Sorry for double posting. And sorry for not returning much reviews. Life is slowly taking control over Be the Booker at the moment, and that's something I really can't control. I'm doing my best to get everything up atm, and if it should be that I go on a short hiatus if this continues, then so be it.
For now, here's RAW in its entirety. It's not the best version, I slacked effort as the show went on, as you'll see.
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WWE Monday Night RAW; February 7, 2005; Saitama, Japan
A video plays before the start of the show, showcasing the events that transpired last week in regards to the Road to WrestleMania 21 Tournament. Shown is Shelton Benjamin’s triumph over Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair causing Chris Jericho to tap out to the Figure Four, Batista overpowering The Big Red Machine Kane, and Triple H defeating Christian with World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton making the final count. Last shown is the stare down between Orton and Triple H, which closed the show.
The opening video for RAW plays right after this, accompanied of course by “Across the Nation” by The Union Underground. A tremendous pyro display follows as the camera then pans around the Saitama Super Arena, as RAW is broadcasting from The Land of the Rising Sun.
Jim Ross: Almost 22,000 have jam-packed the Saitama Super Arena for Monday Night RAW! Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I’m Jim Ross, here with Jerry “The King” Lawler as always and King what an exciting night it’s going to be.
Jerry Lawler: You aren’t kidding JR!! I’m so ready for tonight’s RAW, I can’t wait to get it started!
Jim Ross: We folks we have a huge show promised for everyone here in Japan and for you at home, and it ends with our main event. A rematch from the Royal Rumble, as Randy Orton the World Heavyweight Champion, defends his title against the challenger, Edge.
Jerry Lawler: And if that match proves to be like how it was at the Rumble JR, these fans are in for a huge treat.
Jim Ross: Yes they are King and not to mention – the semifinals of the Road to WrestleMania 21 Tournament will take place, as Batista takes on ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair and Shelton Benjamin, the young stud takes on Triple H, a man who he holds not one, but two victories over.
Jerry Lawler: Well that may be true, but that’s the past JR. All I know is, Triple H is going to be on his game tonight, because he knows how valuable that World Title is. And if he were to be off his game, he would never live it down.
Match 1: Non-Title Tag Team Match Christian & Tyson Tomko vs. William Regal & Eugene
In a New Year’s Revolution rematch, the two teams put up a fair contest to open what should be a stellar show tonight. Eugene’s comedic actions are displayed, as well as Christian’s as the two interact well with each other in the ring and get a lot of laughs out of the crowd. Christian tried to mount an early advantage, but his efforts were continually stopped by Eugene who’d counter nearly every single move he threw at him.
Christian tried shutting him down with repeated rights in the corner, but the referee stepped in and broke that up. Eventually William Regal came into the fold of things and started going at it with Captain Charisma, who with the help of Tomko isolated Regal from his corner. Eugene kept getting the crowd to be in their favor by slamming his hand down on the top turnbuckle in his corner, but his efforts were not looking like they were panning out very well as Regal kept getting dominated.
A mistake from Christian to bad mouth Eugene turned to be bad as Regal, given ample time, came out of the corner and landed a BIG right hand onto Christian’s forehead!! The finish comes as Regal is maintaining his control over Christian. Tomko extends his arm out for a tag from his partner but it is continually not able to as Regal has a sleeper locked in. After several minutes, Christian finally gets the tag after breaking free and Tomko came in with a boot.
Eugene tried getting involved but Tomko ducked a clothesline from him, and booted him for his troubles as well. Christian came over and kicked him out of the ring, as Tomko made the pin on Regal, securing him for the count of three and securing the victory. Winner: Christian and Tyson Tomko at 8:21.
Christian and Tomko raise their own hands in the ring, and are handed their Tag Team Title belts. The crowd erupts suddenly, as the camera jumps to two men jumping the barrier and heading into the ring! They sneak behind them, and as Tomko and Christian turn around, they both nail dropkicks onto their chests taking them out of the ring!!! The crowd erupts again, as one of them, the light skinned bald man {the other is dark skinned and also clean shaven} takes a mic.
???: Hey Christian!! You scared?? You ought to be … because while me and this guy can’t be a team in one place … (cheers) we can be a team here …
Crowd cheers, as it’s obvious to them who they are.
???: Oh yeah, that’s right. Because we are … Triple – X (BIG pop) and we want your Tag Team Titles around OUR waists!!
More cheers from the crowd, as Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper are the men in the ring, as they have defected from another company (TNA) where they weren’t allowed to compete as a team.
Christopher Daniels: And we’ve already talked with Eric Bischoff, (smiling) yeah, we’ve talked with Mr. Bischoff – and our opportunity for the World Tag Team Titles … is NEXT WEEK!
Thundering pop, as Christian and Tomko look shocked and furious at the same time. Daniels and Skipper in the ring however look very pleased.
Christopher Daniels: So hold onto those belts while you can, because by this time next week, they’re gonna be around our waists, and there isn’t a damn thing the two of you bastards can do about it!
A pop echoes, as Daniels drops the mic, and challenges them to come down to the ring. Christian and Tomko refuse, and head backstage, while Triple X stand in the ring, and then begin playing off to the crowd.
(Commercial Break)
Backstage … Christian and Tomko are walking in a hallway.
Christian: Man I can’t believe this – I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!!! What in the hell makes those two think they can just come to RAW unannounced, unprovoked, unwanted and already get a shot at our belts? What the hell is their problem!??!
Tyson Tomko: Christian … whatever problem they have … it’s gonna be solved next week.
Christian: (Looking at him stupidly) Was that supposed to be a joke?? A cute little pun because you’re ‘The Problem Solver?’ GOD man …
Christian walks off, as Tomko shakes his head.
Jim Ross: Well King it doesn’t look like Christian is very happy at the turn of events that we’ve just witnessed.
Jerry Lawler: JR how could you even say that? OF COURSE he’s mad! Those two guys came here out of nowhere and they already have a Tag Team Title shot! I don’t even know who they are!
