Eazy C

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Shocker

The Raw broadcast begins with a video package recapping last week’s instalment, the majority of the attention being bestowed upon one of the best matches of the year, Triple H against Shawn Michaels. After highlights of the match and the announcement of the time limit draw, we’re treated to the post-match brawl which follows it featuring Triple H, Michaels, Randy Orton and John Cena, who faced off earlier on. The video finishes with Orton and Michaels being disposed of, and Cena getting redemption from “HBK”.

Afterwards, the Raw opening credits play and as “Wanna Be Loved” blares through the P.A. system, we enter the Tingley Coliseum. The pyrotechnic display detonates from the stage and the camera orbits the audience, many of whom are holding up signs of all shapes, sizes and colours, in support of their favourite combatants, before finally cutting to the announce table, where Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are sitting in front of the camera to welcome us to the show.

Jim Ross: With just 6 days remaining until Backlash, welcome to Monday Night Raw, coming to you LIVE from Albuquerque, New Mexico! Alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler, my name is Jim Ross, and on the penultimate stop to this Sunday’s Pay-Per-View, we have a hell of a treat for you tonight! Our main event will see Triple H square off with Mr. Kennedy, but that’s not all, is it, King?

Jerry Lawler: Not by a long shot, JR, because also we’ve got Shawn Michaels and Carlito facing off against John Cena and CM Punk, as two intense rivalries come into one for one night only, and the Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho squares off with the man who conspired with Mr. Kennedy to attack Jericho in the parking lot last week, “The Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin!

Jim Ross: In addition we’ll discover the new #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Champions, courtesy of a Tag Team Turmoil Match later tonight! The reigning Champs, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly will unquestionably be keeping a very close eye on the proceedings in that match.

Jerry Lawler: We’ll-

***VOICES***

No time for King to finish, as the atmosphere in the Tingley Coliseum turns sour and the WWE Champion RANDY ORTON walks out, routinely receiving a glut of heat from the crowd. Wearing a grey “Gas Mask” t-shirt and jeans with the WWE Championship over his shoulder, the cold and callous Orton leisurely takes steps down the ramp, before heading into the ring, not looking in the most pleasant of moods (As if he’s ever in a good one). “The Legend Killer” walks over to a startled Lilian Garcia and without question she hands him the mic, before Randy turns around and stands in the middle of the ring.

Randy Orton: None of you, have any reason to be in a good mood tonight.

~ Before Orton can even elaborate, the crowd boo.

Randy Orton: Last week… things didn’t go as planned for me. I had a match with John Cena, a match which I was going to win...

~ More heat, Albuquerque thinks differently to RKO.

Randy Orton: But instead, Shawn Michaels interferes and hands the match to his so-called “enemy” John Cena… on a silver, platter.

~ VERY mixed reaction for the estranged Michaels.

Randy Orton: And don’t even get me started on what happened at the END of the night. I tried to make things fair by getting back at Triple H after he viciously attacked me after I pinned, yes, PINNED, him 2 weeks ago, but once again … he got the better of me.

~ Cheers, much to Randy’s chagrin.

Randy Orton: ]But y’know what? It doesn’t matter. Because no matter what Triple H says or does, in the end it will all be for nothing, because this Sunday … it is Backlash. And at Backlash, I am defending my WWE Championship against Triple H.

~ More cheers, coming from the Triple H fans.

Randy Orton: But there is no need for any of you get your hopes up, because at Backlash, the man you know and love as Triple H … will be no more. I am going to single-handedly DE – STROY Triple H, and there is not a damn thing ANYBODY, can do about it!

~ Amongst the plethora of boos, Orton calms himself down.

Randy Orton: All of you people will call it cowardly, and immoral … but I will call it … justice. 5 years ago, Triple H KNEW that I was going to become a bigger star than he could ever be, which is why he took advantage and recruited me to join Evolution. For almost 2 whole years, he held me down and when I finally broke the glass ceiling and became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history, he did the only thing he knew … he tried to erase me from the face of the WWE.

~ Cheers for “The Game”.

Randy Orton: But yet, he STILL couldn’t keep me down. Triple H knew that if I stayed in Evolution then I would cast a shadow over him, and he couldn’t take it, because the whole explanation of the group was so that he could have some backs to hide behind when the going got tough … and nothing has changed. Hunter, you tried to make sure that I never stepped foot in a ring again, but at Backlash, I am going to succeed where you failed, I am going to KILL your career. And don’t, and I repeat DON’T, try to stop me, because it’s not in your hands, Hunter, it’s in mine-

“TIME TO PLAY THE GAME”


The crowd comes alive and an overabundance of cheers fills the Arena, as TRIPLE H walks out, and Randy Orton shakes his head, shouting “Don’t you DARE come down here!” but, clad in a grey “King of Kings” t-shirt, jeans and shades, Triple H pays zilch attention to Orton, opting to continue his stride down the ramp, and he then heads into the ring, receiving a microphone.

Triple H: Randy … you say that nothing’s changed? Well you’re right. You were a stuck-up, arrogant asshole 5 years ago … and you still are now.

~ Cheers for a smirking Triple H, knowing he’s silenced Orton, as TLK gives HHH a cold-blooded scowl.

Triple H: But Randy, something is going to change, and it’s going to be this Sunday. You can run your mouth as much as you want about how you’re going to finish me at Backlash and that you’re going to make sure that I never step in a ring again, but let’s not look at the predictions and the claims, no, let’s look at the facts. And the fact of the matter is, Orton, at Backlash, I am going to become a 12-time W – W – E Champion.

~ Tremendous cheers for the King of Kings, in contrast to a stationary Orton.

Triple H: I’m not gonna lie, Randy … You and I, we’ve had our problems, but despite all of that you are going to be in my shoes one day, where every single guy in the back looks up to you and you become the cornerstone of this industry; but you’re gonna have to wait in line, because as long as I’m around … you’re not at the top, because I am the game, and I am THAT … DAMN …

Randy Orton: SHUT UP! SHUT THE – HELL – UP, HUNTER!

~ HHH is caught off-guard as the crowd boo Orton.

Randy Orton: I DON'T NEED YOU TO TELL ME THAT, I DON'T NEED TO FILL YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU'RE GONE, BECAUSE I ALREADY AM THE BIGGEST NAME IN THIS INDUSTRY, AND IT'S YOU WHO WILL BE WANTING TO FILL MY SHOES!

~ Massive heat for Orton's outburst.

Randy Orton: All you ever do is talk about how you’re “The Game” and how you’re “That damn good”, but Hunter, you … are NOTHING! Back when you in your prime, perhaps you actually were worth a damn, but now, we aren’t living in the age of Triple H … we are living in the age of Orton. And for anybody that doesn’t heed my words … watch the annihilation and the destruction of Triple H at Backlash.

Triple H: Randy, if anything is going to be destroyed this Sunday … then it sure as hell’s gonna be your WWE Championship reign. You and I, we can trade words and insults for hours on end, but all that matters is that title on your shoulder. So when you’re about to walk through the curtain on Sunday in Baltimore, Maryland, I want you to remember one thing, and one thing only … (Through gritted teeth) I … AM … THE GAME! AND I AM THAT *… DAMN … (Quietly) good.

“Time To Play The Game” plays again and Triple H throws his arms out whilst letting out a reverberating roar in the face of an unconcerned Randy Orton, before the #1 contender to the WWE Championship slides underneath the ropes and walks up the rampway, turning around and making a gesture around his waist referencing to this Sunday before disappearing behind the curtain...

Jim Ross: The two opponents for this Sunday have made no secret that their hatred for each other is as fierce as ever, but actions speak louder than words, and a single action could either crown a new WWE Champion, or result in Randy Orton walking out of Backlash still with the coveted gold.

Jerry Lawler: And if Randy Orton’s prophecy comes alive at Backlash, this Sunday may well be the last time we ever see Triple H step into a WWE ring, JR!

Jim Ross: That’s not the last we’ve seen of “The Game” for tonight, as Triple H is in action against the overstated blabbermouth, Mr. Kennedy in our main event. But that’s later, as for now, we decide the #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Championships, when we return.

{Commercials}

1 – #1 Contender’s Tag Team Turmoil Match

The Highlanders and the unorthodox pairing of Super Crazy and Jim Duggan start off the match in the ring, and Rory and Duggan lock up. McAllister viciously kicks Jim in the mid-section and wrenches his arm, pulling him in and tucking his head under his arm, lifting him up for a suplex which connects. Rory gets Duggan back to his feet and Irish whips him into the corner of the ring where his partner Robbie is standing, and Rory tags in Robbie, as the two of them work together with Rory placing Duggan face-down on his stomach over his knee and Robbie running off the ropes, planting a leg drop onto the back of the head of Jim Duggan. McAllister makes the cover, 1… 2… Duggan gets the shoulder up. Robbie McAllister gets back to his feet and gets Duggan up as well. McAllister takes Jim back down with a snapmare, and he then runs off the ropes, going for a kick to the spine of Jim Duggan but Duggan moves out of the way as Robbie’s kick fails to meet its target and then Duggan rolls McAllister up! 1… 2… 3!!!

*ELIMINATED - THE HIGHLANDERS @ 2:34*

Jim Duggan and Super Crazy don’t have long to celebrate though, as another unlikely pairing, Mike Knox and Gene Snitsky, make their entrance, heading into the ring as Knox immediately attacks Duggan.

With Jim Duggan on the ground, Mike Knox relentlessly stomps away at the veteran, before going to ground and holding Jim’s arm out, before jumping up and dropping a knee onto Duggan’s arm. Mike then gets Duggan to his feet and lifts Jim up in a brainbuster position, but then Jim Duggan manages to get his feet back on the ground, and he tries to lift Knox up with a suplex of his own, but Knox’s weight proves to be too much and Mike pushes Duggan away, looking to follow up with a clothesline but Jim takes down Knox with a drop toe hold and Knox’s face smashes into the middle turnbuckle! Mike slowly gets back to his feet, holding his nose, and Duggan takes Knox down with a clothesline, making the cover, 1... 2... Mike Knox kicks out. Both competitors get back to their feet and Jim Duggan hits Knox with some right hands, before running off the ropes and going for a cross body on Knox, but Knox catches Duggan, throws him up onto his shoulders, and nails Duggan with a TKO! Mike Knox goes to make the cover, 1... 2... Super Crazy breaks up the pin!

