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World Wrestling Entertainment 2005

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#1 ·


10 YEARS AGO TODAY

...

A NEW ERA DAWNED OVER PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

...

NOW, 10 YEARS LATER

...









Comes this thread. :side:

***

Champions:
WWE Champion - John Cena
World Heavyweight Champion - Batista
Intercontinental Champion - Shelton Benjamin
United States Champion - Orlando Jordan
World Tag Team Champions - William Regal and Tajiri
WWE Tag Team Champions - Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio
Women's Champion - Trish Stratus
Cruiserweight Champion - Paul London

***

Pay-Per-View Schedule thru SummerSlam
Backlash - May 1 - Manchester, New Hampshire
Judgment Day - May 22 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Vengeance - June 26 - Las Vegas, Nevada
The Great American Bash - July 24 - Buffalo, New York
SummerSlam - August 21 - Washington D.C.

***

Let's see how this goes, shall we?
 
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#4 · (Edited)
This sounds promising. Glad you're not going with a depleted roster like you have in the last couple of threads you've done. A very interesting time period, with the beginning of a new era so to speak, so I'll be intrigued to see what direction you go, and how you handle Cena, as this was just a few months before fans began to turn on him.

P.S. Push Christian!! This was the exact time period where it looked like he was about to get white hot as a heel before they pulled the rug on a potential feud with Cena. This promo a few weeks after WrestleMania;





Should've been capitalised on, and never really was.
 
#5 ·
Cruiserweight Champion: Paul London

:mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark::mark:
 
#7 · (Edited)
Thanks for all the kind words, folks. :eek: To hold us over before the first RAW in this thread, which should likely appear within the next week, here's a few news bits.

- WWE officials came away very satisfied with WrestleMania 21 last night. Though the main events were not what they had hoped for in terms of match quality, the idea to usher in a new era was played off very well. In addition, there were high remarks for the undercard, which emphatically delivered in most if not all facets.
- Of all the undercard matches, word is that most of the praise was thrown at the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Don't be surprised if this concept sticks around as a WrestleMania staple going forward. Meanwhile, all six competitors could be in for big things within the next year. Though he didn't win, Vince was said to have thought very highly of Shelton Benjamin. Take that for what it's worth.
- SmackDown wise, a rumored Judgment Day main event that's being discussed is John Cena versus The Undertaker.
- Carlito's progressing a lot faster than he was thought to be and his return to TV might occur before the end of the month of April.
- WWE may be making a hard push for both Bryan Danielson and Phil Brooks, better known as CM Punk on the independent wrestling scene, in the coming weeks and months. Both are thought to be the biggest fishes in the sea right now. FWIW, Punk's contract with Ring of Honor ends this summer.
***

BREAKING NEWS
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS MATCH ANNOUNCED FOR RAW​


From the desk of RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff,

WrestleMania 21 may have come and gone, but RAW is persistent on rewarding its loyal fanbase with the best matches possible.

Therefore, on RAW tonight, the World Tag Team Championships will be defended. William Regal and Tajiri, the current World Tag Team Championships, will put the titles on the line against Rob Conway and Sylvan Greiner, better known as La Résistance.​

BREAKING NEWS
TWO COMBATANTS FROM MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH SET TO COMPETE AGAINST ONE ANOTHER ON RAW​


From the desk of RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff,

WrestleMania 21 may have come and gone, but RAW is persistent on rewarding its loyal fanbase with the best matches possible.

Therefore, on RAW tonight, in the opening contest, two of the six competitors in last night's Money in the Bank Ladder Match will do battle against one another. Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho, two former World Champions, Intercontinental Champions, and World Tag Team Champions, will face off in Los Angeles shortly after RAW goes on the air.​
 
#8 ·
First full Raw in... Jeez, I have no idea, is complete. Any/all feedback would be appreciative, folks. :eek:

***

…The dust has settled…

Raw;
April 4th; Los Angeles:

WrestleMania 21 Video Package

Opening Video

Pyro
Jim Ross: Off the heels of a monumental, history-making night, we remain in Tinseltown! STAPLES Center is apoplectic with anticipation for the flagship show of World Wrestling Entertainment! And we cannot WAIT to kick it off here on SpikeTV for Monday Night Raw! Jim Ross here alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. King, new champions were crowned last night, but none bigger than the rise … of ‘The Animal.’

Jerry Lawler: I’ve got it on very good authority that Batista ISN’T here yet but ‘THE GAME’ Triple H is, and he’s in a fowl mood, J.R.! That’s not good news for ANYONE!

Jim Ross: No doubt, and our guess is as good as anyone’s to see if Triple H is first in line for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship as he’s now a FORMER champion after holding the title since January.

Jerry Lawler: Be careful, J.R. You don’t know who’s listening!

***BURN IN MY LIGHT*** Los Angeles comes alive as the man who came SO CLOSE to ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak marches out. Randy Orton appears on stage, in business casual attire, which is fitting because The Legend Killer looks ALL business here tonight.

Jim Ross: You’re looking at the man who twenty four hours ago came inches shy of leaving an indelible mark on the record of ‘The Phenom!’ Randy Orton couldn’t get the victory last night against The Undertaker but ba’gawd did this kid come close.

Jerry Lawler: Orton didn’t wanna just come close, J.R. He wanted to win! HE wanted to kill the legend of The Undertaker at WrestleMania. He wanted to do everything in his power to ensure Undertaker wouldn’t go 13-0 at WrestleMania. And he couldn’t! And “close but no cigar” isn’t resonating with Orton right now, I don’t think.

Orton rolls into the ring, forgetting about doing the trademark poses, and snatches a microphone from Lilian Garcia.

Randy Orton: Cut the music!

Jim Ross: Uh oh…

Jerry Lawler: What did I tell you, J.R.!

Randy Orton: Everybody better shut up right now because GREATNESS has entered this ring!

Jeers from the hot L.A. crowd.

Randy Orton: As much as I would like to be gloating right now … as much as I would like to say that I’m on top of the world … I cannot do that tonight. No …

TLK shakes his head.

Randy Orton: Instead, here I am, Randy Orton, Legend Killer, with UNFINISHED business.

Orton leers into the crowd and the camera.

Randy Orton: For months, I stood in this ring and said I would beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. I told the world that I would become the only man to ever one up The Phenom at the biggest show and on the grandest stage. And now twenty-four hours after WrestleMania 21, I don’t HAVE that distinction!

A pop from the crowd, obviously happy with such news, follows.

Randy Orton: I don’t have the honor of being the one to take down The Deadman. I didn’t get the job done and that makes me sick to my stomach. It makes me look like a fool and I’m no fool. I’m Randy Orton. I’m the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history. I’m one of the longest reigning Intercontinental Champions of the last decade and I am BRED for SUCCESS! That I couldn’t get the job done in my match last night at WrestleMania doesn’t sit well with me at all…

Flaring up, Orton winds his neck around and scowls.

Randy Orton: But instead of making excuses for myself, I’ll instead make a proclamation: Undertaker, I WILL one day defeat you and KILL the legend that encompasses you and your career. When that day happens is left to be said, but it is nothing but inevitable. So you better watch your back because I’ll strike when I DAMN WELL please, and that is not just a threat, it is a PROMISE! It’s a GUARANTEE, Undertaker! And that’s not arrogance … it’s destiny.

Orton’s scowl remains, even with some expecting a smirk.

Randy Orton: Now what’s next for me is as obvious as it gets. If I, Randy Orton, can’t take down The Undertaker, then I’ll do the next best thing. The next best thing is for me to become a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. So Batista!

A huge pop, as Orton turns towards the stage.

Randy Orton: Get out here, Dave. I’m challenging you for your World Heavyweight Championship RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

Another huge pop bellows out as Orton looks as serious and as ready as he’s ever been. He brings down the mic and waits in the ring…

***THE GAME*** The crowd comes alive AGAIN as Orton’s long-time nemesis Triple H makes his grand entrance. Naked without the World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder, The Game eyes the ring and Orton with Ric Flair flanked to his left, who holds a microphone.

Ric Flair: Are YOU kidding ME?

WOO!

Ric Flair: WHO do you think you are, Randy? YOU want a World Heavyweight Championship shot? Is that what I heard?

Randy Orton: Yeah, that’s what you heard, Ric. To answer your question, my name is Randy Orton, Legend Killer, and the man that beat you inside of a steel cage six months ago and wouldn’t hesitate to do the same again if you set foot in this ring.

Flabbergasted, Ric opens his mouth and widens his eyes.

Ric Flair: YOU are a no good punk, Randy! A no good PUNK! That’s all you’ve ever been!

Flair and Hunter get closer to the ring.

Ric Flair: YOU need to get in the back of the line, jack! THIS MAN is the first to get a crack at recapturing the World Heavyweight Championship. Not YOU, not ANYBODY ELSE! THIS MAN, RIGHT HERE – WOO! – is the MEASURING STICK for EVERYBODY in this company! This man CAN and WILL become an eleven-time champion and there’s not a damn thing that you or anyone can do about it, dammit.

Flair climbs into the ring as Hunter gingerly enters on his own.

Ric Flair: So you had better step away, because—

***JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES*** An even BIGGER reaction fills STAPLES Center, as Christian and Tyson Tomko show up on stage. Randy looks none too pleased, Hunter scowls behind his shades, and Ric looks ready to blow a blood vessel. Captain Charisma carries a microphone of his own as he’s wearing a ‘Peep Show’ t-shirt and jeans.

Christian: I’m sorry to ruin everybody’s fun of this rerun from 2004…

“OOOOOH!”

Christian: But—oh wait, that’s right. It’s April 4, 2005 and this act is still going on in the middle of the ring to start Monday Night Raw.

Some applause from the crowd, begging for a change…

Christian: How many times have we seen this before? Randy Orton, Triple H, and Ric Flair sharing a ring together to open up the broadcast. Guys, I can’t speak for all the boys in the back, but who I CAN speak for is all of my peeps…

A rare strong showing from Christian’s peepulation…

Christian: … And they’re telling me that this absolutely sucks!

Crowd pops, as Ric goes ballistic inside the ring.

Christian: You want to talk about who needs to go to the back of the line? First off, Ric, the only line you should be concerned about getting in front of is the early bird specials. Secondly…

Sparse laughter as Ric’s face reddens with intensity.

Christian: Randy, you’ve already been at the top of the mountain. You had your coronation last year at SummerSlam, in MY hometown of Toronto, Canada no less, and it lasted all but a month. Since then, ya haven’t even come close despite a bountiful amount of opportunities at your disposal just to beat big nose over there.

TLK rolls his eyes as the camera then focuses in on Triple H…

Christian: Speaking of which…

‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’

Christian: I’d go on about all the opportunities you’ve snatched away from guys like me, Triple H. But we’ve only got a two-hour telecast so I’m going to keep this brief.

‘WHOAAAAAA’

Christian: It goes like this. There’s one man in this company that the world wants to see succeed. There’s one man carrying the load of his PEEPS on his shoulders. There’s one man that’s yet to break through the glass ceiling. And baby, that man … is ME!

A huge pop engulfs STAPLES Center as Christian slaps his chest.

Christian: The line starts behind me, and I’ve got one goal. To take the World Heavyweight Championship, BECAUSE THAT’S …

‘HOW I ROLL!’

Christian: HOW! I! ROLL!

Christian’s music hits as he exits the stage, leaving no confusion on what his intentions or goals are as an irate Ric Flair, an annoyed Randy Orton, and a scowling HHH look on….

Commercial Break

We return from our commercial break, as stills of last night’s EPIC match between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels are shown.

Jim Ross: As we break away from Angle and Michaels at WrestleMania, we are here to tell you that we will be hearing from ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ later on tonight here in L.A., and also King, we have a bit of breaking news to share.

Jerry Lawler: Tonight’s main event has been signed! A Triple Threat Match is SET, as we’ll see ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton, ‘The Game’ Triple H, and ‘Captain Charisma’ Christian battling it out! J.R., Christian’s got what he wanted – a chance. But is he barking up the wrong tree?

Jim Ross: Christian’s been very, very vocal on where he thinks he belongs amongst WWE’s elite over the last few months. Tonight, he’s got the opportunity to burst through the glass ceiling. I can’t wait to see this conclusion.

***WHATEVER*** Los Angeles rises to their feet with a big reaction for the proverbial runner up of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Chris Benoit. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ marches to the ring, selling the beating he took in the high-risk matchup 24 hours ago, wearing yellow tights with red slashes and black boots and wrist tape.

Jim Ross: Last year, Chris Benoit reached the summit that many believed he could not climb up to by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. And last night at WrestleMania Twenty One, Benoit was just INCHES away from garnering the Money in the Bank briefcase.

Jerry Lawler: They don’t give prizes for being runner-up, J.R. Benoit didn’t get the job done. Edge did! Edge is the first-ever Mister Money in the Bank. And Benoit has reverted back to the man many thought he was before WrestleMania Twenty.

Jim Ross: Well King you’re certainly entitled to that level of thinking and that opinion. But I just don’t buy into it at all.

***BREAK THE WALLS DOWN*** L.A. lets out another cheer for the architect behind last night’s madness. Chris Jericho saunters down to the ring, intent on making up for last night’s efforts, wearing purple tights tonight.

Jerry Lawler: I am entitled to that opinion. You’re right, J.R. And what about this man? Chris Jericho is the one who CAME UP with the idea! He wasn’t even factored in the end decision! What do you make of THAT?

Jim Ross: You had six of the best competitors Raw had to offer in one match, King. I don’t think it’s very fair to shove any blame to Jericho. He performed marvelously last night, as did everybody else. There could only be one man to win the match. It just so happened that it was neither of these two competitors.

#1 – Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho

What happens when you have two of the best workers in WWE in one match together? It makes for an excellent, back-and-forth opening contest between two men who know each other very, very well. Both seem intent on rewriting the narratives out there, and looking to make good on lost gains by not coming up big in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match a night ago. Jericho and Benoit face off for nearly FIFTEEN minutes in a marvelous match, through a commercial break, showing that they can go, despite working the high-risk match a night ago. The finish approaches, as Y2J goes for a Lionsault… but Benoit pulls his legs up, and Jericho hits them! Y2J grabs at his ribs, and moments later, The Rabid Wolverine heads for the corner. He climbs up, looking to score with the Diving Headbutt… and connects! He goes for the cover, but the result isn’t what he looks for, as Y2J gets a shoulder up. The two men walk up to their feet and Jericho goes for The Walls of Jericho after grabbing at Benoit’s ankles! He can never quite lock it in though and Benoit shoves his adversary into the corner. Jericho staggers out, and walks into Benoit, who brings him down to the mat and slaps on the Crippler Crossface! Benoit wrenches back and uses all of his might, and with nowhere to go, Jericho taps out!

Winner – Chris Benoit via submission at 15:15.

The crowd rises to their feet and gives a standing ovation to the two combatants and Benoit has his hand raised by the official. Suddenly, the mood changes just as The Rabid Wolverine turns around… as he is struck!

BY EDGE!

SPEAR TO BENOIT!

Edge receives quite a lot of heat from the Los Angeles crowd, but doesn’t seem to give a damn. He then looks at Jericho, and picks him up, and whips him strongly into the ropes… SPEAR TO Y2J! Mr. MITB grabs the briefcase he came down with then and stands over the wreckage around him, and hoists it up into the air to many boos. He lets out a smirk, and pats the briefcase, and taunts both Benoit and Jericho who lick their wounds, as the Toronto native then storms out of the ring and up the ramp.

Commercial Break

Backstage, Todd Grisham runs up to Edge, who is seen walking past the Gorilla position.

Todd Grisham: Edge, Edge. If I could just get a quick word. What was that about out there? Why did you attack Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho, two of the men you outlasted in last night’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match?

Edge: Y’know Todd, that’s a good question. Why DID I do that? Huh? Why DID I go out there and give Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho spears? Why DID I go out there and make an IMPACT a night after winning this bad boy?

Edge pats the briefcase hard.

Edge: I hoped you listened carefully to the last point I just made, Todd. And I hope that when they finally get their bearings back that Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho listen, too. I’m here to make an impact. I’m tired of waiting to have opportunities handed to me. Now? I take them. I grab them by the throat. I did that last night at WrestleMania when I hit Benoit with a steel chair to allow myself to grab this briefcase. Sitting inside this briefcase is an opportunity of a lifetime. A shot at the title. The richest prize in this industry. The thing that EVERYONE aspires to obtain.

He snickers, as he looks at the briefcase.

Edge: It’s funny to me. Earlier tonight, three men were complaining about getting opportunities at the World Heavyweight Championship. Then, two men who were just in the ring right now, two LOSERS, were fighting with one another to try and make up for the fact that they LOST on the big stage last night. Me? I’m a WINNER. All I do is win, win, and win. And since I have it MY way now, with this guaranteed contract I have in my possession, the new World Heavyweight Champion Batista… has been put on notice.

Edge leers.

Edge: I … am here, to FINALLY make my impact on this business. I’m not settling for mediocrity anymore. This is MY year. Bank on it.

With that, Mr. Money in the Bank heads off into the distance, making his intentions and motivations VERY clear to the rest of the RAW locker room.

Back to ringside.

‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters stands in the ring, microphone in hand.

Chris Masters: Here we are. The night after WrestleMania Twenty One. The night where dreams were realized and the place where immortality is achieved…

Masters gets a few boos from the LA crowd.

Chris Masters: Now while I’m sure that most of you citizens of Los Angeles, California were disappointed that ‘The Masterpiece’ wasn’t part of the program, never fear. Because right now, on April 4, 2005, I am making the proclamation that NEXT YEAR at WrestleMania Twenty Two in Chicago… ‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters will not only be a featured attraction, ‘The Masterpiece’ will be THE featured attraction!

Jeers for more arrogance from Masters.

Chris Masters: That’s right! I’m declaring right now that I’m going to be in the main event of WrestleMania!

The Masterpiece lets out a cocky smile and a nod.

Chris Masters: There’s nothing anybody can do to stop me, either. Not only do I have the size, not only do I have the strength, not only do I have the good looks… (Winks) but I also have the most powerful submission hold in this entire industry. The Masterlock.

Masters nods, mouthing, “Oh yeah” to the crowd.

Chris Masters: It’s true it’s true. I’ve been in this place since February and no one has been able to fight out of it. That leads me to believe that there’s no indication that anyone’s going to. You can call it arrogance. You can call it hubris. Whatever you want. I call it a fact.

Masters paces around the ring.

Chris Masters: If anybody wants to say otherwise, or if anybody backstage right now wants to try and challenge me and my Masterlock… Come on down.

Chris turns towards the stage.

Chris Masters: That’s right. Now’s your chance. I don’t care who it is. If you think you’ve got what it takes to break out of my Masterlock then step up to the plate and give it a shot. Come on!

The energetic and confident rookie brings his mic down as we await someone to come out…







***MONSTER*** Los Angeles stands up and looks on, as ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno steps through the black veil and out on stage.

Jim Ross: Well I think business is picking up! The former ECW Champion Rhyno is on his way to the ring and ‘The Man Beast’ looks about ready to feast.

Jerry Lawler: This guy is a loose cannon. I hope Chris Masters didn’t bite off more than he could chew…

Rhyno steps into the ring and Masters appears to tremble a little bit as he takes a few steps back with the mic still in hand.

Chris Masters: Well, well. If it isn’t ‘The Man Beast’ … and the last-ever ECW Champion, Rhyno.

Crowd pops, and an ‘E C DUB’ chant rings out.

Chris Masters: The problem for you though, Rhyno, is that this isn’t ECW. It’s not 2001. It’s 2005, and you’re looking at a future main-eventer.

Crowd boos

Chris Masters: I don’t wield steel chairs, or thumbtacks or put people through tables. I make people submit. I have the talent, and I have the looks, and I have the charisma. That’s a lot more that can be said about someone like, say, you, for instance.

Some more jeers. ‘MASTERS SUCKS’ chants ring out, and Rhyno then snatches the mic away to a pop!

Rhyno: Y’know, Chris you do a lot of talking for somebody that hasn’t earned a damn thing in this business yet.

Masters rolls his eyes as Rhyno looks in his eyes.

Rhyno: You talk about my past, and you talk about where I’ve been and what I’ve done. Yeah, I was the last ECW Champion. I did unify the ECW World Heavyweight Title and Television Title. That was four years ago, but those accomplishments still stand to this day, and nobody, especially you, can take them away from me.

The ‘E C DUB’ chants get louder.

Rhyno: Who the hell do you think you are to tell me I don’t have the talent? The only talent that I see from you right now is the ability you have to look like the most arrogant S.O.B. that I’ve ever seen!

Another round of cheers, as Masters again rolls his eyes.

Rhyno: So not only am I about to break your Masterlock, but I’m also going to make sure that I wipe that stupid smirk right off your face and teach you a lesson of respect!

Some more positive reactions from Rhyno as Masters reaches out for another microphone.

Chris Masters: Alright, I’ve heard enough, Rhyno. You’re on. Ring the bell.

Masters drops the mic as the bell sounds!

#2 – Chris Masters vs. Rhyno

A rather decent encounter between youngster and veteran occurs here. Rhyno comes off looking rather strong, showing a vicious amount of physicality, but the young Masters looks good in his own right, displaying a solid amount of moves, throws and kicks and punches, performing pretty well as a prospect thus far. The finish arrives as Masters goes to apply The Masterlock, but never quite cinches it in! Rhyno rolls through, tossing Masters down onto his back as he is now near the corner. The Man Beast then readies himself, and charges ahead looking for The Gore!

But Masters rolls out of the way! Rhyno stops himself before hitting the turnbuckles, and suddenly, Chris rolls him up!

1!

2!!

MASTERS THROWS HIS FEET ON THE ROPES!

3!!!

Winner – Chris Masters at 7:26.

Rhyno looks STUNNED as Masters steals the victory! The Masterpiece gets out of dodge before The Man Beast can grab hold of him, and he heads over the barricade and backtracks through the crowd.

Jim Ross: Well Rhyno is none too pleased and I cannot blame him one bit! Chris Masters just committed highway robbery here in Los Angeles!

Jerry Lawler: He didn’t get caught, J.R.! Don’t you know the rules? It ain’t cheating if no one sees! And the referee was out of position, so it’s like it never happened. I love it! It was brilliant! He didn’t get The Masterlock locked in, but it looks to me like he got in Rhyno’s head. And that’s part of the plan!

Jim Ross: I’ve got a funny feeling that the comeuppance for Chris Masters’ cockiness might be on its way in a hurry if this keeps up.

Commercial Break

***

“THIS FALL …”

Shot of John Cena hitting an F-U on Carlito.

“… FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER …”

Shot of Randy Orton hitting an RKO on Triple H.

“… WWE PRESENTS …”

Shot of Batista shaking the ropes.

“THE RAW AND SMACKDOWN WORLD TOUR!”

Fast-motion shots of places around the world along with inter-cutting shots of WWE wrestlers, male and female are shown.

***
Jim Ross: That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. For the first time ever, RAW and SmackDown will be collaborating for a world tour from October to November. And I think I speak for everyone when I say that I cannot wait to get that started.

Jerry Lawler: Oh, it’s going to be amazing, J.R. Mexico! South Africa! England! France! Germany! Switzerland! Ireland! Australia! Japan! No stone unturned! It could very well be the greatest thing World Wrestling Entertainment’s ever done!

Jim Ross: More information will be trickled out in the months to come, so be sure to stay tuned to WWE programming as well as WWE.com.

We cut backstage, as we see Trish Stratus, the WWE Women’s Champion, sauntering her way through a corridor. She enters GM Eric Bischoff’s office, as Bischoff is sitting at his desk.

Eric Bischoff: Trish, Trish. I’m glad you could stop by.

Trish Stratus: (Nodding) Yeah, yeah. I’m glad you’ve allowed me to be here.

Trish flicks her hair back.

Trish Stratus: See, I wanted to talk to you about something. Last night at WrestleMania I felt … (scrunches face) a little bored.

Bischoff wears a befuddled look.

Trish Stratus: Yeah, you know, I appreciated the spunkiness of Christy Hemme, our little, resident WWE Diva Search winner. But… (Laughs) I think I barely broke a sweat last night. I’m usually a little more winded after Pay-Per-Views but… I mean, bless her heart, but I wasn’t tired at all.

Eric appears to be a little bit surprised by the words of our Women’s Champion, as does the crowd.

Trish Stratus: So um, I would like to let you know that um…. I’d kind of like for the competition to… how do I put this. Improve? Yeah. Improve. Because I mean, I’ve beaten Christy Hemme. I’ve beaten Victoria. I’ve beaten Molly Holly. I don’t have to worry about the ugly, redheaded gimp hobbling around the locker room. What else do I need to do?

Eric Bischoff: Trish, I—

Trish Stratus: Eric.

Trish walks right up to Eric’s desk and looks over.

Trish Stratus: I’m bored. And right now? Right now I don’t feel motivated to defend this Women’s Championship against anyone. Until that changes…

Trish flicks her hair behind her shoulders again.

Trish Stratus: …I don’t think Raw is going to have a Women’s Champion.

Trish shrugs, and turns around and waves goodbye (?) as she walks out of the locker room.

Jim Ross: Raw won’t have a Women’s Champion? What? What in the world is Trish talking about?

Jerry Lawler: I can’t believe this!

Commercial Break

Back to ringside.

The Superheroes, The Hurricane and Rosey, stand in the ring after being introduced during the commercial break, set for tag team action…

…Just then, a slew of paparazzi make their way out through the stage.

***PAPARAZZI***

Lilian Garcia: And introducing their opponents! From Los Angeles, California, at a combined weight of five hundred and fifty five pounds… Mercury, Nitro and Melina, M – N – M!

Jim Ross: Well this is our first taste of an exciting, new tag team here in WWE. Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro have been tearing it up as of late in Ohio Valley Wrestling and they’ve got quite an opportunity here in their first televised match on WWE programming.

Jerry Lawler: Yeah, what you said, J.R. These two are talented, and they seem to be a bit full of themselves too. That reminds me of someone. Oh yeah, me! Hahaha!

Melina, leading the charge for the group, walks up to the apron and proceeds to go through with, uh, quite the entrance, as she throws both of her legs up on the apron with ease and slithers underneath the bottom rope. Mercury and Nitro then climb inside and look over at their opponents on the opposite side.

#3 – Tag Team Match
The Superheroes vs. The Debuting MNM w/ Melina

The two young bucks hold their own in this matchup against the veteran tag team, showcasing an arsenal of maneuvers and tag team specialties that wows the crowd a little bit. They do, however, show a lot of cockiness, and some cheap tactics as well that doesn’t necessarily get the crowd behind them all the way. Melina remains on the outside, clapping for her boys and staying out of the way. The Hurricane and Rosey, however, storm back ahead as we near the conclusion of the match. However, the tide turns after The Hurricane crashes and burns after an elbow drop attempt goes sourly. Mercury moves out of the way and then calls in Nitro. Despite the referee’s call to get the illegal man out, Nitro and Mercury stalk Hurricane, who walks right into a rather DEVASTATING delayed flapjack/elevated DDT combo! Mercury then goes for the cover after Nitro runs over and shoves Rosey off the apron, and MNM gets the win!

Winners – MNM via pin fall at 6:42.

Jim Ross: They got ‘em! MNM has won the match!

Jerry Lawler: Wow! What a victory! Their first match is a success!

The new tag team nets a big win! MNM step up to their feet and celebrate the win with an embrace, as Melina applauds the two men from the ringside area She gathers them up eventually and raises both their hands as they back up the ramp.

We go backstage and see Randy Orton prepping for the main event triple threat match in his locker room. A few seconds later, Maria Kanellis emerges into screenshot.

Maria Kanellis: Randy, I was just wondering if I could ask you a few questions before your match later on tonight?

Orton, checking Maria out, lets out a smirk and a nod.

Randy Orton: Yeah. Sure thing, sweetheart. Go for it.

Maria Kanellis: Well, firstly, given the events that took place last night at WrestleMania, is it safe to say that tonight you might be entering this match with more aggression than we’re used to seeing from you?

Randy Orton: Yeah. I think it’s safe to say that. Despite the fact that I’m The Legend Killer and the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history, I’m still standing here with untapped potential. That includes a mean streak, a physical side that no one’s seen yet. If that shows tonight, nobody should be surprised.

Maria nods.

Maria Kanellis: So, what’s going to be your strategy in this match? Divide and conquer? You have some well-documented history with Triple H but you haven’t faced Christian all that often. Two times, in fact, since your debut in 2002.

Randy Orton: Did you come up with that fact all by yourself?

Maria Kanellis: Y-yeah, I researched it.

Randy Orton: Isn’t that special…

Amused, TLK smirks again.

Randy Orton: Anyways, divide and conquer sounds about right. Triple H knows damn well that I have knowledge of everything he’s going to bring to the table. I may not have beaten Triple H in a one-on-one match yet, but my time to do that is coming soon. Now as for Christian? He’s a little bit arrogant, and he seems to be someone that’s trying to cash in right now while the getting’s hot. But he’s made a big mistake stepping into this situation. This involves Evolution. This is about me proving to everyone that I was the focal point of that group. Not Triple H. Not Ric Flair. And NOT the new World Heavyweight Champion, Batista. Unfortunately, “Captain Charisma” is going to have his cape tugged on a little bit more than he expected to tonight.

Orton nods.

Randy Orton: And as always… that’s not arrogance, it’s destiny.

Maria Kanellis: Thank you, Randy.

The lovely interviewer steps away as Randy ogles her once again, as he has made his mark through this interview that he’s looking to assert himself over everyone to try and net an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Title.

Commercial Break

***SEXY BOY*** The loudest pop of the night, by far, goes to Shawn Michaels who gingerly steps out onto the stage. Netting a hero’s welcome, HBK salutes the crowd as he walks on down to the ring.

Jim Ross: It was an INSTANT CLASSIC last night at WrestleMania between Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle. And although The Heartbreak Kid was not successful, he put on one hell of a show in an encounter between the two very best in this business.

Jerry Lawler: It really stinks that SmackDown one-upped Raw in the interpromotional matchups, but you’re right, J.R. It’s hard to not tip your cap to The Showstopper. He’s not called Mister WrestleMania for nothing, and he proved exactly why in this building twenty-four hours ago.

Michaels climbs into the ring, and receives a microphone. He’s then overwhelmed by boisterous ‘H – B – K’ chants, and takes a few moments to let them marinate.

Shawn Michaels: Thank you.

Crowd cheers, as Michaels nods.

Shawn Michaels: I have to say I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I was going to get. I have to say that I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to walk on this ankle of mine. And I also have to say to you, Kurt Angle…

Loud, mixed reaction for the SmackDown superstar.

Shawn Michaels: That you gave me your absolute best last night, and it was a lot better than my best.

Another mixed reaction.

Shawn Michaels: As I made clear a few weeks ago, despite all of the accolades that you have on your mantle, the only thing that you’d never done, and the only chance you hadn’t taken was to go one-on-one on the biggest stage of them all against Mister WrestleMania. You’d never had the opportunity to face The Showstopper, The Icon, The Main Event, The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.

Uneasily, Michaels takes a deep breath.

Shawn Michaels: But last night, ya did. And ya got me.

Jeers, as Michaels keeps his head up.

Shawn Michaels: Make no mistake about it though, Kurt Angle…

HBK looks into the hard camera.

Shawn Michaels: The next time that the two of us cross paths, I will guarantee you that the results will not be the same.

A huge uproar from the L.A. crowd follows the emphatic statement from The Showstopper.

Shawn Michaels: Because I can promise you that—

***AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ ME***

STAPLES Center comes unglued for a moment, as the music of the WWE Intercontinental Champion hits over the P.A. system, drawing all eyeballs and attention to the stage. A few seconds later, Shelton Benjamin, dressed in a plain black t-shirt, his white and blue spandex shorts, knee pads and boots, briskly paces down with the IC belt on his shoulder.

Jerry Lawler: What in the world is this about?

Jim Ross: I cannot for the life of me explain it to you, King. Shelton Benjamin, I mean… he was one of the top performers in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match last night. He’s the Intercontinental Champion and has been such for quite some time but… what’s he doing out here interrupting Shawn Michaels?

Shelton climbs into the ring, and requests a microphone from the stagehand, and his music dies down.

Shelton Benjamin: Excuse this interruption, Shawn, but…

A bit of a big-time reaction is filling the arena, as these two men share a ring together for the first time…

Shelton Benjamin: I just wanted to come out here and say a few words.

Inquisitively, HBK looks on.

Shelton Benjamin: Now, first of all, I wanted to congratulate you. It really takes quite an effort to beat Kurt Angle – I’d know best, I was in Team Angle after all – but last night you put on quite a show.

Some more applause, as Benjamin keeps the microphone up.

Shelton Benjamin: Now… you didn’t get the job done, nor did you represent the Raw brand well in your loss, but it was still a good effort.

Benjamin nods.

Shelton Benjamin: Meanwhile I… although I couldn’t quite get the Money in the Bank contract, EVERYBODY in this building, and everybody who watched last night is going to remember my performance in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Shelton points to himself, as the crowd lets out a bit of a … confused, mixed reaction.

Shelton Benjamin: I walked up ladders, I hit T-Bone Suplexes off of ladders, and I flew in the air like no one ever has before. I was a Human Highlight Reel. Almost like Kobe Bryant, or Magic Johnson. Except better.

Benjamin looks down at the belt on his shoulder.

Shelton Benjamin: And, oh yeah, I’m STILL the WWE Intercontinental Champion.

He hoists the title up high to a stirring reaction from the fans.

Shelton Benjamin: I’ve been the Intercontinental Champion since October the 19th. After tonight, that’s 167 days as Intercontinental Champion. You know how many people have held the Intercontinental Championship for over 167 days in the last decade?

Benjamin steps forward.

Shelton Benjamin: Three. The Rock … Randy Orton … and Shelton Benjamin.

A cheer comes after the first name, then a jeer, and a mixed reaction after Benjamin’s self-reference.

Shelton Benjamin: Now, Shawn, I saw that you once held the Intercontinental Title for 202 days. That’s a hell of an accomplishment. Maybe one of your greatest. But guess what?

Benjamin pats the IC belt.

Shelton Benjamin: I’m gonna break that mark. And I’m gonna break Randy Orton’s mark of 210 days. While I’m at it, I’ll probably beat The Rock’s mark of 265 days as well. You know why?

Shelton lets out a smirk.

Shelton Benjamin: ‘Cause you’re lookin’ at the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history, baby.

The arrogance of Benjamin appears to be rubbing the crowd the wrong way now… at least some.

Shelton Benjamin: And since I’m the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history, that means that you, a former Intercontinental Champion yourself…

The Golden Gopher steps forward again.

Shelton Benjamin: …Are no longer in my league.

Whoa!

Shelton Benjamin: I said I’d come out here to say a few words. Here’s my last five.

Shelton gets in Shawn’s face.

Shelton Benjamin: Get out… of my ring.

Whoa again! What’s gotten into this man? The crowd boos Benjamin’s words as Michaels gets a spirited amount of support from Los Angeles now. HBK looks around at the crowd, before he… begins… to walk away.

Boos.

Shelton Benjamin: Yeah. Yeah that’s what I thou—

SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO SHELTON BENJAMIN!

The crowd EXPLODES as the Intercontinental Champion is KO’d by The Heartbreak Kid’s dangerous finishing maneuver. Michaels stands over the fallen ‘Human Highlight Reel’ and garners a huge chant in his favor as he then begins to march away and out of the ring as his music hits again.

We get a replay of Michaels’ superkick to the face before cutting to the ring as Benjamin is just regaining consciousness on the canvas. He reaches for the Intercontinental Title and glares over at Michaels, holding his face in obvious pain as perhaps the former Minnesota Golden Gopher bit off more than he could chew tonight…

Commercial Break

#4 – Singles Match
Christy Hemme w/ Lita vs. Molly Holly

With the overlaying theme of the match being our Women’s Champion’s abrupt and surprising departure, Molly Holly and Christy Hemme go at it in the ring with the injured Lita at ringside in Christy’s corner. Given Hemme’s inexperience, it’s not the most spectacular of matches, but Molly aids in carrying her young opponent through the motions. J.R. and King discuss Hemme’s spitfire tendencies, as it appears evident that she is seeking to prove the almighty naysayer wrong. Eventually, Molly goes for the Molly-Go-Round, but fails to execute it! Hemme then gives a strong kick to the gut, and looking out at Lita, she winds up and hits the Twist of Fate! Three seconds later, Christy scores a huge win over the veteran Molly Holly!

Winner – Christy Hemme via pin fall at 4:52.

Jim Ross: Well Christy Hemme might not have been able to achieve her dream last night at WrestleMania Twenty One, and she might still be inexperienced but that was a gutsy performance against Molly Holly.

Jerry Lawler: I think it was clear that both of these ladies were attempting to go in the opposite direction that Trish Stratus was talking about earlier on tonight. She basically put down the entire division! I don’t want to say it was disrespectful, J.R., but it certainly may have some backlash.

In their locker room, Triple H and Ric Flair are getting ready in their own respective ways for our triple threat main event. The Game is pulling on his elbow pads while Ric is attempting to gain command.

Ric Flair: Champ, tonight’s a huge night. The people saw you lose to Batista last night, and you know what they think? They don’t think you’re the man around here anymore. They think Dave’s got a hold of you mentally and physically.

Hunter, staying focused, pulls on his other elbow pad.

Ric Flair: They think that just because Dave got the best of you last night that means he’s better than you. That means he’s the next big thing around here. Well I look in your eyes, and I look at Dave right now, he’s not even here, he’s still partying I bet. He’s not focused. He’s still in celebration mode. And you?! You’re eyes are SHARP! WOO! You’ve got that FIRE in your eyes, champ! The thing that separates you from the REST OF ‘EM!

Triple H finishes pulling on his second elbow pad and sits down to tie his boots.

Ric Flair: Nobody in this locker room is as PASSIONATE about this business as you are. These other guys, like Dave, they come in here and they have their cup of coffee and think they’re big shots. Dave is where he is because of US! Because of YOU! YOU handpicked Dave to be in Evolution. YOU handpicked Randy Orton to be in Evolution, too. ‘Cause YOU are the diamond of this industry. The only one! And everybody’s gonna be reminded of that tonight!

Hunter finishes tying his left boot, and looks up at Ric.

Triple H: … … … You’re damn right.

Ric grins as Hunter begins lacing his right boot up, as The Nature Boy continues to liven up his friend before our main event of the evening.

We then cut away to what appears to be a pre-recorded vignette, featuring none other than the evil Muhammad Hassan…

***

Muhammad Hassan: So, WrestleMania Twenty One has come and gone … and what did it do for me, Muhammad Hassan? Ha…

Muhammad shakes his head.

Muhammad Hassan: Good question. On one hand, I vented my frustrations from being excluded from the biggest show of the year. I voiced my concerns about the obvious prejudice that is being inflicted upon a man of my background, and my descent. And I also made … an impact.

Hassan smirks for a second… but then scowls.

Muhammad Hassan: On the other hand, I was rudely interrupted while I was in the process of showing the world what I am capable of. That pitiful, disgraceful fool, Hulk Hogan, stopped me in my quest to show what I, Muhammad Hassan, can do to any man in this company.

Hassan shakes his head as the crowd watching on cheers loudly.

Muhammad Hassan: I’m sure that the disgusting, jingoistic people of this country were thrilled that their so-called “Real American” barged in on what was supposed to be my WrestleMania moment. I’m sure that everybody who is so proud of the red, white and blue went into delirium when Hulk Hogan came into the ring and knocked me down.

The Arab-American scowls again.

Muhammad Hassan: Well here’s some reality. Hulk Hogan, if you dare cross my path again the same fate will not await you. Instead you will fall victim to my Camel Clutch and you’ll become a footnote to my eventual legendary career.

Hassan now grins.

Muhammad Hassan: That’s not just a threat. It’s a promise, too. You will fall to me. Everyone is going to have to recognize sooner or later that the movement is just beginning, and I, Muhammad Hassan, will be at its forefront. I am no longer standing by. No, I’m standing up to the prejudice that’s persecuting me.

Muhammad glares into the hard camera.

Muhammad Hassan: Playtime… is over.

***
Commercial Break

#5 – World Tag Team Championships Match
William Regal and Tajiri defend against La Resistance

With MNM debuting earlier tonight and scoring a win in their first match over a veteran tandem, the attention turns to the champions, William Regal and Tajiri, who put their titles on the line against longstanding rivals La Résistance. Though they don’t have the WrestleMania stage, there seems to be a level of importance placed on this match, as the commentators talk up the history and the prestige of the tag team titles. With Regal and Tajiri, two outstanding workers, combined with Grenier and Conway, average to above-average workers, an entertaining match ensues that goes past the 10-minute threshold and keeps the crowd livened as our main event nears.

Conway attempts to steal the titles with some underhanded tactics, removing the top turnbuckle padding in his corner. He then goes to whip Tajiri into the corner… but The Japanese Buzzsaw improvises, leaping up onto the second rope. He then uses the top rope for leverage and hooks his legs around his neck, and pushes himself off, taking Conway down with a headscissors! Conway rolls onto his back and then back up to his feet and eats a HUGE kick to the ribs! Tajiri crouches down and follows with the BUZZSAW KICK to the temple! Grenier tries to get involved, but William Regal cuts him off and tackles him to the mat!

Tajiri with the cover!

1!

2!!

3!!!

Winners – William Regal and Tajiri via pin fall at 10:46. Regal and Tajiri are still the World Tag Team Champions.

Jim Ross: Tajiri and Regal retain! La Résistance’s plans to steal the World Tag Team Titles were foiled by the champions. What a matchup!

Jerry Lawler: They tried their darndest to get away with one there. I can’t blame ‘em for the attempt. The execution did them in though, and what can we say? Regal and Tajiri are legit.

The duo of Tajiri and Regal celebrate in the ring as La Résistance retreats after having their attempt to win the belts proved to be futile. Grenier talks some trash in French but the World Tag Team Champions can’t seem to be bothered, as they celebrate on all four corners.

Backstage, Christian is making his way through a corridor, ready for the big time triple threat main event. Just then, Jonathan Coachman appears, microphone in hand.

Jonathan Coachman: Christian, Captain Charisma. We’ve already heard from Randy Orton, and we’ve already heard a little bit from Triple H and Ric Flair tonight about the upcoming Triple Threat Match in the main event of the evening. Earlier tonight, you were very vocal, but with just moments remaining until that match takes place, is there anything you’d like to say?

Christian leans into the mic.

Christian: Yeah. Take note, Triple H. Take note Randy Orton. This ain’t 2003 anymore. It’s 2005. And the people want change.

The crowd, looking on, loudly agrees.