Jim Ross: Well King their names are Christopher Daniels, and Elix Skipper. And their tag team name is Triple X and they’re a young team on the rise in the wrestling industry. And next week may be their chance to become the World Tag Team Champions and rank up there with the best this company’s ever seen.
Jerry Lawler: Well for RAW’s sake and the WWE’s sake, let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
Backstage … Randy Orton is in his locker room, and the entire Saitama Super Arena bursts into cheers once he comes on camera. Orton is watching the show, dressed in casual attire, when suddenly Shelton Benjamin comes into view.
Shelton Benjamin: Yo … can I talk with you for a sec?
Randy Orton: Sure thing Shelton. Let me guess, this is about your match tonight, with Triple H – isn’t it?
Shelton Benjamin: Actually … its more like, what’ll happen after my match with Triple H. It’s no secret that you and I … we’re the main champs on this show. (Puts Intercontinental Championship on his shoulder) Only problem is … is there room for the both of us here?
Randy Orton: (Raises eyebrow) What are you trying to say …?
Shelton Benjamin: What I’m trying to say … is that maybe … you ought to pay special attention to my match later on … with Hunter. Get it?
Randy Orton: (Puts title on shoulder) Oh I get it Shelton … I’ve got it …
Shelton and Randy stare down one another, with their championship gold being shown as well …
(Commercial Break)
Backstage … Shawn Michaels is in Eric Bischoff’s office.
Eric Bischoff: Shawn, honestly, I really don’t have the time right now to talk. So can you make this really, really quick??
Shawn Michaels: I think you know what it is that I want Eric. And I know you. You’re slick … you’re “E-Z-E” Eric, and I know you can get just what I want delivered to me by next week.
Eric Bischoff: Shawn first of all, I don’t know what it is that you want. And second of all, what makes you think that I can get it, if I don’t know what it is?
Shawn Michaels: What you can get me, is your good nature, to go to SmackDown and talk with Eddie Guerrero, about his little “challenge” that he made to me, for WrestleMania.
Crowd cheers.
Eric Bischoff: Shawn, quite honestly, you don’t even need to ask me. Why can’t you just say that you want to accept his challenge? That’s a hell of a lot easier, isn’t it?
Shawn Michaels: Eric … (laughs, and puts his hand on his shoulder) I like where you’re going with this. (Turns to the camera, and removes his smiling face) Eddie … you’ve made the biggest mistake of your life … because at WrestleMania 21, you’re going to be going against The Showstopper, The Icon, The Main Event, The Heartbreak Kid, and quite honestly, Mister WrestleMania … And Eddie … I’d like to personally … accept … your challenge …
HUGE pop, as a legendary match has now been made.
Shawn Michaels: And I can promise you … this is gonna get personal …
Cutting to the ringside area …
Jim Ross: Well that’s one hell of an announcement King I cannot believe that Shawn Michaels and Eddie Guerrero two of our company’s greats are going to go at it at WrestleMania. What an announcement that was.
Jerry Lawler: Oh-ho-ho JR that one’s giving me goosebumps just thinking about it. I can’t wait to see that one, and WrestleMania isn’t very far away is it?
Jim Ross: No its not and we have two WrestleMania announcements to make right now, first being that the theme songs for WrestleMania will come courtesy of The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ single – “Big Time,” and also from 3 Doors Down’s single – “Behind Those Eyes.” King those are great selections are they not?
Jerry Lawler: Totally fitting of WrestleMania JR. We’ve really hit the big time. And let us in on the second announcement if you will.
Jim Ross: Yes ladies and gentlemen, the WWE will be opening its doors once again to several new inductions for the WWE Hall of Fame. This year the Class of 2005 let me tell you it’s a good one, and this year the ceremony will take place at the Universal Amphitheatre the night before WrestleMania. And over the next few weeks we’ll be letting you in on who will be inducted to the Hall of Fame in this year’s class. And the first inductee, well he’s a special one, have a look yourself …
The first inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2005 is … … … …
… … … ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton … … …
Jim Ross: Well I’m sure Randy Orton is proud of his hall of fame daddy, and Orton will have to avoid this knowledge tonight when he faces Edge for the World Heavyweight Title in our main event.
Jerry Lawler: But right now JR, we could be looking at the next man in line for the World Heavyweight Championship, when Batista takes on ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair!!
Match 2: Road to WrestleMania 21 Semifinal Match Batista vs. Ric Flair
In this highly anticipated match, the two former friends show a few signs of respect, showing that Batista really wasn’t against Flair – but was more so against Triple H.
The match starts off with a collar-elbow tie up which The Animal dominates, backing Flair into the corner. He starts teeing off with boots to the stomach and sternum area, before shooting him across the ring and Flair hits the turnbuckles hard. Batista knocks him with a clothesline, and then throws him at the ropes again, and scoops him up and powerslams him down onto the canvas.
Batista went for an early pin but Flair kicked out. The Animal threw Flair with little effort to the outside, and then went to throw him into the steps, but Flair turned the tables and Batista was sent barreling into them!! Flair got up and gathered a WOOOO from the crowd with a WOOOO of his own, eliciting favorable reactions as he stomped on Batista’s chest. He picked him up and lit him up with a chop, and for the next several minutes had an advantage over the now untamed Animal.
The show then went to commercial …
And returning … Batista slipped back into control after Flair took too much time to taunt, and kept the driver’s seat unharmed for the next several minutes. The finish was approaching, as Batista looked to be on a roll, hitting all of his big moves as the crowd was getting very behind him. Batista sharply watched Flair get up to his feet, and brought him up in the air driving him back down with the Spinebuster!!!
The crowd exploded as Batista grabbed onto the top rope and began shaking them, when he turned around – into Triple H!! Batista hit him with a right hand after blocking a right, and the referee immediately called for the bell!! Winner by DISQUALIFICATION: Batista at 12:10. Batista Advances to the Finals.