Mike Knox slowly turns his head towards Super Crazy, who quickly retreats to the ring apron and Knox goes for SC, but he turns around to see Duggan still on the floor. Knox gets Jim Duggan spins Knox round and lifts Duggan up in a Gorilla press position but Jim gets out of it and lands on his feet, Irish whipping Knox against the ropes, only for Mike to counter it, and when Duggan comes running back Knox goes for a clothesline but Duggan counters it and tags in Super Crazy! The luchador jumps over the ropes and runs at Knox who wants to knock him out, but Super Crazy slides through Knox’s legs and then sends Mike into the corner with a dropkick and then SC leaps on Knox but much like what he did to Jim Duggan, Knox catches Super Crazy and hoists him onto his shoulders, flattening him with the TKO! Mike Knox makes the cover, 1... 2... 3!!!

*ELIMINATED – JIM DUGGAN & SUPER CRAZY @ 5:41*

Now, “Hey You” blares out and Paul London and Brian Kendrick sprint down the rampway, sliding into the ring.

Paul London starts off while Brian Kendrick stands on the ring apron, and London has a stare-off, if you could call it that, with the imposing Mike Knox, until Knox abruptly grabs London by the neck, and throws him into the corner. Mike pummels London with kicks to the mid-section before taking a few steps back and running at Paul London but the quick London moves out of the way and Knox crashes into the corner. Paul climbs onto Mike Knox and salutes the audience, before nailing Mike Knox with a monkey flip as the behemoth flies across the ring! London runs off the ropes and follows up with a flip onto Knox, then hooking the leg and making the cover, 1... 2... Mike Knox kicks out.

Paul London gets to his feet as Mike Knox does as well, and London runs off the ropes, sprinting towards Knox, but Knox unceremoniously flattens London with a devastating big boot to the skull! Mike Knox walks over to the corner and tags in Gene Snitsky for the first time in the match, as the disturbing Snitsky enters the ring and places his foot on the chest of Paul London, literally standing on London for several moments before walking off and then getting Paul to his feet. Snitsky gets London in position for a pumphandle slam, and lifts London up only for Paul to counter with a hurricanrana, and when Snitsky gets straight back up London takes the monster down with a spinning heel kick! Paul then tags Brian Kendrick into the match who climbs to the top rope and waits for Gene Snitsky to get up. Snitsky gets up and Kendrick flies off the top rope, but Snitsky catches Kendrick in mid-air only for Brian to immediately plant Snitsky with a tornado DDT! Brian Kendrick climbs to the top rope and Paul London runs across the ring, sending Mike Knox off the ring apron with a dropkick, leaving Kendrick to leap off the top rope, and nail Snitsky with a 450 splash!!! Brian Kendrick makes the cover, 1... 2... 3!!!

*ELIMINATED – MIKE KNOX & GENE SNITSKY @ 7:52*

Then, “Cowboy” plays and Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, the former World Tag Team Champions, make their way to the ring.

Brian Kendrick gets to his feet but is immediately ambushed by Trevor Murdoch, who unloads on Kendrick with right hands. Murdoch kicks Kendrick in the mid-section and lifts Brian up in a suplex position, before dropping Kendrick mid-section-first onto his knee. Brian flips over and holds his mid-section in agony as Murdoch gets Kendrick to his feet, Irish whipping Brian against the ropes. However, as Kendrick comes back he counters, rolling up Trevor with a sunset flip! 1... 2... Trevor Murdoch kicks out. Both competitors get back to their feet, and Brian runs at Murdoch, only to be knocked out with a vicious boot to the skull! Murdoch gets Kendrick up and Irish whips him into the corner of the ring, tagging Lance Cade into the match, as Cade repeatedly kicks Kendrick in the sternum whilst in the corner. Lance lets Brian stagger forwards, before planting Kendrick with a bulldog! Cade stomps away at Kendrick, before getting him to his feet and wrenching his arm. Cade pulls Brian in, and nails Kendrick with an exploder suplex, then making the cover, 1... 2... Kendrick gets the shoulder up! Lance Cade gets Brian to his feet and drags the high-flyer over to the corner of the ring, setting him up on the top rope. Cade climbs up and grabs hold of Kendrick’s pants, looking to go for a superplex, but then Brian pushes Cade off the top rope and down to the canvas!

Brian Kendrick looks around at the cheering audience, before turning around, and going for a MOONSAULT... but Lance Cade sticks his knees up, which meet with Kendrick’s sternum! Brian, winded by Lance’s reversal, stays on his feet upon impact, and when Kendrick turns around, Lance nails Brian with a sitout side slam spinebuster or as Lance calls it, the Decode! Cade hooks the legs of Brian Kendrick as Trevor Murdoch runs across the ring and pushes Paul London off the ring apron, 1... 2... 3!!!

*ELIMINATED – PAUL LONDON & BRIAN KENDRICK @ 9:29

Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch raise each other’s hands in the air, thinking they’ve won the match, but it ain’t over 'til it's over...

***BRINGIN’ DA’ HOOD TO YOU***

The crowd go nuts, as the returning CRYME TYME, JTG and Shad Gaspard, walk out! Cade and Murdoch are shocked as the Brooklyn crooks walk down the rampway, slapping hands with some fans, before entering the ring.

As soon as Shad Gaspard is in the ring, he takes down Lance Cade with a flying shoulder tackle! Shad gets straight back up and lets out a loud roar as Cade gets to his feet and runs at Gaspard, only to be planted with a scoop slam, and then nailed with a leg drop! Shad gets up again and Irish whips Cade into the corner, hitting Lance with a clothesline before tagging in JTG. Shad lifts Cade up onto his right shoulder and JTG climbs to the top rope, hitting Cade with a leg drop on the back of the head in mid-air, before making the cover, 1... 2... Trevor Murdoch comes in, breaking up the pinfall! Shad takes matters into his own hands, re-entering the ring and throwing Murdoch over the top rope and out of the ring, and Lance Cade gets to his feet, for JTG to nail Cade with the SHOUT OUT! JTG makes the cover, will it be this time? 1... 2... 3!!!

Winners – Cryme Tyme @ 11:31

“Bringin’ Da Hood To You” blares out to a big pop as Cryme Tyme have their hands raised in the air by the referee, making title motions around their waists before climbing to the top rope of opposite corners and singing along with the fans with “Money, money, yeah, yeah”, but then the World Tag Team Champions CODY RHODES AND HARDCORE HOLLY walk out onto the stage, having a long-distance stare-down with the re-emerged victors and the new #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Championships.

Jim Ross: What a shocking turn of events here! JTG and Shad Gaspard, Cryme Tyme, have returned, and they are the NEW #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Championships!

Jerry Lawler: Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly just held onto their titles a little bit tighter, JR, the thugs are back in town! Come on, sing with me, JR, “That money, money, yeah, yeah, that money, money”-

Jim Ross: I’d... rather not, King.

*BACKSTAGE*

We are now situated in a dark, red-tinted room. The camera is zoomed in on somebody’s feet, but when it zooms out it is KANE. The “Big Red Machine” is stroking his fist whilst staring at the camera, with a twisted look on his face.

Kane: Paul... Burchill. There is something, you need to know. There is a saying... “When you play with fire, you get burnt”, hahahahaha... and that, is exactly what you have done, Paul. Last week, you... you played with the fire. You didn’t just stand on the outskirts, though... you went right, in.

~ Breathing heavily, Kane grumbles.

Kane: But tonight, Paul, you will suffer dire consequences for your actions last week. Paul Burchill... you WILL... get... burnt.

Kane begins to laugh uncontrollably, before raising his arms in the air and throwing them down, as flames come up in front of them, and Kane reveals a perverse smile once he sees the flames, while the screen fades...

{Commercials}

2 – Paul Burchill vs. Kofi Kingston

A highly competitive match here, with Paul Burchill and the exotic Kofi Kingston having a decent match-up, and despite Burchill’s size advantage, Kingston keeps the contest even, by coming back with something whenever “The Ripper” mounts some offence. The controversy comes when Burchill is sizing up Kofi for a Twisted Sister after dodging an attempted Trouble In Paradise from Kingston, but then the lights go out and they suddenly turn red, as the TitanTron now reads “YOU HAVE UN-EARTHED THE MONSTER”, and then the lights come back on. Burchill looks around... but Katie Lea Burchill is gone! Paul cannot believe it, and he immediately lets go of Kingston, leaving the ring and looking around anxiously, shouting “Katie! Where are you!?” until he then walks up the rampway, disappearing behind the curtain and effectively abandoning the match. Burchill is long gone when the referee completes the count of 10, handing the count-out victory to Kofi Kingston.

Winner – Kofi Kingston via count-out @ 5:34

“S.O.S” plays and Kofi Kingston has his hand raised in the air to cheers from the crowd, but it doesn’t mean much to Kingston, who shakes his head in disappointment before leaving the ring and walking up the rampway.

Jim Ross: Paul Burchill’s lost this match via count-out, but he doesn’t care; his sister Katie Lea has vanished, and it looks like Kane might have something to do with this mystery!

Jerry Lawler: Kane said earlier that “When you play with fire, you get burnt”; well that’s exactly what Kane himself has done, and Paul Burchill is going to make “The Big Red Machine” pay the price, JR!

Jim Ross: Well coming up next, the Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho is in action against “The Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin.

*BACKSTAGE*

Mr. Kennedy and Shelton Benjamin are in the locker room, discussing something.

Shelton Benjamin: (Sneering) Good... so just one more time, let me get this straight; if you win the Intercontinental Championship at Backlash, I’m first in line for a title shot?

Mr. Kennedy: That’s right, Benji, all for last week, and tonight too, but one thing... it’s not a matter of if I win the Intercontinental Championship this Sunday at Backlash... it’s when. Y’see, Chris Jericho’s best days are behind him, he was in his prime when he was some long-haired hippy kinda guy or whatever he thought he was. This Sunday, Shelton, Chris is passin’ the torch, and it’s goin’ to me.

~ Shelton smirks.

Shelton Benjamin: And then you’re passing the torch to me.

