WWE SummerSlam 2008
Sunday August 17, 2008
Live from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California
*Opening Video*
Narrator: The hottest night of the year. . .
‘The Animal’ Batista raising the WWE Championship defiantly.
Narrator: The biggest event of the summer. . .
John Cena hitting the stage on his return to Raw last month.
Narrator: The chance for young warriors to become superstars. . .
The stunned Matt Sydal’s reaction after winning the King of the Ring and John Morrison laying out The Miz with a super kick on Raw at the top of the stage.
Narrator: Their dreams can be realised on this night where titles will be decided. . .
CM Punk celebrating with the World Heavyweight Championship belt after cashing in the Money in the Bank at Judgment Day. Shelton Benjamin posing with the United States Championship at The Great American Bash having won the scramble match to retain the title.
Narrator: . . . where careers
may be ended. . .
‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair walking out in to an arena in his robe, letting out a big WOO!
Narrator: . . . the career of the greatest of all time. . .
Flair styling and profiling down to the ring at WrestleMania XX.
Narrator: The Nature Boy will fight for his life for the right to save his career, an illustrious career. . .
Flair struggling to stand up after his epic cage match with Harley Race, covered in blood, then chopping the hell out of Randy Orton’s bare chest inside a steel cage at Taboo Tuesday 2004.
Narrator: . . .an illustrious career that has stretched across
four decades.
Images of the ageing Flair flash across those many decades.
Narrator: A career that boasts an unrivalled
sixteen world titles. . .
Flair lifting the NWA Heavyweight Championship, then the WCW Championship and being passed what was the WWF Championship after winning the 1993 Royal Rumble.
Narrator: A career that could end on this night. . .
Flair being stabbed in the back by Triple H the night after Vengeance, falling victim to a pedigree with The King of Kings glaring down remorselessly at him.
Narrator: A night that becomes the most important of this legend’s career.
*Last Monday night on Raw, the contract signing.
Ric Flair: You might think it’s time for me t’ walk away in t’ the sunset, and I admit that I’ve thought about the possibility my career could come to an end at SummerSlam. I’ve seriously considered that this might just be my last match, ‘an that’s a feeling that scares the hell out o’ me. But like I said before, there’s still life left in The Nature Boy yet, an’ if you don’t believe me, there’s only one way I can show you.
Flair pushes the table over, steps forward and nails Triple H with the microphone, sending him down to the mat. The Nature Boy then drops to his knees and hammers away at The King of Kings, but Tazz gets involved and pulls him off of Triple H. Flair watches on as his SummerSlam opponent rolls on to his side, and that gives him the opportunity to find the contract and sign it. He shoves it in to Tazz’s chest before going back over to Triple H, who gets to his knees and shoves Flair back in to Tazz, who falls to his knees.
Flair turns round in surprise, but it gives The King of Kings time to stand up and spin Flair round in to a Pedigree. Boos ring out as Triple H stands up and glares down at Flair, who’s not moving at all. Tazz is though and he doesn’t look happy. The temporary GM gets to his feet not looking too happy, and he has a go at The King of Kings, who then slowly turns his head to give him an incredibly dirty look.
Tazz isn’t intimidated though and continues giving Triple H the what for, but he’s regretting it now as Trips kicks him in the gut and drills him head first in to the canvas courtesy of a Pedigree. The English fans’ boos get even louder. They’re deafening in fact as Triple H looks up in to the stands and at the fans with Flair & Tazz motionless in the ring. It’s carnage and “King of Kings” blasts out, failing to cover up the boos as the remorseless Triple H stands tall in the ring assessing the damage.
{Cut to the Arena}
*Pyro*
*Pyro*
*Pyro*
*Pyro*
“Ready to Roll” by Jet Black
Jim Ross: Welcome ev’ryone to SummerSlam on what truly is the hottest night of the summer. We come to you
live from the sold out H P Pavilion in San Jose, California on what promises t’ be a historic night in the sunshine state. . . We’re joined by our colleagues from Smackdown, Michael Cole an’ Matt Striker.
Michael Cole: Thanks J R, we absolutely have an incredible line up from top t’ bottom where both titles
and careers will be decided here t’night.
Matt Striker: That’s exactly right Michael, there is so much at stake here at SummerSlam this evening, especially when Ric Flair puts his career
on the line against Triple H.
Jim Ross: An’ folks if you’ve not heard already, that match between Ric Flair an’ Triple H will now be a
no holds barred match after what we saw on Raw Monday night. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t help think that this puts the odds in favour of The King of Kings.
Ted DiBiase: I don’t know about that J R. I’ve seen Ric get down an’ dirty so many times throughout his career I don’t think it makes any diff’rence. After all, he’s known as the dirtiest player in the game for a reason.
Jim Ross: Well we’ll have to wait an’ see if The Nature Boy can fight to prolong his illustrious career f’ now. . .
“LISTEN, THIS AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE. . . COME ON, OPEN YOUR EYES AN’ SEE. . .”
John Morrison hits the stage to a big pop from the California crowd. It’s slow motion time as The Shaman of Sexy poses at the top of the ramp with the fans still cheering. He then makes his way down to the ring with a big smile on his face, looking very pleased to be here, and as he gets in the ring, he walks over to Lilian Garcia and asks to borrow her microphone. She happily hands it over as Morrison then turns to face the camera and the music cuts.
John Morrison: Good evening
CALIFORNIA!
*Big Pop*
John Morrison: To be here t’night at SummerSlam and opening this amazing show in front of all of you is a dream come true.
*Pop*
John Morrison: It’s moments like these that made me want t’ be a W W E superstar, but I’m not the only one. I’m not talking about my opponent t’night, I’m talking about a very special friend of mine, a friend of mine who shared the same dream as me. Those dreams came true at the same time, but unfortunately, that dream was taken away from him. T’night though, I’ve invited him t’ join me in my corner, and I can’t tell you how excited I am t’ have him here with me. You might remember him from season three of Tough Enough where he and I both won W W E contracts. I know him as my good buddy, so please give a warm California welcome to MATT CAPPOTELLI!
Out walks the casually dressed Matt Cappotelli with the fans applauding him as he strolls down to the ring, most unsure of who he is but still being polite while Morrison smiles and claps as he watches his friend make his way down the ramp. He smiles and acknowledges the fans’ by raising his arm as he climbs up the steps and joins Morrison in the ring, then gives him a guy hug.
“AWE-SOME. . . I CAME TO, CAME T’ PLAY, THERE’S A PRICE T’ PAY. . .”
*Major Heat*
‘Mr. Hollywood’ The Miz walks out to the stage looking very smug with Morrison & Cappotelli watching on from the ring. The Miz doesn’t look too bothered by Cappotelli’s presence and is even smirking in their direction. As he gets in the ring, he sni-ggers at them and turns his back on them. He then walks over to the ropes and taunts the crowd, getting even more boos thrown at him with Morrison & Cappotelli looking unimpressed behind him. The Miz then turns round and focuses on his opponent as Cappotelli then leaves the ring and finds himself a spot on the floor with a good view.
*The Opening Match*
John Morrison w/Matt Cappotelli vs. The Miz
Last 10 Minutes: The Miz reaches down and pulls his opponent up from his knees, and despite looking a little shaky, Morrison catches The Miz by surprise and whips him in to the ropes. Miz hits the ropes and comes running back right in to a dropkick from The Monday Night Delight, much to the delight of the San Jose crowd. Morrison rushes back up to his feet and takes a couple of steps back before walking back over to The Miz, jumping up in to the air to hit a STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS!. . . . . That gets more cheers from the fans inside the packed HP Pavilion as Morrison reaches to the side, grabbing Miz’s left leg and hooking it for a cover. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
The Miz gets his shoulder up with relative ease and the slightly disappointed Morrison leans back on to his knees as Mr. Hollywood attempts to sit up, appearing to be a little winded and dazed. That helps get Morrison going, and he’s dusted off the cobwebs now as he stands back up to see Cappotelli encouraging him, clapping on the outside. The struggling Miz gets to his knees and he’s pulled up by his former friend and tag team partner who whips him hard in to the corner. Miz’s back hits them hard and the anguish is there for us all to see, taking the wind out of sails.
He doesn’t have time to escape either as The Monday Night Delight doesn’t waste a single second, running right in at him and connects with a STEP UP ENZUIGIRI!!. . . . . The fans are cheering again as the lights go out for Mr. Hollywood, and he just falls forward, flat on his face. Morrison turns him over on to his back with his boot before turning back to face the corner, and boom, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT FROM THE SHAMAN OF SEXY!!. . . . . Yet more cheers break out as Morrison comes down on Miz’s chest, and he again grabs hold of Miz’s leg to make a cover, looking very hopeful as the referee drops down to his knees and makes a count. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
No! The Miz kicks out but is struggling to move as Morrison shrugs it off, looking incredibly determined as he picks himself back up and walks in to the corner again. He steps through the ropes and climbs all the way up to the top rope, seemingly shaping up for STARSHIP PAIN!!!. . . . . The Miz is in trouble as some fans rise to their feet, but he quickly disappoints them all by getting to his knees, realising the danger he’s in and dives forward in to the ropes with everything he has. Morrison’s legs drop and he falls in to a sitting position with his face all scrunched up while his opponent smirks at the fans in the front row, looking very pleased with himself.
Cappotelli’s the opposite as he watches on disappointedly, and it’s not long before The Miz uses the ropes to help him get back up to a vertical base, still grinning in to the crowd at dodging that bullet. He walks the short distance in to the corner complacently, knowing full well Morrison’s not going anywhere. He’s looking to take full advantage as he climbs up on to the bottom rope and grabs Morrison’s head. He then turns round to face the ring and jumps back down to the floor, still holding his opponent’s head and straightening out his body for a CUTTER!!. . . . .
The Monday Night Delight is the one who’s in grave danger now, and he’s helpless as The Miz jumps up in to the air and forward, out of the corner to send his former friend’s head in to the canvas with one hell of an impact. The atmosphere swiftly changes in the arena, as does Morrison’s state of consciousness. He’s out of it, not moving an inch as The Miz sits up looking incredibly smug again, not rushing at all to make a cover. He smirks at the fans again for a couple of seconds before casually shimmying round on the mat to turn Morrison over on to his back for a cover. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
. . . . . No!
The Monday Night Delight just, and only just gets his shoulder up before the ref’s hand can come down for the third time. The Miz isn’t grinning anymore either. He just leans back and stares at the referee, who just points out it was two again, not that it makes Mr. Hollywood feel any better. Frustration gets the better of him as he stands back up angrily with Morrison barely moving. He tries to lift his head up but The Miz doesn’t give him a chance. The focused Cleveland native grabs hold of the top rope and puts the boots to his opponent’s chest, but he’s not done.
He then puts his boot across Morrison’s throat, still holding the top rope as he frantically chokes the hell out of him. The ref comes to Morrison’s rescue and tells The Miz to stop, and he does, only at the count of four though with Cappotelli looking concerned at his buddy’s current state. The fans boo as the extremely focused Mr. Hollywood glares in to the stands with Morrison finding it difficult to breathe just behind him. He then turns round as the red faced Morrison sits up, and The Miz helps him out, pulling him right back up.
He holds on to the top of his pants and his neck, turns round to face the corner and runs in with Morrison, tossing him shoulder first in to the ring post. We can hear Morrison scream and the camera zooms in on the anguish written all over his face while The Miz just smirks again, then raises his arms in the air with Cappotelli looking very concerned in Morrison’s corner. Chants of “You Suck” as well as boos are thrown in his direction, but that don’t bother him at all.
He then goes back to his opponent and drags JoMo away from the pads, dragging him up to his feet with no resistance whatsoever. He grabs his former partner by the head and twists him round so they’re back to back, and then takes him down to the mat again with a FALLING NECK BREAKER!!. . . . . Morrison hits the deck again, barely moving as the confident young star from Cleveland again coolly shimmies round and hooks the leg. The ref rushes across to make the count. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
. . . . . No!
Shoulder up! Cappotelli looks very relieved on the outside as the crowd cheer, further frustrating the already annoyed Miz. He shakes his head and stares down in disgust at the squirming Monday Night Delight. He doesn’t look happy at all and stands back up, continuing to glare down at his opponent, who’s trying to sit up and looks in a bad way. Mr. Hollywood shifts behind him and urges him to get up, stalking him with serious intent. The anxiousness from the fans is clear as they try to warn Morrison, who clearly has no idea where he is as he tries to stand up, looking very unsteady on his feet.
As he manages to get some kind of balance, The Miz strikes, grabbing him from behind and tries to set him up for the SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!!!. . . . . There are nervous gasps aplenty as Miz looks to hit his finisher, but Morrison ducks underneath and slips behind him. The Shaman of Sexy reacts quickly to grab him around the waist and plant him with a RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!. . . . .
There are plenty of cheers now, and as both men, both struggling to get back up, Cappotelli tries to encourage his friend and the crowd by banging the apron. Morrison & Miz make it back up to their feet, and as The Miz turns to face his rival, he throws a wild right. Morrison ducks it though and catches Miz as he turns round this time, met by a SUPER KICK!!!. . . . . Miz’s legs fall from under him and he drops in a heap with The Monday Night Delight falls on top of him and hooks the leg for the cover with the fans counting along with the referee. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
The Miz just, just about manages to get his shoulder up before the ref can count to three, much to the shock and disappointment of the crowd’s favourite, Mr. Morrison. He looks towards the referee in hope that he got it wrong, and he’s quickly told that he didn’t. Even Cappotelli looks stunned, as do some members of the crowd. Morrison shrugs off the disappointment and gets back to work as Mr. Hollywood lifts his head up off the mat, starry eyed as hell. He tries to sit up, so groggy it’s unreal, but Morrison doesn’t let him. He bends down and drags him back up to his feet, setting him up for the MOONLIGHT DRIVE!!!. . . . .
The crowd cheer again as JoMo looks to wrap up the victory, but as he goes to hit it, The Miz pulls back and shoves his opponent in to the ropes. Morrison hits them, comes back and his stomach meets the extended knee of The Miz. He just drops to the mat and rolls round clutching his chest with all the wind blown out of his sails once again, courtesy of The Miz. Sighs of disappointment echo around the arena as Morrison’s momentum was dashed right there, much to the satisfaction of Cleveland’s own Mike Mizanin.
He just smirks while he gets his breath back and grins in Cappotelli’s direction, who is looking very concerned as well as disgusted with The Miz. Mr. Hollywood just watches as Morrison makes his way up to his knees, watching every move. And as Morrison gets to his feet, The Miz goes right for him and tries to grab him from the SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!!!. . . . . Morrison counters right away by fighting it and pulling him down in to a BACKSLIDE!! . . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
. . . . . NO!
The Miz kicks out and both men get back up as quickly as they can, both looking worn out. Morrison looks to strike first with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!. . . . . Miz ducks it and kicks him hard in the gut, throwing Morrison’s upper body forward. He then turns back and runs the ropes, and as he comes charging back, Morrison greets him with a hard stomp to the gut of his own. He then reacts very quickly and connects with the MOONLIGHT DRIVE!!!. . . . . The fans go nuts as The Miz lies motionless on the mat, but Morrison’s not done.
He stands up and drags The Miz’s lifeless body towards the corner, then climbs his way up all the way to the summit. The fans are on their feet as The Monday Night Delight stands on the top rope ready to strike with Mr. Hollywood lying completely helpless beneath him. Morrison then leaps off and comes crashing down on to his opponent. . . . . STARSHIP PAIN!!!. . . . . The lights are out and the crowd count in tandem with the referee as Morrison hooks the leg. . . . .
1. . . . .
2. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
IT’S OVER. . . . . DING DING DING!
Winner: John Morrison by pinfall @ 12:09.
Aftermath: “Ain’t No Make Believe” blasts out and the fans continue to cheer and applaud Morrison as he picks himself back up. Cappotelli joins in the applause as the grinning Monday Night Delight gets his arm raised by the referee, and he then joins him in the ring and nods at him in approval. They walk towards each other and have a brief guy hug before Morrison walks in to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, then poses for the fans. Matt continues to clap him as The Miz comes round, not looking happy at all.
He clutches his stomach as he turns his head in Morrison’s direction, and he steps down off the ropes and walks back to Cappotelli. They have a little chuckle and then leave the ring in the same mood before turning round on the ramp to see The Miz sitting up, glaring in their direction. Cappotelli then raises his buddy’s arm in the air, and they smile right back at the irate Miz, seemingly amusing both Morrison & Cappotelli as well as the San Jose faithful.
{Cut Backstage}
Tyson Tomko is in a locker room with Christian’s emotional wife, Denise, and we can hear the door being slammed shut.
Tyson Tomko: Wait here. I’ll go talk t’ him.
Tomko leaves the room and the camera follows him as he opens the door and walks in to the hall.
Tyson Tomko: HEY!
The camera zooms out and we can see Christian in the hallway. He looks stressed, dressed in his ring gear with a Captain Charisma T-shirt too, and he stops without turning round.
Christian: WHAT DID I SAY? I DON’T WANNA TALK ABOUT IT. NOT NOW, NOT T’NIGHT.
Tomko walks towards him and puts his hand on Christian’s shoulder.
Christian: I told you, I don’t want her here. I don’t want her t’ see what I’m gonna do to my own fresh an’ blood, but more importantly, the only thing I care about is beating my brother and beating the crap out of him. You got that?
Tyson Tomko: Loud an’ clear. . . I’ll tell her t’ go back to her hotel then.
Christian: To be honest, I couldn’t care less where she goes.
Captain Charisma carries on walking down the hall.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Judgment Day 2008, Sunday 25th May
The Cutting Edge
Edge: . . . as of tonight, Smackdown will never be the same again. You can forget all this crap about how Chris Jericho is coming back to Smackdown this week and whoever else, because I, The Rated R Superstar have arranged the most shocking return the WWE will ever see. You’re about to witness the long overdue return of the greatest double act this business has and will ever see. You’re about to witness the return of the man who alongside yours truly, dominated the tag team division for years and years and made the TLC match famous. Ladies and gentleman, I give to you, the latest addition to the Smackdown roster. . . MY BROTHER, CHRISTIAN.
*Big Pop*
“If You Close Your Eyes” hits to a very strong pop as
Christian walks down to the ring with a big smile on his face, dressed in jeans and a shirt. He climbs up the steps then the apron and grins in to the welcoming crowd before climbing through the ropes and hugging his brother, which doesn’t go down that well. He then picks up the other microphone before getting himself comfortable on the other stool.
Edge: . . . Me and my baby brother together once again with him helping me become the World Heavyweight Champion one more time. . .
Christian looks confused.
Christian: . . . Wait. That’s why you thought I’ve come back, to help you win the World Heavyweight Championship?
Edge: Well obviously.
Christian stands up.
Christian: I hate to disappoint you bro, but that’s not it at all. . . You really think I came back to stand next to you and hold your belt again like all those years ago? ‘Cos I gotta say
bro, that ain’t happ’nin’.
Edge is confused and a little angry as he stands up.
Edge: What you talkin’ bout? I brought you back so you could help me. . .
Christian: . . . Well maybe that’s somethin’ you should have told me, ‘cos with no disrespect Adam, I’ve come back here to be a world champion myself, not do your dirty work. I’ve been all the way across the globe as a world champion the last couple of years, and I’ve not come back here to bend down and kiss anyone’s ass. . . If anything bro, you should be the one to step aside and let nature take its course, ‘cos whether you like it or not, I will become the World Heavyweight Champion.
Edge: Let me tell you somethin’ C, you might have been a world champion in that two bit company you’ve been workin’ for, but this is the big leagues. This is where the real heavy hitters play, and the reason you left is because you’re weren’t up to it. And from where I’m standin’, nothin’s changed.
Christian: Oh but it has Adam. Things have changed. I’m not a pushover anymore. I’m not known as Edge’s brother. I’m not the man who sleeps with his best friend’s girlfriend. I’m not the man who celebrated a win by sleepin’ with a hooker on live television, and I’m sure as hell not what you’ve become. . . a selfish jackass. . . I will climb to the top of this company even if that means nudging by big brother off the ladder to get there.
Edge: YOU’RE A COWARD. I’D NEVER BETRAY MY BROTHER LIKE YOU JUST HAVE. . .
Christian: . . . Whoa, calm down, I’m only playin’ around like the good old days. You should see your face.
Edge barely grins as he doesn’t look too convinced, and Christian doesn’t look convincing himself.
Christian: Hey come on, give your brother a hug.
There’s some clear tension between them but they hug tentatively hug, but Edge pulls back and kicks Christian in the gut. Christian drops to his knees and holds his chest with both men dropping their microphones as Edge backs up in to the corner, stalking his brother for the spear. As Christian stands back up, Edge charges at him, but Christian sidesteps it with Edge stopping himself and turning round with Christian then planting him with The Killswitch. A huge pop breaks out as Christian looks down in disgust at his brother with “If You Just Close Your Eyes” playing once again.
***Smackdown, May 30th 2008
“If You Close Your Eyes” hits to a huge pop as a casually dressed
Christian makes his way out to the stage. He stops and looks in to the crowd for a second or two before walking down the ramp looking happy to be back. Once he gets in the ring, he walks over to the ropes and collects a microphone.
Christian: If you haven’t caught the news the last few days, well Captain Charisma is back!. . . That’s right folks. . . Now even though my brother Edge is under the impression this is his show, Friday Night Smackdown has just got a big fat dose of charisma, and there’s a whole lot more to come. . . I’m not the same little brother that Adam used to get himself out of trouble. I’m the not same little brother that’s gonna do all his dirty work for him, and I’m not his little fetch boy anymore either. And you wanna know why? . . . ‘cause things have changed
bro’. You won’t and can’t boss me around anymore because. . .
“Metalingus” hits as a very serious looking
Edge walks out to the stage with a microphone in hand.
Edge: CUT THE MUSIC. . . I SAID CUT THE MUSIC.
As he gets in the ring, the music stops.
Edge: Y’know who the real star of Edge and Christian was. You can’t handle the fact I was Edge and Christian like Bret Hart was The Hart Foundation and Shawn Michaels was The Rockers. . . You’ve lived on my reputation for so long, and now you’re back, you’re doin’ the exact same thing all over again. . . This is the big leagues right here. You’re going to be a failure like you were the first time round, and I’m gonna enjoy every second of it seein’ you crash and burn. . .I’m the star and you might as well put your tail back between your legs, walk back up that ramp and never come back before you show the world why you’re the disappointment in our family.
***Smackdown, 18th July 2008
The Undertaker & Christian vs. Edge & Chris Jericho
Edge & Jericho made their entrances, then Christian. Captain Charisma got in the ring with Tomko and posed in the corner on the second rope with Jericho & Edge out of shot and out of the ring. They then stormed the ring behind the backs of Christian & Tomko with steel chairs in hand. Jericho nailed Tomko, and as Christian stepped off the ropes and turned round, The Rated-R Superstar drilled his brother with the other chair. The fans booed but things got worse for Christian as aided by Jericho, Edge placed one of the chairs under his brother's head before using the other to hit a con-chair-to to a barrage of boos. The Undertaker's gong and music hit, gaining the full attention of Jericho & Edge. They watched on carefully as Taker made his way down the ramp and the referee checked on Christian with Tomko having already rolled to the floor.
The dead man took off his jacket as usual, showing no fear as he stepped in to the ring. He charged at Jericho and knocked him down with a clothesline and ducked a chair shot from Edge. He grabbed him around the throat for a chokeslam, but Jericho low blowed him, sending him down to his knees. Jericho then grabbed the chair from Edge and smashed the phenom across the skull as he sat up. Taker fell flat on his chest and Edge turned to Christian before going over to get the other chair. He placed it under Taker's head and Jericho's face lit up. He smiled at The Rated-R Superstar, understanding what he was setting up and then gave the dead man a con-chair-to of his own. The fans booed even louder as their fellow Canadians looked down and smiled at their work.
Tazz comes out to the stage with a microphone in hand.
Tazz: Well done fellas, real impressive.
Edge & Jericho look up at him with big smiles on their faces.
Tazz: Y'know what? I'm real happy y'both look so pleased wit' yourselves based on what I'm 'bout to say. . . You're best off enjoyin' the moment while y'can guys 'cause let me tell y'somethin, the dead man an' Christian ain't gonna be like that f' long. . . At SummerSlam Edge, you're finally gonna go one on one wit' your baby brother, Christian.
*Big Pop*
Edge sn-iggers, clearly pleased with the chance to face his brother.
***Smackdown, July 25th 2008
Edge is in the middle of the ring, dressed casually with a big smile on his face, looking very proud of himself.
Edge: Believe me when I say this Christian, you're gonna regret the day you ever,
ever begged for the chance to step in to this ring with
me. . . You got a preview last week of what's in store for you at SummerSlam, but I'm telling you here and now, that was nothing, trust me. I'm capable of a whole lot more than that. . . He's not even here t'night 'cause of what I did, so just imagine what state he's gonna be in at SummerSlam. Not t' worry though, he's probably at home right now watching as we speak with his ever so caring wife looking after him, and she's very caring believe me, I should know.
***Smackdown, August 1st 2008
Edge is getting ready in his locker room for his match with Shawn Michaels later on, putting his elbow pads on when we hear, as does Edge, the door being thrust open and hitting the wall. Edge looks stunned and puts his hands up right away as
Christian followed by
Tomko walk towards him. Christian is steaming & his brother panics.
Edge: Whoa, what the hell d' y'think you're doin'?
Christian: YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I'M DOIN OR HOW I'M DOIN',
BRO? LET'S SEE SHALL WE. . . TWO WEEKS AGO, YOU AN' JERICHO JUMPED ME LIKE THE COWARDS THAT YOU ARE AN' GAVE ME A CONCUSSION, SO YEAH I'M FEELIN' GREAT ADAM. . . But you really wanna know why I'm here and why I've not put you on your ass? Well that's real simple. See when I should've been in that ring last week, I was sat at home with my wife watchin' the show, or should I say watchin' you, watchin' you run your mouth.
Edge smirks, clearly remembering what he said last week and enjoying seeing his brother so wound up.
Christian: I know you'd love nothin' more than t' see me suffer, but I'm tellin' y'right now. . . if you're screwin' around, you're just makin' more touble for yourself at SummerSlam, but if,
if you've got somethin' you wanna tell me, you tell me right now or I will gladly put you on your ass like I probably should.
The Rated-R Superstar isn't smiling anymore and tries to stand his ground with Christian waiting for an answer.
Edge: I don't know what you're talking about
bro. That con-chair-to must be playing with your head. And if you don't mind, I've kind of got a big match with Shawn Michaels I need t' get ready for. So if you don't mind, I'd be really grateful if you could turn around and walk out the door you might just've broken storming in here an' getting in my face.
Christian grabs Edge's shirt, lifts him off his feet and pulls him in to his body. He looks like he's going to explode as Edge stares right back at him, and as every second passes, Christian's grip lessens.
Edge: GO ON, DO IT. I DARE YA.
The heavy breathing Christian really thinks about it, but eventually lets him go to the relief of the smug Rated-R Superstar.
Christian: Another time bro, another time.
Christian turns around, followed again by Tomko, who glares at Edge before leaving.
***Later that night
Non-Title Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Edge
The Rated-R Superstar was pissed and stood up in a hurry, then walked over to the ropes, stepped through on to the apron and jumped down to the floor. He walked past the confused announce team & CM Punk to collect a steel chair, clearly fuming as he then slid back in the ring with the chair in hand. The crowd booed and the ref tried to stop Edge as he yelled at Michaels to get up, and he slowly struggled up, but before he could turn round, a huge roar broke out in the stands. Edge looked confused, and as he turned round to see what was going on, he saw his brother, Christian slide in to the ring. The Rated-R Superstar lifted the chair up above his head and ran at him, swinging the chair at Christian’s head, but he ducked it. Both men turned round as quickly as they could, and a seriously pumped up Christian reacted first to kick Edge in the gut and steel the chair. He then swung the chair at Edge and blasted him in the skull, resulting in a deafening thud and a huge pop, but the ref called for the bell, awarding the match to Edge by disqualification.
The crowd booed the announcement of Edge being declared the winner, but the action didn’t end there as Christian banged the chair against the mat and prepared to hit Edge again. He was barely moving, but Shawn Michaels was. He didn’t look too happy at Christian costing him the match and told him just that as he grabbed the chair away from him. Captain Charisma got right in Michaels’ face and demanded he give him the chair back as Tomko entered the ring and tried to get Christian to see sense. Michaels didn’t back down and threw the chair to the side, where it landed it by the apron. Tomko grabbed Christian’s arm and told him to step away, and as angry as he looked, he backed down and slowly stepped back towards the apron with Tomko.
***Smackdown, August 8th 2008
We see
‘The Rated-R Superstar’ Edge step out of a car and walk up a fairly big driveway. He’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt and looking very relaxed on what appears to be a cloudy day in an unknown location. He gets to the door of a nice looking house and rings the doorbell, then waits for several seconds when a woman with blonde hair opens it and looks both shocked and furious to see him.
Edge: Hey Denise, long time.
Denise: You’ve got some nerve coming here.
Edge: You gonna let me in before you jump down my throat?
Denise: What do you want Adam?
Edge: I think it’s best we do the talkin’ in there don’t y’think? That’s if you don’t want the neighbours t’ hear ev’rythin’ we’ve gotta say.
Denise, still not happy with Edge’s presence, reluctantly stands to the side and pulls the door wide open to let him in. Edge smirks as he walks in to the house and wipes his feet on the doormat before walking in, followed by the camera (still out of shot). Denise then shuts the door quite hard, not a slam as Edge has a look around nodding.
Denise: Cut the crap Adam, why are you here?. . . Y’know what. Scrap that. Why did you have to open your mouth t’ Christian? He’s been weird with me ever since, constantly questioning me about it. He’s not letting up you know. He’s intent on hurting you, and I don’t mean a little bit. You have no idea how angry he is. . .
Edge: . . . I HAVE NO IDEA HUH? DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT HE DID T’ ME LAST WEEK? HE BARGED IN T’ MY DRESSING ROOM AND SHOVED ME UP AGAINST THE WALL, AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, HE ALMOST TOOK MY HEAD OFF WITH A STEEL CHAIR. SO YEAH DENISE, I THINK I KNOW HOW ANGRY IS. . . YOU REALLY THINK I WANNA GET MY HEAD SMASHED IN AGAIN? HE AIN’T GONNA STOP ‘TIL HE FINDS OUT, AND. . .
Denise: . . . NO WAY. I’M NOT TELLING HIM.
Edge: WHAT, Y’THINK THIS IS JUST GONNA GO AWAY?. . . HE’S GONNA FIND OUT IF Y’LIKE IT OR NOT.
Denise: I’M NOT TELLING HIM WHAT HAPPENED, IT’LL FINISH US.
Edge: Well if you don’t,
I will.
A furious
Christian is watching a television in his locker room with
Tyson Tomko, and Tomko shakes his head in disgust. Christian then pushes the television down off its stand and Tomko grabs him straight away.
Tyson Tomko: Easy, calm down.
Christian: CALM DOWN? I’LL CALM DOWN WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON MY BROTHER. NOW LET ME GO.
Tomko reluctantly lets the livid Christian go, who storms out of the room.
***Later that night
Non-Title Match
Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin
Christian was able to reverse an irish whip from Benjamin, but as Shelton hit the ropes, he held on to them, really agitating Christian who then charged at him. Benjamin reacted quickly by ducking and held the ropes down, sending Captain Charisma flying over them and to the floor below. Christian was still pissed as he got back to his feet close to the announce table, and as he stood up, he noticed Justin Roberts sitting on a steel chair. He then dragged him off it and grabbed the chair before heading in to the ring with it. Benjamin was gesturing to the crowd, winding them up while Christian slid back in the ring. As the United States Champion then turned round, he could only look on in horror as the irrational Canadian swung the chair at his head. Fortunately for Benjamin, he was able to duck the shot with the referee instantly calling for the bell and disqualifying the livid Christian.
Benjamin scurried to safety and grabbed his United States title as Christian yelled at the referee, and he saw red. He stepped back and lifted the chair to swing it again, but Tomko saw what was coming and quickly slid in the ring behind him and grabbed the chair as it was swung backwards. Christian turned round as Tomko grabbed the chair from him, and he angrily questioned Tomko as to why he did that. Tomko stood firm and reasoned with him, gradually getting Christian to see sense. Captain Charisma then turned round, walked over to the ropes and demanded a microphone, getting one from Roberts.
Christian: Get a camera on me now. . . Adam, I know you’re watchin’ an’ y’need t’ hear this you son of a bitch. . . Y’can play all the games y’want with me y’coward, but I’m warnin’ ya, stay the hell away from Denise or I swear t’ god SummerSlam will be the last time you
ever step foot in this ring.
“If You Close Your Eyes” played to a big pop as the still livid Christian stared down the camera for a couple of seconds before dropping the microphone, turning round and leaving the ring.
***Smackdown, August 15th 2008 (Two nights ago)
‘The Rated-R Superstar’ Edge walks out to the stage after the deafening pyro display with a big smile on his face. He walks down the ramp looking very smug, and as he climbs up the steps, he picks a microphone up off the apron before getting in the ring. The fans continue to boo as his music stops and he walks in to the middle of the ring, smirking in to the stands.