Christian: I represent just that, because change is my goal. I’ll make an example out of the two of them if I have to. Because THAT’S …

‘HOW I ROLL!’

Christian: Well, you heard them, didn’t you?

Captain Charisma marches on.

Jim Ross: Christian’s ready! Captain Charisma, The Game, and The Legend Killer collide. NEXT!

Commercial Break

***THE GAME*** Triple H, the former World Heavyweight Champion, plods onto the stage, with Ric Flair following him out, as The Game looks ready for our main event.

Jim Ross: The Cerebral Assassin cannot be in a very pleasant mood after the events that transpired last night. He is naked without the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist. But should he win tonight, he may very well be right back into the title hunt.

***BURN IN MY LIGHT*** Jeers and boos alike welcome Randy Orton into STAPLES Center once again. Orton, following his trademark destiny pose, marches down to the ring brimming with confidence, looking into the eyes of his former leader.

Jerry Lawler: No love lost between these two men, J.R.

Jim Ross: That’s no doubt apparent in the past and in the present, King. Randy Orton and Triple H absolutely despise one another and I’m sure that they’ll be ready to go tooth and nail momentarily.

***JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES*** A big, big pop greets Christian as this STAPLES Center crowd is appreciative of this ‘wild card’ so to speak. Captain Charisma marches on with Tyson Tomko flanked to his right, smacking his chest, and looking ready to go.

Jim Ross: I’ve gotta tell you what. I’m a bit surprised at the reaction that he has garnered tonight, but Christian may have been right when he said that he represents a changing of the guard.

Jerry Lawler: But like the guy who’s a few feet in front of us once said – to be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man! Christian’s gonna get that chance to do it momentarily.

Everything is settled, and about to get underway, when…

***I WALK ALONE*** The roof blows off of STAPLES Center as the NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, Batista, makes his entrance!

Jim Ross: Ba’GOD listen to this ovation! The Animal is here!

Jerry Lawler: Ahhhh! Oh my God, J.R>! This place is going nuts!

Jim Ross: STAPLES Center has come unglued for the new World Heavyweight Champion!

Dressed in a dapper suit, The Animal strolls down the entranceway with the big gold belt on his shoulder. This draws the ire of everyone in the ring, especially Triple H, the former Champion, and Batista grins as he hoists up the title belt near him from the ringside area. Big Dave then heads over to the commentating booth, and joins our esteemed broadcasters for the duration of the match…

#6 – Triple Threat Match
Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. Christian

In a lengthy, high-stakes bout, the three main event-level competitors duke it out with the World Heavyweight Champion present at ringside. Triple H and Randy Orton are, much to the crowd’s behest, quick to take out Captain Charisma before the two rivals battle against one another.

This doesn’t last all that long however, as Christian eventually gets back in the mix, and takes out both men with a flying crossbody block off the top rope. Upon returning to his feet though, Christian’s brought down WITH AN RKO FROM RANDY ORTON! 1… 2… TRIPLE H BREAKS UP THE COUNT! The Game hurls TLK out of the ring and then goes for The Pedigree on Christian, but Captain Charisma fights out!

After back dropping him, Christian rallies, garnering crowd support by the dozen, and works alongside one of the top wrestlers in the industry for several minutes. Around the seven minute mark, Hunter throws Christian into the corner and looks for a spinebuster, but Christian gives him a kick to the chest after stopping on a dime, and looks for the UNPRETTIER… AND CONNECTS! But RANDY ORTON STRIKES AGAIN, hammering away on Christian, and then goes for the cover on Triple H! 1… 2… KICK OUT!

With Hunter out of the equation, it’s The Legend Killer and the leader of The Peeps who do battle now. Orton gains a sizable advantage and looks to hit another RKO on him a few minutes later, but Christian shoves him away! Orton goes for a wild right, but Christian ducks, turns him around, hitting a Falling Inverted DDT! Hunter gets back into the ring, and looks to pounce, but Christian blocks an attack, and stuns him for a bit with a right hand. Then, Captain Charisma heads up to the top rope, and leaps off, and connects with FLASHPOINT ON THE GAME!

Christian goes to cover Orton. 1… 2… SHOULDER UP! Christian then goes over and hooks the legs of The Game! 1… 2… KICK OUT! A look of astonishment comes over Christian’s face, as he could not get either man down for the count of three. This doesn’t quite faze him entirely however, as he climbs up to his feet, pulling Orton up along with him. The two men battle, and as Christian grabs Orton, TRIPLE H CLOTHESLINES THEM BOTH DOWN!

The Game is fed up, and it shows, as he snarls and looks over at Big Dave at the booth. He throws Christian into the ropes, and Captain Charisma gets on the receiving end of a POWERFUL spinebuster. He then eyes Randall, and throws his face down on his knee, and kicks him in the gut. PEDIGREE TO RANDY ORTON! 1… 2… SHOULDER UP FROM ORTON! Triple H screams at the referee to make a better count, but his protest goes unanswered. Hunter then sizes up Christian, and looks to do the very same. Kick to the gut. PEDIGREE TO CHRISTIAN! 1… 2… SHOULDER UP FROM CHRISTIAN!


The crowd comes alive as Hunter gets up and once again screams in the face of the official, Earl Hebner, who threatens a disqualification if he keeps it up. Hunter keeps protesting anyway for a few seconds before turning around, walking back over to the scene. He pulls Christian up and throws him out of the ring, and grabs Randy Orton and hits him with a right hand. He hits another, and Randy bounces off the ropes and comes off STRONGLY with a right hand of his own. Hunter hits a right, then Orton, Triple H, Randy, Hunter, Randy, Randy scores with an uppercut! He then kicks his rival in the gut, loads him up, before hitting an elevated neckbreaker! Orton then rolls over onto his stomach, and pushes himself up, and eyes the World Heavyweight Champion. He then turns his attention back to Triple H who is woozy, and Orton leaps up… RKO TO THE GAME!

TLK looks ready to throw the dirt on The Game when suddenly, CHRISTIAN pulls Orton out of the ring! Captain Charisma throws a hard right, and Orton throws one of his own, and the two trade blows on the outside before Orton shoves Christian shoulder first into the ring post! The Legend Killer then rolls his adversary into the ring, and climbs in with him. The St. Louis native then stalks him, looking to hit another RKO and Captain Charisma walks over, and BLOCKS the RKO attempt! He grabs Orton by the arms, turning him over. UNPRETTIER TO RANDY ORTON!

Christian flops over Orton, shoulders down!

1!

2!!

3!!!

CHRISTIAN WINS!

Winner – Christian via pin fall at 14:21.

Jim Ross: YES! YES! CHRISTIAN! CHRISTIAN HAS PINNED RANDY ORTON!

Jerry Lawler: Can you believe this?!

Jim Ross: Captain Charisma has saved the day! Ba’God, what a performance by all three of these men, but in the end, it’s Christian who has emerged victorious!

Christian is in jubilation in the ring as Tyson Tomko applauds and embraces his friend. Christian slaps his chest and then heads to the nearby corner and looks down over at Batista, who is sitting at the announce table.

Batista: Well, J.R., King, Christian said he wanted to make an impact. Christian said he wanted to bring change. He damn sure did.

Batista stands up and takes his headset off, as Christian makes a gesture around his waist, signifying that he wants the gold. Batista returns with a gesture of his own, raising the World Heavyweight Championship above his head with one hand, and nods respectfully at him.

Jim Ross: The dust has settled from WrestleMania Twenty One, and my God, the road to WrestleMania Twenty Two has kicked off in style!







END OF SHOW

Current Card for WWE Backlash:
May 1, 2005 // Verizon Wireless Arena // Manchester, New Hampshire

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***
 
#9 ·
It’s good to have you back, and like I said in my previous post - this is a fascinating and exciting time to pick things up, right as the ‘new era’ begins to take shape. That said, I felt this show was somewhat peculiar in the way it was booked - at times it was as if you simply hit the reset button on characters and alignments - and I‘ll explain why I thought that.

I know Batista isn’t exactly Ric Flair on the mic, but I really think it would’ve been beneficial to hear from the new face of the company the night after his greatest triumph. Instead, he was a bit of an afterthought, and was merely on commentary for the main event - not exactly a ringing endorsement of the top guy on the brand.

The other thing that surprised me was the hot shotted face and heel turns for Christian and Shelton Benjamin respectively. Christian, I can buy - he came out at the top of the show and laid into the two big heels on the show, so by default would be treated like a face in the main event - though with that victory, he’s being positioned as a potential next challenger for Batista, and with Big Dave only just fresh off a face turn, I’d personally believe he should be positioned against a heel for his first few feuds at least to solidify him.

As an aside, the writing in that opening promo was terrific. Really enjoyed some of the comments from Christian, and I can see already he’ll be a big deal - face or heel - in the thread, and that’s news to my ears.

Benjamin going heel was odd though. At least immediately after Wrestle Mania - where he arguably stole the show, and came out of that event with so much momentum for his spots in the ladder match, I’d just automatically assume he’d be cast as a top face. I’m not against the heel turn though - and the prospective Michaels feud with Benjamin eyeing a record breaking I.C Title run has a lot of promise, I just think you could’ve built to it better rather than doing it right out of the gate.

You could've had Benjamin get slightly more cocky over time, feeding off the plaudits he received from WrestleMania on this show, and annoy HBK that he stole the show instead of Shawn, and then eventually buy into his own hype as I.C Champ for the next few weeks or so and lead to this kind of promo where he tells HBK to leave his ring naturally. It just felt like it came completely out of left field.

Again though - on a positive note, I like the direction with Benjamin and you managed to give him some kind of character and personality - I just didn’t like the way the change came out of left field. A program with Michaels should be terrific though.

Hopefully MNM are just the beginning of turning the tag division around - but you’ve got your work cut out in that regard, as some of the teams at this point in time are dog rough. Simon Dean & Maven, The Superheroes, La Resistance … even Regal & Tajiri are a bit meh. And that’s just Raw. Good show to debut MNM on too, in Hollywood - nice idea.

I’ll be interested in seeing what you do with Hassan and Masters in the coming weeks and months. Neither man was Angle or Benoit, but both got pretty over in 2005 to a certain extent, and with Hassan coming off that WrestleMania angle with Hogan, he’s already a pretty hot heel to have on the show.

Edge felt like a bit of an afterthought after his big win last night, and his attack - even though you followed up on it with the interview - felt a bit random tbh. Maybe when he’s done with Benoit or Jericho (or both) the Canadian Chris’s could reform their old team and bolster the tag division for a few months while you get things in order with MNM and others.

Lastly, that Trish Stratus angle should lead to good things and a regeneration of the womens division on Raw - which, like the tag division, really does need freshening up. It’s a good excuse to call up a number of women at once (as I’m assuming we’ll get a tournament of some sort) to determine a new challenger to the title.

Aside from hotshotting a few things a little too soon for my liking, I enjoyed this show, and the two big in-ring promos certainly delivered. I'll be eagerly awaiting Smackdown to drop ASAP.
 
#10 ·
Going old school outchere. Recapped SmackDowns leading up to RAW-brand PPVs, and vice versa. Both shows will be in full on the way to SummerSlam.

***

SmackDown;
April 7th; San Diego:


The first episode of SmackDown after WrestleMania 21 opens up with a hero’s welcome for the 619’s favorite luchadore, Rey Mysterio. He and Eddie Guerrero, the WWE Tag Team Champions, defend their titles in a hotly contested matchup against the throw-together team of Shannon Moore and Funaki. The four athletically gifted combatants combine for quite an entertaining tag team bout, and in the end the champs retain after Mysterio levels Moore with the 619, which is followed up by a Frog Splash by Eddie Guerrero at the 14:29 mark.

Commercial Break

After the commercial break, Eddie and Rey are seen in the backstage area, celebrating the win. Rey brings up WrestleMania, at which of course he beat Eddie, and the El Paso native reassures Rey that there’s zero animosity between the two men. Mysterio nods delightfully, and bumps fists with his friend and tag partner.

We go elsewhere as an infuriated John Bradshaw Layfield is inside his exquisite locker room. The former WWE Champion eyes all of the members of his Cabinet – Orlando Jordan, Danny and Doug Basham – and berates them all, evidently throwing all of his frustrations from Sunday at them. Upon the end of the rant, he puts them all on notice, saying their performance must improve or the consequences will be dire.


Commercial Break

Match number two of the night pits Booker T against Luther Reigns. Both men look to impress after being left off of the WrestleMania card, and it’s Booker who, of course, garners much of the crowd’s support. Reigns displays his typical level of physicality, but flares some over-aggressiveness. This does him in, as he goes for a splash in the corner, but Booker dodges the bullet. With Reigns staggering, Booker leaps up and hits the Scissors Kick, leading to the pinfall victory at 7:07.

A cocky, fired up Kurt Angle delivers a (pre-taped) promo about his win over Shawn Michaels on Sunday. He responds to Michaels’ proclamation on RAW and exclaims he’ll NEVER beat him, because he proved to the world that he’s best. “It’s damn true.” Angle finishes up by telling us that we’ve seen nothing yet.


Commercial Break

Theodore Long talks to Carlito Caribbean Cool in his office. CCC is still in his shoulder sling, but informs the SD! GM that his doctor will be clearing him for competition imminently. Long, though annoyed by Carlito’s actions in recent months, seems to be enthused by the news, talking up Carly’s talents and says he’ll be a welcomed addition to the roster. Carlito responds by saying he’s going to become WWE Champion when he beats John Cena again, just like he did on his first night in WWE, and says that will be very, very cool.

United States Champion Orlando Jordan is in non-title action in our third match of the night against Hardcore Holly. JBL is seen in his locker room, monitoring his Chief of Staff’s performance. OJ seems to take his leader’s words to heart as he shows a bit of an edge in this match. That’s matched by Holly’s notorious mean streak and the two have a pretty decent outing. Holly goes for the Alabama Slam on Jordan, but the U.S. Champ slithers down his shoulders, and rolls him up, and grabs the ropes, and steals the win at 7:11!
The crowd jeers as we cut backstage to Layfield, who looks to be pleased with Jordan’s performance. After the match, however, things take a turn. Pissed off, Holly protests that he grabbed the ropes. Concurrently, Charlie Haas, Holly’s recent buddy, chases after Jordan and grabs him! Haas runs the U.S. Champion back into the ring, and Hardcore grabs him and throws him down with the Alabama Slam! Haas laughs as JBL is seen scowling at the TV screen.

We get a live shot outside of the San Diego Sports Arena, as we await the arrival of our new WWE Champion…


Commercial Break

***

“THIS FALL …”

Shot of John Cena hitting an F-U on Carlito.

“… FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER …”

Shot of Randy Orton hitting an RKO on Triple H.

“… WWE PRESENTS …”

Shot of Batista shaking the ropes.

“THE RAW AND SMACKDOWN WORLD TOUR!”

Fast-motion shots of places around the world along with inter-cutting shots of WWE wrestlers, male and female are shown.

***
Big Show goes up against Kenzo Suzuki in our next contest. Prior to the match, Kenzo did a little bit of taunting, going after Show for his dismal performance in the Sumo Match at WrestleMania 21. As it turned out, the angry giant didn’t take too kindly to Kenzo’s words, as the former WWE Tag Team Champion was decimated over the next few minutes, and eventually fell victim to a huge Chokeslam at 5:02. Rene Dupree attempted to fight for his tag team partner’s honor, but fell victim to a Chokeslam of his own as Show cleared house.

We’re once again in the office of the SmackDown General Manager. Theodore Long is sifting through some documents, and then grabs his cell phone and dials a number. As we’re set to head to commercial break, we see Teddy with the phone up to his ear for several seconds, as he then leaves a voicemail message…

“Hey Trish, it’s Teddy Long, SmackDown’s Gen’ral Manager…”


Commercial Break

A spooky vignette airs featuring The Undertaker, counting Randy Orton in with the many men who have fallen to The Deadman at WrestleMania. It concludes with the words “FOREVER IMMORTAL” and “13-0.”

Returning from the commercial break, we see that next week when SmackDown hits the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Kurt Angle will go one-on-one against an opponent handpicked by Theodore Long; additionally, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio defend their WWE Tag Team Titles against The Basham Brothers in a 2/3 Falls Match!

The main event of the evening is a bout for the Cruiserweight Championship. Paul London puts the title on the line against Chavo Guerrero and what follows is a thrilling and EXCELLENT high stakes matchup. London and Guerrero battle for nearly TWENTY MINUTES as San Diego eats it up, watching the two competitors perform in breathtaking fashion. Chavo nails the CW Champion with the Gory Special and goes for the cover, but London hurls his shoulder up at the count of 2 3/4! Chavo can’t seem to believe it and heads to the top rope. From there, he leaps off… going for the Frog Splash… but London moves out of the way! Chavo crashes and burns, and it’s then the Cruiserweight Champion’s turn to head up to the top. The crowd rises, and Paul, perched up high, propels into the air, plummeting down on Chavo with the 450 Splash! 1… 2… 3!!! Paul London retains the title at 19:20!
After the match, London stands in the center of the ring with the belt on his shoulder, and extends his hand out to Chavo. The crowd piles it on, applauding both men, as an irate Chavo Guerrero looks on, in London’s eyes and then down at his hand. Chavo tells him that he was this close to taking the title away… but then tells Paul that he was the better man and, to the surprise of some, shakes his hand! Cole and Tazz applaud Chavo’s respectful actions, and exuberantly claim that this is what SmackDown is all about.

We cut to the back and…



!!!THE CHAMP IS HERE!!!


Commercial Break

Perhaps the biggest ovation of the ENTIRE night rings out as the NEW WWE CHAMPION John Cena makes his entrance into the venue. The Doctor of Thuganomics delivers a STRONG promo, talking about how he achieved a lifelong dream on Sunday night in Los Angeles. He talks about his road to the top, with his arrival to WWE coincidentally beginning in their next destination: Chicago. Cena says that he has no plans of leaving the top any time soon, and challenges anyone else to say otherwise.
…Which, to no surprise, brings out the FORMER WWE Champion, John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL cuts into Cena, calling him a flash in the pan, and lucky. Cena replies, saying it doesn’t matter if he got lucky or not, and that he’s got the gold, and JBL doesn’t, and dares him to take it from him.
Layfield smiles and applauds his rival, perhaps sarcastically, for his fighting spirit. Then, The Wrestling God announces he plans on invoking his rematch clause VERY soon…
“Your reign as WWE Champion is going to be temporary. I, JBL, The Wrestling GAWD am going to ONCE AGAIN reclaim my spot at the top of SmackDown. There’s no other way of saying it, John. I’m USING the rematch clause in my contract and taking BACK what’s mine!

“And I can’t think of any other better place to do it…



“Then in two weeks time…



“In my CURRENT hometown… the GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD…



“In the MOST FAMOUS ARENA IN THE WORLD…



“JOHN, YOU WILL SEE YOUR REIGN END INSIDE MADISON – SQUARE – GARDEN – in NEW – YORK – CITY!”

A booming reaction rings out from the San Diego crowd, as The Franchise clenches his jaw and looks at his WWE Title belt… and then over at JBL.

“Keep that title warm, John. ‘Cause it’s comin’ home to daddy…”


END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for WWE Judgment Day:
May 22, 2005 // Target Center // Minneapolis, Minnesota

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***​
 
#11 ·
RAW;
April 11th; Moline:

Recap of Last Week’s Show

Opening Video

No Pyro. Instead…
***I WALK ALONE*** The new World Heavyweight Champion Batista struts out onto the stage with the big gold belt in tow. Much like last week, Big Dave is dressed in an expensive-looking suit and appears to be fired up.

Jim Ross: ‘The Animal’ has arrived! We welcome you to another edition of Monday Night RAW! The iWireless Center has been sold out for weeks, and they’re on their feet for the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista!

Jerry Lawler: We’ve only got o hear bits and pieces from this man since his huge win last week at WrestleMania. It appears as if that’s about to change though. I’m sure just about everybody is listening.

Perhaps right on cue, the cameras cut to the back, where Randy Orton is clueing in on the monitor nearest him with a rather fiery look in his eyes.

Then, the camera switches over to Triple H and Ric Flair in their locker room, which garner some jeers as they appear on screen, as they too look irate.

Finally, Christian is shown in his, with the crowd cheering, as Captain Charisma carefully clues in.

We jump back into the ring, where Batista has a live microphone.

Batista: Phew, what a week it’s been…

Crowd pops

Batista: From winning at WrestleMania, to the parties, the appearances, and the travel… I’m awfully tired out.

Big Dave takes a deep breath.

Batista: And that’s what I WOULD say if I wasn’t who I was!

The crowd cheers again.

Batista: Yeah, it’s been a tiring week. It probably has been the toughest week of my life. I’m here to carry the flag, though, so I’m embracing every minute of it.

Batista puts the belt up on my shoulder.

Batista: I will walk that aisle, I will perform in this ring, I will make as many appearances that I need to. That’s what champions do. They go above and beyond. They exceed expectations. And you know what else they do?

Batista grins.

Batista: Champions win.

A cheer springs up.

Batista: I won at WrestleMania. I’ll win at WrestleMania again. Whenever my first match as World Heavyweight Champion is, I’ll win that. Whenever my first title defense comes, I’ll win that too.

The Animal nods.

Batista: Doesn’t matter if your name is Triple H…

Boos.

Batista: …Christian…

Huge cheers.

Batista: …Or ‘The Legend Killer’ himself, Randy Orton.

More boos.

Batista: I will stand in this ring. I will look you in the eyes. And when it’s all over, when all the dust has settled… I’ll win.

‘Ba-tis-ta’ chants start to ring out here in Moline.

Batista: And I’m a fighting champion, too. If one of you wants a shot at this World Heavyweight Championship, come get it. I don’t care if I face you in individual matches, a four corners match, a fatal four-way, a battle royal, a last man standing match. Doesn’t matter.

Big Dave paces around the ring.

Batista: I didn’t win the Royal Rumble and win in the main event of WrestleMania 21 just to stand around in expensive suits, flashing off this belt to the public like it’s a toy, and coast. I’m a fighter. I’m The Animal. I’m the top of the food chain around here, and I understand what comes with the territory.

Batista snarls, as his words pick up some more cheers.

Batista: So to whomever wants to try their luck against me… consider this your one and only warning.

Batista brings the mic down as his music hits as this quick and concise segment is nearing its end.

Jim Ross: Short, sweet, and to the point! Batista has thrown down the gauntlet!

Jerry Lawler: We could be looking at the most physically imposing World Heavyweight Champion in history. It might be tough sledding for just about ANYBODY against this man if he’s feeling as confident as he looks.

Jim Ross: The Animal has spoken nd has put he locker room on notice, and it’s sure to be interesting to see who decides to step up!

Commercial Break

***BREAK THE WALLS DOWN*** Like last week, it’s Chris Jericho who is one of the first to go through the tunnel and out to the stage. The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n Rolla marches down the ramp, ready for singles action.

Jim Ross: Last weekend at WrestleMania 21, the Money in the Bank Ladder Match commenced for the very first time. It’s the brainchild of this man, Chris Jericho, but after those events unfolded, it was Edge who took home the briefcase to guarantee himself a World Title opportunity within the next calendar year.

Jerry Lawler: Then, last week on RAW, Chris Jericho took on Chris Benoit in an instant classic. But the celebration that happened didn’t last long as Edge struck with a Spear to Benoit and then a Spear to Chris Jericho!

Jim Ross: Which brings us to what we have here tonight…

***METALINGUS*** Mr. Money in the Bank elicits a STRONG reaction from the Moline, Illinois fans. Edge, carrying the prized possession, walks through the smoke in his trademark black trench coat as well as a blue pair of tights. Grinning confidently, Edge walks down the ramp and makes sure to taunt Y2J with the briefcase, which only seems to do exactly what Edge intends on doing: agitate.

Jim Ross: Now this man: He’s a bit cocky. Some might say right now he’s got every reason to be.

Jerry Lawler: He absolutely does, J.R.! He’s riding high! Edge is on the cusp of greatness. All he has to do is cash in that Money in the Bank opportunity whenever he wants to and right after that: he could achieve his lifelong dream.

#1 – Chris Jericho vs. Edge

Jericho begins the match, fired up after last week’s proceedings, with an assault on Mr. Money in the Bank. Edge attempts to duck away from the beat down a few times but Y2J is sure to ensure that no cowardice is displayed in the early frames. Edge swings control in his favor as his opponent gets a little too ambitious. Chris springs forward near the barricade, but Edge sends him hurdling over the barricade with a backdrop, eliciting a loud “OOOOOH” from the crowd. The Money in the Bank holder nearly wins via countout, but Jericho emerges into the ring at the count of nine.

Edge is able to seize control for a few minutes after that, using his tremendous arsenal of moves to his benefit. He nearly puts the match away with the Edgecution, but the Winnipeg native gets a shoulder up at 2 ½! Edge gets up and punches Jericho a few times, and then goes for a Spear, but Jericho leapfrogs! Edge turns around and Jericho runs off the ropes, hitting a bulldog, followed by the Lionsault! 1… 2… SHOULDER UP from Edge! Chris can’t believe it, and he pulls up Edge by his legs and tries to apply The Walls of Jericho! But Edge fights out of it and sends his adversary into the near corner. Edge rolls up to his feet and trips Jericho up, and looks to apply the Edgecator!

But Edge is then ATTACKED FROM BEHIND!

BY CHRIS BENOIT!

The referee calls for the bell!

Winner - Edge via disqualification at 10:07.

Jim Ross: Hey—hey wait! It’s Chris Benoit!

Jerry Lawler: What business does Benoit have doing out here!?

The Rabid Wolverine, evidently seething still after the way the MITB Ladder Math concluded, and with the aftermath of last week’s opening contest, goes right after the contract holder! Benoit slugs Edge numerous times in the head, shoulders and arms and then tries to lock in the Crippler Crossface!


But he can never truly get it applied, as Edge is able to roll out of the ring and get out of dodge. Benoit gets up and looks on and shouts at Edge from the ringside area, as he hightails it and walks through the crowd. The Crippler backs away and turns around, where Chris Jericho is standing!

Jericho shouts at Benoit, questioning his motives for getting involved in something he tells Benoit isn’t any of his business. Chris points at Edge, but Jericho doesn’t seem to take too kindly to it, saying he wanted and needed the win. Y2J then SHOVES Benoit! The crowd rises as Benoit looks on, offended, and SHOVES Jericho right back!

Y2J then LUNGES FORWARD, THROWING HIS FIST!

BENOIT CATCHES IT, BRINGS CHRIS JERICHO TO THE MAT, AND SLAPS ON THE CRIPPLER CROSSFACE!

The crowd doesn’t quite know what to do, with both men being baby faces, but in any event, Benoit rares back on Jericho’s neck and shoulder as the multiple-time Intercontinental Champion is WRITHING in pain! Referees come down to try and split the two apart, and The Rabid Wolverine eventually gets up to his feet and mouths off to Jericho as he leaves the scene…

Commercial Break

Jim Ross: We’re back live ladies and gentlemen, and before the break we witnessed a bit of a chaotic scene. (Replay airs) Chris Benoit came out here during the middle of the matchup between Edge and Chris Jericho, and after Benoit was done going after Edge… this happened!

Jerry Lawler: Y2J was infuriated that Benoit got in the middle of the match, and I can’t blame him to be honest, and it led to this! The Rabid Wolverine slapped on the Crippler Crossface!

Jim Ross: And we’re getting some news coming here, as General Manager Eric Bischoff has announced that next week on Monday Night RAW, Chris Benoit will his own chance at the Money in the Bank contract holder, Edge. You’ve gotta wonder though if Chris Jericho is going to rear his head in that one…

Jerry Lawler: Wonder? I’d go so far to say it’s a GUARANTEE!

We maneuver ourselves backstage to the interview area, where Jonathan Coachman is standing by.

Jonathan Coachman: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… ‘The Legend Killer,’ Randy Orton.

Lots of jeers greet TLK as he makes his way into screen shot.

Jonathan Coachman: It goes without saying Randy that the last week of your life has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Tonight though you had an opportunity to listen, just as we all did, to the comments made by the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista. Do you have a response?

Orton nods.

Randy Orton: Yeah, I have a response for big, bad Batista. Dave, you were the muscle of Evolution. You were NEVER the in-ring general. You were never the one that oozed the potential. You are what you are – a muscled up paper champion. I’m going to EXPOSE you for what you are sooner or later. And when I do that, I’m going to become the youngest two-time World Heavyweight Champion in history.

Sternly looking into the camera, Randy doesn’t even smirk.

Jonathan Coachman: Now, moving forward. Tonight you have a one-on-one match scheduled with Christian, who got the pin on you last week in the Triple Threat Match that main evented RAW. With no number one contender named thus far, how important do you think this match is going to be to perhaps establish yourself as next in line for a shot at Batista?

Orton takes a look back at Coach.

Randy Orton: It’s extremely important. Last week, yeah, Christian got the win. It’s a flash in the pan though and while I don’t usually make excuses, I was emotionally charged after my match with The Undertaker. You saw how fired up I was when the broadcast started. You know that I’m calm, cool and collected more often than I’m not. Last week wasn’t representative of anything. It’s a fluke.

TLK says such sternly, looking at Coach in the eyes.

Randy Orton: I will guarantee you that Christian will not catch lightning in a bottle twice tonight. Captain Charisma, as he likes to call himself, isn’t going to save the day. Instead, Randy Orton, Legend Killer, will swoop in.

A smirk then forms over his face.

Randy Orton: That’s not arrogance, that’s… well, you already know.

With that, the St. Louis native marches off camera…

…And we go to the parking lot now, where ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels is arriving!

Jim Ross: The Icon has arrived in Moline!

Jerry Lawler: To borrow a phrase from you, J.R. – I think business just picked up!

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels is in action later on tonight, ladies and gentlemen. And you won’t wanna miss a minute!

Commercial Break

In the ring, the lovable Eugene stands…

***ARAB AMERICANS*** LOUD heat engulfs the iWireless Center as Muhammad Hassan and Daivari walk through the curtain and onto the stage. Hassan, intent on making an impact, glares down at the ring where Eugene currently stands, and then begins to walk down the ramp.

Jerry Lawler: There are a lot of things I could say about this guy… but I don’t wanna lose my job.

Jim Ross: He’s often been a whiner, but Muhammad Hassan does have talent. I just wish he’d put it to good use instead of complaining…

#2 – Muhammad Hassan vs. Eugene

The match starts off with Hassan aggressively attacking Eugene, showing no remorse for the heavy fan favorite who garners support and sympathy from the crowd. Hassan looks to put it away early but the resilient one in Eugene is able to fend off the early assault. He then mounts a comeback, much to the dismay of Hassan and Daivari. Eugene dizzies Hassan with an Airplane Spin and, after a series of clotheslines, connects with a HUGE powerslam! A two count follows but Eugene doesn’t get off his bearings, and stays on the attack. A few seconds later, Eugene givs Hassan a kick to the gut and connects with the Stunner! 1… 2… KICK OUT from Hassan! The crowd groans and Eugene wears a heavily disappointed look.

A few moments later, Hassan looks to take control back, and it appears evident that he’s done just so. But Hassan, after rebounding off the ropes for an attempted clothesline, falls victim to a Rock Bottom! 1… 2… KICK OUT! Eugene holds his head in anguish, and gets up to his feet. With Hassan down, he then attempts The People’s Elbow… but Hassan dodges the bullet! Eugene favors his elbow and Hassan gets up and wipes him out with a Complete Shot, and follows that up by slapping on the Camel Clutch! The crowd jeers, as the inevitable result follows, with Eugene submitting to the finishing hold.

Winner – Muhammad Hassan via submission at 8:02.

Hassan keeps the move applied even after the bell has rung, garnering more hatred from the crowd…

Jim Ross: Aw, come on dammit. You’ve made your point!

Jerry Lawler: This is ridiculous…

Ten seconds later, Hassan gets up and shoves Eugene down to the mat. He then stands up and has his hand raised to the chagrin of this crowd as he then looks down and admires his work. Daivari applauds from ringside as his associate and friend soon joins him as the two walk up the ramp together.

Jerry Lawler: A match made in heaven J.R.…

Jim Ross: Evil comes in many forms, King. Many, many forms… And these two men, it doesn’t matter what their backgrounds are, or what their descent is or where they come from. But they’re nothing short of evil and vile. That much is certain.

We go from the ring to a pre-taped promo as we see Chris Masters standing with a black backdrop behind him…

***

Chris Masters: Last week on RAW, I may not have proven what everyone already knows – that no one can break the Masterlock – but I continued to remain unpinned in my WWE career.

Masters smirks.

Chris Masters: But there still seem to be detractors around here. Naysayers. Doubters. Nonbelievers. Why? I can’t answer that question.

Masters shakes his head.

Chris Masters: There’s a problem, apparently, with how I won last week. The way I see it? I did everything in my power to win. Isn’t that what the point is?

He gives a bit of an incredulous look.

Chris Masters: Right? Winning is not only the most important thing… it’s the only thing. I’ll do whatever it takes to win. Whatever it is. Whether it’s use my Masterlock, use my strength and my size… or my intelligence. It can and it will be done.

He lets out a nod.

Chris Masters: Rhyno, I’m sorry about your luck last week. If you try me again, maybe it’ll be different…

Chris reveals a smirk.

Chris Masters: …Or maybe it won’t, and the same thing will happen. And your complaining, and the fans’ complaining will just fall… on deaf ears.

He nods once again and lets out a smile.

***

Commercial Break

WWE REWIND: Trish Stratus informs RAW’s General Manager, Eric Bischoff, that she’s bored of the competition she’s faced on RAW and bluntly tells the boss that RAW won’t have a Women’s Champion until things get better.

Back to ringside, where our commentators are.

Jim Ross: Welcome back to Moline, Illinois, ladies and gentlemen. Last week was a wild one in WWE but perhaps one of the more intriguing and shocking moments that occurred involved the WWE Women’s Champion.

Jerry Lawler: That’s right, J.R. Trish Stratus informed our boss, the General Manager Eric Bischoff that she was bored of defending the WWE Women’s Championship against the competition on RAW, and said RAW wasn’t going to have a Women’s Champion until it improved!

Jim Ross: And on that note, here with us via satellite from her home in Toronto is none other than the Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus.

The crowd reacts to seeing the lovely Toronto, Canada native on the TitanTron, as she’s seated in her house, wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs t-shirt and a black Nike ball cap, with the Women’s Title adorned on her shoulder.

Jim Ross: Trish, it’s good to see you.

Trish Stratus: Good to see you too, you guys.

Jim Ross: Now let’s get right down to business here. Last week you offered up candid comments about your thoughts on the women’s division here on RAW. So, the first thing I have to ask is if you have any sort of regrets about the things that you said last week before leaving in a huff.

Trish Stratus: No.

The Women’s Champ responds emphatically, as she adjusts her title belt on her shoulder.

Trish Stratus: J.R., I’ve beaten everybody that there is to beat on the RAW roster in one way or another in the past few years. Victoria? Check. Pinned her at WrestleMania Nineteen to win the Women’s Championship. Molly Holly? Check. Beat her earlier this year. Christy Hemme?

Trish giggles.

Trish Stratus: Knocked her senseless at WrestleMania last Sunday. Poor girl didn’t stand a chance. Check. And…

The Toronto native lets out a smirk.

Trish Stratus: Lita? Well, I beat that redheaded honey so badly she can’t even walk on her own two feet well anymore. Check.

She flicks her hair back behind her shoulders.

Trish Stratus: So no, J.R. I don’t have any regrets, because nothing I said was incorrect. One, I’ve beaten everyone. And two, I’m bored.

Jerry Lawler: Well, Trish, I understand that you might be bored but it’s your responsibility to defend that Women’s Championship.

Ms. Stratus giggles again.

Trish Stratus: Oh, King. You know, some might say you’re right. Some might say I should be a fighting champion. Some would say that me sitting out is an ego trip. And yeah, those people are entitled to that opinion. But it’s wrong. You know why it’s wrong? It might be my responsibility as Women’s Champion to defend this title, but Eric Bischoff, the General Manager of RAW? It’s HIS responsibility to develop a sound, well-rounded roster. It’s HIS responsibility to keep an interest in his talent. And the fact of the matter is… he’s failed at that.

‘Oooooooh.’

Trish Stratus: He’s been so concerned over the last few years with handing out title shots to the undeserving, with rubbing his own ego, and with everything else EXCEPT… for catering to his biggest female star.

Trish angrily looks on into the camera.

Trish Stratus: I’ve done nothing but succeed in the last five years that I have been with this company. I’m a multi-time Women’s Champion. I’m a three-time Babe of the Year. I’ve even won the Hardcore Championship and I’m the DIVA of the DECADE! And I command respect from everyone, male or female, it doesn’t matter because I am better than EVERYONE else there is.

She looks at her title belt and her smile glistens.

Trish Stratus: So Eric can whine, and he can complain. He can bemoan about how I’m not at RAW tonight, and how I’m not going to be at RAW next week as well. It doesn’t matter to me because as the Women’s Champion, I deserve respect, and I deserve comparable opponents. As of right now, I have neither. Until that changes, you won’t be seeing me in any arena where RAW is in town.

Jim Ross: So, you will not be at RAW next week at Madison Square Garden?

Trish Stratus: No. One hundred percent no.

Jerry Lawler: But Trish I mean that’s … that’s one of the biggest shows of the year. It’s The Garden. The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Trish Stratus: King, that doesn’t mean anything to me. It especially doesn’t mean anything when I, as a champion, am not welcomed with the kind of respect that a champion deserves inside such hallowed halls.

She giggles again.

Trish Stratus: I mean, really. Think of the great fights that have occurred in that building. Louis-Marciano… Duran-Buchanan… Lewis-Holyfield… LaMotta-Sugar Ray… Ali-Frazier, The Fight of the Century. And then…

Trish snorts and laughs.

Trish Stratus: Stratus-Hemme Two?

Getting a kick out of it, the Women’s Champion continues to laugh at the prospect of facing the RAW Diva Search winner.

Trish Stratus: I mean, that’s the best that RAW’s got right now. It, right now, is simply not worth my time.

Jerry Lawler: Well, Trish, if I may ask one more question.

Trish Stratus: Shoot.

Jerry Lawler: I noticed as I was watching SmackDown this week that Teddy Long, the General Manager of that brand, called you. Did you return his phone call?

The beautiful blonde reveals a smirk on her face.

Trish Stratus: King, J.R., what I do away from the wrestling ring I simply none of your business. So, in short, I’m not commenting.

Jim Ross: Well, Trish, it was a pleasure to hear from you and we hope to, one day, see you again on RAW.

Trish Stratus: Me too, J.R. Me too.

Trish waves goodbye, as we’re sent away to break…

Commercial Break

***PAPARAZZI*** We’re greeted by the flood of photographers backpedaling into the arena, as Mercury, Nitro and Melina extravagantly enter the fray fresh off of their impressive debut last week in Los Angeles.

Jim Ross: We’re back here, live on the USA Network for Monday Night RAW. Folks, this here is one of the most promising young tag teams in the business, and they’re hot off of a very impressive victory last week.

Jerry Lawler: They sure are, J.R. It’s Mercury – Nitro – and Melina. MNM! They were doing very well for themselves in Ohio Valley Wrestling for quite a while before getting the call up last week.

Jim Ross: Speaking of tag teams, with us now at ringside are the World Tag Team Champions William Regal and Tajiri. Guys, thank you for joining us.

William Regal: Sir Tajiri and I are very glad to be here, you guys.

Jerry Lawler: What do you think of this tag team, William?

William Regal: Well, you know, when you look past all of the rubbish that they bring along with them with these fancy cameras, fur coats and sunglasses, what I see is a lot of talent and a lot of swagger. They might have a very, very bright future in this business.

Mercury and Nitro climb into the ring as Melina does her split on the apron, grabbing the attention of many, as we see Val Venis and Viscera waiting on the inside.

#3 – MNM w/ Melina vs. V-Squared
*World Tag Team Champions William Regal & Tajiri on commentary*

So, despite the fact that Val Venis and Viscera are usually regarded as gatekeepers, this proves to be a bit challenging for the rookies. As it’s noted, Venis and Viscera are both two wily veterans in their own shape and form, and they use their experience to their advantage in the opening moments of the matchup. What benefits the young upstarts is their chemistry. Mercury and Nitro fluidly maneuver with one another and excite the crowd with some of their flashy tandem moves. The end of the match sees the pair take down the big man Viscera with a HUGE double dropkick, hurtling him into the ropes and out onto the floor. Then, they turn their attention to Venis, and prop him up and drive him down with their delayed flapjack/elevated DDT combination! 1! 2!! 3!!! With that, MNM moves to 2-0 in as many weeks in tag team action!

Winners – MNM via pin fall at 7:01.

Jim Ross: And they got ‘em again! MNM wins! That was awfully tough sledding for these two young studs, but they were able to pull it out over the veterans in Val Venis and Viscera.

William Regal: I’ve got to hand it to these two lads. Val Venis and Viscera gave them a splendid effort and the youngsters prevailed.

After celebrating in the ring, Mercury and Nitro walk out of the ring, alongside Melina. The trio makes sure to walk right past Regal and Tajiri, the World Tag Team Champions, and eyes the gold that rests on their shoulders.

Regal and Tajiri look right back at them, congratulating them for their efforts tonight. Mercury and Nitro nod, and head away from the ring with their beautiful valet leading the charge.

Jim Ross: It might just be me, King, but there might be some tension starting to rise here.

Jerry Lawler: I felt it too, J.R.

We move backstage, and see an irate Eric Bischoff on the phone.

Eric Bischoff: Who in the hell does she think she is? Telling me that I’m bad at my job—

Just then, Maria enters the room.

Maria Kanellis: Mister Bischoff?

Eric Bischoff: What?

Maria Kanellis: I, uh, have a question to ask you…

Angered, Bischoff hangs up the phone and slams it down.

Eric Bischoff: Go ahead, Maria. Ask away.

Maria Kanellis: Well, I was going to ask you what your opinion was on Trish Stratus’ comments earlier on in the show were but…

Eric Bischoff: My thoughts?

Bischoff laughs.

Eric Bischoff: My thoughts? What are my thoughts on Trish Stratus calling out MY job? Calling out MY efforts here as RAW General Manager? Calling out MY roster? MY women’s locker room?

Bischoff lets out another laugh… until he stops, and sternly looks into Maria’s eyes.

Eric Bischoff: Trish can go to hell.

‘OOOOOOOOOH.’ Maria’s eyes widen.

Eric Bischoff: If she wants to sit on her butt in Toronto and not defend the Women’s Championship, then that’s her decision. She has her right to do that. Much like I have the right to her contract… and much like I have the right to STRIP HER of that WWE Women’s Championship if she doesn’t defend the title 30 days after her last title defense. And by my count… that would mean Trish has until May 3rd, 2005 to step into the ring and defend the WWE Women’s Title.