Mr. Kennedy: Whoa, whoa, when did I say anything as stupid as that?

Shelton Benjamin: You said that when you win the Intercontinental Championship, I’m first in line for a title shot... which I’m going to win.

Mr. Kennedy: I know I said that, but Shelton, my friend... (Places his hand on Shelton’s shoulder) you’re not winning the Intercontinental Championship, alright? I’m sorry to crush your expectations, but I’m afraid it’s true, buddy.

Shelton Benjamin: That’s what you think, huh, Ken?

~ Ken sighs, before nodding his head.

Shelton Benjamin: Well in that case, you’re in for a surprise... 'cause there ain't no stoppin' me.

Benjamin walks out of the shot, to a mixed reaction.

{Commercials}

*WWE SLAM OF THE WEEK – JOHN MORRISON DEFEATS SHANNON MOORE THIS PAST FRIDAY ON SMACKDOWN, BUT IS THEN ATTACKED BY CURT HAWKINS AND ZACK RYDER*

3 – Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin

The bell rings and Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin circle each other around the ring for several moments, not taking their eyes off of each other, before jumping into the lock-up. Jericho takes Benjamin to the mat with a traditional headlock takedown, and Shelton lifts Jericho’s arms from around his head before jumping to his feet with a nip-up and taking “Y2J” down with an arm drag. Jericho gets back to his feet and Shelton goes for a clothesline, Jericho ducks it and runs off the ropes, and jumps over Benjamin who lies on the mat and then Jericho takes down Shelton with a pin-point dropkick! Jericho makes the cover, 1... 2... Shelton Benjamin kicks out. Chris Jericho gets Benjamin to his feet, and Irish whips Shelton into the corner of the ring. Jericho runs at “The Gold Standard” but Shelton boots Chris right in the face and follows it up with a German suplex which drops the Intercontinental Champion right on his neck! Benjamin raises his hands in the air to heat from the audience as he stomps away at Chris Jericho before running off the ropes and dropping an elbow onto Jericho but “Y2J” moves out of the way as Benjamin’s elbow misses, and then Chris Jericho nails Shelton with a boot to the skull!

Chris Jericho then grabs Benjamin’s legs and tries to lock in the Walls of Jericho but Shelton Benjamin quickly counters it and pins Chris Jericho with a small package! 1... 2... Jericho kicks out! Both competitors get to their feet and lock up again, and Shelton Benjamin gets “Y2J” in a standing headlock. Chris Jericho pushes Benjamin into the ropes and when Shelton comes running back at Jericho, the Intercontinental Champion hits Benjamin with a back body drop! Chris Jericho looks around the audience before performing his outstretched arms pose and letting out a loud roar before springboarding off the ropes and going for the Lionsault, but Shelton Benjamin has his knees up which crash into Jericho’s mid-section! Chris Jericho almost goes down but is kept up by the ring ropes, until Benjamin clotheslines Jericho over the ropes and out of the ring, going down to the concrete floor! Numerous fans pat Chris Jericho on the back as he sits up against the security barricade, and Shelton Benjamin climbs to the top rope. Jericho gets to his feet and BENJAMIN LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, TAKING OUT HIMSELF AND CHRIS JERICHO AS THEY FALL TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!!!

The crowd cheer as Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin, piled on top of each other, lie motionless on the concrete floor and after showing a brief replay of Benjamin’s leap from the top rope to the outside of the ring, Jericho and Benjamin crawl back into the ring on the count of 7 and they get to their feet, exchanging right hands, until Chris runs off the ropes and takes Shelton down with a clothesline. Jericho slowly climbs to the top rope and due to his fatigue he can’t climb up there too quickly, and it turns out costing him, as SHELTON BENJAMIN – JUMPS – TO THE TOP ROPE AND SENDS CHRIS JERICHO DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE!!! The crowd cheer as Benjamin and Jericho, much like a few moments ago, lie on the mat inanimately, until Shelton slowly crawls across the ring and lays an arm over the body of Chris Jericho, 1... 2... JERICHO KICKS OUT!!! Benjamin sits up and shakes his head, directing an inquisitive glance at the referee before getting to his feet with assistance from the ringropes and getting Chris Jericho to his feet. Benjamin lifts Jericho up for a scoop slam, but Jericho lands on his feet behind Benjamin, and when Shelton turns around, JERICHO NAILS BENJAMIN WITH A CODEBREAKER!!! Once again it’s back to square one as the two exhausted and beleaguered combatants lie on the canvas trying to catch their breath, and Chris Jericho, using his last bit of energy, hooks the leg of Shelton Benjamin, 1... 2... SHELTON BENJAMIN KICKS OUT!!!

Chris Jericho screams “WHAT!?” at the referee before wiping some sweat from his forehead and riffing through his hair, then getting Shelton Benjamin’s legs and trying to lock in the Walls of Jericho, but Benjamin pushes Jericho away and when “Y2J” comes running back, Shelton springs back and nails Chris Jericho with a spinning heel kick right in the face! Benjamin makes the cover, 1... 2... Chris Jericho gets the shoulder up! The frustration is well and truly mounting as Shelton Benjamin slams his fists against the canvas, before getting to his feet and getting Jericho up, but “The Ayatollah of Rock ‘N’ Rolla” immediately up-ends Benjamin, AND LOCKS IN THE WALLS OF JERICHO ON SHELTON BENJAMIN!!!

The crowd go wild as Chris Jericho has the Walls of Jericho applied on a writhing Shelton Benjamin and Jericho shouts “COME ON, TAP OUT!”, but Benjamin edges across the ring... AND MAKES IT TO THE ROPES! The crowd boo as Chris Jericho is forced to relinquish his patented submission manoeuvre, and when Benjamin gets up, Jericho up-ends Benjamin and tries to lock the Walls of Jericho in again, but Shelton pushes Jericho away and when “Y2J” comes running back Benjamin gets to his feet with a nip-up, AND CONNECTS WITH THE PAY DIRT!!! Shelton lies on the canvas, as does Chris Jericho, as this fantastic match continues, and Benjamin edges across the ring, using every – single – bit of energy in his body to lay an arm over Chris Jericho, 1... 2... This has to be it... 3-NO!!! CHRIS JERICHO GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

Shelton Benjamin cannot believe it, he thought he had the match won there for sure, and Benjamin slowly gets to his feet with assistance from the ring ropes. Benjamin gets Chris Jericho to his feet and he drags the Intercontinental Champion into the corner of the ring, setting Jericho up on the top rope. Benjamin climbs to the top rope and takes Jericho’s tights, lifting him up and connecting with a SUPERPLEX ON CHRIS JERICHO FROM THE TOP ROPE! This time, Benjamin IMMEDIATELY makes the cover, with the position which he landed from executing that superplex being in his favour, 1... 2... CHRIS JERICHO GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Benjamin is getting increasingly angry now as he clearly wants to hit the referee but calms himself down, getting Jericho to his feet. Benjamin lifts Jericho up for a scoop slam, but Chris lands on his feet behind Benji, and takes Shelton down with a Russian Leg Sweep, then following up by springboarding off the ropes AND NAILING SHELTON BENJAMIN WITH THE LIONSAULT!!! Jericho takes a while, but he eventually covers Shelton Benjamin, 1... 2... SHELTON BENJAMIN KICKS OUT!!! Jericho sits up, head buried in hands, and shakes his head in disappointment, failing to believe how this match is STILL not over yet.

Chris Jericho gets to his feet and gets Shelton up too, Irish whipping Benjamin against the ropes. Jericho bends over, looking to execute a back body drop, but Shelton instead hits Jericho with a facebuster and then kicks “Y2J” in the mid-section, nailing Jericho with a DDT! Benjamin, instead of making the cover, ever-so slowly climbs to the top rope, and once he’s up there, “The Gold Standard” raises his hands in the air, before flying off, going for a senton bomb, BUT CHRIS JERICHO ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND, AND SHELTON BENJAMIN’S SENTON FAILS TO CONNECT! Benjamin, holding his back, slowly gets to his feet, and Chris Jericho takes down Shelton, LOCKING IN THE WALLS OF JERICHO!!! However, then, MR. KENNEDY walks out from the back, getting a lot of heat from the crowd. “Y2J” sees the smirking Kennedy, chewing gum, walking down the rampway, and Jericho relinquishes the Walls of Jericho, walking up to the ropes and pointing at Kennedy, shouting “YOU WANNA SEE WHAT YOU’VE GOT COMING AT BACKLASH, KENNEDY?! HUH?!”, to which Kennedy responds by nodding his head and bluntly saying “Yeah”. Jericho smirks at Kennedy, before turning around... TO BE NAILED WITH THE PAY DIRT BY SHELTON BENJAMIN!!!

Mr. Kennedy laughs at the fallen Chris Jericho’s expense as Shelton Benjamin looks at Kennedy, before dropping down and hooking the legs of Jericho, making the cover; could it be? Could this finally end this spectacle of a wrestling match between “The Gold Standard” and the Intercontinental Champion? 1... 2... 3!!! IT DOES! SHELTON BENJAMIN HAS PICKED UP A HUGE VICTORY OVER CHRIS JERICHO THANKS TO JERICHO’S OPPONENT THIS SUNDAY AT BACKLASH, MR. KENNEDY!!!

Winner – Shelton Benjamin @ 16:46

“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me Now” plays to heat, as a beleaguered, tired, exhausted, sweating but VICTORIOUS Shelton Benjamin struggles to his feet, having his hand raised by the referee before falling back down to the canvas, his legs aching after that fantastic match with Chris Jericho. Benjamin looks at Jericho and smirks before looking at Mr. Kennedy and pointing to himself, saying “There ain’t no stoppin’ ME”, then leaving the ring and limping up the rampway, brushing shoulders with Kennedy who slides into the ring, lying on the mat next to Chris Jericho. A microphone drops down from the ceiling which Kennedy stands up and takes, before lying down on his back next to Jericho again.

Mr. Kennedy: It’s, uh... pretty comfy down here, don’t ya’ think, Chris?

~ Jericho doesn’t respond as he’s hardly moving, but Kennedy responds to himself. How sad, eh?