Edge: I came out here t’night for one very simple reason, to apologise t’ my little brother, Christian. . . See a few weeks back I let somethin’ slip I’ve kept t’ myself for years, somethin’ I’ve kept secret from my baby brother f’ no other reason but t’ pr’tect him, even though he’s done ev’rything he can t’ make my life a living hell. . . Two weeks back he blasted me in the skull with a steel chair, an’ when I came round, I thought t’ hell with it. If he wants t’ make things difficult f’ me, I’m sure as hell not gonna keep my mouth shut f’ his benefit. . . What does matter is that I’m still standing in time for SummerSlam on Sunday when I humiliate him in front of all of his peeps an’ make him see that he can’t beat me like he thinks. . . You think you can beat me bro? Well you can’t an’ you’re finally gonna that find out once an’ f’ all that
your little dream of beating me is just that, a dream. . . That’s all it is C, a dream. You don’t stand a chance of beating me. You’re not in my league. You never have been an’ you
never will be.
A furious
Christian storms down the ramp with a face like thunder, and
Tyson Tomko follows behind him. Christian climbs up the steps, gets in the ring and glares at Edge as he walks past him to the apron to ask for a microphone. Tomko gets in the ring as Captain Charisma is passed a microphone by Justin Roberts, and Christian walks back towards Edge, who looks slightly cautious with his brother in one foul and possibly unpredictable mood.
Christian: So I just thought I’d come out here and thank you
bro for going out of your way, and I’d like to thank you for giving me the chance t’ come out here and beat the holy hell out of you. . . See Adam, because I’ve not had the chance t’ talk to my wife. . . all down t’ you remember, I’ve still got questions that need answering, questions that you can answer for me
right now and save yourself the ass kicking of a lifetime.
Or you can carry on being the selfish, vengeful son of a bitch that you are and fast forward the ass kicking you’re gonna get at SummerSlam to t’night.
Edge looks stunned as he gazes over Christian’s shoulder. The camera then cuts to a shot of
Denise at the top of the stage, the same Denise we saw a couple of weeks back when Edge went to her house. Christian then turns round and sees her there, looking slightly relieved at first before turning back to Edge when the anger sets back in.
Denise: You know how much I love you, I know you do and you have to believe me that I’m telling the truth. . . Yes something happened with your brother, but it was a long, long time ago when we’d not been t’gether long. It was a mistake, a big mistake and it meant absolutely nothing I promise. You don’t know how hard it was and still is having you away from home five days a week. . . I didn’t know what t’ do so I spoke to Adam. He told me that it was part of the business and that I had to accept it. I didn’t think I could and was going to end it before I got really hurt, but he told me not to and to give it a chance.
Edge nods in Christian’s direction, smirking at the same time while Christian somehow manages to keep calm and listen to his wife.
Denise: He was really nice about it and listened to me any time I needed t’ talk. Then one night when you were working and Adam was at home because he was injured, something happened.
Christian’s getting a bit hot under the collar now, clearly not comfortable at hearing the truth come out.
Denise: I know it’s wrong and it should’ve ended there but it didn’t. . . I’m so sorry, I love you so much. Please forgive me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Tomko manages to get Christian & Denise to leave the ring, then follows them up the ramp with Christian putting his arm round her. The camera goes back to the ring as Edge watches on with a big smirk on his face.
Edge: Hey Denise. Just before you go, I want t’ let y’know, that just in case y’need a shoulder t’ cry on, y’know where t’ find me.
Christian turns round with a face of fury. He immediately lets go of Denise and turns back, pushing his way past Tomko and charges back to the ring, sliding in under the bottom rope. He takes Edge by surprise and tackles him down to the mat, then unloads with a series of right hands to a huge cheer in the LG Arena. Tomko then gets back in the ring and pulls him away from Edge, just about dragging Christian up to his feet and towards the ropes. Christian isn’t happy and wants to go back for more as Edge gets to his knees.
Christian manages to break free from Tomko with his back to Edge and shouts at his problem solver. As he then turns round and runs at his brother, Edge connects with a spear to a chorus of boos in the arena. The Rated-R Superstar stands up sn-iggering as he looks down at Christian squirming on the mat holding his stomach. Denise looks concerned as she watches on from the ramp. Tomko goes over and shoves Edge out of the way to check on Christian, and Edge just continues to laugh as “Metalingus” plays to more heat with an upset and disgusted Denise looking on.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #2*
Christian w/Tyson Tomko vs. Edge
Last 10+ Minutes: After a double clothesline, both men make their way back up to their feet, not looking in the best of shape. Edge looks to strike the first blow with a right hand, but Christian blocks it and tries to whip his brother in to the ropes. The Rated-R Superstar reverses it and Christian hits the ropes and runs back in to a FLAPJACK!. . . . . Captain Charisma’s face crashes in to the canvas with Edge shifting round to turn his younger brother over on to his back. He then hooks the leg and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! It’s a comfortable kick out from Christian, not that Edge is feeling comfortable. He’s not too happy at seeing Christian kick out and goes right back to work, standing back up and walking towards the apron. He steps through the ropes and makes his way up to the top rope as his groggy brother tries to pick himself back up. Christian’s oblivious to Edge ready to pounce behind him, and as he turns round, The Rated-R Superstar jumps off the ropes and drives both his boots right in to Christian’s face with a MISSILE DROPKICK!. . . . . Captain Charisma hits the deck again, and Edge is dialling up the intensity as he gets back up and lies in wait, watching intently as Christian struggles to stand up again.
Edge isn’t in the mood to wait and drags him up from his knees, then whips him in to the ropes. Christian hits them and holds on to the top rope, grabbing on to it with desperation. That doesn’t go down well with Edge one bit, and he charges across the ring at his brother. Christian fights back and lifts his boot up in to Edge’s face, sending him staggering away from the ropes. Christian takes a second to shake off the cobwebs as Edge turns back round, then Captain Charisma runs out at him and in to a SPINNING HEEL FROM THE RATED-R SUPERSTAR! Christian falls to the mat again, but he’s not down for long.
He picks himself back up as Edge also gets back to a vertical base, watching closely as Christian stands up. He runs past Christian and in to the ropes behind him, but as he runs back seemingly looking for a bulldog, Christian turns round and takes him down to the canvas with a falling clothesline. The fans like that and some cheer as both Canadians find their way back to their feet. Christian looks to get some momentum going and fires his brother in to the ropes and lifts him up in the air for what looks set to be a back body drop, but he lets go of him in the air and drops him flat on his chest to a big pop from the San Jose crowd.
Tomko likes what he sees on the outside and Captain Charisma stares down at his brother squirming at his feet. Christian watches him attempt to sit up and then walks towards the ropes. He steps on to the apron and then climbs up to the dizzy heights of the top rope as a dazed Edge find his way up with some difficulty. Christian watches closely and sees him turn round in his direction, giving him the go ahead to dive off and land on Edge’s chest, falling on top of him with a CROSS BODY!. . . . . He holds on for a cover as the referee runs across the mat to make a count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! Edge shows some fight and rolls through, holding on to his brother’s tights to make a cover of his own. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Christian kicks out to the relief of Tomko, who breathes a big sigh of it in his friend’s corner. Both men make their way back up as quickly as they can, and Christian’s momentum is well and truly cut short as Edge ducks a clothesline attempt and kicks Christian in the gut as he turns round before planting him with the EDGECUTION!!. . . . . Captain Charisma’s head got drilled and the hopeful Rated-R Superstar rushes to turn his brother on to his back and hooks the leg for another cover attempt, holding on desperately as the referee drops to his knees and counts Christian’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
The peeps cheer as Christian gets his shoulder up, and Edge can’t believe it. He leans back on to his knees and runs his hands through his hair, staring at the referee the entire time, and his worst fears are confirmed as the ref holds up two fingers, in a non-offensive manner of course. Edge shakes his head, bordering on steaming as his brother begins to come round, lifting his head up and trying to get a feel for where he actually is. He’s very groggy indeed and as Edge turns his attention back to him, he stands up immediately and shifts round to his feet.
He grabs Christian’s legs and lifts them up, trying to apply the SHARPSHOOTER!!. . . . . Boos ring out and Tomko looks very concerned on the outside, but not as much as Captain Charisma. He realises what’s going on and fights for his life, and he manages to force Edge back by using all the power in his legs to shove him back. Edge falls backwards to a mini cheer from the San Jose faithful. They watch on as both men pick themselves back up with Edge the first one to make it to his feet, and he walks towards his brother and in to a drop toe hold.
His head bangs against the mat at force as a tired and sore Christian struggles up from his knees to his feet, closely followed by his brother. Christian looks down at Edge about to get up and he turns in to the ropes, bounces off them and runs back to take The Rated-R Superstar down with a SPEAR!!!. . . . . Edge has fallen victim to his own finishing move, and he rolls towards the apron with the fans cheering. Christian desperately crawls across and pulls him away from the ropes before hooking his leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3?
. . . . . NO!
Christian sits up looking slightly disappointed, but not that surprised. Edge tries to sit up and looks to be in some trouble, something Christian realises. He stands back up and lifts both his arms up in to the air and bangs them together. The fans take over as Christian sizes up the squirming Rated-R Superstar, and slowly but surely he makes his way back up with his brother waiting to strike.
He kicks Edge in the gut, grabs both his arms and twists him round for the KILLSWITCH!!!. . . . . But no! Edge pulls himself free and reacts very quickly to take his brother down to the mat with the EDGE-O-MATIC!!. . . . . Panic strikes everyone in the HP Pavilion with the exception of Edge, who reaches forward to hook his brother’s right leg for the cover with the referee making a count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
Christian kicks out and it really ticks Edge off, who again stares blankly at the referee, in total disbelief that his brother kicked out again. He flips out again and gets right back up to his feet, then retreats to the corner as Christian starts to stir, and he’s not in a good way. The Rated-R Superstar squats down, urging Christian to get up, and when he does, Edge flies out of the corner and goes for the SPEAR!!!. . . . . Christian jumps up and leapfrogs his brother who runs right in to the turnbuckle pads chest first. Captain Charisma runs in behind him and rolls him with the fans counting along with the referee. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Edge kicks out, pushing Christian off him with his legs. Both men stand up as quickly as their battered bodies will let them, and it’s Christian who takes the initiative. He kicks his brother in the gut and strikes rapidly to plant Edge with a TORNADO DDT!!. . . . . The fans cheer again as the focused Captain Charisma gets right back up, deciding not to make a cover and head to the apron again.
Edge isn’t moving even a little bit as Christian climbs all the way up to the top rope with his eyes locked on his brother. With Edge still flat out on the canvas, Christian leaps off the top and connects with a FROG SPLASH!!!. . . . . The fans are on their feet, and it’s electric in the HP Pavilion as Christian reaches to the side and hooks his brother’s leg for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . NO!
The Rated-R Superstar just, and only just lifts his shoulder up off the mat, leaving Christian disappointed. He looks down at Edge, who starts to come round, and that sparks the life back in to Captain Charisma. He rises to his feet and watches his brother slowly pick himself back up, and he jumps right on him, trying for the KILLSWITCH ONCE AGAIN!!!. . . . . Edge counters again and shoves Christian in to the ropes, and as Captain Charisma bounces back at him, The Rated-R Superstar levels him with a BIG BOOT TO THE FACE!!. . . . .
Edge looks down with a wry smile on his face at the sight of his brother rolling around in agony. He then pulls him up and positions Christian’s head under his arm, then lifts him vertically up in to the air before throwing him forward and down in to the canvas with a SIT-OUT SUPLEX SLAM!!. . . . . It’s met with sighs from the San Jose crowd as Christian lies across the mat on his chest, totally flat out with Edge looking very confident as he crawls forward and looks in to the stands before turning Christian over and hooking his leg for the cover, and the referee hits the mat to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Shoulder up! Christian just about clings on to any hopes of winning he has, and Edge does snap this time, standing back up straight away and bringing his suffering brother up with him and in to place for a KILLSWITCH!!!. . . . . The fans boo as loud as they can with Edge smirking at their reaction as he prepares to finish his brother off with his own move, but Christian surprises him by pulling free and reacting quickly to plant him with a REVERSE DDT!!. . . . . The boos from the crowd have turned in to cheers in a short space of time with both men now lying across the canvas.
Christian’s unable to take advantage and the fans try to get him going, clapping along with Tomko who’s banging his hands against the apron. Both men struggle their way back up to their feet, and Edge turns round to get thrust up on to his brother’s shoulders. Christian has him in a fireman’s carry position and brings him down on to his extended knee, stomach first for a GUTBUSTER!!. . . . . There’s more cheers coming from the crowd as Christian leans forward to cover the squirming Rated-R Superstar. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No!
Edge kicks out but looks worse for doing so. He lifts his head up and clutches his stomach while Christian shrugs off the close call and makes his way back up and to the apron. He climbs through the ropes and all the way up to the top rope with Edge still squirming in the centre of the ring, allowing Christian to step off the top rope and go for a DIVING HEAD BUTT!!. . . . . No, Edge rolls to the side and Christian’s head collides hard with the mat, leaving both men in trouble. Edge is the first one to move, and he crawls towards the corner as Captain Charisma attempts to get on to his knees.
The Rated-R Superstar uses the ropes to help him up and he’s clearly in pain as he stares intently at his brother, who doesn’t appear to have a clue where he’s at as he gets to his feet. As he then turns round, Edge explodes out of the corner looking to hit the SPEAR!!!. . . . . Christian sidesteps it and Edge somehow puts the brakes on. Both men turn round as quickly as they can, and Christian acts first, stomping his brother in the gut and pulling him in to position for the KILLSWITCH!!!. . . . . HE HITS IT!!!. . . . . Edge is all but done and the hopeful Christian shimmies round quickly and hooks the leg for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
IT’S OVER!
Winner: Christian by pinfall @ 14:51.
Aftermath: “If Your Close Your Eyes” plays to a big pop as an emotional Christian leans back on his knees and covers his head with his hands. He then stands up and gets his arm raised with Tomko then joining him in the ring. He slaps hands with Christian, who then looks down at Edge, who’s not moving yet. Captain Charisma then walks to the corner and climbs up on to the second rope to pose for the cheering fans. He turns his head and sees Edge lifting his head up, who’s not sure what’s happened. Christian then steps down off the ropes and leaves the ring with Tomko, then turns round on the ramp to salute the fans one more time with Edge watching on in anger as he sits up.
{Cut Backstage}
John Morrison & Matt Cappotelli are in the hallway, both in a good mood, especially Morrison, who’s now dressed after his match earlier on.
Matt Cappotelli: I’m so glad you invited me here t’night John. It’s been a blast.
John Morrison: Don’t mention it. It really was great t’ have you out there with me, but not as good as it was t’ win an’ beat The Miz.
Matt Cappotelli: Really?
Morrison laughs at Matt’s impression of The Miz.
John Morrison: After all you’ve been through, you’ve still got that sense of humour.
Matt Cappotelli: Well seeing you beat that jackass sure made me laugh too. He had that comin’.
John Morrison: Oh yeah, an’ now it’s out of the way, I think it’s time I. . . sorry
we enjoy it.
Matt Cappotelli: Then what are we waiting for? Lead the way Johnny boy.
John Morrison: Alright let’s go.
Morrison puts his arm round Matt’s shoulder and they walk down the hall laughing.
__________
*Video Recap*
From Raw Last Monday
Kofi Kingston & Kelly Kelly vs. Ted DiBiase Jr & Maryse
The French diva made Kelly fight for her life in a modified figure four leg lock, and Kelly hung on and pulled herself to the ropes. That really ticked off Maryse who didn’t give Kelly the chance to recover and dragged her up to her knees and then her feet, but as she tried to pull her away from the ropes, Kelly grabbed hold of the ropes. That pissed Maryse off even more and she tried desperately to drag her away, but Kelly slapped her and sent her staggering away from the ropes. She then followed out and looked to strike Maryse as she turned round with a roundhouse kick. Maryse ducked it and quickly pulled her in to position for the French Kiss, but Kelly wriggled free and pulled her in to an inside cradle to pick up the win for her and Kofi.
As Kofi raised Kelly’s hand, DiBiase stormed the ring and barged him down to his knees from behind, then pounced seconds later to hit Dream Street. Kelly was then shoved down to the mat by Ted before he then walked over to the ref who had just collected Kofi’s Intercontinental title. Ted stole the belt from him and shoved him down too with Maryse standing up and watching closely with a sadistic smile on her face as Ted stalked the squirming Kofi. He slowly picked himself up when we then saw The Million Dollar Man take off his headset and leave the announce table. He didn’t look very happy as he then climbed in to the ring and walked up behind his son.
He then spun him round and gave him a piece of his mind, not that Ted Jr took any notice as Kofi got to his knees. He just shook his head and then looked as if he was going to hit his dad with the belt, but all of a sudden turned and blasted Kofi in the skull, sending the Intercontinental Champion back down to the canvas. The fans booed like crazy as Ted Jr’s dad shook his head in disgust and watched on as his son dropped the title and left the ring with Maryse, both grinning and looking very satisfied with the job just done on the Intercontinental Champion. DiBiase Sr then checked on both Kelly and Kofi with Ted Jr & Maryse smirking at him as they watched on from the ramp.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #3*
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kofi Kingston (c) w/Kelly Kelly vs. Ted DiBiase Jr w/Maryse
Last 10 Minutes: Kofi tosses DiBiase back in the ring and climbs back in himself. DiBiase’s already getting up himself as Kofi stands up, and the Intercontinental Champion grabs him by the arm and whips him in to the ropes. The challenger comes flying back and levels him with a FALLING CLOTHESLINE!. . . . . DiBiase sure caught him with that one and he knows it. He makes his way back up with a smug look on his face with Kingston following. Ted turns round and runs the ropes behind Kofi, comes back and sends him down with another ferocious FALLING CLOTHESLINE, THIS ONE TO THE BACK OF THE NECK!. . . . .
DiBiase’s finding his feet now and looks to give Kofi a beating. He kneels down and turns his opponent on to his back, kneeling over his chest and he unloads with a series of closed right hands to the skull. The ref cuts in and pulls DiBiase off of Kingston, much to the annoyance of the challenger, who gets right in the referee’s face. The ref stands firm and lays down the law to the stubborn youngster, and it doesn’t go down well with Maryse either on the outside as she throws some insults in his direction from the outside.
There’s some serious fire in the challenger’s belly now as he turns to see Kofi sitting up. He turns his attention back to the champion and drags him up to his feet and fires him in to the ropes with an irish whip. Kofi comes flying back and is sent face first in to the canvas with a FLAPJACK!. . . . . The Intercontinental Champion’s in some serious trouble now as DiBiase scurries across the canvas and quickly turns Kofi over on to his back so he can make a cover, hooking Kofi’s leg as the ref darts across to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! The squirming Kofi kicks out, frustrating the hell out of the challenger, who gets right back up to his feet and urges his opponent to do the same. It takes some time for Kofi to get to his knees, and Ted shifts behind him as he tries to stand up, sizing him up for DREAM STREET!!!. . . . . The fans and Kelly Kelly try to warn him with the fired up DiBiase ready to strike, and as Kofi unwittingly gets to his feet, DiBiase looks to grab him in the cobra clutch grip. Kofi escapes though right away and slips behind his opponent.
He then spins him round and tries for an irish whip, but Ted reverses it and sends Kofi in to the ropes. As he hits them, he holds on to the top rope, really pissing the challenger off. He runs right at Kofi who turns to the side and lifts his elbow up in to DiBiase’s face, raising a cheer from the California crowd. It sends Ted staggering away from the ropes in a dazed, and as he turns round, Kofi runs out to meet him and nails him with the S.O.S!!!. . . . . The crowd goes nuts as Kofi scurries across the mat and hooks the leg for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Maryse climbs on to the apron and gets the attention of the referee who stops counting. A chorus of boos breaks out as the referee walks over and yells at Maryse, telling her to get down off the apron, and Kofi joins him. He’s furious. He had the match won and gives the French diva a piece of his mind while Kelly shakes her head. She gets involved and walks round towards the mouthy girlfriend of Ted, then pulls her down to the floor. Maryse goes mad and gets in her face. Kelly doesn’t hesitate in slapping her, much to the pleasure of the San Jose fans.
Maryse slaps her back though and they go at it like a pair of girls, forcing the referee to leave the ring and sort it out. He steps between them and holds them apart, then orders Kelly to walk away, and she does so reluctantly with Maryse taunting her. Kofi then turns his attention back to his opponent and walks towards DiBiase, who’s starting to sit up. He bends down to pull him up, and he gets a shock as Ted sits up and rolls him in to a SMALL PACKAGE!. . . . . The referee hurries back in to the ring and crawls across to count the champion’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No! Kofi kicks out and gets right back up. He clearly means business. His game face is on and he helps Ted up from his knees and fires him in to the corner. DiBiase hits the turnbuckle pads with some force, back first, and he has little time to react as Kofi runs in at him and jumps up to the second rope where he pummels the challenger with several right hands.
The fans count them, all the way to ten when Kingston steps down and MONKEY FLIPS DIBIASE OUT OF THE CORNER AND DOWN TO THE MAT!. . . . . Momentum is firmly with the Intercontinental Champion, who hits the ropes and comes back to hit the laid out DiBiase with the BOOM DROP!!. . . . . It’s getting seriously loud in the arena as the determined Kofi shifts round and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
Kofi’s gutted. He leans back up and throws his hands against his face. DiBiase’s lights are on but he might not be home as he sits up looking like he doesn’t know where he is. That gets the disappointed Kofi going again, and as he gets to his feet, he brings Ted up with him and looks to thrust him in to the ropes, but the challengers reverses the irish whip, sending Kofi in to the ropes instead. The challenger ducks his head, and Kofi takes advantage as he runs back and kicks him square in the head. Ted’s head snaps back up and Kofi feeds him his left leg before going for an enzuigiri, but Ted ducks his head.
Kofi hits the mat with DiBiase still holding his left leg, and Kofi strikes back as Ted bends down, only to get the bottom of the African’s boot driven in to his million dollar face. The crowd cheer as Ted falls back and hits the mat. Maryse is looking concerned as Kofi makes his way back up with DiBiase also struggling to his feet. Kofi’s up first and sends Ted right back down thanks to a SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!. . . . . More cheers come from the stands as Kofi picks himself back up, followed once again by the weary challenger. The champion turns to the side and runs the ropes, then comes racing back to hit a FLYING FOREARM SMASH!!. . . . .
No, Ted ducks it and Kofi hits the deck. Ted’s clearly not in the best shape but he looks to get some momentum going by dragging Kofi right back up, then sends him straight back down again with a SIDE SUPLEX!!. . . . . The challenger’s finally found a way in to the contest and looks to make it stick as he gets back up and heads straight to the apron and climbs up to the top rope with Kofi making his own way back up. Ted’s eyes are locked on him. He really is fired up and jumps off to level him with a DOUBLE AXE HANDLE!!. . . . . Kofi hits the mat again and Ted drops right down on top of him to make the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO! Not all that surprisingly, Kofi kicks out, surprisingly not pleasing Ted that much. He’s really intense right now as he stalks him again for DREAM STREET!!!. . . . . The challenger lifts both his arms in to the air in preparation, getting ready to finish Kofi and take the Intercontinental Championship. The fans again try to warn Kingston again as he gets to his knees, and Ted loses his patience. He walks up to Kofi and tries to pull him up, but Kofi fights to save his title and swings his elbow back in to the Ted’s face, knocking him back and in to the referee.
They clash and the ref falls to the canvas with DiBiase holding his head, not looking to have suffered too badly. He then turns round and sees him lying there, not out of it but barely moving. He then turns back to face Kofi, who’s unaware of what’s happened. The Intercontinental Champion gets up and turns round to connect this time with the LEG FEED ENZUIGIRI, CATCHING DIBIASE OFF GUARD!!. . . . . He shifts round to make a cover and then turns to see the drowsy referee lying on the mat with his eyes not on the action. Kingston immediately gets up and checks on the referee, looking genuinely concerned about his condition.
DiBiase lifts his head up, all starry eyed, but his eyes light up as Maryse walks round to the timekeeper’s table and grabs Kofi’s title. She then slides it in to the ring and it falls right at Ted’s body. There’s a great deal of anxiousness in the arena, and Kofi doesn’t know why. Neither does Kelly as she too is focusing on the referee. Ted comes to life and grabs the belt as he makes his way up to his knees with the title clutched to his chest. The fans are desperately trying to warn Kofi now, and as Ted gets up to his feet and gets ready to take the champ’s head off with his own title, The Million Dollar Man jumps up from the announce table and throws his headset down on the desk, surprising the hell out of Jim Ross.
DiBiase Sr gets in the ring and walks up behind his son, then spins him round, catching him totally by surprise. He screams at his dad and tells him to get out of the way, but the Hall of Famer isn’t budging and he grabs the title from his son to a big pop. Ted Jr flips out and shoves his dad, who looks completely disgusted with his son. His face gets redder by the second, and Kofi turns round to see what the hell’s going on. As he walks across, The Million Dollar Man snaps and SWINGS THE BELT AT HIS SON’S HEAD!!!. . . . . BUT WAIT, TED DUCKS AND KOFI WALKS RIGHT IN TO IT. HE’S BEEN KNOCKED OUT BY HIS OWN TITLE BELT!!!. . . . .
Boos fill the HP Pavilion as the equally stunned father and son look on with DiBiase Sr looking on in horror. He doesn’t know what he’s done and flees the ring in panic, watching on from the apron as the younger DiBiase panics too and kicks the evidence under the bottom rope before dropping to his knees and covering the champion to an absolute barrage of heat. He turns to the side and sees the referee slowly crawling across the mat, and with Kofi absolutely out of it, the ref counts his shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
. . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!!! Kofi somehow, someway gets his shoulder up to the total bemusement of DiBiase Jr. His father is one relieved man on the outside, and he watches on as his son sits up and stares down in shock. He then shakes his head and gets back to work, glaring down at Kofi as he begins to come round. It takes him a while, but DiBiase is seriously fired up as he stalks the champion again.
Kofi struggles to his knees and then his feet, looking very unsteady, and Ted doesn’t give him chance. The challenger walks up behind him and this time he plants Kofi with DREAM STREET!!!. . . . . That has to be all, and Kofi’s not moving at all as Ted shifts round to hook both legs with the referee, still on the mat himself crawling in to position to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
. . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
3!!!
Winner: By pinfall, and the new Intercontinental Champion, Ted DiBiase Jr @ 13:56.
Aftermath: “Priceless” hits to an absolute bombardment of boos inside the HP Pavilion. He stands up looking so proud of himself as Maryse walks round to pick the Intercontinental title up from the arena floor that now belongs to her boyfriend. The Million Dollar Man can’t believe it and is full of guilt as he watches on from the apron as his son lifts his new shiny title aloft, much to the disapproval of the California fans. He then turns and sni-ggers in his dad’s direction, who shakes his head in utter frustration at the role he’s just played in the finish. DiBiase Jr now walks over to the ropes with Maryse following and throws the title up in the air again, still looking immensely smug.
His girlfriend is clapping behind him, and as he turns round, he gives her a gentle and brief kiss before taking her hand and escorting her to the apron by the ramp. He sits on the middle rope and allows her to leave the ring, and he follows. They walk up the ramp and turn round to see Kelly slide in the ring to check on Kofi, who tries to sit up, still looking very groggy. He clearly doesn’t know what’s going on, but The Million Dollar Man does, and he’s still feeling sorry for himself. Kofi looks up towards the new Intercontinental Champion, who lifts the title up again at the top of the ramp with Maryse grinning beside him.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Smackdown, May 30th 2008
Non-Title Match
Matt Sydal vs. Shelton Benjamin
And as Sydal comes running back at him, Shelton goes for a clothesline, but Sydal ducks it, and as Shelton turns round, he blocks a kick to the stomach and nails Sydal with a DRAGON WHIP. . . . . That floors Sydal, and the angry champion takes his chance at a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Sydal kicks out to the delight of the crowd, but Benjamin isn’t the least bit delighted. He stands back up and urges his opponent to do the same, with Sydal crawling towards the corner. Shelton watches on as Sydal uses the ropes to help him back up, and as Sydal stands up, Shelton runs in to the corner, looking to hit a STINGER SPLASH. . . . . But Sydal steps out of the corner with Benjamin hitting the pads, and Sydal quickly rolls him up. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“Axeman” hits with the fans cheering as Sydal quickly slips under the bottom rope to the outside. He looks slightly surprised, but not as much as Shelton as The Gold Standard sits up. The referee joins Sydal on the outside and raises the delighted youngster’s arm in to the air with Shelton staring at them in shock. Sydal smiles and punches the air before back tracking up the ramp and slapping hands with the fans with Shelton’s shock quickly turning to frustration.
***2008 King of the Ring, 15th June
King of the Ring Final
Matt Sydal vs. Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin takes a second before then running in at him for a STINGER SPLASH. . . . . But no, Sydal steps to the side as Shelton jumps right on to the turnbuckle pads. That raises another cheer from the pro Sydal crowd. Sydal shifts behind Benjamin, and as Shelton turns round and staggers out of the corner, Sydal grabs him around the upper body and plants him with the CYCLORAMA (Overhead Belly to Belly Moonsault Slam). . . . . The crowd are going nuts, but they get even louder as Sydal hurries to his feet and drags the United States Champion in to the corner. He then races all the way up to the top rope with the entire crowd rising to its feet, watching on as Sydal leaps up in to the sky and comes down to connect with the SHOOTING STAR PRESS. . . . . He got all of it and lands right on top of Benjamin, reaches across and hooks the leg as the ref rushes over to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. . . . . It’s over! He’s done it!
“Axeman” hits to an enormous pop with Sydal just dropping his head in to his hands in absolute shock. He can’t believe what he’s just accomplished, but as he sits back up with a slight tear in his eye, he sees the crowd all on their feet, applauding his incredible victory. He then stands up with a huge smile on his face and gets his arm raised as Justin Roberts announces him as the 2008 WWE King of the Ring. It’s clearly an emotional moment for Sydal, who drops to his knees again and looks up to the sky, not seeming to believe it himself while the crowd continue to cheer.
He then stands back up, smiling as he walks in to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, throwing his arms up in to the air to the delight of the ecstatic crowd in Los Angeles. He then does the same in all four corners, and as he gets to the final one, a huge pyro display takes place on the stage with Sydal turning to look up, shaking his head and smiling at the same time. However, Shelton Benjamin looks on with absolute contempt as he walks round to the ramp, but Sydal seems too caught up in the moment to notice him. He then steps down off the ropes and walks back in to the middle of the ring, dropping down to his knees once again with the camera zooming in on the look of disbelief on his face.
***Smackdown, June 20th 2008
Josh Matthews is standing at the top of the stage with a throne just to his right. A robe is placed on a dummy with a crown on top and a sceptre resting on the throne.
Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman. It’s my pleasure t’ introduce to you, the 2008 WWE King of the Ring. . . MATT SYDAL.
“Axeman” hits to a big pop as a casually dressed
Matt Sydal walks out to the stage to join Josh. He shakes his hand and looks in to the crowd with amazement at the terrific ovation he’s receiving. His music eventually stops and the crowd die down.
Matt Sydal: Y’know Josh, it’s still not really sunk in. I came here t’night and heard all about this crowning ceremony or whatever it is. It feels great an’ all but kind o’ like it’s a dream at the same time. . . No one was more surprised than me Josh when I won the King of the Ring, but I’m not gonna feel bad about it. I won every match fair and square y’know, it’s not like I did something wrong. I just did what I had t’ win each match, and if Shelton can’t handle that, then that’s his problem, not mine.
Josh Matthews: . . . There’s no doubt that you indeed deserved to be the last man standing and win the tournament. And with that said, I think it’s time we made this official.
Matthews walks over to the dummy and throne. He puts the microphone down on the throne alongside the sceptre before taking the robe off the dummy. He walks back over to Sydal and asks him to turn around, and he reluctantly does so, allowing Josh to put the robe on him. It gets a big cheer from the crowd, but Sydal looks really embarrassed. Josh then turns back and takes the crowd off the dummy’s head, then gently puts it on Sydal’s head to another big pop from the fans. Sydal shakes his head again, looking very embarrassed as Josh then turns back to collect the sceptre and the microphone. He then passes Sydal the sceptre.
Josh Matthews: There you go Matt. How does that feel? . . . Ladies and gentleman, give it up for the 2008 WWE King of the Ring. . . MATT SYDAL.
Sydal reluctantly salutes the crowd with the sceptre, still looking embarrassed as Josh claps with the fans doing the same. We then see
Shelton Benjamin running out from the back, and he nails Sydal from behind, knocking him to his knees to a ton of heat from the Dayton crowd. Josh looks on in shock as Shelton pummels Sydal with a series of kicks to the back. He then tries to question Shelton, but The Gold Standard pushes him down to his knees with force. Benjamin then sees that the sceptre fell out of Sydal’s hand and hit the floor.
