, with J.R selling the shit out of the submission, talking about the pain that is moving through Angles body at this point, and questioning how much more of this he can take from Flair … with Angle now desperate to escape, trying to get to the ropes to force a break …



… Angle reaches out, hoping he can stretch to the ropes …



…… BUT CANT ……
!!!!!

The Wrestling Machine pounds the mat, trying to fire himself up to make the ropes, as Flair yells at him to tap. Angle sucks it up, and looks to reach for the ropes again … but Flair himself USES THE ROPES FOR LEVERAGE!!!!! Ric pulls on the ropes whilst the referee is busy watching to see if Angle can grab the ropes himself!!!!! Flair uses the ropes for as long as he can, letting go before he can get caught by Charles Robinson!!!!

The pain is piling on for Angle, but Kurt still wont give in!!! The ropes are still too far away … meaning Angle has to try again to turn the hold over, but Flair looks to be holding strong, as the noise grows louder inside the stadium. Flair, sitting up, yells at Kurt to ‘TAP OUT!!! TAP OUT ANGLE!!! C’MON!!!’ … BUT ANGLE WONT!!!!! The Olympian defiantly shakes his head in refusal, and sits up himself …



……… BEGINS TO TURN FLAIR OVER ………



…………… AND DOES ……………



… PUTTING THE PRESSURE ON FLAIR NOW INSTEAD …
!!!!!

The figure four is turned over, with all the pressure on FLAIR now, with Naitch now feeling the pain, wincing, groaning in agony … and pushes up … yelling out, as J.R bellows from commentary “HAS RIC FLAIR STILL GOT THE FIGHT!!??” … as we see Naitch pushing forward … and reaches out … GRATEFULLY GRABBING THE ROPES!!!!! And J.R answers his own question, with a defiant; “YES HE DOES!!!!!”

Flair holds the ropes for dear life, with a look of relief as the hold is broken by Angle, with Flair slowly pulling himself to his feet by the ropes - looking spent; like all his energy went into that Figure Four … and as he peels off the ropes, ANGLE MEETS HIM WITH A DROP TOE HOLD … GRABBING THE LEG … ANKLELOCK IS APPLIED-

NO!!!!!!!

FLAIR TURNS OVER … SHOCKING ANGLE WITH A CRADLE!!!!!!!!!!


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……ANGLE KICKS OUT……
!!!!!!!!

Flair nearly got it again, but Angle escapes the cradle. Both men get to their feet, but Angle is the quicker, with Flair looking a spent force still, despite the quick thinking cradle … and Angle shoots in from behind … ANGLE SLAM … NO!!!!! Flair lands behind on his feet, but instantly backs up …

AND BEGS OFF!!!!!

The Nature Boy backs off into the corner, begging off Angle, telling him he wants it to stop, buying himself time as even though Kurt isn’t buying the act, he’s giving Flair a moment to recover. Angle is heard on camera; “TOO LATE TO BACK OFF NOW RIC!!” … but as Angle walks him down, FLAIR POKES THE EYES OF ANGLE!!!!! Flair follows up, taking advantage with a roll up on Angle … AND HAS A HANDFUL OF TIGHTS!!!!!


…………1…………

………………………………2………………………………

……………ANGLE KICKS OUT……………
!!!!!!!!

Flair STILL cant keep Angle down!! Despite his best efforts; every trick in his encyclopaedia, Flair hasn’t been able to do enough to keep Angle down!!! They both get to their feet, with Flair swinging a wild attempt at a chop that misses, and this time hooks Flair up … AND SCORES WITH THE ANGLE SLAM TO THE NATURE BOY!!!! He hooks the leg…


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……FLAIR KICKS OUT……
!!!!!!!!

Angle sits up instantly in shock, and the fans are stunned too!!! Hands on his head, Angle gets into a discussion with the official about the count, eventually holding up three fingers, convinced the count should’ve came down. Shaking his head, Angle gets back to his feet, still stunned that Flair kicked out - much like the trio in commentary, as Styles wonders if history really is about to repeat itself for Angle after heart breaking losses in back to back WrestleManias for the American Hero.

Flair stirs, crawling to the corner in order to drag himself up, with Angle watching him intently, fury building at his inability to finish off the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots!! Flair stands up in the corner, with Angle not sparing another second; he rushes into the corner at Flair … but Flair steps out, ANGLE HIT’S THE CORNER …

THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE FROM EARLIER!!!!!

Angles chest collides with the steel buckle, knocking the wind out of him … as Flair seizes the opportunity … ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS ON KURT ANGLE!!!!! The steel buckle, the Angle Slam; has Ric Flair outsmarted Angle?? Flair makes the cover…


………1………

………………………………2………………………………

……ANGLE GETS A SHOULDER UP……
!!!!!!!!

And this time, FLAIR sits up in shock!!!! Angle kicks out of his own move, with Flair convinced he had done it on that occasion. Slowly climbing to his feet, Flair argues with Robinson, but his argument falls on deaf ears; the count was two, and two only. Head down, Flair breathes heavily, before looking up, and out at the fans, who cheer the legend wildly, with Flair puffing his cheeks, nodding at the fans … before stepping out onto the apron …

AND PROCEEDS TO CLIMB THE TURNBUCKLES!!!

“HAS HE LOST HIS MIND???” bellows Jim Ross, with Joey Styles chiming in that he cant recall a single occasion that Ric Flair going up top ended well … but it’s WrestleMania; and Flair is desperate … and desperate times call for drastic measures!!! Flair climbs, and with each turnbuckle, the roar grows louder from the fans!!! The Nature Boy gets to the top, as Angle reaches his feet too … turning around …

AS FLAIR SOARS … CATCHING ANGLE WITH THE CROSS BODY OFF THE TOP ROPE!!!!! The University of Phoenix Stadium EXPLODES as Flair FINALLY delivers with a top rope move!!! And the cover is made in the process, with the leg hooked, trapping Angle …


…………1…………
……………
………………………2………………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!!!!!

The air is sucked out of the fans after the kick out, with the majority willing on a three for the cross body … but Angle WONT stay down!!! Flair puffs his cheeks once more, and pushes himself to his feet, standing over Angle, reaching down for the leg, seemingly to apply the FIGURE FOUR again … but Angle slips free, TRIPS FLAIR … AND GRABS A HOLD OF THE ANKLE!!!!!

ANKLE LOCK APPLIED!!!!!

Flair is caught, and he is TRAPPED right in the middle of the ring, as Angle torques the joint, screaming, desperate for Flair to tap, and for Angle to banish his WrestleMania hoodoo!!! Flair covers his face, screaming in agony, not wanting to tap … and uses ALL his might to try and survive, CLAWING across the mat to try and get a rope break!!!



… He inches closer …



…… Wiggling his fingers to reach out ……



… AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROP-

NO!!!!!!!!!!

Angle drags Flair back out at the last second!!!! Kurt Angle twists the right ankle, roaring at Flair to tap out!!!!! Flairs face shows the anguish … but he wont give in - not on his LAST ever dance at WrestleMania!!! Flair wills himself on once again, as he tries to SCRATCH across the canvas to the ropes … but it’s about to get much more troublesome…



… AS ANGLE DROPS DOWN …

………

… AND APPLIES THE GRAPEVINE …
!!!!!!!!!

… Slick Ric covers his head with both hands, racked with agony, as Angle continues to contort the ankle … with the fans not sure what they want at this stage … but it’s hopeless for Flair. He’s trapped in the middle of the ring, he cant move … he cant counter. Angle refuses to relent … as Flair screams out one last time, raising his hand momentarily…



………… AND PAUSES …………

……………

… SHAKING HIS HEAD …

……………



… AND …



……… TAPS OUT ………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WINNER: KURT ANGLE @ 19:58

Jim Ross: AND FLAIR FINALLY TAPS OUT!!!

Joey Styles: And Kurt Angles WrestleMania hoodoo is finally broken!!!

Surprisingly - after his vow to put Flair into retirement - Angle releases the hold once the bell is rung!! Angle takes a step back, and hunches over, hands on his knees, taking a moment to compose himself, before standing up straight - to have his arm raised in the air for the first time in three years at WrestleMania.


The Coach: Now get back on him!! Break his ankle, Kurt!!!

Joey Styles: I think he’s had second thoughts Coach. I think he just realised he’s got what he came for tonight at WrestleMania. Kurt Angle just beat the greatest of all time at the showcase of the immortals … and he’s taken a giant leap toward staking his claim for that very same moniker!!!

Angle continues to show a look of pure relief, finally hearing his name declared as the winner at WrestleMania, whilst Ric Flair is slumped in a seated position by the ropes, eyes filling with tears. Because … Flair. Angle looks over at the Nature Boy and walks over, EXTENDING HIS HAND as he mouths; “You‘re one crazy old man.”

The Coach: Yeah!!! Lure him in Kurt!!!

Jim Ross: No. This is genuine, Coach. No tricks here.

And indeed, the offer is genuine, with Flair accepting the hand of Angle, as the victor helps Flair to his feet, with the fans on their feet for the greatest of all time, showing their appreciation for the efforts of the Naitch in a losing battle tonight.

Jim Ross: Bah Gawd, what a gesture - what a moment!!!

With tears in his eyes, Flair blows kisses to the fans, mouthing “Thank you” as he looks around at the seventy thousand plus, all showing their respect for Flair, before he turns, and gives Angle a few words too - mutual respect between the two rivals. Flair raises the hand of Angle, but it’s Angle that leaves the ring first - telling Flair to have his moment; his last ever in the ring at WrestleMania.


Joey Styles: That’s class!! Kurt Angle is giving Flair the ring. And thank god that Angle saw sense here tonight. He didn’t have to break Ric Flairs ankle for recognition. He just earned it all with that performance.

Jim Ross: This is what WrestleMania is all about!!!

Angle exit’s the ring, acknowledging a few fans as he makes his way up the aisle and onto the ramp, whilst Flair stands in the ring, soaking up the adulation from the fans, tears streaming down his face…

Joey Styles: He may have lost tonight, but Ric Flair has nothing to be ashamed of. He went toe to toe with the best in the world today in Kurt Angle. And gentlemen, I’m not even sure that Flair in his prime could’ve done any better tonight.

Jim Ross: Flair certainly rolled back the years tonight. Of that there is no doubt. And while he wont leave his last WrestleMania with his arm raised in victory, he’s still a winner in my eyes, and all these peoples eyes. And if this is the final match of Flairs illustrious career … I just want to say; Thank You, Ric. Thank you…

With that, the commentators sit out, going quiet to allow the noise of the fans be heard, in their appreciation for Flair, with Ric still crying, thanking them for their love … before the camera fades out…



And backstage, a large group of superstars and divas are shown clapping, after watching the match on the monitors, all showing their respect for Flair and indeed Angle … all except one man …

JOHN CENA.

The World Heavyweight Champion walks right in front of the group, scoffing at their clapping for the Nature Boy and Angle, muttering…

John Cena: And you people wonder why you’re sat here watching the show instead of being part of it…

Cena walks by - but is stopped as he proceeds, by HALL OF FAMER ROWDY RODDY PIPER and the fans cheer in the background. Cena and Piper stare through one another for a moment.

John Cena: Problem??


Piper guffaws, and rubs his chin, offering a nod.


Roddy Piper: Y’know … there’s a reason why Ric Flair got a standing ovation two nights in a row. Even I got a standing ovation last night. And I’m a no good scoundrel.

John Cena: And??

Piper continues to smile…

Roddy Piper: It’s called respect. You’ll be in the Hall of Fame one day. No doubt about it. But you’ll never have THAT.

Piper points to the monitor, showing Flair as he is leaving the arena, thanking the fans, and he points to the superstars all together watching Flair.

Roddy Piper: All you’ll have is disdain. And, y’know … I hope ya can live with that.

Cena looks around, looking at the two dozen men and women in the area, then back at Piper…

John Cena: You got your standing ovation last night. But did you ever have this??

Cena lifts the title belt off his shoulder… Piper looks at it, sniffs, and shakes his head.

John Cena: That’s right. But then again, you got a bunch of losers that stood and clapped for ya…

Piper looks angry, with Cena fixing the lapels on Pipers jacket, patting his tie.

John Cena: Respect?? Tried that. It’s overrated. I’ll take this over that.

Cena pats the belt, then points behind him as he delivers the last line … then brushes past the Hall of Famer, continuing on…



 


There wont be any time to catch breath between main event matches; and the fans explode for the graphic for The Game and Kennedy…

Jim Ross: And we’re just moments away from one of the most personal matches in WWE history. Maybe, maybe … the MOST personal match in WrestleMania history.


Joey Styles: There was a huge show of respect after Kurt Angle defeated Ric Flair moments ago after a heated run in to WrestleMania. I think it’s fair to assume that the same isn’t about to happen at the end of this one.

The Coach: Triple H has been M.I.A - he’s been retired for six months!! He would’ve remained retired if it wasn’t for the actions of Mister Kennedy … but with no rules, nothing to stop Kennedy … he might just take the decision out of The Games hands tonight.

Joey Styles: Triple H has been seemingly a step behind Kennedy for weeks since this match was made. Will he regret his decision - his instinctive decision - to come back here tonight at WrestleMania??

Jim Ross: The Game has been involved in multiple championship matches at WrestleMania. He’s walked out as THE MAN more than once, in some of the biggest matches in WrestleMania history … but never has it been as personal as this. Never, have it meant more to The Game. This isn’t about titles, this isn’t about respect - it’s personal; DAMN personal…



***
TRIPLE H | MR. KENNEDY

The video opens up last September, when Stephanie appeared to Raw to discuss her husbands future…

Stephanie McMahon: As we speak, Triple H is at home convalescing … this is the second time just this year that he’s had to spend time in hospital…

Clips of Triple H getting battered by Christian inside Hell in a Cell at Backlash, and then taking a beating from Brock Lesnar at Summerslam.

Stephanie McMahon: First time, six days, second time ten days … how long will the third time be?? I don’t want to know the answer. I don’t want to have to find out. He still lives and breathes this business … but we’ve come to the agreement that it’s best … that he calls time on his career. And while he couldn’t be here tonight to deliver the message himself, he wanted to thank-

**KENNEDY**

An untimely interruption from Mr. Kennedy, as the screams of Stephanie are blared…

Stephanie McMahon: HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME. YOU‘RE A SCUMBAG. YOU SHOULDN’T BE OUT HERE!!!

The grinning, smirking Kennedy, interspersed with clips of him coming up, and Triple H at the same time on a much bigger level…

Mr. Kennedy: All I want to do is pay my respect… I’ve used your husband as an inspiration for many years … and it was always an ambition of mine to replace The Game… It’s a shame he’s stepped away now … because I would’ve loved to be the man that put Triple H down…

More clips, now of Kennedy being crowned King of the Ring in 2006, holding the Intercontinental Title, and Triple H still atop the mountain, but decisively losing to Cena, Christian and Lesnar…

Mr. Kennedy: And as emasculating as it must be for your dear husband to call time on his storied career because he cant cut the mustard anymore … how much of a turn off is it for you, knowing he isn’t the man he once was… And secretly, how much of a turn on is it for you, now that Hunter is gonna be playing house husband, that you can have your pick over any of the younger, stronger, tougher MEN that are in the back right now-

~ SLAP!!!!!

Stephanie slaps Kennedy, and storms off … but Kennedy has a grin etched on his face.

Then, three months late on the December 10 Raw, over clips of Mr. Kennedy creating chaos at a charity event, attacking Shane McMahon, along with shots of the in ring confrontation between Kennedy and Stephanie…

Stephanie McMahon: Just what the hell were you trying to accomplish?? You show up in Connecticut to assault my brother, Shane -- at a WWE charity event, no less. Have you ANY decency?? ANY morals??
Mister Kennedy: GAWD!!! Steph - I just love it when you’re angry. Seeing you get all pent up, frazzled, veins pumping, passion in your eyes?? Ohh, oh it gives me a real special kinda feeling.

Kennedy shivers, then winks at Steph as if she should know what he’s getting at.

AND SHE SLAPS HIM!!!!!

AGAIN!!!!

Mister Kennedy: That’s twice now. If … IF there’s a third time … I don’t care what your last name is, what job you hold, who you’re married to or whether you stand or sit to go to the toilet … I’ll put you in the ground…

Flashing shot of Kennedy crowding Stephanies personal space … before playing a series of shots of Kennedy attacking Shane at the Charity event, the hardcore match at Raw XV, using the Pedigree to beat Shane that night, and his savage attack on Kevin Nash…

Mister Kennedy: But while I’m smiling on the outside … on the inside?? Ohhh … inside, I’m a sick little pup … I’m not limited by these four walls. I don’t give myself restrictions on where I conduct my business …

Shots of a concerned looking Stephanie, at the charity event, seeing Shane wheeled out of the arena at Raw XV, and coming to stop the attack on Kevin Nash last month…

Mister Kennedy: So think about that when you’re out shopping for expensive jewellery, when you’re doing your groceries … when you and your husband are strolling hand and hand … in the back of your mind … always be knowing … I’m never too far away.

Kennedy brandishes the weapon swinging wildly as they rush out of the ring, then turns back his attention to Nash… And finds STEPHANIE now crouched down, protecting the bloodied up legend, with a hand up, begging Kennedy to stop … but Kennedy shakes his head, and looks set to nail Stephanie with the hammer …

Jim Ross: DON’T YOU DO IT!!! DON’T YOU DARE!!!

But instead, he drags Stephanie to her feet - AND FORCES HIMSELF ONTO HER WITH A KISS ON HER LIPS - with Stephanie trying to push him off - before shoving her away.

Jim Ross: THAT’S A MARRIED WOMAN YOU SICK SON OF A BITCH!!!

Kennedy laughs, whilst Stephanie looks disgusted - AND SLAPS KENNEDY ACROSS THE FACE!!!

With the slap, replays air of the previous two slaps in September and December, and the reminder from Kennedy back in December …

Mister Kennedy: If … IF there’s a third time … I’ll put you in the ground…

AND KENNEDY IMMEDIATELY - INSTINCTIVELY - RESPONDS WITH A BACK HAND OF HIS OWN TO STEPHANIE!!!!!!

Jim Ross: UGH- MY GOD!!! NO!!!

The sound of silence takes over. Officials rush to the aid of Stephanie, as melancholic music plays … whilst Kennedy is remorseless…



Cut to Jesse Ventura in the ring with Mr. Kennedy on February 25...

Jesse Ventura: You’re lucky that it’s me handling this and not a McMahon. But while I may not have the same bellow that Vince has?? The message I’m about to deliver will have the same effect … Ken Kennedy??

Ventura gets into Kennedys face …

Jesse Ventura: YOU’RE FIR-

**TIME TO PLAY THE GAME**

The Igloo SHAKES. The camera cant stay steady - it’s bedlam in the arena, with Ventura gob smacked …

… And Kennedy SMILING.

… AS TRIPLE H WALKS OUT ONTO THE STAGE … HE’S CARRYING A SLEDGEHAMMER!!!!!

The Mellon Arena is still rocking, as The Game glares from the top of the ramp, juicing the moment for all it’s worth … before he strides down the aisle!!!

Ventura tries to step in front of Kennedy, again trying to stop Triple H, shouting to him; “DON’T DO THIS - HE‘S FIRED!!!”…

But Kennedy doesn’t want to be held back, and he SHOVES Ventura out of the way, but after the shove, Triple H trips Kennedy from the outside, and drags Kennedy out of the ring …

AND SWINGS THE HAMMER ---

BUT KENNEDY DUCKS JUST IN TIME ---

--- AND THE HAMMER CRACKS OFF THE STEEL POST!!!!!

Clips then air of the brawl around ringside, over the promo from Saturday Nights Main Event…

Triple H: You fire Kennedy?? There’s no repercussion for what he did. So if you wanna punish the son of a bitch … You give him to ME.

Clips of Triple H tackling Kennedy over the announce table, elbowing security out of his way to get at Kennedy.

Triple H: Let me deal with Kennedy. Let me truly punish the bastard. Give me Kennedy, and when I’m done with him … if there’s anything left … you can fire him then - if he hasn’t already quit. ONE match … that’s all I want…

Triple H takes Kennedy down, trying to choke the life out of him … before Kennedy escapes…

Cut to Saturday Nights Main Event and Ventura in the ring with Triple H…

Jesse Ventura: You got your match.

Piped in cheers from the fans, mixed with Triple H climbing the turnbuckles in the ring, pointing to the fans, pointing to himself, doing plenty of talking, and points up at the WrestleMania logo in the rafters…

Jim Ross: IT’S ON!!! BAH GAWD IT’S ON!!! THE GAME HAS GOT HIS MATCH!!! TRIPLE H GETS KENNEDY - NO DISQUALIFICATIONS AT WRESTLE MANIA!!!!

Series of shots of Triple H and Kennedy trading blows…

Joey Styles: Has there ever been a bigger powder keg of a match at a WrestleMania?? Has it EVER been as personal as it will be in Phoenix on March 30 when The Game locks horns with Kennedy??

Clips of Kennedy attacking Shane, bludgeoning Nash with a hammer … and the slap to Stephanie.

The Coach: This is what Kennedy asked for, what Kennedy HOUNDED The McMahon family for - and he’s got what he wanted too. He manipulated this whole thing to PERFECTION!!!

Cut to Kennedy from Raw on March 24; sat in a studio… sprinkled in with Kennedy cleverly outsmarting The Game on March 17, and busting Triple H up…

Mister Kennedy: Let’s face it … I’ve been ahead of the game from day one. I’ve played The Game like a harp, and I’ve manipulated Triple H every … step … of the way.

Shots of Kennedy and Triple H briefly crossing paths in July on Raw, and backstage at Summerslam, along with more shots of the beat down on March 17…

Mister Kennedy: He wanted to step into the shadows and slip off into retirement. But I didn’t want that … not then. Not yet. So I forced him to come back. I picked on EVERY weakness Triple H has, and I used it to my advantage…

Replays of Kennedy attacking Shane at the charity event … bloodying Nash … the kiss to Stephanie … and the slap heard all around the world.

Mister Kennedy: I victimized your family, I crippled your friend, I questioned your man hood, I took liberties with your WIFE … I put …

Repeated shots of the kiss and the slap…

Mister Kennedy: My hands on the mother of your children…

Clips of Kennedy in action, taking the fight to Cena, Christian, Mysterio and Angle over the last year … with shots of Triple H over the years with many of his grand entrances, and his ten title runs sprinkled in…

Mister Kennedy: Yet … I don’t think anyone ever asked … why?? Why do I want a piece of Triple H so bad?? There’s no big scheme going on. It’s all really, really simple …I WANT YOUR SPOT!!!!!

Kennedy nails Triple H with the sledgehammer, to the gut … then the skull … before dismissing Triple H with the swipe of his boot.

Mister Kennedy: I’ve been one step ahead of you every step of the way, Hunter. This “Game” is much easier than I thought. I’m ending this GAME on Sunday … I’m ending YOU at WrestleMania…

Cut to clips of Triple H in action; multiple sledgehammer shots to the likes of Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Christian … Triple H raises the sledgehammer in the air…

Triple H: There’s no more games. There’s no more cat and mouse. On Sunday, you’re trapped, in a ring, with me. And you’re gonna pay.

One more reminder of the pain and anguish Kennedy has caused the McMahon family in recent months over the next words from Triple H; standing over Stephanie … attacking The Game … blasting Shane with a chair … and the slap to Stephanie.

Triple H: You’re gonna pay for the pain and the anguish you’ve given my wife, my children, my family. You’re gonna pay for every shot you’ve taken at me … you’re gonna pay for putting my brother-in-law in a hospital … and you can bet your sorry ass you’re gonna pay for putting your hands on my wife.

Various shots of Triple H down the years… various Pedigrees, high knees, clotheslines … and taking a barbed wire 2x4 to Cactus Jack, bashing The Rock against a steel cage, delivering a Pedigree to Chris Jericho at the top of the Hell in the Cell structure.

Jim Ross: THE GAME IS COMIN TO FIGHT!!!!
Jerry Lawler: HE’S THAT DAMN GOOD!!!
Jim Ross: The cerebral assassin strikes - again!!!

Before finishing up on slow motion shots of Kennedy planting a kiss on Stephanie, slapping the pregnant wife of The Game … and Triple H being pummelled on March 17 by Kennedy …

Triple H: PAYBACK IS A BITCH … AND AT WRESTLEMANIA, I’M GONNA MAKE YOU MINE!!!!

END PACKAGE
***



Back into the arena…

**TIME TO PLAY THE GAME**

Unlike previous years, there’s no elaborate entrance for The King of Kings. No thrones, no live performance of his theme … it’s a stripped down, no frills walk out for The Game, as the fans erupt once TRIPLE H walks out through the curtain.

Howard Finkel: The following contest, is a NOOO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH, Introducing first, from Greenwich, Connecticut, weighing 272 pounds … THE GAME … TRRRRRRRIPLE AITCH!!!!!

Stopping at the top of the ramp … Triple H takes a drink, bowing his head … before spitting his water, and walks with a purpose down the ramp and the aisle…

Joey Styles: After seven months in exile, THE GAME is back!!! When he retired in August after the beating he suffered at Summerslam at the hands of Brock Lesnar, I don’t think I was alone in thinking that would be it. But fate his forced The Games hand …

Joey Styles: …And while anyone can scoff at retirements in this business, I don’t think anyone can blame Triple H for coming back after the actions of Mister Kennedy. I think anyone in the same position would do the same.

The Coach: And that’s what Mister Kennedy was counting on. Triple H retired for a reason, guys. The heart may be willing; but we’re gonna find out that his body is not. The Game has been replaced. There’s a new Cerebral Assassin in town, and his name is KENNEDY!!! And he’s proven it time and time again over the last few months.

Triple H makes his way onto the ring apron, standing for a few seconds, looking out over the fans, before exploding with another gust of water. He then spits again, and climbs into the ring, proceeding onto the ropes…

Jim Ross: You can say what you want Coach, but perhaps Mister Kennedy has bitten off more than he can chew. He wants to replace The Game, but maybe, he’s unleashed a side in Triple H that no one has ever seen before - and something Kennedy hasn’t expected. And tonight, here at WrestleMania he might just get it.

Joey Styles: …And Kennedy better be expecting a backlash of epic proportions after the stunts he’s pulled these last few months. He put his hands on the mother of Triple H’s children. There’s no disqualifications here, no rules - Triple H will be hunting for revenge, and Kennedy might just pay a heavy, heavy price…

The music dies down, and The Game paces the ring, back and forth, like a coiled spring … waiting for his rival to get out here … as the fans pick up in voice during the wait;

“… TRIPLE H … TRIPLE H … TRIPLE H … TRIPLE H … TRIPLE H …”







“KENNEDY…”
**TURN UP THE TREBLE**


And striding out confidently - brashly - the 2006 King of the Ring, MISTER KENNEDY smacks his gum around his mouth as he walks down the ramp for his biggest moment on the grandest stage…


BUT TRIPLE H ISNT WAITING FOR HIM!!!!!

Jim Ross: TRIPLE H!!! HE ISNT WAITING FOR KENNEDY - HE’S COMING FOR KENNEDY!!!!

Joey Styles: He said on Smackdown on Friday, no more running - no more cat and mouse - it’s time to find out what Kennedy has!!!!

The Coach: KENNEDY AINT RUNNING!!!!

Finkel doesn’t even get to introduce Kennedy, as Triple H charges toward Kennedy … and Kennedy comes to meet him!!!


Joey Styles: AND HERE WE GO!!!!

The stadium erupts as Triple H and Mr. Kennedy come to blows on the aisle, trading shots - vicious, hate fuelled punches, and it’s the passion of The Game that wins through, overwhelming Kennedy!!!

Jim Ross: TRIPLE H!!! THE FURY - THE ANGER!!!

Joey Styles: Is Kennedy beginning to regret what he’s done???

The Game knocks Kennedy down, and drops down, hammering Kennedy, pounding him on the aisle, slamming his head off the ground, before being pushed off by his opponent, who stumbles to his feet, stopping Triple H with a kick to the gut as he comes at him again.

The Coach: Alright - let’s settle down, Kenny. Let’s get to work.

Creating some space, Kennedy stumbles toward the ring, but Triple H rushes behind him, knocking Kennedy back down with a stiff clothesline to the back of the head!!!!!

Jim Ross: THE GAME IS A MAN POSSESSED HERE!!!

Joey Styles: Kennedy has unleashed a monster!!!

The fans pop, as Triple H collects himself, stalking Kennedy as he pulls himself to his feet, and TOSSES KENNEDY INTO THE STEPS!!!!!

The Coach: This isn’t right!!! The match hasn’t even started!!! Get it in the ring, ref!!!

Joey Styles: This match may NEVER start at this rate!!! Triple H isn’t here for a match - he’s here for a fight!!!

Triple H pulls Kennedy back up, slamming his head off the steel steps, and again, before dragging him to his feet, and sends Kennedy into the ringpost with a blistering hard Irish Whip!!!!!

Joey Styles: GOOD GAWD - THAT MOVED THE RING!!!!!

Kennedy drops to his knees, dazed by the shot into the post, and tries to shake the cobwebs loose … WHILST TRIPLE H PICKS UP A STEEL CHAIR AT RINGSIDE!!!!!

The Coach: No!!! Somebody stop this madman!!! He’s possessed!!!

Jim Ross: My gawd - The Game has some evil intentions here tonight!!!

Joey Styles: And it’s all Kennedy’s doing!!!

Triple H comes after the Juggernaut with the chair, and doesn’t play to the fans, doesn’t tease the shot or even think about it … HE SWINGS THE CHAIR AT KENNEDY BY THE POST … BUT KENNEDY DUCKS, AND THE CHAIR RATTLES THE POST!!!!!

Jim Ross: THAT WOULD’VE TOOK KENNEDYS HEAD OFF!!!

The Coach: Thank God he ducked!!!

The ricochet stops Triple H in his tracks, and he drops the chair, turning around - RIGHT INTO A DOUBLE LEG TACKLE FROM KENNEDY!!!!! And now, Kennedy proceeds to lay it in on The Game, pounding HIM on the ground.

The Coach: Now we’re seeing it!!! Now we’re seeing Kennedy!!! Triple H came out here with a burst of adrenaline - but it’s worn off now!!! He couldn’t keep that pace up - no way. Get him Kennedy!!!

Kennedy stands up, and stomps the face of The Game, affording himself a momentary smirk, then spits his gum down at Triple H, before picking him up, and rolling him into the ring, following inside.

Jim Ross: Finally, they’re in the ring, and this FIGHT can officially begin!!!

The Coach: This isn’t gonna be a fight; it’s gonna be a beating!!!

And the bell finally rings - the match is OFFICIALLY underway!!!!!

~ NO DISQUALIFICATIONS ~
Triple H vs. Mister Kennedy
Kennedy is inside, and attempts a clothesline, but Triple H ducks under, coming back off the ropes - RUNNING HIGH KNEE TO KENNEDY!!!!! Kennedy retreats to the corner, with The Game refusing to give him even a second to catch his breath, and peppers him with a barrage of right hands in the corner, then drags him out, throwing Kennedy through the ropes - back out of the ring again, and follows out.

Triple H drops down off the apron, but as he does, Kennedy connects with a dropkick to the knee!!! Triple H drops to one knee, with Kennedy following up by hitting a bicycle kick. Kennedy stomps Triple H down, before pulling him back to his feet, sending him into the barrier at ringside!! Kennedy then rushes in at The Game, but Triple H steps forward … AND CATCHES THE INCOMING KENNEDY … HIP TOSS INTO THE BARRIER!!!!!

Kennedys back and the back of his head slam into the barrier off the hip toss, and the fans pop for the unusual spot, with Triple H again not wasting any time posturing or posing … he follows up almost instantly, sending his foe over the barrier with a thunderous clothesline!!!!! The Game - showing his fury - pushes Scott Armstrong aside and moves the timekeeper away, as he picks up a steel chair, before climbing over the barrier to follow Kennedy into the crowd.

Security move fans aside, as Triple H stalks the crawling Kennedy, before WELTING the chair across the back of the 2006 King of the Ring, once, twice, three times, four times - FIVE consecutive chair shots to the back of the Mister Kennedy!!! All the while, Kennedy tries to crawl away - unsuccessfully - taking each shot with all of The Games fury!!!

Triple H then grabs Kennedy by the hair, pulling him to his knees, and sets the top of the chair on Kennedys throat - and slams his face down toward the ground - slamming the chair into his throat!!! Kennedy chokes wildly upon impact, rolling around on the ground, kicking his legs as he clutches his throat … but Triple H shows no compassion, slamming the chair down on the body of his fierce rival.

Kennedy tries to crawl away, but The Game stops him, holding him by the legs, and stomps Kennedy right to the groin!!! Triple H follows up, moving a few fans aside, before dropping a knee on Kennedy on the floor. Picking Kennedy up, Triple H tosses him back over the barrier, and climbs back over himself, as he stalks Kennedy, watching him stumble, before grabbing him by the tights and tossing Kennedy right across the Spanish Announce Table!!!!!

There’s all kinds of commotion as Kennedy is flung across the table, and he flies into the Spanish announcers, and landing on the floor, with Triple H proceeding to throw the cover off the table, and throwing the monitors out too - getting the table ready for something nasty, with the fans coming alive for a potential table spot!!

The Game walks around, pushing Hugo and Carlos away, as he stalks down Kennedy, and drags Kennedy up … BUT KENNEDY BLASTS HUNTER WITH A MICROPHONE!!! The mic shot dazes The Game, and he takes a stumble, with Kennedy following up, nailing him a second time. Triple H staggers away from the announce position, and Kennedy picks up a chair, coming after The Game now, spinning him around, nailing him with the chair - jabbing it into the gut, and gives The Game a receipt for earlier; slamming the chair off the back of Triple H!!!

Kennedy tosses the chair into the ring, and rolls Triple H inside too, climbing in behind, where he stomps a mudhole into The Game - and with No Disqualifications, there’s nothing Scott Armstrong can do about it!!!

Relentlessly, Kennedy stomps into the chest and face of Triple H in the corner, with The Game unable to do anything to stop it or even cover up!!! Kennedy finally stops after nearly wearing his boots out on Triple H’s body, and immediately takes off, running off the ropes, darting back at the seated Game in the corner - FACEWASH TO TRIPLE H!!!

Kennedys boot is driven through the face of Triple H, and he keeps it there as he leans over the ropes, with a sly smirk on his face, eating up the boos from the fans. On commentary, Joey Styles questions if perhaps The Game’s hot start was merely thanks to adrenaline and now we’re seeing all that he has left - and The Coach is quick to agree, saying The Game should’ve never came back.

Meanwhile, Kennedy runs back against the ropes again … and at The Game … DRIVING HIS BOOT THROUGH HIS FACE AGAIN WITH A SECOND FACEWASH!!!!! Once again, he leans over the ropes after impact, and gets in the face of the camera, yelling out; “I LIKED THAT SO MUCH, I THINK I‘LL DO IT AGAIN!!!”

And that’s exactly what he proceeds to do, hitting the ropes, rebounding back … AND SCORES WITH A THIRD FACEWASH TO THE DEFENCELESS TRIPLE H!!!!! The Game is lifeless in the corner, as J.R cant help but comment that it looks like Kennedy survived the early onslaught and now has taken full control, giving The Game little hope. Kennedy is enjoying the moment, taking his time, walking around the ring, waving off into the direction of Triple H - as if to say, “forget about it”.

Kennedy drops down, and rolls out of the ring, throwing the apron up, and reaching under to pull out a KENDO STICK from under the ring. He plays with it for a few moments as he gets back into the ring, as he watches Triple H crawling out of the corner, dragging himself up by the ropes - when Kennedy strikes, cracking the weapon across the back of Triple H; over and over and over and over - easily a dozen frantic whips of the kendo stick to the back!!!!!

The Game slumps on the ropes after the impact of the Kendo stick shots, then drops down, with Kennedy following in, placing the stick across the throat at the middle ropes, and drives his knee into the back of The Game, choking the former ten times world champion!!!! Kennedy laughs as he chokes The Game, mocking him; “WHO‘S THE BITCH NOW, GAME??”

Kennedy releases the choke, and begins to hold the kendo stick like a baseball bat, lining up a shot as The Game crawls away from the ropes … sitting on his knees … AND KENNEDY CRACKS THE KENDO STICK OFF THE SKULL OF TRIPLE H!!!!! Still not satisfied, Kennedy winds up once more - again using the kendo stick like a baseball bat - AND SCORES A HOME RUN AGAIN ON HUNTERS FACE!!!!!

Kennedy throws the Kendo Stick down, and puts Triple H down with a bicycle kick!! He gets right back up, and kicks the stick away, yelling out; “I‘M SICK OF THAT TOY…”, before rolling out of the ring, and displaces the steel steps, pushing the top step off, and drags the bottom step away, picking it up - with some difficulty - and slides it into the ring. Again, with some difficulty, he picks the steps up … AND DRIVES THEM INTO THE FACE OF TRIPLE H AS HE REACHES HIS FEET!!!!!

It’s a one sided beating at this point, with Kennedy putting the steps down, setting them in the middle of the ring, with something in mind. Kennedy drags his opponent to his feet, standing Triple H up … and takes off, hitting the ropes, charging back at The Game … BUT THE GAME EXPLODES … CATCHING KENNEDY … USING HIS MOMENTUM AGAINST HIM … AND DELIVERS A SPINEBUSTER ONTO THE STEPS!!!!!

The Game cuts Kennedys momentum in one swift movement!!! Kennedy contorts his back upon impact, opening his mouth and groaning in agony, as Triple H takes a few moments to recover, having taken a pretty big beating for a sustained period. Both men remain down for a few moments, allowing the fans to reset - with J.R stating that the first man to his feet will have a massive advantage.

Both men sell the effects of what they’ve been through; the sustained beating Hunter had to take, whilst Kennedy is still feeling the effects of the spine buster. The Game though, is the first to his feet, and as Kennedy peels himself off the ropes, Triple H meets him, striking first with a kick to the gut, forcing Kennedy to double over. The Game bounces off the ropes, coming back; FACEBUSTER to Kennedy … followed by a reverse neck breaker!!!

Triple H puts Kennedy down in the ring, and proceeds to step onto the apron, dropping down, and looks under the apron, getting something … but takes a look around the stadium first … BEFORE BRANDISHING A 2X4 … WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE!!! Holding the iconic weapon high above his head, the fans explode; such is their thirst for blood. As The Game climbs back onto the apron, J.R is quick to remind the fans of the history Trips has with the fabled 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire.

The Game steps back in through the ropes sizing up the unaware Kennedy, and looks to take the flesh off his face - charging at the 2006 King of the Ring with the barbed wire weapon - BUT KENNEDY MOVES AWAY JUST IN TIME BEFORE IMPACT CAN BE MADE … And Triple H’s momentum carries him through to the ropes, and as he hit’s the ropes, he loses grip of the weapon, dropping it down from his grasp.

Boos ring out for the near miss - savages. Triple H turns back around, but is able to block a shot from Kennedy, and tees off one of his own, and follows up with a ferocious clothesline!!! The Game takes a moment, and rubs his beard, as he eyes up the steel steps again. Taking in a big sniff, he turns his attention back to Kennedy - and has evil intentions in his eyes.

Triple H grabs Kennedy by the face, delivering a straight right hand, before dragging Kennedy to the steel steps set up near the ropes, and sets the loudmouth on them, stepping up himself - with J.R pleading from commentary for Triple H not to do something he may regret - before placing Kennedy into position … FOR A PEDIGREE … ON THE STEPS!!!!!

… BUT KENNEDY SLIPS FREE OF THE GAMES GRIP … AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!!!!!

More boos meet the avoidance of another big spot by Kennedy, with the Juggernaut breathing a sigh of relief as he walks around ringside … but the relief doesn’t last long, because The Game is on his tail!!! Triple H takes a camera off one of the cameramen, and yanks the cables out of it, rushing behind Kennedy, and NAILS the back of his rival with the heavy duty object!!!!

Kennedy drops to his knees, as Triple H raises the camera up … SMASHING IT OFF THE BACK … BREAKING THE CAMERA OVER THE BACK OF KENNEDY!!!! “Holy You Know What!!!” is the immediate reaction from Joey Styles at ringside, as The Game breaks the camera into dozens of pieces off the back of Kennedy, signifying how much he put into the shot.

Triple H shoves the official aside, as he proceeds to pick up the cable he tossed away moments ago, as Kennedy is laid flat on his face. The Game brings the thick cable, and wraps it around the neck of Kennedy, before climbing back onto the apron, and into the ring … AND PULLS ON THE CABLE LIKE A PIECE OF ROPE IN A TUG-OF-WAR!!!! Only there’s no resistance in this tug-of-war … and as Triple H pulls, Kennedy is choked viciously!!!!

Kennedy is dragged to his feet by the force of the choke, with the loudmouth desperately trying to pull the cable away. Still, Triple H pulls on the cable from inside the ring, with Kennedy dragged OFF HIS FEET, his feet dangling in the air momentarily, with The Game willing to literally CHOKE THE LIFE out of his enemy!!!!! Kennedys face is turning PURPLE - such is the pressure from the choke, as Triple H leans back, eventually losing grip - thankfully for Kennedy.

Kennedy desperately relieves the pressure from his neck and throat, unwrapping the cable from around his neck, coughing wildly, whilst Triple H climbs back to his feet, grabbing the cable again, but doesn’t have the choke this time, as Kennedy has freed himself. The Game reaches out through the ropes … grabbing Kennedy … AS KENNEDY WAFFLES THE GAME WITH THE REMAINS OF THE BROKEN CAMERA!!!

Triple H falls back into the ring, as Kennedy stumbles, and rolls back inside too, leaning back on the ropes - still feeling the effects of the choke moments ago, but pushes off, meeting The Game - who is doubled over as he gets up - hitting a running knee lift, then delivers a reverse neck breaker. Triple H is put down, but despite that, Kennedy doesn’t even CONSIDER a cover - a point made by Styles; neither man has went for one yet - they want to beat the living hell out of each other!!!!!

And Kennedy - spaghetti legged - licks his lips, still worse for wear after the choke, turns his attention to the official, shoving Scott Armstrong into the corner, and then fidgets with the referees trousers … there’s a moment of confusion inside the stadium and on commentary as to what Kennedy is doing … but it eventually becomes clear … KENNEDY IS TAKING THE BELT FROM AROUND ARMSTRONGS WAIST!!!!!

Kennedy slaps the strap off the mat, mouthing to no-one in particular; “LET‘S SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT MOTHER FUCKER” … and stands over The Game, PULLING THE BELT AROUND THE THROAT OF THE GAME … AND APPLIES THE KROSSFACE!!!!! Leaning back, Kennedy CHOKES The Game mercilessly in his submission hold, leaning back, as Triple H reaches out frantically, trying to escape the choke, looking helpless.

The 2006 King of the Ring relents after a short while though … and proceeds to WHIP The Game with it instead!!! Triple H cries out in pain, as Kennedy mercilessly straps the leather off the back, relentlessly, over and over - ignoring any calls from the official to stop. Kennedy scares Armstrong off in the end, and comes back to The Game … AND CHOKES HIM WITH THE LEATHER BELT AGAIN IN THE KROSSFACE!!!!!

Pulling back, Kennedy isn’t holding anything back, with Triple H trying to fight it, trying to escape the Krossface, crawling aimlessly as best as he can to escape, but Kennedy has the belt wrapped firmly around the neck, and the hold applied … with Triple H seemingly fading … but he tries to reverse out of it, and as he pushes over, Kennedy loses his grip of the Krossface.

Momentarily, Triple H is freed, but Kennedy gets right back on him, putting the belt around the throat - just simply choking The Game now!!!! Triple H kicks his legs in desperation … fading quickly from the choke. Kennedy leans back, tilting his head up at the top of the stadium, shouting wildly; “I‘M GONNA CHOKE YOU TO DEATH!!!” … but as he drops his head back down …

… WITH TRIPLE H GRABBING THE 2X4 … FLINGING IT BACK - NAILING KENNEDY WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!

A huge pop greets the use - the desperation use - of the 2x4, and instantly, Kennedy releases his grip, and tumbles backward, dropping to the mat, face first … giving Triple H a chance to recover and catch his breath. The cheers are loud … and they grow even LOUDER … as the camera show the face of Kennedy … THE BLOODIED FACE OF KENNEDY!!!!!!!!! The Juggernaut has been busted WIDE open by the 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire!!!!!!!

Kennedy sits up, touching the wound, then looks at his blood red hands, and puffs his cheeks, trying to recover from the shot, slowly getting back to his feet, with the blood soaking into his bleached blonde hair. Meanwhile, The Game pushes himself up - and he still has the 2x4 in his possession … and he NAILS Kennedy with the barbed wire weapon for a second time; this time it’s a cleaner, stronger - NASTIER hit, and Kennedy goes down hard!!!

Kennedy looks stunned and dazed, with MORE blood flowing from his face, and Triple H drops down RAKING the barbed wire into the face of his adversary, forcing a yell out of Kennedy, who tries to fight Triple H off. The Game tosses the weapon aside … and then proceeds to POUND the wound, looking to open it up further!!! It’s vicious and merciless from Triple H, as he looks to make Kennedy pay the price for his actions over the last six months.

Triple H stands back up, bouncing off the ropes, and drops a knee on the BLOODY face of Kennedy!!! Getting right back up, Triple H isn’t set to show any mercy, as he reaches for the 2x4 AGAIN … and with some cerebral idea in mind, takes it to the corner, setting it at the middle turnbuckle, before turning his attention back to the bloodied Kennedy. The Game drags Kennedy up, backing him into the corner with a trifecta of straight right hands … then sends him across the ring to the opposite corner …

… WHERE KENNEDY COLLIDES BACK FIRST WITH THE 2X4 WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE!!!

Kennedy bounces out of the corner, contorting his pain and wincing in pain … walking right into a kick to the gut …

AND A DDT ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!!!!!!!!!!

Mister Kennedy gets dropped on the steel steps, but for The Game … it’s not enough. He stands back up, shaking his head boldly, and wags his finger to let the fans know; This isn’t done yet. Joey Styles puts over the PUNISHMENT being dealt out by Triple H, and wonders just how much more damage Kennedy can take at this point, whilst J.R sells the amount of blood Kennedy has lost in such a short space of time.

The University of Phoenix stadium is chanting the name of Triple H, as The Game takes his time, standing on the step, dragging up the lifeless body of Kennedy up - to his mid section … and grasps his arms into position … FOR A PEDIGREE … ON THE STEPS!!!!! Taking his time, Triple H makes a cut throat gesture with one arm, and then The Game hooks Kennedy up, but takes a split second too long…

… AS KENNEDY BACK BODY DROPS OUT OF TROUBLE … SENDING TRIPLE H OVER THE TOP ROPE … AND OUTSIDE TO THE FLOOR BELOW WITH A THUD!!!!

Spent, Kennedy immediately falls back down to his knees, selling the blood loss he has suffered, as The Game writhes on the floor outside. In the ring, Kennedy clenches his fists, pounding the mat, and pushes his bloody head off the mat to push himself up!!! Grabbing the ropes, Kennedy rises to his feet - unsteadily … but to quite a pop - mixed with boos, getting his own respect from a section of the fans for battling on.

Hitting a second wind, Kennedy wipes the blood from his face, and mouths something that isn’t caught on camera, before climbing through the ropes, dropping to the floor, where he picks up the monitor tossed away earlier when he was thrown over the Spanish announce table. Kennedy sets himself, lurching by the ring post, lying in wait as Hunter pulls himself to his feet … THEN SPINS HIM AROUND … AND BLASTS THE GAME WITH THE MONITOR!!!!!!!

Kennedy - fired up - throws the monitor down on the floor after impact, and charges to the Spanish announce table again, clearing the way, before coming back for Triple H … WHO HAS BEEN BUSTED OPEN TOO!!!! The BLOOD trickles down the face of Triple H - by no means as much as Kennedy - with the Juggernaut stomping the face to try and open the wound, before dragging The Game up, bringing him to the announce desks, and he BOUNCES The Games face off the main announce table.

Mister Kennedy pushes Carlos and Hugo out of the way, and comes to drag The Game, rolling him onto the Spanish announce table. J.R randomly mentions; “Where did my jar go?”, as Kennedy steps up onto the table, bringing Triple H to his feet, grabbing him by the face, talking trash … and proceeds to set up for the MIC CHECK … BUT THE GAME CRACKS - LITERALLY - CRACKS A GLASS JAR OVER THE HEAD OF KENNEDY!!!!!

Glass shatters EVERYWHERE as J.R erupts, before he surmises the whereabouts of his missing jar. Kennedy doubles over, holding his face, with pieces of glass stuck all over his bloody cranium … and that allows The Game to follow up … AND HOOKS KENNEDY INTO POSITION … WITH NO TIME WASTING … AND NO COUNTERS …

PEDIGREE TO KENNEDY … THROUGH THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!!!

“HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT … HO-LY SHIT”

!!!!!!!!!!

It’s pandemonium inside Cardinals Stadium, as the broken bodies of Triple H and Mister Kennedy are strewn across the remains of the Spanish announce table!!! J.R suggests that somebody stops the match before these two kill each other, suggesting that neither man will ever be content to finish the match and go for a pin fall. The Game and Kennedy both stay down as the chants continue … whilst Coach calls for help, saying neither man has moved an inch.

But as the fans begin to settle back down, Triple H begins to stir. The Game, slowly looks up, blood covered face and all, puffing his cheeks, and tries to push up, but his body gives out on him. He falls back on his face, but soon moves again, crawling to the English speaking announce table, reaching up, and using Joey Styles to pull himself to his feet.

Unsteady, Triple H reaches a vertical base, whilst a disgusted Styles comments on being covered in blood, and The Game staggers over Kennedy, prodding his lifeless body with his boot, and there’s no response from Kennedy. Trips nods, before summoning the energy to reach down and drag Kennedy from the wreckage, to the ring apron.

With all his might, The Game drags the dead weight of Kennedy from the remnants of the table, still worse for wear himself, and hauls his adversary to the ring apron. Taking a moment to catch his breath, The Game steps his foot onto the throat of Kennedy, momentarily choking the man, before stomping Kennedys face. He reaches down, and pulls Kennedy up, finally pushing him onto the apron and back into the ring.

With Kennedy in the ring, The Game drops to a knee on the outside, and searches under the ring apron … before remerging with something in his possession … INTRODUCTING THE SLEDGEHAMMER!!!!! The fans roar in approval for the hammer, with The Game staggering back, spaghetti legged, still worse for wear himself. The Game composes himself, and points to the ring, before moving back to the ring, and rolls inside.

Triple H uses the hammer to help push himself to his feet again, as Kennedy also stirs getting to his knees … when he looks up … AND SEES THE GAME STANDING OVER HIM … WITH THE SLEDGEHAMMER IN HIS POSSESSION. The noise grows louder inside the stadium, with The Game looking down at Kennedy with disdain … mouthing; “PAYBACKS A BITCH”, but Kennedy shows his defiance; AND SPITS HIS GUM AT THE GAME!!!!!

With one final act of defiance, Kennedy tells The Game to bring it on, with Triple H angered, mouthing obscenities, before stepping back, and looks to nail Kennedy … and he charges in …

…AND GETS A LOW BLOW FROM KENNEDY!!!!!

Immediately, The Game drops the hammer, and falls to his knees … with Kennedy grabbing the weapon, still on his own knees … and grabs Triple H by the hair, getting in his face; “IT‘S OVER…” … and jabs the hammer into the gut of The Game. Triple H falls to his own sledgehammer, and Kennedy tosses it aside, pushing to his feet … bringing Triple H with him … and stands him up … into position … and waits for a moment …

… BEFORE DRILLING THE GAME WITH THE MIC CHECK!!!!!!!!!!

Kennedy lies on the mat momentarily, before crawling onto The Game, making the cover, mercifully ending this war…


………1………
………
…………………2…………………

…………NO…………
!!!!!!!!!!

TRIPLE H ROLLS A SHOULDER OFF THE MAT!!!!!!!!!! Kennedy is open mouthed, blood dripping down his face; his blonde hair now an ugly blood soaked red … as he stares at the referee, then slowly shakes his head, before pointing down, nodding, wanting another count, as he this time hooks the leg tightly, believing that THAT will make the difference …


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Sitting up, Kennedy is beside himself, hands on his head, shaking his head - with blood shaking off his face profusely. He cant believe it. Wiping the blood off his face, Kennedy mutters to himself, before using the ropes to get back up, shaking his head still, as he drags the steps to the middle of the ring. The Game is still flat on the canvas, with Kennedy coming to get him, as the commentators ask out loud what is next.

Mister Kennedy pulls Triple H up, getting under his armpit to pull him to his feet, and walks backward to the corner. Taking in a big deep breath, Kennedy readies himself … before getting The Game onto his shoulders … and pushes himself up each turnbuckle … with Joey Styles making the call; “He‘s not gonna hit that Green Bay Plunge onto those steps. Please, tell me he isn’t gonna do that!!!”

But that’s what it seems like he IS going to do. Kennedy proceeds - slowly, and with caution - to climb to the top rope, with Triple H’s lifeless body on his shoulders, in position for the GREEN BAY PLUNGE!!!!! But as he pushes up from the middle turnbuckle to sit on the top turnbuckle … the camera cuts away from Kennedy in the ring, switching to the aisle…

… STEPHANIE MCMAHON-HELMSLEY!!!!!!!!!!

Stephanie, with red eyes - clearly having been crying at what she’s saw - runs down the aisle, shaking her head … and catches the eye of Mister Kennedy … who devilishly grins through his blood soaked face!!! Kennedy proceeds to stand up to deliver the ultimate finish … but Stephanie climbs into the ring, and despite Scott Armstrong trying to stop her, she pushes free, and stands in the way of Kennedy and the steps.

Pleading, Stephanie asks Kennedy to stop, telling him he’s done enough and to just stop. Kennedy is enjoying seeing Stephanie squirm, and beg for him to stop … but he tells her; “NAH!!! NOW MOVE PRINCESS!!!” But Stephanie WONT budge. Despite her condition, Stephanie is willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the Green Bay Plunge, and her stubbornness forces Kennedy to rethink.

Kennedy shakes his head, and looks pissed, as he drops The Game down, dropping down himself - to boos from the bloodthirsty fans - and instantly approaches Stephanie … WHO PROCEEDS TO SLAP THE SHIT OUT OF KENNEDY!!!!! Stephanie slaps Kennedy twice, but as she looks to slap him a third time - HE CATCHES HER ARM!!!!!

Kennedy twists the arm, bringing Stephanie to her knees, as she cries out in pain, with the Juggernaut standing over her, then grabs her hair, talking trash to her, with blood dripping from his face onto hers. J.R is beside himself, shouting to Kennedy; “DON’T YOU DARE!!! DON’T YOU ARE YOU SON OF A BITCH - THAT‘S A PREGNANT WOMAN!!!!” Kennedy drags Stephanie up to her feet, and says to her; “YOU‘LL DO INSTEAD” … but before he can raise her onto his shoulders…

TRIPLE H RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER SHOT TO THE SKULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Game DRILLS Kennedy with the Sledgehammer shot to end all sledgehammer shots!!!!! Triple H drops the hammer, and tilts his head back, breathing a sigh of relief, before embracing his stricken wife with a hug in the middle of the ring. He kisses the top of her head, and then points her to the outside, with Stephanie kissing her bloody husband before being escorted out of the ring by Scott Armstrong.

Meanwhile, The Game drags Kennedy up, bringing him to the steel steps … and for the THIRD time, he hooks up an attempt for the PEDIGREE on the steel steps. Despite the two failed attempts earlier, Triple H still takes his time - he could take all night; Kennedy is out - catching his breath, thinking for a moment about all that Kennedy has put his family through …

… THEN DROPS KENNEDY WITH A PEDIGREE ON THE STEPS!!!!!

Triple H rolls Kennedy off the steps, and slowly crawls into a cover, looking out at his relieved wife, with the count being made…


…1…
…………………
…2…
………TRIPLE H DRAGS KENNEDYS HEAD OFF THE MAT………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT?????????

Scott Armstrong remains in position, looking at Triple H, who holds Kennedys shoulders off the mat, and points to the mat, telling The Game to finish the match. The Game shakes his head, and looks at the puzzled referee, before telling him; “I said he was gonna pay. And he will.” Triple H drags Kennedys lifeless body up, setting him onto his knees, before reaching for the sledgehammer.

He looks out to Stephanie - who wonders what the hell is going on herself … with The Game telling her; “This one is for you…” … then he turns away … and proceeds to DRIVES THE SLEDGEHAMMER THROUGH THE FACE OF KENNEDY ONE … MORE … TIME!!!!! “There‘s you‘re exclamation mark!!” is the call from Joey Styles, as The Game tosses the hammer away, and drops down - lateral press …


………1………
………
……………………2……………………

…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: TRIPLE H @ 19:33
*Total Match Time {including pre-match brawl}: 21:38*

Jim Ross: AND MERCIFULLY … IT’S OVER!!

Joey Styles: A bloodbath. An unmitigated bloodbath.

Jim Ross: As God as my witness, I don’t think I’ve ever seen something as nasty as that fight we’ve just witnessed. By gawd, they’ll have to scrub that canvas. It is covered in blood.

The Game stands up, with Stephanie joining him in the ring, as husband and wife hug once more, having seen off the threat of Kennedy.


Jim Ross: And after months of harassment, weeks of anguish, days on end of torment, Triple H has gained some form of revenge, closure on Kennedy. In the end, the decision for The Game to come back has paid off…

The Coach: Thanks to his wife!! Let’s get it straight here!! Don’t be giving The Game any credit, J.R; don’t twist the story - if it wasn’t for his wife saving his ass, Triple H was getting PLUNGED through the steel steps by Kennedy, and we’d all be singing a different tune right now!!


Joey Styles: Well, none of us can deny that Stephanie played a huge part in the turnaround at the end of this … but Coach; after all that woman has been put through by Kennedy, you cant deny he deserved everything coming to him tonight.

The Coach: Then let Stephanie fight him!!

Stephanie begins to lead The Game away, wanting him to leave the ring … pulling him by the arm … but Triple H pulls up. His music dies off, as Stephanie lets go of his arm, with The Game holding up one finger, before turning back to Kennedy again!!!!!

The Coach: And now what?? Haven’t you done enough???

Jim Ross: Yeah … I don’t see the sense in this, Game. You’ve done enough…

But Triple H doesn’t seem to think so. He reaches down, dragging Kennedy up, pushing the referee aside … and looks to put an exclamation point on his victory, setting Kennedy up on the steps … AND DELIVERS ANOTHER PEDIGREE!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Ross: My Gawd!!!

Joey Styles: That’s hatred. Flat out, hatred.

Jim Ross: It has to be. The match is over. The man has been punished enough … which shows just how much Kennedy has gotten under the skin of Triple H over these last six months.

The Coach: Don’t you DARE try to condone it, J.R!!!

Jim Ross: I’m not, Coach. I’m not. He’s gone too far. The Game was pushed to the edge; and beyond. And yeah, he went too far. That right there, is a man that’s been pushed beyond breaking point.

Now, Triple H is satisfied, and he climbs out of the ring to meet his pregnant wife, with the pair walking up the aisle, hand in hand - Stephanie full of relief, and Triple H still full of fury. Back in the ring, another official has come down to help with Kennedy, as medics also pass The Game and Stephanie, coming to tend to the unconscious Kennedy in the ring…

Joey Styles: And I wonder if Kennedy will regret his actions once he comes around. Because he’s paid a heavy, heavy price tonight. He has more than felt the wrath of Triple H.

The Coach: Wrath?? All he felt, Joey, was the cold hand of collusion. The Game couldn’t get it done on his own, and his wife knew it!! What kind of a man has to be saved by his wife!!??

Jim Ross: And gentlemen, Kennedy may not have felt the full price just yet. Sure, it’ll take some time to heal those wounds he has suffered tonight … but there may be more pain to come. He may end up out of a job after tonight. Don’t forget that Commissioner Ventura was seconds away from firing the man four weeks ago - and it was only a passionate plea from The Game that saved the man his job!!!

The Coach: Don’t you think he’s suffered enough??

The doctors tend to Kennedy in the ring, waving fingers in his face, with the bloodied and battered Juggernaut coming to, but being told to stay down as the doctors look to treat him, asking him medical questions… but Kennedy shakes his head - not in the mood to answer after what he’s just been through.

Joey Styles: Somehow, Kennedy is coming around…

The Coach: Remarkably!! And he’s gonna be PISSED that he got SCREWED here tonight by the McMahons!!!

Jim Ross: I’m stunned. After the blood this man has lost, and the punishment he has taken, the blows to the skull … how is this man coming around??

Kennedy is sat up in the ring, but the doctors tell him not to get up just yet … as the camera cuts to the top of the ramp, where Triple H takes one last look back at the ring, STILL gritting his teeth, seething at the thought that Kennedy is conscious and breathing … as Stephanie has to talk him into walking away.

Jim Ross: No- please … stop that man. He’s outta control. Don’t let him back down here…

Joey Styles: I don’t like that look in the eyes of The Game…

Triple H proceeds to pull away from his wife again!!! He takes a step to walk down the ramp again … but Stephanie forcefully pulls him away, trying to make him see sense, telling him he’s done enough. Thinking momentarily … The Game spits on the ground … before giving in to his wife, and turns … walking away, through the curtain, leaving Kennedy to be treated in the ring, as a stretcher is brought into the ring…

Joey Styles: Thank God for that!!!

Jim Ross: Indeed, Triple H has seen sense here. You’ve gotta draw a line somewhere.

The Coach: Don’t talk about lines. Stephanie and Triple H crossed every single one of them here!!!

Joey Styles: But Coach … Kennedy did the exact same for months. This is karma tonight.

The Coach: Karma?? Go to hell, Styles.

Jim Ross: It may well have been karma, but it sure as hell was ugly. God knows what that fight has taken outta both men. But are we looking at Mister Kennedy for the last time in a WWE ring??…

There’s some signs of respect for Kennedy as he refuses to be loaded on the stretcher, shaking his head, before reaching for the ropes, trying to pull himself to his feet instead, not wanting to give Triple H the satisfaction in seeing him wheeled out of the arena…



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

Clips of John Cena - the OLD John Cena, happy, smiling, colourful shirts, playing to the fans…

John Cena: That guy’s gone.

Cut to Cena attacking Christian at Saturday Nights Main Event … and applying the STFU to William Regal a few weeks ago…

John Cena: And now, you all have to live with the consequences - because it’s not just Christian that forced the REAL John Cena to step outta the shadows … YOU PEOPLE asked for it too.

Shots of fans with anti-Cena signs, giving thumbs down,
John Cena: You people despised me because I had the balls to not only chase my dream - BUT SUCCEED!!! YOU DESPISED ME BECAUSE I WENT OUT AND ACHIEVED WHAT YOU COULDN’T!!!

Multiple shots of Cena winning each of his four World titles.

John Cena: Be careful what you wish for. You wanted John Cena to show his true colours?? Well, here I am. The nice guy?? He’s dead and gone.

More clips of Cena busting Christian up at Saturday Nights Main Event, and his new demeanour…
John Cena: Say hello to John Cena. The REAL John Cena … you all brought this BACKLASH on … now you gotta deal with it.

And end on a shot of a stony faced Cena…

WWE BACKLASH | APRIL 27 2008 | KANSAS CITY, MO
ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW
***



Back in the arena, MISTER KENNEDY is making his way - gingerly - up the ramp, with doctors and officials surrounding him, making sure he is okay…

Jim Ross: Well, we’ve just seen a preview video for Backlash; which is the next time the Raw brand comes to you on Pay Per View … but gentlemen, will Mister Kennedy be a part of that extravaganza next month??

Joey Styles: It’s a good question. Physically, he may not be able after what he’s been through tonight. Literally … he could most likely, be out of a job come Raw tomorrow night.

The Coach: How can you even contemplate firing this man after what he just gave here tonight?? This place would sink quicker than WCW if we let our biggest asset go!!! He deserves a new contract. And a pay rise!!!

Kennedy continues to stumble to the top of the ramp, blood still dripping, leaving a trail, with a momentary shot of officials and agents cleaning up the ring, before returning to Kennedy as he stops at the top of the ramp, leaning onto an official for a moment…

Jim Ross: I know which of those is more likely, Coach. I’ll give the man his due; he may have lost tonight, but we saw a side of Kennedy I didn’t think existed. A toughness, a fighting spirit that I didn’t think he had. But the bottom line, Coach, is this; the man assaulted a pregnant woman. And there’s no defending that.

The camera cuts away from Kennedy just as he stumbles out of view, and arrives back at the commentary position, where we see the carnage; the broken Spanish announce table, weapons strewn everywhere, and the blood soaked suit of Joey Styles.

Joey Styles: I’ve called some bloodbaths in my time down in ECW. I’ve seen just about everything. But this is the most visceral scene I’ve ever witnessed. Guys, I’m covered in the blood of Triple H. That’s a first, even for me.

Jim Ross: We knew coming into this night, that this match especially would turn ugly. I just didn’t expect it to be THIS ugly-

The Coach: Oh, it turned ugly all right. Kennedy was screwed. And I wish the two of you would quit glossing over that fact. He had The Game beat!!! Don’t deny it!!

Jim Ross: I AINT DENYING IT!!! No one is, Coach!!! But can you not see the woods for the trees, kid?? Stephanie saw her husband brutalized twice last year, she was victimized and ASSAULTED - ASSAULTED by Kennedy. She couldn’t, and wouldn’t just watch as her husband was about to be … (lost for words) … paralyzed most probably!!!

The Coach: … Yeah. Well … I still think it stinks.

Joey Styles: Well … ladies and gentlemen, I’m gonna try and get cleaned up here. We’re gonna try and get this area cleaned up, the ring … everything.



Joey Styles: And as you can see, we’re seconds away from determining the fate of the World Tag Team Championships!! And right now, let’s send it backstage to where Matt Striker is standing by with none other than the World Tag Team Champions. Matt??…



Standing by is MATT STRIKER, and he is flanked by the World Tag Team Champions, STRAIGHT EDGE; CM Punk & Greg Helms…

Matt Striker: … Thank you Joey, and yes, it is I, Matt Striker, joined at this time by the World Tag Team Champions, CM Punk and Greg Helms; Straight Edge. Gentlemen, the time is upon us; your tag team titles will be at stake in a triple threat elimination match tonight. After-

Punk cuts Striker off;

CM Punk: After months and months of hearing two other teams CLAIM to be the best in the world, we’re about to prove to them BOTH, that they’re good, they’re great … but they’re NOT the best.

Punk holds the belt off his shoulder, showing it to Striker.

CM Punk: This didn’t happen by accident. WE didn’t win these by some fluke - and we sure didn’t keep them thanks to luck. Luck is for losers - we make our own luck. And tonight, at WrestleMania?? Straight Edge will have it’s greatest moment.

Punk gives Helms and nod, before walking off. Helms nods, and has a slight smirk as he addresses Striker, probably enjoying the intensity of his partner…

Greg Helms: What he said… times two.

Helms holds up two fingers, and walks off, following his fired up partner, with Striker nodding, impressed by the intensity…

Matt Striker: Guys … it’s back to you at ringside…



Back into the arena…

Howard Finkel: The following contest is a triple threat ELIMINATION match … AND it is for the WORLD, TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!…

**WINGS OF A FALLEN ANGEL**

The stadium lights dim, until all that remains are the spotlights on the stage, and the first of the two challenging teams for the coveted World Tag Team Championships; DOUG WILLIAMS and CHRISTOPHER DANIELS make their elaborate entrance. They flip their hoods off, and the lights return, with the pair looking pumped for their first ever WrestleMania appearance.


Howard Finkel: Introducing first, weighing a combined weight of 452 pounds; Christopher Daniels, Doug Williams; THE ANGELS OF ANARCHYYYY!!!!

Jim Ross: In just seven short months, Christopher Daniels and Doug Williams have become major threats to the World Tag Team Titles. In the last two months, they looked to be on the verge of capturing those very titles, only for things to conspire against them. Is it third time lucky tonight for the Angels of Anarchy??

Joey Styles: They may have only been in the WWE for seven months, but between them, Daniels and Williams have over twenty years experience, wrestling all over the world. It’s no surprise that they’ve been as successful as they have been since their debut. If anything, they’re disappointed that they haven’t won the gold yet!!


The Coach: Well, they better get ready to be very disappointed, because they’ll be leaving WrestleMania empty handed again. Take some photos boys, this is the only time you’ll compete on this stage!!

Daniels and Williams slide into the ring, hitting the ropes, getting warmed up, and both take the chance to drink in the atmosphere in front of 70,000 plus in Phoenix.

Jim Ross: And gentlemen, lets not forget; it’s elimination rules. To lose, you have to be beaten. None of the regular triple threat rules where one party doesn’t have to be involved in the decision to lose. We’re really gonna find out who the best team is on Raw - no excuses tonight.

**PAY THE PRICE**

Side by side, CHARLIE HAAS and NICK DINSMORE walk through the curtain, and confidently stride down the aisle - it’s another night at the office for these two of the three Master Craftsmen, looking to make it a very successful night for their group after the victory for Albright in the ladder match earlier.


Howard Finkel: At a combined weight of 475 pounds, the team of Charlie Haas and Nick Dinsmore; The MAS-TER CRAFTSMEN!!!!

Joey Styles: And I gotta say, these two make one hell of a tandem. Charlie Haas has had great success in the past when he was in a tag team with Shelton Benjamin - a multiple time tag team champion. And in Nick Dinsmore he has a partner who is just as technically gifted as anyone on the roster.

The Coach: And for a long time, Dinsmore was a little bit aimless. He was a crony for Randy Orton … but since coming to Raw and joining forces with Haas and Albright, he’s been rejuvenated. And if you ask me, there’s no way these two are losing tonight. They’re the best of these three teams and they’re gonna prove it.

Jim Ross: It’s hard to deny the renaissance Nick Dinsmore’s career has had in the last few months since moving back to Raw. He’s back in the spotlight, back in a high profile spot at WrestleMania. Will he cap it off with gold tonight though?? It sure wont be the cakewalk you’re making it sound like, Coach.

Haas and Dinsmore jog up the steps, and into the ring, with referee Mickie Henson having to step in to keep them and the Angels of Anarchy apart, as some trash talk ensues.

Jim Ross: Well, these two teams are ready to go right now!! No love lost here. The Angels of Anarchy were screwed out of the gold last month at SuperBrawl by the Master Craftsmen, let’s not forget.

The Coach: Yeah, and let’s not forget the Angels of Anarchy are no saints either - they returned the favour at Saturday Nights Main Event. Two wrongs don’t make a right!!!

**MISERIA CANTARE**

The fans pop for the tune of Straight Edge, as CM PUNK and GREG HELMS make their way onto the stage, crisscrossing with each other to salute the fans on either side of the stage, with Punk then taking up his position, looking at his imaginary watch - with Helms nodding, looking over his shoulder behind him, before Punk bellows… “IT‘S CLOBBERIN TIME!!!”


Howard Finkel: And, at a combined weight of 433 pounds, they are the WORLD Tag team Champions … Greg Helms, CM Punk; STRAIGHT … EEEEEDGE!!!!!

Joey Styles: A year ago at WrestleMania, Straight Edge won the titles for the first time - and minus two months in the summer, they have held the gold throughout the year, without shirking one challenge - they’ve faced them all, and remain champions… but not without controversy or personal issues.

Jim Ross: They certainly have had plenty of roadblocks thrown in their way. But, Joey, even through hard times, these two were able to remain champions - which says a whole hell of a lot about ‘em. And they came back from the brink of splitting to bond STRONGER than ever. And tonight, they have the chance to prove, once and for all, that they are the very best team in the world.

The Coach: You call them good, I call them lucky. They should’ve been dethroned months ago!!!

The champions make their way to ringside, stepping onto the apron and onto the turnbuckles, holding the titles aloft; but is it for the last time??

Jim Ross: And earlier today, in a random drawing, it was decided that the champions and the Master Craftsmen would be the legal teams to begin with. Williams and Daniels will start the match on the outside - but with triple threat rules, they can tag in at any time. You don’t have to tag your own partner, it’s a free for all.

The Coach: I’d say to the Angels of Anarchy to stay out of there if they can. Give yourself some chance once the Master Craftsmen put Straight Edge out of their misery.

There’s a stand off in the ring between the three teams, as Punk and Helms hands over the title belts to Henson. Plenty of smack talk between the three teams; there’s no allies no respect - all three are out for themselves and the gold.

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Elimination Match:
Straight Edge vs. The Angels of Anarchy vs. The Master Craftsmen
Each team reside in their corners, as Daniels and Williams step onto the apron, leaving the Master Craftsmen and Straight Edge to decide between them who starts for each team. Haas takes the initiative for his team, whilst Helms takes the lead, with Punk nodding, taking his leave on the apron. Helms and Haas both circle the ring, but before they can lock up, Haas turns away, slapping the arm of Daniels, tagging the Angels of Anarchy member into the match!!!

Haas smirks, before stepping out of the ring, with Styles calling the move crafty, reminding everyone of the elimination rules in this match, as he hints that Haas and Dinsmore are looking to conserve energy. The Fallen Angel steps into the ring, exchanging a few words with Haas and Dinsmore on the apron, before spinning around, turning his attention to Helms.

And this time, there’s no waiting around; Daniels and Helms both lunge into a collar and elbow, jockeying for position, with Daniels getting a side headlock, then ties up the arm, working a wristlock, with Helms trying to escape it, using the free corner to run up the turnbuckles and manoeuvres off, but despite breaking the hold, he lands right back into the path of Daniels, and an arm drag take down.

Daniels cranks on the arm, but Helms attempts to escape from the hold again with a flip, but eats a knee to the gut. Daniels backs Helms up into the ropes, sending him off across the ring, ducking down for the return … but Helms has other ideas, and kicks Daniels away!! Greg takes off, hitting the ropes, coming back, but the Fallen Angel leaps up to avoid him.

Helms continues on, coming back off the ropes again, but this time, Helms slides on the return to avoid Daniels. But Daniels, thinking he knows what to expect, goes for a dropkick for the next return … but Helms is a step ahead, hanging onto the ropes - with Daniels landing flat on the mat … and Helms takes advantage, applying a jacknife cover on Daniels…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………
……………
………KICK OUT FROM DANIELS………
!!!!!

Both men quickly rise, but Helms is quicker, catching Daniels with a hip toss, sending him tumbling back. Helms is right on the Fallen Angel, and sends him off the ropes, but as Daniels hits, Williams makes a blind tag off his partner - seen by the official, but not Helms, who catches Daniels with a dropkick … but when he gets back up, Helms is MOWN down by a vicious Doug Williams clothesline!!!!!

Williams stomps Helms on the mat, softening him up to drag Helms to his feet, and shoots him across the ring to the neutral corner, racing in behind, and meeting Helms with a running European Uppercut!!! Helms staggers out after impact, with Williams continuing, racing off the ropes again, charging at Helms, and drilling him with a second European Uppercut!!! Williams doesn’t stop to admire his work, but instead picks Helms up again, sending him into his teams corner, and tags Daniels back in.

The Angels of Anarchy talk strategy as Daniels steps inside, with Williams climbing onto the apron, and proceeding up the turnbuckles, whilst Daniels softens Helms up with a series of right hands in the corner. Williams is up, and Daniels pulls Helms from the corner, raising him up, flap jacking the tag champ onto the top rope!!! Helms bounces back … as Williams soars off the top with a DIVING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!!!! J.R declares that that could be it for the champions, as Daniels makes the cover…


…1…
…………………
………………2………………

………HELMS JUST GETS A SHOULDER UP………
!!!!!

Helms JUST survives in time, as Punk is shown with one foot in the ring, but would’ve most definitely been too slow to break the cover. He steps back onto the apron, with a concerned look on his face at the way the early going is panning out. Daniels shakes his head in disappointment, and stomps Helms to keep him down, before taking off, looking to bounce off the ropes … WHEN HE SUFFERS A BLIND TAG FROM DINSMORE!!!!!

Boos are heard for the blind tag, as Daniels comes to a standstill, watching as Dinsmore steps inside, shooing Daniels out of his way; more than happy to get involved with Helms seemingly easy pickings. Daniels shares a few words with Haas and Dinsmore as he steps out, clearly not happy with the blind tag … whilst Dinsmore picks up where Daniels left off. Dinsmore stomps Helms down, and hits off the ropes, dropping an elbow, and moves into a lateral press…


………1………
………
……………………2……………………
………………………
………KICK OUT………
!!!!!!!

Dinsmore shakes his head as he stands up, bringing Helms with him, kicking the champion in the gut, before taking off, using the ropes for momentum … but as he hits; DANIELS PLACES A KNEE TO THE BACK OF DINSMORE!!! Still clearly annoyed, Daniels stops Dinsmore in his tracks, with Haas immediately erupting from his corner as The Prodigy staggering back from the ropes, right into an inside cradle from Helms…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!!!

Dinsmore escapes the cradle, and both men quickly rise to their feet, but Dinsmore swings wildly, missing a clothesline, then turns around - right into an arm drag from Helms … bouncing back up … walking right into another arm drag!!! Dinsmore staggers up, with Helms sending him off the ropes - where Haas MISSES a desperate attempt at a tag off his partner - and rebounds right into a leaping clothesline from Helms!!!

Helms points to Haas on the apron, making a ‘this close’ gesture with his finger and thumb, inciting Haas, before catching Dinsmore with a kick to the gut, and bounces off the ropes, coming back with a swinging neck breaker to the challenger!!!!! Helms bounces up, and gives the fans in the stadium a cheap pop with an old school ‘Hurricane’ Helms pose … before pointing to the apron, and at his partner!!! The fans pop, wanting Punk in the match, and Helms reaches - TAGGING IN PUNK!!!!!

Punk leaps onto the ropes, and flies off - SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE - not to Dinsmore, who is still down … BUT TO HAAS!!!!! Haas came into the ring illegally to save his partner, but got taken out himself!!! Dinsmore in the meantime staggers up … but is given an atomic drop by Helms, making him easy prey for Punk and his trademark sequence of two slaps to the face, followed by a spinning back kick to the gut and then a roundhouse kick!!!

The fans are eating up the hot offence from the champions, with Punk blocking a desperate shot from Haas - and nails him with a stiff forearm, before sending Haas into the corner, chasing in behind with a running high knee … and out of the corner with a RUNNING BULLDOG!!!!! Punk tags Helms back in, and beckons Helms over, as they drag Haas up … and proceed to toss him out of the ring - INTO THE ANGELS OF ANARCHY ON THE APRON!!!!!

All three of Daniels, Williams and Haas eventually crash to the floor, with Punk and Helms bumping knuckles - knowing what to do next without saying a word … and they bounce off the ropes … AND DELIVER A DOUBLE SUICIDE DIVE TO THE THREE MEN ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING!!!!! The champions are on fire!!!!! Punk and Helms reach their feet on the outside, and pump up the fans, before climbing back into the ring.

And inside, they knock Dinsmore right back down with a double back elbow … setting up for their trademark double team finish … as Dinsmore sits up … DOUBLE SHINING WIZARD TO NICK DINSMORE!!!!! And that will be it for Dinsmore!!! With Haas down on the outside, there’s no one left to save Dinsmore … as Punk and Helms stand back up … with Punk telling Helms; “See?? This is how good we could’ve been…”

… THEN PUNK … HOISTS HELMS IN THE AIR????????

PUNK CARD … TO HELMS!!!!!?????

CM PUNK JUST NAILED HIS TAG TEAM PARTNER WITH THE PUNK CARD!!!!!

The University of Phoenix stadium is stunned!!! Punk stands over his partner, and mouths; “But you ruined it. YOU caused this.” Punk casually steps through the ropes, and drops down from the apron … walking out of the match!!!!! J.R is livid on commentary, calling Punk a lowlife for what he just done, whilst Coach sells it as Punk getting out while the going was good … as the Straight Edge superstar strolls up the aisle … with Dinsmore crawling into a cover on Helms…


…………1…………
………
………………2………………

……3……
!!!!!
ELIMINATED: STRAIGHT EDGE @ 04:22

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Ross: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!!!

The Coach: Punk knew they were doomed!! He ditched before he could be beaten!!


And we are guaranteed NEW World Tag Team Champions tonight. After seven months - and ten of the last twelve in total, the Straight Edge reign is OVER, and in an unceremonious fashion; with Punk TURNING on his partner!!!

Jim Ross: This aint funny Coach!!! This aint a joke!! No laughing matter here. CM Punk just- just- he turned on his own partner!! His best friend!!!
Joey Styles: CM Punk is walking out of here like he hasn’t got a care in the world…

Everyone is stunned, with Haas, Daniels and Williams all coming to … realising what just went down. Punk walks out, out of the picture, whilst Helms - still out of sorts - is rolled out of the ring to give way for the two remaining teams to fight it out…

Joey Styles: And J.R, Coach; listen to what Punk said - “This is how good we could‘ve been … but YOU ruined it. YOU caused this.”

Jim Ross: It looks to me that the only person that caused this was CM Punk himself. HE ruined it. Straight Edge were on the verge of eliminating the Master Craftsmen. They had them beat. After so long of being the best team in the world … CM Punk just threw it all away. I’m- I’m stunned. What the hell got into him??

All four men remaining are in the ring, trying to process what just happened, as Haas tries to bring Dinsmore back to life, as he still looks worse for wear, whilst Williams take the opportunity during this lull … and goes to check on Helms on the outside, showing some sportsmanship and compassion … but for the Craftsmen, they see opportunity, with Dinsmore shaking the cobwebs loose … and ROLLS UP DANIELS FROM BEHIND…


…………1…………
………
…AND GRABS THE A HANDFUL OF TIGHTS…
!!!!!


…………………
…………………2…………………

…DANIELS JUST KICKS OUT IN TIME…
!!!!!!!

Daniels just survives the near fall, but is caught with a knee to the gut by Dinsmore on the way back up, and is slammed down to the mat, and Dinsmore immediately follows up by dropping a leg. He then transitions to a side headlock on the mat, as Williams takes his place in the corner again … with the camera giving Greg Helms some last camera time, staggering up the ramp, holding his jaw, looking irate; betrayed by his partner.

In the ring, Daniels doesn’t stay in the headlock for long, but Dinsmore is able to apply an arm wringer instead to keep the Fallen Angel under control, and he tags Haas back in. The Master Craftsmen shoot Daniels off the ropes, putting him down with a double back body drop. Dinsmore rolls out, as Haas looks to keep the good work up, delivering a snap mare to Daniels, and follows that with a dropkick to the back of the neck. Lateral press;


……………1……………
………
………………………2………………………
……………
…KICK OUT…
!!!

Haas mocks Daniels momentarily, then drags him up … with Daniels surprising him, charging Charlie into the corner - HIS corner!!! Daniels quickly tags Williams whilst trapping Haas in the corner, and keeps his shoulder in the gut of Haas as Williams picks up steam, rushing in, with Daniels moving just in time; European Uppercut to Charlie in the corner!!! Haas staggers out, with Doug following up, delivering a side suplex, and floats over into the cover…


………1………

…………………………2…………………………

…NO…
!!!

Williams drags Haas right back to his feet, looking for a vertical suplex, but as Haas goes up, he lands back on his feet, BEHIND Williams, and runs him into the ropes … rolling through … but The Anarchist rolls through AGAIN … and grasps a hold of Haas waist, coming to his feet … LOOKING FOR CHAOS THEORY … BUT HAAS DESPERATELY ELBOWS OUT OF TROUBLE!!!!! Haas escapes the clutches of Williams, and takes off on the ropes, storming back … RIGHT INTO A T-BONE SUPLEX FROM WILLIAMS!!!! Cover is made;


……………1……………
………
……………………………2……………………………
……………
…DINSMORE BREAKS THE COUNT…
!!!

Dinsmore then runs back out of the ring like a scalded dog, with Henson giving him a few stern words. Williams complains to the official too as he gets to his feet, and tags in to Daniels, with the Angels of Anarchy working in sync; Daniels perches himself on the top rope, and Williams throws him off - ROCKET LAUNCHER TO HAAS!!!!! Daniels has the cover, with Williams watching for Dinsmore…


……………1……………
………
………2………

…………KICK OUT…………
!!!

Haas survives this time, thanks to his own instinct, but the Angels of Anarchy are clearly in control. Daniels picks Haas up to his feet, shooting him off the ropes, but Haas ducks under a clothesline as he returns … then comes back a second time … AND EATS A JUMPING CALF KICK!!!!! The Fallen Angel puts Haas down again, and scrambles into another cover;


……………1……………

……2……
…………………………………………………
…SHOULDER UP…
!!!

Shaking his head, Daniels drags Haas to his feet, backing him into the corner, and tags in Williams again. Together, they shoot Haas off the ropes, with Daniels meeting him on the return with a kick to the gut, and Doug follows up with a running knee lift, before Daniels scores with an enziguri!!!!! Seeing the writing on the wall, NICK DINSMORE rushes to the aid of his partner…

But Daniels ducks the incoming Prodigy, with Williams low bridging the ropes, and Dinsmores momentum sees him flying over the top and out of the ring … leaving Haas ALL ALONE!!!!! Charlie slowly rises to his feet, with the Angels of Anarchy seeing the situation … and the opportunity … FOR TOTAL ELIMINATION!!!!! Charlie Haas is cleaned out by the finishing double team move, and Williams makes the cover…


……………1……………
………
………2………

…DINSMORE DRAGS WILLIAMS OUT OF THE RING…
!!!!!!!

In a frantic, final, desperation move, Nick Dinsmore drags Williams off the cover from the outside … which immediately sets Daniels off on the chase for Dinsmore around the ring - but this only serves to distract the referee further, and he hops out of the ring, standing between Daniels and Dinsmore, telling Daniels to get back to his corner … whilst in the ring, Williams is back in, dragging the lifeless Haas to his feet …

But before he can do anything, Dinsmore sneaks in - with the referee still distracted on the outside - and he grabs Williams from behind, and rams him into the post through the turnbuckles!!!!! He slithers back out of the ring, whilst Daniels is restrained by the official; furious at what just happened behind the referees back … as Haas makes the most of the opportunity, dragging Doug out of the corner, and delivers a Magnum T.A style Belly to Belly!! Hook of the leg…


……………1……………
………
………………………2………………………
……………
…KICK OUT…
!!!

Doug Williams kicks out, but he is subdued with a front face lock from Haas, and Haas makes a tag out to Dinsmore, who keeps the pressure on with a kick to the exposed gut of Williams, then knocks him down with a clothesline. Dinsmore picks him up, and executes a front slam, before dropping down to his knees … and as he often does, going back to his old Eugene gimmick, Dinsmore gets heat by mocking the Junkyard Dog with a doggy crawl and head butts to Williams.

Getting to his feet, Dinsmore is all smiles, trying to incite Daniels, as he tags back out to Haas. Together the Master Craftsmen duo double team Williams, as Nick delivers an inverted atomic drop, with Haas then gripping Williams from behind; and executes a perfect German Suplex … BRIDGING up for the pinfall…


……………1……………
………
………………………2………………………
……………
………KICK OUT AGAIN………
!!!

Haas stands back up, stomping Williams into the corner, and proceeds to choke him with his boot, and tags in Dinsmore again, with the heels keeping themselves fresh, and Dinsmore follows up in the corner, stomping Doug down … before tagging out to Haas again … with Haas keeping the momentum going; continuing the stomping session!!!

And again, they make a quick fire tag, but instead of stomping, Williams is brought to his feet by Dinsmore, with Haas setting the Brit up, holding him by the legs, and the ropes … with Dinsmore taking off … delivering the old Worlds Greatest Tag Team spot; THE AIDED LEAPFROG GUILLOTINE!!!!! The old move gets a pop - despite being performed by heels, as Haas rolls out, and Dinsmore applies his specialised submission; THE CLOVERLEAF!!!!!!!

Williams is turned over, feeling the pain shooting through his back off the pressure from the cloverleaf!! He’s trapped, with the ropes a far distance away, with Daniels stamping the apron, willing his partner on. Williams battles, trying to crawl to the ropes … but Dinsmore cranks back further, and at the top of his voice roars “TAAAAP” … Despite the clear pain shooting through his body, Williams refuses to give in, clawing along the mat, determined not to give in…



… He inches closer …



…… Doug reaches ……



… AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!!



…BUT HAAS HAS DISTRACTED THE REFEREE!!!!!

Mickey Henson doesn’t see the rope break, and DINSMORE DRAGS WILLIAMS BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!! Daniels has seen enough though, and he leaps to the top rope … MISSILE DROPKICK OFF THE TOP TO DINSMORE!!!!! The submission is broken!!! Daniels breaks the hold, but the referee immediately admonishes him … which allows Haas to sneak in through the backdoor, dropping an elbow on Williams to keep him down!!!

Haas drags Dinsmore close to the corner, before he sneaks back out onto the apron as Daniels is forced out of the ring by the referee, and Dinsmore is able to come around enough … and once Henson is back in action, Dinsmore makes the tag, bringing Haas back in. Haas wastes no time at all, dragging the Brit to his feet, and delivers a quick backbreaker, then hooks the leg, looking to finish the job…


………1………
………
………………2………………
……………
…………DANIELS BREAKS THE COUNT…………
!!!!!!!

Once again, Daniels sees fit to get involved, playing the Master Craftsmen at their own game!! Again though, he is warned by Henson … which allows Haas and Dinsmore to illegally double team Williams behind the referees back … as Dinsmore holds Williams up for Haas to attack … but as Haas winds up … WILLIAMS LOW BLOWS DINSMORE!!!!!

Williams connects with a mule kick to Dinsmore … and side steps Haas … who cant stop himself; AND COLLIDES WITH DINSMORE!!!!! Nick stumbles out of the ring through the ropes … with Haas turning, panicking, and charges at Williams in the corner … BUT MISSES AGAIN!!!! Haas hit’s the turnbuckles … AS WILLIAMS CLUTCHES HIM FROM BEHIND … CHAOS THEORY TO HAAS!!!!!!!!!!

Williams hits his finish, but cant follow up, selling the beat down he has suffered … and proceeds to crawl across the ring, where Daniels is waiting, arm outstretched, desperate for the tag … and the Anarchist reaches out … AND TAGS CHRISTOPHER DANIELS!!!!!!!

The fans pop, as Daniels leaps over the ropes, and into the ring, where Nick Dinsmore has re-emerged, but he runs into a forearm from Daniels, then is shot off the ropes, eating a back elbow. Haas stumbles up, but he is knocked back down with a clothesline!!! Daniels cracks Dinsmore with a few more forearm shots, beating him into the ropes, but before he can do anymore damage - Haas clips him from behind with a chop block!!!

Haas and Dinsmore ignore the referee, and send Daniels off the ropes, ducking down for the return … BUT HE KICKS THEM BOTH AWAY!!! Both men spin away, with Daniels following up … DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP TO THE MASTER CRAFTSMEN!!!!! Daniels picks Dinsmore up, and tosses him through the ropes again, and then rushes to Haas who is up by the ropes … But Haas ducks down, and elevates Daniels up and over the top rope-

BUT HE LANDS ON THE APRON!!!!! Daniels lands on the apron, while in the ring, Williams cuts off Haas with a clothesline - as the referee appears to have lost control - whilst Daniels leaps onto the ropes - SPRINGING OFF … BACKWARD WITH AN ARABIAN PRESS TO DINSMORE ON THE FLOOR!!!!!

There’s a big pop for the high risk move, with Daniels executing the press perfectly to the outside!!! And he pops right back up, extending his arms, feeding off the energy from the fans. The Fallen Angel climbs back onto the apron, and proceeds back into the ring, sizing up Haas - down after the clothesline from Williams - AND HIT’S THE TURNBUCKLES … BME; BEST MOONSAULT EVER!!!!!!! Daniels hooks the leg…


………1………

…2…

…………FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE…………
!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daniels sits up; stunned. He looks around, and questions Mickey Henson before realising why the three didn’t come down. Hands rubbing his bald head, Daniels looks to the heavens, thinking the match was won. The Fallen Angel motions to The Anarchist, signalling for him to come off the top too!!! Williams proceeds, climbing up to the top rope, with it looking like BOMBS AWAY is coming …

BUT NICK DINSMORE SHOVES WILLIAMS OFF THE TOP ROPE - CRASHING TO THE FLOOR!!!!! Daniels immediately comes after Dinsmore, lunging over the ropes at him but misses; and gets hung up to dry!!!! Daniels bounces back, clutching his throat … and staggers into the path of Charlie Haas … HAASTILE TAKEOVER CONNECTS!!!!!!!! Haas hooks the leg …


………1………
………
………………2………………
……………
…………3…………
!!!!!!!
ELIMINATED: THE ANGELS OF ANARCHY @ 12:41
WINNERS: AND NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS - THE MASTER CRAFTSMEN @ 12:41

The Coach: NEW CHAMPIONS!!!

Indeed, there are NEW champions; The Master Craftsmen. Boos meet the announcement, after it looked like the Angels of Anarchy were on the verge of sealing their maiden tag team title.

Jim Ross: It’s heartbreak for Daniels and Williams!! Just as it looked like they were about to take it, fate has again conspired against them here at WrestleMania.

The Coach: Don’t give those losers the time, J.R. Let’s talk about the NEW World Tag Team Champions, huh?? What a night for the Master Craftsmen. They’re all winners; new tag team champions, and Brent Albright is Mister Money in the Bank!! WrestleMania twenty Four BELONGS to the Master Craftsmen!!!


Joey Styles: It’s hard to disagree. A night of unprecedented success for the triumvirate known as the Master Craftsmen…

Haas and Dinsmore hug the titles in the ring, before hugging each other, taking no notice of the disappointment inside the stadium … whilst Daniels rolls to the outside, being tended to by the disappointed Doug Williams…

Jim Ross: Haas and Dinsmore can enjoy their moment. They out manoeuvred the Angels of Anarchy on this night, but believe me, we haven’t seen the last of this rivalry. The Master Craftsmen may be champions, but on another night, it could have so easily been very, very different.

The Coach: Shoulda, woulda, coulda. No one believed me when I called glory for the Master Craftsmen tonight - but look who’s laughing now!!!

On the outside, the Angels of Anarchy collect themselves, with the pair talking over where it went wrong, as Daniels explains how the finish came to pass. Both men look crestfallen having fallen short on the grandest stage, as they watch Haas and Dinsmore depart the ring with the gold - the gold they were so close to having.

Jim Ross: Enjoy this night - mark my words, the Angels of Anarchy will be back. They aint goin anywhere.

Joey Styles: But after a loss on such a grand scale, it may take some time before the Angels of Anarchy recover from this loss.

Daniels and Williams both leave the ringside area, side by side, nodding to a few fans who offer their support. The duo continue to talk, shaking their heads, unable to hide their disappointment…

Jim Ross: And as much as we don’t want to take the spotlight off the new champions - and certainly - congratulations to Haas and Dinsmore … the biggest talking point from this whole thing?? CM Punk delivering a Punk Card to his partner - his best friend. They were partners for two years … and in one instant, Punk threw it all away.

Joey Styles: Ugh. Disgusting actions from CM Punk. If he didn’t want to remain in a tag team with Greg Helms, there was about a hundred better ways to deal with it. What CM Punk done was unforgivable.

The clip of Punk delivering his GTS; The Punk Card on Greg Helms is replayed on a number of occasions…

Jim Ross: There’s a lot of questions needing answered here. Moments before the damn match, CM Punk said Straight Edge would have it’s greatest moment … but instead, delivered it’s worst.

The Coach: Speak for yourself … I enjoyed it, baby boy.

Joey Styles: Well … guys … I’m being told that Todd Grisham is backstage right now, and he’s trying to get a word with CM Punk … can we?? Yeah, let’s take it to Todd…



Indeed, footage cuts backstage to TODD GRISHAM rushing through the hallway, looking back to his camera man, asking; “Are we on??”

Todd Grisham: … Yes, I’m trying to get a word with CM Punk for some kind of explanation regarding his actions - we’ve been informed that he came straight backstage and collected his belongings … so … PUNK!!???

CM PUNK is spotted, looking on his cell phone by the parking lot, and looks up, as Grisham rushes to meet him…

Todd Grisham: CM Punk!! Please, can we have some form of explanation for why you attacked your own partner. We thought all your issues had been settled. You just essentially cost yourself the World Tag Team Championships. Why??

Punk puts his phone away, saying nothing, before picking his bag up, as a cab pulls up…

CM Punk: No comment.

Punk pushes Grisham aside, and opens the door for the cab… as a voice is heard shouting in the distance… the voice of GREG HELMS.

Greg Helms: PUNK!!!!!

Helms is shown running toward the cab, as Punk quickly shuts the door, shouting to the driver; “GO!!!”, with the cab speeding off into the distance … as Helms JUST misses it. Grisham then tries to get a word with Helms…

Todd Grisham: Greg … can you explain what just happened out there??

Greg Helms: What do you think?? I’m as in the dark as everyone else … but I want answers. And I’m damn sure gonna get ‘em.

Helms storms off, back toward the building, leaving Grisham to stand and watch looking wistful at the sudden break up of Straight Edge…



And, back at ringside, our commentary team is keyed again…

Jim Ross: Cat musta got his tongue, huh?? CM Punk sure got outta dodge quickly, and I’d bet he’s sitting in that cab right now, regretting that stunt he pulled tonight. Too late to go back now, son. Y’made your bed!!!

Joey Styles: And it doesn’t look like Greg Helms is gonna take what just happened lying down, either, J.R. And nor should he.

Jim Ross: Of course he shouldn’t. He deserves an answer. We all do!!

The Coach: There’s nothing I like more than to see two former friends at odds. I love it. I’m starting to warm to CM Punk, y’know…

Jim Ross: That doesn’t surprise me, Coach…

Joey Styles: Well, no doubt we’ll get some follow up on this situation tomorrow night on Raw. But right now, switching gears; of course, WrestleMania is a week long event, and it’s tradition that the night before Wrestlemania we look back to the legends of the past with the hall of fame induction ceremony. Right now, let’s take you back to last night … and a memorable Hall of Fame ceremony…



***
2008 WWE HALL OF FAME

Shots of the stars and dignitaries in attendance last night, over the voice of Gene Okerlund…

Gene Okerlund: I want to welcome you all as we induct the great legends in the class of 2008 hall of fame…

ROWDY RODDY PIPER kicks the night off, with the arena standing to give him a standing ovation…

Rowdy Roddy Piper: The WWE took this skinny little kid, and they accepted him into a family I was desperate to have. Cause I wasn’t goin nowhere.

Clips of Piper in his pomp…

Rowdy Roddy Piper: I love you so much, but let me guarantee you this. My name is Roddy Piper, and you aint seen nothing yet!!!

On a mobility scooter, ‘MAD DOG’ VACHON accepts his entry, with clips of him from his heyday.

Mad Dog Vachon: Mad Dog is the name and Wrestling is the game.

Clips of Paul Heyman on the stage, inducting Rude, as his family accept the induction…

Paul Heyman: I learned more about the artistry of being a heel with Rick Rude more than anyone else. No one had a feel for being a money drawing heel than the Ravishing Rick Rude I got to work with.

Old school Memphis footage of ANDY KAUFMAN plays, as Jerry Lawler is shown handling the induction…

Jerry Lawler: He was such a big wrestling fan, he just wanted to perform in front of a wrestling crowd…

Bob Zmuda - the lifelong friend of Kaufman - as Tony Clifton accepts…

Tony Clifton: What’dya mean this isn’t for me?? Andy Kaufman?? *BLEEP*

Crowd shots of laughter.

Then, a teared up Dusty Rhodes hugs Magnum T.A after his induction speech…

Dusty Rhodes: He would’ve been as big as Hulk Hogan or Sting. He was that good. Magnum T.A Terry Allen!!!

Shots of Magnum T.A and his short, but legendary run that was cut short…

Magnum T.A: I made my own rules. We lived in the edge of a lightning rod. And I loved every minute of it.

BIG VAN VADER in his trademark mask, walks out on the stage, posing, along with clips of his career…

Vader: I guess finally we can all say; it’s time, it’s time, it’s Vader time in the Hall of Fame!!

Triple H making his speech for RIC FLAIR…

Triple H: This next man not only deserves to be in the hall of fame, but he should have his own wing…

WOOOO

Ric Flair: It’s at a moment like this when a guy like me say to themselves for all they’ve done wrong, they must’ve done something right.

Flair hugs The Game, and over clips of his career, Flair cries. As usual.

Ric Flair: Everything I am today everything I have today everything I will be, is because of the sport of professional wrestling.

There isn’t a dry eye in the house. Clips of Flairs family - all crying too - and applause from fans and fellow professionals…

Ric Flair: I love you. Thank you. WOOOO

Confetti falls, as Flair cries again, blowing kisses to the audience…

END PACKAGE
***



Back in the stadium, TONY CHIMMEL is standing by…

Tony Chimmel: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, the Hall of Fame, Class of 2008...

The illustrious Hall of Fame music plays, with this years Class walking into view, taking their spots…

Tony Chimmel: Magnum T.A - Terry Allen!!

Magnum steps forward, waving to the fans.

Tony Chimmel: Representing Rick Rude … his wife, Michelle!!

The widow of Rick Rude offers a wave of her own, looking uncomfortable in front of the large audience.

Tony Chimmel: Mad Dog Vachon!!

Helped by Kristal Marshall, Mad Dog mugs for the camera on his wheelchair.

Tony Chimmel: Representing Andy Kaufman … Dave Clifton!!

Acting like a goon, the scene stealing Tony Clifton cups his ear, telling the fans to cheer louder.

Tony Chimmel: The man they call VADER!!!

Vader gets a big pop, and he poses with his hands in the ‘V’ shape.

Tony Chimmel: Representing the Nature Boy Ric Flair, his children, Ashley, Megan, David and Reid.

The foursome all step forward waving to the fans.

Tony Chimmel: And … Rowdy Roddy Piper!!!

Taking the final spot due to Flair not re-emerging for this segment, Piper basks in the cheers from the fans, blowing kisses, mouthing “Thank you”, over and over.

Tony Chimmel: Ladies and Gentlemen, the WWE Hall of Fame, Class of 2008!!!

The group all wave, enjoying the moment, with the music playing on, as the camera eventually shifts to ringside…

Jim Ross: Quite the class, gentlemen, I’m sure you’ll agree.


Joey Styles: One of the best, J.R.



The graphic fills the picture, and the fans cheer in the background.

Jim Ross: And indeed, the time has come. We are about to see two future Hall of Famers get it on for the first time ever, in what can only be described as a Match for the Ages!!

The Coach: Not if Paul Heyman is to be believed, J.R. According to him, this is one of the biggest mis-matches in WWE history!!

Jim Ross: Well … lemme tell ya Coach, there’s not much that Heyman says that is to be believed.

Joey Styles: I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks. A dream match if you ask me, J.R.

Jim Ross: It is, without a doubt, one of the biggest tests in Shawn Michaels illustrious career. But remember this; Shawn Michaels has never EVER been out performed in a big match situation, and they don’t come much bigger than Brock Lesnar and WrestleMania. Can The Showstopper be Mister WrestleMania one more time??

The Coach: He’ll have to be!!!!!

Jim Ross: Here’s how this dream match, came together, tonight at WrestleMania…



***
SHAWN MICHAELS | BROCK LESNAR

“I WILL GIVE YOU A SHOW LIKE NEVER EVER BEFORE. WHY? BECAUSE I CAN”

Clips air of Shawn Michaels throughout the years at WrestleMania; the splash off the ladder at WrestleMania X…

“MICHAELS FROM HIGH ABOVE”

Gliding to the ring at WrestleMania XII…

“SHAWN MICHAELS - WHAT A RIIIIDE!!!”

Nipping up in style against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XIX, Sweet Chin Music to The Rock at WrestleMania XXII…

“I HAVE NEVER BEEN OUT PERFORMED ON THE GRANDEST STAGE OF ‘EM ALL…”

Skinning the Cat to avoid crashing into a flaming table last year against Mick Foley…

“…AND I NEVER WILL”

And collapsing with the title at WrestleMania XII again…

“THE BOYHOOD DREAM-”

*STATIC*

“HAS COME TRUE-”

*STATIC*

“AT WRESTLEMANIA…”

*STATIC*

…Then BROCK LESNAR.

What follows is a series of clips of Brock Lesnar man handling Shawn Michaels throughout the build up to WrestleMania; handily defeating HBK at the Survivor Series, dismantling Shawn after the Royal Rumble, and taking the best Michaels has had to offer in recent weeks, over an operatic, ominous music, before the sound of Paul Heymans voice talks over the impressive clips of Lesnar…

“So much for the boyhood dream. This has become a living nightmare.”

Shots of a desperate, bloody HBK … and a towering Brock Lesnar standing over him…

“Mister WrestleMania??”

Clips of Lesnar and Heyman laughing.

“Not as long as Brock Lesnar is around.”

The botched Shooting Star at WrestleMania XIX, before putting Angle away with an F5...

Michael Cole: WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!!

Hitting the Shooting Star the following year to retain the title against Goldberg in the main event of WrestleMania XX…

“In six years, he‘s accomplished more at WrestleMania that you could in twenty.”

Walking into the MGM Grand as champion two years ago…

“His achievements DWARF yours.”

Overcoming Triple H last year…

“He‘s made memories that‘ll never be forgotten.”

And again, beating the shit out of HBK…

“On Sunday, you LOSE your moniker of Mister WrestleMania. … it’s Show … over.”

Open back up on Smackdown from March 14, where Heyman and Lesnar stand in the ring…

Paul Heyman: Brock Lesnar has requested that I propose we put an end to this charade and CANCEL this match at WrestleMania, due to FALSE ADVERTISING!!!

Clips air of the savage assault Lesnar put on HBK on Raw on January 28… busting HBK open.

Paul Heyman: Brock Lesnar isn’t a circus freak, this isn’t a carnival. HE’S A LEGIT ATHLETE!!! And he refuses - POINT BLANK REFUSES to be involved in such a lop-sided contest with a man that can no longer compete at an elite level. This isn’t a match for the ages … but it IS NO … COUNTRY … FOR … OLD … MEN!!!

Shots of Michaels looking worse for wear over the last six months, unable to nip up on occasion, struggling to skin the cat…

Paul Heyman: And in this world, Shawn Michaels is most definitely an old man.

**SEXY BOY**

Shawn Michaels interrupts proceedings, and defiantly goes toe to toe with Lesnar … taking a beating…

Shawn Michaels: If I’ve said it once … I’ve said it a thousand times. Nobody … and I mean NOOOOBODAYYY … is gonna tell the Heart Break Kid when the show is over.

Taking an F5 … and another F5 when he gets back up.

Shawn Michaels: I may be undersized, I may be older, not as quick, and I don’t have muscles like yours … but I have never, EVER been outperformed in a big match situation.

Defiantly, HBK gets back up, with Lesnar coming to attack him once more, bellowing at Heyman as he charges to the ring; “I‘M GONNA PUT YOU IN THE MORGUE!!!”

Shawn Michaels: And I don’t intend on starting now.

Michaels stuns Lesnar with Sweet Chin Music into a chair, then destroys a chair over Lesnar, forcing Lesnar to back off!!!

The next series of clips then show Michaels and Lesnar going at it over the last six months; staredowns in October and November, battling at Survivor Series, then the Royal Rumble…

Shawn Michaels: When we get it on at WrestleMania, you can be rest assured that you’re gonna get the absolute BEST of Shawn Michaels … because to beat you, quite frankly … I cant be anything less.

Shots of Brock Lesnar at his absolute best; F5’s to The Rock, The Undertaker, Stone Cold, Triple H, Kurt Angle…

Shawn Michaels: I know what I’m facing at WrestleMania. I know I’ll have to scratch and claw for everything. But there’s a reason people call ME the things they do.

Clips of HBK hitting a flying forearm, nipping up, skinning the cat, tuning up the band, hitting an Asai Moonsault, Flying Elbow, and Sweet Chin Music after Sweet Chin Music…

Shawn Michaels: No matter what the opponent, no matter what my physical condition is, no matter the odds I’m facing … ‘ol Aitch Bee Kay ALWAYS rises to the occasion.
Jim Ross: SHAWN MICHAELS AND BROCK LESNAR IN A MATCH FOR THE AGES!!!!!

A series of shots air of Lesnar and Michaels in the ring over the years in parallel; HBK beating Bret Hart for the WWE Title, Lesnar beating Angle for the same gold; Brock leaping up onto the apron, Michaels nipping up in the ring; Brock delivering F5’s to Big Show, Mark Henry & Rikishi over the years, and HBK with Sweet Chin Music to Vader, Undertaker and Batista too.

Joey Styles: A two time NCAA champion-
Jerry Lawler: HBK; one of the all time greats!!!
The Coach: He’s a freak of nature!!!
Jim Ross: The Showstopping spirit of Shawn Michaels lives as brightly as it ever has!!!
Michael Cole: The youngest WWE Champion of all time!!!
Joey Styles: Lesnar and Michaels - for the first time ever at WrestleMania; in a match for the ages!!!

More clips of both men over the last few months; mainly, it’s Lesnar beating the shit out of Michaels - but with each comment from HBK, just a glimmer of what he’s capable of…

Paul Heyman: Brock Lesnar is playing the role of Judge, Jury, and EX-E-CUTION-ER … on the career of one Shawn Michaels. For picking a fight you simply cannot win … you are found … GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!

I’M AITCH BEE KAY!!!!

Paul Heyman: For not knowing when to walk away … you are found … GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!

THE SHOWSTOPPER!!!

Paul Heyman: For wasting my clients time at the biggest show of the year … you are found … GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!!

THE HEADLINER!!!

Paul Heyman: And for delusions of grandeur … Mister WrestleMania … you are found … GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!

THE ICON!!!

Paul Heyman: And your sentence … is the BEATING, the POUNDING, the PUMMELLING … OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!

THE MAIN EVENT!!!

Paul Heyman: This Sunday, at Wrestle Mania … you sir, are in for the biggest … and almost certainly the FINAL … beating … of … your career, courtesy … of the REAL … GENUINE … UNDENIABLE …

AND ON SUNDAY … I’M …

Both Shawn Michaels & Paul Heyman: MISTER WRESTLEMANIA!!!

Close on Lesnar and Michaels face to face in the ring…

END PACKAGE
***



Back into the stadium…

**SEXY BOY**

There’s a massive pop inside the University of Phoenix stadium for the timeless HBK theme, as SHAWN MICHAELS steps out onto the WrestleMania stage, playing to the fans with plenty of bounce in his step.


Joey Styles: Are we about to see the HBK we’ve all come to expect throughout the years?? Will we get Mister WrestleMania tonight?? Or gentlemen, have the years and the mileage all finally caught up with Shawn Michaels?? Has Shawn Michaels career revival over the last six years come to a halt??

Jim Ross: There’s only one way to find out, but I certainly do not believe it has. And while he comes into this match as an underdog, that’s nothing new to HBK. He thrives under pressure. He feeds off people writing him off. I expect the very best of Shawn Michaels here tonight.

The Coach: He has lost a step; no question. That nip up?? Doesn’t always get it. He cant skin the cat quite like he used to. He’s a hair slower. And when you’re facing Brock Lesnar, you cannot afford any weaknesses. Shawn Michaels just has too many if you ask me.

Michaels continues to the mid point of the ramp, dropping to his knees, closing his eyes, talking to God … having one last prayer, before looking up, stretching out his arms, and lets off a pyro sequence in the background.


Howard Finkel: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall!!! Introducing first; from San Antonio, Texas, weighing 225 pounds; The HEART BREAK KID, SHAWWWWWWN MICHAELSSSS!!!!!!!!

The Showstopper slaps hands with fans either side of the barrier as he continues toward the ring.

Jim Ross: He looks confident, he looks up for the challenge. The one thing you can never do, is write this man off.

Joey Styles: And as you said, J.R. At WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels ALWAYS raises his game. As the song goes; “I‘m not as good as I once was … but I‘m as good once as I ever was.” Can Shawn Michaels, even for one night, be as good as he ever was??


The Coach: To stand any hope?? He’d need to be.

HBK hit’s the ring, spinning around, playing to the fans, before posing again - his trademark pose, flexing the guns, before getting up, throwing out his jacket and leather chaps … readying himself for the Iron Man…



**HERE COMES THE PAIN**

Straightforward and plain as day, the imposing figure of BROCK LESNAR is led to the ring by PAUL HEYMAN, with Heyman looking proud and pleased to be here, confident in his client … whilst Lesnars face is STONE.


Howard Finkel: Annnnd … his opponent; being accompanied by his agent; Paul Heyman … from Minneapolis Minnesota, weighing 295 pounds … he is the IRON MAN, BRRRROCK LESSSSNAR!!!!

Lesnar bounces from side to side, before flexing on the top of the ramp and walks down with a purpose.

Jim Ross: We discussed earlier if Kurt Angle was the best athlete in the WWE. If anyone can argue a case, it is this freak. Brock Lesnar, 295 pounds, built like a truck, and moves like a cruiserweight. There’s never been someone with the physical attributes of this specimen. A rare breed, a once in a lifetime athlete.

Joey Styles: And no one has ever had the impact on the WWE that he has. WWE Champion within six months of his debut on the main roster. A Royal Rumble winner, he’s headlined just about every WrestleMania he’s competed at, whether it be the main event or the main attraction. And tonight, he’s looking to create another memory another moment, with the destruction of the man they call MISTER WrestleMania…

The Coach: And once he does, they’ll call Brock Lesnar Mister WrestleMania.

Lesnar continues down the ramp and the aisle, reaching the ringside area, taking a walk around the ring, trying to intimidate Shawn Michaels in the ring, with HBK standing his ground, showing no fear, watching Lesnar and Heyman at all times.

Jim Ross: A little bit of mind games here it would seem. And I’d put all that down to the influence of Paul Heyman.

Joey Styles: And I wonder, J.R … could Heyman be a deciding factor in this match?? If Lesnar does find himself in trouble, he has a smoking gun in his corner; Heyman could be a difference maker.


The Coach: Let ME answer that, J.R. Joey, get real!! Lesnar doesn’t need Heyman to get involved. Heyman is here for support, and support only. Brock can handle HBK on his own. Heyman just has the best seat in the house!!

The Iron Man leaps up onto the apron, setting off pyro from the corners, as HBK steps up, showing no fear, with the ropes keeping the two men apart, before Jimmy Korderas steps in to bring Michaels back, and allow Lesnar into the ring…

Jim Ross: We’re just about set here!! What a match this promises to be, gentlemen. A Match for the Ages!!! The first ever meeting between Shawn Michaels and Brock Lesnar!!!

The Coach:
Let’s see if it lives up to the hype…

!! A MATCH FOR THE AGES !!

Brock Lesnar
w/Paul Heyman vs. Shawn Michaels
Lesnar hops up and down, relaxed as the bell rings, whilst Michaels looks more on edge, peering to the outside, where the smug Paul Heyman is heard shouting to him; “Too late to turn back now, Shawn!!” Michaels is stoic, choosing not to respond, and turns his attention to Brock, rubbing his nose, walking around the ring, with Lesnar doing the same. The fans are firmly behind Michaels, starting a ‘H-B-K … H-B-K … H-B-K’ chant, and Lesnar stops to listen.

Brock, almost uncharacteristically smirks, hearing the unison of the fans, and motions with his hands that he’s going to snap HBK in half. He turns to Shawn and makes the same motion … with Michaels shaking his head defiantly, then charges toward Lesnar, engaging in a lock up mismatch of epic proportions, with Lesnar far too powerful, shoving Michaels aside with ease to the mat.

Pugnacious as ever, Michaels bounces right back up, right back in the bigger mans face, but Lesnar shoves him away once more. Still, Shawn comes forward, and foolishly looks to lock up with Lesnar again, and this time Lesnar HURLS Michaels aside, throwing him like a rag doll into the corner!!!!! Michaels hit’s the corner, and gets a worrisome look on his face, feeling the true power of Lesnar, who flexes in front of him.

Heyman chips in again from the outside, being heard clearly on camera saying; “Way too late to turn back now, Shawn!!” Michaels stays in the corner for a moment, and looks out to the fans, whilst Lesnar stands, ready and waiting for the next incoming from HBK. On commentary, J.R suggests that Shawn have a think about the game plan.

Michaels fixes himself, and moves out of the corner, refocusing, and slowly circles, as Lesnar ever so slowly closes in, trying to intimidate Michaels, trying to force him to retreat into the corner, which he does, but as Brock looks to trap him, Shawn dodges out, avoiding contact, and getting to the centre of the ring again. Brock stops for a moment in the corner, affords himself a smile, and turns back out, facing Shawn again.

They circle, and surprisingly, lock up once more, with Shawn immediately slipping under, going behind the Iron Man … but once he’s there, he cant bring the big unit down, and Lesnar quickly CHARGES backward, SQUASHING his smaller adversary into the corner!!! Michaels is crushed in the corner, and slumps over, as Lesnar steps out, then HIP TOSSES Michaels out of the corner with ease, across the ring!!!!!

Shawn tumbles into the opposite corner, and Lesnar stalks him down, clubbing his back, before sending Michaels across the ring with authority, into the opposite corner. Michaels drops to his knees upon impact, and holds his back, with Lesnar taking his time to walk across, and he pulls Michaels up, picking him up with ease, and runs him across the ring, ramming HBK into the corner!!!

There, Lesnar proceeds to pile on the pain, driving his shoulder into the gut of the smaller man, over and over, driving the wind out of Shawn, and then backs up, before going to work with stomps to the Showstopper. Brock stomps HBK into the ground at the corner, and sticks his boot into the face, choking Shawn with his boot, drawing out every second of Jimmy Korderas five count, before relenting.

Brock takes a walk around the ring, whilst Heyman proudly claps for his client, as Shawn reaches for the ropes, taking a big deep breath. HBK doesn’t get long to recover, with Lesnar coming back for him, clubbing the back, and sends his rival across the ring, into the corner … then rushes across the ring at him … BUT EATS THE BOOT OF SHAWN MICHAELS!!!!!

Shawn gets his foot up, stopping Lesnar in his tracks. Brock takes a back step, shaking the cobwebs loose … and Michaels seizes the opportunity, coming forward out of the corner, unloading on the big man, but Lesnar soaks up the punishment from Michaels, and stops him quickly with a knee to the gut, and follows up with a short, thudding clothesline!!!

Michaels sets on his hands and knees after impact, but Lesnar isn’t giving him time to get up, and Brock makes Shawn work his schedule, dragging Shawn up, and immediately HIP TOSSES Michaels with ease across the ring. Showing off his strength, Brock walks to Michaels - who is wincing in pain - and drags him up again, tossing him with ease once more!!!

Lesnar reaches down, picking Shawn up again, backing him into the corner, and grips him by the face; “YOU PICKED THE WRONG FIGHT WITH ME, SHAWN!!!” and then TOSSES Michaels out of the corner like a rag doll again, picking him right back up, and tosses HBK through the ropes and out of the ring callously, with no respect for the legend, throwing him from the ring like a garbage bag!!!

The Iron Man hops from side to side, nonchalant about everything, holding no respect for Michaels, as HBK squirms on the outside, reaching for the ring apron to bring himself to his feet. Lesnar shouts out; “STAY OUT THERE!!! STAY DOWN!!!” … whilst Heyman walks around, giving Michaels more verbal abuse, saying to HBK; “I told you so!!! I warned you!! I said this is what would happen!! You should‘ve lis-”

SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO PAUL HEYMAN!!!!!!!!!!

Michaels explodes with Sweet Chin Music on Heyman, knocking the mouthpiece out instantly!!! Upon seeing the super kick, Lesnar snaps, and charges to the ropes, climbing out, and comes after Shawn … but Michaels moves out of dodge, with Brock on the chase. Shawn slides into the ring, and comes off the ropes, coming back as Lesnar is about to slide back in - and baseball slides Lesnar, sending him into the barrier!!!

Lesnar pushes back off the barrier, shrugging it off … but Shawn takes the opportunity to leap to the outside - PLANCHA to Lesnar - taking the Iron Man off his feet!!!!! Knowing he cant afford to take his time, Shawn rolls Lesnar right back into the ring, and follows inside, backing Brock into the corner, lighting him up with a series of knife edge chops … but they don’t hurt Lesnar … they just get him angry!!!

Michaels realises the chops are having no effect too … but before he can change tact … LESNAR RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A DEVASTATING CLOTHESLINE OUT OF THE CORNER!!!!! Michaels is turned upside down from the clothesline, with Lesnar blasting out a visceral roar as he looks out at the fans, making another snapping gesture with his hands.

On the outside, we see another referee at ringside tending to Heyman, with Paul sat up next to the steps, looking like he doesn’t know where he is. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Brock marches to the Showstopper, dragging him up, and sends him into the corner, rushing in behind, crushing Shawn with a brutal clothesline in the corner!!!

Lesnar grabs the arm of HBK after impact, and shoots him back across the ring to the opposite corner, and again rushes in after him, DRIVING his knee into the gut of Michaels. He hangs on to HBK, and immediately sends him across the ring again at speed, chasing in after him, DRIVING his knee into the gut of the legend again!!!

Still not letting go, Lesnar drives his knee into the gut of Shawn again, and proceeds to club the back, putting Shawn down to his knees. Brock shakes his head at the pitiful sight of HBK, and picks him up, shooting him across the ring - HARD - into the corner with Michaels bouncing out such is the impact, back into the path of Lesnar … and an effortless overhead BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!!! Lesnar sits up, and turns Michaels over for the cover…


……………1……………
………
………………………2………………………
……………
…KICK OUT…
!!!

Shawn gets a shoulder up off the first cover of the match, but the kick out doesn’t surprise Lesnar. The Iron Man gets back up, stomping the face of his grounded opponent, before reaching down, bringing Michaels back up, and once again, savagely sends Michaels with ridiculous velocity into the corner - so hard that MICHAELS TURNS UPSIDE DOWN IN THE CORNER!!!!!

Michaels lands into a seated position up top after the impact of the whip to the corner, and Brock follows in, stepping up the turnbuckles briskly … getting Shawn into position … DELIVERING A SIDE SUPLEX OFF THE TOP ROPE!!!!! Michaels body contorts on the mat, with Lesnar pushing him back down, with a lateral press…


……1……

…………………2…………………

………KICK OUT………
!!!

The Iron Man shakes his head at the kick out, and looks down at Shawn, asking; “You want more, Shawn??” and gets back to his feet, bringing Michaels with him, backing Shawn into the corner, and proceeds to DRIVE the shoulder into the gut of the Heart Break Kid, and again, and again, and again. Lesnar - with no fight from Michaels - shoots Shawn across the ring to the corner, and once more, he follows in - leaping and nailing HBK with a big high knee!!!

Michaels staggers, spaghetti legged out of the corner, and Brock follows up, sending him across the ring to the opposite corner again - having his way with Shawn, toying with him … following in again, with another big running high knee to the Showstopper. Lesnar takes a walk around the ring, shaking his head at the fans, before grasping Shawn, picking him up for an atomic drop … but keeps him elevated … and walks to the ropes … DUMPING MICHAELS OVER THE TOP AND CRASHING ONTO THE FLOOR!!!!!

There’s a groan collectively on commentary with the harsh landing Michaels has on the floor. Lesnar leans over the top, bellowing; “AND DON’T BOTHER COMIN BACK!!!” Boos ring out from the rather quiet stadium, unsure how to react to the one sided beating thus far, as Michaels struggles to recover from the ultimate atomic drop, and the official conducts his count;


………1………
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………………2………………
…………………
…3…
…………………
………………4………………


… Shawn crawls to the ring apron, pulling himself up, trying to crawl back into the ring, as Lesnar watches, and looks frustrated by the doggedness of Michaels …


……5……
………………………
…6…
…………………………………

… The cheers grow, as HBK drags himself up, and rolls back into the ring, breaking the count… but Lesnar is instantly on him. Brock clubs the back, controlling Shawn, trash talking as he brings Michaels to his feet, and drives his knee to the gut, and again, with Shawn doubling over. Lesnar then hooks Shawn up, hoisting him in the air … into position for a Fisherman Buster!!!

Brock carries Shawn around the ring, showing off his freakish strength, bringing HBK around the ring like a small child, delaying the impact of the Fisherman buster … and shouts out; “THIS IS MISTER WRESTLEMANIA???” and laughs … but before he can deliver the move, MICHAELS RAKES THE EYES OF LESNAR!!!! Still trapped, Michaels begins FISH-HOOKING the Iron Man, eventually freeing himself from his clutches!!!

Shawn - having to delve into dirty tricks in order to survive with Lesnar, has his vertical base, and throws a straight right before taking off, hitting the ropes, coming back, leaping over a doubled over Brock Lesnar with a SUNSET FLIP … but Lesnar tries to keep his feet!! Flailing his arms, Lesnar looks to stay up, and does - and after regaining his balance, he reaches down …

AND HAULS MICHAELS RIGHT BACK TO HIS FEET … Michaels eyes bulge at the feat of strength … AND LESNAR EXPLODES WITH ANOTHER OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY TO HBK!!! The fans gasp at the effortless feat of strength from Lesnar to haul Shawn up and toss him around again, and he hooks the leg…


……1……
………………………
…2…
…………………………………
……………SHOULDER UP……………
!!!

Shawn barely gets the shoulder up, as Lesnar clenches his teeth, getting more frustrated by the fighting instinct of HBK. He drags Michaels up, pressing his forehead into Shawns; “WHY WONT YOU STAY DOWN!!!” … when Michaels SLAPS the taste out of Lesnars mouth!!! The act of defiance only serves to anger Lesnar further, and he grips Michaels by the head, and THROWS him into the corner!!!!

Lesnar charges in, running across the ring, showing his impressive leap again with another running high knee to the Showstopper in the corner. Lesnar sends his opponent again across the ring - the sight becoming familiar throughout the match - and he runs in after him again, looking for ANOTHER running high knee … BUT MICHAELS DODGES OUT … NO ONE HOME FOR LESNAR!!!!

AND BROCKS KNEE HIT’S THE TOP TURNBUCKLE … AND HE TUMBLES OVER THE TOP ROPE - AND CRASH LANDS HORRIBLY ON THE FLOOR!!!!!

On commentary, J.R calls it an opening for Michaels, with Styles wondering if Lesnar had just gotten too comfortable in the last few moments … as Brock rolls around on the outside, clutching his leg, and J.R questions if we’ve just seen a ***** in the armour of Lesnar. To his credit, Brock quickly tries to recuperate and reach his feet … but as he stands up … MICHAELS LEAPS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE - TAKING BROCK DOWN WITH A SPLASH!!!!!

Despite Michaels landing the offensive move - both men get to their feet at the same time, with Michaels still slow after the beating he has taken, and Lesnar just a force of nature. They both get up, and it’s Lesnar that tries to strike first, but misses a clothesline … and Michaels CHOP BLOCKS the leg - the bad leg, chopping The Iron Man down to a knee!!!!!

There’s no time for HBK to waste, and after rolling in and out of the ring to break the count, he targets the weakened wheel of Lesnar, stomping the knee, driving an elbow as Lesnar looks to shove Michaels away to create space - showing weakness for the first time in the match!!! Michaels is like a shark smelling blood, and continues to target the leg, with Lesnar trying to limp away and push Shawn back, eventually shoving HBK into the steps.

Brock looks to shake his leg loose around ringside … but Shawn is right back up, and he soccer kicks the back of the knee!!! Lesnar drops to a knee momentarily again, as Shawn comes around, looking to attack the knee - WHEN LESNAR PIE FACES MICHAELS - SHOVING HIM INTO THE BARRIER!!! Despite the leg problem, he STILL has freakish power!!!

Lesnar rolls back into the ring, getting to his feet … but again, Michaels doesn’t let up, and from the outside, he trips the legs of the Iron Man, dragging the legs … and WRAPS the knee around the ringpost!!! Michaels pulls the leg back - and WRAPS it around the post again … and does it a THIRD time - bringing a groan from the monster like Lesnar!!!

Brock sits up, trying to pull away, but before he can, Michaels has the legs crossed … AND APPLIES A FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK WRAPPED AROUND THE RINGPOST!!!!!! The old Bret Hart spot is used by HBK, as he looks to significantly weaken the Iron Man, with Brock wincing, feeling the pain through his legs … and Michaels eventually relents, having to break due to the count from Korderas.

Michaels rolls in and out of the ring, breaking that count too, and proceeds to re-apply the figure four around the ring post … but as he grabs the legs … LESNAR SHOWS HIS BRUTE FORCE POWER … AND HIS LEG POWER TO YANK BACK - AND PULL MICHAELS FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!!!! Michaels hit’s the post hard, and crumbles to the floor, giving Lesnar the opportunity to recover.

Brock drags himself to his feet, taking a few deep breaths, before walking around the ring, looking to get the blood flowing in his leg again, whilst HBK remains dazed outside the ring. Meanwhile, the commentary team sell the power of Lesnar, overpowering HBK with his legs - whilst in a weakened state. Brock continues to walk around the ring, shaking his leg loose…

But again, once he’s able, Michaels is right back in the fight!! Sliding back into the ring, HBK takes the fight to Lesnar, opening up with knife edge chops across the massive chest of Lesnar, backing him up into the ropes … then he goes back to the injury - and kicks the leg!!! Lesnar tries to get away, but Shawn chop blocks the leg, bringing Lesnar to a knee again, then he takes off, bouncing off the ropes - and dropkicks the knee!!!

Michaels grabs the leg, placing it on the middle rope … then leaps up, coming crashing down on the knee with an elbow!!! Lesnar winces, and rolls away, clutching his knee, as Michaels comes for him again, grabbing the leg … and SLAMS it into the mat. Shawn grabs the leg, and slides out under the bottom rope, SLAMMING the leg over the apron!!!

Lesnar reels away, selling the pain, with the Showstopper climbing back inside, stomping the leg some more, weakening Brock, then Michaels grabs the leg, dropping an elbow to the knee, and gets back up, before dropping an elbow to the knee for a second time, but as he gets back up - Brock uses his free leg to KICK Shawn away, sending him tumbling across the ring!!!

Once more, the power of Lesnar is shown, and the Iron Man struggles back to his feet, and attempts to meet Shawn with a kick - but the leg is caught … DRAGON SCREW TO LESNARS BAD LEG!!!!! Michaels is taking over the match, and he grabs the legs, taking one quick look around the stadium, before stepping in, hooking the legs … turning Lesnar over … AND APPLIES THE SHARPSHOOTER!!!!!

A deafening pop booms around the stadium, as Michaels somehow turns the massive frame of Lesnar over, applying one of the most deadly submission holds in all of wrestling, made famous by Bret Hart of all people!!! Lesnar now is in excruciating pain with a euphoric atmosphere taking over the University of Phoenix Stadium, as Michaels leans back, with the hold applied expertly, and Lesnar has nowhere to go!!!

The camera closes in on Lesnar, who winces in pain, reaching out desperately for the ropes. It’s looking good for HBK, with Brock selling the pain … but eventually, the Iron Man presses his head onto the canvas, clenches his fists … AND LESNAR PUSHES HIMSELF UP - showing incredible strength and will, and Lesnar … POWERS OUT OF THE SHARPSHOOTER!!!!!!!!!!

Michaels gets THROWN across the ring by the power of Lesnar, and the break brings another gasp from the fans … and there’s a look of deep concern on the face of Shawn Michaels, stunned by what just happened. Styles comments on the look too, and questions if the reality has just set in for Shawn Michaels that he’s in the ring with a different breed of competitor.

The Showstopper gets to his feet, shaking his head, and looks again to attack the weakened leg, stomping at it in the corner, as Lesnar pulls himself to his feet - SHRUGGING OFF the attack from Michaels, ploughing through the pain barrier to pull himself to his feet WHILST Michaels is on the attack!!! Brock is up, and Shawn changes his target, offering a sequence of knife edge chops, but once again, The Iron Man shrugs it off, shoving Shawn away.

Still dogged though, Michaels comes rushing back to the corner, and mounts the turnbuckles, looking to hammer the skull of Lesnar … BUT LESNAR GRABS CONTROL OF MICHAELS … AND POWERS OUT OF THE CORNER … WITH HBK IN A POWERBOMB POSITION … BUT MICHAELS COUNTERS … AND DELIVERS A HURRICANRANA!!!!!!!!!!

Michaels escapes the power bomb attempt, and Lesnar stumbles to his feet by the ropes, with Michaels rushing him, clattering Brock with a clothesline … and Lesnar goes over the top rope, and falls to the floor below!!!! Shawn - knowing he cant let up - climbs onto the apron, takes a look back at Lesnar slowly getting to his feet … and leaps onto the ropes … ASAI MOONSAULT DOWN ONTO LESNAR …

BUT LESNAR CATCHES HIM!!!!!

AND THROWS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS …

THEN DELIVERS AN F5 ON THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

There’s an almighty pop inside the stadium, despite Lesnar being the heel and HBK the face - for the stunning and brutal F5, with Lesnar back up, leaning on the apron, kicking his leg loose, still feeling the effects of the pain, but he battles through it, dragging Michaels back up, and tosses his broken body into the ring, climbing back inside himself … as J.R says this one is over, with Brock making the cover…


…………1…………

……2……

……MICHAELS GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPE……
!!!!!!!!!!

The match is saved - but Lesnar doesn’t initially realise what happened, and believes the match is over, standing up, raising his arms in victory - but Jimmy Korderas has to advise him otherwise, and Lesnar is furious - foaming at the mouth, he roars in the face of Korderas, nearly crossing the line when he grabs the official by the shirt … but releases, and storms away - with his frustration levels clearly rising, furious that HBK is STILL in the match!!!

Lesnar shakes his head, walking around the ring, talking strategy to himself, then comes back for Michaels, showing no mercy as he hauls him to his feet, and quickly shoots him off, into the corner - CHEST FIRST!!! Michaels collides with the corner, and Lesnar follows up with a clubbing blow to the back, then grasps around the waist of HBK … and unleashes a GERMAN SUPLEX that throws Michaels across the ring!!!!!

Michaels back bounces off the mat, and Lesnar pops right back up, wanting to continue the punishment, grasping Michaels around the waist again from behind, hoisting him back up to his feet, into position … FOR ANOTHER RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX ACROSS THE RING!!!!! This time, Lesnar crawls across the ring, and turns Michaels over, hooking the leg…


…………1…………
………………………………………
…2…
……………
………………MICHAELS KICKS OUT………………
!!!

Lesnar throws his head back, shaking it wildly, and slams his fist on the mat, before pressing his head against Shawns on the mat again - shouting at his foe; “JUST STAY DOWN!!!!!” Mounting Michaels, Lesnar proceeds to relentlessly hammer the face with forearms, punishing Michaels for the audacity of kicking out again, until Korderas orders a break.

The Iron Man rolls off the lifeless body of HBK, arguing with the official, before dragging Shawn up, and applies the squeeze on Shawn - he has wrapped THE BEARHUG ON MICHAELS!!!!! Shawn - so much smaller than Brock - is thrown around whilst trapped in the hold, with J.R selling the move, reminding everyone it’s the same move Lesnar used to defeat Hulk Hogan in 2002.

Shawn reaches his hands out, grasping for anything to break the hold, groaning in pain as Lesnar clenches on tightly. The referee asks if Shawn wants to give in, but HBK shakes his head; NO. Shawn desperately tries to break the hold, punching the cranium of Lesnar … but he cant break the grasp of Brock, and the fight begins to dwindle out of the Showstopper. On commentary, Joey Styles wonders if we’re watching the end of another great legend…

Michaels is rag dolled by Lesnar in the submission, fading quickly, forcing the referee to step in, asking if Michaels gives … and gets no response. The head is bowed, with Lesnar continuing to throw Michaels around in his arms, and Korderas raises the arm of Michaels once … and it falls. Indicating one to the outside, Korderas raises the arm again … and it falls AGAIN. Korderas motions for one more, and lifts the arm for the last time … and it falls-

NO!!!!!!!!!!

Michaels keeps the arm up!!!! The Showstopper is STILL fighting!!!! Hitting a second wind, Michaels feeds off the “H-B-K” chants from the fans, and he unleashes all he has on Lesnar in an attempt to force the break, but Brock shrugs the punches off … forcing Michaels to get dirty again … AND HE TRIES TO FISH-HOOK THE EYES OF LESNAR!!!!!

Resorting to ANYTHING, Shawn fish-hooks the eyes of Brock, and forces the hold to finally be broken!!!!! Lesnar reels away, rubbing his eyes, as the official warns Michaels for the blatant cheating … but Shawn shrugs the warning off - doing what he has to survive. HBK doesn’t take time to recover, having to get at Brock, and he unloads with straight right hands to Brock, beating him into the ropes, before setting off, charging off the ropes and back-

RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER FROM LESNAR!!!!!!!!!!


……………1……………
………
…………………2…………………

…NO…
!!!!!!

Michaels kicks out again!!! But once again, his momentum is instantly snuffed out by the dominant Lesnar!!! Brock climbs to his feet, but sells the eyes for a moment after the fish hooking incident, then cries out; “I‘M SICK OF THIS!!!”, and comes back for Michaels in a fit of rage, dragging him up quickly- THROWING HIM ONTO HIS SHOULDERS … AND AN F5-

NO!!!!

MICHAELS COUNTERS IN MID AIR … AND CRADLES THE IRON MAN!!!!!!!!


……………1……………
………
………2………

……………………KICK OUT……………………
!!!!!

Michaels nearly stole it with an incredible mid-air counter to the F5, but Lesnar just escapes in the nick of time!!! Both men try to race to their feet, but it’s Lesnar that’s first to the punch - yet again- and rocking Michaels with a right hand, he sends HBK into the ropes. Lesnar shoots Michaels off, waiting for the return … BUT EATS A FLYING FOREARM FROM THE SHOWSTOPPER!!!!!!!!

It’s vintage Shawn Michaels with the flying forearm - and it cleans Lesnar off his feet!!! Both men are down, with the fans willing HBK on, waiting for the inevitable … AND MICHAELS NIPS UP- NO!!!!! He doesn’t!!! Michaels tries - and fails; AGAIN - to nip up … with the wind taken out of the sails of the fans, wanting to see the old-school HBK.

Michaels slaps his arms on the mat in frustration at failing to nip up again, and has to use the ropes to get to his feet, with the commentary team admitting that the days of seeing the nip up from Michaels look to be over. Shawn pulls himself to his feet at the ropes … but as he does, Lesnar gets up too … and he sprints toward Michaels - EXPLODING -

AND LESNAR CLOTHESLINES MICHAELS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE FLOOR!!!!!

Shawn lands on the floor, and flails his arms, looking helpless as he crawls to the barrier in order to pick himself up. Meanwhile, Lesnar follows, climbing through the ropes, dropping down, talking trash of some sort while watching Michaels dragging himself to his feet using the barrier. Michaels gets up … AND LESNAR EXPLODES AGAIN TOWARD MICHAELS AT THE BARRIER …

BUT MICHAELS MOVES AT THE LAST SECOND - LESNAR CANT STOP HIMSELF …

AND BROCK LESNAR CRASHES THROUGH THE DAMN BARRIER!!!!!!!!

It’s another “HOLY SHIT” moment for the fans to chant to, as Lesnar crashes through the barrier, and lays in a heap in amongst the rubble, as Shawn Michaels crawls away, climbing up the steps, to climb back into the ring. Suddenly, Paul Heyman has re-emerged after being super kicked by HBK in the first first minutes of the match. Looking worse for wear, the ragged Heyman tries to bring Lesnar around!!! And all the while Jimmy Korderas is forced to count the Iron Man out!!!!


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…3…
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………………4………………


… Heyman has his hands clasped, praying for Lesnar to get up and continue the match, pleading with his client to get back up, shouting; “IT‘S WRESTLEMANIA BROCK!!! C‘MON!!!” …


……5……
………………………
…6…
…………………………………

… HBK is climbing to his feet in the ring, surely not happy to be winning the match in this fashion … but he can barely stand himself, and would run the risk of getting himself counted out too if he tried to bring the body of Lesnar back to the ring …


………7………


… LESNAR STIRS!!!!!

Moving away from the broken pieces of the barricade, Lesnar comes to, as Heyman frantically tries to help his client up, but Lesnar - worse for wear - pushes Heyman away, trying to get up on his own.


……8……
……………………………

… J.R is in shock on commentary, as Lesnar somehow crawls out of the wreckage, and toward the ring, with Heyman on his knees, willing his client on …

……………
…9…


… Lesnar JUST makes it back in on time, pulling himself up on the apron, and with a final push from Heyman, he rolls into the ring!!!! The count is broken, and the rejuvenated Shawn Michaels is now the aggressor, capitalising on the weakened Lesnar, opening up at the ropes with knife edge chops, before shooting Lesnar off the ropes - meeting him on the return with an inverted atomic drop … and a second and a third!!!

Michaels backs up into the ropes with Lesnar weakened, still on dream street, and comes back with a clothesline to Brock - but Brock doesn’t go down - he just wobbles!!! Shawn shakes his head, delivering a straight right hand, before hitting the ropes, and coming back with another clothesline … but AGAIN the Iron Man doesn’t leave his feet. Shawn shakes his head once more … then takes off, hitting the ropes … FLYING FOREARM CONNECTS!!!!!

AND IT TAKES LESNAR OFF HIS FEET!!!!!!! The second flying forearm from Michaels connects, and both men hit the mat, with the fans raising their voices once again. Both Michaels and Lesnar are down, with the official about to carry out another mandatory ten count … but there’s no need … AS SHAWN MICHAELS ATTEMPTS THE NIP UP AGAIN …

AND THIS TIME HE DOES NIP UP SUCCESSFULLY!!!!!!!!!!

There’s an eruption in the University of Phoenix Stadium as Michaels pulls off the NIP UP!!! Shawn feeds off the roars in the stadium, walking around the ring, pumping up the fans, looking out to the sea of humanity as he looks to be back in the saddle, hitting fifth gear … WHEN BROCK LESNAR NIPS UP TO HIS FEET TOO!!!!!!

Lesnar NIPS UP … and Michaels jaw DROPS in amazement. Lesnar roars at Michaels, with Shawn frozen still. The fans are going bananas at the sight of the two men both nipping up within seconds of one another … and Lesnar lunges at Michaels - BUT MICHAELS EXPLODES WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC-

NO!!!!!! THE LEG IS CAUGHT BY LESNAR … MICHAELS IS SPUN AROUND … AND THEN HOISTED UP BY LESNAR … F5-

NO!!!!!!! MICHAELS COUNTERS IN MID AIR AGAIN … AND DROPS LESNAR WITH A DDT AS HE IS SWUNG AROUND!!!!!!!!!! Michaels finds another counter to the F5, with Heyman putting his hands on his head, looking concerned for his client. HBK gets back up, and wastes no time, climbing onto the apron, and proceeds up the turnbuckles … AND SOARS THROUGH THE AIR … DELIVERING THE FLYING ELBOW OFF THE TOP!!!!!!!!!!

Michaels bounces back to his feet, proceeding around the ring, again feeding off the fans, geeing them up, before stopping in the corner … AND BEGINS TO TUNE UP THE BAND!!!! Joey Styles declares that THIS is what makes Michaels ‘Mr. WrestleMania’, with Michaels moving to another level, stamping his foot in the corner, readying for Sweet Chin Music!!!

The Showstopper stamps … stamps … stamps the mat, as Heyman is heard crying in desperation “BROCK!!! BROCK!!!” seeing everything falling through … as Michaels readies himself, set to strike, as Brock climbs up on the ropes, peeling himself off … WITH MICHAELS COMING FOR SWEET CHIN MUSIC-

NO!!!!!

LESNAR SIDE STEPS THE KICK!!!!! Michaels lands on nothing, and comes back at Brock, but again, Lesnar avoids, and uses Michaels momentum to throw him over the top rope to give himself a break for a moment … BUT MICHAELS HANGS ONTO THE ROPES!!!!! AND THE SHOWSTOPPER SKINS THE CAT-

BUT AS HE DOES … HE IS CAUGHT ON THE WAY BACK INTO THE RING … AND LESNAR CATCHES HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS … DRAGGING HIM OFF AND AWAY FROM THE ROPES … AND SCORES WITH THE F5!!!!!!!!!! No counter this time from Michaels; Lesnar had the skinning of the cat scouted … and he hooks the leg …


……………1……………
……………
………………………2………………………

……MICHAELS KICKS OUT……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somehow, someway, Michaels finds it in himself to KICK OUT of the F5 from Brock Lesnar!!!!! Lesnar is stunned - and so to are the fans and the three men on commentary. Brock holds up three fingers at the referee, as Heyman too is beside himself, leaping onto the apron, reaching over the ropes, holding up three fingers, arguing with the referee, whilst Lesnar goes ballistic!!!!!

The Iron Man roars in fury, and eyes Michaels - who is flat on his back still - before crying out; “FUCK THIS!!!” and proceeds to reach down, dragging Michaels up again, grabbing him by the face and spews the venomous words; “I‘M REALLY GONNA PUT YOU IN THE MORGUE!!!” … and shoves Michaels into the ropes …

AND MICHAELS RESPONDS WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC - OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! The stadium ERUPTS at the sudden Sweet Chin Music, with Michaels collapsing onto Lesnar, and into a cover, with Heyman wide eyed as the count comes down…



……1……
………………………
…2…
………………………………………
………LESNAR GETS A SHOULDER UP………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!!!” cries Joey Styles, believing Michaels had taken it with that Sweet Chin Music. Michaels looks up into the rafters after the kick out, and as he does, Coach quips; “He may need divine intervention to finish off Lesnar!!!” Michaels slams the canvas over and over, trying to summon the strength for one-final-push in this epic encounter.

Lesnar himself tries to stir, but is still rattled, whilst on commentary J.R states that the next big move; F5 or Sweet Chin Music could be decisive, and states the importance of who can strike first. The Showstopper pulls himself to his feet, and again, tries to get the fans rocking, standing in the corner, one more time … and begins to tune up the band AGAIN … with the fans joining in, stamping their feet throughout the stadium.

The Iron Man tries to rise, but struggles to get up, pushing up, whilst Paul Heyman has his head buried on the apron, praying for his man to recover and get back up, as Styles declares that Heyman never expected this from HBK - he never expected Lesnar to face this kind of fight tonight; this long, this tough - putting over the fighting spirit of HBK.

Brock Lesnar reaches at the ropes, struggling to pull himself up … whilst Michaels continues to stamp his foot … waiting for the Iron Man to get up in order to strike one final dose of Sweet Chin Music … and as Lesnar peels himself away from the ropes … MICHAELS EXPLODES - COMING FOR SWEET CHIN MUSIC-

BUT LESNAR DUCKS DOWN - CATCHING MICHAELS ON THE WAY IN … AND SCOOPS HIM UP FOR THE F5 … HE SPINS TO DELIVER …

BUT MICHAELS LANDS ON HIS FEET-

AND NAILS SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!!!!!!!! He falls to the mat, and the hook of the leg … leaning back as the count is made…


……………1……………
………
………2………

…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: SHAWN MICHAELS @ 25:21

Jim Ross: HE GOT ‘EM!!!! BAH GAWD; SHAWN MICHAELS HAS BEATEN BROCK LESNAR AT WRESTLEMANIA!!!!

Joey Styles: Instant classic.

Selling the effects of the gruelling epic, Michaels remains flat on the canvas, spent after the efforts he put into the thirty minute contest, as the announcement is made by Lillian Garcia. On the outside, Heymans head is buried in his hands…

Jim Ross: We have just witnessed something special. An instant classic without a doubt, Joey. When all is said and done, this one is goin down in the annals of WrestleMania history!! An EPIC … And yeah, it damn sure lived up to the billing - we all just witnessed a “Match For The Ages”!!!


The Coach: I’m spent, baby boy. And if I’m spent from watching … what the hell are Michaels and Lesnar going through right now??


Joey Styles: Shawn Michaels has defied all the people that thought he was over the hill. Shawn Michaels has answered his critics here tonight in Phoenix. Shawn Michaels has proven to his doubters that they were wrong. He IS STILL the Showstopper, he is STILL the Icon … and he just showed the world why they call him, MISTER WrestleMania…

Michaels finally makes it to his knees, clasping his hands, thanking God, pointing to the sky, before standing up and getting his arm raised.

Jim Ross: And what an effort. Shawn Michaels took an almighty beating in the early stages of this match, I’d wager probably the first half of this contest was all Lesnar … but ever the fighter, there was simply NO QUIT in Shawn Michaels. He wouldn’t stay down, no matter what Brock Lesnar threw at him … as the Iron Man found out tonight just who Mister WrestleMania truly is!!!

The Coach: Heap all the praise on Shawn Michaels. Rightly so - but let’s not gloss over the effort from Brock Lesnar here tonight too. You said it yourself J.R at the end; the next man to strike the next blow would be decisive. Lesnar nearly had the F5. This could’ve been a very different outcome.

Jim Ross: Absolutely. Take nothing away from Brock Lesnar. On any other night, against any other opponent, Brock Lesnar would’ve had his hand raised in victory - and probably within half the time too. But on THIS night, he came up against a man that WOULDN’T lay down.

On the outside, Lesnar is up on his feet, and joined by Heyman on the aisle … looking worse for wear. He stands straight, and peers back at the ring, watching as HBK soaks up the adulation of the fans, and the ecstasy of victory … before the Iron Man bows his head, turns, and walks away up the ramp; beaten.

Jim Ross: And on this effort, after all the question marks over his downfall being answered in such emphatic fashion … can the argument be made gentlemen, considering what we’ve just saw; that we’re looking at the greatest of all time in HBK Shawn Michaels??

Joey Styles: The argument can certainly be made, J.R. We saw the match between Kurt Angle and Ric Flair earlier, advertised as the Best Today versus the Best Ever … but in any conversation about the best ever or in any era … the argument can be made for Shawn Michaels.

