Pretty quick turnaround from preview to show. Got bored.
Monday Night Raw - June 25th, 2007; Denver, Colorado
That’s Not Arrogance, It’s…
A video package plays, highlighting all which took place at last night’s Vengeance PPV - Mickie def. Maria to retain her year plus Women’s Title reign, while Victoria became the #1 contender by edging out Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, and Gail Kim; JBL defeated Carlito in an incredible Texas Bullrope Match to retain the IC Title; Cade & Murdoch def. AMW to become the new World Tag Team Champions; John Morrison def. Ken Doane; MVP def. Sabu, getting his first win on PPV; Umaga picked up the biggest win of his career, by defeating the legendary Cactus Jack in a hardcore match; and in the main event, Edge FINALLY regained the WWE Championship by def. RVD, HBK, Kurt Angle, and his most hated rival, the incumbent champion Randy Orton.
We then enter the arena, but before anything can be set up for tonight’s show …
***BURN IN MY LIGHT***
The crowd boos mercilessly as the FORMER WWE Champion Randy Orton steps out onto the Raw stage. Looking incredibly frustrated, The Legend Killer wears jeans, a closefitting black shirt and shades. Randy looks down at his waist, shakes his head, and then looks back up at the fans with a poignant scowl. With the RKO Army of Chris Masters and Joey Mercury behind him, both dressed in jeans and ‘RKO Army’ T’s, Orton continues on down to the ring, kicking off the first Raw in almost six months where he hasn’t been the WWE Champion.
Jim Ross: This is a sight that we have not seen in over five months. Randy Orton WITHOUT the WWE Championship. Orton put up a hell of a fight, and looked like he was on his way to retaining the title at one point, but in the end, it was Edge, The Rated R Superstar, who left Houston the new WWE Champion.
Jerry Lawler: He looks naked without the championship, J.R. And now we here from wwe.com that Randy doesn’t have a rematch clause? This is completely unfair to The Legend Killer. But he’s shown over the past few months that he’s got what it takes to reign on the mountain top. Does he have what it takes to get back there?
The One Man Dynasty steps into the ring, and calls for a microphone, and is soon handed one. His music dies down, and the crowd picks up as a ‘Rated R’ chant rings out around the arena. Orton simply holds his head down, attempting to gather himself, before he finally brings his head up and the mic with it.
Randy Orton: Y’know … you would think that after everything I’ve done for you people, you would show me a little more respect.
~ Big-time heat for The Legend Killer, who stares into the crowd.
Randy Orton: For the past six months, I’ve taken this brand, Monday Night Raw … I’ve taken this
COMPANY on my back! For the past six months, I’ve reigned as the WWE Champion, and put on some of the best matches that any of you have ever
seen!
~ Orton takes a deep breath before continuing.
Randy Orton: For the past six months, I have put my body on the line, because as the number one superstar in this company, it is something I had to do. For the past … six … months, I have been, quite simply, a One Man Dynasty.
~ The crowd boos as Orton strolls around the ring for a bit, while Masters and Mercury watch their leader intently.
Randy Orton: But last night … that all came to an end. Last night … the biggest travesty in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment occurred.
~ Light boos from the crowd.
Randy Orton: After battling for twenty-five minutes, against four of the toughest and most talented superstars in this company -- after DOMINATING four of the best wrestlers in the world … after all of that, it only took one split second --
one -
split -
second for my entire world to come crashing down around me.
~ Orton takes his shades off.
Randy Orton: The one thing that I’ve worked my ass off to get … the one thing I worked my ass off to keep … the most prestigious prize in this business … the WWE Championship … was ripped away from me in one … split … second.
~ The crowd pops, causing Orton to stare at them with fury.
Randy Orton: OH, YOU ALL LIKE THAT!? You like that Edge is now the WWE Champion!? HUH!?
~ Another loud pop.
Randy Orton: Well, you shouldn’t be! You shouldn’t be happy, and neither should Edge. No, Edge didn’t win the WWE Championship because he was better. He didn’t win it because he was faster, he didn’t win it because he was stronger, or smarter, he won it … because he got lucky.
~ Crowd boos
Randy Orton: THAT’S IT!! That’s the only reason!! If you didn’t see it, order the replay! If you saw it and don’t remember what exactly happened, watch it again! I DOMINATED that match!
~ Orton fiercely glares at the crowd.
Randy Orton: I beat down Edge like I ALWAYS do!! I beat down RVD! I beat down Shawn Michaels! I beat down Kurt Angle! Four of the top superstars in this business were dominated by The Legend Killer for thirty minutes, and then - IN A SPLIT SECOND - Edge comes in, hits a couple of crappy Spears and steals my championship, steals my WWE Title, steals my glory, steals what’s MINE!!
~ More boos for TLK as Orton wipes his mouth, clearly riled up.
Randy Orton: And believe me, that’s exactly what the WWE Championship is. It’s … MINE.
~ Crowd boos
Randy Orton: And I’ve proven that time and time again. At New Year’s Revolution, I went through five guys -- Stone Cold Steve Austin, JBL, Edge, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker -- to win that belt. At the Royal Rumble, I pinned HBK dead center in the middle of this ring. At WrestleMania 23, I beat Michaels and Edge, and gave Edge his first pin fall loss at a WrestleMania. At Backlash, I beat Edge …
again.
~ Quick shot of some young kid in the first row booing Orton and giving him the thumbs down.
Randy Orton: What does this all prove? It proves that Randy Orton is the man in this company, NOT EDGE!! It proves that Randy Orton is the future of this business, NOT EDGE!! And most importantly, it proves that Randy Orton is the rightful WWE Champion … not …
Edge.
~ A slight ‘Edge’ chant starts up, but Orton continues.
Randy Orton: But without a rematch clause in my contract … I won’t have the opportunity to prove that right off the bat.
~ Crowd cheers.
Randy Orton: And no, I probably won’t be getting a rematch for a long … long time. Why? Because Edge … is afraid. Edge is a coward, and each and every one of you idiots knows it.