He picks it up as Sydal tries to stand back up, and he slowly manages to get to his feet. Shelton is lying in wait, armed with the sceptre, and as Sydal then turns round with the crowd desperately trying to warn him, Benjamin cracks him in the skull with the sceptre despite an a late attempt from Josh to stop him. Sydal just falls in a heap and looks to be out of it with the intense Benjamin leaning over his body with a sadistic look on his face as the fans boo like crazy. He then starts talking at Sydal, getting right in his face, but Sydal’s unconscious.
Shelton Benjamin: Did you really think I was gonna let some lucky punk kid get one over on me? . . . You’re gonna be very sorry, y’hear? Very sorry.
He then leans back and stands up, while still looking down at Sydal.
Shelton Benjamin: Congratulations.
The fans continue booing as Shelton then backs away from Sydal with a couple of EMT’s then coming out to check on Sydal, along with the concerned Matthews. The camera then zooms in on a shot of Benjamin grinning sadistically, and he then turns round and walks to the back as EMT’s continue to check on Sydal and call out for more help from the back.
***Smackdown, July 4th 2008
The UK Pack & MVP vs. The Masters of the Mat & Shelton Benjamin
The United States Champion stormed the ring to make a cover, but only got a two count. He then urged MVP up, but as he went for the Paydirt, MVP dodged it and reacted sharply for a DDT, only for Shelton to kick out at two. MVP then tagged in Harry Smith, and after a couple of near falls, including one Masters broke up, he lifted Shelton up for the Running Powerslam. As he ran towards the corner, Shelton slipped down and pushed him in to the pads before nailing Smith as he turned round with a roundhouse kick. The crowd then roared as Shelton urged Smith back up, but he didn’t see Matt Sydal race down the ramp. The crowd jumped to their feet as Sydal then slid in the ring, taking Shelton by surprise, but he was quick to turn to the side and run to the ropes and slide to the outside. He then jumped the security wall and ran through the crowd, followed by the extremely determined looking King of the Ring. The ref was left with no choice but to count Shelton out despite protests from both Masters & Haas.
***Later that night
Matt Sydal is pacing in the backstage area, stops and turns round hearing
Maria shouting his name. He’s slightly out of breath and red faced as Maria walks up to him.
Maria: How are you doing, are you okay after you know, what happened two weeks ago?
Matt Sydal: Physically? Yeah I feel fine, but I’ll feel a whole lot better when I get my hands on Benjamin. . . I’m the King of the Ring, he’s not and that’s all that matters. He can call it luck all he wants, ‘cause we’re gonna find out at The Bash whether it was luck or not. It’s not the words that bother me you know. I’ll never be able t’ forget how he jumped me two weeks ago, but he’s gonna regret it, ‘cause I promise you Shelton, you’re gonna be sorry when I beat you again and take your United States title. . . But hey, what do I know? I’m just lucky right!
***Smackdown, July 11th 2008
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me” plays to a chorus of boos as the casually dressed
United States Champion, Shelton Benjamin steps out in to the arena. He has a big grin on his face as he walks down to the ring and then collects a microphone.
Shelton Benjamin: I’m sure a lot o’ you are wondering just why I’m looking so cool t’night when I’m just days away from going one on one with the boy wonder of the WWE, the 2008 King of the Ring. . . MATT SYDAL!. . . The kid that’s on a roll, a huge roll. He’s arguably the hottest guy in the company right now, or would be if it wasn’t for me bringing him crashing down t’ earth with a bang. . . See everyone needs to sit up and face the facts. . . Matt Sydal is a fluke!. . . It’s not up for debate. NO IFS, NO BUTS. MATT SYDAL GOT LUCKY. . . FACT!
“Axeman” blasts out to a huge pop as a very different looking
Matt Sydal walks out to the stage. He looks very serious indeed as he walks down the ramp and stares right at an also serious looking United States Champion. Sydal picks up a microphone from the steps before climbing through the ropes and in to the ring.
Matt Sydal: I still want revenge Shelton, I know what it’ll do to you if I beat you one more time and take the United States title from you. We both know I can beat you and I’ve seen it every week since the King of the Ring how much that eats you up.
Shelton Benjamin: Lighting won’t strike twice Matt. You won’t beat me and you won’t take my title. I guarantee it.
Matt Sydal: That’s a big guarantee, but correct me if I’m wrong. By my estimation, I’ve beaten you twice. Remember that non-title match after Judgment Day? I’m afraid it looks like lightning can strike twice. . . In fact, I think I’m gonna make it three and 0 come Sunday. What do you people think?
*Massive Pop*
Shelton Benjamin: SHUT UP! THEY’VE NEVER APPRECIATED ME OR MY TALENT. I’M GONNA SHOW EACH AN’ EVERYONE OF YOU THAT I’M BETTER THAN THIS FLUKE. . . I’M GONNA SHOW YOU THAT I SHOULD BE THE KING OF THE RING AN’ THAT I CAN BEAT THIS JOKE. AN’ WHEN I’M DONE, I’M GONNA RAM IT DOWN YOUR THROATS!
Sydal laughs while the intense Benjamin continues to stare in to the crowd. The Gold Standard then turns quickly and nails Sydal with the microphone, right to the head. It sends Sydal down to the mat and Shelton looks like he’s going to explode. He drops his belt along with the microphone and urges his rival to get up. Slowly he does so, and as he gets to his knees, Shelton steps back and then connects with the Paydirt to a chorus of boos in the Blue Cross Arena. He stares down at Sydal for several seconds before picking up his belt and lifting it above his head as “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me” hits once again.
***The 2008 Great American Bash, July 13th
United States Championship
Matt Sydal vs. Shelton Benjamin (c)
Shelton takes several steps back as Sydal slowly gets to his feet, and Benjamin doesn't wait. He charges right at Sydal again, looking to hit the PAY DIRT!!!. . . . . Sydal dodges it again, pulling back as Shelton hits the deck. Sydal watches him sit back up but doesn't let him recover, turning back in to the ropes, running back and hitting a SIT DOWN DROPKICK TO THE FACE!!. . . . . The fans cheer the King of the Ring as he jumps back up and drags the helpless United States Champion close to the corner. The challenger then jumps up to the summit with Shelton lying flat out below him. He then jumps up in to the air and comes down looking to hit the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!. . . . . NO! SHELTON ROLLS TOWARDS THE ROPES AS SYDAL CRASH LANDS ON THE MAT!. . . . . The disappointment of the crowd is obvious, and as Shelton comes to, he rolls under the bottom rope and hits the floor.
He walks over to Justin Roberts and grabs a steel chair, and then his United States title. He walks back to the ring and slides the chair inside, but the referee sees it and grabs it straight away. Shelton slips back inside concealing the title as best he can as Sydal gets to his knees. The referee points at the chair and shouts at Benjamin. He then turns his back and slides the chair out of the ring, allowing Shelton to blast the groggy Sydal IN THE HEAD WITH THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP!!!. . . . . Boos ring out as Sydal falls to the mat and Shelton tosses the belt towards the corner, but as he does so and drops to make a cover, the referee sees the belt being thrown away. Benjamin looks guilty and the referee sees all he needs to in order to call for the bell and disqualify the champion.
The crowd craps all over the finish as Benjamin argues with the referee, who picks up the belt as Roberts announces the decision. The announcement of Shelton retaining the title generates even more heat, but the champion doesn't care less. He smirks and grabs the title from the referee straight away. He looks down at Sydal and raises it above his head, getting tons of heat from the New York fans. He then walks out to a chorus of boos as the starry eyed Sydal sits up, not sure of what just happened, only seeing Shelton smirking back at him from the ramp.
***Smackdown, 18th July 2008
An angry
Tazz is in his office with a smug
Shelton Benjamin.
Tazz: You're best off wipin' that stupid smile off y'face 'cause you ain't got no right been so pleased wit' yourself after the stunt you pulled Sund'y night. You're supposed t' be a champion, but you acted like a coward. You just proved ev'ryone right who says Sydal's got to ya, an' I agree with what they're sayin'. . . you can't beat 'im. . . You can't beat 'im an' y'took the easy way out. You make me sick. . . See me an' a whole lot people think Sydal deserves another shot. An' y'know what?. . . He's gonna get it.
Shelton Benjamin: HELL NO. I DON'T OWE HIM ANYTHIN'. HE HAD HIS SHOT AN' HE DIDN'T TAKE IT. BOTTOM LINE.
Tazz: The bottom line is I call the shots around here, not you. I get t' make the matches, like the one I made for The Bash between you 'an Sydal. You took the easy way out o' that, an' that's why
champ, you'll be facin' 'im again at SummerSlam for the United States Championship. . . An' y'wanna know somethin' else?. . . If y'so much as think 'bout gettin' yourself dq'd again or counted out this time, you'll lose the title.
***Smackdown, July 25th 2008
Not looking to be in the best of moods and dressed in black trousers and a gold shirt,
Shelton Benjamin has the United States title draped over his shoulder. As he gets in the ring, he doesn't look all that happy to be there, staring angrily at
Michael Cole. He slowly walks towards him to collect the other microphone.
Michael Cole: It appears that there's a lot of doubt as to whether you can beat Matt Sydal. And if you look back at each of your previous three meetings. . . he's won all three. . . After the match at The Great American Bash, accusations were made that you deliberately took the easy way out because you felt you couldn't beat him. That leads me to my next question. . . Deep down, do you believe you can beat Matt Sydal?
Shelton shakes his head, looking both angry at shocked at Cole's question. He takes a couple of seconds to compose himself before answering.
Shelton Benjamin: From day one Cole, I was touted as one of the greatest prospects this company's seen for decades. . . I've won title after title for the last five an' a half years an' beaten legends like Ric Flair an' Triple H, so yeah Cole, despite what these idiots think, yeah I think. . . wait, I
know I can beat Matt Sydal. And at SummerSlam, that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Then all the people who doubt me can kiss my ass.
*Heat*
Michael Cole: Don't get me wrong Shelton, there's no doubt you've won numerous titles in your time here, but at SummerSlam, you have to do something that you've never done, and that's beat Matt Sydal. . . You were indeed touted as a great prospect from the moment you debuted right here on Smackdown, but some people have said that you've failed to live up to the potential. . .
Shelton Benjamin: . . . What people?. . . Come on Cole, tell me. What people have said that?
Cole looks surprised by what he said and like he doesn't know what to say.
Michael Cole: People.
Shelton Benjamin: What people? You?. . . You don't think I've lived up to my potential?. . . Do you think for a second I actually care what you think Cole?. . . The only person I care about is me. . . How about I show you first hand what I can really do. Why don't I do that huh?
Shelton shoves Cole down to the mat.
*Heat*
Shelton Benjamin: Come on Cole, you wanted an answer. Get up an' I'll give y'one. . . GET UP!
Cole looks scared for his life as Shelton drops the microphone and his title. He walks slowly towards Cole and urges him to get up, but Cole understandably doesn't budge an inch. Benjamin then bends down, pulls him up and gets right in his face. He shouts right in Cole's panic stricken face, but as he lifts his right fist up, a huge cheer breaks out in the crowd. The confused United States Champion turns his head and sees
Matt Sydal charging down the ramp. Benjamin lets go of Cole, who crawls to the side of the ring and the ropes as Sydal slides in under the bottom rope.
Shelton runs right at him as Sydal gets up, and the King of the Ring ducks a clothesline. They both turn round in a hurry with Sydal levelling Benjamin with a series of hard right hands, sending him up against the ropes. Sydal then steps back and clotheslines the United States Champion over the top to a big pop from the fans. Benjamin hits the floor and Sydal shouts at him to get back in. The pissed off Gold Standard stares right back up at him with a look that could kill, but he clearly doesn't want any of Sydal. The King of the Ring then backs up and helps Cole up with Shelton still looking on angrily, then reaches inside to grab his United States title as Sydal's music hits to a big pop.
***Smackdown, August 8th 2008
Matt Sydal vs. Chris Masters
The King of the Ring raced up to the top rope with Masters laid out a few feet in front of him, and just as it looked like he was going to hit the Shooting Star Press, he and the fans in attendance could only watch in shock as Charlie Haas slid in to the ring and started pounding his former tag team partner with several right hands to the head. With Haas kneeling down and pummelling Masters, the referee was left with no choice but to call for the bell and award the match to The Masterpiece via disqualification.
Sydal jumped down to the mat and tried to pull Haas off of Masters, but Haas was relentless. He pushed Sydal away and then the ref joined in, and together with Sydal they dragged Haas up and away from his former tag team partner. Sydal told him to calm down while the ref was more vocal and ordered him to leave the ring. Haas just glared at him, red faced and absolutely seething before looking down and seeing Masters holding his head. Seeming somewhat satisfied, he backed up and left the ring to quite a pop with the fans cheering him for unloading on The Masterpiece like that.
He immediately turned round and stormed up the ramp as the ref checked on Masters while Sydal turned to the stands, looking stunned at what just happened. We then heard some boos that confused Sydal, and we saw
Shelton Benjamin slip in the ring behind him, surely having come through the crowd. The United States Champion had his eyes locked on Sydal, who then turned round in to a hard kick to the gut with Benjamin then following it up with the Paydirt to a ton of heat from the Newark crowd. He just grinned as he looked down at Sydal, who lay there completely out of it.
***Smackdown, August 15th 2008 (Two nights ago)
Matt Sydal is being interviewed by
Maria.
Matt Sydal: Yeah I’ve got a great record against Shelton and he’s never beaten me like ev’ryone’s said, but that could all change and I’ve still got t’ beat him too. It’s not gonna be that easy Maria. . . He’s not just gonna lie down an’ give me the title, an’ as much as some people are writing him off, there’s no way I am. . . It’s gonna be tough, real tough, but I’m ready for it. All I can do is go out there an’ give it my best shot, an’ that’s what I’m gonna do.
***Later that night
Shawn Michaels & Matt Sydal vs. CM Punk & Shelton Benjamin
Punk panicked big time and raced in to the ring, running right at Michaels, who emerged out of the corner and connected with a super kick that sent the World Champion under the bottom rope and to the floor. With Benjamin getting back up behind him, Michaels turned round and was whipped hard in to the corner. Benjamin went right after him and went for a Stinger Splash, but Michaels ducked and ran through as The Gold Standard jumped right on to the pads to a big pop. As he then turned round out of the corner all dazed, The Heartbreak Kid leaned back and took his head off with the Sweet Chin Music. The fans were on their feet and Michaels dragged Benjamin to his corner and tagged Sydal. The King of the Ring looked confused and Michaels told him to go up to the top, and he did with the fans going crazy to hit the Shooting Star Press and then cover Shelton to pick up the victory.
“Axeman” blasted out with the fans showing their appreciation for Sydal & Michaels who shared a brief congratulatory guy hug after getting their arms raised. Punk sat up on the outside, and he wasn’t happy. Michaels & Sydal then posed for the jubilant crowd in opposite corners with Sydal especially looking delighted with the victory heading in to SummerSlam on Sunday.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #4*
WWE United States Championship
Title Can Change Hands By Disqualification or Count Out
Matt Sydal vs. Shelton Benjamin (c)
Last 10+ Minutes: Sydal tries to get up to his knees with the focused Benjamin standing over him and watching his every move. The stern faced United States Champion reaches down and helps the challenger up to his feet, then whips him hard in to the corner and the turnbuckle pads at force. That hurts Sydal, and he walks out in pain, right in to a kick to the gut from The Gold Standard. Shelton now pulls Sydal’s head down and between his legs, still looking very serious indeed, determined to put his nemesis away.
He then grabs Sydal around the waist and lifts him up in the air, walks back towards the corner and drops him back first on to the turnbuckle pads, A TURNBUCKLE POWER BOMB!!. . . . . The camera zooms in on some fans wincing at that, and you can see how much the challenger is suffering as he writhes around in pain on the mat. Shelton’s not showing any sympathy for him whatsoever as you would expect, and he drags him away from the ropes by his legs and drops down to the mat to hook the leg and make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
The resilient King of the Ring gets a shoulder up, slightly frustrating the champion, who gives off the impression that he isn’t all that surprised. He stands back up, very business like as he turns round and walks over to the ropes. He steps through them and takes up a position on the apron, holding on to the top rope as the aching challenger struggles back up to his feet, and the second he gets up, The Gold Standard springboards and comes flying through the air looking to clothesline his opponent. Sydal forward rolls and dodges the attack. Both men rush up to their feet with Sydal running the ropes, charges back at Shelton who turns round and ducks his head, lifts Sydal off his feet and to his shoulders, then plants him with a hellacious SAMOAN DROP!!. . . . . Sydal hits the mat hard and the determined champion wastes no time in shimmying round to hook the leg and make a cover with the ref rushing over, dropping to his knees and making the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No! Sydal lifts his shoulder up again, and the frustration shows on Benjamin’s face. He sits up, looks down at the squirming King of the Ring and shakes his head. He then stands back up and brings the sore Sydal with him, who’s not putting up any resistance and is then fired hard in to the corner and the turnbuckle pads at serious speed, resulting in a severe impact as Sydal’s chest hits them so hard he just falls to the mat. Shelton watches on sadistically, not showing much emotion at all as he just stares intensely towards his opponent, who tries to make his way back up.
He uses the ropes to help him, and Shelton doesn’t let him steady himself. The defending champion walks over and spins him round, then pulls him away and sets him up for a suplex. He lifts the challenger vertically up in to the air and walks back over to the ropes, drops him down on them and brings him crashing down on his back with a SLINGSHOT SUPLEX!. . . . . Shelton’s stealing a march in this match and immediately shimmies round on the mat to cover the King of the Ring, hooking both legs as the ref counts Sydal’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
Benjamin glances at the referee for a second before looking back down at his opponent, who’s already moving around. The focused as hell champion gets back to his feet and backs away from Sydal, allowing him the chance to stand up. It’s a slight struggle for him, and he doesn’t know that The Gold Standard is standing by several feet behind him, psyching himself up for something. The King of the Ring now has to deal with his opponent charging at him for the PAYDIRT!!!. . . . . No, Sydal slips away to safety as Shelton hits the deck. He’s not down for long, and Sydal takes the chance to take a deep breath.
As Shelton then turns round, Sydal catches him with a FEINT ENZUIGIRI IN TO A HEAD SCISSORS TAKEDOWN!!. . . . . For the first time since he entered the ring, the crowd are cheering. He stands up as quickly as he can, followed by the stunned Benjamin. Sydal looks to get some momentum going, firing himself up as he grabs the champion by the wrist and whips him in to the ropes. He doesn’t wait around either, racing in at Shelton and levelling him with a side elbow strike right to the head. It sends the drowsy Benjamin slumping down the pads in to a seated position.
Sydal then backs away in to the centre of the ring before charging right back at him to nail him with a sit down double leg kick to the face. That really does turn the lights out on the United States Champion, and even some of the crowd show some concern for him, wincing as if they felt that kick themselves. Sydal doesn’t mess around either and drags him away by his feet in to the middle of the ring. He sits Shelton up, runs forward in to the ropes and comes back to level him with another stiff kick to the face, forcing it right back in to the canvas. The challenger drops to his knees as quickly as he can and desperately hooks Shelton’s leg to make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
Sydal shakes off any disappointment and gets right back in to the groove, looking to keep this momentum going, standing up and pulling his opponent back up with him. He sets him up for a DDT, pulling Benjamin’s head under his arm, and instead of dropping to his knees, he runs in to the corner and steps up the ropes, looking to hit a SPRINGBOARD DDT!!. . . . . The champion fights back though and throws him off his shoulders, forward and down on to the canvas. We can hear the sighs coming from the crowd, but Sydal’s not planning on staying down as Shelton gets his breath back in the corner.
He sees Sydal getting back up and runs right at him, and this time Sydal catches him off guard, connecting with a LEG LARIAT!!. . . . . Sydal stands up to cheers from the crowd and heads straight to the corner, climbing through the ropes on to the apron and all the way up to the top rope as Shelton makes his way back up to his feet. Sydal finds his balance and then jumps off, taking Shelton down with a DOUBLE KNEE TAKEDOWN IN TO A COVER!!. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
Shelton kicks out, and Sydal stands back up right away with Shelton doing the same. The United States Champion isn’t far behind and turns round in to his opponent, who grabs him around the upper torso and doesn’t give him a second to escape, connecting with the an OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX, THE CYCLORAMA!!!. . . . . Cheers ring round the HP Pavilion as the King of the Ring gets up immediately and drags the champion towards the corner. He then steps through the ropes and climbs all the way up to the top rope with the fans starting to believe this could be it.
Some of them in the lower tier stand up and watch intently as Sydal looks down at the barely moving Gold Standard below him. He steadies himself and then leaps up in to the air, coming down for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!. . . . . BUT NO! Shelton lifts his knees up in to Sydal’s stomach, and the winded challenger rolls to the side and on the mat clutching his stomach. The groggy champion lifts his head up and looks over in relief, still looking worse for wear himself. It takes him a few seconds before he can get to his knees, and he crawls forward straight away to Sydal and covers him with the ref rushing across the canvas to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
Sydal kicks out and you can see that he’s still hurting, instantly rolling on to his side and clutching his stomach again as the weary United States Champion pulls himself back on to his knees and takes a deep breath. He stands up and drags his opponent up with him, then whips him as hard as he can in to the corner. Sydal’s back hits the pads and he remains still, leaning back against the pads as Shelton then runs in at him and hits the STINGER SPLASH!!. . . . . The focused Benjamin backs out of the corner with the clearly struggling King of the Ring staggering out in to his opponent’s clutches, and The Gold Standard grabs him around the upper torso, setting him up for the EXPLODER SUPLEX!!. . . . .
Shelton takes a second, and it’s a mistake as Sydal fights for his life, swinging his elbow in to the side of Benjamin’s head, freeing himself from Shelton’s grasp. The crowd cheers as Sydal fights through the pain and turns back to run the ropes. He comes running back at Shelton, who connects with a stiff kick to the gut that really hurts Sydal. He turns to his side and Shelton backs up and then goes for the PAYDIRT!!!. . . . . HE HITS IT!. . . . . Sydal is feeling the impact of that and rolls towards the apron with the desperate champion scurrying across the canvas to make a cover, hooking Sydal’s near leg for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
Sydal gets his foot on the bottom rope to the relief and joy of the fans, and Shelton can’t believe it. He leans back in shock, staring at the foot that’s glaring back at him. Benjamin’s livid and pulls him away from the ropes to try for another cover with the referee counting the groggy Sydal’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
Sydal kicks out to the fury of the United States Champion, who leans back and stares a hole through the referee, questioning the count with his eyes. The ref stands up with the irate Benjamin joining him and telling him it was three, still in disbelief that he can’t put his arch nemesis away. The ref tries to tell him it was two, but he doesn’t want to hear it. He shrugs his shoulders and then turns round to see the King of the Ring trying to sit up. Benjamin walks over to him and reaches down to try and pull him up, but he’s in for a shock as Sydal sits up and pulls him in to a SMALL PACKAGE!! . . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
Kick Out! Shelton gets back up in a rush, followed by the still struggling challenger. The Gold Standard looks hell bent on putting his rival away and grabs him straight away, setting him up for an INVERTED FACE LOCK BACKBREAKER!!. . . . . There’s still life left in Sydal as he wriggles free and slips behind Benjamin. The champion turns round immediately, getting a kick to the gut, and the challenger thinks fast to plant him with a TORNADO DDT!!. . . . . He got all of it, and Shelton is out of it. He lays flat on his back a couple of feet away from the corner.
Still looking very sore, Sydal stands up and walks in to the corner, then steps through the ropes on to the apron. With the crowd cheering, the King of the Ring slowly begins to climb up to the top rope with Benjamin coming round. Sydal attempts to steady himself as Shelton gets to his feet and spots his opponent’s plan. He paces towards him and punches him in the chest, bringing Sydal’s plans to a grinding halt. He then climbs up to the second rope and tries to get Sydal in to place for a SUPERPLEX!!!. . . . .
He grabs Sydal’s head and pulls it under his arm, but the King of the Ring fights back again and shoves Shelton down to the mat. The champ isn’t moving as Sydal stands up again and steadies himself with the crowd rising to their feet, watching on as Sydal leaps up in to the air and comes down on Benjamin’s chest, connecting with the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!. . . . . HE HIT IT!. . . . . Sydal goes for the cover straight away, desperately clinging on to Benjamin’s leg as the referee gets in to place to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
DING DING DING!
Winner: By pinfall, and the new WWE United States Champion, Matt Sydal @ 14:44.
Aftermath: “Axeman” blasts out to a huge pop as Sydal leans back on to his knees in shock. He then throws his arms up in the air as the referee walks over to the apron and collects the United States Championship belt that Sydal can now call his own. The new champion stands up with a huge smile on his face and he can’t take his eyes off the belt as the ref presents it to him and then raises his arm up in the air to another big cheer from the sell out crowd. He then drops the title down in to both hands and takes a long look at it before walking in to the corner, where he climbs up to the second rope and throws it up in to the air, looking absolutely delighted.
The fans cheer and applaud the new United States Champion who then steps down and goes to the opposite corner, posing with the title some more as Shelton begins to sit up, looking absolutely gutted. As Sydal then steps down and turns round, he & Benjamin look at each other. Sydal doesn’t know how to react as Benjamin glares at him, frustrated as hell that he couldn’t beat his bitter rival again. Sydal then leaves the ring and heads back up the ramp, slapping hands with the fans with Benjamin shaking his head as he looks on. The King of the Ring and the new United States Champion stops as he gets to the stage and turns round to lift his title high up in to the air one more time, still enjoying the moment.
{Cut Backstage}
We go inside the locker room of ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair & the WWE Champion, Batista. It appears that there’a a tense mood with The Animal looking very serious and on edge. Flair’s seemingly trying to reassure him.
Ric Flair: Dave, listen t’ me, seriously. I know, I know more than anyone how important my match with Hun’er is t’night, believe me, but that’s not for you t’ worry about. You’ve got a huge,
HUGE match too. You’ve gotta think about that an’ that alone. F’get about me, ‘cause the only thing that should matter t’ you right now is making sure you do ev’rything, an’ I mean
EV’RYTHING you can t’ make sure you walk out of the elimination chamber with the W W E title. . . I’m telllin’ y’Dave, if your head’s not in that match, you can kiss goodbye to bein’ the W W E Champion, an’ I sure as hell don’t wanna be responsible f’ that.
Batista: After ev’rything we’ve been through, do you really think it’s that easy just to f’get that Hun’er can end your career later on t’night?
Ric Flair: That doesn’t matter right now.
Batista: Of course it matters. Sure I’m gonna give the elimination chamber ev’rything I’ve got. . .
Ric Flair: . . . There you go. That’s the only thing you have t’ worry about. You let me worry about Hun’er alright?. . . Alright?
Batista: Alright, but no matter what happens t’night. . . I want you t’ know that I’m so grateful f’ ev’rything you’ve done f’ me an’ I always will be.
Ric hugs Batista for a few seconds.
Ric Flair: Hey, it’s been a pleasure. Just keep hold o’ that title y’hear. Then maybe we could go at it.
Batista smiles as things get emotional between the remaining members of Evolution.
{Cut Backstage}
The new United States Champion, Matt Sydal is all smiles as he walks through the halls and past other happy people who applaud him and appear to be just as happy as he is at his victory. With the title draped over his shoulder, he comes to the end of a line of superstars where his friend, Elijah Burke stands along with his girlfriend, Layla. They’re clapping too, as is Mickie James, who’s stood next to Layla.
Elijah Burke: Come here champ.
Sydal grins and gets a congratulatory hug from Burke with Layla & Mickie still smiling right next to them.
Matt Sydal: Thanks man.
Elijah Burke: Y’did great out there man. I’m so proud o’ ya.
Matt looks down at his title for a second before looking back at Burke.
Matt Sydal: I’m proud of me too!
Layla: You should be. You were
amazing.
Sydal grins again, getting a little embarrassed.
Mickie James: You were. You deserved it.
Matt Sydal: Thanks, all of you. . . I’ll tell y’what. How about we all go out t’ celebrate, on me? After I get a shower that is.
They all seem to like that idea and Mickie looks a little smitten.
Elijah Burke: Oh you’ve got a deal my friend. . . You’re okay wit’ that right baby girl?
Layla: He said it’s on him, I’m very okay with that.
Matt Sydal: Alright I’ll go get changed. I won’t be long.
Sydal walks past them and Mickie turns round to face Burke & Layla.
Mickie James: When he said we all go out t’ celebrate, does he mean me too?
Layla: Yeah I think so, right baby?
Elijah Burke: I guess so. He won’t mind anyway. Y’know what he’s like.
Layla: Y’know ‘lijah, I think she wants t’ get t’ know him a bit more if you know what I mean.
Burke gets a nudge from Layla and Mickie starts to blush.
Mickie James: Layla.
Elijah Burke: You’ve still got time t’ jump in that shower wit’ ‘im if y’run. . . The United States title an’ a shower wit’ Mickie all in one night. He’s a lucky kid.
Layla: Oh, you’d like a shower with Mickie would you baby?
Elijah Burke: Oh hell yeah, but I’d love it even more if you were there too.
Layla: You wish.
Elijah Burke: Y’bet I do.
Layla: Well maybe we can arrange something if you’re a good boy.
Elijah Burke: Now that’s why I love y’girl.
Mickie James: I think I’ll leave you two to it.
Elijah Burke: Hey we’re only playin’. Come on, we’ll have fun.
Mickie James: That’s what I’m worried about.
Layla: Mickie, if you like Matt like I think you do, you have to come out. You won’t regret it, he’s the nicest guy I’ve ever met.
Mickie James: Really?
Elijah Burke: Yeah baby, really?
Layla: I don’t like nice, you know that you bad boy.
Layla slaps Burke’s behind to the surprise of Mickie, but Burke enjoys it. He & Layla then snuggle up.
Mickie James: This is going t’ be one strange night.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Smackdown, May 30th 2008
“Break The Walls Down” hits to a big pop as
Chris Jericho walks down to the ring, dressed in jeans and a white shirt with the top button undone. He picks up a microphone from the apron before stepping through the ropes to another big pop from the Canadian crowd.
Chris Jericho: Well, it’s been a long time, but Chris Jericho is back on Smackdown BABY!. . . As happy as I am to once again step foot in this ring, I’ve been thinking all day about what I was going to say when I got out here, but for once in my life I had no words. . . You don’t need to hear me tell you about just how great I am. I mean I’m the king of the world, everyone knows that, and let’s face it with the talent here on Smackdown opposed to Raw, I should be challenging to become the world champion. And that’s what I decided to talk about. . . the World Championship. Not me and my chances or desire to be the World Champion, but the World Championship match we witnessed at Judgment Day between two of the biggest names ever in this business. . . Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. . .
*Big Pop*
Chris Jericho: . . . And just like everyone else, I was excited. Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker could headline WrestleMania, but that didn’t matter as I sat down with my kids to watch what was no doubt an excellent match with two legends competing for the richest prize in our industry. . . However, as I sat and watched this match, it became clear to me that only one of these legends was at the top of their game, and that legend was Shawn Michaels. . . It was also clear to me that The Undertaker seems to have lost his way. . . It was painfully obvious that The Undertaker has become a mere shadow of what he used to be, clinging on to the reputation he’s managed to build up over all these years. You have to understand that I am in no way trying to diminish the legacy of The Undertaker, but there’s no getting away from the fact that he’s heading towards his own final journey.
A gong hits and the lights go out, followed by
“Deadman’s Symphony” with
The Undertaker walking down to the ring. Jericho remains calm as Taker climbs up the steps with the lights coming back on. Taker steps through the ropes and walks in to the middle of the ring, staring Jericho in the eyes from a couple of feet away.
Chris Jericho: Taker, I can understand how you would be upset or even angry by what I’ve said. It’s just my honest opinion of what I saw at Judgment Day, so I ask you to hear me out.
Taker’s expression remains the same with his eyes firmly locked on Jericho.
Chris Jericho: Where was The Undertaker of old that would beat his opponent before the match even started? What happened to the man that struck fear in to the heart of each of his opponents? . . . See Taker, I’m asking you this to your face as I simply don’t know anymore. You’re the only person that can convince us that your career isn’t on a rapid decline, because everyone that ordered Judgment Day last weekend will be under the impression that it’s just a matter of time before they watch The Undertaker walk away in to the night once again, but this will be the time that he doesn’t come back.
Taker steps forward, getting right in Jericho’s face, but Jericho isn’t fazed.
Chris Jericho: I’m telling you this for your own good, but I am going to leave with you one last thought. I want you to think about why you’re still here, where that burning desire is and if it will ever come back. And if it’s not there Undertaker, I think you need to take a very serious look about your next career step, because these people don’t want to see the same Undertaker that turned up at Judgment Day. If you can’t get back to the old Undertaker that reached those great heights, I think we both know it’s time you walked away once and for all.
There’s a look of blankness on The Undertaker’s face as Jericho then steps back and walks over to the ropes, stepping through them and walking to the back with Taker looking very much in deep thought.