Shawn Michaels continues to soak up the victory, finally departing the ring, walking around the ringside area, slapping hands with fans, turning at the bottom of the ramp to blow a kiss to the fans and then one up above for the man upstairs…

The Coach: I’ll give him credit. I thought Shawn Michaels was washed up. I still cant believe what I’ve just witnessed.

Jim Ross: And nor can I, Coach. A classic. One of the great matches in WrestleMania history…


Michaels continues up the ramp, turning around one final time, gesturing to the fans how much it means to him, pointing out all over the stadium, before turning, and walking through the curtain…

Joey Styles: We have undoubtedly just seen a match that’ll live long in the memory. Another classic WrestleMania moment. And these people in Phoenix will no doubt remember this night for as long as they live. And next year, WrestleMania celebrates Twenty Five years … and I’m sure Shawn Michaels will want to be part of this one too…



***

[URL="https://
!! WRESTLEMANIA XXV !!
~ RELIANT STADIUM, HOUSTON TX ~
APRIL 5, 2009



And, back at ringside, our three announcers are shown once again, with Coach dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief.

The Coach: Guys, I think I’ll need about a year to recuperate after this night. I’ll see ya next year in Houston.

Jim Ross: Once a year would work for me!! And yes, ladies and gentlemen, WrestleMania 25, next year coming from Houston, Texas. And, I gotta say, Houston has a lot to live up to on April 5 2009.


Joey Styles: Well, as the saying goes, J.R; everything is bigger in Texas!! But they’ll have to go a long way to top this one.



The graphic fills the picture, and the fans cheer in the stadium.

Jim Ross: And the hits keep comin!!! And gentlemen, the big question, will The Undertaker be headed to Texas with the Streak in tact?? Or will he leave here tonight fifteen and ONE at WrestleMania??

The Coach: He’s facing odds that he simply cannot overcome. No one could. Not even The Undertaker.

Joey Styles: Well, the odds would certainly point towards history being made here tonight - MORE history. We’ve already seen a true Match for the Ages, we’ve already seen Ric Flairs WrestleMania swansong, and a bloodbath that’ll live long in the memory. We might just see the most famous streak in WWE history come to an end.

Jim Ross: That would certainly blow any other story out of the water comin out of this weekend, without a doubt. The Undertaker faces his most daunting challenge in the shape of Umaga … but not only that, he’ll have to contend with the vengeful John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield as the special guest referee, and the meddling Armando Alejandro Estrada on the outside.

The Coach: And don’t forget; JBL has vowed not to count a pinfall for The Undertaker, no matter what!!! He guaranteed it, J.R!! And when JBL make a guarantee - you-

Jim Ross: I know all about JBL and his guarantees Coach. I know JBL has a plan B, probably a plan C, D and E too. He’s hell bent on seeing The Streak end.

Joey Styles: He most certainly is. The Undertaker has seen off all kinds of threats over the years - he’s come back from the brink of defeat on more than one occasion. But tonight, he faces a challenge that is essentially impossible to overcome…



***
UNDERTAKER | UMAGA

Shots of Undertakers ominous introduction at the Survivor Series in 1990...

Roddy Piper: LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT-

What follows is a series of clips of Taker choking Jimmy Snuka, beating Jake Roberts with the Tombstone, Defeating Diesel, Raising the title at WrestleMania 13, Diving out at Kane at XIV, Holding up ten fingers at WrestleMania X8, Pinning Chris Jericho and Tapping Kurt Angle over the years…

Gorilla Monsoon: For whom the bell tolls… TOMBSTONE CITY!!!
Jim Ross: Six and oh…
Jerry Lawler: Ten AND OH…
Michael Cole: Thirteen and OH!!!
Tazz: Fifteen and OH!!!
Jim Ross: …AT WRESTLEMANIA!!!

Clips of Takers entrances at WrestleManias XIV & XX with the druids, letting off fire in other entrances, the rope walk, the sit up, the eye roll, the Last Ride to Triple H at X7, Tombstone to Shawn Michaels at 21...

Michael Cole: The legend grows!!!
Jerry Lawler: It's like he can feed off a higher power. I mean, how d'ya keep this guy down?
Michael Cole: HE IS THE EPITOMY OF WRESTLEMANIA!!!
Jim Ross: The conscience of the WWE!!!



~ ROYAL RUMBLE ~

Umaga is shown DOMINATING the Rumble…

Joey Styles: Who can possibly stop the Samoan Bulldozer??…

!! BUZZER !!

~ DARKNESS ~



- GONG -
!!!!!

**GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY**

THE UNDERTAKER

The Thomas And Mack Centre is on it’s feet - to a man!!! Umaga is transfixed in the ring - his focus now on the Phenom.

Joey Styles: I’ve got goosebumps!!! If anyone can bring Umaga down - it’s The Undertaker!!! The Samoan Bulldozer has taken out the biggest names of the last two decades in the last two months - but now he’s about to come face to face with the one constant - the one man who has transcended three era’s - the CONSCIENCE of the WWE!!!!

Umaga strikes first, but Taker fights back, putting Umaga on the back foot … UNTIL UMAGA RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!!

BUT THE UNDERTAKER SITS UP!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Ross: Oh Yeah!!! Umaga; meet The Deadman!!!

Taker fights back, coming with a FLYING CLOTHESLINE … BUT UMAGA STRIKES HIM WITH AN UPPERCUT!!!!! Umaga misses his running hip attack, and hit’s the turnbuckle, and bounces out of the corner … right into a GOOZLE … CHOKESLAM-

BUT UMAGA EASILY OVERPOWERS THE PHENOM!!!!!

All of a sudden, the background music cuts on the video - it’s silence. Shock and awe take over the package … as Umaga DOMINATES Taker. He attacks Taker with a steel chair, and busts him open, then proceeds with MULTIPLE chair shots to Taker…

Jim Ross: THAT’S ENOUGH DAMMIT!!!

JBL arrives on the scene, as he and Estrada share a look. Umaga splashes the lifeless Undertaker through the table. JBL shouts off the mic;

“I DON’T FORGIVE!!! I DON’T FORGET!!! AND IT‘S AN EYE FOR AN EYE, DEADMAN. YOU STOLE MY CAREER - AND I‘M TAKIN YOURS!!!!!”

And The Undertaker is carried out; lifeless…

Jim Ross: Umaga took out the biggest stars of the last two eras in the WWE in November and December. Tonight … he‘s taken out the biggest star of any era. Tonight … Umaga crippled … The Undertaker.



Armando Estrada: Bret ‘de Hitman’ Hart … Mick Foley … ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin … De Undertaker. All ju’re heroes for de last twenty years … and dey have been FINISHED once and for all… one by one … by ONE MAN!!!

Shots of Umaga crippling Bret Hart in Canada, Mick Foley in a Hardcore Match, and Stone Cold at the end of the night at Raw XV.

Armando Estrada: Dis man … dis monster … has taken all of ju’re heroes over de last two decades - de biggest names to ever set foot in a ring, de leaders of der own generation - and he has crippled dem all-

Shots of Umaga destroying Shawn Michaels, Christian, John Cena… and clips of his merciless beat down of Taker at the Rumble.

Armando Estrada: JUST LIKE DAT!!!

Clips of Taker doing battle with all the aforementioned names over the last eighteen years … outlasting them all.

Armando Estrada: All of dem, leaders in a BY-GONE era. And last night, de biggest name of all - de biggest icon of dem all - de man who has encompassed and transcended each and every era - de man who outlasted dem all; de last standing cowboy in de wild west … de one constant in a landscape that constantly changes … he fell to de NEW Phenom.

Andre shot of Umaga at his terrifying best…

Armando Estrada: And he was de EASIEST challenge of all.

Clips of Undertaker looking helpless as he was bloodied at the Rumble by the Bulldozer.

Armando Estrada: De Undertaker was simply NO MATCH for dis man. De Undertaker had NOTHING to offer De Samoan Bulldozer, nothing to trouble dis monster. And in de end … Umaga reduced ju’re hero … to nothing.

Cut to JBL talking over as clips are shown of Taker retiring JBL last summer in the Buried Alive match…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Did you think I’d just move on?? I was BURIED - ALIVE!!!

Replays of Umaga dominating Taker - the likes of which never seen before… shrugging off the attempt of a choke slam, overpowering the Phenom.

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Last night at the Royal Rumble, the Deadman was humanized. He came face to face with a force greater than his … and he crumbled. And after he was ripped to shreds, after he was physically dominated WITH EASE … like any old animal that you no longer have use for … The Phenom was disposed of.

Shots of the desert, where Taker was buried by the hired goons of JBL following the Rumble…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Now, finally, The Deadman has been laid to rest with no half measures … Buried … ALIVE. I failed to bury the Undertaker back in July and paid for it with my in-ring career … but look who has the last laugh. HA HA - UNDERTAKER!!! REST … IN … PEACE Y‘NO GOOD SON OF A BITCH!!!!

Cut to Saturday Nights Main Event, where Christian is left helpless at the hands of Umaga, JBL among other hired goons …

~ THE LIGHTS GO OUT ~

-STATIC-

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: … I had his LIFELESS body taken out to the Mojave Desert … I watched as a team of men proceeded to dig a hole in the ground … and BURY that son of a bitch in the middle of the desert.

Shot of The Undertakers hand shooting up from the ground in the middle of the desert…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: I WATCHED IT WITH MY OWN EYES!!!!! I WATCHED AS THEY DUMPED HIS SORRY ASS INTO THAT SIX FOOT HOLE!!!!! AN YOU CAN BET I HELPED FILL THAT DAMN HOLE!!!

And then the box in the hole, full of snakes … and The Undertakers symbol…

The Undertaker: Umaga … your actions will spark a re-action … at the hands of the reaper!!!

The WRESTLEMANIA logo fills the screen!!!

The Undertaker: You cant hide … FROM THE DEADMAN!!! And now … as you walk through the valley of the shadow of DEATH … why don’t you test your own IMMORTALITY??

And now, the WrestleMania logo has is replaced with 15-0 … before it evaporates … and becomes 16 - 0!!!!!

The Undertaker: YOU … MEEEEE … WRESTLEMANIA!!!!!

And a nodding Umaga… accepting.

The Coach: The Streak!!! Undertaker versus Umaga!! It’s gonna happen!!!!

Collection of shots of The Undertakers streak, and the list of superstars, icons and legends he has defeated down the years to go 15-0...

Armando Estrada: Deadman?? Ju are in a WORLD of trouble, hombre. Ju’re little “STREAK” dat ju’ve amassed?? De fabled FIFTEEN AND OH at de WrestleMania?? It’s gonnnne, Deadman. Ju should’ve realised after DE MAULING dat ju took at de Royal Rumble … dat ju were in WAY over ju’re head dis time. And if ju think for one SECOND dat just because ju’re challenging Umaga at de WrestleMania dat you’ve got some kind of como se dice … ADVANTAGE??

Reminder of Umaga destroying Taker at the Rumble.

Armando Estrada: DEN JU’RE WRONG - WRONG - WRONG!!!!!

Joey Styles: The Undertaker undoubtedly faces the biggest test in the history of his WrestleMania streak. No one has ever dominated him like Umaga has!!

Cut to JBL on March 10’s Monday Night Raw, mixed with the shots of Taker in action at WrestleManias…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: The Undertakers Streak has spawned into a life of it’s own. You people ask; “Who‘s next” … and year after year, challenge after challenge … The Deadman has risen to see off every challenge.

Clips of Taker in victory in the fabled streak; championships, fireworks, darkness…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: But he’s never faced a challenge like this.

Shots of Umaga shrugging off the Chokeslam attempt at the Rumble, overpowering the Phenom, the multiple steel step attacks. The bloody mess of Taker…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: I stand before you all with one CAST-IRON, SOLID GOLD, ONE HUNDRED PER CENT GUARANTEE …Umaga WILL end The Undertakers streak at WrestleMania.

Taker trying … and failing to sit up, with Umaga battering him again.

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Because I will be the special guest referee at WrestleMania!!

Clips of Umagas path of destruction over the last two years, leaving no one in his wake; including the legends; Bret, Foley, Austin…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: This BULLDOZER will put The Undertaker to the sword and bring a swift, dominant, decisive, brutal end to The Streak. And I will see to it that it happens. Because my hand and my hand only will decide the fate of The Streak at WrestleMania.

Flashing shots of the graphic 15-0 changing to 15-1…

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: And once I help Umaga end The Streak at Wrestle Mania … any time you ever think of The Streak, any time you tell your children about The Streak, any time you tell your childrens children about The Streak…It’ll be bookmarked by the fact that I, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield … saw to the END of it.

Cut to Raw on March 24; and The Undertaker returns, initially getting the better of the numbers, but once he gets his hands on JBL, Umaga attacks The Deadman.

Armando Estrada: De beating ju took at the Royal Rumble obviously wasn’t enough, Deadman. So allow me to inform ju that de Samoan Bulldozer is ready, willing and able to go much - MUCH - further, pero!! Dat destruction ju suffered at de Rumble - HA HA - dat was merely a TASTER of what ju will get for having de GALL to ever show ju’re face again and come back for more!!!

Undertaker gets some offence in … but is seemingly still no match for Umaga, who no sells Takers offence…

Armando Estrada: Undertaker!!! At WrestleMania, ju’re fate will be de same as it was when ju went toe to toe with Umaga at de Royal Rumble … only dis time … ju wont need to be buried in de middle of de desert…

Undertaker takes a beating from Umaga … and a clothesline from hell from JBL.

Armando Estrada: Because when ju show up at WrestleMania?? Ju’ll be DEAD ON ARRIVAL … ju will be beaten so badly, so … comprehensively … dat no one will remember de fifteen guys you BEAT…

Umaga picking Undertaker up … and delivering a TOMBSTONE … TO THE UNDERTAKER!!!

Armando Estrada: But de ONE dat ripped ju apart!!!

And end on The Undertaker DOWN, with Umaga, JBL and co standing over him…

Jim Ross: I cant believe my ears. JBL has essentially just put the final nail in the coffin. Theres- there’s no way that even The Undertaker could overcome these odds. With JBL as the referee at Wrestle Mania … The Streak?? It’s over…

END PACKAGE
***



Back into the stadium …

**LONGHORN**

Footage cuts to the parking lot, as a LONG, white stretch limo, getting a motorcade and a police escort, ala WrestleMania 21 IRL…


Jim Ross: Is this for real??

The Coach: The Raw GM is arriving in STYLE, baby boy!!!

Jim Ross: HE’S THE GOD DAMN REFEREE!!!

The limousine pulls into the inside of the stadium, and drives out onto the side of the stage.

Joey Styles: And since when did a referee get an entrance - let alone a motorcade??

The Coach: Ever since JBL signed up to be an official!!!

Jim Ross: What an ego!! What an ass!!! I sure hope Mike Chioda and Chad Patton get this kind of treatment later on!!!

Ranjin Singh exit’s the limo, and runs around, opening the door for his boss, with JOHN ‘BRADSHAW’ LAYFIELD exiting the vehicle - and is met with vociferous heat from the fans in Phoenix.

Jim Ross: Oh, he looks in great spirit, huh?? He looks real happy!! I hope you’re happy, JBL!!

The Coach: Are you sucking up, J.R??

Jim Ross: I’m being sarcastic Coach. The man makes me sick!!! He’s gonna screw The Undertaker tonight and he’s freely admitting it!!

JBL lifts off his cowboy hat, and displays his toothy grin, soaking up the boos from the fans, and he takes off his jacket, showing off his black and white striped referee shirt for the evening.

The Coach: I admire his honesty, J.R!! We’ve been ruled by too many liars on Raw. I’m pleased JBL is open with us all.


Joey Styles: We all love honesty … but Coach, fairness is a pretty important quality in an authority figure too, no??

The Coach: Yeah … and JBL is as fair as anyone. He’s allowed J.R there to try and soil his good name for the last three months, and he still lets J.R call this show!!!

Jim Ross: Gimme a break.

Being escorted onto the aisle, JBL is flanked by a security team, led by Vladimir with Ranjin Singh at the back of the group, not part of the security squad.

Jim Ross: And again, I just want to point this out for anyone who may be confused; this is the REFEREE, folks. That’s right, the referee. He’s not competing tonight - I know it may look odd for a referee to get such a grandiose introduction, but trust me - that man that’s surrounded by security that has just gotten a motorcade and a presidential escort is, in fact - the referee!!!

Joey Styles: This is ridiculous.

The Coach: Thank you, Joey. See, J.R?? You’re being unreasonable.

Joey Styles: I was talking about all this pageantry for JBL, actually, Coach.

Bradshaw has the ropes opened for him by two of his team, and he climbs inside, smiling that toothy grin once more, before taking off his hat, extending his arms for the adulation … which doesn’t come.

Jim Ross: And surprise, surprise, he’s been met with a reaction that’s colder than a step-mothers kiss.

The Coach: These people don’t know what’s good for ‘em, J.R!!

JBL stands in the ring, as the lights inside the stadium dip, with just lights shining on the stage … and fire burns from either side of the stage … where a group of two dozen Samoans stand on the stage, all decked out in tribal wear. With no music, they begin to perform the famous Samoan dance; the Siva Tau…

(Or, in more simple terms … the Uso’s dance)

LE MANU SAMOA E UA MALO ONA FAI O LE FAIVA
LE MANU SAMOA E UA MALO ONA FAI O LE FAIVA
LE MANU SAMOA LENEI UA OU SAU
LEAI SE ISI MANU OI LE ATU LAULAU
UA OU SAU NEI MA LE MEA ATOA
O LOU MALOSI UA ATOATOA
LA E FAATAFA MA E SOSO ESE
LEAGA O LENEI MANU E UIGA ESE
LE MANUA SAMOA
LE MANU SAMOA
LE MANU SAMOA E O MAI I SAMOA
LE MANU!!!


**VIRTUAL VOODOO**

As the lights begin to return, we see MORE Samoans sat on the stage - at least another two dozen, with just a gap in the middle of the stage. They’re all slapping their legs and bodies to the beat of Umaga’s theme music, performing the Sasa; another Samoan traditional dance …


As UMAGA finally enters, closely followed by his ever-present handler; Armando Alejandro Estrada, with the fire on either side of the stage rising, and puffs as he extends his arms at the top of the ramp, screaming out in his tribal tongue. He looks to his left, then right, at all the dancers on the stage, before proceeding with a purpose down the ramp.

The commentary team remains silent as the performance continues on the stage, with shots of JBL grinning broadly, mouthing; “I LOVE IT” in the ring, and Armando Estrada is just as giddy, whilst for Umaga, it’s business as usual, not affected by any of the pomp and ceremony behind his entrance.

The Samoan Bulldozer slams his hands on the steel steps, before proceeding up them, and into the ring, raising his arms, growling in his native tongue again, as Estrada shakes hands with JBL and Singh, all three looking giddy at what they’re about to pull off, as the music dies down…

The Coach: Only at WrestleMania, baby!! That just gave me goosebumps!! An entrance fit for a monster like Umaga!!

Joey Styles: And I’m sure there was no expense spared from JBL for all of that. Impressive for sure.


Jim Ross: And would ya look at that!! The referee having a laugh and joke with the handler of one of the competitors. They’re not even pretending to be impartial for gods sake!!!

JBL tries to talk to Umaga, looking to pump him up for the task ahead, but it’s unclear if Umaga can even make sense of what Layfield is saying, with a wild look in his eyes. JBL though loves it, and turns to Singh, giving his associate a double thumbs up.

Jim Ross: And let’s not forget - Umaga is a damn monster. He’s challenge enough. On his own, he could beat the Streak. He showed that at the Royal Rumble when he decimated The Undertaker. He overpowered The Deadman six night ago on Raw too. He doesn’t need the help!!!

Joey Styles: You’re right, J.R. Umaga is more than enough for anyone to handle; even the Undertaker. He has been legitimately beaten ONCE in nearly two years in the WWE. Just ONCE.

The Coach: He probably doesn’t need the help. I agree. But JBL wants The Streak to DIE, and he’ll leave no stone unturned to make sure that happens. Umaga on his own is plan A. JBL as referee is the back up plan B. He has Plan C in his back pocket, and I’d dare say he has a Plan D and beyond if necessary.

The group of Estrada, JBL, Umaga, Singh and Vladimir all stand in the ring, waiting patiently…

… AND THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!!!!

HUGE POP!!!!!

CELL PHONES LIGHT UP ALL AROUND THE STADIUM!!!

**DRUID CHANT**

The creepy chants of the druids plays through the arena, as flashes go off, seeing the stoic face of Umaga - unmoved by the chant, whilst JBL is pacing, becoming more nervous.

Then; silence. The fans rumble with cheers in anticipation… as a puff of fire emanates across the stage …

!! GONG !!

!! GONG !!

!! GONG !!

!! GONG !!

!! GONG !!

~ LIGHTNING STRIKES THE STAGE ~

**REST IN PEACE**

Mist descends on the stage, as the fans cheers grow louder … and through the mist, walks THE UNDERTAKER!!!!! It’s bedlam inside the University of Phoenix stadium, with The Deadman slowly walking through the smoke, pushing his arms out, with the fire rising behind him.

The Phenom proceeds down the ramp, with his deliberate, slow, menacing walk; the walk he has made thousands of times … but it’s never as enthralling as it is at the Showcase of the Immortals.

Joey Styles: I have goosebumps. The only way to describe this feeling is awe-inspiring. The mystical, once in a lifetime Undertaker is here, and he is bringing hell with him.

The Coach: But is it for the last time with the ‘Oh’ in that WrestleMania record??

Jim Ross: Whether it is or isn’t, you can bet your bottom dollar that The Undertaker will give it every ounce of energy he has got tonight. No doubt he’s fighting a losing battle, but the oldest gunslinger in town, aint gonna roll over. If he’s goin down, he’ll do it on his shield.

Down the ramp and the aisle, The Undertaker stops, peering into the ring, where Umaga et al await him, before he turns, and stalks toward the steps. Slowly, he proceeds up each step, before slowly raising his arms … bringing up the lights, as the camera closes in on his face; where the eyes are rolled back. They return, and the steely gaze is locked on the men in the ring.

Jim Ross: The likes of Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Ric Flair and Triple H have tried and failed over the fifteen and oh streak. Nine former world champions in all. The Undertaker has seen off every challenge. Can he overcome the greatest of all tonight??

Joey Styles: He’s faced legends, icons, all time greats. Giants, monsters; they’ve all fallen to The Deadman at the Granddaddy of ‘em all. But he’s never faced odds like this. He’s never been as up against it as he is tonight.

Jim Ross: He’s behind the eight ball before the bell even rings.

The Undertaker climbs into the ring, showing no fear of the odds he’s up against, as he takes the centre of the ring, with Estrada holding off Umaga, who is eager to go at it.

The Coach: Stop looking at the negatives. Focus on the positives, people. We’re about to witness history here at WrestleMania. The END of the Streak.

Joey Styles: It may well be…

Taking off his medieval jacket, The Undertaker keeps his cold eyes on his adversaries across the ring, tossing the jacket to the outside, and stands his ground, with Estrada, Singh and Vladimir all leaving the ring … as the grinning JBL takes the middle of the ring to do his bit as referee…

The Streak:
The Undertaker vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada
With Special Guest Referee; John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield
JBL signals for the bell, and both men come forward, taking the middle of the ring, staring each other down!! The fans chant the name of The Phenom, backing the undefeated (at WrestleMania) Deadman, as he looks to psyche out the Bulldozer … and performs the cut throat taunt in Umagas face … with the Bulldozer snapping, throwing a shot at The Undertaker; BLOCKED - and Taker fires off on Umaga!!!

The Undertaker unleashes all his fury on Umaga, unloading a barrage of rights and lefts, opening up on the body and the skull of Umaga in the corner, then turns out of the corner, walking out to build up some steam, but as he turns around … UMAGA RUSHES OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A BODY ATTACK!!!!! Umaga shrugs off the initial onslaught and clatters into Taker, taking him off his feet!!!!!

Umaga roars upon impact, as The Deadman gets back to his feet, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs - as Umaga charges at him, blasting Taker with a clothesline, sending the Phenom bundling over the top rope, and onto the floor … BUT THE UNDERTAKER LANDS ON HIS FEET!!!!! The fans pop, as the Deadman trips the legs of Umaga, and drags him out of the ring!!!

The Undertaker throws all he has at Umaga, giving the Bulldozer his best shots; stiff right hands, and thinking he has Umaga rocked, Taker looks to send him into the barrier with an Irish whip - BUT UMAGA DOESN’T BUDGE!!!! Umaga overpowers Taker and IRISH WHIPS HIM instead - sending The Phenom INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!!!!

The Undertaker bundles through the steps with an almighty thud, and Umaga wastes no time to follow up, coming right after Taker, picking him up, and slams him onto the floor. Stomping The Phenom, Umaga then walks away, and PICKS UP THE STEEL STEPS!!!!! JBL looks concerned, shouting “NO!! NO!!” as the Bulldozer looks to take out The Undertaker with the steel steps - which would surely be cause for a DQ!!!

Taker gets back to his feet, not knowing what’s about to come, as Umaga CHARGES THROUGH HIM WITH THE STEPS!!!!!!! Frantically, JBL shouts to the timekeepers position; “NO DQ!!! IT‘S NO DQ!!!! CLEAR?? ANNOUNCE IT!!!” J.R and Styles are both incensed at the refereeing, but neither are surprised … as Lillian Garcia makes the call;

Lillian Garcia: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just been informed by the special guest referee … that this match is now … NO disqualifications…

Heat descends for the bullshit call, and Umaga looks to take full advantage of the ruling, and has the steps up, coming at The Undertaker with them … BUT TAKER DODGES … AND UMAGA NAILS VLADIMIR WITH THE STEPS BY ACCIDENT!!!!! Umaga drops the steps after impact, and turns around, getting nailed by the incoming Undertaker!!! The Phenom runs Umaga into the ring apron, and rams him against the apron again, then gets Umaga onto the apron.

Driving elbows into the throat area of Umaga on the ring apron, The Deadman tries to soften him up, and pops him with a few right hands. The Undertaker climbs up onto the ring apron, stomping the Bulldozer, then has a few words of warning for the meddling referee, JBL, before walking across the ring apron - AND DROPS A LEG ON UMAGA ACROSS THE APRON!!!! Vintage Taker, and the Deadman rolls Umaga into the ring.

The Deadman follows in, and rears back, clobbering Umaga with a big right hand, backing Umaga up, finally making a dent … BUT UMAGA FIGHTS BACK!!!! The Bulldozer and The Phenom go blow for blow … and it’s UMAGA that’s winning the battle!!! Umaga batters Taker into the corner, forcing the Deadman to cover up, before he takes off, hitting the ropes, charging back at Taker - BUT TAKER MEETS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND!!!!!

Umaga is slowed by the right hand, and Taker grips Umaga by the throat with both hands, and throws Umaga into the corner, and unleashes hell, with a brutal assault in the corner, beating the body, the face, the body again, peppering the Bulldozer, before bounding away, looking to bounce off the ropes … WHEN ARMANDO ESTRADA LOW BRIDGES THEM … AND THE UNDERTAKER TAKES A TUMBLE TO THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

Instead of admonishing Estrada or giving any warning, JBL has a big grin etched on his face - enjoying the move from AAE!!! Armando laughs himself … but not for long … AS THE UNDERTAKER STANDS RIGHT BACK UP … AND GRIPS ESTRADA BY THE THROAT!!!!!!! The Deadman hoists Estrada up in the air for the CHOKESLAM …

BUT UMAGA NAILS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A CHAIR TO THE BACK TO PREVENT IT!!!!!!!!!!

Boos ring out from the fans, as the choke slam isn’t completed, and Umaga takes advantage of the No Disqualification addition, using the chair, and slams it across the back of Taker, and then sends him off into the barrier, whilst AAE recovers, taking a bottle of water from the announce table, selling the grip around his throat. Taker slumps down, and Umaga follows in, with his trademark RUNNING HIP ATTACK to the Deadman against the barricade!!!

Umaga drags The Undertaker back up, and rolls him back into the ring, following inside, working the body of The Undertaker in the corner, and applies a choke of his own … as JBL slowly … VERY SLOWLY administers a count to break the choke, and once he reaches four … JBL senses the choke isn’t being broken … and pretends to be distracted by Estrada on the outside!!!!!

More heat is given to the biased special guest referee, giving Umaga as long as he wants to choke The Deadman in the corner. Eventually, the Bulldozer releases the choke, and backs away, into the opposite corner … before STAMPEDING ACROSS THE RING … RUNNING HIP ATTACK TO THE DEADMAN IN THE CORNER … MISSES!!!!!!!!!

The Phenom dodges out of the corner, leaving no one home for Umaga, and the big Samoan crashes into the corner … with The Undertaker sprinting off the ropes, rebounding back, and runs through Umaga with a flying clothesline - TAKING THE SAMOAN BULLDOZER OFF HIS FEET … MOMENTARILY AT LEAST!!!!!

Umaga immediately gets back to his feet, but the fans pop for Taker managing to knock him down, and The Deadman appears to thrive off the momentum, and he hoists Umaga up, onto his shoulders - with difficultly - and runs to the corner … SNAKE EYES!!! The Phenom takes off, coming back off the ropes to look for a big boot … BUT IS MET WITH A ROLLING WHEEL KICK FROM THE SAMOAN BULLDOZER!!!!!!

Instantly, Umaga regains the advantage, shrugging off the offence from Taker, and stunning the Phenom by recovering so quickly to surprise him off the ropes - and Bradshaw; the REFEREE of the match, APPLAUDS the move from Umaga, not even trying to hide his interests in the match. Umaga stands back, rebounding off the ropes, and jumps up, delivering a head butt to the grounded Undertaker. Umaga gets the lateral press, and JBL tries to count quickly…


………1………
………………2………………
…KICK OUT FROM THE UNDERTAKER…
!!!!!

What would’ve been barely a one count nearly ends the match, such is the speed of JBL’s count - and he’s not even trying to cover for his fast count. Umaga continues to pile on the pressure on Taker, stomping him before pulling him to his feet, keeping the Deadman under control with stiff head butts, then slams the Phenom with a textbook front slam.

The Bulldozer backs up into the corner, hoisting himself into a seated position up on the top rope, standing … and flies off … AND SPLASHES THE UNDERTAKER!!!!! The agile big man soars, and crashes onto the legend, but instead of covering, Umaga mounts Taker, and lays in some heavy shots, pounding the cranium of The Phenom!!!

Weakly, JBL ‘admonishes’ Umaga, motioning about the closed fist … but has no intention of actually doing anything about it. Umaga bashes The Phenom, and drags the legend to his feet, head butting Taker as he backs him into the corner, opening up with uppercut thrusts to the throat … but Taker fires back!!! Taker wont go down without a fight, and delivers right hands to back Umaga up and fight his way out of the corner!!

Cheers come from the fans - but soon subside, as Umaga quicky cuts off the comeback with another big uppercut to the throat - one that knocks The Deadman off his feet. Taker quickly tries to get back up, and Umaga charges off the ropes, bounding toward The Phenom … BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A SIDE WALK SLAM FROM THE UNDERTAKER!!!!

Being the indestructible force that he is though, Umaga doesn’t stay down after the side walk slam!! Instantly, the Bulldozer stirs, but The Undertaker is on the offence, grabbing the arm of the Bulldozer - wrenching it. The Demon of Death Valley twists the arm of Umaga, controlling the wrists, keeping enough distance to avoid the free arm of Umaga - as the Bulldozer swings to hit the Deadman.

Expertly working over the arm, The Deadman rams his shoulder into the weakened body part of Umaga, and again, before yanking the arm again, and twists it one more time, as we see a look of concern on the face of JBL. Taker wrenches the arm once again, and steps backward into the corner - and the fans eats it up, knowing what’s to come, and they soon chant in unison, filling the stadium with the call; “OLLLD SCHOOOOOL”…

Taker hoists himself up, onto the top rope, and with control over Umagas arm, he stands, and he begins to tight walk along the top rope … LEAPING OFF FOR OLD SCHOOL … BUT UMAGA CATCHES HIM ON THE WAY DOWN … AND TOSSES HIM UP … DRILLING THE PHENOM WITH A STUNNING SAMOAN DROP!!!!! Umaga regains control with a scintillating counter to Takers Old School!!! Umaga gets the cover …


………1………
………………2………………
…KICK OUT FROM THE UNDERTAKER…
!!!!!

Its another LIGHTNING QUICK count from JBL, with The Deadman just BARELY getting a shoulder up in time!!! Bradshaw is heard shouting; “DAMN IT!!” in frustration after the kick out, whilst Umaga rolls off and stands back up. Roaring out again, Umaga then backs into the ropes, coming back, dropping his thick, three trunk like leg across the face of The Deadman!!

Umaga doesn’t let up, and The Bulldozer picks him right back up, tossing The Deadman onto his shoulders like a small child, and carries him across the ring, setting Taker on the top rope, front facing to the crowd. Clubbing the back, Umaga softens Taker up … then rakes the back, and pulls Taker downward - INTO A TREE OF WOE POSITION!!!

JBL looks gleeful, seeing Taker in such a precarious position, as Umaga backs up, then darts in - DIVING HEADBUTT to the defenceless Taker in the tree of woe!!! Umaga gets back up, and stomps the chest of Taker, then backs up across, charging back across - WITH ANOTHER DIVING HEADBUTT TO TAKER!!!!! From there, Umaga begins to brutally stomp into the chest and midsection of Taker, with The Undertaker unable to do anything about it.

The Deadman is eventually freed from the tree of woe, with Umaga continuing the assault, with Taker down on the mat, The Bulldozer uses the ropes to spring himself up, and CRASHES down on Taker with a springboard butt splash, getting back up, and repeats the trick!!! Umaga crushes The Phenom, and springs onto the ropes again … WITH A THIRD BUTTSPLASH!!!!! Umaga sits on The Undertaker for the cover…


………1………
………………2………………
…KICK OUT FROM THE UNDERTAKER…
!!!!!

And for the THIRD time, JBL administers an extraordinary fast count … but Taker STILL just kicks out before he can hit a third time. Once more, JBL cant hide his frustration, blurting out; “GOD DAMN IT!!!”, and slaps the mat in anger with both hands three times after the kick out. He looks up, and points to the top … the REFEREE is now giving ADVICE to one of the competitors!!!!!

Umaga nods, with Estrada applauding, as the Samoan Bulldozer proceeds to drag Taker to the corner again. With The Phenom in position, Umaga steps up, onto the middle rope, taking a moment, looking out at the fans … before bouncing … AND GOES FOR THE BANZAI DROP … BUT THE UNDERTAKER SITS UP!!!!!!!!!!

The Undertaker sits up, avoiding the Banzai Drop, getting a huge pop from the fans for the timeless Taker spot, and The Phenom rises to his feet, and meets Umaga with a boot to the gut, then opens up with a flurry of shots to his foe, trying to soften up Umaga … BUT AGAIN UMAGA CUTS TAKERS OFFENCE!!! A flash uppercut rocks Taker, and gives Umaga the upper hand again, with Umaga sending him off the ropes …

BUT THE PHENOM LAUNCHES ON THE RETURN WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE!!!!!!!!!!

Umaga is taken off his feet by the clothesline, and he gets back up, staggering into the corner, with The Phenom launching himself across the ring with a big splash into the corner on Umaga … then proceeds to UNLOAD on the Samoan in the corner - with no blocking or counters from Umaga this time!! But, unlike with Umaga earlier, JBL DOES step in, and uses his powers as official to force the break in the corner!!!

But as JBL does look to exercise his powers and go for the break, The Phenom snaps, and scare Bradshaw off, with fear in the eyes of JBL, and the referee cowers!!! Taker points at the ‘official’, warning him, but as Taker turns back around - UMAGA EXPLODES OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!!!

On commentary, J.R questions just what Taker will have to do to put this Bulldozer down for any length of time, given the quickness he recovers, each time Taker gets any offence!!! Umaga pulls The Deadman back to his feet, and shoots Taker off the ropes, ducking down for the return … BAD MOVE; THE PHENOM REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES … AND SCORES WITH A RUNNING SCINTILLATING DDT!!!!!!!

But, the BEAST that Umaga is - AGAIN - he isn’t staying down!!!!! He stumbles to his feet, trying to shrug off the DDT, but Taker slows him with a big right hand, and wrenches up the arm again, as he looks to go back to the well after failing first time around; stepping up onto the ropes … walking across the top rope as only he can … OLD SCHOOL CONNECTS at the second time of asking!!!!!

Umaga tumbles down off the impact, as Taker patrols the ring … THEN GRABS JBL AROUND THE THROAT … CHOKESLAM TO THE REFEREE!!!!!

The Phenom takes advantage of the No DQ stipulation that JBL himself added, and Styles calls on commentary; “If he‘s goin down, he‘s takin everyone to hell with him!!!” Suddenly, sensing danger, Armando Estrada gives the recovered Vladimir some orders, and the Russian bodyguard climbs up onto the apron … AND GETS A BIG BOOT FOR HIS TROUBLES!!!!! Taker turns around, and ducks a swing from Umaga … catches him … CHOKESLAM!!!!!

The Undertaker slams Umaga into the canvas!!!!! Ranjin Singh looks concerned too, and in desperation, Armando Estrada frantically climbs up onto the apron, seeing everything fall apart … but The Deadman grips him by the jacket, throwing him over the ropes and into the ring!!! On the outside, Singh is frozen to the spot, whilst AAE cowers into the corner away from Taker … and crawls out of the ring before The Deadman can get his hands on him.

Turning around, The Phenom waits as Umaga reaches his feet again - recovering quickly from the Chokeslam … AND TAKER TRIES TO SCOOP HIM UP … FOR A TOMBSTONE!!!!! BUT UMAGA IS JUST TOO TOUGH TO GET INTO POSITION, AND HE SLIPS OFF THE BACK!!!!! … TAKER TURNS AROUND … RIGHT INTO A SAMOAN SPIKE - NO!!!!!

Taker ducks under the SPIKE attempt, and runs off the ropes … BUT HAS HIS LEG TRIPPED BY ESTRADA!!!! He spins around, eyeballing AAE who runs like hell … but as Taker turns his attention back to Umaga - TOO LATE - Umaga MEETS HIM WITH A SAVATE KICK!!!!! Umaga puts Taker back down, and drags him back to his feet … with no fight from Taker … SAMOAN SPIKE CONNECTS!!!!!

Umaga makes the cover … but there’s NO REFEREE!!!!! Hysterically, AAE and Singh wave their arms from the end of the aisle, whilst Coach is counting out loud on commentary … AS A REFEREE COMES RACING DOWN THE RAMP!!!!! Mike Posey sprints toward the ring, with Styles saying this must be one of JBL’s foolproof back up plans, as Coach says he should just ring the bell - Umaga has already won three times over!!!

Mike Posey reaches the ring, but by now, Umaga has given up on the cover - Taker begins to stir, but Umaga slams him right back down with an elementary body slam. Umaga takes instruction from Estrada, and drags Taker to the corner again to set up for the Banzai Drop, whilst JBL has now rolled out of the ring to be tended to, and Singh makes a quick three claps as instruction for Posey.

Umaga steps up onto the middle ropes again, setting up for the BANZAI DROP … but before he can leap off … THE UNDERTAKER IS UP … AND HAS UMAGA CAUGHT … TRAPPED … AND DELIVERS A LAST RIDE TO UMAGA OUT OF THE CORNER!!!!!! The Undertaker drops down, and makes the cover … with Posey DOING HIS JOB!!!


…………1…………
………………………………………
…2…
……………
………………UMAGA KICKS OUT………………
!!!!!!!!!!

It’ll take more - EVEN MORE than a Last Ride - to keep Umaga down in this match!!!!! The Undertaker shakes his head, whilst both Estrada and Singh breathe a sigh of relief, before AAE chews out Mike Posey for even making the count!!! On commentary, Coach says it doesn’t matter anyway; declaring Umaga the winner already after the non-count off the Samoan Spike.

Rising to his feet, The Undertaker signals for ANOTHER choke slam, as he stalks the recovering Umaga. The fans cheer, but once more, AAE is active, climbing up onto the apron … BIG SOUP BONE RIGHT HAND TO ESTRADA!!!!! Umagas handler goes down in a heap, with Singh rushing to tend to Armando … as Taker turns his focus back to Umaga … AND THE CHOKESLAM … NO!!!!!

UMAGA OVERPOWERS THE DEADMAN!!!!!

The Samoan Bulldozer PULLS the hand of The Undertaker away, and again uses that thrust uppercut to the throat to soften up the Phenom … AND GRIPS HIM … LOOKING FOR THE SAMOAN SPIKE … BUT TAKER FIGHTS OUT OF IT!!!!! The Phenom uses rights and lefts to avoid the Spike, and then charges off into the ropes, rebounding back … BUT RIGHT INTO THE PATH OF UMAGA … AND CAUGHT - SWINGING POWERSLAM!!!!!

Umaga THROWS Taker around like a child, delivering his impressive, and devastating version of the power slam!!! And now for the THIRD time, Umaga drags Taker into position as he looks to attempt the Banzai Drop. For the third time, Umaga steps up, onto the middle rope … before bouncing to get momentum … AND CRUSHES THE DEADMAN WITH THE BANZAI DROP!!!!! He sits on Taker, and the count is made…


……1……

…2…

……………SHOULDER UP……………
!!!!!!!!!!

It’s a regulation count from Mike Posey … but even still, it’s an impressive feat for The Undertaker to kick out of the Banzai Drop!!! Umaga has a puzzled look on his face, and looks for guidance … but Estrada is nowhere to be found … and Ranjin Singh isn’t exactly an inspirational figure at ringside. Umaga isn’t sure what to do, and stands up, taking a walk, looking for Estrada … but with no handler to advise him, Umaga turns back to Taker, reaching down at him-

HELLS GATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Umaga is caught in the modified gogoplata; the move that brought defeat for Kurt Angle last year at WrestleMania!!! Taker has the submission hold - the choke - applied, and despite his best efforts, UMAGA CANT BREAK THE HOLD!!!!! The Undertaker keeps the submission locked on tight, SQUEEZING the air out of the Samoan Bulldozer!!!!

The Undertaker wont relent, and Umaga is FADING in the choke!!! The men on the outside cant believe what they are seeing, with The Undertaker driving the air out of the seemingly unstoppable Umaga, as Mike Posey gets into position to see if Umaga is still showing signs of life ... fading ...

……THE REFEREE IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BY JOHN ‘BRADSHAW’ LAYFIELD!!!!!!!!!!

The original referee has recovered, and drags Mike Posey out of the ring, AND IMMEDIATELY PUTS HIM OUT OF ACTION WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!!!!!!!! Bradshaw reinserts himself into proceedings, yelling at the downed Posey, then, with Singh trying to warn him, he turns around … just in time to see the Deadman racing across the ring …

SUICIDE DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE FROM THE UNDERTAKER TO JBL AND RANJIN SINGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s pandemonium inside the University of Phoenix Stadium at the incredible sight of a flying Deadman … and The Undertaker rises to his feet, but is set upon by VLADIMIR!!! The Russian brute hammers Taker, and looks to whip the legend into the ring post … but The Phenom reverses, and throws the bodyguard into the post instead!!!!

~WHACK!!!!!

The Undertaker is struck from behind with a steel chair by the dishevelled Armando Estrada … AND NO SELLS IT!!!!! The Phenom spins around, with the handler of Umaga probably shitting his pants, drops the chair and runs away!!! The Phenom gives chase, with AAE running around the ring, and slides inside, as Taker follows … but once inside, UMAGA IS THERE TO MEET HIM WITH A POWERSLAM!!!!!

Estrada escapes unharmed, and gets back out of the ring, readjusting his tie, taking a deep breath, before picking up the chair and sliding it into the ring, and Umaga collects it. The Bulldozer takes the weapon, and leans back … SMASHING the chair off the back of The Undertaker. The Deadman turns over, and Umaga proceeds to drives the chair into the gut and chest of the legend, brutalizing him!!!

Umaga drives the chair into Taker, then waffles The Deadmans body with it, smashing it across the body, wearing it out, punishing Taker. Umaga tosses the chair away, and roars out once more, as Estrada signals for him to go for the Tombstone!!! The camera looks down at the decimated Undertaker, brutalized by the chair, and Umaga picks the bones … getting him up with little trouble … AND TOMBSTONES THE UNDERTAKER!!!!!!!!!! Darkness pin is applied …

… BUT THERE’S NO REFEREE AGAIN!!!!!

Desperately, Estrada is already getting JBL back up - and has been working at it since instructing Umaga to go for the Tombstone. JBL looks worse for wear, but as soon as he claps eyes on the situation in the ring, he clambers forward … and doesn’t even get back in the ring, instead, slaps his hands on the ring apron, not wanting to waste another moment…


………1………
………………2………………
…THE UNDERTAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN…
!!!!!

“HE WONT STAY DOWN!!!!!” Joey Styles bellows from commentary, as relief descends inside the stadium. The extra few seconds before the fast count save The Undertaker again, with Coach livid, saying that Umaga has won the match TWICE now!!! JBL is beside himself on the outside, and slams the apron hard at the inability to count The Deadman down.

Umaga puts the boots to The Undertaker … whilst JBL walks to the aisle way … and motions for something … or someone?? With the camera focused on the actions of JBL, Umaga keeps the Undertaker under control in the ring with a nerve hold, biding time … as JBL continues to gesticulate toward the entrance way, and there‘s massive heat…

AS STEVEN RICHARDS STROLLS OUT …

WITH BATISTA …

… AND LASHLEY …

IT’S THE GODS OF WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Repeatedly, Jim Ross says “No” on commentary, offering nothing else, as Batista and Lashley make their way down the aisle with their manager, and the gleeful face of John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield with the toothy grin. Styles puts the pieces together; this is the major impact Richards hinted at, and it’s the Plan ‘B’ JBL had implied. In the ring, Taker is making a fight back, battling to his feet…

Whilst JBL meets Richards, glancing at the two Gods of War, and tells Richards what he wants, pointing at the two men. In the ring, The Deadman knocks down his rival, and looks out, seeing the development, before picking up the steel chair - needing an equalizer … as JBL’s administration regroup, surrounding the ring with the reinforcements; The Gods of War stepping forward at ringside.

“The odds were already insurmountable!!! This is too much!!!” shouts J.R, and The Deadman can see the writing on the wall, and goes for broke, driving the chair into the gut of Umaga, and WAFFLES the very unlucky Vladimir as he gets up onto the apron, then swings as Lashley gets up - but Lashley avoids, and the same happens when Taker goes for Batista … AS UMAGA ATTACKS THE DEADMAN FROM BEHIND!!!!!

Losing the chair, The Undertaker goes down, and JBL instructs the Gods of War to get in the ring!!! Batista and Lashley climb inside, with Estrada getting the attention of Umaga, instructing the Bulldozer to step aside for a moment, which he does. The Gods of War put the boots to The Undertaker, softening him up, dragging him to his feet … with Batista lifting him up … SPINE BUSTER TO THE UNDERTAKER!!!!!

The Deadman is slammed hard onto the canvas, and his lifeless body is dragged back up for MORE punishment … this time from Lashley. Taker offers no resistance, as Lashley gets him up … AND DELIVERS THE DOMINATOR TO THE PHENOM!!!!! But even THAT isn’t enough for JBL. He instructs the Gods of War to get The Undertaker up, and they do so … holding Taker up at either side of him …

FOR JBL TO NAIL HIM WITH THE CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!!!

“ENOUGHS ENOUGH!!!” calls J.R from commentary, as Styles pipes in with; “JBL guaranteed The Streak would end. He wasn’t taking any chances, was he??” There’s a deathly silence inside the stadium as JBL looks around at the troops, and wags one finger, saying he wants one more piece of punishment for The Deadman, and beckons Umaga for the Samoan Spike to end it. As Umaga peels the motionless Undertaker off the canvas, a downcast J.R comments…

“How much more does he have to take?? Just put the man out of his misery. You‘ve done enough, JBL. You‘ll end the streak. Congratulations… you son of a bitch.” Styles follows up with; “What a sad, sad end this is for the legendary streak. What hope is there…” J.R opines; “It‘s eerily silent in this stadium. These people know what‘s happening … they just don’t want to believe it.”

Umaga has The Undertaker up … ready to deliver the final blow … there’s no life from The Undertaker … JBL bellows; “DO IT!!! DO IT!!!” … AND UMAGA ROARS … REARS BACK FOR THE SPIKE … AND NAILS IT!!! “That‘s it.” Is the downbeat call from J.R, and JBL looks to the heavens, mouthing thank you, as Umaga goes for the pin-

~ DARKNESS ~
!!!!!

The University of Phoenix Stadium is pitched into complete darkness, all the lights go down, and the fans pick up in cheers of hope - and confusion … the commentary team stay silent, with the darkness remaining for a good ten seconds, with anticipation building inside the stadium … as ORGAN music is piped in … FAMILIAR organ music, that the majority of fans recognise, and ERUPT for …

!!AS FIRE EXPLODES FROM THE RING POSTS!!

**BURNED**

There’s a HUGE explosion on the stage … AND THROUGH THE FIRE WALKS …

KANE
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND THE STADIUM GOES BERSERK!!!!!!!!

It’s KANE!!!!! The Undertakers brother; not seen in the WWE for over a year IS BACK!!!!! The lights return after the explosion of the fire on the stage, and there’s WIDE OPEN MOUTHS in the ring, Estrada and Singh are both frozen to the spot, JBL does his best Vince impression with a gulp, whilst Steven Richards is shaking his head in shock. Batista and Lashley look to each other, and exit the ring, coming to MEET Kane on the ramp…

Batista gets there first - but is met with a trademark uppercut from Kane, Lashley comes at him, but Kane ducks under a clothesline, then BOOTS Lashley down!!! Vladmir comes at Kane with a chair, but the chair shot is blocked by Kane, and he takes the chair from the Russian; AND WAFFLES HIM WITH IT!!!!!

The Big Red Machine has the chair … and after taking out Vladimir, BATISTA gets a chair shot … and so too does LASHLEY!!!!! The Gods of War are down, and Kane marches on the aisle, with Umaga getting out of the ring, wanting to come for Kane - as both Estrada and JBL try to get him back in the ring to get the count quickly before Kane can get there … but Umaga disobeys his orders!!!

Umaga comes after Kane … BUT HE TAKES A CHAIR SHOT TO THE GUT, THEN ACROSS THE BACK!!!!!

Kane puts Umaga down, as the bodies begin to pile up on the ramp toward the ring!!!!! Kane continues to ringside, where Richards makes a run for it, as Estrada throws Singh as a sacrificial lamb in order to save himself - STEEL MEETS SKULL!!!!! Singh is out, and it only bought Estrada a second of time … CHAIR SHOT FOR ESTRADA TOO!!!!!

Kane stands up onto the apron, and climbs into the ring over the top rope, as the noise gets ever louder!!!! The Big Red Machine stalks down JBL, but Layfield is saved by UMAGA!!!! The Bulldozer recovers, and clubs Kane from behind, then bounces off the ropes, coming at Kane … BUT CHARGES RIGHT INTO A GOOZLE … AND A CHOKESLAM ONTO THE CHAIR!!!!!!!

J.R is having a coronary on commentary, with Kane again bearing down on JBL, but spots Richards in his periphery on the top rope … and REACHES FOR HIM - GOOZLE TO RICHARDS … CHOKESLAM TO RICHARDS FROM THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!!!! And now there’s NO ONE to save Layfield!!!!! Kane bears down on JBL, and GOOZLES the Raw General Manager…

BUT THE GODS OF WAR ARE BACK - AND SAVE JBL FROM A CHOKESLAM!!!!!

Batista and Lashley beat on Kane, and despite his incredible run in - he’s not impervious to a two on one attack. Kane tries to fight both men off, but the two of them at once is too much to handle, and he falls victim to a Lashley SPINEBUSTER!!!!! The bottom falls out for the fans, who’s cheers dissipate now that Kane has been subdued. The Animal drags Kane into position for a Batista Bomb…

… WHEN THE UNDERTAKER SITS UP!!!!!

Batista sees it, and he looks over at Taker in shock … allowing Kane to back drop out of the Batista Bomb!!! Lashley tries to get on him, but is given a big uppercut from Kane … and stumbles into the path of The Undertaker … taking a big right hand to knock him down!!! The Gods of War rise to their feet … WHERE THE BROTHERS OF DESTRUCTION GOOZLE THEM …

STEREO CHOKESLAMS FOR THE GODS OF WAR!!!!!!!!!!

It’s bedlam inside the University of Phoenix Stadium … as Umaga is back to his feet after the choke slam onto the chair, and Taker hoists him up … with Kane helping to get Umaga into position … AND THE UNDERTAKER DRILLS UMAGA WITH THE TOMBSTONE!!!!!!!!!!! The pin is applied, with Kane standing threateningly over JBL. With no one to save him, nowhere to run, JBL bows his head … and drops down to his knees … slowly counting …


……………
…………1…………
…………………………………

…………………
…2…

……………………………
… JBL PAUSES; HE DOESN’T WANT TO DO IT …

… BUT HE HAS NO OTHER CHOICE …
……………
… WITH KANE STANDING OVER HIM …

……………3……………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER @ 21:36
*MOVES TO 16-0 AT WRESTLEMANIA*

Joey Styles: THE STREAK CONTINUES!!!!!

The Undertaker releases the pin, and collapses his body on the mat, spent after the most gruelling of challenges to the WrestleMania streak, whilst JBL remains on his knees, looking at the defeated figure of Umaga - with Umaga stirring, and rolling out of the ring…

Jim Ross: AGAINST ALL THE ODDS, AND THANKS TO A MINOR MIRACLE, THE UNDERTAKER IS 16 AND OH AT WRESTLEMANIA!!!!

The Coach: He got a gift from God tonight-

Joey Styles: A gift straight from the depths of hell, Coach. Kane, The Undertakers brother has saved The Undertaker against impossible odds. Thanks to Kane, the Streak lives on, overcoming it‘s biggest challenge to date!!!

Jim Ross: Kane has been missing for over a year - what a time to come back, right at his brothers greatest hour of need!!!

The Coach: He doesn’t even work here anymore!!!!!

Crestfallen, JBL’s dream of architecting the end of The Streak has died, and stands up, looking at the big screen at the top of the stage which reads; 16-0. He bows his head, and looks to leave the ring … but Kane wont allow him.

Jim Ross: Uh-oh…

Bradshaw tries to reason with Kane, pleading for him to step aside … but the Big red Machine shakes his head slowly; No. JBL erupts; “I COUNTED THE DAMN FALL!! WHAT MORE D‘YA WANT!!??”

… And Kane GOOZLES Layfield!!!!!

The Coach: NO!! LET HIM GO!!!

The Undertaker is up too … AND HE GRIPS JBL TOO!!!!

Joey Styles: JBL better be ready … because he’s got a first class ticket …

The Brothers of Destruction have JBL by the throat … DOUBLE CHOKESLAM TO JBL!!!!!

Joey Styles: STRAIGHT TO THE PITS OF HELL!!!!!

The Raw General Manager is left flattened in the ring at the hands of The Undertaker and Kane!!!!! The Brothers of Destruction stand tall over JBL … with Kane raising his arms … BRINGING THE FIRE from the posts again!!!!

Jim Ross: JBL concocted the ultimate foolproof plan to defeat The Undertaker. It all nearly worked. He nearly got the pay-off he wanted … but he didn’t factor in one thing. He missed one detail in his risk assessment - one thing none of us; NO ONE ever thought of … and that was KANE.


The Coach: Of course he didn’t!! Why would he?? Kane was FIRED a year ago!!! He doesn’t work in the WWE anymore!! He had no right being here!!!

The Undertakers theme plays through the stadium, and the lights go purple throughout the building, as The Brothers of Destruction reign supreme for one more time, with The Phenom dropping to a knee in the ring.


Joey Styles: But he was!! He was here, and Kane helped the Streak to live on. Justice was served here tonight at WrestleMania. If The Streak is ever to end, that’s not that way to do it!!

Jim Ross: After tonight, I don’t think it’ll ever be broken.

The scene around ringside and the aisle looks like a car wreck, with bodies splattered all over the place; Vladimir sitting feeling his head on the ramp, Singh STILL out from the hellacious chair shot he suffered, Estrada too, and Richards is being brought to his feet by Batista and Lashley.

Jim Ross: And look at the hell, fire and brimstone that Kane brought with him to Phoenix tonight!! Bodies laying everywhere out here on Kanes path of destruction. It’s like a human demolition derby!!

The Coach: How can you celebrate this?? This is the biggest screw-job in WrestleMania history!!

Joey Styles: You’re wrong, Coach!! Kane prevented the biggest screw-job in WrestleMania history tonight!!!

Umaga carries out his handler, whilst The Gods of War do the same with Steven Richards. Ranjin Singh is just left behind, whilst Vladimir slowly walks away too … as the focus remains on The Undertaker and Kane standing together in the ring.

Jim Ross: I never thought we’d see it again; the day that the Brothers of Destruction stood side by side, together!!


The Coach: No one did!! And we shouldn’t be seeing it!! We should be celebrating the end of the Streak!! It should be 15 and 1!!!


Joey Styles: Well instead, we’re breathing a sigh of relief; The Streak continues, and The Undertaker will now look ahead to Houston, Texas next year and become 17-0.

The Coach: Will he have his little brother there to save his skin??

The Undertaker and Kane depart the ring, and slowly walk by Ranjin Singh - still out cold - ignoring him completely, as they proceed up the ramp together, with the arena still clouded in purple lights, with the 16-0 still showing on the big screen.

Joey Styles: 16 and oh. The legend of The Undertaker at the Showcase of the Immortals continues to grow. Absolutely … amazing.

Jim Ross: And he went through hell to do it. He survived everything that JBL had to throw at him. Not only did The Undertaker have to deal with Umaga, but he had to battle the entire JBL administration, and The Gods of War. A task too great to accomplish alone - he needed an equalizer. And by gawd, did he get one.

Replays air of the beat down suffered by The Undertaker, and then, after the final Samoan Spike, the incredible, shock return of KANE.

Joey Styles: I thought the foundations of this stadium were going to shatter at this point. The reaction when KANE came to save his brother was like NOTHING I have ever experienced, guys.

Shots of the multitude of chair shots dished out by Kane, the stereo choke slams to the Gods of War, and then the Tombstone that put Umaga away, with JBL relenting to make the count…

Jim Ross: It is a moment that will be replayed for years to come. The Undertaker was finished. No doubt about it. After that Samoan Spike, and all that came before it, The Streak was dead. Thanks to Kane … the Streak … lives.

Reaching the top of the ramp, The Brothers of Destruction stop, not turning around … standing still … before throwing up an arm each, to another big pop from the fans, before departing together through the curtain.

Joey Styles: Sixteen and oh at WrestleMania. Simply … incredible. There has never been another like The Undertaker…

Jim Ross: And there never will be, Joey. Never.



**VIDEO PACKAGE**

Clip of Bret Hart rolling up Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring tournament in 1993.

“I‘M THE BEST THERE IS, THE BEST THERE WAS, AND THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE”

Narrator: It has given the platform for champions to establish themselves.

Clip of Owen Hart being crowned King of the Ring in 1994, as we hear him yell over it.

“I‘M THE KING OF HARTS!!!”

Narrator: It has immortalized greats forever.

Clip of Stone Cold Steve Austin winning the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, with the sound bite over it.

“AUSTIN THREE SIXTEEN SAYS, I JUST WHIPPED YOUR ASS”

Narrator: It ushered in the birth of a new attitude.

Clip of Triple H having his hand raised in 1997.

“THE KING OF THE RING!!!”

Narrator: Stars have been born.

Clip of Kurt Angle dropping to his knees in victory in 2000.

“IT‘S TRUE, IT‘S TRUE”

Narrator: Legends have been made.

Clip of Brock Lesnar having his hand raised in 2002, as we hear Paul Heymans voice over the top.

“THE NEXT BIG THING, BRRRRROCK LLLLLESNARRRRR”

Narrator: Careers have skyrocketed.

Clips of Mister Kennedy with the crown in 2006, Edge with his trophy in 2001 and Brent Albright a year ago, over a sound bite of Brent during his victory speech…


“NOW THAT I’M KING OF THE RING, YOU PEOPLE ARE GONNA SIT UP AND NOTICE WHAT I’M CAPABLE OF!!”

Narrator: The King of the Ring tournament has provided some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history, and on Saturday, June 23, 2008 … a new King will be crowned, in the home of royalty…

Clips of London, Buckingham Palace, Beefeaters etc…

Narrator: Once again, the King of the Ring tournament climaxes on NBC, with quarter finals, semi finals and the grand final. One rising star will eclipse all others…

Quick clips again of the prominent former winners.

Narrator: Which superstar will use the King of the Ring tournament to follow these legends, icons and immortals into the pantheon of greatness??

~ THE 2008 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT ~
!! LIVE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT ON NBC !!
JUNE 2008 | O2 ARENA, LONDON, ENGLAND
***



‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ plays through the stadium, as the camera pans to ringside, and the trio of announcers…

Joey Styles: The King of the Ring to be crowned in England of all places?? How about that??


The Coach: At least our King will have earned his throne - not like that old hag in London!!


Joey Styles: And from what I’ve been told, there’s going to be a few new rules introduced to the qualifying criteria this year. Nothing concrete as yet, but my sources have told me that former World Champions are ineligible, and it’s a three strike policy; if you’ve had three cracks in previous tournaments - you’ve had your chances - you don’t get a fourth try.


The Coach: Maybe I should throw my name into the hat … I’ve never been in the King of the Ring tournament before.


Joey Styles: With any luck, you’d last longer in the tournament than you did in the Royal Rumble!!


The Coach: I’d get farther than you, Styles…


Jim Ross: Well, be that as it may, it is indeed one of the most gruelling tournaments in all sport. To be King of the Ring, you have to negotiate through a THIRTY-TWO man field, that’s FIVE victories, THREE will be all on one night. It takes something special to be King of the Ring, gentlemen.

Joey Styles: The list of former winners, really does read like a who’s who in this business. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Triple H, Edge-

The Coach: Uh, hello?? How about the current King?? Y’know … the guy that walked outta here with the Money in the Bank briefcase earlier??

Joey Styles: Certainly. Brent Albright is well on his way to living up to the moniker of King.

Jim Ross: Well, gentlemen … speaking of Brent Albright … I believe Matt Striker is standing by with a certain group backstage as we speak…



Cutting backstage, MATT STRIKER gets a second appearance of the night, smiling for the camera…

Matt Striker: Once again, good evening ladies and gentlemen. And I’m sure you’re all in agreement; what a night it has been. Especially for my guests at this time; the NEW World Tag Team Champions AND Mister Money in the Bank; Charlie Haas, Nick Dinsmore and the 2007 King of the Ring, Brent Albright. I give to you; The Master Craftsmen…

The camera pans to show all three of THE MASTER CRAFTSMEN, all smiles, holding gold and the most valuable briefcase in pro-wrestling…

Matt Striker: Gentlemen, a perfect night?? Or indeed, with two World Title matches still to take place … is the best yet to come??

Striker points the last question at Albright, hinting at a cash in, with Brent smirking, patting his prized possession.

Brent Albright: Those four men can rest easy, Matt. I’ve already broken seven other losers hearts - especially that little dweeb, Paul London and the man that stole the Intercontinental title from me; Matt Hardy. But hey … as much of an honour as it was to be Intercontinental Champ?? I’d trade that baby in for this, any day of the week. So … enjoy my cast offs, Matt. And London?? Quit pulling on my coattails.

Haas and Dinsmore chuckle, and pat Albright on the back. The King of the Ring nods, before continuing…

Brent Albright: I wont be cashing in this beauty tonight. I’ve got a year to pick my moment … what’s the rush?? Nine months ago, when I won the King of the Ring - as you just saw in that little video - I made the declaration that things would change. And little by little, WE are changing this circus and turning it into OUR playground … bit by bit.

Albright holds up the briefcase to illustrate his next point.

Brent Albright: I’m now OFFICIALLY a World Champion in waiting. And to do it, I didn’t have to sell out. I didn’t come up with a catchphrase to put on a shirt, I didn’t cup my ears like a goof ball, I didn’t paint my face and I didn’t starting wearing a sock for cheap pops. I stayed true to who I am … WE stuck to our guns … and the proof is in the pudding…

Haas speaks up…

Charlie Haas: Matt … no one should be surprised at our success tonight … {scoffs} … I mean, didn’t we tell you all that this is what would happen tonight??

Matt Striker: You did, you did … but wouldn’t you credit part of your victory down to CM Punk turning his back on his tag team partner, Greg Helms-

Dinsmore cuts him off.

Nick Dinsmore: Whoa. Don’t go making excuses, Striker. Forget about what Punk did, and remember what WE did tonight. You’re looking at the most successful entity in the WWE. Tonight, tomorrow …

Dinsmore glances down at the Money in the Bank briefcase, held by Albright.

Nick Dinsmore: And in the future. We’ve accomplished something here tonight that NO group or faction has EVER done before at WrestleMania. DX never had this kind of glory at WrestleMania…

Brent Albright: They were too busy crotch chopping, Nick…

Charlie Haas: Did Evolution or the New World Order ever leave WrestleMania with this much gold, Matt??

Striker sheepishly speaks up.

Matt Striker: Uhm … no, I don’t believe th-

Brent Albright: The Four Horsemen never even made it to WrestleMania.

Nick Dinsmore: And the Corporation didn’t walk out of WrestleMania on top of the world, did they?? … Not them, not the Heenan Family, or the Ministry of Darkness …

Albright chuckles, Haas nods and Dinsmore fixes his title belt over his shoulder.

Charlie Haas: And hey, if JBL had reached out to US tonight … The Undertaker wouldn’t be Sixteen and oh at WrestleMania. But there’s always next year, right??

Haas looks to Albright, who shrugs.

Brent Albright: Well … only if he earns a shot against the next World Champ. Because WrestleMania Twenty Five?? That’s what I’ll be.

The three men all look pleased with themselves, and proceed to walk off the set, as Striker address the camera…

Matt Striker: It sounds like there’s big things in the future for The Master Craftsmen…

Albright returns, cutting off Striker…

Brent Albright: Oh … there is.

The King of the Ring holds up the briefcase.

Brent Albright: … You can bank on it.

Albright smirks, and walks off, as Striker nods, watching as they leave…



Back inside the stadium, we get shots of the awesome crowd, before cutting to Tony Chimmel in the ring…

Tony Chimmel: Ladies and gentlemen … At this time, the WWE would like to thank you … our SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED, NINETEEN FANS in attendance here tonight!! Thank you for being part of WRESTLEMANIA TWENTY FOUR!!!!!!

The Nirvana song is piped in again, as the graphic comes up, showing the attendance; 72,219, along with happy looking fans …

Joey Styles: How about that??


The Coach: Awesome. It sounds like a HUNDRED and seventy two thousand here tonight, Styles - that’s how loud they are!!!


Joey Styles: And they’ve had plenty to cheer.


Jim Ross: And there’s still the little matter of the TWO World Championships to be decided.


The Coach: This is the greatest WrestleMania of all time, J.R!!


Jim Ross: It’s certainly gonna be one of the classics, Coach. And what a crowd we have to witness it.

Joey Styles: And gentlemen, I believe Josh Mathews is out there right now somewhere, with ONE of this attendees this evening; a very special spectator… Josh??



And up in a sky box, JOSH MATHEWS is indeed on hand … alongside none other than The Million Dollar Man, TED DIBIASE, with cheers around the stadium for the sight of the legendary figure on the big screen…

Josh Mathews: … That’s right, I am here in Mr. DiBiase’s private sky box here in the University of Phoenix stadium. And sir, how are you enjoying WrestleMania tonight??

DiBiase outstretches his arm, and the camera shows the view from the sky box, giving Mathews the answer without saying a word.

Ted DiBiase: Oh, it’s wonderful, son. WrestleMania gets bigger and better each and every year … a fitting stage for the Million Dollar Man, don’t you think??

Mathews nods.

Josh Mathews: … Absolutely, sir. It’s wonderful to have you here tonight. Is there a match you’ve particularly enjoyed tonight so far??

DiBiase smirks, and brushes his hands on the shoulders of Josh..

Ted DiBiase: Let me tell you something, little man. I didn’t come to WrestleMania for a trip. Sure, it’s been a great night, but I didn’t come here with a vested interest in any particular match or wrestler. I came here on a scouting trip…

Mathews looks confused…

Josh Mathews: Scouting??

DiBiase nods, and signs a cheque for someone, handing it off, before returning to address the issue…

Ted DiBiase: That correct. I came here to Phoenix for a business meeting. I met with Mr. Vince McMahon and some of his closest advisors, because my son here… junior …

DiBiase turns, presenting his seated son, Ted Jr.

Ted DiBiase: … He is looking for his big break into this business, and to step into his fathers shoes. So Josh, you can say hello to the newest member of the Smackdown roster.

DiBiase claps for his own, though the announcement isn’t met with much of a reaction from the fans.


Josh Mathews: Well, what kind of experience does your son have, Mr. DiBiase??

Ted DiBiase: That … doesn’t really matter, does it, Josh??

Josh Mathews: But, I mean- Smackdown. It’s a big jump from … wherever your son has been training, don’t you think??

DiBiase smiles again, patting the shoulder now of Josh.

Ted DiBiase: Trust me, kid. My boy?? He‘s had the best training that MONEY can buy. The WWE is in his blood. And uh … we were quite intrigued by that preview for the King of the Ring, weren’t we Teddy??

Ted Junior nods approvingly. But Mathews seems bewildered.

Josh Mathews: … But … with all due respect … Ted, you haven’t had a match yet. Don’t you think it’s a little soon for such a big jump in competition?? I mean, with the competition just to get an entry, what makes you think you’ll even get IN the tournament??

Ted Junior is about to speak up, but the Million Dollar man stands in front of him, answering for his son.

Ted DiBiase: That’s not something for you to worry about, Josh. In fact, it’s not something for me to worry about either. I’ve a good feeling my boy will be part of the field for that tournament. And dare I say it … I’ve a good feeling he might just go all the way.

Looking awkward, Josh cant help but ask the question;

Josh Mathews: … Why??

DiBiase scoffs, then looks around the sky box, and motions for someone to come along, before looking back at Josh with a smirk, and proceeds to place a fifty dollar note in Mathews top pocket.

Ted DiBiase: Because son … EVERYBODIES got a price … for the Million Dollar Man… HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA….

He then laughs hysterically; the trademark laugh … as two hired goons escort Josh from the sky box. Di Biase continues to cackle, before turning and sitting back down, next to his son; the soon to debut Ted DiBiase Junior…



Cut back to ringside…

Jim Ross: Well … it looks like you’ve got a new member of the Smackdown roster there, Joey…

Joey Styles: It does. And that’s a hell of a pair of boots to fill for young Ted DiBiase. His father is one of the greats, J.R.


The Coach: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!! I love that laugh!!!


Joey Styles: Well, if they really think Ted DiBiase can go on a run in the King of the Ring tournament, he’s either a prodigy or there’s going to be some disappointed faces in the DiBiase household.


Jim Ross: Sounds like a very ambitious plan to me, I must admit. The young man will be making a big leap up in terms of competition over on Smackdown.


The Coach: Yeah, but it’s only Smackdown. It’s not like he’s on Raw.

Joey Styles: Let’s not get into that debate…



And the stadium ERUPTS.

Jim Ross: Let’s not … because there isn’t time for it. The time has come for a much bigger issue to be settled.

The Coach: One year in the making, J.R!! Collision Course; TWO!!!

Joey Styles: This may well be the most anticipated match of the night. It’s probably the most anticipated rematch in WrestleMania history.

Jim Ross: A year ago, John Cena and Christian went to battle for the World Heavyweight Championship on the grandest stage. Tonight, they meet again for the same gold. But so much has changed in those twelve months. A LOT can happen in a year. A LOT can change in a year…



***
JOHN CENA | CHRISTIAN

The opening bars of Placebo’s ‘Running up that hill’ play…

Slow motion shots of Christian and John Cena entering the arena at WrestleMania last year … the long stare down to start the match … then the action;

John Cena: Hustle, Loyalty, Respect.

The opening exchange of lock ups…

Christian charging Cena through the barricade …

Fighting through the crowd…

John Cena: Those are the three words, my three beliefs that I live by. I fought to the bitter end, gave my all, gave everything I had … and … I lost.

Christian hitting a gut-buster, Cena nailing Christian with a spine buster…

Cena delivering an FU from the Smackdown announce table, through the Spanish announce table…

John Cena: Lotta questions were thrown my way. Whole lotta accusations, and lots of fingers pointed in my directions. People lookin to see the real John Cena … people wantin me to show my true colours …

John Cena surviving the Sharpshooter, and Christian surviving the STFU…

A series of clips of Christian kicking out of pin covers…

Then Cena accidentally hit’s the referee … and a chair is introduced … but Cena decides against using it.

John Cena: In front of the entire world, at the biggest of the biggest, in the main event of main events … I proved to the world, that I am exactly who I say I am, and not the fraud some of you wish I was.

Christian escapes an FU … and then delivers another Unprettier … which leads to the 1...2...3 … and a new champion.

Shots of a jubilant Christian, and a solemn Cena, leaving up the ramp with his hands on his hips; head bowed.

John Cena: There’s been one word racin through my head … rematch.

Clips then air of Christian in the following months as Champion, holding the title aloft, enjoying life, fending off Kurt Angle, Mister Kennedy, Triple H & Rey Mysterio …

“It doesn't hurt me.
You wanna feel how it feels?”

Juxtaposed to shots of Cena; struggling in the shadow of the new ‘face’ of the company. Losing to MNM, losing to The Miz, looking forlorn and frustrated, being relegated to matches with newcomers, and TAPPING to Kurt Angle at Vengeance.

“You wanna know, know that it doesn't hurt me?
You wanna hear about the deal I'm making?”
John Cena: Right now, I know I’m far, FAR way away from getting a shot at the World Title … but I’m gonna force my way into back the picture … whatever it takes … I have my eye on redemption. At the biggest Summerslam ever at Wembley stadium, I’m gonna win back the World Heavyweight Title … and I want the man standing across from me to be Christian. I want that rematch…

Clips showing Umaga completely ending any hope of Cena getting his moment at Summerslam, with AAE talking over shots of Umaga assaulting Christian, with Cena looking anxious on commentary…

Armando Estrada: No excuses pero … ju’re gonna know when, ju’re gonna know where, and ju just found out how … AUGUST 19 … WEMBLEY STADIUM … SUMMERSLAM!!!

On commentary, Cena is pure white, as the realisation kicks in that his Summerslam dream is over. He takes off his headset, and leans forward, simply watching…

The Coach: Hey, you’re stayin real quiet Cena, ha ha!! Your master plan just went up in smoke!!!

Cena simply shoots Coach a look, before standing up, and storming away from the announce table, fuming at what he’s just saw.

~ SUMMERSLAM; WEMBLEY STADIUM ~

Clips of Cena’s big Beefeater entrance for his match with Kennedy, whilst Christian faces his biggest challenge to date in the main event; the undefeated Umaga.

“And if I only could…”

Cena is nailed with a television camera by Kennedy behind the officials back thanks to a distraction from The Miz, and Kennedy applies his Krossface - and wins by submission…

Make a deal with God…”

… Whilst in the main event, Christian (with Ricky Hatton in his corner) overcomes Umaga with a series of high impact moves to score the career defining victory, handing Umaga his first loss.

And get him to swap our places…”

Leading to the iconic (in my eyes) shot of a young fan throwing down his Cena cap, and turning his back on Cena as the beaten Cena walks up the aisle … contrasted with the jubilation of Christian; the ecstasy of his win in the main event.

“Be running up that road
Be running up that hill
Be running up that building.”

The following night on Raw, Christian is in the ring, speaking to the fans … and is interrupted by Cena, over the top of “CENA SUCKS” and “YOU TAPPED OUT” chants…

John Cena: Y’know … ever since WrestleMania, I’ve been … it’s been like some kinda downward spiral for me.

The “CENA SUCKS” chants continue - and grow louder. Cena momentarily smirks, and shakes his head … but looking embarrassed for Cena, Christian has his head down.

John Cena: Ever since I lost the World Championship to Christian … it’s like I’ve been consumed … by one thought … … rematch.

If I only could, oh…”
John Cena: I didn’t get my rematch, an’ I haven’t been able to earn a shot either. If anything, I’m further away from a title match than I’ve ever been. I need that title shot. One shot. I know I don’t deserve it. I should be nowhere near a shot at the title … but if I aint got that title?? I aint got nothin. I’m nothin.

Shots of Cena over his previous three title reigns - happier times … cutting back to Christian with the belt.

John Cena: …all I ask is for one shot. One shot - that can be a number one contenders match, or an outright title shot … and if I lose … You’re free to terminate my contract.

Cena is then interrupted by the then Raw GM Eric Bischoff.

Eric Bischoff: John, you look like you’re on the verge of getting on your knees and begging me for a title shot. But a title shot?? It’s not in your future.

Cena looks furious … but the shot soon cuts to later in the night, and Arn Anderson returning as Smackdown GM, and an angry Eric Bischoff over words from Double A with clips of Cena appearing on Smackdown, speaking with Arn…

Arn Anderson: Oh, an’ Eric, one more thing, ‘ol buddy. The Board feel it would only be fair to allow me to uhm … “replenish” my shrinking active roster … so uh … for the next twenty eight days, I can openly talk to ANY superstar on the Raw roster…



At Cyber Sunday Cena is ready to sign with Smackdown, until a last ditch attempt from Bischoff keeps Cena on Raw…

Eric Bischoff: You can get everything you want by going to Smackdown … EXCEPT for your WrestleMania rematch with Christian. All you have to do is win ONE match…

… And cut to Nemesis, where Cena takes on Kennedy in a Streetfight, putting each other through hell …

“You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.”

But Cena finally gets back on track, getting poetic justice by using the television camera on Kennedy to earn his shot at the title.

Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder.
There’s thunder in our hearts, baby.”

Then, Cena interjects himself in the main event; a rematch between Christian and Umaga, trying to help Christian - who doesn’t want the help.

So much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?”

Which leads to a triple threat match at Survivor Series; Christian vs. Cena vs. Umaga, focusing mostly on Christian and Cena - showing them momentarily uniting to try and take Umaga out of the picture.

'C'mon, baby, c'mon, c'mon, darling,
Let me steal this moment from you now.”

Then, the finish - Cena sheepishly hanging on the outside with a chair, letting Christian battle it out with Umaga, before swooping in, getting Umaga out … and finishing Christian with an FU - on the chair to win the title.

C'mon, angel, c'mon, c'mon, darling,
Let's exchange the experience, oh…”

Cut to the following night on Raw…

Christian: A lot of people have been angry at John Cena for the way he won the title. Don’t be. Cena didn’t do anything I wouldn’t have done to him. My issue is the same is what it’s always been with Cena. A guy who prides himself on “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” … wouldn’t ever use a chair…

Replays of Cena hitting the FU to Christian onto a chair…

Christian: For eight months, you kept talking about one word … rematch. Now, I guess the ball is in my court to make it happen. And Cena, I will make it happen.

Christian tries to earn his rematch; but is controversially disqualified by Cena in a Number One Contenders match at the November Saturday Nights Main Event…

You, you and me,
You and me, wont be unhappy”

And then, entering the Royal Rumble at #1… is Christian.

Joey Styles: Christian will have to take this match one step at a time. One minute at a time, one entrant at a time.

Christian eliminates Miz, Mark Henry, Damien Sandow and Mr. Kennedy, lasting over an hour…

“If I only could,
Make a deal with God

Christian makes it to the final five … when Cena tries to ‘help’ Christian win … but ultimately causes him to get eliminated…

“And get him to swap our places…”

Then, Christian confronts Cena on Raw…

Christian: You don’t try and screw people over … that just happens by accident, doesn’t it??

Replays of Survivor Series, Saturday Nights Main Event and the Royal Rumble, where Cena appeared to ‘accidentally’ prevent Christian from victory.

Christian: For the last year, you’ve cried about losing to me at WrestleMania, and you kept peddling the idea of being desperate for a rematch … but ever since you got that belt back at the Survivor Series … it seems to me that you’ve no interest in going one on one with me again. Read my lips, Cena … my only goal is to win back MY World Heavyweight Title. And I WILL do whatever it takes.

John Cena: I get the message. Loud and clear. But just so we’re straight?? How about you read MY lips … I DO want the rematch. WrestleMania last year still plays over in my head - Every. Single. Day. And I want- wanted to set the record straight this year - because I know I can beat you.

At SuperBrawl, Christian defeats Kurt Angle, and is shown pointing at the WrestleMania logo in the distance…

Jim Ross: A YEAR IN THE MAKING - BAH GAWD THE REMATCH - JOHN CENA AND CHRISTIAN … THE COLLISION COURSE IS ON AGAIN!!!!!

Christian and Cena circling one another…

Christian: That public mask hides what you really are. And that mask, John?? It’s slippin. A lot of these people?? They’re starting to see it too, and sooner or later … everyone is gonna see it.

And then cut to the graphic; Saturday Nights Main Event … before showing Christian handcuffed to the cage, with Cena running off Mark Henry over the promo from a few weeks before…

Christian: I don’t buy your act, John. I never have. When you say; “You Cant See Me” … you’re wrong. I see you, John. I see right through you.

John Cena is then showing padlocking the cage door to prevent anyone from getting in… and slowly turns … with a cold, dead eyed look at the helpless; handcuffed Christian…

John Cena: I’m sick of this. I’m sick of you, and I‘m sick of you callin my character into question … And just because I’ve managed to get where I am today; the FOUR TIME World Heavyweight Champion - by bein a nice guy, and not changin, not lettin the fame and the fortune get to my head … you seem to think I’m a fake?? I aint fake.

Cena then stands over the defiant Christian, shown mouting; “You asked for this” … before cutting to shots of Cena over the last four years pandering to fans, smiling, decked full of merch … and back to him now standing over Christian …

John Cena: Maybe you’re jealous, maybe deep down, you’re jealous that I’m everything you’re not. Maybe you’re jealous because you’re just a wise-ass loudmouth with a following … and that I actually stand for something; Hustle, Loyalty, Respect.

Followed by the unforgettable beating handed down… beginning with a vicious forearm across the face…

And another, before driving a boot through Christians face, bashing it against the cage…

If I only could,
Make a deal with God
And get him to swap our places

Then, the relentless forearms, busting Christian up, using his ‘Hustle, Loyalty & Respect’ shirt to choke Christian … before bashing him with TWO ungodly chair shots.

Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,

And then the final shot from the show that night; the torn shirt, the bright wrist bands … left behind.

With no problems…

Cutting to shots of Cena now; decked out all in black, no smiles, no pandering, no playing to the fans - the façade is gone.

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'

John Cena: Make no mistake about it - I HATE Christian. I HATE the fact he took away everything that was supposed to be mine … I HATE the fact you people chose him over me … and I HATE the fact he saw through me. And most of all … I HATE the fact he’s tried to steal the spotlight I worked my ass off for.

Replays of the various incidents over the last twelve months … WrestleMania 23 …

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'
John Cena: But if I cant have it … no one can.

Christian as champion … Cena on a downward spiral…

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'
John Cena: Saturday Nights Main Event was just a taster. Come WrestleMania, I’m puttin Christian outta the picture for good.

Cena winning the title back … Christian getting cost the Royal Rumble …

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'
John Cena: And Christian … you’ve only got yourself to blame. You wanted John Cena to show his true colours?? Well, here I am. The nice guy?? He’s dead and gone.

Then Cena standing over Christian at the end of Saturday Nights Main Event.

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'
John Cena: … If you didn’t like me when I was nice?? … You’re gonna hate me now.

'If I only could, be running up that hill.'
'If I only could, be running up that hill.'

END PACKAGE
***



Back into the stadium, and the fans get rowdy, rumbling in anticipation for the match they’ve had to wait a YEAR to see…

**MY TIME IS NOW**

The reaction is molten for the abandoned John Cena theme - with the opening bars of the instantly recognizable theme playing through the stadium.

Then … it shuts down.

And so do all the lights…

Joey Styles: Did we just lose power??

The answer is no, Joey. The arena remains pitch black, but the PA soon pumps out a recording of the all too familiar chant;

“LET’S GO CE-NA, CENA SUCKS!!”

“LET’S GO CE-NA, CENA SUCKS!!”

As the piping in of the chant continues, ONE of the big screens on the entrance way returns - the ONLY sign of light in the building, with the volume of one half of the sound lowering, and the other raising…

“LET’S GO CE-NA, CENA SUCKS!!”

“LET’S GO CE-NA, CENA SUCKS!!”

“LET’S GO CE-NA, CENA SUCKS!!”

The camera then focuses in on the screen - showing the crowd at a previous WWE event, slowly moving in to a close up on a particular fan sign, as half of the audio is silenced completely…

“CENA SUCKS!!”

“CENA SUCKS!!”

“CENA SUCKS!!”


Finally zooming in, the screen fixes on one sign … a fan sign which reads ‘CENA SUX.’
“CENA SUCKS!!”

“CENA SUCKS!!”

The fans continue to join in with the chants, as the PA no longer pipes it in. The rest of the big screens at the entrance are all lit up now too, all showing various negative signs in relation to Cena; “If Cena wins, we riot”, “We hate Cena”, “Cena cant wrestle”, and various incarnations of the “Cena sucks” signs.

A different tune now plays - and a man is seen in the shadows - but it’s unclear who the figure is … as he brings a mic to his mouth…

“It's been a long time, been a long time comin…
Looks like the death of me now”

And a spotlight switches on, showing the figure rapping; NAS.

“But you know, there's no turning back now
This is what makes me - this is what I am…”

As JOHN CENA emerges from below the stage - to MOLTEN heat from the fans; head down, title up in the air - not moving an inch.

And P. DIDDY also hit’s the stage with Nas…

“Feel me? Let's go”

**HATE ME NOW**

“You can hate me now.. but I won't stop now..
Cause I can't stop now.. you can hate me now..
But I won't stop now.. cause I can't stop now..
You can hate me now.. you can hate me NOWWWW..”

Still, Cena remains a stoic figure on the stage - with the World Heavyweight Championship held aloft, with the anti-Cena signs still showing up on the multiple screens on the pyramid set.

“Well you hate me I'm gon' hate you too
It's as simple as that”

“Go down any way you want it to go down (do it now)
Weak, jealous S.O.B’s (do it now, do it now)”

“Don't hate me, hate the money I see, clothes that I buy
Ice that I wear, clothes that I try, close your eyes
Picture me rollin, sixes, money foldin
Bitches honies that swollen to riches, Nas get in ya
Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer, prize winner
Best storyteller thug narrator my style's greater
Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters
Commentators ringside try watchin my paper
Almost a decade, quite impressive
Most of the best is in the essence
for this rap shit that I stand for
Expandin more to the big screen, Bill Gates dreams
But it seems you'd rather see me in jail with state greens
Want me off the scene fast, but good things last
like your favorite MC still makin some mean cash
First rapper to bring a platinum plaque, back to the projects
but you still wanna hate, be my guest, I suggest”

[Puff Daddy]
“Money is power-
I got millions of thugs on salary (do it now)”

“You can hate me now.. (I wont stop) but I won't stop now..
(I cant stop) Cause I can't stop now.. (You can hate me) you can hate me now..
(I hate you too) But I won't stop now.. (You can hate me now) cause I can't stop now..
You can hate me now.. (You can hate me now) you can hate me NOWWWW..”

And Cena finally moves, marching down the ramp, head still down, ignoring the fans, with the title raised above his head - no playing, no grandeur; all business, marching straight ahead, eyes down, completely focused on the job at hand.

[Nas] “Do it now, I told you do it now”
[Puff] “Let's go”

“You wanna hate me then hate me; what can I do
but keep gettin money, funny I was just like you
I had to hustle hard never give up, until I made it
Now y'all sayin that's a clever playa, nuttin to play with
Hate on me, I blew but I'm the same ol G
People warn me, when you're on top there's envy
Took my .....’s out the hood, but you doubt on us
Sayin we left the hood but can't get it out of us
My bad, should I step out my shoes, give 'em to you?
Here's my cars and my house, you can live in that too
Criticize when I flow for the streets, hate my dress code
Gucci this, Fendi that, what you expect hoe?
Nickname Esco', took this game to its threshold
Best flow I bet the whole U.S. know
Try to make it like you the realest, but who the illest?
Think we all know the answer to that, cause people feel this right”

[Puff Daddy]
“You think Imma come this far, and let you people stop me now?
I hate you too!! (Do it now!)”

“You can hate me now.. (I wont stop) but I won't stop now..
(I cant stop) Cause I can't stop now.. (You can hate me) you can hate me now..
(I hate you too) But I won't stop now.. (You can hate me now) cause I can't stop now..
You can hate me now.. (You can hate me now) you can hate me NOWWWW..”

Cena continues down the ramp, ala One Night Stand in 2006 (but on a much bigger scale, and with fans not exactly within touching distance) - not changing his expression once or his stance; the title belt remains over his head, and he ignores the raucous reactions from the fans toward him, with Nas and P.Diddy bouncing down the aisle as they continue to rap The Champ to the ring.

“It's a thin line between paper and hate
friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights
Hell or the pearly gates; I was destined to come
Predicted, blame God, he blew breath in my lungs
Second to none, wicked turn wives to widows
Shoot through satin pillows, the desolate one
Took a little time to claim my spot
Chairman of the board until this game stop, and I side with the Lord
Ride for the cause while drivin .....s shot at my doors
Plottin I'm sure to catch me with they glocks to my jaws
Tried, stickin me up, but I flipped on these ducks (you tried)
Instead of me, ambulances were picking them up (that's what you get)
.....s fear what they don't understand, hate what they can't conquer
Guess it's just the fury of man
Became a monster, on top of the world, never fallin
I'm as real as they come, from day one, forever ballin
C'mon”

Cena finally breaks his stance, and tosses the title into the ring, sliding inside, and once he stands up, the fans react with a vitriolic response - nearly drowning out Nas and P. Diddy as they continue rapping…

[Puff Daddy]
“You ain't never seen someone like me, ever in your life
And that's what you can't understand!”

“You can hate me now.. (I wont stop) but I won't stop now..
(I cant stop) Cause I can't stop now.. (You can hate me) you can hate me now..
(I hate you too) But I won't stop now.. (You can hate me now) cause I can't stop now..
You can hate me now.. (You can hate me now) you can hate me NOWWWW..”

The Champ picks the belt back up, showing it off on each side of the ring, patting the famous gold strap, then pounding his own chest, before taking off his hoodie, tossing it to the outside, as P. Diddy and Nas remain on the floor outside, finishing off the performance…

[Puff] “You can hate me now”
[Nas] “C'mon”
[Puff] “But I won't stop now”
[Nas] “Do it now! Get this over with”
[Puff] “But I won't stop now..”
[Nas] “It ain't gon' never stop!!”

Boos ring out, as the music ends abruptly, with Cena feeling the full force of the hatred from the fans … but The Champ doesn’t look one bit affected by it, offering a solemn, solitary nod to Nas and P. Diddy as they sign off, dropping their mics, and depart down the side of the ramp.

The Coach: Wow. What an entrance.

Jim Ross: Hate me now?? Y’damn right they do, John. There’s over seventy thousand in here that hate ya, Champ!!!

The Coach: And he doesn’t care.

Joey Styles: Clearly not. Gentlemen, you can feel the electricity here. I’d dare say this is the most anticipated match here tonight at WrestleMania. A WrestleMania rematch, one year in the making. These people want to see John Cena get his tonight.


Cena runs off the ropes, bouncing across the ring, hitting the ropes, ignoring the chants from the fans of “CENA SUCKS” … as the wait continues for the arrival of Christian…

The Coach: Well, they better be prepared for a very different Cena. The shackles are off this man, now, Styles. He’s not playing by the rules anymore.

Jim Ross: You can say that again, Coach. And they better be prepared for a very different Christian. This may be a rematch from a year ago; but these men couldn’t be any more different than who they were a year ago. The actions of Cena four weeks ago changed EVERYTHING. This is personal - damn sure personal.

Coming to a halt, Cena stops, and watches... as a line of security enter the ring, forming a line from one corner, diagonally to the other!!!
Cena looks out to the fans, interacting with them for the first time, shouting; “That‘s not for my protection…”

Joey Styles: And look at this - as if it needed any more evidence of the powder keg situation we have here; there’s a LINE of security getting in the ring to keep them apart before the bell rings!!!

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**

The Waterproof Blonde theme plays into the arena, and the fans go NUTS as the insanely popular CHRISTIAN steps onto the stage to a magnificent ovation from the seventy thousand plus inside the University of Phoenix stadium!!! Captain Charisma stops at the top of the stage, and nods at the fans…


Jim Ross: LISTEN TO THIS OVATION!!!!!

Joey Styles: These fans here tonight want to see Christian regain the title they believe he should never have lost at the Survivor Series. And after what happened at Saturday Nights Main Event on March First, that support grew ten fold. He beat Cena a year ago - a very different Cena … but Christian isn’t the same man that walked out of New Orleans twelve months ago either!!!

The Coach: And how much did that attack take out of Christian?? There’s a lot of questions to be answered. Psychologically, what did that assault do to Christian in Atlantic City??

Christian pounds his chest, and blows a kiss to the fans as he always does … but there’s no swagger or smirk on his face tonight. He bounces up and down on the stage, puffing his cheeks, before proceeding purposefully down the ramp - pointing to the ring, talking trash in the direction of Cena all the way down in the ring.

The Coach: … And … can he keep his composure?? He could go out and get himself disqualified if his heart rules his head!!

Jim Ross: When I spoke to Christian a few weeks ago, that very topic came up. And while he freely admits he’ll find it hard not to come for blood tonight, he acknowledged that winning the title would be the best form of revenge he could possible have against Cena here tonight.

Joey Styles: Winning the title is the first priority, anything else is a bonus as far as Christian is concerned.

Jim Ross: Get ready to light the blue touch paper here - this is about to go off!!!

Captain Charisma jogs up the steps, and proceeds up onto the turnbuckles, searching out into the vast sea of fans, and motions around his waist to indicate he’s getting the belt back tonight … before locking eyes with Cena across the ring … and neither man shifts their focus for a long time.

Jim Ross: Whoever had the idea to separate these two before the bell deserves a medal - that line of security is the ONLY thing keeping Cena and Christian apart right now!! I said it on Raw, I’ll say it again now; you can see it, you can feel it - pure, HATRED between these men.

Joey Styles: The eyes say it all, J.R.

The Coach: I’m getting goosebumps, guys!! Here we go!!!

Christian drops down from the turnbuckles, and paces on his side of the ring, as the introductions are made, with Cena pacing back and forth too … both men itching to go at it.


Howard Finkel: Ladies and Gentlemen … the following contest … scheduled for ONE fall … is for the WORRRLD … HEAVYWEIGHT … CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Pop.

Howard Finkel: Introducing first; the CHALLENGER!! From Toronto, Ontario, Canada … weighing in at 227 pounds … CHRISTIAAAAAN!!!!

Pop. Christian bounces up and down, patting his chest, and raises an arm to the fans…

Howard Finkel: And, from West Newberry Massachusetts … weighing in at 248 pounds … he is the WORLD … HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPIONNN … JOHHHHHN … CEEEEEE-NAAAA!!!!!

Cena is unmoved by the vociferous heat in the building for him, and holds the title up, before giving it to Mike Chioda, with the official holding the title up, showing it around the building, before delivering it to the timekeeper on the outside.

The introductions are complete … and as soon as the security line has departed … CHAMPION AND CHALLENGER RUSH TO MEET EACH OTHER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!!!!!!

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
~ COLLISION COURSE II - THE DUEL IN THE DESERT ~

World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena vs.
The Number One Contender,
Christian
There’s no holding back, and both champion and challenger furiously trade blows, dead in the centre of the ring, blow for blow, letting it ALL out, to the delight of the fans … and surprisingly, it’s the heel; John Cena, that is getting the better of the fist fight, much to the chagrin of the fans, who begin to boo each strike he lands. Being the bigger and stronger of the two Cena is able to use that to gain the upper hand … UNTIL CHRISTIAN FIRES UP!!!

Captain Charisma stuns Cena with a barrage of offence, using his build up of fury to overcome Cena, with the fans backing him vociferously, as he knocks Cena down, and down again with Cena getting up quickly, before beating him toward the corner - until Cena stops the onslaught with a kick to the gut. The Champ takes off, hitting the ropes, rebounding back - right into a reverse elbow from Christian for the knock down.

Cena holds his jaw, and feels the effects of the elbow, struggling back to his feet, with Christian immediately charging The Champ into the corner, and proceeds to hammer Cena - using a closed fist - with Mike Chioda being forced to step in and warn Christian, being heard on camera as he forces the break; “I WILL disqualify you if I have to!!”

Christian sees sense, and calms down, knowing he cant afford to lose his cool and get himself disqualified. He backs out, holding his hands up, nodding at the admonishment from the official, before taking Cena down with a double leg - and on the mat he RAINS DOWN PUNCHES on Cena!!! Driving his forearm into the face of Cena, Christian unleashes his fury and anger on The Champ on the canvas, before finally relenting at the behest of the referee.

Christian climbs off Cena, with The Champ rolling onto his front, crawling to the ropes to get himself back up, but as he uses them, Christian is on him, stepping onto the back, and chokes him against the middle rope, with the fans popping for the traditional Christian spot, as the official administers a five count by the ropes. Christian relents at four, then slingshots himself over the top rope, landing on the floor, and slaps the taste out of Cenas mouth!!!!!

That gets another pop, with Cena sprawling away from the ropes. Christian climbs back onto the apron, and proceeds up the turnbuckles, positioning himself up top … and waiting for Cena to get up and turn around … and when he does, he sees CHRISTIAN FLYING OFF THE TOP - CONNECTING WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK!!!!!

Cena goes down, and scrambles to the corner, picking himself up, but Christian doesn’t let up, and closes in, opening up on Cena in the corner with a few uppercuts, and looks to send Cena across the ring to the opposite corner - but the Irish Whip is reversed by Cena, sending Christian into the corner instead … but feeding off adrenaline, Christian bounces right back out and goes through the unsuspecting Cena with a clothesline!!!!!

Cena bounces up quickly, but runs into the path of Christian, feeding for an arm drag … bounces up, running back into another arm drag!! The arm drags leave Cena dazed, and he’s slow to his feet, allowing Christian to capitalise with a dropkick, sending him back down again. The challenger takes Cena over with a snap mare, before rushing off the ropes, coming back with a front dropkick to the face of the seated champion!!!

Christian then hoists himself up to the top rope, waiting for Cena to rise … and flies off; reverse elbow to Cena!!!!! Cena looks rocked by the offence from Christian, and the challenger doesn’t relent, pounding Cena as The Champ reaches his knees - not allowing him to get up to his feet. Unloading his aggression in retaliation for the sickening assault he suffered at Saturday Nights Main Event, Christian hammers Cena, keeping The Champ on his knees, before taking off, hitting the ropes … coming back …

BUT CENA LEAPS UP … CATCHING CHRISTIAN … FU-

NO!!!!! Christian lands on his feet, then ducks under a clothesline attempt from Cena, and traps The Champ; INVERTED BACKBREAKER!!!!! Christian delivers his trademark back breaker and hooks the leg for the first cover attempt in the match…


……1……
………………………
…2…

……………KICK OUT FROM CENA……………
!!!

The Champ kicks out, and rolls away, trying to create some space, whilst Christian has other ideas, and grabs Cena from behind as he gets up, taking him to the corner, and begins to slam his head off the top turnbuckle … once, twice, thrice, four times, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE … and a TENTH!!!!! Taking out all the aggression he can, Christian scrambles the brain of Cena, then follows up the head bashing with a side suplex. Cover again;


………1………
………
……………2……………

……KICK OUT AGAIN……
!!!

Christian rises to his feet, and for the first time since the match began, he looks to the fans, giving them a message that he’s here to punish Cena. He waits as Cena finds a way to his feet, and The Champ staggers backward into the ropes, with Captain Charisma charging at him … but Cena drops, and low bridges the ropes, with Christians momentum taking him over the top and out to the floor below!!!!!

He lands with a thud, and after Cena walks around the ring to clear his head, he proceeds out of the ring to take advantage of his weakened adversary. He grabs the challenger by the head, and slams the Canadians face off the steel steps, with Christian staggering away. John Cena doesn’t let him get away though, and rams the challenger into the ring apron, before he throws Christian into the barrier!!!

Cena jaw jacks with a fan in the front row, and strikes Christian, telling the fan; “How‘d ya like that, punk?? Keep talkin. I‘ll take it out on him”, before knocking Christian down again with a clothesline. The Champ then places Christian in front of the ring post by the legs, and CATAPULTS the Number One Contender into the ring post!!!

Christian goes face first into the post, and has to hold onto the apron to stay upright, with Cena coming after him again, picking Christian up, and shouts at fans in the front row; “He‘s the guy you want, right?? Have a close up!!” and drops Christian, right on the barrier!!! Cena, having roughed up the challenger on the outside, rolls Christian back into the ring, following inside to continue to attack in the ring.

Cena stomps Christian, preventing him from reaching his vertical base, stomping the head, talking trash while he does, playing off his quotes in the run up to tonight; “I see plenty of fear now, Christian. I see fear alright.” With the challenger weakened, Cena pulls him to his feet, still talking, standing Christian up, before rushing off the ropes, rebounding back with a stiff clothesline, putting Christian back down.

Again, Cena reaches down, and drags Christian to his feet, keeping hold of the arm, and yanks Christian in, putting him right back down with another stiff clothesline!! The Champ drops down, and cinches in a side headlock, looking to wear down the challenger, and squeeze the air out of him. Laying on the mat, Cena smirks, shouting to the audience; “Who cant wrestle now??”

Cena keeps the boring rest hold applied, and the fans grow restless - exactly what The Champ wants; applying a boring hold to frustrate the crowd, and as the boos grow, Cena acts puzzled, looking up at the referee to say; “I thought they wanted wrestling??” Christian meanwhile, is trying to prise the grip of Cena to escape the side headlock, but the strength of Cena makes it highly difficult to do so.

Unable to break the hold from the mat, Christian finds his way to his feet, and tries to break the hold with elbows to the mid section, but just as it looks like he’s about to escape, Cena takes him back down in the headlock, keeping the hold applied!!! Christian kicks his legs in frustration, back to square one, with Cena enjoying his dominance over the challenger.

The side headlock remains locked on, but Christian wont give in, and surges back to his feet, drilling elbows into the gut of Cena again - but the headlock remains applied - though Christian has a chance to escape, backing up toward the ropes, and pushes Cena off, breaking the hold, but as he shoves Cena across the ring, The Champ rebounds back, knocking the slighter man down with a big shoulder block.

Christian tumbles off the impact, and The Champ is on him, backing Christian into the corner, and LAUNCHES him across the ring with a hard Irish whip, sending the challenger into the corner - HARD - with enough force for Christian to bounce out, and drops to his knees. Cena enjoys his superiority over the struggling challenger, seeing him on his knees, and proceeds to BOOT Christian in the face!!!!!

Feeding off the boos, Cena cups his ear; channelling Hulk Hogan, getting MORE heat from the fans in the stadium. He picks the challenger up, slamming him right back down … BEFORE SIGNALLING FOR THE FIVE … KNUCKLE … SHUFFLE!!????? The heat is nuclear in the stadium, as Cena mocks his own previous fan friendly move, and he bends down, doing the “YOU CANT SEE ME” to Christian … BUT CHRISTIAN KICKS A LEG UP AT CENA!!!!!

Instantly, the boos turn to cheers, with Christian cutting off Cenas attempt at the Five Knuckle Shuffle … and Cena staggers back, giving Christian a chance to get back up, and he blocks a shot from Cena, responding with an uppercut to The Champ, and fires off a bunch of right hands, backing The Champ into the ropes. Christian takes a step back, then rushes forward, AND SENDS CENA OUT OF THE RING WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!!!

Out goes Cena, over the top rope to the floor … but he isn’t stopping there. The challenger watches, lying in wait, as Cena gets back to his feet on the outside - and once he does, Christian slingshots himself over the top rope, splashing out onto Cena - CAUGHT!!! The Champ, showing his strength - CATCHES Christian … and CRUSHES the challenger back first against the ring post!!!

Cena tosses Christian aside after impact, with Christian grimacing in pain, holding his back to sell the affect of the post. Cena picks him back up, and rams the challenger into the ring apron, before getting Christian back into the ring again. Cena climbs back in himself, and picks Christian up, looking for a suplex- BLOCKED!!! Cena tries again - BLOCKED AGAIN!!!

The Champ lets go of his grip, and looks to soften Christian up before trying the vertical suplex again, clubbing the back, then tries the suplex once more - BLOCKED AGAIN!!!! And now, Christian looks to suplex Cena … and hoists him up, but Cena manages to land back on his feet, behind the challenger, and quickly shoots him into the corner!!!

Cena charges in, looking to crush the challenger in the corner … but he’s too eager … and is met with a reverse elbow. Cena backs out, dropping to a knee, with Christian hops onto the middle rope … SPRINGBOARD SUNSET FLIP …


…1…
…………………
……………2……………

……KICK OUT……
!!!

Cena just escapes the pin attempt, and both men are up quickly, but Cena strikes first, and shoots Christian into the corner again, and teases rushing in again - but stops short, having it scouted this time, as Christian gets a boot up, and Cena avoids it, then once Christian feet hit the ground again, he continues in, nailing the challenger with a forearm smash in the corner.

The Champ - thinking he outsmarted the challenger - backs up, and rushes in again … but this time, Christian swings out of the corner, onto the ropes … AND CATCHES CENA WITH THE SEESAW KICK!!!!! The Champ eats the kick, and looks rattled and caught off guard, allowing Christian to follow up, getting Cena from behind … REVERSE DDT!!!!! Christian covers…


…1…

…………………2…………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!

The Champ gets his shoulder up, but in the race back to their feet, it’s a battle Christian wins with time to spare, lying in wait for Cena to stand up and turn around … running through The Champ with a clothesline. Christian momentum nearly takes him on a tumble out of the ring, having to stop himself at the ropes, putting EVERYTHING into the clothesline.

Listening to the fans cheers, Christian nods, and sets himself in the corner, waiting for Cena to stand back up, and once he does, Christian pounces, WITH ANOTHER BIG CLOTHESLINE!!!!! Again, Christians momentum takes him toward the ropes, as J.R remarks on the ferocity of the clotheslines from the challenger - delivered with pure anger.

The challenger keeps his glare locked on Cena, who tries to get to his feet - and it’s Christian that brings him up, softening Cena up with a shot to the face, and then … PROCEEDS TO HOOK UP THE UNPRETTIER!!!!! The fans rise … as Christian gets Cena into position, turning him over … BUT CENA SLIPS OUT … AND ROLLS UP CHRISTIAN …


……………1……………

…2…

……CHRISTIAN ESCAPES THE PIN ATTEMPT……
!!!!!!!

Cena nearly stole it - but Christian JUST survives. Both men rise up, and it’s Cena to strike first with a kick to the gut, turning to run off the ropes, rebounding back … RIGHT INTO A SPINNING HEEL KICK FROM CHRISTIAN!!!!!

The heel kick knocks Cena over, and The Champ sprawls, getting back to his feet quickly, but walks right into Christian, with the challenger picking him up, and onto his shoulders … then drops John Cena with an impressive gut buster across the knee!!! The challenger foregoes the cover attempt, and instead, stays on his feet, slowly clapping … getting the fans to go with him, as he stalks Cena, then brings him to his feet… and into position…

UNPRETTIER ATTEMPT NUMBER TWO - AVOIDED AGAIN!!!

CENA ESCAPES THE CLUTCHES, AND TRIPS CHRISTIAN … THEN TRIES TO APPLY THE STFU!!!!! Cena scrambles, trying to lock the submission hold on, but Christian wriggles, doing everything he can to block it, and does so … then flips over, rolling through into a pinning combination on Cena…


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Cena escapes the predicament, and both men get to their feet quickly, but it’s Christian that beats Cena to the punch, and uses that momentum to shoot Cena off into the corner, charging in to meet him there, but Cena ducks out of the corner, with Christian colliding with the turnbuckles. He staggers out, with Cena there, meeting him with a sit out hip toss, and follows up, hitting the ropes, coming back - THROWBACK to the challenger!!! Cena hooks the leg…


…1…
…………………
…2…
………KICK OUT………
!!!

Christian survives with a kick out, but the advantage is right back into Cenas grasp, with The Champ dragging Christian up, tossing him into the corner, and punishes the challenger with sickening blows directed at the kidneys of his rival, punishing Christian, with J.R commentating that kidney punches are illegal in boxing, putting over how dangerous they are … but Coach makes the argument; “This aint boxing!!”, as Cena piles on the punishment!!!

Cena is given a warning from the official for the kidney punches, and Cena blows him off, delivering another series of punches to the kidney, daring the referee to disqualify him, before dragging Christian out of the corner, and put him down with a short but strong clothesline. The Champ stands up, shouting out; “Cheer him now!!” before picking Christian up, delivering a gut wrench suplex, and floats over into a cover…


………1………
………
……………………2……………………

…KICK OUT AGAIN…
!!!!!

Christian pushes out of the cover, and sits up, blowing hard, holding his kidney region, but doesn’t get long to recuperate, as Cena is on him, blasting him with a stomp to the face. And then again, softening Christian up to hook him into position for a vertical suplex, and gets him up in the air … AND HOLDS HIM THERE!!! Cena shows off his strength - much to the distaste of the fans, trying to rile them … flexing his free arm … before finally delivering the delayed vertical suplex!!!! Float over, cover;


………………………1………………………
…………………
…2…

………CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT………
!!!!!!!

Still, Cena cant see off Christian!!! The Champ starts to look more frustrated with each kick out, and roughly drops a quick elbow on Christian, before dragging him back up again - BUT CHRISTIAN STUNS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND!!!!! Christian rattles Cena with a right hand, taking him by surprise, mounting a comeback, giving the fans some hope … but misses a big haymaker … and turns into Cena, and a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!!!! Hook of the leg…


…1…
…………………
…2…
……………………………
……CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT AGAIN……
!!!!!!!!!!

Shaking his head, Cena affords himself a wry smile, muttering, getting agitated at his inability to put Christian away. He doesn’t waste much more time, and drags the challenger back up to his feet, and gets him hooked up - RELEASE FISHERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! The Champ floats over again, into ANOTHER pin attempt, hooking the leg…


…………1…………
………
………………2………………

…ANOTHER KICK OUT FROM THE CHALLENGER…
!!!!!

He cant keep Christian down!!!!! Cena sits up, no longer smirking to himself - he’s just angry now. He gets up, reaching down, grabbing Christian by the hair, and asks him; “WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO YOU?????” … with the defiant challenger responding; “A LOT MORE THAN THAT!!” Cena snarls, and slams Christian head back into the mat.

He nods, mouthing; “If that‘s what you want…”, before dragging the challenger up, bringing him toward the ropes … and ties Christians arms up on the middle and top ropes - the old Andre The Giant spot - with Christian unable to protect or defend himself!!! J.R is livid on commentary, harking back to the handcuff incident at Saturday Nights Main Event … as Cena proceeds to hammer Christian relentlessly!!!!!

The punishing, sickening blows from Cena to Christian look like a direct ode to the beating Christian took from Cena in Atlantic City four weeks ago … as the referee desperately tries to free Christian from the ropes - to little joy, as Cena continues to rough the challenger up. The Champ drives forearms into the face of Christian, with the challenger unable to do anything about it - as Mike Chioda desperately tries to unhook the ropes!!!

Cena talks trash, and SLAPS Christian, with Captain Charisma unable to do anything about it, with J.R shouting for more help to stop this beating and free Christian from the ropes … as Cena SLAPS Christian again … then takes off, hitting the opposite ropes, coming back at speed to punish Christian further … BUT CHRISTIAN GETS A FOOT UP!!!!!

Cena is staggered by the boot from Christian, and the fans pop - then pop louder - as Christian is FREED from the ropes!!!! The challenger escapes from the ropes, and UNLEASHES hell on Cena, running through him with a clothesline, then once Cena is back up, Christian takes him down with a double leg, and unloads on Cena, LAYING into him savagely!!!!!

Pounding The Champ on the mat, Christian starts to get carried away, laying into him with rights and lefts, thrown in a fit of rage … and again walks the fine line of disqualification, with the official administering a mandatory count to stop the beating with closed fists … and the challenger has to stop himself from going too far and costing himself the title!!

Christian rolls off Cena, and climbs back to his feet, passionately pounds his chest - feeding off the reaction of the rabid fans!!!!! Christian walks around the ring, listening to the words of the official - but doesn’t respond. And keeps his eyes on Cena, waiting for the fading champion to get back to his vertical base, and once he does, Christian delivers a drop toe hold … AND APPLIES THE STFU ON CENA!!!!!

The Champ is caught … in the middle of the ring … in HIS OWN SUBMISSION HOLD!!!!! Christian cranks back, forcing further agony onto the champion, as Cena - to his credit - bravely holds on … as Styles recalls Cena tapping out TWICE last year in big matches, wondering if his spirit will break again tonight … but Cena tries to scratch and claw … not willing to give in to Christian and especially not to his own hold!!!

Christian leans back, applying even more pressure … with Cena closing his eyes, flailing his arms unable to see the ropes with the challengers arms covering his view!! J.R asks how much The Champ can take, as Captain Charisma wrenches back, wanting to submit Cena in front of seventy thousand witnesses!!!!! The buzz grows, with the fans believing the submission is within sight…

………

… AND THE CHAMP BEGINS TO CONTEMPLATE IT …



… AND HE RAISES HIS HAND …

………

… AND CHRISTIAN WRENCHES BACK FURTHER …



… BUT CENA HOLDS ON …
!!!!!

… THE CHAMP SUMMONS ALL HIS WILL …

………

…… REACHING OUT ONE LAST TIME ……



………… MAKING THE ROPES …………
!!!!!!!

Christian - again battling against his desire to punish Cena - holds on once the champion makes the ropes … but eventually sees sense, and releases the hold at the referees count of three. Christian gets to his feet, and is again warned by the referee, as Cena takes the opportunity to make a getaway, and rolls out of the ring, stumbling to the timekeepers position … and looks to take his belt and leave the ringside area!!!!!

The stadium is in unison with boos, as they see what Cena is trying to do … but Captain Charisma sees it too, and quickly looks to stop Cena escaping, and jumps onto the ropes, SPRINGBOARD SPLASH OVER THE TOP ONTO CENA, TAKING THE CHAMP DOWN!!!!! Christian elicits another pop from the fans, and he stands back up, sending Cena tumbling into the steel steps outside!!!!

Captain Charisma rolls Cena back inside, following in, and grips The Champ, before setting himself, seated on the top rope … looking to score with a TORNADO DDT … BUT CENA COUNTERS IN MID AIR … AND SLAMS CHRISTIAN INTO THE MAT WITH A MODIFIED SPINE BUSTER!!!!! HE HOOKS THE LEG…


……………1……………
…………………
…………………………2…………………………

………CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT………
!!!!!!!!!!

The challenger raises a shoulder off the mat, but Cena is back in charge, and he climbs to his feet, shaking the cobwebs loose, looking worse for wear, but climbs onto the apron, then up the turnbuckles. Cena sets himself on the top rope - getting boo’s, as he readies himself … BUT CHRISTIAN RISES, and stops Cena with a shot to the gut, and proceeds up the buckles himself … meeting Cena with a right hand … AND DELIVERS A HURRICANRANA OFF THE TOP!!!!!!!!!!

There’s a huge pop for the big, high risk move from Christian, and the challenger hooks the leg…


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Cena kicks out, and rolls out of the ring to safety … but doesn’t get much safety, as Christian watches him, then runs off the ropes … baseball slide to the unexpecting champion!!! Cena clatters into the announce table, and Christian follows out , throwing Cena back inside. Christian stands up on the apron, looking all around the stadium, before proceeding to the ropes, climbing up top … setting himself, getting cheered by the fans … DIVING HEADBUTT OFF THE TOP ROPE …

BUT MISSES!!!!!

Cena rolls out of harms way, and Christian bashes his head off the canvas … with Cena takes advantage … AND APPLIES THE STFU ON THE CHALLENGER!!!!! Christian is caught in the deadly hold, and winces in pain, unable to escape the clutches, as Cena torques back, desperate for a submission victory, roaring himself, as he pulls back, contorting Christians body, with Captain Charisma yelling in agonizing pain!!!!!

J.R asks how much Christian can take, with Cena ripping, leaning back as far as he can. Christian reaches; hopelessly - as he’s nowhere near the ropes - whilst Cena frantically cranks back, and Cena, at the top of his voice roars “TAAAAP” … With Mike Chioda right in front of Christian, asking the challenger if he wants to give it up …

……………

… But Christian refuses … and tries to rip Cenas arms off to no avail …



… AND CENA WRENCHES BACK FURTHER …
!!!!!

Still though, Christian refuses to give it in …… And with the fans willing him on, he PULLS … AND CLAWS toward the ropes ……



… Gaining closer … getting closer …

……………

… Cena shakes his head, seeing Christian so close, and desperately torques, looking for the submission before the challenger can reach out, frantically looking to make him tap … AS CHRISTIAN PUTS HIS HAND UP …



… AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE …

!!!!!!!!

Christian has the ropes … and Cena is livid!! Shaking his head in disbelief, Cena simply cranks back farther, despite Christian being at the ropes, and eventually has his arms prised off Christian by Mike Chioda, with the referee admonishing Cena once again, but he pushes past him, and climbs back out, onto the turnbuckles, setting himself up top … with Christian slowly rising …

CENA LEAPS WITH THE FLYING LEG GUILLOTINE …

… NO ONE HOME!!!!!

Both men struggle, both selling the effects of what they’ve been through, and the race is on to get back in control … with both using the ropes to get up … and they peel themselves off, meeting in the middle of the ring … Cena strikes first; BOO from the fans … Christian replies; YAY from the fans. Cena; BOO … Christian; YAY … BOO, YAY … BOO, YAY … BOO, YAY … BOO, YAY … they keep trading blows, the fans cheering for Christian, and boo for Cena…

They continue to trade blows, with the fans meeting each shot with a Boo or a Yay, depending on who is delivering … but the YAY’s soon take over … as Christian wins the fist fight, blocking shots from Cena, and landing ALL of his own, beating The Champ down, with the ropes the only thing holding Cena up, as Christian sends him off the ropes, knocking him back down with a back elbow.

Cena slowly comes to, rising to his feet … but gets knocked right back down on his ass with a blistering clothesline!! Cena looks to be nearing the end, with Christian’s momentum growing down the stretch, and he motions to the audience that it’s over. Cena meanwhile, retreats to the corner, with Christian stalking him down …

In the corner though, the desperate champion pulls the referee in - USING CHIODA AS A SHIELD!!!!! Cena shoves Chioda into the path of Christian, unbalancing the challenger, but he pushes aside Chioda … but Cena uses that to his advantage, AND POPS UP OUT OF NOWHERE … FU TO CHRISTIAN!!!!! Cena delivers his finish … and hooks the leg …


……1……

……………2……………

…………………SHOULDER UP…………………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cena cant believe it!!! Styles calls it justice on commentary, as Cena, even resorting to cheap tactics now, STILL cant put Christian away. The Champ looks livid, and shaking his head, he rolls out, under the bottom rope, proceeding to collect the title belt, and brings it up the steps, and into the ring … looking to take Christian out with the title belt.

It’s another sign of just how much Cena has changed, not afraid to take a short cut now; with Coach commenting that it only makes Cena even more dangerous. He ignores the warnings from Chioda, who tries to stand in his way … and shoves the referee aside … SWINGING THE BELT AT CHRISTIAN … CHRISTIAN DUCKS UNDER … AND HOISTS CENA UP ON THE RETURN … FU TO THE CHAMP!!!!!

………
…………1…………
…………………………………………
…2…
…………………
……SHOULDER UP……
!!!!!!

“He may be a no-good son of a bitch … but one thing about Cena hasn’t changed; he’s still got plenty of heart!!” bellows J.R, with Christian shaking his head in the ring at the kick out. Captain Charisma now reaches, picking up the World Heavyweight Title … and he contemplates waffling Cena with it … torn between the DQ but getting revenge … or tossing the belt aside and going for victory.

Mike Chioda tries to reason with him, as Christian looks at the belt - deciding whether to use it or win it … and thinks better of it, tossing the belt down, coming back for Cena … and spots The Champ reaching for his trusty steel chain … and stamps on Cenas hand, stopping him from getting it!!! Christian shakes his head, telling Cena; “No more.”

Cena looks up at Christian - and looks done. Out of options, out of steam, and out of plans, Cena looks like a beaten man, as Christian stomps his face, before dragging Cena up, and throttles The Champ with a clothesline, before pulling him back up again … and into position … with ANOTHER attempt at the UNPRETTIER … BUT CENA DESPERATELY SHOVES HIM AWAY!!!!

Christian is shoved off - and nearly collides with Chioda, stopping just short, as Cena races in for a clothesline … Christian ducks under … Cena continues … and WAFFLES MIKE CHIODA!!!!! Cena takes out the referee, with Styles convinced he could’ve stopped himself, but CHOSE not to and PURPOSELY followed through to hit the referee!!! But it makes no difference to Cena, as Christian gets him … turns him over…

…AND FINALLY DELIVERS THE UNPRETTIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christian turns Cena over, hooking the leg … and he could count to one hundred … BECAUSE THERE’S NO REFEREE!!!!!!!!!!

Chioda is still down, and despite slapping his own hands on the mat three times - to a pop from the fans - Christian HASN’T won the match, despite having Cena beaten!!! The challenger bows his head, shaking it, before getting back up, trying to revive the referee, looking around, and sees Cena going for the belt, but stops him, and picks the title up, and also kicks the chain out of the ring, giving Cena no weapons to pick up.

Christian shakes his head at Cena, carrying the title out of his reach, and tosses it out of the ring, before he turns back again, giving Chioda a slap to wake him up, bringing him around. Christian then turns around, focusing his attention onto The Champ, standing over him … shaking his head at the pathetic sight of a once proud champion, and drags Cena up … BUT GETS TRIPPED DOWN …

AND CENA APPLIES THE STFU AGAIN!!!!! The STFU is locked on, with Christian trying to fight it!!!! He tries to roll over … but Cena rolls through too … WITH THE STFU STILL APPLIED!!!!! The attempt at the counter just lands Christian back further from the ropes … and STILL in the STFU … and Christian is FADING!!!!

Cena … sensing this is his moment, leans back further, increasing the pressure on the challenger, who holds his hand up, as the fans try to will him on, chanting “CHRISTIAN” … and he doesn’t tap!!!! STILL fighting it, Christian IS able to push himself forward, closer to the ropes, as Cena tries to lean further back. Captain Charisma continues to ever so slightly reach forward … closer to the ropes, with the audience COMPLETELY behind Christian … willing him on …



… CHRISTIAN PULLS HIMSELF FORWARD …



… HE’S INCHES AWAY …



… MILLIMETRES …



… HE REACHES OUT …



… AND GRABS …



AIR!!!!!

Christian missed the bottom rope … and the pain continues!!!!! Cena PULLS back again, looking for a final pull to get the submission, AND REVENGE FOR LAST YEARS LOSS … but the challenger refuses to give in, making one big final push before he ends up passing out, clawing a little more, with every last drop of energy he has left, with Cena shaking his head …

… AS CHRISTIAN REACHES OUT ONE MORE TIME …



… AND … GRABS …



… THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

Christian has his hand on the bottom rope … BUT CENA DOESN’T LET GO OF THE HOLD … AND CHIODA IS STILL NOT IN POSITION - HE’S STILL SELLING THE CLOTHESLINE!!!!! Christian kicks his legs frantically, with his grip on the rope loosening … HE’S FADING in the STFU … he’s fading, losing consciousness … as Cena cranks back …

The boos are off the charts inside the stadium, with Cena pulling back … and the fighting spirit of Christian appears to be gone … HIS HAND LIMPLY LETS GO OF THE BOTTOM ROPE AND BACK ON THE MAT … IT LOOKS LIKE HE HAS PASSED OUT!!!!! Cena pulls back, the STFU has taken Christian out; he is clearly OUT COLD!!!!!

Cena keeps the STFU applied, waiting for Chioda to come around … and the referee stumbles back into position, lifting the arm of Christian - and it falls!!! He lifts it a second time … and it falls again. The fans sit in hope … as Chioda raises the arm a third and final time … but the arm DROPS limply … with Chioda having no option BUT TO CALL FOR THE BELL!!!!!
WINNER: AND STILL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - JOHN CENA @ 23:05



Jim Ross: JOHN CENA HAS BEEN AWARDED THIS MATCH!!!

Joey Styles: But - Christian NEVER tapped out!!

Cena’s new music plays as he is named the winner - with the fans furious at the decision, believing Christian has been screwed out of victory tonight. Cena keeps the hold applied for a few additional seconds, before Chioda finally makes him relent.

Jim Ross: God damn it - not only did he NOT tap, Christian MADE it to the ropes!!!


The Coach: Don’t blame the referee - he can only call what he sees, and when he got up, he saw Christian kissing the canvas!!!

The Champ; still Cena, gets up, and is presented with the famous big gold belt, and holds it aloft … as a few fans litter the ring with empty drinks containers, such is their rage at seeing Cena retain the title … but with his new demeanour, Cena doesn’t care.

Jim Ross: No one is blaming Mike Chioda - he did his job. John Cena cant take any pleasure from this. He didn’t truly beat Christian!!

The Coach: But the record books will say differently, J.R. There wont be any asterisk - it’ll simply say, John Cena BEAT Christian at WrestleMania Twenty Four!!!

Joey Styles: A victory … but a hollow victory if you ask me.

Cena riles the fans further, mocking his old gestures by dusting off his shoulder and waving his hand in front of his face to say; “YOU CANT SEE ME!!!” whilst cups continue to be tossed into the ring, as Chioda tends to Christian, trying to bring him around.

The Coach: Nothing hollow about it, Styles. And I don’t think Cena sees it as a hollow victory either - he’s looks delighted to finally right the wrong of a year ago. He proved tonight who the better man is. It was a war of attrition, and Cena had the bigger lungs to hang on in there!!!

Jim Ross: For the love of God; Christian MADE the ropes!! The hold should’ve been broken!!!

Cena stands over Christian, still out cold; and holds up the title again, one final time, before departing the ring, leaving with the gold in tact, and leaving Christian in an unconscious heap - for the second time in a month.

Joey Styles: John Cena will leave Phoenix with the World Heavyweight Championship still in tact … but he better not think that this issue is over. When Christian comes around, he’s gonna be after Cena. He’s not let this issue rest. Not like this.

The Coach: If he has any sense, he will. After tonight, he should be wise to the fact that when he gets in Cenas face, bad things happen to him. He got bloodied and battered at Saturday Nights Main Event, and he got choked out tonight!!!

Christian is finally brought around by a doctor in the ring, and he looks out of sorts as he comes to, mouthing to the doctor; “What happened?” … as we see a final shot of Cena walking out, turning at the top of the ramp, holding the title proudly aloft again … as Christian turns his head to see Cena celebrating … and the realisation kicks in for the loser.

Jim Ross: This is a DAMN travesty!! It shouldn’t have gone down this way!! Cena has beaten Christian tonight at WrestleMania, sure, he has evened the score after last year … but there’s no honour in this win. He didn’t prove anything. If anything, he proved that he CANT truly beat that man. He CANT beat Christian without takin a short cut!!!

Joey Styles: And beyond that, J.R … Christian NEVER tapped out. He PASSED out here tonight.

The Coach: Stop raining on Cena’s parade!! He walked in champion - and he’s walking OUT - STILL champion.

Stumbling to his feet, Christian is unsteady, falling into the ropes, as Chioda looks to help him up. Christian regains his footing, and looks around, seeing the debris in the ring, and then listens to the cheers from the fans - still supporting Captain Charisma, with Christian nodding at the reaction, weakly pounding his chest to show his appreciation … but bows his head, devastated by the loss tonight.

Jim Ross: John Cena has won this match … he’s had his arm raised in this battle. But this war with Christian - it’s far from over.

We get a final look at Christian, with the announcers dropping out, letting the reaction of the fans fade the moment out. Captain Charisma exit’s the ring, and stops at the bottom of the aisle, looking side to side, nodding at the fans … shouting; “We‘re not done yet…” as the camera fades out…



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

… ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW…

… BEGINNING ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW, AND CONTINUING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL …

Flashing shots of superstars in action; Paul London, Brent Albright, Los Latinos, Beth Phoenix…

… IT’S TIME …

MVP, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker & Straight Edge.

… TO SHAKE …

John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Christian.

… THINGS …

The Gods of War, Matt Hardy, Jamie Noble, Shawn Michaels.

… UP …


THE 2008 DRAFT
-THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL-
~ BEGINS; MONDAY, APRIL 7, LIVE ON RAW ~
***



After the draft month promo plays again, footage returns, showing the night time skyline of downtown in Phoenix Arizona…





Jim Ross: What a sight that is, gentlemen. We’ve been in Arizona all week long, and what a beautiful state it is. And what a week it’s been!!

The Coach: Capped off with the biggest WrestleMania ever.

Joey Styles: And Phoenix has been an exceptional host city - Houston has a big task to live up to this night if you ask me.



Footage then cuts back into the arena, and shows more celebrities in attendance starting with ADAM SANDLER, who waves as he is keyed on camera…

Jim Ross: Adam Sandler!!

Joey Styles: One of the biggest movie stars of the last decade, and a huge WWE fan, J.R!!

JON STEWART is then shown in the third row, also offering a nod.

The Coach: And there’s the host of the Daily Show!! Jon Stewart!! He’ll be talking about WrestleMania tomorrow, I’m sure!!!

Then we see ZZ TOP; Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill!!!

Jim Ross: And two of the biggest celebrity fans of the WWE!!! I don’t think ZZ Top ever miss a WrestleMania!!

The Coach: Why would they??

Joey Styles: The stars have come out in force for the Desert Classic!!

The camera then cuts away, and on the big screen, we get the graphic…



A pop emanates around the arena, as we get set for the main event of this incredible show…

Joey Styles: And the time has come!!!

Jim Ross: It’s been a rollercoaster of a night. What a way to close this thing out. Can Edge finally make his lifelong dream come true?? Is it FINALLY time for Edge to become WWE Champion?? To do that, he has to overcome the sixth longest reigning WWE Champion of all time!! A year ago, Randy Orton won that very title, doing the unthink-

**REALITY**

J.R - and the fans - are all caught off guard by the music … of … THE MIZ??? Indeed, the former reality TV star, and the “Hardcore” champion walks out onto the stage to complete and utter indifference.


Jim Ross: What. The. Hell?? What’s this goof doing??

Joey Styles: We’re getting set for the main event, here. What does The Miz want???

The Coach: Who cares!! The Miz is at WrestleMania!! It’s a WrestleMania moment!!!

Smiling, Miz walks down the ramp, wearing an expensive tuxedo … but makes it look ridiculous with the tattered Hardcore Championship strapped around his waist. He pulls out a mic, and talks over his music, with the music eventually cutting off…

The Miz: PHOENIX, ARIZONA!!!!

Heat.

The Miz: THIS … is the TRUUUUE STORY … OF WHEN THE MIZ CAME TO WRESTLEMANIAAAAA!!!!!

No one cares. There’s a lot of “go-away” heat for Miz, with the annoying pest now holding up the main event.

The Miz: HOO-RAH!!!

Miz holds the mic out, wanting a response … but gets more boos. He keeps striding down the aisle, with a cocky grin…

The Miz: I saw they were getting ready to go to the WWE Title match … but it looks like the people in charge have forgotten the biggest match of the evening!!! So fear not, people; the main event is right … here!!!

Miz points to himself, and gets more heat, as J.R comments; “What is he talking about?? He doesn’t have a match - he was rejected from the battle royal.”

The Miz: Tonight, as all you Miz-fits know … I’ve laid down the challenge for anyone to come and try to take this Hardcore title from me!!!

On commentary, Styles sounds puzzled; “No, he didn’t.”

The Miz: I threw down the gauntlet … but unfortunately … NO ONE stepped up to the plate to face THE greatest champion in the WWE … and why?? Because, I’M THE MIZ … AND I’MMMM … HARD-CORRREEE!!!!

Heat. J.R chimes in; “No one stepped up because there was no challenge. At least not one made publicly, you idiot!!”

The Miz: But even though no one accepted my Hardcore invitation, that doesn’t mean you people should be denied the opportunity to get a look at the man you all came here to see. Last night, you had to sit, BORED, as the WWE Hall of Fame wheeled out a bunch of fools, that no one has even heard of. Was it just me, or did Magnum P.I get in?? Tom Selleck doesn’t even wrestle!!!

J.R is incredulous; “That‘s Magnum TA you goofball. Go get a wrestling education!!” Miz continues down the aisle, still smiling.

The Miz: And that fat guy wearing the jock strap?? Yeah, if I looked like him, I’d want to cover my face too!!!

Coach appears to agree; “Yeah. Who wears a jockstrap with a suit anyway!! Vader is an idiot!!” … though the fans are outraged.

The Miz: Ric Flair wasn’t the only guy crying last night. Thousands of fans were left with tears in their eyes when they didn’t get to see The Miz go in the Hall of Fame. And, beyond the has-beens… I’ve been seeing the camera giving air time to the so-called celebrities in attendance this evening. Puh-lease!!!

The Miz takes a pause, still smiling as he uses his free hand to point to himself for his next point.

The Miz: You’re looking at the biggest crossover celebrity on the PLANET. I’m not on the A-List … I’m on the A STAR list!!! And unlike some of these people amongst the people tonight, my star hasn’t faded. My star is GROWING. ZZ Top don’t get on MTV … but not only was I the biggest thing to hit MTV … I WAS MTV on the Real World and the Real World/Road Rules challenge.

Miz smirks, not listening to the boos and cat calls - the “Go-away” heat is rising.

The Miz: People … now that I think about it, since The Miz arrived in the WWE, I’ve become the WWE, and now that I’ve made it to Wrestle Mania … maybe we should re-name it; MIZ-A-MANIAAAAA!!!!!

Reaching ringside, Miz looks for a reaction to his suggestion … but gets more boos.

The Miz: I saw Adam Sandler on camera a minute ago. Remember him?? Last time he had a hit, WCW was still in business!!!

“Ooooh” from the fans. Sandler is shown in the crowd with a forced grin after the jibe from Miz. Miz steps into the ring…

The Miz: But the biggest joke of all … is THIS guy!!!

Miz does a spin, and leans over the ropes, then points out at SHAQ, to a big pop from the fans, seeing their new basketball hero on camera again.

The Miz: Looking at Shaqueille O’Neill … I didn’t realise that they stacked CRAP that high!!!

Heat for the very, very old joke. Shaq steps forward to the front row, shouting; “Come say that to my face!!”

The Miz: What?? You don’t scare me, big guy. As a matter of fact, I’d offer YOU a shot at my Hardcore title tonight…

Big pop from the fans. Miz pauses, looks around with a glint in his eyes, then back at Shaq, with a shit eating grin…

The Miz: But then, I realised … Shaq cant win a championship without Kobe!!!!!

Huge heat for Miz. Shaq threatens to climb over the barrier to take him on.

The Miz: You people are cheering him now, but when you FAIL to reach the play-offs, you’ll all say; “We shoulda got LEBRON instead!!!!!”

Heat. Miz turns away, and addresses the fans … as SHAQ gets over the barrier, and gets into the ring!!!! The fans explode, with Miz playing dumb … unaware of what’s going on behind him.

The Miz: I’d wipe the floor with Shaq. He doesn’t know anything about being HARDCORE!! I played Shaq-Fu when I was a kid … but then again, I was probably the only one!!!

Thinking the fans are cheering him, Miz smiles, thanking them off mic, before turning around … and his face drops … with the seven foot SHAQ in the ring with him!!! Quickly, he backtracks.

The Miz: Ha ha!! It was all a joke!! We’re just having a bit of fun out here. Right?? Right??

Miz nods, looking for a positive response from Shaq … but the basketball star shakes his head. Miz gulps, and then backs up, apologising, trying to lull Shaq into a false sense of security … THEN TRIES TO CHEAP SHOT SHAQ WITH A CLOTHESLINE…

AND FALLS OVER UPON IMPACT!!!!!

Miz goes down off his own clothesline, bouncing off the seven footer, to a huge pop, and a “SHAQ” chant picks up inside the stadium, and he looks around, with Miz struggling to his feet … pulling himself up on the ropes … AS SHAQ ATTACKS … AND CLOTHESLINES MIZ OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!!!!

The NBA star stands tall in the ring, saluting the fans, as Miz scrambles to the aisle, his moment backfiring in his face … with Shaq standing tall, raising his arms, getting huge cheers from his fans in Arizona.

Jim Ross: Well The Miz got his moment - just not the one he envisaged!!! So much for Hardcore!!!


Joey Styles: He’s an embarrassment to the word ‘Hardcore’, J.R.

The Coach: He’d wipe the floor with any ECW misfit, that’s for sure. And he would’ve wiped the floor with that misfit in the ring, too, except Shaq gave him a cheap shot!!!

Joey Styles: Cheap shot?? The Miz tried to attack Shaq!!!

The Coach: That was self-defence. Shaq has no business being in our ring. You don’t see The Miz turning up on a basketball court!!!

Cutting away from the ring, we see J.R, Styles and Coach, one more time at ringside…

Jim Ross: Well in any event, The Miz has been embarrassed and humiliated here in front of seventy two thousand fans. He got a WrestleMania moment he’ll never forget … but will it be triumph of disaster for the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble??


Joey Styles: The ten year journey culminates here tonight for Edge. He has come up short on multiple occasions in his quest for the WWE Championship. But he won the Royal Rumble for this opportunity tonight. With question marks over the condition of his neck, is the dream about to become a nightmare??

The Coach: And as if that wasn’t enough to overcome, he’s dealing with the best, most successful, longest reigning champion in the last twenty years. Randy Orton has been WWE Champion for 379 days - over a year. Something that The Rock could never accomplish, something Stone Cold Steve Austin could never do, something even his mentor, Triple H, couldn’t pull off. Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, The Undertaker; none of them have done what Randy Orton has done.

Jim Ross: He has been tremendous as champion, no doubt about it. The sixth longest reign in WWE history. Can Edge be the man to topple Randy Orton?? We’re about to find out…

Joey Styles: The pieces are in place. Randy Orton and Edge are set to do battle in the main event of the Showcase of the Immortals…



***
RANDY ORTON | EDGE

~ WRESTLEMANIA 23~
-Rob Van Dam vs. Edge vs. Chris Jericho-
WALLS OF JERICHO APPLIED ON RVD!!!!!!! The champion yells out in agony as Jericho SYNCHES BACK FURTHER!!!!! RVD is in massive danger of submitting now, coming to the realisation his dream run is set to end … with RVD raising his hand, ready to submit…

…UNTIL EDGE SPEARS JERICHO…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EDGE IS BACK AGAIN!!!! Edge is set to cover Jericho, but spots RVD squirming, turning his attention to Van Dam again, not looking to pin Jericho in case RVD manages to break it. Edge crouches down, lining up ONE LAST SPEAR!!! … BUT VAN DAM SIDE STEPS HIM … AND EDGE RUNS STRAIGHT THROUGH INTO THE RING POST!!!!! RVD now jumps onto the back of Edge, then onto the top rope … AND WASTES NO TIME TO FLY … AND CONNECTS WITH THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH ON JERICHO!!! The cover is made…
….
…………………1…………………
………
…EDGE SLOWLY STAGGERS OUT OF THE CORNER…

…………2…………

……HE SEES THE COVER……
………
……………BUT HE‘S TOO LATE……………
…………………
…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: AND STILL WWE CHAMPION - ROB VAN DAM


The opening chords of “Something in the Way” by Nirvana plays, as the voice of Randy Orton plays over the clips…

Randy Orton: It’s excuse … after excuse … after excuse. With Edge … there’s always something in the way.

‘Something in the way
Ummmmm
Something in the way, yeah
Ummmmm

Edge SPEARS Van Dam after the match in fury, having cost himself the chance to cash in Money in the Bank…

**VOICES**

The music contorts … as Orton - with the Money in the Bank briefcase - bypasses Edge on the ramp, cashing in…

PUNTING VAN DAM…

……………1……………
……………
…2…
…………………
……3……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: AND NEW WWE CHAMPION - RANDY ORTON

Michael Cole: Randy Orton has done in one night what Edge couldn’t do in a year…

‘Something in the way
Ummmmm
Something in the way, yeah
Ummmmm’
Edge: Watching Orton walk out with the championship, the title THAT WAS MEANT FOR ME … IS TEARING ME UP INSIDE … IT’S RIPPING ME APART … Knowing … knowing, that these hands should be clutching that gold … knowing, that it was my Spear to Van Dam that gave Orton the green light … it’s … it’s … killing me. I cant- I cant, cant sleep, I cant eat, I cant function … and until I have my crowning achievement … I … WONT.

‘Something in the way’

Edge then has a shot at Orton in the weeks that follow, but his one on one match is ruined by interference. And he is eliminated from a Fatal Four Way for the title by Orton after an RKO onto a steel chair.

‘Ummmmm’

With a title shot at stake in September, Edge falls short against The Undertaker, and looks on the verge of a mental breakdown…

‘Something in the way, yeah’

Then, Edge eventually gains a rematch with Orton - finally getting a one on one shot … and with the victory in his grasp … sees it ruined by the returning Lashley, who dismantles Edge.

‘Ummmmm’



~ ROYAL RUMBLE ~

!! BUZZER!!

**METALINGUS**

Edge: Ten years. I’ve been here TEN years. I’ve had highs … and I’ve had lows too.

Edge makes his way to the ring …

… BUT IS ATTACKED BY LASHLEY … THEN GIVEN A SPINEBUSTER ON THE AISLE BY BATISTA!!!

Jim Ross: And Edge’s dreams … may have just gone up in smoke!!!

Edge writhes in pain, as we get flashback shots to Edge defeating both Batista and Lashley in consecutive weeks as part of his challenge to enter the Rumble match…

Joey Styles: Edge battled for weeks to make it into this match. He beat Batista and Lashley fair and square to make sure they didn’t qualify … this is disgusting. Even if he can recover to make it into the ring … he’s got to be at a huge disadvantage.

Shots of Edge struggling on the aisle … with flashing shots of Edge in despair; near miss after near miss in his quest for the title.

Edge: But from the day and hour I walked into this company, I’ve done everything I possibly could to grab ever and any chance I’ve ever got.

Edge sucks it up, and makes it to the ring, and is shown dumping The Brian Kendrick out of the ring, whilst surviving near misses.

Edge: Despite everything I’ve accomplished - EVERYTHING I’ve done - there’s ONE thing that I’ve never done… and it’s the thing that I want the most…

Edge is thrown over by RVD … but only ONE foot touches … and he climbs back onto the apron and into the ring…

Edge: And that … is to BE CHAMPION!!! No matter- no matter what I’ve done, it’s the one thing I’ve never been able to accomplish - it’s the ONE THING I still haven’t done - and it tears me apart.

RVD and Flair are tussling by the ropes, with Edge dumping both over - with Flair hitting the floor … but Van Dam lands on the apron…

Edge: On Sunday, I have the chance to make that possible. One chance. And that’s to win the Royal Rumble. I went through HELL just to make it, and I’ll be damned if it’s all gonna be for nothin.

Edge surges across the ring … AND SPEARS RVD OFF THE APRON TO THE FLOOR!!!!!

Edge: No. No it wont be for nothing … I’M GOIN … to WrestleMania…

Cut to Edge and Orton face to face in the ring, on the January 25 Smackdown…

Joey Styles: AND AT WRESTLEMANIA, EDGE WILL CHALLENGE ORTON … IN THE MAIN EVENT … FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

A collage of clips of Randy Orton as WWE Champion plays over the next series of sound bites; Orton stalking to the ring, having his arm raised time and time again, RKO after RKO…

Paul Heyman: Randy Orton will make history, when he becomes the first man in nearly twenty years to win the WWE Title at one Wrestle Mania … and hold it right through to the next.
Jerry Lawler: He’s proved time and time again why he’s the best!!!
The Coach: He’s royalty in this business!! It’s in his blood!!!
Joey Styles: Over the last year as champion, Orton has fought off all comers, one way or another…
Michael Cole: You can question his motives…
Jerry Lawler: You cant deny the results!!!
Tony Chimmel: Here is your winner …
Joey Styles: Randy Orton has survived the Elimination Chamber-
Tony Chimmel: And STILL…
Paul Heyman: He’s accomplished something that The Rock couldn’t, Steve Austin couldn’t, Bret Hart couldn’t…
Howard Finkel: WWE Champion…
Paul Heyman: …Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena - none of them could do what Orton has done!!!
Tony Chimmel: RANDY …
Joey Styles: He will make it ONE whole year as champion…
Howard Finkel: ORTON!!!

And cut to Orton, standing proudly in the ring - with the title over his shoulder.

Randy Orton: I’m the first man to hold the WWE Championship from one WrestleMania to the next in nearly twenty years. It’s not a coincidence. This business … it’s moved on … It’s a cut-throat business, and the nice guys?? They really do finish last.

Shots of Orton hitting the devastating Punt, time and time again over the last year; his most deadly weapon.

Randy Orton: So let people complain. Let people say I’m going too far. As long as I’m WWE Champion … I’m going as far as I need to.

And remaining WWE Champion thanks to it.

Randy Orton: And now you’re all beginning to accept it. Now, you’re all beginning to realise … that you’re living in MY era. Maybe now you’ll all begin to accept facts, accept reality, and stop looking for the one to end my reign … because there’s isn’t one.

Tracking back; clips of Ortons successful title defences … beating Jericho at the Rumble, catching RVD with an RKO in mid-air at Summerslam, pinning Batista, having his arm raised inside the Chamber, pounding Taker, holding the title after beating London…

Randy Orton: You all christened Chris Jericho as the saviour. You all hoped that Rob Van Dam would have his revenge. You all believed that Batista and Brock Lesnar would be too big and too tough for me to handle. You all thought I was doomed against The Deadman, and you all prayed that Paul London would get to live out his fantasy. And then … there was Edge… AND HE WAS THE LEAST QUALIFIED OF ALL!!!!

Cut flashing shots of x-rays… and Orton in the ring with the evidence at Saturday Nights Main Event…

Randy Orton: Edge’s neck is a mess!!!

‘Something in the way’

Shots of Edge trying to get Orton - but the Champion escapes…

‘Ummmmm’

Then, Orton cracks Edge from behind on March 7 Smackdown, setting him up for the Punt…

Randy Orton: After all - if all the others couldn’t beat me at their best … then what hope can you people give Edge when he’s got a stack of dimes for a neck!!

‘Something in the way, yeah’

Clips of all the punts; to Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Nick Dinsmore, Tommy Dreamer, David Flair…

Randy Orton: For Edge, there’s always something in the way. And now, I’m that something. I am in Edge’s way of becoming WWE Champion. And I’m an obstacle that wont be conquered.

But Orton stops short of the Punt…

‘Ummmmm’
Randy Orton: I’ll enjoy it much better … BREAKING YOUR NECK AT WRESTLEMANIA!!!!

Shots of Orton nailing Edge with the title belt, mixed with shots of Edge and his failed attempts at glory over the years … in comparison to the gold-laden career of Randy Orton…

Edge: I’m comin to Phoenix to do WHATEVER it takes … I’ll risk it all; my neck, my career, MY LIFE … Because I HAVE to be champion.

‘Something in the way’

Shots of Edge in recovery after his neck surgery in 2003 … whilst Orton wins his first title in 2004.

Randy Orton: Edge … that day is NEVER coming. I’m putting you out of your misery once and for all at WrestleMania, like I said I would. I’m beating you … and then I’m PUNTING you out of the picture - forever.

‘Ummmmm’

Edge in despair last year at Wrestle Mania … and Orton taking advantage, beating RVD to become WWE Champion.

Edge: No- no you’re not. YOU made a mistake. ONE mistake. That night you had me down?? That was your chance to put me out. You didn’t take it. You made the mistake … and it’s gonna cost you dearly. Your reign as WWE Champion … ENDS at Wrestle … MANIA!!!

‘Something in the way, yeah’

And end of the shot from this past Friday on Smackdown; Edge and Orton face to face, with the WWE Title raised between them by Orton…

‘Ummmmm’

END PACKAGE
***



Back inside the stadium, there’s a buzz, with the main event now about to proceed. There’s quiet … then the stadium goes dark…

And a creepy woman’s voice booms, with an eerie whisper, calling back to Edge‘s initial vignettes when he made his (lacklustre) debut in 1998…

“What could’ve happened to this man…
That brought him to this place…”

“He’s the truth that you deceive…
The lie that you believe…”

“The God to which you pray…
The devil you must repay…”

“He is the bullet in the gun…
The pain from which you run…”

“But you will never know me…
You don’t know yourself…”

“You are lost…
And scared…”

“Fury and rage, remnants of chaos…
Devastation, euphoria …”

"EDGE."

Silence. The stadium is still shrouded in darkness…

“YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME…??”

**METALINGUS**

And emerging through the smoke from his entrance is the 2008 Royal Rumble winner; EDGE!!!!! The Rated ‘R’ Superstar strides, stopping at the top of the stage, and throws off his shades, then slaps his face, pumping himself up, before striding down the ramp.


Joey Styles: For ten years, Edge has battled for everything single thing he has ever won. Every title has been earned through hard work and dedication. But despite his dedication, there’s one piece of gold that has eluded him… the most priceless of all; the WWE Championship.