Letting out a bit of steam, Bischoff cools his temper, just a little bit.

Eric Bischoff: If she doesn’t, then she’ll be known as Trish Stratus – FORMER WWE Women’s Champion.

Eric throws a lot of emphasis on the word ‘FORMER’ as he continues to look on.

Eric Bischoff: And by the way, Maria. If Teddy Long is serious about trying to court one of MY contracted wrestlers to SmackDown, he better have an attorney on speed dial. I will NOT hesitate to pursue legal action on him and make sure that I HUMILIATE him in court.

Maria, feeling awful awkward after Bischoff’s sternness, backs away and nods as RAW’s General Manager has once again proven to never be afraid to say what’s on his mind.

Commercial Break

In the back, Todd Grisham stands with a microphone in the interview pit.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… Muhammad Hassan.

Jeers ‘round the background as Muhammad Hassan walks into screen shot, grinning.

Todd Grisham: Mister Hassan, I understand you asked for this time?

Muhammad Hassan: Correct, Todd. You see…

The jeers in the background get louder, and Hassan takes note.

Muhammad Hassan: As these rude and inconsiderate people remind me, my impact here in WWE has still yet to be felt. I’m still young, and I haven’t scratched the surface. As I said last week, I’m tired of being held down. I showed my frustrations earlier tonight at the expense of the poor, lovable Eugene. But I have bigger things on my mind.

Hassan nods.

Muhammad Hassan: That’s why next week, when RAW emanates from The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, I’m going to issue… a challenge.

A confident look comes over the Arab-American’s face.

Muhammad Hassan: And you’re not going to believe whom it’s to.

With that, Hassan paces off screen with Daivari flanking him, as he certainly left room for much speculation to be made.

***SEXY BOY*** With Maven in the ring, it’s The Heartbreak Kid who makes his grand entrance into the arena next. The crowd bellows out a full-fledged fury of support for Shawn Michaels who is competing in his first match since the unfortunate defeat at the hands of Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21.

Jim Ross: And will ya take a listen to this ovation for one of the greatest of all time!

Jerry Lawler: Michaels is looking to be extremely confident right now, J.R., and he should be. He’s adamant about putting the loss to Kurt Angle behind him. For his sake, and for RAW’s sake, I hope he does.

#4 – Shawn Michaels vs. Maven

So, poor Maven winds up at the mercy of The Showstopper. The former schoolteacher, and the man who famously eliminated The Undertaker from the Royal Rumble match three years ago, gets some level of offense in. For the most part though, it’s all Michaels, who emphatically puts a cap on the match with a scintillating edition of Sweet Chin Music in the middle of the ring. Three seconds later, it’s all over but the crying, as Shawn gets back into the win column.

Winner – Shawn Michaels via pin fall at 5:26.

As Michaels celebrates, getting his hand raised in the center of the ring…

***AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ ME*** All eyes are now bestowed on the stage, as Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin saunters out, wearing a black t-shirt, a blue track jacket and sweatpants. With the Intercontinental Title belt brandished on his shoulder, Benjamin brings the microphone he carries in his hand up to his mouth.

Shelton Benjamin: Hey Shawn, congratulations.

Shelton begins to march down the ramp.

Shelton Benjamin: You won your first match out of the gate since you lost in front of… what, millions of people around the world at WrestleMania?

A look over at Michaels, who doesn’t look very amused, as the IC Champion doesn’t appear done.

Shelton Benjamin: Impressive. Very impressive. Y’know, not as impressive as holding the Intercontinental Championship for, after tonight, 174 days but…

Benjamin climbs into the ring.

Shelton Benjamin: …We can’t all be so lucky.

The South Carolina native smiles as he looks at his title belt.

Shelton Benjamin: But hey, listen. I’m not out here to just put myself over… or put you down… and I’m also not out here to seek revenge on you for kicking me in the mouth last week.

The crowd cheers for that, which bugs the champ a little bit.

Shelton Benjamin: The past is the past, Shawn. And as a token of my gratitude, I’d like to offer you something.

Listening, HBK looks on as some murmurs go around the crowd.

Shelton Benjamin: As the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history, I’m open to all challengers of all shapes and sizes. So Shawn, I’m here to tell you that I’m giving you a shot at my Intercontinental Championship.

What! The crowd reacts accordingly, blowing up, as Benjamin nods and extends his hand.

Shelton Benjamin: What’cha say, Heartbreak Kid?

The Icon looks around the arena, as the crowd is enthralled. A few moments later, Shawn extends out his hand, and shakes Shelton’s! The crowd bursts into cheers as a wide grin comes over Benjamin’s face.

Shelton Benjamin: Well there you have it. Shawn Michaels, you’ve got yourself a shot at my Intercontinental Championship…

That smile slowly turns into a smirk…

Shelton Benjamin: …If.

“IF?”

Shelton Benjamin: If you beat me… next week on RAW.

Whoa! Benjamin lets go of Michaels’ hand.

Shelton Benjamin: You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you Shawn? As I said last week, I’m the greatest Intercontinental Champ in history, and you aren’t in my league. Therefore, if you want a shot, you gotta beat me first by pin fall, or submission. And since I’ll never tap out to anyone as long as I have the gold, that means you have to be lucky enough to get my shoulders down to the mat for 1 – 2 – 3, kid.

A thinly veiled Kliq reference excites some, but some are still a bit in shock at Benji’s cockiness.

Shelton Benjamin: Next week, you’ll have that opportunity at Madison Square Garden. A building you know all too well, don’t’cha Shawn?

The wide grin still stands on Benjamin’s face.

Shelton Benjamin: You’ve had your moments there. Next week… I’m gonna have mine. You ain’t stoppin’ me… no one will.

The IC Champ walks up, holding the title high as the two competitors stare down one another.

Jim Ross: Well that’s one hell of an announcement! Next week at Madison Square Garden, Shawn Michaels and Shelton Benjamin are gonna get it on, and if Michaels wins, he gets a shot at the Intercontinental Championship!


Jerry Lawler: I love the attitude Benjamin’s carrying himself with, J.R.! He knows he’s the best and he’s going after the biggest fish there is!

Jim Ross: And Benjamin says he’s gonna have his moment next week at The Garden. If I know Shawn Michaels, I’m not so sure that the Intercontinental Champion isn’t going to have to go through hell and high water to get that moment.

Commercial Break

Jim Ross: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. It’s official – next week when we emanate from Madison Square Garden in New York City, Shelton Benjamin will take on ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels. If Michaels wins, he’ll get a shot at Benjamin’s Intercontinental Championship.

Jerry Lawler: That’s not all! In his FIRST MATCH since winning the World Heavyweight Championship, ‘The Animal’ Batista is going one on one… with, WOO! ‘The Nature Boy!’ Ric Flair and Batista will battle inside The World’s Most Famous Arena. I can’t wait!

***BURN IN MY LIGHT*** ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton walks out to mostly jeers from the Moline, Illinois crowd. Orton does his usual pose at the top of the ramp as pyro rains down from the top, and he then heads on down to the ring with a brisk pace.

Jim Ross: This man was incredibly adamant that he would take care of business in this upcoming matchup against Christian. But Randy Orton is going to have to walk the walk if he wants to talk the talk like he did earlier on tonight.

Jerry Lawler: He’s a former Intercontinental Champion. He’s The Legend Killer. And he’s a former World Heavyweight Champion, J.R. I think Orton knows how to talk the talk and walk the walk. He’s earned that right to say what he wants to say.

***JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES*** Another week, another fairly positive reaction for Captain Charisma. Christian heads out in red attire this evening, with his eyes locked down on Orton who crouches down, readying himself.

Jim Ross: The Peeps are starting to come out in droves. I’m curious to see what happens with this man in the near future, but Christian’s got himself quite a lot of ammo after last week’s win in that huge triple threat main event.

Jerry Lawler: I think Orton’s gonna redeem himself tonight, J.R. I really do!

#5 – Main Event
Randy Orton vs. Christian

Slugging it out, the two main event combatants start off by throwing haymakers at one another, trying to wear each other down early. Orton is the first to break away, raking Christian’s eyes and then going on the offensive. He uses his typical, methodical set of moves to power Christian down to the mat and keep him grounded, much to the chagrin of the crowd.

Christian turns the tide with a counter of an Irish whip, and hits a few hip tosses, before going off to the ropes and walking into a HUGE leaping dropkick by the third-generation superstar. Orton gets up and poses, to boos, and then hits a neckbreaker for a two count. Afterwards, Orton brings Christian into the corner, and then delivers a strong uppercut, sending Christian staggering. Randy then clotheslines Christian out of the ring, as the match spills out to the ringside area.

Randy sends Christian barreling into the steel steps after throwing a few punches, and heads into the ring afterwards to taunt. Christian, to his surprise, gets in the ring at the count of eight, and then Orton stomps all over Christian’s back. Christian battles back but Orton puts him back down onto the mat with another neckbreaker, which puts Christian in peril as he lets out a cry and grabs his neck. A two count follows again, and the third-generation superstar gutwrenches Christian and gets him on his shoulder, looking to deliver an elevated neckbreaker… but Christian lands on his feet, and hits an inverted reverse DDT!

The move proves as a dramatic tide shift, as Christian seizes control going forward. The crowd, fully supporting Christian against the heel in Orton, gets behind him and provides the backdrop for Christian’s stupendous uproar. After hitting a top-rope Flashpoint (!) Captain Charisma brings The Legend Killer down to the mat with a lifting DDT! But as Christian hits the mat, he lands awkwardly on his neck, which was worked on aggressively by Orton earlier on in the contest. The Toronto native struggles and stirs his way to his feet, rubbing and holding the back of his neck.

The referee goes to check on him as Orton is shown crawling on all fours. Christian swim moves by and grabs Orton by the shoulders and looks for the Unprettier. But Orton pushes out of it, and Christian bumps into the ref in the corner! Captain Charisma was able to stop some of his momentum, but the blow puts the referee down on all fours. Christian then walks back over… AS ORTON LEAPS AND CATCHES HIM WITH THE RKO!!!! The iWireless Center RUMBLES as Orton snatches Christian’s legs and hooks them back, pinning his shoulders to the mat as the referee crawls over, still a bit woozy…

1!



2!!



3!!! ORTON GETS HIS REVENGE!

Winner – Randy Orton via pin fall at 13:37.

A cunning move by Orton makes the difference! The Legend Killer celebrates the win with a wide smirk on his face as he walks up to his feet. The referee raises his hand and TLK embraces it, of course, as he does the ‘destiny’ pose as Christian lies face down on the mat.

Jim Ross: And Orton wins it! No doubt did Randy Orton dig deep, no doubt did Randy Orton shove Christian into harms way, but the man made good on his promise.

Jerry Lawler: I told you, J.R.! I told you Orton was going to exact revenge! And he got it! What a way for The Legend Killer to redeem himself tonight!

Orton looks down at his fallen adversary, and, still a little seethed over the proceedings of last week… and at WrestleMania… grabs Christian by his neck…

Jim Ross: Hey, wait a minute. You won the damn match, Randy. What’re you doing?!

Jerry Lawler: He’s letting off some steam, J.R. Christian’s just in the wrong place at the wrong time! He’s got this coming!

Jim Ross: He won the damn match. That’s enough!

Orton drives Christian into the corner, pushing against his neck, and mouths off, and looks ready to strike… A SECOND RKO TO CHRISTIAN!

Jim Ross: Agh, GOD! What the hell!?

Jerry Lawler: Another RKO! That wasn’t out of nowhere, that was just inevitable!


Jim Ross: This man is so agitated that he couldn’t get the job done at neither WrestleMania nor last week on RAW that he’s taken it out on Christian. Aw c’mon!


Orton goes to pull Christian up AGAIN as the crowd watches on, jeering The Legend Killer.

Jerry Lawler: He wanted to kill the legend of The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and instead we might be seeing the end of Christian here and now!

TLK readies… goes to leap…

***THE GAME***

Orton cocks his head over to the stage, as the crowd ERUPTS!

Jim Ross: Well ba’GAWD, I think business just picked up!


Jerry Lawler: Hit the deck!


TRIPLE H stomps out onto the stage and Orton’s expression tells the story. CERTAINLY not expecting to see this visitor, The Legend Killer looks tempered and surprised but welcomes the challenge of his rival into the ring.

And in steps The Cerebral Assassin, and the two begin to slug it out! Orton gets control at first, and whips Triple H into the ropes, but The Game rebounds off with a HUGE clothesline! Orton gets up and walks right into ANOTHER clothesline! Orton then staggers up again and Triple H surges ahead and hits ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE, this time taking Randy out of the ring and onto the floor!

Hunter stares at Randy as he looks to recover from the trifecta of clotheslines. The Game’s music plays over the P.A. system, as he stands in the ring with the World Heavyweight Title’s No. 1 Contender picture still murky, with two weeks to go until Backlash…

END OF SHOW

Current Card for WWE Backlash:
May 1, 2005 // Verizon Wireless Arena // Manchester, New Hampshire

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***
 
#12 ·
SmackDown;
April 14th; Rosemont:


Thursday night’s hottest television show kicks off with a bang. The Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle promenades to the ring to a molten hot reaction from the Allstate Arena crowd. He gets into the ring and eyes the stage, as Teddy Long then enters the venue. The SmackDown! GM says it’s all about competition, and SmackDown is the land of opportunity as well. So he’s giving an opportunity to someone who he thinks deserves one against pound-for-pound the best wrestler in this company today.

With that, Long introduces Angle’s opponent for tonight… the Cruiserweight Champion, PAUL LONDON!

Commercial Break

Returning from break, Angle and London are chain wrestling a bit as it seems evident that the CW Champ is going toe-to-toe with the best wrestler in WWE in a big way. The two men continue to battle, going past the 10-minute threshold as London’s giving Angle just about everything that he’s got. But the Olympian just needed ONE counter to start smelling blood in the water, as he countered an attempt at a hurricanrana into a catapult. London careened against the top turnbuckle, and staggered back into Angle’s arms, and Angle THREW HIM backwards with a HUGE German Suplex!
Like a hound, Kurt pounced, attacking London with purpose, and eventually slapped on the Ankle Lock! But despite the fact that he had the hold locked in for roughly a minute… Paul London got to the ropes! The crowd cheered, getting behind the underdog, and Angle attempted to hit the Angle Slam, but London slipped out of it, BOOM! STANDING ENZIGURI! Paul then scrapped over to the corner, and gingerly climbed to the top rope. With Rosemont looking on, London leaped off… 450 SPLASH TO THE OLYMPIAN! 1… 2… 3!!! NO!!!! ANGLE KICKS OUT!!!!
Gasps and groans ring out around the venue, as London can’t believe that it wasn’t enough. Paul crawls away, and gets up again and kicks Kurt after he gets up. He kicks him again with his other leg, and then runs to the ropes and goes for a clothesline. Angle ducks, grabs Paul – ANGLE SLAM! 1… 2… 3!!! Kurt Angle picks up the win at 12:47!

Commercial Break

Following the bout, Angle is seen walking through Gorilla. There to meet him is Theodore Long, who asks him what he thought of his match. Kurt responds by saying that he enjoyed the test, but all it proved was something he already knew – that he’s the best in the world, it’s true, it’s true. Long responds by saying that was a good answer, and informs Angle that he will once again have another handpicked opposition next week at Madison Square Garden. The Olympic Gold Medalist gets in Long’s face.

“Bring it on.”

Elsewhere, the Cruiserweight Champion is carefully walking through the hallway, after coming up a bit short of his quest to beat Kurt Angle. Despite the end result, Paul London is greeted with an abundance of applause from most of the mid-card and lower-card wrestlers of the blue brand. Booker T then appears, and the former 5-time (5-time, 5-time, 5-time, 5-time) WCW Champion gives London a dap and a shoulder pat, telling him he’s earned a lot of respect from these boys.

Commercial Break

We’re back in the ring after the series of commercials, as U.S. Champion Orlando Jordan takes on Charlie Haas this week, with Hardcore Holly at ringside. With Haas likely being a better worker than Holly at this point, the matchup this week is better than last, as Haas looks to stake a claim to be in the United States Title hunt. Much to the chagrin of Haas and Holly, however, the match nearly goes the same way. The former Seton Hall Pirate looks to apply the Haas of Pain, but Jordan kicks his way out of it. Chuck then walks over, and OJ rolls him up, and hooks the tights, and steals the win at 6:36!
After the match, Jordan looks to scurry away. But Hardcore Holly grabs him by the barricade! Unlike last week, Jordan smashes his elbow in the bridge of Holly’s nose! He then charges forward, and nails the veteran between the eyes with the U.S. Title belt! Jordan then sees Haas coming his way, and does the VERY same thing, waffling him in the face with the title!
Jordan then hops over the barricade and retreats, as a loathsome crowd chants ‘COWWWWARD’ in the direction of the champ. But The Chief of Staff doesn’t seem to give a damn, as he walks through the tunnel with a wide grin on his face.

The Big Show is interviewed next by Josh Matthews. The two discuss the happenings of last week, what with Show losing to the legendary Akebono, but rebounding with an emphatic win over Kenzo Suzuki. The pair talk about what’s next for the giant when Carlito Caribbean Cool intervenes. CCC says that nobody cares about The Big Show or what’s next for him but EVERYONE is interested in what’s next for Carlito. The Caribbean native then announces that his doctors have cleared him and he can compete as early as next week. Big Show, a bit annoyed and offended, subsequently challenges CCC to a match next week. Despite being a bit trembled, Carlito obliges!

Commercial Break

To deliver hype for the WWE Championship Match next week, we get a pre-taped promo from John Bradshaw Layfield about his reign of dominance over SmackDown in the last year. Highlights of his WWE Title run are shown with Layfield voicing it over, lastly saying that The Wrestling God will return to his throne next week inside the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. After the video package, Cole and Tazz tease that we’ll be seeing another late in the show from the champ, John Cena.

Booker T tangles with Billy Kidman in our next bout as The Book Man looks to make it two in a row out of the proverbial New Year’s gate. This pair of former WCW combatants put on a good made-for-TV matchup with each side getting their fair share of offense. Kidman goes for broke attempting the BK Bomb on Booker T, but The Book Man fights out of it and DRILLS Kidman with the Axe Kick! The Houston native then walks over to the corner, climbs up, and hits the HOUSTON HANGOVER to pick up the victory at 8:16 to get two consecutive wins in two consecutive weeks.

Commercial Break

A livid Hardcore Holly is barking with Charlie Haas about the interaction that took place earlier on in the evening with the United States Champion. The tandem seems to be very much in agreement that Jordan needs to get some comeuppance sent his way. The only question is, of course, how?

One week they’re tag team partners, and the next they’re opponents. Shannon Moore and Funaki take part in cruiserweight action in the penultimate matchup of the evening. It’s a quick but fast-paced affair, and with the bar set high earlier by the champion’s performance, both Moore and Funaki seem dead set on getting a leg up on one another. The end of the match sees Funaki go high risk, but Moore dropkicks him in mid-air! After this, he grabs Funaki and hits the MOOREGASM for the 1-2-3 at 6:11.
After the match, Moore respectfully pulls Funaki up to his feet, and the two share a handshake and an embrace, as Cole and Tazz put over the respect inside the Cruiserweight division.

Backstage, we see The Basham Brothers warming up, with the WWE Tag Team Titles Match just moments away.

Commercial Break

As promised, the John Cena vignette airs. It tells Cena’s story, going from the kid who wanted to be a champion, to a Springfield College football player, to rising upstart in OVW and then shows his trials and tribulations on SmackDown over the past few years. Cena tells JBL, “If you want some, come get some,” and that his reign will be far from temporary.

In the GM’s office, Theodore Long waits by a printer for a document to print out. It’s fed through and Long takes it out and examines it, before placing it on his desk and makes a call for an assistant to come pick it up. The camera zooms in on it…

“Ms. Trish Stratus,

On behalf of the SmackDown! Brand, it is my pleasure to extend an invitation to you to attend next week’s edition of the telecast at historic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Among the many things you’ll see:
· WWE Champion John Cena will defend his title against former WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield in a return match from WrestleMania 21.
· In addition, a triple threat match for the United States Championship will occur, as Charlie Haas and Hardcore Holly are set to challenge U.S. Champion Orlando Jordan
· Carlito will return to action against The Big Show
· Kurt Angle will face an opponent of my choosing, and I can promise that it’s a big and exciting name.

Please RSVP by Sunday night so we can have the proper arrangements made for you. Hope to see you there.

Regards,
Theodore Long
SmackDown! General Manager”

Commercial Break

The final match of the night gets underway after the break as Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Basham Brothers in a 2/3 Falls Match.
For nearly 20 minutes, the two tag teams battle in a furious encounter. It’s the challengers who put the champions in an early 1-0 hole after Guerrero is shoved into the corner, taking Mysterio off his mantle and landing in a precarious position. Thereafter, Danny and Doug grab Mysterio and pull him out of the corner, and hit the Ball and Gag at 7:01!
The Bashams come very close to taking the WWE Tag Team Titles away over the next few minutes, but the champions put up a very valiant effort. Things get all evened up, with turnabout being fair play, as Eddie Guerrero dropkicks Danny away and off of the apron goes Doug! Danny staggers backwards and Eddie rolls him up! 1! 2!! 3!!! We’re evened up at 13:22!
The crowd stirs as the conclusion of the match approaches over the next five minutes. The Bashams attempt to hit The Ball and Gag again on Eddie, but Guerrero fights out, and clotheslines Danny out of the ring. He then kicks Doug in the mid-section, and proceeds to hit the Three Amigos Suplexes! Afterwards, he drags Doug over to the middle rope, and tags in Rey, who climbs in. Rey sprints forward… 619! Eddie tags in on Rey’s upon impact, and goes up to the top rope.
FROG SPLASH TO DOUG BASHAM! 1! 2!! 3!!! THE CHAMPIONS RETAIN AGAIN! For the second straight week they’re tested, and for the second straight week Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero prevail! The Allstate Arena comes unglued as the champs celebrate in jubilation in the middle of the ring as The Bashams’ attempt to regain the belts goes sour.
Our last image of the night is Rey and Eddie heading up the ramp, holding up the WWE Tag Team Titles, with all seeming to go well for this ‘dream team…’

END OF SHOW

***

Scheduled Matches for SmackDown!:
April 18, 2005 // Madison Square Garden // New York, New York

WWE Championship Match
John Cena © vs. John Bradshaw Layfield II

One on One
Kurt Angle vs. Teddy Long’s Handpicked Opponent

WWE United States Championship; Triple Threat Match
Charlie Haas vs. Orlando Jordan © vs. Hardcore Holly

The Return of Da Bad Apple
Carlito Caribbean Cool vs. The Big Show

Will WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus accept Theodore Long’s invitation?

***

Current Card for WWE Judgment Day:
May 22, 2005 // Target Center // Minneapolis, Minnesota

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***
 
#13 · (Edited)
Monday Night RAW
APRIL 4TH, 2005​

Promo #1 - 4/5
Couldn't have expected anything less for the opening segment, of post-Mania RAW.Christian brought up some good points, Randy Orton still acting like a crybaby after he LOST fair & square against The Undertaker, & HHH has to be writhing about the fact that he can't get his hands on Batista at this time.

Match #1 - 5/5
Great opening match here, from rivals & best friends here, in Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit.Could've went either way.

Post Match - 5/5
Edge showing Jericho & Benoit who the better Canadian is.Afterall, Edge is the one who left with the Money In The Bank, last night.

Promo #2 - 5/5
Brilliant words from Edge.Edge wants the people around him to finally take him as a THREAT, not a JOKE.The RAW locker room has been warned.

Promo #3 - 3/5
Chris Masters is certainly the young upstart, here.He has his work cut out for him, in the form of Rhyno.

Match #2 - 2.5/5
Chris Masters gets the conniving victory here.

Promo #4 - 4/5
Trish Stratus dropping the reference to Lita, at the end.Trish is right, she's beaten everybody.Why should she have to face the same people twice, if she's already beaten them?

Match #3 - 2.5/5

Promo #5 - 4/5
Loved the arrogance from Randy Orton.Also liked Randy Orton eyeing Maria Kanellis.It'd be kinda cool if you maybe turned Maria heel, making her be Randy Orton's manager/valet.

Promo #6 - 4/5
Loved the arrogance & self centered ego, from Shelton Benjamin.Not only did Shelton Benjamin turn heel, but he also had the guts to interrupt Shawn Michaels & tell him that it was HIS RING.& he got Sweet Chin Music for his tune, as well.Hope we'll see an Intercontinental Championship feud between the two for Backlash.

Match #4 - 2/5
Not the best match, but it certainly plays its part, very well.Wouldn't mind to see Lita turn heel, feuding with Christy Hemme, for using her finisher.

Promo #7 - 4/5
Ric Flair feeding HHH's ego once again.

Promo #8 - 3/5

Match #5 - 2.5/5
Hopefully we might see MNM feud with William Regal & Tajiri next.

Promo #9 - 4/5
Loving every moment of Christian's face turn.Really wish that WWE had done more with him in 2005.It'll be interesting to see how you write/right their wrongs, haha.

Main Event - 5/5
Excellent choice for post-Mania RAW main event.It's a main event that's worthy of WrestleMania, itself.Glad to see Christian getting the well deserved victory & finally some recognition along with it.

Post Match - 5/5
Hopefully we'll see Christian vs. Batista at Backlash, for the World Heavyweight Championship.
 
#14 ·
Thursday Night SmackDown
April 7TH, 2005​

Match #1 - 3/5
Exciting opening contest between these tremendous cruiser-weight/lightweight wrestlers, with the WWE Tag Team Championships up for grabs.Though the challengers gave it their all, Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio still retained without even breaking a sweat.

Promo #1 - 3.5/5
Can't wait to see what you do with & if you do a feud between Eddie & Rey.Funny seeing JBL having an issue with his "Cabinet" members when he should be having an issue with himself.

Match #2 - 2.5/5
Booker T gets the well deserved victory here, showing what his intentions are even though he was left off the WrestleMania card.Booker T should not be taken lightly.

Promo #2 - 3.5/5
Kurt Angle not only believes that he's the best & knows that he's the best, but that victory over the Heart Break Kid at WrestleMania 21 is bound to get to his head even more.It's not cockiness, it's confidence.

Promo #3 - 3/5
Carlito as WWE Champion? Now that, is cool! *TAKES BITE OF APPLE & SPITS IT IN SOME RANDOM GUYS FACE*

Match #3 - 2.5/5
Hardcore Holly with the non-title win over Orlando, here.That has to make Hardcore next in line for a shot at the United States Championship.

Match #4 - 2/5
Big Show's not gonna let anybody get into his mind, he has one goal in mind; wreak destruction like The Giant he is & make sure that he's next in line for a shot at the WWE Championship.

Promo #4 - 4/5
Trish Stratus? To SmackDown? Now that's best for business.

Promo #5 - 4/5
Good way to hype up next week's SmackDown to make people tune in.

Main Event - 4/5
Great cruiser-weight bout here with the Cruiserweight Championship on the line, with Paul London getting the hard earned victory against Chavo Guerrero, in a match that could've went either way.

Promo #6 - 5/5
Can't wait to see the WWE Championship rematch between new champion, John Cena, & former champion, John Bradshaw Layfield.With John Bradshaw Layfield being the challenger & not the champion this time, for the first time in almost ten months, JBL's as desperate as ever.Unlike in the last ten months, he's not gonna have any opportunity for disqualifications, countouts, or interferences.He's gonna have to do this one on his own.
 
#15 · (Edited)
***

WARNING: News may contain possible spoilers. Read at your own risk.
- Plans for SummerSlam 2005 are already underway. One source tells us that the penciled in main event at the moment is a WrestleMania rematch between Randy Orton and The Undertaker. If the rumored matchup between Undertaker and John Cena does in fact occur at Judgment Day, then the build to that match could start then. This is purely speculation on our part.

- On another note, you can expect the Michaels-Benjamin program to not be a one-off. WWE personnel are, as stated, very high on Benjamin and some think he can be a huge star if things fall into place. This could very well be another match for SummerSlam if the expectations are correct.

- WWE has contacted several names from the past for the SuperShow tapings in New York City this Monday. They have never been shy in trying to pull out all the stops for shows at Madison Square Garden so we've been told to "expect the unexpected" for this Monday's set of tapings for both SmackDown and RAW. One possibility might be the return of The Dudley Boyz, who have been off TV for many weeks.

- Over the weekend, WWE signed former ECW wrestler Kid Kash. It's unknown what brand he'll be placed on but he'll immediately be working house shows until May, from what we're told. If we had our guess, we'd say him joining the SmackDown! brand to add more depth to the Cruiserweight division is all but a certainty.

- A recent TV ad for Vengeance in the Las Vegas metro area highlighted Batista, Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho in it. Whether or not this means that there will be a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Title pitting these three wrestlers against one another is unknown, but this may be something to monitor in the near future.

- Phil Brooks (CM Punk) and Bryan Danielson might be the big fish in the independent wrestling sea, but that doesn't mean that they are the only names WWE talent relations officials are scouting at the moment. Sources indicate to us that Kenny King, Rami Sebei, who wrestles under the name "El Generico," Kevin Steen and former WWE employee Jamie Noble have been looked at under the microscope. Sebei, 20, is one of the hottest prospects on the independent scene, as is Steen, who is 20 as well. King is 24 and was also a part of Season 2 of WWE Tough Enough.

***

RAW coming Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
#16 · (Edited)

RAW;
April 18th; New York:

No Opening Video, No Pyro, Instead…
The colony of over 18,000 fans jam-packed inside Madison Square Garden hums LOUDLY as the telecast begins with a cold opening. We eye the side entrance that’s being used tonight as that buzz revs up a ton into a high-pitched ring…

Jim Ross: WELCOME to the World’s Most Famous Arena!! Madison Square Garden has been sold out for weeks, and TONIGHT is set to be yet another memorable edition of Monday… Night… RAW!



***I WALK ALONE*** A THUNDEROUS reaction for the World Heavyweight Champion! Batista, FIRED UP, walks through the double doors in the side entrance of The Garden, with the World Heavyweight Championship adorned around his waist. He lets out a ‘WOO’ and slaps his chest and gets his shoulders and arms patted by the fans in this intimate setting.

Jim Ross: Will you listen to this crowd!!?!? New York has come alive for the World Heavyweight Champion!

Jerry Lawler: I can barely hear myself think! This is incredible, J.R.! What an ovation for the champ!

Jim Ross: When we last saw this man, ‘The Animal,’ inside a ring for a wrestling match, he dethroned Triple H from his throne and won the World Heavyweight Championship fifteen days ago at WrestleMania Twenty One. This is his FIRST match as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion and King, he might have his hands full…

“WOO!”

***ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA*** New York lets out a big pop for The Nature Boy, even with the man’s alignment. Ric Flair struts out in his trademark robe, and MSG joins in with his “WOO!”

Jerry Lawler: It’s the greatest of all time! The sixteen-time World Heavyweight Champion!

Jim Ross: The New York crowd is one of the most pro wrestling savvy crowds in the world, and they’re showing their respect for, my money, the greatest wrestler of all-time as you alluded to, King. But this animal, the former hired gun of Evolution, he’s not like many we’ve seen in the past.

Jerry Lawler: But this is The Dirtiest Player in the Game, J.R.! And these two know each other like the backs of their hand. Flair’s got something up his sleeve. I’m sure of it.

Naitch climbs into the ring, and takes off his robe and takes a gander down at the former muscle of Evolution, who bounces in his corner, feeding off of the electricity inside these hallowed halls. Flair talks a little bit of trash, as one would expect from the behavior he’s had over the years. MSG cools down just by a peg but comes alive again as the bell sounds…

1 – Non-Title Match
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Ric Flair

Both men circle the ring and try to find an opening. Afterwards, the two finally grapple up and Batista, to no surprise, uses his strength to back Ric into the corner. The referee breaks it up but the two lock horns again. This time, Batista shoves Flair to the ground, to a pop, as he flexes his muscles. Angered, Flair goes in for a right, but Batista knocks him backwards with one of his own after blocking the attempt. Batista then charges forward and clotheslines Flair to the mat, and then does so again, and then back drops Flair onto the canvas. Batista bounces as the crowd lets out a cheer, as we see Naitch slide out of the ring.

The match continues to sway in the champion’s favor over the next few minutes. The powerhouse uses his strength-based moveset to overwhelm Naitch. But, the crafty North Carolinian gets back into the mix after giving Big Dave a few thumbs to the eye, and with The Animal staggering Flair reels off a few hard knife-edged chops to the chest. Flair continues to rattle them off and lets out a big WOOO of his own. Naitch then backs away and suplexes the big man to the mat, leading to a near fall.

Flair continues to stay in control as the match wears on. Batista finds himself in a little bit of trouble as The Nature Boy works on his ankle and leg, perhaps wanting to weaken him for the Figure Four Leg Lock later on. But the champ rallies and connects with a thunderous powerslam to turn the tide. Dave then hits a couple of shoulder blocks sequentially, before hitting another powerslam. Batista goes for a cover, but it’s met with a two count. Batista then hits a few rights, and shoots Ric off to the ropes. He goes for a clothesline, but Flair ducks and chop blocks The Animal! With Batista down, Ric grabs onto his legs, and slaps on the Figure Four!

WOOOOs are gathered around Madison Square Garden as Ric has the World Heavyweight Champion right where he wants him: in the middle of the ring with no chance of hitting the ropes. Batista writhes a bit in pain as his previously weakened ankle is coming into play. Ric creates all of the leverage, putting Big Dave in a very, very precarious position.

However, after moments of trying, Batista finally is able to reverse the leverage! The crowd bursts into cheers as Ric now feels the effects, but eventually breaks loose. Batista crawls up to a vertical base, limping a little bit on the ankle. The Nature Boy then gets up as well, and charges forward… into a SPINEBUSTER FROM BATISTA! The buzz inside MSG increases in decibels as the World Heavyweight Champion gets up again, and shakes the top rope. He then goes thumbs up… and then thumbs down, and grabs Ric and loads him up…

BATISTA BOMB!!!

1!

2!!

3!!! BATISTA WINS!!

Winner – Batista via pin fall at 10:22.

Jim Ross: And the World Heavyweight Champion is victorious!! What a way to kick off RAW!

Jerry Lawler: I have to hand it to Batista. Any time that you’re in this building, you have to account for the fact that you’re fighting in a big match situation. There was no hangover from WrestleMania Twenty One for The Animal. He passed the test with flying colors.

Big Dave celebrates on all four corners, hoisting the World Heavyweight Title belt up high as the fans applaud from their feet. Flair is seen admonishing his defeat, as the champ walks on past and climbs out of the ring, heading for the backstage area, but not before posing with the belt one more time.

After this, we cut to the backstage area, where Todd Grisham is standing by.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… ‘The Rabid Wolverine,’ Chris Benoit.

A cheer fills MSG as the camera pans out to see Chris Benoit standing next to the RAW interviewer.

Todd Grisham: Chris, in just a few moments you’re going to be facing Edge, the holder of the Money in the Bank contract. There’s certainly no love lost between either of you as you’ve had your battles in the past. This was further compounded at WrestleMania when Edge, arguably above everyone else, cost you a chance at retrieving that briefcase. With that in mind, how do you plan on attacking this matchup with him?

Chris Benoit: You see you’re right, Todd. Edge did cost me my chance at getting the Money in the Bank contract. You saw it. STAPLES Center saw it. The whole world saw Edge hit my arm with a steel chair against the ladder that I was climbing up. I was inches away from grabbing that briefcase, and inches away from having an opportunity to have another WrestleMania moment, and have another chance at getting the World Heavyweight Championship back in my possession just as I did last year in this very building.

A lot of cheers. Benoit lets out a grimace, and shakes his head.

Chris Benoit: But it didn’t happen that way. I’m not going to make any excuses though. Edge hit me with a chair, and it was perfectly legal in the match. Anybody could’ve been in my position, whether it was Edge, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, Christian or Chris Jericho. It wound up being me, and I’m not happy about it but I’m not going to let it affect my quest to become the World Heavyweight Champion again.

A few cheers from the onlookers in the audience.

Chris Benoit: As for tonight, well, like you said Todd. I’ve had my matches in the past with Edge. I’ve been his tag team partner. We’ve been World Tag Team Champions. I’d argue that aside from only a couple of guys in this company, I don’t know many men better than I know Edge. So I’m attacking tonight knowing what’s coming. And Edge knows what’s coming too.

Benoit looks over at Grisham.

Chris Benoit: And that’s that he … is going … to TAP – OUT!


Crowd pops. Benoit marches away…

Commercial Break

***BURN IN MY LIGHT*** NYC doesn’t shy away from showing how they feel about the man that slowly steps into the venue. Randy Orton walks down to the ring with a smirk present on his face, wearing a black polo shirt and khaki pants.

Jim Ross: Well fifteen days ago at WrestleMania Twenty One, Randy Orton was unable to achieve his quest to beating The Undertaker. The night after WrestleMania, Orton was involved in a high-stakes triple threat match, in which he ate the pin to Christian. And last week, those two got it on in the ring.

Jerry Lawler: And it was Orton, who as I predicted, got his revenge! He got him with a huge RKO but that wasn’t all. After the match, The Legend Killer struck again!


Jim Ross: The St. Louis native and third-generation superstar hit a second RKO onto Christian. Just when it seemed like he was about to hit a third, for no good reason I might add, business picked up.

Jerry Lawler: Triple H, Orton’s rival over much of the last eight months, came out and duked it out with Randy. And in the end it was The Game who was standing tall with Orton retreating.

Jim Ross: We just saw the World Heavyweight Champion in action. There’s no doubt, no doubt right now that the World Heavyweight Title picture is as murky as ever.

Randy gets in the ring, and grabs a microphone.

Randy Orton: New York City, get a look at greatness!

Boos. Predictably, Orton sneers.

Randy Orton: This city ought to be familiar with dynasties and you’re looking at one right now in this ring.

The arrogant Orton begins to walk around the ring.

Randy Orton: Post-WrestleMania life has been both good and bad for me. On one hand, I didn’t beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. I didn’t achieve the goal that I set out to achieve. To make matters worse the following night, I got pinned in this ring by somebody who didn’t even belong, in my opinion, anywhere near the World Heavyweight Title scene. I got pinned by someone who stuck his nose where it didn’t belong and was able to cash in on an opportunity that was given on pure circumstance.

He shakes his head in disgust, as a small ‘CHRIS-TIAN’ chant picks up ferocity.

Randy Orton: On the other…

Orton is cut off by the chants from the New York crowd. He shakes his head again.

Randy Orton: On the other hand, last week I stood in this ring against that phony. I stood in the ring against that nosy individual and you know what happened? You know what tok place when I got a one-on-one opportunity against this guy?

He pauses, as if to wait to hear a response from the crowd, and then brings the mic up.

Randy Orton: I BEAT HIM! I beat Christian in this ring!

Crowd boos.

Randy Orton: I dropped him with an RKO and I took him out. I pinned him 1-2-3. You all saw it. The entire world saw it. I plotted revenge. I sought revenge. And I took it. That’s what I do. I’m Randy Orton, I’m a third-generation superstar, I’m the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history, and I am… The Legend Killer.

Orton nods.

Randy Orton: Christian? Make no mistake about it. He’s no legend. He’s nowhere near it. Christian was the second fiddle of a successful tag team. He’s not bred for success like I am. He is not World Heavyweight Championship material. He does not have the looks like I do. He does not have the charisma like I do, despite the fact that he calls himself “Captain Charisma.” He does not have the strength, the size, the speed, the athleticism. Christian is NOT in my league and he never will be.

More boos for Orton’s disparagement of Captain Charisma.

Randy Orton: And I’m sure you’re all hoping in your hearts and minds that Christian’s going to come down to this ring and shut me up right? I’m sure you’re all dying of anticipation right now to see Christian come down, maybe slap me in the face, maybe punch me in the mouth, and maybe hit me with an Unprettier. Is that what you want?

‘YEAH!’

Randy Orton: Well TOO BAD!

Boos.

Randy Orton: Christian isn’t here tonight. Christian is at home recovering because last week I did more damage to him than he might’ve expected. Not only did I hit him with an RKO and pin him 1-2-3, after the match was over I hit him with a SECOND RKO!

TLK grins, proud of himself for that.

Randy Orton: I would have gotten away with hitting a third RKO on him, too. For all I know, if that happened, we might never see Christian again. Instead… I was interrupted…

Orton, disgusted, shakes his head.

Randy Orton: …by Triple H.

HUGE mixed reaction.

Randy Orton: What for? I’m not sure. Maybe Triple H’s ego was getting in his way again. Maybe Triple H was annoyed that he wasn’t in the main event. Maybe Triple H is still steaming over the fact that he’s choked in the last two main events of WrestleMania…

‘OH!’

Randy Orton: Maybe Triple H is insecure about the fact that he knows the end of the road is coming for him, and a guy like me is set to step in. I’m the next face of World Wrestling Entertainment. I am so close to getting to the top of the mountain again, and maybe Triple H realized that so he’s made a last ditch effort to try and undercut me again just like he’s done to so many others in the past.

The crowd doesn’t quite know how to respond to statements like that – Triple H is a heel after all – but Orton continues to pace around the ring.

Randy Orton: But that’s not relevant to me. Triple H is irrelevant to me. Christian is irrelevant to me. The only thing that I care about now is getting my World Heavyweight Title back. So that’s why I am not asking, no, I am DEMANDING right now that I get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship!

Groans from the crowd as Orton’s arrogance takes over.

Randy Orton: Batista, I’m not going to wait very long for this. So get out here right now, because I’m ready to fulfill my destiny and become World Heavyweight Champion again.

Orton lowers the mic and looks down at the entranceway…





***THE GAME***

Jerry Lawler: Whoa!


Jim Ross: Well this isn’t what Orton wanted but it’s what he’s going to get!

An EPIC mixed reaction permeates Madison Square Garden as Triple H storms inside. The Game ignores the usual water spit, and instead heads to the ring, eyes locked on Randy Orton. TLK doesn’t back down an inch, looking dead in his rival’s eyes as well, as we see Hunter proceed up the stairs. He clambers into the ring, and accepts a microphone from a crewmember at ringside.

Triple H: I haven’t connected a lot lately with most of these people, but I’m pretty sure that most of them don’t want to hear a thing that you have to say, Randy.

Cheers from the crowd, as Orton shouts that he doesn’t give a damn.

Triple H: And just in case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you of something. I heard you say that you want a World Heavyweight Championship shot. Is that right?

Randy Orton: Yeah.

Triple H: Really?

Randy Orton: Yeah, it is.