***Smackdown, June 6th 2008
“Break The Walls Down” hits to a mixed reception with
Chris Jericho making his way down to the ring in a suit. He looks to be very serious as he steps in to the ring having collected a microphone.
Chris Jericho: I stand before you tonight with the need to set the record straight. . . It appears that a number of people took exception to the words I directed at The Undertaker last week, taking them out of context and becoming under the impression that I was in some way attempting to insult The Undertaker. . . But if you people want to know exactly what I think of what The Undertaker has become, I will tell you because I for one am not intimidated in the least by the dead man. . . The conclusion that I personally came too at Judgment Day was that The Undertaker has reached the end of the read. . . The bell has tolled on his near twenty year tenure in the WWE. You might not want to believe it, but I’m sure deep down that you all know that what I’m saying right now is the truth. It will indeed be a dark day, but it had to happen sometime, and that time is now for The Undertaker to do the right thing. And I’m sure you can hear me Undertaker, I’m not afraid to say that we’re waiting for you to close the lid on the casket for the final time. The question is Undertaker, are you too afraid to admit the truth? You need to realise. . .
*Gong*
The lights go out and
“Deadman’s Symphony” hits to a huge pop inside the arena as
The Undertaker slowly walks through the smoke and down to the ring. Jericho doesn’t look fazed as the dead man climbs up the steps and the lights come back on with Taker then climbing through the ropes and walking up to him with a menacing look in his eyes.
Chris Jericho: You’re an intelligent man Undertaker, and that’s why I believe you already know what I’m saying, I can see it in your eyes. For once in your career, you’re scared, but there’s nothing wrong with admitting that. . . Someone needs to put you out of your misery Undertaker, because the longer you stick around and ignore reality, your legacy will fade more and more in to insignificance, and I don’t believe you want that. What you’ve done is impressive, but Taker. . . you’re done.
Taker grabs Jericho by the throat and stares right at him with Jericho looking stunned as he stares right back. Taker pauses for several seconds before letting go to a ton of heat with Jericho smirking as he recovers from the choking while Taker keeps his eyes on him.
Chris Jericho: Right there, we all saw the fear Undertaker. You’re scared. . .
Taker loses it and grabs Jericho around the throat, and this time he chokeslams him down to the mat to a huge pop from the crowd. “Deadman’s Symphony” hits to a big pop as Taker stares down at the motionless Jericho.
***Later that night
CM Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion walks down to the ramp in quite a bad mood. As he gets in the ring, he pulls his shirt off and drops it down to the floor below, opting to keep the World Championship belt on his shoulder for as long as he can. The lights then go out as a gong hits with
“Deadman’s Symphony” then hitting to an enormous pop inside the arena. As smoke surrounds the stage,
The Undertaker then makes his entrance in to the arena, walking slowly out to the stage with Punk nervously staring up at the dead man. Taker stops at the top of the stage and looks down at Punk for a couple of seconds, but we then see
Chris Jericho run up behind him with a steel chair and drive it across the spine of The Undertaker. Boos ring out and the music stops as the lights also come back on.
Taker falls to his knees with Jericho then nailing him in the back once more with another shot from the chair, and then another. Taker falls on his front with Jericho then continuing the attack, nailing Taker with a further five shots across the back with the chair to a barrage of boos from the fans in attendance. Punk looks on from the ring grinning as Jericho then shifts to the side of Taker’s head and lifts the chair up above his head one more time before bringing it crashing down on to the back of the dead man’s head, resulting in a sickening thud. Boos continue to ring out around the arena as Jericho then drops the chair and looks in to the crowd with a sadistic smile on his face while they boo him out of the arena. He then turns round and smugly walks to the back while Punk walks over in to the middle of the ring and applauds Jericho as EMT’s then rush out to check on The Undertaker’s condition.
***Smackdown, 13th June 2008
Josh Matthews: Chris, first off I have to ask you about what happened last week when you not just prevented a main event for the World Heavyweight Championship, but attacked The Undertaker in the process in what was. . .
Chris Jericho: . . . In what was what Josh? A barbaric assault? . . . Quite frankly I’ve heard my actions described in many different ways over the last seven days, but not one person has said they were courageous, because that’s what they were. . . I did what had to be done for the sake of The Undertaker’s legacy, and if all these people had a single ounce of intelligence, they would see that my actions were courageous and that I did The Undertaker a favour. Whether he sees it that way or not is not my concern as I have to think about Chris Jericho right now, and as long as The Undertaker is still pushed ahead of me in to the limelight, then I have to take actions in to my own hands, and that’s why I did what I did last week. However, if The Undertaker continues to ignore the fact that’s staring him in the face. . . that being that his career is in its final stages, then I have to be the man that ensures he is guided in the right path so that he sees things as they really are. It should be people like me that are challenging for the World Championship, not someone on their last legs and in need of a desperate wake up call to see that it’s time to step in to the shadows once and for all.
***Smackdown, June 20th 2008
Non-Title Match
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
Punk continues to hold on, and despite Jericho’s determination to keep the Walls of Jericho locked in, the World Champion somehow manages to drag himself towards the ropes, starting to worry Jericho. He holds on for dear life, but Punk drags himself closer and closer, and he reaches out with the bottom rope within touching distance, and he gets there. That’s met differently by the crowd, but the arena’s hot as Jericho is forced to release the hold, which he does ever so reluctantly. He throws a strop at the referee as he stands up while Punk recovers by the ropes. Jericho then backs away from him and urges him up once again, setting his sights on a World Championship match, but as Punk sits up, the lights go out and a gong hits. The crowd goes nuts, and after about five seconds, the lights come back on to a huge roar with The Undertaker standing behind Jericho. The Canadian looks round nervously from side to side, but as he turns round to see the dead man, his jaw drops. The Undertaker then grabs him by the throat and lifts him up off his feet and in to the air, then sends him crashing down to the mat with a ferocious CHOKESLAM!!!. . . . . The referee is left with no choice but to call for the bell, awarding the match to Jericho by disqualification. Everyone is on their feet cheering as Taker stares down at Jericho, flat on his back and eyes wide shut in the middle of the ring.
***Smackdown, 18th July 2008
The Undertaker & Christian vs. Edge & Chris Jericho
Edge & Jericho made their entrances, then Christian. Captain Charisma got in the ring with Tomko and posed in the corner on the second rope with Jericho & Edge out of shot and out of the ring. They then stormed the ring behind the backs of Christian & Tomko with steel chairs in hand. Jericho nailed Tomko, and as Christian stepped off the ropes and turned round, The Rated-R Superstar drilled his brother with the other chair. The fans booed but things got worse for Christian as aided by Jericho, Edge placed one of the chairs under his brother's head before using the other to hit a con-chair-to to a barrage of boos. The Undertaker's gong and music hit, gaining the full attention of Jericho & Edge. They watched on carefully as Taker made his way down the ramp and the referee checked on Christian with Tomko having already rolled to the floor.
The dead man took off his jacket as usual, showing no fear as he stepped in to the ring. He charged at Jericho and knocked him down with a clothesline and ducked a chair shot from Edge. He grabbed him around the throat for a chokeslam, but Jericho low blowed him, sending him down to his knees. Jericho then grabbed the chair from Edge and smashed the phenom across the skull as he sat up. Taker fell flat on his chest and Edge turned to Christian before going over to get the other chair. He placed it under Taker's head and Jericho's face lit up. He smiled at The Rated-R Superstar, understanding what he was setting up and then gave the dead man a con-chair-to of his own. The fans booed even louder as their fellow Canadians looked down and smiled at their work.
Tazz comes out to the stage with a microphone in hand.
Tazz: Well done fellas, real impressive.
Edge & Jericho look up at him with big smiles on their faces.
Tazz: Y'know what? I'm real happy y'both look so pleased wit' yourselves based on what I'm 'bout to say. . . You're best off enjoyin' the moment while y'can guys 'cause let me tell y'somethin, the dead man an' Christian ain't gonna be like that f' long. . . An' that brings me t' you Chris. Y'wanna put Taker out o' his misery as y'put it?. . . Well you've got your chance, 'cause at SummerSlam, you're gonna take a trip t' the dark side when you face The Undertaker.
Jericho smirks slightly and Tazz stares right down at both of them.
***Smackdown, August 1st 2008
A suited & booted
Chris Jericho is standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand.
Chris Jericho: I accept that ev'ry single one of you are naive enough to believe The Undertaker's legacy actually amounts to something, but you have to accept that after SummerSlam, all that will you have of The Undertaker are memories of him and his legacy as you will never hear from or see him again.
The crowd boo the hell out of Jericho, and it doesn't bother him as much as it did before.
Chris Jericho: The sooner you accept that I am right the better, because it's not a matter of if I beat The Undertaker at SummerSlam and bring the curtain down on his
incredible career, it's a matter of when. . . And even though he refuses to accept what I've been saying all along, The Undertaker should be very concerned. . . he should be afraid of the outcome I've predicted and expect because when it comes to down to getting the job done in this ring, I am the best this world has to offer. . .
A gong echoes all around the arena and the lights go out, met with a deafening pop from the fans. Smoke is blown across the stage and out walks
The Undertaker, sending the crowd crazy. Jericho watches on intently as the always menacing Undertaker slowly makes his way down the ramp. He then walks up the steps and up come the lights to a huge roar with Jericho staring right at the phenom, and as Taker climbs through the ropes, he picks a microphone up off the apron. He then walks towards Jericho, and both men lock their eyes on each other, doing their best to unsettle the other. Taker then steps back and lifts the microphone to his mouth.
The Undertaker: Hell and fury lies in wait at SummerSlam. You will be subjected to misery and suffering you never thought existed. . . Many mortals who have suffered at my hands refused to acknowledge their fear, yet they have all fallen at my hands. . . You will not be an exception. . .
Chris Jericho: . . . Yes I will because I am not just
any mortal. I am the best in the world at what I do and I do not fear you,
the dark side or the unkown
one tiny bit. . . The Undertaker has finally reached the end of the road and the time is near for you to
rest in pea. . .
Taker grabs Jericho around the throat, sending the crowd crazy. He stares right in to his eyes, and Jericho looks scared now with the phenom glaring in to his soul. As the dead man then lifts him off his feet for a chokeslam, Jericho manages to jump down and flees to safety. The fans boo as he back tracks from the ring and heads towards the ramp, looking very relieved to have dodged that bullet, and The Undertaker has him firmly in his sights, not taking his eyes off of Jericho. A gong hits again, then The Undertaker's music hits to a big pop with Jericho definitely unsettled as he looks up at his future, a date with destiny at SummerSlam with The Undertaker.
***Smackdown, August 8th 2008
A very serious
Chris Jericho is being interviewed by
Maria.
Chris Jericho: The Undertaker is the one that should be intimidated, and when he looked in to my eyes last week, he was. He saw that I do not fear him and that I see through his so called decade of destruction. That is why he panicked and reacted by chokeslamming me, a mistake that will come back to haunt him because no one makes a fool out of Chris Jericho. . . Now I realise that statement will fall on deaf ears but you have to understand that I am in the best in the world at what I do, better even than The Undertaker, and that is why in nine days the entire world will have no choice but to accept ev’ry last word I’ve said about The Undertaker because
I vow to the watching world that I can and will defeat the dead man. . . Then nobody will ever doubt Chris Jericho ever again.
***Later that night
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Taker grabbed hold of the worn down Michaels by the throat and it looked like only a matter of time before he would gain the win. As he then lifted Michaels for a chokeslam, The Showstopper jumped down and landed on his feet. He threw a wild right that rattled Taker and turned back in to the ropes, ran back and went for another flying forearm, but Taker ducked and Michaels collided with the referee. The crowd were stunned, as was Michaels. Still on his knees, he gazed down in shock at the referee lying there helpless.
Meanwhile, The Undertaker was only thinking about his opponent and not the referee, raising his right hand in to the air, getting ready seemingly for a chokeslam. Jericho looked round for some reason, as if he was checking the coast was clear before then sneaking in the ring. The fans tried to warn the dead man, but he was too focused on Michaels to notice as Jericho walked up behind him and sent him down to the mat in agony with a Codebreaker. The fans didn’t hold back in letting Jericho know what they thought of him, booing the crap out of him. He looked down and smiled sadistically at seeing his SummerSlam opponent out of it.
***Smackdown, August 15th 2008 (Two nights ago)
Chris Jericho, suited and booted walks out to the stage and shows a look of total disgust at the reaction of the English crowd. He continues down the ramp looking very serious and displeased with the negative reception of the crowd. With the same frown on his face as he gets in the ring, he walks over to the apron and asks for a microphone, then walks back in to the centre of the ring. The music cuts and the boos echo around the LG Arena, continuing to frustrate Jericho.
Chris Jericho: For nearly twenty years, it is said that The Undertaker has reigned supreme in the WWE, destroying ev’ryone in his path when in fact that is simply not the case. . . The naïve wrestling world failed to see what was staring them in the face. The Undertaker is not and never has been a success as far as championships are concerned. His legacy has been built on the
supposed fear he puts in to his opponents and the
remarkable WrestleMania winning streak. That streak includes victories over other
legends like Giant Gonzalez,
‘The Supreme Fighting Machine’ Kama, A-Train and Mark Henry. That is the point I’ve been trying to make all along. The record of The Undertaker is not what it appears to be. . . There is no doubt in my mind that I would have beaten The Undertaker on the greatest stage of them all. I am not greedy however as I would happily accept the victory I will gain at SummerSlam. . . Just like last week, The Undertaker will suffer defeat at SummerSlam, this time at the hands of Chris Jericho, and let me remind you that I am the best in the world at what I do. That is why the dead man will. . .
*GONG*
The lights go out inside the LG Arena to a massive cheer as a casket is wheeled out by
six druids. A white spotlight in the ring shines down on Jericho, who does look spooked. He watches the druids’ every move as they push the coffin down the ramp and up against the apron. The druids then walk back up the ramp with the lights still out while Jericho nervously looks towards the casket with no sign of The Undertaker. As the druids walk through the curtain, the lights are still out except the one spotlight and Jericho hesitantly walks over to the apron, staring at the casket the entire time. He looks down at it and thinks about reaching over to open the lid, changing his mind as he’s about to do it.
He then plucks up the courage and grabs the lid, then pulls it slightly and the lights go out to a big pop. As they come back on, there’s a big pop and the casket is being held open by Jericho, but he doesn’t see that
The Undertaker is standing behind him looking as menacing as ever. The tron has zoomed in on the side of Jericho’s face, and he can’t see the dead man lurking behind him with his right arm raised for the chokeslam. A worried Jericho drops the lid, and as he turns round slowly, Taker grabs him by the throat to a huge roar and steps back away from the ropes, turns round and chokeslams The King of the World.
The fans cheer like crazy as Taker then signals for the Tombstone with Jericho laid out at his feet. The phenom reaches down and drags the lifeless Jericho up, then scoops him over his shoulder and it to position for the Tombstone Piledriver. The fans are going crazy and Taker now drops to his knees and drills Jericho’s head in to the canvas, generating another massive cheer from the English fans. “Graveyard Symphony” plays and the lights go out with a purple spotlight shining down on Taker who leans back and poses by lifting his right hand up as if he was signalling for the urn. He then drops the arm and stares down at the lifeless Jericho as Smackdown comes to a close.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #5*
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho
Last 10/15 Minutes: The intense as ever Undertaker reaches down and pulls the weary Jericho back up to his feet and scoops him up on to his shoulder. He now steps back and runs in to the corner, looking to drop his opponent on to the pads head first for the snake eyes, but Jericho wriggles free and to safety down the dead man’s back. The desperate and resourceful Canadian quickly chops blocks him in the back of the ankle. Taker drops to the mat with the heavy breathing Jericho smirking on his knees in to the crowd. They boo him and he revels in it, slowly standing up with a wry smile on his face before grabbing hold of the top rope, using it leverage as he jumps up and stamps down on the phenom’s left ankle.
He smirks again as The Undertaker grabs his ankle, clearly in agony, but Jericho’s not done. He turns round and grabs the ankle, then rests it on the bottom rope. The King of the World grabs the top rope again before stamping on The Undertaker’s ankle, and he does it again with the dead man pulling himself and his ankle away as Jericho turns round and looks down with a great deal of satisfaction. The Undertaker rolls around clutching his ankle with his opponent walking out towards him, taunting the phenom as he tries to get up. Jericho lets him as Taker hobbles up to his feet.
The Canadian quickly sends him back down with a swift kick to the side of the ankle. Jericho enjoys the sight of The Undertaker struggling, and as the dead man tries to get up again, Jericho watches intently, then walks past him in to the corner. He steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top rope with Taker getting to his knees. Jericho steadies himself and then jumps off, planting the phenom with a DIVING BULLDOG!. . . . . The calm and collected Canadian shimmies forward on his knees as Taker rolls on to his back with his opponent then hooking his leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
The Undertaker kicks out and Jericho isn’t as cool anymore. He stands back up with Taker still looking troubled by his ankle, and Jericho looks to capitalise. He grabs his opponent’s left leg and applies a SINGLE LEG LOCK!!. . . . . Jericho drops to the mat and applies the pressure to the dead man’s already injured ankle. Taker holds on despite clearly being in severe pain with Jericho leaning back, sat up with his hands firmly placed on the mat, pressing down on them to get more leverage. The fans try to encourage the phenom, and it has an effect as The Undertaker responds, fighting to hang on in by sitting up and driving his right boot towards Jericho.
He’s not getting close enough until one powerful strike connects with his opponent’s face. So much so that Jericho’s knocked back on to his back with the hold being released as a result. Jericho’s been dazed by that blow and Taker’s struggling in a big way as he pulls his legs in to his body. He tries to stand up, as does Jericho, and The Undertaker is finding it very hard to do so, not able to put much weight on his left leg. He hobbles to the ropes and uses them to help him get his balance when Jericho charges at him, and Taker sees him coming, then lifts him over his shoulder and over the ropes.
The crowd’s cheers don’t last long at all as Jericho lands on the apron. Taker turns round in shock and ends up getting his neck snapped down on to the top rope. Jericho then slips back in the ring as Taker hobbles around with Jericho then taking him down with a snap mare. He then levels him in the back with a stiff kick to the back. Taker falls back flat on to his back with Jericho then turning to the side and running the ropes, spring boarding and hitting the LIONSAULT!!. . . . . He gets all of it and lands on the dead man’s chest, reaches to the side and grabs his leg for a cover with the referee rushing across to drop to his knees and make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO! The Undertaker gets his shoulder up, much to the inconvenience of Jericho. The very serious Canadian stares down at him with disgust as the phenom tries to sit up. Jericho slowly returns to his feet and backs away from his opponent, allowing him to try and get back up. He doesn’t take his eyes off of the struggling Undertaker, who still finds it difficult to put any weight on his left leg. As he gets up, Jericho loses it and runs back towards him, going for the CODE BREAKER!!!. . . . . No! Taker pulls back and Jericho falls to the mat, resulting in a big cheer inside the HP Pavilion. The Undertaker, still hobbling, reaches down and pulls his opponent back up.
He whips him in to the ropes and lifts his right boot up, looking to drive it in to Jericho’s face, but the Canadian ducks underneath it. Both men turn round in a hurry with Jericho acting first to send the dead man back down by drop-kicking his left leg. Jericho’s not smiling now. He firmly means business, going right back after his opponent. He grabs The Undertaker’s left boot and turns him over on to his stomach, then tries to apply the ANKLE LOCK!!. . . . . Taker fights it though instantly and doesn’t let Jericho lock it in, turning over on to his back and driving his right boot in to Jericho’s face again to a pop from the California crowd.
Jericho falls back and hits the mat with Taker trying to stand up again. The Canadian makes his way back up and sees his opponent’s still unsteady on his feet, and then runs at him for a clothesline. Taker ducks it and then plants him with a SIDEWALK SLAM!!. . . . . The crowd cheers again as Taker stands back up, glaring at the squirming Jericho with both men then trying to get back up. The dead man doesn’t take his eyes off Jericho for a second, looking as menacing as ever as he grabs Jericho by the wrist and whips him in to the corner. He runs in at him and clobbers with a hard clothesline across the upper torso.
He then whips him hard in to the opposite corner and follows in at him to level him with another vicious clothesline. He then turns round and runs in to the ropes as a groggy Jericho staggers out of the corner and is then drilled by an oncoming Jericho with a BIG BOOT TO THE FACE!!. . . . . Jericho appears to be in trouble as he sits up looking very dazed with Taker staring at him. The dead man then raises his right hand up in the air, seemingly sizing his opponent up for a CHOKESLAM!!. . . . .
Jericho unwittingly stands back up and is grabbed around the throat by the focused Undertaker. He stares a hole deep inside Jericho’s soul as he chokes him with the fans cheering. He then lifts his opponent off his feet, but Jericho jumps down to safety, surprising the dead man who gets a kick to the ankle. The desperate Jericho watches Taker drop on to one knee and then backs away from him before running back at him to nail him with a RUNNING ENZUIGIRI!!. . . . . Taker falls back and doesn’t appear to be moving as Jericho scurries across on his knees to make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Jericho looks down in shock as The Undertaker gets his shoulder up. The Canadian can’t believe it and gazes across at the referee, clearly believing he’s got it wrong, but he hasn’t. Jericho quickly figures it out and loses his head. He stands up right away and shifts round to the dead man’s legs, lifts them up off the mat and tries to turn him on to his back for the WALLS OF JERICHO!!!. . . . . Taker tries to block it and Jericho’s shocked. He’s not relenting though and uses every bit of strength he has to turn him over and lock in the deadly submission hold, frightening the hell out of the San Jose crowd.
“TAKER, TAKER, TAKER. . .”
The red-faced Jericho shuts out the chants and puts a ton of pressure on Taker’s lower back, doing everything he can to make his opponent tap out. It’s not happening though as The Undertaker gives it everything he has to escape the hold with the fans still cheering him on. He drags himself towards the ropes, concerning Jericho, who tries to keep the hold locked in as Taker gets closer to the ropes, within touching distance of them. He reaches his hand out, trying to grab the bottom rope, but Jericho drags him away from the ropes and keeps the pressure on the pain ridden Undertaker.
The fans are concerned but continue to chant and try to encourage him by chanting his name. He responds to the encouragement and drags himself towards the ropes again, getting close to them with Jericho panicking again. This time he can’t stop The Undertaker getting there as he reaches out to grab the bottom rope to the relief and ecstasy of the sell-out crowd. Jericho’s in shock again and keeps the hold locked in. The ref tells him to let the hold go, and he only does so at the count of four.
He reluctantly stands up and is held back by the referee as The Undertaker clings on to the bottom rope in a whole world of pain. He begins to sit up with Jericho desperate to get back at him, walking past the referee to reach down and pull him up, but Taker shoves him away. Taker pulls himself up using the ropes as Jericho runs back at him and in to an extended elbow from the dead man. The Canadian is sent staggering away from the ropes, and as they walk out towards each other, Taker whips him in to the opposite side of the ring and off the ropes.
The phenom turns round and hits the ropes himself, running back to meet Jericho in the centre of the ring and send him head first in to the mat, drilling him with a RUNNING DDT!!. . . . . A big pop meets that as Jericho sits up in a spin, not knowing where he is as the focused as hell Undertaker stands back up, still with difficulty. He pulls his straps down as Jericho gets to his feet and turns round to the face dead man, and the phenom grabs him by the throat, then lifts him off his feet and plants him with a CHOKESLAM!!. . . . . Jericho is flat on his back, not moving, and The Undertaker drops to his knees, hooks the leg with the referee rushing across to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Shoulder up! A barely lifeless Jericho lifts his head up, and The Undertaker stands back up, staring down menacingly at his opponent. He then brings his arm across his neck, signalling for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!!. . . . . Jericho’s in deep trouble now as he struggles to his feet, and unbeknown to him, Taker is getting ready to finish him off. Jericho gets up, still dazed as he turns round and is scooped off his feet and up on to the dead man’s shoulder. The Canadian wriggles around, trying desperately to escape, and he does so.
He slips down Taker’s back and grabs him around the waist, seemingly trying for a german suplex, but Taker easily blocks it by swinging his elbow back in to the side of Jericho’s head. Some fans cheer as the starry eyed Jericho falls to the mat and crawls to the ropes holding his head. The phenom wanders across and tries to drag him back up, but the clever Jericho jumps back up and catches him with the CODE BREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!!!. . . . . Taker’s in real danger as he hits the mat with Jericho throwing himself on top of him and hooking the near leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
. . . . .
NO! The Undertaker gets his foot on the rope to a huge pop. Jericho leans back in amazement, looking in to the crowd, completely gob smacked that the dead man clung on. He looks up at the referee again in hope that it’s a mistake. It’s not and Jericho realises that. He snaps out of the shock as he sees Taker getting back up by the ropes, and Jericho stands back up. He helps Taker up and goes for another CODE BREAKER RIGHT BY THE ROPES!!!. . . . . Taker blocks it and holds on to the top rope as Jericho hits the deck. With the fans cheering, Taker bends down and tries to drag his opponent up, but the devious Canadian pushes him away.
The dead man stumbles back in to the referee with his back knocking the ref down to the canvas. Taker turns round and sees the ref isn’t moving as Jericho reaches in to his trunks and pulls out what appears to be brass knucks. Some of the fans realise and boo as Jericho slips them on to his fingers, and Taker turns round, not having a clue. He walks over to him and is about to pull him up when Jericho stands up and NAILS HIM WITH THE KNUCKS!!!. . . . . The fans boo like crazy and Jericho quickly disposes of them, putting them back in his trunks when he sees the referee is on the mat too. The dead man is flat out and Jericho goes to the ref.
He looks worried and tries to shake some life in to him, and it works. The ref comes to, much to Jericho’s relief. But as he turns round, he sees The Undertaker coming round too. The dead man looks like he is all but a dead man. The lights are on but no one’s home as Jericho shifts round and urges him to get back up. Slowly he does so, unaware of Jericho lurking with serious intent. Taker just about gets to his feet and turns round when Jericho explodes with the CODE BREAKER!!!. . . . . He got all of it and crawls round on his knees straight away and throws himself in to a cover as the shaky ref crawls across on his knees to count the dead man’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
IT’S OVER!
Winner: Chris Jericho by pinfall @ 19:08.
Aftermath: “Break Down The Walls” hits to a ton of heat as Jericho stands up with a real smug look on his face. The groggy referee picks himself back up while Jericho smirks at the fans that are booing him, but when he gets up, he raises the cocky Jericho’s arm in victory. Still grinning widely, he walks to the ropes and laughs at the fans before turning round to leave the ring. He walks up the ramp and turns round, still smirking as The Undertaker tries to sit up, gazing in his direction. Jericho laughs at him as Taker stares a hole through him, not that it changes the smug Jericho’s mood one bit.
{Cut Backstage}
Todd Grisham is standing by at the interview set.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest at this time. He is the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk.
The camera zooms out and we get to see a very serious CM Punk standing alongside Grisham. The Straight-Edge Superstar is wearing one of his own black T-shirts, and the glittering world title is draped over his shoulder.
Todd Grisham: Later on this evening, you will be defending the world title against ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels. . . Some people have claimed this is the biggest match of your career. Would you agree with that statement and how are you feeling about facing Shawn Michaels t’night?
CM Punk: One of the reasons I make such a great world champion is that I don’t get carried away with my own success. I know exactly what challenge faces me ev’ry time I step in that ring, and t’night’s no diff’rent. . . In fact, t’night is diff’rent Todd. I’m more prepared than I ever have been. I know ev’rything there is to know about The Showstopper. I know how good Shawn Michaels is on this stage. I’ve seen all his big matches throughout his career, and when it comes to the big occasion like t’night, there truly is no one better than Shawn Michaels. That’s why I have t’ raise my game to a whole new level when I step in t’ that ring later on, and that’s exactly what I’ll do, because this title means ev’rything t’ me. I’ve worked my ass off to even get a shot in this company, so there’s no way I’m gonna rest on my laurels now that I am the World Heavyweight Champion.
Todd Grisham: I’m sure you won’t mind me saying this as you said it yourself that there were questions raised in regard to you being the world champion due to the manner in which you won it from Shawn Michaels at Judgment Day. . . You overcame massive odds to retain the title that night, but t’night no one is making you an underdog. Do you feel that you’ve managed to prove yourself to those people that questioned your right to be the champion?
CM Punk: Admittedly I didn’t win my first world title in the manner I would have wanted. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t have won it on a night like this, but that doesn’t change the fact I won the title
fair and square. That’s the beauty of money in the bank. It presents you with the kind of opportunity I found myself in at Judgment Day. I was smart and I’m not ever going to apologise for what happened that night. . . To answer your question, yeah I do think I’ve proved myself as a more than capable world champion, and I think people f’get that you don’t just become a worthy world champion from the moment you’re presented with that shiny belt you’ve worked your entire life for. I’ve worked to get where I am today and in to situations like this on the big stage against the biggest names this industry’s ever seen, so that one day CM Punk will be one of those names. T’night is where my legacy begins, and where better f’ when people look back at this night years from now to the night that I defeated The Showstopper, where I proved I could compete with the very best this industry has to offer. . . I know that I have the ability and the desire to do just that, and if I beat Shawn Michaels t’night, then the CM Punk legacy begins right here.
Punk stares intently in to the camera then walks out leaving Grisham all alone.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Vengeance, May 29th 2008
Eric Bischoff: You are gonna see a WWE Championship match here t’night, I assure you of that. . . So, whoever wins out of you two will go on t’ face Kane in a triple threat match along with the man who claims the pinfall or submission in our next match between Evolution and The Corporation.
Mr. Kennedy vs. Randy Orton
They’re both groggy as they return to their feet, Orton stands behind Kennedy, waiting for him to turn round, and as he does so, Orton grabs him by the head, going for the RKO!!!. . . . . Kennedy blocks it though and shoves Orton in to the ropes. Orton bounces right back in to a kick to the gut with Kennedy looking to hit THE MIC CHECK AGAIN!!!. . . . . Orton doesn’t allow it and elbows him in the side of the head to escape again, sending Kennedy round in a spin. As Kennedy then turns back round, Orton leaps up and explodes with the RKO!!!. . . . . The Viper crawls across and turns the lifeless Kennedy over on to his back and hooks the leg for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
Orton stands back up to heat from the crowd with “Voices” playing, drowning most of the boos out. He gets his arm raised while looking very sadistic, and he then looks down at the motionless Kennedy.
***Later that night
A serious
Randy Orton is being interviewed by
Todd Grisham.
Randy Orton: I will take back the WWE Championship. . . THERE IS NOTHING OR NO ONE WHO’S GONNA STOP ME WALKING OUT O’ HERE T’NIGHT AS THE WWE CHAMPION.
***Even later that night
Evolution vs. The Corporation
Show’s not impressed though and as he stands back up, the complacency is gone. He’s found his mean streak and taunts The Game, urging him to get up. Show raises his hand up in the air, signalling for the CHOKESLAM!!!. . . . . Slowly but surely Triple H finds a way back up, but as he gets up, Show grabs him by the throat again and lifts him up in to the air. He keeps him there for a couple of seconds, and The Game starts to wriggle about and then manages to jump down to his feet, landing close to the ropes. Batista walks across the apron and taps him on the back for a blind tag, and it’s acknowledged by the referee. Batista steps inside, but The Game doesn’t notice and goes right back to the stunned Big Show, kicks him in the gut and CONNECTS WITH THE PEDIGREE!!!. . . . .
The crowd explodes, but as Triple H turns Show on to his back, Batista steps in and drops down to make the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No, Triple H pulls Batista up to his feet. The bemused Triple H asks Batista what he’s doing, and The Animal tries to explain and motions to him that he made the tag. The Game angrily shakes his head and shoves his team-mate in the chest in front of the confused fans. Flair then gets in the ring as Batista steps forward and shoves Triple H to the amusement of JBL. With Evolution arguing, Show crawls towards his corner as Flair tries to cool things down with Show then tagging in Kozlov. The big Russian hit-man walks towards the bickering trio and knocks Batista down to his knees with a double axe-handle.
Triple H then hammers away at him and sends him down to the mat with a fierce right hand. That angers JBL, and he decides to get involved. He climbs in the ring and runs right at The Game, but Triple H sees him coming and kicks him in the gut, then grabs him by the tights and turns round to toss him over the top rope to the floor below. Triple H stares down at JBL as Kozlov & Batista make their way back up behind him. Flair tries to warn them as Triple H turns round and sees Kozlov run at Batista, but The Animal steps to the side as Kozlov runs through and clotheslines Triple H over the top rope and to the outside. Kozlov turns round frantically and runs at The Animal, right in to a SPINEBUSTER!!!. . . . .