Jim Ross: He’s given his body and his soul to this business. He suffered a broken neck in his quest for greatness. From when he was just a young boy, Edge has been working toward becoming WWE Champion. It’s been his only goal in life - and it’s never been closer than it is right now!!!

The Coach: And very soon, it’s gonna be further away than it ever was. That stack of dimes he has for a neck are about to topple over. He’s not strong enough for this; you both said it; he broke his neck for the World title, and still couldn’t do it!!

Joey Styles: He may well fall short. There’s no guarantees. But Orton will have to break Edge to beat him. I truly believe that.

The Coach: And Orton probably will.

And, midway down the ramp, Edge pauses, and stops, before throwing his arms up in the air, as a spectacular pyro display goes off behind him.


Joey Styles: Can Edge channel all his previous success at WrestleMania; the TLC matches with Christian, those championship victories … and can he use that as inspiration to prevail in the biggest match of his life.

Jim Ross: After so many bitter defeats - just here last year of course - Edge surely cannot afford another loss. After so many near-misses in WWE Title matches, there comes a point where it’s now or never. Tonight may be it for Edge.

Edge’s intensity comes through in his eyes, giving himself a pep talk, before sliding into the ring, looking around, before pushing up, onto his feet, and proceeds to the far right corner, raising his arms again, nodding - ready for the moment.

Jim Ross: You can see how much he wants it!! You can see how much it means to him!!

The Coach: You sure can. But some people just aren’t championship material, J.R. Maybe Edge, as good as he is, just isn’t good enough to win the big one. How about that??


Joey Styles: It’s been hard to argue, Coach. Edge HAS come up short multiple times. But not always down to his own short comings. He’s had a lot of bad luck down the years. Don’t forget Edge had Orton beat a few months ago, before he was screwed outta the title in Toronto.

The Rated ‘R’ Superstar takes off his long trench coat, and paces around the ring, with his music playing out, and the wait begins for the champion…

The Coach: You make your own luck, Styles. Edge just cant seize the opportunities. He failed with Money in the Bank. He had a year to call his shot and failed.

Edge paces back and forth, with the champion clearly trying to play mind games … making the Royal Rumble winner wait…

Jim Ross: He doesn’t have a year to call his shot now though. He has ONE shot … one opportunity. It’s do or die for Edge tonight.

Joey Styles: And it looks like Orton is trying - one last time - to mess with Edge. He’s making the challenger wait…

The Coach: And so he should!!!

The wait continues, with Edge smirking, mouthing something; knowing what Orton is trying to do … as the fans begin to grow restless…

**VOICES**

The familiar music of the WWE Champion blares, and initial cheers for the music soon turn to jeers … as RANDY ORTON strolls, SLOWLY onto the stage, with the WWE Title draped over his shoulder.

Joey Styles: The familiar sight; Randy Orton with the WWE Title belt on his shoulder … but will this be the last time we see that very image??

The Coach: Or … is this just the beginning of Year Two in the Age of Orton?? He’s the best champion in twenty years. It’s gonna take something special to knock him off, Styles.

Jim Ross: And maybe that someone special is Edge.

No fancy pyro or smoke or theatrics … the WWE Champion strolls down the ramp, with all the confidence in the world. Fitting for a man who has ruled the world for over a year…

Jim Ross: He has a hell of a resume; a third generation superstar, the youngest World Champion of all time back in 2004, he’s been at the top of the mountain three times already and he’s still in his twenties!!! And yes, he’s had the sixth longest reign in WWE history.

The Coach: And J.R … he’s still getting better.

Joey Styles: Which is a hell of a statement. No doubt about it, Edge will need to be at his very best to knock off Randy Orton.

Jim Ross: And that means that neck will have to be in full working condition too. If what Orton said is true, and that neck is as fragile as we believe it may be … Edge is gonna see his hopes and dreams shattered tonight.

Orton climbs into the ring, telling Chad Patton to keep Edge back, before proceeding to parade the title in the corner, climbing the turnbuckles.

The Coach: Wow. What a specimen. What a champion.

Joey Styles: He doesn’t look nervous, he looks calm. He looks cool.

The Coach: Because he’s a champion!!

Jim Ross: But will he be champion for much longer??

Joey Styles: We’re about to find out…

The champion gets down from the ropes, making his way to his corner, as the bell rings for the big time introductions…

Howard Finkel: Ladies and Gentlemen … the following contest … scheduled for ONE fall … is for the W-W-E … CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Pop.

Howard Finkel: Introducing first; the CHALLENGER!! From Toronto, Ontario, Canada … weighing in at 241 pounds … he is the 2008 Royal Rumble winner … EEEEEEDGE!!!!

Pop. Edge steps forward, raising his arms, before backing to his corner again.

Howard Finkel: And, from St. Louis, Missouri … weighing in at 245 pounds … he is the W-W-E CHAMPIONNN … RAAAANDYYYY … ORTONNNNN!!!!

Heat. Orton raises the title up, and passes it to the official…

Edge and Orton remain in their corners, as the big introductions are conducted … with Chad Patton holding the title aloft before passing it out of the ring … and the match is ready to get underway, with the referee calling for the bell…

WWE Championship Match:

WWE Champion, Randy Orton vs.
2008 Royal Rumble Winner, Edge
The two men circle the ring, both getting involved verbally, each trying to psyche the other out, before they reach in for a collar and elbow, locking up for the first time, and Edge instantly overpowers the champion SHOVING him down, with Ortons eyes bugging out, and as Edge comes for him, the champion rolls under the ropes, and out of the ring to create space.

The champion shakes his head, taking a walk, surprised by the ferocity of Edge, as the official has to keep Edge from following out. Orton winds his arm up, holding his shoulder, and takes his time walking back up the steps - as Edge holds open the ropes for him, inviting the champion back into the ring. Randy doesn’t take too kindly to the offer, and points to Patton, telling him to get Edge back, before he slowly re-enters the ring.

On commentary, Styles and J.R are both calling for Orton to get in the ring and to stop stalling, whilst Coach tells them not to question a man that’s been champion for so long, calling it strategy. Orton climbs in, and circles again, with Edge eager to lock up once more - reaching, trying to pick a leg of the champion, but Orton avoids, kicking his legs free, creating some space … before dodging out of the ring - AGAIN!!!!!

Boos ring out from the fans, as Orton dips under, avoiding the collision, and as Edge looks to get by the referee, Orton thinks better of it, and climbs out of the ring completely, dropping to the floor again!!! The fans are getting restless with the stalling from the champion, as Orton takes another walk, head down … whilst Edge is getting more and more agitated.

Edge shakes his head at Orton on the outside, and shows how bored he is by the antics of the champion, and hoists himself on the top rope, lying across the corner, folding his arms, waiting for Orton to get in and quit stalling. Orton though, is in no rush it seems, as Styles wonders if this is a deliberate tactic from the champion to get Edge angry and break the concentration of the temperamental Rated ‘R’ Superstar.

Again, Orton slowly climbs up the steel steps, ignoring the incessant boos of the fans, before climbing back into the ring. Edge drops off the top rope, thinking that Orton is finally going to engage … but the champion simply circles around the ring with the challenger, before ducking out through the ropes again!!! And this time, the fans are livid - as is Edge!!! It’s all mind games from Orton, and appears to be working, with Edge losing his cool at the antics.

Chad Patton leans out through the ropes, admonishing Orton, telling him to quit the games and get in the ring, with Orton arguing back … but for Edge, he’s had enough of waiting, and slides out of the ring on the other side, and comes chasing after the champion!!! Orton spots Edge coming, and takes off, keeping away from the challenger, before rolling back into the ring, and as Edge slides in, the champion meets him with a stomp to the back!!!

Edge tries to shrug off the stomps to the back, trying to battle up, but is stomped into the corner by the champion, with Orton viciously trying to wear Edge down as J.R comments that Orton learned his lesson from November when he nearly succumbed to an early loss from Edge who came out of the blocks that night. And instantly slowed it down tonight.

Orton - with Edge sufficiently weakened - drags him from the corner, shooting him off the ropes. Orton ducks down for the return, but Edge hangs on to the ropes. The champion looks up, wondering where Edge is, and is met with a dropkick once he lifts his head up!! Orton is knocked silly from the dropkick, and Edge opens up, putting Orton back down with a clothesline, and another with Orton getting up again, then a third, before sending Orton off the ropes, and meeting him on the return with a BIG back body drop!!!!!

The Champion bounces off the canvas, clutching his back as he rolls away, and retreats to the corner. Edge though, wont let up, and follows in, mounting the corner … and unleashing a barrage of right hands on Orton … with the fans beginning to count along, more joining in with each punch … ONE … TWO … THREE … FOUR … FIVE … SIX … SEVEN … EIGHT … NINE … TEN MOUNTED PUNCHES IN THE CORNER!!!!!

But - before Edge can drop down … Orton carries Edge OUT and looks to attempt an inverted atomic drop … but Edge pushes free, avoiding contact and landing on his feet. And BLASTS Orton with a BLISTERING clothesline, knocking the champion down!!! Edge is building momentum, and he climbs onto the apron, going up top, perching himself - waiting for Orton to rise … and flies off when he does; MISSILE DROPKICK CONNECTS!!!!!

The champion is in a world of trouble, with Edge bouncing back to his feet, looking around the stadium … AND TAKES UP A POSITION IN THE CORNER!!!! Edge is setting up … A SPEAR!!!!! Crouching down, willing the champion up, Edge is setting his sights on a quick win - with Styles barking out on commentary; “Shades of Saturday Nights Main Event!! But this time, there‘s no one to save Orton!!!”

Edge readies himself, as Orton climbs to his feet … and Edge sets off … BUT ORTON DIVES OUT OF HARMS WAY … AND OUT OF THE RING AGAIN!!!!! Boos ring out once more, as Orton saves his title reign from ruin by avoiding the Spear. The champion waves the match off, and collects the title belt from ringside, trying to walk out … but there’s no chance in hell of Edge allowing it … and he baseball slides into Orton on the outside, knocking the champion down!!!

Edge follows out, not giving Orton even a second of time, and drags the champion up, and BASHES the champions head off the steel steps, stalking him as he walks away, grabbing Orton by the trunks, and tosses Orton into the other set of steel steps!!! With the champion at his mercy, the Royal Rumble winner drags him up, and rolls Orton back into the ring.

The Rated ‘R’ Superstar rolls back in too, and follows Orton to the corner, softening him up with right hands, then sends the champion across the ring to the opposite corner at speed … and Orton bounces out upon impact, right back into the path of Edge, and a FLAPJACK!!!! Edge doesn’t go for a cover … but instead … SETS UP ANOTHER SPEAR ATTEMPT!!!!! The fans rise in anticipation, whilst J.R questions if Edge is trying to end it early because he KNOWS his neck is in the terrible condition Orton claims.

Lying in wait, Edge crouches in the corner … waiting to strike … AND EXPLODES OUT OF THE CORNER AS ORTON RISES … BUT ORTON STEPS TO SAFETY … AND EDGE CANT STOP HIS OWN MOMENTUM … RUNNING THROUGH … CRASHING SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE POST!!!!! Orton seizes the opportunity, and rolls Edge up out of the corner…


………1………
………
………………2………………

…KICK OUT…
!!!!!

Edge’s aggression gets the better of him, as he collides with the post in the corner, and it nearly cost him with the roll up by Orton. Edge survives, but he grimaces, holding the shoulder, writhing in pain, as Orton watches on, seeing opportunity present itself to him thanks to Edges own eagerness backfiring on him. Orton waits for Edge to rise up, and lands his first real offensive move of the contest, going through the challenger with a clothesline.

Forcing things to his pace, Orton slows the match down, and proceeds to methodically pick Edge apart, putting him back down on the mat with a front slam. With Edge down, Orton takes the opportunity to deliver the Garvin stomp - ALL OVER the body of Edge. Orton starts with a Garvin stomp to the forehead, then the right side of the body; first the shoulder, then the arm, the hand, to the knee, and then the ankle!!!

Orton then stomps the left ankle, knee, hand, arm, shoulder, before stomping Edge’s face again!!! Orton grabs the legs, holding them up with Edge flat on the canvas, and proceeds to Garvin stomp the gut of the challenger!!! Punishing the entire body, Orton then backs into the ropes, stepping back out … and leaps up, DRIVING his knee into the face of Edge.

Affording himself a wry smile, the champion gets to his feet, and reaches down, turning Edge over, onto his front. Orton smirks again, and stomps the NECK - the potentially injured neck - before backing into the ropes again, coming out and leaps up … KNEE DROP TO THE BACK OF THE NECK!!! Orton drives his knee into the surgically repaired neck of Edge!!!

The Rumble winner kicks his legs in pain, and clutches his neck off the impact, with the fans hushing to an eerie silence. Orton though, has a smirk on his face, and watches Edge try to slither away, looking cocksure of himself, as he steps after him, stopping Edge from getting out of the ring, grabbing him by the legs at the ropes … turning Edge over … and CATAPULTS Edge into the bottom rope - crushing his throat - and creating a whiplash effect on the neck!!!

Edge is left struggling by the ring apron, turning over, selling his neck issues, with Orton sliding out of the ring, targeting the weak spot, going after Edge with elbows to the point of the neck by the apron, before the champion climbs up onto the apron, with Edges head draped over the edge of the apron … and Randy walks across … and DROPS his knee across the neck of Edge again!!! Edges neck snaps over the side of the apron, with Orton rolling back inside.

Stalking the challenger, Orton continues to target the neck, stomping on it again, before talking trash as he leans over; “HOW‘S YOUR NECK NOW, TOUGH GUY??” Orton drags the challenger up, taking him over with a simple - but effective - snap mare, creating more stress on the neck, before applying his tried and trusted … but very boring; Chinlock … OF DOOM~!!!

Orton roughly turns Edge over, sticking his knee into the challengers NECK, and applies the rear chin lock - much to the delight chagrin of the on looking fans inside the stadium. Edge flails his arms in pain, with Orton clenching in tight, digging his knee in further to the neck, making it as uncomfortable as possible for Edge, with the challenger wincing as he tries to fight the hold.

Edge tries to scurry, and shifts to get the knee off his neck, but the chinlock remains applied by Orton. Edge though now has room to battle to his feet, and he pushes up to his feet, with the chinlock now a headlock, with the challenger reversing his position, and escapes the hold with an atomic drop!! Edge hasn’t time to take a breath, and has to get right on Orton, stopping the champion with a barrage of right hands.

Softening the champion up, Edge pounds Orton into the ropes, and shoots him off, but misses a clothesline, as Orton ducks under, coming back, with Edge attempting another big back body drop - but this time, Orton shifts as he is propelled over, landing on his feet, going behind Edge, and runs him into the ropes, rolling the challenger up out of the ropes … into a roll up pin attempt …


……1……

…………………2…………………

……EDGE ESCAPES……
!!!

Edge pushes free from the pin attempt, with Orton pushed off, hitting the ropes, coming back … right into a small package from Edge…


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……ORTON ESCAPES……
!!!

Edge nearly got the champion with the small package, but Orton frees himself, and both men quickly reach their feet in a race to strike first, with Orton striking - blocked by Edge, and Edge batters Orton with a clothesline!!! Orton - instinctively - gets right back to his feet, with is met by a running clothesline from Edge again, and the Rumble winner meets Orton when he gets up again, sending him off the ropes, and meets the champion with a BIG BOOT!!!!! Cover…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

……NO……
!!!

The challenger shrugs off his neck issues, but does hold his neck momentarily as he stands back up, shaking his arm loose, as he sizes Orton up, looking to strike as the champion gets to his feet, kicking Randy in the gut, and hooks him into position … FOR THE EDGECUTION … NO!!! Orton charges whilst hooked in position, and rams Edge backward, crushing him into the corner, breaking the grip of the challenger.

Orton follows up, driving his shoulder into the gut of Edge in the corner, driving the air out of the challenger. With the Rated ‘R’ Superstar slowed down, Orton pulls the challenger from the corner, sending him off the ropes, but Edge ducks under a clothesline attempt, then gets Orton in a half nelson, and delivers his own version of a bulldog!!! Edge turns the champion over, hooking the leg…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

……NO……
!!!!!!

Edge grits his teeth at the kick out, and leans over Orton, letting a trifecta of right hands go, pounding the head of the champion, keeping Orton under control, before pulling Randy back to his feet, stuffing him against the ropes, with Orton on his knees. Edge drives his knee into the back of Orton, choking him on the ropes, forcing Chad Patton to step in, administering a count, forcing Edge off the champion.

Edge backs up, ignoring that admonishment of the official, and looks back at Orton, hung over the middle ropes, and takes off, hitting the ropes, coming back, diving with a low cross body to the back of the champion on the ropes!!! The Royal Rumble winner keeps the pressure on, dragging Orton out of the ropes, and makes a cover, hooking the leg…


………1………
………
………………………2………………………
………
……KICK OUT……
!!!

Orton rolls his shoulder off the mat, but Edge wont let up, and the he drags his rival back to his feet, sending Randy off the ropes, ducking down for the return … but Orton comes back, kicking Edge, with the challenger reeling away. Orton looks to clothesline Edge, but the Rated ‘R’ Superstar ducks under, taking off, hitting the ropes, rebounding back at Orton … but the champion leaps up, over the incoming Edge, then hooks him up … INVERTED BACKBREAKER!!!!!


…………1…………
……………
…2…

………EDGE GETS HIS SHOULDER UP………
!!!!!

Edge survives, but the damage is done - as Orton targets the neck again, taking Edge back to square one. The challenger rolls away, holding his neck after the kick out, as Orton goes back to the well. The champion doesn’t give Edge much time to recuperate, dragging him up, clubbing the back - specifically the neck, before backing Edge into the ropes, delivering a big uppercut forearm against the ropes, with J.R talking about the whiplash effect of the neck snapping back off the forearm.

Orton keeps Edge slumped against the ropes, and clubs the back - and neck with a forearm again, before delivering another big uppercut forearm, dragging him from the ropes, and launches Edge into the corner, with Edge’s back bouncing off the turnbuckles, and he falls to the mat in a heap, holding his neck again, as Styles says even someone without a history of neck issues would find it hard to cope with this level of punishment.

The champion follows up, dropping a knee again to the neck, dragging the challenger to his feet, pushing him into the corner again, where he delivers another uppercut forearm, weakening Edge even more. Orton then drags Edge out, and throws him onto the apron through the ropes … HANGING HIM UP ON THE MIDDLE ROPE … INTO A DDT POSITION!!! Orton has Edge in place for the HANGMANS DDT … BUT EDGE WRIGGLES FREE!!!!!

Edge pounds the ribs of Orton to break his grip, and he pulls himself back, standing up on the apron, but once he does, Orton - as quick as ever - hangs Edge up on the top rope!!! Edges throat bounces off the ropes, and he nearly topples off the apron, but hangs on … but Orton grabs Edge from inside the ring, with Edge still on the apron … REVERSE NECKBREAKER to Edge, with Edges neck bouncing off the top rope!!!!!

The challengers neck bounces off the ropes, and he falls to the floor, rolling around, selling the pain to his neck, as Orton slithers out, with a wry smile on his face, nodding at his handiwork. The champion stomps Edges neck on the outside, before picking him up … and shoots Edge - HARD - into the barricade, with Edge hitting the unforgiving barrier at speed!!

Orton rolls in and out of the ring to break the count, and to allow himself more time to punish Edge on the outside. He rams Edge into the barrier again, before grabbing one of the thin mats at ringside, flipping it up, and exposing the floor below. Styles comments that he doesn’t like the look in Ortons eyes right now, with the champion grabbing Edge by the hair, and pulling him between his legs, as J.R shouts; “NOOO!!! DON’T YOU DARE, DON’T!!!”…

… WITH ORTON GETTING EDGE UP … FOR A … PILEDRIVER!!!!! NO-

…EDGE BACKDROPS OUT OF TROUBLE!!!!!

Ortons back SMACKS off the cold, hard, unforgiving floor!!! J.R bellows that that would’ve been all she wrote for Edge - his neck may even have been broken - if the PILEDRIVER had been executed by Orton. The champion writhes in pain, sitting up, holding his back with his eyes closed, groaning. Edge struggles to regain his footing too, selling the effects the match has had on his neck.

Edge staggers around part of ringside, holding his neck, whilst on the opposite side of the ring, Orton crawls to the ring apron, trying to climb back up to the ring. Edge climbs inside … watching as Orton climbs onto the apron, standing on the ring apron … WITH EDGE TAKING OFF … SPEARING ORTON THROUGH THE ROPES!!!!!!!!

“OH MY GAWWWWWD!!!!!!!!”

Joey Styles trademark yell gets another outing at WrestleMania, as Edge SPEARS ORTON THROUGH THE ROPES!!!!! Champion and challenger both crash onto the floor, with the fans ERUPTING for the incredibly high risk spear!!! J.R says Edge is willing to risk his own body just to break down Orton in his quest for the elusive WWE Title!!!

Both men writhe in pain off the Spear, selling the enormity of it, but Edge is first to stir, slowly climbing to his feet, using the ring apron to get up. The challenger grimaces, feeling the effects of the match, but pushes through the pain barrier, wanting to seize the opportunity by getting Orton back in the ring to finish the match. Edge desperately gets his dead-weight adversary up, dragging him to the ring apron, and rolls him inside, crawling in, and making a cover…


…………1…………

……………………2……………………
………
…………ORTON SOMEHOW KICKS OUT…………
!!!!!

Edge looks up in despair, and runs his fingers through his hair, as Coach blurts out on commentary; “That‘s why Orton has been champion for a year!!!” Edge looks up to the heavens, and gets to his feet, arguing with the official over the count, the desperation showing through for the Rated ‘R’ Superstar. Edge comes back for Orton, pulling the champion back up, with Orton lifeless; a dead weight … with Edge pulling him up … RKO!!!!!!!!

ORTON EXPLODES WITH AN RKO!!!!!!!!!!

The air is taken out of the stadium, with Orton dropping Edge in the middle of the ring … but cant immediately capitalise, still selling the effects of the Spear moments earlier. But, he pushes through his own issues … and eventually crawls … into a cover, and he hooks the leg, as boos rain down, with Coach saying it’s all over, with the count coming down…


……1……

……………2……………

…SHOULDER JUST COMES UP FROM EDGE…
!!!!!!!!!!

Now, it’s Ortons turn to be in despair, with the WWE Champion falling over himself to confront the referee over the count. Regaining his vertical base, Orton holds up three fingers, slapping his hands together three times, arguing with Patton on the count, but makes sure not to argue for too long, and gets back on the challenger before he can recover, clubbing the back again, before executing another big uppercut forearm, knocking Edge back down.

Orton picks Edge up, clubbing the back, softening him up, before getting the challenger into position, throwing him up into a gut wrench position, on his shoulders … but Edge manages to wriggle free, sliding off the back, and rushes off the ropes, bouncing back … RIGHT INTO A HUGE DROPKICK FROM ORTON!!!!! Orton scrambles, and hooks the leg…


…………1…………
………
………………2………………

……NO……
!!!!!

Edge kicks out, but Orton doesn’t let him get away, keeping him on the mat, and pounds the face of the challenger, then turns him over, and pounds THE NECK of the Rated ‘R’ Superstar, going back to the target point of Edge. Orton drags Edge up, and hooks him into position, looking for a Rick Rude style neck breaker … but Edge escapes, and spins Orton around … kick to the gut … EDGECUTION TO ORTON!!!!!

Orton gets impaled with the modified DDT … but as Edge scrambles for a cover … ORTON HAS ROLLED OUT OF THE RING!!!!! The impact of the move has Orton roll … right out of the ring, and Edge leans out through the middle ropes in anguish!!! Edge looks down at Orton on the floor, seeing the champion there for the taking … but he cant get the cover on the outside!!!

Edge holds his neck again, with the adrenaline wearing off … but the Royal Rumble winner shakes his head, doing his damnedest to fight through the pain, feeding off the moment … rising to his feet. Edge rolls out, and tries for a moment to get Orton back in … but changes his mind, and climbs back into the ring instead. Looking out at the sea of fans inside the stadium … waiting for Orton to rise to his feet. Orton gets up…

AND EDGE DELIVERS A SOMERSAULT PLANCHA TO THE OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!

There’s a booming cheer inside the University of Phoenix stadium for the incredibly high risk manoeuvre from Edge, with J.R bellowing; “He said he‘d risk it all to become champion, and bah gawd, he‘ll break his own damn body to hold the title!!!” Styles echoes the statement, going back to Smackdown, where Edge said he’d do whatever it takes to win the title, even at the detriment of his own future.

Edge stirs on the floor, listening to the cheers of the fans off the high risk plancha to the outside, with the Rumble winner reaching for Orton, dragging him up, and rolls Orton into the ring … before dropping to a knee himself, feeling the effects on his neck, giving Coach the chance to call Edge an idiot, saying he went too far and it’s cost him.

The Rated ‘R’ Superstar shakes his head, fighting through the pain barrier, and climbs up onto the apron, but as he tries to climb in, Orton kicks the ropes - kicking them into the mid section of Edge, grinding the challenger to a halt, with Orton then gripping Edge … and drags him through the middle rope … elevating Edge off the ground … FOR THE SICKENING … HANGMANS DDT TO EDGE!!!!!!!!!! Edge is dropped on his head … and Orton drags him in, hooking the leg…


…………1…………

……………………2……………………
………
…………EDGE SOMEHOW KICKS OUT…………
!!!!!!!!!!

On commentary, J.R goes into full gravel voice mode; “EDGE KICKS OUT!!! HE KICKED OUT OF THE DAMNEDEST DDT IN THE GAME!!!!” Styles is just as shocked; “Words cant describe how much this means to Edge!! You cant measure his desire!!!” Meanwhile, Orton looks up, shaking his head in disbelief, telling Chad Patton; “No!! You‘re wrong!! Again!!!” Then, hooks the leg again, tighter…


………1………
………
………………2………………
……………
…………EDGE KICKS OUT AGAIN…………
!!!!!!!

Orton still cant believe it!! He shakes his head again, and points to the referee to count again, as he hooks the leg once more, leaning back for a tighter cover again…


……1……

…………2…………
………
…………AND EDGE KICKS OUT AGAIN…………
!!!!!

The champion rolls off, and slams his hands off the canvas in frustration, before mounting Edge, pummelling him with right hands to the face, wearing Edge down further, turning him over, and delivering clubbing forearm shots to the neck of the challenger. Weakening the neck, Orton stands, and stomps it, before reaching back down … applying a CAMEL CLUTCH!!!!!

The submission - the one made famous by the Iron Shiek - is applied by the champion, not a move Orton ever uses - but one that puts as much strain as possible on the challengers fragile neck!!!! Orton sits back, with the famous hold clamped on tight … applying as much torque and pressure as humanly possible … with Edge in DEEP, DEEP trouble!!!

Orton leans back … applying even MORE pressure to the neck of Edge, as the trio on commentary say that this could be the end of the dream for Edge. Styles even goes as far to say that even if Edge gets to the ropes, the damage could be done. The WWE Champion wrenches back … but Edge tries to grit it out … crawling across the ring on his knees … reaching … trying to grab at the ropes…

BUT ORTON BREAKS THE HOLD…

…BUT ONLY TO HAMMER THE BACK OF EDGE AGAIN…

… AND PULL HIM BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING …

… RE-APPLYING THE CAMEL CLUTCH!!!!!!!!!!

Edge has to dig in again, battling through the pain … as Orton continues to wrench back, YELLING “TAAAP” … with the fans willing Edge on … as the challenger tries to scratch and claw across the ring, but Orton leans back … forcing Edge to dig in … and the challenger has to show all his heart and desire … as he reaches one last time …



… AND MAKES THE ROPES!!!!!!!!!!

Edge gratefully finds the sanctuary of the ropes, with Orton unable to hide the disappointment, thinking he had Edge with the Camel Clutch. Chad Patton forces the break, with Orton letting go, and standing up … but instantly stomps the neck of Edge again!!! The champion drags his challenger up, throwing him through the ropes to the floor, and follows out, looking to continue the punishment.

Stomping Edge, Orton keeps the challenger at bay, keeping him weak … and drags him to his feet, before picking Edge up … AND RAMS HIM - BACK AND NECK FIRST - INTO THE POST!!!!! Orton drops Edge, and the challenger slumps to his knees, as the champion drags him up, back to the exposed part of the floor … and sets him into position again; with Styles begging Orton not to do it … but his plea isn’t heard … Orton gets Edge up…

… PILEDRIVER TO EDGE …

… ON THE EXPOSED FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edge is left a broken mess on the floor, as Randy Orton delivers a move NEVER seen in the WWE anymore; the notorious Piledriver … spiking Edges head on the exposed floor!!! “That‘s it, it‘s broken” calls Styles, as J.R follows up, saying that would break ANY mans neck, recalling Owen Hart breaking Austins neck over a decade ago with a piledriver. Orton struggles back to his feet meanwhile, and climbs into the ring … with Edge spread eagled - out cold.

The medical team rush to treat Edge on the outside, as Chad Patton also shows concern, watching as Edge is treated on the outside. Orton though, shows no such concern, and grips the official by the shirt, demanding he count Edge out, waving his arm in the manner an official would when making a ten count. Orton shoves the ref back to the ropes, demanding the count is made … as the lifeless Edge is shown on the floor, being placed into a neck brace on the floor.



…………1…………



…J.R declares that the match should be called already, stating the count should be foregone, saying that there‘s more important issues at hand regarding Edge…



…………………2…………………



…The medics continue to treat Edge - who has yet to move, getting the brace placed on his neck, as Orton proceeds to climb onto the turnbuckles, posing - to massive heat - as he waits for the formalities to be conducted…



…3…

……………

………………4………………



… A stretcher arrives at ringside, with Edge being placed on a board, still not moving after the piledriver …



……5……



… The fans continue to get behind Edge, desperate for the Royal Rumble winner to get back up, but J.R is still selling this as the “sad end we hoped we wouldn’t see” …

………

………………6………………



… Before he can be placed onto the stretcher though, EDGE RAISES AN ARM!!! EDGE IS STIRRING!!!!! …



……………7……………



… Edge pushes a medic away, and TEARS the neck brace off, with Orton still unaware of what’s happening, whilst the fans roar in approval, and Joey Styles cant believe that Edge is getting up …



…8…



… Edge defies the orders of the doctors, pushing the medics aside, as Orton peers over his shoulder, and is GOBSMACKED by what he sees …



………9………



… AS EDGE ROLLS BACK INTO THE RING …

!!!!!!!!!!

But as soon as he’s in, Orton is all over him!!! The champion stomps the neck of Edge, giving him no chance to recover, and drags Edge to his feet, clubbing the back, before getting Edge up, into a gut wrench position again … but this time, Edge DOESN’T slip off the back … and Orton, getting Edge on his shoulder … DELIVERS A SICK, DEVASTATING GUTWRENCH NECKBREAKER!!!!! Orton leans back, into a cover…


……1……

……………2……………
………
…SHOULDER JUST COMES UP…
!!!!!!!!!!

“HOW IS EDGE DOING THIS!!??” is the immediate reaction off the kick out from J.R, with the challenger AGAIN finding it in himself to survive - and it raises the ire of Orton again, who bounces up to his feet, furious with the referee, trying - for a moment - to intimidate Chad Patton, standing over him, letting out his anger … then calms down.

Orton settles, and drags Edge back up, in between his legs AGAIN - signalling to the fans that THIS is it, this time. Orton looks for the PILEDRIVER again … BUT EDGE BACK DROPS OUT OF IT!!!!! Orton hit’s the mat, and Edge struggles, still feeling the effects of the earlier piledriver, as J.R says we still don’t know that the neck isn’t broken!! It’s a race to their feet … but it’s still Orton that’s up first … and he clatters Edge from behind with a clothesline!!!

The champion hit’s the mat too from the impact he went through Edges neck, before Orton turns over … snakes backward … POUNDING his fists off the canvas … signalling for the deadly RKO!!! The challenger is slow to move, turning onto his front, shaking his head loose, still holding his neck in pain, not knowing what is being set up whilst he tries to recover.

Meanwhile, Orton continues to lay in wait … slamming the mat, WILLING the Rumble winner to get up so that Orton can finish the job once and for all … as Edge slowly uses the ropes to climb up and reach his feet … looking to be on his last legs, with Orton closing in on ANOTHER successful title defence … with Edge peeling off the ropes … AND ORTON EXPLODES WITH AN RKO-

NO!!!!!!!!!! EDGE SPINS AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND - GRIPPING THE ARMS OF ORTON … BACKSLIDE…


………1………
………
………………2………………

……ORTON JUST WRIGGLES FREE……
!!!!!!!

Both men rise to their feet, and Orton - the fresher of the two - still looks to strike first with a clothesline … Edge ducks under … AND CATCHES THE CHAMPION WITH THE EDGE-O-MATIC!!!!! Orton hit’s the mat, and it buys Edge more time to shake the cobwebs loose, getting to his feet … with Orton struggling up too … into the path of Edge, swinging; missing again … RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP FROM EDGE!!!!! Edge hooks the leg…


…………1…………

……2……

………ORTON KICKS OUT………
!!!!!!!

The Russian Leg Sweep isn’t enough, but it swings the momentum back into Edge’s favour. And puffing his cheeks, Edge gets a surge of adrenaline, feeling the moment, sensing the opportunity, and he pushes up, getting back to his feet, as the fans pop. Edge takes up the familiar position in the corner, with the fans rising in anticipation … Is THIS the moment???!!!

Seventy thousand are on their feet … watching as Edge is like a coiled spring in the corner … wild eyed, BEGGING Orton to get back up, CHOMPING at the bit as he sizes up another attempt at the SPEAR!!!! Orton struggles, as Edge tears at his hair, desperate for the champion to get up, with Edge so close that he can TASTE the title. Randy climbs to his feet, pushing off the ropes … AND EDGE GOES FOR IT … SPEAR-

NO!!!!! ORTON CATCHES EDGE COMING IN… SNAP POWERSLAM FROM ORTON!!!!!!!! Incredible counter!!!! The air is taken out of the stadium, as Orton hooks the leg off the power slam…


………………1………………
……………
…2…
………………………
…………EDGE KICKS OUT…………
!!!!!!!

Orton puts his hands on his head, unable to believe the kick out, and drags Edge up, scaring the official off, before hoisting Edge up, placing him onto the top turnbuckle, and proceeds to climb up himself … wanting a SUPERPLEX … BUT EDGE BLOCKS IT!!! Edge hammers Orton up top, then shoves him off to the floor!!!!! Orton hit’s the mat and looks to recover, with Edge readying himself up top … SPLASHING OFF THE TOP TO ORTON-

RKO OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ORTON EXPLODES WITH AN RKO OUT OF NOWHERE; CATCHING EDGE IN MID-AIR!!!!!!!!!! The fans gasp in amazement as Orton counters the cross body with an RKO … and he scrambles into a cover, hooking the leg and leaning back, ending the dream for Edge …


………………1………………
………
…………2…………

……3……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: AND STILL WWE CHAMPION - RANDY ORTON @ 25:30

Jim Ross: IT’S OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RANDY ORTON RETAINS THE TITLE!!!!

The bell rings, the music plays, and there’s shock in the air - ORTON BEATS EDGE!!!!!

The Coach: He’s the greatest champion of all time!!! Edge was good - but it just want meant to be!!! He couldn’t beat Orton!!!

Orton is up, with his hands in the air, dropping to the outside to collect his title, but there’s not been an official announcement yet …

Joey Styles: Hold on a second; look at this - EDGE’S FOOT WAS ON THE ROPE!!!!

We now finally see Edge … and indeed, his FOOT is on the rope!!! The match ISNT over!!!


Jim Ross: And Chad Patton just saw it!!!!

Joey Styles: IT’S NOT OVER!!!! IT’S NOT OVER!!!!

Patton signals that the foot is on the ropes, asking for the music to be cut, before he jumps to the outside, informing Orton, whose expression DROPS when he’s informed of what’s going on!!!


The Coach: This isn’t fair!! Orton won the match!! Let him go!!

Orton argues with Patton, slapping his hands to indicate the three count, but Patton motions with his foot that Edge had his foot on the rope all along. Orton throws the belt down in fury, and pushes Patton aside … getting back in the ring!!!!

The match continues!!!!! Orton climbs inside, looking as Edge crawls from the ropes, still out of it off the incredible mid-air RKO … but his problems are about to get much worse. Orton backs up, and leans against the corner, with the commentary team KNOWING what this signifies. Coach says Orton promised he’d finish Edge off once and for all at Wrestle Mania … and it looks like he’ll live up to the promise, as boos rain down on the champion.

On commentary, Styles and J.R both shout for Edge to get out of there, knowing what to expect next - not wanting to see it, saying it‘ll end edge‘s career!!! Orton shapes up, mouthing all sorts, as he wills Edge up … set to finish off the challenger once and for all to retain the title. Edge is on his knees … AND ORTON RACES ACROSS THE RING FOR THE PUNT KICK …

EDGE EXPLODES WITH A SPEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


………………1………………
………
…………2…………

……3……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: AND NEW WWE CHAMPION - EDGE @ 27:17

Joey Styles: NEW CHAMPION!!!! EDGE!!!! EDGE HAS DONE IT!!!!!

The camera quickly pans around the stadium, with fans jumping up and down, with the music filling through the stadium, as the official announcement is made…

Howard Finkel: THE WINNER OF THIS BOUT … AND … NEWWWWW … W-W-E CHAMPIONNN … EDDDDDGGGGGE!!!!!!!!!

Edge, overcome by the moment, rolls off the beaten FORMER champion, and covers his face, with tears in his eyes…

Jim Ross: WHAT A MOMENT!!! EDGE IS W-W-E CHAMPION, MY GAWD!!!

Joey Styles: And how long have we waited to hear that!!!

The Coach: Did he really get a foot on the rope??

Jim Ross: He got a foot on the rope, all right. He survived the RKO, you better believe it, Coach - Randy Ortons reign as WWE Champion - is OVER!!!

Edge gets on his knees, finally being presented with the WWE Championship, finally holding it AS champion!!!

Joey Styles: He has dreamt of this moment. He has lived for this moment. Many people never thought we’d see the day - but Edge never gave up hope!!! Edge never stopped believing.

The Coach: I didn’t think he had it in him. And I sure didn’t think he could knock off the greatest WWE Champion of all time…

The NEW champion looks at the title in all it’s glory, looking at every marble and diamond encrusted on the prize, savouring every single piece of the richest prize in the game.


Jim Ross: Think of everything this man has had to overcome to reach this moment. Think of what he had to overcome just TONIGHT!! Not only did Edge have to contend with arguably the most dangerous - and arguably the greatest - WWE Champion of all time, but we still don’t know the extent of his neck problems.

Joey Styles: And Orton targeted that neck throughout the match. How Edge crawled off the stretcher after being PILEDRIVEN into the floor, I’ll never know. His neck could be damaged beyond repair; but he said it himself; he’d trade it ALL; his health, his career his wellbeing, for ONE moment - and this IS that moment.

For a split second, we look at the defeated Randy Orton, slumped on the outside, against the barricade, finally toppled as WWE Champion … before going back to THE story; the NEW champion, getting to his feet, holding the title aloft on the turnbuckles … as CONFETTI falls from the ceiling throughout the stadium … followed by fireworks.


The Coach: I still don’t believe what I’m seeing. What a night. What a WrestleMania, guys. Truly; a classic here tonight in the desert…

Jim Ross: We have seen it all on this night - but no one moment can top this one.

Joey Styles: This is what WrestleMania is all about. Dreams DO come true at WrestleMania. Edge’s just did…

The fireworks continue, and the confetti still falls, as Edge continues to celebrate in the ring, tears in his eyes, closing the biggest show of the year with the WWE Championship finally in HIS grasp.

Jim Ross: He’s suffered through trials and tribulations, countless surgeries and injuries, he’s had near misses and close calls, from being overlooked and underappreciated, he’s been screwed and he’s been cheated, but through it all, he never gave up!! He never gave in, he never stopped chasing his dream!!! And now, after ten long years, the journey is complete … and Edge … can finally say he is; WWE Champion!!!

FADE TO BLACK…



~ OBLIGATORY WRESTLEMANIA RECAP VIDEO ~











*Nirvana | Come as You Are*

{Instrumental}

Clips of the jets flying over the stadium at the beginning of the night, shots of Rey Mysterio popping from under the trapdoor, John Legend singing ‘America The Beautiful’, the elaborate entrances for Umaga, Taker and JBL, and Shaq nailing Miz.

Shots of Ric Flair stylin’ and profilin’, John Cena stomping to the ring with Nas and P. Diddy, along with The Brian Kendrick trying to steal the Money in the Bank briefcase, before the words from Lillian at the beginning of the show...

Lillian Garcia: WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA 24!!!

Then, Chris Jerichos pyro at the beginning of the night, along with RVD providing his thumb taunt, before the handshake to start proceedings.

Come as you are, as you were
As I want you to be

Quick shots of Jericho’s demeanour changing throughout the match with each kick out from RVD … before the eventual low blow and Codebreaker to steal the match.

As a friend, as a friend
As an old enemy

Quick clips of bodies flying, left, right and centre during the pre-show Battle Royal, specifically Beth Phoenix eliminating Kash, before getting tossed by Henry.

Take your time, hurry up
The choice is yours, don't be late

Then, Nick Nemeths sick bump, before Shelton Benjamin survives to eliminate Mark Henry and win the Battle Royal.

Take a rest as a friend
As an old

Clips of the WWE Tag Team Title match, with MNM seeing off the challenge of Carlito and Kofi Kingston, before showing crowd shots and various pyro displays…

Memoria, memoria
Memoria, memoria



*Nirvana | Smells Like Teen Spirit*

Over the instrumental, we get various shots of the stunts in the Money in the Bank ladder match, with clips of each man nearly getting their hands on the prize … before Brent Albright toppled Paul London and took the prize for himself…

{Instrumental}

Cut to shots of excited fans, before the deranged looking Mickie James tries to hug Gail Kim … then cracks up, snapping into her alter-ego … but Gail Kim sees off the threat, retaining her title.

Load up on guns, bring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word

Shots of Triple H entering and spitting water, before meeting Kennedy on the ramp, kick starting the match. Fighting into the crowd, choking each other, the steel steps, the steel chairs, the 2x4 wrapped in barbed wire and the blood. Triple H Pedigrees Kennedy through the table…

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Kennedy with the low blow to avoid the sledgehammer shot. The Mic Check, the kick out. Kennedy setting up for the Plunge - but Stephanie intervening. Kennedy grabs her, but Triple H saves his wife with the sledgehammer.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us

The Pedigree on the steps, and the final sledgehammer shot finishes off Kennedy. But Triple H has to make one final point after the match, and punishes Kennedy with a Pedigree again. He leaves with Stephanie, whilst Kennedy miraculously walks out…

A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey

The picture cuts to the World Tag Team Title match, and the three teams entering, with Punk and Helms running the show … before turning on his own partner, nailing him with the Punk Card, and walking out.

{Instrumental}

It’s down to the Angels of Anarchy and the Master Craftsmen, with clips of the high spots and near falls off double team moves, before the finish; with Haas pinning Daniels to win the titles.

I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

Shawn Michaels on his knees and pyro going off; Brock Lesnar and his straightforward ring walk with Heyman. Lesnar overpowering Michaels, HBK missing his nip up … Brock wearing him down, Belly to Belly … German Suplex … rag dolling HBK, but misses a running high knee…

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

And cut to Michaels exploding into high risk offence, but being caught and drilled with an F5 after his Asai Moonsault to the outside. Lesnar charging through the barrier, The F5, the Sweet Chin Music, BOTH men nipping up…

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us

Michaels caught with an F5 off skinning the cat; both men kicking out of finishing moves … and the final finishing sequence, with HBK connecting with Sweet Chin Music to end the match, and celebrating his victory.

A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido
Yeah, hey

**GONG**

Umaga punishing The Undertaker, JBL’s biased counts, The Undertaker exploding with Chokeslams to JBL and Umaga, taking out Estrada for a period too … as another referee makes a count, before JBL pulls him out and levels him with the clothesline from hell.

The Gods of War show up, and The Undertaker eats a series of finishers … before KANE returns, saving his brother, helping The Streak live on for another year, standing tall with The Deadman…

{Instrumental}

Flair giving a WOOO to the camera, Angle looking intense. Flair using every trick in his book, connecting with a move even from the top rope. Angle misses his moonsault, but survives the Figure Four, then makes Flair tap to the Ankle lock … and the handshake after, with Naitch crying in the ring…

And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it's hard to find
Oh well, whatever, never mind

Cena and Christian being kept apart by security … before charging at one another, beating the shit out of one another, including a ten punch in the corner from Christian to Cena. Christian tries, but fails to deliver the Unprettier, whilst Cena displays more and more desperation to keep the title.

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but gets kicked away, then has to survive his own STFU before kicking out of his own FU from Christian, before Cena is shown delaying a vertical suplex, hitting his own FU - but Christian survives, and is closing in on victory before the ref bump.

With the lights out, it's less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us

The STFU is applied again, and Christian reaches the ropes - but the referee is down, and Cena keeps it locked on, with Christian fading … passing out, and Cena retains the title, before being pelted with objects from the fans as he leaves.

A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido

Cut to the entrances for the main event; Edge and Orton.

A denial, a denial

Edge owning the early going, and a clip of his later somersault plancha … but misses a Spear and runs into the post…

A denial, a denial,

…Giving Orton the upper hand, with focus on his work on the neck, along with the Hangmans DDT, and the Camel Clutch, with Edge surviving.

A denial, a denial,

Piledriver on the floor, with Edge just barely getting back in the ring, then fighting back, but Orton counters a Spear attempt with a powerslam…

A denial, a denial

The mid-air RKO … but Edge with his foot on the rope … then avoids the Punt … by exploding with the Spear … and the three.

A deniaaaaaaaaaalllll

Edge holding the title aloft, with fireworks going off and confetti falling…

END OF SHOW
 
#3,586 ·
Thought I'd get this posted while it's still somewhat relevant to do so and before the thread really dies. I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath as to the results of the predictions contest.

Before that ... I think this is it for the thread. While I said it would be before WrestleMania, I never quite believed it, but since posting that show, I've had six weeks or so to think about it, and the reality of just how long it would take to reach WrestleMania 25 (it took six and a half years to go from 23 to 24), it might be best to let it rest now. I've still a lot of ideas for this "universe" and even a rough idea for a WrestleMania 25 card, but the fact is it'll just take too long to get there unless I took a lot of shortcuts, and I dont really want to do that. Maybe one day I'll write up an epilogue for the thread to tie up the loose ends. Dont hold your breath.

I still want to book, but I just haven't found the right inspiration for what to do - modern WWE is out; there's just far too many TV shows to juggle. I'll still be around, making comments here and there, and hopefully I'll land on something that makes me want to book - most probably something retro; Szumis 2000 thread is bringing back a lot of great memories of that time period. The other idea I had was to just book a certain time period for a 'Road to WrestleMania' thread - just because I have so much fun booking Rumble matches :p. We'll see what happens.

So, thanks to everyone who posted in the thread over the years, read the shows, provided feedback, it was always appreciated - especially for WrestleMania, I'm sure that would've taken up a lot of your time, and I'm greatful for it - and thanks to everyone that gave me a whole bunch of awards for 2015. I'll make some space on the mantle for them :)

Gards


23


Stojy


17


Legend


24


Renegade


21


Frakkles


25


Patman


26


Unoriginal


30


WrestlingStar


21


TKOW


30


CLVO


16



So, the WrestleMania prediction contest ended in a tie, but I'll give the win to TKOW for sticking with the thread so damn long.

And that's that. Smell ya later...
 
#2,670 ·
***

... The Wait Is Over ...

... The Worlds Biggest Mardi-Gras Is Here ...

***



World Wrestling Entertainment Presents;


WRESTLEMANIA



XXIII


FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER …



From The Louisiana SuperDome, New Orleans, Louisiana​


March 18th 2007​



AND YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST TIME …



***​


Open up, to a huge wide shot of the magnificent SuperDome, and over 70,000 screaming fans, before switching to the ring, and legendary WWE ring announcer, Howard Finkel.​


Howard Finkel:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, to play, America the Beautiful, please welcome, New Orleans own, JAZZ LEGEND, Wynton Marsalis!!!


On the stage, Marsalis begins to play the tune, and almost as if on cue, the fans in the arena show their support, and together sing the song, as Marsalis and his band beautifully play a rendition of America The Beautiful.​


They finish off to a terrific response from the fans, with Marsalis waving to the 70,000 strong audience, as we fade to black…​


…​


The opening video begins, as the black screen opens as a white dot, slowly getting bigger, until it shows a moving globe of the earth.​


Narrator:​
In wrestling, there is one event that captures the attention of the world…


The globe spins on it’s axis, showing all corners of the earth.​


Narrator:​
One event that captures the hearts, and the imagination…


The globe continues to spin on it’s axis.​


Narrator:​
For one night each year, all eyes turn to this spectacle.


The globe now zooms in … towards New Orleans.​


Narrator:​
The event is known by one name … Often imitated, but never duplicated, there is only one, and is known by all …


Indistinct whispers.​


Narrator:​
Twenty three years ago, the tradition began.


The shots of New Orleans flash out of the screen, and we see Liberace dancing, and Hulk Hogan walking through the hall of Madison Square Garden with Mr. T at WrestleMania I.​


Narrator:​
What started as a solitary experiment, with humble beginnings, grew into an annual tradition.


Shot of the WrestleMania II logo, then Roddy Piper facing Mr. T in a boxing match, before seeing Big John Studd getting pulled out of the Battle Royal by the Refrigerator.​


Narrator:​
The tradition grew, and broke new ground…


Massive shot of the Pontiac Silverdome crowd at WrestleMania III, before Ricky Steamboat beats Randy Savage, and Hulk Hogan body slams Andre The Giant.​


Narrator:​
And became what the world was watching…


Quick shots of Randy Savage celebrating his title win @ WrestleMania IV, Roddy Piper spraying the Fire Extinguisher at WrestleMania V, and the Ultimate Warrior face to face with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI.​


Narrator:​
Superstars born, legends made, icons created, a Global Phenomenon shaped that changed the landscape of professional wrestling and sports entertainment forever.


Hulk Hogan waving the American Flag at WrestleMania VII, Randy Savage beating Ric Flair at WrestleMania VIII and The Undertakers entrance at WrestleMania IX.​


Narrator:​
A decade celebrated, and a new generation ushered in…


Owen Hart rolling up Bret at WrestleMania X, Pamela Anderson accompanying Diesel at WrestleMania XI, and Shawn Michaels unforgettable entrance at WrestleMania XII​


Narrator:​
Which delivered an attitude that changed sports entertainment forever.


The epic sight of Steve Austin bleeding profusely, trapped in the Sharpshooter at WrestleMania XIII, Mike Tyson punching Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV, and Steve Austin landing the Stunner on The Rock at WrestleMania XV.​


Narrator:​
Through a new Millennium, the tradition became an institution.


Jeff Hardy with a Swanton Bomb off a ladder to Bubba Dudley at WrestleMania XVI, Austin and McMahon shaking hands at WrestleMania X7.​


Narrator:​
More legends, more icons, more legacies forged, more moments indelibly etched in the annals of time.


The Rock and Hulk Hogan face to face at WrestleMania X8, Triple H holding the WWF/E and the WCW Championships at the same event and Brock Lesnars shocking botched Shooting Star at WrestleMania XIX.​


Narrator:​
And two decades were celebrated in style.


John Cena with an FU to The Rock, Shawn Michaels splashing Randy Orton off a ladder, and Bret Harts shocking return to help Vince McMahon against Steve Austin all at WrestleMania XX.​


Narrator:​
And now the event continues to prosper, continues to grow, as another new generation explodes into the stratosphere.


John Cena defeating Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXI and XXII, Christian holding the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania XXI, then beating Steve Austin at WrestleMania XXII.​


Fade to black.​


Narrator:​
Twenty three years ago, the tradition began.


Shot of John Cena in a darkened room, turning his head to the side, as a black and white shot of Hulk Hogan hitting the leg drop to Randy Savage at WrestleMania V.​


John Cena:​
Twenty three years later, the tradition continues.


Similar shot, this time of Christian, turning his head to the side, as a black and white shot of The Rock nailing an almighty Rock Bottom on Shawn Michaels last year.​


Christian:​
Tonight, new legends will be born.


Shot now of Rob Van Dam, looking to the distance, and a black and white shot of Randy Savage flying through the air, dropping his elbow on the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VII​


Rob Van Dam:​
New legacies will be forged.


Edge looking to the side, with the black and white image now of Ted DiBiase, parading the Million Dollar Belt.​


Edge:​
New Champions will be crowned.


Chris Jericho, looking to the sky, and a black and white shot of Bret Hart celebrating his title win at WrestleMania X.​


Chris Jericho:​
New memories will be created.


Randy Orton, turning to the camera, and a black and white shot of Ric Flair, making his entrance at WrestleMania VIII.​


Randy Orton:​
New moments, that will never be forgotten.


Mister Kennedy, with a sinister smile, then looking to the left, and a black and white shot of Stone Cold hoisting the WWF/E Championship at WrestleMania XIV.​


Mister Kennedy:​
It’s time for a New era.


Triple H, with his back to the camera, turning around, and a black and white shot of himself, knocking out Mick Foley with a sledgehammer at WrestleMania XX.​


Triple H:​
More history will be made.


Shawn Michaels, turning his head to the side, and a black and white shot of him, on his knees at WrestleMania XII, clutching the WWF/E Championship.​


Shawn Michaels:​
More dreams will come true.


Kurt Angle, slapping his face intensely, and a black and white shot of himself, making Goldberg tap out for the first time ever at WrestleMania XXI.​


Kurt Angle:​
More records will be broken.


Brock Lesnar, standing up, closing his eyes in thought, as a black and white shot of himself is shown, delivering the F5 to Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XIX.​


Brock Lesnar:​
More first time moments.


Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania I.​


Gorilla Monsoon: (Fading)
… Presents the Wrestling Extravaganza of all time …


Mr. T & Roddy Piper head to head.​


Gorilla Monsoon:​
LOOK AT THIS … NOSE TO NOSE!!!


Hogan slamming Andre.​


Jesse Ventura:​
HE SLAMMED HIM!!!


Owen beats Bret at WrestleMania X.​


Jerry Lawler:​
OWEN WINS!!!


Shawn Michaels splash off the ladder at WrestleMania X.​


Vince McMahon:​
UNBELIEVABLE!!!


Hulk Hogan and The Rock, face to face at WrestleMania X8.​


Jerry Lawler:​
We’ll never see Tyson and Ali, we’ll never see Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds, but we are gonna get to witness The Rock and The Hulk!!!


The Undertaker triumphant at WrestleMania 22 last year.​


Jim Ross:​
It is an enigma that has failed to be broken for the fourteenth time. Not an urban myth, but a damn reality!!!


Steve Austin celebrating on the middle rope with the title belt at WrestleMania XIV.​


Jim Ross:​
The Austin Era, has begun!!!


Shawn Michaels in tears with the title belt at WrestleMania XII.​


Vince McMahon:​
The boyhood dream has come true…


A bloody John Cena holds the World Championship for the time ever at WrestleMania 21.​


Jim Ross:​
CENA!!! CENA WINS!!! CENA WINS!!!!


Shots now of the current crop of superstars in action, Rey Mysterio, AMW, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, MNM, Carlito, Alexis Laree, Paul London, Umaga, Hardy Boys, Finlay, M.V.P, Straight Edge and Brent Albright.​


As we go back to the same lines from the start of the video package…​


Narrator:​
In wrestling, there is one event that captures the attention of the world…


Shots of John Cena, Rob Van Dam, Triple H & The Undertaker​


Narrator:​
Twenty three years ago, the tradition began.


John Cena:​
Twenty three years later, the tradition continues.


Shots of Christian, Edge, Brock Lesnar & Kurt Angle​


Narrator:​
Superstars born, legends made, icons created, a Global Phenomenon shaped that changed the landscape of professional wrestling and sports entertainment forever.


Christian:​
Tonight, new legends will be born.


Randy Orton:​
New moments, that will never be forgotten.


Shots of Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels and Batista​


Narrator:​
More legends, more icons, more legacies forged, more moments indelibly etched in the annals of time.


Triple H:​
More history…


Shawn Michaels:​
More dreams…


Kurt Angle:​
More records…


Brock Lesnar:​
More first time moments.


Shots of Cena and Christian face to face, Edge nailing RVD and Jericho with the briefcase, and Triple H avoiding Brock Lesnar.​


Narrator:​
In wrestling, there is one event that captures the attention of the world…


Fireworks going off at WrestleManias X7 through to XXII.​


Narrator:​
The event is known by one name … Often imitated, but never duplicated, there is only one, and is known by all …


All of the different variations of the WrestleMania logo flash across the screen.​


Narrator: (Faint whisper)
WRESTLEMANIA.


…​





AND NOW … SNICKERS PRESENTS A RAW AND SMACKDOWN PRODUCTION … WRESTLE MANIA TWENTY THREE!!!!​


!!!!! PYRO !!!!!​


The pyro shoots from the stage, and works it’s way down the entire ramp, as the lights come on, and the SuperDome is set to explode!!!​


‘The Saints Are Coming’ blasts around the arena, as the camera pans, with no commentary for a moment, allowing the moment to set in, with a phenomenal view around the packed out arena, of 70,000 plus.​


Jim Ross:​
The glitz and glamour has arrived, and I’m delighted to welcome you all at home to New Orleans, and the beautiful SuperDome, for the first time ever, hosting the global phenomenon, WRESTLE MANIAAA!!! The world is indeed watching, as the months of waiting is finally over, and the worlds biggest Mardi Gras is ready to kick into gear!!! I’m Jim Ross, joined at ringside, by my colleague, The Coach.


The Coach:​
I can barely hear myself think baby boy!!! There are seventy thousand strong chanting The Coaches name!!! It’s the first time that the Granddaddy of ‘em all has hit New Orleans, and baby, you NEVER forget your first time!!!


Jim Ross:​
The Coach and I will be calling all the action from Raw, but joining us at ringside, our Smackdown colleagues, Michael Cole and Tazz!!!


Pan to said Smackdown announcers…​


Michael Cole:​
Thank you J.R, and hello to everyone watching at home. I’m Michael Cole, joined as always by Tazz, and Tazz, has there ever been a more electric atmosphere at any event we’ve ever called together than the SuperDome tonight??


Tazz:​
Without a doubt, this is somethin’ special Cole. The fans have sure as hell brought their A-Game tonight, and I can guarantee ya Cole, aint nobody in the back gonna be giving anything less than 100%. This is off the hook!!!


Michael Cole:​
Every single championship will be decided, scores will be settled, and history will be made … it’s WrestleMania!!! J.R, I hope you’ve got the cufflinks on??


Pan back to J.R and Coach, with J.R looking towards Cole, holding up his arm, showing off the traditional John Wayne cufflinks for WrestleMania.​


Jim Ross:​
Never leave home without ‘em for WrestleMania Michael.


**PAPARAZZI**​


The fans initially pop, as the music of the World Tag Team Champions and the Womens Champion hit’s the arena, before settling into boos, as MNM make a grand entrance, fitting for Wrestle Mania … driving out in a WHITE HUMMER LIMO!!!​


Jim Ross:​
And as Michael Cole alluded to, every WWE Championship is on the line tonight, and we are kicking things off with not one, not two, but THREE championships rolled into one!!! It’s the first ever Triple Jeopardy match, and the Intercontinental, Womens and World Tag Team Championships from Raw will be decided in ONE fall!!! At least one championship is guaranteed to change hands in this match Coach.


The Coach:​
I cant believe you haven’t mentioned this entrance J.R!!! THAT’S how you arrive at WrestleMania!!!


The hummer stops halfway down the ramp, as paparazzi quickly scurry around, and staff roll out the red carpet down the rest of the aisle, as Melina appears from the sun roof, wearing a sexy furry hooded jacket, gyrating, as Mercury and Nitro, along with their partner for this match, Mister Kennedy, AND Santino Marella exit the vehicle.​


But that’s not all, suddenly, it’s a who’s who of Z-List Celebrities, with The Carter Brothers, Kevin Federline, Tiffany Pollard AKA ‘New York’, Tila Tequila, and Kim Kardashian also stepping out. It’s like some sort of hellish MTV rubbish ‘reality’ show get together!!​


Melina climbs out of the sunroof, and seductively walks along the roof of the hummer, sliding down the bonnet, and caught by MNM. The entire Entourage pose for photographs, before the ‘celebs’ turn, and leave towards the hummer again, sharing hugs with MNM, whilst the all business Mister Kennedy is already in the ring, not getting involved in the glitz and glamour.​


Mercury and Nitro, along with Marella get to the ring, whilst Melina gives the fans what they want, and the eye popping apron banana split makes a WrestleMania appearance, to a big cheer and wolf whistles.​


Melina joins her partners in the ring, as Marella is seen being told he has to leave, with the referee exerting his authority. Santino stamps his feet, furious that he’s being banished, but his so-called friends do little to plead his case, all too concerned with their match, as the fiery Italian waves it off, and storms out of the ring, and goes for a long walk up the aisle.​


Jim Ross:​
And that’s a terrific call from Jimmy Korderas if you ask me, there’s gonna be enough bodies around the ring here, we don’t need that slimy grease ball Italian here either.


The Coach:​
I cant say I noticed Santino J.R. I’ve been transfixed by Melina for the last couple of minutes!!! HOT!!!


Jim Ross:​
Do you think you can keep your eyes on the action?? Can we try that Coach??


**MISERIA CANTARE**​


CM Punk and Greg Helms, collectively known as Straight Edge make a low key entrance, unlike their counterparts, but get a generous pop from the rabid fans, as they look around, almost in awe of this incredible setting.​


Jim Ross:​
It’s time to put up or shut up tonight Coach. Straight Edge have had many bites at the cherry in recent months, and ignoring the shenanigans for a moment, the fact is, they’ve yet to beat MNM. This could be their final chance to do that tonight.


The Coach:​
You’ve been hyping these two never-will-be’s for months. You’ve touted them as the uncrowned champions. But the facts are, they aren’t champions, and I don’t think they ever will be. Punk and Helms are a good pair, no doubt, but they just cant compete with MNM.


The tag team challengers look forward to the ring, but stop halfway down the aisle, waiting for their partners to arrive.​


**SO FINE**​


And it’s another decent pop for the popular Alexis Laree, the long term rival of Melina. Laree looks extremely excited, bouncing onto the stage, with a big smile, getting a big spot at the biggest stage of all.​


Jim Ross:​
Two times womens champion in less than twelve months in the WWE, Alexis Laree has set the womens division alight. But in recent months she has been unable to unseat the current champion, Melina. Tonight, like Straight Edge, she has perhaps a final opportunity at reclaiming that gold.


The Coach:​
You keep yapping on about Laree being a two times womens champion inside of twelve months, she’s lost it twice too!!! Like Straight Edge, close … but no cigar baby boy!!!


Alexis joins Punk and Helms on the ramp, sharing a hug with both, as they start talking strategy, awaiting the final member of their side…​


**BOOYAKA 619**​


And Rey Mysterio pops up from beneath the stage!!! The Intercontinental Champion makes his presence felt, dressed as always at WrestleMania in a homage to a comic book super-hero, and this year, it appears it’s Spidermans turn!! The fans give the diminutive masked luchador a great welcome, as he makes his way down the aisle to join his team mates.​


Jim Ross:​
The Intercontinental Champion is here folks, and this eight person tag is set to kick things off!!! Three championships, decided in one fall - triple jeopardy, for the first time ever, and how fitting for a first ever match to open the first ever WrestleMania in Nawlins!!!


The Coach:​
As you’d say Jimbo, the time for talking is over. Let’s get this thing going!!!


The four fan favourites stand on the aisle, take a moment to talk, then sprint down the aisle, sliding into the ring, with MNM and Mr. Kennedy meeting them as they get in, with no time being wasted!!!​


All eight fight to the outside, with the match not officially under way, with the brawl on the outside!!! Punk is paired off with Nitro, Helms with Mercury, Melina and Alexis naturally pair off, and Kennedy battles with Mysterio. Mercury sends Helms into the barricade, and makes a beeline for Punk, looking to help Nitro, and the tag team champions get on Punk, and ram him into the steel ring post, as Nitro then rolls him inside, and the bell rings, signalling the start of the match!!!​


One Fall; Triple Jeopardy Match:​


Intercontinental, World Tag Team & Womens Championships all on the line:​


Rey Mysterio, CM Punk. Gregory Helms & Alexis Laree vs. Ken Kennedy, Mercury, Nitro & Melina​


Nitro though, is furious, and tells the referee that he didn’t want to start the match. The referee tells him he and Punk were first to fight in the ring, which means the match has started. The tag champ takes too long arguing, and allows Punk to roll him up, for an early victory, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Nitro jumps up, but walks into a headlock takedown from CM Punk. He gets up again, but this time, is taken down by a jumping calf kick from the fired up Straight Edge Superstar. Meanwhile, around the ring, the remaining competitors cease their wild brawl, and separate to their corners, with everything now officially under control following the manic opening moments. Punk drops an elbow on Johnny, and again hooks the leg, 1...2...Kick Out!! Nitro looks for his corner, but goes to the wrong one, with Punk backing him in. The cocky tag champion begs off, asking for a time out, but Punk laughs it off, looking around the arena at the fans for a similar response then delivers a strong forearm. He pulls him up, and whips him to the opposite corner, following in with a running knee, with Nitro staggering out, allowing Punk to hit the ropes, and deliver a running bulldog to a nice pop!!! Nitro tries to crawl to make a tag, but Punk grabs him by the leg, shaking his head at Nitro’s antics, and drags him towards the opposite corner, tagging in Greg, which gets a cheer from the fans.​


Helms leaps into the ring, and backs his adversary into the ropes, whipping him off, and scoring with a hip toss. Helms stands over his opponent, and gives the fans a feel good moment, posing like the old Hurricane to a big pop, before dropping a leg, and hooking the leg, 1...2...Kick Out!! Nitro again tries to crawl to his corner, but Helms, just like his Straight Edge partner, drags him back, and drops an elbow to the spine. Greg picks Nitro up, and applies a headlock, as he tags in Alexis, who gets a fair pop from the fans, with a chance to mix it up with the men. Laree kicks Nitro in the chest, as Helms lets go of the headlock, and knocks Johnny down with a clothesline, who sells the blow, despite Alexis being a woman. Alexis runs off the ropes, and comes back for another clothesline, but this time, Nitro POWERSLAMS LAREE!!! Nitro lets out a vicious cackle, but gets tremendous heat for putting his hands on a woman. He goes for a cover, not caring about his actions, 1...2...Kick Out from Laree!!! The diva shows a brave bit of heart, and kicks out, as Nitro DRAGS HER UP BY THE HAIR, and tags in the womens champion, Melina!!!​


Melina is straight in at Alexis, with a kick to the gut, pushing her into the corner, and drives sharp shoulders to the gut, taking the wind from Laree, before whipping her into the ropes, and scoring with a reverse elbow, knocking the challenger down. Lateral press, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Alexis rolls over to her side, but Melina doesn’t let her get away, and pulls Laree up by the hair, driving her to the corner again, scoring with some vicious forearms to the jaw. She steps back all the way to the opposite corner, before showing off her athleticism, running back hitting Alexis in the face with a handspring reverse elbow. Laree staggers out of the corner, as Melina takes full advantage of the rules, tagging in Mister Kennedy, to a mixed reaction from the SuperDome. Kennedy stands over Alexis, as she tries to crawl away to her corner, with the cocky superstar showing a sinister grin. He stands on her hair, not allowing the woman to get up, before stamping on her hand!!! She clutches her hand in pain, but cant roll away with Kennedy standing on her hair!!! Eventually, he gets off, and pulls Alexis up, grabbing her by the throat, showing no gentlemanly traits whatsoever, treating her like one of the guys. He whips her across the ring, then looks to charge in and squash her … BUT ALEXIS IS PULLED AWAY FROM THE CORNER BY MYSTERIO!!!!! Kennedy hits the corner, with Alexis quickly following up, WITH A ROLL UP … 1...KENNEDY KICKS OUT EARLY!!! Laree quickly doesn’t waste any more time, and runs to her corner, tagging in Mysterio for the first time!!!​


Mysterio bounds into the ring, ducking under a clothesline from Kennedy, running off the ropes, and coming off the other side, delivering a head scissors, taking down Kennedy!!! Kennedy staggers up to his feet, with Rey running again, jumping onto the ropes, coming off with a springboard back elbow, knocking Kennedy over again!!! Mysterio, still cooking, builds up more steam as Kennedy struggles up, baffled by the busy bee like Intercontinental champion, clearly fired up for WrestleMania, and Rey runs off the ropes, sliding through the legs of Kennedy, and under the ropes, standing on the apron, hopping to the top rope, and flies off … SEATED SENTON!!! Mysterio has the legs hooked, 1...2...KENNEDY KICKS OUT!!! Rey continues, getting to his feet, running off the ropes again, as Kennedy struggles up … BUT KENNEDY NAILS THE CHAMPION WITH A THUNDEROUS CLOTHESLINE TURNING REY INSIDE OUT!!! Kennedy instantly turns Rey over, and hooks the leg, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Mysterio kicks out, but the tables have certainly turned, as Kennedy pushes the Human Highlight Reel into the corner, driving a knee, before tagging in Mercury.​


The tag champion wastes no time, and pounds Rey in the corner, before whipping him into the ropes, and delivering a picture perfect tilt-a-whirl back breaker on the smaller superstar. He covers, 1...2...Kick Out. Mercury stomps on the back of the Intercontinental champ, and eventually picks him up, whipping him into the ropes again, going for the same move again, only for Mysterio to counter, and delivers a head scissors again!!! Mercury bundles into the ropes, as Mysterio instantly spies an opening for the 619!!! He calls for it, with the fans in agreement, but before he can … NITRO PULLS MERCURY OUT OF HARMS WAY!!! The fans give the tag champions heat, but Mysterio doesn’t let them get away so easily … running across the ring, and jumps out of the ring … SUICIDE DIVE TO MNM!!!!! The fans go buck daft for the first big move of the night, as on the outside, Rey slowly gets to his feet, grabbing the legal man, and rolling him back inside the ring, as the referee makes sure order is kept on the outside of the ring. Back inside, Mysterio backs Mercury into the corner, and makes a tag out, bringing Helms back inside. Greg goes work on Mercury, lighting him up with a flurry of kicks to the gut, then looks for a whip off the ropes, but Mercury reverses, and sends Helms off the ropes, ducking down … allowing Helms to come back, and he slides down … and delivers an uppercut to Mercury!!! Joey staggers off, as Helms quickly runs off the ropes again, and comes back off, tackling his opponent down with a flying cross body, covering in the process, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Helms looks to drag Mercury up, but Joey catches him with a shot to the gut, and darts to his corner tagging in the first person he can … MELINA!!!​


Melina cautiously steps inside, as a winded Helms looks around, and sees an eager Alexis Laree begging for a tag, desperate for a piece of Melina, and after Greg looks around the packed arena for approval … he tags Laree in!!! Alexis steps inside, looking to get some of Melina … and the two women don’t waste any time, throwing shuddering blows and forearms at one another, throwing away any stereotypes, with the two women beating the snot out of one another. Laree gets the better of the exchange, and pounds the champion into the corner, letting rip with big forearm shots, then turns, looking to get a run up at Melina … but the champion has other ideas … AND PULLS LAREE DOWN BY HER HAIR!!!!! Melina quickly drops her knee into the face of her long term challenger, then grabs her head, slamming Alexis head off the canvas repeatedly, before being hauled off by the official, and turned away, but Melina smiles, and poses to the fans, flicking her hair, getting all kinds of heat from the rabid audience. Melina turns, and backs Alexis into the corner, landing with some stiff stomps to the mid section, before pulling the challenger out, and delivering a snap mare. Melina then looks to apply a sleeper, but Alexis is able to slip out before the hold is applied, and makes it to her feet, before catching Melina with a big forearm, then spins around … and delivers another almighty blow, knocking the womens champion down!!!!! Alexis looks to follow up, but Melina crawls away, to her corner, and reaches out, tagging in Nitro again. The tag team champion strides into the ring, looking for a piece of Laree again, and winds up for a clothesline … but Alexis ducks under … and again … jumping to her corner … and tags in Punk!!!​


Suddenly, Nitro isn’t so confident, with Punk showing a wry smile, looking to get another bite at Nitro. The two circle the ring momentarily, before locking up, with Nitro instantly going behind, but Punk runs him into the ropes, only for the tag champion to hold the ropes, and throw Punk off his back. Punk hit’s the mat from the unexpected counter, with Nitro looking to capitalise, but gets kicked away by Punk who nips up, and catches Nitro with an arm drag … THEN SCOOPS HIM UP … LOOKING FOR THE PUNK CARD … BUT NITRO SLIDES OFF … AND SCORES WITH A SPIN KICK!!! Nitro makes the cover, hooking the leg, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Nitro is quick to his feet from the kick out, and puts the boots to Punk, before delivering a scintillating leg drop, dressed up with a fancy somersault, getting a nice fan response, covering again, 1...2...Punk gets his shoulder up again!!! Nitro now backs Punk into the ropes, looking for a whip, but Punk reverses sending him off the opposite side and following in … but as Nitro approaches the ropes … he jumps onto the middle … AND SPINS OUT WITH A KICK TO THE FACE!!!!! Punk goes down, and Nitro jumps on him, looking to finish the contest, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! The tag champion looks up at his team, disappointed at the kick out, then drags Punk up, not allowing him to tag out, and brings Mercury back inside.​


MNM are together in the ring now, and make the most of the advantage sending Punk into the ropes, and wait as he comes back out, then deliver a double back breaker to the Straight Edge Superstar!!! Nitro is now forced out of the ring, holding back the count, with Mercury covering, 1...2...KICK OUT FROM PUNK AGAIN!!! Mercury gets back up, stomping Punk on the ground, then runs off the ropes again, looking to drop an elbow, but Punk spins out of the way, and Mercury drops his elbow onto the canvas instead!!! Punk gets to his feet, and quickly hit’s the ropes, coming back at Mercury … BUT MERCURY DROPKICKS PUNK!!!!! The Straight Edge Superstar hit’s the canvas, with Mercury instantly on him again for a quick cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Punk survives again, much to the delight of the New Orleans crowd, with Mercury now getting rather agitated, and pulls Punk to his teams corner, and tags in Mister Kennedy.​


Kennedy stomps Punk in the corner, showing plenty of intensity, with nothing held back with each stomp. The loudmouth now sends Punk across the ring, into the opposite corner, charging in after him, but CM PUNK GETS A FOOT UP … AND KENNEDY CANT STOP HIS MOMENTUM!!! Kennedy staggers away from the corner, allowing Punk to collect himself, and sets himself on the top rope, waiting for Kennedy to turn around … and comes off the top WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!!! Punk now gets to his feet quickly, rejuvenated from the comeback, and tags in Mysterio to a great response!!!!!​


Rey bounds into the ring, coming after Mr. Kennedy, but is immediately knocked down by The 2006 King of the Ring, with a booming clothesline. Instantly, Kennedy tries to get the pinfall, … 1...2...Kick Out!!! Kennedy doesn’t look happy, and hooks the leg again, 1...2...Kick Out. Still not convinced, he covers again, 1...2...Kick Out!!! The fans cheer, with Kennedy looking incensed by the repeated kick outs of the fighting I.C Champion. Kennedy drags Rey up, but Mysterio fights back at Kennedy, with shots to the ribs, forcing Kennedy backward. Rey bounces off the ropes, and comes at him again, but this time, Kennedy catches him, and delivers a crushing power slam, quickly hooking the leg again, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Kennedy gets to his feet, looking irate, mouthing something, before putting the boots to the head of Mysterio, and drops down, choking Rey, breaking at the count of four … then choking him again, and breaking at the referees count of four. Kennedy backs out, holding his hands up innocently, THEN CHARGES IN … DELIVERING A SICKENING FACE WASH STICKING HIS BOOT ACROSS THE FACE OF THE HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL!!!! Kennedy pushes the referee away, and drags Mysterio up, rag dolling him into the ropes, but Rey manages to avoid a clothesline, then catches the 2006 King of the Ring by surprise … WITH A REBOUND BULLDOG!!! Rey rolls through to his corner, and makes a tag to Helms!!! Greg perches himself on the top rope, waiting for Kennedy to reach his feet, and as he does … HELMS FLIES … AND DELIVERS A STUNNING BLOCKBUSTER!!!!! The Superdome is going bananas, with Greg turning Kennedy over, and makes a cover …​


…​


………………1………………​


……………​


…………2…………​


………​


………MERCURY BREAKS THE COUNT………​


!!!!!​


Kennedy survives, but Mercury doesn’t get away with his misdemeanour, as Punk charges into the ring, and clotheslines Mercury back over the top, to the floor below!!! Punk, fired up, challenges Nitro AND Melina to come and get some, but the two remaining members of MNM decline, as we see Mysterio now racing across the apron … AND CATCHES MERCURY WITH A SEATED SENTON OFF THE APRON!!!! The fans are on their feet for the blistering action, but the fan favourites pay the price, as the referee steps in to force Punk back … allowing Nitro to sneak in … and NAILS Helms with a sick Back breaker & Neck breaker combination!!! The tag champion sneaks out, as Kennedy crawls for the cover…​


………​


………1………​


…​


………………2………………​


……………​


……LAREE BREAKS THE COUNT……​


!!!!!​


The fans pop for the fearless womens challenger breaking the count, and raising the ire of Mister Kennedy. Kennedy points to Alexis, and makes a snapping motion with his hands, threatening the diva, before turning his attention back to Helms, and putting the boots to him again. Helms tries to crawl to the ropes for solace, but as he does, it only allows Kennedy to continue the beat down, grabbing his legs … AND CATAPULTING HIS THROAT INTO THE BOTTOM ROPE!!! The King of the Ring wipes his hands, as if to say ‘Job Done’, before dragging Greg across the ring, to the heel corner, and makes a tag to Nitro. Nitro shows off his athleticism, hopping in over the top rope, dropping a leg across the throat of Greg, and making a cover in one swift motion, 1...2...Kick Out from the fighting challenger!!!​


Nitro backs him into the corner, scoring with some kicks to the mid section, before pulling him back out, and goes for a suplex, but Helms blocks it, and frees himself, before going toe to toe, shot for shot, but Johnny Nitro, the fresher man, gets the best of this exchange, knocking Helms down with a clothesline. The A-Lister picks him up, and this time, manages to execute the Suplex, floating over for a cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Helms is in a bad way, as Nitro pulls him back up, throwing him into the corner, and tagging in Mercury, and the tag champions of Raw -for nine months- whip Helms off the ropes, and propel him in the air, setting their knees, and Helms gets a double knee to the face, with Mercury quickly hooking the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Greg refuses to give in, and rises to the occasion, showing the grit and determination that got him here tonight at the showcase of the immortals.​


Mercury backs Helms into the ropes, throwing elbows to the jaw, before sending him into the ropes, but Greg ducks under a forearm smash, but as he hit’s the opposite ropes … KENNEDY TRIPS HIM!!!! Helms trips from the ropes, and into the path of Mercury, who delivers a quick power slam, hooking the leg upon the landing, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! They just cant keep Helms down!!! On the apron, Kennedy holds his face in despair, whilst Mercury shakes his head in disbelief. He hurls Helms back into the corner, but as he prepares to tag in Kennedy … MELINA makes a blind tag!!! Melina steps inside, with her partners slightly concerned. The womens champion attempts to open up on Helms in the corner, letting fly with knife edge chops … but after three … HELMS GRABS MELINA BY THE HAIR!!! Helms points to his corner, and looks to drag Melina across to surely tag in Laree … BUT KENNEDY ATTACKS FROM BEHIND!!!!! Kennedy is quickly admonished by the referee, but he is heard shouting at Melina ‘GET OUT OF HERE SWEETHEART’, looking angry that she stole his tag earlier. Melina takes the advice, and scarpers to her corner, tagging in Nitro again.​


Nitro steps in, and incites his opponents corner, before taking his time to drag Helms up, pounding his back, BUT HELMS FIGHTS BACK and rocks the tag champion, picking up some steam, hitting the ropes, and coming at Nitro … BUT GETS HUNG UP ON THE ROPES!!!!! Nitro follows up, getting Helms into position for a suplex, but changes his mind … AND PERCHES HELMS ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, climbing up himself … looking to deliver a superplex … but Helms fights it, pounding the face of Nitro, breaking his grip, and steps up … AND TAKES NITRO OFF THE TOP ROPE … WITH A STUNNING SWINGING NECKBREAKER!!!!!!!!!!​


The fans are going ape shit, as Helms pulls out a massive momentum shifter, and the fans show their appreciation for the high risk move!!! Both men are down for a moment, but soon begin to stir, and SLOWLY crawl to their respective corners, with the fans getting behind Helms with a ‘LETS GO HELMS’ chant erupting around the massive dome. Both men near their corner … and all six partners reach out for a desperate tag … AND HELMS TAGS REY … WHILE NITRO TAGS MERCURY!!!!!​


Both men boom into the ring, with Rey ducking under a clothesline … and springboards onto the ropes … CROSSBODY!!!!! Mysterio covers … BUT KENNEDY PULLS HIM OFF INSTANTLY!!! Kennedy drops his elbow to the back of Rey … AND PUNK TACKLES KENNEDY DOWN!!! All hell breaks loose in the Superdome, as Melina tries to get involved … BUT GETS A CHICK KICK FROM ALEXIS!!! The two divas go to the outside, and Helms and Nitro still lie on the apron recovering … whilst in the ring, Punk beats Kennedy in the corner, and Rey DELIVERS A BRONCO BUSTER TO MERCURY!!! Mercury rolls out of the ring following the move … BUT REY GETS CLOBBERED BY NITRO!!!!! Nitro stomps Rey out of the ring, then comes to the aid of Kennedy, clubbing Punk from behind … BUT HELMS helps his partner!!! Straight Edge get the better of Kennedy and Nitro sending the two men out of the ring with a double clothesline … taking themselves out in the process, leaving the ring bare!!!​


Melina though, doesn’t let that last long, taking Laree back inside, now in control of her challenger, throwing her off the ropes, and catching her with a kick, then gets Alexis into position for a DDT … BUT ALEXIS TURNS IT OVER … AND GETS MELINA INTO POSITION … LAREE-DT!!!!! Alexis hits her stunning Tornado DDT to the womens champion … but neither are legal!!! Laree gets to her feet … AND IS MET BY KENNEDY!!! Kennedy grabs Laree by the throat, not caring that his adversary is a female … and a hundred plus pounds lighter than him!!! He throws her onto his shoulders … and mounts the ropes … with the fans giving the woman beater tonnes of heat … BUT HE STILL NAILS THE GREEN BAY PLUNGE … TO A WOMAN!!! Kennedy sits up, laughing to himself at the ease in which he dropped Alexis … BUT THEN SUDDENLY GETS NAILED HIMSELF … DOUBLE SHINING WIZARD FROM STRAIGHT EDGE!!!!!​


The challengers for the tag titles show their teamwork … but from behind … MNM attack their rivals!!! Punk gets dumped out of the ring, whilst the champions then slam Helms with a double back suplex, before making the all too familiar ‘snapshot’ pose, getting Helms up … BUT OUT OF NOWHERE REY STOPS THE MOVE … SPRINGING OFF THE ROPES WITH A HEADSCISSORS TO MERCURY!!!!! Helms slips off Nitro, and clotheslines him to the outside, taking himself over too, whilst in the ring, MERCURY IS SPRAWLED OVER THE MIDDLE ROPE!!! Mysterio calls for it … AND PUMPS THE CROWD … 619 CONNECTS!!!!!!!!!! Mercury staggers out of the ropes … AND INTO CM PUNK who is back inside … PUNK CARD!!!!! The fans are roaring, as Mysterio falls into the cover, as Punk prowls the ring, making sure the count cant be broken …​


……………​


……………1……………​


………​


……………………2……………………​


…………………​


…3…​


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNERS: REY MYSTERIO, STRAIGHT EDGE & ALEXIS LAREE @ 13:24​


THEREFORE; NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS - STRAIGHT EDGE,​


NEW WWE WOMENS CHAMPION - ALEXIS LAREE,​


STILL WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION - REY MYSTERIO​


The nine month reign of MNM as tag champions comes to an abrupt end at WRESTLEMANIA!!! And with Melina losing her title via the stipulation … MNM ARE GOLD-LESS!!!!!!!​


Punk instantly hugs Mysterio, as Helms joins the celebrations, before the winning trio help a recovering Alexis Laree to her feet, and the four winners hug in the ring!!!​


Jim Ross:​
What an amazing match Coach!! How can you ask for anything more to kick off the showcase of the immortals!!! New champions have been crowned - the reigns of MNM as tag team and womens champion have been ended!!!


The Coach:​
I don’t believe it J.R!!! This is an outrage if you ask me. How can Straight Edge or Alexis Laree call themselves champions?? THEY DIDN’T WIN!!!


Jim Ross:​
They knew the rules, they knew the implications, just as the victors did. I said it’d happen … MNM have met their match … they’ve got their comeuppance!!!


Punk and Helms are presented with the tag team championships they have so desperately coveted and chased in recent months, dropping to their knees and holding the titles closely, sharing the epic moment, whilst Rey holds aloft his Intercontinental title on the middle rope, playing to the fans. Alexis holds herself up in the corner, still looking worse for wear following the Green Bay Plunge, but stares longingly at the womens title for the third time in twelve months!!!​


Jim Ross:​
Listen to the ovation folks. The Superdome are giving these four competitors a terrific ovation … and we’ve only just kicked off!!!


The Coach:​
I just hope this result isn’t a sign of things to come J.R. Not the start I was hoping for. MNM and Mister Kennedy got robbed tonight!!!


On the outside, Mister Kennedy is already seen storming up the ramp, not getting what he set out for tonight, leaving his beaten partners to fend for themselves, with the camera cutting to the FORMER tag team and womens champions, all emotional, regrouping together, having to come to terms with the loss of their precious gold!!!​


Jim Ross:​
There wont be any after parties tonight with Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan!!! MNM wont have anything to brag about tomorrow night. The parties over for our resident A-Listers!!!


The Coach:​
This is a travesty!!! And for your information old timer, they’ll bounce back from this, and I can betcha that they’ll still be partying tonight, because deep down, they’ll know that rightfully they should still be champions!!! They deserve rematches!!!


Jim Ross:​
Quit your whining Coach!!! Your favourites lost … get used to it!!! I told ya it’d happen, and it has!!!


The Coach:​
And who are you all of a sudden?? Nostradamus??


Back inside the ring, Mysterio, Straight Edge and Alexis all huddle again, embracing each other, showing their elation at a priceless and memorable victory tonight at WrestleMania!!!​


…​


We fade out now, and go backstage, into the locker room of the McMahon Family Empire, as we see Shane, Stephanie and Tomko sitting on a long leather couch, whilst Triple H sits alone, deep in thought, looking intense, whilst Vince paces up and down.​


Mr. McMahon:​
This is it. This is OUR night.


Vince walks towards Triple H, standing over The Game, and trying to hype him up.​


Mr. McMahon:​
You ready for tonight?? You ready to put Brock Lesnar out of our lives??


Triple H scowls, and looks up at Vince, breathing heavily.​


Triple H:​
You don’t need to fire me up Vince. Tonight, Brock Lesnar is getting everything that’s comin to him. Tonight, Brock Lesnar gets The Game. Tonight, it’s game over for Lesnar.


Triple H stands up, and looks at Vince again.​


Triple H:​
You just make sure Austin doesn’t try to pull anything.


McMahon smiles.​


Mr. McMahon:​
Austin isn’t a problem. We’ve got Mike Tyson to cover that base.


McMahon continues to beam, but Triple H doesn’t switch his expression one bit, looking highly intense.​


Triple H:​
Good. Because I don’t want anything to stop me from what I’m gonna do to Lesnar tonight. The months of snide comments, the constant threats, his damn presence … they all end … tonight.


Triple H looks straight at Vince, as we slowly fade out, with Vince smiling and nodding, impressed with the attitude of The Game.​


…​


Back into the arena, and we hear ‘Sam’s Town’ playing over the PA, with the camera panning around the huge dome, as J.R and Coach talk again…​


Jim Ross:​
Well, we would like to take the opportunity to thank The Killers for the use of the song ‘Sam’s Town’ at tonights event, from the album of the same name. But Coach, looks to me like The Game is ready for a war tonight.


The Coach:​
Oh baby, Brock Lesnar aint gonna know what hit him. Triple H is FIRED UP!!!


Jim Ross:​
Triple H meets Brock Lesnar, for the first time ever tonight, but that isn’t until later in the show folks.


**I WALK ALONE**​


The music of Batista forces the fans to their feet, in admiration for the #1 Contender to the United States Championship tonight. The Animal confidently steps onto the stage, looking pumped for his first ever singles match at WrestleMania.​


Michael Cole:​
You can look forward to Lesnar and Triple H guys, but right now, it’s time for Smackdown to join in the festivities. The United States Championship is set to be on the line, with this man, the Number One contender, Batista, looking primed to take the gold from Brent Albright.


Tazz:​
It aint too often that a challenger comes into any title match as the favourite, but that’s the exact scenario we find ourselves in tonight. Albright defeated Batista back in January, but that was under shady circumstances. Tonight, Batista has his second crack, and he doesn’t intend on wasting it Cole.


Batista lets off his snazzy and loud pyro, as he continues to the ring, stepping inside, and shaking the ropes, letting out some pent up aggression before the match begins.​


**KEEP THE PEACE**​


The United States Champion enters, to a small response, but blows it off, wiping his beard, then shaking his head from side to side, as if to crack his neck. Albright looks pensive and nervous, keeping his eyes focused on the challenger in the ring.​


Michael Cole:​
The champion doesn’t look as confident as we are used to seeing him Tazz. This is far and away the biggest match Brent Albright has ever wrestled, in front of the biggest audience he’s ever performed in front of, and he’s never had so much to lose.


Tazz:​
Well, we all know this time last year, Albright was wrestling in gymnasiums and the sort in front of 70 people, now, just twelve months down the line, he’s set to ply his trade in front of over 70,000 people. He damn sure looks nervous … but he’s never lost a championship match, and every time he defends that illustrious championship, he’s delivered.


The champion pensively steps between the ropes, entering the ring, getting a look at The Animal, who looks fired up, and raring to go, compared to the nervous defending champion. Albright steps to his corner, talking to himself as he takes off his championship belt, looking to fire himself up, and wipe out all his pre-match nerves.​


United States Championship Match:​


Brent Albright vs. Batista​


Both men glare across the ring at the other, as the bell rings, with the two slowly circling the ring, both looking focused, especially the champion Albright, not wanting to make a mistake against the bigger man, with his precious title belt at stake. Batista eventually stops circling, not interested in waiting a second, with Albright doing the same shortly after, with the two looking across at one another, as The Animal yells at Albright to ‘COME ON’. Albright looks around, and stretches his arms, cracking his neck, before plucking up the courage … and the two move in to lock up … BUT ALBRIGHT DUCKS UNDER … and steps out of the ring, dropping to the floor!!!​


The fans let Albright know what they think, not at all impressed with his tactics, as he takes a walk, whilst Batista gets riled in the ring, starting to lose his patience with the chicken shit champion. Albright walks up the steps, having had a moment to think about it, but stops, telling the referee, Jack Doan, to make sure Batista keeps his distance to allow him into the ring. Doan yields, and asks Batista to move back, with the challenger giving the referee a dirty look, before obeying the order, and moving back, allowing Albright inside, hoping to get the match out of first gear.​


Albright tries to circle around the ring again, but this time, Batista stands still, not giving Albright the chance to circle around, with the champion deciding to start pacing side to side now. The Animal appears to lose his cool, and comes after Brent now, but the champion grabs hold of the ropes, stopping Batista from attacking him … BUT BATISTA KICKS THE ROPES, AND DRILLS ALBRIGHT WITH A BIG RIGHT HAND!!!!! Albright staggers out from the ropes, as Batista quickly scoops him up, onto his shoulders, but Albright slides out the back … ducks under a clothesline … AND SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AGAIN!!!!!!​


New Orleans show their anger at Albright, once again slowing the action down to a snails pace, taking another trip out of the ring. Albright turns, and slaps a fans hand away, before taking a walk … but has taken his eye off the ball completely … as Batista has followed him out!!! The Animal closes in on the unsuspecting champion quickly, AND NAILS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! The fans come alive, as Batista wastes no time, dragging his opponent up, and RAMS Albright into the apron, then slams the champions head off the steel steps, before rolling him inside the ring again. The challenger doesn’t allow Albright to run this time, forcing him to back up, into the corner, then stomps his prey, giving Albright everything that’s been coming to him!!! He drags Brent to his feet in the corner, and delivers a tame blow, before sending him across the ring, into the corner, following in himself, delivering a shuddering clothesline!!! Batista backs out, and allows Albright to stagger out of the corner … before knocking him down with another short clothesline!!! The fans voice their approval, as Batista drops an elbow, making the first cover of the match, 1...2...Kick Out!!!​


Albright kicks out, but the momentum is ALL on Batista’s side. The Animal doesn’t allow Albright a second to get himself together … or run away, and charges him into the corner, drilling him with strong shoulders to the gut, as the camera shows a close up of Brent’s face, in anguish from the shots to his gut, but Batista doesn’t let up, and continues to drive his power into winding the champ, then whips him across to the other corner again. Batista looks to squash Brent again, but this time, Albright has it covered, sticking his boot into the face of the challenger, sending The Animal away. The Champion now senses an opening, and he charges back out of the corner, BUT straight into a knockdown. The tenacious U.S Champ gets up real quick from the knockdown, possibly out of adrenaline, but this time, he is met with a hip toss from Batista, putting him straight back onto the canvas. Brent rolls to the corner, pulling himself up, trying to gather his thoughts, but The Animal decides not to waste any time whatsoever, knowing the danger Albright possesses, and meets him in the corner, firing off a few right hands, following up with some well placed knees to the mid section, taking the wind out of the struggling Albright. Batista drags Albright out, and whips The Champion off the ropes, but once again … ALBRIGHT SLIDES UNDER … AND OUT OF THE RING!!!​


Instantly, Brent walks around the ring, making a beeline for the time keepers table, pointing at something … THE UNITED STATES TITLE!!! Albright grabs the belt … AND CALLS THE MATCH OFF!!! Brent starts to make a move towards the ramp much to the chagrin of Big Dave, as he watches Albright walk out of WRESTLEMANIA!!! The Animal looks to the referee, who doesn’t seem to have much option … counting the champion out … WHEN ARN ANDERSON APPEARS FROM THE ENTRANCE CURTAIN!!!! Brent spots the Smackdown GM as he tries to make his way up the ramp, with Double-A pointing towards the ring, ordering the United States Champion BACK TO THE RING!!!!! Albright starts to have a temper tantrum, pointing back towards the ring - where the count appears to have been stopped - shaking his head, seemingly refusing to go back. Anderson starts to move further down the ramp, with Albright also backing towards the ring … WITH BATISTA MEETING HIM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RAMP!!! Albright backs into The Animal, and slowly turns around, coming to the realisation of who is there … AND ISNT DISAPPOINTED … turning around … INTO A BIG CLOTHESLINE FROM BATISTA!!! The Animal drags Albright up again, and runs him down the aisle, and into the ring!!!​


Batista follows in, and throws Albright off the ropes, and catches him on the return, hurling him up, and showing off his power advantage, pressing the champion over his head … AND DUMPS HIM FACE FIRST ONTO THE CANVAS!!!! The fans roar in approval, as Batista looks to turn the champion over, making a cover, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Despite the kickout, Brent looks to be in all kinds of trouble, with The Animal now just standing over him, waiting for Albright to reach his feet. The champion slowly pulls himself up, using Batista to do so, and tries to deliver blows to the gut of the challenger, but Batista is able to shrug them off, and throws Albright up, like a rag doll, and runs him into the corner, squashing him with maximum impact!!! Batista doesn’t let go, and pulls Albright out with him, delivering a hip toss, simply toying with the champion!!! The Animal tracks a few steps back, and starts to set up for a spear … waiting for Albright to reach his feet … AND GOES FOR IT … BUT ALBRIGHT DIVES OUT OF THE WAY!!! The Animal hit’s the corner … AND ALBRIGHT ROLLS HIM UP FOR A SURPRISE WIN … 1...2...BATISTA POWERS OUT!!!!!​


Albright instantly goes on the offence from here, putting the boots to Big Dave, but the game plan doesn’t work out … as after three, Batista grabs the leg, and sweeps Albright onto the mat!!! Both men now quickly reach their feet … but it’s the aggressive challenger to strike first, knocking Albright down with another brutal clothesline!!! Batista now stands over the champion, yelling at Albright to ‘GET UP’, with Brent slowly coming to, but walking right into the path of the dominant challenger, who scoops Brent onto his shoulders … looking for the running power slam … BUT ALBRIGHT SLIPS OFF … and quickly hit’s the ropes, coming back at The Animal, but Batista catches him on the return, looking for the spine buster … BUT ALBRIGHT PUSHES OUT … GRABS HIS ARM … AND DELIVERS AN ARM BREAKER!!!!!​


Batista rolls around, holding onto his arm, as Albright sits up, watching the challenger now in pain, showing a glimpse of a smile, turning to the front row, and telling them ‘FUN TIME’. Albright smells blood, and quickly gets to work, stomping the arm of The Animal, looking to weaken the body part in order to deliver the Crowbar. The Animal tries to create some distance, but Albright is too canny for that to happen, and makes sure he gets to make his mark, stomping the elbow joint, with Batista struggling to avoid it. Batista is heard yelling out in pain, as Albright continues to zone in, now grabbing the arm, and simply yanking it from Batista’s body, causing even more stress for the challenger, before he drops his elbow onto The Animals arm, and rolls away, getting on one knee, spreading his arms out, and showing off a cocky smile to a hostile response from the 75,000 fans!!!​


Albright waves off the abuse, and watches as Batista tries to pull himself to his feet with the challenger grabbing the ropes, trying to get up, using just one arm, and struggles to succeed. Albright gets on top, pounding the back and the bad arm, but Batista comes fighting back, using his good right arm, and stirs the audience to rally behind him, as he starts to force the champion onto the back foot … BUT ALBRIGHT SUDDENLY NAILS AN ARM DRAG!!! Albright puts a sudden stop to the comeback, and quickly zones in on the left arm again, stomping the body part and throwing right hands as Batista struggles to his feet, almost at the mercy of the United States Champion. Albright drapes the arm over the top rope, before hopping over the top himself, and dropping to the floor, holding the bad arm as he falls!!! Batista falls backward in the ring, hitting the canvas, holding his arm, and rolls around, eyes closed, feeling the excruciating pain.​


Back inside, Albright bears down on Dave, but The Animal catches him in the breadbasket, forcing Albright back for a moment, but shakes the shot off, and bears down on Batista again, but again, is kept away with a shot to the gut. Dave reaches his feet, and strikes Albright with a good right hand to the temple, before taking the United States Champ by surprise, managing to scoop him up with one arm, delivering a side walk slam!!! Batista makes a cover, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Albright survives, but has Batista perhaps turned the corner?? The Animal takes a few moments to get to his feet, still favouring his right arm, and trying not to use the left too often. He kicks the champion in the gut as he tries to get up … AND SETS UP FOR THE BATISTA BOMB … BUT PULLS AWAY, unable to get the champion up, with his left arm still in pain!!!​


The Animal is forced to let go, showing the excruciating pain in his left arm, and steps back, shaking it loose again. Albright meanwhile gets to his feet, after being let off the hook from the devastating Batista Bomb. He quickly gets to Dave, and throws a hard right hand to the upper section of the bad arm, taking full control once again, despite not having to do much to get it. Brent hit’s a simple body slam, but has the left arm tucked in, with Batistas back landing on the body part, pressing all his body weight onto the left arm!!! Albright holds Batista down, and looks for a cover, holding the right arm down, 1...2...BATISTA IS FORCED TO KICK OUT WITH HIS BAD ARM!!! The Animal survives, but puts more undue pressure on his tender arm, as Albright is seen smiling once more, looking delighted with his work thus far. It’s just the tip of the iceberg for Albright though, and he grabs Batista by the arm - the bad arm, roughly dragging the challenger towards the corner, and slides out of the ring himself, before ramming the left arm into the ring post. Batista rolls around, and clutches his left arm again, with the arm obviously becoming more wounded as the punishment continues.​


Albright nonchalantly gets back in, knowing he is in full control, with the challenger on the brink now of being in serious jeopardy of falling prey to the champions signature Crowbar Arm Bar, with Albright going to the arm again, stomping the bicep, then grabs the arm, setting it on the middle rope … and launches himself in the air, DROPPING HIS KNEE ONTO THE LEFT ARM ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!!! Batista rolls away again … BUT ALBRIGHT NOW ATTEMPTS TO LOCK ON THE CROWBAR … AND GETS IT … BUT BATISTA INSTANTLY HAS HIS FREE HAND ON THE ROPE!!!!! Brent hangs on for a moment, making the referee issue a count, allowing himself to inflict some more damage, before releasing, and getting back to his feet, as The Animal winces, trying to shake the left arm loose. The Champion is quick to his feet, wiping sweat off his forehead, and trying to flick it at the fans, inciting those in the front row. Albright, leans back into the ropes, watching as Batista struggles up, and looking ever so cocky, then makes a move again, charging towards The Animal … BUT BATISTA CATCHES HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER!!!!! The SuperDome roars with approval, as Brent Albright’s smirk is wiped away, with Batista dropping his arm over the chest of the champion…​


…​


…………1…………​


…​


……2……​


…​


…………FOOT ON THE ROPE!!!…………​


!!!​


Batista sits up, taking a look to the side, seeing the foot on the rope, and shaking his head, before getting back to his feet, now stalking the champion, who struggles to get back to his feet. The Animal backs him into the ropes, letting fly with a couple of right hands, before sending the champion off the ropes, and knocks him down on the return with a shoulder block. Batista looks down on the champion, and sets off himself, hitting the ropes, looking to drop onto Brent, but Albright rolls out of the way … BUT BATISTA NEVER WENT FOR IT!!! Dave smiles, as Albright quickly reaches his feet, thinking he outsmarted the Batista … but he didn’t!!! Albright runs at The Animal … BUT BATISTA SCORES WITH AN ALMIGHTY SPEAR!!!!! He doesn’t go for the cover though, and instead, shakes his head, letting the fans know he isn’t done with Albright yet, dragging the champion to his feet, shaking his left arm loose again, still not feeling 100%, but hoists Albright onto his shoulders … looking to deliver a running power slam … AND RUNS ACROSS THE RING … BUT ALBRIGHT SLIPS OUT … AND DELIVERS A STUNNING HALF NELSON SUPLEX TO THE CHALLENGER!!!!! The fans show some respect for the terrific show of athleticism and strength from the champion … albeit grudgingly … and Brent makes the cover…​


…​


…1…​


……………​


……………2……………​


…​


…………KICK OUT…………​


!!!!!​


Albright, much like Batista moments ago, looks in shock that the match continues, looking at The Animal rolling to his side, then mounts, and begins to pound the big challenger, with constant shots to the head, having to be pulled off eventually by the referee, with Albright ignoring the count. Brent pushes the referee away, closing in on Batista again, but The Animal stops him, grabbing the champions hand … and holds him off, getting to his feet, and then clobbers Albright with a big right hand. Albright staggers away, but then shakes it off, coming at Batista again … but the challenger blocks the shot, and fires off another one of his own, with Albright falling into the ropes, and Dave follows in, quickly whipping him off the opposite side, and delivers a crowd pleasing back body drop!!! Again, Batista takes a moment to shake the left arm loose, but quickly turns his attention to Brent again, throwing him up, onto his shoulders … AND THIS TIME DELIVERS THE RUNNING POWERSLAM!!! He hooks the leg…​


…​


…………………1…………………​


…​


……2……​


…………………………​


…KICK OUT…​


!!!!!​


The fans gasp, taking in the near fall, with Albright hanging onto the title for now by the skin of his teeth. Immediately, The Animal gets back up, and takes a look around the arena, before channelling the Ultimate Warrior, and shakes the ropes, indicating the dreaded, deadly Batista Bomb. He turns back around, and pulls Albright from the mat, and throws Brent in between his legs, taking another look around the arena … WHICH GIVES ALBRIGHT TIME TO GRAB THE LEFT ARM!!!!! BRINGS DAVE DOWN … CROWBAR APPLIED!!!!!!! Batista screams out in agony, feeling the full force of the deadly submission, as the earlier arm work doesn’t go unpunished!!! Brent Albright torques the arm, with Big Dave caught in the centre of the ring, with the Crowbar locked in. Albright torques at the body part, and a huge groan comes from Batista, as the Superdome comes alive, hoping for Batista to make the ropes, as Albright yanks at the limb, with Batista surely having no choice but to tap out at this point!!! Albright tries to pull back further, as he feels The Animal trying to push himself to the ropes, he crawls…and is soooo close, and reaches closer….but Albright PULLS THE ARM BACK EVEN FURTHER!!!! The sudden torque forces Batista to stop in his quest for the ropes, and winces again, as the pain stops him from moving. The reaction from the crowd becomes deafening, willing Batista to break the submission, with a stunning ‘BA-TIS-TA’ chant filling the arena!!! The end begins to look inevitable for Batista, with his left arm badly damaged, and set at a ridiculous angle as Albright continues to torque the fragile body part, but, with a sudden burst of desperation, Batista makes one final surge … reaching out with his free arm … AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!!​


The fans come to their feet, as Batista continues his pursuit of the United States title, with Albright shaking his head, letting go of the hold. Albright is right on top of the challenger though, going back to work on the arm, pounding the body part, and whips The Animal off the ropes, but Batista ducks under a clothesline, and comes off the opposite side … AND LAUNCHES HIMSELF AT ALBRIGHT … TAKING THE CHAMPION DOWN!!!!! Batista gets to his feet - a little too quickly -, bringing Albright with him, and hooks him into position for a suplex, but the crafty champion blocks it … AND JABS THE LEFT ARM!!! Batista wheels away, turning from Albright, holding his arm, then turns back around, into the path of the champion, who now goes for a Northern Lights Suplex … BUT BATISTA BLOCKS IT!!!!! AND COUNTERS … THROWING ALBRIGHT UP … BATISTA BOMB … NOOOOO!!!!! Albright launches himself over Batista’s head, landing on his feet at the back of the champion, AND SCHOOL BOYS BATISTA, CATCHING HIM BY SURPRISE…​


…​


………1………​


………​


………………2………………​


…​


……3……​


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND STILL UNITED STATES CHAMPION - BRENT ALBRIGHT @ 11:34​


ALBRIGHT RETAINS!!?? A wave of shock reverberates around the SuperDome, with the fans in a stunned silence from the shocking upset … but no one seems more surprised than Albright himself!!! He just beat Batista … CLEAN!!! The champion gets straight out of the ring, not wishing to be apart from his title for a second longer, clutching his gold, and raising it high, whilst in the ring, Batista sits on the mat, shocked by his loss, losing focus for no more than a split second.​


Michael Cole:​
I’ll be damned. Brent Albright Tazz, just proved everybody, you and I included, wrong!!! Albright not only retained his title tonight, but Tazz, he did it the fair way. He did it … WITHOUT cheating!!!


Tazz:​
Hey, he didn’t prove me wrong Cole, I’ve always backed Albright. I’ve always said, when that championship is on the line, he ALWAYS finds a way to get the job done. He sure as hell didn’t disappoint tonight.


Albright continues up the ramp, not bothering to look back at Batista, whilst The Animal is now stood in the ring, leaning on the ropes, trying to come to terms with what just happened to him.​


Michael Cole:​
Credit where it’s due Tazz, Albright won me over tonight with that performance. And not only that, but he now has a claim that not many guys in the locker room can contend with - he’s beaten Batista twice, in two consecutive championship matches.


Tazz:​
I bet he knows that Cole, and I can guarantee ya, he’ll not be shy about mentioning it to anyone within earshot.


We now see Albright disappear from view, walking behind the curtain, and we fade out, and get the graphic …​


| MONEY IN THE BANK II |​





…​


Last year at WrestleMania…​


*​
Edge gets right up beside Rob on the other ladder, throwing a few right hands to daze RVD, before taking a big risk, stepping one foot onto Van Dams ladder, grabbing the back of RVDs head, AND HIT’S THE BUZZ KILLER OFF THE LADDER!!!


*​
Kennedy gets Carlito onto his shoulders!!! The MGM is on it’s feet, as Kennedy takes a huge deep breath, BEFORE HITTING THE GREEN BAY PLUNGE OFF THE LADDER!!!!!


*​
Rey doesn’t take a second to recover, and instead runs off the ropes, coming back off, and swings around the opposite ropes, 619 INTO THE LADDER WITH EDGE RESTING ON IT!!!!


*​
Kennedy shrugs his shoulders, getting his footing on the second rung from the top, before yelling out his name … AND NAILS A SENTON BOMB ON VAN DAM!!!!!


*​
Kennedy smiles, and picks the ladder back up, looking to place it back upright, but as he turns around - RVD CATCHES HIM WITH A VAN DAMINATOR, USING THE LADDER IN PLACE OF A CHAIR!!


*​
CARLITO IS THERE … HE GRABS THE BRIEFCASE … BUT MYSTERIO TAKES THE LADDER AWAY!!!!! Carlito swings around in the air, holding on for dear life, trying to unhook the case, even at the sake of his own safety, whilst Edge has climbed the second ladder in the corner of the ring, right to the top, but Carlito hasn’t seen him, and dangles still … EDGE FLIES OFF THE LADDER … AND SPEARS CARLITO IN MID AIR!!!!!


*​
Edge and Carlito are both motionless on the floor, as the MGM erupts once more with the ever present ‘HOLY SHIT’ chants. Meanwhile, Rey sets the ladder back up under the case, and begins to climb, with RVD motionless, Kennedy stuck on the outside, and Edge and Carlito both flat on the mat!!! …MYSTERIO REACHES UP … AND UNHOOKS THE BRIEFCASE…


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


*​
Mysterio celebrates his special victory, as the package ends.


***​


Back to ringside, with Jim Ross and The Coach, as ‘The Saints Are Comin’ plays over the PA…​


Jim Ross:​
We are back at ringside, and Coach, we are set to have to honour of calling the second Money in the Bank ladder match, fast becoming a WrestleMania tradition.


The Coach:​
Indeed it is, and when matches like this are tradition, I’m all for keeping tradition old timer.


Jim Ross:​
Eight men will compete in just a few moments, four from Raw, four from Smackdown. And before we get the ball rolling here, we’d like to take the opportunity to also thank the collaboration of Green Day and U2 for allowing us to use the song, The Saints Are Comin for WrestleMania this evening. Now though, our colleague Josh Mathews is standing by…


Switch backstage, where Josh Mathews is looking smart, dressed up for tonight’s big event…​


Josh Mathews:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, my guest at this time … Carlito.


Carlito steps into the picture, looking highly confident ahead of his second trip to Money in the Bank.​


Josh Mathews:​
Carlito, in just a few moments, you’ll be competing in the Money in the Bank ladder match. And you’ll be holding a distinct advantage over the other seven men in the match because you’re the only one that competed in last years match. How do you think that will affect tonight’s result??


Carlito ponders the question for a moment, bouncing his apple from hand to hand, before leaning towards the mic.​


Carlito:​
Affect tonight’s result?? Josh, I don’t think it’ll affect the result of tonight’s match at all.


Josh seems taken aback by the answer, but Carlito shakes his head, then continues.​


Carlito:​
Because whether or not Carlito had been part of last years Money in the Bank … tonight, the winner of the Money in the Bank contract would still-


A voice from the background cuts in.​


Voice:​
Be M.V.P!!!


The cocky M.V.P strolls into view, pulling his shades over his head, as Carlito starts to look a little irked by the presence of his enemy.​


M.V.P:​
Tonight Carlito, the man of two halves … half man, half amazing … becomes COMPLETELY Mister Money in the Bank.


M.V.P gets in Carlitos face, then turns his attention to Mathews.​


M.V.P:​
And that’s not just talk … it’s backed up, because I’m better (points to the crew that are off camera) than him, and him, and him, and you Josh, (turns his attention back to Carlito) and y-


Carlito spits his apple - BUT PORTER DUCKS - AND MATHEWS GETS THE SPIT!!! Porter looks around, seeing the apple on Mathews, then laughs, but walks off, as Carlito watches.​


M.V.P:​
Not quick enough my man!!! Nobody can touch Money in tha Bank!!!


Carlito steps off, as if thinking of chasing after Porter. He then stops, but looks frustrated, then turns, and sees Josh trying to wipe the apple off his face. CCC shrugs, then walks off, as Mathews groans.​


Josh Mathews:​
Not cool Carlito. That’s not cool!!!


…​


Back into the arena…​


Lil Wayne, a Louisiana native, is on the stage, standing by the M.V.P set. The music kicks in, and the superstar begins to sing his own version of the M.V.P theme


**I‘M COMIN**​


M.V.P bursts through his elaborate set, to a strident heel response. Porters takes a good long look around the arena, nodding, as if to tell him himself ‘I’ve made it’. Porter saunters down the aisle, followed by Wayne, who continues to put his own spin on Porters music, with M.V.P taking a long hard look as he passes each ladder set up on the walkway as he finishes down the aisle section.​


Jim Ross:​
We are set Coach. Money in the B-


The Coach:​
Ssssshhhh!!! Just listen baby boy. Lil’ Wayne is in the hizzouse, and he’s leading the best thing on Smackdown to the ring. THIS is what the Granddaddy of ‘em all is all about.


Jim Ross:​
Celebrity and WrestleMania goes hand in hand, but this isn’t MTV Coach. M.V.P can have all the special effects he wants in his entrance, but it’ll mean nothing if he cant grab that briefcase.


Lil’ Wayne finishes up his piece, as Porter starts jogging across the ring, back and forth off the ropes, as we await entrant #2.​


**VOICES**​


The Legend Killer strolls onto the ramp, looking confident and assured, desperate to finally win a match at WrestleMania, after THREE losses in three attempts.​


Jim Ross:​
Perhaps, the greatest wrestler NEVER to win a match at WrestleMania Coach. The Career Killer looks to put that frankly shocking record to rest tonight. He’s never won a ladder match though Coach, and in fact, in his only ladder match to date, he lost to Shawn Michaels at this very event three years ago.


The Coach:​
Tonight though, Orton puts the record straight. He’s not a WrestleMania choke artist like you make him out to be, he’s just had a lot of bad luck.


Jim Ross:​
I certainly do not make out Orton to be a choke artist Coach. I’ve merely pointed out the fact he’s never won at the biggest event of them all. To his credit though, until tonight, he’s only ever competed in World Championship matches at WrestleMania. He’s never had it easy.


**WORLDS GREATEST**​


The late Smackdown entry, Charlie Haas enters to minimal fanfare. Haas wastes no time, and jogs down the aisle.​


Jim Ross:​
Big time opportunity for Haas tonight Coach. In comparison to Orton, Haas has NEVER LOST at WrestleMania. He has however, never competed at this event as a singles wrestler.


The Coach:​
Indeed those four victories have all come as part of the Worlds Greatest Tag Team along with … you guessed it … MY BOY Shelton Benjamin!!! And J.R, don’t be surprised if we get a little reunion in this one tonight.


Jim Ross:​
That would be a smart move for either man, and it could spell trouble for the other six.


**LOVE TO FIGHT**​


Despite his advancing years, this is the veteran Irishmans debut at WrestleMania. The fearless Belfast bruiser wastes no time, much like Haas, storming down the ramp, waving his shillelagh.​


Jim Ross:​
A potential dark horse Coach. Finlay has a tonne of experience, invaluable experience, and he is as tough as a two dollar steak for by. He’ll thrive under these conditions, and that’s for sure.


The Coach:​
We all know Finlay can take incredible punishment. We know he enjoys that punishment, but can he climb that ladder, grab his briefcase, and find himself with a golden opportunity to become a world champion for the first time in his illustrious career.


Jim Ross:​
He’ll be fighting to the end Coach, that’s for sure, and he’ll love it too!!!


**STAY IN SHADOW**​


Paul London roars onto the stage, getting a huge response from the 70,000+ fans, with many picking the rising Golden Boy as a real contender to win it all tonight, in an environment that suits him perfectly.​


Jim Ross:​
Perhaps Coach, the biggest rising star on Smackdown. Paul London has had the second longest reign as Cruiserweight Champion in history, he’s a former tag team champion, and tonight, he’ll look to win the Money in the Bank contract to take him one step closer to becoming World Champion.


The Coach:​
As much as I enjoy seeing this guy do his thing J.R, he’s not got enough to overcome the stars on show in this one. He’s good … but just not good enough.


Jim Ross:​
We’ll see about that Coach. I wouldn’t whole heartedly agree with ya on that one.


**SOMEBODIES GONNA GET IT**​


Shelton Benjamin - alone - enters the arena. He stands at the top of the ramp for a moment, taking a few deep breaths, then smiles, and runs down the aisle, excited to be part of WrestleMania as a singles star.​


Jim Ross:​
And here he is Coach, your pick.


The Coach:​
Absolutely. THIS is the night that Shelton Benjamin arrives on the big stage. The Brotherhood is about to shoot into the stratosphere.


Jim Ross:​
He has the tools, but looking around that ring, he’s joined by many others in the exact same boat.


**SPIT IN THE FACE**​


Carlito saunters onto the stage, getting a decent ovation from the fans, and nods his head in support, before dropping his apple down and jogging towards the battle zone.​


Jim Ross:​
The only man who can enter this match with experience from competing in last years inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match. Does Carlito have an added advantage Coach??


The Coach:​
Possibly, but ultimately, that wont affect how tonight’s match plays out. This isn’t last year, and Carlito will be starting over from square one.


Jim Ross:​
And after a torrid 2006, Carlito has got off to a pretty good start in 2007. Undoubtedly, he’ll look to mark his return to form with a guaranteed shot at a World Title shot anytime in the next twelve months.


**VIRTUAL VOODOO**​


Raws Samoan Bulldozer enters the fray, picking up the attention of all seven in the ring, as the 350 pound savage paces down the ramp with Armando Estrada trying to get a few last instructions in his ear.​


Jim Ross:​
Well, how do ya stop this animal?? How do ya keep him down long enough to climb a ladder??


The Coach:​
Good question, but how do you know he’ll be able to climb a ladder J.R?? How do you know he’ll know the object of the match?? If I was Shelton Benjamin, or any of the other guys, I’d make a beeline for Estrada, take him out, and you render Umaga useless.


Jim Ross:​
Interesting view Coach. We’ll see if anyone has been thinking what you’ve been thinking. We are set here folks. All eight men have now entered, and one of them is set to win himself a championship match, good for one year.


Estrada continues to bark instructions at his savage, with him stopping Umaga on the ramp, drilling one final point to him, then points at the ring, with Umaga nodding, and runs down the aisle, into the ring … with the other competitors all jumping on him in a massive attack to the biggest threat!!!​


Money in the Bank Ladder Match:​


WINNER HAS AUTOMATIC TITLE SHOT ANYTIME IN NEXT 12 MONTHS​


Umaga​
vs. M.V.P vs. Finlay vs. Paul London vs. Randy Orton vs. Charlie Haas vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito

As Umaga is pounced on, we see there is one man that hasn’t joined the others to wipe out the Bulldozer … with Randy Orton standing in the background, watching the action unfold, slowly and quietly backing up, slipping out of the ring, and making a beeline for the set up ladders sliding one inside, looking to quickly steal the briefcase. Orton tries to quietly work his magic as the beat down continues on Umaga, with all focus off Orton. The Career Killer now tries to race up the ladder before being spotted, but doesn’t get away with it, as he is eventually spotted by Carlito, who informs London, and quickly, the other six competitors have been made aware of Ortons situation. Suddenly, they all but Finlay -who continues to beat on Umaga - scramble to the ladder, with Shelton getting to it first, racing up behind Orton, whilst on the other side of the ladder M.V.P climbs, connecting with hard shots that rock Orton. Thanks to that, Benjamin is able to drag the leader of the New Wave down from the ladder, preventing him from a quick win.

From there, Benjamin pairs off with Orton, and the remaining six men pair off, as Finlay finds himself now on the receiving end of punishment from a now vertical Umaga. Elsewhere, Carlito and Haas battle in the corner, and Paul London is forced to scramble up the ladder to pull down MVP, who looked to sneakily capitalise. Eventually, Orton gets the better of Shelton, throwing him through the middle rope, following to the outside, whilst the battle between Finlay and Umaga spills out of the ring too, as do Porter and London, leaving just Carlito and Haas in the ring.

Carlito has the upper hand, rocking Charlie with straight right hands, then backs up to push himself off the ropes, but as he comes at Haas, Charlie ducks under, goes behind … AND DELIVERS A SICK GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE SET LADDER!!!!! The ladder topples down, as Carlito rolls around, holding his neck from the impact of the release German. Quickly, Haas senses the opportunity, and sets the ladder up, but only gets as far as a few rungs before Paul London stops him, pulling Charlie down, and strikes with a combination of punches before sending him off the ropes, and throwing him into the ladder!!! Haas collides with the steel, and goes down to the mat, with the ladder toppling to the canvas again.

London quickly moves in on the ladder, picking it back up … and LAUNCHES the ladder at BOTH Carlito and Haas!!! The impact of the ladder sends both CCC and Charlie out of the ring, as London conveniently slants the ladder on the ropes, but before he can do anything with it, London spots Umaga on the opposite side of the floor, takes a quick look around … and runs across the ring … LAUNCHING HIM OUT OF THE RING WITH A SUICIDE DIVE … AND GETS CREAMED WITH A LADDER BY UMAGA!!!!! The fans gasp as London writhes on the floor, with Umaga slamming the ladder on top of London, around the other side of the ring, Finlay and MVP attack each other with Orton joining in, throwing blows at both men as the camera switches back to the ring, with Shelton Benjamin readying himself … AND RACES ACROSS THE RING … AND RUNS UP THE SLANTED LADDER … SAULTING TO THE OUTSIDE … AND CRASHING ONTO THE UNSUSPECTING TRIO OF FINLAY, PORTER AND ORTON!!!

The fans come alive at the high flying exploits of Benjamin, with Finlay, Orton, MVP and Benjamin down, whilst Carlito and Haas are still recovering, and on the other side of the ring, Umaga is still standing over London. The Samoan Bulldozer now gets inside the ring, and looks around, almost as if he’s lost, not knowing what to do, or where to go. Estrada (who is at ringside), begins to bark orders at his savage, instructing him on what to do. Umaga, still seemingly confused, slowly makes his way to the ladder, still slanted at the ropes, and picks it up, then sees Carlito on the apron, and charges at him, nailing him with the ladder, knocking CCC back off the apron. Now, Umaga places the ladder over his head, putting his head between two of the rungs, WEARING THE LADDER!!! Charlie Haas is back in the ring, BUT UMAGA SWINGS AROUND, BASHING THE END OF IT INTO THE FACE OF HAAS, KNOCKING HIM DOWN!!! Umaga turns around, with Benjamin leaping off the top rope … BUT GETS CRACKED WITH THE SWINGING LADDER BY UMAGA!!!

Another gasp develops around the SuperDome, as Benjamin rolls back out of the ring, leaving Umaga ALL ALONE!!! Now, Estrada is forced to jump onto the apron, and instruct the savage that the aim is to CLIMB the ladder, and retrieve the briefcase. Umaga slowly nods, and takes his time to position the ladder, directly under the briefcase, then, SLOWLY begins to ascend up the fifteen foot ladder … and looks to be struggling. Is he scared of heights?? Umaga, not used to climbing ladders appears to be taking TOO LONG, as MVP enters the equation, climbing up behind the Bulldozer, grabbing his leg, stopping him from continuing. Umaga kicks him off, but MVP comes back for more, determined to stop the 350 pounder from collecting the prize. As this happens, Randy Orton is back, and he slides a ladder inside, quickly setting it next to Umagas ladder, and scaling the fifteen foot object, whilst Umaga again shakes off MVP. He then attempts to continue his ascension … BUT ORTON STOPS HIM … RKO OFF THE LADDER!!!!!!!!!

Umaga rolls right out of the ring from the impact, whilst Orton slowly gets to his feet, feeling the effects of the landing himself. But as he reaches his feet, he is met by Porter, who picks up the scraps, with a kick to the gut, and looks to hit the Play of the Day … BUT ORTON SPINS OUT … RKO!!! Orton jumps right back up … BUT GETS FLATTENED WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE BY FINLAY!!! The Irishman is back in contention, and wastes no time, quickly scaling the ladder, BUT CARLITO IS THERE TO STOP HIM … CHASING UP ON THE SECOND LADDER … THEN JUMPS TO FINLAY … BACK CRACKER OFF THE LADDER!!!!!!!!!!

The fans gasp once again, with the broken bodies piling up in the ring. Randy Orton is back up, leaning on the ropes, tripping into the ladder, and now begins to scale the object, but much slower than before, not getting too far, before we spot a rejuvenated Paul London re enter the ring … AND HE PUSHES THE LADDER OVER … WITH ORTON CROTCHING THE TOP ROPE … AND FALLING TO THE OUTSIDE!!! In the ring, London senses the opportunity, and re-positions the ladder under the briefcase, looking to grab the guaranteed title shot … but on the other side … Charlie Haas is also climbing the ladder, making it a race to the top. And it’s a dead heat, with the two men meeting at the top, trading blows, London winning that battle at first, but Haas manages to block a shot, then ram the Golden Boys head off the top rung.

London teeters at the top, whilst Haas readies himself … (and Benjamin holds the ladder to keep it steady) … AND HAAS LEAPS OVER … CONNECTING WITH A SUNSET POWERBOMB … OFF THE LADDER!!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly, a ‘HOLY SHIT’ chant reverberates around the massive arena, as Londons body folds up like an accordion, with Haas not much better off. On the outside, Umaga and Estrada are seen setting up a TABLE, but are cut off, as Estrada spots Shelton Benjamin now climbing the ladder, quickly telling his beast to stop him. Umaga slides back in, and begins to rock the ladder, with Shelton hanging onto the ladder. He drops down a couple of rungs, kicking out at the savage, then LEAPS OFF … BUT UMAGA CATCHES HIM … FLINGS HIM ONTO HIS SHOULDERS … SAMOAN DROP!!! The ring shudders on the impact, as Umaga gets back up, AND CATCHES CARLITO SPRINGING OFF THE ROPES … THROWING HIM AROUND LIKE A RAG DOLL AND POWERSLAM!!!

The Samoan Bulldozer gets up, looking at the carnage, and spots Finlay now staggering at the corner, not wasting a second, AND BOUNDS ACROSS THE RING AT HIGH SPEED … HITTING HIM WITH THE BUTT SPLASH IN THE CORNER!!!!! Orton is back in now … BUT HE GETS NAILED WITH A SUPERKICK!!! Umaga is taking over!!! The savage is then stopped by MVP, who shows some bravery to come after him, connecting with a few blows, then runs off the ropes … BUT UMAGA SCORES WITH A SCINTILLATING ROLLING HEEL KICK!!! The Samoan Bulldozer jumps back up, and roars in his tribal tongue, grabbing the ladder, positioning it -beside the ropes, and stupidly too far from the case-, and begins to climb … slowly again, like before … but with a free run to the top … UNTIL THE SIGHT OF THE LITTLE BASTARD APPEARS FROM UNDER THE RING!!!

The leprechaun slips into the ring, and looks to scale the ladder to stop the beast … BAD FUCKING IDEA!!! He climbs up ON Umaga, with the Samoan taking the little man on the journey with him, but the Little Bastard tries to rake at the eyes of the unstoppable force, and Umaga swings his elbow, but misses the midget, who climbs over Umaga … BUT DOESN’T GET AWAY!!! Umaga grabs the squirt, with the leprechaun dangling in a comedic manner … but what happens next ISNT funny … AS HE GETS THE SAMOAN SPIKE … OUT OF THE RING … THROUGH THE TABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

‘HOLY SHIT’ is the chant repeated around the SuperDome, as the Little Bastard takes a sick plunge off the ladder and through the table on the outside (explaining why the ladder was positioned so far from the centre). Now, Umaga -under instruction from Estrada, who gets in the ring to help- drops back down from the ladder, dragging the object to the centre of the ring, under the briefcase, with Estrada giving him a double thumbs up … BEFORE FINLAY BURSTS BACK INTO ACTION SPURRED ON BY WHAT HE JUST SAW HAPPEN TO THE LITTLE BASTARD … attacking BOTH Umaga and Estrada with the shillelagh!!! Cracking the weapon off the legs of Umaga, chops the big man down, and a big shot to the head of Estrada puts him down. Enraged, Finlay pushes the ladder down, nailing Umaga again to keep him down, then drags the dishevelled Estrada up, GETTING HIM INTO POSITION … AND NAILS THE CELTIC CROSS ON THE LADDER!!!

Finlay doesn’t stop there, getting right back on Umaga, desperate for revenge, pounding the savage, who fights back up, but Finlay scores with a short clothesline, sending Umaga tumbling out of the ring, with the Irishman following out. We then see a team of paramedics surrounding the broken body of the little bastard, carrying him out on a stretcher.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Randy Orton is first to act, rolling the broken body of Armando Estrada off the ladder, picking it back up … and quickly spots Benjamin … AND LAWN DARTS THE LADDER AT THE BLACK DIAMOND!!! Benjamin topples off the apron, FALLING ONTO CARLITO and hitting the floor again, with the ladder also falling to the outside. With that, Orton makes a beeline for the second ladder, but again, uses it as a weapon, rather than climb it, ferociously sliding the ladder across the mat … AND INTO BOTH UMAGA AND FINLAY ON THE OUTSIDE!!! Orton now turns his attention to the briefcase, hanging high above the ring … but he doesn’t have a ladder!! Frantically, The Career Killer begins to look around, but before he can find a ladder … Haas smashes him with one to the back!!! Orton tumbles into the ropes, as Haas looks to quickly get it over, setting the ladder up, and climbing … but Orton recovers quickly and follows on the opposite side, with a race on to the top … but not for long … as MVP follows Orton … CATCHING HIM HALFWAY … AND DELIVERS AN ELECTRIC CHAIR OFF THE LADDER!!! It’s a free run now for Haas surely …


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…


BUT PAUL LONDON LEAPS OFF THE ROPES … AND KNOCKS HAAS OFF WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!! Amazing athleticism from the Golden Boy, stops Haas from claiming victory!!! London slowly stirs, as does MVP on the other side of the ring, with both men slowly crawling towards the ladder … but the two men see each other, and pull themselves to their feet, and engage in a fist fight instead … but not for long, as Benjamin is back, and looks for a Frost Kick on London … but he ducks it, just in time … AND BENJAMIN CATCHES MVP INSTEAD!!! Porter falls into the ropes, as London ducks under Shelton, bouncing off the ropes, coming back at him … BUT BENJAMIN CATCHES HIM AND THROWS HIM BACKWARD … WITH LONDON ADAPTING IN MID AIR … AND HEADSCISSORS MVP TAKING HIMSELF AND PORTER OUT OF THE RING!!!

In the ring, Benjamin now moves toward the ladder … but Carlito stop him … SPRINGING OFF THE ROPES WITH A DROPKICK!!! Carlito scores with a lovely dropkick, and gets back to his feet … BUT GETS TURNED INSIDE OUT BY UMAGA!!! The Samoan Bulldozer is once again in charge, and climbs the ladder for success … but as he does, the fighting Irishman comes back inside brining a ladder with him, setting it next to the savage. He begins to climb, and catches up with Umaga, who is on the other ladder. Finlay clubs the back, before putting one foot on a rung of the ladder Umaga is on, grabs him from behind, and HIT’S A RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP OFF THE LADDER!!!!! The SuperDome comes alive, with both men rolling around, both feeling the effects of the Russian Leg sweep off the ladder.

As both Umaga and Finlay roll out of the ring, Charlie Haas begins to stir again, and reaches his feet, staring at the ladders, then nods, seeing the window of opportunity open up again … BUT ORTON HAS OTHER IDEAS … AND LOOKS FOR THE RKO … BUT HAAS COUNTERS … AND DUMPS ORTON OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!!!!! Haas smiles, nods again, and now goes for the ladder … BUT PAUL LONDON CUTS HIM OFF … kick to the gut … and London uses the ladder to spring off … TORNADO DDT!!! London takes Haas out of the equation, and crawls to the ladder, now aiming to realise his goal, to realise his dream … and begins to climb!!! London pulls himself forward, as the fans begin to chant his name, willing the gutsy star to climb for glory. The run is stopped though … BY MVP!!! Porter, from the other side of the ladder, throws right hands at London, but the Golden Boy fights them off, AND MANAGES TO TRIP HIM!!! Porter falls backward, hanging on the ladder with his foot caught, leaving Paul London with the free run to the briefcase!!!!!


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…


It looks like London is going to make it … BUT ON THE SECOND LADDER … CARLITO HAS CAUGHT UP!!! Carlito pounds the back of London, stopping the Golden Boy, bouncing his face off one of the steps, which allows Carlito to follow up, and steps one foot onto the ladder London is on, hooking him up … APPLE CORE OFF THE LADDER!!!! The two men splat off the canvas with a sickening thud!!! The fans are still on their feet, in amazement at the massive spot from Carlito. With Carlito and London out of the equation … MVP IS ALL ALONE!!! He pulls himself back upright on the ladder where his leg was trapped, and has a free run!!! The camera closes in, and we see the cocky superstar with a grin on his face, realising the match is his for the taking now, with everyone around him incapacitated!!! He now makes the final climb, having already been near the top of the ladder…


…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…MVP REACHES THE SUMMIT, BUT SHELTON BENJAMIN KNOCKS HIM OFF WITH A THIRD LADDER AT THE LAST MOMENT…

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Porter falls into the ropes, and now, we see Charlie Haas in the ring, as he and Shelton Benjamin share a look to one another … AND NOD … Haas and Benjamin now together with ladders … SANDWICH MVP!!! Porter staggers around after the impact, but Haas and Benjamin {The former tag team}, work together, and throw the highest paid superstar on Smackdown out of the ring, teaming together!!! Now, it’s just the former Worlds Greatest Tag Team in the ring, and despite both men being heels, the fans pop for the momentary reformation of one of the most popular teams in recent years. Haas and Benjamin nod at each other, before both Baseball slide the fighting Irishman, Finlay. TWGTT get back up now, and jump in on Orton as he rejoins the action, with the former tag champions working like a well oiled machine. The duo drop Orton onto the top rope, with Haas grabbing the Career Killers leg in a wheelbarrow position, with Benjamin picking up steam … AND LEAPS OVER HAAS … CRASHING ONTO THE BACK OF ORTON!!! Vintage Haas and Benjamin!!!

The Black Diamond now backs into the opposite corner, with Haas setting Orton in the corner, and the two nod again. Benjamin now charges across the ring, with Haas placing a ladder against Orton … STINGER SPLASH ONTO ORTON AGAINST A LADDER!!! Orton drops out of the ring, and Benjamin staggers back out of the corner following the move … AND HAAS ENDS THE SHORT LIVED PARTNERSHIP … RAMMING BENJAMIN RIGHT INTO THE RING POST - SHOULDER FIRST!!!!! The SuperDome gives Haas major heat for turning on Benjamin, as he eyes the prize again, grabbing the ladder, and setting it bang in the middle of the ring, looking to shock the world and win the briefcase. Haas climbs, constantly looking to the sky, seeing how far he has to go…


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…


BUT BENJAMIN IS BACK!!! The Black Diamond climbs the opposite side, and catches the attention of Charlie. Charlie looks down at Benjamin who is four rungs away on the opposite side, taking a look towards the case himself. Haas reaches for the briefcase, but again, is distracted by the presence of Shelton Benjamin. He looks down again, and now looks to be deciding to wait for Shelton to catch up, and try to knock him off instead, and then go for glory. Benjamin manages to catch up, and is ready for any offence coming from his former partner, and blocks a punch, before firing one of his own. He throws another, then a third, before hooking Haas up, looking for the T-Bone, but Haas fights it, breaking free. Charlie looks to throw a punch at his opponent, but Benjamin now ducks his punch again, and this time, quickly gets Haas into position … AND FLIES OFF THE LADDER WITH A T-BONE FROM THE TOP CRASHING ONTO THE MAT!!!!

The ring shudders from the impact, as Haas and Benjamin take one another out of the match!!! With the fans in disbelief at what they are seeing, there isn’t a moment to recover, as the rigged Irishman pulls himself back inside, looking to capitalise on the carnage. For a split second, we get a look around the ringside area, where six tables have been set up all stacked up in two sets of three, whilst another ladder has been positioned, balanced on the barrier and the apron.

In the ring, Finlay repositions the ladder, then turns, AND MVP IS BACK … AND THROWS A CHAIR AT HIM!!! Finlay catches it though, and swings at Porter, but he ducks … AS ORTON SLIPS INSIDE … with Finlay turning around … AND ORTON SMASHES THE CHAIR INTO FINLAYS CHAIR … INTO FINLAYS FACE!!! Finlay goes down like a sack of shit, as Orton turns around … AND CRACKS THE CHAIR OVER THE HEAD OF PORTER TOO!!! Montel goes down, with Orton standing over him … and he doesn’t see Carlito enter the fray, as he picks up the chair from Finlays broken body, and lies in wait … as Orton turns around … CHAIR SHOT TO THE CAREER KILLER!!!

Carlito now looks to the fans, showing a sly grin, as a ‘CAR-LIT-O’ chant develops around the sold out SuperDome. Carlito nods at the reaction, and mouths to the fan ‘DAS COOL’ before turning his attention to the prize, and wastes no time, grabbing the ladder, and setting it under the briefcase. Carlito now makes his move, looking to completely eradicate his miserable 2006 … and pushes his broken body as hard as he can up the fifteen foot ladder …


…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…In the corner of the ring, Paul London now has a TWENTY FOOT ladder, and sets it up … but it‘s too far away from the briefcase…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…London doesn’t seem to realise the urgency, as he slowly climbs the twenty foot ladder…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…Carlito spots London, but continues anyway, seeing the Golden Boy so far from the briefcase…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…

… CARLITO IS THERE … HE REACHES UP … AND GRABS THE BRIEFCASE … BUT MVP TAKES THE LADDER AWAY!!!!! … THE EXACT SAME THING THAT COST CARLITO IN LAST YEARS MATCH!!!!!

Carlito is left to dangle, and swings around in the air, holding on for dear life, trying to unhook the case, even at the sake of his own safety, whilst Paul London has climbed the second ladder in the corner of the ring, right to the top, but Carlito can only watch … and wait for the impact … AS LONDON LEAPS OFF THE LADDER … AND CATCHES CARLITO WITH A DROPSAULT … AND CARLITO LOSES HIS POWER TO HANG ON!!! BOTH MEN CRASH … AND … BURN!!!!!

For the third time, a loud, ‘HOLY SHIT’ chant echoes around the 75,000 strong audience, with broken bodies amassed around the ring, and the ringside area, but as yet, no one has ended the carnage. There is though, one man still standing … M.V.P!!! The undefeated half man, half amazing superstar now puts the ladder back under the briefcase, BUT DOESN’T GET A CHANCE TO CLIMB … AS UMAGA IS BACK!!! Porter puts up a valiant fight against the savage, but is no match for him, as Umaga cracks him with a hat trick of stiff head butts, then throws him over the top rope, to the outside, clearing his path for victory … but then he spots the broken body of Finlay in the corner. The Samoan Bulldozer takes a look around, then grabs the ladder, and positions it in the corner, against the veteran, slowly back up into the opposite corner … yells out … THEN RACES ACROSS THE RING … RUNNING BUTT SPLASH TO THE LADDER INTO FINLAY!!!!!!

Finlay is crushed in the corner, and Umaga couldn’t care less!!! He grabs the ladder, and momentarily struggles to open it up after it was dented from his own impact against it. He then gives up on it, and throws it down, grabbing the bigger, twenty foot ladder used by London moments ago. The Bulldozer sets it in the middle of the ring, and now looks to end proceedings … but one man has other ideas … Randy Orton!!! The Career Killer now trudges up the opposite side of the ladder, looking to catch Umaga … and does so quickly with the big man very uncomfortable on the ladder. Orton tries his best to rock Umaga, and at least manages to contain him … as Shelton Benjamin now re-enters, and bravely (stupidly) attempts to power bomb Umaga off the ladder, but just isn’t strong enough … BUT HELP FROM CHARLIE HAAS CHANGES THE OUTCOME!!! Haas joins his former tag team partner again … AND THE WORLDS GREATEST TAG TEAM … POWERBOMB UMAGA … OFF THE LADDER … OUT OF THE RING … THROUGH THE HORIZONTALLY BALANCED LADDER!!!

The balanced ladder COLLAPSES under the weight and velocity of Umaga, and the fans go absolutely nuts!!! In the ring, both Haas and Benjamin stop in amazement of what they just did … both frozen on the spot … UNTIL RANDY ORTON SPINS HAAS AROUND … RKO!!! Orton bounces up, looking to do the same to Benjamin, but Shelton pushes him away, then looks for a kick … but Orton catches the foot … ONLY FOR BENJAMIN TO STRIKE WITH THE DRAGON WHIP!!! Orton tumbles out of the ring, as Benjamin now attempts to climb … but Paul London stops him … USING A TEN FOOT LADDER AS A JOUSTING WEAPON … NAILING BENJAMIN IN THE HEAD!!! Benjamin falls off, and falls into Finlay, with both men tumbling out of the ring, to the floor below!!!

Now, London drops his ladder, and looks for the long climb on the big one … BUT HE GETS BLIND SIDED BY A BIG BOOT FROM MVP!!! London is out of the running now, as Porter wastes no mare time, instantly looking to climb … whilst on the other side … CARLITO IS CLIMBING TOO!!! The two men see each other, and look to push themselves harder, desperate to make the summit before the other … pushing their broken bodies to the absolute limit, as the race to the top intensifies …


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…It’s neck and neck between the two enemies…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…

…BOTH MEN REACH THE TOP … AND BEGIN TO TRADE BLOWS … WITH CARLITO WINNING THE FIST FIGHT!!! The Caribbean native hammers Porter, with MVP hanging on with one arm … then swings back … AND RAKES THE EYES!!! That sneaky move ends the momentum Carlito had, leaving him at the mercy of MVP, who hooks Carlito up … INTO POSITION FOR A SUPLEX … but before he can deliver … PAUL LONDON IS BACK IN … AND HE TIPS THE LADDER … WITH BOTH MEN FALLING … AND CRASHING THROUGH THE SIX STACKED TABLES!!!!!!!!!!

The fans are going nuts, as officials race to the aide of both Porter and Carlito, under the rubble of the tables, whilst Paul London cant afford to waste a split second … and he resets the ladder … he’s all alone … AND HE BEGINS TO CLIMB TO GLORY!!! A huge cheer erupts, as the massively popular Golden Boy slowly pulls his body up the ladder, with the fans willing him on to score the upset victory…


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…


…LONDON MAKES IT!!! Paul London reaches up … touches the briefcase … AND TOPPLES BACKWARD … AS RANDY ORTON TIPS THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE LADDER … AND LONDON FALLS BACKWARD OFF THE LADDER … TO THE OUTSIDE … CRASHING ONTO BENJAMIN, HAAS AND FINLAY!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone is out, everyone is done … EXCEPT for Randy Orton!!! The Career Killer looks spent, but shows a smile, knowing it’s a matter of climbing the ladder, and he begins his ascent … having to will himself on, taking longer than normal to climb.


…SIX RUNGS TO GO…

…FIVE RUNGS TO GO…

…FOUR RUNGS TO GO…

…THREE RUNGS TO GO…

…TWO RUNGS TO GO…

…ONE RUNG TO GO…

…Orton reaches the summit … he reaches up … AND UNHOOKS THE BRIEFCASE … WINNING THE MATCH…
!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND NEW MISTER MONEY IN THE BANK - RANDY ORTON @ 16:56​


The Career Killer has DONE IT!!! Randy Orton IS FINALLY victorious at Wrestle Mania … and he collects a priceless victory … one which guarantees him a title shot ANYTIME in the next twelve months. Orton stands at the top of the ladder, holding the briefcase proudly, hugging the case, as we look at the carnage and broken bodies all around ringside.​


Jim Ross:​
I cant believe what we’ve just seen Coach. In all my years, in all the ladder matches I’ve seen, I don’t know if I’ve ever witnessed a ladder match as crazy as the one we’ve just called. Eight broken bodies, eight careers that may never be the same again. But for one man, all this carnage, all the injuries this match has brought … it will be worth it. Randy Orton has become Mister Money in the Bank, and he now has a title shot, anytime in the next twelve months whenever he chooses!!!


The Coach:​
I don’t think you can ever question the desire of these eight men. Some of these men may never recover, and for those who do J.R … they might never be the same again. We’ve seen it all, and Randy Orton is the last man standing.


Orton climbs down the ladder, and staggers around the ring, falling into the corner, and climbing the ropes, posing with his newly won briefcase. Meanwhile, we see Umaga still surrounded by the broken ladder, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas and Finlay are both on their feet, but clearly out of sorts. Then, we see Carlito and MVP, both men being wheeled up the ramp, whilst Paul London is being loaded onto a gurney also.​


Jim Ross:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, you are looking at the results of a human demolition derby. You are looking at eight men, some of which that may never return after this barbaric match tonight. These eight men have put everything on the line tonight, including their bodies, all for the same prize … a shot at becoming a World Champion. One man, Randy Orton shone above the rest … but will he ever recover to cash it in??


The Coach:​
He’ll be back J.R. Randy Orton put too much into this effort tonight just to walk away. No matter how bad he’s hurt, Randy Orton wont waste his golden opportunity.


Randy Orton drops off the apron, and falls into the ropes, staggering around, as doctors finally tend to the Career Killer, as we fade out.​


…​


***​


A short video package now plays, highlighting the week of events in New Orleans leading to tonight’s showcase. Clips of the structure setting beginning on Monday at the SuperDome are followed by short clips of the official press conference on Wednesday.​


Then, we see a mini Mardi Gras parade by the WWE float on Thursday afternoon, with a showcase tag team match on Bourbon Street, where Booker T & Elijah Burke from Raw defeated Deuce and Domino from Smackdown. That is followed by a Bourbon Street bikini contest between the divas (minus Melina and Alexis Laree, too busy focusing on wrestling at this event), which Kelly Kelly wins.​


Now, the video moves on to the weekend long Fan Axxess, with clips of superstars signing autographs, shaking hands with fans, and short, sharp soundbites from a number of stars.​


A very brief Hall of Fame video plays (with a more detailed one to come later) from last night, and is followed by a shot of the SuperDome from earlier today, as fans began to file into the arena, and a pre-show battle royal, featuring the stars that didn’t make it onto the show, which is won by the impressive Paul Burchill, last eliminating the veteran, William Regal.​


The video package comes to an end, as the fireworks go off at the top of the show.​


***​


…​


Back to ringside, as ‘Sams Town’ blares over the PA…​


Jim Ross:​
We are still trying to clear the mess here at ringside Ladies and Gentlemen, moments ago, eight men risked their livelihoods all for one common goal, and that was the Money in the Bank briefcase. Randy Orton proved to be the last man standing, and The Career Killer now finds himself with a championship match, good for one whole year.


The Coach:​
I mean, look at the carnage J.R. Randy Orton was able to walk out of here, as was Finlay, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Somehow, Umaga, along with Armando Estrada was able to walk out of here, a few seconds ago, Paul London was given a standing ovation for his efforts, but he was helped out of here. M.V.P and Carlito however, had to be taken out on stretchers.


Jim Ross:​
And somehow, it was only those two men, not forgetting of course the Little Bastard, Finlays leprechaun associate, during the match, was spiked from the mid point of a ladder, to the outside, through a table. We have yet to hear any word on the condition of the Little Bastard, but when we do, as well as any news on Carlito or M.V.P, we will notify you all immediately.


Michael Cole:​
Well Gentlemen, that was a match that will not be quickly forgotten, least of all by the casualties in the match. As J.R pointed out Tazz, somehow, six of the eight men involved were able to walk out of here.


Tazz:​
Unfortunately for Smackdown though, the two guys taken away on a stretcher were from our show. Carlito and M.V.P, two of the hottest stars on Smackdown today, taken away on a stretcher, and I just hope it aint anything serious. But, as the saying goes, and I hate to sound callous Cole, bu-


**LONGHORN**​


?????​


The music of J.B.L -not seen since his legit injury at Survivor Series- plays into the arena, and lo and behold … a white stretch limo makes an appearance at the side of the ramp, bearing the famous J.B.L letters and longhorn on the bonnet.​


Michael Cole:​
Is this what I think it is Tazz??


Tazz:​
It looks like it to me Cole.


Michael Cole:​
JBL has not been seen since he was injured at the Survivor Series last November. We were not expecting the self made millionaire to grace us with his presence tonight at WrestleMania … in fact, we weren’t expecting him until the early summer months!!


As the driver opens the limo door, indeed … JOHN ‘BRADSHAW’ LAYFIELD steps out, getting crazy heat from the fans. So much for a welcome back.​


Michael Cole:​
What could J.B.L possibly want, here tonight at WrestleMania??


Tazz:​
He doesn’t look happy Cole, not one little bit. And I cant blame him, he would’ve been guaranteed a big match here tonight, but because of that unfortunate back injury, he’s been forced to watch from the sidelines.


Michael Cole:​
Well, it looks like he’s making a beeline straight toward the ring Tazz. JBL not wasting any time tonight, he’s just ignoring the calls from the fans it appears.