Triple H: Well, that’s cute Randy. It really is. I have a question for you. Who’s the guy that walked into WrestleMania Twenty One as World Heavyweight Champion?

Orton glares.

Triple H: Who’s the guy that, above all and anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to step into the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion, is entitled to a rematch for that belt?

Randy continues to glare as Hunter walks up to him.

Triple H: Me.

Mixed response from the crowd.

Triple H: Yeah, I’ve stayed quiet. Yeah, I haven’t made much of a peep about it. But it goes without saying that THIS… is my ring. THIS… is my show. THIS… is my world, and you and everybody else is just living in it.

Hunter lets out a glare of his own.

Triple H: You want to talk about dynasties? You want to talk about success? You’re looking at success. You’re looking at a one-man dynasty. You’re looking at a one-man wrecking crew. Day in, day out, week in, week out, year in, year out, I’m on top and I’ve DOMINATED this brand for the last three years without even a SINGLE significant threat to my throne.

Facts are facts, and no one appears ready to deny ‘em from Triple H.

Triple H: Now, Batista? Yeah. He’s a bad man. He’s The Animal. He was Evolution’s muscle, just like you were Evolution’s brightest prospect. But just like Dave did, you got too enamored with your own ego. You thought you could handle the big stage on your own. Just like you were, Dave’s the World Heavyweight Champion…

Hunter leans in.

Triple H: …For now.

Another boisterous mixed reaction permeates MSG.

Triple H: You had your day in the sun under the bright lights. You had your historic moment on a grand stage. And then what happened? You were toppled off. You were taken out by a buzzsaw; the biggest damn freight train in this business plowed right through you and you haven’t recovered since.

Orton’s glare only intensifies as Triple H continues this walk down memory lane.

Triple H: And whether he likes it or not, the same thing’s going to happen to Dave. Whether he likes it, whether you like it, or whether the fans like it or not, I am going to be the dominant buzzsaw I have been. I am going to be an eleven-time World Champion sooner rather than later. Because I… am… The Game.

Mixed response.

Triple H: And I am that… damn… good.

Randy Orton: Oh yeah? You’re that damn good? How about you prove it.

Hunter smiles.

Randy Orton: C’mon, Hunter. One-on-one, right here in The Garden. What are we waiting for? Let’s go. Right now.

The crowd appears to be charged up as Orton goes to drop the mic.





***I’M BACK***

Jerry Lawler: Hey, wait!

Jim Ross: Well this is a bit of a surprise…

RAW’s General Manager Eric Bischoff walks through the double doors with a microphone in hand, and typical attire on.

Eric Bischoff: Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen…

Hunter and Orton look down at their boss as some boos smatter around the arena.

Eric Bischoff: While I certainly appreciate your desires, your tenacity and your fighting spirit, I’m here to regretfully inform you of something.

Bischoff wears a shit-eating grin on his face, about ready to drop something…

Eric Bischoff: Yes, you see, we are here in New York City. We are here inside Madison Square Garden, The World’s Most Famous Arena. A host of THREE WrestleManias and more to come I’m sure. However gentlemen… this crowd? It’s already seen the World Heavyweight Champion Batista versus “The Nature Boy,” the SIXTEEN-TIME World Champion, Ric Flair-

WOO!

Eric Bischoff: It’s GOING to see Chris Benoit, “The Rabid Wolverine” face “Mister Money in the Bank,” Edge, in just a few minutes. And later on tonight, in the MAIN EVENT, it’s going to see your Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin going one-on-one… with none other than “The HEART – BREAK – KID” SHAWN MICHAELS!

Crowd THUNDEROUSLY pops for that one.

Eric Bischoff: So I don’t want to just… keep GIVING AWAY matches like Randy Orton versus Triple H on Monday Night RAW.

…And then the crowd boos loudly.

Eric Bischoff: Nobody deserves that. It’s not smart for my business model. Not even this building or these fans deserve to see you two face each other on free TV. Hell no.

More boos are directed Bischoff’s way, but he can’t help himself as he laughs a little bit, smiling widely.

Eric Bischoff: However I didn’t just come out here to ruin your fun. Oh… no. I came out here because I have an announcement. And it’s regarding the World Heavyweight Championship situation.

A buzz begins to be created…

Eric Bischoff: Neither of you are wrong with anything you said quite frankly. Triple H, you ARE entitled to a rematch against Batista. Randy, you’re right as well. You DESERVE an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Title as well. And…

‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’ ‘CHRIS-TIAN!’

Eric Bischoff: And it’s also hard to deny that… perhaps the winds of change are getting a bit BLUSTERY.

A pop rises from the New York crowd.

Eric Bischoff: Therefore… instead of going the, you know, usual route of determining a number one contender, I’ve decided to go a bit… unconventionally. So, in thirteen days at Backlash, Batista will be defending the WORLD – HEAVYWEIGHT – TITLE against… “The Game,” Triple H!

A mixed response, as Hunter grins, and Orton looks at Bischoff, befuddled.

Eric Bischoff: …As WELL as, “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton!

Now mostly groans from the crowd as Orton grins a little bit.

Eric Bischoff: …And LAST but not least… “Captain Charisma,” CHRISTIAN!

EXPLOSIVE pop!

Eric Bischoff: In a FATAL – FOUR WAY – MATCH – for the WORLD – HEAVYWEIGHT – TITLE!


Jim Ross: Would you believe that!?

Jerry Lawler: What an announcement!

Eric Bischoff: Four men … One title … One fall to a finish.

Bischoff smirks.

Eric Bischoff: Good luck.

EZE’s music hits as the buzz continues to reverberate around the famed venue as Triple H and Randy Orton awkwardly look at one another. Our announce team continues to hype up the epic encounter announced for the Pay-Per-View and we eventually enter our next commercial break…

Commercial Break

***WHATEVER*** ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit enters the arena to a tremendous uproar of approval from The Garden faithful. Benoit looks around, acknowledges the strong showing of support, before making his way to the ring.

Jim Ross: It was March the 14th of 2004 that Chris Benoit’s eighteen-year odyssey culminated in a miraculous victory in a triple threat match at the twentieth edition of WrestleMania. It was an unforgettable moment for this man and there’s no doubt that Benoit’s on a mission to make it happen again.

Jerry Lawler: Well, you’re right about that, J.R. Benoit realized his dream last year at WrestleMania inside Madison Square Garden. It was one of the best main events in WrestleMania history. If not THE best. But while he wants to make it happen again, there’s only one man who has a guaranteed shot…

***METALINGUS*** Although the heel, New York City shows some admiration for the holder of the Money in the Bank Contract. Edge briskly paces through the smoke that engulfs the entrance area, and pats the ever-important briefcase a few times.

Jerry Lawler: And that’s this man right here!

Jim Ross: This crowd is certainly showing lots of respect for this young man whose ethics might be in question…

Jerry Lawler: Ethics, shmethics, J.R. Edge has paid his dues and he deserves to be where he is right now. You know that as well as I do.

2 – Chris Benoit vs. ‘Mr. MITB’ Edge

The match gets underway on the outside as Benoit meets Mr. MITB in the entranceway. The two exchange blows, and it’s The Crippler who has the early advantage out of the gate, chopping Edge across his chest and delivering some punishing punches. Edge swiftly changes course after raking Benoit’s eyes, and throwing him into the barricade. The opportunistic one from Toronto then rolls into the ring as the crowd greets him with a mixed response. Benoit then climbs into the ring and Edge greets him with a few stomps to the back as the bell officially kicks off the match.

Mr. MITB keeps the advantage going until Benoit sends it back into his side after countering an Irish Whip into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Benoit then attacks methodically, working on Edge’s shoulder and head areas with a few holds and strikes. Benoit goes for an elbow drop down on Edge’s arm and connects, and then picks it up and wrenches it, before wrenching it again, and pulling him in for a hard clothesline. A near fall follows, but Benoit doesn’t let it affect him. The savvy veteran instead continues to go to work on Edge’s arm as our commentators note how crucial it is for Benoit to do this to leave Edge susceptible for the Crippler Crossface.

Benoit and Edge continue to tango, with Edge continuing to sell the arm as the match wears on. Benoit goes for an attempt at the Sharpshooter, but Edge reverses it into a pinning combination! Benoit kicks out of it, and Edge gets up and connects with a huge dropkick. He smartly plays it out, laying on his uninjured arm, and gets into the driver’s seat.

Commercial Break

We return from the break and Edge remains in control, with a rear headlock slapped on. Benoit gathers momentum as he gathers his bearings, getting back to his feet, elbowing free. He runs off to the ropes but Edge powers him down to the mat! But this time around, Edge lands on his harmed shoulder, and is not able to pin right away. This allows for Benoit to roll away as Mr. MITB scraps his way to his feet. Chris goes for a strong right, but Edge ducks, turns around and hits the Edge-O-Matic! 1! 2!! Kick out from Benoit! The crowd elicits a “TWOOOOO” as Edge powers his way back to his feet. He watches his adversary the entire way, and runs forward and connects with a spinning heel kick! 1! 2!! KICK OUT again!

Edge rolls away and back up to his feet, and looks ready to uncoil. He then surges forward, but Benoit sees it coming, trips him up, and applies the Crippler Crossface! The NYC crowd bursts into cheers as the deadly submission maneuver is applied right in the center of the ring! And Chris has it applied with Edge’s weakened arm in place! The Money in the Bank holder screams out in pain as he reaches out for the ropes. He attempts to dig into the mat, aiming for the ropes as Benoit only applies it with a harder grip. But Edge reaches out… and grabs hold!

Has the damage been done? Edge writhes in pain as he rolls out of the ring, holding the injured arm and shoulder. Benoit, meanwhile, is crawling back up to his feet. He sees his opponent stir, and stands in the center of the ring. Then, he takes off, hitting the ropes, sprinting towards the other side, AND SUICIDE DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES TAKING EDGE DOWN TO THE FLOOR! The crowd erupts in a flurry of cheers as both men are now sprawled out on the floor. Eventually, Chris gets up and tosses Edge back into the ring. With him laid out, Benoit goes up to the top rope, and shoots out… DIVING HEADBUTT TO EDGE! 1! 2!


SHOULDER UP!! Edge somehow gets the pin broken up before the count of three. Benoit he rolls off Edge and shakes his head in disbelief as the headbutt simply was not enough. After getting up, he grabs Edge by his arms, and locks his arms around Edge’s waist and throws him back with a German Suplex. Benoit holds on, gets up, and hits a second German Suplex. The crowd watches on and cheers, as Benoit gets Edge up again and goes for a third German Suplex… but Edge lands on his feet! Flipping in mid-air, the MITB holder has the wherewithal to counter the attack, and kicks Benoit in the gut and hits the Edgecution! 1! 2!! SHOULDER UP FROM BENOIT!

MSG applauds the efforts from both men thus far as a stupendous TV match continues on. The finish appears to be steadfast approaching and Benoit goes for a kick on Edge, but Edge blocks it. HOWEVER, Chris leaps up, scoring with an ENZIGURI! Benoit then crawls back up to his feet, and looks down at Edge, and his injured arm… and looks over at the corner… and slashes his throat slowly as the crowd bellows out a loud cheer!

He goes to the well again, looking for the Diving Headbutt… but EDGE MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! The Rabid Wolverine crashes and burns on the canvas to the sound of a cringing audience. Edge, knowing he dodged the proverbial bullet, rolls away with an exasperated look on his face and climbs up near the corner. He then turns around, and looks over at Benoit and calls on him to get up. Holding his shoulder still, Edge appears hurt, but sprints ahead as Chris reaches his feet…

SPEAR TO CHRIS BENOIT!!!!

1!

2!!

3!!! EDGE WINS!!!

Winner – Edge via pin fall at 14:07.

Jim Ross: Well you might love him or you might hate him, but ba’gawd, that was a resilient effort from Edge. A respectable one. A commendable one. And we’ve had back-to-back INCREDIBLE matches tonight!

Jerry Lawler: And it was all because Benoit went to the well one too many times, J.R. I think he should’ve played it safe and gone with the Crossface on Edge’s weakened arm. But he CHOSE to for that Diving Headbutt and he paid the price for it.

Edge, favoring his shoulder, gets up and celebrates the victory, but it’s short lived…

BAM!

Jim Ross: Hey, wait a minute! What the hell is—

Jerry Lawler: It’s Chris Jericho!!

INDEED IT IS! Chris Jericho, perhaps on a vengeful trip, attacks Edge from behind and throws his fists down at Edge’s forehead. He then gets up and stomps all over Edge’s weakened arm and throws him into the ringpost, shoulder first!

Jim Ross: Oh, gosh, that THUD!

Jerry Lawler: I had a feeling this was coming!

Y2J then takes a look down at Chris Benoit, the man who embarrassed him last week by applying the Crippler Crossface in the middle of the ring. Wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine perchance, Jericho grabs Benoit by the ankles, and applies The Walls of Jericho!


Jim Ross: And now Jericho’s got The Walls of Jericho locked in on Benoit!!

Jerry Lawler: Payback is a you know what, J.R.! Jericho got hit with the Crippler Crossface last week, and a Spear the week before! Y2J wasn’t going to stand for this at all.

Benoit lets out a cry as Y2J torques the back of The Rabid Wolverine. The crowd, unsure of how to react, douses a mixed reaction on the scene of the crimes, as The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n Rolla’ eventually throws Chris’ legs down on the mat. He surveys the damage he’s left in his wake, and smiles and climbs out of the ring.

Elsewhere…

We then cut over to the outside of Two Penn Plaza, and to a Ferrari Enzo pulling up. Stepping out of the car is none other than the Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin, whose appearance draws a mixed response from this New York crowd. Benjamin, wearing a maroon Nike track jacket, maroon sweatpants, and a gold shirt, donning his alma mater’s colors, grabs the Intercontinental Title belt from inside the car and walks over to a valet parker and flings the keys over to him.

Shelton Benjamin: Do your job, boss.

Benjamin hands him a 100 dollar bill, and marches into the building.

Jim Ross: The Intercontinental Champion’s arrived. Later on tonight he’s got a date with ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and folks, you’re not going to want to miss it.

Jerry Lawler: The anticipation is killing me for that match. Shelton’s going to steal the show. I can feel it!

Commercial Break

We spot Chris Jericho making his way through a corridor in the inner dwellings of The Garden. Then, a couple seconds later, Maria Kanellis appears, microphone in hand.

Maria Kanellis: Chris, Chris, could I have a quick word with you?

Jericho stops, and looks down at Maria.

Maria Kanellis: What was your motive for attacking Chris Benoit and Edge out there?

Chris Jericho: My motive? My motive? Have you seen what both of those jackasses have done to me in the past two weeks? I mean, not only did I not win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match – the match that I created, the match that I’m the architect of, but I’ve been speared and put into the Crippler Crossface in back-to-back weeks, Maria.

Showing a bit of fire, Jericho continues on.

Chris Jericho: I’ve had it. I’m not letting all of my Jericholics see their hero, The King of the World get taken down by those guys out there. I am the very first Undisputed Champion. I defeated The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the very same night, Maria. I’m not going to let Chris Benoit or Edge push me around at all. So that’s what my motive was for attacking them after the match.

Y2J wipes his hair back.

Chris Jericho: And if either of those two have a problem with it, they know where to find me.

With that, Jericho steps away.

Elsewhere…

We once again see Shelton Benjamin. This time, the Intercontinental Champion is cockily congregating in a corridor with the belt brandished on his shoulder when he walks up to The Coach, Jonathan Coachman.

Jonathan Coachman: Playa, what’s happenin’ Shelton?

Shelton Benjamin: You know what it is, Coach.

The two bump fists.

Jonathan Coachman: Hey, good luck in your match tonight against Shawn Michaels.

Shelton Benjamin: Luck? You know I don’t need luck. I’m the best there is.

Jonathan Coachman: True. I’m sorry, man. You’re right. You’re Shelton Benjamin. You’re the Intercontinental Champion. The MVP of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Shelton Benjamin: Damn right. Now you’re talkin’, Coach.

Jonathan Coachman: The bright lights of Madison Square Garden were made for guys like you, Shelton.

Shelton Benjamin: You know it. Tonight, I’m getting my Garden moment. Like the song says - ain’t nobody stoppin’ me.

Jonathan Coachman: Can’t wait to see ya out there.

The two bump fists again as Benjamin saunters off.

Commercial Break

***MASTERPIECE*** A voice of disproval rains down from the rafters of MSG as Chris Masters makes his grand entrance. ‘The Masterpiece’ then walks to the ring in his wrestling attire, hoping to make yet another man submit to his powerful Masterlock. Masters climbs into the ring and takes the microphone from Lilian Garcia.

Chris Masters: New York City…

Masters begins to pace.

Chris Masters: The Big Apple; The City That Never Sleeps…

Continuing to walk, Chris looks out in the crowd.

Chris Masters: Yet all I see, despite all the talking up, despite all the hype, are a bunch of no good, bottom-feeding losers.

Jeers from the crowd, albeit cheap heat.

Chris Masters: This city should be the hallmark city of America as it’s supposedly made out to be. Instead it’s far from that. It’s grotesque, it is underwhelming, and it is dirty and disgusting.

A ‘MASTERS SUCKS’ chant starts to slowly churn its way through the crowd.

Chris Masters: Which is funny, because that’s the exact description I would use for the WWE locker room. Instead of being, well, like yours truly: beautiful, handsome, strong, confident, built with strong physique, rich with talent… instead the WWE locker room is lazy, ugly, unconfident, weak, and littered with untapped potential that will simply never be reached.

Chris nods, agreeing with himself, as he continues on the mic.

Chris Masters: It’s also home to people like… say, for instance, Rhyno. Rhyno is a man who is living off of nothing but his past and what he used to do, as opposed to what he’s done lately. And all Rhyno’s done lately… is lose.

Boos again for the dogging of the ECW favorite.

Chris Masters: Now, anyways, enough about Rhyno. Tonight, I’m once again inviting anybody in the back not only to face me, but to try and break my Masterlock. So, who’s next??

Masters turns towards the entranceway.

Chris Masters: C’mon down. I don’t care who you are or where you’re from. Step on down the aisle and take your chance. Let’s go.

The crowd waits and waits, as Masters does as well, and shows a little impatience.

Chris Masters: Now, I know I might have been a little bit abrasive, but I’m willing to be proven wrong. So once again, someone, anyone, come on down to this ring and give it a shot!

Masters stands and waits some more, as does the crowd, as everyone is getting a little bit anxious. Chris chats a little bit with the referee as seconds continue to dwindle by. ‘The Masterpiece’ then goes to walk up…

***WRECK***

?!?!?!?!?!

Jim Ross: What the… what the hell!?!?

Jerry Lawler: No! No! You’ve gotta be kidding me!

The crowd: SHOCKED! Chris Masters: SHOCKED!

IT’S MICK FOLEY!!!!!!!!!


Jim Ross: BA’GAWD! It’s MICK FOLEY!! Mrs. Foley’s BABY BOY is here at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!!!

The Hardcore Legend is here! Dressed in the signature raggedy clothes, Foley hoists his hand up in the air as this New York City crowd has come absolutely unglued! Masters himself looks a bit awestruck, obviously not expecting to see Foley here tonight, as much as anyone else didn’t. Mick climbs into the ring, and gets a microphone from a crewmember ringside.

Mick Foley: Y’know… I’ve gotta say… it feels pretty damn good to be right here – in New York City!

Jerry Lawler: Oh there he goes with that damn cheap pop!

An already loud crowd gets louder.

Mick Foley: So I woke up today at my house on Long Island, and a friend of mine reminded me that RAW was making a pit stop here at The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.

Another pop unearths itself.

Mick Foley: And so I took a journey on down the Long Island Expressway, then entered this, the greatest city in the entire world, made my way through many of the five boroughs, and arrived here at Madison Square Garden just a few hours ago.

Foley continues to walk around the ring.

Mick Foley: I’d been having a whale of a time… up until a few minutes ago. That’s when I heard you, Chris Masters, say something that got on my nerves a little bit.

Foley stares at Masters, who shows no signs of quivering.

Mick Foley: You said… the words that you uttered here in this ring were that the WWE locker room is full of lazy, unconfident people with untapped potential that will never be realized.

Boos for the remarks.

Mick Foley: Yeah, you said it. And that bothers me because I KNOW that every boy and every girl in the back is busting their ass, day in and day out, and an arrogant man like yourself is too enamored with what he sees in the mirror to realize that.

The passion is invoked from Foley, who continues to look into the eyes of The Masterpiece.

Mick Foley: You, Chris Masters, have only been around the big leagues for two months. Two months! That’s it! You’ve had your cup of coffee and you’re treading water right now. But ONE LOSS! ONE MISTAKE! ONE SLIP UP! That’s all it takes for you to fall right back down to Earth. Those men that you called out just now… none of them will want to rescue you. NONE OF THEM will want to have your back if you fall back down to the pile, and when it’s time to sink or swim Chris… your arms will be very, very weak.

Foley gets a positive chant thrown in his direction.

Mick Foley: So right now… I may not break the Masterlock… I may not even pin you 1-2-3 in this ring, Chris. But what I am going to do, right here and now in this building, inside Madison Square Garden, the same building that ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka once jumped down upon Don Muraco inside a steel cage, the same building that’s home to some of the greatest sports moments in history, is give you a reality check.

Foley drops the mic, and throws a punch, and here we go!!!

3 – Chris Masters vs. Mick Foley

Foley throws his signature flurry of punches at Masters, backing him into the corner, and holds his fist up in the air to a big pop. Then, Foley turns around, chugs forward, and squeezes Chris into the turnbuckles! Masters staggers on all fours and Foley grabs him by the arms, and delivers the Double Arm DDT!! 1! 2!! KICK OUT! Masters kicks out of the early finisher attempt by The Hardcore Legend who continues to go to work on the arrogant LA native.

The two men exchange blows for a little bit afterwards, as Chris then takes control. He goes for a hard right, but Foley ducks, runs to the ropes, runs back, and clotheslines both he and Masters out of the ring! Foley gets up to another pop from the crowd and the two lock horns. Masters throws Foley into the barricade and throws a couple of hard haymakers and uppercuts his way, before hip tossing Foley to the floor! The crowd groans at the thud and Masters rolls Mickles into the ring again. Chris then goes to the corner, and begins to scale the turnbuckles. As Mick gets up, Chris leaps off, and connects with a huge missile dropkick!

Chris gets up and taunts Mick and the crowd, putting his arrogance on full display. He keeps up control in the match and comes close to locking in The Masterlock, but the former multi-time WWE Champion scratches and claws his way out of it and gets back in the driver’s seat. Mick nails a couple short-arm clotheslines and gets Masters down with a running swinging neckbreaker! 1! 2!! NO! Shoulder up from Masters, as Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy doesn’t get the three-count victory over the youngster Masters. Mick gets up and reaches down into his pants…

And pulls out Mr. Socko!

The crowd goes into a tizzy as Mick calls for the Mandible Claw. Masters, holding his neck, walks up to Foley who applies the Claw!!! The crowd cheers loudly as Masters tries to power out of it. A struggle occurs, as Masters then boots Foley in the gut! The hold isn’t broken free yet but Masters rares back and boots Foley right in the gut again! The Masterpiece grabs Foley by the arm and tries to remove Foley’s hand from his throat… and does! Masters then charges forward and CLOCKS Foley with the Polish Hammer! He then stands over The Hardcore Legend and applies The Masterlock!!

The crowd jeers as Masters whips Foley around and strongly applies the submission hold. Masters keeps the grip applied hard as Foley tries to fight his way out of it but is beginning to fade. Madison Square Garden tries to rally behind their native hero… … …

BUT CHRIS MASTERS FORCES MICK FOLEY INTO SUBMISSION!!!!!!

Winner – Chris Masters via submission at 6:32.

A sudden silence fills the arena, as the referee calls for the bell.

Lilian Garcia: Ladies and gentlemen… your winner of the match, by submission… “The Masterpiece,” CHRIS MASTERS!!!

Jim Ross: Good God, I can’t believe it. Chris Masters has forced Mick Foley to submit!!

Jerry Lawler: This is unbelievable! Here in The Garden! Chris Masters has made Mick Foley submit! The Hardcore Legend is out!

Masters taunts the crowd as Foley lies on the mat face down. After The Masterpiece is done gallivanting around the ring, he sets his sights back on Foley, and reenters and grabs Foley, and applies the hold again!

Jim Ross: Aw, c’mon now! You’ve won the match. Leave him alone, dammit!

Masters whips Foley around, as the crowd voices their displeasure…

***MONSTER***

The crowd then does a full 180, as Rhyno comes sprinting down to the ring! Masters lets go of Foley and takes on the charging Man Beast. The two duke it out and Rhyno throws ‘bows, and takes down Masters with a hard clothesline! Masters then gets up and walks into a POWERSLAM from The Man Beast!

Not wanting any part of it anymore, Masters gets out of the ring as Rhyno sprints to the ropes, and then stops, and stares down at the arrogant, muscular man in Masters.

The crowd voices their approval for Rhyno, who now tends to Mick Foley as we see Masters backpedaling to the entranceway. He shouts at Rhyno, calling him a has been, as Rhyno shouts on back at him while his music plays.

Commercial Break

Just as we begin decompressing…

***ARAB AMERICANS***

DEAFENING HEAT!


Jerry Lawler: Oh, here we go…

Jim Ross: I don’t think we’re going to be expecting a hero’s welcome here for these two men.

Muhammad Hassan and Daivari slowly enter MSG, with disgusted looks on their faces already. They have grown accustomed to these types of reactions, but they certainly are none too pleased. The duo marches on down the entranceway and to the ring, where Hassan grabs a microphone.

Muhammad Hassan: I guess this is how I’m going to be…

The boos grow louder, as Hassan’s voice trails off.

Muhammad Hassan: I had a funny feeling this was how it…

The boos grow even louder.

Muhammad Hassan: No, I refuse to do this. I refuse to speak over you disrespectful people.

The fans in New York continue to refuse to cooperate.

Muhammad Hassan: So all of you need to shut up right now, and give me your attention right… now.

Booooooos.

Muhammad Hassan: It’s useless isn’t it? You people would love it if I just walked away, wouldn’t you?

And, of course, a smattering of cheers reverberates around the arena.

Muhammad Hassan: You’d be thrilled if I took my ball, toted my bags, and went home. Wouldn’t you?

‘YEAH!’

Muhammad Hassan: It would make your day – no, it would make your LIVES if I left this ring, walked out of this arena, and I never set foot in a WWE ring again. Wouldn’t it?

The crowd cheers boisterously, as Hassan shakes his head.

Muhammad Hassan: Well it’s a good thing that I’m not taking any of your advice, because I’m not going anywhere!

And… boos. Lots of them.

Muhammad Hassan: Even if I did go anywhere, you know where I’d end up? I would wind up in one of this country’s most historic and proud cities – Detroit, Michigan.

Hassan scoffs.

Muhammad Hassan: A blue-collar town. A town built on pride, persistence, and toughness. And those things don’t just describe my residency; they describe the man that I am, too. I have an ABUNDANCE of pride for who I am, for where I’ve been, for where I’ve arrived, and for my heritage, most of all. And that makes you sick, doesn’t it?

Groans from the crowd as Hassan continues on.

Muhammad Hassan: It makes you sick to your stomachs that I am PROUD of who I am and for my heritage. You people… this place… this city is known as The Melting Pot? This place for many years served as a welcoming point for immigrants from foreign countries so that they could make their start in western civilization. The New World. The Land… of Opportunity.

Muhammad shakes his head.

Muhammad Hassan: What a joke. What a bunch of lies. Now, now in this day and age, people of my descent, and people of my backgrounds… all we do is get judged by all of you filthy, disgusting prejudice Americans!

The anger continues to resonate from Hassan.

Muhammad Hassan: It’s not just from you people either. It’s from the people who run this company. It’s from the people who run this brand. It’s Eric Bischoff, it’s everybody. I was excluded, for NO good reason, from the biggest show of the year. I had to make my own WrestleMania moment, and even then a man that calls himself… a Real American… interrupted me.

Cheers for referencing Hogan.

Muhammad Hassan: And that’s so fitting. It’s so proper that someone who calls himself a “Real American” would to ruin something that I set out to accomplish. That’s ALL that any American does to people like me. And as I’ve stated in the last few weeks, I REFUSE to stand for it ANYMORE!

Hassan’s eyes light up with anger.

Muhammad Hassan: Everything happens for a reason though. I’ve been held down only to set up my inevitable climb to the top of the mountain. My day is coming. And it’s going to begin on May 1st 2005… at Backlash.

Muhammad lets out a smile as Daivari lets out a nod.

Muhammad Hassan: When you’re looking to make an impact, you have to go after the biggest fish in the sea. When you want to let everybody know that you’ve arrived, you shoot for the stars. You aim high. You swing for the fences!

Muhammad’s grin only gets larger.

Muhammad Hassan: That’s why… right here and now, I’m challenging you…

The camera zooms in….

Muhammad Hassan: Kane.

Jim Ross: What?

Jerry Lawler: Is he nuts?!

Muhammad Hassan: That’s right! Kane, you are going to be the one that I swing for the fences for. You are going to be the man that I make an impact against. Kane, I don’t care that you’re the “Big Red Machine.” I don’t care that you’ve been touted as a demon, as an otherworldly creature. That means nothing to me. What matters to me is making a name for myself. The only way that I feel that I can do that right now… is for me to go after you first.

Hassan, aplomb and rich with confidence, stands in the ring with that glimmering look in his eyes as Daivari applauds his cohort.

Muhammad Hassan: Next week, I want an answer from you, Kane. I want to know whether or not you accept my challenge. Being that you are this so-called monster, being that you’re a demon, that you’re a callous individual and that you possess a devilish soul, this shouldn’t be much of an issue… so I’ll see you next week, monster.

Hassan lets out a smirk.

Muhammad Hassan: If you’ve got the guts.

Jerry Lawler: Whoa!

Jim Ross: My… does Muhammad Hassan have a death wish?!

Jerry Lawler: I can’t believe this!

Hassan’s music hits as the MSG crowd casts down some more boos for the Arab-American, who has stunned some by his ballsy challenge to The Big Red Machine. He and Daivari exit the ring and head up the entranceway, with no lamenting in sight…

Commercial Break

***EYE OF THE HURRICANE*** The Hurricane and Rosey – better known as The Super Heroes – make a triumphant and extravagant entrance into Madison Square Garden for this upcoming match…

Jim Ross: With the World Tag Team Title scene getting heavy, Eric Bischoff decided that the best way to settle the score was to have them all fight it out for an opportunity at William Regal and Tajiri’s Tag Team Titles.

Jerry Lawler: And we got to hear from each of these teams earlier tonight and what their thoughts of being World Tag Team Champions would be.

A window appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen…

***

The Hurricane: Bein’ the World Tag Team Champions? Why, that would be just about the greatest thing ever! Rosey and I, my Super Hero In Trainin’, we would DOMINATE the tag team scene. We’re more powerful than a locomotive, faster than any speedin’ bullet, ya’know what I’m sayin’?

Rosey nods, as Hurricane continues on.

The Hurricane: NOT becomin’ the number one contenders? Thus NOT becomin’ the World Tag Team Champions? WHASSUPWITDAT? There’s NO chance that it happens. We’re here to save the day… and the tag team division, too.

***

***FINAL FORCE*** The typical reaction to the Frenchman and French sympathizer rings out, as Rob Conway and Sylvain Grenier enter the fray. The two hold up Quebec’s flag and wave it proudly, as the very same window appears at the bottom.

***

Sylvain Grenier: Given that Robert and I… have the most international flavor on RAW, and given that we have the greatest respect out of anybody for the rest of this planet and its native cultures, we would be honored to once again represent the world as its Tag Team Champions.

Rob Conway: Unlike William Regal and Tajiri, who people marvel at as a ragtag team of a Brit and a man from Japan, Sylvain and I are a truly remarkable pair. I’m an American, but I can sympathize with those in France and with those who follow the French culture. The gross American people who call them out for not being “tough” hound them constantly. Well, those people have never seen us.

Sylvain Gernier: Viva… La Résistance.

***

***HELLO LADIES*** MSG feels the nostalgia, cheering a bit as Val Venis and Viscera protrude through the doors and out into The Garden.

***

Val Venis: What would winning the World Tag Team Titles mean to The Big Guy here, and The Big Valbowski?

Val laughs.

Val Venis: Well… it would be just the TIP…

Val laughs again.

Val Venis: …of the iceberg for us.

***

***PAPARAZZI*** The slew of cameramen back their way out of the entrance doors as an extravagant red carpet is rolled out. Then, MNM struts out, dressed in their extravagant garments and clothes, with Melina leading the way.

***

Melina: MNM is the new face of tag team wrestling. The it team on the scene. We’ve arrived here in WWE and in a short time, we’re already impressing everyone.

Joey Mercury: Back-to-back weeks, back-to-back wins. We’ve gotten through established talent around here on RAW, and now tonight we’re about to make our mark even bolder.

Melina: New York City has always been a place where the stars shine bright. You’re looking at two of the brightest in the world today. Mercury… and Nitro… are going to continue to take this tag team world by storm.

Johnny Nitro: There’s only room in this world for the beautiful people… and three of the most are right here. Get used to it, folks. We’re here to stay.

Melina: M… N… M. Your next World Tag Team Champions.

***

4 – No. 1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way Match
*Winner receives title shot at Backlash*
MNM w/ Melina vs. The Super Heroes vs. La Résistance vs. V-Squared

And so, four of RAW’s top-tier tag team sgo up against one another in this high-stakes match. The crowd seems to pine a bit for the young, flashy team of MNM who get a flurry of cheers after each big move they hit. Melina seems to be richly enjoying it from ringside, as she supports her boys on the outside, applauding, and inspiring them each.

It’s a pretty wild encounter, and a fun match nonetheless that draws heavy interest from the NYC faithful. All four teams put forth a pretty spirited effort, each looking strong in their own right despite some being fodder in recent months. Some pretty terrific tandem maneuvers are thrown out into the fold as well as the conclusion of the match is steadfast approaching.

After Rosey takes out Val Venis and Sylvain Grenier on the outside, The Hurricane grabs hold of Rob Conway and hits The Eye of the Hurricane!! But as Hurricane goes for the pin, he’s pulled off by Joey Mercury! Mercury throws a few punches at Hurricane, and shoots him off to the ropes. Nitro then slides into the ring as Mercury props Hurricane up on his shoulders, and Nitro and Mercury combine for the Flapjack/DDT combo! Mercury then dives onto Hurricane.

1!

2!!

3!!! MNM ARE THE NO. 1 CONTENDERS!

Winners – MNM via pin fall at 7:57. MNM are the No. 1 Contenders for the World Tag Team Titles, and will face William Regal and Tajiri at Backlash.

Jim Ross: And MNM wins it! You have to give it up for all four of these tag teams but the youngsters have done and are now en route to a shot at the Tag Team Titles.

Jerry Lawler: What a night it’s been, J.R.! This is just another treat. What a performance by Mercury and Nitro, and now they’re going to get a crack at Regal and Tajiri at Backlash!

Nitro and Mercury are jubilant as they head into the entranceway, knowing they’ve got a crack at the gold awaiting them. Melina lifts up their hands as we get a look at the youngsters who are now 3-0 and counting…

We cut backstage now to Eric Bischoff, who is standing in his office.

Eric Bischoff: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you’re all enjoying the show tonight. What a night it’s been, right?

Bischoff grins.

Eric Bischoff: All of this occurring even without the presence of our esteemed WWE Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus. I hope you’re enjoying yourself wherever you might be, Trish. We’re certainly having quite the party here.

Bischoff continues to grin.

Eric Bischoff: Now just in case you have any ideas about accepting Teddy Long’s invitation to SmackDown, I just wanted to let you know that you’re a contracted superstar to the RAW brand, and any appearance on any other brands or promotions could result in stiff, legitimate penalties that could put your reign as WWE Women’s Champion in serious jeopardy.

Bischoff stiffens up after the hardline stance is made.

Eric Bischoff: Now, speaking of that Women’s Championship, you’re required, based on your contract, to defend that championship at RAW-branded events. Therefore, it is my duty and obligation to inform you, Trish Stratus, that despite your pouting, and despite your “frustrations,” you will be defending the WWE Women’s Title on May 1st, 2005 in Manchester, New Hampshire… at Backlash.

The RAW GM nods.

Eric Bischoff: And should you not show up to Backlash… you will be stripped of the championship. On. The spot.

Eric glares at the screen.

Eric Bischoff: See you soon, Trish.

We now jump to Shawn Michaels, walking through a hallway inside The Garden, as the crowd loudly cheers his appearance on the screen.

Jim Ross: Folks, it’s not gonna get much bigger than this. Shawn Michaels versus Shelton Benjamin, with a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, is UP NEXT!!!


Jerry Lawler: Don’t go away!

Commercial Break

***SEXY BOY*** Perhaps the pop of the entire night rings out as Shawn Michaels struts his way through the side entranceway here at Madison Square Garden. He drops to his knees as a terrific pyro display goes off around the arena, and then dances down the aisle to the ring.

Jim Ross: I have said it before, and I will say it again. Nobody has ever, EVER outperformed “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels in a big-match situation. It’s not going to get much bigger than this. It’s the main event. This is Madison Square Garden. The World’s Most Famous Arena. HBK knows this building too well. He wrestled in one hell of a ladder match eleven years ago against Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Title he’s vying to fight for tonight.

Jerry Lawler: All of that is true, J.R. Shawn Michaels has done a lot of great things. But lemme tell you something. I think tonight we’re going to see Shawn Michaels get outperformed. I think that we’re going to see a star born tonight. I think Shelton Benjamin is going to not only BEAT Shawn Michaels. I think Shelton Benjamin is going to stake another claim into becoming the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history.

***AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ ME*** The cocky, confident, cool, calm and collected Intercontinental Champion bursts through the double doors with a glimmering sense of optimism. Shelton Benjamin strides down the entranceway in brand spanking new attire tonight: maroon and gold, just like his alma mater Minnesota.

Jim Ross: There is nobody that can deny that this man is a magnificent athlete. He’s tremendously gifted. He trained alongside former three-time WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. He was a two-time All-American at The University of Minnesota. There is no doubt that he’s one of the most impressive amateur wrestlers that WWE has ever seen. But is he becoming a victim of his own hubris?

Jerry Lawler: It’s okay to be cocky if you can back it up, J.R. And Benjamin can do just that. Nobody performed better in that Money in the Bank Ladder Match than Benjamin did. Sure, he didn’t win. But what’re you going to remember most? The T-Bone Suplex off the ladder. The running clothesline as he scaled the ladder. The somersaults. Benjamin’s athleticism is unmatched. And he’s also held the Intercontinental Championship for 178 days! It’s hard to touch this man when he’s on. And he’s about to flip that switch.

Lilian Garcia: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is set for one fall!

A burst of cheers, as main event-style intros are being made for this bout.

Lilian Garcia: Introducing first to my left. From San Antonio, Texas, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-five pounds, ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ … SHAWWWWN MICHAELS!

MSG bellows out a loud, loud pop for HBK.

Lilian Garcia: And… his opponent to my right. From Orangeburg, South Carolina, weighing in at two hundred and forty-eight pounds, the reigning, defending Intercontinental Championnnn… SHELTONNNN BENJAMIN!

Though it’s close, a favorable reaction pops off inside MSG as Benjamin licks his hands and bounces in his corner. He unstraps the IC Title belt and hoists it over his head. He points at Michaels, and looks up at the title and looks back down at Michaels and nods, before handing off his prized possession.

5 – Non-Title Match
*If Shawn Michaels wins, he receives a WWE Intercontinental Championship Match*
Shawn Michaels vs. IC Champion Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin bounces around the ring, trying to find an opening against the wily veteran in Michaels who garners much of the support rained down by the MSG crowd. The two combatants lock up and Michaels pushes Benjamin into the ropes before shoving him to the opposite side. Benjamin runs off the ropes and takes down Michaels with a shoulder block, then runs over him, comes off the ropes and takes him down again. A kick is followed by a springboard hurricanrana, and it’s an impressive start for the Intercontinental Champion who shouts, “YOU CAN’T HANG WITH ME!” at the Grand Slam Champion to boos.

From there it’s Benjamin who continues to have control. He gets in some punches and kicks before twisting Michaels’ arm. He twists it again and pulls him in for a hard clothesline, taking HBK off his feet and onto the mat and the youngster knocks the veteran down again with another clothesline. Benjamin then looks back over his shoulder as he climbs up the ropes in the corner. When Michaels reaches his feet, Benjamin takes to the skies, leaping off and hitting a MOONSAULT DOWN ON MICHAELS! He grabs at Michaels’ legs, pulling them off, keeping his shoulders down… and a near fall.

Benjamin keeps bringing everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in the opening minutes, looking as impressive as he is cocky. He goes high-risk later, again, trying for a bulldog… but Michaels senses it coming, and dodges the bullet! Shelton crashes and burns and then NARROWLY avoids an attempt at Sweet Chin Music. HBK instead has to settle for a rattling chop across the chest of his opponent and sends up another as he backs his opponent against the ropes. He whips him across, but Benjamin counters and it’s instead HBK who’s sent across. Shooting off the ropes, Michaels lands a patented flying forearm. He then hits an Atomic Drop, and then a scoop slam and a leg drop. A near fall occurs after, and Michaels is far too smart and far too seasoned to let this bother him.

The action eventually spills to the outside and Michaels still holds the advantage over the youngster at this point in time. HBK goes up to the apron with Benjamin stunned, and slingshots off and takes down Benjamin with a cross body block!! The crowd applauds the high-flying maneuver by the 38-year old Michaels, who gets up and helps rile up the sold out Garden. He tosses Benjamin back into the ring and continues to go to work, but the resilient Intercontinental Champion will not go quietly into the night. He DUCKS another attempt at Sweet Chin Music and goes to kick him, but Michaels grabs his boot. DRAGON WHIP! Both men are now sprawled out on the canvas after the deft blow of the scintillating kick.

They reach their feet at eight and Benjamin locks horns with Michaels, transitioning him into a go-behind, and hits a THUNDEROUS German Suplex! J.R. is quick to point out Benjamin’s mentor in Kurt Angle after the usage of that move, and Benjamin powers himself up to his feet and starts to gather some more momentum. He licks his chops after grounding Michaels following ANOTHER suplex, this one of the capture variety, and slaps his chest, getting some boos. He then heads to the corner, and climbs up with his opponent lying down on his back. He then looks out, and takes off… SCORING WITH AN ELBOW DROP!!! The crowd ooh’s and ahh’s, as J.R. spouts about Benji using HBK’s own maneuver.

1!

2!!