The fans are on their feet as Batista stands back up, but Show is in the ring and runs at Flair, knocking him down with a clothesline. Batista gets up in time to turn back in to the ropes and run back at Show to take him down with a SPEAR!!!. . . . . The fans are going nuts, and as Batista stands back up, Kozlov struggles to his feet in front of him. Everyone else is down and out, and Batista takes full advantage by pulling Kozlov in to his body before lifting him up above his head and sending him crashing down to the mat with a huge BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . The fans are all on their feet as Batista crawls forward and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“Line in the Sand” blasts out to a massive pop. Batista stands up and gets his arm raised by the referee, and is then joined by Flair as he gets up. The Nature Boy hugs Batista as Triple H gets up on the outside and sees his two team-mates celebrating. JBL looks furious as he sits up, and The Game doesn’t look too happy either as he slides back in the ring. Flair & Batista pull away from the hug and see The Game standing there staring at them. The Nature Boy smiles widely at him and walks over to hug Triple H, but The Game just stares right over his shoulder at Batista. The Animal stares back at him with Flair then pulling back and grabbing both men by the arm, then raises both of them in to the air.
***Later on that night
All three members of Evolution are stood in the production area with
Batista psyching himself up for the big match coming up next.
Ric Flair & Triple H are stood at the side of him with The Game looking very envious while Flair is almost beaming.
Ric Flair: I know it came out of the blue Dave, but this is what it’s all about. You’ve got a chance t’ be the man right here right now, and big man, I know y’can do it. Make me proud.
Flair hugs Batista for a couple of seconds and pats his back as they pull away.
Batista: Thanks Ric, I won’t let y’down.
Flair smiles as he turns round to face Triple H, who stares directly at Batista with a look that could kill.
Ric Flair: What the hell’s the matter with you? The least y’could do is be supportive.
The Game slowly turns his head towards Flair and gives him a similar look before turning back to Batista, still scowling.
Triple H: Good luck.
After that ungracious message of support, he shrugs his way past The Animal and out of the shot, leaving Flair shaking his head in anger, but Batista doesn’t look bothered.
Ric Flair: I can’t believe him. . .
Batista: . . . Seriously, it’s not a problem. I said after t’night we were through anyway. He can do whatever he wants and so can I, starting right now.
Ric Flair: Well, he might not be behind y’t’night, but I sure as hell I am.
WWE Championship
Batista vs. Kane (c) vs. Randy Orton
He then whips The Animal in to the ropes, but as the big man comes back off the ropes, he takes the champion down with a DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE!!. . . . . The crowd cheer again as they both pick themselves up, and as Kane walks towards him, Batista leans forward and lifts him off his feet to send his back forcefully in to the mat with a SPINEBUSTER!!. . . . . That gets the crowd going, and Batista then lifts his thumbs up again, bringing an incredibly worried Bearer up on to the apron. Batista walks towards him, but Flair has it covered.
He walks round and pulls him down, then lays him out with a right hand to another huge pop. Batista smiles down at his mentor before turning round and walking over to Kane. The Big Red Machine tries to get on to one knee, and The Animal gives him a helping hand. He drags him in to his body, setting him up for the BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . He gets Kane up in the air and nails it. The champion is helpless, Orton is only starting to come round by the ropes and the crowd are on their feet as Batista crawls forward and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3!. . . . . It’s over despite a despairing lunge from Orton. We have a new WWE Champion!
“I Walk Alone” blasts out to a deafening cheer inside the Joe Louis Arena. Batista leans back on his knees looking absolutely overwhelmed, nearly shedding a tear as Flair walks round to collect the WWE title belt. An extremely angry Orton sits up and stares across at Flair, who then climbs in to the ring and hands the title over to the new WWE Champion. The Animal stands up and raises it in to the air while getting his arm raised aloft by both the ref and Flair. Batista then hugs Flair before walking in to the corner and climbing up to the second rope to pose with the title, sending the Detroit crowd nuts. The huge smile on Batista’s face is in great contrast to the bitter look on Orton’s. The Legend Killer stands up and stares across at Batista for several seconds before stepping through the ropes with disgust, leaving Batista & Flair all alone. The Animal then steps down and walks across to hug an elated Flair one more time as the show then comes to a close.
***Raw, June 30th 2008
Batista & Ric Flair walked through the back and into their locker room to be greeted by
Triple H. There was a lot of tension in the air as no one knew what to say. Batista & Flair then walked in and let the door shut with Triple H then saying that he had something he needed to say. He apologised to them for being so caught up in his problems with Vince & The Corporation and admitted that everything got way out of control. He appeared to be very humble and then said that he was very grateful to them for helping him out when they didn’t need to and that everything worked out because they won the war last night. He went on to say that if he couldn’t be the WWE Champion, he was just glad one of them is and that he was happy for Batista before apologising again and offering his hand out to him. The Animal smiled and shook, delighting Flair. The Nature Boy said he was glad they cleared the air and now everything was sorted between them.
***Later that night
WWE Championship
Batista (c) vs. Kane
The Animal looked to finish the match off, signalling for the Batista Bomb. The crowd went nuts while Bearer panicked in a big way. He jumped up to the apron, catching the referee’s attention, and Batista’s. The WWE Champion walked over to him with the referee, and as he did so, Randy Orton jumped the barricade and slid in to the ring behind them both. The ref told Batista he would deal with Bearer, and as The Animal turned round, Orton caught him with the RKO to a ton of heat in the area. Ric Flair & Triple H then ran down to the ring and scared off Orton, who left through the crowd as Bearer stepped down off the apron. Both Batista & Kane made their way back up with Kane trying for a Chokeslam and hitting it, but the defending champion kicked out at two with Evolution cheering him on from the outside. Kane then got back up and signalled for the Tombstone Piledriver, but as he tried to scoop his opponent up, Batista slipped down his back and shoved him in to the ropes. As Kane came back, Batista levelled him with another Spinebuster. The Animal didn’t waste any time in dragging him right back up to plant him with the Batista Bomb. The crowd went nuts as Triple H then blocked off Bearer, allowing Batista to make the cover and win the match to retain his title and send Kane & Bearer out of the WWE forever.
Triple H went round and collected the world title as Flair got in the ring to congratulate Batista. Bearer started crying on the outside, watching on helplessly as Flair and the referee raised Batista’s arms in the air. All smiles, The Game climbed in to the ring with Batista’s belt. He walked towards them with Evolution all smiles. The Game then was about to pass him the title but pulled it back. Batista & Flair looked confused before Triple H then drilled Batista right in the face with the belt. The music stopped and the crowd booed as Triple H stared down intensely at Batista, leaving Flair shell shocked. The Game then looked up and dropped the title on the champion with Flair begging for answers, and he got one in the shape of a Pedigree. The fans booed like crazy as Triple H got back up and looked down at them both with no remorse whatsoever.
***Raw, July 7th 2008
“The Game” blasts out to a ton of heat from the crowd as a very intense
Triple H walks in to the arena, interrupting a ticked off
Eric Bischoff. Wearing jeans, a T-shirt and a leather jacket, The Game walks down to the ring with Bischoff not looking very happy at all to see him as Triple H then collects a microphone.
Triple H: All I have one is very simple request. Well it’s more of a demand. . . I want Batista, and I want him right here t’night.
Eric Bischoff: Do you not remember what you did last week?. . . See Hun’er, turning on your friends and telling the world that you’re a selfish, two-faced individual at the same time isn’t something that I can punish you for, but you put your hands on a referee, one of my referees. . . That’s the reason why you won’t be facing Batista t’night or any other night in the near future, because as of right now you’re suspended indefinitely.
Eric Bischoff: Now if you don’t mind, I’d like t’ have some security officers come down here and escort this man
off my show.
A group of six security workers walk down the ramp and in to the ring, and then grab hold of The Game.
Triple H: Bischoff, rest assured you’re gonna be very, very sorry. Mark my words.
Eric Bischoff: Get him out o’ here.
***Later that night
Triple H is shown being escorted in to the parking lot and to his car by security. He opens his car door and they back away, but as Triple H turns his head, he looks surprised. The camera pans to the right to show a pissed
Ric Flair storming towards him with a calmer
Batista following behind.
Ric Flair: YOU NO GOOD SON OF A BITCH!
Security quickly block Flair off, but he tries to get past them.
Ric Flair: WHY’D YOU DO IT HUH? COME ON, DON’T HIDE BEHIND THEM YOU COWARD.
Triple H stares right at Flair, who is still being held back by security with Batista standing behind him.
Batista: Forget it Ric, he’s not worth it.
Flair backs down, as do security.
Ric Flair: You’re right Dave. I don’t know what I was thinkin’. He’s nothin’.
***Later that night
Non-Title Match
Batista vs. Randy Orton
As the champion got to his feet, Orton went for the RKO, but Batista pushed him back in to the ropes and kicked him in the gut as he came back. He then pulled him in to place and planted him with the Batista Bomb. Just as he was about to go for the cover, Triple H made his way down the ramp with a sledgehammer in hand. Flair was standing with his back to the ramp, totally unaware of The Game approaching behind him. The fans tried to warn him, and so did Batista as he turned round in a horror. Flair didn’t know what was going on as he turned right round in to a shot to the head with the sledgehammer. Triple H then slid inside the ring as Batista got to his feet. Batista went right for him but ran right in to a shot of The Game’s trusted ally, causing the referee to call for the bell. He too then fell foul of sledgy as The Game looked down at the carnage.
The camera cuts to the back and there’s a lot of noise with several officials & backstage workers rallying round and calling for help. We then see one of the referees turn round and drop to his knees, and we’re greeted by the sight of Eric Bischoff laid out face down across the floor. EMT’s rush over to him while the camera switches back to the arena with the footage in the back being shown on the tron for the fans to see, as well as a smirking Triple H.
***Raw, July 14th 2008
Linda McMahon's music plays and she walks down to the ring surrounded by security. The fans cheer and she gives them a brief smile, clearly meaning business here tonight. She collects a microphone and stands in the middle of the ring to address the Richmond crowd while the security cover all sides of the ring.
Linda McMahon: As I'm sure you're all aware, the Head of Authority for Monday Night Raw, Eric Bischoff was taken to a local medical facility last week following an incident backstage. . . It's very clear that a replacement is required in order to calm the storm and keep things ticking over as we head in to SummerSlam. . . So, ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you, the acting General Manager of Raw, Tazz.
"13" hits and a very happy
Tazz walks down to the ring, dressed in a suit and shakes Linda's hand as he steps inside the squared circle.
Tazz: It's pretty obvious that we've got a lot o' egos an' attitude runnin' riot on Raw, but I gotta tell ya, that ends right here right now. I sure as hell ain't gonna let anyone get away with doin' whatever the hell they want. 'cause as of right now, things are gonna change. . .
"King of Kings" blasts out & an intense
Triple H walks down the ramp to a ton of heat. He gets to the ring and stops to stare at the security workers before climbing up the steps and entering the ring. Security turn round and face the ring, keeping their eyes firmly on The King of Kings. Tazz doesn't look best pleased as he watches Triple H walk past him to get a microphone of his own and then join him in the middle of the ring.
Triple H: With Bischoff out of the way, it's down t' you to give me what I want. . . I want Batista one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Tazz: There's no way in hell I'm gonna give you a shot at the WWE Championship. . . See I ain't a believer in people sittin' at home as a punishment. People like you need t' face the consequences of your actions. . . One of the first decisions I had t' make after re-instatin' ya was what t' do about SummerSlam an' the World Heavyweight Championship. We're little over a month away an' I'm gonna put on one hell of a show of each one o' these fans. For that t' happen, I need a huge, an' I mean a
huge main event, an' y'can bet your ass that's what you're gonna see. . . I got t' thinkin' 'bout what just what I was gonna do, an' then it hit me. What better way t' headline SummerSlam than bring back Eric Bischoff's own creation. . . the Elimination Chamber.
*Massive Pop*
Tazz: You an' Batista might wanna tear each other apart, but he ain't the only one who wants t' get his hands on ya. That's why you've been re-instated, an' the man you'll be facin' at SummerSlam might not be Batista, but he's also a member of Evolution. . . Y'might not be facin' Batista, but Hun'er, the man you'll be facin' at SummerSlam is ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, an' if y'don't like it, that's tough.
Triple H is pissed and stares right at Tazz, and the new boss of Raw walks past him without a care in the world.
***Later that night
Randy Orton is in
Tazz’s office.
Randy Orton: I take care of business in the ring. I kicked Mister Kennedy out of the WWE by beating him in the ring because that's what I do. That's what I would've done last week against Batista if it wasn't for Triple H sticking his big nose in my business. I came that close to beating Batista, and that's why I have t' be in the Elimination Chamber at SummerSlam.
Tazz: I wanna make this Elimination Chamber the best yet, an' to do that, I need the best six men possible in that match. An' as far as I'm concerned, you fall in t' that category, even though I don't exactly like how y'do take care of things all the time, you're one of the best guys here on Raw an' I want you t' be one of the six men in that match.
Randy Orton: I should think so.
***Later on that night
Batista & Ric Flair vs. The Big Show & JBL
Vince & Shane were looking worried on the outside as the WWE Champion stood back up to a big pop. He walked over to the ropes and shook them in a frenzy before walking back towards Show. As he lifted his thumbs up and brought them down, JBL raced back in to the ring. Batista countered with a spinning powerslam to take Layfield down. Just as he got back up though, Triple H charged down the ramp and pulled an unsuspecting Flair off the apron. He nailed him with a couple of hard right hands before whipping him in to the ring steps. The referee saw it and called for the bell, awarding the match in favour of Batista & Flair by disqualification. The Game stomped all over Flair on the outside with Batista then walking over to try and stop it.
The Big Show was back up though and pulled him back, then turned him round in to a chokeslam, much to the satisfaction of Vince & Shane. JBL returned to his feet with the same look of satisfaction as his father & brother. He then told Show to pick Batista up, and the big man did just that. JBL then gave him some instructions before turning back to run the ropes, then came flying back at Batista with Show letting him go in enough time for JBL to hit the Clothesline From Hell. Boos rang out as Triple H continued his attack on Flair too, pulling him up and whipping him in to the ringpost. Vince & Shane got in the ring with Vince holding the WWE Championship. All four members of The Corporation looked down and laughed at Batista while Triple H looked on with Vince then dropping the belt on the fallen champion as the show came to a close.
***Raw, July 21st 2008
“No Chance in Hell” plays as
The Corporation, JBL, The Big Show, Vince & Shane McMahon walk down the ramp with every single one of them looking very pleased with themselves after their exploits last week. The smiles remain firmly on their faces as they take it in turns to climb up the steps and enter the ring with Vince going over to collect a microphone from Lilian Garcia. He smiles through the fans excessive boos, as do his smug troops standing behind him.
Vince McMahon: Where Bischoff failed t' do his job properly, in one night, our new general manager or whatever title my loving wife gives the job was
objective. . . See when carefully choosing which five men deserve a place inside the elimination chamber, he rightfully chose t' give two of those spots to the most deserving men here on Raw. . . The Big Show and my son, JBL. . . And if you weren't watching last week, one person who can testify to that is the current WWE Champion, Dave Batista. . . last week when they destroyed Batista, just like they will at SummerSlam. . . T'gether we proved that we're unstoppable. We proved that it doesn't matter who you are because no one, and I mean no one can and will stop us from. . .
“My Time Is Now” blasts out to a huge pop for the first time in almost three months as a pumped
John Cena charges out to the stage. The fans look stunned and the kids go nuts as Cena goes over to each side of the stage before walking down the ramp. He enjoys the ovation, looking delighted to be back, but The Corporation certainly don't seem to share his emotion. Cena gets in the ring and poses for the fans, then goes to get a microphone.
John Cena: Guys, what's up with the long faces?. . . Take a look around, make no mistake about it, the E Center's jumpin'. EV'RY SINGLE PERSON'S ON THEIR FEET 'CAUSE JOHN CENA IS OFFICIALLY BACK ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW!. . . Your eyes aren't playin' tricks on ya, but I got a question that can't wait another second for an answer. . . Did someone say somethin' about the elimination chamber?
The Big Show: Since we're in such a good mood t'night, how about you do the sensible thing, turn round, find yourself a partner and come back when you're not outnumbered?
John Cena: Outnumbered?. . . Do you know who you're talkin' to?. . . I've stared adversity in the face week in week out and come through it each an' ev'ry time. . . THAT'S WHY I PUT MY BODY THROUGH ALL KINDS O' HELL AN' DO CRAZY SHIT LIKE THIS.
Cena drops the microphone and throws a couple of hard rights at the stunned Big Show, sending him round in a daze. JBL goes at Cena as Vince & Shane panic and leave the ring, but Cena blocks a right hand and drills him with a shot of his own, sending him down to the mat. An irate Big Show charges at Cena, but Cena ducks under an oustretched arm as Show hits the ropes. They both turn round to face each other with Cena clotheslining him over the top rope to the floor. Vince & Shane are pissed as Cena turns round and lifts JBL on to his shoulders for the FU. Layfield wriggles free and down Cena's back, then escapes through the ropes behind him, joining his father and half brother on the outside as Show stands up too. The hot Cena urges them to get in the ring but they just stare at him with utter contempt. He then sees one of the microphones on the mat and picks it up.
John Cena: Hey, about that challenge for later on. . . You want me t' go find someone t' help kick all your asses?. . . YOU GOT IT. YOU'RE ON!
“My Time Is Now” plays again to a huge pop as Cena drops the stick and stares at the livid Corporation members.
***Later that night
Ric Flair vs. Randy Orton
Orton calmly stood up and never took his eyes off of The Nature Boy, getting ready to strike and coolly anticipating his opponent getting back to his feet. Batista looked on nervously as Flair turned round in a daze and in to an RKO attempt, but he dodged it and pushed Orton forward in to the ropes. Orton was stunned and turned round to run at Flair right away, and The Nature Boy went for a wild clothesline. Orton ducked it though and turned round immediately, gaining the edge on Flair to spin him round and plant him with the RKO to pick up the victory.
“Voices” played to heat from the crowd as the menacing Orton stood up to get his arm raised by the referee. Batista looked disappointed on the outside, but as he then saw Orton back up in to the corner looking as if he was getting ready for a punt, he slid in to the ring and blocked him off. He taunted Orton to go for him, but The Legend Killer did the right thing and coolly stepped through the ropes before hitting the floor. He back tracked up the ramp, not taking his eyes off of Batista and The Animal stared right back at him defiantly with the WWE Championship raised high up in the air as Flair came to behind him.
***Later on that night
“My Time is Now” blasts out to another huge pop with the roof almost coming off as
John Cena runs out to the stage with a microphone in his hand. He poses for the fans again before settling down at the top of the stage, and his music cuts with The Corporation fiercely glaring up at him.
John Cena: Those jackasses you see before you in the ring right now wanted me t' go find myself a partner, so that's exactly what I did. . . I told y'all earlier I've got a big heart, but hell I think this guy's got a bigger heart than anyone, an' just like me, he's stared adveristy right in the face an' come out the other side. . . So, t' those of you that ain't on their feet already. . . stand up an' give it up for REY MYSTERIOOO!
“Booyaka 619” hits to a thunderous pop as
Rey Mysterio walks out to the stage with Cena nodding his head in his approval. His pyro goes off too, but The Corporation seem to be amused by Cena's choice of partner as they then walk down the ramp and to the ring.
John Cena & Rey Mysterio vs. The Big Show & John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield
An incredibly focused JBL was sizing Cena up for a Clothesline From Hell, and with Mysterio willing him on, Cena was able to duck underneath the outstretched arm. JBL panicked and put on the brakes, and as both men turned to face each other, Cena lifted him up off for the FU to a massive pop. Before he could hit it, Show ran in at him again, but Cena dropped JBL and ducked a clothesline as Show then ran through in to the ropes with Cena then charging at him and clotheslining him over the top. The crowd were going nuts as he then turned his attention back to JBL. Layfield caught him off guard and ran at him with Cena reacting quickly to duck a big boot. Cena then lifted him up off his feet and on to his shoulders, and this time he hit the FU then covered JBL to pick up the victory for him & Rey, much to the anger of Vince & Shane on the outside.
Rey joined Cena in the ring and had a short guy hug after getting their arms raised, further frustrating the McMahon's. The fans carried on cheering as Cena's music was playing when Tazz then came out to the stage clapping with a microphone in his possession. The music then cut with Tazz getting the full attention of everyone in the arena except Show & JBL, who were still on the mat.
Tazz: Now I spoke t' John an' Rey earlier t'night, so they already know what I'm out here t' say. . . Right now, we've only got four of the six men who are gonna be in that match for the WWE Championship. . . They are, Batista, Randy Orton, Big Show, JBL, but that's about t' change 'cause the last two are standin' in that ring right now. . . That's right folks. The last two men t' join the elimination chamber are Rey Mysterio an' JOHN CENAA!
Vince & Shane don't look best pleased, and neither do Show & JBL as they come round. “My Time Is Now” plays again with Cena & Rey all smiles.
***Raw, July 28th 2008
Randy Orton barges in to
Batista & Ric Flair’s locker room.
Batista: What the hell do you want?
Randy Orton: What I want is the WWE Championship, and
I will be the WWE Champion when I win the elimination chamber at SummerSlam. . . I told you I'd beat Ric last week and I did just that, and I saw the fear in your eyes like I do right now. I'm the one man you didn't want in the elimination chamber and rightly so. You have ev'ry reason to be worried Dave and I'm gonna show you why when I beat John Cena t'night. . . And from what I hear, you're the special referee. I just hope for your own sake Dave that you call it down for the line, or I won't be responsible for my actions.
***Later that night
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
Batista did as he said and called the match down the line, not that Orton saw it that way and questioned a couple of calls he believed were on the slow side. . . Cena got right back up and watched on intently as Orton slowly got back up and turned right in to an F U. He didn't escape this time and got slammed right down on his back, and Cena opted not to go for the cover and decided to lock in the STFU to a huge pop. Orton held on as much as he could with agony written all over his face and refused to tap with Batista getting right up close and asking him whether he wanted to give it up. The Legend Killer held firm despite the best efforts of the red faced Cena who was pulling away at his face, and somehow Orton managed to drag himself to the ropes.
Cena accepted it but he was still fired up as he got to his feet and watched on as Orton used the ropes to try and get up. We then saw JBL & The Big Show walk down to the ring to a barrage of heat, catching the attention of both Cena & Batista. They both walked over to the ropes with Batista telling them to stay back. Show & JBL stood at the bottom of the ramp and had their eyes set on the both of them, and with Cena's attention on them, Orton took full advantage. He walked up behind Cena and spun him round in to an RKO. The crowd mostly booed as Orton then made the cover and urged Batista to count, which he did despite not looking too happy about it, counting to three to give Orton a big victory heading in to SummerSlam.
The Animal grudgingly called for the bell and collected his WWE title as Orton stood up straight away and leaned back in to the ropes, feeling the effects of the match with “Voices” blasting out to boos from the crowd. Batista then left the ring and walked between JBL & Show after a short exchange of nervous looks as Cena tried to sit up while holding his head, still a bit frosty from the RKO. The Corporation members then walked towards the ring and climbed up the steps, and Orton took the hint to take his leave as Show then stepped over the top rope and JBL entered the old fashioned way. Cena was still coming round as they then walked menacingly towards him with Orton looking on with a sick smirk on his face before turning round and leaving Cena to face the music.
Cena made it up to his knees with Show shifting behind him so that there was one man either side of him. Cena realised he was in trouble and started throwing wild punches at JBL, and then Show. He managed to put JBL down but Show was too much for him, and the big man pounded him down to the mat. JBL took off his jacket and threw it to the mat as Cena tried to get up again. The crowd then cheered as they saw
Rey Mysterio charging down the ramp. He slid in to the ring at speed to try and help out his buddy, but JBL & Show eventually put him down too after a strong fight from Rey Rey. That gave Cena the chance to fight back, and he took JBL down with a right hand after spinning him round to catch him off guard.
He then ducked a right hand from Show and tried to lift him up for an F U, but fatigue showed and he couldn’t get him up. Show then grabbed him by the throat and delivered a chokeslam, sending him crashing in to the mat. As Rey then got up, Show sized him up, but
Batista came charging back down the ramp to a big pop. He slid in the ring, dropped his title belt and took JBL down with a spear. Show panicked and let go of Mysterio, then ran in to a spinebuster from the WWE Champion. Both JBL & Show then rolled to the ropes as a fired up Batista took it turns looking at both of them. They didn’t look happy as Rey stood up alongside Batista, and the Mexican held on to his stomach after the beating he’d taken. The Animal then reached down to pick up his title and put it on his shoulder while staring at the pissed off JBL & Show.
***Raw, August 4th 2008
John Cena vs. John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield
Cena turned round in to a kick to the gut from Layfield, who then followed up with a release powerbomb. The crowd’s nervousness was obvious as JBL then crawled forward and hooked the leg for a cover, but Cena got his shoulder up at two to the relief of the crowd and the shock of JBL. He was furious and yelled at the referee as Cena began to sit up, and as he tried to get to his feet, the livid JBL turned his attention back to his opponent instead of the referee, but as he hit the ropes and went back at Cena, he ran straight in to a kick to the gut. Cena bent down and lifted JBL off his feet and this time connected with the FU to pick up the victory.
***Later that night
John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield storms back in to his & The Corporation’s dressing room/office with a face like thunder.
The Big Show, Vince & Shane McMahon are all sat down on a leather sofa, and they’re all low key. Show is sitting on the arm of the sofa as JBL slams the door and stares directly at him, walking closer to him as he opens his mouth.
JBL: WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU HUH?. . . Don’t tell me you just sat here and. . .
Show stands up and takes JBL by surprise, and it looks like he’s surprised at just how big Show is.
The Big Show: Did you not hear what Tazz said earlier? He made it pretty clear what’d happen if I, or anyone for that matter got involved in your match. . . We’d be out of the elimination chamber. . .
JBL: HEY, WE’RE SUPPOSED T’ BE A TEAM AND THAT COMES FIRST. THAT’S WHY WE BROUGHT YOU BACK. IF YOU’VE GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT. . .
Vince doesn’t look too happy at seeing them go at it and stands up.
Vince McMahon: SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU.
That gets the attention of them and they turn to face an irate Mr. McMahon.
Vince McMahon: John, you heard what Tazz said. In no circumstances could Show, Shane or I get involved t’night. We simply can’t afford t’ lose our places in the elimination chamber as that’s the only way we’re going to get our hands on the WWE Championship. . . For now, we have to do whatever Tazz says or you can both forget about winning the WWE Championship, then at SummerSlam in less than two weeks, you will work t’gether t’ get the job done. Is that clear?
Vince stares at both of them, but it doesn’t appear all is well between JBL & Show.
***Later on that night
Batista is in the backstage area drinking a bottle of water, and
John Cena walks up to him. Boos & cheers both break out in the arena.
John Cena: Hey, look who we have here, the WWE Champion, The Animal. How’s it goin’ Dave?
Batista takes the bottle from his mouth and is far from replicating Cena’s enthusiasm, surprising Cena slightly.
John Cena: It’s been a long time in the makin’ but it’s finally gonna happen. . . John Cena, Batista, two of the biggest names in the business. . . well, and another four, goin’ at it on the big stage, the hottest night of the summer for the hottest prize in the business. IT’S GONNA BE OFF THE SCALE.
Batista: Yeah.
Still showing no real enthusiasm, Batista’s mood does confuse Cena a lot more this time, and The Animal takes another gulp from his bottle.
John Cena: Hey big man, what’s up wit’ you? This ain’t the Dave Batista we all know an’ love.
Batista: I’ll be fine John when SummerSlam’s out of the way, I’ve won the elimination chamber and Ric’s beaten Triple H.
John Cena: Whoa, that’s easier said than done champ, not that I need t’ tell you right since you’re the champ an’ all.
Batista: Yeah, I am the champ an’ I will be after SummerSlam. . . Now I got a match I gotta go get ready for. I’ll see y’round.
Cena looks genuinely stunned to see the intense Batista walk away and out of the shot.
***Later that night
Non-Title Match
Batista vs. Randy Orton
A struggle ensued and Batista let go of Orton, and as Orton got up, Batista went for a clothesline, but Orton ducked it and the referee took the brunt of it instead. He fell to the mat in a heap as Batista looked on in shock, and as he turned round, Orton ducked to his knees and low blowed him to an absolute barrage of boos from the crowd. With both the WWE Champion and the referee on the mat, The Viper left the ring and took a chair from ringside before slipping back inside as Batista struggled back up, totally unaware of the trouble he was in.
The fans again tried to warn him of the danger as Orton banged the chair in to the canvas, and as Batista turned to face him, he swung the chair at him, but The Animal ducked it, leaving Orton shell shocked. They both turned round in a hurry with Batista reacting first to stomp Orton in the gut before then stealing the chair from Orton. He then lifted the chair up high above his head and brought it down to smash it in to The Viper’s skull to a huge pop. Unfortunately for the WWE Champion, the referee was sitting up and saw him use the chair, leaving him no choice but to disqualify him and award Orton the win.
Boos rang out and The Animal was furious. He threw the chair down and snapped, then dragged the helpless Orton up and set him up for the Batista Bomb, and this time he hit it, lifting The Viper up high above his head before sending him crashing down in to the canvas to a big pop. “I Walk Alone” then blasted out as Batista stood back up and stared down at Orton, who was lying motionless at his feet as the show came to an end with Batista clearly fired up going in to SummerSlam.
***Raw, August 11th 2008 (Last Monday)
Batista, John Cena & Rey Mysterio vs. The Big Show, John “Bradshaw” Layfield & Randy Orton
When the WWE Champion turned his attention back towards The Big Show, JBL was in the ring. With Show getting up behind Batista, JBL ran right at The Animal and went for the Clothesline from Hell, and he hit it when Batista ducked and Show took the brunt of it, falling on to one knee and looking very groggy as Batista then clotheslined JBL over the top and down to the floor. Cena then tapped Batista’s shoulder and stormed the ring, confusing The Animal who could only watch on as Cena pulled Show up on to his shoulders for the FU, demonstrating his strength before sending the big man crashing down to the mat and then covering him to pick up the win for his team.
“My Time is Now” hit mainly to a pop with Rey racing in to the ring to hug Cena with Batista staring right at Cena, still not happy seemingly regarding the blind tag. Vince & Shane looked on in disgust as the referee raised Cena & Rey’s arms with Cena then asking Batista to join them, which he did despite not looking all that comfortable about it. He continued to stare at Cena with both Cena & Rey confused by his reaction. Orton sat up looking very pissed on the outside, as did JBL, and the referee then passed Batista the WWE Championship that he took and held on to tight while still looking very uneasy around Cena.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #6*
WWE Championship
Elimination Chamber Match
Batista (c) vs. John Cena vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton
vs. The Big Show vs. John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield w/Vince & Shane McMahon
3/4 Minutes In: Rey Mysterio & JBL, the two men who started the match make their way back up to their feet. Layfield fiercely swings his right hand at Rey, but Mysterio ducks and mistakenly tries for an irish whip. JBL reverses it easily and whips Rey in to the ropes, but he springboards and goes for a CROSS BODY!. . . . . Layfield catches him and holds on to him, then tosses him back with a FALL AWAY SLAM!!. . . . . Rey hits the mat and the very determined Texan gets back up and watches Rey trying to get back up.
He gets ready to strike, swinging his right arm around in the air as the oblivious Mexican picks himself back up and then turns round. JBL charges at him and looks to level him with the CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!. . . . . Mysterio ducks his head as JBL puts the brakes on with both men turning round. They go to face to face and Rey cracks him with a LEG FEED ENZUIGIRI!!. . . . . The fans are cheering as the hopeful Rey instantly scurries across and hooks JBL’s legs. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! JBL gets his shoulder up and out go the main lights as the spotlight switches between the four pods. Mysterio stands up and is keen to find out who’ll be joining him & JBL, and to his horror, the spotlight stops on The Big Show’s pod. The Mexican’s jaw drops as the mean looking seven foot plus giant anxiously waits for the referee to open the sliding door, and JBL sits up smirking as he sees his Corporation team-mate step out of the pod. Rey’s panicking, much to the amusement of Vince & Shane McMahon who are watching on from outside the chamber. Show steps over the ropes with JBL standing, causing Rey a great deal of concern.
He doesn’t know what to do and charges at Show, and the world’s largest athlete just shoves his hand in Rey’s face, sending him down to the mat. He’s right back up though, but Show grabs his face by both cheeks and head butts him straight back down again, showing him who’s boss. Rey gets to his knees with JBL giving Show some instructions, and the big man responds by pulling Rey up as JBL takes a few steps back. Show then fires Mysterio at his partner, who lifts his boot up and drives it right down the Mexican’s throat. Rey falls to the mat and all four members of The Corporation are looking on with big smiles on their faces.
Batista & Cena show a bit of concern for Mysterio as they watch from their pods, and JBL takes charge now, reaching down to drag Rey back up, pulling him right under his arm. Rey’s in no position to fight back, and JBL lifts him vertically up in to the air and falls back to the mat for a suplex. JBL holds on and twists his hips, standing up to deliver another suplex, and then another to hit the THREE AMIGO’S!!. . . . . Boos ring out as JBL stands up smirking at the sight of the Mexican in pain on the mat. Show cracks a wry smile too, but JBL’s not done. He taunts Rey as he attempts to get back up, standing right in front of him, staring down at him and taunting him.