~ Cheap heat
Randy Orton: EDGE!! You’re nothing but a fluke, a paper champion. You’re not a Rated R Superstar … you’re a Rated R Fraud!
~ Masters and Mercury nod along, while the crowd continues to show it’s disgust with Randy.
Randy Orton: And the second that you man up, grow a set of balls--
~ OH!
Randy Orton: Yeah, the second that you grow a set and step into this ring with me again, the second you put that belt on the line, one-on-one, no hangers-on stealing my glory, no washed-up icons looking for one more run, no pothead piece of crap in my way, I guarantee you, and everybody within the sound of my voice, that the WWE Championship will come back to ME!!
~ More heat for Orton as the former champion takes his sunglasses and puts them back onto his face, his trademark smirk returning.
Randy Orton: And that’s not arrogance … it’s quite simply … destiny.
~ Orton drops the mic and raises his arms into his “Destiny” pose, getting some loud heat, as Masters and Mercury applaud behind him. The Legend’s Killer’s theme blasts over the loudspeaker, and TLK takes his leave from the ring, heading back up the entrance ramp with his Army in tow.
Jim Ross: Very strong words from the former champion there, basically challenging the WWE Champion Edge’s manhood here tonight! We know that the Edge is here tonight, so we’ll see if The Rated R Superstar has anything to say about it.
Jerry Lawler: Could be an explosion here tonight!
~ At the top of the ramp, the former champion, Orton, shows us his pose once more, stone-faced as the crowd boos.
Jim Ross: Orton will also be in action later on tonight on Raw, taking on Rob Van Dam. But up next … the new World Tag Team Champions, The Redneck Wrecking Crew, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, are in action!
{Commercials}
1 - Tag Team Match
Redneck Wrecking Crew vs. Val Venis and Viscera
Coming off of the biggest wins in their careers, Cade and Murdoch, the NEW World Tag Team Champions, are once again in action here tonight. Instead of AMW, however, it’s the ragtag team of Viscera and Venis, which we haven’t seen on Raw since the day before forever. All this match does is give the Redneck Wrecking Crew even MORE momentum following their title win, as they dominate the veteran superstars throughout, before finishing the mammoth Vis off with the Sweet ‘n’ Sour, which allows Cade to get the pin fall victory.
Winners - The Redneck Wrecking Crew via pin fall at 4:11.
After the match, the referee hands Cade & Murdoch their championships and the two rednecks snatch them away.
Jim Ross: These kids are good. Real good. The Redneck Wrecking Crew picking up another win after beating America’s Most Wanted for the gold last night at Vengeance.
Jerry Lawler: No offense to Val and Vis, J.R., but the first real test for Cade and Murdoch as champions comes next week here on Raw.
Jim Ross: Absolutely, next week, KICKING OFF RAW, a Vengeance rematch! America’s Most Wanted invoke their rematch clause, and take on Cade & Murdoch for the World Tag Team Titles!! That should be a slobberknocker!!
*Backstage - Hallway*
Rob Van Dam apparently finishes up talking to Sabu and Bill Alfonso, turns away, and begins walking down the corridor. RVD shakes the hand of several passersby, and continues on his way when ...
???: OH!!
~ Van Dam rolls his eyes, and the crowd lets out a mixed reaction … as Shawn Michaels waltzes into screenshot. HBK wears his trademark smirk per always.
Shawn Michaels: You don’t look happy to see me, Rob. That hurts my feelings.
Rob Van Dam: What do you want, Michaels?
Shawn Michaels: Gettin’ right to it, huh? Alright. Did I read the match listing right tonight? You have a main event match with Orton tonight?
~ Van Dam nods; Michaels smirk fades a bit.
Shawn Michaels: Last night wasn’t enough for you? The past FIVE YEARS haven’t been enough for you? You
still don’t get it after all of this time?
Rob Van Dam: Apparently not. Why don’t you explain it to me?
Shawn Michaels: I’m glad you’re ready to take my fatherly advice. Here goes.
You are NOT WWE Title material. Last night at Vengeance should’ve made that perfectly obvious. In one corner … you had the WWE Champion, Randy Orton. In another corner … you had an Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle. Elsewhere … you’ve got a multi-time WWE Champion, Edge. And finally … you’ve got the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots, ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels.
~ Van Dam seems incredibly bored by Michaels. HBK, however, begins to look around as if he’s lost something.
Shawn Michaels: But wait, are we forgetting someone?
Rob Van Dam: I hear that happens with old age.
~ Michaels smiles.
Shawn Michaels: It might be the old age … OR … in the middle of talking about champions and icons, we forgot about the insignificant, ECW, weed-smoking’, comic-book readin’, surfboardin’, bingo hall
midcarder … RVD!!
~ HBK’s smile has completely faded, replaced with a look that could kill. Strangely enough, Van Dam wears the same face, as the two superstars glare right at one another.
Shawn Michaels: It’s over, Rob. You had your little moment in the sun, and you blew it. You lost the WWE Championship in less than a month, you haven’t been important around this place for a
LONG while now. So … for the sake of not embarrassing yourself anymore, I suggest that after you lose to Orton here tonight -- and yes, you will be losing; it’s what you do -- I suggest that you set your sights AWAY from the WWE Championship.
~ RVD continues to angrily glare at Michaels, who begins to smile again as he backs away.
Shawn Michaels: You know what? I hear that the Women’s Title Match hasn’t been finalized yet. Shave the five o’clock shadow, do a couple of crunches, put on a little makeup -- I’m no general manager, but Mickie James, Victoria and Rob Van Dam sounds like a
damn good Triple Threat Match to me. Think about it.
~ Michaels laughs at his own joke, before turning and walking away. Van Dam continues to watch intently as we fade out.