The crowd boos as Batista begins to tee off on his former friend, backing him into the corner with repeated shots. He backs up and clotheslines him in the corner, and then shoots him out of it. Batista is shot into the turnbuckles as he was countered by The Game, who comes following in – BUT BATISTA MOVES!! HHH eats turnbuckles, as he then is clotheslined out of the ring by The Animal!! Batista plays to the crowd, slapping his chest, displaying his animosity, as he then leaves the ring.
We’re still in the ring, as Flair and The Game don’t seem to be done yet.
Triple H: Ric! I told you before the damn match, what your job was. You were supposed to beat him, and you were letting him slip away from you. Why in the hell can’t you listen to simple directions huh?!?? (Boos) Shut up!! What in the hell do you people know, you probably can’t understand a damn word that I’m saying!
More boos from the crowd, as The Game is livid.
Triple H: I don’t understand this Ric. You had a job, you couldn’t get it done? WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!!?? You guided me as a mentor, and for the last three years, because of that, I’ve become greater than any force that has ever been in this business. Better, than Stone Cold Steve Austin. (Cheers) Better, than The Rock. (MASSIVE pop) Better, than The Undertaker. (BIG pop) Better, than YOU Ric. And YOU can’t get a simple job done, after I’ve carried you –
Ric Flair: SHUT UP!!!
MASSIVE pop, as Flair’s eyes light up with passion.
Ric Flair: You carried me!??!?! YOU CARRIED ME!??!?! WHAT – IN THE HELL – WORLD ARE YOU LIVIN’ IN KID??? I’VE CARRIED YOU!! Without me, you wouldn’t have nine title reigns – you’d still be stuck at six! You wouldn’t have won the damn match three years ago, against Kane to unify the World Title and the Intercontinental Title!! Shawn Michaels?!? (Mixed reaction) You LOST the title, in the Chamber, and you wouldn’t have won it BACK at Armageddon without ME! I’M THE REASON, WHY YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE!
‘Flair’ chants erupt, as he is intensifying in anger. He begins unbuttoning his jacket.
Ric Flair: Chris Benoit!?!? HELL, YOU COULDN’T BEAT HIM WITH ME! Randy Orton?!? You made him into a JOKE! A JOKE!!! He was s’posed to be, the future of this business – BRED for success, and you know what you did?? You BURIED HIM!! YOU BURIED HIM – AND THAT WAS THE BIGGEST – PILE – OF BULL*SHIT* – THAT I’VE EVER LAID MY EYES ON!
More cheers erupt, as Flair SLAMS his jacket down.
Triple H: I beat his ass, to teach him a LESSON! He screwed with Evolution, and –
Ric Flair: HE TOOK SOMETHIN’ YOU COULDN’T GET!!
OH~!!!!!!!!!
Ric Flair: When he was given the ball to run with, you got jealous, and you TOOK it from him within a blink of an eye!! That was BULL*SHIT*, and lemme tell ya – I’m GLAD the kid’s got it now, because YOU don’t deserve it!
Another HUGE pop.
Triple H: What I don’t deserve, is a sack of *shit* like you telling me what I don’t deserve, so get the hell outta my ring!
HEAT.
Ric Flair: YOUR RING?? YOUR RING?? THIS – IS – MY – RING!! (HUGE pops) For THIRTY TWO DAMN YEARS, I’ve BLED! I’ve SWEAT! I’ve CRIED! I’ve broken my BACK on an airplane, I’ve gone through cage matches, I Quit matches, every damn match they put me through, I come out of it a better man than I was before!!! And you wanna know why??? It’s because I got what it TAKES!
Cheers.
Ric Flair: You?? You don’t! Because you walk around, touting yourself as the biggest thing to hit this industry, and you get what you want. And you know somethin’? I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit! (Takes off tie, slams it down on the mat) And I’m sick and TIRED, of you hogging every kid – that has a chance in this business, guys like Shelton Benjamin, who I hope kicks your ass all over Japan tonight – guys like him, guys like Orton, guys like Edge, guys who’ve manufactured themselves to be great, and you know what you do? You know what you TAKE it ALL from them!!
More cheers, as Flair is going full on CRAZY.
Triple H: I – don’t take anything, Ric!!! Everything is GIVEN to me! And that’s the way it should be. Because I’m the best damn guy on this show, and there isn’t a damn thing that anyone can do about it.
Ric Flair: Oh yeah?? (Grits teeth) PROVE IT!
Cheers pour on, as many WOOOO’s gather.
Ric Flair: Prove to ME, that you can beat the limousine ridin’ … WOOO (WOOO) … jet flyin’ … kiss stealin’ … WOOOOO (WOOOOO) … wheelin’ dealin’ sonnovabitch!!! (More cheers) PROVE – that you can BEAT the man – TO BECOME – THE MAN!!
Triple H: Ric … it’d be a damn pleasure to kick some sense into your old, washed up has been ass, (TON of heat) … but I have a match against Shelton Benjamin to win, and a World Title to win at WrestleMania too … so tough luck you son of a –
FLAIR DECKS THE GAME!!! THE CROWD BURSTS INTO A VOLCANIC LIKE ERUPTION, as Flair knocks out Triple H with a right hand!!! Flair picks up his suit jacket and slams it on HHH, and lets out a HUGE WOOOOOOO, which is gathered by the crowd who respond with a WOOOOOOOO of their own. Flair’s music hits, as it seems Evolution, once a powerful force in the WWE, has completely broken apart …
(Commercial Break)
Jim Ross: Well ladies and gentlemen, we may have just witnessed the complete annihilation of Evolution before our very eyes.
Jerry Lawler: I cannot believe this JR. A year ago, heck – two years ago this group was a dominant force!! But after what we’ve just witnessed, we may have just witnessed the End of an Era.
Jim Ross: Well incase you just missed it lets take a look at what just transpired moments ago …
***
Triple H: I – don’t take anything, Ric!!! Everything is GIVEN to me! And that’s the way it should be. Because I’m the best damn guy on this show, and there isn’t a damn thing that anyone can do about it.
Ric Flair: Oh yeah?? (Grits teeth) PROVE IT!
Cheers pour on, as many WOOOO’s gather.