Show looks on smiling as JBL sets Rey’s head between his legs for the LAST CALL!!!. . . . . The big Texan grabs him around his waist and lifts him up above his head, but Rey fights back and hammers away at JBL with his right hand, sending him staggering forward in to the ropes. Rey then reaches his hands down to grab the top rope and sends JBL over the ropes to the chamber floor with HEAD SCISSORS!!. . . . . The fans cheer as Rey’s feet hit the mat again, standing on the apron as an angry Big Show runs right at him. Mysterio reacts quickly and throws both his legs through the ropes in to Show’s midsection.
It sends him staggering away from the ropes clutching his chest, and as he turns round, Rey springboards and goes for a dropkick, but Show just throws both his hands up and blocks it with Rey crash landing on the canvas. The momentum grinds to a halt as Show takes a couple of steps back, then shifts forward again and drops his tree trunk like leg down across Rey’s chest. JBL makes his way back up on the outside as Show stands up and grabs Rey by the throat in the process, then brings him back up with him. The big man takes a second to look at the worried Cena before lifting Rey up off the mat and planting him with a CHOKESLAM!!!. . . . . Rey’s back crashes in to the pads and he’s not moving as Show drops to his knees and covers him. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
JBL kneels down and pulls Show up to stop the count. Show’s confused and questions his team-mate, who gives him more instructions, and even Vince & Shane don’t know what’s going on. They turn to each other as Show holds his hands up and backs away from the squirming Mysterio, and JBL does the same. Mysterio gets back up a couple of feet away from the ropes, and a fired up Layfield charges right at him, going for the CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!!!. . . . . Rey sees him coming and steps back, then drop toe holds JBL on to the middle rope.
The fans cheer like mad as Rey gets back with Show panicking and running at Rey, who catches him with a drop toe hold too, and Show drops on to the second rope alongside JBL. The fans rise to their feet and Cena watches on smiling, even urging Rey on as the Mexican stands back up looking somewhat shocked. He looks at his two opponents, both in trouble with Vince & Shane looking very concerned outside the chamber. Rey then dials up and turns back in to the ropes, charges back across the ring and swings through the ropes, connecting with a 619!!!. . . . .
Both men fall back to the mat, and Show tries to get back up as Rey steadies himself on the apron. He keenly watches Show getting up, and the Master of the 619 springboards for the WEST COAST POP!!!. . . . . Show catches him though and holds him on his shoulders, back tracks to the corner and throws Rey crashing in to the pads with a REVERSE THROWN POWER BOMB!!!. . . . . Mysterio’s upper body is thrown in to the pads at force, and Show turns round to see the extent of the damage. He shows no sympathy whatsoever for Rey and drags him away from the ropes, then hooks his leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No! Rey kicks out and Show’s not happy. JBL gets back up too and walks across the ring with a real mean look on his face. He slaps Show on the shoulder and gives him some more instructions, gesturing with his right hand, seemingly calling for him to drill Rey. JBL ushers Show back and drags the struggling and battered Rey back up to his feet. He holds on to him as Show gets ready to knock him out. The fans are concerned, and so are Cena & Batista.
JBL gets him up and Show’s composure disappears as he runs at Rey and swings his huge closed fist, but Rey ducks and Show drills JBL with the KNOCK OUT PUNCH!!!. . . . . The fans cheer and the lights go out as the spotlight flashes between the pods with Show in shock, as are Vince & Shane. The looming arrival of the next entrant takes Show’s attention away as the light stops on Cena’s pod, and he urges the ref to open the door, and he does. As the lights come back on with Show staring at Cena, Rey shimmies round on the mat and covers JBL. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
JBL has been eliminated!
Show turns round in shock as Cena races through the ropes. Show holds his head in his hands, but Cena takes him by surprise him, spinning him round and lifting him off the mat and on to his shoulders. The fans are going nuts as Cena then sends him crashing down to the mat with the F U!!!. . . . . Cena drops to the mat and covers the big man with the fans counting along with the referee as he counts the giant’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
The Big Show has been eliminated!
Vince & Shane watch on with disgust, shaking their heads as Cena stands back up with Mysterio still a little groggy as he sits up and sees Cena. Show comes round, as does JBL. They sit up and look towards each other with Layfield steaming and Show looking very uneasy. Cena seems to be getting a kick out of it as both men get to their feet, and so does Rey, using the ropes and leaning against them as the livid JBL walks towards Show and gets right in his face. The giant tries to explain and apologise, but JBL doesn’t want to hear it. The referee steps between them and tries to break them up and get them to leave the chamber, but they’re not budging and JBL shoves Show.
The big man thinks about it and lets it go, looking to the side as JBL then shoves him again, and now Show reacts, snapping and shoving JBL down on to his back and on to the mat. The fans cheer and Show stares down at him, not sure how to react. He then looks at both Shane & Vince who are fuming outside the steel structure. He then turns round and leaves the chamber, stomping up the apron with an irate JBL staring right through him. Show doesn’t look back as JBL then gets up and leaves the ring too as he’s instructed to by the referee.
Vince & Shane, just as angry as him, walk round to meet him and they make their way up the ramp, much to the amusement of Cena. He & Rey then walk in to the centre of the ring, and Cena extends his hand to his friend, and Rey happily shakes it. They get in to a collar and elbow tie up with Cena overpowering the Mexican, shoving him down to the mat. Mysterio gets back up to his feet and throws a right at Cena, then starts kicking him wildly to the legs and body. Cena can’t defend himself but is able to reverse an irish whip from Rey and turns back to run the ropes too, comes back and connects with a FLYING SHOULDER BLOCK!. . . . .
Some fans boo and some cheer as both men return to their feet, and Cena’s fired up for this now as he turns in to the ropes again and sends Rey down with another FLYING SHOULDER BLOCK!. . . . . The atmosphere’s getting heavy now as the two friends pick themselves back up with Cena running behind Rey to hit the ropes, runs back from behind and takes him down with the THROWBACK!. . . . . Cena’s on fire as the Mexican struggles back up to a vertical base and gets pulled under Cena’s arm, and Cena hits the JUMPING FISHERMAN SUPLEX!!. . . . . Cena holds on to Rey’s leg for a cover, and the ref hurries across and drops to the mat to make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! Rey kicks out, and Cena’s in no mood to mess around. He stands right back up and brings Rey with him, lifting him on to his shoulder and sending him back down to the canvas courtesy of a SPIN-OUT POWER BOMB!!. . . . . The match is all Cena as he looks once again to cover his friend and eliminate him from the match, hooking his leg for another pin attempt. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! Mysterio again kicks out, proving his resilience. He’s not able to get up through and stays down as Cena stands up and signals for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!!. . . . . There’s a ton of boos mixed in to the cheers as Cena steps back in to the ropes, comes back and looks to connect, but Mysterio rolls to the side as Cena hits the mat to a big pop. They both make their way back up with Cena the first one up, and Rey ducks a wild clothesline before connecting with TILT-A-WHIRL HEAD SCISSORS!!. . . . . The crowd is buzzing now as Rey makes his way back up to his feet with Cena now looking a little stunned. Rey steps back towards the ropes as Cena shifts forward towards him and walks right in to a drop toe hold that sends him on to the middle rope and in to a world of trouble.
Mysterio stands up to a huge roar and dials up, then hits the ropes and comes flying back across the ring for the 619!!!. . . . . No! Cena pulls his head back to dodge it. He stands up as Rey steadies himself on the apron, and then kicks the Mexican in the gut. Rey’s the one in danger now as he gets thrown up in to the air and down chest first on to the steel chamber floor from a FRONT RELEASE SUPLEX BY CENA!!!. . . . . Rey’s hurting, writhing around on the steel with Cena even looking somewhat sorry for putting him through the pain. Cena then steps through the ropes, followed by the referee and almost regretfully rolls Rey on to his back and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No! Mysterio gets his shoulder up, but it’s clear he’s hurting now. Cena looks in to the crowd as he stands up and then takes a look down at his friend in pain, trying to get one to his knees. He seems torn and shakes his head, then reaches down and drags Rey up, scooping him up on to his shoulders for the F U!!!. . . . . It’s deafening inside the HP Pavilion, and it’s mostly boos as Cena looks to finish Rey off in grand fashion, but once again Rey fights for his life. He wriggles around on Cena’s shoulder and slips to safety, surprising his friend who gets shoved forward against one of the pods face first. The pod remains intact, and Rey sneaks up behind him to roll him up in to a pinning combination. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Cena powers out, kicking Rey off his legs. Rey hurries up to his feet and takes the fight to Cena, climbing up to the top rope and then on to the pod as Cena makes his way back up to his feet. He turns round and Mysterio jumps off, landing on top of Cena for a SEATED SENTON!!. . . . . Cena falls back to the floor with Rey on top of him, staying there for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
No! Again Cena kicks out, and Rey’s fired up now. He stands up and pulls the squirming Cena up, then tosses him back through the ropes in to the ring. Cena’s looking slightly shaky as he gets back up with Rey standing on the apron holding on to the top rope, getting ready to strike. Cena turns round and Rey springboards looking for the WEST COAST POP!!!. . . . . Cena counters and catches him on his shoulders for the F U!!!. . . . . The fans boo as Cena gets ready to finish him off, but he can’t. Rey slips down to safety again and rolls Cena up. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
Cena kicks out with force again, and both men rush back up to their feet. Rey turns back to run the ropes, comes flying back at Cena but right in to a drop toe hold and the STFU!!!. . . . . Again there’s a mixed reaction as Cena puts the pressure on Rey, who screams “NO” at the ref, holding firm as the lights go out and the spotlight flashes between the pods containing Batista & Randy Orton. It stops and here comes The Viper! The door is slid open and he wastes no time in hitting the ring with Rey still fighting the deadly submission hold.
Cena holds firm but Orton enters the ring by the ropes in front of him and he gets a stomp to the back of head, and the hold is broken. Orton then walks past both men, setting up camp in the opposite corner as Cena rolls towards the apron with Rey squirming around. Orton locks his eyes on Rey, watching his every move, and as Mysterio tries to get his knees, The Viper charges out of his corner and swipes his boot in to Rey’s skull for the PUNT!!!. . . . . Rey’s lifeless and Orton turns round in a flash, drops to his knees and hooks both legs for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
YES! Rey Mysterio has been eliminated!
Orton slowly stands back up and sets his sights on the dazed Cena as he struggles up to his knees with the referee helping the groggy Rey back up and escorting him out of the chamber. The Viper coolly walks across the mat towards Cena, and as Cena gets to his feet, Orton leaps up looking for the RKO!!!. . . . . Cena fights back and shoves him forward in to the ropes. Orton holds on to them and Cena runs right at him, clotheslining him over the top, and Orton lands on the steel floor. The Legend Killer sits up holding his back and stands back up, clearly hurting as Cena steps through the ropes.
He grabs Orton’s head from behind, surprising and worrying him as Cena runs with him in to the steel, driving his head in to it. Orton’s looking troubled now and Cena isn’t easing up. He turns round holding Orton’s wrist and tries to toss him in to the pod, but Orton stuns everyone by reversing it and sending Cena in to the pod, shattering it with Cena falling through it to a mixed reception from the crowd. Orton looks relieved, breathing heavily and then cracks a smile before walking over to the fallen Cena. He drags him out of the wreckage and makes a cover, hooking his leg as the referee makes the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Cena lives to fight another day, kicking out, but it doesn’t go down well with Orton. He stands up and stares down at his opponent who’s in a bad way. He opens his eyes and doesn’t seem to know where he is, and Orton backs up slowly, keeping his eyes locked on him at all times. The sadistic face of The Viper tells the story as he watches Cena claw his way up to his knees, and Orton runs right at him, swinging his boot at him for another PUNT TO THE HEAD!!!. . . . .
Cena dodges the bullet, pulling his head back and shooting up to his feet. Orton doesn’t have time to round either as Cena lifts him off his feet and quickly plants him with the SPIN-OUT POWER BOMB ON THE STEEL FLOOR!!!. . . . . Orton’s in agony, letting out a big scream as Cena shuffles forward right away to cover him. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO! Orton’s the one who kicks out this time, leaving Cena slightly frustrated. He takes it fairly well as he leans back on to his knees and takes in a big deep breath. He then returns to his feet as Orton, clearly suffering tries to make a move. It’s hurting him and Cena gives him a helping hand, dragging him up and tossing him back in to the ring through the ropes. Orton tries to crawl up to his knees on the mat and Cena follows him across the ring, watching him try to get up. Batista’s smirking in his pod as he watches Orton get up, and Cena pounces right away, spinning him round and lifting him on to his shoulders for the F U!!!. . . . .
There are cheers & boos coming from the stands with Orton at Cena’s mercy, but Orton’s not giving up. He elbows Cena in the side of the head and slips down his back, and as Cena turns round, Orton plants him with the RKO!!!. . . . . Cena’s out of it, but Orton’s still hurting and can’t take advantage. The Viper slowly comes to life and crawls across to cover Cena, stretching his arm out and placing it on Cena’s chest with the referee hurrying down to his knees to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Cena gets his shoulder up to the relief of some of the crowd and the disappointment of some others. Orton lifts his head up and looks shocked, then the anger sets in. He makes his way back up looking furious at Cena, who slowly comes round. The Legend Killer can’t take his eyes off of Cena, and he has a face like thunder as he backs up in to the corner, stalking him for the PUNT AGAIN!!!. . . . . Orton’s almost foaming at the mouth as Cena gets to his knees, and Orton snaps, racing out of the corner looking to take his opponent’s head off. Cena stands up, counters with a drop toe hold and locks in the STFU!!!. . . . .
The crowd are on fire as normal, some cheering and some booing again as Orton screams out in pain with Cena applying the pressure to his fellow challenger, wrenching away at his face. The Legend Killer is in serious trouble and you can see it on his face as he tries desperately to hold on, lifting his right arm up in the air. Both men are giving it everything. Orton to hang on in the match while Cena does everything he can to make him tap, but Orton holds firm with Batista watching on keenly from his pod. Orton pulls himself towards the ropes, fighting it to his very best as the lights go out and the spotlights shines down on the pod containing the WWE Champion.
The Animal himself is released and as the lights come back on, we see Orton’s hand on the bottom rope. Cena looks shocked and stands back up, turns round and sees Batista steps through the ropes to a big pop. The showdown is on as Batista & Cena walk in to the centre of the ring, going face to face with the fans going nuts. Cena throws the first punch and the champion blocks it, then fires at him with some rights of his own, putting Cena on the back foot. The Animal knocks him down and then eagerly watches him stand back up, and Cena gets sent right back down with a clothesline. Again Cena picks himself back up, and Batista levels him with another clothesline.
The Animal helps him up from his knees and scoop slams him down to the canvas to a pop from the California faithful. The resilient yet weary Cena makes his way back up with the intense Batista plotting his next attack, turning back in to the ropes and coming back at Cena, taking him down with a DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE!. . . . . The fans are loving this as Batista makes his way back up, bringing Cena with him and scooping him on to his shoulder. The WWE Champion walks in to the corner and turns round, then charges across the ring and drives Cena in to the mat with a RUNNING POWER SLAM!!. . . . . Batista hooks Cena’s legs and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . No!
Cena kicks out, leaving Batista a little frustrated. He shrugs it off quickly and stands up, but he doesn’t see Orton approaching behind him. The Viper clubs him across the back and grabs his head, then pulls him in to an INVERTED HEADLOCK BACK BREAKER!!. . . . . Orton goes to make a cover but sees Cena trying to sit up.
The Legend Killer stands up and goes after him, stomping him in the back of head. He then grabs Cena’s legs and tosses them on to the second rope before going back to the head. He pulls Cena up off the mat by his head, then drives it right down in to the canvas with a ROPE HUNG SPIKE DDT!!!. . . . . Cena’s not moving an inch as Orton coolly pushes him over on to his back and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
No! Cena gets his shoulder up, leaving Orton pissed. He’s in the zone right now and doesn’t bother standing up, instead stalks Cena for the RKO!!!. . . . . He lies across the mat, pounding the canvas with both hands, but Batista is right back up behind him. He pulls his former Evolution team-mate up to his feet and whips him in to the ropes, then plants Orton as he comes back with a SPINE BUSTER!!. . . . . It’s deafening inside the HP Pavilion as Batista gets back up, walks over to the ropes and shakes them in a frenzy to a huge roar from the sell out crowd.
He walks back to the squirming Orton and raises both his arms up in the air, lifting his thumbs up and then bringing them down, getting the crowd going even more. The Animal reaches down and pulls Orton in to position for the BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . Orton’s title chances are in jeopardy as we speak, but he suddenly pulls his head back and sweeps Batista’s legs, then flips forward holding the legs for a JACKNIFE COVER!!! . . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
Batista kicks out, pushing Orton back to the mat. They both hurry back up to their feet and Orton nails him with a standing dropkick that sends Batista down to the mat. Orton then steps back in to the ropes and comes back, jumping up and dropping his knee, but Batista rolls to the side and Orton’s knee hits the mat. They both make their way back up with the WWE Champion turning to the side and hitting the ropes, charges back and rips Orton in half with a hellacious SPEAR!!!. . . . . Orton’s hurting and Batista smells victory, shifting across the mat to cover him. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Orton just gets his shoulder up and Batista leans back on his knees looking a bit despondent. As he makes his way back up, so does Cena and he looks in a bad way. Batista walks over to him, drags him away from the ropes and whips him in to the corner, and Cena hits the pads with force. Batista then charges in at him and in to a raised boot from Cena that sends him staggering away from the corner.
Cena pulls himself up to the second rope and jumps off as Batista turns round, taking him down with a DIVING SHOULDER BLOCK!. . . . . The Animal’s not down for long and gets up alongside Cena, and it’s the challenger who gets the momentum, stomping the champion in the gut and hitting his version of a FISHERMAN SUPLEX!!. . . . . Cena holds on to Batista’s legs as they hit the mat for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . No!
Batista kicks out, but this time he stays down as Cena makes his way back up. As he gets to his feet, he gets a surprise as Orton spins him round out of nowhere and plants him with the RKO!!!. . . . . Cena hits the mat and his eyes are shut. He’s completely out of it as Orton scurries on his knees and hooks both legs for the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
YES!!!
John Cena has been eliminated!
Orton leans back with a smug smile on his face with the majority of the crowd cheering with some boos mixed in. Batista sits up and sees Cena coming round with Orton smirking as he stands up. Cena is then helped out of the chamber as Orton turns his head towards The Animal. The WWE Champion stands back up and Orton runs right at him and Batista ducks. He spins the stunned Orton round and fires him in to the ropes.
The Legend Killer holds on to the top rope, not going down well with Batista who charges at him, and Orton turns to the side, lifting his elbow up in to the side of the champ’s head, sending him staggering away from the ropes. Orton takes a mini breather and walks out behind him, pulls Batista’s head under his arm and takes him down with the OVERDRIVE!!. . . . . Batista’s head hits the mat and Orton turns him on to his back right away to make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . NO!
Batista gets the shoulder up, setting off a cheer in the crowd. Orton stands back up calmly, staring down at the squirming Animal and retreats in to his corner, getting ready to take the champ’s head off with the PUNT!!!. . . . . The fans are worrying, booing as Batista turns on to his knees, unaware of what’s waiting for him as Orton explodes out of the corner, racing towards him and swinging his boot at him. The Animal pulls his head back as Orton puts the brakes on millimetres away from the turnbuckle pads. Batista rises up and the pissed Orton turns round, runs at him and in to a SPINNING SIDE SLAM!!. . . . .
Orton’s stirring as Batista stands back up and pulls him in to place for the BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . Orton can’t block it this time as The Animal lifts him above his head to a big pop, but Orton jumps down and plants Orton with an RKO OUT OF NOWHERE!!!. . . . . Both champion & challenger are side by side on the mat as Orton slowly shimmies round and climbs on top of Batista, hooks the leg and makes a cover with the ref rushing down to his knees to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Batista just about manages to get his shoulder up to the relief of the joyous San Jose fans. Orton looks up in shock at the referee, and he looks like he’s going to lose it as the ref tells him it was two. The Viper snaps and stands up, bringing Batista up with him, but The Animal pushes him in to the ropes, and as Orton comes back, he falls victim to a SPINE BUSTER!!
Cheers ring round the arena as the intense champion makes his way back up and drags Orton with him, setting him up for the BATISTA BOMB AGAIN!!!. . . . . The WWE Champion doesn’t waste a second as he grabs Orton around the waist, lifts him up off the mat and high above his head, then sends him crashing down to the mat. Orton lies there lifeless, and Batista crawls across on his knees, hooks the leg and makes the cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
YES, 3! DING DING DING!!!
Winner: By pinfall, and still the WWE Champion, Batista @ 32:03.
Aftermath: “I Walk Alone” blasts out to a huge cheer and the HP Pavilion explodes as a relieved and sore Batista stands up to get his arm raised by the referee. He takes a breather as the ref goes to collect his world title, and The Animal smiles as he’s then passed the gold. Batista is beaming with relief and satisfaction as he throws the title up in the air with the fans still cheering. He walks in to the corner and poses with the title on the second rope, smiling at the ovation he’s getting from the California crowd.
{Cut Backstage}
Todd Grisham is standing by at the interview set.
Todd Grisham: Joining me at this time is the man who is looking to end the career of Ric Flair here t’night. Please welcome ‘The King of Kings’ Triple H.
A chorus of boos filter through from the arena as the camera zooms out to reveal the very intense Triple H standing next to Grisham.
Todd Grisham: Like I just mentioned, you will be facing ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair later this evening in what will now be a no holds barred match where you have nothing to lose, and he has it all to lose. . .
Triple H: . . . Just so we’re clear Todd, it’s not a case of Ric having it all to lose. . . his career was effectively ended when he chose to put his career at stake. He made it official when he signed his career away on Raw Monday night, but f’ some reason he still thinks he has a chance. You saw him try to get one over on me, and you also saw me put him in his place. I let him know exactly where he stands. He doesn’t
have a hope in hell of beating me t’night. His career is over and he knows it. . . He can think whatever he likes, but from the moment that bell rings, he’ll soon realise he’s made the single biggest mistake of his career and his life, because I guarantee I will finish him
once and for all, and there’s not a
damn thing he or anyone can do about it.
Todd Grisham: We received a shock earlier this week when we found out that the match was changed to a no holds barred match. That effectively means there’ll be no rules or restrictions on what both of you can do to each other, but it also opens up the possibility that Batista, or anyone else for that matter can get involved. What are your thoughts on the change Tazz has made?
Triple H: I don’t care one bit what Tazz says or does. If I hadn’t pedigreed him last week, I wouldn’t have the chance to do to Ric what I can now. And quite frankly Todd, I don’t think Batista’s in any kind of shape to get involved t’night. If he is stupid enough to get in my way, which believe me he is, he’ll regret it. In fact, I’d like to congratulate Dave on holding on to the W W E title because now it means that when I’m through beating Ric within an inch of his life, I can set about what I would have had Ric not stuck his nose in, and that’s go right after both Dave and the W W E Championship. . . Ric’s no threat to me, but Dave you and I both know I’m a threat t’ you. We both know had it been you an’ me for the title t’night, you wouldn’t be walking out with it like you are doing. And Dave, I hope you’ll be watching so you can see what’s gonna happen t’ you, but more importantly, so you can see what I do t’ Ric when I
end his career. An’ mark my words, t’night will be the last time you ever see The Nature Boy in the squared circle when he gets carried out on a stretcher completely lifeless.
The King of Kings glares in to the camera looking very menacing, and you know he means every word.
{Cut Backstage}
A very focused Shawn Michaels is walking through the hallway for his World Heavyweight Championship match coming up in just a few moments.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Judgment Day 2008, Sunday 25th May
Fatal Fourway Match for the Money in the Bank Briefcase
Matt Hardy vs. Elijah Burke vs. M.V.P vs. CM Punk
MVP & Matt are the first two men to stir, and as MVP gets to his feet, he looks down in complete anger at Matt for costing him the chance to win moments ago and reaches down to grab him, but Matt catches him off guard by pulling him in to a SMALL PACKAGE. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick out! MVP just escapes there, and as he and Matt get back up to their feet reasonably quickly, Matt ducks a wild right hand from Mr. Money in the Bank and whips him hard in to the corner with MVP’s back crashing in to the pads. He then staggers out of the corner in obvious pain with Matt taking advantage, kicking him in the stomach and planting him with the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . For the second time in the match, Matt connects with his finisher on MVP, but before he can go for the cover, Punk has come back to life, sneaking his way up behind Matt. Punk takes him by surprise as he then pulls him up to his feet and connects with the GTS. . . . . Matt’s head just got driven in to Punk’s knee, and The Straight Edge Superstar goes for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“This Fire Burns” hits to heat from the crowd as the smug CM Punk stands back up and gets his arm raised by the referee. He then turns to see the Money in the Bank briefcase resting on the apron and walks over to collect his new possession. He bends down and picks it up, staring at it with a smug smile on his face for several seconds before lifting it up in to the air to a ton of heat from the Kentucky crowd.
***Later that night. . .
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs. The Undertaker
Michaels explodes out of the corner and looks to drill him with the SWEET CHIN MUSIC. . . . . But no! Taker grabs Shawn’s foot. He quickly drops it and spins Michaels on a 360 spin, then whips him in to the ropes. Taker too runs back in to the ropes, and as they meet in the middle of the ring, The Undertaker turns the tide with an earth shattering RUNNING DDT. . . . . Michaels hits the mat head first and is flat on his back, motionless as Taker once again shifts across to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! There’s still fight left in the World Champion, and even Taker is shocked as he pulls himself back up to his knees, staring down at Michaels, who rolls on to his side once again with his eyes slightly glazed over, not seeming to know where he is.
Taker stands back up and lifts his right arm in to the air, preparing for a CHOKESLAM. . . . . It takes what looks like an age for Shawn to pick himself back up, looking unsteady as he stands back up and turns round to face The Undertaker. The phenom grabs him around the throat, but as he lifts him up off his feet, Michaels manages to escape and jump back down, shocking the dead man. Taker throws a wild right at him, but Shawn ducks the blow with Taker falling forward slightly. As the dead man turns back round, Michaels reacts by leaning back and connecting with a SUPER KICK. . . . . A huge cheer rings round the arena as Michaels just collapses on top of Taker and hooks a leg. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. He did it! Michaels overcame The Undertaker and retained the World Heavyweight Championship.
HBK then walks across to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, forgetting about his condition as he rests the title over his shoulder to take the time to applaud the fans. He spends a good ten seconds there, but we then hear some anxiousness, and Shawn’s not sure what’s going on. He turns round and sees CM Punk in the ring behind him, holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. As Shawn steps off the ropes, Punk steps forward and smashes him in the face with the briefcase. Michaels’ music stops and there’s a ton of heat ringing around the Rupp Arena as Punk stares down with the same sadistic grin he displayed earlier on. He ten drops the case and drags Michaels back up, lifts him on to his shoulder and nails him with the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . The heat is deafening as Punk just smirks at the sight of Michaels completely out of it on the mat. The ref races back down the ramp and desperately checks on Michaels, but Punk pulls him up after picking his briefcase and seemingly tells him he’s cashing it in. The ref shakes his head, not happy at all, but Punk shoves him to the ropes where the ref calls Justin Roberts over and whispers in his ear.
Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, CM Punk is cashing in the Money in the Bank contract as of this moment.
The bell rings and Punk walks back over to the squirming Michaels, picking up and lifting him on to his shoulders to plant him with another GTS. . . . . Michaels looks completely helpless as Punk drops to his knees and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“This Fire Burns” blasts out to a barrage of heat from the fans. Punk stands up with a huge grin on his face as he is passed the World Heavyweight Championship. He demands the referee raise his hand, and he does so before leaving the ring looking disgusted. Punk shrugs it off and smiles through it as he walks over to the ropes and lifts his first major World Championship in to the air with the fans continuing to boo. He turns round and continues to smile as he looks down at Michaels with no remorse whatsoever before leaving the ring and resting the title on his shoulder as he walks up the ramp. As he gets to the top, he takes the belt off his shoulder and raises it up in to the air once again with a massive grin still written all over his face as the show comes to a close.
***Smackdown, May 30th 2008
“This Fire Burns” hits with
the new World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk walking out to the stage with a big smile on his face and the title belt resting on his shoulder.
Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome, the new World Heavyweight Champion. . . CM Punk.
The new champ, wearing a black T-shirt climbs through the ropes and walks over to collect the microphone from Justin Roberts, who then leaves the ring, leaving Punk in there to soak up all the heat.
CM Punk: I can’t say I’m all that surprised that this is the reaction I get, and I can’t really say that I care as no one is gonna ruin this moment for me, CM Punk, your new World Heavyweight Champion. . . I was walking through the back when some guy stopped to congratulate me and asked me who I thought would win between Shawn and The Undertaker later on, and that’s when it hit me. That’s when I knew what I had to do for me and for this show. You won’t agree but I did the right thing for this show as this business needs young, determined, ruthless, talented superstars in the position I am to represent it, not someone who’s ten years past their best and doesn’t know when to call it a day. I represent what this business should be. Shawn Michaels’ time in the sun has come to an end, and mine is only just beginning. Whatever the circumstances and however sorry you feel for Shawn, The Undertaker or even MVP for that matter, what’s done is done, there’s nothing anyone can do, I’m the champion and everyone has to deal with it.
Punk grins before turning round to walk towards the ropes when all of a sudden,
“Sexy Boy” blasts out to a huge pop with some typical Canadian boos directed at
Shawn Michaels as he walks out to the stage. Punk turns round to see the very intense sight of the former World Heavyweight Champion. Punk looks surprised to see him as he slowly walks down the ramp, still feeling the effects of his match with The Undertaker from Judgment Day. Punk isn’t worried as he turns back with Michaels picking a conveniently placed microphone up off the steel steps.
Shawn Michaels: . . . I beat The Undertaker in the middle of this ring all by myself, something not many people can say, including yourself. And you know what you did then Punk? You took that away from me by disregarding any kind of appreciation or respect you have for me or this business,
but at least there’s a happy ending for you. But if I were you, I wouldn’t get used to having that title for long. See you might’ve had the right to cash that contract in any time you wanted, but I too have a little clause of my own that states I get a rematch for the title and the chance to get my hands dirty with the man that stole it away from me. And from where I’m standin’, that appears to be you. . .So guess what? I feel like cashing that in right here tonight. . . I might be beat up from Judgment Day, but I’m not waitin’ around Punk. I’m takin’ back my title tonight, whatever it takes.
***Later that night
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels vs. CM Punk (c)
Punk lifts Michaels up on to his shoulder for the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . Boos ring out, but Michaels wriggles around and down off the shoulders of the worried looking Punk, and as the champ turns round, Michaels connects out of nowhere and hits the SUPER KICK. . . . . Both men collapse to the canvas, and after several seconds, Michaels crawls over and places his arm on to the chest of Punk. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Punk just and only just manages to lift his shoulder up off the mat and prevent a 3 count. Boos echo around the arena, and as Michaels then lifts his head up, it’s clear he doesn’t totally know where he is. He then slowly stands back up, as does Punk, but once again, Michaels retreats in to the corner where he again tunes up the band.
As Punk picks himself back up with the ref checking he’s okay, Michaels rushes out of the corner, looking to hit another a SUPER KICK. . . . . But Punk drops to his knees, pushes the ref to the side and low blows Michaels with the ref oblivious to the low blow. HBK slowly drops to his knees in front of Punk, but the Straight Edge Superstar doesn’t waste a second as he stands back up and brings Michaels with him as he once again lifts him on to his shoulders, and this time he connects with the GTS. . . . . The fans boo the World Champion as they are forced to watch him hook the leg of The Heartbreak Kid as the referee makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“This Fire Burns” blasts out through the speakers as CM Punk stands up to get his arm raised with a smug grin on his face. He then demands the referee gets him his world title, and he does just that with Punk snatching it away from him as he brings it over. He stands over Michaels’ and lifts the title belt up in to the air with the fans continuing to boo. He then walks over to the ropes and throws the title up in to the air once again as Michaels rolls on to his side behind him, starting to come round. As Punk turns back round, he sees The Heartbreak Kid squirming and decides to drop his belt to the mat, just by the apron. He then slips through the ropes to the outside and grabs a steel chair, then slides back in, stalking Michaels as he tries to get to his knees. With Michaels able to get to his knees, Punk stands behind him, ready to explode with the chair in hand, but with the crowd trying warn him, the dazed former World Champion struggles to his feet and turns round in to a vicious steel chair shot with the thud echoing around the arena.
***The 2008 Great American Bash, July 13th
Moments before the World Heavyweight Championship scramble match with
Tazz at the top of the stage.
Tazz: Two nights back on Smackdown, CM Punk was the special guest referee in the main event an’ I think it’s fair t’ say that he played a big part in how that panned out. I can’t afford things t’ get out o’ hand t’night, an’ that’s why I’ve appointed a special guest referee once again who’s promised he’s the man for the job an’ guarantees me he’ll make sure no one crosses the line. . . So without a further ado, I give t’ you, your special guest referee for our main event World Championship match, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.