{Commercials}
2 - Non-Title Match
IC Champion John Bradshaw Layfield w/Angelina Williams vs. Eugene
Continuing the trend of … continuing momentum, JBL wrestles against lovable Eugene, less than 24 hours after retaining his Intercontinental Championship in a hellacious Texas Bullrope Match. Unlike the RWC, however, JBL doesn’t dominate his gullible opponent, as he’s still quite a bit worn down from the PPV. Eugene goes through every move of his unique offense, and even manages to hit a Rock Bottom on Bradshaw, picking up a near fall! JBL manages to get back on the right track, as he avoids a People’s Elbow, pops back up to his feet, and takes Eugene’s head off with the Clothesline From Hell!! Layfield then covers him for the academic three count.
Winner - John Bradshaw Layfield via pin fall at 4:45.
Layfield gets back up to his feet, and uses his foot to roll Eugene’s lifeless carcass out of the ring and to the floor below.
Jim Ross: JBL has never been one to show his opponent much respect, and we saw that just now. Complete lack of class from our Intercontinental Champion.
Jerry Lawler: Maybe if Eugene made it out of third grade, JBL wouldn’t treat him like he does, J.R. Besides, JBL shouldn’t have to be bothered with things like this after his HUGE victory last night.
~ JBL yells at Williams to bring him both his Intercontinental Championship and a microphone. Angelina does just that, and scampers into the ring to bring them both to her boss. Bradshaw takes the IC Title and slings it over his right shoulder, before he brings the mic up.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Get up off your asses and onto your feet -- greatness stands before you.
~ Crowd boos as JBL lets out his toothy grin.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Last night at Vengeance, in Houston, Texas, in front of 15,000 fans, JBL put on the show of a LIFETIME! And when it was all said and done, the dust had settled and the smoke had cleared, JBL once again … stood tall.
~ Crowd boos.
John Bradshaw Layfield: After all of the wars, it is now proven FACT, John Bradshaw Layfield is better than Carlito.
~ More boos for Layfield, who adjusts the title belt on his shoulder.
John Bradshaw Layfield: You can cry about how it went down, and say JBL should’ve been disqualified, but the fact is, I never took that Bull Rope off, which means I am the Winnah!!
~ Boos.
John Bradshaw Layfield: And now that all of the lolitas in Mexico, or the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico, or Venezuela, or wherever the hell he’s from, now that they’re done cryin’ over their fallen hero, JBL can move on to more pressing business … phase TWO …
double championship gold.
~ Bradshaw’s smile widens.
John Bradshaw Layfield: When you go through the history of World Wrestling Entertainment, so very few have managed to hold onto two title belts at once. Even fewer have managed to be both the Intercontinental and a world champion at the exact same time.
~ JBL taps the IC Title.
John Bradshaw Layfield: That short list grows by one when JBL finally steps into the ring with that long-haired hippie champion of ours, Edge.
~ The crowd cheers for The Rated R Superstar.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Go ahead and cheer for Edge, but the fact is, having that punk for a champion, having that punk represent the Raw brand is pathetic!
~ Crowd boos
John Bradshaw Layfield: Edge, just because you wear cool shades, and a leather jacket, and your girlfriend dresses like she stepped out of Two-Dollar Whore Magazine--
~ OH!
John Bradshaw Layfield: Doesn’t make you Rated R, it makes you a despicable excuse for a WWE Champion! These people here may cheer you, but the fact is, they need someone they can be proud of! Someone with class, someone with dignity, someone who they NEED to represent this company! A man who’s been there before, a man who’s been through hell and back, ME!!
~ Big time heat for JBL.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Boo all you want, but you people NEED me! Raw NEEDS me! Sports-entertainment NEEDS JBL! You need the man that reigned as the WWE Champion for ten months without breaking a sweat, the man that brought prosperity to this place the likes of which this company has NEVER ever seen.
~ JBL lets out his toothy grin.
John Bradshaw Layfield: You need the man that follows in the great lineage of technical wizards like Jack Briscoe and Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. The man who follows the larger than life deities like ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair and Stone Cold Steve Austin
(pop for all those names). Hell, why am I comparing myself to people in my own profession!?
~ Bradshaw scoffs.
John Bradshaw Layfield: When you’re as great as JBL, you have to go outside of the field to find someone with similar greatness! When you talk about JBL, you’re talking about a level of greatness only attained by the Michael Jordans of the world. Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods … George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. - THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON JBL’S LEVEL!!! THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO CAN BE MENTIONED IN THE SAME BREATH AS SOMEONE LIKE ME!!
~ The crowd boos JBL furiously but he talks over them.
John Bradshaw Layfield: The ONE AND ONLY AMERICAN HEEEEEEROOOO … THE WRESTLING GAWD … John … Bradshaw … Layfield.
~ JBL brings the mic down, and the boos continue to pour in, as his music hits once again. Angelina applauds as JBL glares into the crowd with his sly smirk on his face, as we fade out.
{Commercials}
*Backstage - Interview Area*
Backstage, Todd Grisham stands by with John Morrison, dressed in a rather sharp white suit & shades, and Melina, who looks pretty amazing in a tiny white dress.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m standing by with John Morrison and Melina. And, John, last night at Vengeance you managed to defeat the 20-year old phenom, Ken Doane, even if it was by shady tactics. And--
~ Melina snatches the mic from Grisham.
Melina: Wait a minute? Shady tactics? I don’t know what you’re talking about. John Morrison beat little Kenny because of one reason, and one reason only … he’s
better. He’s better looking, he’s a better wrestler, and he’s better equipped to take the Monday Night Raw brand into the future.
~ Melina lets out a smirk.
Melina: Which is why Jonathan Coachman should come down to the ring tonight, or next week, or whenever the time is right, and name John Morrison …
(Morrison poses after every moniker) the Guru of Greatness … the Shaman of Sexy … the Monday Night Delight … as the number one contender to the WWE Championship.
~ Crowd boos, Morrison nods … before adjusting his hair.
Melina: Morrison is hot, he’s in the now. Orton? He had his opportunity on the top, and he blew it. Besides, if it wasn’t for John, he wouldn’t have been the WWE Champion in the first place. JBL?