Ric Flair: Prove to ME, that you can beat the limousine ridin’ … WOOO (WOOO) … jet flyin’ … kiss stealin’ … WOOOOO (WOOOOO) … wheelin’ dealin’ sonnovabitch!!! (More cheers) PROVE – that you can BEAT the man – TO BECOME – THE MAN!!
Triple H: Ric … it’d be a damn pleasure to kick some sense into your old, washed up has been ass, (TON of heat) … but I have a match against Shelton Benjamin to win, and a World Title to win at WrestleMania too … so tough luck you son of a –
FLAIR DECKS THE GAME!!! THE CROWD BURSTS INTO A VOLCANIC LIKE ERUPTION, as Flair knocks out Triple H with a right hand!!! Flair picks up his suit jacket and slams it on HHH, and lets out a HUGE WOOOOOOO, which is gathered by the crowd who respond with a WOOOOOOOO of their own. Flair’s music hits, as it seems Evolution, once a powerful force in the WWE, has completely broken apart …
***
Jim Ross: Well nevertheless Triple H has a lot of other business to attend to, as he will go one on one later on tonight against Shelton Benjamin in the final semifinal match up of the Road to WrestleMania Tournament.
Jerry Lawler: And with the fact that Triple H has never beaten Shelton Benjamin, this may prove to be the worst night for HHH that anyone could’ve dreamt.
Match 3: Non-Title Singles Match Christy Hemme vs. Trish Stratus
The 2004 RAW Diva Search Winner gets her crack at the Women’s Champion, and well, doesn’t do so well. Trish dominates her from bell to bell, making quick work fo the sultry redhead, as the marvelous looking Canadian bombshell finishes her off with the Chick Kick, making another diva fall victim to it as the divas on RAW keep dropping like flies. Winner: Trish Stratus at 4:01.
After the match, Trish gets up and welcomes in the split reaction she’s getting, and then asks for a microphone.
Trish Stratus: Okay … okay people, lets get your attention to a REAL woman. I mean, my feet aren’t binded or anything, and I’m still beautiful.
Some heat from the crowd, as Trish confidently laughs at her joke.
Trish Stratus: I crack myself up sometimes, (Laughing) you know its … its really funny cause since I won back this Women’s Championship … there hasn’t been very good competition around here … oh, oh yeah, it’s because I put out the only good diva on the roster … but wait wait, that would mean I’d be putting myself out of commission, silly me.
Trish laughs, as she then pushes her long blonde hair out of her face.
Trish Stratus: I mean … look at the SLUT that they gave me tonight?? What was I gonna do? Help her out and show her the ropes as the wonderful experienced confident amazingly good looking diva that I am?? NO!! (Boos) I mean, isn’t it their responsibility to become better wrestlers? It’s not mine! I’m as good as I am, and that’s what matters. It’s not my problem if they all suck … but I mean in the ring, I don’t know what they do outside of the ring.
Crowd boos, and most are getting annoyed at Trish, and start chanting ‘Slut.’
Trish Stratus: I know … (gets down near Christy) this girl is a slut. I said that.
More heat pours out from the crowd.
Trish Stratus: But back to what I was saying …
**Lovepassionfuryenergy** HUGE pop from the crowd, as Trish looks shocked!! The crowd waits and waits, and LITA is on stage!!!!
Jim Ross: Oh my God!! IT’S LITA!
Jerry Lawler: WHAT?
Lita heads into the ring, without a limp, and grabs a microphone from one of the workers outside.
Lita: I take it … Trish … that you’re surprised to see me.
Cheers, as Trish remains speechless. ‘Welcome Back’ chants start.
Lita: Oh yeah!! I’m back baby! (Cheers) And I’m here, to finish business that should’ve been finished a long … long time ago …
More cheers, as Lita fans her hair away.
Lita: Trish, I’ve been gone for nearly a month. And I’ve gotten sick … and tired … of you running your mouth … and doing your stupid little things in this ring, that piss me and everyone else off. So you know what?? You know what?? We’re gonna dance. We’re gonna go, one on one … mono y mono … at WrestleMania, (BIG pop) for the Women’s … Championship. And it’s gonna be the last time, that you and I face one another, because this rivalry, needs an end.
Cheers for the match announcement; Lita looks like she isn’t over.
Lita: We’ve put this business on the map, and we’re gonna go at it one more time, and whoever wins … will be the Women’s Champion, and from then on … there’s nothing that either of us can do about it as long as that person has the title around their waist. Because never again, never again will we face each other one on one after WrestleMania 21, in Los Angeles, California. What do you say?? I know, that if you DO win, which will not happen, but I know if you do win, I know you’d love to get me out of your life forever wouldn’t you Trish?? C’mon! I know it’s eating you up inside –
Trish Stratus: No.
Crowd boos, as Lita looks a bit surprised.
Trish Stratus: No Lita, I’m not accepting your challenge. Because no matter what, I’m always going to be better than you and honestly, I don’t need a silly little match telling me that. So I’m sorry that I might’ve just crushed all your hopes and dreams of being the Women’s Champion, (pushing her hair back) but you just ran out of luck.
Trish pulls on her hair, as the crowd once again starts up the boos.
Trish Stratus: And quite frankly … I don’t care WHAT you do. You’re not breaking me, and you’re not getting a shot at my title, honey. So you can prance your little legs out of this ring, spread ‘em apart reeeeeally good so the people here can see really good because I know it’s hard for them to, and prance your little butt up the ramp, prance backstage, and cry in your locker room forever. Because I know I just made you disappointed. And hun … just to, (fakes smiles) fill you in, I enjoyed doing it …
A lot of boos, while Lita still remains inside of the ring.
Trish Stratus: What’re you doing? Do, do you not understand English or something is … is that it? I mean Lita come on, you’re just like the rest of these people, but SERIOUSLY what is up with you girl?
Lita: What’s up with me … … … …? Trish … … … … … you’re pathetic.
Crowd cheers, as Trish ‘looks’ upset, but really isn’t.