The stunned crowd all rise to their feet as
Shawn Michaels makes his way out to the stage and shakes hands with Tazz. The GM walks to the back as the all smiling Heartbreak Kid poses for the fans on the stage wearing jeans and a referee’s shirt with his pyro exciting the crowd even more. He then struts down the ramp and slaps hands with the fans on the way before getting in the ring and posing for them once again.
World Heavyweight Championship
Scramble Match
The Undertaker vs. Christian vs. CM Punk (c) vs. Edge vs. Chris Jericho
Guest Referee – Shawn Michaels
Needless to say, CM Punk was less than happy at seeing Shawn Michaels as the guest referee. Before the match started the World Champion seemed to question him as to why he was there, with Michaels playing the innocent.
Punk runs past Edge in to the ropes and connects with a SPRINGBOARD ENZUIGIRI!!. . . . . Taker's right on him though as he gets up, and the dead man whips him in to the corner. He follows in at Punk and hits a hard clothesline. He then whips him in to the opposite corner and connects with another clothesline. Taker then back tracks and turns round to run the ropes as Punk staggers out of the corner and to the side. Taker comes charging back at him, but Punk reacts so quickly to lean back and pull down the top rope to send the dead man over the top and down to the floor.
Punk pulls himself back up looking very tired and relieved as he sees Taker on the floor. Jericho slowly makes his way up behind and then runs at him, but again Punk reacts quickly to toss him over the top too. As he turns round, Edge lifts his head up off the mat and Punk takes a look round to see he has a free run. He paces across to drag Edge back up, lifts him up on to his shoulder and then brings Edge's head crashing down on to his knee with the GO TO SLEEP!!!. . . . . Punk hit it and he hooks both legs as Michaels drops to his knees and counts Edge's shoulders. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3!
Punk's the champion, for now! Can he hold on for less than a minute? He stands up and throws both his arms up in the air with massive relief. He then walks over to the ropes and leans on them to take a breather. He then starts to panic as he sees The Undertaker standing back up. Punk then steps back from the ropes as Taker climbs back up on to the apron to a big pop with Punk looking very worried. The dead man climbs over the ropes with Punk back tracking.
Taker then charges at him and Punk ducks under a clothesline. As they both turn round, Punk goes for an enzuigiri but Taker ducks his head. Punk then stands back up and Taker scoops him on to his shoulder. The crowd go nuts as Taker tries to set him up for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!!. . . . . Punk fights it though and pulls himself back down to the mat, then clubs Taker across the back to send him down to his knees. He then stomps all over him as the clock counts down and brings the match to a close.
“This Fire Burns” blasts out to heat from the New York crowd with Punk kneeling down and smiling like never before with his arms raised high in the air. Michaels goes to collect the World Championship belt for the man who took it from him at Judgment Day as Punk's relief turns to blatant smugness. He laughs as HBK then passes him the world title and barely lifts his arm up in victory, then pulls away and walks in to the corner with Michaels looking at him with disgust as the World Champion poses with the title on the second rope. As he then steps down and turns round, Michaels catches him off guard with some Sweet Chin Music. The crowd goes nuts as Michaels stares down intensely at the motionless World Champion.
***Smackdown, 18th July 2008
Dressed in jeans, a shirt and a sand coloured jacket,
Shawn Michaels walks down the ramp looking fairly serious and picks a microphone up off the steps before entering the ring.
Shawn Michaels: I put my heart and my soul in to being the World Champion for what I thought would be the last time. . . At this stage of my career, I know these chances don't come around all that often, and you've gotta take themwhile you can. . . What I didn't count on was that they could be stolen away from you in the blink of eye, and just seconds after one of the biggest victories I've ever had. I lost the World Heavyweight Championship an' I wanted it back. I cashed in my rematch the first chance I got, but I know now I should've taken my time. Yet again I let my heart rule my head and I went right after it. I lost track of what was important. I forgot about the world title and thought only about revenge, making up for what happened at Judgment Day. And not for the first time, it came back to bite me in the ass. I went in guns blazin' and tossed away my rematch just like that, but standing here t'night, hand on heart, I can say it was the best thing that could've happened. Even though I got yet another concussion, I had the chance to take some time out and spend some time with my family. I had the chance to think about what was best for Shawn Michaels, my family and my career. I know I'm not gonna be around forever and this might just be my last run.
“This Fire Burns” hits and
CM Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion walks out to the stage with a microphone in hand.
CM Punk: You really are somethin' Shawn. You come out here an' make out I'm the bad guy for stealin' your moment as well as the world title at Judgment Day when we all know I did nothing wrong. I did what I was perfectly entitled t' do, something you can't say for what you did at The Great American Bash. . . I overcome odds of four to one against me to retain my World Heavyweight Championship, proving each and ev'ry doubter wrong, but could I enjoy it? No, no I couldn't. . . See Shawn, at Judgment Day what I did was all above board, but what you did was nothing short of spiteful. . . That's why your
faith is nothing but a cover for your own ego and selfishness. You turned up at The Bash with the intention of screwing me over like you did Bret all those years ago. . .
Tazz: At SummerSlam Punk, you'll be defendin' the world title against just one man. . . That one man being Shawn Michaels.
***Later that night
Shawn Michaels & Michael Shane vs. CM Punk & Johnny Jeter
The number one contender for the world title went to the top and hit a diving elbow drop to a mainly positive response from the crowd before tuning up the band. Punk then tried to stop him in his tracks, but Michaels saw him coming and gave him a possible sneak preview of SummerSlam with some Sweet Chin Music. Punk went under the bottom rope as Jeter got up and then ran at Michaels who ducked a clothesline and exploded with another super kick to pick up the victory for him & his cousin. Shane & Michaels celebrated with a quick hug before getting their arms raised. They posed in opposite corners as the livid Punk sat up on the outside and glared up at Michaels with The Heartbreak Kid staring back down at him.
***Smackdown, July 25th 2008
The serious looking
CM Punk is standing in the middle of the ring wearing black jeans and a white T-shirt with a CM Punk logo on it. Of course, the world title is resting proudly on his shoulder.
CM Punk: Ever since I became the World Heavyweight Champion, ev'ryone with an over inflated sense of their opinion has underestimated me, told me I don't deserve this honour I've worked so hard for. However at The Great American Bash, I proved each and ev'ry one of you wrong. . . CM Punk is the Shawn Michaels of this era. I'm the one person who'll tell it like it is, and when I step inside this ring, I perform on a level that far greater than any of my peers. . . I have that same passion the old Shawn Michaels had, and there's only Shawn Michaels that could come back from the serious back injury that almost ended his career. Only The Heartbreak Kid could find the courage and the desire to look past the fact he might never walk again to get back in this ring and do what he did best, until now. . . I too have that desire, that passion for this business, only as we speak, my desire is greater than Shawn Michaels'. And as I did at The Great American Bash, I will prove it to the world and to Shawn Michaels in what will be the greatest victory of my career.
*Heat*
CM Punk: Once my arm is raised and I'm announced as the winner, no one will question my ability, my passion or my right to be world champion. . . This is without a shadow of a doubt the biggest match of my entire career, and I have it all to both win and lose, but I promise you that I will beat Shawn Michaels and earn your respect whether you like it or not.
*Heat*
Punk doesn't let the boos bother him one bit. He lifts the microphone back up to his mouth.
CM Punk: . . .
“I THINK I'M CUTE. I KNOW I'M SEXY. . . I'VE GOT THE LOOKS THAT DRIVES THE GIRLS WILD”
Shawn Michaels walks down the ramp to a huge pop looking very composed. Punk remains calm as he watches Michaels climb up the steps, pick up a microphone and join him in the ring. His music cuts as he stands just a couple of feet away from the World Heavyweight Champion.
Shawn Michaels: When you said that no one else would've even thought about gettin' back in this ring after breaking their back, you're right. I came back for a lot of reasons, none more important than to prove I'd changed, that I wasn't that brash, arrogant, selfish human being anymore. . . That Shawn Michaels is in the past, but the same Shawn Michaels that put on a show like no other lives on my man. That show stopper is alive an' well, an' that's the Shawn Michaels you're gonna meet at SummerSlam. . . You're gonna meet the show stopper, the main event, THE ICON!
*Big Pop*
Shawn Michaels: You might be the world champion right now Punk, but at SummerSlam you're gonna find out first hand why I'm all those things and more. . . If you manage to beat me, you'll have my respect. But if you're not at your absolute best, The Heartbreak Kid will once again be the World Heavyweight Champion.
Michaels lowers the microphone and stares right at Punk, who stares right back at him. “Sexy Boy” blasts out & Michaels then steps back slowly, not turning his back on Punk for a second as he then steps through the ropes and jumps down to the floor. He then walks up the ramp with his back to Punk, who watches Michaels take every step.
***Smackdown, August 1st 2008
Non-Title Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Edge
The Rated-R Superstar was pissed and stood up in a hurry, then walked over to the ropes, stepped through on to the apron and jumped down to the floor. He walked past the confused announce team & CM Punk to collect a steel chair, clearly fuming as he then slid back in the ring with the chair in hand. The crowd booed and the ref tried to stop Edge as he yelled at Michaels to get up, and he slowly struggled up, but before he could turn round, a huge roar broke out in the stands. Edge looked confused, and as he turned round to see what was going on, he saw his brother, Christian slide in to the ring. The Rated-R Superstar lifted the chair up above his head and ran at him, swinging the chair at Christian’s head, but he ducked it. Both men turned round as quickly as they could, and a seriously pumped up Christian reacted first to kick Edge in the gut and steel the chair. He then swung the chair at Edge and blasted him in the skull, resulting in a deafening thud and a huge pop, but the ref called for the bell, awarding the match to Edge by disqualification.
Tomko grabbed Christian’s arm and told him to step away, and as angry as he looked, he backed down and slowly stepped back towards the apron with Tomko. He & Michaels continued to stare at each other, both men not happy with each other as Edge remained on the mat, and as Christian & Tomko turned round and walked back up the ramp, the camera cut back to the ring. CM Punk was inside and dropped his world title belt on the mat with Michaels oblivious despite the crowds’ attempts to warn him, but he turned round right in to Punk. The World Champion swiftly ducked his head and lifted The Heartbreak Kid on to his shoulders, then sent Michaels’ head crashing in to his knee with the GTS. Michaels hit the deck to a ton of heat with Punk standing above him smirking and admiring his work. He then looked up and smirked for the benefit of the crowd too.
***Smackdown, August 15th 2008 (Two nights ago)
Shawn Michaels is being interviewed by
Maria.
Shawn Michaels: I’m gonna have my hands full at SummerSlam Sunday night. I’m gonna have my hands full but that’s what The Heartbreak Kid thrives on. We’re gonna be fighting it out for the biggest prize in the industry an’
that’s when The Showstopper comes out t’ play. . . On the biggest stage, there’s no one better than Shawn Michaels, an’ CM Punk, this is a stage you’ve not yet reached. This is a stage where I’ve beaten some of the best this company’s ever seen, bigger names than you Punk an’ you’re gonna be added t’ that list when I walk out o’ SummerSlam as one more time, the World Heavyweight Champion.
***Later that night
Shawn Michaels & Matt Sydal vs. CM Punk & Shelton Benjamin
Punk panicked big time and raced in to the ring, running right at Michaels, who emerged out of the corner and connected with a super kick that sent the World Champion under the bottom rope and to the floor. With Benjamin getting back up behind him, Michaels turned round and was whipped hard in to the corner. Benjamin went right after him and went for a Stinger Splash, but Michaels ducked and ran through as The Gold Standard jumped right on to the pads to a big pop. As he then turned round out of the corner all dazed, The Heartbreak Kid leaned back and took his head off with the Sweet Chin Music. The fans were on their feet and Michaels dragged Benjamin to his corner and tagged Sydal. The King of the Ring looked confused and Michaels told him to go up to the top, and he did with the fans going crazy to hit the Shooting Star Press and then cover Shelton to pick up the victory.
“Axeman” blasted out with the fans showing their appreciation for Sydal & Michaels who shared a brief congratulatory guy hug after getting their arms raised. Punk sat up on the outside, and he wasn’t happy. Michaels & Sydal then posed for the jubilant crowd in opposite corners with Sydal especially looking delighted with the victory while Michaels applauded the crowd before looking down in Punk’s direction, who just sat there staring at him with anger. Michaels simply smiled back at him, further angering the World Heavyweight Champion and leaving him with a lot to think about heading in to SummerSlam on Sunday.
__________
{Cut to the Arena}
*Match #7*
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels vs. CM Punk (c)
Last 15 Minutes: The focused World Champion helps the struggling challenger up from his knees and whips him in to the ropes, but he’s in for a shock as The Heartbreak Kid comes running back and jumps up at him, taking him down with a LOU THESZ PRESS!. . . . . Cheers break out as Michaels unloads with a series of right hands to the temple of The Straight-Edge Superstar. Michaels relents and stands back up, starting to feel it as Punk gets back to his feet, stunned by his opponent’s comeback. The Showstopper is right on him and chops him hard across the chest, forcing him back in to the corner and turning Punk’s chest bright red.
He eases off, then grabs Punk by the wrist and goes to whip him in to the opposite corner, but Punk steps out and reverses it, sending Michaels’ back crashing in to the turnbuckle pads. He then staggers out with the World Champion walking across to meet him, and Punk stomps him in the gut, hooks both his arms and causes more damage to Michaels’ back with a DOUBLE UNDER HOOK BACK BREAKER!!. . . . . Michaels is suffering and it’s clear for everyone to see, and Punk looks to take advantage and lean forward, covering his opponent. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
No! The Heartbreak Kid kicks out, slightly frustrating the World Champion. He quickly shakes it off and makes his way back up, then walks over to the apron and steps through the ropes. Michaels is clearly feeling the pain in his back as Punk stands on the apron waiting to strike, holding on to the top rope and keeping his eyes locked in on his opponent. Michaels gets to his feet and turns round, confused as to where his opponent is.
Punk lets him know by spring-boarding and connecting with a clothesline, the AIR PUNK!. . . . . Michaels falls to the mat and lands a couple of feet off centre of the ring. Punk stands back up and pulls him a further couple of feet closer to the corner, then acts quickly, using the ropes to hit a SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT!. . . . . Michaels is helpless as Punk reaches to the side and hooks his leg to make a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . . No!
The Straight-Edge Superstar is left even more frustrated as Michaels kicks out, and Punk shrugs it off again. He stands back up quickly and bends down to pull Michaels up and away from the corner, but Michaels surprises him and sweeps his legs. The Heartbreak Kid then catapults him back in to the corner, and Punk’s head meets the top turnbuckle. Michaels gets back up and turns round as Punk staggers out of the corner in a spin and in to a SWINGING NECK BREAKER FROM MICHAELS!!. . . . . There are more cheers for Michaels as he takes Punk down to the mat.
The defending champion is showing some real grit as he sits up, following Michaels back up. The Showstopper pulls him up from his knees and lifts him off his feet in to an inverted atomic drop, generating a pop from the fans filling the HP Pavilion. The now shaky looking Punk hobbles around the mat and the challenger lifts him up off his feet and scoop slams him down to the canvas. The champion’s not getting up this time as Michaels walks in to the corner and climbs up to the top rope, getting the fans excited. They cheer as Shawn steadies himself on the summit and then dives off for an ELBOW DROP!!. . . . .
But no, Punk rolls to the side and the challenger crash lands on the mat, leaving Michaels’ fans disappointed. They try to encourage him to his feet, clapping continuously, and it works. The Straight-Edge Superstar makes a move too and as they get up, the champion reverses an irish whip, firing his opponent in to the ropes and planting Michaels as he comes back with a TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!!. . . . . Yet more problems for Michaels and his back, and Punk knows that, confidently hooking Michaels’ leg, smiling as the referee drops down to his knees and makes the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
The Heartbreak Kid gets his shoulder up to the relief of the crowd, but Punk’s not amused. He’s becoming agitated and stands back up furiously, not wasting any time in dragging his opponent back up. Unsurprisingly Michaels doesn’t put up any resistance, clearly hurting with Punk whipping him with real force in to the corner, and the force sends Michaels crashing in to the pads and over the top rope, then down to the floor below. Punk barely cracks a smile as he sees Shawn hit the floor and watches him get up to his knees.
Michaels crawls towards the apron directly in front of the three announce tables, and as he grabs the apron, Punk flies at him and baseball slides in to his challenger’s face. The Heartbreak Kid falls back and hits the floor again with Punk sitting up on the apron, and now he can afford a smile as he runs his hands through his hair, taking a much needed breather. Michaels begins to show signs of his life, trying to get on to one knee in front of the Smackdown announce table, the furthest to the left of all three. Punk then steps down on to the floor and walks over to the table, reaches down and pulls Michaels up to his feet.
He holds on to the back of the legend’s head and drives it down in to the table, then lets go with Michaels falling to the floor again. The World Champion then strips the table, striking fear in to Michael Cole & Matt Striker, who stand up as Punk tosses their monitors to the side. The Showstopper tries to get back up to his feet, looking very groggy indeed, and Punk gives him a helping hand. He grabs him by the head and tries to drive it in to the exposed table, but Michaels blocks it and drives his elbow in to Punk’s ribs. The challenger then grabs Punk’s head and sends it smashing in to the table, not once but twice to a pop from the California faithful.
They cheer as Michaels then shoves Punk on to the table, struggling to move as The Heartbreak Kid walks back to the apron and climbs back on to it. He then makes his way all the way up to the top rope to a huge roar, and the fans rise to their feet as Shawn makes sure he keeps his balance. With Punk squirming on the table, Michaels strikes, leaping off the top and sending Punk through the table with THE HEARTBREAK ELBOW!!!. . . . . Cheers break out all across the arena as Michaels & Punk hit the floor through the table, both laying there in the wreckage.
“HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!”
Michaels starts to stir, lifting his head up and looking very groggy. He then shimmies round and slowly makes his way back up, and it’s obviously very difficult for him. Punk comes round and Michaels bends down, finding it difficult to pull the champion up, who is almost dead weight. The Heartbreak Kid then walks back to the apron with Punk in his clutches and slides him back in to the ring, under the bottom rope. Michaels follows him in, crawling on to the apron and in to the ring. He’s still moving slowly as he ignores the pain he’s feeling and hooks the near leg of the champion with the referee dropping down to count Punk’s shoulders. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
Punk lifts his left boot up on to the bottom rope, ever so slightly breaking the heart of the challenger as he sits up and gazes at Punk’s foot staring back at him. Michaels grudgingly picks himself back up as the champion takes his foot off the rope and crawls towards them. The Heartbreak Kid backs up in to the corner and turns to the crowd, getting his focus back as he starts to tune up the band. He turns back to face Punk, who’s using the ropes to help him back up to his feet. The intensity on the face of Michaels increases as Punk gets closer to standing up, and as Punk gets up, turns round and walks away from the ropes, Michaels comes firing out of the corner and lifts his boot up towards Punk’s face for the SUPER KICK!!!. . . . .
But Punk ducks and grabs Michaels as they turn round to face each other around the upper torso, then lifts him off the mat and sends him down to the mat, holding on to lock in the ANACONDA VICE!!!. . . . . The fans are nervous as Punk wrenches away at Michaels, desperately trying to make him tap. There’s a real look of concern on the face of The Heartbreak Kid despite the fans’ attempts to encourage him, clapping and chanting “HBK” with Punk shutting it out, focusing firmly on the task in hand, squeezing the life out of The Showstopper, and it’s working. Michaels is fading, but the fans don’t give up on him. He comes back fighting, lifting his arm up in the air, trying to find the strength to break the hold.
He finds it and drags himself sideways, desperately trying to get to the ropes with Punk beginning to panic. He holds on and tries to halt the fight back, but he can’t as Michaels moves to within touching distance of the ropes, and he gets there, reaching out to grab the bottom rope to the absolute relief of the sell-out crowd. Cheers echo around the HP Pavilion as the incredibly frustrated World Heavyweight Champion lets the hold go and stares at Michaels and the crowd with disgust. He then stands up with a worn out Michaels still flat out by the ropes. The champion’s in no mood for sympathy and goes right after Michaels, pulling him up and away from the ropes, then lifts him on to his shoulders for the GO TO SLEEP!!!. . . . .
Boos ring round the arena as Punk keeps him up there a second to long. The Heartbreak Kid fights for his life and wriggles free down Punk’s back. The champion’s shell shocked and turns round as a still drowsy Michaels leans back and takes Punk’s head with off some SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!. . . . . Massive cheers break out, but Michaels can’t take advantage as he falls to the mat and lies alongside the out cold CM Punk. Slowly, the challenger comes to life and lifts his head up, seeing Punk out of it and he stretches his arm out across Punk’s chest, prompting the ref to rush round, drop to his knees and make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Punk gets his shoulder up just in time. The dazed Michaels looks up and is absolutely gutted. He has to shake off the cobwebs as he tries to sit up, looking absolutely spent, as does Punk as he does the same. They both struggle desperately to stand back up, and as Punk turns round to face his challenger, Michaels thinks fast, grabbing Punk’s arm and pulling him in to the CROSS FACE!!!. . . . . It’s Punk’s turn to cling on to dear life as The Heartbreak Kid can see the title in his grasp as he now wrenches at his opponent’s face with the fans going nuts. They too can see the finish line as Punk screams “NO” at the referee asking him whether he wants to call it day.
He doesn’t despite the obvious agony written all over his bright red, scrunched up face. He reaches his arm out, nowhere near the ropes, full of desperation as he fights to keep hold of the world title. He starts to make progress, slowly dragging himself towards the apron with Michaels keeping the hold locked in and applying pressure to the champion. Punk drags himself closer, and you can see the hope in his eyes as he sees it glaring at him and throws his arm forward on to the bottom rope to the frustration of the crowd. Boos ring out as Michaels lets the hold go and Punk takes in as much air as is humanly possibly.
The Heartbreak Kid doesn’t intend to let him recover and grabs him by the legs, then drags him away from the ropes. Punk panics as Shawn tries to apply the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!!. . . . . Punk scraps away and kicks up at Michaels, pushing him back and down to the mat on his back. Michaels’ back’s already causing him problems and keeps him down longer than he’d hope. Both he & Punk, clearly in pain struggle up to their feet, and as they find their sense of balance, they turn round with Punk ducking a right hand then exploding with a thunderous ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!. . . . . Michaels falls to the mat in a heap, and The Straight-Edge Superstar falls on top of him and puts his arm across his chest for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . NO!
Michaels gets his shoulder to a big pop, and it’s Punk’s turn to feel the disappointment. He looks up at the referee in nothing more than hope, but he quickly realises the match is still going. Michaels lifts his head up off the mat and attempts to sit up, forcing Punk in to action. He makes his way back up and pulls Michaels up from his knees, then unloads with a series of stiff kicks to the gut of The Heartbreak Kid. Punk then grabs Michaels’ head and runs in to the corner, driving it furiously in to the turnbuckle pads.
Michaels turns round and leans against them as Punk backs away with a look of serious intent on his face before charging back in at his opponent and nailing him with a STEP UP ENZUIGIRI!!. . . . . A thud echoes around the HP Pavilion with Punk clinging on to Michaels’ head. He then turns round and runs out of the corner with Michaels’ head under his arm to plant him with a BULLDOG!!. . . . . Michaels isn’t moving as his head hits the mat, and Punk shifts round and turns him over on to his back right away, hooks the leg and makes a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO! Michaels kicks out, leaving Punk frustrated as hell. He bangs his heads against the mat and then stands up, staring down at Michaels as The Showstopper rolls on to his side in an attempt to get up. The Straight-Edge Superstar takes a step back and stalks him, urging him to get back up, and slowly he does. Punk goes right for him and reaches down to grab his feet for the GTS!!!. . . . . As he tries to lift him up on to his shoulders, The Heartbreak Kid jumps down to his feet. Punk is stunned and can only watch as Michaels sweeps his legs and lifts them off the mat so he can lock in the SHARPSHOOTER!!!. . . . .
The fans go nuts as Michaels turns Punk on to his back and stitches it in with the panicking Punk screaming in agony. He constantly tells the referee he doesn’t want to submit, and he again tries to reach out for the rope despite being almost half the ring away. Michaels pulls hard as he puts the pressure on Punk’s lower back, but the champion isn’t about to give it up. With everything he has left in the tank, he scratches and claws his away across the canvas as Michaels continues to put the pressure on him. The champ is still suffering as he drags himself closer to the ropes, and with one last lunge, he throws his arm on to the bottom rope to the disappointment of both Michaels & the crowd.
The Heartbreak Kid lets the hold go as he’s told and backs away as Punk tries to get his breath back again. Michaels once again retreats to the corner as Punk picks himself using the ropes to help him to his feet. The Showstopper could well be on the brink of victory as he tunes up the band one more time. The fans clap and stamp their feet in tandem with Michaels’ boot, and he’s locked on Punk. The World Champion then turns round and away from the ropes with Michaels racing out of the corner for the SUPER KICK!!!. . . . . Punk ducks his head again, and both men turn round with Punk lifting the challenger up off his feet for the GTS!!!. . . . .
The fans panic and so does Michaels, who slips down Punk’s back and steps back sizing him up for the SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!. . . . . Punk turns round and ducks the boot again. They spin round in a hurry and Punk strikes with a ferocious ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!. . . . . Michaels’ feet fall from under him and he’s out of it. Punk sees that and hurries down to his knees to drag him up and on to his shoulders. The Showstopper doesn’t put up any resistance this time and the World Champion brings him crashing down on to his knees with the GTS!!!. . . . . Michaels is well and truly out of it and Punk wastes no time in throwing himself down on to his knees to cover Shawn with the ref doing the same and counting the fall. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
YES!! IT’S OVER!!
Winner: By pinfall, and still the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk @ 21:12.
Aftermath: “This Fire Burns” plays and is met with heat from the California crowd as CM Punk stands up with a big smirk on his face. The referee walks back to him and presents him with the world title, then raises his hand in victory, which is met by more boos inside the HP Pavilion. Punk then grabs the belt by both hands and raises it high in the air, still smirking as he looks in to the crowd and the fans that are booing him. He then walks to the ropes and lifts it up with just one arm and points to his chest with his thumb in a closed fist, getting very animated as he taunts the crowd.
Michaels comes round, not knowing where he is at all behind Punk, who then turns round and watches The Heartbreak Kid sit up. They look at each other for several seconds, and as Michaels tries to stand up, Punk walks over to him and helps him up to his feet, keeping hold of his hand. Michaels looks in to his eyes and then nods, shaking Punk’s hand. There’s a mutual look of respect between both men as the disconsolate and defeated challenger leaves the victor in the ring to soak up the moment. Punk nods to himself as Michaels walks up the ramp looking very disappointed before the shot goes back to Punk in the ring standing proudly with the world title on his shoulder.
__________
*Video Recap*
***Raw, February 18th 2008
Handicap Match
Triple H vs. The McMahon Men
As Triple H steps through the ropes, all three McMahon’s charge at him and attack him with vicious shots to the head and chest, forcing him down to the mat where they continue the attack, stomping away at him. Mike Chioda tries to stop them, but they just push him away. Chioda gets up after several second and tries to break it up again, but Vince knocks him out with a hard right hand. Vince & Shane then lift Trips to his feet as JBL then slaps The Game in the face. JBL then pulls him in to position for THE LAST CALL. . . . . Just as he’s about to lift him up,
“Line in the Sand” blasts out to a huge pop as
Batista & Ric Flair charge down the ramp and slide in to the ring.
Batista charges at JBL and clotheslines him down to the mat as Flair punches Shane down and then Vince. As JBL gets back up, Batista whips him in to the ropes and plants him with a SPINEBUSTER. . . . . The roof is close to being blown off as Flair applies the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK ON VINCE. . . . . As Shane gets back up, Batista kicks him in the gut and then plants him with the BATISTA BOMB. . . . . Triple H makes his way back up to his feet as Batista too stands back up and Flair lets the hold go on Vince. They all meet in the middle of the ring and hug for a couple of seconds before they raise each others arms in the air to “Line in the Sand” as that plays again to the delight of the German fans with the show coming to a close.
***WrestleMania 24, March 30th 2008
Lilian Garcia: At a combined weight of 787 pounds. . . the team of Batista, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, and Triple H. . . EVOLUTION!!
“Line in the Sand” blasts out &
Evolution make their way down to the ring with their game faces on, united once again on the grandest stage of them all.
Evolution vs. The Corporation
The Chairman of the Board enters the ring again with the chair in hand as both Flair and Triple H come back round, but Vince makes a bee line for HHH as he gets back up first and drives the chair across the back of The Game, sending him back down to the mat. A chorus of boos rings out as Vince smiles sadistically before turning back round to see Flair standing back up. He walks over and lifts the chair above his head, then BRINGS THE CHAIR CRASHING DOWN TOWARDS FLAIR’S SKULL. . . . . BUT THE NATURE BOY KICKS VINCE IN THE GROIN. . . . . The chair drops to the mat along with Vince as Flair then kicks the chair out of the ring and locks in THE FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK TO A MASSIVE POP FROM THE CROWD. . . . .
The crowd all rise to their feet and watch on as Flair makes Vince scream out in pain with The Nature Boy pulling tightly on the legs of the Chairman of the Board. Everyone else is out of it as Vince looks in grave danger with Eric Bischoff running down the aisle in a referee’s shirt to a mixed reception. Flair looks stunned as Bischoff enters the ring, but carries on with the hold, desperately trying to force Vince to tap with the owner of the WWE struggling to get close to the ropes, and as Flair’s face goes bright red with the desperation, Vince gives up the fight and taps out with Bischoff calling for the bell.
“Line in the Sand” blasts out as The Nature Boy slowly gets back up to his feet, looking in shock as Bischoff raises his hand in the air. Bischoff looks the same as ever, and after letting go of Flair’s hand, he leaves the ring, just as Batista & Triple H pick themselves back up and congratulate Flair. They turn to see Bischoff walking back up the aisle, who also turns back and looks in to the ring with Evolution looking very confused. Triple H then shrugs his shoulders and hugs Flair, as does Batista before they all raise their hands together to a huge ovation from the sell out crowd. JBL sits up and then drags Vince to the ropes and then out of the ring as Evolution walk to the ropes and pose for the crowd. Vince & JBL don’t look happy at all, neither does Shane as he comes too on the outside as a victorious Evolution celebrate in each corner of the ring with big smiles on their faces.
***Vengeance, May 29th 2008
Evolution vs. The Corporation
Show’s not impressed though and as he stands back up, the complacency is gone. He’s found his mean streak and taunts The Game, urging him to get up. Show raises his hand up in the air, signalling for the CHOKESLAM!!!. . . . . Slowly but surely Triple H finds a way back up, but as he gets up, Show grabs him by the throat again and lifts him up in to the air. He keeps him there for a couple of seconds, and The Game starts to wriggle about and then manages to jump down to his feet, landing close to the ropes. Batista walks across the apron and taps him on the back for a blind tag, and it’s acknowledged by the referee. Batista steps inside, but The Game doesn’t notice and goes right back to the stunned Big Show, kicks him in the gut and CONNECTS WITH THE PEDIGREE!!!. . . . .
The crowd explodes, but as Triple H turns Show on to his back, Batista steps in and drops down to make the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No, Triple H pulls Batista up to his feet. The bemused Triple H asks Batista what he’s doing, and The Animal tries to explain and motions to him that he made the tag. The Game angrily shakes his head and shoves his team-mate in the chest in front of the confused fans. Flair then gets in the ring as Batista steps forward and shoves Triple H to the amusement of JBL. With Evolution arguing, Show crawls towards his corner as Flair tries to cool things down with Show then tagging in Kozlov. The big Russian hit-man walks towards the bickering trio and knocks Batista down to his knees with a double axe-handle.
Triple H then hammers away at him and sends him down to the mat with a fierce right hand. That angers JBL, and he decides to get involved. He climbs in the ring and runs right at The Game, but Triple H sees him coming and kicks him in the gut, then grabs him by the tights and turns round to toss him over the top rope to the floor below. Triple H stares down at JBL as Kozlov & Batista make their way back up behind him. Flair tries to warn them as Triple H turns round and sees Kozlov run at Batista, but The Animal steps to the side as Kozlov runs through and clotheslines Triple H over the top rope and to the outside. Kozlov turns round frantically and runs at The Animal, right in to a SPINEBUSTER!!!. . . . .
The fans are on their feet as Batista stands back up, but Show is in the ring and runs at Flair, knocking him down with a clothesline. Batista gets up in time to turn back in to the ropes and run back at Show to take him down with a SPEAR!!!. . . . . The fans are going nuts, and as Batista stands back up, Kozlov struggles to his feet in front of him. Everyone else is down and out, and Batista takes full advantage by pulling Kozlov in to his body before lifting him up above his head and sending him crashing down to the mat with a huge BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . The fans are all on their feet as Batista crawls forward and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.
“Line in the Sand” blasts out to a massive pop. Batista stands up and gets his arm raised by the referee, and is then joined by Flair as he gets up. The Nature Boy hugs Batista as Triple H gets up on the outside and sees his two team-mates celebrating. JBL looks furious as he sits up, and The Game doesn’t look too happy either as he slides back in the ring. Flair & Batista pull away from the hug and see The Game standing there staring at them. The Nature Boy smiles widely at him and walks over to hug Triple H, but The Game just stares right over his shoulder at Batista. The Animal stares back at him with Flair then pulling back and grabbing both men by the arm, then raises both of them in to the air.