(Scoffs) He can hang his ugly hat on his ten month WWE Title reign … but the fact is, that was two whole years ago. John Morrison is the “it” wrestler on the scene, and if these people are smart, and if our general manager is smart, he’ll jump on the bandwagon now, and get while the gettin’ is good.
~ Melina flips the mic back over to Grisham, before she and Morrison take off.
*Back to ringside*
Once we return, Armando Alejandro Estrada already waits in the middle of the ring.
Jim Ross: John Morrison’s name being thrown into the hat as a possible number one contender, after making an impact by beating Ken Doane last night.
Jerry Lawler: Speaking of making an impact, I don’t think anybody made more of an impact last night than Umaga.
Jim Ross: Can’t disagree with ya there, King. Umaga defeated -- let me clarify, DESTROYED the hardcore legend Cactus Jack in a hardcore match, one of the most barbaric hardcore matches that I’ve ever seen in my thirty years here in this business!
Jerry Lawler: Absolutely, those two guys beat the living hell out of each other! But in the end, it was UUUUUUUUMAGAAA who picked up the victory. Shhh, J.R., Armando’s ready to speak.
~ Estrada, dressed in a beige suit, along with his trademark shades and hat, has microphone in hand.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: Todos, escuchame, everybody listen -- haha -- to me! In case ju haven’t heard … MY NAME ES ARMANDOOOO ALEJANDRROOOO ESTRRRRRRRADA!!! HA-HA!!
~ The crowd pops for AAE. The man is awesome, quite frankly.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: And as ju may have noticed, my Bulldozer is -- como se dic’ -- M.I.A., he’s not with me here tonight. Don’t worry, he’s fine physically. Nothing can hurt him, but I elected to keep him away … for the
protection of certain people which I will get to in a second. But believe me, his impact will be felt just like it was felt last night at Vengeance.
~ Couple of light boos from those who know where Mr. Estrada is heading.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: For nine months on end, that big, fat, overrated, out of shape, one-eared
DUMMY Mick Foley has been dying to get a piece of Umaga. He’s been dying to step into the ring with the Samoan Bulldozer, and get some revenge for all the times that Umaga has taken him, and beaten him down within an inch of his miserable life!
~ Crowd boos.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: Well, last night, Mick Foley - or CACTUS JACK, whatever ju want to call him -- got the chance to get all the payback he wanted
(still shots of the match last night begins to show on the titantron) -- No Holds Barred in the middle of the squared circle with my Bulldozer. And ju know what happened?
~ Estrada pauses for a quick second.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: HE FAILED!! Because Mick Foley is a loser, and the Bulldozer is unstoppable!!
~ Light boos.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: (More shots)Tables … fire … barbwire … thumbtacks … steel chairs, the whole nine yards, and Umaga blew it all off like a fly, and with eleven shots to Cactus Jack’s fat throat, drove that disgusting pile of crap, Mick Foley, back under the rock that he comes from under every six months.
~ ‘Foley’ chant starts up, cutting AAE off. Estrada waits for them to die down before continuing.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: With Mick Foley aside, let’s talk about something far more relevant in today’s day and age. Now … I saw Randy Orton come out here, and say that he should be next in line for the WWE Championship. Ha-ha, Randy, me amigo, no offense, but ju got jour ass kicked up and down this arena last night, and ju LOST, which means ju go to the back of the line, compadre!!
~ Cheers for the trashing of Orton.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: And JBL thinks he should get the title shot too. With all due respect, Mr. Layfield … … JU BIG, GREEDY
DUMMY!!
~ Laughs from the crowd.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju’re even more crazy than Mick Foley is! Ju already have a championship, the Intercontinental Title, and now because ju kept it, ju think ju should get a shot at another one? I think all those stock market bells have made ju a little loco in the skull.
~ A slight ‘Armando’ chant starts up, but he quickly talks over them.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: And John Morrison? With that hairdo, he’s not worthy of my time.
~ More light laughs from crowd.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: And, Senior Coachman, let’s not forget how me and Umaga helped you with that SmackDown problem you had a couple of months ago with Stephanie McMahon. Only one man should be considered for the next WWE Title shot. He is the single most dominant force in all of professional wrestling, he is the man who single-handedly destroyed the hardcore legend, he should be the next WWE Champion! He is … THE SAAAAAAMOAN BULLDOZERRR …
(crowd joins in)UUUUUUUUMAGAAA!!!
~ ‘Samoa’ hits again, and AAE wears a wide grin on his face, as the crowd gives him a mixed reaction.
Jim Ross: JBL, John Morrison, Randy Orton, and now Umaga?! How many WWE superstars are gonna throw their hat out to be the number one contender!?
Jerry Lawler: It’s the WWE Championship, the most prestigious prize in all of professional wrestling. This is gonna heat up before it cools off.
*Backstage - JBL Locker Room*
John Bradshaw Layfield and Angelina Williams watch as Armando Estrada drops the microphone in the ring. Layfield angrily shakes his head, and turns it off.
Angelina Williams: (Sigh) Well, that’s one more we’ll have to go through. What now?
John Bradshaw Layfield: Now? Now … it’s time to politic like it’s 1996. I want you to go to Coachman’s office and get me that title shot. If he brushes you off, once Raw ends, you call him every hour on the hour, and make sure he realizes just who in the hell deserves to be the damn WWE Champion! Now go!
~ Williams takes off, as JBL takes a deep breath, and walks around the locker room, before we fade out.
{Commercials}
3 - Six Woman Tag Team Match
Mickie James, Beth Phoenix & Trish Stratus vs. Victoria, Gail Kim & Maria
Considering five of the six competitors in the match are of capable skill or better (Maria not being one of them), it’s no surprise we get ourselves the first solid match of the evening. After the faces use a high-octane offense to dominate the opening couple of minutes, lead by Victoria’s incredible skill, the heels take over, with Mickie, Beth and Trish all getting on the same page, as they manage to isolate Maria.