Lita: You’re pathetic, because your ego is so big, that you can’t even realize where you were born. You’re pathetic, because you don’t have the well being in your mind and heart, that you can’t face me for the Women’s Title because you know that I’ll take it right from you. (Cheers) You know it, there’s no sense in denying it … because you know it’s true. And it kills you in your mind Trish … it does.
Lita angrily slams the mic down and leaves the ring and heads up the ramp, while the Women’s Champion smirks a bit, not letting Lita get inside of her head with her words.
(Commercial Break)
Backstage … Lita is walking around, still steaming from the encounter with Trish. While walking, Edge turns a corner, and then stops.
Edge: Back huh??? Last time I saw you, you didn’t look so good.
Lita: Yeah psh … whatever it doesn’t matter.
Lita goes to leave the area.
Edge: Hey wait. (Lita comes back) You know you may not realize it … but you and I we, we both have a lot in common. I mean think about it, we both want something really, really badly. And we both are dealing with ego-minded pricks.
Lita: Well … you do have a point about Trish. (Laughing) But I don’t know about Randy Orton.
Edge: (Quietly laughing) I guess people can’t always agree on opinions huh?
Lita: Nope … but good luck in your match tonight. I’ll be watching.
Edge: Thanks … … good luck trying to find Trish out … …
Lita: That’ll be a toughie … (Laughs)
Edge walks off, while Lita stares away.
Backstage … Todd Grisham is standing.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen I’m standing here with ‘Y2J’ Chris Jericho, (Mixed reaction) and Chris I understand you have something to say?
Chris Jericho: That’s right jerkie. Everyone knows that at the Royal Rumble I was screwed out of the Intercontinental Title. And everyone knows that last week I was screwed out of the opportunity to once again headline WrestleMania. But the fact is I’m still here, and I’m still the Sexy Beast that I always have been bay-bay. (Boos) And I’d like to announce that next week – right here on RAW … is … Jericho … yours truly will be hosting a special Highlight Reel … featuring one of the all-time greats in this business … Todd next week … ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, will be a guest, on The Highlight Reel.
An enormous pop comes out from the crowd as Jericho makes a BLOCKBUSTER announcement.
(Commercial Break)
Match 4: Road to WrestleMania Tournament Semifinal Match Shelton Benjamin vs. Triple H
In the final semifinal match to decide who’s going to WrestleMania, Benjamin and Triple H square off for the fourth time in the last 12 months. Benjamin carrying a decisive 2-1 record over The Game used every ounce of ability and heart in this match to prove he could play with the big boys and made a big push to become one step closer to going to WrestleMania for the first time in his young career. Getting NUMEROUS near falls, Benjamin kept on pushing his efforts towards the final match of this tournament which would take place next week.
However, his efforts seemed to become futile once The Game got back into the match. The finish saw Triple H go for the Pedigree, but it to be blocked by Benjamin who went for a roll up – BUT TRIPLE H KICKED OUT!! Benjamin got back up, as did The Game, and Benjamin went for the T-Bone Suplex, but THAT was blocked – and countered into the Pedigree!!! The Game turned Benjamin on his back, hooked the legs, AND WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALS TO FACE BATISTA!!! Winner: Triple H at 9:57. Triple H Advances to the Finals.
The Cerebral Assassin stands up, and knowing he has to face his former partner Batista, he ignores the referee’s call for his hand and just leaves the ring. He heads up the ramp, as next week and WrestleMania is on his mind.
Jim Ross: King Triple H has won … but the implications next week just got really, really big.
Jerry Lawler: JR you aren’t kidding, I cannot believe that now next week, Triple H is going to face BATISTA!! What a match that’s going to be.
Jim Ross: But ladies and gentlemen, (Graphic appears) next week one half of the WrestleMania main event will be made. But up next, the other half will be as well. Randy Orton defends the World Heavyweight Championship, against Edge!
(Commercial Break)
***
WRESTLEMANIA GOES HOLLYWOOD – 55 DAYS
***
Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship Match Randy Orton vs. Edge
Much like their Royal Rumble encounter, the two put on a very good show for the fans in Japan. The match begins somewhat like their match at the Rumble, with the action spilling outside very quickly. This time however Orton does not get busted open but instead piles on the offense against Edge. The two men fought around the announcing area, and Orton went for an RKO onto the announce table, but Edge pushed him off and Orton hit the ground below him hard to say the very least. The egotistical challenger then gained an offensive advantage over Orton after the mishap, and found himself in prime position to win the World Heavyweight Title but could not capitalize after hitting the Edgecution.
The World Heavyweight Champion kept getting pushed to the limit, as the challenger had the Edgecator locked in on him for a couple of minutes as the close of the show came closer and closer. TLK began making a push as the show was getting on its last minutes, and would counter an attempt at a Complete Shot by Edge, into an RKO!!! Orton rolled over and hooked both of Edge’s legs, securing the pin, AND GOT THE VICTORY – RETAINING HIS TITLE!! Winner AND STILL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION:Randy Orton at 11:01.
Orton celebrates with the World Heavyweight Title, going around the ring with it and raising it high. He gets up on the second turnbuckle in the corner and raises it proudly, while Edge stinging from defeat, looks on in astonishment that he could not get it done…
***
“WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” Current Card for WWE WrestleMania 21 April 3, 2005 Los Angeles, California “Behind Those Eyes” – 3 Doors Down and “Big Time” – Soundtrack of Our Lives
World Heavyweight Championship Randy Orton vs. Triple H OR Batista
WWE Championship John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield OR The Undertaker vs. John Cena OR Kurt Angle
Interpromotional; For the First Time Ever ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels vs. ‘Latino Heat’ Eddie Guerrero
Nice show mate. So you are back in 2001 so lets see how you build up Batista-Orton-Shelton-Christian and more so expect a review later on but i will review mate dont worry.
Jam-packed show tonight for sure. The RR rematch between Edge and Orton will steal the show but I am also interested to see who heads to the finals of the RTWM tournament. Batista vs. The Game plz.