Mr. Kennedy: ... yeah, me too. It’s a shame I won’t be able to be down here this Sunday at Backlash, lying down here on the mat an’ all that... because while you’re getting a 3-second tan down here, Chris, I’LL be becoming the NEW IN – TER – CON – TIN – EN – TAL CHAMPION...

~ Kennedy now stands up, looming over Chris Jericho.

Mr. Kennedy: MISSSSSTTAAAAAAAHHHHHHH ... KEEEENNNEEEEDDDDDDYYYYY!!!!

~ KK snatches the Intercontinental Championship from the hands of the referee who was going to give it to Chris Jericho, and Kennedy holds the title which could become his at Backlash this Sunday in the air, pressing the microphone to his lips one... more... time.

Mr. Kennedy: KEEEENNNEEEEDDDDDDYYYYY!!!!

To a cornucopia of heat, “Turn Up The Trouble” blares out, as Mr. Kennedy relinquishes his hold of the microphone which reels back into the air, and drops the Intercontinental Championship onto the chest of Chris Jericho, before leaving the ring and ascending up the ramp, glaring at fans and pointing to himself saying “New Champ right here, fellas” as he continues his walk, then disappearing behind the curtain, as Jericho begins to struggle to his feet, having been sent a message...

Jim Ross: That damn cocky S.O.B Mr. Kennedy still finds time to run his mouth at the expense of Chris Jericho, but talk is cheap, and I’m no gambler but I’d put money on “Y2J” to retain his Intercontinental Championship this Sunday at Backlash, if his spectacular performance against Shelton Benjamin moments ago is anything to go by, King.

Jerry Lawler: Yeah, well when Mr. Kennedy defeats Triple H in tonight’s main event, JR, THEN I have a funny feeling you’ll be eating your words, and I’ll be right all along come this Sunday at Backlash when we crown a NEW Intercontinental Champion, HAHA!

Jim Ross: Well still to come tonight on Raw, we’ve got another huge match, as the divisive, controversial “Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels teams with Carlito, to face “The Sensei of Straight-Edge” CM Punk and John Cena, all four of which will be in action this Sunday at Backlash. But for now, let’s take a look back at the decadent transformation that Michaels has undergone since WrestleMania.

***

Quote:

All eyes are on the TitanTron, as a video package of Ric Flair’s career plays, with “Not Meant To Be” by Theory Of A Deadman as the song accompanying it. It shows clips of Flair with the Four Horsemen, defeating Dusty Rhodes to win his first-ever NWA World Heavyweight Championship, conducting witty interviews, strutting down the aisle and parading his blue feathered robe from last night’s WrestleMania among other clips.

***

{Commercials}

Back on Raw, and PAUL BURCHILL is storming down a corridor, looking for his disappeared Sister, Katie Lea. Burchill abruptly grabs a poor, innocent worker by his collar and slams him to the wall.

Paul Burchill: WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!

~ The poor ol’ worker looks like he’s pissed his pants.

Worker: I don’t know who you’re...

He doesn’t have time to finish, as the maniacal Burchill hurls the worker into a pile of storage boxes before walking on... seeing a black door with smoke coming out of the bottom of it. Burchill growls, before kicking down the door... to see nothing there. Paul slams his fist against the wall, before walking out, kicking a garbage can over along the way, and then seeing a group of youths eating around a table backstage, talking quietly to each other and giggling. “The Ripper” takes offence to it, and slams his fists against the table, startling the teenagers.

Paul Burchill: WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT?!

The youths are petrified, and they don’t say a word until Burchill storms away. The camera cuts back to the arena, and Paul walks out through the curtain onto the stage, getting an overabundance of heat from the audience whilst Burchill descends down the rampway and enters the ring, taking a microphone.

Paul Burchill: KANE!!!... YOU’VE GOT MY SISTER, AND I WANT TO KNOW WHERE SHE IS RIGHT... NOW!

~ Burchill waits impatiently for several moments until KANE appears on the TitanTron, getting cheers from the crowd.

Kane: Paul... what’s the worry? Your precious little sister Katie is fine... trust me, hahahahaha...

Paul Burchill: SHUT UP! Where... is she?!

~ Kane walks across the same room he was in earlier, before stopping.

Kane: She’s right here, Paul, but don’t worry... we’re having a great time.

~ The camera zooms out to see KATIE LEA sat on a chair, her hands and feet tied to the chair. Her mouth isn’t taped, but she isn’t screaming, probably because she's been instructed not to. Kane kneels down, before kissing a terrified Katie Lea on the lips as a seething Paul Burchill watches on helplessly. Kane then returns to look at the screen.

Kane: See?... Hahaha... there’s nothing wrong. Have no fear, Paul... you’ll get your dear little sister Katie back next week on Raw. But if you come to “rescue” here before then... well, let’s just say you’ll only be putting her in even more danger.

Kane then disappears from the TitanTron as the crowd cheer, but Paul Burchill is fuming and he leaves the ring, knowing that if he tries to save Katie Lea then she’ll only suffer even more, before disappearing behind the curtain.

Jim Ross: A, uh... very intruiging situation to say the least here, folks, Katie Lea has been taken hostage by “The Big Red Machine” Kane, and Paul Burchill will have to wait an entire week until he can see his sister again.

Jerry Lawler: Oh, boy... to steal your line, JR, “business is picking up!”

Jim Ross: I wouldn’t call this “business”, King... it’s pretty disturbing, if you ask me.

The camera cuts backstage, where Todd Grisham is standing by.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... “The Heart Break Kid”, Shawn Michaels.

To huge heat, the incomparable Shawn Michaels walks into the shot, clad in his ring gear ready for his tag team match.

Todd Grisham: Shawn, tonight you team with Carlito to face CM Punk and your rival, John-

~ Michaels abruptly takes the microphone from Grisham’s hands, and Shawn gives Todd a piercing glare, causing him to back off from HBK.

Shawn Michaels: ... Much better. John Cena...

~ The crowd pop at the mention of John Cena.

Shawn Michaels: John Cena, you should have found out by now that you made the wrong choice by wasting your time caring for Ric Flair and getting in my business 2 weeks ago... i’m actually kinda offended. Because, John, I don’t think you know exactly who I am. I’m Shawn Michaels...

~ Heat for HBK.

Shawn Michaels: I’m “The Heart Break Kid”, “The Showstopper”, “The Icon”, Mr. WrestleMania”, damnit. And what are you, John?... yeah, that’s rght, you’re nothing. I earned every single one my nicknames in the book, but you? That’s not the case; you call yourself “The Doctor of Thuganomics”? Well John, sorry to let you down but that crap wore off years ago. And as far as “The Champ” goes, we all know that you’re not, for obvious reasons, and I don’t have to go into detail for that one, do I?

~ More boos.

Shawn Michaels: As for tonight’s tag team match... John, I suggest- wait, no, scratch that, I DEMAND that you let your lil’ buddy CM Punk do the work, because when it really matters, this Sunday at Backlash... I want you to be 100%, so that I can kick your ass all the way up and down Baltimore, and you won’t be able to have any corny excuses to save face with your pathetic “Cenation” or whatever you call the misguided idiots that buy your dumb merchandise.

~ Cheap heat for “The Showstopper”.

Shawn Michaels: But John... this Sunday... I want you feel every punch... every kick... every time I inflict pain on your body... ‘cause if it goes the way I want it... it’ll be the last time you step into a ring. But hey... look on the bright side of things, John; then... you can re-unite with your little washed-up, retired has-been, Ric... Flair.

Huge heat for Michaels, who drops the microphone before walking away as Todd Grisham walks back into the shot, still looking startled by HBK.

{Commercials}

Back on Raw, and a familiar face, DREW MCINTYRE, who made his Raw debut last week, is standing in the ring, getting heat.

Drew McIntyre: Last week... everybody saw me make my Raw debut, when I destroyed some hopeless wee lad. Well, all of you should have, unless you had left your TV screens to stuff your face in a fast food restaurant, which is what this sorry excuse for a country prides itself on.

~ Huge heat for the cocky Scot.

Drew McIntyre: If you want to be in a place where its men are hard-working and dignified, and the women are good-looking and are good housekeepers... then come to Scotland. But on second thought, they might not let you all in, either because you’re too fat to get onto an aeroplane in the first place...

~ More boos for McIntyre, who’s getting into his stride.

Drew McIntyre: ... and secondly because people in Scotland, especially me, don’t want our glorious country being over-ridden by un-hygienic rodents like all of you people are.

~ The crowd, incensed by McIntyre, chant “USA!”

Drew McIntyre: You can chant the shameless name of your over-glorified country... but watch me tear this little lad apart, and realize that all great things come from Great, Britain.

~ Drew drops the microphone, and the match begins.

4 – Drew McIntyre vs. Caylen Croft

Actions speak louder than words, and while it may not have been deemed possible due to Drew McIntyre’s excessive tirade directed at the United States of America, he proved that theory right, as he dominated his opponent, Caylen Croft. An enzuiguri to the skull and a double-underhook DDT, which Drew calls “Hadrian’s Call”, is enough to earn the Scot an academic victory.

Winner – Drew McIntyre @ 2:19

“Seeing Red” plays and Drew McIntyre gets to his feet, with the taste of victory bubbling in his mouth. The referee goes to raise Drew’s hand, but McIntyre laughs off the official and leaves the ring, walking in front of some angry Americans whilst saying “Clean yourself up, you filthy brute” to a large and overweight man, before ascending up the rampway and disappearing behind the curtain.

Jim Ross: This Drew McIntyre kid sure knows how to get under the skin of the people of the United States of America, but nonetheless he continues to impress, picking up a 2nd victory here on Monday Night Raw.

Jerry Lawler: Drew just oozes of confidence, JR, and who can blame him? He can call the entire population of this country overweight, but yet he tears apart his opponents; he is going to be a huge star here on Raw, I can see it now! Good job he’s not on Smackdown, imagine what these fans would think if he was United States Champion? Haha!

Jim Ross: Well coming up next, “The Game” Triple H squares off against the brazen Mr. Kennedy, when we return!