SHOULDER UP!! Michaels kicks out of the Elbow Drop! The crowd cheers as Benjamin, flabbergasted, holds up three fingers, but gets shot down with the reminder from both the crowd, and the referee, that it was just “TWOOOOOOO!” Benjamin pounds his fist on the mat and gets up, and shows a bit of aggressiveness in how he attacks The Icon. He pulls him up, and chops him across the chest, and continues to hold his wrist as he pulls him up and does so again and again, before pulling him in close, and HIP TOSSING him down to the mat! The Intercontinental Champ then heads back out onto the apron, slingshotting in, looking to score with the bulldog again… AND CONNECTS!!!

1!

2!!

NO! SHOULDER UP! Michaels kicks out of the slingshot bulldog! Shelton is STUNNED, and gets up and causes a ruckus by verbally berating the official, who threatens a disqualification. Shelton then turns around, jawing off at the ref, and Michaels is up, and he hits a punch to Benjamin! He hits another, and another, and knocks Benjamin down on his back. The IC Champ gets up and Michaels goes to a go-behind and knocks down a Reverse Atomic Drop, followed by a flying forearm… AND MICHAELS KIPS UP! Shelton walks in, furious, but Michaels throws him down onto the mat with a scoop slam.

MSG bellows out a cheer, as we see The Heartbreak Kid scale the ropes in the corner. They rise, as does HBK, and the San Antonio, Texas native jumps off the top rope… SCORES WITH AN ELBOW DROP! Right into the heart of the Intercontinental Champion goes Shawn’s elbow, and he hooks the far leg, hoping to earn a shot at the gold.

1!

2!!

KICK OUT FROM BENJAMIN! A groan echoes around Madison Square Garden after the near fall and Shawn gets up and looks around, before heading over to the corner. He grabs the top rope, as the buzz gets louder and louder. He stomps on the mat… stomps again… stomps again… stomps again… stomps again…

Lunges forward…

T-BONE SUPLEX TO MICHAELS! Benjamin gets ALL of his finishing move, and hooks BOTH legs!

1!

2!!

3-NO! Michaels KICKS OUT OF THE T-BONE SUPLEX!! The crowd is ecstatic, and Benjamin is verklempt, eyes BULGING out at the thought of HBK scoring a near fall from Benjamin’s finishing maneuver. And overcome with this anger, the Intercontinental Champion drags Shawn up to his feet, grabs hold of him…

ANOTHER T-BONE SUPLEX TO SHAWN MICHAELS! Benjamin looks down, from his knees, at Michaels as he … stands … up. With Michaels laid out, Benjamin … chooses not to go for the pin. He looks down at HBK, and then at the corner, then at HBK again, and walks over to the corner. And grabs the top rope …

AND STOMPS HIS FOOT! And does so AGAIN, as it’s obvious that he’s MOCKING Shawn Michaels and looking to hit Sweet Chin Music! New York groans and boos the IC Champ’s antics, as Benjamin locks his eyes on his target. With him in the crosshairs, Shelton LUNGES FORWARD…

SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO SHAWN MICHAELS!


NO!!!

MICHAELS DUCKS! Benjamin is on skates, and he charges at Michaels—

SMALL PACKAGE!

1!

2!!

3!!! SHAWN MICHAELS WINS!!!

Winner – Shawn Michaels via pin fall at 15:56.

Jim Ross: Yes! Yes! HBK wins! HBK wins!!

Jerry Lawler: No! Are you kidding me!?!?!?

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels is now in the possession of an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship! He caught Benjamin, who got too cocky for my estimation, off guard and snuck past him!

Jerry Lawler: He STOLE that victory! Michaels didn’t deserve to win! He used a roll up! He couldn’t even catch Shelton with Sweet Chin Music!

Suddenly, from behind, Benjamin attacks!! Shelton strikes Shawn down to the mat with a forearm club to the back!

Jim Ross: Hey, wait a minute!

Jerry Lawler: Yes! Get ‘em, Shelton! Get ‘em!


Angered that he was beat in embarrassing fashion by someone he claimed was out of his league, the Intercontinental Champion mounts Michaels and throws haymakers at HBK’s head. They only are brought down with higher velocity as time goes on and he gets up to a chorus of boos and backs the referee down.

Jim Ross: I don’t know what the hell has gotten into Shelton Benjamin these last few weeks but he is absolutely IRATE.

Jerry Lawler: He’s too good for the kind of crap Michaels pulled tonight. You wanna beat the champ, you’ve got to earn it! Someone like Shawn Michaels should know that, J.R.!

The Orangeburg native pulls The Icon up off the mat, latches on, and throws him in the air and DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE T-BONE SUPLEX!

Jerry Lawler: YES!

Jim Ross: Aw, the T-Bone Suplex!

Jerry Lawler: He got all of that one again, baby!

Benjamin once again rises to his feet to boos from the New York crowd. He looks around, under the bright lights, and lets out a snicker and a smile.

“You hate me cause you ain’t me!”

The Golden Gopher then walks over and grabs Michaels again, this time by his arm, and pulls him up to his feet. Then, the IC Champ swiftly pulls him forward, grabs hold, and hits a SECOND T-BONE SUPLEX TO THE MAT!

Jerry Lawler: Hahaha! He got him AGAIN!

Jim Ross: What the hell is he trying to prove?!

Jerry Lawler: That he’s the GREATEST Intercontinental Champion of all time, J.R.! Haven’t you been listening?!

Jim Ross: He lost the damn match, King. It wasn’t for the title belt. He can prove it in the ring later on, and this is uncalled for, dammit! He’s acting like a child! A sore loser!

In a huff, Benjamin grabs Michaels and dumps him over the top rope and to the ground. The Intercontinental Champion climbs out of the ring then and walks over to the announce table, and rips off the covering and goes for the monitors next.

Jim Ross: What the hell are ‘ya doin’, kid!? You’ve made your point, haven’t ‘ya?!

Jerry Lawler: He wants his moment, J.R.! Let him eat his cake!

Benjamin barks at both commentators, telling them to move as he tosses away the monitors. He then grabs Michaels, already limp from both T-Bone Suplexes, and plants him atop the table. Shelton pummels him with three STRONG punches to the forehead, ensuring that he’s knocked out, and then cocks his head over to the ring.

With HBK lying on the table, Benjamin takes two big strides and leaps onto the apron. He looks over his shoulder, down at Michaels, and then begins to scale the ropes. Madison Square Garden’s sellout crowd then rises to their feet, looking on at the IC Champion, who repositions himself to face Michaels who lies far away from him…







Jim Ross: NO NO NO NO NO NO!

Jerry Lawler: LOOK OUT!!!!

SHELTON BENJAMIN LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, DRIVING HIS ELBOW THROUGH THE HEART OF SHAWN MICHAELS, PARKED ON THE ANNOUNCE TABLE THAT COLLAPSES UNDERNEATH THEM!!!!

Jim Ross: GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY! SHELTON BENJAMIN! AN ELBOW DROP FROM THE TOP ROPE ONTO SHAWN MICHAELS, RIGHT THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!

“HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!”

Jerry Lawler: Shelton wanted his Garden moment and he got it in SPADES!









END OF SHOW

Current Card for WWE Backlash:
May 1, 2005 // Verizon Wireless Arena // Manchester, New Hampshire

World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian

World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina

Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent
 
#17 ·
SmackDown;
April 21st; New York
:

The show begins with neither an opening video, not a recap video from last week, nor pyro either. Instead, we’re outside of Two Penn Plaza, and a limousine pulls its way up to the sidewalk. The driver exits the vehicle and strolls down to the end of the limo, and opens the door.
Protruding out of the door is none other than…

WWE Women’s Champion – and RAW roster member – TRISH STRATUS!

The lovely lady walks up to the doors of the building, dressed in a black leather coat, skin-tight jeans and boots with her blonde hair down and straightened, and a Toronto Maple Leafs cap on her head. She carries the WWE Women’s Title belt with her, as it appears that she has boldly chosen to accept Theodore Long’s invitation to SmackDown, despite threatened action by RAW’s GM, Eric Bischoff.

… … …

“YOU ARE LOOKING AT A SELLOUT CROWD HERE AT THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS ARENA FOR THURSDAY NIGHT’S HOTTEST PROGRAM! THIS IS SMACKDOWN, AND WE ARE HERE TONIGHT IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS FOR WHAT SHOULD BE A MEMORABLE NIGHT!”

Then, we jump into the sold out Madison Square Garden where, once again, it’s the Olympian who opens up the show. Kurt Angle is circling the ring in his wrestling attire, anxious to see who the SmackDown GM has chosen for him this week. Tony Chimel begins the introduction…



***HAMMERHEAD***

The opening licks may not be that familiar, but the appearance on the scoreboard above the ring causes a STRONG stir.

IT’S LANCE STORM!!!

The former three-time ECW Tag Team Champion, three-time WCW U.S. Champion, four-time WWE World Tag Team Champion, and one-time Intercontinental Champion is next in line for Angle in this recent series of matches. And Kurt looks pretty pleased, as Cole and Tazz note that this is Storm’s first appearance on WWE programming in almost a year. We jump up to a suite inside The Garden, where we see Teddy Long sitting down, and see Trish enter the room. Long shakes her hand, and Trish seems impressed with Long’s choice for Kurt tonight, admiring her fellow Canadian from afar.

Inside the ring, Storm and Angle proceed to have a stellar matchup. Storm shows a little bit of ring rust at first, but certainly more than holds his own against Angle after gathering some momentum. He’s able to provide a HUGE swing after a top rope spinning heel kick, which takes the 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist off his feet and to the ground.
Storm continues to use his submissive style, which of course he learned in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ‘The Perfect Storm’ appears to be building for what would be a stunner if pulled off, and Storm gets a near fall after a backbreaker that almost got the crowd to erupt.
But ever resilient, Kurt Angle rallies back after being hit with a few consecutive suplexes. Kurt stuns Lance with a harsh uppercut to the chin, and then throws him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex! Kurt follows this up with another belly-to-belly, and then follows THAT up with a German Suplex! Angle then goes to slap on the Ankle Lock, but Storm rolls through. Kurt hits the corner, and Lance grabs him by the leg, uses a legmare, and slaps on the Calgary Crab!
Angle writhes in pain as Storm keeps the hold locked inside the ring, right in the center under the lights. Kurt scratches and claws, but Lance pulls him into the center of the ring! Kurt writhes in more pain as Storm torques the leg. Angle groans out and then digs into the mat to make one last furious push. And seconds later, he lunges and grabs hold of the ropes!
The crowd applauds Angle’s effort as he claws his way back to a vertical base. Storm continues to go to work, and looks to hit DEEP IMPACT! But no! Kurt counters, and back drops Storm to the mat. Kurt hobbles, and then hits the ANGLE SLAM! 1! 2!! NO! A shoulder up from Lance Storm, and the match continues on. Kurt slaps the mat in obvious frustration, as he crawls away from the scene. He gets up in the corner, and continues to hobble, selling the damage done by his opponent’s Calgary Crab. He gets into a war of fists in the center of the ring, which eventually turns into a chop-fest. Kurt grabs Lance’s arm, twists it, and grabs him in a go-behind and hits a bridged German Suplex! 1! 2!! NO!!! Kick out from Storm, and the match STILL continues on.
Moments later, Kurt again goes to the well, looking to hit the Angle Slam… but Storm slides off his shoulders—BAM! SUPERKICK TO KURT! Storm flops atop Angle’s belly. 1! 2!! NO! Shoulder up from the Olympian! Storm rolls off of the Pittsburgh native, and climbs back up to his feet and seethes as he looks down at his embattled opponent. Storm then looks down at his boot, and sidesteps forward, looking to hit ANOTHER SUPERKICK—
KURT GRABS THE BOOT OF LANCE STORM, APPLYING THE ANKLE LOCK! “What a counter!” shouts Michael Cole, as Madison Square Garden erupts, and Kurt is quick to grapevine the ankle of the Calgary native!
It’s damn near a foregone conclusion after that, as Lance Storm can’t wiggle his way out of the deadly submission hold, and taps out to the pressure at 15:25!
The Olympic Gold Medalist no doubt had the kitchen sink thrown at him in New York City, but Kurt Angle emerges victorious yet again as he still has yet to be pinned or submitted since his huge win over Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21. Angle looks into the camera nearby, leaning against the ropes.

“NOBODY BEATS ME! NOBODY BEATS KURT ANGLE!”


Commercial Break

In preparation for his very first WWE Title defense, John Cena shadow boxes in a dimly lit locker room, gathering a resounding ovation from the crowd as he appears on screen.

The hits keep coming next as the Triple Threat United States Championship Match is set to begin. Suddenly…

“I SPIT IN THE FACE … OF PEOPLE WHO DON’T WANT TO BE COOL!”

The crowd cocks their heads to the entranceway, and CARLITO CARIBBEAN COOL saunters out. Mic in hand, CCC is quick to remind everyone that he’s back, and that he’s got a match against Big Show later on tonight. Before that, though, Carlito is quick to remind us all that he won the United States Title in his very first match on SmackDown back in October… to which he follows up with by saying that it would be a thrill to win the title BACK in his first match back from injury!
Perplexed, the three wrestlers in the ring – Jordan, Holly, and Haas – look on with puzzled looks as Carlito looks up at the suite that Teddy is inside, and then says that this shouldn’t be a Triple Threat Match – it should be a FATAL 4-WAY MATCH!
Long looks to be a bit surprised, as Trish gets a chuckle out of Carlito’s cockiness and request, and remarks to Teddy how she enjoys how everything appears to be spicing up. With that, Teddy grabs a nearby microphone, and says that despite not seeing eye-to-eye with Carlito, he’s lookin’ to impress, “playa.” And with that, it becomes a Fatal 4-Way for the U.S. Title!

The three other wrestlers, to no surprise, gang right up on Carlito who is dumped out of the ring. Haas and Holly then take out the U.S. Champ, and the two budding combatants then spend the next few minutes fighting with one another. It’s Haas who clears out the ring after clotheslining Holly out, but he walks right into a RIGHT HOOK from Jordan! 1! 2! KICK OUT! Jordan continues to stay on the offensive, as the camera shows Carlito outside, biding his time it appears, after sneaking his way into the match.
Jordan and Haas duke it out for the next few minutes, but Hardcore Holly climbs back into the ring and goes all guns blazing, eventually taking Jordan down with the Alabama Slam! 1! 2! HAAS breaks up the pin! The excitement continues, and we then see Carlito climbing up to the top rope. With all three men battling, CCC leaps off the top rope, connecting with a HUGE cross body block – taking out all THREE men! The athletic Caribbean native follows that up by throwing Holly out of the ring, and then uppercutting Jordan, before sending him out with a dropkick.
Carlito and Haas then do battle for a few minutes, with the fresher man in The Bad Apple getting the advantage. That turns though, after Haas counters a suplex attempt with one of his own, and then hits a Tiger Bomb! 1! 2!! DROPKICK from Jordan! The U.S. Champion refuses to go down without a fight, and gets a pinning predicament of his own moments later after hitting the COMPLETE SHOT on Haas! 1! 2!! Holly breaks up the pin!
Hardcore scoops Jordan up and LEVELS him with the Alabama Slam! It’s Hardcore Holly’s time to get the U.S. Championship, as he goes to go for the pin. But suddenly, CARLITO emerges, and leaps up, and throws Holly aside, and Carlito then hops onto Jordan!
1! 2!! 3!!!
CARLITO HAS DONE IT AGAIN! CARLITO IS THE UNITED STATES CHAMPION (@ 9:01)!

Madison Square Garden is absolutely AGHAST as Carlito’s plan has not foiled and instead came into fruition! The Caribbean native is awarded the United States Champion, and has his hand raised high as he kisses the belt and smartly makes a BEELINE for the entranceway as a pissed off Hardcore Holly comes running his way! Holly kicks the ropes, as Carlito stands and looks back, and smirks as he’s now back in possession of the U.S. Title. And dat… dat’s cool.


Commercial Break

A break in the action? Why, never.

In the ring stands the former ECW alum, Nunzio, who garners an ‘E C DUB’ chant from the New York crowd. The Rockland County native has the crowd on his side for now, as Tony Chimel begins to introduce his opponent…





***ONE OF A KIND***

Madison Square Garden absolutely EXPLODES!

ROB VAN DAM IS BACK!

As MSG churns up a strong ‘R-V-D’ chant, Van Dam takes on Nunzio in a relatively competitive match in the Battle Creek, Michigan native’s first match on SmackDown in almost three months. He shows some signs of rust, but nothing too major, and goes through the usual set of signature moves that everyone’s grown so accustomed to. Van Dam connects with ROLLING THUNDER, but only gets a two count as Nunzio forces the near fall. RVD then rebounds off this, scoring with a blistering roundhouse kick, and then swivels his head over to the corner. With Nunzio on the mat, Mr. Thursday Night leaps up to the top rope, and leaps even HIGHER to hit the Five-Star Frog Splash! 1! 2!! 3!!! RVD is BACK, and RVD WINS his first match back at 6:20!

Van Dam is interviewed after the match by ace SmackDown interviewer, Steve Romero. RVD says it feels good to be back, and that his leg healed up earlier than anticipated. He says he couldn’t think of a better place to return than New York City and Madison Square Garden, which elicits a pop from the rowdy NY faithful. Rob says that while it’s “Four-Twenty One, The Day After,” that it’s still time to SMOKE someone’s ass!

Elsewhere, Carlito Caribbean Cool, the NEW United States Champion is interviewed by Josh Matthews, who eventually asks Carlito if he’s going to defend the U.S. Title later tonight against The Big Show. Carlito says that while he doesn’t think Big Show’s earned it, “Carlito feels confident enough to put the title on the line. Plus, Trish is here, and Carlito wants to impress her. Dat would be cool… very cool.”


Commercial Break

JBL is seen pulling on his kneepads, with the hype surrounding the WWE Championship Match scheduled for later on tonight still very much omnipresent.

The crowd pops loudly next for the arrival of the WWE Tag Team Champions. Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio enter MSG in one of Eddie’s extravagant looking low-riders and after showing it off, the tandem heads to and gets into the ring. Eddie gets on the mic and talks about how great it is to be in New York, where he, last year, successfully defended the WWE Championship in one of the main events of WrestleMania. He then makes a comment that he went from being in the main event and then being in the opening match, and how he’s not going to settle for that next year when he’s in THE main event of WrestleMania 22 in Chicago.

Rey then also shares his thoughts on being in this historic venue, and says that it’s a shame that they aren’t going to be able to compete tonight, which, of course, draws some boos from the crowd. They agree with their sentiments but bring up how they feel they didn’t want to have to beat The Basham Brothers AGAIN just as they did last week in the high-octane 2/3 falls match, which draws some cheers.

Eddie echoes Rey’s thoughts as they talk about that match from last week. Eddie says that they’ve now beaten The Basham Brothers on numerous occasions since No Way Out, and Eddie shrugs and says he doesn’t know how many more opportunities they should give them. So, he asks the crowd, and they respond with, “NONE!” So, Eddie nods, and says that they want to give the people what they want, so no more WWE Tag Team Title shots will be given to The Bashams!
As the cheers continue, the attention is suddenly turned over to the entranceway…

“If I could just beg your pardon for a moment…”

IT’S PAUL HEYMAN!

The crowd: STUNNED! The commentators: STUNNED! Eddie and Rey: STUNNED! Theodore Long: STUNNED! Trish Stratus: Amused, quite frankly. She asks Teddy if he planned this too, and Long is quick to say yes, even though the expression seems to say otherwise. The architect of ECW receives a BOISTEROUS reaction from his hometown crowd as he reintroduces himself to the WWE audience the only way that he can. Paul climbs into the ring and reminds everyone that not only did he introduce the world to Extreme Championship Wrestling, but he ALSO introduced the world to the two men standing before him in ECW.

“It was Paul Heyman and ECW that GAVE YOU ALL Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio on a United States platform for the first time, so on behalf of yours truly, I would like to give you all a belated… YOU’RE WELCOME!”

Paul then talks to both Eddie and Rey and (sarcastically) says that it’s very sweet how the two of them have been able to coexist as WWE Tag Team Champions, echoing the “dream team” designation that most have given them in recent weeks. This despite the fact that, at least to him, it seems that Eddie is rattled by the fact that he’s never had an edge over Rey Mysterio. Rey gets on the mic and defends his best friend vehemently, talking about how nuts the idea that Eddie would consider doing that, and how he’s his best friend.

Heyman then retorts with the adage of, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” and sneers at Eddie who has remained silent through this whole ordeal. Rey looks over at Eddie, as Paul talks about how ‘all of the sudden’ Eddie joined forces with Rey.

Paul says that he’d never want to drive a wedge between these two competitors, but just wants the obvious truth to be told. Paul looks to get more out of it, but suddenly, GUERRERO BLASTS HEYMAN WITH A RIGHT HAND! The crowd bursts into cheers as Paul rolls out of the ring upon impact, as he shouts down at the extreme mastermind. With their attention diverted towards the entranceway, the crowd shoots up in decibels because of what lies behind them…







BUBBA RAY AND D-VON DUDLEY SLIDE INTO THE RING!

BAM!!!


CLUBBING blows to both Eddie and Rey from both men, as the crowd can’t seem to contain their excitement, even with The Dudley Boyz playing the villain roles here. With D-Von slamming Eddie to the canvas, Bubba grabs Rey from behind, and HITS THE BUBBA BOMB!

D-Von then grabs Eddie, and whips him across the ring…

…EDDIE IS VAULTED UP…

3-D TO GUERRERO!

Lots and lots of motive questioning goes on as The Dudley Boyz stare at the WWE Tag Team Titles. Heyman calls them on from outside the ring, and one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history exit the ring here at MSG and join along with their former boss and running mate as they head through the side entranceway, with wreckage left behind them…


Commercial Break

We get a replay of the events that took place before the commercial break.

Match number four, after the crowd begins to cool down, pits Booker T, who’s riding a nifty hot streak at the moment, against the likes of cruiserweight Shannon Moore. Moore and Booker have a pretty good TV match together, in which The Book Man looks as impressive as he has in recent weeks. Moore more than holds his own, as he represents the cruiserweights tonight and displays an abundance of ability and talent. In the end, though, Booker finishes off Moore with the Scissors Kick @ 6:03, picking up his third-straight win in as many weeks to the delight of the NYC crowd.

The camera then jumps up to the suite where Teddy Long and Trish Stratus are, and ALSO in there is Cruiserweight Champion, Paul London, who is getting put over by Long as one of the most impressive wrestlers in the company today. Trish remarks that she’s seen him in the past and is impressed, and is disappointed he wasn’t on the card tonight. London notes that if she makes a move to the blue brand, she can see him all she wants. The Toronto native giggles, and says he’s right, but of course, isn’t sure that it will happen… but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want it to.


Commercial Break

Big Show and Carlito Caribbean Cool go at it in the fifth match of the night, in a contest that wasn’t SCHEDULED to be for the United States Championship. BUT, due to circumstances out of everyone’s control, the gold is on the line in this bout.
It’s Carlito who has quite a mountain to climb in this one, both physically and mentally, as it’s his second match of the night, and it’s against the imposing 7-foot tall, 500-pound giant. About five minutes into the match, Big Show goes to charge into Carlito… but Carlito pulls the referee in harm’s way and he’s SQUASHED!
Like a ton of bricks, the referee falls and Carlito maneuvers away. He leaps onto Big Show’s back and starts raking at the giant’s eyes. But Big Show is far too monstrous to be taken down easily and clocks Carlito in the jaw! The Caribbean native falls down on his feet and walks right into Big Show’s frying pan-like hand grabbing at his throat! But with the ref down, Carlito kicks Big Show RIGHT IN THE GROIN!
Carlito then grabs Big Show by the head and leaps up… and SCORES with a HUGE DDT!
The giant is down, and Carlito goes for the cover. “1… 2… 3…. 4…” the referee is still down! CCC goes to grab the official, but his attention turns to the stage as CHARLIE HAAS and HARDCORE HOLLY come running down! CCC goes to hightail it, but Holly grabs him and throws him into the ring! Haas grabs Carlito and begins to lay into him with right hands, as Holly plucks Carlito off the mat and slams him down with a thunderous spinebuster. Holly goes to step over Carlito but Haas jostles with him, and the two look at one another before Holly smacks Haas across the face!
Haas takes offense to this and shoves Holly, but Holly shoves Haas down! “STAY OUTTA THE WAY, KID!” shouts the veteran, but Haas tackles Holly down!

“What the HELL is going on!??!?!”

The allure for championship gold – and revenge – appears to have clouded the judgments of these two wrestlers, as they throw fists at one another with Haas getting the advantage now on the outside, and he tackles Holly into the barricade!
Meanwhile, back near the ring, ORLANDO JORDAN has now made his way to ringside! He goes and grabs the United States Championship, a belt that belonged to him no recently than an hour ago, and slides into the ring. He glares at Carlito, who is very woozy as he gets up, and goes to hit him with the title belt…

BUT JORDAN WAFFLES BIG SHOW WITH THE BELT INSTEAD AFTER CARLITO DODGES THE BULLET!

Jordan loses control of the belt, and his eyes widen as he knows he missed his target, and is suddenly taken RIGHT out of the ring by the champ. The dastardly Carlito then climbs out of the ring, onto the apron, and slingshots himself into the ring and scores with a MAGNIFICENT TORNADO DDT TO BIG SHOW! Cole remarks how it’s the SECOND DDT he’s suffered in mere moments, and Carlito scrambles as he hooks both legs. The referee, as the camera picks him up, has now regained consciousness…



1…! 2… …!! 3!!! CARLITO RETAINS THE TITLE!

MSG is in total disbelief after Carlito has DONE IT AGAIN! After seven minutes and change, Carlito not only confirms that he WON the U.S. Title earlier on in the night after not even originally being involved in the match, but he ALSO RETAINS that title in ABSURD fashion in his very first title defense! CCC gets the hell out of dodge, running through the crowd after hopping the barricade, with the championship gold in tow, as we get a camera shot of Jordan, Big Show, Haas and Holly in that order – all victims of the shenanigans of The Bad Apple here tonight in The BIG Apple.

A split-screen shot of both champion and challenger is shown next. John Cena and John Bradshaw Layfield are marching towards the entranceway, as the final hype commences for the main event!


Commercial Break

And in our final bout, Cena clashes with JBL with the WWE Championship on the line in this high-stakes matchup in this big-fight atmosphere at The Garden. The bar wasn’t set all that high at WrestleMania 21, but these two have a much better encounter than their first one three weeks ago in The City of Angels. Cena comes out all guns blazing, setting the former champion off his guard with a flurry of punches. JBL eventually fights his way back into it, proving exactly why he was the man who, at least self-proclaimed, carried SmackDown on his back for nearly a year.
The fight spills to the outside and Cena, unorthodoxly, leaps off the TOP ROPE to attack, but Layfield catches him in mid-air! Holding him horizontally, JBL looks over his shoulder… and hits a FALLAWAY SLAM, THROWING CENA BACK FIRST RIGHT INTO THE BARRICADE!
A sickening THUD reverberates around Madison Square Garden as Cena takes a SICK bump. Layfield’s smile glistens like a Christmas tree, or the New York City skyline as Tazz says, as he rolls into the ring. The WWE Champion is in peril, and Layfield begins to celebrate in the ring, thinking that he’s won the match and that the reclaiming of his prized championship belt is only 10 seconds away. The crowd groans and rallies behind the Massachusetts native, proving to probably be the ONLY time a New York Crowd has ever done so. At around five, Cena finally begins to show signs of life, and five seconds are standing between either continuing to fight… or having his championship reign unceremoniously end after just 18 days. At the count of seven, he nears the ring, as JBL is still in celebration mode. He grabs onto the apron at the count of eight, and begins to power himself up… at the count of nine he’s on his feet… and he HURLS HIMSELF IN!

CENA BEATS THE TEN COUNT!

JBL looks on in a state of shock, as he was SURE that the Fallaway Slam was what he needed to put Cena away. But it appears that The Franchise can take a licking and keep on ticking. He glares up at Layfield, who now wears a scowl, and he pulls Cena up and throws him between his legs, and loads him up and THUNDEROUSLY SLAMS HIM DOWN ON HIS BACK WITH A POWERBOMB!

1! 2!! NEW CHAMPION!

NO!!!! CENA KICKS OUT! At 2 ½, The Doctor of Thuganomics kicks out after the powerbomb! JBL berates the official, and then berates John and tells him to stay down. He covers again… NEAR FALL! He throws a couple fists, and covers again… NEAR FALL! JBL slaps the mat in frustration as Cena absolutely refuses to die. A molten hot crowd chants ‘CE-NA’ ‘CE-NA’ ‘CE-NA’ one time after another, as this agitates The Wrestling GAWD quite a bit. He pulls Cena up, and shouts at and slaps him as he nears the ropes. He then shoots him across the ring, and looks for THE CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL…

But CENA DUCKS, and runs to the ropes, PROPELS off with a HARD shoulder block! The crowd bursts into cheers as Cena winces in pain and gets up and staggers a bit. JBL gets back up to his feet as well, and Cena runs ahead and connects with ANOTHER shoulder block to take down the challenger. Cena then rises again, and beats his chest, getting the support of the crowd, and Layfield walks in and goes for a right, but Cena ducks, and props him up… and slams him down QUICKLY with a spinning side slam! The crowd can sense the mood changing as Cena gets up and looks around before waving his hand in front of his face.

“YOU CAN’T SEE MEEEEEE!”

FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! 1! 2!! KICK OUT FROM JBL! New York groans, as does Cena, as he shakes his head and rolls off. He reaches his feet, still feeling the effects of the back injury he might have sustained earlier in the match. He reaches down then… and pumps up the kicks! After a deep breath, Cena stalks Layfield, who CLOBBERS HIM WITH THE CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!

Cena is KO’ed it appears, and JBL crawls over and hooks both legs.

1! 2!! JBL REGAINS THE TITLE!

NO!!! NO HE DOES NOT! CENA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

It’s a frenzy in The Garden, as JBL is SHOCKED! He sits up, totally discouraged, not knowing what he needs to do to get his adversary down. Then, a scowl comes over his face again as he shouts down at John to get up. Layfield walks over to the corner, and calls him on. Roughly eight seconds later, Cena’s up, and Layfield surges ahead, bounces off the ropes, looking to DECAPITATE The Doctor of Thuganomics with ANOTHER Clothesline From Hell—

NO! CENA BENDS DOWN, PROPPING JBL ON HIS SHOULDERS! F-U!!!!

It’s a SLOPPY one as Cena couldn’t hang on for too long with his ailing back, but the champion hooks the far leg!

1!

2!!

3!!! CENA RETAINS!!!!


A standing ovation for the WWE Champion ensues as after nearly 13 minutes, John Cena’s refusal to falter ends with him basking in the moment of celebrating a HUGE win in his first WWE Title defense! He’s awarded the title, which he embraces, knowing how precious each moment spent with it is. He drops to his knees, and favors his back as the referee raises his hand.

We cut up to the GM’s suite, as both Long, and Ms. Stratus, are applauding with a gleam in the Women’s Champion’s eyes, it appears, as she can’t help but feel impressed and enamored with the WWE Champion’s efforts tonight. “That’s what SmackDown’s ALL about, Trish!” Teddy shouts, as Trish nods, and wears her grin.

We then cut back down as Cena holds the title up high from his knees, and lets it fall down his arm and onto his shoulder. John beats his chest, and looks at the title again, clutching it, and hoists it up one more time.

THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN—

THE LIGHTS GO OUT!









**GONG**

MSG COMES UNGLUED!!!



**GONG**





***REST IN PEACE***

With an EPIC reaction ringing out around The World’s Most Famous Arena, the attention turns to the entranceway, as through a thick cloud of fog and smoke comes...

THE UNDERTAKER!

The Deadman is here in New York City, and he glares down at the ring and at the WWE Champion…

…Who shares that very same glare, as it appears abundantly clear to EVERYONE what The Phenom is chasing. Cena and ‘Taker, two men who have walked the same path before, now look ready to do the very same thing again…







END OF SHOW

***​
 
#18 · (Edited)

RAW;
April 25th; Birmingham, England:

Recap video surrounding the events of the Intercontinental Championship as well as the World Heavyweight Championship, as the Fatal 4-Way Match was made for Backlash, and Shelton Benjamin got his MSG moment after hitting an Elbow Drop onto Shawn Michaels through the RAW announce table

Opening Video

No Pyro. Instead…
***REGALITY*** A THUNDEROUS ovation in jolly, old England for its native son! William Regal, one half of the World Tag Team Champions, enters the fray, waving to the crowd with Tajiri flanked to his left as he kicks off this broadcast.

Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW! The road to Backlash is nearly complete, and we are now six days away from the first RAW-brand Pay-Per-View of 2005! But before that, we’ve made our final pit stop across the pond in Birmingham, England. And would you get a load of this ovation for William Regal?!

Jerry Lawler: The NEC Arena has absolutely come alive, that’s for sure!

Regal enters the ring with Tajiri, and pumps up the crowd whose decibel volume increases. Then…

***PAPARAZZI*** The number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championships enter the venue. MNM walks out, with the usual sight of the paparazzi following them with their cameras, as Johnny Nitro is introduced for singles competition tonight.

Jim Ross: With six days left until these two tag teams (graphic appears) at Backlash, the number one contenders are going to have an opportunity to get a leg up on the competition. Johnny Nitro tonight is going to take on William Regal and, later tonight, Joey Mercury is going to square off with Tajiri in singles matches.

Jerry Lawler: I think this is a huge, huge chance for these young rookies. Tajiri and William Regal have years of experience behind them. If they can both pin each half of the World Tag Team Champions tonight here in Birmingham? That’s going to give them a ton of confidence!

1 – World Tag Team Champion William Regal vs. Johnny Nitro

The talented upstart Nitro gets a crack at the veteran in William Regal, and what comes of it is a pretty good made-for-television matchup. Nitro still appears to be a little bit green, but Regal carries him and makes him look pretty good throughout the duration of the contest. The Brit looks to apply the Regal Stretch at around the seven-minute mark, but can’t get it locked in as the feisty Nitro elbows free. Nitro walks up to his feet and leaps onto the second rope, springboarding off, and NAILING REGAL WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Tajiri puts his hands on his head as he looks on, as Nitro hooks the legs!

1! 2!! 3!!! NITRO PINS REGAL!!!

Winner – Johnny Nitro at 6:37.

Jim Ross: And that’s it! Well ba’gawd, Nitro has pinned Regal!

Jerry Lawler: One down, one to go J.R.! How about that KICK from Johnny Nitro. What a maneuver that was!

King’s evident attempt to borrow a line from the boss goes somewhat unnoticed; but what doesn’t is Nitro’s victory which he jubilantly celebrates up the ramp with his fellow tag team partner and valet. Regal holds his head, not looking like he knows what hit him as Tajiri tends to him in the middle of the ring. England, not very pleased, rains down boos on the victorious entity in MNM as they waltz up the ramp, with another match scheduled for later.

We then jump backstage to see Eric Bischoff inside his office.

Eric Bischoff: Hello, and welcome to Monday Night RAW. What a brilliant start to the show, eh, England?

Boos.

Eric Bischoff: Well, we’re just getting started. Tonight… as you well know already, Tajiri, the OTHER half of the World Tag Team Champions will go one-on-one with the OTHER half of the number one contenders, Joey Mercury. And if this first match is ANY indication then, well, Japanese Buzzsaw, you might want to be on your toes.

Bisch grins.

Eric Bischoff: Also here tonight… is going to be a SPECIAL edition of Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel. The guests? None other… than “The Rabid Wolverine” Chris Benoit…

Cheers.

Eric Bischoff: …As well as “Mister Money in the Bank,” Edge.

And then a mixed reaction.

Eric Bischoff: Plus, we’re going to hear from the Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin and get his thoughts on what happened last week at Madison Square Garden, and his upcoming Intercontinental Championship Match this Sunday against Shawn Michaels.

Another round of cheers.

Eric Bischoff: BUT, all of that pales into comparison to tonight’s main event… as we’re going to see… a handicap match that’s just bleeding out star power. In one corner, you will see… “The Game,” Triple H and … (smirks) “The Legend Killer,” Randy Orton!


A rather shocked reaction to that pairing comes out.

Eric Bischoff: And in the other corner… the WORLD – HEAVYWEIGHT – CHAMPION, “The Animal” Batista!

Another set of cheers churns out from the crowd for the babyface tandem.

Eric Bischoff: So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… Oh, and one more thing. Trish Stratus?

‘Oooooh.’

Eric Bischoff: Don’t think I didn’t notice your little stunt that you pulled this past Thursday. I’m just here to remind you that if you choose not to honor your contract this Sunday at Backlash, and don’t participate in the WWE Women’s Championship Match you’re scheduled to be in… then I will see to it that you are stripped of that championship and that legal action is brought against you.

With that, the RAW GM grins once again as we go to commercial.

Commercial Break

We come back to the broadcast…

***MONSTER*** The Man Beast storms into the arena to a pretty solid reaction from the Birmingham crowd. Rhyno, the last ECW Champion, makes his way to the ring with the typical, omnipresent intensity that we’ve grown accustomed to.

Jim Ross: Last week on this television program, we witnessed “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters shockingly submit the incomparable “Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley to the pressure of his Master Lock submission hold. After the match Masters refused to let go despite getting the job done, and that’s when this man made his presence felt.

Jerry Lawler: Well, he didn’t get ALL of Masters, J.R. He hit him with a few clotheslines and sent him running, but the fact is, “The Masterpiece” made one heck of an impact.

Jim Ross: And over the weekend (Graphic appears) we learned that “The Man Beast” Rhyno and “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters will lock horns this Sunday in Manchester, New Hampshire at Backlash. I’m about as unbiased as they come, but I can imagine that some people out there are hoping that Rhyno takes Chris Masters down a peg.

***SIMON SYSTEM*** The crowd annoyingly groans at the music of Simon Dean, who comes out, all smiles as he usually does and begins promoting his product. As he enters the ring, however, Rhyno has heard enough, and goes on the offensive!

2 – Rhyno vs. Simon Dean

So, yeah. These two are former ECW competitors [NOVA! NOVA! NOVA! NOVA! NOVA!] but that’s about the only proper comparison to make here. Dean doesn’t look all that remarkable against The Man Beast who dominates this match from start to finish. Things wrap up after Rhyno charges forward past the five-minute mark, breaking Dean in half with the GORE! [GORE! GORE! GORE!]

1! 2!! 3!!!

Winner – Rhyno via pin fall at 5:08.

Rhyno celebrates the win inside the ring as he has his hand raised, while Dean holds his ribs in pain. Just then, the crowd eyes the stage, as CHRIS MASTERS is sprinting down to the ring. The Masterpiece slides in, readies himself, and runs forward and CLOBBERS RHYNO IN THE FACE WITH THE POLISH HAMMER!

Jerry Lawler: YES! THERE IT IS!

Jim Ross: Agh, GOD! That Polish Hammer from outta nowhere from Masters!
Chris mounts Rhyno and starts to level him with right hands. Amidst the boos, The Masterpiece pulls him up by his hand and then Irish whips him across the ring. Masters once again goes for the Polish Hammer…

But this time, Rhyno ducks, runs off the ropes…

GORE! GORE! GORE! GORE! GORE!

Jim Ross: And Rhyno gets ‘im with the GORE!

Jerry Lawler: No!

Jim Ross: Masters better be careful that he doesn’t get knocked off his mantle this Sunday night, because I can guarantee you that Rhyno is going to give him everything that he’s got. He’s no has been at this point like Chris has claimed him to be.

We cut backstage, and see an irate-looking Randy Orton making a beeline for the General Manager’s office. The Legend Killer, wearing his wrestling gear and his ‘RKO’ t-shirt, pushes open the door to the room.

Randy Orton: What the HELL are you thinking?!

Bischoff, startled, turns his head around.

Randy Orton: Have you paid attention in the last few months? You want me to team up with Triple H? Really?

Eric Bischoff: Why, yes, Randy. Yes I do.

Flared up, Randy walks up to the desk.

Randy Orton: You cannot be serious, Eric. I DESPISE Triple H. There isn’t anybody in this company that I can’t stand more. And you want me to team up with him tonight in a Handicap Match?

Flabbergasted, Orton shakes his head.

Randy Orton: You know what? I said I couldn’t stand anybody more than Triple H. But this? This decision that you’ve made? It might make you a strong contender for that.

Smirking, Eric readies to respond.

Eric Bischoff: Well, Randy, I’m so honored to be distinguished like that by you. Really, it warms my heart. And you know what else? If you don’t decide to play by the rules tonight…

Bischoff’s smirk wears away.

Eric Bischoff: Then… I think… that Sunday there’s going to be… a Triple Threat Match instead of a Fatal 4-Way. Yeah…

TLK’s eyes widen.

Eric Bischoff: Yeah, instead of Randy Orton versus Triple H versus Christian versus Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship, I think that Triple H versus Christian versus Batista sounds even better. What about you, Randall? How’s that sound to you?

Orton scowls with a seething look in his eyes.

Eric Bischoff: Let’s get this straight. I’M the boss here, Randy. Just because people like YOU want to throw your weight around and demand things, and just because people like Trish Stratus can try to circumvent the system… I am NOT going to let the inmates run the asylum here. I booked you in a match. YOU have to follow my orders. I write your checks and I keep you in line. That’s the way it goes.

Eric walks up.

Eric Bischoff: Do we have an understanding, Randall?

Saying nothing, Orton continues to sharply glare, as he then storms out of the office and slams the door. Eric smirks still as his attempt at imposing his will certainly went well, at least in his mind…

Commercial Break

We return from commercial, as some footage is shown from an interview that took place, with a ‘DURING THE BREAK’ tag in the lower-third portion of the screen.

***

Rhyno is seen walking through Gorilla, as Maria Kanellis meets up with him.

Maria Kanellis: Rhyno, after what just happened out there, could you possibly lend us some of your thoughts on your match that’s coming up this Sunday at Backlash?

Rhyno: Yeah… yeah I’ll give you some thoughts Maria. (Spits on the ground) You know what I think about a guy like Chris Masters? I think a guy like Chris Masters whose arrogance is trumping every single thing that he’s done in his short time here in WWE needs REALITY TO SLAP HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE!

The Man Beast is livid, as his face reddens.

Rhyno: Yeah, reality needs to smack him right across his pretty little face. CHRIS MASTERS needs reality to knock him off his feet before he can be successful. What happened out there? What happened just now… that’s just a TASTE of what’s to come! Sunday night at Backlash, I’m going to MAKE SURE THAT CHRIS MASTERS UNDERSTANDS THAT!

Rhyno looks into the camera.