I am confused as to why the tag team match is non-title. Don’t Eugene and Regal have their rematch clause?? Anyway, solid tag team action as having Christian and Eugene in the ring together always equals laughs. Regal gets isolated from his corner and Eugene never gets the tag back in as Tomko hits the Big Boot for the three count. TRIPLE-X IN WWE!!! Daniels and Skipper have a good little shoot promo on TNA and they are going to face the champs next week!!! I really hope they win because they own AND this will allow Christian to focus more on his singles career.
Christian seems really pissed about next week and Tomko makes matters worse. Could we see the end of their partnership??
Nice little interaction between Orton and Shelton … with Shelton actually being the aggressor! I don’t see him beating HHH later on but I am glad that you have made him a very confident wrestler.
HBK vs. Latino Heat is ON for WrestleMania 21!!! HBK accepts the challenge and then says that it is going to get VERY personal. Epic shoot promos on each other plz.
Flair and Batista showing respect for one another is good because the only reason Batista left Evolution was Triple H, not Naitch. Flair reversing the momentum and throwing Batista into the steps is a little unrealistic but the rest of the match was solid, imo. Batista dominates toward the finish and is ready to end the match … but Triple H comes in!! Batista wins the match by DQ!! Batista dominates The Game again, clotheslining him out of the ring before leaving to a big pop.
Triple H is very mad at Flair but The Nature Boy is fed up with The Game!! He just LAYS into Triple H with countless comments, and I loved how you brought up Survivor Series 2002 and Armageddon 2002. When did Flair get a tie and suit?? Didn’t he just wrestle a match?? That part confused me BIG-TIME. Flair has just turned face and he CHALLENGES Triple H to a match!! Of course The Game has a match against Benji later but now I am thinking that Triple H will lose to Batista next week … and face Flair at WM21. Great ending, with Flair nailing Triple H and now Evolution is officially dead. Unless Naitch was just pulling our leg………
Trish beating Christy was no big surprise and now Trish is a full-fledged heel. Great little promo from her, calling Christy a slut … BUT HERE COMES LITA!!! Lita is back and she wants some of Trish … AT WM21!!! Lita laying down the challenge that this will be the last time they face was pretty awesome … but Trish denies it. I still have a feeling that this match will happen at WM21, it needs to. Trish will try and not let the mind games affect her but eventually, she will snap and Lita will get her title shot. Great promo to get the Women’s Division going once again.
Lita and Edge confrontation~! Lita could help Edge in the future but if they do get paired together … I don’t see it happening for a long time.
Stone Cold Steve Austin on the Highlight Reel!! Could we be seeing Y2J vs. The Texas Rattlesnake at WM21. Would be awesome and I am very intrigued as to what will happen next week.
Shelton lays it all on the line in his match against Triple H and I am glad to read that Shelton got a ton of near falls. Everyone knew that Triple H would win this match, but Shelton got so close with the roll-up and then the T-Bone attempt. Pedigree for the win made it decisive and now Triple H will face Batista next week … and that should be awesome.
Main event between Edge and Orton was pretty awesome, much like their RR match. Action spilling to the outside in a main event always = ratings and it sounded pretty brutal between these two. Edge looks to have the match won sereval times but just like always … RKO out of nowhere!! Orton retains the belt and now the feud with Edge is over … but the WM21 feud with Triple H or Batista is just starting. Awesome way to end the show, with Edge being shocked that he didn’t win … I wonder where he goes from here??
Very good show that did its job, imo. The two RTWM21 tournament matches were good and I am really intrigued as to what will happen next week. Part of me thinks that Batista and Triple H will BOTH get a title shot at WM21 but another part thinks that Flair and Triple H will face off at WM21. Not your best work, but the storylines are really coming together, 8.5/10.
~ PatMan
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Re: WWE 2005: A Fresh, New Start
RAW Feedback
The quicker you introduce 'to be loved' the better. Good recap of the Road to Mania tourney on RAW and the commentators get ample time before the first match. I like startting the show with a match once in a while and this is a perfect opportunity since it's airing from Japan. Non-title was probably for the best since there's two huge matches in the WM tourney and a World title match to boot. World Tag title match wouldn't have added much especially since it's between these two teams. Daniels and Skipper? I'm not a huge fan of bringing talent from TNA to WWE unless they were released at some point. I have no clue as to what was happening in TNA at this time so I guess it's alright. They should've dissed Bichoff a little bit though. I mean faces calling him Mr. Bichoff is kind of lame unless they're in for a turn of course. Bring Low Ki with them too pls. Anyway next week's match up should be slick and Christian should climb to main event status soon
Nice backstage skit from Christian and Tomko. Christian dissing Tomko = ratingz. Feud b/w the two after Mania is what I'm expecting. Orton and Benjamin on promo = no ratingz tbh. Seriously though, this was okay but I don't see Benjamin|Orton headlining the biggest show of the year
Kind of a wierd vibe on the promo b/w Shawn and Eric. Eric was no problem but Shawn seemed kind of a wreck. Something from his old DX days mixed with some Mike Adamle from present times. Didn't like it all that much. Now HBK and Eddie need to insult each other's former lifestyles. Bob Orton to the Hall of Fame, yeah okay...