J.B.L steps inside the ring, and buttons up his jacket, before pointing to the time keepers table, demanding a mic. Quickly, he is handed one, as the music dies down slowly, with the self proclaimed Wrestling God, waiting for his moment to speak.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Tanight, this event, is missing one vital component … me.


Boos from the fans, not interested to hear JBL speak.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Cruelly … and sadistically, I was injured at the Survivor Series … by three men … three cowards.


Heat.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Those three cowards could not take me on single handedly. They needed each other to slay the Wrestling Gawd, and put ME out of the picture … but isnt karma … a bitch.


Heat again, whilst JBL looks to his left, with a scowl adorned on his face.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Because since last November … those three men have not have a modicum of the success they expected to achieve by sidelining me. Let’s start with Kane.


Small pop for the Big Red Machine.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
That imbecile followed his big brother like some love struck teenager, and chose to side with him by taking me out. But what happened to him?? Did he win the Royal Rumble?? Is he headlining WrestleMania tanight??


JBL waits for some sort of response, but gets nothing.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
No. Tanight, Kane is convalescing … tanight, Kane is nowhere to be seen … because last month … he had his ankle snapped in half.


Heat again, whilst JBL stands with a cold, unrepenting look on his face.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
And how about … The Rock.


Huge, monumental pop for The Great One.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
The Rock wanted me out of the picture … and he couldn’t do it alone. He jumped on the bandwagon with the Brothers of Destruction, and did what he couldn’t do man to man, and beat … me.


Still seething with rage, JBL continues.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Guess what?? He aint here either. After what happened to me, the WWE realised that they no longer cared for The Rock, and as punishment for conspiring to take out it’s hottest commodity, he’s out of the good graces with this company.


Looks like Vince sent out JBL to air some grievances with The Rock since he let the company down by backing out of WrestleMania for more movies. JBL ignores the heat, and continues on with his tirade.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
No big fat, overblown pay check this year son. You blew your chance Rock. … And that leads me to The Undertaker.


Huge pop for The Deadman.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Now Deadman … tanight, one of two things would’ve happened. One, either I would be in Christians spot in the main event … or two, I would be preparing to break … your … streak.


More heat for the pompous claims from Layfield.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
And I guarantee you … I GUARANTEE YOU … that whichever passage I took tanight … I would’ve been victorious.


The boos rain down on Bradshaw, but his soaks them up with a sneer.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
But I also guarantee you Deadman … I wholeheartedly support Kurt Angle in his quest to beat you here tanight … and in the process … break your ankle.


JBL smiles, as the fans start an ‘UN-DER-TAKER’ chant. Layfield though, with little time to spare, talks over it.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
But I aint planning on doing anything to help him. He doesn’t need it.


Showing another smile, JBL quietly continues.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
Like I said … Karma is a bitch … and tanight, you’ll find that out Undertaker, just like The Rock did … just like your brother did. And I will … love it. And after tanight Taker … I will be coming … for you.


Heat from the fans … but JBL isn’t done yet.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
When I return … and I will … I promise … (smiles) … No. I guarantee … that I will pick up right where I left off on Smackdown … and I will stick it to this company. A company that overlooked my being here tanight … by not offering me the chance to even attend this event this evening.


JBL talks over the cheers.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
That’s right … I paid to come to this cesspit out of my own pocket.


Heat again, especially for the ‘cesspit’ dig.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
First class air fare, my limosuine, and even this time in the ring. All paid for by Layfield Enterprises. But if there is one good thing to come of all this … at least I didn’t have to attend that horrifying Hall of Fame ceremony just across the road last night.


Big time heat for JBL, who ignores the response, and turns his attention to the Raw announce table.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
That man right there … Jim Ross … the single most biased announcer in wrestling history. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Not only him … but a boxer, A BOXER, Mike Tyson, someone who has never wrestled a match in his life. Thank Gawd, that I didn’t have to watch seeing men like those given a place in the most illu-


**REAL AMERICAN**​


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


!!! MONSTER POP !!!​


And HULK HOGAN appears on the stage, dressed in the familiar RED AND YELLOW!!!!! The Hulkster, the lead member of the 2007 Hall of Fame has the fans GOING APE SHIT!!! In the ring, JBL looks furious, irate that his promo time was interrupted. Meanwhile, Cole, Tazz, J.R and Coach are barely heard over the noise that is rocking the Superdome!!!​


The Immortal Hulk Hogan plays to the fans, as he steps inside the ring, with JBL flabbergasted at what he sees. Hogan plays to the fans, before ripping off his shirt, throwing the feather boa to the fans!!! Now, Hogan is handed a mic, with the music dying down … and a ‘HOGAN’ chant deafening throughout the arena!!! Hogan smirks, nodding at the response, but JBL doesn’t allow him to soak it up.​


John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield:​
What the hell is the m-


HOGAN CUTS HIM OFF!!!​


Hulk Hogan:​
Shut your pie hole for just a second jack!!


The fans GO NUTS!!!​


Hulk Hogan:​
Let me tell ya somethin JBL … you’re out here runnin your mouth … runnin down the dudes in the back, the company itself, the Hall of Fame … and you’re runnin down all these Hulkamaniacs brother.


Another crazy pop for The Hulkster!!​


Hulk Hogan:​
Now the way I see it, you’ve got no right dude. You’ve got no right to be out here, no right to be callin out these Hulkamaniacs, no right to be runnin down the rest of the superstars, and you haven’t earned the right jack … you haven’t earned the right to run your mouth about the Hall of Famers.


The fans start a ‘HOGAN’ chant again, as The Immortal One quietens down for a second, before looking at JBL again.​


Hulk Hogan:​
But it seems to me brother, that you’re not the type of dude to take notice of people telling ya to keep quiet … so … what-cha gonna do??


JBL’s eyes widen a little, noticing the line, and knowing what to expect next.​


Hulk Hogan:​
WHAT-CHA GONNA DO, WHEN HULKAMANIA RUNS WILD ON Y-


MICROPHONE TO THE HEAD!!! JBL strikes first, sending Hogan into the ropes, with the mic shot making it’s mark. Layfield throws a big right over the head and back of Hogan, sending the Immortal one down to a knee, as the Wrestling Gawd rips off his jacket, and kicks Hogan in the head with the sole of his shoe, before pulling off his tie, and rolling his sleeves up.​


The atmosphere inside the Superdome is electric, with the fans all over JBL, as he stands over The Hulkster, reigning down forearm blows to the back … but Hogan begins to convulse, shaking wildly, with the fans all picking up on it, and flipping a lid … AS HOGAN SHOOTS UP!!!​


Hulk Hogan pulls out the old No-Sell, with JBL taking a few steps backward, looking at the animated Hulkster, who points at JBL, getting a huge ‘YOUUUU’ in unison from the fans. JBL looks around, stunned at what he’s part of, then comes at Hogan with a big right … NO SELL!!! JBL looks around again, and tries once more … NO SELL!!! Once more, Layfield tries his luck … BLOCKED!!!​


Now, Hogan rattles a right to JBL, with JBL firing back … BLOCKED!!! Hogan scores with a second right, and now a third, pushing Layfield into the ropes, and whips him off the other side … BIG BOOT!!!​


Layfield topples down, as Hogan plays to the crazy fans, cupping his ear … then comes off the ropes {/slowly}, and DROPS THE IMMORTAL LEG DROP ONTO JBL!!!!!​


The Hulkster receives a stunning ovation, as he drags JBL up, AND TOSSES HIM OUT OF THE RING!!! The Hall of Famer wipes his hands, having rid the ring of the trash, as *REAL AMERICAN* kicks in again with the fans on their feet for Hogan!!!​


The Hulkster eats the ovation up, with the fans feeding his huge ego, as Hogan parties like it’s 1985!!! The Hulkster goes through the cupping hand routine, and poses for the fans, giving them a perfect Kodak moment, whilst at ringside, Cole, Tazz, J.R and Coach all savour the moment too.​


Jim Ross:​
Can you believe it?? The Hall Of Famer, Hulk Hogan has given us a WrestleMania moment like no other!!!


The Coach:​
We certainly didn’t expect to see JBL out here … but I never expected Hogan to interrupt the Wrestling God!!!


Jim Ross:​
I think the less said about JBL the better Coach. Thank God that the Immortal Hulk Hogan shut him up.


Michael Cole:​
I couldn’t agree more J.R. Never has Hulk Hogan timed an appearance better. JBL was in need of a trip to the woodshed, as you’d put it J.R, and Hogan gave it to him.


Tazz:​
Listen to these fans Cole!!! This is absolutely freakin insane!!!


Michael Cole:​
They love The Hulkster in Louisiana, of that, there is no doubt.


Hogan begins to leave the ring now, as we fade out from the overlong celebrations from Hogan.​


…​


***​


WWE SHOPZONE COMMERCIAL;​


** ALL WRESTLEMANIA RELATED STOCK REDUCED BY 10% UNTIL APRIL 1ST**​


***​


…​


***​


Backstage now, and we see a three way split screen of the three men involved in the first ever WWE Championship; Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania prepare for the contest;​


- RVD is doing his uncomfortable looking splits, seemingly deep in relaxation, eyes closed, in a good place.​


- Chris Jericho is beginning to lace his boots, and we see little of his actual expression, just him lacing his boots, WITH AUTHORITY~!!​


- And Edge is seen pacing around, back and forth, running his fingers through his hair, breathing heavily, ahead of his biggest ever match, and the opportunity to become WWE Champion for the first time ever.​


***​


…​


Back to ringside with Cole & Tazz, as ‘The Saints Are Comin’ plays;​


Michael Cole:​
Well, it’s been remarkable so far this evening partner, and there is still so much more to come, including of course, THAT triple threat match for the WWE Championship.


Tazz:​
Absolutely Cole. We just saw the three men in preparation. RVD chilled out as always, Jericho getting himself prepared, and Edge … well, on the edge I guess.


Michael Cole:​
Three very different personalities, and of course, that match is set to go down later on this evening. For the first time in WrestleMania history, the WWE Championship is decided in a triple threat match.


**NOTORIOUS K-I-D**​


Unfortunately, there is little fanfare for Kid Kash, as the Cruiserweight Champion is tasked with the privilege of following Money in the Bank and a Hulk Hogan nostalgia segment.​


Michael Cole:​
And speaking of first time ever, tonight, Kid Kash, the WWE Cruiserweight Champion makes his WrestleMania debut, against another WrestleMania virgin, Brian Kendrick.


Tazz:​
You gotta love the Cruiserweights on Friday Night Smackdown Cole. Exclusive to us, and that man right there is the cornerstone of that division.


Michael Cole:​
But if Brian Kendrick is to have his way tonight, The Notorious K-I-D wont be the cornerstone for much longer.


Kash only makes it as far as half way down the ramp, when his music is cut off.​


**HEY YO**​


And Brian Kendrick saunters onto the stage, looking excited ahead of his big opportunity on the Grandest Stage of all.​


Michael Cole:​
He is a former WWE Tag Team Champion Tazz, but Brian Kendrick is yet to taste singles gold in the WWE. He holds a singles win over Kid Kash, but can he tonight do it for the title??


Tazz:​
That’s the million dollar question Cole. This is undoubtedly his biggest match, and I just wonder if he can handle the pressure. Kash is a crafty veteran, and he wont be put off by the magnitude of this event.


Michael Cole:​
Time will tell. It’s been a good night thus far for the champions on Smackdown, as Brent Albright scored an upset over Batista to retain the U.S Title. Can Kash keep his gold too??


Kendrick quickly runs down the rest of the ramp, as we get set for what is likely to be a decent match, viewed by a dead crowd.​


Cruiserweight Championship Match:​


Kid Kash vs. Brian Kendrick​



Kash hands over the title, as the bell rings, with the two men quickly circling, sizing each other up, before wrenching in, and locking up, with Kendrick instantly going behind, dropping down, and tries to surprise Kash with a school boy, 1... Kash pops up quickly. He leans in, but Kendrick again is quickest to move, taking Kash down with an inside cradle, 1... Kick out again. The champion jumps to his feet, with Kendrick looking to deliver with an arm drag, but Kash rolls through it, and ends up countering, delivering a nice arm drag of his own, quickly floating over for a headlock. Kendrick doesn’t waste time in the hold though, and slips out, with the two men both jumping up, and instantly moving to a fighting stance, creating a stand off.

The fans inside the SuperDome give a generous round of applause for the nice action early on, with both champion and challenger acknowledging the response of the fans. They waste little time though, and lock up again, this time with BK applying a side headlock, only for Kash to manoeuvre out, applying a wirstlock, but not for long with Kendrick turning that over, and tripping Kash to the mat, only for the champion to push his legs up, and kick the challenger away, jumping back up, and taking him over with a headlock takedown. Kendrick quickly reverses the headlock into a head scissors, but the Notorious K-I-D pushes out of that, and manages to bridge over Kendrick, 1...2... Kendrick powers up, getting a nice reaction from the fans, as he turns Kash over, and pulls him down with a crucifix pin, 1...2...Kash slips out.

Both men get to their feet and again have a bit of a stand off, with the fans again giving a nice applause for the early counter session. Both men take a walk around the ring, thinking of how to break the stalemate, before locking up once more, this time with the two trying to test the power of each other, and Kash wins out, backing Kendrick into the corner, with the official stepping in to pull the two apart. Kash slowly backs up, holding his hands up innocently … then goes for a slap … BUT KENDRICK DUCKS IT!!! The challenger then pushes Kash into the corner, and unloads with a flurry of punches and kicks, firing up a small portion of the fans, before he is forced from the corner. Kendrick looks pumped up now, trying to get the fans involved (to little success). Kendrick turns, and acts quickly as Kash looks to attack from behind, and catches the champion with a nice spinning heel kick!!! Kash hit’s the mat, and bounces up, falling into the ropes, with Kendrick charging at him, and clotheslines him to the outside!!!!!

Kid Kash falls onto the barricade, and looks a little worse for the wear after the early going, as Kendrick dares him to get back inside. Kash shakes his head violently, trying to shake the cobwebs loose, and staggers around ringside, looking to rethink his game plan. The Champion makes the most of the referees count, taking as long as he possibly can, teasing his re-entry then dropping back to the floor, looking to frustrate Kendrick. The Notorious K-I-D finally does get back inside, and slowly takes his time to lock up with the hungry challenger, and as they do, the champion instantly drives his knee into the gut of Brian Kendrick, forcing the challenger to double over, allowing Kash to club the back, sending his opponent to the mat.
Now, Kash stomps the neck and back looking to weaken the upstart, coming off the ropes, and driving his knee to the lower back of the challenger. Kash turns Kendrick over, and hooks the leg, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Kendrick has far too much in the tank at this early stage, but Kash is beginning to stamp his authority on proceedings. The champion pulls Kendrick up, softening him with a collection of short forearms to the jaw, then takes him over with a snap mare, backing into the ropes, and comes back, with a dropkick to the back and neck. The champion pulls Kendrick down, and pushes him down for a count, 1...2...Kick Out. Kash jumps up, instantly dropping back down, driving his elbow onto Kendrick, and hooks the leg again, 1...2...Kick Out!!

Kendrick is beginning to frustrate Kash now, but the champion does a good job of keeping his frustration in order, hauling the challenger up, and sending him with ferocity into the corner. Kash then looks to gather up a run to the corner at the challenger, but as he charges in, KENDRICK GETS A FOOT UP!!! Kash feels the full force of the boot, and staggers away, allowing Kendrick a moment to compose himself, and charge back out, nailing The champion with a running clothesline. Kash is up quickly, but Kendrick is right on him, whipping him to the ropes, but Kash manages to reverse it, sending Kendrick instead, only for Kendrick to hang to the ropes as he hits them. This forces Kash to charge at him, but the challenger instead BACK BODY DROPS KASH OVER THE TOP TO THE FLOOR!!!
Kash thuds on the mat, as Kendrick takes a moment, waiting for the Notorious K-I-D to reach his feet, and as he does, KENDRICK LAUNCHES HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A SPRINGBOARD CROSS BODY!!! This brings the fairly dead crowd around momentarily, with both men down on the outside. As you’d expect, Kendrick is first to stir, and he pulls himself to his feet, resting for a second on the apron, before dragging the cruiserweight champ to his feet, rolling Kash back inside. Kendrick climbs onto the apron, then takes a look at the turnbuckles, and spins around, to look at the fans, and nods, patting the top turnbuckle, getting a small cheer. The challenger now scales the ropes, perching himself up top, waiting for Kash to stir, and as the champion gets to his feet, Kendrick flies off, looking for a cross body … BUT KASH COUNTERS IN MID AIR WITH A SLAM!!! Again, the fans are momentarily awoken from their slumber, with Kash taking a moment to shake the cobwebs loose, then hooks the leg of the challenger…


……………………1……………………

…………2…………
………
……………………SHOULDER JUST UP……………………
!!!

Kendrick survives the nasty slam, but has gifted the upper hand back to the champion again. Kash stomps the challenger, and then pulls him up, sending Kendrick into the corner again. Kash again takes a few steps back, wanting a run up, and charges at the challenger again, but Kendrick again manages to avoid contact, and propels himself up, and over the top rope, with Kash charging right into the corner!!! The champion staggers out, as Kendrick waits for the right moment, before launching back in, connecting with a Sunset flip, taking the champion over by surprise…


……1……

………………………2………………………
………
………KICK OUT………
!!!!!

Kash is slow to his feet, with Kendrick also beginning to look a little worse for wear, but he has the advantage, and goes behind, but the crafty champion quickly charges at the ropes, and slides as he reaches them, with the momentum sending Kendrick tumbling out of the ring through the middle rope!!! Kendrick hit’s the dirt, with his face splatting off the unforgiving paper thin mats. In the ring, Kash shows a smile, with his wily tactics proving to be effective on that occasion. He gets to his feet, and spots Kendrick somehow up already, but not for long, with the champion charging across the ring, connecting with a baseball slide, sending Kendrick right into the barricade!!! The champion now steps out through the ropes, onto the apron, and flicks the sweat from his hair towards the direction of the fans, getting some heat from the front row section. He then looks back, and sees Kendrick still struggling, and takes the opportunity to hop onto the middle rope … AND DELIVER A SCINTILLATING PICTURE PERFECT SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT ONTO KENDRICK!!!!!

Again, the nice spot gets a momentary pop from the fans, as Kash pulls out a terrific crowd pleaser. The champion slowly pulls himself back up on the apron, then pulls himself together, knowing he has a terrific opportunity to finish off Kendrick now, quickly making a beeline for the challenger, dragging him up, and throwing him back inside. Kash wastes no time, and makes the cover, 1...2... KENDRICK ROLLS THROUGH AND CRADLES KASH … 1...2... KASH FRANTICALLY PUSHES FREE!!! The champion nearly got caught with an unexpected counter from the challenger. Kash is fuming by the audacity of Kendrick, and immediately drops down, pounding the life out of him, with the challenger barely able to cover up from the onslaught. Eventually, the official is forced to step in, and drag an infuriated and nearly highly embarrassed Kid Kash away from Kendrick.
Kash holds up his hands in innocence as the referee berates him for the straight right hands, but Kash then pushes past, and begins to stomp his dogged challenger, then drags him to the centre of the ring, looking for a cover … but is too lazy with it, as Kendrick pulls him back with another crucifix, 1...2...KASH POWERS OUT!!! Again, Kash is furious that he nearly got caught by the tricky challenger, and hauls him up, looking for a simple scoop slam, only for Kendrick to roll through, and cradle the champion once more, 1...2... REVERSAL BY KASH … 1...2... KENDRICK COUNTERS INTO A ROLL THROUGH … 1...2... KASH TURNS IT OVER … 1...2... KENDRICK REVERSES … 1...2... The two men roll towards the ropes … AND KASH USES THEM FOR LEVERAGE …


……1……
………………………
…2…
…………………………………
………THE REFEREE KICKS THE HANDS AWAY………
!!!

… And that allows Kendrick to roll Kash up …

……………1……………
……………
…2…
…………………
……KASH PUSHES OUT JUST IN TIME……
!!!!!

Kash survives, and bounces to his feet, quickly knocking down a rejuvenated Brian Kendrick, but then makes a beeline for the official, arguing with him for kicking his hand, berating him for touching one of the competitors. Kash though, takes too long arguing, and leaves himself open, as he turns around … INTO A CALF KICK FROM KENDRICK!!! Kash stumbles back to his feet, as Kendrick senses the opening, and kicks him in the gut, then looks for the patented SLICED BREAD … BUT KASH COUNTERS … AND CROTCHES KENDRICK ONTO THE TOP ROPE!!!
The agony is plain to see on Kendricks face, with the fans groaning along with him, whilst Kash climbs to the second turnbuckle, and takes full advantage of the weakened challenger, pounding the back to soften him up, then delivers a nasty side suplex OFF THE TOP ROPE!!! Both men crash onto the canvas, with the fans picking up now following two spots back to back. Both competitors are down after the impact, but Kash manages to drape an arm over his challenger for a count…


……………………1……………………

…………2…………
………
……………………SHOULDER JUST UP……………………
!!!

Kash sits right up, and looks at the referee in shock. The champion holds up three fingers, convinced that he should’ve won, but defiantly the referee holds firm, pointing two fingers right back at the champion. Kash gets back to his feet, and looks to the fans, declaring that it’s over, using his hands to emphasise the point. He drags his lifeless adversary to his feet, and looks to be setting up the Dead Level, and looks to throw Kendrick up … BUT IT’S BLOCKED … Kendrick blocks it, scoring with right hands to the gut, freeing himself from the clutches of the champion, and runs off the ropes, charging back at Kash, but Kash sidesteps him, and flings Kendrick over the top rope, sending him crashing to the outside!!! Kash smiles, pointing to his brain, then runs off the ropes himself … AND FLIES TO THE OUTSIDE … WITH A SENTON OVER THE TOP ROPE … ONTO THE CHALLENGER!!!

The Notorious K-I-D bounces up, and plays to the fans, blowing a kiss and slapping his ass, getting a nice amount of heel heat from the on looking fans with the champion turning it up a notch. Kash grabs Kendrick by the hair, and rolls him back inside the ring, making a nonchalant cover, 1...2... The lazy cover costs him on this occasion. Kash gets up, still looking confident, and stomps the chest of Kendrick, before making a beeline to the turnbuckles, hopping up to the middle, then top … AND LOOKS FOR A MOONSAULT … BUT CRASHES AND BURNS!!! KENDRICK MOVED!!! Kash rolls around, holding his face, whilst Kendrick takes advantage, and rolls the champion up from behind, 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

There is an ‘OOOH’ from the fans, as Kendrick looks up in disappointment, thinking he had it won. The challenger senses the momentum shifting though, and connects with forearm shots to the jaw as Kash tries to get up, and looks to send him off the ropes, but the champion reverses, sending Kendrick to the ropes, only for the challenger to bounce off with a springboard … AND REVERSE ELBOW!!! The athleticism draws a nice pop from the fans, with Kendrick really looking to turn it up a notch now. BK wastes no time, and sends a woozy Kash into the corner, following in, and delivering the Matrix like move called Doctor Smooths Secret Recipe!!! Never used in his WWE run, Kendrick pulls out an old move from his days in Japan, drawing an awe-like gasp from the SuperDome, then runs off the ropes, delivering an expert knee lift to the staggering champion, sending him down!!! He covers, 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

Kendrick cant finish Kid Kash off!!! Kendrick shakes his head, on his knees, looking to the referee again, before bouncing up, and trying to lift the fans (too little effect) before dragging Kash up, softening him up with a knee, before looking for the second time to deliver his favourite, SLICED BREAD … AND RUNS UP THE ROPES … BUT AS HE COMES BACK OFF … KASH THROWS HIM OFF!!! Kendrick lands badly on the mat, with Kash spotting the chance, and hurriedly, pulls Kendrick up, AND HOISTS HIM IN THE AIR … DEAD LEVEL … BUT KENDRICK DROPS BEHIND HIM … HOOKS HIS ARM AROUND THE HEAD … RUNS UP THE ROPES … SLICED BREAD CONNECTS!!! Kendrick turns it around in epic fashion!!! The challenger hooks the legs tightly …


………………1………………
……………
…………………………2…………………………
………………………
…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND NEW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION - BRIAN KENDRICK @ 07:55​


Another New Champion is crowned!!! Brian Kendrick, for the first time in his career, becomes Cruiserweight champion, marking his first title reign as a singles competitor!!! The joy is clear to see on Kendricks face, as he is presented with the title belt, hugging it proudly, and showing off his newly won gold to the on looking fans.​


Michael Cole:​
What a tremendous moment in the career of young Brian Kendrick. On the biggest stage of ‘em all, he has realised his dreams, and fulfilled his ambition, by becoming WWE Cruiserweight Champion!!!


Tazz:​
Big ups for a gutsy performance from this kid Cole. Brian Kendrick wasn’t overawed by the occasion, and he will walk out of New Orleans as the new Cruiserweight champ.


Michael Cole:​
It is what dreams are made of Tazz. Brian Kendrick just realised his.


Kash meanwhile, is seen leaving the ring, hands on his hips, head down, completely dejected by this crushing loss at WrestleMania.​


Michael Cole:​
But what a heartbreaking loss for Kash, Tazz. I may not have liked his attitude, but I cant deny that he brought it to the table tonight in a big way. Kid Kash earned by respect with his performance tonight. He was beaten by the better man.


Tazz:​
Huge, bitter disappointment for Kash tonight Cole, but if I know the Notorious K-I-D, he’ll be back for a rematch, and Kendrick better be ready for it.


Michael Cole:​
That may be, but tonight, WrestleMania 23, belongs to Brian Kendrick, the new, and deserved Cruiserweight champion.


Kendrick continues to pose on the turnbuckle, with the title now around his waist, grasping every second of his big moment, as we fade out…​


…​


***​


- WWE DRAFT 2009 | MARCH 26TH | NEXT MONDAY NIGHT | RAW -​


*THREE HOUR SPECIAL*​


***​


…​


Backstage now, Josh Mathews is stood - apple free -, with a smile on his face.​


Josh Mathews:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce my guest at this time, none other than 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, Bret, Hitman, Hart.


The camera pans to a humble looking Bret Hart, nodding to the camera, with the fans popping big time for the appearance by The Hitman.​


Josh Mathews:​
Bret, last night, you were rewarded for your glittering career, and you took your own place in the WWE Hall of Fame to perfectly bookend a glorious career, which of course, ended in the ring, last year at WrestleMania.


Bret smiles, almost embarrassed by the attention, and clears his throat, speaking lowly.​


Bret Hart:​
You know Josh, last night was absolutely perfect. And to be here tonight in New Orleans to attend WrestleMania in person brings back a lot of memories, and as you said, it brings back memories of last year.


Cheers from the fans.​


Bret Hart:​
It’s wonderful to be here, and it’s tremendous for me to get a chance to thank the fans for everything they’ve done for me. All the support they’ve given me over the years. I just want to take this opportunity to thank every single fan for the memories, and you’ll all be in my heart forever.


A ‘BRET’ chant develops in the background, as Hart smiles, nodding at the response.​


Bret Hart:​
I gave everything I could give, and I thank you all for making me the wrestler I was.


Bret turns his head to the side momentarily, but does a double take, and seems to have spotted someone, with the camera spinning around … to show KURT ANGLE!!! The fans give Angle (Brets opponents last year) a huge dose of heat, but Kurt ignores it, walking right into Brets space.​


Kurt Angle:​
The Ghost of Christmas past.


Angle stares into the eyes of Bret, then turns his attention to Josh Mathews, grabbing the mic from the unlucky Josh, who hasn’t had a great night.​


Kurt Angle:​
I’m glad you’re here Bret. In fact, I’m thrilled. Because of you, I went through the worst six months of my entire life last year. In spite of you … I’m about to have the greatest night of my career.


Heat from the fans, with Bret looking disappointed.​


Kurt Angle:​
I want you to know Bret … I want you to realise that last year at WrestleMania you didn’t beat me. The occasion beat me. Tonight though, that’s not gonna happen. Tonight is just another night … the SuperDome is just another arena … and The Undertaker … is just another ankle that I‘ve yet to break.


Hart shakes his head, but Angle continues, brimming with adrenaline.​


Kurt Angle:​
Tonight, I finish my path of redemption. Tonight, I’m gonna wipe you from my memory. I’m replacing the loss last year, with the greatest victory of my life tonight.


Angle smiles, but still has a highly intense look in his eyes.​


Kurt Angle:​
No streak, no occasion, no dome … just one man … taking on … the best there is … the best there was … and the best there ever will be.


Kurt pushes the mic into the chest of Hart, with the intensity showing from Kurt, glaring at the Hall of Famer. Angle now walks off, looking highly intense, facing The Undertaker later tonight. Bret though, just shakes his head, disappointed by Angle.​


…​


Back to ringside…​


Michael Cole:​
Oh boy. Kurt Angle is fired up and raring to go.


Tazz: (Chuckles)
Ya think?? Kurt Angle is one highly intense dude, and I for one, cant wait for him and The Deadman to lock horns tonight.


Michael Cole:​
That’s still to come later tonight of course. Can Kurt Angle finish the streak of the Undertaker??


**LOADED**​


Matt and Jeff, The Hardy Brothers get the fans in the SuperDome on their feet, with a high energy entrance, with pyro shooting to the rafters, as the Hardy Boys team up at WrestleMania for the first time in five long years.​


Michael Cole:​
Tonight, the tagline has been ‘You Never Forget Your First Time’, and although they’ve been in this position before, and they’ve been champions on multiple occasions, the Hardy Boys will never forget this night if they can win for the first time at WrestleMania, and recapture tag team gold.


Tazz:​
The big question though, is after five years, are Matt and Jeff still as good a tandem as they once were?? They’ve worked hard to earn this shot, that’s for sure, but tonight they face the very best tag team in all of the WWE in AMW, this is a huge task for the brothers Hardy.


Michael Cole:​
Undoubtedly, it’s a huge question, but Matt and Jeff always rise to the occasion, and as two brothers, I don’t believe it matters how long they’ve been apart, with the bond they have, they’ll fit like a glove together tonight.


Matt and Jeff continue down the long ramp and aisle, slapping hands with fans, almost jogging down to the ring.​


Michael Cole:​
The anticipation has been growing for weeks Tazz. Many are speculating that this could well turn out to be the greatest straight up tag team championship match in WrestleMania history, between two teams that have never won at this event.


Tazz:​
That fact has been hammered home for the last five weeks, and it is bound to have played into the psyche of both teams. Both will be hell bent on ending that run tonight. And yeah, I’m sure both sides will be looking to live up to the billing they’ve got over the last few weeks.


Matt and Jeff sprint down the remainder of the aisle, and into the ring, jumping to separate turnbuckles … AND AMERICAS MOST WANTED POUNCE!!! AMW attack the challengers before the bell COMING FROM THE CROWD FOR THE SNEAK ATTACK!!!​


The champions get a head start on the challengers, attacking them during the final stages of their entrance, wasting no time at all. The Cowboy shoves Matt over the ropes, and all the way to the floor, rolling into the barricade. Harris clubs the back of Jeff, beating him into the ropes, before being joined by Storm, as AMW send Jeff off the ropes, and together drop the returning superstar with a double back body drop.​


Quickly, Storm picks Jeff back up, holding him for Harris to work on the body, but Matt has quickly recovered, and charges back in, tackling The Wildcat from behind, whilst Jeff wriggles free from Storm, and fights back, knocking The Cowboy off his feet with a string of right hands, then helps Matt, backing Harris into the ropes, sending him off, as Matt and Jeff show the champions they aren’t the only ones that can team up, chasing in, and sending Harris over the top rope to the floor!!!​


Now, in the ring, the Hardy Boys focus on Storm, and pull out the old double wheelbarrow manoeuvre from years ago, getting a tremendous old school pop from the fans!!! Storm rolls towards the ropes, as Harris helps to drag him out, allowing the champions to get themselves together with the match still not officially underway!!!​


AMW take a walk around the ring, getting themselves together, as Matt and Jeff rip off their shirts, throwing them to the fans, calling the champions into the ring, as Harris and Storm finish off their own debate, hopping back onto the apron, as the match is set to officially get underway.​


WWE Tag Team Championships Match;​


Americas Most Wanted vs. The Hardy Boys​



Chris Harris steps in, and locks eyes with Matt Hardy, quickly moving in for a tussle, as Matt is first to act, taking over Harris with a headlock, holding it into the ground, but the Wildcat slips out, and both men quickly get up, as Harris strikes first, catching Matt with a solid right hand, followed by a kick to the gut to weaken Hardy, then sends him off the ropes, but Hardy ducks under a clothesline, comes off the opposite side, charging at Harris, but the Wildcat leapfrogs him, as Matt continues on, into the ropes again, coming back out, but straight into a knee from Harris, followed by a hip toss. He quickly looks to apply a chinlock, but Hardy fights away, and rolls to the ropes, quickly getting up, and meeting Harris for another lock up, and charges Harris into the corner, getting the better of this tussle. In the corner though, Harris pulls away, holding his face, and pointing towards Matt, as if to say he gouged his eyes. Jack Doan quickly sees to Harris, but it’s all a ruse, as James Storm, from behind on the apron, grabs Matt by the hair, and slams him onto the canvas!!!

The Wildcat spots the damage done, and miraculously recovers, quickly getting on the challenger, and stomping him in the corner, then tagging out to his long time tag partner, James Storm. Storm continues where Harris left off, and goes to work on Matt Hardy with stomps to the grounded challenger, before pulling him up, and looking to send him off the ropes, only to get a big surprise on the return, as Hardy rebounds back WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE KNOCKING STORM OFF HIS FEET!!! Matt quickly makes a beeline to his own corner, tagging Jeff in for the first time.

Jeff leaps straight into action, hopping over the ropes and connecting right away with a scintillating mule kick to The Cowboy. Jeff scrambles to the cover, hooking the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Jeff doesn’t slow down for a moment, and batters Storm on the ropes with a barrage of shots, then looks for a whip off the ropes, but Storm reverses it, sending Jeff instead, only for the lightning fast Hardy to bounce back off, AND CONNECT WITH A FLYING FOREARM SMASH!!! Storm staggers to his feet, and into the corner, with Jeff following in, pounding the champion in the corner, with a flurry of messy punches, then looks to send Storm to the opposite corner, but once again, The Cowboy is able to counter the Irish Whip, and again, Jeff is able to think quick, this time leaping to the middle rope, looking to fly back off … BUT STORM SHOVES JEFFS LEGS … AND HE CROTCHES THE TOP ROPE!!!

New Orleans groans, as Jeff winces in pain, and falls off backward, landing on the mat, allowing Storm to drop a simple elbow, and follow with a lateral press for the cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Getting a little cocky, Storm playfully slaps Jeff around the head as the challenger attempts to pull himself up, before reaching over, and tagging Harris back in. Harris joins in on the insulting slap-fest, as AMW take turns to slap Jeff Hardy around the head, ignoring the calls from the referee to cut it out. He finally begins the mandatory five count for Storm to exit the ring, as AMW look to deliver a double team manoeuvre, dragging Jeff up … BUT JEFF SHOCKS BOTH WITH A DOUBLE JAWBREAKER!!!
The excellent desperation move gets a nice cheer from the fans, with both members of the tag champions hitting the floor, feeling the effects of the unexpected move. Meanwhile, Jeff pulls himself back up, and spots Storm looking to pick him off, quickly hauling the top rope down, and the Cowboys momentum sends him tumbling to the outside. Harris is back up, but not for long, as Jeff puts him back down with a front dropkick, before quickly rolling over to his corner, tagging in his fresh brother.
Matt gets right back into the action, as he and Jeff take the moment to double team the Wildcat, backing him into the ropes, then sending him off, connecting together, and sending him down with a double reverse elbow, before both indicate to the other what comes next, as Jeff hoists Harris’ legs, delivering a nice double leg drop to the groin region, as Matt drops an elbow. Matt quickly covers, as Jeff exit’s the ring, and the count is made, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Despite the kick out, Harris doesn’t seem to be with it right now, as Matt continues to pile on the punishment, connecting with his trademark stiff right hands, with Harris having to absorb the blows. He pushes Harris into the ropes, but the Wildcat comes back, with a stiff kick to the gut, then wastes no time, and quickly softens up Hardy with an atomic drop. Sensing an opening, Harris decides to run off the ropes, but thinks wrong, as he comes back … RIGHT INTO THE PATH OF THE SIDE EFFECT!!! Matt rolls into the hook of the leg…


……………1……………
………
………………………2………………………
…………………
…JAMES STORM BUNDLES IN AND BREAKS THE COUNT…
!!!!!

Instantly, Matt gets up, and clubs the back of Storm, but Jack Doan quickly intervenes, stepping in and stopping Hardy, who turns from Storm, looking to get back on Harris, but the Wildcat uses the distraction to his advantage, connecting with a low blow to Matt Hardy whilst the referees back is turned. Jeff sees it, and tries to step in himself, but Jack Doan is on top of him too, and cuts Jeff off, but this also allows further AMW shenanigans, as Storm steps back in, with a running knee lift, putting Matt to the canvas. Harris follows with a knee drop, and makes the cover, 1...Jeff breaks it quickly.
Again, Jack Doan is forced to restrain Jeff Hardy, whilst Harris backs Matt into the AMW corner, stomping the midsection, before tagging back out, bringing the Cowboy back inside. Just like Harris, Storm puts the boots to Matt, and pulls him from the corner, effortlessly delivering a perfect suplex, floating into a cover, 1...2...Kick Out. Storm smiles, then gets back up, slowly backing into the ropes, then comes back off, dropping his elbow into the heart of Matt, straight into another cover, 1...2...Matt pushes out. Storm is quick to reach his feet once more, stomping the head of the challenger, then pulling him up, whipping the struggling challenger to the corner, looking to run at Hardy, but Matt gets an elbow up, right into the face of Storm!!! Matt pulls himself together, and catches a second wind, sensing an opening, and signals for the Twist of Fate … BUT HARRIS ATTACKS HIM FROM BEHIND!!!

Jeff has seen enough, and he sprints into the ring, knocking the cocky Wildcat off his feet with a big forearm splash, and it appears control has been lost, with a four man brawl breaking out in the ring!!! Matt knocks down Storm, then helps his brother take on Harris, with the brothers Hardy working like a well oiled machine, as they appear to be setting up for the Poetry in Motion, as Jeff begins to make his way to the opposite corner, and Matt hunches on the mat - but the champions have other ideas, as The Cowboy delivers a spectacular, thudding clothesline on Jeff, turning him inside out, whilst Harris kicks Hardy in the ribs, then drops an elbow to the back!!! The Wildcat stomps Matt on the canvas, keeping him down, whilst Storm backs Jeff into the corner, with Jack Doan trying his utmost to restore order to no avail. Storm puts the boots to Jeff, then backs up, looking to crush his much smaller opponent, but Jeff manages to move out of the corner, and Storm hit’s the turnbuckles hard.

On the other side of the ring, Harris rams Matt into the corner, sending him right into the turnbuckle, before toppling the former United States Champion over the top, to the outside. Spotting his partner in trouble, with Jeff mounting the corner and pounding Storm, Harris looks to help him out, and runs to the opposite corner, but Jeff spots him coming, leaps to the top rope … AND CONNECTS OFF THE TOP WITH A CORKSCREW MOONSAULT ONTO THE WILDCAT!!! Right off the back of that though, Jeff is up, and performs some more acrobatics, using the ropes to step up and flips his legs into the chest of Storm squashing him in the corner!!!

Having taken care of the champions, Jeff looks around for his brother to help him out, and calls for the pair to team up, which they do, as Matt gets back onto the apron, and the Hardy Boys scale the ropes on opposite sides of the ring, pointing out Storm, and the pair deliver the extreme double leg drop!!! Matt makes the cover, 1...2...HARRIS BREAKS THE COUNT!!! Jeff attempted to cut him off, but Harris got there just in time. Now, as Jeff looks to get his shots in on Harris again, Jack Doan is able to stop him, having lost control of proceedings moments ago. He admonishes him to the apron, whilst Harris softens up Matt with clubbing blows to the back and head. He then innocently backs out of the ring, as Storm looks to pick up the scraps, ramming Matt into the corner, tagging out, wisely, as he looks worse for wear at the time being.
Harris steps in, and sends Matt off the ropes, connecting with a heel kick, and quickly covering, 1...2...Kick Out from Matt. The Wildcat now mounts Matt and begins to strike the challenger with fierce blows to the head, dragging him up, and throwing him into the corner, tagging out to James Storm, keeping the fresh man on the worn down Hardy. Storm whips Hardy off the ropes, and goes for a reverse elbow, but Matt ducks, and runs off the opposite side, with the Cowboy going for another reverse elbow, only for Matt to duck again, but as Hardy comes off the ropes for a third time, The Cowboy catches him with a big power slam, crushing him on the mat. He hooks the near leg, 1...2...Shoulder up!!! Matt survives, as Storm shakes his head in anger.

The Cowboy picks Hardy back up, and drags him to the AMW corner, making a tag back out to Harris. The Wildcat steps in, and begins to stomp Matt relentlessly in the corner, before whipping him into the ropes, and knocking him back down, with a Harley Race like High Knee. He rolls him over and hooks the leg, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Harris looks angry with the count, and slaps his hands together three times, looking to the referee. The Wildcat gets back up, and reaches for a tag, bringing Storm back in, and keeping the champions fresh still, as Harris holds Matts arm up, with Storm putting his boot to the rib. Now, the deadly duo, nod knowingly, and go behind Matt, taking a glimpse at Jeff - who is dying to get back in the action - and deliver a solid double Russian Leg Sweep, allowing The Cowboy to quickly hook the leg with Harris exiting the ring, as the referee makes the count, 1...2...JEFF BREAKS THE COUNT!!! It looked as though Matt would’ve got the shoulder up, but Jeff took no chances, although he now pays the penalty, as Doan is forced to admonish him again, which allows AMW to double up again, as Harris slips back in, and together with Storm drops Matt with a double side suplex. He quickly slides out, and The Cowboy hooks the leg again, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!

Back up, and Storm tags Harris back in legally, before dragging Hardy up, sending him into the corner- HARD - as Harris picks up the scraps, delivering a running bulldog as Matt bounces out, then hooks the leg once more, 1...2...MATT REFUSES TO STAY DOWN!!! Harris slams the mat with both hands, looking up at the official again, looking for a quicker count, giving Hardy a few seconds to regroup, then stands him up, but Hardy is able to block two shots from his opponent, and begins to fire right hands of his own, putting the Wildcat on the backfoot, then looks to dash to his corner, BUT HARRIS STOPS HIM WITH A DROP TOE HOLD!!!

Harris keeps his leg hooked around Matt’s making sure he cant tag out, and reaches up, with Storm tagging back in, and dropping an elbow to the back of Matt, snuffing out his short lived comeback. Harris now rolls out, and Storm drags Matt further away from his brother, then turns him over, and hooks the leg tightly again, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Matt Hardys resilience continues to rile the champions, as Storm shakes his head, unable to believe the fight of Matt Hardy.

The Cowboy, against the wishes of his tag team partner, now hoists himself onto the middle rope, waiting for Matt to pull himself up. On the apron, Harris has his face covered, not expecting this to go well, with his partner taking a risk by going airborne, and looks to hit Hardy with an axe handle, BUT HARDY CATCHES HIM AS HE COMES OFF WITH AN AXE HANDLE!!! Storm hit’s the canvas, as Harris looks to the heavens, knowing it was a bad idea, as Matt now turns his attention to making a tag to Jeff, slowly crawling over, as Jeff reaches out … BUT HARRIS PULLS JEFF OFF THE APRON … NO ONE FOR MATT TO TAG!!!!!
Matt pulls himself up in the corner, looking down at his brother, writhing in pain whilst Harris innocently makes his way back around ringside … as Storm is back up, and attacks Matt from behind, delivering a side suplex!!! Americas Most Wanted again take back control, but this time, Storm doesn’t cover, instead, he gets to his feet, composes himself for a moment, and tags Harris back in, mouthing the words ‘DEATH SENTENCE’. The Wildcat smiles, and nods in agreement, as the champions prepare to finish the job, with Storm getting the groggy challenger into position, and Harris hoists himself onto the middle rope, looking to end it … BUT MATT HAS OTHER IDEAS AND BREAKS FREE … HARRIS HIT’S THE CANVAS!!!

James Storm looks to quickly settle Matt down again, but Hardy looks to be fired up now, and whips The Cowboy into the corner, charging in after him, connecting with a crushing clothesline, then drags him out … AND IN THE PROCESS OF DELIVERING A BULLDOG - USES HIS OTHER ARM TO CLOTHESLINE HARRIS!!!!! The fans come alive as the big comeback looks to be on … as he gets to his feet … sees Jeff back into position … AND MAKES THE TAG!!!
Jeff bounds into the ring, desperate to get up and running after a long spell on the apron … BUT JACK DOAN STEPS IN FRONT OF HIM!!! HE DIDN’T SEE THE TAG!!! AMW managed to catch his attention as the hot tag was made, and Jeff, to his fury and disbelief, is forced back onto the apron!!! Meanwhile, Matt Hardy has been jumped by Harris, having been unaware his brothers tag wasn’t seen, which allows Harris to take advantage … AND DELIVERS THE CATATONIC!!! It could be over, with the leg hooked…

………
………………1………………
…………………
…2…

…………………JEFF BREAKS THE COVER…………………
!!!!!

THE MATCH CONTINUES!!! Once again, the over enthusiastic Jeff is forced out of the ring by Doan, which once again plays into the hands of AMW, with the champions taking the chance to double team again, after Harris tags Storm back in as the legal man. The champions continue their dominance, sending Matt into the ropes, and look to hit a double back body drop on his return … BUT MATT COUNTERS … DOUBLE DDT TO HARRIS AND STORM!!! Matt finally gets both members of AMW incapacitated and has a clear opening now to make the tag to Jeff!!! The fans are solidly behind Matt, as he makes the most out of the drama, slowly crawling across the ring … REACHING OUT … THE TAG IS MADE!!!!

The SuperDome comes alive, as Jeff Hardy hops into action like a coiled spring, knocking Harris down with a forearm splash, then connects with a deep arm drag to Storm, jumps up, and connects with a running clothesline to Harris … then another, before taking over The Cowboy with a big back body drop, before clothes lining Chris Harris once more, sending The Wildcat tumbling out of the ring, through the middle rope, whilst Storm rolls out also. Jeff Hardy is on fire, and doesn’t want to allow AMW any time to recuperate, running across the ring, and jumping to the top rope … CONNECTING WITH A SPLASH TO THE OUTSIDE ON JAMES STORM!!!
Hardy has brought the fans alive here, as he is quick to pull himself back up after the high flying antics, running to the opposite side of the ring, then running the rails … SPLASHING ONTO CHRIS HARRIS!!! The response from the fans is electrifying, as the feeling grows that the titles could be changing hands, with Jeff being the difference maker. Matt throws Storm back inside, with Jeff spotting it, and rolling back inside himself. The brothers link up, and whip the Cowboy into the corner, with Matt sliding down, and Jeff pumping the fans … BEFORE SPRINTING ACROSS THE RING … POETRY IN MOTION CONNECTING!!!!! Storm staggers out, right into the path of Matt Hardy now … kick to the gut … TWIST OF FATE!!! The SuperDome comes to it’s feet, as Jeff scales the ropes, nodding to the fans … AND DELIVERS WITH THE SWANTON BOMB!!! The match is surely won, with the legal man, Jeff Hardy, hooking the leg, and Matt counting along, thinking it’s won…

……………
…1…
……………………………
………2………

……HARRIS PULLS THE REFEREE OUT……
!!!

And as he does, The Wildcat slides one of the title belts inside. Jack Doan is incensed with Harris, scalding him for the interference, whilst Matt decides to take matters into his own hands, running off the apron … CLOTHESLINE TO HARRIS!!! In the ring, Jeff is looking around in shock, not sure if the three count was made or not, looking to the outside, where the referee is too busy looking to stop the attack by Matt … AND STORM LOW BLOWS JEFF HARDY!!! Jeff drops to his knees, as Storm grabs the title belt, somehow staggering to his feet … AND SMASHES THE CHAMPIONSHIP ACROSS THE SKULL OF HARDY!!! He gets rid of the evidence, and calls for the referee, with Doan now seeing the cover, and sliding back in…


…………………1…………………
……………
…MATT SEES THE COVER, AND LOOKS TO BREAK IT…
……………
…2…

…BUT HARRIS GRABS HIS LEG TO STOP HIM…

………3………
!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNERS: AND STILL WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS - AMERICAS MOST WANTED @ 12:07​


Americas Most Wanted steal it!!! Immediately, Storm rolls to safety, as Harris lets go of Matt Hardys leg. AMW retain the titles under shady circumstances, and we see Matt taking a wild swing at The Cowboy, who staggers into the barricade, before being hugged by Chris Harris, who is carrying both title belts.​


AMW don’t risk incurring the wrath of the cheated challengers, and quickly scarper up the ramp with the gold secure.​


Michael Cole:​
This is a damn travesty Tazz!!! AMW have retained the titles, but they didn’t beat The Hardy Boys. Matt and Jeff had this won, but AMW threw the rule book out of the window to steal it!!!


Tazz:​
You gotta do whatever it takes Cole. Americas Most Wanted know that better than anyone. They’ve came up short the last two years at the big dance, and they were hell bent on making sure it didn’t happen a third time. Credit to the champs, they wanted it more tonight.


Michael Cole:​
It’s a damn shame. AMW took the back door, they couldn’t beat Matt and Jeff straight up, that’s what we’ve learned tonight.


In the ring, Matt helps hoist his groggy brother, knocked silly by the title belt shot, as the Hardy Boys come to the realisation of their loss.​


The fans show their support for the reunited brothers, as the two share a few words, which we are unable to hear, but it seems like Jeff is apologising for the loss. Matt though, shakes his head, telling his brother he wasn’t to blame, and the two then share a hug, getting a respectful cheer from the fans.​


Michael Cole:​
They may have lost Tazz, but Matt and Jeff Hardy don’t have anything to be ashamed of. They would be champions right now, if Harris and Storm had the guts to play by the rules. A great performance from the Hardy Boys, a performance that deserved a happy ending.


Tazz:​
Not for nothing, but they gave a heck of a showing Cole. You may not agree with how AMW take care of business, but the way I see it, they did what they had to. As for Matt and Jeff though, big up, big up for a heck of a showing, great performance.


Michael Cole:​
Somehow, the statistic remains; The Hardy Boys have never won together at WrestleMania. Arguably the greatest team in WWE history, yet they will once again leave WrestleMania, empty handed.


Matt and Jeff soak in the respect from the fans, raising one another’s hand, perhaps a farewell from the brothers as a tag team??​


…​


***​


A video package plays, with quick shots of WWE Superstars John Cena, Christian, RVD, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Maria, Kelly Kelly & Paul London all flinging clothes and items into suitcases, and along with clips of other superstars such as MNM, Edge, Chris Jericho, Candice Michelle and Shawn Michaels all jumping into camper vans, tour buses, boarding planes, and luxury cruise ships. In the background, cheesy Cliff Richard ‘Summer Holiday’ is faintly heard.​


Narrator:​
This August, the WWE superstars are going on a Summer Holiday … but you wont miss a thing.


We now see a massive globe spinning on it’s axis, pinpointing destinations around the world, along with clips of the superstars bathing in the sun, swimming in the sea, relaxing on the cruise ships and the women play volleyball.​


Narrator:​
Six weeks … six continents … the ultimate world tour.


Shots of major landmarks in the world.​


Narrator:​
History will be made, records broken.


Now we see shots of Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace … and a digital look of what the NEW WEMBLEY will look like upon completion in the spring.​


Narrator:​
And on August 19 HISTORY will be repeated after fifteen years … as the vacation crash lands in London … at Wembley Stadium … for SUMMERSLAM!!!


Now, the focus switches fully to the digital look at the new Wembley, with the caption to confirm - SUMMERSLAM - AUGUST 19 - WEMBLEY STADIUM. In the background, the fans are heard going absolutely buck daft, with Summerslam coming back to England, 15 years after the historic Summerslam 1992.​


***​


…​


Backstage, we see Todd Grisham for the first time this evening, standing outside the trainers room.​


Todd Grisham:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m standing by here, outside the trainers room, where I’m hoping to get a word with the winner of tonight’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Randy Orton. Right now, Orton is being treated for a number of injuries he suffered, but we’ve been informed that Orton shouldn’t need to go to hospital.


Grisham opens the door, and makes a move towards the table where Orton is sat, head down, surrounded by the New Wave {Garrison Cade, Nick Dinsmore & Ken Doane} and a number of doctors.​


Todd Grisham:​
Excuse me gentlemen, may I get a word with Randy??


The group try to usher Grisham away from Orton, but Mr. Money in the Bank clears the path, and motions for Grisham to come through without saying anything.​


Todd Grisham:​
Thank you Randy. What I was hoping to ask, was after all the carnage and destruction you went through tonight, to come out with the Money in the Bank contract; was the sacrifice worth it??


Oh Jesus. Great question Todd. Orton takes his time to respond, his voice croaky, looking, and sounding in pain.​


Randy Orton:​
Was it worth it?? Was it worth it?? Todd, you are looking … at a man, with a guaranteed title shot, anytime within the next twelve months. Despite the hell I went through … it was damn well worth it.


Orton reaches to his left, and grabs the briefcase.​


Randy Orton:​
Tonight, this victory wasn’t just for me Todd. This briefcase … this victory … represents the future … the future of the WWE … and the future is the New Wave. I may be Mister Money in the Bank, but this victory tonight is for the New Wave.


Orton looks up at his cohorts, who all smile, and look proud of their leader.​


Randy Orton:​
From this night on … everyone will be standing up, and taking notice of the New Wave.


The Career Killer takes another look at his compatriots, before turning back to Todd.​


Randy Orton:​
And if they don’t?? … They soon will.


Orton now turns away, and lies back down on the treatment table, as Cade pulls Grisham up, and along with Dinsmore and Doane, escort him out of the room, with Todd trying to speak, but getting pushed around, finds it difficult.​


Todd Grisham:​
Uh … tha- Thank you for your time.


Grisham is pushed out of the room, and the door is slammed shut, with Grisham trying to straighten himself up.​


…​


***​


MICK FOLEY | SHAWN MICHAELS​





Jim Ross:​
Coach, the time is here. The first of our main events, only this one ISNT going to happen.


The Coach:​
Well, it is gonna happen J.R, but it wont be recognised. Unsanctioned by the WWE board of directors, Mick Foley, hell bent on stealing the show, desperate to feature on future highlight reels when it comes to WrestleMania. And he’s facing the man that ALWAYS steals the show at WrestleMania.


Jim Ross:​
Indeed, Shawn Michaels is the Showstopper. But this unique set of events has been much more peculiar than we give it credit for. THIS is how it all came about tonight. Shawn Michaels, and Mick Foley…


***​


Shawn Michaels:​
Mick Foley … has been hell bent on making my life miserable these past few months … no doubt about it. He screwed me over at the Survivor Series … he screwed me over at the Royal Rumble…​


Clips of Foley calling for the bell to trigger a DQ at Survivor Series, then cut to the Royal Rumble, where Shawn Michaels eliminates the surprise entrant; Mick Foley … then Foley screws Michaels.​


Shawn Michaels:​
… not to mention a couple of unexpected beatings along the road … ALL … for one little thing.​


Clips of Mick Foley attacking HBK after apologising, then again after HBK loses a match to Umaga.​


Shawn Michaels:​
WrestleMania.​


Flashing shots of HBK splashing off a ladder at WrestleMania 10, and then coming from the rafters at WrestleMania 12, and unhooking the World title at WrestleMania 20.​


Shawn Michaels:​
Honestly Mick, all ya had to do … was ask …​


Cut to Mick Foley unable to be seen, in a darkened room​


Mick Foley:​
No, I couldn’t.​


Flashing clips of Foley in recent months in his manic state, with wild eyes, and increasingly odd actions.​


Mick Foley:​
Mick Foley could’ve asked like a man, and asked you for the match at WrestleMania. But I didn’t want that. I DIDN’T WANT YOUR RESPECT … AND I DIDN’T WANT YOUR FRIENDSHIP … all I want … is to get the very best of The Showstopper … and I wouldn’t get that with your respect.
Clips back to HBK on Raw this past Monday.


Shawn Michaels:​
Respect or no respect, when it comes down to WrestleMania, you ALWAYS get the very best of the Showstopper.​


Flashing clips of Michaels nipping up, skinning the cat, flying through the air, all at WrestleMania past.​


Shawn Michaels:​
You don’t need to push me for HBK to raise his game; you don’t need to attack me and screw me over to get me pumped up for WrestleMania.​


More shots of Michaels at WrestleMania, delivering Sweet Chin Music.​


Now, we cut to Saturday Nights Main Event, where HBK grabs Foleys arm, and the two look across the ring at each other.​


Shawn Michaels:​
But I want answers Mick. I want to know … why me??
Flashing shots of Foleys attacks on Michaels in recent months.
Shawn Michaels: You must have a reason for me Mick. Out of all these guys, all the guys in the back, you chose me.​


Cut to Foley in the ring on 26/2 edition of Raw​


Mick Foley:​
The truth is … I don’t know what’s came over me. Something … j- … there is something that just seems to … take over … and I don’t know how to control it.​


More shots of Mick Foley attacking Shawn Michaels, with a crazed look in his eyes.​


Mick Foley:​
I watched the tape … and I didn’t know who that guy was. That wasn’t me … that was someone else. Quite frankly … I’m scared … scared of what I’m becoming … scared of what I may do … I’m scared.​


Slow motion shot of a wild eyed Mick Foley, standing over Shawn Michaels.​



Mick Foley: I’m living in fear of what I’m gonna do. I don’t seem to have control over myself anymore. Something else lives here … someone else … is in control.​


Foley slaps his brain, as he says the last sentence, then crouches down in the corner, with the fans dead quiet, shocked by the behaviour of Foley, who pulls at his hair, ala Mankind.​


He slowly stops, then looks back up, almost in euphoria, speaking in a low tone, barely picked up on the mic, with music taking over the VP, as if to signify Mick Foley being ‘taken over’​


Mick Foley:​
Everything you saw me do last summer … the supposed research to "bring the good old days back" … WAS LIES … my mission … my goal … was all purely selfish.​


Clips of Mick Foley raising the hand of The Boogeyman, accompanying him, looking oddly comical.​


Then, switch to Survivor Series with Mick Foley as special guest referee, disqualifying Shawn Michaels for no reason.​


Mick Foley:​
Shawn, you weren’t just in the wrong place at the wrong time … YOU … WERE THE TARGET ALL ALONG!!!​


Shots again of Shawn Michaels performing at WrestleMania, flying off the ladder, executing the flying elbow, and performing an asai moonsault.​


Mick Foley:​
You’re the only one that’s capable of going to the places I want to go at WrestleMania. You’re the only one that’s got that intangible … you’re the only one that’ll bring it all, no questions asked … and with no regard for your own personal well being.​


Clips of Michaels falling off the Hell in a Cell structure in 1997, and clips of HBK in a bloody wreck.​


Mick Foley:​
Every highlight of my career … every memorable moment I’ve accomplished … King of the Death match … Hell in the Cell … winning the WWE Championship … they’ve never happened at WrestleMania.​


Clips of Mick Foley falling onto the C4, raising the KOTDM trophy, going off the cell, going through the cell, and DX hoisting him on their shoulders as he wins the title for the first time.​


Mick Foley:​
You’re Mister WrestleMania … and that’s the guy I need on March 18 … I need that defining WrestleMania match.​


Overhead shot of the WrestleMania 23 logo, then cut to a stony faced HBK.​


Shawn Michaels:​
Credit where it’s due Mick … you want to steal the show at WrestleMania?? You want that one memorable match at the showcase of the immortals??​


Cut to a wild eyed Mick Foley.​


Mick Foley:​
I’m so consumed by it … that Mick Foley is losing his mind.​


Michaels voice cuts in over the clip.​


Shawn Michaels:​
Then you handpicked the perfect candidate to give it to ya.​


Cut to shots of Cactus Jack back in the day, bloodied, and crazed, using mindless violence.​


Mick Foley:​
I look in the mirror … and I see someone that scares me. I look into my eyes … and I see an old friend … but I don’t want to see him.​


Cut back to classic Shawn Michaels moments at WrestleMania; on his knees with the title at WrestleMania 12, and the triumphant return at WrestleMania 19.​


Shawn Michaels:​
Make no mistake about it, you’ll get that ultimate match at WrestleMania, COURTESY of The Showstopper, The Headliner, The Main Event, The Icon, The Heart-Break-Kid … MISTER … WrestleMania.​


Clips of Mankind back in the day, wearing the old brown overalls, sat in the ring, pulling his own hair.​


Mick Foley:​
I look again … and I see another old face … not the face of a fun loving General Manager … not the face … of a cuddly teddy bear … I look into that mirror … and I’m scared of what I see … I’m scared of what these faces are capable of … I’m scared of what these eyes will do …​


Michaels nipping up, splashing over the ropes, tuning the band.​


Shawn Michaels:​
But don’t be confused. I’ll be delivering ONE MORE WrestleMania classic, ONE MORE for the history books, ONE MORE MATCH that I promise … YOU’LL ALL … NEVER forget …​


Old footage of Mick Foley smiling, raising his hand to the fans, giving thumbs up, and a shot of a Mick Foley banner held by a fan.​


Mick Foley:​
I’m scared that I may never be the same again … these voices in my head live … these voices are calling the shots now … I look into the mirror … and I’m scared of which one of these men I’ll see.​


Shawn Michaels making a grand entrance at WrestleMania 20.​


Shawn Michaels:​
… but it wont be for your benefit Mick Foley … it wont even be for mine …​


Switching clips of Cactus Jack, holding a 2x4 wrapped in Barbed wire, and Mankind with the Mandible Claw on an opponent.​


Mick Foley:​
Help me put these voices to bed Shawn. Help me bury these faces …​


More clips of HBK nipping up, tuning the band, delivering a flying elbow, nailing Sweet Chin Music.​


Shawn Michaels:​
… it’s tradition.​


Now cut, with no music, to the dingy motel room Mick Foley conducted his promo from on the 5/3 edition of Raw.​


Mick Foley:​
… help me put them to rest once and for all Shawn … because …​


Foley spins around in the chair, directly into the light … AND HE’S WEARING THE OLD MANKIND MASK!!! Not only that, but it appears he is also wearing the Cactus Jack ‘DEAD OR ALIVE’ shirt.​


Mick Foley:​
I DON’T KNOW WHO I AM ANYMORE!!!​


***END PACKAGE***​


… Back into the arena …​


**CAR CRASH**​


…​


**SCHIZOPHRENIC**​


The very old, Mankind theme takes over, as Mick Foley slowly steps onto the stage for this Un-Sanctioned Match, WEARING THE MANKIND MASK!!! He is also wearing an old white shirt and tie, as he lumbers down the aisle, with the eerie music playing through the SuperDome.​


Jim Ross:​
Coach, this may well be the most difficult match I will ever have to call. To look at the state of mind Mick Foley is in, and have to watch him put his body through insurmountable pain, suffering and torture, bringing Shawn Michaels along for the ride. it’s not been sanctioned by the WWE folks, the board of directors have washed their hands of this matter, what happens tonight is not liable against the WWE.


The Coach:​
This is creepy J.R. We’ve known for months that Mick Foley hasn’t been … all there … but I cant help but be excited for what we’re about to witness. Mick Foley has promised to deliver a WrestleMania performance we’ll never forget, Shawn Michaels IS Mister WrestleMania.


Jim Ross:​
The biggest match that’ll never happen at WrestleMania.


Foley rolls into the ring, but rolls right back out, looking under the apron, fumbling around, THEN PULLS OUT A HUGE ROLL OF BARBED WIRE.​


Jim Ross:​
Oh, please no Mick. Please. By Gawd, the referee can only watch this, he cant stop Foley from anything!!!


Mick gets back inside, and WRAPS the barbed wire around the top rope on one of the four sides of the ring, right from one turnbuckle to another.​


Jim Ross:​
This is gonna get outta hand Coach. I know this isn’t sanctioned, but for the love of God, somebody do something here!!


Foley now sits in the corner, rocking back and forth, ripping at his own hair, deep into a trance, waiting for HBK.​


**SEXY BOY**​


The dark mood is instantly lifted with an enormous pop from the SuperDome, as the man himself, HBK, Mister WrestleMania, enters the stage, dressed for a regular match, but calmly and slowly. Michaels glares down the long aisle to the ring, then explodes, and pumps up the fans, and himself in the process, letting off his big pyro on the top of the stage, before jumping off, and making his way down the aisle, ripping off his slacks as he zooms his attention on the matter at hand.​


Jim Ross:​
Tonight marks Shawn Michaels fifteenth WrestleMania appearance, and almost every year without fail, he rises to the occasion, and delivers an unforgettable performance. He stole the show last year with The Rock, the year before with The Undertaker, WrestleMania 10 and 20 in Ladder Matches, main events, Iron Man Matches, and the big return after five years at WrestleMania 19 against Chris Jericho. He IS Mister WrestleMania.


The Coach:​
That, you cannot deny. Shawn Michaels is renowned for being the best big match performer, and he raises his game that extra per cent for WrestleMania.


Jim Ross:​
But has Shawn Michaels bitten off more than he can chew tonight. Mick Foley is a loose cannon, it’s in Mick Foleys environment, can HBK rise to the occasion in New Orleans tonight??


Michaels gets into the ring, expecting Foley to come straight at him … but Foley just stands himself up across the ring, waiting for the bell instead??​


Non-Sanctioned Match:​


Mick Foley vs. Shawn Michaels​



The bell rings, and the two men stay in their corners, with HBK seeming quite taken aback by the calm, collected Foley, despite the mask, and the Mankind costume being worn by the Hardcore Legend. Foley slowly inches forward, talking to himself, or possibly whispering to HBK, but it doesn’t appear that Michaels can hear him. Slowly, HBK moves forward too, on guard, waiting for his erratic opponent to burst, but that doesn’t happen. The two men inch closer forward … and it appears Foley wants to start off … with a lock up?? HBK isn’t sure how to react, but with time of the essence, Michaels asks no questions; and the two men begin this UN-SANCTIONED MATCH … with a traditional lock up???

The two men struggle into the ropes, and continue to swap position into the ropes, as they struggle around the ring, but HBK is the first to pull away, realising how close they came to the barbed wire rope. Michaels pulls back, and steps away from Foley, fixing his boots, and his hair, almost as if he is trying to rethink his strategy, having not been expecting this type of attitude from Foley. Shawn walks around the ring, then shoots in for another lock up, but this time, Foley takes him down with a headlock takedown, then the Hardcore Legend rolls around on HBK, trying to embarrass him, before getting up, and relives the days of Dude Love with the leg shaking!!! The fans give Foley heat for the once popular move, whilst Michaels watches on.

Michaels gets to his feet, sick of the showboating and messing around, and decides to try and fire Foley up … AND SLAPS HIM!!! Foley puts his head down after the slap, with HBK goading him on … AS FOLEY COMES TO LIFE AND TACKLES MICHAELS INTO THE CORNER!!! Foley forces his opponent into the corner, but Michaels immediately starts letting his fists fly, beating the head, neck and back of Foley, fighting free, and finally we have a match on our hands - the match we expected to see!!! Michaels strikes with blows to Foley, backing the Hardcore Legend into the ropes, then looks for a whip across the ring, into the BARBED WIRE ROPES … BUT FOLEY REVERSES … THEN HBK REVERSES AGAIN … BUT FOLEY AVOIDS THE BARBED WIRE … AND SLIDES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE TO SAFETY!!!

The fans actually boo Foley saving himself, wanting to see carnage, after moments of ‘OOOH’ing’ and ‘AAAH’ing’, with the reversals from both men as the ropes neared from the Irish Whips. Foley, from the outside, trips the legs of HBK, and drags him out under the bottom rope. Foley strikes with a right hand to the temple, then looks to whip HBK into the steel steps … BUT … Michaels again reverses, and sends Mick crashing through the steps!!! In typical Foley fashion, Mick drives through the steps, with an ugly sounding impact. Mick is given no time to recover, with HBK right on him, dragging Foley up, and rolls him back inside. Shawn follows in, and pushes Mick into the corner, striking with straight right hands, softening him up, then drags him out, hooking Foley into position for a suplex, then takes a look at the Barbed Wire rope … AND ATTEMPTS TO DROP FOLEY ONTO THE WIRE … BUT FOLEY FIGHTS IT!!!

Mick lands back onto his feet, and punches himself free with shots to the gut … THEN LOOKS TO HAVE THE SAME IDEA ON SHAWN … BUT MICHAELS ALSO BLOCKS IT!!! HBK fights out of his opponents clutches, then comes at Foley, but Foley has time to react, and catches HBK with a powerful hip toss!!! Michaels bounces up from the impact, but straight into the path of Foley, and Mick sends Michaels into the corner with velocity … so much so … that Michaels topples upside down in the corner!!! Michaels falls back onto the canvas, folded up like an accordion, whilst Foley paces around the ring in a manic style, BEFORE RIPPING OFF THE MASK!!! Foley pulls the mask off, and stares at the restrictive headwear, then takes a look at Michaels … and moves toward him, SHOVING THE MASK ONTO HBK!!!

Foley places the mask on Michaels, and takes a look … THEN BEGINS TO VICIOUSLY SLAP MICHAELS!!! Michaels crumbles on the mat, with Mick continuously pounding the masked face of Michaels, then stands up, and begins to stomp the mask, taking out all his aggression on Michaels, dropping down again, and going berserk with an array of sick punches. Foley still isn’t done though, and pulls The Showstopper up, backing him into the corner … AND UNLOADS AGAIN ON MICHAELS!!! HBK is unable to defend himself, with the mask placed on him in a way that restricts his sight, and he is unable to fight the array of shots, slumping down into the corner from the ferocity of the shots coming from the crazed Foley. Michaels slumps down, as Foley walks away, pacing around the ring … THEN RUNS IN … AND DRIVES HIS KNEE INTO THE FACE OF MICHAELS!!!

The Hardcore Legend gets to his feet, and cocks his hands into the ‘BANG BANG’ pose, getting a less than positive reaction, before ripping off the white shirt, (revealing the “WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE” Cactus Jack shirt) AND WRAPS IT AROUND THE NECK OF HBK … CHOKING MICHAELS!!! HBK, still wearing the Mankind mask, has the life choked out of him by Mick, with the official unable to do anything to stop it, his only task being to count the fall. Eventually, Foley releases his choke, and gets back up, walking around again, giving HBK a few moments to recover, but not many. Mick grabs HBK by the hair, pulling him back to his feet, and now looks to send him towards the barbed wire rope … BUT MICHAELS SPOTS IT AT THE LAST SECOND … AND DIVES THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE … CRASHING ONTO THE FLOOR IN A HEAP!!!

In order to avoid having his body ripped by the wire, Michaels takes himself out, with a sick dive onto the floor through the middle rope. Foley shows a sadistic smile, then drops down, and rolls outside to follow up on HBK, pulling his damaged opponent back to his feet, walking him around ringside, and slams his head off the Spanish announce table, before ramming him into the ring apron, then rolls HBK back inside the ring. Foley, takes a moment, grabbing a chair from ringside, and throws it inside, before he follows back inside, with HBK staggering around the ring, STILL unable to get the mask off, with Mick on top of him, still venting his fury with hard shots, backing Michaels towards the barbed wire rope, with HBK staggering, as Foley begins a run up, looking to send Michaels into the barbed wire … BUT HBK CATCHES HIM … INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!!! Michaels catches Foley unaware, with Mick staggering away, but comes back … ONLY FOR MICHAELS TO FLAPJACK HIM ONTO THE BARBED WIRE ROPE!!!!!!

A massive pop, mixed with gasps of anguish fill the SuperDome, as Foley rolls around the wire, right across the rope, and is caught on the barbed wire, allowing Michaels to unload, beating Foley with a succession of right hands, gaining a measure of payback after suffering a horrific beating at the hands of the Hardcore Legend!!! Michaels pulls Foley off the barbed wire … but not for long … AND DELIVERS AN ATOMIC DROP … DROPPING FOLEY … CROTCHING HIM ON THE TOP ROPE!!! Foley winces, having his crown jewels ripped apart by Barbed Wire, and Michaels shows no remorse … AND SHAKES THE ROPES!!! The fans are caught between cheers and gasps at the sight of Foley crotched on barbed wire. The referee now steps in and attempts to help free Mick, whilst Michaels rips the mask off FINALLY, and chucks it to the outside, waiting now for Foley to be freed.

Foley manages to get back onto the mat, and looks up at Michaels … WHO DIRECTS A DX CROTCH CHOP AT MICK!!! Foley, incensed by the disrespect, gets up … and charges at HBK … BUT MICHAELS SIDESTEPS HIM … AND FOLEY GETS HUNG ON THE TOP ROPE!!! *Not the rope with the Barbed Wire* Foley is caught, choking, in the hangman position - the very position that he lost his ear in Germany, choking on the top and middle rope, gasping for air, as the referee attempts to free him … BUT MICHAELS SHOWS NO REMORSE, and grabs the chair Foley earlier threw into the ring … AND BASHES THE DEFENCELESS FOLEY WITH THE CHAIR!!! HBK though doesn’t stop with one shot … he continues on … AND BASHES HIM WITH ANOTHER SHOT … AND A THIRD!!!

Finally, Foley is freed from potentially life threatening hangman, and falls to the floor below, crumpled up, with his brain surely scrambled after three unprotected chair shots. Shawn meanwhile, takes a moment to pace around the ring, getting the fans fired up, and with that, a ‘H-B-K’ chant stirs around the dome, with Michaels beginning to ‘feel it’, as the match now hots up. Shawn steps through the ropes, whilst we see Mickey Henson calling for something to cut the barbed wire from the top rope - getting involved, when he shouldn’t be, and looks to rid the ring ropes of the wire. On the apron now, Shawn watches, as Foley tries to reach his feet. Michaels looks back again, as Mick struggles up, then Michaels hops onto the middle rope … AND LANDS WITH A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT ONTO FOLEY!!!

Once more, the fans cheer for the athleticism of HBK, with both men down for a moment, but Michaels is quick to move, and he pulls himself up on the apron, then throws the apron over, and looks under the ring … AND PULLS OUT A TABLE TO A BIG POP!!! HBK has the table, and slides it inside, but looks around to the fans, and shakes his head, not happy yet. Michaels then looks under the apron again … and this time … PULLS OUT A LADDER!!! This time, the fans pop big time, knowing the history of HBK and ladders at this very event. Michaels drags the ladder out, and just as he did with the table, slides it inside. Now, The Showstopper spots the Hardcore Legend getting back to his feet, and meets him, striking with a straight right, sending Foley sprawling, with Mick grabbing the ring post, desperate to stay on his feet. HBK continues to stay on the offence, striking Foley again, as Mick staggers away from the post, and once more, HBK comes at him, but FOLEY CATCHES HIM … AND THROWS MICHAELS OVER THE RAW ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!!!

There is carnage at ringside, with the commentary cut for a moment, with Michaels sent into J.R and Coach, after going over the table, with all three bodies on the floor, and sprawling. Foley, with a moment to recover, now takes his chance to look under the ring, and doesn’t disappoint with what he finds … A 2x4 WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE!!!!! It’s pandemonium in New Orleans, with even the crazed Foley able to gain a pop from the fans, just with a sight of the legendary 2x4!!! As Foley parades the weapon, we see HBK pulling himself up, and crawling over the announce table, whilst Michael Cole and Tazz take over commentary for a few moments whilst J.R and Coach get themselves back in business. Michaels crawls over the table, and falls back onto the mats, as Mick begins to size him up, waiting for Michaels to get to his feet … and as he does … FOLEY SWINGS … BUT MICHAELS DUCKS!!! Foley turns, AND SWINGS AGAIN … BUT HBK DUCKS IT AGAIN!!! Michaels, fighting for his life, scores with a kick to the gut, with Foley dropping the weapon. Michaels quickly rolls Mick back inside the ring, and follows himself.

Now, back inside, Michaels grabs the table, toppling it onto Foley, keeping him down, then dropping an elbow to keep him down longer. Michaels picks the table back up, and props it up in the corner at a slanted angle, but takes too long to do the task, as Foley is back up, and he has the ladder, waiting for Michaels to turn back around, and as he does … FOLEY CRACKS MICHAELS WITH THE LADDER!!! HBK falls, as J.R and Coach once again take over commentary duties, whilst Foley walks around the ring holding the ladder … THEN SUPLEXES THE LADDER … ONTO MICHAELS!!! The fans gasp at the sick thud of the ladder onto HBK, with the Showstopper writhing in agony from the impact. Foley though, doesn’t cover - it’s not about that for Foley at this point - instead, he drags Michaels up, and sets him against the slanted table, taking a run up … BUT MICHAELS STEPS OUT … AND BACK DROPS FOLEY THROUGH THE TABLE!!!!!

A massive pop engulfs the SuperDome, as Michaels again appears to have found a surge of energy, racing around the ring, feeding off the energy, before grabbing the ladder, and gets an even bigger response, setting it up!!! Michaels looks around for approval, and nods at the reaction, before climbing the object, wasting no time, reaching the top of the structure, and takes a look around the magnificent arena … AND FLIES OFF THE LADDER … LOOKING FOR THE ELBOW … BUT FOLEY ISNT HOME!!!! … MICHAELS MISSES THE ELBOW!!! It’s madness in the SuperDome, as Foley rolls to the ropes, sitting against them, with a sick, sadistic smile on his face, watching his lifeless opponent on the mat. Foley pulls himself to his feet, and begins to stomp HBK, taking full advantage of Michaels crash and burn elbow. He drags HBK up to his feet, backing him into the corner, letting fly with right hands again, piston like shots to HBK, BUT MICHAELS COMES BACK!!! The Showstopper somehow musters a fight back, fighting out of the corner, BUT FOLEY OVERPOWERS HIM, beating him into the ropes … then backs up, AND CHARGES IN WITH THE CACTUS CLOTHESLINE!!!

Both men go over the top from Foleys unique clothesline, but Foley is up instantly, and delivers a swinging neck breaker to Michaels!!! HBK goes down again, taking an horrific beating from Foley, and it doesn’t appear to be letting up, as Mick now reaches down … AND PICKS UP THE 2x4 ONE MORE TIME WITH THE FANS CHEERING AGAIN!!! Foley picks his moment, waiting patiently for HBK to struggle up … and this time he doesn’t duck it … FOLEY NAILS HIM WITH THE BARBED WIRE … RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES!!!! The callous Mick Foley, channelling Cactus Jack, holds the sadistic, unforgiving 2x4 high in the air, as the camera then switches to Michaels … WHO IS BUSTED WIDE OPEN!!! Foley drops the 2x4 onto HBK, and drops down, looking under the ring once more, and pulls out a small sack?? Foley, with a gleam in his eye, holds the bag high in the air, and doesn’t give the commentators long to guess what the bag holds … as he empties it … AND IT’S A BAG OF THOUSANDS OF TACKS!!!

The Hardcore Legend empties the tacks onto the floor, and makes sure every single tack is out of the bag, before dropping the sack, and making a beeline for the bloody HBK. Foley pulls him up, and keeps him weakened with a couple of hard right hands, dragging him towards the bed of thumbtacks … AND SETS SHAWN UP FOR A SICK PILEDRIVER … BUT MICHAELS BLOCKS IT AT THE LAST SECOND. Michaels blocks it … then back body drops Foley … but only onto the floor. HBK crawls on the floor, avoiding the tacks, and grabs the 2x4, pulling himself back to his feet on the barricade, then attacks Mick with the weapon, smashing the barbed wire 2x4 into the sternum of Foley, then the back, with Mick reeling away, groaning in agony from the sick shots. Foley staggers around the ringside area with HBK in pursuit, looking to strike again with the 2x4, but this time, Foley moves just in time, and HBK hit’s the ring apron instead. Michaels turns, and gets rocked by a clothesline from Foley, sending the crimson masked Michaels onto the floor again. Foley, looking down at his exhausted opponent, climbs up the steps, and onto the ring apron, looking down on The Heart Break Kid … then relives Cactus Jack … with the CACTUS ELBOW FROM THE APRON TO THE FLOOR WITH A SICK LEAP ONTO MICHAELS!!!!!

New Orleans descends into chaos, as Foley piles on more hurting on HBK, getting on one knee, gun taunting with his hands, and yells ‘BANG BANG’, with the fans indeed, chanting it back at him. Foley reaches down, and picks HBK up, rolling him back inside, but before following in himself, Foley makes sure to pick up the deadly 2x4!!! The King of the Deathmatch rolls back inside, and sizes up the grounded Michaels … AND RUNS ACROSS THE RING … DROPPING ONTO HIM … WITH THE 2x4!!! The barbed wire comes crashing down onto the face of Michaels. Foley sits up again following another sickening hardcore spot, and has a smile etched on his face again, slowly reaching his feet, whilst we get a look at the bloodied face of HBK. Mick gets to his feet, and takes to the corner … where he … TUNES UP THE BAND?? The fans boo Foley, as he mocks HBK, all the while with a demented smile on his face. He continues to stamp his feet, as the bloodied Michaels tries to find a way up to his feet. Michaels uses the ropes, covered in blood, to rise to his feet, seemingly unaware of what Foley has planned to do to him. The Showstopper pulls himself up, and peels away from the ropes … RIGHT INTO SWEET ??SHIN?? MUSIC!!!! It’s the old Dude Love finisher, and it sets Foley up … FOR THE DOUBLE ARM DDT ONTO MICHAELS!!! Could it be over?? Michaels is motionless, and Foley now goes for the first cover of the match, and potentially the only cover…


………………1………………
……………
…2…
…………………………………………………
……MICHAELS KICKS OUT……
!!!!!

The fans pop for the late kick out from HBK, whilst the camera shows Foley once again smiling, realising that the carnage and brutality will continue. Foley, on his knees, reaches into the back of his pants … AND PULLS OUT THE CRUSTY OLD SOCK … SOCKO!!! There is a mixed response for Mr. Socko inside the sold out SuperDome, as Foley places his old friend onto his hand, getting back to his feet, willing Michaels up too, and waits for HBK to get to a vertical base, and as he does … FOLEY APPLIES THE MANDIBLE CLAW!!! The claw is applied, and it could be lights out for the battered and bloody HBK, dropping back to his knees instantly, eyes closed, flailing his arms desperately. Foley looks around the arena, yelling as he applies more pressure from the nerve hold, which could finish the match … BUT MICHAELS SLAMS THE 2x4 WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE … RIGHT INTO FOLEYS NUTS!!!

In a last desperate act, Michaels grabbed the 2x4, and nailed Foley in just about the worst place possible to put barbed wire. Foley releases the claw, and wheels away from HBK, suffering the effects of the blow to the nuts, whilst HBK pushes himself up, swinging back … AND STRIKING A HOME RUN WITH THE 2x4 … USING FOLEYS FACE AS THE BALL!!! There is a sick ovation from the fans, as HBK wields the 2x4 … and Foley is BUSTED OPEN FROM EAR TO EAR!!! Now, It’s Foley staggering, blood pissing from his forehead, as HBK drives the 2x4 into the back, sending Foley to his knees, then strikes AGAIN, sending Foley face first onto the canvas!!! Michaels now, spent from the carnage, falls to the canvas too, but only for a split second … AS HE NIPS BACK UP TO A TREMENDOUS POP!!!

HBK drops the 2x4, and roars to the fans, looking for them to will him on. The bloodied Showstopper looks to have found another gear now, and kicks the ropes, getting fired up, meeting Foley as he reaches his feet again, walking into the path of Michaels, and into an inverted atomic drop, followed by a clothesline, knocking Foley back down. Slowly, Mick gets back up, but falls prey to HBK again, with Michaels scooping Foley up … and slams him onto the ladder!!! With the fans on their feet, Michaels looks to be spurred on, and now climbs the turnbuckles, stopping at the top to survey the fans cheers, then points all around the Dome … before FLYING OFF WITH THE SAVAGE ELBOW … ONTO FOLEY … WHO IS ON THE LADDER!!!!!!!

It’s another scintillating spot in this chaotic match up. Michaels is right back to his feet this time, living off adrenaline at this point … AND NOW TUNES UP THE BAND!!!!!

Michaels now seems to have it in the bag, stomping his foot on the canvas, waiting for the bloody Foley to pull himself up, and as he does … HBK looks for the SWEET CHIN MUSIC … BUT FOLEY CATCHES THE LEG … SPINS HBK AROUND … CLOTHESLINE!!! Somehow, the Hardcore Legend blocks Sweet Chin Music, and knocks Michaels to the canvas again with the clothesline to save the match. Foley then drags Michaels up, and looks to throw HBK out of the ring … AND ONTO THE THOUSANDS OF TACKS ON THE OUTSIDE … BUT MICHAELS LANDS ON THE APRON!!! Mick now takes a run up to charge HBK off the apron … BUT MICHAELS GETS A KNEE UP!!! Mick is stopped, and staggers away, but comes back, only for HBK to catch him with a knife edge chop, then hooks Mick up, looking back, looking at the thumbtacks on the floor … AND SUPLEXES MICK OUT … BUT FOLEY LANDS ON THE APRON!!!

The two men are on the apron now, one false move from landing on the thousands of thumbtacks, with HBK unleashing another knife edge chop, which has Foley teetering. Mick holds on to the ropes, then blocks a second chop from his adversary, firing off a piston like right himself, which has HBK now struggling to hang on. With all of the teases, the fans are on their feet, with ‘EEEWS’ and ‘AAHHHS’ every time one of the two men teeters on the apron, nearly going off the edge. Foley follows up with a kick to Michaels, but HBK manages to cling onto the ropes. Foley now picks HBK up for a slam … but before Mick can slam him off the apron, Michaels manages to slip off, and back inside the ring … SWEET CHIN MUSIC CONNECTS!!!!!!!!!!

FOLEY … CRASHES BACKWARD … AND LANDS ON THE BED OF THUMBTACKS WITH A SICK THUD!!!!!!!!!

‘HOLY SHIT’ is the chant that reverberates the SuperDome, as Foley writhes in the tacks, ROLLING AROUND ON THEM!!! Foley is a human pincushion, with tacks stuck all over his body. Gob smacked, Michaels shakes his head at the reaction of Foley, and watches the reaction of the fans, hearing the unison chants after the sick bump. Michaels leans on the ropes, taking the time to recover, and waits as Foley rolls around, getting back to his feet, pulling himself up on the ring apron, and once he’s vertical, MICHAEL SLINGSHOTS OVER THE ROPES … CROSS BODY TO THE OUTSIDE ONTO FOLEY … AND THEY LAND ON THE TACKS!!!!!

Michaels instantly rolls off the tacks, but a small number are visible on his body, whilst Foley writhes again on the tacks. The Showstopper gets back to his feet, soaking in the adulation of the Louisiana faithful, before moving toward the ring apron again, throwing it over, AND PULLS OUT ANOTHER TABLE!!! Shawn pulls the table out, and wastes no time setting it up, but does so at the ringside area just past the entrance ramp, with every other side of the ring out of use with objects all over the place. He sets the table up, then slaps it twice, before turning again, walking around the ring to get Foley once more, but as he approaches his manic adversary … FOLEY BURSTS BACK … AND RAMS HBK INTO THE BARRIER!!!

Michaels winces in pain, with his back getting rammed, with Foley again finding another store of energy to fight back. The Hardcore Legend once again rolls Michaels back inside the ring, then leans on the apron, trying to catch his breath for a moment.

Foley though, DOESN’T follow Michaels inside. Instead, Mick spots the set up table on the other side, and licks his lips, SMILING once again. Mick slowly makes his way to the table, and nods. The wheels are turning, as Mick sticks his tongue through the gap of his teeth, and drops to his knees, searching under the ring … and pulls out … GASOLINE?????!!!!! Mick has lighter fluid in his hands, and SPRAYS THE TABLE WITH IT!!!!! The referee, Mickey Henson desperately tries to reason with Foley, unable to put a stop to it, but tries to talk Foley around. Mick looks at the official, but doesn’t answer him … instead … HE PULLS OUT A LIGHTER!!! FOLEY SETS THE LIGHTER TO THE TABLE … AND WE HAVE A FLAMING TABLE!!!!!

There is bedlam inside the SuperDome, as Foley nods at the flaming table he has created, getting onto the apron, and looking at his handy work, then steps back inside the ring, and strikes HBK with a right hand, THEN LOOKS TO HURL HIM OUT OF THE RING …


… AND ONTO THE FLAMING TABLE …

… BUT MICHAELS HANGS ON …

…AND SKINS THE CAT, BACK INSIDE THE RING …
!!!

There is an uproar from the fans, with Foley not spotting HBK hanging on, then turns around, spotting his bloody opponent in the ring, and charges at him … BUT MICHAELS LOW BRIDGES THE ROPES …


… FOLEY TOPPLES OVER …

… BUT LANDS ON THE APRON …
!!!!!

The fans gasp with another near stunt … as Foley survives, getting to his feet on the apron … BUT GETS NAILED WITH THE 2x4 FROM MICHAELS …

… AND FOLEY FALLS …

… THROUGH THE FLAMING TABLE …
!!!!!!!!!

The roof is ready to blow as Foley crashes … and LITERALLY burns with stagehands quickly putting out the flames!!!!! ‘HOLY SHIT’ chants ring through the SuperDome once again, and perhaps never more rightly so than at this point. In the ring, HBK even looks shocked, sat down, panting heavily, in shock of what he just contributed to. The madness isn’t over though … FOLEY IS MOVING!!! Paramedics rush treat Foley, but Mick is moving, and with anything he has left, pushes the medics away, and rolls over, CRAWLING TO THE RING APRON!!! SOMEHOW … SOMEWAY … MICK FOLEY WANTS THIS MATCH TO CONTINUE!!! The fans show Mick big time respect for his efforts, and a faint ‘CACTUS JACK’ chant is heard, as the adrenaline fuelled Hardcore Legend proves his moniker, PULLING HIMSELF back inside the ring, much to the shock of Michaels, who shakes his head in disbelief at the fight shown by Foley.

The King of the Deathmatch, on his knees, looks up at Michaels, still shocked by his battered opponent, with Foley BEGGING The Showstopper to ‘FINISH IT’, as Foley repeats the quote over and over, with Shawn Michaels shaking his head, then grits his teeth, as Foley pulls himself up … SWEET CHIN MUSIC … NO … LOW BLOW FROM FOLEY!!!!! Foley tricked Michaels!!!!! HBK drops onto his knees, clutching his nuts, as Foley drops to his knees too, spent by the gruelling war tonight. Both on their knees, both soaked in blood, Foley strikes with a right hand, knocking the defenceless Michaels down. From somewhere, Foley pulls himself up, grabbing Michaels by the hair, and pulls him up too into position. The King of the Deathmatch signals that it’s over … AND PILEDRIVES SHAWN MICHAELS INTO THE MAT!!! Foley rolls Michaels over, and hooks the leg to end it…

……………………………
…………………………1…………………………
…………………
…2…
……………………………………………
……SHOULDER IS UP……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MICHAELS SURVIVES!!! The Showstopper kicks out at the VERY last second, saving the match. Foley sits up, and looks to the fans, almost as if to ask ‘What do I have to do??’ Foley now turns his attention to the corner, and then to the heavens, before turning his attention back to the corner, nodding, as if to say, ‘This is what I have to do’. Foley pulls himself up, and staggering into the ropes, falls into the corner. He takes another look to the fans, then steps between the ropes, and slowly, pulls himself up the turnbuckles, reaching the top rope, with the fans indeed mainly cheering due to his efforts. Foley rests at the top for a moment, waiting as Michaels tries to get up, with J.R on commentary noting that Foley could well be looking to emulate his hero; Jimmy Snuka, by going for a big risk. Blood dripping, Foley indeed gives the fans the Snuka pose … and as Michaels pulls himself up, Foley looks to fly with a cross body … BUT MICHAELS CATCHES HIM WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!! The fans go ape shit!!!

SWEET CHIN MUSIC CONNECTS!!! HBK falls onto Foley, and the count is mercifully made…


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MICK FOLEY KICKS OUT???!!! The Superdome is in utter shock, as Mick Foley, KICKS OUT!!! In the ring, Shawn Michaels is on his knees, looking down at the near immobile Foley, then bounces up, one last time, looking to raise the fans one more time, as he TUNES THE BAND!!! It seems like a lifetime, with Foley struggling to even move, never mind get to his feet. The King of the Deathmatch struggles, and pulls with all he has to reach his feet, getting up from the ropes, turning around … SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!! This time, HBK connects with all he has, and drops down, hooking the leg tightly, surely finishing the job this time…

………
………………1………………

………2………
…………………………………
…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: SHAWN MICHAELS @ 19:20​


Michaels MERCIFULLY finishes it. A stunning crescendo sees the match end, after barbed wire, 2x4’s, thumbtacks, tables, ladder, and fire all came into play. Both men are down, both men are out of it, as the music of Shawn Michaels blares into the arena, with the fans on their feet, stunned by the effort of both legends.​


Jim Ross:​
There cannot be any doubt Coach, there cannot be any at all, that Mick Foley GOT exactly what he came for tonight. Mick Foley has got the classic he wanted. Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels have engaged in an out of body experience. Both men have lost a tonne of blood here, both men have drove themselves on through this carnage on PURE adrenaline. What cost could this war have on both men’s careers??


The Coach:​
Both men promised something special tonight. Foley wanted it, Michaels guaranteed it. Surely these two men HAVE stolen the show.


Jim Ross:​
But at what cost Coach?? At what cost has this unforgettable brawl come to both men??


In the ring, Michaels is finally on his feet, having his arm raised in victory, with his face a bloody mess, staggering around the ring, pointing all around the SuperDome, letting the fans know the effort was for them.​


HBK staggers to the ropes, and is helped out of the ring by trainers, as he begins to leave the field of combat … brutal combat.​


Jim Ross:​
This is something that will live in the memory for years to come Coach. I don’t think in all my years in this business, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed carnage like we’ve just sat through. I’m lost for words to describe this war.


The Coach:​
Well, I don’t know if there is any other way to describe it, other than a war J.R. It may well be quite some time before we see either man again after this. And even when we do, will either man ever be the same again??


Jim Ross:​
I cant imagine either man ever fully recovering from this. They have both bled profusely, they’ve been ripped apart by barbed wire, smacked around the head, gone through tables, crashed and LITERALLY in Mick Foleys case, BURNED!!!


The Coach:​
And yet, somehow, he still managed to kick out of Sweet Chin Music.


Jim Ross:​
Unforgettable. Truly, unforgettable. They gave everything in their bodies, everything they had deep in their soul. And Coach, perhaps, Mick Foley has finally exorcised those demons. Perhaps, Mick Foley is back in control of his life.


In the ring, Foley is helped up to his feet, and to some surprise after his actions in recent months … Foley is greeted with a STANDING OVATION.​


Foley pulls away from the officials, and staggers into the ropes, looking far into the crowd, and asking for a mic. Foley is handed the mic, as we hear him panting over it, trying to catch his breath.​


Mick Foley:​
New Orleans, Louisiana.


Cheap pop from the fans. Mick continues to breathe heavily, gasping to get the words out.​


Mick Foley:​
THANK YOU!!!


More cheers. Foley gathers up one more sentence, still struggling to get his breath.​


Mick Foley:​
AND HAVE A NICE DAY!!!


Foley raises his hands to the fans, and gets a great ovation, as his happy go lucky music plays over the P.A, with Mick Foley now surely free of the demons that possessed him for months.​


Jim Ross:​
By Gawd, what a man. Mick Foley, the Hardcore Legend has surely stole the show, and by the looks of things, Mick Foley, the real Mick Foley, is back.


The Coach:​
What a moment.


Jim Ross:​
What a WrestleMania moment Coach. What a WrestleMania moment for that man, Mick Foley!!!


Foley now begins to leave the ring, to a standing ovation, and a thunderous ‘FOLEY’ chant from the fans.​


Jim Ross:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, that man right there, Mick Foley is surely Hall of Fame bound, but last night, the terrific, star studded, class of 2007 took it’s place in the Hall of Fame. Let’s take ya back to last night’s ceremony, just across the road at the New Orleans arena.


…​


***​


The Hall of Fame music plays over the montage, opening up with a shot of the arena, and the WWE stars in attendance, with Gene Okerlund hosting.​


Briefly, the inductions of Sensational Sherri, Paul Orndorff and Tony Atlas take place, with quick comments from the three.​


Then, it’s over to a few one liners from Jerry Lawler, as he inducts his good friend, JIM ROSS, who gives the fans a few laughs with his comments.​


The induction of Good ‘Ol J.R is followed by the celebrity induction of MIKE TYSON by Shawn Michaels, with the two playfully sizing each other up, hands raised, then hugging.​


It’s then over to the two main event inductions, with a raucous ovation from Steve Austin giving a big intro for BRET HART. Hart follows up with a few poignant comments in the brief recap, then thanks the fans for all their support and help.​


Finally, the biggest ovation of the night is saved for Hulk Hogan. The Immortals One draws out a long standing ovation, and shows a twinkle as fans chant for ‘ONE MORE MATCH’. Hogan finishes up stating that while Hulkamania may not be running wild any more, Hulkamania will live forever.​


***​


…​


Back into the arena, and in the ring, Howard Finkel is stood, waiting for his cue…​


Howard Finkel:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our WWE Hall of Fame, Class of Two Thousand SEVEN!!!!


The Hall of fame music plays again, as Maria accompanies Tony Atlas onto the stage.​


Howard Finkel:​
Mister U.S.A, TONY ATLAS!!!


Jillian Hall escorts Paul Orndorff onto the stage.​


Howard Finkel:​
Mister Wonderful, PAUL ORNDORFF!!!


Candice Michelle walks out, arm in arm with Jim Ross.​


Howard Finkel:​
Good ‘Ol J.R, JIM ROSS!!!


Sensational Sherri, joined by ‘The Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase, waves to the fans in her home town.​


Howard Finkel:​
THE SENSATIONAL SHERRI!!!


Now, accompanied by Katie Lea, boxing legend, Mike Tyson makes his way onto the stage.​


Howard Finkel:​
Iron, MIKE TYSON!!!


Bret Hart steps out now, being escorted by Kelly Kelly.​


Howard Finkel:​
BRET, HITMAAAAAN, HART!!!


And now, the final inductee, Hulk Hogan, has Torrie Wilson join him onto the stage.​


Howard Finkel:​
And, The IMMORTAL, HULLLLK HOOOO-GAN!!!!


The seven inductees now all line up on the stage, waving to the adoring fans.​


Howard Finkel:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, the WWE Hall of Fame, CLASS OF TWO THOUSAND SEVEN!!!


The music continues to play, as the seven all wave to the fans, whilst we cut to Michael Cole and Tazz at ringside…​


***​


KURT ANGLE | THE UNDERTAKER​





Michael Cole:​
Congratulations to our class of 2007, and what a great moment for our broadcast colleague, Jim Ross. But Tazz, could it be an even greater moment for Kurt Angle in just a few moments, as he attempts to end the streak, and become the first man to ever defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania.


Tazz:​
It’s been a night of firsts in Nawlins tonight Cole, Angle is poised and ready to give us the biggest first of them all.


Michael Cole:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, this one tracks back, as far as WrestleMania 22.


***​


Open up at WrestleMania 22; Kurt Angle face to face with the legendary Bret Hart.​


Kurt Angle:​
Last year at WrestleMania … I suffered the most humiliating loss of my career.​


Now, Angle looks to go for the sure win, and attempts to drop down for the Grapevine … and does drop down … BUT HART ROLLS OVER … AND SWITCHES THE MOMENTUM … Angle, in the sudden rush, lets go of the ankle, allowing Hart, to turn the tables, and with his leg still in perfect position, Hart manages to get to his feet, grabbing the crossed over legs of Angles … AND APPLIES THE SHARPSHOOTER!!!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
I allowed the occasion to get to me. I allowed the magnitude of the match get into my head.​


Angle pushes himself up, and tries to get to the ropes on his palms, but cant hold his own weight, eventually losing the power, and his arms give way. He lays motionless for a second or two, with Hart clenching in further, putting on more pressure, as Las Vegas, in unison chants for Angle to ‘TAP, TAP, TAP, TAP’ …​




…………

……………………

…AND ANGLE TAPS OUT…


Kurt Angle:​
It took me EIGHT MONTHS to recover from that loss. Eight months for an athlete of my calibre … is like a lifetime.​


Shawn Michaels scores Sweet Chin Music on Angle, then switch to Angle eating a Batista Bomb, courtesy of The Animal, before the sight of a bloodied Angle, following a brutal, one sided loss to Batista in a Chain Match at Cyber Sunday in September.​


Kurt Angle:​
But after all that time … humiliating loss, after humiliating loss, I allowed that defeat to work against me … when the whole time, I should’ve been using that loss to my advantage. And when I came back in November, that’s exactly what I did.​


Clips of Kurt Angle back in form at the Survivor Series; leading The Cabinet to an unlikely victory, having lost JBL after only five minutes.​


Kurt Angle:​
Just when the entire world thought Kurt Angle was finished, I came back better than ever.​


Eliminating The Rock with an Angle Slam; and eliminating Kane, despite being all alone, facing The Brothers of Destruction.​


Kurt Angle:​
I did the unthinkable. At the Survivor Series … I made the indestructible Undertaker … TAP!!!​


Taker looks to have it won, going for the tombstone, but Kurt slides off the back AND GRABS THE ANKLE!!! ANKLE LOCK!!! Kurt has the submission locked in, dragging Taker from the ropes, AND APPLIES THE GRAPEVINE … TAKER HAS NOWHERE TO GO … it seems like an eternity with Taker hanging on … BUT EVENTUALLY … THE UNDERTAKER TAPS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Undertaker taps out!!!!!!!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
I don’t fear you … YOU FEAR ME … you may see a mere mortal … but in this ring?? I’M SUPERHUMAN!!!​


Cut from Angles intense expression, and to the stony face of The Undertaker.​


The Undertaker:​
There comes a time in life … when a man must search … deep into his soul.And he must delve into the depths of his being … to discover what drives him … what demons he must exorcise … to live free.​


Angle pounding down The Undertaker, and applying the ankle lock on a defenceless Kane.​


The Undertaker:​
Kurt Angle has found his demons … and those ghouls are what consume him … and that demon … is WrestleMania.​


Angle, head bowed in the ring, at WrestleMania 22, following his bitter loss to Hart.​


The Undertaker:​
His crusade is to vanquish bitter memories … his intention has been made clear.​


THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!!​


And they return … WITH KURT ANGLE IN THE RING BEHIND THE DEADMAN!!! Taker turns around … AND JUMPS BACK IN SHOCK MOMENTARILY … before attacking Angle, knocking him down!!! Angle slowly picks himself up … and easily falls into the grasp of The Deadman for a Chokeslam … BUT TAKER PUSHES HIM AWAY???​


The Undertaker:​
All you can achieve by facing the Phenom is continued bitterness … further pain … and darker demons.​


The Undertaker starts to dart around, looking around to the outside, oddly taking his view off Angle, with the camera closing up on Angle … TO REVEAL IT’S NOT KURT ANGLE … IT’S ERIC ANGLE!!!​


The Undertaker:​
And now … you have passed the point of no return … you have no way out … Kurt Angle … your destiny is firmly in the hands … of the Deadman.​


Meanwhile, Taker looks around, waiting for Kurt to show up for a possible sneak attack, pacing around, pivoting in circles, looking to see if he comes through the crowd or down the aisle … but Angle doesn’t show.​


The Undertaker:​
Despite your intentions … regardless of your determination … and irrespective of your beliefs … you will fall … like the other mere mortals before you.​


The fans show their anger at the situation, with many unsure as to what is going on, with the Kurt Angle look-a-like fooling many, especially from a distance. Eric manages to escape the ring, with The Phenoms attention drawn elsewhere, most definitely fazed by Kurt Angles mind games.​


Kurt Angle:​
You’re the one that’s having to look deep into your soul Taker. You’re the one that’s battling demons … you’ve never encountered anything like me before … you’ve never experienced someone showing no fear to your mind games … no ill effects … nothing.​


Jericho vs. Taker; Jericho slowly gets to his feet, and puts Taker back down, finally executing the bulldog, and now goes for the Lionsault … BUT THE UNDERTAKER SITS UP AND JERICHO MISSES!!!​


The fans roar in approval, as The Deadman gets to his feet, signalling for another Chokeslam … BUT THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
I know, why you’ve been able to stay undefeated at WrestleMania for so long.​


Cut to a studio with Angle; Angle smiles, as the camera closes in, with Kurt putting his index finger to his temple, and taps it a couple of times.​


Kurt Angle:​
It’s all … up … here.​


Jericho vs. Taker; More mind games from Kurt Angle??? The lights come back on … and The Deadman is now pacing around, arms up, ready to fight … BUT ANGLE IS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
Every year, you’ve got your opponent beaten before the bell even rings … Not this time though … not this year.​


Taker then comes after Jericho again, and ducks a clothesline from Y2J, kicks him in the gut … THEN LOOKS FOR THE LAST RIDE … BUT JERICHO COUNTERS IN MID AIR … WITH THE CODEBREAKER!!! Jericho hooks the leg tightly, 1...2...3!!!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
Up until now Taker, and maybe even still … you think I’m just going to roll over at WrestleMania. Because that’s what happens, isn’t it??​


The Olympian shakes his head, with a smile on his face.​



Kurt Angle: Not this time. Not this year Deadman.​


Flashing shot of Angle striking The Undertaker.​


Kurt Angle:​
Last year, I didn’t wrestle the man in front of me … I wrestled the occasion. And the occasion won.​


Angle looks up, as if reborn, with a fire in his eyes.​


Kurt Angle:​
I will NEVER allow that to happen again.​


Flashing shots of each opponent that The Undertaker has previously slain at WrestleMania; Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts, Giant Gonzalez, King Kong Bundy, Diesel and Sid.​


Kurt Angle:​
This year, WrestleMania is just another night. There is no big occasion. The SuperDome is just another arena. The Undertaker is just another obstacle. And the streak … is a non factor.​


Taker defeating Kane, Big Bossman, Triple H, Ric Flair, Big Show & A-Train, Kane again, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho at WrestleMania past.​


Kurt Angle:​
The best man … on the night, and not one moment before it … in the ring, and nowhere else … will have his hand raised.​


Angle still has his eyes locked on the camera.​


Kurt Angle:​
And Taker … that man … is gonna be Kurt Angle.​


Now, the emphatic music plays over, as Angle blanks mind games from The Undertaker.​


Michael Cole:​
Has anyone, ever shown that type of attitude towards facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania?? Angle is coming at this match with a totally unique viewpoint, and with the determination he is showing, could Kurt Angle do the unthinkable, and end the Undertakers 14-0 streak at WrestleMania.​


Angle relentlessly snapping the Ankle of Kane.​


Kurt Angle:​
I guaranteed that I would take Kanes ankle … and snap it like a twig!!!​


The Deadman begins to reach his feet, and as he does … THE LIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN …​


Kurt Angle:​
That was no accident. UNDERTAKER, you’re the next victim on my list.​


**GONG**​


The lights come back … AND KURT ANGLE IS IN THE RING … as Taker grabs him by the throat … then realises it isn’t Angle … it’s his brother again!!! Taker this time, doesn’t spare him, like he did last week, and goes for a Chokeslam …​


Kurt Angle:​
I’ve said it before … but now?? Now you know it’s not an empty threat. It’s real Taker …​


BUT THE REAL KURT ANGLE SLIDES IN FROM BEHIND … AND DELIVERS THE ANGLE SLAM!!!​


Kurt Angle:​
It’s … DAMN REAL!!!​


Kurt Angle takes The Deadman down, then thinks about the ankle, taking a long, hard look at the body part, then decides to mount Taker instead, getting in the face of The Phenom, and yelling in his face "I COULD TAKE YOU OUT RIGHT HERE … RIGHT NOW … BUT I’M GOING TO SPARE YOU"​


Tazz:​
The Deadman is in big trouble come March 18. He’s facing a type of opponent he’s never had to deal with at the big dance.​


Shots of The Undertaker pacing around, totally off his game, with Kurt Angle winning the battle of mind games, using his brother to throw Taker off, playing mind games, with the master of mind games.​


Kurt Angle:​
I’ve got your head … your ankle is next.​


***END PACKAGE***​


… Back into the arena …​


**MEDAL**​


The arrival of Kurt Angle brings a sudden cheer from the pro-Angle fans; the admirers of his ability. But as he enters the arena, the boos overpower the respect, as Angle stops himself on the top of the stage, glaring straight ahead, yelling out gibberish, before bending down, then throwing his hands up, sparking a massive pyrotechnic display.​


Angle stays stationary for a moment, then refocuses, and begins to make his way down the aisle, fired up, ready for the biggest challenge of his career; breaking the streak of The Undertaker.​


Michael Cole:​
Tonight is the culmination of a war that has raged on ever since Kurt Angles unbelievable return to prominence at the Survivor Series. On that night, after a year plagued by problems, Kurt Angle restored himself into the upper echelon by making history, and forcing The Undertaker to tap out. Ever since, the two men have collided on numerous occasions, tonight though, the battle will climax. Can Kurt Angle erase the memory of losing to Bret Hart in the Match of the Millennium last year, and become the first man to ever beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania??


Tazz:​
In my opinion, if The Deadman was ever gonna lose to anyone at WrestleMania, tonight is the night. Now, I’m not saying Angle WILL beat the Deadman, but no one has ever come into WrestleMania with as much momentum as Kurt Angle. The Olympic Hero has been revitalised these last few months, and it culminates tonight. He said he has just two objectives, to win the match, and break The Phenoms ankle.


Michael Cole:​
And, lets not forget, after that bitter loss to Bret Hart last year in Las Vegas, Angle has said for weeks that tonight, is just another night, in another arena, and this is just another match. For Kurt Angle, this isn’t a big occasion, he’s focused solely on his opponent.


Angle waits in the ring, keeping his focus on the aisle, patiently waiting for the arrival of the Phenom.​


**GONG**​


…Flashing images of all fifteen previous victims shows on the tron…​


**GONG**​


…Lightning strikes on the stage…​


**GONG**​


…Silence…​


**GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY**​


The SuperDome goes pitch black, as the eerie music, the ever recognisable music that greets the arrival of The Undertaker.​


Slowly, the imposing figure of The Undertaker saunters onto the stage, as bright lights brought from fire guides him from behind, as druids begin to flock from the left, right and centre of the stage, all following the Phenom.​


Michael Cole:​
There is a chill in the air. The New Orleans SuperDome has come to a standstill, as the Undertaker, the conscience of the WWE makes his spine tingling entrance. Is this the final piece of mind games that The Deadman will look to inflict on Kurt Angle??


Tazz:​
Aint none of it worked so far Cole. Angle is a focused beast right now. These tricks aint gonna affect him one bit.


Michael Cole:​
It is without a doubt, the most illustrious streak in all of sports and entertainment. Fourteen and Oh, at the Showcase of the Immortals. Tonight, that streak is in serious jeopardy. Will The Undertaker finally be toppled at the Granddaddy of ‘em all, or will he mark WrestleMania 23 with his fifteenth win in fifteen appearances at WrestleMania??


The Undertaker continues down the aisle, with the legions of druids still following behind, with at least one hundred following him to the ring, all carrying flaming torches.​


As he climbs up the steps, a number of the druids circle the ring, forming a wall of fire, with The Deadman finally bringing the lights back up.​


Now, as he steps into the ring, the hundred druids turn, and begin to leave the area, as the camera zooms in on Angle, who doesn’t appear affected at all by the parlour tricks and mind games.​


The Irresistible Force vs. The Immovable Object​


Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker​



The tomfoolery and mind games are over. The Deadman has taken his jacket off, the hat has gone, and the bell rings. The action is underway, as The Undertaker and Kurt Angle meet in the centre of the ring, both on guard, and rightly so … with Taker trying to strike early with a overhand right hand, but Kurt is wise to it, ducks under, but as he does, Angle backs himself into the corner, leaving him vulnerable to an ensuing attack, with Taker closing in, cornering the Olympian, but Angles quickness helps him avoid the big right and left hands coming from the Deadman. Angle ducks and dives out of trouble, avoiding the hazardous shots coming his way, dodging his way out of the corner, then shoots in on Taker, but much like Angle was able to avoid offence from The Phenom, Taker is able to stuff the takedown attempt from Angle, and HURLS Angle right back into the corner!!!

Angle crashes into the corner, and doesn’t have long to think about what’s coming, with Taker looking to unload in the corner, but Kurt covers up, blocking the array of lefts and rights from The Deadman, then ducks under, and turns over the advantage, immediately going with kicks to the leg, with The Undertaker now covering up. Angle strikes with an overhand right, then looks to take his opponent out of the corner … but Taker clasps his hands around the throat of Angle, and HURLS him right back into the corner!!! Now, The Deadman looks to unload once again, but as before, Angle is able to counter the slick offence of the Demon of Death Valley, strikes back, surprising The Undertaker, which allows Angle an opening … AND HE SCORES A TAKEDOWN!!! Angle takes the near Seven footer down to the mat, immediately working his way to a face lock, gaining the first big victory of the match.

Angle looks to apply as much pressure as possible, pushing his weight down on Taker, but The Deadman uses his power to immediately push himself back up, forcing Angle to adjust to keep the tight face lock applied. Angle squeezes with all he’s got, trying to keep Undertaker under control, but Taker shows Kurt his strength, and DRIVES Angle into the corner, forcing Kurt to release his watertight grip, and the impact now allows Taker to finally UNLOAD on his opponent in the corner, letting fly with right and left hands to the face and body of the Gold Medallist. Angle this time is unable to avoid the onslaught, with his bigger opponent now in his element. The Deadman now backtracks across the ring, giving himself a run up, and looks for a splash on Angle … BUT ANGLE CATCHES HIM, SPINS AROUND OUT OF THE CORNER … BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX CONNECTS!!!!! Angle surprises The Phenom with a sensational Belly to Belly, and quickly floats over, hooking the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

With the scintillating Belly to Belly, the fans are brought alive, and Angle has the first big breakthrough of the match, using the move to begin to get to work on his opponent. Kurt smiles, and stomps Takers ankle, now looking to make good on his promise, and break the ankle he intended to. Taker rolls around the mat, trying to avoid his ankle getting punished, but Kurt stomps the right ankle on the majority of occasions, despite The Deadman trying to escape it. Angle yanks the leg, and drops his weight with an elbow to the point of the ankle, looking to put more pressure on The Deadman at this early stage, but as he gets up to do the same again, TAKER KICKS HIM AWAY WITH HIS FREE LEG!!! Angle, surprised by the kick, falls down, but instantly looks to pick the ankle again, only this time, Taker is able to avoid, and fights Angle off, pushing him away with both his legs, as the force SENDS Angle THROUGH THE ROPES and to the outside!!! The Undertaker limit’s the damage to his ankle at this early stage, whilst Angle rolls on the outside. The Deadman gets to his feet, with Angle doing much the same, not able to waste any time. The Olympian pulls himself onto the apron, but as he stands up, Taker is there, and clotheslines his enemy down, with Angle landing back on the apron.

With that, The Undertaker spots the opportunity, and steps through the ropes, looking down on Angle, charges across … LEG DROP TO ANGLE ON THE APRON!!! The signature spot elicits a nice pop from the fans, as we watch Angle roll off the apron, and splat onto the floor below. Watching, Taker stands himself back up, and drops to the outside himself, looking to inflict damage on his opponent, seeing him in a weakened state. Taker drags Angle up, picking his spot, and striking Kurt with a straight right hand. Angle stumbles back ward, falling against the steps, as Taker positions himself for a run up at Angle, but as he comes at him … ANGLE DROPS TAKER WITH A DROP TOE HOLD … AND TAKER SMASHES INTO THE STEPS!!! A groan develops around the packed SuperDome, as The Deadmans head bounces off the steps, with Kurt once again able to counter the big run up from Taker. The Deadman is staggered by the counter from Angle, and his brain scrambled by the clash onto the steps, allowing Angle a moment to ain composure. The Olympian grabs the head of his opponent, and smashes it off the steps again, then throws him back inside the ring, wanting to take the action back to his playground.
Angle slips in behind, and keeps on top of Taker, making the most of his weakened state, clubbing blows to the back and the head, beating his opponent into the corner, turning the tables, and letting fly with an array of big swinging right hands that rock The Deadman.

Angle though, gets a little ahead of himself, and turns away, stretching out his arms, and roaring in defiance at the partisan fans, but as he turns back around … THE UNDERTAKER TURNS HIM OVER!!! The Deadman throws Angle into the corner, and unleashes his rights and lefts to the head, and to the body of Angle, giving Kurt a lesson on how to throw soup bones. Angle looks dazed by the attack, as Taker takes the opportunity, grabbing the arm of Angle, pulling him out of the corner, and wrenches it, with the camera showing a grimace on the face of Angle. Taker now hoists Angle in the air, putting the emphasis on his arm, with Kurt trying to free himself, before Taker drops him back down, wrenching the arm again, with the force of it forcing Angle to crash onto the mat, allowing The Phenom to drop his leg across the arm!!!

The Undertaker gets back up, and walks around a little, whilst Angle clutches at his arm, wincing in pain, trying to shake it loose. The Phenom doesn’t let up though, and stomps the arm, before pulling Angle’s arm a little, and drops his knee right to the tricep, forcing a deep groan from the Olympian. Taker keeps the arm stretched out, before dropping his knee to the point of the bicep again, with Angle again groaning from the pain. One more time, Demon of Death Valley rams his knee into Angle’s right arm, forcing Angle to yell out loud, with the anguish showing from Kurt Angle suffering the effects. Angle rolls away, whilst The Deadman watches on, with his cold expressionless face. He closes in on the Wrestling Machine, who is trying to buy time to recover from the attack on his highly important weapon, but cant. The Deadman reaches down, and pulls Angle up to his feet by the bad arm, forcing a massive groan from Angle again, feeling more pressure on his arm. Once more, The Deadman wrenches the arm, with Angle desperately trying to do something to counter it. Now, the motive of the Phenom becomes clear, as he backs up to the corner, and hoists himself up, then moves to the top rope, as the ‘OLD SCHOOL’ is called all around the arena by the fans. The Deadman steps onto the ropes, and looks to connect with Old School but as he drops down … ANGLE DODGES IT!!! Taker hits clean air, as Angle breaks free, goes behind … GERMAN SUPLEX … WITH A BRIDGE … 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!

Angle again suckered Taker in, managing to counter the Old School rope walk, having lured Taker in. Angle is up quickly, but shakes his arm loose, selling the effects of the work on his arm, then closes in on The Deadman again, with Taker shaking the cobwebs loose after the surprise German. Angle is right on Taker as he gets up, striking with an overhand right, before clutching behind The Deadman … GERMAN SUPLEX AGAIN!!! This time though, Angle HOLDS ON!!! The Wrestling Machine holds tight, and hauls Take up … keeping his grip … but this time, Taker desperately tries to fight it, looking to hit the ropes, but Angle holds tight, dragging Taker centre ring … AND EXECUTES A SECOND GERMAN!!! Angle though, still isn’t done, and continues to hold on, bringing the Deadman back up, with the Undertaker looking dazed, and less powerful on this occasion, unable to fight the grip. Angle takes a second … before … HITTING A THIRD GERMAN SUPLEX!!! The SuperDome applauds the strength shown by Angle, managing to rag doll The Phenom!!! It’s a bizarre sight, with Taker being dominated, especially by a smaller man, but Angle has done it, and he hooks the leg tightly, looking to end it early…


………1………

………………2………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!

Taker has far too much in the tank at this early stage, with Angle showing a knowing look on his face. The Wrestling Machine drags Taker back to his feet, sending him off the ropes, but as he returns, Taker ducks under a clothesline from Angle, bouncing off the opposite side … only to eat a reverse elbow from the Olympian. Again, Angle covers, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Quickly, Angle shoots up, and stomps the ankle, looking to weaken the Deadman whilst he has him where he wants him. The Olympian drops an elbow to the point of the ankle, then gets up and does it again. The Olympian looks to be in his element now, stomping the point of the ankle, then yanks it suddenly, with Taker darting forward, shooting up in pain. Angle though, continues the punishment, dragging Taker across the ring by the leg, towards the ring post.

Angle rolls out now, and takes the bad left leg, and makes sure he has the ankle … then slams it against the ring post with authority!!! Taker tries to pull away but Angle doesn’t allow him, holding onto the leg, and again, whips it against the ring post!!! Taker even is forced to show the pain, yelling out suddenly, helpless in the ring, as Angle wraps both legs around the ring post, and now applies A FIGURE FOUR WRAPPED AROUND THE RING POST!!!

As impressive as it is, the figure four around the post is actually an illegal manoeuvre, and the official quickly issues a five count for Angle to release the illegal submission, with Angle using every single second, just releasing at the count of five. The Olympian releases, and falls onto the mats, whilst Taker rolls away, inside the ring, grimacing, completely out of character for him. Kurt spots the reaction of Taker, and shows a smile, not wasting a moment, and moving back inside the ring, getting right back on The Deadman, stomping viciously at the ankle, with Taker showing the strain on his body part. Angle now drags his opponent towards the rope, setting the leg on the middle rope, then hoisting himself up, and drops his weight on the ankle. The Phenom rolls away again, holding his ankle, with Angle now looking to go in for the kill, grabbing the ankle, looking to apply the Ankle lock … but Taker ferociously fights it, kicking with his free leg, wriggling with the bad leg, trying to escape the ankle, but in his defiance, Angle holds firm, fighting off the kicks from the Deadman … but then gets surprised, as Taker pulls the leg back, with Angle stumbling forward, Taker reaches up … AND CRADLES ANGLE, TAKING HIM DOWN … SHOULDERS DOWN … 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

In the process of the kick out, Angle releases his grip, but comes right back for it, only this time, Taker manages to avoid the Ankle Lock, kicking Angle away, sending the Olympian into the corner. Kurt wont be put off, and like a rabid dog, is charging right back out of the corner, coming for the weakened ankle, but again, Taker fights him off, and with his leg strength, sends Angle back into the corner again. This time, Angle hit’s the corner hard, giving Taker a moment to reach his feet, and he does so, but with great difficulty, already limping on his bad leg. Angle now shoots out of the corner, charging at The Phenom, but Taker sees him coming, and sends him over with big back body drop, as Angle lands hard on the canvas. Tenaciously, The Olympian shrugs the drop off, bouncing back to his feet, sprinting at The Deadman again but this time gets clobbered with a clothesline!!! Taker sends Angle sprawling, but Kurt is still tenacious, and shrugs off the clothesline, shooting back up, BUT INTO ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE!!! Taker begins to move around the ring, trying to get his leg into working order again, shaking it loose, as Angle pulls himself up again, looking worse for wear, having pushed himself possibly too hard after the initial back body drop and clotheslines. He reaches his feet, but allows Taker to gather some momentum, and he races across the ring, limping slightly, but connects with a running clothesline.

Undertaker leans into the ropes, shaking his leg loose again, with Angle pulling himself up on the ropes, Taker looking around, and as Angle comes off the ropes, the Deadman sprints across, still limping a little, but connects again with a running clothesline!!! The fans come alive for The Undertaker, as Angle sprawls on the mat, whilst Taker now stands tall, still favouring his leg, but raises his hand in the air … signalling for a choke slam, much to the delight of the jam packed SuperDome. The Deadman is cocked and loaded, whilst Kurt scrapes himself off the canvas, unknowing to what is coming his way. Angle pulls himself up on the ropes, still being stalked by The Undertaker … peels off the ropes … AND WALKS INTO THE PHENOM … CHOKESLAM … NO … ANGLE DROPS BACK DOWN, GOES BEHIND … AND ROLLS UP THE DEADMAN … 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Angle counters the Chokeslam with a dazzling roll up, nearly taking The Phenom by surprise. Both men are quick to their feet after the near fall, with Taker looking for another clothesline, but this time, Angle ducks it, runs off the ropes … CHOP BLOCK!!!

Taker hit’s the canvas onto his knees, as Angle runs off the ropes, and comes back, sticking his boot into the face of The Deadman. The Undertaker topples down, as Angle mounts, pounding the head of his adversary, eventually being instructed off by the official. Angle stops the beating, but doesn’t let up on his opponent for a moment, dragging Taker back up, keeping him under control with a couple of right hands, then sends The Deadman off the ropes, but makes a vital mistake, ducking down, basically inviting The Undertaker to return … AND CONNECT WITH THE RUNNING DDT!!! Angle makes a huge mistake, letting his weary opponent back into the match, with Taker rolling Angle over and hooking the leg…


………………1………………
…………………
…2…

…………KICK OUT…………
!!!!!!

Angle survives, but this time, both men are slow to their feet, as the intense pace of the last few minutes catches up with both of them. They both get to their feet with the aide of the ropes, but Taker is quick to act first, charging across at Angle … and delivers a clothesline, sending The Wrestling Machine over the top rope, and onto the floor!!! Angle rolls away, towards the aisle, whilst Taker sets himself in the ring, but doubles over for a moment to catch his breath. The set up is there, as Angle gets back to his feet, as The Undertaker now bolts across the ring … AND PLANCHAS OVER THE TOP ROPE ONTO THE OLYMPIAN BELOW!!!

The exhilarating dive to the outside is met with a raucous ovation from the on looking audience, spoiled with memorable spots this evening!!! The Deadman provides one more, with both Taker and Angle now on the ground on the outside, as the fans show their appreciation for The Undertakers remarkable agility to fly over the top rope. Now the momentum has surely shifted towards The Phenom, as he gets to his feet, bringing the groggy Angle with him rolling Kurt back inside, and following too. The Deadman connects with a right hand to soften Angle up, then sends The Wrestling Machine into the corner, with velocity, as Taker begins a run up … AND CONNECTS WITH A SPLASH INTO THE CORNER!!! Angle stumbles out of the corner, as The Phenom races off the ropes … AND THE BIG BOOT CONNECTS!!! Taker leans down, and makes the cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Kurt rolls away, towards the corner, pulling himself up, whilst The Deadman picks another spot, watching Angle pull himself up, and looks to connect with another big boot in the corner .. BUT AS HE CHARGES IN … ANGLE MOVES … AND THE DEADMAN GETS HIS LEG CAUGHT ON THE TOP ROPE!!!!! The Undertaker is caught up top, as Kurt races off the ropes, charges back, and crashes into Taker, who tumbles badly out of the ring, and onto the fall, with a bad landing on the mat.

Angle though, shows no remorse, and senses his opening to take over again, not wasting a second, and stepping out of the ring, waiting for Taker to get to his feet, pulling himself up on the barricade, as Angle sizes up the opportunity, and looks for an Axe Handle off the apron … BUT TAKER CATCHES HIM … CHOKESLAM … NO!!! ANGLE COUNTERS THE CHOKESLAM … AND DELIVERS THE ANGLE SLAM … INTO THE RINGPOST!!!!! Taker thuds into ring post, back first, and crumbles onto the mat, whilst Angle turns up the level of intensity, roaring to the audience, before pulling Taker up by the hair, rolling him back inside, and following in, hooking BOTH legs for the cover…

………………………
…1…
…………………
…………………………2…………………………
…………………………………
…KICK OUT…
!!!!!!

Angle pounds the mat in anger, showing fury at the kick out, then pulls Taker up, blasting him with a right hand to the jaw, holding Takers head with his left hand, keeping him sat up, and strikes again … and again. Angle grabs The Phenom by the head, barking at him “IT ENDS HERE”, and blasts him once more. Kurt now gets up, running at the ropes, bouncing back, and delivers with a basement dropkick. He covers, sticking his forearm in the face of Taker, 1...2...KICK OUT AGAIN!!! Angle pounds the mat again, and again mounts Taker, pounding him down, yelling at him to ‘STAY DOWN’. The Wrestling Machine gets to his feet, bringing The Deadman with him, and sends Taker off the ropes again, but once again, he underestimates The Phenom, with Taker ducking under him on his return, then comes off the opposite side … AND SOARS WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE TO ANGLE!!! Taker comes back again, and gets the fans fired up once more, with more awesome agility. The Deadman gets back to his feet, now bringing Angle with him, sending Kurt into the corner, and races in after him … BUT ANGLE GETS A BOOT UP!!! The Undertaker staggers away, as Angle storms back out of the corner … BUT RIGHT INTO A SIDEWALK SLAM FROM THE DEADMAN!!! Taker catches Angle by surprise, and hooks the leg…


……………1……………
………
………2………

…………KICK OUT…………
!!!!!!

Once more, the momentum swings around, with both men constantly turning the advantage around. The Undertaker gets to his feet, looking spent by the roller coaster contest, but pushes on, dragging Angle to his feet, scooping him up, onto his shoulders … SNAKE EYES CONNCTING!!! Again, Taker runs off the ropes, looking for a Big Boot to Angle … AND CONNECTS AGAIN!!! He drops down, covering once more, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Taker gets on his knees, staring down at the tenacious Kurt Angle, shaking his head, then pushing himself up, once again bringing Angle with him, grabbing the arm, and wrenching it, setting up perhaps for a second crack at Old School … and indeed, that’s what he’s going for. The Deadman backs to the corner, and pushes himself up, onto the top rope, and walks across the ropes again … BUT AGAIN, ANGLE COUNTERS … THIS TIME WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL ANGLE SLAM FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!!! The roof near blows off the Dome, as Angle senses the moment, and hooks the leg …


………1………
………………………………………
…2…
……………
……………FOOT ON THE ROPE……………
!!!!!!

The Undertaker survives … but needs the ropes to do it!!! Angle throws his head back, in despair over the near fall. Angle swings his head back, and looks down at a surely defeated Deadman, but only for the ropes he remains undefeated at this event. The Wrestling Machine pushes himself back to his feet, and takes another look at The Phenom, before making his way to the corner … AND BEGINS TO CLIMB THE TURNBUCKLES!!! The Olympian climbs the corner, with the fans rising to a man, witnessing Angle set himself up top … AND HE DELIVERS A PICTURE PERFECT MOONSAULT!!!!! The rarely seen moonsault from Angles armoury connects, and could surely be the final nail in the coffin of The Deadman, and hooks BOTH legs again…


…………1…………
………
……………………2……………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!

Somehow, someway, The Undertaker survives!!! But for how much longer can The Phenom survive this ensuing onslaught?? Angle has turned the screw, and turned the heat up on Taker, pressurizing The Deadman like never before as the match wears on. Angle stomps Taker a couple of times as he gets back up … then looks to the corner again … wanting a second moonsault???

The Olympian looks to take the risk, obviously outweighing it with the reward, and climbs high again, perching himself, steadying, taking longer to ready himself … BUT THE UNDERTAKER NOW SITS UP, WITH ANGLE COMPLETELY UNAWARE!!! The fans come alive, as The Deadman swivels his head in the direction of Angle, and stands himself up, moving to the corner now … and completely surprises Angle … reaching around … AND GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT!!! Angle looks stunned by the Deadman presence, and has no time to react … AS THE DEADMAN CHOKESLAMS HIM OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A SICKENING THUD ON THE CANVAS!!!!! The cover is made after a sick choke slam …


………1………

………………2………………

……ANGLE GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPE……
!!!!!!

IT’S INCREDIBLE!!! Angle survives the choke slam, taking a leaf out of his adversaries book!!! The Deadman even looks shocked by the survival instincts of Kurt Angle, and takes a moment to recover, and set himself for another go-around, then pushes himself to his feet … BUT ANGLE SUDDENLY POUNCHES … ANKLE LOCK!!!!!!!!!!! THE ANKLELOCK IS APPLIED OUT OF NOWHERE!!!!!! There is a deafening roar from the fans inside the jam packed SuperDome, with The Deadman trapped in the deadly ANKLE LOCK!!! The Undertaker is caught, dead centre, pushing himself up, driving to DRIVE HIMSELF to the ropes, as Angle torques the ankle. Taker is in a world of trouble, as Angle piles on more pressure, surely on the verge of snapping the ankle. Taker, in one last surge, starts to move, and with everything he’s got claws towards the ropes, getting closer … and looks set to grab the bottom rope, until Angle has another idea … AND DRAGS THE PHENOM BACK TO THE CENTRE, ONCE AGAIN APPLYING THE DEADLY ANKLELOCK TO THE DEADMAN!!!

This time though, Taker, before Angle sits back to grapevine the ankle, thrusts forward, and Angle is thrown, shoulder first into the ringpost, releasing the hold on his way!!! Angle is left stuck through the ropes, not moving since being thrust there. Both men are slow to move, with The Undertaker needing to use the ropes to help him to his feet. He hobbles towards the corner, favouring his ankle, and pulls Kurt Angle out, whipping him with everything he’s got, into the opposite corner. Angle bounces out, and right into The Deadmans path. The Undertaker scoops Angle up, into position FOR A TOMBSTONE … BUT ANGLE SLIPS OFF THE SHOULDERS … AND LOOKS FOR THE ANGLE SLAM … BUT THE DEADMAN LANDS BEHIND HIM … AND APPLIES A DESPERATE DRAGON SLEEPER!!!!!!! The Undertaker pulls out the rarely seen Dragon Sleeper to throw Angle off, with the Olympian not expecting this manoeuvre out of The Deadman tonight. Angle though, has a splendid counter up his sleeve, reacting quickly, and spins around, SURPRISING TAKER WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX … BRIDGING WITH A COVER …


………………1………………
………
…………2…………
…………………………………………………
…TAKER KICKS OUT…
!!!!!!!!!!!

Both men throw out two unexpected moves, surprising one another, but both managing to survive the unexpected curveballs. The Phenom staggers up, looking incredibly spent now, stumbling into the corner, with Kurt right up on him, mounting The Undertaker in the corner, blasting The Phenom with a succession of blows to the head, with some fans counting along, but not for long … AS THE DEADMAN COMES OUT OF THE CORNER … WITH ANGLE IN POSITION FOR THE LAST RIDE … BUT ANGLE COUNTERS … AND LANDS BEHIND THE DEADMAN … TRIPS HIM … ANKLELOCK APPLIED AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!

Kurt Angle drags The Undertaker back to the centre of the ring, with the Anklelock locked in. He torques at the body part, and a huge groan comes from Taker, as New Orleans goes berserk, half desperate for him to make the ropes, whilst some appear excited to see the streak end. Angle yanks at the limb, with The Deadman trying to push himself to the ropes, he crawls…and is soooo close….but ANGLE PULLS HIM BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING!!!!

The reaction from the crowd becomes deafening, willing The Phenom on to reach the ropes, as he puts his head down, and hand up … LOOKING SET TO TAP OUT. He once again fights the crippling pain, and crawls his way to the ropes, and is again one stretch away…..but ANGLE PULLS HIM BACK AGAIN!!!!!

The Undertaker yells out in agony, his hands around his head, and Angle then clamps down with the GRAPEVINE!!! The Undertaker is in REAL trouble now, NOWHERE TO GO. The official lies in front of The Deadman and asks if he wants to give it in, with Taker grabbing the referee by the shirt, almost showing his pain, and desperation, then


……………

……………………….
………
…CLAWS TOWARDS THE ROPES AGAIN…
!!!!

The Deadman refuses to give it in, as Angle piles the pressure on the Ankle, taking The Deadman to the absolute limit. The Phenom PULLS AND CLAWS to the ropes, nearing the ropes … gaining closer … getting closer … DRAGGING ANGLE WITH HIM!!! Angle torques, desperate for the submission before Taker can reach out, frantically looking to make him tap … BUT TAKER PUTS HIS HAND UP …

….
……………

…AND GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE…
!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievably, The Undertaker survives, as Angle is forced from the ankle, unable to comprehend the survival of The Undertaker from his deadly submission. Kurt gets to his feet, and is right back on Taker, stomping his battered opponent on the ropes, with The Undertaker barely able to defend himself as he pulls himself up, trying to throw rights, but remarkably, he is beaten to the punch by Angle, who appears to be getting stronger, and Taker appears to be fading!!! Angle throws two more overhand rights, then picks up speed, running off the opposite ropes, charging at The Deadman … BUT IS CAUGHT … CHOKESLAM CONNECTS!!!!!

Completely exhausted, The Phenom tumbles backward off the choke slam, into the ropes, breathing heavily, as Angle lies flat on the mat, getting caught by a final surge from The Deadman. The Undertaker stands himself up straight, staggering around … THEN SIGNALS FOR THE TOMBSTONE!!! He now looks down, as the deafening cheers engulf The SuperDome, as The Deadman drags Angle up, up for the TOMBSTONE … AND CONNECTS!!!!! Taker drops down, grabs a few breaths, and applies the darkness pin …


……1……
…………………………………
…2…
………………………
…………………KICK OUT…………………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The reaction is … DEAFENING!!! There is not a bum on a seat inside the glorious SuperDome, with no one able to fathom the kick out from the unbreachable Tombstone. Even The Undertaker is shocked by the kick out, and slowly shakes his head, pulling himself up, again stumbling into the ropes, watching the Olympian. The Undertaker shakes his head again, and staggering around the ring, he signals for the Tombstone again. The Deadman looks to be out of gas, looking out on his feet, resting momentarily on the ropes, looking around the arena at the fans, with a small group in the front row trying to start a 'THIS IS AWESOME' chant. Taker exhales heavily, then turns his attention to his opponent, still stuck on the canvas. The Deadman staggers off the ropes, and bends over as he looks to pull Angle up … but as he does … ANGLE BURSTS OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A STUNNING ANGLE SLAM!!!!! IS THIS THE END OF THE STREAK????? Angle now, somehow finding YET ANOTHER gear, slowly gets to his feet, having to use the ropes once more, and looks down on The Deadman, then rips down the straps, going in for the kill, bending down to turn The Undertaker over for the Ankle lock … BUT THE DEADMAN OUT OF NOWHERE PULLS ANGLE IN … AND APPLIES A TRIANGLE CHOKE?????

Where did that come from??? The Deadman has a shocking Triangle Choke applied, surprising Angle, pulling it out of the bag, just as it looked like Kurt had his opponent beaten!!! Angle cant break the hold, he cant find a rope anywhere, and he cant free himself. He ell prey to The Deadman, as he began to run on pure adrenaline, and dropped his guard!!! The Undertaker with his last desperation move, has Angle caught, with Kurt losing his air … unable to do anything to counter the unexpected, desperation Triangle Choke, with the fans stunned by the sudden twist in the tale, with Angle squirming, but unable to break the iron grip …


………………………
……………

…………………………………………
…………

………AND TAPS OUT………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER @ 21:35​


Somehow, someway, The Undertaker has done it!!! The Phenom has overcome the sensational Kurt Angle, just when it looked like he was finished!!!​


Michael Cole:​
Tazz, I truly believed The Undertaker was toast here. After Kurt Angle somehow kicked out of the Tombstone, I didn’t think The Deadman had anything left in his arsenal. Kurt Angle has taken The Undertaker to the absolute limit here tonight in New Orleans.


Tazz:​
I’m … I’m in shock Cole. The Undertaker looked to be beaten. I thought we were about to witness history here. He was toast Cole. The Undertaker was done. Where did that triangle come from???


Michael Cole:​
No doubt about it, this was the closest anyone will ever come to ending the streak of The Deadman. Kurt Angle nearly made history tonight, he nearly did the impossible.


In the ring, we see the vanquished Kurt Angle roll out of the ring, head down, holding his throat, as he staggers away from the ring, but inside, The Undertaker has yet to move since releasing the Triangle Choke.​


Michael Cole:​
Take a look Tazz. The Deadman was pushed so far tonight, pushed so far by Kurt Angle. Angle took The Undertaker to places he’s never been before, here tonight.


Tazz:​
That aint gonna comfort Angle though. Look at The Undertaker Cole, he looks like he lost the match. That’s how far he was pushed to the limit tonight, he won the match, but at what cost??


Michael Cole:​
Indeed. The Undertaker has yet to get to his feet after that remarkable match.


Now, in the ring, the lights go down …​


Michael Cole:​
Wh- what’s going on??


Tazz:​
I dunno. Technical fault here??


Now, the camera shifts to the ramp, as a group of the druids return, and the ominous music plays again.​


The six druids, followed by another six carrying the flaming torches, move to the ring, and pull the lifeless Undertaker from the ring, CARRYING The Phenom out of the ring, and up the ramp.​


Michael Cole:​
This is surreal Tazz. What is going on??


Tazz:​
Your guess is as good as mine Cole. How the heck am I supposed to know??


Michael Cole:​
Ladies and Gentlemen … I uh … we’re uh … The Undertaker … is being carried from the ring here.


The druids continue to carry the lifeless Demon of Death Valley up the ramp, with the ominous music continuing to play, the lights continuing to stay dimmed.​


On the ramp, the druids take the Undertaker, and walks on into the entrance, disappearing from view, as the music dies down, but momentarily, the lights stay down…​


…GONG…​


The lights come back, as we cut to ringside, with Cole and Tazz looking across the announcers desk at one another.​


Michael Cole:​
I’m speechless. Truly speechless Tazz. What did we just see??


Tazz:​
Uh … I do not know. I know I hope it isn’t what I think it is.


Michael Cole:​
Folks, as much as we’d want to continue to speculate over what we just witnessed, unfortunately, we need to move on. Uh … can we try and find out what is happening here?? While we do, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be handing it back over to J.R and Coach in just a second.


…​


***​


NEXT MONTH;​


EXCLUSIVE TO RAW;​


WWE BACKLASH - APRIL 22ND - MONTREAL CANADA​


LIVE ON PAY PER VIEW​


***​


…​


We now see shots of Bourbon Street in downtown New Orleans, as J.R and The Coach begin their commentary again.​




Jim Ross:​
A beautiful city, in the midst of a regeneration, New Orleans has been gripped by WrestleMania fever for months, but this past week has been something else Coach.


The Coach:​
The Big Easy has welcomed WrestleMania with wide arms, and it’s made for a terrific festival. From the Hall of Fame last night, to fan Axxess all week, and tonight’s memorable showcase.


Jim Ross:​
And it is far from over Coach, we still have our final three main event attractions to come.


***​


BROCK LESNAR | TRIPLE H​





Jim Ross:​
And indeed, we are just moments away from the first ever encounter, a match five years in the making. Brock Lesnar, one on one with The Game.


The Coach:​
I have goosebumps just thinking about this showdown J.R. Lesnar and Triple H have been at each others throats for months, and it culminates, TONIGHT!!!


Jim Ross:​
Indeed, the road has been long, but the journey these two men have taken to New Orleans has resulted in an epic collision that will occur in just a few moments…


***​


Open up, with Triple H on the 19/2 edition of Raw, holding up his hand to indicate five years.​


Triple H:​
Five years.​


Flashing shots of both Triple H and Brock Lesnar through the last five years.​


Triple H:​
That’s how long I’ve had to wait … wait for the opportunity to get my hands on one Brock Lesnar.​


Cut to a number of the uneasy staredowns between the two in recent months.​


Triple H:​
When you look down the list of guys he’s beaten. The legends, the icons, the past, present and future … there is one name … one man … not on that list.​


Shots of Lesnar decimating Hulk Hogan, landing an F5 on The Rock, crushing The Undertakers hand, and holding the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 19.​


Triple H:​
Triple H.​


Clips of Triple H, in slow motion, posing on the apron, spitting water.​


Triple H:​
And there is one reason for why that is …​


Shots of Mr. McMahon with Lesnar, patting Brock on the back.​


Triple H:​
Vince McMahon purposely kept us as far apart as possible.​


Clips of Vince keeping Lesnar and Triple H apart at Saturday Nights Main Event.​


Triple H:​
In 2002, Vince found himself a new hot commodity … a new breed of superstar … a new face to carry this company … and he needed protection.


Shots of Lesnar in his rookie year, far from needing any protection whatsoever.​


Triple H:​
Just like Vince did for all those big names before him, Vince paved Lesnars path. He gave Brock every opportunity to reach the same heights as those before him.​


Flashing shots of Lesnar with the WWE Championship over the years.​


Triple H:​
He was the one that guided you … he was the one that looked out for you … to protect you … from me.​


Another quick clip of Lesnar and Triple H head to head from the 23/1 edition of Raw.​


Triple H:​
Over the last couple months … you’ve pushed the boundaries, and you’ve broken our patience. And at WrestleMania, I promise you, I will expose you.​


Lesnar shoving Triple H to the floor during a heated exchange on the 5/2 Raw.​


Now cut to Brock Lesnar.​


Brock Lesnar:​
I’ve earned everything I’ve accomplished.​


Lesnar winning the King of The Ring, 2003 Royal Rumble, and the WWE Championship in November ‘05.​


Brock Lesnar:​
Vince McMahon didn’t win any of those championships for me. He didn’t wrestle in my Iron Man matches, he didn’t face Kurt Angle for me at WrestleMania 19, and he sure as hell didn’t help me through the Royal Rumble last month.​


Cut to Brock Lesnar entering the Royal Rumble @ #1.​


Jim Ross:​
Well, the ironic thing about it, is that Mr. McMahon promised Lesnar the coveted Number Thirty spot a few weeks ago. Tonight, he’s drawn the exact opposite of what he was promised!!!​


Shots of Lesnar OWNING the Rumble, eliminating CM Punk, Carlito, Mister Kennedy and Paul London.​


Closing Moments;​


Brock catches Christian with a kick as soon as they regain their footing, AND SCOOPS HIM UP … FOR THE F5 … BUT CHRISTIAN SWINGS AROUND … INTO THE RING … AND DROPS LESNARS HEAD AGAINST THE TOP ROPE … RUNS ACROSS THE RING … AND LAUNCHES HIMSELF AT BROCK LESNAR … SENDING HIM … OFF THE APRON … AND ONTO THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


Brock Lesnar:​
I have dug YOU, Vince, and your whole damn family out of holes, time after time over the last few months … and I’ve reached breaking point.​


Lesnar helps Triple H retain the World Championship against John Cena in December, but doesn’t get his title match in return for the favour.​


Cut to a backstage meeting between Lesnar and Vince in December.​


Mr. McMahon:​
Look Brock, you might’ve mis-understood me. You see, when I said I’d help give you a World Championship match with Triple H for your services, I didn’t mean right away. I didn’t mean this week.
Vince backs up a little, putting a hand up in defence, seemingly uncomfortable with the grilling.
Mr. McMahon: Well, y’know, the Royal Rumble is big Brock. It’s a huge opportunity to go to WrestleMania. Imagine headlining WrestleMania against Triple H, huh?? Think about that??
Shots of fireworks going off at past WrestleManias.