{Commercials}

*WWE REWIND – CHUCK PALUMBO DEFEATS FINLAY AND SUBSEQUENTLY ANNOUNCES THAT NEXT WEEK THEY WILL FACE EACH OTHER ONCE AGAIN, ONLY IN FINLAY’S SPECIALTY MATCH - A BELFAST BRAWL*

Back on Raw, and TJ WILSON is sat backstage in the locker room, packing his bag, when DH SMITH walks in, getting a warm reception.

TJ Wilson: Hey, David.

DH Smith: Hey. Look, I know that you’re new here on Raw and I’m the only guy you know here, so I decided to bring somebody along so you feel settled in a little more.

~ Smith looks out of the door and says “Come in, Natalya” as a blond female with pink streaks in her hair walks into the room, getting cheers and whistles from the crowd. Wilson stands up and the two exchange smiles, as DH continues.

TJ Wilson: Aww, this is great, thanks.

DH Smith: Hey, anything for my-

~ DH stops when JOHN “BRADSHAW” LAYFIELD walks into the shot, getting tons of heat from the audience. Smith, Wilson and Natalya all give resentful looks to JBL.

JBL: Oh, I’m sorry... am I interrupting some sorta’ family re-union here?

~ JBL smirks, getting more heat.

JBL: If that's what you can call it anyway, as I don't see three people re-uniting from that Canadian cesspit called the Hart Dungeon a special occasion.

~ Heat for JBL.

JBL: Y’see, this makes me sick. (Looking at DH) you... you beat me in the biggest fluke the WWE has ever seen 3 weeks ago, and to see you playin’ happy families with these two idiots is pathetic. Right now, I could be kickin’ your ass in the ring... but that can wait for next week.

~ Smith looks confused.

JBL: I just got confirmation from William Regal that next week, you and me are gonna be in the ring again, and I recommend that you bring your two friends you’ve got here to watch the match at ringside... so that they know what a loser they’re associatin’ themself with, and that they should be worshippin’ the ground I, the longest-reigning WWE Champion in Smackdown history, walk on... ‘cause I am, A WRESTLING... GAWWWD.

~ Boos for JBL, who walks out of the picture, leaving Smith, Wilson and Natalya in the locker room.

We then cut back to the announce table, where JR and King greet us.

Jim Ross: Hello everybody and welcome back to Raw, and this Friday on Smackdown there is going to be a huge tag team main event much like what we have here tonight, as Bobby Lashley and the World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker take on Mark Henry and “The Rated R Superstar”, Edge. But now, let’s take you back to last Friday’s edition of Smackdown.

Quote:

~ SMACKDOWN! REBOUND~

***

We’re now back with JR and King.

Jim Ross: They will face off at Backlash this Sunday, and now let’s take a moment to look at what is in store for Backlash; CM Punk only won the Money in The Bank briefcase less than a month ago at WrestleMania, but he could lose that privilege of being able to get a World Championship match whenever he wants this Sunday, when he defends the briefcase, and the contract inside it, against Carlito.

Jerry Lawler: On the Smackdown side, JR, “The Franchise Playa” MVP’s 11-month reign as United States Champion is in more jeopardy than ever! He defends the gold in a fatal four-way against his hated rival Matt Hardy, as well as Kenny Dykstra and Chavo Guerrero!

Jim Ross: “Y2J” Chris Jericho puts his Intercontinental Championship on the line against the brash loud-mouth Mr. Kennedy, who cost Jericho his match against Shelton Benjamin earlier tonight, and Jericho will look to even the scores this Sunday, and keep his title in the process.

Jerry Lawler: There will be only one General Manager left standing on Smackdown after this Sunday, JR! Shane McMahon and Vickie Guerrero’s representatives, Bobby Lashley for Shane and “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry for Vickie, will face off, with the stakes higher than ever!

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels and John Cena will square off in a match fuelled by Michaels’ heinious act a few weeks ago by superkicking Ric Flair and Cena’s determination to defend Flair’s honour, and boy, it will be one hell of a match between these two guys, lemme tell ya’.

Jerry Lawler: The World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, JR, “The Rated R Superstar” Edge looks to regain the gold he says should never have left him, but he will have to go through the reigning Champion, “The Deadman” The Undertaker, if he wants the title back!

Jim Ross: And last but not least... the WWE Championship will be up for grabs, the reigning Champion, “The One Man Dynasty”, “The Viper”, “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton defends his title against “The Game”, “The King of Kings”, “The Cerebral Assassin”, the 11-time World Champion, Triple H.

5 – Triple H vs. Mr. Kennedy

The bell rings and Triple H and Mr. Kennedy immediately lock eyes, moving around the ring for a few moments before locking up. Kennedy is forced into the corner by Triple H, but Kennedy pushes”The Game” back and there are a few stagnant moments until they lock up again. Triple H quickly wrenches Mr. Kennedy’s arm, but Kennedy twists his opponent around and takes Triple H down to the canvas with a snapmare. He then gets Triple H in a headlock but Triple H fights his way to his feet, and pushes Kennedy away into the ropes. Mr. Kennedy comes running back, but the 11-time World Champion nails Kennedy with a running knee smash! Triple H makes the cover, 1... 2... Mr. Kennedy kicks out. Triple H gets him to his feet and hits Kennedy with half a dozen right hands before Irish whipping the brash loud-mouth into the corner of the ring. “The King of Kings” charges at his opponent, but Kennedy boots Triple H in the face, causing him to turn around groggily, and Mr. Kennedy then takes Triple H down with a back drop! Kennedy stomps away at Triple H’s mid-section until the referee stops him, in which case KK climbs onto Triple H and pummels him with clubbing blows, up until the ref stops him again.

Mr. Kennedy gets Triple H to his feet and gets him in position for a suplex, tucking his head under his arm. Kennedy lifts Triple H in the air but “The Game” lands on his feet behind his opponent, and when Mr. Kennedy turns around, Triple H clotheslines him over the ropes and out of the ring! Kennedy lands on the concrete floor with a reverberating thud as Triple H leaves the ring, getting Kennedy to his feet and HURLING KENNEDY INTO THE STEEL STEPS! Mr. Kennedy knocks over the steel steps upon impact after being hurled into them by Triple H, and “The Cerebral Assassin” gets Kennedy to his feet, loading him back into the ring and making the cover, 1... 2... Kennedy gets the shoulder up. Triple H gets Mr. Kennedy to his feet and drags Kennedy in the corner, then lifting Kennedy to the top rope before climbing up there himself. Triple H gets KK in position for a superplex, but Kennedy turns the tables on the veteran, pushing him off the top rope and back down to the canvas! Mr. Kennedy looks around the Tingley Coliseum, before flying off the top rope, going for the Kenton Bomb... BUT TRIPLE H MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!

Mr. Kennedy lands on his back on the canvas, having failed to connect with the Kenton Bomb at the expense of Triple H, and he writhes in pain, as Triple H grabs the legs of Kennedy... locking Kennedy in a FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK! There are plenty of “WOOOO”s around the arena as Triple H locks in Ric Flair’s signature move, and Kennedy writhes in pain. His hand almost hits the canvas to tap out, but Mr. Kennedy perseveres, and he edges backwards... GRABBING THE BOTTOM ROPE WITH RELIEF! Triple H is forced to relinquish the hold on Mr. Kennedy and he gets to his feet, grabbing Kennedy’s head and pummeling it with punches before getting up and running off the ropes, going to drop a knee on Kennedy, but KK moves out of the way. Triple H gets back to his feet, but as soon as he does, Mr. Kennedy almost takes “The Game”’s head off with a vicious clothesline! Mr. Kennedy makes the cover, 1... 2... Triple H kicks out! Mr. Kennedy gets Triple H to his feet, and he gets him in position for a Mic Check, but Triple H fights his way out of it, pushing Kennedy away, but when Kennedy comes running back, Triple H nails Mr. Kennedy with a SPINEBUSTER!!!

“The King of Kings” throws his arms back and lets out a reverberating roar as the crowd go wild and Triple H waits for Mr. Kennedy to get to his feet. Kennedy slowly gets up with assistance from the ropes, but when he sees Triple H standing there, Kennedy slides under the ropes and out of the ring, holding his hands up in innocence and having a breather. However, the arrogant Mr. Kennedy makes a costly mistake when he turns around, catching his breath, as Triple H leaves the ring, AND HURLS KENNEDY INTO THE SECURITY BARRICADE!!! The crowd go wild and some fans on the front row pat Mr. Kennedy on the back, as Triple H gets Kennedy to his feet and hits him with some punches before Irish whipping Kennedy into the steel ringpost. Triple H charges at KK, going for a clothesline, but at the last split-second Kennedy moves out of the way, and “The Game” goes face-first into the steel ringpost! Triple H staggers backwards and falls over as Mr. Kennedy quickly gets back into the ring with the referee on a count of 6. The ref continues the count, and when he is on 8 Triple H is only just beginning to get to his feet. He counts 9, and is about to count Triple H out, but “The Game” gets back in the ring just in time!

The crowd cheer, as their hero is not out of the match, but Mr. Kennedy is incensed and he unloads on Triple H, stomping away ferociously at “The Game” and the referee tries to stop Kennedy but he will not stop, continue to attack Triple H until he is about to be disqualified with the referee on a count of 4, in which case Kennedy stops and walks away. Triple H gets to his feet with help from the ring ropes in the corner of the ring, and Mr. Kennedy gets Triple H onto the top rope. Kennedy climbs up and lifts Triple H onto his shoulders, letting out a bellowing cry, before CONNECTING WITH THE GREEN BAY PLUNGE FROM THE TOP ROPE!!! Both competitors lie motionlessly on the canvas in exhaustion, and the Albuquerque audience chant “TRIPLE H!”, until Kennedy lifts an arm over Triple H, surely this must be it! 1... 2... TRIPLE H KICKS OUT!

Mr. Kennedy cannot believe it, and he looks at the referee in disbelief, shaking his head before wiping some sweat from his forehead and slowly getting Triple H up. However, as soon as he’s on his feet Triple H, as an act of desperation, goes to clothesline Kennedy, but KK moves out of the way, AND TRIPLE ACCIDENTALLY KNOCKS OUT THE REFEREE!!! Triple H looks down at the unconscious referee with his hands on his head, and then Mr. Kennedy nails “The King of Kings” with a LOW BLOW! Triple H drops to his knees as Kennedy disregards the boos of the crowd with a smirk, but then CHRIS JERICHO WALKS OUT ONTO THE STAGE! Jericho points at Kennedy, and Mr. Kennedy doesn’t look to be afraid, but then Triple H turns Kennedy around, AND PLANTS MR. KENNEDY WITH A PEDIGREE! Chris Jericho looks on with a smile on his face... BUT RANDY ORTON ATTACKS JERICHO FROM BEHIND, AND HURLS “Y2J” INTO THE SECURITY BARRICADE!