The Batista|Flair match didn't flow very well imo but the ending and the aftermath was epic. Triple H from this time period was horrible imo so give him some new life. The promo was great, Flair specifically. Not going into the jacket situation. Flair and Batista face each other at Mania? Now I'm seeing an Evolution 4 way at Mania with all former members in the match. The buildup has been awesome so far
Trish over Christy. That's the real Mania match right there. Honestly I'm not too keen on having Lita|Trish at Mania. The matchup could be quality but it doesn't interest me, seeing as they've been feuding for the longest time. Lita's right though, this rivalry needs to end. Some sort of gimmick match would be perfect. A ladder match for the Women's title at WM21 would be epic. Trish not wanting to face Lita is good heel tactics but she'll probably give in to the match up and Lita's challenge
No Lita and Edge pairing pls. They totally whored it out in reality and in Mac's thread. These sort of encounters are perfectly alright though. Austin on the highlight reel is rocking. I don't expect a feud b/w them but someone else will surely crash and make for a good moment. I don't know how realistic it would be to have Austin have another go at Mania but if it does happen, I hope it's against a worty new opponent
Great match in the semi main event spot. Benjamin looked really strong and I hope you don't drop the ball unlike WWE. Push the damn bastard with the IC title. Triple H did score a decisive win and we have a huge main event for next week's RAW. Surely Orton and Naitch will get invovled in some capacity
Orton getting the clean victory over Edge ends the feud, atleast momentarily. I do however see them picking up the pieces in a while when the title is not involved. Good clean way to end the show in Japan and sending the fans home happy. As long as Orton keeps the edge in his character, he'll be a good enough face. Work it out
Pretty nice show. Some parts seemed lackluster but booking was great and the show was surely stacked. SmackDown is the more interesting show than RAW atm...
Sorry for the Late Review Of Smackdown included is Raw:
-I think starting of Smackdown with Carlito/Holly is good as you are holding us on to the decision that Cena is going to make later on tonight. Anyway onto the match it’s nice to Carlito receiving a push in this thread even though he has just come back of a injury. Hopefully he will go far and might even be the USA
champion by the end of this year (thread time)
-Angle turning heal possibly. Hoping that he has a good feud on the road to Wrestlemania possibly with Mr.Flair. Nice to see the WWE Tag Team Champion’s have won against those two jobbers. Dudleyz are in the ring ‘clearing house’. Wouldn’t surprise me if at No Way Out these two teams go head to head in a Tables Match
-Nice twist of the real events of 2005. Taker vs JBL in a Steel Barb Wired Cage. This is where the mind games start and if that is not enough Cena’s decision on who he will be facing at WM21 and if he choose JBL then JBL’S road to No Way Out is going to be on the roller coaster of Hell.
-Eddie over Jindrack always. Nice match there. Hoping the Michaels accepts because the road and the match at WM21 will be great between these two. Booker > Jordan again looks like all your established starts are having a nice jobbing feast tonight with most of them taking on Jobbers and Winning lol.
Booker vs Jordan at No Way Out. Nice stip added to the match
-We might be seeing a Gurrero/Carlito match at No Way Out. Nice to see you have given Hardy/Chavo some air time. Both deserve to win this match so I wasn’t bothered when it was Hardy. Hoping though that there is a decent feud around the corner.
- Again another great main event to end a ok show. Both of these deserve to win but I am guessing the show will. Mind games from Taker. Show > JBL is what I expected. Again I am loving the way JBL will have to cope with Cena’s Decision and Takers Mind Games.
- Great Cena staying on smackdown just gives Raw another great main event. Hassan getting involved was a nice way to give him some air time although be a Jobber he was always going to get a nice beating. Angle coming in attacking Cena is ok. I see the No Way Out matching ending in a Double Count out or something than Angle getting involved in the main event at WM21 to make it a Cena/Angle/JBL because as I see it Angle hasn’t got a good feud planted yet. Overall a OK show to get smackdown started after the Rumble. Nice to see Cena will be stopping. As most of the Feud or the main two for No Way Out have been planted I expect that next week’s show will be far better then this one.
Raw-
-Nice to see Commontaters hyping up the RTWM tourney and the semi’s tonight. Three brilliant matches planned for tonight so starting out with tag team action is great. These two teams I love but I think that Christian and Tomko were deserving of the victory here. Great to see some TNA Guys entering this thread. Nice week should be good the only thing though is you need to gives us some more News and Notes to see what’s going on. Tomko delivered a great line there LOL.
- I like Benjamin when he is cocky. It really suits his character. Orton should watch his space although I don’t think he will be getting a Championship push just yet. Hoping that you do start to push him later in this thread (thread time).
- Great. Eddie vs Michaels WM21. I see this feud getting personal and going on nearly all of the year. Great feud for Eddie and Michaels. I have always said that they make a great tag team but to have them go up against each other in your thread is an excellent booking decision as it has never been done in the BTB section and was never done in WWE. Hoping this will become an interesting feud
- Nice match between these two. Sure is no love loss. HHH interfering in the Match something makes me think that Flair will interfere in the match between HHH and Shelton then we will have Flair/HHH and Tista/Orton although Tista could know be classed as a Face
- Evolution break up. Brilliant Promo he was so full of intense heat I loved it soo much. The back and forth chritiscms etc I was so into it. Something though makes me think that Flair/HHH will be held of until WM21 and there will be a stip added so they cant touch each other until WM21.
-Trish over Christy is good booking. Nice promo between these two divas they are both on the top at the moment. I would love a gimmick match to end their feud at WM21 maybe a Last Women Standing.
-SCSA as Y2J’s guest. Something is gonna kick of with SCSA there maybe someone will challenge him to a match possibly.
- I knew that Triple H would be in the finals so that isn’t something knew. I possibly see Flair interfering and getting Trip’s DQ’Ed so Tista wins. Or maybe possible a Fatal 4 Way between all four???
-Of Course Edge wasn’t gonna win the World Championship although It would have been nice. I think that the MITB will be introduced next week. Orton as world champion is good as next week is the last match on who will be the #1 contender. I possibly thinking that you will go with a fatal 4 way between all four evolution members. Cant wait for next weeks. Overall a great show this week better than last weeks because some matches/feuds seed’s are planted.
So yeah, got one more day of school left. Fuck yes. (Y)
I've decided I'm gonna fuck writing the main event for No Way Out, and just recap that, and only have Cena - Angle be the only match written in full, just cause I enjoyed writing it (yes, I finished it). At this point, laziness is a fucking KILLER, but I have all the shows/recaps written up to NWO atm.
SD! recap posted sometime between Wednesday-Friday.
Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us to the broadcast, and run down the card, which features a match between John Cena and the members of the Angle Alliance (Jindrak and Reigns), and the main event, which is The Undertaker taking on Orlando Jordan.