With quick tags in and out, the three heel divas keep the pretty but ditsy Maria away from her corner, and help for a strong portion of the contest. After a desperation bulldog on Trish Stratus, however, Maria gains herself an opening. Once several seconds past, both Trish and Maria begin to move towards their respective corners, before finally tagging in fresher teammates, Maria tags in Victoria, and Trish tags in Mickie!!
The two top divas in the company enter the ring, and it’s Victoria who gains the immediate advantage, ducking a James’ right hand, and lighting the champion up with some hard right handed shots of her own, before she takes Mickie down with a clothesline! Beth quickly enters the ring, looking to cut off Victoria’s momentum with a stiff lariat, but Vickie ducks it, causing Beth to run into a hard right forearm from Gail on the apron! Phoenix stumbles backward, and Gail climbs to the top turnbuckle, before she leaps off and takes Beth down with a FLYING HEADSCISSORS!!!
While Vickie lifts Mickie back up to her feet, Beth rolls out of the ring in pain, as Gail brushes the hair out of her face. Kim turns around and quickly reacts, catching a charging Stratus, before she goes for a back body drop … but Trish lands on the apron! Stratus jumps down off of the apron, trips Gail up, and drags her out of the ring! Stratus then shoots Gail HARD into the steel steps!! The crowd boos as the arrogant Trish holds her arms out, and turns around … right into a baseball slide from Maria!! Maria then leaves the ring, and mounts Trish, raining down right hands on the blond bombshell.
Inside the ring, Victoria grabs the hand of Mickie and shoots her into the ropes with an Irish whip. Vickie gets set too early, however, and once Mickie comes back, she wraps her left arm around Victoria’s head - looking for the MICKIE DDT!! Mickie raises her hand into the air, and lets out an ear-piercing scream, before looking to hit it - but Victoria counters with an OVERHEAD RELEASE NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!! Bad-ass.
Mickie staggers up to her feet, and Vickie delivers a sharp kick to her gut, before tucking the champ between her legs!! The crowd rises to its feet, as Victoria lifts Mickie up into position for the WIDOW’S PEAK … AND HITS IT!!! Victoria then turns Mickie over, and covers her for the THREE COUNT!!
Winners - Victoria, Gail Kim and Maria via pin fall at 9:13.
VICTORIA PINS MICKIE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!! {In this thread at least 
(I think )}
Jim Ross: Victoria just pinned Mickie, and Victoria continues to roll!! But you’ve got to be asking yourself, after Mickie’s VERY lackluster performance last night, is this title reign of hers running out of gas … and on borrowed time?
The crowd roars as Vickie somewhat sadistically runs her fingers through her hair, before she stares back at a downed Mickie, and then quickly snaps her head up to stare at the Women’s Championship at the timekeeper’s position.
*Backstage - MVP Locker Room*
Montel Vontavious Porter sits on a nice black leather couch, in his plush locker room, feet up on his oak coffee table, surrounded by his pretty Playgirls, Layla, Kelly and Brooke, and his not-so-pretty bodyguard, Luther Reigns. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door…
Montel Vontavious Porter: Let ‘em in.
~ Reigns opens the door and looks down to see Todd Grisham holding a microphone.
Luther Reigns: What do you want?
Todd Grisham: Just a quick word with MVP.
~ Reigns looks the clearly scared Grisham up and down for a couple of seconds, before turning around to Porter.
Luther Reigns: ‘VP?
~ Montel looks at his blinged-out watch.
Montel Vontavious Porter: Yeah, we’ve got some time. Let him on in, Big Lu’.
~ Reigns steps aside and allows Grisham to scurry on by.
Montel Vontavious Porter: Have a seat, make yourself comfortable.
~ Grisham sits down next to MVP on the couch. He then puts his feet up.
Montel Vontavious Porter: Not
that comfortable.
~ Grisham quickly brings his feet down, and wipes off the spot where his shoes were.
Todd Grisham: I just wanted to get your thoughts after picking up your first big win -- your first pay per view victory over Sabu last night at Vengeance.
Montel Vontavious Porter: First of all, let me correct you on one thing, that was my first pay per view win, but that wasn’t my first
big win. Y’see, when you’re gettin’ paid like I’m gettin’ paid, livin’ how I’m livin’, get the kinda hype that I’ve gotten, there’s always haters out there lookin’ to bring you down, lookin’ to snatch it all away, so EVERY win is a big win when you’re MVP … especially when you’ve got your sights set on the biggest prize in the game.
~ Grisham looks a bit surprised.
Todd Grisham: Does that mean you’re looking for a shot at the WWE Championship down the line?
Montel Vontavious Porter: ‘Down the line’? Try ‘shortly’. With Orton out of the WWE Title picture for now, the title race is wide open, and you betta’ believe that the highest-touted, highest-paid playa’ in the history of Monday Night Raw, half-man, half-amazing is looking for the big gold soon enough.
~ MVP looks at his watch again, this time shaking his head.
Montel Vontavious Porter: Well, that’s all the time I’ve got for ya’ today. Busy night scheduled. Gotta get a pedicure, manicure, facial -- looking this good for the ladies doesn’t just come naturally, it’s a process. Luther, show Mr. Grisham the door.
Todd Grisham: Thanks, but I got it.
Montel Vontavious Porter: Please, you’re a guest. I wouldn’t want to be rude. Lu?
~ Reigns walks over to Grisham and roughly grabs him by his collar. Luther then rushes forward and FLINGS poor Todd through the locker room door, head-first into the outside wall!! MVP and his Playgirls begin laughing.
{Commercials}
4 - Sabu w/Bill Alfonso vs. John Morrison w/Melina
Unorthodox styles clash here, in what turned out to be a decent enough match up. Morrison continues to wow the crowd with his flashy offensive maneuvers, but sadly enough for him, it’s not enough to put the ECW alumnus away in the first five minutes of the match up, with Sabu showing his legendary toughness, as he manages to kick out of every Morrison near fall.