Cut back to Lesnar on Raw 19/2.​


Brock Lesnar:​
Enough of the broken promises … you’ve had enough chances to make it right and stay true to your word.​


Lesnar stays full fledged bad ass. No pandering to the fans, just keeping focused on the ring, and the reaction of the McMahon Family Empire.​


Brock Lesnar:​
You keep telling the family that we’ve been kept apart for my protection … but if anything?? We’ve been kept apart for YOUR protection.​


Shots of Lesnar ripping through anyone in his path.​


Brock Lesnar:​
Think about it Hunter. You’re family … I’m just an employee. You’re married to the bosses daughter … you’re the father of his grandchildren … and he wants to keep you as healthy as possible.​


Shots from 5/3, where Vince and Shane sacrifice themselves to keep Triple H safe from Brock.​


Brock Lesnar:​
And when I get my hands on you at WrestleMania … I wont be thinking of your kids. I wont be thinking of your family … I will be fully focused on all the lies, all the broken promises, all the times I scratched your back for nothing … and I’ll want payback of the highest order.​


Now cut to the Umaga vs. Shawn Michaels match from the same 19/2 show.​


Jim Ross:​
If Umaga wins, Triple H will have his family ringside at WrestleMania 23. Should Michaels end Umaga’s undefeated streak, the McMahon Family Empire will have no business at WrestleMania 23!!!​


Quick shots from that match, with Umaga dominating, then Michaels firing back, all the while with backstage shots of the McMahons and Lesnar, watching the action unfold … with Umaga victorious, and the McMahon Family Empire jubilant.​


Cut to the following week;​


Brock Lesnar:​
After you got your wish last week, and won the right to be in Triple H’s corner at WrestleMania … I knew I’d need to do something.​


Vince starts to seem more intrigued, and more concerned.​


Brock Lesnar:​
After all, I’m only one man, and I’ve only got two eyes … that’s why I’ve got my own back up at WrestleMania.​


The McMahon Family Empire begin to look worried…​


Brock Lesnar:​
In my corner at WrestleMania … will be … STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!!!!​


The Iron Man doesn’t disappoint whatsoever, as the fans go berserk, whilst the camera shows the classic Vince McMahon ‘gulp’. Triple H is furious on the ramp.​


And cut to the following Smackdown.​


Steve Austin:​
You wanna know if Stone Cold Steve Austin is gonna be in Brock Lesnars corner at WrestleMania 23?? Am I right?? … Well, the answer to that is pretty simple … OH HELLLLL … no.​


Vince smiles…​


Steve Austin:​
I’m not gonna second Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania … but you can bet your ass I WILL be in New Orleans on March 18.​


Vince begins to drop his smile…​


Steve Austin:​
And I’ll be making sure you and your family stay in order. Because you are looking at the law … you’re looking at your special guest enforcer!!!​


Cut to Austin, as he hit’s a stunner on Vince, and ends Smackdown toasting the fans with beer.​


Now cut to the following Raw, as we see clips of the brawl, whilst listening to the words of Triple H.​


Triple H:​
Three letters … D … T … A. Don’t trust anybody.​


Lesnar now sets his sights on Triple H, with The Game struggling on his feet in the corner … but before he can get to him … STEPHANIE STANDS IN HIS WAY. She yells in Lesnars face, THEN SLAPS HIM with Brock looking around at the fans … THEN SCOOPS HER UP!!!​


The fans are going buck wild as Brock prepares to F5 the billion dollar princess … BUT TRIPLE SCORES WITH A LOW BLOW TO SAVE HER!!!​


Triple H:​
Because Austin is about as interested in saving your ass, as he is mine. And that doesn’t bode well for ya big guy.​


The Iron Man drops to his knees, as Triple H barks at his wife to get the sledgehammer. The Game pounds Lesnar in the meantime, softening him up, then drags him up, PEDIGREE CONNECTS!!!​


Triple H delivers the Pedigree, as Stephanie pulls the hammer from under the ring, sliding it inside for The Game. Triple H takes a good long look at the weapon, then instructs Shane and Vince to hold Lesnar up, which they do. The Game stands around for a moment, sizing the shot up against the helpless Lesnar … then …​


Triple H:​
And if you don’t believe it … you’d better start listening. Because Austin has just as much hatred for you Brock as he does us.​


**GLASS SHATTERS**​


IT’S AUSTIN!!!!!!! Austin makes his way down the aisle, carrying a steel chair, as the fans go nuts, seeing their Texan hero making a beeline toward the ring, with Shane coming to meet him on the ramp … GETTING A CHAIR SHOT FOR HIS TROUBLES!!!​


Triple H:​
Think back to Corpus Christi, Judgment Day, 2004. You cost Austin his job. Think back to two years ago, WrestleMania 21, you and Austin in Ford Field. Think back to Judgment Day 2005, you and Austin, beating the living hell out of each other.​


Triple H shoves Austin away … THEN NAILS HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! The fans rain down with heat for Triple H, as he drags Austin up, looking to hit a Pedigree … BUT LESNAR STOPS HIM NAILING THE GAME WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!​


Triple H:​
The only thing Austin is interested in … is himself.​


Lesnar saves Austin, but before he can capitalise on Triple H, Vince and Stephanie pull The Game out of the ring. Lesnar kicks the ropes, leaning over, yelling at The McMahons, telling them they cant run forever. He then turns around … RIGHT INTO A STUNNER FROM AUSTIN!!!​


Triple H:​
He’s gonna show up at the SuperDome, and he’s anointed himself as ‘the enforcer’. All he wants to do, is raise hell. He doesn’t care if your Vince McMahon or Brock Lesnar. Any chance he get-​


Austin stands over Lesnar, despite the help from Lesnar, after hitting the Stunner.​


Now to the following Smackdown…​


Brock Lesnar:​
Steve Austin, I’m right here. You want me … HERE I AM!!!​


The vehicle comes closer, but as it does, we can see it’s not a trademark pick up truck … but rather a black stretch limo?? The fans don’t seem to take much notice of that fact immediately, but Lesnar begins to look a little suspicious.​


The limo moves right to the camera, parking up. The driver steps out, and walks around, all the way to the back, opening the door … as the camera shifts to the feet … and it’s not a pair of boots, but rather black loafers???​


Arn Anderson:​
I know we’re in Stone Colds backyard … but Brock … he aint here, and he aint gonna be either.​


The camera now pans up … AND IT’S MISTER MCMAHON!!!​


Brock Lesnar:​
So what the hell was this then?? A set up??​


Vince buttons up his jacket, sporting a wide smile, as Stephanie, Shane and Tomko all exit the vehicle … and the group walks on … AS TRIPLE H FINALLY APPEARS FROM THE LIMO … DRESSED IN STREET CLOTHES … CARRYING THE TRUSTY SLEDGEHAMMER!!!​


Arn Anderson:​
Brock, think about this kid. You cant take all of ‘em.​


Slowly, the Cerebral Assassin saunters onto the stage, closely followed by the McMahon Family Empire. Arn Anderson, powerless to stop the boss, steps to the side, as Triple H stands firms at the top of the ramp, sledgehammer slung over his shoulder, nostrils flaring, just as intense as Lesnar.​


Brock Lesnar:​
Maybe not … BUT I CAN SURE AS HELL TRY!!!​


Now, everything slows down, and all goes quiet…​


We switch back to the parking lot; and a minibus has just pulled up, with the door swinging open … AND THE BROTHERHOOD FILE OUT … THEN ARE FOLLOWED BY MNM (minus Melina), SANTINO MARELLA (~?), THE NEW WAVE (minus Randy Orton), FINLAY, AND BURCHILL!!!​


The camera shows Lesnar, realising the seriousness of the situation … but fearless, as the voice of Paul Heyman takes over.​


Paul Heyman:​
You’ve awoken a beast inside of Brock Lesnar.​


DEUCE AND DOMINO COME FROM THE CROWD … AND INTO THE RING … BUT BOTH ARE MET BY THE STEEL CHAIR!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
You have unearthed a MONSTER … you have created AN ANIMAL inside of Brock Lesnar … and you cant halt this monster, you cant tame this animal … you can only await the consequences.​


Tomko now steps inside, but Lesnar ducks under a boot, AND BLASTS HIM WITH THE CHAIR TOO!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
And you have the gall … THE GALL to bring out these stooges, these bottom feeders, and call THEM an army??? Triple H, let me tell you … this ‘army’ is nothing … but lambs … to the slaughter.​


… BUT THE RAW STARS NOW HIT THE RAMP, WHILST THE BROTHERHOOD AMBUSH FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE RING!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
Brock Lesnar will tear through these puppets, he will rip each and every single one of them apart … and make no mistake about it … he will RIP YOU … LIMB … FROM … LIMB!!!​


Lesnar valiantly tries to fight them off, but each time he gets one man down, another jumps him!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
If you want an army that stands a chance of halting Brock Lesnar this Sunday?? Try the air force … try the navy … try the U.S military … try them all … you’ll need ‘em.​


The Brotherhood, with help from Vince and Shane, holding the hammer on opposite sides of the ringpost, across the chest of Lesnar, hold him down in the corner (ala the terrific visual in February ‘99 where the Corporation held down Austin in the corner, and Vince got in his face with the intensity flowing from both sides).​


Paul Heyman:​
And if you think your family can dig you outta this hole?? I’d advise you start rethinking the game plan pal.​


Triple H now leans in, grabbing the restrained Lesnar by the face, barking at him, with Brock firing insults back, all of which inaudible, as the fans continue to be white hot. The tension is reaching fever pitch here, and the fans are going nuts, with Triple H and Brock Lesnar THIS CLOSE in each others face, yelling back and forth, with Lesnar being restrained, as Triple H NAILS LESNAR, KICKING HIM IN THE FACE!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
And as for all this crap you’re spouting about Brock Lesnar being protected?? GIMME A FREAKIN BREAK!!! The only protection needed when Brock Lesnar is in the vicinity, is for whomever has the enviable task of standing right across the ring from him. On Sunday … that’d be YOUUUU!!!​


Lesnar hauls himself up, BUT GETS CLEANED WITH THE SLEDGEHAMMER!!! THEN … HIT’S A PEDIGREE TO HELL!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
And while I may have guided Brock Lesnar … ultimately … he became champion within five months for one sole reason, and you’ll like this… HE WAS THAT DAMN GOOD!!!​


Triple H tells Tomko to now turn Lesnar over, which the puppet gladly does, allowing The Game to now kneel down, and land with strikes - constant strikes - across the head, opening the nasty wound on the forehead, running into the short blonde hair of the Iron Man, all the while trash talking his WrestleMania opponent, wailing at the head.​


We close in on Triple H, with his white taped hands soaked in the blood of his rival, stands over Lesnar, and with the sole of his shoe, stomps Lesnars head to the mat once more.​


Paul Heyman:​
If I were you Hunter?? I’d stop trying to convince yourself that Brock Lesnar has been protected, and shielded from ya … and begin to face the realisation that you’ve not only backed yourself into a corner this Sunday … I’d begin to face the realisation that you assaulted a walking monster … and I’d begin to face the realisation that you have to answer to him … and face the consequences.​


Lesnar gets to his knees … AND GETS SMASHED … ONCE AND FOR ALL … WITH A SICK SLEDGEHAMMER SHOT TO THE SKULL!!!​


Triple H:​
Be rest assured, Brock Lesnar will be a broken man.​


This time, Lesnar is down, and he is out … COLD.​


Triple H:​
I just left enough of him last week, for him to make it to WrestleMania…. I’ll finish him once and for all.​


Stone Cold sets himself for a moment, getting himself pumped, ready to take on the dozens of men at ringside, but then …​


Triple H:​
But that’s Sunday. Tonight though … tonight, it’s the turn of Stone Cold Steve Austin.​


**HERE COMES THE PAIN**​


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


BROCK LESNAR IS HERE​


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


Brock Lesnar appears through the curtain, and doesn’t stop for a single second, wielding a steel chair, the Iron Man bounds directly ahead … CHARGING THROUGH THE BACK AUSTIN, KNOCKING THE RATTLESNAKE OVER, LIKE HE WASN’T THERE!!!​


In the ring, the McMahon Family Empire look like they’ve seen a ghost with Vince barking orders at the bodies around ringside, telling them to get Lesnar.​


The Iron Man continues down the aisle, towards the ring, and is met by Deuce and Domino … as Deuce pushes Domino in front … AND HE GETS NAILED WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!!! Deuce freezes after seeing the sick, deafening chair shot … AND TAKES ONE HIMSELF!!!​


Two down … and two more follow, as Trevor and Festus Murdoch are next in line, getting hammered with the chair!!! Lesnar is like a beast, smashing anything that moves his way, as Jamie Noble is next to feel his wrath, taking a sick chair shot, with Rob Conway getting hammered too!!!​


Triple H:​
That air of invincibility?? GONE!!! The Iron Man?? NO MORE!!! I took all your credibility, I took all of that ego, all of that reputation … and in one night I crushed it all.​


The WrestleMania Army is dropping like flies … and we even see some of the rats fleeing the sinking ship!!! The Basham Brothers hop the guardrail, as does Santino Marella and the three attending members of the New Wave!!!​


Triple H:​
This Sunday … I will take that crushed reputation you have … and I … will … bury it.​


Mark Henry manages to grab the chair, and overpowers the Iron Man, TAKING THE CHAIR FROM HIM!!! … BUT LESNAR PUNCHES THE CHAIR INTO HENRYS FACE!!!​


Brock turns back around, AND CHARGES AT HENRY … RAMMING HIM THROUGH THE BARRICADE!!!!!!​


The camera now shows the majority of victims now crawling AWAY from the ring, up the ramp, BAILING ON THEIR BOSS TO AVOID ANOTHER BEATING FROM LESNAR!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
What about the blushing bride?? He wouldn’t harm a hair on her pretty little head, now … would he?? DON’T COUNT ON IT!!​


Thanks to The Brotherhood though, The McMahons get the upper hand again.​


Mr. McMahon:​
This is your future Brock. This is what awaits you at WrestleMania.​


Shane and Vince grabbing the Iron Man holding him on his knees, as Triple H grabs Brock by the face, talking trash. The Game then takes a few steps back, winding up with the hammer, looking to crack Lesnars skull … BUT LESNAR SURGES TO HIS FEET … THROWS VINCE AND SHANE OFF … AND RIPS THE SLEDGEHAMMER FROM TRIPLE H!!!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
Daddy dearest?? I’d LOVE to see that.​


The Games eye WIDEN in pure shock … AS LESNAR SWINGS … BUT TRIPLE H DUCKS … AND BAILS OUT OF THE RING!!!​


Triple H joins Stephanie on the outside, but with Lesnar locking his eyes on his opponent this Sunday, SHANE RATTLES HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A STIFF CHAIR SHOT … AND LESNAR SWINGS AROUND … NO SELLING THE CHAIR SHOT FROM SHANE!!!!!​


Paul Heyman:​
The Boy Wonder?? What do you think Brock Lesnar will do to him??​


The fans go crazy, as Brock begins to stalk Shane into the corner, but as he does, HE FAILS TO SPOT TOMKO BACK IN THE RING … AND HE JUMPS LESNAR FROM BEHIND!!! Jordan and Mack, along with Vince and Shane join in … BUT LESNAR FIGHTS TO HIS FEET.​


Triple H:​
Maybe now Brock. Maybe now, it’ll all be falling into place. Maybe now, you’ll be coming to realisation that what I told you a month ago was the truth. Maybe now, you’ll realise that Vince McMahon was protecting you after all.​


AND IS SUDDENLY JOINED BY STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!!!​


Brock Lesnar:​
The fact is this … I couldn’t care less who’s involved at WrestleMania. No matter who is at ringside, no matter what the rules … I WILL SETTLE THE SCORE!!!​


The fans are going buck daft, as Lesnar chucks the remains of the weapon towards the direction of Triple H, as Austin sets up to clothesline Rodney out of the ring, backing up … accidentally into Lesnar … who spins around … and out of instinct … LESNAR SCOOPS HIM UP … F5 TO AUSTIN!!!!!​


Brock Lesnar:​
I don’t wanna talk, I don’t wanna smile, and I don’t wanna laugh.​


Brock looks up, realising what he’s just done … AND DOESN’T SEEM TO CARE!!!!!​


Brock Lesnar:​
I wanna bust you in half.​


The McMahon Family Empire stagger up the ramp to safety, whilst Triple H remains halfway up the ramp, looking back at Lesnar, getting a final look at his crazed opponent on Sunday, who is still yelling from the ring like a maniac.​


Brock Lesnar:​
And when I get my hands on you at WrestleMania … I wont be thinking of your kids. I wont be thinking of your family … I will be fully focused on all the lies, all the broken promises, all the times I scratched your back for nothing … and I’ll want payback of the highest order.​


Slowly, The Game backs up, saying nothing, but looking ready, knowing the task that awaits him on Sunday, possibly now believing what Paul Heyman told him on Raw this past Monday.​


***END PACKAGE***​


… Back into the arena …​


**NO CHANCE IN HELL**​


To large amounts of heat, the McMahon Family Empire, sans Triple H, but joined by newly inducted WWE Hall of Famer, Mike Tyson, enter the arena, and stand side by side for a moment, with Vince leading the way, smiling proudly, despite the massive return from Brock Lesnar on Friday night, taking out the majority of his ‘WrestleMania Army’​


Jim Ross:​
Look whose come to join the party.


The Coach:​
What did you expect J.R?? Did you think that Mister McMahon and the rest of the Family Empire were going to miss out on this?? Did you think they’d be running scared of Brock Lesnar??


Jim Ross:​
Well, it worked for them on Friday Night!!! This group has absolutely no right to be out here if you ask me. Triple H is good enough, he doesn’t need his Father in law, or Daddies Little Girl, or old Silver spoon to help him out. And no, I haven’t forgotten the presence of Mike Tyson. Triple H should be man enough to come out here and face Brock Lesnar like a man!!!


The Family Empire step inside the ring, with Mister McMahon being handed a microphone…​


Mister McMahon:​
Ladi-


Vince is cut off by the heat from the fans, and an overriding ‘ASSHOLE’ chant.​


Mister McMahon:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me-


McMahon stops, and looks to his family members, as the fans don’t allow him the chance to make his announcement.​


Mister McMahon:​
Alright … SHADDUP!!!


Unrelenting heat for The Boss. Vince looks angered by the hostile fans, and decides to stop wasting time, shouting over them.​


Mister McMahon:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure, tremendous happiness, to introduce to all of you … a ten time World Champion … former winner of the Royal Rumble, King of the Ring, and one of a select few to ever hold the prestigious honour of being a Grand Slam winner. The husband of my beautiful daughter, the father of my Grandchildren, The King of Kings, The Game … TRRRRRRIPLE … AITCH!!!


**TIME TO PLAY THE GAME**​


The camera quickly shifts to the entrance, and after a few moments, The Game does indeed appear. Triple H steps out to an overwhelming heat filled reaction, with The Game looking overly intense for one of the most highly anticipated matches at this years event.​


Jim Ross:​
Perhaps, Coach, the greatest performer of his generation, Triple H though, will forever tarnish his legacy if he continues to rely on the support of the McMahon Family Empire. His entire title reign was overshadowed by the help of Vince McMahon, Stephanie and Shane, and yes, Brock Lesnar at one point also. Tonight, The Game could’ve restored his reputation by going alone, but instead, he will joined by those parasites at ringside.


The Coach:​
Those ‘parasites’ earned the right to be at ringside tonight J.R, if you had forgotten. And believe you and me, they’re only there to make sure that Steve Austin doesn’t step out of line as enforcer.


Jim Ross:​
Oh, gimme a break. Steve Austin is gonna call it as he sees it. He doesn’t care for anybody out here tonight. He’s never played favourites, and he sure as hell wont be starting tonight.


The Game continues his regular, same old, same old, entrance, blasting his water into the air, then into the crowd, before stepping inside the ring, and posing on the middle turnbuckle, before stepping down, and giving his wife a kiss on the forehead, and shakes hands with the rest of the Family Empire.​


**GLASS SHATTERS**​


The SuperDome ERUPTS!!! Steve Austin enters IN HIS PICK UP TRUCK, and speeds down the aisle, stopping just short of the ring, with no time to be wasted with another long walk to the ring.​


Jim Ross:​
It wouldn’t be WrestleMania Coach, without the Texas Rattlesnake. Stone Cold Steve Austin is here, and if he gets a chance, you better believe he’ll raise hell. The primary objective is to keep order, but after the McMahon Family Empire used him to set up an attack on Brock Lesnar, and after Lesnar rocked him with an F5 just two nights ago, Austin will not be playing any favourites; like he would’ve anyway!!


The Coach:​
The SuperDome has come unglued for the Rattlesnake. Austin gets the fans rocking like no one else. He just better keep his nose out of proceedings, and chug beer instead.


Jim Ross:​
I’d dare say he’ll be looking to do both Coach.


Wisely, the Family Empire slip out of the ring, allowing Austin the ring for his entrance. He stands on top of the truck, and toasts the fans, downing a beer, before stepping into the ring, and going to each turnbuckle, getting a standing ovation from the fans. Austin then stops his parade around the ring, but doesn’t exit it, making sure the McMahon Family Empire know who is in charge.​


**HERE COMES THE PAIN**​


Again, it’s a great reaction from the hot crowd, although not as spine-tingling as the reaction for the uber popular Austin. Lesnar looks fired up, and raring to go, having had to wait for the last five weeks to get his hands on Triple H.​


Jim Ross:​
Five years in the making Coach. It has taken five years for Brock Lesnar and Triple H to cross paths. In recent months though, it’s seemed almost inevitable that these two forces were going to clash, and where better than at the showcase of the immortals.


The Coach:​
Triple H and Lesnar; for the first time ever baby boy. And you never EVER forget the first time.


Jim Ross:​
Something tells me Coach, that this one is about to go down in WrestleMania folklore.


Lesnar continues down the aisle, and jumps onto the apron, setting off pyro, all around the arena, for an awesome sight. Lesnar steps inside, with he and Austin trading a few words, with Stone Cold stepping out of the ring, but letting Lesnar know his feelings.​


The Iron Man now hops from left foot to right, keeping his eyes on Triple H, who walks around the ring, putting in some final thoughts, before kicking off the much hyped match.​


Now, The Game carefully steps inside the ring, with Lesnar pacing around, snarling like a wild animal, as the bell rings, and the match is underway.​


FIRST TIME EVER:​


Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar​


With The McMahon Family in the corner of Triple H, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin as special guest enforcer.​



A roar develops around the SuperDome, as Lesnar glares across at The Game, with Triple H trying his best to look threatening, as he glances to the outside at his entourage. The two men inch closer to the middle of the ring, with Trips trying to verbally get in the head of Brock, with the two men coming face to face, dead centre in the ring. The Game continues to mouth at Lesnar, with a cocky smile on his face the whole time, but shoots back in shock, as Brock gnarls back at him, eyes wide like a madman. Triple H gulps, but then throws a slap, right across the face of Lesnar, who turns his head away, and holds his jaw, before slowly turning back around … LAUGHING at The Game!!! Triple H tries to quickly follow up, throwing a right hand, BUT LESNAR CATCHES THE HAND!!!

Lesnar grabs The Games hand, as Triple H tries to pull it away from his opponent … BUT CANT!!! Lesnar shows off his impressive strength, gripping the Cerebral Assassins hand, and begins to squeeze. Triple H shows the pain on his face, mouth wide open, groaning, trying to pull free, but Brock is just too strong. The fans are cheering, as the camera shows a concerned McMahon Family Empire, and a confused Mike Tyson. In the ring, Triple H drops to his knees, with Lesnar roaring in his opponents face, enjoying having The Game on his knees, then finally lets go, and pie faces The Game, pushing him onto the mat, embarrassing the King of Kings.

Brock looks around, nodding at the fans, who cheer on approvingly whilst the humiliated Triple H is slow to his face, looking furious that he was embarrassed by the Iron Man. The Game pulls himself up, and now charges in, with Lesnar ready, and the two lock up, but not for long, as Brock RAG DOLLS Triple H, hurling him across the ring, emphasizing his massive strength advantage as The Game is forced to pull himself up again, after another humiliating experience at going toe to toe with Lesnar. Showing more fury, and a determination to prove a point, Triple H pulls himself up once more, and charges at the Iron Man again, but this time, Lesnar scoops him up, and presses the 270 pound Game over his head LIKE A CHILD!!! Lesnar holds the helpless Triple H over his head, looking for a fan reaction, getting a great cheer … THEN GORILLA PRESS SLAMS THE GAME ONTO THE MCMAHON FAMILY EMPIRE ON THE OUTSIDE!!!

It’s pandemonium inside the SuperDome, as the McMahon Family Empire topple down, and scramble around the floor following the impressive press slam from Lesnar to Triple H!!! Lesnar paces around the ring, loving his dominance over his opponent in the early going. On the outside, Triple H and Stephanie help each other up, staggering around the ring apron, with The Game shaking his head, and with his arm around his wife, staggers towards the aisle, waving the match off, having had enough of Lesnar already. The fans boo, as the referee issues the count, with Triple H seemingly happy to walk out. In the ring, Brock is set to follow after him, but before he can leave the ring, the special guest enforcer on the outside runs around, and chases behind Triple H, hooking by the head, AND AUSTIN RUNS TRIPLE H BACK, AND HURLS HIM BACK UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

Triple H shoots up, and turns to Austin on the outside, irate that The Rattlesnake got involved, chewing him out, then turns around … RIGHT INTO THE PATH OF A THUNDEROUS CLOTHESLINE FROM LESNAR!!! Triple H bundles over, and rolls to the corner, with The Iron Man not letting up for a second, and begins to pile through Hunter with a succession of stiff shoulders to the gut of the ten times world champion. Lesnar drives his massive shoulder through the gut and ribcage of The Game FIVE times, then backs off, as Triple H slumps down onto the canvas. Lesnar spins around, and spots Shane McMahon now on the apron, looking to do something to help his brother-in-law, BUT GETS CLOTHESLINED FOR HIS TROUBLES!!! Shane takes a nasty bump off the apron, with Stephanie and Vince running to check on Shane-O. Lesnar looks down at the trio, admiring his handy work for a moment … then turns around himself … AND GETS CLOBBERED WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM THE GAME!!!

The Game finally gets in offence on Brock, and doesn’t waste a second, immediately stomping his bigger opponent, dropping down, and beating at the head of the Iron Man, before proceeding to illegally choke the big man, with the referee, Nick Patrick forcing The Game off at the count of four. The Game backs off, then pushes past Patrick, placing Lesnars head over the middle rope, sticking his knee to the back of the head and neck, choking the Iron Man on the ropes, listening intently to the count from Patrick, just breaking the choke at the count of four. Again, The Game backs away, hands raised in innocence, but as the referees back is turned; Vince takes the opportunity to choke Brock on the ropes too, but quickly backs off, as the special guest enforcer, Steve Austin, makes his presence felt, and McMahon quickly backs away, looking to avoid the wrath of Stone Cold, who points at Vince, letting him know he’s watching every single thing he does.

Back in the ring, The Game wisely keeps on top of Lesnar, pulling him up, softening him up with right hands, then whips him off the ropes, but Lesnar manages to duck a clothesline, runs off the opposite side of the ring, BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A HIGH KNEE FROM THE GAME!!! Triple H smiles, finally gaining the upper hand over Lesnar, and hooks the leg for the first cover of the match, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! It’s far too early for a realistic near fall, as Lesnar easily powers from the ground to kick out. Triple H though, is in control, and pulls Brock up, throwing a right hand to keep him under control, then fires him off the ropes again, but Lesnar reverses, and instead, sends Trips off the ropes, catching him on his return, LOOKS FOR A BELLY TO BELLY … but Triple H blocks the move, punching himself free of the clutches of The Iron Man, and runs into the ropes, charging back out … BUT LESNAR CATCHES HIM … AND SCORES WITH THE BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!!!

Lesnar nails the suplex, and the cheers boom around the SuperDome, with the arena solidly behind the bad ass Iron Man. Brock drags Triple H to the middle of the ring, and makes a cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! The Game survives the cover, but it’s Lesnar now in charge, dragging Triple H to his feet, and pushing him into the corner, going to work, and delivering thumping stomps to the gut, forcing his adversary to slump down, with Lesnar showing no remorse, loving every single stomp he delivers. The Iron Man slowly backs out now, taking a look at the on looking McMahon Family Empire, all looking concerned for their in ring leader, as Brock charges back in, DRIVING a high knee to the face of The Game, showing off his incredible vertical leap. Trips holds the ropes, showing the effects of the knee, with Brock not giving a moment, and coming straight back, with a kick to the rib area, and then whips The Game across the ring, to the opposite corner. Brock looks around at the fans, then charges in again, looking to deliver another high knee … BUT TYSON HOPS ONTO THE APRON, AND DRAGS TRIPLE H OUT OF DANGER … AND LESNAR HIT’S THE CORNER!!!

Lesnar hobbles from the corner, allowing The cerebral assassin to close in, and take Brock down with a chop block. On the outside now though, Stone Cold, the special guest enforcer, lays the law to ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’, but Tyson gets in Austins too, pointing in the Rattlesnakes face, backing off, whilst Austin slaps Tysons finger away. The two men continue to trade verbals, with both backing off, making their points. In the ring, Triple H is once again stomping Lesnar, trying to weaken him down significantly. Now, The Game drags him up, and throws Lesnar out of the ring, through the middle rope, following out himself, dropping off the apron with an axe handle to the back of Lesnar, putting the Iron Man onto the floor. Now, The Game grabs Lesnars head, and is successful in bashing it off the steps, scrambling the Iron Mans brain.

Elsewhere, we see Austin keeping his focus on the Family Empire, making sure they cant get involved with any shady shenanigans. The Empire watch on, looking at The Game in control, as he runs Brock into the ring post, before rolling him back inside the ring, quickly following behind. Trips slowly backs into the ropes, coming back out, and dropping a knee on Brock, following up with a hook of the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Not surprised by the kick out, The Game is quickly back up, stomping the head of his opponent, bending down, picking him back up, and sends Brock off the ropes, but Lesnar stops himself at them, holding the ropes, forcing Triple H to rethink the plan, and instead, The Game charges towards him, but Lesnar is ready, and ducks down, back body dropping The Game over the top rope, with Triple H crashing onto the floor!!!

Instantly, Stephanie chases around the ring, to look at the condition of her husband, checking to see if he’s okay. Meanwhile, before he can get out to continue the damage, Lesnar is distracted by Tomko on the apron, and spins around, grabbing the ropes, shaking them, sending Tomko into the ring, tumbling over the top rope!!! The Problem Solver is in the Lions den now, as he stumbles to his feet, and into the path of a vicious Lesnar, who scoops him up, and charges around the ring, THEN DELIVERS A SICK F5 … FROM THE RING … TO THE FLOOR BELOW ON THE OUTSIDE!!! A massive pop erupts around the Dome, as Lesnar executes a devastating F5, taking out Tomko, solving one problem for now!!! Now, fired up, Lesnar fixes his glare back on The Game, and follows to the outside, brushing off a shot in defence from Triple H, and ramming him into the barricade!!! Brock grabs The Game, and now slams his head off the steel steps, following up with a short clothesline, as we can hear Stephanie screaming like a banshee. The Iron Man turns and glares at the Billion Dollar Princess, who gulps, just like her father, with Vince too busy keeping his distance from Brock to help save his child. Lesnar scares Stephanie off, and now pulls Triple H back up, throwing him back inside the ring.

Brock catches a glimpse of Vince, just as he gets on the apron, and makes a point to warn The Boss, with Vince not making any kind of response, frozen by the monstrous Lesnar. The Iron Man steps back inside the ring, and sees The Game struggling on his knees, deciding to run off the ropes, but as he comes back … TRIPLE H BOUNCES UP … AND CONNECTS WITH A TERRIFIC ARN ANDERSON LIKE SPINEBUSTER!!! Lesnar got caught by Triple H playing possum, and might just pay the price, as The Game hooks the leg tight…


…………1…………
……………
…2…
…………………………………
……………SHOULDER UP……………
!!!!!

Triple H comes close to a shock, out of nowhere finish, with Brock getting caught by the cerebral assassin. We see a quick shot of trainers helping Tomko up the ramp, effectively ending his night early, after the stunning F5 from the ring to the floor. Now, back in the ring, The Game reaches his feet, bringing Lesnar with him, and now looking much more confident, pushing Brock into the corner, then with everything he’s got, sends Lesnar across the ring to the opposite corner CHEST FIRST!!! The Game throws so much power behind the whip he even falls to the canvas, and as Lesnar hit’s the corner, and instantly goes to the ground, clutching his chest after the impact. Triple H now shows his mean streak, shooting right back up, coming after Lesnar, and dragging him up, pushing him into the corner, then repeating the same trick from moments ago, sending the massive Iron Man across the ring with tremendous velocity, CHEST FIRST into the corner!!! Again, the force he puts behind it even forces The Game off his feet, and upon impact, Lesnar again crashes to the mat. Triple H now crawls over, hooking the leg of Lesnar, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Brock survives again, but looks to be struggling, and breathing heavily after the two effective chest first Irish whips into the corner.

The Game gets to his feet again, and puts the boots to Lesnar, kicking him towards the apron, and eventually out of the ring, to the floor below. Trips backs away, bringing the referee with him, which allows Tyson, Shane, Stephanie and Vince to put the boots to Lesnar, and not allow him to recover. The special guest enforcer though is having none of it, and quickly paces around the ring, grabbing Shane by the jacket, and throwing him away, which instantly forces the rest to flock away, with Vince, Steph and Tyson all backing off the Iron Man, with Austin keeping order on the outside. Meanwhile, Brock pulls himself back to his feet, using the apron, and pulls himself back onto the ring apron, but doesn’t suspect Triple H bounding across the ring, AND KNOCKS HIM OFF THE APRON … CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE!!! Brock slumps on the mats, wincing after a hard thud off the barrier, whilst Triple H looks increasingly pleased with himself, taking his time to get out of the ring, knowing he has plenty of time, with Lesnar in trouble.

The Game drags Lesnar up, and shoves him back into the barricade, back first, piling on the agony for Lesnar. Triple H now puts the boots to Brock, ignoring the count from the referee, showing no interest in getting back inside just yet, making the most of the opportunity to punish Lesnar. Austin now gets involved, pulling Triple H around, getting in his face, pointing to the ring, and telling him to take it inside, but Triple H just smiles, blowing the ‘Enforcer’ off, and turns back around, putting the boots to Lesnar again, before pulling him up … taking a look around at Austin, then PURPOSELY whips Lesnar RIGHT INTO STONE COLD!!!

Austin topples backward, falling into the steps, whilst The Game knocks Brock back down with a hooking clothesline from behind. Austin scrambles on the mat, trying to get back up after the out of the blue collision, courtesy of The Game. Triple H takes a brief look at Austin, then turns his attention back to Brock, dragging the Iron Man up … AND SETS HIM INTO POSITION FOR THE PEDIGREE!!! The Game looks for the Pedigree on the outside, but as he hooks both arms, Lesnar begins to power free, pulling his arms away, then trips The Game down by the legs, as he stands up. Lesnar keeps hold of the legs, and takes a look behind him at the ring post … THEN CATAPULTS THE GAME INTO THE RING POST!!!!!

Lesnar turns the tables, and Triple H staggers away, stumbling onto the barricade. Seeing the tables being turned, Shane now looks to stop a comeback from Lesnar, running at him … BUT GETS CAUGHT … AND POWERSLAMMED ON THE MAT!!!!! The fearless McMahon writhes in agony on the mat, after the effects of the crushing slam. Lesnar though, quickly turns his attention back to Triple H, whilst Vince and Steph check on the condition of Shane. Brock grabs The Game and throws him back into the ring, whilst Steve Austin has now reached his feet, with he and Lesnar sharing a tense look at one another, before Lesnar gets back into the ring. Brock runs the dazed opponent into the corner, letting fly with another array of stiff shoulders to the gut of his opponent, but now with more urgency behind them, dragging Trips out of the corner, and sending him off the ropes, ducking down … AND ALLOWS TRIPLE H TO COME BACK WITH A FACEBUSTER!!! Again, Triple H manages to turn the tables from a school boy mistake from Lesnar. Brock backs away, reeling from the knee to the face, allowing The Game to spin him round, with a kick, then looks for a DDT … BUT LESNAR SPINS OUT … CLUTCHES THE GAME … AND SCORES WITH A BELLY TO BELLY!!! The fans pop for the sudden set of reversals from both men, as Lesnar makes the cover on The Game…


………………1………………
…………………
…2…

…………KICK OUT FROM THE GAME…………
!!!!!!

Triple H kicks out, with Lesnar sitting up, taking a side glance at his opponent, before pushing himself to his feet, stalking Triple H, as he struggles to his feet, with Lesnar gripping him from behind, looking to deliver a German Suplex, but in desperation, The Game reaches out for the ropes, stopping the German suplex from being executed. Lesnar lets one hand free from his grip around the waist of his adversary, and thumps the back, looking to weaken The Game, and force him off the ropes, but as he does, and with the referee trying to pull Lesnar away, it serves as a perfect opportunity for The Game TO MULE KICK LESNAR IN THE NUTS!!! With Nick Patricks view obstructed, The Game is able to get away with the blatant low blow, as Lesnar wheels away, holding his trunks in his hands. Patrick suspects something untoward happened, but, he can only call what he sees. Triple H waits for a second, catching his breath, before picking his spot, and kicking the struggling Iron Man in the gut, AND CONNECTS WITH THE DDT!!! Triple H turns him over, and hooks the leg,


………1………

………………2………………

……KICK OUT……
!!!!!!

Despite the low blow, and DDT, Lesnar is able to kick out, much to the chagrin of the King of Kings. Triple H now gets back to his feet, and waits for Lesnar to slowly pull himself up, but in the meantime, catches the attention of Austin, telling him to watch this, looking to rile the Rattlesnake. He then closes in on his opponent, kicking Lesnar in the gut, and goes for the Pedigree … BUT LESNAR BACK DROPS OUT OF IT!!! The fans pop for the counter, with Triple H bouncing up, right into the path of a rejuvenated Lesnar, sensing the opportunity, and scoops The Game up … F5 … NO!!! Triple H lands on his feet, behind Lesnar … AND DELIVERS A REVERSE NECKBREAKER!!!!! The fans get deflated with The Game avoiding the F5, as he covers Brock, but doesn’t hook the leg, with Nick Patrick making the count, 1...2...NO!!!! Lesnar throws his shoulder up, kicking out, just in time!!! Trips sits up, and pounds the mat, frustrated that his excellent counter to the F5 wasn’t good enough to get the job done.

Wasting precious little time, Triple H hauls the 295 pounder to his feet, striking with two straight, deliberate, but vicious right hands, trying to soften his opponent up, then looks for an Irish whip off the ropes … BUT LESNAR DOESN’T MOVE!!! Triple H has a look of bewilderment, as his force is unable to move Lesnar, but tries a second time … AND BROCK STILL REFUSES TO BE MOVED!!! The fans go nuts for the show of power from Lesnar … then come to their feet, as LESNAR PULLS TRIPLE H IN … AND ONTO HIS SHOULDERS … F5 … CONNECTS!!!!!! Lesnar delivers, and makes the cover, looking to finish proceedings…


………………1………………

………2………

…FOOT ON THE ROPE … BY VINCE MCMAHON…
!!!

Mister McMahon saves his son-in-law!!! The match was surely over, but thanks to the quick thinking of McMahon, Triple H is still in the match!!! Lesnar is FURIOUS!!! The Iron Man stares a hole through Vince, with the wig wearing owner of the WWE now realising what the ramifications of his actions might just be. Lesnar suddenly jolts, and rolls under the bottom rope … COMING IN PURSUIT OF THE BOSS!!! Lesnar chases after McMahon, with Vince running around the ring, then stops dead in his tracks, with STONE COLD standing in his way!!!

McMahon looks around, with Lesnar closing in, and Austin providing a roadblock for his getaway. McMahon looks around, then scarpers into the ring, looking for safety, but as he gets inside, he falls over, leaving himself at the mercy of the Iron Man. Lesnar stands over Vince, and looks to pull him up by the hair, but as he does … THE WIG COMES OFF!!! A massive cheer with laughs engulf the SuperDome, with Vince trying to cover his bald(ish) head from the eyes of the fans, as Brock throws the wig to the crowd, giving someone a heck of a memento to take home. Lesnar then hauls Vince up, and throws him onto his shoulders … BUT TRIPLE H STEAMS IN WITH A CHOP BLOCK TO SAVE HIS FATHER-IN-LAW!!!

Again, the fans deflate, with Triple H putting the pin in their balloon, as we’ll have to wait a little longer for what they want to see. Vince scrambles to safety on the outside, whilst Triple H looks to take over again on Brock, dragging him up … but Lesnar surprises him with a kick to the gut, then with immense power, DELIVERS A SHATTERING SPINEBUSTER!!!!!

Lesnar bounces up, feeling the moment, dominating The Game, with the end surely in sight, as he doesn’t go for the cover, but instead, pulls Triple H back up, setting him between his legs … AND THROWS HIM UP … POWERBOMB!!! Lesnar signals that it’s over now, with a thunderous -and rarely seen- Lesnar power bomb, as he hooks the leg, and The Game out on his feet…


………1………

……………………2……………………

……STEPHANIE PULLS THE REFEREE OUT OF THE RING……
!!!

New Orleans goes into an uproar, as the Billion Dollar Princess saves her husband from a sure defeat, pulling Nick Patrick out of the ring, and as he berates her for doing so … SHE SLAPS HIM!!! Patrick stumbles a little, then fixes himself, pulling at his own shirt, to indicate he’s the referee, then appears to be looking to signal for the bell … BUT GETS CRACKED FROM BEHIND WITH A STEEL CHAIR … BY MIKE TYSON!!! Patrick hit’s the ground, with Tyson saving the match for now. The fans give a highly mixed reaction, with many cheering for Tyson getting in the action. Iron Mike now drags the referee away (to where~??) WHILST LESNAR GRABS STEPHANIE BY THE HAIR!!!!!! The fans go ape shit, with The Iron Man about to teach the spoilt bitch a lesson … BUT SHANE SAVES HER WITH A CHAIR TO THE BACK OF LESNAR!!!

Unlike on Smackdown, this time, Lesnar feels the force of the chair shot, and falls to the canvas … but Shane isn’t smiling for long … AS STEVE AUSTIN TACKLES HIM DOWN!!! Austin pounds at Shane, beating the snot out of good ‘ol silver spoon … BUT VINCE NOW MAKES THE SAVE FOR SHANE!!! He pounds the back of Austin, but his tame shots have NO EFFECT on the Rattlesnake, who gets up, and knocks Vince down with a blistering right hand!!! The SuperDome is in hysterics as everything breaks down, with Austin stomping a mudhole and walking it dry on Mister McMahon, but the camera switches, and we see Stephanie on the outside, having calmed down from her near death experience, now sliding A SLEDGEHAMMER TO A SLOWLY RECOVERING TRIPLE H!!!!!

Austin finishes up his stomping on Vince, and makes another beeline for Shane in the corner, unloading with piston like right hands, opening a can of whoop ass on the son of the owner of the WWE!!! Austin then turns around, looking to get another piece of Mister McMahon … BUT GETS BLINDSIDED WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER SHOT TO THE FACE FROM THE GAME!!! Austin now goes down, with Triple H still looking worse for wear, but holding the ultimate difference maker, and uses it to his advantage again, smashing the hammer into the gut of Lesnar as he gets to his feet … THEN SMASHES THE WEAPON INTO THE FACE OF THE IRON MAN!!! The heat from the fans is sensational, with The Game raising his arms, and the hammer, getting even more heat from the rabid fans. Meanwhile, Mike Tyson throws a trash can into the ring, as a worse for wear Vince, along with Shane, drag Lesnar towards the corner, with Tyson also helping the cause, with Lesnar now being set in the corner, with the trash can right in his body.

Triple H nods to Shane, pointing to the opposite corner, as Shane now prepares to break out his signature high spot, with a fair portion of the fans actually popping, with McMahon climbing the turnbuckles to put a final nail in the coffin of the Iron Man. As Shane readies himself, The Game dumps Austin out of the ring, whilst Vince directs traffic, and Stephanie plays cheerleader to her brother … AND SHANE FLIES … AND GOES COAST TO COAST … SMASHING THE TRASH CAN INTO THE FACE OF THE BATTERED BROCK LESNAR!!!!!!!!!! The match would surely be over, with Lesnar out cold … but there is no referee … OR IS THERE???

The Family Empire now look up the ramp, with Vince signalling for someone to come out, and quickly, the camera pans around towards the stage, AND ERIC BISCHOFF IS CHARGING DOWN THE AISLE … WEARING A REFEREE SHIRT!!!!! The fans shit all over the arrival of Bischoff, as Triple H drags the broken body of Lesnar to the centre of the ring, hooking the leg, with the rest of the Family Empire emptying the ring, with Bischoff sliding in to make the count …


…………1…………

……2……

…………HE DOESN’T COUNT TO THREE…………
!!!

BISCHOFF STOPS AT TWO!!! The Raw General Manager turns his attention to Mister McMahon … AND FLIPS HIM THE DOUBLE BIRD!!! For possibly the first time ever, Bischoff actually gets a MONSTER pop from the fans, as Vinces mouth drops in shock. Bischoff mouths at McMahon “FUCK YOU VINCE!!! I‘M DONE BEING YOUR PUPPET … I‘M ERIC BISCHOFF DAMMIT!!!”. Vince snarls in anger, as Triple H drops an elbow on the GM of Raw, with Eric already on his knees. Despite the brave move, it may prove to be the most stupid decision he ever made!!! Triple H takes his anger out on Eric for the double cross, pounding the Raw GM into the mat, with Vince, infuriated, demanding to get a shot on Eric himself, as he, Shane, Stephanie and Mike Tyson re-enter the ring. Shane pulls Bischoff up, giving Vince his free shots, with a barrage of shots to the body, then a vicious slap across the face!!! Mr. McMahon grabs Eric by the face, yelling in his face “YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS NOW!!!”, before decking Eric with another right hand. Eric drops to his knees, with Triple H now standing over him, placing Eric between his legs … AND DELIVERS THE PEDIGREE!!!!!

The madness continues, with the broken body of Eric Bischoff joining the broken body of Lesnar on the canvas, whilst Austin is out on the outside. In the ring, Vince and Stephanie now drag the black and white striped shirt off Eric, exposing his flesh, throwing it to Shane, telling him to put the shirt on, and make the count on Lesnar. Shane-O throws his jacket off, and quickly pulls the black and white top over his shirt, as Triple H covers Lesnar, and Shane drops down, making the ridiculously quick count …


…1…
……2……
…KICK OUT…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LESNAR KICKS OUT!!! The SuperDome is in hysterics, the McMahon Family Empire is in shock!!! Triple H, more so than anyone else, is ready to blow, and quickly drags up the barely conscious Iron Man, telling Shane to get ready and count, hooking Lesnar into position … PEDIGREE CONNECTS!!! It’s surely over now, as Triple H turns Lesnar over, hooking the leg tight, with Shane instantly dropping down and counting, EVEN QUICKER THAN BEFORE …


…1…
……2……
…AUSTIN STOMPS SHANE TO BREAK THE COUNT…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AUSTIN SAVES LESNAR!!! The craziness continues, as Austin is back from the dead, and stomps Shane repeatedly, with Triple H looking to stop him, grabbing him by the hair, spinning him around … AND AUSTIN DELIVERS AN INSTANT STUNNER!!! The Game goes down!!! Austin now turns his attention to Vince … AND VINCE THROWS STEPHANIE IN AUSTINS PATH … AND AUSTIN THROWS HER OUT OF THE RING!!! Austin then spots Shane getting back to his feet … KICK TO THE GUT … AND THE STUNNER CONNECTS!!! Austin gets back up, and LAUNCHES AT VINCE WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS!!! Austin lets fly with piston like right hands to his ultimate Nemesis, before getting to his feet, looking to set up Vince for the Stunner … BUT MIKE TYSON STEPS IN HIS WAY!!! It’s absolute bedlam inside the SuperDome, as Austin and Tyson look set to come to blows … BUT TYSON TURNS AROUND … AND CLOCKS VINCE!!!!!!!! It’s even more mayhem in New Orleans!!!! Vince McMahon gets knocked out by Mike Tyson!!!! Tyson turns on the McMahons!!! Mike Tyson stands over Vince, making his point clear, then steps between the ropes, and exit’s the ring, leaving up the ramp to a tremendous response from the on looking fans.

The carnage is plain to see, with Eric Bischoff - shirtless - laid out, Brock Lesnar slowly stirring, Triple H barely stirring, Vince slumped in the corner, his lights out thanks to a knockout right from Iron Mike Tyson. Shane has rolled to the outside, but is laid out, whilst a destroyed trashcan, and a sledgehammer are also still in the ring, with the fans on their feet, but slowly dying down with a moment of calm to bring the fans back down. Mickey Henson has now entered the ring, replacing Nick Patrick who got creamed by Tyson earlier, and Austin now exit’s the ring, having restored order. Slowly, Lesnar and The Game meet in the middle of the ring, both on their knees, as we prepare for the final crescendo of this incredible contest. The two men, both clearly worse for wear, slowly reach their feet, and trade a couple of tame blows, then Lesnar catches Triple H with a knee to the gut, and looks to get him up for the F5 … but Triple H avoids it, slipping off his shoulder, and pulls Brock around, kick to the gut, and looks for the Pedigree … but Lesnar blocks it, running Triple H into the corner to avoid the move. The Iron Man now pulls The Game out of the corner, and back onto his shoulders, attempting the F5 again … BUT AS HE SPINS TRIPLE H AROUND … MICKEY HENSON GETS CAUGHT WITH THE LEGS OF TRIPLE H!!! Henson takes a bump, and Triple H lands on his feet. He quickly catches Brock with a right hand, then takes a run at him … BUT LESNAR SCOOPS HIM UP … AND HIT’S THE F5!!!!!!! Lesnar makes the cover, AND AUSTIN SLIDES IN TO MAKE THE COUNT …


…………1…………

……2……

…………KICK OUT…………
???!!!!!???

Triple H shocks the entire building with a last gasp kick out!!! Lesnar doesn’t seem happy, and takes a long look at Austin, then the camera picks up on him commenting to Austin “Cant you count to three??”. Austin doesn’t seem impressed by the question, signalling he counted, but Triple H kicked out before three. The Iron Man gets to his feet, and continues to argue with Austin, whilst in the background, Triple H has been reacquainted with his trusty sledgehammer, and pushes himself up, looking to attack Lesnar from behind … BUT LESNAR MOVES … AND TRIPLE H CLOCKS AUSTIN AGAIN WITH THE HAMMER!!! Austin takes another sledgehammer shot, and goes down like a sack of shit once more!!! Triple H doesn’t dwell on the missed shot, and turns, looking to score with a second attempt on Lesnar, BUT LESNAR BLOCKS THE SHOT … AND OVERPOWERS HIM … TAKING THE HAMMER FROM THE GAME!!!!!!! The SuperDome is in raptures, as Lesnar, with wild eyes, wields the hammer … AND BREAKS IT OVER HIS KNEE!!! Lesnar dumps the broken weapon out of the ring, with a petrified Triple H charging at Lesnar, BUT GETS CLOCKED WITH A MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE!!! Brock signals to the fans that it’s over, but before he can finish off The Game … SHANE IS BACK … BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO THE F5!!!

The Iron Man turns his attention back to Triple H, and looks to drag him up … BUT STEPHANIE JUMPS ON LESNARS BACK!!! Stephanie, in a desperate attempt to save her husband, jumps on the back of the Iron Man … not a good idea … effortlessly … LESNAR HURLS STEPHANIE ONTO HIS SHOULDERS … AND POSES FOR THE FANS, WHO ARE GOING CRAZY … AS HE DELIVERS THE F5 TO STEPHANIE!!! Louisiana is in a frenzy, with Stephanie finally eating the F5!!! Lesnar bounces up, and turns his attention to The Game, looking to drag him to his feet, and end the madness … but Triple H has other ideas … AND LOW BLOWS LESNAR!!! The Game gets to his feet, and picks up the opportunity … AND NAILS LESNAR WITH A PEDIGREE!!! Triple H turns him over, and drapes an arm over his opponent, with Mickey Henson slowly coming around, and making the count…


………………1………………

…………………
………
…………………

…………2…………

………
…………………………………………………
………

…LESNAR KICKS OUT…
!!!!!!!!!!!

Another MASSIVE roar engulfs the SuperDome, whilst Triple H looks seriously worried, with Brock somehow kicking out, even with the slow count from the groggy referee. Triple H shakes his head, unable to believe it, and quickly drags the Iron Man back up, hooking him into position, FOR ANOTHER PEDIGREE … BUT LESNAR SUDDENLY COUNTERS … F5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE F5 CONNECTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brock gets the cover, with Mickey Henson slow again to make the count … BUT VINCE IS UP, AND LOOKS TO BREAK IT … BUT AUSTIN CUTS HIM OFF … STUNNER!!!! Henson makes the agonizingly slow count, with the SuperDome counting along in unison.


………………1………………

…………………

…………2…………
………
…………………………………………………
………
…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: BROCK LESNAR @ 22:17​


Lesnar overcomes The Game!!! The Iron Man, despite all the shenanigans, and all the run ins, beats Triple H at WrestleMania!!!​


Jim Ross:​
Finally, good has prevailed over the evil tyranny of the McMahon Family Empire. Thanks to the aide of Stone Cold Steve Austin, a right hand from Mike Tyson, and the unlikely appearance from Eric Bischoff, Brock Lesnar has overcome Triple H and the rest of the dastardly McMahons.


The Coach:​
This is surreal. What the heck came over Bischoff AND Tyson??? They BOTH turned their backs on the McMahons!!! How the hell is that fair??


Jim Ross:​
It’s an equalizer. That’s what it is. The McMahons stacked the deck against Lesnar tonight, and by Gawd, they paid for it. It backfired, and it backfired spectacularly.


In the ring now, Lesnar has his hand raised, then turns around … RIGHT INTO STEVE AUSTIN!!!​


The SuperDome comes to a standstill, waiting to see what is going to happen between Austin and Lesnar, with both men standing firm.​


Jim Ross:​
Uh oh. This could get interesting.


The Coach:​
Why couldn’t they have beat the hell outta each other earlier!!!


Austin looks around, then points past Lesnar, outside of the ring, calling for a beer it seems, as he gets a couple thrown in, and shoves one into the chest of Lesnar. Brock grabs the can, and looks down at it, as Austin opens his can, and raises it in the air, offering a toast … AND LESNAR ACCEPTS!!!​


The two men throw the beer back, as Austins music blasts into the arena, with the fans cheering both men on, as Stone Cold calls for another few beers, throwing another two to Lesnar, before proceeding to separate corners to toast the fans.​


Jim Ross:​
What a moment Coach!!! Austin and Lesnar put their differences aside it seems, to the jubilation of our jam packed audience. Together they have upended the McMahon Family Empire, and together, they are toasting the incredible New Orleans Superdome!!!


The Coach:​
Simply, surreal. Austin and Lesnar calling a truce … makes me sick.


The two men continue to pose for the fans, whilst we catch a glimpse of the McMahon Family Empire, on the ramp, distraught with defeat, all over the show, with Triple H carrying Stephanie over his shoulder, and Shane helping his Dad up the ramp.​


Back in the ring, Austin and Lesnar toast one another again, and knock back a can each in the centre of the ring, as Austin now leaves the ring, giving Lesnar HIS moment to savour, with Lesnar climbing the ropes again, pounding his chest, as we get a shot of Stone Cold leaving up the aisle.​


Jim Ross:​
Justice is served. Brock Lesnar has finally gotten his redemption after months of suffering at the hands of the McMahons. What now for Triple H?? What now for Mister McMahon?? What now for Eric Bischoff too??


The Coach:​
Well, I’d dare say J.R, that this is far from over. The McMahon Family Empire have been embarrassed at the biggest show of the year, and there will be hell to pay. Austin can waltz off into the sunset with Tyson. But Lesnar has a partner now in career suicide … and that is Eric Bischoff.


Jim Ross:​
Lesnar has won the fight tonight … but is the war over??


We now fade out from the images of Lesnar celebrating…​


…​


***​


A quick flash of images from New Orleans; Bourbon Street, The SuperDome, and the skyline.​


Narrator:​
Tonight, New Orleans hosts WrestleMania for the first time ever…


Fireworks from the beginning of this show.​


Narrator:​
And on March 30th of 2008 … another city will experience the thrills, the excitement, the pageantry, and the spectacle known as WrestleMania… for the first time ever…


Clips of classic WrestleMania moments; Hogan slamming Andre, Pamela Anderson entering at WrestleMania XI, Stone Cold standing over Mr. McMahon in 1999.​


Narrator:​
But this will not only be a first … this will be a classic …


Sudden switch to the desert.​


Narrator:​
A Desert Classic.


Clips now of Phoenix Arizona, and the desert.​


Narrator:​
Arizona … March 30 … 2008 … WrestleMania 24 …


Shots of the wonderful Cardinals Stadium.​


Narrator:​
The Desert Classic.


WrestleMania 24 logo.​





***​


…​


Now, we see shots of the Superdome from a distance, and the beautiful skyline, with J.R and Coach talking again, with Brock Lesnars music still playing in the arena.​




Jim Ross:​
What a beautiful city, and what a magnificent night it has been Coach.


The Coach:​
For you anyway. I was having a great week, but seeing the likes of Austin and Lesnar toasting each other in the ring has really put a dampener on this weekends events. I’m looking ahead to March 30 2008 already.


Jim Ross:​
Well Coach, you had better strap yourself in son. WrestleMania 24 is a year away, and we’ve got some way to go tonight before that countdown can begin. It’s time for the start of our two main events. And for the first, let’s hand it back over to our Smackdown colleagues, Michael Cole and Tazz.


Pan to Cole and Tazz…​


Michael Cole:​
Indeed, thank you J.R. Ladies and Gentlemen, history is set to be made. It’s time for the first ever triple threat match for the WWE Championship in WrestleMania history.


***​


ROB VAN DAM | EDGE | CHRIS JERICHO​





Tazz:​
Arguably the three best athletes in the WWE today, all on Smackdown, all vying for that twelve pounds of gold. RVD has had a blistering reign as champion, he’s surprised us all, but there has been one man on his tail for the entire run as champion, and that is Mister Money in the Bank … Edge.


Michael Cole:​
Tonight is Edge’s opportunity to realise his lifelong dream. it’s also the chance for RVD to prove Edge wrong, and show him he isn’t a paper champion. And of course, there is the wildcard.


Tazz:​
Oh boy, Chris Jericho has came up the rails on Edge and Van Dam. He’s poised to take the gold tonight. Three men desperate to win, but two, will leave with the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths.


Michael Cole:​
And before the introductions get underway, lets send it up to The Fink.


The camera switches to Howard Finkel in the ring…​


Howard Finkel:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me tremendous pleasure to inform you, that tonights attendance is a NEEEEWWWWW SuperDome attendance record, of Seventy Four Thousand, One Hundred and Seventeen!!!


Huge pop from the fans, as the camera pans around the SuperDome, with a breathtaking audience in raptures.​


Howard Finkel:​
On behalf of World Wrestling Entertainment, we thank you for your attendance tonight, and we hope you enjoy the remainder of the show. THANK YOU!!!


The camera pans around the sold out SuperDome, with fans cheering and hollering, as the graphic shows up on the screen.​


!! TONIGHTS ATTENDANCE | 74,117 !!​


Michael Cole:​
Wow!!! It’s been a terrific night of firsts, and Tazz, we’ve got a record crowd to witness it.


Tazz:​
Truly awesome Cole.


At ringside, the camera shows members of the New Orleans Saints, who pose for the camera.​


Michael Cole:​
They’re used to being the ones being watched, but tonight, The Saints are in the role of spectator, and it looks like they’re loving every minute.


Tazz:​
And why the heck not Cole. Everybody is loving WrestleMania.


And now, we see boxing superstar, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, who also poses for the camera, but gets some heat, with his image on the big screen.​


Michael Cole:​
Whether you love him or hate him, the Pretty Boy is arguably the top dog in the boxing world, and tonight, he joins the fans for the showcase of the immortals.


Tazz:​
One of the greats in the boxing world, without a shadow of a doubt. Undefeated, and not too many can say that!!!


Then, in a sky box, tycoon, Donald Trump waves to the fans, with his image now projected around the arena.​


Michael Cole:​
Even billionaires have days off!!! Donald Trump, a host of two previous WrestleManias, tonight is here as a special guest of Mister McMahon.


Tazz:​
You’re lucky he aint in charge tonight Cole … he’d be telling you two words … YOU’RE FIRED!!!


Michael Cole:​
Well, the world has come out to see the first ever WrestleMania in The Big Easy, celebrities, sportsmen and billionaires!!!


**METALINGUS**​


For the very last time, Edge enters the arena carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase; will he leave the arena trading it in for the WWE Championship??​


Michael Cole:​
For the last eleven months, the Rated ‘R’ Superstar Edge, has carried the Money in the Bank briefcase. Twice, plans to cash the prize in backfired, and tonight Edge has no choice but to cash in on his title shot, with the contract expiring as of now.


Tazz:​
It has all built to this night, to this moment for Edge. His first WrestleMania main event match, long overdue, but finally, he has reached his potential, and tonight, for me, Edge has got to be the favourite to walk out of here with the gold.


Michael Cole:​
It can be argued that no one is hungrier for success than Edge. He’s never had a genuine one on one title shot on Pay Per View, tonight, due to his own actions, he’s been forced to accept a triple threat match. Edge feels that the powers that be are against him, and that Tazz, is what drives him on to reach the pinnacle, and crash through the glass ceiling.


Edge slides into the ring, and passes the briefcase to the referee, ripping off his leather jacket, before rubbing his face, breathing deeply, realising the importance of tonight in his career. His big moment … has arrived.​


**BREAK THE WALLS DOWN**​


It’s a mixed response for Chris Jericho, who snuck in, through the back door to crash the party and force a triple threat match tonight by beating Edge at Saturday Nights Main Event.​


Michael Cole:​
Will the experience of that man, Chris Jericho, prove to be a deciding factor tonight Tazz?? He was the first ever Undisputed Champion, he’s main evented WrestleMania five years ago, he faced, and beaten every big name that there is. Will this be Chris Jerichos night to recapture the gold??


Tazz:​
All great, valid points, and Jericho also has the added bonus of having no pressure. He wasn’t supposed to be in this match, he was the gatecrasher, all eyes are likely to be on Edge and Van Dam. Huge opportunity for Jericho to capture the gold Cole.


Michael Cole:​
In recent months, Jericho has scored wins over both Edge and The Undertaker, RVD couldn’t put him away at SuperBrawl. As far as Jericho is concerned, he’s peaking. He is reaching the pinnacle of his career now. Will he be proven right??


Jericho steps inside the ring, and glares across at Edge, looking relaxed and composed, whilst Edge looks ready to snap at any given moment.​


**ONE OF A KIND**​


There is no question, Rob Van Dam’s popularity is immense, with the jam packed SuperDome showing their love for the WWE Champion.​


RVD looks extremely comfortable with the big match atmosphere, and looks comfortable with the richest prize in the game over his shoulder.​


Michael Cole:​
Seven months ago, Rob Van Dam broke through the glass ceiling, and shocked the world by becoming WWE Champion, for the first time in his career. No one, no one at all could’ve expected that for seven months RVD would be a juggernaught, an irresistible force on Smackdown, that would fend off the challenges from all angles. In the last seven months, RVD has disposed of Paul Heyman as Smackdown General Manager, retained the title in a gruelling Elimination Chamber, defeated Kurt Angle and The Undertaker in a triple threat match at the Royal Rumble, all the while, having Edge, Mister Money in the Bank, hovering in the distance.


Tazz:​
He’s surpassed all expectations Cole. Rob Van Dam was told for all of his career that he’d never make it to World Championships. He was told he’d never have the dedication to make it, hell, even I’ve said it in the past. But ever since August 20th 2006, RVD has made the entire world eat their words. A heck of a champion Cole, but lets not talk as if it’s gonna end. Van Dam sure as hell isnt planning on losing this one.


Michael Cole:​
Indeed he’s not. RVD has made the experts look like fools over the last seven months. Nearly every time he’s stepped into the ring to defend the title, he’s went in as underdog, and tonight is no different. Can RVD continue his glorious title reign tonight??


The champion pleases the fans with the ‘R-V-D’ thumb taunt, which sets off pyro in the distance, before getting inside the ring, and playing to the fans once more, as we get set for the WWE Championship Match.​


WWE Championship; Triple Threat Match:​


WWE Champion,​
Rob Van Dam vs.
Mr. Money in the Bank,
Edge vs.

The Highlight of the Night,
Chris Jericho

The three men are stood, ready and waiting, with Van Dam handing the championship over to Charles Robinson. Robinson raises the belt up high, then turns to hand it to the time keeper, BUT EDGE YANKS IT FROM HIM … AND CLOCKS AN UNSUSPECTING ROB VAN DAM!!! The bell has yet to ring, and Edge takes full advantage!!! Now though, Robinson signals for the bell, and we are officially underway. Edge then swings the belt at Jericho to finish it immediately … but Jericho ducks, and as Edge turns around … JERICHO LOOKS FOR THE CODEBREAKER … BUT EDGE PUSHES AWAY with Jericho landing on the mat, and Edge quickly goes for a bridge, pinning Jericho to the canvas … 1...2...KICK OUT!!! A stunning opening exchange, with the fans instantly sucked back into the action after the draining roller coaster of Lesnar vs. Triple H.

Edge and Jericho are both quick to their feet, with Edge striking first with a right hand, but Jericho fires back, scoring with a knife edge chop. The two men begin to exchange, with Edge firing the right hand, and Jericho coming right back with a chop. Edge though, has enough after feeling the force of three knife edge chops, and drives his knee into the gut of his opponent, using the moment to run off the ropes, BUT GETS NAILED WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! Jericho runs through the Rated ‘R’ Superstar, and even gets a nice cheer for it … but the cheer grows louder, as RVD is back to his feet, jumping to the ropes, and coming back, surprising Jericho with a springboard kick!!! Jericho tumbles onto the mat, with RVD quickly getting to his feet, recovering quickly from the title cheap shot … but gets blindsided by Edge again, as Edge scores with a big boot to the face of the champion. Quickly, Edge is on RVD, wasting little time, dragging him up, throwing him towards the ropes, but ducks down, which allows RVD to flip over him, and looks for a Sunset flip to the unsuspecting challenger, with Edge struggling to stay vertical … BUT JERICHO SWOOPS IN, AND SCHOOL BOYS EDGE!!! … 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Edge JUST kicks out in time, being taken by surprise again. Jericho is quickly up, but turns around … and is cradled by Van Dam!!! 1...2...JERICHO PUSHES FREE!!! Both men quickly get to their feet … and Jericho gets blindsided by Edge, who scores with a dropkick, sending Y2J out of the ring between the middle ropes, and sprawling onto the floor.

It’s just Edge and Van Dam for the moment, with the pace of the match in the early going being electric. The two lock up quickly, jockeying for position. RVD is the first to move, promptly applying a hammerlock. Edge though, is quick to counter, and hit’s a snap mare on Van Dam, only for RVD to spin away before Edge can capitalise. Van Dam reaches his feet, but Edge is right on him, and shoves the champion into the corner, before repeatedly ramming his shoulder into the mid section of Rob Van Dam. Edge then whips RVD to the opposite corner, running in after him, but Van Dam grabs the ropes, and hoists himself up in the corner, with Edge hitting the turnbuckle, as Van Dam somersaults out of the corner to a generous response.

Edge doesn’t take long to recover, and quickly bounds out of the corner, running at the champion, but RVD is too quick, and delivers an arm drag, sending Edge over. Van Dam jumps up quickly, and from the corner of his eye spots Jericho climbing the turnbuckles … AND CROTCHES JERICHO ON THE TOP ROPE!!! Meanwhile, Edge is back to his feet, and again, charges in on RVD, but Van Dam again, is too quick … and sidesteps Edge … who is unable to stop his momentum, AND RUNS INTO JERICHOS NUTS … HEAD FIRST!!!!! The fans pop for the spot, with Edge staggering out of the corner, and into a lethal RVD trademark spin kick. Jericho meanwhile, stays perched on the top rope, eyes closed, mouth open, selling the effects of two painful blows to the nether region. RVD takes the opportunity, and covers Mister Money in the Bank … 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

Van Dam shrugs off the kick out, and turns his attention to Jericho, who has tumbled off the top rope, and is pulling himself up from the canvas. RVD keeps the challenger penned in, blasting with an array of swift punches and kicks, before saulting out, and charges back in … BUT EDGE CLOBBERS HIM FROM OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! RVD has his clock cleaned by the Rated R Superstar, and writhes on the canvas following the thunderous blow. Edge meanwhile, takes a look at Jericho, who looks back at Edge … AND THE TWO MEN NOD!!! Edge and Jericho appear to have struck a deal, with Mr. Money in the Bank pulling RVD up, holding him for Jericho, who lights the champion up with a knife edge chop. Y2J then grabs RVD by the face, barking in his face, then slaps him. Now, the two challengers together, grab the champion by the arms, and send Van Dam off the ropes … but as he comes back, both men bend down … allowing Van Dam to roll off both challengers backs … off the opposite ropes … and darts back WITH A DOUBLE DROPKICK!!!!!

The fans come back alive for the turnaround, as a small ‘R-V-D’ chant develops around the SuperDome. Van Dam is feeling it though, and drags Jericho back up, sending him into the corner, then looks to pull Edge up too … but Edge stops RVDs momentum with a rake to the eyes. Edge now kicks RVD in the gut, and shouts to Jericho, with Y2J coming to help out, as both men hook the champion up … and deliver a double suplex. Edge floats over, and looks for a cover, but Jericho isn’t happy, and yanks the Rated R Superstar off the cover. Furious, Edge jumps to his feet, and asks Jericho “What the hell are you doing??”, before shoving him counterpart. Jericho immediately gets in Edges face, pointing down at RVD, with both men now seemingly breaking down their short lived partnership … and Jericho puts the end to it, with a right forearm to the face of Edge, rocking Mister Money in the Bank. Edge though, steadies himself, and fires back, planting Jericho with a right hand. Quickly, Jericho responds, firing back, with Edge doing the same, as the two begin to trade ferocious blows, whilst Van Dam is allowed to recover. The champion gets to his feet, but for a split second, Edge and Jericho renew their partnership … and drop RVD with a double clothesline. Edge then disposes of the champion for the time being, dumping RVD over the top rope, but as he turns around, JERICHO TACKLES EDGE DOWN!!!

Chris Jericho lets fly with a succession of blows whilst on top, but Edge manages to turn the momentum over, and begins to pound on Jericho, before rolling off, wanting to get back to his feet. Both men get up, but it’s Edge to strike first, rocking Jericho into the corner with a big right hand. He takes a short run up, then charges into the corner, ramming his shoulder into the gut of Jericho, resulting in a corner spear. Jericho doubles over, and staggers out of the corner, with Edge keeping on top, looking now for a suplex to the first ever Undisputed champion, but as he gets Jericho up … Y2J manages to drop behind … AND DELIVERS THE BREAKDOWN!!! Out of nowhere, the tide turns, and the championship is there for the taking … but before he can cover, Jericho spots the current champ on the apron, AND QUICKLY LEAPS TO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE, AND NAILS RVD WITH A SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK KNOCKING HIM BACK OFF!!!!! Jericho now has a free run to win the title, but decides to make sure of it, jumping onto the middle rope … LIONSAULT … NOBODY HOME!!!!! Edge rolled out of harms way at the last possible second, and Jericho crashes and burns.

Edge now senses the shift, and prowls in the corner, as Jericho pulls himself up … AND EDGE GOES FOR THE SPEAR … BUT JERICHO KICKS HIM AWAY!!!!! Edge staggers around, with Jericho striking, looking to hit his standing enziguri … BUT EDGE COUNTERS, GRABBING THE LEG … TURNING OVER … AND HOISTS JERICHO UP … ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP!!!!! Edge rolls over, and into a cover, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!! It’s fast and furious, but no one seems willing to stay down!!! Jericho survives, and the match continues. Quickly, Edge is back to his feet, realising the need to go for broke, with RVD still out of the equation. He sets himself in the corner again, willing Jericho up, looking for the spear again … AND GOES FOR IT … BUT JERICHO JUMPS OVER EDGE … AND EDGE CONTINUES … SPEARING VAN DAM OFF THE RING APRON!!!!!!

The fans gasp, as RVD gets caught again, and crashes hard onto the floor. Edge doesn’t look in the least bit remorseful for the sick spear, even through accident, as he gets up, turning around … WITH JERICHO LOOKING TO STRIKE WITH THE CODEBREAKER … BUT EDGE COUNTERS … INTO THE WALLS OF JERICHO!!!!! Edge applies Jerichos own hold onto Y2J!!! The Superdome has come alive, as Edge torques back, applying the deadly submission to it’s owner, with Jericho struggling to survive. Jericho desperately reaches his arms out, looking to claw his way to the ropes, desperately searching for his sanctuary, and safety. Edge meanwhile, pulls back further, desperately seeking to win the title, even if by using his opponents signature hold.

The fans don’t seem to know how to react, with both men firm heels in the eyes of the audience, whilst the favourite, RVD, remains out of action on the outside. Jericho inches towards the ropes … reaching out … BUT COMES UP SHORT!!! The eyes close, with Jericho shaking his head in desperation, and makes a final push … REACHING … AND GRABBING THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!! A big pop develops inside the Superdome, with the fans delighted for the match to continue, whilst Edge releases the hold, but looks furious at having to do so. He lets go, and immediately, Jericho rolls under the bottom rope, and out of the ring, in desperate need of a rest. Edge though, doesn’t want to give his opponent any recovery time, and follows out.

Edge stomps the head of a kneeling Jericho, putting face first on the mats, before stomping a slowly recovering Van Dam for good measure. Quickly though, Edge turns his attention back to Jericho, letting fly with a series of rabid forearms to the back and spine of a weary Jericho, softening him up, with Edge shoving him into the barrier, then hip tosses a defenceless Chris Jericho onto the mats. Now, in total control, Edge decides to turn his attention to Van Dam, dragging the champion up, and rolling him back inside. Edge wastes no time and follows in himself, staying on Van Dam, not allowing the champion any time to recover, or get to his feet. Edge unloads his pent up frustration on Van Dam, dropping to his knees, and furiously opening with some right hands on RVD, before being pulled away by the official, and told to watch his punches, indicating Edge was using a closed fist on RVD. Edge brushes past the ref, and begins to strike Van Dam with a number of stiff kicks to the face and chest, then stomps the head, before taking a moment to look at the fans, who aren’t showing a great deal of love for the Rated R Superstar. He ignores the lukewarm response though, and focuses on the task at hand, dragging RVD back to his feet, whipping him off the ropes, and knocking RVD down with a double reverse elbow. He hooks the leg for a cover, 1...2...Kick Out again. Edge looks to be getting a little agitated by the constant kick outs, and takes a fairly long look at the referee, before pushing himself to his feet.

Mister Money in the Bank gets up, and looks around at the fans again, taking in all their abuse, before showing a wry smile, before turning his attention back to the champion, leaning over to drag him up, but as he does … RVD BEGINS TO FIGHT BACK!!! Van Dam connects with blows to the mid section, surprising the challenger, backing Edge into the ropes, with RVD showing the spirit that made, and has kept him champion for seven months. Edge though, fights back, beating RVD away, fighting off the ropes, but gets too excited, and allows RVD to catch him with a kick to the gut, allowing Van Dam to go for a spin kick … BUT EDGE DUCKS IT … GRABS RVD FROM BEHIND … BUZZ KILLER!!! A big pop engulfs the arena, even if for Edge, for a great counter, with Edge quickly hooking the leg… 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Van Dam refuses to relinquish the title, and Edge is beginning to realise it will take something special to keep RVD down.

Knowing it will take something big to finish off Van Dam, Edge reaches his feet, and makes a beeline for the corner, pushing himself up to sit on the top turnbuckle, waiting for RVD to get back up, but the champion surprises his opponent, as he rushes suddenly to his feet ... AND LEAPS ONTO THE ROPES … AND CONNECTS WITH A SPRINGBOARD THRUST KICK … SENDING EDGE TOPPLING OVER THE TOP TO THE OUTSIDE!!!! The athletics of Van Dam brings the fans to their feet, as Edge crumbles on the outside, looking a mess after his fall to the outside. Van Dam gets to his feet in the ring, and nods at his adoring fans, and gives them something more to cheer for, as he goes through with the thumb taunt, and gets the rousing R-V-D chant-a-long from the 70,000 plus. Van Dam, eager to continue to please the fans, takes a look from side to side, then nods, BEFORE RUNNING OFF THE ROPES, AND ACROSS THE RING … AND DELIVERS A SOMERSAULT PLANCHA TO BOTH JERICHO AND EDGE ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

Instantly, the SuperDome is going berserk. “R-V-D” chants are almost outnumbered by “HOLY SHIT” chants from a divided audience, going nuts for the amazing risks being taken. Van Dam doesn’t take long to recover, not doing a great job of selling his big move, but does a momentary bit of limping, before grabbing Jericho, and rolling him back inside the ring, whilst Edge is left to recover on the outside. Van Dam makes sure to get on Jericho as soon as he gets inside, taking him over with a snap mare, and jumping to his feet, running off the ropes, and dropkicks the back of Jerichos head!!! Van Dam presses down on his challenger for the cover, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Jericho manages to get a shoulder up, but it only allows him a momentary rest, with the champion tenaciously grabbing Jericho by the hair, pulling him up, and sending him into the corner, looking to gain some speed, charging in … BUT JERICHO CHARGES OUT WITH A BIG CLOTHESLINE!!! The fans reign down with boos for Y2J, as he waves off their abuse, quickly dragging RVD back up, and wastes no time, backing RVD into the corner, firing off with half a dozen knife edge chops, lighting up the champion, with RVD showing the pain of the shots to his chest, as Jericho then fires him across the ring, into the opposite corner, but on this occasion, RVD jumps to the middle rope, and catches an incoming Jericho with a thrust kick from the middle rope, gaining a quick pop from a section of the fans, with Jericho on the ground. Van Dam covers, 1...2...Kick Out from Jericho again.

RVD shrugs off the chops from moments ago, and pulls Jericho up, utilizing his close forearms to the face of Y2J, only for Jericho to fire back after a few, delivering a strong knife edge chop, taking the wind out of RVDs sails, suddenly stopping him. Jericho takes advantage, quickly whipping Van Dam off the ropes, but Rob ducks an attempted clothesline, then turns the tide, and hits Jericho with a trademark monkey flip!!! RVD bounces up, and looks to the fans with a smile, before charging into the ropes … AND LOOKS FOR THE ROLLING THUNDER … BUT JERICHO MOVES … Van Dam crashes onto the canvas, and bounces into the middle rope, as Jericho eyes an opportunity, and runs across the ring, driving his knee into the back and neck of RVD, who is set in the ropes. Jericho looks to pick up the pace, and quickly gets himself to the top rope again, and waits for a moment as RVD struggles to his feet, before catching Van Dam with a flying reverse elbow!!!! Jericho scrambles for a cover, hoping for the end, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Despite the kickout, Jericho continues to move in for the kill, and watches as RVD gets back up again, with Chris running into the ropes, AND GOES FOR THE BULLDOG … BUT VAN DAM COUNTERS … SIDEWALK SLAM??? Van Dam busts out an irregular move for himself, but it works, as he makes the cover … 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Jericho kicks out!!! The match continues!!!

Van Dam, on his knees, looks around at the fans, looking a little disheartened by the kick out, hoping the irregular move might’ve caught Jericho off guard. RVD reaches his feet, bringing Jericho with him, letting fly with strong forearms again, with Jericho eating the blows, backing into the corner. RVD turns, and looks get a run up at Jericho, but Y2J grabs RVD by the hair from behind, not allowing him to get away, and slams him, by the hair, onto the canvas. Jericho takes a moment to regain his composure, then hoists himself to the top rope, setting himself for RVD getting back to his feet, only to be surprised by the champion, who struggles up initially, then bursts to life, blasting Jericho with a shot to the gut.

That one shot gives Van Dam the opportunity to climb the ropes, with the champion looking to get Jericho into position for a superplex, hooking him up … BUT SUDDENLY … EDGE IS BACK IN THE EQUATION!!! Edge returns to the ring, and makes a beeline for the corner, spotting an opportunity arising. With Jericho and RVD both in a perilous position, Edge is quick to strike, blasting the back of RVD, weakening him as he attempts to superplex Jericho. Edge now, gets into position underneath RVD … with the fans coming to their feet … AS THEY WITNESS AN INCREDIBLE TOWER OF DOOM … WITH EDGE POWERBOMBING RVD OFF THE TOP … WHILST VAN DAM SUPERPLEXES JERICHO!!!!!!!

It’s pandemonium inside the SuperDome!!!!! Jericho and RVD are folded up like two victims of a car accident!!! Meanwhile, there is one man left … and Edge knows the opportunity is his to take. On his knees, Edge has that wide grin etched on his face, pushing the hair from his face, and makes the cover on the champion …


………………1………………

………2………
………
…………VAN DAM KICKS OUT…………
!!!!!!!

WHAT????? Van Dam somehow gets his shoulder off the mat, saving his beloved championship. Edge though, has his eyes ready to pop out of their sockets, before quickly turning his attention to Jericho, looking for take two, moving over, and hooking his leg now…


……………………1……………………

……2……
………
……JERICHO GETS THE SHOULDER UP……
!!!!!!!

Gobsmacked, Edge sits up, looking down at Jericho, then across at RVD, unable to fathom how he hasn’t become the champion already. Jericho slowly rolls to the apron, rolling out of the ring, looking to recover, whilst Edge tugs at his hair, attempting to keep a lid on his fragile emotions. Ready to boil over, Edge slams the twice a number of times, trying to unleash his fury, then gets back up, grabbing the champion, dragging the lifeless RVD to his feet, looking to end it all here. The Rated R Superstar gets Van Dam in position, and looks now to strike with the Edgecution … BUT RVD STAYS ROOTED TO THE GROUND … SPINS OUT … KICKS EDGE IN THE GUT … SUDDEN DDT!!! Van Dam suddenly saves his title, taking Edge down, but doesn’t move himself after delivery. Both men are down for a moment, but RVD turns over, and drapes an arm over Edge…


…1…

…………2…………
………
……………KICK OUT FROM EDGE……………
!!!!!!!

Edge now is the one to show his grit and will to win, driving his shoulder up to save his chances. Van Dam though, appears to have caught a second wind, and drags himself to his feet, leaning on the ropes, looking down at Edge, spotting the opportunity, and runs off the ropes … AND LOOKS FOR ROLLING THUNDER … BUT JERICHO PULLS EDGE OUT OF HARMS WAY … AND VAN DAM HIT’S THE CANVAS!!!!! RVD writhes around, after crashing and burning!!! Jericho now, slides back in, running at the ropes, leaping onto the ropes … AND LOOKS FOR THE LIONSAULT … BUT VAN DAM MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!!! It’s Jerichos turn to crash and burn, missing the lionsault, as RVD quickly jumps to his feet … AND JUMPS TO THE TOP … SPLIT LEGGED MOONSAULT CONNECTS!!!!! Van Dam stays on his opponent, looking for the finish…


……………1……………
…………………
…2…

………………JERICHO KICKS OUT………………
!!!!!!!

IT’S NOT OVER!!! Van Dam rolls off Jericho, and onto his knees, looking to the heavens, hoping for the match to end, and him to keep his title. RVD pulls himself back up, waiting to strike Jericho, with Y2J struggling up. RVD spots the opening, and leaps up, looking for a hurricanrana on Jericho, but Y2J IS ABLE TO COUNTER … AND APPLIES THE WALLS OF JERICHO TO THE CHAMPION!!!!! RVD is now caught in a ghastly predicament, as he tries to claw to the ropes, with his own determination being questioned by the commentators at ringside, with Cole and Tazz discussing just how much fight is left in the champion. RVD begins to try and crawl, to try and get to the ropes, digging his nails into the canvas, letting out a telling groan, as the pain begins to take it’s toll, with Jericho showing no remorse, sitting back farther, putting more strain on his opponents body, with RVD desperately pulling himself closer and closer to the ropes, with Edge nowhere to be seen … Van Dam looks close enough now … and reaches out for the rope … BUT JERICHO PULLS HIM BACK OUT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!!!

Chris Jericho is heard yelling ‘TAP’ to his opponent, with RVD caught in the middle of the ring, but RVD refuses, desperate to hang on to his gold, and looks to be spurred on by the trash talk, pushing himself up, and roars in defiance, pushing himself with everything he’s got, back across … BUT JERICHO PULLS HIM TO THE CENTRE AGAIN!!! The anguish on the face of Rob Van Dam tells the story, as his dreams of retaining the WWE Championship slowly evaporate before his eyes, whilst we see a differing view of Jericho, who can now surely taste the WWE Championship for the first time since 2004. Van Dam continues to try and make the ropes, pushing once more, with Jericho applying even more pressure … AS EDGE COMES TO VAN DAMS RESCUE … GRABBING HIS ARM … AND DRAGGING HIM TO THE ROPES SAVING BOTH VAN DAMS AND HIS OWN TITLE AMBITIONS!!!! Jericho releases the hold, knowing it was Edge that saved the title, and runs off the ropes, coming back, AND BASEBALL SLIDES EDGE, sending him into the barricade back first!!!!!

Jericho takes a moment to look to the outside at a writhing Edge, then turns his attention back to RVD … AND RVD HOPS UP … SCORING WITH A SCINTILLATING HEEL KICK TO JERICHO!!!!! The fans roar with approval, as RVD points to the corner, hopping to the top rope, with the fans all knowing what to expect next … Van Dam, on top, takes a final look around the massive Dome, BUT JERICHO STOPS THE CELEBRATIONS!!! Y2J NIPS UP, and races to the corner, stopping RVD with a big shot to the face, before turning, making a run, and spring boarding off the ropes … AND AT VAN DAM … SCORING WITH A MID AIR CODEBREAKER!!!!!!! JERICHO DELIVERS A STUNNING CODEBREAKER FROM THE TOP ROPE ON ROB VAN DAM!!!!! The fans are going ape shit, with a faint “Y2J” chant beginning to reverberate around the arena, out of respect for an amazing display from the former champion. Both men are out though, with Jericho unable to initially capitalize on the champion. Slowly though, Jericho begins to stir, pulling himself up from the ropes, showing the pain he’s feeling, dragging himself up, and pushing himself off the ropes … AND INTO THE PATH OF EDGE … AND A SPEAR!!!!!!! Edge nails the spear with everything he’s got, and with a wild eyed look, nods, realising he has now SURELY done it. His moment has arrived, and he turns his attention to the RVD, wanting to pin the champion rather than Jericho, and makes the cover to become WWE Champion…


………………1………………

………2………

…FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE…
!!!!!!!

Edge shoots up, not realising the foot was on the rope, and immediately assumes he has won the title!!! The Rated R Superstar climbs the ropes, celebrating his ‘victory’, then drops off … and into the path of Charles Robinson who informs Edge he hasn’t won!!! Slowly, Edge’s face drops, and runs his fingers through his hair, taking in the information being relayed to him. Edge, now seething, grabs Robinson by the shirt, ready to blow his top, before pushing the referee away, and is forced to go back to work. Mister Money in the Bank drags Jericho up, sending him into the corner, then drags RVD up, sending him to the same corner with Jericho. Now, on the brink of a nervous breakdown, Edge charges in, but Jericho comes out, grabbing RVD by the head as he does, catching Edge with a clothesline, and in the process, delivering a running bulldog to the champion!!! Now, the chance is there for Jericho, and he leaps to the ropes … AND CONNECTS WITH THE LIONSAULT!!!!!!!!!! Jericho, unlike Edge, wastes no time in making his cover on RVD…


……………1……………
…………………
…2…
………………………
………EDGE BREAKS THE COUNT………
!!!!!!!

Edge saves the title, whilst Jericho rolls off, head in his hands, knowing his opportunity has slipped for now. All three men are down for a moment, as the fans catch their breath, along with the three competitors. Slowly, Edge and Jericho make it to their feet, and begin to trade blows, both looking spent, but both determined to get what they came for. It’s Jericho though that gets the better of the exchange, and connects with a deadly knife edge chop that drops Edge to the canvas. Jericho now, decides to gamble, and props himself back onto the top rope, pushing himself up … BUT EDGE SHOVES THE ROPES AND JERICHO TEETERS!!! The Rated R Superstar now summons the energy, and climbs the turnbuckle, hooking Jericho into position, but Jericho tries to fight out of it. Edge though, overpowers Jericho … AND FOR THE SECOND TIME TONIGHT … JERICHO IS SUPERPLEXED!!!!! Edge delivers the massive superplex … AND OUT OF NOWHERE … ROB VAN DAM DELIVERS THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH TO EDGE!!!!! The fans are in hysterics, as RVD delivers his signature move OUT OF NOWHERE. Van Dam writhes for a moment, then rolls for the cover on Edge…


………………1………………

………2………

…JERICHO BREAKS THE COUNT…
!!!!!!!!!!

THE MATCH CONTINUES!!!!! The fans are in shock, believing the match to be over with that sequence. In the ring, Jericho is laid on top of RVD, unable to move, whilst RVD slowly pulls away. The champion looks gutted, sat up, shaking his head in disbelief, looking at Jericho, who managed to summon the energy to break the sure fire three count. Van Dam slowly climbs to his feet, still shaking his head, before turning his attention to Jericho, looking to pull Jericho up … but as he does … Jericho somehow manages … TO TRIP RVD … TURNS HIM OVER … WALLS OF JERICHO APPLIED!!!!!!! Jericho has the Walls locked in again!!!!! The champion has been caught again, and this time, Jericho sits back immediately … WITH VAN DAM UNABLE TO MOVE!!!!! The champion yells out in agony, his hands around his head, and trying to block out the pain, desperately thinking of a way to free himself, but has nowhere to go, as Jericho SYNCHES BACK FURTHER!!!!! RVD is in massive danger of submitting now, coming to the realisation his dream run is set to end. Robinson lies in front of Van Dam and asks if he wants to submit, with Jericho YELLING at Van Dam to ‘TAP’, over and over … with RVD raising his hand, ready to submit…

….
……………

……………………….
………
…UNTIL EDGE SPEARS JERICHO…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EDGE IS BACK AGAIN!!!! Edge is set to cover Jericho, but spots RVD squirming, and takes a moment to think of what to do, before turning his attention to Van Dam again, not looking to pin Jericho in case RVD manages to break it. This way, Edge is looking to make sure no one can break the count, and stop him from becoming champion. Mister Money in the Bank crouches down, lining up ONE LAST SPEAR!!! He sets himself, lies in wait … as RVD slowly pulls himself up … AND EDGE GOES FOR THE SPEAR … BUT VAN DAM SIDE STEPS HIM … AND EDGE RUNS STRAIGHT THROUGH INTO THE RING POST!!!!! RVD now jumps onto the back of Edge, then onto the top rope … AND WASTES NO TIME TO FLY … AND CONNECTS WITH THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH ON JERICHO!!! The cover is made…
….
…………………1…………………
………
…EDGE SLOWLY STAGGERS OUT OF THE CORNER…

…………2…………

……HE SEES THE COVER……
………
……………BUT HE‘S TOO LATE……………
…………………
…3…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND STILL WWE CHAMPION - ROB VAN DAM @ 21:55​


VAN DAM RETAINS!!! The dream run continues for the most unlikely WWE Champion of all time!!!​


Michael Cole:​
Can you believe it Tazz?? Rob Van Dam, against all the odds, yet again, has retained the WWE Championship. A true champion Tazz. RVD has never shirked a challenge, and tonight, you and I, along with just about everyone else, had written him off once again. What a credit to the WWE, what a great leader for Smackdown.


Tazz:​
RVD has shown incredible intestinal fortitude once again Cole. Another challenge met, another win chalked up for the champ.


Michael Cole:​
What a moment for RVD. He’s came to WrestleMania as champion, and he’ll leave here tonight, STILL WWE Champion.


The fans inside the Superdome are on their feet, as RVD slowly gets to his feet, having his hand raised, and being handed the belt … UNTIL HE EATS A SPEAR FROM EDGE!!!!!​


Michael Cole:​
OH!!! COME ON!!! That’s uncalled for!!! What the hell is Edge doing??!!


Tazz:​
That’s one angry S.O.B Cole. Edge aint happy. He saw tonight as his crowning glory. WrestleMania 23 was to be the rise of Edge, and for him, it didn’t happen.


Michael Cole:​
And he only has himself to blame. Edge held that contract for eleven months, and could’ve cashed it in anytime. He took too long waiting for the right moment, and it cost him. He didn’t win the match, and he should accept it like a man.


The music cuts off immediately, as Edge gets back up, staring down at the champion, furious that he failed in his quest to finally win his first world title tonight at WrestleMania.​


Edge rips the title belt from Charles Robinson, and takes a long look at the belt he felt he was destined to win, before throwing it down on the prone body of RVD.​


Michael Cole:​
What should’ve been a wonderful moment for Rob Van Dam has been soured by the Rated R Superstar. Edge couldn’t handle the fact he didn’t win tonight, and he’s ruined this moment for our champion.


Tazz:​
Gotta say, I cant agree with Edge’s actions here tonight. I can accept the fact he’s unhappy, but he should’ve let Rob Van Dam have his moment. RVD earned it.


Amidst a tonne of heat, Edge leaves the ring, snarling like a rabid dog, running his fingers through his hair, unable to fathom his loss. He storms up the ramp, shaking his head, chewing himself out for being unable to get the job done … then…​


**VOICES**​


???????​


Edge suddenly stops … as RANDY ORTON … joined by the New Wave, enters the arena … CARRYING HIS MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE!!!!!​


Orton is still selling his injuries from Money in the Bank earlier, holding the back of his head, limping a little, with Cade, Dinsmore and Doane helping him walk down the aisle.​


Michael Cole:​
Uh… Tazz?? Y- You don’t think- You don’t think Randy Orton…


Tazz:​
Can he?? I mean, is this allowed?? Ortons … a Raw guy.


Michael Cole:​
Surely this isn’t what it looks like.


A smiling Orton bypasses Edge, who has frozen on the aisle, realising what might just be going on … and knows he has softened RVD up even further.​


Michael Cole:​
Can we get some sort of clarification here?? Is Randy Orton allowed to cash in his title match tonight?? Can he challenge RVD???


Tazz:​
I don’t understand this at all. I mean, I can see what’s happening … but … why is Orton coming for Van Dam??


Michael Cole:​
What are we about to witness here??


Slowly, The Career Killer saunters inside the ring, locking his view on the champion, who is slowly coming to his feet, selling the effects of the spear, and the twenty minute match just before it. Orton looks around, as RVD pulls himself to his feet … AND ORTON DROPS JERICHO WITH AN RKO!!!​


Chris Jericho gets dropped with an RKO … for no reason, other than to keep him out of the way!!!​


Orton now pushes up, with a sick, demented look in his eyes, before being passed the briefcase by Cade … and then Orton passes it to Robinson. Robinson, looking dumfounded, doesn’t seem to know what to do, until Orton yells in his face to ‘RING THE BELL’, with Charles being frightened into action. The referee turns, and hands the briefcase over, announcing a WWE Championship match … RIGHT NOW!!!​


Michael Cole:​
I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!! This cant be Tazz!!!


Tazz:​
Oh, it’s happening Cole.


Michael Cole:​
Randy Orton, a couple hours ago, won the Money in the Bank briefcase … and he’s cashing it in … right now??


WWE Championship Match:​


WWE Champion,​
Rob Van Dam vs.
Mr. Money in the Bank,
Randy Orton

The bell is rung … and we are underway?? Orton wastes no time, spins Van Dam around …RKO CONNECTS!!! VAN DAM WAS DEFENCELESS TO STOP IT … AND HIS TITLE REIGN COULD BE SET TO COME TO AN ABRUPT END!!! Orton leans back, eyes closed, nodding with the count …


…………1…………
………
…………………2…………………
…………………
…FOOT ON THE ROPE…
!!!!!!!

The smile fades … ORTON HASN’T WON!!! The Career Killer sits up, and looks out at his three running mates, then turns his attention back to the fighting champion … somehow still not beaten. Orton pushes up, and to his feet, backing into the corner, waiting for RVD to move, whilst we see that Edge is still stood on the ramp in a stunned silence. Orton pulls on the ropes, desperately waiting, as RVD somehow begins to move, pushing himself up … onto his front … and tries to push himself up … BUT GETS PUNTED IN THE HEAD BY THE CAREER KILLER!!!!!!!!! The fans gasp in horror, as Orton strikes a field goal with the champions head. Van Dam is OUT, as Orton makes the cover…


……………1……………
……………
…2…
…………………
……3……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND NEW WWE CHAMPION - RANDY ORTON @ 01:26​


A new champion IS crowned!!!!! Randy Orton, in one night, has shocked the entire world!!! The Raw superstar becomes SMACKDOWN champion!!!!!​


Orton is instantly up… and presented with the illustrious championship for the first time in his career and his THIRD World Championship in total.​


Michael Cole:​
What has just happened here Tazz??


Tazz:​
Well … we got a new champion Cole. And who the hell woulda predicted that Randy Orton was gonna walk outta New Orleans with OUR title.


Michael Cole:​
No one … no one, except for perhaps, Randy Orton.


Orton caresses the title, having made the very most of his title opportunity, wasting barely a few hours, unlike Edge, who waited until the very last moment … and it backfired.​


As Orton celebrates though, a more serious issue appears to be arising … the health of Rob Van Dam.​


Michael Cole:​
Orton has won the title, that’s confirmed, but Tazz, I’m looking at Rob Van Dam, and … there’s a problem here.


Tazz:​
This does not look good. The way his neck snapped from that … that punt, delivered by Orton. And Orton didn’t hold back a jot. He damn near kicked RVDs head off.


Michael Cole:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, RVD hasn’t moved. Rob Van Dam has not moved.


The New Wave exit the ring, with Orton looking back at the motionless RVD … without the slightest hint of remorse … and a gleaming smile … happy with his handy work.​


On the ramp, Edge is still stunned by what he’s just witnessed, hands on head, shocked by the turn of events.​


Meanwhile, a number of paramedics rush past the Rated R Superstar, and to the ring, coming to tend to the immobile FORMER champion.​


Michael Cole:​
Ladies and Gentlemen … history has just been made … but at what cost to RVD.


Tazz:​
Shocking. Absolutely shocking.


Michael Cole:​
Let’s just hope Tazz … lets just hope that RVD is okay.


We see another shot of Randy Orton, with the title belt slung over his shoulder, being congratulated by the giddy New Wave, as they now pass Edge on the ramp, with Edge still unable to process what he’s just witnessed.​


In the ring however, we see Van Dam having his neck placed in a brace, with the former champion motionless on the canvas, as we fade out…​


…​


***​


FANATIX SERIES COMMERCIAL |​
THIS MONTH | GREAT MANIA MOMENTS


***​


…​


Back in the arena, we come back to the ring, and see Rob Van Dam being wheeled out of the arena, at the top of the ramp, with many concerned faces walking out with him, as we cut to ringside…​


Michael Cole:​
Ladies and Gentlemen, Rob Van Dam is set to be taken to a local medical facility as we speak. From what we could gather though, Rob Van Dam is unconscious, and the EMT’s on hand are said to be extremely concerned.


Tazz:​
I don’t know what to say Cole. What Orton has done here was sickening, reprehensible, and totally uncalled for. He’s just put the career of a fellow professional at stake. No problems with Orton cashing in his shot, none at all, it’s the name of the game. But intentionally injuring opponents … and that’s what he did … is sick.


Michael Cole:​
What happened tonight, as you put it Tazz … was no accident. Orton set out with that kick, to injure … and maim Rob Van Dam.


The two men look at each other, Tazz with the sunglasses off, with that ‘serious’ look in his eyes, both shaking their heads in disgust.​


Michael Cole:​
Umm … folks, I hate to end the Smackdown portion of the show on such a low note … but unfortunately that’s what we’re about to do. Tazz, it’s been a pleasure, a night we’ll never forget … but spoiled by the actions of one man.


Tazz:​
Sure. A memorable night that will forever in my mind be remembered for the sick actions of our new WWE Champion. But forget about my feelings … I just hope that RVD is back in that ring sooner rather than later.


Michael Cole:​
Absolutely. J.R, back to you for the main event.


Pan to J.R and Coach.​


Jim Ross:​
An extremely sour note for Smackdown to end on, and, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish RVD a speedy recovery. What happened tonight … the actions of Randy Orton. Beyond sick. Completely avoidable.


The Coach:​
Lets look on the bright side Jimbo, Raw is gonna hold BOTH major titles after tonight. Randy Orton FROM RAW is leaving WrestleMania as the WWE Champion. And in just a few moments, Cena or Christian will be leaving with the World title. What a night to be a Raw guy, huh??


Jim Ross:​
You cant be serious?? After what Randy Orton has done tonight, you cannot be proud that Raw will be the home of both major championships??


Coach, smiling and nodding looks at J.R, with Ross looking embarrassed by his colleague.​


Jim Ross:​
A mans livelihood has just been placed in the balance, and you’re proud. Time for some perspective Coach.


Coach just shrugs.​


Switch backstage, and the fans pick up … AS CHRISTIAN is seen jogging up and down, stretching his neck from side to side, moments away from the match he’s been waiting for all his career.​


Jim Ross:​
Well, there is a show to get on with. As hard as it’ll be, we’ve got the big one to come, and there he is. Captain Charisma is moments away from the main event of WrestleMania.


The Coach:​
It’s time baby boy. The Collision Course is here.


Cut elsewhere … AND JOHN CENA is seen slowly walking down the hallway, patting his title belt, looking ALL business.​


Jim Ross:​
The time has indeed come. In just a few moments, our main event is coming up.


The Coach:​
THE main event.


Jim Ross:​
The two biggest names, the two brightest stars, the two most popular stars in the business today. But only ONE can be the World Heavyweight Champion. Will it be Cena … or will it be Christian??


***​


JOHN CENA | CHRISTIAN​





***​



Brock catches Christian with a kick as soon as they regain their footing, AND SCOOPS HIM UP … FOR THE F5 … BUT CHRISTIAN SWINGS AROUND … INTO THE RING … AND DROPS LESNARS HEAD AGAINST THE TOP ROPE … RUNS ACROSS THE RING … AND LAUNCHES HIMSELF AT BROCK LESNAR … SENDING HIM … OFF THE APRON … AND ONTO THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ELIMINATION #29: BROCK LESNAR BY CHRISTIAN @ 72:17​


Royal Rumble Winner: CHRISTIAN​


Jim Ross:​
NOTHING has stood in his way, nothing COULD stand in his way tonight, Christian wouldn’t take no for an answer this evening, Captain Charisma IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA!!!!!!!​


…​


Triple H has his hand raised … … … BUT REFUSES TO TAP OUT TO CENA!!! The champion looks to be fading, his hands dropping, his eyes closing, with time ticking down, the WrestleMania dream fading for Cena … WILL TRIPLE H SURVIVE … THIRTY SECONDS TO GO … THE GAME IS FADING, STEPHANIE HAS HER HANDS ON HER FACE … THE CHAMPION IS FADING … CENA CRANKS BACK … … TWENTY SECONDS … … THE GAME CANT FIGHT IT ANYMORE … HE’S LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS … AND HE TAPS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


FALL 9: JOHN CENA - STFU @ 59:44 (5-4)​


Winner: And NEW World Heavyweight Champion - JOHN CENA (5-4) @ 60:00​


Jim Ross:​
JOHN CENA HAS DONE IT!!!! THE CHAMP IS HERE!!! Cena, from the brink of defeat, has snatched victory, and now, he meets Christian at Wrestle BY GAWD Maniaaaaa!!!!​


Cena and Christian cross paths, coming face to face for a moment, before Christian brushes past, and climbs the turnbuckle, pounding his chest, saluting his fans, before dropping down, and coming face to face with Cena again.​


John Cena:​
Two guys are gonna stand either side of this ring … both with one goal … both with one intention … and neither of us will stop at anything until we get it …​


Christian:​
John Cena and Christian, it’s a collision course. That’s what they’re calling it.​


The two men don’t move an inch, locking eyes, allowing the fans to build to fever pitch, letting them battle over which of these two top faces they want to side with. In the ring, after a lengthy eye ball to eye ball showdown, and the fans cheering and chanting begins to die down, Captain Charisma slowly starts nodding, and Cena returns the favour. Neither man utters a word.​


Christian:​
Two forces are gonna collide at WrestleMania …​


John Cena:​
There’s a collision course … and it’s headed directly for The Superdome.​


Christian fends off Mack, swinging a chair, with Rodney jumping off the apron to miss the contact. Cena meanwhile, as he gets to his feet, grabs his chair … with both men taking a sneaky look around at the other…​


Christian:​
You come out here, week after week, proclaiming that you stand by three things - Hustle … Loyalty … and respect. If you had any loyalty … you wouldn’t even think of smashing a chair over a tag team partners head … And as for respect?? If that’s your definition of respect, you need to find a dictionary pal.​


John Cena:​
I was tempted to bash your brains in … but like I said … I want ya at yo very best.​


… AS THEY POSITION THEMSELVES TO HIT THE OTHER WITH A CHAIR … BOTH TURN … AND BOTH SPOTS THE OTHER WITH THE SAME IDEA!!!!!​


Christian:​
Cena, I don’t hide the fact that I’m a no good son of a bitch. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. But you?? You’re starting to crack Cena … and your true colours are starting to show.​


John Cena:​
And at WrestleMania, you’ll find out first hand that John Cena ISNT a fake, not a phoney … but as real as they come … and most importantly … THE CHAMP!!!​


Christian is getting beat down in a six on one attack by The Brotherhood … AS WE SEE JOHN CENA SPRINTING DOWN THE AISLE!!!​


Christian:​
Cena, I didn’t ask for your help. I didn’t want your help … I didn’t NEED your help.​


John Cena:​
You might not have wanted my help, you didn’t ask for it … but you sure as hell needed it!!​


Cena runs to ringside, and from the apron, trips Henry, as he runs to the ropes, then slides in, and takes out OJ with a big right hand, then delivers a crunching clothesline to Mack, sending him over the top rope, to the floor below!!! Shelton comes at the champ, looking to hit a Frost Kick … BUT CENA DUCKS … AND BENJAMIN NAILS OJ!!! Jordan falls out of the ring, and Cena knocks Shelton down, then throws Henry out of the ring … AND CATCHES JAZZ AS SHE RUNS AT HIM … AND DELIVERS AN FU TO THE OUTSIDE … RIGHT ONTO MACK, HENRY AND LONG!!!​


John Cena:​
I don’t want to face you at anything less than a hundred damn per cent at WrestleMania. I don’t want to face you in Nawlins, with you limping down the aisle … or wearing a cast on yo arm.​


Christian:​
You want me at a hundred per cent?? … Cena … you are FULL of crap.​


He turns around … and blocks a chair shot from Benjamin, ripping the chair from his grasp … AND SMASHES HIM WITH IT!!! Benjamin crumbles, as the fans are on their feet, with Cena looking around, and sees Captain Charisma slowly reaching his feet. Momentarily, Cena looks at the chair - then Christian … is he planning to knock him out too???​


Christian:​
I don’t believe you for a second. Not when you’ve been, (puts index finger and thumb close together, putting them in Cenas face) this close, to bashing me over the head with a steel chair. At least admit it Cena … you’d love nothing more … than to crack a steel chair over my head.​


Cena poises himself, readies himself, with the chair cocked, waiting as Christian pulls himself up … but seems to have second thoughts, and in the end, slams the chair down, and slips out of the ring!!!​


John Cena:​
Christian, you can say whatever ya want … the facts are simple … I came out here … and I saved yo ass.​


Cena begins to walk up the ramp, as Christian looks around, surveying the carnage, spotting Cena, and realising he must have came to his aide. Captain Charisma shakes his head, and drags Benjamin up, delivering the Unprettier, and turning him over, with the referee just recovering to make the count … 1...2...3!!!​


John Cena:​
But … I’d advise you stay outta my way, because I know, hell, ya said it yourself, you make no excuses, and you’d gladly bash me over the head with a chair.​


The New Wave now administer a vicious beating on a helpless John Cena, whilst Christian watches on from the ramp.​


John Cena:​
So take it as a warnin … you decide to stick your nose into my business … I’ll assume yo comin to throw down.​


Orton steps backward, into the corner, looking across at the stricken Champion … and then it clicks. Orton takes a brief look from the corner of his eye towards the fans, then back at Cena, with something resembling a grin developing on his face, as he begins to set himself … BUT WHAT FOR??​


Christian:​
Thanks for the warning … but I’ll tell ya now … you’re right … if I want to crack you with a chair Cena … that’s what I’ll do.​


AS CHRISTIAN FINALLY MAKES HIS MIND UP … AND SPRINTS DOWN THE AISLE … WIELDING THE CHAIR … SLIDING INTO THE RING … AND NAILS DOANE!!! Meanwhile, Dinsmore and Cade dodge the bullet, and leave the ring, whilst Orton slowly steps between the ropes, and exits.​


Christian:​
And you’d better be on your toes too …​


Christian finally turns his attention from the New Wave, and to the world champion, who is still on the mat, sprawled out. Christian, with the chair in his hand, stands over Cena, in just the right position … for a CON-CHAIR-TO?????​


Christian:​
… Because I’ll not think twice about it.​


Christian breathes deeply, and looks around, with the thought swirling in his mind surely, to bash Cenas head in!!! Captain Charisma now slowly, perhaps still unsure what to do, raises the chair, with Cena his prime target … thinks about it some more …​


THEN THROWS THE CHAIR ONTO THE MAT!!!​


Christian:​
I don’t hide the fact that I’m a no good son of a bitch.​


Cena begins to stir, and he turns over, as he tries to shake the cobwebs loose. Meanwhile, Christian … PICKS THE CHAIR UP AGAIN!!! Christian looks at the chair, then peeks around, as a defenceless Cena picks himself up … having to use the ropes … THEN STAGGERS AROUND … INTO THE FACE OF CHRISTIAN!!!​


Christian:​
If I want to crack you with a chair Cena … that’s what I’ll do.​


The fans go nuts, as Cena staggers back, shocked by having Captain Charisma right in his face. Christian, looks down at the chair, then shoves it into the chest of Cena, with The Champ stumbling back into the ropes, still looking shocked by what is going on. Cena stays at the ropes, holding onto the chair, as Christian looks over at his adversary, using his index finger and his thumb, holding them up, and putting them barely a centimetre apart, mouthing at Cena …​


"I was this close"​


Cut to last Monday;​


Christian looks down at Jericho, pondering whether to hit him with it, then looks to the fans, getting a fairly mixed reaction, then swings back, looking for a CON-CHAIR-TO TO JERICHO … BUT CENA PULLS THE CHAIR AWAY FROM HIM!!! Trash talk ensues, and concludes with Cena finally pushing Christian … AND CHRISTIAN SLAPS CENA!!!​


Christian:​
The only thing that stopped you tonight John … the only thing that stopped you from bashing me over the head with a steel chair … was the fact that you’re scared stiff of losing all your fans.​


Cena turns, then looks back around, not saying a word … AND SWINGS THE CHAIR … BUT CHRISTIAN DUCKS … AND CENA HITS EDGE!!!​


Christian:​
You can only hide your true personality for so long though. Like I said before, these fans … my peeps … are getting wise to your act. They don’t buy it … and one day, you’re gonna snap … and you’re gonna reveal your true colours.​


Cena stands frozen, having snapped, swinging the chair at Christian, who is also shocked by the actions of Cena, but Christian ducked it, and he hit Edge!!!​


John Cena:​
They can boo me all they want … because for all the haters out there … there are just as many that will follow me into the trenches, roll up their sleeves and join John Cena into the battle, no questions asked!!!​


Cut to Smackdown;​


Christian stands inside the ring, dropping the title beside Cena, then stands over him with the steel chair, watching Cena as he pulls himself to his feet. The Number One Contender readies himself as Cena slowly climbs to his feet, using the ropes to finally get there, and turns around … AND JUMPS BACK, SEEING CHRISTIAN WITH THE CHAIR!!! Cena looks shocked by the sight of Christian, with Captain Charisma pushing the chair into the chest of Cena, allowing Cena to grab it … THEN CHRISTIAN TURNS HIS BACK!!!​


John Cena:​
You want me to show my true colours?? You want to see the ‘real’ John Cena??​


Christian spreads his arms out, as if to goad Cena to hit him with the chair from behind, as Cena takes a look to the fans, furious at the antics of Christian, allowing Cena a free shot, with the Rumble winner desperate to prove that Cena is a snake in the grass.​


John Cena:​
You’ll get the real John Cena.​


Cena walks towards Christian, grabbing his arm and spinning Captain Charisma around to face him, as both men are now face to face.​


John Cena:​
You goin one on one with a guy that aint gonna back down, and he aint gonna quit. I FEAR NOTHING … AND I REGRET LESS!!! … And this Sunday, at WrestleMania, you’ll get the very best John Cena that there is. And that’s the real John Cena.​


Clips of John Cena, from the various video packages in the run up to WrestleMania; clips of Cena training, clips of his ups and downs on the journey to WrestleMania, and clips of the metaphoric rise through the ranks over the years.​


John Cena:​
So it don’t matter Christian … it don’t matter if every single person in the SuperDome wants to see you kick my ass … it don’t matter if all 70,000 want to see me lose … it wont effect me bro. All I’ll be thinkin of is the real John Cena fans. And I will fight to the death for each … and every … single … one of them.​


Clips of Cena through the years, winning championships, losing championships, bleeding heavily, leaning back with the STFU.​


Christian:​
I’m gonna get the real Cena on Sunday, huh?? The very best of John Cena??​


Long, slow motion shot, of the two men face to face.​


Christian:​
You’re facing a totally different animal … you’re going to face a man that wont lie down … you’re going to give everything you’ve got … but you’ll need more.​


Clips of Christian, from the various video packages in the run up to WrestleMania; clips of him training, clips of his ups and downs on the journey to WrestleMania, and clips of Captain Charismas slow rise to the top of the mountain.​


Christian:​
No matter what it is that puts me down. I’ll keep getting up. No matter what you throw at me. I’ll keep coming forward. No matter what … I’ll keep coming back, and I’ll keep getting up, I’ll keep moving forward, and I’ll keep getting in your face.​


Clips of Christian through the years, winning tag team championships, winning Intercontinental titles, fulfilling his potential and reaching the top of the mountain, becoming World Champion, and soaring off the top rope to the floor below.​


Christian:​
Every turn, I’ll be there. Every step, I’ll follow. Every single time you think I’m out … I’ll prove you wrong. You’re not just facing the best of Christian on Sunday … Cena, you’re facing the best you’ve EVER faced.​


Flashback to Christian scaring Cena, teasing a chair shot on 5/3, then flashback to 12/3 as Cena loses his cool, and swings the chair at Christian.​


Christian:​
This is the culmination of my life’s work … I NEED to beat you Cena … I need to prove to the world that I’m the very best at what I do … and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.​


Cut now to this past Smackdown, and the closing moments of the showdown between the two. Christian tries to leave, but Cena GRABS HIS ARM!!!​


John Cena:​
You’d better hope you’re willing to do anything to win this … you’d better be ready to kill … FOR THIS!!!​


Stepping RIGHT into Christians face, Cena, with total intensity, ramped up to the maximum, speaks again.​


John Cena:​
Because I … AM WILLING TO DIE … to keep it.​


Now, a flash through the last five weeks; the mutual nods, the same idea of blasting each other with a chair…​


Jim Ross:​
Mark your diaries, remember the day, Sunday, March 18, Louisiana Superdome, John Cena versus Christian, for the World Heavyweight Championship - IS ON!!!​


The face to face showdown at the contract signing, Christian refusing the handshake, Cena saving Christian against The Brotherhood, Christian saving Cena against The New Wave, both men contemplating a cheap shot…​


Jim Ross:​
THE COLLISION COURSE IS ON!!!​


The two men, face to face, separated by the World Heavyweight Championship.​


***END PACKAGE***​


… Back into the arena …​


At the side of the stage, Waterproof Blonde are set up and ready to go, with the entrance of the Royal Rumble moments away…​


“Deceived by my eyes … and all I was told I should see …​


Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be…​


One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew…​


And in the darkness, I saw, a voice say I’m you…”​


“INSIDE ME A LIGHT WAS TURNED ON … THEN I WAS ALIVE”​


“AND IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES YOUR LIFE, A NAKED TRUTH REVEALED…​


DREAMS YOU NEVER LIVED, AND SCARS NEVER HEALED…​


IN THE DARKNESS LIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE…​


FINDING ME WAITING THERE, YOU’LL SEE IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


*Short instrumental, but still no sight of Christian, with the tone lowering again*​


“Hearts uninspired, trapped inside somebody‘s dream…​


Too close to the fire, yet cold and so numb with the pain…​


But the fever has broken, and the river has run to the sea…​


Washed to the ocean, and saved by a voice inside me…”​


“INSIDE ME A LIGHT WAS TURNED ON … THEN I WAS ALIVE”​


*Finally, the 2007 Royal Rumble winner enters, to a rapturous ovation*​


“AND IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES YOUR LIFE, A NAKED TRUTH REVEALED…​


DREAMS YOU NEVER LIVED, AND SCARS NEVER HEALED…​


IN THE DARKNESS LIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE…​


FINDING ME WAITING THERE, YOU’LL SEE IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


*Instrumental*​


*Christian continues his entrance, making his way down the aisle, pumping his fans by pounding his chest, not looking overawed whatsoever by the occasion.*​


“AND IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES YOUR LIFE, A NAKED TRUTH REVEALED…​


DREAMS YOU NEVER LIVED, AND SCARS NEVER HEALED…​


IN THE DARKNESS LIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE…​


FINDING ME WAITING THERE, YOU’LL SEE IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


“NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE HERE, SO HIGH, IN THE AIR…​


THIS IS MY UNANSWERED PRAYER…​


DEFINED BY ANOTHER, SO MUCH WASTED TIME…​


OUT OF THE DARKNESS, EACH BREATH THAT I TAKE WILL BE MINE.”​


“IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES YOUR LIFE, A NAKED TRUTH REVEALED…​


DREAMS YOU NEVER LIVED, AND SCARS NEVER HEALED…​


IN THE DARKNESS LIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE…​


FINDING ME WAITING THERE, YOU’LL SEE IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


*Instrumental*​


*Christian steps onto the apron, and climbs the ropes, flicking off his hood, again acknowledging his fans*​


“AND IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES YOUR LIFE, A NAKED TRUTH REVEALED…​


DREAMS YOU NEVER LIVED, AND SCARS NEVER HEALED…​


IN THE DARKNESS LIGHT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OTHER SIDE…​


FINDING ME WAITING THERE, YOU’LL SEE IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


“IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES … IF YOU JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES”​


The song finishes up with a long instrumental, as Christian paces up and down in the ring, perhaps finally becoming nervous, realising the magnitude of this match in his career.​


Jim Ross:​
An appropriate entrance, for the biggest match of the year. Captain Charisma, the Royal Rumble winner, has ARRIVED at the Superdome. His moment of truth is here and now.


The Coach:​
Helluva performance J.R. Big shout to Waterproof Blonde for that performance.


Jim Ross:​
It aint gonna be down to who has the best entrance Coach. The winning will be done in the ring, and nowhere else.


Everything goes quiet for a moment, as we switch from the performance from the reformed Waterproof Blonde, and onto an elaborate set for the entrance of John Cena, as a twelve piece Jazz band is on the other side of the set…​


**MY TIME IS NOW**​


{/JAZZ STYLE}​


Similar, if not, identical to the real life entrance of John Cena at WrestleMania 24, his entrance is performed by a (jazz) band, with The Champ taking a short while, before bursting into view, getting the fans going once more!!!​


Jim Ross:​
Only at WrestleMania Coach. Only at WrestleMania do you get the pomp and pageantry, like we’re seeing here. The home of Jazz, New Orleans, and John Cena is looking to win over some of the neutral fans with the entrance.


The Coach:​
Just like Christian has said time and time again; Cena craves the love of the fans. It’s all an act. He just loves the adulation, he begs the fans to cheer him, but just like Christian, I see through the act - and I’m not a fan of Christians either. Don’t get me started on that guy.


Jim Ross:​
Undoubtedly, the two major stars on Raw; the two biggest names in the WWE today, but only one can be champion. The Collision Course is HERE, and it is about to explode.


Cena continues his entrance, sliding into the ring, and throwing up his hands for his fans to cheer at. He then turns, and instantly locks eyes with the opposition. THE TIME HAS COME!!!​


Jim Ross:​
The time has come Coach. This is it. The main event of WrestleMania. The Champ, John Cena, Captain Charisma, Christian, for the World Heavyweight Championship. It DOES NOT get any bigger than this.


The Coach:​
I don’t like either guy, I cant wait to see them rip each others heads off, but I can admit to feeling the occasion. This is what WrestleMania is all about.


Jim Ross:​
Folks, sit back, because we could be in for a slobber knocker of epic, epic proportions.


Now, Cena passes the title to Mike Chioda, with the official hoisting the title up high, before passing it to the outside, and signalling for the bell … and the collision course IS UNDER WAY!!!​


World Heavyweight Championship Match:​


!!COLLISION COURSE!!​


World Heavyweight Champion,​
John Cena vs.
2007 Royal Rumble Winner,
Christian


Despite the bell, both men remain in their corners for the moment, staring right across at one another, allowing the moment to set. Slowly, the two men begin to move around the ring, not taking their eyes off one another, walking all the way around, right back to the corner they both started in. It seems the two men are going to take their time, with the Superdome quiet momentarily, exhausted after a breathtaking evening, but now, the pro-Cena portion begin to let themselves be heard, with a high pitched ‘CENA’ chant engulfing the massive dome. Cena shows a hearty smile, and takes a look around, soaking up the atmosphere … whilst Christian also takes in the Cena chants … which are soon challenged by the massive anti-Cena / pro-Christian brigade, who duel with themselves over a ‘CHRISTIAN’ chant, and a ‘CENA SUCKS’ chant, cancelling themselves out for the time being. Both champion and challenger look fired up by the illicit reception from the fans, and both now move closer to the centre of the ring, with the fans picking up their voices even more. The two men meet, dead centre, and after a brief face to face, the trash talk begins. Christian points around the arena as he gets in Cenas face, then pumps his chest, whilst Cena smirks, shaking his head, pumping his arms like a fool.

Slowly, the two men back away, with Cena turning, and throwing his fists to the fans … and gets a remarkable mixed reaction, with love from the kiddies, and definite hatred from his haters. Christian notices the response, and decides to try his own luck, pumping his chest towards the fans, and gets a far more positive reaction from the majority, with the pro-Cena fans overwhelmed by a big response for Captain Charisma. Cena smirks at the reaction, then turns his attention to Christian, with his smirk fading, before calling his challenger out, yelling in his direction “COME ON!!”, pounding his arms. Christian nods, and drops his relaxed look, getting serious. The two reach the centre of the ring again, with Cena offering his hand in the air, challenging Christian to a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock. Christian looks off to the side, showing a small grin, knowing Cena holds the advantage when it comes to the power game … but overcome with the occasion … Christian appears to accept the invitation, and slowly, the two men link hands … and the tussle begins!!!

A small pop is heard for the action finally commencing, as the two men struggle in the middle of the ring, but quickly, Cena seizes the advantage, and overpowers his challenger, forcing Captain Charisma onto his knees, with the Anti-Cena members of the audience far from happy, booing Cena winning the exchange, as the Royal Rumble winner sets on his knees, straining under the force and power of the champion … but the fans boom for Christian as he forces himself up, taking Cena by surprise … as Captain Charisma manoeuvres out of the grip … and shoves Cena into the ropes!!!!! The fans cheer the comeback, whilst Cena holds the ropes for a moment, taken aback by the cunning challenger. Cena looks down for a second, and nods, realising the challenge ahead of him. He pushes himself off the ropes, and looks across at Christian, and the two men lock eyes from across the ring, before both engage in a mutual nod. Now, with a little more urgency, the two men circle once more, not taking their eyes off one another, before suddenly locking up with a collar and elbow lock up, with Cena wasting no time, and showing his challenger where the power lies … AND SHOVES the winner of the Royal Rumble into the corner!!!

Christian shoots into the corner, and tumbles a little as he hits, but manages to keep his composure. Captain Charisma takes a moment, and looks across at the champ, with the two again nodding in the direction of one another. Putting his head down, Christian takes a second to think, then tries to surprise Cena, diving in for another collar and elbow, but Cena is able to adjust into it, only for the challenger to show his ability, rather than strength, and goes behind, quickly tripping Cena down. Adding insult to injury, Christian drops down, and rolls around on Cena, schooling him on the mat, adding in a few playful slaps to the back of the head, trying to embarrass the champion in front of the entire world watching. Christian gets to his feet, and is greeted with a more mixed reaction, with the Cena fans letting Captain Charisma that his actions weren’t appreciated. Cena though, sits up, and has a wry smile on his face, trying to hide his simmering anger, looking to Christian, and nodding at him again, whilst pulling himself up on the ropes.

Cena reaches his feet, and now calls Christian, looking for another lock up, with the challenger obliging, with the two shooting in, jockeying for position, as once again, Christian goes behind, but this time, Cena has a counter, and throws his elbow, cracking Christian in the face. Captain Charisma staggers away, but Cena doesn’t allow him room to move, and shoves Christian across the ring and into the corner!! Christian slumps down, as Cena reels away, looking to feed off his fans, posing to them, with the fans initially cheering, but the haters overpower the fans, and the boos filter through. The champion turns back around, and gives his attention to Christian, who pulls himself up … and the games are over … Christian storms across at Cena … SLAPPING the champion across the face!!! The slap takes Cena by surprise, but his reaction gets a vociferous response … AS HE TACKLES CHRISTIAN TO THE MAT, and this main event appears to be finally breaking down!!! The fans greet the breakdown with a big pop, after three minutes of stalling and games, with both men throwing wild blows as they roll on the mat, eventually rolling under the ropes, and to the outside!!!

Quickly, the two reach their feet, but continue to trade wild, looping blows, many not even connecting, with Cena getting the upper hand, grabbing Christian by the waist, and charging him into the ring apron. Cena now, grabs Christian by the head, and brings him around to the Raw announce table, slamming the challengers head off the table, with Coach loving the action, shouting for the two men to ‘KILL EACH OTHER’. Cena grabs the head again, and looks to turn away from the table, but Christian elbows the champion in the gut, then breaks free, grabbing The Champ by the head, and slamming it off the table too, giving Cena a receipt for the same blow moments ago. Cena reels away with Christian in hot pursuit, grabbing the head again, and this time, slams it off the steel steps, eliciting another mixed response from the duelling fans. Now, the challenger picks Cena up, looking to slam him onto the barrier, but Cena is quick to slip off, and trips the challenger down, quickly manoeuvring, grabbing his legs, taking a quick look back … before he catapults Christian into the steel ring post face first!!! Captain Charisma staggers away, but Cena gives him barely a second to rest, clubbing him from behind with a vicious clothesline to the back of the head and neck!!! The camera quickly cuts to Mike Chioda, as he is seen talking with Lillian Garcia, and explaining to her that he is going to stop the count, refusing to end the main event match of WrestleMania in a count out, with Lillian nodding, whilst J.R and Coach explain to any moron at home that missed it. Meanwhile, we see Cena dragging Christian back up, and returns the favour from earlier, and slams Captain Charisma, face first into the steps!!! Christian wheels away again, but once more, he doesn’t get far, with Cena on his tail, grabbing him by the head and neck, and looks to smash him off the apron ... BUT SUDDENLY … CHRISTIAN TURNS … AND CHARGES CENA INTO THE BARRICADE … AND THE TWO MEN GO THROUGH IT!!!!!!! The barrier gives way to the velocity of the two men!!!!!

Suddenly, a huge roar engulfs the SuperDome, as the two men lie motionless for a moment on top of the broken barrier, with fans standing around them, whooping and hollering, as a small but audible ‘HOLY SHIT’ chant develops, and catches on around the arena. Slowly, both men begin to move, with Christian on top, pulling the champion to his feet, before shoving him into the guard rail at the steps. He then moves in, but Cena catches him with a punch to the gut, before shoving him over, with Christian staggering into the sea of fans. Cena now moves in hot pursuit, as the two men begin to fight through the audience, trading blows back and forth, getting the fans into the action. Meanwhile, Mike Chioda is also in pursuit of both men, looking to get the action back inside. Christian takes over on the to and fro battle, grabbing Cena by the neck, and pushing a few fans out of the way, slamming Cenas head onto the folded chair, before dragging him through the fans, and back towards the barrier, with the action now spilling to the mid point of the ramp!!! Christian topples Cena over the barrier, and climbs onto the barrier, looking to hit Cena with an axe handle as he gets to his feet, but as he jumps off, Cena catches him with another punch to the gut, stopping the challengers momentum once more. Christian doubles over, then staggers back into the path of Cena, with the Champ now delivering a hard hip toss, slamming Christian onto the steel ramp!!! Cena re-establishes the advantage, and drags Christian up, jogging him back down towards the ring, and WHIPS Christian into the ring apron, sternum first!!! With the control now fully in Cenas favour, the champ rolls Christian back inside, with the action finally getting back to the squared circle.

Cena keeps up the pressure, ramming Christian into the corner, releasing a number of short, sharp shoulders to the gut of his opponent, before sending him back across the ring, to the opposite corner. The Champ zooms across, looking to crash into Christian with a splash, but Captain Charisma, spins into the ropes, sitting on the middle, as Cena runs right into the turnbuckles!!! The Champ staggers out, as Christian uses the ropes as a see-saw, falling back, and kicking Cena in the face!!! The fans pop for the innovation, as Christian frees himself from the ropes, looking to take over, and attempts to send Cena into the ropes, but Cena reverses, turns Christian inside out, and drags him in, driving a knee to the gut of the challenger!!! Christian doubles over from the impact, as Cena now runs off the ropes, speeding back … BUT CHRISTIAN CATCHES HIM WITH A SUDDEN DROPKICK!!! Instantly, Christian hooks the leg of the champion, for the cover pin of the match… 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Christian attempts to take full advantage of the opening, and pulls Cena up, sending him into the corner now, chasing in after, catching The Champ with a splash!!! Cena staggers out after the impact, whilst Christian picks up speed, and charges back at Cena ... BUT CENA PLAYS POSSUM … SCOOPS CHRISTIAN UP ... AND LOOKS FOR THE FU … BUT CHRISTIAN SLIPS OUT!!! Christian escapes the move, and grabs the ropes, but Cena now seems fired up, having rattled the challenger, and runs at him, but Christian sees it coming, and out manoeuvres the champion, hitting a drop toe hold, with Cena landing on the middle rope!!!

Getting to his feet, Christian salutes his fans, getting another generous reaction, before turning his attention back to Cena, and mounts the middle rope, standing on the back and neck of The Champ, choking him in the ropes!!! Once again, the reaction is mixed, with the fans keenly split between the two biggest names in the company, despite any tactics used by the two. Captain Charisma jumps off the illegal choke at the count of four, and is admonished by Chioda, but keeps his eyes on Cena, before pushing past the referee, and moving to the corner, stepping outside the ring, and climbing the turnbuckles, perching himself up top, and waiting for his opponent to reach his vertical base again. Slowly, Cena regains his footing, and turns around, not knowing what it coming next … as Christian soars through the air … CROSS BODY CONNECTS … BUT CENA ROLLS THROUGH … 1...2...CHRISTIAN POWERS OUT!!! Captain Charisma was nearly caught by a stunning reversal from Cena!!! Both men are quick to their feet, but the speed of Christian pays off, as he is first to strike, nailing The Champ with a strong clothesline, knocking him OUT OF THE RING!!! Cena tumbles out of the ring through the middle rope, and crashes onto the floor below. Christian gets back in control, and again, doesn’t want to waste away a single solitary second, quickly getting out after The Champ, following out, despite pleas from Mike Chioda to keep it inside.

Christian drops to the floor, and drags Cena up, softening the champion up further, ramming him into the apron, as the winces of John Cena show the pain shooting through his body. Now, Christian drags Cena back to the announce tables, and sends him across them!!! Cena, like a surfer, is sent flying across both the Spanish and Smackdown announce tables!!! He skids off, and lands at the time keepers position, whilst Christian is sizing up his next move, stripping the Smackdown announce table, ripping off the cover, and throwing the monitors away, whilst Chioda desperately tries to get him to stop. Captain Charisma strips the table, and makes a beeline for Cena again, dragging him to his feet, and rolling The Champ onto the table, following himself. Christian now drags Cena up, to his feet … AND CENA BURSTS TO LIFE … SCOOPING CHRISTIAN UP … AND SLAMS HIM WITH AN FU FROM THE SMACKDOWN ANNOUNCE TABLE … THROUGH THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!!!!!!!

Another almighty roar blasts around the SuperDome, as the Spanish announce table (which must’ve thought it escaped the inevitable tonight) crumbles under the force Christian went through with!!! Another, larger, ‘HOLY SHIT’ chant develops inside the magnificent SuperDome, as Cena stands tall on the Smackdown announce desk, looking down at his broken challenger. Is this the turning point for Cena??? The Champ takes a few more seconds to let the moment sink in, before he drops down. Cena now grabs the arm of his lifeless opponent, and pulls him away from the rubble, dragging him to the apron, and pulling him up, rolling Captain Charisma inside, under the bottom rope, following inside himself. The Champ takes another moment to gather his breath, before hooking the leg, looking to end it now…

………

……………
……FOOT ON THE ROPE……
!!!!!!

Cena thought he had it!!! Instantly, he realises what’s happened, and why no count was made, looking at Chioda, who spotted the foot on the rope. Cena accepts the call, and pushes himself to his feet, knowing he has the upper hand know, with Christian in a bad way. The Champ steadies himself, and watches, as the challenger slowly pulls himself to his feet, giving Cena the chance to run off the ropes, charge at Captain Charisma, and delivers a picture perfect Throwback, putting Christian right back down, allowing Cena to make a proper cover this time, hooking the leg…


…………1…………
……………
…………………2…………………

……………CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT……………
!!!!!

The fight of the challenger cannot be underestimated, and Cena is beginning to realise it. The Champ gets to his feet, bringing Christian with him, and sends the challenger into the corner, steaming in after, and crushing him with ALL his body weight. Christian gasps for air, as Cena backs out for a second, then moves back in, blasting Christian with an array of punches to the face and body, weakening Captain Charisma further, with the challenger taking a beating for the moment. Cena stops the beat down, and drags Christian back out, and sends him across the ring to the opposite corner, chasing in after, but as Christian approaches the corner, he propels himself up, and over Cena, with The Champ running into the turnbuckle, as Christian rolls The Champ up, for a sudden, surprise count… 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Cena powers out, and to his feet, but Christian ducks a clothesline, and as Cena turns around, Captain Charisma catches him with an arm drag, taking him over!!! Christian now looks to be picking up some steam, getting a quick comeback together, and knocks Cena back down with a clothesline, before charging off the ropes, looking to build on his comeback … but runs … RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER FROM THE CHAMP!!!!! Cena quickly hooks the leg, as the fans appear to be getting into the rapid paced action as the match continues, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!!! Christian manages to break the count, and saves the title, much to the joy of his fans, and much to the chagrin of Cenas Chain Gang.

We get a close up of The Champ, sucking in air, feeling the effects of the lightning quick exchange, but pushes on, and makes it to his feet, making a beeline for the turnbuckles, with J.R and Coach unsure if this is the approach he should be taking. The Champ climbs the ropes, but struggles a little to steady himself, giving Christian a chance to recover, which he does. Captain Charisma spots Cena struggling, and senses an opening, charging to the corner, and blasting Cena with a big shot to the temple, and then the gut, stopping the momentum of The Champ. With Cena a little worse for wear, Christian is able to climb up top, but rather than go for the superplex as expected … Christian has other ideas, and places his opponent onto his shoulders. Cena now begins to put up a fight, trying to punch free, as Christian attempts to swat the shots away … and Captain Charisma is able to … AND DELIVERS A SICK GUT BUSTER FROM THE MIDDLE ROPE!!!!!!!!! The audience are on their feet, as the challenger raises the bar, big time!!! Cena rolls around in agony, clutching his gut, as Christian is even forced to take a second to recover, having used massive strength to deliver the monstrous move, but knows the urgency, and rolls Cena over, hooking the leg…

……………
………………1………………
………………………
…2…

…………CENA GETS THE SHOULDER UP…………
!!!!!

A mixture of a massive pop, and gasps of shock fill the Dome, with the last ditch escape from Cena!!! Christian looks around in shock, looking to the referee, hoping there was a mistake, and he counted to three … but alas, it WAS only two before the kick out. Christian closes his eyes, and tilts his head towards the heavens, before resting his head down on the canvas, trying to process, just how Cena managed to kick out. Twice, Christian pounds the canvas, then pushes himself up, back to his feet, whilst Cena is still on the mat. Captain Charisma stomps his opponent, unloading some of his frustration, then bends down, dragging The Champ back to his feet, before hoisting him up, and drops the back of the champion across his knee, delivering a back breaker. Again, Christian hooks the leg, hoping for the victory this time… 1...2...SHOULDER UP AGAIN!!! The determination of Cena cannot be question, with The Champ proving it with a stunning fighting display to keep in the match. Christian shakes his head in disappointment, but continues on, turning Cena over, and driving his knee into the back of the champion. Looking to weaken Cena further, Christian drives his knee into the back again, then shoots up, and drives his elbow into the back, with Cena squirming following the impact, feeling the force, as the pain shoots through his back. Christian turns him over again, hooks the leg once more, 1...2...Cena kicks outs again.

This time, Christian doesn’t look surprised by the kick out, almost expecting it, and making the cover only to force Cena into expanding more energy. Captain Charisma gets back up, and brings the fading champion with him, backing Cena into the corner, before building up a surge of energy, and sends Cena across to the opposite corner at speed, with Cena crashing at force, back first into the turnbuckles!!! The Champ drops straight to his knees, wincing in pain, as Christian looks to put the hurting to his adversary, planting a direct kick to the face of Cena, putting The Champ back down, before dropping an elbow, and staying on for a lateral press, 1...2...Kick Out!!! Another kick out, but another expected kick out, as Christian continues to make Cena waste his energy. Once more, Christian drags Cena up, back to his feet, and again, looks to send him into the corner with tremendous velocity, and again, Cena crashes, back first into the turnbuckle, as Christian storms in … BUT CENA GETS A FOOT UP!!! The challenger gets caught unexpectedly, and staggers out of the corner, whilst Cena fights through the pain, sensing the opening, and runs off the ropes, coming at the challenger … BUT CHRISTIAN TRIPS HIM DOWN ON THE RETURN … AND PLACES HIS LEGS BETWEEN CENAS … TURNS HIM OVER … AND APPLIES THE SHARPSHOOTER!!!!!

The submission, made famous by Hall of Famer Bret Hart, is locked in, good and tight, with Cenas back already in tremendous agony!!! Christian, emulating his countryman, has the hold locked in tight, whilst Cena shakes his head, refusing to quit under the strain. Christian sits back, cranking on more pressure to the weakened back of The Champ … can Cena reach the ropes??? The Champion lifts his arm in the air … to possibly tap … NO … Cena puts his hand down slowly, and digs into the canvas trying to reach the ropes!!! The fans are on their feet, with Cena desperately inching towards the ropes … he claws … and pulls … and nears … but CHRISTIAN PULLS HIM BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING!!!!! Cena shuts his eyes, almost crying out in the excruciating pain, before one more time, showing his fight, and grit, and determination, especially in the main event of the biggest show of the year … and begins to reach again … scratching the surface of the ring … crawling across the mat … digging his nails to move across … and nears, whilst Christian shakes his head, realising he CANT STOP CENA … AND THE CHAMP GRABS THE ROPES!!!!

Cena survives the submission!!! Christian, makes the most of the referees five count, refusing to release the hold until the final second. Captain Charisma lets the hold go, and walks away, kicking the ropes in anger, realising the moment slipped again. Meanwhile, Cena is struggling. The Champ is wincing in massive pain, feeling the full effects of the devastating work on his back, pulling himself up in the ropes, as Christian comes back at him … but Cena fights back, holding the challenger off with a strong right hand, forcing Captain Charisma onto the back foot. Christian stumbles backward, as the champion looks to fight his way back into the match, and comes forward, throwing another blow … but Christian ducks under, kicks The Champ in the gut … AND DELIVERS A DDT!!! The DDT connects, and Cena is left laying on the mat again!!! The Royal Rumble winner now pulls himself back to his feet, and takes a look down at the immobile champion, before making his way to the corner, and scales the turnbuckles again, as the fans come to their feet, realising what’s about to come … as the challenger readies himself … AND LOOKS FOR THE FROG SPLASH … BUT CENA ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!!!! A huge cheer, followed by boos fills the SuperDome, as Cena avoids the Frog Splash, which would have SURELY ended proceedings!!! Both men now begin to slowly try and reach their feet, both struggling, Cena from the assault he has withstood, and Christian, after the impact of hitting the canvas. The two warriors reach their feet, and meet in the middle, with Cena hoisting the challenger up, looking for the FU … BUT CANT TAKE THE PRESSURE … Christian slips off, and behind … DELIVERING A REVERSE DDT!!! The Champ goes down again, as Christian drapes an arm over him for the cover …

………
……………1……………

……2……
…………………
……………CENA KICKS OUT……………
!!!!!!!!

Again, Cena manages to survive!!! Christian is exasperated by the kickout, and looks up at Chioda, almost begging for the three count to come. The challenger shakes his head, and picks himself up, slowly bringing his opponent with him, weakening him further with a few blows to the head. Captain Charisma now sends The Champ off the ropes … BUT CENA BURSTS TO LIFE ON THE RETURN … CATCHING CHRISTIAN WITH A MASSIVE FLYING SHOULDER TAKING HIM DOWN!!!!! The Pro-Cena fans are back in voice, as Cena powers back!!! Both men though are down, leaving Chioda no option but to make the count…


…………1…………
…………………No movement…………………
…2…
…Still no movement…
……………………3……………………
…Now, both men appear to be slowly moving…
………4………
………………Both men reach to the ropes………………
…5…
………Neck and neck, Cena and Christian drag themselves up………
…………6…………
…Both men make it to their feet, and break the count…
!!!

Trading blows, Cena and Christian go punch for punch, with the challenger winning the exchange, and running off the ropes, but runs into a stiff clothesline from the rejuvenated champion!!! Cena urges Christian up, and the challenger pulls himself to his feet, but directly into the path of The Champ, with Cena moving to the side, and hoists Christian up … DELIVERING A BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!!!! Cena scores with the impact move, and reaches over, hooking the leg…


………1………
………
………………2………………

……CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT……
!!!

Cena sits up, shaking his head, puffing his cheeks, coming to terms with the kick out, before putting it to the back of his mind, and getting to his feet, knowing the momentum has shifted back in his favour. The Champ gets Christian to his feet, kicks the challenger in the gut, and hooks him up, into position, and hurls him in the air, scoring with a messy, release Fisherman suplex!!! Again, he floats over, making the tight cover, hoping for the finish…


……1……

……………2……………

…………………SHOULDER UP…………………
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He cant put Christian away!!! Cena though, continues to battle on, and shoots to his feet, looking down at his enemy, and looks to the fans, throwing his hand in the air, then bends down, telling Christian “You Cant See Meeee”, with his fans chanting in unison, before hitting the ropes, and launching back out … and delivers the Five Knuckle Shuffle to a 50/50 response!!! The shuffle connects, with Cena bouncing back to his feet, and signals to the fans, telling them it’s time for the FU!!! The Champ prowls, stalking the Royal Rumble winner, as the challenger slowly struggles up, peeling off the ropes … and into Cena … who throws him onto his shoulders … FU … NO!!!!! Christian grabs the ropes, preventing the finish, and slips off … BUT GETS CLOCKED WITH A CLOTHESLINE FROM CENA!!! Christian does a whole 360 in the air from the impact of the brutal clothesline, with Cena now the one in full control. The Champ looks down at Christian, then looks to the fans, before mouthing some gibberish, and makes his way to the corner, stopping on the apron, gauging another split reaction from the on looking fans. The Champ climbs the ropes again, with Christian showing no signs of stopping him on this occasion, only just barely beginning to move. Cena perches himself, ready for Christian to begin to get to his feet, and as he begins to get up … CENA FLIES OFF THE TOP … LOOKING FOR THE GUILLOTINE LEG DROP … BUT MISSES IT … CHRISTIAN MOVED!!!!!

The Christian fans / Anti-Cena fans are JUBILANT!!! Christian wisely moved just before impact, and the camera shows a hint of a smile from Christian, who possibly had it scouted. Captain Charisma leans against the ropes, watching, as the champion struggles up, waiting to pick his moment … and as Cena gets up, the challenger moves in for the kill … AND LOOKS FOR THE UNPRETTIER … BUT CENA SENSES IT, AND PUSHES HIM AWAY, into the ropes … then looks for a clothesline … BUT CHRISTIAN DUCKS … AND CENA NAILS CHIODA!!!!!!! A mixture of groans and shocking gasps takes over, as Cena realises what he’s just done. Chioda is laid out from the impact of the clothesline, as Cena looks down on him … but not for long, as Christian comes in from behind, taking advantage of the distraction … and hooks Cena into position for the Unprettier again … UNPRETTIER CONNECTS!!!!!!!!! Christian has it won, and makes the cover …


…………………………………
……………
…NO REFEREE…
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The championship is surely won, as the fans count to three with no sign of a kick out from Cena, but no referee to make it official!!! Christian looks around, and realises Chioda wont be making a count for a while, and shakes his head, before turning his attention to the outside. He stops momentarily, and looks to the fans, before looking to the ringside area again, and now rolls out. Captain Charisma makes a beeline for the timekeepers position, and quickly GRABS A STEEL CHAIR!!!! A mixed reaction greets the decision of Christian, who made it clear he’d do ANYTHING to win tonight. The Rumble winner takes a long, hard look at the steel chair, then at the motionless Cena, then at fans at ringside, before putting his head down, thinking about his next move … and BRINGS THE CHAIR INTO THE RING!!!!! The boos now outweigh the cheers, as Christian now stands over Cena, who doesn’t realise what’s about to go down. Christian though, seems caught in two minds over what to do. The challenger takes another look at the fans, looking for their reaction … then flings the chair back to smash his opponent … BUT STOPS AGAIN!!! Christian keeps the chair flung back, ready to strike, but cant seem to bring himself to do it. The challenger again readies himself to take out Cena, who is beginning to stir … but again, Christian cant go through with it … AND TAKES TOO LONG TO PONDER … CENA SHOOTS UP … AND SURPRISES CHRISTIAN … GETTING HIM UP … SUDDEN, SHOCKING … FU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Champ makes a tight cover, hooking BOTH legs, as Chioda now slowly, VERY SLOWLY comes around, and makes the agonizing count…

………
………………………

………………1………………

…………………
………
…………………

…………2…………

………
…………………………………………………
………

…CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT…
!!!!!!!!!!!

Cena CANNOT believe it. He rolls off, and lays on the canvas, hands covering his face, knowing it should’ve been over. Cena sits himself up, takes a look at the referee, then takes a look at the steel chair. Cena keeps his eyes on the chair, as he pushes himself to his feet, and seemingly is thinking about using the weapon, just like Christian did. Is Cena about to prove Christian right??? Cena stands over the chair, and looks to the fans, with many kids in the front row shaking their heads, not wanting to see their hero do the wrong thing. Cena closes his eyes, and exhales deeply, tilting his head back, thinking long and hard about his next decision, with the referee still out of sorts, and not following the action as he tries to get himself together. Cena opens his eyes, breathes heavily again, and still looks unsure over what to do ... AS CHRISTIAN TAKES ADVANTAGE AND SUDDENLY ROLLS HIM UP FROM BEHIND ... 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!!

The match CONTINUES still, with neither man staying down. Christian nearly caught Cena as he pondered over using the chair, and it nearly cost the champion. Cena is quick to pop up, and batters Christian back to the canvas with a thunderous clothesline, going down himself under the impact. Cena now begins to move, slowly getting to one knee, then using the ropes to pull himself up, before coming for the challenger, dragging him up, and sends him across the ring, into the corner. Taking another moment to compose himself, the exhausted champion now charges across the ring again at the challenger … BUT CHRISTIAN GETS AN ELBOW OUT CATCHING CENA IN THE JAW!!! The elbow ROCKS The Champ, who stumbles into the ropes, as Christian finds another gear, and pushes through the fatigue, running on adrenaline now, and comes for Cena, getting him into position, and looking FOR THE UNPRETTIER AGAIN … BUT CENA SLIPS OUT … AND TRIPS CHRISTIAN DOWN!!!!! … STFU … IS … LOCKED ON TIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Captain Charisma HAS BEEN CAUGHT!!!!!

The challenger is in the deadly hold, and unable to escape!!! Christian winces in pain, as Cena torques back, desperate for a submission victory, roaring himself, as he pulls back, contorting Christians body, with Captain Charisma yelling in agonizing pain. Christian lifts his hand, but doesn’t tap, and instead tries to break Cenas grip, before using his second hand to push forward slightly, looking to make it to the ropes. He is unable to break the grip of Cena, but Christian is able to push himself forward, closer to the ropes, as Cena tries to lean further back in a bid for a submission to end the challengers title hopes. Captain Charisma continues to ever so slightly reach forward … closer to the ropes, with the audience COMPLETELY divided at this point … Christian pulls forward … inches away … millimetres … he reaches for the ropes … AND GRABS … AIR!!!! He missed the bottom rope … and the pain continues!!!!! Cena PULLS back again, looking for a final pull to get the submission, but the challenger refuses to give in, making one big final push, clawing a little more … HE REACHES OUT ONE MORE TIME … AND … GRABS … THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

Again, New Orleans is divided from the rope break, with a big percentage wanting a victory for Cena, and another relieved that Captain Charisma survives the deadly STFU. Cena releases the submission on three, and gets back to his feet, stalking Christian as he catches his breath pulling himself back to his feet using the ropes, looking out of energy now. Cena now closes in on the challenger, sensing the end, AND GOES FOR THE STFU AGAIN … TRIPS CHRISTIAN DOWN … BUT CHRISTIAN FLIPS OVER … AND CRADLES CENA …

………
………1………

…2…
…………………
…CENA JUST ESCAPES THE PINNING COMBINATION…
!!!!!!

For a split second, the fans are unsure of the kick out … THAT’S just how close it was to surprising The Champ. Once again, the two men begin to move, surely now, both are running on pure adrenaline, getting to their feet, and trading blows as they do, with the fans torn, but the louder voices are siding with the challenger, as every shot thrown by Cena is greeted with ‘BOOOO’, and every return from Christian is met by a ‘YAAAY’. The two trade blows, back and forth, neither backing up an inch, but it’s the force of Cena that begins to put a dent in the armour of Christian, and the ‘BOOS’ are being heard more often, with Cena taking over, backing Christian against the ropes, with Cena now shooting across the ring, off the ropes, and charging at the fading challenger … BUT CHRISTIAN NAILS CENA WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! The challenger surprises The Champ with an almighty surge of energy, knocking him onto the canvas. Cena though, pulls himself up, only to stagger into the path of the challenger … AND HOOKS HIM UP … UNPRETTIER … NO!!! CENA DROPS DOWN … AND SCHOOL BOYS CHRISTIAN … SHADES OF WRESTLEMANIA LAST YEAR …


……………1……………
………
………2………

…CHRISTIAN GETS A SHOULDER UP…
!!!!!

NO!!!!! Captain Charisma JUST beats the count. Cena cant believe it. He was certain his luck had struck for the second straight year with the same move, but it wasn’t to be!!! The fans are now on their feet to a man, as this thrilling climax is surely ready to end at any moment. The two men are slow to their feet, but it’s Cena to strike first, driving a knee into the gut of Captain Charisma, then again, runs off the ropes for some momentum, BUT CHRISTIAN SEES IT COMING … AND DROPS CENA, THROAT FIRST ONTO THE ROPES!!! The Champ staggers out, into Christian, who meets him with a kick to the gut, and turns him over … UNPRETTIER … CONNECTS!!!!!!!!!! Wasting no time, Christian hooks the leg, as Chioda makes the count…

………
…………1…………
…………………………………………
…2…
…………………
……SHOULDER UP……
!!!!!!