The crowd boo as Randy Orton runs down the rampway, with Triple having his back turned, unaware that Orton’s presence is among us. The WWE Champion slithers into the ring, and when Triple H turns around... BAM! RANDY ORTON NAILS TRIPLE H WITH AN RKO!!! Randy Orton looks down at his opponent this Sunday with a perverse grin on his face, and Orton then grabs Mr. Kennedy, LAYING KENNEDY’S ARM OVER TRIPLE H! Randy looks at the referee and drags the ref over, taking the official’s arm and making the cover with it! 1... 2... 3!!!

Winner – Mr. Kennedy @ 14:26

“Turn Up The Trouble” plays as Mr. Kennedy remains face-down on the mat for several moments until he gets to his feet, looking at Randy Orton and then hearing his music playing, nodding his head and smirking, now knowing that he just defeated Triple H.

Jim Ross: THAT DAMN S.O.B RANDY ORTON JUST SCREWED TRIPLE H! MR. KENNEDY JUST PINNED “THE GAME”, THANKS TO OUR CONNIVING WWE CHAMPION, BY GAWD!

KK rolls out of the ring, and walks backwards up the rampway, looking into the ring... BUT CHRIS JERICHO ATTACKS KENNEDY FROM BEHIND!!! Jericho, finally getting revenge for earlier on, punches away at KK before taking his challenger this Sunday backstage for presumably a further beat-down, and then the camera cuts back to the ring, where Randy Orton continues to stand over Triple H. Orton raises his hand into the air to a cornucopia of heat from the audience, as the screen fades...

Jim Ross: RANDY ORTON WILL GET WHAT’S COMIN’ TO HIM THIS SUNDAY AT BACKLASH, LEMME’ TELL YA’ THAT!

Jerry Lawler: And coming up next, JR, we’ve got our main event! Shawn Michaels and Carlito face John Cena and CM Punk in tag team action!

{Commercials}

6 – Shawn Michaels & Carlito vs. John Cena & CM Punk

Both teams discuss tactics and who will start the match, and moments later Carlito and John Cena leave their corners and walk into the centre of the ring, starting off this huge tag team match off as the legal men. The bell rings, and Carlito and Cena circle each other around the ring, not taking their eyes off of each other before both competitors jump into the lock-up, with Cena overpowering ‘Lito and then wrenching his arm, as Carlito rolls across the mat and springs to his feet, twisting Cena around and taking him down with a fireman’s carry. Carlito then drops an elbow into “The Doctor of Thuganomics”’s sternum and gets up again, stomping away at John Cena until Carlito is forced away by the referee. Carlito gets Cena to his feet and Irish whips Cena against the ropes, and when Carlito bends over in preparation to throw Cena over his head with a back body drop, Cena has other plans, planting Carlito with a DDT! John Cena gets to his feet and raises his hands in the air whilst making a “Word life” taunt, getting cheers from the crowd, before he gets Carlito to his feet and gets him in a headlock, taking the Puerto Rican down to the canvas with a headlock takedown. Cena keeps the move locked in until Carlito manages to lift Cena’s hands away from around his head and he then gets to his feet, twisting Cena around and kicking him in the mid-section, lifting him up in position for a suplex but instead dropping the former WWE Champion Cena right on his sternum on the ringropes.

John Cena groggily staggers backwards and Carlito lifts Cena up, planting him with a back drop. Carlito then gets Cena up and Irish whips him into the corner, then tagging in Cena’s rival Shawn Michaels into the match. The crowd boo as a smirking Michaels slowly swings his leg around the middle rope and steps into the ring, saying “Backlash is comin’ early for you now, Cena” before slapping John Cena across the face and then stomping away at Cena’s mid-section, forcing him down into the bottom of the corner of the ring. Michaels presses his foot against Cena’s throat with as much force as possible until the referee obstructs “HBK” to stop, in which case Michaels gets Cena to his feet. Shawn throws some right hands in Cena’s direction before Irish whipping Cena into the corner. Michaels climbs onto Cena and punches away as the audience count along, and before the 10th Shawn Michaels flexes his bicep muscles and smirks at the booing crowd, but then Cena lifts Michaels up for a powerbomb, but “The Showstopper” lands on his feet behind Cena and then takes Cena down with a bulldog! Shawn Michaels makes the cover, hooking the legs of John Cena, 1... 2... Cena kicks out.

Shawn Michaels gets John Cena to his feet and lifts him up for a scoop slam, laying Cena down on the mat and Michaels then climbs to the top rope, taking his time, and goes for his signature elbow drop... BUT CENA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! Michaels’ elbow drop fails to meet its target, and now could be the time for John Cena to make the tag to CM Punk! Cena crawls across the canvas with his arm reached out, trying to get the tag, but then Michaels gets to his feet, grabbing Cena by the leg and dragging “The Doctor of Thuganomics” back into the centre of the ring. “HBK” gets John Cena to his feet, and Michaels goes for Sweet Chin Music but Cena ducks it, and then takes down Michaels with a flying shoulder tackle! It’s back to square one now, as John Cena and Shawn Michaels lie on the canvas, and the crowd chant “Let’s go Cena!” (with it being countered by scatterings of “Cena sucks!”, and now Cena begins to crawl across the ring, trying to make the tag. Michaels rapidly crawls across, but it’s too late for “Mr. WrestleMania”, as FINALLY, John Cena tags CM Punk into this match for the first time!

CM Punk, fresh as ice and raring to go, leaps over the ropes and immediately takes down the veteran Shawn Michaels with a clothesline, then running across the ring and knocking his hated nemesis Carlito off the ring apron with a clothesline! Punk turns around and sees Michaels running at him, but Punk then throws Shawn into the corner and takes a few steps back, then running at “The Showstopper” and nailing him with a knee, before following it up with a bulldog which takes Michaels down to the canvas! CM Punk is getting fired up, and so is the Albuquerque crowd, as Punk climbs out onto the ring apron, waiting for Shawn Michaels to get to his feet. Michaels gets up, and “The Sensei of Straight-Edge” jumps onto the ropes, looking to springboard off of them and perform a manoeuvre, but then Carlito comes back into the mix, pushing Punk off the ropes and down to the canvas! The crowd boo as the referee gives Carlito, holding his hands up in innocence, a talking to, and Shawn Michaels, knowing that he is now back in the match, turns CM Punk over onto his back...

LOCKING IN THE SHARPSHOOTER!

The crowd boo as Shawn Michaels, a fire lit in his eyes, locks in the Sharpshooter and CM Punk is writhing in agony. J.R bellows “COME ON, PUNK, DON’T TAP OUT! YOU – CAN’T - TAP OUT, PUNK!” in the commentary booth, and “The Straight-Edge Superstar” looks like he wants to tap out, and has his hand ready to hit against the canvas, but instead the crowd spur Mr. Money In The Bank on, and Punk slowly, ever-so slowly, crawls across the ring, and almost makes it to the ropes, he is within touching distance...

BUT MICHAELS DRAGS CM PUNK BACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!

Shawn Michaels, licking his lips and enjoying every moment of the pain he is inflicting on CM Punk, continues to apply the pressure on Punk, and “The Second City Saint” is back to where he was a few moments ago, as he bids desperately to make it to the ropes. Punk edges across the ring, his hand reached out... AND CM PUNK GRABS ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! The crowd cheer, as CM Punk has – FINALLY – made it to the ropes, and now Shawn Michaels has to let go of the Sharpshooter, but Michaels refuses to give in, and keeps the submission hold applied until just before the referee is about to complete the count of 5 and disqualify him. Michaels gets CM Punk to his feet and throws some right hands in his direction, before Irish whipping Punk against the ropes.

Michaels goes for a clothesline but Punk ducks it, and then comes running back, nailing Michaels with a roaring elbow! CM Punk makes the cover, 1... 2... Shawn Michaels gets the shoulder up! Punk, on his knees, wipes some sweat from his forehead and riffs through his black hair before getting to his feet, and getting Michaels up too. CM Punk tucks Michaels’ head in between his legs, before hooking his arms and lifting Michaels up, in position for a double-underhook backbreaker, but “HBK” lands on his feet behind Punk, and when Punk turns around, he runs at Shawn Michaels, but Michaels throws “The Second City Saint” over the top rope and out of the ring, down to the concrete floor!

CM Punk crawls across the floor and uses the announce table to help get himself to his feet and Shawn Michaels climbs out onto the ring apron, springboarding off the ropes, AND GOING FOR A MOONSAULT, BUT CM PUNK MOVES OUT OF THE WAY, AND SHAWN MICHAELS CRASHES MID-SECTION FIRST INTO THE SIDE OF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! Michaels drops to the concrete floor, his sternum aching with pain, as CM Punk slowly gets “The Showstopper” to his feet and HURLS MICHAELS SHOULDER-FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS, AS “HBK” DISPLACES THE STEPS UPON IMPACT! The crowd are cheering as Michaels is in agony and CM Punk grabs Michaels by the legs, CATAPULTING SHAWN MICHAELS HEAD-FIRST INTO THE STEEL RING-POST, WITH MICHAELS’ SKULL BOUNCING OFF THE STEEL!!!

CM Punk then loads Shawn Michaels back into the ring and makes the cover, 1... 2... NO! THERE’S STILL LIFE IN SHAWN MICHAELS, WHO GETS THE SHOULDER UP! A disappointed and exhausted CM Punk gets Shawn Michaels to his feet and wrenches his arm, then kicking Michaels in the mid-section and kicking him at the legs, before capping it off with a roundhouse kick to “HBK”’s skull! CM Punk makes the cover again, 1... 2... Carlito enters the ring, breaking up the cover! CM Punk, still having not put this match to rest, once again gets Shawn Michaels to his feet and Irish whips Michaels against the ropes and when Shawn comes back Punk goes for a clothesline only for Michaels to duck under it and run off the ropes once again, but then Michaels takes “The Second City Saint” down with a clothesline of his own!