***Later that night
All three members of Evolution are stood in the production area with
Batista psyching himself up for the big match coming up next.
Ric Flair & Triple H are stood at the side of him with The Game looking very envious while Flair is almost beaming. Flair smiles as he turns round to face Triple H, who stares directly at Batista with a look that could kill.
Ric Flair: What the hell’s the matter with you? The least y’could do is be supportive.
The Game slowly turns his head towards Flair and gives him a similar look before turning back to Batista, still scowling.
Triple H: Good luck.
After that ungracious message of support, he shrugs his way past The Animal and out of the shot, leaving Flair shaking his head in anger, but Batista doesn’t look bothered.
Ric Flair: I can’t believe him. . . Well, he might not be behind y’t’night, but I sure as hell I am.
***Even later that night
WWE Championship
Batista vs. Kane (c) vs. Randy Orton
He then whips The Animal in to the ropes, but as the big man comes back off the ropes, he takes the champion down with a DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE!!. . . . . The crowd cheer again as they both pick themselves up, and as Kane walks towards him, Batista leans forward and lifts him off his feet to send his back forcefully in to the mat with a SPINEBUSTER!!. . . . . That gets the crowd going, and Batista then lifts his thumbs up again, bringing an incredibly worried Bearer up on to the apron. Batista walks towards him, but Flair has it covered.
He walks round and pulls him down, then lays him out with a right hand to another huge pop. Batista smiles down at his mentor before turning round and walking over to Kane. The Big Red Machine tries to get on to one knee, and The Animal gives him a helping hand. He drags him in to his body, setting him up for the BATISTA BOMB!!!. . . . . He gets Kane up in the air and nails it. The champion is helpless, Orton is only starting to come round by the ropes and the crowd are on their feet as Batista crawls forward and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3!. . . . . It’s over despite a despairing lunge from Orton. We have a new WWE Champion!
“I Walk Alone” blasts out to a deafening cheer inside the Joe Louis Arena. Batista leans back on his knees looking absolutely overwhelmed, nearly shedding a tear as Flair walks round to collect the WWE title belt. An extremely angry Orton sits up and stares across at Flair, who then climbs in to the ring and hands the title over to the new WWE Champion. The Animal stands up and raises it in to the air while getting his arm raised aloft by both the ref and Flair. Batista then hugs Flair before walking in to the corner and climbing up to the second rope to pose with the title, sending the Detroit crowd nuts. The huge smile on Batista’s face is in great contrast to the bitter look on Orton’s. The Legend Killer stands up and stares across at Batista for several seconds before stepping through the ropes with disgust, leaving Batista & Flair all alone. The Animal then steps down and walks across to hug an elated Flair one more time as the show then comes to a close.
***Raw, June 30th 2008
Batista & Ric Flair walked through the back and into their locker room to be greeted by
Triple H. There was a lot of tension in the air as no one knew what to say. Batista & Flair then walked in and let the door shut with Triple H then saying that he had something he needed to say. He apologised to them for being so caught up in his problems with Vince & The Corporation and admitted that everything got way out of control. He appeared to be very humble and then said that he was very grateful to them for helping him out when they didn’t need to and that everything worked out because they won the war last night. He went on to say that if he couldn’t be the WWE Champion, he was just glad one of them is and that he was happy for Batista before apologising again and offering his hand out to him. The Animal smiled and shook, delighting Flair. The Nature Boy said he was glad they cleared the air and now everything was sorted between them.
***Later that night
WWE Championship
Batista (c) vs. Kane
The Animal looked to finish the match off, signalling for the Batista Bomb. The crowd went nuts while Bearer panicked in a big way. He jumped up to the apron, catching the referee’s attention, and Batista’s. The WWE Champion walked over to him with the referee, and as he did so, Randy Orton jumped the barricade and slid in to the ring behind them both. The ref told Batista he would deal with Bearer, and as The Animal turned round, Orton caught him with the RKO to a ton of heat in the area. Ric Flair & Triple H then ran down to the ring and scared off Orton, who left through the crowd as Bearer stepped down off the apron. Both Batista & Kane made their way back up with Kane trying for a Chokeslam and hitting it, but the defending champion kicked out at two with Evolution cheering him on from the outside. Kane then got back up and signalled for the Tombstone Piledriver, but as he tried to scoop his opponent up, Batista slipped down his back and shoved him in to the ropes. As Kane came back, Batista levelled him with another Spinebuster. The Animal didn’t waste any time in dragging him right back up to plant him with the Batista Bomb. The crowd went nuts as Triple H then blocked off Bearer, allowing Batista to make the cover and win the match to retain his title and send Kane & Bearer out of the WWE forever.
Triple H went round and collected the world title as Flair got in the ring to congratulate Batista. Bearer started crying on the outside, watching on helplessly as Flair and the referee raised Batista’s arms in the air. All smiles, The Game climbed in to the ring with Batista’s belt. He walked towards them with Evolution all smiles. The Game then was about to pass him the title but pulled it back. Batista & Flair looked confused before Triple H then drilled Batista right in the face with the belt. The music stopped and the crowd booed as Triple H stared down intensely at Batista, leaving Flair shell shocked. The Game then looked up and dropped the title on the champion with Flair begging for answers, and he got one in the shape of a Pedigree. The fans booed like crazy as Triple H got back up and looked down at them both with no remorse whatsoever.
***Raw, July 7th 2008
“The Game” blasts out to a ton of heat from the crowd as a very intense
Triple H walks in to the arena, interrupting a ticked off
Eric Bischoff. Wearing jeans, a T-shirt and a leather jacket, The Game walks down to the ring with Bischoff not looking very happy at all to see him as Triple H then collects a microphone.
Triple H: All I have one is very simple request. Well it’s more of a demand. . . I want Batista, and I want him right here t’night.
Eric Bischoff: Do you not remember what you did last week?. . . See Hun’er, turning on your friends and telling the world that you’re a selfish, two-faced individual at the same time isn’t something that I can punish you for, but you put your hands on a referee, one of my referees. . . That’s the reason why you won’t be facing Batista t’night or any other night in the near future, because as of right now you’re suspended indefinitely.
Eric Bischoff: Now if you don’t mind, I’d like t’ have some security officers come down here and escort this man
off my show.
A group of six security workers walk down the ramp and in to the ring, and then grab hold of The Game.
Triple H: Bischoff, rest assured you’re gonna be very, very sorry. Mark my words.
Eric Bischoff: Get him out o’ here.
***Later that night
Triple H is shown being escorted in to the parking lot and to his car by security. He opens his car door and they back away, but as Triple H turns his head, he looks surprised. The camera pans to the right to show a pissed
Ric Flair storming towards him with a calmer
Batista following behind.
Ric Flair: YOU NO GOOD SON OF A BITCH!
Security quickly block Flair off, but he tries to get past them.
Ric Flair: WHY’D YOU DO IT HUH? COME ON, DON’T HIDE BEHIND THEM YOU COWARD.
Triple H stares right at Flair, who is still being held back by security with Batista standing behind him.
Batista: Forget it Ric, he’s not worth it.
Flair backs down, as do security.
Ric Flair: You’re right Dave. I don’t know what I was thinkin’. He’s nothin’.
***Later that night
Non-Title Match
Batista vs. Randy Orton
As the champion got to his feet, Orton went for the RKO, but Batista pushed him back in to the ropes and kicked him in the gut as he came back. He then pulled him in to place and planted him with the Batista Bomb. Just as he was about to go for the cover, Triple H made his way down the ramp with a sledgehammer in hand. Flair was standing with his back to the ramp, totally unaware of The Game approaching behind him. The fans tried to warn him, and so did Batista as he turned round in a horror. Flair didn’t know what was going on as he turned right round in to a shot to the head with the sledgehammer. Triple H then slid inside the ring as Batista got to his feet. Batista went right for him but ran right in to a shot of The Game’s trusted ally, causing the referee to call for the bell. He too then fell foul of sledgy as The Game looked down at the carnage.
The camera cuts to the back and there’s a lot of noise with several officials & backstage workers rallying round and calling for help. We then see one of the referees turn round and drop to his knees, and we’re greeted by the sight of Eric Bischoff laid out face down across the floor. EMT’s rush over to him while the camera switches back to the arena with the footage in the back being shown on the tron for the fans to see, as well as a smirking Triple H.
***Raw, July 14th 2008
Linda McMahon's music plays and she walks down to the ring surrounded by security. The fans cheer and she gives them a brief smile, clearly meaning business here tonight. She collects a microphone and stands in the middle of the ring to address the Richmond crowd while the security cover all sides of the ring.
Linda McMahon: As I'm sure you're all aware, the Head of Authority for Monday Night Raw, Eric Bischoff was taken to a local medical facility last week following an incident backstage. . . It's very clear that a replacement is required in order to calm the storm and keep things ticking over as we head in to SummerSlam. . . So, ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you, the acting General Manager of Raw, Tazz.
"13" hits and a very happy
Tazz walks down to the ring, dressed in a suit and shakes Linda's hand as he steps inside the squared circle.
Tazz: It's pretty obvious that we've got a lot o' egos an' attitude runnin' riot on Raw, but I gotta tell ya, that ends right here right now. I sure as hell ain't gonna let anyone get away with doin' whatever the hell they want. 'cause as of right now, things are gonna change. . .
"King of Kings" blasts out & an intense
Triple H walks down the ramp to a ton of heat. He gets to the ring and stops to stare at the security workers before climbing up the steps and entering the ring. Security turn round and face the ring, keeping their eyes firmly on The King of Kings. Tazz doesn't look best pleased as he watches Triple H walk past him to get a microphone of his own and then join him in the middle of the ring.
Triple H: With Bischoff out of the way, it's down t' you to give me what I want. . . I want Batista one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Tazz: There's no way in hell I'm gonna give you a shot at the WWE Championship. . . See I ain't a believer in people sittin' at home as a punishment. People like you need t' face the consequences of your actions. . . One of the first decisions I had t' make after re-instatin' ya was what t' do about SummerSlam an' the World Heavyweight Championship. We're little over a month away an' I'm gonna put on one hell of a show of each one o' these fans. For that t' happen, I need a huge, an' I mean a
huge main event, an' y'can bet your ass that's what you're gonna see. . . I got t' thinkin' 'bout what just what I was gonna do, an' then it hit me. What better way t' headline SummerSlam than bring back Eric Bischoff's own creation. . . the Elimination Chamber.
*Massive Pop*
Tazz: You an' Batista might wanna tear each other apart, but he ain't the only one who wants t' get his hands on ya. That's why you've been re-instated, an' the man you'll be facin' at SummerSlam might not be Batista, but he's also a member of Evolution. . . Y'might not be facin' Batista, but Hun'er, the man you'll be facin' at SummerSlam is ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, an' if y'don't like it, that's tough.
Triple H is pissed and stares right at Tazz, and the new boss of Raw walks past him without a care in the world.
***Later that night
An intense
Triple H is being interviewed by
Todd Grisham.
Todd Grisham: Triple H, two weeks ago you shocked ev'ryone when you turned your back on two of your best friends, Batista and Ric Flair. I have to ask you why. Why did you stab them in the back?
Triple H: I live, sleep and breathe for the WWE Championship, and t' see it around the waist of someone as ungrateful as Batista, a man I brought back to Raw drives me crazy. . . I brought him back to Raw and
he was the one who turned his back on me and Evolution by going after the WWE Championship.
Todd Grisham: But what about Flair? You and him. . .
Triple H: . . . There is no me and Ric anymore Todd. Just like Batista, I brought him back t' Raw, and he let Batista walk away from Evolution. He made his choice and stood by Batista. . . The only thing I care about right now is beating Ric Flair to a bloody pulp at SummerSlam. And make no mistake about it Todd, I will do just that and end the career of Ric Flair once and for all.
***Later on that night
Batista & Ric Flair vs. The Big Show & JBL
Vince & Shane were looking worried on the outside as the WWE Champion stood back up to a big pop. He walked over to the ropes and shook them in a frenzy before walking back towards Show. As he lifted his thumbs up and brought them down, JBL raced back in to the ring. Batista countered with a spinning powerslam to take Layfield down. Just as he got back up though, Triple H charged down the ramp and pulled an unsuspecting Flair off the apron. He nailed him with a couple of hard right hands before whipping him in to the ring steps. The referee saw it and called for the bell, awarding the match in favour of Batista & Flair by disqualification. The Game stomped all over Flair on the outside with Batista then walking over to try and stop it.
The Big Show was back up though and pulled him back, then turned him round in to a chokeslam, much to the satisfaction of Vince & Shane. JBL returned to his feet with the same look of satisfaction as his father & brother. He then told Show to pick Batista up, and the big man did just that. JBL then gave him some instructions before turning back to run the ropes, then came flying back at Batista with Show letting him go in enough time for JBL to hit the Clothesline From Hell. Boos rang out as Triple H continued his attack on Flair too, pulling him up and whipping him in to the ringpost. Vince & Shane got in the ring with Vince holding the WWE Championship. All four members of The Corporation looked down and laughed at Batista while Triple H looked on with Vince then dropping the belt on the fallen champion as the show came to a close.
***Raw, July 28th 2008
It's deafening inside the arena with boos ringing out all around Freedom Hall as one very angry looking
Triple H walks out to the stage, and the boos get even louder as he enters the arena.
Triple H: Ric Flair, get your ass out here
right now.
“WOOOOOOO!”
“Sprach Zarathustra” plays and out walks
Ric Flair to a massive pop. Triple H looks slightly calmer but he doesn't take his eyes off of The Nature Boy for a second, who calmly walks down the ramp, not showing any fear whatsoever.
Triple H: You more than anybody know what I'm capable of doing t' you at SummerSlam. . . You might well be the dirtiest player in the game, but I am
The Game. I am that damn good Ric, and at SummerSlam, I'll still be
that damn good, too good and too much for you t. . .
Ric Flair: . . . Y'KNOW WHAT HUN’ER?. . . THE ONLY THING YOU'LL EVER GO DOWN AS IS A SELFISH SON OF A BITCH.
*Big Pop*
The red faced Flair erupts as Triple H watches on.
Ric Flair: AND YOU'LL NEVER. . .
NEVER BE THE NATURE BOY. AND I PROMISE Y’HUN’ER, THE NATURE BOY’S ALIVE AND WELL, BUT YOU’RE GONNA FIND THAT OUT FOR YOURSELF WHEN THE NATURE BOY KICKS YOUR ASS AT SUMMERSLAM.
Triple H: If The Nature Boy's alive and well and somehow you beat me at SummerSlam. . . fine. But if I beat The Nature Boy, I want you to walk away from this business once and for all and accept that I'm not just the better man but the greatest of all time.
*Major Heat*
Triple H: You can lie to me and all these people all you want, but you can't lie to yourself anymore Ric. It's time you stopped living a lie and faced facts. It's time you walked away, and I'm gonna make sure you do. I wanna be the one that ends your career, and you know. . . you know I can do it Ric. But if you think diff'rently, you won't have a problem saying yes.
Ric Flair: I've got nothing left to prove, least of all to you, but you have no idea how much I wanna beat the holy hell out o' you. And even though you wouldn't 'ave had the guts t' challenge me like this ten years ago. . . I ACCEPT.
*Big Pop*
Triple H smiles the moment he hears the acceptance, but Flair drops the microphone quickly and nails him with a right hand. They slug it out with The King of Kings knocking him down to the mat. Flair gets right back up and they continue to batter each other with right hands. Eight security guys race down the ramp and get in the ring to separate them, closely followed by
Batista to a huge pop as both men try desperately to get at each other with security managing to keep them apart. Batista helps pull Flair away as Triple H glares at them both and tries to shake security off, but he can't. The WWE Champion then manages to get Flair out of the ring, but The Nature Boy carries on staring right at Triple H as “Sprach Zarathustra” plays again with The King of Kings furiously looking on from the ring.
***Raw, August 11th 2008 (Last Monday)
The incredibly intense figure of
Triple H steps out to the stage to be met with the deafening heat being thrown at him by the unwelcoming English crowd. He couldn’t care less as he walks down the ramp serious as hell before climbing up the steps and entering the ring. He stops and stares at Tazz before walking past him, and instead of sitting down, he glares menacingly in to the stands of the Wembley Arena.
“WOOOOOO”
The King of Kings turns his head and focuses on the stage. The roof may well be in danger of being blown off as
Ric Flair makes his way out to the stage with the fans going absolutely nuts for The Nature Boy. He walks down the ramp and locks his eyes on the man who is hell bent on ending his career at SummerSlam. If looks could kill, they would be right now as Flair enters the ring, continuing to stare at Triple H, who’s glaring right back at him. Flair walks towards Tazz and tries to get past him, but Raw’s temporary general manager holds him back and manages to calm him down. The music stops and Flair settles down with, well he appears to before pushing his chair to the mat.
Triple H: Face it Ric, it’s long overdue. You’ve been in this business way too long, but not for much longer. What you’re going to experience at SummerSlam will be like nothing else you’ve ever been through. You’ll think back t’ the plane crash that broke your back, an’ Ric, you’ll wish you were back on that plane ‘cause I’m not gonna settle for just breaking your back. . . The plane, god, fate might have taken mercy on you Ric, but I promise you, I won’t. I’m going t’ break ev’ry bone in that battered, tired, fragile body of yours, and most importantly, I’m gonna love ev’ry last second of it.
Ric Flair: YOU WANNA COME OUT HERE AN’ TELL ALL THESE PEOPLE THAT MY CAREER’S OVER, YOU’RE MAKIN’ A BIG MISTAKE ‘CAUSE IT AIN’T OVER YET. . . PEOPLE ‘AVE UNDERESTIMATED RIC FLAIR FOR YEARS AN’ YEARS, BUT LET ME TELL Y’SOMETHIN’ HUN’ER, I’VE SURPRISED PEOPLE ALL MY LIFE.
*Pop*
Ric Flair: It’s why they say I’m the
greatest of all time, something no one will
ever say about you. If I get my ass handed t’ me at SummerSlam, then that’s a risk I’m happy t’ take, ‘cause it’ll be worth it. . .
Triple H: . . . Worth it? Will it be worth it with so much at stake Ric? Will it be worth losing ev’rything you’ve ever had? Your whole life has been in this ring Ric. After SummerSlam, you’ll have nothing.
Ric Flair: You might think it’s time for me t’ walk away in t’ the sunset, and I admit that I’ve thought about the possibility my career could come to an end at SummerSlam. I’ve seriously considered that this might just be my last match, ‘an that’s a feeling that scares the hell out o’ me. But like I said before, there’s still life left in The Nature Boy yet, an’ if you don’t believe me, there’s only one way I can show you.
Flair pushes the table over, steps forward and nails Triple H with the microphone, sending him down to the mat. The Nature Boy then drops to his knees and hammers away at The King of Kings, but Tazz gets involved and pulls him off of Triple H. Flair watches on as his SummerSlam opponent rolls on to his side, and that gives him the opportunity to find the contract and sign it. He shoves it in to Tazz’s chest before going back over to Triple H, who gets to his knees and shoves Flair back in to Tazz, who falls to his knees. Flair turns round in surprise, but it gives The King of Kings time to stand up and spin Flair round in to a Pedigree. Boos ring out as Triple H stands up and glares down at Flair, who’s not moving at all.
Tazz is though and he doesn’t look happy. The temporary GM gets to his feet not looking too happy, and he has a go at The King of Kings, who then slowly turns his head to give him an incredibly dirty look. Tazz isn’t intimidated though and continues giving Triple H the what for, but he’s regretting it now as Trips kicks him in the gut and drills him head first in to the canvas courtesy of a Pedigree. The English fans’ boos get even louder. They’re deafening in fact as Triple H looks up in to the stands and at the fans with Flair & Tazz motionless in the ring. It’s carnage and “King of Kings” blasts out, failing to cover up the boos as the remorseless Triple H stands tall in the ring assessing the damage.
__________
*Video Promo*
Coming Soon!
{Cut to the Arena}
*The Main Event*
Career Ending No Holds Barred Match
Ric Flair vs. Triple H
Last 15 Minutes: Flair is in a bad way and the incredibly intense Triple H has no intention of easing up on him as he pulls him up from the mat and fires him in to the corner. Flair’s back hits the pads and he slumps against them, not able to defend himself as The King of Kings runs in at him and levels him with a hard clothesline across the chest. Triple H backs out of the corner with The Nature Boy staggering out towards him in to his path, walking right in to a SPINNING SPINE BUSTER!!. . . . . Flair’s back is driven in to the canvas, resulting in a forceful impact for the greatest of all time.
Again, The Game isn’t showing any sympathy as you would expect and stands up, bringing Flair with him. He grabs him around the waist, lifts him off his feet in to a vertical position and drives The Nature Boy’s back in to his extended knee. Flair lets out a shriek as he hits the deck, wincing in pain, and The King of Kings again stands up, not looking satisfied enough with the damage he’s doing to The Nature Boy. He drags the aching veteran back up again and thrusts him furiously in to the pads again, so much so that Flair’s back hits them and he just falls forward and drops to the mat.
Triple H shows the first sign of satisfaction as he watches Flair writhing around in agony, struggling to get back up. He resorts to using the ropes to help him get to his feet, and as soon as he does, he turns round to see The King of Kings charging at him to send him over the top rope and down to the floor with a clothesline. The greatest of all time looks in deep trouble as he crawls to the Raw announce table and Triple H follows him right out, looking so calm and composed as he steps through the ropes and jumps down to the arena floor. Flair tries to pull himself up the table, and Trips takes advantage, grabbing him by the head and driving it in to the table.
He lets go of his head and The Nature Boy slumps back down to the floor. Triple H stares down at him menacingly and then decides to inflict more pain on him, stripping the announce table, causing JR & DiBiase to stand up in a panic. They watch on as The Game grabs a monitor and turns his attention back to his opponent, who doesn’t have a clue what is waiting for him. The King of Kings takes a couple of steps back and gets ready to take Flair’s head off, and as The Nature Boy stands up, Triple H steps forward and NAILS HIM WITH THE MONITOR!!!. . . . .
Flair just falls to the floor as Triple H drops the monitor without any care, just letting it hit the arena floor. Flair comes round, lifting his head up, revealing the extent of the blow with blood pouring from his head. The Game can’t see it yet and we see what’s going through his head as he bends down and exposes the concrete floor, ripping a mat up from the floor. The fans are panicking as Flair unwittingly claws his way up to his knees. The scarily intense King of Kings grabs him by the head and pulls him in to place for a pedigree, standing on the concrete floor with Flair’s head destined to meet it.
The King of Kings stares at the crowd as he prepares to KO his opponent, but The Nature Boy stuns him by blocking it and then countering in to a BACK BODY DROP ON TO THE SOLID CONCRETE!!!. . . . . A massive pop breaks out in the HP Pavilion, and Triple H is in agony, sitting up and shouting out in pain. Flair remains on the floor too, squirming around as the fans continue to cheer. Flair crawls to the apron and pulls himself up it while The King of Kings also makes his way back up as a cameraman tries to get a close up of Flair, and The Nature Boy steals the camera from him. He turns round with pure hatred in his eyes as The Game tries to steady himself.
Unbeknown to Triple H, Flair is sizing him up, and he turns round with Flair NAILING HIM WITH THE CAMERA TO THE SKULL!!!. . . . . The King of Kings hits the floor, looking out of it as Flair drops the camera and then drops to his knees to pummel Triple H with a series of vicious right hands, and the fans love it. He then stops as he sees something in the corner of his eye. He crawls across on his knees and pulls some cables from under the apron. He’s got a sick smile on his face, and the groggy Triple H doesn’t have a clue. He’s helpless as The Nature Boy then wraps the cable around his neck and chokes the life out of him with the fans going nuts, willing him on.
Flair’s lost it and he continues to strangle The King of Kings who tries to pull the cable away from his throat, but he can’t and he drifts out of consciousness. He slumps to the side and to the floor, and the red faced Flair lets go of the cable, tossing it to the side as he glares down at his motionless opponent with no remorse whatsoever. He then stands up and tries to drag The Game up, and he struggles. It’s dead weight and he has to use all the strength he has to get him up and force him up on to the apron. He then pushes him in to the ring and crawls back inside himself, pulls him away from the ropes and hooks the leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
NO!
The King of Kings gets his shoulder up to the annoyance of The Nature Boy. He leans back on to his knees, breathing heavily as Triple H’s eyes start to flicker. He doesn’t know where he is, and Flair just glares down at him with nothing but hate. He then stands back up and continues to stare at his bitter enemy. He then grabs his legs and pulls him away from the ropes, then looks in to the crowd for a couple of seconds, getting a cheer as he applies the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK TO A HUGE ROAR FROM THE CALIFORNIA CROWD!!!. . . . .
The fans are blowing the roof off of the HP Pavilion, chanting for The Game to tap out, but he doesn’t despite Flair’s best efforts to make him do so. The Nature Boy’s face is bright red and he’s pulling away at Triple H’s legs with his own legs, even bouncing up and down on the mat to try and make him give up. The King of Kings is struggling big time and shakes his head with the referee right in his face, asking him whether he wants to quit. It’s a defiant no and The Game sits up and tries to pull himself back with Flair’s eyes locked on him in the struggle.
Triple H digs deep and drags himself back, worrying Flair who keeps the hold locked in for as long as he can, but The King of Kings fights his way back in to the ropes. Boos ring round the HP Pavilion as Flair’s told to let the hold go, but he doesn’t and there’s nothing the referee can do. Triple H is fuming and still in pain as he glares at the defiant Nature Boy, who then decides to let the hold go. He stands up and leaves the ring straight away with Triple H trying to sit up, leaning against the ropes with his back to Flair, who grabs a steel chair from the timekeeper’s table to a big pop and heads back in to the ring.
The King of Kings stands up and holds on to the ropes as he walks along them while Flair slips back inside with the chair in hand. The fans cheer as he sets his sights of the unsteady Triple H, who gets his balance and then turns round to face Flair. He panics and Flair drives the top of the chair in to his gut, sending The Game down to his knees. Flair stares down at him, full of rage as he then lifts the chair up above his head, about to bring it down when Triple H takes a page out of the dirtiest player of all time’s book by low blowing him. Flair’s legs fall from under him and he hits the canvas, letting go of the chair to the disappointment of the crowd. Triple H just sn-iggers as he watches Flair roll around in agony.
The Game then pulls himself back up, showing the effects of the match so far as he reaches down and picks up the chair his opponent brought in to the ring. The King of Kings takes a look at it for a couple of seconds and then tosses it to the side, then leaves the ring to look under the apron. He then pulls out the one person he trusts, sledgy! He stands up and lifts it up to a ton of heat from the California fans, and they can sense the danger The Nature Boy is in as he crawls on to his knees in the ring.
The Game slips back in under the bottom rope along with sledgy, and he stares intently at his opponent, who just about gets up, and as he turns round, The King of Kings paces across the mat and BATTERS HIM WITH THE SLEDGEHAMMER!!!. . . . . Flair hits the deck again, and we can see that he’s been busted open as he lies face down on the mat. Triple H lets go of his trusty ally and drops to his knees, still very intense as he rolls Flair on to his back, then hooks the leg for a cover. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Flair just about lifts his shoulder up before the ref could count to three, and the fans are going nuts. Triple H doesn’t look happy at all though. He’s spitting feathers as he stares down at the bloodied Nature Boy, who opens his eyes, clearly in a bad way. The King of Kings slowly stands back up, still staring down at his opponent with absolute fury as The Nature Boy tries to sit up. The Cerebral Assassin allows the battered Flair to crawl up to his knees in front of him, and Flair pulls himself up The Game’s legs with Triple H just glaring at him every step of the way.
Flair manages to get to his feet and slaps his rival, who responds instantly with a kick to the gut and then pulls Flair’s head between his legs, setting him up for the PEDIGREE!!!. . . . . The fans boo but they can’t stop it as Triple H hits it, driving Flair’s head in to the mat. He’s out and the fans know it, and so does Triple H. He turns him over again on to his back and makes the cover with the fans watching on with great concern as the referee hits the mat to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3!
No, wait! Flair somehow got his shoulder up and the fans can’t believe it, and neither can Triple H. The fans are cheering as the stunned and angry King of Kings stares down at his barely moving opponent. He doesn’t take too long before making his next move in standing back up and dragging Flair back up with him, setting him up for another PEDIGREE!!!. . . . . The King of Kings lifts his head up and looks in to the crowd, and as he does so, Flair shows he’s up for a war and drops to his knees, then low blows The Game.
Both men hit the mat to a big pop and stay there for a good while, and when they try to get back up, Flair sees the sledgehammer to the side of him. He brings it up with him, much to the approval of the fans who cheer as both men make it up to their feet. Flair gets ready with the sledgehammer, and as The Game turns round, The Nature Boy DRIVES THE GAME’S OWN WEAPON IN TO HIS SKULL!!!. . . . . The fans are on their feet as The King of Kings falls to the mat to a massive cheer, and Flair’s eyes light up. He drops the sledgehammer and to his knees, grabs Triple H’s legs and makes the cover with The Game not moving. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
NO!
Triple H somehow manages to lift his shoulder up to the amazement of the fans, and Flair too. He can’t believe it and he doesn’t know what to make of it, just sat up on his knees in shock. Triple H comes round and crawls on his knees towards the corner, and that gets Flair going again. The Nature Boy turns his head and sees the sledgehammer still sitting on the mat. He picks it up and stands back up as Triple H pulls himself up the pads, then removes the top turnbuckle pad. Not many people notice, and neither Flair or the referee does.
The Nature Boy is too busy staring at his back, ready to strike with the sledgehammer again, and as Triple H turns round and walks out of the corner, Flair runs at him with the weapon in hand. The Game ducks his head though and grabs Flair’s legs, pulling them off the mat and holding on to them. Flair drops sledgy and Triple H catapults him in to the exposed turnbuckle. The bloodied Flair’s head hits the steel and he turns round in a dazed, staggers out in to The Game’s grasp, and Triple H kicks him in the gut, then plants him with a SINGLE ARM DDT!!. . . . .
Flair’s head takes another trip in to the canvas, and he’s barely moving as The King of Kings stands up and calmly walks round to his opponent’s legs. He lifts them up off the mat and stares down intensely at Flair for a second before applying Flair’s own hold, the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!!!. . . . . The fans boo for a few seconds, and then they start to encourage Flair, who sits up and screams in pain, shaking his head defiantly as Triple H puts him through hell, using the strength in his legs to do so. It shows on the face of The Nature Boy with blood pouring down it.
His resilience shines through as he holds on and fights for his career and slowly turns on to his side, trying to reverse the hold. The Game panics ever so slightly and tries to stop it, but he can’t, and Flair turns him over to a massive cheer. Triple H screams out and tells the referee he doesn’t want to quit, yelling “NO” at him over and over. He fights to escape, and he manages to overpower the greatest of all time, and the hold breaks. The atmosphere is buzzing in the arena as both men try to make it back up, and it’s The Game who’s up first. He walks across to Flair, who’s only on his knees, and he tries to pull him up, but The Nature Boy takes him by surprise, pulling him in to a SMALL PACKAGE!!! . . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . No!
The Game kicks out and both men make their way back up, still suffering, and it’s Flair who capitalises, taking The King of Kings down to the mat with a DOUBLE ARM SUPLEX!!. . . . . Cheers rally round the HP Pavilion as Flair picks himself back up again and walks in to the corner, then steps through the ropes with Triple H standing back up. The fans cheer as Flair climbs all the way up to the top rope, possibly for the last time in his career.
He watches his opponent get to his feet and turn round, then he jumps off looking to hit the DOUBLE AXE HANDLE!!. . . . . NO! The Game kicks him in the gut and immediately pulls his head between his legs, then drills him with another PEDIGREE!!!. . . . . It could be all over. Flair’s motionless and The King of Kings turns him on to his back, shimmies forward and hooks the leg as the referee rushes round and down to his knees to make the count. . . . .
1 . . . . .
2 . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . 3?
YES! IT’S OVER!
Winner: Triple H by pinfall @ 21:48.
Aftermath: “King of Kings” plays to heat inside the arena with Triple H standing up to get his arm raised in victory, ending the career of ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair for good. The Game’s hand drops and he looks down at the bloodied Flair, smirking as he then looks up in to the crowd. He throws his arms up in to the air, getting even more heat before turning round and leaving the ring as Flair comes round. The King of Kings walks up the ramp and doesn’t turn back as The Nature Boy slowly stands up to a huge ovation.
The Game’s music cuts as the tears run down Flair’s cheeks, holding his hand up to salute the appreciative crowd. The tears continue to flow, as do the cheers as JR, DiBiase, Cole & Striker, Lilian Garcia & Justin Roberts all stand up along with the Spanish announce team, whose table remains intact to show their appreciation, applauding The Nature Boy. Flair claps them and the fans as the curtain comes down on his career and this year’s SummerSlam.
{End of Show}
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