Sabu begins to dish out some punishment of his own towards the end of the match up, drilling Morrison with hard right hands to the face, before he shoots him into the corner. Sabu then charges in, leaps up, and drills him with the AIR SABU, causing the youngster to stumble out of the corner. The Death-Defying Superstar then kicks him in the gut, and gets into position, looking for a possible vertical suplex, but Morrison counters, landing on his feet behind him. Morrison then grabs Sabu by the neck, looking to hit a CORKSCEW NECKBREAKER - but Sabu fights out of it, and shoots Morrison into the ropes. Once Morrison comes back, he avoids an oncoming Sabu clotheslines, leaps onto the middle rope and drills Sabu in the face with a springboard enzuigiri!!
Morrison then grabs Sabu and drags him towards the corner, before The Guru of Greatness, steps onto the apron, and climbs to the top turnbuckle. He gets himself set, before leaping off with a SHOOTING STAR PRESS … but Sabu rolls out of the way, causing Morrison to crash and burn!! Both superstars stagger back up to their feet, but Morrison is clearly worse for wear, which allows Sabu to kick him in the gut, and drill The Shaman of Sexy with a scintillating DDT!!
Still feeling the effects of Morrison’s stiff enzuigiri, Sabu doesn’t immediately look to capitalize. He finally shakes it off and follows in the footsteps of his opponent, stepping out onto the apron. Sabu then climbs to the top rope, as Melina begins to worry at ringside. The devilish diva leaps onto the apron and attempts to distract Sabu … but she’s soon yanked back to the ground by Fonzie!!
Melina rears back and tries to slap Fonzie, but he grabs her hand, and blows his whistle loudly in her face, getting a laugh from the crowd. It also distracts Sabu even further, allowing Morrison to get back up to his feet. The Monday Night Delight quickly runs forward, leaps onto the middle rope, before leaping off again, and drills Sabu in the head with a rather sweet looking kick!! Sabu crumbles down to the canvas, but Morrison quickly lifts him back up, before dropping him with the CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER!! He then covers him for the three count!!
Winner - John Morrison via pin fall at 9:39.
Morrison rolls out of the ring, picking up his second victory in as many nights over relatively established competition. Melina snatches her arm free from Fonzie and joins her boyfriend, as he heads up the entrance ramp, possibly gaining himself a bit more legitimacy as a potential WWE Title contender.
*Backstage - Outside the GM’s Office*
We get ourselves a shot of the door of Jonathan Coachman. Soon enough, ‘The Wrestling Machine’ Kurt Angle walks out, looking none too pleased. Kurt shakes his head in displeasure before turning around…
???: Hey, pero.
~ Angle’s attention (and possible aggression) turns to Armando Alejandro Estrada, who walks up to the Olympian.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: I noticed ju look a bit -- como se dic’ -- perturbed.
~ Angle continues to glare a hole through Estrada.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: I already told ju and everybody else that’s its of no use talking to the general manager, or anybody else about getting a title shot. Because it’s already wrapped up by Umaga! Haha!
~ Angle lets out a bit of a smile.
Kurt Angle: Look, I don’t know if you noticed, but I haven’t been having a great couple o’ days. First, I didn’t get the job done last night at Vengeance. And now, I get told that I have to wait until next week to get a decision about who the next challenger for the WWE Title is!!
And, TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I’VE GOT AN IDIOT IN A GOOFY LOOKING HAT TALKING TO ME ABOUT GOD KNOWS WHAT!!!
~ Estrada adjusts his hat, as Angle fumes.
Kurt Angle: So I suggest you get the hell out of my face and out of my way, before something bad happens.
~ AAE lets out a wide smirk.
Armando Alejandro Estrada: Something bad? Haha, me amigo, ju must not know who I represent. I represent the SAAAAAAMOAN BULLDOZER UUUUUMAGAAAA!!! Haha!! And considering the night ju had last night, ju’re not in the position to threaten anybody, my friend. In fact, if I were ju, I would just--
~ WHAP!!! ANGLE SLAPS THE TASTE OUT OF AAE’S MOUTH!!! Angle then grabs the charismatic manager by his lapels and tosses him into the wall!! Estrada crumbles down to the ground, but Angle’s not quite finished, as he delivers a couple of stiff boots to the stomach of AAE!! Angle then storms off in frustration, as Estrada lies on the ground in pain.
*Backstage - Hallways - Split Screen*
Randy Orton(w/RKO Army) and Rob Van Dam walks down a hallway and towards the ring for their main event match up.
Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, up next, our main event. Two former WWE Champions go one on one in the squared circle here tonight. ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton versus ‘Mr. Monday Night’ Rob Van Dam.
Jerry Lawler: If Randy wants that WWE Championship rematch, I think he needs to prove it right here and now.
Jim Ross: The One Man Dynasty versus The Whole Dam Show! NEXT!!
{Commercials}
5 - Main Event
Randy Orton w/RKO Army vs. Rob Van Dam w/Bill Alfonso
The match up starts with a feeling out process, with both Orton and Van Dam trying to get control of their respective emotions after a eventful couple of days - Orton, losing the WWE Champions, and effectively losing some of his control tonight; Van Dam, still after all of this time, failing to prove that he TRULY belongs in WWE main events. Finally, after a minute or two, the match begins to take form, with Orton managing to fend off RVD’s initial onslaught, with a simple thumb to the eye.
The Legend Killer then takes control of the match up for a healthy portion of the match up, running through the methodical moves of his offense, including that damn chinlock he loves so much. Eventually though, Mr. Monday Night begins to fight back, using his onslaught of kicks to ward off the One Man Dynasty. At the eight minute mark, Van Dam manages to take Orton down with a front power slam, before he pops back up to his feet. RVD then shoots off the ropes, rolls, pops back up, flips in mid air, and drills Orton with the ROLLING THUNDER!! Van Dam then covers the former champion. 1... 2... NO! Orton kicks out.