Rhyno: CHRIS! You need to listen and listen real GOOD! You DESERVE everything that’s coming to you. You might have a prominent career. You might win a few championships but before that you need to be humbled. And I’M GOING TO BE THE MAN TO DO IT! So Sunday night, MAY THE FIRST! There won’t be any masterpieces. Things might get taken to the extreme. And you… you’re going to be… at the receiving end… of a GORE! GORE!! GORE!!! GORE!!!!

The Motor City native marches away from screen shot.

***

Now inside the ring is ‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho, dressed in his casual attire as the emcee for his talk show, which is set up inside the squared circle.

Chris Jericho: WELCOME TOOOOOO … RAWWWWW … ISSSSSS … JERICHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Birmingham lets out a big pop.

Chris Jericho: … AND THIS … IS THE HIIIIIGHLIGHT REEL!!!!!

Another pop, as Y2J paces around.

Chris Jericho: Over the last few weeks ever since WrestleMania Twenty One, I’ve been entangled with two other of RAW’s best and brightest competitors after the Money in the Bank Ladder Match – which I was the mastermind behind – took place. And it’s no secret to my legion of Jericholics that yours truly has a long, well-established history with both of these men.

Jericho continues to pace, before sitting down in a chair.

Chris Jericho: I’ve had my battles, at one time or another, with each of these guys before. It’s been on the biggest of stages as well. The Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, WrestleMania, Survivor Series, we’ve done it all. Ladder matches, steel cages, triple threat matches, three way dances, and luckily we’ve never been part of a Kennel from Hell Match—

Jericho stops himself, and giggles, as the crowd laughs.

{King: A Kennel from Hell Match?!}

Chris Jericho: And it’s no secret either that the last few weeks have been a little bit rocky so that’s why I decided to invite these two men to my show tonight. So first and foremost, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Jericholics of all ages, would you please welcome guest numero uno on this edition of The Highlight Reel … CHRRRRRIS BENOIT!

***WHATEVER*** Birmingham, England shows its appreciation for The Rabid Wolverine. Benoit marches out wearing a ‘Toothless Aggression’ sleeveless shirt and jeans and briskly paces down the ring. Jericho eyes him the whole way, and The Canadian Crippler climbs into the ring and takes a seat.

Chris Jericho: And now, Jericholics, let’s give a big hand for guest numero dos. He is, like myself, and Mister Benoit here, a native of Canada. He is a multi-time Tag Team Champion. And perhaps more importantly he is none other… than “Mister Money in the Bank,” EDGE!

***METALINGUS*** England is a big fan of Mr. Money in the Bank, and they show just that with their reaction as Edge protrudes through the smoke on stage. With a black graphic tee on, black pants, and the briefcase in hand, Edge makes his way to the ring filled with fellow Canadians and joins Benoit inside at another seat.

Chris Jericho: Edge, Chris, I’m glad the two of you could join me here tonight.

Edge: Well, y’know, I could think of better things to do than be over here in England, but I appreciate the invite, Chris.

Cheap heat for Mr. MITB.

Edge: And y’know, I’m really glad that you were able to see through the obvious jealousy in your eyes, and in your mind, so that we could have this peaceful little summit on your cute talk show, Chris. Really shows how much more mature that I thought you were.

Y2J lets out a laugh.

Chris Jericho: Jealous? Jealous of you, Edge? Is that what you said?

Edge: I don’t have a stuttering problem, I don’t think. You heard me loud and clear.

Y2J laughs again.

Chris Jericho: Edge, a man like me has nothing to be jealous about. I’m a multi-time Intercontinental Champion. I’m a HUGE rock star. And just in case you forgot, I was the first ever Undisputed Champion, baby!

Some cheers for Jericho’s accomplishments from the crowd.

Chris Jericho: I beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the very same night! I’ve got no reason to envy you at all, Edge. I think my accomplishments speak for themselves.

Edge looks on.

Edge: Oh really? Well, Chris, I beg to differ. Ever since WrestleMania you’ve constantly brought up the fact that you were “the man behind Money in the Bank.” You just did so a few minutes ago before you introduced Chris and I. You keep barking up that tree and yet…

The Toronto native looks down at the briefcase and then back at Jericho.

Edge: You’ve got absolutely nothing to show for it. You weren’t involved in the final decision. You didn’t come close to winning this briefcase. Those are facts. The fact is, you look at me… and you look and see this bad boy that I’ve got in my hand – a GUARANTEED shot at the World Title – and you ARE a jealous, jealous man.

Edge nods. “Oh yeah,” he says.

Chris Jericho: That’s where you’re wrong, Edge. I wouldn’t call it jealousy. I’d call it desire. Sure, I desire to have that briefcase. I think just about anybody would. All three of us… we wanted that briefcase going into WrestleMania for our own respective reasons. Am I right about that?

All three competitors look at one another.

Chris Jericho: Edge, you wanted it because you wanted to get to the top of the mountain for the first time in your career. You wanted to finally get out of the shadows of your tag team wrestling past. Chris… you wanted to get back to the apex moment of your career. Last year at WrestleMania Twenty, you finally reached it. You won the World Heavyweight Championship. It was the biggest moment of your career… and you crave getting back to it. Yeah?

Benoit lets out a nod.

Chris Jericho: And I… I wanted to be back as well. It’s been over three years since I last held a major championship. I haven’t even gotten many opportunities in the last three years either. That’s why I wanted to create that match. That’s why I wanted to be the man behind Money in the Bank because I… wanted… to be at the top again. I wanted to be the King of the World. The World Heavyweight Champion—

Edge: But, you lost.

‘Oooooh.’

Edge: You didn’t get the job done, which, to be honest, is the story of both of your careers.

‘Oooooooh.’ Benoit gets up and grabs a microphone.

Chris Benoit: What?

Edge: You heard exactly what I said, Chris.

Chris Benoit: The story… the story of my career? The story of my career has been making punks like you TAP OUT! That’s what the story of my career has been!

Cheers for Benoit’s words.

Chris Benoit: Yeah, you’re right, Edge. For seventeen long years, I couldn’t win the big one. Last year, I DID! I FINALLY DID! I won the World Heavyweight Championship by beating two of the best of all time in Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Madison Square Garden. I rewrote the narrative that people attached to my career. And you? You have the audacity to try and tell me otherwise?

A sharp glare comes from The Rabid Wolverine’s eyes.

Chris Benoit: You know what I think? I think that if we wrestled in this ring again, like last week… it wouldn’t end the same way. No, instead, I would make you TAP OUT, EDGE!

Edge: Is that so?

Chris Benoit: Yeah, Edge. Prove me wrong.

Benoit steps up to Mr. MITB.

Chris Benoit: C’mon, Edge. Prove me wrong. Prove me wrong and prove to me that I wouldn’t make you SQUEAL in this ring if I got you in the Crossface—

Chris Jericho: Alright, alright, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Jericho cuts the conversation off.

Chris Jericho: I’m not going to let you two jerkies take command of my show and let things get out of hand. So on behalf of myself, I would like to ask that you two PLEASE…

The crowd cheers as Jericho takes a breath.

Chris Jericho: SHUT! THE HELL! UP!

Another round of cheers.

Chris Jericho: When I think about it, there’s an easier way for us to settle the score here. So here’s my next brainchild… my next idea. This Sunday night at Backlash, I don’t have a match, you don’t have a match, and you don’t have a match right now. So what I suggest is we get in this ring and give ourselves, and give the fans what they want.

And another round of applause is let out.

Chris Jericho: What I suggest is that we see Chris Jericho … versus Edge … versus Chris Benoit. And this isn’t going to be just an ordinary Triple Threat Match, no. That’s cheap. That isn’t the right way to do this. Everyone needs to be involved here in this so that these scores can be settled. So instead, how about we make it a…

Jericho grins.

Chris Jericho: A Three … Way … Dance. How about that, jerkies?!

The crowd voices their approval for the match, as Edge and Benoit look at one another… and then at Jericho.

Chris Benoit: You’re on.

Crowd pops!

Edge: (Nods) I’ll take great pleasure in beating the both of you. Game on.

And another pop!

Edge: And here’s just a little preview of that.

Edge drops the mic, and then grabs the briefcase and WAFFLES CHRIS JERICHO ACROSS THE FACE WITH IT! He then charges over at Benoit, looking to do the same!


But BENOIT GRABS HIM BY THE ARM AND BRINGS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT!

A struggle ensues as The Rabid Wolverine looks to slap on the CRIPPLER CROSSFACE!


BUT EDGE SLITHERS AWAY WITH THE BRIEFCASE IN TOW! Benoit glares down at Mr. MITB, who backs up the ramp clutching onto his prize. Benoit brings his thumb and index finger close together as he stares at Edge, signifying just how close he was to putting him in his patented submission maneuver.

We get looks of each of the competitors, who will now be facing off this Sunday at Backlash in what should be a magnificent encounter, as we fade out…

Commercial Break

***DON’T MESS WITH*** Victoria enters the NEC Arena to a decent reaction, as the former Women’s Champion looks intent on getting back in the ring for the first time in a few weeks, as the Women’s Division has been in a bit of a standstill with its disgruntled champion away from the scene.

***WALK IDIOT WALK*** Christy Hemme is next out of the chute, and the spitfire redhead flaunts her way to the ring with Victoria waiting inside. The Diva Search winner pumps up the crowd a bit as she heads to all four corners.

***RHESUS PIECES*** Molly Holly is the third woman to walk on out into the arena, and she does so to an applause. Molly climbs into the ring and eyes the other two ladies inside as she stands in her corner.

***I’M FEELING GOOD*** Ivory is the fourth and final lady out of the gate and she too receives a positive response from the British crowd. The other three ladies look on as this Fatal 4-Way is set to begin, that’s sure to set the table for this Sunday’s eventful clash against the Women’s Champion.

3 – Victoria vs. Christy Hemme vs. Molly Holly vs. Ivory

After a few idle weeks, the Women’s Division is put under the lights and the four combatants have a decent contest that runs a little lengthier than most may have expected it to. Given that, all things considered, the majority is filled with rather good workers, there’s a lot of good impressions made in this matchup. A few near falls are scattered about as J.R. and King play up the determination of them to make a mark and perhaps impress the RAW GM enough to be picked to take on Trish this Sunday at Backlash. The end sees Molly hit the Molly Go Round on Christy Hemme, and get a near fall after Ivory picks her up, and hits the Moretti Driver! Suddenly, Victoria breaks up the pin, and drills Ivory with the Widow’s Peak!

1! 2!! 3!!! Victoria wins!

Winner – Victoria via pin fall at 8:50.

Jim Ross: Well that finish was about as chaotic as they come but it’s the devilish diva in Victoria that’s able to get the victory.

Jerry Lawler: Well, like we were saying, J.R. I don’t think these ladies have taken kindly to Trish Stratus’ comments about the division. Right or wrong as she might be, it offended them. And now, they’re out to prove her wrong.

Jim Ross: Whether Victoria did enough to impress Eric Bischoff to make her his handpicked opponent for Trish at Backlash is yet to be seen. But in my opinion, all four of these women made statements in their own right tonight. Victoria might have made the loudest, though.

The camera spotlights the Chicagoan who is catching her breath while backing up the ramp, looking down at the ring with a brimming, intense look in her eyes, hoping that the statement she attempted to make was loud enough.

…And we cut backstage to see Bischoff himself, taking a gander at the monitor where Victoria is, looking to be a bit ‘impressed,’ so to speak. The camera widens back… and we see the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista!

Batista: Hey, boss.

Startled, Eric turns around.

Batista: What’s this about tonight? A Handicap Match? I mean, I can take ‘em both. Just seems… interesting.

Eric Bischoff: Well, Dave. I WOULD have made it a tag team match but unfortunately, Christian, to my knowledge, isn’t with us tonight in Birmingham. Therefore, the handicap match was made.

The champ nods.

Batista: You couldn’t get me a… tag team partner or something? Again, I don’t care. I’m the champion. I’ll take on all comers. Whether it’s two, three, five, ten, it doesn’t matter. I’m just curious.

Eric Bischoff: Well, Dave I did explore the option of giving you a tag team partner but… I wanted to give everyone a little preview of what’s to come this Sunday. And since Christian isn’t in the picture, and since there’s no one else on the RAW roster who is involved in the World Heavyweight Title scene, that, again, is why the decision was made.

Big Dave takes a look at the RAW GM…

Batista: Alright, Eric. I guess that’s good enough.

Dave goes to leave, and turns around.

Batista: You are the boss, and whatever you say goes, right?

Eric Bischoff: Yeah.

Bischoff grins.

Eric Bischoff: That’s exactly right. And I’m glad that you—

Batista: Wipe that grin off your face.

Intimidated, Bischoff’s grin disappears as the crowd lets out a pop, and Dave then saunters away.

…Elsewhere, we see Muhammad Hassan and Daivari walking through a corridor, as they’re greeted with jeers as they’re seen on the TitanTron.

Jim Ross: Well we’re now going to be turning our attention to a man that’s likely to be as reviled here, as he is stateside.

Jerry Lawler: You’ve got that right, J.R.…

Commercial Break

***ARAB AMERICANS**** The heat remains the same – even on a different continent. Muhammad Hassan and Daivari walk out to hot, hot heat from the Birmingham, England crowd, and the pair look to be unnerved by it as they continue on down to the ring.

4 – Muhammad Hassan vs. Paul Birchall

(Yes, it’s THAT Paul Birchall).

Hassan goes up against a local talent who J.R. and King drum up as an Ohio Valley Wrestling product from the United Kingdom. Needless to say, the young man has the NEC Arena in his corner for this affair, and has a pretty strong showing in his own right against the youngster Hassan. But, the dastardly Arab American turns the tide and seizes control after a countered cross body turns into a power slam. Past the seven-minute mark go the young combatants, and Birchall looks to put Hassan on his back with a tilt-a-whirl side slam, but Hassan grabs hold, and brings him down with a Complete Shot! Fluidly, Hassan transitions this into a Camel Clutch! Despite the heavy cheers to try and rally their countryman, Hassan forces the youngster into submission much to their chagrin.

Winner – Muhammad Hassan at 7:15.

Jim Ross: Well, I suspect that one day we’re going to see this young man Birchall live to fight another day, but Muhammad Hassan has won yet again.

Jerry Lawler: How I wish someone would just put this guy in his place…

Hassan reaches out and grabs a microphone.

Muhammad Hassan: The clock has ticked its final tick!

Booooooooooos.

Muhammad Hassan: Kane! (Crowd pops) I’m not waiting any longer. What’s it going to be?

Jim Ross: I still can’t believe this young man is doing this.

Jerry Lawler: He has a death wish, J.R. Whether or not that’s a good thing is to be determined, but the point still remains.

Muhammad Hassan: C’mon Kane, get out here right no—

*BOOM*

***SLOW CHEMICAL***

Jerry Lawler: Ah! J.R.! He’s here!!

Jim Ross: Through hell, fire, and brimstone… by GAWD it’s KANE!

The Big Red Machine has answered Hassan’s call! Kane stomps down the ramp, glaring at the Arab American who looks unfazed, while Daivari, meanwhile, appears to be the polar opposite, scared shitless.

The monster climbs up to the apron, and over the top rope, where Hassan strikes him!

Jerry Lawler: What on earth!?

Jim Ross: Muhammad Hassan is going right after the Big Red Machine!

Muhmmad continues his strikes, taking Kane off balance, and shoots im across the ring. Hassan readies and runs forward, but Kane CATCHES HIM WITH A RUNNING BOOT TO THE FACE!

Hassan, groggy, gets back up and walks into The Big Red Machine, who clutches him by the throat!

WHACK! Daivari strikes Kane in the back with his forearm!

And the monster NO SELLS IT, turning around, throwing Muhammad down to the ground, and he grabs Daivari by the throat.

CHOKESLAM FROM HELL TO DAIVARI!

Out of dodge now, Hassan looks down at Kane as he backs up the ramp, pondering whether he made a grave mistake or not…

Jim Ross: Well Muhammad Hassan may have ambushed Kane from the get go, but the monster has returned to RAW and he’s looking as bad as ever. And I cannot imagine or envision what’s going on in the mind of our resident Arab-American, but one has to wonder if he has any idea of what he’s getting himself into.

Commercial Break

5 – Joey Mercury vs. Tajiri

So, it’s the second installment of this tune-up for the World Tag Team Titles. And it’s a pretty riveting contest between this youngster and veteran. Tajiri puts up a very good fight against the hungry Mercury, who puts up one of his own as well as it’s a pretty even affair for the most part. It comes down to one fatal mishap by Tajiri, who swings and misses an attempt at the Buzzsaw Kick. Afterwards, Mercury gets up and kicks his opponent in the gut, before hitting a double underhook DDT!

1! 2!! 3!!!

And with THAT, the challengers have gotten TWO legs up on the Tag Team Champions!

Winner – Joey Mercury via pin fall at 6:56.

Jim Ross: And Mercury wins it! Joey Mercury, after Johnny Nitro won earlier tonight against William Regal has defeated Tajiri, which means that the challengers have double-upped the Tag Team Champions!

Jerry Lawler: You know what they say, J.R. Divide and conquer! This is HUGE for Mercury and Nitro going into Sunday at Backlash.

Jim Ross: Is this the scene that we’re going to see in six days in Manchester, New Hampshire?

What J.R. is talking about is that Mercury is jubilantly celebrating the win with his comrades up at the top of the stage now, with Tajiri reeling inside the ring. Certainly the tables have been turned on the World Tag Team Champions, and it’s only a matter of time to see if they will continue to foil…

We then cut to a vignette.

***

“THIS THURSDAY …”

Shots of the SmackDown! set, with pyro going off.

“DON’T MISS AN ALL-NEW EDITION OF SMACKDOWN FROM BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND!”

Images of several members of the SmackDown! roster.

“After coming up short in his attempt at regaining the WWE Championship last week, what will John Bradshaw Layfield have to say?”

A few studio images are shown of JBL.

“Plus, we witnessed the return of The Phenom. Is The Undertaker in pursuit of John Cena’s prized possession?”

A few images of The Undertaker and John Cena are overlayed in the video package.

“Don’t miss WWE SmackDown this Thursday night on UPN!”

***

Commercial Break

Jim Ross: Welcome back to RAW ladies and gentlemen. Already we’ve seen quite an exciting night and we’ve got a big-time main event in store for you in just a few moments. But before we get that started, we want to take you back to the way Monday Night RAW concluded a week ago.

Jerry Lawler: Madison Square Garden’s seen a lot of history. Last week wasn’t any different. RAW finished out with an absolute BANG!

***

Benjamin looks down, from his knees, at Michaels as he … stands … up. With Michaels laid out, Benjamin … chooses not to go for the pin. He looks down at HBK, and then at the corner, then at HBK again, and walks over to the corner. And grabs the top rope …

AND STOMPS HIS FOOT! And does so AGAIN, as it’s obvious that he’s MOCKING Shawn Michaels and looking to hit Sweet Chin Music! New York groans and boos the IC Champ’s antics, as Benjamin locks his eyes on his target. With him in the crosshairs, Shelton LUNGES FORWARD…

SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO SHAWN MICHAELS!


NO!!!

MICHAELS DUCKS! Benjamin is on skates, and he charges at Michaels—

SMALL PACKAGE!

1!

2!!

3!!! SHAWN MICHAELS WINS!!!

Jim Ross: Yes! Yes! HBK wins! HBK wins!!

Jerry Lawler: No! Are you kidding me!?!?!?

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels is now in the possession of an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship! He caught Benjamin, who got too cocky for my estimation, off guard and snuck past him!

Jerry Lawler: He STOLE that victory! Michaels didn’t deserve to win! He used a roll up! He couldn’t even catch Shelton with Sweet Chin Music!

Suddenly, from behind, Benjamin attacks!! Shelton strikes Shawn down to the mat with a forearm club to the back!

Jim Ross: Hey, wait a minute!

Jerry Lawler: Yes! Get ‘em, Shelton! Get ‘em!


Angered that he was beat in embarrassing fashion by someone he claimed was out of his league, the Intercontinental Champion mounts Michaels and throws haymakers at HBK’s head. They only are brought down with higher velocity as time goes on and he gets up to a chorus of boos and backs the referee down.

Jim Ross: I don’t know what the hell has gotten into Shelton Benjamin these last few weeks but he is absolutely IRATE.

Jerry Lawler: He’s too good for the kind of crap Michaels pulled tonight. You wanna beat the champ, you’ve got to earn it! Someone like Shawn Michaels should know that, J.R.!

The Orangeburg native pulls The Icon up off the mat, latches on, and throws him in the air and DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE T-BONE SUPLEX!

Jerry Lawler: YES!

Jim Ross: Aw, the T-Bone Suplex!

Jerry Lawler: He got all of that one again, baby!

Benjamin once again rises to his feet to boos from the New York crowd. He looks around, under the bright lights, and lets out a snicker and a smile.

“You hate me cause you ain’t me!”

The Golden Gopher then walks over and grabs Michaels again, this time by his arm, and pulls him up to his feet. Then, the IC Champ swiftly pulls him forward, grabs hold, and hits a SECOND T-BONE SUPLEX TO THE MAT!

Jerry Lawler: Hahaha! He got him AGAIN!

Jim Ross: What the hell is he trying to prove?!

Jerry Lawler: That he’s the GREATEST Intercontinental Champion of all time, J.R.! Haven’t you been listening?!

Jim Ross: He lost the damn match, King. It wasn’t for the title belt. He can prove it in the ring later on, and this is uncalled for, dammit! He’s acting like a child! A sore loser!

In a huff, Benjamin grabs Michaels and dumps him over the top rope and to the ground. The Intercontinental Champion climbs out of the ring then and walks over to the announce table, and rips off the covering and goes for the monitors next.

Jim Ross: What the hell are ‘ya doin’, kid!? You’ve made your point, haven’t ‘ya?!

Jerry Lawler: He wants his moment, J.R.! Let him eat his cake!

Benjamin barks at both commentators, telling them to move as he tosses away the monitors. He then grabs Michaels, already limp from both T-Bone Suplexes, and plants him atop the table. Shelton pummels him with three STRONG punches to the forehead, ensuring that he’s knocked out, and then cocks his head over to the ring.

With HBK lying on the table, Benjamin takes two big strides and leaps onto the apron. He looks over his shoulder, down at Michaels, and then begins to scale the ropes. Madison Square Garden’s sellout crowd then rises to their feet, looking on at the IC Champion, who repositions himself to face Michaels who lies far away from him…







Jim Ross: NO NO NO NO NO NO!

Jerry Lawler: LOOK OUT!!!!

SHELTON BENJAMIN LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, DRIVING HIS ELBOW THROUGH THE HEART OF SHAWN MICHAELS, PARKED ON THE ANNOUNCE TABLE THAT COLLAPSES UNDERNEATH THEM!!!!

Jim Ross: GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY! SHELTON BENJAMIN! AN ELBOW DROP FROM THE TOP ROPE ONTO SHAWN MICHAELS, RIGHT THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!!

“HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!” “HOLY SHIT!”

Jerry Lawler: Shelton wanted his Garden moment and he got it in SPADES!









***

We transition from that video flashback to a pre-taped promo from Shelton Benjamin, evidently from right after last week’s epic ending to RAW.

***

Shelton Benjamin: (Huffing and puffing) Have I gotten your attention yet?

Benjamin continues to catch his breath, looking into the camera.

Shelton Benjamin: I said that I’d make history tonight. I said that I would out perform Shawn Michaels. I did that. I did ALL of that!

Confidently, the Intercontinental Champion nods.

Shelton Benjamin: Yeah, I didn’t get the win. Yeah, the record shows that Shawn Michaels, “The Heartbreak Kid,” beat me. But you look at that match. You watch it… you see who dominated. You see who was in control the whole way. There was never a doubt in my mind who was better. And there shouldn’t be any doubt in anyone else’s minds, either.

Benjamin shakes his head.

Shelton Benjamin: Michaels? He got lucky. He stole that win from me and everyone knows it. He wasn’t the better man. I was. I outperformed “Mister WrestleMania.” I could outperform him with one arm tied behind my back. It don’t matter. It don’t matter at all how the match ended out there.

Benji stares into the camera.

Shelton Benjamin: Why not? Why doesn’t it matter? Who’s on top? Who’s still standing? I AM! I’m still standing! Shawn Michaels, the has been that he is, he’s laying in waste. ‘Cause I dropped an elbow on him from the top rope through the announce table.

Shelton grins.

Shelton Benjamin: Sure, now he gets a shot at my Intercontinental Championship. And you know what, Heartbreak Kid? I’ll be generous. I know that lightning’s not going to strike twice. I know that you don’t have the ability anymore to outdo me, let alone beat me. So I’ll give you your shot… in thirteen days.

The IC Champ nods.

Shelton Benjamin: Yeah, you want the title? I dare you to try and take it from me. Backlash. May 1st. Manchester, New Hampshire on Pay-Per-View. I’ll put the belt that I’ve held since October on the line. And I will walk in as the Intercontinental Champion… and I will walk OUT as the Intercontinental Champion.

Shelton looks at the belt, and puts it on his shoulder.

Shelton Benjamin: Shawn, you ain’t me, and you ain’t ever gonna be me. You don’t have this championship nor will you ever. And you hate me cause you ain’t me. I WILL still be the Intercontinental Champion on May 2nd, and there’s nothing… you can do about it.

***

A graphic appears.

Jim Ross: So, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. In six days from now, Shelton Benjamin and Shawn Michaels will do battle for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Jerry Lawler: I completely agree with EVERYTHING that Shelton had to say! Shelton’s gonna get his revenge on that cheap crap that HBK pulled last week. And it’s going to be an amazing sight to behold.

Jim Ross: It’s already adding to what should be an eventful night in Manchester, New Hampshire in six days. You don’t ever want to miss a WWE Pay-Per-View, but this one should be a classic.

Commercial Break

***I WALK ALONE*** The crowd bellows out a roar for the World Heavyweight Champion who strides out with the title belt around his waist. Batista goes through his usual motions, setting off a pyro explosion before stomping down to the ring.

Jim Ross: The odds will be firmly stacked against this man this Sunday at Backlash but I’m not sure that Batista cares nor is bothered by that.

Jerry Lawler: I’m not sure he is either, J.R. We’ve seen the kind of powerhouse that Batista can be. He might not have to be pinned to lose the title belt, but I’d be surprised if he’s not going to be involved in the final decision.

***THE GAME*** The FORMER World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H, makes his entrance into the arena as Birmingham, England rises to their feet. The 10-time champion stares down the ramp at his former running mate, with the focus on the title belt he possesses.

Jim Ross: It’s not too often that we hear this kind of reaction for that man, but Birmingham, England is showing a heck of a lot of respect for the 10-time World Champion Triple H.

Jerry Lawler: That’s because these people across the pond recognize talent when they see it! They know what greatness looks like. IT’s right here in front of us.

***BURN IN MY LIGHT*** The crowd reacts poorly to the introduction of Randy Orton, who, after going through the usual motions, marches down to the ring…

…when he’s attacked from behind!

BY CHRISTIAN!

Jim Ross: Hey! It’s Christian! Christian’s back!

Jerry Lawler: He’s not supposed to be here!


Jim Ross: Captain Charisma is going right after The Legend Killer and by’GOD would you listen to this ovation!


Christian and Orton engage in fisticuffs as Triple H and Batista stand idle, wanting nothing to do with this brawl that’s broken out in Birmingham. Christian overwhelms Orton and chases him into the ring…

…Where he bumps into Batista, who gives him a Spinebuster for his trouble!

Orton rolls out of the ring, favoring his back, as Hunter doesn’t bother to help out his adversary at ALL. Christian, meanwhile, reaches for a microphone and brings it up.

Christian: I think it’s about time that somebody knocked some sense into that guy. What do you think, Birmingham?

Huge cheer from the England crowd.

Christian: You know I find it amusing that Eric Bischoff, a guy who lately can’t keep control on one of the divisions here on RAW, proclaimed such an incorrect statement earlier when he said I wasn’t scheduled to be here. A half-truth at best, Eric, because I wasn’t originally supposed to be in England, but last night I got the clearance from my doctor to compete, and I’d be damned if I didn’t get an opportunity to do that.

Another set of cheers.

Christian: So I think… I think that instead of the handicap match that was scheduled for tonight, that instead we have ourselves a good old-fashioned tag team match.

Again, a pop from the crowd rings out. Christian looks at Batista.

Christian: I’m gonna be looking to take your title away from you on Sunday, Dave. Make no mistake about that. Tonight though? How about we kick their asses together?

Batista grins and nods, generating another loud reaction.

Jim Ross: Aw yeah!

Jerry Lawler: No! He can’t do that can he?!

Jim Ross: We’re fixing to have ourselves a full-on preview of the Fatal Four-Way Match this Sunday, right here in Birmingham! Batista, the World Heavyweight Champion, is gonna team up with Christian to take on Triple H and Randy Orton!

Jerry Lawler: I can’t believe this!

Commercial Break

6 – Main Event; Tag Team Match
World Hvwt. Champion Batista & Christian vs. Triple H & Randy Orton

We join this matchup in progress, as Christian is continuing his attack on Randy Orton. Isolated in a neutral corner, Captain Charisma tees off, hitting a variety of strikes, as Orton tries to get away. But his grogginess is his undoing as he falls to a knee, and Christian clubs him in the back with a forearm before running forward and hitting a bulldog on Orton!

Orton hits the canvas hard and drags him into his corner and tags in Batista, who is greeted with a great pop from the crowd. The World Heavyweight Champion goes to work, throwing his shoulder repeatedly at his rib cages before whipping him out of the corner. Orton rebounds hard off the turnbuckles and walks into a STRONG clothesline from The Animal, who then sets his sights on The Game. He acknowledges him, as if to say, “This is what’s in your future,” before picking Orton up and SLAMMING him back down with authority.

A near fall occurs thereafter as Batista laughs at Orton and how much The Legend Killer has endured thus far. Not wanting any more of this, TLK skittishly strides over and tags in Triple H, who is more than willing to take up the task of fighting his former muscle. The two men duke it out with the crowd surprisingly split, and the former World Heavyweight Champion is able to best the efforts of the reigning one for now. After a slam, Hunter waits to smash his face to his knee, but Batista sees the move coming, and instead back drops Triple H for his troubles! Hunter walks back up and right into a side slam!

The action continues on, and the tide turns later, when Triple H barks at the referee, and Randy Orton takes the opportunity to drop Batista’s neck down on the top rope with a hangman’s neckbreaker! Orton then leaps back up onto the apron and gets a tag in from Hunter and the offense shifts over to the heels.

Orton and Triple H, usual enemies, appear to put some of their differences aside in an attempt to soften up the muscular champion six days prior to the World Heavyweight Title match. And it’s effective in nature as they work on Batista’s arm for several minutes. Orton then looks for an RKO as the match nears its conclusion… but Batista fights him off! Orton hits the ropes and walks in and Batista powers him up, with his good arm, hitting a spinebuster!

Big Dave shies away from a pinning combination, instead looking for a way out of the match… and makes the hot tag to Christian as Triple H is tagged in as well!

Captain Charisma comes in, all guns blazing and fights off both Orton and The Game. He tosses Randall on out of the ring and shifts his focus to Triple H, and plants him with an inverted DDT! Christian then gets up and stalks The Cerebral Assassin and then decides to head up to the top rope. Triple H turns around and Christian takes off, and scores with the FLASHPOINT! Feeding off the crowd’s intensity, Christian gets up and pulls Hunter up by his arms and looks for the Unprettier…

But Triple H powers out and kicks him in the gut – PEDIGREE!

1! 2!! CHRISTIAN KICKS OUT!

The crowd bellows out a cheer as Hunter, frustrated, rolls off the mat and turns right into Batista, who knocks him back with a few right hands! He whips Triple H, but Triple H counters mid-swing and it’s Batista who’s sent off to the ropes. Hunter bends down, but Dave stops and kicks him in the chest! Hunter is groggy and Batista grabs him and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Batista hits the mat hard and rolls his way out of the ring after landing on his arm, and Christian, gathering composure, crawls over and drapes his arm over his chest!

1! 2!! 3!!!

Winners – Christian and Batista via pin fall at 11:07.

Jim Ross: And Christian wins it! He wasn’t supposed to be here tonight, but by’God did Captain Charisma make the most of his appearance in England!

Jerry Lawler: Yeah – with a little help from the World Heavyweight Champion, J.R.! That can’t be denied either! Batista wasn’t the legal man. He got into the match when he wasn’t supposed to!

Christian gets up to his feet and has his hand raised—

BAM!

RANDY ORTON STRIKES WITH THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BELT!

Jim Ross: What the hell was that?!

Jerry Lawler: Get ‘em Randy!

Jim Ross: That dastardly, no good Randy Orton just hit Christian with the World Title belt!

Jerry Lawler: Orton’s making a statement! He was embarrassed here tonight by Christian and I don’t blame him!

Orton then looks over and sees Batista getting into the ring, and he runs over and hits him with the belt too! The crowd jeers as he drops the belt and sizes up Christian…

AND LEAPS UP AND HITS THE RKO!

Jerry Lawler: YES!

Jim Ross: Oh, that DAMN RKO to Christian!

Jerry Lawler: Get a look at greatness, J.R.!

Gazing at the title belt that’s eluded him since losing it in September of last year, The Legend Killer stands tall in the center of the ring with Triple H down, Christian knocked out, and Batista laying waste on the outside…

Jim Ross: Is this the scene that’s yet to come in six days? Is “The Legend Killer” going to add another notch in his belt, and win back the World Heavyweight Championship? By’God, what a night it’ll be in Manchester, New Hampshire! The Backlash is certainly yet to be felt! Goodnight everybody! We’ll see you on Pay-Per-View this Sunday night!

END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for WWE Backlash:
May 1, 2005 // Verizon Wireless Arena // Manchester, New Hampshire

World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian

Three Way Dance:
‘Mr. Money in the Bank’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels

World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina

Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent

Singles Match:
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane

One on One:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno

NO PREDICTIONS, PLEASE.

Prediction contest coming after SmackDown! is posted.
 
#19 ·

SmackDown;
April 28th; Birmingham, England:

Across the pond, SmackDown is ready to launch as we’re set to be treated by appearances from WWE Champion John Cena, former WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield, AND none other than ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker!

1 – Non-Title Match
Cruiserweight Champion Paul London vs. Billy Kidman
The Cruiserweight Champion is in non-title action to begin the show. Paul London battles with longtime rival Billy Kidman. During the match, the appearance of someone draws the attention of both cruiserweights and our announce team. Tazz recognizes a man in the crowd, and it just so happens to be former ECW alum, KID KASH!
Cole notes that Kash signed with WWE recently and evidently is making his presence known here on the blue brand. As Tazz and Cole speculate whether he’s signed with SmackDown! or not, the fast-paced, breathtaking action continues in the ring.

Eventually, London counters out of an attempted BK Bomb by flipping backwards, landing on his feet, and connecting with a spinning heel kick. Afterwards, he heads to the top rope and hits a SPECTACULAR 450 Splash, netting him a pin fall victory!
Winner – Paul London at 11:07

At the conclusion of the match, London at the crowd to see Kash applauding. Whether or not it’s sarcastic is anyone’s guess, but Kash appears to have his eyes set on the gold London has in his possession.

Backstage, Kurt Angle is in Theodore Long’s locker room. The SmackDown! General Manager informs the Olympic Gold Medalist that he’s got another opponent lined up for him tonight. Angle jokes and asks if it’s going to be someone from WCW, like how he brought Lance Storm out of the ECW gutter last week. Long tells him that technically he’s correct, but it’s also a member of the SD! roster, as well as a man who has been on a roll lately.

“Playa, tonight, you are going to go one on one… with the FIVE TIME – FIVE TIME – FIVE TIME – FIVE TIME – FIVE TIME WCW Champion, Bookah T! Can you feel that?”

Angle grins, and nods, and says that he hopes Booker T is able to feel his ankle after he breaks it later tonight.

Commercial Break

2 – Eddie Guerrero vs. Luther Reigns
Eddie Guerrero is in singles action next against Luther Reigns. The other half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Rey Mysterio, is not with Eddie tonight, as Michael Cole and Tazz note that he’s doing a promotional tour in Mexico for the moment.

As far as in-ring action goes, this one’s a decent affair as Eddie mostly carries his much larger opponent. Eddie hits the Three Amigos suplexes as we then see Paul Heyman, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley begin to march down to the ring. Eddie doesn’t realize this, as he’s mostly focused on what’s going on inside the ring. Guerrero then heads to the top rope, and douses Reigns with a Frog Splash for the win.
Winner – Eddie Guerrero at 7:20

After the match, Heyman barks an order to The Dudleys, who then creep into the ring and Bubba clotheslines Eddie! D-Von and Bubba Ray put the boots to the WWE Tag Team Champion, as the numbers game is in the favor of the multi-time Tag Team Champions.
Bubba does his signature call for a table, which nets a minimal pop from the crowd. D-Von grabs one from under the ring and slides it underneath the bottom rope. It’s then set up, as Bubba whips Eddie across the ring…

3-D TO EDDIE THROUGH THE TABLE!

Paul gets into the ring and raises the arms of the best tag team alive, standing over the wreckage below as we get a shot of a broken Eddie Guerrero lying in the shattered remnants of the table.

Commercial Break

CARLITO CARIBBEAN COOL, the WWE United States Champion, strides through the entranceway carrying the red, white and blue championship belt with a grin on his face.

“The champ is here! …And das cool.”

Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero is shown, being helped through the concourse of the arena by several trainers and medical workers, and Josh Matthews enters the fray with a microphone in hand. Matthews attempts to get a word with Latino Heat, asking him how he’s feeling, and whether or not the absence of his friend and tag team partner played a role in what just happened… and it’s met with nothing but silence and a glare from the WWE Tag Team Champion, as he’s continued to be attended to and walked into the trainer’s room.

We then get a look at John Bradshaw Layfield who, evidently, is headed to the ring.

Commercial Break

Sure enough, the former WWE Champion is on his way to the ring as we return from the break, with The Basham Brothers flanked to his right and left and the former United States Champion, Orlando Jordan, is behind him. JBL gets into the ring and says that it’s been nothing but misery for The Cabinet and him since WrestleMania. The Bashams lost opportunities at the WWE Tag Team Titles, Orlando Jordan is no longer the WWE U.S. Champion, and JBL lost and failed a second attempt at regaining the WWE Championship last week in his residence of New York City.

JBL likens this disastrous month to England winning the Revolutionary War, which of course draws a negative reaction from the Birmingham crowd. But The Wrestling God says he’s not afraid of the future, and channels FDR by saying the only thing to fear is fear itself. “I will overcome, and I will be your WWE Champion again.”

JBL challenges John Cena again, but this draws not Cena, but another member of the SmackDown! roster – Rob Van Dam!

RVD gets in the ring and tells JBL to chill out, relax, and then asks the crowd if they want to see JBL get another shot at the WWE Title. They respond with a boisterous amount of boos. Van Dam then asks if they want to see “Mister Thursday Night” get a WWE Championship opportunity, and England responds with a loud and resounding pop. Van Dam says that he thinks the people have spoken and that next in line for a title shot shouldn’t be “J – B – L” but instead it should be, (does thumb taunt) “R – V – D.”

Layfield says he doesn’t give a damn what these people want nor think. He says they don’t even know what a democracy is here, so RVD’s method is completely foreign to them. This draws boos and JBL says that Van Dam’s done nothing to warrant a title shot lately. He says he’s been on the shelf biding his time to come back while he’s carried the brand on his back for almost a year now.

RVD responds by saying that it’s true that he has been injured but he’s back and much stronger now and says that instead of getting in front of the line, “Maybe I’ll just kick you to the back, dude.” JBL dares him to do that, and Van Dam merely shrugs before connecting with a spinning heel kick to Layfield!

Mr. Thursday Night then rolls out of the ring, as The Bashams and Jordan shout at Van Dam, who is now in the crowd amongst the people. The Whole Damn Show’s music hits as the crowd’s going berserk, as it appears the former WWE Champion’s quest to regain the title has hit a major, major speed bump…

Commercial Break

We return from the break, and Rob Van Dam versus Danny Basham is announced for next week when SmackDown heads back stateside to Trenton, New Jersey.

3 – Charlie Haas vs. Chavo Guerrero
Match number three of the night pits Charlie Haas against Chavo Guerrero. It’s quite a competitive matchup as both men have an abundance of talent, both tapped and untapped. Haas attempts to make Chavo submit with the Haas of Pain, but Chavo fights his way out of it and rolls into an inside cradle, and after grabbing the ropes – in typical Guerrero fashion – Chavo escapes with a win!
Winner – Chavo Guerrero at 8:22

The match’s conclusion sees Carlito enter the arena with the U.S. Title on his shoulder. CCC laughs at Haas’ misfortunes, both this week and last, and shows off the belt that Haas nearly won last week at Madison Square Garden. He tells Chuck that he would have considered giving him a championship opportunity if he won the match tonight, but now that he didn’t, he tells the former Seton Hall Pirate that he isn’t rewarding losers for anything, so his chance has been squandered.

“And dat… well, for you, at least, das not cool.”

Backstage, Steve Romero interviews Booker T. The SD! interviewer asks Booker about his series of victories and how that’s impacted his mindset. After Booker tells him that it’s given him much more confidence than he had weeks before, Romero then shifts focus to Kurt Angle and the main event matchup scheduled for later. Booker puts over Kurt’s recent string of victories and says it’s going to be a challenge to get a win tonight, but the five-time WCW Champion says he’s going down swinging, if nothing else.

Commercial Break

4 – Fatal 4-Way Match
Shannon Moore vs. Nunzio vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Funaki
Cruiserweight action once again takes the stage here on the blue brand upon return from the commercial break. Shannon Moore, Scotty 2 Hotty, Nunzio, and Funaki wage war in a Fatal 4-Way Match as we once again take a look at Kid Kash watching intently from ringside.
A high-flying, high-octane affair ensues between the four light heavyweights, as Tazz goes so far to question whether or not this match was done to compete with the heavyweight F4W match this Sunday at Backlash.

Cole does remark that Teddy and Eric Bischoff, RAW GM, have been at odds lately so it certainly could be true.

Funaki takes a page out of his one-time ally’s playbook and scores with a MICHINOKU DRIVER on Nunzio, but Scotty 2 Hotty one ups him with a running front dropkick, and then connects with the Worm to get the win.
Winner – Scotty 2 Hotty at 8:06

Kash, again, applauds from ringside as Scotty walks right by him. The cruiserweight nods at him as the two exchange words, before the Westbrook, Maine native marches up the ramp.

A look inside John Cena’s locker room follows the matchup as the appearance of the WWE Champion is met with a roar.