After several moments of both competitors lying motionlessly on the canvas in exhaustion, Michaels suddenly springs to his feet with a trademark nip-up, somehow, someway, and the beleaguered “HBK” slowly climbs to the top rope. Michaels sees Carlito yelling “’EY, TAG CARLITO IN! ‘DAT’S NOT COOL!” but Michaels ignores his tag team partner, flying off the top rope and connecting with the ELBOW DROP! Michaels slowly lays an arm over CM Punk, making the cover, 1... 2... JOHN CENA INTERVENES, TAKING MATTERS INTO HIS OWN HANDS AND BREAKING UP THE PINFALL! Carlito enters the ring, running across and charging at John Cena, but Cena holds down the top rope as Carlito goes tumbling out of the ring and falling down to the concrete floor! Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels is on his feet and he is waiting in the corner of the ring for CM Punk to get to his feet, and when Punk slowly gets up with assistance from the ring-ropes, Michaels goes for Sweet Chin Music, but CM Punk ducks it, turning Michaels around, kicking him in the mid-section, hooking his arms, lifting up and nailing “The Showstopper” with a DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER! CM Punk immediately hooks the legs of the veteran Shawn Michaels, making the pinfall and hoping to secure the victory for himself and John Cena right here, right now! 1... 2... NO! SHAWN MICHAELS KICKS OUT!

CM Punk cannot believe it, and he sits up with his head buried in his hands, shaking his head in disappointment, before he struggles to his feet but a lightbulb seems to then light up, and he goes back down... LOCKING SHAWN MICHAELS IN THE ANACONDA VISE!!! The crowd go crazy, they can feel the end of the match coming... BUT THEN CARLITO ENTERS THE RING, ATTACKING PUNK AND BREAKING UP THE SUBMISSION HOLD! The crowd boo as Carlito then retreats to the ring apron and an angry CM Punk gets to his feet, charging at Carlito and throwing a wild right hand, but Carlito shows good reflexes, immediately climbing off of the ring apron and standing outside of the ring, as Punk looks down, saying to Carlito “THERE WON’T BE ANYBODY TO SAVE YOU THIS SUNDAY!” but when CM Punk turns around... BAM!!! SHAWN MICHAELS NAILS CM PUNK WITH SWEET – CHIN – MUSIC!!! The Tingley Coliseum is silenced as Shawn Michaels, having finally hit CM Punk with Sweet Chin Music, lies on his back in the ring, before crawling across the canvas and laying an arm over CM Punk, 1... 2... CM PUNK KICKS OUT!!! CM PUNK KICKED OUT OF SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!

Shawn Michaels cannot believe it and he looks at the referee in disbelief, getting to his feet and confronting the official by holding up 3 fingers and shouting in the ref’s face “THAT WAS 3!!! THAT WAS 3!!!” but the referee does not do anything and when Michaels turns around, CM Punk lifts “HBK” onto his shoulders, and goes for the GTS, but Michaels falls off of Punk’s shoulders and he then tags in Carlito! “The Bad Apple” leaps over the ropes and runs at his rival CM Punk, who swings a wild kick at Carlito only for the Puerto Rican to counter, and then subsequently nail Punk with a Russian Leg Sweep! Carlito makes the cover, 1... 2... John Cena enters the ring and breaks up the count!

Carlito glares at Cena and he gets to his feet but “The Doctor of Thuganomics”, unfazed by ‘Lito’s look of warning, holds his hands out shouting “I AIN’T GOIN’ NOWHERE! C’MON!” and Carlito, not wanting to look like a coward, runs at John Cena, only for Cena to move out of the way as Carlito goes straight into the steel post, past the turnbuckles! Carlito groggily turns around and CM Punk lifts Carlito up for the GTS!!! However, Punk is close to the ropes and Shawn Michaels taps Carlito on the back, making a blind tag, and CM PUNK NAILS CARLITO WITH THE GO TO SLEEP!!! Punk turns around, and Michaels goes for Sweet Chin Music, but CM Punk lifts Michaels up too, AND CONNECTS WITH THE GO TO SLEEP ON SHAWN MICHAELS AS WELL!!!

CM Punk, exhausted, drops to the canvas and slowly crawls across the ring, before tagging in John Cena into the match! John Cena enters the ring, his batteries recharged, AND HE LOCKS SHAWN MICHAELS IN THE STFU!!! The crowd go nuts as John Cena locks in his signature submission manoeuvre on his rival Shawn Michaels, letting out a loud roar, and Michaels reaches out in desperation, trying to find the ropes, and he’s almost there... BUT CENA DRAGS MICHAELS BACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!! Shawn Michaels doesn’t want to give up, he’s still trying with all of his might and desperation to get to the ropes, but then “The Showstopper” is left with no other choice, AND SHAWN MICHAELS TAPS OUT!!!

Winners – John Cena & CM Punk @ 21:53

What... a... match! “My Time Is Now” blares out through the Tingley Coliseum and John Cena lets go of Shawn Michaels, getting to his feet and having his hand raised by the referee to a tremendous ovation from the audience, with CM Punk entering the ring and having his hand raised as well. Exhausted but triumphant, Cena and Punk shake hands and embrace before raising each other’s hands in the air whilst Shawn Michaels crawls into the corner, holding his throat as Carlito sits up against the ring on the outside, disappointed.

Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen a spectacle of a match here tonight on Monday Night Raw, and with 6 days until Backlash, it is JOHN CENA AND CM PUNK who stand tall!

John Cena and CM Punk leave the ring, walking up the rampway and slapping hands with fans before disappearing behind the curtain, as the show closes.

Jim Ross: Good night everybody, and we will see y’all next week, with the smoke clearing from Backlash!






WWE PRESENTS: BACKLASH

Date: 27th April, 2008
Venue: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
Theme Song:"So Happy" by Theory of a Deadman

WWE Championship
Randy Orton vs. Triple H

World Heavyweight Championship
Edge vs. The Undertaker

Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena

---

Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy

United States Championship
MVP vs. Matt Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra vs. Chavo Guerrero

Battle Of The General Managers
Winner Stays On As General Manager
Bobby Lashley w/Shane McMahon vs. Mark Henry w/Vickie Guerrero

Money In The Bank Briefcase
CM Punk vs. Carlito

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WWE: A Strong Response
Last Smackdown before SummerSlam has been Posted

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Kate Bell. . . Ding Dong!

BkB Hulk

RAW Feedback

First off, not sure how I missed a whole paragraph from the preview, but I did. Guess I’m just talented like that.

Onto the actual show, the video and opening commentary were very nicely done, and I was somewhat surprised to see Orton coming out to kick the show off, although since he’s in the main event of Backlash it is good to see that extra bit of build. Orton was pretty much on key from the get go here, with the characterization in the words from Orton being pretty much spot on, which was good to see. You had to expect Orton to bring up Evolution, and while that is a bit mundane, I really like how Orton said he was going to erase Triple H from the WWE, much like Triple H failed to do to Orton four years ago. Nice little paragraph there from Orton which I felt came off very well. Tripper’s little speech was alright, with a little joke turning into the serious Hunter which was decent. Orton cutting him off was pretty fantastic, and I absolutely loved the intensity shown by Orton. I was hoping we’d maybe see something a little different to end the promo, although the basic ending was fine too. Pretty nice way to kick things off, with Orton definitely standing out as a guy you write very well.

Ugh, two jobberiffic teams to starts things out here, although the good thing is that guarantees neither will be winning. While The Highlanders aren’t good by any means, any team with Jim Duggan on it really shouldn’t win anything, so I was disappointed to see The Highlanders first out. I’m also not too keen on the Snitsky/Knox paring, as I think Knox actually has talent, but I’m glad to see you at least using him. The action between Knox and Duggan was actually alright, although I have to question if Jim Duggan, in his age and shape, could get high enough for a cross body block. Knox pinning Super Crazy was fine, with the tandem of London & Kendrick adding an actual tag team to the match, and hopefully some actual tag team wrestling. Again, the action here was alright, although with no teamwork being showcased as of yet, no teams who have competed actually look like a tag team. Again, action between Cade/Murdoch and Kendrick was fine, but some actual tag wrestling would have been good. The returning Cryme Tyme coming out and picking up the win is fine, as despite them being meh in the ring, they are over. The match as a whole was pretty nice, although the teams need to work like actual teams if you’re going to build up a real tag division, imo.

Kane promo was short but sweet, getting the message across well. Nice little promo.

Liking the matchup of Burchill and Kingston, as it gives an opportunity for both men to look good and gives us a nice little match. The ending with Kane supposedly kidnapping Katie Lea and leaving Paul to look for her I guess leaves Kofi to look alright, while giving Burchill no real loss here. I’m also going to make a prediction and say that Kane’s gone after Katie Lea because her real name is Katie Vick.

The convo between Kennedy and Benjamin was pretty nice, although a few lines in there seemed a bit weird, like Kennedy calling Jericho a hippy and Shelton’s closing line was a little lame. Apart from that, this was a nice promo, bringing forth some possibilities of a feud between the two in the future.

Nice quick paced start to the match here from Shelton and Jericho, although I can’t help but feel that the German suplex came too early and wasn’t sold for well enough. A German suplex is a dangerous move, and as such I think it should be used as a stronger move. From there, the action was pretty crisp, although it felt like the bigger moves came too soon, especially the Codebreaker from Jericho. I also would have liked to have seen the Walls of Jericho made look like it could possibly make Benjamin tap, rather than writing that me made it to the ropes straight away. Benjamin nipping up straight after the move wasn’t good either, as the Walls focus on the back and legs, and you need to have a strong back and legs to nip up. Having Benji’ nip up straight after was too much no selling for my liking. The finish was alright, although apart from that, it felt like you just tried to do way too much with this match and it was overkill. I understand that you want an action packed match, but time needs to be taken for selling, especially in a WWE match. The promo post-match from Kennedy however, was very nice, and showcased his cockiness really well.

Nice video to showcase the Michaels heel turn, helping slackers like me keep right up.