It’s STILL not over!!!!! There are all kinds of shocked faces in the arena, all certain we’d just witnessed the end. And there is one man more amazed by the kick out than any other … Christian. The challenger cannot believe that Cena still hasn’t been put away, but gets to his feet, shaking his head, unable to process what has happening, and signals to the fans that it’s over now, bending down, and dragging Cena up, to his feet, and this time, slowly gets the champion into position, turning him over … UNPRETTIER AGAIN … NO!!!!! Cena slips free, spins Christian around … AND UP … FU … NO!!!!!! CHRISTIAN SLIPS OFF THE BACK, GRABBING CENAS ARMS, TURNING HIM OVER … AND DROPS THE CHAMP WITH ANOTHER UNPRETTIER!!!!!!!!!! Christian turns Cena over, lying on top of The Champ, as Chioda makes the count…


………………1………………
…………………
…2…
…………………………………………………
……3……
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​


WINNER: AND NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - CHRISTIAN @ 27:07​


The journey is complete for Christian!!! His lifelong dreams HAVE come true at long, long last!!! The NEW World Champion rolls off Cena, and onto his knees, bowing his head down, onto the mat, overcome with emotion, as Mike Chioda presents Christian with the championship belt, with Christian getting to his feet, and having his hand raised in the air!!!​


Jim Ross:​
IT IS MOMENTS LIKE THESE, MOMENTS LIKE THESE, THAT MAKES WRESTLEMANIA THE GRANDDADDY OF ‘EM ALL!!! Nowhere else in the world, no other event in sports or entertainment can give you a moment like this. From humble beginnings for Captain Charisma, he has climbed the biggest of mountains, and tonight, in New Orleans, he HAS validation. For the second time, Christian is on top of the mountain, and he is World Heavyweight Champion!!!!!


The Coach:​
Unbelievable. I’m speechless. John Cena and Christian just put on a match we’ll never forget. Cena might not have won the match, but he’s not leaving the SuperDome as a loser if you ask me.


Jim Ross:​
Indeed he is not. John Cena gave it his absolute best tonight Coach, no doubt about it. But on this night, I don’t believe anything, or anyone was going to stop Christian in his quest for the title.


In the ring now, Christian holds the title belt aloft, climbing onto the turnbuckles, overcome with emotion, pounding his chest, and pointing to the fans, nodding to his Peeps. The NEW World Champion now drops down, and turns around … INTO JOHN CENA!!!​


Suddenly, the mood has changed, as the two battered gladiators stare across one another, with Christian now holding the title.​


Jim Ross:​
You don’t think they’re gonna go at it again Coach??


The Coach:​
Looks like it, and I’d love to see it.


Neither man moves a muscle for a moment, as the music dies down. Christian looks to the fans, looking a little concerned that his moment could be soiled by a vengeful John Cena … but instead, Cena slowly begins to nod, and whilst he doesn’t offer a handshake, Cena indicates his respect for Christian, slowly backing away, giving the NEW Champion his moment in the sun.​


Christian continues to watch, throwing the title over his shoulder, as Cena exit’s the ring, and walks away, hands on hips, distraught in defeat. Christian continues to watch, as his music kicks in again. Captain Charisma then slowly begins to nod, watching, as Cena leaves, then turns away, and proceeds to continue his big celebration.​


Jim Ross:​
Dreams CAN come true Coach. For Christian, his just did. He is leaving the Showcase of the Immortals, WrestleMania, the main event, and the World Heavyweight Champion.


The Coach:​
It just doesn’t get any better than that.


Now, confetti begins to drop from the top of the arena, and fireworks blast off in the background, whilst Christian continues his celebrations, overcome by emotion, having finally etched his name in the record books as THE top dog in the wrestling world, after a career that never appeared to look like materializing into what HE has made it into.​


Jim Ross:​
An unforgettable night Coach. This WrestleMania is one that will live on in my memory for many reasons, and this moment we are witnessing will be one of them.


The Coach:​
I’m with ya J.R. This is a night I’ll never forget. One of the greatest WrestleManias there will ever be.


Jim Ross:​
Tonight, New Orleans has hosted WrestleMania for the first time, and by Gawd, NO ONE, least of all, that man in the ring right now, will ever forget the first time that WrestleMania came to New Orleans. What a spectacle, what a night. Thank you for joining us everybody. Goodnight.




We now fade out, with the final images of Christian in the ring, being embraced, seemingly by his wife, with other family members joining him in the ring, as the show comes to a close…​


FADE TO BLACK​


Obligatory WrestleMania Recap Video;​


*THE KILLERS | SAMS TOWN | ABBEY ROAD VERSION*​


Instrumental​


(Fireworks going off at the top of the show, and J.R introducing the show)​


Nobody ever had a dream round here,​


(Quick clips of entrances; MNM, Brian Kendrick, Kurt Angle, John Cena)​



but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me


(Quick clips of entrances; Rey Mysterio, Batista, RVD, Christian)​



Nobody ever pulls the seams round here,


(Quick clips of entrances; M.V.P, Hardy Boys, Shawn Michaels, Triple H)​



but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me
(Quick clips of entrances; Mick Foley, Edge, Steve Austin, Randy Orton)
I've got this energy beneath my feet


(Slow motion shot of The Undertakers suicide dive onto Angle)​



like something underground's gonna come up and carry me,
(Slow motion shot of Paul London drop saulting Carlito from the ladder)


I've got this sentimental heart that beats​



(Quick shots of the Hall of Famers getting their moment to wave to the fans)


but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me now​



(More clips of the Hall of Famers)


Why do you waste my time?​



(Cena and Christian face to face)


Is the answer to the question on your mind​



(Haas and Benjamin teaming up in MITB)


And I'm sick of all my judges​



(Bischoff giving Mr. McMahon the bird)


so scared of what they'll find​



(Foley wrapping the ring ropes with barbed wire)


But I know that I can make it​



(Finlay reaching up for the MITB briefcase)


As long as somebody takes me home,​



(The McMahon Family Empire staggering away in defeat)


every now and then...​



Well have you ever seen the lights?
(Slow motion clip of Rob Van Dam soaring for the Five Star)


Have you ever seen the lights?​


(Fade to black)​


*THE KILLERS | SAMS TOWN | ALBUM VERSION*​



1,2,1,2,3,4


(Sudden rewind through the clips already seen)​


*Instrumental*​


(Lightning fast shots of the majority of competitors, ending with quick fire clips of the entrances in the opening match)​


(Clips of the brawl to kick off the opener, Kennedy stalking Alexis, Rey bronco busting Mercury, and sudden clips of the finish sequence, with Kennedy nailing the Green Bay plunge on Alexis, the double Shining Wizard to Kennedy, the 619 to Mercury, followed by the Punk Card, and three count. Then, the celebrations, and commiserations.)​



Nobody ever had a dream round here,


(Straight to Batista and Albright, with Brent running, and running.)​



but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me
(Batista finally getting his hands on the champion)


Nobody ever pulls the seams round here,​



(Albright shifting out of the Batista Bomb, and scoring a shock win)


but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me​


(Contrast of winner in jubilation, and loser in frustration)​



I've got this energy beneath my feet


(Hulk Hogan interrupting JBL)​



like something underground's gonna come up and carry me,
(Quick brawl)


I've got this sentimental heart that beats​



(Hogan hulking up)


but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me now​


(And Hogan standing tall, ridding the ring of JBL)​



Why do you waste my time?
(Clips of Umaga being attacked at the start of the MITB match, with Orton looking to sneak the win, but getting caught.)


Is the answer to the question on your mind​



(Benjamin running up the ladder and diving to the outside; Umaga using the ladder as a tie, swinging at anything that moves)


And I'm sick of all my judges​



(Carlito with a Backcracker off the ladder to Finlay; Haas with a sunset power bomb off the ladder to London)


so scared of what they'll find​



(Umaga with a Samoan Spike to the Little Bastard)


But I know that I can make it​



(M.V.P and Carlito battling at the top … but both going off and through SIX stacked up tables)


As long as somebody takes me home,​



(Haas and Benjamin with a double power bomb to Umaga off the ladder, and through another ladder)


every now and then...​


(Orton winning, and the carnage afterward)​



Well have you ever seen the lights?
(Kash and Kendrick across the ring from one another, then quick counters and reversals)


Have you ever seen the lights?​



(Quick counters, and reversals, along with high flying moves)


I took a shuttle on a shockwave ride​



(Kendrick kicking out, and Kash in shock)


where people on the pen pull the trigger for accolades​



(Kendrick reversing the Dead Level, and hitting Sliced Bread, winning the title)


I took a bullet and I looked inside it​



(AMW attacking Matt & Jeff as they entered the ring)


Running through my veins an American masquerade​



(Hardys double teaming the champs, and AMW double teaming the challengers)
I still remember grandma Dixie's wake
(Matt making the tag to Jeff, and things breaking down)


I've never really known anybody to die before​



(Hardys with high flying antics)


Red white and blue upon a birthday cake​



(Hardys with the match won…)


My brother, he was born on the fourth of the July...and that's all​



(…AMW stealing the win, and getting out of dodge.)


Why do you waste my time?​



(Mick Foleys odd entrance, and HBK making his way to the ring)


Is the answer to the question on your mind​



(Shot of the barbed wire around the rope, followed by the early brawl)


And I'm sick of all my judges​



(Foley driving his knee into the head of HBK, and the Cactus Clothesline)


they're so scared of letting me shine​



(Foley getting dropped onto the barbed wire, and crotched on it.)


But I know that I can make it​



(Foley getting choked by the ropes, and Michaels smashing him with the chair)


As long as somebody takes me home​



(Foley going through the flaming table, and the final Sweet Chin Music to end it.)


Wooooooo!​


(Bloodied and battered … Foley smiling.)​


Every now and then​



(Angle entering the arena)


Every now and then​



(The Undertaker entering the arena)


*U2 & GREEN DAY | THE SAINTS ARE COMIN‘*​


*Instrumental @ mid point of song*​


(Taker and Angle going hell for leather from the opening bell, matching once another move for move. Taker escaping an attempt at the ankle lock, Angle escaping the Tombstone. Kick out after kick out, after kick out, after kick out, with the shocked look on Takers face)​


I cried to my daddy on the telephone "How long now?"​



(Taker trapped in the Anklelock, but making the ropes)


"Until the clouds unroll and you come home" the line went​



(Angle kicking out of the Tombstone, then going for the Anklelock, but getting trapped in the Triangle, and tapping)


But the shadows still remain since your descent, your descent yeah, yeah​



(Taker being carried out by the druids)
The saints are coming
(Entrances of The McMahons, Triple H, Austin and Lesnar)


The saints are coming​



(Triple H and Lesnar face to face, Lesnar overpowering Triple H, and Austin throwing The Game back inside.)


I say no matter how I try​



(Tomko being taken out early on, before all hell breaks loose.)


I realize there's no reply​



(Bischoff screwing Vince, Tyson turning on, and punching Vince, Austin and Lesnar both getting clocked, then Lesnar winning.)


The saints are coming​



(Edge nailing RVD with the title belt, and getting Jericho in the Walls)


The saints are coming​



(Jericho hitting the top rope Codebreaker, and then the Tower of Doom)


I say no matter how I try​



(Edge missing the Spear on RVD, and RVD with the Frog Splash on Jericho for the win.)


I realize there's no reply​



(Edge spearing RVD afterward, and Orton making his entrance.)
Drowning sorrow floods the deepest grief, how long now
(Orton punting RVD, and winning the title)


Until a weather change condemns belief, how long now​



(Van Dam being stretchered out)


When the night watchman lets in the thief, what's wrong now​



(The entrances of both Cena and Christian)
The saints are coming
(Face to face … then switch to both men going through the barrier, then the brawl through the crowd.)


The saints are coming​



(FU through the table, and the Gutbuster from the top rope, and both men scoring near falls.)


I say no matter how I try​



(Both men hitting their finishers for near falls)


I realize there's no reply​



(Sharpshooter to Cena; STFU to Christian … both men make the ropes)
The saints are coming
(Kick out of the FU)


The saints are coming​


(Kick out of the Unprettier)​


I say no matter how I try​



(Finish to the match, with Cena countering the Unprettier for an FU … )


I realize there's no reply​



(… but Christian reversing back to the Unprettier)


I say no matter how I try​



(And the three count)


I realize there's no reply​



(Christian being presented with the belt)


I say no matter how I try​



(Cena bowing out of the ring, as confetti falls for Christian)


I realize there's no reply​


(Christian embracing his family in the ring)​


…​


END OF SHOW​
 
#2,519 ·
Uh huh, you’re not dreaming.

So I’ve been following some of my favs, you obviously included. I thought I’d get in here and give my thoughts on the current standings of the thread, and more specifically, to the SuperBrawl fallout.

I loved the SuperBrawl opening the PPV. And what a way to book it. Lesnar looked the obvious winner, until I saw you clarify that the winner cannot choose a title match a while back. Since then I’ve been confused, tbh. The way Lesnar was eliminated was awesome, and shocking. Not nearly as shocking as what I did at the Rumble, but yeah, shocking:). Angle wins, deservedly, and now there’s no beating around the bush with he and Taker going into to Naw’lens. What a match it’ll be. Angle won’t win, nor should he, but it’ll be a historic match for both men.

HBK and Mick Foley are now a lock as well. He was a favorite to win this imo, and to lock his match with Foley in. It’ll happen regardless though, and what’a knock down drag out, Mania worthy encounter, that will be.

Never doubted Rey would retain. He had an absolutely brilliant IC Title run in the thread a long whole ago, now being a two-timer. Not sure where Rey goes from here, as I could see an IC title match at Mania. I could also see Rey entering MITB, with the claim of being the first MITB winner, despite not owning the contract shortly thereafter. As for what’s next for Kennedy? Meh.

Batista and Big Bobby were never gonna win. AMW have reigned as champions going into what, 3 Manias now? Gotta think they’ll get the chance to shine one more time on the grand stage. Then again, I’m not sure there is a place for them. You could say the Hardys’s I guess, but I think MITB needs Matt and Jeff tbh. As far as Lashley and Dave go, it’s most likely gonna be a triple threat US title match, with the defending champ getting a big rub in retaining against the two capable monsters.

Christian over Tomko, duh.

Poor Orton will enter MITB now. Misuse could be suspected. However, I think he’ll win the thing. How could he not? Let’s hope.

Not sure what to make of the WWE Title match. I’m thrilled RVD – who you openly admitted to not liking way back when – is still champion. I’d have to say that this is looking triple threat’ish at this point. Despite you claiming Jericho is now in MITB. I just can’t see him not wanting revenge. Then again, I could see Y2J cashing in on either guy at Mania after the WWE Title match. Meaning Y2J wins MITB, only to either give Edge some sick poetic justice in costing Edge the title via MITB just after Edge has cashed in MITB. Or to screw RVD after all these months, and after RVD has a grueling defense at Mania.

Onto my favorite result of the evening. What a match. I loved the fact that you made nine finishes out of it. I think an Ironman with Cena needed that. It’s always nice when there is a knock down drag out with only one fall, sure. But that should be reserved for GREAT wrestlers. In Cena’s case, it made sense for you to liven up the match with a number of falls. It keeps the match exciting, and the fans guessing till the very end. Cena winning made more sense than anything to me. Everyone picked the Game. In my opinion had the Game won, WrestleMania would’ve lost some steam. Come on, if you would have booked the big time fan favorite and Royal Rumble winner Christian against the slimy, grimy, heel champion in Triple H, how could you have made us believe Christian wasn’t going to win? There was no chance the Game would win in that match. Now, you have the two biggest babyfaces, one who JUST won the title, versus the other who won the Rumble. At Mania, face vs. face works, and unpredictability sells. My friend, you now have a match that is intriguing.

And let’s not forget that now Triple H vs. Lesnar is on the cards. Lesnar has been tweening brilliantly for months, and finally, the showdown will happen. What a match it’ll be too. The pissed off heel Triple H – a fantastic worker – versus the jacked up, no nonsense tweener badass in Lesnar. As they say, something’s gotta give. And it’ll be their first match EVER (right?) which makes it all the more intriguing. And now, we’ve got the handicap match at SNME. Christian and Cena can be a team, only to have the seeds of dissention laid, while the shit can hit the fan between Lesnar and H. Off to the races you go my beasty friend.

Early Mania predictions are as follows:

WWE Title: RVD vs. Edge
World Title: Christian vs. Cena
Taker vs. Angle
Lesnar vs. the Game
HBK vs. Foley
MITB – Umaga, Finlay, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, MVP, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, and Rey Mysterio
Tag Titles: MNM vs. Straight Edge
United States Title: Albright vs. Batista vs. Lashley
Women’s Title match

I’d say that’s a hell of a card my man. I might be forgetting an angle or two. Don’t make it more than ten matches though. I realize this is BTB, and everyone adds more matches than is realistic. You do too, normally having twelve at Mania. In today’s age, with the entertainment and promo aspect, more than ten is just a bit much. Each match deserves enough time, and nine-ten matches is already pushing it.

Oh, and about me…? Well, I made some decisions the last time around. Let’s just say I decided to take a break before my unprepared work forced me to take a break. I’ve been putting together all of my work leading into WM24. While your Mania will be up sooner than mine for sure, we’ll just have to see who OWNS the other ;). So yeah, I’m coming. And oh yes, there will be blood.
 
#3,552 ·
 

 
~ WWE.COM BREAKING NEWS ~

Direct from WWE HQ in Stamford, the Board of Directors have met today after an urgent meeting was called by WWE Commissioner Jesse Ventura. The one and only order of business brought forward was to vote on the removal of Raw General Manager John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield as the special guest referee for the WrestleMania contest pitting The Undertaker against Umaga.

However, despite making his case to remove JBL from the match, Ventura was outvoted by the board; JBL will remain the guest official at WrestleMania. In the days leading to the meeting, reports had surfaced that had Ventura not been supported by the board that he would immediately resign, but after issuing an official statement, it couldn’t be any farther from the truth.

“Today, it is with great regret that my suspicions of corruption within the WWE‘s Board of Directors have been confirmed. Despite the obvious conflict of interest that Mr. Layfield will have at WrestleMania, the Board have overruled my request to have the Raw General Manager removed as special guest referee in the contest between Umaga and The Undertaker.
Despite the rumours that should this result come to pass that I would step down from my role as Commissioner of the WWE, I can categorically deny these rumours. I have absolutely no intention of resigning at this stage, as it has become clear to me that in order to cause change in the WWE, I cannot make that happen from the outside.

While I‘d like to express my disappointment in the Boards decision, I would also like to thank the Board for showing me exactly where their priorities lie, and I sincerely apologise to the fans, as their wishes have not only not been granted; they were barely considered.

But, my promise to the fans of the WWE is that I wont stand by as the Commissioner and allow this corruption to continue. For too long, the fans have had to suffer through crooked figures of authority, and it is my belief that the time has come to bring an end to this constant abuse of power.

Beginning today, I am making it my priority to eradicate the sleaze that runs deep inside the WWE, and I intend on weeding these people out, and giving the power back to those who matter most; you, the fans. I cannot promise these changes overnight, but I can promise when the time comes, you, the fans, will never have to suffer with unscrupulous figures like JBL, and in their place will be men or women that are incorruptible, honest, and fair.

In closing, I‘d like to offer my congratulations on JBL, whose deep pockets may have bought him this victory. And he should enjoy this moment while it lasts, because as far as I‘m concerned, his days of buying votes, buying positions of power, and buying people‘s souls are coming to an end. And anyone that knows Jesse Ventura, will know that I wont rest until I succeed.”


______________________________________________

WWE Superstars | March 19 2008


A very special edition of Superstars opens up with THE COACH centre ring, surrounded by the eight men set to compete at WrestleMania in the Money in the Bank ladder match - and Ken Doane, joining his partner in crime; Cody Rhodes.



Coach gives each contender a brief intro, and then tells Ken Doane that as fond as he is of him - this show is just for the competitors in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Cody steps in, informing Coach that Doane has every right to be here - as he will be by his side at WrestleMania for the ladder match too.



At this point, the other seven men all unite to agree on one point; Ken Doane wont be anywhere near the ring at WrestleMania. After a brief back and forth between Cody and the others, the challenge is then laid down - if Cody can beat Paul London tonight; he gets to have Ken Doane accompany him at WrestleMania for the MITB ladder match.



After the match is set, Cade prods the chest of London telling him he better not screw up, then unceremoniously leaves. Albright steps forward to declare that he doesn’t care if Doane gets to hold Cody’s hand or not - “in fact, they can all bring their friends if they want” as he’ll leave WrestleMania with the briefcase, and he makes a quip about adding MVP to the long list of men he‘s already beat later in the show…



He does though have a proposition of his own for Matt Hardy. After allowing Coach to remind everyone of how many times he’s crushed Matt time and time again; (KOTR final, U.S Title, I.C Title), Albright offers Matt a shot at the Intercontinental Title next week on Raw … on one condition. If Matt loses, he forfeits his spot in the ladder match at WrestleMania.



Hardy says it sounds like Brent isn’t all that confident about WrestleMania if he wants to try and get him out … but Albright responds to say that he’s just looking to make it ever so slightly easier for himself - then tells Matt he can think it over for a while, and mocks the others left in the ring, saying Matt can deliberate with all the other guys he’s beaten (Rey & London) - and the ones he will beat (Danielson & MVP).



In the opening match after a commercial break, Paul London tackles Cody Rhodes - with Ken Doane by his side. Rey Mysterio then re-emerges, seconding London - much to the chagrin of Cody. In a competitive match, in which both Doane and Rey get involved, London defeats Rhodes with the 450 Splash @ 07:12, meaning Doane WONT be permitted at ringside at WrestleMania.



**VIDEO PACKAGE**


~ CLASSIC WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT ~

XXI

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, BROCK LESNAR - WITH MR. MCMAHON AS GUEST REFEREE, TAKES ON STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN, WITH BRET HART IN HIS CORNER. MCMAHONS MASTERPLAN BACKFIRES IN DETROIT, WITH AUSTIN OVERCOMING THE ODDS, THANKS TO BRET - APPLYING A SHARPSHOOTER ON VINCE, FORCING HIM TO TAP THE MAT THREE TIMES; MAKING THE COUNT FOR AUSTIN TO OVERCOME LESNAR!!!


WRESTLEMANIA XXIV | MARCH 30 2008 | PHOENIX AZ

~ THE DESERT CLASSIC ~

ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW

***


Next up, Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson - with his undefeated streak at stake - steps up to face the Lone Star, Garrison Cade. It’s a tough match, but Danielson shows himself to be double tough, able to contend with the big Texan despite the size difference. In the end, Cade has enough of the struggle - somewhat underestimating his smaller adversary - and clatters Danielson with the CW Champs own title belt @ 06:58.



Cade looks set to continue the beat down, but MVP, Hardy, London and Mysterio rush to run the big Texan off. MVP especially wants a piece of Cade after being attacked by him last week. Cade backs up, pointing back to the ring, shouting at the faces that it’s every man for himself at WrestleMania, telling them to cut the friendly BS between them.



Following another commercial, the show returns with THE BRIAN KENDRICK hijacking the screen time of Jerry Lawler and Todd Grisham, taking Grishams head set to declare that he wont stop his fight to be part of the MITB ladder match, stating that the people wont be silenced, and that he’ll fight for his fans voices to be heard - and until he is rightfully placed in the MITB ladder match at Wrestle Mania … he’s going on a HUNGER STRIKE!!!



Lawler laughs the suggestion off from TBK, but Kendrick tells Lawler he’s serious - until he’s placed in the ladder match at WrestleMania, he wont eat a thing; and makes a point to send a message directly at Finlay; “THIS IS ALL YOUR DOING FINBO!!!”



Following that, it’s time for the main event. Brent Albright - the Intercontinental Champion - defeats MVP @ 13:01 in a non-title match with the Ace in the Hole after avoiding the Play of the Day. Following the match, Albright takes the mic, chalking MVP off and adding him to the list of guys he’s beaten that are part of the MITB ladder match.



As he talks though, Albright doesn’t see Matt Hardy coming, and Matt spins the 2007 King of the Ring around, and DELIVERS A TWIST OF FATE!!!!! Picking up the Intercontinental Title, Hardy takes the mic - and declares that he’ll take the risk and accepts Albrights challenge for an Intercontinental Title match on Raw … but if Matt fails to beat Albright; he’ll forfeit his shot at the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania.



END OF SHOW
Smackdown to follow (in recap form) over the weekend at some point.
 
#3,562 · (Edited)
-----------------------------------------------​


Official Card for WWE WrestleMania XXIV:
March 30 2008 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix AZ


WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, Randy Orton defends against;
The 2008 Royal Rumble Winner, Edge




World Heavyweight Championship Match:
~ COLLISION COURSE II - THE DUEL IN THE DESERT ~
World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena defends against;
The Number One Contender, Christian




Womens Championship Match:
Gail Kim vs. Mickie James


World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Elimination Match:
Straight Edge vs. The Angels of Anarchy vs. The Master Craftsmen


Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
WINNER HAS AUTOMATIC TITLE SHOT ANYTIME IN NEXT 12 MONTHS
Rey Mysterio vs. Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Cody Rhodes vs. M.V.P vs. ‘The 2007 King of the Ring’ Brent Albright vs. Garrison Cade vs. Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy vs. Paul London




~ NO DISQUALIFICATIONS ~
Triple H vs. Mister Kennedy



!! A MATCH FOR THE AGES !!
Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman vs. Shawn Michaels




The Best Today vs. The Best Ever:
Kurt Angle vs. Ric Flair


The Streak:
The Undertaker vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada
With Special Guest Referee; John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield



The Show Stealer:
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho



2008 Hall of Fame Inductees;
Ric Flair, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper, ‘Big Van’ Vader, ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude, Magnum T.A, Maurice ‘Mad Dog’ Vachon & Andy Kaufman






PLUS, ON THE PRE-SHOW:



WWE Tag Team Championships Match:
MNM w/Melina vs. The Caribbean Connection




TWENTY FOUR MAN WRESTLEMANIA 24 BATTLE ROYAL:
Big Zeke, Burchill, Chavo Guerrero, Chuck Palumbo, Curt Hawkins, Damien Sandow, Evan Bourne, Goldust, Hardcore Holly, Jamie Noble, Jeff Hardy, Ken Doane, Kid Kash, Mark Henry, Nick Nemeth, Shelton Benjamin, Super Crazy, Test, Tyson Tomko, William Regal, Xavier Woods, X-Pac, Zack Ryder, WITH ONE SPOT REMAINING…


Six Person Inter-Gender Tag Team Match:
The Hart Legacy vs. Americas Most Wanted & Michelle McCool


***
PREDICTION COMPETITION
1) Predict the winners - including the pre-show matches (26 points {2 points per correct prediction})
2) Predict the match order {Main Card only} (10 points)
3) Predict the order of elimination in the World Tag Team Title Match (2 points)
4) What will be the longest match? {Main Card only} (2 points)
5) What will be the shortest match? {Main Card only} (2 points)
6) Predict ONE surprise appearance from someone not currently on the roster {There will be at least one} (3 points)
7) Predict who the final entrant will be in the pre-show Battle Royal {it's someone on the roster} (2 points)
8) What 'impact' will The Gods of War; Batista & Lashley have at WrestleMania after Steven Richards promise on Raw? (3 points)
***

PREDICTIONS ARE WELCOME!!


So, as an update, WrestleMania is done - though not quite dusted yet, but I'm happy with how it has turned out. There's a few tweaks I'll be making to a couple of matches before posting the show, next SUNDAY, December 20. I'll post the pre-show earlier in the day, and at that point, predictions will be closed.

It's slightly disappointing to see how dead the thread has been these last few months, especially for WrestleMania season, but I guess that's the way of things now (I'm not exactly prolific with giving out feedback myself), and it's probably made it easier for me to more than likely end the thread on this show(but I've learned to never say never ... though hopefully I can stay gone this time). That said, I appreciate the comments left in the last few days.

Szumi; the arthritis has prevented me from typing to the point where I've had to hire a young orphan child-slave to type as I talk ;)

Gards; I want to take the chance to both thank you for dropping in your comments, and to thank you for sparking some life in the section the last few days through the discussion thread. It's certainly helped to bring back some nice memories.

There's a lot of people I could thank for their help/comments/input/PM's or Rep over the years, but there's really too many to mention, and I'm sure I'd leave one or two names out.

However, there is one person that I wanted to especially thank; TKOW. He is either the person to thank or blame (depending on your outlook) for me making it this far. Through giving me ideas that I've ran with/stolen, and a lot of encouragement over the last few years via PM, he really has been a source of inspiration for me, and while he doesn't book too often himself, his overall contribution to the section deserves a lot of recognition. Thanks buddy.

So ... yeah. Predictions are welcome.
 
#3,618 ·
Thanks for the comments Reney <3​




…​
























…​






Monday Night Raw | April 28 2008 | St. Louis, MO








Still images of last nights main event at Backlash, where Ric Flair challenged John Cena for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite taking a one sided beating for the majority of the match, and bleeding profusely, Flair managed to make a gallant comeback, using every trick in his arsenal - but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to claim an unprecedented Seventeenth World Championship, with Cena recovering to see off Flairs challenge; his last EVER shot at a World Championship, making the Nature Boy tap to the STFU.





Opening Video





PYRO





The camera pans around the arena as the Raw theme ‘Fast Fuse’ by Kasabian plays, showing a plethora of fans signs inside the Scottrade Centre, before we hear from a very hoarse J.R…


Jim Ross: Twenty four hours on from the emotional rollercoaster that was Backlash, Monday Night Raw is live and on the air!!! I’m Jim Ross, joined as always by The Coach, and folks, please apologise my voice tonight - it truly was an emotional rollercoaster at Backlash for yours truly.​

The Coach: I’m surprised you’re even here, J.R. Did you cry yourself to sleep last night after Ric Flair lost?? No Seventeenth world title - no happy ending. Not with THE CHAMP, John Cena around!!​

Jim Ross: {Dejected} You can say that again. There certainly was no happy ending in Kansas City last night for The Nature Boy. And as I understand it, Ric Flair isn’t here tonight - he spent a number of hours in a local medical facility following an unbelievable amount of blood loss. And truthfully, I don’t know if we’ll ever see Ric Flair again after that heartbreaking defeat at Backlash.​

The Coach: It wasn’t just Ric Flair that failed to get that storybook ending last night though - how about D-Generation X, J.R?? FAILED in their quest to win the World Tag Team Championships from The Master Craftsmen. Matt Hardy?? FAILED to get some revenge for his buddy Greg Helms and lost his Intercontinental title to CM Punk. And Christian?? FAILED to beat the Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga!!​

Jim Ross: Well, there’s a lot more to that situation, Coach. Christian was assaulted by a so-called fan when it appeared he had Umaga beaten. Only, if ya ask me, it was no fan, it was our beloved World Champion, John Cena.​

The Coach: That’s outrageous.​

Jim Ross: We’ll get into all of that a little later on, but tonight, we’ve got two new Superstars arriving from Smackdown, as the draft season continues. Who will be the two latest additions to the Monda-​


**HATE ME NOW**

The Nas theme is greeted by heat from the fans, with John Cena making his way out through the curtain very gingerly, title raised aloft over his head, but noticeably limping.


Jim Ross: And as you can see, John Cena did not come out of that title defence unscathed. It wasn’t the walk in the park he thought it would be, and Ric Flair severely punished the left leg of The Champ last night at Backlash. You can see just how badly Cena was hurt.​


The Coach: But what matters is that he came out of Backlash with the gold. And he certainly did.​

Ignoring the audience, ‘The Man in Black’ has tunnel vision as he limps down the aisle, keeping the richest prize in the game above his head, and carefully climbs into the ring, wincing in pain as he steps inside.

Jim Ross: John Cena didn’t even have the decency to let Ric Flair have the ring at the end of last nights Pay Per View. Despite it being Flairs last ever title match - potentially his last match ever - John Cena didn’t see fit to give the greatest of all time even the slightest bit of respect.​

The Coach: Respect isn’t a currency that John Cena deals in. He won the match, he earned the right to do whatever he wanted, and he wanted to have the ring to himself. He didn’t owe Flair a thing - he gave him his shot, didn’t he?? I think that’s more than generous if you ask me.​

Jim Ross: Don’t give me that - John Cena gave Ric Flair the opportunity because he wanted to stick it to the fans that wanted to see Flair go out at the very top!! That wasn’t out of the goodness of his heart.​

The Coach: Ssshhh, J.R!! The Champ wants to speak!!​

In the ring, Cena listens to the boos all around the Scottrade Centre, and eventually just talks over the fans…

John Cena: This is becoming a monthly thing now … but … I told you so.​

Heat. Cena shrugs, having said the exact same thing four weeks ago after retaining the title against Christian at WrestleMania.

John Cena: You people didn’t have a great night last night, did ya?? All those heroes you got behind … looked like they all came up short at Backlash. Flair … DX … heard even my old buddy Christian had a stroke of bad luck too.​

More boos from the fans for Cena after the dig at Christian, with everyone knowing Cena was the ‘fan’ that attacked him last night. Cena soaks up the atmosphere, and takes a look around the arena.

John Cena: I’m seein a lot of disappointed faces tonight. In the back, in the crowd … even at ringside…​

Cena turns his attention to J.R at ringside. The Champ leans on the ropes, eyeballing the lead commentator.

John Cena: Hey J.R, how ya doin??​

J.R nods, saying nothing. Cena looks at the audience, pointing at J.R.

John Cena: Ric Flairs biggest cheerleader right there. The so-called voice of the WWE … openly rooting against the franchise player.​

The Champ scoffs. He turns away, and addresses the fans again.

John Cena: He aint the only one - how about Charles Robinson. You know who that is?? The referee that wants to BE Ric Flair?? How about him tryin to fast count me last night??​

Some cheers from the fans, and Cena shakes his head.

John Cena: They all wanted to see Ric Flair knock me off. YOU all wanted to see Ric Flair hold this title one last time.​

Patting the belt, Cena draws a few more boos from the fans.

John Cena: I bet there was a point last night where y’all thought Flair was gonna pull it off, right?? Like some Rocky movie?? The old man beatin the big bad wolf, and the celebration - fireworks, streamers, confetti - the works. And they had that all set.​

Cena points to the stage to indicate the WWE hierarchy.

John Cena: Oh yeah, they had it all good to go. The brass were ready to go all out for The Nature Boy hittin lucky number seventeen. If Ric Flair had beaten me last night, you woulda seen a celebration to end all celebrations. Ric’s family woulda got in the ring, the locker room woulda emptied and put the man on their shoulders, with all the fireworks shootin off in the background and not a dry eye in the house…​

The Champ pauses.

John Cena: Yeah, well this aint Hollywood. This is the WWE, and I run the show!!! And for as long as I’m THE CHAMP, there aint gonna be NO happy endings!!! Not for Flair, not for HBK, not for little Rey Rey and sure as hell not for Christian. And there’s NOTHIN any of you can do about it!!!​

Heat. A ‘CENA SUCKS’ chant begins to gain steam, and The Champ acknowledges it.

John Cena: Tellin me I suck, when twenty four hours ago, I beat the so-called greatest of all time?? An I didn’t just beat Ric Flair … I battered the man. People have gone to jail for less. I beat that old worthless Horseman to a bloody pulp. And I suck??​

The Champ listens to the boos, then nonchalantly shrugs.

John Cena: I back up every single thing I say I’m gonna do. Every promise I make, I keep. I said I’d beat Christian like a dog at WrestleMania, and that’s exactly what I did. I said Ric Flair would bleed, sweat and pay the price for steppin up to The Champ, and that’s exactly what he did!! I said there’d be tears in his eyes, beggin me to stop, and that old man cried and he cried … and not a single tear was in joy.​

Ungodly heat now for Cena.

John Cena: Boo me!! Go on and boo me outta the damn building. Boo yourselves - you people chose this. You chose against me. And every single person you choose to step up to me is gonna end up the same way. I aint punishin them because I don’t like ‘em - I’m punishing YOU PEOPLE for not choosing me!!!​

Cena pauses, listening to the heat inside the arena.

John Cena: And it’s the best damn thing you people ever did for me!!!​

Cena gauges the reaction and nods.

John Cena: So who next?? Who are you people gonna get behind next?? Who do you people wanna see punished this time?? Beaten down, bloodied up, WHO are you people gonna give that honour to??​

The Champ looks around, waiting for a response of some kind from the fans, looking for an answer.

John Cena: How about I pick again?? Worked out pretty nice last time, right?? Ranjin Singh wont mind. So, who do you want?? Is there anyone left??​

**AINT NO STOPPIN ME**

Surprisingly, it’s SHELTON BENJAMIN that’s interrupting John Cena. It’s a loud pop for the Black Diamond, louder than usual - moreso down to Benjamin interrupting Cena, with Shelton making his way down the ramp, as Cena has a bemused look on his face, also surprised at who is interrupting him…

Jim Ross: Well, this IS unexpected. Shelton Benjamin though, is as well placed as anybody on the Raw roster to challenge John Cena. He’s twenty four hours removed from a stunning victory over Mark Henry at Backlash, overcoming all the odds to do so!!!

The Coach: But he has no right to be out here!!!

Jim Ross: Why not?? John Cena made the challenge!! He wanted to know who would step up next to challenge him - and it appears Shelton Benjamin is willing to accept!!!

Benjamin climbs into the ring, with Cena stepping back, wanting to hear what the Black Diamond has to say.

Shelton Benjamin: If you’re looking for a challenge, Cena. You don’t need to look much further, because I’m right here.​

Pop.

Shelton Benjamin: And I’ll gladly take a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.​

Another pop, as Shelton points at the title on Cena’s shoulder.

John Cena: Slow down there, champ. When I said I’ll pick my next challenger, I wasn’t opening the doors to just anyone comin out here and askin for a shot … I was talkin about guys with … something about ‘em. Guys that have been there before and done it.​

Benjamin rolls his eyes at the dig.

John Cena: How many World Title shots have you had, son??​

Shelton Benjamin: Not enough. And I’m due.​

Cena shakes his head, disagreeing with Shelton.

John Cena: Aint due nothin, jack. Fact is, you aint had opportunities at this, because you aint cut out for it.​

Heat. Cena pauses, waiting for the fans to die down before addressing Shelton again.

John Cena: You’re good, real good. But you aint World Championship material.​

The Champ steps forward, trying to intimidate Shelton.

John Cena: So why don’t you run along, back to chasin the Intercontinental Title.​

Shelton smirks, but shakes his head.

Shelton Benjamin: I’m not goin anywhere.​

Pop.

Shelton Benjamin: I’ve waited a long time to get my shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. And I’m not waitin any longer. I’m not asking for you to give me a shot - but I am demanding you give me a chance to earn it.

More cheers from the fans, and Benjamin now steps up to John Cena.

Shelton Benjamin: I want you, one on one - TONIGHT!!!​

Pop.

Shelton Benjamin: And if I win, then I get a shot at that.​

Benjamin points at the title. Cena chuckles for a moment, stepping back, shaking his head.

John Cena: You two may not get along anymore, but Teddy Long taught you well, son. Go after The Champ when he aint a hundred per cent, right?? I mean, you know I cant be good to go with the condition this leg is in.​

The Man in Black shakes his head, smirking at Shelton.

John Cena: Nice try, Shelton. But I aint stupid.​

Heat. Benjamin looks annoyed, placing his hands on his hips, as Cena turns to leave, limping through the ropes. But, The Champ stops himself, seemingly having a change of heart … and comes back inside.

John Cena: But maybe you are.​

With a sly grin, Cena tries to goad Benjamin, having most certainly concocted a plan in his head.

John Cena: You want to show me you’re championship material?? Okay. I aint gonna face you … but I’ll find you an opponent worthy of representin me by the end of the night. You beat ‘em, I’ll consider you as a challenge.​

The Black Diamond doesn’t need any time to think;

Shelton Benjamin: Done.​

Shelton drops the mic, and brushes past Cena…

John Cena: Oh, and Shelton. One more thing-​

Cena looks to take a cheap shot, trying to BASH Shelton with the title belt - but Benjamin DUCKS … AND CATCHES CENA AS HE TURNS AROUND … PAYDIRT TO THE CHAMP!!!!!!!!!!

Shelton Benjamin just LAID OUT John Cena!!!!!

The Black Diamond stands over Cena, listening to the huge cheers from the fans, and looks up, nodding at the people, before leaving the ring, showing The Champ he’s no pushover…

Jim Ross: Shelton Benjamin just put down The World Heavyweight Champion!! Do not sleep on The Black Diamond!!! And I think that’s what Cena did!! This kid aint no pushover, and Shelton Benjamin is clearly done waiting for a shot at the richest prize in the game!! He wants it, and he aint gonna hide it!!!​

The Coach: Completely disrespectful!! John Cena should retract the offer he made Shelton Benjamin immediately!! He’s given this ingrate an opportunity, and that’s the thanks he gets!!!​

Jim Ross: Cena tried to cheap shot Shelton Benjamin and the plan backfired!! Shelton Benjamin will have an opportunity later tonight to prove his worth, but if you ask me, he did just that right now!!!​


Benjamin confidently strides up the ramp, turning around to raise his arms to the fans, getting a big cheer, as Cena recovers in the ring…




Commercial Break




Back from the commercial, GARRISON CADE is already in the ring, with J.R explaining that The Lone Star demanded a ‘big’ match from Ranjin Singh tonight on Raw, following his debut win last week, after moving from Smackdown.

**BOOYAKA 619**

And while he might not be big in stature, there’s not many bigger names on Raw than REY MYSTERIO!!! The little masked magician pops up through the stage to a great reaction as always, and has his own point to prove, having not been part of the Backlash line up last night.

Match 1:
Garrison Cade vs. Rey Mysterio
Typical big man-small man match up, with Rey targeting the legs of the Lone Star in the early going, trying to take away the size advantage and the vertical base of the bigger man. But, once Cade gets a hold of Mysterio, things take a turn for the worse for little Rey, with the big Texan roughing the fan favourite up, using his power to devastating effect.

Cade learns though, that it’s not easy to break the spirit of Mysterio, and despite the dominance, the Lone Star is unable to finish Rey off, with Mysterio impressively kicking out of a sit out spine buster, and a devastating lariat from the big Texan. Getting frustrated, Cade begins to make mistakes, and it gives Rey an opening back into the match up, with Mysterio escaping a potential Razors Edge the starting point.

Reys confidence grows, with the fight back on, putting Cade on the back foot, using his speed to bamboozle the big man, and he eventually dropkicks Cade into the ropes, positioning him for the 619 … but as he swings around the ropes, Cade CATCHES the body, and drags Rey back into the middle of the ring; SIDEWALK SLAM!!!!! 1..2...KICK OUT!!!!!

Cade looks to put the match to bed, setting Rey up for the HEART PUNCH, but Mysterio kicks the legs of The Lone Star, escaping his clutches, and manages to nail the 619 at the second time of asking!!! Rey then looks to deliver the West Coast Pop, but as he leaps off the ropes - BAM!! A BIG BOOT from Cade!!! The Lone Star wastes no time, picking up the limp body of Mysterio, and nails him with the HEART PUNCH!!! 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: Garrison Cade @ 08:28

The Lone Star picks up an impressive victory over one of the biggest and most popular stars on Raw!! Cade has his arm raised, as Rey squirms on the mat, clutching at his chest, with the big Texan staring down at his fallen victim, and kicks Rey out of the ring.

Cade shouts to the camera; “I‘M TAKIN OVER!!!” letting everyone know he isn’t on Raw to make up the numbers, as J.R puts over his clean win against the highly rated Rey Mysterio, who is clutching at his chest in pain, selling the effects of the devastating Heart Punch…




Commercial Break




Raw returns, backstage, and we briefly see REY MYSTERIO in the trainers room, in noticeable distress, struggling to breathe, telling the trainers about the pain in his chest following the Heart Punch from Garrison Cade moments ago, with the trainer telling Rey; “it may be a good idea to get you checked out”…




The action then cuts elsewhere … to a face we have never seen before…

Unknown Man: Good evening everyone, my name is Scott Stanford, and I’m your newest broadcast colleague here on Raw!! Right now, I’m here with the-​

“The NEW Intercontinental Champion!!” - voice off camera.

CM PUNK then steps into view, with the Intercontinental title over his shoulder, and that smug grin on his face.

CM Punk: Because lets face it, they’ve all already forgotten your name. Just like they forgot the last guys name before you. But everyone knows who I am. Everyone knows my name. I’m CM Punk … and I’m better than you.​

Punk turns, looking into the camera…

CM Punk: I’m better than all of you too.​

Heat from the fans in the background. Smirking, Punk turns back to Stanford, speaking with a grin.

CM Punk: And I’m better than Matt Hardy.​

Punk chuckles at the last line, fixing the title belt over his shoulder.

Scott Stanford: Speaking of Matt Hardy, tonight, CM Punk you’ll team up with Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane to take on the former Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy and the Angels of Anarchy in a six man tag match. Given how reluctant you were to step in the ring with Matt until the Intercontinental title was up for grabs, can we expect you to compete tonight??​

The I.C Champ raises his eyebrows at the suggestion, offended.

CM Punk: Reluctant?? I wasn’t reluctant to face Matt Hardy. The problem people have around here is that they sell themselves short. I’m a firm believer in getting what you’re worth, and I wasn’t prepared to engage with a loose cannon like Matt Hardy unless this shiny piece of gold was on the line.​

Punk takes a look at the title, before looking at Stanford again.

CM Punk: Because I know what I’m worth. And I proved it last night at Backlash.​

The champion grins, as Stanford continues on…

Scott Stanford: Well, of course, last night, a big topic of debate was your confession during the match that you did, in fact, cause the injury to your former tag team partner Greg Helms last month, the night after Wrestle Mania - an injury which will see Greg on the sidelines for up to a year.​

CM Punk: I don’t recall being under oath. A lot of stupid things tend to be said in the heat of the moment … don’t read too much into it.​

Scott Stanford: But with e-​

CM Punk: I said … don’t read too much into it. Are we done??​

Punk appears to be growing restless, not liking the line of questioning from the interviewer. Stanford can feel the tension, but tries to get one more word in.

Scott Stanford: Ummm, well, the other question I wanted to ask; now that you’re the Intercontinental Champion, when can we expect Matt Hardy to be given his rematch??​

Punk scoffs at the suggestion, shooting a disparaging look Stanfords way.

CM Punk: Rematch?? I’ll let that slide seein as you’re new … but this right here, is the Intercontinental Championship. This is THE most prestigious championship in the WWE right now. Shots at this title have to be earned. Matt Hardy will tell you that.​

Smirking - knowing exactly how he ‘earned’ his shot at the title - Punk departs the set…




Back in the arena, NATALYA is already in the ring, ahead of her title shot at Gail Kim tonight…

**STRONG AND SEXY**

Gail Kim makes her way to the ring, with J.R putting over how active the champion has been as of late, making her third title defence in as many weeks, and her second title defence in successive nights!! Both commentators put over the excellent triple threat match for the title last night, but point out that BETH PHOENIX is furious that she isn’t getting a one on one shot herself tonight…

Match 2 | WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Gail Kim vs. Natalya

A solid effort from two of the finest female workers in the world - let alone the WWE - with both playing within the rules with neither being a heel, as BETH PHOENIX is shown watching the match closely backstage. It’s a back and forth fast paced match up, with Natalya impressive in her first title match, getting to show off her skill set, with both women trading near falls.

Gail attempts her FLYING DRAGON submission, but Natalya swats her away, then hit’s a flapjack, but holds the leg, and turns Gail over, looking to apply the famous SHARPSHOOTER … but Gail escapes, kicking Natalya away!! And then, Gail ducks under a clothesline attempt from the returning Natalya, before catching the challenger with EAT DEFEAT!!! 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: And STILL Womens Champion - Gail Kim @ 05:52

Gail wins again!!! Just twenty four hours removed from surviving a triple threat match, Gail Kim emerges unscathed with her Womens title in tact. Again, J.R puts over the activity of the champion, calling Gail “the most fighting champion in all the WWE”, as Gail shakes hands with the recovering Natalya, whilst Beth watches on backstage, shaking her head - believing it should be her challenging the champion.






Commercial Break






***
**VIDEO PACKAGE**

Clip of Bret Hart rolling up Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring tournament in 1993.

“I‘M THE BEST THERE IS, THE BEST THERE WAS, AND THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE”

Narrator: It has given the platform for champions to establish themselves.

Clip of Owen Hart being crowned King of the Ring in 1994, as we hear him yell over it.

“I‘M THE KING OF HARTS!!!”

Narrator: It has immortalized greats forever.

Clip of Stone Cold Steve Austin winning the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, with the sound bite over it.

“AUSTIN THREE SIXTEEN SAYS, I JUST WHIPPED YOUR ASS”

Narrator: It ushered in the birth of a new attitude.

Clip of Triple H having his hand raised in 1997.

“THE KING OF THE RING!!!”

Narrator: Stars have been born.

Clip of Kurt Angle dropping to his knees in victory in 2000.

“IT‘S TRUE, IT‘S TRUE”

Narrator: Legends have been made.

Clip of Brock Lesnar having his hand raised in 2002, as we hear Paul Heymans voice over the top.

“THE NEXT BIG THING, BRRRRROCK LLLLLESNARRRRR”

Narrator: Careers have skyrocketed.

Clips of Mister Kennedy with the crown in 2006, Edge with his trophy in 2001 and Brent Albright a year ago, over a sound bite of Brent during his victory speech…

“NOW THAT I’M KING OF THE RING, YOU PEOPLE ARE GONNA SIT UP AND NOTICE WHAT I’M CAPABLE OF!!”

Narrator: The King of the Ring tournament has provided some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history, and on Saturday, June 23, 2008 … a new King will be crowned, in the home of royalty…

Clips of London, Buckingham Palace, Beefeaters etc…

Narrator: Once again, the King of the Ring tournament climaxes on NBC, with quarter finals, semi finals and the grand final. One rising star will eclipse all others…

Quick clips again of the prominent former winners.

Narrator: Which superstar will use the King of the Ring tournament to follow these legends, icons and immortals into the pantheon of greatness??



~ THE 2008 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT ~
!! LIVE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT ON NBC !!
JUNE 21 2008 | O2 ARENA, LONDON, ENGLAND
***




Back from the video, THE MASTER CRAFTSMEN are in the ring, all holding their prizes; Albright with the MITB briefcase and Haas & Dinsmore with the World Tag Team Titles, whilst looking at the titan tron where the King of the Ring video had been playing…

Brent Albright: Wonderful memories. Hard to believe it was only a year ago that I became King of the Ring, isn’t it??

Haas and Dinsmore nod, but the fans are quite as enamoured.

Brent Albright: Given what we have accomplished since then, it’s been quite the twelve months. First I became King … then I led Raw to victory at the Survivor Series against Smackdown - getting Arn Anderson fired from Smackdown in the process. I won the Intercontinental title, and- oh yeah…

Albright slowly raises the briefcase.

Brent Albright: At WrestleMania I became Mister Money In The Bank!!!

Boos.

Brent Albright: And you all know what that means, right?? I’ll remind you anyway; it means I’m the World Heavyweight Champion in waiting. When I decide the time is right, I will be World Heavyweight Champion.

More boos.

Brent Albright: And despite Kurt Angle getting lucky last night-

Albright stops himself, taking exception to the reaction from the fans.

Brent Albright: That’s right, LUCKY. Despite that last night at Backlash, nothing is gonna change the fact that I’m Mister Money in the Bank, and soon - very soon - I’ll be trading this briefcase for championship gold.

Brent pats the briefcase, and resets, before changing topic.

Brent Albright: But before that, there’s some other business for me to tend to. The King of the Ring. Thirty two men, in the most competitive tournament in all of professional wrestling. And that is what I feed off most - it’s what WE feed off; competition. And as the reigning King of the Ring, it’s only right that I get to defend my crown.

Boos from the fans.

Brent Albright: And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Because while it was big last year - it’s gonna be bigger this time around. I’ll be the first man EVER to successfully defend their crown … and once I’ve made history there … I’ll look to make a little more history…

Albright slightly raises the briefcase to let the fans know what he means, before he turns to look at his two running buddies.

Brent Albright: Charlie?? Nick?? At some point down the road, our paths are gonna cross in this tournament. And I cant wait for us to show these people just how good the three of us are … because it seems to me that we don’t get the respect we deserve. Aint that right, gentlemen??

Charlie Haas: Not if last night is anything to go by. Nick and I knocked off the iconic duo of Triple H and Shawn Michaels to keep our titles. No one gave us a chance - despite what we said we’d do … yet the only thing people are talking about today is how Ric Flair nearly made history last night.

Haas looks frustrated.

Charlie Haas: Nick and I didn’t nearly beat D-Generation X. We didn’t come close to beating two of the most fabled World Champions of all time … WE BEAT THEM, 1,2,3!!!!

Boos. Haas hands the mic over to Dinsmore.

Nick Dinsmore: But you people just want to forget that happened, don’t you?? Well … we aren’t gonna let that happen. We BEAT Triple H. We BEAT Shawn Michaels … just like we said we would. And you cant brush that under the carpet like the match never existed. It’s about time you people showed us some appreciation.

Heat. Dinsmore glares at the fans before speaking up.

Nick Dinsmore: But that’s not gonna happen, is it?? Brent here, he went out and shocked all of you when he won the King of the Ring a year ago. You people didn’t give him a shot, because you didn’t respect him. You all thought it would be Paul London or Matt Hardy … but lo and behold, the best wrestler in the tournament was the last man standing. And not one of you appreciated his incredible achievement … because you don’t respect the masters of this craft. You don’t respect us.

Albright and Haas nod in agreement, with Dinsmore continuing on.

Nick Dinsmore: Well, here’s a spoiler - be it myself, Brent or Charlie … you’re looking at the winner of the 2008 King of the Ring tournament. Maybe then, you can respect us. But I wont hold my breath…

Dinsmore stares at the fans with disdain, before Albright takes over once again, taking his t-shirt off…

Brent Albright: And tonight, I’m out here, ready to welcome the newest addition to our roster from Smackdown, in order to prove that what happened last night at Backlash was a fluke. I’m still Mister Money in the Bank. I’m still the World Heavyweight Champion in waiting. And I’m still King of the Ring … and NONE OF THAT is gonna change any time soon.

Heat. Albright then turns his attention back to the stage, looking there as he speaks…

Brent Albright: So … I’m here … new kid?? Don’t be nervous … come meet your King. Come meet Mister Money-


**I AM PERFECTION**


There’s a slight pop for the music of NICK NEMETH who strides out through the curtain, revealing himself to be the latest addition to the Monday Night Raw roster from Smackdown!!! Nemeth looked amped to be on Raw, parading to either side of the stage, working the fans, before making his way down the ramp.


Jim Ross: You wanna talk about potential!!! You wanna talk about a master of the craft?? Look no further than this kid!! Nick Nemeth, a collegiate wrestling PHENOM in Ohio - despite a questionable attitude - has made quite the name for himself thus far in the WWE, but boy oh boy, is he being thrown in the deep end of the Monday Night Raw waters tonight!!

The Coach: It doesn’t get much bigger than this for Nemeth!! But what I wanna know is what happened to all his fancy mirrors?? I loved that part of his entrance on Smackdown!!

Jim Ross: I would hope he’s left all that behind on Smackdown, and perhaps he’s coming here to Raw to focus on wrestling!!

Nemeth enters the ring, standing off with the Master Craftsmen, as Albright smiles, not necessarily taking Nemeth seriously.

Brent Albright: Look who we got here - Smackdowns resident pretty boy!!

Haas and Dinsmore both laugh, whilst Albright grins at Nemeth. Nemeth feigns a smile, pretending to find Brent funny.

Brent Albright: Eh … I was kinda expecting someone a little more … impressive if I’m being honest. I mean, sure, you’ve shown glimpses of talent, but wouldn’t you feel more at home just standing backstage admiring yourself in a mirror??

Nemeth mockingly applauds the wise crack from Albright. Brent raises his hand apologetically, and stops overtly mocking Nemeth.

Brent Albright: Look - I’m feeling generous tonight. You seem like a good kid. And I don’t want to kill all your hopes and dreams of succeeding here on Raw - especially not on your first night, right outta the gate.

Nemeth raises his eyebrows, mouthing “Oh … okaaay…”.

Brent Albright: I’ll let you walk outta here, unscathed. You can start off nice and easy, get settled in on Superstars, and then maybe you can work your way up to the bright lights of Monday Night Raw.

Dinsmore goes to the trouble of opening the ropes for Nemeth, who looks around, but doesn’t leave. The fans start cheering, trying to keep Nemeth in the ring, as Haas looks to usher Nemeth out.

Brent Albright: Go on, run along…

Nemeth nods, and turns - to boos. He stops, and turns back around, holding up a finger to motion for ‘one minute’, and points to the mic, with Brent handing it over, keen to hear what Nemeth has to say.

Nick Nemeth: Why … thank you. That really is generous. But uh … I was hanging around backstage earlier, and - before you ask; no; I wasn’t “admiring” myself in the mirror. But that was funny … for you anyway. No, I was watching backstage, and I saw John Cena try and patronize Shelton Benjamin the same way you are to me now. And, I gotta say, what happened earlier … I’m finding A LOT of inspiration in it-

NEMETH DROPKICKS ALBRIGHT!!!!! RIGHT IN THE MOUTH!!!!!

The fans pop, as Haas and Dinsmore look to attack Nemeth, but the newcomer from Smackdown dodges the attempts from both, sliding out of the ring, and jumps back inside as they try and come at him from the left and right.

Nemeth kicks at both as they try to get back inside, as the referee intervenes, holding the World Tag Team Champions off and sending them to the back … whilst in the ring, Nemeth has taken his eyes off Mr. Money in the Bank, and Albright clobbers Nemeth from behind!!! J.R segues into the commercial, with Albright vs. Nemeth coming up; NEXT!!





Commercial Break





Match 3:
Brent Albright vs. Nick Nemeth
Back from the commercial, the match is joined in progress with Albright still in control, stomping down Nemeth in the corner. Clips are shown from during the commercial, where Nemeth was beginning a fight back before being launched into the ring post, shoulder first. In the ring now, Brent targets the shoulder in between regular offence, keeping the body part weakened, and cuts off an attempted fight back from Nemeth by catching him in a sleeper hold.

Albright takes Nemeth to the canvas, but Nick manages to fight up, elbowing out of the hold, and takes off, hitting the ropes, flying at Mr. Money in the Bank with a clothesline. Brent stumbles back into the corner, eating a splash from Nemeth, who follows up with a neck breaker for a near fall. Nemeth keeps the pressure on, slamming Albright down, and follows that with successive elbows to the chest of Albright!!! Each one gets a bigger cheer from the fans, with Nemeth ending on TEN elbows, before hooking the leg, 1...2...NO!!!

Nemeth, sensing the opportunity, waits like a coiled spring for Brent to get to his feet, rushing in for the FAMOUSER - but Albright side steps out of danger - and catches the newcomer from behind --- GERMAN!!! Albright hangs on --- GERMAN!!! Albright STILL hangs on --- HALF NELSON SUPLEX!!!! Nonchalantly, Albright makes a cover, believing he has broken the will of Nemeth; 1...2...NO!!! Nemeth stuns Albright with a kick out. After an initial look of shock, Brent chuckles to himself, and decides to go back to the weakened shoulder.

Brent punishes Nemeth, and after doing what he believes to be enough damage to the shoulder, looks to home in on the CROWBAR, but Nemeth counters into a roll up … 1...2...NO!!! Both men bounce up, but Nemeth surprises Albright with a flapjack … and FOLLOWS WITH THE FAMOUSER!!!! Nemeth quickly hooks BOTH legs for the count … 1...2...NO!!!!! The Famouser didn’t work … which leaves Nemeth to start thinking about the Jumping Reverse Bulldog {Zig Zag irl} … but Albright shrugs him off … and then catches Nemeth; CROWBAR!!!!!

It’s a huge test of Nemeths mettle, with the newcomer to Raw desperate to avoid submitting on his first night. He claws and reaches - but cant find the ropes!! On commentary, J.R tries to will Nemeth on; “COME ON KID, DIG DEEP - DIG DEEPER THAN YA EVER HAVE BEFORE!!!” … and Nemeth - feeding off the energy of the fans - DOES battle, and GRABS the bottom rope!!! Albright is clearly growing frustrated, having not expected such a tough night’s work from Nemeth.

Albright stomps Nemeth, talking trash to him, telling him to stay down. Mr. MITB drags Nemeth to his feet - and eats a jawbreaker, followed by a reverse neck breaker from Nemeth!!! Again, the new draftee scrambles for a cover, 1...2...KICK OUT FROM ALBRIGHT!!!!! Nemeth tears at his hair in anguish, then holds his shoulder feeling the pain shoot through his body, but trucks on, fighting through the pain, climbing to the top rope, as J.R again gets behind him; “COME ON KID - MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF!!!”

But once Nemeth stands on the top turnbuckle, he doesn’t get a chance to leap off; AS ALBRIGHT HIT’S THE ROPES!!!!! The force sees Nemeth straddles himself on the top rope, and the newcomer tumbles to the mat, with Albright - looking worse for wear - wasting no time getting to Nemeth. Albright picks Nemeth up to his feet and rams him into the ring post shoulder first, before hoisting Nemeth up - ACE IN THE HOLE!!!!! Albright tightly hooks the leg, making sure not to give Nemeth any chances … 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: Brent Albright @ 10:29

Nemeth put up a hell of a fight, giving Albright an almighty fright, but ultimately, Mr. Money in the Bank gets his arm raised. Albright takes a deep breath, and looks down at Nemeth, shaking his head, clearly surprised by how tough tonight was for him against the newcomer to Raw.

On commentary, J.R puts over Nemeth’s ability, and his promising start - albeit in defeat - tonight on Raw to one of the biggest names on the roster, predicting big things in Nemeths future on Monday Nights. Albright departs the ring, making sure to collect his briefcase, whilst Nemeth slowly recovers - holding his shoulder - and watches at Albright leaves…





Commercial Break





Back into the arena…

**BREAK IT DOWN**

It’s another huge pop for the instantly recognisable D-Generation X theme music, and despite their loss at Backlash last night, SHAWN MICHAELS and TRIPLE H enter the arena, seemingly in good spirits, wearing D-X merchandise.

Jim Ross: Win or lose, it does not change the love and admiration these fans have for D-Generation X!! I don’t think anybody ever expected Triple H and Shawn Michaels to ever reunite like this, and while it would’ve been a moment to savour had they emerged victorious at Backlash, these fans are happy to see these two back on the same page.

The Coach: All that talk about DX, all the joyous celebrations people had at them reforming - how they’d walk over The Master Craftsmen at Backlash. All eating crow now, aren’t they!! DX this, DX that - DX didn’t get the job done. It’s not 1997 anymore, and they found that out last night!!

Jim Ross: You talk as if there wasn’t the slightest bit of controversy surrounding the Master Craftsmens victory last night, Coach. Short term memory??

The Coach: All I remember is Shawn Michaels kicking his own partner in the face!! I’m surprised Triple H hasn’t already caved his face in with a sledgehammer after that!!

Jim Ross: Just a selective memory then, Coach?? That mix up between Shawn Michaels and Triple H is the only reason they aren’t World Tag Team Champions right now. And for a combination teaming for the first time in a long, long time, they sure did give our reigning champions a hell of a headache last night.

In the ring, The Game and HBK perform their double pose, much to the delight of the fans, happy for the moment of nostalgia. The duo set off the ‘X’ pyro, saluting the fans, before the music dies down, and it’s Shawn Michaels speaking first…

Shawn Michaels: Y’know, last night, Hunter and I, we gave-

Shawn trails off, looking confused, getting an indifferent reaction from the fans. He then smirks and wags his finger for a moment before speaking…

Shawn Michaels: I’m still a little foggy with all this stuff. You go first, right??

Michaels points to Hunter, who shrugs and nods, and the fans pop. Triple H takes centre stage, and bows his head for a few moments, making the fans wait…

Triple H: St. Louis, Missouri…

Cheap pop. Triple H smirks, and pauses for a few more seconds to build the suspense.

Triple H: Are ya ready??

Pop. Triple H shakes his head violently.

Triple H: NO!!!!!

The Game charges up the ropes…

Triple H: I SAID … ARRRRRE … YOUUUUU … RRRREADDDYYY!!!!!?????

Huge pop this time. HBK chips in as Triple H gets back down and into position.

Shawn Michaels: THAT’S more like it!!!

Pop.

Triple H: Then … for the thouuusands in attendance … for the millions watching at home…

Shawn Michaels: Wait- wait-…

Triple H looks surprised, as the fans chuckle. Shawn sheepishly walks over to Triple H, much like last week, talking lightly, but with the mic picking up everything he says.

Shawn Michaels: You’re DEFINITELY not gonna Pedigree me, are ya??

Another chuckle from the fans, with Shawn asking the same question as he did last week.

Shawn Michaels: Because after that uh, miscue last night … y’know … I’d be expecting it??

The Game shakes his head, and like last week, offers his pinkie to promise not to Pedigree HBK. Michaels accepts the ‘Pinky Promise’ to a nice pop, as they both get back into position.

Triple H: Now …after that interruption … lllllllllllllets get ready to SUCK IIIIIIITTTT!!!!!

Big pop for the classic DX intro. Michaels and Hunter look around the arena, soaking up the adulation, and a ‘D-X’ chant reverberates around the Scottrade Centre … before HBK speaks up.

Shawn Michaels: And of course … if you aint down with that?? We got two words for ya-

“SUCK IT!!!” ~ The fans.

Again, the two men drink in the moment, as Triple H nods, before speaking up.

Triple H: So … I guess we should address the elephant in the room, huh??

Shawn looks confused, and turns to Hunter, scratching his head as he speaks.

Shawn Michaels: What elephant?? I thought Mark Henry got moved to Smackdown??

Triple H: He did. Didn’t you notice there was food left at catering??

Small chuckle from the fans. Shawn shakes his head.

Shawn Michaels: My wife packed me a lunch.

Another slight laugh from the fans. Triple H turns to address the camera;

Triple H: That’s Rock N’ Roll, boys and girls.

{/SECOND HOUR}

Triple H: No … all kiddin aside, the elephant in the room I was talking about was what happened last night at Backlash-

Boo’s from the fans. The Game acknowledges them.

Triple H: You all saw it then, huh??

Both men look around the arena to feel the reaction.

Triple H: Last night didn’t go to plan. Shawn and I went into Backlash with one goal in mind - WIN the World Tag Team Championships.

Pointing to himself and Shawn, Triple H continues.

Triple H: Shawn and I?? We’ve grown accustomed to winning championships. We’ve built our careers winning championship after championship. And last night was to be no different. But…

Triple H looks over at HBK, who has his head down, then half looks up to see The Game looking at him as if to say; “well??”. Shawn sighs, and speaks up.

Shawn Michaels: Okay, okay, okay … I screwed up.

Triple H shrugs, almost comically agreeing with HBK. Shawn takes over.

Shawn Michaels: Hunter and I had the match in the palms of our hands … and I wound up kicking my best friend in the mouth.

Triple H: Lemme tell ya, I sure as hell didn’t miss that feeling.

The Game smirks, and the fans laugh. Shawn acknowledges the joke and the laughs, but gets serious.

Shawn Michaels: All kidding aside, I screwed up. I went in too reckless, and it cost us the gold. But therein lies the problem. We’re not a tag team in the truest sense of the word. Sure, we’re on the same page, we can call each other friends; best friends even … but when it comes down to it … we’re both individuals.

Michaels pauses for a moment, and a few fans boo as they suspect what’s coming next.

Shawn Michaels: And that’s not to say Hunter and I didn’t want to win the tag titles last night - we did - trust me … we did. But at the end of the day, we realised-

Triple H: The hard way-

Michaels stops, and the two share a smirk back and forth, before he continues on.

Shawn Michaels: We realised, we’re not programmed to be a team. We’re both programmed to fly solo. When I went to hit that Sweet Chin Music last night, I didn’t think for a split second about my partner or where he was. And it bit us in the ass.

Triple H: Well … it hit me in the face … but whatever.

Shawn apologises again off mic, and rests his head on The Games shoulder, still feeling guilty.

Triple H: What Shawn’s saying is right; D-X reuniting was a nice idea, fun for us - fun for you. And there’s no reason we cant still wear these colours … but facts are facts - even had we won the tag team titles last night, in the back of both our minds would’ve been something else … the World Heavyweight Championship.

Michaels begrudgingly nods, as a few fans pop for the mention of the title.

Triple H: THAT is what Shawn and I are designed for. And THAT is what truly drives us on. THAT is the reason I came back in the first place. And THAT is what’s next for The Game.

HBK looks surprised by that comment, and instantly challenges Triple H on it.

Shawn Michaels: Whoa - now, now. The World Heavyweight Championship is what’s next for ME.

There’s a bit of tension now, and somewhat of a stand off between the two friends.

Triple H: All due respect, Shawn, you had your shot at Cena, and now-

Shawn Michaels: Yeah … and I want another, pal.

The fans get a little fired up by the rising tension between DX…

Shawn Michaels: And all due respect to you … but you’ve been gone a long time, buddy boy. I’ve been here the whole time. You can wait your turn for a shot, because there’s nothing and no-one that’s gonna come between me and a sh-

Shawns focus switches to the ringside barrier, where a scuffle is going on between a fan trying to jump the barrier and security trying to keep him out. Triple H looks puzzled by Shawns reaction and turns to see what’s going on, as J.R talks on commentary - and whilst his words are broadcast to the television audience; what he says is for the people in the back…


“Don’t put the camera on that - it‘s him. He‘s got in the building.” ~ J.R.


“How was that allowed to happen??” ~Coach


And whilst the fans are going rabid - we DON’T get to see the ongoing incident, with the camera focusing tightly on Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the ring, with Triple H realising EXACTLY who the fan is and mouths in fury; “Son of a bitch…”

The Game then tries to leave the ring, but Shawn looks to restrain him, as for a split second we get a camera shot of the fan trying to get over the barrier and it’s…


… MISTER KENNEDY!!!!!


Sporting dirty brown hair now with his peroxide dying out, the recently FIRED Kennedy is being restrained by the security, whilst Triple H in the ring is telling the security to let him go - which they obviously wont. A ‘KENNEDY’ chant starts to grow legs as the fans recognise who it is…


“We have a situation here folks, a uh … a fan is attempting to get to the ring. We apologise for the interruption… uh … but uh, the intruder is being dealt with as we speak. That‘s live TV for ya…”


Eventually, the strength in numbers allows security - and the police - to deal with Kennedy, and he is dragged off, with the camera remaining on the ring, but Triple H appears to take exception to something Kennedy shouts at him (not seen or heard on TV) and SHOVES Shawn aside, climbing out of the ring, and Triple H hops the barrier, going to make sure Kennedy is escorted from the building.

In the ring, Shawn Michaels looks concerned at the situation, and as he gets up, he considers following Triple H out, but just watches on from the ring instead, as J.R speaks on commentary again…


“Folks, we must urge everyone that fans--” ~J.R


“Or bitter, former employees for that matter…” ~The Coach


“Not now, Coach. Fans - or otherwise - cannot try and climb over the barrier to interact with the WWE Superstars. The fan in question has thankfully been subdued, and is now being escorted from the building in handcuffs … and he‘ll be spending a night in the cells I‘d imagine.” ~ J.R


And, just as it appears the segment is going to peter out, with Shawn Michaels set to leave the ring … suddenly the fans absolutely EXPLODE…


IT’S BROCK LESNAR!!!!!!!!!!

Brock Lesnar has come from the other side of the arena - the hard camera side - sliding into the ring, and before Shawn Michaels can react - it’s already too late - BROCK LESNAR EXPLODES THROUGH HBK WITH A DEVASTATING CLOTHESLINE!!!!!


“What in the hell is HE doing here?? WHY is Brock Lesnar here?? He‘s a Smackdown superstar!!” ~ J.R


Lesnar - making his first appearance on TV since losing to Shawn Michaels last month at Wrestle Mania - doesn’t give Shawn any time to recover, snatching him up instantly, and firing him savagely across the ring with a BELLY TO BELLY suplex.


“We need more security out here!!!!!” ~ J.R


Now, a laughing, cackling PAUL HEYMAN waddles down the ramp, enjoying what he’s seeing from his client, as Lesnar stomps the head of Michaels, before pulling him up to his feet, and throws HBK up onto his shoulders - F5!!!

But Lesnar isn’t done. The Iron Man reaches down, pulling the lifeless body of Shawn Michaels back up by the hair, lifting him onto his shoulders once again … this time taking his time, walking around the ring … before delivering a SECOND F5 to Shawn Michaels!!!!!


“DAMN IT THAT‘S ENOUGH!!!” ~ J.R


Lesnar bounces back to his feet, on his toes, bouncing side to side, with Paul Heyman very pleased with what he has just saw. Lesnar shapes up to leave the ring, but once he and Heyman begin walking up the ramp, Heyman stops, turning to Brock and says; “How about one more for luck??”

The Iron Man doesn’t need a second invitation, and Lesnar turns on his heels, proceeding back toward the ring, and he drags Michaels out by the legs to the floor, assaulting him with knees to the gut, before getting Michaels up again … AND DELIVERS A THIRD F5 … THIS TIME AGAINST THE RING POST!!!!!


“GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY!!! THIS MAN IS A DAMN ANIMAL!!! STOP THIS!!!” ~ J.R


Smiling with glee, Heyman gives Lesnar an approving nod, and motions for him and his client to leave the area. Shawn Michaels is left in a heap on the floor, holding his knee in agony, whilst Lesnar and Heyman casually walk through the curtain … with Raw heading into a commercial break.





Commercial Break





Following the commercial, highlights air of the previous segment, though the Kennedy stuff is cut out completely with J.R covering Triple H’s departure from the ring, stating he was dealing with an incident outside the ring - with clips of BROCK LESNAR hitting the ring and destroying Shawn Michaels. Following that, we see clips from during the commercial where Shawn was helped out of the arena, limping heavily, following the third F5 - which cracked his leg off the ring post.

Jim Ross: And folks, the reason Brock Lesnar showed up here tonight became clear during the commercial break, as we were informed that Brock Lesnar is the latest Smackdown superstar to be drafted to Monday Night Raw!!

The Coach: Now THAT is a superstar I can get excited about having around on Raw!! And what a statement from Brock Lesnar on his first night BACK home on Raw!!

Jim Ross: Clearly, Brock Lesnar hasn’t gotten over that loss to Shawn Michaels last month at WrestleMania, and the Iron Man will be wanting another piece of The Showstopper at the earliest available opportunity.

The Coach: Without a doubt, old timer … but here’s the question … will Shawn Michaels want another piece of Brock Lesnar??

Jim Ross: If I know Shawn Michaels, he aint gonna back down from any man. Even Brock Lesnar…

**WINGS OF A FALLEN ANGEL**

Doug Williams and Christopher Daniels make their grandiose entrance, under the spotlights, flipping their hoods off, as they briskly move down the ramp…

Jim Ross: And the wheel keeps turning, folks!! We’re getting set here now for a six man tag team match!! The Angels of Anarchy and Matt Hardy will be teaming up to take on the next contenders for the World Tag Team Titles in the shape of Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane along with the new Intercontinental Champion, CM Punk. And it’s safe to say there’s three men here that will be eager for some form of retribution tonight.

The Coach: Let’s call a spade and spade, baby boy. They’re sore losers. Daniels and Williams had their chance last night to earn another shot at those tag titles but they failed. And as for Matt Hardy, I could have a field day on that maniac.

Jim Ross: Daniels and Williams weren’t even involved in the decision last night, and to listen to CM Punk earlier, I can hardly blame Matt Hardy for wanting to rip the mans head off.

The Angels of Anarchy wait in the ring as their music dies down … waiting for their partner.

**LIVE FOR THE MOMENT**

Minus the gold he lost last night at Backlash, MATT HARDY hit’s the stage, still clearly agitated, but throws up his hand signal to the fans, as he makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with fans as he walks.

Jim Ross: There’s no denying just how bitter a loss it must’ve been for Matt Hardy to swallow last night. It’s never easy to recover from losing a championship, but for Hardy, losing to Punk in the manner he did - considering Punk didn’t do a single damn thing to earn it either - will undoubtedly be playing on the mind of the now former Intercontinental Champion.

The Coach: He’s no one to blame but himself, J.R. He accepted the challenge, he took the risk, and like most risks either Hardy takes - it backfired.

Jim Ross: Well, he’s gonna have a crack at getting some form of payback here tonight, and you can bet your ass that Matt Hardy will be desperate to get his hands on CM Punk tonight.

Hardy joins Daniels and Williams in the ring, with the trio waiting for their opponents now…

**IT‘S A NEW DAY … IT‘S A NEW GENERATION**

The self-proclaimed ‘New Standard’ make their way out to boos, but CODY RHODES and KEN DOANE don’t care about the reaction from the fans, with the team succeeding without any help from the fans.

Jim Ross: And they have every right to be smiling. Y’may not like these two upstarts, but Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane are getting results. They earned themselves a shot at the World Tag Team Championships, which will happen next week on Raw after seizing their opportunity last night prior to Backlash going on the air.

The Coach: This is what I love to see, J.R. Youth getting a chance to shine. As the song says; it’s a new day - it’s a new generation, baby boy. Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane are setting a new standard here on Raw, and I cant wait to see the two best teams in the world fight it out next week for the titles - and you’ll have to suck on lemons because neither team are one of your favourites old timer.

Jim Ross: Indeed they aren’t, but I for one, sure am looking forward to seeing Haas and Dinsmore meeting these two up and comers a week from tonight.

Wisely, Rhodes and Doane wait on the ramp, not liking their odds against three men…

**THIS FIRE BURNS**

Heat greets the arrival of the NEW Intercontinental Champion CM PUNK, who wears the title around his waist, patting it, before going through his “IT‘S CLOBBERIN TIIIIME!” routine … but as he looks to join Rhodes and Doane…

MATT HARDY COMES RUSHING FROM THE RING TO ATTACK PUNK!!!!!

Daniels and Williams are forced to join Hardy in order to take care of Rhodes and Doane, with all six men brawling outside the ring…

Jim Ross: The referee is gonna have to get this under control here!! We’re gonna take a commercial break, and we’ll return - hopefully - with order restored!!





Commercial Break





Match 4 | SIX MAN TAG MATCH:
The Angels of Anarchy & Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk, Cody Rhodes & Ken Doane
Order has been restored and the match is joined in progress. The heel team are on the back foot, with the face trio in the ascendancy, having had the advantage throughout the commercial break, but Matt Hardys eagerness for a piece of CM Punk costs him and his team dearly, with Matt missing a swipe at Punk and falling prey to an attack from Doane from behind.

That puts the heel team in control, and together, Cody, Ken and Punk work over Matt, keeping him as far away from the frustrated Angels of Anarchy. Punk is more than happy to get involved with Matt softened up, and the new Intercontinental champ looks to mock Matt, trash talking as he stands over him, kicking and stomping the former champion.

Twice, Matt builds up momentum but both times, he fails to make the tag, getting cut off at the last moment, but Punks showing off comes back to bite him, as he mocks Matts hand gesture before leaping off the ropes - RIGHT INTO A SIDE EFFECT FROM HARDY!!! Matt then crawls across the ring … tagging in Christopher Daniels, just as Punk tags Doane.

And it’s Daniels to strike first off the hot tag, knocking down Doane, and knocking down Cody, before tagging Williams, with the Angels of Anarchy looking to quickly finish things off, lining up the TOTAL ELIMINATION … but Punk trips Daniels, and drags him from the ring!!! On the outside though, before Punk can do anything to The Fallen Angel, Matt leaps off the apron, taking out Punk!!!

Back in the ring, Cody and Ken have recovered, and look to double team Doug Williams, but Christopher Daniels comes to his partners aid, flying in by spring boarding off the ropes, taking out BOTH Rhodes and Doane with a double clothesline!!!!! On the outside, Punk escapes from Matt, and climbs over the barrier - ditching his partners!!! It leaves Cody and Ken helpless … with Ken on the receiving end of TOTAL ELIMINATION!!!!! 1...2...3!!!!!
Winners: The Angels of Anarchy & Matt Hardy @ 09:22

A feel good face win, that certainly throws a spanner in the works for the momentum of the #1 Contenders for the World Tag Team Championships. Deserted by CM Punk, the writing was on the wall for Rhodes and Doane, but the win will certainly put the Angels of Anarchy right in line for a future shot at whoever walks away with the tag titles next week on Raw.

Matt joins Daniels and Williams in the ring, getting their hands raised together, celebrating their win, though it’s scant consolation for Hardy, twenty four hours after losing his cherished I.C title. Hardy looks over his shoulder after the match, looking out for CM Punk, but the new Intercontinental champion is long gone. On commentary, J.R begins to move on…

Jim Ross: And while both Hardy and the Angels of Anarchy have bounced back tonight following disappointing results at Backlash, another man that doesn’t have the same opportunity is Christian. Christianisn’t here tonight after being taken to a local medical facility in Kansas City last night after his controversial loss to Umaga in their No Holds Barred match up.

Still images are then shown from the Christian/Umaga match last night culminating in Christian sending Umaga through a glass panel by the side of the stage.

The Coach: Credit to Christian, J.R. He threw the kitchen sink at Umaga last night. But y’know what?? It just wasn’t enough. He could’ve thrown three kitchen sinks at Umaga last night and it still wouldn’t have toppled the Samoan Bulldozer. Christian SPEARED Umaga through a table, nailed him with about a dozen chair shots and sent the man through a glass panel, J.R. But despite that, finally, Umaga got that monkey off his back. It’s just a shame he’s now on Smackdown.

Jim Ross: Nice editing there, Coach. What you failed to add was after Christian sent Umaga through the glass, he was ambushed by a so-called fan … and we all know who it was.

The images show the moment the hooded ‘fan’ blindsides Christian with a steel pipe, and later images of the ‘fan’ fleeing the scene, with the attackers face being caught on the camera - looking exactly like JOHN CENA.

The Coach: You saw you know who it was, but I’m not so sure. And let’s face it, J.R, you’re very quick to cast aspersions.

Jim Ross: You can kiss my Oklahoma ass, Coach!! That’s about as clear a picture as you’ll ever see of John Cena. There’s posters of John Cena that aint as clear as that picture!! Maybe you oughta take those sunglasses off and look at the picture.

The Coach: The sunglasses stay on, old timer.

Further still images of Umaga SPLASHING Christian through the announce table, and then the Samoan Spike in the ring.

Jim Ross: Well folks, the fact of the matter is this; that moment turned the contest. From there, Umaga showed no mercy. Christian was knocked unconscious by that sneak attack, and Umaga could’ve brought him in the ring and ended it right there … but Armando Estrada demanded Umaga put an exclamation point on the whole damn thing. He SPLASHED Christian through the announce table, breaking three of Christians ribs, and then finished him off with a Samoan Spike.

The Coach: And they all lived happily ever after…

Finally, images of Christian being loaded onto a stretcher at the conclusion of the match.

Jim Ross: Oh yeah, real happy. Tell that to Christians family. In any event, Christian was released from hospital this morning, and we hope to see Captain Charisma back on Raw in the next few weeks.

The Coach: We don’t even miss him.

Jim Ross: Speak for yourself, Coach. It’s been quite a few horrible months for Christian as of late, and I sure as hell will be hoping he bounces back upon his return.





Backstage, we see the smug, smirking face of the Hardcore Champion, THE MIZ, strolling confidently down the hallway…

The Coach: Oh yeah, baby boy!!! This is what I wanna see!! The Miz Barely Legal Hardcore Invitational is BACK!!! And I’ve got just the jabroni lined up for Miz to embarrass and humiliate!!

Jim Ross: Are you volunteering, Coach??

The Coach: Not me, idiot. All will be revealed.

Jim Ross: It certainly will. Our weekly dose of The Miz … is next.





Commercial Break





Back from the commercial, THE MIZ is already in the ring, still sporting his ‘KENNEDY’ black armband…

The Miz: THIS is the TRUUUUUE story, of when THE MIZ once again gave the people their weekly dose of One Hundred Per Cent PURE sports entertainment!! HOO-RAH!!!

He holds the mic out, wanting a “Hoo-rah” back … but gets more boos. He continues on, unaffected.

The Miz: Because it’s time - once again - for the Barely Legal Hardcore Invitational!!!!

Miz looks amped, and tries - and fails - to pump up the audience, before looking around, pointing to The Coach at ringside.

The Miz: Now … tonight, things are gonna be a little different. My good friend and fellow party animal, The Coach, has a competitor already lined up. And what a good sport you are Coach. Tryin to help a poor guy make a name for himself. Come on in here, Coach!! St Lou-Lou; GIVE IT UP FOR THA COACH!!!

The Coach stands up from commentary, and climbs into the ring, joining Miz inside … where they perform the most cringe worthy ‘handshake’ routine you’ve ever seen.

The Miz: I gotta say, Coach. You really are a class act. Giving back to people less fortunate than you?? I give you the maddest of props!!

The Coach: Hey - that’s what The Coach is all about, baby boy. You know it. You and I, we’re taking this business forward. We’re all about giving back and creating opportunities. We’re like a new breed for the new age of sports entertainment. And I appreciate you giving these nobodies a shot at the big time.

The fans boo the blatant love in between Coach and Miz, but the two obnoxious idiots ignore the reaction of the people, and continue to talk each other up.

The Miz: Please- please Coach … I don’t do this for the adulation. That just comes as a by-product of me being this awesome. Now … before you bring this guy out here, I want you to know, I wont take it easy on this kid, okay??

The Coach: Oh, baby boy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. As a matter of fact, I want you to really rough this ingrate up. I gave this kid a task a few months ago to document my preparations for the Royal Rumble. You remember my training montages right?? You remember the hatchet job that idiot did, don’t you??

Miz nods, and puts on a disgusted face, remembering the videos that aired in the weeks running up to the Royal Rumble…

The Coach: Of course you do. You all do. That kid doctored all that footage to try and make a mockery of The Coach. And that all played in my mind, which is why I lasted less than a second in the Royal Rumble!!

Heat for the blatant lie; he lasted less than a second because he’s an idiot.

The Coach: So Miz, I want you to torture this clown. I want you to make this kid wish he’d never been born. I give you your opponent tonight - and get this for a stupid name, Miz … COLT CABANA!!!

No music plays, as COLT CABANA makes his Raw debut. There’s a half decent pop from the fans with a small vocal section knowing exactly who Cabana is, with Colt looking excited as he jogs down the ramp. On commentary, J.R dryly quips to Coachs earlier comment about the stupid name; “Yeah, because The Miz is such a great name, Coach…”

In the ring, Miz laughs at the sight of the happy-go-lucky Colt Cabana, and tells Coach off mic; “I got this.” The Coach then walks up to Cabana;

The Coach: Have you got anything to say for yourself??

Excitedly, Colt nods.

Colt Cabana: Yeah, thanks for setting this up for me. I’ve been calling these guys for a job for years!!!

Cabana hugs Coach, but Coach pulls away in disgust, wiping off his shirt.

The Coach: Get off me, you fool!! Don’t touch The Coach!! This shirt cost more than you’ll earn in a year!!

Miz steps in, taking exception to the happy go lucky nature of Colt Cabana.

The Miz: Excuse me … but you do realise what you’re up against here, right?? I’m The Miz; Hardcore Champion. And The Coach here, only got you this gig tonight so I could rough you up and teach you a lesson!!

Colt looks confused, and looks around at the fans whilst pointing at Miz.

Colt Cabana: You??

The Coach: Yeah - HIM!!

The Miz: YEAH - ME!! I’m gonna torture you tonight!!

Both Miz and Coach look furious with the laid back manner Colt Cabana is taking this all in with, as he jibes back;

Colt Cabana: How’s that?? Are you gonna make me sit through Real World, Road Rules Challenge??

The fans laugh, but Miz is ready to boil over at the insult.

Colt Cabana: Because … if so … I’m out.

Slight pop. Miz tries to calm himself…

The Miz: Looks like we got ourselves a real joker here, Coach. I don’t like this guys attitude. I can see why you want me to hurt him. You know … normally, I’d give someone like you a chance … but in this case-

The Miz attempts a cheap shot on Cabana - BLOCKED - and Cabana KNOCKS Miz down with a right hand of his own!! Coach darts out of the ring, as Cabana signals to the referee to start the match - and the bell is rung!!!

Match 4 | THE MIZ BARELY LEGAL HARDCORE INVITATIONAL:
The Miz vs. Colt Cabana
Cabana already has the upper hand and stuns Miz with a series of rights and lefts, finishing up with the Bionic Elbow to cheers. Miz scurries, trying to roll out of the ring, but Cabana drags him back, dropping an elbow on the back of Miz, before rolling out of the ring himself. He makes a beeline toward Miz shopping trolley full of weapons, but The Coach gives Big Zeke instructions, and his bodyguard steps in front of the trolley, forcing Colt to think again.

Colt tries to reason with the big bodyguard, but as he does, Miz recovers, and dropkicks Cabana through the ropes, sending him into the barrier. Miz rolls out, and grabs his trolley, knocking Colt over with the trolley itself!!! He rolls Cabana back inside, whilst throwing a trash can into the ring, but once Miz climbs back in, Colt fights back!!! He puts Miz down, and then delivers an AEROPLANE SPIN … before dropping Miz onto the trashcan!!!

Cabana sets Miz in the corner with the trashcan set up, and then rushes in, crushing Miz in the corner with a leaping hip attack!! On commentary, J.R says it’s only a matter of time before Colt knocks off the ‘joke’ champion, putting over Cabana’s experience on the indies, and mocks Coach for bringing this challenger to The Miz … whilst Coach has fallen silent on commentary, shocked at what he’s seeing.

Colt has Miz beaten … but wants to enjoy the moment, and rolls out of the ring, dipping into the trolley again, picking up a PIZZA BOX … and gets a cheap pop, as he produces some St. Louis style pizza!! Handing out slices to the front row - and taking one for himself - Colt brings the box into the ring, and pie faces the groggy reality star with a slice of Pizza!!! Cabana then bashes Miz over the face with the box, and poses to the fans, signalling for the end…

But whilst Colt plays to the fans, Miz is crawling out of the ring!!! Colt spots Miz escaping, and comes after him, giving chase around ringside, as Miz uses Big Zeke as a shield before making a dash by the announce table - making sure to grab his title and shouts at Coach; “what the hell did you get me into!!” before making a getaway through the audience, with Cabana unable to squeeze past Big Zeke to pursue Miz!!!
Winner: No Contest {??} @ 03:04

Jim Ross: Where’s he going, Coach?? He cant just walk away - it’s a damn HARDCORE match. There’s no count outs or walking away here!!

The Coach: Uhhh… I’m not so sure the match ever officially started…

Jim Ross: Oh, it sure did. And The Miz just realised he was in over his head here. “Teach the guy a lesson” … nice going, Coach. I don’t think The Miz will be getting you on any Z-List guest lists any time soon!!!

The Coach: …I - I… I don’t think Miz got a proper warm up. Y’know, he was telling me earlier over a Mocha that he was feeling a little under the weather today-

Jim Ross: Save the excuses, Coach. That ship has sailed.

Cabana backs away, not wanting to start any trouble with Big Zeke, as Miz has now fully disappeared from sight…





Commercial Break





***
VIDEO PACKAGE


~~ KING OF THE RING; CROWNING MOMENT ~~
BRET ‘HITMAN’ HART - 1993
Bret wrestles three stellar matches in the one night, winning the first ever (televised) King of the Ring tournament, seeing off Razor Ramon, Mr. Perfect and finally Bam Bam Bigelow in the final to be crowned King.



~ THE 2008 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT ~
!! LIVE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT ON NBC !!
JUNE 21 2008 | O2 ARENA, LONDON, ENGLAND
***




Back to ringside…


Jim Ross: And indeed, the King of the Ring tournament is fast approaching. We already know that last years King, Brent Albright along with Charlie Haas, Nick Dinsmore and William Regal will be four of the sixteen entrants from Monday Night Raw, whilst Ted DiBiase Junior will make his debut for Smackdown in the tournament. And now, we are being told that Kid Kash, Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane will also have spot’s in the thirty two man field. More entrants are set to be announced this coming Friday on Smackdown. And it’s building up to be one hell of a line up.

The Coach: Cant disagree with ya there, old timer. And again, let’s not forget the new rule added this year; three strikes and you’re out. For the likes of William Regal, it’s the last chance he’ll ever have in the King of the Ring tournament, whilst Matt Hardy?? He’s not even allowed to enter - last years runner up has had three previous shots in the tournament; he’s no longer eligible!!

Jim Ross: Well, there will be more names made official over the coming weeks in the lead up to finals night on June 21 in London, England - but before that - next week on Raw in Los Angeles for Cinco De Mayo!! … how about this Coach; straight from the office of Ranjin Singh; Beth Phoenix finally gets her wish. One on one, Beth Phoenix challenges Gail Kim for the Womens Championship, one week from tonight!!

The Coach: She’s had to wait long enough, baby boy. Gail Kim has tried ducking Beth for long enough. But times up.

Jim Ross: Gail Kim never ducks a challenge, Coach. She’s without doubt the most active champion in the WWE today - and at this rate, she may end up being the most active champion EVER. Successful title defences on back to back nights, FOUR in the last month alone. But it wont get any bigger than next week. However; that’s next week Coach … we’ve still got tonight’s main event. And standing by right now is Eve Torres, with Shelton Benjamin…



Cut to Eve…

Eve Torres: Thanks J.R, that’s right, I’m here with Shelton Benjamin, and Shelton, you caused shockwaves here earlier tonight when you confronted the World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena. Now, you’ve got a chance to prove yourself to Cena in tonight’s main event. How though, can you prepare, without knowing who you’re facing??

Shelton Benjamin: Right now, Eve, it honestly doesn’t matter who’s standing across the ring from me. I believe I’m the best this business has to offer. Big, small, fast or slow, there’s no opponent John Cena can throw my way that’ll make me question my abilities. John Cena wants to try and talk down to me - that’s fine. Cause I’m more than happy to put him on his ass like I did earlier tonight.

Pop from the fans in the background.

Shelton Benjamin: One thing is for sure; if Cena wants to underestimate me?? He’ll live to regret it. And Cena can talk all his wants - he does plenty of it these days … but that aint my style. Standing here, talking to you, Eve?? No disrespect; but it wont get me anywhere. The fans don’t want to listen to me talk. The wanna see me wrestle…

Another pop from the fans.

Shelton Benjamin: And I prefer to do my talkin in the ring.

Benjamin walks off, cutting the interview short, with Eve nodding, looking impressed before turning back to face the camera…

Eve Torres: Gentlemen, back to you at ringside…




**AINT NO STOPPIN ME**

The fans rise to cheer for the Black Diamond, SHELTON BENJAMIN who bounds onto the stage, full of vigour, with a HUGE main event for him tonight. Shelton slaps hands with fans on the aisle way, looking pumped up and confident…

Jim Ross: This is huge for Shelton Benjamin, Coach. The chance to stake his claim for a shot at the richest prize in the game - but just who - or what - does John Cena have up his sleeve??

The Coach: Well, I don’t know who John Cena will get to face Shelton here, and I sure don’t know what happened to this kid either. I used to love Shelton Benjamin, back when he was under the tutelage of Theodore Long … but this new attitude has me puzzled. He’s gotten really big headed if you ask me, and I hope John Cena pops his bubble to give Benjamin some humility.

Jim Ross: I’m surprised, Coach, seein as YOU touted Shelton Benjamin as a future World Champion not so long ago, and now, here he is, on the cusp of making that prediction come true.

The Coach: Yeah … but that was when he had The Brotherhood and Teddy Long at his side. I don’t like this version of Shelton Benjamin at all. He’s lost all respect from me.

Benjamin hit’s the ring, pumping up the fans, before bouncing up and down, awaiting his opponent tonight…

**HATE ME NOW**

The World Heavyweight Champion limps onto the stage with a mic in hand, and stands at the top of the ramp, talking over his music until it stops…

John Cena: All right, Benjamin … you want a shot at my title?? Let’s see how much you want it. I want to see how you deal with adversity … like say … a handicap.

Benjamin listens from the ring, and motions for Cena to bring it on.

John Cena: See, you aint facing ONE man … you gonna take on TWO!!!

Heat from the fans, as Benjamin grimaces momentarily, realising he’s in a spot of trouble now.

John Cena: And it aint just any two guys … it’s the best damn tag team to EVER walk through the doors of the WWE!! AMW - GET YO ASSES OUT HERE!!!!!

**THREE SUNS AND ONE STAR**

Heat greets the former four time WWE Tag Team Champions, with CHRIS HARRIS and JAMES STORM joined as ever by Michelle McCool. They walk by John Cena, offering The Champ a nod … before proceeding down the ramp.

Jim Ross: I don’t like this a damn bit!!! Shelton Benjamin is at a huge disadvantage here - he wasn’t expecting a handicap match!! It was supposed to be one on one!!

The Coach: I don’t remember that being stipulated, baby boy. Accept it - Shelton Benjamin just got played by The Champ!! John Cena plays chess, Shelton Benjamin is stuck on checkers!!

Jim Ross: How in the hell is Shelton Benjamin gonna overcome these odds?? We’ll be right back for our main event, folks. Don’t go anywhere!!





Commercial Break





Main Event | HANDICAP MATCH:
Shelton Benjamin vs. Americas Most Wanted w/Michelle McCool
The bell rings as soon as Raw returns, with Storm launching at Benjamin, but misses wildly, allowing Shelton to quickly roll him up; 1...2...NO!! Benjamin nearly got it done quickly, and he follows up with another two quick pin attempts on The Cowboy, but Storm is able to kick out both times. Shelton keeps the upper hand in the early stages, with J.R praising his tactics, talking about Benjamin realising he needs to try and win quickly and catch AMW unaware.

John Cena watches from the ramp, looking concerned initially, especially with the quick pin attempts, but the team work - and numbers game - from AMW sees them take control of the match up. Harris and Storm get to work on Benjamin, running through a lot of their trademark double team offence, but despite that, Shelton wont stay down. AMW make frequent tags, keeping themselves fresh, but when they send Shelton off the ropes - he rebounds back with a DOUBLE clothesline!!!!!

{/OVERRUN}

Benjamin turns the tide, taking it to Americas Most Wanted, and deals with Harris, delivering the T-Bone Exploder, and then catches The Cowboy with the Dragon Whip!!! Cena begins to look concerned with the tide turning, but as Benjamin climbs up top to take out the recovering Storm, McCool makes her presence felt, grabbing the foot of Benjamin!!! He shrugs her off, but it gives Storm the chance to stop Shelton flying off the top and slams him onto the mat!!!!!

AMW take over again, with a long heat segment, resulting in a sleeper on Benjamin, forcing the Black Diamond to dig deep to recover. Shelton stirs, fighting out of the sleeper, and puts Storm down with the Frost Kick … but as the point where Benjamin could really do with a tag out to a fresh partner … he doesn’t have one!! Meanwhile, Storm does, and he makes it to Harris, bringing The Wildcat into play!! Harris cuts Benjamin off, and Americas Most Wanted retake control.

Harris scores a near fall off a Full Nelson Slam, before distracting the referee to allow Michelle to choke Shelton on the ropes. Harris gets The Black Diamond up, and impressively holds him in the air, looking for the delayed vertical … but whilst he holds Shelton up, Benjamin shifts his weight, landing back on his feet, and snaps off a suplex of his own on Harris!!!! Shelton slowly climbs to his feet, using the ropes, with Storm cutting him off, dropping Benjamin across the top rope!!!

Benjamin staggers back, into the path of Harris - snap power slam!! 1...2...NO!!!!! Benjamin WONT stay down!!! The Wildcat shakes his head, and tags out to Storm, before signalling for the finish!!! Storm gets Benjamin into the bear hug position, with Harris climbing up top … DEATH SENTENCE … NO!!!!! Shelton uses his core strength to lift his body upright - HARRIS HIT’S THE CANVAS!!!!! And Benjamin delivers PAYDIRT TO STORM!!!!! Cover… 1...2...MCCOOL PULLS THE REF OUT OF THE RING!!!!!

Boos ring out around the arena, with McCool keeping Mike Chioda distracted, as Harris recovers, and looks to attack Benjamin - who has his back turned, trying to get the referees attention - but as the Wildcat races at him, Benjamin reacts quickly and back drops Harris to the outside!!! Shelton looks to follow up with a baseball slide to Harris, but McCool shoves the referee in harms way instead - and Shelton slides into Chioda, taking out the referee!!!!!

As if on cue, JOHN CENA now proceeds down the ramp - still selling his leg injury from Backlash - looking to take advantage of the referee bump and help out AMW … but as he gets to the ringside area … CHRISTIAN ATTACKS CENA FROM BEHIND!!!!! CHRISTIAN IS HERE!!!!!! The fans go berserk, as CHRISTIAN evens the scores, stunning Cena - and EVERYONE - by showing up!!! Christian sends Cena into the steps … and after that, Harris grabs Christian …

BUT BENJAMIN SOMERSAULTS TO THE OUTSIDE - TAKING OUT THE WILDCAT!!!!! The fans explode again for the high risk offence, with Christian grabbing Cenas World title belt … AND NAILS HIM - RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES!!!!! Meanwhile, Shelton climbs back up top, as Storm struggles to his feet … and Christian scares off McCool from trying to interfere again … BLOCKBUSTER TO JAMES STORM!!!!! Christian throws Chioda back in for the agonizingly slow count … 1.………2.………3!!!!!!!!!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin @ 12:01

Jim Ross: HE DID IT!!! SHELTON BENJAMIN HAS BEATEN THE ODDS!!!

The Coach: No he didn’t!! Christian helped him!! This shouldn’t stand - Shelton didn’t prove anything!!!

Jim Ross: Shelton Benjamin survived the onslaught tonight, he damn well PROVED to me and everyone watching he has what it takes - AND MORE - to compete with the World Heavyweight Champion!!!

The Coach: Thanks to Christian!! Couldn’t do it on his own!!

Shelton Benjamin has his hand raised in victory, whilst Michelle McCool looks devastated on the outside, as she tends to Chris Harris. John Cena crawls to grab his title, as Christian gets into the ring, coming face to face with Benjamin after he jumps down from the ropes in celebration.

Jim Ross: And now what?? What’s gonna happen here???

The Coach: Shelton Benjamin should get on his knees to thank Christian for the assist - and Christian should be arrested!!!

Christian and Benjamin engage in a tense stare down. Christian - taped up and showing off a black eye after his war last night - has a few choice words for Shelton, but accepts a handshake from Benjamin, to cheers from the fans.

The Coach: This is making me sick!!! I bet Shelton Benjamin had this planned all along the little snake!!!

After the handshake though, Christian tells Benjamin in no uncertain terms HE wants the title to; pointing to the downed Champ on the outside, and motions around his waist for the belt. Benjamin nods, but doesn’t back up, mouthing to Christian; “It‘s MY time now…”

“We‘ll see…” is the curt response from Christian, with Captain Charisma backing out of the ring, giving Benjamin his moment to savour, walking by the groggy flattened Cena, proceeding up the ramp.

Jim Ross: Christian may well have come to the aide of Shelton Benjamin here tonight … but I don’t think he left any uncertainty over his intentions. Christian is still gunning for the World Heavyweight Championship and especially the man that holds that gold. But Shelton Benjamin has staked his claim here tonight…

The Coach: And John Cena should refuse BOTH of ‘em!! He’s already beaten Christian. And Benjamin proved tonight he isn’t worthy of a shot.

Jim Ross: I disagree, Coach; Shelton Benjamin proved to EVERYONE he has what it takes to challenge John Cena - and The Champ knows it!! Shelton Benjamin has rocked John Cenas world here tonight - and he aint done - not by a long shot!!! Goodnight everybody!!!

The show ends on Shelton Benjamin posing on the ropes, pumping up the fans … whilst John Cena clutches ever so tightly onto his World title … concerned??


END OF SHOW
 
#3 · (Edited)
Ok guys I've been inspired to write my own wwe after seeing some of the other efforts which are excellent. I hope I can match up to the versions I have read. I have decided to begin the night after WMXX(March 15th) with RAW. The brand extension remains. In this first post I will quickly review what major occurences have happened between Royal Rumble and WM.

Royal Rumble: John Cena enters the Rumble at No.26 and elimates Goldberg to become The number one contender at WM.

Shawn Michaels defeats HHH in a brutal last man standing match to become Champion.

Brock Lesnar retains against Hardcore Holly

Randy Orton wins a 3 way match against RVD and Mark Henry to be still I.C champ

The worlds greatest tag team win a fatal 4 way match against Bashams, Rikishi and Scotty and Palumbo&Stamboli to reclaim WWE tag team titles



Raw february:

Goldberg defects to Smackdown, HHH is laid out for a month with a thigh injury,Kane is haunted with titan tron messages from now deadman Undertaker, Jericho wins the heart of Trish, HBK defends his title against, Kane, Ric Flair, and RVD in 3 separate weeks and Randy Orton becomes The number one contender for WM after winning a 16 man tournament. He defeats Maven, Booker T, RVD, and in the final he beats Jericho.


No Way Out (s/down):
Brock retains in a vicious cage match against Benoit
Goldberg beats Cena to become the number 1 contender at WM after interference from the rock
Angle screws Eddy as guest referee in the family feud match against Chavo
Big Show loses U.S Title to Mr. Ass





Build up to WM (raw):
Mick Foley returns to screw Flair and Batista out of the titles vs Dudley Boyz and Orton of the I.C title to Y2J in the same night setting up an I Quit match with the returning HHH at WM.
Lita wins a womens battle royal to face womens champ Jazz at WM.
Austin and Mc Mahon rekindle their feud and agree to Streetfight at WM.
Taker returns and challenges Kane to a casket match at WM. Kane accepts as the two battle for supremecy.
Eric Bischoff signs a I.C Battle Royal to keep with a WM classic.
The Worlds Greatest Tag Team make a challenge to the Dudleyz to find to the best Tag Champs.


Smackdown:

Brock Lesnar and Goldberg go head to head on numerous occasions with both claiming to be the best.
John Cena and The Rock go through verbal tirades before agreeing to meet at WM.
Due to his heel turn Kurt is signed to take on Eddy at WM. Kurt is anounced to have Chavo on his corner and Eddy Decides to bring in WWE Legend Randy Savage to fight his corner for one night only.
Billy Kidman Defeats Tajiri, Noble, Dragon, Moore and Spanky to earn shot at his friend Rey Mysterio at WM.


WrestleMania XX:
T.w.g.t.t def Dudley Boyz in a table match and are officially the best tag team in the wwe.
Kurt Angle def. Eddy Guerrero after a mix up between Macho and Eddy.
Lita def. Jazz to become womens champ
Chris Jericho and Christian are the final two in the Battle royal when Trish turns on Jericho by distracting the ref as he beats christian. She then nails him with the belt and is easily eliminated as Trish and Christian celebrate.
Rey retains against Kidman clean. Afterwards they shake hands but Kidman is visibly frustrated.
Taker beats Kane in a bloody Casket match
Triple H beats Foley after The referee stops the match due to loss of conciousness after 3 Pedigrees and multiple Sledgehammer shots.
HBK retains against Orton in a Ladder Match after Flair and Batista and beaten off by Michaels.
John Cena def The Rock after kicking out of a chain shot to the head he beats rock withhis own Rock Bottom.
Austin def. McMahon despite interference from BRET HART. Hart entered looking the hit Vince but turned on 3.16 instead. However Austin rallied and won via stunner.
Brock Lesnar beat Goldberg in a physical war with an F5 and a Shooting Star.



Thats me up to date, I hope to post my first Raw either later on or tommorrow with SmackDown. I would apreciate any views you have for this post.




**


RAW 15/03/04:

We open with a 5 minute video showing the WM XX highlights.

Cut straight to pyro. JR and King sit ringside and briefly discuss how big WM was. They then proceed to tell us that Mr. McMahon will make a public announcement tonight. Plus under orders of McMahon co-gm Steve Austin is banned from the arena tonight.

Evolution music plays into arena and all four members appear, making thier way to the ring.
HHH takes centre stage and rips into the crowd who reply with chants of asshole. He proceeds to claim to be the real killer of Mick Foleys career.(stares at Orton). He then moves on to Shawn Michaels. HHH berates Evolution for failing to get the job done.(again stares at Orton). He claims his display at WM warrants him a title shot against HBK.
Suddenly the arena is darkened as the deadmans music hits. The fans set up their lighters, and the lights are back.
Undertaker is already in the ring as Evolution scatter.
Taker stands in the ring triumphantly and rolls his eyes back.
Now Kanes music erupts. Kane appears on the tron and promises revenge..... TONIGHT!!!

CUT TO COMMERCIAL

We return with an interview with Eric Bischoff.
He is asked his opinion on Vinces big announcement tonight.
E.B: Well, Coach, personally I think the idea to ban Austin...Perfect(evil grin). However, I'm a little perplexed by what the big announcement Vince has in store for these losers in New Jersey. Ha Ha Ha.(Boo's). But, I, Eric Bischoff have a surprise of my own tonight. You see, if Triple H wants HBK so badly, he'll get em. Tonights main event Coach is going to see, TripleH and Ric Flair against, World Champion, Shawn Michaels and ...... The Undertaker!

1st match: 6 man tag
Dudley Boyz vs. La Resistance and Rob Conway
Finish: With the referee KO'D, Conway brings in the tag team titles, however the Dudleyz counter and a triple clothesline puts Dupree and Grenier over the top leaving Conway to taste the 3D. Dudleyz win.

A limo pulls up and we are led to believe it is Vince, however we see Trish and new I.C champion Christian instead. They enter holding hands and laughing.

Backstage, Orton and Batista are seen talking, but with the camera so far away, we cannot hear what is said, however Orton looks visibly upset.

Cuts to Commercial

2nd Match: Womens Championship:
Lita vs. Molly Holly
Finish: After missing the Molly-go-round a dazed Molly walks right into a DDT followed by a Moonsault.
Lita retains.

Another Limo arrives. This time it is Vince. Refuses to give Terri an interview.

Commercial

Trish and Christian canoodle in dressing room.
Jr and King talk about tonights events and go to speak with Shawn Michaels. They talk about his title match last night and hype tonights main event.

3rd Match:
Booker T & RVD vs. Test & Steiner
Finish: Booker makes a hot tag and takes out both oppenents. He connects with a scissor kick on Test and attempts a spin-a-roonie, but Steiner stops it with a chair shot resulting in DQ. With RVD still recovering, Booker is left to take a 2 on 1 beating. Test and BPP stand tall leaving Booker a bloddy mess.

We see McMahon making his way to the ring.

Commercial

We return with Vince in the ring with a bandage above his left eye after his war with austin at XX. He begins by badmouthing the crowd, and even mentions austin. He then claims tonight is a new beginning for the WWE and can look forward to another 20 years of WM moments. However, if the WWE is to start fresh then it needs to get rid of the dead wood, He pulls out a list of Superstars names, Jon Hiedenriech, Rosey, Rico, Nunzio, Stamboli, Mark Henry, all FIRED!
Eric Bischoff then enters. He storms to the ring, and demands Vince rethink. Vince pauses, and tells Bischoff to look him in the eyes because.....YOU'RE F I R E D!!!
Bischoff is shocked as Police come ringside and escort him from the arena. Vince leads a chant of Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye. He now claims that that made him feel good, so for Paul Heyman, pick up your pink slip, Youre Fired!!
He then thinks out loud saying that maybe it were a bad idea, then again no it was, because, the first of the new GM - .......... Bret Hart. The crowd go wild to the announcement, even though he turned at WM this is too big to boo.
Vince then gets ready to leave until.... Glass Shatters... Austin enters in a pick up truck. He strolls straight into the ring and stuns McMahon.
Austin pours beer all over Vince and proceeds to the ramp when he is called back to listen to 2 words, You're FIRED!!!
A shocked Austin is distraught and walks out saluting the crowd one last time.

Commercial

JR and King try to discuss what has just happened, showing highlights. Both are disgusted.

4th Match:
Hurricane vs. Garrison Cade w/ Jindrak
Finish: Cade has match under control troughout with help from his partner, however Hurricane comes back with a late flurry and connects with a shining wizard but Jindrak distracts the ref to give Cade enough time to roll up Hurricane with a hanful of tights.


Backstage, HHH and Flair talk about getting things done properly.
Lita is preparing to leave as she bumps into Matt. She thanks him for earlier and kisses him on the cheek.

We cut to the ring for a replacement of the Highlight Reel, Christians Peep Show. Christian and Trish review the sad life of Chris Jericho and explain that they planned the whole thing.
Y2J comes from the crowd and takes out Christian. He grabs Trish but can't bring himself to hitting her. She gives him low blow and Christian clocks him with the belt. They leave together hand in hand.

Commercial

Main Event: Triple H & Ric Flair vs. Shawn Micheals and Undertaker
Finish: Match breaks down into 4 man brawl. Taker tombstones Flair, but interference from Kane breaks the count. They then brawl through the crowd and leaves HBK against HHH and Flair. Eventually the numbers are to much and HHH scores victory via Pedigree.
HHH raises belt. Vinces music cuts the celebration.
Vince enters at ramp. He decides to announce new GM of Raw as Bret will be S/Down. The new Raw GM is ........ MICK FOLEY!!
HHH is irate. Foley appears at top of entrance and waves
END OF SHOW




I would like feedback for this first RAW and I hope to get S/Down out tomorrow afternoon.
 
#2,042 ·
Smackdown Preview:

Topeka hosts the first Smackdown post-Austin, with the question being, who will step in and take over The Rattlesnakes place on Smackdown??

One man who will quickly want Steve Austin to be a distant memory will be John 'Bradshaw' Layfield. JBL left Smackdown early last week, in disgust that an entire broadcast was being dedicated to Stone Cold, but will be in Topeka on Thursday night, attempting to reach his goal of reaching the top of the ladder on Smackdown.

Meanwhile, the road to Judgment Day is set to kick into high gear, as the first match to take place on PPV on May 14th was announced on Wednesday afternoon, with 'The Game' Triple H set to go one on one with the Smackdown 'Golden Boy', and former two time Cruiserweight Champion, Paul London. This week though, the two men face off in a tag team contest, with Triple H teaming up with his former Evolution buddy, Batista to face London, and the WWE Champion, Chris Benoit. Will it be like old times for The Game and Batista?? Or will Londons hunger, along with Benoits current streak be too much for the former Evolution team mates??

Three championship matches have also been signed for this Thursday, as Raw draftees, and former DX stablemates, Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, challenge AMW for the Tag Championships, following a non title victory on Velocity last week.
Also, reigning Cruiserweight Champion, Kid Kash and Tajiri will look to find a winner this week, after their Cruiserweight title match was abruptly stopped by Triple H last week.
And, Matt Hardy faces a tough challenge to retain his United States Championship, as he faces the fighting British veteran, William Regal. Does Hardy have enough fight to hold back the challenge of Regal??

Kurt Angle will also make his first in ring appearance since WrestleMania as he attempts to recover from the most embarrassing loss of his career. Chris Jericho, The Undertaker and Rob Van Dam are all also expected to be in the house too, for a jam packed edition of Smackdown.

---------------------------
I'll be posting SD - in recap form - tomorrow.
 
#2,341 ·
Raw News and Notes

Despite their victory at Survivor Series, John Cena and Christian wouldn’t be celebrating their title shots for long. With the two men seemingly unable to agree on who would get the first crack at Triple H, the decision would quickly be made for them by Raw General Manager, Eric Bischoff. Flanked by a beaming Mr. McMahon, the GM would reveal that despite the fact that both of them survived at the Survivor Series, only ONE would get a title shot, thus announcing Cena vs. Christian in a mammoth Raw main event the following week. However, Bischoff would end his announcement with a bombshell … whilst the winner would indeed face Triple H for the World Championship, the loser … would never again get an opportunity at the World Title.

In spite of the adversity both men faced, Christian and Cena would tear the house down the following week, with a scintillating main event. With the match finely poised, and both men down after a double clothesline … Triple H made his presence felt. The Game made his way to the ring, taking advantage of the ‘No DQ’ ruling made earlier in the night, by arrogantly stepping into the ring, and delivering a Pedigree … TO CENA … AND … TO CHRISTIAN!!! Then, the champion would place Cenas arm over Christian, and give John Cena the title match, but in the process, would eradicate Christians chances of EVER winning back the World Title he lost to Triple H himself. Now, the match was set. In two weeks time, Cena would take on Triple H for the title.

The following week, John Cena would meet Triple H face to face in the ring a week before their first ever meeting. Cena, acknowledging that the match with Christian could’ve gone either way, would coldly tell Triple H that regardless of what might’ve happened, what’s done is done, and although Triple H may have eliminated one threat to his title … he’s managed to gain a bigger threat … one he wont stop.

Meanwhile, Mr. McMahon would inform Christian that despite the fact he’ll NEVER again be eligible to win the World Championship, he still has a bright future on Raw, going on to prove that, by announcing he’d asked Eric Bischoff to grant him a shot at the Intercontinental Championship next week. Christian though, lost his cool, having heard enough of the gloating Chairman, and planted the boss with an Unprettier!!!

So, it was onto December 4th, and Raw would be headlined with two big championship matches. First up, kicking off the second hour, was Christian challenging Shelton Benjamin for the Intercontinental Title. But - not everything was as it seemed. Eric Bischoff, again, flanked by Mr. McMahon, would announce that he decided to spice the match up … and changed the match into a 4 on 1 Handicap match - pitting the challenger against Benjamin, Henry, Mack and Jordan. Needless to say, Christian would fall short in his goal to win the title, and thanks to a well laid plan by McMahon & Bischoff, Shelton Benjamin would retain the title.

Later in the show, it would then be announced that Eric Bischoff and Mr. McMahon had decided to give Christian another opportunity at gold next week, when Captain Charisma would team up with Tyson Tomko to take on MNM for the Tag Team Titles.

Then, it was on to the main event. Electricity was in the air as Triple H and John Cena would collide for the first time - ON FREE TV!!! The rabid fans ate up the action, but as Cena began to look like being on the verge of victory, slipping out of a Pedigree and hammering The Game with an FU - Stephanie McMahon would pull the referee out of the ring. This would set up the (inevitable) screwy finish, as Shane would clobber the referee from behind, allowing the hired hands of Brock Lesnar and Finlay to run in and take on Cena, but instead, the challenger got a hold of the Shillelagh, and cracked the weapon over the head of both men, before getting to HHH again, and applying the STFU!!! The Game tapped, but no referee would be present to call the match. Vince and Shane then came for a piece of Cena, but both got picked off quickly by the challenger. Ultimately, there would be just too much for Cena to contend with, and after Finlay blasted Cena with the shillelagh, Cena would be easy pickings for Brock Lesnar to deliver an F5. Triple H, to make sure, finished Cena off with the Pedigree, and miraculously, the referee would recover, and count the fall, keeping the title in possession of Triple H, after a real clusterfuck of a finish.

Elsewhere, outside of the main event title picture, Shawn Michaels would have his hands full too. The night after Survivor Series, an irate HBK called out Mick Foley to explain himself, after disqualifying Michaels the night before. Foley would answer the call, but bemused Michaels with his explanation. The Hardcore Legend would track through his recent project, talking over trying to ‘bring back the good old days’ over the last six months, recalling The Boogeyman experiment as a modern day Hulk Hogan, with that working in the 80’s but failing today. He then said the 90’s boom in the WWE began arguably at the Survivor Series in ‘97 leading to the shock TV era, and argued that nothing could be bigger or more shocking than Shawn Michaels getting screwed in his home state at the Survivor Series, just like he screwed Bret Hart at the same event in his home country. Foley would smile throughout, encouraging Michaels to ‘go with the flow’, and enjoy it, or at least, grin and bear it, but Michaels instead is even more angry, even more upset, and responds to the explanation with SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!! Michaels leaves the ring, and Foley lies on the mat, with a sinister grin on his face. Since this appearance the night after Survivor Series, Foley hasn’t been mentioned, or seen on television.

Michaels however, wasn’t going anywhere, as he was instantly embroiled into a feud with Randy Orton. After Ric Flair appeared on
SMACKDOWN following Survivor Series, and shocked the world announcing his RETIREMENT, all down to Randy Orton, and his win against Flair and his team at the November event, which would prompt Flair to decide he cant cut it anymore, and felt he had been driven from Raw, to the point where he could only make his announcement on Smackdown, in fear of Orton and The New Wave giving him one last ‘send off’.

Following that earth shattering announcement, Randy Orton would obviously gloat on Raw. But his ‘celebrations’ were to be short lived, as a still irate HBK made his way to the ring, letting out his anger at Orton, and his posse for the lack of respect towards his hero, and the greatest of all time. This led to a brief brawl, but miraculously, a fired up Michaels would fend off Orton and his New Wave, sparking a feud between the two.

In the weeks to follow, Michaels defeated Ken Doane, despite interference from Orton, before Michaels would come to the aide of Straight Edge as they took on Cade & Dinsmore the following week, with Orton having got involved.

The womens division would seem to lose steam in the four weeks after Survivor Series, with Melina focused more on helping MNM keep their tag titles from Booker T & Elijah Burke, as the two teams met one final time on November 27th, in a Hardcore Rules match, with MNM finally getting a decisive win against the challengers. Melina did defend her title on December 4th, beating off a challenge from Maria, who seemed to become #1 Contender for no reason.

And, in heel turns, Mister Kennedy would go back to his heel roots, turning on Rey Mysterio after a tag team match against the 4 wrestling members of The Brotherhood on November 20th. Kennedy would take exception to Mysterio coming to his aide the week previous after Benjamin retained his title against the KOTR, setting up the 2 on 4 match, where Rey and Kennedy actually won, with Mysterio pinning OJ for the win. Kennedy though, appeared to think Rey Mysterio was stealing all the glory, and after the match, took his recent frustrations out on Mysterio, with a heinous attack. Of course, from this point, Rey and Kennedy have sparked a feud.

In other news, Umaga is still unbeaten, and took on a spirited Carlito, who had demanded a match after Umaga - for no reason - attacked Carlito and Kevin Thorn during a match the week previous. Umaga defeated Carlito of course, and also defeated both Kevin Thorn and his tag team partner, Michael Knox in the following weeks, despite Thorn and Knox being heels.

Brock Lesnar was given two weeks off following Survivor Series, after a hectic road schedule, and didn’t compete in a match over the four week period, partaking only in backstage segments with Mr. McMahon and Eric Bischoff, with both trying to convince him to ‘scratch their backs, and they’ll scratch his’, if he could make sure that Triple H retained the title against Cena. But would Mr. McMahon be able to give Lesnar what he wanted - a championship match against his soon to be son in law?? We’ll soon find out, after Lesnar DID help Triple H retain his title against John Cena.

*****

News and Notes on Smackdown:

Paul Heymans successor as General Manager would be named right at the top of Smackdown following Survivor Series, with a complete contrast to Paul Heyman … THE ENFORCER ARN ANDERSON!!! Double A would take the reigns and immediately promised the fans that under him, he’d be taking no crap from any superstar, regardless of who they are, or what their standing is, but as we’ll find out shortly, Andersons reign wouldn’t get off to the start he wanted… (more on that later)

Meanwhile, it would be confirmed that J.B.L would indeed be out of action indefinitely following the injury he sustained prior to Armageddon. It would seemingly spell disaster for The Cabinet who have been restricted to Velocity appearances since Survivor Series.

Also, The Rock had not appeared since Survivor Series, and was only barely mentioned on TV by Kurt Angle as he talked up his huge win at the event. Internet reports stated that The Rock wouldn’t be making a comeback for the ‘foreseeable future’, as he agreed to another movie, almost certainly ruling him out of a return anytime before WM.

M.V.P finally signed on the dotted line with Smackdown, reputedly for the largest contract in Smackdown history.

Anything else of note will be alluded to in the Armageddon preview…




*****

Official Card for WWE Armageddon:
Date:
10th December 2006
Location: Richmond Coliseum, Richmond VA
Event Music: The End, WWE Produced

WWE Championship:
- ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH -
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker vs. Kane vs. Batista

Paul Heyman would indeed leave a lasting impression as Smackdown General Manager. Throughout his first show in charge, Arn Anderson had promised to announce the #1 Contender situation at the end of the night. And so, after RVD and Matt Hardy defeated Chris Jericho and Brent Albright in the main event of the show, the new General Manager would arrive on the scene with bad news. Moments earlier, it had come to Andersons attention that before Heyman was relieved of his position, he signed a cast iron contract, which allowed him to pre-approve the Armageddon main event, which would be an Elimination Chamber Match. So, despite RVD ridding Smackdown of Paul Heyman, it was Heyman who would have the last laugh, having made a decision that would still potentially give him what he wanted ... RVD without the championship.

Over the course of the four week period leading to Armageddon, the feud between Angle and The Undertaker would continue. After Angle shot himself straight back into the headlines with a shocking SUBMISSION win against Taker at Survivor Series, he looked to be back at his very best after a difficult ‘06. Angle and Taker met in the ring on Smackdown two weeks later from SS (not in an official match, just an in ring collision), and got into a massive brawl, with Angle again coming out on top, bloodying Taker with a heinous assault, using an exposed turnbuckle to open the gash. Angle then met Kane one on one the following week, scoring ANOTHER submission win, before Taker would come for revenge, Tombstoning Angle in the ring. Elsewhere in the run up to Armageddon, RVD and Chris Jericho embroiled themselves into the feud between AMW and the tag team champions, Paul London & Brian Kendrick, with a 6 Man tag on one week where neither RVD or Y2J were involved in the finish, whilst in the other, RVD faced James Storm, and Jericho took on Kendrick, with the two main event players getting wins.

Batista got a big win over Kane on November 24th, and got a squash win against Chris Masters the following week, leading to an interesting triple threat tag team match on the final edition of Smack down - Rob Van Dam & Batista vs. Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker & Kane. The Brothers of Destruction would win the match, with Taker pinning Angle, getting his win back, as the B.O.D took out all four opponents, standing tall, face to face to close the show, leading into the Chamber. Would Heyman have the last laugh against RVD?? Would Chris Jericho finally achieve the World Title he had been chasing for the last two years?? Would Kurt Angle complete his rehabilitation to the main events, by crowning his comeback with a World title?? Could Batista make history and win his first World Title?? Might Kane win the title for only the second time - a first since 1998?? Or, would The Undertaker stand tall once again??


United States Championship Match:
Brent Albright vs. Matt Hardy

Brent Albright won the title in unsavoury fashion from Matt Hardy in the run up towards the Survivor Series, and after Paul Heyman had blocked a rematch, Arn Anderson instantly signed this rematch for Armageddon.


WWE Tag Team Championships Match; 2 Out Of 3 Falls:
- 1st Fall: Regular Rules -
- 2nd Fall: No Disqualifications -
- 3rd Fall: Ladder Match -
Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. Americas Most Wanted

Following on from their run ins weeks previous to Survivor Series, AMW picked up the pace in their search for another reign as tag team champions. Fighting champions as ever, London & Kendrick refused to back down from the heel challengers, and gave Harris & Storm an opportunity at another shot in a non title match. AMW would score a cheap victory to get the shot at Armageddon, leading to the new GM to stamp his mark on Smackdown, signing a 2/3 Falls contest for the PPV, giving AMW the challenge of beating the champions twice, not giving AMW the chance to steal the titles in the same fashion they earned the opportunity. As mentioned earlier, RVD and Chris Jericho would become a part of the feud for two weeks. Before the final week before Armageddon, Harris would face London, with Harris getting disqualified, as he and Storm took out the champions with a ladder, setting a prelude to the third fall, if it goes that far {as if it isn’t}.


WWE Cruiserweight Championship; Triple Threat Match:
Super Crazy vs. Juvi vs. Psichosis

The feud between the Mexicools continued over the month, leading to another triple threat match at Armageddon. That’s about all to say on that.


Debut Match:
M.V.P vs. William Regal

M.V.Ps highly anticipated debut would take place at Armageddon, with the veteran William Regal picked as his opponent. From the calibre of opponent picked for his first match, MVP would be thrown straight into the deep end. Over the weeks leading to the event, Regal would have a couple of backstage promos to hype the match, claiming that we would find out at Armageddon just how good MVP is, because nobody gets an easy ride with William Regal.


Challenge Match:
Lashley vs. Edge

After Edge became the first man to pin Lashley, albeit through cheap measures, Lashley made a beeline for the Money in the bank holder, chasing Edge out of the ring. The following week after the announcement of the Elimination Chamber, Edge would complain to Arn Anderson over shoddy management, overlooking him for yet another title match. Just like Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman before him, Double A made reference to the title shot Edge already has. He then went on to tell The Rated ‘R’ Superstar that he already has a match for Armageddon anyway … and that is against Bobby Lashley. Lashley over the remaining weeks would be made to look strong, getting a win over Edge in an impromptu match, and got the better of Edge as he attempted a sneak attack, but could he do it under the bright lights of a PPV??

***

Expect the Armageddon recap this weekend, probably Friday. After that, I’m back rolling, with full Raws leading to RR, recapped Smackdowns, and the Rumble PPV in full.

... Also whilst on that point ... if there is anyone out there that is good at making banners and more importantly wouldnt mind making one for me, please PM me, as I'd like one for the Royal Rumble event. PLEASEEEEE. :agree:

I’ll also post PPV schedule, current roster (which is more like a profile for each superstar having major feuds listed etc for new readers {if there are any L }, and other shiz).

Until then, feel free to leave comments, but negative rep for anyone who just builds up their post count by picking predictions, and not actually giving a toss. Shame on you :p. (seriously though ... :mad:)

***

 
#2,652 ·
I’ve been watching you …

Don’t worry, I understand that the swelling in your pants is purely out of excitement, rather than homosexuality. It happens.


WrestleMania 23 Predics


Boy, you’ve made it! Your third Mania! And I, personally, love the lineup this year. Stop apologizing for it’s lack of star quality. I think the card looks great, and I expect your best work from this show. Some great stories to be told. Let’s just hope these jobbers actually READ it, rather than reading results and adding those to their preconceived ideas. Anyway, here’s what I think after pondering on the ten issues at hand…


Final Card for WWE Wrestle Mania XXIII:
Date: 18th March 2007
Location: Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Event Music: U2 & Green Day; The Saints are Coming & Killers; Sams Town


World Heavyweight Championship Match:
!!COLLISION COURSE!!
World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena vs.
2007 Royal Rumble Winner, Christian

Gonna go against the grain here. I know it’ll kill his run, and blah … blah … blah. I think you are going for shock value, and that goes back to when this match was originally booked. It was to be Christian vs. Trips the world thought. I said no. This match brings about that “unpredictable” Mania feel. After that feeling was created, it sort of sunk into predictable again. That being the idea that Captain Charisma will obviously win. Surely, that could happen. And in real life, that would be an awesome story. But I think it’s time for one of your Mania’s to end with a Champion retaining, and a TRUE shocker. Cena wins. And honestly, he’s the bigger star. Whether I, or anyone else likes it. Christian to turn heel (where he belongs) following this loss, and then to take the strap shortly thereafter.

Championship; Triple Threat Match:
WWE Champion, Rob Van Dam vs.
Mr. Money in the Bank, Edge vs.
‘Highlight of the Night’ Chris Jericho

So hard to call. Nearly impossible. It could go all three ways tbh. Four years ago (when ¾ of these bookers weren’t around), who’d of thought you’d have RVD as WWE Champ? Not me. I gotta go with MITB though. It seems obvious, but it has to happen. Edge has been waiting longer than these three to be champ in this thread – the proof – he’s the only one to not hold the belt! He HAS to win. Sure, it may seem predictable on paper, but I think other finishes will make up for that, not the least of which is the World Title Match.

WE Tag Team Championships Match;
Americas Most Wanted vs. The Hardy Boys

Gotta go “feel good” on this one. AMW has been hot in this thread for years now – TOO long tbh. Whilst, the Hardy’s haven’t done fuck as a team. Matt and Jeff to win what I’m sure you’re planning to be a tag classic.

One Fall; Triple Jeopardy Match:
Intercontinental, World Tag Team & Womens Championships all on the line:
Rey Mysterio, CM Punk. Gregory Helms & Alexis Laree vs. Mr. Kennedy, Mercury, Nitro & Melina

Nice story it would be for the faces to win, sure. But the thing is, they’ve all the time in the world to win. Straight Edge is the only reason everyone thinks the faces will win. They have plenty of opportunity, and have a better upside in winning one on one against MNM. Furthermore, MNM is still “new” to the thread, and will look better over the long haul as a team with a win here. Team heel to win, with the loudmouth himself – cough- release him – cough – also leaving with gold.

Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Kid Kash vs. Brian Kendrick

Haven’t a fuck, tbh. Haven’t read enough to understand the feud either. Gonna go with Kash though, for the FOI.

United States Championship Match:
Brent Albright vs. Batista

Another curious match. The history suggests either outcome making sense. Gotta go with Dave though. It’s hard to imagine him these days as not being a top tier player, and here in BTB, you’ve not yet pushed him to ANY level. It’s time.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
WINNER HAS AUTOMATIC TITLE SHOT ANYTIME IN NEXT 12 MONTHS
M.V.P vs. Umaga vs. Paul London vs. Finlay vs. Carlito vs. Randy Orton vs. Charlie Haas vs. Shelton Benjamin

Another really hard one here. I understand why those who picked London did so. I gotta go with Randy though. Two years in the title match, only to be reduced to midcard status this last year, landing in MITB? Orton to win plz? And to create an intriguing MITB storyline NONE of the other seven could pull of. BTW, glad you used eight guys. I did last year. No harder to write, and gives two more guys an opportunity on the grand stage.



FIRST TIME EVER:
!!FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING!!
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
With The McMahon Family Empire in the corner of Triple H, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin as special guest enforcer.

Gonna be a mess of a situation. Mania needs at least one overbooked fiasco imo, though. And this will be perfect. Again, I could understand H winning for that heel win/shocker. But I personally see Brock picking up the win. He solidifies himself FINALLY against WWE’s “best”, thus claiming that moniker. I think a Brock win harms H less that an H wins harms Brock. If H wins, I’ll get the feeling Brock is on his way out the door. This Mania is already “downsized” so to speak. Don’t go Patsy on me now! (<3 you Pat)

THe Irresistible Force vs. The Immovable Object:
Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker

Shame such a great match HAS to have such a predicable outcome, eh? Should be absolutely scintillating though.

Non Sanctioned Match:
Mick Foley vs. Shawn Michaels

Gonna be a barn burner for sure. Best built (promo wise) match on the card. HBK to win in an absolute war. One for the all time record books here I’m sure. I predict fire will be used for the “first” time in Mania history.

---

40 Person Pre-Show Battle Royal:
Orlando Jordan, Rodney Mack, Mark Henry, Garrison Cade, Nick Dinsmore, Ken Doane, Booker T, Elijah Burke, Snitsky, Val Venis, Kevin Thorn, Michael Knox, Harry Smith, Paul Burchill, Rob Conway, Rico, Stevie Richards, The Boogeyman, Simon Dean, Victoria, Dusty Rhodes, Goldust, William Regal, Hardcore Holly, Robbie MacAllister, Rory MacAllister, Trevor Murdoch, Festus Murdoch, Jamie Noble, Super Crazy, Chavo Guerrero, Cody Rhodes, Jerry Lawler, Akio, Danny Basham, Doug Basham, Deuce, Domino, Funaki, Scotty Too Hotty

Meh, Booker T? I know you hate him, but FFS, he’s the biggest star in the match. If he don’t win, just release him already. But, gotta go with Dusty, after Booker outlasts Goldy and Cody in the final four.



Hall of Fame Ceremony 2007;
Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Paul Orndorff, Sensational Sherri, Jim Ross, Tony Atlas, Mike Tyson (Celebrity Wing)

***

PREDICTIONS ARE WELCOME!!!!!

1 point for each winner correctly predicted.

Bonus Questions:

1) Predict the match order, *not counting the pre-show match*. (1 point for each match correctly placed)

1- Cruiserweight Title
2- US Title
3- MITB
4- Tag Titles
5- Foley-HBK
6- Eight Man Tag
7- Angle-Taker
8- WWE Championship
9- Lesnar-Trips
10- World Title



2) What will be the longest match?? (1 point)

Gotta go with Lesnar vs. Trips

3) What will be the shortest match?? (1 point)

US Title Match


4) Will there be any special appearances?? (Predict one) (3 points for correctly predicting any correct appearance *HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES DO NOT COUNT*)

Hulk Hogan. He’s getting inducted into the HOF after all. Don’t like him and Bret going on the same night tho. They each deserve the top spot, regardless if Bret screwed Bret.

5) Which competitor will score the fall in the Triple Jeopardy Match (2 points)

Mr. Kennedy

6) Name the final four in the pre-show Battle Royal (1 point for each correct prediction) (4 points)

Goldust, Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes, and Booker T


7) Predict the location of WrestleMania 24. (3 points)

Orlando. You’ve never done the same venue as the E. Time to do so, as WM24 was purely magical.



Can’t wait old timer. With luck on your side, I’ll get you some comments for the show. And oh yeah, I’m coming…
 
#3,545 ·
Hope everyone didnt forget me











 

Friday Night Smackdown | March 14 2008 | Orlando, FL



Smackdown opens up directly into the arena - where Chris Jericho and the ‘Highlight Reel’ is set up in the ring. The fans cheer, as Jericho smiles, nodding at the reactions, whilst sitting on his stool. He stands up…




Chris Jericho:
WELCOME TO … SMACKDOWN ISSSS … JER-ICH-OOOOOO!!!

Pop. Jericho surveys the audience.

Chris Jericho:
And tonight, I bring to you fine people a very special edition of the HIGHLIGHT REEEL-AH!! Y’know, it’s been quite a while since I dusted off this old set, and a long time since I wheeled out the Jeri-tron 5000. Quite honestly, I haven’t imagined an occasion special enough to warrant it as of late … but with it bein WrestleMania season an’ all…

Pop for the mention of WrestleMania. Jericho pauses, as the camera focuses in on the WrestleMania banner in the rafters…

Chris Jericho:
And lemme tell ya, there’s no time quite like WrestleMania season. There’s no greater feelin than bein on the Road to WrestleMania. Especially when you know you’re gonna be on the card, whether it’s the first match or the last - and I should know - I’ve done both!!

Pop. Jericho nods.

Chris Jericho:
It’s the ambition of every single man or woman that steps foot in this business from day one - to compete at the Grandest Stage of all. The Showcase of the Immortals…

Jericho points up at the big banner in the background…

Chris Jericho:
To be part of WrestleMania.

Cheers.

Chris Jericho:
And no matter how many times you get the honour of having a match at Wrestle Mania - it never gets old. Whether it’s one match, two matches or eight, nine, ten - you always want to be part of the next one. You never get enough of it. Once you’ve been part of the magic - you’re like a junkie, man, you’re always craving that next hit.

Jericho bows his head in thought for a moment, before looking up.

Chris Jericho:
I’ve headlined WrestleMania as Undisputed Champion, I’ve stole the show with Shawn Michaels, and I even came *puts his finger and thumb a millimetre apart* this close to doing the impossible and ending The Undertakers undefeated streak. But despite all that, I’m still here and I’m still craving that next WrestleMania hit!! Be it trying to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match, or competing in the SuperBrawl match last month to handpick whatever match I wanted - I’ve been desperately trying to find a way to be a part of another WrestleMania.

He stretches out his arm and taps the forearm.

Chris Jericho:
See, for us, the WWE superstars, it’s in our blood. WrestleMania is the show of shows, and you always strive to be a part of it. Every year, it gets bigger, the stage becomes grander and the legend grows farther. Superstars become legends, icons … they immortalise themselves on that stage. And ever since I joined the WWE in 1999, I’ve been part of every single Wrestle Mania …

Pause for dramatic effect…

Chris Jericho:
Until this year.

Some boos are heard for that. Jericho acknowledges the boos with a nod.

Chris Jericho:
No matter what I’ve tried to accomplish, no matter how hard I’ve tried … I haven’t been able to find my way into the mix for March 30. As it stands, I’ll be a spectator at WrestleMania for the first time - at arguably, the biggest of all time.

Pop.

Chris Jericho:
And I’ll be honest, I’ve been feelin pretty sorry for myself because of it. I feel like a failure. I feel like I came back last November for nothing. After all my talk about changing peoples mindsets, getting back to the way it used to be … what exactly do I have to show for it??

He looks around, shrugging, having nothing to show for it.

Chris Jericho:
I couldn’t beat Randy Orton for the WWE Title, I couldn’t get into the Money in the Bank ladder match, hell, I couldn’t even beat Shawn Michaels this past Monday on Raw!!!

Mixed reaction, with Jericho visibly frustrated.

Chris Jericho:
And now, I’m left out of WrestleMania…

Jericho pauses, then smirks a knowing grin, before wagging his finger…

Chris Jericho:
… but … so is someone else.

Jericho paces the ring, smiling.

Chris Jericho:
And like me, he’s a former world champion. He’s been part of huge, grandiose WrestleMania matches himself in the past - just like I have … and if I know this man like I think I know him, he’ll be just as desperate to be a part of WrestleMania as I am…

Y2J stops at the ropes, looking up the ramp…

Chris Jericho:
So … what’dya say … RVD!!!

Pop. Jericho looks at the fans and nods.

Chris Jericho:
Yeah!! That’s what I’m talkin about. I think all you Jerichoholics here in Orlando know where I’m goin with this. How about it?? Would all you people wanna see Y2J take on RVD at WrestleMania??

Another pop.


Chris Jericho:
That sounds pretty unanimous to me!! So all we need-

**ONE OF A KIND**

And it didn’t take long for Van Dam to respond!! The Whole Damn Show; Mr. Friday Night walks out on the stage, and down the ramp - with a happy smirk on his face - pointing toward Jericho and Jericho smiles back, nodding.

RVD gives the fans the thumb taunt they came to see and chant along to, before stepping up onto the apron, and into the ring, applauding Jericho. Y2J offers RVD a stool, but Van Dam opts to stand, waiting to hear Jericho out.

Chris Jericho:
Well, that didn’t take long. Pleasure to have you on the show, Rob.

Still smiling, RVD nods, and thanks Jericho off the mic.

Chris Jericho:
So, lets cut to the chase. All these people want to see it. You heard ‘em … so how about you?? You got any other plans on March 30?? You gonna be in Phoenix that night??

Relaxed as ever, Van Dam offers a shrug and a nod.

Chris Jericho:
Think about it, Rob. Think about what we could do at WrestleMania. Yeah, there’s a lot of hype surrounding Triple H versus Mister Kennedy. It’ll be Ric Flairs last ever WrestleMania match. Brock Lesnar is taking on Shawn Michaels for the first time ever. The Undertakers Streak could end, the WWE Title is on the line and the World Heavyweight Championship just got personal. But us?? We could go out and steal that show, Rob.

Pop. RVD turns, looking at the reaction of the fans.

Chris Jericho:
You know it. I know it. All these Jerichoholics know it. You and I don’t need a title. We don’t need a grudge. All you and I need is a twenty by twenty ring and a stadium full of fans and we can make magic.

Another pop.

Chris Jericho:
How about it, Rob?? Do you want to make history with me at WrestleMania?? Do you want to go out in front of sixty thousand people and show the rest of the roster how it’s done?? Without controversy, without killing each other, how about you and I put on a wrestling match - mano e’ mano - where the best man wins. Rob Van Dam - do you want to steal the show??

Van Dam is still smiling, and he listens to the cheers from the fans, and a growing “ROB VAN DAM” chant, before being handed the mic from Jericho.

He milks the moment, surveying the audience, before turning his attention to Jericho.

Rob Van Dam:
Dude- you don’t need to give me the hard sell. I’m in!!

Pop. Jericho nods - it’s on.

Rob Van Dam:
And as for us stealin the show??

RVD waves it off.

Rob Van Dam:
That’s not even in question, bro. After all you’re dealing with the Whole Damn Show … Rob … Van … Dam!!!

The fans chant along with RVD to his name. Van Dam smirks.

Rob Van Dam:
And besides, any time we share a ring?? Magic happens, dude. We’ve stolen the show every-single-time we’ve locked up. But it’d be an honour, Chris, to steal the show at WrestleMania with you one more time.

Jericho nods, and the fans respectfully cheer the compliment from RVD.

Chris Jericho:
Well … I guess it’s official!! Rob?? Best of luck - and may the best man win at WrestleMania.

Jericho extends his hand - and Van Dam accepts the offer of the handshake, with the fans cheering appreciatively again. There’s no backstabbing or cheap shots - just a genuine handshake between two men with plenty of mutual respect for one another.

Joey Styles:
I cannot wait to see these two in-ring legends go one on one at WrestleMania!! What an incredible addition to what is already a line up for the ages, King!!

Jerry Lawler:
This is something else, Styles. I don’t recall a WrestleMania line up like it in all my years.

Joey Styles:
And it wont be about titles, it wont be a blood feud, it wont be a bitter grudge match - it’s about pride, it’s about finding out who can rise to the occasion on the grandest stage, two athletes who want to set the stage and show this sport at it’s finest. Both Jericho and Van Dam have had a tumultuous year since last years Wrestle Mania - where ironically they made up two thirds of the triple threat match for the WWE Title - but with nothing at stake on March 30, it’s an opportunity for catharsis - to put this past year behind them, and enjoy the biggest night of the year!!

Jerry Lawler:
And by the sounds of it, both men are gonna go out in front of sixty thousand people and leave it all in the ring to steal the show!!

Joey Styles:
Indeed they will. And King, two men who know all about show stealing performances at WrestleMania are Jeff Hardy and the 2008 Royal Rumble winner, Edge. Tonight, it’s a WrestleMania rewind of sorts - there’s no tag team partners or ladders, but Edge and Jeff Hardy will renew their history here tonight on Smackdown!!

Jerry Lawler:
What kind of condition is Edge in though?? So close to WrestleMania, with these ongoing neck related issues, should Edge be even competing right now??

Joey Styles:
Well King, I have been informed that tonight, our General Manager Finlay will address the speculation regarding Edge and his well documented neck issues. As far as I’m aware, that match is going ahead … but what Finlay has to say - I don’t know … but we will find out. In addition to that - as we get closer and closer to WrestleMania, we’ll hear from both Edge and the WWE Champion Randy Orton - both men sat down to conduct interviews during the week - and they are not to be missed. However, before all of that - coming up after this commercial break, Kurt Angle returns to Smackdown!! The Wrestling Machine is in action - NEXT!!!



Commercial Break



***​

VIDEO PACKAGE

Open up with fireworks going off at last years WrestleMania.


Jim Ross: THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR HAS ARRIVED!!!

Succession of modern day stars; John Cena, Triple H, Brent Albright, Shawn Michaels, Paul London, Christian, Edge, Randy Orton…

Gorilla Monsoon: It’s a happening!!

Bret Hart celebrates at Wrestle Mania X … Edge spears Jeff Hardy off a ladder … Hogan slams Andre.

Jesse Ventura: HE SLAMMED HIM!!!

Macho Man raises Elizabeth onto his shoulder … Undertaker makes his entrance at WrestleMania XIV … Shawn Michaels captures the WWE Title at WrestleMania 12.

Vince McMahon: The boyhood dream has come true!!

The Ultimate Warrior sprinting to the ring at WrestleMania VI, Ric Flair locking the Figure Four on Savage at WrestleMania VIII.


Joey Styles:
The Granddaddy of ‘em all!!!


Austin wins his first title … John Cena wins his first title … Christian triumphs at last years event.


Michael Cole: Tonight, heroes will be made, and careers will be changed and shaped forever!!


Triple H making his grand entrance two years ago … Cenas entrance last year … Pamela Anderson with Diesel at WrestleMania XI.


Jim Ross: The pomp, the pageantry…


Shots of the massive stadiums to have hosted WrestleMania, as well as shots of Piper, Kurt Angle, Rick Rude, Brock Lesnar, Ric Flair and Mr. Kennedy.


Michael Cole: It doesn’t get any bigger or more exciting than this!!


Hogan and Rock face to face, Shane soaring through the air to Vince, Shawn splashing off the ladder…


Jim Ross: The global phenomenon …


Zooming shot of the fans.


Jerry Lawler: It’s WrestleMania baby!!!

WRESTLEMANIA XXIV | MARCH 30 2008 | PHOENIX AZ
~ THE DESERT CLASSIC ~
ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW
***




In the arena, GOLDUST is in the ring, appearing on Smackdown for the first time in many years, having been exclusively on Raw for so long…

**MEDAL**

The fans pop for the music of Kurt Angle, but don’t quite know how to treat him once he’s out in the arena - with plenty of respect for the highly decorated star, but some ill will toward him too for his threats to force Ric Flair into retired at WrestleMania.

Joey Styles:
And as everyone is most probably aware - we’re just sixteen days away from the first ever meeting between the Best Today in Kurt Angle and the Best Ever in Ric Flair at WrestleMania. Tonight is an important tune up for the Wrestling Machine, as, get this King - next week on Smackdown, Kurt Angle will be part of the next WrestleMania rewind match … going one on one with his WrestleMania 19 opponent Brock Lesnar!!!

Jerry Lawler:
Oh my!! What a match that’ll be, Joey!!

Joey Styles:
Angle and Lesnar will renew hostilities a week from tonight in Texas - but before that, Angle has to get by Goldust. And whilst Kurt Angle will be heading to WrestleMania looking to snap a two year losing streak - spare a thought for Goldust - he’s NEVER won a match at WrestleMania!!!

Jerry Lawler:
Never??

Joey Styles:
Never.

Match 1:
Goldust vs. Kurt Angle
Angle dominates right out of the gate, shooting the unsuspecting Goldust with a double leg, and roughs the veteran up with his wrestling base. The Bizarre One struggles to get into the contest at all, but survives the early onslaught, and escapes a front face lock to begin mounting some offence.