RVD lifts Orton back up to his feet, and looks to shoot him into the corner, but Orton counters. The Legend Killer then charges in, but Orton gets his feet up and into his face! Van Dam quickly turns around and leaps onto the middle turnbuckle, and flips off, taking Orton down with a cross body! 1... 2... NO! Orton kicks out again. TLK staggers up to his feet, clearly on the ropes so far, and does the smart thing, rolling out of the ring. RVD follows him out, and the chase is on, as Van Dam chases Orton around the ring!
Orton slides back in, and shoots off of the ropes, as Van Dam slides back in as well. Orton comes back, and throws a clothesline, but Van Dam ducks it, and grabs the waist of The Legend Killer. He tries to lift him up, but Orton counters with a standing switch, before quickly adjusting, and hits Van Dam with his modified back breaker!! The crowd boos as Randy then drops down his stomach, stalking a pained RVD, looking for a possible RKO.
Van Dam begins to stumble up to his feet, before turning around, and Orton leaps up - LOOKING FOR THE RKO - but Van Dam counters, shoving Orton to the ground!! The crowd cheers as Orton gets back up, and gets taken right back down with a spinning back kick from RVD!! Van Dam then walks over to the turnbuckle, and leaps to the top, causing the fans to rise to their feet. RVD takes a quick look around, before he leaps off - GOING FOR THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH - but Orton gets his knees up, driving them into the sternum of Van Dam!!!
RVD bumbles around the ring, holding his gut, while Orton quickly gets back up to his feet. Van Dam turns back around to face Orton, and The Legend Killer grabs his legs, puts him on his back … and then locks in the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!!! RVD screams out in pain, as Orton has the hold cinched in to perfection. Van Dam immediately looks to grab the ropes, but Orton has got him about as close to the center of the ring as possible. We get a quick shot of Shawn Michaels in his locker room watching, shaking his head with an “I told you so” smirk.
Orton grins wildly as RVD reaches out, looking for the rope break, but still to far. Van Dam slams his hands against the mat, and begins to claw his way towards the ropes. Intensity on his face brimming, Orton does everything he can to keep RVD stationary, but its of no use, as Van Dam shows some incredible determination, pulling himself towards the edge of the ring. Van Dam then reaches out, and … GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!!! The crowd roars for RVD, saving this match up for himself.
Orton lets go of the hold almost immediately, and in a fit of rage, begins to wildly stomp away on the back of RVD with every bit of force he has left in his body!! The crowd pours on the heat for The Legend Killer, as Orton lifts Van Dam up to his feet, and into position for a DDT!!! RVD COUNTERS, however, and throws a clothesline … but ORTON COUNTERS, AND GOES FOR THE RKO, but VAN DAM COUNTERS, pushing Orton into the ropes!!
Randy comes back, and Van Dam looks for another spinning back kick, but Orton ducks, and GOES FOR THE RKO ONE MORE TIME - AND ONCE MORE IT’S COUNTERED, THIS TIME INTO A BACKSLIDE!!!
1...
2...
…3!!!
Winner - Rob Van Dam via pin fall at 15:51.
The crowd erupts into one of the loudest pops of the night, as RVD hops back up to his feet, and raises his arms in the air, while Fonzie blows his whistle madly at ringside. Orton gets up onto his knees and looks around with bugged out eyes, in complete and utter shock.
Jim Ross: HE GOT ‘IM!!! RVD just pinned Randy Orton!!
We cut to the back to show Shawn Michaels watching his monitor with a scowl on his face, angrily running his hands through his hair.
Jerry Lawler: H- h- how- but why- Poor Randy! I can’t believe this, J.R.!! The Legend Killer is not having a great couple of days. Will he still be named the number one contender after this!?
Jim Ross: I don’t think that was confirmed anyway, but up next, the WWE Champion Edge addresses the crowd for the first time as the new champion! The Rated R Superstar is up next!
{Commercials}
Back from the final commercial break, Randy Orton hasn’t left the ring yet, and instead paces in the ring like a caged animal, microphone in hand.
Jim Ross: I know we promised you the new WWE Champion before the break, but the FORMER champions has yet to leave.
Jerry Lawler: Orton’s on the verge of having a breakdown.
~ Mercury and Masters watch on as Orton finally brings the mic up.
Randy Orton: Lets set the record straight right here and NOW!! That loss means nothing!! It was a rollup!! Van Dam got lucky, it was a quick count, it was nothing but a FLUKE!! I--
~ Thunderous boos for Orton’s bitching cuts The Legend Killer off, causing him to glare at the crowd.
Randy Orton: And hell, it makes no difference if I lose a HUNDRED matches, I’m still the rightful number one contender for the WWE Championship!! You know it, I know it, Edge knows it, EVERYBODY ON THE PLANET KNOWS--
***METALINGUS***
The crowd gets up to its feet, dishing out the loudest ovation of the night as the theme music of The Rated R Superstar blasts throughout the arena. The fans in the arena get even louder as the NEW WWE CHAMPION EDGE steps out onto the stage, dawned in a pair of shades, a black t-shirt and jeans, with the WWE Championship draped over his right shoulder, and the lovely Lita by his side.
Jim Ross: There he is!! The new WWE Champion, Edge! It took him six months to regain the WWE Championship that he lost at New Year’s Revolution to Randy Orton, but The Rated R Superstar fought his way back to the top, and now, Edge is once again The Man in the WWE!
Jerry Lawler: And as ‘The Man’, as you think he is, he should come out here and demand that Randy Orton become the number one contender. It’s only fair, J.R.
~ Orton and company watch on as Edge stares around at the thousands of cheering fans around the arena, before he lifts the title up into the air, setting off a tremendous amount of pyro!! It finally stops and Edge slings the belt back over his shoulder, before he and Lita continue on down to the ring. Orton and his Army watch as The Rated R Superstar climbs up the steel steps and climbs into the ring. The WWE Champion calls for a microphone, and gets one as his music dies down.
Edge: It--
~ Edge is cut off by a “RATED R” chant, which cause both he and Orton to turn their heads towards the crowd, Orton with a furious scowl, and the new WWE Champion with a sly smirk.