Told you Katie Lea was Katie Vick. Not a fan of **** storylines personally, though whatever floats your boat.

Michaels promo was decent, although it seemed to be missing that signature Michaels swagger and confidence. I don’t know if that’s due to a tweak of character or not, but it didn’t necessarily feel like HBK.

McIntyre is talented, although the cheap heat “Hey, I’m from *insert country here* and America sucks” character isn’t exactly great. Hopefully it evolves over time, because if you’re going to have someone call people fat, it needs to be Simon Dean.

Bringing in The Hart Dynasty to team up is alright, although I would’ve liked a real reason for them to show up to help Smith, like maybe him getting double teamed by a heel team. Nonetheless, the announcement of JBL vs Smith for next week is alright, giving us a match to look forward to.

The Kennedy/Triple H match feels a lot better from the beginning than the earlier Shelton/Jericho match, as it certainly feels like you aren’t trying to do too much and just run through the spots as it did before. A few moves did seem out of place, but the selling here was better, and the action felt a lot more natural. Kennedy picking up the win puts him over REALLY strong, and makes things interesting for post-Backlash, while Orton handing him the win keeps the build for the WWE Title match going. Pretty good stuff here.

The action again started at a better pace here, although the DDT came much too early, as it’s a pretty damn impactful move, and the finisher of a guy on your roster (Cody Rhodes). The match from there progressed nicely until the failed Sweet Chin Music spot, which didn’t seem right (Shawn just picking Cena up and going for the move), although Punk’s series of offence and ‘Lito’s interference was all pretty damn good. The way you wrote out the Sharpshooter stuff was very ogod too, and imo, what should have been done with the Walls earlier. The action again progressed nicely, with Michaels ego shown well by not tagging Carlito, although the kick out from Sweet Chin Music is again, too much imo, as I don’t usually like finishers not finishing matches on weekly shows unless it’s a match with weeks of buildup as a blowoff. The finish was all action, and while I would have preferred Carlito to have tapped rather than Michaels before Sunday, it does put Cena over strong. Pretty cool way to finish the show.


As a whole, a pretty good show. Promos are definitely the strong point as imo, sometimes you tried to do too much with the matches. However, the booking was strong, and things are looking good for this thread, man. Good stuff.

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Shocker

Thanks for the reviews guys, much appreciated.

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Stojy

Hey man, first off I just want to say how glad I am that you're sticking at this thread, as it seems to be your best work to date. I'm also sorry that I haven't had a chance to drop a review on any of your shows, but in all honesty, that probably won't change until after exams, so I guess that's just something that we've got to live with for now.

As far as story lines go, you don't seem to have veered that far away from what was going on, in real life, but of course that is understandable as you've got to finish what WWE started, right? With that being said, I just wanted to give you props for at least trying to make Kane interesting again, and hopefully this thing with Burchill goes somewhere good.

I haven't read as much of Smackdown, but I will say the fact that you had Elijah Burke open that last show shows great trust in your mid card talent, and it shows talent in your writing. If that's how you're going to book and write your mid card talent, then you're probably looking at a very successful thread in the making.

On to the above post, nobody released is anybody that I care about, therefore I'd say that they're all pretty standard, and good releases, as you don't need junk clogging up your rosters.

As for the returning superstar, I have no idea who it is, although I'd probably mark the fuck out if it was Brock Lesnar. Keep that in mind, and hurry up with Smackdown.

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http://www.wrestlingforum.com/booker...we-2004-a.html

Steph's Lover

Monday Night Raw feedback

Orton’s promo to open the show was pretty much spot on, you did a great job emphasizing many of the words in the promo similar to how Orton does in reality. The interruption from HHH was a bit predictable but the back and forth between the two of them added more intensity to the segment as both men were passionate during the promo.

Tag team turmoil was decent and having Cryme Tyme win the match was probably the best move and bringing out Holly and Rhodes was a good move too as it made Cryme Tyme’s victory look more important.

The Kane promo was short but sweet and got to the point and it signalled that Kane had something in mind for Burchill.

The Kofi/Burchill match was decent, the count out victory is good for Kofi but does no harm at all to Burchill.

Kennedy and Shelton backstage was a good promo. I like how put across Kennedy as a cocky heel but you also did a good job of not putting Shelton down by having him kind of stand up for himself when Kennedy put him down.

The Jericho/Shelton match was very good and I can see you put a lot of effort into it although at times it seemed to me at least that you tried to put too much into the match. I liked the finish of the match though, having Kennedy distract Jericho long enough for Shelton to gain the advantage and win was great for Shelton but didn’t hurt Jericho whatsoever. Kennedy’s promo after the match showcased his cocky attitude very well.

The HBK/Cena promo was very good, very well put together.

Kane/Burchill promo was okay and it left the reader wanting to see what happens to Katie next week.

HBK’s promo was very good although I’m not sure I like HBK as a serious heel, he’s better as a cocky, confident heel but I may end up liking it.

Hart Dynasty/J.B.L promo was decent too and DH Smith versus JBL next week is a match to look forward although I hope you are not going to push DH as a singles star because having him team with TJ would make more sense and add some much needed depth to your tag team division.

The HHH/Kennedy match was very good and I would say it was slightly better than the match between Jericho & Shelton. Having Kennedy go over HHH gives him tons of momentum heading into Backlash, despite Jericho getting the upper hand in the feud after attacking Kennedy after the match. Orton costing HHH the match really adds more fuel to the fire in their feud, overall this was very good writing.

The main event was another very good match. HBK using the sharp shooter was a good heel move but it would have been better to perhaps use the figure four leg lock, seeing as though that was Ric Flair’s signature move and HBK turned his back on him. My only complaint about this match was the finish, having Michaels tap out really hurts him going into Backlash IMO, I would have rather seen Carlito take the loss, but apart from that I have no problems.

Overall it was a very good show and it was a pleasure to read, it was a good go home show before the PPV. All of the feuds on the show were built up very nicely and it left me looking forward to next week’s show. I really enjoyed the show and I’ll continue reading your thread.

Shocker

Thanks again for the comments, I really appreciate the feedback from you guys. Backlash has been finished, although the matches are recapped as I think the shows are coming along at a decent pace which I think I can work alright at, and I don't really want anything getting in the way. But everything that I want to be in the PPV is there, and I've got a promo written in full by one of the two that will be returning.

But anyways, here's the SmackDown! preview, and BTW it will be in recap:

***

Preview for Friday Night SmackDown! - April 25, 2008 - Uniondale, New York



So Close, Yet So Far

It's the final stop on the road to Backlash, as Friday Night SmackDown! checks into the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, which will be the site of this year's Great American Bash. The blue brand has been dominated by the intense rivalry between the World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker and "The Rated R Superstar" Edge for 2 months, and things are going to get a whole lot more interesting tonight. The Undertaker will be teaming up with Bobby Lashley to face Edge and his partner, Mark Henry. Lashley and Henry will also be facing each other at Backlash in the "Battle of the General Managers" where only one figure of authority will be left standing, and with 2 days until the big event comes full circle, 2 heated feuds come into one for tonight.

There's another match on the card for Backlash on the SmackDown! side, and it's the fatal four way match for the United States Championship. MVP, who has held the coveted title for just over an incredible 11 months since winning it last year at Judgment Day, defends the gold against his hated nemesis Matt Hardy, as well as Kenny Dykstra and Chavo Guerrero, and tonight MVP will be able to build some last-minute momentum going into his title defense this Sunday, as he is in action against Tommy Dreamer. MVP added fuel to the fire in his rivalry with Hardy when he hit him in the skull with the United States Championship at the conclusion of the VIP Lounge, so rest assured that Matt will be keeping a close eye on the progress of his adversary tonight.

Elijah Burke can only say that he brought all of himself, as tonight he faces "The Animal" Batista - In a No-Disqualification match! Burke got himself intentionally disqualified against Batista 2 weeks ago, despite Elijah insisting that slapping the referee was "an accident", and tonight "The Guiding Light" will come face-to-face with his fate, which could be a crushing at the hands of the former World Heavyweight Champion. But in spite of his arrogance and conceited ways, you cannot deny that Burke is one of the hottest prospects in the WWE, so all eyebrows may not be raised if Elijah is able to somehow pull of a victory.

But that's not the only match where rules are going to be thrown out of the window tonight on SmackDown!, as Finlay and Chuck Palumbo, whose rivalry has reached heights that few thought they were going to take it, face off in Finlay's specialty - a Belfast Brawl. Many are speculating why Palumbo challenged Finlay to this match, but nobody knows what goes through the twisted, psychotic mind of "The Custom-Made Crusher", not even Finlay, so this is going to make for a very interesting match ... that's if you want to call it a match, as opposed to an all-out fight.

Also on SmackDown!, Matt Sydal and Jamie Noble face Nick Aldis and Jack Gabriel, the new protégés of Dave Taylor and who didn't pick up on the right foot with Sydal last week after attacking him at Taylor's demand, in tag team action, and we hear from "The Rated R Advocates", Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, as well as the two men they have had problems with recently, none other than the WWE Tag Team Champions, John Morrison and The Miz.

To see all of this and more, you know what to do; tune into Friday Night SmackDown! at 8/7CT on the CW Network!

***

(Or check it out sometime tomorrow in the BTB section, your choice).

RatedRKO31

Wow the preview for SD! looks awesome man. Really intersted to see who interferes if anyone does during the MVP and Tommy Dreamer match. More than likely it would be Matt Hardy but Chavo and Kenny getting involved would be some good exposure for them to get momentum going into Backlash.

I noticed that you just brought in Jack Gabriel and Nick Aldis which is awesome.... but to keep momentum from their debut from last week's episode I see them pulling this one out. I love Sydal and Noble, but Gabriel and Aldis have to live up to their beatdown from the last episode.

The Belfast Brawl is really up in the air for me. This rivalry has been good and logic would say that Finlay wins but I do see Palumbo for some reason pulling this out and possibly end the feud. I mean if he beats Finlay in his own speciality match the feud would more likely be over... but in any event I'm really excited for that match, and excited for SD! Hope its a good one.

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2. Megan Fox
3. Hayden Penettiere
4. Dianna Agron
5. Rosie Jones
6. Kristen Bell