Goldust backs Angle up with some right hands, then drops down for his signature uppercut spot - but Angle also drops down, shooting for the ankle … but just as he gets it on, Goldust has his arms clasped gratefully on the bottom rope. Again, Goldust looks to make a fight of it, but Angle shrugs off the Bizarre Ones offence, and delivers a scintillating Belly to Belly to regain complete control.

And from there, it’s almost complete domination. Angle delivers a release German, and sets up for the Angle Slam - but again, the veteran wont go down without a fight and elbows free from Angle, then hits an inverted atomic drop followed by a spine buster for a near fall.

Goldust looks to seize on the opening, but as he drags Angle back up, the intense Olympian explodes with another Belly to Belly … then another - throwing the Bizarre One around like a rag doll, snapping off a snap suplex, before hitting the Angle Slam at the second time of asking … and follows it up with an Anklelock that gets an immediate submission victory.
Winner: Kurt Angle @ 04:13

Joey Styles:
Kurt Angle has just seen off one of the most accomplished, experienced veterans in short order!! He just blew Goldust away in under five minutes!!!

Jerry Lawler:
Do you think Angle is ready for WrestleMania, Joey Styles??

Joey Styles:
There’s no question. After two straight years of heartbreaking losses, Kurt Angle isn’t taking any chances. The psychological damage that the defeats to Bret Hart and The Undertaker have had on Angle could well put Ric Flair in serious trouble on March 30.

Angle doesn’t stick around for long after having his arm raised - he made his point with the performance tonight.

Jerry Lawler:
Angle said he wanted to be the last man Ric Flair ever shares a ring with - he wants to enforce retirement on the Nature Boy … and on this evidence?? He could well do it.

Joey Styles:
He is a man on a mission, that’s for sure … and I wouldn’t like to be the man that tries to stop him. And lets not forget, Angle meets Brock Lesnar next week here on Smackdown.

Jerry Lawler:
That’s gonna be something else, Joey.

The machine like Angle marches up the ramp - no interaction with the fans - just complete and utter focus.



Backstage, THE BRIAN KENDRICK is shown speaking with a police officer - but there’s no sound, so we don’t know what is being talked about.

Joey Styles:
Now what is this goofball up to??

Jerry Lawler:
He probably telling the cops that he could do the job better - he seems to think he can do everything else!!

Joey Styles:
Well, The Brian Kendrick is coming out here in just a moment - that’s what I’m being told … but what is he doing with a police officer??



Commercial Break



Smackdown returns with **MAN WITH A PLAN** playing, and The Brian Kendrick is already standing in the ring … alongside a police officer. TBK uses his hands, fanning them up and down to try and quiet the fans.

The Brian Kendrick:
If you fans could refrain from idolizing me for just a moment-

Kendrick stops due to boos from the fans.

The Brian Kendrick:
I understand you’re upset, but it wont be long. I have some important business to attend to, and then you can get right back to cheering on your hero. But before that, I have an officer of the law with me-

TBK stops himself again, and puts his hand up apologetically, and half laughs as he speaks again.

The Brian Kendrick:
What am I saying - you people all know what a police officer looks like, you’ve probably all spent a night behind bars at some point … maybe two-

He ignores the boos, and picks out a fan in the front row, and points at them.

The Brian Kendrick:
You’ve definitely spent many nights in prison.

Kendrick laughs - as if he and the fan he’s just insulted can both find it funny.

The Brian Kendrick:
But none of you have anything to worry about - he isn’t here to arrest any of you…

Heat.

The Brian Kendrick:
What?? You want him to arrest you?? You’re all very odd people. But like I said, I have important business here … because officer - oh, wait … tell these people your name first…

Kendrick holds the mic to the officer, but as he leans in, the fans pick up their boos - no respect for authority. The officer steps back, and acknowledges the reaction. TBK shakes his head.

The Brian Kendrick:
I know, I know … you all just want to hear me speak, but this’ll only take a second. Officer, please… introduce yourself.

The officer leans in again.

Police Officer:
My name is Officer Nolan.

Boos greet Officer Nolan.

The Brian Kendrick:
Thank you, sir. And the reason I’ve asked you to join me out here this evening is quite simple. You’re an officer of the law, and Officer Nolan … I’d like to report a crime!!!

Heat. Officer Nolan steps forward again.

Officer Nolan:
Well, as I was telling you backstage … this is actually somewhat against protocol. If you want to report a crime, you might be best served going to your local station and speak with-

The Brian Kendrick:
I don’t want to do that. It has to be here, because the criminal is in this building, and these fans - my fans, are the witnesses.

Boos. The officer speaks off mic to Kendrick, but Kendrick appears to insist. Losing his patience, Officer Nolan puffs his cheeks, and gives up.

Officer Nolan:
Okay then, what’s the crime you’d wish to report, sir??

TBK smiles at getting the officer to agree.

The Brian Kendrick:
Thank you, Officer. Now, as I was saying, a crime has been committed here on Smackdown, and like I said - all these people are my witnesses. You see … we have WrestleMania Twenty Four coming up in just over two weeks, yet as we speak, the star of last years show - that’s me - isn’t on the show.

Ironic cheers.

The Brian Kendrick:
And these people DESERVE to have their idol on the biggest show of the year!! It’s not fair that I’m not in the main event - but that’s a different story altogether. It’s scandalous that I wasn’t given an automatic spot - let alone an opportunity to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match … but it’s a CRIME, a complete and utter CRIME … that I don’t have a match at all!!!

Kendrick starts to get really angry, stamping his feet like a spoilt child.

The Brian Kendrick:
And don’t get me started on Rob Van Dam - I know Chris Jericho was talking about facing me earlier, before that old glory hog made things awkward by assuming Jericho was challenging him to a match at WrestleMania!!!

Officer Nolan looks awkward, and doesn’t know how to react to the ‘crime.’ He is shown to mouth at Kendrick; “And how I can help you with that??”

The Brian Kendrick:
I want you to arrest the General Manager of Smackdown!! It’s all his fault!!! Arrest Finlay!!!

Heat. Officer Nolan leans in, shaking his head.

Officer Nolan:
I’m sorry … but I cant arrest him on that basis. That isn’t even a real crime-

The Brian Kendrick:
Yes it is.

Officer Nolan:
… Uh … no … it’s not.

The Brian Kendrick:
Yes it is!!!

Officer Nolan:
No … it isn’t.

TBK is getting really furious now.

The Brian Kendrick:
Well, okay … but- but HE’S IRISH!!! That’s gotta count for something right?? I mean, he’s probably backstage making a bomb, or drunk and disorderly or something, right?? You can arrest him for that, right??

Officer Nolan sighs, then waves the whole thing off, looking to walk past Kendrick, but TBK tries to stop him.

The Brian Kendrick:
No, don’t go!! Listen to these people - they want me to be part of Wrestle Mania … they NEED ME to be in that ladder match - THEY DO - LISTEN TO THEM!!!

**I‘M COMIN**

The fans do indeed begin to cheer - but not for Kendricks crusade … instead, it’s for the music of MVP, who walks out through the curtain with a mic in hand.

M.V.P:
Officer … believe it or not, Brian there is tellin the truth. There is a crime being committed…

Heat momentarily, with the fans thinking MVP is siding with Kendrick…

M.V.P:
And that’s Brian Kendrick wasting everybodies time!!!

Big pop. Kendrick is livid.

The Brian Kendrick:
Speaking of criminals - this is a bit of a turn up for you, MVP, right?? I didn’t expect you to walk out here … I mean, don’t you usually run in the OPPOSITE direction when you see a cop??

“Ohhhhh” from the fans. MVP laughs at the line - giving Kendrick some credit.

M.V.P:
Cute. No, that’s cute. But uh … I don’t need to run from anythin’ Kendrick. An’ as far as I can tell, the only person out here that should be runnin … is you!!!

Pop.

M.V.P:
And, fact is, if Officer Nolan, if you don’t remove Brian there from the ring - I might just have to do it myself!!

Pop again. Kendrick taps the officers arm, and points up the ramp at MVP.

The Brian Kendrick:
There - did you hear that?? That’s a threat of violence, officer - ARREST THAT MAN!!!

The frustrated Officer Nolan grabs the mic from Kendrick - getting a pop now himself.

Officer Nolan:
If anything, I’m thinking of arresting YOU for wasting police time!!!

Another cheer reverberates around the arena … and Kendrick snaps - ATTACKING THE OFFICER!!!!!

Kendrick assaults Officer Nolan, pounding him on the canvas, shouting at him for not having his back … AS MVP SPRINTS DOWN THE RAMP AND INTO THE RING!!!!

Porter tackles Kendrick down, and hammers TBK into the ground, then drags him up … AND DELIVERS THE PLAY OF THE DAY!!!!

Meanwhile, Officer Nolan has gotten back to his feet … and he now brandishes his handcuffs … and with help from MVP, HE PLACES THE CUFFS ON KENDRICK - ARRESTING HIM!!!!!

Officer Nolan escorts Kendrick out of the ring, and drags him up the ramp, with TBK eventually coming around before leaving, and tries to struggle, pleading with the officer to let him go, apologising, then arguing that he did nothing wrong.

In the ring, MVP poses for the fans, doing his “BALLIN” jump, then gets on the mic, encouraging the fans to say bye to Kendrick with the “NA, NA, NA, NA … NA, NA, NA, NA … HEY, HEY, HEY … GOODBYE” song gaining momentum to see off the arrested Kendrick…

Om commentary, Joey Styles and King are laughing…

Joey Styles:
I don’t think that quite went to plan for Mister Kendrick, did it King??

Jerry Lawler:
No. Not at all. Idiot. You know, if brains were chocolate, that Kendrick still wouldn’t have enough to fill an M&M.

Joey Styles:
That may well be the case, King. I don’t know what Kendrick was hoping to achieve - but it certainly wasn’t getting himself arrested. But, moving on - from one man who wont be a part of Wrestle Mania … to a man that will be in the main event. When Smackdown returns from the commercial break, we will air the sit down interview, conducted with WWE Champion Randy Orton earlier this week. And you don’t want to miss it- Wait- wait just a-

Suddenly, footage cuts back to the ring, where GARRISON CADE has got inside, and waits for MVP to turn around…

AND RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A BIG BOOT!!!!!

Garrison Cade flattens MVP, but doesn’t stop there, and picks him up, tossing him across the ring with a FALL AWAY SLAM!!!!!

The Lone Star stands back up off it, and wags his finger; he isn’t finished there. The big man pulls MVP back up once again, setting him up into position … AND DELIVERS THE HEART PUNCH!!!!!

Cade doesn’t even stand over MVP to gloat - once the Heart Punch is delivered, he blows his nose down at MVP, then turns, and exit’s the ring - having made quite the statement tonight.

Joey Styles:
What the hell was that all about??

Jerry Lawler:
Didn’t these two used to be friends??

Joey Styles:
With an emphasis on used to be, King…



Commercial Break



Smackdown returns to the caption; “EARLIER THIS WEEK - ST. LOUIS” … and we see Joey Styles sat across a kitchen counter from the casually dressed WWE Champion, Randy Orton in Ortons home. The WWE title belt is placed upright on the counter.

Joey Styles:
Randy, thank you for the time. Getting started, I want to get to last Friday on Smackdown. You had the opportunity to undoubtedly write Edge out of the WrestleMania main event … and for a moment, it looked like that was what you were going to do with the Punt Kick. But you didn’t. Why??

Orton smirks.

Randy Orton:
Why?? Because I could. Ordinarily, I would’ve. I have in the past. I will in the future. Yeah, normally, I don’t give it a seconds thought. But Edge?? He’s different. I feel like I owe it to him to crush him on the biggest stage - I feel like he needs to be humiliated in front of seventy thousand people and a worldwide audience. See Edge, he truly believes he can beat me. He’s still living off what he did at a Saturday Nights Main Event back in November. And trust me, Joey - that really gets under my skin, because ninety nine times out of a hundred, Edge doesn’t even belong in my league.

Joey Styles:
And, please, you mentioned that title match back in November. Can you remind us about what happened that night??

The WWE Champion glares across at Styles for a few moments.

Randy Orton:
Are you serious?? Look, all that needs said is that Edge caught me on my worst day, and it’ll never happen again. I got thrown into that match on short notice. I didn’t get the adequate time to prepare and strategize … but let’s not forget that I DID still walk out WWE Champion. Just like I will at WrestleMania. Because this time, I have had time - I’ve had six weeks, I have another three - to prepare … to study … to dig into what makes Edge tick …

Orton slouches back on his stool.

Randy Orton:
And look how things have turned out… I mean, Edge … he’s a wreck. Mentally … AND physically. I’ve proven that. He’s a broken man - literally. I mean, I’m sure you’ve seen the medical report, right??

Joey Styles:
I have.

Randy Orton:
So you’ll know - like I know - that Edge is a sitting duck. He has no business competing - period. Let alone competing against me. I’ll not go through it all again, the details are out there … long story short; Edge is one serious blow away from his neck snapping and ending his career. And trust me, I’m aiming to do just that at WrestleMania. The reason I chose not to do it last week is because I want it to be remembered. I want it documented and I want it replayed forever - the night Randy Orton retired Edge. And when I PUNT his head off his shoulders, that fragile neck wont be able to stand up to the force … and it WILL be fatal to Edge’s career.

Styles shakes his head, but remains professional, and looks through his notes.

Joey Styles:
You mentioned the punt. Over the last year - starting with when you won the WWE Championship at Wrestle Mania - you’ve incorporated that move into your arsenal to devastating effect. But, what do you say to the people that claim it’s too much - it’s beyond the realm of competition, that it puts careers at stake unnecessarily, that yo-

Randy Orton:
I say those people have probably never been WWE Champion - or at least not a very successful one. The results speak for themselves, Joey. I’m the first man to hold the WWE Championship from one WrestleMania to the next in nearly twenty years. It’s not a coincidence. This business … it’s moved on … it’s … evolved. And I’m the greatest example of Evolution. I was handpicked by Triple H and Ric Flair because they saw the future in me. In next to no time, I outgrew them both and became the youngest World Champion in history. Evolution … waits for no one.

Orton sits forward.

Randy Orton:
And I’m not prepared to wait for everyone else to catch up. It’s up to them to get up to speed. It’s a cut-throat business, and the nice guys?? They really do finish last. Look at the likes of Jeff Hardy, Paul London, RVD, hell, look at Chris Jericho- He’s a SHELL of the man he used to be - because he’s now harking back to a long forgotten era that no longer exists and can never come back - not if you want to be successful. And anyone that comes to try and take THIS-

The champion pats the belt.

Randy Orton:
They better not be coming trying to shake my hand, and they better be ready to put their career in my hands. Like I said, it’s a cut throat business now, Joey - and to stay at the top, there can be no remorse - and every time someone challenges me for this title, I‘m ready to make sure they never come back a second time. I’ve proven that over the last year - the facts are there for all to see, it’s staring you in the face. I’ve been champion for a YEAR - in this day and age that’s unheard of. So let people complain. Let people say I’m going too far. As long as I’m WWE Champion … I’m going as far as I need to.

Styles nods, and there’s a momentary silence between the two, before Joey starts again.

Joey Styles:
You mentioned something along the lines of people “coming back for more” - or should I say - making sure they don’t. Edge is one of them. He’s coming back for another shot at you-

Randy Orton:
Only because he got away unscathed last time.

Joey Styles:
And does that affect you??

Randy Orton:
In what way??

Joey Styles:
Well … your game plan, your psyche.

Randy shakes his head.

Randy Orton:
Nothing changes. Anyone that thinks they can fare better against me a second time, anyone that survived one encounter … they wont survive a second. People like Edge … they have to be dealt with in the most ruthless way. And at Wrestle Mania … he will be.

Joey Styles:
Moving onto WrestleMania. As mentioned, you’ll become the first man since Hulk Hogan to win the WWE Title at a WrestleMania and hold it right through to the next. It’s been nearly twenty years since that happened. Looking down the list of men that have challenged you over the past year, how big a challenge do you rank Edge??

Orton ponders for a moment.

Randy Orton:
Honestly?? Not too high. First and foremost, those neck problems - he’s at a disadvantage already. If you want any chance of success against an athlete of my calibre - you cant afford to be anything less than 100%. You cant walk into a match with me with a target.

Joey Styles:
Well, there is still some argument over the validity of those claims. Say … say Edge’s neck problems aren’t as severe as they’ve been made out-

Randy Orton:
They are. But I’ll play along. Let’s say Edge is perfectly fine. I still don’t rank him that high. I mean, at least the majority of men that have come and gone posed a threat - they had championship credentials. What exactly does Edge have?? What credentials does he really possess?? He’s been here for ten years - yet has zero world championships to his name. None. Frankly, if he hasn’t been a champion after a decade … chances are … he never will be. And it’s not like he’s never had the opportunity either - hell, he had an opportunity handed to him on a plate when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase … and he wasted it. He had a whole year to use it. And he couldn’t get the job done. Me?? I had it less than three hours, and look where it got me.

Joey Styles:
Okay - granted, Edge has never been World Champion. But, he has done just about everything else there is to do apart from winning a World title. He’s won a litany of tag team titles and Intercontinental titles over the years, he’s a King of the Ring winner too. And he did go through hell just to qualify for the Royal Rumble before going on to win the Royal Rumble match back in January. I mean, isn’t that some pretty big credentials??

Orton nods.

Randy Orton:
I guess. But he’s still missing the big one, isn’t he?? And like I said, it’s not like he’s never had an opportunity before, is it?? Edge has had countless opportunities over the years to become a World Champion. But it’s excuse … after excuse … after excuse. With Edge … there’s always something in the way. It could be an injury that sets him back, it could be an unfortunate piece of bad luck, or poor refereeing, or a screw job … but there’s always, always … something in the way.

The champion sits forward again.

Randy Orton:
And right now, I’m that something. I am in Edge’s way of becoming WWE Champion. And I’m an obstacle that wont be conquered.

There’s a long pause, with Orton glaring at Styles. An uncomfortable silence.

Joey Styles:
Randy Orton … thank you for your time.

Orton nods, and sits back again, folding his arms, as the video ends with a close up of the WWE Title…



Back in the arena…

**LATINO WORLD ORDER**

Chavo Guerrero & Super Crazy; Los Latinos - make their way out to the ring to a light response, trying to pump each other up on their way…

Joey Styles:
We’re getting set for some non-title tag team action here on Smackdown. After Carlito and Kofi Kingston defeated Americas Most Wanted last week, we assumed that our next tag team title match was set - however, after a controversial loss to AMW two weeks ago, we assumed Los Latinos were out of the equation altogether, but they threw out the challenge to MNM, MNM gladly accepted and here they are with an opportunity against the champions tonight.

Jerry Lawler:
It’s a must win match for these two, Joey.

Joey Styles:
And that’s much easier said than done. MNM are champions for a reason, and it’ll take one hell of a performance from Los Latinos to knock off Nitro and Mercury and give them an opportunity to get right back into the title hunt.

**PAPARAZZI**

The red carpet rolls out, and the trio of Mercury, Nitro and Melina walk out to a nice face pop - even if they do keep the titles dangling from their tights.

Joey Styles:
And there they are - the WWE Tag Team Champions!! We’ll be right back, with this non-title match, here on Smackdown!!!



Commercial Break



Match 2 | NON-TITLE MATCH:
Los Latinos vs. MNM w/Melina
Joined in progress, the Caribbean Connection are shown watching the action from a monitor backstage, with a vested interest in the outcome tonight. In the ring, Los Latinos are much more aggressive, somewhat surprising the champions tonight with their change of style. Chavo and Super Crazy still bust out their high flying offence, as do the flashy champions.

Despite being faces, Los Latinos most definitely take on the role of heels, working over Mercury for a period, and Chavo even uses the ropes for leverage when applying an abdominal stretch at one point. Styles sells it on commentary as the two being desperate to get in the hunt for the titles after a series of hard-luck stories in recent months for them.

Mercury manages to fight back though, and makes the hot tag to Nitro, who enters with some big crowd popping offence, impressing the watching Carlito and Kofi, before drilling Chavo with his FLYING CHUCK KICK!!! He covers, 1...2...BROKEN UP BY SUPER CRAZY!!!!

Super Crazy saves the match for his partner, and it leads to Mercury hitting the ring again. MNM double up, taking Super Crazy out of the ring, leaving Chavo all alone … and leaves him as easy pickings for the SNAPSHOT!!!!! Nitro covers, and this time, there’s no breaking the pin … 1...2...3!!!!!
Winners: MNM @ 07:15

The champions see off Los Latinos without any controversy - ending any speculation over who gets the next title shot; it’s surely official now - The Caribbean Connection will meet MNM for the titles. The champions have their arms raised by Melina, whilst Carlito and Kofi are shown again, watching from backstage, talking to each other about the champions …



Elsewhere … BROCK LESNAR AND PAUL HEYMAN are shown arriving into the arena, to a massively mixed reaction from the audience.

Joey Styles:
And right there, you see the Iron Man, along with his agent, Paul Heyman. Tonight, they have things they want to get off their chest, and no doubt those thoughts will focus around Lesnars WrestleMania opponent, Shawn Michaels.

Jerry Lawler:
Cant we mute Heyman??

Joey Styles:
I wish we could. But that’s to come later - before that - a man that certainly WONT be muted; Edge. On the other side of this commercial break, we will air the interview I conducted with Edge earlier today backstage. We’ll hear from the 2008 Royal Rumble winner - NEXT!!



Commercial Break



***

!! COUNTDOWN !!
16 DAYS
!!!
***




 



Returning, the caption is shown; “EARLIER TODAY - ORLANDO” and we see Edge in his casual gear, sat on a metal folding chair, next to Joey Styles in an empty locker room.

Joey Styles:
Edge, thank you for coming here this early - long before anyone else has arrived at the building, and speaking with me.

Edge nods.

Joey Styles:
First and foremost, I have to address the elephant in the room … your neck. There’s been so much speculation, so much controversy surrounding the condition of your neck … can you draw a line under it once and for all??

Edge:
Sure - don’t ask about it. That’s one way of drawing a line under it. Yeah, thanks to Orton, there’s been a lot of controversy, speculation. Unnecessarily. Yes, one doctor - ONE - said I shouldn’t wrestle anymore. But it’s my life … it’s my choice to ignore that advice. And it’s nobodies business. That issue should never have been made public.

Joey Styles:
But uh … without sounding crass … it has been made public. And the Smackdown General Manager, Finlay, has a duty of care to his superstars and their health and safety - their wellbeing. Your wellbe-

Edge:
I know that. And that’s why last week I went for a second opinion. I booked in with a second doctor, went for all the tests and scans…

Edge pulls out a folder from his bag and holds it up for Joey to see.

Edge:
And I’m gonna put this on Finlays desk. He can read it, and do whatever he wants with it. And before you ask - No. No, Joey, I wont divulge what’s on that report.

Styles nods.

Joey Styles:
Okay, I understand. Regardless of the report though, and whatever Finlay decides he should do - question marks will remain. It’s been well documented that your neck has been surgically repaired in the past. You missed over a year of action - two straight WrestleManias, and proved to be a big setback, just as it looked like you were about to break the glass ceiling and make it big. Do you think without that neck injury - the surgery - that you would’ve already been World Champion by now??

Edge:
Without a doubt. Even with the neck injury, even after missing a year - I feel right here, right now - I should already have been World Champion, once, twice, three, maybe even four times. It- it broke my heart to be on the sidelines for two straight WrestleManias, Joey.

Joey Styles:
And with that neck injury-

Edge:
Look, I don’t- I don’t want to sit here and talk about my neck all day. Let’s really draw a line under it, okay?? In 2003 I had my C-6 and C-7 vertebrae fused. And you’re right, I was building a tonne of momentum at that time. I lost a year of my career, and it took me about another year before I felt like I was back to my best. But despite that surgery - my neck will always be a target. It’ll always be a weakness for me … I knew that coming back. But I haven’t - and I WONT allow it to prevent me from realizing my lifelong dream - and that journey - it culminates at WrestleMania.

Joey Styles:
Well, earlier this week, I spoke with Randy Orton out in St. Louis. And, while I know you stressed that you don’t want to dwell on your neck issues, I have to bring up what he said, and what he basically told you - Randy Orton said … at WrestleMania, he plans on ending your career. He aims to deliver that punt kick and finish your career.

Edge nods along.

Edge:
And I believe that’s what he wants to do. Honestly?? If he is to beat me at Wrestle Mania - that’s probably what he’ll need to do. And I’m not indestructible - if he does deliver that punt kick … yeah … that could well be the end for me. But Joey, that’s the risk I’m willing to take. You understand?? I willing to risk my career to complete my journey. I would trade in my career to finally hold the WWE Title.

Edge breathes heavily, whilst Styles looks over his notes.

Joey Styles:
Something else Orton brought up … and it was his assessment of you as a challenger.

Edge exhales. Styles pauses, before continuing…

Joey Styles:
Quite frankly, he didn’t give you much - if any - credit. He noted that compared to others he’s faced, you don’t have the championship credentials, despite a number of opportunities over the years to rectify that. In ten years … you haven’t been a World Champion. In reality, on paper … you’ve never delivered in the biggest matches.

Edge nods, then thinks, scratching his beard, before answering.

Edge:
How do I counter that?? I mean, he’s right, isn’t he?? Ten years, zero World Titles … (speaks through gritted teeth) and it eats me alive. To watch as others rise to the top?? Guys that haven’t been here half as long as I have, guys like Orton, John Cena - to see them win World Titles while I cant … it gets me mad. I’ve FOUGHT from day one … I’ve FOUGHT every step of the way just to make it to the WWE, and I’ve FOUGHT every day and night I’ve been here … yet-

Edge scoffs slightly, slapping his hands off his legs.

Edge:
Yet here I am … ten years on, STILL seeking, STILL searching for that first World Championship. I bust my ass trying to make it to the top. I BROKE … MY NECK … trying to become World Champion … and it kills me that I’ve never accomplished my ultimate goal.

Joey Styles:
Your passion is clear to see. Given what Orton has done recently; bringing up the speculation surrounding your neck, the mind games, some would say he’s already got a clear advantage going into WrestleMania, with your fragile mind set, your emotions clearly highly charged … those people believe you’re playing right into Ortons hands - it played right into Ortons hands just last week on Smackdown.

Edge:
I’m not a robot, Joey. I have emotions. I have a temper. I cant switch it on and off. Yeah, Orton is pushing my buttons. Maybe a little too easily. I just have to channel those emotions in the right way. And yeah, last week?? Last week I couldn’t keep my temper in check, and I’ll admit - I could’ve been taken out of WrestleMania.

Edge smirks.

Edge:
But that was his first mistake. Up until then … I’ll give Orton credit. For the past year, you cant knock him - he’s found a way each and every time to keep that title. He’s been flawless - he’s been ruthless. Challenger after challenger - he’s seen them all off, one way or another.

Edge pauses, nodding.

Edge:
And yeah, for the last month, he’s gotten the better of me. He’s gotten under my skin. He got my temper up … and last week, he had me down. I was at Randy Ortons mercy - as tough as it is to admit - he had the opportunity to take me out, and there was nothing I could do about it.

Edge sits forward.

Edge:
And he should’ve.

Styles looks taken aback, confused by the proclamation, and Edge spots it.

Edge:
Yeah - that’s right - Orton SHOULD’VE punted me into next month. He should’ve taken me out of the picture, he should’ve wrote me out of WrestleMania. That was his chance. And he didn’t take it. He should’ve taken me out when he had the chance … because he wont- he WONT get that chance again … not before March 30, and NOT at WrestleMania.

There’s a long pause. Styles thinks about his next question.

Joey Styles:
One final point - Orton made one other point … that with you, there’s always one obstacle too many. Be it the broken neck, other unfortunate injuries, a lack of luck in previous title matches, or your failure to cash in the Money in the Bank contract successfully last year … Orton said that there’s always going to be a roadblock that prevents you from being WWE Champion. And he claims that now, he is in your way, and that he’ll prevent you from being WWE Champion. What do you say to that??

Edge ponders. He looks down, pursing his lips, then looks up, nodding, before turning and looking at Styles…

Edge:
There’s been obstacles every step of the way for me. It’s what’s made me who I am today. Orton?? He’s never had to deal with the things I have - it’s all been handed to him from the beginning. The path was cleared for him from day one to rise to the top. He had a legacy with his last name. I didn’t. He was handpicked by Triple H and Ric Flair to be guided for greatness. I wasn’t. But he’s a deserving champion. He’s been champion for a year for a reason - and he IS a roadblock. But he’s a roadblock that I’m gonna spear through. I proved back in November that I can be the guy to end his reign. I proved I have what it takes to be WWE Champion, and I’ve gone through HELL to make it to the main event of WrestleMania. And I’ve not come this far to fail. I wont fail at WrestleMania. I cant afford to.

Intensity dripping out of him, Edge - with his wild eyes - stares at Styles … as the picture fades out…



Back to ringside…

Joey Styles:
Very intense, I can tell you, King. Edge is a man living - pardon the pun - on the edge.

Jerry Lawler:
Very revealing, if you ask me, Joey. Pretty honest too. But I cant help but think he’s still worried about that neck - he said it in not so many words - he knows the risks he’ll be taking at WrestleMania.

Joey Styles:
But he wont be phased, King. The impression I got was that Edge right now has tunnel vision - he’s fully focused on WrestleMania. There’s all kinds of threats and he knows it - he knows the risks. He’s willing to take all of them.

In the ring, Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane are in the ring…

Joey Styles:
And as you can see … it’s a bit of a Raw flavour to Smackdown tonight - we’ve already seen Kurt Angle and Goldust, and now, Cody Rhodes and Ken Doane are set for action-

**LIVE FOR THE MOMENT**

Joey Styles:
As is that man, Matt Hardy!! As a result of what went down on Raw, this tag team match has been signed tonight, after both Matt Hardy and Ken Doane got involved in a one on one match between Cody Rhodes and Bryan Danielson. And three of these four men will be looking to climb the ladder of success at WrestleMania in two weeks time for the Money in the Bank briefcase!!

Hardy makes his way to the ring, but waits at the bottom of the ramp for his partner, as Cody & Ken try to goad him into the ring, looking to get a jump on the veteran.

**FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES**

To a great reaction, the Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson enters the fray, saluting the fans.

Joey Styles:
He’s been in the WWE for five months, and is yet to taste a defeat by pinfall or submission - perhaps the fastest rising star in all of the WWE - Bryan Danielson is in action, he tags with Matt Hardy - and it’s next!!!



Commercial Break



Match 3:
Cody Rhodes & Ken Doane vs. Matt Hardy & Bryan Danielson
Joined in progress, it’s a hard fought contest, with Rhodes and Doane holding their own against the two bigger names. Cody encourages his partner to utilise the underhanded tactics, and Doane does just that in this match, taking plenty of short cuts in order to gain an advantage.

But, Hardy and Danielson wind up working together well too, and pull off a few nice double team moves, with Hardy allowing Danielson to bust out the old Poetry in Motion spot, with Danielson in Jeff’s spot, executing he move flawlessly. The faces look set to finish the match off after that, with Matt setting up the Twist of Fate - but Doane sacrifices himself to save Cody from eating the move - and continue the match.

Soon, the heels get on top, and work over Danielson, leaving Hardy to stew on the apron. Danielson fights back, and looks to make a tag out … but the heels block off the route to Matt - knocking Hardy off the apron. And, with a two on one advantage, it looks like the Cruiserweight Champion is done for - and he’s unable to fight off the CROSS RHODES!!! Cody covers … 1...2...HARDY BREAKS THE COUNT!!!!!

Hardy attacks Cody, knocking him down with a discus punch, then catches Doane coming off the top with a side effect!! Hardy is then ushered out of the ring, but that gives Danielson time to recover … and as both he and Cody crawl to their corners Danielson MAKES THE TAG!!! Matt bounds into the ring, just as Cody tags Doane, and he beats Ken to the punch, and looks for the TWIST OF FATE - but it’s stopped by Cody!!!!!

Cody then hammers Matt … but Danielson charges at Cody, tackling him out of the ring, leaving Doane to try and finish Matt off himself, and looks for a DDT, but Hardy spins out of it, kicking Doane in the gut - TWIST OF FATE CONNECTS!!!!! Bryan takes care of Cody on the outside, as Hardy hooks the leg … 1...2...3!!!!!
Winners: Matt Hardy & Bryan Danielson @ 09:23

Hardy & Danielson get the win, and continue to look impressive, heading to WrestleMania and the MITB ladder match. They shake hands in the ring, with Matt raising the arm of Danielson, trying to give the newcomer the rub, and both show plenty of mutual respect to each other, despite the fact they’ll be at loggerheads in just over two weeks at WrestleMania…



Backstage, Kristal Marshall is standing by with Garrison Cade - who has his bullrope around his shoulder.

Kristal Marshall:
Garrison, earlier tonight, you took it upon yourself to attack MVP, for seemingly no reason. What possessed you to go out there and do such a thing??

Cade nods, then spits his tobacco out - much to the disgust of Kristal.

Garrison Cade:
You’re damn right I took it upon myself, sweetheart. Few months back, that boy MVP was a good guy. We saw eye t’ eye, we had each others backs.

The Lone Star spits again, then shakes his head.

Garrison Cade:
Not no more. That boy in the ring?? That aint the man I called a friend. He took a month or two off, and all of a sudden he’s chasin these muppets cheers. He’s out there panderin, playin fun an’ games. He sold out. An’ I aint got any respect for that. Hell, that stuff makes me sick to ma damn stomach.

Cade pauses, and fixes his stetson.

Garrison Cade:
Besides … we got jus’ two weeks until that ladder match at Mania. An’ I’m puttin everyone in that match on notice. See what I just done to that MVP tonight - and expect it if you’re in my way boys. Fair warning.

Cade then tips his hat and strolls off, leaving Kristal.



Commercial Break



**VIDEO PACKAGE**


~ CLASSIC WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT ~
III


THE 93,000 CAME TO SEE HOGAN AND ANDRE - BUT IT WAS SAVAGE AND STEAMBOAT THAT STOLE THE SHOW. IN A MATCH WITH OVER TWENTY NEARFALLS, THE TWO MEN PUT ON AN ALL TIME CLASSIC FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP. AND, IT’S A MOMENT THAT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER - WITH STEAMBOAT ENDING THE YEAR-PLUS REIGN OF SAVAGE TO WIN THE TITLE.


WRESTLEMANIA XXIV | MARCH 30 2008 | PHOENIX AZ
~ THE DESERT CLASSIC ~
ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW
***




Match 4:
The Gods of War w/Steven Richards vs. The Jacksons
A squash match just to get the two behemoth Gods on tonight’s show. Pissed off after last weeks loss, the U.S Champion Batista takes his frustrations out on the two young bucks {:side:}, and Lashley enjoys getting his hands on a few bumpers too. Once the Gods have their way with the two skinny kids, a pair of spine busters, a Dominator and a Batista Bomb puts an emphatic end on the squash match for the 1...2...3!!!!!
Winners: The Gods of War @ 02:22

Batista and Lashley look dominant in victory, but The Animal still looks pissed, even after taking out his aggression tonight. They have their arms raised, and Joey Styles ponders what’s next for the Gods of War - with WrestleMania just two weeks away…



Backstage, Josh Mathews is standing by…

Josh Mathews:
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m joined by the General Manager of Smackdown; Finlay…

The camera pans to show the GM, who offers Josh a nod.

Josh Mathews:
Earlier this evening, Edge stated in his sit-down interview that he was to deliver a second report on the condition of his neck. We were also made aware that you had something to address on that matter also. Can you provide us with an update??

Finlay sighs.

Finlay:
This is a tough spot, Josh. Yes, Edge did provide me with a second opinion on the condition of his neck - and I’ve read the report thoroughly. And yes, while it states there’s wear and tear … the report suggests his neck is in perfectly fine working condition - as much as a professional wrestler with a surgically repaired neck can have, at least. But there’s still doubts. Big doubts. This second report doesn’t make the first one wrong, Josh. I’m still unconvinced.

Josh nods.

Finlay:
But I’ve spoken with Edge. And we’ve agreed to him signing a waiver - should anything happen to Edge at Wrestle Mania … there’s no comeback on the WWE. We wont take any responsibility for any injury suffered by Edge - though I hope it doesn’t come to that. So, for anyone that was worried the main event would be cancelled - fear not - Edge WILL challenge Orton for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

Pop from the fans.

Finlay:
And following Wrestle Mania - all being well - should Edge come through unscathed … win or lose … he’ll for a further evaluation on his neck, and we‘ll make a decision on his future from there.

Josh is about to speak, but Finlay puts a hand up to stop him.

Finlay:
There’s one other thing- next week. I’ve been instructed by the Board of Directors that due to the momentous occasion it’ll be for Randy Orton to complete a full calendar year as WWE Champion … they want the accomplishment to be celebrated here on Smackdown.

Heat from the fans. Finlay shrugs - and probably agrees with them, but cant say so.

Finlay:
So, next week, Smackdown will play host to the One Year Anniversary of Randy Orton’s WWE Championship victory … and the Board want this to go without a hitch … so, as a result of that, they’ve demanded that Edge be barred from attending next weeks Smackdown.

More boos. Finlay again has that look as if; “I‘m with you - but my hands are tied here” without saying it. The GM offers Josh another nod, essentially using that to sign off the interview…



***

VIDEO PACKAGE



~ THIS MONDAY NIGHT ON RAW ~



The Road to WrestleMania continues with another “WrestleMania Rewind” match as one year - to the day - of Randy Orton cashing in the Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE Championship from Rob Van Dam, the two men will clash once again - without the title on the line.



PLUS;



Ric Flair will be at Raw!!!



ALSO;



Jim Ross speaks with ‘Captain Charisma’ Christian - and we’ll hear from Christian for the first time since his brutal beating at the hands of John Cena.



AND;



Cena himself will be in action. Challenged by William Regal, John Cena competes for the first time since his shocking assault on Christian.



END PACKAGE

***




Back in the arena…

**VOICES**

Boos greet the sight of the WWE Champion, Randy Orton, who saunters onto the stage, with the familiar sight of him carrying the WWE Title over his shoulder.

Jerry Lawler:
Are we about to be joined here by the WWE Champion, Joey??

Joey Styles:
It would appear to be the case, Jerry.

Jerry Lawler:
Yes!! That’s great!! It’s about time we had a bit of class out here with The King!!

Joey Styles:
Class is certainly not the word I’d use to describe the WWE Champion, King.

Orton strolls to the ringside area, pulling up a chair, and joining Styles and Lawler.

Jerry Lawler:
Please, please, take a seat, Randy!!

Randy Orton:
Well, thank you for the warm welcome, King. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Joey Styles:
I do hope you’re out here just to watch this match - and not to be getting involved.

Jerry Lawler:
Don’t be talking to the WWE Champion like that, Styles!! You idiot!!

Randy Orton:
It’s okay, King. Joey, I’m only here to watch - but if I’m provoked, then I’m fully prepared to defend myself.

Joey Styles:
Personally speaking, I think you’re trying to provoke a situation here with Edge.

Jerry Lawler:
Would you shut up, Joey!! You’re going to upset the champ!! I’m sorry about him, Randy. And congratulations on making it to one year as WWE Champion by the way. I’m looking forward to the celebration next week.

Randy Orton:
So am I, King. And please, I hope you’ll join the party next week.

**NO MORE WORDS**

Waltzing onto the stage in his own special way, the painted up Jeff Hardy salutes the fans, and gets plenty of cheers, despite not being a big featured performer on Smackdown.

Joey Styles:
And we are gearing up for our main event on Smackdown right now. In an ode to WrestleMania 16 and 17 - two of the vital pieces of the memorable ladder and TLC matches are gonna go one on one.

Jerry Lawler:
Yeah, and I bet if Edge could go back in time, he’d never have competed in those matches. He may have victories, but those TLC matches no doubt played a huge part in his neck issues. Aint that right, Randy??

Randy Orton:
It’s certainly possible, King. But of course, if you were to listen to Edge, he’d have you believe his neck is perfectly fine.

Joey Styles:
Well it’s one professionals view as opposed to anothers.

Randy Orton:
I’d like to see the credentials of the quack that cleared him. That’s all I’ll say. And I hope that doctor can look himself in the mirror when I put Edge in a wheelchair at WrestleMania…

Joey Styles:
That remains to be seen. We’re going to see Edge in action in just a moment, against Jeff Hardy - and what a match that should be. It’s Edge and Hardy - one on one - NEXT!!!



Commercial Break



**METALINGUS**

Right out of the commercial, Edge’s music hits, and the Rated ‘R’ Superstar blasts out from behind the curtain, running to both sides of the stage to get the fans pumped up.

Joey Styles:
He won the 2008 Royal Rumble and he’s now just two weeks away from his date with destiny; challenging the WWE Champion, Randy Orton in one of the most intriguing main events in WrestleMania history!!

Jerry Lawler:
Intriguing?? Yeah, in the sense that I wonder how long Edge’s stack of dimes he calls a neck is gonna hold up!!

Randy Orton:
I’d wager not very long, King.

Joey Styles:
Look, I sat down with Edge earlier today, we heard what he had to say, and I looked in the mans eyes - he’s not going to fold. He’s not even contemplating failure. He views it as a must win scenario-

Randy Orton:
But it’s out of his hands, Joey Styles. He isn’t contemplating failure, but he’s a specialist on the subject. He doesn’t have to contemplate failure - he’ll just have to live with it once it happens.

Joey Styles:
Like I say - it remains to be seen. It’s what makes it an intriguing match up, Randy.

Edge reaches the ring, and makes a beeline to the far side, pointing out and giving Orton plenty of abuse, with Orton relaxed, not rising to the words of Edge - which only serve to anger Edge even more.

Main Event | WRESTLEMANIA REWIND:
Jeff Hardy vs. Edge
Despite the mutual respect between Hardy and Edge, Edge explodes out of the gates, tackling Hardy down and raining down blows on Jeff - surely just picturing Orton as he attacks Hardy. The early going is all Edge, and as Styles makes the point that he is probably envisioning Orton, the champion makes sure to reply by saying it ISNT him, and Edge couldn’t manhandle him like that.

Edge is forced off, to create a break, then launches at Hardy again, but runs into an arm drag. Edge bounces up, right into another arm drag, but this time, blocks it, and snaps off a hip toss. He looks for another, but Jeff rolls through it, and catches Edge with an arm drag again!! Edge is up, but ducks Jeffs attempt to hit another arm drag, and hip tosses him once more.


Meeting Jeff this time, Edge looks for one more - but Hardy lands on his feet, and races off the ropes - RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE!!! Edge regains control of the match off the clothesline, then drags Jeff up, shooting him off the ropes, ducking down for the return - but Jeff holds onto the ropes. Edge looks up, seeing Jeff, and races toward him, but the ropes are low bridged, sending Edge over onto the apron.


There, Jeff hangs Edge up on the ropes, sending the Rated R Superstar to the floor, and watches as Edge gets back up - AND EXPLODES WITH A SOMERSAULT PLANCHA TO THE OUTSIDE!!!!! The Charismatic Enigma gets the fans going with the high risk offence, and he drags Edge back up, rolling him into the ring, before leaping back in over the ropes with a leg drop!! He covers, 1...2...NO!!!


Hardy looks to send Edge into the corner, and follows in - but eats boot from Edge, with Edge recovering, sending Jeff across the ring … but Hardy instead runs up the ropes - RETURNING WITH THE WHISPER IN THE WIND!!! 1...2...EDGE KICKS OUT!!! Jeff stays on top, beating on Edge, before executing a double leg, before delivering his double leg drop to the midsection!! Cover; 1...2...NO!!!


Jeff stays on Edge, pounding him into the corner, weakening the Royal Rumble winner as best he can, then looks to send him across the ring, but Edge reverses the whip. And follows right in WITH A CORNER SPEAR!!!!! Edge quickly hoists his opponent to the top rope, looking for a SUPERPLEX - NO!!!


Hardy blocks it, and softens Edge up, before delivering his front suplex - sending Edge onto the canvas face first!!!! Jeff stands himself back up, and looks for A SWANTON BOMB … BUT EDGE ROLLS AWAY!!! Hardy adjusts, and rolls through himself, getting to his feet, but as he turns back around off the ropes - HE RUNS RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM EDGE!!!!! 1...2...HARDY KICKS OUT!!!


Edge drags Jeff back up, but Hardy surprises him by blasting him with right hands, engaging in a fist fight with Edge - that Edge gets the better of, before planting his opponent with a half nelson bulldog!!! Another cover, 1...2...NO!!! On commentary, Orton is asked by Styles if Edge looks like a man with a weak neck - and Orton simply replies; “He isn’t in there with me. If he was, he‘d soon have a weak neck.”


The Rated ‘R’ Superstar now positions himself for the Spear, waiting for Jeff to regain his footing … and charges toward him … but Jeff leapfrogs to safety … AND EDGE RUNS RIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!!! Hardy seizes his opportunity, and goes for a school boy roll up - 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Edge kicks out, but walks right into a kick to the midsection, and gets sent into the corner - HARD - and bounces out, instantly dropping to his knees.


Grimacing and holding the neck, Edge looks to be in pain, with Jeff somewhat hesitant to follow up. Hardy converses with the referee, who checks in on Edge, but Edge pushes him out of the way, bellowing Jeff to “COME ON!!!” Hardy still looks hesitant though, and approaches Edge mildly, checking to see if he’s okay, whilst Orton says Edge wont get a time out like this at WrestleMania.


Jeff tries to talk to Edge - and the Rated R Superstar explodes, gripping Hardy by the face and throat, pushing him into the corner, shoving him in the chest and DEMANDING; “YOU DON’T LET UP!! UNDERSTAND!!??” … he shoves Jeff again, and backs out of the corner, with Hardy acknowledging the request, nodding, as the match resets with a tense staredown, just as Joey Styles throws to a commercial break…


Commercial Break


Back from the break, it’s Jeff on top with a Bow and Arrow lock applied, as clips air from during the commercial of Edge hitting a missile dropkick, before Jeff spun out of an Edgecution attempt and delivered a devastating neck breaker - putting him in charge now. Jeff loses his grip of the Bow and Arrow lock though, and it allows Edge to escape.


Both men get to their feet with Jeff beating Edge to the punch, before rushing off the ropes … only to run right into a clothesline from Edge!!! Edge follows up with THREE MORE clotheslines to Hardy, knocking him silly, making Hardy easy pickings for the EDGE-O-MATIC!!! He hooks the leg, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!!!


Edge shakes his head, and looks to climb up top, positioning himself for Jeff getting up, and flies off for a cross body … BUT IS MET WITH A DROPKICK FROM HARDY!!!!! Edge rolls to the corner to recover, but Jeff is on him, and hit’s the HARDIAC ARREST!!! Jeff drags Edge out of the corner, getting the cover; 1...2...KICK OUT AGAIN!!!


Jeff drags Edge back to his feet, kicking him in the gut, setting up for the TWIST OF FATE - NO - EDGE COUNTERS - EDGE-O-MATIC AGAIN - NO!!! Jeff drops down to avoid it, but Edge drops down too, catching Jeff in a pinning combination - 1...2...JEFF KICKS OUT!!!!! The push off from Hardy sends Edge toward the ropes, and tumbles through them, hitting the floor!!!


Edge climbs back up on the apron, but is nailed with a baseball slide from Hardy, and Jeff follows up with a PLANCHA TO EDGE!!!!! That’s not all though; Jeff gets to his feet, watching Edge, and looks to deliver his trademark rail running sequence along the barrier, leaping off at Edge - WHO CUTS HIM IN HALF WITH A SPEAR!!!!!!!


The fans pop massive for the huge Spear, but it takes Edge a long time to get back to his feet, which wastes some time - and gives Hardy time to recover. Edge rolls Hardy into the ring, and climbs in himself, finally getting the cover … 1...2...HARDY HAS A FOOT ON THE ROPE!!! Edge looks crestfallen at the news from the referee, before favouring his neck again - and Orton picks up on it, saying Edge is running out of ideas - and running out of time.


Edge drags Jeff back to his feet after a long period trying to crack his neck … and it allows Jeff to respond with a surprise jawbreaker!!! Edge stumbles into the ropes, and staggers out - into a kick - AND A DDT FROM HARDY!!! Cover, 1...2...NO!!!!! Edge survives, but Jeff follows up with a front slam, and he climbs to the top again - presumably for the Swanton Bomb … but Edge is up, and stops Jeff up top with a shot to the gut.


Edge climbs up, hammering Jeff, but Hardy responds with head butts to slow Edge down … then DELIVERS A SUNSET POWERBOMB OFF THE TOP TO EDGE!!!!! Lawler exclaims; “THAT‘S IT - HIS NECK IS BROKEN!!!” like it’s a matter of fact, and the fans explode too … with Jeff getting the cover … 1...2...EDGE GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!!!


Jeff is stunned. All three on commentary are stunned too, with Orton literally speechless at the kick out. Edge isn’t out of the woods yet though - as Jeff climbs up top again … and for the third time looks for the SWANTON BOMB … BUT IT’S NOT THIRD TIME LUCKY - NO ONE IS HOME!!!!!


Both men struggle to their feet, but Edge ducks under a clothesline, and gets Jeff up … NAILING AN ELECTRIC CHAIR FACE BUSTER!!!!! He turns Jeff over, covering - 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Again, they are slow to their feet, but it’s Edge that strikes first, dropping Jeff with a Russian Leg Sweep - 1...2...NO!!! Jeff kicks out again … but it softens him up for Edge to set up the SPEAR …


And he rushes in … KICKED AWAY!!!!! Jeff meets Edge with a kick, and Edge turns away, then back around … is kicked in the gut … TWIST OF FATE - NO - EDGE SPINS HIM AROUND … EDGECUTION!!!!! Edge has him beat, but struggles to get a cover - selling his neck again, and eventually, Jeff is stirring … with both men climbing to their feet at the same time … pushing off the ropes … AND EDGE EXPLODES WITH A SPEAR!!!!! Cover; 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: Edge @ 16:00

Joey Styles:
Edge prevails!!! Edge wins tonight on Smackdown - but what a stern challenge he faced from Jeff Hardy tonight!!

Jerry Lawler:
Jeff Hardy’s good - no doubt - but he’s not Randy Orton.

Randy Orton:
My thoughts exactly, King.

Edge has his arm raised whilst holding his neck with his other hand, and instantly turns his focus to Orton outside the ring.

Joey Styles:
He may not be Randy Orton - but it will be on March 30. Edge WILL face you at WrestleMania, Randy. And if you ask me, your title is in serious jeopardy.

Randy Orton:
I’ve heard you spout that for every title defence I’ve had over the last year, Joey. Yet here I am. And Edge is no different to the others.

Orton now locks eyes with Edge from the ring, and he stands up - still wearing his headset, meaning we all get to hear what he says…

Randy Orton:
Keeping your cool tonight, Edge?? You don’t want to get a piece of me?? How’s your neck?? Huh?? Feel okay??

Edge remains in the ring, and points up at the WrestleMania banner, then motions around his waist - and it draws a laugh from Orton. The WWE Champion takes his headset off, picking up the WWE Title belt, and walks away from ringside, with Edge calling him back - telling Orton to grow a set.

Orton doesn’t rise to the challenge, and instead backs up the ramp, but then signals toward the back, shouting “ROLL IT” … before smirking, looking down the ramp at Edge in the ring, and mouths to the Rumble winner; “A GIFT - FROM ME TO YOU, EDGE…”



***
VIDEO PACKAGE


The opening chords of “Something in the Way” by Nirvana plays, as Edge is shown, all the way back in 1998, making his WWE debut, coming through the crowd…


Jim Ross:​
We are about to see the debut of Edge … all we know about this young man is that he is some kind of tortured soul…


A mash of clips from Edge’s early days with the ‘Inner Rage’ gimmick, and The Brood with Christian and Gangrel.


‘Underneath the bridge
The tarp has sprung a leak’


Edge and Christian then ‘evolve’ and move past the Brood, and onto the death defying ladder matches, and the victories in the TLC matches…


Jim Ross:
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE YOUNG STUDS!!!


‘And the animals I've trapped
Have all become my pets’



Edge defeats Kurt Angle to win the 2001 King of the Ring trophy, and at Summerslam wins the Intercontinental Title from Lance Storm, then wins the United States title from Kurt Angle soon after.


Jim Ross:
EDGE GOT THE SPEAR … AND IT’S OVER!!!


‘And I'm living off of grass
And the drippings from the ceiling’


Clips of Edge on Smackdown after the brand split, high fiving fans, delivering Spears to the likes of Angle, Jericho and Los Guerreros.


Michael Cole: He’s the future of Smackdown!!!


‘But it's okay to eat fish
'Cause they don't have any feelings’

Then cut to Edge doing a stretcher job at No Way Out 2003, leading to him being written off TV…


Michael Cole:
Edge had to undergo surgery … and will miss up to a year of action…


A collage of clips then air … of Edge in surgery, then during his time off, in a neck brace, unable to compete…


‘Something in the way
Ummmmm
Something in the way, yeah
Ummmmm
Something in the way
Ummmmm
Something in the way, yeah
Ummmmm’


Then, in 2004, Edge returns, recapturing the tag team titles with Christian, and once again wins the Intercontinental Title.


Jim Ross:
Edge has taken his game to new heights!!


Then, cut to a frustrated looking Edge in 2005...


Edge:
It’s about damn time I won the World Title!!!


Followed by a series of more frustrated looks from Edge, with commentary sprinkled in…


Jim Ross:
Edge will miss around three months of action due to a groin injury…


The Coach:
Edge got screwed…


Jim Ross:
Ya cant buy groceries on potential…


Tazz:
A hell of an effort from Edge, but it just wasn’t meant to be on this night!!


Randy Orton:
It’s excuse … after excuse … after excuse. With Edge … there’s always something in the way.


‘Something in the way’


Edge challenges Cena at Saturday Nights Main Event in 2006 inside a steel cage … losing when Cena reaches the floor


‘Ummmmm’


He then takes the Money in the Bank briefcase from Rey Mysterio, and holds it - looking for the right opportunity throughout the course of 2006...


‘Something in the way, yeah’

But screws up an attempt as cashing in at Cyber Sunday…


‘Ummmmm’

Then, looks to capitalise on RVD after a gruelling Elimination Chamber … but cant get the door open, leaving Van Dam with time to prepare … and Edge calls it off.


Edge:
I have waited long enough for my moment. I have waited long enough for my glory. Years of missed opportunities, years of continued setbacks, years of wasted chances. All of that culminates on Sunday. All of that frustration, and all of that irritation ENDS with ME … having MY moment, having MY night of glory … and FINALLY trading this briefcase … for MY championship.


‘Something in the way’

Edge finally cashes in at Wrestle Mania … but isn’t even involved in the decision, and loses in a triple threat match … taking his frustrations out on Van Dam with a Spear after the match…


‘Ummmmm’

Just to watch RANDY ORTON … the winner of the nights Money in the Bank ladder match … do what he failed to over the entire year, and wins the WWE Title from Van Dam.


Edge:
Watching Orton walk out with the championship, the title THAT WAS MEANT FOR ME … IS TEARING ME UP INSIDE … IT’S RIPPING ME APART … Knowing … knowing, that these hands should be clutching that gold … knowing, that it was my Spear to Van Dam that gave Orton the green light … it’s … it’s … killing me. I cant- I cant, cant sleep, I cant eat, I cant function … and until I have my crowning achievement … I … WONT.


‘Something in the way, yeah’


Edge then has a shot at Orton in the weeks that follow, but his one on one match is ruined by interference. And he is eliminated from a Fatal Four Way for the title by Orton after an RKO onto a steel chair.


‘Ummmmm’


With a title shot at stake in September, Edge falls short against The Undertaker, and looks on the verge of a mental breakdown…


‘Something in the way’

Then, Edge eventually gains a rematch with Orton - finally getting a one on one shot … and with the victory in his grasp … sees it ruined by the returning Lashley, who dismantles Edge.


‘Ummmmm’

Edge overcomes the odds, with wins over Batista and Lashley to get into the Royal Rumble … and goes on to outlast the other twenty nine entrants to win the match, and set up his title shot with Orton at WrestleMania.


‘Something in the way, yeah’

But is beaten by Orton in a six man tag match at SuperBrawl.


‘Ummmmm’

Cut to Orton at Saturday Nights Main Event, and a furious Edge…


Randy Orton:
Edge’s neck is a mess!!!


‘Something in the way’


Then clips of Orton beating Edge down last week…


‘Ummmmm’

Setting up the Punt Kick … but stops.


‘Something in the way, yeah’

Randy Orton: For Edge, there’s always something in the way. And now, I’m that something. I am in Edge’s way of becoming WWE Champion. And I’m an obstacle that wont be conquered.


‘Ummmmm’


And end on the shot of Edge, laid out last week on Smackdown, with Orton standing over him…


END PACKAGE

***




Back in the arena … Randy Orton has departed. In the ring though, Edge is ripping. He stands by the ropes, clutching them tightly, ready to explode …



Commercial Break



**VIDEO PACKAGE**​


~ WWE HALL OF FAME ~
… CLASS OF 2008 INDUCTEE …

MAURICE ‘MAD DOG’ VACHON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ0tYZWb-o0

THE WWE HALL OF FAME | MARCH 29 2008 | PHOENIX AZ
~ THE NIGHT BEFORE WRESTLEMANIA ~
***








Back in the arena, Styles and Lawler briefly comment on the video that Orton aired prior to the commercial, noting that Edge looked ready to go berserk as he left the ring… but, they are forced to move on as BROCK LESNAR and PAUL HEYMAN are already in the ring…

Joey Styles:
We’ve been waiting all night to hear from these two. In sixteen days, Brock Lesnar meets Shawn Michaels - but before that - a week from tonight, it’s a different proposition altogether, Brock Lesnar faces Kurt Angle in a WrestleMania 19 rematch!!!

Jerry Lawler:
I’m a fan of Brock Lesnar - but do we really need to listen to that walrus, Joey??

Joey Styles:
I’m afraid it’s part of the deal, King…

In the ring, Heyman speaks up…

Paul Heyman:
Ladies and Gentlemen-

Heat from the fans. Heyman looks unimpressed.

Paul Heyman:
I speak to you tonight on behalf of my client, the Iron Man - Brrrrock … Lllllesssnarrr!!!

Slight pop from the fans, but it’s overriding boos for Lesnar.

Paul Heyman:
And I speak to you tonight, because Brock Lesnar and I want to end this ridiculous chicanery being fed to you by the people in charge of this company, and the rhetoric being demanded of the voices of both Friday Night Smackdown and Monday Night Raw. For weeks, FOR WEEKS, they have drooled over the prospect of Brock Lesnar and Shawn Michaels meeting one on one for the first time ever.


Some light cheers. Heyman waves them off.


Paul Heyman: And they are falsely promoting this match at WrestleMania. Frankly, my client and I are embarrassed by the promotion of this match as a “MATCH - FOR THE AGES”- a term I first expressed in JEST a number of weeks ago when I told Mister Michaels that a match with Brock Lesnar was something he should want no part of.

Heat.

Paul Heyman: I mocked the notion of Shawn Michaels at this stage of his career posing a viable threat to this man, but I said that the machine could take the name value of both men and create anticipation for what was essentially a mis-match. Well, well, well … I didn’t expect them to ACTUALLY tag this match as a “Match for the Ages” … because it isn’t, is it?? Not really. Until this point, Brock Lesnar was willing to go through with the match despite a lack of competition due to the incessant badgering of Mister Michaels. But this … this Match for the Ages, nonsense??

Heyman shakes his head, and Lesnar looks pissed off.

Paul Heyman:
And that’s why tonight, Brock Lesnar has requested that I propose we put an end to this charade and CANCEL this match at WrestleMania, due to FALSE ADVERTISING!!!

HEAT~!!

Paul Heyman: Brock Lesnar isn’t a circus freak, this isn’t a carnival. HE’S A LEGIT ATHLETE!!! And he refuses - POINT BLANK REFUSES to be involved in such a lop-sided contest with a man that can no longer compete at an elite level. Brock Lesnar values his reputation far too much to get dragged into such a freak show - he takes this job too seriously to degrade himself into this nonsense. This isn’t a match for the ages … but it IS NO … COUNTRY … FOR … OLD … MEN!!!

Boos.

Paul Heyman: And in this world, Shawn Michaels is most definitely an old man. Brock Lesnar is fed up dealing with this weak opposition, Brock Lesnar is tired of seeing the promotion of this match, and Brock Lesnar is PISSED OFF that Shawn Michaels is being billed as even remotely ON - HIS - LEVEL!!!


More boos. Heyman pauses, speaking shortly with Lesnar for a moment.


Paul Heyman: And the reason we are here tonight to air these grievances, is because Brock Lesnar and I have a new proposal. If the WWE brass, if the marketing department is hell bent on creating a “Match for the Ages” at Wrestle Mania … then CANCEL next weeks main event on Smackdown, remove Kurt Angle from his scheduled match at WrestleMania and let the two real athletes go toe to toe in a genuine contest at WrestleMania.

Heyman looks to gage a reaction, and in fairness, there’s some cheers for the suggestion - but nothing earth shattering.

Paul Heyman:
Otherwise, you leave my client and I little option, but to stand here tonight, and then across the country for the next two weeks imploring the world to BOYCOTT WrestleMania. To SHUN the Showcase of the Immortals and to REJECT the notion of Brock Lesnar versus Shawn Michaels as anything other than a public execution.


Boos.


Paul Heyman: Because that’s what it’ll be, ladies and gentlemen. The WWE may have you fooled, with all this fancy “Mister WrestleMania” nonsense surrounding Shawn Michaels … but the Shawn Michaels you see today is a SHELL of that magnificent athlete. And it’s unfair to send that Shawn Michaels into battle with a BEAST like Brock Lesnar and expect Lesnar to go easy. He WONT go easy, he WONT show mercy … he WILL crush Shawn Michaels and he WILL cripple this pathetic old man into RE-TIRE-MENT!!!

More boos. Heyman pauses for a moment, cooling off for a moment.



Paul Heyman: If you’ve ordered WrestleMania on Pay Per View for Brock Lesnar versus Shawn Michaels … if you’ve purchased a ticket to attend WrestleMania for the attraction of Brock Lesnar versus Shawn Michaels … then it is my duty to implore you … if you have ordered that event, or purchased those tickets expecting a “Match for the Ages” between my client and Mr. Michaels … if you expect a contest of any kind … if you expect a classic back and forth struggle … I tell you now … ask … for a … refund.


Heat. Heyman shrugs, speaking off mic with Lesnar again, and Brock offers his agent a nod.


Paul Heyman: All you will see is the sad end to a glorious career. All you will see is the final act of a past his peak star. All you will see is the end of Shawn Michaels. And in turn, the mantle of Mister WrestleMania will pass on to the man who in all honesty should already have the name in my opinion … the man who’s WrestleMania accomplishments in five short meteoric years DWARFS that of Michaels in his entire career … BRRRROCK … LESSSSSSSNARRRRR!!!!


More boos. Lesnar steps forward, and poses for a moment, screaming out as he does.


Paul Heyman: So there you have the truth, the-

**SEXY BOY**

Jerry Lawler:
WHAT???

Joey Styles:
That’s Shawn Michaels music!!! Is it- is he here???

Indeed, SHAWN MICHAELS stuns the entire arena - and the two men in the ring with his appearance - walking out onto the stage to an ALMIGHTY roar from the shocked fans.

Joey Styles:
Shawn Michaels is here on Smackdown!!! And I wonder what the Heart Break Kid made of everything Paul Heyman just said!!!??

Jerry Lawler:
I have all the respect in the world for Shawn Michaels - but he’s gonna get hurt out here!!!

In the ring, Heyman talks to Lesnar, who - to his credit - seems composed at the sight of his WrestleMania adversary. Heyman is the one going spare, and he steps ahead of Lesnar, pointing at Michaels on the outside-

Paul Heyman:
DON’T TAKE ANOTHER STEP!!! SHAWN MICHAELS - DON’T YOU DARE COME INTO THIS RING!! IF YOU DO - I CANT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT BROCK LESNAR WILL DO!!!

But Lesnar pulls Heyman back, and takes the mic from him - telling Heyman he’s got it.

Brock Lesnar:
You got something to say?? Have you got something to say to ME?? COME RIGHT AHEAD!!!! MAKE MY DAY!!!!

Lesnar kicks at the ropes, and challenges HBK to get in the ring, with Michaels looking just as fired up, nodding at the challenge of Brock, and walks up the steps, with Heyman talking to Lesnar, telling him to relax, as he takes the mic back.

Paul Heyman:
Shawn, you’re putting your health at risk by stepping in here. You try ANYTHING and I cant be held responsible for what Brock Lesnar will do. Understand?? No more WrestleMania. All Brock needs is an excuse to take you out!!!


Shawn doesn’t take heed of the warning, and steps into the ring, motioning to Heyman for the mic. Nervously … Heyman steps forward, trying to stay between HBK and Brock, and passes the mic to Michaels.

Without speaking into the mic, Michaels peers past Heyman, locking eyes with Brock and says to him; “YOU NEED TO HIDE BEHIND HIM??”

That goads Brock, who pushes Heyman aside and steps forward, right into HBK, standing over Michaels, trying to intimidate him, and laughs down at the smaller man, mouthing; “WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO, SHAWN?? WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO!!”

HBK puts a hand up, taking a step back, wagging the mic to indicate he just has something to say…

Michaels waits, as the fans die down, and brings the mic to his mouth … and thinks … but no words come out …

AND HE CHUCKS THE MIC AT LESNAR - THEN ATTACKS THE IRON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!

Heyman screams at the surprise of the attack, with Michaels launching himself at Lesnar, peppering him with rights and lefts, forcing Lesnar to cover up momentarily … UNTIL HE EXPLODES AND CHARGES MICHAELS ACROSS THE RING - CRUSHING HIM IN THE CORNER!!!!!

Lesnar drives his shoulder in the gut of Michaels, then pulls him from the corner - CRUSHING him with a stiff clothesline!!! Michaels staggers up … but is easy pickings for Lesnar, who fires off an F5!!!!!

The Iron Man bounces up, and having barely broken a sweat, he has crushed Shawn Michaels in mere seconds. Lesnar looks over at Heyman, and rolls his eyes at the weak effort of Michaels, with Paul motioning for them to leave. Brock thinks about punishing Michaels some more, but just smirks at the sprawled out HBK before deciding to leave the ring.

Lesnar departs, but Heyman picks up the mic, standing over HBK;

Paul Heyman:
As if our argument needed proof. EXHIBIT A; A PATHETIC, TIRED OLD RELIC!!!!

Aggressively, Heyman slams the mic down, and follows Brock out of the ring, with the two men marching up the ramp, with Heyman talking all the way.

Jerry Lawler:
Well, I hate to say it … but that was pretty emphatic.

Joey Styles:
And maybe, maybe Heyman and Lesnar have a point. Michaels facing Lesnar at this point doesn’t even look like a contest right now. WWE management may have to have a rethink… oh- hey, look at this, King…

In the ring, Michaels is trying to push himself up … and on the stage, Lesnar and Heyman both spot it on the titan tron. Lesnar looks irate, and turns to go back to the ring; furious at the tenacity of Michaels to get back up. Heyman desperately tries to pull his client back - but to no avail. Lesnar pulls away and marches back into the ring.

Joey Styles:
Oh, this isn’t good. Why didn’t Shawn just stay down??

Lesnar climbs back into the ring, dragging Michaels up - AND SHAWN LIGHTS UP ON LESNAR!!!!!

Michaels goes on the attack, backing Lesnar up, into the ropes - until Brock drives a knee to the gut of HBK, then explodes with a Belly to Belly suplex. Lesnar scoops HBK up, sending him across the ring at speed to the corner - with HBK tumbling upside down into the corner!!!!!

Michaels crashes back onto the mat, but Lesnar isn’t finished. Brock drags him back up, easily scooping him onto his shoulders … and fires off another F5. The Iron Man again bounces to his feet, bellowing down at Michaels; “STAY DOWN!!!!”

Brock then motions to Heyman at ringside that they’re leaving, and he departs the ring again, making their way up the ramp once again, with Heyman crowing at the ease of which he put HBK down tonight…

Joey Styles:
Is Shawn- is Shawn Michaels moving again?? Oh god - please just stay down Shawn!!!

Indeed, in the ring, Michaels crawls along the ring, getting his hands on the microphone, just as Lesnar and Heyman get to the curtain…

Shawn Michaels:
(Breathlessly) H- Hey, Br- Brock??

The fans pop, but Lesnar is going bright red in rage. He and a stunned Heyman turn back around, shocked at what they’re seeing … with Styles exclaiming on commentary; “JUST STOP, SHAWN!!!”

Shawn Michaels:
We’re … we’re not done yet, kid.

“Ohhh” is the collective reaction in the Amway Arena, with the fans starting a “H-B-K” chant. Lesnar swears on the stage, and mouths to Heyman; “I‘M PUTTIN HIM IN THE FUCKIN GROUND!!!” before marching down the ramp with a purpose, mouthing obscenities in Michaels direction the whole time.

In the ring, Michaels is dragging himself to his feet in the ring, whilst Lesnar walks around ringside, shoving the timekeeper and Tony Chimmel away, picking up a steel chair, and slams it off the ground, before shouting into the ring at HBK; “I‘M GONNA PUT YOU IN THE MORGUE!!!”

Furious at the defiance of Michaels, Lesnar walks up the steps, with Heyman covering his face in fear for what Brock is about to do, as Lesnar steps into the ring, whilst Michaels leans back in the ropes, already looking broken …

… BUT MICHAELS DELIVERS THE DX CROTCH CHOP IN BROCKS DIRECTION!!!!

AND LESNAR GOES FUCKING MAD!!!

The Iron Man bounds at Michaels with the chair - SWINGING - AND MISSING!!!

Michaels ducks under the chair shot … Lesnar spins back around …

SWEET CHIN MUSIC - INTO THE CHAIR - INTO LESNARS SKULL!!!!!!!!!!

Lesnar goes down … but he doesn’t STAY down. Groggily, the Iron Man stirs, climbing back to his feet, with HBK spotting the movement, and his eyes bug out - not expecting the quick recovery. Michaels shakes his head, watching Brock stand up … and Shawn picks up the chair - DRIVING IT INTO THE GUT … THEN ACROSS THE BACK!!!!!

Lesnar hit’s the mat again - but again doesn’t stay down, and he stirs immediately, pulling himself to his feet, with Heyman suddenly concerned … whilst HBK throws the chair away … AND BEGINS TO TUNE UP THE BAND!!!!!!! He stamps his foot, waiting for Lesnar to turn around in order to deliver the kick …

But before he can … LESNAR EXIT’S THE RING!!!!!

The fans boo, wanting to see another dose of Sweet Chin Music, but the Iron Man staggers away, led up the ramp by a ghost-like Paul Heyman - stunned by the comeback from HBK.

Joey Styles:
I don’t believe what I’ve just seen!!! Shawn Michaels just forced Brock Lesnar to take a walk!!! Shawn Michaels just got the better of Brock Lesnar!!

Jerry Lawler:
That's vintage Shawn Michaels, Joey!!! That was Mister WrestleMania!!! Shawn Michaels just stopped Brock Lesnars show!!!

In the ring, Michaels picks up the chair again, smashing it off the mat repeatedly, letting out his own built up frustrations, before throwing it out, and he moves around the ring, feeding off the chants from the fans - with a fire in his eyes not seen in months!!!

Joey Styles:
Maybe we were wrong!! Maybe we underestimated Shawn Michaels all along!! The fight is still in him!! The desire has never been in question - but maybe, maybe talk of his demise has been over exaggerated!!!

Jerry Lawler:
He just cleared the ring of the most dominant athlete in all the WWE, Joey!! HE’S BAA-AAACK!!!

Joey Styles:
On this evidence, it wont be the walk over Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar and others have predicted. On this evidence, Brock Lesnar has his work cut out on March 30. On this evidence, Brock Lesnar has a fight on his hands with Shawn Michaels. On this evidence - we’re in for a Match for the Ages at WrestleMania!!!!

At the top of the ramp, Heyman escorts Lesnar through the curtain, taking one last look back at HBK in the ring, showing concern for the very first time at the man his client meets at Wrestle Mania … as the show closes on the fired up HBK, directing the fans in their chant…

END OF SHOW
 

 


***

Official Card for WWE WrestleMania XXIV:
March 30 2008 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix AZ


WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, Randy Orton defends against;
The 2008 Royal Rumble Winner, Edge



World Heavyweight Championship Match:
~ COLLISION COURSE II - THE DUEL IN THE DESERT ~
World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena defends against;
The Number One Contender, Christian


Womens Championship Match:
Gail Kim vs. Mickie James


World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Elimination Match:
Straight Edge vs. The Angels of Anarchy vs. The Master Craftsmen


Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
WINNER HAS AUTOMATIC TITLE SHOT ANYTIME IN NEXT 12 MONTHS
Rey Mysterio vs. Cruiserweight Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Cody Rhodes vs. M.V.P vs. ‘The 2007 King of the Ring’ Brent Albright vs. Garrison Cade vs. vs. Matt Hardy vs. Paul London


~ NO DISQUALIFICATIONS ~
Triple H vs. Mister Kennedy



!! A MATCH FOR THE AGES !!
Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman vs. Shawn Michaels


The Best Today vs. The Best Ever:
Kurt Angle vs. Ric Flair


The Streak:
The Undertaker vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada
With Special Guest Referee; John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield


The Show Stealer:
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho


2008 Hall of Fame Inductees;
Ric Flair, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper, ‘Big Van’ Vader, ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude, Magnum T.A, Maurice ‘Mad Dog’ Vachon & Andy Kaufman
 
#3,546 ·
I can't believe you are still pumping shows out after all these years Wolfy, you are the GOAT

digging the Mania card you've come up with. lots of interesting looking matches, Taker/Mags being the main one for me as I know how big of a fan you are on Umaga in BTB. the RVD/Jericho promo was good, and it's rare to see such a friendly rivalry heading into the biggest PPV, but I'm sure they'll put on a classic, perhaps with ECW rules to be added to truly steal the show? Christian/Cena sounds awesome as their first match (years ago now wasn't it?) was tops

you're the man, inspiration to any of the new guys booking, surely they should be reading this, 11 years strong and still delivering with every show

congrats sir :clap
 
#3,561 ·
You're about to write your fourth Wrestlemania in this thread. Seriously Wolfy, you are incredible. I wish I read this entire thing and not only parts of it. I cannot praise you enough bro. Just shocked your arthritis allows you to keep typing :p <3
 
#3,580 ·
I can’t even write one PPV video package, and you back it up time and time again, especially for a big time show like WrestleMania. As usual, you’ve set the scene perfectly with this one. Minus the sucking ass for a minute (there will be enough of that throughout – well deserved too), the fact that you can insert so many memories that you’ve actually written in your video packages as well is unheard of. It really made me appreciate just what this thread is, a masterpiece. Anyway, onto the rest of the show...

Realistically, can’t ask for a better way to start the show than Jericho/RVD. I like the way the match began as it makes complete sense with the build up for the two to just go through some basic wrestling with no cheap shots. I quite enjoyed the Y...2...J thumb taunt spot, thought that was pretty cool. I also noticed the quieter crowd reaction for Jericho which makes sense, but it also interesting considering his character direction. Awesome exchange of pinfalls which felt like it went forever, but it is these two at their best. One slight issue was RVD ducking a Knife Edged Chop, that would have to be a fair duck considering Jericho would be aiming for the chest. A smart start and now business is picking up. The way you got both mad at each other was really well written. So many good reversals really, enjoyed the Monkey Flip almost becoming The Walls Of Jericho. I really enjoyed the way the match progressed, with nobody really being dominant, just fluent offense from both. A lot of high risk and some big time moves on the outside as well. Considering the interesting dynamic with Jericho’s character, I loved how he held the Walls of Jericho up until the count of four. And as the fun encounter continued, Jericho strikes again by kicking the referee into the ropes. And even the ending, with Jericho playing possum to get the win, it was so great to read. The way you’ve built Jericho over the coming months, this match was all about him. Van Dam was the perfect foil for a terrific opener, but Jericho was the man here. Fantastic match writing and storytelling AND character development.

Generic Matt Hardy MITB hype interview. No problems really. I find it funny how easily a Hardy falls into that working towards the big one type storyline. One thing I really liked is how he talked up the IC Title, good not to devalue his new championship. The Jeff appearance would have been a nice moment even If I hate his guts. Solid segment anyway.

I enjoyed the beginning of the match really focusing on what this match is based on, Mickie’s two different personalities. It was compelling as hell to read Mickie being confused by Gail attacking her, only to then attack Gail out of nowhere. The match went along well enough for a while, I do have one thing I wanted to mention. It’s not a huge issue but you basically used a very similar spot in the opener. Jericho pushed RVD off the top, sending him crashing into the barricade. Probably not a huge deal but seeing the same spot in the first two matches was a tad off putting for me. With that being said, what it lead to with Mickie switching personalities again was brilliant. Loved Mickie’s emotions changing with the reaction of the crowd and the spot with the Jack Knife reverses into the Crucifix was top notch. And nice psychology playing on Gail’s leg making her a tad slower than Mickie. Wow. Props at the graphic description of Mickie scratching herself at the end, I had to read that a couple of times. I’m a little shocked to see Kim get the win really, but it was a solidly written women’s match. Mickie’s character would make any match seem okay at the moment, well done.

I also should mention that it was a real nice touch to have security come down to escort Mickie to the back. Little things like this are why you are the king, playing off her unhinged personality perfectly.

Lol THE DRAFT! That won’t happen...

MITB time. Obviously going into this one you expect nothing but chaos with some spots thrown in, and you definitely delivered right from the opening bell. I never expect too much psychology in these matches so I appreciated the beginning where Albright went for Hardy, and everybody else went for Cade. It really plays off what took place over the past week of shows. The spot with everybody hitting high risk moves was pretty entertaining, London definitely stole that spot with the Shooting Star Press. :lmao at Albright just teasing the dive and then going for the briefcase, that was gold. Razor’s Edge into the ladder sounded pretty brutal. Cade’s bit of dominance was impressive, but London trying to beat him to the punch and get the briefcase was sick. As was Danielson doing the same thing. I commend you for making these briefcase chases unique rather than the same old same old. 619 into the ladder into Cade was another nice spot. You definitely stepped up a level with the eight men all on ladders at once, brilliant false finish to. I honestly though MVP had it for a second there. Half Nelson Suplex off the ladder... BOOM, big one. :lmao fuck I love Kendrick so much. Awesome cameo. Dumping the whole ladder with Danielson on there was another crazy spot. The use of the Crow Bar on the ladder was unique. Made me think of the epic Walls of Jericho to Benoit at the Rumble 2001. The finish was done well, with it really looking like Danielson and/or London were going to get the win. Albright shines through though, as he should have. Fun spot fest though to really break up so much of the serious action we have tonight.

Nice little segment to remind us about Lashley and Batista still wanting to make an impact. I can’t wait to see what that is.

Before we get started, a really small thing. Charles Robinson holding the ropes open for Flair just reminded me of the little nature boy days. A really great read in the beginning with Flair pulling out his vintage hand shake spot, before the WOOOO in the corner. The reaction from Flair when Angle had a crack back was even better. I really enjoyed the story telling, with seemingly the veteran having the upper hand, but then when Flair went for a breather and Angle called him out, the roles reversed a little. Now Flair seems to be the one who’s a little frazzled. I loved how intense Angle came out of nowhere with those vicious European Uppercuts. Great writing again. I have to commend you on all the action that took place on the outside as well. The whole time I was just never sure who was going to come out on top, good stuff. The match went along pretty well with both men utilising some of their signature spots, and I marked for the Angle Moonsault attempt. As you mentioned in your write up, it means it’s a big time occasion so it’s good that you used it. Loved Flair pulling out the bite to block a Belly to Belly, and the Figure Four period of the match, and the struggle of Angle was written perfectly. Once Angle got out of the Figure Four, Flair tried every trick he had left but in the end it wasn’t enough. Again, the action in this match told the story perfectly, the old timer pulled out all the tricks, including an Angle Slam, but Kurt is just a little too good. Well written as ever.

The aftermath with the two sharing that respect was the nice touch, showing that Angle is not a heel.

AWESOME segment between Cena and Piper. Cena’s response was perfect, LOVED IT!

Mr. Kennedy is the man in this thread right now... A chaotic start which suits the build up with how furious Triple H must be after everything KK has put him through. :lmao at the amount of time this match spent on the inside before it went straight back out. Again, no complaints as it suits the situation perfectly. Nice spot with the Hip Toss into the crowd barricade, you’re murdering your crowd barricades tonight haha. I swear they’ve been used in every match. HHH’s offense was brutal, especially the chair across the throat. The lack of celebrating and posturing from HHH has been done well so far. I found it ironic that KK’s best friend to gain the advantage was a microphone. Typical. Both men’s offense was brutal as KK with the chair shots, face washes and Kendo Sticks... and even steel chairs really showed his sadistic side. What I like about it most though, is HHH is doing this out of anger, KK is doing it just because he wants to. In my mind, I’m not sure if you were going for that at all here, but it’s just making KK seem like more of a bad ass. That Spinebuster on the stairs would have been a killer spot. Even though we haven’t seen it used yet, I enjoyed JR mentioning HHH’s history with the barbed wire 2X4, smart stuff. For the camera to break that shot must have been hard. The choking from both men was really graphic and written well, and KK’s trash talk well he was dominating was a highlight. 2X4! YES~! And I was waiting for blood in this wild affair. Blood soaking through KK’s hair ala Flair would be a wonderful site. The glass jar, the tv monitor and now a Pedigree through the announce table. This match is honestly INSANE. Wow, you painted an amazing picture. Regardless of the result, that moment where Hunter had the hammer and KK spat gum in his face, that’s legend making. I’ve enjoyed the lack of pin attempts until now as well. A good way to put over how chaotic this has been, as well as how personal with neither man really wanting the match to end. Stephanie McMahon making an appearance was expected from me, and the brutality of the finish with Triple H going to town was world class. Honestly, due to the build up, this was the match I was looking forward to most/or equal with Cena/Christian and you delivered. Match of the night so far, amazing to read.

Epic to see KK not wanting to get stretchered out, hopefully this has the impact Austin at Mania 13 had.

Punk shows a bit of his arrogance in what was a solid pre hype interview.

Tag Team titles on the line and The Angels of Anarchy definitely looked impressive earlier, almost eliminating Helms pretty early on. I enjoyed the blind tag from Dinsmore into the match and the annoyance from Daniels afterwards so he distracted Dinsmore. This is the beauty of the unpredictability of this type of match. I marked for the Hurricane pose as well. AND THE TURN! So early into the match shocked me a little, but it was done so well. I loved Punk’s words to that went along with it, written like a pro. Awesome stuff and now we are guaranteed new champions. I hate to sound like a downer but that the champions are out, the match really doesn’t have the same appeal to me. I have to admit I was shocked to see The Angels of Anarchy dominate Haas the way did, almost getting the win. Nice false finish though with Dinsmore just able to drag Williams out of the ring. For a long time The Angels of Anarchy have felt like tweeners really, so I enjoyed seeing them be able to use some heelish tactics to fight back against The Craftsmen double teaming. The finish really saw the pace pick up with Daniels being on fire but I’m glad The Master Craftsmen got up. A solid enough tag team match although I really wasn’t into it like the others, once Punk and Helms were gone.

Helms/Punk continuation not happening is a bit of a shame.

Geez, what a start. Absolutely nothing but domination from Lesnar early on. Not exactly surprised as it suits the build up, just still kind of shocking to read though. EPIC spot with Heyman copping Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere, sick. I could just imagine the response it would have got from the fans. Selling the veteran side of HBK, using Lesnar’s temper against him was done well to have that brief advantage, before big, bad Brock mows him down with a Clothesline. Lesnar is looking damn near invincible with the way he’s dominating Shawn in this one. I loved the “AND DON’T COME BACK” line when he dumped Shawn over the top rope as well. The story telling continues with Shawn having to rake the eyes to get any sort of reprieve, but then Lesnar still ended up landing a Belly to Belly. Nice show of power how he lifted Shawn from the ground to be able to do it to. I LOVED how every time Michaels would focus on the now injured leg, and really weaken Brock, he’d show off his freakish strength to push Shawn away. Brock’s just being put over as a bad ass here. HBK continuing to focus on the leg made sense, and Brock kicking out of The Sharpshooter was huge. I’m glad Shawn has managed to find a way to do some damage, although the F5 on the floor was just huge. Suplex City and the Bear Hug. Credit to you for mentioning what Brock did to Hogan with the Bear Hug back in 2002, very smart. I can’t explain how beastly Lesnar looks, as HBK has to bend the rules to attempt to get an advantage again, only for Brock to counter with a Spinebuster. I feel like this match is actually following a similar dynamic to Angle/Flair except more dominance from the younger, tougher man. Shawn failing to nip up again continued to tell the story well, and Lesnar looks great again until he almost eliminates himself by going through the crowd barricade. The sequence that I just read was phenomenal and probably the best bit of wrestling I’ve read so far. From the moment both men nipped up, to all the different counters which FINALLY ended with Brock landing an F5 but Shawn kicked out. Riveting stuff. Brock looks like a beast kicking out of the first Sweet Chin Music, but not the second... I’m honestly a little shocked with the result, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. New match of the night for sure.

Much like with the previous affair, I loved the beginning of ‘Taker/Umaga. Obviously The Deadman comes out firing, but ‘Mags is just too strong. The way the competitors went outside the ring really quickly flowed well, and Umaga being too strong and whipping ‘Taker into the steel stairs paints the picture of what this whole feud has been built on. Umaga being too good for The Undertaker. :lmao at JBL making up the rules as he goes, it reminds me of the Vince McMahon/Stone Cold days. Good stuff, as you’re really stacking the deck against ‘Taker here. A nice spot with Vladimir getting taken out with the ring steps. Smart psychology really as just as it looks like ‘Taker is building momentum, Estrada does the low bridge and we are back to square one. :lmao at JBL with the choke hold followed by the slow count and then pretending to be distracted, he’s such a dick. The awesomeness of Umaga was written well with how quickly he recovered from Snake Eyes too. Awesome counter from Old School into the Samoan Drop. Lol at the quick counts from JBL as well. The match continued to flow along well, telling the same story but I must admit I marked out like a little girl when Undertaker Chokeslammed JBL. Things are really picking up now with Umaga landing the Samoan Spike, and ‘Taker landing the Last Ride. With a standard referee in the ring now, and AAE doing all he can for his client, things are getting really interesting. A nice spot with you really showing the first weakness in Umaga’s game. Once AAE was down, he was like a lost animal, not really knowing what to do. Hells Gate and JBL taking out the referee was a fun twist as well. Epic Suicide Dive spot from ‘Taker as well, only for Umaga to reclaim the advantage. Great stuff here now that business has picked up and it’s just an all out brawl. Umaga hitting the Tombstone on the chair was HUGE, but ‘Taker still shows resilience to kick out. That ending though, just so fun to read. The Gods Of War coming out only for Kane to make the save. Honestly, perfect way to finish the match, no complaints at all. Not quite at Lesnar/HBK level but a great match nonetheless. The Chokeslam after the match on JBL was probably the perfect send off for this angle as well.

Awesome interview from The Master Craftsmen. Everything Albright said made perfect sense, and it was good Haas and Dinsmore got their time to shine as well. I’m kind of shattered I’ll never get to read Albright as a champion in this thread.

Ted DiBiase Jr. With the backing of his father? Standard.

Cena/Christian time. Oh boy, this is the one I’ve been waiting for. And wow, what a start. The opening was written well with both men trading hands, but once it broke down there was just pure domination from Christian early. The brawling put over his anger and the slap in the face was a nice spot, but surprisingly Christian was also out wrestling Cena in the early stages. Once Cena did manage to get the advantage, I loved the arrogance of the man. He really has turned out to be everything Christian said he was all along. Whether it was the trash talk to Christian, or the trash talk to the fans, just great stuff. The Headlock with the “I thought they wanted wrestling” comment was honestly pure gold. The offense from both men flows pretty nicely, and there’s been some nice reversals as well. Props for the detail you put into Christian’s Clotheslines as well, talking about just how much effort he was putting in. Some nice counters of both men’s finishers happening as well, really showing that these guys know each other way to well by now. I enjoyed the detail regarding the brutal kidney punches, and the build up of Cena not being able to put Christian away was done well with several near falls. The banter from Christian even when he’s being dominated was a nice touch, similar to when the attack happened at SNME. Cena’s cockiness and wrapping Christian in the ropes was all done well, but the STFU from Christian was a nice surprise. Really smart to show the journey Cena’s character has been on, and how much this match means to him. He didn’t tap out as he has previously. Obviously Christian wasn’t going to submit to the STFU once he tasted the hold as well. Awesome use of the referee to set up the FU by the way. Cena is a dead set slime ball. The Champ looks to use the title but Christian counters into the FU. I find it funny that Christian has used both of Cena’s finishers before using his own. I guess it’s a smart strategy, mixing things up against his long time foe. Cena deliberately hitting the referee was noted. Christian gets the visual victory and a really fitting ending for this one. Cena is finally vindicated with the win but he had to be a sadistic, shady bastard to get it. Another great match here Wolfy.

:lmao at The Miz. I’ve enjoyed his character immensely as a joke over the past couple of months, whilst also being used as a foil for Kennedy a couple of times. The Miz’s rant about how awesome he is and the celebrities was all pure gold. Couldn’t help but laugh at him trying to take down Shaq only to basically run into a brick wall. Honestly had me laughing. Really smart from a booking standpoint to put something light hearted in before the main event. Especially considering we’ve had so much serious stuff go on back to back.

Big time main event now, I’m ready to go. As per usual, and I know I’ve sucked ass a lot throughout, but I really enjoyed the opening to this match. Edge shows that he’s on another level with the push, but then Orton tries to stall and get inside his head. You took it to another level though when Edge began to just dominate Randy, until the champ was forced to the outside again. Just there you’ve showed that Edge has all the momentum as the Rumble winner, Orton’s mind games early on didn’t throw Edge off of his game, and Randy is scared shitless of the exact same thing as SNME happening. I like the smart, calculating champion having the Spear scouted, and also that he just waited for the potentially over emotional Edge to make one mistake to gain an advantage. Suits the Orton title reign to perfection really. Orton’s offense is nothing flash but he’s so sadistic, so deliberate. All of that attention to the neck made me cringe too. Again, I’m loving the dynamic you’ve created with this one as Edge looks so dominant but the crafty Orton pulls out one big move (Inverted Backbreaker) and the damage is probably double what Orton has had to deal with. That reverse Neckbreaker sounded brutal as. :lmao at the complimentary crowd barricade spot that has been used excessively throughout the night. That Spear through the ropes was an awesome spot and I marked for the OH MY GAWWWWD from Joey Styles. That guys the best. RKO out of nowhere, this spot is always going to happen in an Orton match. I don’t have any complaints at all, it’s a fun way for the momentum of the contest to completely change. SOMERSAULT PLANCHA! Props on pulling out that spot, safe to say nobody, including myself, expected to see something like that. These are the types of moves you only pull out on the main event at WrestleMania. Hangman’s DDT so soon after Edge’s big move wasn’t expected but I liked the sudden change of momentum. Orton needs to look like he can hang due to the obvious pending result. Oh man, boy have you just shown that Orton can hang. The Camel Clutch, followed by that brutal Piledriver on the outside. You stepped up Randy’s sadistic/brutal side here and it was really fun to read. The Snap Powerslam as the reversal to the Spear was sensational. The false finish killed me, I thought Orton had it. I felt so deflated, which should probably explain how well you’ve done with this whole thread really. The restart and the feel good win is what was needed to end the night. I loved this match honestly... I think TKOW mentioned that this feud started off pretty slow, but it has become brilliant. And due to the build up and the way the match went with it, this is probably my second favourite match of the night behind Lesnar/HBK.

I know there’s that discussion about feedback and recapping somebody’s work. I’ve done a lot of recapping throughout when I only initially planned to mention some of the big things that really stood out to me. That in itself is the biggest compliment I can give you, just a sensational effort. Every match did its job at the bare minimum if not better, another extraordinary WrestleMania that you can be proud of Wolfy. Words probably don’t sum up how good you, this show, the build up to this show and this thread as a whole have been. Well played sir, you win at BTB... again.
 
#3,616 ·
On the pre-show, CODY RHODES and KEN DOANE defeated Americas Most Wanted, The Angels of Anarchy & The Hart Legacy @ 10:13 in a four corners match to earn a future shot at the World Tag Team Championships.

*****

WWE
BACKLASH 2008
April 27 | Sprint Centre, Kansas City MO



~ WWE SIGNATURE OPEN.


“CENA SUCKS” chants over clips of John Cena during his face run over the years.

Clips then air of Cena looking forlorn with fan signs opposing him, and the shot of the young fan literally turning their back to Cena following his loss at Summerslam.
Cena narrates throughout the opening package;

You should’ve saw it coming.

You all wanted it.

You all pushed me to the limit.

You’re all to blame.

Clips of the Cena heel turn at Saturday Nights Main Event, demolishing Christian inside the locked steel cage.


For the pain.

The suffering.

The blood.

The broken bones.

… It’s all on your hands.

Shots of concerned fans, watching as their favourites suffer, with Christian and Ric Flair bleeding heavily at the hands of John Cena in recent months.

The men you’ve chosen as heroes??

They’ll be the ones that suffer for your choices.

They’ll be the ones victimized.

…And I’ll savour their humiliation.

Clips of Christian passing out at WrestleMania, and Cena retaining the title.

First it was Christian. In front of seventy thousand ‘Peeps’.

Shots of Flair over the years, styling and profiling in expensive robes, and custom made suits.


Tonight, it’s Flair. The so-called greatest of all time.

Followed by clips of Cena pounding Flair on Raw a few weeks ago.

If that’s true, they didn’t set that bar too high.

Shots of Flair winning his first World title in the NWA in Kansas City.

And in the same city it all began for Flair…

It’s ends.

Black screen.

Flashing shots then, of each Ric Flair title victory.

No celebration, no tears of joy, no victory parade, no seventeenth world title.

No opportunity to say; “I was there when Ric Flair made history…”

Clips of John Cena walking the ramp with Nas & P Diddy with the World Title at WrestleMania.

Because this aint no fairytale.

John Cena standing tall over Christian at WrestleMania.

The days of happy endings in the WWE are over.

A variety of shots showing negative Cena posters over the years.

And you only have yourselves to blame.

Cena choking out Christian at WrestleMania.

You’re all beginning to feel my wrath.

Flashing shots of Flair and Christian being beaten up by Cena.

You all brought this BACKLASH on.

One final shot of John Cena, standing in the ring - blood on his hands - at Saturday Nights Main Event, looking into the audience.

Now … you gotta deal with the consequences.

Fade to black on one more ‘CENA SUCKS’ poster…
AND NOW… GILLETTE FUSION POWER PRESENTS, A RAW PRODUCTION OF WWE BACKLASH




*Banner credit; OBEY*

!!! PYRO !!!

J.R & The Coach open the show, with the brand new Sprint Centre hosting it’s first ever WWE PPV - and it’s a show with huge implications. J.R hypes all four Raw championships being at stake tonight, before touching on the main event, where RIC FLAIR has the opportunity to win a seventeenth World Championship in the same city he won his maiden title … in what will be his last ever title match in his illustrious career…

**AINT NO STOPPIN ME**

SHELTON BENJAMIN enters the arena to a fine pop, slapping hands with fans on his way down the ramp. On commentary, Coach wonders why Benjamin looks so happy, considering he’s committing career suicide by taking on Mark Henry tonight. J.R doesn’t agree, but does suggest Benjamin will need to find a way to overcome the Worlds Strongest Man…

**SOME BODIES GONNA GET IT**

Led out by Theodore Long, MARK HENRY slowly steps down the ramp, looking as intimidating as ever, with Benjamin pacing in the ring. J.R accepts that Mark Henry has been on a tremendous run in recent months, and says losing him to Smackdown in the draft was a huge loss for Raw - and he has a chance to leave with a huge win against the Black Diamond.

  The Brotherhood Implosion:
Mark Henry w/Theodore Long vs. Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin comes right after Henry when the bell sounds, unloading on the mammoth opponent - but Sheltons shots don’t make a dent, and Henry shoves Shelton to get him away. Benjamin bounces right back up, and unloads on Henry again, but again, Henry pushes Shelton aside, swatting him like a fly. Still, Benjamin comes after Henry, not put off by the ease in which he was shrugged off, but this time, Henry HURLS The Black Diamond into the corner.

Henry exercises his dominance over the much smaller man, easily tossing Benjamin around the ring like a small child. Long is delighted, and Henry effortlessly presses Shelton with ease, above his head - AND TOSSES SHELTON OUT OF THE RING - SPLATTING HIM ON THE FLOOR OUTSIDE!!!!! On the outside, with Benjamin clutching his chest in agony, Theodore Long takes the opportunity to berate his former client, bending down, giving him an ear bashing.

Benjamin manages to recover, and he crawls back into the ring at the count of eight, still worse for wear, as Henry charges toward him - but Benjamin low bridges the ropes, and Henry cant stop his own momentum - continuing over, tumbling to the floor himself!!! Benjamin connects with a baseball slide, and then follows up on his dazed opponent, looking for a PESCADO - but is CAUGHT by the monstrous Mark Henry!!! Henry looks to lawndart Benjamin into the ring post - but Benjamin slips off and pushes Henry into the post, face first instead!!!

Spaghetti legged, Henry rolls back into the ring, with Benjamin getting onto the apron, hopping onto the ropes - springboard clothesline to Henry!! Benjamin keeps on Henry as he struggles up, looking for an Irish whip - but the Black Diamond is overpowered by the Worlds Strongest Man who blocks the whip, and yanks Benjamin instead, sending him into the corner!! Henry follows in for an avalanche - but Shelton dodges out of the corner, with Henry stopping short of the corner too. Shelton rebounds off the ropes - RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM HENRY!!!

Shelton is dragged up, with Henry slamming him back down, bouncing off the ropes, and comes back with a big splash to Shelton!! Lateral press, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Shelton kicks out, but the punishment continues, with Henry softening Benjamin up with clubbing blows to the back, hammering Benjamin around the ring. Benjamin winds up by the ropes, beaten down, as Henry comes off the ropes - CHOCOLATE SLIDE to Benjamin!!!

Theodore Long celebrates on the outside, and pats the back of Mark Henry, delighted with what he’s seeing. Back in the ring, Henry sends Benjamin stumbling into the corner with a head butt, and head butts him again in the corner, before hip tossing the smaller man out of the corner, slamming him onto the mat!!! Shelton bounces up, clutching his back, as Henry press down for a cover, 1...2...NO!!! Shelton rolls onto the apron following the kick out, and Henry looks to pick him up over the ropes - but Shelton hit’s a stun gun on Henry, dropping him over the ropes!!!

The move staggers Henry, and Benjamin sees an opportunity to pounce. He delivers a dropkick … but Henry stays on his feet!! Shelton then clotheslines Henry as he teeters, but Henry stays on his feet!! Shelton this time runs off the ropes to build up momentum, rushing on to Henry with a jumping clothesline … but Henry stays on his feet!! Shelton shakes his head, and bounces off the ropes again - RIGHT INTO A CHARGING MARK HENRY - WIPING BENJAMIN OUT!!!

Henry pounds his chest, letting pent up rage out, as he recovers from a moment of trouble. Dragging Shelton back up, Henry clubs the back, then sends him into the corner, and whips Benjamin across the ring to the opposite corner … but Benjamin - using his incredible athleticism - LEAPS to the top rope, and comes back off with a spinning reverse elbow to the incoming Worlds Strongest Man!!! Again though - Mark Henry wont leave his feet!!!!!

Shelton shakes his head in frustration, watching the mammoth Henry teeter, ad follows up with a big roundhouse kick … but Henry WONT GO DOWN!! Shelton throws another kick - but it’s caught by Henry - DRAGON WHIP!!! … and Henry DROPS to a KNEE!!! With no time to waste, Benjamin rushes off the ropes, coming back with a running knee lift to Henry, and follows up with a twisting springboard cross body that TAKES HENRY OFF HIS FEET!!!!! Cover; 1...2...HENRY POWERS OUT!!!!!

Benjamin is pressed a foot in the air off the kick out, with Henry showing his ridiculous power. Shelton looks wide eyed as Henry slowly brings himself to his feet, and gulps … watching as Henry gets himself up in the corner … and races in; STINGER SPLASH to Henry!!! Benjamin isn’t done - and hit’s a SECOND Stinger Splash … then goes for a THIRD Stinger Splash … BUT GETS CAUGHT by Henry!!!!! The Worlds Strongest Man carries Benjamin out of the corner … WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM CONNECTS!!!!

Bizarrely, Mark Henry doesn’t go for the cover off the finishing move, and instead gets up, with Theodore Long clapping - it appears now they’ll punish Shelton as promised. Henry kicks Benjamin out of the ring, and then diverts the officials attention as Theodore Long puts the boots to Shelton on the outside - with boos ringing out around the arena. Henry then climbs out, and rams Shelton into the ring post, before rolling his lifeless body back into the ring.

Back inside, Henry STEPS ON Shelton, placing all his weight on Benjamin, stepping back off, with Shelton kicking his legs around, clutching his gut. Henry reaches down, dragging Shelton up, and softens him up again with a head butt, before snatching him for a second WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM … BUT BENJAMIN ROLLS THROUGH!!! Benjamin slips off the back of Henry and desperately fires off right hands, and turns to hit the ropes - but is GRIPPED from behind by Henry!!!

Henry looks to tighten his grip on Shelton, with Benjamin trying to grab at the ropes … then delivers a well placed LOW BLOW out of the referees sight (which J.R comments is right out of the Ric Flair handbook on a special night for the Nature Boy) and Henry drops to a knee; a shot to the balls will bring any man down!!! Long furiously climbs up onto the apron, berating the official for missing the blatant low blow … when he is GRIPPED by Shelton Benjamin!!!

The fans pop as Benjamin grips his former manager - who looks like he needs new underwear - but before Shelton can attack Long, Mark Henry quickly recovers and charges at Benjamin … but the Black Diamond side steps him coming in … AND HENRY WIPES OUT THEODORE LONG!!!!! Long takes a hard tumble off the apron, with Henry stunned too … turning around … INTO PAYDIRT!!!! Shelton hooks BOTH legs … 1...2...MARK HENRY KICKS OUT!!!!!

Benjamin is stunned at the kick out. Having given everything, Benjamin STILL couldn’t keep Henry down!!! The Worlds Strongest Man slowly stirs, and Benjamin slaps the mat in frustration, but picks himself up, and climbs onto the apron, looking as Henry tries to get to his feet. The Black Diamond climbs the turnbuckles, perching himself up top … waiting for Henry to get up and turn around … as the fans rise in anticipation to see what Benjamin is about to do … BLOCKBUSTER!!!!! Benjamin puts Henry down, and scrambles for a cover … 1...2...3!!!!!!!!!!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin @ 09:39

Somehow, someway; Shelton Benjamin knocks off the 400 pound Worlds Strongest Man!!! The Black Diamond puts an end to the feud (with Henry drafted to Smackdown) busting out a new finish to do so. Benjamin has his arm raised, but doesn’t stick around in the ring for long, as Mark Henry stirs rather quickly.

Shelton Benjamin kicks off the show with the feel-good win, slapping hands with fans on his way up the ramp, whilst Mark Henry shakes his cobwebs loose in the ring - and Theodore Long remains flattened on the floor, leaving Raw in ignominious fashion.

J.R calls it the most impressive win of Sheltons career, whilst Coach argues the referee should’ve stopped it after the Worlds Strongest Slam when Shelton Benjamin could clearly no longer continue…



***
**VIDEO PACKAGE**

Clip of Bret Hart rolling up Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring tournament in 1993.

“I‘M THE BEST THERE IS, THE BEST THERE WAS, AND THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE”

Narrator: It has given the platform for champions to establish themselves.

Clip of Owen Hart being crowned King of the Ring in 1994, as we hear him yell over it.

“I‘M THE KING OF HARTS!!!”

Narrator: It has immortalized greats forever.

Clip of Stone Cold Steve Austin winning the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, with the sound bite over it.

“AUSTIN THREE SIXTEEN SAYS, I JUST WHIPPED YOUR ASS”

Narrator: It ushered in the birth of a new attitude.

Clip of Triple H having his hand raised in 1997.

“THE KING OF THE RING!!!”

Narrator: Stars have been born.

Clip of Kurt Angle dropping to his knees in victory in 2000.

“IT‘S TRUE, IT‘S TRUE”

Narrator: Legends have been made.

Clip of Brock Lesnar having his hand raised in 2002, as we hear Paul Heymans voice over the top.

“THE NEXT BIG THING, BRRRRROCK LLLLLESNARRRRR”

Narrator: Careers have skyrocketed.

Clips of Mister Kennedy with the crown in 2006, Edge with his trophy in 2001 and Brent Albright a year ago, over a sound bite of Brent during his victory speech…

“NOW THAT I’M KING OF THE RING, YOU PEOPLE ARE GONNA SIT UP AND NOTICE WHAT I’M CAPABLE OF!!”

Narrator: The King of the Ring tournament has provided some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history, and on Saturday, June 23, 2008 … a new King will be crowned, in the home of royalty…

Clips of London, Buckingham Palace, Beefeaters etc…

Narrator: Once again, the King of the Ring tournament climaxes on NBC, with quarter finals, semi finals and the grand final. One rising star will eclipse all others…

Quick clips again of the prominent former winners.

Narrator: Which superstar will use the King of the Ring tournament to follow these legends, icons and immortals into the pantheon of greatness??



~ THE 2008 KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT ~
!! LIVE ON SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT ON NBC !!
JUNE 21 2008 | O2 ARENA, LONDON, ENGLAND
***




Back at ringside, J.R and Coach discuss the upcoming tournament, with FINALS night set to happen in London, England. After discussing the new rules in place for the tournament (no former World Champions permitted, and anyone that has lost in THREE prior tournaments is now ineligible) J.R comments that WILLIAM REGAL is the first name confirmed from Raw, whilst TED DIBIASE Junior will make his debut for Smackdown in the tournament too.

Coach talks about the competition for places, whilst also pointing out that a lot of people will have their final opportunity at being crowned king in this years tournament, while the likes of Matt & Jeff Hardy, Goldust & Hardcore Holly are now ineligible. The two commentators talk about the springboard to success that winning the King of the Ring can have, and wonder who will write their name into the history books on June 21 at Saturday Nights Main Event…

**MOVE IT UP**

With Chris Harris and James Storm following behind her, MICHELLE MCCOOL looks highly confident ahead of her first ever opportunity at the Womens Championship. J.R reminds everyone that McCool didn’t win a match to earn this shot, and hasn’t beaten anyone since being drafted to Raw, but interim GM Ranjin Singh saw fit to include her in this match. McCool doesn’t care though, and she poses in the ring, whilst fist bumping AMW who are here for moral support.

**GLAMAZON**

The rightful #1 Contender according to BOTH Jim Ross and The Coach, BETH PHOENIX storms out, clearly still irritated by the triple threat scenario, but she calms herself on her way down the ramp, putting the title match at the forefront of her mind. She shoots a look at AMW, showing no fear of the two men, whilst McCool is clearly pensive around the impressive Glamazon, keeping away from Beth.

**STRONG AND SEXY**

Playing to the fans, the champion makes her way out, patting the belt and nodding, showing a lot of confidence, despite the challenge that stands in her way. The Coach claims that GAIL KIM was the one that had Ranjin Singh make this a triple threat, saying that Gail fears facing Beth one on one - an accusation J.R immediately shoots down. Gail slides into the ring, standing her ground as she parades the belt, handing it over to the official.

Before Charles Robinson calls for the bell though, the official points at Harris and Storm - ordering BOTH to leave the ringside area!!! Robinson calls for the bell, with McCool incensed, arguing with the official that AMW didn’t do anything…
 
Womens Championship | Triple Threat Match:
Gail Kim vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool

As Gail Kim goes for a quick, surprise roll up on McCool … 1...Beth breaks the count before the count can really go anywhere. Immediately, Phoenix man handles Gail, tossing her through the ropes in order to get McCool to herself, but McCool tries to surprise Beth, school girling her … 1...2- Beth pushes off quickly, and as she kicks Michelle off, the tall blonde stumbles to the ropes - which the returning champion pulls down - forcing Michelle McCool out of the ring.

With Gail climbing up onto the apron, Beth comes at her, but the champion drives a well placed knee into the Glamazons gut, and Sunset flips into the ring … 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Beth powers out of the pinning predicament, but is quickly in trouble again, as the champion executes an Oklahoma roll … 1...2...KICK OUT again. Beth pushes up quickly, but Gail is a touch quicker, and trips Beth, into a Jacknife cover this time; 1...2...BETH POWERS UP!!!!

Phoenix shows her strength, pushing up from the pinning predicament, but as she does, McCool returns, and drops an elbow to the exposed torso of Phoenix. Momentarily, Gail Kim and McCool double up on Beth, looking to suplex the Glamazon - but Phoenix blocks the attempted double suplex … AND BETH SUPLEXES BOTH WOMEN INSTEAD!!!!! It’s a hugely impressive spot from the Glamazon, and Beth sends Gail into the corner, before dumping McCool out of the ring.

However, as Beth looks to turn her attention to Gail, McCool has other ideas, tripping Phoenix from the outside, and drags Phoenix out. McCool cracks Beth with a forearm, and Beth shoots one back at Michelle … as GAIL KIM RACES ACROSS THE RING … SUICIDE DIVE TO BOTH CHALLENGERS ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!! A massive reaction greets the suicide dive from Gail, taking out both women, with the champion wasting no time in rolling McCool back inside, with a cover, 1...2...NO!!!

Shaking her head, Gail Kim picks herself up, climbing onto the apron, and up top, waiting for McCool to get back up, before leaping off with a Cross Body off the top - but McCool rolls through upon impact, and ends up with the cover on Gail, 1...2...GAIL KICKS OUT!!! Both women quickly jump up, but McCool strikes first, charging through Gail with a big boot. McCool covers again, 1...2...NO!!! Gail kicks out, and whilst McCool waits for the champion to get to her feet, she keeps Beth OUT with a baseball slide.

Michelle then meets Gail as she gets up, backing her into the corner, and using her long legs to her advantage, choking Gail with a high boot to the throat. The official admonishes McCool for the blatant choke, but she takes little notice of Robinson, and drags Gail out of the corner, getting her up for a POWERBOMB attempt, but Gail fights it … and counters with a HURRICANRANA … into a pinning predicament for McCool … 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!!

McCool survives the pin attempt, and stops Gail from building any momentum with a knee to the gut, and follows that with a running bulldog. Michelle thinks about a cover, but sees Beth recovering on the outside, and looks to deal with her first - trying a baseball slide again … but this time, BETH CATCHES THE LEGS … AND SWINGS MICHELLE OUT OF THE RING!!!!! McCool hit’s the floor with a thud, immediately wincing in pain, as Phoenix climbs back inside, looking to pick up where McCool left off.

Beth steps in, and stands over the champion, dragging her up, when Gail stuns Beth, striking first with a stiff forearm. The Canadian-Korean rocks Beth, firing off a series of stiff forearms, and she turns, hit’s the ropes, coming back into a tilt-a-whirl … but Beth NAILS Gail with a backbreaker!! Phoenix hooks the leg of the folded up champion, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Slowing things down ever so slightly, Beth works the arm of the champion, wrenching, and then shows off her impressive strength by hoisting Gail up by the arm - ARM DRAG FROM GAIL!!!

The champion escapes the hold, and charges off the ropes at Phoenix, coming at her with a running cross body - CAUGHT BY PHOENIX!!! Again, the impressive power of Beth is on show, and The Glamazon throws Kim onto her shoulders, looking for a running power slam … which is countered by Gail into a FLYING DRAGON!!!!! Beth’s body is contorted from Gails trademark submission, throwing her arms around wildly, trying to break the submission … and eventually drives Gail into the mat with a sidewalk slam!!!!! 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!!!

Phoenix pulls at her hair in frustration, whilst Gail looks in pain off the sidewalk, yet she survives to fight on. Phoenix stomps Gail aggressively, talking smack, before dragging the champion to her feet, sending her off the ropes … but Gail again has other ideas, coming back into a wheelbarrow position … but Phoenix reacts quickly, countering the position, and turns it into a double chicken wing stretch!!! It’s another impressive physical feat from the Glamazon, with the champion in deep trouble … but McCool returns to break the submission attempt with a BIG BOOT to Beth!!!!!

McCool follows up, and clotheslines Phoenix over the top to the floor, leaving her to try and finish off the weakened champion, but as she reaches down to drag Gail up, the champion surprises McCool with an INSIDE CRADLE … 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!! McCool is up quickly after nearly being caught out, and stops Gail quickly with a boot to the gut, and slams Gail back down to re-establish control. Michelle pulls Gail up, putting her onto the top turnbuckle, and climbing up, looking for a SUPERPLEX.

Gail blocks the first attempt, and blocks a second too, then begins to fight back, rocking McCool with more vicious forearms!! Michelle teeters on the top rope, nearly falling back, before stopping Gail in her tracks with a rake of the eyes!!! Quickly, McCool hooks the champion back up, into position for the SUPERPLEX … but before she can deliver the high impact move - Beth returns … and ELECTRIC CHAIRS McCool out of the corner!!!

Michelles eyes pop wide, as she await’s the inevitable fall … but doesn’t expect to see GAIL HITTING A MISSILE DROPKICK OFF THE TOP TO BETH!!!!! McCool and Phoenix are BOTH DOWN!!!!! Gail tries to take advantage, and crawls into a cover on Beth … 1...2...NO!!!!!!! Ever so slowly, the champion pulls herself to her feet, stalking McCool as she drags herself up by the ropes. J.R suspects Gail wants the Flying Dragon on McCool, and she rushes toward her - BUT IS CUT OFF BY BETH - POLISH HAMMER!!!!!

Beth cleans Gail out, and then comes at Michelle in the corner - but EATS BOOT!! Beth stumbles backward, and Michelle hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, leaping off, but Beth avoids the contact, gripping Michelle from behind - PHOENIX RISING!!!!! Beth hits her finish … BUT THEN EATS DEFEAT!!!!! Out of nowhere, Gail hits her finish on Beth, with Phoenix tumbling out of the ring upon impact … allowing Gail to cover Michelle … 1...2...3!!!!!!!!!!
Winner: And STILL Womens Champion - Gail Kim @ 09:01

The champion survives an entertaining three way battle, but it so very nearly saw the title go to Beth Phoenix in the dying moments. Gail raises the belt, looking relieved to keep the gold after an almighty scare, with J.R praising the champions fighting spirit to snatch the win.

Meanwhile, Coach correctly assumes that Beth Phoenix will still be after a one on one shot, especially after not only not being pinned - but doing the damage that kept McCool down for the three count. As Gail leaves the ring - title in tact - Beth comes around, shaking her head in furious anger, watching the champion escape with the gold.



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

~~ A FLAIR FOR THE GOLD ~~
#03 - YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

Two weeks after losing the NWA title to Kerry Von Erich, Ric Flair travels to the far east to reclaim his lost gold, reversing a roll up to keep Von Erich down for the crucial three count & kicks off what would be the longest world title reign of his illustrious career.

END PACKAGE
***



Following the video, footage cuts to the parking lot, and the caption “MOMENTS AGO”, as we see the arrival of the suave Nature Boy, in a limo - of course - along with his family tonight, ahead of the last EVER time he’ll challenge for the richest prize in the game.

Huge cheers welcome the arrival of the legendary Hall of Famer, along with the obligatory “WOOOOO” shouts from the fans also. J.R comments on the emotion inside the building tonight, claiming there is a rare electric feeling inside the brand new Sprint Centre…



Backstage, Matt Striker is with THE MASTER CRAFTSMEN ahead of their two huge matches tonight; first up, Mr. Money in the Bank Brent Albright takes on Kurt Angle, before Haas & Dinsmore defend the World Tag Team Championships against D-Generation X.

Albright takes the lead, talking about it being a big night for the group - but mentions WrestleMania was a big night too and they left that event with everything they came for - and they’ll do the exact same tonight too, as they tighten their grip on dominating Monday Night Raw.

The Ace of Spades talks about sending Kurt Angle packing tonight, and goes on to say he’s planning an ‘amazing’ summer, firstly confirming that he has cleared it with Ranjin Singh that he will compete in the upcoming King of the Ring tournament and bids to become the first man to retain the title he won last year.

Albright also mentions that Haas and Dinsmore will compete in the tournament too - and he expects all three of them to reach the Quarter Finals, taking 3 of the four spots Raw will have by that stage. Brent then brings his briefcase into the equation, saying that he’s starting to get itchy, and doesn’t intend on waiting much longer to cash it in - hinting that he may even rain on Ric Flairs party, should he do the ‘unthinkable’ tonight.

Brent then excuses himself, with his match up next, leaving Haas and Dinsmore to finish the promo. They discuss the loss this past Monday in the 8 man tag, blaming the addition of Umaga to their team ruining their chemistry, but they intend on shutting out the lights on the DX reunion party tonight, before turning to the camera and mockingly asking; “Are you ready??” before saying DX better get ready to bow to the Master … Craftsmen.



**MEET YOUR MASTER**

Carrying the briefcase he won at WrestleMania, the 2007 King of the Ring, BRENT ALBRIGHT strides down the ramp, with all the momentum in the world on his side. He pats the Money in the Bank briefcase, taunting the fans with it on his way to the ring, with J.R salivating at the prospect of this upcoming showdown between two of the finest wrestlers on the planet. Coach touches on the King of the Ring announcement from the Craftsmen, saying Albright will surely be the odds on favourite to retain his crown.

**MEDAL**

Getting the ‘YOU SUCK’ treatment as always to his music, KURT ANGLE sets off his pyro on his way to the ring, with J.R and Coach reminding everyone that Angle is now part of Friday Night Smackdown, and in three weeks on PPV, he’ll challenge Edge for the WWE Championship. J.R calls this a must-win for not only Angle, but Smackdown too - claiming it would be quite the indictment for their #1 Contender to go into a PPV with a loss on a Raw PPV to a Raw superstar.

Grudge Match:
‘Mister Money in the Bank’ Brent Albright vs. Kurt Angle

After a brief staredown, the two technical marvels lock up aggressively, tussling around the ring. Bouncing off the ropes, both men try to gain leverage over the other, until they FALL through the ropes crashing to the floor below, which breaks the pair up momentarily. Right back inside, Angle and Albright immediately lock up again, tussling for control around the ring, getting into the corner, forcing a clean break - and the official surprisingly gets the clean break.

The two men circle around the ring before lunging in for another tie up, locking horns, with Angle going behind, instantly tripping Brent down, applying a hammerlock. Quickly, Albright pushes up, climbing to his feet, and reaches, wanting a snap mare, but Angle avoids it. Albright may be unable to get the snap mare, but with Angle focusing on avoiding it, it allows Mr. Money in the Bank to reverse the position, only for Angle to instantly reverse the position again!!

Albright manages to get a trip, and scrambles for a Crowbar - but Angle wisely grabs the bottom rope before it can be applied forcing Brent to give the submission attempt up. Angle rises to his feet, with Albright smirking, feeling good about himself after nearly catching Kurt, and mocks Angles famous pirouette. They come face to face in the middle of the ring, with Albright doing plenty of talking - allowing Angle to surprise him with a lightning quick take down trip.

Albright tries to scramble up, out of the precarious position, but Kurt takes him right back down with a firemans carry - instantly looking for the ANKLE - but Albright scrambles and rolls out of the ring to safety, taking a walk to regain his compsure. With the tables turned … Angle mocks Albright as he pirouettes in the ring to further infuriate the Ace of Spades. Albright slaps the apron, and slides back in, rushing back into another collar and elbow with Angle.

Quickly, Albright transitions into a side headlock, which is reversed by Angle into a top wristlock, but Albright counters that with a snap mare - but Angle ROLLS THROUGH the snap mare attempt, and meets Brent as he gets to his feet - hip tossing the 2007 King of the Ring. Albright bounces up, and walks right into another wristlock from Angle, working Brent to the mat, transitioning into a front face lock momentarily, with Albright forced to wrap his feet around the bottom rope and force a break.

Visibly frustrated, Albright takes his time to get back to his feet, staying close to the ropes as Angle looks keen to get on with it. They circle the ring once more, with Angle eager to lock up, and as they reach in, Albright tries a cheap shot - but it’s blocked by Angle, who saw it coming, and instead, Angle nails Albright with a big overhand right hand of his own. The shot rocks Albright, and Angle follows up with another few shots by the ropes, before he looks for the Irish whip - reversed by Brent - but Angle rebounds, ducking under a clothesline, and counters an attempted hip toss from Albright with one of his own!!!

Off the hip toss, Brent Albright rolls out of the ring again, and kicks the steel steps over in anger, with his frustration clearly boiling over, as Angle - on his game tonight - seemingly has a counter for everything Albright can throw at him. Albright takes a walk, telling a noisy fan to shut up, before climbing back inside, locking up with Kurt yet again, jockeying for position, before breaking off. As they break, Albright grips at his hair, suggesting to the official that Angle is pulling his hair every time they lock up - and as the referee looks to speak to Angle about it, Brent cheap shots Angle!!!!!

J.R is furious with the cheap shot, saying Angle didn’t once pull Albrights hair, as Brent takes over, giving up on trying to out-grapple Angle, by stomping him down by the ropes. Mr. Money in the Bank uses the ropes for leverage as he chokes Angle with his boot, arguing with the official as he gives a five count to break it. Albright jaw-jacks with the referee, before tossing the weakened Angle out of the ring. Albright follows out, and grabs Angle, sending him into the ring post - ARM first!!!!!

It’s no coincidence with Angle hitting arm first either - as Albright looks to soften Kurt up for his submission hold, and repeats the trick, ramming Angle into the post again, with Kurts arm taking the brunt of the impact. Albright rolls Angle back in, and drapes The Olympians arm over the top rope, before taking the arm and leaps out of the ring, yanking the arm over the top rope!! Angle bumps back, and rolls around on the mat, clutching his arm, with Albright climbing back in, stomping the arm.

Brent drags Angle up, quickly delivering an arm breaker to further weaken the target area, and begins to ruthlessly stomp the arm, before bouncing off the ropes and dropping a knee to the arm too. Again, Albright drags Angle to his feet, but this time, Angle fights back - with his good arm - rattling off a series of overhand punches, backing the King of the Ring up, and uses the chance to rush off the ropes, but returns - right into a big deep knee to the gut!! Angle flips over upon impact, and rolls around the mat in agony, as Albright stands over him, enjoying this period of control.

Albright stalks Angle, meeting him at the ropes, yanking the bad arm twice more - because he can - and looks for an Irish whip, but it’s reversed by Kurt, who sends Albright into the corner. Kurt storms in after him, but Albright dodges out of the corner with Angle unable to stop his momentum, and the Gold Medallist charges on - going shoulder first into the ring post!!! Albright wastes no time taking advantage, gripping Angle by the waist, dragging him from the corner, and pops off a GERMAN SUPLEX - and he holds onto his grip on Angle!!!

Brent drags Angle back to his feet, looking for a second consecutive German - BLOCKED by Angle!!! In a precarious position, Angle desperately tries to avoid a second German, running backward, crushing Brent into the corner, and then reverses their positions, and immediately pops off a German Suplex of his own!!! And in a complete reversal of fortunes, Angle now holds on!!! Kurt brings Albright back to his feet, keeping a tight grip for a second German - but Albright reverses the position - AND FIRES OFF A GERMAN OF HIS OWN AGAIN!!!!

And again, Albright holds on as he looks to finally get two consecutive Germans, pulling Kurt to his feet, but before he can position himself to pop off a second, Angle reverses the position … GERMAN SUPLEX TO ALBRIGHT!!! Angle and Albright have now traded four German Suplexes back and forth, and the fans are loving it … but the fun isn’t over, as Angle keeps the tight grip, bringing Albright up, determined to nail a second consecutive German … but Albright tries to bring an end to the proceedings, gripping the top rope to stop Angle from delivering.

Boos ring out from the fans, but Angle hasn’t given up yet, and the Olympian clubs the back of his rival aggressively, looking to weaken his grip, and it appears to work, with Angle dragging Albright from the ropes, but as he lifts Albright, Mr. Money in the Bank counters the move, rolling through, taking Angle by surprise with a pinning predicament … 1...2...KICK OUT … and as Angle escapes the pin, he GRABS ALBRIGHTS ANKLE!!!!!

ANKLE LOCK APPLIED!!! The fans pop for the submission, but Albright isn’t interested in staying trapped for long, and he turns over … kicking the BAD ARM of Angle, with Kurt instantly releasing the hold, and grabs at his arm, wincing in pain … and Albright smells blood, shooting to his feet, lunging at the arm for the Crowbar, but Angle blocks the attempt, and looks to fire off a Belly to Belly instead - NO!!! Oddly, Angle gives up his grip, and we see why, with Kurt shaking his arm loose, selling the pain, which allows Brent to drop Kurt with a clothesline.

J.R talks with concern over the condition of Angles weakened arm, noting he was unable to keep hold on the Ankle lock, and had to give up on the Belly to Belly too, as Brent shows no sympathy, mounting Angle on the mat, and lands a series of blows, softening the veteran up. Angle is brought to his knees, with Brent landing blow after blow, punishing Kurt, before Brent takes off, hitting the ropes, coming back … BUT ANGLE POPS UP … AND STUNS ALBRIGHT WITH A SUDDEN BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!!!!!!! Angle hooks the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!!

Sensing he may not have much longer with the condition of his arm, Angle appears to be stalking for an Angle Slam on Albright as he gets up, wanting to finish things off as soon as he possibly can. Brent struggles up, rocked by the sudden Belly to Belly, and it could be worse - as Angle does reach in, looking for the ANGLE SLAM … BUT ALBRIGHT LANDS BEHIND ON HIS FEET!!!!! Kurt spins around, with Brent throwing a right hand - blocked by Angle, and Angle responds with a trio of his European Uppercuts on Albright.

The uppercut shots back Brent into the ropes, and Angle sends Albright off the ropes, but this time, it’s Angle that’s taken unawares, with Albright rebounding back, flattening Angle with a running forearm smash!!!!! Angle is knocked silly off the running forearm, and quickly, Albright goes back to the arm, zeroing in on the weakened body part. Brent wraps Angles bad arm around the ropes, contorting the body part, before softening Angle up further with a side suplex and covers, 1...2...NO!!!

A smile emerges on the face of the King of the Ring, and he pounds Angle in the corner, before dragging him out, hoisting Angle up onto his shoulders, looking for the ACE IN THE HOLE!!!!! Albright struggles to deliver though, with Kurt fighting for his life, driving elbows into the side of Albrights head … and escapes the move, getting off the shoulders, and catches Albright with an arm drag … and another once Albright gets back up, then grips Brent for a Belly to Belly attempt - BLOCKED - AND COUNTERED … AND ALBRIGHT BELLY TO BELLIES ANGLE…

OVER THE TOP ROPE - TO THE FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!

Albright sends Angle over the top and crashing with a thud on the floor with a fucking Belly to Belly!!!!! A light ‘Holy Shit’ chant emerges from the sick move, with Albright taking a moment to decide what to do next, before following Kurt out of the ring, giving Angle no time to recuperate. Albright targets the arm again, picking Angle up and dropping the weakened body part over the barrier, before doing the same at the announce table, with Angle too badly hurt to put up a fight against it.

Mr. Money in the Bank holds Angles arm behind his back too, and rams him into the apron, crushing the arm, ramming it into the apron again - and a third time for luck, with Angle screaming out in pain. Albright rolls Angle back inside, and follows in, stalking the legend, before looking to apply the CROWBAR - but Angle JUST manages to slip free, and stops Brent with a kick to the gut to buy himself a few more moments. Kurt doesn’t follow up, and instead turns away, shaking his arm loose, trying to get some blood flowing through the target area.

But Angle makes a rare - out of character - rookie mistake, allowing Albright to grip him from behind, AND UNLEASHES A GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! This time, Albright hangs on … and Angle CANT block a SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!!!!! Brent drags Kurt to his feet once more, and shifts this time to a HALF NELSON SUPLEX!!!!! And upon impact, Albright bridges, keeping Angles shoulder on the mat - trapped in the pin … 1...2...ANGLE JUST KICKS OUT!!!!!!!!!!

Albright is stunned!!! The King of the Ring leaps to his feet, debating the count, convinced it was three, holding up three fingers in the officials face, with the referee shaking his head, arguing it was two. Albright is irate, slapping his hands three times, still arguing the count … WHEN ANGLE GRABS THE ANKLE OUT OF NOWHERE!!!! Kurt comes back from the dead - still flat on the canvas - but he again shows he can get the Ankle lock out of ANYWHERE!!!!

Mister Money in the Bank stunned by the move, never expecting Angle to recover enough to catch him … but Albright IS caught, and he IS TRAPPED right in the middle of the ring!!!!! It’s BIG trouble for the Ace of Spades, as Angle torques the joint, screaming, desperate for Albright to tap, and with Angle applying the hold from the mat, it’s easier for Kurt to GRAPEVINE the ankle!!!!!!! And the grapevine IS applied by the Olympic Gold Medal winner!!!!!

Albright is in SERIOUS trouble now, as he reaches out, not wanting to tap … and uses ALL his might to try and survive, CLAWING across the mat, but the grapevine is like being caught in an alligators jaws, and he cant get moving across the ring … it looks like Albright may have to tap, unable to get to the ropes … but ANGLE BREAKS THE HOLD HIMSELF!!!!! There’s momentary confusion, as Albright survives … but we see why … Angle couldn’t hold on the submission due to the shooting pain in his weakened arm!!!

Kurt struggles to his feet, wincing in pain as he clutches his arm, with Brent taking a deep breath, knowing he struck lucky on that occasion. Albright shakes his ankle loose, and attempts to put the finishing touches on his broken down adversary, charging at Angle - but the Olympian ducks the incoming opponent - AND THEN DELIVERS AN ANGLE SLAM!!!!! Angle stuns the Ace of Spades … and covers him, 1...2...ALBRIGHT GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!!!

Angle sits up, crestfallen at the kick out, closing his eyes, realising he has to go on with his arm still giving him all kinds of problems. Kurt pushes himself to his feet, and thinks for a moment about the Ankle Lock, but takes a look at his bad arm, as if to tell himself he cant keep it on for long enough to get the tap. Re-evaluating his game plan, Angle is forced to take a massive risk, and proceeds to the top rope … bringing the fans to their feet, knowing what’s about to come, with Kurt setting himself … MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP-

NO ONE HOME!!!!!!!!!

And instantly, Albright leaps on Angle … CROWBAR APPLIED!!!!!! Albright leans back into the move, shouting for Angle to tap … but Angle wont go down - at least not yet. The Wrestling Machine pounds the mat, trying to fire himself up to make the ropes, as Brent again yells at him to tap. Angle sucks it up, and looks to reach for the ropes … but Albright cranks back harder!!!!! Kurt makes one last push, with his arm surely on the point of breaking … and this time, Angle reaches out … AND MAKES IT TO THE ROPES!!!!!!!

Kurt Angle survives!!! Albright shakes his head in disbelief, as Angle battles, and keeps holding the ropes as the hold is broken. Albright stands with his hands on his hips, unable to fathom how Angle survived, whilst Kurt sits on his knees at the ropes, taking as long as he can get to recover. Albright spots another opportunity though with the position Angle is in, and runs in, looking for his 6-1-KNEE around the ropes … BUT ANGLE CATCHES THE LEG … AND GRABS THE ANKLE!!!!!!

Angle then pulls Albright through the ropes … ANKLE LOCK!!!!!! Once again, Brent is caught in the hold, and the fans go berserk at the suddenness of the ankle lock coming out of nowhere … with Albright having to grit his teeth to claw across the ring in an attempt to reach the ropes. Angle has to grit his own teeth though, battling through the pain in his arm to keep the hold applied, as Brent inches closer to the ropes … reaching out… BUT ANGLE DRAGS HIM BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!!!

Angle drags Brent back out at the last second!!!! Kurt Angle twists the right ankle, roaring at Albright to tap out with plenty of expletives thrown in for good measure!!!!! Brents face shows the anguish … but he looks to tough it out, refusing to go down to Angle after all his big talk. Angle cranks the hold, with Brent covering his face with his hands, shaking his head as the official asks if he wants to quit. Albright tries to do something, pushing to turn himself over… ALBRIGHT TURNS OVER … AND CRADLES ANGLE … 1...2...ANGLE JUST ESCAPES THE PIN!!!!!

Albright nearly pulled off the same trick he did in the pairs previous one on one match up in the qualifier for the Money in the Bank ladder match two months ago on Raw. This time, Angle was able to kick out in time … but he releases the submission in the process of kicking out. There’s a moment now with both men catching their breath, and the fans voice their appreciation for the awesome contest unfolding before them.

Both Angle and Albright pull themselves to their feet on opposite sides of the ring, keeping their eyes locked on one another as they get up, both mouthing off at one another … before meeting in the middle of the ring. Angle beats Albright to the punch, and fires off three overhand punches, but on the fourth - ALBRIGHT CATCHES THE ARM - he spins Angle around, AND GRABS THE BAD ARM … CROWBAR!!!!! Albright tries to take Angle down for the Crowbar, but Kurt fights it, trying to stay up…

And he ducks his head down, trying to get Albright in position, with Brent too busy trying to lock on the Crowbar … allowing Angle to attempt the ANGLE SLAM … BUT ALBRIGHT LANDS ON HIS FEET BEHIND ANGLE … CROWBAR ATTEMPT AGAIN!!!!! Angle slips his arm free though, and drop toe holds Albright, scrambling for the ANKLE LOCK!!!!! Angle grabs the ankle, but before he can truly lock the hold on, Brent turns over once again, and kicks off Angle with both feet.

Angle crashes into the corner, staggering back out … into the path of Albright, and Brent picks Angle up, charging him into the corner, dragging him back out, onto his shoulders … ACE IN THE HOLE … CONNECTS!!!!!!! Albright hooks the leg … 1...2...ANGLE JUST ROLLS A SHOULDER!!!!! With barely any gusto, Angle JUST moves his shoulder to break the count!!!!! Momentarily, Albright is about to blow a gasket … but the King of the Ring keeps cool, and calms himself down.

Realising he has Angle where he wants him, Albright settles, and even smirks, as he stands over Kurt, and reaches for the Ankle!!!! Albright looks to the fans, getting heat from the fans who realise what Brent is planning with the ankle in his grip … and Albright looks to apply Angles own submission hold!!! Albright yanks the leg by the ankle, and drags Kurt to the middle of the ring … but before he can apply the hold … ANGLE STUNS ALBRIGHT WITH A ROLL THROUGH … 1...2...3!!!!!!!!!!
Winner: Kurt Angle @ 19:33

Albright kicks out at 3.1 … but it’s a split second too late - his cockiness cost him a huge win tonight!!!!! Angle pulls off the victory, and rolls out of the ring, having his arm raised, whilst looking beaten and worn down after a hellacious beating from Albright. On commentary, J.R says that Albright has only himself to blame for the loss, having allowed himself to get cocky; something you should never do against Angle.

Angle has to get the official to raise his good arm, as he keeps the bad arm tucked in by his side, still selling that, whilst Albright remains seated in the ring, hands on his head and mouth opened wide in shock. Angle backs up the ramp to leave, and Brent then reaches out through the ropes, grabbing the referee, arguing it was only two, but the official breaks away, confirming it was indeed a three count.

J.R and Coach continue to discuss the match, as Coach is even bewildered at Albright allowing himself to get too cocky, pointing out the condition of Angles arm, but J.R says this should serve as a huge lesson for Albright, suggesting that Brent has maybe allowed his recent successes go to his head, before putting over the spirit of Angle to be resourceful enough to get the win, as he prepares for a WWE Title shot on Smackdowns PPV next month; Judgment Day…



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

The video opens in an abandoned playground, where the creepy little girls are playing, dressed in white.

~GONG~

The creepy little girls sing their rhyme over flashing images of THE UNDERTAKER and KANE standing tall - together - through the years, delivering an array of Chokeslams and Tombstones, along with various cut throat gestures, both men sitting up, and both Brothers of Destruction soaring through the air at times.

“As I lay me down to sleep”

“I pray my soul is mine to keep”

“My soul can never step outside this bed”

“Never into all evil”

~GONG~

~EXPLOSION~

Darkness. Then, the voice of The Undertaker;

“Judgement Day … is upon us.”


*NOT MY POSTER - FOUND IT ON THE INTERNET*

WWE JUDGMENT DAY | MAY 18 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW
***



Backstage, BETH PHOENIX, fresh off her loss (despite not actually losing) in the triple threat match earlier, has a towel over her shoulder and approaches the office of interim Raw General Manager RANJIN SINGH. Outside the office, the stoic Russian, VLADIMIR, guards the door, and shakes his head as Beth approaches.

Vladimir explains to Beth that Ranjin doesn’t want to be disturbed, but Beth - showing no fear of the hulking bodyguard - looks to push past him to get to Singh, putting up a struggle with the Russian. Hearing the commotion, Singh eventually exit’s the office to see what’s going on, and rolls his eyes at the sight of Phoenix.

Beth demands a ONE ON ONE shot at Gail Kim, saying once she has her shot, she’ll stop pestering the Interim GM, and asks for the match tomorrow night on Raw. Singh stutters a little as he gets his response out, telling Beth she may have to wait for that title opportunity. Getting enraged, Beth demands to know why … just as NATALYA exit’s the GM’s office.

Following on from their face to face last week on Raw, a smiling Natalya gleefully tells Beth that Ranjin has seen the error of his ways, and that
SHE gets an overdue shot at Gail Kim tomorrow night on Raw. Natalya tells Beth she’ll gladly give Beth a shot once she is champion, and walks off, leaving Phoenix absolutely livid at the General Manager…



CHRISTIAN -V- UMAGA; VIDEO PACKAGE
- Armando Estrada talks over the clips throughout the promo, with soundbites taken from Raw last week…
- Summer Slam 2007; Christian defends the World Heavyweight Championship against the undefeated Umaga.
- Nemesis 2007; The rematch is declared a No Contest when Umaga - trapped in a deep sleeper hold with Christian mounted on his back - leaps backward with both men going THROUGH the ring.
- Umaga savagely assaults Christian two weeks ago on Raw, with Estrada explaining the loss at Summer Slam led a chain of events which saw Umaga fail to end The Undertakers Streak at WrestleMania.
- Estrada declares that in order for Umaga to start afresh, he must defeat Christian.



Back into the arena…

**VIRTUAL VOODOO**

A confident looking Armando Estrada leads out the Samoan Bulldozer, but barks orders to UMAGA all throughout the walk to the ring. Prodding the savage in the chest, AAE makes sure to get his point across to Umaga, with the Bulldozer staring straight ahead. On commentary, J.R and Coach discuss losing Umaga to Smackdown, as well as Estradas recent attitude to Umaga, being far more demanding; almost taking liberties with the Bulldozer.

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**

Pounding his chest and blowing a kiss to the cheering fans, CHRISTIAN doesn’t look too pensive, despite the challenge ahead. One of ONLY two men to have ever pinned Umaga, Christian is put over by J.R, but Coach makes sure to remind his colleague - and the people at home - that tonight it’s NO HOLDS BARRED, which Coach believes gives Christian no chance at victory, claiming that he‘s still got his loss to John Cena at WrestleMania on his mind.

NO HOLDS BARRED:
Christian vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada

Umaga looks to come right out of the gate as the bell is rung, but Christian bobs and weaves around the massive Samoan, not getting caught, and more importantly, frustrating Umaga. Christian, avoiding Umaga, looking to further enrage the savage by planting big, disrespectful slaps across the face of the Bulldozer as he escapes each time. Ultimately, it’s all part of Captain Charismas game plan, as he angers Umaga enough to give him chase around the ring.

Christian slides out, with Umaga in pursuit, following Christian around the ring, and back inside. Umaga swings wildly at Christian - and misses - getting SLAPPED again by the Canadian, before Christian dips out of the ring again. Umaga yells in fury, and looks to chase Christian again, coming after Captain Charisma, and as he gives chase, Christian dropkicks the steps into the incoming legs of Umaga, slowing him down. Umaga responds by kicking over the steps, and picks them up, tossing them in frustration.

On commentary, J.R surmises that Christian is looking to wear out Umaga by getting him to chase him around - and Estrada is wise to it too. After Umaga throws the steps, his handler takes over, and looks to settle his frustrated Bulldozer. Armando is heard telling Umaga not to chase Christian, telling the Samoan to get Christian to come to him instead. Umaga nods, and slams the apron, before walking around ringside, grabbing a steel chair.

In the ring, Christian looks a little concerned, as Umaga re-enters, wielding a chair … but the Samoan Bulldozer surprises everyone by throwing the chair down at Christians feet!!! Umaga roars at Christian, challenging him to use the chair - perhaps suggesting the chair would make it a fair fight?? But Christian doesn’t need a second invite, and reaches down for the chair - but it’s a trap. As soon as Christian reaches down, Umaga comes after him.

Christian is quick enough to avoid Umaga though, and he takes a few shots at Umaga, then runs off the ropes … running right into a ROLLING WHEEL KICK from the agile Samoan Bulldozer!!! Instantly upon impact, Christian rolls out of the ring, but Umaga isn’t in the mood for giving Christian any recovery time. He follows Christian out of the ring, and picks Christian up, hip tossing him with ease into the barrier!! Umaga doesn’t let up, and picks Christian up again, carrying him to the ramp - SLAMMING Christian onto the hard steel!!!

Umaga drags Captain Charisma back to the ringside area, setting Christian up by the steps, backing up to give himself a running start … and looks for the SAMOAN WRECKING BALL by the steps - BUT CHRISTIAN AVOIDS IT!!! Umaga hit’s the steel steps - HARD!!! Christian is obviously worse for wear, but he spots his opportunity, and leaps on it, teeing off on Umaga whilst he’s weakened, then slams Umagas face off the steps!!

Christian reaches under the ring, pulling out a Kendo Stick - and proceeds to whack Umaga with it across the back, then the gut, and cracks Umaga over the skull with the stick too. Christian looks to go back to the body with the stick, but when he swings - Umaga catches it!!! The Bulldozer overpowers Christian, and yanks him in close with the stick, and nails his opponent with a big uppercut. Christians comeback is quickly halted with that ONE shot, and Umaga nails Christian - twice - across the back with the stick, before sending him back into the ring.

Umaga follows, knocking Christian back down in the ring with a head butt, before picking up the steel chair he had previously brought into the ring. Umaga punishes the back of Christian, nailing Captain Charisma with the steel object twice. He picks Christian up, sending him into the corner, chasing in after … but Christian swings out onto the ropes in trademark fashion, and catches Umaga with his signature seesaw kick!!! Umaga stumbles back, and Captain Charisma puts himself onto the middle rope - coming off with a reverse elbow to Umaga!!!

The Samoan Bulldozer is briefly taken off his feet by the elbow, but quickly rises. However, in the mean time, Christian has picked up the chair, and gets some payback on Umaga, blasting him with the chair this time, nailing the back, over and over, bringing Umaga to his knees. Christian slams the chair down, and with Umaga softened up, he’s able to deliver the REVERSE DDT … ON THE CHAIR!!!!! He covers, 1...2...UMAGA KICKS OUT!!!

Umaga kicks out with authority, forcing Christian to puff his cheeks he knows - once again - he’s in for a long night to try and knock off Umaga. Picking up the chair, Christian leans back, whacking the chair across the back of Umaga, with the Bulldozer trying to crawl to the ropes to get to his feet. Despite the chair shots, Umaga keeps moving, grabbing at the ropes to get to his feet, but Christian puts everything he has into one BIG shot to the back, which slows Umaga, and allows Christian to stand up on Umagas back at the ropes, choking the Samoan!!!

Christian then leaps out, over the top, and when he lands on the floor, gives Umaga a trademark slap!!! The fans pop, and Christian proceeds to bring a table out from under the ring, sliding it inside. Once in the ring, Christian sets the table up in the corner - obviously with something in mind. Looking to soften Umaga up, Christian lands a series of unanswered blows, backing the Bulldozer up against the table. Christian then backs up to the opposite corner … setting himself … similar to how Edge would set himself…

FOR A SPEAR …

… BUT UMAGA KICKS HIM AWAY!!!!!


Christian went for a Spear through the upright table in the corner, but Umaga avoids it with the kick, and Umaga follows up with a savate kick to knock Christian down off his feet. Umaga slows things down now, applying a nerve hold on Christian, with the former World Champion wincing, selling the hold, until Umaga lets go. Umaga softens Christian up with more head butts, backing Christian into the corner, before setting his rival into the tree of woe position. Umaga takes off, hitting the ropes, rebounding back - launching himself with a diving head butt to his defenceless foe.

Umaga releases Christian from the tree of woe, but keeps up the punishment, pushing up on the ropes and crashing down with a stomp, and again, and a third time, before dragging Christian to his feet, delivering an uppercut that sends Captain Charisma stumbling backward into the ropes. Umaga effortlessly picks Christian up onto his shoulder, and looks for a running power slam - THROUGH THE TABLE - but Christian slips off at the last second; Umaga spins around …
AND GETS SPEARED THROUGH THE TABLE BY CHRISTIAN!!!!!!!!!!

There’s a huge pop in the arena, as Christian DRIVES Umaga through the table with his old partners finish!!! The former World Champion pulls Umaga from the pieces of broken table, making a cover … 1...2...UMAGA KICKS OUT!!!!! On commentary, J.R is stunned, saying that Umaga never fails to amaze him at the punishment he can withstand. Christian shakes his head in the ring, shooting a glare at the official, getting up with his hands on his knees, looking to the heavens as if to ask; “what else can I do??”

Christian takes a deep breath, and soliders on, stepping outside the ring, and approaching the cameraman, taking his camera from him, looking to use it on Umaga. However, as Christian gets up onto the apron, Armando Estrada gets himself involved again, grabbing the leg of Christian. Christian gets back off the apron, and without a moments hesitation - NAILS Estrada with the camera; directly to the skull!!!!!

Armando Estrada is knocked out COLD. Christian stands over AAE … but while he’s taken out the handler, he’s taken his eye off the real problem; UMAGA. And the indestructible Samoan Bulldozer is back UP after being Speared through the table, and as Christian turns around, he is met with a uppercut to the throat again from his rival. Umaga then takes the cable from the TV camera, and wraps it around the throat of Christian … CHOKING THE LIFE OUT OF HIM!!!!!

Umaga chokes Christian with the cable, with Christian trapped on the floor, unable to escape. Christians face starts to turn purple as Umaga SQUEEZES the cable tightly around the neck … forcing Captain Charisma to swing the camera back in desperation - and NAILS Umaga with it!!!!! Umaga lets go of the cable, as Christian swings back a second time, NAILING Umaga once again!!! Umaga staggers back, falling onto the floor, whilst Christian rolls into the ring to create distance in order to recover from the vicious choke.

Coughing violently, Christian looks to regain his breath, whilst Umaga tries to shake the cobwebs loose. The Bulldozer slowly gets back to his feet, and Christian has to suck it up, knowing he has to stay on Umaga … and he jumps onto the turnbuckles - TRIANGLE PLANCHA TO THE OUTSIDE … CAUGHT BY UMAGA … AND UMAGA FLATTENDS CHRISTIAN WITH A SPINNING SIDE SLAM ON THE FLOOR!!!!!!! Christian is flattened on the floor, with J.R proclaiming; “He might be broken in half!!!”

Umaga shows no mercy, and drags the lifeless body of Christian to his feet, throwing him over the barrier, landing awkwardly on the cold floor. Umaga climbs over, stalking Christian as the Canadian tries to crawl away and buy time to recover from the assault. In his desperation, Christian tosses fans chairs at Umaga to try and keep him at arms length - whilst still crawling on his hands and knees. Umaga swats away the chairs with ease, bearing down on Christian - stomping the back, then drops his tree trunk like leg over the neck of his opponent!!!!!

Moving fans out of the way, Umaga tosses Christian onto a row of chairs, but as he reaches to pick Christian up, Captain Charisma jabs a chair into the gut of Umaga, buying himself time. Christian gets to his feet, staggering away from Umaga, who clubs the back as he chases Christian down. Umaga hit’s the back again, but Christian continues to try and get away, eventually ending up at the side of the stage, as Umaga viciously clubs Christians back once more.

The clubbing blow sends Christian to his knees, but as Umaga reaches down to grab Christian - HE IS BLINDED BY A FIRE EXTINGUISHER!!!!! The smoke blinds Umaga - and the Bulldozer cant prepare for the follow up as Christian NAILS Umaga with the object!!!!! Umaga staggers with Christian dropping the fire extinguisher … before he grabs Umaga from behind by his tights … and RUNS UMAGA THROUGH THE GLASS PANEL AT THE SIDE OF THE STAGE!!!!!!!!!!

The sound of the glass panel shattering is like a gunshot, and the glass explodes everywhere upon impact, as the shock from the fans is followed by a - you guessed it - “Holy Shit” chant from the stunned audience, as Coach exclaims; “My sentiments exactly!!!”. Even Christian has to take a moment to watch the scene - Umaga laying amongst the broken glass - before snapping out of it, pushing himself back to his feet and realising there’s still a job to be done!!!

Grabbing a crate with wheels, Christian brings it toward Umaga - knowing he cant carry the Bulldozer to the ring on his own power - and drags Umaga up, draping him over the crate. Christian begins to wheel the lifeless Samoan Bulldozer back through the rabid fans, heading back toward ringside, as J.R comments that Umaga HAS to be done, claiming that “not even Michael Myers or Jason Voorhies could get back up from what I‘ve just witnessed.” Christian pushes the crate, getting nearer to the ringside barrier - ONLY TO BE NAILED WITH A PIPE - FROM A FAN!!!!!!!