Edge: It’s strange, y’know. When I came to this building about five hours ago, all I got was congratulations. Congratulations from all the fans, the boys in the back, all the referees, backstage workers -- congrats on being the new WWE Champion.
~ Light cheers, as Orton continues to watch Edge attentively. The Rated R Superstar walks a bit, rubbing his beard.
Edge: Now, that kind of outpouring of congratulations isn’t foreign to me; I’ve been the WWE Champion twice before. But this time … it was different.
~ Edge looks right into the eyes of Orton.
Edge: It was more than just congratulations, it was appreciation, it was understanding. It was each wrestler in the back knowing what I had to go through to get this championship back on my shoulder.
~ Orton stares at the title belt.
Edge: It was every fan in this arena understanding what it’s like to be stabbed in the back by the people who I trusted.
~ Masters and Mercury hold their heads down a bit, as Edge glares a hole through them.
Edge: It was people appreciating what this journey back to the title has done to me. Chasing the WWE Championship wasn’t a career choice for me, it ended up being a
life choice.
~ Edge shakes his head a bit.
Edge: You’d be surprised how many of my friends and family came up to me, and told me that I changed since I lost the WWE Championship. They all saw what losing that title did to me. All these fans saw it. J.R., The King, Lita, they all saw it too.
~ Edge runs his hands through his hair.
Edge: I became obsessed -- more than obsessed -- I became fixated,
possessed with getting this title back on my shoulder!!
(Through gritted teeth) And it almost cost me EVERYTHING!!! Everything, Orton!!
~ The Rated R Superstar takes a deep breath, composing himself.
Edge: You saw it too, you knew how hard it was on me, how hard it was on everyone around me. And what did ya do? You did what great champions do, you capitalized on it at every opportunity. You caught me napping at WrestleMania and picked up the win. Same thing at Backlash. And then to cap it all off, the Raw before Vengeance, last week, you decided to try to kick in my skull!!
~ Edge glares at Orton with anger … but that soon turns into a smile.
Edge: And I’ve gotta thank you for that.
~ The Legend Killer squints his eyes, confused.
Edge: Yeah, after you damn near decapitated me, and I laid there on that cold floor, wondering just where in the hell I was, somewhere between the doctor putting that damn light in my face, and Lita’s tears--
~ Quick shot of Lita looking at the canvas, as Edge inches closer to Orton.
Edge: Guess what, Randy? … I had an epiphany. Yeah, I decided that the best way to get even with you wasn’t to look to get payback, or look to take you out, it was quite simply … to take back what’s MINE!! The way to get to you was to take away from you the one thing that makes you who you are, and the one thing that caused me to be what I became -- the WWE Championship.
~ The crowd cheers as Orton’s jaw tightens. Edge takes off his shades, and gets even closer to Orton, right in his ear.
Edge: So now … I want you to tell me how it feels, Randy. How does it feel to know that I have what you want, what you NEED? How does it feel to know that I have what you worked your ass off to hold for months on end? How does it feel to know that
you’re the one losing it now, you smug SOB!
~ The crowd roars as Orton closes his eyes, attempting to contain his anger.
Edge: Tell me how it feels, Orton … to know that if it’s up to me … I will
NEVER give you a shot at the WWE Championship?
~ Orton’s face completely drops, as even more cheers emit from the crowd. Lita lets out a smirk, as Edge stays right up next to Orton’s ear. The WWE Champion mouths ‘yeah, that’s right’, before he brings the mic back up.
Edge: Get it through your head, Orton. The One Man Dynasty … is OVER!
~ The crowd erupts once more as The Legend Killer turns to face his arch rival, mixed emotions on his face - sadness, shock, anger - his usual arrogant demeanor COMPLETELY gone.
Edge: And the Rated R Era has once again BEGUN!!
~ More cheers, as Edge backs away from Orton with a smirk. The Legend Killer attempts to shake his current state off, and brings the mic up.
Randy Orton: I already knew you wouldn’t give me a title shot, Edge. You know why? Because you’re a coward. You’re a coward, Edge. You know what would happen if me and you got in this ring one-on-one. You know that--
Edge: Save it, Randy; I caught your speech from earlier. Keep the reverse psychology crap for someone who doesn’t know what a disgusting piece of crap you are!! Save it for someone who wasn’t in the same position you’re in now three months ago, only to have
you tell
me that you wouldn’t give me a shot at regaining the WWE Championship!
So don’t think I’m bothered by you calling me a coward, because the look on your face right now … the one that knows that he is gonna have to
CLAW his way back into the title picture, inch by agonizing inch … over challenger after challenger … through hell and high water, fighting former champions, monsters, savages, young upstarts, hardcore wrestlers, gold medalists, and icons makes it all
worth it!!
~ The Raw audience cheers Edge on, as Orton looks ready to cry, holding his head down. Another loud “RATED R” chant starts up, as Edge glares at Orton.
Edge: And, Orton, that’s not arrogance…
~ The Rated R Superstar takes his shades and puts them back on, before slapping the title belt on his shoulder.
Edge: …it’s payback, you little bitch.
~ “Metalingus” hits once more as the crowd continues to cheer for the new champion. Edge drops the mic at a stunned Orton’s feet, before he and Lita take their leave from the ring.
With Edge & Lita heading up the entrance ramp, the camera focuses in on the face of The Legend Killer, who looks like he just lost his best friend, head down, clearly distraught over the drastic turn his career has taken in a mere 24 hours: from being on top of the world as the WWE Champion, to now, just another schmuck looking to get into the WWE Title picture. At the top of the ramp, Edge turns back around and raises the WWE Championship to another incredible ovation as we fade off the air.
END OF SHOW
***
Current Card for SummerSlam
August 26th, 2007
East Rutherford, New Jersey
NO MATCHES YET ANNOUNCED
2007 & Beyond - It Ain't Over Yet, Motherfuckers
Re: 2007 & Beyond - The Second Fucking Coming