Kurt Angle begins the broadcast this week, and is greeted fairly well by the people of Japan. He is quick to denounce the cheers saying he doesn’t care about anything but just one thing – main eventing WrestleMania. He says that is the reason that he attacked John Cena last week at the end of the show. He goes on saying Cena should be nowhere near the main event and that tonight he’ll pay the price by going through his Alliance. He also brings up that while the Board made a decision about Cena and his Royal Rumble victory, he also contacted the Board of Directors during the night last week, and they gave him 100 percent backing towards the match at No Way Out – so it will remain uncontroversial. This however, brings out the United States Champion, who is greeted with a very positive reaction himself. Cena begins cutting a very good promo, showing his mic skills and talking about the long road that he’s taken to get where he is today. He says that while it is true that he wasn’t supposed to be where he is now, there’s nothing that can change it and come No Way Out he will still be the number one contender. Angle says that that is not going to happen and things are gonna go his way, and leads to a brawl!! The Angle Alliance hit the ring, but Cena fights them off!! John escapes the ring, while Angle looks like he still wants a piece of him, but Cena smiling wags his finger, and heads to the back up the ramp.
(Commercial Break)
First match of the night features The Dudley Boyz taking on the team of Funaki & Scotty Too Hotty. Making quick work of them, The Dudleys hit the 3-D on Scotty @ 4:15. After the match was over RVD AND REY MYSTERIO hit the ring wielding steel chairs!! Van Dam threw the chair at Bubba Ray and hit the VAN DAMINATOR, and then Rey hit a drop toe hold on D-Von getting him on the ropes, and Van Dam went to the outside with Rey’s chair, and MYSTERIO CAME OFF THE ROPES AND HIT A 619 – ONTO THE CHAIR – WHICH HIT D-VON’S FACE!!
In the back Matt Hardy is interviewed about returning to the WWE last week with a victory. He says its great to be back and he wants to be better than he used to be. He was about to end the interview, when Charlie Haas came on screen. He didn’t seem too happy that Hardy took up what could’ve been his spotlight last week with his match, and seemed bitter that a guy who had been injured from so long could be the talk of the show when a guy like him who’s been a mainstay is underlooked. Matt then brought it down a peg and said that if he wanted to settle things he could settle it in the ring – at No Way Out. Haas accepted the challenge, and said that he could never think of losing to a ‘loser’ like him, someone who couldn’t even hold a relationship together. {Burn tbh}
(Commercial Break)
Eddie Guerrero is backstage with Theodore Long, discussing his match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania. Carlito comes into the office, and says that he’s got a surprise for their match at No Way Out, and he’s going to explain what it is later on tonight.
In the second match of the night it’s Paul London taking on Funaki in non title match. The match goes for a lengthy amount of time with both displaying their tremendous abilities. The finish comes when London hits the 450 on Funaki – getting a pinfall victory over the Cruiserweight Champion @ 9:07!!
(Commercial Break)
Carlito is in the ring now, and begins badmouthing some of the people in Japan. He says they wouldn’t understand him anyway, so he goes on to business. He announces that in his match at No Way Out with Eddie Guerrero, there will be an added stipulation. And that stipulation … is there will be a GUEST REFEREE!! Carlito then announces that that referee is here tonight, and introduces him to the fans …
…
…as SHAWN MICHAELS!!
Michaels climbs into the ring and says he’s going to call it ‘right down the middle,’ (gee who doesn’t say that) which brings out Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero says that there is no chance the match is called down the middle, and Michaels then challenges this statement by saying next week he’ll be the referee in a match Guerrero is involved in. Guerrero reluctantly agrees to oblige, as Michaels looks to be honest over in the ring.
(Commercial Break)
In the semi-main event, John Cena took on both members of the Angle Alliance. This match went on for a fairly long time, and Cena found himself on the back end a lot during the course of the match. He however would seem to prevail as he hit an F-U to Mark Jindrak, BUT KURT ANGLE CAME OUT AND CLUBBED HIM IN THE BACK!! The bell was called, as Angle then hit an Angle Slam on his No Way Out opponent!!!!
In The Cabinet’s locker room, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield gives many orders to The Cabinet, saying they have to do everything right from here on out to make sure Undertaker is not fully ready to compete at No Way Out in the Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match. The Cabinet seems to get the notion, as they all head out of the locker room.
(Commercial Break)
In SmackDown diva action, Torrie Wilson battled Michelle McCool. This match seemed more filler than anything, and Torrie came away with the victory @ 3:01.
The Cabinet was seen heading to the ring.
(Commercial Break)
In the main event, The Undertaker defeated Orlando Jordan @ 11:07 with the Tombstone Piledriver. After the match JBL tried to get himself involved, but The Undertaker, like always, played mind games as the lights hit, and after they came back on, he was nowhere to be seen – but was really on the stage!! He was shown lifting his arms, and then throwing them down – CAUSING A LIGHTNING BOLT TO HIT JBL’S WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT HE WAS HOLDING ON HIS SHOULDER!! The belt was set on fire, as JBL threw it off of him, and stared at it burning, as the show came to close.
***
Current Card for WWE No Way Out February 20, 2005 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania “Enemy” – Fozzy
WWE Championship; Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield vs. ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker
WrestleMania 21 Title Shot on the Line John Cena vs. Kurt Angle
---
One on One Eddie Guerrero vs. Carlito {Special Referee: Shawn Michaels}
Grudge Match Booker T vs. Orlando Jordan {Cabinet banned from ringside; Any appearances those members will be FIRED}
One on One Charlie Haas vs. Matt Hardy
*** Current Card for WrestleMania XXI “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” April 3, 2005 Los Angeles, California
World Heavyweight Championship Randy Orton vs. Triple H ORBatista
WWE Championship John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield OR The Undertaker vs. John Cena ORKurt Angle
Interpromotional; For the First Time Ever ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels vs. ‘Latino Heat’ Eddie Guerrero
WWE 2005: A Fresh, New Start
Re: WWE 2005: A Fresh, New Start