Commercial Break

Supplanting the earlier news that RVD will face Danny Basham next week, we receive word that in a “Champion versus Champion” clash, WWE Champion John Cena will go one on one… with the Cruiserweight Champion, Paul London!

5 – Main Event
Kurt Angle vs. Booker T
Kurt Angle meets Booker T in the main event. And it’s a DANDY of a matchup. The two combatants nearly go 20 minutes, putting on one heck of a showcase for the England fans. Kurt goes to work early on Booker’s ankle, with the idea that not only will it make him less able to hit the Axe or Scissors Kick, but that it will soften up the bone for his devastating Ankle Lock. Despite that, Booker valiantly battles against the white-hot Olympian, who does some work of his own on Kurt’s well-known vulnerable neck.

The action spills to the outside eventually and Angle goes for an Angle Slam on the floor, but Booker lands on his feet, and runs Kurt back first into the side of the ring! Booker then rolls Angle into the ring and pulls his head out by the ropes… steps back and goes for AND CONNECTS WITH A SICK SCISSORS KICK ON ANGLE’S NECK!

The crowd groans as Angle holds his neck in pain as Booker went down to the well for an incredibly impactful and devastating move. The Book Man then jumps onto the apron and leaps off… hitting the HOUSTON HANGOVER! 1! 2!! NO! SHOULDER UP FROM ANGLE!

Kurt works his way back from being in the position he was in, and rallies back in control and hits a huge belly-to-belly suplex after Booker bounced off the ropes. Kurt gingerly gets up after hitting the back of his neck on the suplex, and follows it up with a huge German Suplex! Booker lands on his back, as Angle, once again, is slow to get up, but pulls the straps down, signifying it’s about that time.

The Olympian sizes Booker T up, and as The Book Man staggers in, Kurt bends down and goes for the Angle Slam – NO! Booker lands on his feet! He delivers a powerful knee to the gut, causing Angle to double over down on a knee, and Booker backs into the ropes. SCISSORS KICK – NO! Angle moves out of the way and grabs Booker T – ANGLE SLAM TO BOOKER!

1! 2!! 3-NO!!! BOOKER KICKS OUT OF THE ANGLE SLAM!

An incensed Kurt Angle can’t believe it, and neither can the crowd. Booker resiliently gets back up to his feet moments later as Angle is fed up, and he grabs him by the boot and tries to lock in the Ankle Lock! He nearly gets it cinched in… but Booker rolls through! Kurt stops himself before he hits the corner, and walks over as Booker hits the AXE KICK! Kurt crumbles to the mat after getting hit SMACK DAB in the jaw, and Booker is on all fours now. He shies away from the pin, and grabs him by the hand and pulls him up and in.

BOOK END TO ANGLE!

1! 2!! 3!!! BOOKER T HAS DEFEATED KURT ANGLE!
Winner – Booker T at 15:31

Tazz and Cole put over the EXCELLENT work of both men as it was clear that Booker T had to bring about EVERYTHING he had to beat the white-hot Angle and he did. A Scissors Kick while Angle was hanging on the apron, an Axe Kick, a Houston Hangover, and a Book End were finally enough for Angle’s streak to end.

Booker celebrates the win on his way up to the ramp as the camera then fixates itself on Kurt Angle, who is now beginning to realize what’s going on…

…And a seething look in his eyes comes over…





“Nobody beats Kurt Angle…”



“Nobody… beats… Kurt Angle…”



“NOBODY! BEATS! KURT ANGLE!!!!”

Commercial Break

The ending segment of the show sees the WWE Champion John Cena enter the NEC Arena to a riveting response from the English fans.

Cena, rocking a white ‘The Champ is Here’ t-shirt, black knee length shorts, white and black Reebok Pumps, and a Chain Gang hat, wastes little time in getting down to business. After briefly running over his victory last week at MSG over John Bradshaw Layfield in his first WWE Title defense, “The Franchise” directs his attention to “The Phenom.”

Cena goes through the reasons that ‘Taker could be going after him. He first wonders if he’s still agitated about the first time they ever faced each other, but concludes it can’t be that, because Undertaker beat him. Then, Cena wonders if maybe “The Deadman” has him mixed up with WWE’s other rising young star, Randy Orton. Cena says that can’t be true either because Orton, in his words, would go a country mile to let EVERYONE know who he is all the time with how arrogant he is.

Then, the West Newbury native looks down at the WWE Title adorned on his shoulder, and the light bulb goes off. John says that it has been a long time since Undertaker’s ruled over WWE – three years to be precise. Since returning last year, Undertaker’s defeated his brother, he’s defeated Randy Orton, but the WWE Title eluded him on a number of occasions. Cena surmises that maybe ‘Taker thinks that the wounds are still flesh on the 28-year old’s body and he can catch him off guard.

“Well ‘Taker, you know how the saying goes. If you WANT SOME… COME! GET! SOME!”





THE LIGHTS GO OUT!



*GONG*







*GONG*





They come back on—

THE UNDERTAKER’S HERE!

Birmingham is going BONKERS as ‘Taker and Cena have an intense stare down inside the squared circle. The champ doesn’t quiver, maintaining his grip of the WWE Championship on his shoulder, matching the glare that “The Phenom” is sending his way.





Suddenly—

THE UNDERTAKER GRABS CENA BY THE THROAT!

The crowd evokes a roar. A thunderous one at that! ‘Taker backs Cena towards the ropes, BUT CENA SWIFTLY KICKS UNDERTAKER IN THE GUT!

Then, he HOISTS HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDERS!

F-U TO THE UNDERTAKER!

A stunned crowd watches on as a fearless WWE Champion marches out of the ring, plucking his prize up from the mat on the way. As ‘Taker lies flat on the mat, Cena pulls the WWE Championship up and pushes it into the air, letting everyone know he’s ready for whatever may come his way.



…The camera then fixates on The Undertaker…



AS HE SITS UP!

Cena grips the title belt, realizing that his finishing maneuver didn’t quite put the man pursuing his prize out to pasture, but no doubt made an impact doing so. Undertaker looks on with a fiery glare, his eyes glued to the WWE Champion and his prized possession.







END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for WWE Judgment Day:
May 22, 2005 // Target Center // Minneapolis, Minnesota

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***
 
#20 · (Edited)
BACKLASH PREDICTION CONTEST

World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian

Three Way Dance:
‘Mr. Money in the Bank’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels

World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina

Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent

Singles Match:
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane

One on One:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno

QUESTIONS:
1) What will the match order be?
2) Will there be any surprise appearances/debuts/returns? If so, who?
3) Who will Eric Bischoff choose to face Trish Stratus?
4) How many titles will change hands at Backlash?
5) What will be the order of elimination in the Three Way Dance?
6) Who will take the fall in the main event?
7) Will there be interference in any of the matches? If so, which?

8) BONUS QUESTION: The locations for Unforgiven, No Mercy and Survivor Series will be revealed as part of WWE's World Tour. Name the three locations of the PPVs for a maximum of three bonus points.​
 
#21 ·
BACKLASH PREDICTION CONTEST

7. World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian

4. Three Way Dance:
‘Mr. Money in the Bank’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit

3. Intercontinental Championship Match:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels

1. World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina

6. Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent

2. Singles Match:
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane

5. One on One:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno

QUESTIONS:
1) What will the match order be? Done.
2) Will there be any surprise appearances/debuts/returns? If so, who? Does Teddy Long count? If so, him.
3) Who will Eric Bischoff choose to face Trish Stratus? I have no clue... himself in drag? Seriously, I'll go for a long shot and saw Awesome Kong?
4) How many titles will change hands at Backlash?3. IC, Tag and Women's.
5) What will be the order of elimination in the Three Way Dance? Jericho first, then Benoit.
6) Who will take the fall in the main event? HHH
7) Will there be interference in any of the matches? If so, which? Naaah.

8) BONUS QUESTION: The locations for Unforgiven, No Mercy and Survivor Series will be revealed as part of WWE's World Tour. Name the three locations of the PPVs for a maximum of three bonus points.
Mexico City, London and Tokyo?

Should be a cracker.
 
#22 ·
BACKLASH PREDICTION CONTEST

7. World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian

4. Three Way Dance:
‘Mr. Money in the Bank’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit

1. Intercontinental Championship Match:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels

3. World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina

6. Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent

2. Singles Match:
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane

5. One on One:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno

QUESTIONS:
1) What will the match order be? Done.
2) Will there be any surprise appearances/debuts/returns? If so, who? Random indie wrestler number 7.
3) Who will Eric Bischoff choose to face Trish Stratus? No clue.
4) How many titles will change hands at Backlash? One.
5) What will be the order of elimination in the Three Way Dance? Jericho, Benoit.
6) Who will take the fall in the main event? Christian.
7) Will there be interference in any of the matches? If so, which? Yeeeeeaaah.

8) BONUS QUESTION: The locations for Unforgiven, No Mercy and Survivor Series will be revealed as part of WWE's World Tour. Name the three locations of the PPVs for a maximum of three bonus points. Ireland, Japan, England.
 
#23 ·
I haven't kept up with this to much but will try my best from here. I look forward to reading the PPV, at your best you're tremendous.

BACKLASH PREDICTION CONTEST

7. World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match:
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H w/ Ric Flair vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian
He's not losing it yet.

4. Three Way Dance:
‘Mr. Money in the Bank’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit
Make Edge hate him even more.

1. Intercontinental Championship Match:
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels
HUGE push for Shelton which seems to be the norm with you if I remember correctly.

3. World Tag Team Championships Match:
William Regal & Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina
Drag this out a little longer to establish good teams to face MNM when they win the belts.

6. Women’s Championship Match:
Trish Stratus © vs. Eric Bischoff’s Handpicked Opponent

2. Singles Match:
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane
JESUS push please.

5. One on One:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno
Push the younger talent.

QUESTIONS:
1) What will the match order be? Done.
2) Will there be any surprise appearances/debuts/returns? If so, who? Chyna.
3) Who will Eric Bischoff choose to face Trish Stratus? Chyna.
4) How many titles will change hands at Backlash? None.
5) What will be the order of elimination in the Three Way Dance? Edge, Jericho.
6) Who will take the fall in the main event? Triple H.
7) Will there be interference in any of the matches? If so, which? Main event and Hassan/Kane... AND maybe even Tag title match,.

8) BONUS QUESTION: The locations for Unforgiven, No Mercy and Survivor Series will be revealed as part of WWE's World Tour. Name the three locations of the PPVs for a maximum of three bonus points. England, Australia, Germany.
 
#24 ·
***

Sunday Night HeAT Match: The Superheroes def. La Résistance

***

WWE BACKLASH
A Raw-Only Production

The opening video plays, centering on the night set to transpire, though mostly on the Fatal 4-Way, Benjamin-HBK and Edge-Jericho-Benoit.

Afterwards, the pyro goes off inside the Verizon Wireless Arena. We then jump to J.R. and King who hype up the card.

Three Way Dance
‘Mr. MITB’ Edge vs.
‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho vs. ‘The Rabid Wolverine’ Chris Benoit
These three combatants go to war with one another to start up the night, with the typical triple threat formula playing itself out as each man gets their share of being thrown out of the equation.

After hitting a trifecta of German Suplexes on Jericho, Benoit goes for broke and heads up to the top rope to attempt the Diving Headbutt. The Rabid Wolverine takes to the skies, arms spread wide… but CRASHES AND BURNS! Why? EDGE PULLED JERICHO OUT OF THE WAY! With Benoit stunned, Mr. MITB scales into the ring, plucks Benoit off the mat and hits the Edgecution! 1! 2!! 3!!! CHRIS BENOIT IS ELIMINATED!

ELIMINATED – Chris Benoit via pin fall at 11:07.

Edge then heads to the outside and battles with Y2J for the next six minutes or so in a large tussle. These two have their fair share of history – feuding for much of late 2004, among other times, and gel very well together as one would expect. After a series of near falls the action picks up further as Edge goes for another Edgecution, but Jericho trips up Edge and tries to lock in The Walls of Jericho! Mr. MITB squabbles with Jericho though, and fights out and shoves Chris with his feet towards the ropes.

Y2J tries to be spontaneous, and leaps up onto the second rope, looking to hit a splash on Edge—

SPEAR BY EDGE TO JERICHO IN MID-AIR!!!

1! 2!! 3!!!

WINNER – Edge via pin fall at 17:29.
Mr. MITB survives! After a near-eighteen minute affair it’s Edge who walks out victorious, and the Manchester, New Hampshire crowd can’t help but applaud his efforts even his actions in the past have been shady. Jericho languishes this defeat as he holds his ribs in pain after his fellow Canadian leaves the ring. Edge slaps the briefcase and holds it tightly as he backs up the ramp with a sinister smile on his face.

***

We see Shawn Michaels stretching in his locker room, and The Heartbreak Kid’s appearance nets a STRONG reaction from the Manchester, New Hampshire crowd. Ross ponders whether HBK is in line to become a four-time Intercontinental Champion tonight as we leave the room.
***

After that, we cut to an interview by Jonathan Coachman to Triple H, one of the four competitors in our main event. Hunter talks about being the best in the brand era and reigning supreme over RAW for the last three years. He says that Batista’s time at the top of the mountain is temporary, and that ‘The Game’ is forever…

***

World Tag Team Championships Match
William Regal and Tajiri © vs. MNM w/ Melina
“Students versus the teachers” is the story here as the youngsters Mercury and Nitro are up against the wily veterans in Regal and Tajiri. MNM’s chemistry looks magnificent and the rookies dazzle the crowd with some high-flying skills and tandem maneuvers, though showing some subtle heel tactics, er, aggressiveness along the way (rope chokes, boots to throats, double teams while the referee isn’t looking, etc.). Late in the match, Regal is rebounding off the ropes, looking for a clothesline on Nitro but the youngster ducks and instead, Regal takes the referee down! Nitro then loads up and connects with a huge superkick to Regal’s jaw! … … …. No count is made as the referee is still KO’ed and with Mercury on the outside, Melina scrambles away and gets the World Tag Team Title belt!

The crowd is displeased as Nitro looks at the belt over in the corner and takes it and measures up to Regal. But… the young man looks to be a bit conflicted as Melina tells him to swing away. We see the Englishman stirring, and Nitro continues to look at him and the title belt, and instead of blasting him with it, Nitro throws it to the ground! The crowd cheers as Nitro then looks for another kick, but Regal ducks it! Nitro is put on skates, and walks into a Regal Cutter! The crowd bellows out a cheer as he covers Nitro, and slowly the referee comes back to life. 1… 2… 3!!!
WINNERS – Regal and Tajiri via pin fall at 10:07. Regal and Tajiri RETAIN the World Tag Team Titles.
THE CHAMPIONS RETAIN! Despite the fact that they were put away just seconds ago, Nitro allowed for the veteran Regal to get up and regain his composure, enough to a point that they lost the match! Mercury on the outside looks on, stunned at the proceedings, as Regal and Tajiri jubilantly celebrate up the ramp. Melina gets into the ring with Mercury as Nitro and the two others argue over the finish of the match, with Nitro saying he didn’t want to use the title belt. The young triad walks up the ramp a few seconds later, tension running amok as Ross and Lawler note that this early stage of growing pains is omnipresent.

***

An ad preceded by an announcement that the advertisement is paid for by SmackDown GM Theodore Long plays. It hypes up the incoming edition of SmackDown, aiming attention on the ‘Champion versus Champion’ main event pitting WWE Champ John Cena against Cruiserweight Champ Paul London.

***

…And after that advertisement, we go to a disgusted Eric Bischoff who scoffs after watching that commercial. Between the recent string of advertisements and courting the disgruntled WWE Women’s Champion, Bischoff has obvious, visible frustration at the opposing brand and their practices.

***

One on One
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters vs. ‘The Man Beast’ Rhyno
Rhyno brings the fight right to The Masterpiece from the onset, overwhelming the stud at first and has full control in the early minutes of the match. Masters gels pretty well with the veteran Man Beast, and the two put on a solid match as a result. The finish approaches as Masters has taken advantage but has a misstep in an attempt at the Polish Hammer. Rhyno ducks under, and DESTROYS Masters with a GORE! But afterwards, Masters kicks out at the count of two! Rhyno sets him up again, this time going for a dangerous second-rope piledriver, but Masters fights out of the precarious predicament. He then clasps his hands together and levels Rhyno with the Polish Hammer, and then slaps on The Masterlock! Rhyno does his best to fight out of it… but Masters forces the former ECW icon into submission!!
WINNER – Chris Masters via submission at 7:23.
The Masterpiece nets a very impressive CLEAN WIN over The Man Beast, but doesn’t net any form of respect from the crowd after holding onto the submission maneuver for several seconds after the bell sounded. Masters gets his hand raised and he cockily talks down on Rhyno before exiting the ring.

***

Randy Orton is interviewed next by Todd Grisham. Orton talks about the way RAW concluded on Monday night and said that it wasn’t just the way things went down then, but rather a preview of what’s to come tonight. The Legend Killer declares that he’ll become World Heavyweight Champion for the second time and, of course, says it’s not arrogance… but destiny.

***

Elsewhere, the Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin arrives to the arena in a fancy town car, wearing a Minnesota Golden Gophers track jacket and sweatpants with the gold on his shoulder.

***

Singles Match
Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari vs. ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane
Hassan cagily fights with the monster in the opening sequences, as it seems he doesn’t quite realize what he’s gotten into. The Arab American is doused with the usual heavy amounts of heat throughout the encounter but with the help of Daivari, Muhammad climbs into the driver’s seat of the match and takes over. The finish sees Kane swinging momentum back in his favor after hitting a huge sidewalk slam and then signals for the Chokeslam From Hell. Daivari, sensing trouble, goes out and grabs a steel chair and climbs into the ring and blasts Kane right in the back – causing the disqualification!
WINNER – Kane via disqualification at 6:45.
Kane no sells the chair shot! The Big Red Machine turns around and grabs Daivari by the throat and looks to send him crashing down to the mat again like Monday night. Hassan, though, stirs back and lunges at his leg, chop blocking the monster! Kane is taken down a peg and Hassan begins to drop some clubbing blows down onto his back.

Hassan then grabs the steel chair and slams it AGAIN down on Kane’s back! The bell continues to sound as heat continues to filtrate through the venue. Muhammad then picks Kane up and slugs him in the face… but Kane bounces off the ropes and connects with a harsh uppercut! The Big Red Machine grabs some cheers and uppercuts Daivari as well! With Hassan’s buddy on the outside, the Michigander leaves himself susceptible to the demonic Kane, who grabs him by the throat and sends him crashing down with The Chokeslam from Hell!

***

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL: WrestleMania X-Seven
Shane McMahon goes Coast to Coast on Vince McMahon in the epic father-son Street Fight clash, refereed by the legendary Mick Foley

***

***TIME TO ROCK & ROLL***

A very stirring reaction rings out around the venue as WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus saunters onto the stage. Wearing a brand new t-shirt with ‘TERROR OF TORONTO’ written in white lettering on the blue foreground of the shirt, Stratus strolls down the ramp with the belt in tow, looking mighty confident.

Afterwards, Eric Bischoff enters the arena to loud boos, to the surprise of no one. Eric welcomes Trish back, as we haven’t seen her in a WWE ring in nearly a month. Bischoff says he has her opponent picked and introduces… VICTORIA!

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Trish Stratus vs. Victoria
Trish welcomes the challenge of one of her rivals of the last two years. The two square off in an intense bout, playing a little differently than women’s matches that we have seen in the past. It’s rather physical, with Trish adopting a new style to her game. The tide turns to the challenger after she hits a whoa-inducing superplex off the top rope. The finish comes a few minutes after that after a near fall came from Trish kicking out of the Widow’s Peak. Victoria then peels Trish off of the mat and props her up into a fireman’s carry. She then goes for the Spider’s Web, but Trish lands on her feet! Victoria goes for a right hand but Trish hits the Ma-Trish, and then balances herself before connecting with the Chick Kick! Bischoff looks on in dismay as Trish hooks boht legs, and picks up the win.
WINNER – Trish Stratus via pin fall at 8:49. Stratus RETAINS the WWE Women’s Title.
The champ retains! Trish wipes her forehead and is awarded the Women’s Championship, which she holds over her head. She turns to Bischoff with a smirk on her face, as the RAW GM gets on the microphone.

He tells Trish to wipe the arrogant smirk off her face, because, according to him, her night isn’t over. He says that he said that he was going to handpick an opponent for Trish… but never specified how MANY opponents he’d pick. Bischoff grins and introduces Trish’s NEXT opponent: MOLLY HOLLY!

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Trish Stratus vs. Molly Holly
From the jump, Molly looks to pounce on Trish, hoping to capitalize on her lack of freshness after a grueling near-nine minute battle with Victoria moments ago. And for a short while, it appears to work as she gets the upper hand over the Toronto native. However, Trish counteracts Molly’s offensive onslaught with a beautiful counter of a cross body block into a power slam later on! The Diva of the Decade then sizes Molly up after hitting a few successive maneuvers, and hits the Stratusfaction! 1! 2!! 3!!!
WINNER – Trish Stratus via pin fall at 6:35. Stratus RETAINS the WWE Women’s Title.
She’s done it again! Trish flicks her hair back after sitting up, glaring at the RAW General Manager whose plans to get back at the disgruntled and dangerous Women’s Champion are being foiled. Bischoff gets on the mic and says that it’s not TWO opponents tonight for Trish… but rather THREE! Next out is none other than… Ivory!

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Trish Stratus vs. Ivory
Trish giggles as she looks on at the seasoned Ivory who charges at her and tackles her into the corner. After a series of shoulder thrusts she pulls the champion out of the corner and hits a strong suplex that’s followed by a quick leg drop and a cover. Stratus kicks out of it but Ivory keeps this onslaught going as Bischoff appears to be heavily interested in seeing the demise of the Women’s Champion. Much to his dismay though… reports of her demise were greatly exaggerated. Ivory looks for a Samoan Driver, but Stratus peels off her shoulders and hits an inverted DDT! She then looks over at Bischoff, before raring back and CLOCKING IVORY WITH THE CHICK KICK! Three seconds later, it’s ALL OVER – AGAIN!
WINNER – Trish Stratus via pin fall at 5:02. Stratus RETAINS the WWE Women’s Title.
Bischoff, fed up, gets on the mic right after the bell rings and loudly proclaims that he’s got ONE MORE opponent for Trish and it’s someone who she’s never faced before. The Toronto native seems amused, and she stands up and readies herself.

RAW’s GM then introduces the final opponent… And it’s…

MARIA?!?!

“Really?” Mouths the Women’s Champion, as poor Maria, RAW backstage interviewer, is dragged out of the bag to face the powerful Women’s Champion. Tentative, as she should be, the Chicago native frightfully looks at Eric, who screams at her, telling Maria to go down to the ring and compete or she’ll be FIRED! Trish puts her hands on her hips, as she looks on with disgust at the practices of the GM, put on full display for everyone.

Maria warily walks into the ring with Trish, who shouts at Bischoff if he really wants this. Bischoff demands that it occur, as Maria is straight up scared shitless.

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Trish Stratus vs. Maria
Trish shakes her head, turns around and THROTTLES MARIA WITH A CHICK KICK TO THE SKULL!

The crowd gasps as Maria is OUT COLD – damn near on impact. The referee bends down to check on her and she, in fact, is completely knocked out, and calls for the bell!

“The winner of this match as a result of a knockout, and STILL WWE Women’s Champion, TRISH STRATUS!”
WINNER – Trish Stratus via knockout at 0:10. Stratus RETAINS the WWE Women’s Title.
Bischoff, FURIOUS, goes down the ramp, but Trish grabs a microphone.

She calls out Bischoff for his ridiculous antics tonight, especially pulling Maria out of the catacombs to face her when she had no business belonging in the same ring as her. She compares it to Christy Hemme having no business being in the ring with her at WrestleMania, and says that even the three most talented women on the roster couldn’t put her away tonight.

Trish says that all this has done is confirm to her what she already knew: No woman on the roster measures up to her, and perhaps the only one that does right now (Lita) is on the shelf. She says that she’s completely had it with this before Bischoff cuts her off and says that there’s nothing she can do because she’s contracted to RAW.

This brings a smirk to Trish’s face, and the lovely Canadian gets in Bischoff’s face and says that he should work on his diligence. Trish then drops a bombshell on Bischoff saying that at the stroke of Midnight, her contract expires with Monday Night RAW!

Bischoff’s mouth goes agape, as J.R. and King are totally shocked. Trish tells Eric that he’s an embarrassment and he’s done nothing but toy with her for weeks and never made an effort to treat her well since 2005 began. She says that ever since she main evented RAW in December, everything’s gone downhill and Bischoff couldn’t compensate for the loss of Lita who Trish acknowledges as her biggest threat and rival. With her out of the picture, Trish says she doesn’t see a point to being around here any longer…







The WWE Women’s Champion then bolts out of the ring as a shocked crowd watches on. Bischoff couldn’t look more stunned, as she looks back over her shoulder with a glare in her eyes, and then storms away…

***

An ad for WWE Vengeance, RAW’s next production, which is set for June 26, 2005, airs next.

***

We then join Trish, who is walking through a corridor. She appears to be making a beeline for the exit, and she protrudes through the door and into the Manchester night. A limousine, ever so conveniently, pulls up next, and Trish stops as it parks. Coming out of the back seat of the limo… is—

SmackDown! GM Theodore Long!

Trish smiles, and with no regret or hesitation, climbs into the back of the limousine as Teddy climbs in after and the limo drives away… as Trish Stratus, the WWE Women’s Champion and current face of women’s wrestling… may have just left RAW for good.

***

Christian is interviewed by the likes of Jonathan Coachman. Captain Charisma spits about his quest to change the way that RAW looks. He talks about how Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista have ruled over the brand for three long years and that by now, everybody’s sick of it and he’s the people’s choice –the peeps’ choice. Christian vows to make a change tonight, and with that, the final challenger interview concludes.

***

A hype package plays for the Michaels-Benjamin matchup, centering in on Benjamin’s rise and culminating with the way that RAW ended at The Garden.

***

The patented dramatic music plays prior to each man’s introductions (A la Michaels-Austin at WrestleMania XIV, or, per recent memory, Banks-Lynch at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable)

Intercontinental Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin © vs. ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels
This match delivers in every sort of way. Benjamin and Michaels put on an instant classic, which is subsequently and easily the best Intercontinental Championship match in recent memory. Shelton dazzles with his tremendous acrobatics and athleticism making it hard not to respect him even with his groan-inducing cockiness. Shawn, meanwhile, does what he does best and gels very well with Benjamin again just like the first encounter that took place between these two combatants at the historic Madison Square Garden.

Sixteen minutes in, Benjamin has Michaels down on the mat after a series of hip tosses. He then heads to the outside and reaches underneath the ring… and pulls out a LADDER?!?!? The crowd roars as Shelton shoves the ladder into the ring and climbs up onto the apron. The referee, having been very lenient throughout the match so far, merely stands back as Benjamin sets it up near the corner. He then climbs up the rungs and looks down at Michaels, still laid out on the mat. Shelton then eyes the large fall and then leaps off—

AND SCORES WITH A SPLASH DOWN ONTO HBK – SHADES OF WRESTLEMANIA X!!!

1! 2!! NO! MICHAELS KICKS OUT! The Intercontinental Champion relishes the near fall temporarily before regaining focus. After his cockiness bit him two weeks ago, Shelton makes sure to cover all of his bases and pulls Michaels up. He latches on, and looks ready to hit the T-BONE SUPLEX—

BUT SHAWN BREAKS FREE!

SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO BENJAMIN!!!! Michaels falls down onto the mat and after a few seconds on the ground, The Showstopper crawls forward and drapes his arm over Shelton’s chest.

1! 2!! 3!!! NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION—

NO! BENJAMIN KICKS OUT AT 2 1/2! The crowd bellows out a groan of despair as HBK nearly became a four-time IC Champ. But it was not to be for now for The Icon who slowly reaches his feet again. With Benjamin still knocked down, The Heartbreak Kid turns his attention over to the ladder. The crowd elicits a roar as Shawn then steps forward and begins to ascend to the top! With the camera fixated on him, we watch as Michaels gets towards the very top of the ladder with bad intentions on his mind.

Suddenly, the crowd rises and lets out another roar.

BENJAMIN IS UP, AND IS SCALING THE LADDER!

The challenger and champion then begin to duke it out at the top of the ladder as the referee only watches on, letting ‘em play and not letting himself or his judgment get in the way of the finish. Michaels goes for a knockout shot after stunning Shelton, but Shelton blocks, and grabs hold of Michaels!

SHELTON THEN SCORES WITH A T-BONE SUPLEX OFF OF THE LADDER!!!!!!!

1! 2!! 3!!!
WINNER – Shelton Benjamin via pin fall at 18:18. Benjamin RETAINS the Intercontinental Championship.
THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP STAYS IN ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA! After an ENTHRALLING performance from both men, the Verizon Wireless Arena stands as one and applauds the efforts from both men as our announce team does them a favor and puts each man over in a big, big way. Benjamin carries himself out of the ring and holds onto the Intercontinental Title proudly and possessively. He looks out at the crowd as he backs up the ramp, shouting, “YOU AIN’T ME, AND YOU AIN’T EVER GONNA BE!” and then throws the IC Title up over his head.

***

THIS FALL: THE FIRST-EVER WWE WORLD TOUR!

PAY-PER-VIEW SCHEDULE:

UNFORGIVEN – SEPTEMBER 18, 2005 – BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

NO MERCY – OCTOBER 9, 2005 – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

SURVIVOR SERIES – NOVEMBER 27, 2005 – LONDON, ENGLAND

***

Batista is interviewed by Todd Grisham. The World Heavyweight Champion talks about the odds of him retaining tonight in a match where he doesn’t have to be pinned. He says that while it’s true that he has a 25 percent chance of winning, he’s no underdog and won’t ever consider himself one. He says he’s The Animal, the top of the food chain, and while some may say he’s the hunted… he calls himself the hunter, and he’ll be out for blood tonight if that’s what it takes to retain the World Heavyweight Title.

***

Hype package for the F4W match plays, accompanied by the theme song for the event, “Stronger” by TRUSTcompany plays.

***

World Heavyweight Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match
‘The Animal’ Batista © vs.
‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton vs.
‘The Game’ Triple H vs.
‘Captain Charisma’ Christian
The high-stakes main event delivers in pretty tremendous fashion, as it turns into a resounding slugfest between the three hungry challengers and animalistic champion.

Though it is challenging at first, the three challengers work to get the World Heavyweight Champion out of the equation in the early stages of the matchup. The three combatants take turns holding advantages thereafter, each poised to try to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Later, Batista is back in the fold, and the action has since spilled out to the ringside area. Christian is taken down by a hard suplex onto the ring floor by Randy Orton. Orton gets up and takes a gander over at Triple H… and at Batista, and then the three former members of Evolution look over at Christian… AND BAND TOGETHER!

The crowd doesn’t QUITE know how to react to this all, and it’s Orton who is taking over here, and Batista grabs Christian, as does Triple H, as Orton brings his thumb up… as does Hunter and Dave… and they bring it down—

DOUBLE SUPLEX TO CHRISTIAN THROUGH THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE!

As a boisterous “HOLY SHIT” chant rings out, Orton happily looks down at the wreckage as Captain Charisma is taken OUT! The Legend Killer keeps his thumb up as Hunter and Batista appear to be on the same page… but seconds later, they motion their thumbs down at Orton!

A 2-on-1 attack begins! Batista and Triple H work together, hammering away at the brash Orton, before Hunter hits a knee smash. Randy walks into Dave who props him up—

SPINEBUSTER THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!

And we’re down to TWO MEN as Hunter calls on Big Dave to get into the ring. And so he does and the WrestleMania main event collides again! This battle of attrition wages on and it’s The Game who takes the reigns. He whips Dave across the ring and the champion hits the ropes, before Triple H brings him down with a Double A Spinebuster! The Cerebral Assassin lets out a roar before bringing Dave up by his arms, and hits the PEDIGREE ON THE ANIMAL!

1! 2!! CHRISTIAN BREAKS UP THE PIN! Out of nowhere, Captain Charisma saves the matchup and keeps the World Heavyweight Title out of the hands of its previous captive. Christian engages with HHH, and the crowd could not be more behind the Toronto native. Triple H gains control with a hard leg thrust into Christian’s rib cages, and runs forward and smashes his face down on his knee! Christian staggers, and walks into a kick—

PEDIGREE!

NO! Christian fights out of it!

UNPRETTIER TO TRIPLE H! 1! 2!! BATISTA BREAKS UP THE PIN!

The Animal saves his title belt! Slow to get up after, The Animal crawls back towards the scene but is suddenly pulled out of the ring! Randy Orton is up! Orton strikes Batista and slithers into the ring after Big Dave is stunned, and then takes aim—

RKO TO TRIPLE H! The Legend Killer hooks the legs! NO! Christian pulls Orton away locks down his arms—

UNPRETTIER TO RANDY ORTON! Christian drops down!

NO, BATISTA PLUCKS HIM OFF ORTON!

BATISTA BOMB TO CHRISTIAN!

1! 2!! 3!!!!!!!

WINNER – Batista via pin fall at 14:20. Batista RETAINS the World Heavyweight Championship.
THE ANIMAL REMAINS ATOP HIS KINGDOM! Despite a furious, last-ditch effort by nearly every competitor in the mix, it’s Batista who reigns supreme, and is STILL the reigning and defending World Heavyweight Champion at the night’s end. Batista gets the title belt and celebrates on each corner before heading up the ramp, smile on his face.

He stops atop the stage, as the camera catches a glimpse of each challenger, as it’s known now that the backlash of WrestleMania 21 did NOT involve a change at the top of RAW…

END OF SHOW
 
#25 · (Edited)


RAW;
May 2nd; Boston:

We get a highlight video of the events that unfolded at Backlash last night.

Then, we jump right into the TD Banknorth Garden where a tremendous pyro display goes off on the stage. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, as they have done for so many years, welcome us to the broadcast thereafter, hyping up the fallout of the PPV from 24 hours ago.

1 – Tag Team Match
Kane and Rhyno vs. Chris Masters and Muhammad Hassan w/ Daivari
To start off the show, it’s a tag team match pitting four unlikely mid-carders in the ring, as Kane teams with Rhyno to take on the pairing of Muhammad Hassan (with Daivari at ringside) and “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters.

It’s a rather chaotic start to the match with multiple combustible elements in play. Masters and Rhyno are fighting on the outside while Kane and Hassan continue doing battle in the ring after their match was halted last night as a result of a disqualification.

Roughly seven minutes in, Kane grabs hold of Hassan and hits the Chokeslam From Hell! The ref drops down, and three seconds later, Kane is victorious!
WINNERS: Kane and Rhyno via pin fall at 6:02.

After the match, things get dicey as Chris Masters throws Rhyno into the barricade pad HARD. Then, Masters grabs a steel chair and climbs into the ring and slams it across Kane’s back! The Big Red Machine doesn’t go down right away but Masters swings back again and cracks it across his back again!

Masters throws his forearms down at the monster but Kane fights back! He gets him into a corner but we see Daivari climb into the ring. The cohort of Muhammad Hassan leaps up onto Kane’s back and starts to rake at his eyes! Kane reaches back and pulls Daivari down and Masters runs forward and charges at Kane!

Kane goes down as we see Muhammad Hassan, after lying for about 30 seconds on the mat is stirring. Masters puts the boots to The Big Red Machine, and Daivari even joins in, and after exhaling, Hassan begins to as well! He grabs the steel chair and holds it and drives the top of the chair into Kane’s lower back!

The assault continues until Rhyno attempts to make the save! But quickly, Rhyno falls into the numbers game. Masters who continues to tee off, overcoming The Man Beast, and Hassan walks over and hammers away as well as we see Daivari screaming at Kane before beginning to stomp down on Kane.

The hunt for a hero continues…





“OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

***LIVE FOR THE MOMENT***

Boston lets out a HUGE cheer … as the attention’s diverted over to the stage.

AS MATT HARDY IS SPRINTING TO THE RING!

At first, the results remain the same. Hardy gets the boots put to him by Masters, Hassan and Daivari just after sliding inside the squared circle. Masters grabs him by the arm and shoots him across the ring… but Hardy rebounds with ferocity and takes The Masterpiece down with a flying forearm! Hassan tries to get a quick kick in but Hardy grabs him by the boot and spins him around before clotheslining him!

With boisterous “HAR-DY” chants ringing out around the TD Banknorth Garden, Hardy runs forward and takes Masters down with a clothesline, and then Hassan walks into a backdrop! Daivari then tries to run forward, but KANE THEN SITS UP!

Daivari stutters in his steps, and elsewhere Rhyno has gotten back in the mix and is fighting off Chris Masters. Kane gets up as we see Hardy charge ahead and take Hassan over the top rope! Kane, meanwhile, grabs Daivari by the throat, lifts him up over his head and throws him down with a Chokeslam From Hell!

Daivari bounces off the mat and flops out of the ring as Hassan and Daivari and Masters are now retreating up the ramp. Hardy, the ringleader of this cavalcade of superstars, looks on with intensity in his eyes… and peculiarly looks over at Kane, a former rival of his, who shares the same awkward glance, as J.R. and King pick up on it as we head to commercial break.

Commercial Break

Following a quick recap video of what happened BEFORE the break, we are then treated to a video of what took place DURING the break. Hardy is interviewed by Todd Grisham and tells the RAW interviewer that he’s ecstatic to be back on the show after being on the shelf for many months. He’s asked about the idea of saving Kane, the man who arguably put him on the shelf in the first place and Hardy says that he understands the confusion but he wanted to make an impact tonight because that’s what his goal is in 2005. He says that his differences may be solved one day with Kane but it was more of a matter of time and place, and Hardy felt there was no better time to do it than here and now.

After this video, we’re informed that RAW GM Eric Bischoff has made a six-man tag team match for next week: Matt Hardy, Kane and Rhyno will be on one side, while Muhammad Hassan, Chris Masters and Daivari will be on the other!

Batista makes his way to the ring after the hullabaloo and looks sharp whilst doing so. The World Heavyweight Champion talks about his night in Manchester, New Hampshire and says that he didn’t mind being tested in the fashion that he was. He had the confidence going into Backlash that he would walk out as World Heavyweight Champion, and sure enough, that’s exactly what he did. He ponders what’s next for him with the scene on RAW looking cloudy, which draws the attention of another man on the roster…

… And it’s not one that participated in last night’s Fatal 4-Way Match. Instead – it’s “Mr. Money in the Bank!” EDGE enters the fray to a loud reaction from the Beantown crowd. The holder of the coveted briefcase says that Big Dave’s mind shouldn’t be on what’s next. Why? Edge tells Batista that the reason for that is he should know that at any time and in any place, there’s a man walking around the RAW locker room with a guaranteed World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. Edge raises the briefcase high and says he’s not going to cash in tonight, even though he thought about it, but one day he will and Edge proclaims that he’s going to make history when that happens.

Batista admires Edge’s confidence and says that he’s got nothing better to do tonight, so the World Heavyweight Champion challenges Edge to a match later tonight! Edge is delighted at the opportunity and accepts, and tells Batista that this is going to simply serve as a preview for what’s to come. “Bank on it,” remarks the MITB holder, before leaving the scene.

Commercial Break

2 – Tag Team Match
La Résistance vs. MNM w/ Melina
With last night’s failure behind them, MNM looks to get a rebound in the tag team division as they go up against a team that also is in pursuit of rebounding – La Résistance. Nitro and Mercury show off some heel tacti—er, aggressiveness again just as they did against Regal and Tajiri at Backlash, with Melina on the outside barking orders. Conway and Grenier don’t go down without a fight though as they make a strong push towards the end of the match. However, Mercury garners the attention of the referee and then Melina slides in and WHACKS CONWAY WITH HER BOOT! Nitro, the legal man, crawls over and hooks Conway’s legs, and three seconds later, MNM gets a big rebound victory.
WINNERS: MNM via pin fall at 6:38.

A vignette airs after the match concludes, hyping up “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton and his quest to regain the World Heavyweight Championship.

Commercial Break

Jonathan Coachman interviews Chris Benoit. The Rabid Wolverine lends his thoughts about coming up short at Backlash a night ago thanks in large part to the work of Edge, who has snuffed victories away from the Edmonton native in two consecutive Pay-Per-Views. Benoit says that Mr. Money in the Bank’s comeuppance is coming soon and says he’ll be rooting for Batista later on tonight.

Making his way into the fold is none other than the Intercontinental Champion, Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin ponders who could possibly care about a loser like Chris Benoit when a winner is standing before them now. Benjamin says that in two straight PPVs, Benoit has been remembered for being a loser, while he’s remembered for dazzling the crowd at WrestleMania and retaining the Intercontinental Championship last night at Backlash.

Chris tells Shelton he ought to put his money where his mouth is and challenges him to defend the IC Title tonight! But, Benjamin sours him and the crowd and bluntly says that he doesn’t defend his prize against just anyone who wants it and tells Chris that he has to earn it first, and then he’ll talk.

3 – Singles Match
Victoria vs. Ivory
The overlaying storyline heading into this women’s bout is the absence of the champ. And the Boston crowd lets their displeasure be heard around the world, chanting, “WE WANT TRISH!” and “WHERE’S THE CHAMP?” throughout the match, which proves to be a rough and physical bout. Ivory gives the L.A. resident in Victoria some trouble but Vicky puts her to bed eventually with the Widow’s Peak, scoring her second win in as many weeks on TV despite her L last night to Trish Stratus.
WINNER: Victoria via pin fall at 6:37.

After the match concludes, Victoria sneers at the announce booth, and voices her frustrations towards our esteemed commentator pairing. J.R. and King echo the lady’s sentiments, and she slams her hands down on the announce table and scoffs before storming away.

Commercial Break

Victoria appears after the break, and is making a beeline for Eric Bischoff’s office. She gets to the room and goes to open the door, but it’s locked. She then bangs hard on the door, and still, nothing. She slams her hand onto the door, calling Bischoff a coward, before trudging away in a huff.

An exclusive interview with Triple H is broadcasted over the air from last night at Backlash after the conclusion of the Fatal Four Way main event. Hunter acknowledges the loss but remains confident and points out that he wasn’t even involved in the deciding pin fall. He says that despite what anybody thinks he claims that he’s entitled to a one-on-one rematch with Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship and says he’s going to get it by any means necessary.