The ‘FAN’, wearing a plain black hoodie - with the hood up, keeping his face in the shadows - instantly takes off after nailing Christian unexpectedly, knocking Captain Charisma out - COLD. The camera tries to keep up with the ‘fan’ but he disappears into the sea of bodies, with security chasing after the assailant. Meanwhile, Christian is now also laid out on the crate … as Umaga begins to stir!!!!! As both men are still down, the story focuses on the so-called fan, with J.R demanding a replay … commenting that he knows someone that always comes to work now in black.

Coach doesn’t take kindly to the hint by J.R that John Cena could be the attacker, telling J.R that a lot of people wear black hoodies. Meanwhile, Umaga has rolled off the crate - and we can finally see he has been busted open on his face, arms and chest by the shards of broken glass he crashed through. Umaga picks Christian up, pushing the crate away, and carries Christian, dumping him over the barrier. At ringside, Umaga is set to roll the unconscious Christian into the ring - but is stopped by his dishevelled handler, who has finally got back up after the camera shot.

Estrada gesticulates wildly at Umaga, not wanting him to roll Christian in just yet - but instead, points to the ringside area. Umaga nods, listening to the instructions from Armando, and drags the lifeless body of Christian to the announce desks, spreading Christian across the Spanish announce table. Umaga gets up, standing on the Raw announce desk, as J.R and Coach run for cover … with Umaga taking off, charging across the table, leaping from the Raw table … AND SPLASHES THROUGH CHRISTIAN ON THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!!!!!!!

J.R cries out for the match to be stopped, as Estrada instantly gives Umaga a shake, pulling the Bulldozer, forcing him to get up a little quicker than he’d like to. Pointing to the ring, Estrada demands Umaga bring Christian inside to finish the job. Umaga nods, and drags the lifeless carcass of Christian through the broken pieces of table, getting him back into the ring. Inside, Umaga STILL isn’t done … and drags Christian up, putting an exclamation mark on the match, with Christian unable to defend himself - SAMOAN SPIKE!!! He mercifully covers … 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: Umaga @ 17:09

Finally, Umaga has his hand raised against Christian - but not without controversy. J.R quickly goes back to the turning point; Christian being blindsided by a hooded fan, who knocked him out COLD with a lead pipe. Umaga meanwhile, has his hand raised, much to the delight of his handler, who gets himself together, still looking dishevelled after getting nailed with a camera earlier.

J.R and Coach recap the pivotal events of the match, with Christian spearing Umaga through a table, battering Estrada with a camera, and putting Umaga through a glass panel … which appeared to have Christian on the verge of victory, until a fan nailed Christian as he wheeled Umaga through the crowd. Replays then air of Umaga splashing Christian through the table, and the Samoan Spike that finished the match.

Back live, Umaga and Estrada leave up the ramp, whilst in the crowd, fans are being questioned by officials - seemingly in connection to the attacker, wanting as much information as possible. In the ring, medics are tending to Christian, with a stretcher being brought to the ring, as J.R wonders aloud on commentary if John Cena has an alibi. Coach defends the World Champion, and says it was clearly an overexcited fan.

After asking repeatedly, J.R finally gets a camera shot of the fan as they got away … with the shot zooming in when the hooded fan turns around … and it looks EXACTLY like JOHN CENA. Coach isn’t convinced, but J.R is, and J.R doesn’t hold back his anger at the situation, as we get another shot in the ring, as a neck brace is placed on Christian…




***
VIDEO PACKAGE

~~ A FLAIR FOR THE GOLD ~~
#14 - UNCENSORED 1999

The video doesn’t highlight the Wrestlecrap behind the match, which saw Ric Flair bleed profusely in a FIRST BLOOD Steel Cage Match, and doesn’t explain why Flair would win a FIRST BLOOD match by pin fall, as he dethroned the almighty Hollywood Hulk Hogan to capture his fourteenth World Championship. They weren‘t all classics.

END PACKAGE
***



Back at ringside, the camera remains on CHRISTIAN as he is wheeled from the ring. J.R explains that from the information he has been given, Christian has suffered broken ribs, whilst the neck brace is a precautionary measure. He states Christian will be taken to a “local medical facility” (hospitals are a dirty word for Vince) and evaluated overnight.

“And that will undoubtedly be music to the ears of John Cena” is the dry quip from the lead announcer, as we watch Christian being wheeled up the ramp, with fans giving Captain Charisma a lot of respectful cheers. Coach, meanwhile, tries to argue that it wasn’t Cena in the picture, saying it wasn’t a clear shot, arguing that Cena has a World title match to prepare for later…

**THIS FIRE BURNS**

As Christian is still being wheeled out, CM PUNK walks through the curtain, taking a look as the stretcher passes by him. Punk smirks, and looks directly to the camera, stating with a smirk; “I guess they‘ll probably try and pin that one on me too!!” referring to the attack many believe he conducted on Greg Helms the night after WrestleMania.

Punk rolls his hands, and declares; “IT‘S CLOBBERIN TIME” before proceeding down the aisle … WHEN HE IS NAILED FROM BEHIND BY MATT HARDY!!!!! Hardy - who has had to wait for weeks for this moment - gets his hands on Punk, and with the match not underway, Hardy can do what he likes without fear of losing his title by DQ!!!

Hardy kicks Punk down the ramp, with Punk stumbling around ringside, trying to jump into the ring, but Hardy grabs him by the tights to stop him, and pulls him back, throwing him against the barrier. Hardy unloads right hands on Punk, and slams his face off the barrier, before sending Punk into the steps.

The Champion unbuckles his belt, lining up Punk - AND NAILS Punk with the title belt - RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES!!! Punk goes down, but Hardy doesn’t let up, mounting Punk and pounding his challenger mercilessly. Hardy talks trash to Punk, as the official tries to pull the champion off Punk.

Hardy is dragged off, but instantly pulls away again, and stomps Punk, with the challenger trying to escape by crawling away. Hardy grabs Punk by the legs, but Punk desperately kicks Hardy away, and scrambles into the ring, grabbing the referee by the pants, making a bell ringing motion, pointing to the outside, wanting the match to begin immediately and prevent Hardy from doing anything more…

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk
*No Championship Advantage*

Hardy is angered that Punk managed to weasel away, but follows him into the ring, sliding inside, only for Punk to slide out. Hardy - much like Umaga at the beginning of the last match - gives chase, coming after the challenger, with Punk sliding back inside. Hardy slides in behind, and it allows Punk to stomp the champion before he can get up. The smart tactic puts Punk in the driving seat, whilst J.R is amazed at how aggressive the champion has been - and it’s playing into Punks hands.

Punk backs Matt into the corner, pounding him with right hands. The challenger looks for a whip to the opposite corner, but Hardy manages to reverse it, sending Punk in instead. Punk bounces out of the corner, right into a clothesline from the champion. Hardy doesn’t let up, and drags Punk right back up, bringing him to the corner, and bashing the challengers head off the top turnbuckle - not once, not twice, not thrice - TEN TIMES, with the fans counting along in unison. Hardy is scolded by the referee, but Matt ignores him, and knocks Punk back down with a big right hand.

The challenger scrambles to his feet, staggering to the other corner, with Matt following in, mounting the ropes, and proceeds to hammer Punk in the corner - you guessed it - with TEN shots, which, again, the fans count along with. Once more, Matt is admonished by the official for his actions, with Marty Elias demanding Matt get down from the middle turnbuckle. As Hardy argues with the official, he gives Punk time to recuperate, and he shoves Matts legs from under him, with Hardy smashing his face off the top turnbuckle!!!

It gives Punk a chance to mount some offence, and he sends Matt off the ropes, ducking down for the return; but Matt has other ideas, bouncing back from the ropes and delivering a swinging neck breaker to the champion!!! He hooks the leg, 1...2...NO!!! Hardy backs Punk into the corner, letting fly with rights and lefts, which force the referee to get involved AGAIN, as he demands Matt cool down, reminding him he can lose the title via DQ.

Matt looks frustrated with the official, but drags Punk from the corner, delivering a side suplex, right into another cover; 1...2...NO!!! Despite the kick out, Matt has Punk where he wants him, and sets himself on the middle rope, signalling to the fans, before leaping off, delivering a BIG Leg Drop off the middle!!! Hardy hooks the leg again; 1...2...NO!!! Punk survives, as Matt presses on after a shake of the head. He sends Punk into the corner, then follows in with a big splash - MISSED!!! Punk dodges out of the corner, and meets Hardy coming back with a PEPSI TWIST!!! 1...2...NO!!!

Punk doesn’t let the kick out affect his mindset, and he starts to choke Matt by the ropes, jawing with the fans in the front row as he does, then pleads innocence to Marty Elias … whilst keeping his knee on the back of Matts neck, continuing to choke the champion. The challenger rolls out of the ring, and drags Matt out with him, picking him up and dropping the champion across the top of the barrier - face first, and then rams Matt into the side of the ring apron.

Rolling Matt back inside, Punk sets himself on the apron, then springboards off the ropes, delivering a clothesline to Matt. He scrambles, hooking the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! As Hardy tries to get to his feet, Punk looks to keep him under control with a variety of kicks and strikes, softening Matt up for a big roundhouse kick - NO - Hardy ducks the kick, and hooks Punk up - SIDE EFFECT; NO!!! Punk elbows free, then, as Hardy rushes back at him, Punk drop toe holds the champion … and follows up with a SHINING WIZARD!!!! Punk mocks the old Hurricane pose to massive heat, before hooking the leg, 1...2...NO!!!

Boos continue to ring out at Punk for mocking his former tag partner, Greg Helms former persona, but Punk smirks - happy to annoy the fans. Punk gets back to business, mounting Matt, before pounding the champion - all the while talking trash as he does it. After another telling off from the referee, Punk stops the punches, and feigns innocence as he drags Hardy up, backing Matt into the corner. Once there though, Hardy explodes back to life, stunning Punk with a flurry of rights, fighting out of the corner, getting the fans cheering … but is quickly cut off by a roundhouse kick from the challenger!!! Punk hooks the leg again, 1...2...NO!!!

Punk smirks at the kick out, with a wry shake of the head too. He drags Matt up, softening him up with a stiff forearm shot, before shooting Hardy into the corner, following in with a running high knee … followed by a running bulldog out of the corner!!! Punk smiles again, turning Matt over, hooking the leg again, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Punk looks for the same again, sending Matt into the corner, and delivers the running knee … but this time, he takes too long with the bulldog, too busy riling the fans, which allows Hardy to counter the bulldog - with an ATOMIC DROP … and follows that with a big clothesline, sending Punk over the top and out to the floor!!!!!

Hardy follows out, and roughs Punk up on the outside, taking the opportunity to punish the smug challenger. Punk eventually manages to beg off from Hardy, and backs up to the timekeepers table, grabbing the Intercontinental title belt, and tosses it to Matt!! Matt catches the belt, with Punk dropping to his knees, arms behind his back, leaving himself WIDE OPEN to be nailed with the title!!! Punk tries to goad Matt, telling him how good he’ll feel to do it and Hardy leans back, thinking about pulling the trigger … but he resists temptation, reminding himself he’ll lose the title … exactly why Punk wants him to do it in the first place!!!

Matt tosses the belt aside, and proceeds to kick Punk in the chest with Punk still on his knees. He tosses the challenger back into the ring, and sends Punk into the corner, following in with a crushing clothesline … and hits his own running bulldog out of the corner on Punk!!! Matt covers, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Matt slaps the mat in frustration, but picks himself up, and begins to shape up, stalking Punk for the TWIST OF FATE … and gets the kick, but when he hooks Punk up and spins, Punk counters … BACKSLIDE … 1...2...HARDY JUST WRIGGLES FREE!!!!!

Both men are up after the kick-out, and it’s Matt to strike first, knocking Punk right back down with a clothesline. Hardy pushes himself up onto the middle rope, and looks for his elbow off the middle - PUNK MOVES!!! Hardy holds his arm in pain, and struggles back to his feet … where Punk is waiting … and gets Hardy up on his shoulders … GTS- NO!!! Hardy blocks it, grabbing the leg of Punk, and spins him around, hooking Punk up; SIDE EFFECT!!!!! 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!!

Shaking his head, Hardy once more gets up, and stalks Punk; looking for the Twist Of Fate, hoping he can nail it at the second time of asking … but Punk appears to sense it coming, and as he drags himself up on the ropes, Punk hops OUT of the ring to safety!!! Hardy is furious, and comes out after the weasel challenger, with Punk grabbing a chair, bringing it back into the ring, as Hardy wisely takes his time to follow in - aware Punk has a chair.

Matt steps back inside, with Punk seemingly trying his luck again - despite the title belt trick not working earlier - as he tosses the chair to Matt. Once again Punk is on his knees, arms behind his back - with that same smug smirk - goading Matt, wanting him to nail him with the chair and lose the title by DQ … but Hardy this time smirks back at him and shakes his head - his emotions are in check, and he tells Punk; “Not so cocky now, huh??”. Punk gulps, his smile momentarily gone … but it soon comes back … as he shouts for Matt - and everyone else - to hear; “YOU WERE RIGHT. I DID IT, MATT. I BROKE GREG HELMS NECK!!!”

Hardy looks incensed, and he grips the chair, trying to resist temptation … with Punk smirking, trying to send the champion over the edge; “I ENJOYED IT, MATT!!!” Hardy snaps, and leans back with the chair … with Punk closing his eyes, waiting for the chair shot … BUT THE REFEREE PULLS THE CHAIR AWAY FROM HARDY!!!! Marty Elias prevents Hardy from using the chair, as Punk opens his eyes, wondering what’s going on … with Matt momentarily distracted by the officials intervention … allowing Punk to pop up, surprising Matt; GTS!!!!! 1...2...3!!!!!
Winner: And NEW Intercontinental Champion - CM Punk @ 08:52
*Total time does not include pre-match brawl

Laughing as he sits up and licking his lips, CM Punk has accomplished exactly what he set out for; the Intercontinental Championship. Having played Matt Hardy like a fiddle for weeks, Punk closed the deal to take his title!!! Punk has his hand raised, and holds the title up - all the while smiling smugly and laughing, as J.R is disgusted - both at Punks tactics tonight and his admission of guilt relating to Greg Helms.

The Coach - as always - sees it differently, telling J.R he doesn’t think Punk was being serious about Greg Helms, but was instead trying to get Matt to snap - and it worked. Coach tries to lay the blame on Marty Elias for Matt losing in the manner he did, though J.R points out that either way, Hardy was about to lose the title had he used the chair.

Punk leaves the ring, mockingly shining up his newly won gold, as Matt comes to in the ring, holding his forehead in pain after the GTS, eyeing Punk, who holds the title aloft once more. In the ring, Hardy mouths some nasty profanities towards Punks direction, as the NEW Intercontinental Champion backs up the ramp, leaving with the gold over his shoulder…




***
VIDEO PACKAGE
Shots of Shawn Michaels soaring through the air with his picture perfect elbow, and delivering Sweet Chin Music from a variety of angles, talking over the top of it

“It‘s not glory I‘m after.”

Clips of CM Punk hitting his GTS and showing his sinister smirk as he narrates the next line.

“I don’t want your adulation.”

The Master Craftsmen all enjoying success, with Albright talking over the top of clips of the three of them beating on helpless opponents, and Albright winning at WrestleMania.

“And I don’t need anybodies respect.”

Flashing images of Beth Phoenix dominating other women in the division, slamming countless divas with the Phoenix Rising.

“They can steal the show; I want something more.”

John Cena walking to the ring at WrestleMania, with a backdrop of “CENA SUCKS” posters, whilst he cranks on the STFU.

“Cheers?? I don’t want any of that.”

Shots of Shelton Benjamin in action, flying off the ropes, hitting various big moves.

“But Vengeance…”

Each of Michaels, Punk, Albright, Phoenix and Cena speak…

“Vengeance-”
“Vengeance-”
“Vengeance-”
“Vengeance-”
“Vengeance-”

And end on Christian - as he looks up, directly into the camera;

“…Will be MINE.”


WWE VENGEANCE | JUNE 15 | SAN DIEGO, CA
ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW
***




Back at ringside, J.R comments on the Vengeance preview video, informing the fans that will be the next time Raw will be on Pay Per View. They then briefly touch on the pre-show earlier tonight, exclusive to wwe.com, where CODY RHODES and KEN DOANE won the opportunity to face the World Tag Team Champions in the coming weeks.

Clips are shown from the four way match up, with all four teams having opportunities to win the match, but Cody & Ken would take advantage of the situation which saw the Angels of Anarchy first hit Total Elimination on Chris Harris, then James Storm would take Daniels out of the equation, leaving Williams to suffer the Hart Attack at the hands of the Hart Legacy.

Storm and Daniels would then return, momentarily teaming up to prevent Smith & Kidd from getting victory … which allowed Cody and Ken to slip in through the back door, with Rhodes making sure of the win by delivering Cross Rhodes to Harris, as Doane kept lookout - making sure the Hart Legacy, Storm & Daniels couldn’t break the count. Coach congratulates the winning team on commentary, before J.R throws to Tiffany backstage, with Rhodes and Doane…



Tiffany talks with CODY RHODES and KEN DOANE backstage, with the two up and comers both looking very pleased with themselves. She first congratulates them, before asking who they’d prefer to face for the titles. Confident and brash, the duo talk about relaxing and watching the title match tonight and make it clear they’ll take the titles from whoever leaves Backlash tonight with the gold.

Rhodes claims he and Ken will show who the true masters of the craft are if they face Haas and Dinsmore, and that they’ll delight in having the opportunity to dethrone D-X; “and let me tell ya, Tiffany; that WONT suck.” Doane has his say, and tells the blonde that he and Cody are ready for their shot; they proved it tonight, and they intend on setting a “new standard” in the tag division.

Looking off camera, Cody rolls his eyes; “I mentioned sucking a moment ago…” … as Goldust appears on the screen. Looking rather down and depressed, the usually vibrant Goldust cuts a lonely, lost figure, as he meekly offers his congratulations to his brother on victory tonight. Goldust extends a hand, but Cody instantly slaps it away.

Following on from Raw, Cody berates his brother, telling ‘Dustin’ that he and Ken are setting a new standard and raising the bar, whereas Goldust is swimming around in the gutter. Rhodes reminds ‘Dustin’ he could’ve enjoyed this success six months ago, but he choose to return to his demeaning persona - “so don’t come crawlin back to me now.”

Cody sneers at Goldust for driving away everyone close to him; “even Regal couldn’t stand the sight of you” and walks off, with Ken following, calling Goldust a freak - just as he did on Raw last Monday. Goldust bows his head, accepting the harsh words, as we see a disappointed looking William Regal far off in the background, having watched it all. Regal turns, and walks away too, head bowed.



Back into the arena…

**REALITY**

He’s not advertised for anything; but since when did that stop THE MIZ from being an annoying pest?? The Hardcore Champion makes his way to the ring, with J.R unable to hide his anger at the sight of the wannabe, reminding everyone Miz doesn’t have a match tonight - just as he didn’t when he tried to hijack WrestleMania last month. J.R tells the fans that right now, we’re scheduled for the tag team title match, but instead, we’ve got “this idiot.”

Once in the ring, The Miz complains instantly about not being on PPV again, but felt he should make an appearance for all his ‘Miz-fits’ in Kansas City. He reminds everyone it should’ve been him in the main event tonight, and tells them there’s probably still time to ask for a refund.

Moving on, Miz talks about his ‘Barely Legal Hardcore Invitational’ telling everyone there wont be an edition tonight (“but if Shaq were to turn up like he did at WrestleMania, I could make an exception…”), but it will return on Raw tomorrow. At this point, THE COACH gets up from commentary to interject. Coach showers Miz with praise, and tells him he has a perfect candidate for The Miz.

Coach admits that the person he has doesn’t quite meet the criteria Miz set out; “this kid I‘ve got has been toiling away for years in high school gyms for peanuts. It‘s quite pathetic really.”, but would look at it as a personal favour, if Miz could give the kid a ‘lesson’ on Raw. After double checking the person isn’t Big Zeke (Coach’s personal bodyguard), Miz gladly accepts. The two unbearable figures then begin to kiss each others asses when-

**BREAK IT DOWN**

The fans go nuts for the classic, instantly recognisable music of D-GENERATION X, especially given that it’s putting an end to The Miz and The Coach having a love-in. TRIPLE H and SHAWN MICHAELS make their way to the ring, with The Coach getting out of dodge. The Miz stays in the ring through, acting/thinking tough.

The Game and Shawn Michaels take a mic each, and begin to make fun of Miz; mocking his haircut (comparing him to the Red Rooster), his dress sense (both Shawn and Hunter agree they thought Nsync ended years ago) and his Barely Legal Hardcore Invitational. After mocking the Miz‘s ‘I’m Hardcore’ catchphrase, Triple H jokes; “The only thing Hardcore about you, is your internet history, pal.”

Miz is told by Shawn Michaels to “run along”, with Triple H quipping that he doesn’t want Miz to be around when he tells the fans to “get ready to suck it” in case he gets the wrong idea. Miz then makes one comment of his own as he looks to leave; “Don’t worry, I‘ll get out of way - I don’t want to end up like Kennedy, getting fired for standing up to you.”

Triple H then prevents Miz from leaving - taking exception to the comment - and makes it clear to Miz he had nothing to do with “his” firing, making sure not to mention Kennedy by name, unlike Miz. Triple H then reminds Miz what Kennedy did to get himself fired; he hit the boss’s daughter, “my wife.”, and lets Miz know that Kennedy got away lightly with just being fired with a WrestleMania payday as a severance package.

Miz though, isn’t buying it; “Your finger prints were all over it, Hunter. You were worried Kennedy was gonna take your spot, and you had him removed from the equation. And the only reason he smacked Stephanie, is because she was the one with the balls to look him in the eye.”

Triple H immediately snaps at that suggestion, kicking Miz in the gut; PEDIGREE!!!!! The Miz is dropped with the Pedigree, but Triple H isn’t done there, and goes to the outside, looking under the ring for a sledgehammer, but before he can get his hands on it…

**PAY THE PRICE**

CHARLIE HAAS and NICK DINSMORE walk down the aisle; Triple H wont have time to do whatever he was planning to do to The Miz, as the World Tag Team Champions look to take advantage of the situation, with Triple H not currently concentrating on what truly matters tonight; the World Tag Team Titles. HBK gets the referee to get The Miz out of there, and looks to get Triple H’s mind back in the game, as they look to win tag team gold together for the first ever time.

World Tag Team Championships Match:
The Master Craftsmen vs. Triple H & Shawn Michaels

After a lengthy discussion between The Game and HBK, Triple H is the one to start the match with Haas. Shawn makes sure The Game has calmed down, with Triple H giving him a nod before locking up with Haas. They briefly tussle, but The Game is too strong for Haas, tossing Charlie aside, with Haas taking a tumble across the ring. In the corner, Haas and Dinsmore briefly regroup, taken aback by the ease in which Charlie was overpowered.

As Haas and Dinsmore talk, The Game gets their attention with a trademark crotch chop. Haas charges in anger, but runs right into a knockdown. Dinsmore races in behind, but Triple H reacts quickly, side stepping Nick, and tosses him right back out, over the top, to the floor!! And it’s not over there for Dinsmore, as Shawn gets in on the fun and games, splashing off the apron onto him, punishing Nick for getting involved. In the ring, Triple H attempts an early Pedigree on Haas - but Charlie is too fresh, and trips The Game, into a jacknife pin; 1...2...NO!!!

Triple H just escapes the pinning predicament, nearly stunned by Haas and J.R puts over the ring smarts of the tag team champions, giving the two legends some food for thought. Both men are up, but Triple H strikes first with a clothesline, then drops a knee onto Haas, into a lateral press, 1...2...No!! Haas gets up, but Triple H goes right to a side headlock, controlling Haas before tagging in HBK for the first time, and with Haas trapped by The Game, Shawn comes off the top with an axe handle to Charlie.

Shawn walks Charlie to the corner, smashing his head off the top turnbuckle, then presses him against the ropes, letting fly with a handful of chops - which get an obligatory WOOO from the fans - before looking for an Irish whip. Haas counters the whip, sending Shawn off into the ropes instead, but Michaels returns by ducking under Haas, then rebounds off again and slides under the champion, before bouncing back with a Sunset flip; 1...2...NO!!!

Haas kicks out, and rushes to his feet quickly, but Michaels beats Charlie to the punch, and then sends Haas off the ropes, but as Charlie hits them, Dinsmore tags his back - unseen by HBK - and Michaels knocks Charlie down, but isn’t expecting Nick, who blindsides Michaels with a rough forearm smash!! Dinsmore quickly gets Shawn back up, and sends him into the corner, coming in behind - but eats boot!! Shawn fires back, fending off Dinsmore with more chops, fighting out of the corner, then puts Nick down with a slam, and drops a knee. He covers, 1...2...No!!

Michaels whips Dinsmore off the ropes, ducking down for the return, but Dinsmore comes back and kicks Shawn away!! Michaels wheels away, holding his shoulder, with Dinsmore eyeing a chop block - but Michaels manages to side step out of trouble, and looks to strike Dinsmore as he turns around with SWEET CHIN MUSIC - but Dinsmore catches the foot; and trips Michaels … scurrying for the CLOVERLEAF!!! Dinsmore tries to apply his submission hold, but HBK manages to wriggle and kicks Dinsmore away!!

Dinsmore regroups, coming right back after Michaels, but HBK gets a headlock takeover, and with Dinsmore in a seated position on the canvas, Shawn directs a stiff kick to the lower back of his opponent. Michaels softens Dinsmore more with a few straight right hands, and takes off hitting the ropes, but Nick looks to use Michaels momentum against him, and sends Shawn over the top on his return - but Michaels hangs on - and pulls off his signature skinning the cat back in … but as HBK pulls himself back in, Haas rushes along the apron, and clotheslines Shawn down!!!

Michaels is wiped out by the clothesline, and Triple H is incensed by the interference from Haas. The Game - already tightly wound tonight - argues with Scott Armstrong about the blatant interference from Haas … but that only distracts the official further, and allows the Master Craftsmen to take advantage with a double team attack on Michaels!! Together, Dinsmore and Haas send Michaels hurtling into the corner, with HBK ending upside down, such is the force he hit’s the corner with, and Dinsmore is then able to follow that up with a Falcon Arrow!! 1...2...KICK OUT!!!

Dinsmore now legally tags Haas in, with the champions getting to work on Michaels with basic stomps in the corner, softening HBK up. Charlie drags Shawn out of the corner, taking him over with a snap mare, and takes off, coming back with a dropkick to the notoriously weak back of Michaels. Lateral press; 1...2...NO!! Quickly, Haas applies a headlock to keep Michaels under control after the kick out, but Shawn doesn’t stay trapped for long, shoving Charlie off, into the ropes, and knocks him down with a nice reverse elbow on the return.

Haas stirs quickly, but Michaels catches him with right hands and a few chops, taking off, hitting the ropes - but is tripped by Dinsmore as he hits them, and he stumbles forward, into the path of Haas, who catches Michaels with an overhead Belly to Belly!!! Haas covers quickly, hooking the leg, 1...2...KICK OUT!!! Haas tags out to Dinsmore, holding Michaels, giving Dinsmore a free shot. Nick drags HBK back up, but Michaels fights back, but has a kick caught by Dinsmore. Dinsmore taunts as he holds Michaels leg … until HBK responds with an ENZIGURI!!!!

Dinsmore goes down, and Michaels quickly looks to make a tag out to his partner - reaching - and tagging The Game for the hot tag!! Triple H bounds into the ring, wasting no time, running through Dinsmore with a series of clotheslines, and then runs off the ropes - as Haas places a knee to the back, trying to slow The Game down - but the cheap shot is NO SOLD by Triple H!! The Game turns around, staring a hole through Haas, then lunges at him - but Haas reacts quickly, and drops Triple H throat first over the top rope!!!

That slows The Game down, and Triple H staggers back from the ropes … making him easy pickings for the recovering Dinsmore and a perfect Northern Lights Suplex - 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!!! Despite hitting the ring on fire, Triple H has been quickly silenced by the champions, and Dinsmore tags in Haas, with the pair sending Trips off the ropes, and Nick meets The Game on the return with an inverted atomic drop, with Haas gripping Triple H from behind - BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX; 1...2...SHOULDER JUST UP!!!!!

Shawn Michaels had entered the ring to make sure the three didn’t go down, but as he leaves, Haas shoves Michaels from behind, trying to goad him - and gets socked in the mouth for his troubles!!! Michaels knocks Haas down, and then spots Dinsmore incoming, and backdrops Nick - sending Dinsmore flying over the top rope, hitting the floor outside!!! Shawn helps Hunter up, and DX then show off their own team work skills, with Triple H assisting Shawn Michaels as he delivers a plancha to Dinsmore on the outside!!!!! It leaves Haas and The Game in the ring, and Triple H blocks a shot from Haas, then delivers his face buster, and follows that with a reverse neck breaker on Charlie, before covering, 1...2...KICK OUT!!!!!

The Game shakes his head, and drags Haas up, shoving him into the corner, where Shawn Michaels is back following his plancha, and he takes a tag from The Game, becoming the legal man. DX team up, sending Haas across the ring into the opposite corner, before Shawn whips The Game in after, crushing Haas with a clothesline in the corner. Trips then whips Haas out of the corner, into the path of Michaels and an inverted atomic drop, with Triple H following up with a clothesline!!! The Game exits, and Michaels covers, 1...2...NO!!!

Michaels shrugs at the kick out, and backs Haas up into the corner again, firing off a succession of knife edge chops. Shawn attempts to shoot Haas off the ropes, but Charlie reverses, sending Michaels instead, looking for a back body drop on the return, but Shawn rolls off the back, and meets Haas as he turns around with a straight right hand!!! Applying a side headlock, Michaels takes Haas to the DX corner, tagging in The Game once more, with Triple H hoisting himself onto the middle rope, coming off with a shot to the exposed ribs of Haas!!

Triple H executes a side suplex, floating over into a cover, 1...2...NO!!! The Game shakes his head in frustration, but hammers Charlie into the corner, opening up with knees to the gut, softening one half of the champions up, before dragging Charlie out of the corner, and Triple H tags HBK back in, before he slams Haas down, setting him up for Michaels up top to go for the Flying Elbow … BUT DINSMORE RETURNS - AND SHOVES MICHAELS OFF THE TOP!!!!! Michaels hit’s the floor with a thud!!!

Instantly, The Game reacts by chasing after the interfering Dinsmore around the ring … with Haas rolling out, and cuts off the raging Triple H with a clothesline!!! Coach proclaims more excellent teamwork from the champions, and while it may be shady, J.R has to accept that Haas and Dinsmore appear to be a step ahead at every turn. Together, Haas and Dinsmore send Triple H into the steps, taking him out of the equation for now, before rolling Shawn back inside - still worse for wear after crashing and burning moments ago.

Haas sets Michaels chest first in the corner, and proceeds to drive his shoulder into the lower back of Michaels, over and over. Haas tags Dinsmore, who does the exact same, before proceeding to stomp a mudhole into his defenceless opponent in the corner. Nick tags Haas back in quickly, who picks up where Dinsmore left off, continuing to stomp down HBK viciously in the corner. Worse for wear, we see Triple H back on the apron, as Haas drags Michaels up, tagging Dinsmore back in again, with the champions keeping themselves as fresh as possible with constant tags.

The Master Craftsmen shoot Michaels off the ropes, and Haas meets him with a drop toe hold, as Dinsmore bounces off the ropes, dropping an elbow to the back. He turns HBK over, hooking the leg; 1...2...NO!! Quickly, Dinsmore turns Michaels back over, applying a rarely seen Camel Clutch, focusing on the back of Michaels. Shawn tries to mount a comeback and battle out of the submission, but Dinsmore puts a quick stop to that by leaping up and dropping his weight on the back of HBK. He doesn’t re-apply the Camel Clutch, but instead brings Shawn back to the corner, stomping HBK again.

Once more, Dinsmore tags Haas in, and the champions take a leaf out of Haas old team with Shelton Benjamin, delivering the aided leapfrog guillotine - MORE punishment to the back of The Showstopper!!! Haas adds to the punishment with a side suplex, floating into another cover, 1...2...NO!! On the apron, Triple H tries to encourage his troubled partner, as Haas brings Michaels to the corner again, beating on the Icon, when HBK fires up, fighting for his life, throwing wild shots at Haas, throwing his elbow back to fight off Dinsmore too, and looks to escape from the corner, but is tripped by Haas before he can reach Triple H and is dragged right back!!!

Haas keeps Michaels leg trapped with his, making sure he cant escape, before tagging Dinsmore, who completely shuts off Michaels momentum with another elbow to the back!! Haas rolls out, with Dinsmore looking to attempt his Cloverleaf for the second time in the match, but for the second time, Michaels avoids it, this time surprising Nick with an inside cradle; 1...2...NO!!! Dinsmore escapes the predicament, but eats a shot to the gut from Michaels as he gets up. Michaels battles back to his feet, and runs off the ropes to build up steam … but comes right back into a SLEEPER!!!!!

Michaels flails his arms wildly in the age-old hold, already worn down by the long beat down at the hands of the Master Craftsmen. Momentarily, Michaels is brought to his knees, but he summons the energy to fight back, trying to will himself to his corner to tag The Game whilst still trapped in the sleeper. The Game stamps the apron, willing Shawn on, with Dinsmore seemingly incapable of stopping HBK at this point!! Michaels reaches, desperately close to The Game, who reaches too … when Haas rushes in, clobbering The Game, sending him off the apron!!!!!

Boos shower Haas, and Scott Armstrong admonishes him for his blatant cheating … whilst Dinsmore releases the sleeper, but RAKES the eyes of Michaels behind the referees back. As Haas backs out of the ring, Dinsmore puts Michaels down with an impressive GUTBUSTER!!!!! Michaels sells the move like a champion, and Dinsmore hooks the leg once more, 1...2...NO!!! Mocking his own former Eugene persona, Nick Dinsmore gets on his hands and knees, imitating the Junk Yard Dog head butt routine on the mat, with the fans giving Nick heat.

Dinsmore laughs off the reaction from the fans, and drags Michaels back to his feet, sending him off the ropes, but misses a clothesline, and when Michaels comes back again, The Showstopper FLIES with the trademark forearm!!!!! Both men are down, but Michaels soon NIPS UP to a roar from the fans in Kansas City!!! Instantly, Haas charges the ring to cut off Michaels momentum … SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!!! Out of nowhere, Michaels delivers Sweet Chin Music to Haas!!!!! Both Dinsmore and Haas are down … and Michaels TAGS IN THE GAME!!!!!

Triple H gets his second hot tag, and runs right through the recovering Nick Dinsmore with a clothesline, and then a running high knee!!! Haas is rolled out of the ring in the mean time, with Triple H sending Dinsmore into the corner - HARD - and bounces out after impact, right into a Triple H DDT!!! The Game hooks the leg, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!! Triple H doesn’t stew for long over the kick out, and instead looks to put the finishing touches on the champions, setting up for a PEDIGREE-

NO!!!! Dinsmore manages to block the arms from being locked up, and he escapes from The Game, rolling out of the ring!!! There’s vicious heat for Dinsmore, and it grows as he TRIES TO WALK OUT!!! Dinsmore waves the match off … but Shawn Michaels has other ideas, gripping Dinsmore and tosses him back inside!!! Nick gets up, shouting at Michaels for interfering, then turns around … into a kick to the gut … and THE PEDIGREE!!!!! It’s surely over!!! The fans pop, thinking the titles are going to change, as The Game hooks the leg; 1...2...FOOT ON THE ROPE!!!

HAAS GOT DINSMORES FOOT ON THE ROPE!!!!!

Barely able to stand up himself, Haas saves the titles by just getting his partners foot on the rope at the last possible second!!! The joy is sucked out of the Sprint Centre, and DX even look dejected, as The Game tags Michaels, before making a beeline for the meddling Charlie Haas!!! Michaels meanwhile, climbs up top, soaring with the Picture Perfect Flying Elbow straight to the heart of Dinsmore!!!! Shawn begins to tune up the band - but on the outside, out of Michaels (and the referees) eyeline, Haas WAFFLES Triple H with one of the tag team title belts!!!

Michaels stomps his foot, waiting for Dinsmore to rise - still unaware of the belt shot Triple H has taken - and as Dinsmore drags himself to his feet, Michaels is STOPPED from hitting Sweet Chin Music, as Haas grabs his foot from the outside!!! Shawn is able to kick Haas off, but it buys Dinsmore time, and as HBK goes for the Sweet Chin Music - Dinsmore is able to duck it!!! HBK spins around, and is tripped by Dinsmore … who APPLIES THE CLOVERLEAF!!!!!

At the third time of asking, Dinsmore finally applies his submission hold, and he has The Showstopper trapped in the middle of the ring!!! Michaels has nowhere to go, desperately clawing to try and get to the ropes, but Haas hangs onto Dinsmore from the apron, making it impossible for Michaels to shift. It’s looking hopeless for HBK … until TRIPLE H RE-EMERGES … AND BREAKS THE HOLD WITH A DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER TO DINSMORE!!!!! The Game recovers from the unseen belt shot, taking out Dinsmore … and catches the incoming Haas with a SPINEBUSTER too!!!

The Game looks for a Pedigree now to Haas, dragging him up, as Michaels picks himself up, setting himself for SWEET CHIN MUSIC on Dinsmore … but as Michaels goes for it, DINSMORE DUCKS - AND MICHAELS KICKS TRIPLE H INSTEAD!!!!!! Michaels takes his own partners head off accidentally!!! Shawn freezes, then slowly puts his hands on his head in shock, with Dinsmore seizing the opportunity with a roll up on Michaels … 1...2... MICHAELS ROLLS THROUGH … 1...2... DINSMORE ROLLS THROUGH AGAIN … and Haas reaches to give his partner leverage this time; 1...2...3!!!!!!!!!!
Winners: And STILL World Tag Team Champions - The Master Craftsmen @ 20:36

The champions retain the titles!!! The superior team work is the decisive factor in the end, with Michaels accidentally kicking Triple H, not being aware enough of the surroundings, whilst throughout, it appeared Haas and Dinsmore knew where the other was almost telepathically.

Haas and Dinsmore escape from the ring, reuniting with their title belts, whilst the Sprint Centre is almost deathly quiet - stunned that DX didn’t win the titles tonight as expected. Michaels sits up in the ring, shaking his head in disappointment; knowing it was his mix-up that proved costly. The Showstopper turns his attention to Triple H, and tries to help his partner back to his feet.

J.R and Coach go back over the closing moments as replays are shown of the accidental Sweet Chin Music, whilst J.R doesn’t hide his displeasure at Haas cheating to help Dinsmore get the three and stop Michaels from escaping the pin. Haas and Dinsmore disappear out of sight, relieved to retain their titles, as the focus moves to the beaten challengers.

Michaels and Triple H both look upset at the loss, and appear to be talking over what happened with the Sweet Chin Music mix-up. Michaels appears extremely apologetic toward Hunter, but The Game pats Michaels on the shoulder, accepting what happened as an unfortunate incident.

The two reunited friends share a hug in the middle of the ring, to a big ovation from the fans, as the “BREAK IT DOWN” theme plays once again. Giving the fans something to cheer for, Triple H and Shawn Michaels give them the ‘iconic’ crotch chops routine, and the classic duo pose; perhaps for the last time as DX, following tonight’s disappointment. J.R puts the two over in defeat, as we fade out…



***
VIDEO PACKAGE

~~ A FLAIR FOR THE GOLD ~~
#01 - KANSAS CITY, MO

Where it all began. Kansas City versus ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes has Flair up for a Suplex, but his knees give in, and Flair pins him down to get the three count that started it all… in the same city where it can all come full circle.

END PACKAGE
***



Backstage, RIC FLAIR is shown, to a huge ovation inside the arena. All set for the main event in just a few minutes time, he’s dressed in a light blue and silver robe; very similar to the robe he wore all the way back in 1981 when he won his first World title in Kansas City.

The Nature Boy takes a deep breath as he walks the hallway, and MATT STRIKER tries to catch a word with him, asking for Flair’s thoughts - mere moments away from his last ever World Championship opportunity. Flair barely stops for a second, simply to tell Striker; “The time for talk is OVER!! WOO!!”. Flair continues on, focusing on what is about to come…



CENA -V- FLAIR; VIDEO PACKAGE
- Soundbites of Ric Flair back in December saying he will retire in 2008, but before he retires he wants one thing; #17.
- Over the soundbites, clips are shown of Flair being the third last man in the Royal Rumble before being eliminated, and losing to Kurt Angle at WrestleMania.
- Flair is given a standing ovation at WrestleMania, as it appears he may call it quits there and then.
- Flair is drafted to Raw, and talks about retiring now - as he realises he wont win that final World title.
- Enter John Cena. The Man in Black ‘offers’ Flair a shot at the title if he can win a match against … The Miz. But if he loses, Flair retires immediately.
- Flair - of course - accepts, but he smells a rat; being put up against the biggest joke on the roster. During the match, it becomes evident that Cena wants to humiliate Flair by having him be retired by The Miz, but Christian is the equalizer, giving Flair his shot at immortality at Backlash.
- Clips from the contract signing and the Playas Club, of both men going back and forth and being personal, including Cena bloodying Flair.
- The package ends with Ric Flair soundbites from Raw about this being FINAL for him, and clips of as many of his title wins over the years as WWE can get it’s hands on.



In the arena, a number of fans shout ‘WOOO’, as J.R admits on commentary he has goosebumps right now, and states he may not be impartial during this match, such is his admiration for Flair. HARLEY RACE is shown in the crowd to a big pop from the fans, whilst ARN ANDERSON is also in the front row, with both here to see Flair carry out his quest for #17.

The fans are made to wait for a few moments, getting restless…

**ALSO SPRACH ZARATHRUSTRA**

It’s a standing ovation inside the Sprint Centre for the greatest of all time. Looking emotional, RIC FLAIR takes his time to walk down the aisle, settling himself, composing himself ahead of his last EVER shot at the richest prize in the game. After taking a moment at the bottom of the ramp to drink the moment in, Flair walks around ringside, hugging his family, who are all already tearing up, wishing him luck.

Slick Ric proceeds up the steps, and into the ring, taking another deep breath before stepping inside. Flair removes his expensive robe, and greets the fans with a WOOO, before bouncing off the ropes, doing some final warm ups, as his music dies down. The odd ‘WOO’ can be heard from fans sprinkled throughout the arena, as the wait begins for the current champion. And Cena purposely makes everyone wait, until…

**HATE ME NOW**

The track is apt; the fans really do hate JOHN CENA now. Entering all in black, with his hoodie up, The Champ keeps the title belt raised over his head, and proceeds down the ramp, head down, ignoring the abuse and heckles from the fans that he walks by. In the ring, Flair watches Cena throughout his entrance, as ‘CENA SUCKS’ chants can be heard over the music.

Cena stops at the bottom of the ramp too, pulling his hoodie down, and peers over at the family of Ric Flair, but doesn’t do anything more at this point. No smirks, no trash talk; all business. The Man in Black slides into the ring, raising the title belt over his head again, trying to say something to the challenger, as Mike Chioda keeps Cena away from Flair.

The music finally comes to an end, and the big match introductions are handled by Howard Finkel, with both Flair and Cena remaining composed throughout, but the tension inside the arena is unbearable, according to J.R on commentary, with Coach opining that emotions are running high all throughout the Sprint Centre right now. The fans raise their voice one last time as the bell rings for the last ever Ric Flair World Title match; win, lose, or draw…

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
John Cena vs. Ric Flair

Champion and challenger both circle the ring, sizing each other up before locking up, but just as Flair inches closer to tie up with the champion, Cena backs up and stalls, drawing the ire of the fans. Flair takes a step back too, nodding, understanding Cena’s game, trying to unsettle the Hall of Famer. Flair resets himself too, and they circle again, before this time locking up successfully, with Flair instantly aggressive in the clinch, backing Cena up into the corner with little resistance from The Champ.

Referee Mike Chioda gets a clean break, but as Flair separates, he gives Cena a ‘WOO’, right in his face. Cena smirks, taking a few extra seconds in the corner, watching as Flair struts around the ring, his confidence building early on. The two men circle the ring again, locking up - and again - Flair is the aggressor, backing up Cena into the corner, with Cena - again - not putting up much resistance. Flair is backed out of the corner again by the official - another clean break - and the challenger fakes a punch on the break, but runs his fingers through his hair instead.

Flair smirks at his own flamboyant actions, and as before, he confidently walks around the ring, feeling good about himself early on. Curiously, Cena smirks too before walking out of the corner, and initiating another lock up … but this time, things are MUCH different, with Cena almost instantly TOSSING Flair into the corner with EASE. Flair’s eyes bug out at the ease in which he was thrown by Cena, as the realisation hits him that Cena let him get the upper hand previously. Cena confirms those fears, being clearly heard to shout in Flairs direction; “I was just playin earlier.”

The confidence that was flowing through Flair has now been drained completely from him, and the Nature Boy briefly shows a look of concern to his on looking family at ringside. Flair resets himself, muttering to himself as he circles the ring, composing, before reaching in to tie up with The Champ again … but sadly for Flair, he is no match physically for Cena, and The Champ SHOVES Flair down with considerable ease. Cena stands over the challenger; “I told you.” Flair looks up, and gulps ever so slightly, and that look of concern is becoming more evident.

Again, Flair talks to himself as he gets up by the ropes, with J.R already sounding less enthusiastic about Flairs chances, whilst Coach is talking with an arrogant air of “I told you so” on commentary. Naitch circles the ring, probably trying to rethink his strategy, as Cena looks to lock up again. With the worry clearly troubling Flair, he is reluctant to engage, and naturally begins to retreat … eventually into the corner, and he ends up ducking his head through the ropes to force Cena back. It’s a troublesome sight so early on for Flair, as Coach declares that “Flair is wanting out already.”

Cena adheres to the referee’s instruction, backing away from Flair at the ropes, with Naitch trying to pull himself together. The fans, who had quietened significantly, try to pick up in voice to support Flair, as he exit’s the corner, circling again … but again, his natural fear of the strength and power from Cena sees Flair gradually back off, and he retreats into the corner again - but as Cena walks him down, Flair quickly ducks under the champion, and unleashes a barrage of knife edge chops on Cena, then WOOOO’s at The Champ - WHO SUDDENLY EXPLODES WITH A VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE!!!!

The chops had NO EFFECT on Cena seemingly. And Cena shows no mercy to the fifty-nine year old challenger with an almighty clothesline. Cena doesn’t bother to follow up, and instead stands at the ropes, looking out at the fans with a scowl on his face, feeding off the heat, happy to give Flair as long as he wants to get up. Flair looks like he just got ran over by a truck, with a glazed look in his eyes, reaching up at air, before trying to shake the cobwebs loose. Eventually, the challenger grabs the ropes, and pulls himself to his feet, but he barely knows where he is, when Cena rushes him - and clotheslines Flair over the top rope, crashing to the floor.

Showing no respect for the Hall of Famer, Cena is content for Flair to go out on the ignominy of a count out, not bothering to follow him out of the ring, demanding Chioda make the count. Chioda is initially reluctant, wanting to give Flair a chance, with the challenger struggling to recover on the outside. Chioda gets halfway through the count before Flair even really starts to attempt getting up, with Ric nearly pulling the ring apron off as he drags himself up, beating the count at SEVEN, but he‘s in no condition to take on Cena once he‘s inside.

Cena shrugs, and drags Flair up, no selling some weak shots from Flair, before sending him - HARD - into the corner, with Flair doing his trademark back bump into the corner, and tumbles out of the ring again upon impact. And again, Cena doesn’t follow Flair out of the ring, demanding Chioda count. The fans boo the actions of Cena, not appreciating his methodical beating on Naitch. Again, Flair is slow to get up, but he refuses to lie down, despite the realisation setting in that he’s in way over his head against a much younger, stronger man … and he drags himself back into the ring at the count of EIGHT.

This time, Cena has a slight shake of the head, but comes forward, dragging Flair off the canvas, picking Ric up, and DRIVES the challenger into the corner, ramming his shoulder into the gut of Flair, over and over, taking the air out of Flair. The Champ backs up, but storms back to the corner, where Flair gets out of dodge!! Cena hit’s the turnbuckles at speed, and it’s an opening for Flair!! The fans know it too, with the noise rising in hope, as Flair opens up with punches and chops to Cena, trying to soften the champion up. The Nature Boy bounces off the ropes, coming back … RIGHT INTO A SIT OUT HIP TOSS FROM CENA!!!!!

The Champ cuts the comeback dramatically short, taking the air out of the fans sails, showing no ill effects from of Flairs offence. He makes a cover, 1...2...NO!!! Cena gets back up, and watches as Flair struggles to get to his feet - showing all fifty-nine of his years - and once Flair is in position, Cena strikes again - this time with his patented THROWBACK!!! Cena covers again, 1...2...SHOULDER UP!!!!! Flair wont go down without a fight, but it’s a one-sided beating that’s already becoming hard to watch.

Cena this time doesn’t simply wait for Flair to get up, and instead drags Ric to his feet, hooking him up, and hoisting him in the air for a suplex … and holds Flair up, displaying his strength. With Flair in the air for the delayed vertical suplex, Cena momentarily takes a moment to rile the fans, shouting ‘WOOOO’ … all the while, holding Flair up in the air … before finally landing the delayed vertical on the Nature Boy!!! Cena takes his time, before getting the lateral press … 1...2...FLAIR ROLLS A SHOULDER!!!!!

Flair just rolls his shoulder to beat the count, showing guts to continue on. Cena stands up, and shows no respect for his opponent by turning his back on Flair and instead takes time to trash talk with fans in the front row. Unconcerned with the ‘challenge’ he is being presented with, Cena continues to argue with the fans, giving Flair all the time in the world to recover, with J.R getting frustrated on commentary, bellowing for Cena to “get on with it, damn it!! Put the man out of his damn misery!!”

Eventually, Cena decides to ‘check in’ on the challenger, and spots Flair crawling to the corner, and watches as the Nature Boy looks to dip into his bag of dirty tricks by attempting to remove the top turnbuckle pad. Cena shakes his head and casually walks across the ring, putting a stop to the Dirtiest Player In The Game. Flair closes his eyes in anguish as Cena catches him in the act - his plot foiled, but the challenger refuses to give in, and looks to fight back, chopping at the chest of Cena, and yells in frustration when he realises Cena is shrugging off the best chops Flair has to offer - and sends Flair reeling with ONE big right hand.

Flair tumbles, with the ropes the only thing keeping him up, and he stumbles straight into the path of Cena - who delivers an effortless release Fisherman on the challenger, and after momentarily considering it, decides AGAINST the cover. The official has already got into position, anticipating the cover, and looks to ask Cena why he isn’t covering … with Cena shaking his head, telling Chioda; “I‘m enjoyin this too much.” Cena stands up, sarcastically asking the fans if they’re enjoying this as much as he is, before responding to their boos with; “I told ya this would happen. You guys picked ANOTHER loser to test me.”

Cena patiently waits in the corner, watching as Flair struggles to get to his feet, and once Flair does stir, Cena meets him with punishing shots to the kidney area, bringing Flair back to his knees, groaning in agony. Chioda admonishes Cena for the kidney shots, with The Champ apologetically raising his hands, before gripping Flair and effortlessly slams him on the canvas. Flair bounces off the mat, and yells out in pain again, with J.R solemnly - lowly - suggesting the match be stopped at this point, not wanting to see the greatest of all time go out like this.

The Champ stomps Flair, and drags him back up, again no selling a weak shot from Flair as he tries to fend off Cena, before holding Flair by the hair, looking to the fans, and talks trash to the sad figure of the beaten down old man - and drops him to his knees with a big right hand again!!! Cena stands over Flair, with the desperate Nature Boy beginning to beg off … but Cena isn’t buying the act, knowing the age old Flair trap from this spot … and shakes his head, before kicking Flair right in the face!!!

It’s eerily quiet in the Sprint Centre, which is witnessing the systematic destruction of the greatest of all time, at the hands of the most hated man on the roster … with Cena showing no signs of letting up, and Flair showing no signs of being able to turn this around either. The Champ brings Flair to his feet, sending him off the ropes, and launches him upon his return with a big back body drop, sending Flair crashing back down onto the mat!!! Flair sits up - again screaming in pain - as J.R reminds everyone of Flairs broken back many moons ago.

Taking his time, Cena reaches down, slowly bringing Flair back to his feet, before sending Flair HARD into the corner!! Naitch bounces out, right back into the path of Cena, who sends Flair HARD into the opposite corner … and meets Flair again as he bounces out, sending him back across the ring, HARD, into the corner. Flair staggers from the corner … and flops - like only Flair can - to the mat, flat on his face; cutting a pathetic sight. Even Coach - as cocky as he has been - admits this is getting hard to watch, as Cena stands over Flair, motioning to the fans with his arms; it‘s over.

Cena turns his attention from the fans, and looks back down at Flair beneath him, and spots Ric trying to pull something from his tights. Cena doesn’t react straight away and waits, watching to see what Flair is trying to do, and smirks - before shaking his head - as he spots Flair sneaking a chain from his trunks. Cena looks to the fans, pointing down at Flair, affording himself a chuckle, before putting his foot on the wrist of Flair … foiling another trick. Flair knows he’s been caught, and releases the chain, being heard to shout “FUCK” on camera in frustration.

Everything is going wrong for Flair, as Cena picks the chain up, still standing over the Hall of Famer - ignoring Chioda’s demands to put the chain down - and tells Flair; “The act is old. I know every trick you got, old man.” Cena then tosses the chain aside; he certainly doesn’t need it. The Champ stomps the beaten down challenger, calling him pathetic, before dragging Flair up, putting him on his shoulders for an FU … but before he does, he takes the time to turn to each side of the ring to rub it in the fans faces, shouting “I TOLD YOU SO”…

But Flair wont go down without a fight!!!!! Despite being completely overmatched, Flair wont give up!!! And the 16 times champion furiously elbows the side of Cenas head to try and escape the FU, frantically trying to get off The Champs shoulders. J.R yells on commentary; “WHERE IN THE HELL IS HE GETTING THIS FROM???” as Flairs elbows do the trick, and he manages to get off Cenas shoulders, and as soon as Flair is on his feet, he opens up with knife edge chops on The Champ, again giving the fans some momentary hope.

This time, the chops at least have some effect on Cena, and Flair looks to run off the ropes … but as he takes off, Cena runs after him, and meets Slick Ric at the ropes as soon as he hits him, DRIVING a knee, deep into the gut of the challenger!! Cena takes the wind out of Flair literally, and he takes the wind out of the fans sails, killing another brief moment of momentum. Cena follows up, and delivers his trademark Blue Thunder Bomb on Flair, this time covering, no longer playing with the challenger, just wanting to put the match to bed; 1...2...FLAIR KICKS OUT!!!!

J.R cant believe what is keeping Flair going, given the one sided beating he has taken, but still, Flair is determined to go out on his shield … and he may regret his fighting spirit, because it’s starting to annoy Cena. The Champ has a snarl as he gets back up, and shakes his head, grabbing Flair by the hair, and THROWS him through the ropes, to the outside, and doesn’t waste time following him out - looking to really punish Flair now for having the temerity to not just stay down.

The Champ picks Flair up, and rams him into the apron, then rams him into the barrier, before tossing the legend into the steps!! There, Cena pounds Flair furiously, not letting up at all, before rolling in the ring, then back out - breaking the count to continue the assault. Cena hip tosses Flair on the floor, and then grabs Naitch by the legs, looking back over his shoulder at the ring post … and CATAPULTS Flair into the ring post!!!!! Flair hit’s the post - face first - and flops to the floor again as the camera cuts to Cena for a moment, then back to Flair … who has been BUSTED WIDE OPEN off the catapult!!

And not for one moment, does Cena show any compassion. Flair is bleeding profusely already, it’s a deep gash, and Cena compounds the agony, standing over Flair and pounding the forehead, turning Flairs hair red, and making Flair a bloody mess. The Champ drags Flair up, bouncing his head off the apron, and then bounces the challengers head off the announce table, telling J.R to “get a good look at the old man” … before Cena takes it too far, by bringing Flair in front of his family.

Cena holds up Flair, with his daughters in tears at the sight of the bloodied up father, and David having to restrain young Reid, who takes a swing at Cena that misses. Cena holds up the defenceless Flair, and pounds the open gash, right in front of Flairs family, before flicking his hands at the two boys, splattering their fathers blood on their clothing. Chioda berates Cena, demanding he bring it back inside, and Cena obliges, having had his fun, and rolls Flair back into the ring.

The Man in Black gets back in, and mounts his bloody challenger, hammering at the blood soaked face of Flair, who offers no resistance, as J.R mutters on commentary that he cant watch much more of this, asking “what will it take to stop the damn match!?” Cena stands up, and taunts the fans, holding up his bloody hands - Flairs blood - and shouts at the quiet crowd; “Looks like I got another one right!!” alluding to his prediction that Flair would bleed tonight.

Cena turns his attention back to the sad sight of a claret soaked Ric Flair, on his knees, muttering lowly. Cena narrows his eyes, trying to hear what Flair is saying, and looks to Chioda, asking; “is he giving up?? What‘s he saying??” Cena walks toward the challenger, curious, trying to hear what Flair is saying, reaching down, telling Flair to speak up … as Flair RAKES THE EYES!!! The fans pop … but only for a matter of seconds. Cena is only briefly affected by the rake of the eyes, and he takes a few steps back to recover, with Flair in no position to follow up anyway.

Flair crawls away to the corner, as Cena clears his eyes, watching as Flair pathetically tries to pull himself to his feet in the corner following a solid fifteen minute assault. Cena smirks, shouting across the ring at Flair; “was that the best you got, Ric?? Nice try.” Boldly, Flair slowly raises his two middle fingers at Cena, drawing a scowl from The Champ, enraged by Flairs defiance, and Cena charges in at Flair in the corner … with Flair grabbing Chioda, and getting out of dodge - AS CENA CRUSHES THE REFEREE IN THE CORNER!!!!!

Cena takes out Chioda, and before he has a chance to get out of the corner, Cena eats a LOW BLOW!!!!! Flair instantly low blows Cena, and not even The Champ can no-sell a nut shot!!!!! Suddenly, the fans have hope, as Flair SOMEHOW summons another gear, and dives in on Cena as he gets back up - CHOP BLOCK to Cena, bringing him right back down!!!!! Cena winces in agony, but looks to push through the shooting pain from the chop block. The Champ pushes himself up … but Flair soccer kicks the leg from under Cena putting him right back down!!!!!

“COME ON, RIC!!!” bellows J.R, unable to hide his favouritism tonight, cheering on Flair, as The Nature Boy delves into his arsenal, destroying the leg of Cena, stomping it, yanking it, and sets the leg on the middle rope before leaping up and crashing his weight down on the leg!!!!! Cena looks to be in trouble, looking in serious anguish, as Flair keeps on like a dog with a bone, dragging Cena by the bad leg to the apron, and swings the leg around the ring post, RAMMING the leg off the post!!!!!

Flair pushes a cameraman aside, going into full ‘Crazy’ Flair mode, and picks up a steel chair, taking full advantage of the referee bump, and WHACKS the chair off the leg of John Cena; RIGHT AGAINST THE RING POST!!!!! Right out of Flairs famous win over Vader in ‘93 with the chair shot, Flair cracks the chair off the bad wheel again for good measure!!! Cena rolls away in agony, and Flair throws the chair down, and wipes the blood from his face, before grabbing the World Title belt from the timekeepers table!!!!

With the big gold belt in his possession, Flair walks back up the steps into the ring, swearing and shouting like a mad man as he wills Cena to his feet. The Champ can barely put any weight on his leg, and looks incredibly concerned as he drags himself up on the ropes, with J.R proclaiming; “I DON’T CARE WHAT YOUR NAME IS - NO ONE LEGGED MAN IS GONNA WIN AN ASS KICKIN CONTEST!!!” … as Flair winds up his shot, with Cena peeling off the ropes … AND TAKES A TITLE BELT SHOT; RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES!!!!!!!!!

“HE‘S GONNA DO IT!!! BAH GAWD, RIC FLAIR IS GONNA DO IT!!!” Jim Ross cant contain himself, as Flair lays out Cena, and starts to try and revive the referee … and there’s a HUGE pop … as CHARLES ROBINSON comes SPRINTING down the ramp!!!!! Never has a referee been so popular, as Flair sees his mini-Naitch coming, and drops down, covering Cena, with Robinson sliding in, making the RIDICULOUSLY QUICK count …

1!!!
2!!!!!!!
… CENA KICKS OUT!!!!!!!!!!

NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! There’s an audible groan as Cena gets a shoulder up - despite the belt shot, despite the quick count - Flair couldn’t put Cena away. Flair looks in anguish at the kick out, hands on his face, blurting out a series of ‘Fuck’s in despair, unable to get over the kick out from Cena. The Nature Boy has to regroup, composing himself, before struggling back to his feet - the sudden adrenaline rush now wearing off - as he backs Cena up into the corner, opening up with chops and right hands.

Flair looks around, and see Robinson tending to Chioda, and takes advantage of the lack of an official; BITING Cena in the corner, and snap mares Cena out, then RAKES the eyes again (with more gusto than earlier), before mocking Cena with the “You Cant See Me” taunt as Cena covers his face. Flair bounces off the ropes, and kicks Cena square in the jaw, before strutting around the ring!!! Flair is feeling it; feeling the momentum is all in his favour now, and he drops a knee on the face of Cena, softening him up, before going back to the leg again!!!

Cena reaches as Flair yanks the limb, with The Champ seriously hurt, groaning in agony, with Flair attacking the leg, before shaping up for the famous FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK … but as he turns to lock it on - CENA KICKS FLAIR AWAY with his good leg … WITH FLAIR HURTLING RIGHT INTO CHARLES ROBINSON; another referee is down!!!!! Robinson tumbles out of the ring, and Flair appears to have run out of adrenaline after the counter, as he sits on his knees for a long period - having exerted so much energy in the last few minutes after a LONG beating.

But it’s a promising sight for Flair, as Cena can BARELY put ANY weight on his bad wheel, having to lean on the ropes, looking seriously concerned at the condition of his leg; shaking his head and limping badly. However, Cena eyes the title belt, and limps toward it - showing his own desperation now with the injured leg surely not going to hold up much longer - grabbing his gold, but as he picks it up, MIKE CHIODA - albeit worse for wear - is back up, and stops Cena in his tracks!!!

Chioda takes the belt, as Cena argues that Flair used it on him, but Chioda takes the belt, and as he turns away to hand it back outside the ring - Flair LOW BLOWS Cena AGAIN!!!!! Cena clutches his nuts, and Flair follows up, RAMMING Cena into the earlier exposed turnbuckle!!!!!! Flair then drops down and gets Cena down with a school boy roll up … PUTTING HIS FEET ALL OVER THE ROPES … with Chioda now back in position … making the count; not seeing the feet on the ropes at all…

1!!!
2!!!!!!!
KICK OUT!!!!!!!!!!

NO!!!!! Heartbreak again for Flair!!!!! More profanity from Flair, wondering what else he has to do to keep Cena down. Naitch lies down on the canvas, exhausted from the effort he has exerted, as Cena tries to power through the pain barrier to reach his feet, gritting his teeth as he pulls himself up on the ropes, telling Chioda as he approaches him; “My leg is gone, man.” To his credit, and despite his change in attitude, Cena is still a man that wont quit, but Flair is in the driving seat now.

Flair gets back up, and he meets Cena with three consecutive chops, then ducks a wild swing from Cena, before planting a big right of his own, straight to the kisser of Cena. Flair slams Cena to the mat, and comes back off the ropes, dropping a knee on The Champ. Flair takes a good look around the arena, and decides to go for it all - BY CLIMBING THE TURNBUCKLES!!! Flair climbs to the top rope, waiting for Cena to climb back off the canvas … and once he has, FLAIR FLIES WITH A TOP ROPE CROSS BODY … CAUGHT BY CENA - AND HOISTED ONTO CENAS SHOULDERS … FU-

NO!!!!!

CENA’S KNEE BUCKLES!!!!!!


Cena cant cope with the strain, and Flair IMMEDIATELY takes advantage, kicking the leg out from under Cena … grabbing it, and APPLIES THE FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!!!!! The most famous hold of them all is locked on, and Cena is in a WORLD of hurt!!! J.R puts the submission over like it’s the most deadly hold ever invented, putting over how Flair perfected it, and the six pressure points the Figure Four targets. Flair - his blood soaked face - yells at The Champ to quit, as Cena calls out in agony, flailing his arms, before his shoulders fall on the mat; 1...2...CENA SITS UP!!! But he’s still trapped!!!

Flair begins to pull out all the tricks in the book, pulling on the ropes when the referee isn’t looking, as the fans will on Cena to tap out and give them the moment they came for, and Cena seemingly contemplates quitting as Chioda asks him if he wants to give in … but The Champ shakes his head defiantly, before attempting to overpower Flair and turn the hold over!!! Cena is too strong for Flair, who valiantly tries to prevent the submission being turned over - Flair knows it could be his last hope in this match … but Cena DOES turn the hold over!!!

The figure four is reversed, but Flair is instantly able to grab a hold of the bottom rope and force a break. Cena clutches his leg, whilst the bloody, battered Flair catches his breath; it’s simply a war of attrition now!!! The fans look to support the Nature Boy, and Flair wipes the blood from his face again, meeting Cena in the middle of the ring; eye to eye, both in a world of pain for different reasons, and the two men begin to trade blows right in the centre of the ring!!!

“BOO” greets each shot from Cena … “YAY” greets each shot from Flair; it’s blow for blow in the middle of the ring!!! Flair is somehow still standing, valiantly standing toe to toe with the World Heavyweight Champion - opting occasionally to chop Cena instead of punching - but despite the cheers from the fans, the fifty nine year old challenger just cant keep up - his tank is near empty, and eventually, Flairs blows lack the bite they had earlier. Cena is soon able to shrug off the weakening shots from Flair, while he - even on one leg - is still able to put power behind his own shots.

Flair eventually stops throwing anything at all, literally he has NOTHING left to give, bowing his head; completely spent. Flair himself appears to be accepting he cant beat Cena, calling Cena on to finish the job … with Cena taking a chance to savour the moment, towering over the challenger, smirking, knowing he has the Hall of Famer beaten… when Flair defiantly looks up with his crimson mask, and SLAPS the taste out of Cena’s mouth!!! It’s the last act of a proud man … as Cena immediately responds, lifting Flair up and instantly delivers a thunderous FU!!!

Cena doesn’t give his leg time to give out, but after the FU is executed, The Champ sells the leg for a few moments … before roughly turning Flair over … and applying the STFU!!!!! No mercy from Cena, no compassion; he could’ve pinned Flair, but he wants to make the greatest EVER tap out. Cena cranks back on the hold … as the bloody, battered Ric Flair is finally beaten … AND AFTER JUST A FEW SECONDS, FLAIR MEEKLY TAPS THE MAT - SUBMITTING TO CENA!!!!! Flair’s dream of Number Seventeen is officially … dead.
Winner: And STILL World Heavyweight Champion - John Cena @ 23:57

Cena releases the hold, leaving Flair a bloody heap on the canvas - the blood soaked canvas - as an exhausted J.R talks about the emotions everyone has just gone through in this incredible rollercoaster match up, where it looked as if Flair would do the impossible at one point … but it just wasn’t to be.

Even in victory, John Cena cant be humble though - Cena takes his title belt, and points at Flair, telling Chioda to “get that old man outta my ring!!”, not willing to give Flair the chance to soak up a standing ovation for his efforts - wanting the spotlight for himself.

Chioda - with help from Robinson on the outside - helps Ric Flair out of the ring under the bottom rope, as the two referees help Flair to stand (and hand the man a towel to wipe his face), leading him to his emotional family unit, who embrace The Nature Boy, regardless of the blood pouring from his face.

In the ring, Cena takes centre stage, holding the title up above his head defiantly, with J.R calling The Champ “classless” by not letting Flair have the moment in the ring. Cena hobbles toward the ropes, still in agonizing pain from the assault on his leg by Flair, as he struggles to leave the ring, as we get another shot of the emotional Ric Flair and the Flair family - where there isn’t a dry eye between them. J.R closes the show, disgusted with Cena before ending;

“… And in the same city Ric Flairs World Championship odyssey began … it has come to an end … but not the end many of us hoped for. Ric Flair gave his mind, body and soul tonight in search of the ultimate storybook ending … but ultimately, it wasn’t enough. John Cena will leave Backlash as World Heavyweight Champion, but it will be the gallant performance from Ric Flair on this night that will live long in the memory. Goodnight everybody.”

END OF SHOW
 
#362 ·
Re: Being the booker

OOOOOOHHHHHH, OOOOOOOHHHHHHH DO IT, DO IT!!!!!!!

PLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZPLZ!!!!!!!!!!
 
#1,052 ·
Re: Being the booker



Wolf Guy, you have captured what Survivor Series is all about. It is about elimination matches, that is how they did it in 1987 and some other years. Glad to see that you have regressed to that format. My favorite matches are elimination.

Length
Needless to say, you worked hard on this to produce a masterpiece totaling 126 pages. That is just phenomenal. Only you can do it Wolf. I could not believe it. Seven matches for 126!!!! And the main event was thirty!!! My elimination chamber match was twenty six and it took me ten days to do. 12/10

Spelling and Grammar
I have stooped to a low level. Usually, I only look at spelling and subject – verb agreement. Now, I am scrutinizing your commas. I thought I could get you there, and I somewhat did. There were some grammar mistakes because of that. Your commas were not correct one hundred percent of the time. I just did this because I never get to see grammatical mistakes by you. 9/10

Sunday Night Heat is there to get some interviews in that cannot be done during the PPV. And it is also there to pound video packages in our heads fifty million times. Tajiri wins!!!


Very good Survivor Series video!! Probably the second best ever, next to Wrestlemania. You captured what it meant to survive while having ten superstars proving their point in good fashion. I was afraid that you were going to take my idea, but you did not so I have a video now.


You may be right, but I am pretty sure that joint PPVs are not sponsored.


Cena with the rap is a great way to kick off the show, same thing with SS 2003. But … he was a survivor in 2003 so this may be foreshadowing.

8 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match: If Team Thuganomic’s win, John Cena receives a World Championship Match at Armageddon --- If Team DX win, Cena never gets another shot at Shawn Michaels, for the length of his Title reign.
Team DX (Shawn Michaels, Luther Reigns, Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak) vs. Team Thuganomics (John Cena, Sting, Shelton Benjamin, and Charlie Haas)

I do like HBK avoiding Cena as he always does. The fast start from the faces was expected by me until the heels could slow them down. Very well done with HBK entering the match now that Cena is weakened! DX also gets in some signature heel moves as well.
I did not expect Cena to be down for that long this early. Blind tags work wonders in these kinds of matches. I want to see Shelton and HBK in the ring though.
I like the quick tags, but I think that they are a little too quick. No has the change to get settled in and wrestle. It works well in the beginning of matches, but I think that at this stage, the intervals should be longer.
More heel tactics from DX, but I think that we have settled down now with the quick tags as Haas and HBK are in. Scratch that, humongous brawl with complete pandemonium!!!!! As a result, Haas is out. That is probably the right pick if you want the faces to lose someone. Sting is too legendary, and it would be a shock if the captain when first.
Sting and Benjamin is a nice combo, but Cena’s involvement is crucial to the team. He was standing idle, so it is good that he is back in. Cena and Sting combine to take out Jindrak. Once again, good move, either him or Cade.
Now here I am completely dazzled. It is commonplace to have a cheap roll up elimination following an elimination, but I do not understand why Sting is the victim. Maybe setting up Reigns and Sting, but that is not probable to me. My guess is that you are trying to get Shelton some action, but I would have expected it to be with Haas.
I do like the Cena style of getting rid of Reigns though. This paves the road for Shelton to be eliminated next; just a guess based on Cena coming back to win.
Cena and Benjamin are in control!!! HBK stopping the momentum was the route to go as it would have looked bad to Cena for Cade to do it. They regain it some, but HBK is in control, and I think he will be for a while. I thought that HBK had Cena in the bag, but Cade is just Cade. Major blow for the faces that HBK survives the T Bone. What a twist of the wheel!!! Just like that, Shelton is gone. Sets the stage for Cena.
HBK kicking Cade was the right way to eliminate him. It would make Cena to look omnipotent if he eliminated the two by himself. Now for the part that we have all been waiting for, HBK vs. Cena!!!
Cade staying adds more heel acts to this match. I think it would have been nice for Cade to connect with the tag belt, but it still works. HBK nips! Just to inform you, the “side suplex into a power bomb” is called the freestyle. HBK has it, but Cena nails the FU from nowhere!!!!
Overall, I liked this match, there were a few things that I would have done differently, but the eliminations seemed correct to me. It was a very strong opener, even though I am not too keen opening with this.
This should be a great match at Armageddon. I liked the Summerslam one, so there is no doubt that I am going to like this. The stipulation is still unknown to me, but I am sure that Cena will choose something involving blood. DX will play a huge role to. Match Rating = 9/10

Wolf Guy, do you remember I told you that having four joint PPVs together was stupid. I retract my statement now. You have done so well at those four PPVs promoting Stone Cold and Christian for Wrestlemania. I thought this was a very strong promo, as it enhances the tension between Stone Cold and Christian, and it had a lot of comedy with Stone Cold in the beginning.

Women’s Championship Match;
10 Lady Battle Royal:


Trish Stratus vs. Lita vs. Shaniqua vs. Victoria vs. Jazz
w/Theodore Long vs.
vs. Molly Holly vs. Gail Kim vs. Nidia vs. Jacqueline vs. Stacey Keibler

Confusing action to start the match, but I found everything when all the divas eliminated Shaniqua. That was a very nice spot, usually they team up on the champion, but the biggest challenger is more of a threat. Two very quick eliminations, they should be out, so no big deal. Out of these ten women, eight can wrestle, so you have accumulated a strong women’s roster. About time for Trish to get an elimination; getting it against a strong wrestler is even better.

Da Obvious Guy said:
We are left with six; Trish, Gail, Victoria, Nidia, Lita & Molly. One woman will be the women’s champion.
Please do not sound like J.R. When I read it, it just sounded so bad. I like you telling us who is left; I always do that, but that last sentence was ughhh. I like Lita with Trish because I think they are the two best wrestlers. Gail Kim is out, and I expect Victoria to do well now. Molly Holly needed that elimination because it would have been weak for her not to get one. Some close calls, but Lita is the one eliminated to my dismay. At least Molly is gone next. Trish and Victoria is a nice combo to have left. Some more close calls, but my girl wins in the end!!!!
As you can see, I really do not have any negative to say. I thought the order of eliminations was rather well done, and I thought that it was well to see that the eliminations were sporadic in allusion to those eliminating. Match Rating = 8.5/10

The Twentieth Survivor Series will air from Houston. Hmm, hometown for Booker T and Stone Cold, I guess. I am trying to decipher what the significance of this is. You would not announce a PPV unless you are trying to hint towards something. Guess I have to wait till next year.

Once again, the four joint PPVs come into play as HBK and The Rock is promoted. This should be a memorable feud. Wolf, stop being so funny!!!! That Rock bit where he mentioned all the screwing had me laughing so hard. It hurt my throat! Then HBCade decided to make fun of the Rock, but it backfired because he is a stupid Cowboy. Stripper part was funny too. That is the same way I am going to use Cade, a moron.

8 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match; WWE United States, Tag Team & Cruiserweight Championship ALL on the Line:

The Cabinet -----vs.----- Team Highlight Reel

John Bradshaw Layfield (U.S Champion)--Chris Jericho

Jamie Noble --Paul London (Cruiserweight Champion)

Basham Brothers (WWE Tag Team Champions) --America’s Most Wanted


Very nice stipulation, the Cabinet has two titles, and Highlights have one. Cruiserweights are a great way to start the match, and it is better that they actually wrestle for more than thirty seconds in this match. I am sure this match will be whoever is vying for the title against whoever has it. London is owning in this match so far. Took a while, but Jericho is finally in!!!
Jericho has it won, and the cheap tactics take over. Still, it is very surprising that he only lasts a minute or so. Very big shock!!
Huge handicap here with Storm eliminated, once again with cheap tactics.
Almost a four on one advantage with all the confusion, seems like we finally have a good referee. The Cabinet’s dominance of Harris is just brutal. They are winning it in my mind. The abdominal stretches are killers. I thought that Harris would make a tag, but it seems like he cannot. He even gets an elimination on his counterpart.
London is finally back in, and he eliminates the other Basham. Two on two all of a sudden!!!
This is the best part of the match so far. No one isolated, it is just back and forth tags supplemented with great action. JBL breaking the cover should be the beginning of him breaking many covers. Harris had some momentum, but the Cabinet cheats again!!! All three eliminations have been via cheating!!!
It is pretty usual for the faces to be down two – one, but please do not do this every match. Hmm, I am having flashbacks from the first match. HBK eliminates his own partner, and now JBL eliminates his own partner, once again, when it was two on one. How do you bridge a German suplex?? Are you sure you are not talking about a Northern Lights Suplex?
JBL almost had it nonetheless, but London kicks out. I think he has been in this match the most. Every PPV should include the pinning combination tries; it is very fun too watch. London connects with a risk, but a risk might lose his title. Top Rope fall away slam is devastating, but London keeps on going. Some more high impact, but London still lives!! Shooting star press misses!!! The Clothesline finally does it, as the Cabinet finally get a real elimination. London loses his title after six months. I hope he gets it back soon, but I know you love Noble. Nice touch having the whole team in the ring.
Wolf Guy, I appreciate your effort to write a thirty – one minute long match, but it just faulted in too many ways. I am not going to list them again, but they were significant. Sorry Wolfy, Match Rating = 7.5/10

Armageddon in Boston! I do not think that Cena will win though. If Flair is the boss, I really do not see any chance of Cena winning. Even if Cena picks the stipulation; I do not see it. Though, I think he will win it sometime before Wrestlemania.

What a funny promo!!!!!! JBL without pants, Chavo with 21 on two cards, RVD getting pissed!! This is hilarious. My family has studied this game for years!!!! WHOA!! Chavo is caught counting cards!! Then Chavo steals the limo!!!! A very good promo, but I think that the Christian one was better. I cannot wait to see the other two that you have.

WWE Hardcore Championship;
8 Man Gauntlet:

Hurricane vs. Rhyno vs. Tyson Tomko vs. Booker T vs. Goldust vs. Stevie Richards vs. Mark Henry vs. A-Train

I get the impression that Henry injures himself whenever he moves. Hurricane barely does anything. Henry crushes him with the slam on the trash can. The Worlds strongest slam is a little scoop slam, GET A REAL MOVE!!! Military press!! Hurricane eliminates Henry via coffee!!!
Hey look, it is the honorary member of Evolution! Nothing happens, A – Train dominates. Goldust does better than I expected him to do, but I really do not see a small man beating a big man twice early. Booker T should eliminate A – Train. I, just like you, do not like him, but you are really degrading him by putting with the likes of these Heat guys. I think that you should put him in the brotherhood since you seem to have a storyline with them now. You made Booker out to be strong in this segment, as he eliminates A – Train. I liked the 2 x 4, but where is the barbed wire?
Nice comment from Coach! Richards was doing well for about ten seconds until Booker gets him too. Another big man in this match with the Goat! No real brutality really, Booker T gets his third win, this time he uses the scissors kick. Good to see that you mixed it up. At least you made the match somewhat long when Rhyno entered. Rhyno is busted up pretty early. Stupid Booker, he gains momentum, does the Spin – a – roonie, and is GORED! Rhyno retains the title, but I really do not know what you are going to do. You completely forgot about this division for a few months. The match was better than a filler, but not too great. It was mostly A – Train and Booker T. Match Rating = 6.5/10

WOW!! This has been going on since Judgement Day. This will clearly be the most anticipated match at Wrestlemania. It is close to Angle’s heel turn.

Victoria the next challenger for the Women’s title, I think. It would not make for a bad match.

10 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match;

Team Goldberg
-----vs.----- Team Bring It

Goldberg--The Rock

Gene Snitsky --‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin

Matt Morgan--Chris Benoit

Test --Ron Simmons

Scott Steiner—Rico


Team Bring it is very nicely assembled, Simmons and Rico are just elimination guys. Team Goldberg sucks. There is not an eon of talent on that team. I hate Goldberg. The only match of his that I saw was the one at Wrestlemania XX, so I think you know the impression that I have of him. They are all untalented big guys, so if you send this team to Vince, he will like it.
AFA are eliminated quickly leaving another disadvantage for the faces. Stone Cold eliminates Steiner, good choice. Benoit eliminates three guys in two minutes, and the team combines for four in three minutes!! Crossface, sharpshooter, and German. I do not understand how to bridge a German though. Goldberg survives for sometime, but three on one attack, and the Rock overcomes what has been his biggest enemy as of late. Celebrate with beer! Match Rating = 8.5/10


I like this promo between Foley’s team. Even Eugene is ready!!! Mysterio and Orton show their love for Mick too. I already know that Flair wins, with Orton lasting sixty minutes, so I want to know where you are going with this,

Sorry for criticizing your PPV’s so much, but I do not like the name, “Fully Loaded”. You just aired a promo for Armageddon, the last battle on Earth. I think that you should keep that Christian concept. Fully Loaded after Armageddon just kills that theme. I hate the name too, you can think of something better.

WWE Championship:
Fatal Four Way Elimination Match:

Kurt Angle vs. Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
w/ Paul Heyman vs. Eddie Guerrero

I read this before I left, and I had goosebumps the whole time. I am glad that you had Eddie win in the end, it is too bad that he was never champion in your thread before this.
Wolf Guy, please understand that I have come back fron India, and I am very sick. I have done a long review so far, but I will skim this match and the previous one.
HHH and Angle have to get rid of their egos. It has become quite banal now with Chavo doing it, but the chair trick is great!! Lesnar is out! Angle slams HHH through a table, but then gets pinned!!! Reminiscent to Wrestlemania XX!! Eddie kicks out of the Pedigree!! Frog Splash!!!! EDDIE WINS!!! EDDIE WINS!!!! HE OVERCOMES HIS BIGGEST NEMESIS AND WINS!!!!! That is the way to go out in style. Match Rating = 9/10


Uh oh, team Flair will have the advantage. Are you going to do a Goldberg/Mysterio thing?? I hope that was just to show Goldberg’s frustration for being untalented.

10 Man Survivor Series Elimination Match:

1st EVER WWE War Games Match; Elimination Style: Two Men begin, with another entrant every three minutes thereafter
:If Team Foley win, Mick Foley remains Raw General Manager;
If Team Evolution win, Ric Flair becomes Raw G.M, and Foley will be fired:

Team Foley -----vs. ----- Team Evolution

Mick Foley -- Ric Flair

Randy Orton -- Batista

The Undertaker -- Christian

Rey Mysterio -- Rob Van Dam

Eugene – Carlito

I hope that you can understand my excitement. I have never even seen a War Games match in my life. The only thing that I have ever seen is a bothched powerbomb in a wargames match.
I like the fast start by Orton before RVD starts upsetting him. RVD plays the heel role very well; he pisses Orton off, and he pisses the crowd off. But how does he spit his gum into the crowd? I thought that there were steel cages around the rings.
I am a big fan of the pinning combinations as mentioned before. Batista is on his way to the ring, so Orton will have to contend with two guys who are hungry to be stars on Raw. I am still wondering how he is going to survive an hour. I had the Rock survive seventy five minutes in an Elimination chamber, but it was slow paced, and I do not think it was seventy five minutes.
Orton does well in getting rid of Batista by sending him to the other ring, it is a good strategy. Orton eats steel, but he hits the RKO!!!!! Batista breaks it up, but hits RVD!! I love the way Orton covers. The one where he looks at the ceiling. Batista is back in the other ring, so Orton should have some more shots at RVD. Orton is double – teamed, but he fights out of trouble, and here comes Rey. I guess Orton would have rather wanted Taker at this point though. Rey and RVD again!
Beautiful action between these two. Batista has played a great role so far. He is the man to go in the second ring. Orton starts something, but Batista has to break it up. I think Rey will be eliminated by RVD soon. Rey and Randy are doing well, but the third Flair member is coming, so that will be nullified.
The heels take advantage right away then. I am getting the feeling that Batista will be challenging Rey for the IC title soon. The heels are totally on fire as Rey is dominated by a guy twice his size, and Carlito and RVD are just killing Orton.
HERE IS FOLEY!!!!! THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE FOR THE FACES!!!! Wait, I have a question; do the team members get to decided who orders in which order??? It thought it was like the elimination chamber where the order of entry is pre – determined. That was just my inference. I want to see these weapons being used now. Carlito is demolished. I thought that the Van Daminator was coming. I am sure we will see it sometime soon though. Christian is in, so I am sure that the next guy will be the Undertaker. I think you are using him as a bridge to get to Stone Cold along with Orton.
I guess that Carlito has replaced Batista as the guy to fly into the second ring. Orton is genuinely concerned for Foley now. Rey connects with 619, but he eats the Batista Bomb! Rey is out, and my guess is that Batista will have a shot at Rey’s title sometime soon.
A huge disadvantage now for the faces. Foley has his face busted open now and Orton will too sometime soon. VAN TERMINATOR FROM RVD TO ORTON!!!!!! What is the difference from the Van Terminator to the Van Daminator??? I have never seen either. Either way, they both seem like perilous moves. ORTON KICKS OUT!!!!
Great moment, Eugene performs a double low blow! I think he will be eliminated soon though. Eugene goes Hogan on Christian, but Christian is saved. That would have been a Kodak moment. The faces are resorting to heel moves a bit too much.
Captain Flair is here! I am sure that Foley will be gunning for him. Ric sets Eguene up for the Van Daminator and the five star. The demise of Eugene is because of Flair. Eugene was in there for a very very very long time.
Five on two is just brutal. I cannot wait for Undertaker to come in, and annihilate. Okay, so it is four on Orton and one on Foley; that seems equitable enough for me.
Go faster Undertaker!!! There we go, Taker is here to dominate. Taker takes care of everyone until Batista slams him, but he sits up!!!! Chokeslam from one ring to another!!! Taker makes Flair bleed. Tombstone to Carlito!!! Only the weak link from Flair’s team is gone though.
Flair’s presentation when he bleeds is weird to see because you can see his skull covered in blood. Carlito has to cheat! Phh, someone spits at him. This PPV is more interactive than Taboo Tuesday. Some confusing action going on until Batista and Orton take out the referee. I guess that this means someone is hitting a finishing move very soon. Flair takes the key, what can he do with it? YES!! What I have been waiting for!! Barbie is here!! It would have been better if Foley brought it out though. Foley almost kills Flair!!! Instead, he decides to kill RVD!! He follows that by nailing Christian!!!! Then he adds one for his Nemesis!!! Too bad that Batista helps out. I think he should be busy in the other ring now that Carlito is gone. Is anyone not bleeding?? Old School followed by the Last Ride!!!! Great teamwork by Orton and Taker … to no avail!!!! Christian then Unprettiers Undertaker!!!!! Make that one for August, one for September, one for October, and one for November!!! Can I buy the Christian pinning Undertaker calendar??? Foley’s team is at a big disadvantage again, with Orton and Foley only.
Flair crushes Foley with the barbed wire!!! Orton almost gets the pinfall too by a great move. Flair cannot pin Foley!!! I love Flair’s facial expressions. He and Simon Dean have the greatest expressions of shock. Foley is coughing up blood??? Foley still will not stay down. The handcuffs again??? The camera man is going to save him again. Foley is going to die. Now Orton is as he has everyone gunning after him. Now Flair has the figure four!!!! Foley has bolt cutters!!!!!!!!! There go the handcuffs, though I think Foley is a bit too weak to do anything. Batista, Christian, and RVD all get the Barbie!!!!! Double arm DDT on the Barbie, and RVD takes the exit!!!
It is three on two, but I really do not see what Foley can do since he is a walking Deadman. THUMBTACKS!!! My favorite weapon! Foley eats tacks!!! Foley, why are you alive?? Flair misses Foley, and he passes out!!!!
Captain Flair is gone, but I am sure that Batista will pin Foley in a matter of seconds, leaving us with yet another two on one situation. WHAT!!! Flair somehow comes back, and cheats!!!!! Batista with the biggest move of the world, powerbomb on thumbtacks through the ring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bless you Foley.
Oh know, Orton takes the ref out for the second time. Orton survives the BOMB!!! You have got to be kidding me Wolf Guy. Christian misses Batista and hits Orton. I saw this in the first match and third match. It has become overly hackeyed. As expected, Orton RKOS Batista!!
A chair and DDT but Orton survives!!!! NOW ORTON KICKS OUT OF THE UNPRETTIER!!!!!!!! You are making him out to be a god. Christian kicks out of the RKO too!!!! Great way to end the hour long match, Unprettier on the chair!!!!
I cannot believe you wrote a match that long. Orton was in there for almost an hour. Foley must be dead. I am going to say it right now, the best match ever in BTB. It had everything in it. The best ending to the best PPV. Match Rating = 10/10

Entertainment
This is by far the best PPV. The only problem was repetition but it was not that big of a deal. I am in awe. Please put it on DVD. 10/10

Bottomline
Best PPV ever! I hope to structure my Survivor Series like yours.

Overall = 90/100 - I do not know how that works out, I guess I am done being a soft grader. I gave your Nemesis a 154, but this was bettter.

I have written this while being really sick, please return for Wrestlemania.
 
#1,383 ·
What a joke, I can so see Rhyno turning into an even bigger face and getting a bigger role on RAW after the Rumble, Flair is a true asshole

HA! Eugene wins, getting rid of the dump truck and the goat at the same time. Will be interesting to see how Eugene fairs in the RR match

Hmm, Christian may do well, but I can't see him winning the Rumble. I'm seeing Rock or Orton winning

The Brotherhood had a chance for some gold there, and they threw it away when Long assaulted Trish. Odd, and I don't know where this leaves the Womens title picture

LOL, nice Carlito interview, suckering Lloyd that he won't spit in his face, then doing it anyways

Meh, if Batista does win the Rumble, I'll have trouble reading this thread again on the RAW side, although, I know you enough to think you won't have him win it..... I hope

Orton & Edge will definately go at it at WM, I can sense it. It's been building well for a while, and it just needs a solid further buildup and it'll be a sweet match. If that happens of course.....

Funny promo from Kennedy and DX, Kennedy was used extremely well here, very funny lines. And again someone tries to create desencion in the ranks of DX

Good triple threat matchand obvious that Carlito would win it, it gives RVD & Booker some exposure before the Rumble, I feel both have been discarded by you on RAW and they could both do with a draft to SD! to keep their careers afloat

Taker won't beat Cena, or will he? It's hard to predict, it'll be a big match either way

Terrific main event and a top aftermath with everyone left brawling, the RR match will be HUGE and I can't wait

Great show Wolf 9/10
 
#1,617 ·
WWE PRESENTS THE LONG ANTICIPATED RETURN ...

OF SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT ON NBC

-----

30 Minute Preview show, aired on the USA Network prior to show…

Ken Kennedy defeats Booker T with the Green Bay Plunge @ 05:54

Classic SNME Moment - Hulk Hogan defeats Mr. Wonderful in a Steel Cage Match, restarted after both men’s feet touch the floor at the same time.

Backstage, Ricky Steamboat informs Jamie Noble he must go it alone tonight, with The Cabinet barred from the arena as of now.

A.F.A & AMW defeat System Success & The Dicks when Rico pins Simon Dean @ 06:12

Classic SNME Moment - Shawn Michaels wins the Intercontinental Title on the last ever edition of SNME, beating British Bulldog.

… AND NOW …

- THE RETURN OF SATURDAY NIGHTS MAIN EVENT -



February 11th; Anaheim:

Opening Video which consists of a mix between classic SNME moments and clips of the superstars of today.

Pyro

The camera pans around the arena, eventually reaching the announce table, where J.R is sat, joined by Tazz.

Jim Ross: After a fourteen year wait, Saturday Nights Main Event is back on the air!!! NBC hosts the WWE this evening, just over six weeks away from Wrestle Mania Twenty Two!!! I’m Jim Ross, representing Raw, joined tonight by Tazz, who represents Smackdown.

Tazz: This is a huge moment for me J.R. I’ve sat and watched this event so many times over the years, and it’s a huge compliment to me to call this event, representing the Smackdown brand.

Jim Ross: Big matches from both brands signed for tonight, and from Raw, we look at the steel cage, hovering above the ring, in anticipation for the World Heavyweight Championship match, pitting John Cena and Edge, and this event sure has a rich history with steel cages.

Tazz: Damn straight. But Smackdown has the two men who are set to meet in the main event of Wrestle Mania, Brock Lesnar and Chris Benoit, going head to head tonight. Both men have five minutes to score as many wins as possible in what should be a highly charged showdown.

Jim Ross: But lets not forget that tonight, Raw and Smackdown will be going head to head, as The Undertaker faces Smackdowns Triple H in a Showcase of Talent. Not only that, but Shawn Michaels and The Rock are set for a collision on the Cabana later on with Carlito.

Tazz: Highly combustible situations ready to unfold J.R, but lets not forget something that I’m sure pleases you … the return of Steve Austin!!!

Jim Ross: Oh hell yeah!!! Folks, strap yourselves in, and get ready for a roller coaster ride!!! It’s Saturday Nights Main Event!!!

1st Match: Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Jamie Noble vs. Paul London
Extremely fast paced opener, getting the Anaheim crowd roaring. They battle in an evenly fought contest, with near falls galore. London misses the Shooting Star as Noble rolls away. Noble then goes for the Tiger Bomb, but London manages to fight out of it, and counter with a tornado DDT. This allows London to climb the ropes, and connects with a 450 Splash, allowing the three count!!!!!
Winner: AND NEW Cruiserweight Champion - Paul London @ 08:56

Jim Ross: What a way to start the night!!! Justice for Paul London, after months of torment, losing the title to Noble, via a loss to JBL. Paul London has climbed back to the top of the cruiserweight mountain!!!

Tazz: What a showcase for the Cruiserweight Division J.R!!! Noble and London let it all hang loose tonight, and as a result, Paul London is once again Cruiserweight Champion!!!

Jim Ross: Believe it folks, this is a sign of things to come tonight. Saturday Nights Main Event is back with a bang!!!

Commercial

Wrestle Mania Recall - II - NFL Stars compete in an over the top rope Battle Royal, which is eventually won by Andre The Giant.

We return, back in the arena …

**GLASS SHATTERS**

The Arrowhead Pond comes alive, as Steve Austin drives out into the arena getting a standing ovation. He speeds his truck down the ramp, and right up to the ring, before swinging the door open, and stepping out to an electric response. He goes to each turnbuckle in the ring, getting a monster pop each time.

The Rattlesnake drops down, and calls for a mic, which he is given quickly. Austin looks at the mic, and chucks it behind him, before pointing at the time keeper, motioning he meant he wanted a beer. Austin is given two beers, and immediately downs the pair, getting a huge cheer, before picking the mic up, and gets ready to speak.

Steve Austin: Sorry about the delay, but I got a little thirsty.

Fans Pop

Steve Austin: Lets get straight to business. Three weeks ago, I went to hell and back at the Royal Rumble. You know that, I know that. Hell, that’s why I spent a week on my couch, barely able to move a damn muscle, except move my arm up and down, to put a can of beer to my mouth, and back down again.

Fans Pop

Steve Austin: But in the end, was it worth it, when I kicked Bill Goldberg out of the WWE?? Ohhhh Hell Yeah!!!!

Fans Pop

Steve Austin: And now that I’ve had time to recover from that match, I’ve been thinking long and hard about where my future lies.

Some boos from the fans, whilst Austin leans against the ropes, rubbing his head, trying not to smile.

Steve Austin: And y’know, it seems to me that every couple of weeks now, I’m coming out here, and contemplating my future. I’m sure you guys are getting just as pissed off as I am, because to me, it’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day, ev-

**Just Close Your Eyes**

Christian enters the arena, to a very mixed response, being followed by Tyson Tomko. Austin stands in the ring, not looking impressed. Christian takes a mic as he walks around the ring, before cautiously stepping inside. The music cuts off, allowing Christian to speak.

Christian: NBC, let me introduce myself. I’m Captain Charisma, leader of the Christian Coalition, and-

Steve Austin: An all round jackass.

Fans Pop

Steve Austin: Son, when I said that things were beginning to feel like Groundhog Day, I sure as hell didn’t mean it literally, but right now, it seems like that wasn’t much of a stretch.

Fans laugh

Steve Austin: Let me warn you right now CLB, you’re pissing me off by constantly getting in my face, month after month, and if I catch you following me to the bathroom anytime, there is gonna be hell to pay son.

Fans Pop.

Steve Austin: You’re really worrying me, because I’m starting to really think that you have a strange fetish for bald guys with facial hair.

Austin takes a look at Tomko, whilst Christian looks disgusted, but the fans laugh. Christian shakes his head, before smiling, and retorting.

Christian: Austin, I’m not out here to cause any ‘beef’, I’m not out here to cause you any trouble. I mean, I wouldn’t want to get you worked up into a frenzy … not at your age.

Christian laughs, whilst the fans give heat. Austin tilts his head, as if to say ‘Are you going to go there??’

Christian: No, Austin, I’m here to give you some advice.

Austin laughs, whilst Christian tries to look as serious as possible.

Christian: For years Steve, I’ve watched you dominate this business. You were the linchpin for the Monday Night success, carrying this company on your back, despite a severe neck problem. I’ve watched you create chaos week in, and week out, driving monster trucks, beer trucks and zambonis. But Steve, that was 1998.

Fans aren’t impressed.

Christian: And this, is 2006. Your neck, as bad as it was then, is even worse now … you’ve been losing more breath blowing out candles then you have working out, and that little pot belly proves it.

Crowd react with surprise to the comment, with Christian pushing the boundaries.

Christian: Your generation has passed Austin. Every time I watch you in the ring now, I feel afraid to look. Last month at The Royal Rumble, I watched you grimace every time you took a shot from Goldberg. Austin, quite frankly I hate to be the one to say it, but someone has to … and it’s for your sake … retire … … Now … before its too late.

Christian stares deep into Austins eyes, as the fans boo the words from Captain Charisma. Slowly, Austin reaches for the mic, and takes it from Christians hand.

Steve Austin: I want to get the record straight here, and I want to make sure you get the message loud and clear. Number one, (Points at belly) This right here, isn’t a pot belly. Son, what I have right there is a fuel tank, for a whoop ass machine, and right now, it’s brimming with petrol. All you need to do is start up it’s engine with a few more comments, and you’ll see these two bull dozers start up, and beat the snot out of ya, before I stomp a mud hole, and walk that sumbitch dry.

Fans Pop big time for Austin

Steve Austin: I’ve had it with your witticisms son, and I’m at a boiling point with ya. So, if-

Christian: No. I’ve had it with you Austin!!!

Mixed reaction, with some fans getting behind Christian for toughening up.

Christian: For too damn long I’ve watched you suck up all the openings. Watched you dominate this company, whilst I stole the show, and got crapped on because a broken down, beer swilling has been was still thirsty, not only for beer, but for money too.

Few gasps from the fans with Christian getting personal

Christian: Austin, I’m tired of waiting for my break through. I’m sick of waiting for a free pass, so instead, I’m making my own opportunities … my own openings … my own legacy. Last year was my break out year. I did things that either very few or no one have or has ever done. I stole the show at Wrestle Mania 21 as the Intercontinental Champion … I became the face of Raw through the summer … I beat The Undertaker in August … in September … in October … and November, back to back, to back, to back. I was the Sole Survivor in War Games at the Survivor Series, and I ended Mick Foleys reign as General Manager of Raw.

Another mixed reaction, with an impressive list of accomplishments.

Christian: And this year, things haven’t started great. I didn’t win The Royal Rumble as I expected, and I missed out on a World Title Match in the Gold Rush tournament. But Austin, I intend on changing my fortunes. Last year was my break out year … but my goal now is to become not just the face of Raw … but the face of this company … hell, the face of this business. And I plan on starting, by clearing out the junk that just wont go away.

Fans give heat.

Christian: So basically what I’m trying to say Austin … is that if you wont leave … I’ll have to make you.

Austin laughs, but then suddenly drops the smile, and looks dead serious at Christian.

Steve Austin: You’re gonna make me?? EH EH!!! Son, do you know what my watch is saying??

Christian: I sure to hell hope it’s pleading with you to retire Steve.

Laughs from fans, but Austin smiles too.

Steve Austin: You stupid son of a bitch, watches don’t talk, they tell the time.

Fans laugh at the comeback from Austin, whilst Christian looks set for a temper tantrum.

Christian: Aus-

Steve Austin: WHAT?

WHAT

Christian: See, your age is showing now. You cant hear a damn word I’m saying. Y-

Steve Austin: WHAT?

WHAT

Christian: Ha-

Steve Austin: Excuse me??

WHAT

Christian: St-

Steve Austin: Beg your pardon??

WHAT

Christian: Aust-

Steve Austin: WHAT

WHAT

Christian: Com-

Steve Austin: Repeat yourself!!

WHAT

Christian: Dam-

Steve Austin: Say it again

WHAT

Christian: I-

Steve Austin: Speak up!!!

WHAT

Christian: Let-

Steve Austin: Cant hear you!!

WHAT

Christian: F-

Steve Austin: One more -

Christian blasts Austin with the microphone!!! Austin falls into the corner, holding his face, whilst Christian follows in, laying in with right hands at his adversary. Christian steps back, just for one moment, but long enough to allow Austin to come at him, taking Captain Charisma down with a double leg, before pounding on him. Austin gets up, but is met by Tomko with knocks The Rattlesnake down with a clothesline. He then lines Austin up for a big boot, but as he comes for it, Austin ducks, and waits for Tyson to turn around, before scoring with the kick to the gut, and STUNNER!!!!

Tomko rolls out of the ring, and Austin makes sure he goes out with kicks to the ribs, but then Christian sneaks up behind him, and scores with a low blow to The Rattlesnake!!!! Austin staggers briefly, before dropping onto his knees, in agony. Christian develops a grin across his face, knowing Austin is his for the taking, and drags him up, hooking The Rattlesnake in place, before dropping him with The Unprettier.

Christian sits on the canvas, looking pleased with his work this evening, having sent his message to Austin. **Just Close Your Eyes** hits again, as Captain Charisma rolls out of the ring, and saunters up the ramp, with Tomko staggering behind.

Commercial

2nd Match: Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus vs. Lita
Coverage returns just in time for the beginning of the match, with the two women just really going through the motions early on, with lock ups, and tests of strengths, with both coming out evenly. With the fans getting slightly restless, the two women turn it up, and begin to trade near falls, back and forth, before Lita counters the Stratusfaction to nail the Twist of Fate on the champion, only for Trish to get a foot on the rope. The challenger then decides to take a high risk, and climbs to the top rope, going for a Moonsault … but Stratus moves away, with Lita crashing and burning. Lita staggers up, and into the path of Trish’ Chick Kick, allowing Stratus to score the decisive three count.
Winner: AND STILL Women’s Champion - Trish Stratus @ 05:40

Trish Stratus holds the title belt aloft in victory, successfully defending the championship once again, keeping her strong reign going. Stratus helps Lita up to her feet, and the two women graciously hug after a gruelling match. The two women stand centre ring, holding their hands up to the fans, when we see someone slide into the ring, dressed as security. The security person stands tall, and rips off a wig, to reveal SHANIQUA!!!!

The Amazon stands directly behind Trish, and as she turns around with Lita, they are instantly taken down, as Shaniqua runs through both of them, with a devastating double clothesline!!!!! Shaniqua stands tall, and roars out loud, taking a look at the title belt, before re-directing her focus on Stratus.

Shaniqua drags Trish up, and whips her, as hard as possible, into the corner, before following in with a body splash. Trish staggers out, hitting the canvas hard. Lita is back up, and runs at Shaniqua, but The Amazon catches her, and delivers a Press Slam, throwing Lita out of the ring, with a nasty landing on the floor. Finally, Shaniqua lifts Trish up, nailing the champion with a Power bomb.

Stratus is left in a heap, as Shaniqua stands over the champion, whilst staring at the belt which she had held for one year. The Amazon then takes a look at the fans, as she develops a wry smile. Shaniqua lets out another roar, before claiming “I’m Back … BITCH”

Jim Ross: Good lord. Shaniqua folks, is back, and she is back with a bang!!! The Amazon, a former womens champion, who held the belt for a year before disappearing is back again, and Tazz, it’s obvious what her goal is!!

Tazz: This Shaniqua is an animal J.R. No remorse, no compassion. She is back, and has made a statement right away. Her target isn’t even Trish … it’s the title.

Jim Ross: Needless to say, Trish Stratus honeymoon as womens champion is well and truly over.

We then cut backstage, and see Hulk Hogan come face to face with Ric Flair. Flair looks Hogan up and down, before laughing.

Ric Flair: Hogan, feels like old times, right?? WWE back on NBC … Saturday Nights WOOO Main Event. Am I right??

Hulk Hogan: Let me tell ya something brother. I’m not buying your crap. You have a reason for speaking to me, so lets cut out the niceties, and get to business dude.

Flair smiles again, knowing Hogan sees right through his act.

Ric Flair: Okay, okay. Here it is. Two words … Mick. Foley. You care to explain to me why he showed up on Raw Monday?? Don’t fob me off either with an excuse. Not that Foley was on holiday in Tokyo, not that he just happened to be there … I want the truth.

Hulk Hogan: You want the truth?? Brother, you cant handle the truth.

Flair looks furious, as Hogan smiles at his own lame comment.

Hulk Hogan: No. Really Ric, if you want to know why Mick Foley was at Raw last Monday … then you’ll have to be there this Monday.

Flair narrows his eyebrows.

Hulk Hogan: Because Mick Foley is going to Fresno for Raw, and I’ve promised that he gets ring time to let the entire world know why he was at Raw last Monday, and other things…

Ric Flair: What other things??

Hulk Hogan: You’ll see brother, you’ll see.

Hogan walks off, smiling, with Flair now looking irate.

We cut back into the arena, as the lights dim …

**TIME TO PLAY THE GAME**

Triple H enters the arena for the Raw vs. Smackdown Match, getting a fairly mixed response from the fans.

Jim Ross: Ladies and Gentlemen, when we come back, it’s Triple H vs. The Undertaker, Raw vs. Smackdown. Don’t go anywhere!!!

Commercial

We return, with The Undertakers music just playing, before the long entrance takes place. Taker steps into the ring, but Triple H gets the action going immediately, trying to take The Deadman by surprise.

3rd Match: Showcase of Talents Match:
Triple H vs. The Undertaker
Pretty decent affair, with things going right into action, instead of a slow start from the competitors. Triple H tries to stamp his authority early on from the sneak attack, but The Undertaker is too strong to be dominated, and knocks The Game for six with a running big boot, following a whip from HHH. They fight to the outside, with punches being exchanged back and forth. Triple H nails a spine buster on the phenom, and tries to settle for a count out win, but Taker is able to break the count at eight.
Despite breaking the count, Taker remains on the back foot, with Triple H taking over, not allowing The Deadman to get back into the match. He scores a near fall with a DDT, and a high knee, but makes a critical mistake whipping Taker off the ropes and ducking his head down, as Undertaker rebounds off the ropes to score with a running DDT!!! Both men are down, but Taker sits up at the count of six.
Now, The Undertaker takes over, and gets the fans in a frenzy hitting the Old School top rope walk of doom, before setting up for the Chokeslam, but HHH elbows free, and goes for a Pedigree, only for Taker to back drop out of it. Triple H staggers up, and into the path of The Phenom, who delivers the Chokeslam at the second time of asking. He hooks the leg, but Triple H manages to kick out at two.
Taker now looks to hit the Tombstone, but Triple H slides out, and rolls his opponent up for a two count, before taking Taker down with a big clothesline. The Game then gets carried away, and starts playing to the fans, trying to say he will be champion again, and takes far too long, which allows The Deadman to sit up again. Taker gets to his feet, whilst Triple H goes overboard with his pleading to the fans, which eventually backfires on him, as he turns around, walking right into The Deadman, who scoops The Game up, and is able to nail The Tombstone, and get a cover to score an elementary three count.
Winner: The Undertaker @ 11:18

The Undertaker celebrates his win in typical Deadman fashion before fading into a break.

Commercial

WRESTLEMANIA COUNTDOWN - 43 DAYS - UNTIL DREAMS BECOME REALITY

Jim Ross: It’s forty three days away folks. The biggest event on the wrestling calendar is looming, and getting closer by the minute. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is lying in wait for the Showcase of the Immortals, where Dreams become reality. I’m counting the minutes, and I’m sure you are too Tazz.

Tazz: Damn straight J.R. Smackdown and Raw combine to provide the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment. Wrestle Mania is approaching baby.

Jim Ross: And right now, as it stands, we have a mammoth card being put together, but even before that, you have Shinedown, who have supplied the official theme songs for this years event, performing live on March 26th.

Tazz: And how about the Hall of Fame J.R. Right now, the late, great ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig will be joined by none other than Nikolai Volkoff, one of the greatest of all time.

Jim Ross: And then, you’ve got the line up, as it stands right now, nothing official from Raw, apart from Randy Orton cemented as the challenger to John Cena or Edge following tonight’s steel cage warfare. Orton attempts to walk out of Wrestle Mania as world champion, for the first time, after two losses in his last two Wrestle Mania championship matches.

Tazz: And how about matches from Smackdown. We aint slacking on our side J.R. Our main event IS set in stone, as Brock Lesnar, the WWE Champion, and the self proclaimed Iron Man of the WWE, is challenged by the Number One Contender, the winner of the Royal Rumble, Chris Benoit!!!

Jim Ross: Huge main event, worthy of Wrestle Mania. And those two of course will come face to face later, lets not forget that.

Tazz: Damn straight. But hey, lets not forget, JBL defends the United States Title against the Sensei of Mattitude, Matt Hardy. JBL has overcome some awesome, awesome champions in recent months, and for the first time, he’s going into a title defence as the clear favourite.

Jim Ross: But don’t count out Matt Hardy.

Tazz: Wouldn’t dream of it. Speaking of dreams J.R. At Wrestle Mania, one dream match becomes a reality … Bret Hart versus Kurt Angle. Dream come true for Angle to finally get the match, but for Bret, it might just end up being a nightmare.

Jim Ross: I’m in two minds over this one Tazz. On one hand, you’ve got a dream match, on the other, you have a mans life, literally on the line. Can Bret Hart sustain the relentless Olympian?? Or will it all end in disaster for the Excellence of Execution.

Tazz: It’s a match which has some unbelievable conflicting emotions, and right now, fir the first time since the Royal Rumble, we are about to see Bret Hart … in training.

Video Package, quickly recapping Angle pestering Bret Hart for months, before leading to the Royal Rumble, and the beat down from Angle on Hart.

The picture fades, before opening again, hearing slams onto a canvas, groans of agony, and screaming too.

Voice: It’s like being in purgatory…

The picture then comes onto Bret, sat on the apron of a ring, a towel slung over his shoulder, sweat dripping from his forehead.

Bret Hart: I’m preparing for a match that I don’t know I can ever walk away from.

Clips of Hart being stretched in the famous Hart Dungeon during his preparation for this match.

Bret Hart: I’m training, ten hours a day, seven days a week for a match that might end my quality of life.

Clips of Hart doing push ups and weights.

Bret Hart: And I’ll be honest, I’m preparing for this match, not with the mindset of winning … but simply to survive. That might not sit well with too many people, but that’s just how it is.

Clips of Hart counter wrestling during training.

Bret Hart: No one knows what I’m going through … no one can begin to imagine.

Clips of Hart swimming.

Bret Hart: I know I could back out of this. The whole world saw Angle sign my name, and not me with my own power … but I wont do that.

Clips of Hart applying the Sharpshooter during training.

Bret Hart: Because deep down … a part of me wanted this. Deep down … part of me needed this.

Clips of Hart running the ropes.

Bret Hart: I could’ve walked away if I wanted. I should’ve walked away if I was smart, once Angle began to harass me.

Clips of Hart locking up in the ring.

Bret Hart: I’ve dug this hole. It’s not a matter of digging my way out, because I’m too far in already.

Clips of Hart being slammed in the ring.

Bret Hart: Kurt Angle’s dream has become a reality …

Clips of Hart being stretched in the famous Hart Dungeon during his preparation for this match.

Bret Hart: My reality … is a nightmare.

Classic clips of Bret Hart during his prime.

Bret Hart: On March 26th … I’ll make the biggest mistake of my life … and I know it wont be worth it … but it’s something I’ve got to do.

The video ends, with Hart sat in the corner of a ring, rocking back and forth, deep in thought.

Commercial

We return, with Ricky Steamboat stood in the ring, getting a great response from the fans.

Ricky Steamboat: Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure, to introduce to you … the 2006 Royal Rumble winner, and the #1 Contender to the WWE Championship at Wrestle Mania … The Rabid Wolverine … CHRIS BENOIT!!!

**WHATEVER**

Chris Benoit enters the arena, to an awesome ovation. He walks to the ring, looking fully focused for the 5 Minute Challenge. He shakes hands with the Interim Smackdown GM, before Steamboat prepares to speak again.

Ricky Steamboat: And now, I give to you, the reigning WWE Champion, and the self proclaimed Iron Man of the WWE … BROCK LESNAR!!!

**HERE COMES THE PAIN**

Brock Lesnar enters the arena, along with Paul Heyman to a deafening roar of abuse from the hot Anaheim crowd. He soaks it up, and saunters to the ring, hoisting the championship aloft, getting more heat. He jumps onto the apron, setting off his pyro, before stepping into the ring, and going face to face with Benoit.

Ricky Steamboat: Gentlemen, you both know the situation here. You’ll each get one five minute period to score as many victories over these volunteers from the local area. And I don’t want to waste any more time, so lets toss this coin, and get the ball rolling to see which of you goes first. As the champion, Brock, you get to call heads or tails.

Lesnar doesn’t take a mic, but instead tells Steamboat he wants heads. The GM nods, and flips the coin, catches it, and both men peek in to see the result.

Ricky Steamboat: Heads it is. Brock, you get the choice to go first or second.

Again, Lesnar lets Steamboat know his decision without broadcasting it on the mic, motioning he’ll go first. Benoit nods, and steps out of the ring, as Lesnar takes off his sweat shirt, and starts jumping up and down, as Steamboat motions to the back for the wrestlers.

A group of seven wrestlers, all looking generic, make their way quickly down the ramp, and surround the ring, before Steamboat speaks again.

Ricky Steamboat: The clock will start, once the first man enters the ring.

The first man - or victim - cautiously steps onto the apron, and slowly gets in through the ropes, with Lesnar wasting no time, immediately getting on him.

4th Match: 5 Minute Challenge:
Brock Lesnar vs. Random Volunteers
Lesnar gets right to work on the first man, who along with the rest of the volunteers is built like any normal cruiserweight, but no bigger. Lesnar drives his knees into the midsection, sucking the air from the first opponent, and quickly hooks him up, delivering a Belly to Belly Suplex. He scrambles for a quick cover, 1...2...Kick Out from the opponent!!! Lesnar looks quite shocked, but doesn’t take long to fret, and instead, clamps his legs around the smaller man, and squeezes the life from him with the body scissors, and soon, he taps out, unable to take the strain.

1 Victory @ 00:36

Trying to take the advantage, the next wrestler quickly slides in, and puts the boots to Lesnar, who is still trying to get up after the body scissors. After three kicks, Lesnar catches an attempted fourth, and trips the wrestler down, before quickly applying a half nelson, gaining another submission win, using his amateur wrestling background to do so.

2 Victories @ 00:53

Lesnar gets back up, and sees his next opponent get into the ring, immediately knocking him down with a devastating clothesline. Lesnar kicks him in the face, then goes back to the last opponent, and stops him from leaving the ring, wanting to deliver a message not to take advantage of the WWE Champion. He scoops him up, and hits an F5 on the loser, over the top rope, and onto the floor, directly beside Benoit. Lesnar and the #1 Contender share a quick glare, before Lesnar goes back to work on his latest victim, and grasps him from behind, before hitting a release German Suplex. Lesnar drags the wrestler back up, and delivers a Power bomb, before placing a foot over him, 1...2...3!!!

3 Victories @ 01:34

Lesnar looks around for the fourth man to enter the ring, and he does so, but unlike the others, he tries to keep his distance from Lesnar, with Lesnar literally having to chase the opponent. The wrestler ducks a clothesline, and escapes as Lesnar tries to tackle him down, which irritates Brock. Lesnar eventually corners the opponent, and rams him into the corner, before attempting to lock in a sleeper, only for the opponent to grab the ropes, forcing a break.
Brock is furious, and slaps the opponent right across the face, before dragging him from the ropes, and in close, before flying him through the air, with another scintillating Belly to Belly. Lesnar gets on top of the opponent, and decides to make him suffer, humiliating him by riding around amateur style, slapping his head too, before getting off again. Lesnar gets back up, and drags the opponent up, but is almost surprised, as the wrestler gets an inside cradle, scoring a close two count, with Brock powering out. He gets up, and turns his opponent inside out with a massive clothesline. Lesnar isn’t done though, and drags the opponent back up, quickly hitting an F5, before getting a cover, 1...2...3!!!

4 Victories @ 02:55

Brock is still furious with the opponent, and pushes the fifth man off the apron, to allow himself more time with the fourth guy. He scoops him off the canvas, and whips him hard into the corner, before steaming in with a running high knee, straight to the face. The wrestler staggers out, with Lesnar pressing him high into the air, before dropping him, crotch first on the ropes. Lesnar then delivers a right hand, sending the fourth guy onto the floor.
The Champion now turns around, and looks for the fifth guy, telling him to get inside the ring immediately. Stupidly, the opponent does as he is told, and walks into a furious monster, who charges him right down, with a spear / tackle. He pounds at the opponent with vicious forearms to the face, unrelenting, and the referee is forced to call for the bell, with the opponent possibly knocked out, with a definite broken nose, and several other facial injuries, with blood gushing everywhere.

5 Victories @ 03:29

Despite the referee calling for the bell, Lesnar doesn’t stop his destruction of the jobber, and the two other remaining jobbers are forced to get into the ring and try to get him off. Lesnar gets up, and stares a hole through the two unlucky men, pointing at them both, asking which one wants to go first. Comically, they point at each other, before trying to back away, but Lesnar instead runs through them both, with a double clothesline.
He takes a look around, and sees medical staff trying to get the fifth jobber out of the ring, but Lesnar stops them, and even kicks one from the apron, dragging the wrestler back inside, and dragging him up, before hitting a spine buster, as hard as he possibly can. Brock looks to be losing it mentally, looking over the guy, and talking to the unconscious opponent, before getting up, and dragging the sixth unfortunate competitor closer. He drops an elbow, and gets a cover, 1...2...3. Lesnar wins, but we see the wrester quickly try to get out of the ring, suggesting he lost on purpose, just to get away from the WWE Champion.

6 Victories @ 04:02

Lesnar shakes his head, as if to say ‘Not that easy you don’t’, and rolls out of the ring, chasing him down. Lesnar catches him from behind, and delivers a German Suplex onto the unproductive mats, giving the wrestler a taste of what the others got before him.
Brock gets back inside, and looks for the last opponent, and eventually, we see the wrestler look to try and cause an upset, flying off the top rope, looking for a cross body, but Lesnar catches him, and scoops him onto his broad shoulders, before taking a look at Benoit, telling him that this is his fate, before delivering the F5. Brock hooks the leg, and keeps his focus on Benoit, 1...2...3!!!

7 Victories @ 04:43

Steamboat looks around, shocked by what he has saw, and calls for the bell. He takes a mic, and begins to speak, almost in fear.

Ricky Steamboat: Em … ladies and gentlemen, I er… to be honest, I didn’t expect Brock Lesnar to go through all seven guys within five minutes, so instead, we’ll have to tweak the rules slightly. Chris Benoit, I’m going to bring the next seven guys out here, and your target will be to beat all seven within the time set by Brock. Understood??

Benoit nods, knowing he has quite a big task on his hands. Lesnar steps out of the ring, still looking on edge after breaking into the zone. Heyman tries to calm the champion, as Benoit steps into the ring, and we see the next seven wrestlers jog to the ring, and they waste no time, with the first man immediately sliding inside, starting the count down.

5th Match: 5 Minute Challenge:
Chris Benoit vs. Random Volunteers
As the random wrestler slides in, and gets up, he is met with a vicious chop from the Wolverine. He staggers around clutching his chest, which allows Benoit to grip him from behind, and deliver a nasty German Suplex … and hangs on … hit’s a second … hangs on … and hit’s a third!!! Benoit takes a look to the WWE Champion, and blows his nose in Brocks direction, before hooking the leg of the wrestler, 1...2...3!!!

1 Victory @ 00:26

The next wrestler gets in quickly too, but he also walks right into a chop, and Benoit then bounces off the ropes, hitting a running cross forearm, taking the opponent down in the middle of the ring. Benoit wastes no time playing to the crowd, and goes up top, quickly flying off, scoring with the Headbutt. He sells the move himself for a few seconds, before getting a cover, 1...2...3!!!

2 Victories @ 00:53

Benoit rolls around, still feeling the effects of the head butt, which allows his next opponent to get a head start, and he opens up on Benoit, hitting a leg drop. He hooks the leg, 1...Kick Out. The wrestler looks shocked from the immediate kick out, and runs off the ropes looking to hit Benoit, but instead, he gets a knee to the gut, sending him around like an idiot. Benoit drags him up, and hit’s a German Suplex, this time with a bridge for a cover, 1...2...3!!!

3 Victories @ 01:19

Lesnar takes a look at the clock, and starts to look a little worried that Benoit will beat his time here. The next wrestler runs at Benoit, but gets taken down immediately, and in unable to prevent the Sharpshooter. He tries to fight the submission for as long as he possibly can, but cant take the strain, and is forced to tap out, giving Benoit another quick win.

4 Victories @ 01:37

And things get worse for Lesnar, as the next wrestler also walks into a Benoit submission … The Crippler Crossface. This time, there is no fighting the submission, and the wrestler taps almost instantly.

5 Victories @ 01:45

Benoit looks set to blow Lesnars time out of the water right now, and the next opponent doesn’t look like stopping the runaway freight train that is Benoit, with the Crippler opening up with a barrage of chops, before hitting a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging for another cover, 1...2...3!!!

6 Victories @ 02:08

Now, Benoit waits for the last remaining opponent. He steps onto the apron, but doesn’t get in the ring, as we see Brock Lesnar slide in through the back door, and he jumps Benoit from behind!!! Immediately, the referee calls for the bell, ending the challenge in No Contest.

No Contest due to interference

Lesnar pounds at the back of Benoits head, and drives his knee to the face. Brock gets back up, and points to the random jobbers to get in and help him, which they do immediately. Lesnar drags Benoit up, and charges him into the corner, driving his shoulder into the gut, before stepping away, and instructing the wrestlers to stay on Benoit.

They put the boots to the Wolverine, whilst Lesnar goes to the outside, pushing Steamboat over, as he grabs the WWE Championship belt. He slides back in, and looks to line up Benoit for a belt shot, but suddenly, Benoit springs into action, and starts to fight off the jobbers, knocking them down with chops, and right hands, which scares Lesnar off a little. Benoit hit’s a German on one of them, sending him into two others, and clotheslines the remaining two over the top rope.

Benoit then charges towards Lesnar, but the WWE Champion scarpers, and jumps out of the ring, not wanting anything of the #1 Contender now. Brock walks up the ramp, looking back at Benoit, who stands tall in the ring, motioning to Lesnar that the title will be his.

Jim Ross: Tazz, one thing has been made damn sure tonight. Chris Benoit will be nobodies whipping boy at Wrestle Mania. The Wolverine has proven to Brock Lesnar that at Wrestle Mania, he has a fight on his hands, and then some.

Tazz: It’s a match J.R, that I cannot wait to see. Brock Lesnar asked the question tonight if Benoit could hang with him, and I think he got an answer he didn’t want. Lesnar was an animal in there, but Benoit was a damn machine. He’s for real, and now Lesnar knows it.

Commercial

We return, with Carlito stood in the ring, getting a lot of cheers from the fans, possibly in anticipation of Rock and HBK in the same ring at the same time, face to face.

Carlito: I’ll not insult your intelligence Anaheim … because that would be too easy.

Crowd gives Carlito heat, whilst he laughs.

Carlito: Whatever. Like I said, I wont insult your intelligence, so I’ll not explain what this set is for, and why I’m here. Everyone, even uncool people like you should know that when you see the palm tree, and the hammock, it’s time for the Cabana. And das cool.

Crowd starts a ‘Shut the F*** up’ chant

Carlito: Mind your language people. Children could be watching. Like I was saying, the cabana is cool. And do you know what else is cool?? The fact that tonight, I get to host the Cabana with two guests, one from Raw, one from Smackdown.

Fans get excited, as they realise who he means.

Carlito: Two men … that hate each other … despise the ground the other walks on. Dat?? Das cool.

Fans pop again.

Carlito: But not only does Carlito host the most personal Cabana of all time tonight … he also premieres the final Wrestle Mania preview video … right now.

Carlito points to the titan tron…

A green screen then appears, with the writing “The following preview is to advertise the PPV event, WWE Wrestle Mania XXII. The event advertised is to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 26th 2006”…

We see the four members of DX in a fancy room at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. They are all sat in a single bed each, watching the television, which is playing the last Wrestle Mania trailer from the Royal Rumble. The video ends, and HBK switches the TV off.

Shawn Michaels: Dreams become reality?? Yeah right. Listen guys, I need to get some sleep, so I suggest we all get some shut eye, yeah??

The other three agree, as HBK nods, and switches the light off. The four men put their heads down, and nod off. The screen fades, and then comes back, saying 20 minutes later…

Garrison Cade is snoring, whilst the other three all sleep quietly. We then go up close on HBK, and see what he is dreaming about…

Clips from Wrestle Mania 12, of HBK coming to the ring from the rafters, before highlights from his title match, then the Sweet Chin Music to win the match.

“The Boyhood Dream Has come true at Wrestle Mania”

We fade from the dream, back to HBK, who sleeps with a big smile on his face.

The camera shifts to Luther Reigns, who sleeps with his arms folded, still looking serious, even in his sleep. We now delve into his dream…

Clips of Luther Reigns hitting lesser wrestlers with impact moves is shown, and we hear sounds over the carnage from commentary.

“My God. This Luther Reigns is the most destructive force in the WWE damn it!!”

We fade from Luthers dream, and see he is now smiling, breaking his serious façade.

Now, the camera moves to Mark Jindrak, and we go into his dream.

“The DX Duo are victorious again!!! What a team, champions once again!!!”

Clips of MJ and Cade celebrating with the tag titles are shown from his dream, before we fade back out, and see Jindrak smile. We then cut to Cade, who is already smiling, before going into the dream.

Unlike the other three, who all dreamt of success, Garrison Cade is dreaming of none other than Las Vegas showgirls. We see him stuffing twenty dollar bills into their underwear, and having a great time.

We fade from his dream, and see HBK, Luther and MJ sit up and look to the bottom of the room at Cade, as if they know what he is dreaming off. HBK clears his throat, and speaks up.

Shawn Michaels: I take back what I said earlier … lets make that dream a reality.

The three men all get out of bed, with HBK for some reason wearing his wrestling gear, Luther wearing his normal clothes, and Mark Jindrak wearing a thong. Luther and Michaels are about to ask Jindrak why he is wearing it, but decide not to waste time. Jindrak is about to wake up Cade, but Michaels stops him, saying to let Cade sleep. The three men tip toe out of the room, and the video fades again.

The Wrestle Mania 22 logo flashes across the screen again, with the caption “Where Dreams Become Reality” flashing across the screen before we get the very last scene…

We end up, back in Garrison Cades dream … only this time, it’s Cade dressed as the Showgirl, parading around the dance floor, dancing and singing badly.

We then cut back, and see Cade has an even bigger grin than before, liking the dream, as we fade…

Back in the arena, we hear some laughs, as Carlito looks a little taken aback by the video.

Carlito: Creepy ... Umm … lets get Shawn Michaels out here, cue the music…

**BREAK IT DOWN**

Shawn Michaels walks out in the arena, the same arena he won the WWE Title at Wrestle Mania 12. He walks down the ramp a little, but stops, then looks back, and points to the back, where we see Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns walk out, to more heat from the fans.

HBK slaps hands with his buddies, before sliding into the ring, and giving the crotch chop to the fans, and Carlito, as do Cade and Jindrak, whilst Reigns stands around like a statue as always.

Carlito: Welcome to the Cabana once again. But Shawn, the invite was only for you, not the rest of the clan.

HBK looks around, before taking a mic from Carlito.

Shawn Michaels: Kid, let me make something crystal clear for you. When you invite Shawn Michaels to appear on the Cabana … you invite DX. Where I go … they go.

Carlito shrugs.

Carlito: Ahhh whatever. I’m not getting paid by the minute, so lets get down to business, shall we??

HBK shakes his head.

Shawn Michaels: Not yet. I’m the star here, not you. Got it?? Now, for all of you that don’t know, ten years ago, in this very arena, in this very spot, yours truly … HBK created history, and became WWE Champion.

Mixed reaction.

Shawn Michaels: Granted, The Arrowhead Pond isn’t an ideal location, hell, California isn’t where I wanted to win my first WWE Title, but the moment overtakes the location anyway, so that doesn’t matter.

Fans give Michaels heat, whilst Carlito shrugs, smiles, and mouths that’s true.

Shawn Michaels: Just thought I’d refresh the memories, because the reason I’m out here tonight isn’t to run down all my accomplishments … hell, there isn’t enough time on the broadcast for that.

More heat for the cocky DX leader.

Shawn Michaels: No, my reason for being here tonight is to call out none other than the Peoples Chump, The Rock.

Fans pop for mention of Rock.

Shawn Michaels: Rock, you seem to have this fixation that I’m scared of you. Well, lets look at the facts, shall we. YOU came to Raw last week, and screwed ME, before running off like the coward you are. Yet, me?? I went to Smackdown, stood toe to toe with you, and KICKED YOUR ASS!!!

Fans boo, knowing that isn’t exactly true.

Shawn Michaels: So right now Rock, in front of the MILLIONS …

HBK holds the mic to Cade and Jindrak

AND MILLIONS

Shawn Michaels: Of D-Generates across the world, I’m calling YOU out.

HBK drops the mic, and waits … and waits …

**IF YA SMELL**

The Rock storms out, onto the stage to a HUGE response. We see The Rock walk quickly down the ramp, with a purpose, carrying a steel chair, possibly as an equalizer to DX. The Rock has no fear, and climbs up the steps, before entering the ring, and immediately swinging for Reigns, but he moves away, whilst Cade and Jindrak dart out of the ring, with HBK sliding out too.

DX begin to retreat up the ramp, as The Rock reaches for a mic.

The Rock: WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!!! Shawn Michaels?? Where you goin?? You called The Rock out, and now you’re leaving??

Carlito: Shawn!! You cant go yet. This isn’t over!!! I don’t get paid for you walking out Shawn!!

The Rock swipes Carlitos mic, and throws it out of the ring. Carlito looks shocked, and leans over to The Rocks mic.

Carlito: Das not cool.

The Rock: No?? That’s not cool Chico?? Rock has some advice for you, you SICK FREEEK!! Rock advises you to take your keg of apples, and walk your American Idol look-alike ass out of The Rocks ring, and down Know Your Role Boulevard, before stopping by at the Shut Your Mouth Barber Shop, and get that ridiculous fungus shaved from your head.
Because if you don’t, The Rock guarantees, just as sure as Shawn Michaels has a gimp mask in his back pocket, that you Sideshow Carl, will be walking out of the Arrowhead Pond, with a bunch of apples wedged so far up your ass that people will be squeezing your nose just to get apple juice from your spotty back side. NOW BEAT IT!!

Fans roar in approval, as Carlito waves off The Rock, as if to say “I don’t need this”, and leaves the ring.

The Rock: But Shawn Michaels, The Rock aint done with you … not by a long shot. Wait one moment whilst The Rock takes care of something though … FINALLY … THE ROCK HAS COME BACK TO ANAHEIM!!!

Cheap pop

The Rock: Shawn Michaels, lets test just how big those grapefruits are, shall we?? How about Shawn, I throw out the chair, and you get Luthers lips removed from your ass, before telling him and the Olsen Twins to get the hell outta here, so you and I can settle this once and for all.

Michaels stands on the ramp, looking at DX, not sure what to do.

The Rock: C’mon Shawn. This is what you want right?? You and I face to face, to iron out our issues. Send the walking heads to the back, and lets settle this.

HBK looks around, not sure what to do, not wanting to look like a chicken by walking out.

**NO CHANCE**

Now, VINCE MC MAHON enters the arena to a stunned pop from the fans, not expecting the Chairman. McMahon does his usual power walk, passing HBK, and walking to the ring, going up the steps, and getting inside, and taking a look at The Rock. He asks for the mic, which Rock hands over.

Vince McMahon: Shawn Michaels, these people came to see you and The Rock go face to face, and damn it, that’s what’s gonna happen.

Fans pop

Vince McMahon: So right now, I’m not asking, I’m telling you Shawn … DX are to leave right now, and you are getting back inside this ring.

Fans pop. Michaels is furious, whilst The Rock nods.

Vince McMahon: Shawn, I’m not gonna wait all night. Get your ass to this ring … NOW!!!

Fans pop again. Michaels shakes his head, not wanting to do it.

Vince McMahon: Alright then, Shawn Michaels, you leave me no alternative but to make this announcement.

Fans quieten down, as McMahon prepares to speak again.

Vince McMahon: If you wont face The Rock right now unofficially, then I’ll make it official … It’s gonna be, for the first time ever, on March 26th … MGM Grand … WRESTLE MANIA 22 … Shawn Michaels versus The Rock!!!

Fans go ballistic, with the announcement making the match official.

Vince McMahon: Shawn Michaels, you have no choice. You and The Rock need to settle this issue, and hell, the second W stands for Wrestling, so you and The Rock will settle it in a Wrestling match … not a cheap shot contest, not a verbal confrontation … but in a match. And if you aren’t down with that Shawn … then these people have two words for you…

SUCK IT

Vince drops the mic, and leaves the ring, pleased with his announcement, as The Rock and Shawn Michaels focus their attention on one another, looking directly at their Wrestle Mania opponent this year. The fans seem split on the two men, with duelling chants for both men, as DX advise Michaels to leave, which he eventually does, as we cut to a commercial.

Commercial

Jim Ross: We are back live on NBC, for Saturday Nights Main Event, and as you can see, the steel cage is being put into place as we prepare for our final bout of the evening. But before that, Tazz … it’s official, Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock. Icon vs. Icon at Wrestle Mania!!!

Tazz: I’ve had chills goin down my spine J.R. That’s a lock for Wrestle Mania. First time ever that Michaels and The Rock will lock horns, it’s gonna be electric.

Jim Ross: And the time has come to find out the second half of the Raw main event. Randy Orton is awaiting the champion in 43 days at Wrestle Mania … but will it be John Cena or Edge he challenges??

Tazz: This is it J.R. Edge has the chance to become Champion for the first time ever, and go straight to a Wrestle Mania main event. Big opportunity for the Rated ‘R’ Superstar.

Jim Ross: And folks, during the commercial break on wwe.com Unlimited, we found out that both Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan will be out here to make sure nothing untoward goes down, and we get ourselves a true winner.

Tazz: And this place went bananas for The Hulkster moments ago as he made his way down here to ringside. No doubt Ric Flair is on his way now too.

Jim Ross: I believe Ric Flair is making his way out now Tazz, but folks before this main event, let us inform you of a HUGE week to come, both on Raw and Smackdown. Join us on the USA Network this Monday, as we have just been told that Rey Mysterio, goes one on one with tonight’s major impact player, Captain Charisma himself … Christian. Those two have a lot of history in recent months, and that all comes to a head, Monday on Raw.
Not only that, but Mick Foley we heard earlier tonight will be making a speech to the WWE fans on Raw also. What does the Hardcore Legend have to say, after three months of being unemployed by Ric Flair??

Tazz: Ha, well J.R, if you think that’s huge, how about this Thursday Night, UPN, we’ve got a major line up for Smackdown. Kurt Angle prepares for his match at Wrestle Mania with Bret Hart, as he faces Brets past. He’s broken the ankle of Jim Niedhart already, now he attempts to do the same to Hall of Famer, Bob Backlund.
Not only that, but the main event is gonna be off the charts. The Number One Contender, and absolute machine, Chris Benoit, goes one on one, with a man we just saw moments ago … The Rock.

Jim Ross: Huge, huge line ups for both shows this week but folks lets get back to the here and now, and make the cage match rules clear. In this cage match, victory can only be obtained by escaping the cage, whether it’s by climbing over the top, and to the floor, or by exiting the door.

Tazz: Classic cage match rules J.R.

**BURN IN MY LIGHT**

Randy Orton makes his way out to the arena, albeit unexpectedly. Orton makes a beeline, straight for the announce table, and joins J.R and Tazz for the main event.

Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship; Steel Cage Match:
John Cena vs. Edge
Cena enters by climbing over the top of the cage, ala Hogan from the old Saturday Nights Main Event two decades ago. Immediately, Edge goes on the attack, as the two men make up for lost time, with little of the show remaining. Edge beats down Cena quickly, hitting a suplex, before going to the door to exit, but Cena lunges, and saves the match.
Despite saving the match, Cena is still worse for wear, and Edge continues to dominate the champion, with a vicious beat down, with kicks and punches to wear Cena out. Edge whips Cena off the ropes, before hitting the Buzz Killer, instantly going for a cover, which wastes time, with no referee to make a count due to the rules of the match. Edge takes a second or two to realise, and seems furious for making a stupid mistake. Edge gets up, and looks to the door, making his way to exit the ring, but again, Cena lunges forward, stopping the Rated R Superstar from escaping the structure.

Edge is pissed with the tenacity of Cena, and again lays the boots to the champ, before whipping him off the ropes, only to get a flying shoulder in return from Cena, taking down Edge. Cena is right back up, and hit’s the Throwback on the challenger, before making the same mistake as Edge, and goes for a cover, but, there is no referee to make the fall. Cena curses his stupidity, as he gets up, dragging Edge with him. He whips Edge off the ropes, but the challenger ducks a clothesline, and comes back, but both men have the same idea, and collide centre ring with a double clothesline.
Both go down, but neither stays still, with both having a similar idea. They crawl to opposite sides of the ring, and pull themselves up on the ropes, before beginning to climb the fifteen foot cage. The two men scale the steel, and reach the top at almost identical times, with both realising where the other is. They climb over, and begin to scale down the cage, as the fans come to their feet, with both men scrambling down … and both drop on opposite sides!!!!!

Winner: ??? @ 03:26

The bell rings, but no music plays, with both men believing to have won the contest, as Ric Flair holds up Edges hand, and Hogan holds up Cenas hand. The official shrugs his shoulder, not sure what to do, as J.R, Tazz and Orton try to discuss who hit the floor first. More officials run to the ring, piping in at Mike Chioda over who they think won. Hogan and Flair begin to argue, as we go to the final commercial of the evening…

Commercial

We return to the show, with Edge and Cena back inside the steel cage, with Edge in control. J.R explains that the match was restarted after it was determined both men hit at the exact same time. We see clips from during the break, with Edge attacking Cena from behind, whilst the arguments raged out. Hogan and Flair continue to argue on the outside as the match continues…

Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship; Steel Cage Match:
John Cena vs. Edge

Edge rams Cenas head off the steel continuously, from one side to another, which busts the World Champion open. He whips Cena off the ropes, and delivers a back body drop, before looking to escape by climbing the cage again. Edge reaches the top, as Cena begins to recover. Edge climbs over the top, as the desperate World Champion darts to the ropes, and scales halfway up the cage, before quickly reaching over the top, grabbing the challenger by the hair. This stops Edge in his tracks, and Cena manages to drag him back to the top of the cage, before delivering an almighty superplex!!!!
Both men are down, with the Anaheim crowd solidly behind John Cena. Cena is first to stir after almost twenty seconds of nothing, and again, gets an arm over Edge, which means nothing with the rules of the match. Cena again soon realises, and rolls onto his back, putting his hands to his face in despair. Cena now crawls towards the door, which is opened by the referee … but as Cena reaches his head out, Ric Flair sprints around, and slams the door into the champions head!!!

Flair grins broadly, but Hogan, like the fans is furious. He approaches The Nature Boy, but Flair is ready for him, and rakes the eyes of the Hulkster, before grabbing the Co-GM by the hair, and rams him, face first into the steel cage!!! In the ring, Edge begins to crawl past Cena, and towards the open door. Flair spots it, and reaches in, offering his hand to Edge, and drags Edge towards the door, trying his utmost to get the challenger out of the ring. Flair manages to get Edges head out of the ring, but John Cena grabs the leg, and drags Edge back into the ring, applying the STFU in the process!!!
The bloody champion leans back, piling pressure on Edge, who taps out, which makes no difference. Flair gets inside the cage, and drops a knee on Cena, breaking the submission. Flair takes off his jacket and tie, looking to get to work on Cena, but then, we see Hogan step inside the ring to the biggest pop of the night!!! The Immortal One points at Flair, who stops dead in the ring, before quickly coming to his senses, and tries to escape the cage. Flair darts up the steel, but Hogan grabs him by the shirt, dragging him back into the ring. Hulk lets fly with some right hands, before whipping Flair off the ropes, and scoring with a big boot!!!

Hogan gets a stunning response from the fans, but we see Edge lining up for a Spear, only for Cena to intercept him, and spear the challenger down!!! Cena looks to Hogan and nods, as they shake hands in the centre of the ring, before Cena gives Flair the ‘You Cant See Me’ taunt, and Hogan cups his ear to the fans. They run off opposite sides of the ring, and Cena drops the 5 Knuckle Shuffle on Flair, whilst Hogan drops the leg on Edge.
Cena then drags Edge up, and hit’s a quick FU, before getting the fans fired up again, as he scales the cage, reaching the top. He spots Flair recovering, and trying to drag Edge out through the door, but laughs at the attempt, knowing he’ll reach the floor first. The champion takes his time, soaking up the adulation, before dropping down, getting the stunning victory.

Winner: John Cena @ 07:12

Cena sprints around the ring, in celebration, as Hogan presents Cena with the title. Edge eventually gets out of the cage, and begins to crawl up the ramp, whilst Flair leans on the barricade, having had his plans scuppered again. Hogan poses up the ramp for a few seconds, before departing, leaving Cena to soak up the fan response, as he poses with the championship belt at the top of the cage. The show closes, as Randy Orton catches Cenas attention, and the two opponents for Wrestle Mania lock eyes, with Orton standing on the announce table, with Cena still at the top of the cage, with no words exchanged, but a strong look of defiance from both the challenger, and the bloody champion.

END OF SHOW

--------

Current Card for WWE Wrestle Mania XXII:

Date: 26th March 2006
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena; Las Vegas, Nevada
Event Music: Shinedown; Shed Some Light & Atmosphere


WWE Championship Match:
Brock Lesnar vs. Chris Benoit


World Heavyweight Championship Match:
John Cena vs. Randy Orton II

United States Championship Match;
John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield vs. Matt Hardy


Icon vs. Icon:
Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock


Match of the Millennium:
Kurt Angle vs. Bret Hart

Hall of Fame Ceremony 2006;
‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig, Nikolai Volkoff


-------------
Wrestle Mania match banners all made by Chain Gang Red. Much thanks my friend. I truly appreciate the time you've dedicated to it.

And thanks also to jblisjustabigloser, who I've yet to mention - I dont think I have anyway - is the creator of the WM even banner. Thank you to you too sir.

 
#2,007 ·
WWE RAW Review - April 3, 2006

McMahon starts the show to no surprise. Bischoff is the GM of RAW, and Heyman's the GM of SmackDown!. Those are pretty good choices, and I believe they were a tad predictable, but hey you can't have everything right? Anyway, Wow Lesnar is picked to go to RAW. That should be a great thing to see. And D-X is already cut down to three. I have a feeling things are going to be shook up as we go on tonight.

Carlito versus Christian to star the wrestling portion of the show. I like it. Not a bad way of kicking off the show, and some good action. Good finish, and it’s nice to see Christian win, and this face run could be awesome to watch.

Intriguing promo from Lesnar and Bischoff. Somehow I don’t see Lesnar getting in the title hunt for a little while, but feuding with a main event caliber guy, and not getting into the hunt until around Summerslam or so. That could be wrong, but it’s just my opinion.

Meh, not really intrigued by Snitsky, BUT WHOA! UNDERTAKER TO SMACKDOWN! Good lord that’s awesome. Can’t wait to see what happens with him. Should be a great addition to the SmackDown! roster.

Nice job debuting Laree and Hall. An okay match between the two of them, and to no shock Laree wins. Hopefully she gets a good push, as she’s one of my favs.

Great Jericho promo. Thought this was pretty entertaining, and was the right length for the type of promo it was. Looks like the Jericho/Undertaker feud will be continuing, which is great because it could lead to another great match at Judgment Day.

Noticed that you said Angle instead of Jericho. But you noted that so it’s not that big of a deal. Anyway, solid six man tag team match, and it was a pretty exciting one as well. I like how you’re writing longer match recaps, it makes it seem a lot better, but that could just be because it’s a 3 Hour RAW, and if so, oh well. Anyway, fun match, and Team SmackDown! winning is a pretty big move, as them winning on RAW’s turf is intriguing to say the least. The Mysterio interaction is great, as the Edge/Mysterio feud continues to build.

Nice promo from the Horsemen. Flair was much in character, and Flair/Cena should be epic later on tonight. I expect an Orton appearance in that one. Dinsmore I can’t judge, as I don’t know how to judge him lol. And Batista seemed in character. Whoa, DX is downgraded yet again, looks like the end of DX now. Fun while it lasted I suppose. Conway’s nothing special really.

RVD moving to SD! Should be fun. Will be interested to see where that goes. Good stuff from Heyman there. I can see the dissention between the two, really reminds me of the draft in ’04. Lol, Dean is moved to RAW, and already plugs his Simon System. Hey, that reminds me, where in the hell is he nowadays? Bischoff seems furious, and some good stuff from him replying to HBK about DX. Yes. As expected, Rey vs Edge for the MITB. Should be an excellent match come Backlash.

Nice match between HBK and Batista. Some good action, and a good finish with HBK surprisingly winning. Would’ve thought he would lose, but considering DX lost two guys, I guess it’s expected that they’d win.

Good promo from Christian and Test. Don’t know where Maven came from, but I’m guessing it was supposed to be Test. Comical stuff here, typical Christian, and like I said earlier, a face Christian from Wolfy should be awesome stuff to see.

Hah, Ron Simmons to RAW, and Bischoff with the impression. Good stuff in this one, all seemed much in character. DAMN. Now I understand why Batista lost, he’s going to Smackdown! Breakup of the Horsemen already? I don’t think so, I think a new addition’s coming. Anyway, LOL! Rico! Bischoff makes a good point, but it would come across as hilarious if it were in real life.

Wow! Haas is gone! WGTT is split! Should be interesting to see where you go with Shelton, and hopefully it’s up. Because this could be great for him, but Haas, I expect him to be a heel soon, bitching about being sent to SmackDown! and being put in his place by someone… like Angle? Who knows, just an idea that just came across my head.

Good match between Flair and Cena. Looked like Cena dominates at the end, as always, and easily picks up the victory. YES! RKO! RKO! RKO! WOO!! Love how this Orton/Cena feud is building, I’m gonna guess and say Orton is going to get his ass handed to him next week, just how this is playing out I’m judging.

Career Killer aye? New gimmick? I like it. Orton’s playing headgames with Cena, and this can only get better.

WOW. What a main event, loved this one Wolfy. You did an awesome job of recapping it, and also writing the finish. Good job of describing Benoit’s lacking of knowing what to do in his first title defense, and it seemed like HHH was beating the crap out of him, and pummeling him throughout the match. Great match, and great finish with Benoit retaining as expected. Great show Wolfy, and I look forward to more shows.
 
#2,043 ·
Good Raw show, very good Raw show! This gradual Shawn Michaels face turn is coming along nicely, though I think you are overkilling the gradualness as the same basic thing is happening every week. I must say, I like Cade's role. Christian's face turn is coming along as well as he is more of a dramatic face turn. AFA intact is definitely what you want as it was an entertaining tag team on Smackdown. CONway! Orton sitting at home is not cool, but I know you have something for him as he is after Cena's head.

With the tone of the opening promo, I had a feeling that you had a triple threat match in my mind. It came true in a quintessential ending that really should not be done again. Christian vs. Lesnar vs. Cena is a marketable main event for Backlash and an enjoyable one. I cannot wait for it, looks great.
 
#2,057 ·
World Heavyweight Championship; Triple Threat Match:
John Cena vs. Christian vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match:
Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin

World Tag Team Championships Match: Fatal Four Way Match:
(Championships Vacant)
The A.F.A vs. Brotherhood vs. Booker T & Goldust vs. United Nations

WWE Womens Championship; 6 Diva Gauntlet Match:
Trish Stratus vs. Lita vs. Alexis Laree vs. Jazz vs. Jillian Hall vs. Molly Holly

I Quit Match for the Money in the Bank Contract:
Rey Mysterio vs. Edge

Grudge Match:
Shawn Michaels & Garrison Cade vs. Ric Flair & Nick Dinsmore

One on One:
Mr. Kennedy vs. Rob Conway

In ring return of a Monster:
Kane vs. Rhyno
 
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