Commercial Break

4 – Non-Title Tag Team Match
William Regal and Tajiri vs. The Superheroes
After winning on the preshow last night, The Hurricane and Rosey are gifted an opportunity to get what would be a big win over the World Tag Team Champions. And it’s evident that the super duo is relishing the opportunity as they give Regal and Tajiri just about all that they can handle. But the champs take the beating and respond very well to it, looking strong in their own right. Regal drills The Hurricane with the Regal Cutter, but it’s met with a near fall! Hurricane then responds by going for The Eye of the Hurricane… and connects! Near fall! After a struggle, it’s Regal who brings Hurricane down and slaps on the Regal Stretch! Moments later, the tag team champions prove to be victorious by snaring the victory away from the hungry tandem in front of them.
WINNERS: William Regal and Tajiri via submission at 8:05.

Both tag teams shake hands afterwards, acknowledging their mutual respect for one another. The attention then turns over to MNM, who appears on stage as it’s abundantly clear to everybody that their pursuit of championship gold is far, far from over.

We get a split-screen of Edge and Batista making their way towards Gorilla before cutting to a commercial break.

Commercial Break

Prior to our main event, we get an announcement of next week’s. And it is set to be a dandy, as Christian will be taking on… “The Game,” Triple H!

5 – Non-Title Singles Match
Batista vs. Edge
It’s arguably Edge’s biggest match to date as he squares off with the World Heavyweight Champion in the RAW main event. And unsurprisingly it’s an uphill battle against “The Animal.” Edge certainly proves himself to be worthy but Big Dave proves that he’s a step ahead of him and just about everybody else in the game today. The two combatants go at it for over 15 minutes, putting on a very solid television main event as J.R. and King put over that you can’t find two superstars like Edge and Batista quarrel anywhere else on television – an obvious shot at their competitors on Thursday nights.

The finish of the match sees Edge go for the Edgecution, but Batista powers out of it and sends him off to the ropes before connecting with the Spinebuster! Dave shakes the ropes and gives the thumbs down and then seeks out Edge and goes for the Batista Bomb. BUT, Edge rakes the eyes, and slides off and goes to clothesline him but inadvertently hits the referee! Edge walks in and blocks a punch, kicks Dave in the gut and hits the Edgecution! He goes for the cover… … … but without the ref’s consciousness, it’s null and void!

Edge goes to shake the referee as we see Batista slowly rising to his feet a couple of seconds later, shaking and holding his head, feeling the effects of the finishing maneuver but his animalistic attitude appears to be carrying over. Just then, the crowd turns its attention to the ramp.

CHRIS JERICHO IS SPRINTING DOWN TO THE RING WIELDING A STEEL CHAIR!

Perhaps seeking revenge over Edge for how the Three Way Dance concluded in Manchester, Y2J slides under the bottom rope and into the ring. Jericho then winds back—

AND CRACKS THE STEEL CHAIR OVER THE SKULL OF…

BATISTA?!?!?!

“OOOOOHHHH!”

Batista crumbles down to two knees as Y2J’s mouth goes agape. Edge then hurls Jericho out of the ring and grabs Batista by the head, and hits a SECOND Edgecution on the champion! He hooks both legs as the referee begins to come back to his senses.

1…





2…





3!!!

EDGE PINS THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!
WINNER: Edge via pin fall at 16:36.

Mister Money in the Bank comes away with a HUGE WIN! After perhaps the biggest of his ENTIRE career, Edge raises his arms up jubilantly and rolls out of the ring and grabs the briefcase afterwards and gives it a kiss. He heads up the ramp as an embarrassed and dejected Chris Jericho reacts to missing the chair shot on the target that he wanted to hit.

Batista, meanwhile, is seen bloodied and angered and he leers over at Y2J who looks to be scared shitless now as he dances his way away from the ringside area. Batista’s eyes grow with fire and intensity as a very pissed off World Heavyweight Champion concludes the broadcast with a terrorizing look in his eyes…

END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for WWE Vengeance
June 26, 2005 // Las Vegas, Nevada // Thomas & Mack Center

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***
 
#26 ·

SmackDown;
May 5th; Trenton:

No opening video, no pyro, instead…

We jump inside the Sovereign Bank Arena, where SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long is standing inside the ring.

Theodore Long: Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to introduce to you… the NEWEST MEMBA’ of the SMACKDOWN ROSTAH! She HAILS… from TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA! And playas, she is the WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION… GIVE IT UP… FA’ TRISH – STRATUS!

***TIME TO ROCK & ROLL***

A surreal scene is painted in the opening moments of the broadcast, as the WWE Women’s Champ is here! Trish Stratus, decked out in boots, jeans, and the blue ‘TERROR OF TORONTO’ t-shirt she donned this past Sunday at Backlash, enters the fray and proudly hoists her title belt above her head.

Michael Cole: Do not adjust your television sets! This isn’t a Monday Night RAW production. This is Thursday night’s hottest television show! This is SmackDown! And SmackDown has reeled one of the biggest fish in the sea!

Tazz: I gotta give ALL the credit in da’ WORLD to Teddy Long, man. I knew Trish was impressed when she saw our show at The Garden two weeks ago. But I neva’ in my wildest dreams could have eva’ envisioned her showin’ up RIGHT HERE on SmackDown! This is crazy!

Trish climbs into the ring and shakes Teddy’s hand with a smile on her face, as she stands to the right of Long and is graciously handed the mic from a crewmember at ringside.

Theodore Long: Trish, on behalf of the entire SmackDown team, it’s an hona’ and a privilege to OFFICIALLY welcome you to the best wrestlin’ brand in the world!

Stratus smiles as she’s greeted by a warm reception by the crowd.

Trish Stratus: Thank you. Thank you, Teddy. It certainly feels… a lot better to be treated with respect around here…

More cheers from the crowd.

Trish Stratus: And not just by you either, Teddy. I mean, it doesn’t take much to be better than my previous employer (boos). But all around today – whether it was you, or the boys and girls in the locker room, the makeup people, the sound crew, these crewmembers at ringside. I mean, Michael, Tazz, you both are great. Really great. (Smile from Trish and a thumbs up is given) You as well, Tony I mean…

‘TRISH!’ chants are brought out from the crowd.

Trish Stratus: Even this crowd is showing me respect. It’s not usually what I’m used to amongst crowds but… I’m really just… really overwhelmed right now and it’s a pleasure to be here tonight and it’s a pleasure to be on SmackDown for the foreseeable future.

Applause from the crowd rings out as Trish keeps her smile on.

Theodore Long: Well Trish, I know that you’re starvin’ for some competition and I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve got just that.

Intrigued and excited, Trish nods and looks on.

Theodore Long: Ya’see, in seventeen days SmackDown’s producin’ a little Pay-Per-View called Judgment Day. And at Judgment Day, Trish, you are goin’ to be defendin’ that WWE Women’s Championship. And it ain’t gonna be a gauntlet match. And I ain’t gonna fool you or mislead you as to how many opponents you’re goin’ to have like the man who runs the ‘B’ show. Ya’ feel me?

BURN~!

Theodore Long: I want SmackDown! to be the best it can be. So I’m going to get the best talent that there is. I courted and I recruited you to SmackDown, and now you’re here. But there’s anotha’ young lady that I was attempting to reel in as well.

Trish Stratus: Oh really now?

T-Lo nods.

Theodore Long: That’s right! It’s somebody who, just like you Trish, has had their fair share of problems with the way that your former employer treated her. She’s been a free agent for a few months, and I’m proud to announce right now that I’ve reeled her in too!

A bit of a buzz begins to mount…

Theodore Long: Trish, at Judgment Day on May the 22nd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, you will defend the WWE Women’s Championship… when you go one-on-one… … …

Teddy cracks a smile.

Theodore Long: …with GAIL KIM!

Tazz: Whoa!


Michael Cole: Wow!


Seemingly enthused, Trish nods with approval behind it.

Theodore Long: How’s that sound, Trish?

Trish Stratus: Y’know… Y’know it sounds gr—

***MY TIME IS NOW***

?!?!?!

The attention inside Sovereign Bank Arena shifts to the stage as the WWE Champion John Cena makes his entrance!

Michael Cole: Well this wasn’t part of the program but—

Tazz: The CHAMP is HERE!


Cena, dressed in jean shorts, a Drazen Petrovic New Jersey Nets jersey, black wristbands and a black Chain Gang hat, motors down the ramp with the gold on his shoulder. The Franchise leaps up onto the apron, takes a gander inside, particularly at the WWE Women’s Champion… who, too, looks on with a grin on her face, and then climbs into the fray.

John Cena: ‘Scuse the interruption… … … …

Cena puts his palm out.

John Cena: But The CHAMP is HERE in TRENTON, NEW JERSEY!

A huuuuuuge pop rattles out. Trish, meanwhile, giggles a little bit.

Trish Stratus: Hey, hey, hey.

Trish garners John’s attention, and brandishes the Women’s Title.

Trish Stratus: You’re right, John. She is. (Holds up the belt; “OOOHHHHH”) Thanks for the introduction, babe but… I don’t need another.

Another ‘oooooooh’ from the crowd as Cena wipes his jaw after that one.

John Cena: Trish Stratus, Trish Stratus… kickin’ ass, takin’ names, and goin’ right after The Franchise on ya’ first night on the show. You’ve got a lot of guts. You know that?

Trish Stratus: Oh please, babe. You act like you’re shocked that the most dominant female this company’s ever seen isn’t starry-eyed at your presence in the ring.

Cena cocks his head as Trish smirks.

Trish Stratus: I’ll go after whomever I want… whenever I want. (Walks up to Cena) So since I’m gonna be around here for a while now… (Plucks Cena’s collar) You better get used to it.

Stratus smiles again and saunters outside the ring, as she’s certainly left an impression on the biggest dog in the yard. Cena looks on, as does Long, and the WWE Champion turns his attention back to the GM.

John Cena: Alright, Teddy. I didn’t come out here just to break the ice with the new kid on the block. I came out here for one reason and one reason only.

Cena marches up to the GM.

John Cena: Two weeks ago The Undertaker stared me down. Last week, he did the same and he ate an F-U for his troubles. Now I’m about one-THOUSAND percent certain that Deadman is just WAITIN’ to pounce on me again tonight. I know what he wants. YOU know what he wants. EVERYONE knows what The Undertaker desires and as my adage goes, if you WANT some, come GET some.

The Franchise’s eyes light up with burning intensity.

John Cena: So if you’re out here makin’ matches for Judgment Day, here’s a pitch from me: (makes marquee with hands) John Cena… VERSUS… The Undertaker… for the W – W – E – Championship!

The crowd responds thunderously to Cena’s persuasion as Teddy looks him in the eyes.

Theodore Long: That’s what you want, playa?

John Cena: (Nods) Damn right.

Theodore Long: Well… it’s on then!


Another huge pop from the crowd.

Theodore Long: The main event of Judgment Day will be John Cena defendin’ the WWE Championship against none otha’… than THE UNDERTAKER!

Cena nods again, feeling confident in his daring maneuver. Long exits the ring to his music and walks up the ramp as our announce team begins to spar about this mega-match…



Suddenly—

THE LIGHTS GO OUT!

A huge reaction reverberates around the arena...

“Ceeeennnnnnnaaaaaaaa…”

The decibel volume goes up even FURTHER as the unmistakable voice of The Undertaker is heard!

“Beeeee careful… what you wish forrrrrrr…”











Commercial Break

SHANNON MOORE already waits in the ring…

***KASH MONEY*** The crowd watches on as there’s some sparse cheers for Kid Kash who steps out onto the stage. He glances around at the arena around him before continuing onto the ring.

Michael Cole: Last week Kid Kash was in the crowd in Birmingham, but this week he’s going to try his luck in the ring. He’s one of the many new acquisitions here on SmackDown, joining the likes of Trish Stratus and Gail Kim, and Tazz you know quite a lot about this guy don’t you?

Tazz: He’s a forma’ ECW Television Champion. I neva’ went toe-to-toe with this guy but he always impressed me no matta’ what he was doin’. SmackDown’s gonna enjoy havin’ him around, I’ll tell ya that.

1 – Singles Match
Shannon Moore vs. Kid Kash

The newest addition to the SmackDown Cruiserweight Division shows off his skills in a high-octane affair with the punk rocker Moore who more than holds his own in this fun showcase match. He hangs with Kash, who is put over by the commentators early and often, and displays his high-flying types of maneuvers.

Towards the end of the match, Kash goes for Bankruptcy, but Moore counters the move, and hits an Exploder Suplex! The Cameron, North Carolina native then climbs up to the top rope and goes for the HALO… AND CONNECTS! NEAR FALL!

Kash tosses his shoulder up at 2 ½, as Moore certainly thought he had him down for the count. The Trenton crowd did as well, as the Garden State watches on as Moore pulls Kash up and attacks with his forearm. He backs him into the ropes, before whipping him across. No! Kash counters mid-swing, and pulls Moore in.

DEAD LEVEL TO MOORE!

1! 2!! 3!!!

Winner: Kid Kash via pin fall at 8:01.

Kash gets up as the referee raises his hand. The new cruiserweight into the fold celebrates the win by heading up to the corner and slapping his chest. He then gets off the second rope as he looks over and sees Moore getting up.

The Notorious K.I.D. stands still as Moore reaches his feet a few seconds later.

Then, Moore extends his hand, offering respect as we’ve seen often from much, if not all of the cruiserweight division.


Kash scowls, and walks up to Moore.

“I won. I don’t need to shake your hand,” Kash yells, before smacking Shannon’s hand away and he exits the ring to heat

Michael Cole: What the hell? What was that for?

Tazz: I guess Kash doesn’t think he owes anybody any respect, Cole. He always seemed to beat to his own drum in ECW and apparently that’s transcended here to WWE.

Michael Cole: That’s what the Cruiserweight Division’s all about though, Tazz. It’s about respect. Kash didn’t seem to want any part of it. I’m disappointed…

We leap backstage to find the United States Champion Carlito Caribbean Cool chatting up Joy Giovanni, getting his mack on.

Then, Hardcore Holly buts in.

Hardcore Holly: Hey, jackass.

Carlito, taken back, looks over.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: ‘Da hell do ju want? Cant’chu see I’m busy?

Hardcore Holly: I don’t give a damn, Carly.

Visibly offended, Carlito does his best to politely shoo Joy away and she cooperates.

Hardcore Holly: You make me sick, y’know that?

Carlito Caribbean Cool: If ‘dat were the case, Carlito would be happy. ‘Den he wouldn’t have to see your ugly mug around here.

Fed up, Holly pushes his forearm into Carlito’s throat, backing him against the wall!

Hardcore Holly: Look, you punk. I don’t appreciate the way that you butt into the United States Championship match two weeks ago. You youngsters, all you want to do is jump into every opportunity like it’s yours to take. You’ve got to earn it, boy.

Carlito breaks free and shoves Holly away.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Get ‘da hell of me! Crazy ass.

Holly rares back and SMACKS CARLITO ACROSS THE FACE! The United States Champion is brought down to a knee as Holly leers down at him.

Hardcore Holly: Watch your mouth, punk. Next time it won’t be a slap.

Holly marches off as Carlito checks his mouth for blood, angrily looking at the veteran down the hall as we hear his footsteps.

Commercial Break

Kid Kash is seen walking in the lower concourse of the arena, wiping his face off with a towel.

Then, Josh Matthews walks up to him.

Josh Matthews: Kid Kash, you’re just a few moments removed from winning your first match here on SmackDown. Could you talk about what that means to you?

Kash tosses the towel away.

Kid Kash: What it means to me is that it confirmed that I’m better than that punk rock goofball that I wrestled tonight, boy.

Josh Matthews: (Stammering) Um, alright. Do you think you could take us through your mindset after the match when you decided not to shake Shannon Moore’s hand?

The cruiserweight scoffs.

Kid Kash: What the hell did I need to do that for? Doggone it, I don’t need to respect anybody ‘round here ‘cept one person. And that’s me.

Kash points to himself.

Kid Kash: I was better than that goofy-looking idiot that I faced tonight. I knew it going in, and I know it now walking out. Why should I respect someboday that’s below me? ‘Cause a’ some code ‘round here? Is that why?

Matthews looks at Kash nervously, and the cruiserweight shakes his head.

Kid Kash: You know what? This discussion’s over. And do me a favor next time, boy. Come up with s’more detailed questions and not the lazy crap that just spewed outta yer’ mouth.

Kash bolts off screen…

Back to ringside.

***RAP SHEET*** Booker T walks into the arena to a large ovation from the New Jersey crowd. Going through his pre-match routine, Booker sets fire off on the stage before trotting down to the ring for one-on-one action again.

***CHAVITO ARDIENTE*** The former multi-time Cruiserweight Champ Chavo Guerrero strolls into the venue looking sharply focused, knowing he’s got a grand opportunity at his disposal.

Michael Cole: Guerrero looks intense and ready to go here tonight.

Tazz: No kiddin’, Cole. Who can blame him eitha’? Booka’ T beat the white-hot Kurt Angle last week in the main event. Chavo’s got a chance to knock off a guy with that kind’a victory at his disposal? I’d be blockin’ out EVERYTHING!


2 – Singles Match
Booker T vs. Chavo Guerrero

Chavo is hungry from the jump, wrestling with a burst of energy as he looks to knock off the red-hot Booker T who has won as many matches (4) as he has had in as many weeks (4). The two former WCW competitors square off – for the very first time under the WWE umbrella in a one-on-one match as our esteemed announce team points out.

Booker goes for a Harlem Sidekick, but Chavo ducks it and runs over to the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Booker ducks that and on the rebound, Guerrero lunges at Booker, who grabs him and hoists him up, before thrusting him back down to the mat with the 110th Street Slam! A two count follows much to the dismay of The Book Man, who then heads up to the top rope.

As Chavo gets up, Booker launches off… going for the Heat Seeker, but Guerrero rolls out of the way! Booker crashes and burns and Chavo pounces, rolling into an inside cradle! 1! 2!! Kick out from Booker! Chavo punches Booker a few times out of the cradle and backs him into the ropes, and looks to Irish whip him across. But Booker counters, and looks for another 110th Street Slam… but Chavo counters and lands on his feet!

Chavo then underhooks Booker and hits a Tiger Suplex! Guerrero then pulls Booker up and sets up for the Gory Bomb… No! Booker fights out and hits the Book End! Booker gets up to go for the pin—

“AH!”

BAM!

BOOKER’S WAFFLED BY A FOREARM SHOT TO THE BACK—

IT’S KURT ANGLE!

Winner: Booker T via disqualification at 7:31.

Michael Cole: What the hell’s Kurt Angle doing here?!

Tazz: Is there really any doubt, Cole?

Angle then has his attention diverted over to Tony Chimel.

Tony Chimel: The winner of this match as a result of a disqualification… Booker T!

The Olympian’s eyes light up in a fit of rage, and then Angle plucks Booker T off the mat by his waist and throws him backwards with a devastating German Suplex!

Michael Cole: Oh, come on now!

Tazz: Angle’s pissed off at Booka’ fa’ beatin’ him last week, Cole and he isn’t goin’ to let him fa’get about it.

Kurt reaches down for the Houston resident again by his waist and tosses him backwards for another German Suplex!

“NOBODY BEATS ME! NOBODY!”​

After bellowing out this remark again, the Olympic Gold Medalist grabs Booker by the waist, one more time, from a go-behind, and hurls him back for a German Suplex that turns him inside out as he lands on his face!

Tazz: GEEZ!

Michael Cole: Somebody needs to get out here and stop this!

Tazz: You wanna go in there ya’self and save the day, Mighty Mouse?

Meanwhile, Angle’s now applied the Ankle Lock! Booker is screaming out in pain as the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native is apparently hell bent on snapping his adversary’s ankle into bits and pieces. Then, referees and agents flood the ring to try and pry Kurt off and he eventually relents and throws down the boot of Booker T before raising his arms up in celebration.

Kurt shouts at him again, “NOBODY BEATS KURT ANGLE! NO ONE!” before the intense wrestler makes his way out of the ring with the escorts of officials and agents. He keeps his fists up in the air as he’s booed on his way up the ramp.

Michael Cole: And this guy’s proud of this. He’s better than this, Tazz. He’s so much better than this.

Tazz: The guy was white-hot afta’ beatin’ Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania, Cole. That’s a helluvan accomplishment. Then he beats Paul London and Lance Storm. You’re tellin’ me you can’t undastand why he’s so pissed off that he lost last week?

Michael Cole: There’s other ways of dealing with this. Kurt Angle is being nothing but a sore loser right now and he’s proud of it.

Tazz: Oh will you knock it off, Michael? Geez.

“Nobody beats me. Nobody…”​

Commercial Break

After the break, we get a replay of the events that occurred before it, with Kurt Angle destroying Booker T with three consecutive German Suplexes and then applied his Ankle Lock submission hold.

Michael Cole: And we can tell you now that Kurt Angle has left the building. After what was obviously a premeditated attack on Booker T – whose status right now is unknown at this time – Kurt Angle, the Olympic Gold Medalist in 1996, has left the building.

Tazz: He came, he saw, and he conquered, Cole. He was a man with a plan and I don’t have one stinkin’ problem with it.

“Ladies and gentlemen…”

Michael Cole: Oh, great.

PAUL HEYMAN is seen walking through the curtain, microphone in hand.

Paul Heyman: …of Trenton, New Jersey, the capital of this Garden State, my name… in case you have forgotten… is Paulllll Heyman.

A smattering of cheers.

Paul Heyman: The last two weeks have been quite an adventure. I made my return here to SmackDown – a show that I ran not too long ago, and along with me came the greatest living tag team in the world, Bubba Ray and D-Von – THE DUDLEY BOYZ!

Another smattering of cheers unearths itself.

Paul Heyman: While there are two posers walking around with the title belts that belong to this great team, it must be said that I will recognize the fact that those two imposters in the tag team division are two of the greatest wrestlers to ever set foot in North America.

Heyman nods.

Paul Heyman: But the caveat of that very distinction is ever so omnipresent, isn’t it? It’s interesting to note that the ones who hold the WWE Tag Team Championships right now are anything BUT a team at this distinction. They don’t have the history that Bubba Ray and D-Von possess. They don’t maintain the pedigree to tag team wrestling that Bubba Ray and D-Von have. And sure, sure. Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio have—

The cheers for the mentions of the two superstars cut off Heyman.

Paul Heyman: It’s certainly true that Mysterio and Guerrero both have had their successes in tag team wrestling. Guerrero? For a long time with his nephew, Chavo, they ruled this division. Rey? He only worked with one of the best young stars in this company – Edge – and won the gold almost three years ago, as well as one of MY favorites of all time… Rob… Van… Dam.

The crowd says his name along with the mastermind, who grins, but turns away.

Paul Heyman: But we all know what they’re best at. We all know that this is just a charade, and the two actors putting this show on for all to see couldn’t be more of pretenders if they tried to be. And this show isn’t going to have a happy ending, I can promise you that…

Some boos from the crowd.

Paul Heyman: Oh, I know. I hear your groans. I hear your cries. I hear your discontent and your pain right now and it sickens me too. Right to the pit of my stomach. But it’s obvious to me, and it should be obvious to all of you that Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, deep down inside… DESPISE one another.

More and more boos from the Trenton crowd.

Paul Heyman: And why’s that? Why do they loathe one another? Because they’re guilty of a sin committed by many just like them. They’re competitors. They yearn to be the best at their craft. Unlike The Dudley Boyz, who remain committed to being the best TAG TEAM, the best TANDEM in wrestling today, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio aspire for something different. For something that could be even greater than being the best team in wrestling history. Instead, Eddie and Rey? They fight because they want to be the best LUCHADORES in wrestling history.

Paul pushes another nod down.

Paul Heyman: And since the last time that Eddie Guerrero defeated Rey Mysterio – that being when Mister Guerrero was the WWE Champion – he has done nothing but LOSE to Rey Mysterio! And that has visibly eaten away at the very FIBER of Eddie Guerrero!

Groans and boos reverberate around the Sovereign Bank Arena.

Paul Heyman: What happened on January 4th on this very show? Eddie Guerrero LOST to Rey Mysterio. What happened at WrestleMania? What happened on the grandest stage of all at WRESTLE-FREAKIN’-MANIA? Eddie Guerrero LOST to REY MYSTERIO! And what would happen if Eddie Guerrero faced Rey Mysterio again?

Heyman sneers.

Paul Heyman: Do I even need to say it again?

Jeers.

Paul Heyman: So Eddie… Rey… I have a proposition for you to save yourselves of the inevitable in the future. I want you to listen very carefully as well because I know that the two of you are not here tonight (Groans and boos, disappointedly so). Next week… when we’re in Reading, Pennsylvania… I want you to drop this charade.

Heyman smirks.

Paul Heyman: As well… as the Tag – Team - Titles.

More boooooooos from the crowd as Heyman smiles again.

Paul Heyman: Because this charade needs to end not only for the sake of tag team wrestling… but it needs to end before the two of you hurt one another beyond allll repair.

Paul nods as the groans around the arena get louder.

Paul Heyman: Gentlemen, we’ll see you next week.

Heyman then exits the ring after dropping the mic. With the ultimatum issued loudly and clearly, the WWE Tag Team Champions now will likely face their apparent omnipresent issues head on next week in the ring…





Commercial Break

***DO IT BIG*** After commercials, we jump into the arena again as Orlando Jordan, the former WWE United States Champion makes his entrance.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to SmackDown ladies and gentlemen and here comes the FORMER United States Champion.

Tazz: One of the most talented young men we’ve got in this company, Cole. Gifted and athletic are just two of the superlatives for Orlando Jordan.

Michael Cole: And of course later on tonight Jordan’s fellow Chief of Staff member Danny Basham is going to go one-on-one with Rob Van Dam after the confrontation that Mister Thursday Night had with John Bradshaw Layfield in the ring last week.

***HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?*** Accompanied by Charlie Haas, Hardcore Holly stomps down the ramp with his eyes locked onto OJ who readies himself inside the ring.

Michael Cole: Hardcore Holly’s still in a foul mood after his confrontation earlier tonight with the United States Champion, Carlito and that doesn’t look like it’s going to bode well for Orlando Jordan tonight.

Tazz: There’s a small list a guys you don’t wanna cheese off in that locka’room and Hardcore Holly might be at the top a the list.

3 – Singles Match
Orlando Jordan vs. Hardcore Holly w/ Charlie Haas

Holly is aggressive from the beginning, blowing off a bit of steam after the heated interaction with the U.S. Champ earlier in the broadcast. Jordan weathers the storm though and stuns Holly with a left hook and seizes control thereafter. Jordan connects with the Johnson Shuffle a few minutes later, and then goes for the Orlando Magic, but Holly shoves him away…

RIGHT INTO THE REFEREE!


The referee collapses and Holly goes for the Alabama Slam, but Jordan slithers out and hits a dropkick! Charlie Haas, meanwhile, senses this as an opportunity and climbs into the ring. Haas sizes up Jordan and charges forward, looking to clothesline him—

BUT OJ DUCKS, AND HAAS INSTEAD KNOCKS HOLLY DOWN!

Haas puts his hands on his head, realizing the critical mistake, and Jordan then tosses him out of the ring. OJ then turns his attention back to Holly and drills him with the Blackout! The referee is back to his senses at this point.

1! … 2!! … 3!!!

Winner: Orlando Jordan via pin fall at 7:07.

Michael Cole: And it’s over! Orlando Jordan has won the match, but thanks in large part to a big mistake by Charlie Haas.

Tazz: Now how do we know if it’s a mistake Cole? Haas and Holly have both been fightin’ lately for the United States Championship. Perhaps Haas was tryin’ to get a leg up on him.

Michael Cole: You’re quite the contrarian tonight, Tazz.

In the ring, with Jordan having left, Haas gets in and apologizes to Hardcore Holly, who’s just getting up to his feet.

Haas puts his hand on Holly’s shoulder but Holly swipes it away!


Chuck gets on the defensive, and again tries to assure Holly it was nothing more than an accident but Holly argues back with him.

Holly looks away as Haas continues on…

WHAM! HARDCORE HOLLY GIVES HAAS A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN!

Michael Cole: Hey!


Tazz: Chuck is getting’ nothin’ more than a taste of his own medicine.

Michael Cole: Aw, c’mon! He said he was sorry!


Tazz: He cost him the match, Cole! Accident or not that’s the way it went.

Holly walks up the ramp and gets to the stage and looks on at Haas, who woozily gets up and looks on with bitterness in his eyes. Holly badmouths him a little bit and turns around—

WHAM!

He’s knocked right between the eyes—

IT’S CARLITO CARIBBEAN COOL!

Tazz: Whoa!

Michael Cole: Carlito has struck with the United States Title!

“‘DAS WHAT’CHU GET’CHU CRAZY ASS LAME!”

Carlito laughs as he holds up the title, but his eyes widen as he soon realizes that Haas is in hot pursuit!

Michael Cole: And look at Haas! He’s going after Carlito!

CCC sprints through the curtain as Haas chases right after him!

Commercial Break

We get a video of what happened during commercials with a ‘During the Break’ tagline attached.

***

Carlito Caribbean Cool, the WWE U.S. Champion, is seen scrappily sprinting away from Charlie Haas who is in hot pursuit.

CCC turns a corner and finds Orlando Jordan, the former U.S. Champ!

Jordan goes for a right hook after a momentary standoff, but CCC ducks it and connects with a left-handed swing! Jordan is momentarily stunned and Haas chases after the champ, who is making a beeline for the exit.

OJ joins in with Haas’ hunt, and we see Carlito bolt through a set of double doors!

The United States Champion makes his way to his car and climbs in, and starts it up and begins to drive away but stops as Haas and Jordan are right there!

CCC jolts and turns right around as Haas and Jordan both slap onto the trunk and try to chase after, but the car burns them and he gets away!

The frustration is evident in Haas and Jordan as they look on, disgusted with themselves and the cowardly tactics of the United States Champion.

***

***ONE OF A KIND*** Rob Van Dam gets a very warm welcome by the Trenton crowd after making his entrance into the arena. RVD does his signature thumb taunt as he confidently walks down the ramp to the ring.

Michael Cole: Listen to this ovation for Rob Van Dam!

Tazz: It’s hard to not dig this guy, Cole. Unless, of course, you’re JBL.

***LONGHORN*** And… a 180 is done as heat fills the arena. JBL makes his grand entrance in his white limousine, with Danny Basham joining him. Basham marches ahead of Layfield who keeps a sharp glare bestowed upon Van Dam who is bouncing in the ring.

As Layfield and Basham get to the ring, the official climbs outside of the ring and orders that JBL leave the premises!

Tazz: Whoa, what!?

Michael Cole: JBL is being sent packing! And he is BESIDE HIMSELF!

Protesting vehemently, JBL makes a case, but the referee’s set in his ways.

Michael Cole: That’s a great job by referee Jimmy Korderas to have the foresight to suspect that JBL might get involved in this matchup.

Tazz: I mean who says he’s going to, Cole? JBL might just be spectating.

Michael Cole: Oh, stop it. JBL has an obvious vendetta against Rob Van Dam. He kicked him in the face last week!

4 – Singles Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Danny Basham

With JBL’s plans foiled Danny Basham is forced to scramble with his match strategy against RVD. Basham unloads on RVD to start the match off but is quickly taken off his feet and put on the ground by Mr. Thursday Night.

The Cabinet member is purely overmatched by RVD, who is playing at or even above his usual ability level tonight, decisively having the upper hand over Danny.

Following a tremendous pinning heel kick – just like the one he gave to Layfield last week – RVD leaps off the top rope and connects with the FIVE-STAR FROG SPLASH! After that, it’s simply academic, and Van Dam gets the VERY impressive victory.

Winner: Rob Van Dam via pin fall at 5:08.

Michael Cole: And Rob Van Dam wins it! I don’t know how long past five minutes that match was, but RVD just got the job done in about a blink of an eye!

Tazz: Basham couldn’t compensate for the loss of JBL at ringside … that was an impressive showing by Van Dam but man, oh man. I think it might’a been different if JBL was around.

JBL is seen in the back throwing his ten-gallon hat down on the floor as he watches Van Dam celebrate in the corner on a monitor in the backstage area.

???: Uh, excuse me, JBL?

Layfield turns around as we see Steve Romero walking up.

John Bradshaw Layfield: The Sam hell do you want?

Steve Romero: Do you, by chance have a response to what’s occurred here in the last few minutes?

JBL glares down at Romero.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah… I’ve got a response. I’ve got one, alright. Next week, there’s gonna be hell to pay for that man right there (points to Rob Van Dam). I guaran-damn-tee it.

The Wrestling God walks off in a huff…

Commercial Break

A split-screen is shown of our two champion combatants, who are prepping for the much-anticipated main event that’s yet to come tonight.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to SmackDown! It’s been a brilliant night here in Trenton, New Jersey and still to come later on tonight – John Cena, the WWE Champion, is going to go head-to-head with the Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Paul London!

Tazz: London had himself a hell of an outing a couple weeks ago against Kurt Angle. Can you imagine if he knocks off “The Franchise” tonight?

Michael Cole: It would be one of the biggest upsets in WWE history and perhaps a career-defining moment for the Cruiserweight Champion.

***YOU CAN RUN*** Billy Kidman marches out, set for tag team action as Nunzio walks out alongside him and the pair of cruiserweights strides down the ramp towards the ring.

Michael Cole: Well hopefully the end result of this match is a little bit better than the cruiserweight contest we caught earlier today.

Tazz: Y’know, I’d say somethin’ to that but I’m getting’ a little tired a pushin’ your buttons tonight, Cole.

***U LOOK FLY 2 DAY*** Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki walk through the tunnel to a pop from the Trenton crowd, who certainly have no trouble in getting behind the face tandem.

5 – Tag Team Match
Billy Kidman and Nunzio vs. Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki

The pacing of this penultimate matchup on the broadcast helps its cause as it starts off frenetically, netting the attention of the crowd and livening them up quite a bit. The heels take advantage at first, but the Trenton crowd still gives them sparse cheers after both Kidman and Nunzio hit some high-flying maneuvers.

Midway through the matchup, Scotty counters an Irish whip from Nunzio and sends him back the other way and over the top rope! Scotty then runs ahead and leaps high over the top rope and falls down onto Nunzio with a somersault plancha! Scotty gets a series of chants in his favor after the high-flying move and continues the attack on Nunzio for the next few moments.

The two teams trade advantages over the next few minutes, but in the end, Scotty jives up the crowd before connecting with the Worm on Nunzio! Afterwards, he drops down and hooks both legs, and wins the match for his team!

Winner: Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki via pin fall at 7:16.

Providing a stark contrast from earlier tonight, the two sets of tandems hug it out after the match and show a sign of respect as all four hands are raised up.

Michael Cole: That’s what I’m talking about.

Tazz: Of fa’ heaven’s sake…

Michael Cole: These four understand what this brand is all about. Kid Kash could learn a thing or two from these guys.

We cut backstage to see Paul London – the Cruiserweight Champion – sauntering through a corridor on his way to the ring for what could turn out to be a defining moment in the young man’s career.

On the way, Kid Kash impedes Paul London’s path!

Kash doesn’t take his eyes off the title that London proudly possesses as London eventually brushes past, eyes set on the ring and the big-time match that’s set to commence.

Commercial Break

***STAY IN SHADOW*** The Trenton crowd bursts into cheers as Paul London races out of the chute and into the ring at lightning-quick speed, showing he’s primed and prepared for this main event bout.

***MY TIME IS NOW*** The roof’s blown off yet again as John Cena, the WWE Champion, strolls out with the coveted prize slung on his shoulder. He enters the fray as our announce team hypes up the match.

Tony Chimel: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is a “Champion versus Champion Special Attraction! Introducing first. From Austin, Texas, weighing in at 180 pounds, he is the Cruiserweight Champion of the World… PAULLLLL LONDON!

HUGE pop.

Tony Chimel: And his opponent. From West Newbury, Massachusetts, weighing in at 251 pounds, he is the WWE Champion… “The Franchise,” JOHNNNNNN CENAAAAA!!!

Another rim-rattling pop echoes throughout the arena.

Tazz: It’s gut-check time, baby.

Michael Cole: Fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen. THIS is going to be one hell of a spectacle.

6 – Main Event;
Champion vs. Champion Special Attraction
WWE CHAMPION John Cena vs. CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION Paul London

The match kicks off with a stare down between the two combatants as Cena gives a bit of a reminder to him that he’s no cruiserweight and that he’s ‘The Franchise,’ but London doesn’t seem fazed at all as he takes it right to the champion from the jump.

London goes for a variety of pin attempts at the beginning to catch Cena off guard as he attempts to and gets to slither out of the ring. Eventually, the WWE Champ weathers the storm and takes hold of control after grabbing London mid-air and throwing him down to the mat back-first.

Cena flashes some intensity, perhaps sending a message to his Judgment Day opponent who could be watching on from damn near anywhere in the building. He overwhelms the Cruiserweight Champion with his embrace of a physical style of combating, and connects with a series of shoulder blocks and dusts his hands off after whilst admiring his work.

Cena slaps on a sleeper hold, with his tremendously large biceps crushing the throat of the Cruiserweight Champion of the World. London aims to fight out of it, but John keeps this attempt at bay. The Trenton, New Jersey crowd then rallies behind London, who eventually gets up to two feet and pries away, trying to elbow free. After an ONSLAUGHT of elbows, London does in fact elbow his way out of Cena’s grip!

With his opponent stunned for the moment, Paul pounces, hitting the ropes and launching with a great sense of ferocity at the WWE Champion—

Who has since recollected, and he pops London up in the air, and POWERBOMBS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT!

“Oh my LORD!”

“Cena jus’ propelled Paul London right in the air and powa’bombed him! I have NEVA’ seen somethin’ like that before!”

A replay is shown of this tremendous maneuver as Cena recollects himself before grabbing London by the head. He hammers away at him in the corner before charging forward – splash! London staggers and Cena hits him with the Spin Out Powerbomb! He shoots up, stands over London, and bends over…

“YOU CAN’T SEE MEEEEEE!”

FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!1! 2!! LONDON KICKS OUT! Despite the sleeper hold, the astounding powerbomb and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, London survives the trio of tremendous maneuvers and lives on to fight another day. He pulls London out with him to the outside, and the referee follows in heavy pursuit of the two and chooses to not count the two out. Cena goes to send him into the ringpost, but London blocks it with his foot! He does it again, and knees Cena in the abdomen, and puts his hands on his back and shoves Cena shoulder first into the ringpost!

The WWE Champion clutches onto his shoulder as London buys some time to try and reset after the desperate attempt to do just that worked out perfectly. Paul targets John and then sprints forward—

AND DIVES THROUGH THE MIDDLE AND BOTTOM TURNBUCKLES AND ROPES, CATCHING AND SPLASHING ONTO CENA!

“Gotta be KIDDIN’ ME!”

“Tazz, we’d NEVER seen a move like what Cena did to Paul London a few moments ago and Paul London just one-upped the WWE Champion. I’ve NEVER SEEN someone take that kind of angle to attack another wrestler.”

“What a freakin’ rocket-BUSTA’ this match is, Cole!”

Commercial Break

After the final break of the night, we come back to see London TAKING IT to the WWE Champion as he gained a big advantage over him after the incredible dive through the ropes before the break. Lighting him up with a frenetic series of kicks, London runs off the ropes and connects with a front dropkick to Cena’s head! He then scatters over and grabs him by the ankles and bridges into a pin. 1! 2! KICK OUT from Cena. London then takes aim for the corner, and runs over to it after Cena gets up, props up onto the middle rope, top rope, and LEAPS OFF AND SCORES WITH A MOONSAULT ONTO CENA! He hooks the leg.

1! 2! KICK OUT from Cena again. London grabs Cena by the head after being quick to languish in the near fall again and smashes his elbow into it. He does so again… and again… and again, and again, and again, and again! London then backs away and runs forward, hitting a diving crossbody! He rolls through, and hits another crossbody, and Cena swings at London, who ducks, and kicks at Cena’s ankle, tripping him up, and London leaps up and hits the MUSHROOM STOMP! Cena is down on the mat and London goes for the cover again. 1! 2!! SHOULDER UP FROM CENA!


London holds his head in grief and walks back up to his feet moments later. He connects with a few series of rights into Cena’s face, backing him against the ropes, and goes for another, but the WWE Champion blocks it! He rattles a few home, and goes for a right again, but London ducks, kicks Cena in the gut, and goes for a Legsweep DDT, but Cena counters, and tosses London onto his shoulders! F-U coming—LONDON FALLS ONTO HIS FEET!


London slaps on a chickenwing—WAFFLE FACE TO THE WWE CHAMPION!

The crowd is on their feet as London then looks over at the corner of the ring. With what could be the biggest moment of his career just a three count away, London shies away from making the cover and decides to try and go for broke. A gutsy move indeed, London climbs up to the top rope. Perched up high, London goes for the 450 SPLASH…

CENA CURLS UP, AND LONDON’S RIBS HIT HIS SHINS!

“OHHHHHH!” goes the crowd as London gasps for air and clutches onto his damaged rib cages after the WWE Champion’s resilient maneuver to avoid further pain. The Franchise rolls away and pushes himself to his feet and stalks London who gets up and walks in. Cena bends down and picks London up and onto his shoulders.

F-U TO PAUL LONDON!

1! 2!! 3!!!


Winner: John Cena via pin fall at 18:37.

Michael Cole: AND JOHN CENA WINS! What a MATCH that was!

Tazz: Unbelievable from start to finish, Cole. I can’t believe it. Paul London pushed Cena to the limit, and he did what any otha’ man in his position would do. He went for it all. He gambled. I tip my cap to that young man even if he didn’t come out on the winnin’ end of it. He deserves EVERY BIT of respect that he’s earned tonight.

Michael Cole: Absolutely right, Tazz. Absolutely right. Paul London , when he eventually does it, he’s going to get a big win over a main-eventer. When he does, it’s going to be a tremendous moment. But for now – the CHAMP is still here and STILL reigns supreme.

Cena celebrates the win inside the ring, and salutes his resilient adversary. He bumps his fist as London gasps and climbs out of the ring.

John beats his chest and holds up the WWE Title and wears a glimmering smile.

Suddenly…

THE LIGHTS GO OUT!







They come back on—

THE UNDERTAKER IS IN THE RING!

‘Taker has his mammoth hand clutching the WWE Champion by the throat, and unlike last week, the West Newbury native doesn’t get the chance to fight back.

AS HE FALLS VICTIM TO A CHOKESLAM!

The Deadman looks down at The Franchise, and then down at the gold. He plucks the title belt off the ground, and with Cena now out of the ring, The Phenom drops down to a knee and raises the title up in the air, eyes rolled back into his head and tongue out, possibly giving us a glimpse into the not so distant future…







END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for WWE Judgment Day:
May 22, 2005 // Target Center // Minneapolis, Minnesota

WWE Championship Match
‘The Franchise’ John Cena © vs. ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker

WWE Women’s Championship Match
‘The Terror of Toronto’ Trish Stratus © vs. Gail Kim
 
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